Chard and Ilminster News
Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Your Health, Your Choice: Working with a personal trainer, explained
Discover how a personal trainer can boost motivation, improve fitness, and support safe exercise in the UK. Learn key benefits and tips for getting started.
Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Giant dragon set for Somerset tour to mark county day
A giant Somerset dragon will tour the county in 2026 for Somerset Day, uniting communities with folklore, creative events, and a BBC Radio Somerset campaign.
Sat, 07 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Camera club members find faces in unexpected places
This week, the members of Somerset Camera Club have been taking photos of faces in unexpected places in Somerset and North Somerset.
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000South Somerset MP visits Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service
Yeovil MP Adam Dance visits Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service to discuss ADHD, neurodiversity, youth substance use, and calls for earlier assessments.
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Ilminster filmmaker drives British Army tank as part of documentary
Ilminster filmmaker Louis Skupien documents British Army reservists training with the Challenger 2 tank at Bovington with the Royal Wessex Yeomanry.
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Application lodged for live music and alcohol at Yeovil Showground
Nationwide Festivals Ltd seeks a new premises licence for live music and alcohol at Yeovil Showground. Submit representations to Somerset Council by Mar 19.
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:42:08 +0000Hay fever warning issued for 17m Brits as pollen count set to increase from this week
Millions of Brits have been warned that the tree pollen season is expected to begin this week and will continue for months.
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:55:08 +0000What's on in South Somerset this week: March 11-17, 2026
Discover top events in South Somerset this week, including Sir Geoff Hurst in Yeovil, live music in Ilminster and South Petherton, and theatre at Swan Theatre.
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:47:55 +0000860,000 workers face a new HMRC tax system in April - here's what it means
Searches for “Making Tax Digital” have surged 614% ahead of a major HMRC tax rule change in April. Here's what you need to know.
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:45:02 +0000Full list of DWP payments rising for parents, carers and families in 2026
Millions of families will see benefits increase in 2026. Here’s the full list of DWP payments rising, from Universal Credit childcare support to maternity pay.
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Column: The joys of springtime in Somerset
Hawkridge Reservoir Amphibian Patrol helps toads and newts migrate safely in the Quantocks. Community volunteers aid conservation and wildlife protection.
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset Council in contention for pair of national awards
Somerset Council is a finalist for two 2026 LGC Awards, recognising fostering recruitment and SEND employment schemes supporting vulnerable young people.
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Clinton Rogers column: Why are chocolate thefts increasing?
Rising chocolate thefts in UK shops are linked to cost of living pressures and, in some cases, organised crime, impacting retailers nationwide.
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Royal Bath and West Show prepares for three-day return in 2026
Discover the Royal Bath and West Show 2026 in Somerset: top UK agricultural competitions, livestock, equine events, rural skills and family fun.
Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:57:20 +0000How supermarkets and shops are improving in catering for disabled people
Businesses are striving to make things accessible, and whilst I've had to learn to ask, I have also found that so many are willing to change and learn with us.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Two-bed Yeovil bungalow up for grabs for offers over £425,000
Spacious two-bedroom bungalow for sale in Yeovil’s Marsh Lane. Features solar panels, large garden, luxury kitchen, driveway, and EPC B. Offers over £425,000.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Three-bed Hamstone house in Yeovil on the market for £325k
Three-bedroom semi-detached Hamstone house for sale in Abbots Meade, Yeovil. Chain free, £325,000 guide, garage, garden, near amenities and stations.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Adam Dance: Why Yeovil should celebrate the Leonardo-NMH contract
Leonardo Yeovil secures £1bn New Medium Helicopter contract, safeguarding 3,000+ jobs and boosting South West defence industry and UK sovereign capability.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Dry week with sunny spells forecast for Chard by Met Office this week
Met Office Chard weather forecast: Dry conditions, sunny spells, high pollution levels and temperatures up to 14C expected this week.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:19:39 +0000Somerset Council budget approved for 2026/27
Somerset Council's budget for the 2026/27 financial year has been approved by councillors.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000Ilminster pet shop owners say shop 'ransacked' after window smashed in burglary
The owners of a pet shop in Ilminster have expressed their dismay after they were burgled this week, after the thieves damaged a window to gain entry.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:06:54 +0000Service station at A303 junction near Yeovil could be demolished for revamp
A plan has been submitted to redevelop a site at a major A303 junction, near Yeovil, including knocking down the existing buildings and car wash.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:04:01 +0000Somerset Council Budget 2026 - authority's finances still 'deeply fragile'
Clive Heaphy, the Section 151 Officer for Somerset Council, has warned that the council's finances are still 'deeply fragile' ahead of the 2026/27 financial year.
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:30:13 +0000RECAP: Budget announced by Somerset Council at full council meeting
Somerset Council are announcing the official budget at a full council meeting, where the amount of council tax you will be paying will be revealed today (Wednesday, March 4).
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:41:34 +0000Somerset Council confirm council tax rise for 2026/27
Somerset Council has confirmed the amount that council tax will increase by for 2026/27 at their annual budget meeting.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Campaign launched in Chard to raise funds for minibus
Mental health charity Watch CIO launches £30,000 Chard minibus appeal to improve accessible transport for vulnerable groups in Somerset.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000What's on in South Somerset this week: March 4-10, 2026
Discover top South Somerset events this week, including Yeovil music festivals, folk, jazz and piano concerts, plus Yeovil Town v Scunthorpe United football.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset cycling challenge back with registration now open
Registration opens for the 2026 Somerset Cycle sportive on 9 May. Ride stunning routes from Bridgwater, supporting Youth Adventure Trust and local youth.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Crewkerne teacher writes guidebook to help inspire eco movement
Award-winning teacher Edd Moore publishes 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Greener School to help UK schools take climate action and teach sustainability.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:34:30 +0000£1 billion Leonardo contract welcomed by civic leaders
Somerset Council and Adam Dance MP have both expressed their delight at Leonardo's new £1 billion contract.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:21:00 +0000Man found with extreme pornography and indecent images of children sentenced
A man has been handed a community order after police found extreme pornography and indecent images of children on his devices.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:10:00 +0000Former police officer from Chard to appear in court for misconduct
A former serving police officer from Chard will appear at Taunton Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, charged with misconduct.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:30:54 +0000Changes could slash number of councillors in Somerset
The Local Government Boundary Commission proposes reducing Somerset Council seats from 110 to 96 and redrawing all division boundaries for the 2027 election.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:08:35 +0000Have your say in new health and wellbeing survey
People across Somerset can outline their health and wellbeing priorities in a survey launched this week.
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:35:00 +0000Upcoming Ilminster 10k described as the South West's 'most rewarding race'
Preparations are ‘well underway’ for the return of the Ilminster 10k on April 19, for its third year after proving to be a ‘great success’ in 2025.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:43:48 +0000Established company enters administration after 41 years
A business in Somerset that has been around for nearly 50 years has entered administration.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:10:10 +0000More than 3000 jobs secured as £1 billion contract announced for Leonardo
More than 3000 local jobs have been secured after the Government announced a £1 billion contract with Yeovil-based helicopter firm Leonardo.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000Your Health, Your Choice: Why a little discomfort matters
Modern life makes physical activity optional, fuelling UK obesity and inactivity. Pete Richards urges small challenges to boost fitness, health and resilience.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000Site near Chard town centre ready for development on the market for £225,000
A site in Tatworth, near Chard, ready for residential development, subject to the necessary consents, is on the market at the guide price of £225,000.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000A&E doctor who looked at wife's medical records in court
An A&E doctor from Yeovil who illegally accessed confidential NHS computer programmes to look at his wife’s medical records has appeared in court.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000REVIEW - I watched Ilminster Warehouse Theatre's 'One Acts 2026' production
I watched Ilminster Warehouse Theatre's 'One Acts 2026' performance and absolutely loved it, finding myself repeatedly laughing out loud throughout.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Sleep apnoea awareness day set to take place at Yeovil Hospital
Learn about sleep apnoea at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s free awareness day at Yeovil Hospital, 7 March. Expert talks, CPAP info, and charity support.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Lympsham solar farm opens doors to Somerset schools
Burnham and Weston Energy offers fully funded school visits to its solar farm in 2026, teaching pupils about renewable energy, climate change, and biodiversity.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Man with driving ban found behind wheel of van - less than a month later
Nicholas Lampard had been disqualified from driving when he was found by police behind the wheel of a van less than one month later.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Interview: Thomas Rew on captaining England alongside his A-levels
England U19 cricket star Thomas Rew talks returning to King’s College Taunton for A-levels after World Cup final and Somerset debut season.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:31:00 +0000Two Somerset community hospitals could lose half their beds under NHS reforms
Two of Somerset's community hospitals could temporarily lose half their inpatient bids to allow a wider range of local services to be delivered
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:16:55 +0000Yeovil College opens new building as part of 'significant' £60m rebuild
Yeovil College has opened its new Construction Innovation Centre as part of a campus rebuild costing more than £60 million.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:06:17 +0000Rachel Reeves set to approve £1 billion Leonardo helicopter deal
The Government is set to sign off on a £1 billion contract with helicopter maker Leonardo.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:34:00 +0000Ilminster woman charged after body of man found inside car
A woman from Ilminster has been charged after the body of a man was found inside a car at a business park, police said.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:27:00 +0000Somerset flooding response to be assessed by government after MP's plea
The UK government is set to launch a review into the flooding response in Somerset following an MP's plea.