Yeovil - Somerset

KFC Yeovil

2012-01-07T18:35:00.004Z

28th Jan 2012
The fence has been put back up but still not much sign of KFC opening in Yeovil soon.

7th Jan 2012
Looks like the Yeovil KFC development has stalled, the site looks abandoned and building appears to have stopped.

The security fence is down and building materials are strewn around the site, and is now an open invitation to vandalism.

So when will KFC Yeovil open? I Who knows, not soon I guess. The banner advertising new jobs at KFC Yeovil is still lying attached to a fallen security fence.

It is only now you can actually see how close this development in Yeovil is to nearby homes.

Images from the KFC Yeovil Site.

Yeovil has finally made the BT list of Fiber optic upgrades

2011-12-12T12:30:00.001Z

Looks like Yeovil has finally made the BT list of Fiber optic upgrades possibly in 2012!
"The date on the BT Infinity Site for Yeovil is teh 31st dec 2012"

It will possibly be FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) which still give speeds far superior to current broadband speeds. The quoted speeds I have seen is up to 40mbs download speeds for FTTC.

Well I will believe it when it is in and working; it will be a vast improvement on my 3mbs down load if it is a good day.

BT FTTC Yeovil

Coffee Shops in Yeovil

2011-09-30T13:31:00.000+01:00

Its a nice sunny day and can you find a coffee shop with an outside seating area where none smokers are welcome.

I am a regular in starbucks in Yeovil and like many other eating and drinking places there is no such thing an outside area for folks who would like fresh air and sun.

Any thoughts

Pedestrian Crossing on Reckleford, Yeovil part 2

2011-07-12T14:11:00.000+01:00

Work appears to be under way, lights have gone of the poles, the buttons still appear active and people are still crossing without a care in the world.
There is no real signage to state the obvious i.e. the crossing is not working.
The pavement at the bottom end of Goldcroft is blocked off by plant and vehicles parked on the double yellow lines. From the crossing side there was not much choice take to walking in the road up Goldcroft to avoid the hazards on the pavement and take your chance with the traffic. I am sure it will only get worse.

Pedestrians are directed between the Van and the arm of digger (Mind your head).

Pedestrian Crossing on Reckleford

2011-07-06T17:04:00.006+01:00

Pedestrian Crossing on Reckleford between Gold croft and Yeovil town centre is going to be closed in the from Monday 11th July for approximateley 3 weeks.

There is a map attached to the crossing showing a suggested alternate route. It suggests the best way to cross is use the crossing 260m down the hill!

I think folks will take their chance and cross just past the barriers adjacent to the Fire station. I certainly don’t advise that.

Not to sure how this will affect the traffic, long queues and will take for ever to get through Yeovil.
I am sure this has been planned by Somerset County Council with little thought for local residents and business.

Work has started but as yet is not affecting users of the crossing.

Steam on Preston Road Yeovil

2011-07-03T20:14:00.000+01:00

A steam Roller having a Sunday afternoon drive down Preston Road Yeovil.

Glovers walk in Yeovil Town center - Closed

2011-05-10T08:50:00.001+01:00

Glovers walk in Yeovil Town center still appeared to be closed this morning following incident on Sunday night.
See report on Avon and Somerset Constabulary website Link

How to make your pc go faster?

2011-05-06T20:32:00.000+01:00

Have just heard PCgofaster.com advertised on local radio, there wasn’t much detail, I have tried the website advertised pcgofaster.com, and the page would not load.

I am intrigued to find out more as an IT pro I am always interested in these sort of sites. My regular customers will be calling to find out more.

Have you experience of this site? Please let me know your views.

There are things which can be done at no cost to speed up a PC, Running an anti virus scan, uninstalling unwanted software, defrag your disk.

If you have vista see how much memory your pc or laptop has, make sure you have at least 1GB or even more.

Microsoft has plenty of helpful tips

Abbey Hill Steam rally, Yeovil Showground

2011-05-02T20:20:00.000+01:00

Abbey Hill Steam rally, Yeovil Showground

The Abbey Hill Steam fair has just finished. I visited on the Sunday the first time I had been to this Steam rally.

I was expecting a steam to be the main focus; there were a range of traction engines, Lorries and other steam related items.

My last visit to a steam rally was the Town and Country show at the Royal Showground near Kenilworth when as a teenager I was roped into stewarding.

That time of year to get tidy up the garden

2011-04-08T13:34:00.002+01:00

That time of year to get tidy up the garden following winter. Have just purchased a few new plants to fill a few holes in the borders.

In recent years I have bought plants from the local Garden Centers in Yeovil, but a good frost and they are turned in to compost.

I have also bought a few plants from Warden Hill Farm on the Dorchester road (probably the highest point and most exposed). I guess if the plants can survive at Warden Hill then they should live in my garden. I work on the principle of as little effort as possible.

Yeovil has now got another garden centre, if you live in Yeovil and want some good plants with out the frills of a fancy garden centre try Yeovil Market.

There are some amazing private gardens around Yeovil and Somerset Council do a great job around Yeovil.

St John’s Church yard (the Beach) is a blaze of colour.

Yeovil Garden Centres

Warden Hill Farm

Help for Heroes Event - Childrens Disco and Auction

2011-03-26T15:59:00.001Z

I have a work colleague who with a few other folks arranging to Sky dive in aid of Help For Heroes.

They are also arranging a "Little Soldiers Disco" and Charity auction on the 17th April 2011 at the Labour Club in Yeovil.
More information

St Michaels Tower Montacute

2011-03-22T13:42:00.000Z

The folly is on the hill top behind Montacute House and the village of Monacute in Somerset.

The Tower is known as St Michael's tower, the tower is made from local Ham Stone (Guess from Ham Hill). The top of the tower is reached by a steep spiral stone stair case.

The tower is about 15 M high and 5 M in diameter,
You can easily get to the tower if visiting Monacute house, albeit a steep climb in a few places. There excellent views from the top of the hill which once formed a hill top fort. During the last year trees have been removed to preserve this historic site.

You can easily get to the tower if visiting Monacute house, albeit a steep climb in a few places. There excellent views from the top of the hill which once formed a hill top fort. During the last year trees have been removed to preserve this historic site.

If you have more time you could walk over to the top of Ham Hill and may stop for a pub lunch in the Prince of Wales.
These pictures were taken in March 2011,

Vodafone down in Yeovil

2011-02-28T08:31:00.002Z

Vodafone down in Yeovil, not sure for how long

Just Noticed my phone is SOS only on Vodafone, (Yeovil)

There seems to be reports on Twitter about a major failure across various parts of the country not just Yeovil! Must be a single point of failure somewhere.
Yeovil Vodafone Shop Message about 28th Feb 2011 outage

Vodafone Press release:-
"We had a break in last night at one of our technical facilities which resulted in damage done to some of our equipment. This means that some customers may be experiencing temporary loss of voice, SMS and internet services.
"We are working quickly to restore these and will be back to normal as soon as we can. There has been no impact on the privacy of customers' data."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12595681

A breakin in one location can bring down most users in the South of England,

sounds a bit suspicious to me, where is their disaster plan and failover recover system?

Parcel Force Collecting Parcel Yeovil

2011-02-10T08:57:00.002Z

Just had a card thru the door from Parcel Force, which states collection times from 8am. Guess what your local collection centers operate different hours from 9am – 5:30am. There must be a contract with post offices to hold parcels, shame they can’t use the sorting office in Huish which opens at sensible times and has some parking.

The collection centre is a sub post office in Huish, with no readily available parking.

At least I will be able to collect at some stage, not like City Link with the Yeovil collection point on the out skirts of Exeter.

Reckleford Traffic Lights Yeovil

2011-01-21T12:11:00.003Z

When walking across the bottom of Eastlands Road with Green man showing, cars can still appear across the lights from Wyndham Street.

The junction from Wyndham Street is signed and laid out so that traffic is not allowed into Eastlands Road and cars should only go towards Yeovil hospital or Sherbourne.

There is enough space in the layout for cars to easily get across the junction in to Eastlands Road and take unsuspecting pedestrians by surprise crossing on the green man.

I am sure this will soon be resolved now it has been raised as an issue with the council.

Do you have any comments on these lights?

A film worth seeing

2011-01-17T13:10:00.022Z

A film worth seeing,

For the first time in an age I was persuaded to go to the Cineworld in Yeovil. It is a while since I have been.

“The Kings Speech”, what can I say it is the best film I have seen in a long time. I normally like a film with plenty of action and special effects, none of that! It was a mix of the serious, the funny, and a history lesson.

There was a mix of ages from the young to the more senior and the cinema was packed.

About - The King's Speech - Official Site

My biggest shock was the price for the essential snack and drinks, how can a price of £2.25 for a small paper cup of standard coffee be a reasonable price? When you can get a proper drink in a real cup on the high street for less? I would suggest don't buy snacks in the cinema it could cost more than the £8 plus to see the film.

Traffic queues on Abbey Manor Park yeovil

2011-01-05T12:42:00.002Z

Traffic queues on Abbey Manor

View Comments on the traffic queues on Abbey Manor Park Yeovil

See update at bottom of page, now traffic is flowing again.

I have been trying to find out why over the last couple of Months the traffic has been backing up onto Abbey Manor, Stourton Way and Western Avenue.

A journey that used to only take 15 Mins into town is now taking 45 Mins.
My theory is that becuase the “Bunford Bridge” adjacent to the Westland’s back gate is closed the traffic that used to commute into Westland’s via the bridge now has to use the Western relief road and Bunford Lane.
This is causing the traffic from the Abbey Manor Park direction to backup due to the extra traffic turning right into Bunford Lane.

I don’t know why the bridge is closed, do you know why or have a better theory?

Update 19-1-2011

The journey from Abbey Manor is back to normal, the queue has disappered.
My theory of the Bunford Bridge I think has been proven; the bridge is back in use.
I have recently found out that there was suspected structural damage and it was awaiting an inspection by engineers. I guess the inspection proved it was ok.
Not sure why it took so long I hate to think of the real cost with so many folks were stuck in their cars burning extra fuel and been stationary for so long.

Still not sure who owns the Bunford Bridge? Do you know?

Yeovil Weather

2010-12-30T14:38:00.000Z

Like many I have been keeping an eye on the weather over Christmas. I had not planned to go far and stayed around Yeovil.

I certainly hope to have some salt and good spade or Snow shovel on standby.

