Wednesday 26th November

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, belonging to the Unite union, have accepted a new pay offer of 8% over two years. Yeovil Town has appointed a new first-team Manager. A new NHS dental practice is due to open in Chard next month...and more

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, who are members of the Unite union, have accepted a new pay offer of 8 per cent over two years and have called off their threat of further strike action. Unite members across Leonardo sites in Yeovil, Luton, Basildon, Newcastle and Edinburgh had already walked out earlier in the month after rejecting a 3.6% pay rise. Leonardo says the new pay deal reflects the company’s continued commitment to offering fair and sustainable pay.

Yeovil Town has appointed a new first-team Manager. He’s Billy Rowley, who for the past 18 months has been in charge at Southern League Premier side Walton & Hersham. Rowley takes over the manager’s job at Huish Park from Richard Dryden following Yeovil’s run of eight games without a win.

Police forces across England have signed up to a new crime strategy that prioritises catching crime gangs targeting farms. The National Police Chief’s Council says issues such as farm machinery theft strike at the heart of rural life and that better co-ordination is needed between police forces to find those responsible.

A new NHS dental practice is due to open in Chard next month. One Smile Dental, at Unit 21 on Leach Road, will provide general NHS dental services. At the moment, the practice has paused registrations due to higher-than-expected demand, but says its website should reopen for new registrations before the end of the week.

New floodlights have been installed at the Archie Gooch sports ground in Ilminster, home to Ilminster FC. The lights, partly funded by the Gooch Charitable Fund, will be used for the first time on Saturday when Ilminster entertain Torridge. Work has also been completed on building a new stand at the ground.

More from News

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