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Stories for 9 March 2007
Bridgwater News
New cycle scheme for Somerset
A NEW body is being formed this week that aims to promote, develop and co-ordinate cycling initiatives all around Somerset. more...
Burnham News
Burnham's bizarre wedding reception
A PAIR of holidaymakers whose eyes first met in a Burnham caravan park are set to return - to host their wedding reception. more...
New cycle scheme for Somerset
A NEW body is being formed this week that aims to promote, develop and co-ordinate cycling initiatives all around Somerset. more...
Camborne News
Woman punched in face when answering her door
A woman was punched in the face as she answered the door of her home in the centre of Redruth. more...
Chard News
Out of this world
YOUNGSTERS at Avishayes Primary School in Chard had an astronomical treat today, Friday. more...
Ambitious Daisy first in queue for new work experience scheme
AN AMBITIOUS Chard student was the first to apply for an innovative new work experience scheme which promises young people a work placement with a difference. more...
A taste of France
CROWDS gathered in Chard today (Friday) as the French Market came to town. more...
Making a splash for charity
SWIMMERS in Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne could make a big splash for charity by joining in the Swimathon 2007. more...
Chard Villages News
Fury at A303 dualling plans
PEOPLE living near South Petherton were furious today (Friday, March 9) after discovering a new dual carriageway will run past their doorsteps. more...
Club News
Domino Carnival Club
THE winners in the Domino Carnival Club 100 Club March draw were Mr R. Lambert (£25), Mrs D. Parsley (£15), and Mr J. Morrison (£5). more...
County Sport
Points dropped
IN the Taylor's Tyres Carn Brea five-a-side League's Tuesday league Fryer dropped points in the quest for the title, but still lead the table by two points, although Redruth United have games in hand. more...
Football News
Title chasers toppled as Speedwells end drought
DRIZZLING rain accompanied by a strong gusty south westerly wind welcomed the competitors for the Ladies Triples League at Falmouth on Tuesday morning. more...
Alison wins by a couple of points
THE ladies Stableford at Budock vean Golf Club on Wednesday managed to escape the weather, but only just! A reduced entry saw Alison Samuel win the event with 28 points. Runner-up was Marlene Williams with 26 points. more...
Woodlane are ten points clear
WOODLANE SC A moved ten points clear at the top of the Penryn and Falmouth Winter Old EPA Rules Pool League, thanks to a 6-3 win over St Gluvias CC B. Trelowarren Arms edged out Falmouth CC 5-4 to remain in second. more...
Gardens
Heligan Survivors
A must for all gardeners, Heligan Survivors is a book which gives the reader the answer to why the gardens near St Austell are so special. more...
Gazette 170 Years
Gazette Community Fund
AS part of our 170th anniversary celebrations, the County Gazette has launched a Community Fund to give a platform to the exceptional voluntary work which goes on throughout our community. We have been asking local organisations to write in and tell us why they need fundraising support. We are featuring one of the groups each week in the Gazette, and this week its the turn of Victim Support Somerset. more...
General News
Mylor Harbour goes modern
Mylor Yacht Harbour is gearing up for further significant growth with the commissioning next month of new software systems and website. more...
Cornish boat builder to expand
An award-winning Cornish boatbuilder is already contemplating further expansion after starting production in a Redruth factory just four months ago. more...
Agreement signed over helicopter landings
John Astbury, MCA Chief Executive and representatives of the Helideck Certification Agency have signed an agreement between the MCA and HCA for helicopter landing areas on commercially operated large yachts, outlining their responsibilities and powers. more...
Oil pollution exercise
The National Contingency Plan recently published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, together with Cornwall county council's revised plan for counter pollution, are being tested Tuesday, March 13 at New County Hall, Truro. more...
Kayak school in Porthleven
A Cornish kayaking school and shop, which opened for business only nine months ago, is splashing out on three new sea kayaks for the coming season. more...
Helston
Helston show plenty of spirit
HELSTON u10 10pts ST AUSTELL 20pts AFTER a warm-up game against Lankelly u9s, Helston u10s played St Austell u10s. The conditions were dreadful with wind, rain and lots of mud! more...
Helston News
Man still missing - searches reveal nothing
Following yesterday's searches for missing 76-year-old Horace Wright from St Keverne, police are today carrying out "intelligence-led" inquiries. more...
In The Spotlight
In the Spotlight - Margaret Sampson
In the Mercury spotlight this week is Margaret Sampson, a voluntary custodian at the Blake Museum in Bridgwater, and a key figure in the museum's friends group. more...
Latest News
Cornish theatre company takes on Europe
In only two years, a small theatre company from west Cornwall has made a big impact on the European show circuit, thanks to a large helping hand from UK Trade & Investment. more...
