Yeovil Press - Issue 32 - May 2021

YEOVILPRESS

MA 20 Y 21

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

www.yeovilpress.co.uk | Edition Number 32 | FREE

PHOTO SPECIAL AS THE YEOVIL OLYMPIADS ATHLETICS CLUB GET BACK INTO TRACK AND FIELD ACTION. – TURN TO PAGES 72-73 FANTASTIC 12-PAGE PULL-OUT SOUVENIR SPECIAL FROM YEOVIL RUGBY CLUB’S JUNIOR AND MINI YOUTH SECTION. – TURN TO PAGES 39-50

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DAD’S ARMY AND THE SCHOOL OF ROCK PRODUCTIONS ARE COMING TO THE OCTAGON THEATRE IN YEOVIL. – TURN TO PAGES 53-54 FOR MORE DETAILS

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INSIDE

YOUR FREE YEOVIL PRESS

HOSPITAL AWARD ‹‹ 14

HUMBLED AND HONOURED New Yeovil Mayor, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, says "making small changes can make big differences" in allowing the town to "thrive once more."

Full story on Yeovil's new Mayor - turn to Pages 14-15.

RIP PRINCE PHILIP ‹‹ 18-19

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REMEMBERING CHARLIE GILLARD ‹‹ 60-61

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EDITOR'S NEWS IN BRIEF NOTE WELCOME to the May 2021 edition of the Yeovil Press community newspaper and may I offer my congratulations to Cllr Evie Potts-Jones on becoming the new Mayor of Yeovil.

I hope she has a fantastic year in office and, hopefully, that once we are fully out of lockdown she will be able to throw herself into representing the town at events locally and further afield and also start raising funds for her two nominated charities; MIND Somerset and SSAFA. May I also personally thank Cllr David Recardo for his service to the town as Mayor over the past three years – albeit, even by his own admission, the last 12 months have not exactly been overly busy in Mayoral terms.

Turn to Pages 14-15 for all the latest news from Yeovil Town Council.

It was great to meet up with Cllr Recardo on May 4, meanwhile, where he presented the annual Mayor’s Award – in recognition of outstanding community service – to the entire NHS team at Yeovil District Hospital for their efforts during the Covid-19 crisis.

With that in mind the organisers of the Flashback Festival music event – being staged at the Yeovil Showground over May 28-30 are offering NHS staff and other essential workers a great incentive to join the party. Turn to Page 51 for further information.

And this edition of Yeovil Press is the biggest one yet with 88-pages of local news, leisure, features and sport – a good sign, perhaps, that we might be nearing the end of the lockdown tunnel?

Thank you to those that have advertised in this edition – your support is very much appreciated during these difficult times.

Many thanks to James Healey, of JRH Media, for his help with design and layout, and photographer Christine Jones for her support.

The next edition of Yeovil Press will be out on Friday, June 4, 2021. If you would like to get in touch – please email yeovilpress@gmail.com .

Best wishes - STEVE SOWDEN - Editor

Photo of the month

NEWS IN BRIEF >> IF any business would like to advertise in the next edition of Yeovil Press – out on Friday, June 4 2021 - please get in touch by emailing yeovilpress@gmail.com or by phoning 0777-319-8081. >> KEEP up-to-date with the latest news from Yeovil and surrounding area by logging onto the Yeovil Press website at www.yeovilpress.co.uk >> SOME of the photos printed in the May 2021 edition of Yeovil Press may be available to be purchased.

Anyone wanting to buy photos included in this edition – please drop us a line at 0777-319-8081 or email yeovilpress@gmail.com >> GET IN TOUCH: If you have a story or an event coming up you would like to possibly see covered in the next edition of the Yeovil Press get in touch by emailing yeovilpress@gmail.com

THE Yeovil Press received this fab photo from reader Nicci Starr which she took from her home in Yeovil. If you take a photo which you think could be included in our Photo of the Month feature – please email us at yeovilpress@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving your photos.

What's in your new local newspaper Pg 06-07: Coffee Break Chat with Evie Potts-Jones Pg 12-13: News from Yeovil Press distribution outlets Pg 14-15: News from Yeovil Town Council Pg 18-19: Remembering Prince Philip Pg 20: Around the Town Pg 21: Eat Festival is coming to Yeovil Pg 24-25: News in Photos Pg 26-27: On Our Doorstep Pg 28-29: News at a Glance Pg 31-33: College and School News Pg 34-35: Yeovil Hospital's Breast Cancer Unit Appeal News Pg 36-37: Family Announcements Pg 39-50: Yeovil Rugby Club - Juniors & Minis 12-Page Special Pg 51-52: Flashback Festival & Somerstock Pg 53-54: Dad's Army & School of Rock Pg 56: Helen Laxton School of Dance Pg 57: My Top Ten Pg 58-59: Flashback - May Pg 60-61: Remembering Charlie Gillard Pg 62-63: Titanic Letter Pg 64-65: Yeovil History Files Pg 66-67: Old Pubs of Yeovil Pg 68-69: Down Memory Lane Pg 70-71: News from Yeovil Golf Club Pg 72-73: Photo Special - Yeovil Olympiads Athletics Club Pg 74-75: Photo Special - Yeovil Cricket Club Pg 78-79: Old Team Photos Pg 80-81: Glovers Glory Pg 82-86: News from Yeovil Town FC For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

>> YEOVIL Press is published by Steve Sowden, of Yeovil Press, and printed by Newsquest at Fleet House in Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, or at Newspaper House in Osney Mead, Oxford, Oxfordshire.

YEOVIL PRESS YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

HAVE THE YEOVIL PRESS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EACH MONTH Avoid missing out on getting your copy of the monthly Yeovil Press community newspaper by signing-up to our delivery service.

It will cost £25 a year to have the Yeovil Press hand-delivered to your home each month within the Yeovil area. It will cost £40 a year to have the Yeovil Press posted elsewhere in the country.

Email yeovilpress@gmail.com or phone us on 07773-198-081 for further details.

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Patients reconnect with friends and family with new virtual visiting system YEOVIL District Hospital has launched a new virtual visiting system to allow patients to have the much-needed social contact with their relatives.

It became noticeable that some patients did not have their own smart devices and when visiting restrictions were brought in throughout the NHS because of the Covid-19 pandemic some people were left with limited access to family and friends.

At the start of the pandemic, the hospital supported the use of video calls to increase interactions between patients and their families. However, not everyone is tech-savvy or has access to the devices needed.

Yeovil Hospital’s deputy chief nurse Mark Robinson said: “Visiting has presented some unique challenges. We knew we needed to find a long-lasting solution to ensure patients could stay in touch with their loved ones.

“Although we are opening up faceto-face visiting with pre booked appointments, the virtual option has

been a fantastic step for families unable to get to the hospital, whether that is due to childcare commitments or distance.

“The virtual calls can bring relatives together from wherever they are in the world; ensuring patients get the contact which we know helps their recovery.”

This initiative was made possible by the hospital’s willing volunteers as well as The Friends of Yeovil Hospital who generously donated new smart tablets for the wards.

The extra tablets have been hugely beneficial during the pandemic and continue to offer the opportunity for patients to connect with their loved ones.

Relatives can book online via the hospital website and the patient will be supported on the ward by one of the trained hospital volunteers, using a tablet provided by the Yeovil Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Mark add: “Over the last year we have tried a few different options when it comes to video calling, but having listened to the feedback from our patients’ relatives, the video calls now

all take place using WhatsApp. Many patients are still using their own devices, but this scheme is aimed at those who don’t own a device and need additional support with technology that is new to them.”

If you are interested in booking a virtual visiting session or a face-to-face visit, please click here: https://yeovilhospital. co.uk/patient-call-booking/ .

All appointments will be from Monday to Friday between 2pm to 4pm and will last for 20 minutes. Session can only be booked up to 72 hours in advance.

Each appointment will take place via WhatsApp video calling and will not include any discussion with doctors or nurses regarding the patients care.

More news from Yeovil District Hospital on Pages 34-35.

YEOVIL & DISTRICT BRANCH Registered Charity No 203644 www.yeovil.cats.org and on Facebook

The Branch always has many delightful cats and kittens both male and female of various ages and colours all waiting for ‘forever’ loving homes.

All are blood tested, vaccinated, micro-chipped and have had a medical check at the vets to ensure they are healthy.

To adopt call 01935 507009; for help with neutering call 01935 507009; to volunteer, report lost or found cats and all other enquiries call 01935 412755 or email yeovilcatsprotection@tiscali.co.uk.

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COFFEE BREAK CHAT

35 questions in 60 seconds WELCOME to the Coffee Break Chat feature to the Yeovil Press – YOUR monthly community newspaper – in which we ask somebody from the local community a set of random questions.

Each month we will pose 35 questions to a member of the local community and they will give their truthful and honest answers about their likes and dislikes, hopes and aspirations and childhood memories.

It is all a bit of fun, but might provide some interesting and discussionprovoking questions along the way for Yeovil Press readers.

This month’s Coffee Break Chat spotlight falls on Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, of Yeovil Town Council, who was officially elected as the new Mayor of Yeovil by her colleagues on May 4. The Yeovil Press would like to congratulate Cllr PottsJones on her election as Mayor and wish her the best of luck for the year ahead.

More on the Mayor-Making can be found on Pages 14-15 of this edition.

Coffee Break Chat has been kindly sponsored by the No5 Café Diner which can be found at Kingfisher Close in

Gazelle Road on the Lynx Trading Estate.

The No5 Cafe Diner has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. Depending on what the latest Covid-19 rules are – depends on whether No5 is open for just takeaway or whether people can sit inside the diner for meals.

PHOTO: Cllr Evie Potts-Jones.

The triathlon conquering Brownlee brothers of Alistair and Jonny. Turn to Question 19.

1: Name: Evelyn Adelaide Potts-Jones (better known as Evie)

15: What is something you’ve never tried but want to? Wingsuit Flying

2: Title: The Mayor of Yeovil

16: Cinema or Theatre? Theatre

3: Live: Yeovil

17: Going out or staying in? Both equally with the family

4: Places of education: Crewkerne and Yeovil 5: Who was/were your best pal at school?

My twin sister 6: What was your favourite lesson at school? Physical Education 7: What is your favourite meal? Roast dinner - minus the meat!

8: What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without? Music

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20: What is your favourite football team?

The underdogs!

21: What is your favourite holiday destination? Valldemossa, Mallorca 22: Do you collect anything? YES – Dust!

23: What is your favourite board game?

Scrabble

10: What is your greatest fear? Hundreds and Thousands

24: What would you name the autobiography of your life? The True Lies of Evie!

12: What is your favourite film? Road to Perdition

Cake and dessert topping Hundreds and Thousands. Turn to Question Ten.

19: What is your favourite sporting moment? Watching the Brownlee brothers live at the Olympic Games

9: What is the one thing you cannot resist?

Getting wet at the beach

11: What is your favourite drink? Water

Athlete Roger Bannister – the first person to run a sub-fourminute mile on May 6, 1954. He died in 2018 aged 88.

Turn to Question 27.

18: What is your favourite sport? Football

13: What is your favourite band or pop group? ELO 14: Tea or Coffee? I dislike both!

25: If you won the National Lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Thank whoever bought me the ticket!

26: If a film was made about you – what actor would you want to play you? Lassie the dog - because she can run fast

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

27: If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Roger Bannister 28: What TV programme can you not miss?

I very rarely watch the television; I am a radio/book fan 29: Have you ever ridden in a police car?

Yes 30: Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?

Yes 31: What is the best book you have ever read? The Beano Annual 1988 (Note: We

think Evie is joking with this one!)

32: If you could do anything for the rest of your life what would that be? Run 33: If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? Ningaloo Reef in Australia 34: When you were little, what did you want to be? Cryptographer 35: What’s the best (clean) joke you’ve ever heard? Oh my goodness! There are clean jokes as well? I never knew that! LOL!

Jeff Lynne’s ELO band. Turn to Question 13.

The Beano Annual of 1988. Turn to Question 31.

Word game Scrabble. Turn to Question 23.

WE ARE STAYING OPEN DURING THE LATEST LOCKDOWN FOR DELIVERY AND TAKEAWAY Open from 7.30am to 3pm Mondays to Fridays & 8am to 2pm Saturdays The Ningaloo Reef marine park is a World Heritage-listed site found half way up the West Australian coastline. Turn to Question 33.

FULL MENU IS AVAILABE FOR TAKEAWAY AND DELIVERY YOU CAN ORDER ONLINE, BUY PHONE OR MESSAGE US ON FACEBOOK Three ways to pre-order your food for collection or delivery: 1: Phone 01935-433665 2: Email orders@number5catering.co.uk 3: Direct message on No5 Catering’s Facebook page.

Or you can come to the diner and place your order over the counter.

Number5Catering.co.uk | 01935 433665 facebook.com/No5Diner | twitter.com/no5cateringltd Fancy a go at Wingsuit Flying? Turn to Question 15.

The Road to Perdition – the 2002 crime film starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law and Daniel Crag. Turn to Question 12.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

1 Kingfisher Close, Gazelle Road, Lynx Trading Estate, Yeovil BA20 2PJ YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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June start for Westminster Street's improvement works WORK on transforming the appearance of Westminster Street in Yeovil town centre is set to get underway by the end of June.

Westminster Street will become the first area of the town centre to have works carried out under the long-awaited Yeovil Refresh project.

The aim of Yeovil Refresh is to help improve the look of the town centre for shoppers, businesses, residents and workers.

Midas Group has been appointed to undertake the scheme of work at Westminster Street with an anticipated start date of the week commencing June 28, 2021.

In advance of this date, Midas Group will be doing pre-works to prepare the area which will include creating a site compound at South Street car park, undertaking survey work and clearing the site of clutter.

A Yeovil Refresh spokesman said: “Both South Somerset District Council and Midas Group will be communicating and engaging with nearby local businesses in advance of the work taking place as

well.”

To enable work to be undertaken, a complete closure of Westminster Street will need to happen with a diversionary route put in place – which will have to be through the Borough of the town centre, although yet to be confirmed.

Midas Group will be applying to Somerset County Council for the appropriate street closures with the application to decision date expected to take approximately 12 weeks.

“As soon as proposed diversionary routes are drawn up, we’ll let you know and also when they have been agreed,” added the Yeovil Refresh spokesman.

It is estimated that the work at Westminster Street will be completed by the end of September 2021 and by this time, it is expected that work at The Triangle and Wine Street areas of the town will have commenced towards the end of summer and start of autumn with the tendering process for this contract taking place in the coming weeks.

Other elements of the town centre works – officially known as the public realm improvement scheme - will see

enhancements at The Borough, Middle Street, Lower Middle Street and the

High Street in Yeovil as part of the Yeovil Refresh programme.

Business development director for Midas Construction Mike Borkowski (left), with Yeovil Refresh project manager Ian Timms and regeneration programme manager Natalie Fortt are pictured in Westminster Street. Inset: An artist’s impression of how Westminster Street could look once the enhancement works are completed on this section of the scheme.

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We supply and install and supply in Yeovil and surrounding areas, while we also sell fascia, soffit and guttering, bathroom claddings, decking and all maintenance free products.

If you are familiar with this industry it would be an advantage, but not a necessity.

A great opportunity.

• Basic salary plus commission after training from £20,000+ • You will be responsible day to day running the sales centre, serving customers, ordering, and taking delivery of goods etc.

• Driving Licence essential.

• This would suite a friendly person that loves a challenge and enjoys working as a team.

If you are interested please send your CV to: info@bs-yeovil.co.ukor contact Mark on 07976 362628.

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Hats off to district council for moving ahead with Yeovil Refresh THE manager of the Yeovil Refresh project is delighted that people will soon actually start seeing work begin on transforming the town centre.

Enhancement works in Westminster Street are due to begin by the end of June which will be the first stage of an overall project to make the town more attractive to shoppers, workers and visitors.

And Ian Timms, the Yeovil Refresh project manager, said: “We are really pleased to be able to firm up a date that will see spade in ground for the first set of public realm enhancement works.

“This is the first of a series of work that will be undertaken in the town centre over the next couple of years as we aim to improve the experience in several of our key town centres across South Somerset and I am delighted that we can help to fundamentally change how you can move around, making it easier for pedestrians to move around the spaces in and out of Yeovil town centre.”

This is the first of the contracts to be awarded for town centre works – officially known as public realm improvements - in Yeovil which will help to transform the way that the town centre will look.

Construction and improvements will take place in areas where the public

move or congregate and will make areas more attractive to residents, visitors and businesses.

Midas Construction’s business development director, Mike Borkowski, said: “It’s great to be working with South Somerset District Council on such an important project to revitalise Yeovil town centre.

“Almost every town centre in the UK is under review at the moment, reflecting on their relevance and appeal so that local residents and visitors alike continue to use them against a backdrop of significant change in retail habits.

“Hats off to South Somerset for moving ahead with improvements before most other areas – and along with other significant investment in leisure and entertainment this ‘refresh’ for the town centre will help keep Yeovil as an important regional centre.”

A spokesman for Yeovil Refresh said: “The Yeovil Refresh project aims to create a town centre that will be a vibrant place to live, work, shop, learn and visit. Working with consultants and key partners, South Somerset District Council has been exploring how it can best invest in Yeovil’s future.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

Extra recycling is heading to Yeovil and South Somerset by the end of June PEOPLE living in Yeovil and South Somerset will see a new era in recycling this summer with the arrival of Recycle More.

The Somerset Waste Partnership is introducing the expanded recycling collections across the district at the end of June following a successful launch in Mendip.

Most people in Somerset are recycling and Recycle More makes it easier for everyone to do even more - helping protect the environment, tackle climate change and save taxpayers’ money.

The new service adds the following items to weekly recycling collections: • Plastic pots, tubs and trays.

• Food and drink cartons.

• Small batteries.

• Small electrical items.

Every home will have a new recycling container – a Bright Blue Bag - delivered a week or two before the new service starts.

People will need to put different things into different containers with the bag

used for plastic pots, tubs and trays; and metal items like tins, cans, tin foil and empty aerosols.

But it means that the wheelie bins with general rubbish in the black bin bags will be collected every three weeks instead of every two weeks with the thinking that the extra weekly recycling will mean less rubbish.

A spokesman for the Somerset Waste Partnership said: “Everyone will be sent information about Recycle More twice before the service starts, at six weeks and three weeks before launch. This will include a collection day calendar and guide to what recycling goes into which container.”

More detail can be found on the SWP website www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/ recycle-more .

The spokesman added: “South Somerset residents can prepare for Recycle More now by making sure they have the containers they need to make full use of weekly recycling collections.

“Everyone can have a green and a black

recycling box, plus a food waste bin. New or replacement containers can be ordered free of charge from the SWP website using the My Waste Service feature or by calling your local district council.”

Extra support is available for anyone

with concerns about Recycle More. Please visit somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycle-more for more information or check the leaflets coming through your front door next month. Garden and clinical waste pickups will not change with Recycle More.

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Call 01935 381740 Or visit rowcliffescitroen.co.uk Summer House Terrace, Yeovil BA20 1NL

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Local artists keep painting for charity through lockdown ARTISTS have been at home painting in support of the life transforming work carried out by the Yeovil Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre.

The paintings would normally have been on view for the public with the aim of making a donation towards the work of CAP in Yeovil and the surrounding area, but unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic has stopped the group of artists displaying their work.

One of the artists, David Upton, said: “A pop-up shop in the Quedam shopping centre in Yeovil would normally have been the venue for displaying our artwork, but 2020 put a stop to that.

“Whilst we are hoping to get back into a shop during 2021, we have over 100 paintings that are still available for sale on our website https://art-for-cap. square.site and both greetings’ cards and paintings can be purchased.

“If people want to make an offer for a painting, they can do this, in the same way we would do this in the shop.”

David added: “I’ve never had any training as a painter, but when friends said some of my pieces weren’t bad, I decided to put some artwork on display.

“The more I displayed, the more I sold, and we stepped out in faith with a popup shop. Other artists joined me and over a period of six weeks, we averaged donations for our artwork amounting to £3,000. I worked for the debt centre as a debt coach and befriender but now I’ve stepped down from those roles, I still want to give something towards this amazing local charity that help vulnerable people get out of debt, and hopefully lifting them out of poverty.”

CAP UK has won several national awards and the charity is regarded as an industry leader for helping the most vulnerable people with a uniquely indepth service.

CAP is also frequently recommended by television’s money saving expert Martin Lewis who said: “CAP is unsurpassed when it comes to debt help, and if you

need someone to ‘hold your hand’ and help you go debt free, you need to go to CAP.” Steve Hart, the manager of the Yeovil CAP Debt Centre, said: “The Yeovil CAP team provide a free service with phone appointments and from May 17, home visits will resume for local people affected by debt, particularly those most vulnerable, along with ongoing support until each person is debt free.

“This free service is available to

everyone, regardless of age, gender, faith or background. CAP’s head office, in Bradford, negotiates with creditors and creates a workable budget for each client.”

If people need help, all they need to do is to visit capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.

PHOTO: The Art for CAP’s pop-up shop in the Quedam shopping centre in Yeovil did not happen last year because of Covid-19.

Free one-to-one Maths and English learning spaces available now for Yeovil youngsters THE Rendezvous youth charity has spaces available now in Yeovil on its unique learning project for young people who missed out on Maths and English at school.

The Rendezvous provides free one to one tuition for young people aged 1425 in Level 1 & 2 Functional skills - the qualifications needed for moving onto college, work and apprenticeships with volunteer tutors.

The tutors, who have just been interviewed and had their inductions, are volunteers who give their time to help a young person achieve where they have not before. As well as gaining the qualification they need, the learners at The Rendezvous benefit from the whole experience of working one to one.

“The tutor and learner meet once a week in Yeovil in a friendly unpressured atmosphere and the learner takes their exam when they are ready, so the pass rate is extremely high,” said Faye Dimdore, who is setting the project up in Yeovil.

“Learners find themselves able to cope with Maths or English they thought they were terrible at, and that really helps with self-esteem and gives them the feeling that they can achieve.”

In Sherborne, where Julie Bartle has run the Rendezvous learning project for six years, some Rendezvous learners are celebrating exam success having had to do some of their learning online through the pandemic.

Kim, who is a young mum has just passed her Level 2 English reading exam and is waiting to hear about her English writing and speaking, so she can start

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Heba, who hails from Syria, has just passed her Level 2 English exam.

her nursing degree at Yeovil College in September.

Meanwhile Heba, a mum of two and a refugee from Syria, has just passed her Level 2 Maths and will be going on to start a computer engineering course, and both Angwen and Jamie both got their Level 1 Maths. And more results are to come.

Julie said: “We are really proud of all our learners who took exams recently – they’ve worked so hard through the pandemic with their tutors, switching to online learning when they couldn’t meet face to face.

“It hasn’t been easy but they’ve done it!

It’s so rewarding for us and the tutors to see our learners gain these qualifications ready to move onto their next steps in life.”

If you or anyone you know would benefit from The Rendezvous learning project then get in touch with Faye and Julie.

Email Learning@therendezvous.org. uk or text the learning mobile 07572 918240, or fill in the webform at the bottom of the learning page at www. therendezvous.org.uk/young-people/ learning/

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Chants are moving to new offices at the Yeovil Innovation Centre CHANTS Estate Agents in Yeovil are on the move to new offices at the Yeovil Innovation Centre on the outskirts of town.

“We are delighted to announce we will be relocating our office within the next couple of weeks!” said director Mark Chant.

“We have been trading over ten years along Princes Street where we have successfully marketed and sold thousands of properties within the Yeovil and the surrounding villages.”

Chants Estate Agents opened its doors in Yeovil for the very first time on New Year’s Eve in 2010 and during the past decade has gone on to help thousands of customers sell their properties within the town and surrounding area.

Each year the company has gone from strength to strength and with the help of all the staff Chants have won many awards including Start-Up Business Award in 2011 and a gold winner at the British Property Awards in 2019.

But the past 12 months and the Covid-19 pandemic has enabled Mr Chant to look at the future and has decided to move from its office in Princes Street to the Innovation Centre which stands opposite Yeovil Town Football Club on Copse Road.

Mr Chant said: “During the past 12 months through this pandemic and lockdown we have seen a 30 per cent

increase in our sales despite us not being able to open our office to the general public.

“With this in mind and the everchanging housing market we have decided, therefore, that we no longer require a high street office and are moving our business forward to a new modern office which includes a reception area, meetings rooms, our own secure suite and ample parking for our clients.”

And Mr Chant added: “We have also invested in our website, social media platforms and technology to improve our business model.”

Chants Estate Agents look forward to welcoming past, present and future customers to the new office on 01935-433266 or email sales@ chantsestateagents.co.uk . The new address will be Office 55, Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8RN. It is expected that Chants will have moved to its new home by the beginning of June.

Mr Chant said: “We would like to thank all our clients for their support and business over the past ten years.”

PHOTOS: Director Mark Chant is looking forward to a successful future with new offices at the Yeovil Innovation Centre. Also photographed are the new offices at the Yeovil Innovation Centre in Copse Road, Yeovil.

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Eleanor is a ray of sunshine and deserves a Morrisons award A TEENAGER has received a Sunshine Award from the Morrisons store in Yeovil for her voluntary work in the community.

Eleanor Kirk, 17, has received Morrisons’ Sunshine Award from store manager Ryan Frost in recognition of her work with the Lord’s Larder Food Bank operation in Yeovil.

The Sunshine Awards are given to young people who have made a valuable contribution to their community and have “brought sunshine into people’s lives.”

Over the past 14 months Eleanor has volunteered at the Lord’s Larder each week carrying out whatever task has been needed to be done.

The Lord’s Larder manager Mat Callaghan said: “Over the last year we have had a 30 per cnet increase in demand so we have been very grateful for Elli’s help.

“She has worked hard and always with a smile at any and every task asked of her.

Elli is a cred toher family and a valuable asset to the Lord’s Larder.”

Liz Templar, the community champion at the Morrisons store in Yeovil, said: “We have witnessed at first hand Eleanor’s hard work and admired her tenacity as she turned up to work hard and support the Food Bank over such a long period of time.

“We were delighted to present her with this award for the contribution that she has made not just to the Food Bank, but also to the wider community.”

The Lord’s Larder – based at The Gateway in Addlewell Lane, Yeovil – provides food to support families and individuals who have found themselves on hard times.

The Morrisons store in Lysander Road, Yeovil, is one of the key distributors for Yeovil Press newspaper each month and we would like to thank it for its support.

PHOTO: Eleanor Kirk with Ryan Frost, store manager of the Morrisons store in Yeovil.

Artistic Sienna wins Seeds of Hope competition at Morrisons YOUNG Sienna Cawley was the winner of sunflower painting competition organised by the Morrisons store in Yeovil.

The competition was part of the store’s Seeds of Hope project and Sienna was judged the winner with a fabulous piece of artwork.

She visited the store to collect her certificate and her prize, a Barbie Craft Kit and a sweetie cone donated by the Sugar Shack in Yeovil.

Morrisons has been giving away 25 million sunflower seeds to customers nationally in an effort to spread hope and lift the spirits of the nation.

The Morrisons store in Lysander Road, Yeovil, is one of the key distributors for Yeovil Press newspaper each month and we would like to thank it for its support.

PHOTO: Competition winner Sienna Cawley is pictured with Morrisions’ Yeovil store community champion Liz Templar.

Yeovil Library is back open following Covid-19 lockdown STAFF at Yeovil Library in King George Street have been delighted to welcome back users into the building again following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

The library has – like so many other outlets and businesses – been hit over the past year by the coroanvirus pandemic.

But it was thrilled to open its doors properly again from April 12 when further restrictions were lifted as part of the Government’s road map out of lockdown.

Shelves are crammed with an array of brand-new book with something for everyone. Library members can borrow up to 20 books at a time - all for free!

Covid-19 secure measures will still be in place and charges will still apply to

some other items including DVDs and Talking Books.

For some members, this will be the first time they have used their local library in a while. To check if memberships are still active then just use the simple ‘membership checker’ form on www. somersetlibraries.co.uk or pop into your local branch where staff will be happy to help.

Alternatively, contact them by phone or email, and they can check for you: email librariesmail@somerset.gov.uk or phone 0300 123 2224.

The Yeovil Library in King George Street has been a valued distributor of the Yeovil Press community newspaper in the past and we are delighted it is back open once again.

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM YEOVIL AND SURROUNDING AREAS VISIT WWW.YEOVILPRESS.CO.UK 12

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Tesco has a blast as it goes pink for Cancer Research UK STAFF and customers at the Tesco Extra store in Yeovil turned pink recently to raise a whopping £2,000-plus for Cancer Research UK. Over the weekend of April 23-25 the store did its annual fundraiser to mark 20 years of partnership between the national Tesco store and Cancer Research’s Race for Life.

The Yeovil store’s community champion Ruth Allen said: “We celebrated by hosting a pink-themed weekend where staff and customers donned their finest pink attire.

“As the actual Race for Life event is postponed until September, the team in store did their own race on a treadmill at the front of the store.

“There were games to get involved in, volunteers to talk to and share stories with, and a random ‘surprise and delights’ for customers that were wearing pink!”

And Ruth added: “We set a target to try and raise £1,000 which we smashed.

Thank you to everyone who donated and helped us achieve the fantastic figure of £2,028!”

The work doesn’t stop there though - if you would like to enter the race for

life event in September, you can do so at https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org Cancer Research UK relies on volunteers to support their pioneering, life-saving research in many ways. Would be able to volunteer in the local shop? Develop your skills, gain experience, have fun and help beat cancer sooner. Get in touch with the store on 01935 700477 Ruth added: “A massive thank you to everyone who made our pink weekend a roaring success including Laura from the Cancer Research charity shop in Yeovil, Sue and her band of volunteers, Bob Norbury for his fantastic fundraising efforts the whole weekend, the guys at Goldenstones for lending us a treadmill and the guys at Bradfords for transporting it! I’d also like to thank Janet Masters from Tesco Pharmacy for her support and efforts.

“We had a blast - thank you to everyone who supported us. Now to get fit for the race in September!”

The Tesco Extra store in Yeovil is the biggest distributor of the Yeovil Press newspaper each month and we would like to thank it for its support.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Ruth Allen, of Tesco Extra, Yeovil.

