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ISSUE 40 .1

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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: 01823 765045 Artwork to: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

I’m delighted to be back with our magazines again. I hope you have kept safe and well during this crisis. Many businesses in the area have been hit hard with reports of closures. We are an area that relies on tourism, and without tourists we suffer badly. As we look forward to ‘normality’ we must support each other by buying local. It makes a real difference to our economy, and our future. I see that some of the businesses have adapted new ideas in the way they have operated. Some cafés, shops and restaurants have started to home deliver and have found new ways to trade. We have used our lockdown time as productively as we could, by embracing Zoom, and going ‘LIVE’ on YouTube and Facebook. We set up ‘one to one’ interviews with business owners across Somerset, under the ‘Meet the Business’ banner. This has proved very popular and we are trying to get funding to promote some West Somerset businesses in the same way. We have also set up the Word Gets Around Business Chat Show, going out live with guest speakers. We have an established business network, so wanted a place for others to share advice, knowledge and expertise (see pages 14-15).

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As time moves on there are less and less restrictions, but we are not out of the woods yet. The threat of a second wave is out there. We are so lucky to live in the most beautiful place in the world and at least we can get out and enjoy our countryside. It makes me wonder the mental pressure it would put you under if we lived in a tower block somewhere. I think the lockdown has given us time to reflect on where we have been, and evaluate our lives for the future, reconnect with nature and time spent with our loved ones.

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Cheddon Road Isolation Hospital. With Nick Chipchase As we are living in remarkable times I thought that I would look at some local historical parallels. This image shows the Isolation Hospital at Cheddon Road around 1925. Most of the patients you see in the image will be recovering from TB (Tuberculosis ). The Taunton and District Joint Isolation Hospital ran until 1945. From 1919 to 1961 it was partnered by the Quantock Lodge Sanitorium which essentially became redundant due to the rise in antibiotic treatments. The Taunton hospital was built 1878 -79 and with later additions included a laundry, nurse’s hostel, office, pavilion ward block ( shown in the image ), ward block, and porter’s lodge. The hospital plan was based on a military-style hospital and other pavilion-style hospitals though it is an unusual overall design. From 1945 to 1965 the hospital operated as the Taunton Isolation and Chest Hospital. It closed in 1986 after amalgamating with East Reach and Musgrove Hospitals. Early on East Reach 4.

Hospital had a small pavilion ward overlooking gardens on the East side. Infectious diseases have become part of everyday life for centuries. How we cope and deal with them has changed and still open to much debate. In the 1930’s Cheddon Road mostly dealt with TB cases which were particularly prevalent in the 1930s. Like Covid-19 it can be spread by droplets and particularly affects the lungs. In later years the hospital treated other diseases like Scarlet Fever. TB was previously known as “ Consumption “. Its origins date back 9,000 years. Vaccination and treatment curtailed TB and you may remember your BCG injection from your schooldays.BCG was introduced in 1953 and by 1956 300,000 UK school children had been vaccinated. In more recent years there has been a resurgence in TB cases as drugresistant strains have appeared.

1957-1959 saw the emergence of another pandemic in the UK. In some ways it parallels that of today. I remember the Asian Flu well. Myself and Mum and Dad were too ill to even help each other. There were upwards of 9 million cases in the UK with a directly associated mortality rate of 9,000. Vaccination and treatment curtailed this outbreak but it re-emerged in a different form in 1968 with more serious consequences. Even in later years, we have seen other such problems appear. All of this is exacerbated by the way society has evolved. We are much more mobile now. More reliant on technology and far less selfsupportive than we used to be. If anything history teaches us that nothing is really ‘new’. Things re occur politically, socially, medically, and in other ways. Ultimately we have to adjust our lives, learn to cope, and move forward. The current pandemic will pass but will not be the end of a cycle going back over 9,000 years.

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Taunton Independent Market goes online. Itâ€™s never been easier to support your small and local businesses with the Taunton Independent Market online. With over 30 artisan food and drink producers signed up to the shop, showcasing an excess of 300 local products ranging from plants, flowers, cheese, fruit and vegetables, meat, award-winning pies, scotch eggs, cakes, gin, chocolate, cider, bread, vegan food, street food and much more, there is sure to be something for everyone. Order by 2pm, on Thursday for Saturday delivery and have your produce delivered straight to your door! Delivery just ÂŁ3.95 to Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Ilminster, Bishops Lydeard, Wiveliscombe and everywhere in between. The plan is that, once the Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed, the Taunton Independent Market Online will continue to run alongside the monthly markets on Castle Green. To advertise please call us on 01823 765045 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

Lockdown life and a time for reflection With Jo Middleton

To describe my emotional state over the last few months as ‘mixed’ would be a serious understatement. I don’t generally read or watch the news, preferring to exist in my own bubble of cats and gin and bourbon biscuits, but I can remember back in March, news of the virus starting to seep into my consciousness. We had a holiday booked in Amsterdam and were due to fly in a few days time. I was undecided about what to do - cancelling would mean losing hundreds of pounds, and surely nothing THAT bad was going to happen? I’d give it another day or two I decided, and see how things panned out. The next day Amsterdam announced the

closure of all of its museums and reluctantly we pulled the plug. A week later, around the time we would have been due to come home, the news was full of stories of people stranded abroad as the world started to go into lockdown.

let me off the hook and allowed me to breathe. I felt happy and content - selfish perhaps given the tragedy unfolding around me - but I’m sure I’m not the only one who has sometimes relished the slower pace.

The weeks and months since then have been an emotional rollercoaster, a life in a strange new world suspended in limbo, an alternate reality where being able to secure a pound of bread flour becomes the focus of your day.

And then the boredom, the uncertainty, the itching to get back to life as we once knew it. Moments of normality cut short by a news headline or supermarket scene that reminds us that things are far from normal just yet.