Man arrested in connection with Penryn stabbing
A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in Penryn in January. more...
Extras wanted for pilot television show
Film students at University College Falmouth are on the lookout for extras to appear in a TV pilot show. more...
Listings
CLOS on tour
CHARD Light Operatic Society is going on tour, performing in Chard, Ilminster and beyond. more...
Museum AGM
CHARD Museum is holding its Annual General Meeting on Friday, March 23. more...
Music
Tireless gig from punk rockers
THE Palace was reasonably quiet for a Thursday night gig during the support acts - but as soon as the main band came on the stage people seemed to appear from nowhere and fill the dancefloor. more...
Reggae legends are real gems
There's a unique opportunity to see Roots Reggae legends The Mighty Diamonds in Cornwall when they play live at the Princess Pavilion, Falmouth, on Tuesday, March 20. more...
Talent by the Bucket full
The Princess Pavilion, Falmouth is the place to be on Saturday, March 17, because if you like your music anywhere between the Blues, The Beatles, Tin Pan Alley and New Orleans then The Bucket Boys are the fellers for you. more...
News
Out on loan
THREE Yeovil Town players last week left Huish Park to go on loan at clubs in non-league football. more...
Obituaries
M.L. Scott
MARGARET Lilias Scot (Maggie) of Cannington died on February 11 at Musgrove Park Hospital. She was 62. more...
Mr C.J. Blake
CHARLES James Blake (Jim) of Watchfield died on February 23 at Musgrove Park Hospital. He was 78. more...
Mrs D. Howard
MRS Doreen Howard of Highbridge died at her home on February 19. She was 72. more...
Other Sport
SKITTLES: Yeovil League
CAN Yellow Wagtail B' go through the entire season unbeaten in the league in the Yeovil Skittles League? more...
BOXING: Yeovil ABC
AFTER a great contest that earned both boys trophies for engaging in the fight of the night, Yeovil ABC's Elliot Buckling (15 years) lost a narrow decision to Jack Nicholls of Newton Abbot at Newton Abbot race track at the weekend. more...
Others
Triumphant return for Chard club
MEMBERS of Chard's Evolution Tae kwon-do Club returned victorious after a promotional competition last month. more...
Postbag
Traffic lights - a complaint
MY main complains are with two sets of traffic lights in Chard. more...
Readers Write
Who influences police to turn out in such force?
The Wheal Maid saga is symptomatic of the skewed sense of priorities exhibited by officialdom in this brave new politically correct nanny state. Historic use of the site by local people for motorcycle sport has until recently been quietly accepted by local residents. Indeed, locally many talented youngsters have cut their teeth on the downs before proceeding to participate in their sport at national and international level. more...
Gate vandals should have known better
RECENTLY a beautiful gate was installed in Gurney Lane, Camborne. On Saturday, February 24, I could not believe my eyes. Some vandal had placed a white notice on what was a work of art. Who was the idiot? more...
Sailing News
Variety of boats on display on one site
Premier Yacht Sales are working with Peters Opal and Princess Yachts on the next big event, the Debut Weekend and the launch of the new season'. This event, to be held from May 4 - 7, at Swanwick Marina,. sees the boat sales companies working together to provide boat buyers with a choice on one site. more...
Schools News
Bridgwater school in pet talk
SCHOOLCHILDREN from Bridgwater's St Joseph's Primary School have attended a free talk on pet care at a Brent Knoll garden centre last Friday (March 2). more...
Family centre celebrates
CHINESE New Year was celebrated for the tenth time at Sydenham Family Centre in Bridgwater on February 28. more...
Sg Post Bag
Clean energy resource overlooked
I AM concerned that some misconceptions may be leading the Government to overlook a source of clean energy with great potential for the UK and the rest of Europe. I refer to 'concentrating solar power' (CSP), the simple but effective technique of using mirrors to concentrate sunlight to create heat and then using the heat to raise steam to drive turbines and generators, just like a conventional power station. Solar heat may be stored in melted salts so that electricity generation may continue through the night and on cloudy days. more...
Skittles
Perry Street Club Gents Skittles League
Results at March 9 Teds Tornados 316-13 (T. Massey 63), Flintstones 300-3 (M. Bandy 59); Card Sharks 331-3 (A. Riste 64), Hustlers 364-13 (N. Fowler 67); Bandits 355-3 (P. Swain 63), Jibbers 365-13 (A. Knight 77); Skylarks 339-4 (C. Hobbs 63), Mathematicians 342-12 (P. Church 71); Young Guns 287-4 (D. Studley 56), Misfits 307-12 (R. Seymour 58); Farmers 320-2 (V. Brown 63), Outlaws 348-14 (G. Jenkins 67). more...
