A Somerton man who was found dead on the edge of Kingsdon Woods took his own life, a coroner has ruled.
Coroner Tony Williams heard last week that Philip Eyre, 58, of Highfield Way, was found dead on December 14 last year.
The father-of-three, who worked at AgustaWestland in Yeovil, went missing for nine days before being discovered by a local grounds keeper.
Mr Eyre, who suffered from diabetes, disappeared after an argument with his wife Julie following a road incident, the inquest heard.
Mr Williams read out a statement by Mrs Eyre and said: "They had the day off for shopping and had planned to go into Bath and on into Bristol.
"They were involved in a small road traffic incident on the B3153 – a large drain clearing lorry had been coming their way and Mr Eyre had to brake and mount the curb.
"Mrs Eyre said she had felt he could have braked earlier and they got into a bit of an argument.
"She said the atmosphere was subdued as they drove home.
"They later tried to discuss things but again they had words and Mr Eyre commented that he had had enough and was going.
"This kind of behaviour she said was out of character and Mrs Eyre said she was surprised when he didn't return that night."
Mr Williams said Mr Eyre had left his mobile phone behind and his wife had reported him missing to police after seeing a message from a colleague that he had not gone to work the following day.
The inquest heard that Mr Eyre was found dead by a local ranger at Kingsdon Woods on December 14 – nine days after his disappearance.
Mrs Eyre said she had no reason to suspect he was having any problems at work and he had seemed to be in good spirits.
But a police statement said his car had been discovered with a suicide note near to where they had the earlier road incident.
Reading from the statement, Mr Williams said: "The police found in the car a note written to his wife indicating that he wanted to take his life."
The inquest heard Mr Eyre had to administer insulin shots four times a day for his diabetes.
And a post mortem examination had found Mr Eyre to have died from a metabolic disturbance in keeping with diabetes that may have been caused by a failure to administer insulin.
Mr Williams said: "There is no suggestion of third party involvement.
"Mr Eyre died in a quiet, rural location. He had written a note, and had previously been identified as being very pro-active in closely sticking to his regime to administer insulin – a number of empty insulin pens were found on his body.
"My formal finding is the cause of death was a metabolic disturbance in keeping with diabetes, and my formal finding is that Mr Eyre took his own life."
His son Tom Eyre paid tribute in the Western Gazette in December.
He said: "He meant so much to everyone. He is going to be missed by a lot of people.
"He always put his family first."
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Man found dead near woods 'took own life'
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A profile of Katie Price: model-turned-author 'worth £45m'
Katie Price is rumoured to be getting hitched tomorrow in Weston-super-Mare.
The model is rumoured to be making her way to the seaside resort to tie the knot with her third husband Kieran Hayler, who she officially wed at an intimate ceremony in the Bahamas in January.
The seaside bash for family and friends heralds a new chapter for the reality TV star, who has established herself as a media personality and author reportedly worth £45 million.
But where did it all begin for Katie Price?
Born in Brighton in 1978, Price shot to fame in 1996 as a Page Three model in The Sun. Using the pseudonym Jordan she soon began commanding thousands of pounds for appearances and was splashed on the front pages of tabloid newspapers.
She was forced to 'retire' from her role in the late 90s when breast implants were banned by The Sun, but she continued to appear regularly in the Daily Star, FHM, Nuts, Maxim, Loaded, Vogue, Esquire and the British edition of Playboy.
She was even sponsored by The Daily Star as a candidate in the 2001 general election, which she ran on a "free plastic surgery for all" platform.
In 2004 Price was a contestant on the third series of reality TV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here. While filming she met her first husband Peter Andre, who she wed in September the following year.
The pair went on to shoot a number of fly-on-the-wall documentaries, including When Jordan Met Peter; Jordan & Peter: Laid Bare and Jordan & Peter: Marriage and Mayhem.
Price released the first of four autobiographies, Being Jordan, in May 2004. It was the start of a promising writing career - in 2011 she topped the list of book sales of the UK's most famous men and women who had published autobiographies in the last 10 years. Her five books had netted 2.03 million sales.
Price has also written a series of children's books and last year secured her own column in The Sun on Sunday.
The part-time singer also has to her name a swimwear and lingerie collection, a number of perfumes and an equestrian range.
But life was not always so glamorous for the former model. Her father left home when she was four and when she was seven she was molested by a man who had pulled her into some bushes.
The BBC reported in 2002: "Katie began modelling at the age of 13 for a clothing label. The photographer insisted on shooting her in her underwear. He was, it transpired, a convicted paedophile.
"She lost her virginity at the age of 16 to a violent man who abused her and became jealous when she received attention from other men."
Jordan's first son, Harvey, was fathered by footballer Dwight Yorke, who split from her while she was pregnant.
Harvey has septo-optic dysplasia, which causes blindness and growth hormone deficiency; Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder which means he is likely to eat to excess and is prone to obesity and diabetes; as well as ADHD and autism.
Price has two other children – a boy and a girl – by Peter Andre, with whom she split in 2009.
Shortly after the break-up Price began dating MMA fighter and former Hollyoaks actor Alex Reid, who she wed in Las Vegas the following year. They later formally married in a church in the UK which was filmed and shown on her TV series.
The couple separated in January 2011.
Price then began dating Argentine model Leandro Penna. The couple were engaged in April 2012 but announced in October despite having "a deep affection for each other" they had decided to part ways.
