Jack Roberts

In 2020, Wellington butcher Chris Potter of Tim Potter Butchers won four Taste of the West gold awards for a Somerset beef burger and three varieties of pork sausage. Potter credited the team’s fresh, locally sourced products, while company director Tim Potter praised his achievement. Taste of the West said the awards recognized innovation among West Country food producers during the COVID-19 crisis.

A four-bedroom detached house in the Sandhill Park development at Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, is listed for offers over £550,000. The modern freehold property includes four bedrooms, multiple reception and utility spaces, fitted kitchen appliances, underfloor heating in the en-suite and family bathroom, a double garage, driveway parking, and landscaped gardens. It was built by Strongvox Homes and is being marketed by Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

Taunton Heritage Trust will open the historic Grays Almshouses on East Street to the public for one day during Heritage Open Days. The free event will take place on September 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering visitors insight into the building’s history and the Trust’s ongoing work. Visitors are advised to take care on the uneven stairs and to respect the residents who live there.

Disabled people in West Somerset will be able to use free bus travel throughout the day from April 2027 after weekday time restrictions on disabled bus passes are removed. Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, welcomed the change, which follows a campaign led by Tom Gordon and addresses barriers to employment, education and essential activities. Gilmour said further action is needed to improve unreliable or unavailable bus services in rural and coastal communities.

Somerset-based accountancy firm Old Mill is celebrating 20 years in business. Founded in 2006, it has grown into a multidisciplinary professional services firm with more than 300 staff and offices across the South West, including Wells, Ilminster and Yeovil. It provides accountancy, tax, financial planning, corporate finance and business advisory services, and has expanded beyond its rural-sector roots into food and drink, property and construction. Chief executive Mark Neath said the firm remains focused on long-term client relationships and supporting its people and local communities. Old Mill and its outsourced finance division, Brook Financial, joined Kinbrook Group in November 2025.

Bush Nursery in Pilton held its annual summer celebration for children preparing to leave for primary school. Families and staff attended an event featuring refreshments, rides, games, music and a 4x4 trip around the fields. Each child received a book and certificate, while David Baldwin of the supported charity St Peter's Life-Line presented additional gifts. Nursery proprietor Vivien Goode and parents praised the children’s time at the nursery and its role in preparing them for their next stage of education.

In 2013, Ben White, a 27-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer from Bishops Lydeard, established the “Disabled People in Taunton Having Fun” activity group at the YMCA in Taunton. The inclusive group offered sports, games, food, soft drinks and bingo for disabled and able-bodied people of all ages. Supported by his carer Amanda White and YMCA representative Keith Jarvis, Ben hoped attendance would grow enough for the group to become self-funding.

A four-bedroom barn conversion on High Street in Wookey, near Wells, is being marketed by Palmer Snell for £750,000. The property includes character features alongside a modern kitchen, dining and sitting rooms, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, landscaped gardens, a double garage and parking for multiple vehicles.

Passion for Somerset CIC has partnered with Young Somerset to put young people at the center of Somerset’s future. Through the Unlocking Somerset Talent initiative, the organizations will work with schools, colleges, employers, communities and voluntary groups to expand access to education, employment, training, volunteering and leadership opportunities. The partnership aims to build young people’s skills and confidence, remove barriers, and help employers develop a skilled future workforce.

Somerset Council has issued a series of planning decisions in and around Taunton. Applications include approvals for alterations, listed-building work, tree management, property conversion, new homes, garages and annexes, as well as amendments to landscaping, ecology, drainage and construction plans. Two applications were withdrawn, while most of the listed proposals received conditional or prior approval.

A Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton flew over Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth during a passing-out parade marking the completion of 29 weeks of intensive training for 150 junior officers. The graduates included 134 Royal Navy officers and 16 personnel from allied and partner navies. Rear Admiral Rachel Singleton was guest of honour, while Captain Simon Cox praised the officers’ dedication and readiness to lead in challenging environments. The newly commissioned officers will undertake specialist training before joining ships, submarines, air squadrons or Royal Marines units.

In 2005, the Freemasons’ Grand Charity donated £1,500 to the Help the Hospice appeal benefiting St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice. Tony Old of the Somerset Provincial Lodge and Bob Salter, representing local Masonic lodges, presented the cheque to fundraising director Leo Hayward. Hayward highlighted the Freemasons’ wider contributions to the hospice’s facilities in Taunton and Yeovil and expressed gratitude for their continued support.

Five mature students from Taunton—Lisa Snowdon-Carr, Carrie Burland, Claire Rogerson, Gill Hacker and Alex Appleby—graduated with first-class degrees from the University of Worcester in November 2014 after completing Somerset Centred Initial Teacher Training. The graduates described balancing study with work, family responsibilities and other personal commitments, and spoke of their pride and satisfaction at completing their degrees.

A free walking tennis session for people with Parkinson’s will take place at Taunton Tennis Centre at Blackbrook Leisure Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday, September 8. Run by Taunton Walking Tennis Club with support from Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK, the session will provide instruction, equipment, refreshments and a raffle. Participants can progress from a mini court to larger courts according to their confidence, while carers and relatives are welcome to attend. Walking tennis is highlighted as offering potential benefits for balance, mobility, strength, wellbeing, cognition, social interaction and communication.

Shoemakers Museum in Street is seeking 12 pairs of personally meaningful shoes and their stories for a special display marking its first birthday. Submissions, including a photograph and brief explanation, are due by August 20. The August 31 celebration will feature family entertainment, creative activities, a scavenger hunt about Street’s shoemaking history, and the unveiling of a community mural by Jon Minshull and local residents.

The Hawk and Owl Trust is hosting monthly Well Woman Walks at Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve near Glastonbury. The relaxed walks are designed for women of varied fitness levels and combine gentle exercise, nature exploration, birdlife and conservation education with opportunities for conversation and community-building. Walks run from 10 a.m. to midday on the last Monday of each month, with remaining 2026 dates from August through December. Tickets cost £10 for members and £16 for non-members, and advance booking is recommended.

West Buckland Women’s Institute celebrated its 90th anniversary with an afternoon tea attended by about 30 members and guests. The event featured decorations and a cake bearing the WI logo, with representatives from the Somerset WI Federation and Tone Valley groups also attending. An open-day coffee morning will showcase the organization’s archives and activities, including handicrafts, walking, a book club, board games and lunch clubs, while inviting prospective members to learn more and join.

West Somerset College students achieved an excellent set of A-level results, with the relatively small sixth form increasing the number of students earning top grades. All students in photography, motor vehicle, construction, textiles and sport achieved A*–C grades, while several students recorded particularly strong individual results, including Louis Wright, Caitlyn Batham and Riley Costello.

Residents in Somerset can influence proposed traffic and road changes, including parking restrictions, speed-limit changes, one-way systems, school markings, road closures and event restrictions. Councils and highways authorities must publish traffic management orders for public consultation, allowing residents to submit objections or comments before decisions are finalized. The Public Notice Portal provides a free way to search notices by postcode or map and receive email alerts.

Somerset-born author Jason Mann, writing as J.H. Mann, has released House of Twisted Shadows, a mystery novel inspired by the unusual history and wartime rumours surrounding Knowstone Manor near Exmoor. The novel relocates the setting to Cornwall and follows Amelia Tremayne as she investigates her father’s mysterious death. Mann’s previous novel, The Silver Tide, won the 2026 Holyer an Gof General Fiction Award. House of Twisted Shadows is available in paperback and Kindle formats, with its cover designed by Ukrainian firm MiblArt.