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PLACES WHERE YOU CAN PICK-UP A COPY OF YOUR MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION

Tesco wants to make a real difference in our community A GRANT scheme to help support local groups and organisations will be returning to the Tesco Extra store in Yeovil from July 1.

Tesco Community Grants is a scheme previously known as the Bags of Help scheme and will look to make sure that nobody goes hungry and to help build stronger communities.

The Yeovil store’s community champion Ruth Allen said: “We can make a big difference when we come together to lend a helping hand.

“Whether we are donating meals to food banks or supporting local community groups through our community grant scheme, our colleagues are working with our customers and community partners every day to do good through food.

“We want to help children access the food and support they need for a good

start in life so we’re inviting applications from charities and community groups that help us achieve this.”

Eligible projects will include breakfast or holiday lunch clubs, food banks, youth clubs or schools.

Customers will vote to decide which of three groups receives each level of funding. The three projects will be voted on for three months at a time, and the project that receives the most votes will receive £1,500, second place will receive £1,000 and third place £500.

Do you know a group that could apply? Get more details here: https:// tescocommunitygrants.org.uk.

The Tesco Extra store in Yeovil is the biggest distributor of the Yeovil Press newspaper each month and we would like to thank it for its support.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

MAIN OUTLETS:

Tesco Extra store in Yeovil Morrisons store in Yeovil Palmers Garden Centre in Yeovil Yeovil Library Iceland store in the Quedam Shopping Centre

OTHER OUTLETS:

The Tesco Express stores in Cavalier Way and on Abbey Manor, Yeovil; the Co-op Garage on Sherborne Road, Yeovil, the Spar Post Office community store on West Coker Road, Yeovil; No5 Cafe Diner on the Lynx Trading Estate in Yeovil; the Co-op store on Stiby Road, Yeovil; Sonni's Cafe on the Lufton Trading Estate, Yeovil; Montacute Service Station, Montacute; the Co-op store in Stoke-sub-Hamdon opposite Stanchester Academy; and West Coker Garage in West Coker.

More outlets will become available once we are out of the Covid-19 lockdown.

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13

It has been a year like no other says outgoing Mayor

THE outgoing Mayor, Cllr David Recardo, has thanked everyone for their support over what has been an extremely difficult year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But he was more keen to thank all those people in the local community who have done their bit to help ease the town through the difficult times of the past 12 or so months.

“This past year has been like no other and I would like to thank the people of Yeovil for all the commendable work they have done over the year,” he said during Yeovil Town Council’s Annual Town

Meeting on May 4 before handing over the chain of office to his successor, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones.

“Without you all pulling together, this pandemic would have been a lot worse and lots more people would have struggled to get by. Thank you all.”

Cllr Recardo said the usual busy schedule of events, fundraising and civic duties was dramatically curtailed because of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

“The activities I could engage in because of lockdown were considerably reduced almost to the point of non-existent,” he said. “Covid-19 has basically sterilised

Remembering Phil Chandler a former Mayor of Yeovil COUNCILLORS paused for a few moments during Yeovil Town Council’s annual meeting on May 4 to remember former Mayor, Cllr Phil Chandler, who had passed away during the past municipal year.

Cllr Chandler died in July last year at the age of just 64 having served the Newtown area for many years on the council and was elected to represent the town as Mayor between 2010-12.

Outgoing Mayor, Cllr David Recardo, said: “Phil was a good friend and he did a very good job as Mayor. It was a great shock when we heard he had passed away.”

The suggestion to pause and remember Cllr Chandler was made by Cllr Rob Stickland when councillors looked at members’ attendance at council and committee meetings over the past municipal year.

Cllr Chandler’s shock passing was borne out in the council attendance records and made poignant reading.

Cllrs Tony Lock and Ashley Richards both achieved 100 per cent records for attending all 14 of their allocated meetings during 2020-21, while Cllrs David Gubbins, Andrew Kendall, Graham Oakes, Evie Potts-Jones, Terry Ledlie, Pauline Lock, Rob Stickland, Karl Gill and Royston Spinner all attended at least 90 per cent of their meetings.

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with my diary management and making sure I’m where I’m supposed to be and at the right time.

“I would also like to thank Bruce Trigger for his support as mace bearer and town criers and, of course, I cannot forget to thank my chaplain, Rev Jim Pearce, for his spiritual guidance and comfort.”

Cllr Recardo’s fundraising over 202021 for Yeovil Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal was also greatly hit by the lockdown restrictions and he said that a total of £1,565 had been raised. Turn to Pages 34-35 for more news about the appeal.

Mayor's annual award goes to hospital staff STAFF at Yeovil District Hospital have been presented with the Mayor’s Award for 2021 in recognition of their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.

The award – an engraved silver salver – is usually awarded to an individual who has given great service to the local community.

But in a year which has been like no other year in modern times there was only one place where the 2021 Mayor’s Award would be going.

Cllr David Recardo, in his final public act as Mayor having served in the civic role from 2018, presented the award to the chief executive of the Yeovil Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Jonathan Higman, on the morning of May 4.

“In this difficult year with so many people and groups pulling together, I felt one group stood out,” he said.

“Mr Higman was presented with the award on behalf of all the staff at Yeovil District Hospital who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep the

patients in their care as safe as possible in these very difficult times,” said Cllr Recardo.

Mr Higman thanked the Mayor for the wonderful accolade and said it was a perfect testament to all of the efforts made by hospital staff over the past year during the Covid-19 pandemic.

PHOTO: The outgoing Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr David Recardo (left), and his wife Yvonne with Yeovil Hospital chief executive Jonathan Higman. Photo: Steve Sowden.

No rest for former Mayor as he takes up new roles

PHOTO: Cllr Chandler, who died last July aged 64, seen here during his time as Yeovil Mayor in 2010-12.

Evie chooses her charities for the year THE new Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones has selected Mind Somerset and SSAFA Somerset as her two chosen charities for 2021-22.

Cllr Potts-Jones announced her nominated charities during Yeovil Town Council’s Annual Town Meeting on May 4.

Pauline Homeshaw, of SSAFA Somerset, and Victoria Poole, of the MIND Somerset mental health charity, both attended the meeting via the Zoom conferencing

the past 2020-21 Mayoral year.”

Cllr Recardo, who served for three years as the town’s civic head, added: “I would like to thank my wife and Mayoress, Yvonne, for the support she has given me this year and over the past three years. Without her support, I could not have done it.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all the staff at the council as they have made the job easier with their professionalism the town clerk, Amanda Card, for the way she has helped with advice and guidance and Lucy Jones, my personal assistant, for all her work behind-the-scenes together

technology and said they were delighted to have been selected by the Mayor.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association is a UK charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents.

MIND is there to support anyone with a mental health problem or anyone who is living with someone who has a mental health issue.

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ALTHOUGH Cllr David Recardo has stepped down as Mayor of Yeovil after three years in office it does not necessarily mean he can now put his feet up.

No sooner had Cllr Recardo handed over the Mayoral responsibility to Cllr Evie Potts-Jones on May 4, he was being elected as vice-chairman of Yeovil Town Council’s promotions and activities committee and then that committee’s nominee on the authority’s all-important policy, resources and finance committee.

Yeovil Town Council committee chairmen and vice-chairman roles for 2021-22 are as follows: Policy, resources and finance committee – Cllr Graham Oakes (chairman), Cllr Rob Stickland (vice-chairman); buildings and civic matters committee – Cllr Rob Stickland (chairman), Cllr Karl Gill (vice-chairman); grounds and general maintenance committee – Cllr Royston

Spinner (chairman), Cllr Gordon Hunting (vice-chairman); planning committee – Cllr Gordon Hunting (chairman), Cllr Graham Oakes (chairman); promotions and activities committee – Cllr Sarah Lowery (chairman), Cllr David Recardo (vice-chairman).

The Mayor, Cllr Potts-Jones, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Andy Kendall, are allowed to sit on all committees as exofficio members.

All committee chairmen instantly take a seat on the policy, resources and finance committee and are joined by the various committee nominees of Cllr Karl Gill (buildings and civic matters committee), Cllr Pauline Lock (grounds and general maintenance committee), Cllr David Gubbins (planning committee) and Cllr David Recardo (promotions and activities committee). They will be joined by representatives of opposition groups.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

New Mayor wants to make small changes to make big differences for our tomorrow THE new Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie PottsJones, has said that the community must continue to pull together to help the town to thrive once again.

Cllr Potts-Jones was formally elected as Mayor on May 4 during Yeovil Town Council’s Annual Town Meeting where she took over as the civic head from outgoing Mayor, Cllr David Recardo.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been given this opportunity of trust in becoming your Mayor for the forthcoming year,” she said.

“I acknowledge that this past year our community has been shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world in witnessing individual battles and collective struggles – where many have experienced pain and suffering.

“Currently we still face uncertain times and tough moments, but I encourage people from our town not to be

discouraged or afraid as we embark on this journey where the public – whether residents or visitors – can feel supported and proud; enabling true sense of belonging.

“By being united we can commit to creating new opportunities and partnerships. This has been demonstrated by our council predecessors, along with many members of our resilient community in achieving desired goals.

“As a result we can be inspired and empowered to continue to nurture and grow as individuals coming together so Yeovil can continue to thrive once more.

“So, with this, I will take the necessary steps with pride, to make the small changes in making big differences for our tomorrow.”

The Yeovil Press reported last month after Cllr Potts-Jones had been nominated as Mayor Elect by her council colleagues

A breath of fresh air for the Mayoral role COUNCILLOR Evie Potts-Jones has been duly elected as the new Mayor of Yeovil.

Yeovil Town Council met in a hybrid fashion with some members and officials at the Town House and others online via the Zoom conferencing technology on Tuesday, May 4.

Outgoing Mayor, Cllr David Recardo, proposed Cllr Potts-Jones to be his successor and this was seconded by Cllr Gordon Hunting.

“Evie has been a councillor for a good number of years and over that time I have come to like her as a person and as a councillor,” said Cllr Recardo.

“She has chaired many committee meetings and has always been fair, level headed and keen to let people have their say – all good qualities for the role of Mayor.

“I think Evie will make an excellent Mayor and will do a tremendous job for the town.”

Cllr Hunting added: “Evie will bring a breath of fresh air to the role of Mayor.”

Cllr Potts-Jones was formally elected to the role of Mayor unopposed.

The Deputy Mayor for 2021-22 will be Cllr Andy Kendall who was proposed by Cllr Tony Lock and seconded by Cllr Karl Gill.

Cllr Lock said: “Andy has been a member of Yeovil Town Council for many

The new Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, and her predecessor, Cllr David Recardo, chill out in the Ninesprings area of the Yeovil Country Park.

that she would become only the ninth female Yeovil Mayor since Mayoral records began in 1854.

She has become Yeovil’s first female Mayor in 20 years since Bridget Dollard’s second term of office in 2001-02.

YEOVIL TOWN COUNCIL

Defibrillators in Yeovil Where’s your nearest defibrillator?

To help increase awareness of the locations of publically accessible defribrillators – we need your help! We want a definitive list of those defribillators which are available for public use. If you are aware of a defribillator in Yeovil, please let us know.

“Guardians of the defibrillators” We want to increase the number of defibrillators in Yeovil and investigating installing one in each of the following areas:

years and also serves on South Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council. He is well versed with all levels of local government and will be a great asset.

“He has always been available when required and supported various groups and organisations in the area.”

Cllr Kendall has replaced Cllr Helen Stonier as Deputy Mayor.

PHOTO: The new Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, following her formal election on May 4.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

• • • •

Westfield (near the Co-op) Forest Hill shopping precinct St John’s Road Shops Town Centre (near Boots)

We are “guardians” to the defibrillator at Milford Hall.

Business contributions/sponsorship Do you know a local business that would like to contribute towards the costs?

07773 162369

ytc@yeovil.gov.uk

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15

Armed Forces Covenant signed by AP Kitchen Solutions A COMPANY based near Yeovil has shown its support to the Armed Forces community by signing a national pledge.

AP Kitchen Solutions has signed the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly.

“We will be running an Armed Forces discount to show our support to the Armed Forces community alongside many other initiatives to show solidarity with our military personnel and their families,” said company owner Adam Porter.

AP Kitchen Solutions is always full of ideas and bubbling over with enthusiasm, experience and bright new designs to transform or replace your kitchen and is now looking towards building on a fantastic first ten years of business.

The company – which is based at Northover in Ilchester - celebrated its

tenth anniversary in 2019 - and Adam is always keen to look at different ways of reaching out to potential new customers.

During the first coronavirus lockdown he has transformed a minibus into a mobile showroom which Adam can take the mobile showroom to a customer’s home address, while the AP Kitchen Solutions’ headquarters has a newlyrevamped showroom for people to visit.

“We are a fresh and vibrant company specialising in new kitchens, granite work surfaces, kitchen refurbishments

and accessories along with a complete installation service using only the best local craftsmen,” said Adam.

For more details about AP Kitchen Solutions look at their full-page advert on Page 17 or phone 01935-849559 or 07766 002074 and speak with Adam Porter or sales and marketing executive Sam Hopper.

A copy of the Armed Forces Covenant signed by AP Kitchen Solutions is pictured right.

Leanne and Monty raise funds for hospital appeal Mystery medal is safely returned to its woman Leanne Rolls and her rightful owners - thanks to the Yeovil Press YEOVIL loveable pooch Monty have raised over A MEDAL belonging to a First World War veteran from Yeovil has been reunited with its family – thanks to an appeal made in last month’s Yeovil Press.

Readers may have seen the story in the April edition about a letter which Yeovil man Dave Trevett had received in the post in a relation to an old soldier called James Few of the Somerset Light Infantry.

Mr Trevett got in touch with the Yeovil Press to see if readers might be able to shed any light on Private James Few who served with the 2nd Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry during the First World War – especially as he had no idea who he was and why the letter had been sent to him.

Research revealed that Private James Few was awarded the British War Medal for his service in the First World War before being discharged from the regular army and going back to the reserves in January 1920.

He then went to India where he was awarded the Indian General Service Medal with clasp entitled Afghanistan on March 4, 1924, and his address was given as Goldcroft, Yeovil.

What we did not reveal in last month’s story that in with the letter received by Mr Trevett was the Private Few’s actual Indian General Service Medal.

“I was determined to find relatives of James Few so I could pass on the medal to them,” said Mr Trevett. “And within a few days of last month’s paper coming out – somebody got in touch about it.”

Ruth Hann, a granddaughter of James Few, had got in touch with Mr Trevett and he quickly visited her at her home in

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Left: Ruth Hann holding her grandfather’s Indian General Service Medal with clasp entitled Afghanistan. Right: The mystery medal now back with James Few’s family.

Yeovil to present her with the medal.

“She was unaware of James’ military service and that he’d been awarded this medal,” said Mr Trevett. “I’m delighted to have got the medal back to where it should be and Ruth was really pleased.”

James Few came to a tragic death just before the start of the Second World War. Newspaper reports of the time reveal that police found the body of Mr Few at the bottom of a cask elevator at the brewery of Messrs Bruton, Mitchell, Sons and Co in Clarence Street, Yeovil, on April 18, 1939.

Mr Few had been employed by the firm for 14 years – first as a lorry driver and later as a labourer.

Reports said Mr Few was married to Ruth and had two daughters and that they had lived in Kiddles Lane.

Mr Trevett added: “While I spoke with Ruth, who was clearly named after her grandmother, she told me that she’d known about the sad accident involving her grandfather, but didn’t know that her grandparents had lived in Kiddles Lane.

That’s when her husband said that his grandparents had also lived in Kiddles Lane – small world!”

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£300 for Yeovil District Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal by completing the Captain Tom Foundation’s Do It Your Way challenge.

Leanne recognised that the Covid-19 pandemic had had a catastrophic impact on charities with the cancellation of thousands of events across the country and the loss of income.

Captain Tom Moore became a national hero when he stepped-up to help and took on his famous walk to support the NHS Covid-19 appeal and inspired millions to donate to the cause.

“Monty and I celebrated the extraordinary spirit of Captain Tom our way and helped our chosen charity Yeovil District Hospital,” said Leanne.

“The money will be used towards the building of the new breast unit.”

Leanne led Monty – who survived two major surgeries in the first six months of life - around an agility course 100 times between April 30 and May 3.

More news about the hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal can be found on Pages 34-35 of this edition of Yeovil Press.

PHOTO: Leanne Rolls with Monty.

Children tackle 100-themed challenges

THE children and staff at Milford Infants’ School in Yeovil joined in with the Captain Tom Foundation’s Do It Your Way challenge to celebrate his life and achievements and spread a message of hope and resilience.

Teachers set the children challenges at playtime on April 30 – on what would have been Captain Tom’s 101st birthday

- to complete an activity 100 times individually or in a group.

They completed a variety of 100-themed challenges in maths, shared stories about his amazing life time achievements and watched news videos celebrating his life.

PHOTO: Children at Milford Infants’ School in Yeovil.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

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Let our mobile showroom come and visit you!

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17

REMEMBERING HRH PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH: JUNE 10, 1921, to APRIL 9, 2021

Prince Philip had close links Leonardo employees share with RNAS Yeovilton and memories of Prince Philip Fleet Air Arm Museum PERSONNEL from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton played their part in the funeral for the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17.

The procession route for Prince Philip’s funeral was lined by representatives of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Highlanders and 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Air Force.

The Duke, who died on April 9 aged 99, had served in the Royal Navy from 1939 until 1952 and had made a number of visits to RNAS Yeovilton during his long life.

The Duke of Edinburgh laid the foundation stone for the Fleet Air Arm Museum, based at RNAS Yeovilton, and then later opened it in May 1964.

He served as its patron from May 1964 until 1990 when that role was assumed by the Duke of York. Prince Philip last visited the museum in 2014.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Director-General, Dominic Tweddle, said the Duke was a “staunch supporter.”

Prof Tweddle said the Duke’s visits showed he was “very easy with people.”

“That probably comes with his time with the Royal Navy,” he said. “You are trained to be at ease with people in the Royal Navy.

“His relationship with us was very important for us. Royal patronage opens doors that you can’t otherwise open.

Royalty still has a magic and mystique.”

Prince Philip paid regular visits to the Fleet Air Arm Museum which he was patron of between 1964 and 1990. Photo courtesy of the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Prince Philip opened the Fleer Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton in May 1964. Photo courtesy of the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

When Prince Philip visited Ilminster THE Heritage of the Ile Trust posted this photo on social media of Prince Philip when he visited Ilminster in 1950.

The Duke of Edinburgh is seen here (second from left) talking to Bill Spinks, blacksmith of Whitelackington.

But the Heritage of the Ile Trust would like to know if anybody knows the names of the others in the photograph?

The Trust was formed in 1976 by a group of local Ilminster people who were concerned to preserve the past of the area for the benefit of the future.

The group is managed by an enthusiastic body of volunteers who collect and collate photographs that are given to them.

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The collection now totals over 4,000 images and the Trust also welcomes donations of other historical records relating to the area.

If you would like to find out more about the Heritage of the Ile Trust please go to the organisation’s website at www. heritageoftheile.co.uk.

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YEOVIL employees working at aerospace engineering company Leonardo have been sharing their memories of meeting Prince Philip a passionate advocate of engineering and innovation who visited the site at Lysander Road to celebrate the start of a new millennium of engineering.

The Duke of Edinburgh once famously said “everything that wasn’t invented

by God is invented by an engineer” and strongly advocated for British engineering throughout his life.

He first visited the Yeovil helicopter manufacturing business in November 1957, followed by a subsequent event at the site in November 1978 and then a later visit taking place in March 2001.

On that day in 2001 high-ranking dignitaries from the local community gathered at the site, including the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Gass; the High Sheriff of Somerset, Thomas Poole; Squadron Leader, Lynda Johnson; Sergeant Peter Wadman; and the-then MP for Yeovil, Paddy Ashdown.

They were welcomed to the business by the company chairman at the time, Richard Case, as well as the company’s programme managers who walked the Duke of Edinburgh through all the aspects of the construction and deployment of helicopters including the Lynx, Apache, and Merlin.

Prince Philip unveiled a symbol of the new millennium called the Millennium Mark created by Leonardo trainees to capture the best elements of helicopter capability, as well as the company’s aspirations for the future.

The curved spiral metal shape at the centre of a globe now sits within the heart of the site at Lysander Road. It was made to resemble the shape that would be traced by a plume of smoke being emitted through the rotor blades during a hover.

The highlight of the day was when Prince Philip took a flight in an Apache Helicopter for a demonstration of its capability, taking-off in front of an assembled workforce and a press delegation for half an hour around Yeovil.

Product marketing and sales engineering manager, Sean McElliott, who was part of the team who briefed the Prince before the flight, said: “I can strangely remember it like it was yesterday.

“As Prince Philip was going to fly in a UK Apache as part of his visit, the decision was made to brief him on the Apache rig on the safety procedures and controls that he could use during his

flight. My recollection was that he was very personable and engaging and what surprised me was how at ease he made you feel in conversation.

“I recall witnessing some of his humour and a light-hearted moment when we briefed him on the aircraft buttons he should not touch.”

Sean still remembers a very small detail he noticed that reminded him of one of his own family members. “When he unbuttoned his jacket to sit down in the Apache helicopter, he had a safety pin securing his tie to his shirt, which to me made him very human, as it’s something my granddad would have done!” said Sean.

Richard Maidment, independent verification manager, who worked as chief aircraft avionic systems engineer at the time of the visit in 2001, added: “He was very joyful and was very much interested in us as individuals. He seemed fascinated by the technology that we were developing and his questions were very well considered, revealing his deep understanding of the engineering that lay behind the capability.”

Nick Whitney, Leonardo Helicopters UK managing director, was working as a programme manager at the time.

“I remember Prince Philip visiting the site and at the time I was not involved, but I have been privileged to have met him a couple of times since then,” he said.

“I can certainly vouch for the positivity he exuded and his considerable knowledge and interest in the aviation sector. His questions were always very relevant and you always knew you had to be on your game when meeting him. It is these types of values that inspire us to this day.”

PHOTOS: Prince Philip at the Leonardo site in Yeovil during a visit to the helicopter manufacturing company in 2001. Courtesy of Leonardo.

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REMEMBERING HRH PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH: JUNE 10, 1921, to APRIL 9, 2021

Yeovil photographer was a favourite with the Royal Family

A PHOTOGRAPHER who became one of the Royal Family’s favourite photographers was trained in Yeovil.

Desmond Groves was one of the most prominent portrait photographers in the UK back in the day and especially grabbed the attention because of his photos of members of the Royal Family.

When it was announced on Friday, April 9, that the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, had passed away at the age of 99 the national newspapers were filled in the following week or so with photos of the prince as they looked back over his amazing life.

The photograph shown here was taken to mark Prince Philip’s 50th birthday and was published in the Illustrated London News on July 1, 1971.

It was taken by Desmond Groves, photographed here in 1986, who was born in 1925 at Evershot, but had grown up in Yeovil.

In 1939 he was living with his parents, William and Nettie, at 28 Market Street in Yeovil. His father was a veterinary surgeon’s assistant and hospital attendant.

It was said - according to an article in the May 1976 edition of the Photographic Journal – that Desmond “was lucky

enough as a teenager to work for Harold Tilzey in Princes Street, Yeovil.

There he gained a grounding in local studio work, but it was the time of the Second World War and as soon as he was old enough he managed to get into the RAF and had just trained as a pilot when peace was declared in 1945.

After the war, and still only 21, Desmond set up a photographic studio in Wells, and ran this between November 1946 and April 1949.

After leaving Wells, he worked in London and then Cheshire and, in 1969, set up a studio at the prestigious Harrods store in Knightsbridge.

In April 1971, he photographed the Royal Family, and six of these photographs appear on the National Portrait Gallery website at https://bit.ly/3nBRcRk .

His photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh, seen here, was taken just a few weeks later.

The Yeovil Press would like to thank Phil Nichols was sharing this great story with us. Mr Nichols is one of the joint authors of the Secure the Shadow: Somerset Photographers 1839 to 1939. Desmond Groves fell just outside the period of Mr Nichols’ study, but did include Yeovil’s Harold Tilzey.

Young people wanted for Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Yeovil town centre falls silent to remember Prince Philip

A SHORT service of remembrance was held in The Borough of Yeovil on April 17 as the nation fell silent in memory of Prince Philip.

The Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr David Recardo, laid a wreath at the foot of the War Memorial on behalf of the townspeople as a national minute’s silence was held at 3pm ahead of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral at St George’s Chapel at Windsor

Castle.

The event in the town centre was organised by the Yeovil branch of the Royal British Legion.

The previous day the Mayor represented the town at a service of remembrance for Prince Philip held at Wells Cathedral and arranged by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. PHOTO: Courtesy of Cllr David Recardo.

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THE Somerset team which organises the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has set itself a challenge to find 100 young people in the county to take part remotely in the scheme.

Young people inspired by the recent media attention about the DofE charity are encouraged to get in touch to learn new skills, take part in physical activities and gain an award at the end.

The Somerset DofE team is experienced in working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities to create an individual and flexible plan to support any young person to achieve their award.

Those who started an award at a school, college or in a group such as Guides or Scouts, but did not finish are also encouraged to get in touch as the team can help them locate their old account details and provide support to achieve an award.

Carol Authers, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award operations manager at Somerset County Council, said: “We want to acknowledge the Duke’s amazing legacy

and inspiring impact on generations of young people by ensuring that every young person in Somerset has the opportunity to take part.

“The awards have a strong commitment to inclusivity, so we encourage all young people to apply regardless of background, circumstance, culture, religion and ability. The valuable skills that they learn equip them to succeed in life.”

A Somerset Bursary Fund offers grants to enable disadvantaged young people in Somerset to complete a DofE programme.

Those young people aged from 14-24 and living in Somerset who would like to know more are encouraged to get in touch by emailing DofE@somerset.gov. uk .

Since the DofE Awards began in 1956, over 6.7 million young people in the UK have participated. Young people do DofE programmes at one of three progressive levels.

When successfully completed, this leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For more information about the scheme, visit: www.dofe.org .

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AROUND THE TOWN Choosing winning design Attempted murder investigation launched was a tough decision POLICE are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a pedestrian suffered serious injuries in a collision with a car in Yeovil.

It happened on St Patrick’s Road just before 3.30pm on Sunday, April 4. A gold-coloured Renault Laguna estate car registration EY55 VUP mounted the pavement, colliding with a man in his 20s but thankfully missing a child and another adult nearby. It was later recovered from Monks Dale by police.

A police spokesman said: “The man required hospital treatment but has since been released to continue his recovery.”

Officers have arrested three people

on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

One, a man aged 37, has been released on conditional police bail, while a second man, 55, and a woman of 33 have been released under investigation.

The spokesman added: “Investigating officers want to hear from you if you saw the vehicle being driven in St Patrick’s Road and Monks Dale, witnessed the collision, or if you have any footage or other information which could help. Call 101 quoting reference 5221071951.”

Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Support for litter-picking pupils at Preston Primary LITTER-PICKERS at Preston Primary School in Yeovil are being given support by Brympton Parish Council to increase their environmental work.

The council received a request from the school asking if it had some litter-picking equipment its Eco Warriors group could use to collect more rubbish from around the community.

Cllr Graham Pritchard, speaking at

the council’s meeting on April 28 via the Zoom conferencing technology, said: “I’m all in favour of this – I think it’s a great idea.”

Cllr Jeny Snell added: “We should encourage the children and buy them the equipment.”

Councillors agreed to spend up to a maximum of £120 on litter-grabbers and yellow jackets for the pupils to use.

Two gas leaks in Yeovil FIREFIGHTERS were called out to deal with two suspected gas leaks at properties in Yeovil within 30 minutes of each other.

The first alarm was raised at just after 8.15pm on Tuesday, April 13, to an address in Alvington Fields which is off Bluebell Road in Brympton.

Two fire engines from Yeovil and an environmental protection unit and support officers from Taunton were all sent out.

Firefighters confirmed there was a gas leak caused by the owner hitting a gas pipe within a wall. They made the area

safe and isolated the gas.

And then at 8.45pm the alarm was raised because of another suspected gas leak at a property in Sherborne Road, Yeovil.

One fire engine from Yeovil and the environmental protection unit responded to the call.

“We found there was a small leak from the cooker,” said a Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman.

“The gas was isolated and the property ventilated.”

The Gas Board was informed about both incidents.

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OVER the past few months Yeovil Without Parish Council has been trying to find ways to further engage the community it serves.

To start the process the council decided to complete a full rebrand and work with local schools in the area to design a new logo to represent the parish.

The Yeovil Press reported back in its February and March editions about the competition and that it had been won

by Westfield Academy student Ellie Wetherell.

The council and school have just released their own joint statement about Ellie’s success with her logo design coming with the words “Stand Together, Grow Together.”

Ellie has received a £25 gift voucher for her efforts, while Westfield art staff members Mr Evans and Miss Blackmore can be seen in the photo holding the winning submission.

A parish council spokesman said: “We would like to personally thank everyone who put forward logo designs - it was an extremely tough choice to decide.

“Yeovil Without Parish Council will

continue with public engagement over the next year including working with residents on new green initiatives for the parish, sites for new defibrillators and post Covid-19 restriction events.”

Pizza oven causes shed fire A PIZZA oven has been blamed for accidentally being the cause of a shed fire at a home on the Houndstone estate in Yeovil.

The alarm was raised at just before 1.30am on Monday, April 26, to the incident at a property in Ritchie Road.

Two fire engines from Yeovil were mobilised and on arrival the firefighters discovered that a shed was well alight

and that it had spread to another shed.

“This fire, which was believed to have started accidentally from a pizza oven, completed destroyed the shed and a neighbouring shed, along with fire and heat damage to a garage and a conservatory,” said a spokesman for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

A family out walking have narrow escape POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a dangerous driving incident in Yeovil.

At about 5.45pm on Sunday, April 11, a Silver VW Golf failed to stop for police on the Queensway dual-carriageway.

A police spokesman said: “It was then seen travelling at excess speed down Stone Lane and on to Sock Lane in the direction of Mudford Sock, narrowly missing a family with children walking along the lane.

“Shortly afterwards a horse rider was

forced into the hedge after the vehicle passed them at speed. The driver is described as a white man with short brown hair.”

Officers are keen for the pedestrians and horse rider to come forward and would ask them to make contact on 101 quoting crime reference 5221077261.

