BBC Radio Presenter. Bit of amateur photography & #Glastonbury fan. Somerset carnival person. andy@bbc.co.uk 📧
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Andy Bennett
October Update - TrustSTFC
The following is the body of an update sent to members earlier today. If you’re not a Trust member you can join here. If you’re unsure of your membership status you can check with Andy using this link. Welcome to what’s turned into a longer monthly newsletter than normal. There’s a lot going which we want to comment on, plus some Q&A to share. But before we dive into that, let’s start with something really positive we’d encourage all members to get involved with.
Programme Notes - TrustSTFC
For as many years as we can remember, the Trust has submitted programme notes to the Club ahead of each home match. Articles have included a broad range of subjects including stadium developments, historic events and wider footballing topics of interest. It’s a time-consuming process but one we were fully committed to – playing a small part in a long-held football tradition. Two weeks ago, we submitted our programme notes for the opening game of the season.
Supporter Update August 2026
We hope you’ve enjoyed (and then endured!) the summer, we have a few updates for you on the eve of the new League season. With the support of the Football Supporter Association’s governance team, Trust STFC representatives recently met with the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). The IFR is a new statutory body created by the Football Governance Act 2025 to oversee the financial sustainability and governance of men’s professional football in England.
Farmer bride rides favourite cow to own wedding
Most brides arrive at their own wedding in a car but one Somerset farmer chose a different type of transport altogether last weekend - turning up to the church riding one of her own cows. Victoria Lee said she wanted her favourite Swiss cow, White Chocolate Button, to play a crucial part in her big day because "she is pretty much my best friend".
Sherlock Holmes And The Empire Builders Mad Cave Edition Renamed To Reflect Its Oversized Format
Mad Cave Studios published our Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders The Gene Genie in a single collection this April but now it has been renamed to reflect its oversized format (11 x 15 inches)… Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders: The Gene Genie Treasury Edition Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders is an epic alternate world sci fi adventure featuring the World’s Greatest Detective as people have never seen him before.
Debenture Update
Are you interested in collaborating and working with us? Let`s make great things together. 2099 Walnut, Hill Ln undefined Lafayette, California 55262 By signing and clicking Submit, you affirm you have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and want to receive news. By signing and clicking Submit, you affirm you have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and want to receive news.
Penelope Keith 'was like part of the family'
Andy Bennett - BBC Radio Somerset; Dan Ayers - Somerset Mon, June 29, 2026 at 4:25 p.m. UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Dame Penelope Keith starred alongside Peter Bowles in the TV series [BBC] The former owner of the estate where Dame Penelope Keith filmed hit BBC television series To the Manor Born has paid tribute to her after she died at the age of 86.
The Wurzels' Combine Harvester celebrates 50 years
Jonathan Holmes - West of England; Andy Bennett - BBC Somerset Fri, June 12, 2026 at 5:27 a.m. UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The music video for the song was filmed in Kentisbeare, north Devon [BBC] The most unlikely Number One of 1976, Combine Harvester (Brand New Key) by the Wurzels, topped the charts on this day 50 years ago.
2025/26 Survey Report
Our survey recently closed, we would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate and share their views. We have shared the survey findings with the club and we will be sharing with the wider fanbase later today. We wanted you to be able to see it first, as a member of TrustSTFC. The report can be found here: In the interest of transparency, we have also published the free-text responses submitted as part of the survey.
From Yeovil to LA - and dancing with Mariah Carey
A dancer and choreographer who has worked with stars including Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande, credits his Somerset upbringing with setting him on his career path. Alex Jackson - aka Alex the Lion - was born in the US, but grew up in Yeovil, Somerset. He spent many years working in Los Angeles before returning to his hometown from where he is pursuing a role on London's West End. He said working with people like pop diva Carey has furnished him with a lifetime of stories.
People create human chain to restore white horse
Volunteers were hard at work as temperatures soared [Martin Purslow] A white horse has been restored thanks to the efforts of 130 volunteers who scaled a hillside in soaring temperatures. Volunteers reached the Cherhill White Horse, on the Cherhill Downs in Wiltshire, at 10:00 BST and weeded the area before they formed a human chain to pass down bags of chalk. Edward, from the Cherhill Scout Group, helped with both aspects of the restoration project.
2026 Survey - TrustSTFC
The 25/26 season is in the books, and it hasn’t ended how we had all hoped. While the ending of the season is going to be raw for Town fans, we are fulfilling a commitment we made earlier in the season – to conduct a survey of fans. As before, this anonymous survey is open for anyone with a view on STFC to voice their opinion. It will close for new responses at 9am on 21st May 2026, and we will report our findings shortly thereafter.