A charity ceilidh at Waterside Country Barn in Bradford-on-Tone will raise funds for Stand Against Violence, which delivers violence-prevention workshops in schools, colleges and communities. The event will feature live traditional music, guided dances, pizza, a bar and a raffle, with sponsorship from Ballantine Wealth Management and Walpole Dunn Chartered Accountants. Organizers say ticket sales will help expand educational workshops that equip young people to stay safe and make positive choices.

A three-bedroom 1930s house on West Coker Road in Yeovil is being marketed by Greenslade Taylor Hunt for offers over £525,000. The extended property includes multiple reception rooms, an office, conservatory, kitchen and utility space, three double bedrooms, an en-suite, a family bathroom, off-road parking and a large enclosed rear garden. Recent improvements include a replacement roof, new kitchen and bathrooms, and new flooring.

The Public Notice Portal provides Somerset residents with a searchable source for official announcements about planning applications, road closures, licensing, vehicle permits, probate, tenders and other statutory matters. Users can search by postcode, category or local authority and sign up for email alerts. Public notices are presented as a legal safeguard that promotes transparency and gives communities an opportunity to comment before decisions are finalized, while notices also continue to appear in the Somerset County Gazette.

Somerset Sight is organising a wine-tasting evening at Northfield House in Taunton from 6pm to 8:30pm on November 12. Sponsored by Paddy Magill of Vine Wine, the event will feature 20 wines, light nibbles and a prize draw. Tickets cost £30, and 10% of purchases made during the evening will be donated to Somerset Sight.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce has backed government proposals to tackle illegal high street trading, including planning permission for new vape shops, greater council powers over betting shop applications, and temporary closures for businesses selling illegal tobacco. Chamber managing director David Crew said enforcement should be intelligence-led and focused on criminal operators, while avoiding unnecessary burdens on legitimate retailers, barbers and vaping businesses. The chamber argues that action against tax evasion, illicit trade and worker exploitation would protect consumers, support fair competition and strengthen confidence in Somerset’s high streets.

Sunny and warm conditions are expected to continue in Taunton through the weekend, although temperatures will gradually decline from a high of 33°C on Thursday to around 24°C on Saturday and Sunday. Sunny intervals, moderate winds, high UV levels and elevated pollen on Thursday are forecast, with partly cloudy conditions possible Sunday night.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is urging the UK Government to invest in the West of England Line and protect rail connectivity as passenger numbers at Yeovil Junction increased by more than 16% to 221,442 entries and exits in 2024/25. The line is vulnerable to disruption because of its long single-track sections, limited passing points and extreme dry weather linked to soil moisture deficit. Dance is also seeking a review of proposed autumn timetable changes that could affect Crewkerne and other Somerset communities, while transport minister Keir Mather has acknowledged the route's vulnerabilities.

Residents in Yeovil and Chard are urged not to look directly at a partial solar eclipse without certified eclipse glasses or an approved solar filter, as improper viewing can damage the retina and cause permanent vision loss. Specsavers research found that some people mistakenly believe cameras, smartphones, polarised sunglasses and other ordinary viewing methods provide sufficient protection. Safe alternatives include projecting the eclipse with a pinhole device, while parents are advised to supervise children and anyone experiencing visual distortion should seek immediate optometric care.

Taunton will host several events from August 13 to 19, 2026, including an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Castle Gardens, a guided historical walking tour of Church Square, a Hornsea pottery auction and collectors’ gathering at Trull Village Memorial Hall, and a street dance workshop led by Lucy Hartland-Mann. The events offer theatre, local history, collecting and youth dance activities, with ticket prices and booking information provided.

Cranmers Optometrists in Minehead has appointed Godswill Ofoegbu as director and optometrist and Daniel Hill as an additional resident optometrist. The appointments add expertise in dry-eye management, children’s eye care, low vision and medical retina. Following its 2021 merger with Exmoor Eyecare, the practice plans to expand diagnostic technology, dry-eye services and treatment options while maintaining its longstanding personalised community care.

Taunton Muskets lost both of their final away games of the season to South West and Wales Baseball League Division Three leaders Cardiff Merlins, going down 10-0 and 20-5. Lloyd Kirby and Shota Manabe hit home runs for Cardiff, while José Bobadilla was Taunton's main offensive contributor and Sam White and Jake Meads received MVP recognition. Coach Chris Chantrey said the team competed well despite Cardiff's greater ruthlessness. Taunton will finish its season by hosting Bournemouth Bears at Taunton Green.

Somerset volunteers Harrison Cox, Neil Blake and Alexa Rant have been selected for the 600-strong UK team supporting the 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Poland. The event will bring together more than 50,000 young people aged 14 to 17, with volunteers helping run outdoor activities, cultural exchanges and large-scale events. The three volunteers expressed enthusiasm about meeting Scouts from around the world, supporting young people and contributing their skills, while Chief Scout Dwayne Fields highlighted the event’s role in building confidence and broadening young people’s horizons.

Georgia Purdy, who coaches Wellington AFC’s under-16 girls team and manages its Wildcats Ladies side, spoke at the FA Leadership Academy graduation about her development, self-doubt and the importance of embracing challenges. Wellington AFC praised her leadership and highlighted her work with the club’s Youth Council, youth football projects and girls’ football across Somerset and Exeter. Purdy encouraged attendees to pursue opportunities, ask questions and step outside their comfort zones.

The Taunton Thespians raised £1,818 for Somerset Sight with an open-air production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at Corfe Barton. More than 100 people attended, with funds generated through ticket sales, a raffle, bar proceeds and sponsorship from Leonardo UK. Somerset Sight trustee Richard Barton thanked supporters and described the charity’s work assisting more than 3,500 people affected by sight loss across Somerset. The performance formed part of the troupe’s two-week tour of ten venues across the county.

St Margaret’s Hospice Care has appointed Emma King as director of income generation. She will oversee fundraising, retail, lottery, philanthropy and supporter engagement, helping build sustainable income to support the hospice’s five-year strategy, Time to Care – Now & Always. King joins from Weston Hospicecare and has previous leadership experience with Barnardo’s and the YMCA. Chief executive Joanna Hall praised her hospice-care, charity-retail and income-generation experience, while King said she would focus on supporters, volunteers and the local communities that fund the hospice’s care for Somerset families.

A 12-hour charity challenge involving auctioneers from Sedgemoor Auction Centre raised £13,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Derek Mead Health Room. Ten participants traveled from Somerset toward destinations including Scotland and London using unusual transport, with each pair starting with £20. The funds will help support people affected by cancer and enable additional cancer screening days at Sedgemoor.

Violinist Anthony Knight will perform a free lunchtime recital at St John’s Church in Taunton on August 19 as part of his Pilgrimage of Hope. The programme includes works by Schubert, John Williams and Massenet, with donations benefiting UNICEF. Knight began the project while studying at the Royal College of Music and has already performed in dozens of churches, receiving public support from the Archbishop of Canterbury and praise from local clergy.

Taunton Mayor Bev Fernandes visited the Spinners and Weavers Studio in Staplehay, Trull, to mark its 30th anniversary. She tried weaving on an eight-shaft loom, met spinners and weavers, viewed work by teachers and students, and toured an exhibition featuring the Somerset Tapestry.

The Young Photographer Showcase 2026 at The Engine Room in Bridgwater features more than 150 photographs by 64 emerging photographers from across Somerset, including children as young as six. Somerset Film says submissions have doubled since the previous year. Mitch Corrigan of Glastonbury received the Robert Richards Award for work addressing climate change and the natural landscape, while Indy Pitman received a judges’ commendation. The exhibition is open to the public until September 11.