There were certain roads around which remained impassable for a few days, I am sure with some neighborhood team effort the snow could have been removed before it froze solid.

I did my bit and cleared the road outside my house, and one of the neighbours cleared the road for the whole close.

I have found a couple of local weather stations in Yeovil.
Dave's Weather Site yeovil
Jon on Abbey Manor Yeovil

The New Primark in Yeovil is open but Woolies in Yeovil lives on

2010-12-03T09:01:00.001Z

The farewell to Yeovil Woolies on youtube.

The new Primark in Yeovil Opened yesterday, the old one is still open across the road.

Looks like a public holiday on the 29th April

2010-11-23T12:57:00.003Z

So it looks like a public holiday on the 29th April good old Royals. So we can all sit at home over eat, Drink and watch Prince William and Kate tie the knot in Westminster Abbey.

Should be a nice long weekend with May on the Monday.

So what will Yeovil do to mark the day?

Talk driving Yeovil Mad

2010-10-25T12:58:00.000+01:00

Was interesting to read the article in last weeks Yeovil Western Gazzette re “Talk Talk” on the High street in Yeovil.

I have previously made comments about their high pressure sales tactics in WH Smiths door way. I stopped going into WH Smiths because you could not get out with out been accosted.
Earlier Blog on "Talk Talk" in Yeovil

It was good to see that the Yeovil Town Centre Manager has moved them on. The lower end of town was becoming an area where you had to look out. The majority of people were engaging and then found that they could not escape.

Heavy lifting in Yeovil

2010-10-25T12:45:00.000+01:00

Primark are current refitting the old Woolworth Store on Yeovil High Street. I think the building will look totally different as work progresses behind the Scaffolding.

On Sunday a large crane was in action not sure what was lifted, there has been plenty of work on the roof, which I guess will be for new plant for Air-conditioning etc.

©tjb

Not sure when the opening date is but I guess they would want to be in by Christmas.

Midsommer Norton Accordion Band

2010-10-18T14:13:00.001+01:00

Midsommer Norton Accordion Band Played the Abbey Manor Community Centre to help raise funds, It was a pleasant few hours with a wide variety of tunes. Accordian bands are not dead!

Big thanks to the Midsommer Norton Accordian band for help the centre raise funds.

The Abbey Manor Community centre is in the middle of the Abbey Manor Park estate, in the Forum. The Centre is run by a committee (Abbey Community Association) made up of some of the many groups who regularly use the centre.

Many thanks to the Monday Tea Dance for arranging and for the excellent home made cakes.

“Milton” Jones in Yeovil

2010-09-27T12:30:00.000+01:00

What a session, he was brilliant his quick fire and responses to the audience were just genius. The evening was suitable for all ages and every one was in stitches.

Thanks Milton a brilliant evening and for taking time out to come to Yeovil.

The Elim church was packed to capacity and I think Pastor Davenport was stuck for words.

Not "Milton" in Yeovil but gives a insight!

miltonjones.com/

Vodafone Mobile Phone problems in Yeovil

2010-09-17T13:00:00.001+01:00

Vodafone have some major issues with their network in Yeovil following damage to one of their transmitters in Yeovil earlier this week.

According to the vodafone forum "It's just that gypsies had moved into the area surrounding site number 280 and have more or less ransacked the site of all copper and have quite severely damaged the site". They go on to say Vodafone has access to the site and are "replace all missing copper and parts".
See full article on the Vodfone forum.
Vodafone Network - No signal - Yeovil, Somerset

I am sure that the police will find the culprits and arrests will be made.

Not sure where the mast is but my phone is still playing up and reception is a little patchy (Friday 17th Sep 2010) in Yeovil town center

Fields on Thorne Lane Yeovil

2010-09-10T16:37:00.001+01:00

©tjb

How much longer will we have open fields on Thorne Lane Yeovil?

©tjb

There have been plans to create a new estate which would take away these views.

©tjb

SamKnows - Broadband Availability - Yeovil (WWYEOV) Exchange

2010-09-10T11:21:00.000+01:00

SamKnows - Broadband Availability - Yeovil (WWYEOV) Exchange

Yeovil Broadband prices may fall?

2010-09-02T12:02:00.000+01:00

I keep an eye on a “Sam Knows” it is the main reference point for information on UK telephone exchanges.

The number of operators excluding BT is now 4 which takes the Yeovil exchange (WWYEO) in to the next market banding (Currently Market 2, should move into Market 3).

Sam Knows answered my query and agree that WWYEO exchange should move to Market 3 when Ofcom update their records to reflect recent changes. When Ofcom have agreed that Yeovil is now market 3 some ISP’s should lower their broadband charges. My provider Plusnet should decrease by approximately £6 per month.

I will keep you posted

Cafe Forum Abbey Manor Yeovil

2010-08-14T09:13:00.000+01:00

Cafe Forum reopened on the 12th August.

It is a pleasant place to meet up and have some food or a coffee. We spent a few hours chatting with friends.

Hardington Horse and Dog Show

2010-07-26T13:02:00.000+01:00

I went to the Hardington Horse and Dog Show on Saturday; It was certainly a popular event. As a townie it was good to see the horses and dogs.