They would also like to hear from anyone else that may have seen the vehicle. If you can help, call 101 quoting the same reference.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

Food and drink producers are heading for Yeovil town centre THE eat:Yeovil festival is returning to the town centre later this month and will give visitors a wonderful array of food and drink to buy and try.

The event on Saturday, May 22, will be a free all-day festival showcasing some fantastic local food and drink producers.

There will be food and drinks producers set up in King George Street, The Borough

and St John’s Churchyard and spread out to give people lots of space to move around.

The stalls will have a wide variety of goods including farmers’ markets favourites like ales, bread and cheese alongside top quality street food with world flavours made with local ingredients.

The festival opens at 10am and runs until 4pm, but organisers have said that if people want a bit more elbow room and to get the pick of the produce they should arrive early.

Yeovil Town Council has supported the festival and is hoping the event will attract people into the town centre.

The festival will be returning to Yeovil town centre twice more this year on September 18 and then again just before Christmas on December 12.

PHOTOS: The eat:Yeovil festival was in town last September and these photos were taken by Yeovil Press photographer Christine Jones.

LOCAL OUTDOORS

FOOD & DRINK SUPER MARKET n a l p a e k a M

SATURDAY 22 MAY ST.JOHNS CHURCHYARD THE BOROUGH KING GEORGE STREET

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New litterpick stations give everyone a chance to clean up our countryside TWO new litterpick stations have been installed and equipped with litterpickers and reusable bags for anyone to borrow and do their own clean-up operations at countryside sites across South Somerset.

Yeovil Country Park and Chard Reservoir have both recently had the litterpick stations installed, kindly provided by CPRE Somerset.

The stations aim to encourage people to pick up a litterpicker and take care of the sites they visit about such as Yeovil Country Park and Chard Reservoir. Once you have completed your litter pick, you can return the equipment to the station and put the litter in a nearby bin and if you can, recycle any items.

The two-minute litter pick is the same concept as the two-minute beach clean introduced by The 2 Minute Foundation, but aims to provide litterpicks at greenspaces.

South Somerset District Council’s countryside manager, Rachael Whaites, said: “We are thrilled to host these litter pick stations at Yeovil Country Park and Chard Reservoir.

“We have always had a small number of volunteers litter picking around our sites, but now everyone can take part in helping to look after their local greenspaces.

“Littering is one of the biggest blights on the British countryside and it is

empowering to be able to actively do something to help wildlife and improve our natural environment.”

PHOTO: A litterpick station at the Yeovil Country Park.

Fire training exercise at St Michael's Academy FIREFIGHTERS have thanked everyone at St Michael’s Academy in Yeovil for allowing them to use the school buildings for an exercise.

Nearby residents may have looked on with worry when they saw the firefighters arrived at the school in St Michael’s Avenue on the evening of May 4.

But it was nothing to worry about.

A spokesman for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “A big thank you to St Michael’s Academy for allowing the crews at Yeovil Fire Station

to take part in an exercise at the school to stimulate a fire within a basement with persons reported trapped inside.”

St Michael’s headteacher Matthew Vella said he was pleased to assist the Fire Service. Earlier in the day he had put out a message on the school’s social media Facebook page asking people not to be alarmed if they saw “smoke coming our school” and explained it was a Fire Service training exercise.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Yeovil Fire Station.

It has been a challenging year for everyone THE chairman of Brympton Parish Council has been left “warmed” over the past year at seeing how communities have worked together during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cllr Keith Weston was speaking at the council’s annual parish meeting on April 28 – which was held via the Zoom conferencing technology – in which had said the past year had been “challenging for everyone in one way or another.”

“I am warmed, however, to see how communities have pulled together to support each other,” he said in his annual report.

“Residents picked up prescriptions and essentials for those that were unable to leave the house, donations were made to food banks and support was there for the more vulnerable. And to see so many people taking to their doorsteps to clap for carers filled me with joy.”

And Cllr Weston mused: “For some, we have learnt new skills and embraced new technology. Apparently “you’re on mute” was the most common phrase used in 2020.”

He thanked Barbara Appleby who stood down over the past year from her role as parish council chairman and outgoing parish clerk Liz James who retired after 20 years’ service in February.

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Exhibition planned for the new Yeovil Art Space

“Their commitment to the parish was second to none,” he said.

He offered his thanks to Brympton’s representatives on South Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council , parish ranger Darren Lashbrook, the Brympton Speedwatch and Brympton Litter-Picking groups for all their efforts over the past 12 months.

“I would also like to thank all the parish councillors for their attendance, representation, and all that they do to make this parish council an effective council serving the community,” he said.

Over the year the council has made grant funding available to South Somerset Citizens Advice, South Somerset Mind, Thorne Coffin Jubilee Hall, Yeovil Freewheelers and Yeovil Rivers Trust.

PHOTO: Cllr Keith Weston – chairman of Brympton Parish Council.

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AN EXHIBITION of art responding to stories shared by older people will be on display at Yeovil Art Space - the town’s new community art hub in the Quedam shopping centre.

Together We Are Stronger is an intergenerational project which has included creating podcasts with care home residents, working with Yeovil College students, online art clubs and writing workshops.

The wide range of thought-provoking work on display includes intricate mosaic work, a theatre book, poster designs, paintings, cushion covers and more – a vibrant collection of work that covers many interests and showcases an innovative collaboration between artists and community.

Starting with a series of podcasts recorded in a Somerset Care home and with elder residents in Yeovil, the Together We Are Stronger project has unfolded to other groups in the community, with a programme of events and exhibitions to be held around the two Yeovil Art Space

venues in May and June, in line with the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions and the re-opening of museum and art galleries.

Twelve members of the Yeovil Creatives network answered a call to make and contribute a piece of work in response to the theme of ‘Resilience’ to be displayed to the public in Yeovil Art Space from May 17 to June 30.

When the exhibition is over all artworks will be donated to the Somerset Care home where the podcasts were recorded, a focal point for the project being that this is a full circle, and that each generation is recognised for its contribution and importance.

During May and June there will be an exhibition of the projects’ collaboration with students studying graphic design at Yeovil College, with fresh and exciting work made in response to a brief set by lead artist Natasha Rand, alongside a public art installation, at a former St Margaret’s Hospice shop in Middle Street, sharing quotes from the podcasts.

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Leonardo's Fergus celebrates 50th birthday with 50km marathon for charity

LEONARDO employee Fergus Crawford through Dinder and Croscombe, and up marked his 50th birthday this year by the 80metre climb of Darshill Hill and running 50kms in 6.5 hours to raise then back down into Shepton Mallet. £1,290 - which will be split between From there, Fergus and his friends ran Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK along the ridge of the Mendip Hills before charities in memory of his mother. dropping back down towards Dinder to Fergus, who recently learned he is a follow the road back.

Type 2 diabetic, works as a principal However, it was the following leg of avionic systems engineer at the Leonardo the run to Glastonbury and back again helicopter manufacturing company in that proved to be the hardest, due to the Yeovil. distance.

Family and friends gathered at key It was at the 33kms point that Fergus points along the circuit, while some of first hit ‘the wall’ commonly experienced his colleagues from Leonardo acted as by marathon runners, where their support cyclists, while other friends ran stamina is tested to the limit. -, It was at alongside Fergus through sections of the this point that his reason for taking on marathon. the marathon drove him forward.

His ambitious route took in several Fergus said: “My mother was a keen loops across Yeovil and the surrounding orienteer and walker and believed in extending to Glastonbury. pushing herself to see what she Page could do Simply areas Bathrooms & Bedrooms 14x4 v3.qxp_Ad-style 02/05/2018 11:16 1 He ran from Wells at the back of the - and to be honest the number 50 was Bishop’s Palace through to Dulcote and looming large in my mind. along the banks of the Sheppy River “So I thought 50kms celebrating 50

years was a nice tribute to her. The fact that I managed to run 51 kms to exceed my target proves she was right – you can always do more than you realise.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation

to Fergus’s fundraising can visit the fundraising sites – Diabetes UK at https:// bit.ly/2St6lZO and Cancer Research UK at https://bit.ly/3nM3BSX. PHOTO: Fergus Crawford on his 50km run.

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NEWS IN PHOTOS

Remembering Prince Philip YEOVIL couple Eddy and Chrissy Wellman paid their own respects to the late Prince Philip when they created a simple but effective tribute in their front garden.

Eddy and Chrissy have turned the garden of their home on the corner of Gordon Road and Grass Royal into a permanent reminder of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and, in recent times, they have been showing their support for the NHS. So it was only natural that they would do “their bit” to show their respects to the Duke of Edinburgh on his funeral on April 17.

More news about Prince Philip can be found on Pages 18-19.

Anyone recognise this elephant?

DOES anyone know who this cute little knitted elephant belongs to?

Somebody must be missing him.

The elephant was found all alone in Sydney Gardens, Yeovil, on the evening of Thursday, April 22.

If you know him contact the Friends of Sidney Gardens group on its social networking Facebook page or you can email yeovilpress@gmail.com and we can put you in touch.

Litter bugs keep on dropping rubbish in Yeovil

ONE walk around Milford Park and then up Chelston Avenue in Yeovil by a volunteer litter-picker resulted in this amount of rubbish being collected.

It was the equivalent of two bin bags and included a disposable barbecue, a load of leftover food and a heap of the

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usual litter which is irresponsibly thrown on the ground by people.

The volunteers from the Team Yeovil litter-picking group filled a total of 223 bin bags with rubbish which had been dropped in and around Yeovil during April.

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Police look into concerns about suspicious activity at Ninesprings POLICE have been stepping up patrols of the Ninesprings area of the Yeovil Country Park following recent concerns on social media about individuals acting suspiciously.

Officers have said the reports have been looked into, but they do not believe any offences have been committed at this time.

“We appreciate there is considerable concern within the local community and as a result we are conducting additional high-visibility patrols in the area as a precaution,” said a police spokesman on social media Facebook.

“We would like to reassure everyone that we do not believe there to be a heightened risk to public safety.”

The police spokesman added: “Anyone who has concerns can contact the local team through our website or speak with one of the officers on patrol.

“As part of our work with key partners, we have also informed South Somerset District Council so their park rangers are briefed accordingly.

“We’d urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour to report it to us through the normal channels.”

People can contact police via 101 or if there is a crime in progress call 999.

The police have received criticism from people on social media who feel their concerns about “suspicious individuals” at Ninesprings have been brushed aside.

PHOTO: Police officers hitch a lift with a member of staff at the Yeovil Country Park.

Good luck to deployed Yeovilton helicopter crews HELICOPTER personnel from RNAS Yeovilton have set off on a sevenmonth deployment with the Carrier Strike Group.

Four Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron left on May 1, while three Merlin helicopters from 845 Naval Air Squadron departed on May 3.

Commanding Officer of 815 NAS, Cdr Russ Clark, said: “It is a proud day for us all in 815. I pay tribute to the exceptional team effort that has gone in to the preparation for this significant deployment from the squadron’s engineers and aircrew and from RNAS Yeovilton.

“I’d also like to thank the families for their never-ending support to their loved ones.”

Cdr Clark added: “We wish our flights safe travel and operational success.”

The UK Carrier Strike Group is led by aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and has been joined by warships HMS Defender, HMS Diamond, HMS Kent and HMS Richmond.

It is all part of an initial Exercise Strike Warrior which will involve more than 20 warships, three submarines and 150 aircraft from 11 nations and is a final test for the Carrier Strike Group ahead of its first operational deployment to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific.

The three Commando Merlin helicopters of 845 Naval Air Squadron which set off from RNAS Yeovilton on May 3 to join the Carrier Strike Group are embarked in RFA Fort George.

The four Wildcat helicopters set off from RNAS Yeovilton on May 1.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

Anti-social behaviour problems in Brympton MORE than 650 leaflets have been distributed to homes on the Abbey Manor estate in Yeovil by police advising them on what to do and how to report incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Members of Brympton Parish Council said at their meeting on April 28 – via the Zoom conferencing technology – that there had been an increase in problems in the area.

On April 26 a number of trees were badly damaged after a fire was started deliberately on a pathway from King Arthur Drive to Lawrence Way in the Thorne Gardens area.

Cllr Jeny Snell said: “I spoke to someone in that area who would like to express their thanks to the firefighters and the police for dealing with the situation.

They think it was started by youths.”

Other fires have been deliberately

started in recent weeks in the Abbey Manor area and Yeovil Town FC causing damage to property.

But Cllr Snell also said that on a recent visit to Oak Tree Park on Abbey Manor she applauded a group of young people for how well-behaved they were at the skatepark.

“They were absolutely lovely,” she said.

“They were all getting on really well.”

Council chairman, Cllr Keith Weston, said: “It is easy to tarnish everyone with the same brush, but we should give praise when praise is due.”

A police spokesman, speaking on social media, said: “These incidents not only could put homes into danger, but is of concern to local residents.

“If anyone has any information as to who is responsible please contact us through 101 quoting reference number 5221075534.”

Firefighters deal with an incident in Yeovil on April 26.

A waste collection container burnt out on Abbey Manor.

he remains of an arson attack within the grounds of Yeovil Town FC.

Empty Beales buildings to Community building be sold at online auction up for grabs at auction THE vacant Beales buildings in Yeovil town centre – more commonly known by people as the old Denners store – will be sold-off at auction later this month.

The one-time prestigious department store in the High Street closed its doors at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Beales, who took over the stores from Denners in 1999, were planning on closing them, but the introduction of the first lockdown in March 2020 speeded up the process of shutting the doors for good.

And now, with no new owners coming forward since then, the buildings will be sold at an online auction on May 26 with BidX1 which can be found at www.bidx1. com .

The main building at 23-25 High Street is arranged over five floors with floor space of 43,645 sq ft. It comes with a guide price of up to £450,000.

The Beales buildings on the other side of the road at 4-6 High Street – with floorspace of 20,314 sq ft - have been given a guide price of up to £350,000 with part of it already let to the Card Factory shop which brings in a rent of £32,500 per annum.

An auction document said: “There is potential to redevelop or convert the existing buildings into a range of alternative uses such as reconfigured retail, offices, residential, co-living, hotel, licensed and leisure, subject to the usual planning consents.

“Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries of the local planning authority at South Somerset District Council.”

The main vacant Beales building on the corner of High Street and Hendford is Grade II listed and potential buyers will have to think about that in terms of redevelopment with regards planning constraints.

It was back in 1875 when Linsey Tom Marsham Denner arrived in Yeovil and bought the premises of 25 High Street and styled himself as a Silk Mercer, Family Draper, Hosier and Haberdasher.

Linsey Denner died in June 1917 aged 72. His store was called L. Denner until 1926 when the Chapel family bought it and renamed the store as Denners.

Hedley Chapman and his sister Vera ran the business. Vera married Norman Lock, of Locks Seeds, and they had three children. Their daughter Penny married Tim Chappell and together they took over the running of Denners after Vera retired.

Beales acquired the store in 1999, but kept the name Denners until 2011 when it was restyled as Beales.

PHOTO: The main empty Beales building on the High Street, Yeovil.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

A FORMER church and nursery building in Yeovil will be sold at an online auction later this month.

The multi-room community property has been advertised as the former Larkhill Day Nursery in Larkhill Road and comes with a £200,000 asking price.

It is being auctioned on Friday, May 21, at midday by Symonds & Sampson at auctionhouse.co.uk/ symondsandsampson .

The property brochure states it could “lend itself to possible conversion or demolition to create space for new build properties subject to the necessary planning permission.”

The existing two-storey property comes

with a 4,560 sq ft of floor space.

PHOTO: The former Larkhill Day Nursery and church building in Larkhill Road, Yeovil.

POLICE community support officers have been making patrols of the Sydney Gardens area of Yeovil following a number of recent reports about anti-social behaviour. Any issues or concerns about anti-social behaviour should be reported to the police on 101.

Photo: Courtesy of the Yeovil Neighbourhood Policing page on Facebook.

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ON OUR DOORSTEP News from around South Somerset

Man sentenced following rape and sexual assault of five women A MARTOCK man has been jailed for 24 years for the rape, attempted rape and sexual assault of five young women in Somerset and Devon over a period of 18 months between 2016 and 2017.

Tom Wade-Allison, 25, was convicted of nine counts of rape, three counts of assault by penetration, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault on 15 March 2021, following a three-year investigation. He was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on April 22.

During the case the court heard how Wade-Allison had abused his victims’ trust by taking advantage of them sexually after spiking their drinks.

The judge praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and alerting police to what had happened. He also commended the officer in the case for the work that went into bringing WadeAllison to justice.

Investigating officer DC Simon Fennell

said: “Tom Wade-Allison deserves a lengthy prison sentence that reflects the magnitude of his actions and behaviour, and I welcome the sentencing decision today.

“His crimes will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on his victims’ lives.

This has been a long, emotionally and mentally draining journey for each of them.

“They are survivors, and their courage and determination to see this case through to its conclusion is testament to this.”

Jill Macnamara, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This was a complex prosecution which was carried out over three years, against the background of the additional challenges and delays posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The crimes came to light when one brave woman reported what had happened to her, and as the investigation

progressed, additional women came forward to tell of their traumatic experiences with this man. I would like to thank all of these women and I hope that today’s sentence goes some way to providing them with the justice they deserve.

“The commitment of the CPS to see this challenging case through to its conclusion shows that we will not shy away from difficult cases. We want every victim of rape to be able to come forward with confidence that the police and CPS are dedicated to securing justice for them.”

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, recent or non-recent, you do not have to speak to the police. You can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.

PHOTO: Tom Wade-Allison.

Town centre cash point machine explosion they were doing. It didn’t half go off with a bang though!”

The Co-op store remained closed for a few hours on the morning of the incident to allow for the damage to the building to be repaired.

People from across Ilminster spoke on social media about being woken up by the loud bang.

PHOTOS: The scene in East Street in the early hours of April 22. Photos courtesy of Alex Nutt.

Tragedy on the Ilminster Bypass AN investigation was launched by police after a cash machine was “blown up” during an early morning attack in Ilminster.

The incident happened at just after 3am on Thursday, April 22, at the Co-op store in the Cornhill area of East Street.

A police spokesman said: “Two people are believed to have attacked the ATM and broken into the store. However, no money was reported stolen. It’s believed a motorcycle was used.”

Investigations, including reviewing CCTV, were carried out by officers.

The police spokesman added: “Anyone who saw people acting suspiciously nearby at the time, or may have footage from the surrounding area that could assist our enquiries, is asked to call 101 and give reference 5221085831.

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“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 55111. They will never ask for your name and you won’t need to go to court.”

Local restaurant owner Alex Nutt was first on the scene having been startled and woken up by a “large bang.”

Alex, writing on social media, said: “If anyone was wondering what the explosion was it was a couple on a motorbike blowing up the cash machine!

“I didn’t get a look of them, but I ran down as I could see fire across the pavement and was worried it would spread.

“Fire crews were on the scene after about ten minutes and they were swiftly joined by the police a couple of minutes later.”

Alex added: “It seemed like a pretty professional job – they clearly knew what

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THE family of a 31-year-old man who died in a collision on the A303 Ilminster Bypass last month have paid tribute to him.

Josh Crayden, from Clacton-onSea in Essex, was on foot when the collision happened at about 11.30pm on Wednesday, April 21, between the Hayes End roundabout at South Petherton and the Southfields roundabout at Ilminster.

His family said: “Josh was working away from home and staying at a Travelodge hotel. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.”

Specially trained officers have continued to provide his family with support at this time.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident to come forward – especially if they have any dashcam footage.

A police spokesman said: “A car was in collision with a pedestrian, a man in his 30s, who sadly died at the scene.”

The bypass remained closed throughout the night and opened later the next day with traffic having been re-directed through Ilminster.

If you saw the collision or have any dashcam footage, call 101, reference 5221085796.

PHOTO: Josh Crayden.

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Pilots miraculously unhurt after Sea Fury emergency landing TWO pilots amazingly escaped injury after they had to make an emergency landing in field close to RNAS Yeovilton in the historic Sea Fury aircraft they were flying in.

The dramatic incident took place on Wednesday, April 28, and the two people on board were reported to be safe and well after being taken to Yeovil District Hospital for a precautionary check-up.

But had it not been for the skill things could have been so much worse as they had to avoid houses and other buildings to make the emergency landing as safe as possible.

Although the two pilots emerged unscathed the Sea Fury did not do quite so good and sustained a large amount of damage.

The Sea Fury, which was on a routine training flight, suffered a significant drop in engine oil pressure shortly after takingoff and climbing away from the airfield.

The pilots, both highly experienced former naval pilots, immediately carried out the appropriate drills.

They turned back and lined themselves up perfectly up for a precautionary landing at Yeovilton, but shortly before reaching the runway the engine stopped, changing the speed and angle of glide of the approach dramatically, and they were forced to put the aircraft straight down into a field just outside the airfield boundary.

“The pilots’ skilful execution of an extremely hazardous situation was exemplary,” said Commodore Jock Alexander, chief executive of the Navy Wings charity which looks after the Sea Fury and other historic aircraft.

“We are all extremely relieved that they are safe and well. RNAS Yeovilton Air Traffic Control reacted immediately and the emergency fire and medical services were very quickly on the scene.

The support of the air station has been outstanding.”

The aircraft wings and engine detached during the impact and the fuselage rolled upside down but both pilots were able to escape unaided. They were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure and one was retained overnight for observation.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have been informed and investigations have begun into the causes of the accident.

“The Sea Fury is a classic and muchloved Fleet Air Arm aircraft, and the accident has been a shock to everyone in the Navy Wings community,” said Cmdre Alexander. “It is too early to say whether it is feasible to rebuild her and if she will ever fly again.”

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Navy Wings.

Car badly damaged by fire at South Petherton FIREFIGHTERS were called out to deal with a vehicle fire at South Petherton during the late afternoon of Monday, April 19.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received “multiple calls” about the incident in West Street at around 5.15pm.

Firefighters from Martock attended the scene and on arrival they found the vehicle to be well alight.

“The vehicle was 50 per cent damaged by fire and is believed to have been accidental,” said a Fire Service spokesman.

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NEWS AT A GLANCE HERE are some news stories from the Yeovil and South Somerset area.

If you have any news you would like to feature in a future edition of the Yeovil Press community newspaper – please email us at yeovilpress@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS from the Team Yeovil litter-picking group have become used to finding all sorts of rubbish on their travels around the area.

But even they were a little bit bemused on April 20 when they came across an assortment of sex toys which would not have been out of place in an Ann Summers adult shop.

A spokesman for Team Yeovil, which has a mission to try and keep the area neat and litter-free, said: “Litter-picking is a real education these days!”

COUNCILLORS have supported plans for land at the back of a Co-op store in Yeovil be turned into a car park to be used by visitors to a nearby community centre.

While part of the waste piece of ground in Stiby Road is being transformed into a fantastic Westfield Community Garden for people, an adjoining piece of land is earmarked to become a car park for people using the St Peter’s Community Centre in Coronation Avenue.

The aim is for the car park to be for centre-users in order to free-up street parking areas for other people.

Members of Yeovil Town Council’s planning committee backed the plan when they discussed it at their meeting on April 12 via the Zoom conferencing technology.

Councillors supported the idea and said it would tidy-up the area as well as provide useful parking for community centre users.

A final decision on the application has still to be made by South Somerset District Council.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old boy was assaulted by a stranger in Yeovil.

It happened outside the B&M store in Lysander Road at about 4.30pm on Saturday, April 3.

The boy told officers he was punched, slapped and kicked. He was treated by the ambulance service, but thankfully did not suffer serious injury.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 30s, about 6ft (1.8m) tall and clean shaven, with very short dark hair.

He appeared to be in company with a woman and a young child.

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If you witnessed the incident or have any footage or information which could help the investigation, call 101 quoting reference 5221071365.

Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

They never tell the police who you are, just what you know.

YEOVIL Town Council has backed proposals to convert an existing hotel into 14 flats.

Members of the council’s planning committee agreed on April 12 – via the Zoom conferencing technology – to support applicant Mr A. Sobti in his plans for the Terrace Lodge building in South Western Terrace in Yeovil.

Cllr Evie Potts-Jones said she did not have any issue with the plans to turn the 30-bed hotel into 14 flats.

“It will improve the area,” she told councillors.

Cllr Gordon Hunting added that the drop in accommodation numbers from 30 rooms to 14 flats would mean a reduction in traffic generated by occupiers of the building.

Committee chairman, Cllr Graham Oakes, said he could remember frequenting the premises when it was The Alex pub.

“I can remember The Alex days,” he said.

“It’s a shame to see these places go, but it’s gone.”

A final decision on the application has still to be made by South Somerset District Council.

THE chief executive of South Somerset District Council, Alex Parmley, is to step down from his role after almost five years for a new life in New Zealand.

Mr Parmley has overseen and led the work of the council during an extraordinary period in South Somerset’s history. This has included steering the organisation through a successful transformation programme, spearheading regeneration programmes for Yeovil, Chard and Wincanton, ensuring communities were supported through the Covid-19 pandemic and much more.

He will be leaving to take up a position as chief executive of Waitaki District Council in New Zealand.

“It has been an immense privilege to serve as the council’s chief executive and to work with such a fantastic team of colleagues who work tirelessly always with a focus on our residents,” he said.

“Together, over the past few years we have transformed the council, taken

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forward new approaches such as the commercial strategy, and stretched the ambition of the organisation to regenerate our three largest towns, develop our economy, deal with the climate emergency, support those families who are struggling in our communities and much more besides.

“There have been challenges along the way and, in being ambitious and innovative, it was inevitable that we would not always get everything right at the first attempt. But I feel together, we have got the council to where it needed to be: financially secure, no cuts to services, modern, agile, and focused on improving our communities.”

Mr Parmley said: “I am hugely proud of what we have achieved and I look to take forward the same ambition to my new role in Waitaki.

“My wife is a New Zealander and we have long held a plan that we would relocate there with our family.

“Waitaki, much like South Somerset, is a council with a good reputation and strong ambition and this together with great communities and some of the best natural environment in the world, presents an opportunity to good to miss.”

Mr Parmley was appointed by South Somerset District Council in August 2016.

Council leader, Cllr Val Keitch, said: “On behalf of all of our members, I want to thank Alex for the tireless work has undertaken over the past five years.

“He has made such a difference to the lives of all those living in South Somerset and across the region through his work with partners and on the future of local government.

“In particular, I want to thank him for the role his leadership has played in ensuring this council could do so much to support residents through the Covid-19 crisis, from setting up the county’s first wellbeing hub to redeploying hundreds of staff to support vaccination and testing centres while still delivering vital services.

“There is no doubt that he leaves behind an organisation which is much better equipped to deal with future challenges and continue to provide the best possible services for our residents, focused on delivering the right outcomes for our towns and villages.”

Mr Parmley is due to formally step down from his role as chief executive on July 11.

A MAN had to be freed from a vehicle following a crash at Crewkerne by firefighters using cutting equipment.

The alarm was raised at just before 3am on Monday, April 19, to the incident in Hinton Hill and firefighters from Crewkerne and Yeovil were mobilised.

Firefighters got to work on stabilising the vehicle and using hydraulic cutting equipment to rescue the casualty who was trapped by his ankles.

The casualty was left in the care of ambulance paramedics, while police also attended the scene.

FUEL thieves are understood to have attacked three vehicles parked overnight at Odcombe village hall on April 23.

It was reported on social media that the owners returned to their cars the following day and found that culprits had cut the fuel lines and punctured the tanks to empty them of fuel.

They warned people who parked their cars in isolated areas to be aware of the situation.

Another incident was reported on social media of having happened in Montacute overnight April 25-26.

COUNCILLORS have backed plans to enclose the main entrance to the Accident and Emergency area at Yeovil District Hospital to provide a weatherproof area.

Members of Yeovil Town Council’s planning committee discussed the application – submitted by Simply Serve Ltd – at their meeting on April 12 which was held via the Zoom conferencing technology.

Councillors supported the application and said the proposals would benefit the community.

A final decision on the application has still to be made by South Somerset District Council.

A COW had to be rescued after getting stuck in a river with a rope tied around its neck.

The alarm was raised to the incident at Huish Drove in Langport on Wednesday, April 14, and firefighters from Martock and Taunton attended along with a specialist animal rescue team from Bridgwater.

The farmer helped the crews to get the cow back onto dry land and to safety.

PHIL Hobbs has been elected as chairman of the allotment committee of Yeovil Without Parish Council.

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John Orchard, meanwhile, has been elected as vice-chairman of the committee.

The allotments for people in the Yeovil Without parish are in Yeovil Marsh.

WESSEX Water is providing financial support to environmental projects across the south west through its new Environment Fund.

The Environment Fund, which is open for applications up until June 4, will support charitable and community activities across the region that aim to improve the local environment.

The fund forms part of Wessex Water Foundation which was launched last year and provides dedicated funding to charitable and community projects across the region.

To be successful, projects will need to involve communities in environmental activities and have a positive impact on the local environment. Community groups can apply for up to £1,500.

Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s head of community engagement, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support communities that are passionate about protecting and improving their local area.

“We particularly hope smaller groups that need a bit of extra support will get in touch so that we can help to make a difference in their communities.

“By supporting local efforts, we can work together to make the bigger changes needed to protect our environment for the future.”

The Wessex Water Foundation plans to provide at least half a million pounds of funding every year to support community projects, local environment projects, debt advice and charities helping those who are suffering the consequences of poverty through low income or unemployment.

Find out more at www.wessexwater. co.uk/funding.

FIREFIGHTERS were called out to a golf course car park after a car had accidentally caught on fire.

The alarm was raised at just after 3pm to the incident at Somerton Road in Long Load and one fire engine from Martock attended.

Firefighters discovered a small fire within the engine compartment of the car and quickly dealt with the situation.

A spokesman for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said there had been a small amount of damage to the vehicle and the “cause was accidental.”

PLANS for a second McDonald’s Restaurant with drive-thru facility be built in Yeovil have been given the go-ahead by South Somerset District Council.

The green light for the proposals were given on April 6 for the new McDonald’s to be built on land on Sherborne Road as motorists enter and leave Yeovil.

The fast-food giant already has a

restaurant and drive-thru facility on Lysander Road in Yeovil.

BRYMPTON Parish Council has co-opted Tony Power as a parish councillor.