Taunton Masonic Hall at 20 The Crescent will open to the public on Sunday, September 20, from 11am to 3pm as part of Heritage Open Days 2026. Visitors can tour the historic former chapel, view Lodge rooms, and speak with local and women’s Freemasonry groups. The building dates to 1821 and has served as Taunton’s main Freemasonry hub since 1919; the free event will also highlight the contribution of Somerset’s roughly 3,000 Freemasons to charitable and local community work.

Minehead AFC opened their 2026/27 Somerset County League Division One campaign with a 1-0 victory over Isle of Wedmore at The Rec. Toby Waghorn’s early effort led to the only goal after being partially blocked by goalkeeper Tom Starks. Isle of Wedmore created sustained pressure and missed a penalty, with Minehead goalkeeper Carl Paige making a crucial double save before earning man-of-the-match honors. Manager Lee Todd was pleased with how his depleted squad handled the visitors and expects to have more players available as the season progresses.

Willand Rovers defeated Wellington AFC 9-0 in the Emirates FA Cup, following Wellington’s 10-1 midweek loss to Buckland Athletic. Zack Williams scored twice early on, Bailey Kempster added three goals including a penalty, and further strikes came through an own goal, Harvey Dorothy’s brace and Sol Ayunga. Wellington’s Harry Lawrence made several good saves, but Willand dominated and Wellington was eliminated. Wellington next planned to visit Ilminster Town in the FA Vase qualifying round.

Aldi is urging shoppers in Somerset to donate essential groceries at its stores during the summer school holidays, when families may face higher food costs and reduced access to term-time support. Neighbourly has identified priority items including tinned food, toiletries, cereals, milk, cleaning products, pasta, pet food and baby essentials. Aldi expects to provide about two million meals to charities, foodbanks and community organisations across the UK this summer, while also redistributing surplus food through Company Shop and donating unsold non-food goods via The Salvation Army.

A six-bedroom detached barn conversion in East Stoke, near Yeovil, has been listed for £975,000 by Symonds & Sampson. Set on a 0.27-acre plot, the property includes multiple reception rooms, six bedrooms, a master suite with a jacuzzi bath, a double garage, parking for up to eight cars, and an enclosed garden with two summerhouses. It is near Ham Hill Country Park, local amenities and schools, with access to the A303, Yeovil and Crewkerne. The sale is offered with no onward chain.

Somerset Road Club riders Wayne Martin-Hitchcock, Darren Webb, Adam Laws and Clive Franklin took part in the 100-mile Prudential Ride London in 2017. Darren Webb finished in three hours and 59 minutes, Adam Laws in four hours and nine minutes, and Wayne Martin-Hitchcock in four hours and 30 minutes despite suffering a puncture. Geoff and Emma Ballard also completed the event, with Emma raising £350 for the Samaritans, while Tony Stroud-Lewis finished in four hours and 36 minutes.

Priorswood Community Centre in Taunton has become an official access point for England’s Stop Loan Sharks campaign. Trained staff and volunteers will help people affected by illegal money lending contact the England Illegal Money Lending Team, offering a safe environment, practical assistance and emotional support, particularly for those without reliable access to phones, computers or private spaces. The initiative responds to the intimidation, threats and violence sometimes used by loan sharks and provides weekday drop-in support alongside a confidential 24-hour helpline.

A 2014 remembrance service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Taunton commemorated the centenary of the First World War. Led by then-Somerset County Council chairman David Fothergill, a procession of dignitaries honored nearly 11,000 people from Somerset and associated regiments who died during the war. The ceremony included church bells, a display of the fallen’s names and communities, a minute’s silence, the lighting of a peace candle and the laying of a wreath.

Chelston Motorhomes in Wellington is celebrating more than 50 years in business after evolving from Snows Garage, purchased by Brenda and Stanley Eyles in 1973, into a major South West motorhome dealership. The company sold its first motorhome in 1986, established partnerships with brands including Auto-Trail and Bürstner, moved to a purpose-built centre in 1999, became an official Adria dealer in 2006, and expanded its facilities in 2018. It now sells new and used motorhomes, while also providing servicing, repairs, parts and accessories for brands including Auto-Trail, Bürstner, Adria and Swift.

A retrospective recalls Somerset connections to the London 2012 Olympics. The Alexander family from Taunton attended table tennis and a Team GB basketball match at the Olympic Park, while Queen's College sports teacher Ian Haley represented South Africa in hockey. Haley's team faced a difficult group but drew with Great Britain and valued the support, Olympic Village experience and inspiration of competing alongside athletes from around the world.

Music therapy sessions organised by MHA Communities South Somerset have attracted growing participation in Taunton, including 43 attendees at a session held at Tennyson Court. The programme moved from Lisieux Way Methodist Church to become a weekly activity at Tennyson Court, with organisers reporting improved wellbeing, reduced isolation and stronger community connections among participants. Funded by the Fairfield Charitable Trust, the pilot is nearing its conclusion, but MHA hopes to secure further financial support so the sessions can continue.

Crowcombe Estate on the edge of Somerset's Quantock Hills has won the 2025 Somerset Otter Award for its nature-led approach to land management. Its work includes controlling bracken and rhododendron through grazing and mechanical methods, protecting ground-nesting birds, restoring 250 hectares of woodland, and using cattle, sheep and pigs for habitat management. Supported by FWAG SouthWest and consultant Laura Francis, the estate plans to expand livestock numbers and develop a wild venison outlet while continuing to build a resilient conservation and farming enterprise.

A five-bedroom detached home at Oake View Farm near Taunton has been listed for £1 million. Built to Passivhaus standards, it includes solar panels, battery storage, solar thermal technology, heat-recovery ventilation, a private borehole, on-site waste treatment and smart-home systems. The property features premium materials and fittings and is located near Oake’s village amenities and golf club.

People across Somerset and the wider South West are expected to benefit from expanded mental health services. Somerset’s Integrated Care Board is working toward launching a Mental Health Emergency Department scheme within two years, subject to approval, offering same-day specialist support for people in crisis who do not need treatment in a traditional A&E department. The wider national programme includes up to 155 sites across England, with the South West planning seven Mental Health Neighbourhood Centres and nine emergency department schemes. More than £327 million will support mental health facilities over four years, with the aim of shifting care toward earlier intervention, reducing NHS pressure, and helping people remain in education or work.

Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour has welcomed a House of Lords committee recommendation that over-the-counter flea and tick treatments, particularly spot-on products containing fipronil and imidacloprid, should be sold only by qualified professionals. The campaign argues that routine use of these treatments contributes to river pollution and harms wildlife, citing Environment Agency findings of the chemicals in many freshwater samples. Gilmour, supported by the Exmoor Society and environmental campaigners, is urging the government to implement the recommendations and has also asked Pennon Group for information on chemical levels in South West rivers and the effectiveness of drinking-water treatment processes.

The Shepton Mallet Brick Festival will be held at the Bath and West Showground on Sunday, September 20. Activities will include speed-building competitions, builder challenges, scavenger hunts, gaming zones, LEGO RC cars, trader stalls, and displays by prominent LEGO builders. Tickets start at £8 for adults and £6 for children, with family and early-bird options available; attendees are encouraged to book early because entry times regularly sell out.