Earlier this year Price revealed she was pregnant with her fourth child.
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Broadchurch on ITV1 brings top ratings and tourism boom
It's the Jurassic Coast show that is knocking even more lumps out of its rivals than the winter landslips are taking from its famous cliffs, and locals reckon ITV's Broadchurch will bring a tourism windfall too.
Monday night's episode four of the police drama featuring some of the West's most dramatic landscape, pulled in 7.2 million viewers, and with many following on "catchup" the total number of viewers is expected to be nine million.
The twists and turns in the whodunit which stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman try to track down the killer of a schoolboy found dead on a beach have proved a hit with Ladbroke's as punters bet on who killed Danny. And that is all good news for West Bay – the Dorset resort where much of the series was shot. Portishead and Clevedon also feature as the fictional Dorset town of Broadchurch, while some scenes were filmed at the Bowlish Hotel, in Shepton Mallet; as well as part of the Western Daily Press offices in Bristol.
Shopkeeper Jack Marshall, played by David Bradley is the hot suspect at the moment.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbroke's said: "This is the most exciting whodunit since Lisa shot Phil in EastEnders.
"Punters are desperate to know the culprit and the money suggests the Reverend has been rather unholy!" And while a town full of potential murderers might seem like the last place to take a holiday, tourist businesses in West Bay beg to disagree.
Steven Jones, aged 40, general manager of the Bridport Arms, said: "I'm already taking bookings on the Broadchurch deal we are offering. It's perfect to have this wonderful landscape on screen at the start of the season, with blue skies and cliffs, with Easter approaching."
Steve Tucker, manager and joint owner of Ellipse café where some of the scenes were filmed, said: "It's great. We are getting specific Broadchurch coach parties coming in."
His café is running a charity draw to guess the killer and a special supper to raise money for Julia's House children's hospice.
A building round the back of the café was turned into the police station, and staff, including Pippa Horton, aged 19 from Beaminster a shift supervisor, played extras.
Julie Price, who serves fish and chips at the Tea Caddy a colourful red and white building near the harbour, recalls that when Nick Berry's Harbour Lights series was filmed at West Bay the extra surge of visitors eventually tailed off, but all hope there will be lasting legacy from this, and visitors Alan and Cathy Olley, from Buckinghamshire reckoned the Jurassic Coast is a star with millions of years of glamour appeal.
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Mother tells of grief over son Paul Retallick's death
The family of a man beaten to death by his ex-girlfriend's brother in Langport last year say their lives will never be the same again.
Paul Retallick, 35, formerly of Barwick, near Yeovil, was killed at Heidi McGinty's former Iris Way home on Sunday, September 16.
Michael McGinty, 55, and son Lee McGinty, 25, both of Peony Road, Langport, were cleared of his murder but Lee was found guilty of manslaughter, a charge he admitted.
Speaking to the Western Gazette after the trial, Mr Retallick's family said they were shocked when they heard the verdicts announced last Friday.
Mr Retallick's mother Penny Plumridge, 53, of Milborne Port described how she felt "sick" as she heard details of her son's death during court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court.
She said: "I can never accept how he died. I want Lee to suffer every day, every second of his miserable life. I hope his family hurts because he will never feel as much pain as we do.
"Eventually Lee will be free to live his life. My son can't and I will never live a normal life again."
Mr Retallick's sister Alison Plumridge, 24, of Martock, added: "Every Monday at 4am I wake up without fail because that's when my brother Stephen rang me to say Paul was dead."
Penny Plumridge has called for capital punishment to be introduced in the UK for manslaughter after Lee McGinty was jailed for eight years.
She has written to David Heath, MP for Somerton and Frome, who replied to say he did not agree with the death penalty but did believe that a life sentence should mean life.
Mrs Plumridge added: "You wouldn't treat an animal the way my son was treated by Lee McGinty. In fact you would do more time in prison for doing that to an animal.
"The system is pathetic. It makes us think the law is just a waste of time.
"Prison should be prison, with none of the luxuries you get today. It is prison after all. It's meant to be hard. It's not meant to be easy.
"He was a great father. He loved all his children to bits.
"He treated his step-children as his own and they adored him.
"He would have done anything to keep that family together. He would have done anything for anybody. His funeral was packed. There were a lot of people who loved him.
"Paul wasn't dangerous at all. He looked after his family and friends.
"When you needed him he was there. He was a Del-Boy, a dodgy dealer, but he wasn't violent like that.
"He will never die because he's got so many friends who love him and will carry on loving him. He should have had another 35 years."
Mrs Plumridge said she feared her son was in danger and warned police months before his death.
She said: "I was concerned for my son's life. He said to me before he died, 'if anything happens to me will you look after the kids?'
"Our lives stopped that day. I've got five children but one's not here and it's not the same.
"My life will never be the same. My family will never be the same, there will always be a piece missing.
"I will not get to see him be the man he would have been. I will never see him being a grandad. My son is missing out on seeing his children grow up or how their lives will be.
"My life will never be happy again. I might laugh now and then but it will always be empty. I cannot laugh or be happy without my first baby here to share the laughter. The ache I feel in my whole being will never go away."
Mr Retallick had three children – Sophie, 17, who was pregnant with his first grandchild at the time of his death – Kory, eight, and Layla, two.
The family say they will never get over what has happened.
His mother added: "My son Paul was only 5ft 2 inches tall. He had the biggest heart and personality. He could make anyone laugh.