Cllr Power is no shortage to the Brympton authority, however, having served for two previous stints as a member.

He most recently gave up his position on the council because he was planning on leaving the area, but told councillors at their meeting on April 28 – via the Zoom conferencing technology – that the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown had brought about a change of plan.

Councillors welcomed Cllr Power back to the council.

PLANS have been submitted to South Somerset District Council to create four apartments in Yeovil town centre.

Building owner Peter Paniccia has asked for permission for the change of use and conversion of first and second floors of 26-28 Middle Street.

Documents given to the council show that the ground floor consists of two retail units – one used as a beauty salon and the other as an international supermarket.

A CARAVAN and boat were completely destroyed in a fire at Milborne Port – started by an unattended bonfire.

Firefighters from Yeovil and Sherborne attended the incident in Oborne Road on Friday, April 23, when the alarm was raised at just after 8am.

Crews quickly got to work to put out the fire.

But a spokesman for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Both the caravan and boat were totally destroyed by fire.

“The cause of the fire was believed to have been an unattended bonfire nearby.”

SOMERSET County Council’s road safety team has launched a new campaign to help reduce high casualty rates involving motorcycles in the county.

Called Shiny Side Up - the name of the campaign comes from a popular motorcyclist saying – keep your shiny side up, implying that the rubber should stay firmly on the road!

There were 21 fatal and 127 serious collisions on Somerset roads the last five years involving motorcyclists.

Riders in the 40-59 age group are most at risk. Most of the collisions occur on rural A-roads where the speed limit is in excess of 40mph.

During the initiative, the Somerset road safety team will be putting up temporary signs along key routes within the county. A selection of six different signs will be used each designed to either highlight dangers to riders or to raise awareness of the presence of motorcyclists to other motorists.

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Similar signs are also being used in partnership with other authorities in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

The Shiny Side Up campaign was originally launched in the East Midlands to help tackle dangerous collisions involving motorcyclists.

The majority of fatal rider crashes occur on bends on rural roads or involve another vehicle at junctions – so they’ll be key messages on ‘bends dead ahead’ on routes where a number of crashes have occurred.

There also signs to encourage the rider to think ‘Safe to Go’ when considering an overtake of slower vehicles, particularly near junctions and where there is a danger of vehicles turning across your path.

One big concern for motorcyclists is that drivers do not see them. Two of the new signs warn drivers to either check their mirrors for the presence of bikes before turning or to “Think Bike.”

“Wherever you see our signs you should know that the route you are riding can be challenging. Use your judgement to help you avoid becoming a statistic,” said a spokesman.

The road safety team will continue its campaign to reduce casualties to bikers who, unfortunately, figure too highly among crash statistics, alongside partners within Avon and Somerset Police and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

FIREFIGHTERS were called out to deal with a chimney fire at a home in Compton Road, South Petherton, during the afternoon of Thursday, April 8.

One fire engine from Martock was mobilised to the scene at just before 5pm and firefighters quickly got to work.

They used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the smoke and properties in the area were checked with a thermal imaging camera.

Firefighters returned to the property later that same night to make sure that everything was ok.

A NEW litter bin is to be installed on the footpath leading from Larkhill Road to Fosse Way in Yeovil.

Councillors on Brympton Parish Council agreed at their meeting on April 28 – held via the Zoom conferencing technology – to replace an existing bin which has become unusable.

They were told that although the base of the bin was still in place, the actual bin itself had gone.

But Cllr Jeny Snell said: “People have still been dumping their rubbish into it, but it’s not really a bin any more.

Can what is left of the existing ‘bin’ be removed please?”

ALLOTMENT-HOLDERS are looking at increasing security following more problems with thieves.

The Brympton Allotment Association is getting concerned about ongoing problems at its Lufton site on the outskirts of Yeovil.

Chairman of Brympton Parish Council, Cllr Keith Weston, said at the council’s latest meeting on April 28 via the Zoom conferencing technology that a number of allotment-holders had lost kit in recent weeks because of the thieves.

“They are now looking at beefing up their security and may approach us (the council) for a grant,” he said.

PLANS for a popular pub in Yeovil to have outside “music or amplified sound” for a new external bar area have been formally approved by South Somerset District Council.

The Bell Inn on Preston Road had requested that a condition on an earlier planning consent for an outside bar area about amplified sound be removed.

The application to have the condition removed – submitted by Greene King was approved on April 23 to allow live sporting fixtures on outside TVs to have volume.

Yeovil Town Council’s planning committee had earlier objected to having the condition removed altogether, but would be supportive of a variation to the condition to limit the volume and time of music and amplified sound.

NEARLY 100 per cent of Somerset children were offered a primary school place at one of their top three choices.

Somerset County Council’s latest school admission figures show that overall 98.5 per cent of the 5,365 applicants were offered a place at one of their top three primary school choices, while 94.58 per cent received their first choice.

Parents/carers of children not offered one of their top three primary school preferences can appeal the decision. More information about the appeal process can be found at www.somerset.gov.uk/ education-learning-and-schools/choosinga-school.

FREEDOM Leisure and South Somerset District Council are delighted to have safely reopened Goldenstones Leisure Centre and Westlands Sport and Fitness Centre in Yeovil on April 12.

Those two centres along with Wincanton Sports Centre are operated

by Freedom Leisure in partnership with the council and re-opened to the public as part of the Government’s ongoing Road Map out of lockdown.

Freedom Leisure took over the management of the leisure facilities in Yeovil and Wincanton on behalf of South Somerset District Council on April 1.

Freedom Leisure will also be operating the new facilities currently being built in Chard as part of the Chard Regeneration programme.

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Only the best is good enough at Yeovil College YEOVIL College has announced that it is set to benefit from a whopping £30million investment package to help fund fantastic new facilities for students, staff and community.

The campus in Ilchester Road/Mudford Road has been selected to receive investment from the Department for Education’s FE Capital Transformation Fund and together with capital generated from the Institute of Technology and the college’s own money it means that more than £30million will be spent over the next four years on improving amenities.

The entire campus will benefit from this ambitious and far-reaching plan.

Yeovil College has been selected as one of only 16 colleges in the UK to receive their share of FE capital transformation fund, which is worth £1.5 billion and was introduced to rebuild college estates and create modern, fit-for-purpose spaces to meet the needs of students and the communities they serve.

The college’s chief executive and principal, Mark Bolton, said: “We are delighted with this news. Although our current campus is beautifully maintained and cared for, there is the need for improvement if we are to fulfill the potential of our learners and the

community and create the space to fulfill our aspirations.

“The campus transformation plans will deliver a campus which reflects our approach and attitude to all that we do - only the best is good enough at Yeovil College.”

Mr Bolton added: “The recent DfE announcement secures a big piece in the jigsaw for our ambitious £30millionplus campus transformation plan which commenced in 2020 and will be mostly complete by 2024.

“With more than £5million of development either complete or due for completion this year, the student experience is already leaping ahead with true 21st Century facilities being developed to give our learners the edge in their careers.”

The DfE investment will help to shape a large proportion of the campus, the learning spaces and social areas.

It will be specifically used to progress plans for several new buildings and will positively impact on almost every curriculum area, but most notably A-Levels, Sport, Protective Services, Performing Arts, Travel and Tourism, Hospitality, Beauty, Hair, Media Make-up and Foundation Learning and will create

Yeovil College chief executive and principal Mark Bolton.

an ultra-modern and repurposed learning resource Centre, catering facilities, digital social and learning spaces.

All commercial buildings will receive investment meaning that the college’s award-winning training restaurant, hair and beauty salon, performing arts studio, gym and sports hall will be redesigned, as

well as the creation of an accessible and ultra-modern student hub and learning zone.

Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2022 with the building being completed and ready for the September 2024 cohort.

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CALLING ALL BUSINESSES If you would like to advertise in forthcoming editions of the Yeovil Press community newspaper please get in touch.

We offer competitive rates.

Email: yeovilpress@gmail.com Phone: 0777-319-8081 Big investment planned for Yeovil College.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Chilthorne school looks to find its oldest living former pupil for big celebration CELEBRATIONS are being planned to mark the 150th anniversary of Chilthorne Domer Primary School later this year.

It is hoped that a service of thanks and other celebrations will be held on Friday, July 16, to commemorate the anniversary.

But the school would dearly like to hear from former pupils about their memories of being in the classrooms at Chilthorne.

Headteacher Nichola Chesterton said: “It would be amazing to have the oldest living former pupil alongside the youngest current pupil as part of the celebrations; but we just need to find the oldest pupil!

“We are also trying to piece together a history/timeline of the school which will form part of an online book where people will be able to add their photos

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and memories virtually.

“Eventually, we will print a completed copy of this and add it to a time-capsule we are aiming to bury on July 16.”

Mrs Chesterton added: “We have lots of ideas, but nothing is set in stone – partly because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“One thought is for current children to be able to interview former pupils and members of staff, but we shall see!”

If anyone has any memories of Chilthorne Domer Primary School or photos they would like to share with the school as part of its 150th anniversary – please phone 01935-840407 or email chilthornedomer@educ.somerset.gov.uk PHOtOS: Photographs from Chilthorne Domer Primary School from down the years – courtesy of headteacher Nichola Chesterton.

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Howzat for cricket at Milford BUDDING cricketers at Milford Infants’ School in Yeovil had a fantastic day with Mark Watts from the Somerset Cricket Board.

Mark worked with all Key Stage 1 children throughout the day to give them a taster of the skills associated with cricket.

The children all learned how to hold a cricket bat. They played mini cricket games and practised throwing the ball to hit the stumps.

“Thank you to Mark Watts - we had a truly brilliant day,” said a school spokesman.

Wide variety of bonnets created for Easter at Milford

MILFORD Infants’ School and PreSchool in Yeovil celebrated the end of the Spring Term with a series of ‘eggcellent’ Easter Bonnet parades!

Children and families worked busily at home to produce a wonderful array of bonnets including, but not limited to, nests, bunnies, chicks, carrots, spring gardens, sheep, Star Wars and Bat Man!

Interest in gardening is growing at Tintinhull

CHILDREN at Tintinhull Primary School have been digging deep in their very own Gardeners’ World.

As part of the school’s strong green agenda, the Little Pippins class has planted 30 saplings in the grounds for the future.

These include cherry trees, willows and silver birches and the children were also busy putting in sweet peas, daffodils and tulips.

And on April 30 they planted sunflowers as it was Sunflower Day. “Sunflowers make us feel happy and they come out in the sun,” said pupil Harley.

“We are going to use the seeds to feed the birds in the autumn,” added class chums Zachariah and Rafferty.

The children took it in turns to water the sweet peas before heading into their forest school in the grounds to play a game sorting vegetables and fruits - by running to different sides depending on whether they thought it was a fruit or a vegetable.

The activities are all part of Tintinhull Primary School’s philosophy of teaching the joys of growing and treasuring nature.

Headteacher Hayley Robinson said: “It’s at the heart of our curriculum and the children love it.”

Each year group took it in turns to use the playground to parade in their class/ pre-school ‘bubble’ to celebrate new life and the arrival of Spring.

The school and pre-school would like to congratulate all our families for such a fantastic effort.

PHOTO: Some of the pupils with their Easter Bonnets.

Preston's already thinking about Christmas THE Parent Teacher Association fundraising group at Preston Primary School in Yeovil is already thinking towards the festive season.

When the Tesco Extra community champion at the Yeovil store, Ruth Allen, posted on social media that she had a bag of Santa hats to giveaway, the PTA at Preston School was quick off the mark.

“A massive thank you to the Tesco community champion for the kind donation of these brand new Santa hats,” said a spokesman for the Preston School PTA. “But is it too early to mention Christmas?”

Ruth said: “I’m glad these hats went to a good home.”

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PUPILS at St Michael’s Academy in Yeovil have been enjoying science technology fun and here we see some budding scientists and engineers working on making circuits.

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Patients are safe when visiting hospital for important cancer check-ups THE cancer specialist at Yeovil District Hospital has called for members of the public to take cancer symptoms seriously, attend routine screenings and seek help early.

Somerset’s cancer teams across the county have continued to keep their focus on patients with cancer throughout the pandemic, making changes early to ensure care is provided in a safe way and protecting those who could be most vulnerable to Covid-19.

The Yeovil Hospital oncology and haematology service began planning to relocate from the main hospital building in March 2020 to a space made available by colleagues at St Margaret’s Hospice in the town.

The move took place in May 2020, ensuring chemotherapy, radiotherapy and follow-up face-to-face appointments were able to continue in a very safe way.

Essential cancer surgery was also able to take place due to local private sector health organisations - a team effort across the county and beyond.

Breast cancer consultant and cancer clinical director at Yeovil Hospital, Caroline Osborne, said: “We are exceptionally proud across our cancer services.

“We have run more than 10,000 appointments over the last 12 months with half of those being face-to-face at St Margaret’s in Yeovil and half via virtual appointments. These changes are likely to impact on the way we provide care in the future in a really positive way.”

But despite this, there are concerns that some people may be delaying getting the help they need due to concerns over Covid-19 or feeling guilty for stretching NHS services.

Caroline added: “We have been able to continue to meet the national standards most of the time throughout the pandemic, but the occasions when we have dipped below where we would like to be, mostly relates to when patients have chosen to postpone their appointments.

“There can be a number of reasons for this but one pattern we have seen is a

clear fear of catching Covid-19.

“We want to provide reassurance to those patients that we have put in place measures to keep them safe and I would like to really stress the importance of keeping to your appointment dates so our team can help your through your cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“We have also seen a reduction in the number of cancer referrals we are seeing.

My main message would be, you know your own body so if something doesn’t feel right, please speak to your GP. If you are unsure about what to look out for, the Macmillan website is a fantastic source that will help you to identify what could be a cancer symptom.”

The Somerset CCG GP cancer lead Dr Angela Beattie is keen to back this message.

“Even if you feel unsure, give your GP the chance to reassure you and rule out cancer and if they feel you need further tests, they will arrange this for you,” she said.

“It is so important you don’t delay as

the sooner cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. You are not wasting your GP’s time so please don’t feel guilty.

“Alongside looking out for bumps or bleeding etc, general check-ups are vital.

If you are due a cervical smear, please book with your GP practice. Other things to look out for would be a change in a cough, especially in patients with COPD or smokers, or a cough that lasts more than three weeks that has tested negative for Covid-19.”

PHOTO: Breast cancer consultant and cancer clinical director at Yeovil Hospital, Caroline Osborne.

People are beginning to feel confident again to seek help

SUPPORT OUR NHS STAFF

We need you now more than ever...

Your donation could help us to purchase more equipment and support our staff During this CORONAVIRUS emergency, our staff need all the help they can get. You can help by donating:

www.justgiving.com/yeovilhospital

THERE are positive signs that people are slowly beginning to feel confident about getting checked-out by a hospital or a GP if they are feeling unwell – despite the ongoing concerns about Covid-19.

Many people were put off from bothering the medical services at the height of the pandemic because they did not want to put staff to any trouble, but the breast cancer clinic team at Yeovil has seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of patients being referred when compared to pre-pandemic numbers.

Breast cancer consultant and cancer clinical director at Yeovil District Hospital, Caroline Osborne, said: “This is a great sign that people feel they can get the help they need and we are running weekend clinics to ensure we see everyone as quickly as possible.

“Now we would like to see that pattern across all our cancer services. This does mean we will be exceptionally busy, but we are ready and need to get the message out that we are here for you.”

Sharon Humby was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2020

and has been receiving her care with the Yeovil Hospital cancer service at St Margaret’s Hospice.

“I am coming to an end of my treatment now having begun last summer and I can truly say that the team here really have become such a positive part of my life,” said Sharon.

“The cancer diagnosis was, of course, very scary at first but I have felt looked after and supported the whole way through.

“I hope I can reassure anyone worried about getting that lump checked or thinking it won’t happen to them and encourage them to call their GP and just make sure.

“I hope you will get the all clear, but if you do get a cancer diagnosis, you can feel confident that you will receive exceptional care.”

It has been well-reported throughout the year that the NHS has been under pressure like never before, but the healthcare teams in Somerset are here for our communities, providing care as if you were one of our family and we will be there for those who need us.

or

Email fundraising@ydh.nhs.uk for more info Making a difference for patients 34

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Fundraising raffle coins in the cash for breast cancer unit appeal A RAFFLE to help raise funds for Yeovil District Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal totalled a whopping £1,116.

It was organised by Yeovil Hospital Charity volunteer Karina Parsons, on behalf of the outgoing Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr David Recardo, who wanted to finish his term of office with a bang after a difficult year for fundraising.

Karina said: “On behalf of Yeovil District Hospital and Cllr Recardo, I would like to thank everyone who kindly donated prizes, shared news about the raffle on social media, helped to advertise the raffle and bought raffle numbers.

“I am pleased to say we raised £1,116 for the new breast cancer unit.”

Cllr Recardo, in his outgoing presentation as Mayor during a meeting of Yeovil Town Council held on May 4

via the Zoom conferencing technology, said: “Fundraising over the past year for my chosen charity – Yeovil Hospital’s Breast Cancer Appeal – has been very challenging.

“Due to the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions it meant, sadly, I was only able to hold two events. I took part in the Fun 5k and raised £230 plus £45 Gift Aid to make £275 through Just Giving.

“My second fundraising event was the recent online raffle where 39 fabulous prizes were donated and I would like to thank all who those who donated prizes.

“The raffle was administered by Karina Parsons and without her it wouldn’t have happened. Thank you Karina for all you have done.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in the raffle and the winners will be

Please help - why Yeovil Hospital needs a Breast Cancer Unit FOR patients who think they may have breast cancer and for those who have already had the diagnosis – a visit to hospital can be a daunting experience.

That is why Yeovil District Hospital wants these patients to receive their care in a unit that is built with privacy and dignity in mind.

Here are 11 reasons why the hospital – with your help – would dearly love to create a new Breast Cancer Unit.

1: More women are surviving breast cancer, but more are being diagnosed than ever before.

2: One in eight women in the UK will face breast cancer in their lifetime.

3: Every 10 minutes, another woman in the UK is diagnosed with the disease.

4: The team in Yeovil treat 2,000 new patients every year and 3,000 follow-up patients.

5: Demand is increasing by 5% every year and our current facilities are being stretched to the limit.

6: There is currently no dedicated unit for breast cancer patients.

7: Patients are having to undress

multiple times in different departments around the hospital.

8: There are no rooms available for difficult conversations.

9: Breast cancer patients wait in shared waiting areas.

10: There is currently no fitting room for prostheses and specialist underwear needed after surgery.

11: Lack of space and the use of multiple locations affect patient privacy and dignity.

The £2m appeal was launched just over two years ago and despite the problems with fundraising over the past 12 months or so the figure raised so far stands at about £1.6m. It means around another £400,000 is needed and with your help that goal will be achieved.

The Yeovil Hospital Charity hopes that by raising the funds needed to build a new and dedicated Breast Cancer Unit, which will become a one-stop-shop for patients with breast cancer and suspected breast cancer, the benefits of an improved environment will be so important.

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notified and prize distribution arranged.

“The total collected during my third term as Mayor for the Breast Cancer Unit Appeal during this difficult year totalled £1,565 – made up from money from the

Fun 5k, the online raffle and an open page on Just Giving.”

PHOTO: Yeovil Hospital Charity volunteer and raffle organiser extraordinaire, Karina Parsons.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE APPEAL

ONLINE: www.justgiving.com/campaign/breastcancerappeal CHEQUE: Make payable to ‘Yeovil Hospital Charity’ and send to Breast Cancer Unit Appeal, Yeovil Hospital Charity, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, BA21 4AT PHONE: 01935 383020 to talk to the fundraising team EMAIL: fundraising@ydh.nhs.uk YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

35

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS Let us know your family news WELCOME to the Family Announcements feature in YOUR monthly Yeovil Press community newspaper.

We will be delighted to publish your announcements – whether it is Births, Birthday Greetings, Congratulations, Marriages, Anniversaries and Good Luck Messages.

We will also hopefully be working closely with local funeral directors on the sad event of death announcements and possible obituary reports.

People can submit their Family Announcements by emailing the Yeovil Press at yeovilpress@gmail.com.

Steve Sowden, editor of the Yeovil Press, said: “Family Announcements are

part and parcel of any local newspaper and I’m delighted to offer this service to the people of Yeovil and surrounding area.

“The Yeovil Press now has a print-run of 5,000 copies a month and these are distributed at various outlets within the Yeovil area where people can pick them up.”

Lineage announcements can be published for free, but if you would like to add a photo to your message there will be a charge of £7.50.

So if you have any Family Announcements that are coming up in 2021 – please let us know.

YEOVIL PRESS

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS (Details are correct at time of receiving information)

SEAGER – GARY DAVID: Of Yeovil, passed away peacefully in Yeovil District Hospital on April 5, 2021, aged 52 years. A very much loved dad, grandad, son and brother. Due to the current restrictions a private service will take place.

Donations in memory of Gary for Yeovil Hospital Charity may be sent c/o Clive Wakely, A.J. Wakely & Sons, 33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil. BA21 4BT. Phone 01935-479913 for more information. Please make cheques payable to the charity.

LARSEN – FREDERICK JOHN (JOHN): Passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2021, aged 73. Private service to be held due to current global circumstances. Family flowers only, but if you wish to make a donation in lieu in aid of Dementia UK please forward a cheque made payable to charity directly to funeral director c/o Stuart Foster Funeral Services Ltd, 27 Market Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1HZ. More information available from 01935-508971.

IN MEMORIAM WOOTTEN – TERRY: It is now a year since Yeovilborn and bred Terry died peacefully at the age of 75 in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2020, after a brave 14-day fight in Yeovil District Hospital’s intensive treatment unit. Much-loved husband to

Ruth for nearly 46 years, he was also a fantastic father and grandfather, and devoted brother. He has been greatly missed over the past year and will always be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

CONGRATULATIONS BOND – DOUG AND MARIA: Many congratulations on your wedding. Wishing you lots of love and best wishes in your years of wedded happiness together. Love from all your family and friends. XXX

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SEND US YOUR FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS Births, Birthdays, Marriages, Anniversaries, Congratulations LISTINGS ARE FREE ADD A PHOTO FOR £7.50 Email - yeovilpress@gmail.com Phone - 07773-198-081 36

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BIRTHDAY GREETINGS CARD – AMANDA: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 2 – hoping you had a fabulous day! Love from all your family and friends.

CARD – AMANDA: Sending you Birthday greetings for May 2. Love and best wishes from your colleagues at Yeovil Town Council.

CARD – AMANDA: Many congratulations for your Birthday on May 2. Best wishes for the day from the Yeovil Press.

CONWAY – JOE: Wishing you a fantastic Birthday on May 2. Love from all your family and friends.

CONWAY – JOE: Congratulations on your Birthday on May 2. Best wishes from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

BIRNIE – LIV: Wishing you a very Happy 17th Birthday on May 5 – hope you had a wonderful day. Lots of from all your family and friends. XXX ANTOSKI – KIRI: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 6. Love from all family and friends.

BELL – ANDY: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 6. Love from all your family and friends.

BELL – ANDY: Congratulations on your Birthday on May 6 – have a great day! From your pals at the Yeovil Press.

GROSE – MARK: Have a fantastic Birthday on May 7. Love from all your family and friends.

GROSE – MARK: Have a good one Jolly on May 7. Best wishes from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

McLAUGHLIN – JOANNA: Many happy returns for your BIG 50 Birthday on May 8 – hope you have a wonderful day. Love from all your family and friends.

McLAUGHLIN – JOANNA: Here’s wishing you a very Happy Birthday on May 8 – welcome to the 50 Club! Love and best wishes from the Preston School Class of ’87! XXX McLAUGHLIN – JOANNA: Have a wonderful day on your Birthday on May 8. Best wishes from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

MUNCKTON – TRACEY: Wishing you a wonderful Birthday on May 8. Love from all your family and friends. XXX MUNCKTON – TRACEY: Congratulations on your Birthday on May 8. Best wishes from your neighbours Wendy and John!

MUNCKTON – TRACEY: Have a super day on May 8 for your Birthday. From your friends “up the road” at the Yeovil Press.

MUNCKTON – TRACEY: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 8. Love and best wishes from your friends at the Castaway Theatre Group.

BEAUMONT – MOLLY: A very Happy 16th Birthday to my beautiful daughter Molly May on May 9. Lots of love from Mummy. XXX BEAUMONT – MOLLY: Happy 16th Birthday to my Sister on May 9. I hope you have a great day! Love from Joshua. XXX BEAUMONT – MOLLY: Many congratulations to Molly on her 16th Birthday on May 9. Love from all your family and friends.

BEAUMONT – MOLLY: Have a fantastic 16th

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Birthday on May 9. Love from everyone at the Castaway Theatre Group.

FOY – LIS: Have a fabulous Birthday on May 11. Love from all your family and friends.

FOY – LIS: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 11. Best wishes from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

BATES – ERIN: Happy tenth Birthday on May 13 – hoping you have a wonderful day. Love from Mummy and Daddy. XXX BATES – ERIN: Here’s hoping you have a wonderful Birthday on May 13. Love from all your family and friends.

JACKSON – GRANT: Have a fabulous birthday on May 13. Love from all your family and friends.

JACKSON – GRANT: Many happy returns, Sir, for your Birthday on May 13. Kindest regards from all your former students!

ROCK – TRACY: Have a fantastic Birthday on May 13. Love from all your family, friends and everyone who knows you.

TAYLOR – KAY: Wishing you a super Birthday on May 14. Love from all your family and friends.

SANTIAGO –FAYE: Many happy returns Mrs S on your special day on May 15. Here’s hoping you have a great Lockdown Birthday!

Love you 10 Million! Darren XXX SANTIAGO – FAYE: A very, very special Happy Birthday on May 15. Lots of love from Valentino! XXX SANTIAGO – FAYE: Have a wonderful Birthday on May 15. Love from Mum and Dad. XXX

SANTIAGO – FAYE: Have a fantastic Birthday, Mum, on May 15. Love from Francine and Paul, Gizmo and Casper. XXX SANTIAGO – FAYE: Have a wonderful Birthday on May 15. Love from all your family and friends. XXX SANTIAGO – FAYE: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 15. From your pals at the Yeovil Press.

SANTIAGO – FAYE Here’s wishing my wonderful Daughter-in-Law a very special Birthday on May 15. Love from your Fatherin-Law – King Joe Santiago! XXX SLADE – MIKE: Up the City! Have a great Birthday on May 15. Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

PIKE – CHARLOTTE: Congratulations on your Birthday on May 16. Love from all your family and friends.

PIKE – CHARLOTTE: Have a great day for your Birthday on May 16. Best wishes from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

BOND – MARIA: Have a wonderful Birthday on May 17. Lots of love from Doug. XXX BOND – MARIA: Wishing you a very Happy Birthday on May 17 – have a great day. Love from all your family and friends.

BOND – MARIA: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 17. Best wishes from your friends at the Yeovil Press! And we remembered to change your surname – congratulations!

HAYWARD – NEIL: Many congratulations for your Birthday on May 17. Love from all your family and friends.

HAYWARD – NEIL: Have a fabulous Birthday on May 17. Love and best wishes from everyone at Pen Mill Ladies FC. HAYWARD – NEIL: Congratulations on your Birthday on May 17 – have a great day! From your friends at the Yeovil Press.

BATES – THOMAS: Have a fabulous 15th Birthday on May 21. Love you lots – Mummy and Daddy. XXX BATES – THOMAS: Wishing you a very happy Birthday on May 21. Love from all your family and friends.

EDWARDS – JACOB: Have a wonderful Birthday on May 22. Love from all your family and friends.

EDWARDS – JACOB: Congratulations on your Birthday on May 22! Love and best wishes from everyone at the Castaway Theatre Group.

McAULAY – BARBARA: Have a lovely Birthday on May 23. Love from all your family, friends and everyone who knows you.

McAULAY – BARBARA: Many happy returns on May 23 for your Birthday! Love and best wishes from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

McAULAY – BARBARA: Have a super Birthday on May 23. Love from your friends Darren and Anna.

SANTIAGO – DARREN (JON): Hope your Birthday on May 28 is as special as you.

Thank you for all the amazing times we have together. Love you 10 Million! Faye XXX SANTIAGO – DARREN: Have a very, very special Birthday on May 28. Lots of love from Valentino! XXX

SANTIAGO – DARREN: Many congratulations for your Birthday on May 28. We’re sure you will have a fantastic day – whatever you do.

Love from all your family and friends. XXX SANTIAGO – DARREN: Have a great day on your Birthday on May 18. Lots of love from Dad. XXX SANTIAGO – DARREN:Here’s wishing you a great Birthday on May 28! Many happy returns – from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

SANTIAGO – DARREN:Have a wonderful Birthday on May 28. Love from Linda and Ken. XXX SANTIAGO – DARREN: Hoping you have a fabulous Birthday on May 28. Love from Francine and Paul, Gizmo and Casper. XXX SMITH – DEREK: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 29. Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

OWEN – BRENDON: Have a wonderful day for your Birthday on May 30. Love from all your family and friends.

OWEN – BRENDON: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 30. Best wishes from everyone at the Glovers Trust and all your friends at Yeovil Town FC. OWEN – BRENDON: Keep the Faith! Best wishes for your Birthday on May 30 from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

GOODMAN – BRAD: Many happy returns for your Birthday on May 31 – have a fab day.

Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

WOODMAN – MICHAEL: Have a great Birthday on May 31. Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Choice of Hearses available A J Wakely& Sons including our Land Rover Hearse Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

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Established 1897

– 24 Hour Service – Pre-payment plans available

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Please contact Clive Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

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YEOVIL RUGBY CLUB CELEBRATING YOUTH RUGBY JUNIORS AND MINIS TOGETHER WE STAND 12-PAGE PULL-OUT SPECIAL

FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR YEOVIL RUGBY CLUB THE junior and mini sections at Yeovil Rugby Club are thriving and cannot wait to get back to normality once the Covid-19 restrictions have been fully lifted.

But despite it being a difficult year for all amateur sport – the enthusiasm is still hugely strong at Yeovil Rugby Club where rugby-mad youngsters love playing their sport and making friends.

The club recently held an awards ceremony to mark the 2019-20 season which was ended abruptly last March because of the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Here we have a 12-page souvenir pullout of photos from the awards ceremony – courtesy of photographer Martyn Holt.

