News

Mind in Somerset continues 24/7 support over Christmas
MINDLINE, a telephone service by Mind in Somerset, will remain open for Christmas and the surrounding days.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24000322.mind-somerset-continues-24
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Three Wishes Fairy Festival granted new license in Somerset
An award-winning family-friendly festival will have a new home on the Somerset Levels after councillors agreed to grant a new licence.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24000437.three-wishes-fairy-festiva
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Local action for wildlife to be led by Somerset communities
Somerset Wildlife Trust project to enable local communities and young people to take community-led action for nature.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24000701.local-action-wildlife-led-
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Somerset Freemasons: £10,000 donation to repair flood damage
Somerset Freemasons has donated £10,000 to the Queen Camel Community Land Trust to repair damage caused by the flash floods in May
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23996405.somerset-freemasons-10-000
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Yeovilton's Naval Air Squadron: Wildcat graduation ceremony
RNAS Yeovilton’s 825 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) hosted the graduation of the Wildcat HMA Course 9
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23996154.yeoviltons-naval-air-squad
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Taunton School pupils shine in A Christmas Carol production
Taunton School students took to the stage alongside professional actors during a Christmas production at The Brewhouse
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23996217.taunton-school-pupils-shin
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Dr John Martin starts chief executive role at SWASFT
Dr John Martin has formally taken on the role of chief executive at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT)
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001144.dr-john-martin-starts-chie
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Somerset charity raises £125,000 for elderly in fuel poverty
A Somerset charity has raised over £125,000 to support older people living in fuel poverty
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23996183.somerset-charity-raises-12
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Taunton pop-up shop raises over £11,000 for Guide Dogs charity
A local charity pop-up shop has raised over £11,000 thanks to Taunton residents.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23996265.taunton-pop-up-shop-raises
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Wells Christmas Market: Hundreds get in the festive spirit
Wells got in the festive spirit as it welcomed hundreds of visitors to its annual Christmas Market
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24000678.wells-christmas-market-hun
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Over 40,000 meals donated to Tesco Winter Food Collection
Somerset customers have donated thousands of meals to the Tesco Winter Food Collection in support for FareShare and the Trussell Trust.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001662.40-000-meals-donated-tesco
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Looking back: Wallaby caught roaming near Taunton
IN 2019, a female wallaby was captured by zoo staff after it was spotted roaming the fields of Somerset.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001687.looking-back-wallaby-caugh
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


BBC TV historian to host black history talk in Frome
A commended historian and professor who has filmed several informative shows with the BBC will be heading to Somerset to host a talk on black history in the new year.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001955.bbc-tv-historian-host-blac
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Racehorse Inn in Taunton to reopen before Christmas
A Taunton town center pub has confirmed will reopen just before Christmas.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001931.racehorse-inn-taunton-reop
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Taunton Theatre Association addresses concerns about Brewhouse funding
A charity operating Taunton Brewhouse has addressed the public’s concerns around reduction or withdrawal of funding by Somerset Council as the authority faces a financial emergency.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24002028.taunton-theatre-associatio
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Somerset Council approves 100 new homes on B3153 in Huish Episcopi
Langport LVA LLP put forward plans in April 2021 to deliver the new homes north of the B3153 Somerton Road in Huish Episcopi, on the eastern approach to Langport.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24002104.somerset-council-approves-
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Workers attend council meeting to discuss public services in Somerset
Council workers in Somerset will today (Wednesday, December 20) lobby to voice their concerns over the future of public services across the county.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24002158.workers-attend-council-mee
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Police appeal for digger and trailer stolen near Glastonbury
A 2.7 tonne digger and a large trailer have been stolen from a village near Glastonbury.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24002242.police-appeal-digger-trail
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Eastern car park at Castle Cary station to close for works
Castle Cary railway station handles more than 310,000 passengers a year, according to the Office of Rail and Road, serving the eponymous town and numerous settlements in central Somerset.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24002346.eastern-car-park-castle-ca
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Somerset's Crisis Safe Space's mental health support over Christmas
People in Somerset experiencing a mental health crisis have support through a sanctuary called Crisis Safe Space.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23998808.somersets-crisis-safe-spac
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


The Cornish Viking in Africa: Chris Marrow releases memoir
Volume 2 of Wellington's own Chris Marrow's memoirs is now available
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001799.cornish-viking-africa-chri
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Ben Elton UK tour: Tickets to Authentic Stupidity in Yeovil
Ben Elton is heading back out on the road with his new live show Authentic Stupidity - and he is coming to Somerset
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23999785.ben-elton-uk-tour-tickets-
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Christmas at the Palace Eco Exhibition 2023 in Wells
Over 800 children from 14 schools and nurseries in the Wells area got in the festive spirit at the Christmas at the Palace Eco Exhibition
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23998991.christmas-palace-eco-exhib
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Camelot House and Lodge care home salon wins award
Wellington-based dementia home Camelot House and Lodge has won its care group’s ‘best in-house salon’ competition
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001087.camelot-house-lodge-care-h
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


RSPCA: Dog welfare reports hit three year high in Somerset
Dog welfare reports have hit a three-year high in Somerset, according to the RSPCA.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001941.rspca-dog-welfare-reports-
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Traffic being turned around on M5 due to overturned lorry
All three lanes are closed on the M5 southbound due to an overturned lorry blocking the carriageway.
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/24001608.traffic-turned-around-m5-d
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


Record number of visitors to Hermaness

Hermaness Nature Reserve in Unst recorded its best ever year for visitors in 2023. Around 12,000 people visited after an extensive upgrade to the reserve’s...

Record number of visitors to Hermaness


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/18/record-number-of-visitors-to-hermanes
Mon, 18 Dec 2023


Encouraging signs for 2024, says LPA chief executive

An encouraging 2023 has given confidence to Lerwick Port Authority’s (LPA) chief executive, with new opportunities looming in the new year. New figures released by...

Encouraging signs for 2024, says LPA chief executive


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/18/1149423
Mon, 18 Dec 2023


NorthLink ferry fare to increase by massive nine per cent

NorthLink ferry fares are set to increase by an eye-watering nine per cent from April.

NorthLink ferry fare to increase by massive nine per cent


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/19/northlink-ferry-fare-to-increase-by-m
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Ferry to arrive at 2am due to severe storms 

Forecast storms will see NorthLink’s northbound crossing depart five hours early to arrive in Lerwick at 2am.

Ferry to arrive at 2am due to severe storms 


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/19/ferry-to-arrive-at-2am-due-to-severe-
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


RSPB Shetland to boost health through winter programme

RSPB Shetland are launching a new programme which aims to enhance people’s health and wellbeing.

RSPB Shetland to boost health through winter programme


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/19/rspb-shetland-to-boost-health-through
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Ferry bookings to open for summer season following huge fare hike

NorthLink said it would soon be taking bookings from April onwards after fares were set for the summer season and beyond.

Ferry bookings to open for summer season following huge fare hike


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/19/ferry-bookings-open-for-summer-season
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Politicians shocked at ‘eye-watering’ ferry fare hike.

Isles representatives have slammed transport bosses’ “greedflation” rise in ferry fares.

Politicians shocked at ‘eye-watering’ ferry fare hike.


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/19/politicians-shocked-at-eye-watering-f
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Whalsay man forced to leave Iceland home amid volcanic eruption

A man originally from Whalsay has returned home after a volcano erupts nearby their home in Iceland.

Whalsay man forced to leave Iceland home amid volcanic eruption


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/19/whalsay-man-forced-to-leave-iceland-h
Tue, 19 Dec 2023


Delays and earlier sailings expected over the next two days

NorthLink’s sailings for today (Wednesday) will be hours earlier than scheduled due to “adverse weather conditions” while significant delays are expected for Thursday.

Delays and earlier sailings expected over the next two days


https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2023/12/20/delays-and-earlier-sailings-expected-
Wed, 20 Dec 2023


SBC set to increase EV charging costs in the new year
THE COST to charge an electric vehicle (EV) in the Borders is due to increase from January 1.
https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23996188.sbc-set-increase-ev-charging-costs
Mon, 18 Dec 2023


Met Office give yellow warning for strong winds in Borders
THE Met Office has warned that there is a chance of travel disruption, power cuts and injuries as a result of the wind warning on Thursday
https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23996309.met-office-give-yellow-warning-str
Mon, 18 Dec 2023


Adverse weather forecast halts wind turbine blade deliveries
This is due to a combination of anticipated poor weather conditions next week and emergency repairs on the route.
https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23995923.adverse-weather-forecast-halts-win
Mon, 18 Dec 2023


Plea to extend pioneering ‘Hospital at Home’ scheme across Borders
A PLEA has been made to extend a pioneering ‘Hospital at Home’ scheme currently only operating in the central Borders.
https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23997025.plea-extend-pioneering-hospital-ho
Mon, 18 Dec 2023


Home Bargains issues recall of heater over fire concerns
A FAULTY fuse has resulted in some heaters sold by Home Bargains overheating or even catching fire
https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23997144.home-bargains-issues-recall-heater
Mon, 18 Dec 2023