Phil Hill

Phil Hill recounts two incidents during hot weather: a delivery driver was subjected to racist abuse outside his home, and a frustrated passenger verbally attacked a Great Western Railway employee after a heat-related CrossCountry cancellation at Taunton station. Hill condemns both outbursts and praises the delivery driver and railway employee for their restraint.

Construction has begun on Well Stone, a nine-home Summerfield Homes development in Keinton Mandeville, Somerset. The project will include seven houses and two bungalows with two, three and four bedrooms, designed with natural stone to reflect the village’s character. The homes will also feature solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, with the developer expected to welcome the first residents in the coming months.

Bev Fernandes discusses her first months as mayor of Taunton, her move from Nottinghamshire to Somerset, and a varied background that includes Inland Revenue work, Royal Navy service as a reservist, education roles and disability advocacy. After serving as a parish councillor, she joined Taunton Town Council, became deputy mayor and took office as mayor in May. She describes the role as a time-consuming civic and apolitical position involving council leadership, public events, community networking and links with veterans. During her term, she is supporting Taunton Opportunity Group, which helps children with special educational needs, while continuing to teach tai chi, research genealogy and volunteer with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for Somerset and the wider South West from 9am on Tuesday, August 11, until 9pm on Friday, August 14. Temperatures are expected to reach 30°C on Tuesday and the mid-30s on Wednesday before cooling over the weekend. Residents, particularly older people and those with existing health conditions, are advised to stay hydrated, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, keep indoor spaces cool, and check on vulnerable friends and relatives.

Mike Turner, a former headteacher, discusses his role directing Taunton Foodbank after seeking a way to serve the community. The charity provides emergency three-day food packages and support pathways for people facing financial hardship, homelessness and mental health difficulties, with 80 to 100 volunteers helping operate its warehouse. Turner says the organisation ultimately aims to eliminate the need for foodbanks, but rising living costs are increasing demand while reducing donations. He appeals to the public to continue giving food and money and expresses concern about the charity’s long-term volunteers and resources.

Kington Flower Show went ahead despite sweltering, exceptionally dry weather that reduced flower and vegetable entries. Organizers highlighted strong performances in cookery and crafts, including an embroidered hare and a jellyfish model. Chris Heayns won the overall vegetable and flower categories, while Sheila Hayes, Isabella Modica and Iris Adams took major awards in decorative arrangements, home craft and the children's section. Retiring president Bill Hayes praised exhibitors and the team that provided refreshments and competitions.

Taunton boxer Pawel August suffered his first professional defeat, losing a unanimous decision to world number two Jacob Bank in a super-middleweight bout on the Anthony Joshua undercard in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. August applied pressure with his jab and rallied late, but Bank's counterpunching secured the victory. His team said the performance demonstrated that he belongs at world level, with another appearance expected on the undercard of a heavyweight title fight in September.

Somerset Council has granted conditional prior approval for Taunton Central Holdings to convert space above three commercial premises on Taunton High Street into 13 flats. Nine one-bedroom apartments would be created above The Body Shop at 60 High Street, with four more above 62–63 High Street, alongside two kiosk units off Crown Walk. The scheme is intended to be car-free, while phosphate mitigation may be required because the properties are within the protected Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site.

Mark Douglas Lowe, 47, was jailed for two years and three months after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation involving a Somerset woman and other victims. He took upfront payments for vehicle parts that he never supplied, defrauding 20 people across the country of between £400 and £3,400 each. Lowe used 11 aliases and had 15 previous dishonesty convictions. He was also banned from serving as a company director for five years and prohibited from working as a mechanic under a criminal behaviour order.

A free one-day park and ride service will operate from Sandys Moor roundabout to the 110th Wivey Show at Wiveliscombe Recreation Ground on Saturday, August 15, aiming to reduce congestion. The family event will feature exhibits, stalls, children's activities, music, food and drink, entertainment and competitions. Show chairman Kirsty Boutflower said historic schedules, photographs and a book of memories would be displayed. Profits from the previous show supported several local community organizations, while KG Full Group Ltd is sponsoring the children's section.

Gurds Menswear in Taunton was transformed into a 1920s-style speakeasy for the launch of Sea Centaur, a martini gin distilled by Becky Wright of Dryad Gin on the Quantock Hills. The event, hosted with Gurds owner Sarah Farnfield, included martinis served in Nick and Nora glasses and a masterclass led by Martini Club UK co-founder Anthony Brimacombe. Sea Centaur recently won gold in the coastal gin category and bronze in the best martini category at the Gun Guide Awards.

Independent consultant Beckie Lyons and Combers Inside-Out director Cameron Willetts, both from Taunton, completed Davines’ four-day International Colour Genius Certification Programme in London with distinction. The course covered colour theory, application techniques, colour chemistry and the science of achieving lasting results. Both said the training would strengthen the salon’s expertise, service and commitment to quality and sustainability.