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YEOVIL RUGBY CLUB - CELEBRATING YOUTH RUGBY- PHOTO SPECIAL - PAGE 2

It's been a difficult year, but the club's juniors are enthusiastic as ever AS the day began on Sunday, March 15, 2020, Yeovil Rugby Club’s mini and juniors coaches were setting up for another morning of training - bringing together local children enthused by the sport to encourage and inspire the skills taught through rugby training.

As per a usual season teams from the youth sections would meet to enjoy another fun and fast paced session planned by a wealth of dedicated volunteers that lead all the teams in training.

Yeovil Under-13s were playing a game at home to Lytchett Minster and the club was buzzing with players and family members enjoying the friendly atmosphere present on a busy morning at the grounds.

The season was in full swing and after the wet and cold of the winter months the teams would undoubtedly be enjoying some warmth from the spring sun as the season draws to an end by the end of April.

These children, with their drive and determination to succeed in their chosen

sport had been turning up weekly throughout the season through the warmer autumn months and the colder, darker winter months with a passion to learn and play rugby, for themselves and their team.

That Sunday was no different to any other weekly session with the grounds full of players and spectators, but what we did not know was that this would be the last session quite like this for some time with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and restrictions.

Training has resumed at various times during the past year but with Covid restrictions in place there have been no games for any of the teams and training has been adapted for the safety of all those involved.

The abrupt end to the 2019-2020 season brought with it the unfortunate extension of not only no training and games, but took away the sections’ opportunity to host the annual end of season awards which is, of course, the

opportunity for coaches and committee members to praise and thank all the members for their hard work and commitment throughout the season.

The annual event which is well attended by those involved is a great demonstration of what the youth section is achieving within the local community and is a great way to recognise the achievements made throughout the season.

Fast forward to Sunday, April 18, 2021, and making the most of the current situation the club’s minis and juniors chairman Dave Lyes along with secretary Alison Bennett and the support of the minis and juniors committee were able to bring these awards to the children, albeit a little differently to normal.

Planning on recognising the efforts put in these volunteers were adamant that the season should still be remembered and those that participated would be praised for their achievements. During the morning both Dave and Alison, along with the club’s chairman Paul McHugh and guest Stan Watkins were on hand

to present individual teams with their awards.

Following RFU guidelines this meant separating out the awards and presenting them to each team during their training session and within their own pitch to maintain separation and social distancing.

The awards included the Chairman’s Award, the Matty Watkins Team Award and each team have individual awards for Player of the Season and Most Improved Player.

A club spokesman said: “Yeovil Rugby Club would like to thank all players who pulled on a Yeovil shirt and represented this fantastic club during the 2019-2020 season.

“We would also like to extend huge congratulations to all of our players and winners and we look forward to being able to enjoy a full season for 20212022.”

NOTE: We apologise if not everybody’s photo appears in this 12-page special.

Rugby can lead to lifelong friendships A JUNIORS coach at Yeovil Rugby Club, Mark Davidge, has said that getting involved in the sport is not about just enjoying rugby on the pitch, but also building lifelong friendships.

Mark, who was a coaching co-ordinator at the club for the 2019-20 season and who coached the Under-15s boys team who are now Under-16s, said: “It’s not about the winning it’s about a team having fun, building lifelong friendships, growing together and putting something back into the club.

“The coaches are very proud of the players we have, every one of them has something to give and we have seen them grow and develop since being the Under-7s and next season will be their last as juniors.

“We have been through seasons without winning a game, but we have stuck at it. We have had one country player, three players in the Bath DPP and reached the semi-finals in the Dorset & Wilts merit table. Four of our players are Level 1 referees and we have ten school sports leaders.

“We have had three members on the main committee and led the fundraising committee, we managed the sweet store thanks to parents to pay some money back to the club whilst raising money for a tour which was sadly cancelled due to Covid-19.

“This team definitely needs a tour - they are all a great laugh! Game wise everyone plays - we have been running the halfgame rule even before it was invented and in doing this we throw away many a games but nobody has minded.

“We always pick ourselves up and come back fighting which is a credit to the team.”

Off the pitch the team had watched the likes of Exeter Chiefs and Bath and visited Twickenham, while it regularly received great feedback from opposing sides and coaches about its attitude towards the game.

“We fully embrace the core values of teamwork, respect, discipline, enjoyment and sportsmanship,” said Mark. “For this is more than just rugby, it’s about a bunch of lads having fun!”

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YEOVIL RUGBY CLUB - CELEBRATING YOUTH RUGBY- PHOTO SPECIAL - PAGE 12

THE Yeovil Press would like to thank Victoria Ousey, of Yeovil Rugby Club, for her help in putting this special 12-page pullout together.

We would also like to thank club chairman Paul McHugh for his support, plus a massive thank you to photographer Martyn Holt for the use of his photos from the awards ceremony.

Thanks go also to the various page sponsors involved in this special feature: Yeovil Rugby Club, Jones Building Group, RSC – Ramp Surface Coatings, Allied Scaffolding SW Ltd, South West Decor, Watly Engineering Ltd, NEF Cleaning Ltd, JRH Media, Turner Windows, Rugbytots Somerset and Passmores Ltd.

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Organisers offer incentive for NHS and key workers to attend music festival A FANTASTIC weekend of music is being lined-up with the Flashback Festival taking place at the Yeovil Showground later this month.

Wizard Festivals and Events cannot wait for the weekend May 28-30 to arrive so it can unleash an amazing three days of music.

The event kicks-off on the night of Friday, May 28, with a clutch of DJs doing their stuff with Steve Mullins, Chris Bonney and Frazer Mitchell.

All day on Saturday, May 29, will be a succession of great singers and bands with Five, S Club Party, Urban Cookie Collective, Break Beat Bandits, Hang 11, Rudi’s Message, Jack Humphries and the Black River Sinners.

And then on Sunday, May 30, festivalgoers will enjoy the likes of Filta, Snakebyte, The Haus Band, Storm, Bowie Fashion, Dorset Wrecks and Spring Loaded.

And the important news is that festival organisers are allowing essential workers and NHS staff – who have worked so hard over the past year of so dealing with the Covid-19

pandemic – FREE entry to the event on the Sunday (May 30).

Ticket information is available from www.flashbackfestivalyeovil.com .

The festival site will be designed in pens of up to six people or two households to allow for the Covid-19 safety regulations.

For those wanting to camp over the weekend can do so from 4pm on the Friday (May 28), while the festival car park will open at 5pm. The festival gates will open at 6pm with the music starting at 6.30pm.

On the Saturday and Sunday (May 2930) the festival gates will open at midday with the music starting at 12.30pm.

Live music will finish at 11pm each night, while there will be no admission after 9pm.

The festival has a strict Over-18s only age policy.

Now organisers and festival-goers are keeping their fingers-crossed that the weather stays fine.

Key workers wanting to take advantage of the FREE entry on Sunday (May 30) will have to buy a £10 ticket online, but on arrival at the festival they will receive

£10 drink tokens; subject to proof of ticket purchase and employment status.

Organisers have explained that tickets have to be bought – as a legal requirement – so they can keep tabs on the numbers attending the festival.

Otherwise tickets cost £15 for the

Friday night, £25 for all-day Saturday and £15 for all-day Sunday. Weekend tickets are also available.

The line-up of performers is subject to change, but check out the Flashback Festival advert on the back page of this edition of Yeovil Press.

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Bowie Fashion will be performing on May 30.

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Snakebyte will be performing on May 30

Black River Sinners will be performing on May 29.

CALLING ALL CLUBS, SOCIETIES, GROUPS AND CHARITIES IN THE YEOVIL AREA WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR GROUP NEWS INCLUDED IN FUTURE EDITIONS OF THE YEOVIL PRESS? IF YOU WOULD - PLEASE GET IN TOUCH!

Rudi’s Message will be performing on May 29.

Storm will be performing on May 30.

www.flashbackfestivalyeovil.com For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

You can email Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden at yeovilpress@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you!

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Somerton's getting ready to rock with the Somerstock music festival SOMERSTOCK, Somerton’s very own family friendly music festival, returns to the Somerton Recreation Ground this summer.

The music fest takes place on Saturday, July 10, and is the culmination of the week-long Somerton Music and Arts Festival which will take place at venues around Somerton from July 3-10.

Somerstock will be a full day of great music headlined by pop and soul legends The Christians plus many other amazing bands performing across three stages.

The music festival will have something to suit all ages and tastes, plus there will be family entertainment, great food, licensed bars, on-site parking and camping facilities available.

The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 1980s and early 1990s both in the UK and Europe and often confused

people with the group’s name – in fact it is just the brother’s surname and absolutely nothing to do with religious connotation.

The group is renowned for a string of soulful yet socially aware hits – Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, What’s in a Word, Hooverville, Words, Father, The Bottle and many more.

Last year’s Somerstock had to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 restrictions, so tickets bought for the 2020 event are still valid for this year’s festival. That means that organisers are only able to offer a limited number of tickets for this year – so the message is simple: Book now – rather than later.

Advanced sales include £32 for adults (on the gate £35); students £25 (on the gate £28); children aged 12-16 £15 (on the gate £16) and a family ticket of two

adults and two children £78 (on the gate £86). Go to www.somerstock.co.uk for more details.

Music on the main stage starts at 11.15am and will close with The Christians starting their hour-long set at 10pm.

Checkout the Somerstock advert below for more details and some of the other bands who will be featuring in Somerstock.

The Somerton Music and Arts Festival is a week of music, art, culture and family fun at venues across the town.

Events include popular and classical music, talks, quiz and a family fun day, culminating in Somerstock, the family friendly music festival. Many events are free. For more information go to www. somertonartsfestival.co.uk .

PHOTO: The Christians will be headlining Somerstock.

SOMERSTOCK IS BACK! Somerton’s own one-day family friendly music festival returns to Somerton Recreation Ground on Saturday 10th July.

THE CHRISTIANS Black Friday Y This Is Queen Y Whole Lotta Led Rude Boy Mitch and the Two Tones Matt Owens Y Tom Waters Band Y Talisman Y Area 52 Jack Humphries Y Al O’Kane Y Shoun Shoun EveryPeople Y Cover All Bases Y Snake Snake Snake Supermix Silent Disco

Get your tickets now at www.somerstock.com In the event of postponement or cancellation, tickets will be fully refunded 52

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Classic Dad's Army is coming to the Octagon Theatre IT is incredible to think that the original series of the great British TV sitcom Dad’s Army was last filmed nearly 45 years ago because it still feels fresh as a daisy when you see repeats of the classic comedy today even though you have seen the episodes so many times before.

Dad’s Army consisted of nine series of 80 episodes and was filmed from 1968 to 1977 and has become one of the best loved sitcoms of TV history.

Written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft and based on the Home Guard during the Second World War, the characters of Dad’s Army and the actors that played them have gone down in TV folklore.

Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Lance Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, James Beck as Private Walker, Arnold Ridley as Private Godfrey and Ian Lavender as Private Pike are instantly recognisable.

And coupled with the great characters of Dad’s Army are some great catchphrases such as “You stupid boy,”; “Don’t panic!”; “They don’t like it up ‘em!”; “We’re doomed!” and “Permission to speak sir!”

Now the Yeovil-based Project Play group – led by Matthew Rock – will be bringing an amateur production of Dad’s Army to the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil later this summer.

This production is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd, a Concord Theatricals Company.

Project Play works with the same script, but different casts as it takes the production to various theatres around the region.

It will be at the Octagon Theatre from July 19-22 and then at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne from August 5-7, the Pavilion Theatre at Weymouth from September 23-26, the Princess Theatre in Burnham-on-Sea from September 29 to October 2 and The Neeld at Chippenham from October 14-17.

Project Play last wowed the audiences with a production of ‘Allo ‘Allo in 2019 following on from the success of its debut show The Vicar of Dibley in 2018.

Last year’s planned performances of Dad’s Army were brought to a halt because of the coronavirus pandemic, but now Matthew and his team cannot wait to get back on stage.

“What a challenging time it has been,” he said. “We hope everyone is safe and well.

“With a lot of resilience and determination we have managed to hold on to Dad’s Army.

“Times have been really tough, but we are now planning to pick-up where we left off so that we can as promised still bring you this absolutely wonderful stage show.”

The classic Dad’s Army TV cast of 1968 to 1977.

The wonderful Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring.

Matthew and the cast would love to see big crowds at the Octagon Theatre in July 19-22 as we look forward to returning to “normality” after Covid-19 with some classic British humour.

“Most of all and, more than ever, we and of course the Octagon, would love your support – more than you could ever imagine,” added Matthew.

“All you have to do is come and watch us! We know you won’t be disappointed and in what has been such negative times you will be helping us to rebuild.”

The show at the Octagon Theatre from July 19-22 starts nightly at 7.30pm and tickets are priced £16 each. Go to www.octagon-theatre.co.uk for more information and book your tickets.

The Project Play cast of Dad’s Army has huge boots to fill – in fact – they are impossible boots to fill because of the sheer brilliance of Arthur Lowe and Co. But there is no doubt that they will recreate a little bit of Dad’s Army magic to give audiences plenty to smile about.

Ian Lavender as Private Pike.

John Laurie as Private Frazer.

Don’t tell him, Pike! The classic scene in the Dad’s Army episode The Deadly Attachment when a German U-boat captain (played by Philip Madoc) asks Private Pike (out of picture) for his name and Captain Mainwaring says “Don’t tell him, Pike.”

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Castaways want to blow people's minds with their high voltage rock THE Castaway Theatre Group cannot wait to finally take to the stage of the Octagon Theatre with its long-awaited production of The School of Rock.

The talented youth group – under the leadership of inspirational Lynn Lee Brown – have been working towards the show for over two years.

The young stage performers were due to put the show on last year, but it had to be postponed – like so many events – because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the closure of the Octagon Theatre.

Despite group rehearsals being cancelled and people being urged to stay at home, it has not stopped the young members of Castaways from continuing their rehearsals in isolation where possible or in group virtual meetings on social media.

But now, with fingers still firmlycrossed, it looks as if things are all on course for the show to finally go-ahead at the Octagon from August 19-21 if the Government’s Road Map out of lockdown continues successfully.

The show is based on the fabulous Paramount movie of the same name by Mike White and starring Jack Black.

School of Rock is a modern rock musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and the book by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey.

Julian Fellowes is no stranger to the Castaways as he went along to the Octagon Theatre in 2019 to watch the youth group perform his very own Wind in the Willows musical production and he was very complimentary about their performance and personally congratulated the children.

The School of Rock story follows failed rock musician Dewey Finn, as he poses as a substitute teacher at a posh school.

Soon getting bored of teaching he transforms his classroom into a fun filled rock loving environment by creating his very own rock band! But, can he get his pupils to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

The Castaways feel extremely privileged to be bringing audiences this high energy production at the Octagon successfully following on from their last production of The Wind in the Willows.

School of Rock is an amateur youth group production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. There will be four shows at the Octagon from August 19-21 with nightly

performances at 7pm and a 2pm matinee on August 21.

Tickets are priced between £14 and £16 and available from the Octagon box office on www.octagon-theatre.co.uk or by phoning 01935-422884.

Castaways will be performing School of Rock with Jeremy Tustin as director and choreographer and Matt Holman Holmes as musical director.

South West Coaches are back on the road THE Yeovil-based South West Coaches holiday firm is back after one of the toughest years the travel industry has ever faced because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the company is now looking forward to welcoming back passengers old and new on its fabulous holidays and day excursion programme.

A spokesman for South West Coaches said: “We have been awarded a “Good to Go” certificate from Visit England. This means we have followed Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines, have a Covid-19 risk assessment in place and processes to maintain cleanliness to ensure safe travel.

“As a thank you to our customers for waiting patiently we have implemented a new loyalty scheme. Every time you book a day trip or tour you will be awarded loyalty points which can be saved up and redeemed against further bookings.”

Excursions will commence with a trip to the SS Great Britain on May 22 - a nice

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local trip to boost confidence.

Tours will commence on June 28 with a tour to the Welsh Borders.

The company spokesman added: “Our website now has all our tours and excursions listed and, new to you, the ability to book online.

“Our social media pages, Facebook and Twitter will also regularly feature our trips and tours over the coming weeks.

“Our latest brochure is being printed and if you are on our mailing list, we aim to have it to your door in the next few days. We are looking forward to welcoming new customers as well as chatting to our regulars who we have definitely missed.”

You can visit South West Coaches on its website at www.southwestcoaches. co.uk or on social media at Facebook @southwestcoachesltd or Twitter @ SouthWestCoach1 .

Alternatively people can phone 01935475872 to make a booking or just have a chat.

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A SELECTION OF OUR EXCURSIONS & HOLIDAYS FOR 2021

DAY EXCURSIONS 22nd May - SS Great Britain & Bristol Adult £41.95 Child £21.95

29th May - BBC Gardeners’ World at Beaulieu Adult £43.95 Child £22.95 13th June - Bennetts Water Gardens & Weymouth Adult £31.95 Child £16.00

27th june - Tiverton Canal & Exmouth Adult £37.95 Child £19.00

3rd july - West Bay & Lyme Regis Adult £23.95 Child £12.00

23rd July - Tyntesfield & Sanders Garden Centre Adult £41.95 Child £22.00

31st July - Winchester Market & Winchester Adult £25.95 Child £13.00

Holiday Tours 28th June - Welsh Borders, Steam & Cruise 5 Day Tour from £479 per person

19th July - Relax, Refresh & Revive in Torquay 5 Day Tour from £399 per person

19th August - A Tale of Two Cities 4 Day Tour from £349 per person

30th August - It’s A Mystery!

5 Day Tour from £399 per person

11th September - Festival of Flowers

BOOK ONLINE NOW!

5 Day Tour from £499 per person

27th September - Ireland’s Ancient East 5 Day Tour from £499 per person

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT 01935 475872 SOUTHWESTCOACHES.CO.UK For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

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Dancers are thrilled to be back with face-to-face classes THE Helen Laxton School of Dance and The Somerset School of Performing Arts are so glad to finally be back with face-toface to classes once again in and around the Yeovil area.

The children have been buzzing with excitement and are so happy to be back with their friends and teachers following the latest lifting of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

School principal Helen Laxton, who founded the school in Yeovil in 1987, said: “Our first week back at the dance school was very hectic with Royal Academy of Dance Examinations for Grade 4-6, Intermediate

Foundation and Intermediate Ballet and School Examinations for our Primary to Grade 3 Ballet pupils.

“Our Hip Hop Crews were back at training after four months of Zoom sessions and started to work on some fabulous new performance routines.”

And Helen added: “All of our other classes for Ballet, Elite Beats, Tap, Street Dance, Lyrical, Pre School, Toddler, Acro and Commercial got straight back to work on improving technique, fitness, flexibility, strength and musicality and continuing the excellent progress that they all made on Zoom.”

The Helen Laxton School of Dance Royal Academy of Dance Ballet, Pre School & Adult Ballet, Street Dance, Hip Hop, Disco, Commercial Dance Classes Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Elite Beats Performance Squads, Toddler Dance, 4 RDC Hip Hop Competition Crews & Training Academy, Dance –Mix technique class

New venue for performing arts school THE Somerset School of Performing Arts pupils have returned to a lovely new venue at West Coker Village Hall.

The hall gives the Mini’s aged four to seven and the senior school pupils aged eight to 18 years plenty of space to prepare for their next performances and full length

musicals.

Helen Laxton, principal of the Somerset School of Performing Arts, said: “Lockdown has not been great for anybody, but thanks to our fabulous teachers our pupils have been able to continue with their training over the past year.”

Classes held in Yeovil, Bradfod Abbas, Crewkerne, Norton Sub Hamdon, East Coker, South Petherton, Ilminstee

The Somerset School of Performing Arts (for 7 -18 years) & the NEW MINI SSPA (for 4 -6 years) Classes now held at West Coker Village Hall

Acting, Stage Dance, Singing, Voice Production, Microphone, Recording & Audition Technique. Lots of exciting performance opportunities, lots of fun!

For more information on all of our classes please call 01935 863865 or visit www.helenlaxtonschoolofdancing.com www.thesomersetschoolofperformingarts.com or find us on Facebook 56

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MY TOP TEN

When Elvis, Dave and Ansel Collins and Deniece Williams were top of the pops WELCOME to the monthly series called My Top Ten where we go back into the musical history books to see what songs were topping the charts on the day that local people were born.

In this month’s feature we welcome Yeovil Rugby Club president Derek Smith, local nursing home manager Jo McLaughlin, and clerk to Yeovil Town Council, Amanda Card.

Best wishes go to Derek, Jo and Amanda and everyone else celebrating their birthday this month.

The wonder of music is that even though we will delve back decades into the annals of musical history many of us will still know the

songs and instantly, in the main, recognise the artistes.

If you would like to feature in the My Top Ten feature during your birthday month please get in touch with us at yeovilpress@ gmail.com and let us do the rest.

The My Top Ten feature is sponsored by Jody Parks, of ML Property Management, which deals with general building, roofing, commercial and domestic clearance, garden clearance and maintenance, interior/exterior painting and window cleaning. Contact details are on the sponsorship panel at the bottom of this page.

NAME: DEREK SMITH DATE OF BIRTH: May 29, 1962 INFORMATION: President of Yeovil Rugby Club My Top Ten: 1: Elvis Presley, Good Luck Charm.

2: B. Bumble and the Stingers, Nut Rocker.

3: Cliff Richard, Do You Want to Dance.

4: Ketty Lester, Love Letters.

5: Adam Faith, As You Like It. 6: The Shadows, Wonderful Land.

7: Brenda Lee, Speak To Me Pretty.

8: Del Shannon, Hey! Little Girl.

9: Jimmy Justice, When My Little Girl Is Smiling.

10: Brian Hyland, Ginny Come Lately.

Top right: Derek Smith Right: Cliff Richard Below: Del Shannon Left: Elvis Presley

NAME: JO McLAUGHLIN DATE OF BIRTH: May 8, 1971 INFORMATION: Manager of Knoll Nursing Home, Yeovil My Top Ten: 1: Dave & Ansel Collins, Double Barrel.

2: Dawn, Knock Three Times.

3: The Rolling Stones, Brown Sugar.

4: Ringo Starr, It Don’t Come Easy.

5: Waldo De Los Rios, Mozart Symphony No 40.

6: T. Rex, Hot Love.

7: Diana Ross, Remember Me. 8: Andy Williams, Love Story.

9: Fantastics, Something Old Something New. 10: Ray Stevens, Bridget The Midget.

Top right: Jo McLaughlin Right: Dave & Ansel Collins Above: The Rolling Stones Right: Ray Stevens

NAME: AMANDA CARD DATE OF BIRTH: May 2, 1977 INFORMATION: Clerk to Yeovil Town Council My Top Ten: 1: Deniece Williams, Free.

2: Stevie Wonder, Sir Duke.

3: Billy Ocean, Red Light Spells Danger.

4: Rod Stewart, I Don’t Want To Talk About It/ First Cut Is The Deepest.

5: Tavares, Whodunit.

6: Dead End Kids, Have I The Right.

7: Abba, Knowing Me Knowing You. 8: Elkie Brooks, Pearl’s A Singer.

9: Berni Flint, I Don’t Want To Put A Hold On You. 10: Leo Sayer, How Much Love.

Top right: Amanda Card Left: Elkie Brooks Right: BillyOcean Above: Deniece Williams

THE MY TOP TEN FEATURE IS SPONSORED BY:

ML PROPERTY MANAGEMENT General Building - Roofing - Garden Clearance and Maintenance - Interior/Exterior Painting 07375 889716 - www.mlpropertymanagement.co.uk - Find us on Facebook The Battle of Isandlwana by artist Charles Fripp.

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FLASHBACK

IN this month’s Yeovil Press community newspaper we take a pictorial look back at some of what was featured in the corresponding May editions of 2019 and 2020.

The May 2019 paper was Edition Number 8 and May 2020 paper was Edition Number 20. If you would ever like a back copy of the Yeovil Press please email us at yeovilpress@gmail.com . Past copies of the Yeovil Press are priced £5 which includes post and packaging.

THE much-loved war-time TV comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo was recreated at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil – thanks to the Project Play team. These photos appeared in the May 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Christine Jones.

THE 2019 Yeovil Beer Festival was hailed another great success with fest-goers enjoying a fantastic array of beers and ciders and live music galore. The seventh festival was held at the Westlands Yeovil entertainment venue and was packed with thirsty customers.

These photos appeared in the May 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Christine Jones.

MEMBERS of the local Scouting movement came together for the annual St George’s Day Parade in Yeovil town centre. Young people and their group leaders gathered at the car park in Petters Way before parading through the town via South Street, High Street and Silver Street before attending a service at St John’s Church. These photos appeared in the May 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Steve Sowden.

THE Yeovil-based Castaway Theatre Group was set to take to the stage of the Octagon Theatre with its fantastic musical show of The Wind in the Willows. This photo appeared in the May 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Christine Jones.

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A FAMILY raised more than £800 for St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice after holding a skittles evening in Yeovil. The Shead family is well known in the Yeovil area and – like many – it has been very much affected by cancer over the years, but for those that lost their battle with the disease their loved ones are grateful for the care and support received from St Margaret’s during their final days. This photo appeared in the May 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Christine Jones.

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CHOIRS of all ages from around the area converged on the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil for a Festival of Song. These photos appeared in the May 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Christine Jones.

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PUPILS from the Yeovil-based Helen Laxton School of Dance received a lovely lockdown surprise – their outstanding Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Examination results. A total of 46 pupils – aged from eight to 15 years – took their exams just days before the exam tour was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. These photos appeared in the May 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Submitted.

YEOVIL-BASED company Blake Envelopes presented the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance charity with a £500 donation. The company wanted to give something back to a charity which does outstanding work in the two counties helping to save lives. This photo appeared in the May 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Submitted.

POSTMAN Nick Burton did his bit to raise the spirits during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak lockdown in Yeovil by going out on deliveries in fancy dress. Nick ditched his usual delivery attire for more fetching outfits which helped to bring some amusement to people while he was out and about. These photos appeared in the May 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Submitted.

MEMBERS of Pen Mill Ladies Football Club clocked up the miles in support of Yeovil District Hospital – even club chairman Derrick Mapletoft who went on a sponsored run dressed in a mankini. The team raised money by taking part in a sponsored walk/run and their combined efforts chalked up hundreds of kilometres and more than £1,200 for Healing Heroes’ Hands – in support of our frontline NHS and carers.

This photo of mankini-clad Derrick appeared in the May 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Submitted.

STAFF at Yeovil District Hospital were working incredibly hard to take care of you and your loved ones during the unprecedented times of the coronavirus outbreak. These photos appeared in the May 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Submitted.

A YEOVIL woman spoke bravely on national news about her shock and grief at seeing her two sisters die within three days of each other from coronavirus. Children’s nurse Katy Davis, 37, died at Southampton General Hospital on and then her identical twin Emma, herself a former nurse, died at the same hospital in April 2020. Their sister, Zoe Davis, of Yeovil, told the BBC: “They always said they had come into the world together and would go out together as well. There are no words to describe how special they were.” Katy and Emma grew up in Yeovil from the age of eight before moving to Southampton to train as nurses.

This photo and story about twin sisters Katy (left) and Emma Davis, who died within three days of each other after both testing positive for coronavirus, appeared in the May 2020 edition of Yeovil Press.

STAFF at the Knoll Nursing Home in Yeovil thanked the local Morrisons supermarket store for a very kind donation of Easter Eggs. This photo appeared in the May 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Submitted.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

The May 2020 edition of Yeovil Press ran a special feature about local footballing legend Don Woan - known by many for his association with local football in and around the Yeovil area – who had recently died at the age of 92. Don had suffered from dementia for several years and died peacefully at West Abbey Care Home in Yeovil where he had been resident since May 2019.

Photo: Submitted.

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59

Firefighter Charlie Gillard died a true Yeovil hero while serving his community A POIGNANT ceremony took place last month to remember Auxiliary Fire Service Patrol Officer Charlie Gillard who was killed following an air raid on Yeovil during the Second World War. It was 80 years ago on April 12, 1941, that Charlie was killed when a delayedactivating bomb exploded as he fought a fire in the ruins of the Corn Exchange building which stood behind King George Street.

The bombing raid had taken place on the evening of Good Friday, April 11, 1941, and it had destroyed the Medical Hall – now the site of the Burger King takeaway restaurant – in the centre of the town.

The Corn Exchange was nearly completely destroyed in the raid and four soldiers of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers who were billeted there were killed and another five injured.

And then it was not until the early hours of the next morning when Patrol Officer Gillard met his untimely death when the

delayed-exploding bomb went off.

Only a small section of the Corn Exchange wall remains today behind the Yeovil Library and an inscribed plaque remembering Charlie has been installed – but it has been obscured due to a large storage container been placed in front of it while work has been carried out at the library.

Nevertheless that did not stop members of Yeovil Fire Station from organising a short and respectful ceremony on April 12 to mark the 80th anniversary of Charlie’s death.

Family members had travelled to be present at the ceremony, while the Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr David Recardo, in one of his final engagements as the civic head of the town, was also in attendance.

Roy Higgins, of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, welcomed everyone to the ceremony and gave an overview of the events of 80 years ago.

The Mayor added: “It’s an honour to be here and remember someone who is very

YEOVIL PRESS

A wreath, an Auxiliary Fire Service helmet and a photo of Charlie Gillard’s wedding to Ada – at the site of the Corn Exchange which was bombed in April 1941 and claimed the life of firefighter Charlie as he battled the flames. Photo: Christine Jones.

important to our town.

“We have a great deal to be thankful for with the firefighters we have today who are keeping us safe.

“But it is extremely sad to think that one delayed-action bomb took the life of Charlie Gillard, but it is a stark reminder to us all that some people gave their lives so that we can live the lives we do today.”

A minute’s silence was held to remember Charlie, while the special Firefighters Prayer was read out by a

member of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Charlie’s great-granddaughter, Laura Cobb, who had travelled down from Stroud for the ceremony, said: “He was greatly missed when he passed away, but he passed away as a hero and I would like to thank him for what he did.”

Laura later said: “It was a very poignant and moving service which was very appreciated by all the family. It was a lovely day for a special man.”