I was only able to stay a short while, but would have liked to stay longer. Still managed to see the fancy dressed dog competition try out the food tent. The food tent was worth a visit with cakes and barbeque where I tasted local food a plate full of Rabbit freshly caught and prepared, and a tasty burger.

©tjb

The Proceeds were going to go to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Hardington Village Hall and Heavens Gate Animal Shelter

“The Noise 2010”, Oak Tree Park, Abbey Manor Park

2010-07-05T12:09:00.001+01:00

It was a great day for “The Noise 2010”, Oak Tree Park, Abbey Manor. There was a constant stream of people between 12 noon and 5pm visiting the event.

The Skate board and Bmx competitions saw some amazing stunts.
Some of the highlights were the Brazilian street dancers and the agility dogs.

St James Church was manning the refreshments giving out endless free fresh coffee, tea and squash.

There was plenty going on with Bouncy castles, face painting and other stalls.

The Yeovil Amateur radio club had some amazing aerials and equipment on show.

The event was only possible due to the local churches, Brympton parish council, Abbey Manor Community Centre, St James Scouts and others who gave time and support to this great free biannual event.

Free web Advertising for Yeovil Business

2010-06-25T12:56:00.000+01:00

I run a web site called Yeovil.biz a site which lists local independent business in Yeovil and surrounding areas. The website provides simple listings to advertise your business for free with Business details, contact details and a small logo or image.

Yeovil.biz

The site currently has a large diverse range of local businesses listed garages, Car and Caravan, Painters, printing etc in and around Yeovil.

If you haven’t a presence on the internet, you won’t be found by people surfing the internet.

Web sites do not need to cost the earth and be over complex, most broadband providers will give you free web space for you to use. If you would like your own domain name they can be easily bought for a few pounds.

Why not create your own Blog about your business in Yeovil?

I acn always add your business to Yeovil.biz visit the site for contact details.

Yeovil Woolworths to become a Primark Store

2010-06-18T13:25:00.000+01:00

Primark are taking over the Yeovil Woolworths store, a notice has been posted at the front of the store.

Primark opening new store in Yeovil 18-6-10

At last the old Yeovil Woolworths has found a new use, it will be interesting to see how Primark will use all the space in this vast store. There is no mention of an opening date, but I bet it won't be long.

Primark Yeovil will certainly be a size, plenty of space for piles of clothes.

Primark have had a lot of bad press over the years for their sourcing of clothes, according to the Primak uk website they are committed to ethical trading.

Yeovil Junction not in Bloom

2010-06-07T13:17:00.003+01:00

The floral displays around Yeovil are Amazing a great deal of effort has been put in by the council and local people.

Yeovil Junction is one of the main Gateways to Yeovil, the planters seem to have seen better days. It is a shame when the rest of Yeovil puts so much effort into making the town look cared for.

6-6-10 Yeovil not in Bloom ©tjb

6-6-10 Yeovil Junction not in Bloom ©tjb

I am sure Southwest Trains can do a better job, may be someone could sponsor a planter?

16/6/10 Update

I have emailed South West Trains, have waited over a week but no reply, Little old Yeovil Junction (150 years this year) doesn't warrant a spruce up in the flower department.

7/7/10 Update
Have had an email from Southwest trains who have asked the station master to contact me.

25/8/10 Update
No contact from the station master, I am sure they are far to busy to tidy up the station.

The 150 year anniversary of Steam arriving at Yeovil Junction will be celebrated in July.

Pectin in Steam at Yeovil Junction

David Laws

2010-06-01T17:19:00.000+01:00

Following David Laws resignation from his Cabinet post there seems to be a mix of feelings in and around his Yeovil Constituency

David has worked hard over the years in and around Yeovil and I am sure that is why people vote for him

Yeovil Libdems

Yeovil Conservatives

Fish and Chips on Westfield

2010-06-01T12:09:00.001+01:00

The Post office on Coronation Avenue, Westfield estate has finally found its new use.

It was a shame to see the post office go, but with the way the Post office works and the cost that would have been involved for any body taking it on I am not surprised.

May be a post office will open in another local shop or community facility.

The Chip Shop (Polats Place) looks great and I am sure will do a good business.

Polat's Place Yeovil

Not as we know it

2010-05-27T07:40:00.002+01:00

Not as we know it

I have followed Ashes to Ashes over the last few months, I even managed to view the last episode on BBC iplayer in the middle of Dartmoor in Conference centre with St James Church Yeovil (not bad broadband must be miles from the exchange).

Local blogger Rev David keen has some interesting thoughts.

St. Aidan to Abbey Manor: It's Death Jimbo, But Not AS We Know It#links

WHSmiths Yeovil

2010-05-24T12:55:00.005+01:00

WHSmiths Yeovil
I have been in and out WH Smiths many times in Yeovil managing to dodge the salesmen trying to sell Talk Talk and No win no fee accident insurance.

Whilst in Yeovil WH Smiths today I witnessed an elderly gent being accosted by the Talk Talk sales team (Safety in number). They enticed him into a conversation which it was obvious he did not want. I left them to talk for a while, I was in no doubt this gent did not have the slightest interest in the product. The sales man was still keen to keep going.

Enough was enough, I intervened, I asked the gent if he wanted to know more or be free to continue on his day. The gent looked relieved.

