Archive
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Swallowfield figures disappoint
WELLINGTON-based cosmetics and toiletries company Swallowfield has announced disappointing trading figures for the July to December period. Managing director Tony Wardell said yesterday (Thursday) the gloomy trading statement had come because a couple
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School plans expansion
COURT Fields Community School in Wellington is to build three new classrooms to cope with a dramatically rising roll. Figures released in Somerset County Council's School Organisation Plan (SOP) this week show pupil numbers rising from just over 830 this
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Arctic exhibition centre of attention
WEST Buckland-based Arctic explorer Dom Mee is displaying artefacts found on his latest expedition for the last time in the UK. During his Arctic Quest 1831 adventure, the Royal Marine reservist navigated his 17ft Kayak through the Northwest Passage,
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Broadband April fool
BT has got its wires crossed over the date for Wiveliscombe to get broadband internet connections. It was thought the town could be online by the end of April but red-faced phone company bosses admitted a "misunderstanding" had got Wiveliscombe confused
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Disabled woman defiant
A DISABLED Wellington woman claims she is being discriminated against by the Town Council's clerk. Pearl Buttle, 56, volunteered to join the Community Speed Watch initiative when the idea came up six months ago. She was angry when she received a letter
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Kularoos' big match
Plymouth Raiders face a tough test in Sheffield on Saturday night - when they contest the Teeside Mohawks in final of the National Cup. Coach Gary Stronach believes his team, who are also riding high in the league, can bring the silverware back to the
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Kularoos' big match
Plymouth Raiders face a tough test in Sheffield on Saturday night - when they contest the Teeside Mohawks in final of the National Cup. Coach Gary Stronach believes his team, who are also riding high in the league, can bring the silverware back to the
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Devon football round-up
Plymouth will be hosted by Grimsby on Saturday, as they continue to look like a side dead set on promotion - as champions. Argyle will be without long term injuries Romain Larrieu and Jason Bent, but otherwise, following run outs for Steve Adams and a
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Floods hit area
THE Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne area bore the brunt of stormy weather that tore across the west country on Thursday morning (January 9), causing treacherous driving conditions. Up to 45mm of rain fell in parts of East Devon and winds touched 75mph
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Youth arrested after ear incident
A 15-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with an incident which left an Ilminster father with part of his ear missing. The man and his sons, who have not been named, all needed hospital treatment following the incident in the early hours of
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Smith set to get his big chance
MINEHEAD have called up young striker Paul Smith for tomorrow's Screwfix League first division match at home to Shepton Mallet (3.00). Smith has been scoring regularly this season for Minehead Reserves who are topping the third division in the Taunton
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Small schools under threat
THE future of small rural schools in West Somerset could be threatened by a dramatic drop in pupil population over the next few years. Teachers' jobs could be lost and year groups merged as falling rolls could leave an estimated 700 surplus places in
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Saving ancient woodland
WORK to protect the character of ancient semi-natural woodland at Tarr Steps on Exmoor is about to get under way. The designated Site of Special Scientific Interest is aimed at achieving the Government's target of bringing all SSSIs into "favourable condition
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Council needs corporate plan
WEST Somerset District Council has been warned that it must agree a corporate plan to ensure it delivers its priorities. The authority has also been told its current financial position is not sustainable. The advice comes in a report by a team of local
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Question mark on clay pigeon shooting school
THE future of a proposed clay pigeon shooting school on Exmoor is still in the balance this week after planners opted to visit the site before making a decision. The development on land identified as a County Wildlife site at Castle Hill Farm, Withiel
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Hersey cows triumph
A FARMER from Stockleigh Pomeroy who has been breeding Jersey cattle for 48 years, has been celebrating after his cows scooped prizes a South West competition. Malcolm Huxtable, of Town Living Farm near Crediton, netted a number of rosettes in the South
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Jersey cows triumph
A FARMER from Stockleigh Pomeroy who has been breeding Jersey cattle for 48 years, has been celebrating after his cows scooped prizes a South West competition. Malcolm Huxtable, of Town Living Farm near Crediton, netted a number of rosettes in the South
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Rice at the ready for Exeter
Exeter face Hereford this weekend for the third time in as many weeks when the conference high-flyers visit St James' Park. But the Grecians will be without goalkeeper James Bittner, who was sent off in both of the last two games against the fellow former
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All aboard the health bus!