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YEOVIL MUSEUM CAMPAIGN WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Relatives of Charlie Gillard with the Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr David Recardo, in the background with a modern-day fire engine from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Photo: Christine Jones.

Bringing Yeovil's History Back to the Future Do you think Yeovil deserves its own Public Museum?

Sign the petition by going online to www.change.org/Yeovil-Museum You can also let us know your views by emailing yeovilpress@gmail.com or commenting when you see stories about the Yeovil Museum Campaign on social media 60

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Roy Higgins, of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, reads an account of what happened to Auxiliary Fire Service Patrol Officer Charlie Gillard on the night of April 11-12 1941. Photo: Christine Jones.

Members of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service during a minute’s silence in memory of firefighter Charlie Gillard. Photo: Christine Jones.

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Family members gather round the makeshift memorial to firefighter Charlie Gillard. Photo: Christine Jones.

Family members of Charlie Gillard and the Mayor and Mayoress of Yeovil, Cllr David Recardo and his wife Yvonne, along with members of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Photo: Christine Jones.

Emma Davison, a great-great-grandchild of Charlie Gillard sits on the last remaining piece of the old Corn Exchange which was bombed during the Second World War. The actual plaque for Charlie Gillard can just about be seen on the wall – which was obscured on the day by a large storage container.

Photo: Christine Jones.

The funeral procession marches up Kingston on its way to Yeovil Cemetery for Firefighter Charlie Gillard’s final journey on April 17, 1941. Photo courtesy of the Community Heritage Access Centre in Yeovil.

The arrangements for Charlie Gillard’s funeral in April 1941.

Photo courtesy of Yeovil historian Jack Sweet.

A Yeovil firefighter’s watch diary from 1941 has it written in on April 11 that “five bombs dropped” and “C. Gillard killed.”

Photo courtesy of the Community Heritage Access Centre in Yeovil.

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An aerial photo of the town centre – showing the fenced-off bombed area of the Medical Hall, the site of today’s Burger King take-away restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Community Heritage Access Centre in Yeovil.

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An Air Raid Warden sign. Photo courtesy of the Community Heritage Access Centre in Yeovil.

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The actual memorial stone in the last remaining piece of the Corn Exchange which was destroyed during the air raid of April 11, 1941. Photo courtesy of the Community Heritage Access Centre in Yeovil.

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co-owner, New club chairman and tempted Scott Priestnall, could not be the to do the traditional “scarf above for this! head” photo, but we’ll settle Photo: Steve Sowden.

By Steve Sowden yeovilpress@gmail.com

of Yeovil THE new chairman and co-owner Priestnall, has Town Football Club, Scott good times back said he wants to bring the to the club. negotiations The long drawn out ownership September 20 and were finally completed on over the club Mr Priestnall, who has taken first official press with Errol Pope, held his conference last week. that it felt a “bit And Mr Priestnall admitted club’s new owner surreal” to finally be the club for the past as he had “been around the three months.”

Press as to He was asked by the Yeovil club chairman whether he would be the new be the case. and he confirmed that would – yes,” “I am going to be club chairman to be. It’s a he said. “I actually want my mind on position that I’ve kind of changed

A photo of Charlie Gillard on his wedding day to Ada.

The Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr David Recardo, gives thanks for the life of firefighter Charlie Gillard. Photo: Christine Jones.

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THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN YEOVIL TOWN CENTRE WERE OFFICIALLY SWITCHEDON DURING A FUNFILLED EVENING OF FESTIVITIES! MORE PHOTOS  TURN TO PAGES 30-31

outside the club. with the club, if “As I’ve got more involved six or seven the completion had been maybe have done. I weeks ago, maybe I wouldn’t I’m hoping to think I’ve got the bug now, and I’ve really earn my stripes as a Glover It’s kind of got me got excited about games. to be honest with interested in football again, you. over the “It was a really easy decision become chairman. last couple of weeks to fans.”

Hopefully I’ll do right by the timed his press Mr Priestnall could not have the Glovers having conference any better with on the bounce won six consecutive games in succession on which became seven victories with a 3-1 success Saturday (September 28) Bromley. over National League table-toppers

engage with the He said that he wants to have been left supporters and get those who in recent years disenchanted with the club back through the turnstiles. overnight, But he knows it will not happen will get on board but hopes that that people with the new look Yeovil Town. just about the Mr Priestnall said it was not about a change change of ownership, but also new, something of “culture, ethos, something different.” make the club He said he wanted to but hasn’t been “something like it once was, in recent years.”

John Fry He confirmed previous owners, no longer now were Hayward, and Norman part of the club. hopes for Yeovil And when asked about his he said: “I would on the pitch this season – but the aim is love us to finish in the play-offs, to get the players playing well.”

Pages 76-78.

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I didn’t think “When I first started out actually looking about being chairman. I was it, both inside and at potential people to do

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Town council's slice of Council Tax goes up by just £1 a month

By Steve Sowden

yeovilpress@gmail.com PEOPLE are being asked to pay just over £1 a month extra to help Yeovil Town Council deliver a £1million-plus budget in the next financial year.

Members of Yeovil Town Council agreed on Tuesday (February 4) to set a budget of £1,152,589 for 2020-21.

It is only the second time in the council’s history that a budget of more than £1million has been set and follows the £1,033,517 agreed in 2019-20.

But what difference will it make to people’s pockets in order to help finance the extra £119,072 needed by the town council when the annual Council Tax bill falls through letterboxes in April?

Remembering the homeless at Christmas

By Steve Sowden

UKULELE FESTIVAL ‹‹ 30-31

yeovilpress@gmail.com A NEWLY-FORMED organisation in Yeovil is asking people to remember those who will be homeless at Christmas.

The Homeless and Vulnerable Outreach Network was formed earlier this year and volunteers meet at the bandstand area of Yeovil in Lower Middle Street on a Wednesday evening where they provide hot food for the homeless, vulnerable and lonely.

But the group has plans to grow over the

months ahead by expanding its services by providing warm clothes and bedding for the homeless, haircuts as well as assist other agencies in their work.

With Yeovil being on the Dorset/Somerset border, it’s first major milestone is to raise enough funds to purchase a horse box converted into a catering trailer, allowing volunteers to take their service into nearby towns and access the smaller homeless communities.

If anyone wants to help fundraise in order to help achieve this then they should e-mail

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The group was created by Ricky Gleeson who found himself homeless at a young age and spent time living on the streets of North East England.

Thankfully Ricky – despite having problems along the way – has been able to turn his life around by joining the Royal Navy where he serves today at RNAS Yeovilton.

But he has not forgotten his difficult past and wants to help those who find themselves in troubled times.

1 Church Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1HE Phone: 01935-411088 / www.atouchofglassyeovil.co.uk 1

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MAYOR'S CHARITY BALL ‹‹ 20-21

It means that average households in Yeovil – in the Band D bracket – will be paying an extra £13.08 a year which equates to around just 25p a week or £1.09 a month more than in 2019-20.

This is an 11.53 per cent increase, but in real terms works out the price of just one decent packet of biscuits once a month.

The overall slice of the Council Tax going to Yeovil Town Council from individual Band D households in the town will be £126.55 a year – as opposed to £113.47 in 2019-20.

It should be stressed, however, that the town council only takes a small share of the overall Council Tax bill so the final total will be a lot more.

Somerset County Council will take the largest amount with South Somerset District Council, Police and Crime Commissioner for

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Avon and Somerset, and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service also getting a slice of the Council Tax cake.

The town council agreed to ask South Somerset District Council – the Council Tax billing authority – for a precept of £1,152,589 which will be used to finance the services it provides during the next financial year along with special projects.

Among the initiatives planned by the town council will be a £10,000 contribution to the St John’s Road play area; a £5,000 contribution towards improvements at the Yeovil Recreation Centre; a £12,600 contribution towards the restoration of the fountain at Sydney Gardens; and £35,000 for the planned VE Day 75th Anniversary celebrations.

For more news from Yeovil Town Council – turn to Page 4.

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Thank God I'm saved and We'd hit an iceberg, but was alive to write a few lines told there was no danger BEWILDERED, scared and traumatised by the events of what she had witnessed Marion Wright put pen to paper to tell her father that she was safe and alive.

Sat on board RMS Carpathia – the ship which had come to the rescue of the lucky survivors of the Titanic disaster – Marion wrote a five-page letter which nearly 110 years later would be bought for £14,000 at auction.

“Dearest Dad and all I love,” she wrote.

“How can I express in a letter the time I have had since I said goodbye, but thank God I am saved and alive to write a few lines.”

Marion described how the hours before the Titanic hit an iceberg had been a pleasant day.

“We all had such a happy Sunday together,” she wrote. “Service by the purser in the morning and I sang two songs - There is a Green Hill and Nearer My God to Thee.

“In the evening I sang them again to a great number of passengers who had assembled in the drawing salon for hymns and a few words that were spoken by the only Church of England clergyman on board, Rev Carter, Rector of St Jude’s Whitechapel, who was with his wife.

“We all had supper together and sat talking with my chum of the boat Miss Kate Buss who is going on to California to be married. I didn’t go to my berth until after 11pm.”

The first page of the letter written by Marion Wright to her father the day after the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

MARION Wright described the moment she first heard the “horrific crash” which would result in the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

“It was terrible, I don’t think I will ever forget it,” she wrote in her letter to her father. “I’d been in bed about ten minutes when I heard a horrific crash which shook the whole vessel and the engine stopped dead.

“I put on my dressing gown and a thick coat and I met my friend going on deck to find a reason for the crash.

“I was met on deck by a gentleman to whom I had often seen and he said an iceberg had struck us, but there was no danger.

“It was so cold. I had been in the aft (rear of the ship) where it was just freezing.

One or two people had remarked we

were in the region of icebergs and this one, they said, was towering right above the vessel.

“I didn’t stay up many minutes, before going back down again to get more clothing as I didn’t feel I could possibly go back to bed.

“At least the engines were going. I brought my rug and clothes to E Deck where we met a steward who said all put on lifebelts. I put mine on, saddled the petticoat to my dress along with a dressing gown, long coat and woollen coat with my hat.

“I was there with my rug, gold chain bracelet, two silver bangles, engagement ring and another small ring - all that is saved, but I am saved and for that I’m thankful.”

Marion Wright on her wedding day with her husband Arthur Woolcott in New York just five days after the sinking of RMS Titanic.

My heart goes out to all who drowned TITANIC survivor Marion Wright said she could not thank God enough for “so mercifully” saving her from being one of the victims on the stricken liner.

“The Titanic struck the iceberg about 11.45pm and by 12.15am we were in a boatload including myself and several more people to whom I had spoken to,” she wrote in her letter to her father in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

“I mention a Scotch lady and a little girl who are going to Portland in Oregon who have been so kind to me; they’re being met by her brother when we arrive in New York and they say he will look after me and see me married when I see Arthur.

“I can’t express my mind – it’s so much in a muddle I thank God for being preserved so mercifully, my heart goes out to all who were drowned.”

She spoke of Dr Alfred Pain, who died

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in the Titanic disaster, who had agreed to look after her until she was able to meet her fiancé Arthur Woolcott in New York.

Dr Pain and Marion had been travelling separately, but had mutual acquaintances in Somerset.

“He put me in a lifeboat,” she said. “He was such a nice man. I don’t think we quite knew what was coming when we got into the lifeboat. We were on board the lifeboat from about midnight until 6.30am, but it didn’t seem so long. The dawn came very quickly and I was so glad when we saw the Cunard (Carpathia) ship – it seemed almost too good to be true.”

And Marion added: “Everybody has been so kind on the Carpathia. All the passengers have been giving us clothes and officers and crew have given us all the attention for which we are truly thankful.”

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Other letters sent by Marion Wright’s family and friends following the Titanic disaster of April 1912.

It was awful to watch Titanic go down YEOVIL survivor Marion Wright said that she could hear the “cries of the people” left on board the RMS Titanic as it sank.

“The Titanic must have had her bottom taken away from first class to the steerage for she went down gradually bit by bit - it was awful to watch her,” she said in her letter to her father written the day after the sinking.

“We saw the crowds of people when she broke in two which she did a few minutes

before she sank; going down with a huge explosion over the cries of the people left on board. It was heartrending.

“I didn’t know how far we were from the Titanic as she sank, but we kept on asking the men to row further away and they did. When she went down they pulled so hard on the oars until, after seeing lots of boats around, they drifted and rested. The stars above were glorious.”

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Titanic survivor's letter sold for £14,000 at auction A LETTER written by a Yeovil woman just a day after she had survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic has been sold for £14,000 at auction.

Marion Wright managed to scramble into one of the lifeboats overnight April 14-15, 1912, when the luxurious Titanic struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York and suffered devastating results.

Some 1,496 people were lost at sea, while only 712 passengers and crew members survived.

A special auction of Titanic memorabilia was sold at auction last month hosted by Henry Aldridge and Son Limited which is based in Devizes, Wiltshire.

Among the lots was a fascinating letter written by Marion to her father on April 16, 1912, while on board RMS Carpathia – the ship which picked-up the survivors from the Titanic.

Marion’s handwritten letter over five pages gives a graphic account of the sinking of the Titanic and it was sold together with a group of letters written shortly after the disaster to Marion’s

parents by relatives and friends including one from her father Thomas, dated April 17, 1912, which started “I have for the last two days been in a sort of listless bewildered coma.”

The auction guide gave an estimate of between £5,000 and £6,000 for the items, but the Yeovil Press was told that they actually sold for £14,000 and bought by someone in the United States.

The Yeovil Press has featured the story about Marion Wright before, but although the disaster was now nearly 110 years ago there is still no shortage of interest in that night in the North Atlantic Ocean about 400 miles south of Newfoundland, Canada.

Marion Wright was born in May 1885 and moved to live in Yeovil with her family when very young.

Her widowed father, Thomas, a farmer, remarried in the late 1880s to a Miss Huntley and Marion spent her young years as carer to her three step-sisters.

In 1912 she was living at The Park in Yeovil.

On a visit to her friend who lived at

West Park in Yeovil she first met Arthur Woolcott who was later to become her husband. He had originally gone to America in 1907 and worked as a draughtsman, but had the opportunity to buy an 80-acre fruit farm near Cottage Grove in Oregon.

After much correspondence between Marion and Arthur their engagement was announced and it was arranged that the wedding would take place in America.

Marion, then aged 26, boarded the Titanic, which stood 11-storeys-high and weighed 46,000 tonnes, at Southampton as a second class passenger and shared a cabin with Bessie Watt and her daughter Bertha who were from Aberdeen.

On the fateful night she watched the liner sink as her lifeboat moved away from the stricken Titanic and claimed to have still heard the band playing as it went down. In the lifeboat besides herself and the other women were six men, but said the boat could have held at least 15 more.

At around 6.30am on April 15 the boat tied up alongside the RMS Carpathia and

she clambered aboard.

She eventually arrived in New York and was met by Arthur and they finally married.

But Marion said: “I don’t think I shall ever want to cross the ocean again just yet. It has been sad losing all I had, wedding presents and everything I had worked so hard at, but they are nothing in comparison to all the lives that were lost.”

In Oregon they successfully ran their farmstead, but never raised enough money to return to England. Her survival led to a 53-year marriage, three sons John, Russ and Bob and eight grandchildren.

Marion’s husband, Arthur, died in 1961 and Marion in 1965 aged 80.

In a corner of the Cottage Grove Museum in Oregon there is a memorial to its adopted daughter’s involvement in the most famous sea voyage ever made. The coat Marion wore on that fateful night in April 1912 is on display in the museum.

Extracts from Marion’s letter are detailed on the facing page.

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YEOVIL HISTORY FILES Stories about the town's past, people and places

Belgian refugee families arrive in Yeovil

SEVERAL hundred Belgians arrived in Yeovil and neighbouring villages as refugees during the First World War. The German invasion of neutral Belgium in August 1914 saw more than a million Belgians flee the advancing armies.

The majority of the refugees crossed the borders into Holland, which remained neutral, and France.

But the British Government at the time offered hospitality and Belgian refugees were welcomed to our shores.

A Yeovil Belgian Refugee Committee was set up and a property called Greystones on Hendford Hill was opened as a reception centre and temporary home supervised by a Roman Catholic Sister from Langport and a Sister from the St Gilda’s Convent in The Avenue, Yeovil.

The first party of refugee families

comprising 50 men, women and children in at the Town Station in Yeovil on Saturday, October 3, 1914 - the first of several hundred to arrive in this area around that time.

It is believed that around 250,000 Belgian refugees arrived in the UK while fleeing the Germans in the First World War. The great crime novelist Agatha Christie, meanwhile, is understood to have based the fictitious detective Hercule Poirot character on a Belgian refugee she met in her home town of Torquay.

More news about Yeovil’s past can be found on the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www.yeovilhistory.info .

This story courtesy of Yeovil historian Jack Sweet.

PHOTO: How the Belgian refugees were arriving in Britain in late 1914.

Bide's Gardens howitzer was popular with lads - of all ages!

A CAPTURED German howitzer gun from the First World War was mounted on a low stone plinth which stood in Bide’s Gardens in the centre of Yeovil from 1922 until the early 1950s.

Bide’s Gardens were donated to the town by Thomas William Dampier-Bide.

He lived in Kingston Manor House and on his death in 1916 bequeathed a large part of the grounds of Kingston Manor House lying between Higher Kingston, Court Ash, Court Ash Terrace, Kingston and Red Lion Lane – known thereafter as Bide’s Gardens – to the town.

Yeovil lost Bide’s Gardens in the 1970s with the building of the Yeovil District Hospital and the widening of Reckleford into a dual-carriageway.

More news about Yeovil’s past can be found on the A to Z of Yeovil History

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website at www.yeovilhistory.info.

A view of the Great War howitzer – a great attraction for young lads of all ages – in Bide’s Gardens dating to about 1930. The houses behind the tree at the centre of the photo pre-dated Vincent’s car showrooms.

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Too much dust on Hendford Hill RESIDENTS of Hendford Hill in Yeovil handed a petition to the local council in April 1912 complaining about a continual whirl of dust outside their homes caused by more than 100 passing in just one day.

Yes, you read correctly, just 100 vehicles in a day!

The petition was handed to the Yeovil Borough Council with people criticising the authority for an inadequate watering of the road which had led to the dust problem.

They pointed out that the council watered the road so far as the railway bridge, but it was rare for the water cart to go to the top of Hendford Hill.

The Borough Surveyor stated that the road was watered as often as any other on the outskirts of the town.

He was supported by Cllr Buchanan who considered that the petition was not factual as he had seen the water cart on other parts of Hendford Hill.

Several councillors agreed with this observation and apart from acknowledging the petition, no action was taken.

NOTE: Many thanks to local historian Jack Sweet for this story.

PHOTO: This postcard of 1912 looks up Hendford Hill from the junction with Horsey Lane on the right. On the left is the Railway Hotel beyond which is Aldon Terrace. Photo courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www. yeovilhistory.info.

Young Sidney died of wounds after being shot YEOVIL lad Sidney Masters was just 20-years-old when he died as a result of wounds he had sustained during the First World War. He enlisted in Yeovil in 1915 and joined the 8th Service Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry and came under command of the 63rd Brigade, 21st Division.

The battalion landed at Le Havre in France in September 1915 and was soon embroiled in the Battle of Loos on the Western Front – the British Army’s contribution to the major Allied offensive launched simultaneously with the main French offensive in Champagne.

British losses at Loos were exceptionally high with 50,000 casualties, including at least 20,000 deaths.

During the Battle of Loos which raged from September 25, 1915, to October 8, 1915, the 21st Division suffered nearly 4,000 casualties and took the rest of the year to rebuild.

Although the battalion was not directly engaged in any distinct battles until July 1916, the intervening period was one of day-to-day fighting. On March 13, 1916, during such fighting, Sidney was shot and seriously wounded; he died from his wounds on April 6, 1916.

He had been born June 1895 in South Street, Yeovil, and his parents were Frederick and Emily.

Sidney was interred in the Etaples Military Cemetery in Pas de Calais, France, and his name is inscribed on the Yeovil War Memorial in The Borough.

PHOTO: Sidney Masters’ headstone at Etaples Military Cemetery in France.

Courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www.yeovilhistory.info .

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Everton Road has nothing to do with football team

CONTRARY to what footie enthusiasts might like to think Everton Road in Yeovil was not named after somebody having a liking for a long-standing football club on Merseyside.

The road was laid out at around 1900 and ran from West Hendford with a spur to the east running to Manor Road.

It was built – probably as a speculative venture - by the solicitors practice run

by Sidney Watts who served as Mayor of Yeovil for a second term in 1901-02.

Watts named the road after his son who was called Everton. The majority of the houses were built by 1905.

Everton Road was bisected by the arrival of the Queensway dual-carriageway in the 1970s and only a couple of houses remain on the western side of the dualcarriageway at West Hendford.

More news about Yeovil’s past can be found on the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www.yeovilhistory.info

A postcard of Everton Road, dating to about 1910, taken from the West Hendford end.

Sidney Watts – who named Everton Road after his son.

Silent movie star visits Yeovil

THERE was great excitement in Yeovil back in the summer of 1925 when a big star of the British silent cinema, Betty Balfour, visited the Palace Theatre in the town.

Betty appeared both on the screen in the film Squibs Wins The Calcutta Cup and in person on the stage of the Palace Theatre – which is now better known to people as Club Neo in Stars Lane.

The entrance to the theatre off The Triangle was packed with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the diminutive star as she was welcomed by Alderman Jabez Matthews, Mayor of Yeovil, and his fellow aldermen and councillors whilst the Town Band played Rule Britannia.

The actress delighted the audience by going on stage during the interval and telling them how pleased she was to be in Yeovil and to watch the film.

The Mayor and councillors were her guests later at a “social evening” at the Mermaid Hotel in the High Street.

It is understood that she was working on location at the time at Martock, Minehead and Compton Pauncefoot for a film called Somebody’s Darling.

Betty Balfour died in Surrey in November 1977 aged 75.

More news about Yeovil’s past can be found on the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www.yeovilhistory.info .

Everton Watts – the chap who had Everton Road named after him as a young boy – is understood to be in this picture as men march off from The Borough to the Town Station in Yeovil in readiness to serve their country at the start of the First World War.

The Manor was built for an East Coker glover THE origins of the Manor Hotel in Hendford, Yeovil, date back to when it was built in 1776 as a private home known as Hendford House for local glover John Daniell the Elder.

The Daniell family came from East Coker and John later became a merchant banker and set up what eventually became known as the Yeovil Old Bank.

What is rarely appreciated today is the extent of the grounds of Hendford House – known as Hendford Park – back when it was first built.

Basically picture in your head the grounds starting from the junction of Hendford and South Street by the covered car park area and walk down West Hendford all the way to Horsey Lane and along to the police station and then over to the Railway Hotel at the bottom of Hendford Hill and then walk back up Hendford to where you started.

That gives you an idea of how large the grounds were of Hendford Park.

The house was attacked by a mob during the famous Reform Riot in Yeovil during March 1831 and the family eventually sold it to Henry Penny, of Yeovil, in 1833.

A few years later it was sold again in 1840 to Frederick Greenham, who was described as a “gentleman” and a Town Commissioner.

Following the death of Mr Greenham in 1877 and his widow Mary Ann in 1888, Hendford House was sold in 1889 to Yeovil solicitor James Bernard Paynter for £4,100 which is around £400,000 at today’s value.

It did not become a licensed hotel, however, until 1927. The 42-bedroom hotel is now run by Greene King.

More news about Yeovil’s past can be found on the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www.yeovilhistory.info.

British silent screen star Betty Balfour is welcomed to Yeovil by the Mayor, Alderman Jabez Matthews, on August 11, 1925.

The Palace Theatre in Yeovil – photographed in 1927.

Silent movie star Betty Balfour.

For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

Right: Probably the first advertisement placed by the newly-opened Manor Hotel in a Yeovil Guide of the late 1920s. Left: The Manor Hotel as seen in a postcard from the 1930s.

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OLD PUBS OF YEOVIL

Oxford Inn closed in the late 1940s THE Oxford Inn in Yeovil was originally cottages at the junction of Waterloo Lane and West Hendford.

West Hendford at the time was called Horsey Lane and named for the Horsey family of Clifton Maybank. The name transferred to the present Horsey Lane during the late 19th Century.

The Oxford Inn was first listed in the 1830s and there was a plan in 1845 to

convert the pub into a Watch House and Superintendent’s House, but the proposals came to nothing and it continued trading as a hostelry until after the Second World War. The pub stopped trading in the late 1940s and later became the offices of the Petter & Warren architectural practice before being demolished in the early 1970s.

WELCOME to the latest instalment of this monthly feature looking at the Old Pubs of Yeovil – there have certainly been a few come and go from the town.

Information and photos for this feature has come from the fascinating website of The A-to-Z of Yeovil’s History which can be found at www. yeovilhistory.info and created by local history Bob Osborn.

There is so much history to be had

from public houses and it is fantastic that Bob has been able to put together a comprehensive record.

In this month’s feature we take a look at the former pubs of the Black Cock, Oxford Inn, Skinner’s Arms, Wine Vaults, Fountain Inn, Blue Ball and Bricklayer’s Arms.

If you would like further information about these old pubs then we would highly recommended you take a look at The A-to-Z of Yeovil’s History website.

Top: The Oxford Inn, on the left, was offices of Petter & Warren’s architectural practice from the late 1940s. Waterloo Lane runs off to the right of centre between the Oxford Inn and the Cottage Cafe, while the narrow entrance to West Hendford runs off left between the Oxford Inn and the Three Chough Hotel’s garage buildings at extreme left.

Middle left: This photo was taken around 1960 and shows the very narrow entrance to West Hendford running alongside the Oxford Inn. The photo was taken outside the Three Choughs Hotel with the photographer looking towards the hotel’s garage for patrons.

Middle right: A photo from the late 1970s or early 1980s showing Waterloo Lane on the left with Thring Brothers’ glove factory, now Waterloo House, and the stables of the Oxford Inn. The car park in the foreground of the photo is now part of the Tesco car park.

Bottom: This photo was taken in the 1960s and shows just how narrow South Street was at its junction with Hendford. The Oxford Inn is seen straight ahead with the Three Choughs Hotel on the right.

When the Black Cock was open in South Street THE building occupied by the Black Cock before it became a pub was owned aby the Woborn Almshouse and has an early documented mention in 1610.

It fronted onto South Street near to what would eventually become the junction to Bond Street 220 years later.

It is not really known when the Black Cock started life as an alehouse, but probably around 1680 by Edward Heyward the elder.

By 1773, however, the property was

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listed as a “house formerly known as the Black Cock.”

South Street was called as such as early as 1335, but became known as Back Street by 1542 only to revert back to South Street in the mid-19th century.

PHOTO: Looking down South Street in the 1950s. Just beyond the two larger houses at centre are two smaller houses, just before the junction of Bond Street.

The site of the Black Cock is believed to be where the nearer small house is with the car nearly outside.

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Wine Vaults was a popular nightspot in the 1980s and 1990s THE former Wine Vaults pub in the centre of Yeovil appears to have been the outlet of wine merchants although during the 1850s and 1860s it was listed as the Wine Vaults Tavern indicating it was more than just a shop.

The firm of Thomas Bullock Watts & Co dealt in wines and spirits at the Wine Vaults. In 1822 this company went bust, but the premises continued to be used as wine merchants by various operators.

By 1901 the Wine Vaults was being run by John Mann and he and his family lived opposite in Clarendon House.

The present building dates from 1877 and has a date stone on the gable facing Union Street although that parked was

still a separate property at this time albeit owned by the owners of the Wine Vaults.

There is no actual record to say when the building stopped being a wine merchant’s premises and became a licensed pub – although best guesses are shortly before the First World War but definitely by 1936.

It became a popular nightspot during the late 1980s and early 1990s, but in more recent times the Wine Vaults had a chequered history of opening and closing, before it finally closed as a pub in 2012.

Since then it has had a number of different guises and is currently the Union Street Brasserie.

Above: The Wine Vaults around 1901 when the wine merchant, John Mann, was proprietor. Left: An advertisement from A. Mann & Co Ltd of 1906. Top: The Wine Vaults photographed in 1990 with the old Hole in the Wall pub in the background.

Skinner's Arms, Fountain Inn, Blue Ball and Bricklayers Arms THERE is just one reference to the Skinner’s Arms in Yeovil which was in 1853 when the landlord Thomas Fooks was charged with selling beer “during Divine Service” and allowing spirits to be consumed on the premises.

Fooks was fined £7 – which would equate to about £650 in today’s money and he lost his license.

It was reported that Fooks had fetched the spirits from the George Inn which indicates that the Skinner’s Arms did not have a license to sell spirits and was therefore a beerhouse and that although its location is unknown it must have been in or close to Middle Street.

The Skinner’s Arms is not mentioned again specifically, but it is likely that it was an unnamed beerhouse recorded in the 1861 census directly across Middle Street from the George Inn and run by Thomas Haywood who was recorded in the census as a tailor and beerhouse keeper.

PHOTO: This rare sepia-toned photographed of about 1875 looks down Middle Street and shows the Castle Inn

at extreme left with Thomas Haywood’s beerhouse arrowed. The original narrow entrance to Union Street is seen right of centre.

THE Fountain Inn was an 18th Century alehouse in Yeovil, but its actual location is a mystery.

There are a number of references to it, however, in official records dating from 1766 to 1797.

THE Blue Ball was a relatively shortlived pub in Middle Street which served customers from around the 1850s to 1900.

It was situated just below the Triangle in Middle Street around the entrance to where Glover’s Walk is now.

The pub was demolished in 1900 and its position became the location of the Coronation Hotel which itself was pulled down in the 1960s for the Glover’s Walk shopping complex development.

IN the 1850s Market Street as we know today was the original Reckleford and part of it was known as Rotten Row. The Bricklayers Arms Inn stood in Rotten Row and was not far from the Pall

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Tavern and was named because of the various brickworks in the area.

But it appears as if the Bricklayers Arms

was another short-lived pub. It is listed in directories of 1850 and 1871, but from there the records stop.

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DOWN MEMORY LANE

Yeovil's busy Preston Road is steeped in history IT is a fair few years ago now since I would make the daily walk to secondary school one way along Preston Road and then as I got older I would turn right instead of left at the top of Grove Avenue and walk along the other way towards Yeovil College as a student (writes Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden).

