Phil Hill
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Articles by Phil Hill
Town commemorates Remembrance with three events
Phil Hill Wed, 28 October 2026 at 12:00 pm UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Wellington Women's Institute knitted and crocheted poppies to decoration Wellington town centre last year. (Image: Wellington Town Council) Wellington Town Council has announced three events to enable people to pay their respects to the town's war dead.
Bishop of Bath and Wells to be formerly introduced tomorrow
Phil Hill Mon, 26 October 2026 at 12:00 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Bishop Michael, who takes up his seat in the House of Lords. (Image: Bath and Wells diocese) The Bishop of Bath and Wells is to be formally introduced to the House of Lords tomorrow (Tuesday, October 27).
Pantomime Dame leads funeral procession at Wayfarers performer's request
Mourners at a funeral were surprised to see the coffin led in to Taunton Deane Crematorium by a pantomime dame. Oh yes it was. Before she died, Kathy Chanter had requested that funeral director Nigel Ford donned his stage gear for the occasion. He was happy to oblige, although he felt it would be inappropriate to lead the service, which was organised by E. White and Son. The two had been long-time friends due to their days with the Taunton-based Wayfarers Pantomime Society.
Architectural firm celebrates double success at national awards ceremony
A scheme the company completed in Cornwall won the inaugural Conservation Award at the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Stirling Prize awards ceremony at the Old Billingsgate Market, in London, last Thursday (October 15). And Thread's up and coming architect Jen Boddington won an accolade in memory of a teenage aspiring architect murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1993.
Somerset women 'dare to bare' as part of CPR campaign
A number of women from Somerset unstrapped their bras and took the plunge in a charity fundraiser last month. They joined participants from across the county border in Dorset for the Dare to Bare swim on Sunday, August 23. They raised £24,500 and counting at the event in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA).
Exmoor Pony Centre rescues orphaned 'wild' foal Tinkerbell
A pony charity is appealing for funds to cover veterinary care for an orphaned foal it has taken in. Tinkerbell has been looked after at the Exmoor Pony Centre, at Ashwick, near Dulverton, since being rescued earlier this month. The centre is asking for help to pay vet bills, stabling and health management, including substitute milk. A spokesperson for the Moorland Mousie Trust, which runs the pony centre, said: "We were phoned to ask if anyone could take on an orphaned foal.
Village raises funds for three defibrillators after serious 999 incident
A small village has become more 'heart-safe' following a 999 emergency incident. People in Combe Florey, near Bishops Lydeard, sprang into action after a parishioner suffered a suspected heart attack. During the scare in January 2023, they discovered the nearest potential life-saving defibrillator was over two miles away. So they clubbed together with the support of the parish council and have raised the money to pay for three defibrillators, which have now been installed locally.
Former farm on edge of Taunton village could become 18-home development
Proposals for up to 18 homes on a former farm in a village near Taunton have been revealed. Simon and June Pither are set to apply for outline planning permission for between one- and four-bed units at Greenway Farm, on the edge of Bishops Lydeard. The application, which involves the redevelopment of the farmyard, will be submitted to Somerset Council at some stage "in the summer".
Dogs seized after early hours police raid on Somerset border
A man has been arrested and two dogs seized during an early morning police raid in a hamlet that straddles the Somerset border. Officers arrested a man in his 30s while executing executed a warrant on the premises in Clayhanger. He was taken into custody on suspicion of firearms and animal welfare offences following the incident at 7am on Monday, May 11. He has since been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.
Meet the Somerset man who runs Fieldsports Channel
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Post office closes leaving seaside town without full-time branch
People in Minehead wishing to use a post office will have to travel at least two miles after the town's sole outlet closed on Tuesday (June 9). The Post Office is currently looking to open a temporary facility while it works to bring a permanent branch to the seaside town. The post office was situated in the Co-op store in The Avenue, but it was forced to leave as the supermarket is closing this weekend. The nearest post offices now are in Dunster and Williton.
