Chard and Ilminster News

Sun, 03 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Ilminster Literary Festival returns later this year with week of events
Ilminster Literary Festival 2026 returns to South Somerset, 2–9 June, marking its 10th anniversary with author talks, workshops, and headline speakers

Sun, 03 May 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Driving ban for man who was 'swerving' across the road with no front tyres
A man from Yeovil was handed a driving ban at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, April 30.

Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Footpath in parish of Yeovil Without to temporarily close
Footpath on Mudford Road, Yeovil Without, to close on 9 May for Openreach ducting works. Somerset Council advises pedestrians to use alternative routes.

Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Two vintage Lagondas to go under the hammer at Somerset classic car auction
Two pre-war Lagonda cars to be auctioned at Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, South Somerset on 4 June by Charterhouse.

Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset residents urged to make use of free NHS health checks
Somerset Council urges residents aged 40–74 to book a free NHS health check. Assess heart, diabetes and dementia risk. Appointments across Somerset.

Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Camera club members showcase beauty in Somerset nature
Gallery of pictures showcasing the beauty of Somerset's nature

Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Green Focus: Why this film on the climate crisis matters
The People’s Emergency Briefing, a UK documentary chaired by Prof Mike Berners-Lee, explores urgent climate and nature crises. Local screenings nationwide.

Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset launches home vaccination pilot for children
Somerset launches pilot offering childhood vaccinations at home via health visitors, aiming to boost immunisation rates and improve NHS access for families.

Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
New health clinic officially opened by mayor in Crewkerne
South West Hearing Care has launched its latest branch in Market Square, Crewkerne

Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Yeovil MP Adam Dance formally reselected as Liberal Democrat candidate
Adam Dance reselected as Liberal Democrat candidate for Yeovil in the next general election, pledging NHS improvements and local jobs at Leonardo in Somerset.

Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Dawn chorus makes spring mornings special across Somerset
Experience Somerset’s spectacular dawn chorus as birdsong peaks for International Dawn Chorus Day. RSPB hosts events to celebrate this unique wildlife event.

Fri, 01 May 2026 13:07:00 +0100
Somerset carnival dates and times confirmed for 2026
Every date and time for each carnival procession in Somerset has been confirmed.

Fri, 01 May 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Woman sentenced for assault by beating in Chard
A woman has been sentenced for assault by beating in Chard.

Fri, 01 May 2026 15:20:29 +0100
Newsquest's Young Reporter Scheme returns with early bird price offer
To mark the milestone, new schools have the chance to benefit from special early bird pricing until June 30.

Fri, 01 May 2026 15:15:50 +0100
'Pressure makes diamonds': Kai's journey from homelessness to independence
A young man who became homeless after caring for his terminally ill father has spoken about how he rebuilt his life with the support of Centrepoint

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Excitement builds as Somerset Day weekend prepares to arrive
Celebrate Somerset Day 2026 on 9–10 May with county-wide events, food festivals, live music, heritage celebrations, and family activities across Somerset.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Crewkerne nail technician named finalist at UK Hair and Beauty Awards
Paulina Madejska of Tip Top Nails Studio, Crewkerne, is a UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026 finalist in the best new talent category.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Clinton Rogers: Why grammar standards seem to be slipping
Clinton Rogers examines the decline of grammar and spelling standards in UK media, official documents, and politics, and debates importance of correct English.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:58:00 +0100
New pet superstore opening in Somerset retail park
A new pet superstore is set to open its doors at a Somerset retail park.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:05:00 +0100
Former police officer faces prison sentence for harassing colleague
A former police officer who admitted to harassing a colleague has been warned that he could be jailed.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:50:00 +0100
Police issue community appeal after reports of break-ins and theft in Chard
A community appeal has been issued following ongoing reports of break-ins and theft in the Henson Park area of Chard.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:32:27 +0100
Man who threatened paramedics with hammer to be sentenced
A Yeovil man who threatened two female paramedics with a hammer is set to be sentenced in June.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:48:03 +0100
Homebuyers face ‘gruelling’ delays as MPs demand urgent overhaul of broken system
MPs calling for urgent reforms to speed up property transactions and stop sales falling through

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:40:30 +0100
Premier Inn owner to cut thousands of jobs in cost‑saving drive
Premier Inn owner Whitbread said it wanted to save money in light of cost pressures coming from business rates and national insurance contributions.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:37:59 +0100
UK dog owners issued May bank holiday weekend warning amid 'perfect storm'
Dog owners are being urged to check for everyday hazards over the May bank holiday weekend

