Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News - local news, sport, jobs, cars, what's on, homes, travel, weather

The West Country | Archive | 2007 | October

Stories for 19 October 2007

Bridgwater News

Have YOUR say on budget

PEOPLE in Bridgwater can have their say on Sedgemoor District Council's budget - thanks to a new service being tried out by the authority this autumn. more...

Asda employees raise cash for Breast Cancer

EMPLOYEES from Bridgwater's Asda supermarket have been tickled pink with a series of charity events for breast cancer. more...

Ballroom bash raises cash for great cause

A PARTY held in the cellophane ballroom in Bridgwater has collected £1,600 for a great cause. more...

Bridgwater Town

Late leveller stuns Town

BRIDGWATER Town were twice pegged back in a very entertaining 2-2 draw at Windsor and Eton on Wednesday evening. more...

Burnham News

Time to look at badminton in a new way

WHAT springs to mind when you think about badminton? Most people would associate the traditional sport with men and women aged 50 and over wearing plimsolls whilst hitting a shuttlecock back and forth at a leisurely pace. more...

Boost for Hillview

A BURNHAM Carnival club was handed a boost last week when a county councillor handed over a much-needed cheque. more...

Camborne And Redruth

Members of karate club win top awards

MEMBERS of the Spirit Karate Club in Camborne travelled to Cheshunt just north of London for an open competition attended by members of the UK squad and came away with a gold and bronze awards. more...

Camborne News

Hedge fire is arson

CAMBORNE firefighters were called to a hedge fire yesterday afternoon which is believed to have been started deliberately. more...

Arson suspected after car fire

ARSON is suspected after a car was found alight in Redruth last night. more...

Rubbish fire

FIREFIGHTERS from Camborne attended a rubbish fire last night in Pool. more...

Hayle surfers gain high results

Members of Hayle Surf Life Saving Club were again successful in gaining the National Rescue Standard (NaRS) Beach Lifeguard qualification during the recently held exam at the club. more...

County Sport

Youngsters put to test in league

Cornwall took a young team to Somerset to contest the final Channel League game of the season. more...

Cornwall CGU cup results

THE results of the Frank Wills Salver first round matches played on October 13 and 14 2007 were: Treloy 3, Bude and NC 2; Whitsand Bay 1, Mullion 4; Budock Vean 1, Newquay 3; Bowood Park 2, Trethorne 3; Cape Cornwall 2, China Fleet 3; Carlyon Bay 4, Lostwithiel 1; Praa Sands -, Merlin W/O; West Cornwall 3, St Mellion 2; Culdrose 3, Roserrow 2; Porthpean 0, Trevose 5; Perranporth 4, Looe 1; Killiow 5, Launceston 0; Falmouth 5, St Austell 0; St Enodoc 1, Tehidy Park 4; St Kew 1, Truro 4. more...

Farming News

Farmers meet scientific group in south west

The Independent Scientific Group Committee involved into looking and badgers and cattle TB. visited Devon as part of its inquiry. The Committee met representatives from NFU South West, local vets and local farmers. As part of the visit, the Committee went to three local farms in Ivybridge, Shebbear and Stockleigh Pomeroy to talk to farmers about their experiences of Cattle TB and to view badger setts on farms. more...

NFU disappointed over EU labour

The NFU has expressed disappointment at the conclusion of a report which claims UK and EU labour can meet the requirements of the UK economy and has urged the Government to increase the number of Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme permits available. more...

Breeding birds take a tumble

The latest figures published by the UK government on wild bird populations in the UK has shown that the index of birds counted breeding on England's farmland has tumbled to its lowest point, since recording began in the 1960s. more...

Farmer explains how bovine TB had hit his dairy hered

A farmer broke down in tears this week as he told a group of influential MPs how bovine TB had hit his pedigree dairy herd after 60 years clear of the disease and despite no cattle having been introduced which could have brought it with them. more...

New template for farmers

A new template contract for dairy farming NFU members to refer to in negotiation with their milk buyers will be up for discussion when the Union's two top men in the field tour the South West next Monday and Tuesday. more...