Debenture Update
TrustSTFC and its legal adviser met this week with Clem Morfuni, Anthony Hall, and their legal adviser specifically to discuss the funding of STFC and the debenture issued in March 2026. It was a frank and constructive meeting. We were advised that in the past week, a £1.4m security (loan) owed by the Club to an undisclosed third-party in relation to the repayment of the previous £2.8m debenture in 2022 had been repaid in full.
STFC Debenture Update
On Friday of last week, the Trust received a notification from Companies House that a new debenture had been entered into between one of Clem Morfuni’s Australian-based companies, Axis Plumbing NSW, and Swindon Town Football Company (the Club). Since then, we have met with Anthony Hall, the Club’s CEO, to discuss the purpose of the debenture and the restructuring announced last week. We want to update supporters on what we have learned and the concerns we raised.
Ticket Bank Initiative
TrustSTFC and Swindon Town Community Foundation have been working on an incentive to offer tickets to Swindon games for those fans most in need. On Saturday 18th of April, we will be running a pilot for our Ticket Bank scheme, and we are asking our members for their help.
Debenture and Ownership Structure at STFC
TrustSTFC Seeks Clarifications from STFC on Ownership Restructuring and New Debenture TrustSTFC has written to Swindon Town Football Club seeking a full explanation of the transactions which have resulted in Clem Morfuni becoming the 100% owner of the club. TrustSTFC has also sought an explanation as to why STFC has entered into a debenture dated 27 March 2026 with Axis Plumbing NSW Group Pty Limited, published yesterday.
The Town End - TrustSTFC
Last week, just as our AGM was getting under way, the Swindon Advertiser ran a story relating to the Town End and the Club article on further restrictions on ticket sales. Within the story, Swindon Borough Council denied that they were enforcing a partial closure of the Town End to under 18’s, nor that they had recommended the Club do so.
STFC Round Table Questions
Are you interested in collaborating and working with us? Let`s make great things together. 2099 Walnut, Hill Ln undefined Lafayette, California 55262 By signing and clicking Submit, you affirm you have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and want to receive news. By signing and clicking Submit, you affirm you have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and want to receive news.
In Review: Sherlock Holmes and the Empire Builders Volume 2: The Gene Genie
Written by Joel Meadows and illustrated by Andy Bennett When Watson leaves Holmes to help Crick unravel the DNA helix and finds himself in the employ of England’s most evil man, Holmes is forced to team up with an unlikely group to defeat this monstrous figure and return England to its status quo. But can he defeat the machinations of the man at the rudder of the country?
Swindon Food Collective Update
Before the game against Grimsby on 22nd of November, the Trust held our second food bank collection event with the Swindon Food Collective, looking to make progress from our first attempt at the start of the season. The weather on the day obviously didn’t get the memo, with the volunteers battling the wind and rain for the duration.
August’s Advisory Board Minutes
Many Trust members will be aware that the minutes of the Advisory Board held on 21st August 2025 have been released this afternoon after a substantial delay. Whenever required, the Trust will challenge the Club if it feels that something isn’t right and work hard at finding resolution privately – public spats are in no one’s interests. The minutes from the Advisory Board have become the Club’s preferred route to communicate with supporters regarding off-field matters.
Swindon Food Collective at STFC
Swindon Town Football Club and TrustSTFC are proud to be joining forces in support of Swindon Food Collective, a local charity dedicated to helping individuals and families in the area who are experiencing financial hardship and struggling to access enough food. By uniting their efforts, the Club and the Trust aim to raise awareness and provide vital support to the charity’s mission of tackling food insecurity within the community.
Redevelopment Vote Notice
Following our update on 17th May 2025 advising that the Club had formally requested consent to redevelop the Don Rogers Stand, we can now confirm that a vote of eligible Trust members will take place in order to provide shareholder consent to the plans. The vote will be held over a seven day period commencing at 5pm on Wednesday 4th June 2025 and will close at 5pm on Wednesday 11th June 2025.
Redevelopment Update
Late yesterday (Friday 16th May 2025), Swindon Town Football Club made a formal request to The County Ground Stadium Custodians Limited (the Joint Venture company) for landlord consent to redevelop the Nigel Eady County Ground. The Club are seeking consent to add new hospitality facilities, executive boxes and extended facilities to the Don Rogers Stand.
May Update - TrustSTFC
We wrote to members of TrustSTFC last week sharing this update. We wanted to share it with the wider fanbase of STFC. Don Rogers Stand Redevelopment The three-week consultation period with supporters and the local community closed earlier this week. In addition to the four sessions which took place in the Legends Lounge, both the Club and the Trust arranged surveys with various groups of supporters. We shared the results of the Trust survey and feedback with the Club earlier in the week.
