Military

The flypast was part of a special ceremony marking the completion of 29 weeks of intensive training for 150 junior officers at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth

RNAS Yeovilton helicopter flies over naval college passing out parade

Mr Dance recently welcomed Lord Fox, the Liberal Democrats' business spokesperson, to Leonardo Helicopters’ site in Yeovil

Mr Dance recently welcomed Lord Fox, the Liberal Democrats' business spokesperson, to Leonardo Helicopters’ site in Yeovil

Yeovil MP welcomes Lib Dem business spokesperson to Leonardo

Lance Brice, a former Leonardo employee, recently marked his 100th birthday

Lance Brice, a former Leonardo employee, recently marked his 100th birthday

Yeovil aviation veteran celebrates 100th birthday

Ilminster filmmaker Louis Skupien produced the film to showcase the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank through a civilian perspective

Ilminster filmmaker Louis Skupien produced the film to showcase the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank through a civilian perspective

Ilminster filmmaker's new military documentary attracts thousands of viewers

Mr Skupien recently spent a week with the South Carolina Army National Guard at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in the USA

Mr Skupien recently spent a week with the South Carolina Army National Guard at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in the USA

Ilminster man films major new documentary in the USA

Chard Royal Naval Association members recently returned the HMS Campion ship's bell to Chard Guildhall after it was cleaned

Chard Royal Naval Association members recently returned the HMS Campion ship's bell to Chard Guildhall after it was cleaned

Historic ship's bell returned to Chard after being cleaned

Friends, family, and colleagues of the late Cdr Amy Gilmore MBE have set out to complete her long-held ambition of traversing the South West Coast Path

Friends, family, and colleagues of the late Cdr Amy Gilmore MBE have set out to complete her long-held ambition of traversing the South West Coast Path

Team to walk 630 miles in memory of RNAS Yeovilton officer

Louis Skupien filmed Royal Wessex Yeomanry reservists operating the Challenger 2 main battle tank earlier this year

Louis Skupien filmed Royal Wessex Yeomanry reservists operating the Challenger 2 main battle tank earlier this year

Ilminster filmmaker drives British Army tank as part of documentary

Adam Dance: Why Yeovil should celebrate the Leonardo-NMH contract

A violin performance is among the events taking place in South Somerset over the next week

A violin performance is among the events taking place in South Somerset over the next week

What's on in South Somerset this week: February 25-March 3, 2026

Ilminster filmmaker Louis Skupien recently spent several days embedded with Black Hawk crews at Los Alamitos Army Airfield in California documenting operations

Ilminster filmmaker Louis Skupien recently spent several days embedded with Black Hawk crews at Los Alamitos Army Airfield in California documenting operations

Ilminster filmmaker granted rare access to US Army helicopter operations

Strikes suspended following new pay order.

Strikes suspended following new pay order.

Union urges end to Leonardo contract delays as thousands of jobs remain at risk

Yeovil MP Adam Dance delivering his urgent question on the Leonardo helicopter contract

Yeovil MP Adam Dance delivering his urgent question on the Leonardo helicopter contract

Yeovil MP demands government action with 3,300 Leonardo jobs at risk

Adam Dance column: Why Leonardo is vital to South Somerset's economy

Mr Dance has warned that further delays to the NMH programme could threaten the future of the defence industry in Yeovil

Mr Dance has warned that further delays to the NMH programme could threaten the future of the defence industry in Yeovil

Yeovil MP fears jobs at risk after delays to UK defence contract

Project Proteus.

Project Proteus.

Yeovil Leonardo engineers complete trials for £60m uncrewed helicopter project

Strikes suspended following 'significant pay increase.'

Strikes suspended following 'significant pay increase.'

Thousands at Somerset aerospace company secure pay rise after strike action

Corporal John, 7 Battalion REME, Class 1 Aircraft Technician, RNAS Yeovilton.

Corporal John, 7 Battalion REME, Class 1 Aircraft Technician, RNAS Yeovilton.

Chard dad keeps army helicopters combat ready for multinational training exercise

Clinton Rogers column: Remembering Armistice Day matters more than ever

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

The three-day event by Lawrences Auctioneers is known as the

The three-day event by Lawrences Auctioneers is known as the

'Sunken treasure' up for auction with Crewkerne auctioneer

AET Harvey Lewis (third from left, back row) and LAET Same Skelson (bottom row on far right), who are based at RNAS Yeovilton, recreated a group photo from 1999 when it was discovered their fathers served together on HMS Exeter during Operation Bolton

AET Harvey Lewis (third from left, back row) and LAET Same Skelson (bottom row on far right), who are based at RNAS Yeovilton, recreated a group photo from 1999 when it was discovered their fathers served together on HMS Exeter during Operation Bolton

