Somerset Confidential
@somersetconf.bsky.social
The news channel for Somerset (the English one). Just news, analysis & investigations from journalists who know their patch. No AI. https://somersetconfidential.substack.com
Also author, history & classical music buff
Wests Tigers, Packers and Arsenal
Also author, history & classical music buff
Wests Tigers, Packers and Arsenal
Roots, the private #allotments company has hit more problems with officialdom. On top of their planning application battles, they now have #Bristol Water on their case at a site in North #Somerset. James Garrett investigates.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/roots-dryi...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/roots-dryi...
Roots drying out
Roots, the private allotments company has hit more problems with officialdom. On top of their planning application battles, they now have Bristol Water on their case. James Garrett investigates.
somersetconfidential.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Roots, the private #allotments company has hit more problems with officialdom. On top of their planning application battles, they now have #Bristol Water on their case at a site in North #Somerset. James Garrett investigates.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/roots-dryi...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/roots-dryi...
As Somerset Council prepare to ignore the results of an expensive consultation on car parking charges – we hold our hands up in despair.
And finally we look at a new, improved Ansford Parish Council…..
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/for-whom-t...
And finally we look at a new, improved Ansford Parish Council…..
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/for-whom-t...
November 14, 2025 at 5:31 PM
As Somerset Council prepare to ignore the results of an expensive consultation on car parking charges – we hold our hands up in despair.
And finally we look at a new, improved Ansford Parish Council…..
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/for-whom-t...
And finally we look at a new, improved Ansford Parish Council…..
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/for-whom-t...
Against a background of failing #pubs, we look at how rural communities have fought back and the rise of the community pub. The Bell in #CurryMallet is the latest in a long line….
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/for-whom-t...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/for-whom-t...
November 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Against a background of failing #pubs, we look at how rural communities have fought back and the rise of the community pub. The Bell in #CurryMallet is the latest in a long line….
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/for-whom-t...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/for-whom-t...
Today we have a hybrid article. There’s a free piece on #WilliamScott who has a new exhibition at the #SomersetMuseum in #Taunton.
Then we take a closer look at the body putting on the exhibition, the #SouthWestHeritageTrust.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/william-sc...
Then we take a closer look at the body putting on the exhibition, the #SouthWestHeritageTrust.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/william-sc...
William Scott in Somerset
This as a new exhibition opens at the Somerset Museum on 15 November, we take a look at the life and work of artist William Scott who moved to Somerset after the Second World War and stayed.
somersetconfidential.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Today we have a hybrid article. There’s a free piece on #WilliamScott who has a new exhibition at the #SomersetMuseum in #Taunton.
Then we take a closer look at the body putting on the exhibition, the #SouthWestHeritageTrust.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/william-sc...
Then we take a closer look at the body putting on the exhibition, the #SouthWestHeritageTrust.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/william-sc...
Finally on a happier note we announce the winners of the #CPRESomerset photo competition, which #Somerset Confidential supports and helps to promote!
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
Somerset Spite
Why is Somerset Council acting like a bad loser over a footpath in Frome? And as the end nears for the Life Factory project in Glastonbury, serious questions remain unanswered.
somersetconfidential.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Finally on a happier note we announce the winners of the #CPRESomerset photo competition, which #Somerset Confidential supports and helps to promote!
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
Our second, Beckery Construction, the company that was building the Life Factory in Glastonbury, is entering liquidation. A creditors meeting has been called. Is this the end? And what will the consequences be?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
November 7, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Our second, Beckery Construction, the company that was building the Life Factory in Glastonbury, is entering liquidation. A creditors meeting has been called. Is this the end? And what will the consequences be?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
We have two lead stories for you this week. The first is not pretty. Indeed its petty. #Somerset Council, having seen its plan to develop #Packsaddle Fields on the edge of #Frome thwarted, is acting like a spoiled brat.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
November 7, 2025 at 8:27 AM
We have two lead stories for you this week. The first is not pretty. Indeed its petty. #Somerset Council, having seen its plan to develop #Packsaddle Fields on the edge of #Frome thwarted, is acting like a spoiled brat.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
What happens when officers recommend approving a planning application, but councillors refuse it? And why would officers bring back an application that has already been refused? At Somerset Council the tension is rising.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/everscreech
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/everscreech
November 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM
What happens when officers recommend approving a planning application, but councillors refuse it? And why would officers bring back an application that has already been refused? At Somerset Council the tension is rising.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/everscreech
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/everscreech
This week for #wallpaintingWednesday we are off to #Tewkesbury Abbey in #Gloucestershire for this colourful #crucifixion painted in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity.
Believed to be 14th century. An interesting double image of God the son and God the father one superimposed on the other
Believed to be 14th century. An interesting double image of God the son and God the father one superimposed on the other
November 5, 2025 at 9:58 PM
This week for #wallpaintingWednesday we are off to #Tewkesbury Abbey in #Gloucestershire for this colourful #crucifixion painted in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity.
Believed to be 14th century. An interesting double image of God the son and God the father one superimposed on the other
Believed to be 14th century. An interesting double image of God the son and God the father one superimposed on the other
This is from the Metro.
Seriously?
I'd be the first to admit we too have typos and make mistakes. But we are a small news organisation in Somerset.
The Metro is not only a substantial paper with a significant staff, it is also part of a large group.
To me this is just awful...
Maybe its just me....
Seriously?
I'd be the first to admit we too have typos and make mistakes. But we are a small news organisation in Somerset.
The Metro is not only a substantial paper with a significant staff, it is also part of a large group.
To me this is just awful...
Maybe its just me....
November 5, 2025 at 4:45 PM
This is from the Metro.
Seriously?
I'd be the first to admit we too have typos and make mistakes. But we are a small news organisation in Somerset.
The Metro is not only a substantial paper with a significant staff, it is also part of a large group.
To me this is just awful...
Maybe its just me....
Seriously?
I'd be the first to admit we too have typos and make mistakes. But we are a small news organisation in Somerset.
The Metro is not only a substantial paper with a significant staff, it is also part of a large group.
To me this is just awful...
Maybe its just me....
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/passive-or...
This week we take a look at the affordability of housing in Somerset and the role of council housing in trying to meet our housing needs.
This week we take a look at the affordability of housing in Somerset and the role of council housing in trying to meet our housing needs.
Passive or Passivhaus
We take a look at the housing crisis in Somerset which takes us to social housing and carbon-neutral housing too. All in one article!
somersetconfidential.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:30 PM
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/passive-or...
This week we take a look at the affordability of housing in Somerset and the role of council housing in trying to meet our housing needs.
This week we take a look at the affordability of housing in Somerset and the role of council housing in trying to meet our housing needs.
My heart goes out to the victims of the #LNER #Huntingdon incident, this sort of attack is a terrible reminder of failings:
Not as regards #airport style security
But
About “care in the community”. How many deaths, how many attacks have to happen before we allow the possibility that it isn’t working
Not as regards #airport style security
But
About “care in the community”. How many deaths, how many attacks have to happen before we allow the possibility that it isn’t working
November 3, 2025 at 4:36 PM
My heart goes out to the victims of the #LNER #Huntingdon incident, this sort of attack is a terrible reminder of failings:
Not as regards #airport style security
But
About “care in the community”. How many deaths, how many attacks have to happen before we allow the possibility that it isn’t working
Not as regards #airport style security
But
About “care in the community”. How many deaths, how many attacks have to happen before we allow the possibility that it isn’t working
Today's composer on Classical Byways is Robert White, a man whose music seems to have pleased both Mary I and Elizabeth I
classicalbyways.substack.com/p/robert-white
classicalbyways.substack.com/p/robert-white
Robert White
1538-1574
classicalbyways.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Today's composer on Classical Byways is Robert White, a man whose music seems to have pleased both Mary I and Elizabeth I
classicalbyways.substack.com/p/robert-white
classicalbyways.substack.com/p/robert-white
This week for #stainedglassSunday we are in the city of #Wells in #Somerset. The glass here is full of ricj pickings but some is easier to find than others.
This rather sinister looking #bishop for instance - probably 14th century.
This rather sinister looking #bishop for instance - probably 14th century.
November 2, 2025 at 8:51 AM
This week for #stainedglassSunday we are in the city of #Wells in #Somerset. The glass here is full of ricj pickings but some is easier to find than others.
This rather sinister looking #bishop for instance - probably 14th century.
This rather sinister looking #bishop for instance - probably 14th century.
Somerset Council’s Leader is having another think about Bridgwater Eastover’s one way system, and we ask why, as some bee-harming chemicals are to be banned, is another one, extensively used in Somerset, still permitted?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
October 31, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Somerset Council’s Leader is having another think about Bridgwater Eastover’s one way system, and we ask why, as some bee-harming chemicals are to be banned, is another one, extensively used in Somerset, still permitted?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
In other news, there’s a new mental health ambulance for Somerset, we ask how much it will cost and what happens to those it picks up?
A CQC inspection finds a home for vulnerable adults in Bath “Requires Improvement” - again.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
A CQC inspection finds a home for vulnerable adults in Bath “Requires Improvement” - again.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
October 31, 2025 at 5:06 PM
In other news, there’s a new mental health ambulance for Somerset, we ask how much it will cost and what happens to those it picks up?
A CQC inspection finds a home for vulnerable adults in Bath “Requires Improvement” - again.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
A CQC inspection finds a home for vulnerable adults in Bath “Requires Improvement” - again.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
This week our lead story is about the confusion over the future of #GWR. Is the rail network that provides most of #Somerset ’s trains moving into public ownership? Our Government says yes, but can’t give a date. Why?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
October 31, 2025 at 5:05 PM
This week our lead story is about the confusion over the future of #GWR. Is the rail network that provides most of #Somerset ’s trains moving into public ownership? Our Government says yes, but can’t give a date. Why?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/gwr-is-bei...
Reposted by Somerset Confidential
Ok, so it's not a cathedral, @charlietaylor4.bsky.social, but it is a history event in Taunton, supporting work towards a history of the town and vale (and yes, @somersetccc.bsky.social will make an appearance), so...
On 13 November, please join our friends in Somerset at the Museum of Somerset, Taunton, to support work in that county.
In 'Through the Windows of an Ordinary House', Dr Ian Mortimer looks at national histories through the windows of a Devon house.
Tickets £10 (concessions £5).
In 'Through the Windows of an Ordinary House', Dr Ian Mortimer looks at national histories through the windows of a Devon house.
Tickets £10 (concessions £5).
VCH Annual Lecture 2025
Join author and historian Dr Ian Mortimer on a journey through English history as seen through a single, ordinary building.
swheritage.org.uk
October 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Ok, so it's not a cathedral, @charlietaylor4.bsky.social, but it is a history event in Taunton, supporting work towards a history of the town and vale (and yes, @somersetccc.bsky.social will make an appearance), so...
For #wallpaintingWednesday this week we are off to #Somerset and the wonderfully understated church of All Saints #SuttonBingham set in an isolated location near the reservoir. And full of the most wonderful early paintings. Probably c13th century. This is the #Dormition of the Virgin Mary
October 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
For #wallpaintingWednesday this week we are off to #Somerset and the wonderfully understated church of All Saints #SuttonBingham set in an isolated location near the reservoir. And full of the most wonderful early paintings. Probably c13th century. This is the #Dormition of the Virgin Mary
Every passing week seems to reveal something else that points to the increasing financial problems at Somerset Council. This is a summary to date.
Not just our view, but also the view of the council’s Finance Director too.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/the-wisdom...
Not just our view, but also the view of the council’s Finance Director too.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/the-wisdom...
October 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Every passing week seems to reveal something else that points to the increasing financial problems at Somerset Council. This is a summary to date.
Not just our view, but also the view of the council’s Finance Director too.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/the-wisdom...
Not just our view, but also the view of the council’s Finance Director too.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/the-wisdom...
This morning on Classical Byways we are off to Moravia with Pavel Vranicky
classicalbyways.substack.com/p/pavel-vran...
classicalbyways.substack.com/p/pavel-vran...
Pavel Vranický
1756-1808
classicalbyways.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:26 AM
This morning on Classical Byways we are off to Moravia with Pavel Vranicky
classicalbyways.substack.com/p/pavel-vran...
classicalbyways.substack.com/p/pavel-vran...
This week for #stainedglassSunday we are off to #Essex and the church of #StMarytheVirgin in #Lindsell. There's just one window with mediaeval glass, clearly fragments taken from elsewhere, including two separate "donor panels" that look as if they once belonged in different windows
October 26, 2025 at 9:00 PM
This week for #stainedglassSunday we are off to #Essex and the church of #StMarytheVirgin in #Lindsell. There's just one window with mediaeval glass, clearly fragments taken from elsewhere, including two separate "donor panels" that look as if they once belonged in different windows
Today for #saintsonSaturday we are in #Buckinghamshire at the church of #NorthCrawley. Today we have a rare saint, seldom depicted in churches in England: St #Blaise said to be a healer and a bishop. Anyway here he is:
October 25, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Today for #saintsonSaturday we are in #Buckinghamshire at the church of #NorthCrawley. Today we have a rare saint, seldom depicted in churches in England: St #Blaise said to be a healer and a bishop. Anyway here he is:
Somerset Council met in Frome this morning to discuss the future of the Saxonvale site. Local residents may not be happy with the outcome.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-c...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-c...
Somerset Council Executive decision on Saxonvale
A meeting of the Executive of Somerset Council in Frome this morning decided on a change of direction over the future of Saxonvale, the old industrial wasteland in the centre of the town.
somersetconfidential.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Somerset Council met in Frome this morning to discuss the future of the Saxonvale site. Local residents may not be happy with the outcome.
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-c...
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-c...
There’s encouraging station news in WECA which may point the way to success for #Langport in the search for a new station.
We take a look at elections in #Dunster, #Glastonbury and #SheptonMallet. What do they tell us about Somerset politics?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/hospices-d...
We take a look at elections in #Dunster, #Glastonbury and #SheptonMallet. What do they tell us about Somerset politics?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/hospices-d...
October 24, 2025 at 1:01 PM
There’s encouraging station news in WECA which may point the way to success for #Langport in the search for a new station.
We take a look at elections in #Dunster, #Glastonbury and #SheptonMallet. What do they tell us about Somerset politics?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/hospices-d...
We take a look at elections in #Dunster, #Glastonbury and #SheptonMallet. What do they tell us about Somerset politics?
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/hospices-d...