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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more