I asked to see a manger for WH Smiths, I think I spoke to the assistant manger (no introduction or badge). Who didn’t really appear even slightly interested, he said that the sales people on the door are arranged by head office, and that they had complaints before. With a little more pressure he agreed to speak to the sales people.

WH Smiths used to be one of better British high street stores, it may still be in other locations. I dislike having to go into the Yeovil store because of these extra sales people.

These sales people are highly trained in every technique to get a sale or at least a signature, they do not understand NO.

Have you been harassed by these people?

BBC Article: "Have we fallen out of love with the nation's newsagent?"

Council annual bulb give away

2010-05-24T08:56:00.009+01:00

Free for all

©tjb

There was a big crowd in St Johns Church gardens this morning. The council had invited folks to come and help then selves to the bulbs and plants that had been removed from council managed roundabouts etc.

Last Pickings

©tjb

These bulbs will certainly help to liven up the gardens of Yeovil. I am always impressed by the amount time folks spend out in there gardens.

©tjb

The roundabouts of Yeovil always seem to be displaying something fresh and are always displaying colour.
Thanks to the South Somerset District Council’s horticulture team.

Getting ready for the next display
©tjb

2/6/10
©tjb

St Johns in the sun

©tjb

26th May 10:- The horticulture team are busy working on the summer display hope to have some pictures of progress in the next few days.
Other links

http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/8165557.Blooming_marvellous_giveaway_in_Yeovil_/

The old Woolworths store Yeovil

2010-05-19T13:04:00.006+01:00

What is the future of this old Woolworths in Yeovil?

Primark are taking over the Old Yeovil Woolworths.

There is some activity in the store, looks possible like asbestos removal with enclosed plastic areas. The activity in side has increased, plaster of the walls and electrical work going on. I am sure we will soon see who has moved into this old Yeovil Store. Tk Maxx was my favourite but, Primark in Yeovil could do with a bigger store!

Woolworths Yeovil Now

There must be a plan to do something with this old store, otherwise I am sure that there would not be any activity in the store.

It would be good to get this building turned around and being used by another business. There has been too many shops moving or closing in this area of Yeovil town centre.

Do you know what is lined up for this Yeovil store? Please leave your comments.

1/6/10
I have done a bit of digging on the internet; my favorite at the moment is TK Maxx.

They appear to be advertising for staff in Yeovil.
They have already taken on some of the old Woolworths stores.

I think TK Maxx would fill both floors and would add another major retailer back to the Yeovil High street.

The final day in Yeovil Woolworths

Will our Local Yeovil MP be in the Cabinet?

2010-05-12T08:56:00.006+01:00

Will David Laws be in the new cabinet? Yes,

David Laws is now, CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY.

David Laws has been involved in the discusions with the Conservatives to form a joint goverment, which has now come to pass with David Cameron as Prime minister and Nick Clegg as Deputy.
He has certainly represented the interests of Yeovil over the years, and has been the shadow educational spokesperson.

More shops Closing in the Quedam Yeovil

2010-04-28T13:48:00.000+01:00

Another 3 shops in the Quedam Centre Yeovil have closing signs in their windows.
There are now stretches of empty shop units. Why are these shops closing rent, Council Tax or are people just not spending as they used?
Clinton Cards, Faith and Cargo.

Police Horses in yeovil

2010-04-21T12:58:00.001+01:00

The police were finding there way around Yeovil today on horse back, 2 Pairs of horses.

©tjb

They were quite a hit with the locals

©tjb

http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/units_and_departments/operations/mounted_section.aspx

Volcanic Ash in Yeovil

2010-04-19T12:59:00.000+01:00

Have you seen any volcanic ash from Iceland in Yeovil! My car looks dirtier than normal but that is probably me not having cleaned it recently.

I have heard stories of local folks driving back from Italy to France and Using Ferries to get home.

The true cost of not been able to fly is slowly appearing. I had not realized how much fresh food is flown into the UK.

I am sure if Volcanic dust is falling from the sky it can’t be good for you, but the reports on the news websites seems to say little Risk unless you have an underlying problem.
See BBC:- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8624806.stm

Information from Direct Gov Website:- http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_187244

Met Office Advisory information on Volcanic Ash:- http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/aviation/vaac/vaacuk_vag.html

Yeovil Cattle Market

2010-03-31T08:59:00.002+01:00

Yeovil cattle market was around for a 156 years, but closed its gates in 2008. The site was going to be developed in to "mixed-use scheme of residential housing, sheltered housing and a nursing home" http://www.yeovilvision.co.uk/news/185.htm.

The site is now starting to look in a sorry run down state. It would be good to find some pictures of the Cattle markets in better days.

©tjb

Yeovil cattle market Pictures ©tjb please free to use but please link http://yeovil-blog.blogspot.com/

Wurzels - "I am a cider Drinker"

2010-03-30T08:10:00.000+01:00

There is a campaign to get the "Wurzels" to no1 with "I am a Cider drinker" in protest to the 10% tax on strong cider.

A facebook group has been created to get support
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=mf&gid=112832208727212

I can remember the Wurzels from the Late 70's / 80's when I lived in Birmingham.