Redevelopment Consultation Report
During the last three weeks, supporters have been sharing their thoughts and opinions of the Club’s proposed redevelopment of the Don Rogers Stand. Over 380 of you submitted your feedback through the Trust’s questionnaire, the results of which we shared with the Club and its architect last night. We have produced a summary of the feedback which you can find here. Although the season may have finished, it’s a busy period off the pitch.
Proposed Redevelopment Update
As we approach the end of the three-week consultation period, if you have not already done so, now is the last chance to provide your feedback on the Club’s proposals to redevelop the Don Rogers Stand. We have been inviting questions from fans regarding the proposed redevelopment. We have answered some regarding the procedural matters here and the club have provided some answers here.
Displaced Season Tickets Update
Last Friday, the Club posted a letter to existing Season Ticket holders who are sat in the area which will be impacted by the proposed installation of executive boxes and hospitality seats. The letter set out the displacement process which will start after the consultation and Trust membership vote has taken plan. The Trust are aware of a growing number of supporters who have already reserved displaced seats in the Don Rogers Stand for the 26/27 season.
Redevelopment of the Nigel Eady County Ground
As you may be aware, the Club published its Stakeholder Consultation for the redevelopment of the Don Rogers stand earlier today. If you missed it, you can find the 38 page document here. The consultation follows last week’s notification to existing season ticket holders who currently sit in one of the areas impacted by this scheme.
Redevelopment Questions
We are inviting questions regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Nigel Eady County Ground via stadium@truststfc.com. This news article will act as an ongoing repository of questions we receive. Q1: What happens if there’s less than 50% turnout for the trust vote? Does it default to either a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’, or is it something else, for example, does it become up to the trust board? A: The vote doesn’t default to an affirmative.
Bristol laughter yoga teacher says 'good vibes are contagious' Original
'Good vibes are contagious at laughing yoga' Andy Bennett & Sacha Bigwood Laughter Yoga with Joe Laughter yoga is "a great way of connecting", said Joe Hoare As the laughter yoga movement celebrates its 30th year, a long-running practitioner has explained its health and wellbeing benefits. Laughing yoga was started by Dr Madan Kataria, a GP in Mumbai, India, in 1995.
Ukraine refugee opens Bristol florist ready for Valentine's Day Original
Ukraine refugee opens florist ready for Valentine's Day Andy Bennett & Sacha Bigwood BBC Flowers by Alla opened three weeks ago in Totterdown, Bristol A Ukrainian refugee has opened her own florist in the UK in time for Valentine's Day. Alla Orekhovska fled war in her home country in March 2024 and moved to Bristol, where she has now opened Flowers by Alla. The business began when she started arranging flowers in her partner's pub in Bridgeyate and customers began ordering from her.
Malmesbury artist 'excited' to paint Glastonbury mural Original
Artist 'excited' to paint Glastonbury-themed mural By Andy Bennett, Sacha Bigwood & Harriet Robinson, BBC News, Wiltshire BBC Michael Eavis has signed one of Syd's paintings of the festival founder A street artist says he is "excited" to paint a mural for this year's Glastonbury Festival. Syd, whose real name is Luke Hollingworth, is known for the creations he paints in his shed onto blocks of wood, as well as larger murals on buildings and canvases.
Japanese inspired sculptures on display in Puzzlewood Original
Japanese tree spirits find home in 'unique' forest Andy Bennett,Karen Johnson Puzzlewood Sculptor Ed Elliott has created the Japanese inspired woodland spirits More than 100 never-seen-before art pieces will be displayed in a "unique" Gloucestershire forest. World-renowned sculptor Ed Elliott will display the tree spirits, inspired by Japanese folklore, in the Forest of Dean's Puzzlewood. The installation will be open to the public between 5 June and 7 July.
'We are grateful' - centraljersey.com
The Watershed Institute has been awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water and Environment grant to expand its StreamWatch Schools Program in diverse communities. "We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for helping The Watershed Institute expand its StreamWatch Schools program," said Executive Director Jim Waltman. "StreamWatch Schools is a unique water quality monitoring program led by children.
Best Ohio Online Sportsbooks
The Ohio sports scene will never be dull, especially with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals, the Reds, and more. While residents of the Buckeye State are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best Ohio sportsbooks, BetMGM manages to stand out thanks to its ability to blend competitive odds with generous bonuses and security-focused payment options. Read on and find out why BetMGM is the best the state has to offer - and to see where the competition stands against it.
Order Sherlock Holmes And The Empire Builders The Gene Genie Vol.1 On Amazon In Hardcover Now
Thanks to Adrian Clarke at Shift, a convenient version of Sherlock Holmes And The Empire Builders The Gene Genie Vol.1 is now available to grab print on demand in hardcover now… Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders is an epic epic alternate world sci-fi adventure featuring The World’s Greatest Detective as people have never seen him before.