The early weeks hit me hard I’ve read way too much postapocalyptic fiction to be able to imagine a virus that doesn’t ultimately involve the destruction of life as we know it or, at the very least, zombies. ‘It’s not going to be like that,’ my mum kept saying to me, ‘there won’t be zombies, it’s all going to be okay.’ ‘That’s exactly what they say in the books,’ I pointed out, an anxious wobble in my voice, ‘before the zombies come.’ Gradually my anxiety subsided, replaced by a strange calmness. I spent hours lying in the garden reading and it felt almost like the world was allowing me time to catch up with myself. Much of my time normally is spent feeling like I should be doing something more useful, but the forced isolation

None of these moods have been consistent - each one has overlapped with the others, anxiety rushing in to take over moments of peace, hopelessness giving way suddenly to contentment. Sometimes I feel guilty for feeling anything at all, given I’ve been affected so mildly compared to some, but if this time has taught us anything it’s that it’s okay to sometimes not feel okay. As the world begins to take its finger off pause, I hope we can hang on to that, and to still find that space to pause our own lives from time to time. 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 now boasts a new string to her bow as her debut novel, ‘Playgroups and Prosecco’. 6.

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The Last Word-Book Review With John Fish

Miss Benson’s Beetle By Rachel Joyce

100 Birds By Carl Bovis

Published by Doubleday (Released: 23rd July 2020) 400 Pages HB £16.99

Published by Little Book Company 204 Pages PB £18.50

The bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Rachel Joyce returns with Miss Benson’s Beetle, due for release later in July.

This is charming story set in post war Britain is about a woman who abandons her job and together with an assistant set off on an adventure to New Caledonia in search of a Beetle. Problem is this beetle may not even exist. Margery Benson literally runs away from her job and sets plans for what many would think is a crazy expedition but Margery must have an assistant to help her. Along comes Enid Pretty, not your everyday assistant to the other side of the world on an expedition in search of a beetle. Margery has loved beetles since the age of ten and wanted to find it and name it after her father.

Two very different women set off aboard RMS Orion except Margery has left her sea legs at home and is now spending much of her time with head in a bucket. Enid is loving life aboard ship and is getting to know everyone who will listen to her whereas Margery would much rather keep herself to herself. How are these two women going to make it together on the other side of the word? Rachel Joyce is a master storyteller and this is a beautiful and funny story of friendship and adventure, breaking the rules and risking much. A story about finding a beetle but a story about finding one’s true self. The perfect Summer lifeenhancing read.

During the Coronavirus lockdown there has been one overriding aspect that many people have found is that nature has played a big part is helping them get through. Nature can play such an important role in wellbeing during these difficult times. We are blessed in Somerset with such diverse natural habitats for wildlife and to experience nature. With that in mind I am delighted to introduce one of Somerset’s successful wildlife photographers. Carl Bovis has been photographing wildlife for many years. Photographing birds close to his home on the Somerset Levels is his passion and just recently Carl released his first book 100 Birds which are some of his favourite photographs. Open the pages of Carl’s book and the photographs just take your breath away. One of my favourites is the starling on page 16. Many of your much loved garden birds are here but there are some that just take your breath away for the sheer spectacle like the mass take off of Wigeon and Teal as photographed at the RSPB Greylake reserve on page 79. I cannot recommend Carl’s book any higher for the spectacle of bird photography. It takes skill and patience to capture images like these. You can get to see more by visiting Carl’s Twitter page: @carlbovisnature Copies of the book can be purchased from his website: www.carlbovis.com If you are staying at home due to the coronavirus and you are missing being close to nature, then spending just a few minutes reading and looking at the stunning images from 100 Birds by Carl Bovis will be of real help.

Read more of John’s book reviews at: www.thelastwordbookreview.wordpress.com 8.

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Literary Area, Dance Area, Artists Quarter, Cultural Pop Up’s, Artisan Food stalls, Bars Craft Stalls. Who could have predicted that Taunton’s first Pride would have to be postponed due to Covid-19? Don’t worry it WILL happen but it will have to wait until it’s safe. We have a new date set for Saturday 17th July 2021 and cannot thank the amazing Taunton Pride team enough for all their incredible support. Taunton Pride will take place during Taunton Live Arts Festival and will commence with a Community Pride Parade through Town leading to Vivary Park for 12 midday where the festival day will officially open. The festival will be free to enter and boasts multiple Music Stages, a Children’s area,

In the meantime we have been working alongside other local Prides in collaborative ideas, we have been involved with NHS Virtual Pride and World Pride Radio. We have shifted a few creative events online including the ‘Q Art’ Exhibition curated by local artist Zahra Hoccom which can now be viewed on our new website

www.TauntonPride.co.uk

We would love to see shop and home windows flying LGTBQ+ flags and rainbow displays on Saturday 18th July this year to mark the day Taunton’s first Pride was set to take place. If you would like to get involved in next years exciting event or if you would like to find out about sponsorship opportunities then please get in touch with Jenny & Liz a:t

info@tauntonpride.co.uk

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MARTIN G STRAUS - 0747 007 8131 Like so many people, I have been self-isolating since March, and this has given me plenty of time to explore more dishes, wines and cocktails.