Wurzel World (Listen to a bit of Somerset)

Some Pictures from Sherborne

2010-03-26T12:05:00.003Z

Guest Local Pictures

A view of Sherborne Old Castle - as seen across the lake at Sherborne New Castle. Taken January 2010

(Taken by J Stride)

viewed from the Claire Voire at Sherborne New Castle. Taken January 2010

(Taken by J Stride)

The cascade waterfall at Sherborne Castle

(Taken by J Stride)

Sherborne Abbey

(Taken by J Stride)

Pictures Copyright J Stride, if you wish to use any pictures please leave a comment

Yeovil now in Google Street View

2010-03-19T19:11:00.000Z

Check out your own address, you may not believe what you see.

Have been trying to see how to get an entry removed.

View Larger Map

Car Transporters on Double Yellows again

2010-03-11T12:10:00.002Z

Car transporters on Double Yellows again!

Car Transporters seem to be exempt from parking and waiting restrictions, I have seen two to day parked on double yellows next to a junction.

I know as a car driver if I illegally park I would be booked.

At least this one is fully on the road, it was left empty for over 30 mins, the earlier one was blocking the path and on double yellows.
Do you have any thoughts?

Another Day lets try and cause chaos with two Transporters!

45minutes latter still there empty.

08:45 11th Mar 10 ©tjb

Yet another car transporter unloading cars on double yellow lines and next to a bend.

Are the cars insured to be used on the road with out tax, registration number or trade plates attached? I watched a car driven from the transporter on the main road and into the dealer over 200m.

08:45 11th Mar 10 ©tjb

A dealer on the Reckleford adjacent to Goldcroft regularly unloads on the dual carriageway, obstructing the pavement and on Double yellow lines!

29th April 2010 ©tjb

On Pavement,Double Yellows and on Juction next to roundabout

9-6-10 ©tjb

Have you had a near miss due to a transporter unloading?

Foundry house a former gloving factory Yeovil

2010-03-10T12:58:00.002Z

Foundry House is a former gloving factory which is currently been redeveloped into shops and accommodation.
Gloving in Yeovil was one of the main industries.

This was saved from been demolished by a local campaign.

©tjb

Foundry house dates back to 1870.

©tjb

From the Old Yeovil Town station to Taunton trackbed

©tjb

Redevelopment underway on Foundry House Yeovil

Yeovil Vision http://www.yeovilvision.co.uk/projects/foundry-house.htm

Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society http://www.yalhs.org.uk/NL19.pdf

Yeovil Pot holes in the road!

2010-03-08T12:04:00.001Z

Yeovil Pot holes in the road!

Some of the pot holes on the major routes have been sorted, but venture into to “Stourton Way Yeovil” and there you will find a stretch of road adjacent to the Fourum which has now been labeled temporary road surface.

It is like a ploughed field, even the crossing markings have long gone (before this winter). I am sure it is in the council plan to resurface and make the crossing safe, but when?

There must be a point when a road gets closed because it is too dangerous.

http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/5044858.Council_repairs_4_610_potholes_since.../

Can't be responsible for the following site, but does make a good read.

http://www.potholes.co.uk/claims/step_by_step_guide

Yeovil Station 150 Years

2010-03-04T08:56:00.004Z

Yeovil Station 150 Years

Yeovil Junction Station is a 150 years old this year, Steam is still in Yeovil at the The Yeovil Railway Centre.

The railway first arrived at Yeovil Junction in 1860 (London and South Western Railway), some time after Pen Mill which Celebrated 150 Years in 2006.

Yeovil Junction Today (3/3/10)

The Turn table at Yeovil Junction some facts, http://webapp1.somerset.gov.uk/her/details.asp?prn=22826

Yeovil Junction railway station. (2010, February 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 12:31, March 4, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yeovil_Junction_railway_station&oldid=343148393

Microsoft Browser Choice update! KB976002

2010-03-01T12:58:00.001Z

Don't like to talk technical, but Microsoft does annoy me.

May not mean a great deal to you non techies, but best to say NO to this if you get the option from Microsoft update.

It is Microsoft’s response to Europe over the use of Internet explorer.
If Microsoft prompts to install best to say no to KB976002, otherwise you will be asked if you wish to install a different explorer.

For the technical one please check my other Blogg
http://tjb-ts.blogspot.com/
http://tjb-ts.co.uk/

Yeovil Innovation Centre Wind Turbine

2010-02-13T11:55:00.002Z

Does anyone know where the wind turbine went? There is just a Pole left.

This was supposed to generate 10% of the power required by the centre, but has not been working for quite a while.

I have been told that the blades are away for repair and should be back in the near future!
I have had a quick search on the web and haven't found much on what is currently happening with the turbine.

Have included a link to the Innovation Centre website.

Quedam Center Yeovil, Police in force

2010-02-05T12:56:00.000Z

Don't know what was happening at 12:45 in the Quedam today, 6 police vehicles in attendance?

The Quedam Centre Yeovil in the Rain

2010-02-03T12:04:00.000Z

The Quedam Centre Yeovil Pictures 3-2-10, not a soul in site well it was only 8:15am.

Motor bike fire on Goldcroft

2010-02-01T18:36:00.003Z

Motor bike fire on Goldcroft just after 4pm on Monday 1st Feb, fire brigade soon on scene and fire extinguished. Bike was parked opposite the Crofton Store. The bike was totally destroyed.

Nine Springs Park Yeovil

2010-01-27T08:59:00.002Z

It has been a while since I have ventured into Nine Springs, I had a walk up the Ravine which has small ponds and waterfalls.
There is a good path right to the top. Here are some pictures I have taken.

http://www.ninesprings.net/

Montacute House Snow drops starting to appear

2010-01-24T18:13:00.002Z

Have been for a walk around the grounds at Montecute house (NT), snow drops are starting to appear.

The house and café may be closed but the grounds and shop were open.

Football fans Anti Social Behaviour on Abbey Manor

2010-01-23T21:58:00.011Z

Football fans urinate on fences in Malmesbury way. Fans urinate and leave graffiti on fence and road sign but have left before Police arrive. Two others were arrested! but within minutes were free to go, I guess they were given an on the spot fine. Who going to clean up?

The Regents Road sign (SPOLGVE, EC FC)

The fans were on their way from the Arrow to Huish park. Residents near to the ground have to put up with the effects of large numbers of folks going to the ground, normally we just have to cope with dangerous and inconsiderate parking.

Thanks to the SSDC for cleaning up.
At least yeovil beat Exeter 2-1

Reckleford - Roadworks

2010-01-20T12:59:00.000Z

The Traffic lights are at last working and the temporary lights have gone.

Will be interesting to see how the traffic flows, there is still some work to do adjacent to the shops to create the new layout.

Wessex water appear to be moving away from next to the Ambulance station, so there should be a free run through with out road works in the way.

Feeding Birds in Winter advice

2010-01-10T20:17:00.000Z

My wife is a keen bird person and likes to make sure that the local birds are well fed! We had a visit yesterday to "Pets Takeaway" to buy a quantity of Nuts, wild bird food, sunflower hearts, suet pellets with meali worms.

The birds looked pleased to see me lugging it into the house, the cat had a smile as well.

The RSPB have plenty of advise and tips on looking after our feathered friends.

RSPB Advice, lincstrust factsheets feeding wild birds

Yeovil in the Snow 6 Jan 2010

2010-01-06T12:08:00.003Z

Yeovil in the snow 6 Jan 2010, The roads were quiet the majority of folks had decided to walk or stay at home. These are pictures taken on my way into work.

Yeovil Town Centre

Lufton Roman Villa, on the edge of Yeovil

2009-12-29T20:09:00.001Z

Had nice walk across the fields past the Roman site at Lufton, where once stood “Lufton Roman Villa”.

The path to the Villa goes from just beyond Thorne Coffin, if you follow the path it will bring you out on the road near Lufton College. If you don’t want a muddy walk go on the lane from the end of thorne lane to wards Lufton, at the T junction follow the public foot path over the stile into the fields.

Reckleford roadworks again

2009-12-29T15:08:00.002Z

Its good to see that the Reckleford road works have been left in a fit for purpose state over the Christmas break a small handwritten sign indicating that you can now form two lanes on the new piece of road (Watch out for the roadwork's the other side of the new layout by the Ambulance station!)
Traffic chaos has hit the town again as the Temporary lights that replaced the original temporary lights have failed (14:30 29-12-09). The local PCSO's to the rescue, 3 PCSO's now controlling the traffic I am sure that their time and any overtime will be paid by the main contractor?

Reckleford road works are they Finished?

2009-12-23T13:50:00.001Z

Reckleford road works are they Finished? No
Have just seen the road work signs being collected; is the end of the traffic chaos? We will soon see.

Traffic is now using the new road layout, but with a new set of temporary traffic lights, the Queens way seemed to be flowing fine, but the traffic on Middle Street was backed up.

So will it Snow in Yeovil?

2009-12-18T10:06:00.000Z

So will it Snow in Yeovil?
It was a pleasant walk into the Town today; the paths were dry and not overly icy.

There seems to be more lights on houses this year, far better than the display in the Town centre. There are road where all the neighbours have really gone to town, Lime Kiln, Abbey Manor and a Close of Westbourne Avenue.

Goverment Plans for New Towns, Yeovil in the Shortlist to create a new ECO-Town

2009-12-01T17:19:00.006Z

Have just been looking at the BBC new page, the government are looking at creating "New Towns".

Yeovil was mentioned in the short-list! The Times on line also mentioned the government plans!

I will try and find out more, do you know anything about these "New ECO Towns"?

yeovil express 1/12/09 SOUTH Somerset District Council , looking at 5,000-home "urban extension" to Yeovil

ECO Towns Explained - Directgov - public services all in one place

Yeovil Through Time

2009-11-30T12:55:00.001Z

Yeovil Through Time, a new local photographic history book. it is full of picture comparisons of how various parts of Yeovil looked compared with how Yeovil is now.

It has been written by two local historians Robin Ansell and Jack Sweet.

Yeovil Country Market

2009-11-27T12:54:00.001Z

Yeovil Country Market,

I had almost forgotten about this, hidden away in the St Johns Church School Rooms.

There was a good selection of homemade Cakes, decorated Christmas cakes, other produce and a coffee shop.

They are normally open on a Friday Morning.

St. Johns School Rooms, Church Street, (Behind St Johns Church in the Town Centre)

Reckleford

2009-11-26T12:58:00.002Z

Hate to mention the Reckleford road works again, but at last they seem to be progressing, not sure when the target date to finish is. Lunch time today the traffic was flowing, surprise the traffic lights were off.
The electric guys were working down a hole, the workmen seemed totally oblivious to a problem with the traffic lights I guess not their problem, different department.

