Headlines: Miniature railway and a cider taproom
Our pick of local website stories
A former alcoholic from Bridgwater has "turned his life around" and opened a fitness business in the town. He told the Bridgwater Mercury that it was a "dream come true".The Swindon Advertiser reported that travellers have set up on the unopened road under the M4 in Swindon.And a fire engine got stuck behind bollards marking the edge of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, according to Bristol Live.Plans for 315 homes on the Old Sarum Airfield have been approved, according to the Salisbury Journal, after a "drawn out appeal inquiry".The Somerset Leveller, meanwhile, features a new cider taproom, which showcases the "best Somerset tipples".And families can ride the miniature railway in West Huntspill on Sunday as part of a fundraiser for charity, Burnham-On-Sea.com reported.
Our top three from yesterday
What to watch on social media
A tree in Longlevens has been a source of amusement on Facebook, apparently having been planted somewhat inconveniently in the middle of a footpath.An update is expected at the end of the week in regards to Filton Leisure Centre, the Horfield News group on Facebook says. Operator Active Nation went into administration earlier this month.The Webbs Wood footbridge in Bradley Stoke has been shut, a council group says, after the timber was found to be rotten and unsafe.
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BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Headlines: 'Hedgehogs with heatstroke' and 'Miss KFC's funeral'
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Our pick of local website stories Somerset Live reports there is a new masterplan for Yeovil town centre, which could mean the loss of parking spaces.A hospice's charity shop is set to shut in Swindon because of financial struggles, according to Swindon West Country reports rescue centres across the West have seen a rise in the number of hedgehogs coming in with dehydration and heatstroke. Our top three from yesterday What to watch on social media People are getting creative in Yate where some are turning items, such as shields and plaques, into St George's flag of National League football club Forest Green Rovers are revelling in a 4-0 win over Sutton United on many are still paying their respects to KFC's longest serving worker, Pauline Richards from Taunton, known as Miss KFC, whose funeral took place on Wednesday.
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Mourners line streets for funeral of world's longest KFC worker as hearse makes final visit to restaurant where she fried chicken for 47 years
Mourners have been lining the streets for the funeral of the world's longest KFC worker who worked at the same fast food joint for 47 years. Pauline Richards, known as Miss KFC, died last month aged 74 and worked almost every role at the branch in Taunton, Somerset - from cleaner to cashier to team leader. On Wednesday her hearse, flanked by crowds of friends, family and former customers, made its final visit to the restaurant where she fried chicken for almost five decades. Ms Richards, who had been battling cancer, is believed to have served more than five million drumsticks during a glittering career at the popular chicken store. She has been the company's longest-serving worker for two years after surpassing American employee Lorena Neely, who worked for the chain between 1976 and 2023. A horse-drawn procession provided a fitting tribute to the long-time employee, leaving her home at 12.45pm before making the half-hour commute to her KFC. It then continued its journey through the town centre to bid an emotional farewell to her community. Members of the public also had the chance to leave notes in condolence books at the fast food restaurant. On Wednesday her hearse, flanked by crowds of friends, family and former customers, made its final visit to the restaurant where she fried chicken for almost five decades The pensioner became a cult hero in the town thanks to her 'banter' with customers and the habit of always having a smile on her face. Local children called her 'Mum' and 'Nan' - while adults have fondly said she watched them grow up, seeing them through many a night out safely. She was even honoured with a Civic Award by the town's Mayor Councillor Vanessa Garside earlier this year for her 'outstanding long service' at the restaurant. Ms Richards's children, Wayne and Tracey Sutton, led the tributes who said working at KFC for so many years was 'more than just a job to her'. They said: 'Mum was a truly special person. She was kind, caring, generous and adored by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 'Mum made people feel seen and valued, whether it was family and friends, or the customers and colleagues she met at KFC. 'KFC was more than just a job to her. 'She loved talking to customers and always remembered their stories, and she built friendships that lasted for many years. Mum always taught us to give people your care and time, and we know that's something she'll be remembered for. 'Being part of the Taunton community was really important to Mum. Reading all the tributes and knowing so many people are thinking of her, both in Taunton and beyond, has been a huge comfort to us. 'Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. It would have meant the world to mum.' Ms Richards previously told of her love of the job and how children used to call her Miss KFC. She said: 'When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me 'Hello Miss KFC' and call me 'Mum' and 'Nan'. 'Even on a Friday and Saturday night here, you get customers and some young boys start singing my name out and they are pleased to see me. 'When I'm not in, they (the customers) are asking where I am. If I've been out, I get people asking why I'm not working tonight.' Ms Richards began working for KFC in the 1970s to support her friend at the former branch on East Reach, Taunton. During her time at the company, she worked her way up to becoming a manager for two-and-half years. She added: 'I love my job. Customers I have always spoken to and I have been friendly with and I have always tried to help as best I can and this job has always suited my life.' Ms Richards remained a hit among customers whatever her job title, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to the KFC employee. One wrote on Facebook: 'She was an absolute legend, simple as. A beautiful soul and will be sadly missed.' Another added: 'Very sad to hear the news of Pauline's passing, what a lovely lady, I feel I've know all my life, you fed me many a night on the town, during my teens, 20s, 30s 40s and 50s. 'A lovely hard working lady, who will be sadly missed by many I'm sure, thank you Pauline, till we meet in the KFC in the sky.' Other residents have suggested putting up a bench or plaque in a 'sunny spot' in the town, in memory of 'a true star of Taunton Town' and a 'local legend'. They said it would be a fitting tribute to the woman who 'brought a ray of sunshine' to everyone she met and 'made us all smile with her customer service banter'. A KFC spokesperson said: 'We're deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pauline Richards. We are supporting Pauline's family, who have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.' A spokesperson for Taunton Town Council said: 'All of us at Taunton Town Council are saddened to learn of the passing of one of Taunton's most loved residents, Pauline Richards, aka Miss KFC, the world's longest serving member of KFC staff and a friendly, well known face in our town. 'She was an excited and incredibly deserving recipient of one of our Civic Awards back in March this year.
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
'Yeovil homeless support project has kept me alive'
A man has thanked a homeless support project for "saving him" and "keeping him alive".Based out of Yeovil Community Church, The Roost has helped more than 1,000 people since it began during the Roost offers support including hot meals, finding accommodation, laundry, showers, clothing, and food parcels. Service user Paul, said: "If I didn't have this, I'd have nothing. I would literally not be alive if it wasn't for them." The service also includes emotional and psychological support, something project lead Bridget Doney said makes the biggest impact."Homelessness isn't just about housing," said Ms Doney. "People come to us with years of trauma, poor mental health, addiction, and a deep sense that they're not worth helping. We try to show them they are," she Doney, who was already a part of Yeovil Community Church, said she felt compelled to set up the service after witnessing people needing help during the pandemic. "The world felt overwhelming, but this was something right on my doorstep. I couldn't fix everything, but I could do something."Paul became homeless after separating with his wife and has called The Roost a "godsend"."It means I can keep a sense of pride. It has saved me and I'd be lost otherwise," he added. Nominated in the Community Group category of the BBC Make a Difference Awards, Ms Doney said it was a recognition of the team's tireless effort and the lives they continue to change."We're a small team but what we're seeing here in Yeovil is big," said Ms 2024, The Roost supported 572 individuals, with numbers already approaching 450 in Doney said: "Seeing people rediscover their worth, it's incredible."The Roost hosts a drop-in service twice a week, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-2pm.