Ten-year-old Arlo Jennings of Wiveliscombe has had his clay mask selected for display in the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in London. His woodland demon sculpture was chosen from approximately 25,500 entries as one of 200 works by artists under 18 from across the UK. The exhibition is free and runs through the end of August, with visitors able to vote for their favourite exhibit online.

Elaine Moodie runs World of Bears in Taunton and The Gorge Bear Company in Cheddar, together housing more than 18,000 teddy bears and other soft toys. She began the Cheddar business in 1999 after turning a lifelong love of stuffed toys into a retail venture, gradually expanding the product range and premises before opening the Taunton shop in 2004 and launching a website in 2008. Moodie owns both shop premises, employs five people, and generates roughly 60% of sales online and 40% through in-person visits. She credits her passion and hard work for the businesses’ continued success.

Minehead Middle School and Minehead Town Council are offering pupils affected by the Wheddon Cross bus crash a programme of summer activities, including vouchers, three free sessions at The Minehead Eye and free entry to Butlin’s Minehead. Funded through the Somerset Association of Local Councils’ Health and Wellbeing Fund, the initiative aims to create positive memories, strengthen friendships and support children’s wellbeing following the crash that killed 10-year-old Oliver Price and injured 21 others.

Judges for the South West in Bloom competition toured Minehead to review community-led environmental and horticultural initiatives. Local volunteers, groups and businesses showcased projects aimed at improving public spaces, supporting wildlife and enhancing the town’s environment. Town representatives emphasized the collaboration behind these efforts and the broader impact beyond floral displays. Results of the regional competition will be announced in October.

Explores British etiquette around queueing through humorous personal anecdotes, contrasting polite customs in the UK with different norms observed in Spain, and highlighting everyday dilemmas around allowing others to skip ahead in line.

Somerset Council has approved a change of use for a long-vacant bungalow at Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club, allowing it to serve staff-related purposes such as storage or break space. The building, originally a steward’s home from the 1960s, had been leased for more than two decades before concerns about its condition led the club to repossess it in 2025. A structural assessment indicated the property was not viable for further residential investment, prompting the club to seek permission for non-residential ancillary use instead.

David Baker, a Taunton-born British Army veteran, reflects on his military career spanning deployments in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as service in Cyprus. After 23 years in the army, he now runs a small business supporting the British military community in Cyprus and plans to return to Taunton, citing a strong personal connection to the area. He highlights both the challenges and strengths of the local community and expresses a desire to contribute to local life upon his return.

A former community shop in Hatch Beauchamp has lost its commercial-use status after the property owner successfully applied to Somerset Council for a change of use. The shop, which operated for 18 months before closing last December, relocated to the Hatch Inn in January. The change removes permission for any future commercial activity at the original premises, which will now be used solely for storage and domestic purposes.

A proposed £1.2 million fund could provide new play equipment across 12 parks in Taunton, with the council seeking input from children and adults to determine priorities. Taunton Town Council is conducting a public survey to shape designs and support additional funding bids aimed at creating safe and inclusive play spaces for local families.

Twin Grade II-listed water towers in Rockwell Green were sold for £120,000, £20,000 below the auction estimate, to an international phone bidder. Palace Auctions London highlighted strong interest in the historic Somerset structures, noting their potential for residential or commercial conversion pending planning approval. Built in 1885 and the 1930s, the towers historically supported the local water supply following pollution-related health issues and growing demand.

The Grade II-listed former Gaumont Palace Theatre in Taunton, most recently housing Mecca Bingo, has been placed on SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register following its abrupt closure. SAVE and local community members are urging its preservation and reuse, while Somerset Council has not announced future plans. Additional historic structures in the South West have also been added to the at-risk list as the charity calls for renewed efforts to protect and repurpose endangered buildings.

Britain’s recurring struggle with extreme weather disrupts transport, schools, and public services, revealing persistent infrastructure vulnerabilities. Despite recent road repairs in Somerset, concerns remain that heat, cold, or rain will quickly undo progress. Comparisons with countries like Spain and those in Scandinavia highlight the UK’s relative inability to cope with climate extremes. Recent heatwaves caused travel disruptions, school closures, equipment failures, and strain on local businesses and hospitals, underscoring ongoing challenges in national preparedness.

A young violinist from Minehead, Anthony Knight, plans to perform at Holy Trinity Church in Taunton as part of his Pilgrimage of Hope to raise funds for UNICEF. Inspired by concern for Ukraine and strengthened by a transformative religious experience, he has already played at numerous churches across Somerset and Europe. His performances blend music with messages of faith, gratitude and support for suffering children amid ongoing global hardship.