THE first children have taken part in an ambitious education programme thanks to the Somerset County Gazette's 'Stop It Before It Starts' campaign. The project, which has been championed by the County Gazette in the largest campaign in the newspaper's
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Arrest follows Christmas death
THE boyfriend of a Somerset woman has been arrested following her brutal death on a tropical paradise island on Christmas Day. Catherine Hazel Campbell, 43, died allegedly during a row with her boyfriend, Adrian Duggan, 35, of Gwent, in a guesthouse they
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Mayor supports D-Day visit appeal
TAUNTON Deane Council is supporting the Somerset County Gazette's calls to help fund the Normandy Veterans' last pilgrimage to the scene of their finest hour. The Taunton branch of the involved in the D-Day landings is taking 49 former soldiers to France
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Jailed Briton begins appeal
A Gloucestershire man jailed for 14 years in Japan for drug offences he claimed he did not commit has begun his battle to overturn his conviction, his legal team have announced. Nick Baker, 33, from Stroud, claims he was duped by a travelling companion
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Schools in dilemma over fewer pupils
TEACHERS' jobs look set to be lost as a hefty population dip could leave over 1,100 surplus places in Taunton's primary schools by 2007. Figures released in Somerset County Council's School Organisation Plan (SOP) this week reveal that most primary schools
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Rape mystery
POLICE have drawn a blank in their search for an alleged rapist in Creech St Michael. The investigation into the reported attack on a 15-year-old local girl on the canal bridge at 9.30pm on Monday has already cost thousands of pounds and tied up 20 officers
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Princess Margaret site to be 'village'
THE former Princess Margaret School, in Middleway, Taunton, is to be turned into a retirement village for scores of pensioners. Permission was granted for the 97-home development by Taunton Deane Council's planning committee on Wednesday. They also approved
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Neighbours flee blaze in flats
FOUR neighbours in a Taunton block of flats had a narrow escape when they were trapped in a blaze on New Year's Day. They were rescued by firefighters after being forced back by thick, choking smoke in their council homes in St Patrick's Road. Tamsyn
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Do they know it's NOT Christmas?
TAUNTON could be in for a year of bad luck with Christmas decorations still hanging in the town's streets well after Twelfth Night. Most residents take down their displays in time to avoid being jinxed for the New Year but it seems Taunton's remaining
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Three taken to hospital after gas explosion
Three people have been taken to hospital following a gas explosion at a flat in Plymouth, police have said. Police, fire and ambulance were called to the property in Hawkinge Gardens after an explosion was reported just before 3am today. Substantial damage
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Wards closed as virus strikes
Five wards have been closed at a Plymouth hospital because of an infectious sickness bug. The closures at the Derriford Hospital have been caused by the Norwalk virus, a bug which causes sickness and diahorrea for around 48 hours. One of the closed wards
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Wind towers, latest
AS A result of the Weekly News exclusive front page story, detailing plans to create up to 20 wind towers in Bridgwater Bay, Dr. Robert Kirby, who is the brains behind the project, is receiving a lot of local media interest. He appeared for the first
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Workers crave more free time
More than eight in 10 employees in the South West would like to spend more time with friends and family in 2004, according to a new survey. The survey by the Department of Trade and Industry's Work-Life Balance campaign asked employees in the region what
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Dog mess everywhere
ANOTHER festive season is over with only the joyous memories to remind us of what was yet another lovely and memorable yuletide. Or so we thought. It transpired to be memorable, but definitely not joyous. Having finished our Christmas lunch the whole
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Phone company waives £8,000 bill
A north Devon couple whose mobile phone was stolen during a holiday in Africa are to have their £8,000 bill waived, the mobile phone company has said. Zyg and Rosemary Gregorek received the 49-page bill for £8,115.29 from T-Mobile after their phone went
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Extra help with council tax
Devon County Council has welcomed the Government's campaign to encourage pensioners and those on low incomes to apply for help paying their council tax. The Government will remove a restriction, from April 2004, that currently prevents people living in
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Huish college soccer champs
RICHARD Huish, Taunton, have won the Somerset Colleges' Under 19 soccer title by beating Yeovil 2-0 in the final at Wordsworth Drive. Luke Fox opened the scoring for Huish after some neat play by James Whitehurst, with defender Robert Woodman volleying
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Wider market on horizon
A WIVELISCOMBE farm business has been given a hi-tech business boost. The Wood familyhave expanded internet shopping from their farm at Upton in the foothills of Exmoor, thanks to a Government grant. They have reared sheep on their farm for more than
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Sergeant's brave run in Stampede
WELLINGTON police Sgt Richard Caburn carried a knee injury to finish sixth in Boxing Day's Stoke Stampede. The annual 10km race attracted 170 entries and raised over £1,000 for local charities. Sgt Caburn finished less than two-and-a-half minutes behind
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Cricketing legend dies
