Chard and Ilminster News
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Chard music festival attracts hundreds and raises thousands for charity
ChardRock 2026 music festival raised £4,646 for South West MS Therapy Centre. Over 500 attended to enjoy local bands, tribute acts, food and stalls.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Chard to experience largely sunny week with spells of cloud and rain
Met Office Chard weather forecast: Sunny spells, light showers, highs of 23°C, gusty winds, high UV risk this week.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Somerset NHS orthotics service shortlisted for national honour
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's orthotics team has been shortlisted for a national award for outstanding patient care.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Roman treasure found in Somerset recreated using modern technology
The Ilminster Ring, a Roman gold artefact from 297AD, has been recreated using 3D technology ahead of an event on 20 August.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:38:00 +0100Key A303 stretch in Somerset closed for second day after serious fire - LIVE
The A303 Westbound in Somerset is closed after an earlier collision involving a hay-laden HGV, which caught fire and spread to the verge. The road is likely to remain closed until early this afternoon, according to National Highways.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Ilminster man jailed for assaulting woman and crashing stolen car into police
Daniel Fieldhouse has been jailed for assaulting a woman, stealing her car, driving while disqualified and crashing into a police vehicle
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100New development in historic village between Taunton and Ilminster given go-ahead
Housing development in Hatch Beauchamp has been approved
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100McDonald's customers delighted by 'amazing' menu item relaunched after 2 years
McDonald’s has added an old item to its menus again, two years after it disappeared.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100Ryanair passengers issued warning about checking in or risk paying £55 fine
Ryanair will charge you if you do not check in online before arriving at the airport
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100What's on in South Somerset this week: August 19-25, 2026
Discover top South Somerset events, including live music in Crewkerne, art exhibitions in Ilminster, gigs in South Petherton, and film screenings in Yeovil.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100South West care organisation celebrates 12th anniversary
The Filo Project, a not-for-profit in Somerset and the South West, celebrates 12 years of innovative dementia care with small, home-based day groups.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Yeovil care home wins national award for end-of-life care
Chestnut Lodge in Yeovil wins Gold Standards Framework Quality Hallmark Award for excellence in end-of-life care and reducing hospital admissions.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100How a serial Somerset burglar was brought down by a Bag For Life
Charlie Woodford has been jailed for more than 12 years after police recovered a fingerprint from a Sainsbury’s Bag For Life.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:54:00 +0100Fire service issues update as A303 in Somerset closed due to serious fire
A lorry fire has sparked a major response and the closure of the A303 in Yarcombe
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Martin Clunes to attend annual Chard event in memory of 'much-loved dad'
Guy Warren has been holding an event every year for the last 10 years in memory of a "much-loved dad"
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Nearly 1,000 solar panels to be installed on Numatic factory roof in Chard
Nearly 1,000 solar panels will be installed on the roof of 'Building 34' within the Numatic complex on the Millfield Industrial Estate
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:29:28 +0100UK drivers divided on proposed motorway rule change in place for 59 years
When asked if they believed the UK motorway speed limit would change, a pool of UK drivers was somewhat divided
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100HMRC Child Benefit warning for parents as payments could stop this month
Child Benefit payments could stop for parents who fail to extend claims by August 31. Find out who qualifies and how to act
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100Former UK high street giant operating for 85 years faces 'material uncertainty'
Mothercare, a former hgih street giant that sells baby essentials, could collapse under financial pressures.
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Auction house to hold valuation day in support of Chard animal sanctuary
Lawrences Auctioneers hosts a valuation day at Ferne Animal Sanctuary on 24 Sept. Bring items for appraisal; all proceeds aid the sanctuary after break-in.
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:16:44 +0100All the rules and exemptions as Somerset hosepipe ban announced
A hosepipe ban will be in force across Somerset this week after Wessex Water introduced legal restrictions on non-essential outdoor water use
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:21:00 +0100Person dies after incident at Somerset pub sparks large emergency response
The Bell Inn was temporarily closed after a person died as a result of "a medical incident"
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:52:00 +0100Wessex Water announces first hosepipe ban in Somerset for 50 years
A hosepipe ban is due to come into force for Wessex Water customers across Somerset this week, as hot and dry weather puts pressure on water supplies
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:24:11 +0100Lovely landscapes photographed in Somerset
Members of Somerset Camera Club have been busy taking pictures of beautiful landscapes in Somerset.
