Yeovil Press - Issue 41 - February 2022

YEOVILPRESS

FE BR 20 UAR 22 Y

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YEOVIL TOWN FC LEGEND TERRY SKIVERTON HAS LEFT THE CLUB FOR PASTURES NEW AFTER 23 YEARS. TURN TO OUR TWOPAGE TRIBUTE TO SKIVO ON PAGES 6667.

CAMPAIGNERS WIN ROUND ONE IN THE BATTLE TO STOP A HOMELESS HOSTEL FROM OPENING AT THE TOP OF HENDFORD HILL IN YEOVIL. BUT THE WAR IS NOT YET OVER  TURN TO PAGES 1011 FOR FULL STORY. YEOVIL AMATEUR PANTOMIME SOCIETY GOES TO THE BALL WITH ITS PANTO PRODUCTION OF CINDERELLA! TURN TO THE CENTRE PAGES  PAGES 3538  FOR OUR FOURPAGE PULLOUT.

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TWO MILLION THANK YOUS

Yeovil Hospital Charity's Breast Cancer Unit Appeal hits its £2m target!

But the fundraising continues to support this important facility.

Turn to Pages 18-19 for more news.

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EDITOR'S NEWS IN BRIEF NOTE WELCOME to the February 2022 edition of the Yeovil Press community newspaper – packed with local news, features and sport from the Yeovil and surrounding area.

It is great to hear that the Yeovil Hospital Charity has reached its original £2m target to help fund the building of a much-needed Breast Cancer Unit at the hospital.

But, as we all know ourselves, everything has gone up in price in the past year or so and it comes as no surprise at all that costs for the unit have also increased and the fundraising has to continue.

I’m sure that the people of Yeovil will continue to give this appeal their greatest support as I’m sure every family has been touched at some point by breast cancer.

It is nothing new that the Yeovil community has rallied to support a cause. Eighty years ago in February 1942 the town raised a whopping £425,000 to adopt HMS Hesperus – today that would be worth a cool £21.5m! Turn to Pages 24-25 for more information.

Although the Yeovil Press prides itself on promoting all the good things that go on in our community we can’t turn a blind eye to the negative aspects of local life and it was sobering to hear Sgt Dan Crawford, of Avon and Somerset Police, tell local councillors that Yeovil town centre continues to be blighted with a catalogue of anti-social behaviour problems including drug-dealing, begging and booze-fuelled violence.

His words might not have come as a shock as anyone can see it with their own eyes when visiting the town centre, but we take the stance that although we would welcome the long-awaited efforts of the Yeovil Refresh project coming to fruition, people will still be put off from visiting the town if those problems as outlined by Sgt Crawford continue to exist.

Thank you to those that have advertised in this edition – your support is very much appreciated as always.

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 Thursday and Friday, March 10-11, 2022. If you would like to get in touch – please email yeovilpress@gmail.com .

Take care, keep well and please keep safe.

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 Thursday and Friday, March 10-11, 2022 - 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 February 2022 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

THIS great photo was recently taken by Yeovil Press reader Helen Stonier during a walk at the Yeovil Country Park at Ninesprings on a cold and frosty morning. 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 04: Mayor's Diary Pg 06-07: Coffee Break Chat - Rev Dan Crouch Pg 08: Yeovil Window Wanderland Pg 09: News in Photos Pg 10-11: Acacia Lodge News Pg 12-13: Around the Town Pg 14-15: Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pg 16-17: On Our Doorstep Pg 18-19: Breast Cancer Unit Appeal News Pg 21: Defibrillator Campaign News Pg 22-23: Church News Pg 24-25: HMS Hesperus Pg 26-27: Yeovil History Files Pg 28-29: Distribution Outlet News Pg 30-31: News at a Glance Pg 32-33: School News Pg 34: School Reunion Pg 35-38: Photo Special: Yeovil Amateur Panto Society Pg 40-41: Down Memory Lane Pg 42-43: Flashback - February Pg 44-45: Family Announcements Pg 46-47: Leisure Pg 48-50: What's On Leisure Listings Pg 52: Gig Guide Pg 53: My Top Ten Pg 55: Skittles News Pg 56-57: Yeovil Rugby Club Pg 58: Hockey Pg 59: Old Sporting Team Photos Pg 60: Local Football Pg 61: Photo Special: Yeovil Walking Football Club Pg 62-70: News from Yeovil Town FC

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>> 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.

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MAYOR'S DIARY: Yeovil's Mayor goes on tour with the High Sheriff of Somerset YEOVIL welcomed the High Sheriff of Somerset, Thomas Sheppard, for a visit and I was delighted to take him round our town.

The Role of The High Sheriff today - in modern times - is to engage with the many different organisations that contribute to the wellbeing of the residents of Somerset.

It was a busy day and we visited Yew Tree Park and discussed the future of our skaters and general visions for our parks.

We popped along to the Screwfix store on Lysander Road, which is the current holders of ‘store of the year’ out of 752 other branches, and we welcomed new store manager Dale Smith.

We also visited the car park at West Hendford where we discussed anti-social behaviour issues and matters involving the youth of our community.

The town centre and Quedam Shopping Centre was also on our radar where topics of conversation included the highs, lows, hurdles and aspirations for the centre

and shopping trends.

We went along to the Nationwide Building Society in Middle Street to discuss the branch’s fantastic fundraising achievements and its defibrillator partnerships with Yeovil Town Council.

We also met with commercial manager Mark Robinson at Yeovil Town Football Club and the High Sheriff did a radio interview looking ahead to this summer’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The High Sheriff visited Sidney Gardens where he discussed community projects and how the neighbours come together to make this place so special – thank you to the Friends of Sidney Gardens group.

And we also went to Yeovil Golf Club to meet the people behind the scenes at this fantastic facility we have in the town.

Finally, we went to the Town House in Union Street – the headquarters of Yeovil Town Council – where the High Sheriff met and discussed various topics with staff.

I have welcomed other visitors to

The Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, is pictured at Yeovil Golf Club with Thomas Sheppard, High Sheriff of Somerset.

the Town House too. A group of Yeovil College media students came to look at the historical side of the building which was once the town’s police station and how the role of the Mayor has evolved

over the years.

Children from Preston Primary School also came to see how the council works and to be part of a mock council meeting.

It was great to see the return of the Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society back to the Octagon Theatre for its performance of Cinderella. I don’t know what I love more - the cheesy jokes or being put on the spot!

I enjoyed a visit to Wells Cathedral for Choral Evensong - celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. There is always a breathtaking moment when a choir, organ and packed cathedral come together to sing the National Anthem I look forward to working alongside many of you with the jubilee celebrations and the town council’s event on Friday, June 3, at Mudford Rec. Turn to Pages 14-15 for more news about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.

CLLR EVIE POTTS-JONES Mayor of Yeovil

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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 Rev Dan Crouch – the new vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Yeovil and St Mary Magdalene Church in Barwick. Turn to Pages 22-23 of this edition of Yeovil Press for more news.

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.

PHOTO: Rev Dan Crouch.

Phone: 077 Email: yeovilpr

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YOUR new

Hot Fuzz – a successful a police action comedy film of 2007. Turn to Question 11.

1: Name: Reverend Dan Crouch.

2: Occupation or associated with: Vicar, Holy Trinity Yeovil with St Mary Magdalene, Barwick.

3: Live: The Vicarage, Yeovil.

David Beckham – football superstar. Turn to Questions 7 and 17.

British rock band Coldplay. Turn to Question 12.

4: What was your favourite lesson at school? English.

5: What is your proudest moment?

Becoming a father.

6: What was your favourite TV programme as a child? Button Moon.

7: Who was your childhood hero? David Beckham.

8: What is the one thing you cannot resist? Buying books!

9: What is your greatest fear? That I’ve actually got it all wrong.

10: What is your favourite drink? Tea or Whisky.

11: What is your favourite film? Hot Fuzz.

Button Moon – children’s TV programme of the 1980s. Turn to Question 6.

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12: What is your favourite band or pop group? Coldplay.

13: Who is your favourite singer? Gregory Porter.

14: What was the first record you ever bought? Everything I do (I do it for you) – Bryan Adams.

15: What is something you’ve never tried but want to? Driving a racing car.

16: What is your favourite sport? Football.

17: What is your favourite sporting moment? Either Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final or David Beckham’s last minute free kick for England against Greece to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. 18: What is your favourite football team?

Manchester United.

19: Do you believe in ghosts? Yes, but not in the classical way.

20: What is your favourite board game?

Trivial Pursuit.

21: What would you name the autobiography of your life? Following the Call.

22: If you won the National Lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Buy gifts

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for those I love and make some donations to charity.

23: If a film was made about you – what actor would you want to play you? Nick Frost or Daniel Craig.

24: If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? I would love to meet Sir Alex Ferguson. I would love to speak with him about his longevity, his leadership and all that he achieved.

25: If you were a police officer for a day what would you do with the authority?

Find a way to try and restore some of the trust and respect that has been lost in recent years.

26: What TV programme can you not miss? Line of Duty.

27: Which TV programme makes you pickup the remote and switch channel? Escape to the Country.

28: Which three traits define you?

Integrity, Honesty, Hope.

31: If you could do anything for the rest of your life what would that be? I am pleased to be able to say that I would do what I do now.

32: If you had to be on a Reality TV show, which one would you choose? Strictly Come Dancing.

33: When you were little, what did you want to be? A journalist, a teacher and a psychologist.

34: What’s the best (clean) joke you’ve ever heard? I like the comedian Tim Vine and this is one of his: I went into a shop and I said: “Can someone sell me a kettle?”

The bloke said: “Kenwood?” And I replied: “Where is he?”

35: Tell us something that might surprise us about you. I enjoy single malt whisky, particular whisky from Islay with a smoky and peaty finish, and I have a collection of 30-plus bottles that I like to enjoy in the company of others.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates scoring a dramatic late winning goal for Manchester United in the 1999 Champions League Final against Bayern Munich. Turn to Question 17.

29: What is the best book you have ever read? Perhaps predictably for a vicar – the Bible.

30: What food would you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Honey.

The board game Trivial Pursuit. Turn to Question 20.

TV drama Line of Duty. Turn to Question 26.

Singer Gregory Porter. Turn to Question 14.

DINE IN - SIT OUT - TAKEAWAY FULL MENU AVAILABLE | DELIVERY AVAILABLE A nice drop of whisky. Turn to Questions 10 and 35.

Rev Crouch would like to get in the fast lane. Turn to Question 15.

Open from 7.30am to 3pm Mondays to Fridays & 8am to 2pm Saturdays We now have online ordering for buffets, parties, wakes and gatherings on our website

Strictly Come Dancing. Turn to Question 32.

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 The Bible. Not a surprise answer at Question 29.

Bryan Adams’ single Everything I Do stayed at the Number One spot in the UK charts for 16 weeks from July 7 to October 27 in 1991. Turn to Question 14.

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Window Wanderland helps people to get creative during the darker months THIS year’s Yeovil Window Wanderland event lasts until February 14 and the month-long project has seen plenty of activities reaching across the town and

into local schools.

Artist Natasha Rand has taken workshop Wonderword out into the community and created colourful

Residents at West Abbey Care Home in Yeovil worked hard with the idea of a spring scene with blossom falling off the tree.

Sarah Purdy, from the home, said: “Residents are very pleased with it and the amount of people that have commented when visiting the home is amazing.” INSET: The window art projection at the Nationwide Building Society branch in Middle Street, Yeovil.

artworks out of tissue paper and card to hang in the Yeovil Art Space window as a community collaborative display and inspiring people to get creative with their windows at home.

The display will feature meaningful words such as Hope, Light and Smile all chosen by the participants.

Also in the town centre, in addition to a window projection at Yeovil Library, there is another appearing at the Nationwide Building Society in Middle Street put together by artist Richard Tomlinson in partnership with Love Yeovil and students at Buckler’s Mead Academy.

The projection focuses on themes of emotion and feelings and body posture, a digital artwork bringing light and inspiration into the high street of an evening.

And linking the Window Wanderland festival with Chinese New Year, Zoe Li, of Yeovil Art Space, along with Love Yeovil, has been running a pop-up workshop Make a Chinese New Year Window Decoration in Middle Street.

A spokesman for Yeovil Art Space said: “Yeovil Window Wanderland has inspired us to think about how we reach

out to each other in the community, what connects us and what can make us feel good in these darker months of the year.”

The arts charity has also produced a new booklet accompanying the Wanderland event where artist Rachel Akerman has been commissioned to design the publication carrying messages and inspiration for creativity and health and wellbeing in winter.

Copies will be distributed to local schools and in the community at local Co-ops, Ninesprings café and available at Yeovil Art Space this month.

Send us photos of your Window Wanderland creations – email us at yeovilpress@gmail.com.

Janet Bird lost her husband before Christmas. Her window was a tribute to her husband Tony as he was affectionately nicknamed ‘Hedgehog Tony’ due to his hair!

The Cottage Garden can be found at: Jordans Courtyard Horton Cross, Ilminster TA19 9PY

Opening Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm 8

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NEWS IN PHOTOS

VE Day and VJ Day benches have been installed

COMMEMORATIVE benches to mark the 75th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day have been installed in St John’s Churchyard in Yeovil.

Members of Yeovil Town Council’s buildings and civic matters committee agreed last summer with the eye-catching design of the benches.

The benches have been placed in the

rear part of the churchyard as there is already a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Falklands War of 1982.

The Royal British Legion was approached by the council to make sure that the design was appropriate.

PHOTOS: The new benches at St John’s Churchyard in Yeovil.

Fantastic new facilities officially opened at Yeovil College

Project Dance is going from strength to strength for Yeovil's James PROJECT Dance – a South West arts organisation - has just announced plans to produce an original full length narrative dance theatre production called Growing Pains.

It will be performed at the Sturminster Newton Exchange on Saturday, August 27, and with a professional creative team, Project Dance is searching across the country for a cohort of exceptionally talented young dancers in training to be the cast for this production.

Yeovil-based creative and performer, James Bamford, founded Project Dance in 2018 when he was 14 and as the artistic director has curated all of the organisation’s work since its formation.

“I made Project Dance when I was at a loss for things to do during a school holiday,” he said. “Dance has taught and provided me with so much and I believe more than anything that the art form has the capacity to positively impact the lives of so many, providing more is done to make it more widely accessible.”

The new work being created is set to be addressing issues and themes such as the refugee crisis, youth crime, community and introspection and will showcase a

broad range of dance styles with the intention of appealing to as broad an audience as possible.

If you would like more information about Project Dance – go to www. projectdance.org.uk .

PHOTOS: James Bamford and Jemima Sparrow are pictured dancing their way around Yeovil. Photos courtesy of Len Copland.

Inner Wheel club members are keeping themselves busy

The Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, with Yeovil College principal and chief executive Mark Bolton (left) and Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh.

THE Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie PottsJones, helped to officially open the new state-of-the-art Health, Education and Science Centre at Yeovil College.

Cllr Potts-Jones was joined by Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh to help in the official opening ceremony on January 20 of the new centre which presents the college with significant and ambitious facilities.

The invited guests toured the new centre and spoke with current students about their studies and what the new facilities provided.

The dedicated centre provides students studying various qualifications with unrivalled facilities in the region - from an imposing hospital ward, birthing station, nursing station, community care setting, therapy rooms, early years settings and primary settings, to multiple science laboratories and state-of-the-art,

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh takes a keen interest in work going on at the new Health, Education and Science Centre at Yeovil College.

flexible and agile learning environments.

The Health, Education and Science Centre has been co-funded through T Level Capital Fund and the Institute of Technology of which Yeovil College was one of the first IoT partnerships in the UK, leading the way in digital, technical and higher skills.

Yeovil College has also financially contributed to the centre to establish a significant investment fund of almost £3 million.

The special plaque unveiled at the opening of the new stateof-the-art centre at Yeovil College.

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MEMBERS of the Yeovil Inner Wheel Club have had a busy opening few weeks at the start of the New Year.

It began with a lunch at Haselbury Mil where members had a lot to catch up on and there was much chatter and friendship.

The following week the group celebrated World Inner Wheel Day with a knit and natter morning courtesy of club member Heather.

The day marks the founding of Inner Wheel in Manchester on January 10, 1924, and clubs worldwide meet for friendship and service to the community.

Blanket squares were knitted and, following a request from Luke Simon, chief executive of local charity School in a Bag, a start was made on masks to go in the School in a Bag schoolbags for the Afghan children in UK. Luke is delighted that Inner Wheel clubs throughout UK are supporting School in a Bag with this initiative.

The first schoolbags have already been sent to councils and bridging hotels around the country that are supporting

the Afghan families.

Pens were sold in support of The Butterfly Tree charity which aims to eradicate malaria in Zambia and Inner Wheel members have also filled shoe boxes with goodies for the Rotary Shoebox Scheme which supports disadvantaged children in Eastern Europe.

Inner Wheel is one of the world’s largest women’s voluntary organisations.

For further information on Inner Wheel and Yeovil Club visit the District 20 website www.iwdistrict20.com or email iwyeovil112@gmail.com.

PHOTO: Yeovil Inner Wheel Club members at their recent knit and natter morning.

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Fear of crime is growing already over Acacia Lodge homeless accommodation plans OPPONENTS to plans to turn the Acacia Lodge care home at the top of Hendford Hill in Yeovil into accommodation for homeless people spoke passionately once again about their concerns.

People descended on the Westlands Yeovil entertainment venue on January 17 where they told members of Yeovil Town Council’s planning committee that they were fearful that their lives could be turned upside down if the application being put forward by the Bournemouth Churches Housing Association went ahead.

TARETH CASEY said the application would be like turning Acacia Lodge into a “warehouse for troubled individuals.”

“We haven’t seen any attempts by BCHA to engage with the community – this application fails on every level,” he said.

ISABEL RANKIN described the Acacia Lodge plans as a “proposal for convenience” to provide larger premises for BCHA and to help South Somerset District Council meet its targets on helping the homeless situation in the area.

She said that a lot of the reasons given

by BCHA and the applicants agents, Clive Miller Planning, for the proposal to goahead was based on “assumptions.”

“If BCHA can’t stop the problems at Pathways in Newton Road, how are they going to stop them happening at Acacia Lodge?” she asked.

RACHEL BAILEY said that it would become a “no go area” and that there was a real “fear of crime.”

STEPHEN CHORLEY said that crime statistics showed that the police had received 171 calls to Pathways in the first eight months of 2021, while in the previous year there had been 224 calls.

“This crime will be transferred to Acacia Lodge,” he said. “Our fear of crime will come true.”

Mr Chorley said he appreciated that the authorities had a duty of care to the homeless, but he added that there was also a duty of care to the local people of the Hendford Hill area as well.

Another campaigner, LAURA WILKES, said that concerned people had travelled to Plymouth to another large homeless hostel called George House where they spoke to nearby residents and business owners.

She told councillors that they heard a long list of problems including drinking, drug-dealing and taking, thefts, anti-social behaviour, violence and

prostitution.

“The residents in this area can see what is coming – they are afraid,” she said. “This BCHA plan will not work and Acacia Lodge should be used for nursing and a care home for the elderly.”

JOHN FALCONER said: “Fear of crime is a key planning matter. The idea that a Downing Street party was actually a work meeting is more likely to be believed than to claim that the problems in Newton Road are nothing to do with Pathways.

“It’s all a sorry mess – moving it from Newton Road to any part of the town is not the answer. But don’t create a human warehouse at the top of Hendford Hill.”

NICK SEARLE said Acacia Lodge needed to stay as a care home and that it needed to be marketed for its original use.

LUKE THURSTON said that there was a clear need for homeless people to be housed in smaller units. “The council must make a decision in the best interests of the local people in the area,” he said.

ALEX RANKIN told councillors that

people “loitering outside Acacia Lodge” would be inevitable and no different to what happens outside Pathways in Newton Road.

NATASHA BEAMISH said that moving people from Pathways to Acacia Lodge “posed too much risk” to residents in the area.

TRISHA PERRY said: “This will have a significant impact on elderly people and young people in the area. Trust me – people are speaking of terror. It is a very frightening experience having to walk past someone who is drunk or on drugs.

It’s absurd to put this there.”

Another opponent, RICK BEAVER, said that if the proposals went ahead then the Hendford Hill address would be stigmatised – no different to how Newton Road is because of Pathways.

IAN HAIG-BROWN said: “This will increase the fear of crime in the area and this will undermine the quality of life, this application brings no benefits to the local community.

“More than 700 people have opposed this application on the district council’s

website – this application does not meet planning guidelines.”

RAY TOSTEVIN said: “The case to oppose this application is very clear. This would be a serious mistake if it went ahead – the plan is wrong. It would be ‘mega hostel’ when smaller household units would lead to positive outcomes.”

ANDREW BEAMISH said: “BCHA can’t manage the Pathways site properly and history dictates that the problems will go up the hill with them to Acacia Lodge.”

EVA WHEAR said: “It is a worrying situation and already having an effect on mental health. Nothing has been done to allay our fears. The homeless people deserve something better than lumping them altogether.”

Another resident, MIRIAM SPICER, said that council plans to create an improved play area at Arnewood Gardens off West Coker Road would be a “waste of money” if it went ahead.

Residents of Rustywell Lane also told councillors that they were in opposition to the application.

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YEOVIL Town Council has voted in opposition to controversial plans to turn the former Acacia Lodge care home at the top of Hendford Hill into homeless accommodation.

Applicants Bournemouth Churches Housing Association want to move their clients from the existing and out-dated Pathways premises in Newton Road to the more spacious property at Acacia Lodge next to the Quicksilver Mail pub.

But members of the town council’s planning committee felt they had to agree with the huge amount of opposition to the plans with opponents saying it is not the right place to put homeless people, many of whom have drink and drug problems.

The committee voted 8-0 in opposition to the application with three abstentions and one councillor not voting on personal interest grounds.

And although that decision was warmly welcomed by the opponents, it does not

mean the battle has been won.

The campaigners now have to go through it all again and convince members of the Area South committee at South Somerset District Council on Wednesday, March 2, that the application should be thrown out once and for all.

The town council planning meeting held at the Westlands Yeovil entertainment venue on January 17 was chaired by Cllr Graham Oakes in the absence of committee chairman Cllr Gordon Hunting.

Cllr Oakes thanked members of the public for attending and putting their concerns across so well.

“The fear of crime is real and there are a lot of scared people in that area,” he said. But he intimated that that fear might be heightened – inadvertently – by the opposition group and added that “fear spreads way beyond reality.”

Cllr Evie Potts-Jones did say that there were positives with the application such

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy says Chamber president THE president of the Yeovil Chamber of Commerce, Dave Woan, has said that businesses will suffer a downturn if the Acacia Lodge application went ahead.

Mr Woan, who is stepping down from the president’s role on February 14, told members of Yeovil Town Council’s planning committee that he had spoken to businesses in the Hendford Hill, West Coker Road and Dorchester Road area.

He said that businesses had real concerns about the proposals and felt their livelihoods would be threatened.

Heather Norris, of the First Steps children’s nursery in Hendford Hill, close to Acacia Lodge, told the meeting on January 17 that she had been “inundated” by worried parents about the proposals and have said that they would take their children away.

“We teach children to be tolerant and homeless people are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, but this application is just not right,” she said.

Mr Woan added: “These businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy.

It would be foolhardy to locate this

homeless accommodation close to any business, let alone a children’s nursery.”

Nobody from the applicants, Bournemouth Churches Housing Association, spoke at the meeting although Helen Lazenby, of agents Clive Miller Planning Ltd, did give a presentation to councillors in support of the application.

She reminded everyone that the proposal was to provide a temporary home for people in the Yeovil area experiencing homelessness and it would be the first step in supporting them into independent living.

Councillors were told that in BCHA’s experience, providing clusters of accommodation and support services under one roof was key to assisting residents to integrate into the wider community.

The more dispersed model of smaller units being suggested by some objectors had been considered but not pursued due to the costs, lack of available properties and due to feedback from other support agencies.

as improved quality and size of rooms for residents and on-hand support for their needs.

But she recognised the concerns raised by objectors about the impact on the area and the fear of crime.

“I support the need for accommodation but more efforts are needed to help the homeless,” she said. “There must be better places than this and I oppose this application as it would be detrimental to neighbouring amenities and the conservation area.”

Cllr Roy Spinner proposed that the council opposed the application and this was seconded by Cllr Potts-Jones.

Cllr Nigel Gage, who represents that part of Yeovil, said: “If this application went ahead it would result in serious disorder for many years to come.”

PHOTO: Cllr Graham Oakes chaired the meeting of Yeovil Town Council’s planning committee on January 17.

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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 owner new club’s 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

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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 having Glovers the 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.” the club make to He said he wanted but hasn’t been “something like it once was, in recent years.”

John Fry He confirmed previous owners, now no longer and Norman Hayward, were 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.”

76-78.

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his stripes as a Glover

since I started.

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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The battle is not yet over for the Acacia Lodge campaigners

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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havon.fundraising@gmail.com.

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.

THE END OF JANUARY 2020

1 Church Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1HE Phone: 01935-411088 / www.atouchofglassyeovil.co.uk 1

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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 de-

cent 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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AROUND THE TOWN Councillor accuses police of making Yeovil sound like a "war zone" A POLICE spokesman was accused of making Yeovil sound like a “war zone” when he listed the problems faced by the town centre.

Sgt Dan Crawford, of Avon and Somerset Police, met with members of Yeovil Town Council on February 2 to discuss town centre policing.

And his honest account of things did not paint a very bright picture of Yeovil town centre - County Lines drug pedalling, under-age drinking, exploitation, people congregating in areas and drinking, children running amok in shops, begging on the streets, violent assaults, intimidation of shoppers, anti-social behaviour, the list seemed endless.

And, sad as it is to say, not many

people who visit the town centre would be shocked by what he said or could possibly disagree.

Cllr Peter Gubbins said a lot of work was going on with the planned multimillion-pound Yeovil Refresh project which could – hopefully – improve the town centre.

But he added that what Sgt Crawford had said made Yeovil “sound like a war zone” although he admitted that the police had an “impossible job” in dealing with the issues in the town.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden, speaking during the public comment section of the meeting, questioned whether it was sensible spending

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millions on the Yeovil Refresh project if the problems outlined by Sgt Crawford continued to exist as people would still not want to come into the town centre if they did not feel safe.

It was a point he raised last July at a meeting of Yeovil Chamber of Commerce in which he said it would be a real shame if all that money was spent on a “refreshed Yeovil town centre” but people were still not visiting the town due to “empty shops, vagrants sleeping in empty shop doorways, drug-dealing openly happening on every street corner and groups of men drinking and intimidating people walking by.”

Yeovil Refresh project manager Ian

Timms said at that Chamber meeting held last year that it would be “pointless” if the scheme did not have the desired effect of bringing people into the town.

Seven months on and Sgt Crawford told councillors that the police and other agencies were actively involved in the Yeovil Refresh project.

“Policing has been a real challenge because of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. “We have had to change a lot of the ways we do policing, while we have also had a lot of people off sick.

“But we are now back in normal operations and I’m keen to make Yeovil town centre as safe a place and as nice a place as possible for people to visit.”

Small minority of Yeovil Town fans are letting the majority down OFFICIALS at Yeovil Town Football Club have been aware of an increase in anti-social behaviour by a “small minority” of supporters at home and away fixtures.

A club spokesman said: “There has been an increase in wholly unacceptable language and chanting by this minority of supporters, something the football club strongly condemns.

“In recent months, there has also been an increase in pyrotechnics which we remind supporters are banned from all football stadia.”

The spokesman added: “As a football club, we want Huish Park to be a welcoming environment for all and will work hard to ensure incidents like this do not happen again.

“We would also like to thank the vast majority of fans who continue to showcase the football club in a positive light, both at Huish Park and when travelling to away grounds.”

Councillor raises concerns about Sherborne Road violence POLICE are concerned about an apparent increase in violent assaults in the Sherborne Road area of Yeovil.

Cllr Ashley Richards told members of Yeovil Town Council on February 2 that there had been an upsurge in violent crime in that area of the town.

Sgt Dan Crawford, of Yeovil Police, who was in attendance at the council meeting, told councillors that alcohol was a key element in the problems.

He said that the police had had good results in the battle against the County

Lines drugs problem in the town, but that had resulted in other knock-on effects.

“Drug dealing still goes on in the town, but our work on County Lines has pushed some individuals to drink more alcohol and that has led to disorder,” he said.

“People are still congregating in places and we will continue to do our usual patrols and speak to shops about being sensible in selling alcohol.

“Unfortunately it is not as easy as putting cops there all the time.”

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

Dave's standing down as Town council increases its Yeovil Chamber president share of the Council Tax bill by more than 10 per cent

THE president of the Yeovil Chamber of Trade, Dave Woan, is to step down later this month after six years in the position.

Mr Woan told the Yeovil Press that it was time for a change and he was looking forward to taking on some new challenges.

“I’ve taken Yeovil Chamber about as far as I can over the previous six years,” he said. “It’s time for someone new to inject a fresh energy and direction.

“I have some new adventures in the pipeline, to continue and expand my support for the business sector and wider Yeovil community, and as soon as these posts are confirmed, I will go public with them.”

He told a meeting of the YTFC Business networking group earlier this month that he would be stepping down as president from February 14 and take on an “ambassadorial” role within the Yeovil Chamber.

“The reason why I joined the Chamber in the first place at the end of the last century was so I could get to know people,” he said.

And he quipped: “Back in those days networking wasn’t what it’s like today and I met a lot of overweight gents in pinstripe suits talking about golf.”

But Mr Woan said that the Chamber

had made big strides in recent years and was looking forward to passing on the presidential role to Jo Reynolds, of Yeovil-based Justelle Marketing & Media Ltd. PHOTO: Outgoing Yeovil Chamber president Dave Woan.

Don't let the bills pile up this winter says Yeovil charity

PEOPLE in Yeovil and the surrounding area are being urged to get help as soon as possible if they are struggling with their finances or to pay their bills.

St John’s Church in Yeovil has partnered with Christians Against Poverty in providing free debt help for over ten years.

During that time the local debt coaches have found that many people are reluctant to ask for help, trying to manage things on their own because of embarrassment or shame. This can lead to people becoming isolated and suffering from poor mental health - something that the dark, dismal days of winter can often exacerbate.

Steve Hart, the Yeovil CAP Debt Centre manager, said: “We’ve all gone through a time of immense pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic, so we really want people here in Yeovil to know that if this has affected them financially, they don’t need to struggle alone.

“We see too many people try to deal with these issues for too long on their own, which can lead to all sorts of

problems, with their health, home life and wellbeing all affected.

“It can be especially hard in January and February when it’s colder and darker, the lights and heating are on more, and post-Christmas bills start to come through the letterbox.”

And Steve added: “CAP is here on your doorstep, right here in the Yeovil area, ready to help ease the burden of money worries.

“We want people to know that there is no judgement - people can be in debt through all sorts of reasons such as low income, job loss, bereavement, illness.

Whatever the reason, we’re here to help with understanding, compassion and a completely free of charge professional service.”

A former CAP client, when asked about getting help from CAP, said: “It’s made a massive difference. Now I feel in control, I don’t have to choose between food, heating, or petrol for the car.”

If you are struggling with debt and need help, get in contact with CAP today on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org

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YEOVIL Town Council has agreed to set a budget of just under £1.275m for the 2022-23 financial year.

Councillors met on Tuesday, February 2, and agreed a budget of £1,273,440 for the new financial year – an increase of £96,164 on the current 2021-22 year.

The main reasons for the increase in budget is to help fund a new skate park at both the Lysander Road and Milford Park play areas, contribute funding to a play area at Arnewood Gardens in the Turner’s Barn Lane area of Yeovil and increase spending on community safety and new initiatives.

The town council’s budget will see a Council Tax precept increase on an average Band D charge of £13.28 per year in comparison to 2021-22 from £129.31 to £142.59 – a rise of 25p per week or in percentage terms 10.2 per cent as opposed to the 5p a week or 2.19 per cent increase of 2020-21.

In monetary terms the £13.28 increase

represents the approximate price of three pints of premium lager in the pub.

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 Avon and Somerset, and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service also getting a slice of the Council Tax cake.

Cllr Graham Oakes, speaking at the town council meeting on February 2, said: “A lot of time and effort has gone into putting this year’s budget together.”

Nineteen councillors present at the meeting voted in favour of the proposed budget with only Cllr Nigel Gage voting against.

NOTE: More information about new skate parks for Yeovil can be found in the News at a Glance feature on Pages 30-31.

Good luck to Yeovil firms in county business awards THREE Yeovil companies have been named as finalists in this year’s prestigious Somerset Business Awards.

The awards final will take place at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Westonsuper-Mare on March 11 and we wish our local finalists the very best of luck.

Regular Yeovil Press advertiser, Cake Box Bakery, has been named in the Investing in Somerset category which is sponsored by Hinkley Point C. While two of three finalists in the Large

Business of the Year category – sponsored

by PKF Francis Clark – are Yeovil firms Ten Three Cleaning Ltd and Bradfords Building Supplies.

Other organisations and individuals based in South Somerset to be named as finalists are BIBIC, of Langport, in the Charity of the Year category sponsored

by Clarke Willmott and Emily Thompson Social Media Coach, of Ilminster, in the Employee of the Year category sponsored

by Teapot Creative.

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Let's make the Queen's Platinum Jubilee a celebration to remember in Somerset THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset is calling on the county’s residents to come together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and make it an event to remember.

The Queen formally started to celebrate her personal Platinum Jubilee year from Sunday, February 6 – the date of her Accession to the Throne in 1952.

The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, is encouraging the communities of Somerset to make the most of the once in a lifetime chance to commemorate this unique milestone in the nation’s history.

The focus of celebrations will take place over the extended Bank Holiday Weekend June 2-5. During that period

the Queen will be attending a number of official events including Trooping the Colour, a service in St Paul’s Cathedral, a huge concert at Buckingham Palace on the Saturday evening, and a spectacular pageant outside Buckingham Place on Sunday, June 5.

In Somerset, there is the chance to mark the occasion with a range of activities over the Jubilee weekend, not least the Beacon celebrations which are due to be lit at 9.45pm on Thursday, June 2, and the traditional street parties or village hall parties on Sunday, June 5.

Mrs Maw said: “The Queen has devoted a lifetime of service to our country and, particularly after the very difficult times

over the last two years, we can make this an occasion we will all never forget.

“I know that preparations are already well underway in some parts of the county, but it would be wonderful if we could all come together to mark this historic occasion.

“Everyone who is planning or organising a Beacon ceremony, please register it. There is no cost to registering a beacon and it means your event is on the national map - and you can obtain a certificate to mark the occasion.

“If you are holding a street party, village hall party, or another event, please submit details onto the interactive Platinum Jubilee event map.

“I want to ensure that I am able to get a full understanding of everything that is taking place across our county and to create a record and an archive for future generations to come.

“I will be arranging for picture and film archive of some of these events to be included in a county record of this most memorable year.

“You can also inform your local parish or district council as they also really want to hear what is being planned in your community and they will be contributing to my archive.”

For guidance on planning and registering events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, visit www.platinumjubileesomerset.org.uk.

The Queen thanks children Is it really ten years ago since and staff at Tintinhull school the Queen came to town?

PUPILS and teachers at St Margaret’s Primary School at Tintinhull were thrilled when they received a letter from Her Majesty, The Queen.

In the letter, written from Windsor Castle, Her Majesty thanked the Year Four Class children for their news, photos and drawings regarding their planting of a Ginko Tree.

This marked the start of Tintinhull’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and was done to support The Queen’s Green Canopy Project. This is a unique treeplanting initiative for all communities created to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

The letter, signed by The Queen’s Ladyin-Waiting, Jennifer Gordon Lennox, went on to say: “Her Majesty wishes to thank you all for the lovely letter you wrote about your primary school and its various projects aimed at helping the local environment by planting saplings and designing gardens … and hopes your

Ginko tree will flourish and grow in the years to come.”

The school at Tintinhull planted planted 30 saplings – birches, rowans and cherry trees – in December and back in 2020 pupils put in 600 bulbs in the grounds of the school. These included tulips, daffodils, crocuses and grape hyacinths.

The school also has a thriving Forest School and recently won two national green awards from the Woodland Trust and Royal Horticultural Society, respectively.

Headteacher Hayley Robinson said: “We were all thrilled to receive the letter from The Queen and it’s the first time in the school’s 150-year history that a reigning monarch has written to us.

“It’s a wonderful recognition of all the hard work by staff and pupils to help the environment and encourage a love of nature.”

SOUTH Somerset District Council shared some fantastic photos on its social media page on February 6 – the date of her Accession to the Throne in 1952 – of when she came to Yeovil as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

Her Majesty arrived in Yeovil by train and travelled by car to the Yeovil Country Park where she was greeted by local

dignitaries and hundreds of people.

She then went on to Crewkerne – all part of her national tour to celebrate her 60 years on the Throne.

Can you remember that special day in 2012 when the Queen visited South Somerset?

Photos: Courtesy of South Somerset District Council.

Sponsorship opportunities for Yeovil celebration event PLANS are moving ahead for a family day-long event at Yeovil Recreation Ground to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The event – being hosted by Yeovil Town Council - takes place on Friday, June 3, from 12noon to 10pm and will include live music, displays, stalls and refreshments.

A programme of events and acts is beginning to be put together and organisers are hoping it will provide something for everyone.

But the organisers have plans for other activities – which they are keeping under wraps for the time being - for

14

the event and would like to hear from any businesses or groups/organisations who might like to get involved with sponsorship.

If you would like to know about sponsorship opportunities for the event please email ytc@yeovil.gov.uk or contact Yeovil Town Council on 01935382424 or visit the council offices at the Town House in Union Street, Yeovil.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden, who is on the working party for the event, said: “It should be a fabulous day – one in which we can come together as a community and celebrate the amazing 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth.”

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New homes planned for Chilthorne Domer DOZENS of new homes could be built in Chilthorne Domer on the outskirts of Yeovil if new plans are approved.

The Dowding family was granted outline planning permission in November 2018 to build 28 new houses on Vagg Lane in Chilthorne, north of The Carpenters Arms pub.

Magna Housing acquired the site in July 20201 and has now submitted revised plans for the same number of dwellings.

South Somerset District Council is expected to make a ruling on the newest plans in the early-spring.

The site lies at the eastern edge of the village, a short distance from the Brimsmore key site on the north-western edge of Yeovil, where more than 900 homes will eventually be delivered.

Access to the site will be from Vagg Lane east of the pub’s boundary, with an attenuation pond being constructed at the site’s northern edge to reduce the flood risk to both new and existing residents of the village.

An existing footpath running through the site will be maintained, providing a pedestrian link between the new homes and the local primary school.

Magna Housing, which is based in

Dorchester, has set a target of delivering between 200 and 300 new homes per year over the next decade.

Of the 28 homes planned for the site, 13 will be affordable – which exceeds the council’s target of 35 per cent affordable housing for any new development to ten homes or more.

A spokesman for Intelligent Land, which is representing the applicant, said: “The proposal responds to its setting, provides a mix of house types and tenures that will deliver a range of housing that is appropriate to its edge of settlement location by incorporating well-located green space and a significant landscape buffer, which also allows for biodiversity enhancement.

“Magna Housing is acutely aware of the need to avoid separation of private and affordable housing into ‘enclaves’, as is often seen in new developments.

“While the development does contain some traditional build dwellings, almost 70 per cent of the units on site will be modular, which is considered to be a significant benefit to both carbon emissions and speed of delivery.”

The council is expected to make a decision on the plans in the early-spring.

Busy A30 close to traffic between Yeovil and Crewkerne A KEY road linking Yeovil to Crewkerne and the surrounding villages will be closed for 13 weeks for essential repairs.

Somerset County Council shut the A30 Yeovil Road near the village of Haselbury Plucknett from February 7 to allow a “deteriorating” supporting wall to be replaced.

The road will be closed completely for the first three weeks, with motorists being diverted along the A356 and A303, adding up to 18 miles to their journey.

Temporary traffic lights will be in effect for a further ten weeks thereafter, with the entire project expected to be complete by May 20.

Dyer and Butler, the council’s chosen contractor, has closed the A30 immediately north of the junction with the A3066 North Street heading through Haselbury Plucknett to Bridport.

During the first phase, traffic heading to and from the village will still be able to reach Crewkerne and Chard via the A30 westbound.

However, motorists wishing to reach Yeovil are being diverted along the A30 to Crewkerne, follow Ashlands Road (near Wadham School) to join the A356 through Merriott, pick up the A303 and

A3088 Cartgate to reach the town centre – adding up to 18 miles to their journey.

Residents of Yeovil and the neighbouring villages wishing to reach Crewkerne will follow the same diversion in reverse.

The council said the wall would become “a serious road hazard” if the work was not carried out at this juncture.

Cllr John Woodman, the council’s highways and transport spokesman, said: “It is critical that the wall is sorted now so that the busy A30 remains safe for the travelling public.

“Unfortunately, this means that the road needs to be closed while work is carried out, but the team has tried to keep this to the minimum amount of time possible and to plan it, so it doesn’t affect the holiday season.”

During the second phase of the roadworks – from February 28 – a single lane of the road will be re-opened, with three-way traffic lights being in operation.

Access to households and businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the roadworks, with pedestrian access also remaining in place.

For further details of the roadworks, visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks.

Chinnock Hollow could stay closed for another year THERE is growing concern about the lack of work being given to the Chinnock Hollow road which has been closed to traffic for a year.

It was in February last year when there was a dramatic landslide where trees and earth fell into the road which had been used as a popular and well-used shortcut into Yeovil via Odcombe from the A30 at East Chinnock alleviating the need for motorists to take the busier main road route through West Coker into town.

Now 12 months on and three local Liberal Democrat councillors – Oliver Patrick, Nicola Clark and Mike Hewitson – are getting increasingly fed-up that the road remains closed.

“Residents of all the affected villages have been very patient over the last year whilst they wait for this road to be surveyed, cleared and reopened,” they said in a statement.

“By and large, local residents have been left in the dark about any plans the Highways Department is working on, only learning about progress via the press or word of mouth.”

It has been suggested that it could be another year before the road finally reopens and that has caused further anger.

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“Residents deserve better than this,” added the three LibDems. “At the way least they deserve to be kept informed about what’s going on – instead they feel fobbed off and kept in the dark.”

There are plans to hold a public meeting in the near future where the situation will be discussed.

It has been said, however, on social media that not everybody has been upset at the ongoing closure as it means people in the direct vicinity of Chinnock Hollow have not had a continuous stream of traffic using it as a short-cut in and out of Yeovil.

The Highways Department has said there is no “easy fix” to the situation and “complex engineering surveys” need to take place which is a time consuming process.

PHOTO: Cllrs Oliver Patrick and Mike Hewitson at the closed Chinnock Hollow.

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

Dancing for 24 hours in memory of Rosie Crane A GROUP of friends raised money by dancing their way through 24 hours in memory of a young woman who died when in the prime of her life.

It was back in 2004 when Rosie Crane, who grew up in Broadway just outside of Ilminster and went to Neroche Primary School and then Holyrood Community School in Chard, died at the age of just 23 after developing leukaemia.

Two years later her mum Carol launched the Rosie Crane Trust with the aim of trying to help relieve the distress caused by the bereavement of a child whether it be emotional, mental, physical or spiritual.

Sixteen years later and the Trust is still going strong, but is always looking of ways to raise money and welcomes donations.

One of Rosie’s friends, Lucy Coombes, came up with the fun idea of doing a 24-hour dance-a-thon from 9am on Saturday, January 15, through to 9am the following morning.

Lucy, who enlisted the support of other friends, said: “We joined together in love and light and in memory of our beautiful

Rosie Crane, 23, who died in 2004.

and dearly missed friend Rosie.

“It was a challenge for us to keep moving and to keep awake for 24 hours. But remembering the strength, endurance, patience, focus and determination that Rosie sustained throughout her illness and time in hospital fighting leukaemia kept us going!”

Lucy was delighted to report that she and her team of dancers raised a whopping £1,500-plus for the Rosie

Enjoying the 24-hour dance-a-thon outside Tesco in Ilminster with organiser Lucy Coombes (far right). Photo: Christine Jones.

Crane Trust.

“Rosie would be hugely embarrassed to see her name all over social media and in the newspaper, but also hugely proud of how wonderful people in the community have come together to help raise money for parents who have sadly experienced similar to Carol,” said Lucy. “I would like to thank everyone who supported us and donated to this very worthwhile cause.”

The Rosie Crane Trust helps to support

bereaved parents through their grief after the loss of a son or daughter of any age and offer services such as monthly drop-in centres, a 24-hour listening ear helpline, befriending service and subsidised counselling.

People can contact the Trust by phoning 01460-55120 or email contact@ rosiecranetrust.co.uk or go to the website at www.rosiecranetrust.org.

Did the earth move for you?

POLICE helped to escort a mammoth 148-tonne specialist earth mover when it left Crewkerne earlier this month.

The route on February 5 saw the giant load move from Cathole Bridge Road at Crewkerne onto the A30 Yeovil Road and then via the A3088 Cartgate link road

and A303 before arriving at the M5 at Taunton.

Officers closed roads along the way to help with the journey which led to some traffic delays as the monster vehicle – 30 metres long by 4.6-metres wide – made its way across Somerset.

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.

Anti-social behaviour patrols in South Petherton POLICE officers carried out anti-social behaviour patrols in South Petherton over the weekend of Feb 4-6 following reports of problems.

Officers spoke with youths in the area and tried to educate them on their actions.

Anyone wanting to speak to police about anti-social behaviour issues – please call 101 or you can go to www.avonandsomerset.police/report.

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

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

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BREAST CANCER UNIT APPEAL REACHES £2M GOAL BUT FUNDRAISING NEEDS TO CONTINUE

Support for the breast cancer Breast Cancer Unit Appeal success unit appeal has been amazing is down to the support of the public THE head of fundraising at the Yeovil Hospital Charity has said that everyone has been blown away by the fantastic support for its Breast Cancer Unit Appeal.

And although the fundraising has to continue due to an unprecedented increase in construction costs, James Kirton says it is amazing that the original £2m appeal target has been reached.

“Thank you for helping us to reach this amazing milestone!” he said. “We need to keep fundraising to meet the increased costs, so please keep donating and help us to raise as much as we can and make this new unit a reality.”

And Mr Kirton added: “We have had people jumping out of planes, being strapped to the top of planes, running

marathons, selling cakes, eating cakes, shaving beards and much, much more.

“Fundraising brings out the best and the bravest in everyone and it is inspiring for us to see so many people getting stuck in.

“We have worked with directors, cleaners, nurses, secretaries, schools, builders, garden centres and everyone in between!”

It is expected that the fundraising for the appeal will continue for another year while the new breast cancer unit – which will be sited on the front of the hospital on the Reckleford side – is built.

“Please stick with us for another year and then we will leave you all alone - for a few days anyway!” quipped Mr Kirton.

SUPPORT OUR NHS STAFF

An artist’s impression of how the new breast cancer unit at Yeovil District Hospital will look.

THE Yeovil Hospital Charity has been delighted to announce that its Breast Cancer Unit Appeal has now passed the original £2m target – THANKS TO YOU! The support for the appeal has been tremendous – even when the country was in lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic – and the charity cannot thank people enough for their backing.

But – as we all know if we had to put home improvement projects on hold when lockdown first struck in March 2020 – the cost of construction materials has risen sharply and there is a shortage of many items.

A charity spokesman said: “We are doing everything we can to keep the cost down, but despite that, we expect the new breast unit to cost significantly more than the £2 million we had originally planned when we launched the appeal in

2019.

“We will therefore continue to fundraise throughout 2022 and raise as much as we possibly can. We are hoping that the building work can begin on site in the spring and construction will take at least nine months to complete, so that gives us another year to raise as much as we possibly can.”

The spokesman added: “Thanks to the success of the appeal and the generosity of supporters, the hospital is now in a position to be able to start building the new unit in the spring.

“By fundraising while the construction work is taking place, we hope to raise the profile of the appeal even further and capture the imagination of the local community.”

An envisaged consultation room in the new unit.

Peter's delighted to hand over £500 to hospital appeal

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 or

Email fundraising@ydh.nhs.uk for more info Making a difference for patients 18

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THE Life for a Life Memorial Forests ambassador, Peter Forrester, is pictured handing over a cheque for £500 to Yeovil Hospital Charity’s head of fundraising James Kirton.

The donation, raised from the sale of memorial trees from the Wessex Water forest at Sutton Bingham, and the Chinnock Hollow Forests, is going towards the hospital’s ongoing Breast Cancer Unit Appeal.

The presentation was made in front of the financial barometer outside the hospital and came just as the appeal was to hit the £2m mark.

Although a relatively small charity, Peter explained to James that the Life for a Life Memorial Forests had met the Covid-19 times head-on.

Despite the reduction in the sale of trees in 2021, due to Covid-19, the charity had still managed to donate £28,000 to hospices and health-related organisations. The charity was helping many people with preventative physical

and mental health care, responsive care, and end of life care.

More information about the charity can be found at www.lifeforalife.org.uk .

Peter Forrester (right), of Life for a Life Memorial Forests, with Yeovil Hospital Charity’s head of fundraising James Kirton.

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

BREAST CANCER UNIT APPEAL REACHES £2M GOAL BUT FUNDRAISING NEEDS TO CONTINUE

People will continue to support the fundraising campaign IT was back on March 6, 2019, when the Breast Cancer Unit Appeal at Yeovil District Hospital was launched.

The appeal got off to a perfect start – thanks to a £1m legacy left in a will – but that still left a further £1m to raise in order to reach the £2m target.

Obviously, back in March 2019, nobody had any idea that 12 months on and the country would be plunged into lockdown with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The past two years have been difficult in so many ways for so many people including all the charities who suddenly found that fundraising came to a sudden halt.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden, who has supported the campaign by including publicity about the appeal each month in

the paper, said: “It was a real privilege to have been at the launch event for the appeal back in March 2019 and I’m so pleased for everyone involved that that £2m target, which seemed quite daunting at first, has been reached in such difficult circumstances.

“I know that the fundraising has to go on because of a big increase in construction costs, but I’m sure that the people of Yeovil and beyond will continue to support this fantastic cause which will provide huge benefits for breast cancer patients in the future.”

PHOTOS: A flashback to March 2019 and the launch of Yeovil Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal. Photos by Christine Jones.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE APPEAL

ONLINE: www.justgiving.com/campaign/breastcancerappeal

New breast cancer unit will be of huge benefit to patients THE new breast cancer unit at Yeovil District Hospital will bring all of the relevant services together under one roof.

Patients can have their clinical examination, an ultrasound scan, a mammogram, a biopsy, a prosthesis fitting, an appointment with a doctor and an appointment with a specialist nurse all in one place.

There will be shorter waiting times and no need to move around the hospital and get undressed in multiple locations. It is being built next to our Women’s Hospital building.

The new facilities will include:

Dedicated counselling space for difficult conversations.

A changing room, designed specifically to ensure patient privacy and dignity are paramount.

A fitting room for bras and prostheses.

A comfortable waiting area, away from other busy outpatient areas and treatment rooms.

Art and natural light to make the atmosphere as relaxing as possible.

A mammography room, two ultrasound rooms and two treatment rooms.

A wellbeing room for support groups and wellbeing activities.

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

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

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Friendly & Helpful Service Local & Long Distance Immediate and Advanced Bookings Taken Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles 4,6,7 & 8 Seaters Available 16 Seat Minibus We charge less than the meter, so you can travel cheaper

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New defibrillator is unveiled at the Yeovil Country Park THE latest potentially life-saving public access 24-7 defibrillator machine has been unveiled at the Yeovil Country Park.

The defibrillator – which can be used on someone who is suffering a cardiac arrest – is placed on the outside wall of the ranger station adjoining the cafe and faces the car park.

The machine has been funded by the amazing team at the Nationwide Building Society branch in Yeovil who have now financed two defibrillators – the other being on the outside of their premises in Middle Street.

Manager of the Nationwide branch in Yeovil, Julie Turner, said: “I’m so proud to be a part of this and I can’t thank everyone enough – my team, family, friends, our members and the local community for their kind donations and support.”

It is all part of Yeovil Town Council’s plans to install as many defibrillators as possible across the area with another one located at the Cow and Apple restaurant opposite St John’s Church.

And the Yeovil Press understands it is hoped that news of at least two further public access 24-7 defibrillators will be announced shortly.

Members of the council’s buildings and

Recently the High Sheriff of Somerset, Thomas Sheppard, visited the Nationwide Building Society branch in Middle Street, Yeovil, to congratulate staff on all their hard work in fundraising for this important project.

The new public access 24-7 defibrillator is unveiled at Yeovil Country Park. Photo courtesy of Len Copland.

civic matters committee were told by town clerk Amanda Card that she was in talks with The Emporium in Princes Street who are hoping to fund 50 per cent of a defibrillator.

The council initially indicated that it would like to get a defibrillator somewhere in the Forest Hill, St John’s Road and Westfield areas.

Miss Card said that although there was a lot of support for the project, there were problems in finding the right people to speak with about getting permission to put defibrillators on buildings.

“We’ve been struggling to find the person who can make those decisions,” she said. “I’m not saying businesses aren’t supportive; it’s just getting hold the right people.”

London Marathon run raises funds for defibrillator at the Hub THE Hub Yeovil Community Support Charity - based on Buckland Road in the Pen Mill Trading Estate – now has its very own defibrillator.

The defib was bought with money raised by Steve Kibby, the Hub’s joint chief executive, through sponsorship raised by running the London Marathon last October.

The machine was provided through Emerald First Aid Training, also based in Yeovil, who the Hub use for its staff first aid training.

Trainees assisted in installing the defibrillator in the Hub cafe, and it is now available for anyone to use, not just those attending the Hub, but also their customers, as well as local businesses on the estate when the cafe is open.

Steve said: “The safety of our trainees is of paramount importance to us. Having this defibrillator is really great, not just for our trainees, our staff and customers, but for the local community too - it could save someone’s life.”

The Hub is a charity that provides day services for adults with learning disabilities and autism. The Hub provides many activities, the goal being to develop skills to help individuals live as independent a life as possible, and to provide pathways into volunteering, training and employment.

Above: The manager of the Yeovil branch of Nationwide Building Society, Julie Turner (centre), presents Cllr Rob Stickland, chairman of Yeovil Town Council’s buildings and civic matters committee, with a cheque for £4,884 towards the ongoing defibrillator project. Also pictured are the Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones (right), and Nationwide Building Society staff members Michelle Harriott (left) and Lucy Geldeard. Photo courtesy of Len Copland.

Top: The High Sheriff of Somerset, Thomas Sheppard, is pictured with Nationwide Building Society staff members Lucy Geldeard and Michelle Harriott while on a whistle-stop tour of Yeovil recently and he wanted to thank the branch in Middle Street for all its efforts in fundraising for public access 24-7 defibrillators.

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: • • • •

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.

It also has a wonderful cafe, a small safe play area for toddlers and a fabulous scrapstore, which is open to the public, and is where the trainees can gain valuable work experience.

PHOTO: Ash Hunt (left), of Emerald First Aid Training, delivering the defibrillator to Aviva Morris and Mark Wheeler from the Hub.

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

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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Parishioners finally get their new vicar after two-and-a-half years of waiting THERE were celebrations within the Benefice of Yeovil Holy Trinity with Barwick last month as it finally got its new vicar.

A Celebration for a New Ministry was held on January 20 at Holy Trinity Church in Yeovil as Rev Dan Crouch and his family were welcomed.

Holy Trinity Church and St Mary Magdalene Church at Barwick had been without a vicar for two-and-a-half years since Rev Gaenor Hockey moved to

Marnull.

So there were plenty of smiles as a service led by the Bishop of Taunton, Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, and the Archdeacon of Wells, The Venerable Anne Gell, officially appointed Rev Crouch as the new vicar.

But this was no ordinary service. As this was a Crown Appointment, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, was also present and read the Letters Patent signed by the Queen to authorise Rev

Crouch’s appointment.

The service was attended by many representatives of Yeovil’s churches along with local church members and Rev Crouch’s family and friends and members of his former ministry at Highbridge.

Rev Crouch was clearly delighted that the wait to be officially appointed as the new vicar for Holy Trinity and Barwick was over.

He said that when time allows and the

threat of Covid-19 had finally passed that there would be a bigger celebration and even suggested having a party - a tonguein-cheek reference to the ongoing furore around the goings-on with the Prime Minister at Downing Street.

Although it was a formal service there was plenty of joy as people welcome Rev Crouch and his wife Sarah and two young children Martha and Phoebe.

PHOTOS: Christine Jones.

Rev Dan Crouch with the Bishop of Taunton, Rt Rev Ruth Worsley (right), and the Venerable Anne Gell, Archdeacon of Wells.

The Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones (second right), is pictured with (from left) Rev Dan Crouch; the Bishop of Taunton, Rt Rev Ruth Worsley; the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw; and the Venerable Anne Gell, Archdeacon of Wells.

The service continues with Rev Dan Crouch, Rev Bruce Faulkner and the Bishop of Taunton, Rt Rev Ruth Worsley.

The service continues with Rev Dan Crouch, Rev Bruce Faulkner and the Bishop of Taunton, Rt Rev Ruth Worsley.

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We are delighted to be here and meeting new people

Rev Dan Crouch – the new vicar of the Benefice of Yeovil Holy Trinity with Barwick.

THE new vicar of Holy Trinity Church in Yeovil and St Mary Magdalene Church at Barwick, Rev Dan Crouch, is delighted to have been officially appointed.

“I am so pleased and excited to have been called by God to serve the church and community of Holy Trinity Yeovil and Barwick,” he said.

“As a family we are delighted to be finally joining the benefice and to begin building relationships, getting to know you all – and you getting to know us – and exploring how we can continue to faithfully follow the call of God together, serve our community, and seek the Kingdom of God together.”

He has been married to his wife Sarah for 11 years and they have two young daughters – Martha and Phoebe.

Prior to his selection for ordination Rev Crouch served as a youth worker at St John’s Church in Keynsham for 11 years

from 2005 to 2016.

“I have just completed by curacy serving the community of Highbridge,” he said. “It has been a time of great learning and shaping and I am grateful to all who supported, encouraged and shared in ministry during my time there.

“My training incumbent moved on in September 2019, a new vicar arrived in Highbridge in March 2021, and so I experienced curacy during an 18-month vacancy and incorporating a pandemic!”

Outside of ministry Rev Crouch enjoys watching sport, particularly football and cricket.

“I am a Manchester United fan, I enjoy reading – I love books and own more than I could read – and I have a deep love of single malt whisky which I like to enjoy with others,” he said.

Find out more about Rev Crouch – turn to our Coffee Break Chat feature on Pages 6-7.

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Bishop of Taunton, Rt Rev Ruth Worsley.

CALLING ALL CHURCHES IN THE YEOVIL AREA If you are a local vicar or church official and would like to see news about your church activities in a future edition of the Yeovil Press then please get in touch.

Send us your photos and news to yeovilpress@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you.

The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw.

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The history of HMS Hesperus - adopted by Yeovilians during the Second World War THE ship was launched on August 1, 1939, and was originally ordered for the Brazilian Navy and first named Juruena.

She was not complete by the outbreak of the Second World War and was consequently acquired by the Royal Navy and commissioned as HMS Hearty on January 15, 1940. But to avoid confusion with a sister ship, HMS Hardy, she was again renamed, this time named HMS Hesperus on February 27, 1940.

Built by Thorneycroft at Woolston, Southampton, the ship displaced 1,400 tons, had a complement of 145 officers and men, originally mounted three 4.7inch guns, one three-inch anti-aircraft gun, and four 21-inch torpedo tubes.

Later one gun was replaced by depth charge projectors.

The ship saw most of her wartime service in the North Atlantic under Cmdr

MacIntyre – known as The Bulldog of the Atlantic – who was also the Commander of the Escort Group B2 based at Gladstone Dock, Liverpool.

On convoy duty and anti-submarine sweeps she was particularly successful being credited with the sinking of five U-boats with several others damaged. In one engagement the ship rammed and sank the submarine U-357 that she had brought to the surface by depth charge attack.

One sad duty fell to the ship when it carried the body of the famous subhunter Captain F. J. Walker to be buried at sea following a heart attack.

On May 28, 1945, HMS Hesperus and his sister ship, HMS Havelock, escorted King Haakon of Norway and his Government back to their newlyliberated capital of Oslo.

The ship ended her wartime career

with the conspicuous honour of leading in a token force of eight U-boats to be officially surrendered to Admiral Sir Max Horton at Lisahally Naval Base, Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

A front-line warrior all her short life, HMS Hesperus, was spared the indignity of a lingering old age and after service with the Reserve Fleet was sold for scrapping in May 1947.

HMS Hesperus at sea.

Website Design Design and Branding Social Media Management Printing Photography and Video Marketing james@jrhmedia.co.uk 0330 133 4284 www.jrhmedia.co.uk

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HMS Hesperus arrives back at Liverpool in December 1942 after ramming and sinking a German U-boat.

Hats raised for HMS Hesperus.

A plaque presented to HMS Hesperus during Warship Week 1942 and reads: The plaque is presented to HMS Hesperus to commemorate her adoption by the inhabitants of the Borough and Rural District of Yeovil during Warship Week February 28 to March 7, 1942. Photo courtesy of the South Somerset Heritage Collection.

HMS Hesperus rammed and sank a German U-boat in January 1942 and picked-up 36 prisoners of war. Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum.

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Yeovil people funded a warship by raising what would be worth £21m in today's money!

THE destroyer HMS Hesperus was “adopted” by Yeovil and surrounding district in its National Savings “Warship Week” in February 1942 – 80 years ago - after raising the building cost of more than £425,000.

Collections were held in Yeovil factories, shops and offices and the final

sum raised exceeded the £300,000 target by a whopping £125,000 during Warship Week which ran from February 28 to March 5.

If you converted £425,000 raised in 1942 into today’s monetary value it would be approaching a mammoth £21.5-million! It is an eye-watering

statistic.

The townsfolk “adopted” HMS Hesperus and sent books, cigarettes and other comforts to the ship’s company.

A plaque carved by Raymond Bros, from local walnut, was presented to the Captain of the ship in August 1942 and, in return, the Commissioners of the Board

of Admiralty presented the Borough of Yeovil with the ship’s crest.

The ship’s ensign is in the gallery area of St John’s Church in the heart of Yeovil.

A Service of Dedication and Remembrance to honour the crew of HMS Hesperus was held in St John’s Church on October 3, 1993.

U-boat successes for HMS Hesperus

HMS Hesperus successfully destroyed five German U-boats during the Second World War from 1941-43 in the North Atlantic.

Details are as follows: December 7, 1941: Together with HMS Harvester she destroyed U-208 by depth charges.

January 15, 1942: Destroyed U-93 by ramming, depth charges and artillery fire.

December 26, 1942: Destroyed U-357 by ramming.

April 23, 1943: Destroyed U-191 by depth charges.

May 12, 1943: Destroyed U-186 by depth charges.

Rear Admiral E. N. Syfret congratulates Lieut Cdr A. A. Tail, Captain of HMS Hesperus, for the successful engagement of January 1942. Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum.

YEOVIL PRESS YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

OLD COPIES OF THE YEOVIL PRESS ARE AVAILABLE Did you miss out on seeing a certain photo or feature?

Would you like to buy a back-copy of the paper?

We have copies available dating back to the 1st edition published in July 2018.

It will cost £5 per copy to include post and packaging.

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

HMS Hesperus carried the body of the famous sub-hunter Captain F. J. Walker to be buried at sea following a heart attack in 1944. The photograph shows the service in progress conducted by Rev Coup. Captain Walker’s widow is on the left with her daughter, Leading Wren Gillian Walker. Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum.

Captain P. William-Powlett, Lieut Cdr A. A. Tait and Rear Admrial E. N. Syfret discuss the sinking of the U-boat in January 1942. Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum.

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www.yeovilpress.co.uk | Edition

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

A plaque dedicated to the crew of HMS Hesperus was unveiled at St John’s Church in October 1993. Photo: Steve Sowden.

The ship’s ensign of HMS Hesperus (centre flag) is in the gallery area of St John’s Church in Yeovil. Photo: Steve Sowden.

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

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

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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, years.” in recent John Fry He confirmed previous owners, now no longer and Norman Hayward, were 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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since I started.

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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havon.fundraising@gmail.com.

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.

THE END OF JANUARY 2020

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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YEOVIL HISTORY FILES Stories about the town's past, people and places

Woman, aged 104, enters the Yeovil Workhouse BACK in 1868 a woman named Hannah Russell – a mere 104-yearsold – entered the Yeovil Workhouse as a pauper.

It is difficult to comprehend in today’s society that a woman of that age would be forced to live in such dire circumstances.

But the use of the workhouses to accommodate the poor began with the introduction of the Poor Law Act of 1601 and witnessed a rapid growth in the 18th century.

A parliamentary report of 1777 recorded a parish workhouse in operation in Yeovil for up to 60 inmates.

The Yeovil Poor Law Union was formed in May 1836 and its operation was overseen by an elected Board of

Guardians. The Yeovil Union Workhouse – officially known as the Yeovil Union Public Assistance Institution – was built in 1837 on the north side of Preston Road.

The workhouse could accommodate 300 paupers and a hospital for 60 patients was later added.

Uniforms for men and women were usually made from fairly basic materials with the emphasis being on hard-wearing qualities rather than comfort and fit.

The workhouse later became Summerlands Hospital.

Information and photos courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www. yeovilhistory.info.

Make do and mend at the Yeovil War Workers' Club THE Young Women’s Christian Association was one of many voluntary organisations that worked relentlessly for the war effort during the Second World War. The women of the YWCA worked to construct support systems for their neighbours and refugees often with exceedingly limited resources.

It established the Yeovil War Workers’ Club which was housed in the premises of ironmongers nad builders’ merchants Neal & Williams Ltd in Vicarage Street.

The club provided a canteen and a

laundry, as well as rest and relaxation facilities for Yeovil’s war workers.

Instructional classes were run on a voluntary basis such as the Make Do and Mend class.

Make Do and Mend came about when clothes rationing was introduced during the war. The Ministry of Information published a pamphlet encouraging people to do whatever they could to extend the life of their clothes.

Information and photos courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www. yeovilhistory.info.

A group of men and women arrive at the YWCA Yeovil War Workers’ Club in 1944. The club was housed in premises in Vicarage Street occupied by ironmongers and builders’ merchants Neal & Williams Ltd.

A scene in a Make Do and Mend class at the YWCA Yeovil War Workers’ Club in Vicarage Street during 1944.

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The Yeovil Union Workhouse in Preston Road – photographed around 1890 – now better known to most people as Summerlands Hospital. Inset: Women in workhouse uniforms – not Yeovil – photographed around 1905.

Yeovil beerhouse suffers damage in earthquake!

HISTORIANS believe that the original premises of what would become the Beehive Inn in Yeovil started off as a cottage which turned into a beerhouse.

There was a short row of four cottages – called Beehive Gardens – which sat behind the pub premises in Huish and shown on an 1886 Ordnance Survey map.

The Beehive Inn was sold by auction in June 1878 and in 1881 and it is believed that it was then that the old building was replaced by the current one and a new public house licence obtained.

James Beare was the first licensee of the beerhouse by 1841 and his widow, Joanna, took over in 1851.

While it was reported in 1863 the sides of a well at the Beehive were badly damaged following the effects of an earthquake!

The Beare family was running the pub for 40 years and by 1882 it was Alfred Beare who was landlord and he was fined by the local court for serving beer outside of licensed hours on a Sunday morning.

Following on from the long-lasting occupancy of the Beare family came Rebecca Lucas who became licensee in 1891 and ran the Beehive for the next 47 years until her death in 1938 at the young age of 90.

Rebecca’s sister, Rosa Bartlett, ran the Beehive for a further 19 years until the mid-1950s – a family total of a staggering 60-plus years.

More than 180 years on from when it was first listed as a beerhouse, the Beehive is still going strong and serving the local community.

Photos and information courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www. yeovilhistory.info.

Regulars and their families prepare for a day out – around the late 1950s or early 1960s.

This photograph was taken in 1960 by Charrington & Co Ltd’s surveyors as part of a “stocktaking” exercise. At the extreme right of the photo is the end wall of the cottages known as Beehive Gardens which now forms part of the pub’s car park.

The Beehive – pictured in 2019.

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Lorna of the Vita Ray Laundry in Yeovil BACK in the 1940s there was a nationwide competition to find a Queen Lorna – a “glamour competition” organised by the Institution of British Launderers.

This competition was held at a time when “political correctness” was not necessarily in existence where beauty contests were not really frowned upon and so it was highly popular.

Laundries throughout the country were asked to select their own Lorna who would then go forward to compete for the Queen Lorna of the South West and the successful candidate would be eligible for the national final held in London.

Back in 1947 in Yeovil the Lorna selected at the Vita-Ray Laundry was 20-year-old Jean Sedgewick who was living with an aunt in Rosebery Avenue.

It is not known whether Jean went any further in the competition or if there was any overall winner from Yeovil. Anyone with information please get in touch – drop us a line at yeovilpress@gmail.com.

The Vita Ray Laundry Co Ltd was founded in April 1930 in Yeovil and the

A Vita Ray Laundry Co Ltd advertisement in the 1967 Yeovil Guide.

laundry opened later that year.

The laundry was situated on the lower slopes of Wyndham Hill adjacent to the Sherborne Road close to the junction with Lyde Road.

There is little information about the laundry although it was listed in local directories in the 1950s and 1960s although by the late 1970s it had closed.

The site is now housing.

Information and photos courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www. yeovilhistory.info.

Skeleton Army clashes with Salvation Army in Yeovil

Members of the Salvation Army being followed by the Skeleton Army with its distinctive skull and crossbones banner.

SEVERAL disturbances broke out in Yeovil in the late 19th century as protestors – known as the Skeleton Army – opposed and disrupted The Salvation Army’s marches against alcohol.

Clashes between the Skeleton Army diffuse group and Salvation Army led to the deaths – albeit not in Yeovil where blood was shed more than once – of several Salvationists and injuries to many others in other parts of the country.

The Skeletons recognised each other by various insignia used to distinguish themselves and they carried banners

with skulls and crossbones, coffins and a statement like Blood and Thunder.

The Yeovil Corps of the Salvation Army was founded in 1882, but there was much unrest in the town and serious and frequent riots erupted in the streets where a mob of hundreds – branded the Skeleton Army – used stones and rotten eggs as ammunition against the Salvation Army and serious scuffles broke out on several occasions.

Information courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www. yeovilhistory.info.

Gloving Donkey made huge difference to gloving industry in Yeovil

The front elevation of the former Vita Ray Laundry seen from Sherborne Road and photographed in 1983.

Photo taken in 2015 from Lyde Road looking across to Sherborne Road where housing occupies what was once the Vita Ray laundry site.

Did you claim £5 prize in Yeovil Town FC draw fiasco?

THERE were red faces at Yeovil Town Football Club in January 1974 when a potentially money-spinning fundraising weekly draw had expensive consequences.

Supporters were delighted when they took part in the club draw and scooped a £5 winning prize.

But the club was less than happy when it discovered that all the tickets which had been sold had the same number – the winning number!

As the press reported at the time – the printers were forced to foot the bill of about £1,000.

Were you one of the “lucky” winners?

Drop us a line at yeovilpress@gmail.com

Newspaper cutting reporting the embarrassing ticket shambles.

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THE Gloving Donkey - an item of equipment that revolutionised the gloving industry in Yeovil and surrounding area - was invented in 1807 by Stoke-sub-Hamdon man James Winter.

It is not known if James made any money out of his invention as records for him are somewhat scarce, however in the 1841 census 75-year old James was recorded as living on ‘independent means’ with his wife and two servants at Stoke-sub-Hamdon.

His invention consisted of a clamp mounted on a wooden pedestal. The clamp was spring-mounted and operated by a foot pedal. Along the edge of both sides of the clamp were strips of brass with evenly spaced teeth which held in the glove firmly but enabled the glove sewer to produce accurate stitching by using the brass teeth as a guide for the needle.

At this time, of course, all gloves were stitched by hand and the even and accurate stitching the device enabled was an important step in glove manufacturing.

During the 19th century all the glove manufacturers employed outworkers, invariably women and girls who worked at home sewing gloves. The Gloving Donkey enabled more accurate and speedy glove production, even enabling

girls as young as eight years of age to produce work of an acceptable standard.

The Gloving Donkey was in constant use until the gradual introduction of the sewing machine in the 1880s.

Gloving was the major industry for Yeovil during the 1800s and in 1840 itself there were 36 glove manufacturers in the town.

Information and photo courtesy of the A to Z of Yeovil History website at www. yeovilhistory.info.

James Winter’s invention, the Gloving Donkey, seen in use in this photograph, enabled the accurate stitching of gloves and ensured a higher quality of finished product.

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27

Every little helps really does Pick-up a copy of the Yeovil ring true for School in a Bag Press from No5 Cafe Diner STAFF and customers at Tesco Extra in Yeovil have been thanked by the School in a Bag charity for their fantastic support.

The Yeovil Press reported last month that the charity – which provides schoolbags packed with useful equipments to disadvantaged children across the globe – held a bucket collection in the store during the run-up to Christmas instead of its usual Big Bag Pack because of Covid-19 safety.

But when we went to press last month – it was not known how much was actually raised.

So it was fantastic to hear that the collection had topped the £2,000 barrier for the charity.

Luke Simon, chief executive of School in a Bag, said that the actual collection was £1,442.94.

“A huge thank you to all the staff and customers of the store who put up with us from 6am until 5pm on their busiest

day and, of course, all those who donated to our cause,” he said.

“We, also, of course, had the addition of a £577.10 donation from the store staff presented to us whilst we were there, so the day brought in over £2,000!”

And Luke added: “The Tesco saying ‘every little helps’ really does ring true and the team at our local store in Yeovil has once again been an amazing asset to School in a Bag with its help and fundraising.”

The Tesco Extra store in Yeovil is one of the Yeovil Press’ biggest distribution outlets each month.

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COPIES of the Yeovil Press newspaper are available for people to be pickedup each month from the No5 Cafe Diner in Yeovil.

The No5 Cafe Diner – run by husband and wife team Charlie and Carol Drake – can be found on the Lynx Trading Estate on Gazelle Road off the main Lysander Road.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden said:

“I would like to thank Charlie and Carol for their fantastic support ever since I started the paper in 2018.

“Not only have they advertised throughout, they have also been a muchappreciated distribution outlet for the paper.

“And the great thing is that people can pop into No5 to pick-up a paper and have a coffee at the same time!”

Sheila really did have a jam-packed birthday!

THE Morrisons store in Yeovil was only too delighted to help somebody fulfil a secret ambition – putting the jam inside a doughnut.

Sheila Slade had always kept quiet about her desire to put the jam in a doughnut, but when her daughter Karen discovered the secret she knew exactly who to contact.

Karen got in touch with Liz Templar, the community champion at the Morrisons store in Lysander Road, to see if there was anything they could do make Sheila’s wish come true.

Sheila was in for a bit of a shock when she popped into Morrisons to do a bit of shopping - on her 75th birthday - and was met by baker Paul Williams who invited her into the bakery where a tray of doughnuts was waiting for her.

Sheila not only learned how to put the jam into the doughnut, she also sugared them, bagged and labelled them. Her visit ended with the presentation of a Certificate of Achievement, a bunch of flowers and of course - a pack of jam

doughnuts!

“I’ve had a wonderful morning thank you very much,” said Sheila. “I really won’t forget this birthday - I only popped out to do a bit of shopping.”

Morrisons is one of the Yeovil Press’ top outlets for the distribution of the paper each month.

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

Huish Park delighted to welcome a very special visitor YEOVIL Town FC commercial manager Mark Robinson was truly lost for words when he was delighted to meet 100-year-old Ken Farrant at Huish Park.

Mr Farrant and his family had been invited to watch Yeovil’s National League game with Wrexham on January 22 as guests of club sponsors Jurassic Fibre.

“It was such an incredible experience to talk to such a humble gentleman who has lived an incredible life over such a period of time,” said Mr Robinson on social media. “He shared some great stories.

“It’s moments like this that make me proud to be able to have such a positive effects on people’s days and show supporters and guests, of all ages,

gratitude for their support.

“Every day is an opportunity to make a difference to someone else’s day.”

During the day Mr Farrant was presented with a framed signed shirt by Yeovil Town captain Luke Wilkinson.

The skipper said: “It was a pleasure to meet and present Ken with a signed shirt.

Hopefully see him at a game soon.”

Copies of the Yeovil Press community newspaper are available each month from the club shop at Yeovil Town’s Huish Park stadium.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden said: “I’d like to thank Mark Robinson for allowing us to leave copies of the paper at Huish Park. Up the Glovers!”

Yeovil Town captain Luke Wilkinson (centre) with Ken Farrant and family.

Yeovil Town’s commercial manager Mark Robinson with the signed framed shirt with Ken Farrant. Inset: Yeovil Town FC put out a message on Twitter about the special visitor to Huish Park.

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

MAIN OUTLETS:

Tesco Extra store in Yeovil | Morrisons store in Yeovil Aldi store in Sherborne Road, Yeovil Palmers Garden Centre in Yeovil | Yeovil Library Iceland store in the Quedam Shopping Centre Westlands Yeovil Entertainment Venue Mole Valley Farmers in Yeovil Premier Newsagents, Preston Road, Yeovil

THESE cheeky young ladies decided to have a bit of a photocall when they came across some copies of the Yeovil Press while on a night out at the Yeovil Sports and Social Club at Johnson Park.

Many thanks to Darren Santiago for sending the Yeovil Press this photo – although we have seen other pictures on social media!

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden said: “We are delighted that the Yeovil Sports and Social Club is an outlet for copies of the Yeovil Press each month and we’d like to thank them for their support – as well as our unexpected models!”

THE Yeovil Press is delighted to announce that copies of the paper will now be available each month from the Premier Newsagents and Store on the corner of Preston Road and Christopher Close in Yeovil.

Editor Steve Sowden said: “Many thanks to Prakesh at the store for agreeing to take copies of the Yeovil

YEOVIL PRESS OTHER OUTLETS:

Press.

“I’d like to take this opportunity of thanking all the outlets for their support.”

If any other store would like to have copies of the Yeovil Press each month – please get in touch by emailing us at yeovilpress@gmail.com.

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

The Tesco Express stores in Cavalier Way and on Abbey Manor, Yeovil; the Co-op Garage on Sherborne Road, Yeovil, the Co-op Food store (formerly the Green Dragon pub) in St Michael's Avenue, Yeovil, the Spar Post Office community store on West Coker Road, Yeovil; No5 Cafe Diner on the Lynx Trading Estate in Yeovil; Yeovil Town Football Club; Yeovil Rugby Club; the Octagon Theatre; the Co-op store on Stiby Road, Yeovil; Yeovil Sports and Social Club at Johnson Park, 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 Post Office and West Coker Garage in West Coker.

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29

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.

sessions.

The group will be staging an exhibition at Ilminster Arts Centre between March 29 to April 15. Further information on the group can be obtained from its website at www.yeovilartgroup.com.

THE New Yeovil Carnival group will be holding another meeting later this month for people to show their support about plans to get the magic of Carnival back into the town.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 23, at 7pm at the 94 Club in Middle Street, Yeovil, possibly better known as the old Liberal Club.

A spokesman for the group, Donna Lalla, said they had been buoyed by the support and messages of encouragement they had received from people.

“We’re already inspired and motivated and the lovely words of encouragement help to fuel that,” said Donna.

“If we are going to make this happen then we need to show people that we mean business – show that the Yeovil Carnival has been gone for too long and we’re going to do all we can to bring it back.”

It was back in 2005 when the last illuminated Carnival parade was held in Yeovil, but the organising committee disbanded following a reduction in support, rising costs and increasing red tape.

Previous attempts to get Carnival returned to the town have come and gone, but now Donna is hoping to get the tradition back on the road.

More details can be found on social media Facebook – look for the New Yeovil Carnival page.

A MULTI-MILLION-POUND programme to renew traffic signals at junctions and pedestrian crossings across Somerset reaches Yeovil this month.

Somerset County Council is investing £11.6m replacing traffic signals which have reached the end of their working life and must be replaced with safer, more ecofriendly units. The alternative is that the equipment fails, causing significant and lengthier disruption.

The council’s contractor Centregreat starts work in Yeovil during the week starting February 14 and will cover three crossings and three key junctions.

The junction signal refurbishments on Lysander Road are at West Hendford, Pine Tree Avenue and Forest Hill.

The crossings are: Lyde Road – adjacent to Herblay Close; Sherborne Road - adjacent to St Michael’s Avenue; Ilchester Road – opposite Yeovil College.

As well as being more eco-friendly the signals should improve traffic flow and will provide safer, better access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Whilst work is ongoing temporary signals will be operating at the junctions and crossings. Existing pedestrian and cycling routes will be maintained throughout.

The council’s highways and transport spokesman, Cllr John Woodman, said: “We’re pleased that this major programme has now reached Yeovil, which demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future of the county’s road network and infrastructure.

“We know these are busy routes and this will cause disruption, which is why we are breaking the schedule into manageable sections, making sure we get underway at what is a quieter time of year, while many people are still working from home.

“Our team is working closely with local businesses and the community to ensure they have all the information they need, and disruption is kept to a minimum.

“It’s vital we get on with this work and replace the signals – doing nothing just isn’t an option.

“At the same time, we’re making life easier at these junctions and crossings for cyclists and pedestrians on their way to school or work every day.”

THERE are just a few days left for people to view Yeovil Art Group’s latest exhibition on display at the Octagon Theatre in the town.

The gallery at the Octagon Theatre is currently hosting a New Year Exhibition of paintings and drawings by talented local amateur artists.

With some 45 framed works of art displayed in the theatre’s café and bar and other unframed works available for sale, the exhibition has formed a stunning additional attraction for theatre-goers.

The exhibition closes on February 15, but is open each weekday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm and every performance evening. Admission is free.

The Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, went along to the preview and reception of the exhibition on January 6. She made a brief tour of the paintings with exhibition organiser Elizabeth Webster.

Two paintings were bought at the preview.

Artist Lynne Harvey sold a stunning graphite drawing of Goodacre Lake to a buyer from Spain, while an attractive oil painting entitled Field of Dreams by Wendy Winzar was also snapped up, and two other paintings are under consideration.

The Yeovil Art Group can count a wide mixture of ages and genders and all levels of skills amongst its membership. The group meets once a week for popular and relaxed general art

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YEOVIL Town Council has awarded a grant of £1,500 to the Yeovil Shopmobility group to help in its ongoing costs.

The Yeovil Shop Mobility group is a small local charity which exists to promote the welfare and independence of people with disabilities and those whose mobility is impaired.

It provides a hire service of powered scooters, chairs and manual wheelchairs for

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both short-term and long-term hire.

The council’s decision to award the grant application came during the policy, resources and finance committee meeting held on January 25.

Some councillors were concerned about giving the grant as Yeovil Shop Mobility was a business.

But Cllr Terry Ledlie said: “It would be a shame to see something like this disappear – we wouldn’t want to be seen to be discriminating against disabled people.”

The Mayor, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, said: “I’m in support of helping them. They are still here and helping the community and bringing people into the town.”

The last time Yeovil Town Council awarded Yeovil Shop Mobility with funding was eight years ago back in 2014.

Cllr Graham Oakes said: “Our shops are struggling and it’s been the most difficult time they have had in their lifetime.

“Our purpose as a town council is to represent the people of Yeovil and try to make people’s lives better and we want to work with businesses to try and achieve that.

“I think it is appropriate to give Yeovil Shop Mobility a one-off grant. Disabled people are welcome in our town and we support them.”

SOMERSET County Council’s highways team has been carrying out vital repairs to Coombe Street Lane in Yeovil.

The major resurfacing and drainage works scheme started on January 24 and is due to be completed on February 25.

The road had initially been closed, but has reopened for a few days with work ahead of schedule, although it will be closed against from February 14-25 for resurfacing.

The council’s transport spokesman, Cllr John Woodman, said: “There is never a convenient time for schemes like these, we know this is a busy route, but these are priority repair works which will involve drainage improvements and complete resurfacing which will make a real difference for road users.

“Our team has done its best to schedule the work as soon as possible, with the final week falling within half term during a quieter period, and they will be doing everything they can to minimise disruption for residents and road users throughout.”

There has been serious traffic congestion at peak periods when the road has been closed.

THE licensee of the Bell Inn at Ash, Caroline Halfhide, has been recognised for her outstanding work within her local community.

Caroline has been licensee of The Bell Inn in Ash for 14 years and has not only been running the busy local pub, but extending her work to support residents within the Martock area.

Her previous work during the Covid-19 pandemic saw her turn the pub into a local village shop, where every order was delivered directly to residents.

This not only offered a local food essential service, but offered risk-free shopping at a time when individuals were terrified to leave

their homes.

She is a treasurer and PCC member of the village’s Holy Trinity Church, treasurer and trustee for Ash Village Hall and more recently has been elected to Ash Parish Council.

Caroline has also undertaken various tasks such as writing the village newsletter and organising annual cricket events.

For her outstanding efforts, Caroline also received an MBE last year for Services to the Communityin Martock during the response to Covid-19 and has now been recognised by Somerset County Council.

She has received The Chairman’s Award for Service to the Community 2021 which recognises her continual work towards supporting and brining the people of Martock and the surrounding area together as well as the different positions she holds.

Caroline said: “The community of Ash is a big part of my life whether it be working at the pub with my amazing team or with the lovely team at the village hall. I thoroughly enjoy all areas of work I do, and it is great to serve the others in more than one way.

My work within the community allows me to try and make a difference as well as provide support for anyone who needs it.

“I feel very humbled to have received an MBE and now the Chair’s Award from Somerset Council for my work supporting others. Never did I think I would receive either of these awards, but I am very proud.”

THERE are concerns that somebody is going to be seriously injured in Middle Street by people zooming down the main pedestrianised area of Yeovil town centre.

Cllr Peter Gubbins, of Yeovil Town Council, spoke of his concerns at the council’s full meeting on February 2 where Sgt Dan Crawford, of Avon and Somerset Police, was in attendance.

He asked how often Middle Street was patrolled by police officers and said that “more and more cyclists were riding down through Middle Street along with scooters and skateboarders.”

“It is being patrolled daily although I can’t give specific times because of shift patterns,” said Sgt Crawford in response.

It was said during the meeting that the Zwings company – which is in charge of the electric scooters which can be hired at various locations around Yeovil – can stop hirers using their machines in no-go areas such as Middle Street.

But that was not the case for scooters which are bought privately in shops.

Sgt Crawford said that scooters were a “massive problem” for the police and that he would “have a word with Zwings.”

“We have seized quite a few scooters,” he told councillors. “The first thing we try to do with people is educate them about using them safely, but we do have the power to seize the scooters.

They are a danger to the public.”

A POLICE spokesman has said that the best way to catch motorists who flout a town centre traffic ban in Yeovil is to install a crimebusting camera.

The short piece of road from Hendford

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up past the former Beales building linking with Westminster Street and High Street is restricted to only buses and taxis.

But Cllr Kaysar Hussain told members of Yeovil Town Council on February 2 that everyone was using it and it was becoming dangerous for pedestrians.

“It’s happening all day – it’s dangerous,” said Cllr Hussain.

Sgt Dan Crawford, of Yeovil Police, said: “It’s unrealistic for me to put officers there all the time to monitor the situation.”

He suggested the best thing would be to have an ANPR – automatic number plate recognition – camera placed there to catch offenders in the act.

YEOVIL Town Council has awarded a grant of £5,080 to the Citizens Advice South Somerset group to help in the increase of clients coming forward wanting help following the Covid-19 pandemic and price hikes in energy and food bills.

The Citizens Advice is an independent advice charity providing free, confidential and impartial information, support and advice for anyone who needs it.

SOUTH Somerset District Council is leading an exciting project to create three totally individual Skate parks in Yeovil.

In collaboration with Maverick Designs and with the invaluable support of Yeovil Town Council, Brympton Parish Council and Yeovil Without Parish Council alongside other stakeholders, the district authority is leading the reimagining of three Skate parks in Yeovil.

Yew Tree, Milford and Oak Tree skate parks in Yeovil are around 20 years old and currently require extensive care and attention from SSDC staff to keep them maintained to a safe and usable level, predominately due to their metal structure and the upkeep that requires.

The proposed new style follows the lead of Maverick Designs’ other revolutionary Skate park projects, available to explore on their website at www.maverickskateparks. co.uk/map and will be constructed using cement. This means that not only will the parks provide a smoother skating experience and be more appealing aesthetically, they will also be considerably easier to maintain, saving council time and resources.

The most exciting part of this project is that Maverick Designs are asking for feedback through three questionnaires, each specific to the three proposed Skate park redevelopments. This means that residents can submit their feedback on any or all of the designs and potentially have direct influence on the overall outcome of the Skate parks which will become a part of their communities.

The questionnaires are live on Maverick Designs’ website at www.maverickskateparks. co.uk/yeovil and will close on February 17.

POLICE have said people were getting fed-up of being asked for money by beggars while visiting Yeovil town centre.

Sgt Dan Crawford told Yeovil Town Council on February 2 that begging in the town centre was a real problem.

“It doesn’t make Yeovil look a very nice place to visit – especially if you get asked for money three or four times by beggars,” he said.

“I know businesses aren’t happy about the situation either and people do feel unsafe.”

DOORWAYS of empty shops at the bottom end of Yeovil town centre are becoming popular meeting places for groups of people to drink

and take drugs.

Sgt Dan Crawford told Yeovil Town Council on February 2 that the area outside the old Poundland store in Lower Middle Street was an ideal place for people to congregate, while the open air entertainment area was also used.

He told councillors that police had moved people on with a legal dispersal order, but said that officers “can’t be there all the time.”

Cllr Peter Gubbins said: “The policeman’s job is impossible.”

Sgt Crawford said that good working CCTV was “vital” in detecting crime and making successful prosecutions.

THERE are growing fears that children are treating town centre shops in Yeovil like a playground.

Sgt Dan Crawford, of Yeovil Police, told members of Yeovil Town Council on February 2 that he was concerned about the amount of children causing problems in the town centre.

“Children are our main concern,” he said.

Sgt Crawford said that “adults have made poor choices” and stressed that they needed to educate young people before things got out of hand.

He said they found groups of children running around the Poundland and Marks & Spencer stores in Middle Street and “treating it like a playground.”

Sgt Crawford said there were problems with youths in other areas of the town.

WORK on improving Westminster Street in the town centre as part of the Yeovil Refresh project has come to a halt after contractors Midas Construction called in administrators.

It was reported at the end of last month that the Exeter-based Midas Group - including its construction arm Midas Construction - announced its intention to appoint administrators after posting a £2m loss in 2021, its first loss in 40 years of trading.

Midas held the contract for upgrading Westminster Street as part of the Yeovil Refresh programme of town centre improvements.

A spokesman for South Somerset District Council said: “We are aware of the reports and we will be pro-actively working with Midas to prioritise site and related public safety in Westminster Street.

“Work has currently ceased on site, so we will update local businesses and residents when we have more information on when work will recommence.

“We will then be taking all practicable steps to ensure that vital work to regenerate Yeovil town centre public realm can continue, and we will ensure we communicate the actions we are taking to businesses, residents and other key stakeholders as soon as possible.”

Initially it had been suggested that work had stopped in Westminster Street while awaiting materials from China.

A SENIOR officer at South Somerset District Council was dismissed following allegations that she used council staff to build glamping pods, lay turf and remove a dead pig from her Dorset vineyard.

Clare Pestell joined South Somerset District Council in 2012, eventually becoming its director of commercial and income generation and at one point was in line to become the new interim chief executive.

Following a letter from a whistleblower in April 2021, an independent investigation was conducted into numerous claims that council money and resources had been misused by Ms Pestell.

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Ms Pestell, who vehemently denied the allegations, was summarily dismissed in October after the Appointments Committee of the council met to discuss the findings of independent external investigator Richard Penn.

Ms Pestell, who had already resigned and was serving out her notice, appealed the decision but the decision was upheld by the council’s appeals committee. She left the council in October.

In his confidential report that has been seen by the Somerset Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Penn ruled: “My conclusion is that, taken as a whole, the cumulative conduct of the director amounts to gross misconduct.

“I conclude that there is evidence that Ms Pestell has abused her position as a council director and has failed to ensure that the correct information was documented and declared.

“Miss Pestell has also disregarded government guidance and paid council employees who were in receipt of furlough payments as part of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for work which could be seen as enabling benefit fraud and a reputational risk to the council and the spirit of the scheme to preserve employment.

“Miss Pestell has been negligent to the council in that she failed to take the appropriate steps to ensure that employees were not working for her and using council resources at the same time as being paid by the council, thereby resulting in a loss to the council.”

The council released an initial statement on December 14. Elected members were informed a few days later.

It said: “This was a complex and difficult investigation. We thank all those involved for their diligence, and also express our thanks to all colleagues who have participated in the process.

“This has been kept confidential to date to ensure that the appropriate evidence was gathered and any disciplinary proceedings resulting from the investigations were fair and legal.

“It was always the council’s intention to inform elected members, staff and the public appropriately at the right time. It would not have been appropriate to comment on this matter publicly during the investigation to respect all of those concerned.”

The council did not respond to suggestions that information surrounding Ms Pestell’s conduct had been kept from the appointments committee when it met to appoint her in early May. The spokesman added: “We have a proud reputation for going above and beyond to support our communities, and it is vital that we follow our code of conduct in all the work we do, which sets standards of behaviour and conduct that we expect from all of its employees.

“The investigation has also highlighted a number of actions that we need to undertake to ensure lessons are learned. This will include but will not be limited to reviewing our training offering and the implementation of our financial policies, and these will be implemented as a matter of urgency.

“Please be reassured, as this has demonstrated, we take all allegations of misconduct and gross misconduct very seriously, so that we protect our residents, partners and our staff.”

IT could soon get a lot easier to walk and cycle around Yeovil under new council proposals.

Somerset County Council has published its new local walking and cycling infrastructure plan for Yeovil following extensive consultation with cycling groups and other local authorities.

The plan involves the creation of new, safe walking and cycling routes, as well as the enhancement of the existing network, to encourage people to travel around the town more sustainably.

The improvements will gradually be phased in over the next ten years as funding becomes available from central government, housing developers and other sources.

Currently, less than one in four (24 per cent) commuting trips are undertaken by walking or cycling – compared to nearly twothirds (66 per cent) of journeys involving cars or vans.

In addition, 64 per cent of journeys under five kilometres were made by car or van, according to data from the 2011 census.

To address this, the plan includes a number of new routes and enhancements which can be delivered within the next ten years.

The improvements identified for Yeovil are designed to work in harmony with the Yeovil Refresh regeneration programme being pursued by South Somerset District Council, as well as connecting major development sites to the town centre.

The following stretches have also been identified for short-term improvement, with funding already being partly or fully in place: Way-finding around the town centre (funded by the district council).

Improvements to the Middle Street public realm (funded through the future high streets fund).

Cycling infrastructure within the Lufton Key Site (secured from housing developers).

An east-west cycle route within the Brimsmore Key Site (secured from housing developers).

Upgrades to Hendford, South Street and Stars Lane (part-funded by the district council).

Improvements between Middle Street and South Western Terrace (part-funded by the district council).

Improvements to High Street, The Borough and Westminster Street public realm (funded through the district council and the future high streets fund).

Improvements to eastern Middle Street and Wyndham Street public realm (funded through the district council, the future high streets fund and housing developers).

Other projects which have been identified for improvement for the longer term include: Cycle links through the former cattle market site on Reckleford (to be funded by housing developers).

Completion of the Lyde Road cycleway (to be funded by housing developers and the government’s active travel fund).

Enhancing cycling links through Yeovil Country Park (to be funded by the district council).

Filling in town centre ‘missing links’ (no funding currently committed).

Cycle links from the Keyford urban extension (to be funded by housing developers).

New crossing on Lyde Road near the Upper Mudford urban extension (to be funded by housing developers).

Upgrades to Lysander Road, linking Watercombe Lane to Yeovil Pen Mill railway station via existing paths (no funding currently committed).

Upgrades to Bluebell Way cycle links (no funding currently committed).

In the longer-term, the county council hopes new cycle corridors will be delivered – one leading from the Upper Mudford urban extension to the A30 Reckleford via Buckler’s Mead Academy which will cost between £900,000 and £3.2m, and one from the Brimsmore Key Site to Yeovil Hospital via the A37 Ilchester Road budgeted at between £3.3m and £6.9m.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Students enjoy dissection New blazers get the thumbs-up from prefects in science lessons STANCHESTER Academy students at Stoke-sub-Hamdon took part in dissection lessons in science and they certainly were not for the squeamish.

Year Ten scientists were exploring the kidney. The students worked in groups and were given an animal kidney to work with which ranged in size from an ox to lamb. They then used their knowledge and skill to make the incision to see what lay beneath.

Year Nine students have been learning about the circulatory system in biology.

They were given sheep’s hearts to dissect so they could identify the structure of the heart. They learnt the parts and functions of this vital organ.

PREFECTS at Buckler’s Mead Academy in Yeovil are pictured having been the first set of students to wear the school’s new official blazer.

The students gave the new uniform a

seal of approval by saying “they feel very comfortable” and “they are easy to wear” and “I like the colour.”

A Buckler’s Mead spokesman said: “We think they look very smart.”

THE children at Milford Infants’ School in Yeovil have been finding out about Chinese New Year.

In reception the children worked together to design and create a large Chinese New Year dragon. At the end of the week, they paraded their dragons in the school grounds.

The children also went to Forest School and used natural materials to copy Chinese numerals. The feception children made small dragons independently and created some dances linked to Chinese New Year.

The children in Year One looked at the Zodiac story and found out that this New Year is named after the tiger. The children explored drawing and making a collage of a tiger face and created a drum beat to go with dragon dances.

In Year Two, the children located China on a map and found out about Chinese New Year traditions.

They made a zig-zag book to present the traditions and displayed this as a dragon.

The children were all very enthusiastic

about the art and creative learning.

PHOTO: Some of the children at Milford Infants’ School who enjoyed learning about the Chinese New Year.

Learning about the Chinese New Year at Milford Infants

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Students listen to Poet Laureates at Poetry Live event YEAR Ten students at Stanchester Academy in Stoke-sub-Hamdon recently attended a Poetry Live event in Bath.

They enjoyed readings by John Agard, Daljit Nagra, Imtiaz Dharker, former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and current Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, and also benefitted from an insightful talk by a chief examiner from education charity AQA on how to be successful in the unseen poetry element of the English Literature GCSE.

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

DRAMA students at Stanchester Academy in Stoke-sub-Hamdon enjoyed a trip to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton to see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.

Preston teams up with other schools in partnership support

Westfield pride at former student's Royal Navy training success STAFF at Westfield Academy in Yeovil were thrilled to hear that former student Will McCutcheon had successfully passed out from HMS Raleigh in Torpoint to complete his ten-week initial training with the Royal Navy.

This training encompassed basic skills such as self discipline, teamwork and overcoming problems. Part of the teamwork element was spent learning how to operate as a team tackling floods and fires at sea, as well as passing a first aid course.

A progressive fitness regime tested his abilities to climb high ropes and complete the assault and obstacle courses whilst practicalities and individual development such as washing, ironing and maintaining kit were also taught. Many hours were also spent on the parade square instilling a strong sense of military discipline, integrity and personal pride.

Will now moves on to HMS Sultan in Gosport, Hampshire, for his professional training as an Accelerated Apprentice (Marine Engineering), which will last for 97 weeks and will include academic studies and workshop practical exercises

as well as 21 weeks on the job training onboard a warship.

A Westfield spokesman said: “We are all very proud of Will in his achievements since leaving Westfield Academy. We’d like to congratulate him on passing out and we look forward to hearing of his future endeavours within the Royal Navy.”

YEOVIL PRESS

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PRESTON School in Yeovil is the latest school to announce that it has joined the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership Multi Academy Trust.

Approved by the Secretary of State for Education, this conversion will allow the school to continue to have control over its day-to-day operations within the support network offered by the MNSP MAT. The partnership now includes ten secondary schools, 17 primary schools and Critchill All Through School; these schools are all located across BANES, Somerset and North Somerset Local Authorities.

Gregg Morrison, headteacher of Preston School, said: “We are delighted to join this highly successful multi academy trust and we are very much looking forward to working more closely with our partner secondary schools across the trust to ensure that all students have access to high quality education.

“Joining the trust will enable our staff

to work closely with colleagues in other schools to share and further develop good practice.

“This will undoubtedly benefit not only our students here at Preston, but all students in the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership.”

Executive headteacher Alun Williams, who is also chief executive of the Multi Academy Trust, said: “I am extremely pleased Preston School has decided to join the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership.

“I really look forward to working with the staff and children at the school, as do all those colleagues and children who are already part of the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership.”

PHOTO: Preston School students are pictured with headteacher Gregg Morrison (left) and executive headteacher Alan Williams of the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership Multi Academy Trust.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR SCHOOL AND COLLEGE NEWS PUBLISHED IN THE YEOVIL PRESS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER EACH MONTH? Pupil/Student News - Sport News Academic News - Club News Fun News - Dramatic News Success News - Good News Send us your photos and reports to yeovilpress@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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SCHOOL REUNION

Bringing school memories back to life WELCOME to the latest instalment of our fun feature entitled School Reunion – looking back at old school photos which should help spark memories galore for readers.

But we need YOUR help in making the School Reunion a real success as we would love you to send us your school photos.

They can be official class photos like these here or general pictures of pupils enjoying school trips or sports days, summer fetes or school productions.

Anything that you think would be

perfect for the School Reunion feature – we would love to receive.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden said: “They say that the school days are the best days of our lives. That statement might not be completely true for everybody, but I certainly had some great days at school and made some great lifelong friends.

“It would be great to share your memories here in this new School Reunion feature.”

Please send us your photos by email to yeovilpress@gmail.com and if possible include the names of those in the pictures.

YEOVIL College played host to a group of Year Nine girls from local secondary schools in 2002 to take part in activities involving computer aided design and computer control.

The Engineering Council, The Engineering Employers’ Federation

and EMTA – the National Training Organisation for Marine Manufacture – run the Women Into Science and Engineering (WISE) campaign to promote engineering as a career among girls and women.

Do you recognise anyone in this photo?

TWO students at Westfield Community School in Yeovil were sent special letters of congratulations in 2004 for their excellent performances in that year’s vocational GCSE computer technology exams.

Hayley Jones and Anna Rae both took the exams, the equivalent of two full GCSEs, while studying in Year Ten.

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Despite taking the exams a year early, they were among the top ten highest scoring candidates in the country out of a total of 20,122 entries.

Hayley and Anna are pictured being presented with their special congratulations from the exam board by Westfield’s then acting headteacher Kris Gibson.

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SPECIALIST education caterer Scolarest gave students at Buckler’s Mead School in Yeovil the chance to drive their parents hopping mad in 2002 after giving away two pogo sticks in a prize draw to launch its newlyrefurbished kitchen and serving area at the school.

Students Jodie Roberts, 11, and Patrick Neal, 13, were jumping for joy after winning the pogo sticks and fellow student Laura Case, 13, brought a smile to her mum’s face after scooping a Mother’s Day bouquet.

Pictured (from left) are lucky winners Patrick, Laura and Jodie celebrating their success with Scolarest unit manager Sue Burrows.

REPRESENTATIVES from all year groups at Stanchester Community School in Stoke-sub-Hamdon gathered at a special upper school assembly in 2002 to bid a fond farewell to deputy head Judy Watson.

Ms Watson had been a well-respected member of the senior management team since joining the school.

But she felt that the increasing pressures of the job and failing health were having a detrimental effect on her family life as

well as her own performance at work.

Head girl Olivia Haines and head boy Jack Singleton presented Ms Watson with a card and a garden bench – paid for by contributions from the students of the school.

Ms Watson is pictured with (from left) Emily Buckle, Jack Singleton, Olivia Haines, Daniel Scott-Davies, Jessica Griffin and Alex Underwood and (seated) Abigail Matthews.

TALENTED students at Buckler’s Mead Academy in Yeovil designed outstanding new piano stool covers in the summer of 2016.

The music room received repaired and improved piano stools with the help of Sue Mead’s Year Ten GCSE design and technology textiles class.

As part of their preparation for their practical assessment in Year 11 the students each took responsibility for designing and creating a unique piano stool cover.

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THE GREATEST PANTO OF THEM ALL - CINDERELLA YEOVIL AMATEUR PANTOMIME SOCIETY FOUR-PAGE SOUVENIR PULL-OUT OCTAGON THEATRE - JANUARY 28-29, 2022

PANTO SOCIETY HAS A BALL WITH CINDERELLA!

YEOVIL Amateur Pantomime Society made a triumphant return to the Octagon Theatre last month with its panto production of Cinderella.

The past two years have not been easy for anybody with the country on a state of lockdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic and it has been particularly difficult for local theatre groups.

But YAPS – as the group is popularly known – has overcome the hurdles put in its way and managed to stage a fabulous show which was enjoyed by audiences on January 28-29 at the Octagon. Here is a four-page souvenir pull-out from the show.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Len Copland.

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GARADOR – THE GARAGE DOOR PEOPLE BUNFORD LANE, YEOVIL, SOMERSET BA20 2GL 01935-443700 – ENQUIRIES@GARADOR.CO.UK – WWW.GARADOR.CO.UK For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

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YEOVIL AMATEUR PANTOMIME SOCIETY - CINDERELLA OCTAGON THEATRE - JANUARY 28-29, 2022 THE Cinderella Cast List – Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society: Main Characters: Fairy Godmother, Zoe Cunningham; Cinderella, Bethany Rose Millward; Buttons, Matt Summer; Prince Charming, Jessica Surrey; Dandini, Rosie Pritchard; Tess, Stevie P; Claudia, Rich Walters; Baroness Hard Up, Chloe White; Baron Hard Up, Sean Henbury.

Junior Ensemble: Finley Lampett; Sophie Read; Thomas Carey; Lilly Parks; Sofia Johnstone; Marley Ball; Caitlyn Graham-Gould; Katie Hackett; Keira Boyd; Latasha Baker; Amber Gosney; Megan Morris; Benjamin Read; Chloe Henderson; Holly Curtis; Lily Fry; Reuben Collett; Yasmin Brice; Charlotte Eastmead-Hoare.

Adult Ensemble: Micheline Carpenter; Helen Sutton; Sue Bisset; Rob Osborn; Ali Mackey; Amanda Lowder; Matthew Brooks; Harrison Waterhouse; Elizabeth Price; Brian Short.

Senior Dancers: Jasmine Osborne; Tia

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Rendell; Paige Jarman; Summer Snell; Sharon Read; Ashleigh Hentschel.

THE Cinderella Production Team – Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society: Written and directed by, Matt Summer; musical direction, Jessamy Bowditch; choreography, Chloe White; musical arrangements, Roger Heathers; stage manager, Terence Sharp; stage sets, Scenic Projects; sounds, Dave Riley – Northern Lights Productions; lighting, Octagon Theatre; costumes, YAPS & Friends of the Society; fairy costume created by, Jennifer Richards; wardrobe team, Elizabeth Price, Nick Mounjoy, Kay Taylor and Sue Bisset; properties, Rob Osborne; hair and make-up, Zoe Cunningham, Taisha Woodland and Ashleigh Hentschel; call boy, Steph Rowland; prompt, Si Thyer; Ugly Sister dressers, Judy Bradford and Kay Taylor; artwork and design, Anthony Taylor; backstage crew, Stuart Bisset, Lee Mapletoft, Vicky Hallet, Adrian Read, Rob Shire, Emma Taylor-Smith, Louie Fore, Matt Curtis and James Cullum.

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YEOVIL AMATEUR PANTOMIME SOCIETY - CINDERELLA OCTAGON THEATRE - JANUARY 28-29, 2022

Chairman is so proud of her panto society family as it takes to the stage THE chairman of the Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society, Laura Claridge, has thanked everyone for making sure that Cinderella really did get to the Ball this year.

Laura, speaking in the pantomime programme, said that everyone had “worked tirelessly” to get the show off the ground and onto the stage at the Octagon Theatre.

“We were so excited to be back this year – more than any other year – with a fantastic performance of Cinderella,” she said.

“This year’s auditions blew us away and we were so happy to welcome new and old members back to rehearsals.

“The last two years have been difficult

for everyone and it was important to the committee to be able to get everyone back doing what they love.

“It was with no surprise the bars were raised and the committee, cast and crew have worked tirelessly through many hurdles to produce an outstanding production to who we are all very grateful to.”

Laura added: “If I have learnt one thing about being a part of YAPS, it’s that this is a family from children aged eight to adults aged 81 and each of them encourage and explore each other’s talent giving each other advice and support. We are one big family that I am very proud of.

“This year the committee and cast have fundraised extremely hard to be able to

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get Cinderella to the Ball and I thank each and every one of you who has supported us this year on our journey.

“I’d like to also thank the audiences for continuing to support Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society and I wish you all a magical year for 2022. Long live our local theatre productions!”

THE Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society committee: Chairman, Laura Claridge; vice-chairman, Elizabeth Price; treasurer, Zoe Cunningham; treasurer, Leana Gosney; membership secretary, Ashleigh Hentschel; fundraising officer, Tracy Rock; community officers, Heidi Jarman and Teresa Rendell; life member, Brian Short.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Len Copland.

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YEOVIL AMATEUR PANTOMIME SOCIETY - CINDERELLA OCTAGON THEATRE - JANUARY 28-29, 2022

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We of fer this discount as a token of appreciation to our NHS, Fire Ser vices, Police, RNLI, HM Coastguard and Mountain Rescue and Armed Forces employees.

To receive this discount, the home owner must

Moving house is said to be one of the top 5

receive the discount.

be an emergency services employee (in joint applications just one person must be employed to be eligible).

Please contact Joanna Shortland in our Yeovil office on 01935 426047 to discuss further and to instruct her directly to

most stressful life events (according to Google) but for qualifying emergency service personnel, hopefully this offer makes the journey ahead a

NB: Evidence of employment will be required upon instruction.

little brighter!

MAGNOLIA HOUSE | 54-58 PRINCES STREET | YEOVIL | SOMERSET | BA20 1EQ B R I D G W AT E R | TA U N T O N | M I N E H E A D | Y E O V I L | M A R T O C K | E X E T E R

A M I C U S L AW.C O.U K | 0 19 3 5 42 6 0 47 For more news check out www.yeovilpress.co.uk

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39

DOWN MEMORY LANE

When the snow fell on Yeovil in February 1978 THESE photos were recently published on social media by Peter Jackson showing the snow which descended on the town nearly 45 years ago.

The pictures were taken on February 19, 1978, the morning after Yeovil had received a good covering of the “white stuff.”

Peter, who was living at the time in Combe Street Lane, Yeovil, and his brother Alan took a walk into town – armed with a camera.

The Down Memory Lane feature is supported by 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 if anyone has any other old photos of Yeovil they would like to share for Down Memory Lane – please get in touch via email at yeovilpress@gmail.com . We look forward to hearing from you.

Peter Jackson’s brother Alan checks on their poor old Triumph Herald marooned in Coronation Avenue, Yeovil, following the previous evening’s final performance by the St Peter’s Pantomime Club in which Peter played the part of a terrible pianist!

Looking down Ilchester Road – minus the traffic!

The view along Princes Street towards the High Street and the Denners store.

Approaching the Hospital Roundabout down Higher Kingston.

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Peter Jackson poses in front of the music shop Minns where he used to work from 1975 to 1979.

Looking towards Reckleford from the Hospital Roundabout.

Glovers Walk in Yeovil.

Looking up Reckleford with the old Glovers Arms pub on the left.

Tesco had several homes in Yeovil before it finally came to rest at its current site on the former ground of Yeovil Town FC. This photo was when Tesco was based in the premises now occupied by Boots in Middle Street and taken from the entrance into Bond Street.

Looking up Mudford Road from the Fiveways Roundabout with Yeovil College on the left.

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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FLASHBACK

IN this month’s Yeovil Press community newspaper we take a pictorial look back at some of what was featured in the corresponding February editions of 2019, 2020 and 2021.

The February 2019 paper was Edition Number 5, February 2020 paper was Edition Number 17 and February 2021 was Edition Number 29. 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 Yeovil Hospital Charity thanked the Yeovil and District branch of the Association of Wrens for a fantastic donation of £250 towards the hospital’s ongoing chemotherapy chair appeal. This photo appeared in the February 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Submitted.

LOCALS at the Beehive pub in Yeovil were thanked for their support of the local hospital. Pub licensees Ann Ford and Kev Berkley were joined by some of their customers to present a £1,750 cheque to Sarah Cherry, of the Yeovil Hospital Charity, in aid of the hospital’s special care baby unit. This photo appeared in the February 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Christine Jones.

A CHARITY gin night held at the Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil raised £900 for the School in a Bag organisation and St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice. The Gin and More event was hosted by Darren and Anna Shutler and saw a full-house of people who were met by a wide variety of different gins. This photo appeared in February 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Christine Jones.

IT was perfect “cold feet weather” which greeted Hermione Norris – star of TV dramas Cold Feet and Spooks – as she officially opened a new Pop-Up Eco Supermarket on the outskirts of Yeovil. Hermione, who has also recently appeared in the latest series of crime drama Luther, was delighted “to do the honours” after being invited by shop creators Claire Ashton and Gaynor Soulsby at Odcombe village hall. This photo appeared in the February 2019 edition of Yeovil Press.

Hermione (centre) is pictured with Claire (left) and Gaynor. Photo: Christine Jones.

SNOWY weather failed to halt the annual pantomime production put on by the Mudford Players – although members had to keep their fingers firmly crossed!

The Mudford Players put on the ever-popular Jack and the Beanstalk at the village hall despite the area being hit by snowfall. This photo appeared in the February 2019 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Christine Jones.

YEOVIL Amateur Pantomime Society took audiences at the Octagon Theatre off on a foot-tapping journey to a boogie wonderland for its latest production. The talented cast and crew produced a disco-tastic family panto with the classic Jack and the Beanstalk tale. These photos appeared in the February 2019 edition of the Yeovil Press. Photos: Christine Jones.

THE Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil stepped back in time when it hosted a 1920s party based around the TV drama Peaky Blinders. The event was organised by Jane Helyar, Adam Burgan, Louise Lee and Darren Santiago and proved a huge hit with around 400 people descending on the venue dressed in their finest 1920s attire. Money raised from the night will be donated to St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice and the Prostate Cancer UK charity.

A GIN and More Night held at the Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil helped to raise a fantastic £1,100 for Yeovil District Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal and the School in a Bag initiative. The charity night was hosted by DNA Events – more commonly known to people as former Yeovil Mayor, Darren Shutler, and his wife Anna. These photos appeared in the February 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Christine Jones.

AUDIENCES at the YESS Club in Yeovil were treated to a pantomime with a difference as naughtiness was the order of the night. The adult-only panto, Twinderella, was penned by well-known Lynn Lee Brown and it went down a storm with people who attended the two performances. These photos appeared in the February 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Christine Jones.

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YEOVIL Amateur Pantomime Society enthralled audiences once again with its annual offering of panto magic. The society performed the well-loved tale of The Wizard of Oz with great enthusiasm, comedy and traditional panto mayhem at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil. But YAPS added its own little twist to the story where all the music had a 1980s theme. These photos appeared in the February 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photos: Christine Jones.

SEVENTEEN school bags for local charity School in a Bag were funded as a result of a charity concert held in Martock. A cheque for £340 was presented to Lis Foy, from SIAB, by representatives of the three choirs involved – Ash Primary School Choir, Martock Primary School Choir and the Harmony 303 Community Choir.

Lis (pictured far right) is pictured receiving the cheque. This photo appeared in the February 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Photo: Submitted.

THE manager of the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, Adam Burgan, described it as a “historic moment” that councillors had agreed to look in more detail at plans to revamp the award-winning venue with a £23m makeover. Members of South Somerset’s District Executive committee voted unanimously in favour of an agreement in principle to proceed with the project that will transform and see major improvements at the Octagon. This story appeared in the February 2021 edition of Yeovil Press.

The Yeovil History Files feature in the February 2021 edition of Yeovil Press carried a story about Yeovil’s very own big cat – Tara The Lion. Tara was owned by Alan Lovell who kept it out the back of his Cooker King shop which – amazingly consider today’s health and safety regulations – was close to Reckleford Infants School in Yeovil in the 1970s.

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

THE £2m Breast Cancer Unit Appeal at Yeovil District Hospital hit new heights last week when it reached the £1.3m mark. The appeal total was bumped up by Claire Sparrow and her friends Sarah Childs, Isabelle Mace, Sarah Smibert, Sarah Edwards and Anne Clark who put together a charity ball and raised £13,482. They were given the honour of updating the total on the giant thermometer outside the hospital. This photo appeared in the February 2020 edition of Yeovil Press. Pictured (from left) are Isabelle Mace, medical secretary Stephanie Callaghan, Claire Sparrow, Sarah Smibert, consultant breast surgeon Salma Naseem, Sarah Edwards, Yeovil Hospital chairman Paul von der Heyde, medical secretary Lorraine White, Anne Clark, consultant radiographer Stella Campbell and specialist nurse Rebecca Laney. Photo: Submitted.

YEOVIL Town Council decided to spend £9,000 on installing 24-7 public defibrillators in at least four locations in the town. A defibrillator can be used on a person who has suffered a cardiac arrest – a sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to pump effectively. This story appeared in the February 2021 edition of the Yeovil Press.

HEADTEACHERS at Buckler’s Mead Academy, Preston School and Westfield Academy in Yeovil were delighted when they heard the news that Yeovil Town Council had agreed to spend £21,000 on laptops for disadvantaged home schooling students due to Covid-19 restrictions. The council’s policy, resources and finance committee agreed to go-ahead with the authority’s “emergency procedures” to splash the cash immediately rather than have to go through the normal, sometimes laborious, process of local government bureaucracy. This story appeared in the February 2021 edition the Yeovil Press.

YEOVIL Girl Guide Imogen Lane, a member of the 1st Preston Plucknett Guides, raised more than £300 for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This appeared in the February 2021 edition of Yeovil Press.

THE School in a Bag charity thanked the Tesco Extra store in Yeovil for its ongoing continued support. The charity, based at Chilthorne Domer, normally holds a marathon bag pack at the store just a few days before Christmas to help raise valuable funds. The planned 2020 event had to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 restrictions, but that did not stop Tesco Extra from supporting School in a Bag. But the store had two big collection stations for people to make donations and this coined in £1,360. This appeared in the February 2021 edition of Yeovil Press.

THE Yeovil Press asked if an event could be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the War Memorial being unveiled in the town centre. Editor Steve Sowden spoke – via the Zoom conferencing technology – at Yeovil Town Council’s buildings and civic matters committee where he told councillors that the centenary was fast approaching. The War Memorial in The Borough was unveiled

by Colonel Frank Davidson Urwick, president of the Yeovil branch of the British Legion, at a ceremony which took place at 6pm on Thursday, July 14, 1921. This photo/story appeared in the February 2021 edition of the Yeovil Press.

FUNDS for the Yeovil Hospital Charity were boosted by the tune of £674.50 – thanks to a 90-minute virtual Zumbathon hosted by Hannah Beaumont. This photo/story appeared in the February 2021 edition of Yeovil Press.

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43

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 2022 – please let us know.

YEOVIL PRESS YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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 44

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IN MEMORIAM LEWIS – GRACE: Thinking of you today and always Grace – our beautiful granddaughter – on February 18. Love from Glama & Grandpape - Faye and Darren XXX.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS WOOTTEN – EMILY: Happy 17th Birthday on February 4. All our love – Mum and Dad. XXX WOOTTEN – EMILY: I suppose I had to wish you a Happy Birthday on February 4. Lots of love from your brother Tom (Mum and Dad told me to write this!)

XXX WOOTTEN – EMILY: We hope you had a fantastic 17th Birthday on February 4. Lots of love from Grandma Wootten.

XXX WOOTTEN – EMILY: You are getting old now – we’re looking forward to next year’s BIG PARTY! Happy 17th Birthday on February 4. Love from Uncle Steve and Christine. XXX WOOTTEN – EMILY: I hope you had a fabulous birthday, cousin, on February 4. Lots of love from Grace. XXX WOOTTEN – EMILY: Here’s hoping you had a fantastic 17th Birthday on February 4. Love from Uncle Jon. XXX WOOTTEN – EMILY: Happy 17th Birthday – hope you had an amazing day and lots of presents! Love from Uncle Will, Beverley and Thea. XXX WOOTTEN – EMILY: We hope you had a great 17th Birthday on February 4.

Lots of love Aunty Amy, Uncle Matt and Daniel. XXX SANTIAGO – JOE: Hope you had a wonderful 83nd Birthday on January 30. All our love – Darren and Faye. XXX SANTIAGO – JOE: Eighty-three and still going strong! Congratulations on your Birthday on January 30. Best wishes from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

JOYNES – AMY: Many congratulations for your Birthday on February 2. We hope you had a wonderful day. Love from all your family and friends.

DARE – IAN: Congratulations on your Birthday on February 4. We hope you

had a great day. Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

JONES – CHRIS: Hoping you had a great Birthday on February 5. Best wishes from all your family and friends.

JONES – CHRIS: Many happy returns for your Birthday on February 5. Best wishes from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

SAUNDERS – LINDSAY: Congratulations on your Birthday on February 5. We hope you had a great day! All the best from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

HEALEY – JANE: Many happy returns on your Birthday on February 6. Best wishes from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

HEALEY – JANE: Happy Birthday on February 6. All my love, Rob XXX. HEALEY – JANE: Happy Birthday Nanny Jane for February 6! Lots of love from Patrick and Owen XXX. HEALEY – JANE: Happy Birthday Barb!

Hope you had a lovely day on February 6. Love from Alex, Charlotte, James and Sarah XXX. HEALEY – JANE: Happy Birthday for February 6 and thank you for all you do.

Love from Mum XXX. GOODCHILD – SARA: Many happy returns on your Birthday on February 7.

Best wishes from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

KEEN – DAVID: Congratulations on your Birthday on February 10. We hope you have a terrific day. Best wishes from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

MALE – CATHERINE: Wishing you a fantastic birthday on February 11. Up the Glovers! Best wishes from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

MARTIN – LEE: Happy Birthday Herb on February 13! Another year older, but no doubt another year no wiser! Love and best wishes from all your family and pals!

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

MARTIN – LEE: Happy Birthday Skip for February 13. Hope you have a great day! Best wishes from all your football chums!

HYDE – NATALIE: Congratulations on your Birthday on February 14. Love from all your family and friends.

HYDE – NATALIE: Wishing you a very Happy Birthday on February 14. Best wishes from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

MacGREGOR – ALAN: Here’s wishing you a fantastic Birthday, Mr President, on February 14. Best wishes from everyone involved with the Yeovil Sports Skittles League.

HARWOOD – BRIAN: Here’s wishing you a very Happy Birthday on February 16. Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

QUICK – BILLY: Hoping you have a cider or two to celebrate your Birthday on February 16. Love and best wishes from all your pals on the Thatcher’s Stand Terrace at Huish Park!

BOWRING – STEPHEN: Many happy returns for your Birthday on February 18. Love and best wishes from all your

family and friends.

MacGREGOR – OLIVIA: Many happy returns on your Birthday on February 20. We hope you have a fantastic day.

Lots of love from Darren and Faye.

WOOLMINGTON – JOHN: Many happy returns for your Birthday on February 21. Have a great day! Love from all your family and friends.

SHORTLAND – CAL: Have a fantastic day on your Birthday on February 22.

Love from all your family and friends.

CUSTARD – PAT: Congratulations on your Birthday on February 22. Love and best wishes from all your friends at Yeovil Town FC. McCABE – RODGER: Wishing you a very Happy Birthday on February 25.

All the best from your chums at Yeovil

Town FC. McCABE – RODGER: Congratulations for your Birthday on February 25. Love from all your family and friends.

BISHOP – MARCUS: Here’s hoping you have a great Birthday on February 26.

Best wishes from your friends at the Yeovil Press.

FOX – ZOE: Many congratulations for your Birthday on February 26. Lots of love from all your family and friends.

FOX – ZOE:: Super congratulations for your Birthday on February 26. We hope you have a terrific day. From all your friends and colleagues at the School in a Bag family.

HAYNES – HARVEY: Happy 5th Birthday on February 27. Lots of love from Darren and Faye. XXX

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

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HEALEY – JANE: Happy Birthday! Love from sll your fsmily and friends xx

MARTIN – LEE: Congratulations on your Birthday on February 13. We hope you have a terrific day! Best wishes from everyone at the Yeovil Press.

HOLDING AN EVENT? Choice of YEOVIL HearsesPRESS available GET IN TOUCH WITH YEOVILPRESS@GMAIL.COM WWW.YEOVILPRESS.CO.UK

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Independent Family 33 Sparrow Road,01935 Yeovil, 816817 BA21 4BT | 01935 479913 Funeral Directors Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

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16 Newland, Sherborne DT9 3JQ www.ajwakely.com www.ajwakely.com

Please contact Clive Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Please contact Clive Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

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Please contact Clive Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

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TALENTED Yeovil pianist and local piano teacher, CAROLINE WALLISNEWPORT, provides the Yeovil Press with a review of the recital given by international pianist Melvyn Tan at the Octagon Theatre on January 19.

THE pianist Melvyn Tan gave a stylish recital of music by Mozart, Schumann, Albéniz, Granados and Chopin at Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre.

Mr Tan is usually associated with the Fortepiano having won great acclaim for his performances on period instruments, but for his appearance at the Octagon on January 19 he gave an impressive display of contemporary pianism in a predominantly 19th and early 20th century romantic programme with a Spanish theme at its core.

He began his recital with Mozart’s joyful Sonata in D major K576, the last sonata Mozart composed. Following a slightly unsettled start, there was some meticulous and elegant playing with crystal-clear fingerwork and a lovely delicacy of touch. The textures and lefthand voicing were always transparent, due in part to the pianist’s judicious use

of the sustaining pedalling. The second movement was played with a beautiful cantabile interspersed with shapely scalic passages whilst the rondo finale was playful, sparkling with effervescence.

Schumann’s Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Opus 22 is a capricious and highly virtuosic work. The composer’s tempi markings - “as quickly as possible, faster, still faster” in the first movement make huge demands on the pianist, but Mr Tan delivered a dynamic yet controlled performance in the outer movements whilst the beautiful slow movement was played with a sense of introspection which drew the listener in. Schumann’s traits of romanticism, drama and intense lyricism were all ably conveyed by the pianist. Again, the pedal was never allowed to obscure Schumann’s complex textures and the numerous improvisatory passages.

Granada and Asturias, two of the most well-known pieces from the Suite Espanola by Albéniz transported the audience to different regions of Spain, the south and the north-west. Granada which is usually heard on the guitar - had

a beguiling lilt, conveying the warmth of southern Spain, whilst Asturias, with its dry staccato guitar figurations was dramatic and intense. Mr Tan delivered a persuasive and charming account of these popular pieces.

More Spanish music ensued with the beautiful Lament of the Maiden and the Nightingale by Granados, which forms part of a suite of pieces inspired by the paintings of Goya. Delicate bird-like trills were heard in abundance amidst exquisite harmonies and throughout, Mr Tan conveyed the intense melancholy in this music. Every phrase had meaning and once again, the voicing was always clear.

El Albaicin from Iberia (Book 3)

by Albéniz is another evocation of Moorish Spain and the gypsy quarter of Granada, one of the most challenging pieces in the piano repertoire. Iberia combines Impressionism, virtuosity and Spanish idioms with dance-like rhythms suggestive of flamenco and rapid repeated guitar-like figurations. Mr Tan skillfully captured the essence of this music, his formidable technique producing an intense and vibrant performance which highlighted the improvisatory nature of the music.

Melvyn Tan concluded his recital with Chopin’s 4th Ballade in F minor, Opus 52 and the Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor, Opus 31. These significant largescale single-movement compositions are virtuosic masterpieces, demanding the utmost skill from the performer. Mr Tan’s rousing performance of both pieces was full of grandeur and panache. In the Ballade, he did not indulge in excessive rubato, producing a cohesive yet dazzling performance. Chopin’s mercurial Scherzo - a Scherzo on a grand scale - was taken at breakneck speed, alternately impish

and lyrical in the whirling waltz-like passages. Mr Tan’s performance of the piece communicated unadulterated joy as the audience was swept along to the thrilling conclusion of a captivating recital.

An encore was given by the charismatic and engaging Mr Tan. He did not offer an additional piece but simply repeated his performance of the rondo from the Mozart Sonata he had played earlier: it sounded even better the second time around.

The Hoosiers to headline this summer's Somerstock music festival THE popular family friendly one-day Somerstock music festival returns to Somerton on Saturday, July 9, with rock and pop legends The Hoosiers headlining the show.

Somerstock 2022 promises to be a full day of live music with silent disco, stalls, food, bars and family fun.

Festival chairman Cliff Bassett said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome The Hoosiers and all our great bands for 2022.

“With two outdoor stages and a marquee, we provide a choice of acts throughout the day covering many genres and featuring up and coming local and original acts as well as many family favourites.”

Joining The Hoosiers on the outdoor stages will be Alex Lipinski who delighted festival goers in 2021, popular artist Bess Atwell, AC/DC’s Chris Slade with a timeline of his music, Ska from

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the Decatonics and high energy from Nick Parker and the False Alarms; once described as ‘A British Arcade Fire’. The festival also includes a celebration of ELO music from the Explosive Light Orchestra, reggae from the South West’s Irie Fire, folk rock from local band Kindred, the eclectic and atmospheric Shoun Shoun and the fabulous Young Martyrs, who will open the show.

A silent disco will run all day from 11am to 11:30 pm starting with music for children, moving to music for all tastes in the afternoon and featuring live DJs in the evening. As a family friendly festival, there will also be a wide range of activities for children in the children’s zone.

A limited number of Early Bird Tickets are now on sale on the Somerstock website at www.somerstock.co.uk until the end of February.

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

Everybody Dance will be a fantastic show for everyone to enjoy PUPILS from The Helen Laxton School of Dance and The Somerset School of Performing Arts are working extremely hard this term preparing for their next big production - Everybody Dance 2022 - which will be taking place at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil from March 24-27.

The performances will be on Thursday, March 24, and Friday, March 25, at 7pm; and 2pm and 7pm on Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27.

The show is an exciting celebration of dance and song involving hundreds of local talented children and adults with performances from ballet, street dance, lyrical, tap, commercial, elite beat performance squads, the award-winning hip hop crews, the new acro squad and Performing Arts School.

The school has been running Everybody Dance shows at the Octagon Theatre for

over 30 years.

Helen said: “Numerous pupils who took the first steps in their performing career in Everybody Dance shows have gone on to dance and perform professionally in the West End in ballet, dance and drama companies, on TV, in films, on cruise ships, as backing dancers for some of the most iconic pop stars, in advertising, modelling and also working behind the scenes in theatres all over the world.

“Not all of our pupils continue into a career in dance or performing art, but all of our pupils benefit so much from these shows - the confidence, the camaraderie and the excitement will last a lifetime!

Places are now being reserved in all of the school’s classes for the summer term. Please go to www.helenlaxtonschoolofdancing.com for details.

WWW.HELENLAXTONSCHOOLOFDANCING.COM

Buddy Holly and The Cricketers at the Octagon THE breathtaking Buddy Holly and The Cricketers show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok and Swindon to Sweden and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles.

Now the show is all set to take to the Octagon Theatre stage in Yeovil on Sunday, February 13, at 7.30pm and promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment.

It stars some of the finest actormusicians in the UK whose combined West End credits include Buddy, Lennon, Forbidden Planet and Jailhouse Rock and was endorsed as Britain’s most popular Buddy Holly act when the boys guested on BBC One’s Saturday night live programme, “The One and Only”, hosted

by Graham Norton. The show rarely pauses for breath and is, quite simply, the most compelling concert of its kind.

The hits just keep on coming - That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart, Oh Boy! – and much, much more. Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, make your heart beat a little faster with the show that has thousands of fans the world over saying: “I can’t believe it’s not Buddy!”

Tickets are cost £18 and £17 for concessions and available from the Octagon box office on 01935-422884 or www.octagon-theatre.co.uk .

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

The Helen Laxton School of Dance

Royal Academy of Dance Ballet, Pre School & Adult Ballet, Street Dance, Hip Hop, Commercial Dance Classes Acro, Lyrical, Contemporary Elite Beats Performance Squads, Toddler Dance, 5 RDC Hip Hop Competition Crews & Training Academy NEW Exciting Acrobatic Arts Dance

Classes held in Yeovil, Bradford Abbas, Crewkerne, East Coker, South Petherton, Ilminster

The Somerset School of Performing Arts (for 7 -18 years)

& now also 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 for boys & girls from 4-19 years Lots of exciting performance opportunities, lots of fun!

For more information on all of our classes please call 01935 863865 or email helenlaxtondance@aol.co.uk or visit www.helenlaxtonschoolofdancing.com www.thesomersetschoolofperformingarts.com or find us on Facebook YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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LEISURE LISTINGS WELCOME to the Yeovil Press leisure listings and what’s on guide. If you would like to have a listing included in the future – please email us at yeovilpress@gmail.com.

FEBRUARY 2022 Until the end of Tuesdsay, February 15: Yeovil Art Group has an exhibition of artwork on display at the Octagon Theatre gallery in Yeovil. It is open from 1pm to 4pm and every theatre performance evening.

Admission is free.

Friday, February 11, to Sunday, February 13: Dillington House – Course: A Crash Course in Global Philosophy.

Friday, February 11, to Sunday, February 13: Dillington House – Course: Music and Poetry – The Song-Cycle from Schubert to the Present.

Friday, February 11: Westlands Yeovil: POSTPONED: The Legends of New Jersey – Wrong Jovi and Bootleg Boss.

Saturday, February 12: Westlands Yeovil: Go West.

Sunday, February 13: Octagon Theatre: Buddy Holly and The Cricketers.

Monday, February 14: Westlands Yeovil: Gordon Buchanan – 30 Years in the Wild.

Tuesday, February 15, and Wednesday, February 16: Westlands Yeovil – Screening in the Ballroom: Never Too Late.

Wednesday, February 16: Octagon Theatre: Limited Availability: The Simon and Garfunkel Story – 50th Anniversary Tour.

Thursday, February 17: National Theatre Live production of The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage – at The Swan Theatre, Yeovil.

Thursday, February 17: Westlands Yeovil: Suggs – What a King Cnut, A Life In The Realm of Madness.

Thursday, February 17: Octagon Theatre: Islands In The Stream 2022.

Friday, February 18: Bingo fundraiser at St Peter’s Community Centre in Coronation Avenue, Yeovil, with doors open at 7pm and eyes down at 7.30pm.

Friday, February 18: Octagon Theatre: Susie Dent – The Secret Lives of Words.

Friday, February 18, and Saturday, February 19: Westlands Yeovil – Screening in the Ballroom: Spider-Man – No Way Home.

Friday, February 18, to Sunday, February 20: Dillington House – Course: Frank Lloyd Wright.

Saturday, February 19: Charity Firewalk in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice Care at the Yeovil Hospice site in Little Tarrat Lane,

48

Yeovil, from 6pm to 9pm. £25 registration and £100 sponsorship pledge. Book now to avoid disappointment – limited numbers.

Sign-up at www.st-margarets-hospice.org. uk .

Saturday, February 19: Octagon Theatre: Limited Availability: The Amazing Bubble Man. Sunday, February 20: Octagon Theatre: Crimes, Camera, Action.

Sunday, February 20: Dillington House – Sunday Lecture: The House as a Machine for Living In – Approaches of Modern Architecture Towards the Domestic House with Mike Hope. 2pm to 4pm.

Monday, February 21: Westlands Yeovil – Screening in the Ballroom: Spider-Man – No Way Home.

Tuesday, February 22: Octagon Theatre: Limited Availability: Ross Noble – Humournoid.

Tuesday, February 22: Westlands Yeovil: Milton Jones in Milton – Impossible.

Wednesday, February 23: Octagon Theatre: The Carpenters – Voice of the Heart.

Thursday, February 24: Octagon Theatre: Legend – The Music of Bob Marley.

Thursday, February 24: Westlands Yeovil: Omid Djalili – The Good Times Tour.

Friday, February 25: Octagon Theatre: Beyond the Barricade.

Friday, February 25: Westlands Yeovil: Menopause The Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause.

Friday, February 25, to Sunday, February 27: Dillington House – Music: Classical Guitar Orchestra Weekend.

Friday, February 25, to Sunday, February 27: Dillington House – Course: Introduction to Watercolours.

Saturday, February 26: Octagon Theatre: Simon Brodkin – Troublemaker.

Saturday, February 26, and Sunday, February 27: Westlands Yeovil – Screening in the Ballroom: Sing 2.

Monday, February 28: Octagon Theatre: CCS – Vivaldi, Four Seasons.

MARCH 2022 Wednesday, March 2: The Arts Society of Sherborne present “Faber and Faber – 90 Years of Excellence in Cover Design” at the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, from 3pm to 7pm. Tony Faber will present a talk tracing the history of one of London’s most important publishing houses through its illustrations, covers and designs.

New members and visitors welcome - £7 admission.

Wednesday, March 2: Octagon Theatre:

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

Ansell’s Les Musicals.

Thursday, March 3: Westlands Yeovil – Screening in the Ballroom: Nightmare Alley.

Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4: Octagon Theatre: An Evening Shared with Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan.

Friday, March 4: Dillington House – Friday Lunch & Lecture: The Greatest Painting in the World – The Ghent Altarpiece with Wayne Bennett. 1pm to 4pm.

Friday, March 4, to Sunday, March 6: Dillington House – Course: The Art, Architecture and Music of the Northern Renaissance.

Friday, March 4, to Sunday, March 6: Dillington House – Course: Embroidered Wildflower Garland.

Saturday, March 5: Westlands Yeovil – Screening in the Ballroom: Nightmare Alley.

Saturday, March 5, to Sunday, March 6: Dillington House – Course: Papercutting Two-Day Workshop.

Saturday, March 5: Octagon Theatre: Limited Availability: That’ll Be The Day – 35th Anniversary Show 2022.

Tuesday, March 8: Westlands Yeovil – Screening in the Ballroom: Care As You Are. Wednesday, March 9, through to Saturday, March 12: Octagon Theatre: Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society present Kinky Boots. It’s on again from March 1419.

Thursday, March 10: LAST FEW TICKETS: Westlands Yeovil: Jason Manford – Like Me. Friday, March 11: Westlands Yeovil: The Dreamboys.

Friday, March 11, to Monday, March 13: Dillington House – Course: Sun Worship in Ancient Egypt.

Friday, March 11, to Sunday, March 13: Dillington House – Course: Five More Great Cities – Athens, Rome, Venice, Barcelona and Vienna.

Saturday, March 12: Dillington House – Course: The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and their Aftermath.

Saturday, March 12: Westlands Yeovil: Some Guys Have All The Luck.

Sunday, March 13: SOLD OUT! Westlands Yeovil: Chris Ramsay – 20/20 Spring Tour.

Monday, March 14, through to Saturday, March 19: Octagon Theatre: Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society present Kinky Boots.

Monday, March 14, through to Saturday, March 19: Agatha Christie’s Go Back for Murder to be performed at the Swan Theatre, Yeovil.

Monday, March 14, through to

Saturday, March 19: The Swan Theatre Company presents Go Back for Murder at the Swan Theatre in Yeovil.

Wednesday, March 16: Westlands Yeovil: Down By The River – a free evening of film exploring flood risk in Somerset and celebrating local community resilience.

Thursday, March 17: Westlands Yeovil: The Three Degrees.

Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20: Dillington House – Course: The Grand Old Man – William Gladstone and the Making of Liberal England.

Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20: Dillington House – Course: Five More Great Cities – Athens, Rome, Venice, Barcelona and Vienna.

Friday, March 18: Westlands Yeovil: Neil Oliver and Nick Knowles – Does History Repeat Itself? In Search for the Heroes.

Saturday, March 19: Westlands Yeovil: Ray Mears – We Are Nature.

Sunday, March 20: Octagon Theatre: SOLD OUT: Josh Widdicombe – Bit Much.

Tuesday, March 22: Octagon Theatre: Spring Forward 2022.

Wednesday, March 23, and Thursday, March 24: Dillington House - Course: Leatherwork – Make a Bag. Thursday, March 24: Westlands Yeovil: Barbara Dickson in Concert – Time is Going Faster Tour.

Thursday, March 24, to Sunday, March 27: Octagon Theatre: Everybody Dance with the Helen Laxton School of Dance and the Somerset School of Performing Arts.

Monday, March 28, to Wednesday, March 30: Dillington House – Course: Bookbinding – Concertinas and Star Books.

Tuesday, March 29: Octagon Theatre: Puccini’s La Boheme.

Tuesday, March 29: Westlands Yeovil: National Theatre Live with The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage.

Wednesday, March 30: Octagon Theatre: An Evening with Pam Ayres.

Thursday, March 31: Dillington House – Course: John Wilikes – 18th Century Murderer, Journalist, Politician, Libertine.

Thursday, March 31: Westlands Yeovil: Ed Gamble – Electric.

Thursday, March 31: Octagon Theatre: CCS – Hill Quartet.

APRIL 2022 Friday, April 1, to Sunday, April 3: CANCELLED: Octagon Theatre: Dragons and Mythical Beasts.

Monday, April 4, to Saturday, April 9: Octagon Theatre: Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced. For more details

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

– see Full Page Advert on Page 51 of this edition of Yeovil Press.

Friday, April 8: Westlands Yeovil: Craig Revel Horwood – The All Balls and Glitter Tour.

Sunday, April 10: Octagon Theatre: Herman’s Hermits.

Sunday, April 10, to Wednesday, April 13: Dillington House – Workshop: Watercolour Spring Workshop.

Tuesday, April 12: Octagon Theatre: Aida.

Wednesday, April 13: Dillington House – Course: Monmouth Rebellion – Including Visit to Battlefield Sites.

Wednesday, April 13: Octagon Theatre: LIMITED AVAILABILITY: Friends! The Musical Parody!

Thursday, April 14: Octagon Theatre: SOLD OUT: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. Tuesday, April 19, to Thursday, April 21: Dillington House – Course: Watercolour – Less is More.

Thursday, April 21: Octagon Theatre: Fireman Sam Live Thursday, April 21: Westlands Yeovil: Russell Kane – Live!

Thursday, April 21: The Swan Theatre in Yeovil presents National Theatre Live with Henry V. Friday, April 22: Octagon Theatre: Soul Sisters.

Saturday, April 23: Octagon Theatre: Easter Panto – Wizard of Oz. Sunday, April 24: St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice Charity Cycle Ride. The popular Charity Cycle Ride is back for 2022 with a brand new route of two distance options taking cyclists through the Somerset countryside. The event which is sponsored

by Bicycle Chain will start at 8am. Cyclists can choose between 100-mile circular route with participants starting at St Margaret’s in Little Tarrat Lane, Yeovil, or 40-mile route starting at the Taunton Hospice. Go to www.st-margaret-hospice.org.uk for more details.

Sunday, April 24: Octagon Theatre: Paul Merton’s Impro Chums.

Tuesday, April 26: Octagon Theatre: Keri Hill Dance presents Primary Festival of Dance.

Tuesday, April 26: Westlands Yeovil – National Theatre Live: Henry V. Wednesday, April 27: Octagon Theatre: CCS – Fenella Humphreys & Martin Roscoe.

Thursday, April 28: Octagon Theatre: Rave On. Friday, April 29: Octagon Theatre: LIMITED AVAILABILITY: Remembering the Oscars.

Saturday, April 30: Octagon Theatre: G4 Live 2022.

MAY 2022 Wednesday, May 4, to Saturday, May 7: Octagon Theatre: Motiv8 Productions present The Addams Family Musical.

Tuesday, May 10: Westlands Yeovil: Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners.

Thursday, May 12: Westlands Yeovil:

Marty Wilde – In Concert.

Thursday, May 12: Octagon Theatre: An Evening With Gill Sims.

Friday, May 13: Westlands Yeovil: Henning Wehn – It’ll All Come Out in the Wash.

Saturday, May 14: St Margaret’s Hospice Colour Run 2022. The ever-popular Colour Run after going ahead for the past two years as a virtual event. But this year’s Colour Run will take place at Taunton Racecourse.

Go to www.st-margaret-hospice.org.uk for more details.

Saturday, May 14: Westlands Yeovil: Dave Pearce 90s Dance Anthems Returns.

Sunday, May 15: Octagon Theatre: Steeleye Span.

Monday, May 16, through to Saturday, May 21: The Swan Theatre Company presents French Dressing at the Swan Theatre in Yeovil.

Tuesday, May 17: Westlands Yeovil: Gilbert O’Sullivan in Concert – Just Gilbert.

Tuesday, May 17, to Thursday, May 19: Dillington House – Course: Recorder Consort Course.

Thursday, May 19: Octagon Theatre: Balletboyz Deluxe.

Friday, May 20: Octagon Theatre: Dylan Moran – We Got This.

Friday, May 20: The PTA at Preston Primary School in Yeovil will be holding A Night At The Races from 7pm to 10pm.

Adults only.

Saturday, May 21: Octagon Theatre: That’ll Be The Day – 35th Anniversary Tour 2022.

Saturday, May 21: Dillington House – Course: Industrialisation and German Unification.

Wednesday, May 25: Octagon Theatre: CCS – Sinfonia Classica.

Thursday, May 26: Dillington House – Course: Thomas Paine – An 18th Century English Radical, Founding Father and Author of the Rights of Man. Thursday, May 26: Westlands Yeovil: Sandi Toksvig – Next Slide Please.

Friday, May 27: Westlands Yeovil: Kate Rusby.

Friday, May 27: Octagon Theatre: Barry Humphries – The Man Behind the Mask.

Saturday, May 28: Octagon Theatre: Midnight Train to Georgia: A Celebration of Gladys Knight.

JUNE 2022 Wednesday, June 1, to Friday, June 3: Dillington House – Course: Architects and the Architectural Movements of the Twentieth Century.

Thursday, June 2, through to Saturday, June 4: Octagon Theatre: Castaway Theatre Group presents Grease.

Friday, June 3: The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration at Yeovil Recreation Ground with entertainment – including displays and live music – from 12 noon until 10pm.

Saturday, June 4: Westlands Yeovil: Best of British – Ultimate Coldplay and Mused.

Sunday, June 5: Octagon Theatre: Gyles

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

Kinky Boots is going to be an amazing show for YAOS

MEMBERS of the Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society are putting the finishing touches to their forthcoming production of Kinky Boots which will be staged at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil next month.

YAOS is hugely proud to say that it will be one of the first amateur groups in the country to stage the musical Kinky Boots – the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning musical from pop icon Cyndi Lauper and legendary playwright Harvey Fierstein.

Inspired by true events, this hugehearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think.

Set in Northampton, a young Charlie Price reluctantly inherits his father’s struggling shoe factory, much to the dismay of his demanding fiancé who dreams of a life together in London.

Charlie wrestles with his desires to leave his home town whilst facing up with his responsibility to save his father’s legacy and the family business from bankruptcy.

After a slow start Charlie finds

inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous drag performer who is in need of some sturdy stilettos for her act.

Against all the odds Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie, and they work together to ensure the factory becomes a success.

As they work together to change people’s opinions, this unlikely pair find out that they have more in common than they ever thought, and together they come to understand that when you change your mind, you can change the world.

Kinky Boots is being staged at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil from March 9-19 with tickets priced £20 and £18 for concessions. Contact the Octagon box office on 01935-422884 for ticket details or go online to www.octagontheatre.co.uk .

This production represents YAOS’ first full-run show since its staging of The Sound of Music was dramatically cut-short in March 2020 at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Octagon Theatre was forced to close its doors with immediate effect.

YAOS PRODUCTIONS presents

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY

& FEATURING A FULL LIVE ORCHESTRA BOOK BY

MUSIC & LYRICS BY

HARVEY CYNDI FIERSTEIN LAUPER

ORIGINAL BROADWAY PRODUCTION DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY

JERRY MITCHELL

BASED ON THE MIRAMAX MOTION PICTURE KINKY BOOTS WRITTEN BY

GEOFF DEAN & TIM FIRTH

9th-19th MARCH 2022 Octagon Theatre, Yeovil

DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY:

www.yaos.org

JEREMY TUSTIN h

MUSICAL DIRECTOR:

KATHRYN STEVENS

PERFORMANCES: Saturday Matinees 12th & 19th March 2.30pm .

All other performances 7.30pm TICKETS ON SALE NOW £20 or £18 concession.

Octagon Theatre Box Office 01935 422884 or book on-line www.octagon-theatre.co.uk

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe. www.mtishows.co.uk

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

49

Brandreth – Break a Leg! Monday, June 6, to Wednesday, June 8: Dillington House – Course: Schwalm Embroidery.

Tuesday, June 7: Octagon Theatre: Last Few Tickets: Rhod Gilbert – The Book of John.

Wednesday, June 8: Octagon Theatre: Step Inside the 60s.

Thursday, June 9: Octagon Theatre: Killer Queen – The Premier Tribute to Queen.

Friday, June 10: Octagon Theatre: George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 2022.

Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12: Dillington House – Course: Stonehenge – Landscape and People.

Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12: Dillington House – Course: Elizabeth Gaskell – Selected Works.

Thursday, June 16: Octagon Theatre: Here Come The Boys.

Saturday, June 18: Westlands Yeovil: Al Murray’s Gig for Victory.

Sunday, June 19: Octagon Theatre: The Unthanks.

Sunday, June 19, to Friday, June 24:

Dillington House – Course: Bobbin Lace.

Tuesday, June 21: Westlands Yeovil: The Lady Boys of Bangkok 2022.

Tuesday, June 21: Octagon Theatre: In Concert – Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Friday, June 24: Octagon Theatre: Get Ready – A Night to Remember.

Thursday, June 30: Octagon Theatre: Quadrophenia – The Who Story.

JULY 2022 Friday, July 1: Preston Primary School in Yeovil will be holding its annual summer fete from 3.30pm to help raise money for the school’s PTA group.

Friday, July 1, through to Sunday, July 3: Octagon Theatre: Dinosaur World Live.

Saturday, July 2: Westlands Yeovil: King and Queen of Rock and Pop. Tuesday, July 19, to Saturday, July 23: Octagon Theatre: Shrek the Musical – Beatnik Theatre Company.

Tuesday, July 26: Octagon Theatre: Rhythm of the Dance.

SEPTEMBER 2022 Thursday, September 8: Octagon Theatre: A Country Night in Nashville.

Thursday, September 8: Westlands Yeovil: Taking Care of Elvis – The King is Back!

Saturday, September 10: Westlands Yeovil: Definitely 90s.

Sunday, September 11: Octagon Theatre: The Story of Guitar Heroes 2022.

Wednesday, September 14: Octagon Theatre: Motionhouse – Nobody.

Friday, September 16: Octagon Theatre: The Best of British Comedy.

Saturday, September 24: Octagon Theatre: The ELO Show.

Saturday, September 24: Wellington Carnival – South Somerset Federation Circuit. Starting at 7pm.

Thursday, September 29: Octagon Theatre: Sh*t Faced Shakespeare – Macbeth.

Friday, September 30: Octagon Theatre: Abba Mania 2022.

OCTOBER 2022 Saturday, October 1: Octagon Theatre: Grimethorpe Colliery Band 2022.

Saturday, October 1: Ilminster Carnival – South Somerset Federation Circuit.

Starting at 7.15pm.

Sunday, October 2: Octagon Theatre: Milkshave! Live 2022.

Thursday, October 6: Octagon Theatre: A Vision of Elvis.

Friday, October 7: Westlands Yeovil: Jongleurs Legends.

Saturday, October 8: Chard Carnival – South Somerset Federation Circuit. Starting at 7.30pm.

Friday, October 14: Wincanton Carnival – Wessex Grand Prix Circuit. Starting at 7.30pm.

Saturday, October 15: Castle Cary Carnival – Wessex Grand Prix Circuit.

Starting at 7pm.

Saturday, October 15: Taunton Carnival – South Somerset Federation Circuit.

Starting at 7pm.

Friday, October 21, to Sunday, October 23: Dillington House – Course: The Hanseatic League.

Friday, October 21, to Monday, October 24: Dillington House – Course: Bobbin Lace.

Sunday, October 23: Dillington House – Sunday Lecture: Imaging the Merchant Princes of the Renaissance with Mike Hope.

Sunday, October 23: Westlands Yeovil: Levison Wood – The Art of Exploration.

Sunday, October 23: Octagon Theatre: Justin Live – The Big Tour 2022.

Sunday, October 23: Dillington House – Sunday Lecture: Imaging the Merchant Princes of the Renaissance with Mike Hope.

Sunday, October 23: Westlands Yeovil: Levison Wood – The Art of Exploration.

Thursday, October 27: Westlands Yeovil: Boyzlife.

Saturday, October 29: Octagon Theatre: Leo Sayer – The Show Must Go On. NOVEMBER 2022 Thursday, November 3, to Sunday, November 6: Dillington House – Course:

50

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

Autumn Delights Embroidery.

Saturday, November 5: Bridgwater Carnival – Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association. Starting at 7pm.

Monday, November 7: Highbridge & Burnham Carnival - Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association. Starting at 7.30pm.

Wednesday, November 9, to Thursday, November 10: Octagon Theatre: Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever.

Friday, November 11: Weston-superMare Carnival - Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association. Starting at 7.15pm.

Saturday, November 12: Westlands Yeovil: Chris McCausland – Speaky Blinder.

Saturday, November 12: North Petherton Carnival - Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association. Starting at 7pm.

Tuesday, November 15: Octagon Theatre: Russian State Ballet – The Nutcracker 2022.

Wednesday, November 16: Shepton Mallet Carnival - Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association. Starting at 7.30pm.

Wednesday, November 16: Octagon Theatre: Russian State Ballet – Sleeping Beauty 2022.

Thursday, November 17: Octagon Theatre: An Evening with Adam Frost.

Friday, November 18: Wells Carnival - Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association. Starting at 7pm.

Saturday, November 19: Glastonbury Carnival - Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association. Starting at 6.45pm.

Friday, November 25, to Sunday, November 27: Dillington House – Course: Egyptomania.

Sunday, November 27: Dillington House – Sunday Lecture: Ancient Egypt at the Movies with Mike Hope.

DECEMBER 2022 Friday, December 9, through to Sunday, January 1, 2023: Octagon Theatre: The family pantomime Dick Whittington.

FEBRUARY 2023 Saturday, February 25: Westlands Yeovil: Sara Pascoe – Success Story 2023.

MAY 2023 Friday, May 26: Westlands Yeovil: The Searchers’ Thank You Tour 2023.

For more details about events, ticket information and times at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil – please go to www. octagon-theatre.co.uk or phone the box office on 01935-422884.

For more details about events, ticket information and times at Westlands Yeovil – please go to www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk or phone the box office on 01935-422884.

For more details about events, ticket information and times at Dillington House near Ilminster – please go to www.dillington.com or phone 01460285648.

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

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

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

51

GIG GUIDE

Let's get the party started - welcome to the Gig Guide!

WELCOME to the Yeovil Press Gig Guide which looks to promote live music events in and around the Yeovil area.

If you are a singer or a band or run a pub or local music venue and would like your gigs to feature in future editions of the Yeovil Press community newspaper – please get in touch.

Listings in the Gig Guide are free, but if you would like a more prominent advert to promote your forthcoming event then we would be delighted to hear from you and provide extra editorial coverage.

Other live music events taking place at larger venues such as the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil and the Westlands

Yeovil venue are featured in our What’s On Guide on Pages 48-50.

We look forward to hearing from you – drop us an email at yeovilpress@gmail. com . The next edition of the Yeovil Press is out on March 10-11 – so please get in touch and your gig details will appear in the monthly guide until the date has passed.

Among the forthcoming gigs include Dave Woan and His Band performing at The Emporium Cafe in Princes Street, Yeovil, from 7pm on Thursday, June 16, to launch his new album Down Side Up. Checkout the advert on this page for ticket details.

To add gig dates to the monthly Gig Guide please email yeovilpress@gmail.com 52

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

FORTHCOMING gig dates in and around Yeovil (please check beforehand with venue in case of any changes).

Saturday, February 12: Jorden Lindsay at the Preston Hotel in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Saturday, February 12: The Piano Man, Greg Agar, at The Bell (Hungry Horse) in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Saturday, February 12: Mojo will be performing at the Brewers Arms, South Petherton, from 9pm.

Saturday, February 12: The Painkillers will be playing at the Yellow Wagtail in Yeovil from 9pm. Music from the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, Ramones, T Rex, Sex Pistols, Green Day and many more.

Saturday, February 12: Live music with Jay at The Beehive in Huish, Yeovil, from 9pm. Jay – It’s Time to Play!

Friday, February 18: Tribute Night with Yvan Silva – A Night of Queen and The Bee Gees – plus support with Flic Keirle at the Quicksilver Mail, Hendford Hill, Yeovil, from 8pm. Tickets £8 in advance or £10 on the door.

Friday, February 18: Modern Disciples will be playing at the Yeovil Labour Club from 9pm.

Saturday, February 19: Flic Keirle at the Preston Hotel in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Saturday, February 19: Loose Rock at The Bell (Hungry Horse) in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Friday, February 25: The IOUs will be performing at Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club in Ilminster from 8pm.

Saturday, February 26: Toyah at The Flying Fish at Windmill Hill, Ashill, near Ilminster, TA19 9NX. Tickets via www. ticketweb.uk/theflyingfish .

Saturday, February 26: Caliberate at The Bell (Hungry Horse) in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Saturday, February 26: The Roadstars Party Rock Band at the Preston Hotel in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Saturday, March 5: Ruby and The Rockets at The Bell (Hungry Horse) in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Saturday, March 12: D-State at The Bell (Hungry Horse) in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Monday, March 14, through to Saturday, March 19: The Swan Theatre Company will perform Agatha Christie’s Go Back for Murder at the Swan Theatre in Yeovil.

Saturday, March 26: Electric Peach

at The Bell (Hungry Horse) in Preston Road, Yeovil, from 9pm.

Saturday, April 9: Amy Winehouse Tribute by Stacey Lou plus special guests, Flic Keirle and Friends, will be at the Quicksilver Mail at the top of Hendford Hill, Yeovil.

Thursday, June 2: Flashback Festival at Yeovil Showground. DJ Sash with Simon F, Frazer Mitchell, Chris Bonney, DJ Steve Mullins, Connor Watling, Ben Hadwin, Sheridan Knight. Go to www. flashbackfestivalyeovil.com for more details.

Friday, June 3: Live music at a free community event to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee being held at Yeovil Recreation Ground (Mudford Rec) from 12noon until 10pm. More details about line-up soon to be announced.

Friday, June 3: Flashback Festival at Yeovil Showground. Break Beat Bandits, 2 Rude, Haus Band, Taylor T, Cr3eation, The Revival. Go to www. flashbackfestivalyeovil.com for more details.

Saturday, June 4: Flashback Festival at Yeovil Showground. Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra, Wrecking Ball, Jimmy Hillibillies, Electric Peach, Allstar Reggae, D-Stae, Snakebyte. Go to www. flashbackfestivalyeovil.com for more details.

Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12: Home Farm Festival at Chilthorne Domer in aid of the School in a Bag charity.

Line-up soon to be announced, but more details about the three-day music festival and ticket information can be found at www.homefarmfest.co.uk .

Thursday, June 16: Dave Woan and His Band will be performing at The Emporium Cafe, Princes Street, Yeovil, from 7pm – the red trousers are back!

There will also be guest performances from Sophie Joanne and Jack Saunders.

This is the launch party for Dave’s Down Side Up album and will be hosted by James Budden. Tickets are available at £8 each – online at theemporiumyeovil. com or in person at The Emporium.

Tickets selling fast.

Saturday, August 13: El Sheeran – a tribute to Ed Sheeran – will be at The Quicksilver Mail. Tickets are priced £9 with support from The Guitarist on Wheels. More ticket information from the Quicksilver Mail.

To add gig dates to the monthly Gig Guide – please email yeovilpress@gmail.com.

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

MY TOP TEN

When Eddie Calvert, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Kraftwerk 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 three local people who are celebrating their birthdays in February – well-known local people Jane Healey and Brian Harwood, plus former Yeovil Town striker Kevin Gall who celebrated his 40th birthday on February 4.

We congratulate them on their birthdays and everyone else who is celebrating their special day in February.

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: Brian Harwood

NAME: Jane Healey DOB: February 6, 1956 INFORMATION: Member of Barwick & Stoford Parish Council My Top Ten: 1: Tennessee Ernie Ford, Sixteen Tons.

2: Bill Hayes, The Ballad of Davy Crockett.

3: Frank Sinatra, Love Is The Tender Trap.

4: Frank Sinatra, Love and Marriage.

5: Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Ballad of Davy Crockett.

6: Bill Haley and His Comets, Rock-a-Beatin’ Boogie.

7: Four Aces, Love is a Many Splendored Thing.

8: Lonnie Donegan, Rock Island Line.

9: Eve Boswell, Pickin’ A Chicken.

10: Gary Miller, Robin Hood.

DOB: February 16, 1954

INFORMATION: Well-known local lad My Top Ten:

1: Eddie Calvert, Oh Mein Papa.

Top: Jane Healey Left: Tennessee Ernie Ford Right: Lonnie Donegan Above: Frank Sinatr

2: Guy Mitchell, Cloud Lucky Seven; and Franke Laine, Blowing Wind.

3: David Whitfield, Rags to Riches.

NAME: Kevin Gall DOB: February 4, 1982 INFORMATION: Former Yeovil Town FC striker My Top Ten:

4: Bonnie Lou, Tennessee Wig Walk.

5: Dean Martin, That’s Amore.

6: Mantovani, Swedish Rhapsody.

7: Obernkirchen Children’s Choir, The Happy Wanderer.

8: Frankie Laine, Answer Me.

9: Frank Chacksfield, Ebb Tide.

10: Rosemary Clooney/Jose Ferrer, Man/Woman.

Above: Brian Harwood Middle: Eddie Calvert Below: Dean Martin Left: Rosemary Clooney

1: Kraftwerk, The Model/Computer Love.

2: Shakin’ Stevens, Oh Julie.

3: The Stranglers, Golden Brown.

4: Bucks Fizz, The Land of Make Believe.

5: Meat Loaf, Dead Ringer For Love.

6: OMD, Main of Orleans.

7: Christopher Cross, Arthur’s Theme.

8: Kool and The Gang, Get Down On It. 9: Mobiles, Drowning in Berlin.

10: The Human League, Being Boiled.

Top right: Kevin Gall Left: Meat Loaf.

Above: Kraftwerk Right: Shakin’ Stevens.

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Nomination Cup action in the Yeovil Ladies League TEAMS in the Yeovil Ladies Skittles League will be looking forward to their matches in the Second Round of the Nomination Cup later this month.

Nightingales, Bush Babies and Sparklets were all given byes through to the Second Round where they will face Denners, Queen Bees and Mix & Match respectively in the Division One competition.

The other game in the Division One contest sees The Tourers play host to The Real Thing. The Tourers overcame Sugar & Spice by 11 pins in the First Round, while The Real Thing had a 21-pin win over Rare Birds.

Mix & Match gained a narrow fourpin win over Huneez in the First Round, Denners eased into the Second Round with an 11-pin success against The Wags, while Queen Bees comfortably progressed with a 50-pin victory over Square Pegs.

In the Division Two competition there were wins for Artful Dodgers, Royal Marine, Dolly Mixtures and Up & Coming, while the closest First Round fixture saw Ballteasers scrape through a with a narrow three-pin win at Optimists.

Oakers Ladies, Saints and Lydettes all received byes through to the Second Round.

The Second Round ties in the Division

Tight at the top of Division One in the Stoke League THINGS are looking positively competitive in Division One of the Stoke Skittles League with just two points separating the leading three teams.

Anthill Mob and Headhunters share the lead with 18 points, although Anthill Mob have a small pin-difference advantage.

Red Devils are tucked in just behind on

16 points.

Let Em Roll lead the way in Division Two with 18 points with a single point advantage over second-placed Warriors.

The Unstoppables are in good shape at the top of Division Three with a twopoint advantage and a game in hand over second-placed Jibbers.

Plenty to play for in the Yeovil Sports Skittles League FK Rebels hold a slender two-point lead at the top of Division One in the Yeovil Sports League.

They have gained 30 points from their 16 games played to date and lead Hammers and Herky Snerkys by two points.

Yellow Wagtail B are down in fourth on 22 points from 16 matches played to date.

Westland Ex Apps B are top of Division Two with 30 points and hold a four-point advantage over Bell Sharks.

Mavericks are looking good in Division

Three with a healthy six-point advantage over Split Pins, while Nomads hold a two-point lead over That’s How We Roll at the top of Division Four.

Highest away individual: Division One – A. Northover (Hammers) 64; Division Two – T. Hughes (Richard Edwards) 68 and C. Wood (Elite) 68; Division Three – L. Dalton (Mavericks) 74; Division Four – L. James (Nomads) 68.

Highest away team score: Division One – Hammers 376; Division Two – Bell Sharks 420; Division Three – Mavericks 399; Division Four – Nomads 399.

Let Em Roll are rolling up the points in Division One of the Yeovil League DIVISION One leaders Let Em Roll in the Yeovil Skittles League have become the first team this season to top the 100-points barrier.

They are on 101 points from 11 games played and lead second-placed side, Three at a Time, by nine points.

Morning Wood have a commanding 20-point lead at the top of Division Two from second-placed Bradford Sports, while things are closer in Division Three where leaders Pin Heads hold a ninepoint advantage over Hendford Halt.

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One and Division Two competitions of the Nomination Cup will take place on February 16.

Nomination Cup – First Round results played on January 19: Division One: Nightingales v BYE; Bush Babies v BYE; Sparklets v BYE; Mix & Match 213, Huneez 209; The Real Thing 197, Rare Birds 176; Queen Bees 193, Square Pegs 143; Denners 157, The Wags 146; The Tourers 195, Sugar and Spice (Lyne Hart 39) 184.

Nomination Cup – First Round results played on January 19: Division Two: Oakers Ladies v BYE; Saints v BYE; Lydettes v BYE; Artful Dodgers 148, Yeovil Sports Skittles League Latest Tables Division One P FK Rebels 16 Hammers 17 Herky Snerkys 16 Yellow Wagtail B 16 Waverley Bros 16 Livin’ on a Spare 16 Tripods 16 Hornets 16 Phoenix 16 Debaggers 16 Flung Together 17 Jager Bombers 17 Croc’s Lot 16 Cretins 17 Division Two Westland Ex Apps B 19 Bell Sharks 19 Bowling Stones 19 Richard Edwards 18 Ooo Unlucky 19 Combo 19 Occasionals 19 VAD 19 Nightriders 19 Elite 19 Dropouts 19 Rejects 18 Fluids 19 Game On 19 Dad’s Army 19 Rovers 19 Division Three Mavericks 18 Split Pins 19 Labour Club 18 Maybees 18 Oak Originals 16 RML Sports 19 Oakers 18 Screwballs 19 Let It Roll 19 Has Beens 19 Nondescripts 19 Wessex Plus 19 Misfits 18 Here 4 The Beer 19 Pacemakers 19 Casuals 17 Division Four Nomads 19 That’s How We Roll 19 Lush Puppies 18 Raging Balls 19 Average Joe’s 19 YESS Club 18 Bradford Kinnells 19 Gangbangers 18 Outsiders 19 Playboys 18 Mind the Gaps 19 Great Lyde 19 Motiv8 19 RAFA 19 Yeovil Sports Club B 19 Marston Boys 19

Pts 30 28 28 22 18 18 14 14 14 14 10 8 6 4 30 26 24 24 24 23 22 22 21 18 14 14 13 12 11 4 34 28 24 24 22 22 20 20 18 18 14 14 11 11 10 4 34 32 30 24 22 22 18 18 16 14 14 13 11 11 11 10

Rebels 137; Optimists 213, Ballteasers 216; Roal Marine 235, Rare Players 174; Dolly Mixtures 158, Ladybyrds 141; Up and Coming 148, Off the Rails 135.

Nomination Cup – Second Round Draw to be played on February 16: Division One: Tourers v The Real Thing; Nightingales v Denners; Bush Babies v Queen Bees; Mix & Match v Sparklets.

Nomination Cup – Second Round Draw to be played on February 16: Division Two: Up & Coming v Artful Dodgers; Royal Marine v Saints; Ballteasers v Lydettes; Dolly Mixtures v Oakers Ladies.

Stoke Skittles League Division One P Anthill Mob 11 Headhunters 11 Red Devils 11 Pete’s Pirates 11 Reckleford Rejects 11 Nucking Fumpties 11 Liquor & Poker 11 The Untouchables 11 Ball Boys 11 Pins & Balls 11

Pts 18 18 16 12 11 10 8 8 8 1

Division Two Let Em Roll 11 Warriors 11 Jacket Spuds 11 Dangle Berries 11 Stoke Rangers 11 Tintinhull Boys 11 Mud Dogs 11 Peeweets 10 Lynx 10 Yeovil Sports Club 11

18 17 12 10 10 10 10 9 6 6

Division Three The Unstoppables 9 Jibbers 10 Reckers 10 Rollers 10 Poachers 10 Skittlers Inc 9 Troubleshooters 11 Bolters 10

16 14 13 12 12 8 6 3

Yeovil Skittles League Division One P Let Em Roll 11 Three at a Time 11 Gazelles 11 Young Lions 11 Wessex Wyverns 11 Mother’s Boys 11 Spartans 11 Sparks 11

Pts 101 92 80 60 56 51 50 38

Division Two Morning Wood 11 Bradford Sports 11 Gap Finders 11 Cannon Fodder 11 RAOB B 11 The Drop Outs 11 Barn Again 11 Plan Bee 11

94 74 71 68 62 60 53 46

Division Three Pin Heads 10 Hendford Halt 9 X Rays 9 Still Messing About 10 JP Boys 10 Bull Inn 9 Labour Pains 9

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YEOVIL RUGBY CLUB 1ST XV FIXTURES FOR 2021-22

(NOTE: FIXTURES SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Saturday, September 25, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Avonvale 12pts, Yeovil 13 Saturday, October 2, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil 25pts, Swanage & Wareham 14 Saturday, October 9, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Combe Down 12pts Yeovil 28 Saturday, October 23, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil 28pts, Swindon 30 Saturday, October 30, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Corsham 33pts Yeovil 26 Saturday, November 6, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil 48pts, Swindon College OB 19

Yeovil need a strong finish to the season if they are to challenge for top three spot YEOVIL Rugby Club’s hopes of finishing the season in the top three in the table have taken a bit of a knock in recent weeks.

They remain in fourth place in the Tribute Southern Counties South of SW Division, but trail third-placed Swindon by 17 points.

They have had a poor run of results over the past month and know they will have to put an impressive run of results together in their closing weeks of the season if they are to break into that top three.

Yeovil visit lowly Swindon College Old Boys on Saturday, February 12, before they are back at their Dorchester Road home ground on February 19 with the visit of league leaders Devizes.

They then face a trip to Walcot on March

5 and then back at home on March 12 where they will play host to Dorchester.

Yeovil suffered a 37pts-10 defeat away at Salisbury on February 5, while their scheduled match with Corsham at home on January 29 was cancelled and a home walkover victory was recorded.

They went down by 22pts-10 at home to Combe Down on January 15 and that was followed by a 31pts-17 defeat at Swindon on January 22.

There was better news from Yeovil 2nds on February 5 when they walloped Minehead Barbarians 2nds by 97pts-17 at home in the Somerset Two South of SW Division.

They rattled up a 50pts-14 success at Wvyern on January 29 which made amends for a 36pts-13 defeat at home to Wiveliscombe 2nds on January 22 and a

43pts-14 defeat against Winscombe 2nds on January 15.

Meanwhile, the triumphant Yeovil Ladies march on with aplomb. They won 43pts-nil at Dorchester/Weymouth on February 6 and gained a crucial 10pts-7 success at rivals Trojans 2nds on January 23 along with a 27pts-nil victory at home over Oakmeadians Ladies on January 9.

Yeovil Ladies are back in home action on Sunday, February 20, when Westbury Ladies are the visitors, while they make the short journey down the road on Sunday, February 27, to face local neighbours Crewkerne.

PHOTOS: Taken during Yeovil 1sts 22pts-10 defeat at home to Combe Down on January 15. Photos courtesy of Shell Lawrence Photography.

Saturday, November 20, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Devizes 41pts, Yeovil 14 Saturday, November 27, 2011 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil 10pts, Walcot 5 Saturday, December 4, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Dorchester nil, Yeovil 55pts Saturday, December 11, 2021 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil 24pts, Wimborne 15 Saturday, January 8, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Swanage & Wareham 32pts, Yeovil 15 Saturday, January 15, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil 10pts, Combe Down 22 Saturday, January 22, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Swindon 31pts, Yeovil 17 Saturday, January 29, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil v Corsham Home Walkover Saturday, February 5, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Salisbury 37pts, Yeovil 10 Saturday, February 12, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Swindon College OB v Yeovil Saturday, February 19, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil v Devizes Saturday, March 5, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Walcot v Yeovil Saturday, March 12, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil v Dorchester Saturday, March 26, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Wimborne v Yeovil Saturday, April 2, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil v Salisbury Saturday, April 9, 2022 Southern Counties South Division Yeovil v Avonvale

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Alice reaches 100 senior games YEOVIL Ladies player Alice Harding chalked up her 100th match during the team’s 43pts-nil victory at Dorchester/ Weymouth on February 6.

Alice started playing rugby at the club when she and Marlie Packer, who would go on to England success, were the only girls at training on a Sunday morning.

But she has played through the age groups and now notched-up her 100 senior matches.

A club spokesman said: “It’s always amazing to see her name on the team sheet – the club wouldn’t be the same without her.”

Coach Simon Chubb said: “One of the very few players who is skilful enough to play in the backs and strong enough to play in the forwards and who puts herself in contention for player of the match every game.”

Photo: Alice Harding.

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TRIBUTE SOUTHERN COUNTIES SOUTH OF SW DIVISION Latest Table As at February 9, 2022 P Devizes 15 Salisbury 15 Swindon 15 YEOVIL 15 Swanage & Wareham 15 Combe Down 15 Dorchester 15 Walcot 15 Wimborne 12 Avonvale 14 Swindon College OB 13 Corsham 13

Pts 67 63 58 41 40 36 33 30 24 13 13 -2

TRIBUTE SOMERSET TWO SOUTH OF SW DIVISION Latest TableAs at February 9, 2022 P Ptsa Chard 2nds 14 60 Wiveliscombe 2nds 13 53 Wells 2nds 14 50 Somerton 14 48 YEOVIL 2nds 15 42 Castle Cary 14 30 Winscombe 2nds 13 30 Wyvern 15 19 Cheddar Valley 2nds 15 15 Minehead Babas 2nds 11 15 Burnham-on-Sea 2nds 14 9 Martock 12 -1 WOMEN’S NC SOUTH WEST LEAGUE Latest Table As at February 9, 2022 P YEOVIL 9 Crewkerne 8 Trojans 2nds 10 Oakmedians 9 Melksham 8 Swanage & Wareham 9 Dorchester/Weymouth 9 Westbury 8

Pts 35 29 29 27 25 17 14 12

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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 YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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Men's first team show a little bit of five-star goal scoring form YEOVIL and Sherborne Hockey Club’s men’s first team are sitting fourth in the West Hockey Division One South League.

They have picked up nine wins from their opening 15 games of the season including a 5-2 win over PGSOB of Plymouth who were the visitors to the Yeovil Recreation Ground on February 5.

Yeovil came out strong and opened the scoring with forward Eben Latham notching his first goal of the season.

Additional goals came from midfielder Aaron Wilkinson and defender Luke Drewitt. Although PGSOB did pull a goal back following a defensive lapse by the home side, Yeovil swiftly restored their advantage with Kyle van Biljon strongly driving at the PGSOB defence before unselfishly slipping the ball to his fellow

58

forward Ross Walters for a simple tap-in to end the half 4-1 up.

Having recently drawn two games from similarly strong first half positions, Yeovil were acutely aware that they needed to close out the game, and the second-half was a much more circumspect affair with the home side focusing on ball retention.

But Aaron Wilkinson netted his second of the game for Yeovil and although PGSOB got a consolation in the dying embers of the encounter the result was never in doubt with the home side enjoying a 5-2 success.

Photographer Martin Edwards, of totallyfocused.co.uk which can be found on social media Facebook, was at the Yeovil & Sherborne (blue shirts) v PGSOB of Plymouth match on February 5 and kindly sent us these photos.

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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 Town Under-12s, of the Yeovil and District Youth Football League, are pictured in 1998 (back row from left) Gary Offord, Tim Trevett, Kris Pearse, Matthew Hann, Tim Pearse, Martin Cranie, Adrian Smith and Phil Saunders and (front from left) are Luke Peaty, Grant Gardiner, Ross Plain, Robbie Platt, Joe Smeeton and Richard Cullingford. Standing at the back is team manager Phil Wells THE North Perrott Sunday XI team line-up for a photo in the summer of 2003 with pictured (back row from left to right) Anthony Spitteller, Brian Dening, Rich Trickey, Bob Bennett, Darren Taylor and Dom Ryan and (front row from left) Tom Stokes, Andrew Robinson, Bob Healey, Alex Healey, James Healey and Jason Bond.

THE president of the Yeovil Sports Skittles League, Alan MacGregor (front left), is pictured presenting the Division One championship trophy to skipper Rob Fox of the victorious Herky Snerkeys team during the league’s presentation night at the Westland Sports and Social Complex in Yeovil back in the summer of 2002.

MANY thanks to well-known local football man Derrick Mapletoft who submitted this photo to the Yeovil Press dating back to the late 1950s of the Tintinhull Football Club’s first team and reserve team players.

Pictured (back row from left) are Bob Whitlock, J. Holland, R. Sweet, W. Stagg, G. Hoskins, S. Sumsion, F. Hoskins, W. Reed, R. Little, A. Reece, S. Harrison, T.

Marshall, (second row from left) are E. Reece, T. Whitlock, L. Sweet, G. Bowen, F. Neverard, B. Thorne, W. Purchase, E. Pearce, B. Burnett, and (front row from left) are R. Neverard, K. Morris, W. Pitts, J. Read, J. Hoskins, G. Mapletoft, J. Elliott and R. Sweet. We apologise now in case any of the surnames have been spelt incorrectly.

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THE Labour Club team is pictured at the 2009-10 presentation night of the Yeovil Ladies Skittles League where members were presented with the Division Two Knockout Cup trophy.

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59

Westland Sports look to bounce back to winning ways in the Dorset Premier WESTLAND Sports’ poor record of 2022 has continued into February and their hopes of title success in the Dorset Premier League are all over.

They suffered a 3-1 defeat at Blandford on February 5 and came on the back of heavy defeat against table-toppers Hamworthy Recreation (5-2 on January 29) and a 6-2 reverse at Portland United Reserves on January 15.

The only victory so far this year for Westlands came on January 22 and a 5-1 success at home over Corfe Castle with goals from Phil Ormrod (two), Steve Ormrod and Duncan McCabe (two).

Westlands find themselves down in fifth spot in the table – but 18 points behind

leaders Hamworthy Recreation.

Westland Sports Reserves are also not having the best of times in the Dorset Senior League and are currently third from bottom with just nine points from 13 matches.

Templecombe Rovers, meanwhile, hold top spot in the Premier Division of the Yeovil and District League with a twopoint advantage and a game in hand on second-placed Manor Athletic.

The title race already looks as if it is between Templecombe and Manor Athletic with third-placed Ilchester 12 points behind the leaders.

At the other end of the table things do not look too good for Wyndham Athletic

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who have just three points to show from their 14 fixtures.

Things look intriguing at the top of Division One. AFC Strode currently have a six-point lead in pole position, but second-placed Castle Cary Reserves have three games in hand in which to reduce the deficit.

And South Cheriton United Reserves and Milborne Port A share the lead in Division Two with 37 points apiece, although Cheriton have two games in hand.

Barwick Reserves are tucked in nicely on 35 points, with RLS FC Yellows just behind on 32.

The Westland Sports Under-18s Dorset Premier League Latest Table as at February 9, 2022 P Pts Hamworthy Recreation 23 64 Merley Cobham Sports 23 59 Dorchester Sports 23 56 Sturminster Newton 24 51 Westland Sports 23 46 Bournemouth Sports 24 41 Holt Utd 22 40 Portland Utd Res 25 33 Bridport FC Res 19 27 Sherborne Town Res 24 26 Blandford Utd 23 25 Shaftesbury Town Res 20 21 Swanage Town & Herston 25 21 Balti Sports 24 19 Hamworthy Utd Res 24 19 Poole Borough 23 18 Wareham Rangers 24 15 Corfe Castle 21 8 Dorset Senior League Latest Table as at February 9, 2022 P Sturminster Marshall 15 Broadstone Seniors 16 Stalbridge 16 Chickerell Utd 13 Merley Cobham Sports Res 13 Dorchester Sports Res 13 HamworthY Rec Res 16 Tisbury Utd 11 Wincanton Town Res 11 Westland Sports Res 13 Beaminster 16 Cranborne 15 Yeovil and District League Latest Tables as at February 9, 2022 Premier Division P Templecombe Rovers 13 Manor Athletic 14 Ilchester Juniors 13 Keinton Park Rangers 14 Martock Utd 15 Odcombe 12 Ashcott Res 12 Stoke-sub-Hamdon 15 Wyndham Athletic 14

AFC Strode Castle Cary Res

Division One 15 12

Pts 34 30 28 26 25 23 22 22 11 9 7 3

Pts 35 31 23 19 18 17 17 12 3

31 25

are currently sitting mid-table in the Somerset Under-18s Youth League South Division with four wins to show from their 13 outings to date.

In women’s football, Pen Mill Ladies are looking good at the top of Division One in the Somerset County Women’s League.

They have won eight of their ten games to date and hold top spot on goal difference from Stockwood Wanderers and Bishops Lydeard, but have two games in hand on both their title rivals.

Pen Mill Ladies Reserves find themselves second from bottom in Division Two of the Somerset County Women’s League.

Lantokay South Cheriton Utd Team Gryphon Barwick Ilchester Juniors Res Evercreech Sports Bruton Utd Juniors Pen Mill Athletic Martock Utd Res

14 15 15 15 10 16 10 15 17 Division Two South Cheriton Utd Res 14 Milborne Port A 16 Barwick Res 18 RLS FC Yellows 17 Langport Town 15 Team Gryphon Res 18 Ilchester Junior Colts 14 Keinton Park Rangers Res 13 Somerton Development Colts 15 Stoke-sub-Hamdon Res 17 AFC Strode Res 14 Pen Mill Ath Res 15 Somerset Under-18s South Division Latest Table as at February 9, 2022 P Taunton Town 14 Middlezoy Rovers 11 Elmore 12 Stoke Wolves 12 Westland Sports 13 Staplegrove Youth Saints 12 Ruishton 11 Minehead AFC 11 Ashcott 12 Somerset County Women’s League Division One Latest Table as at February 9, 2022 P Pen Mill Ladies 10 Stockwood Wanderers 12 Bishops Lydeard Res 12 Portishead Res 11 Banwell 11 Paulton Rovers Res 11 Ilminster Town Res 10 Burnham Utd 11 Division Two Wells City 9 Bishops Lydeard Dev 8 Wellington 7 Ash Rangers 9 Pen Mill Ladies Res 10 Combe St Nicholas 9

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24 23 23 21 20 18 13 13 8 37 37 35 32 24 22 19 19 19 16 6 6

Pts 35 25 25 18 13 10 10 8 8

Pts 24 24 24 22 13 10 7 4 18 18 16 16 7 0

Walking football in Yeovil picks-up pace in tournament victory THE Yeovil Walking Football Club Over-70s side made the trip to WestonSuper-Mare to play in a four-team tournament.

The other teams were Bournemouth, Exeter and Clevedon and two players made their debut for the Yeovil Over-70s, namely Martin Middleditch and Goldy Kelleher.

Yeovil played Exeter in their first game and won 1-0 thanks to a well-taken goal by debutant Goldy Kelleher.

The second game saw Yeovil up against Clevedon and again Yeovil won 1-0 thanks to a Roger Brimble penalty.

The final game against Bournemouth saw Yeovil go 1-0 down, but a great strike by that man Roger Brimble gave Yeovil a well-deserved draw.

It was a great all-round team performance and ensured that Yeovil remained undefeated and become tournament winners.

Yeovil’s triumphant Over-70s Walking Football team are pictured (back row from left) Martin Middleditch, Roger Brimble, Des Cosker, Stuart Marples and Owen Cleave and (front from left) are Alan Johnson, Malcolm Scolding, Goldy Kelleher and Tony Ford.

Roger Brimble battles for the ball.

Pictured (from left) are Yeovil players Owen Cleave, Martin Middleditch and Goldy Kelleher.

Stuart Marples is on the ball for Yeovil.

Hands-up for Goldy Kelleher.

Malcolm Scolding presses with Roger Brimble in the background.

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PROGRAMME NOTES

YEOVIL Press editor Steve Sowden spent seven years reporting on the Glovers at home and away from the beginning of the 1998-99 season right through to the end of the 2004-05 campaign.

During those years he did not miss a single Yeovil Town game in the Nationwide Conference, Football League, FA Cup, FA Trophy and Football League Cup – a total of 352 matches, as well as a host of pre-season friendly and minor cup fixtures.

And Steve said: “They were great days and I feel blessed that I was able to cover Yeovil in the club’s glory years of winning the FA Trophy, winning the Nationwide Conference and with it promotion to the Football League and then onto League Two glory as well.

“It was fantastic to go around the country

watching Yeovil in action, visit some great grounds, witness the highs of wonderful wins and the lows of dismal defeats, get to know the various Yeovil managers and players during those years and I was even allowed to claim for a couple of pints back in those days and put them on my expenses,” he said.

In this monthly feature Steve looks back at some of the games he covered.

“They might not necessarily be the obvious stand-out games from that era, but matches which have particular memories for me,” he said.

In this edition Steve looks at Yeovil’s Nationwide Conference match with Scarborough on March 28, 2003, and then the FA Cup Third Round clash at Huish Park with Liverpool on January 4, 2004.

Win against Scarborough was another tick in the box

YEOVIL Town were well on their way to the Nationwide Conference title when Scarborough made the long trip south to Somerset in March 2003.

The Glovers were on a long unbeaten run, albeit they had recently suffered a blip and a shock exit from the FA Trophy at the Sixth Round stage to Burscough.

But I remember that Yeovil never really had that much of a good record against Scarborough – the away game in Yorkshire played on December 7, 2002, had resulted in a 2-1 defeat; something of a rare occurrence in that glorious season of 2002-03.

And, to be honest, I was still recovering from that nightmare opening game of the 1999-2000 season when Yeovil suffered a 5-0 stuffing at Scarborough! I still have nightmares about that now!

I did not really care too much for Scarborough, but felt that if any team was going to spoil the party – albeit fleetingly – it would be them.

However, I do not even have to look back in the archives to remember what happened.

Firstly, the game was played on a Friday night for some reason – I can’t remember why; but Huish Park was rocking with another big crowd in anticipation of another goal fest.

The goals did not flow, however, and it took a second-half effort from Kirk Jackson to settle the matter and give

62

Yeovil a 1-0 lead.

It was a professional performance without the razzle and dazzle which we as fans had come to expect from Gary Johnson’s free-scoring boys in Green and White.

But for me it was another tick in the box and another three points towards the Nationwide Conference crown.

Two weeks later on April 12, 2003, that championship dream became reality at Doncaster Rovers.

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Yeovil really did match their illustrious opponents for long spells WHEN you sit down and watch the Third Round draw of the FA Cup you always keep your fingers-crossed that you are going to get paired with a big club.

No doubt the screams of delight could be heard all over Yeovil in December 2003 when little old Yeovil Town were given a dream tie draw at home to the mighty Liverpool.

I know I ran around the living room whooping with delight – much to the horror of everyone else in the room.

But, hey, if you don’t understand what the FA Cup is all about and you don’t understand what the FA Cup means to Yeovil Town – you aren’t necessarily going to share in the excitement.

Liverpool came to Huish Park on Sunday, January 4, 2004, and the ground was enveloped in an eerie mist – similar to what it was like when Sunderland visited the old sloping pitch of Huish in 1949 and we all know what happened that day.

Could another giant-killing act be on the cards?

I’ve watched the highlights of the game several times and Yeovil certainly played their part in an entertaining match and had a little bit of Lady Luck been on their side, who knows what might have happened.

Lee Johnson and Darren Way were bossing the midfield and the fantastic Gavin Williams was showing off his wizardry with the ball where he seemed to glide across the pitch.

But, as we all know, Liverpool eventually emerged 2-0 victors with late second-half goals from substitute Emile Heskey and a penalty scored by Danny Murphy following a definite

dodgy decision by the referee after Harry Kewell had fallen inside the box.

I wonder what VAR would have made of that penalty shout?

The live TV cameras were at the game and the pundits – most notably Alan Hansen, himself a Liverpool legend – were very complimentary about the Glovers. Hansen even suggested that at times he thought the Premier League superstars of Liverpool were the team playing in Green and White.

I sat with pen and notepad poised at the after-match press conference and Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier was equally complimentary about how Yeovil had played.