A fundraising afternoon held in honour of retired Somerset dance instructor Pat Palmer raised £1,700 for specialist equipment at St Benedicts Nursing Home in Glastonbury. Palmer, 82, taught aerobics and line dancing for decades and continued supporting local charities through fundraising. Her former students and relatives organised the event, while her daughter and the nursing home thanked supporters. The donation will fund a large-screen tablet to help residents enjoy games and puzzles and stay connected with family and friends.

RJ Pattison, a young football referee and Wellington AFC under-18 player, has been named Somerset Young Referee of the Year. He also serves on the Somerset FA Youth Council, coaches a girls’ under-14 team in Taunton and was selected for the FA Leadership Academy. As one of nine Somerset referees chosen for the County Core programme, he will develop a community project over the next year while expanding his leadership role in local football.

Wellington AFC were beaten 10-1 by Buckland Athletic after entering the match with a largely rebuilt squad made up of new signings and reserve players. Buckland led 3-0 at half-time and extended its advantage rapidly after the break. Ned Ogilvie scored Wellington's only goal in the 69th minute, assisted by Reegan Scotcher, but Buckland added five late goals as Wellington tired. The match attracted 265 spectators, with Wellington next preparing to face Willand Rovers in the FA Cup extra preliminary round.

The Met Office forecasts sunny conditions in Taunton from Friday through Monday, with temperatures reaching 26°C on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Thursday is expected to bring sunny intervals and cooler temperatures, while high UV levels are forecast on most days and moderate pollen levels from Friday to Sunday.

Blackbrook Leisure Centre and Spa in Taunton will host a free children's fun day from 11am to 2pm on Friday, August 14, with activities including tennis, padel, inflatables, circus skills, arts and crafts, face painting and bouncy castles. The event will also offer a CPR and defibrillator workshop, spa treatments and entertainment. The first 250 children will receive snack bags, and advance booking is required. Everyone Active and Somerset Council are promoting the event as an opportunity for local families to stay active and engage with their community.

Forsey and Son, a Glastonbury funeral director celebrating its 80th anniversary, raised more than £2,500 for Children’s Hospice South West and Dorothy House Hospice Care through a three-day cycling and walking challenge linking its four Somerset branches. The funds will support specialist hospice care for children and families, with donations still being accepted. Representatives from Children’s Hospice South West thanked the business and local community, noting that the charity needs nearly £16 million annually to operate its three hospices.

KNL Scaffolding Ltd has applied for permission to operate two goods vehicles without trailers from Unit 1A at Ashe Farm in Thornfalcon. Residents who believe they may be affected can submit written representations to the Traffic Commissioner, with copies sent to the company, by August 20.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s Big Keepy Uppy Challenge raised more than £3,400 to support its emergency medical missions. Participants were asked to complete 3,000 football kick-ups, reflecting the charity’s 2,738 missions in the previous year. Dorset-based building company Modulek won the prize draw after raising £670 and completing all 3,000 keepy-uppies in one session, while AFC Bournemouth donated the signed football prize.

Churchill Living is hosting a Picnic on the Patio event for people over 60 and their families at Riverain Lodge in Taunton on August 6. The event will include live music, food, drinks and garden games, while giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the development’s one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments, communal facilities, on-site management and emergency careline.

Rossetti House care home in Frome will host a community food festival on August 7 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. as part of Care UK’s “A Taste of Home” initiative. The event will feature dishes representing all seven continents and give residents an opportunity to share recipes and traditions with local visitors and younger generations. Home manager Phil Vale and resident Stephen welcomed the festival as a way to bring people together and showcase life in a care home.

Truckfest South West is scheduled to return to the Royal Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet during the August Bank Holiday weekend. The event will feature working vehicles, restored classics, customised trucks and American big rigs, alongside monster truck displays, freestyle motocross, rides, wrestling, trade stands, food and family entertainment. A Truck Pull Challenge hosted by strongman Mark Anglesea will also be held, with advance tickets available online.

More than 570 looked-after and care-experienced children and young people were recognised at Somerset Council’s annual Celebrating Care and Achievement event at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton. The refreshed and more inclusive event celebrated personal growth, resilience, kindness and determination, with nominations from social workers, foster carers, schools and other children’s-services professionals. Activities, awards and recognition for supportive adults brought together young people, families, carers and professionals, while Somerset’s in-care and leaving-care councils helped organise and host the event.

A four-bedroom detached house in St Quintin Park, Bathpool, Taunton, is on the market for £500,000. The property, marketed by Greenslade Taylor Hunt, includes four double bedrooms, a living room with a log-burning stove, a conservatory, a kitchen-breakfast room, a snug currently used as a fifth bedroom, a detached double garage and landscaped gardens. It is located approximately three miles from Taunton town centre.

Concerns have been raised that changes to the funding and commissioning of veteran services in Somerset could result in key coordinators being reassigned and the Wellington Veterans group’s outreach work being weakened or dissolved. Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos supports the group and has urged the NHS and other Somerset MPs to protect effective support for former service personnel and their families. Somerset NHS says it remains committed to veterans’ health and wellbeing, while transitioning toward a more strategic, collaborative model involving NHS bodies, local partners and voluntary organizations.

Taunton Baseball Club’s Muskets and Pistols both lost two games in the South West and Wales Baseball League. The Muskets narrowly lost 15–14 to the Bristol Bats before a 14–3 defeat, while the Pistols were beaten 21–5 and 17–2 by Severn Division leaders New Forest Thunder. The Muskets showed resilience in the first game after falling 10–2 behind, but New Forest’s consistent scoring and a grand slam from Mitch Sullivan proved decisive against the Pistols. Stuart Cook, Sam White, David Van Der Poll and Dan Kirby-James received MVP awards. The Muskets will next face the Cardiff Merlins, while the Pistols have no game this week.

Fifteen-year-old Freya Bird from Bridgwater completed a walk to Wellington to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West in memory of a school friend who received care at the charity’s Charlton Farm. Despite ankle pain and having undergone two major brain operations, including one in January, she finished the challenge and raised more than £1,000. Her father, Mike Bird, joined her and praised her determination and the generosity of supporters.

The Dreamery will host Beyond the Veil: The Enchanted Archives, a fantasy-themed ball at The Library bar in Taunton on Friday, September 25. The event will feature authors, fantasy-inspired vendors, live music, a DJ, themed drinks, costumes, photography and a raffle. Organiser Sophie Pike hopes the passion project will become an annual celebration and is seeking additional vendors.

A range of events is scheduled in and around Taunton from August 6 to 12, 2026, including the baby-friendly Brew & Do creative sessions at The Brewhouse, Somerset County Cricket Club’s home fixtures against Surrey and Lancashire, a music festival featuring Supersonic Queen, a George Harrison tribute concert, and a Stitch-themed children’s party.

Val Breen, an 81-year-old volunteer from Wells, is being recognised for 40 years of service with the British Red Cross. Over the decades, she has held numerous roles, including event first aid volunteer, tutor, fundraiser and council member. She now helps cancer patients travel to appointments through the organisation’s Oncology Transport Service, and will receive a long-service award at a ceremony in Taunton.

A four-bedroom detached family home in The Park, Yeovil, is on the market for £595,000 through Fox & Sons. The property includes four double bedrooms, an en-suite master bedroom, multiple reception and utility spaces, a conservatory, a detached double garage, off-road parking, and a south-facing rear garden. It is located near Yeovil District Hospital, the town centre, Yeovil Pen Mill station and the A30.

Wellington AFC lost 3–1 away to Ivybridge Town despite a spirited second-half effort. Ivybridge led 2–0 at half-time, while Connor Pengelly pulled one back for Wellington late in the match after sustained pressure. Owen Howard sealed Ivybridge's victory with an injury-time breakaway goal. Wellington will look to respond against Buckland Athletic.