WELLINGTON is mourning the death of one of its best-known sporting heroes this week. Cricketing legend Tom Windsor, of Bulford, passed away peacefully at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital on Saturday, aged 95. His friend and fellow sportsman, Keith Colman
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Pizzeria increases takeaway tally
WELLINGTON is set to get another takeaway. Planning applications have been submitted for the conversion of the former Cat's Whiskers premises, 18 South Street. A pizza takeaway is proposed for the shop, which has been empty for some months. Asked for
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Attack on tax axe stance
INDEPENDENT councillors in Chard have launched a blistering attack on Lib Dems, calling their support for the nationwide Axe the Tax petition "political opportunism". The campaign, which aims to persuade the Government to replace council tax with a fairer
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Raiders' Cup test
Plymouth Raiders face a tough test in Sheffield on Saturday night - when they contest the Teeside Mohawks in final of the National Cup. Coach Gary Stronach believes his team, who are also riding high in the league, can bring the silverware back to the
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Pilgrims away to Grimsby
Plymouth will be hosted by Grimsby on Saturday, as they continue to look like a side dead set on promotion - as champions. Argyle will be without long term injuries Romain Larrieu and Jason Bent, but otherwise, following run outs for Steve Adams and a
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Parsons wants regular cricket in four-dayers
SOMERSET CCC beneficiary Keith Parsons has got his sights firmly set on playing regular first team cricket in 2004 (writes Richard Walsh). Last year Parsons' appearances were largely confined to playing one-day cricket but this year he has other ideas
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Splendid new facilities for the Youngs on Quantocks
THE Wessex Area point to point season gets under way on Sunday with a number of local trainers set to send out horses. Laura and James Young have had a busy summer installing an indoor school, horse walker and all-weather gallops at their Broomfield stable
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Wider market on horizon
A WIVELISCOMBE farm business has been given a hi-tech business boost. The Wood familyhave expanded internet shopping from their farm at Upton in the foothills of Exmoor, thanks to a Government grant. They have reared sheep on their farm for more than
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Station launch for steam loco stamps
THE West of England launch for the first special Royal Mail stamps of 2004 will take place at Minehead railway station today (Friday). The heritage West Somerset Railway will make a fitting backdrop for the stamps, which commemorate 200 years of steam
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All steamed up for success
ONE of Somerset's major tourist attractions -- the West Somerset Railway -- steamed to a record success in 2003. Figures released this week show that Britain's longest heritage line, which runs from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, carried a total of 187,201
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Mixed fortunes for bus travellers
BUS travellers in West Somerset were dealt a mixed blow this week with news of a cut to services. The First company announced it was axing the 702 West Quantoxhead to Minehead route from next Monday because it was uneconomic. In future, villagers will
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Roy's blaze of glory
A £2,000 investment in Christmas trimmings paid off for retired printer Roy Howells when he scooped the top prize in Williton's first competition to find the best seasonally dressed house. Roy's festive efforts cover his house and garden in North Croft
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Hunt dogs horror attack
A CAT was torn apart in Combwich by hounds taking part in a hunt. The pet died in front of the horrified owner Jenny Kervell and her daughers, Aliesha and Isabelle. See next week's Bridgwater Mercury for the full story.
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Extra help with council tax
Devon County Council has welcomed the Government's campaign to encourage pensioners and those on low incomes to apply for help paying their council tax. The Government will remove a restriction, from April 2004, that currently prevents people living in
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Workers crave more free time
More than eight in 10 employees in the South West would like to spend more time with friends and family in 2004, according to a new survey. The survey by the Department of Trade and Industry's Work-Life Balance campaign asked employees in the region what
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Gulls need a goal
Torquay face Northampton, the team they played at their Sixfields Stadium on the first day of the season and beat 1-0. And they need a goal; they haven't scored in four games, and a Torquay player hasn't scored in five. Discounting York's Jon Parkin's
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Son gives kidney to father
A father from Devon who has suffered kidney disease for 10 years is preparing for an operation to receive a replacement organ from his 20-year-old son. Former train driver Keith Forbes, of Exeter, had been unaware that son Richard, 18-year-old daughter
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Extra help with council tax
Devon County Council has welcomed the Government's campaign to encourage pensioners and those on low incomes to apply for help paying their council tax. The Government will remove a restriction, from April 2004, that currently prevents people living in
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Young strikers spoil Mike's night
FORMER player Mike Hawes returned to Wellington as the new manager of Chard on Tuesday - but his night was spoilt by two young strikers. Alexis Piper and Leon Taswell, both new to Wellington's side this season, combined to sink Chard in this Screwfix
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Triplets make Uni history
CAMBRIDGE University confirmed this morning that Lil, Helen and Kate Armstrong are the first set of triplets to be offered places at the campus. The 18-year-olds from Truro College have won conditional offers to read medicine, law and natural sciences