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Chard school forced to undergo 'urgent' work during summer holidays
Nearly £35,000 will be spent by Somerset Council on urgent upgrades to improve access for disabled pupils and staff at this key school
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Rural parts of Somerset could miss out on funds from housing developers
Part of Somerset are not currently covered by the community infrastructure levy, making it hard to secure funding for vital local services
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:29:42 +0100Rain and thunderstorms forecast for UK as weather cools after fifth heatwave
The Met Office has predicted fresher, more changeable weather in the coming week.
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100Police sergeant warns why you should never do this one thing on the motorway
A police sergeant has warned about why you should never undertake on the motorway due to its potential dangers
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100HMRC pays back almost £4,000 each to thousands of pension savers after new guidance
HMRC has refunded more than £50m to around 12,500 pension savers. An expert warns people to check emergency tax and pension deductions
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100Six-bedroom barn conversion near town on the market for £975,000
Six-bedroom barn conversion for sale in East Stoke, near Yeovil
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100RNAS Yeovilton helicopter flies over naval college passing out parade
Wildcat helicopter flypast marks Britannia Royal Naval College passing-out parade as 150 junior officers, including Royal Navy and allies, celebrate graduation.
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100New initiative focuses on young people and Somerset’s future
Passion for Somerset CIC partners with Young Somerset to boost youth opportunities, skills, and employment through the Unlocking Somerset Talent initiative.
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:24:39 +0100Somerset crews tackle "significant wildfire"
Firefighters from across Somerset were called to a "significant wildfire" yesterday, August 15, after large plumes of smoke prompted 999 calls.
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Rare piece of high street history to be auctioned in Somerset
A set of illuminated letters once displayed above a beloved Crewkerne shop has spent much of the last 17 years hidden in the attic - until now
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100DWP warning for pensioners and benefits claimants as August payment date changes
The DWP has put out a fresh warning for anyone who receives Universal Credit, State Pensions, Child Benefit, PIP and other benefits
Sun, 16 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100When to see upcoming lunar eclipse in the UK after solar eclipse dazzles skies
The upcoming lunar eclipse will follow the deep partial solar eclipse that happened on Wednesday (August 12).
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100Four-bedroom home in beautiful village on the market for £550k
Four-bedroom semi-detached house in Montacute, Somerset, for sale at £550,000
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Your Health, Your Choice: Meet the man behind the fitness advice
Coach Pete Richards shares how regular exercise, healthy habits and strength training can boost fitness and wellbeing in your 60s and beyond.
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Clinton Rogers: Why the M5 remains a headache for Somerset
Frequent M5 motorway closures in Somerset spark concern, as incidents involving people in crisis rise. National Highways apologises for disruption.
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Somerset MP challenges Andy Burnham on cheaper train fares for over-30s
Adam Dance has called for cheaper train travel for over-30s, warning that local passengers are missing out on discounts available elsewhere
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100Ryanair passengers urged not to bring common toiletry item in their hand luggage
Ryanair passengers are being urged to check what kind of razors they can bring in their hand luggage on flights.
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100Andy Burnham warns all smokers as disposable barbecue ban comes into effect
Andy Burnham issued a warning to all smokers today (August 14) as he imposed a temporary ban on disposable barbecues.
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100How to have your say on road and traffic changes in South Somerset
From road closures to speed limit changes, councils must consult the public before making decisions. Here's how to find out what's planned near you.
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Charities invited to apply for share of £6,700 community fund
Charities and community groups are being invited to apply for a share of £6,700 in funding.
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:09:00 +0100Air ambulance called as woman rushed to hospital after serious Somerset crash
AN air ambulance was called and a woman was hospitalised after being rescued from her vehicle following a serious collision in Somerset
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:31:43 +0100Police appeal to find 58-year-old man missing from Somerset
Avon and Somerset Police have issued a public appeal for information about a missing Crewkerne man, last seen on Tuesday, August 11.
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100Bristol Airport announces four new restaurants as £400m transformation continues
Bristol Airport has announced four new restaurants, including wagamama, Bill's and Cosy Club, as part of its £400m transformation
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:47:03 +0100Somerset man who murdered wife to remain in prison after High Court ruling
Crewkerne man convicted of murdering his estranged wife will remain in prison after the High Court overturned a decision to release him
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:30:58 +0100Strong smell of smoke spreads across parts of Somerset as residents urged to act
Residents across parts of Somerset have reported smelling smoke as fire crews issue advice to keep windows and doors closed
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100Somerset Council to spend £1.5m fixing its own buildings this summer
Nine buildings owned and operated by Somerset Council will share just over £1.5m for urgent repairs to keep them in full working order