But since those days I have probably driven backwards and forwards along Preston Road thousands of times, but what is the history behind arguably one

of Yeovil’s longest and oldest roads?

There is only place to look – the amazing A-to-Z of Yeovil’s History website which has been created by Bob Osborn over many years.

Bob’s fantastic work has seen him put together a website of more than 10,000 images looking back at Yeovil’s history over hundreds of years.

He has also compiled more than 20 books on an eclectic range of subjects including many about Yeovil’s past.

Go to www.yeovilhistory.info to have

a look at Bob’s super website and delve further into Yeovil’s past.

The monthly Down Memory Lane is supported by the A-to-Z of Yeovil’s History website and the Yeovil Press is extremely grateful to Bob for all his help.

But back to Preston Road and its past and it transpires that back in 1856 it was recorded that “Preston is a considerable parish one mile northwest from Yeovil in the turnpike-road to Taunton.”

Today’s Preston Road was originally

called Preston Lane and there were no buildings between Yeovil and Preston Plucknett.

Until the boundary changes of 1928 the parish of Yeovil ended at Larkhill Road where the parish of Preston Plucknett began.

Houses, shops and other buildings have been built along Preston Road over time and the road has been straightened and widened in places which have meant that some older buildings have been lost.

Part of the 1811 Ordnance Survey map showing the completely unpopulated Preston Lane flanked by open fields and running from Fiveways, at the right, to the village of Preston Plucknett at the left and beyond. At the centre, running north from Preston Road, is Larkhill Road – at the time called Down Lane.

An early 1960s photograph taken from the Fiveways Crossroads, more commonly known today as the College Roundabout, and looking down Preston Road towards the old Somerset Inn, facing the bend in the road.

Just before the junction with Westfield Road stands Grovecote – built in 1830 as the manse for the minister of Yeovil’s Unitarian Chapel in Vicarage Street. Photographed in 2013.

This colourised photo was taken in the 1960s and looks west along Preston Road and the road running off to the right is Willow Road. The three-bay house end-on to Preston Road with a corner shop in its left-hand side is Providence Cottage. The building at the right was originally a leather tannery, but converted into a flour mill know as Newis’ Mills. Both cottage and mills were demolished shortly after this photo was taken.

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To the west of Westfield Road is the main Preston Road elevation of the former Yeovil Union Workhouse. This photo was taken in 2017 and only the administration block, seen here, survives at what many would refer to as the Summerlands Hospital.

Taken before 1932, when they were demolished, these cottages stood on what is now the corner of St Andrew’s Road. At the left is Preston Road and at the left edge is seen the retaining wall in front of the workhouse building.

The southern end of Larkhill Road, seen from Preston Road, probably photographed in the 1930s. On the right is Ivy Cottage which was demolished in the 1960s.

The Larkhill Road houses on the left, built in 1906, were actually in the parish of Preston Plucknett until the 1928 boundary changes.

Just beyond Larkhill Road is Glencote – now known as the Old House. Photographed in 2014, Glencote is a rare survivor of what was once typical of the domestic houses in Yeovil. It is thought to have 16th Century origins albeit with major alterations during the 17th Century.

A colourised photo of the entrance to Preston Park which was carved from the land of the Preston Lower Farm in the late 1920s.

This photo probably dates from the 1960s.

Jubilee Cottages – which were opposite the junction with Watercombe Lane – were demolished in 1938. This photo was taken in 1931.

The old Bell Inn photographed in around 1920.

Looking west along Preston Road during the 1960s where the thatched cottages on the right were soon to be demolished.

The tower of St James Church, Preston and Brympton Elementary School and roadside cottages in a postcard dating from around 1920.

Looking east down Preston Road from the western end of Preston Plucknett during the 1920s.

THIS FEATURE HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY: AN A-TO-Z OF YEOVIL'S HISTORY www.yeovilhistory.info - Find out more about Yeovil's past For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

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SPORT NEWS

Another week of competitive golf at Yeovil MORE than 150 members took part in optional competitions as Yeovil Golf Club continued its journey towards a full re-opening of its facilities.

First off the block was Marc Harris who returned a score of 40 stableford points to post the best score of the day in a Saturday (April 17) Stableford Competition over the club’s 18-hole Old Course. It was a score that saw him top the list of Division One players.

The second-best score was posted by 14-year-old Chloe Saunders, one of the numerous up and coming members of

the club’s successful Junior Section. Her score of 39 points placed her in first position within Division Two. It was a score she was to repeat a few days later on Thursday, April 22, when her 39 points saw her in overall third place by virtue of a countback against second-placed James Malcolm, whilst once again winning the Division Two top prize.

The best score of the day on April 22 was achieved by Division One winner, Jim Vincent, who plays off a handicap of ten.

It is a testament to the club’s inclusive

culture that all members can join in these optional stableford competitions regardless of ability, age, or gender.

Sandwiched between these ‘open’ competitions were stableford competitions for the senior and ladies’ sections. Claire Sparrow won the ladies competitions, with Lorraine Pike coming second and Isabelle Mace in third place.

The best score of the day in the senior competition was posted by Peter Radbourne whose 41 points also saw him take first prize in Division Three. Division

One was headed by David Marshall with a score of 37 points, whilst a similar score placed Richard Hallett at the top of Division Two. A club spokesman said: “Fortunately, the weather was dry and sunny throughout the week, which allowed members and visitors alike to enjoy a socially distanced drink on the clubhouse patio.

“They are certainly looking forward to the possibility of moving back indoors during May should the Government’s Covid roadmap continue as planned.”

Peter Radbourne - best score and Division Three winner of the Senior Stableford Competition.

Marc Harris - best score and Division One winner of the Saturday Stableford Competition on April 17.

Chloe Saunders - Division Two winner of the Saturday (April 17) and Thursday (April 22) competitions.

Jim Vincent - best score and Division One winner of the Thursday (April 22) competition.

Yeovil Golf Club members socially distancing on the patio in the sunshine.

Andy wins his first-ever trophy at Yeovil Golf Club TO win the first trophy competition of the year is a matter of great satisfaction to any member of any golf club.

However, as was the case with Andy Sinclair on April 12, when it is your first-ever trophy win after 17 years membership that feeling is even more satisfying.

Seventy-two senior members from Yeovil Golf Club competed for the George Scott Trophy which was held in medal format over three divisions with the best nett score across all three categories claiming the trophy.

It was a close-run result with Division One winner George Wallace and Division Two winner Andy Sinclair both posting a

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nett score of 69. Whilst each player won a prize for the best score in their division it took a countback over the last nine holes to award the trophy to Andy who lives in East Chinnock.

David Prosser posted the best nett score in Division Three with vouchers also being awarded to second and third placing in each category. Also mentioned in despatches was Phil Osmond who scored the first competition eagle of 2021 when he eagled the par-five 16th hole.

Andy, who was obviously delighted with his first ever trophy win at Yeovil Golf Club, reflected on how satisfying it was to finish at the top of such a large

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field.

“It is never easy to win one of the senior trophy competitions at Yeovil Golf Club when there is always so many people competing against you,” he said.

“However, the opportunity to compete in such events whilst socialising with your friends is one of the benefits of membership of a club such as Yeovil.”

It certainly left Andy looking forward to the senior presentation lunch at the end of this year when he will join with other trophy winners to receive the deserved applause of other members of the club’s popular Senior Section.

PHOTO: Andy Sinclair.

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Malcolm wins his first club competition after just 11 months of membership WHEN Malcolm Slarke joined Yeovil Golf Club in May 2020 it was his firstever membership of a golf club, but after only 11 months he has won his first ever-club competition!

It meant players having to dust off their Malcolm, who comes from Stalbridge in Dorset, is one of the numerous Newton Course members who play their golf on what is often described as one of the best nine-hole courses in the South West.

His 39-point performance on the 18hole stableford competition saw him establish a three-point lead over second placed Michael Barter.

Playing twice around the Newton Course competitors used the white tees for their first nine holes and then the red tees on the back nine. Malcolm, who scored a storming 24 points on the back nine, put his success down to being able to safely navigate the tricky dog-leg seventh and eighth holes.

The next day, 77-year-old Dave Lonsdale posted the best score of the day among the 88 players competing in the optional Senior Stableford competition which was held over the club’s 18-hole Old Course.

His 40 points also saw him take first

prize in Division Three ahead of Dick Whittingham and William Brooks who finished in second and third places, respectively.

Jim Paterson’s 38 points saw him win first prize in Division One on a countback from Jim Vincent, with David Brocklebank in third place with 37 points. First place in Division Two fell to Michael Bennett, with Allan Houghton and Andrew Eady claiming the second and third places.

Making her mark in the Ladies Stableford Competition was 16-handicap Janie Minogue whose 37 points was the best score of the day and saw her take first place in Division One. It was two points ahead of second placed Di Williams and a further point ahead of Anne Bunce in third place.

Carole Ollington finished in first place within Division Two, with Ann Evans and Ingrid Birch in second and third place, respectively.

Janie said, “It was lovely to be playing again after the Lockdowns and I was lucky to have lovely playing partners.”

She also added that the course had been so well looked after by the green staff during the Lockdown period.

Malcolm Slarke.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR SPORTS NEWS PUBLISHED IN THE YEOVIL PRESS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER EACH MONTH? Youth Sport - Senior Sport Club News Team Sport - Individual Sport Send us your photos and reports to yeovilpress@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you Dave Lonsdale.

Janie Minogue.

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Athletics competition returns to Yeovil YEOVIL Olympiads Athletics Club has been holding the Bill Whistlecroft Spring Open Series – the first track and field competitions in the county this year.

Two events have been held on April 24 and May 1 at the Yeovil Athletics Arena – within the Yeovil Recreation Centre off Mudford Road - and another event will be held on Saturday, May 8.

With athletes missing out on so much in 2020 it is no surprise that most events sold out in record time with competitors desperate to participate.

Athletes travelled from all over the South West to take part and, while still having to compete under some Covid-19 restrictions, fantastic performances were recorded in all events.

A club spokesman said: “With the start of the athletics season delayed, these open meetings have been an early opportunity

for athletes to test themselves with many recording personal best performances despite the disruption to training over the last 12 months.

“All ages took part with the youngest competitors being under 11 and the oldest masters athletes over 70!”

On Saturday, May 1, sprint legend Jason Gardener, an Olympic gold medallist and world indoor champion, attended the event as coach to two young sprinters from Bath.

Gardener, who is also the current president of UK Athletics, later thanked the Yeovil Olympiads on social media Twitter for putting on the events.

“It was fantastic organisation and competition opportunities under the Covid restriction protocols,” he said.

For anyone interested in participating in athletics from under 11s upwards, or if you would like to get involved

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with officiating or coaching, Yeovil Olympiads would like to hear from you.

There are opportunities for all! Email info@yeovilolympiads.com for more information.

PHOTOS: Pictures from the Bill Whistlecroft Spring Open Series events on April 24 and May 1 are courtesy of photographer Martin Edwards, of totallyfocused.co.uk, which can be found on social media Facebook.

Athlete Jason Gardener during his sprinting days for GB.

The message put on Twitter by Olympic gold medal winner Jason Gardener who is now president of UK Athletics.

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YEOVIL CRICKET CLUB 1ST XI FIXTURES/RESULTS SOMERSET CRICKET LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) May 1, 2021 Wimborne 200-7, Yeovil 143-6 Match Drawn May 8, 2021 Yeovil v Shapwick and Polden May 15, 2021 Uphill Castle v Yeovil May 22, 2021 Yeovil v Butleigh May 24, 2021 Yeovil v Butleigh Somerset Cricket Board Intermediate Knockout Cup 6pm Start May 29, 2021 Long Sutton v Yeovil June 5, 2021 Yeovil v Temple Cloud June 12, 2021 Trull v Yeovil June 19, 2021 Wells v Yeovil June 26, 2021 Yeovil v North Petherton July 3, 2021 Yeovil v Winscombe July 10, 2021 Shapwick and Polden v Yeovil July 17, 2021 Yeovil v Uphill Castle July 24, 2021 Butleigh v Yeovil July 31, 2021 Yeovil v Long Sutton August 7, 2021 Temple Cloud v Yeovil August 14, 2021 Yeovil v Trull August 21, 2021 Yeovil v Wells August 28, 2021 North Petherton v Yeovil

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Yeovil start season with a drawn game as the heavens open YEOVIL Cricket Club got the 2021 season in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League off to a wet start on May 1 with a drawn match away at Winscombe.

Skipper Dan Ewens won the toss and put Winscombe into bat and they made 200-7 from their 45 overs with their captain, Tom Hall, top scoring with 77.

Sam Fuller, Ben Ford and William Chesterman all took two wickets apiece for Yeovil, with the other snared by Steve Redwood.

In a game which was interrupted by the Great British weather, Yeovil were given a revised target of 200 from 36 overs.

They closed on 143-6 from their allotted overs with William Chesterman undefeated on 38, while captain Dan Ewens had earlier knocked 38 and number three Ben Ford had chipped in with 22.

Yeovil gained 26 points for their efforts, while Winscombe collected 28.

The Yeovil 1sts play their first home league game of the season at Westbourne Grove on May 8 against visiting Shapwick and Polden before facing a trip to Uphill Castle on May 15.

The 1sts are back at home on May 22 when Butleigh are the visitors and then face the same opposition on Monday evening at Westbourne Grove in the Somerset Cricket Board Intermediate

Knockout Cup in a 6pm start.

They travel to Long Sutton on May 29 in a league game and then are back at home on June 5 for the visit of Temple Cloud.

Yeovil 2nds drew their opening Division Four match of the campaign with Ilton on May 1 with opener William Boucher top scoring with 67 in the Yeovil side’s score of 226-7 from 40 overs.

In reply Ilton closed on 193-6 from 36.1-overs in another rain-affected afternoon with Andrew Haste hitting 71 and Rich Gower 58. Pick of the Yeovil bowling attack was Sean Chambers with 3-35.

Christopher Keen was the star of the show for Yeovil 3rds when he claimed 5-14 from 5.2-overs as Wincanton were skittled out for just 91 in the Division Seven match. Yeovil lost just wicket in reply as Adam Kember knocked an undefeated 46 as they reached the winning post in 25 overs to complete a nine-wicket success.

For all the fixtures for the 2nd and 3rd teams, plus other senior sides, and youth teams please go to the club’s website at https://yeovil.play-cricket/com .

PHOTOS: James Healey, of JRH Media, was at Winscombe on May 1 to get some photos of Yeovil’s opening game of the season in the Premier Division of the Somerset County League.

| SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT | | VIDEO EDITING| | PHOTO EDITING | DESIGN | | TRANSCRIPTION | | WEBSITE DESIGN | LOGO DESIGN | |BRANDING | PHOTOGRAPHY | james@jrhmedia.co.uk | 07881 237868 | www.jrhmedia.co.uk For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

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Leila and Mollie are showing girl power for the Yeovil club YEOVIL Rugby Club is excited and proud that girls player Leila Chubb has been selected to be part of the National Girls Rugby Club XV. Leila, 13, has played for Yeovil since she was just six-years-old and has grown into a dedicated and skilful player who is passionate improving for herself and for her team and very proud to play for the club.

The National Girls Rugby Club was founded by England and Harlequins Women’s captain Rachael Burford designed to empower women, grow the game and tackle issues women face.

The Girls Rugby Club is designed to empower girls to play their best game and live their best life, with expert coaching from those who understand that women are not just small men.

“Our coaches include current and former England internationals and some of the best brains in the game, all passionate about sharing their knowledge whilst nurturing and developing young female rugby talent,” said a spokesman.

“An extension of this is the National Girls Rugby Club XV - a group of 15 young female rugby leaders, who will lead us on our mission and help to shape the Girls Rugby Club moving forward. These

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Thirteen-year-old Leila Chubb.

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young women have incredible passion, dedication and enthusiasm for rugby and are the next generation of the game.

“It’s really important to us that we provide a space for our youngest members to have a voice, to share their thoughts, ideas, concerns and aspirations so that we can implement positive changes and provide opportunities that meet their needs.”

Yeovil Rugby Club has much in common with the Girls Rugby Club including Yeovil’s passion for promoting all aspects of the sport including girls and women’s rugby and being as inclusive as possible.

This enables players - male and female - to develop not just into a better rugby player but also into a better people. When sport is inclusive, everyone wins!

Alongside Leila is Mollie Crabb, 16, who plays both at neighbouring Sherborne Rugby Club and at Yeovil. Mollie is a role model for the younger girls with her dedication and passion.

A Yeovil club spokesman said: “We can see both these girls wearing white shirts and red roses in the future, but until then they are both rocking the Yeovil quarters and making not just their team but the club as a whole very proud.”

The Girls Under-13s and Under-15s

train at Yeovil Rugby Club on Tuesday evenings between 6.30pm and 7.45pm and again on Sundays between 10.30am and 11.45am.

Sixteen-year-old Mollie Crabb.

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Queen Camel clinch Premier Division title in Yeovil League QUEEN Camel have won the Premier Division championship in the Yeovil and District League in a dramatic final day of the season in the top flight.

The top three teams in the division all went into their final fixtures on May 1 with a chance of taking the crown.

Wagtail led the table before the kickoff, but were facing second-placed Queen Camel in a massive showdown, while Milborne Port were away at relegated Odcombe.

Milborne Port, in third at the start of the day, could have also won the championship had they defeated Odcombe and then Wagtail and Queen Camel drawn.

As it was Milborne Port did the job required with a 5-0 victory at Odcombe, but Queen Camel emerged 3-2 victors’ at Wagtail to take the title.

It meant Queen Camel won the championship by one point with Milborne Port runners-up and Wagtail Athletic third.

The title race for the Division One crown is very much between Ashcott Reserves and Wyndham Athletic with both teams still having five games apiece to go and just two points separating them.

And there is still plenty of football to be played in Division Two with Ilchester Junior Reserves currently leading the way, although Zeals in second place have games in hand.

Yeovil and District Football League:

LATEST RESULTS: Saturday, April 10: Premier Division: Manor Ath 1, Queen Camel 4; Milborne Port 5, Wagtail Ath 2; Stoke 3, Martock Utd 2; Templecombe Rvrs 5, Odcombe 4. Division One: Wyndham Ath 1, South Cheriton Utd 2; Keinton Pk Rgrs 9, Pen Mill Ath 0; Ashcott Res 6, Ilchester Jrs 1; AFC Strode 2, Bruton Utd Jrs 2; AFC Huish 0, Barwick 1. Division Two: Barwick Res 2, Keinton Pk Rgrs Res 1; Martock Utd Res 2, Stoke Res 2; Odcombe Res 1, Lantokay 2; Pen Mill Ath Res 3, Zeals 9; Team Gryphon 2, Wyndham Ath Res 0; Ilchester Jrs Res 3, Milborne Port A 0.

Monday, April 12: Division One: Barwick 3, AFC Huish 2.

Tuesday, April 13: Division One: South Cheriton Utd 6, Bruton Utd Jrs 2.

Wednesday, April 14: Division Two: Lantokay 3, Keinton Pk Rgrs Res 2; Wyndham Ath Res 6, Milborne Port A 3.

Thursday, April 15: Division Two: Pen Mill Ath Res 2, Barwick Res 1; Stoke Res 2, Martock Utd Res 0; Zeals 2, Team Gryphon 2; Ilchester Jrs 5, Odcombe Res 0.

Saturday, April 17: Premier Division: Martock Utd 1, Wagtail Ath 2; Milborne Port 0, Queen Camel 3; Odcombe 4, Stoke 2; Templecombe Rvrs 2, Manor Ath 2. Division One: Ilchester Jrs 6, AFC Huish 2; Wyndham Ath 8, Pen Mill Ath 4; Keinton Pk Rgrs 0, AFC Strode 1; Barwick 1, South Cheriton Utd 1; Ashcott Res 7, Bruton Utd Jrs 2. Division Two: Lantokay

Big games coming up for Westland Sports WESTLAND Sports look on set to qualify for the knockout stages of the Dorset Premier League’s Supplementary Cup. With the actual league season having declared null and void because of the Covid-19 pandemic, league officials introduced a cup competition when football resumed at the beginning of April.

The Supplementary Cup has seen 11 teams split into two groups and then the top two sides from each group will then go forward to the semi-finals who will then determine the two finalists.

Yeovil-based Westland Sports are in Group B of the competition and currently find themselves second with ten points from six points.

But they had to rely on a last-gasp equaliser on May 1 away at Balti Sports in Weymouth to gain a point in a 1-1 draw. The home side had taken a 60th minute lead from the penalty spot, but Phil Ormrod drew Westland level in injury time.

The point kept Westland two points clear of Balti in second spot, but the

Yeovil side know they have two big games remaining in the group stage.

They play host to group leaders Hamworthy Recreation on May 8 and then entertain Balti Sports seven days later.

Westland Sports 1st team results: April 3 – Westland Sports 3, Bridport Res 1; April 10 – Dorchester Sports 0, Westland Sports 3; April 17 – Westland Sports 1, Dorchester Sports 2; April 20 – Bridport Sports 0, Westland Sports 2; April 24 – Hamworthy Rec 2, Westland Sports 1; May 1 – Balti Sports 1, Westland Sports 1.

Fixtures: May 8 – Westland Sports v Hamworthy Rec. May 15 – Westland Sports v Balti Sports (6.30pm).

DORSET PREMIER LEAGUE SUPPLEMENTARY CUP GROUP B P Hamworthy Rec 5 Westland Sports 6 Balti Sports 6 Dorchester Sports 7 Bridport Res 6

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Pts 13 10 8 7 4

1, Ilchester Jrs Res 2; Milborne Port A 1, Wyndham Ath Res 4; Pen Mill Ath Res 5, Keinton Park Rgrs Res 1; Stoke Res 2, Barwick Res 0; Team Gryphon 1, Martock Utd Res 1.

Tuesday, April 20: Premier Division: Wagtail Ath 6, Odcombe 3. Division One: Keinton Park Rgrs 3, Wyndham Ath 3; Barwick 1, Ilchester Jrs 5.

Wednesday, April 21: Division Two: Odcombe Res 0, Martock Utd Res 1.

Thursday, April 22: Division Two: Zeal 4, Milborne Port A 1.

Saturday, April 24: Premier Division: Odcombe 0, Manor Ath 3; Stoke 0, Milborne Port 1; Wagtail Ath 2, Templecombe Rvrs 3. Division One: South Cheriton Utd 3, Ilchester Jrs 4; Pen Mill Ath 4, Bruton Utd Jrs 2; Barwick 2, Keinton Pk Rgrs 3; AFC Huish 1, Wyndham Ath 4. Division Two: Keinton Pk Rgrs Res 0, Odcombe Res 2; Martock Utd Res 5, Barwick Res 0; Milborne Port A 1, Pen Mill Ath Res 2; Wyndham Ath Res 0, Stoke Res 0; Zeals 3, Lantokay 1; Ilchester Jrs Res 4, Team Gryphon 1.

Tuesday, April 27: Premier Division: Manor Ath 1, Wagtail Ath 2; Odcombe 1, Martock Utd 1. Division One: Wyndham Ath 6, AFC Huish 0; Bruton Utd Jrs 4, Pen Mill Ath 6.

Thursday, April 29: Division Two: Barwick Res 3, Team Gryphon 4; Wyndham Ath Res 4, Keinton Pk Rgrs Res 2.

Saturday, May 1: Premier Division:

Odcombe 0, Milborne Port 5; Wagtail Ath 2, Queen Camel 3. Division One: Ilchester Jrs 2, Wyndham Ath 2; Pen Mill Ath 2, AFC Strode 3; Keinton Pk Rgrs 3, South Cheriton Utd 2; Ashcott Res 8, AFC Huish 0. Division Two: Lantokay 1, Barwick Res 3; Martock Utd Res 7, Keinton Pk Rgrs Res 0; Milborne Port A 0, Ilchester Jrs Res 7; Stoke Res 4, Pen Mill Ath Res 1; Wyndham Ath Res 0, Zeals 9.

YEOVIL AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION P Pts Queen Camel 14 33 Milborne Port 14 32 Wagtail Ath 14 31 Templecombe Rovers 14 22 Stoke-sub-Hamdon 14 18 Manor Ath 14 15 Martock Utd 14 8 Odcombe 14 4 DIVISION ONE Ashcott Res 13 34 Wyndham Ath 13 32 Ilchester Juniors 14 23 Barwick 13 22 Keinton Park Rgrs 13 19 AFC Huish 15 18 AFC Strode 13 16 South Cheriton Utd 15 14 Pen Mill Ath 14 9 Bruton Utd Juniors 13 8 DIVISION TWO Ilchester Juniors Res 16 Zeals FC 13 Team Gryphon 15 Lantokay 16 Wyndham Ath Res 18 Odcombe Res 15 Stoke-sub-Hamdon Res 16 Martock Utd Res 17 Barwick Res 17 Milborne Port A 15 Pen Mill Ath Res 16 Keinton Park Rgrs Res 16

38 32 30 29 28 25 24 20 15 12 12 10

Walking football keeps ageing footballers active THE Yeovil Walking Football Club has become one of the leading clubs of its kind in Somerset and is continuing to go from strength to strength.

From a very small start about seven years ago and with the early support of South Somerset District Council and the Football Association, the club has become very popular with those that are no longer able to run about a pitch for 90 minutes.

Walking football is a relatively new sport which is simply football just played at walking pace with less physical contact.

The slower pace reflects the fact that many players - men and women - are over 50-years-old with the majority aged 60, while it is often good for younger people recovering from injury.

Two years ago the club became formally linked to Yeovil Town Football Club.

The club’s activities have been hit over the past year, obviously because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But during non-Covid times the club runs three a week for its 50 or so members based in Yeovil.

The club has teams in the FA agerelated leagues and enters teams in the many local competitions. The over-70s side currently holds the most recently

competed for trophy.

Several players are being trialled for or already represent their country for the occasional international event at their age level.

Bob Healey has recently taken over the club chairman role. Anyone interested in finding out more about this sport and in particular YWFC can contact Bob at info@yeovilwalkingfootballclub.co.uk although at the moment all existing sessions have a full complement of players.

PHOTO: Club president Stuart Marples (left) presents outgoing club chairman Dave Wilkins with an engraved tankard.

Photo courtesy of new club chairman Bob Healey.

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What a team that was! Send us your old sporting team photos If you have any old sporting team photos from when you played local football, rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, skittles, darts etc – please send them via email to yeovilpress@gmail.com

along with details about the team in the photograph. Any sporting line-up would be great so we can publish them in future editions of the Yeovil Press and allow people to reminisce.

YEOVIL Press reader Les Whittle, who is in his 90s, sent us this photo of the Westlands Football Club team from 1948.

Pictured (back row from left) are club chairman Mr Searle, J. Pickford, J. Arnold, B. Voizey, G. Cook, F. Sturgess and club secretary Mr Loder and (front

row from left) are D. Lefevre, G. Hobbs, C. Phillips, A. Deacon, F. Dennet and L. Whittle.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden said: “What a fantastic photo and many thanks to Mr Whittle for very kindly sharing it with us.”

Bowls club reopens for the summer

THE old Picketty Sports FC in Yeovil squad is pictured for the programme for a special match held in October 1989 against the TV Entertainers XI. The match was held at the Yeovil Athletics Stadium at the Yeovil Recreation Centre to raise money for the Joanne France Memorial Fund and the BBC TV Children in Need Appeal.

Photos from the programme were sent to the Yeovil Press by Martin Edwards, of totallyfocused photography, who provides some sporting pictures each month for us.

“There are some well-known faces in this team photo,” he said about the Yeovil side which was based at the old Picketty Witch pub on Ilchester Road.

The TV Entertainers XI included “star names” such as actors Ray Winstone who had played Will Scarlet in the Robin of Sherwood television series, John Alford who was still appearing in Grange Hill

at the time of the game before going on to London’s Burning, Glen Murphy of London’s Burning and retired boxer Terry Marsh.

One of the Picketty players for the match was Chris Hoff who told the Yeovil Press it was a great day which ended in a 4-1 win for his side.

“I still laugh about it now as one of our lads, Aitor Martinez, put the boxer Terry Marsh down in the first minute,” reminisced Chris. “I remember it as if it was only yesterday; even Tim Chown scored for us!

“I played left-back and the actor John Alford said to me after the game that he was good enough to play for Scotland, but I’ve still got him in my pocket now 32 years later!”

And Chris added: “The legend Ray Winstone broke his ankle, but he still managed to dance on the pool table up at the Picketty Witch after the game!”

Below: The front cover of the programme for the charity game between the TV Entertainers XI and the Picketty Sports AFC. Right: Some of the TV Entertainers XI pictured (from left) actors John Alford, Ray Winstone and Glen Murphy and retired boxer Terry Marsh.

Above: Picketty Sports AFC pictured (back row from left) are Simon Gear, George Scott, Steve Cowling, Jerry Gear, John Bolton and Carey Chant; pictured (third row from left) are secretary Chris Waller, Graeme Calway, Peter Purdy, Andy Draper, Andrew Quinton, Tim Chown, physio John Mellis and kit manager John Craig; pictured (second row from left) are Mark Kelly, club president Dick McArdle, Aitor Martinez, main sponsor Fred Painter, Paul Day, club chairman Brian Riddle and Chris Hoff; pictured (front row from left) are Ashley Dyer, Mark Baker and Richard Mellis.

Top left and above: The Chairman and Captain’s Day match players. Left: The green at Yeovil Bowls Club opened on April 17.

YEOVIL Bowls Club held its annual Chairman v Captain’s Day and they enjoyed playing on a sunny day on the perfect green.

A club spokesman said: “Grateful thanks to all our willing volunteers who made the day possible.”

The club reopened for outdoor play from April 17 at its headquarters in

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Higher Kingston – opposite Yeovil District Hospital.

“Join us for fresh air, exercise and fun with friends under Covid-19 secure conditions,” added the club spokesman.

For more information please email through the club’s website at www. ybsc.info or call 07769625513.

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YEOVIL Press reader Julian Cox sent us this photo of a Westlands Rugby Club team photo from the 1960s.

