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The West Country | Archive | 2007 | January

Stories for 8 January 2007

Albion News

Parkes is set to join Exeter for the rest of the season

BRIDGWATER & Albion prop Dan Parkes will move to Exeter Chiefs for the rest of the season if the clubs can agree on a fee. more...

Chase set for ban after Boxing-Day punch

BRIDGWATER & Albion prop Alec Chase was up before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel in Bristol last night (Monday) - after having been sent off playing in a Boxing-Day inter-village match. more...

Chase set for ban after Boxing-Day punch

BRIDGWATER & Albion prop Alec Chase was up before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel in Bristol on Monday night, after having been sent off playing in a Boxing-Day inter-village match. more...

Albion aim to avenge narrow home defeat

BRIDGWATER & Albion travel to title-chasing Westcombe Park on Saturday bent on avenging their most unfortunate defeat of the season. more...

Albion aim to avenge narrow home defeat

BRIDGWATER & Albion travel to title-chasing Westcombe Park on Saturday bent on avenging their most unfortunate defeat of the season. more...

Albion aim to avenge narrow home defeat

BRIDGWATER & Albion travel to title-chasing Westcombe Park on Saturday bent on avenging their most unfortunate defeat of the season. more...

Albion second string show improved form

Club match (Dec 23): Bridgwater & Albion Development XV 29, North Dorset U-23 12 more...

Colts let big lead slip, but are still too good

Colts: Wellington 24, Bridgwater & Albion 36 more...

Arts

New year exhibition

To get the New Year off to a good start, the Lander Gallery has put together a show for all Nature lovers with paintings of brightly coloured flowers to cheer up the dark winter days. It is also that time of year when we look out for wildlife and try and help birds and small creatures through the winter months. These are depicted by local artists with extraordinary attention to detail and include birds, animals flora and fauna. The exhibition includes two highly prestigious botanical painters Mally Francis and Honor Budden with their skillfully detailed and accurate depictions of spring flowers. Barbara MacMillan, who is based in Golant near Fowey has a bolder approach to the subject of plants and flowers. Her bright oils and acrylics use the colours of exotic flowers such as bird of paradise flowers and other tropical plants as her inspiration. Heather Winney captures to the lively playfulness of leaping hares in her subtle paintings whilst ceramicist Lynn Davey is exhibiting her animal and bird stoneware sculptures with everything from puffins to pigs. more...

Bowls

Ilminster foursome through to national finals

ON Saturday, an Ilminster Bowling Club rink skipped by Paul Denslow, which included Bev Brister, Myra Childs and Angela Watkins, progressed to the national finals of the mixed fours. more...

Area final success for Donyatt

THE first week of the New Year has given a wonderful start to 2007 for Donyatt Bowling Club. more...

Chard Bowling Club's 'Fun Day'

CHARD Bowling Club short mat section resumed the Milford and Dormor Triples League on January 4, with two matches being played. more...

Bridgwater News

Airport reopens

Bristol International Airport's runway has reopened after being resurfaced. more...

Crews release crash couple

POLICE, fire and ambulance crews rushed to Bridgwater's Western Way on Sunday night to help two people trapped in a car. more...

Council tenant bands broadened

AGE restrictions on some Homes in Sedgemoor properties have been lifted to maximise usage of the district's housing stock. more...

Blake Hall to close

THREE years of fighting - and more than �7,000 in legal bills - are over, after the management team behind Bridgwater's Blake Hall were this week finally forced to admit: The club is finished. more...

Three in court over Christmas Day fire

THREE men have been charged with burning and looting a Bridgwater pub on Christmas Day. more...

Printworks demolition begins

WORK began today (Monday) to demolish Bridgwater's former Bigwood and Staple printworks, two months after the building was ravaged by fire. more...

Kilton - alight and alive

KILTON Church may have stood dormant for the best part of 50 years, but it came alive last weekend as parishioners celebrated an evening of thanks for all who brought the ancient building back to life. more...

Kilton Church - very much alight and alive

Mum hails life-saving hospital staff

A FORMER Bridgwater woman who "nearly died" giving birth on Christmas Day has praised the medics who saved the lives of her and her baby. more...

Unitary war of words continues to rage

SOARING council tax bills and public services scrapped - the result of Somerset being granted unitary status, Sedgemoor's top councillor warned this week. more...

RSPB - more research needed for wind farm

THE big wind farm debate rumbled on this week as the RSPB again signalled its opposition to the nine-turbine plan for West Hinkley. more...

Bridgwater Town

Backlog mounts as Town are rained off again

WITH their fixtures' backlog continuting to pile up, Bridgwater Town are hoping to play last weekend's postponed match at Hallen this Saturday. more...

Burnham News

Brean water rescue

A MAN was this week recovering in Weston hospital after being pulled from the sea at Brean in an early hours rescue by Burnham's RNLI and coastguard. more...

Burnham jetty closed

DAMAGE caused by wind and waves to Burnham's jetty have forced Sedgemoor District Council to close the landing stage. more...

Burnham jetty closed

DAMAGE caused by wind and waves to Burnham's jetty have forced Sedgemoor District Council to close the landing stage. more...

False alarm for lifesavers

BURNHAM hovercraft crews were called out to investigate a suspicious object spotted on the shoreline of Stert Island on Sunday (January 7) - only to discover it was a false alarm. more...

Camborne News

Christmas tree confusion

WHEN volunteers in Lanner were taking down the village Christmas tree they thought recycling it was the right thing to do but what they didn't realise was that they might have to pay for it to be taken away. more...

Powercats success

A Cornish boat manufacturer is making major waves at the London Boat Show after securing £45,000 interest-free loan from the South West Investment Group (SWIG). more...

Chard News

Carol singers coin in the cash

MEMBERS of Chard Rotary Club braved freezing weather to sing carols for charity in the run up to Christmas. more...

Fatal crash in Chard

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a fatal road traffic collision which happened in Chard during the early hours of this morning (Monday, January 8). more...

Tributes to Reg Collins

TRIBUTES have been paid to devoted sportsman and active volunteer Reg Collins, who was a stalwart of the South Somerset football scene. more...

Chard Villages News

Petherton group's £500 grant

A GREEN group based in South Petherton has been awarded £500 by the Co-op. more...

Road clear after accident

BOTH lanes of the A358 near Tatworth are now clear after a single vehicle collision. more...

Police Community Contact Vehicle in the area

THE Avon & Somerset Police Community Contact Vehicle will be in the area this week. more...

Road cleared after accident

BOTH lanes of the A358 near Tatworth are now clear after a single vehicle accident. more...

Police Community Contact Vehicle in the area

THE Avon & Somerset Police Community Contact Vehicle will be in the area this week. more...

Police Community Contact Vehicle in the area

THE Avon & Somerset Police Community Contact Vehicle will be in the area this week. more...

