Clubs and societies

Exclusive

James Bamford founded Project Dance while still at school. Now he is putting down permanent roots in his hometown with a new studio.

Community groups

New creative studio prepares to bring new lease of life to Somerset town

Tracey presented the South Petherton Beavers with a £100 donation towards their planned hall refurbishment as part of the visit

Tracey presented the South Petherton Beavers with a £100 donation towards their planned hall refurbishment as part of the visit

South Petherton Beavers explore funeral directing and receive donation

Chard's Kate Drew joined her local Slimming World group in February 2025 and has since trained as a consultant

Chard's Kate Drew joined her local Slimming World group in February 2025 and has since trained as a consultant

Chard woman loses a stone before taking over Slimming World group

The Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil will lead the project

The Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil will lead the project

Children and young people

Yeovil launches youth theatre company for National Theatre 2027 scheme

Somerset groups are being urged to submit nominations for the King's Award for Voluntary Service

Somerset groups are being urged to submit nominations for the King's Award for Voluntary Service

Kings Awards for Voluntary Service

Somerset charities urged to put themselves forward for national award

Bethany Brown's School of Musical Theatre in Chard will open its doors to anyone 16 and above from September

Bethany Brown's School of Musical Theatre in Chard will open its doors to anyone 16 and above from September

musical theatre

Musical theatre school to start adult classes in Chard

Asher is selling a game he created called Don't Count Your Chickens as part of his fundraising efforts

Asher is selling a game he created called Don't Count Your Chickens as part of his fundraising efforts

2027 World Scout Jamboree

Determined Ilminster Scout fundraising to attend World Scout Jamboree

Chard Guildhall is among the venues hosting events across South Somerset over the next week

Chard Guildhall is among the venues hosting events across South Somerset over the next week

South Petherton

What's on in South Somerset this week: June 17-23, 2026

Young adventurers from South Petherton recently took part in this year’s East Somerset Scouts District Cub Camp

Young adventurers from South Petherton recently took part in this year’s East Somerset Scouts District Cub Camp

Beaver Scouts enjoy fun and adventure at annual East Somerset camp

Cllr Oakes and members of West Coker Scout Group

Cllr Oakes and members of West Coker Scout Group

Cub Scouts launch anti-dog fouling campaign at Somerset country park

Orson, Austin. Elise, Anna, and Robin (not pictured) with the Fox Trophy Novice Award

Orson, Austin. Elise, Anna, and Robin (not pictured) with the Fox Trophy Novice Award

Young Scouts in South Petherton celebrate after expedition win

Advertising Feature

Clubs and societies

Monster Truck Motorfest heads to Taunton, Somerset this weekend

Chard Community Hub volunteers

Chard Community Hub volunteers

Clubs and societies

Chard Community Hub to mark fourth anniversary with special celebration

The Summer Breeze Concert will take place at The Minster, Ilminster, on Saturday, May 23

The Summer Breeze Concert will take place at The Minster, Ilminster, on Saturday, May 23

Choirs to perform at charity concert in Ilminster in May

The Young Voices Public Speaking final was recently held at Herne View Primary School

The Young Voices Public Speaking final was recently held at Herne View Primary School

Pupils bring book characters to life at Ilminster public speaking event

Chard Road Runners recently competed in the Grizzly or Grizzly Cub nine-mile races

Chard Road Runners recently competed in the Grizzly or Grizzly Cub nine-mile races

Chard Road Runners member wins South West’s largest cross country race

The M.E./Long Covid Support Group, which meets every month at Donyatt Village Hall, was one of several organisations selected by a charity bingo group in Ilton to receive a donation

The M.E./Long Covid Support Group, which meets every month at Donyatt Village Hall, was one of several organisations selected by a charity bingo group in Ilton to receive a donation

South Somerset health support group receives £500 donation

An evening with Sir Geoff Hurst is among the events taking place in South Somerset over the next week

An evening with Sir Geoff Hurst is among the events taking place in South Somerset over the next week

What's on in South Somerset this week: March 11-17, 2026

Victoria Park Action Group

Victoria Park Action Group

Clubs and societies

Green Focus column: Inside the Victoria Park Action Group

A variety of stage shows will take place across South Somerset this week

A variety of stage shows will take place across South Somerset this week

What's on in South Somerset this week: February 4-10, 2026

Chard Carnival Committee counted a total of £6,207.56 raised through its latest event in 2025

Chard Carnival Committee counted a total of £6,207.56 raised through its latest event in 2025

Thousands raised as Chard Carnival nets over £6k from 2025 event

An evening with Arsenal FC legends, including Paul Merson (pictured), is among the events on across South Somerset over the next week

An evening with Arsenal FC legends, including Paul Merson (pictured), is among the events on across South Somerset over the next week

What's on in South Somerset this week: January 28-February 3, 2026

Scouts of all ages recently competed in a chess competition.