Later on today I had to try and navigate the pavement on Sherbourne road (inbound on the left), you don't know the path is closed until you are well into the road works, the signing of the alternate route is really non existent. I decided the safest way to go was to dodge the traffic and cross over to the rear of National Tyres and follow the traffic round to the shop fronts.

The lights were again working and traffic in all directions was very slow.
The Yeovil Night shelter works must be nearly finished, so soon all the illegally parked vans on the traffic light box junction, on the double yellow line and obstructing the pavement will soon disappear.

I am sure that once all the works are finished the traffic will flow and it will be a more pleasant area.

Yeovil Night Shelter

Christmas Fairs in Yeovil

2009-11-24T13:11:00.001Z

Its time for Christmas Fairs, a good place to get some stocking fillers.

The only one I have a date and time for at the moment is:-

St James' Church Preston Road
Sat 5th Dec 10 - 12

If you know of any more I will add to the list.

Did You know that Yeovil has a Car Club

2009-11-21T09:43:00.001Z

I have just been searching around Yeovil on the internet and have found that Yeovil has a Car Club.

“We are an old, well established club that we believe evolved from an auto cycle club, which was formed before the First World War.” (From their Site) "Yeovil Car Club"

I have always had an interest in older cars, having owned Hillman Minx and Morris Minors over the years. May be one day I will have something a little classier than a Ford Mondeo.

Eating out in Yeovil

2009-11-11T13:09:00.003Z

When it comes to food I am very particular, I am blessed to have a wife who loves to cook, and an excellent cook she is to. So when I want to go out for a meal my standards are very high (especially with good English food). If I go out for a meal I generally want to eat something which we would not have at home.

It was my daughter’s birthday this week so we went to the award winning Viceroy Indian Restaurant on Middle Street, she likes Chicken Korma.I was a little more adventurous with a Lamb Madras and my wife with the vegetarian. We had an excellent meal and the staff were very good.

I have also been to the Akash Restaurant numerous times for their set meal deal and again the food and staff were very good.

Christmas has arrived in Yeovil 5th Nov 09

2009-11-05T17:15:00.003Z

Had a lunch time coffee in the Yeovil Starbucks(Free refill ) , the Christmas tree is up, and nice piece of red tinsel adorns the window. There are also a few Christmas decorations behind the counter.

I have heard reports that in some Starbucks you are being wished Happy Christmas!

The Christmas decorations are going up around the town centre in preparation for the big switch on, Thursday 26th Nov at 6:30pm

My wife has already ordered a large fresh Turkey, some friends already have all their Christmas presents brought and stashed away.
Me, I will resist until a few days before and then panic as I do every year.

The season is still a little way off, but try and remember the reason for the season when it does finally arrive. (49 Days to go)

Walking Round Yeovil

2009-10-31T08:54:00.002Z

Working just on the edge of the Queensway I often spend my lunch time walking around Yeovil Town Centre, sometime venturing into Nine springs and Summer house hill. (Nine Springs Information)

Within a few minutes you can be out of the town and in to the country side, from most points in Yeovil you can see a field or some green area.

Living on Abbey Manor we can easily walk to open fields, Montacute house is a few miles walk across open fields (and a quick sprint across the A3088 Cartgate link).

I occasionally walk to work and find that having walked down Preston road it is a welcome break to walk through Sydney Gardens before getting into the Town.

The local Council maintain the local parks to a very high standard with every changing flower beds and displays.

The walk from The Forum on Abbey Manor to the town can take about 40 Min, (Cheaper than the Bus and sometimes quicker).

Aldon International Horse Trials Yeovil

2009-10-29T21:22:00.002Z

Did you know that Yeovil has just hosted the “Aldon International Horse Trials” on the 22nd to 25th Oct 2009.
“Aldon International” included show jumping, Cross country and dressage.

The course is set just behind Nine Springs on grassy parkland.

British Eventing

Have you ever heard of a "through-about"

2009-10-27T18:47:00.000Z

The Brympton News link has just arrived, with a plan of new roundabout ("through-about") for the roundabout at the end of Cartgate Link / Bunford lane / Western Avenue. The Parish council have counted 32 lights? There was no mention of a planned start date. I guess it will be over the peak summer season to maximize congestion.

Darlington are supposed to have a similar Roundabout!

I wonder how much this will cost?

"Byways and Highways" explanation

Brypton Parish Council

Yeovil Carnival

2009-10-23T09:00:00.000+01:00

I was reminded that it is now carnival season when I saw a long line of floats heading to Taunton last Saturday.

I used to enjoy the sights on the Yeovil streets as the illuminated floats passed.

The plans for this year have been dashed, lets hope for next year. The iluminated Carnival seems to be so much of Somerset Tradition. If we want the carnival back in Yeovil we need to support the local organising Committee.

Somerset Carnivals

Motiv8 Carnival Club

Reckleford Roadworks Yeovil

2009-10-22T21:37:00.000+01:00

Reckleford is still a hive of activity does anyone know when the the completion date is? The Yeovil vision website mentions late Oct 2009, well we are nearly there!

Having witnessed the queues on the Queensway the opening won't come soon enough.