Crewkerne News

Police appeal after cars daubed with paint

CREWKERNE police are appealing for help to find vandals who poured paint on seven vehicles in Hitchen, near Merriott, on Saturday. more...

Featured Properties

Period farmhouse

THIS two bedroomed detached period farmhouse is set in a semi rural position close to the village of Rame. The property is in need of some modernisation and currently offers accommodation comprising kitchen, lounge, dining room and lean to sunroom. There are gardens to all sides of the property as well as a garage and range of stores. The property has views over surrounding countryside and is on the market with Bradleys estate agents in Helston at £249,950. more...

Football

United storm into the last eight of the Senior Cup

Somerset Senior Cup, third round: Westland Sports 1, Burnham United 2 more...

Ilminster match cancelled

ILMINSTER Town's match at Timsbury on Saturday in the Premier Division of the Somerset County League was postponed because of the weather. more...

Robins left thwarted by the rain

CHARD Town saw their home game with Bishop Sutton on Saturday in the Premier Division of the Toolstation Western League postponed because of the weather. more...

Ilminster Ladies continue their unbeaten run

Swiss Valley Rangers 0, Ilminster Town Ladies 7 ILMINSTER had a great start to the new year, extending their lead at the top of the table and continuing their unbeaten run in the league. more...

For Your Information

Great gigs to kick off 2007

ONE of the South West's most exciting new bands,Mantlepiece, kick off what promises to be a busy year with a headlining show at Club Aura in Taunton tonight (Thursday). more...

Helston News

CCTV installed at council’s new base

A CCTV camera has been installed at Kerrier district council's new base in Helston in an attempt to stop anti-social behaviour in a blackspot area. more...

Hockey

Chard Men's 2nd XI win friendly

Bridport 2nd XI 1, Chard Men's 2nd XI 2 THIS was a chance to work off the Christmas excesses before the Gerrard League season resumes this weekend and Chard left it late before securing the win with a Dave Penney strike. more...

Chard Ladies in fine victory

Chard Ladies XI 4, Mid Somerset 2 PLAYING in their first friendly of 2007, Chard were hoping to carry on their good form. This didn't go as expected and were two goals down in the first ten minutes. This seemed to be a wake up call as Chard began to find some good basic passing and eventually got on the scoreboard themselves after fine play from Rose Mitchell and Becky Ford saw Sarah McDermott sweep the ball into the goal. Good defending by Lisa Cox and Zoe Harris kept Mid Somerset out of the 'D' and keeper Hannah McGown made some fine saves to keep Chard only a goal down at half time. more...

Ilminster News

Abbey trustee Peter Speke stands down

AN Ilminster man has retired as a Glastonbury Abbey trustee after 18 years. more...

Post offices wait to discover their fate

POST offices in the Chard and Ilminster area are yet to discover their fate despite learning that 2,500 branches will close nationwide. more...

Parking fear over new homes plan

FRESH plans for a housing development on the site of Ilminster's Lord Nelson pub have raised renewed fears of a parking shortfall. more...

Parking fear over new homes plan

FRESH plans for a housing development on the site of Ilminster's Lord Nelson pub have raised renewed fears of a parking shortfall. more...

Latest News

Hotel back in business

Staff at The Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth have been praised for the way they handled an outbreak of what was understood to be the Norwalk virus over the Christmas period. more...

Russian billionaire is new owner of Nansidwell Manor

A RUSSIAN gold billionaire is said to be the new lord of Nansidwell Manor in Mawnan Smith after buying it late last year for a reported �3 million. more...

Gallery launches new initiative

Falmouth Art Gallery has launched a new initiative using the art gallery's automata and papier mch collection to deliver objectives of the National Curriculum in a creative and inspiring way. more...

Gallery launches new initiative

Falmouth Art Gallery has launched a new initiative using the art gallery's automata and papier mch collection to deliver objectives of the National Curriculum in a creative and inspiring way. more...

Appeal for old maritime photographs

The National Maritime Museum is asking the people of Falmouth, Penryn and the Fal estuary if they'd like to contribute to a new temporary exhibition. The museum is calling on people to lend pictures of the maritime history of Falmouth and the river Fal for the Your Falmouth exhibition. more...

Accidental death verdict at helicopter crash inquest

A VERDICT of accidental death has been recorded at the inquest into the death of seven men from RNAS Culdrose who died in a mid-air crash between two helicopters at the start of the Iraq war in 2003. more...

Accidental death verdicts

The crash between two helicopters at the start of the Iraq war was an accident. more...

New Rugby Club approved

Plans for a new home for Falmouth Rugby Club has moved a step nearer with the issuing of planning permission by Kerrier council. more...

Latest News From Taunton Town Afc

Harris eyes Premier Division

TAUNTON Town's long-serving chairman Tom Harris believes promotion to the Premier Division of the British Gas Business Southern League would provide a much-needed boost to the club's coffers. more...

Listings

The Queen to be screened in Crowcombe

SOMERSET Moviola in association with The Crowcombe Hall Committee will be presenting film The Queen' by Stephen Frears. more...

Jazz duo come to a hall near you

VIRTUOSO violinist Chris Garrick and leading British jazz guitarist John Etheridge, will be armed with both acoustic and electric musical instruments to entertain audiences with their interpretations of jazz, folk, world and rock music, from composers from Duke Ellington to Paul McCartney. more...

Short story inspiration

A PRODUCTION based on tales from Tennessee William's short stories is coming to Minehead on Friday, January 19. more...

Climate change at The Warehouse

A POWERFUL film about the growing threat of global warming will be screened at Ilminster's Warehouse Theatre twice this month. more...

Climate change at The Warehouse

A POWERFUL film about the growing threat of global warming will be screened at Ilminster's Warehouse Theatre twice in coming weeks. more...

Minehead News

Tea merchant gets conservation award

PORLOCK-based tea and coffee merchant D J Miles has won a major industry award for promoting conservation work at a West Country zoo. more...

Railway steams to 200,000 passengers

WEST Somerset Railway has carried its 200,000th passenger in 2006. more...

Village museum set for facelift

PORLOCK'S Dovery Manor Museum looks set for a major facelift, thanks to a £200,000 windfall. more...

Village museum set for facelift

PORLOCK'S Dovery Manor Museum looks set for a major facelift, thanks to a £200,000 Lottery windfall. more...

Branch line vision comes closer

A VISION of recreating a replica Great Western Railway branch line complete with authentic rolling stock, has come a step closer. more...

Danesfield runners in top slots

CROSS country runners from Danesfield Middle School, Williton have again acquitted themselves, taking top slots in races that included clubs from South and Mid Wales, Wiltshire, Avon and Bristol. more...

Railway snappers compete for prizes

RAILWAY snappers will be competing for prizes in the West Somerset RailwayAssociation's annual photographic competition tonight, Monday. more...