Somerset Art Weeks Festival will focus on humanity’s connections with plants, animals, landscapes and the wider environment. Featured works include Julia Manning’s prints about the decline of European eels, Nina Shishkin-Smith’s sculptures using organic materials at Ham Hill, and Sean Harris’s immersive installation The Mendip Wolves at Ebbor Gorge, created with palaeobiologist Danielle Schreve and incorporating prehistoric wolf bones. The festival is organised by arts charity Somerset Art Works and runs from September 19 to October 4.

Hydro Harrier athlete Phil Mansell competed in the Longrun Meadow parkrun and Exeter Open meet. He finished 350th of 519 participants in the parkrun, while clubmates Chris Jones and Andy White placed 68th and 77th. At the Exeter meet, Mansell ran the 100m in 13.80 seconds and the 200m in 29.72 seconds; the event is held monthly in Exeter.

Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour warns that proposed devolution arrangements could leave Tiverton and Minehead and other non-mayoral areas with less funding, fewer powers and a widening gap with regions led by metro-mayors such as Manchester. She supports transferring power from Westminster but argues that Andy Burnham’s model and mayor-only tax powers risk creating a postcode lottery. The article highlights substantial differences in capacity funding and investment allocations, while noting criticism from Ed Davey, Zöe Franklin and Liberal Democrat council leaders and concerns about the lack of detail and parliamentary scrutiny.

A four-bedroom detached house in Penn Hill Park, Yeovil, is listed for £550,000. The property includes gated parking, double and single garages, landscaped gardens, four bedrooms, an en-suite master bedroom, a bathroom with sauna and a loft room. It is close to local amenities, Huish Primary School, Yeovil Pen Mill station and Ninesprings Park, with countryside views highlighted as a key feature.

A four-bedroom house on Lascot Hill in Wedmore has been listed for £725,000. The property includes a conservatory, open-plan living and dining space with a wood-burning stove, kitchen, utility room, study that could become a fifth bedroom, three upstairs bedrooms, two bathrooms, a garage, driveway parking and a south-facing garden. Allen & Harris describes it as a recently updated home suitable for families, downsizers and multi-generational living.

Barbara, the oldest resident at Beauchamp House in Hatch Beauchamp, celebrated her 101st birthday with cards, gifts, flowers, cake and a tiara. Staff affectionately call her the home’s “Queen” because of her cheerful waves and sociable nature. Originally from Dudley, Barbara worked as a secretary, raised two children with her late husband George and now has eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family members visited from Germany and Australia, while Barbara attributed her longevity to being happy and enjoying sherry and ice cream-topped puddings.

Somerset Council issued a series of planning decisions across Taunton, Wellington, Wiveliscombe and nearby areas between July 17 and 24, 2026. Approvals included conversions of buildings into homes, residential extensions, signage, renewable heating, agricultural development and certificates of lawful development. Several proposals were refused or withdrawn, including a barber shop in a converted shipping container, housing conversions, extensions and two proposed houses in Wellington.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has saved more than 400 staff hours per month and reduced the time spent searching for compliance information by up to 35% since adopting CompliMind, an AI platform for healthcare-estates compliance. The tool provides a live view of compliance evidence, links answers to source documents and maintains an audit trail, allowing staff to focus more on strategic decisions. Developed by Cambridge researchers Carl-Magnus von Behr and Jan Blümel, CompliMind is deployed across 15 NHS trusts and 18 healthcare and private-sector sites.

An annual report from Old Mill and the Farm Consultancy Group warns that UK dairy farmers are facing worsening profitability despite strong average results in 2025/26. Production costs are forecast to rise to 43.54p per litre in 2026/27 while milk prices fall to 39p, with feed, labour, energy costs and a forthcoming tax bill adding pressure. The report also highlights that the least-profitable 10% of producers already recorded losses and that the number of dairy farmers has fallen below 7,000. Consultants say investment in technology, energy efficiency, genetics and livestock sales may help farms remain viable, while stressing the sector’s resilience and continuing competitiveness.

Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour has called for urgent cross-party reform of adult social care, citing unmet care needs among older and working-age disabled people in Somerset and the impact on families, council budgets and NHS hospital capacity. The Liberal Democrats propose guaranteed rights for carers, a universal care safety net and protection against catastrophic costs. Gilmour welcomed talks between Ed Davey and Andy Burnham but criticized Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for not attending, arguing that family carers and access regardless of income should be central to any lasting solution.

A four-bedroom chalet-style bungalow on Styles Avenue in Frome is being offered for £675,000. Built in the 1940s, the property includes four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, an Aga-equipped kitchen, multiple reception rooms, a double garage and a south-facing garden divided into three spaces. The home is on the outskirts of Frome, about a mile from the town centre and less than half a mile from the train station.

Cosy Cuddle Farm has opened in the Somerset countryside near Wellington, offering private, pre-booked visits for families, schools, care organisations, community groups and others. Owner Margo Coate, a former teacher, established the farm to combine her interests in education, animal welfare and helping people create memories with animals. The quieter, personalised format is intended to suit visitors including neurodivergent people and older adults, while the farm says animal wellbeing and visitor education are central to its approach.

The Somerset Careers Awards 2026 recognized businesses, educators, organizations and young people for achievements in careers education, employer engagement and career development. Organized by Somerset Council’s Careers and Pathways team, the ceremony at North Cadbury Court highlighted collaboration among schools, colleges, employers, training providers and community groups. Organizers and council leader Bill Revans praised the nominees, sponsors and partners for helping expand career opportunities and raise aspirations among young people in Somerset.

Yeovil Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance is urging the government to demonstrate how proposed reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities system will reduce bureaucracy and teacher workloads. He asked the Department for Education whether impact assessments would be published for teachers in Yeovil, Somerset and across England. The government says the reforms will create a more inclusive and sustainable system, reduce administrative duplication, introduce Individual Support Plans and provide flexible professional development. Dance supports early identification of additional needs but says it must be matched by practical support for educators and monitoring to ensure workloads improve.

Taunton Town Council approved grants for six organisations supporting wellbeing, sustainability, cultural inclusion, community safety and recovery services. Awards include funding for solar panels at Obridge Allotments, cultural programmes for Nso and wider Black, African and migrant communities, anti-violence education, a Christmas grotto, volunteer recruitment and a recovery walk. Three additional Ward Members Initiative grants will fund church repairs, replacement windows, a community garden and a Christmas meal. The Grants Committee will next meet on September 28, with applications due by September 7.

Wellington AFC lost 4-0 away to Shepton Mallet after conceding three goals in the first half. Matt Lee, Brad Pfupa and Ethan Cannings put the hosts in control before Luke Wilkinson added a fourth late in the match. Wellington improved after the break but failed to score despite creating chances, and will look to recover against Ivybridge.

Royal Navy veteran Maria Vaughan, 56, and her daughter Jill are preparing to complete a 27-kilometre hike along the Jurassic Coast to raise money for Help for Heroes. Vaughan, who served for 23 years as a Royal Navy aero-engineer, said physical activity helped her cope after the death of her fiancé, Lieutenant Commander Martin “Jack” London, in a 2002 Sea Harrier training accident. The pair have not previously undertaken a hiking challenge and are seeking donations through JustGiving.