"Paul would always spend all his money on his children. He loved spending time with all the family.
"Paul was a loving son. He liked nothing better than family gatherings. He was the life and soul of any occasion.
"He would give his children everything, he often went without so they could have something.
"Paul will always be in our hearts. No one can ever replace him being here. I miss him every day. I miss seeing him coming in the back gate with his happy smile. He will always be my baby no matter how old he was."
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Manager Darren Perrin leaves Frome Town
Frome Town have today parted company with manager Darren Perrin.
Perrin guided the Robins into the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division and led them to a 12th-place finish in their first season at that level.
However, life has proved much tougher this year and Frome are just one point outside the relegation zone with eight games remaining.
Scoring goals has been a consistent problem this season, with the Robins netting just six times in the last 12 league matches.
Despite the league troubles, they have enjoyed cup success and play the second leg of the Red Insure Cup final on April 9.
Chairman Jeremy Alderman said: "We would like to place on record our sincerest thanks to Darren for the work he has carried out since joining us both on and off the pitch and his efforts in helping us attain Southern Premier Division status.
"He will always be welcomed back to the club and we wish him well for the future."
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'No human remains' in Roman finds unearthed at Yeovil Rec hockey pitch project
Roman remains and coins were dug up on the building site of a new hockey pitch at Yeovil Rec.
Reports that a skull had been uncovered circulated after archaeologists were called to the scene last week, but officials have since said there were no human remains.
A Somerset County Council spokesman said: "The Historic Environment Team's archaeologists discovered evidence of farming from the Roman period.
"This included the remains of a small stock enclosure, rubbish pits, and four posts forming a square which would probably have supported a suspended grain store to keep it away from rats.
"Roman pottery was also found, including fine Samian table-wares from France.
"There were also some coins found while doing the groundworks and this find is being assessed.
"The finds will be washed, analysed and the results put into a report which will be held by the council's Historic Environment Record and available to any researchers.
"The Museum of Somerset will retain the finds."
The chairman of a group opposed to the artificial hockey pitch project said he had concerns about how the discovery was dealt with by the district council and its contractors.
South Somerset District Council is responsible for construction work on the site, which began this month after a long campaign by Save Yeovil Rec to prevent the work was defeated.
Ashley Strelling, the group's chairman, said several residents knocked on his door on Thursday to voice distress about what they had seen and heard at the building site.
Mr Strelling said: "Naturally we are concerned to hear that a member of the public was told to f*** off when she inquired what was happening on Thursday. No one deserves to be spoken to like that."
Steve Joel, assistant director of health and wellbeing for SSDC, said: "The behaviour of our contractors is very important to us.
"As you would expect our contractor has been fully briefed about the sensitivities associated with the site and any complaint about the conduct of their staff will be investigated.
"At this stage, no complaint has been received by the council or its contractor, just an unsubstantiated claim from a member of the local campaign group."
"Sadly no Roman bones or Roman villa have been uncovered at Yeovil Recreation Centre.
"In the course of the works we did uncover two small and insignificant finds, outside of the perimeter area of the artificial grass pitch and an archaeologist was brought on site in line with standard practice to make some further investigations.
"The investigations did not affect the construction of the pitch and I understand that they have now been completed. Construction will not be affected by this discovery."
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Big freeze to last for another three weeks
Spring has been put on hold once again, after forecasters admitted the cold weather will continue for at least another three weeks in the Westcountry.
Temperatures are set to remain in single figures – well below average – until the middle of April, with easterly winds continuing to make it feel even colder.
Freezing conditions could spell more misery for thousands of people attempting the Easter getaway in and out of the Westcountry as wintry weather shows no immediate sign of abating.
The Exeter-based Met Office has warned the weather will remain "very cold" this weekend with snow flurries possible in parts of Cornwall.
Daytime temperatures will hover between five and seven degrees accompanied by easterly winds – adding an additional chill factor.
Meanwhile at night the mercury could plummet below freezing and widespread frost is expected.
Met Office spokesman Helen Chivers said: "Easter weekend looks cold but dry.
"There is a hint every now and again of a weather system nudging in, but if there is any rain it won't last. We should even see some sunshine coming through."
She added: "Temperatures will be well below average for this time of year. But as long as you wrap up, there no reason not to go out and about over the weekend."
The A la Ronde National Trust property in Exmouth was yesterday forced to cancel its outdoor craft activities planned for Easter weekend, due to the cold weather.
The chilly conditions are being exaggerated by easterly winds coming from Scandinavia alongside a system of high pressure in place north of the UK.
Mrs Chivers explained: "High pressure has been anchored north-east of the UK since the end of January, bringing air from Northern Europe and Russia. Normally winds come in from the west, but instead easterly winds have been making it feel cold for almost two months."
Temperatures next month are predicted to remain two or three degrees below the average daytime maximum for April of 12 degrees.
The cooler than normal temperatures are expected to continue during the first half of April, at least, before unsettled weather brings milder air and the possibility of rain.
Met Office spokesman Charlie Powell said: "The first two weeks in April will probably remain cold before milder weather nudges the temperature closer to average.
"It won't be bitterly cold during the daytime, but we could have quite a few chilly nights cold enough to produce frost and even snow in some places."
The coldest March in 50 years is estimated to see households collectively spend an extra £2.2 billion on their energy bills, according to website moneysupermarket.com.
Thousands of pensioners in Devon and Cornwall are facing a daily battle to meet food and electricity bills during the cold weather.