Brave women - and one man - strip bare to raise awareness of breast cancer
SEVERAL courageous women and a lone man have stripped off to increase awareness of breast cancer. They was plenty of fun and laughter as they posed for the camera to create a 2027 calendar that will raise money for the Taunton and Somerset Breast Friends charity, a support group for people who have the disease. They stopped the traffic and heads were turned as they posed in underwear during a photo shoot at Knickerbockerglory lingerie shop in Minehead.
New plans for former steward's home at Taunton golf club
The board of directors at a popular golf club have decided it would no longer be “realistic” to rent out a bungalow on the site. A planning application for a change of use for the building at Taunton and Pickering Golf Club, in Corfe, has been submitted to Somerset Council. The former steward’s home, a 60-year-old single-storey Woolaway construction building clad with timber, has been vacant for a year.
Meet the man behind the County Gazette's Green Focus column
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Meet the woman who has dedicated two decades to Priorswood
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French pianist wows audience with recital at Taunton church
A packed St John’s Church, Taunton, was enthralled on Sunday afternoon (May 3) with a recital by the distinguished French pianist Marie-Pascale Hitier, in the presence of the Mayor of Taunton and his consort, writes Phil Hill. Marie-Pascale treated her audience to a fascinating musical journey from the 18th to the 20th century.
Are the billions spent on space exploration worth it?
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Three young people start two-year term representing county in youth parliament
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Three young people start two-year term representing county in youth parliament
Three new members of Somerset Youth Parliament have started their two-year term of office, writes Phil Hill Eva, Blake, and Luca will be busy kickstarting their campaigns. Eva will look at sports in schools and colleges in the county, concentrating on what sports young people take part in, which ones they would like to do, and how sports can be made more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable.
Ex-cop who made indecent images of children faces misconduct hearing
A former Avon and Somerset Police officer who made indecent images of children is being hauled before a misconduct hearing at force HQ in Portishead, writes Phil Hill. One-time PC Michael Elmer, 36, has already admitted the offence at Exeter Crown Court. He pleaded guilty at the court in February to: *and sharing a photograph of a person in an intimate state.
Man walks 52 miles from Minehead to Bristol to get trees put in place
A Minehead street has been spruced up, partly due to a woman’s marathon walk, writes Phil Hill. Shonie Millward-Usher trekked the 52 miles from the seaside town to her home in Barrow Gurney, North Somerset, to raise money to pay towards three new trees in The Avenue. She split the £1,005 she crowdfunded between the West Somerset project and Barrow Gurney Village Hall. Minehead Town Council made up the difference to cover the cost of the lime trees, which have now been replanted.
Changes could slash number of councillors in Somerset
Voters in Somerset will probably be choosing fewer councillors at the next election for seats in County Hall, writes Phil Hill. The Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) is recommending there should be a total of 96 councillors sitting on Somerset Council following the poll in May 2027. The proposals, published today (Tuesday, March 3), represent a drop of 14 members from the current total of 110. The boundaries of all divisions are being changed.
Meet Taunton's most prominent 'muscular Christian'
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Taunton book shop 'blown away' by people's generosity to repair roof
Supporters of an independent Taunton bookshop raised more than £5,000 in three days towards repairs after part of the ceiling collapsed, writes Phil Hill. Water started dripping through the roof at Brendon Books, in Bath Place, before Christmas. Owners Lionel and Jo Ward have positioned buckets on the shop floor to catch the rainwater, which they have to empty every day. "We’ve had several leaks over the years, which we’ve had repaired, but this is quite a major one," said Lionel.
Scheme to replace falling trees in town starts this week
A two-council partnership has started this week to remove damaged trees and replace them with new ones in Minehead. The initiative, which started today (February 23), is part of a long-term commitment to preserve and enhance the historic character of The Avenue. Somerset Council is carrying out safety-critical work on the trees, which it owns. But, due to financial constraints, it is not replacing removed trees.
Plans for football pitches scrapped so more juniors can play rugby
More juniors will be able to play rugby after plans for two football pitches in a village near Taunton were scrapped, writes Phil Hill. Conditional planning permission has been granted for rugby and cricket pitches on land off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield. Developers originally put up cash for the football pitches, changing facilities and parking as part of a Section 106 ‘planning gain’ agreement.
