Taunton - Issue 67 - March 2023

Calway House | Taunton Lavender Court | Taunton Moorhaven | Taunton

Clive Smith Editor

Call 07779 653120

clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

ABOUT US

Established in 2014, Word Gets Around Magazine is an independent community magazine and family business, run by father and son team; Clive and Paul Smith.

We aim to spread the word about local events and services and to encourage our communities to use local businesses.

The more we are supported by advertisers the more pages we can grow to support the community.

To get in contact please call us on: 01984 573025 or email: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

Spring is finally here – or is it? According to the Met Office, ‘meteorological’ spring starts on 1st March, but at Word Gets Around we’re welcoming it on 20th March – the vernal equinox.

Whichever day you prefer, there’s no doubt that this month has a definite spring in its step, with celebrations aplenty in the shape of St David’s Day on the 1st, St Patrick’s Day on the 17th and Mother’s Day on the 19th – and after all that you’ll probably be thankful for World Sleep Day on the 19th, too!

Don’t forget that the clocks ‘spring forward’ on Sunday 26th March. British Summer Time was brought in during the First World War in 1916 to conserve fuel by lengthening the daylight hours of the working day. If we kept to Greenwich Mean Time, it would be light at 3am and dark by 9pm in the height of the summer – which would do a lot for manufacturers of blackout blinds but not much for savings on electricity bills.

Let’s forget about that lost hour of sleep and look forward instead to longer, lighter evenings with more opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, dancing daffodils and all those other glorious signs of spring!

Hestercombe

Cheddon

Socials: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk

Until next time,

The clock says ten past six so presumably an early start by bicycle out into the country (not a pair of shorts in sight). At this time Taunton’s main post office was in Church Square opposite Saint Mary’s Church.

The post office opened from 7am until 10pm on weekdays and on Sundays for two hours to conduct telegraph business. At this time Taunton had a very efficiant collection and delivery service. Nineteen wall letter boxes were cleared seven times a day. Deliveries from various local parts occurred at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2.15am, and lastly at 7.30pm. There was a 7am Sunday delivery with letters from all parts of the country. This meant that arrangements could be made locally for same

days meetings or collections of orders. Thirty two postmen operated in the town.

The postage stamp was first issued as Rowland Hill’s Penny Black in 1840. Over sixty million were printed so they are not rare. A one ounce letter cost two old pence to send in 1840. Previously the recipient paid for the postage. In 1915 a one ounce letter cost one pence to send. Today its very close to a pound (most folk don’t actually know how much). Yet for over seventy five years the cost remained basically the same.

The local newspaper said this in 1907. “The new Post-office for Taunton is slowly but surely becoming a certainty. There is every probability now that within a few months visitors to the town will no longer need to ask a policeman where the Postoffice business is conducted, and after some difficulty succeed in

finding the building which goes by that name, where the officials are said to be languishing for want of fresh air owing to their confined surroundings. All this is to be altered, and strangers to Taunton in the near future will be able to find without any difficulty the new building which is to be erected in the main thoroughfare, North-street.”

The new post office did not open until 1911 having been built on the site of The Spread Eagle Inn by Pollard of Bridgwater at a cost of seven thousand pounds. The clock was added the same year funded by public conscription. How times have changed. The post office now gets shuttled about to which ever shop can find space for it. One could also say that the cost of the services has rocketed whilst the actual service itself has declined.

The Country Mails c 1904.

• Local Family Run Business.

• Friendly knowledgeable advice given.

• Free of charge no obligation survey and quotations.

• Straight and Curved models.

• New and reconditioned models available for immediate installation.

• All makes and models repaired and serviced.

• Engineers on call 24/7.

• Unwanted stairlifts purchased.

Unit 3 Cipher House, Culmhead Business Park Taunton, TA3 7DY.

Top Tip

If you don’t have biscuit cutters in the shapers you require, simply draw or print the ones you need and cut out the dough around them.

Royal Pastry Chef’s Spiced Easter Biscuits

Introduction

Back in 2020, Queen Elizabeth’s royal pastry chefs released the family’s sacred ‘Spiced Easter Biscuits’ recipe. What better way to honour her late Majesty, than by baking these delightful and delicious Easter treats?

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/340°F/gas mark 3 then mix together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and spices in a bowl. Add the diced butter and mix until it reaches a crumb-like texture.

2. Add the sugar, then once combined add the egg and golden syrup. Mix until a dough is formed.

3. Roll the dough to a thickness of 5mm then use biscuit cutters to cut into desired shape such as

Ingredients

Biscuit base:

• 350g plain flour

• 5g bicarbonate of soda

• 10g ground ginger

• 5g cinnamon

• 125g unsalted butter

• 175g light soft brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 60g golden syrup

Icing:

• 2 egg whites

• 600g icing sugar

• Food colouring of your choice

Easter eggs, chicks or bunnies. Place the biscuits on a non-stick mat or baking paper and bake on the middle shelf for 12-15 minutes until they are golden in colour. Leave biscuits to cool completely before decorating.

4. Add 1 egg white to 600g of icing sugar and beat until smooth. Spoon mixture into a piping bag - the icing should pipe smoothly and be able to hold when piped as a line – and pipe around the edge of the biscuits.

To cover all the biscuits with icing add extra egg white to thin the mixture. Decorate and enjoy!

What do you call a flock of sheep tumbling down a hill? A lambslide.