Pictured (back row from left) are Derek “Chummy” Sowden, Derek Farndon, Stan Crossland, Ken Parker, Ken Snook, Rob Vincent, Alan Graham and Gary Goodchild and (front row from left)

Norman Marks, Bill McNaught, Des Daly, Dennis Ward, Mike Smith (captain), Bob Clarke, James Callow, Gus Jay and Dave Devoto.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden said: “Many thanks to Julian for this team photo – especially as it includes my late uncle Chummy Sowden.”

THE girls from the Reckleford team of Yeovil Netball Club are pictured in September 2016.

THE Ivel Barbarians (now Yeovil Rugby Club) Under 14s rugby team flew the flag for Yeovil in 2014 in a two-day tournament hosted by Leicester Tigers. The event was held at Butlins in Minehead and was attended by 110 youth rugby teams from all across the country.

MEMBERS of a Yeovil College football team which won the Association of Colleges South West Regional Football Championships in 2014.

The team was captained by former Preston School student Louis Irwin, 17, of Yeovil, and also featured Jordan Storey, 17, of Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Brett Cotterill, 18, of Shepton Mallett, and Scott Morgan, 18, Duncan McCabe, 18, Aaron White, 17, Aron Wallis, 17, Steve Flynn, 17, Connor Williams, 16, and Matt Buse, 17, all from Yeovil.

For some reason there are only ten

players in the team photo – somebody must have been missing?

A TUG of war team based in Yeovil – the Under-18 Somerset Army Cadet Force – won the English championships in 2014.

They faced teams from Gloucester, Derbyshire, Leicester and Northamptonshire and the Somerset ACF team – consisting of nine Yeovil lads and two from Wells - won in both the 560kg Junior Male and 530gk Junior Male

categories convincingly.

Pictured (back row from left) are Lloyd Price, of Yeovil; Connor Barrow, of Yeovil; Alfie Gillmon, of Yeovil; Lt Tim Tatler; Josh Williams, of Yeovil; George Worle, of Wells; and (front from left) are Liam Macmenemy, of Yeovil; Sam Palmer, of Yeovil; Rickie Dalley, of Yeovil; Dion Court, of Yeovil; Lewis Nightingale, of Wells; and Charlie Welsh, of Yeovil

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GLOVERS GLORY

The club is not run for the balance in the bank, but for the benefit of the town YEOVIL Town fan and a keen historian of all things about the Glovers, MICHAEL WEST, looks back to the 1906-07 when the club was struggling as the Yeovil Casuals.

THE summer of 1906 had been a scorcher - record temperatures had hit the country and had seen local children happily swimming in the River Yeo to cool down. And it must have been a hot and stuffy Victoria Temperance Hall for the Yeovil Casuals’ annual meeting in July of that year.

The club president Mr Maynard was not in attendance at the Victoria Hall – which is today known as the South Street Centre on the corner with Union Street – as he had had enough and decided to give the meeting a miss.

In his apology letter he voiced his wish to step down and felt it was time for someone new to take the club forward.

But his request was ignored and in his absence he was voted in as president for another year!

Dr Charles Marsh chaired the annual meeting where he reminded those gathered that he was the first captain of a Yeovil association football club team in 1875 some 31 years before.

And if the standard of the football was going downhill fast, so were the club’s finances with just £13 being left in the bank.

But in an act of self-comfort the treasurer announced: “Gentlemen! The club is not run for the balance in the bank, but for the benefit of the town.”

Reg Luffman was chosen as the club captain as Maynard was leaving for Bristol to take up a new work position.

Luffman was the son of one of the leading Glove manufacturers in the town, now

26-years-old and in his prime, regarded as the Glovers star player and one of the best in the county.

The annual meeting ended on a high note as the club presented goalkeeper Herb Cook an inscribed clock to celebrate his wedding a few weeks earlier.

The now repetitive pre-season match with Upton Park saw the traditional mixture of reserves and first team win 5-1 in front of a handful of spectators!

A hastily arranged friendly a week later, after Devizes had pulled out, saw the Royal Warwickshire Regiment turn up in tropical weather conditions, on a bone dry pitch and beat the Casuals 4-2.

Bradford-on-Avon, containing four Brown bothers, were the first official opponents of the season in the Wiltshire League. A totally new look Casuals team took the field and fought out a hard 1-1 draw after being 1-0 up. The match was seen as a disappointing result at home, but as the season progressed it would turn out to be a very good result for the team.

The Yeovil Casuals side for the opening match being: Cook, Owen, Powell, Cooper, Coates, Luffman, Hoare, Thring, Peaty, Lodge, Hamblen.

Again players were coming up from the reserve side into the first team. However whereas in previous seasons the Glovers had the pick of the best local talent, new clubs starting up, notably Petters United, had started eating into that talent. The sub-standard quality of the new recruits to the first team would emerge very quickly.

A week later a trip to Chippenham United saw the rather lacklustre and amatuer state of the club. Coates missed the train over a mix-up over times and

The Victoria Temperance Hall in South Street with Union Street at right. This was where the Yeovil Casuals annual meeting of 1906 took place. This photo was taken in the 1960s – courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www. yeovilhistory.info .

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Dr Charles Marsh who chaired the Yeovil Casuals’ annual meeting of 1906.

Brooks, who travelled for no other reason than to be the club’s linesman, had to put on a kit and play. It was farcical as the Casuals went down 4-0, with the new defence being described as being at “sixes and sevens.”

Branksome Gasworks were the visitors to Pen Mill in the English Cup - a team seen as one of the best amatuer sides in Hampshire. In fact years later they reached the FA Amateur Cup Final before losing to Ilford in front of 28,000 at Upton Park. However with home advantage and a large partisan crowd, a win looked on the cards to those at Pen Mill.

The Yeovil XI included a Sergeant Carter, a player stationed in Taunton and played for the county side, who strangely captained the team even though Luffman, the new club captain, was on the field.

His one and only performance was not enough, however, to save the Glovers as a first-half goal for the Bournemouth team was enough to see them through.

Some relief came a week later when the Casuals obtained their first league win of the season over Chippenham Town where a single Peaty goal was enough.

But it would be the only league win for some time!

Trowbridge away and Melksham at home followed and both resulted in defeats. At Trowbridge, Herb Cook in goal inexplicably punched the ball into his own net from a cross with just minutes to go. The Melksham match saw the Glovers throw away a half-time lead to lose 2-1.

A trip to Wyke Regis saw a meaningless 4-1 friendly win away to Weymouth Whitehead, the torpedo factory works team, but two more away league defeats followed.

At Wootton Bassett, a physical battle saw the referee Mr Preater from Trowbridge stop the play to give both

teams a stern lecture on their behaviour.

A late goal gave Bassett a 2-1 victory.

A week later, the Glovers travelled to Frome, a team without a win all season.

Minus Luffman who was indisposed, the Glovers again returned home on the back of another 2-1 defeat. Thus leaving the Glovers embarrassingly rock bottom of the league.

Another meaningless friendly a week later at home against Taunton Casuals saw the Glovers enjoy a 2-0 win on front of a very sparse crowd put off by the stormy weather and the uninspiring opposition.

Next up were Devizes who came running down the track a week later, returning back with a 2-1 win which was described as a ‘lucky one’. Again Yeovil were without star striker Luffman who was on county duty away to Devon.

Although, Frome at home proved to be an early Christmas present for the Pen Mill faithful, who were dwindling slowly.

The match showed again the state of the Casuals at the time. Only ten players turned up for the home match with Frome, resulting in a player having to be found from the spectators, and listed in the match report as A. N. Other. He obviously brought the team much needed luck as the Casuals ran out 3-1 winners although they remained bottom of the league.

Christmas Day arrived in 1906 with unusual warm weather and to raise funds for the new Yeovil District League a match was arranged at Pen Mill against the League’s XI. It was a match significant for two reasons. Firstly, it highlighted the weakness of the Casuals side, with a full team out they could only carve out a 2-2 draw, and secondly the district side’s second goal scored by Fred ‘Johnny’ Hayward. It was his first goal at Pen Mill, but would be far from his last.

The following day Salisbury City Reserves – with Salisbury City being a Western League club and a higher league - turned up in front of a fair crowd. And Yeovil, with Vassall making an appearance, earned a 2-2 draw after being 2-0 up.

The Army boys of the 121st Reg (Trowbridge) came down to recommence league matches at the end of December.

A match with Yeovil fighting for points saw Luffman miss a penalty while two Glovers’ goals were also disallowed much to the irate crowd. The soldiers adopted the one back game, where one defender

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Bert Maughan.

would play behind the midfield and follow the most forward striker and not the ball, always making sure he was in front of the last striker so any forward pass would be offside. It was boring and deemed to be unsporting tactics. The match ended 0-0.

The New Year came with the club hoping to put an awful 1906 well and truly behind them with a trip to Chippenham Town being their first chance to get 1907 off to a good start.

But they turned up with ten men as in an incredible episode of stubbornness, Yeovil striker Peaty refused to travel over a grievance he had against Mr Wallis, the referee from Wootton Bassett. But the Glovers’ returned with a satisfactory 2-2 draw with Casuals keeper Herb Cook scoring a penalty.

Defeats returned though. A substandard team was knocked out of the Somerset Cup at Welton and seven days later against Taunton Casuals lost 1-0 in front of a “few and apathetic spectators” at Jarvis Field, a venue which a few months later would see the famous All Blacks rugby team take on Somerset.

Swindon HS Works arrived on a cold frosty Saturday at Pen Mill with just nine

players. The pitch described as being rock hard from the frost saw the Swindon Boys attempt the one-back defence to no avail, as the Glovers picked up a 5-1 victory.

Seven days later it was the Casuals turn to travel to Swindon. Again Swindon HS having nine players. On a “beastly state of a pitch” at the grandly named Duke of Edinburgh ground, even a full strength Casuals side could not finish off the nine of Swindon and drew 1-1.

Another trip to Wiltshire the following week to play the Soldiers of the 121st again resulted in a 2-1 defeat. The only bit of significance for Yeovil was a last minute consultation goal from Ernest ‘Bert’ Maughan - a player who would have a long and controversial career at the club.

Melksham away was next up in a bottom of the table clash. For once the Casuals arrived with a full strength side.

It worked! The Casuals played their best football of the season and saw them return to South Somerset with a fine 4-0 victory.

But the match was marred on two accounts. Firstly early in the game, Seymour went to tackle Melksham’s inside right, Wiltshire, missing the ball completely and his boot landed on Wiltshire’s thigh, “severely cutting it open to the bone.” The incident set the wrath of the spectators when referee Mr Smith refused to send Seymour from the field, seeing it as an accident.

Mr Smith later gave two of the Yeovil goals which looked to be offside. At the final whistle he was attacked by the Melksham fans and later had to have a police escort to the station. Melksham were heavily fined later and banned some fans from their ground for a season.

Tragedy overtook the Yeovil Casuals in early March when Harry Patten, one

of the Casuals’ most regarded players since the 1900-01 season and just two seasons before being vice-captain, had passed away from tuberculosis, aged just 27-years-old. Harry, a Glover by trade, left a widow and a small child. His coffin was led into the church with his Casuals teammates as pall bearers.

After a friendly visit to the wonderfully named Portland Prison Officers United Football Club to play in a 1-0 victory it was back to league action with a trip to top of the league Bradford-on-Avon. A match attended heavily by Trowbridge Town fans, hoping for a Casuals win which would assist them in the title chasing bid. They were left disappointed as the Glovers, again weakened by absences, capitulated 5-0.

Easter arrived with a couple of friendly matches. Firstly against Bowes Park, an amatuer team from London, who boasted they had not been beaten in tour matches for 27 years! A boring 2-2 evolved. The next day Riverside FC from Cardiff arrived, a team who later would become as we know today Cardiff City. On a wet slippery pitch Yeovil entertained the crowd to a 4-0 victory.

The season was slowly winding to an end and for some it could not come quick enough. Warminster away again showed the character of the Yeovil club as two players missed the train and only nine started.

Yeovil, playing the hated one back tactic, held on until the two late arrivals arrived by a later train just before halftime. It was all in vain, the Glovers finally going down 2-1.

After another defeat at Devizes, this time by the only goal, the Glovers prepared for the last league game of the season with Warminster at Pen Mill and the introduction of a local player

who would break scoring records that will never be beaten. His name was Fred ‘Johnny’ Hayward.

The defeat, 2-1 by Warminster was incidental, the Casuals laying in the bottom three and Warminster just a few places above them.

The highlight came in the second half when Hayward scored his first ever goal for the Glovers, with a “first rate shot and followed it up with a thunderous shot that clipped the bar.”

The season ended in a friendly against Dorset League champions Weymouth Whiteheads in torrential rain. The 2-0 defeat ended with the players so covered in mud it was impossible to tell which team was which.

It had been a disastrous season, the worst in the Casuals short history. More concern was the rise of Petters United who had walked the Yeovil District League without losing a match all season including a 19-0 victory over Barwick on the way. Their crowds were on the rise also, fans drawn by the fine football on show, compared to the dull offering at Pen Mill.

Things would have to change for the Yeovil Casuals to have any real future!

Fred “Johnny” Hayward.

Glovers Glory feature this month in memory of John West

THIS month’s Glovers Glory feature is dedicated to the memory of long-time Yeovil Town fan John West who sadly passed away on April 30.

Mr West, who died at Yeovil District Hospital, was aged 86 and took great pride and interest in reading the Glovers Glory feature each month as it is penned by his son Michael.

“He was born a Glovers fan and died a Glovers fan – he loved his club to the end,” said Michael.

“He went to his first Yeovil game in 1938 as a toddler and even whilst laying seriously ill in hospital in the days leading up to his death he raised a smile knowing his beloved Glovers had beaten Solihull Moors 3-0 on April 27.”

Michael added: “Dad used to sell the Yeovil Town lottery tickets for 35 years and even in his 80s he would go out in the rain and snow going door to

door to raise money for his club. It was calculated in the years he sold them he’d raised close on £100,000 for the club.

“A visit for me to Huish Park will never be the same again knowing that dad won’t be there as well.”

Michael concluded: “He was the kindest, selfless and gentlest of men. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who lived for his family and was loved and always will be loved and adored. His soul will live on in all of us that he’s left behind.

“We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Yeovil District Hospital for their care, attention and professionalism who looked after dad with such compassion in his final days.”

The Yeovil Press would like to offer its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Michael and the rest of the family at this sad time.

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Yeovil Town fan remembers his godfather who played for the Glovers MANY a young and promising footballer in the mid to the 1930s saw their flourishing football careers come to a sudden halt because of the outbreak of the Second World War. Players who might have gone on to greatness suddenly found themselves fighting the Germans and many paid the ultimate sacrifice, while others were assigned to other duties away from the pitch.

Long-time Yeovil Town fan Dave Trevett got in touch with the Yeovil Press recently and told us the story about one player who had to put his blossoming football career on the sidelines for the six-year duration of the Second World War between 1939-45.

Dave Affleck was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a centre-half for Clapton Orient and Southampton in the 1930s.

Mr Trevett said: “After the war Yeovil signed Dave Affleck – he was a typical rugged Scottish centre-half; tough tackling, uncompromising, good in the air.

A cigarette card of Dave Affleck during his Southampton days.

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“Dave moved to Yeovil after the war which he’d spent as a policeman in the Southampton area. He signed a part-time contract with the Glovers and worked for the Southern Electricity Board living in Stoke-sub-Hamdon.

“He worked as a driver and linesman with the S.E.B and worked with my father. They struck up such a great friendship both in and out of work that when I was born in 1949 I was named David after him and subsequently he became my godfather.

“Dave sadly past away in 1984 and it wasn’t until his funeral that I realised that his football career was more successful pre-war as he had featured on a set of Cigarette Cards. At that time with no internet it was difficult to find any further information.”

Cigarette manufacturers used to include collectible cards within their packets of cigarettes between 1875 and the 1940s – often depicting the period’s actresses, costumes and sports.

Mr Trevett said: “Back in 2005 my wife and I were visiting some friends in Lancashire when we had a day out in Southport. Walking along Lord Street we went into a shop and sat on a table were about six sets of Cigarette Cards. One set immediately jumped out at me because I recognised the smiling ginger haired face as being that of Dave Affleck, in a Southampton kit. What are the chances of me travelling 250 miles, wandering into a shop, finding a set of cigarette cards and number one in the series being my godfather?”

Now Mr Trevett has been able to piece together some of Dave Affleck’s football career.

“Dave was born in Scotland and became a coal miner playing for a local side, Crosshouse Castle Rovers, where he was spotted by Notts County and he signed forms for them,” he explained.

“He then moved to Bristol City and then on to Clapton Orient. It was while he was at Clapton that he became regarded as the best centre-half in the division.

“Southampton became aware of him and the then manager, Tom Parker, signed him for the Saints for ‘Big Money’. The money that Clapton received saved the club as they were in financial difficulties at the time - sounds like some things in football don’t change!

“Dave made over 60 appearances in two seasons with Southampton and was attracting attention from both Tottenham and Chelsea, but then the Second World War stopped all organised football for the next six years.”

Dave Affleck at Southampton.

The war years prevented Affleck’s move to a bigger club, but he managed to play for the Southampton police reservists during those dark days.

Yeovil Town was, like all clubs, having to rebuild following the war and new player-manager Alec Stock signed Affleck in 1946.

Statistics are not known about how many games he featured for Yeovil, although he did make 39 appearances in the 1947-48 season, but was not a mainstay of the famous giant-killing team of the 1948-49 campaign which saw the Glovers reach the FA Cup Fifth Round.

Affleck played for Yeovil until 1949 when he retired to play and manage Stoke-sub-Hamdon football club in the local league.

“A sad story of a promising football career curtailed by the war,” said Mr Trevett.

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The players and staff have been magnificent throughout THERE have been some fairly emotive press conferences with Yeovil Town managers over the years where the passion of football and its drama have produced fever pitch atmospheres.

But the pre-match press conference Yeovil boss Darren Sarll had on April 15, a couple of days before the Glovers’ National League game with Boreham Wood, was something very different and something that nobody should have to deal with or want to deal with.

Sarll was talking ahead of Yeovil’s return to playing duties following the tragic death of club captain Lee Collins on March 31 where his body was found in a hotel room in West Coker following an apparent suicide.

What came across in the press conference with Sarll was how he and everyone at Huish Park had rallied round to support each other during the difficult times.

Sarll described the weeks leading up to returning to playing as “horrible.”

“It’s not been nice, it’s been a process of emotions – there’s no way to build it up or play it down,” he said.

“I never thought in my last 20 years as a professional coach that we’d have to deal with something like this and I hope I never have to deal with again.

“It’s been tough, but I have to say the players and staff have been magnificent throughout.

“I take this very seriously and what I’ve done to try and cope is to try and consume myself in my duty and responsibilities.

“We have a really close bond here and I very much mean that. I take it very personally that my responsibility is to the players, the staff and everybody at the football club. I hope they have had that direction and I’ve worked very hard to try and do that.”

He said that everyone was at “different phases of their grief.”

Sarll said that he was “always available” for the players and staff and that he had encouraged them to talk about how they felt.

“If they want to talk for a comfort point of view that’s what I’m here for, I’m not an expert in psychology or anything like that,” he said.

“I am a human being and I like to think I’m a pretty decent one and if they wanted that comfort or that shoulder then they know I’m here and we’ve had many an emotional conversation in the last two and a bit weeks.”

Sarll should be applauded in how he has coped with not only his own grief, but how he has kept things together at the club in times of such sadness.

An appeal to raise money for the family of Lee Collins has raised nearly £6,300.

The online fundraising page on the Just Giving website was set up by Yeovil Town fan Simon Woodland and as of the morning of Thursday, May 6, had amassed £6,282.

Simon had initially only set a target figure of £500, but fans from around the country have been quick to show their support for the cause.

He told the Yeovil Press that he would like to thank everyone for their donations.

Lee Collins has left a partner and three young daughters.

If anyone would like to donate please go to https://bit.ly/2PXXuy6.

Fan Rodger McCabe also held a fundraising campaign where enough money has been raised to buy a giant flag in memory of the club captain.

For confidential support The Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.

Support is also available from mental health charity Mind in Somerset – website is at www.mindinsomerset.org. uk , phone 01935-474875 or email info@ mindinsomerset.org.uk .

Lee Collins who died on March 31 at the age of just 32. An inquest into his death has been opened

Players, staff and the family of Lee Collins took a moment to remember to remember Yeovil Town’s club captain. Instead of holding a minute’s silence ahead of a game, the club opted to remember Collins together with a two-minute applause with flowers and his shirts laid in the centre circle at Huish Park on April 15.

Boreham Wood captain Mark Ricketts handed flowers to Yeovil skipper Carl Dickinson before kick-off in a touching moment of sporting solidarity as football united over the death of Lee Collins.

Striker Quigley signs new deal with the Glovers YEOVIL Town have been delighted to confirm that striker Joe Quigley has signed a new contract at Huish Park which will keep him at the club until June 2023.

Quigley, 24, signed for the Glovers in October 2020 and in the 3-0 National League success over Solihull Moors on April 27 he scored his first hat-trick for the club.

Yeovil boss Darren Sarll confirmed in the post-match interview that the forward was now looking forward to an extended stay in South Somerset.

Quigley, speaking to the BBC, said: “There was no doubt that I wanted to

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stay here. As soon as I spoke with the gaffer about it, I was on board.

“The gaffer’s been brilliant here; I absolutely love working with him and I love the lads here too.

“It ultimately comes down to the gaffer working with me. He’s spent a lot of hours with me over the time I’ve been here, it’s something I really appreciate and hopefully I’ll be able to repay him out on the pitch.”

Following the victory over Solihull Moors, Sarll confirmed the former Bournemouth man is in his plans going forward.

“We’re at a good point with Joe,” said

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Sarll. “It’s probably as good a time as ever to confirm that he’s with us next year.

“Joe is part of my long-term plans, and I thought he was great again against Solihull Moors.”

The deal had been agreed, but was kept under wraps while the Glovers dealt with the immediate aftermath of the death of club captain Lee Collins on March 31.

Sarll confirmed that because of the situation the club did not want to release anything “disrespectfully.”

PHOTO: Joe Quigley has signed a new contract keeping him with Yeovil Town until June 2023.

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Mixed bag of results for the Glovers over the past few weeks A ROUND-UP of results from the most recent fixtures Yeovil Town have been involved in with the difficult 202021 campaign in the National League entering its final stages.

May 3, 2021 Yeovil Town 0, FC Halifax Town 3 National League YEOVIL Town suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Halifax Town on Bank Holiday Monday – although they will feel disappointed not to have got something from the game despite what the scoreline might suggest.

The visitors had taken the lead on 14 minutes from the penalty spot through Luke Summerfield, but Yeovil kept themselves in the game as they pressed for an equaliser.

But that eluded them and they suffered a sucker-punch on 85 minutes when Kieran Green netted and then Jake Hyde made it 3-0 in time added on.

May 1, 2021 Wealdstone 0, Yeovil Town 2 National League YEOVIL Town chalked-up back-to-back wins with a 2-0 success at Wealdstone in the National League with both goals scored inside the opening 25 minutes.

Tom Knowles broke the deadlock for the Glovers in the 14th minute and then Joe Quigley, fresh from his hat-trick over Solihull Moors on April 27, made it 2-0 on 23 minutes.

Yeovil could have extended their lead, but efforts by Billy Sass-Davies and Charlie Lee were well-saved by Wealdstone keeper Jake Askew.

April 27, 2021 Yeovil Town 3, Solihull Moors 0 National League YEOVIL Town gained quick revenge for the 5-1 mauling they endured at Solihull Moors three days previously by dishing out a 3-0 victory over the same opponents under the floodlights at Huish Park.

And it was a great night for Yeovil striker Joe Quigley has he struck a hattrick to give the Glovers a welcome return to winning ways.

He opened the scoring on 27 minutes when he converted a penalty and nearly had another, but his effort was cleared off the line.

But he made it 2-0 on 53 minutes and then he scored his third of the night in the 71st minute to make the game safe.

April 24, 2021 Solihull Moors 5, Yeovil Town 1 National League YEOVIL Town suffered a hammering at Solihull Moors with Justin Donawa hitting a hat-trick for the home side.

He gave Solihull a 26th minute lead which they held until half-time, but Rhys Murphy levelled for the Glovers not long

after the start of the second period.

But Donawa quickly regained the initiative for Solihull with his second of the afternoon.

Kyle Hudlin made it 3-1 for the hosts on 62 minutes and then James Ball made the game safe as Solihull extended their lead further with the match having entered the last ten minutes.

Donawa completed his hat-trick in time added-on to complete a dismal afternoon for Yeovil.

April 17, 2021 Yeovil Town 1, Boreham Wood 0 National League YEOVIL Town returned to playing action for the first time since the death of club captain Lee Collins and gained a hard-earned win on an emotional afternoon at Huish Park.

Tom Knowles scored the only goal of the game on 28 minutes to give the Glovers a much-needed three points.

Manager Darren Sarll, speaking to the BBC after the game, said: “The players’ desire and determination was fitting.

I’ve always said Lee was the glue in our dressing room and he’s stuck us so tightly together.

“We wanted people who would fight for this football club. We’re doing that. We’re fighting as hard as we can – we’re fighting our own emotions at the minute.”

Boreham Wood captain Mark Ricketts handed flowers to Yeovil skipper Carl Dickinson before kick-off in a touching moment of sporting solidarity.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Table as at May 6, 2021 P Pts Torquay Utd 38 76 Sutton Utd 37 72 Stockport Cnty 38 71 Hartlepool Utd 38 70 FC Halifax Town 38 62 Wrexham 37 58 Bromley 37 58 Notts Cnty 36 57 Chesterfield 37 56 Eastleigh 37 56 Dag & Red 37 52 Maidenhead Utd 35 49 Boreham Wood 37 49 Solihull Moors 36 48 Aldershot Town 37 48 Yeovil Town 36 48 Altrincham 38 42 Weymouth 36 36 Wealdstone 37 33 Woking 37 32 King’s Lynn Town 37 29 Barnet 36 24

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Final six games of the season for Glovers YEOVIL Town’s hopes of reaching the play-offs are virtually all but over and they will have to regroup and start again next season in their bid to regain their Football League status.

A difficult and turbulent season – one which has been clouded in deep tragedy following the loss of club captain Lee Collins – is entering its final stages.

Although mathematically possible to still reach the play-offs, it is now highly unlikely.

The Glovers travel to Wrexham on May 8 before visiting Aldershot three days

later on May 11.

Yeovil are back at Huish Park on May 15 when they will play host to King’s Lynn Town and then entertain Maidenhead United on May 18.

The Glovers travel to Altrincham on May 22 before the final home game of the campaign – which is hoped will be open for fans to actually watch in person – on May 29 when Stockport County are the visitors to South Somerset and the return of a striker named Paddy Madden who recently joined the promotion contenders.

Join the Glovers Trust if you feel strongly about what happens at your football club Our Club – Our Passion Standing together to make a difference

NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME www.glovers-trust.co.uk facebook.com/gloverstrust Twitter: @gloverstrust

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YEOVIL TOWN FC

FIXTURES 2020-21 Saturday, October 3, 2020 National League Kings Lynn 2, Yeovil Town 2

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 National League Bromley 1, Yeovil Town 2

Tuesday, February 23, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 3, Weymouth 1

Tuesday April 27, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 3, Solihull Moors 0

Tuesday, October 6, 2020 National League Yeovil Town 2, Wealdstone 2

Saturday, December 26, 2020 National League Torquay United 6, Yeovil Town 1

Saturday, May 1, 2021 National League Wealdstone 0, Yeovil Town 2

Saturday, October 10, 2020 National League Yeovil Town 0, Wrexham 1

Monday, December 28, 2020 National League Aldershot 0, Yeovil Town 3

Saturday, February 27, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 1, Dagenham & Redbridge 0

Tuesday, October 13, 2020 National League Halifax 1, Yeovil Town 1

Saturday, January 2, 2021 Yeovil Town 2, Torquay United 1

Saturday, October 17, 2020 National League Dagenham & Redbridge 0, Yeovil Town 0 Tuesday, October 27, 2020 National League Yeovil Town 1, Sutton United 2 Saturday, October 31, 2020 National League Yeovil Town 0, Chesterfield 1 Saturday, November 7, 2020 Bromley 0, Yeovil Town 1

Tuesday, January 5, 2020 National League Weymouth 0, Yeovil Town 3 Saturtday, January 27, 2021 National League Maidenhead United 4, Yeovil Town 2 Saturday, January 30, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 3, Dover Athletic 1 Saturday, February 6, 2021 National League Stockport County 1, Yeovil Town 0

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 National League Barnet 1, Yeovil Town 4 Saturday, March 6, 2021 National League Chesterfield 3, Yeovil Town 0 Tuesday, March 9, 2021 National League Sutton United 2, Yeovil Town 1 Saturday, March 13, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 2, Woking 1 Tuesday, March 16, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 1, Bromley 2 Saturday, March 20, 2021 National League Notts County 2, Yeovil Town 0

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 National League Eastleigh 1, Yeovil Town 0

Tuesday, March 23, 2020 National League Yeovil Town 2, Notts County 2

Saturday, February 13, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 2, Altrincham 0

Saturday, March 27, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 3, Barnet 1

Saturday, November 28, 2020 FA Cup Stockport County 3, Yeovil Town 2

Saturday, February 16, 2021 National League Boreham Wood 2, Yeovil Town 3

Saturday, April 17, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 1, Boreham Wood 0

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 National League Yeovil Town 1, Eastleigh 3

Saturday, February 20, 2021 National League Hartlepool 2, Yeovil Town 1

Saturday, April 24, 2021 National League Solihull Moors 5, Yeovil Town 1

Saturday, November 14, 2020 National League Woking 1, Yeovil Town 1 Saturday, November 21, 2020 National League Yeovil Town 1, Hartlepool United 3

Monday, May 3, 2021 Bank Holiday Monday National League Yeovil Town 0, Halifax 3 Saturday, May 8, 2021 National League Wrexham v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off Saturday, May 11, 2021 National League Aldershot v Yeovil Town 7pm Kick-Off Saturday, May 15, 2021 National League Yeovil Town v Kings Lynn 3pm Kick-Off Tuesday, May 18, 2021 National League Yeovil Town v Maidenhead United 7.45pm Kick-Off Saturday, May 22, 2021 National League Altrincham v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off Saturday, May 29, 2021 National League Yeovil Town v Stockport County 3pm Kick-Off

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