His words of praise certainly helped to reduce the disappointment of defeat.

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FAN ZONE A-TO-Z 1-TO-11 F is for Peter FOSTER! Welcome to the sixth instalment of the Fan Zone A-to-Z 1-to-11 feature.

Each month we will spotlight a Yeovil Town fan in surname alphabetical order and ask them 11 questions relating to their support of the Glovers.

If you want to be included in a future edition of the Fan Zone please get in touch by emailing Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden at yeovilpress@gmail.com. We could well be interested in hearing from any Yeovil fan with a surname beginning with the letter Z! Photo: Peter Foster.

01: How many years have you been supporting Yeovil Town FC? A lot - I would guess from around the age of six, so 45 years! A third generation Yeovil fan and I’ve passed on the baton to my children; well almost, one is a Nottingham Forest fan.

02: What was the first game you can remember watching Yeovil Town FC? This is a tough question. I have memories of heading to the old ground at Huish and crossing the bridge over Queensway with my dad and then running up and down the terrace with my brother.

Spencer. I wanted to name my first son after him, but after many discussions with my wife he was named Jake! Favourite manager - Sir Gary Johnson! To do what he did with our club makes him a legend.

04: What is the best Yeovil Town game you have watched?

The second leg of the play-off semi-final at Nottingham Forest in 2007. My wife’s from Nottingham – that is why my son is a Forest fan! I went through every emotion that night with her by my side.

What a game to see Yeovil win 5-2 (5-4 on aggregate) and reach the play-off final.

05: What has been the biggest disappointment for you as a Yeovil Town fan?

I think it’s that we won promotions, but never seemed to grow as a club off the field. It’s frustrating that other clubs have managed it, but we never capitalised on going up and improving. We seemed to do nothing and came back down with a whimper.

06: What has been your favourite goal scored by Yeovil Town?

The Andy Wallace late goal against Fulham in the FA Cup First Round at Huish Park on November 15, 1993, which gave us a 1-0 victory – a great moment!

Former Yeovil Town striker Mickey Spencer. Turn to Questions 3 and 11.

03: Who has been your all-time favourite Yeovil Town player and your favourite manager?

All-time favourite player has to be Mickey

07: If you could name any one footballer – alive or dead – from the world of football who you would have liked to have seen play for Yeovil Town, who would it be and why?

I’ve tried to be realistic here and not gone with Ronaldo etc so I’ve gone with Lee Trundle. I think Yeovil Town were linked with him once towards the end of his

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Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson celebrates Nationwide Conference title success at Doncaster Rovers in 2003. Turn to Question 3.

career, but he went elsewhere. I always rated him as a striker.

08: Favourite away ground and why?

Bath City’s Twerton Park - not glamorous at all, but I loved the build-up and battles with Bath.

09: If you won the National Lottery jackpot and bought Yeovil Town FC – what is the first thing you would do (within reason!)?

I’d sort the areas around the Huish Park ground out - it’s a mess! And I would also build a decent bar for the fans.

10:

What

are

your

hopes

and

aspirations for this season?

I hope this whole ownership situation gets sorted soon. On the pitch, we have an outside chance of the play-offs but I’d take just outside of that, sort contracts and build for next season.

11: Name your all-time Yeovil Town XI from your time as being as Yeovil Town fan.

This is tough as I could name 22 players and more. 1 Marek Stech; 2 Luke Ayling; 3 Shane Duffy; 4 Paul Huntington; 5 Terry Skiverton; 6 Lee Johnson; 7 Shaun MacDonald; 8 Michael McIndoe; 9 Paddy Madden; 10 Mickey Spencer; 11 Paul Sanderson.

Defender Nathan Jones (left) gets ready to lead out Yeovil Town at the City Ground ahead of the famous League One Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg at Nottingham Forest on May 18, 2007, which saw the Glovers gain a memorable 5-2 victory and 5-4 aggregate win to move through to the Play-Off Final.

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GLOVERS GLORY

Scoring a hat-trick for Yeovil against a Manchester United legend was special FORMER Yeovil Town striker Clive Green – who was with the Glovers from the late 70s to early 80s – has said he will always have a soft touch for the club.

Green joined the Glovers from Portsmouth and went on to score 76 goals for the club in all competitions – making him one of Yeovil’s most prolific goalscorers.

“I’ve got great memories of my time at Yeovil Town,” he said. “I was at Portsmouth and I came out on loan to Yeovil.

“Stan Harland was the manager at Yeovil at the time and he was big mates with Frank Burrows who was manager at Portsmouth.

“I don’t think Frank liked me that much to be honest so I went out on loan to Yeovil at the end of the 1977-78 season. I then signed for Yeovil the next season as I wanted first-team games – something I wasn’t getting at Portsmouth.

“Dave Platt and myself signed around the same time for Yeovil, but we both ended up getting injured in pre-season and we got thrown into a house together – the club had a few houses that were used by players.

“Dave and me didn’t really know each other to start with, but over the course of time we became great mates. We shared the house for about a year. I was 19 at the time and Dave was about 20-21. Two young blokes, having your own house in a lovely little town in Yeovil – you can work that one out for yourself (Clive says with a chuckle!).

“I got sorted out with a few jobs outside of football although coming out of professional football, working in a normal job wasn’t something I was too keen on.

“I worked at one place where there was a mad keen Yeovil Town fan who used to

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Former Yeovil Town striker Clive Green.

“I played with quite a few players up front for Yeovil such as Dave Platt, Kevin Leigh and Andy Bell, plus, of course, Yeovil legend Terry Cotton who must have been a 100 (jokes Clive) at the time when he came back to Huish for a second time and occasionally played as a striker.

“I had great times at Yeovil and in some ways wished I’d never left, but circumstances dictate and I joined Maidstone in 1981 for £8,000 which was a record back then for a player between two non-league clubs.

“I suffered some bad injuries including a fractured skull and a broken leg and after Maidstone I went to places like Dover, Croydon, Bromley, Bognor and then Salisbury where I met up with Dave Platt again.

“It’s been a long time since my days at Yeovil, but I still always look out for Yeovil results, although I don’t get down to the town as much as I used to.”

cover for me if I wasn’t there!”

Green went on: “I was at Yeovil for about four or five seasons and I’ve got so many great memories of the place.

“One big memory I had came in the 1979-80 season which was the first season of the newly-formed Alliance Premier League. We beat Altrincham 3-2 at Huish and I scored a hat-trick with Altrincham having former Manchester United keeper Alex Stepney, who won the European Cup with United in 1968, in goal for them. That was pretty special and stands out for me looking back on my days at Huish.

“There was also the FA Cup Third Round match with Norwich City at Huish where we lost 3-0 although, to be fair, our keeper Brian Parker was concussed having been whacked by Justin Fashanu.

Brian was seeing double for most of the game.

Yeovil Town have a team photo in the build-up to the Norwich FA Cup game. Clive Green is pictured – standing fourth from left in between co-striker Dave Platt and goalkeeper Brian Parker.

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The Yeovil Town v Norwich City FA Cup Third Round programme featuring Clive Green on the front cover.

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A beer or two and a frank discussion made me realise Skivo was the leader IT does not feel the same at Huish Park now that Yeovil Town club legend Terry Skiverton has left the Glovers after 23 years, writes Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden.

I was reporting on the Glovers when the then head coach Colin Lippiatt signed Skiverton from Welling United in the summer of 1999. He was one of four signings made by Lippiatt and, with the greatest respect, probably the one which got the least amount of attention alongside the drafting in of well-known strikers Adrian Foster and Jason Eaton and midfielder David Norton.

The first game of the 1999-2000 season saw Yeovil make the long trek north to Scarborough where the Glovers were on the wrong end of a 5-0 trouncing and Skiverton started on the bench as a substitute.

It was not the most exciting of introductions to Yeovil Town and nobody

would have given it a moment’s thought that this young lad from London would go on to become a legend.

But he quickly, quietly and efficiently made his mark on the team and became the heart of the defence and soon became captain.

I certainly had ups and downs with Skiverton in a reporting capacity – like all football reporters tend to do with players and managers over a period of time.

But it was on the night of May 12, 2002, that I began to realise that Yeovil Town had one heck of a leader in the form of Skiverton.

Earlier in the 2001-02 season I seem to recall that Skiverton had been ruled out of action for a few weeks because of injury and Michael McIndoe had taken over the captain’s armband in his absence.

McIndoe seemed to revel in the role and I posed a question in the media that

perhaps he should remain as skipper on the pitch and Skiverton take on a club captain role. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and perhaps I should have put the word “discuss” at the end of the suggestion.

Nothing was said about it until that night of May 12, 2002, when I bumped into Skiverton and other players in the Globe pub in Yeovil celebrating the Glovers excellent 2-0 success over Stevenage Borough earlier that day in the FA Trophy Final at Villa Park.

I went to congratulate Skiverton on the success, but he was really miffed with me and recounted the story from earlier in the season where I had suggested that McIndoe should take over the captain’s armband. We had a frank discussion about it and I could tell he had been deeply hurt at what I had written and implied.

But that discussion certainly gave me enough proof to tell me that he was the right man for the captaincy and that he was the right man to lead Yeovil Town on and off the pitch. His passion and loyalty to the club poured out.

A few years later when he stepped up to be manager it was not easy for him – he had been plonked in at the deep end; but he did a great job in keeping Yeovil in League One. Plenty of words have been spoken about Skiverton since his exit from Yeovil and although everyone wishes him well for the future, he will always be welcome back at Huish Park.

And PS: The thunderous goal Terry Skiverton scored at Doncaster Rovers to win a pulsating FA Trophy Fourth Round Replay back on February 23, 2002, in an epic 5-4 victory will always be my favourite!

Terry Skiverton celebrates League Two success in 2005.

Yeovil Press editor Steve Sowden presents Terry Skiverton with a player-of-the-month award at Huish Park on May 5, 2001. Photo courtesy of Nigel Andrews.

Terry Skiverton battling for the ball in a League One game with Oldham Athletic at Huish Park on November 26, 2005.

Photo courtesy of Nigel Andrews.

Terry Skiverton in the thick of the action during a League One clash with Nottingham Forest at Huish Park on September 9, 2006. Photo courtesy of Nigel Andrews.

Skipper Terry Skiverton leads the celebrations after Yeovil Town’s FA Cup First Round 5-1 victory over Colchester United at Huish Park on November 18, 2000. Photo courtesy of Nigel Andrews.

Terry Skiverton celebrates after scoring a last-minute winner at Kettering Town on August 31, 2002, in the Nationwide Conference.

Terry Skiverton has gained his official coaching qualifications.

Terry Skiverton with former manager Darren Way.

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Club legend Skivo leaves the Glovers after 23 years of loyal service THERE was a huge feeling of sadness descend over Huish Park last month when Yeovil Town confirmed the departure of assistant manager and club legend Terry Skiverton.

He joined the Glovers in 1999 as a player and went on to make a total of 382 appearances. During his playing days, the central defender led the team as captain to an FA Trophy victory in 2002, alongside promotion from the Nationwide Conference in 2003 and League Two in 2005.

As the club climbed the football pyramid, Skiverton remained an

instrumental figure, even being named in the PFA’s League One team of the season in the 2006-07 season.

In 2009, Skiverton took the role of manager at the football club for the first time, and continued to be a registered player before relinquishing his playing duties in May 2010.

As manager, Skiverton kept the Glovers competitive in League One for a number of years before stepping aside to join Gary Johnson’s coaching team when he returned to the club. This proved to be an extremely successful spell for the

FA Trophy success for Terry Skiverton and Yeovil Town in 2002.

club, as it secured promotion to the Championship for the first time in the Glovers’ history.

After Johnson’s departure, Skivo spent a short time as caretaker manager once again before becoming assistant to Paul Sturrock and then Darren Way until 2018.

In 2019, Skiverton became academy manager and during this time he saw his son Fin make his debut for the club.

When Darren Sarll was appointed manager, Skiverton was the first person he phoned, with the former captain

stepping into first team coaching once again, whilst continuing his role as the academy manager.

Club chairman Scott Priestnall said: “I’d like to thank Terry for everything he has done for Yeovil Town. He is undoubtedly a club legend, both for his service on and off the pitch. He will always be welcome at Huish Park.”

A club statement said: “All at Yeovil Town would like to extend our gratitude to Terry for his stellar service to the football club, and wish him all the best in his new role.”

Yeovil Town skipper Terry Skiverton lifts the Nationwide Conference crown in 2003.

Skiverton overwhelmed by messages of good luck from Yeovil fans YEOVIL Town legend Terry Skiverton said the time was right to make the “gut-wrenching” decision to leave the Glovers after almost 23 years with the club.

It was announced last month that the former captain, manager, assistant manager and coach had left the club and was later unveiled as the new assistant manager at League One outfit Charlton Athletic.

In an interview with Sky Sports journalist Chris Hull, he said he had been “overwhelmed” by the messages which had poured in from supporters, players and managers alike since the announcement.

“Sometimes you feel the time was right,” he said. “I tried to leave before but I got dragged back in by the thenchairman John Fry, but this time I knew the time was right.

“I need to move on with my career, I have got all my qualifications – my B, A and my Pro Licence – and with all of those things, I really want to give this a crack and it’s time to move away from Yeovil.”

The 46-year-old described Glovers’ boss Darren Sarll as “a true friend who will be a friend for the rest of my life” and spoke of his sadness at having to leave him behind.

Skiverton added: “He brought me back in to the club and he gave me my passion for coaching and managing.

“The first year we had the play-offs, the second we have had tragedy with the death of our captain Lee Collins, and to pick the club up with the most limited resources we have had in my time at the club, to get to where we are in the league is amazing.

“The football club is in a position

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where we need to kick on and we can’t quite do that at the moment and I am sad to be leaving Darren because he’s a great manager, an unbelievable coach and a real true friend.”

It was confirmed a few days later that he would be Charlton Athletic’s manager alongside current boss Johnnie Jackson.

Skiverton added: “I think I have earned my stripes. I got in to management a bit too early, I went from being a player one day to a manager the next, I had to learn on my feet.

“Now I would like to see if I can progress myself and see how far I can go as a coach and an assistant manager, moving forward with my career.

“I’ve given so much to Yeovil but sometimes you have to look after yourself and if you have an aim in life you have got to get after it.

“After the years and learning I have

done, I really want to push on now.”

Skiverton, speaking to Charlton’s official website, said: “It’s a brand-new opportunity for me. I’ve been very loyal to Yeovil Town, but I felt the time was right and it’s an exciting challenge, especially where the club are and where the manager has taken them from, it’s a real chance for me to help support him and Jason Euell (first-team coach) in trying to get up this league and make sure we’re competing.

“Speaking with the manager and the owner and the vision they’ve got for the football club, it really hit home to me how good an opportunity this is and one that you can’t turn down.

“I’ve learned my trade at Yeovil in every division apart from the Premier League, so I’m excited to come to such a prestigious football club.”

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Lawson is buzzing to be back playing again after nine months out YEOVIL Town were delighted to announce the return of Lawson D’Ath who has signed a contract following a period of rehabilitation at the club.

D’Ath, who originally joined the club in 2019, made 44 apps across two seasons, before an injury suffered on the final day of the season forced him to need surgery.

The midfielder remained in Somerset to recover from the injury and during that time became a regular co-commentator on BBC Somerset, building a reputation for his passion on the microphone.

Throughout his injury recovery, manager Darren Sarll made no secret of his desire to secure Lawson’s signature.

Sarll said: “Of all the players we could have signed this year Lawson was the one I wanted the most.

“He has been with the club since my appointment, and he has seen the very best and worst during his time. He has remained loyal when he could have drifted away, and nothing pleases me more than to have back involved with the squad.

“There is no one I trust more. A wonderful player but an even better person. He will lift us from now until the end of the season.”

D’Ath said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back involved and available again for this club, but also for the gaffer who I have huge respect for.

“It’s been a long tough nine months and I’m so lucky to have great people in my life who’ve allowed me to keep the dream going.”

Yeovil Town also announced on January 28 the signing of defender Ben Barclay on a one-month loan deal from Stockport County.

The 25-year-old started his career in Manchester City’s academy but ventured south in 2013, signing for Brighton & Hove Albion.

He did not make a senior appearance for the Seagulls, but went out on loan to Notts County and then joined Accrington Stanley before signing for Stockport.

Yeovil Town confirmed on January 21 that Sonny Blu Lo-Everton will remain on loan at Huish Park until the end of the season.

The attacking midfielder, who signed on loan from Watford in August 2021, said: “I’m very pleased to have signed for the rest of the season, I feel there is more to my game to come, and I’m privileged to be able to have more of an opportunity to showcase it in-front of our fans.”

But Yeovil Town confirmed the departure on January 21 of striker Joe Quigley to National League title contenders Chesterfield for an undiscolosed fee.

He made 61 appearances for the Glovers and scored 19 times since arriving at Huish Park on a free transfer from Dagenham & Redbridge in October 2020.

Chairman Scott Priestnall said: “The decision to accept the offer for Joe is one that helps improve our cash resources at a time when our average attendances are much lower than expected, and as a result, we have a shortfall in our budget for this season.

“The ongoing speculation surrounding a takeover is certainly not helping the club recover from the lost revenues from playing last season behind closed doors, and with the exception of the Bournemouth game, attendances have not met pre-pandemic numbers.

“On the point of a potential takeover, I can tell you that no party up to this point has been in a position or is yet in a position to complete a takeover.

Although discussions have continued, the club are looking at alternative sources of funding and investment. I shall update you further in due course.”

At the time of going to press on February 9 there was still no definite news about a takeover going through.

Defender Jack Robinson, meanwhile, has extended his loan with the Glovers from Middlesbrough until the end of the season, while Dan Moss returned to his parent club at Millwall on January 12 and going back out on loan to Leyton Orient until the end of the season.

High Sheriff pops in to Huish Park THE High Sheriff of Somerset, Thomas Sheppard, was a visitor to Yeovil Town FC earlier this month during a whistlestop tour of the area.

Mr Sheppard was accompanied by the Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, and during the visit to Huish Park he met up with the club’s commercial manager Mark Robinson.

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Cllr Potts-Jones was back at Huish Park on February 5 as she sponsored the match ball for Yeovil’s National League fixture with Solihull Moors.

PHOTOS: Yeovil Town commercial manager Mark Robinson (right) with the High Sheriff of Somerset, Thomas Sheppard.

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Manager was not happy with the way Yeovil sank to defeat at Wealdstone YEOVIL Town fell to a disappointing defeat away at Wealdstone in West London on February 8 – a result which means that hopes of reaching the playoffs in the National League are looking very doubtful.

The hosts built a comfortable two goal lead in the first half, with two quick fire goals at the end of the half.

Dale Gorman pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, but it just was not enough for Yeovil who were largely second best all evening.

Manager Darren Sarll was far from happy with the performance and will be looking for much better from his side in the forthcoming games.

Yeovil travel to face Eastleigh on Saturday, February 12, and are then back at home on February 19 when Dagenham and Redbridge are the visitors to Huish Park.

The Glovers are on the road again on Tuesday, February 22, with a visit to

Maidenhead United before an away clash at title hopefuls Chesterfield on February 26 in a 5.20pm kick-off with the game live on TV. Yeovil then visit Notts County, another team looking to put in a strong end of the season, on Saturday, March 5.

The 2-1 defeat at Wealdstone came after the Glovers were held to a dull 0-0 draw at home to Solihull Moors on February 5 – which took place just four days after Yeovil had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate with old rivals Weymouth at Huish Park. Weymouth took an early lead, but Yeovil levelled in the secondhalf through Adi Yussuf.

Yeovil enjoyed a 1-0 success at Woking on January 29 thanks to Charlie Wakefield’s goal which was a perfect tonic after losing 2-1 at home to Wrexham the previous week.

Tom Knowles gave Yeovil a first-half lead, but Wrexham turned things around in the second period. The equaliser came

NATIONAL LEAGUE Table as at February 9, 2022

in controversial fashion because as Paul Mullin scored, Yeovil’s Dale Gorman was down on the ground with a head injury but the referee took no notice. Wrexham got the winner courtesy of a Morgan Williams own goal.

Yeovil Town’s hopes of a good run in the FA Trophy came to an abrupt halt on January 15 when they lost to visiting Needham Market, of the Southern League, in a penalty shoot-out after the game had finished 1-1.

Stockport Chesterfield Halifax Bromley Boreham Wood Solihull Moors Wrexham Notts County Grimsby Dag & Red Torquay Utd YEOVIL TOWN Southend Utd Woking Eastleigh Aldershot Barnet Wealdstone Altrincham Maidenhead Utd Weymouth King’s Lynn Dover Athletic

P 27 26 26 23 23 26 26 25 27 27 26 26 26 26 25 27 26 25 27 25 26 25 27

Pts 55 54 50 49 49 46 46 45 43 42 37 36 35 32 32 30 30 28 27 27 17 15 -5

Old players returning for Q&A sessions with fans 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 ickey Engwell.

YEOVIL Town are delighted to announce that the club will be welcoming back a number of club legends on upcoming match days at Huish Park.

Starting with National League clash with Dagenham and Redbridge on February 19, a number of former players will be hosted in the Alec Stock Lounge, and taking part in supporter Q&As prematch.

A club spokesman said: “There’s no need to book for these events with entry free to the Alec Stock Lounge. We

Dean Birkby. Inset: Andy Lindegaard.

encourage supporters to arrive early to avoid missing out.”

Full list: February 19 – Yeovil v Dagenham and Redbridge – Mickey Engwell; March 12 – Yeovil v Grimsby – Martyn Grimshaw; March 26 – Yeovil v Southend Utd – TBC; April 15 – Yeovil v Aldershot – TBC; April 23 – Yeovil v Stockport County – Dean Birkby; May 2 – Yeovil v Wealdstone – Andy Lindegaard; May 7 – Yeovil v Boreham Wood – Jeff Sherwood.

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NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME www.glovers-trust.co.uk facebook.com/gloverstrust Twitter: @gloverstrust

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YEOVIL TOWN FC

FIXTURES 2021-22 Saturday, August 28, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 1, King’s Lynn 2

Saturday, November 6, 2021 FA Cup First Round Yate Town 0, Yeovil Town 5

Saturday, January 29, 2022 National League Woking 0, Yeovil Town 1

Monday, August 30, 2021 (Bank Holiday Monday) National League Aldershot 1, Yeovil Town 2

Saturday, November 13, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 2, Easleigh 1

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 National League Yeovil Town 1, Weymouth 1

Saturday, November 20, 2021 National League Dagenham & Redbridge 1, Yeovil Town 0

Saturday, February 5, 2022 National League Yeovil Town 0, Solihull Moors 0

Tuesday, November 23, 2021 National League Bromley 1, Yeovil Town 2

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 National League Yeovil Town 1, Wealdstone 2

Saturday, November 27, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 1, Dover Athletic 1

Saturday, February 12, 2022 National League Eastleigh v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off

Saturday, September 4, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 1, Halifax Town 0 Saturday, September 11, 2021 National League Stockport County 0, Yeovil Town 3 Saturday, September 18, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 0, Chesterfield 2 Saturday, September 25, 2021 National League Boreham Wood 2, Yeovil Town 0 Tuesday, October 5, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 0, Maidenhead 0 Saturday, October 9, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 0, Notts County 2 Tuesday, October 12, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 1, Altrincham 1 Saturday, October 16, 2021 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Yeovil Town 1, Weymouth 1 Tuesday, October 19, 2021 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Replay Yeovil Town 1, Weymouth 1 (Yeovil win 2-1 on pens) Saturday, October 23, 2021 National League Grimsby 2, Yeovil Town 0 Tuesday, October 26, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 2, Woking 0 Saturday, October 30, 2021 National League Solihull Moors 0, Yeovil Town 0

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Tuesday, November 30, 2021 National League Wrexham 0, Yeovil Town 2 Saturday, December 4, 2021 FA Cup Second Round Yeovil Town 1, Stevenage 0 Saturday, December 11, 2021 National League Yeovil Town 1, Barnet 0 Saturday, December 18, 2021 FA Trophy Third Round Yeovil Town 3, Woking 1 Sunday, December 26, 2021 National League Torquay Utd 3, Yeovil Town 0 Sunday, January 2, 2022 National League Yeovil Town 1, Torquay Utd 2 Saturday, January 8, 2022 FA Cup Third Round Yeovil Town 1, AFC Bournemouth 3 Tuesday, January 11, 2022 National League Southend United 2, Yeovil Town 0 Saturday, January 22, 2022 National League Yeovil Town 1, Wrexham 2

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Saturday, February 19, 2022 National League Yeovil Town v Dagenham & Redbridge 3pm Kick-Off Tuesday, February 22, 2022 National League Maidenhead Utd v Yeovil Town 7.45pm Kick-Off Saturday, February 26, 2022 National League Yeovil Town v Chesterfield 5:20pm Kick-Off

Saturday, March 26, 2022 National League Yeovil Town v Southend United 3pm Kick-Off Saturday, April 2, 2022 National League Barnet v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off Saturday, April 9, 2022 National League King’s Lynn v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off Friday, April 15, 2022 National League Yeovil Town v Aldershot 3pm Kick-Off Monday, April 18, 2022 National League Weymouth v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off Saturday, April 23, 2022 National League Yeovil Town v Stockport County 3pm Kick-Off Saturday, April 30, 2022 National League Halifax v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off

Saturday, March 5, 2022 National League Notts County v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off

Monday, May 2, 2022 (Bank Holiday Monday) National League Yeovil Town v Wealdstone 3pm Kick-Off

Saturday, March 12, 2022 National League Yeovil Town v Grimsby 3pm Kick-Off

Saturday, May 7, 2022 National League Yeovil Town v Boreham Wood 3pm Kick-Off

Saturday, March 19, 2022 National League Dover Athletic v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off

Sunday, May 15, 2022 National League Altrincham v Yeovil Town 3pm Kick-Off

Tuesday, March 22, 2022 National League Yeovil Town v Bromley 7.45pm Kick-Off

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*Full terms and conditions are available at jurassic-fibre.com/terms-conditions. New residential customers only and not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. The offer is limited and is only available to your household until 31st March 2022 and cannot be transferred to another person or household. A credit or debit card is required for sign up. Installation subject to survey. Service is subject to availability.

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

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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A SELECTION OF OUR EXCURSIONS & HOLIDAYS FOR 2022

DAY EXCURSIONS 24th February - STEAM & McArthur Park Adult £34.95 Child £29.95

5th March - Knightshayes Court Adult £39.95 Child £34.95 8th March - Abergavenny Market

Adult £24.95 Child £19.95 13th March - Ideal Home Exhibition

Adult £39.95 Child £23.95

17th March - Basildon Park Adult £33.95 Child £26.95

26th March - Otters, Butterflies & Trains Adult £52.95 Child £42.95

27th March - Mothering Sunday Surprise Adult £32.95 Child £26.50

Holiday Tours 18th April - Morecambe & Lakes 5 Day Tour from £499 per person

29th April - Our Cornish Delight 4 Day Tour from £425 per person

1st May - Irrestible Isle of Man 6 Day Tour from £699 per person

9th May - Wye Valley

BOOK ONLINE NOW!

5 Day Tour from £559 per person

15th May - Kingdom of Kerry 7 Day Tour from £725 per person

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT 01935 475872 SOUTHWESTCOACHES.CO.UK 72

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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