Crossword EGG

LAMB

BIBLE

CHICK

TULIP BASKET BONNET

EASTER RABBIT

SPRING

DAFFODIL

CHOCOLATE

HOT CROSS

BUN

Cadbury’s make 500 million Creme Eggs every year. If you piled them on top of each other, it would be 10 x higher than Mount Everest.

What proof is there that eating carrots is good for your eyesight? You don’t see rabbits wearing glasses do you?

Nearly one in five people (17.5%) aged 55 and over have been the victim of a financial scam, according to findings by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Scammers often target people who are more vulnerable because they aren’t necessarily working fulltime, or are partially or fully retired.

The Financial Conduct Authority has an informative section on its website – www.fca.org. uk/scamsmart – giving advice on how to avoid both pension and investment scams, a list of the most-searched-for investment and pension scams, plus a useful link if you’ve been contacted about a scam or paid money to fraudsters.

Report Scams

• If you have been defrauded or experienced cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud. Report it either online at www.actionfraud. police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

• You should also report what’s happened to the Financial Conduct Authority, either online or by calling 0800 111 6768.

• If you’ve lost money to a scam and you paid with a credit or debit card, or sent money through an account transaction, tell your bank or payment provider as soon as possible.

Help Protect Yourself

• Protect your PIN and OTP

Never share your PIN or one-time passcode (OTP), or indeed your password.

• Make sure they are who they say they are Fraudsters will pretend to be the police, banks, businesses or even friends to trick you. And they might even know personal details about you. If in doubt, hang up!

• Don’t be pressured

Fraudsters will try to put you under pressure to act quickly. Don’t let anyone rush you – always take a moment before you share any details and only click on a link when you know it’s 100% legitimate.

Trending Scams

The ‘friend in need’ text

You’ll receive a text or WhatsApp message (from an unknown number) supposedly from someone you know, saying that they have a crisis and asking you to transfer money across to them.

Pension review scam

You’re contacted and offered a free pension review. The supposed financial adviser will recommend that you move your money into another scheme or fake investments.

Suspicious activity on your account

Your ‘bank’ calls to say there’s been suspicious activity on your account. They will attempt to obtain your private, sensitive information, such as banking details, PINs and passwords, supposedly to confirm your identity. They might also suggest your move your cash to a new account which you think is yours but isn’t.

Energy-related scams

Scammers pose as a major supplier and announce in an email that you are entitled to a refund on your energy bills because of a ‘miscalculation’. They then give you a link to click to provide your payment details.

In case you haven’t heard, it’s a jobseeker’s market at the moment, with many employers saying recruitment has never been more difficult.

Lower skilled jobs with a higher turnover of staff are where most of the vacancies are. Waiting staff, retail assistants and general administrators could find other openings easily, although they aren’t necessarily going to see a big increase in salary.

If you are highly qualified in a specialist skill there will be fewer vacancies, so it’s not as easy to find the ideal opportunity.

Job-hunting and going for interviews is timeconsuming though, so it’s worth thinking about what it is you want from a new employer before you start.

More money You might think wanting a pay rise is a given, but it’s not as high a priority for everybody as you might think. If you are still living with parents, have family commitments, or you are older and have paid off your mortgage, maybe you would be willing to take a lower salary because it’s a better fit with your life goals.

Different hours If you are looking for full-time work, it could be that full-time-but-flexible is more attractive. A skylark will want to get going early so they can finish early too. If you are a night owl and your job doesn’t need you until the afternoon or evening, that could really appeal to you.

If you need part-time or flexitime, an employer with a bit of sympathy for short-notice time off is going to be a good option. It’s a lot less stressful to know changes in hours are under your control, especially if you have children to care for.

Location Commuting for the job of your dreams is something you might put up with. But don’t get lured by a super career and salary, only to find that

travel (and travel disruptions) eat into your personal life, and the pay rise is wiped out by fuel or public transport fares.

The buzz If you are an introvert, a small company where you work in a quiet office with just one or two people will be ideal. But if you are outgoing or young and hoping for a bit of a work-hard, play-hard environment, seriously question whether you are going to get that in any opportunities you chase. You spend a lot of time at work, so the business ethos has to suit you.

Benefits There might be tangible financial benefits such as a bonus, a good pension scheme and private health cover. But equally, extra holiday, work-fromhome days, onsite parking, an early finish on a Friday or an air-conditioned office with a view could be the clincher for you.

It’s a no Make a list of absolutely-no-way terms before you waste your time and theirs going for an interview.

Finally don’t talk yourself into accepting the first offer if it’s not suitable, just because you are unhappy where you are. With plenty of vacancies out there, hold your nerve and find the right fit.

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the uniqueness and the survival of our gardens.

Gardening, to me, is a pursuit, rather than a mere hobby. It’s one of life’s great challenges, where you take ownership and responsibility, not just of the situation and the task, but also for the welfare of the flora and fauna all around you.

To keep a garden alive and well is an undertaking and something we accept responsibility for. In the past I may have beat myself up for something withering away and dying on me, but you come to realise this is just the circle of life, and it applies to our back gardens just as much as

it does to animals and people. Some situations will always be out of your control, and accepting that is very good for the soul.

As long as you have done everything you could have, that can generally be seen as good enough, in my book.

Of course, there is an argument to say the more complicated you make something, the more difficult it is to keep things constant. I am certainly guilty of pushing and pushing and adding so much more to an idea when I could have kept things safe and sane.

I think it’s important though to remind people, that whether

your garden is some elaborate flourish of colour and texture and shape, or just a bit of grass and some simple shrubbery, absolutely everything about it is unique.