Featured Properties

Repossession may increase by end of year

With concern mounting that home repossessions could rise by the end of the year a Cornish businessman has warned people to think carefully before taking action. more...

Football News

Promising start to league

THE ladies winter league began at Falmouth Bowling Club on Tuesday morning, but after overnight rain the ladies were fortunate to catch a window in the weather enabling them to finish their games in the day. more...

General News

Graphic designer goes upmarket

A CORNISH graphic designer has been immersed in the world of international superyachts after being invited to guest art-direct the magazine of international yacht firm Camper and Nicholsons. more...

Looking good for Cornish boatbuilder

The future is looking extremely buoyant for a leading Cornish boat manufacturer after an overwhelming response from visitors to its stand at the internationally renowned Southampton Boat Show. more...

Russian sailor leaves Falmouth

Russian sailor Fedor Konyukhov set sail from Falmouth on route for Albany, Western Australia in preparation for his attempt to become the first man to sail solo non-stop around Antarctica. more...

Viking talk open to public

The Devon and Cornwall Joint Branch or the Royal Institution of Naval Architects Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology is holding a joint meeting with the Nautical Institute at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth and their subject is expected to cause a lot of interest. more...

Watch station wants more volunteers

The National Coastwatch station openeed at Nare Point at the mouth of the Helford River during the summer has proved a huge success. more...

Helston

Sun shines on opening round

IN weather more suited to summer the first of nine Winter League competition was held at Mullion Golf Club on Sunday. This year's overall winner will receive the Harry Champion Shield which will be presented in March 2008. more...

Wendron make excellent start

HELSTON FC A got their season off to a great start last week defeating defending champions Wendron CC 6-3 in the West Cornwall Winter Pool league. White Hart B lead the table after a 5-4 win over Porthleven FC B while Helston RBL F are second after a 5-4 win over Paris B. Lizard FC A defeated Mullion FC 6-3 and Mounts Bay B recovered from the previous week's defeat to beat Helston Rugby Club A 6-3. more...

Helston News

Goonhilly to be wind friendly

Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station is expected to play a leading role in BT plans to develop wind farms generating up to a quarter of the company's existing UK electricity requirements by 2016. more...

Highbridge News

Young woman assaulted in Highbridge

A YOUNG woman was taken to hospital after she was the victim of an assault and attempted robbery while walking in Highbridge. more...

Latest News

Fake jewellery warning

Police are warning people across Devon and Cornwall to be vigilant following a series of incidents involving fake jewellery sales. more...

Cornish schools help tackle obesity

Primary and secondary schools in Cornwall are joining the fight to tackle childhood obesity with a range of measures designed to encourage children to eat more healthily and take more exercise. more...

School of Mines seal of approval

A programme of Masters degree courses run by University of Exeter's Camborne School of Mines (CSM) has been given a seal of approval by the European Commission. Based at the Tremough Campus, Penryn, CSM has been awarded Erasmus Mundus status for its Minerals and Environmental Programme, which it runs together with five European universities. more...

Car stolen after burglary

During the early hours of Wednesday morning October 17 a property in the Laburnum Close area of Falmouth was burgled and a silver Alfa Romeo stolen. more...

Don't forget the kitchen sink!

FALMOUTH Town Football club will be hosting an auction evening with literally anything from a kitchen sink to a chef for the night up for grabs. more...

North Versus South Cornwall at the Oyster Festival

North Coast Executive chef Nick Hodges partner at Lusty Glaze Restaurant in Newquay is taking on Artie Williams from the south coast proprietor of the Cove Restaurant in Maenporth, Falmouth. more...

Father and son treated for injuries after incident on board yacht

BOTH Falmouth lifeboats were called out this morning after receiving reports of an incident on board a yacht somewhere off Falmouth. more...

Beware black Friday

TODAY millions of motorists risk being caught in the worst traffic congestion of the year and more people are likely to die on the road. more...

Crime figures down in Devon and Cornwall

Crime in Devon and Cornwall has fallen over the last six months, according to latest statistics. more...

Mercury Around The World

Hello from Egypt

Amber Gay, 17, is pictured here in Sharma El Sheik in Egypt. more...

Mercury appears at Niagra Falls

Connor and Mitchell Jones are bravely posing on the bridge from Niagra Falls in America crossing into Canada. more...

Teddy bear part of San Antonia fun

Tyrone and Glyn Robson, Ross Chedzoy and Jack Bales with Travelling Ted from the Sunbeams Nursery at the Ibiza Fountains in San Antonia. more...

Malta Mercury

Phillip and Kelly Parker, tour rep Sidika Schembri, Kevin Parker and Wayne Perks (front) are pictured here in Malta outside the Mosta Dome Church. more...

Taking the Mickey in Florida

Pam and John Coleman look to be having a great time with their Mercury at Disney World Florida. more...

Vancouver Island's Mercury fun

Jackie Sullivan is at the quayside at Port Alberni on Vancouver Island with their newspaper. more...

News

Shattering news for Reddy

THERE are fears that Yeovil Town's hopes in being able to put striker Michael Reddy into competitive League One action may have been dashed. more...

Slade looks to sign Walker

YEOVIL Town boss Russell Slade was last night hoping to complete the loan signing of Charlton Athletic striker James Walker. more...

Ex-Rovers man is a doubt

YEOVIL Town's experienced striker Marcus Stewart has been declared a 'doubt' ahead of tomorrow's big West Country derby match at Bristol Rovers. more...

High hopes for Adebayo

WITH Yeovil Town boss Russell Slade fearing the worst over the futures of strikers Lee Morris and Michael Reddy, he still has high hopes for former Swansea City frontman Adebayo Akinfenwa. more...

You must buy your Rovers tickets TODAY!

TICKETS for tomorrow's big Coca-Cola League One clash at Bristol Rovers are still available from the Huish Park ticket office. more...

Walker joins on loan

YEOVIL Town manager Russell Slade has signed 19-year-old Charlton Athletic striker James Walker, as expected, on loan. more...

Knights goes out on loan

YEOVIL Town striker Darryl Knights has gone out on a month's loan to Conference National outfit Cambridge United. more...

Other Clubs

Young footballers have Yeovil chance

LOCAL youth football stalwart Mo Hopkins believes his new link-up with Yeovil Town can offer the perfect platform for Bridgwater's best young players to make their name with a professional club. more...

Other Devon News

Nationally recognised stress management programme saves thousands of pounds

DAYS lost through stress related sickness are being avoided, saving thousands of pounds each year at Devon County Council, through an effective, national award winning stress management programme. more...

Affordable housing cash welcomed by Devon County Council

NEWS that the government is to tackle the rural housing crisis with £789 million to fund social and affordable housing has been welcomed by Devon County Council. more...

Last chance for bikers to have their say in consultation

MOTORCYCLISTS have until the end of the month to tell Devon County Council how they think their safety on local roads can be improved. more...

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service supports

DEVON & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is supporting Age Concern's Safer Homes Week. more...

Other Sports

Deane swimmers qualify for elite national squad

AN unprecedented seven members of Taunton Deane Swimming Club have been selected for a national elite squad following impressive performances at the recent national championships where the club made a record number of finals. more...

Marc lands British gold

MARC Taylor picked up a gold medal in the British TAGB Taekwondo Championships - competing in his first ever tournament. more...

Karate stars in medal haul

STUDENTS of both the junior and senior sections of the Budo Juku Karate Club in Bridgwater won major honours in the Wado Academy Championships in Stroud. more...

'Extra special' event for rider Katie

LOCAL young rider Katie Driver was selected to compete for the South West in the British Junior Eventing Championships at Weston Park. more...

Cousins take equestrian glory

YOUNG cousins Rachel Webber, riding Hovis, and Jade Coles, on Tuppence, beat over 100 pairs in the hunter trials at Pontispool. more...

Darts trio maintain 100% starts

THE three teams with 100% records in the Friday Six-a-Side Mixed Darts League kept up their charge with further victories. more...

Market ladies stretch skittles lead

OLD Market A extended their lead at the top of Division One in the Bridgwater Town Ladies' Skittles League thanks to a 403-390 away win at struggling Duke B. more...

Readers Write

Pedestrianisation survey was fatally flawed

THE petition presented by Friends of the Earth for the pedestrianisation of Falmouth town centre is not a survey. It is fatally flawed in that they only interviewed people on foot. more...

Schools News

King's Hall pupils raise £2,700 for hospice

PUPILS at King's Hall Prep School, in Taunton, have raised £2,700 for the Children's Hospice South West through their Autumn Fair and a Year 8 fundraising initiative in the summer. more...

New head installed in chapel service

RICHARD Biggs, the new headmaster at King's College, Taunton, was istalled in the school chapel by the senior provost of the Woodard Schools Corporation, Canon Brendan Clover. more...

Trip impresses pupils

YOUNGSTERS from a Bridgwater school had a chance to walk through the halls of power this week, Town MP Ian Liddell-Grainger (pictured) met pupils from Hamp Community Junior School prior to their visit to the House of Commons on Tuesday (October 16). more...

Victorian day at St Joseph's Primary

PUPILS from St Joseph's Primary School in Bridgwater dressed up in old-fashioned clothing and observed old traditions to celebrate life in Victorian England on Wednesday, October 17. more...

Sainsbury's get schools cooking

SAINSBURY'S encouraged children in Bridgwater to get cooking by handing out culinary kits to schools on Wednesday September 26. more...

Sedgemoor pupils go cross-country

PUPILS at Sedgemoor Manor Junior School in Bridgwater limbered up for their annual cross-country tournament on Thursday (October 18). more...

Harvest with a twist

A SCHOOL harvest with a difference took place at St Joseph's School in Burnham on Thursday (October 18) as children packed up toiletries to send to the needy. more...

Somerset News

Mental health services 'excellent' rating

PATIENTS and carers using Somerset's mental health services should feel reassured following the publication yesterday (Thursday) of national performance tables rating them as 'excellent'. more...

Green fuel project wins county top award

AN initiative to use bioethanol for road transport fuel to reduce greenhouse gases has scooped a top award for Somerset County Council. more...

Booth slams Brown

SOUTH-West Euro MP Graham Booth UK Independence Party) clashed with the Prime Minister during a press conference in Lisbon today (Friday). more...

Taunton News

Getting down and dirty for charity

YOU can forgive this exhausted group of local government workers for perhaps not looking their best. more...

Charity scoops top award

ESCAPE Support Group - a Taunton charity for children with disabilities and their families and carers - has won the Emotional Health and Wellbeing category for outstanding contribution to child health at the National Health for Kids Awards 2007. more...

Taunton hosts creative event

CREATIVE groups, individuals and companies across Somerset are invited to a networking event in Taunton. more...

Come on England!

THE children at Railway Runabouts pre-school, in Taunton, know who they're supporting in the Rugby World Cup Final tomorrow (Saturday). more...

Pizza bash raises charity cash

A CHEQUE for £790 has been presented to St Margaret's Somerset Hospice from Royal Navy personnel on board HMS Echo. more...

Truro

National sporting star launches girls' season

TRACEY Neville, the ex-England netball international visited Truro School just before the new season started and inspired all of the netball players with a day's coaching session. more...

Truro News

Truro fencer to represent Great Britain

A Grampound boy has been selected for the Under-12 Great Britain fencing team to compete in the European Championships in Germany on November 4. more...

Sexual assault in St Austell

Police are appealing for witnesses following a sexual assault at around 6.30pm yesterday. more...

MP pledges to solve housing crisis

THE TRURO and St Austell MP has pledged to help solve the housing crisis in Cornwall. more...

Man charged over hit and run

A 55-year-old man from Truro will appear at the city's magistrates court next Thursday to face three charges following an alleged hit and run in Newquay on July 28 when a 12-year-old boy was injured. more...