Fifteen-year-old Freya Bird plans to walk 20 miles from Bridgwater to Wellington with her father, Mike, to raise funds for Charlton Farm, part of Children’s Hospice South West. The walk is in memory of a close school friend who received care there. Despite having undergone two major brain surgeries, Freya is determined to complete the challenge and hopes donations will help other families receive similar hospice support.

That’ll Be The Day will bring its touring rock-and-roll theatre show to Weston-super-Mare on August 28 and 29 and to Yeovil on September 3, as part of a 36-date UK autumn tour. The production combines music from the 1950s to the 1980s with comedy sketches and audience participation. Director, producer and vocalist Trevor Payne says the show is updated annually and has raised more than £1 million for charities including Childline, Make-A-Wish, Help for Heroes, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.

Network Rail is seeking to amend its existing Taunton station licence to add an operator centre at Taunton Station Depot for three goods vehicles without trailers. Residents who believe they may be affected can submit written representations to the Traffic Commissioner and Network Rail, with objections due by August 13.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody visited the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service in Yeovil, praising its extensive support for adults, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. The service, delivered by The YOU Trust, Somerset Counselling Centre and Alongside on behalf of Somerset Council, provides accommodation, counselling, drop-ins, recovery programmes and legal support. Moody and local officials emphasized collaboration among police, specialist services, local authorities, health providers and mental health services, including joint police-and-specialist visits to victims during the 2026 World Cup.

Students in South West England who are starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn are being urged to receive the Meningitis B vaccine. The programme covers eligible 17- and 18-year-olds and certain under-25s, with appointments available through NHS booking services or local pharmacies. Two doses, at least 28 days apart, are required, and health officials warn that first-year university students face a substantially higher risk because of close contact and communal living. The advice follows an unusually high number of Meningitis B clusters, including outbreaks in Dorset and Kent.

Heather and Paul have fostered more than 200 children, young people and parents through Somerset Council over more than 25 years. They describe the value of routines, training and locally coordinated support, and say the greatest reward is seeing children they cared for thrive later in life. Somerset Council praised their dedication while highlighting that more than 650 children currently need foster care. Fostering in Somerset is hosting information sessions for prospective carers.

Minehead Bay Festival will return to Minehead seafront and beach on August 29, 2026, offering a free midday-to-6pm programme marking the event’s fifth year. Organised by the Minehead and Coast Development Trust, the festival will feature live music across two stages, circus acts, street art, storytelling, food and drink, creative activities, wellbeing facilities and a nature area. Performers include Dakka Skanks, Alcohol Licks, Nothing Concrete, Nick Parker, Sebastian Tesouro and St. Fian, with additional samba and sea shanty performances. Minehead Town Council, Hollam Solicitors and the National Lottery Community Fund are supporting the event.

Somerset Council celebrated a cohort of young people aged 16 to 25 who completed a year-long supported digital internship programme for individuals with additional support needs, including autism and special educational needs. Delivered with Discovery and UCS College Group, the programme provided experience in ICT, careers support and cyber security, alongside training in areas such as hardware and software support, artificial intelligence, app development and database management. The interns developed confidence, independence and workplace skills, with several securing digital apprenticeships at Somerset Council.

A new spinal outpatient clinic at Yeovil Hospital has seen more than 300 patients in its first year, holding nearly 40 sessions under the leadership of consultant spinal surgeon Alex Goubran. The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust service allows local patients to receive most appointments closer to home, while spinal operations remain at Musgrove Park Hospital. The trust hopes eventually to expand the Yeovil service to include surgery and spinal injections.

Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour criticises Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s plan to remove VAT from domestic electricity, saying the estimated £45 annual saving is inadequate amid rising energy costs. She supports the Liberal Democrats’ Essential Energy Guarantee, which would provide discounted basic energy allowances and additional help for vulnerable households, funded by redirecting energy-network windfall profits. Gilmour also calls for a temporary VAT cut on heating oil and says Labour’s policy overlooks rural, off-grid households; she cites 5,382 local households struggling to keep their homes warm.

Former ITV and BBC journalist Dennis Coath, who lives in Dunster, has published The Band That Time Forgave, the second novel in his trilogy about The Dogs, an ageing rock band that missed out on stardom during The Beatles’ rise. The series follows the band’s unexpected reunion and renewed success in later life. The final instalment, The Band That Turned Back Time, is due later this year, and the new book has received praise from BBC Films, Nick Owen and other reviewers.

Taunton is expected to experience a hot, mostly sunny start to August, with temperatures ranging from overnight lows of 9°C to daytime highs of 26°C between Thursday, July 30 and Monday, August 3. Sunny intervals, light winds, and high UV and pollen levels are forecast throughout the period.

Women aged 18 and over will take part in the DARE to BARE sponsored open-water swim at Vobster Quay on August 23 to raise funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and highlight the lower likelihood of women receiving bystander CPR after cardiac arrest. Toplessness is optional, and participants will receive CPR and defibrillator training using female CPR manikins designed to improve confidence and representation. Entry costs £30 with a minimum £50 fundraising target, and the event offers multiple swim distances, refreshments and sponsored swim caps.

Heavy Haul Rail is recruiting 10 trainee train drivers for its Mendip depot in Somerset, with full-time training beginning in October 2026. The recruitment follows Great Britain’s decision to lower the minimum train-driving age from 20 to 18, partly to address future skills shortages. Applicants must be at least 18, hold a full UK manual driving licence, live within a 60-minute commute of the depot, and pass medical, competency, safety and training assessments. The company operates 95 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons, transporting around 17 million tonnes of freight annually across the UK.

Wellington Museum is launching 90-minute guided historical tours of the town centre in partnership with town crier Andrew Norris. The tours begin on Sunday, August 30, at 2:30 p.m. and are limited to 15 participants, with tickets costing £5 each and available in person at the museum.

A range of events is scheduled in and around Taunton from July 30 to August 5, including a children's musical theatre and dance performance at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, the family dance theatre show Shed-ache at The Brewhouse, a daytime jazz concert by the Philip Clouts Trio at the Creative Innovation Centre, and a parent-child hair-braiding workshop hosted by Premier Princess Parties.

Wiveliscombe RFC has announced its captains and coaching staff for the 2026/27 season. William Ellis will lead the first XV in Regional Two South West, the club’s highest level since league rugby began, while Cameron Palk and Ruby Terry will captain the second XV and women’s squad respectively. Rob Weaver, Alex Westcott and Mark Chatterton continue as senior coaches, joined by returning former junior Callum Lane. Wiveliscombe opens its league campaign away at Crediton on September 12 and hosts Winscombe on September 19, with fitness preparations underway for a demanding schedule.

Taunton Pistols lost both of their final home fixtures of the season to Yeovil Whirlwinds in South West and Wales Baseball League Division Five, going down 19-10 and 16-10. Yeovil pulled away in both games despite late Taunton rallies, while Vienna Warren, Holly Johnson and Luke King shared the MVP awards after contributing seven runs and eight stolen bases. Assistant manager Steve Coles emphasized the team's positive fielding and persistence. Taunton Baseball Club also took part in Somerset County Cricket Club's Family Day, where Muskets players Kevin Snow and José Bobadilla ran a baseball skills station. The Pistols next travel to league leaders New Forest Thunder, while the Muskets host Bristol Bats.

The girls' cricket team from North Town Primary School in Taunton won the county title in Clevedon. The team included experienced players, two of whom are in the Somerset pathway, as well as newcomers. School staff praised the players' determination, enthusiasm and teamwork, saying the victory reflected growing interest in girls' cricket and the value of school sport in encouraging young people to try new activities.