After all, that space has its own unique history - for some, the flowers in it are a present; they may even come from another country; they might remind us of a special occasion or an event or story. We may just have spotted them in the garden centre and gone from there.

The point is everything we have is full of memories and stories. The things we put in our gardens remind us of times in our lives, and when that garden is in full colour and full blossom in May, or in its full

richness in autumn, or at some other point in the year, it creates and stimulates memories.

I have done so much in my gardens, but I don’t think I could pick one specific thing –everything has been my favourite part at some stage. And I believe the whole beauty of gardening is that it’s personal, and the freedom of choice really is with the person getting their hands dirty.

Ultimately, if you want to follow my advice and slavishly do as I say in my books, then that is perfectly fine. However, if you read something and think, ‘I don’t agree with

that, I’m doing it my way,’ then that is good too, because it has at least made you think.

Gardening is private – it’s intimate. We all have different ideas in terms of what we think of as full or minimalist, and I am passionate about people exploring their own narrative, because anybody can do this. Simply decide what you’d like to grow – perhaps something you want to eat, or smell, or just look at. Buy the seeds and do it. Don’t even worry about the process, just try it out.

When it succeeds, do it again; and most importantly, when it fails, do it again too!

Gennaro Contaldo’s Easter Leg of Lamb

Introduction

When it comes to Easter feasts, you can always look to Italy for a sublime celebration of food, family and faith. This recipe for Gennaro Contaldo’s Easter leg of lamb is the perfect dish to serve to your extended brood over the long weekend.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ gas mark 6. Slash the lamb with a sharp knife and rub all over with salt, pepper and a little extra virgin olive oil. Push half the olives and four anchovies into the slashes. Place in a roasting dish together with wine, garlic, shallots, rosemary and remaining anchovies.

2. Reduce the oven temperature to 150°C/gas mark 2 and roast the lamb for 1 hour 30 minutes.

If necessary, cover with tin foil halfway through cooking. Baste throughout and if necessary, add a glass of hot water.

3. About 10 minutes before the end of cooking time, add the peas.

4. Remove from the oven, leave to rest for 5 minutes, place on a board, carve and serve with the vegetables and juices.

Ingredients

(serves 4)

• 1.2kg leg of lamb

• Salt & pepper

• Sprig of rosemary

• A little extra virgin olive oil

• 150ml white wine

• 300g baby onions or shallots

• 100g black olives, pitted

• 8 x anchovy fillets, roughly chopped

• 2 x garlic cloves, left whole, crushed

• 320g fresh or frozen peas

Top Tip

• If using fresh peas be sure to weigh them after they have been shelled and cleaned.

• Keep an eye on your lamb while it is in the oven to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Resting is also essential to maintaining the tenderness and moistness of your meat.

The first ‘seven wonders of the ancient world’ list was made more than 2,000 years ago, but over the course of many centuries most of these wonders were destroyed. So in 2001, the New7Wonders Foundation set out to find a new list for the modern era, asking over 100 million people for their votes. The result was seven new wonders of the world, spanning four continents. Which are on your bucket list?

Machu Picchu, Peru

Perched high in Peru’s Andes mountain range, Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel dating back to the fifteenth century. The mysterious maze of buildings, plazas and platforms was only discovered 100 years ago and continues to bewilder historians and archaeologists –who are still to this day struggling to understand its original purpose.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is India’s most iconic symbol. Shah Jahan, king of the Mughal empire from 1628 – 1658, employed over 20,000 people to build the mausoleum as a monument to his beloved wife, who died in childbirth. A marble tomb in the centre is surrounded by forty-two acres of grounds, where gardens, a mosque, guest house and pool complete the complex.

The Great Wall of China, China

The world’s largest and most impressive man-made structure, the Great Wall was built to protect China from invasion and to guard its Silk Road trade. Taking a staggering 2,000 years to finish, the structure snakes its way along mountain ridges, valleys and hills for over 13,000 miles.

Petra, Jordan

Half-carved into vibrant red, white, pink and sandstone cliff faces, the prehistoric city of Petra in Jordan was ‘lost’ to the Western world for hundreds of years. Once a thriving trading centre and the ancient capital of the Nabataean empire, the city sat empty and in near ruin for centuries before being rediscovered by a European traveller in the 1800s.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

An impressive feat of engineering, The Colosseum in Rome was built in the first century. The amphitheatre was once capable of holding 50,000 spectators, who watched a variety of events – including gladiator fights. According to some estimates, about 500,000 people died in the Colosseum, and so many animals that some species became extinct!

Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The iconic emblem of Brazil, Christ the Redeemer rises over thirty metres on the top of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Made from reinforced concrete and clad in over six million soapstone tiles, this totemic statue of Jesus is actually the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Deep in the Mexican state of Yucatán lies Chichen Itza, a historic Mayan city built between the ninth and twelfth centuries. Constructed by the pre-Columbian Mayan tribe Itzá, the city includes a series of monuments and temples – the most famous being El Castillo. A testament to the Mayans’ astronomical abilities, the structure features 365 steps, one for every day in the solar year.

SWT unveil spectacular Dragon sculpture

Somerset West and Taunton Council unleashed the ‘Somerset Dragon’ in Taunton High Street on Saturday 11th February 2023.

The spectacular 4-metre-high public art sculpture created by local chainsaw artist Matthew Crabb, was unveiled by the Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Sue Lees, and the Chair of SWT, Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey.

The Somerset Dragon was commissioned by the Council after two trees planted when the High Street was originally pedestrianised in the 1970s were removed having outgrown their brick planters posing a danger to people and properties.

