Latest news with #BBCSomerset
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3 days ago
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Former nurse, 100, 'inundated' with birthday cards
A former midwife has received hundreds of cards from around the world in celebration of her 100th birthday. Bertha Preston spent time working in New Zealand, Australia and Kenya, before settling down in a nursing career at Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath, Somerset. With no surviving family or close friends nearby, staff at the Bloomfield Care Centre in Paulton issued a "heartfelt request" to the public to send in their warm wishes. Key worker Jane Rogers described Ms Preston as a "very strong lady", who "chose her career over marriage" and showed an unwavering dedication to her profession. Ms Preston said "her spirit remains strong and her presence continues to inspire those around her". "She's been a huge part of my life," said Ms Rogers, who has cared for Ms Preston since 2009. "All of the residents here are very special to everyone who works here, but she's a darling lady. "Because of her vulnerability and the fact she has no known family, we've all become her family, and that's how we like it." Ms Preston's "quiet strength and compassion" was born out of becoming an orphan at the age of eight, after losing her mother to tuberculosis. Her nursing journey took her around the world, most notably to Africa, where she treated patients for trachoma and helped deliver hundreds of babies. One woman wrote to Ms Preston from Kenya to ask if she had worked at the hospital during her birth in the early 1960s. "I was delighted to read of your enthusiasm for the country, and of your hard work and devotion over many years as a nurse," Sarah wrote. "You are clearly a credit to your profession." Activities assistant Christina Coles said the home had been "inundated" with letters since posting the appeal online, including a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. "The amount that's come through the post has been amazing," she said. "We've had such a good response, it's really been overwhelming. "It's lovely that people have made so much effort in the community to come forward for a lady who has worked so hard. "100 years is an amazing achievement for anyone. Bertha has got an incredible story and it's nice to share that with people," she added. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. D-Day veteran's 'unforgettable' 100th birthday World War Two decoder celebrates 100th birthday Vera celebrates 100th birthday with 450 cards Bloomfield Care Centre
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6 days ago
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In pictures: Steam, sheep and strawberries at show
The Royal Bath and West Show has returned for another year, with tens of thousands of punters due to descend on the showground for the three-day event. The show is the largest agricultural event in the West of England, having been founded in 1777 and based at The Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet since 1965. It celebrates farming and offers animal exhibits, food stalls, celebrity talks, vintage fairgrounds, live music, and more. Gates opened at 09:00 BST, with punters flooding in to experience the best the west has to offer. In season strawberries: Amongst the attractions are stalls selling strawberries. UK strawberry growers have reported a "stonking start" to the season thanks to a "glorious" spring. Say cheese: People can also get their hands on Somerset cheese at this year's show, where chefs such as Andy Clark, Lisa Cadd and George Egg will also be turning up to host live cooking demonstrations. In the ring: The show offers a range of activities and attractions for people of all ages. In the main ring, spectators can see parades of livestock as well as show jumping and scurry racing. Livestock on display: The show has got off to a busy start, with people flocking to see some of the West's most prized livestock on display. Young farmers: The next generation of farmers have already had chance to show off their skills on day one of the Bath and West Show. Duly rewarded: Recipients of the Prince of Wales Award stand proud having been presented with their awards. The award recognises community organisations and initiatives in the southwest. Three wheels better than two: Among the sites and sounds of the day, a solitary tricyclist provides musical entertainment, performing on a mobile piano for nearby punters. There is more planned across the weekend, including a chance for fans of Clarkson's Farm can meet one if its stars, Kaleb Cooper, on Friday when he takes part in a Q&A and book signing. Other workshops focused on wool, butchery and farming will also be held. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. What's on at the Royal Bath and West Show? The history of the Royal Bath & West Show Royal Bath and West Show
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6 days ago
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Two people seriously injured in motorbike crash
Two people have sustained serious injuries in a crash involving a pedestrian and a motorcycle. Avon and Somerset Police said it was called to the scene of a collision on the B3151 between Meare and Glastonbury in Somerset at 09:58 BST. The road is closed in both directions and police have asked drivers to seek an alternative route. Emergency services remain at the scene, with those injured being taken to hospital. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Avon and Somerset Police
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7 days ago
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Uni 'sorry' for not allowing enough time for exam
A university has apologised after students sitting a three-hour physics exam were only given two hours to complete it. The University of Bath said an "administrative error" meant first-year students sitting the Foundations of Physics exam on Tuesday had an hour less. They added the issue was identified shortly before the start of the exam, but said subsequent room bookings meant it was not possible to extend the session. Head of the university's physics department, Professor Ventsislav Valev, said: "We are deeply sorry for the confusion and concern this has caused." She continued: "Our priority is to ensure that no student is disadvantaged. We are reviewing our processes to ensure such an error does not occur again." A University of Bath spokesperson added results of all assessments are "considered and finalised" by Boards of Examiners but students would be continued to be supported. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. WJEC apologises after exam paper blunder Students' anger as in-person exams reintroduced
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27-05-2025
- Entertainment
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The Wurzels write song using artificial intelligence
Folk band The Wurzels have released a new single written by artificial intelligence (AI) called Wurzel Me Up. The Somerset band, best known for songs such as The Combine Harvester and I Am A Cider Drinker, said they had decided to use the technology as they had not written a song for a while. Singer Pete Budd, 84, said: "We realised that it was a long time since we had written a new pop tune. We needed some 'cutting-hedge' technology." The band's longest-serving member, Tommy Banner, 85, added: "We decided to explore this new artificial world to see if it could help us analyse our catalogue of Wurzel songs and give us some lyrical inspiration for a new release." More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset Budd added he realised there were "genuine concerns" with AI over plagiarism and copyright issues. He added: "We don't agree with plagiarism in any form without some form of remuneration and so, in this case, we have strived to only plagiarise ourselves." Formed in 1966, the band have had eight UK hit singles and three UK top 40 albums. The Combine Harvester reached the top of the UK singles chart in May 1976, while follow-up, I Am A Cider Drinker, reached number three in the same year. The band is currently made up of Budd and Banner with bass player Sedge Moore, keyboard player Louie Gribble and drummer Leigh Delamere. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Wurzels' story featured on town's heritage trail Wurzels frontman Adge Cutler remembered 50 years on Wurzels drummer dies after contracting Covid