An investigation initially found that Somerset was among councils that failed to activate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol during the late-May heatwave, exposing inconsistent support for rough sleepers across England. The Big Issue criticised government and councils for inadequate preparation as heatwaves become more common, while Somerset Council said its summer protocol is automatically triggered when forecast temperatures exceed 26°C and that it provided water, sun protection, cool-space referrals and risk-based accommodation. A later clarification stated that the council’s original Freedom of Information response was incorrect and that SWEP had in fact been active, with resources available during the heatwave. Support also varied widely across London boroughs, and separate research found that only 53% of English councils had heat-related measures in place between 2022 and 2024.

Glastonbury restaurant Queen of Cups will host a one-off five-course heritage dinner on August 19 in partnership with Slow Food in the UK. Led by chef Ayesha Kalaji, the event will showcase seasonal local produce, Somerset Saddleback pork and ingredients from the Ark of Taste, while highlighting sustainability, biodiversity and endangered food traditions. Tickets cost £65, with an optional Somerset wine and cider flight.

Somerset’s NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is marking its 20th anniversary after identifying more than 800 cancers and removing 2,500 high-risk polyps. The service has expanded from three screeners performing 370 procedures in its first year to 10 screeners completing 1,250 procedures last year, with more than 13,500 procedures performed overall. FIT home-testing kits are sent every two years to eligible people aged 50 to 75, while those with abnormal results undergo further investigations such as colonoscopies. The programme has broadened its outreach to underserved groups and is preparing to lower the FIT threshold, which is expected to detect more cancers earlier but increase demand for staff and capacity.

A cooler weekend is expected in Taunton, with the Met Office forecasting sunny spells and temperatures ranging from highs of 28°C on Thursday and Friday to cooler highs of 23–25°C through Monday. Winds are predicted to strengthen across the weekend, and UV levels are expected to remain high.

Lord Fox joined MP Adam Dance at Leonardo’s Yeovil site to discuss continued investment in the UK aerospace and defence sector, focusing on the New Medium Helicopter programme, skills development and strengthening supply chains. The visit included meetings with company leaders and a tour of the Proteus technology demonstrator. Both representatives emphasized the importance of supporting British manufacturing, protecting skilled jobs and ensuring long‑term government backing for the industry.

A four-bedroom detached house on Queens Drive in Taunton is listed for offers over £675,000, featuring an extended open‑plan kitchen and family room, multiple fitted bedrooms, and an enclosed south‑facing garden with a double garage and driveway. The property backs onto open fields with views of the Blackdown Hills and sits within the catchment for The Castle School, with convenient access to Taunton’s amenities, railway links to London, and the M5 motorway.

Sheppy’s Cider Farm is bringing back its monthly Friday Foody Nights starting July 31, featuring Mediterranean-themed dishes prepared by Head Chef Elhamy alongside the farm’s award‑winning ciders. Additional themed nights throughout the year will include pizza, Mexican, and world curry events, all centered on fresh, seasonal food in a relaxed countryside setting.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has introduced ConnectPlus, a free digital app developed with technology firm HCI to support adults in Somerset experiencing ADHD symptoms. The app provides verified information, self‑management tools, and guidance tailored to different stages of the care pathway. Clinicians say it aims to streamline access to appropriate care, counter misinformation, and help users better understand symptoms, treatment options, and practical coping strategies. The initiative is expected to improve patient experience, encourage informed conversations with GPs, and support early intervention where needed.

Taunton Baseball Club’s Muskets secured a dominant double-header sweep against the Exeter Spitfires, driven by strong hitting from José Bobadilla and Andrés Bianco and effective pitching from James Carter. The Pistols suffered two defeats to the New Forest Knights despite promising individual performances from rookie and youth players. MVP honours were awarded to standout contributors from both squads, and the Pistols prepare to host Yeovil in their next league matchup.

Tintinhull Primary School near Yeovil received the OPAL platinum award with a score of 97 out of 100, recognising its high‑quality outdoor play and learning environment. Headteacher Hayley Robinson praised the pupils and highlighted the importance of play in the curriculum, noting the popularity of outdoor facilities and children's enthusiasm for all‑weather activities.

Chelston Motorhomes will showcase new and pre‑owned vehicles at the Western Motorhome & Campervan Show in Malvern, one of the UK’s largest leisure exhibitions. The dealership plans to present a wide selection of models with specialists available for visitor inquiries, while the event itself will feature over 500 vehicles, numerous exhibitors, and live entertainment.

St Margaret’s Hospice Care launched the 100k Your Way fundraiser encouraging participants to complete 100 kilometres in August by any physical activity to raise money for hospice services. The initiative aims to be flexible and accessible for individuals or teams, with a suggested £100 sponsorship target that can fund a community nurse visit. The campaign seeks to support palliative care across Somerset and invites broad community involvement.

Grovelands care home in Yeovil was named one of the UK’s top 100 care homes in the 2026 Lottie Awards, the only facility in Somerset to earn the distinction. Managed by the Somerset Care Group, the home received recognition for outstanding care, supported by its ‘outstanding’ Care Quality Commission rating and highly positive resident and family testimonials. Lottie’s co‑founder highlighted the achievement as significant among more than 14,000 UK care homes.

Shepton Mallet Prison is running a summer promotion allowing up to two children aged five to fifteen to enter for free with each paying adult, including a complimentary snack box. The offer runs until September 1 and aims to make family visits more affordable. The attraction highlights its 400 years of history, indoor setting, and optional guided tours and escape rooms. Tickets can be booked online or purchased on arrival, subject to availability.

A Grade II-listed four-bedroom home in Milverton near Taunton has been listed for offers over £600,000. The chain-free property includes period features, a separate coach house, and access to local amenities and transport links. Its location provides proximity to Wellington, Taunton, and several surrounding hills and national park areas.

Doner Gyros Taunton Limited has applied to Somerset Council for permission to serve hot food and refreshments past 11pm at its location on Country Walk in Taunton. The full notice is available through the Public Notice Portal, and written representations or objections must be submitted to the council by July 24. Making false statements in relation to the application carries a potential fine of £5,000.

A Grade II-listed Victorian house in Minehead has been placed on the market for offers over £600,000. The seven-bedroom property includes a self-contained two-bedroom maisonette, multiple reception rooms, a fitted kitchen with dining area, and period features such as fireplaces and picture rails. It offers enclosed gardens, off-road parking, and convenient access to local amenities, schools, the seafront, Exmoor National Park and the A39. The estate agent describes the home as combining period charm with practical modern features in a desirable residential area.

A self-referral cancer testing scheme in Somerset received strong praise from Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos, who described it as life‑saving and urged a national rollout. The service, launched in 2023, allows patients to refer themselves for tests on potential cancer symptoms, aiming to accelerate diagnosis and reduce pressure on GP services. Staff at Musgrove Park Hospital demonstrated the process during Amos’s visit, and the programme has received recent award recognition for innovation.

A new partnership between Somerset Domestic Abuse Service and Somerset FA aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and improve community safety through grassroots football. The collaboration will provide education, early intervention and access to support for clubs, volunteers, players and families across Somerset. Local officials and service leaders emphasise the importance of recognising abuse, promoting healthy relationships and reducing stigma, with resources and training to be shared countywide. Helpline and online support options are highlighted for those seeking assistance.

Somerset Council issued multiple planning decisions across Taunton and nearby villages between June 19 and 25, 2026, approving various residential extensions, tree works, building alterations, signage changes, and conversions, while refusing illuminated signage proposed by Rituals Cosmetics. Several agricultural, conservation area, and listed building applications were conditionally approved, and a major extension project in Trull and new housing conversions received permission.