PORLOCK BAY OYSTERS & REGIONAL ENGLISH WINE I accept that not everyone likes oysters, so please forgive me if you don’t. However, Porlock Bay Oysters, Exmoor are an outstanding local enterprise and I make no excuse for publicising them. Although it changed to independent private ownership last year, the new owner is a local man who bailed out the enterprise from administration, and is backing the enterprise as a community effort, rather than seeking to make much if any money from it. There are many recipes for cooking oysters, but I like them raw; they must be live when you get them home. They are then “shucked” (opened with an appropriate knife – take care). Eat them with freshly squeezed lemon, Mignonette sauce (minced shallots, cracked pepper and red wine vinegar) or Tabasco. I must try Somerset Cider Vinegar instead of red wine vinegar! You can arrange delivery direct from Porlock Bay Oysters, or collect by arrangement. Hopefully they will shortly be stocked again by Phil Bowditch fishmongers, Bath Place Place, Taunton, now the shop is reopening. Wines that go best with oysters are high acid, crisp white wines, traditionally Chablis, Muscadet or Champagne. Not essential to use French wines though! I recommend as a superb still wine Bacchus from Aldwick Estate, Redhill, near Blagdon, Somerset, south of Bristol. Alternatively, if you prefer bubbly, there is the amazing Wellhayes English Sparkling Wine, Clagdon. Near Tiverton, on the edge of the Brendon Hills, on the verge of Exmoor.

CORNER LEM ON DROP COCKTAI L (N EW ORLEANS SOUR CATEGORY)

• 45 ml Vodka (Use minimum

of 40% abv vodka, for example Russian Standard, Stolichnaya, Absolut or Finlandia. The recipe specifies citrus-flavoured vodka, as this was its origin in the late80s/early 90s, but it worked well for me with non-flavoured vodka).

• 30 ml Triple Sec (I use Cointreau, which I have

adored for over 50 years. Other Triple Secs may be cheaper, but Cointreau is my definite preference.

• 15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 lemon twist for garnish

SHAKE and STRAIN into chilled, sugar-rimmed cocktail glass (I omitted the sugar rim, as I prefer cocktails less sweet, but it’s traditional for Lemon Drop, and a matter of taste). Add the garnish.

COCKTAILS TO MAKE AT HOME During the past three months, I have been doing free administration work for local community organisations during the day; then making increasingly varied cocktails in the evening, and writing them up on my Facebook page. Most have been classic cocktails, and virtually all have been easy to make, avoiding the custom-designed ingredients many mixologists incorporate today. The following cocktail is as easy as it gets, and a truly delightful drink. I use ingredients which are good of their type, not necessarily the most expensive. Many of today’s pubs and “cocktail bars” use the cheapest ingredients, to keep the selling price lower, but there are notable exceptions. I’m afraid you get what you pay for. 10.

Follow Martin’s Drinks Club on Facebook for a wonderful blend of recipes for you to mix, and enjoy at home. Please drink responsibly.

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Walking back to happiness - what walking can do for your health By Jo Turner breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the sunshine definitely helped to clear some headspace each day.

During lockdown I was furloughed, and my husband John had to work from home. We decided to use the time it usually took us to commute (an hour each way) to walk. We’d never really walked as a form of exercise before...we’d never really taken any form of exercise before, so this was something new. We worked out a route and as we were used to getting up at 6am to travel to our respective jobs and we decided that staying in that routine seemed sensible so we wouldn’t be too out of sync on our return to work. The mornings were gradually becoming lighter at the start of lockdown so although we were heading out early it wasn’t dark. We have walked for just over an hour every day for ten weeks and this is what we’ve discovered. Walking trims your waistline - Both John and I had the start of middle age spread. Over ten weeks I’ve dropped a dress size and John has discovered he’s wearing the trousers that prior to lockdown he’d been considering donating to charity.

Walking relieves arthritis pain After four weeks John noticed that his arthritis pain seemed less. This seemed counterintuitive so I consulted the arthritis society website and discovered that walking is recommended because it does indeed help reduce inflammation and stiffness in your joints. The important thing to remember is to walk ‘correctly’. Hold your head up; keep your neck, shoulders and back relaxed; swing your arms naturally, with a slightly bent elbow; tighten your stomach muscles a little to give yourself a supported core, and breathe deeply as you walk. Walking improves your mental wellbeing - At the start of lockdown I think we both felt really anxious about all the uncertainty. As the weeks progressed, while we walked awe discussed our worries and thrashed out solutions to some of the problems we faced or might face. I certainly began to feel in a better place mentally and as though I could cope better with life in general. Being outside,

Walking reduces blood pressure - Johns blood pressure had been sneaking upwards and just before lockdown our GP had been monitoring it with a view to him starting blood pressure medication. When it became clear that he wasn’t going to be examined by a doctor for some time I was concerned enough to buy a home blood pressure monitor online. We tested it out to make sure the readings matched those of the clinic then forgot about it! After six weeks (on the date he was supposed to have been returning the GP) we tried it and discovered his blood pressure was just within normal range. By week ten it was well within the normal range. Mine too has dropped significantly. Crucially throughout this period neither of us has felt like we were ‘exercising’. Walking felt natural and easy. I know this article is anecdotal and personal but there is plenty of research to support exercise being almost as important as diet in controlling type-2 diabetes; that it helps with balance and co-ordination and so helps to prevent falls in older people, meaning they are more likely to stay out of hospital, which at the moment is even more important than usual, and finally that it helps boost the immune system which is important for obvious reasons right now. We will definitely continue to fit walking into our day even when life returns to a more normal pattern.

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Working together for a safer and stronger community. With Sue Mountstevens

Back in March, it was announced the PCC elections were postponed until 2021 and I made the decision to stay in post. Since then, my main priority has been supporting the police and other partners during the global health pandemic. As restrictions are beginning to ease and life is starting to return to some kind of ‘normal’, I wanted to tell you about my priorities for the year ahead and how my team are working hard to keep local people safe. For the next 10 months that I’m in office, my four priorities will continue to be:

• • • •

Protect the most vulnerable from harm; Strengthen and improve local communities;

The coronavirus pandemic will potentially cause different types of crime and I want you to tell me how you have been impacted so I can understand what you need from your policing service. I’ve been speaking to local officers in Taunton about issues and concerns that you feel are affecting your community. Over the last few months during lockdown the team has been focusing on being visible in the community, engaging and educating local people. Although there has been a marked reduction in crime across Taunton, we have seen an increase in concerns around the safety of vulnerable people including child abuse and domestic violence happening behind closed doors. If you, or someone you know, needs support or advice, please visit: www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk

Ensure the police service has the right people, right culture, right capabilities; and

As ever, please do report any criminal behaviour to Avon and Somerset Police. We are still here for you and we are all working hard to ensure you are safe and feel safe. I look forward to meeting you all again soon.

