Wednesday 12th September

Thursday, 12 September 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Community Foundation says it is looking to find new ways to fund its Surviving Winter Campaign. The National Farmers' Union is warning that its ambition to make UK farming ‘net zero’ by 2040 is in doubt. A newly refurbished play park in Queen Camel is being officially opened today...and more.

Somerset Community Foundation, which each year asks people to donate their winter fuel payment if they don't need the money, has said it’s looking to find new ways to fund its Surviving Winter Campaign after the government voted to stop paying the winter fuel allowance to millions of pensioners. Over the years, Somerset Community Foundation has raised more than one-and-a-half million pounds for the Surviving Winter Campaign.

The National Farmers' Union is warning that its ambition to make UK farming ‘net zero’ by 2040 is in doubt. The NFU says a lack of investment in climate-friendly agriculture has made the target much harder to deliver.

A newly refurbished play park in Queen Camel is being officially opened today. The old play area on the village playing fields has been re-equipped with two play towers, new swings, a roundabout, a trampoline, and several sensory-based play items. The refurb, costing £125,000, has been paid for through community fundraising, the National Lottery, and the National Highways’ Social Value Fund. Today's opening event takes place at 4 pm.

A local Vet practice is holding an open day for people to see how it cares for people’s pets. Isle Valley Vets in Stoke-sub-Hamdon is opening its doors on Saturday, September 21st, with visitors given tours of the building, including the operating theatre, kennels and cattery, and a new dental suite.

A Naval officer based at RNAS Yeovilton is planning to set a new world record for lifting the most number of weights in 24 hours. Rob Guest, a Flight Commander with 815 Naval Air Squadron, will be fundraising for the Armed Forces charity, Help for Heroes, when he attempts to lift a total of 600,000kg over 24 hours on Saturday, November 9th.

A Somerset man, Chris Copeland has achieved his target of raising £100,000 for the RNLI through skydiving. Chris, who’s 81, has completed 100 free-fall jumps over the past 10 years, raising £100,000 through sponsorships and donations.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.