Scouts of all ages recently competed in a chess competition.

Chess competition brings Scouts of all ages together

The Octagon Memory Choir is being set up by Yeovil's Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue

The Octagon Memory Choir is being set up by Yeovil's Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue

Alzheimer's Society

New dementia-friendly choir set to be launched in Yeovil

A highlight of the day was the guest appearance Saskia Servini, a member of the Great Britain team that won gold at the 2023 Tumbling World Championships

A highlight of the day was the guest appearance Saskia Servini, a member of the Great Britain team that won gold at the 2023 Tumbling World Championships

Special guest presents medals to Yeovil gymnasts at event

Donyatt Social Club has raised £1,200 for Yeovil Blood Bikes

Donyatt Social Club has raised £1,200 for Yeovil Blood Bikes

Donyatt Social Club raises £1,200 for charity with whist drives

Chard's long-established Windwhistle Dining Club is opening its doors to new members

Chard's long-established Windwhistle Dining Club is opening its doors to new members

Chard investment club seeking to broaden membership

A team from Herne View Church of England Primary School recently won the Ilminster Rotary Club's annual Youth Speaks competition

A team from Herne View Church of England Primary School recently won the Ilminster Rotary Club's annual Youth Speaks competition

Clubs and societies

Ilminster students demonstrate oratorical skills at speech contest

Blackdown Acapella travelled to Harrogate on Thursday, October 30, to compete in the annual Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers Convention

Blackdown Acapella travelled to Harrogate on Thursday, October 30, to compete in the annual Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers Convention

Clubs and societies

Chard women's singing group celebrates success at national event

South Somerset-based Ashill Scottish Country Dancers took home the People’s Choice Award in the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society’s Virtual Festival

South Somerset-based Ashill Scottish Country Dancers took home the People’s Choice Award in the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society’s Virtual Festival

South Somerset dance group wins international award

Ilminster 23-year-old starts South Somerset coven.

Ilminster 23-year-old starts South Somerset coven.

'A gathering for the magically minded': 23-year-old starts first Ilminster coven

The 2nd South Petherton and 1st Fosseway Scout Groups, made up of 10 to 14-year-olds, took part in a packed weekend of outdoor pursuits and historical exploration in the Brecon Beacons

The 2nd South Petherton and 1st Fosseway Scout Groups, made up of 10 to 14-year-olds, took part in a packed weekend of outdoor pursuits and historical exploration in the Brecon Beacons

Bannau Brycheiniog

South Petherton and Fosseway Scouts return from weekend in Wales

Members, family, and friends of the Horton and District WI contributed to the creation of 1,600 poppies, crafted from various materials, at St Peter's Church

Members, family, and friends of the Horton and District WI contributed to the creation of 1,600 poppies, crafted from various materials, at St Peter's Church

Horton church unveils 'beautiful and poignant' poppy displays

Mr Dance has spoken about the future of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs after the government failed to confirm whether funding for the clubs will continue beyond 2025–26

Mr Dance has spoken about the future of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs after the government failed to confirm whether funding for the clubs will continue beyond 2025–26

Adam Dance raises concerns about funding uncertainties for young farmers

Voice Through the Ages meet every Monday in the main hall of Chard's Holyrood Academy every Monday, from 7pm to 9pm

Voice Through the Ages meet every Monday in the main hall of Chard's Holyrood Academy every Monday, from 7pm to 9pm

Clubs and societies

Chard community choir looking for more members

The Blackdown District Scouts provides over 250 different activities, catering to a variety of interests

The Blackdown District Scouts provides over 250 different activities, catering to a variety of interests

Blackdown District Scouts needing more volunteers after rise members

Andrew Doble holding his certificate and with children.

Andrew Doble holding his certificate and with children.

Clubs and societies

Longstanding South Petherton Scout Group volunteer wins prestigious award

The group will meet at the Chard Guildhall, upstairs, from Wednesday, September 24 at 7.15pm, with singing commencing at 7.30pm and wrapping up at 9.15pm

The group will meet at the Chard Guildhall, upstairs, from Wednesday, September 24 at 7.15pm, with singing commencing at 7.30pm and wrapping up at 9.15pm

Clubs and societies

Chard choir invites new members to join them for new term

Items donated by the Ilminster and District Lions Club included trauma kits, walkers, personal care products, and baby clothes

Items donated by the Ilminster and District Lions Club included trauma kits, walkers, personal care products, and baby clothes

Ilminster Lions Club 31 sends boxes of aid to Ukraine

Herne View's Year Four pupils recently received the dictionaries from the Rotary Club of Ilminster

Herne View's Year Four pupils recently received the dictionaries from the Rotary Club of Ilminster

Ilminster pupils receive dictionaries after Rotary Club donation

The season will begin with a screening of Salt Path on Saturday, September 13

The season will begin with a screening of Salt Path on Saturday, September 13

Cultural Events

New season of contemporary films to be screened at Ilminster film club

Activities included rock climbing, archery, and glass engraving

Activities included rock climbing, archery, and glass engraving

South Petherton Cubs join 350 others for weekend of fun

There are no auditions to join the South Somerset Good Afternoon Choir and the first rehearsal is free

There are no auditions to join the South Somerset Good Afternoon Choir and the first rehearsal is free

Clubs and societies

Somerset choir to host sing-along event with free tea and cake

The events will take place during the upcoming May half-term

The events will take place during the upcoming May half-term

Clubs and societies

Chard food club opens bookings for half-term cooking classes

The Squirrel Drey has had a busy first year filled with games, stories, outdoor activities, and hands-on learning, all intended to spark curiosity and creativity

The Squirrel Drey has had a busy first year filled with games, stories, outdoor activities, and hands-on learning, all intended to spark curiosity and creativity

Ilminster Scouting group for young children to celebrate first anniversary

The Astronomy maps for Aril 15

The Astronomy maps for Aril 15

A night sky guide for April 15

The County Shield, for Best Overall Production, was awarded to IES for their hard-hitting drama My Best Friend by Tamsin Oglesby.

The County Shield, for Best Overall Production, was awarded to IES for their hard-hitting drama My Best Friend by Tamsin Oglesby.

Clubs and societies

Ilminster Entertainments Society win drama festival accolades

They secured the top spot with a match to spare, having won 10 out of 12 matches

They secured the top spot with a match to spare, having won 10 out of 12 matches

Chard Tennis Club A team wins Yeovil winter league title

The centre is run by a board of trustees, some of whom have been involved for almost the full 50 years, five part-time staff members, and a team of 20 volunteers

The centre is run by a board of trustees, some of whom have been involved for almost the full 50 years, five part-time staff members, and a team of 20 volunteers

Clubs and societies

Crewkerne's Henhayes Centre to celebrate 50th anniversary this summer

No previous experience in scouting or as a trustee is necessary, and while the time commitment can vary, it is usual for the trustees to meet five to seven times a year

No previous experience in scouting or as a trustee is necessary, and while the time commitment can vary, it is usual for the trustees to meet five to seven times a year

Blackdown District Scouts looking for volunteers to join their team

The theatre group encourages people to come along, listen, or read, with the added possibility of being inspired to write their own plays

The theatre group encourages people to come along, listen, or read, with the added possibility of being inspired to write their own plays

Clubs and societies

Ilminster play reading evening to feature works by local writers

The club is recruiting new members for the 2025 fete and carnival season

The club is recruiting new members for the 2025 fete and carnival season

Clubs and societies

Somerset majorettes recruiting new members for 2025 carnival season

Heather Eggins (left), who called the numbers, was thanked by the club for her contribution to the event

Heather Eggins (left), who called the numbers, was thanked by the club for her contribution to the event

Somerset club's bingo afternoon raises funds for upcoming tea dances

Carnival clubs shine at Somerset County Presentation

Carnival clubs shine at Somerset County Presentation

Clubs and societies

Carnival clubs shine at Somerset County Presentation