Work together effectively with other police forces and key partners to deliver better services to local people.

Following the public health crisis, there are particular areas under those priorities that will be a key focus over the coming months and one of these areas is engagement. Engagement with local people like you is essential for me and my team. It’s more important than ever to hear your voices and your concerns.

The team is pleased to announce that four new PCSOs have joined the Taunton Neighbourhood Team. PCSO Peter Coakes is one of the new team members and he spoke to me about his first day during the lockdown: “My first day was spent mostly with the other new arrivals at the station, being shown around, meeting the team and my tutor, getting to know the basics. It was unfamiliar, but welcoming, I know I’ve joined a great team.”

In the meantime, stay safe. Sue As we haven’t been able to meet face-to-face, the local policing team has been engaging with our community in innovative ways. PCSOs have been holding live beat surgeries on Facebook to answer many of your questions. If you would like to get involved search for ‘PCSO Supervisor Sam Bushen’ on Facebook.

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. 12.

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Coronavirus Community Help Taunton As some degree of normality resumes, it is all too easy to forget the panic and empty supermarket shelves of March 2020. Set up as Lockdown began, our network of 40 Coronavirus Community Help groups have worked tirelessly doing shopping, delivering urgent medication, running essential errands and offering a vital lifeline to “at risk” residents across Somerset West & Taunton. Our amazing volunteers, many furloughed from jobs, home schooling children and dealing with issues of their own, have dealt with over 10,000 calls since Lockdown began! These selfless people have gone out of their way to ensure our vulnerable neighbours have remained safe, supported and shielded. A renewed sense of community has evolved. Individuals, businesses and organisations alike have worked together like never before and displayed incredible generosity and compassion. New friendships have been made and the camaraderie harks back to the war time effort. We have provided access to official COVID19 information from PHE, NHS, local and central Government, positive community news stories and a safe forum for mutual support. Thank you for your unparalleled efforts thus far.

An extraordinary time in our lives that we will never forget. Connect via our Facebook Groups, Twitter (@HelpTaunton) Instagram (coronavirushelptaunton) and our website www.ccht.info By Natalie Dyson

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.13

Check out our innovative Business Chat Show Like many businesses, we were financially impacted by the recent Covid-19, unable to put out our May/June magazine issues into Taunton and West Somerset.

Although we knew it was coming, it was still a shock. We took a week out to decide what to do, enjoying some local walks and to reflect on what we were all going through.

What was clear was that we had to use our platform to help others, share their story, and keep us and them visible during this crisis. This initially began with a series of online Facebook Live quizzes, raising some money for local charities. We did this twice a week and it ran for 2 months. It then encouraged us to consider more digital opportunities for maintaining momentum and continuing our support of the local business community. We then launched our ‘Meet the Business’ video series on Youtube, where we chatted with Somerset business owners to find out what they do, how they do it, and more importantly, why they do it. Informal chats were recorded via Zoom and offered a chance to share tips, information, and advice. There were 30 videos in total. We are now delighted to announce the launch of The Word Gets Around Business Chat Show alongside this series, an idea brewed from the launching of ‘Meet the Business’, series. Our ultimate aim is to help people and their businesses to grow, by sparking ideas, collaborations, and increasing knowledge.

The fortnightly, Word Gets Around Business chat show, is streamed live on You Tube. Each episode features an expert panel made up of Somerset business owners to provide support and to discuss important issues affecting the local business community. Viewers are encouraged to engage with the live show by asking the panel questions and contributing to discussion points.

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The Word Gets Around Business Chat Show is streamed fortnightly live on YouTube on Thursday nights from 8-9.30pm. You can subscribe to the channel here: www.youtube.com/thewordgetsaround Future events from Word Gets Around can be found on Meet Up www.meetup.com/wordgetsaround 14.

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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. Film reviews for this edition have moved to the small screen due to the cinemas being closed at the time of writing due to #covid19 stay safe all.

Game Night (2018) Amazon Prime 9/10

As soon as you know a film stars Jason Bateman you know you’re in for a treat. Ever since Arrested Development his facial expressions of the mistreated man have had us laughing in droves ever since. You can usually judge a film in the first 5 minutes and the intro for this film is excellent, and sets the bar high, that’s rarely missed again. It’s a film about friends, 30 somethings who no longer go out so often, it’s a film about jealousy. Most of all it’s a fantastic comedy caper with twists and turns like a game of Cluedo.

365 days (2020) Netflix 4/10

Yet another Polish film in the top 10. If you enjoyed 50 Shades you may enjoy this, but to be honest the story, like 50 shades (based on 3 books) was rushed, the film was actually marred by having too many sex scenes, it took away any opportunity to build up a script. But you’ve seen the story before; Rich man-poor girl, Cinderella story dark fantasy - despite her initial resistance you know where it’s going to go and by the time she’s in love you’ve lost interest. Avoid!

The Woods (2020) Netflix 6/10

Another top 10 series, another Polish production. I recently said I’ve never seen a bad Polish film and that hasn’t changed. Dubbing inevitably loses something and I suggest you watch the next episode in its native tongue with subtitles will give you an enhanced experience. The story is told in retrospect and it takes you a while to piece together all the parts - is it worth watching - yes? Does it hold your interest? Yes, and that’s the secret of a good TV series.