Nigel Clark, director of care at Age UK in Cornwall, said: "The three challenges people are facing is keeping warm, staying active, and accessing cheaper sources of energy.
"People are nervous about fuel bills. They are cutting back on the length and time of their heating.
"Another real challenge is being able to afford food. They are cutting down on the amount they eat and getting cheaper sources of food."
Tourism bosses remain confident about numbers over the Easter weekend.
Robin Barker, of Services for Tourism in the South West, said: "Obviously we would prefer a forecast of a heatwave and sunshine. But we've worked hard to create a year-round tourism product in Devon and Cornwall.
"Although people are tending to leave making decisions about going away until the last minute, we're expecting a pretty good Easter."
Tourism in the South West is enjoying a record year for honours with 18 of the 67 finalists for the Visit England awards based in the region.
Despite the wintry weather the cricket season has begun with Somerset already having competed in a 'warm up' match against local rival Gloucestershire in bitterly cold conditions in Taunton.
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Man left for dead outside Premier League Darts at Exeter Westpoint 'lost a week of life'
A father-of-three from Somerset is facing up to living with a "lost week" after being left for dead.
Tim Richens, 49, can remember nothing about what happened between trying to enter what he thought was a taxi outside the Westpoint Arena, near Exeter, and waking up a week later in hospital.
He was left with a cracked skull, bleeding to the brain, two broken ribs and bruised lungs when he fell from a "taxi-like vehicle" after leaving a darts tournament at the venue.
Speaking for the first time following the incident, Mr Richens, who runs his own property management business, said: "The whole thing is just a blank. I just cannot remember anything until I awoke in hospital. I have lost an entire week.
"I am still groggy after all this time but I am determined to get back to my normal self."
Police are continuing their hunt for the vehicle at the centre of the incident.
It happened at around 10.25pm on Thursday, February 28, when Mr Richens tried to enter the vehicle, described as a black medium-sized people carrier with a sliding side door, possibly a Mercedes Vito.
The driver refused to take him and drove off at speed.
Mr Richens fell and sustained the life-threatening injuries.
His wife, Sarah, 52, said her husband had gone to the venue in Devon with a group of around 15 friends.
"They went there individually, not in a coach and had booked to stay overnight at the Exeter Travelodge," she said.
"It was at around 11.15pm that night that I received a call from one of his friends to say Tim had fallen and hit his head and was in hospital.
"Not long after that a doctor called from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and told us it was serious and we should come straightaway."
I went with my brother-in law, Steve Chivers and my daughter Hayley.
"We arrived at about 12.15am and were met by the police who took us to the family room. That filled me with dread and they told me Tim was in a serious condition. When I asked if it was life threatening they told me it was. I was able to see him for a few minutes and then he was transferred to Derriford where they handle the serious head injuries.
"He was not conscious and they had him heavily sedated and on breathing apparatus."
Mr Richens was in Derriford for a week before being transferred to Musgrove Hospital in Taunton, to be closer to his family who live at Draycott.
Mrs Richens said: "Tim was there for two weeks but wanted to come home. He was due out on April 6 but he is very intelligent and has an active mind so it was thought it was best that he recover at home as long as I was with him 24/7.
"He is determined to recover fully and he is already up watching TV but also getting plenty of rest."
The couple, who have three daughters, Hayley, 24, Sophie, 23, and Harriet, 18, are still hoping that police will be able to track down the driver of the vehicle.
Mrs Richens said: "Tim was with two other friends, the last of the group to leave. He was the first in the taxi which was waiting outside and they saw it drive off and him fall to the ground.
"It seems there was no CCTV and I am surprised that other taxi drivers have not reported the vehicle which of course may not have been a licensed as a taxi at all.
"I should also thank the hospital staff because they were absolutely brilliant and the consultant said he had seen a lot worse outcomes from less serious injuries than Tim suffered."
A police spokesman said: "It seems the driver refused to take him and the vehicle made off at speed with the victim still inside and the side door open.
"Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and for information to help identify the vehicle and driver involved."
The driver is described as white, aged 50 to 60, and of small to medium build. He was wearing a black, suit-type jacket. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information about the vehicle or driver is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 839 of February 28.
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2013 Glastonbury Festival tickets: High demand for national resale
A huge rush for Glastonbury Festival tickets is expected during next month's national resale following last night's line-up announcement.
The Rolling Stones, Arctic Monkeys and Mumford & Sons were among the big-name acts revealed for the Pyramid Stage.
The 135,000 tickets for the 2013 festival sold out in less than two hours last October, but the thousands left disappointed after missing out will get one last chance on Sunday, April 21.
Balance payments on all purchased tickets must be made by April 8.
Any tickets not paid for in full by that date - plus any that have been cancelled - will be reallocated and made available during the national resale.
Music fans who want a chance to buy any remaining tickets have to register their details online before the resale date.
People who have signed up for previous Glastonbury tickets from 2008 onwards do not need to register as their details have been saved.
Anyone who registered before 2007 will be required to submit a new registration.
Festival organisers are reminding fans that registration does not guarantee a ticket - it provides people with a registration number, which they will need when applying to buy tickets in the national resale on April 21.
Click on the link for full 2013 Glastonbury Festival ticket registration details.
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Fears over 'deadly road' that claimed life of Michael Norman
The road which claimed the life of an 18-year-old motorcyclist from Lovington has been described as "deadly" by nearby residents.
