Chard and Ilminster News
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000What's on in South Somerset this week: January 28-February 3, 2026
Discover top events in South Somerset this week, including quiz night, Chard antiques fair, Arsenal Legends, Steve Knightley live, and jazz in Ilminster.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Show blending cabaret, dance and live jazz coming to Yeovil
Rendez-Vous Dance’s 'The Monocle' is bringing cabaret, contemporary dance and live jazz to Yeovil.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Chess competition brings Scouts of all ages together
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers competed at a District Chess Competition in Somerton.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:18:06 +0000LIVE: Road closures and flood warnings in place as Storm Chandra hits Somerset
Multiple red and amber flood warnings and road closures have been put in place as Storm Chandra hits Somerset, amid yellow and amber weather warnings.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:00:55 +0000RECAP: Chard Town Council meets to discuss and decide 2026-27 budget
Chard Town Council will debate its 2026/27 budget at the Guildhall tonight. Councillors in attendance will also discuss flooding in Chard, alongside safety and security for residents.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:45:00 +0000How Storm Chandra is set to impact the weather in Somerset
Storm Chandra is set to hit the UK this week, leaving destructive wind and heavy rain in its path.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:52:01 +0000Chard student represents Somerset in South West Regional Future Chef Final
A Chard student has represented Somerset in the South West regional Future Chef Final.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:24:00 +0000Popular pub in Yeovil closing as it undergoes £376k renovation works
A popular pub in Somerset will be closing today as it undergoes significant renovation works worth £376,000.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000Group of friends take over popular South Somerset pub seen on Television
A group of friends has taken over a popular South Somerset pub seen on TV after nearly 20 years with the previous owners.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:26:00 +0000Somerset councillors gifted first class rail travel, cream teas and tapas
A wide range of gifts and hospitality has been accepted by elected Somerset councillors over the last six months
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:25:00 +0000Merger of seven Somerset GP surgeries delayed by legal issues
Seven Somerset medical centres were expected to formally merge in mid-January, but delays in the necessary legal processes have pushed this back
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:08:47 +0000Met Office issues new amber weather warning for parts of Somerset
Large areas of Somerset have been issued a new amber weather warning as adverse weather conditions are set to hit the county.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:06 +0000Ilminster may get no vote on Somerset Council budget
Both Ilminster's division members have been granted a leave of absence - meaning the town may get no final say on next month's budget
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Free half term activities for children returning to South Somerset
Free PlayDay events return to Somerset for February half term, offering creative workshops for children and families in Yeovil, Langport, Wincanton and Chard.
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 19:07:27 +0000Owner of Lordleaze Hotel reveals plans following proposal
The future of a hotel in Chard has been discussed after plans for partial demolition were revealed.
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:05:46 +0000Asda Yeovil worker saves widow, 86, after she slipped
An ASDA worker in Somerset was quick to act after a pensioner slipped and banged her head.
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Hospital fundraiser after 'incredible care' for eight-year-old with heart condition
A charity night will be taking place in Ilminster in aid of Bristol Hospital, which supported eight-year-old Cameron Manning, who has a rare heart condition.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Your Health, Your Choice: Act now or later face the cost of waiting
Most people regret not taking action on health and fitness, UK research shows. Discover why staying active boosts independence as you age.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000National Trust venues in Somerset welcome 2026 with activities
Discover Somerset National Trust events for February–March 2026, including workshops, family activities, tours and mindfulness sessions at key historic sites.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:01:17 +0000Large areas of Somerset to get heavy rain in new weather warning
Large areas of Somerset are at risk of flooding due to a new weather warning issued by the Met Office.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 09:54:00 +0000Lifeline for south Somerset carnival clubs as new sheds approved
Somerset Council has approved plans for a new facility near Ilminster to allow carnival clubs to construct and store its carts for the local carnival circuit
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Chard school hosts seventh art exhibition and invites Ilminster artists to judge
A primary school in Chard held its seventh annual art exhibition at Chard Guildhall, welcoming the community to celebrate the creativity of its pupils.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Nominate your business contribution in the community hero
Here's your chance to nominate a business contribution in the community hero in Somerset.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Somerset residents invited to take part in BBC's Race Across The World
The BBC is looking for people to take part in a new series of Race Across the World - and they want people from Somerset.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Pictures - Nature poking its head out in mid-January
Gallery of photographs collated from Somerset Camera Club under the theme of nature
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset Council urges public to weigh in on domestic abuse policy