Snowpiercer (2020) Netflix 4/10

It’s not horrendous, it just doesn’t make you want to carry on watching and that’s the essential secret of a good TV series. The primeflix mentality all started with LOST you were hooked the advertisers were happy and it ran to several series and you know the score the more implausible the better sci-fi and fantasy such as Game of Thrones - throw in a bit of nudity and steamy romance and you’ve got your audience. Where did this go wrong? It was certainly implausible and had elements of Bladerunner in it, but the sci-fi just wasn’t as exciting as it should be and the mystery of who Mr Wilford is was revealed too early, you could see a bit of Titanic in the class system but nothing was really explained properly.

Captain Hagen’s B&B (2018) Amazon Prime 10/10

This film takes you on a journey of discovery. It’s theme is love and in the tradition of Shakespeare’s midsummers night dream love isn’t always where you expect it. In order to be loved you must love yourself, so the advice goes, and there you have a group of misfits grouped together in an eccentric bed and breakfast ran by an eccentric host and his family. This is a true gem, it’s the sort of story that generally only French cinema is able to tell well. It doesn’t matter where it is set, it’s a film about people and the it’s the motley bunch of people that really 16. make this film.

As a CIC, Go Create has been striving to make ‘The Arts’ accessible to all in and around Taunton, since 2014. Seeking, encouraging and promoting creativity mainly through monthly gatherings of local creatives and through the annual ‘Taunton Live Creative and Performing Arts’ Festivals in Taunton town centre. There have been many and varied other projects and campaigns since 2014, but everything has actually happened because of the energy, enthusiasm and passion for the Arts of a very small group of people. After four Taunton Live Arts festivals, 2020 was shaping up for the biggest festival yet. We were preparing to bring together the visual and performing arts and incorporate Taunton’s first LGBTQ+ Pride festival, taking inclusion and making ‘The Arts’ accessible to all, to another level! That’s all great, very commendable indeed, BUT, this pandemic has made us realise several things:

•

We already knew what a powerfully linking force The Arts can be, bringing community together, giving a platform for those for whom communication with the wider world is not always easy – a space to perform, to display their artwork – to be accepted as valuable members of our community.

•

We can provide art activities that are fun and relaxing, skill-developing, community-growing, connection-building and promote a sense of belonging. We have years of experience between us and a group of talented artists to call on too – we can be useful to businesses too.

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We knew the power of ‘The Arts’, but this pandemic has made us all aware just how fundamentally important Art and ‘The Arts’ are to Community in times like these. Art is the heart of the community

•

We should really celebrate and shout about what we do and what we provide, a whole lot more than we did before COVID19!

We need to be BIGGER as a business and look more at the potential for mutual support within the community. As a CIC we need business support to plan ahead if we are to realise our dream – a permanent workshop / creative community hub in the centre of Taunton…but that is another story!!

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Taunton Town F.C have been busy behind the scenes despite the enforced conclusion of Southern League football. Following a weekend visit and subsequent eviction a group of travellers arriving at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium, work has commenced on ground improvements at Wordsworth Drive required for a higher level of football. On the playing side, business has been in full-flow. With Club Captain Matt Wright, vicecaptain Shane White, midfield maestro Ryan Brett and prolific striker Rocky Neal all departing, the Peacocks moved swiftly to recruit wisely. Several highly experienced, dynamic and versatile new exciting players have arrived whilst the services of the core of the remaining squad members has been retained. Despite not knowing when the Southern League season might start, the Peacock’s squad is coming together is getting the supporters excited. With Lloyd Irish, Ben Adelsbury, Jamie Price, Ross Staley, Jamie Short, Ollie Chamberlain, Luke Spokes, Dan Demkiv and Callum Watts all already committed, Head of Football, Rob Dray has also worked hard to recruit some key new signings. Aaron Bentley & Jake Wannell (one of the stand-out centre

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backs in the league) arrive at Wordsworth Drive from Plymouth Parkway and Salisbury respectively to strengthen the Peacock’s defence. Highly-rated Midfielder Lee Lucas arrives from Merthyr along with former teammate striker, Gethyn Hill and fellowforwards, Toby Holmes and Owen Howe both signing from rivals Salisbury providing the Peacocks with an extremely strong strike-force.

Taunton again for next season. We’ve lost some great players but the players that have replaced them shows the club’s ambition to be up there once again. The season can’t come quick enough and can’t wait to be back out there.” Chairman Kevin Sturmey comments: “It is always sad to see any player leave especially as the last four seasons have been huge in the club’s history. I would like to thank Matt, Shane, Ryan and Rocky for their

Head of Football Rob Dray comments “I am very pleased with the capture of valuable additions to the squad. We have secured three quality strikers all with pace, strength experience and who know where the goal is. Our midfield is complimented by a new signing who, has a quality on the ball which, is second to nobody in this league and I am delighted to add one of the stand-out centre backs in the league to our defence.” Homegrown talent, midfield man Ollie Chamberlain has been with the club for the past four and a half years. On confirming his commitment to stay with the Peacocks for the new season. ‘Fans-favourite’, Ollie stated: “I’m delighted to sign for

unstinting service, and they have all contributed hugely to our upward curve. Rob (Dray) has worked extremely hard recently to bring in exciting signings and securing the players committed to staying. The future is still very bright with lots to look forward to when non-league football is safe and sound to return in what will be a very different landscape for everyone.”

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BRAIN TR

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*

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

se a tr y.

Across 1. Floorshow (7) 4. Spooky (5) 7. Detection device (5) 9. Vertical (7) 10. Inactivity (7) 11. Measuring implement (5) 12. Dictator (6) 14. Ecclesiastic (6) 18. Copious (5) 20. Drawn (7) 22. Pouch worn with a kilt (7) 23. Diadem (5) 24. Admittance (5) 25. Spiny anteater (7) Down 1. Transported (7) 2. Emblem (5) 3. Tropical bird (6) 4. Mistake (5) 5. Dependable follower (7) 6. Go in (5) 8. Magnitude relation (5) 13. Reinforcement (7) 15. Reasoned judgment (5) 16. Musical passage (7) 17. Opportunity (6) 18. Part of a church (5) 19. Ahead of time (5) 21. Obviate (5)

Riddle me this In the Cellar 3 light switches, upstairs 3 lamps, in 1 trip upstairs, how can you tell which switch switches which light on?

