Chard and Ilminster News

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Hear from your NHS: Helping your skin stay safe in summer
Somerset NHS nurse Hannah Pollock urges sun safety to prevent skin cancer. Learn how to reduce melanoma risk in the UK with expert tips on sun protection.

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Ilminster Arts Centre unveils winners of its 2026 Open Exhibition
Ilminster Arts Centre announces winners of its 2026 Open Exhibition, celebrating South West artists. Exhibition open until 31 July.

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Your Health, Your Choice: Your health is your greatest investment
Worried about the cost of a personal trainer? Pete Richards explains why investing in fitness now can save on future health issues and NHS expenses.

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
New rainbow Pride buses launched to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities in Somerset
Two rainbow-themed Pride buses will travel across Somerset, celebrating LGBTQ+ communities

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0100
Solar eclipse and shooting stars on same night in rare double spectacle this summer
The UK will get a partial solar eclipse followed by shooting stars in super-rare double sky show on August 12 - here's where to see it

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 06:44:32 +0100
Man held in connection to Ann Widdecombe's murder no longer part of investigation
A man arrested in connection with the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, 78, has been released from custody by police.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bill Revans column: Keep young minds active through reading
Somerset Summer Reading Challenge 2026 launches, inspiring children aged 4–11 to read six books over the holidays. Free to join via local libraries.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset launches programme to strengthen accessibility and inclusion
Somerset Council partners with Evenbreak and Spark Somerset to offer free accessibility and inclusion training, supporting disability equality across services.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Small businesses honoured at awards in South Somerset
Somerset small businesses honoured at 2026 Shining Stars Awards by Businesswomen UnLtd, with Anita Greenslade of House of Admin named Shining Star of the Year.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset charity shops launches 'More than a Shop' campaign
St Margaret’s Hospice’s ‘More than a Shop’ campaign highlights how charity shop donations fund vital palliative care, support patients, and aid communities.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:42:00 +0100
Police hunt driver as Somerset A-road crash leaves three people in hospital
Police are searching for a driver after an A370 crash near Long Ashton park and ride left three people in hospital

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Man three and a half times drink-drive limit collides with stationary traffic
Simon Orchard was more than three and a half times the drink-drive limit when he collided with stationary traffic

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:49:00 +0100
26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:05:15 +0100
Ann Widdecombe defends Nigel Farage in final TV interview just hours before her death
Ann Widdecombe defended Nigel Farage’s political strategy in her final interview before her death on Thursday (July 9).

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:54:16 +0100
Tributes pour in after Ann Widdecombe dies in 'horrific' circumstances
Sir Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke lead tributes to the former Conservative Party minister Ann Widdecombe as police launch a murder investigation.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:05:42 +0100
Police launch murder inquiry following death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe
A murder investigation is under way following the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:15:18 +0100
UK's longest serving soap star dies aged 94 as BBC says 'she will be greatly missed'
The UK’s longest-serving soap star, Patricia Greene, has died at the age of 94, BBC Radio 4 confirmed earlier today (Friday, July 10).

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:14:03 +0100
Parents could save hundreds as school uniform rules change across England
From September 2026, schools across England will face new legal limits on the number of compulsory branded uniform items they can require pupils to wear

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0100
Morrisons confirms major roll out of new feature across 500 supermarkets
The scheme will eventually cover Morrisons’ network of approximately 500 supermarkets over the next few months.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:38:15 +0100
Former Conservative MP and broadcaster Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78
Ann Widdecombe, who had a long career as a Conservative MP, has died at the age of 78

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Keir Starmer hints at bank holiday if England win World Cup (Do you agree?)
Sir Keir Starmer has hinted that there could be a bank holiday in England if the national team win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Three-bedroom bungalow with countryside views near Yeovil asks £550,000
Immaculate three-bedroom bungalow for sale in Brookside, West Coker, Yeovil. Countryside views, modern kitchen, double garage. Guide price £550,000.

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Four-bed house near Yeovil with solar panels on market for £525k
Four-bedroom detached house in Brookside, West Coker, Yeovil for sale at £525,000. Features solar panels, EV charging, landscaped garden and double garage.

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
PCC column: A new approach to preventing youth crime in Somerset
Avon and Somerset Police launch Pol Ed in all schools to tackle youth crime, violence, and exploitation with free, PSHE-aligned resources for teachers.

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Yeovil couple to run 10km daily to support friend with terminal cancer
Yeovil couple run 10km daily to fundraise for Dorset mum Kayleigh Ewan, who has terminal cancer and hopes to visit family in Australia.