Somerset-based Royal Navy engineers recreate 26-year-old family photo

The offer will be available to serving military personal and veterans, along with Royal British Legion volunteers and collectors, on selected days during the Remembrance period

The offer will be available to serving military personal and veterans, along with Royal British Legion volunteers and collectors, on selected days during the Remembrance period

Train travel to be free for military personnel this Remembrance

Louis Skupien, an Ilminster-based entrepreneur and aviation documentarian, is among fewer than 800 people globally to have piloted a Gravity Industries Jet Suit

Louis Skupien, an Ilminster-based entrepreneur and aviation documentarian, is among fewer than 800 people globally to have piloted a Gravity Industries Jet Suit

Ilminster-based man among first in the world to fly jet suit

HMS Iron Duke shadows RFN Neustrashimy and cargo ship Sparta.

HMS Iron Duke shadows RFN Neustrashimy and cargo ship Sparta.

Royal Navy warship and helicoptor from Yeovilton tracks Russian vessels

Talk4 Podcast host Louis Skupien was sent a framed, signed commemorative print from the US Air Force Thunderbirds

Talk4 Podcast host Louis Skupien was sent a framed, signed commemorative print from the US Air Force Thunderbirds

Somerset podcast host given rare gift from US military

The event featured live music, with performances by Keith Miller, Charles Sugden, and military veteran John Gudge

The event featured live music, with performances by Keith Miller, Charles Sugden, and military veteran John Gudge

Chard pays tribute to 'Forgotten Army' at VJ Day event

Louis Skupien, who is based in Ilminster, spoke on the TALK4 podcast with astronaut Susan Kilrain, who is one of only three women in history to have piloted the Space Shuttle

Louis Skupien, who is based in Ilminster, spoke on the TALK4 podcast with astronaut Susan Kilrain, who is one of only three women in history to have piloted the Space Shuttle

Ilminster-based man interviews NASA astronaut for TALK4 podcast

Some of the team from ARK. Left to right - Ian (veteran), Jaki Smith (volunteer), Chloe Richards (volunteer), Jon Richards (Armed Forces Lead), and Dan (veteran)

Some of the team from ARK. Left to right - Ian (veteran), Jaki Smith (volunteer), Chloe Richards (volunteer), Jon Richards (Armed Forces Lead), and Dan (veteran)

Military veterans

Veterans in Somerset helped by NHS Armed Forces Hub scheme

The work to capture the film saw Louis flying in a tight formation at more than 500mph, enduring six Gs, and being just feet away from four other jets

The work to capture the film saw Louis flying in a tight formation at more than 500mph, enduring six Gs, and being just feet away from four other jets

Somerset-born filmmaker releases new documentary on Latvian aviation team

Sylvia hopes to inspire young women who might be uncertain about their future thanks to her involvement in the project

Sylvia hopes to inspire young women who might be uncertain about their future thanks to her involvement in the project

Chard veteran reflects on her time in the army and new project honouring women

The commander of US Air Force Global Strike Command sent Louis Skupien (inset), host of the TALK4 podcast, a handwritten note, an official challenge coin, and an assortment of Global Strike Command patches, lapel pins, and stickers

The commander of US Air Force Global Strike Command sent Louis Skupien (inset), host of the TALK4 podcast, a handwritten note, an official challenge coin, and an assortment of Global Strike Command patches, lapel pins, and stickers

Ilminster podcast host sent package by US four-star general

The podcast was recognised in the South West England Prestige Awards for 2024/25

The podcast was recognised in the South West England Prestige Awards for 2024/25

Ilminster podcast named Wellness Podcast of the Year

I met Harry Patch, 'The Last Tommy,' the sole survivor of the horrors of the World War One battlefields, several times

I met Harry Patch, 'The Last Tommy,' the sole survivor of the horrors of the World War One battlefields, several times

Column: Have we forgotten the lessons of history?

Rear Admiral Huffman, a United States Navy fighter pilot and aircraft carrier commander, gives an insider perspective on America's strategic efforts in Micronesia and Guam

Rear Admiral Huffman, a United States Navy fighter pilot and aircraft carrier commander, gives an insider perspective on America's strategic efforts in Micronesia and Guam

Somerset podcaster connects with aviation and space experts

Each episode delves deeply into the guests' experiences and insights, which has earned Mr Skupien significant trust within defence circles

Each episode delves deeply into the guests' experiences and insights, which has earned Mr Skupien significant trust within defence circles

Former Somerset athlete celebrates global success with aviation podcast

Yeovil MP welcomes £165 million defence contract to Somerset-based firm

Louis Skupien, who is also an entrepreneur and content creator, was invited by the Baltic Bees to fly in L-39 Albatros fighter jets