Railway snappers compete for prizes

RAILWAY snappers will be competing for prizes in the West Somerset RailwayAssociation's annual photographic competition tonight, Monday. more...

School rewarded for basic skills

READING, writing and arithmetic attainments at Danesfield middle School, Williton have been recognised with a national quality mark for the second time. more...

School rewarded for basic skills

READING, writing and arithmetic attainments at Danesfield Middle School, Williton have been recognised with a national quality mark for the second time. more...

Beanz meanz money for charity

BUSINESS students at West Somerset Community College hit on wacky ways to raise nearly £1,000 from sponsors to help men suffering from prostate cancer. more...

Beanz meanz money for charity

BUSINESS students at West Somerset Community College hit on wacky ways to raise nearly £1,000 from sponsors to help men suffering from prostate cancer. more...

Music

Tribute to REM

REM tribute band Stipe are playing at the Quicksilver Mail, Hendford Hill in Yeovil on Sunday, February 4. more...

Fundraising gig with Tim Laycock

A VALENTINES weekend special charity fundraising concert featuring folk musician Tim Laycock has been organised for February 16. more...

Tribute acts lined up for Wellsprings this season

THE new spring events programme has been released for Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton, with some real rocking treats in store. more...

Explore the Viola

PEOPLE in Minehead are being given the chance to explore music written for the Viola at an event being held at West Somerset Community College on Friday, January 19. more...

Rare performance in Medieval style

A RARE performance on Thomas Tallis' Spem In Alium' is being given at Wells Cathedral on Saturday, January 20. more...

Bridgwater rocks with The Drifters

TIMELESS tunes reverberated around Bridgwater Town Hall on Saturday night when the fantastic four members of The Difters performed their collection of classics. more...

News

Brillaint Yeovil impress on TV

YEOVIL Town moved to fifth in the Coca-Cola League One on Friday night when they beat Huddersfield Town 3-1 at Huish Park - in front of the live Sky Sports TV cameras. more...

Other Clubs

Mistakes are costly for Petherton

Somerset One: Winscombe 22, North Petherton 12 more...

Rugby fixtures on Saturday, January 13

SATURDAY'S fixtures: National Division Two South - Westcombe Park v Bridgwater & Albion. more...

Only Redgate beat the weather, and they lose

REDGATE were the only local side to beat the weather in the Silver Street VW Taunton & District Saturday League on the worst wash-out weekend of the season. more...

It could be the end for goal ace Abrams

AFTER an astonishing total of 2,418 goals in 27 years, local football may have seen the last as a player of ace Bridgwater striker Bob Abrams. more...

Uxella Bridgwater & District Sunday League

JUST four games were possible in the Uxella Bridgwater & District Sunday League, only one in the first division. more...

Youth football round-up

North Petherton Town U-14 1, Heathfield 7 more...

Other Devon News

New affordable homes system to be launched

A NEW system of allocating affordable homes for rent is being introduced in Mid Devon in February. more...

New Year party with a difference

A NEW Year's Ceilidh held at Hemyock village hall was a roaring success with almost 150 people of all ages turning up. more...

Help for rural businesses

A SCHEME to help business people gain qualifications through e-learning has been launched across much of rural Devon. more...

Busy time for webcasting

DEVON County Council will broadcast two meetings simultaneously live on the web tomorrow (Tuesday) for the first time. more...

Online think-tank for county's budget

DEVON people are being invited to take part in the county's biggest online "think-tank" as part of the build-up to the county's budget day on February 15. more...

Other News

Rains wrecks weekend football

THE area's football programme was almost completely wiped out by the wet weather at the weekend. more...

Other Sports

Pengilly moves up to fifth in World Cup rankings

TAUNTON Olympian Adam Pengilly continued his consistent season by securing another top-ten finish in the latest round of the bob skeleton World Cup Series. more...

Pengilly up to fifth in World Cup rankings

TAUNTON Olympian Adam Pengilly continued his consistent season by securing another top-ten finish in the latest round of the bob skeleton World Cup Series. more...

Taunton Bowling Club

Taunton men pulled off a good win over Puriton (79-70) in the Somerset County League (Division 2). more...

Wet winter tightens its grip on local matches

LOCAL sport suffered its worst wash-out yet of a wet winter last weekend. more...

Two-leagues-higher team prove too strong for Bridgwater Hockey Club 1st XI

Weston 1st XI 5, Bridgwater 1st XI 2 more...

Last-hand 87 wins it for Vaults in Puriton skittles

SOMERSET Vaults had an exciting home victory over Pirates last Thursday night in Division One of the Puriton & District Skittles League. more...

Malts take over in Division Five of Town & District skittles

MALT Shovel went top of Division Five in the Bridgwater Town & District Skittles League after a 35-pin victory away to London Inn on Wednesday night. more...

Round-up of local golf

FIFTEEN-year-old Ellis Cook had the lowest gross score of 73 in the Monthly Medal at Burnham & Berrow on December 30. more...

Around the local darts leagues

BRIDGWATER & District Men's Darts League opened up the second half of the season with the seven-a-side team knockout second round. League leaders Squib carried on their winning run, beating Malt Shovel 6-1 to make the semi finals. more...

News from the ladies' skittles leagues

GLOBE Inn, North Petherton, remained top of Division One at the end of 2006 in the Bridgwater & District Ladies' Skittles League. Although they lost away to Lime Kiln on December 12, they beat Thatchers Arms at home the following week. more...

News from the ladies' skittles leagues

Bird in Hand B take over at the top

HAVING suffered only one defeat in their last 12 matches, Bird in Hand B are the new leaders of the Bridgwater Town Skittles League D Division. more...

Highbridge & District Skittles League

FIRST-division one leaders Steamers suffered a 59-pin defeat by Misfits at the Lighthouse in the Highbridge & District Skittles League's last matches before Christmas. more...

Brent Knoll Mixed Skittles League

BRENT Knoll & District Mixed Skittles League results on Dec 18: Premier Div - Snoggers 407 (Rob Bray 60), Crown Jewels 411; Ourside 491 (Tony Porter 74, Mike Blandford 67, Joanne Brown 66, Briony Dodgson 62, Jenny Blandford 60), Mike's Mixers 481 (Elaine Groves 67, Angie Martin 65, Chris Turner/Steve Harris 62, Gemma Clarke/Sharon Davey 60); Four by Twos 427, Incumberance 404 (John Bawdon 62); Burton Row Celtic 442 (Gavin Waite 70, Pete Waite 63), Hillbillies 448 (Angela Bastable 61, Grace Wilkins 60); Outlaws 416 (Paul Boobyer 63), Berrow 8 437 (Paul Cooke 62); Motivators 450 (Chris Foster 65, Derek Mullins 60), Squirrels 434 (Brenda Roper 61). more...

