Tuesday 19th August

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Families struggling to pay for their children to have breakfast over the summer holidays are being offered free breakfast bags at a church in Chard. Police are appealing for information after a sentimental gold pocket watch was stolen in North Petherton. A Bridgwater man sets off today on a 200-mile cycle ride to Barnstaple and Exeter, raising money for Kidney Research UK...and more.

Families in Chard, struggling to pay for their children to have breakfast over the summer holidays are being offered free breakfast bags at a church in Chard. St Mary's Church is giving out the food bags every Monday to families who need it and to prevent children from going without, who would normally get breakfast at school.

Police are appealing for information after a sentimental gold pocket watch was stolen in North Petherton. It was taken from a house in Clavelshay Road in North Petherton last Thursday, along with several gold chains. If you can help police with their inquiries, you’re asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

A Bridgwater man sets off today on a 200-mile cycle ride to Barnstaple and Exeter, raising money for Kidney Research UK. Tim Blackburn aims to raise £2000, representing £5 for each of the 408 dialysis sessions he's had since his kidney problems were spotted in January 2023.

Efforts are underway to find new foster families in Somerset, with the number of children in care outweighing the number of carers. Somerset Council says they currently have over 600 children being looked after, but only 150 carers. Next month, a series of information sessions is being held across Somerset, including one in Street, for those interested in becoming a foster parent.

History is being brought back to life at Shepton Mallet Prison. The decommissioned jail is holding a series of Living History Days over the August Bank Holiday weekend offering visitors the chance to step back in time and explore 400 years of history since the site opened in 1625.

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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more