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The Diaries Of

Ginger

George Taunton’s Top Cat - the word on the street. Another day in paradise. I have to say the weather is great. The sun is out and the temperature is going up. Think I’ll saunter up the park and find a nice spot in the long grass. What day is it? Must be a school day, as there’s no screaming kids about. The park looks idyllic today. I’ll find a nice spot and have a nap. It’s very quiet today, hardly a car has passed. I’ll enjoy the sunshine and peace whilst I can. Oh no, spoke too soon, I see Blackie heading this way. Nice cat, but it’s the smell of catnip I can’t stand. I swear he eats it for breakfast, and tea. He spots me trying to lie low. “Hello Ginge, what’s going on?” he asks. “Well not a lot Blackie, just enjoying the sunshine and having a nap” I reply. He has a worried look about him, “No, I mean what’s going on here, outside, in the village, in general?”. “There are no people wondering about,

there’s no cars going by, it’s like a ghost town”. To be honest I didn’t take much notice when I came out, but now Blackie has mentioned it, he’s right. “Alright Blackie I think you are right, I’ll look into it, and tell the others I’m on the case”. I toddle off home to check my carers haven’t disappeared. I get in and they are all there, kids as well watching the box in the corner. They seem in good spirits, so nothing strange yet. I go back out and have a tour of the windows down our street. This is weird as everyone is at home, not Christmas yet surely? Are they waiting for something to arrive or someone maybe? Suddenly a door opens down the road and a woman comes out running down the road, who is she running away from? This is defiantly not right, return to base and tea I reckon. They are still in good spirits and things look normal as can be in our house.

I’ll take up position in the window and keep a check on who’s coming and going. Now, the neighbours left the house with dog in tow, returned twenty minutes later, two cars have passed in the last hour. The household are still glued to the box in the corner. Is it to do with that I hear? I listen in to the conversations they are having, they seem a little stressed and I know why now. I go back on the street and see Blackie. I tell him to rally the troops, for we need to be vigilant. We assemble in the park. “Right, I know now why everyone is staying in their homes. It’s fear, it’s fear of one man. I have no idea what he looks like or what he’s capable of, but all the humans seem frightened of him. There was a man on the box thing, he seemed to be some sort of leader called Trump, telling everyone to be careful. All I know is the man they fear is called Dan Pemick, and he comes from Chi-nah”.

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Safe & Warm Somerset is managed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy (Charity. 298740) in partnership with Somerset Independence Plus, on behalf of Mendip, Sedgemore, South Somerset and Somerset West and Taunton councils.

Music-making is the new normal! The summer of online lessons during Lockdown is going well for Guildhall School’s Centre for Young Musicians Taunton (CYMT). However everyone is looking forward to returning to face-to-face music-making ASAP. CYMT students have fun creating and collaborating together and making connections for their future. The Centre brings together young musicians aged 5 – 18 from across Somerset to enjoy weekly workshops with top practitioners and industry professionals, as well as regular performances where students share their work with each other. Orchestra, bands, ensembles, singing groups, music production, theory, composition and individual lessons in a wide range of instruments & voice are available every Saturday in term time. Head of Centre, Rachael Parvin, said “We are so pleased to be helping students continue with their learning. If you know a young person in need of financial help to enable them to study music at CYMT it would be great if you could tell them we

have generous bursaries available. These are means-tested bursaries for all young musicians aged 5 – 18 whether students are new to CYMT or currently enrolled at CYMT”. For more information email taunton@cym.org. uk or call 07754 217993. We look forward to hearing from you. www.cymtaunton.org.uk

To advertise please call us on 01823 765045 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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Libraries begin to re-open but online services still available! Somerset Libraries are planning the phased reopening of library buildings with the aim to start welcoming people back soon - Taunton Library should be open by mid-July. It won’t be business as usual straight away, however, and library buildings will look and feel quite different, as some processes temporarily change. Social distancing measures will be in place and a ‘personal shopper’ service will be available as customers will not initially be able to browse. Staff will be available to select books for customers based on popular titles, specific interests and favourite authors. Full details of which services are available can be found by visiting the Somerset Libraries website (www.somersetlibraries.co.uk) and via their social media pages – search for Somerset Libraries UK on Facebook, @SomersetLib on Twitter and Somerset Libraries on Instagram. They can also be reached by email: librariesmail@somerset.gov.uk or contacted by telephone on 0300 123 2224. Some of the planned temporary changes will mean:

• • • • • • •

The reservations service will not be up and running straight away Staff will be unable to accept donations of books from customers until further notice All items will have a standard four-week loan period. Library opening times will be slightly different (e.g. 10am-4pm) Hire charges for DVDs and Talking Books will be suspended The service is also keen to reassure people that there will be no overdue charges as a result of items borrowed just before buildings closed on the 19th March due to COVID-19 Internet access will be available for those who need it most and people will be asked to prebook a session in advance

For you – for free! People are still invited to download free books, audiobooks and even magazines, comics and newspapers – all you need is a library card and if you are not a member you can join online via www.somersetreads.co.uk The Library service have also just started to reintroduce the Home Library Service, which works closely with the Royal Voluntary Service whose volunteers deliver books to people unable to leave their homes. For more information on how to access the Home Library Service, please email Kirsty Jenssen at: Kirsty.Jenssen@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

24.