Town Skittles League pairs draw

DRAW for the preliminary round of the Bridgwater Town Skittles League's annual pairs competition this Friday: At Blake Arms - Shaun Meare/Jamie Case (Bl Hrse B); Steve Hale/Tony Ainsworth (Br Leg B); Kevin Arden/Richard Humphrey (Bunch B); Neil Fear/Steve Cave (Comm B); Geoff Sawyer/Richard Higgs (Crown B); Bob Chedzey/Mike Wardle (New For); Steve Ford/Daryl Luke (O Markt A); Dean Adams/Roger Male (Vol A). Top four to Cross Rifles. Cobblestones - Matt/Ryan Cresswell (Blake A); Darren Kitch/Reg George (Flag A); Steve Redman/Kevin Budd (Lime B); Nick James/Martin Tully (Malt B); Lee Woods/Chris Rossiter (Pig A); Mark/Richard Duddridge (Syd A); Snowy Watts/Mark Holway (W India B); Rob Gowan/ Richard Henderson (Withy B). Top four to BSS Club. more...

Lions B and Cobblestones A in Town League final

LIONS Club B, of D Division and top-section side Cobblestones A will meet in the final of the Bridgwater Town Skittles League's Slade Supplies Knockout Cup on Friday, February 16. more...

Others

Axminster Sea Angling do Abbotsbury

THE Axminster Sea Angling Club's January match took place at Abbotsbury, when 11 anglers braved the blustery weather and fished between 6pm and 11pm. more...

The 1st Chard Wheelers need YOU!

THE 1st Chard Wheelers cycling club's annual dinner and prize giving is being held at the Windwhistle Inn, Chard, on January 19 at 7.30pm, with most members attending. more...

Rugby

Burnham fade after first-half brilliance

Somerset One: Crewkerne 17, Burnham 38 more...

Chard 2nd XV lose out to North Dorset

Dorset & Wilts League 2 South North Dorset 34pts, Chard 2nd XV 0pts CHARD took a strong side to North Dorset with high hopes of pulling off a good win but with the home side's 1st XV fixture being cancelled, Chard faced a useful outfit. It was a very good game but despite their efforts, the Chard side were outdone by the greater quality in the home side. more...

Chard win again

CHARD maintained their pursuit of the Somerset Premier title on Saturday with a 21pts-5 victory at home over Gordano. more...

Chard 1st XV get tenth consecutive win

Somerset Premier League Chard 1st XV 21pts, Gordano 5pts THIS was Chard's tenth consecutive victory in all competitions and moved them up to third place in the Premier Division. The game only went ahead because the club were able to transfer the game to their Crewkerne Road ground after the heavy morning rain had made the main pitch unplayable. more...

Sailing News

Powercats on success

A Cornish boat manufacturer is making major waves at the London Boat Show after securing £45,000 interest-free loan from the South West Investment Group (SWIG). more...

Sg Post Bag

Last minute rush

SO, yet again the retailers seem to have had a good Christmas. Despite dire warnings of doom and gloom before Christmas, the last minute rush turned into a gold rush for anyone with a shop, or, and this is important, a virtual shop. Any old way, the canny retailers, yet again managed to get the Great British Public GBP to part with their cash. more...

"Knight of the road"

MAY I, through your pages, thank the gentleman who came to my wife's assistance last Friday evening. more...

Pensioners today

Mr Rowsell-Dobson really should speak to a few more pensioners before he condemns the Labour Government. I had the pleasure of meeting one in Taunton the other day who gave a very different version of what its like to be a pensioner these days and compared it very favourably to the bad old days we suffered under the last Tory Government. more...

Skittles

Perry Street Gents League results (wk/e January 5)

Perry Street Gents Skittles League: Ted's Tornados 322-1 (T. Massey 60), Hustlers 361-15 (R. Daniels/A. Parfimowicz 65). Bandits 339-13 (R. Fowler 61), Skylarks 328-3 (G. Hobbs 66). Jibbers 349-14 (D. Browning 72), Avengers 332-2 (P. Foxley 62). Farmers 305-1 (S. Pope 62), Misfits 346-15 (A. Cleal 61). Mathematicians 351-13 (M. Day 71), Young Guns 342-3 (I. Hare 64). Flintstones 311-14 (M. Bandy 68), Card Sharks 287-2 (N. White 55). more...

Chard Country Houses League results (to wk/e January 3)

Chard Country Houses League Knockout Cup Round 2: Bellzown 333 (C. Gollop 51), Normans Nomads 334 (D. Sparkes/K. Down/J. Vincent 46); Brewers 356 (D. Carslake 52), Bass Boys 341 (D. Redman 54); Eagle Tavern 371 (P. Every 58), Countrymen 362 (R. Every 50); Boys 374 (T. Payne 57), Missionaries 322 (S. Guest 45). more...

Ilminster Country Houses League (results at January 2)

Ilminster Country Houses League Division 1: Roosters 441-10 (K. Pocock 68), Drifters 378-2 (F. Langdon 59); Smashers 360-10 (R. Bird/L. Frost 48), Swillers 337-2 (K. Crouch 56); Helmets 454-10 (D. Miller 74), Bell Builders 419-2 (P. Oliver 58). more...

Ilminster & District League (results at January 5)

Ilminster & District League Nomination Cup Group 1: Cricketers 266-1 (A. Clydesdale 51, T. Lloyd 19), Bell A 295-11 (W. Welch 49, P. Speed 29); RAFA 144-1 (N. Giles 33, A. Barrett 9), Belldingers 217-11 (S. Grinter 38, B. Parsons 17). more...

Ilminster & District Ladies League (results at January 5)

Ilminster & District Ladies League Division 1: Wyndham Wobblers 225 (M. Cleaver/I. Taylor 43), Bell A B'way 241 (G. Wensley/D. Busby 44); Duke of York B 213 (L. Hodge 44), Barrington Oak 211 (L. Stenner 46); The Acorns 288 (J. Yelland 52), Duke of York A 248 (G. Goddard 53). more...

Taunton News

Trull Bring and Buy for SCBU

THE third Trull Bring and Buy sale held on Saturday raised money for the Special Care Baby Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital and the village hall funds. more...

Homes evacuated after pipe burst

ELDERLY residents in Langport had to be evacuated from their homes in the early hours of this morning after a water main burst. more...

Youngsters to entertain friends

A GROUP of pupils from St Andrew's Primary School, Taunton, will provide the entertainment at the annual meeting of the Rowbarton Friendship Association at St Andrew's Men's Club at 2.30pm on Thursday. more...

Airport gets back to normal after airline boycott

FLIGHTS were due to get back to normal at Bristol Airport at 10am today (Monday) after staff worked through the night to resolve safety fears with its runway. more...

Airport boycott ended

FLIGHTS were due to get back to normal at Bristol Airport at 10am today (Monday) after staff worked through the night to resolve safety fears with its runway. more...

New postal watchdog chief appointed

CHRISTINA Baron has been appointed regional chairman in the South-West for Postwatch, the postal watchdog. more...

Latest roadworks in Taunton area

WORK due to start today (Monday) on a new cycleway along Corkscrew Lane and Gypsy Lane, in Staplegrove is estimated to last six weeks until February 16. more...

Toddlers and Codgers get cash for dining out

THE Toddlers and Codgers group in Ilton - which arranges social activities for all age groups in the parish - has won a £640 grant for crockery and cutlery from the Somerset County Councilrun Community Chest Fund. more...

Award presented in reporter's memory

A VERY special award was presented at the County Gazette offices in Taunton last week, in memory of popular young reporter Leanne Gibbons who passed away in 2005. more...

mumming to banish evil spirits

THE Langport Mummers are helping celebrate the ancient tradition of Wassailing this month by taking part in a Wassail evening to help banish evil spirits and ensure a bumper apple harvest. more...

mumming to banish evil spirits

THE Langport Mummers are helping celebrate the ancient tradition of Wassailing this month by taking part in a Wassail evening to help banish evil spirits and ensure a bumper apple harvest. more...

Mumming to banish evil spirits

THE Langport Mummers are helping celebrate the ancient tradition of Wassailing this month by taking part in a Wassail evening to help banish evil spirits and ensure a bumper apple harvest. more...

Mumming to banish evil spirits

THE Langport Mummers are helping celebrate the ancient tradition of Wassailing this month by taking part in a Wassail evening to help banish evil spirits and ensure a bumper apple harvest. more...

Doctors to send patients to library for blues cure

SOMERSET doctors could prescribe patients suffering the January blues...a visit to the library. more...

New leader for the Tribe Club

THE Tribe Youth Club, which runs from Selworthy School in Taunton, was treated to a trip to see a pantomime thanks to Happy Days Children's Charity. more...

Support woman on charity trip to India

A WOMAN from Kingston St Mary is getting ready to take part in a sponsored bike ride in India. more...

Support woman on charity trip to India

A WOMAN from Kingston St Mary is getting ready to take part in a sponsored bike ride in India. more...

Lads go 'the full monty' for charity

FIVE Taunton lads are preparing to bare all in the name of charity. more...

Find out about Somerset's flood defences

MEMBERS of the public can find out more about flood defences in Somerset and other areas of the South-West at the Environment Agency's Wessex Regional Flood Defence Committee meeting at Taunton Rugby Football Club at 10.30am on Friday, January 19. more...

Disabled riding centre in financial crisis

A RIDING centre for the disabled, funded mainly by donations, is in financial crisis after six horses were hit with a contagious disease. more...

Concern voiced over plans to give convicts the right to vote

CONVICTED prisoners could soon be given the chance to vote in local and national elections, under new plans being considered by the Government. more...

Deane council backs skin damage campaign

A NATIONAL campaign to raise awareness of skin damage or dermatitis in the hair and beauty industry has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), supported by Taunton Deane Council. more...

Campaign to save post offices

MARK Formosa, Conservative spokesman for Taunton, has launched proposals to rescue local post offices from closure. more...

Curry Rivel pub keeps tradition alive

AN age-old tradition is being kept alive by a Curry Rivel pub - one of only three in the country to do so. more...

News from the magistrates' courts

RECENT cases dealt with by Taunton Deane Magistrates' Courts include: Mark Jon Turner, 35, of Moorland Road, Taunton, assaulted a police constable in the execution of her duty, one year conditional discharge, £50 compensation, £20 costs; assaulted a police constable in the execution of his duty, one year conditional discharge, £50 compensation. (G). more...

Top tennis courts opening in Taunton

THE new state-of-the-art fabric-framed tennis courts will be officially opened at Taunton Tennis Club at the Blackbrook Pavilion on Friday. more...

Top tennis courts open in Taunton

THE new state-of-the-art fabric-framed tennis courts will be officially opened at Taunton Tennis Club at the Blackbrook Pavilion on Friday. more...

Concerned about climate change?

A MAJOR consultation is being launched to find out what residents across Somerset think about climate change. more...

Farmer celebrates egg award

A FARMER from Buckland St Mary is celebrating his decision to move into egg production, after winning an award for his first flock of free-range layers. more...

Theatre

Rivertones give well received concert

THE Taunton based Rivertones Chorus gave a concert at Beaufort House Retirement House in Burham-On-Sea at the end of December. more...

Art adventure comes to The Brewhouse

LAST Saturday, 30 people embarked on their very first experience as part of the new Great Somerset Arts Adventure. more...

Art adventure comes to The Brewhouse

LAST Saturday, 30 people embarked on their very first experience as part of the new Great Somerset Arts Adventure. more...

Truro News

More money for lobster research

A study being carried out at the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow has been so successful it has secured investment from the Cornwall Research Fund for a second project. more...

Fire destroys school classroom

POLICE are hunting for arsonists who completely destroyed a classroom at Penair School in Truro just days before the new school term started. more...

Village News From Around Minehead

RSPB Notes

CONSIDERING the diminutive size of my garden and the fact that it is situated amid other houses, I was delighted the other day when I looked from the kitchen window and spotted three blackcaps in the hedge. more...

Village News From Around Taunton

RSPB Notes

Taunton Deane Ramblers

Heavy showers and the remains of a serious gale from the previous night reduced numbers to eight hardy Taunton Deane Members on Basil's 5 mile walk which started from Kennisham Hill. Heading towards Luxborough the group reached a normally pretty stream, now in daunting flood, which was negotiated without mishap. The mud, anything but glorious, was a bigger preoccupation. Past an impressive Chargot House, then back onto a muddy track to commence the climbing part of the walk where they were met by high, high winds. The lowering clouds gave way to a butter-wouldn't-melt-in-its-mouth smiling blue sky including a superb rainbow reaching down to the valley far below. All agreed that the panoramic views were something special and a break was taken despite the wind. As the sun began to disappear on the descent back to the cars the showers returned. more...

Burrowbridge WI

Burrowbridge WI: Just before Christmas our Vice President, Mrs Joyce Meade, welcomed members and friends who enjoyed a Christmas Meal at The Langport Arms. A lovely time was had by all. more...

The work of a Parliamentary secretary

Royal Over-Seas League Taunton Branch The Secretary The Corner House 63 Lee Park West Buckland Wellington TA21 9PX Tel: 01823 661148 Email: sar@aldith.org The Editor Communigate/Town News Somerset Country Gazette St. James Street TAUNTON TA1 1JR The Work of a Parliamentary Secretary The third lunch of the Taunton Branch of the Royal Over-Seas League Winter Season featured a talk by Mrs Isabel Ward, who worked as a Parliamentary Secretary for four MPs over a 20-year period. more...

