Positive News

Ilminster-based Louis Skupien received the title in the South West England Prestige Awards, which recognise excellence in service, client outcomes, and community impact

Ilminster personal trainer named Personal Trainer of the Year

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police recently joined residents at Yeovil's Potter House care home for ‘Coffee with a Coppa’

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police recently joined residents at Yeovil's Potter House care home for ‘Coffee with a Coppa’

Avon and Somerset Police

Police officers join in at coffee morning at Yeovil care home

Progress Gym's Rob Harris and Chief Petty Officer Adam Hugill endured a 14-hour walk from Watchet Harbour to Seaton last month

Progress Gym's Rob Harris and Chief Petty Officer Adam Hugill endured a 14-hour walk from Watchet Harbour to Seaton last month

Yeovil gym members raise more than £2,500 for charity

The Herne View Year Six pupils recently joined peers from across the Bath and Wells Diocese for a morning of reflection and reassurance at The Minster in Taunton

The Herne View Year Six pupils recently joined peers from across the Bath and Wells Diocese for a morning of reflection and reassurance at The Minster in Taunton

Ilminster students take part in church service to mark next step in education

Herne View's Year Four children took to the stage for a performance of What a Knight! at the Warehouse Theatre, supported by a choir of Year Three pupils

Herne View's Year Four children took to the stage for a performance of What a Knight! at the Warehouse Theatre, supported by a choir of Year Three pupils

Ilminster school pupils shine in Warehouse Theatre production

Horton Cross Nursing Home raised a total of £514 for its residents’ fund during the garden party, which was opened by Cllr Val Keitch

Horton Cross Nursing Home raised a total of £514 for its residents’ fund during the garden party, which was opened by Cllr Val Keitch

Garden party at Ilminster nursing home raises over £500

Upon arrival at Weymouth, smiles and laughter filled the air as the group posed for a photo by the seafront

Upon arrival at Weymouth, smiles and laughter filled the air as the group posed for a photo by the seafront

Crewkerne care home residents enjoy day at Weymouth beach

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

Herne View's year Six pupils have also been assisting Marjorie, Sunflowers of Somerset's coordinator, in planting sunflowers in The Minster churchyard

Herne View's year Six pupils have also been assisting Marjorie, Sunflowers of Somerset's coordinator, in planting sunflowers in The Minster churchyard

Ilminster pupils create sunflower display to brighten town

This four-day event ran from Wednesday, July 9 to Saturday, July 12

This four-day event ran from Wednesday, July 9 to Saturday, July 12

Hatch Beauchamp school celebrates success of first literary festival

The Orchards Nursing Home, based in Crewkerne, received a visit from Twinnies Petting Farm, providing an afternoon of interaction with animals for residents

The Orchards Nursing Home, based in Crewkerne, received a visit from Twinnies Petting Farm, providing an afternoon of interaction with animals for residents

Crewkerne nursing home residents enjoy visit from petting farm

Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club led the country in the LTA Pledgeball League for June

Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club led the country in the LTA Pledgeball League for June

Lawn Tennis Association

Ilminster tennis club claims national top spot in sustainability league

Potter House's campaign shares the personal stories and motivations of team members to highlight the dedication that underpins their work

Potter House's campaign shares the personal stories and motivations of team members to highlight the dedication that underpins their work

Yeovil care home launches storytelling campaign for Good Care Month

The team from Care South at Home's Crewkerne office was honoured with the Care South at Home Office of the Year award at the 16th Stars Awards ceremony, organised by the not-for-profit care group

The team from Care South at Home's Crewkerne office was honoured with the Care South at Home Office of the Year award at the 16th Stars Awards ceremony, organised by the not-for-profit care group

Adult social care

Care at home provider's team in Crewkerne recognised with award

The public was invited to make a bid on a gift package which consisted of two tickets to Simply Red’s sell-out concert in Vienna on Wednesday, November 5, along with £200 spending money

The public was invited to make a bid on a gift package which consisted of two tickets to Simply Red’s sell-out concert in Vienna on Wednesday, November 5, along with £200 spending money

Simply Red tickets to Yeovil care home fundraiser after agency error

Judges praised the school’s early focus on developing career aspirations, its efforts to embed ambition across the curriculum, and its involvement of the wider community in helping pupils explore their potential

Judges praised the school’s early focus on developing career aspirations, its efforts to embed ambition across the curriculum, and its involvement of the wider community in helping pupils explore their potential