SWT planted three new trees in the district for each tree removed in line with its three-forone tree replacement policy.

The Council’s Cultural Development team saw an opportunity for a piece of public art to create a focal point in the High Street and drive footfall to businesses, while putting Taunton on the map as a cultural destination in line with the new Cultural Strategy being developed for Somerset.

The artwork inspired by the iconic Somerset Dragon is intended to leave a legacy for Somerset West and Taunton Council before the new Somerset Council is created on 1st April 2023.

The dragon theme is embedded in Taunton’s history. Taunton began as a Saxon village where a dragon is believed to have been the royal emblem of the Anglo-Saxon Kings of Wessex.

Somerset’s flag, Coat of Arms, County Cricket team and the new Somerset Council are all represented by a dragon.

Dragons also appear frequently in Somerset’s folklore, for example, at Carhampton, St Carantoc tamed a dragon, whereas in Aller a dragon in the form of a flying serpent breathed flames and poisonous fumes.

Carvings on the chancel screen of All Saints Church in Norton Fitzwarren, dated 1509, reputedly show the Dragon of Norton Hillfort where the dragon is alleged to have risen from the putrefying bodies of those killed in a great battle at the Hillfort.

SWT’s Executive Member for Culture, Cllr Caroline Ellis, said: "Super talented local chainsaw artist Matt Crabb has crafted the most stunning and aweinspiring dragon sculpture for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Made of incredibly durable cedar, the Somerset dragon will delight and inspire us for decades to come.

Taunton is at the heart of one of the most creative counties in the land blessed with so many creatives and craftspeople - a county with a great tradition of folklore, mythology and a rich heritage.

Our dragon celebrates and amplifies all this and will support us in reviving the High Street and in putting Taunton and Somerset firmly on the arts and cultural map where they belong”.

SWT put on an afternoon of fun activities to include dragon themed arts and crafts, fire performances, and Somerset County Cricket Club mascot ‘Stumpy’.

Shops and local businesses were also invited to join in the celebrations with dragon themed window dressings as well as a special dragon themed augmented reality trail.

Follow #SomersetDragon via @SWTCouncil or @visit_taunton's social media channels for updates.

Lorne Mowers By the time a man realises that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong.

Greg Perkins Apple FM had a great day, with lots of positive energy around the sculpture, many not realising it was permanent. Overall a wonderful sculpture that will bring visitors and revenue into the town.

Lorne Mowers By the time a man realises that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong.

Miguel Goncalves I actually enjoyed seeing something new in the town, enjoyed seeing the people celebrating and genuinely happy and if this statue brought that happiness to people. For me its already worthwhile.

Lora Cam It’s a lovely addition to the town.

Andy Larder Stunning piece of artwork and a great monument for visitors to admire.

Taunton Independent Quarter The more public art, sculptures, murals, installations the better in my opinion. Adding interest, culture and art to the Town can only make it more appealing to our visitors. Matt’s work is absolutely jaw droppingly brilliant and this dragon will bring a much needed injection of intrigue and interest to Taunton’s high street!!

Lorne Mowers By the time a man realises that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong.

Lorne Mowers By the time a man realises that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong.

Dave Urwin Wow, I recently saw this awesome wood sculpture on the high street. People were walking past and gazing with awe and the grey skies really added to the atmosphere.

Rebecca Fenner Our business (Handmade Boutique) had an amazing opportunity to join in with the events and we are so grateful! We are delighted with the dragon coming to Taunton. The way its supported so many businesses, the way its supported a artist, gave children and families a day out and event to attend is amazing.

Jenny Eastwell-Keogh We had so many happy visitors to GoCreate Taunton art workshops at the launch.

WATCH! The making of the Somerset dragon in Taunton. A little insight into the creation of Taunton’s new landmark by Titan Arcadia’s Co Director Matthew Crabb.

wgalink.com/dragon

The Titan Arcadia Gallery Taunton is a free to visit, 5000 sqft art exhibition located next to the Brewhouse theatre in Somerset’s county town of Taunton. We showcase over 200 sculptures, woodcarving’s, paintings, illustrations and prints, by over 30 artists, based both local and nation wide.

100 YEARS

Wembley Stadium in London opened (as the British Empire Exhibition Stadium, commonly known as the Empire Stadium). It was demolished in 2003. The new Wembley Stadium opened on the same site in March 2007.

90 YEARS

The first modern sighting of Scotland’s Loch Ness monster was reported in the Inverness Courier

70 YEARS

New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, London. This was also the first event where the British TV audience (20 million) was greater than the radio audience (12 million).

50 YEARS

1.6 million British workers took part in a oneday general strike to protest against the government’s pay restraint policy and price rises.

50 YEARS AGO (1973)

• The average price of a property in the second quarter of 1973 was £8,144 (c. £92,000 at today’s prices). This compares with an average UK price of £296,000 today.

• Chart-toppers in the music singles charts included “Can the Can” by Suzi Quatro and “Rubber Bullets” by 10cc.

• Sir Edward Heath was Prime Minister (Conservatives), staying in office until 1974.

40 YEARS

Around 70,000 anti-nuclear weapons protesters formed a fourteen-mile human chain in Berkshire, England. They linked the U.S. airbase at Greenham Common, the nuclear research centre in Aldermaston and an ordnance factory in Burghfield.

The first cordless telephone went on sale in Britain. British Telecom’s Hawk could be used up to 100 metres (330 feet) from its base station.

30 YEARS

The recession of the early 1990s was officially declared over in Britain as new figures that showed the first economic growth for more than two years.

25 YEARS

The world’s first solid-state portable digital audio player (MP3 player) went on sale in Japan. The MPMan F10 could hold 8 songs (32 Mb version) or 16 songs (64 Mb version). It was not a commercial success.

British woman Diane Blood, who won a two-year legal battle over her right to be inseminated with her dead husband’s sperm, announced that she was pregnant. The baby was born in December. A second was born in July 2002.

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

Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. Jamling Tenzing Norgay, CC BY-SA 3.0

MPMan F10 by Michele M. F, CC BY-SA 2.0

If you suffer from loneliness from time to time, ironically, you’re not alone. According to ‘The Lonely Society’, a report published by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), 48% of those surveyed believed that Britain is becoming a lonelier place.

The Covid-19 pandemic is partly to blame. After spending so long in survival mode, isolated from the ones we love, many of us still find it increasingly hard to coax ourselves out of that more guarded and introverted mindset. This is made even more pronounced when we factor in the move from communal offices to remote working, which has changed the lives of millions of people across the UK.

The ever-advancing progression of technology and social media is also believed to be a contributor. Despite claims that technology helps us connect with people, many experts believe that having constant access to technology can actually prevent us from building personal relationships.

Although many of us will be familiar with the upset of not being invited to a party, or the devastation of losing a loved one, what many people don’t know is that loneliness can also have a serious impact on our physical health. The work of neuroscientists such as John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago has shown that the stress of loneliness can directly affect our mental and physical wellbeing, with a cumulative effect on the heart that is the equivalent of a non-smoker taking up smoking. So, with this in mind, what’s the best way to overcome loneliness?

Get a new job or share your skills

You could use your free time to volunteer for a local charity, or try joining a new group or class. You’ll meet new people and be filled with a revived sense of purpose.

Practice self-care

It’s easy to let loneliness eat away at your confidence and self-esteem. Try to avoid falling into a negative headspace by practicing gratitude, meditation and mindfulness. Reminding yourself about the good things in life or reminiscing on happy times can help you to think more positively.

Reach out to someone

Talking to someone about how you feel can be a helpful way to cope with the negative emotions associated with loneliness. If there isn’t anyone you can trust, the campaigning and lobbying organisation Campaign to End Loneliness can help. Although they don’t recruit volunteers directly, you can visit their website at www. campaigntoendloneliness.org to find information about volunteering opportunities.

Find support online

Using technology in the right way can be a fantastic way to meet new like-minded people. Find people with similar interests by joining Facebook or Meetup groups, and check to see if any apps you use, like fitness or workout apps, have a social element or discussion board to join. While you do have to be careful, it’s possible to find real support, connection and lasting friendships with people you meet online.

#UpThePeacocks

With only two months of the season remaining, the Peacocks are busy ploughing their way through their backlog of fixtures in the Vanarama National League South.

Thankfully the absence of any major wet or cold weather into February meant Taunton suffered no further postponements as they continued to catch up with their League schedule. Six successive home Tuesday evening fixtures conclude with the visit of Hampton & Richmond Borough on 7th March followed by trips to Cheshunt and Chippenham Town. Hemel Hempstead Town visit the Cygnet Health Care Stadium on Saturday 18th March before the month ends in brutal fashion with three successive away treks to Welling United, Braintree Town and the return game with Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The final month of the campaign begins with title favourites Ebbsfleet United travelling west on Saturday 1st April followed by another home match against Concord Rangers on Tuesday 4th April. To make sure you keep up to date with all fixture news please visit www.tauntontown.com

On the player front the Peacocks have lost Ross Staley and Joe Budd who have both departed to spend the next seven months playing in New Zealand. Head of Football Rob Dray commented: ”Ross and Joe leaving will no doubt leave a hole for us all at the club both on and off the pitch, but we totally understand with the opportunity to go and live and play in New Zealand.” To help bolster the ranks defender former Plymouth Argyle youngster Ollie Tomlinson has been brought in on loan from National League Torquay United. The Town boss added:” Ollie has great experience for someone so young and will give us good cover in several positions.”

Off the pitch the club have confirmed two further appointments. Gregg Morrison has been named as the Schools Co-Ordinator, a role which will involve him engaging with schools in Somerset to increase the awareness of the club and its successes.

Gregg commented: ”I am a passionate TTFC fan and am keen to help spread the word, influence and reach of the club so that the on and off-pitch fortunes of the club keep on improving.” Chairman Kevin Sturmey remarked: ”I am delighted that Gregg has joined our team. He has all the qualifications, qualities and passion we need to help us grow the Taunton Town brand deeper into schools and the wider community.”

Rob Hake has also been appointed as Head Groundsman, taking over the role from the Chairman who said:

“It has been clear since Rob joined us in October 2021 that he is in a different league as his work rate, tenacity and problem solving are second to none. He just gets on with his job but like me he wants to continually improve our facilities on and off the pitch. There could be no better person to take on the Head Groundsman’s role.”

Chartered Accountants, Tax Consultants and Financial Planners to Taunton and the surrounding areas for over 150 years. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team for a free initial meeting.

March on to spring

Hello and welcome to spring! I’m not sure what the technical definition is, but I’ve seen plenty of daffodils and lambs and last week I ate a creme egg, so in my mind spring has officially sprung. The thing I love about spring is stepping outside and noticing a different smell. Do you smell it too? It’s a sort of freshness, a slight warmth maybe, something that tells you that a new season is coming, that it won’t be long before summer is on its way and we can all lie in the garden and feel the sun on our faces again.