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Adam Dance: Reflections on the neonatal and maternity investigation
Baroness Amos’ maternity and neonatal investigation highlights concerns at Musgrove Park Hospital, praises Yeovil staff, and calls for urgent NHS action.

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:39:00 +0100
Somerset driver arrested after police chase ends in garden escape bid
A driver was arrested after a police chase across Somerset ended with a failed garden escape attempt

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:10:00 +0100
Coroner rules on death of Somerset sex offender who was wanted by police
The coroner has concluded she cannot determine how a sex offender, who was wanted by the police, came by his death

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:20:05 +0100
'Total Eclipse of the Heart’ singer Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler known for hits Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, has died aged 75

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0100
Ryanair calls for major change to avoid more flight chaos this summer
Around 30,000 Ryanair passengers faced delays of up to three hours on 155 flights

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Oasis 'to return' for 2027 tour with planned shows at Etihad and Knebworth
Reports suggest that Oasis is preparing to announce a 2027 tour, with shows planned in Manchester as well as the iconic Knebworth Park.

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0100
When will the July heatwave end? Met Office reveals how long we've got left
The Met Office has shared when the current July 2026 heatwave is going to end, amid amber heat health alerts being issued for some areas

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Former PC who had sex with vulnerable woman while on duty jailed
James Stillman was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to three charges of Misconduct in Public Office

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Four-bedroom house listed near Ilminster for £640,000
Four-bedroom detached house for sale in Broadway, Ilminster with countryside views, private garden, and spacious interiors. £640,000 via Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset’s young talent to be recognised through Future 30 awards
Somerset Chamber launches Somerset Future 30 awards to honour young professionals under 30 making an impact in business and community. Nominations now open.

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Met Office forecasts sunny skies and hot weather for Chard
Met Office forecasts Chard heatwave: highs of 31°C, sunny weather, high UV and pollen levels, and moderate pollution expected 8–12 July.

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Five-bedroom house near Chard with annexe on the market for £850k
Five-bedroom detached house with annexe, stables and 3.09 acres for sale in Chaffcombe, Chard, for £850,000. Listed by Symonds & Sampson.

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
South Somerset primary school children impress in debating event
Primary schools in South Somerset showcased oracy skills at the first Blackdown Education Partnership debating competition, with Neroche Primary crowned winner.

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Somerset Council sets out affordable rural homes being built and planned
To mark Rural Housing Week, Somerset Council has laid out how many affordable rural homes are being planned and delivered in the county.

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Taxi fares could soon rise across Somerset under new plans
Somerset Council is consulting on proposals to increase the maximum fares that hackney carriage taxis can charge across the county

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:32:00 +0100
Father, 39, 'solely responsible' for murdering four-week old baby in Somerset
Tony Bartlett has been convicted of murdering his four-week-old baby in Somerset despite claiming he was innocent

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:49:40 +0100
150 'potentially lethal' baby products found to be sold widely on UK marketplace
Which? found that baby products on UK platforms like Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop and Wish were "potentially lethal"

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Warning over ‘chilling’ speeds as UK drivers clocked at up to 167mph
Rod Dennis, RAC senior policy officer, said: "Our analysis shows some of the frankly chilling speeds some people are prepared to drive at"

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
What's on in South Somerset this week: July 8-14, 2026
Discover top events in South Somerset this July, including Chard History Group, Horticultural Show, live music in Crewkerne, Ceruleo in Ilminster, and more.

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:01:00 +0100
'Illegal encampment' at Somerset park served eviction notice
An 'illegal encampment' which pitched up at a park in Somerset could soon be evicted after being served legal papers

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:53:51 +0100
Men who fired gun at moving car on Somerset trading estate jailed for 30 years
James McGuinness and Junior Renford were jailed for 30 years after shooting at a car in Yeovil

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:44:32 +0100
Somerset police officer accused of inappropriate 'sexual conduct' towards colleague
PC Chenise Austin is facing a misconduct hearing after allegedly breaching certain standards

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:05:20 +0100
Plans revealed for Aldi to open brand-new store in former Chard factory
Aldi has launched a first look at plans for a brand-new store at the site of a derelict factory in Chard.

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Classic Ford Thunderbird Town Hardtop coupe to go up for auction in Somerset
A classy and rare Ford coupe from the 1960s is set to be put up for auction in Somerset.

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:40:37 +0100
UK drivers urged not to do one thing this week as experts issue warning
Experts also advise against washing cars in direct sunlight at any time of day, recommending shaded areas or partially covered spots.

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