Chard primary school named best in Somerset for careers education

Since the takeover in 2022, the gallery has produced more than 10,000 frames and served over 5,000 customers

Since the takeover in 2022, the gallery has produced more than 10,000 frames and served over 5,000 customers

Martock Gallery named best family-owned art gallery in South of England

Anthony Seldon was among the authors who featured at this year's festival

Anthony Seldon was among the authors who featured at this year's festival

Ilminster Literary Festival

Ilminster Literary Festival sees record ticket sales for 2025 edition

At 15 years old, Moken has already achieved 60 competitive bouts, with 51 wins and 19 gold medals – 10 international and nine national

At 15 years old, Moken has already achieved 60 competitive bouts, with 51 wins and 19 gold medals – 10 international and nine national

Crewkerne boxer, 15, brings home gold from international showdown

The group recently unveiled a new banner outside the George Reynolds Centre to help raise awareness of the project

The group recently unveiled a new banner outside the George Reynolds Centre to help raise awareness of the project

Community fridge project in Crewkerne helps reduce food waste

The award reflects a year of achievement in inclusive sport and active pupil engagement at the school

The award reflects a year of achievement in inclusive sport and active pupil engagement at the school

Somerset primary school receives national award for commitment to sport

The 10K saw 50 people brave the 30°C heat to run

The 10K saw 50 people brave the 30°C heat to run

Dozens race in the heat at Broadway school's first 10K run

Steve's Carrot, a piece by Susan Lawrence, was named the overall winner of the Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition for 2025

Steve's Carrot, a piece by Susan Lawrence, was named the overall winner of the Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition for 2025

'Quietly powerful' carrot takes centre stage at Ilminster art exhibition

Tweedlecoate Publishing was set up by Hilary Higgins and launched its first book in January 2025

Tweedlecoate Publishing was set up by Hilary Higgins and launched its first book in January 2025

Chaffcombe woman who suffered bullying at school launches publishing company

The team at Milford & Dormer will found out whether they have been successful for the award in July

The team at Milford & Dormer will found out whether they have been successful for the award in July

Solicitor with offices in Chard and Ilminster shortlisted for national award

The conference provided a platform for discussions around developing resilience, the double jeopardy of masculinity and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the flexibility needed in engaging boys and men within the system and healthcare structures

The conference provided a platform for discussions around developing resilience, the double jeopardy of masculinity and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the flexibility needed in engaging boys and men within the system and healthcare structures

Men's health and resilience conference held at Haynes Motor Museum

The restoration work was carried out by Simon Boyd

The restoration work was carried out by Simon Boyd

Medieval church clock in Montacute restored after months of work

The event was hosted by Shared Lives South West during Shared Lives Week, and celebrated the adult social care approach that pairs carers with adults in need of support

The event was hosted by Shared Lives South West during Shared Lives Week, and celebrated the adult social care approach that pairs carers with adults in need of support

Adult social care

Afternoon tea held in Ilminster to honour community care model

The anniversary was marked with an event at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovil

The anniversary was marked with an event at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovil

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance holds celebration for 25th anniversary

Sam's support for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is deeply personal

Sam's support for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is deeply personal

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Ilminster teenager prepares to take on IRONMAN challenge

Cllr June Slaughter was raised in Ilminster and educated at North Street Primary and Ilminster Grammar School

Cllr June Slaughter was raised in Ilminster and educated at North Street Primary and Ilminster Grammar School

King's Birthday Honours

Ilminster woman awarded MBE for 50 years of public service

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

The residents celebrated the official birthday of King Charles III on Saturday, June 14

The residents celebrated the official birthday of King Charles III on Saturday, June 14

Care home in Yeovil celebrates King's birthday with garden party

Mr Langley and Langley-Wathen will walk every mile of the British coast without using ferries, only including islands connected by bridges or causeways

Mr Langley and Langley-Wathen will walk every mile of the British coast without using ferries, only including islands connected by bridges or causeways

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

South Somerset couple to walk entire coastline of mainland Britain for charity

Despite not winning the English Final title, performers Lauri Sandford, Rosie Hawkins, and Emma Langdon, were praised for their efforts

Despite not winning the English Final title, performers Lauri Sandford, Rosie Hawkins, and Emma Langdon, were praised for their efforts

Ilminster theatre team represent West of England in national competition

Freyiah's creations, under the name Fi’s Bead Creations, are now sold in a shop in Lochwinnoch, Scotland, and in the Beauty Lounge in Shrewsbury

Freyiah's creations, under the name Fi’s Bead Creations, are now sold in a shop in Lochwinnoch, Scotland, and in the Beauty Lounge in Shrewsbury

Ilchester schoolgirl launches business while out of school

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

Mr Arnold said he has been

Mr Arnold said he has been

Age is just a number as 91-year-old Chard Rotarian abseils for charity

Children explored the history of the village as part of the storytelling sessions

Children explored the history of the village as part of the storytelling sessions

West Coker schoolchildren celebrate 150 years with special storybooks

West Abbey Care Centre in Yeovil organised the trip to Weymouth for residents, along with their friends and family

West Abbey Care Centre in Yeovil organised the trip to Weymouth for residents, along with their friends and family

Yeovil care home residents enjoy nostalgic day at the seaside

Actor Charles Dale will be riding in memory of his friend Shaun Griffiths (left), who died in October 2024 following a brain injury

Actor Charles Dale will be riding in memory of his friend Shaun Griffiths (left), who died in October 2024 following a brain injury

Brain Tumour Research

Actor Charles Dale to visit Somerset as part of 100 motorcycle cafe challenge

The children were treated to a screening of The Secret Life of Pets 2 in the care home's cinema room

The children were treated to a screening of The Secret Life of Pets 2 in the care home's cinema room

Schoolchildren bring energy into Yeovil care home during end-of-term visit

The Chatty Cafe scheme was first launched by Alexandra Hoskyn

The Chatty Cafe scheme was first launched by Alexandra Hoskyn

Chatty Cafe Scheme

Chard cafe joins initiative aimed at reducing loneliness

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

The students attended an awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace

The students attended an awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

Chard students attend Duke of Edinburgh's award ceremony at Buckingham Palace

The students received their awards at a presentation at the iAero innovation hub

The students received their awards at a presentation at the iAero innovation hub

Yeovil College students recognised by Leonardo in art competition

The winners received their certificates in a recent prize-giving ceremony at the Ilminster Library

The winners received their certificates in a recent prize-giving ceremony at the Ilminster Library

Cultural Events

Ilminster Literary Festival announces children's writing competition winners

Ofsted found the Little Discoveries Nursery in Yeovil to be 'Good'

Ofsted found the Little Discoveries Nursery in Yeovil to be 'Good'

Yeovil-based nursery given positive rating by Ofsted

Sarah (left) has worked for Care South for more than 30 years, while Alison (right) has been with the company for more than a quarter of a century

Sarah (left) has worked for Care South for more than 30 years, while Alison (right) has been with the company for more than a quarter of a century

Buckingham Palace

Somerset care workers invited to Buckingham Palace garden party

Derelict car park transformed into new parking space.

Derelict car park transformed into new parking space.

Dangerous, derelict Chard car park completely transformed

The competition challenged young people across the South West to present groundbreaking ideas, with Mr Wan's winning presentation exploring the potential for expanding AI use in the future

The competition challenged young people across the South West to present groundbreaking ideas, with Mr Wan's winning presentation exploring the potential for expanding AI use in the future

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Leonardo employee James Wan wins Reggie Brie Young Persons' Lecture

The cyclists, who wore bright orange Y-fronts over their cycling gear, set off from Westward Ho! on Saturday, May 3, and crossed the finish line at The Globe Inn, Frampton Cotterell, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5

The cyclists, who wore bright orange Y-fronts over their cycling gear, set off from Westward Ho! on Saturday, May 3, and crossed the finish line at The Globe Inn, Frampton Cotterell, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5

Somerset cyclists don Y-fronts for 300-mile testicular cancer charity bike ride

Connor was awarded the Lord's Taverners Inspire Award in 2023, and met England cricketer Chris Woakes when picking up his prize. He also received a Sport Gives Back award last year and was invited to a ceremony where he met Woakes again

Connor was awarded the Lord's Taverners Inspire Award in 2023, and met England cricketer Chris Woakes when picking up his prize. He also received a Sport Gives Back award last year and was invited to a ceremony where he met Woakes again

London Marathon

Yeovil man with epilepsy and cerebral palsy to run London Marathon

Two women in Ilminster have opened a new shop in West Street Ilminster.

Two women in Ilminster have opened a new shop in West Street Ilminster.

Women open upholstery shop in West Street, Ilminster