To help you enjoy all that spring has to offer, I’ve come up with a few of my favourite outdoorsy places to visit in Somerset. All of these are lovely whatever the time of the year, but they’re especially beautiful in the spring, so get your boots on, get outside and enjoy that feeling of life emerging anew for another year.

Vivary Park - Taunton

One of my favourites, and not just because it’s right near my house. Victorian splendour at its best, think flower beds galore, full of colourful spring bulbs, an ornate fountain, bandstand and not one but two kids’ play areas. It’s even got a cute cafe - The Coffee Station - serving drinks, snacks and delicious cakes.

Hestercombe Gardens

I’ve been visiting Hestercombe regularly since my daughters were tiny, which is a LONG time ago now. The gardens themselves are just stunning, and I especially love the unique buildings hidden around the grounds, ready to be discovered among the trees. Don’t forget to visit the secondhand book shop.

Barrington Court

One of my favourite local National Trust properties - an underrated gem in my opinion. Gorgeous gardens, studios to visit run by local craftspeople, and you won’t want to miss a visit to the house either. Don’t miss the ballroom’s sprung floor mechanism, tucked away around a corner.

Fyne Court

A great one for families, Fyne Court on the Quantocks has plenty to explore including a walled garden, folly, arboretum and walks to suit everyone, including a short accessible route for buggies and wheelchairs. You can even hire a Tramper mobility scooter to explore the gardens.

Glastonbury Tor

Do you even live in Somerset if you’ve never climbed the Tor? No, no you don’t. It’s a must for locals and visitors alike, and is a great day out whatever the weather honestly - it’s fantastic fun when it’s windy and you feel like you might get blown away. Best on clear days to really appreciate the views.

Walled Gardens of Cannington

This is a bit of a hidden gem, part of Bridgwater and Taunton College that’s open to visitors TuesdaySunday nearly all year round. Until the end of March it’s only £5 per person, but you can get a great value individual season ticket for only £16. There’s a tea shop and they sell plants, so it’s a great place to visit to get some new plants for spring.

Celebrate spring with our selection of glorious garden-themed books.

Venetian Gardens – Monty Don & Derry Moore

Inspired by Monty’s BBC2 series, Adriatic Gardens, his latest book with Derry Moore is a sumptuous visual journey through the gardens of Venice. Starting in the heart of the city and working their way out to the Veneto, the pair celebrate the beauty of these places and tell some of their remarkable stories. With stunning colour photography throughout, readers will discover new insight into one of the world’s most beloved cities.

The Gardener’s Almanac – Alan Titchmarsh

A month-by-month treasury of gardening advice, inspiration and knowledge, along with illustrations by Alan himself, who has written more than forty gardening books, twelve novels and three volumes of memoirs. As well as what to grown and sow, find out what wildlife to spot, projects to engage in, weather notes, gardens to visit, birds and flowers to celebrate and much more…

Home Harvest: Your Pocket Card Guide to Kitchen Gardening

– Bridie Cotter & Tom Gaunt

A practical, fun and easy-to-read deck of cards by organic veggie farmers Bridie and Tom that will help you plant and grow your own kitchen garden. Divided into four sections (Gardening 101, Veggies, Herbs and Flowers), these beautifully illustrated cards will help you start your garden from scratch, offering helpful guidance and advice on everything from plant health to common pest management.

Gardens for the Soul: Sustainable and Stylish Outdoor Spaces

– Sara Bird & Dan Duchars

Whatever the location or size of your garden, a sustainable and ecofriendly ethos can be at the heart of creating a beautiful outdoor space to suit your lifestyle. From tiny spaces to larger patios, and to glean ideas, tips and inspiration, you’ll find suggestions for choosing garden elements from decor and lighting to furniture and accessories, as well as easy craft projects that add quirky personal touches.

The Little Guide to Wildflowers – Alison Davies

Discover the intriguing world of wildflowers with this handy pocket guide, with each of the featured flowers delicately illustrated by printmaker Tom Frost to capture its individual characteristics and accompanied by information about the plant and where it can be found, plus associated facts and fables. Adding to the charm of this delightful book is an interactive spotter’s guide at the back, where you can tick off each flower you find.

The English Country House Garden – George Plumptre

From the Victorian grandeur of Tyntesfield and Cragside, to the Arts and Crafts simplicity of Rodmarton Manor and Charleston, from Scampston to new gardens by Dan Pearson and Tom Stuart-Smith, and with favourites such as Sissinghurst and Hidcote alongside new discoveries, this book takes a fresh look at the English country house garden, starting with the owners and the stories behind the making of the gardens, with glorious photographs capturing the gardens at their finest moments through the seasons.

Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society

170 years of SANHS Proceedings Online

The Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society is celebrating the completion of a project to make over 170 years of its annual journal freely available online.

The Society was first established in 1849 by ‘several gentlemen of Taunton and its neighbourhood’. In 1851, it published the first volume of its Proceedings and has continued to do so ever since.

All the volumes have now been scanned, and many volunteers have been painstakingly adding them to the SANHS website and referencing them. This has taken over five years but it now represents a fascinating collection of archaeological, historical, geological and natural history studies undertaken by the Society within the historic county of Somerset from the nineteenth century up to the present day. All volumes are now available for everyone to view at www.sanhs.org .

The early volumes describe the members’ day excursions to various sites, led by local experts. These accounts include beautiful hand-drawn sketches of local scenes and buildings as well as detailed plans of archaeological sites. Their refreshment breaks at historic houses and other establishments are also recorded at length. Each volume includes the names of all the Society’s officers – a reminder of the philanthropic families that have existed in Somerset from the 19th century. The first volume includes details of the ten shillings (fifty pence) subscription rate in 1851. Donors of ten guineas (ten pounds and fifty pence) could be Life Members!

Details of how you can join SANHS are available at www.sanhs.org . Membership rates may have increased somewhat since 1851 but the Society still provides a full programme of events and talks throughout the year to promote the study of archaeology, natural history, local history and historic buildings within the county.

The Society exists to promote the study of archaeology, natural history, local history and historic buildings with particular reference to the historic County of Somerset, and is an important point of contact for anyone with an interest in understanding and protecting the heritage of Somerset.

An elaborate illustration of a reredos that is thought to have been located behind the altar at St John the Baptist Church, Wellington. This appears in Volume 1 of SANHS Proceedings.

Coloured lithograph frontispiece from Volume 1 of SANHS Proceedings showing the beautiful mosaic found during excavations at a Roman Villa in Combe St Nicholas.

BRAIN TRAIN

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

Across

1. Pale yellowish-green colour (4)

3. Unconsciousness induced by drugs (8)

9. Musical setting for a religious text (7)

10. Famous American battle, Davy Crockett’s last (5)

11. Offensive against an enemy (5)

12. One of a kind (6)

14. Changeover (6)

16. Disease of the skin (6)

19. Hindu or Buddhist mystical or magical text (6)

21. Vertical pipe in a building (5)

24. Sign of the zodiac, the Ram (5)

25. Protective shoe-coverings (7)

26. Put aside for a special purpose (8)

27. Form of charge imposed and collected (4)

Down

1. Ball game played with long-handled racquets (8)

2. Priory residents (5)

4. Counting frame (6)

5. American raccoon (5)

6. Act passed by a legislative body (7)

7. Native of Edinburgh, for example (4)

8. Acid found in milk (6)

13. Room in a church where a priest prepares for a service (8)

15. Slanted letters (7)

17. Migratory shorebird of the sandpiper family (6)

18. Armed fight (6)

20. Weapon that delivers a temporarily paralysing electric shock (5)

22. Person held in servitude (5)

23. Wild animal’s den (4)

“Dreamt” is the only English word that ends in the letters “mt”. McDonald’s introduced drive-through service due to the military. Alfred Hitchcock was frightened of eggs. The fuller the fridge, the more energy-efficient it is. There’s a LEGO bridge in Germany that you can walk across.

A Blast from the Past!

All are listed on Majestic’s website, so you can easily look them up for more details: www.majestic.co.uk/wine

WHITES

1 Viognier, Paul Jaboulet, France, 2021, 13.5% £9.99

2 Sauvignon Blanc, “Mill Race”, Vergelen, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2022, 13.5% £9.99

3 Albariño, Martín Códax, Rías Baixas, Spain, 2021, 13% £10.99

REDS

In 1980, 43 years ago, two events in the Wine Trade occurred. The author joined Hedges & Butler Ltd (the oldest British wine merchant, est. 1667) as a young wine & spirits salesman, and Majestic Vintners (the forerunner of Majestic Wine) was founded. Hedges & Butler - then owned by Bass plc - was then the largest importer of wines in the UK (but sadly was closed in 1989) - today Majestic is the country’s largest specialist retailer of wine. As readers will know, I do my best to support local businesses, both producers and retailers - on this occasion I have good reason to feature this iconic business with a branch in Taunton.

I was recently invited to a ‘portfolio’ trade tasting by Majestic in Totnes - with some 160 wines - and reminiscent of the trade events I used to attend before I moved to Taunton and retiring. The Truro tasting was professionally organised and supported by many of Majestic’s trade suppliers. I discovered several wines that will be relevant to me when sourcing drinks for local voluntary bodies’ events. As most of these wines carried different labels to those available to consumers, I decided to visit the Taunton shop and give some pointers to interesting wines you can buy. The very knowledgeable Lulu was on duty, and I sampled the 7 wines available for tasting. I thought all were good value, and the promotion prices were a great bonus. The prices quoted are the 6 (mixed) bottle rate and all are VAT inclusive, but the offers are for a limited period. The wines listed below give you a flavour, but it’s best to try wines there yourself and take advantage before offers end.

4 Pinot Noir, “Kings Worth”, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2020, 14% £11.95

5 Côtes du Rhône, “Belleruche”, Chapoutier, 2021 £14.95

6 Carménère Red Blend, “Arao”. Clos de Luz, Chile, 2018 £9.99

7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Colombia Valley, Washington State, USA, 2018 £14.99

I strongly recommend that you call at the Taunton shop, where the staff - who are well trained in wine knowledge via WSET qualifications - can guide you through the extensive range (I am a Diploma graduate, and was a Certified WSET Educator myself for over 30 years).

Majestic Taunton are holding a charity tasting with a leading supplier on Thursday 6 April 6-7.30pm, which is well worth attending (£10 donation).

Majestic Wine, Unit 2, The Showrooms, Wellington New Road, Taunton,TA1 5LU.

Phone: 01823 336536

Email: tau@majestic.co.uk

when you contact one of our advertisers.

MARTIN G STRAUS - 0747 007 8131

“DARK ‘N STORMY”

INTRODUCTION

On a visit to Plymouth recently, I stayed at the excellent value Copthorne Hotel. The charismatic bartender, Miguel, made me an superb Martini, just to my taste, but as I so recently wrote up this cocktail, I’m featuring another. I spotted a bottle of Gosling’s Rum, so the following evening I chose a Dark ‘n Stormy - this should incorporate Gosling’s Rum as the name is protected! According to Simon Difford, there are two versions: Integrated and Layered. Miguel used the traditional Layered Method but Simon Difford’s alternative version is very attractive too: www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/619/ dark-n-stormy-diffords-recipe

INGREDIENTS: (TRADITIONAL LAYERED VERSION)

75ml Ginger Beer (I used Fever Tree)

45ml Gosling’s “Black Seal”, Bermuda Black Rum, 40% abv

Garnish: Lime wedge

METHOD

POUR Ginger Beer into ice-filled Highball glass (approx. 300ml), then FLOAT rum over back of a spoon

COMMENTS

My personal preference is for Simon Difford’s recipe, as the lime juice and bitters create a more complex, interesting balance. But as with so many cocktails, it’s always a matter of personal taste.

By Martin G Straus

Past South-West Chairman, UKBG

INGREDIENTS

175g caster sugar

175g rhubarb (halved lengthways then diced)

2 tbsp sunflower oil

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

125ml buttermilk

200g plain flour

METHOD

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the crumble topping

50g light muscovado sugar

50g plain flour

25g porridge oats

1 tsp ground cinnamon

50g butter

1. Preheat the oven to 220C / 200C fan /gas mark 7. Fill a 12-hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases.

2. Mix the sugar and rhubarb together and set on one side.

3. To make the crumble topping mix together the muscovado sugar with the flour, oats and cinnamon. Rub the butter into the mixture until it comes together into crumbly clumps.

4. Beat the oil and the egg lightly together, then stir in the vanilla and buttermilk. Pour the mixture over the sugar-coated rhubarb. Add the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda and mix well.

5. Spoon the mixture into the cases, then cover each one with a thick layer of the crumble mixture. Bake for 15-18 mins until golden and a skewer poked into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

Ginger George

Taunton’s Top Cat - The word on the street Pride before a fall

I spent a pleasant weekend chatting to an old cat, who is nearly 22. He was telling me that he remembers when the housing estate where we live was all farm fields, and how things have changed. He was the king cat back in the day, but then there wasn’t as many cats around. There were a few down the farm and a gang from the farmworker’s cottages. He recalled the day he fell down an old culvert by the farm, that was filled with cow slurry. It took him weeks before he got the smell out of his coat. It’s been fenced off now to keep people away.

Of course, I just had to investigate it for myself as we are so curious us cats. The next day I wandered over, passed the ‘Keep Out’ signs. I walked around being extra carful where I put my feet. It did look a bit dodgy, so I decided not to temp fate and made my way back to the park where I bumped into Blackie. He was looking a bit apprehensive, so I asked him what the matter was. He confided in me that a new cat has appeared on the scene, a large black cat and apparently, he’s been bullying all the other cats in the area. I’ve not noticed this cat before but apparently he’s looking to take over my leadership. What’s more, he comes from another village, but he wants to spread his wings a bit.

I put the word about I was up for a challenge, if he was brave enough to take me on. Sure enough, it didn’t take long for the word to get to him and he accepted my challenge. I told Blackie to mention to him that I’m always having a kip in the long grass down by the farm and to met me there the next day at noon.

You don’t have to guess where I went. I tested out the ground and found a nice grassy patch to settle in. A hour later he turned up. Like most bullies they lack brains and put their efforts into brawn. Before we could get into eye contact, I taunted him. “Is this right that you want my leadership, you flea

Emergency

EMERGENCY / USEFUL NUMBERS

Useful Contacts

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CHILDREN’S PUZZLES

Egg 1 = piece 6 Egg 2 = piece 5 Egg 3 = piece 1 Egg 4 = piece 2 Egg 5 = piece 3 Egg 6 = piece 4

CROSSWORD

Across: 1 CHICK, 3 LAMB, 5 HOTCROSSBUN, 6 EASTER, 9 DAFFODIL, 10 BASKET, 12 SPRING.

Down: 1 CHOCOLATE, 2 BIBLE, 4 BONNET, 7 TULIP, 8 RABBIT, 11 EGG.

Across: 1 Lime, 3 Narcosis, 9 Cantata, 10 Alamo, 11 Onset, 12 Unique, 14 Switch, 16 Eczema, 19 Tantra, 21 Riser, 24 Aries, 25 Toecaps, 26 Reserved, 27 Levy.

How many telemarketers does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but he has to do it while you are eating dinner.

What do you call someone who always states the obvious? Someone who always states the obvious.

In a freak accident today, a photographer was hurt when a huge lump of cheddar landed on him. To be fair, the people who were being photographed did try to warn him.

What do you call a Frenchman wearing sandals?

My three favourite things are eating my family and not using commas.

You need to be careful when it’s raining cats and dogs. You might step in a poodle.

I hate my job – all I do is crush drinks cans all day. It’s soda pressing.

Farmer isaac

It hurts me to say this, but I have a sore throat.

Somebody has invented the cold air balloon. Can’t see it taking off though.

Ol’ Ned were telling I, that his varther were 95 and ‘e don’t use glasses. Cor ‘ee must ‘ave gud eyesite then. No, ‘ee don’t use glasses cuz he drinks straight vrom the bottle.

WORDWHEEL:

MANHANDLE

Down: 1 Lacrosse, 2 Monks, 4 Abacus, 5 Coati, 6 Statute, 7 Scot, 8 Lactic, 13 Sacristy, 15 Italics, 17 Curlew, 18 Battle, 20 Taser, 22 Slave, 23 Lair.

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Philippe Flop.