News in Shepton Mallet

Inspired by Captain Tom Moore, an 86-year-old volunteer with East Somerset Railway in Cranmore is tackling his own fundraising challenge by climbing to the top of Bruton's dovecote 100 times.

Mike Kelham, who lives in Bruton, is tackling the climbing challenge for raise money for NHS Charities Together, which supports NHS staff and volunteers caring for coronavirus patients - and he has already smashed his £1,350 target despite only being just over halfway through.

Residents of Lamyatt have criticised plans by Wyke Farms to convert a pig farm into a storage unit for cheese and butter.

The company, based in Wyke Champflower, has applied to demolish several buildings at its "Lambrook pig unit" in the neighbouring village of Lamyatt, and replace them with eight new storage units.

There is still time for Shepton Mallet artists to enter this year's Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) open competition.

It might be all change for the format of the 2020 WAC exhibition, but plans are full steam ahead to ensure people can still see the shortlisted entries of contemporary art from around the world.

Leigh-on-Mendip is gearing up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday (May 8) within the social distancing guidelines.

Using social media, Leigh-on-Mendip Parish Council has asked residents to get involved with the celebrations and have the following plans.

Mendip District Council will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on its social media channels this year – and it's urging residents in the Shepton Mallet area to join in the virtual commemorations too.

The coronavirus outbreak has restricted traditional community events, however the council is inviting people to post their stories, photos and videos online instead, so they can be shared as we all celebrate together on the Bank Holiday Friday, May 8, 2020.

Cricket, like many other sports, is not being played at the moment, due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

However, that has not stopped Cranmore Cricket Club members keeping their ground in top condition, so they are ready to resume action as soon as restrictions are listed.

Shepton Mallet is thankfully yet to see a death relating to coronavirus, according to the latest figures released today (May 1).

The figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show, for the first time, deaths at a local level for people who have contracted Covid-19.

Deaths in Mendip surged above usual levels in March, as the coronavirus crisis unfurled in Shepton Mallet and the surrounding area, official figures show.

Experts have warned the outbreak could continue to have far-reaching consequences on mortality rates across the UK, including among those who do not catch the virus.

The Board of Trustees of the Royal Bath and West Show has today (May 1) announced the cancellation of this year's event due to the ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus.

The next Royal Bath and West Show will be held at the showground near Shepton Mallet on June 3 to 5 2021.

The woman who died following an incident at Collett Park pond in Shepton Mallet in January has been named as an inquest into her death has been opened.

On April 29, the senior coroner for Somerset Tony Williams opened an inquest into the death of Betty Margaret Bower, of Kyte Road, Shepton Mallet, following the incident in January.