New Year's resolution to get people out of homelessness 'once and for all'
A Somerset-based charity working to end homelessness marks its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long programme of events, storytelling and community action, writes Phil Hill. The programme celebrates Arc’s five decades of positive impact and sets out a bold vision for the future. Since 1976, Arc has supported people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity across the county. During this time, it has helped thousands of people find safety, stability, and a place to call home.
Taunton charity appeals for donations to help rough sleepers after storms
A Taunton charity is appealing for donations for people in need who have lost belongings in the recent storms, writes Phil Hill. Compass Wellbeing is currently struggling to meet the demands of vulnerable visitors to its Warm Space initiative. A spokesperson said: "We are running very low on some essential supplies that we are being asked for by those visiting our Warm Space, many of whom are rough sleeping, sofa surfing or living on very low incomes.
Plan for 'all year round' parking facility at recreation ground
Parking at a town recreation ground could be extended due to more people getting involved in sport, writes Phil Hill. The management committee at Wiveliscombe ‘Rec' wants to create a hard surface area on a grassed plot currently used for overspill parking. A planning application has been lodged with Somerset Council suggesting the area could be used throughout the year, alongside the existing parking spaces outside the adjacent rugby club HQ.
Police officer accused of sending sexual messages to woman
An Avon and Somerset Police officer is to face a hearing accused of breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour, writes Phil Hill. PC George Thompson is alleged to have breached the standards of authority, respect, and courtesy amounting to discreditable conduct. It is claimed that he sent messages of a sexual nature to a woman, having also identified himself as a police officer. The full details of the allegations will be heard at an accelerated misconduct hearing this week.
18 reasons why Trump should apologise for disgraceful NATO criticism
The County Gazette is today proud to spell out 18 reasons why American President Donald Trump should apologise for his disgraceful criticism of his NATO allies, writes Phil Hill. We again pay tribute to the courageous Royal Marines from 40 Commando who were killed in the war on terror in Afghanistan. The brave 18 never returned to Norton Manor Camp, just outside Taunton, or to their families, after making the ultimate sacrifice.
Doll made in Somerset that toured with Coldplay up for grabs in prize draw
A Chris Martin doll made in Somerset that accompanied Coldplay on tour is up for grabs in a prize draw, writes Phil Hill. The doll, created by crafter Sandra Witcombe to mark the band’s Glastonbury 2024 headline performance, is being offered in a Crowdfunder initiative to raise funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s 2ndHeli Appeal. The figure is fully dressed in one of lead singer Chris Martin’s stage outfits and includes lyrics on its trousers and the jewellery he wears.
School wins permission for new classroom at 19th Century building
A rural primary school has received permission to replace a temporary classroom that "did not stand the test of time," writes Phil Hill. Somerset Council has given conditional approval for a new modular classroom at Churchinford Primary School. Councillors on the local authority's planning committee ruled that it did not harm the setting of the Grade II listed stone school building, which has been in use since 1879.
Somerset trumpet player blazes a trail in New York City
An in-demand trumpet player from Taunton is off to New York to woo an audience on a Valentine’s tour, writes Phil Hill. Luis Martelo has a full itinerary lined up in and around the Big Apple next month. His tour kicks off in the city with a video recording in Times Square on Wednesday, February 11. The following day he will make a couple of radio and television appearances and headline a concert in Mineola.
Labrador who loves the great outdoors joins owner's 100-mile challenge
It’s been best paw forward for a Labrador this month as he helps his owner clock up 100 miles, writes Phil Hill. Benji is joining owner Alison Kent on the St Margaret’s Hospice Walk 100 Miles With Your Dog initiative to raise vital funds for the Bishop’s Hull-based charity. Alison, from Fitzhead, who is a former National Park ranger, took up the 31-day challenge as a way of thanking St Margaret’s for the care given to her late brother.
Phil Hill: Why I was shaken up by bad behaviour from young people
As if a full-on circuit training session wasn’t tough enough, the walk home from my gym the other night was pretty unnerving, writes Phil Hill. I was accompanied by my similarly exhausted gym buddy as we made our way along Station Road into Kingston Road. Both of us were looking forward to sinking into the sofa in front of our TVs as we shuffled along a narrow, icy pavement in Clifton Terrace.