The work of a Parliamentary secretary

New Year Ceilidh at Hemyock

Nearly 150 people of all ages attended a New Years Ceilidh organised by Hemyock Baptist Church at a packed Village hall on Friday evening (January 5). A Ceilidh is a Gaelic evening of entertainment. Local band Lucy Lastic led the country dancing, whilst members of the Church performed music, drama, poetry and monologues. Mine Host was David Berkley. Ten year old Anne Morgan led the programme with a display of Irish Dancing and at the other end of the age spectrum 88 year old Bert Martin enrapt the audience with his humorous singing and poetry. The event was a departure from the normal Christmas dinner which has been held over several years and was considered by everyone to be a massive success. Pastor Steven Reed said "I am always amazed by the tremendous talent which is to be found amongst our Church people. It was a great evening and one which will be talked about for some time to come." more...

Walnut Tree Club

THE Walnut Tree Club held its annual Christmas lunch on December 7. A glass of complimentary sherry kindly donated by the Trident Social Club was followed by a superb lunch of cold meats, salads, Christmas pud and trifle. Thanks go to the catering staff. There was a generous array of presents on the stage donated by members and these were distributed by Margaret Larkworthy and her runners. The afternoon was a great success and thanks go to Lillian Davies and her committee. The event was rounded off with a sing-song accompanied on the piano by guests of honour Mr and Mrs Thornton. more...

Annual meeting and quiz night

THE North Curry Twinning Association is holding is annual Quiz Night on Saturday, February 10. more...

Twinning visit planned

NORTH Curry's twinning group from Vexin in France will be visiting in May. more...

Bridge Club

WITH the Christmas break over, the bridge scene is back in full swing. Taunton Bridge Club meets twice a week for duplicate bridge. This is at the Catholic Centre in The Mount on Wednesday and Friday evenings. more...

Christian comment

It seems the world is getting smaller. News from around the globe is available at the press of a button; images from far off places fill our television screens; in our towns and villages, we are likely to see people whose families came to the UK from over the seas. We are aware now, more than ever, of the diversity among human beings and human cultures. more...

Christian Comment

SAB Volunteers' Christmas lunch

FOLLOWING the SAB Volunteers' Christmas lunch during December the draw was made for a super doll's house. more...

Celebration for Reg

ON Saturday, January 6, Reg Colman of All Saints Church, Trull and Church of The Holy Cross, Hillfarrance celebrated his 75th birthday and more than 60 years of bell ringing with fellow ringers at the churches of SS Peter and Paul, Combe Florey and St Lawrence the Martyr, Lydeard St Lawrence. more...

Village News From Around Wellington

RSPB Notes

Wellington Football News

Cautious Evans pleased with progress

WELLINGTON manager Kevin Evans is remaining cautious despite a run of ten games unbeaten which has seen the side move into the top six in Division One in the Toolstation Western League. more...

Wellington News

New Year party with a difference

A NEW Year's Ceilidh held at Hemyock village hall was a roaring success with almost 150 people of all ages turning up. more...

New Year party with a difference

A NEW Year's Ceilidh held at Hemyock village hall was a roaring success with almost 150 people of all ages turning up. more...

West Buckland explorer on course for record

WEST Buckland marine explorer Dom Mee is currently on track to beat the Atlantic rowing record east to west. more...

Sign up for Wellington's first ever 10K run

THE first ever Wellington 10K road race is to take place this summer. more...

Sign up for Wellington's first ever 10K run

THE first ever Wellington 10K road race is to take place this summer. more...

Sign up for Wellington's first ever 10K run

THE first ever Wellington 10K road race is to take place this summer. more...

Sign up for Wellington's first ever 10K run

THE first ever Wellington 10K road race is to take place this summer. more...

Wiveliscombe Rfc

Wiveliscombe rugby

Wiveliscombe 38pts Martock 0pts WIVELISCOMBE had to work hard to secure their ninth win in a row in the Somerset One League match at Martock. more...

Yeovil News

Handbag snatch from car park

POLICE in Yeovil are seeking witnesses to a handbag snatch from a town centre car park. more...

Sat nav system stolen

POLICE in Yeovil are appealing for witnesses after a car was broken into and a sat nav system stolen. more...

Ancient tradition coming to Montacute

FOLK South West and the National Trusts Montacute House will be hosting the ancient West Country custom of Wassailing the village orchard to encourage the coming season's apple harvest on Sunday (Jan 14) at 6pm. more...

Calling all veterans

SOMERTON MP David Heath wants to bring to the attention of all those who served in the UK Armed Forces before December 31, 1969, as they might be entitled to a Veteran's Badge.' The following can also qualify: Merchant Navy seamen, Home Guard, Polish Forces under UK command, members of the Cyprus Regiment during the Second World War, veterans of the Suez Canal Zone between 1951-54, as well as war widows or widowers who receive a war widows or widowers pensions. more...

Turning around benefit applications

SOUTH Somerset District Council is aiming to beat the post Christmas blues by having its best benefit application turnaround in four years. more...

Beware of the clothing con

THE New Year means resolutions and where better to start than by getting rid of your 2006 fashion mistakes and unwanted Christmas presents for charity? more...

Laws offers advice!

YEOVIL MP David Laws is to hold an advice centre in the town on Friday (Jan 12) to enable local people to speak to him personally about their problems. more...

Fans of France!

FANS of France took a break from the sales last week to meet for a coffee morning at Mulberry's Bistro in Yeovil and to exercise their French skills. more...

Help at hand for January Blues

PEOPLE experiencing the January Blues' now have more choice of treatment when they visit their GP - thanks to a new partnership between Somerset County Council and Somerset Primary Care Trust. more...

Woman loses teeth in disturbance

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward following an altercation at a club in Yeovil. more...

Vandals strike in villages

POLICE are appealing for information following two criminal damage incidents. more...

Homes flooded

A BURST water main flooded the homes of several elderly residents in Langport early this morning (Monday). more...

Youth Football

Avishayes U-14 maintain 100% record

Langport 1, Avishayes Combe U-14 5 ON a heavy pitch Avishayes were kicking with the wind in the first half and took the lead after six minutes through Bobby Hollis. A rare slip-up let Langport in before leading scorer Adam Cole, whose pace troubled the home defence throughout, then grabbed a first half hat-trick to make the game safe. more...

Ilminster U-10 have a close match

Sherborne Rebels 4, Ilminster Town U-10 3 IF Ilminster could have won this game it would have given them a good chance of winning the division, but Ilminster knew this was going to be tough game against second place Sherborne. more...

Avishayes U-12 'burn' Ash

Avishayes Combe U-12 4, Ash Rovers 2 AVISHAYES started brightly, passing the ball around and working hard before Kyran Bailey got the goal the home side deserved. The lead was doubled when Jason Contreras netted from close range. Having looked like they had settled, the home side started to look shaky in defence and lost early composure on the ball. It was no surprise when Ash pulled a goal back but Nathan Finn fired home just on half time for 3-1. more...

Gillman in hat-trick haul

Ilminster U-11s 6, Merriott 3 IN very muddy conditions Ilminster took the lead in the fourth minute when Luke Woodland headed home from Ben Cable's corner. Ten minutes later, Merriott equalised. more...

Results and round-up from Merriott Youth

Lyde Lynx 2, Merriott Tigers U-9 0 THIS was going to be a hard game featuring the top two teams in Division 3. more...

Bridgwater Mercury News

Runway traffic halted at Bristol Airport

BUDGET airline easyJet has cancelled or diverted all flights to and from Bristol International Airport since Friday morning (January 5) in the wake of a Bridgwater couple speaking of their nightmare landing last week. more...

Mum hails life-saving hospital staff

A FORMER Bridgwater woman who "nearly died" giving birth on Christmas Day has praised the medics who saved the lives of her and her baby. more...

Crews release crash couple

POLICE, fire and ambulance crews rushed to Bridgwater's Western Way on Sunday night to help two people trapped in a car. more...

Parkes is set to join Exeter for the rest of the season

BRIDGWATER & Albion prop Dan Parkes will move to Exeter Chiefs for the rest of the season if the clubs can agree on a fee. more...

Chase set for ban after Boxing-Day punch

BRIDGWATER & Albion prop Alec Chase was up before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel in Bristol on Monday night, after having been sent off playing in a Boxing-Day inter-village match. more...

Albion aim to avenge narrow home defeat

BRIDGWATER & Albion travel to title-chasing Westcombe Park on Saturday bent on avenging their most unfortunate defeat of the season. more...

Albion second string show improved form

Club match (Dec 23): Bridgwater & Albion Development XV 29, North Dorset U-23 12 more...

Colts let big lead slip, but are still too good

Colts: Wellington 24, Bridgwater & Albion 36 more...

Printworks demolition begins

WORK began today (Monday) to demolish Bridgwater's former Bigwood and Staple printworks, two months after the building was ravaged by fire. more...

Unitary war of words continues to rage

SOARING council tax bills and public services scrapped - the result of Somerset being granted unitary status, Sedgemoor's top councillor warned this week. more...

Kilton Church - very much alight and alive

RSPB - more research needed for wind farm

THE big wind farm debate rumbled on this week as the RSPB again signalled its opposition to the nine-turbine plan for West Hinkley. more...

Council tenant bands broadened

AGE restrictions on some Homes in Sedgemoor properties have been lifted to maximise usage of the district's housing stock. more...

Blake Hall to close

THREE years of fighting - and more than £7,000 in legal bills - are over, after the management team behind Bridgwater's Blake Hall were this week finally forced to admit: The club is finished. more...

Three in court over Christmas Day fire

THREE men have been charged with burning and looting a Bridgwater pub on Christmas Day. more...

Bridgwater Mercury Sport

Wet winter tightens its grip on local matches

LOCAL sport suffered its worst wash-out yet of a wet winter last weekend. more...

Two-leagues-higher team prove too strong for Bridgwater Hockey Club 1st XI

Weston 1st XI 5, Bridgwater 1st XI 2 more...

Last-hand 87 wins it for Vaults in Puriton skittles

SOMERSET Vaults had an exciting home victory over Pirates last Thursday night in Division One of the Puriton & District Skittles League. more...

Malts take over in Division Five of Town & District skittles

MALT Shovel went top of Division Five in the Bridgwater Town & District Skittles League after a 35-pin victory away to London Inn on Wednesday night. more...

Round-up of local golf

FIFTEEN-year-old Ellis Cook had the lowest gross score of 73 in the Monthly Medal at Burnham & Berrow on December 30. more...

Around the local darts leagues

News from the ladies' skittles leagues

Bird in Hand B take over at the top

HAVING suffered only one defeat in their last 12 matches, Bird in Hand B are the new leaders of the Bridgwater Town Skittles League D Division. more...

Highbridge & District Skittles League

FIRST-division one leaders Steamers suffered a 59-pin defeat by Misfits at the Lighthouse in the Highbridge & District Skittles League's last matches before Christmas. more...

Brent Knoll Mixed Skittles League

BRENT Knoll & District Mixed Skittles League results on Dec 18: more...

Town Skittles League pairs draw

Lions B and Cobblestones A in Town League final

LIONS Club B, of D Division and top-section side Cobblestones A will meet in the final of the Bridgwater Town Skittles League's Slade Supplies Knockout Cup on Friday, February 16. more...

Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News News

Brean water rescue

A MAN was this week recovering in Weston hospital after being pulled from the sea at Brean in an early hours rescue by Burnham's RNLI and coastguard. more...

False alarm for lifesavers

BURNHAM hovercraft crews were called out to investigate a suspicious object spotted on the shoreline of Stert Island on Sunday (January 7) - only to discover it was a false alarm. more...

Burnham jetty closed

DAMAGE caused by wind and waves to Burnham's jetty have forced Sedgemoor District Council to close the landing stage. more...

Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News Sport

Burnham fade after first-half brilliance

Somerset One: Crewkerne 17, Burnham 38 more...

United storm into the last eight of the Senior Cup

Somerset Senior Cup, third round: Westland Sports 1, Burnham United 2 more...

Chard & Ilminster News News

Parking fear over new homes plan

FRESH plans for a housing development on the site of Ilminster's Lord Nelson pub have raised renewed fears of a parking shortfall. more...

Fatal crash in Chard

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a fatal road traffic collision which happened in Chard during the early hours of this morning (Monday, January 8). more...

Police appeal after cars daubed with paint

CREWKERNE police are appealing for help to find vandals who poured paint on seven vehicles in Hitchen, near Merriott, on Saturday. more...

Tributes to Reg Collins

TRIBUTES have been paid to devoted sportsman and active volunteer Reg Collins, who was a stalwart of the South Somerset football scene. more...

Police Community Contact Vehicle in the area

THE Avon & Somerset Police Community Contact Vehicle will be in the area this week. more...

Road clear after accident

BOTH lanes of the A358 near Tatworth are now clear after a single vehicle collision. more...

Chard & Ilminster News Sport

Chard 1st XV get tenth consecutive win

Somerset Premier League more...

Chard 2nd XV lose out to North Dorset

Dorset & Wilts League 2 South more...

Ilminster Ladies continue their unbeaten run

Swiss Valley Rangers 0, more...

Axminster Sea Angling do Abbotsbury

THE Axminster Sea Angling Club's January match took place at Abbotsbury, when 11 anglers braved the blustery weather and fished between 6pm and 11pm. more...

The 1st Chard Wheelers need YOU!

THE 1st Chard Wheelers cycling club's annual dinner and prize giving is being held at the Windwhistle Inn, Chard, on January 19 at 7.30pm, with most members attending. more...

Ilminster match cancelled

ILMINSTER Town's match at Timsbury on Saturday in the Premier Division of the Somerset County League was postponed because of the weather. more...

Robins left thwarted by the rain

CHARD Town saw their home game with Bishop Sutton on Saturday in the Premier Division of the Toolstation Western League postponed because of the weather. more...

Chard win again

CHARD maintained their pursuit of the Somerset Premier title on Saturday with a 21pts-5 victory at home over Gordano. more...

Falmouth Packet News

Hotel back in business

Staff at The Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth have been praised for the way they handled an outbreak of what was understood to be the Norwalk virus over the Christmas period. more...

Russian billionaire is new owner of Nansidwell Manor

more...

Accidental death verdicts

The crash between two helicopters at the start of the Iraq war was an accident. more...

Gallery launches new initiative

Falmouth Art Gallery has launched a new initiative using the art gallery's automata and papier mch collection to deliver objectives of the National Curriculum in a creative and inspiring way. more...

Appeal for old maritime photographs

New Rugby Club approved

Plans for a new home for Falmouth Rugby Club has moved a step nearer with the issuing of planning permission by Kerrier council. more...

Mid Devon Star News

Help for rural businesses

A SCHEME to help business people gain qualifications through e-learning has been launched across much of rural Devon. more...

New Year party with a difference

A NEW Year's Ceilidh held at Hemyock village hall was a roaring success with almost 150 people of all ages turning up. more...

Busy time for webcasting

DEVON County Council will broadcast two meetings simultaneously live on the web tomorrow (Tuesday) for the first time. more...

Online think-tank for county's budget

DEVON people are being invited to take part in the county's biggest online "think-tank" as part of the build-up to the county's budget day on February 15. more...

Somerset County Gazette News

Deane council backs skin damage campaign

Campaign to save post offices

MARK Formosa, Conservative spokesman for Taunton, has launched proposals to rescue local post offices from closure. more...

Youngsters to entertain friends

New Year party with a difference

A NEW Year's Ceilidh held at Hemyock village hall was a roaring success with almost 150 people of all ages turning up. more...

New leader for the Tribe Club

THE Tribe Youth Club, which runs from Selworthy School in Taunton, was treated to a trip to see a pantomime thanks to Happy Days Children's Charity. more...

Tea merchant gets conservation award

PORLOCK-based tea and coffee merchant D J Miles has won a major industry award for promoting conservation work at a West Country zoo. more...

West Buckland explorer on course for record

WEST Buckland marine explorer Dom Mee is currently on track to beat the Atlantic rowing record east to west. more...

Support woman on charity trip to India

A WOMAN from Kingston St Mary is getting ready to take part in a sponsored bike ride in India. more...

Danesfield runners in top slots

School rewarded for basic skills

READING, writing and arithmetic attainments at Danesfield Middle School, Williton have been recognised with a national quality mark for the second time. more...

Curry Rivel pub keeps tradition alive

AN age-old tradition is being kept alive by a Curry Rivel pub - one of only three of the original pubs in the country to do so. more...

Lads go 'the full monty' for charity

FIVE Taunton lads are preparing to bare all in the name of charity. more...

Railway snappers compete for prizes

RAILWAY snappers will be competing for prizes in the West Somerset RailwayAssociation's annual photographic competition tonight, Monday. more...

Find out about Somerset's flood defences

Airport boycott ended

FLIGHTS were due to get back to normal at Bristol Airport at 10am today (Monday) after staff worked through the night to resolve safety fears with its runway. more...

Disabled riding centre in financial crisis

A RIDING centre for the disabled, funded mainly by donations, is in financial crisis after six horses were hit with a contagious disease. more...

News from the magistrates' courts

RECENT cases dealt with by Taunton Deane Magistrates' Courts include: more...

Top tennis courts open in Taunton

THE new state-of-the-art fabric-framed tennis courts will be officially opened at Taunton Tennis Club at the Blackbrook Pavilion on Friday. more...

New postal watchdog chief appointed

CHRISTINA Baron has been appointed regional chairman in the South-West for Postwatch, the postal watchdog. more...

Concerned about climate change?

A MAJOR consultation is being launched to find out what residents across Somerset think about climate change. more...

Latest roadworks in Taunton area

WORK due to start today (Monday) on a new cycleway along Corkscrew Lane and Gypsy Lane, in Staplegrove is estimated to last six weeks until February 16. more...

Trull Bring and Buy for SCBU

THE third Trull Bring and Buy sale held on Saturday raised money for the Special Care Baby Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital and the village hall funds. more...

Toddlers and Codgers get cash for dining out

Award presented in reporter's memory

A VERY special award was presented at the County Gazette offices in Taunton last week, in memory of popular young reporter Leanne Gibbons who passed away in 2005. more...

Farmer celebrates egg award

A FARMER from Buckland St Mary is celebrating his decision to move into egg production, after winning an award for his first flock of free-range layers. more...

Concern voiced over plans to give convicts the right to vote

CONVICTED prisoners could soon be given the chance to vote in local and national elections, under new plans being considered by the Government. more...

Branch line vision comes closer

A VISION of recreating a replica Great Western Railway branch line complete with authentic rolling stock, has come a step closer. more...

Mumming to banish evil spirits

THE Langport Mummers are helping celebrate the ancient tradition of Wassailing this month by taking part in a Wassail evening to help banish evil spirits and ensure a bumper apple harvest. more...

Homes evacuated after pipe burst

ELDERLY residents in Langport had to be evacuated from their homes in the early hours of this morning after a water main burst. more...

Doctors to send patients to library for blues cure

SOMERSET doctors could prescribe patients suffering the January blues...a visit to the library. more...

Sign up for Wellington's first ever 10K run

THE first ever Wellington 10K road race is to take place this summer. more...

Beanz meanz money for charity

BUSINESS students at West Somerset Community College hit on wacky ways to raise nearly £1,000 from sponsors to help men suffering from prostate cancer. more...

Somerset County Gazette Sport

Wiveliscombe rugby

Wiveliscombe 38pts more...

Pengilly up to fifth in World Cup rankings

TAUNTON Olympian Adam Pengilly continued his consistent season by securing another top-ten finish in the latest round of the bob skeleton World Cup Series. more...

Harris eyes Premier Division

TAUNTON Town's long-serving chairman Tom Harris believes promotion to the Premier Division of the British Gas Business Southern League would provide a much-needed boost to the club's coffers. more...

Taunton Bowling Club

Taunton men pulled off a good win over Puriton (79-70) in the Somerset County League (Division 2). more...

Cautious Evans pleased with progress

WELLINGTON manager Kevin Evans is remaining cautious despite a run of ten games unbeaten which has seen the side move into the top six in Division One in the Toolstation Western League. more...

Yeovil Express Sport

Brillaint Yeovil impress on TV

YEOVIL Town moved to fifth in the Coca-Cola League One on Friday night when they beat Huddersfield Town 3-1 at Huish Park - in front of the live Sky Sports TV cameras. more...

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