Category: Parish News

“The Government-appointed Planning Inspector held a Hearing for the Appeal
against the rejection of the Planning Application for 14 Industrial Units at
Halves Lane, North Coker, on the 27 & 28th August 2026 at the Council
offices in Brympton Way, Yeovil.

It was very well attended by members of the parish as well as the Parish Council, and those who wished to speak were
given the opportunity to do so. Members of the Somerset Council team backed
up their reasons for rejection, principally on landscape grounds, while the
Parish Council and the other speakers gave well-researched and passionate
arguments as to why the Inspector should take many other factors (pedestrian
safety, flooding, traffic, heritage concerns and the result of the petition
showing almost universal rejection by parishioners) into consideration as
well. Apart from the Appellant’s team of barristers and experts nobody spoke
in support of the scheme.

No date has been given for Inspector’s decision but from previous experience
it will probably be months rather than weeks away.”

The ribbon has officially been cut on East Coker’s brand-new parish pavilion, drawing hundreds of local residents together even though the weather threatened to dampen spirits. Organised by the East Coker Parish Council, Sunday’s (30^th August) free grand opening event transformed the recreation ground into a vibrant hub of music, food, and community spirit.

The new multi-purpose pavilion replaces an outdated predecessor with a highly modernised facility featuring FA-standard changing rooms, an updated function hall, and a fully fitted kitchen. To celebrate the milestone, the council utilised a grant from the Community Health and Wellness section of the Somerset Alliance of Local Councils to put on a free afternoon of entertainment for all generations.

Rocket Man Cuts the Ribbon

In a brilliant twist of showmanship, the official ribbon-cutting duties were performed by a spectacular Elton John tribute entertainer. Donning iconic glasses and a flamboyant outfit, the performer officially declared the pavilion open before taking to the stage.

The crowd was treated to a live set of classic hits that had parishioners of all ages dancing on the grass.

Four-Legged Friends and Free Fruit

One of the biggest highlights was a fun dog show hosted in partnership with local trainers, which saw dozens of proud owners enter their pets into a variety of unusual and light-hearted categories.

Attendees kept their energy up thanks to an array of refreshments provided by the parish council:

• 🍔 Gourmet Grub: A bustling hamburger stand and hot BBQ kept everyone well-fed throughout the afternoon.
• 🍓 Healthy Refreshments: In line with the event’s health and well-being theme, bowls of fresh fruit were handed out completely free of charge to families.
• 🍻 The Pavilion Bar: A fully stocked pop-up bar kept the adults hydrated with cider, wine, beer, and cold drinks.

A Lasting Legacy for the Village

The sheer turnout from the community proved just how eagerly anticipated the new venue has been. With its updated meeting spaces and accessibility features, the pavilion is designed to serve as a foundational asset for local sports clubs, the adjoining preschool, and village events for decades to come.

As the final chords of “Rocket Man” echoed across the pitches, it was clear that East Coker has successfully opened a magnificent new chapter in its village history.

Our wonderful church, St Michael and All Angels, has stood at the heart of East Coker for nearly a thousand years. It has been a place of worship, a marker of life’s milestones and a quiet witness to lives lived locally.

Project Beacon is now about opening up this remarkable place to everyone whilst protecting its heritage, strengthening its role in the community and ensuring it remains a living church for future generations.

Project Beacon aims to bring practical improvements to the church and its space  in the following ways:

• Offering step-free access so everyone can enter through the same door;
• A warmer, more welcoming interior with sustainable heating;
• Better catering facilities;
• Flexible space for events, talks, exhibitions and gatherings; and 
• Improved interpretation of our history and stories.

Beautiful and historic churches like ours survive because each generation takes responsibility for them.  We are hoping that many of you will feel the same and get behind Project Beacon so that we can:

• Protect our rare and internationally significant heritage;
• Welcome new audiences and younger generations; and
• Reduce environmental impact and runnings costs.

Here are the ways you can support:

• Join the Friends of St Michael’s
• Volunteering time or skills
• Making a donation, large or small
• Spreading the word to others who love heritage, literature, history and community life.
• Attend the many and varied events that the Friends of St Michael’s will be hosting.  (Can be found in the Parish Council Calendar).

Find out more or get involved:  www.ecchurch.co.uk

We are all obviously noticing the worrying amount of pot holes appearing. If you are concerned about any of these and wish to report them to the Somerset Council, please contact them on: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/report-a-problem-on-the-road/#potholes-road-damage-and-edge-loss

 Somerset Council are no longer responding to ‘fix my street’ as a way of informing them, so please use the link above or go to the Somerset.gov.uk website and click on Roads/travel & parking and follow that link.

We have been made aware that parking at the Recreational Ground on certain days can be tricky, please may we ask that if you do park in nearby streets that you do it with consideration of those that live there.  We understand    that people have been blocking driveways etc. 

We also recognise that getting into and out of the Recreational Ground car park on  busy days can be quite challenging.  Please again can we ask for your consideration.