Councillors announce precept hike for residents as council plans to spend £1.75m
The average council taxpayer in Wellington will have to pay £51.64 extra for certain local services in the year starting from April, writes Phil Hill. The town council has published details of increases to its share of the new demands being sent to households in the town. Band D residents will see the town council precept on their bills rise from £211.88 to £263.52 over the 12-month period.
Up to 450 runners expected for popular 10k sprint
Up to 450 people will be running one of the area’s most popular 10k races this weekend, writes Phil Hill. Athletes and fun runners will line up at the start of the Stoke Stampede in Stoke St Gregory village centre at 11am on Sunday (January 11). Among those taking part are a GB Paralympian who has also run in European and World Championships. Last year’s local cup winner will be aiming to get his name engraved on the trophy again.
Pin By Phil Hill On Wolverine Sabretooth Marvel Wolverine Comic
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Former international jet-setter's late Christmas present that could be worth £20K
A former international jet-setter now enjoying a quieter life in Somerset is set to bank a handy late Christmas present. Three watches owned by the person, who has not been named, are expected to sell for more than £20,000 when they go to auction in the New Year. The Swatch watches were all given to the vendor directly by the maker 40 years ago. They are going under the hammer at the first Charterhouse auction on 2026 on Friday, January 2.
How primary plans to replace a classroom that "did not stand the test of time"
Proposals have been drawn up for an urgently needed new classroom at a 146-year-old primary school in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, writes Phil Hill. Somerset Council has submitted an application to its own planners for permission to instal a modular classroom at Churchstanton Primary School. It would replace a similar-sized temporary building that was removed as it "did not stand the test of time" after being in situ for over 20 years.
INTERVIEW: 'The prosperity of Taunton has been very important to me'
It’s surprising to learn that someone who puts his heart and soul into Taunton supports a Scottish football team, little known south of the border. Most of us can’t name a single player from the side whose nickname reflects their lack of success, but Nigel Pearce has his reasons – which we’ll come to. Nigel is well-known in local business circles, having worked in the county town since 1984 and running his own architectural practice for over 30 years.
Authority looks for young people to help shape national park's future
Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is looking for young people to help shape the future of the treasured landscape, writes Phil Hill. To ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process, the authority is inviting 18- to 26-year-olds to join its new youth board. Anyone with a strong connection to Exmoor and with interests in areas such as nature, conservation, heritage, education, access, tourism, and the rural economy is especially encouraged to apply.
Interview: Meet the Somerset hairdresser who built a business from a hole
Taunton hair salon owner Simon Willetts’s career got off to an inauspicious start when he pranged his boss’s car, writes Phil Hill. Although his mum was a hairdresser, he got into the businesses thanks to a football manager. "I played football for Street and the manager’s girlfriend had a hair salon, where I had a perm," said Simon, owner of Combers, in The Courtyard, Taunton. "When I went home, it felt like a lightbulb moment.
Free parking to be introduced in town centre on Saturdays before Christmas
People driving into Wellington town centre for a bit of festive shopping will be able to take advantage of free parking over the next four weekends in the lead-up to Christmas, writes Phil Hill. The scheme to waive charges in three car parks runs from this Saturday (November 29) and takes in December 6, 13, and 20. It covers the car parks in North Street, South Street, and Longforth Road.
Gang who stole cash from Co-op stores in Somerset and across country jailed
Phil Hill Tue 18 November 2025 at 11:27 am UTC 2 min read A "wild and feral" gang of burglars who broke into stores in Somerset and other areas of the country have been jailed, writes Phil Hill. They targeted cash machines during dead-of-night smash and grab raids. They used cloned plates on stolen, borrowed or hired cars to travel from Southampton to commit a total of 89 offences, Winchester Crown Court heard.
Visitor hits out at people who avoid paying parking fee at National Trust site
A visitor to a popular National Trust attraction has hit out at people who avoid the parking fee. They were angered to see a man and a woman with two children who failed to pay after driving to Fyne Court, at Broomfield, at the weekend. After going over to the parking meter, the man returned to the other three, saying: "I’m not paying £5 to park for an hour. The four of them then set off on one of the trails around the estate.
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