Chard Town Skittles League
Results to March 5 Bell & Crown 324-2 (K. Lenthall 50), Furnham Strikers 339-10 (R. Mitchell 53); Choughs Dragons 322-3 (A. Spurway 49), Shipwrecks 326-9 (N. Hodges/J. Tucker 43); Alley Cats 353-12 (J. Behan 58), Phoenix 312-0 (P. Cleal/C. Hodges 45); 89'ers 467-12 (A. Harris/C. Taylor 64), Choughs 393-0 (D. Thompson 55); Chard WMC 362-0 (S. Derham 58), 3Cs 426-12 (P. Banfield 69); Snoopy 415-9 (R. Larcombe/K. Templeman 60), Chubbees 413-3 (B. Dowell/J. Wakelin 61). more...
Somerset News
Make sure coughs and sneezes don't spread diseases
SOUTH Western Ambulance Service - which covers Somerset and the South-West - is backing the Department of Health's coughs and sneezes spread diseases' campaign. more...
'On yer bike' - message from Somerset
AN initiative launched on Tuesday aims to promote, develop and co-ordinate cycling in Somerset. more...
South Somerset
Save cash by going green
GOING green could save people living in Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne £80 on their council tax, according to South Somerset District Council. more...
Taunton News
Musgrove to break even
THE trust running Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, will balance the books this year, it announced this week. more...
Willow event in Vivary
ART and craft displays and family activities will feature at the fourth Somerset Willow Fair in Vivary Park, Taunton, from 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22. more...
Police investigate beer theft
POLICE in Taunton are appealing for help to identify a man wanted in connection with the theft of beer from a shop in the town. more...
Truro News
Heligan Survivors
A must for all gardeners, Heligan Survivors is a book which gives the reader the answer to why the gardens near St Austell are so special. more...
Village News From Around Taunton
Nynehead
Parish Council: Despite the tempestuous conditions outside the village hall Nynehead PC's march meeting was very much the lull before the storm' of council elections and possible changes to councils in Somerset. more...
The National Parks
SOME 70 members of the Taunton Unison Retirement Social Club attended the March meeting when Bob Smart reported the death of John Ponting and the members observed a period of silence in his memory. On a happier note, the chairman then welcomed new members Colin Craggs and Joy Harnell. Bob then introduced as speaker, Mr George Wilkins on his subject "The National Parks". more...
Corfe
WI:: Reports were given at the March meeting of the Spring Group Officers' meeting, and the Group meeting at Trull and Staplehay in May; details were circulated about the summer outing to Longleat in July. Members were asked for their opinions about the possibility of changing afternoon meetings to an evening or morning time to encourage new members. more...
Milverton
WI: The president, Rachel Renfree, opened the well attended March meeting with concerned enquiries as to the health of some absentees. more...
Wellington News
Gemma's a star in front and behind the camera
A WELLINGTON School pupil is to become a star of the small screen when she appears in a new BBC 2 series following family life. more...
Yeovil News
Care staff are rewarded
THREE staff from Yeovil have been rewarded for successfully completing an additional specialist training course. more...
Duke award gala night
NINETY young people from the Yeovil area have been presented with Duke of Edinburgh Award certificates at RNAS Yeovilton by Commodore Chris Palmer. more...
Windfall good for business
SOUTH Somerset District Council is celebrating after receiving an unexpected cash windfall from the Government. more...
Double-decker route
CHILDREN can look forward to a summer of fun after the official unveiling last week of a colourful double-decker bus in Yeovil. more...
Active living
ACTIVE Living for the over-50s continues to sweep across the county with the launch of South Somerset's fourth drop-in centre in Yeovil. more...
Pedal power in spotlight
MEMBERS of South Somerset Climate Action Group are preparing to host a discussion at the Minster Rooms in Ilminster on Wednesday, March 28. more...
Boating Cornwall News
Variety of boats on display on one site
Premier Yacht Sales are working with Peters Opal and Princess Yachts on the next big event, the Debut Weekend and the launch of the new season'. This event, to be held from May 4 - 7, at Swanwick Marina,. sees the boat sales companies working together to provide boat buyers with a choice on one site. more...
Bridgwater Mercury News
New cycle scheme for Somerset
A NEW body is being formed this week that aims to promote, develop and co-ordinate cycling initiatives all around Somerset. more...
Churches get much needed cash
CHURCHES in Sedgemoor have been given £140,000 of grants to carry out crucial repairs on their buildings. more...
Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News News
New cycle scheme for Somerset
A NEW body is being formed this week that aims to promote, develop and co-ordinate cycling initiatives all around Somerset. more...
Burnham's bizarre wedding reception
A PAIR of holidaymakers whose eyes first met in a Burnham caravan park are set to return - to host their wedding reception. more...