Students look to increase their support for orphans in Swaziland

Students, past and present gathered with their parents at Truro College for an evening of Swazi food, culture and entertainment. more...

South west farmer tells how Bovine TB caused him chaos

Village News

Cossington's taste of Africa

MORE than 70 people packed Cossington Village Hall last week, to enjoy the vibrant sounds of some visiting African musicians. more...

Village News From Around Taunton

Coffee shop funds

NORTH Curry Community Coffee Shop, has just donated its first year's surplus of over £3,600 to 25 charities and local organizations, each receiving an amount depending on the hours worked behind the counter by each of the 60 volunteers who nominated a specific worthy cause. Opened in May 2006, the coffee shop has become a meeting place for villagers, and has developed a steady trade, with its winter and summer special menus and home made cakes for regular visitors from further afield. Extra helpers had to be called in when a coach load of people suddenly arrived one morning, and village events have also swelled the takings. Chairman of the management committee, Terry Sidley said yesterday "We are so pleased that because of the dedication of our volunteers, we have made a success of this venture, and people from other villages are now showing an interest and thinking of setting up their own community enterprises". North Curry had over 30 businesses only a few years ago, but one by one they have now closed, leaving only one public house and the post office and general stores, so the coffee shop has been a welcome addition to village life. more...

Taunton Soroptimists

TAUNTON Soroptimists welcomed the Mayoress, Mary Hayward, to its International Evening at which Briony Houlden spoke about her work as chief executive of the South West Regional Assembly. more...

Creech St Michael

Over-60s Club: Opening the October meeting, Terry Crawley, the treasurer, apologised for the absence of Gerry Norris, the chairman, who he understood was to be readmitted to hospital for an operation, and joined with members in wishing him a return to good health. more...

Kingsdon

ON November 9 the Ladies held their monthly meeting in the village hall when it was reported that the Harvest Supper, organised by club members had been a huge success. more...

Yeovil News

Youngsters support Waterlinks project

CHILDREN across Yeovil and surrounding area have been putting pen to paper to show their support for Waterlinks - Somerset's bid to win £50-million of funding from the Big Lottery Fund. more...

Martock chippy misses out

THE Martock Chippery in Martock narrowly missed out on being named the best chippy in the area in the nationwide Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition. more...

Fashion aids breast cancer patients

THE Friends of Yeovil District Hospital and Denners of Yeovil hosted a glamorous fashion show on Wednesday night to raise funds for breast cancer patients. more...

Funeral service for Carly

THE funeral of 17-year-old Carly Bown, who died following a road traffic collision in Yeovil on October 6, will take place today. more...

Bridgwater Mercury News

Asda employees raise cash for Breast Cancer

EMPLOYEES from Bridgwater's Asda supermarket have been tickled pink with a series of charity events for breast cancer. more...

Have YOUR say on budget

PEOPLE in Bridgwater can have their say on Sedgemoor District Council's budget - thanks to a new service being tried out by the authority this autumn. more...

Kids chat with council

YOUNG people from Bridgwater and beyond have met up with Somerset County Council on Wednesday (October 17) to discuss how best to improve their local areas. more...

Ballroom bash raises cash for great cause

A PARTY held in the cellophane ballroom in Bridgwater has collected £1,600 for a great cause. more...

Heads plan £90m schools project

SIX head teachers from Bridgwater have visited Holland to enjoy a glimpse of the future, after taking part in a fact-finding trip ahead of a £90million project to replace the town's secondary schools. more...

Reassurances for Bridgwater patients and carers

PATIENTS and carers in Bridgwater have been reassured about Somerset's mental health service after inspectors rated it as "excellent". more...

Cossington's taste of Africa

MORE than 70 people packed Cossington Village Hall last week, to enjoy the vibrant sounds of some visiting African musicians. more...

Bridgwater Mercury Sport

Market ladies stretch skittles lead

OLD Market A extended their lead at the top of Division One in the Bridgwater Town Ladies' Skittles League thanks to a 403-390 away win at struggling Duke B. more...

Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News News

BBC reporter will light up Burnham

BURNHAM Chamber of Trade has announced details of this year's big Christmas lights switch-on in the town - with a television personality set to light up the town. more...

Young woman assaulted in Highbridge

A YOUNG woman was taken to hospital after she was the victim of an assault and attempted robbery while walking in Highbridge. more...

Mental health trust reassurances in Somerset

PATIENTS and carers in Burnham and Highbridge have been reassured about Somerset's mental health service after inspectors rated it as "excellent". more...

Giant pumpkin will benefit Hospice

A BUMPER crop of pumpkins donated to St Margaret's Hospice is currently being used as a fundraising tool for the charity. more...

Time to look at badminton in a new way

Social group celebrates 10 years

A SOCIAL group dinner dance will be taking place at Batch County House Hotel in Lympsham next month (November). more...

Boost for Hillview

A BURNHAM Carnival club was handed a boost last week when a county councillor handed over a much-needed cheque. more...

Falmouth Packet News

Learn about the Vikings

School of Mines seal of approval

Greener gardens crucial to wildlife survival

The collective efforts of Cornwall homeowners could be the key to reversing declines of song thrushes, house sparrows and starlings, according to the RSPB. more...

Car stolen after burglary

During the early hours of Wednesday morning October 17 a property in the Laburnum Close area of Falmouth was burgled and a silver Alfa Romeo stolen. more...

Warning over postal scam

CORNWALL Trading Standards are warning people to be on their guard against a postal scam being organised from Belize in the run-up to Christmas. more...

Fake jewellery warning

Police are warning people across Devon and Cornwall to be vigilant following a series of incidents involving fake jewellery sales. more...

Father and son treated for injuries after incident on board yacht

BOTH Falmouth lifeboats were called out this morning after receiving reports of an incident on board a yacht somewhere off Falmouth. more...

Beware black Friday

TODAY millions of motorists risk being caught in the worst traffic congestion of the year and more people are likely to die on the road. more...

Community Foundation Awards Funding to Cornwall Squash Champion!

13 year old Joel Brickell, who this year became the highest ranked junior squash player in Cornwall has received some much needed funding from the Lord Lieutenant's Fund for Youth administered by Cornwall Community Foundation. more...

Don't forget the kitchen sink!

FALMOUTH Town Football club will be hosting an auction evening with literally anything from a kitchen sink to a chef for the night up for grabs. more...

Cornish schools help tackle obesity

North Versus South Cornwall at the Oyster Festival

North Coast Executive chef Nick Hodges partner at Lusty Glaze Restaurant in Newquay is taking on Artie Williams from the south coast proprietor of the Cove Restaurant in Maenporth, Falmouth. more...

Spectacular firework display at Swanpool

A SPECTACULAR firework display in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care will take place at Swanpool Beach in Falmouth on Friday, November 2. more...

Cornish designer will guest direct

A CORNISH graphic designer has been immersed in the world of international superyachts after being invited to guest art-direct the magazine of international yacht firm Camper and Nicholsons. more...

Crime figures down in Devon and Cornwall

Crime in Devon and Cornwall has fallen over the last six months, according to latest statistics. more...

Mid Devon Star News

Litter pickers take action

TIVERTON Volunteer Litter Pickers will be getting together to lead two litter picks in the area. more...

Students create airline

STUDENTS from Queen Elizabeth's Community College in Crediton had a taste of the world of business and enterprise earlier this month. more...

Village shows off its talent

A WEALTH of artistic talent in one Mid Devon village will be evident at an event next week. more...

Learn how to save energy

CALL in at an Energy Action Day in Crediton next month and you could find out how to slash your electricity bills. more...

Hemyock parish meeting

AT a recent meeting of Hemyock Parish Council a number of issues were addressed. more...

Service awards for council staff

THE first group of people at Devon County Council to be given Institute of Customer Service (ICS) awards for their skills have been presented with their accolades. more...

Primary care trust has dealt with complaints

DEVON Primary Care Trust has said that all complaints received via its website have been answered. more...

Somerset County Gazette News