Former Ansford Academy pupil Michael Norman died after his motorcycle was in collision with a van on the A37 at Lydford-on-Fosse.
The collision happened at a four-way junction near Lydford Stores at around 5pm on Monday, March 11.
Investigations are under way to determine exactly what happened and police have appealed for witnesses.
There have been no arrests in connection with the crash.
An inquest into Mr Norman's death was opened on March 13.
Following the fatality, residents of nearby Alford have dubbed the traffic light-controlled junction "an accident waiting to happen".
Martin Emslie said: "It has been a problem ever since I've lived here for the last 20 years.
"It's absolutely deadly. I think attempts have been made to improve the traffic light system but it doesn't seem to have worked.
"This was an accident waiting to happen."
Paula Carbin, also of Alford, said she has witnessed a number of other traffic collisions at the junction – none of which have proven fatal.
She said: "I think the sequence of the lights has been altered. There was a time when you could be sat waiting for half a minute before they turned green, which was too long.
"But now, as soon as one set of lights turn red, the other is already green. Something needs to be done because it's a real danger."
But Lali Seehra, who now runs Lydford Stores, said he believed the recent collision was the only fatality there since he took up residence 24 years ago.
He said drivers should take care at the junction and questioned whether extra speed controls would help.
He said: "The introduction of speed cameras would not necessarily change people's attitudes to speed and to introduce four-way cameras would be of huge cost to the taxpayer.
"However, if it does slow people down at the crossroads then that might be something that needs to be weighed up.
"We need to persuade people to not be in such a rush and stick to the speed limit."
PC Charlie Allen, Castle Cary neighbourhood beat manager, urged drivers to take "extra care" when travelling on the "busy road".
A Somerset County Council spokesperson said no statement would be made while investigations are ongoing.
Touching floral tributes were left at the scene in memory of the popular teenager. His family and friends were due to pay their respects at his funeral yesterday morning.
The ceremony was held at St Thomas A Becket church, Lovington.
Those in attendance were asked to wear colourful clothes in celebration of his life.
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Tor Leisure fitness suite to open on Monday
The Tor Sports and Leisure Centre's brand new Fitness Suite and Exercise Studio in Glastonbury will open on Monday.
The centre, managed by Avalon Leisure, has spent the last six months undergoing major developments is nearing completion.
Tor Sports and Leisure Centre Manager, Barry Morgan, said: "We are delighted to once again be able to provide local residents with the opportunities and choices to participate in physical activity within the heart of Glastonbury and Somerset."
The new and improved facility now boasts a fully functional fitness suite and state of the art exercise studio, and with a cafe/bar already in place, the centre is the perfect environment for anyone to get in shape, socialise, relax and unwind.
The fitness suite will include a range of the latest equipment including a small range of cardiovascular equipment, resistant machines and free weights.
Mr Morgan said: "With the new facilities here at Tor Sports and Leisure, there is something for everyone and we hope this will encourage more members of the local community to get more active, more often."
The new exercise class timetable, including Body Sculpting, Zumba and 'Just Jhoom', a new Bollywood inspired dance class, is expected to launch on Monday April 8.
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TalkSPORT's Darren Gough takes aircraft crash escape test at RNAS Yeovilton
Former England international cricketer and Strictly Come Dancing star Darren Gough found himself making a splash recently at RNAS Yeovilton.
Mr Gough was well and truly dunked for six in the base's Underwater Escape Training Unit – a mock cabin designed to replicate larger helicopters such as the Sea King and Merlin.
He arrived at Yeovilton to carry out mandated basic underwater training with Royal Naval personnel, the like of which all military aircrew have to carry out frequently and which can mean the difference between life or death should an aircraft crash into the water.
Mr Gough is now a radio presenter for talkSPORT and is supporting the Maritime Reserves recruiting strategy. He visited the air station to gain first-hand experience of the underwater training aircrew go through and broadcast it on the radio.
Initially the lights are left on in the pool area and the submerged cabin remains upright throughout as those on board have to knock out the nearest window and exit, swimming up to the surface as if in a crash landing at sea.
Progression through various accident scenarios culminates in the cab being rotated upside down and the pool area plummeted into complete darkness.
Mr Gough said: "When I watched the video beforehand I felt quite nervous. It makes you realise what can go wrong when you're in the sea.
"I enjoyed the dark one, survival just kicks in. It's all down to survival and how it makes you feel, you can hold your breath for longer than you think. It feels a lot longer when you are under there 10 seconds feels like 40.
"In sport we're always told to control the controllable and unfortunately I can't control under there. You are thinking if I don't get out I'm going to drown.
"It is very disorientating and I saw feet and followed at one point. If you are in a real helicopter crash underwater you don't know what going to happen, it's about getting to live another day.
"It was a great experience, I've always respected what any of the Forces do, just to come here and experience a small bit of it was fantastic."
Lieutenant Commander BJ Smith, part of RNAS Yeovilton's survival equipment section, said: "The purpose of the UETU is to give confidence in the event of an aircraft ditching in water so that aircrew can carry out habitual reactions to escape. We train about 8,500 people a year through the dunker, all three services, Royal Marines and international defence forces."
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Rich Peppiatt gig at Junction 24 in Bridgwater postponed
Rich Peppiatt's appearance at Junction 24 tonight has been postponed.
The former journalist was scheduled to bring his One Rogue Reporter tour to the Bridgwater venue, but it has been cancelled 'due to unforeseen circumstances'.
