Word Gets Around Magazine - West Somerset - Issue 4

Community News - Features - Reviews and more.

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ISSUE 04 .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: 01984 573025 Artwork to: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk Follow us: _wordgetsaround thewordgetsaround wordgetsaround thewordgetsaround

www.wordgetsaround.co.uk Front cover and above: Special thanks to Paul Waby

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. Check out www.youtube.com/thewordgetsaround 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.

Look after yourself and others, be kind, and make a difference.

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.3

A right royal sport Information compiled

by Sally Bainbridge of Minehead Conservation Society.

Most people are probably aware that the game of Polo was played on Dunster Lawns below Dunster Castle but may not realise how widespread and popular the game was until WW2. The West Somerset Polo Club was founded in1898 and first played its matches on the long sandy strand of Minehead beach. The horses were exercised here and sometimes there were races on the beach.

When, a year later, Minehead Recreation Ground was opened the Polo Club was able to use that instead.

On September 8th 1900 the WS Polo Club held its second annual tournament at its club ground in Allerford where it had built ‘ a very tasteful and commodious pavilion ‘.The club also had a fine ground on the spacious lawns of Dunster Castle. The club met here twice a week as well as for club matches and tournaments .The annual subscription was 4 guineas. The first evening match took place at Withycombe in 1900 as an attraction after its Gymkhana.

In 1925 the Luttrell Family of Dunster Castle invited the Maharajah of Jodhpur to visit and for whom they had arranged a number of polo matches.

Dunster Lawns below Dunster Castle They had not realised that he would turn up with his ‘crack ‘ team together with 62 polo ponies ! The Castle stables ,built in 1660, which had an impressive array of stalls that were used when dignitaries came, were full to capacity. Polo players from all over the world competed on the ground including Winston Churchill who loved the game calling it ‘The Emperor of Games.’

He played it for 35yrs. For many events the ponies’ horseboxes were unloaded at Dunster Station It was in Minehead that prestigious owners and trainers were accommodated at the luxurious Metropole Hotel on the seafront, originally built without its now distinctive dome. It had its own stables and tennis and croquet lawns. Stable lads and grooms lodged in the Pier Hotel.

Lawns sent to Kent in 1913 testifies...

‘We are enjoying a thoroughly good wild time. They play polo on a part of the ground on this card.

It is glorious to watch, all County players and only costs 6d to go in and see it. We are spending all our spare cash on going there. I am absolutely crazy on the game and also on some of the players.

Much love, Allie.’

Polo was a recognised Olympic Sport between 1900 & 1939. A pitch is nearly10 acres. The first game in Britain of ‘ hockey on horseback ‘ as it was referred to was organised by officers at Aldershot in 1869. Taunton Vale Polo Club with its beautiful thatched pavilion formed in 1911 is still in use today.

Polo was a popular spectator sport before the advent of radio and TV as a postcard of Dunster

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.5

INDUSTRIAL WATCHET

Information compiled by Nicholas Cotton.

The Somerset seaport town of Watchet was indeed very fortunate in that one of its sons was James Date, a pioneer photographer who was able to record the exciting and dramatic changes that brought prosperity and great change to the town in the most dramatic fashion. By the late 1850s, the West Somerset Mineral Railway was mining on the Brendon Hills and the remarkable feat of Victorian engineering, ‘the incline’ was being recorded by James Date (photograph). The railway had soon established stations at Watchet, Washord, Roadwater and Combrow.

It was not long after the building of this railway that in 1862, Brunel’s broad gauge main line from Taunton reached the town. The harbour at this date was full of ships, with the town having no less than 21 master mariners operating from the port.

A separate quay had been built to accommodate the unloading of the iron ore into boats for transportation to the iron works at Ebbw Vale.

The arrival of the railway linking Watchet with the main line at Taunton was the most momentous of occasions for Watchet, eliciting great celebrations. The streets were festooned with garlands and there were brass bands and banquets.

At that time Watchet was the end of the line and it was not until 1874 that the line was extended to Minehead.

As a terminus, the principal station building, rather than facing the platform, was side on as indeed it remains today. The photographer was on hand to produce one of his best known photographs and in this carefully posed composition, the town bobby resplendent in his uniform, is the principal player.

WELCOME YE FRIENDS OF PROGRESS (photo right) is emblazoned above the entrance to the newly built station building.

The effect of the arrival on the residents of Watchet would have been incredible - to travel to 6.

Taunton perhaps by pony and trap would have been a major undertaking and now, you could be there in about an hour, spend most of the day there and be back the same day, having conducted your business with no great urgency. With the coming of the railway, it was a boom time for Watchet and during James Date’s time there were no less than 21 master mariners in the port. Much new building took place, including the impressive Methodist Church and importantly, coinciding with the coming of the railway, the erection of the town’s iconic lighthouse.

From the time when he published his first photograph, perhaps in

1859, until he sold his business in 1877 to his natural successor H.H. Hole, he had amassed a remarkable collection of photographic evidence of the transformation of Watchet from a sleepy harbour town to the industrial hub of West Somerset almost overnight.

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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’.

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Award-winning local artist raises money for NHS Heroes Award-winning West Somerset artist Garry Floyd has raised £8722.00 for Help Them Help Us, a charity founded by NHS workers, for NHS workers. During this difficult time Garry wanted to do something that could possibly help those superheroes that are constantly putting themselves at risk to help us.

Garry said “These people are forever over worked and under paid yet they are essential key workers working under extreme pressures to save lives”.

He decided to sell two of his prints; ‘Home’ and ‘You’ll never walk alone’ with the money going to the charity.

He was blown away by the response and said “Thank you so much to all that have purchased one of my art prints, this has been incredible, and has certainly kept me busy during lockdown.

As we start to ease into the new normal I hope

you all continue to follow my work and support my little business by likes comments shares or even a purchase now and again.

Find out more about the charity: www.helpthemhelpus.co.uk They exist to support the welfare and wellbeing of those fighting to keep us healthy and safe during the COVID-19 crisis, and beyond.

Check our Garry’s artwork online: www.garryfloyd.bigcartel.com

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The Regal Theatre receives the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service The Regal Theatre’s volunteers have been honoured by being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to the MBE. At the Regal Theatre more than 200 volunteers provide all the drive and skills not only to sustain a 90-year old building with a 400-seat auditorium as fit for modern purpose, but to run every aspect of its busy calendar of richly varied events. The theatre is entirely run by volunteers who work a total of 70,000 hours a year – equating to a contribution worth around £200,000 – in pursuit of their ethos ‘For the Community, By the Community’.

Their work enables the Regal to present 150 events to audiences totalling some 25,000 a year, in a varied programme which including theatre, ballet, opera, concerts, films and live screenings.

Volunteers manage, maintain and run the Regal building to meet rigorous security and health and safety standards and operate the advanced technology of a new GDPR compliant ticketing system on the box office. They administer the Friends of the Regal scheme, with more than 1,500 members, and the Regal Film Society, which is one of the largest film societies in the country with nearly 600 members, and produce and distribute regular publicity material and newsletters.

Volunteers operate complex light and sound equipment for stage productions and a digital cinema package of the type installed in commercial cinemas for film performances and live screenings and design and build complex stage sets. On performance nights they provide a highly-trained theatre manager, a front of house team and run a full bar.

“The Regal Theatre volunteers are immensely proud to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service” says Regal Theatre chair Victoria Thomas. “This really is a great honour and comes at a time when it is most needed. Under the lockdown the theatre has now been shut for nearly three months and, although we have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, it will be an immense challenge finding our way back to operating at the level where we left off. We will need all the goodwill and support of this special community to help us get back on our feet and the Queen’s Award will undoubtedly give us a terrific boost.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

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.11

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

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 West Somerset about issues and concerns that you feel are affecting your community.

Understandably, local people are concerned about breaches of covid-19 restrictions, particularly in concern to those people visiting beauty spots, beaches and second homes in your area.

If you are concerned that people are breaching the restrictions, please do report them using Avon and Somerset Police’s online form or by calling 101. Officers in your area will follow up on any reports by engaging, explaining and as a last resort, enforcing the regulations. For those not following the guidance, remember you are at risk of being handed a fine.

report theft, vandalism and other crimes on your property.

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.

In the meantime, stay safe.

Sue

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.

As restrictions ease and normality begins to return, I’ve heard that you are concerned about crime increasing in our rural areas. I would encourage local farmers and small holdings to sign up to the Farm Watch scheme. If you sign up, you can easily get in touch with your local PCSOs to

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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More than 100 shops and businesses in Minehead town centre and on the seafront have emerged from lockdown, with owners determined to make the most of the rest of the summer season.

Meanwhile, although coronavirus has scuppered plans for what would have been the biggest array of floral decorations ever seen in the town centre, business leaders and councillors remain determined to make the shopping streets as attractive as possible, with bunting going up in the town soon.

There are also hopes that the pandemic could have a silver lining for some local traders. Minehead BID manager Andrew Hopkins told us how, during lockdown, scores of people had continued to support local traders who had been selling online or offering home delivery services. He said; “Many local people have been absolutely astonished at the range of goods and services that were, and still are, available locally across Minehead. There is now a very good chance that customers will remain loyal to those businesses who kept residents supplied with essentials when normal trading was effectively suspended.

With its broad and airy main street leading down to the sea front, and very few points of conflict between pedestrians and cars, Minehead offers one of the safest and most pleasant shopping experiences in the south west – along with a really impressive range of independent shops and businesses.

Shopping in Minehead really is a pleasure and I think lockdown has highlighted to many local people just how fortunate they are to live where they live.”

Keep in touch with what’s happening in and around Minehead by checking out and following Visit Minehead on Facebook and Instagram. You can also share your images of Minehead with ‘#WeAreMinehead’.

To help you shop local this summer and support your local High Street, we have produced this detailed list of all the businesses within the Minehead BID area for you to make use of.

To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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14.

BUSINESS NAME

ADDRESS

TEL NUMBER

THE LITTLE HAIR SHOP

UNIT 1, THE PRIORY, THE AVENUE

01643 708500

NEW EDITION CLOTHING

UNIT 2, THE PRIORY, THE AVENUE

01643 706488

WESTCOTT FLOWERS

UNIT 3, THE PRIORY, THE AVENUE

01643 702488

PALLET WOOD PRODUCTIONS

UNIT 4, THE PRIORY, THE AVENUE

EXMOOR COUNTRY INTERIORS

1 THE AVENUE

07581 155752

FRANCIS JAMES JEWELLERS

1A THE AVENUE

01643 703721

GO PHONE MINEHEAD

1B THE AVENUE

01643 704455

OWLS ROOST

1C THE AVENUE

07761 689050

OGGY OGGY PASTY SHOP

2A THE AVENUE

01643 708990

MR CRIDDLE’ SHOE REPAIRS

3 THE AVENUE

EXMOOR FOOD & CRAFTS

4 THE AVENUE

JACKS

7A THE AVENUE

ICELAND

8 THE AVENUE

01643 703555

ST MARGARETS HOSPICE

9 THE AVENUE

01643 702003

TAJ MAHAL

9A THE AVENUE

01643 704857

LISA’S VINTAGE TEA ROOM

10 THE AVENUE

01643 708946

POUNDLAND

10-16 THE AVENUE

01643 705642

REGAL THEATRE

THE AVENUE

01643 706430

LYN FINANCIAL (AFH WEALTH MANAGEMENT)

11 THE AVENUE

01643 702700

SUGAR BAR

11A THE AVENUE

07446 154777

MINEHEAD KEBAB CENTRE

15A THE AVENUE

01643 702323

SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIOUS

15B THE AVENUE

07866 497666

COASTER COFFEE

15C THE AVENUE

07725 567753

JOB CENTRE

17 THE AVENUE

BRITISH RED CROSS

18 THE AVENUE

01643 706244

PART ONE CLOTHING & EMMA LOUISE FASHION

UNIT 2, 19-21 THE AVENUE

01643 709833

BAR 21 & ICE CREAM KIOSK

UNIT 3, 19-21 THE AVENUE

07771 521134

ELECTRIC AVENUE

20 THE AVENUE

CO OPERATIVE & POST OFFICE

22 THE AVENUE

01643 703818

THE LIGHTING COMPANY

22 THE AVENUE

01643 707505

HOMESTART WEST SOMERSET

26 THE AVENUE

01643 707304

BRAINWAVE

26 THE AVENUE

01278 429089

FACTORY FRAMING

26A THE AVENUE

07534 295222

WHEELHOUSE RESTAURANT

27 THE AVENUE

01643 818245

PROPER JOB

28 THE AVENUE

01643 818100

APPLE TREE TEA ROOMS

29 THE AVENUE

01643 706090

LADBROKES BOOKMAKERS

30 THE AVENUE

THE HAIRY DOG

32-34 THE AVENUE

01643 706317

THE AVENUE CREAMERY

33 THE AVENUE

01643 709140

DEREK MERSON CAR SALES

35 THE AVENUE

01643 650060

THE COD SHOP

35A THE AVENUE

01643 708353

THIRD WAVE RESTAURANT

35B THE AVENUE

07729 370155

CLATHERS

37 THE AVENUE

01643 672172

SAMARKAND

40 THE AVENUE

01643 705512

TOP 2 TOE & SWEET STALL

40 THE AVENUE

THE WHEELHOUSE SNACK BAR

41 THE AVENUE

01643 706030

01643 703435

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

SHADES HAIR & BEAUTY

41A THE AVENUE

01643 704486

VLADI’S PIZZA AND PASTA

43 THE AVENUE

01643 706777

WOMBLEDON

43A THE AVENUE

07434 832279

DISCOUNT BAGS & LEATHER GOODS

44 THE AVENUE

01643 703307

H&R SALONS

44A THE AVENUE

01643 704305

SO SCRUMPTIOUS

44A THE AVENUE

07927 684183

SALT ROCK

45-45A THE AVENUE

01643 708221

A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN

47 THE AVENUE

STONES HOTEL

48 THE AVENUE

01643 709717

ROXY’S HAIR & NAIL SALON

49 THE AVENUE

01643 705971

GASCONY HOTEL

50 THE AVENUE

01643 705939

GROWN UP MARSHMELLOWS

51 THE AVENUE

07471 655022

P&S MOTORSPORT

53 THE AVENUE

01643 704114

BLUEBERRY JEWELLERY & GIFTS

55 THE AVENUE

01643 707439

BRAMBLES COFFEE SHOP

56A THE AVENUE

01643 709106

EXMOOR VAPE

56B THE AVENUE

01643 709251

SOMERSET BRIDAL

57 THE AVENUE

01643 707074

HOLD FAST BODY ARTS

58A THE AVENUE

01643 703535

EXMOOR TEDDY BEARS

58B THE AVENUE

01643 702333

ANIMAL

59 THE AVENUE

BEACH HOTEL

60 THE AVENUE

01643 704765

MINEHEAD INFORMATION CENTRE

60 THE AVENUE

01643 702624

MINEHEAD MUSEUM

60 THE AVENUE

01643 822097

THE OLD HOSPITAL - MINEHEAD CONNECT

THE AVENUE

01643 705252

THE OLD HOSPITAL WEST SOMERSET RADIO

THE AVENUE

01643 652844

THORNE SEGAR

3 BANCKS STREET

01643 703234

RISDON HOSEGOOD

6 BANCKS STREET

01643 703123

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

10 BANCKS STREET

01643 702271

JAMES & ASSOCIATES FINANCIAL SERVICES

13 BANCKS STREET

01643 706888

MASONIC LODGE

BANCKS STREET

MINEHEAD LIBRARY

BANCKS STREET

0300 123 2224

01643 706522

ATTRACTION HAIR SALON

1 BLENHEIM ROAD

SPRA ANIMAL CHARITY SHOP

2 BLENHEIM ROAD

07830 246776

EXMOOR COUNTRY INTERIORS

2A BLENHEIM ROAD

07581 155752 01643 707070

TUI TRAVEL AGENCY

3 BLENHEIM ROAD

ANA BLISS NAILS

4 BLENHEIM ROAD

07835 359245

BAMBOO

5 BLENHEIM ROAD

01643 709049

BLENHEIM DENTAL SURGERY

5B BLENHEIM ROAD

01643 702317

To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.15

16.

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

SHO P LI KE

Min

ehea DEP d END S O N IT BECA USE IT D OES

Thank You

for our support indelocal & ing busi pendent ness es

#We AreM To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk i n e h e a d .17

18.

ST MARGARET’S HOSPICE FURNITURE SHOP

1 FRIDAY STREET

01643 705189

CARROLLS HOME CARE

3 FRIDAY STREET

01643 818030

UNDER THE RAINBOW

7 FRIDAY STREET

01643 709410

PARAPHERNALIA

11 FRIDAY STREET

01643 703992

PRIDDY’S PHOTO SHOP & STUDIO

15 FRIDAY STREET

01643 704473

ANTIQUES ETC

17 FRIDAY STREET

07988 563847

MINEHEAD RADIO

19/21 FRIDAY STREET

01643 702525

LEIGH HAIR & BEAUTY

23 FRIDAY STREET

01643 702220

PHONE CONVERTERS MINEHEAD

25 FRIDAY STREET

01643 829280

STUARTS HOME FURNISHERS

27 FRIDAY STREET

01643 707974

BALES GENTLEMEN’S HAIRDRESSER

29 FRIDAY STREET

01643 703917

DAISY NAIL AND BEAUTY

4&6 FRIDAY STREET

01643 704760

THAT LITTLE CRAFT SHOP

8 FRIDAY STREET

01643 818070

AR COMPUTING

8 FRIDAY STREET

01643 707381

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND THE BARBER SHOP

10 FRIDAY STREET

01643 703917

FRIDAY STREET NEWS

10A FRIDAY STREET

01643 703046

COURTYARD FRAMING

14 & 16 FRIDAY STREET

01643 705648

HUMMING BIRD

20 FRIDAY STREET

01643 707349

EXCOM

24 FRIDAY STREET

01643 704673

MILLIE’S BEAUTY

24A FRIDAY STREET

07482 334435

LEO DAVEY STUDIO

24C FRIDAY STREET

07816 151433

HEAD FIRST HAIRDRESSERS

30 FRIDAY STREET

01643 702030

THE BEAUTY CONNECTION

34 FRIDAY STREET

01643 707067

WEST SOMERSET FREE PRESS

1 QUIRKE STREET

01984 632731

FINE MEMORIALS

2 HOLLOWAY STREET

01643 705002

PASSIONI ITALIANE

3A HOLLOWAY STREET

01643 818130

GOLDEN HOUSE RESTAURANT

6 HOLLOWAY STREET

01643 702723

QUEENS HEAD MINEHEAD

HOLLOWAY STREET

01643 702940

WEST SOMERSET ADVICE BUREAU

MARKET HOUSE LANE

0800 802180

JULIAN’S LAUNDRY

MARKET HOUSE LANE

01643 706787

HOBBY HORSE INN

THE ESPLANADE

01643 702274

JUBILEE CAFÉ

THE ESPLANADE

01643 708036

ROLY’S FUDGE PANTRY MINEHEAD

1 THE PARADE

07874 923925

GLENMORE BAKERY

1A THE PARADE

01643 818020

LOVELY BOUTIQUE

1B THE PARADE

01643 706458

TOUCAN WHOLEFOODS

3 THE PARADE

01643 709660

BASTINS

7 THE PARADE

01643 707972

TODDYS

7 THE PARADE

01643 818553

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

INDOOR MARKET

THE PARADE

NAT WEST BANK

9 THE PARADE

0345 788 8444

FOX & SONS MINEHEAD

13 THE PARADE

01643 702281

MR H BARBERSHOP

13A THE PARADE

01643 702020

ARGOS

15 THE PARADE

0345 656 4187

MR MICAWBERS RESTAURANT

15A THE PARADE

01643 702834

THE GRAPE TREE

17 THE PARADE

01643 818050

TSB BANK

19 THE PARADE

01643 299998

HOLLAND & BARRETT

21 THE PARADE

01643 709177

AGE UK

2 THE PARADE

01643 708179

CANCER RESEARCH

2 THE PARADE

01643 707126

BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION

4A THE PARADE

01643 709235

SANTANDER

6&6A THE PARADE

0800 912 3123

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT

8 THE PARADE

01643 706666

THE CARD FACTORY

UNIT 2, 10 THE PARADE

01643 706387

SUPERDRUG

UNIT 1, 10 THE PARADE

01643 707768

EDINBURGH WOOLLEN MILL

12 THE PARADE

01643 709348

BOOTS THE CHEMIST

14 THE PARADE

01643 702004

GREGGS BAKERY

18 THE PARADE

01643 705532

WH SMITH

20 THE PARADE

01643 705221

TRESPASS

3 FLOYDS CORNER

01643 702686

SPECSAVERS

4 FLOYDS CORNER

01643 700220

THE BLOOM ROOM MINEHEAD

4 FLOYDS CORNER

01643 706944

KNICKERBOCKER GLORY

7 FLOYDS CORNER

01643 706328

WEBBERS ESTATE AGENTS

9 FLOYDS CORNER

01643 706917

MCCOLL’S

2 PARK STREET

01643 709145

M&CO

4 & 6 PARK STREET

01643 702461

INDEPENDENT LIVING MINEHEAD

8 PARK STREET

01643 709000

WENDY’S HAIR STUDIO

8 PARK STREET

01643 707744

GENERATIONS

10 PARK STREET

07802 892477

CRANMERS OPTOMETRISTS

12 PARK STREET

01643 702204

ROBSON & STEPHENS FUNERAL DIRECTORS

14 PARK STREET

01643 703000

FAUSTO’S

16 PARK STREET

01643 706372

LAS VEGAS STAR NAILS

18 PARK STREET

01643 709288

HARVEY JONES

18B PARK STREET

01643 702231

CHAPMAN SHOES

UNIT A, 3 PARK STREET

01643 818010

KING KEBAB

UNIT B, 3 PARK STREET

01643 703036

PARKS LANE HOME FURNISHERS & INTERIORS

5 PARK STREET

01643 707707

WILKIE MAY & TUCKWOOD

7 PARK STREET

01643 704400

POINTER PROPERTIES

9 PARK STREET

01643 708885

EXMOOR BRIDES

11 PARK STREET

01643 818759

ROBIN & CO

13 PARK STREET

01643 706693

GRAVITY PILATES

13A PARK STREET

01643 706165

SIMPLY BLINDS AND CURTAINS

1 THE PARKS

01643 702366

SPECTRUM HAIR STUDIO

1 THE PARKS

01643 708402

HAIR AT NUMBER 1

2 THE PARKS

01643 708701

To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.19

20.

EXMOOR EYECARE

3 THE PARKS

01643 702983

EXMOOR OSTEOPATHY

5 THE PARKS

07824 168862

LADIES HAIR CARE

7 THE PARKS

01643 704368

PORTSIDE DINER

43 QUAY STREET

01643 704100

OLD SHIP AGROUND HOTEL

QUAY STREET

01643 703516

THE QUAY INN

QUAY STREET

01643 702839

BREWERS FAYRE

SEAWARD WAY

01643 803792

LIDL

SEAWARD WAY

0370 444 1234

PREMIER INN

SEAWARD WAY

0333 234 6516

TESCO STORE

SEAWARD WAY

0345 677 9476

MCDONALDS

VULCAN ROAD

01643 707834

MORRISONS SUPERMARKETS PLC

VULCAN ROAD

01643 704477

MINEHEAD TOWN COUNCIL

1 SUMMERLAND ROAD

01643 707213

BEST FRIENDS PET SUPPLIES

5 SUMMERLAND ROAD

01643 708070

TOM’S FISH & CHIPS

7 SUMMERLAND ROAD

01643 702374

EXMOOR JEWELLERS

9 SUMMERLAND ROAD

01643 819365

SOMETHING ELSE HAIR SALON

35 -37 SUMMERLAND ROAD

01643 704502

A E AUTOS TYRES & SERVICING

SUMMERLAND PLACE

01643 703939

THREADS

SUMMERLAND PLACE

01643 708372

ARKADE AMUSEMENTS

WARREN ROAD

01643 704186

BEACH HUT (YARD FARM) ICE CREAM & GIFTS

WARREN ROAD

01643 708800

BUTLINS RESORT MINEHEAD

WARREN ROAD

0330 100 6649

CHANNEL ADVENTURE CENTRE

WARREN ROAD

01643 703362

DANAS FISH AND CHIPS

WARREN ROAD

01643 709911

MERLINS AMUSEMENTS

WARREN ROAD

01643 708860

MERLINS INDOOR MARKET STRAND CAFÉ & ICE CREAM PARLOUR WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY

WARREN ROAD WARREN ROAD WARREN ROAD

01643 702144 01643 704996

COSTA COFFEE

2 WELLINGTON SQUARE

01643 708872

BETFRED

2A WELLINGTON SQUARE

0800 731 1210

FONE REVIVE MINEHEAD

4 WELLINGTON SQUARE

01643 708576

THE CHILDRENS SOC

6 WELLINGTON SQUARE

01643 704525

BUTTERFLIES CAFÉ

8 WELLINGTON SQUARE

01643 818182

CATS PROTECTION LEAGUE

10 WELLINGTON SQUARE

01643 704501

HSBC

WELLINGTON SQUARE

0345 740 4404

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON SQUARE

01643 701910

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

01643 707707 paulparkslane@aol.com www.parkslane.co.uk 5 Parks Street, Minehead, TA24 5NQ.

Awnings, blinds, curtains & shutters all expertly measured by us, chosen by you, made & fitted by us. We can offer you the largest choice in Minehead and our professional services of measuring and fitting are FREE. Just call or email us for YOUR FREE measure and quote.

Home Selection is available.

01643 703347 info@parkslane.co.uk www.parkslane.co.uk Parks Lane, Minehead, TA24 5NU. Need a good night’s sleep? Before investing in your new bed come and see what we can offer you in our huge showroom.

• Do you love the timeless style of a metal bed frame or prefer the upholstered look?

• Do you need extra storage options to store your winter duvets or shoes?

• Room for seating as well as sleeping?

• Need extra support for your bad back?

We can help with all these questions, call us or email us for more info or pop in and see us and try for yourself!

To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.21

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?

1. Reginald Kenneth Dwight is better known by what name?

2. In which year did the Spice Girls release Wannabe?

22.

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SUNNY PARADISE POPSICLE FLAMINGO FLIP FLOPS VACATION

SNOWCONE WATERMELON SUNGLASSES BEACH SNORKEL PICNIC

BARBECUE OCEAN PALM TREE SAND SUNBLOCK POOL

How to play...

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

TOWEL ICE CREAM STRAWBERRY LIFEGUARD FIREFLIES SWIMMING

1. In England, pigeon poop is property of the Crown.

2. Until 2015, it was illegal to dance in Japan after midnight.

3. Bees can fly higher than Mount Everest!

4. Armadillos have shells so hard they can deflect a bullet.

5. Broccoli is a man-made food.

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

To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.23

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 - Minehead library should be open by mid-July and other libraries in West Somerset are scheduled to re-open by the end of August (although it may be later for Community Libraries staffed by volunteers). 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.

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

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.

To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.25

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 26.

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

MR. CRIDDLE’S FA MI LY COBBLERS

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

BROCH

LL E TSE B E S LL E R TSE B E S E LL E R TS

URE

R

WALTON PRESS

BES

BROCHURES • STATIONERY • BOOKLETS CATALOGUES • FULFILMENT & MAILINGS PACKAGING • LABELS • GRAPHIC DESIGN POSTERS • EXHIBITIONS • MERCHANDISE

01458 832 82 9

I N F O @ WA LT O N P R E S S . C O . U K

W W W. WA LT O N P R E S S . C O . U K

U n it 7 Adl a m s C e n t ral Par k , Gla s to nbu r y, So m e r s et , BA 6 9 XE

waltonpressglasto

waltonpressglastonbury

- Plus we offer -

Dry Cleaning Car Keys Security Keys

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

(Excludes dry cleaning. Offer ends 31/08.20)

THE AVENUE, MINEHEAD

To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.27

The Diaries Of

Ginger

George West Somerset’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.

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”.

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.

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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

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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

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01984 632701 01984 634365 01643 703441 01643 821244

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

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

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

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