Word Gets Around - West Somerset - Issue 3

Community News - Features - Reviews and more.

www.wordgetsaround.co.uk

ISSUE 03 .1

2.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

Editor: Clive Smith clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk Design: Paul Smith paul@wordgetsaround.co.uk Address: Hestercombe House Hestercombe Gardens Cheddon Fitzpaine Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8LQ. Phone: 01984 573025 Artwork to: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk Follow us: _wordgetsaround thewordgetsaround wordgetsaround thewordgetsaround

www.wordgetsaround.co.uk Front cover: Š Mark Stothard BA (Hons) in Photography, LRPS http://msp.im

Well, here is our third issue into West Somerset. My son Paul and I are so in awe of the comments and feedback we have received so far. Not only from our readers, but from the advertisers too, who say they have had fantastic results from the magazine. One of our tradesmen who advertised from the start tells me he has now received over ten thousand pounds of work. Well that should have paid for his advert! We are so pleased that they feel confident to advertise with us and we in return offer a magazine of quality and interest.

We always allocate a third of the magazine to interesting articles and our regular article writers, who we thank for their contributions. It leaves just a few pages to donate to local charity items. Unfortunately, we have been inundated with requests. We would love to help them all, but hopefully as the magazine increases in the number of pages we can donate will increase too. We have made the jump from 32 pages to 40 already since the last issue which is great to see.

I hope you enjoy this issue and any feedback from you, good or bad, will be welcomed. Enjoy the spring, the new buds and flowers. I think we would all like to see the summer somewhere on the horizon.

Clive Qualified Mindfulness & Compassion Teacher

Mindfulness and Compassion can help profoundly with your health, well-being and happiness.

Self-care for your mind, body and spirit.

Bespoke courses for individuals and small groups.

Tel: 01823 400232 Mob: 07768 447826

Email: info@teresawort.co.uk www.teresawort.co.uk

No job too big, or too small

01643 702525 kitchens@mineheadradio.com 19-21 Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5TH.

Tel: 07834 518272

https://ayeandg.uk .3

The ‘ Feathers ‘ and the ‘ Wellie ‘ in Minehead Town Centre.

Information compiled

by Sally Bainbridge of Minehead Conservation Society.

THE FEATHERS If you stand in Wellington Square with your back to Queen Anne and look across the road to the uninspiring row of modern shops that is where the once renowned Plume of Feathers stood. It was built in the 1600’s complete with yard and stables.

In 1686 it belonged to a Deborah Bullocke, a grand-daughter of Edmond Knowles a prosperous merchant of the Civil War period.

Her son-in-law Hugh Payne took over from her. Daniel Defoe, the famous writer stayed here in 1722 and spoke of the rich merchants he saw.

By 1756 it boasted stabling for 150 horses and was the terminus for the horse drawn coaches from Lynmouth, Taunton and Bridgwater. It was a very attractive building and had a verandah at first floor level facing the church where all public announcements were made including election results. It also boasted a large walled garden.

It was the foremost hostelry for travellers and the scene of much political banqueting until the 1840’s when it began to deteriorate.

The Feathers

The Wellie

THE WELLIE

According to Mrs Greensill, the cause was the competition provided by the Duke of Wellington Inn which also acted as a posting inn. However Thomas Warden, the Luttrell’s agent claimed that the real reason was that ‘ Mrs Greensill was entirely unfit to run the business and with her it would never be profitable’.

The Duke of Wellington was built in 1820. It was of a different architectural style to the current building. It competed with the Plume of Feathers as a posting house and ran a daily four horse coach service to Taunton via Dunster and left to the blowing of horns. By 1883 it had become a Temperance Coffee Tavern, an initiative of Thomas Ponsford.

In 1893 it was demolished to make way for a new purpose built Temperance Hotel and became called The Wellington Hotel.

Almost every town in the country had some form of Temperance venue many of imposing architecture.

Fortunately she quit before this was brought home to her. The hotel was demolished in 1965.It was voted as Minehead’s greatest planning disaster when Minehead Conservation Society conducted a poll.

It was re-licensed in 1902. It became the headquarters of the Polo Club and advertised itself as central for all principal meets of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds and other well-known packs of foxhounds and harriers.

4.

During WW2 American soldiers were based here. At one time there was a tea garden behind it and whilst an area at the back still exists it is no longer used as such. Since Wetherspoons took it over it has reverted to its original name of The Duke of Wellington.

UPCOMING EVENTS 3rd April at 2.30 pm.

Visit to Kilve Court, Kilve.

Members only £3.00 An opportunity to visit this historic building, following the very interesting talk we had in October. Contact the Secretary, Jan Lowy, at the address below. Members may wish to make their own arrangements for tea, possibly at the Hood Arms or at Chantry Tea Gardens.

6th May We are arranging an outing to Styles Ice Cream Factory. Tasters will be available, and also an opportunity to purchase their Ice Cream.

Townsend House, Townsend Road, Minehead TA24 5RG mineheadconservationsoc@gmail.com 01643 706258

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

EXC

M

PC & LAPTOP SALES, REPAIRS, UPGRADES, VIRUS REMOVAL, SERVICING, ACCESSORIES & WE BUY YOUR TECH

24 FRIDAY STREET, MINEHEAD, TA24 5UE, 01643 704673

www.excom.co.uk

Over 45 years building experience. 15 years experience in stove installation.

Local family run business. All works carried out by in house friendly tradesmen for complete clarity, transparency and peace of mind.

Qualified Stove Installers | Fireplace and chamber design/restoration Roof and chimney repairs | Bricklaying | Plastering

No chimney? No problem. We will have the solution for you.

Tel: 01643 704040 www.stovesandfuels.co.uk Unit 12, Vennlands Business Centre, Mart Road, Minehead, TA24 5BJ .5

The Countdown to Somerset Day 2020 begins The countdown begins to Somerset Day 2020, which takes place on 11th May! This year Somerset Day coincides with the special VE Day Bank Holiday weekend, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to take part in celebratory events and activities over the long weekend of 8th – 10th May. There’s a website dedicated to Somerset Day, so if you’re organising a community event please do register your event at www.somersetday.com.

Or if you’re simply wanting to find out what events are taking place throughout the county, the website will give you all the information you need to know!

Building on the success of previous years, there’s already some exciting activities planned for the Somerset Day weekend across the county.

Some communities are planning to combine Somerset Day and VE Day celebrations by reflecting on what took place in their village or town 75 years ago. The Royal Bath & West Showground will host a 1940’s style Tea Dance with Berties Big Band (Glen Miller style).

The fantastic eat:Taunton (which attracted over 24,000 people in 2019) will again be

6.

held in the centre of Taunton on Saturday 9th May. Plans are also being put in place to encourage all 569 parish churches in the Bath and Wells Diocese to celebrate over the weekend by holding ‘open days’ and ringing the church bells over the Somerset Day/VE Day weekend.

The Pride Of Somerset Youth Awards, now in their twelfth year, will be held on Wednesday 6th May at Bridgwater and Taunton College. Organised by Taunton Rotary and hosted by BBC Somerset, the awards will again celebrate inspirational young people in Somerset.

And around 120,000 students in schools across Somerset will be encouraged to join in a Somerset-themed nonuniform day, raising money for the Somerset Crisis Fund, on Somerset Day itself Monday 11th May.

the popular Town Criers Competition on Saturday 16th May held in Ilminster as part of the town’s celebrations.

Founder of Somerset Day, Nigel Muers-Raby said: “We want this year to be a bumper year for celebrating all that is great about our county. It will be a wonderful opportunity for communities, villages, towns and organisations to have some fun whilst raising funds for much needed projects and charities either in their community or throughout Somerset”.

Between now and 11th May, the Somerset Day website will be continually updated with events taking place.

www.somersetday.com Somerset Day is a Community Interest Company.

An event filled week and weekend will round-off with a special Somerset Day Choral Evensong service in Wells Cathedral, open to all.

Somerset Day events will continue into the following weekend with

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

eat:Festivals presents SATURDAY 4 APRIL 10AM - 4PM THE AVENUE MINEHEAD

FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL MORE INFO AT WWW.EATFESTIVALS.ORG .7

To find out more please visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Email : exmoorcameraclub@gmail.com - Mobile : 07494 849 849.

The Exmoor Camera Club was started by a professional photographer, who was keen to pass on the knowledge gained over a career spanning some 30 years, and a desire to create a social environment for people who wish to learn or improve their photography.

Our philosophy is to enjoy and share the beauty of Exmoor National Park through our images.

We are a “free to participate” club through Facebook and attracting a small group of photographers, of mixed abilities to our regular social Photowalks.

These Photowalks are gentle strolls taking images and sharing knowledge in photography around with optional

8.

refreshments at the end in a local tea room.

All welcome, come a develop and learn photography skills, whether you are a complete beginner in photography or an expert in mobile phone, digital or a film photographer.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

Holloway House Dental Surgery

.9

Blooming marvellous Spring With Jo Middleton

By the time you read this you should be well into the joys of spring. I’m picturing bulbs in full bloom, new leaves on the trees, baby lambs... Perhaps you’re cradling a fluffy chick in one hand whilst holding Word Gets Around magazine and a bunch of daffodils in the other? Okay, so that’s unlikely, but you never know. It’s a nice image at least.

This winter felt like a long one for me and I couldn’t wait for spring and the promise it brings of better things. When I was younger I used to look forward to the shorter days of winter and getting cosy at home, the darkness outside like a thick blanket, but nowadays it has a different edge to it. I often find myself at about 6pm feeling trapped by the lack of light, dreaming of longer, warmer days.

Okay, so now I’m sounding a bit melancholy, which wasn’t the

point I was trying to make. Let’s get back on track...

Spring is such a wonderful season isn’t it? Spring has a sense of optimism about it, something magical. There’s a particular smell to a fresh spring morning - you can’t help but take deep breaths of it and feel better about the world. It’s the smell of newness and hope and good times to come.

I’ve become much more aware of spring since I bought my own house a few years ago and started taking more of an interest in gardening, and it blows me away how everything can look so completely dead over the winter and then BOOM, there is suddenly so much growth and new life, without me even having to do anything. Where does it come from? How do the leaves know to grow? I think it must be actual magic.

Spring also reminds me of holidays when my children were little. We’d often go away during the spring rather than the summer holidays, (it was cheaper), and there’s a certain sense of adventure to be had from a week in a caravan near the seaside when it’s really not quite warm enough yet to be in a caravan.

That’s what I’d tell everyone at least, that the beach is actually much better in the April drizzle as it’s not full of people, that being a bit cold in bed is part of the fun of a holiday. If nothing else you come together as a family in the face of draughts.

Spring brings with it so much colour. After the grey drabness of winter, spring feels like a toddler who has been let loose with the poster paints, splashing bright swathes of primary colours across the landscape. As much as I dislike the concept of toddler arts and crafts inside the home, (so messy and they really can’t paint), it’s hard not to feel cheered by grassy banks full of colourful flowers and crisp, blue skies in the morning.

May we all enjoy cradling the metaphorical chick that is spring.

Blogger of 10 years at Slummy Single Mummy. Copywriter, speaker, word whore.

Jo is the owner of the long-running and hilariously funny parenting blog, Slummy Single Mummy, She also co-hosts at Word Gets Around Networking in Taunton. Jo now boasts a new string to her bow as her debut novel, ‘Playgroups and Prosecco’.

10.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

DISCOUNT CARPETS & BEDS

Beds available for immediate delivery.

The biggest independent roll stockists in the area. Prices from just £5.99m2.

Call: (01643) 702535

Plenty of FREE parking at our showroom at...

Unit 3B, Mart Rd, Minehead TA24 5BJ.

AR

8 Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5UA

Computing

Professional, reliable and friendly computer services

Time for a Spring Clean……..

Computer running slow? Updates driving you crazy? Laptop getting hot? Let AR Computing take your frustrations away and book your PC, laptop or tablet in for a spring service enquiries@arcomputing.co.uk

01643 707381

www.arcomputing.co.uk Sales

Repairs

Upgrades

Data Recovery

Networking .11

A Unique Opportunity for Women

Do something amazing…

Become a mentor!

Do you have a dream? Let us help you action it.

With International Women’s Day fast approaching, many businesses will be jumping on the band wagon to show their support to women all over the world. But what does ‘women’s empowerment’ really mean and how can we truly empower women to live their best lives?

We believe that one of the most effective ways to support women, is to equip them to empower themselves economically.

We are working on a project called Accelerating Women’s Enterprise (AWE) Making a Difference, which aims to help more women overcome the barriers that can stand in their way when setting up a business, enterprise or even community project. If you have a dream that you would like to turn into reality, we would love to hear from you.

We are offering FREE tailored enterprise support, training and guidance through small group start-up workshops and mentoring sessions throughout West Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Gain the knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and confidence necessary to establish a successful enterprise that could help you make a positive impact in your community!

How could being a mentor benefit you?

We have limited spaces available, so please contact kate. campbell@dartington.org | 01803 847081 to request an application form. Alternatively, you can learn more about the AWE project here: www.dartington.org/awe

AWE Making a Difference programme details

Where? Minehead, close to public transport links.

When? Wednesdays (10am – 4:30pm) from 10th June to 15th July, 2020 (6 weeks).

Who is it for? Women who would like to start a business or community project, or who want some support for an early-stage enterprise.

Who can apply? Women living in West Somerset, including Watchet, Williton, Alcombe and Minehead.

Cost? FREE, including a grant for travel costs and carers costs, wherever appropriate.

Request an application form: kate.campbell@dartington.org | 01803 847081

France ( Channel Manche ) England European Regional Development Fund

12.

We are also looking for enthusiastic and supportive mentors in the West Somerset area, who are willing to share their professional experience with one or two women on the AWE Making a Difference start-up programme. One day of fully funded (FREE) mentoring training is provided, with the expectation that you will be able to dedicate just one hour each month to support an appropriately matched aspiring woman entrepreneur on our startup programme. For more information, please get in touch by contacting kate. campbell@dartington.org.

Being a mentor on the AWE programme will look great on your LinkedIn profile, whilst also providing a valuable opportunity to increase your professional network.

Research also shows that volunteering and giving back in meaningful ways can increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Mentors can be men or women.

To sign up or find out more, please contact: kate.campbell@dartington.org 01803 847081 www.dartington.org/awe

accelerating women’s enterprise

EUROPEAN UNION

European Regional Development Fund

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

mini car sales start from ÂŁ2500. all cars are sold with 3 month warranty and full mot.

27 Brunel Way, Mart Rd, Minehead TA24 5BY. TEL: 01643 709097 .13

Somerset Wedding Disco

Your Dream Package Light up twinkling dance floor Giant Mr & Mrs or Love signs

14.

Wireless LED up-lighters Professional wedding DJs

Call Geoff Ryder on 07979 200 241 www.somersetweddingdisco.co.uk Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

Have you seen this bird?

A waxwing was spotted in February on North Hill in Minehead.

Local resident Jon Collis on the Minehead Conversation Group Facebook group posted:

Scientific name: Bombycilla garrulus

Bird family: Waxwings

UK conservation status: Green

Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

“The waxwing which visited us at North Hill last week has been putting in an appearance most days since then and was here again this morning. He hangs around in the nearby beech trees and swoops down to the Cotoneaster tree for a feed every so often. A beautiful bird who has stayed with us, braving the high winds, rain and thunder over the weekend”.

Waxwings are starling-sized, stout-bodied, short-legged birds with an upstanding, pointed crest. They have black throats, black wings with white,

yellow and waxy red markings and yellow-tipped tails.

Just one species breeds in Europe and visits the UK erratically in winter during ‘irruption years’. Irruptions occur when population increases and shortages of food, particularly rowan berries, in its normal European range trigger large movements of birds to the south and west.

One other species of waxwing normally found in North America has appeared in the UK on rare occasions.

Measurements:

Length: 18 cm Weight: 45-70g Wingspan: 32-35cm SOURCE: RSPB

.15

Home-Start West Somerset is a self-funded local charity offering support, practical help and friendship to parents with young children.

It’s a unique service using trained volunteers to visit families in their own homes and provide informal, friendly and confidential support and who may need to gain additional skills or confidence in parenting.

Parents may seek out HSWS’ support themselves, or with their agreement be referred by a statutory agency. Staff and volunteers mentor parents by addressing identified needs. We enable them to parent their children confidently, effectively and independently.

Home-Start West Somerset also provides other forms of support Bump-Start: Preparing you for your birth and the early days of parenting. Ante natal classes and drop-in sessions held all over West Somerset on a regular basis.

Open to all expectant women and their partners.

The antenatal sessions happen monthly and the next sessions have been booked in at the Sanctuary, Watchet for March 2nd and 3rd, the following month will be Minehead in April. We also provide ante natal drop in sessions at Watchet Community centre on Tuesdays 12.30pm to 1.30pm (every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the

month) and at Minehead Eye every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 9.30am to 10.30am.

Baby-Start: It’s easier to bond with your baby if the people around you are supportive and help you develop confidence in your parenting abilities. There are songs, games, sensory sessions, baby massage and story times, specifically designed to help bond newborn with their parents with an experienced mentor who you can trust and rely on for support.

A Baby Start club begins in April in Williton Children Centre.

Story-Start: A monthly group supporting parents to interact, communicate and read with their young children from birth, also sharing good practice in child rearing across our local communities, and building community capacity. We provide Story Start sessions all over West Somerset.

Do something amazing... Become a Volunteer with Home-Start Offer support and friendship to a family in your community. Our committed and caring volunteers offer friendship and informal support to parents with children under the age of seven living in West Somerset.

They visit families at home for 2 – 3 hours each week, and are friendly, approachable people who are relied on and trusted by parents to listen, value and respect the needs of each family. Become a Story Start volunteer, do you have time to read to young children at a monthly Story session?

We are always looking for home visiting volunteers so please get in touch.

Contact us on 01643 707304 or email admin@homestart-westsomerset.org.uk 16.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

FREE*

Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order

Bathing a problem? – we can help • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets Showroom open 7 days, Blackdown Garden Centre, Hockholler West Buckland TA21 9HY 01823 661910

• Disabled Facilities Grants • Discounts for over 60s and EX Service personnel • Charity work and grants

Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote

01643 802439

info@ahminstallations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk *

Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.

Word 135 x 95 v1.indd 1

22/01/2020 19:15

01643 708 085

Unit 3A & 3B Mart Rd, Minehead, TA24 5BJ.

mineheadautobodyrepairs@gmail.com

www.mabr.co.uk

Your local vehicle body repair and spray shop. For all types of vehicles including cars, vans, campervans, motorbikes, classic cars and luxury vehicles. We pride ourselves on providing a ‘Factory Finish’ to all of our work and for this reason our business has grown based upon solid reviews and recommendations.

Scratch Repairs ● Dent Removal ● Smart Repairs ● Full Resprays Colour-coding of Bumpers, Mirrors & Grills ● Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Accident Damage Resprays ● Insurance Claim Work ● Custom Resprays Painting & Colour-coding of Campervan Elevating Roofs To advertise please call us on 01823 765045 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.17

Minehead Literary Festival 2020 Saturday & Sunday, 25th & 26th April

Minehead Literary Festival returns for a second year with a fabulous line-up of speakers, led by Dame Margaret Drabble. Other special attractions include: • A no-charge session for children on Saturday morning, 10.30-11.15am, in the Methodist Church Hall, led by popular children’s author Sam Angus.

The session is free to children and accompanying adults, but registering in advance is essential.

• A Creative Workshop, run by published author Hazel Prior on Saturday afternoon, 2.45-4.15p.m. in the Methodist Church Hall, on writing fiction and getting published. Tickets at £10/£12, are limited and booking essential.

• Fringe event organised by local creative writing group Café Write, Sunday 10:30a.m.-12:30p.m, in the Old Hospital. Writers Helen Baggott and Clare Donoghue will talk about getting published, especially self and virtual publication.

Tickets are available from the Apple Tree Tea Rooms, The Avenue Minehead or call 01643 703921 - & see www.cafewrite.wildapricot.org/ mineheadliteraryfestival.org.uk

Decluttering • Home Staging • Health & Nutrition Lifestyle Planning • Coaching

Do you want to save time?

Sam Angus

Hazel Prior

Early Bird discounted weekend passes for just £30 remain available ‘til March 27th - these and all tickets for MLF 2020 may be booked online at www.mineheadliteraryfestival.org For more information about MLF 2020, please visit the website or call 01643 703921 or email info@mineheadliteraryfestival.org

18.

• • • •

For friends and family To focus on your career To take a holiday and relax To be stress free and enjoy life

I CAN HELP YOU TO ACHIEVE YOUR HOME, HEALTH AND LIFE GOALS!

Contact Helen: Helen Heyns helen@lovelifestyle.org www.lovelifestyle.org 07548 761785

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

Architectural Drawings & Structural Engineering BRO Architecture is modern architectural practice with old fashioned values towards quality customer led design, specialising in planning permission drawings, building regulations and domestic structural engineering most of our projects are undertaken within the South West region.

We design what you want or require, not what we want, we believe in assisting you with your design, as no one knows your requirements and home better than you!

Our services cover: Extensions Loft Conversions New Builds Conversions Orangeries & Conservatories Barn Conversions

We draw upon over 20 years of experience in both the residential and commercial sectors to produce unique and practical solutions to your design requirements.

Mobile: 07508 856621 www.broarchitecture.com info@broarchitecture.co.uk

Steampunk is nothing at all to do with 1970s punk rock. The term was originally coined by science fiction author K W Jeter who was trying to find a general term for books set in a 19th-century (usually Victorian) setting and imitating conventions of such actual Victorian speculative fiction as H G Wells “The Time Machine”, and he was trying to differentiate between that and the “cyberpunk” style of science fiction.

It is basically a family friendly fascination with Victorian Science Fiction and Fantasy - so Jules Verne, H G Wells, Conan Doyle. It encompasses Film, TV, Theatre, Music, Literature, and Fashion, and the only limits are your imagination - it is so easy to join in with, and quite possibly the most fun you can have with your clothes on. The basics are probably already in your grandad’s wardrobe, or the charity shop, so it is not expensive if you want to dress up and join in - for example, for a gentleman a dress shirt, waistcoat, and some sort of hat or cap and you’ve made a great start! Take a look at the photographs - once you’re on that slippery slope it is easy to go completely splendid!

20.

Many enthusiasts find themselves at home with steampunk having discovered it after trying reenactment, live action role-play, and COS-play – as it has perhaps all the best bits of those hobbies but with added liberation to completely “do your own thing” with no rules and no restrictions.

Because it is based on science fiction and fantasy, whatever you want is absolutely right!

From dinosaur hunter to airship pirate, everything is possible and welcomed – after all, H G Wells provided a Time machine, it would be churlish not to take advantage.

If you feel in need of inspiration there are many photographs on the internet, it being a very visual genre, and steampunks are generally only too pleased to have people take photographs of them – after all, why get dressed up if not to show off a little bit? And you can also watch films such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Hugo, The Golden Compass, Wild Wild West, and Mortal Engines, all of which are heavily influenced by steampunk.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

Over the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd there will be a Steampunk Festival in Minehead, under-written once again by the Minehead BID, providing two days of free steampunk-themed family entertainment. New for this year is a visit to Minehead

by The Time Travelling Tea Tent, which will be situated in the garden of The Quay Inn – there you will find Professor Davis and Lady Barnes, demonstrating the proper etiquette of drinking tea, and providing a variety of games for children of all ages from 4 to 94 to join in with, including Hamster Racing and Fox Tossing (toys, no real animals are involved). You don’t need to dress up, but if you do you will be warmly welcomed into the big friendly steampunk community.

5000

A5 flyers / £98.00 130gsm gloss art.

Full colour both sides.

500 Luxury Laminated Business cards / £49.00 450gsm silk art. Velvet lamination.

Full colour both sides.

2500

Letterheads / £98.00 120gsm uncoated.

Full colour one side.

Call: 01984 573025

info@wordgetsaround.co.uk www.wordgetsaround.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JEANETTE MACKLIN PHOTOGRAPHY.

Terms & Conditions apply. 3 working day turnaround on all items from approval. Offer ends 30/04/2020.

Full payment taken before we go to print. Sorry, we no longer accept payment in dog biscuits.

Morris Dancing The history of Morris has various definitions, the earliest records mention ‘Morys’ in court settings in the 15th century, the modern spelling ‘Morris-dance’ appearing in the 17th century. By the late 19th century, Morris dancing was becoming more a local memory, however Cecil Sharp in the 20th century recorded and revived the tradition.

MR. CRIDDLE’S FA MI LY COBBLERS

There’s a new cobbler in town (A new classically trained master cobbler) .

- Plus we offer -

Dry Cleaning Car Keys Security Keys

In the 1950s and 1960s dance teams increased and heated debate followed on the propriety and legitimacy of women dancing the Morris, even though there is evidence in the 16th century of female Morris dancers. There are now female and mixed sides.

West Somerset Morris is a mixed side which was created in 2018. It was formed by the amalgamation of the West Somerset Morris Men (1965) and the mixed West Somerset Border Morris (2015). The side practices on Thursday evenings from September to April at St Audries Village Hall in West Quantoxhead, with dancing out events in the summer.

Summer Programme (first two months) More information on venues, timings and further dance-outs available on the Morris website.

1 May. Minehead May Day from 10.45am 8 May. Milverton VE Day Celebrations 9 May. Somerset Day Bishops Lydeard afternoon 14 May. Goathurst 8.00pm, Bishops Lydeard 9.00pm

Show us this advert and we’ll give you 20% off.

(Excludes dry cleaning. Offer ends 30/04/20)

THE AVENUE, MINEHEAD Unique Hand-Crafted Gifts made in West Somerset

Genuine Horseshoe Key Hangers & Hobbit/Fairy Doors £7 each.

More unique items available on my Facebook Page:

Exmoor WoodCraft

21 May. Stogumber 8.00pm, Bicknoller 9.00pm 28 May. Blue Anchor 8.00pm, St Audries Home Farm 9.00pm 4 June. Winsford 8.00pm, Exford 9.00pm 11 June. Old Cleeve 8.00pm, Dunster 9.00pm 18 June. Watchet from 8.00pm 25 June. Bishops Lydeard 8.00pm, Fitzhead 9.00pm

Interested in joining the West Somerset Morris?

Email: bagman@westsomersetmorris.co.uk Tel: Peter Evans (Bagman) 07845 171079 www.westsomersetmorris.co.uk 22.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

BUYING & SELLING PROPERTY

SHARED OWNERSHIP

CRIMINAL LAW & MOTORING OFFENCES

WILLS PROBATE & TRUSTS

FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE

DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS

EMPLOYMENT LAW

AGRICULTURAL LAW

9 PARKHOUSE ROAD | MINEHEAD | SOMERSET | TA24 8AB B R I D G WAT E R | W E L L I N G T O N | M I N E H E A D | Y E O V I L | M A R T O C K | E X E T E R

A M I C U S L AW.C O.U K | 016 4 3 701 8 8 8

.23

By Patric Maine

BA (Hons) in Film studies.

All reviews are marked out of 10. Anything above 5 is worth seeing, as taste is always subjective and spoilers have been avoided by concentrating on the craft, rather than simply the plot. See bit.ly/Padreviews for the latest reviews.

Late Library Hangouts in West Somerset Libraries!

The Gentlemen (2019) 9/10

Great script, top notch acting by a superb cast. Standout acting

by Colin Farrell as coach. Full of back stabbing and sculduggery, a story that marries the best of the Ealing crime comedy capers of the 1960s. It’s full of clever scripting, superb cinematography, editing and camera work. This is a film you’ll leave having enjoyed your two hours and got your money’s worth :)

Bad boys for life (2020) 2/10

With a successful franchise behind it it’s been a box office smash, there was talk his career was on the slide - so if you don’t care what you watch and want to share a crowded cinema then this one is for you. The story was almost a repeat of Gemini Man - there is nothing good about this film I can say except if you loved the other two you’ll probably like this... possibly.

The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) 9/10

In 2020 it shouldn’t matter who plays who, acting is a skill not defined by colour , race or creed so I commend the choice of each character - your vision of Dickens Victorian Britain will be redefined. Anyone who has listened to or seen Mark Evans interpretation of Dickens in The bleak old shop of stuff or Bleak expectations will be in for a treat.

Armando Iannucci has produced another masterpiece after The Death of Stalin. Superb interpretation, script, acting, plot, locations, make up, costume and lighting.

Minehead, Dulverton and Williton are running free ‘Late Library Hangouts’ – an after-hours club where young people can meet with friends, blitz that homework or just relax!

All ages welcome and no need to book… just come along and enjoy!

Bombshell (2019) 10/10

It’s brave of Hollywood to tackle this subject and release it when one of its own most successful producers is in the dock for the same thing. What stood out most, apart from the superb acting of Charlize Theron and John Lithgow, was the make up - particularly on the fore-mentioned. Superb cameo by Malcolm McDowell who stole the show. The narration helped fill you in on the back story and the film ran to its conclusion without revealing which way it would go building up the tension and drama.

1917 (2019) 7/10

Take a dollop of Saving Private Ryan, take the finale of Gallipoli and parts of The Water Diviner and you have 1917. The story, the cinematography and the craft of the hand held one shot were all compelling. It doesn’t have the charm of War Horse but the revelations of the aftermath of battle give it a realism that many other films overlook. It won’t satisfy those who want to see an action war film. It’s a linear story with an against the odds plot that you can absorb yourself in. The emotion of the final scene makes it a must see, watch with low expectations and you’ll love it.The emotion of the final scene makes it a must see , watch with low expectations and you’ll love it .

24.

Dulverton: 4.30 – 6.30 pm.

Wednesdays (during Term Time)

Minehead: 4.30 – 7.00 pm. Thursdays (during Term time) Williton: 4.30 – 7.00 pm. Mondays (during Term time)

For more information contact us: www.somerset.gov.uk/Hangouts Email: FBroome@somerset.gov.uk Or pop in to any of the libraries - staff will be happy to help!

BRINGING THE BEST BRANDS TO WEST SOMERSET SINCE 2009.

Having lived in Somerset for over 35 years it has been my pleasure to transform hundreds of homes in the region. Our dedication to premium quality means the project is not over until you are completely satisfied with your dream project.

Once all your details have come together, everything is sourced and an installation date is arranged for your project to take place. And as your local expert we only use quality fitters and technicians who are local to the area.

Maybe you’ve just moved into your new home and want to set your mark on it with a stylish new kitchen fitted with modern appliances. Or perhaps it’s time to make a splash and refresh your bathroom to a luxurious standard? Does your bedroom need a facelift with tailor made, space saving, fitted wardrobes?

Give me a call and we can discuss bringing your ideas to life in 2020.

As an independent and trusted local retailer we are authorised dealers for many leading manufacturers. But with so many suppliers and a bewildering array of products on the market, it’s not easy to find exactly what you want.

Call us on:

Here’s where I come in. As your project manager I will guide you along your journey. This begins with a visit to your home, where you will be able to discuss in detail what your dream project will be.

An outing to our local studio showroom will also give you the opportunity to explore the comprehensive selection of samples and see and feel the quality of the excellent products offered.

01984 624700 Come and see us: Ground Floor 1, The Courtyard, Higher Ford, Wiveliscombe, TA4 2RL. Visit us online: sales@homefrontdesign.uk.com www.homefrontdesign.uk.com .25

The Last Word-Book Review With John Fish

The Silent Patient

By Alex Michaelides Published by Orion (Released: 12th December 2019) 352 Pages PB £7.99

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides has now sold over a million copies worldwide and is the thriller everyone is talking about and will be a major film soon.

This really is a superb debut thriller that has a shocking twist at the very end of the story that I never saw coming. Alicia Berenson is an artist and had the perfect life with her fashion photographer husband Gabriel. Then one day she took his gun and shot him in the head five times. Cold and brutal murder. Alicia was tried and convicted of his murder but she never spoke since the murder. It is now six years later and she is in The Grove a secure psychiatric unit and she has remained totally silent since.

Arriving to work at The Grove is Theo Faber a psychotherapist who believes he can get behind the story of Alicia and get her to start to speak about what really happened on that day six years ago. The public and press have tried and convicted Alicia but is there a story behind Alicia after all why would she murder the man she adored? Theo has the biggest challenge of his professional life. But running alongside this challenge Theo has problems in his own personal life and the work with Alicia is becoming something of an obsession.

Can he get Alicia to open up and talk or will she remain silent forever? Totally absorbing psychological thriller with some more than interesting characters and a real punch of a twist at the end.

The Volunteer: The True Story of the Resistance Hero Who Infiltrated Auschwitz

By Jack Fairweather Published by WH Allen (Released: 9th January 2020) 528 Pages PB £7.99 Winner of the 2019 Costa Book of the Year Award this is the remarkable true story of a courageous man. Witold Pilecki a former cavalry officer in the Polish army joined the Polish resistance and volunteered to be captured and sent to Auschwitz Concentration Camp in the Summer of 1940.

What we know now about Auschwitz, the world did not know in that Summer.

Witold Pilecki arrived at Auschwitz to gather information about the fate of those sent to the Concentration Camp, but that was not all. Pilecki was also going to try and start an underground network within the camp. If found, he would face certain death along with many others. What Pilecki witnessed in those early days was daily beatings and murder as well as starvation. Over the next two and a half years Pilecki witnessed the start of the mass murder of Jews arriving at the camp. He managed to get out reports of the death camp as well as starting sabotage and killing Nazi officers.

In April 1943 Witold Pilecki managed to escape and found his way back to Warsaw to pass on detailed reports of the death camp which would be passed to the allies in the hope they would bomb the camp. It never happened. The world now knows the full horror of what took place at Auschwitz. At the war’s end Pilecki always believed he failed those he left behind. After the war the war Poland had new rulers. Pilecki was arrested and tried for treason faced brutal interrogation and then executed by the secret police.

Read more of John’s book reviews at: www.thelastwordbookreview.wordpress.com 26.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

Home & Live-in Care We're with you, every step of the way

For many people the questions about care don’t arise until suddenly, there is a need.

Bluebird Care can provide home visits and live-in care, supporting you to remain as independent as possible, living the lifestyle you choose.

How you or your loved one can benefit: • One-to-one care with your own personal team • Continue living the life you choose within your local community • Living in the comfort of your own home where you feel safe and secure • Personalised care package with our team always on hand

Contact our friendly team to find out more about our home care service today

01643 459199 sedgemoorandwsomerset@bluebirdcare.co.uk bluebirdcare.co.uk /minehead We are independently regulated

Wills / Mirror Wills / Family Trusts / Business Trusts / Lasting Powers of Attorney Care Fees Protection / Inheritance Tax Savings / Generational Wealth Planning / Probate / Funeral Plans Asset Protection / Equity Release / Conveyancing / Executors &Trustees / FREE Will Reviews

Paul Clark - Specialist Will & Estate Planner BSc(Hons) ACII

FPC CeMAP CeRER MLIA(dip)

Ensuring YOUR wealth stays within YOUR family.

Protect Assets Today for the Generations that Follow. www.westcountrywills.co.uk Rattle Row Chambers, Dunster, Somerset, TA24 6AS. .27

Working together for a safer and stronger community.

With Sue Mountstevens

In February, the Police and Crime Panel backed my decision to increase the policing part of the council tax by £10 a year – less than 84p a month – for the average band D household.

This decision follows a public consultation with local people who said they would support such an increase in the precept.

I was delighted that the Panel supported my decision but I am always conscious that any increase in household bills is felt by local people. I never take the decision to raise the policing part of the council tax lightly.

Until the PCC election in May, it continues to be a priority of mine to put victims first and this precept increase means we can invest in an additional 75 police staff investigators who will help improve outcomes for victims. It has never been more important to ensure victims have a voice, feel encouraged to speak out and come forward.

root causes of terrible serious violence offences that causes such harm to young individuals, families and communities. We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to stop young people becoming victims of serious violence.

PC Sam Donati has recently moved to the Constabulary’s Road Policing Unit. However, your local PCSOs are always on hand to help with your policing concerns. After speaking to the team, I am aware there have been numerous phone scams that involve promising local people they will receive a cheque in the post in exchange for bank details.

It’s important for everyone to remain vigilant against such scams, especially as it tends to be the elderly and vulnerable who are targeted by offenders.

of such scams to stop others becoming victims.

As you might have already seen, after two exciting, challenging and productive terms as an independent PCCC, I have decided I will not be putting myself forward for re-election in May. It’s a decision I have made with mixed emotions but absolute conviction that, after eight years of working with the police, key partners and local people, it is the right decision.

It’s important that local know they can vote for their new PCC on May 7 2020 to ensure you have a say in how your police service works for you. Whoever is elected will have the full support of one of the most outstanding Chief Constables in the country who will work with the PCC to continue to keep communities safe.

Please do make sure family, friends and neighbours are aware

Concerns have quite rightly been growing across the country as we hear of more young people becoming involved in serious violence. The additional funding will also go towards maintaining the 15 additional PCSOs who are working closely with local schools. Such work allows the Constabulary and partners to intervene early and identify the

If you wish to contact the PCC, please email pcc@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk, phone 01278 646188 or write to the following address: Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Police Headquarters, Valley Road, Portishead, BS20 8JJ. 28.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

01643 703347 info@parkslane.co.uk www.parkslane.co.uk Parks Lane, Minehead, TA24 5NU. We have a wide range of furniture available, from our bedroom, dining room or lounge pieces.

SOFAS, FIRESIDE CHAIRS, ELECTRIC AND MANUAL RECLINERS.

Take a look in our bed store and find the right bed just for you. From single to super king, sprung to memory foam, there are so many for you to choose from.

PLENTY IN STOCK AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY.

● All our floor fitters are professionally trained. ● Our attention to detail is second to none. ● In a nutshell, we are competitively priced, highly skilled & thrive on looking after our customers. ● Call us on 01643 703347 for a FREE measure & quote. ● Home selection is also available.

0% Apr interest free finance now available on all flooring, furniture, beds over £500.

01643 707707 paulparkslane@aol.com www.parkslane.co.uk 5 Parks Street, Minehead, TA24 5NQ. ● Made to measure curtains and blinds. ● FREE measure, quote & fitting. ● Visit our beautiful showroom or home selection is available. ● Shutters, canopies and awnings. ● First Class customer service. ● Competitive prices.

0% Apr interest free finance now available on all made to measure curtains and blinds over £500.

.29

MATHS AND ENGLISH DROP IN SESSIONS IN YOUR AREA

MINEHEAD WILLITON DULVERTON STOGURSEY

COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY DROP IN'S TO FIND OUT: HOW TO BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT YOUR CHILDREN WITH THEIR HOMEWORK, FIND EMPLOYMENT OR PROGRESS IN YOUR CURRENT JOB WHAT’S INVOLVED IN TAKING A COURSE?

WHAT COURSES ARE ON OFFER?

WHAT COURSE LEVEL SUITS YOU BEST?

DATES TIMES LOCATIONS MINEHEAD 24/02/2020 MONDAY

MINEHEAD 26/02/2020 WEDNESDAY

WILLITON 25/02/2020 TUESDAY

WILLITON 27/02/2020 THURSDAY

DULVERTON 26/02/2020 WEDNESDAY

5 - 7PM

9 - 11AM

10 - 11AM

5 - 7PM

5- 7PM

THE BEACH HOTEL TA24 5AP

THE OLD HOSPITAL THE AVENUE TA24 5LY

EMPLOYMENT HUB CHILDRENS CENTRE TA4 4QA

WILLITON PAVILION TA4 4QA

LOWER TOWN HALL DULVERTON TA22 9EX

DULVERTON 28/02/2020 FRIDAY

STOGURSEY 02/03/2020 MONDAY

10AM -12:30 9:30 - 11AM DULVERTON LIBRARY TA22 9EX

CHURCH ROOMS CASTLE STREET TA5 1PR

STOGURSEY 05/03/2020 THURSDAY

5- 7PM CHURCH ROOMS CASTLE STREET TA5 1PR

BECCY BROWN 01984 600181 / 07900608275 b.brown@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk

30.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

This website has been created to help you find out more about the wide range of Degrees, Foundation Degrees, Degree Apprenticeships, Higher Education, Professional Qualifications and courses on offer in Somerset and how to access them.

Providers of Higher Education (HE) across Somerset have worked together to provide the latest information on courses, campuses, study options, funding and FAQs, We hope that this will help you understand the great opportunities for studying and living in Somerset.

WWW.STUDYUPSOMERSET.ORG.UK We Are Undefeatable Campaign Over 1 in 4 people live with at least one long-term health condition and these numbers are rising.

You are twice as likely to be inactive if you have a health condition, however being active can help to manage over 20 long-term conditions such as depression and type 2 diabetes; it reduces the risk of developing some conditions by up to 40% and can delay the onset of and reduce the severity of many health conditions.

For the first time ever, 15 leading health and social care charities have launched a national campaign and movement to inspire and support people with health conditions to be active.

The campaign is inspired by, and features, the real-life experiences of people with health conditions getting active despite the ups, downs and unpredictability of their condition.

The campaign “We Are Undefeatable” aims to support people living with health conditions to build physical activity into their lives, in a way that their condition allows, and to celebrate every victory big or small.

You feel more inclined to try a little bit harder.

I’m looking forward now in a much more positive frame of mind.

Inspiring and encouraging those living with long term health conditions in Somerset, to be active and move more, in ways that work for them.

For more information visit:

www.sasp.co.uk/long-term-conditions

Tel: 01823 653990 Join our Facebook Group: We Are Undefeatable Somerset #WeAreUndefeatable #MoveMore #WAUsomerset

#WeAreUndefeatable

.31

BRAIN TR

AIN

Cognitiv e tr ainin g is a program of regula r activitie that help s to mainta in or improve one’s co gnitive abilities.

Give the

Hi! I’m Petee.

My friend Charlie the Chameleon is great at hiding. He’s hidden somewhere within this magazine. See if you can spot him and email us with where he is.

Email: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk*

se a tr y.

Across 1 Deactivate, neutralise (6) 4 Infinite, grandiose (6) 9 Sturdy, powerful canine (7) 10 Disinterested (5) 11 Devoted, faithful (5) 12 Before the court (2,5) 13 Dinner jacket and white shirt

(coll) (7,4) 18 Kenyan capital (7) 20 Seraph (5) 22 Perch (at night) (5) 23 Displeasure, chagrin (7) 24 Expressive verse (6) 25 Breathe out (6) Down 1 Tinker, play at (6) 2 Frivolous, nonsensical (5) 3 Danger sign (3,4) 5 Curved path around a planet (5) 6 Gin cocktail (7) 7 Snuggle, caress (6) 8 Humiliating (11) 14 Personification (7) 15 Crate used as a makeshift

stand for a speaker (7) 16 Implicate, seduce (6) 17 Sheep’s woolly coat (6) 19 Exterior (5) 21 Tropical fruit (5)

Riddle me this

Sudoku How to play...

TIME! Can you find 25 Spring items below?

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

What 8 letter word can have a letter taken away and it still makes a word.

Take another letter away and it still makes a word. Keep on doing that until you have one letter left. What is the word?

1. In which year did Culture Club have a UK number one single with Karma Chameleon?

2. Which radio DJ had the catchphrase “Not ‘Arf pop pickers”?

32.

1. 10 gallons of carrot juice will kill a person.

2. The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

3. Beer was classified as a soft drink in Russian until 2011.

4. Roughly half a human body is red blood cells.

5. Dogs can learn up to 250 words and gestures.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

CELEBRATING 50YRS AS A SMALL INDEPENDENT BUSINESS IN MINEHEAD. We are offering customers a 10% Discount on Paint & Sundries on production of this Advertisement.

Shop Local & Live Colourfully

01643 702868

Unit 1-2, Vennland Business Park.

MART ROAD, Minehead, TA24 5DX

Only available on purchases over £10. F&B, LG & Wallpaper Excluded. Selected Lines Exc. Please ask in store.

.33

Before Gary Mills became a recognised tutor and working textile artist in the southwest his first choice of career was to follow in the family business of catering as he grew up in his parent’s hotel in Ilfracombe.

Although after a short time he realised that to satisfy his creative passions, he would have to perhaps seek a different career path. At 25 years of age he took himself back to College to study a foundation in art, which led to studying a degree in fashion design, graduating with a BA Honours in 1998.

An extensive career soon developed in the fashion & textile design industry, working freelance for a broad range of commissions from evening wear to even developing ideas for Action Man the doll. In 2000 Gary set up his own label, ‘Gary Mills Designs 4u’, working from his own studio and shop in Topsham Devon continuing to design top of the range couture evening wear for a private client base. It was during this time that Gary began to spend some of his time invited back at his former

College to work with undergraduates studying fashion and textiles.

In 2007 he was asked if he would take the position as lead tutor in Fashion Design for the degree programme which he accepted. His career thus progressed over the next 10 years into the world of academia, later becoming The Head of Fashion, Textiles and Surface Design for the University Centre of Somerset.

In 2017 Gary made the bold decision to once again “go solo” and left the main stream of teaching and higher education, to pursue his passion in exploring his own practice and style, but he still wanted to continue teaching his skills in creative textiles, in all its many forms.

Gary says, “Over these past 3 years I now find I have the clarity and time to pursue and expand my own practice development from designer to artist; I personally find the two areas of the creative spectrum merge and separate as I travel along this journey. Being fortunate to live and work on Exmoor I am drawn to the National Park for inspiration in exploring imagery taken from this environment which often appears in my workshops and outcomes”

Gary is presently a featured tutor for The WI creative residential college of Denman situated in Oxford, which sees him running master classes in contemporary textiles and fashion garment making. Alongside this he is a tutor for both The Embroiders Guild and for The West Country Embroiderers where he enjoys pushing the boundaries of the traditional approaches to needle craft in his own style of approach to the subject.

Gary exhibits his own two- and three-dimensional work through Somerset Arts and Go Create Taunton. Examples of processes explored are thus far in applique, paint, print, machine embroidery and hand stitch. He also returns to his formal training in fashion design and pattern cutting with creative forms in garments for the body but also producing more playful examples in morphed human / animal figures in his extensive portfolio of work.

Now in the year 2020, Gary’s diary is brimming with classes and workshops held both locally in the South West and further afield across the UK.

Classes and Workshops • Threads is a family run business supplying Fabric, Wool and Haberdashery in West Somerset and beyond.

We offer warm, friendly service and advice, as well as an everexpanding range of items for all your needlecraft projects.

• • • • • • •

Over 500 bolts of Patchwork Fabric Soft Furnishing fabric Garment making fabric Wool for knitting and crochet Net Curtains Haberdashery Needlecraft Books

• • • • •

Foam cut to size Agents for Sewing Machines Soft Furnishing making service Sewing Machine service and repair Garment alterations

Dry Cleaning Service We are open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.30am to 3.00pm Closed Bank Holidays

• • • • • • • • • •

Tues. 3 Mar. – Sewing Machine Familiarisation with Jackie, 7pm to 9pm - £20.00 per person Fri. 6 Mar. – Somerset Star Block with Jackie, 10am to 4pm - £25.00 per person Wed. 11 Mar. Upholstery Workshop with George Parsons, 10am to 1pm over 4 weeks - £50 per person Fri. 13 Mar. – Needleturn Appllque with Gary Mills, 10am to 4pm - £30.00 per person (plus materials) Sat. 14 Mar. – Beginners Patchwork with Julia Langley, 10am to 4pm - £35.00 per person (includes some fabric) Tues. 17 Mar. – Applique Bag with Julia Langley, 10am to 4pm - £30.00 per person Fri. 20 Mar. – Flower Arranging with Debbie & Pat, 10am to 1pm - £25.00 per person Fri. 27 Mar. – ‘Easter Project’ with Gary Mills, 10am to 4pm - £30.00 per person (plus materials) Tues. 21 Apr. – Sewing Machine Mat with Julia Langley, 10am to 4pm - £30.00 per person Wed. 22 Apr. - Sewing Machine Familiarisation with Jackie, 7pm to 9pm - £20.00 per person Sat. 25 Apr. - Young Sewers Patchwork with Sally Scyner, 10am to 1pm - £10.00 per person

Central House, Summerland Place Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BT T: 01643 708372 W: www.threadsofminehead.com

34.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Mobility Scooters Wheelchairs Rise and recline chairs Electric rising beds Walking aids and sticks Cosyfeet and Sandpiper extra roomy footwear Bathing aids Bath lifts Daily living aids Servicing and repairs Hire services

Call us on 01643 709000 or visit our showroom at 8 Park Street, Minehead www.independentlivingminehead.co.uk

Local insurance broker providing competitive quotes for Motor, Household, Let & Unoccupied properties, Listed buildings and travel.

Visit our friendly experienced team at 45 St James Street, Taunton (opposite the Ring of Bells Pub).

Call us on 01823 277188 or visit our website Bruford.co.uk

12 Ponsford Road, Minehead, TA24 5DQ. Have you considered living in a supported environment?

It might be more affordable than you think!

Cost of living alone per week

Cost of living at Broadlands per week

Rent

£150

From £337

Electricity & Gas

£30

Included in rent

Council Tax

£75

Included in rent

Water rates

£30

Included in rent

Home insurance

£25

Included in rent

Food

£50

Included in rent

Gardener

£10

Included in rent

Domestic help

£20

Included in rent

TOTAL

£390

From £337

For more information and a brochure call

Providing insurance for over

01643 702849

info@broadlandshomes.co.uk .35

The Diaries Of

Ginger

George West Somerset’s Top Cat - the word on the street.

What a start to the year! Constant wind, rain and the cold. If there is one thing I hate more than the cold is….no sorry cold is the worst thing. I have managed to stay indoors most of the time but I’m not in anyone’s good books at the moment.

I cannot understand what I have done, a few hairs left on the settee maybe, nor have I brought any more dead rats into the house. I’m not flavour of the month. I need a ‘Love thy cat’ campaign, but what? I was flush right out of ideas when suddenly a huge van pulls up next door. They are moving out! I sit in the window and watch four men carry all the furniture from the house into the van.

Time to move, out the cat flap and into the back of the van, snuggle down on the settee. “Come on cat you cant lie there”, shouts one of the men.

He picks me up and puts me down in the garden.

Give it tens minutes and pop back inside again.

“Now cat I’ve told you once before, go on, get out of it”, he shouts again. I scarper quickish like, whilst the men resume loading. They have a last cup of tea before closing up and driving off.

Now about seven streets away lives an elderly spinster by the name of Miss Bingham. She has no idea where I live, so I shoot around there and scratch the back door. “Ohh it’s Larry”, she gasped”. “You’ve come back to see me”. Yes I know, why she calls me that I’ll never know.

Anyway out comes pilchards, mackerel, sweetie treats, catnip and I make it my home for the next seven days. I’m beginning to get over pampered, not good when you have to stay in tip-top condition.

Shall I limp?. No, limp could mean vets. Pull in the stomach muscles to look thin.

“Mum, Mum he’s back”, screams Harriet. “They said he wasn’t in the back of that van but I’m sure he was, that’s 130 miles away”, Shout’s Daddy.

“Oh you poor, poor cat and you have walked all the way back too us you must be starving”.

Well no I’m not starving, in fact I have been overfed but for appearances sake I had to scoff down a whole bowl of Morrisons’s finest. Worked a treat; brushed, allowed on the bed, stroked, fresh food, well this is more like it but I do feel sorry for Miss Bingham, I’ll have to pop by now and again, even if it’s for the pilchards.

Need someone to look after your pets and house, whilst you're away?

Looking for a dog walker?

Need someone to pop in to visit your pets whilst you’re out?

I make my way back home, but on the way roll in some muddy puddle, a run through the long wet grass and there we are, one bedraggled war weary looking cat. Well look at that, fame at last, there’s a picture of me attached to a lamp post.

Whole family is in, that’s good and “Crash” through the cat flap, collapse on the kitchen floor.

36.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Approved

FIND BUSINESSES YOU CAN TRUST SAVE WATER - SAVE MONEY W AT E R M A N A G E M E N T S Y S T E M

THE INTELLIGENT WATER SAVING SOLUTION TO URINAL FLUSH CONTROL An uncontrolled 3 gallon urinal system flushing just 4 times an hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year uses over 100,000 gallons of water per annum.

From plumbers or electricians to pet services or wedding DJs, when you need to find a trustworthy local business, you can find it at Buy With Confidence

Start your search here

www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Can cut water and sewerage bills by up to 80% and pay or themselves within the first twelve months.

Designed to keep within the requirements of the water byelaws Easy and quick to install / Used in major locations in the UK Greenflow’s unique Master Programmer allows memory access to easily analyse performance.

Buy for £186.00 (inc vat) including installation Buy for £124.99 (inc vat) self installation Contact us today and start saving money!

Tel: 07742 752069 Email: greenflowwatersaving@gmail.com www.greenflowsensaflow.co.uk

YOUR BOILER HAS KEPT YOU WARM ALL WINTER. TREAT IT TO A SERVICE IT DESERVES… AND SAVE MONEY! Boiler Services & All Appliances Checks Landlord Safety Checks All Gas Appliances Repairs Cooker Installs / Fires Central Heating & General Plumbing LPG Checks including Caravans Special offer from April - September £40 for service/landlord safety check (includes certificate)

Call Ernie today for your FREE quote on 07718 181 106.

Call Andy on 07444 057478 www.facebook.com/agplumbinggas Credit Cards not accepted

.37

Emergency & Useful numbers Emergency Services 999 Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard Unable to speak?

Dial 999 and 55 when prompted Non-Emergency Police number Non-Emergency medical call Emergency number world wide Gas emergencies Electric power cut helpline Wessex Water emergency Environmental Agency Flood or pollution Samaritans Childline Taunton & West Somerset Council

101 111 112 0800 111 999 105 0345 600 4600 0800 80 70 60 116 123 0800 1111 0300 304 8000

Pharmacies Alcombe Tesco Minehead Boots Minehead Lloyds Pharmacy Irnham Lodge Porlock Pharmacy Quantock Pharmacy Watchet Dulverton Pharmacy

01643 703478 0117 2913890 01643 702004 01643 702007 01643 862455 01984 631343 01398 323359

Local Surgeries Williton Watchet Minehead Medical Centre Dunster & Porlock Surgeries

01984 632701 01984 634365 01643 703441 01643 821244

Somerset West & Taunton Council Minehead Town Council First Bus Somerset Berry’s Coaches Trainline Booking

0300 304 8000 01643 707213 0345 646 0707 01823 331356 0871 244 1545

Health Services & Organisations Barnfield, Minehead Beacon Centre, Taunton Chiropractor (Sally White)

01643 701 755 01823 344 240 01984 640 625

Community District Nurses (Williton Hosp) Dental Helpline Midwives Fern Ward-Out of Hours Physio (Bridgwater Booking Office) Somerset Direct (Adult Social Care) Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service (SDAS) Somerset PCT Pals National

0300 124 5607 0300 127 691 01823 342 571 01278 436 733 0300 123 2224 0300 303 8788 0800 085 1067

Hospitals Minehead Musgrove Park Somerset Nuffield Williton Community

Schools/ Colleges

West Somerset College Danesfield C of E School Minehead Middle School Minehead First School

St Michaels First School Knights Templer First School St. Peters C of E First School Old Cleeve First School Dunster First School

Timberscombe First School

Other Numbers

West Somerset Radio West Somerset Free Press Minehead Information Centre Minehead Town Council Offices Watchet Town Council Williton Parish Council Minehead Advice Centre Regal Theatre Townsend House Trust Carhampton Rec & Youth Club Old Cleeve Community Hall Tithe Barn Dunster Porlock Village Hall

01643 701701 01823 333 444 0800 015 5020 01984 635 600 01643 706061 01984 632581 01643 704191 01643 704191 01643 702759 01984 634385 01984 632480 01984 640232 01643 821254 01643 841259 01643 652844 01984 632731 01643 702624 01643 707213 01984 633344 01984 633979 0800 8021808 01643 706430 01643 706258 07704 512896 01984 641448 01643 821658 01643 863117

Whilst every effort is made to print accurate information the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors, emissions or changes that might appear. Please contact us should you see any.

38.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.

Polly Ester Without a doubt, my favourite Robin Williams move is Mrs. Fire.

11 Willie Seeus If I don’t perfect human cloning, I won’t be able to live with myself.

6

Wanda Rinn She wanted a puppy. But I didn’t want a puppy. So we compromised and got a puppy.

32

Aretha Holly eBay is so useless. I tried to look up lighters and all they had was 13,749 matches.

14

Ann Afenda Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

7 Tanya Hyde I hate Russian dolls, they’re so full of themselves.

44 Lucy Fer I just found out I’m colour-blind. The diagnosis came completely out of the purple.

10

OUR MAY/JUNE DEADLINE IS 22nd APRIL.

TAUNTON 30,000 copies WEST SOMERSET 14,000 copies TAUNTON

TAUNTON

£45.00*

£95.00*

WEST SOMERSET

WEST SOMERSET

PER ISSUE

PER ISSUE

PER ISSUE

£38.00*

PER ISSUE

£65.00*

TAUNTON

£195.00* PER ISSUE

WEST SOMERSET

£110.00* PER ISSUE

TAUNTON

£395.00* PER ISSUE

WEST SOMERSET

£195.00* PER ISSUE

RIDDLE ANSWER: PLUS OUR SMALL ADVERTS!

TAUNTON £30.00* WEST SOMERSET £26.00* (SIZE 45MM X 32.5MM)

Advertise in both our magazines and get 10% off the total price per issue.

Sign up for a year (6 issues) and get 25% off the price of the 6th issue.

We offer 10% off for charities. FREE artwork on all adverts.

The word is starting! starting, staring, string, sting, sing, sin, in, I.

POP QUIZ: 1. 1983 2. Alan Freeman

To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of the advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted under the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Word Gets Around Magazines does not endorse any advertising material included in this publication All rights reserved. Word Gets Around Magazines is registered in England and Wales No. 11422005. Word Gets Around Magazines Ltd hold no liability for supplied artwork from advertisers and contributors and views or advice contained within.

.39

ARE YOU USING YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND? “It’s the best home improvement we have ever made.

Our conservatory is now our dining room in the garden.”

Mike Millis, Middleton On Sea

SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE

LATER THAT DAY

*Quote Ref WGA0320 • COOLER IN SUMMER • WARMER IN WINTER BEFORE

SUBSTANTIAL SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE ON OUR INSULATED CONSERVATORY ROOFING PANELS We’re planning to make insulation a must have addition to every conservatory across the UK. We are therefore offering a SUBSTANTIAL SUBSIDY to a limited number of suitable properties in selected areas. To find out more about the benefits that the Green Space system can offer and see if your conservatory is suitable for any potential subsidies, contact us now.

Call free on:

CONSERVATORY ROOFS

0800 65 25 157 www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk

*Finance subject to status, T&C’s apply.

Subsidies are limited by area and not guaranteed. Putting off your enquiry could reduce the potential subsidy available to you 40.

Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.