A Junction 24 spokesman said a new date will be announced for the show within the next 24 hours, and that all existing tickets would be valid.
"The decision has not been taken lightly and we are incredibly sorry for the inconvenience," said the spokesman.
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Katie Price "to tie the knot in Weston-super-Mare" with Kieran Hayler
The rumour is that glamour model Katie Price is set to get married tomorrow - in Weston-super-Mare.
She has apparently moved her wedding to Kieran Hayler, her third husband, to tomorrow and according to the Mirror it will be a "huge seaside bash" in Weston-super-Mare for family and friends.
Kieran and Katie wed in Barbados in January after a whirlwind two month romance.
Katie, 34, first married in 2005 when she wed singer Peter Andre, who she had met in the Australian jungle in ITV's I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
They have two children together, Junior, seven, and Princess, five. Katie has another son, Harvey, 10, with footballer Dwight Yorke.
She married cross-dressing cage-fighter Alex Reid in 2010 but they divorced a year later.
Last year, Katie got engaged to Argentinian hunk Leandro Penna but broke it off shortly before she hooked up with Kieran.
• A profile of Katie Price: model-turned-author 'worth £45m'
Katie is no stranger to Weston, paying a visit to the seaside resort earlier this year. Katie was in Weston in January with her children visiting her friend Weston businessman Andrew Antoio who is a member of her team of advisors. At the time she tweeted: ' I'm having such a good weekend with my mum, dad, harvey and @kieran in weston super mare at the Antonio's house hold.' It is understood that Katie has booked three different venues to throw people off the scent of where the ceremony will take place. However bosses at the resort's Grand Pier – one of the biggest wedding venues in the resort – have said Katie and Kieran will be not be exchanging vows on the seafront landmark. North Somerset Council spokesman Nick Yates said; "We are aware of the rumors circulating the town about Katie Price paying us a visit. "However as far as we are aware, they are just rumours."↧
Man eager to find kind Yeovil stranger who paid for his taxi home
A seriously ill man who found himself stranded in Yeovil town centre without his medication wants to thank the stranger who gave him money for a taxi home.
Parkinson's Disease sufferer John Shore, 67, left the do-gooder with a treasured personal keepsake as assurance that he would repay the £20 once he had found his way to his home in Crewkerne.
But as a result of his illness he has lost all memory of where the incident took place.
He is now desperate to discover the identity of his rescuer – to repay the money and recover his lost scrapbook.
The black A4 folder contains photos of the couple's wedding, an original invitation to a Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, press cuttings, private letters and photos of Mr Shore as a child with his family and of his two grandchildren.
Mr Shore's wife Sandra, 59, said: "None of the content is of any significance to anyone else, but it means a great deal to him, and the loss of it is causing him to be very upset.
"He used to carry the book everywhere with him."
The couple, who moved to Crewkerne in 2007 and now live in Park View, contacted the Western Gazette when they drew a blank.
It is thought that Mr Shore arrived at Yeovil Bus Station around 11am on a day in mid-November last year and walked to the main shopping area through Middle Street.
Mrs Shore said: "John was feeling particularly well that day and decided to go into town to have a walk around.
"He realised that he had forgotten his medication and found to his distress that he didn't have enough money with him to get a taxi home.
"He needs to take his medication at regular intervals, if he doesn't do so his body will not function properly and he gives the impression that he is drunk and he cannot move.
"Seeking help, he went in to shop and asked a young lady if she would assist him
"She was kind enough to lend him £20 for the taxi and in return my husband left the black folder with her as security.
"Thankfully, he got home in time to take his medication but he has not been too well since then and has forgotten which shop he went into."
Mr Shore, who is in the final stages of writing a book about his 17-years' experience of having Parkinson's Disease, said: "The girl in the shop who helped me was around 20, had dark hair and was wearing a black sweater. I remember that she was the only person in the shop and that the shop might have been at the top of town."
Mrs Shore said: "John would very much like to say thank you – she really did him a great service and I am eternally grateful to her.
"I am a believer in karma and if you can help someone it will come back to you. To help someone you don't know like that is absolutely amazing. It goes to prove that there are such people out there."
Anyone with information should contact the Western Gazette on 01935 709 739.
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Somerset householders warned burglaries likely to rise when days get lighter
Burglars are more likely to strike when the days start getting lighter, police in Somerset have warned.
In advance of the clocks going forward this Easter weekend - giving an extra hour of daylight - Avon and Somerset Constabulary has issued home security advice.
Householders are warned potential burglars may try a few doors before they find an unlocked one, so are urged to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
Historically there is a rise in domestic burglaries when the days start getting lighter, as burglars and thieves take advantage of open windows and unlocked doors, police said.
By following a few simple tips, you can help to keep your property secure as we move into spring:• Always close and lock doors and windows before you go out - even if it's hot or you're out in the back garden.• Keep small high-value items like your car keys, mobile phone and laptops out of sight and away from doors and windows.• You thoughts may turn to the garden and buying a new lawnmower or appliance for outside. Make sure your shed and out buildings are secure.• Don't leave ladders outside – always lock them away after using.• Set light switch timers for when you are away or out.• Register all your property on www.immobilise.com• Photograph items of value individually and as close up as possible• Make sure you are adequately insured• Consider having an alarm fitted by an approved installer.• Look out for your neighbours and report any suspicious behaviour or crime if it's happening now, by calling 999. For non-emergency calls dial 101 or contact police online
The clocks will go forward one hour at 1am on Sunday morning.
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Yeovil Town v Walsall match preview: Glovers won't be taking Saddlers lightly
Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson insists that the Glovers cannot take today's opponents Walsall lightly after the promotion "penny dropped" for the Saddlers at the start of 2013.
Dean Smith's side have only lost once since the turn of the year, collating 32 npower League One points along the way, and the Glovers boss draws parallels between the two sides that could end Good Friday locked on 64 points.
"The penny dropped for them a while ago," he said. "They lost quite a few games early on and were struggling, but (manager) Dean (Smith) brought a few players in who made a difference and like us, they gained confidence.
"They were favourites to be relegated like us too, so these are two teams who should be 23rd and 24th in the division as far as the bookies are concerned, yet we're competing in seventh and eighth for a play-off spot, so it is credit to them and us for turning it around and both teams will know how important this game is."
Yeovil striker Paddy Madden is the leading scorer in League One with 21 goals, whilst Walsall's Will Grigg is snapping at the Irishman's heels with 19, leaving Johnson cautious of the Saddlers attacking strengths.
He said: "All of a sudden Grigg started scoring goals. They have had a decent run and they are a decent team, so we have to be wary of their strengths that is for sure."
Two players who are unlikely to feature for Yeovil in the near future are loan duo Wes Fletcher and Jordan Cook. Both players are currently receiving treatment for injuries at parent clubs Burnley and Charlton respectively, meaning the Yeovil manager was relieved to have brought in QPR's Angelo Balanta on Tuesday.
"Jordan Cook couldn't straighten his leg and has gone back so we're not even thinking about him for the next few games," he said.
"Wes Fletcher has taken a knock as well so it is a good job we have brought in Angelo because we didn't want to be caught short after Thursday's loan deadline. Wes' loan ends on April 1, so I think his time is up here."
Grigg missed Northern Ireland's international double header with a grade one hamstring injury earlier this week but is expected to be fit to play Yeovil.
Yeovil Town from: Stech, Stewart, Maksimenko, Ayling, Hinds, Wesbter, Burn, Gordon, Edwards, Brundle, Blizzard, Upson, Williams, Foley, Young, Dawson, Agbo, Hayter, Ralph, Madden.
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QPR striker Angelo Balanta confident of adapting quickly at Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town's new loan signing Angelo Balanta believes the upheaval of moving to England at a young age helps him adapt quickly to new surroundings.
The 22-year-old was born in Cali, Colombia, before moving to England at the age of six, which Balanta admits was a challenge.
"It was very strange, it was like jumping in at the deep end but I found my feet really quickly in England," he said.
"I learned the language and went to school here so I class myself as an English boy now."
Despite being at Loftus Road since the age of 16 the attacker has only played 25 games for the Hoops and has spent time on loan at both Wycombe Wanderers and MK Dons.
The Glovers are the third club Balanta has been on loan at in his short career, and although the youngster admits the distance from his parent club crossed his mind, his childhood uprooting means he adapts quickly.
"Yeovil's interest was a bit out of the blue because of the distance but I wanted to play regular football.
"Being thrown in at the deep end tests how mentally strong you are and how you adapt to it, and I'm mentally strong because of my move to England so I adapt quite quickly in that respect," he said.
Powerful forward Balanta boasts a wealth of League One experience thanks to three spells at stadium:MK, and the latest addition to the Huish Park dressing room until the end of the season will not take long to adapt to the league's combative style.
"I have been playing League One for the past three years now so I know it like the back of my hand," he said.
"It is a tough league to get out of but Yeovil are in a good position to get into the play-offs or even promoted, so hopefully I can help them."
Former Glovers' midfielder and now QPR reserve team manager Marc Bircham suggested Balanta to the Somerset outfit, and the Hoops academy graduate admits the coming months could be pivotal to his future.
He said: "I am 22 now and I've been out on loan for the past two or three years, so I need to kick on with my career and get games wherever I can.
"The money and the players that are there (QPR) makes it a waiting game, but with my age I can't wait too long and at some point I'll have to make a decision as to whether I wait or go and play games."
Balanta arrives in Somerset with seven league games remaining, but the attacker is buoyed by the fact he has scored against four of Yeovil's remaining opponents whilst at Milton Keynes.
"I didn't know that until today," he said. "If I can continue that then we're on our way to a good road and hopefully achieve that goal of either reaching the play-offs or promotion."
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Chew Valley see off rivals Midsomer Norton to reach Somerset Vase final
MATCH REPORT: Midsomer Norton RFC 22 Chew Valley RFC 30
Chew Valley progressed to the Somerset Vase final after coming out on top in the battle at Brislington in a game marred by a serious leg injury to Midsomer Norton centre Rob Fuller.
On a wide pitch in perfect underfoot conditions, the contrasting styles of the two sides, who are at the top of Somerset Premier, was evident.
Midsomer Norton scored first with a Ben Moon penalty as their forwards used the driving maul to good effect and they were always looking for contact one pass out from the breakdown.
Moon's opposite number, Chew Valley scrum-half Alex Cameron, converted his first penalty chance to draw level.
The Chew back row of Darren Jefferies, skipper Tom Waddington and Mitch Quoi then turned over a Norton attack and, from a counter led by full-back Tom Bryan, winger Silas Cox touch down in the corner for Cameron to convert.