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Adam Dance: Yeovil has been thriving lately - here's why
Yeovil town centre thrived with the Town Crier Competition, Eat Yeovil, and Earth Day events—boosting local businesses and civic pride, says Adam Dance MP.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Sun and cloud forecast by Met Office for Chard this week
Chard weather forecast: Sunny spells and mild temperatures from 29 April to 3 May, with highs of 20°C, gusty winds, high pollen and moderate UV levels.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Three-bed Ilminster bungalow with panoramic views for sale for £330k
Three-bedroom semi-detached chalet bungalow for sale in Ilminster, £330,000. Panoramic views, modern kitchen, garden, listed by Symonds and Sampson.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Four-bed Yeovil home in 'secluded position' on the market for £375k
Detached four-bedroom house for sale in Yeovil, £375,000. Freehold, chain-free, two bathrooms, large garden, garage.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Inside a £425k three-bedroom house in Yeovil with solar panels
Three-bedroom semi-detached house with solar panels for sale in Yeovil, £425,000. Features large garden, garage, two bathrooms.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Road in Montacute to be closed for six hours in May
Bishopston, Montacute will close on 6 May for Openreach ducting works, says Somerset Council. Road shut 9.30am–3.30pm; alternative route provided.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Three-bedroom house near Chard hits market for £315,000
Three-bedroom link-detached house in Tatworth, near Chard, for sale at £315,000. Refurbished, chain-free, freehold, easy access to Taunton and Jurassic Coast.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:54:00 +0100
Somerset company recognised with business of the year award
A Somerset-based company has won a B2B business of the year award.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:43:00 +0100
Push for more buses at Somerset hospital blocked by helipad rules
The Somerset Bus Partnership has been pushing for increase bus services to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton - but there's a big obstacle in the way

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:45:00 +0100
More than 4500 people express an interest in an appointment at new NHS dentist
More than 4500 people have expressed an interest in an appointment at a new NHS dental practice opening soon in South Somerset.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:20:00 +0100
Former police officer charged with harassment and stalking offences
A former police officer has been charged with harassment and stalking offences following an investigation carried out by the Professional Standards Department.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Three Somerset sisters run London Marathon and reunite with guide dog pup Izzy
Three Somerset siblings ran the London Marathon this weekend for Guide Dogs UK and were reunited with the puppy they raised.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset Day celebrations strengthened by new partner
Passion for Somerset partners with Somerset Concrete to promote Somerset Day 2026, launching the Journey of the Dragon campaign.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
What's on in South Somerset this week: April 29-May 5, 2026
Looking for things to do in South Somerset? See Indian dance in Yeovil, live music in South Petherton, family fun in Chard, and film screenings at Westlands.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset animal sanctuary launches fundraiser for crumbling feed room
Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard launches £10,000 fundraising appeal to replace its decaying feed room and protect animal welfare.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Three-day closure scheduled for road in Yeovil
Parcroft Gardens, Yeovil, will close 5–7 May (8am–6pm) for Openreach duct works. No alternative route.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0100
Somerset restaurant named among the best after receiving Trencherman's Award
A Somerset restaurant owner has been named among the best after receiving a Trencherman’s Award at last night's ceremony.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:45:00 +0100
'Unsafe' A30 Hendford Hill road to fully reopen next month after major repairs
The A30 Hendord Hill is set to fully reopen by the end of May in time for the peak holiday season after severe damage caused by Storm Chandra earlier this year.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:20:26 +0100
Nominations open for Somerset children and young people achievement awards
Children and young people in care in Somerset, and the adults who support them, could be in line for official recognition.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:42:00 +0100
44 homes and 67-space car park approved in Somerset town centre
Long-running plans to redevelop the former Millers Garage site in Crewkerne have been given the green light by Somerset councillors

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:40:48 +0100
LOCALiQ Wins Standout SEO Agency of the Year Award
LOCALiQ has been named Standout SEO Agency of the Year at the 2026 UK Digital Excellence Awards, further cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s leading digital marketing agencies.

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Road in Rimpton to close for water works
Pitfield Corner, Rimpton, will close from 5–8 May 2026 for Wessex Water works, Somerset Council confirms. Alternative route for motorists provided.

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:04:15 +0100
Woman in her 60s dies after crash on B-road near Yeovil
A woman in her 60s has been pronounced dead following a collision on a major road in Somerset, police have confirmed.

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:50:00 +0100
Somerset rubbish and recycling collection changes during the Bank Holiday
There will be no recycling or rubbish collections taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4.

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:10:39 +0100
19-year-old arrested after 13 vehicles and three buildings damaged
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after 13 vehicles and three buildings were damaged in South Somerset.

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