Dyslexic Burnham woman scoops award
A DYSLEXIC Burnham teaching assistant student has scooped a top award at a North Somerset College. more...
Chard & Ilminster News News
New blood for comapny
A CHARD based company is spreading its wings stateside. more...
Women's World Day of Prayer (Ilton)
THE service for the seven parishes, for men and women of all denominations, was held at St Peter's Church, Ilton. more...
Ambitious Daisy first in queue for new work experience scheme
AN AMBITIOUS Chard student was the first to apply for an innovative new work experience scheme which promises young people a work placement with a difference. more...
Fury at A303 dualling plans
PEOPLE living near South Petherton were furious today (Friday, March 9) after discovering a new dual carriageway will run past their doorsteps. more...
A taste of France
CROWDS gathered in Chard today (Friday) as the French Market came to town. more...
Donyatt Tuesday Group
THE March meeting took place at Bertrose, Horton, when leader Rosemary Parsons welcomed speaker Stephen Sylvester to tell members of his time as a Bevin Boy. more...
Windwhistle Motor Club start year with a flourish
WINDWHISTLE Motor Club has started 2007 with a flourish. more...
Wadeford Isle Group
THERE have been three meetings of the Isle Group at Wadeford Manor, starting with the AGM and games evening on January 8. more...
Chard Ladies Guild
CHAIRMAN of the Chard Ladies Guild, Maureen Cornelius, welcome 49 members and a new member to the annual meeting. more...
Chard Camera Club
CHARD Camera Club invited Ron Champion, an enthusiastic photographer from Newton Abbot Camera Club, to Chard recently who gave an interesting talk on how to photograph of wildlife in the South West of England. more...
Combe St Nicholas Horticultural Society
ON February 23, Phillip Kerton from Kerton Sweet Peas gave a very interesting talk about the flowers with some beautiful slides of all the varieties he grows and shows. He also added helpful hints on how to grow them. more...
Out of this world
YOUNGSTERS at Avishayes Primary School in Chard had an astronomical treat today, Friday. more...
Barrington Rubber Bridge
RUBBER bridge will be played every Wednesday in the new village hall from 7pm-10pm beginning this Wednesday (March 14). more...
Making a splash for charity
SWIMMERS in Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne could make a big splash for charity by joining in the Swimathon 2007. more...
Domino Carnival Club
THE winners in the Domino Carnival Club 100 Club March draw were Mr R. Lambert (£25), Mrs D. Parsley (£15), and Mr J. Morrison (£5). more...
Chard & Ilminster News Sport
Matt heads off to Melbourne for World Championships
MATTHEW Clay, 24, of Norrington Way, Chard has set off for the Gold Coast in Queensland to join the British Swimming training camp in preparation for the World Championships in Melbourne at the end of March. more...
Triumphant return for Chard club
MEMBERS of Chard's Evolution Tae kwon-do Club returned victorious after a promotional competition last month. more...
Falmouth Packet News
Man arrested in connection with Penryn stabbing
A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in Penryn in January. more...
Cornish theatre company takes on Europe
In only two years, a small theatre company from west Cornwall has made a big impact on the European show circuit, thanks to a large helping hand from UK Trade & Investment. more...
Mylor Yacht Harbour goes modern
Mylor Yacht Harbour is gearing up for further significant growth with the commissioning next month of new software systems and website. more...
Preparations for asparagus festival
When the organisers of this year's first Cornwall asparagus festival decided to create a "human" version of the flexible vegetable, they quickly concluded that there was only one person, right on their doorstep, for the task. more...
WAAF founder member receives MBE
A Falmouth woman has been awarded the MBE for her services to the Women's Auxilliary Air Force Association. more...
Extras wanted for pilot television show
Film students at University College Falmouth are on the lookout for extras to appear in a TV pilot show. more...
Fight against oil pollution put to the test
A massive oil pollution exercise takes place in Cornwall on Tuesday. more...
Hat-trick of success for St Mary's
ST Mary's School were celebrating a hat-trick of successes this week after being awarded special status by the FA, receiving a brand new team kit and around 20 pupils were awarded for taking part in a training course. more...
Somerset County Gazette News
Gemma's a star in front and behind the camera
A WELLINGTON School pupil is to become a star of the small screen when she appears in a new BBC 2 series following family life. more...
Musgrove to break even
THE trust running Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, will balance the books this year, it announced this week. more...
Willow event in Vivary
ART and craft displays and family activities will feature at the fourth Somerset Willow Fair in Vivary Park, Taunton, from 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22. more...
Police investigate beer theft
POLICE in Taunton are appealing for help to identify a man wanted in connection with the theft of beer from a shop in the town. more...
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