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Cast iron case to keep signs of the times
DISTINCTIVE cast iron road signs on the Quantocks are to be protected as part of a Somerset County Council historic project. The signs, within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, were originally put up in the early part of the last century. Senior
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Church closes for major revamp
SOMERSET'S biggest church, St Mary Magdalene, in Taunton, has closed its doors for the next three months as repair and redecoration work is carried out inside. The Vicar, the Rev Nicholas Maddock, is asking for patience as the congregation takes to the
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Council plans U-turn on speed limit ground rules
HIGHWAYS bosses at Somerset County Council have admitted to "a change of mind" over their speed management policies and are embarking on a major U-turn. With county council elections looming next year, the LibDem-controlled authority is keen to alter
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Ghosts in the jobs machine
MORE than 22,000 ghost workers are operating in Somerset, according to a new survey. The Government's official unemployment statistics, which show 3.5 per cent of people of working age in the region are out of a job and looking for work, are way off the
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Rape mystery
POLICE have drawn a blank in their search for an alleged rapist in Creech St Michael. The investigation into the reported attack on a 15-year-old local girl on the canal bridge at 9.30pm on Monday has already cost thousands of pounds and tied up 20 officers
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Storms strike
GALE force winds and driving rain swept across the South West early yesterday (Thursday) morning causing damage, flooding and delays. A number of calls were made to the police about fallen trees blocking roads near Wrantage on the A378 and near Tonedale
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Pet cat savaged by fox hounds
A family from Somerset watched in horror as fox hounds savaged their pet cat in their garden, it has emerged. Jennifer Kervell and her daughters, seven and three, were in the kitchen preparing lunch when around 30 hounds from the West Somerset Vale Hunt
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Boy's pool death an accident
A jury has returned a verdict of accidental death in the inquest of a five-year-old boy who drowned in a swimming pool during a summer birthday party in Dorset. Callum Grant was found by his mother Christine at the bottom of a swimming pool in the grounds
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Remanded on suicide bomb charges
A TAUNTON man who allegedly dressed as a "suicide bomber" at London's Paddington Station was again remanded in custody when he appeared at Middle-sex Guildhall Crown Court on Monday. Timothy Richards, 30, of Cheddon Road, was arrested after being seen
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All aboard the health bus!
THE first children have taken part in an ambitious education programme thanks to the Somerset County Gazette's 'Stop It Before It Starts' campaign. The project, which has been championed by the County Gazette in the largest campaign in the newspaper's
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Camel burgers - just another day on the road!
WEST Hatch amateur rally driver James Golding tucked into a camel burger in a "wild town with rules of its own" before embarking on the latest leg of his trip of a lifetime. Chainsaw woodcarver James, 40, and co-driver Philip Bourne breezed into Dhaklar
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Church closes for major revamp
SOMERSET'S biggest church, St Mary Magdalene, in Taunton, has closed its doors for the next three months as repair and redecoration work is carried out inside. The Vicar, the Rev Nicholas Maddock, is asking for patience as the congregation takes to the
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Mayor supports D-Day visit appeal
TAUNTON Deane Council is supporting the Somerset County Gazette's calls to help fund the Normandy Veterans' last pilgrimage to the scene of their finest hour. The Taunton branch of the involved in the D-Day landings is taking 49 former soldiers to France
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Chairman of Development Agency appointed
The chairman of the driving force behind the future regeneration of Torbay has been selected, at the first meeting of the Torbay Development Agency board. Les Burnett, Managing Partner of Francis Clark Accountants, will preside over the new public / private
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Keep Christmas Day special
I'M sure Somerset County Gazette readers, like me, will have had enough of shopping by now. Year on year more shops are opening their doors on Christmas Day, forcing Britain's 2.6 million shop workers to go to work. Even Scrooge let his staff have Christmas
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Sailor appeal
I have been trying to locate information concerning my late husband. He was in the Royal Navy during WW2 and was featured in a story covered by the Somerset County Gazette when he was inspected by King Haakon of Norway in either January or February 1941
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Blair's fees logic doesn't hold water
TONY Blair tries to defend university tuition fees by arguing that it isn't fair that the cost of higher education should be borne out of taxes paid by those who haven't benefited themselves from that education. Using Blair's argument, I would contest
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Organ donors appeal thanks
Through your letters page, I should like to give my sincere thanks to the residents of West Somerset who responded to the appeal for more organ donors received with their electoral return form in the autumn. These thoughtful people have joined almost
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Serious money to be won
TAUNTON Town will be chasing prize money of £4,000 when they play away to Ryman League outfit Worthing in the third round of the FA Trophy tomorrow (Sat). Taunton have played some of the best football of the season in the Trophy and have already banked