Somerset Council makes final feedback call on its 2026–2029 domestic abuse strategy, seeking to improve prevention, protection and recovery services.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:16:00 +000011 major Somerset development sites held up by legal issues
Nearly 2,700 homes across 11 key sites in Somerset cannot be delivered legal agreements haven't been signed off, Somerset Council has admitted
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:11:00 +0000230 Chard homes approved for second time despite A30 safety fears
Gladman Developments claimed it could not safely provide a new pavement along the A30 Crewkerne Road - but Somerset Council wasn't standing for it
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:40:00 +0000Former Avon and Somerset PC barred after gross misconduct
A former Avon and Somerset Police officer will never be allowed on the force again following a gross misconduct hearing.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:07:51 +0000Send us your nominations for community champion of the year
Nominate someone you feel in the community that is pinnacle to the success of our communities - we want to help you to recognise their contributions.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:33:00 +0000Scheme to improve Yeovil station welcomed by council as 'vital step forward'
A Government‑funded scheme to improve passenger access at Yeovil Junction railway station has been welcomed as a “vital step forward”.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:15:08 +0000Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough: 'I was homeless as a child - now I want to help others'
Growing up, and later, when he moved to London, Radio 1 presenter and DJ, Dean McCullough never had a fixed address and regularly faced the daunting prospect of sleeping on the streets.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Clinton Rogers column: Stuck in place – and footing the bill
Bristol Airport raises drop-off parking fees to £8.50, sparking debate on rising costs for motorists at airports, motorway services and hospitals across the UK.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Green Party candidate tours new diagnostic centre in Yeovil
Yeovil Diagnostic Centre opens, set to serve 70,000 South Somerset patients yearly with state-of-the-art NHS facilities and top energy efficiency standards.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Adam Dance welcomes accessibility investment at Yeovil Junction station
Adam Dance welcomes government funding for step free access at Yeovil Junction station under the Access for All programme, boosting rail accessibility.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Awards scheme unveiled to champion Somerset landscapes
CPRE Somerset launches the Love Your Countryside Awards to celebrate rural projects across Somerset for the charity’s centenary. Entries open until April 30.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:47:00 +0000Council warns residents of road closure for essential works
Chard Town Council is warning residents of the full closure of Avishayes Road due to essential Wessex Water works taking place in February.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:38:00 +0000More than 9,300 new Somerset homes could be signed off by central government
Under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, any plans for 150 homes or more may be signed off by central government rather than local councillors
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:31:00 +0000Fire causes 'significant damage' to holiday let in Somerset
A serious blaze caused “significant damage” to a property on Wood Drove, in Langport, on the night of January 21.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:24:00 +0000Met Office issues new weather warning for Somerset
Large areas of Somerset have been forecast to be hit by adverse weather conditions, which are 'likely to cause disruption', according to the Met Office.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Rain forecast for remainder of working week in Chard
Chard weather forecast: Rain and strong winds to persist midweek, easing by Saturday. Drier weekend expected before overcast skies return Sunday.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Joanna Hall steps in as Somerset hospice’s new CEO
Joanna Hall appointed CEO of St Margaret’s Hospice Care, bringing 25+ years' charity experience to lead free hospice services across Somerset.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Ilminster barn conversion with countryside views on sale for £435k
Three-bedroom barn conversion for sale in Ilminster for £435,000. Features countryside views, en-suite, double garage, garden, and no onward chain.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Four-bedroom detached house on the market in Chard for £425,000
Detached four-bedroom house for sale in Chard, with double garage, modern kitchen, EV charging, and large garden. Guide price of £425,000.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:47:00 +0000Replacement Yeovil school to be finished by summer 2027
Construction is currently proceeding on the replacement for Milford Junior School on Glenthorne Avenue, which was closed in the summer of 2022
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000Somerset Council warns of A358 closure near Ilminster due to flooding
Somerset Council has warned that the A358 at Donyatt is closed due to flooding following heavy rainfall during the week.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:12:06 +0000South Somerset historic site undergoing first major restoration in 400 years
Historic staircases at Montacute House are undergoing their first major restoration in 400 years, described as a "pivotal moment" for the site.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:14:00 +0000Somerset Council to spend more than £5.8m changing street lights to LEDs
Around 18,000 "ageing and inefficient" street lights and related infrastructure will need to be replaced as part of the council's next budget
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000Adam Dance MP: Fears for Yeovil's grassroots music scene
Grassroots music venues are more than just places to watch a band.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Volunteers to benefit from new Somerset Council policy
Somerset Council launches new Volunteering Policy to support 1,400+ volunteers across 22 teams, recognising their contribution to services and communities.