A further try from Waddington, again converted by Cameron, took Chew two scores clear and it was clear that Norton were struggling with the pace and lines of centres Charles Shallcross and Chris Holley.
However, the game took a worrying turn in the 34th minute when Fuller was hurt and could not be moved. Referee Paul Box - who, together with his touch judges, had an excellent game throughout - took the pragmatic decision to complete the game on the 2nd XV pitch at Bristol Harlequins while Fuller received treatment.
Norton came back the stronger after the delay and a try from skipper Matt Denning, converted by Moon, immediately before half-time brought them back in it.
However, Cameron added a penalty after the break and converted a try by Ben Chase, who took a quick tap penalty from 15 metres out to crash over. The conversion and another Cameron penalty gave Chew a cushion.
With player of the match Jamie Gimson defying a shoulder injury and a subsequent bang on the head,Norton gave themselves hope as their pick and go game prospered.
Winger Des Miller scored in the corner after a series of drives but Moon missed the conversion and an earlier penalty as the Chew defence held firm.
The game probably hinged on Chew Valley having the stronger bench. Will Keel and Kyle Westlake replaced James Tanner and Jon Eves in the front row, Ross Elliott came on for Richard Light in the second row and Scott Eggleton replaced Chris Holley in the centre.
Five minutes from the end, Chew number eight Darren Jefferies was yellow carded as Mr Box lost patience with technical offences and Gimson was rewarded with a try, converted by Moon, from the resulting penalty.
Waddington was replaced by flanker Alistair Russell as Chew saw out the remainder of the game in the Norton half.
The final, on a date and venue to be confirmed, will be against Gordano.
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Weston-super-Mare to get a second beach race in May
A second beach race, in addition to the one held every October, is to take place on the sea front at Weston-Super-Mare in May.
Events 22, who are based near Didcot, want to stage the second round of their Red Bull Motocross series over the weekend of May 18-19 at a time when many families may be taking their holidays in the Somerset resort.
The Red Bull series involves seven rounds with the first scheduled to take place at Landrake near Saltash in Cornwall in mid-April.
The organisers cater for experts, seniors, juniors and several classes of youths which will involve at least 18 races each day.
Meanwhile, the aftermath of above average rainfall at the end of 2012 continues to affect major meetings and the latest casualty is the Frome Club's British Clubman's Sidecar Championship meeting at Leighton in Mid-Somerset on Monday.
The organisers hope to re-schedule the event later in the year if they can find a vacant date.
However, the second round of the Premier Motocross Championship at Fraddon in Cornwall on Sunday is expected to go ahead with a star-studded line-up that includes Kristian Whatley, Luke Hawkins, Kelvin Townsend, Tommy Alba, Darren Shears and John May but first round winner Alex Snow is out with a dislocated shoulder.
The-15 race programme begins at 10.30 and the venue is signposted off the A30 west of Bodmin.
Another event that is still on so far is the Devon Classic Club's British and non-modern bike motocross at Monkton near Honiton in East Devon.
Without a suitable venue, the South West of England Grassracing Association's meeting at Thorverton in Devon is also a non-starter.
One of the major trial events of the weekend is the Mendip Vale club's Wessex Centre Championship Traders' Trophy event which goes ahead on Sunday at Fry's Bottom, Chelwood near Bath.
Up to 70 are expected to contest the two or three lap event including the main title contenders Colin Crease, Kurt Brain and Gary Marshman.
Other possible winners include Jon Bees, Rob Scott, Lee Hassall, Tom Pike and Rob Hilton.
The venue will be signposted off the Chelwood Bridge roundabout on the A37 seven miles south of Bristol.
More than 100 leading British and non-modern bike aces are in Devon tomorrow and Sunday for the South West Classic Club's annual two-day Exmoor event.
First day action is at Marwoods Farm, Cove near Bampton and with that completed they move up to North Devon for the second day's event at Shallowford Farm, Barbrook near Lynton.FIXTURES
Today: Camel Vale MCC Cornwall Centre Championship trial, Garker, Trethurgy near St Blazey (11am). West of England MCC Everyman trial, Wolborough Barton, Coach Road, Newton Abbot, Devon (10am).Marshfield AMCA Motocross, off A420 near Marshfield, Wilts (10.30am).
Tomorrow: South West Classic Association two-day Exmoor trial (day one), Marwoods Farm, Cove near Bampton (12 Noon).
Easter Sunday: West Cornwall MCC trial, Lelant near Penzance (11am); Mendip Vale MCC Traders Cup trial, Fry's Bottom, Chelwood near Bristol (10.30am); South West Classic Association Exmoor trial (day two), Shallowford Farm, Barbrook near Lynton, North Devon (10.30am); Exmoor MCC trial, Chilly Bridge, Broford Farm near Bridgetown, West Somerset (11am); Devon Classic MCC motocross, Holmsleigh, Monkton near Honiton (10am); South West Premier Motocross (second round) Fraddon Moto Park, Fraddon, Cornwall (10.30am); West Glos and Dean Forest MCC long distance Wyegate trial, Orepool Inn, St Briavels Road, Sling near Coleford (9am).
Monday: Blackmore Vale MCC trial, Kingswood Warren near Mere, Wilts (11am); Dutch Motocross Grand Prix, Valkenswaard, Holland (Noon BST).2012 WESTON BEACH RACE PICTURES2012 Weston Beach Race photos - part one2012 Weston Beach Race photos - part two2012 Weston Beach Race photos - part three
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