Order Sherlock Holmes And The Empire Builders The Gene Genie Vol.1 On Amazon In Paperback Now
Thanks to Adrian Clarke at Shift, a convenient version of Sherlock Holmes And The Empire Builders The Gene Genie Vol.1 is now available to grab print on demand in paperback now… Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders is an epic epic alternate world sci-fi adventure featuring The World’s Greatest Detective as people have never seen him before.
Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders - The Gene Genie Volume One
You can either access the transaction through your account and click the cancel button, or contact us at hello@wearezoop.com and we'll cancel it for you and send back a confirmation email. Cancellations of rewards or add-ons of $500 or more must be made before there are 72 hours left in the campaign. The reason for this is it can have a negative effect on the tally of the campaign.
Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders - The Gene Genie Volume One
You can either access the transaction through your account and click the cancel button, or contact us at hello@wearezoop.com and we'll cancel it for you and send back a confirmation email. Cancellations of rewards or add-ons of $500 or more must be made before there are 72 hours left in the campaign. The reason for this is it can have a negative effect on the tally of the campaign.
Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders - The Gene Genie Volume One
0) { reportedTop = false; } if(!reportedBottom && $el.getBoundingClientRect().top >= window.innerHeight) { $dispatch('anchor-bottom', {id: 'details'}); reportedBottom = true; } else if(reportedBottom && $el.getBoundingClientRect().top <= window.innerHeight) { reportedBottom = false; } " > Story I have been a fan of Holmes since ! was a child and Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders is my love letter to Doyle’s creation, while bringing something new to the canon.
Castle Cary commuters parked on pavement find cars vandalised Original
Image caption, Due to insufficient parking at the station, commuters have been parking on the pavement in nearby Station Road By Andy Bennett & Jasmine Ketibuah - Foley Scores of commuters whose cars were parked on the pavement returned to find their vehicles had been vandalised. Drivers who parked in Station Road - by Castle Cary railway station in Somerset - on 21 and 22 March reported scratches and wing mirrors being broken off.
The Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act And The Future Of The Electrical Grid
In the past 11 months, President Biden and his administration have set out to make the U.S. a global leader in renewable energy and clean technology. Biden has designated this clean energy future as an "economic imperative and a national security imperative." This comes with lofty goals. A 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 100% carbon-free national power grid by 2050 are both part of his intention to make the U.S. a leader on the global stage.
“51 Billion to Zero”
Fossil fuels account for approximately 60% of electricity generation in North America,according to the U.S. Energy Information Adminstration. In their “Statistical Review of World Energy 2020” report, BP says that 84% of global energy consumption was comprised of coal, oil, and natural gas generation. CO2 emissions from energy production declined slightly to 31.5 gigatons in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the International Energy Agency.
Grid operators cannot afford to hesitate on DERMS
DERMS illustration. Credit: mPrest By Andy Bennett, CEO ofmPrest, Inc. As a new generation of distributed energy resources (DERs) enter the North American grid and new global DER capacity additions are expected to pass new centralized generation capacity additions annually in 2021, utilities and grid operators cannot afford to wait to integrate distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) into their existing infrastructure.
Putting the trust in data trusts
Data trusts have shown themselves to have many and varied potential benefits: they can increase collaboration, make data use more transparent and accountable, and unlock potential economic value of data through making it more available.
Signup begins for Jamesburg Library bus trip to the Cloisters
The Friends of the Jamesburg Public Library will hold a bus trip to the Cloisters in New York City on Oct. 8. The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum and is famed for its tapestries and fabulous collection of medieval art. All are housed in replicas of European monasteries that include gardens planted according to ancient texts. Luncheon arrangements are in the process of being made. More details will be announced. Signup begins at the library, 229 Gatzmer Ave., Jamesburg.
Suburban Artist Guild to hold artwork "show and tell"
The Suburban Artist Guild (SAG) will hold its first meeting of the 2016-17 year at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the East Brunswick Library, Jean Walling Civic Center, off of Ryders Lane, East Brunswick. Activities will include a light luncheon, a "show and tell" of artwork completed over the summer and a mini flea market where members can sell their unwanted art supplies. Members should bring their $40 yearly dues to the meeting. SAG welcomes new members to join.
Independent candidate enters race for mayor in Howell
HOWELL - A resident who said earlier this year that she was planning to mount an independent bid for mayor has filed a nominating petition to seek the four-year term. Patience Nolan, who has lived in Howell for 13 years, will be on the ballot on Nov. 8. Nolan will square off against Democrat Dr. Theresa Berger and Republican Daniel J. Cardellichio, both of whom are making their first bid for mayor.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Andy
Contact Andy, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack