Chard and Ilminster News

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Aldi confirms multi-million Somerset expansion plans
Aldi to invest £17m in Somerset as part of £1.6bn UK expansion with 80 new stores by 2027, including Bath.

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:33:27 +0100
What's your IQ? Get more than 7 on this pub quiz to find out if you're smart
Think you're good at general knowledge or clued up on pop culture? Take this week's pub quiz to see how you score.

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:32:15 +0100
Drivers could save hundreds this winter with free DVLA declaration
Motorhome owners are urged to consider declaring a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) to the DVLA this autumn

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Submissions now open for the 21st annual Somerset Business Awards
Entries open for the 2025 Somerset Business Awards. Celebrating Somerset businesses, charities and individuals. Apply by 21 Nov via Somerset Chamber.

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
South West gardeners asked to help curb invasive plants
Gardeners in the South West urged by the Property Care Association to help stop the spread of invasive plants like Japanese knotweed.

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
South West primary school rated 'Good' in all areas by Ofsted
Membury Primary School, on the East Devon-Somerset border, rated ‘good’ by Ofsted for supportive environment, reading focus, and SEND provision.

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 09:20:00 +0100
Six-bed period house with a barn on the market for £650,000
This attractive Grade II listed property occupies a tucked-away position in the heart of the popular and well-served village of Merriott, with the added convenience of nearby amenities and excellent road links.

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0100
Secluded spots in Somerset given the camera club treatment
Gallery of photographs from Somerset Camera Club on the secluded spots in Somerset

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100
What to expect for Chard Carnival and Chard Children's Carnival 2025
Chard Carnival is coming up soon with changes made to the route, so what can you expect from this year’s event?

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 10:00:29 +0100
Vet urges owners to watch out for 8 signs to avoid buying 'fatal' pet medicine
The PDSA has shared advice to pet owners to avoid "fatal" fake medicine that could cause serious harm

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 09:57:49 +0100
Why is my iPhone battery rubbish after an update and how do I fix this?
Those who have installed the new iOS 26 operating system are likely to notice that the battery on their iPhone is draining a lot faster.

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset towns sees rollout of app-led on-demand transport
Digital Slinky, a new on-demand transport app, launches across Somerset towns with BSIP funding to boost public transport options and community connections.

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:50:00 +0100
Crews rush to put out three separate fires across Yeovil, Taunton and Bridgwater
Somerset firefighters rushed to put out three fires in one day in Bridgwater, Yeovil and Bishop's Hull, Taunton.

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:50:00 +0100
'Midlife is not the end': Couple set off to walk 7300 miles in two years
On a mission to prove that “adventure has no age limit”, an Ilminster-based couple, set off to walk the entire coastline of mainland Great Britain over two years.

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:37:00 +0100
Hundreds of new Yeovil homes could be halted by judicial review
Hundreds of new homes planned on the edge of Yeovil could be halted by a judicial review.

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:34:12 +0100
Workers at leading defence and aerospace company could strike over 'poor' pay
Thousands of workers at Leonardo sites across the UK, including in Somerset, are striking over a 'poor pay' offer.

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Your Health, Your Choice: How to get started with swimming this autumn
Discover the health benefits of swimming in Taunton, from local pools like Blackbrook and Wiveliscombe to open water spots at French Weir and Lyme Regis.

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Businesses offered support by Somerset Council to reduce emissions
Somerset Council launches Green Business Grant for SMEs, offering up to £15,000 to cut emissions, save on energy, and boost sustainability. Apply now.

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Clinton Rogers column: September’s too soon for tinsel, thanks
UK garden centres and shops are already selling Christmas cards in September, sparking debate over early festive retailing and the impact on local High Streets.

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Festival in Wells to mark 80th anniversary of end of Second World War
Somerset Festival of Remembrance at Wells Cathedral on Nov 1 marks 80 years since WWII’s end, with music, tributes, and the Royal British Legion.

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Care home in Yeovil marks 10 years of service
Cooksons Court care home in Yeovil celebrates 10 years of providing specialist residential, nursing, dementia and respite care as part of Somerset Care Group.

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:35:00 +0100
73-year-old man dies after falling out of his bed at Yeovil District Hospital
A 73-year-old man suffered a fractured humerus and a haemorrhage and died after falling out of his bed in Yeovil District Hospital.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Baby sensory class becomes focus of Ed Davey's visit to Ilminster
A baby sensory class has become the focus of a political visit in Ilminster, raising concerns about maternity care in the area.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Adam Dance MP: Every child deserves a safe start in life
Ed Davey visits Ilminster with Adam Dance to discuss Yeovil maternity unit closure, NHS plans to reopen, and review of Somerset maternity care.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Met Office forecasts overcast weather for Chard this week
Chard weather forecast: September 17–21 – Overcast midweek with highs up to 19°C, turning sunnier by weekend with cooler nights down to 6°C.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Giant sculpture takes centre stage at Summerhouse Hill in Yeovil
Giant sculpture 'Consequences' by Becca Gill headlines Yeovil parade at Inside Out Dorset festival, celebrating outdoor art, community, and nature in Dorset.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
New 325-home development planned for Crewkerne
Greenslade Taylor Hunt markets 16.61-hectare Crewkerne site for 325 homes, including 114 affordable houses. Outline planning with Somerset Council.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0100
New Chard primary school to be built next to Holyrood Academy
Chard's new primary school will be delivered next to the town's existing secondary school, Somerset Council has confirmed.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 12:05:11 +0100
13-year-old airlifted to hospital after coming off an e-scooter
Police have issued a witness appeal after a collision on the A358 resulted in a 13-year-old boy being airlifted to hospital.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100
'He's one of a kind' - fire service dog up for award
A 'one of a kind' specialist dog based across Somerset and Devon has been shortlisted for an award.

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:54:21 +0100
Girl, 9, left 'traumatised' after being shot at in racist attack
A nine-year-old girl has been left 'traumatised' after being shot with an airgun near Bristol, police have said.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:15:22 +0100
RECAP - Police closed A358 road near Chard town centre
Police have closed a major A-road near Chard town centre. Traffic is being turned away.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Avon and Somerset Police welcomes new neighbourhood team recruits
Twelve new neighbourhood officers join Avon and Somerset Police via Police Now’s National Graduate Programme, boosting diversity and community policing.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Duo from Somerset to trek entire coastline of Great Britain for charity
Somerset duo begin 7,300-mile walk around mainland Britain for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, aiming for Guinness World Record and £10,000 charity goal.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Rare motorcycle to be auctioned at Haynes Motor Museum
Rare 1980 Quasar motorcycle, one of just 21 made, to be auctioned at Charterhouse on 9 October at Haynes Motor Museum. Estimated at £6,000–£7,000.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Chard Hockey Club hold charity tournament held in memory of late member
Chard Hockey Club’s Kevin Mooney Memorial Tournament raises funds for British Heart Foundation as players and supporters unite in tribute to late member.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100
Chard street fayre sees hundreds attend as Carnival edges closer
Hundreds attended Chard Carnival Street Fayre on Holyrood Street, enjoying local performers, food stalls, arts and crafts.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:15:00 +0100
Yeovil care home receives outstanding rating from Care Quality Commission
A care home in Yeovil has recently received an overall outstanding rating after the Care Quality Commission published a new report.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:44:14 +0100
A358 blocked between Taunton and Ilminster following collision
The A358 was blocked between Taunton and Ilminster following a crash on Monday (September 15).

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100
Ilminster pub reopens and reveals new menus and interior
The George Ilminster has officially opened its doors, revealing the new look which seeks to "preserve the character" of the original 450-year-old building.

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:12:03 +0100
More railway staff to wear body cameras after rise in assaults
South Western Railway have confirmed that more staff will be wearing body cameras after an increase in assaults and abuse.

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:23:00 +0100
61 new homes planned near Somerset secondary school
Up to 61 new homes could be built near a Somerset secondary schools if plans are approved.

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0100
What to expect for Ilminster Carnival and Ilminster Children's Carnival 2025
Ilminster Carnival is coming up soon, so here is a list of road closures to be aware of and what to expect as you prepare for the big night.

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:35:00 +0100
Yeovil District Hospital maternity unit to be investigated nationally over 'failures'
Fourteen NHS trusts are to have their maternity services examined over what has been described as "failures in the system", including Yeovil District Hospital.

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:01:29 +0100
It's rodent season - these 6 expert tips will keep rats away from UK homes
It's rodent season and garden experts have shared six tips to help keep rats away including keeping your garden and outbuildings clean.

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:58:56 +0100
'Do not eat': Sainsbury's recalls popular food product due to diarrhoea risk
Anyone who has purchased the recalled food products from Sainsbury's is being urged not to eat them.

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:52:23 +0100
Warning to parents as illegal 'killer' car seats sold online years after recall
Parents are being warned of illegal car seats that are still being sold 10 years after they were first recalled.

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:07:58 +0100
Can I cut back my neighbour's tree if it is blocking natural light?
Whether it is garden fences, hedges, trees or other areas, you may be wondering what the rules are surrounding them. Experts have explained.

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:51:46 +0100
People urged not to open their bathroom window after a shower for one reason
Homeowners have been urged not to open their bathroom window after a shower as it could do more harm than good by causing mould to form

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:42:52 +0100
Experts urge drivers to always drive in the middle lane in this situation: here’s why
Drivers are being urged to travel in the middle lane during heavy rain to lower the risk of serious accidents, but the rest of the time, don't hog it.

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