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We Are Undefeatable Campaign The ‘We Are Undefeatable’ Somerset campaign recognises that everyone’s long term health condition affects them differently. We believe that being active is one way for many people to support their wellbeing and quality of life, in addition to helping manage their physical and mental health. It can be a wonderful way to stay connected with friends and family, either in person or virtually (if abiding by the guidelines means you must temporarily stay apart). As we navigate the changes to our routines due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to focus on the things that we can do to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. There will be ups and downs, of course – and moving more when you can is still just as important as accepting when you can’t. More information can be found at: www.sasp.co.uk/long-term-conditions to help find ways to move more that suit you. #WeAreUndefeatable

Celebrate the small changes you can make to move more every day & understand living with a health condition means that some days you do less, and that’s ok.

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 or speak to your GP #WeAreUndefeatable #MoveMore #WAUsomerset

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our clients, their families and carers and professionals. The aim is to understand the impact of ABI and how this can affect all aspects of everyday life, whilst providing valuable coping strategies.

We are a registered charity and support local people who have an acquired brain injury, their families and carers. An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury caused to the brain since birth. Services & Centres We have four rehabilitation centres in Bridgwater, Henton, Taunton and Yeovil where we provide a range of stimulating activities helping clients with cognitive & social rehabilitation. We work with people to build skills and confidence and providing much needed respite for families and carers. Our bespoke 1:1 community rehabilitation service enables our clients through outreach in their own homes. This services enables people to re-engage with their communities, live more independently and relearn vital life skills, often lost following an ABI. We have a range of training to help. This can be tailored to:

We hold regular family and carers groups to provide ongoing support, information and advice. Our Hospital Liaison workers visit Yeovil District Hospital, Musgrove Park Hospital and Somerset Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (SNRC). They can: •

Give you an idea of what to expect in the first weeks/ months

•

Provide support, advice and information on ABI

•

Signpost you to community organisations who can help

•

Put you in touch with services who can give advice on benefits and finance

•

Help you explain what has happened to loved ones, children, family and friends

Making Headway is our newest service providing a bespoke 1:1 and group buddying service with volunteers. supporting people with ABI to live their lives and access their communities.

How you can help us Volunteer We have lots of exciting opportunities across the county. Visit our website or phone our office for more details Donate Every penny supports our work in Somerset. Raise money through events and sponsorship or go to our JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/ headwaysomerset

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic our services look different at the moment. To keep up to date follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

26.

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Create a Time Capsule By Tracey Anderson

Over supper one night my husband said thoughtfully, “You know what we should do? We should create a family time capsule and lock it away, then re-open it a decade from now.”

For once all three of us instantly agreed with him, which never happens so kind of took him by surprise! Once he’d recovered, he went off to research and design one. A time capsule is simply a container which stores a selection of objects chosen as being typical of the present time, then put away or buried for discovery in the future. We are in the middle of the most significant planet-wide event since The Second World War. Our children are living through a period which will be taught in schools in years to come. And when their own children have ‘show and tell’ it’s kind of both cool and humbling to think of their classmates looking back in time through items, photos and notes deliberately selected by us, right now, as being

representative of our hopes and fears and everyday life in lock-down. It’s relatively simple to design your own time capsule and if you’re creative and have the time then go for it. But while looking on the internet for ideas my husband came across a Canadian company who had done it so well and so completely that he felt anything he did would be reinventing the wheel. The company is called Long Creations and they’ve kindly provided free digital downloads for both kids and adults, so the whole family can take part. You can find the downloads here. Perhaps you could send photos of your creations in so we can feature them in future editions. letsembark.ca/time-capsule

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Classroom Challenges By Tracey Anderson

Coming out of lockdown presents particular challenges for families with kids will have been in school all along; some will have had a good lockdown experience; some will have struggled for many reasons, and some will not be going back at all this side of the summer break This is a challenging time for families as they readjust while still dealing with anxieties and worries about the pandemic, jobs, relatives, and finances. Your child may be excited about the return to school and

reuniting with their friends, or they may be worried and anxious. Talk to them about what they are looking forward to and what concerns they may have about going back to school. Try to act as a sounding board, listening without immediately offering advice. Sometimes just talking something through can help children come up with solutions of their own. Take your child’s concerns seriously. Academic and social pressure is daunting enough without the additional stress of returning after a lockdown. Never belittle or trivialise their problems. Share some of your feelings and experiences in an ageappropriate manner. Also share your own healthy coping

mechanisms. Try to keep communication channels open so they will talk honestly with you. Discuss important issues but also make time for silly stories about your day or theirs. Make it a priority to motivate their learning. Be curious and interested in their lessons and link it back to the learning they did at home if you can. Give specific, concrete praise such as “I really like your detailed approach to this project,” rather than a general comment “That’s great!” Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Let teachers know if you’re worried about anything in particular, or if you feel child could benefit from extra help in making the transition back from home to school.

Gin & Tonic lemon drizzle cake - perfect for afternoon tea Ingredients

• • • • • • • • Method Line a 1Kg loaf tin Preheat oven to 180C / Gas Mark 4. Cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light. Add the eggs a little at a time and beat until combined. Carefully fold in the flour and the finely grated zest of both lemons. Add the juice of 1 lemon and 28.

100ml of gin, then pour into the lined tin. Bake in the centre of the oven for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly in the tin while you make the drizzle. Combine the rest of the gin, the granulated sugar, tonic water

3 large eggs, beaten 240g butter at room temperature 240g caster sugar 240g self-raising flour 2 large lemons 200ml gin 25ml tonic water (optional – elderflower is particularly nice) 130g granulated sugar

(if using) and juice of 1 lemon in a bowl. Puncture the surface of the cake all over with a skewer, then pour the drizzle over Don’t remove the cake from the tin until it’s cold and the sugary topping has crystallised. Serve with crème fraiche and a G&T… of course.

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We are a family business who pride ourselves in providing a personal service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We make a commitment to you to take care of all the necessary funeral arrangements and offer a very personal and discreet service. We can provide all types of service and burial including Green and Woodland burials, horse-drawn funerals, military funerals and we can also arrange services in all religious denominations plus nonreligious and humanist life celebrations as well.