Richard Huish College’s 2022 Year 11 prom took place at the Somerset County Cricket Ground, featuring a glamorous venue, formal attire and a celebratory atmosphere as students marked the end of secondary school with photographs and festivities.

Several Somerset gardens will open to visitors from July 11 to July 14 as part of the National Garden Scheme, offering access to a variety of distinctive landscapes including Babbs Farm, East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Greencombe Gardens and Pennard House. Accessibility varies by location, and visitors are encouraged to check specific opening times and conditions on the scheme’s website.

Somerset and South Africa cricketers supported a 2008 campaign led by cancer patient Sean O’Brien to boost registrations on the organ donor register. Andy Caddick helped rally teammates and visiting players to raise awareness, with O’Brien also gaining backing from rugby clubs Harlequins and London Irish. O’Brien, previously treated for liver cancer, sought public announcements at sports grounds to encourage more people to sign up.

An AI‑supported cancer screening programme in Somerset is expanding after early results identified thousands of residents eligible for an oesophageal cancer test. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is using the C the Signs platform to scan GP records and invite at‑risk patients to take a capsule sponge test designed to detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. More than 1,900 people have been contacted and nearly 350 have completed testing, supporting national efforts to improve early cancer diagnosis and outcomes.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt has appointed experienced estate agent Mark Chant as an associate in its Yeovil office. Chant emphasizes accurate property valuation and strong customer service, supported by GTH’s regional network. Client reviews describe the branch as highly professional and helpful during stressful home-buying processes. Chant lives locally with his family and is preparing to move to Sherborne after renovating their home.

Crandon Springs Care Home in Wells created a pop‑up pub called The Crandon Arms for residents, especially those in its Memory Lane dementia community, offering music, games and refreshments to encourage social interaction and reminiscence. Staff, including dementia care champion Liza and home manager Darius Ivana, facilitated activities such as giant Jenga, darts and skittles, while drinks and games were also delivered to residents who preferred to stay in their rooms.

Go-op plans to introduce battery-powered train services between Taunton and Swindon, supported by a partnership with Ecotricity and the Green Britain Group to advance green rail technology. The project includes electric bus links, large-scale charging hubs, and a new coastal route to Bristol, requiring a renewed track access application. Company leaders highlight member demand for faster decarbonisation and stronger bus–rail integration, while seeking public sector partners to improve regional transport and support a shift from road to rail.

An exhibition at Fyne Court’s Music Hall will showcase paintings of significant plants, fungi and lichens from the Quantock Hills, created through a collaboration between the Quantock Hills National Landscape Team and the South West Society of Botanical Artists. The project began in 2024 and expanded to include public painting workshops, leading to growing community involvement. Organisers highlight the exhibition as an opportunity for artists and visitors to learn more about the special flora of the region.

A newly built five-bedroom house in Pibsbury near Langport is listed for £800,000, featuring an open‑plan living space with vaulted ceiling, modern kitchen appliances, flexible ground‑floor room options, and four upstairs bedrooms including an en‑suite principal room. The property includes a double garage with an electric‑vehicle charging point and solar battery system, and sits on a sizeable plot with countryside views.

A four-bedroom detached family home on Tower Hill in Williton is listed for £695,000. Built in the 1920s, it features countryside and coastal views, original parquet flooring, multiple ground‑floor living spaces, and a master bedroom with en-suite. The property includes a gated driveway, double garage, landscaped garden areas, and an outbuilding suitable for studio use, marketed by Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

A roundup of upcoming events across South and East Somerset from July 3 to 9, 2026 highlights festivals, music performances, workshops, and community celebrations in towns including Frome, Shepton Mallet, Wells, and Yeovil. Activities include the Frome Festival Food Feast, a lecture by Sir Tony Robinson, a flamenco workshop with Maria Vega, the Autofest UK Big Weekender, Party in the Palace concerts, the Yeovil Together cultural festival, and the South Somerset Singing Festival featuring local schools.

Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, supports Help for Heroes’ People’s Promise campaign calling for stronger post-service support for veterans. The charity urges reforms to improve medical discharge processes, access to healthcare, and financial fairness under the Armed Forces Covenant. Amos voiced commitment to advocating for improved national policy and protecting local NHS veteran outreach services. Charity representatives warn that increasing global instability heightens demands on service members, making improved veteran support essential.

An 85-year-old Axminster writer, Derek Sturch, has released his debut novel In Golden Cap's Shadow, the first in a planned historical fiction trilogy set partly in South Somerset during the early First World War. The story follows the Spiller family after the death of their father. The book becomes widely available from July 6 and follows Sturch’s earlier self-published works.

A five‑bedroom detached home in Kingston St Mary, near Taunton, is listed for £1.2 million through Palmer Snell. The chain‑free property features an open‑plan kitchen with high‑end appliances, five bathrooms, triple glazing, underfloor heating, and a Control4 smart home system. Set behind electric gates with a large driveway, double garage, and mature gardens, the house is described by the agent as exceptionally finished and located in a sought‑after village with local amenities.

A rare collection of 11th‑century silver coins known as the Chew Valley Hoard will be displayed in a major British Museum exhibition alongside the Bayeux Tapestry. Loaned from Somerset’s heritage collections, the hoard highlights the immediate effects of the Norman Conquest and was likely buried during regional unrest in 1068. Local heritage leaders welcomed the display, which is supported by several UK cultural funding bodies. The exhibition forms part of a broader national programme linking audiences to Norman history and will run until July 2027.

A largely sunny period is expected in Taunton from July 2 to July 6, with temperatures ranging from highs of 23°C to 28°C and lows between 11°C and 15°C. Wind gusts will vary from 20mph to 30mph, and UV and pollen levels will remain high throughout, with very high UV expected on Thursday and Monday.

A range of cultural events is scheduled across Taunton between July 2 and 8, including a comedy night at the Brewhouse featuring Luke Honnoraty, an indie folk rock concert by The Jamestown Brothers at CICCIC, and a talk with historical fiction author Ben Kane about his new novel A Land Aflame at Brendon Books. The SPACE Company will also present a modern production of the musical Chicago at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre. Tickets for all events are available through the respective venues and online platforms.

Taunton Baseball Club saw contrasting fortunes as league play resumed, with the Pistols securing two wins from three games against the Yeovil Whirlwinds while the Muskets suffered two narrow losses to the Cardiff Merlins. Strong performances from pitchers Stuart Cook and Dan Brown helped drive the Pistols’ success, including a dramatic walk-off victory. The Muskets remained competitive but were undone by key innings in both games. MVP honours focused on standout pitching and improved batting displays. Both teams prepare for their next fixtures on July 5.

Harry Matterface, a service and maintenance technician at Vertu BMW Yeovil, was named BMW’s apprentice of the year after earning distinctions throughout his BMW Technician Apprenticeship. Colleagues and leaders at Vertu and BMW highlighted his strong work ethic, rapid development and ongoing contributions to the dealership. The Yeovil site also earned regional dealer of the year recognition, reinforcing the dealership’s strong performance and commitment to developing new talent.

Local athletes and coaches from Taunton Deane were recognized at the 2013 Somerset Sports Awards, with swimmer Charlie Attwood winning young sports person of the year and Barry Jones receiving the contribution to school sport award. Additional nominees from regional clubs and schools were highlighted, and the event hosted by Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership drew around 70 nominations at Somerset County Cricket Ground.