Louis Skupien, who is also an entrepreneur and content creator, was invited by the Baltic Bees to fly in L-39 Albatros fighter jets

Academy Football

Somerset podcaster flies in fighter jets with top Baltic aerobatic team

Mr Shelford has outlined several priorities in his new role, which include supporting reservists and employers, empowering young people through cadet programmes, advocating for veterans, and grassroots engagement

Mr Shelford has outlined several priorities in his new role, which include supporting reservists and employers, empowering young people through cadet programmes, advocating for veterans, and grassroots engagement

Former police and crime commissioner takes on new military board role

Mr Suckling also shared his most surreal moments in the Red Arrows, including flying over the Pyramids and the Toronto skyline

Mr Suckling also shared his most surreal moments in the Red Arrows, including flying over the Pyramids and the Toronto skyline

Former Red Arrow pilot talks flying at 600mph just feet apart from colleagues

Louis’s podcast, which focuses on aviation, leadership, and extreme experiences, has gained a following for its engaging content featuring elite leaders, military commanders, and top performers

Louis’s podcast, which focuses on aviation, leadership, and extreme experiences, has gained a following for its engaging content featuring elite leaders, military commanders, and top performers

Ilminster podcaster receives rare honour from US Navy captain

Yeovil veteran “moves mountains” to raise £60,000 in Mount Kilimanjaro trek

RNAS Yeovilton Wildcat aircrew awarded their wings

RNAS Yeovilton Wildcat aircrew awarded their wings

RNAS Yeovilton Wildcat aircrew awarded their wings

Ilminster Remembrance Day events 2024.

Ilminster Remembrance Day events 2024.

Hundreds gather for the Ilminster Remembrance Day memorial events 2024

The Chard Royal British Legion branch Poppy Appeal Launch, held in the Guildhall, raises £1200

The Chard Royal British Legion branch Poppy Appeal Launch, held in the Guildhall, raises £1200

Chard Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Launch raises £1200 for Armed Forces

A Driving Force for SSAFA SSAFA Sir James Gildea Partnering Award 3.jpg

A Driving Force for SSAFA SSAFA Sir James Gildea Partnering Award 3.jpg

Man from South Petherton awarded military charity's highest award

Former Somerset Royal Marine Rob French with the new plastic-free poppy. Picture: Royal British Legion

Former Somerset Royal Marine Rob French with the new plastic-free poppy. Picture: Royal British Legion

Former Somerset Royal Marine helps launch new plastic-free Poppy for Remembrance

Commandos during the Mad Max-style exercise at Merryfield

Commandos during the Mad Max-style exercise at Merryfield

Royal Marines exercise near Ilminster to prepare for Mad Max-style world

Wanda Armstrong-Bridges and Steve Ellis got married at The Tank Museum in Dorset. Picture: www.BobbieLee.co.uk

Wanda Armstrong-Bridges and Steve Ellis got married at The Tank Museum in Dorset. Picture: www.BobbieLee.co.uk

Somerset couple get married surrounded by weaponry at The Tank Museum

Sergeant Kenneth Oliver Brice (left) and Patrick Palmer (right). Pictures provided by Patrick Palmer and All Saints Church.

Sergeant Kenneth Oliver Brice (left) and Patrick Palmer (right). Pictures provided by Patrick Palmer and All Saints Church.

Second World War

Memorial created for Somerset sergeant 79 years after he lost his life in WWII

A Farewell Flight of three Royal Navy Hawk T1 jets flew over RNAS Yeovilton on Thursday, March 17. Picture: Jason Bryant

A Farewell Flight of three Royal Navy Hawk T1 jets flew over RNAS Yeovilton on Thursday, March 17. Picture: Jason Bryant

Royal Navy Hawk T1 jets fly over RNAS Yeovilton on farewell flight

The Red Arrows at RNAS Yeovilton for the Royal Navy's International Air Day in July 2019. Picture: Carl Nicholls, Somerset Camera Club

The Red Arrows at RNAS Yeovilton for the Royal Navy's International Air Day in July 2019. Picture: Carl Nicholls, Somerset Camera Club

Royal Navy International Air Day cancelled ‘for commercial reasons’

Trainee test flight engineers Josh Sleeman (left) and Ben Standen (right). Picture: Leonardo

Trainee test flight engineers Josh Sleeman (left) and Ben Standen (right). Picture: Leonardo

Two aspiring test flight engineers complete first phase of training in Yeovil

People take part in a demonstration on Whitehall, near to the entrance to Downing Street, London, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Picture: Dominic Lipinski, PA Wire

People take part in a demonstration on Whitehall, near to the entrance to Downing Street, London, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Picture: Dominic Lipinski, PA Wire

Marcus Fysh MP 'fully supportive' of tough sanctions against Russia