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Emergency & Useful numbers Emergency Services

Useful Contacts

Smell Gas? Call Transco:..................0800 111 999 Police Emergency: ........................................... 999 Police Non Emergency: ................................... 101 Police Station: ............................... 0845 456 7000 Crimestoppers: ................................ 0800 555 111 Musgrove Intensive Care: ............... 01823 342006 Musgrove Hospital: ........................ 01823 333444 Floodline: ....................................... 0345 988 1188 Environment Agency: .................... 08708 506 506 Musgrove Hospital: ........................ 01823 333444 NHS Helpline: ................................................... 111 Wessex Water Emergency: ............. 0345 6004600

Taunton Information Centre: .......... 01823 340470 Bishops Lydeard Library: ....... ....... 0300 1232224 Taunton Library: .............................. 0300 1232224 Albermarle Cent .............................. 01823 252945 Traveline: ...................................... 0871 200 2233 Citizens Advice Bureau (Taunton): ..03444 889623 Fire Safety Officer: .......................... 01823 273039 Neighbourhood Watch: ................. 01278 644799 National Debtline: .......................... 0808 1898300 BBC Somerset Sound: ..................... 01823 323956 Apple FM: ......................................... 01823 342591 Tone FM: .......................................... 01823 286688 Taunton County Court: .................... 01823 281110 Bristol Airport Arr/Dep: .................... 0871334 4344 Heathrow Info Desk: ......................... 0844 335 1801 Gatwick Flight Info: ........................ 0344 892 0322 Exeter Airport Flights: .................... 01392 367 433 Berry’s Coaches: .............................. 01823 331356 National Express Enq: ..................... 0871 781 8181

Medical Crown Medical Centre: ................... 01823 282151 St James Medical Centre: .............. 01823 285400 Warwick House Medical: ................ 01823 282147 Orchard Medical Centre: ................ 01823 285428 Blackbrook Surgery: ...................... 01823 259444 Creech Medical Centre: .................. 01823 442357 Adfam Helpline Drug use: .............. 0845 3000911 Somerset Care: ............................... 01823 448150 Sheltered Housing: ......................... 01823 356304

Council Departments Rebecca Pow MP Office: ................. 01823 443062 Deane Helpline: .............................. 01823 257185 Dog Warden: ................................... 01823 356550 Environment Agency: .................... 08708 506 506 Noise Nuisance etc: .................... 01823 356339 Garages – Rental: ....................... 01823 356334 Halcon Link Centre: .................... 01823 350788 Pest Control: ............................... 01823 356337 Anti-Social Behaviour: ............... 01823 356332 Recycling centre, Priorswood: ...... 01823 338615 Housing Benefit /Council Tax: ....... 01823 356321 Housing Rents: ................................ 01823 356318 Government Ombudsman: ........... 0845 602 1983 Samaritans (UK helpline): ......................... 116123 Samaritans (admin only) ............... 01823 289456 Somerset County Council: ............. 0300 1232224 Victim Support, Somerset: .............. 01460 55535

Pharmacies Co-op Eastwick Road: ..................... 01823 331564 Boots, Crown Ind. Est: ....................... 01823 337888 Boots, High Street: ............................ 01823 276061 Well, Comeytrowe: .......................... 01823 256056 Jhoots, Lisieux Way: ........................ 01823 324280 Boots, Coal Orchard: ....................... 01823 251683 Morrisons, Deller’s Wharf: .............. 01823 351914 Staplegrove Pharmacy: .................. 01823 274049 Boots, French Weir Ave: ................ 01823 284009 Bishops Lydeard Pharmacy: .............. 01823 430201 Boots, Norton Fitzwarren: ............. 01823 354861 Lloyds, North Petherton: ................ 01278 662288

Village Halls West Monkton: ................................ 01823 412068 Ruishton Village: ............................. 01823 443506 Norton Fitzwarren: .......................... 01823 252268 Cheddon Fitzpaine: ......................... 01823 413925 Trull Memorial Hall: ........................ 01823 350840 Creech St Michael: ............................ 01823 444599 Stoke St Mary: ................................. 07526 673554 Kingston Saint Mary: ....................... 01823 451584 Oake: ................................................ 01823 461144

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. 30.

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

Bennie Factor What sounds like a sneeze and is made of leather? A shoe.

8 Dinah Mite My girlfriend said I’m getting fat, but in my defence, I’ve had a lot on my plate recently.

Helen Hywater I’ve been telling people about the benefit of eating dried grapes, it’s all about raisin awareness.

Jim Nasium My Grandad always said, “as one door closes, another opens”, lovely man, terrible cabinet maker.

Chester Minit Had a row with my boss at lunchtime, one of the perks of working near a boating lake.

10 Bennie Factor Russian dolls, they’re so full of themselves.

12 Amanda Lynn My account got hacked, so I had to create a new password

wordsearch

with 8 characters, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

OUR SEP/OCT DEADLINE IS 15th AUGUST.

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

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RIDDLE ANSWER:

SUNNY SNOWCONE BARBECUE PARADISE WATERMELON OCEAN POPSICLE SUNGLASSES PALM TREE FLAMINGO Turn on oneBEACH switch forSAND 30 FLIP FLOPS SNORKEL SUNBLOCK VACATIONswitch PICNIC POOL secs, another one

TOWEL ICE CREAM STRAWBERRY LIFEGUARD FIREFLIES SWIMMING

on and go upstairs. The bulb which is off but hot came from the first switch . The bulb that is one came from the second switch and the cold bulb which is off must be the switch you never touched.

POP QUIZ: 1. Elton John 2. 1996

To advertise please call us on 01823 765045 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.

To advertise please call us on 01823 765045 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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*We are working within the strict COVID-19 guidelines. For more information visit: granitetransformations.co.uk Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers.