Monthly Archives: December 2025

Biddisham’s 600-year-old church bells returned after repairs

Biddisham’s 600-year-old church bells returned after repairs

Scott EllisBBC News, West of EnglandBBCIsaac O'Shea from O'Shea Engineering described the restoration project as "extremely rewarding"A set of 600-year-old church bells have been restored after they were found to be "falling apart".When the bells at St John's Church in Biddisham, near Axbridge in Somerset, were dusted off for the King's Coronation in 2023, it was discovered they were in a poor state.Isaac O'Shea, from Gloucestershire, was tasked with repairing the bells in June. He said: "All the…

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Gary Caldwell: Exeter City boss proud of performance in Bradford City loss

Gary Caldwell: Exeter City boss proud of performance in Bradford City loss

The result means Exeter have lost three of their past five league games.But despite the club's difficult league position, and financial issues off the field that means his budget is frozen, Caldwell is confident his side have what it takes to stay up. "I know the outcome of a football match is what everyone cares about and what you need to get right," he said."But over the course of 46 games we have to be clear on what…

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Drivers sought after death of motorcyclist, 17, in Poole

Drivers sought after death of motorcyclist, 17, in Poole

The drivers of three cars and a van are being urged to come forward to police after a 17-year-old motorcyclist died following a crash with a lorry.The crash, involving a DAF truck and a silver motorcycle, happened on the Safety Drive roundabout in Poole on Friday at about 17:00 GMT. The rider of the motorcycle, a 17-year-old boy from North Dorset died at the scene. The truck driver was uninjured.Dorset Police said it believed the drivers of a…

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Drone video shows devastation from floods in Indonesia’s Sumatra | Floods

NewsFeedDrone video shows widespread destruction in part of Sumatra in Indonesia, where more than 440 people have died in flooding and landslides across the country. Hundreds of others are still missing.Published On 1 Dec 20251 Dec 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2Share Source link

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Serious collision closes M5 near Bristol in both directions

Serious collision closes M5 near Bristol in both directions

A major route is closed in both directions following a "serious collision" in the early hours of the morning, police said.The M5 is shut between junctions 20 for Clevedon and 21 for Weston-super-Mare, according to Avon and Somerset Police. The motorway has been closed in both directions since 02:00 GMT and National Highways say the road is not expected to reopen until about 10:30 GMT.Diversions are in place but traffic monitoring site, INRIX, are reporting the routes are…

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New pool in Minehead a step closer after government funding

New pool in Minehead a step closer after government funding

A new community swimming pool in Somerset is another step closer to reality, after the county received a government grant for projects which will improve inactivity.Around £230,000 will be spent along the Somerset coast, between Porlock and Burnham-on-Sea, including on the new facility in Minehead.The Somerset Active Sports Partnership (SASP) will pay for a feasibility report into a new swimming pool in West Somerset, as well as spreading the money among community groups.The organisation's chief executive officer Jane…

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Dawn Sturgess inquiry and train strike planned

Dawn Sturgess inquiry and train strike planned

BBCIt's a busy week of news coming up in the West of England. We take a look at what you can expect to read about on the BBC News website in the next seven days.Airport meetingTuesday: A public meeting is being held over plans for Bristol Airport to extend its runway - meaning it would take over a part of nearby Felton Common.The airport wants a longer runway to accommodate long-haul flights.Airport bosses say they realise how important…

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Exeter City captain blending firefighting with football

Exeter City captain blending firefighting with football

BBCBow Jackson says the two jobs complement each otherA professional footballer says her other job as a firefighter provides good preparation for what happens on the pitch.Exeter City captain Bow Jackson has worked with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for the last seven years.Since joining the Grecians in 2022 she has helped the club gain promotion to the third tier of the women's game.Speaking about her two contrasting roles she said: "I'm probably exposed to pressures…

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‘Commitment’ to keep Devon’s libraries open

‘Commitment’ to keep Devon’s libraries open

BBCA consultation from Devon County Council to consider the future usage of libraries is set to run until 22 FebruaryThere are no plans to close libraries as "mounting financial pressures" are dealt with, council bosses have said.Devon County Council (DCC) has launched a consultation asking for views about the future of the 50 libraries run on its behalf by the Libraries Unlimited charity.Proposals include reducing and standardising opening hours, using technology to allow registered users to enter sites…

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Cornwall Council sets provisional date to fell lime trees

Cornwall Council sets provisional date to fell lime trees

BBCProtests have previously disrupted work to remove the lime treesThree mature lime trees are due to be cut down despite community objections, a council has said.Cornwall Council said work to remove the trees on Trelawney Road in Falmouth would provisionally begin on 8 December after previous attempts to cut down the trees were delayed by protests.The authority said it was "legally required" to remove the trees and it would replace them with four new ones.Campaigners from Stop the…

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‘Staggering’ numbers of people sleeping rough in Cornwall

‘Staggering’ numbers of people sleeping rough in Cornwall

Anna VarleSouth West home and social affairs correspondentBBCA homeless charity in Cornwall has said the number of people accessing its services is the highest it has ever seenA homeless charity has said the number of people accessing its services is the highest it has ever been.St Petrocs said it had supported 153 people who were sleeping on Cornwall's streets in October - a 35% increase on the same month in 2024.The charity has launched its winter campaign early…

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Headteachers welcome move to teach financial literacy in schools

Headteachers welcome move to teach financial literacy in schools

Tristan PascoeDorset political reporterBBCChildren at Queen's Park Academy School in Bournemouth already learn about personal financeAll primary and secondary school pupils in the south are set to be taught about financial matters under changes to the national curriculum.Children will have lessons in budgets, money management, mortgages and compound interest.The new curriculum is expected to be ready in 2028.Some teachers have warned that the changes will require training and support for staff before being implemented.But one headteacher told BBC…

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