Word Gets Around Magazine - Taunton - Issue 68

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.

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Welcome to our April issue, and fingers crossed for some good weather over the Easter weekend, which is relatively early – Friday 7th to Monday 9th – this year. But why does Easter, like the proverbial bunny, hop around so much? In a nutshell (or should that be an Easter eggshell?), it’s because Easter falls on the first Sunday following the full moon on or after the spring equinox, which is assumed to be 21st March (even though that itself can vary between 19th and 22nd March).

Aside from Easter, there’s plenty going on this month – including Ramadan, which finishes on the 21st. St George’s Day is on the 23rd, although unlike the Welsh, Scots and Irish, England doesn’t really celebrate its patron saint’s day – a national holiday from the 15th to the 18th century, it was sidelined after the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707.

It’s nice to see all the spring flowers busting out in the hedgerows as I’m driving around. Masses of daffodils and primroses are all out in bloom. There is a feint tinge of green in the trees as the buds are preparing to open. This is sure welcome sign after the doom and gloom of winter. I love this time of year, it fills you with anticipation and the sign of better thing s to come.

Fun fact: the rarest date for Easter is March 24, which last occurred in 1940 and won’t happen again until 2391 – and no, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke! Until next time, Clive

Somerset: A Troubled Century 1600-1699

By Allan Bunyan

The morning of the 20 th January must have seemed like another day as the population of Somerset “prepared themselves to their affairs”. Within minutes this scene of tranquillity was shattered by what must at first have seemed a surreal sight.

Eye witness accounts relate how what appeared to be “huge mighty hills of water tumbling over one another as if the greatest mountains of the world had overwhelmed the low villages of marshy ground”.

The worst affected areas were the low lying flatlands in north Somerset and the levels in central Somerset. In total perhaps 2,000 people died on both sides of the Severn in what was to prove the biggest natural disaster to hit mainland Britain. The population of Somerset could not have realised it but this was only the start of their problems.

Having avoided the worst excesses of the War of the Roses and the Barons War, Somerset was destined to become centre stage in national events throughout the century. Whole communities were torn apart by riots, civil war and rebellion. Taunton and Bridgwater were the scenes of some of the most brutal fighting in the civil war.

At one time the fighting was so intense at the siege Taunton that “nothing was seen but fire and nothing was heard but thunder.”

The end of the war brought problems of its own. Houses and bridges had been destroyed, crops burnt and livestock either stolen or slaughtered. Former enemies often made for uneasy neighbours. This atmosphere of suspicion possibly contributed to the Somerset Witch Trials which featured some of the most disturbing “evidence” ever given in the history of the county.

Believing that victory in the civil war was down to God’s will the new government embarked on a mission of moral regeneration with a puritanical zeal. All travel on the sabbath was banned, church marriages were replaced by a civil ceremony and adultery became a capital offence.

Perhaps the most famous incident was the banning of Christmas which was replace by Thanksgiving on the 30th January. Following the death of Oliver Cromwell, most places welcomed the accession of Charles II, although not everyone in Somerset shared those sentiments Taunton went out of it’s way to provoke the new regime. The town was the scene of a number of riots and disturbances. It was no surprise that it was a fertile recruiting ground during the ill fated Monmouth rebellion. Taunton suffered more than most following the collapse of the rebellion after the disastrous battle of Sedgemoor. It was the scene of numerous executions as the county learnt the folly of rebellion.

The county gained some degree of revenge when the Prince of Orange made a triumphal progress through the county just over 4 years later. For the majority of people the century ended as it had begun, a life of unremitting struggle just to make a living.

“Well researched and tells a series of compelling stories.” The Leveller

“Fascinating portraits of forgotten figures.”

Exmoor magazine

We have a copy of Allan’s wonderful book to give away. Simply visit wgalink.com/somersetbook and enter our competition. Good luck!

KING CHARLES III Coronation Celebrations

Sunday 7th May 2023

Spring Fayre at Wellington Park

12.30pm to 5pm.

A variety of Stalls, Food, Licensed Bar & Entertainment. Friends of Wellington Park.

Family Fun Day & Fireworks at Wellington Rugby Club

From 1.30pm to late. Fireworks 9.30pm approx. Activities from local sporting clubs, assault course, pump track & much more. Food and entertainment from 5pm. For more information visit: www.wellingtontowncouncil.co.uk

Taunton Youth Culture and Arts Festival (TYCA) celebrates

its 5th year with a bang.

The event, funded by local charity Arts Taunton, works collaboratively with local arts groups to bring this annual festival to Taunton and relies on philanthropy and their many partners adding to the funds from their own efforts. This year the charity is excited to announce that they have also received a grant of £30,000 from the Arts Council England which seals their commitment for 2023.

This year on 10th June they will host the largest scale youth arts festival Taunton has ever seen. This colourful carnival of creativity will showcase young talent in music, theatre, dance, circus, poetry, visual arts and more.

TYCA has commissioned a series of workshops and 1-2-1 sessions responding to this year’s theme: Our Place. Their partners will deliver in local schools, colleges and youth centres, supporting young people from first engagement with the arts right through to professional practice.

All artists performing on the day are 25 or under and the festival day is for all, so the organisers are inviting you to come along and see what the excitement is all about.

Creative Director, Jackie Clementines, says: “It is such an honour and a privilege to be working with so many inspiring organisations and young people to make this festival happen. I can’t wait to see it all come together!”

There are so many ways you can get involved with the TYCA Festival 2023.

TYCA are recruiting a youth board to run the festival, commissioning young artists to create original material responding to the theme and embedding professional artists within schools and youth groups.

If you are under 25 and would like to take part, or work with young people in the Taunton area then TYCA wants to hear from you.

The event is once again FREE to attend, and young performers and artists will be supported by professionals.

During the last 4 years Tyca has had 20,508 engagements in the festival and its activities over the last 4 years.

3,773 young people have physically participated in the festival over the last 4 years, making it the biggest youth festival in the County.

The festival is entirely funded by fundraising and through philanthropy, with many partners adding to the funds from their own efforts.

In addition, The Arts Council have just awarded the charity £30k towards this year’s festival, which will allow them to create the largest youth festival we believe the area has seen.

In the 1600s, tulip bulbs were considered a luxury item and, in Holland, were more valuable than gold.

Count up the petals on each of the flowers below, and then add them all together. How many petals are there in total?

What do you get if you cross a bike and a flower?

Bicycle petals

What did the lady that dislikes flowers and children say? I don’t like orchids or kids

I accidentally planted the wrong flowers in my garden Oopsie daisies

LILY ROSE

DAISY PANSY POPPY VIOLA

FUSCHIA HEATHER PETUNIA

BLUEBELL SWEETPEA CARNATION CORNFLOWER SNAPDRAGON

Looking for a refresh in your bedroom?

Try our ideas to create a room that perfectly reflects your individual style. If your bedroom is uncoordinated, dated or lacklustre, now’s the time to make some changes that make all the difference, helping create your own relaxing and cosy retreat.

Look at the biggest surfaces

The largest areas in any room are the walls, the floor and the ceiling. In a small bedroom there may not be much visible floor area but there will be space for a small bedside rug or two, or you might consider changing the carpet or removing it entirely, then stripping or painting the floorboards. If you do, add a large, thick rug for a feeling of warmth and cosiness. Walls may be a neutral backdrop but think about adding pattern or texture. Bold paint colours combined with eyecatching wallpaper are very on-trend right now. On the ceiling, you could continue the wall colour (even the wallpaper), choose a contrasting shade or even opt for a mosaic or gold leaf.

Ensure the lighting is right

A good lighting scheme should include functional, decorative and ambient lighting, with a variety of types of light sources, from ceiling pendants or inset spotlights to floor and wall fittings, at differing heights and spread out around the room. Consider replacing any outdated shades and if possible, fit a dimmer switch for ambience, and use warm white bulbs. Add bedside lamps that coordinate with other elements of the room while adding some personality and pizazz.

Plan suitable storage

By Katherine Sorrell

A wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, built-in wardrobe can accommodate clothes and footwear, spare linens, jewellery, make-up and so on, but if that’s not an option choose the largest freestanding wardrobe you can. Make it interesting by painting it a gorgeous colour and swapping the knobs or handles, and consider decorating the inside with a dramatic colour or bold wallpaper.

Make your bed beautiful

Transform your bedroom with sumptuous bed linens that are pleasing to the touch and gorgeous to look at. Choose the best you can afford – they will feel nicer on your skin and will wash and wear well for years. For cotton bedding, look for a thread count of at least 200. Pintucks, piping or a scalloped edge add subtle interest to all-white bedding, though for more colour opt for patterns, whether ditzy florals, strong stripes or modern geometrics. Add a throw, blanket, eiderdown or quilt – or several – for warmth, comfort and an appealing, ‘layered’ look.

Complete the look

If you love personal, quirky elements then it’s time to consider the final touches. Hang artwork on the walls, perhaps in coordinating frames for unity, and add some houseplants in attractive pots. A shelf or two, carefully arranged with books, vases and other ornaments, makes a strong statement and use a scented candle or a diffuser for a delightful fragrance.

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John Lewis’s ‘Modern’ collection for spring/summer 2023 features statement designs, inspired patterns and products that will seamlessly fit into existing schemes. johnlewis.com

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses something in our gardens that dates right the way back to 1400BC, yet is as popular today than ever before. It’s the humble pergola.

I was asked by someone the other day what my favourite thing was in my garden – a plant, a tree, perhaps something manmade.

I guess the answer is really that while in one week I’m won over by the glory and spectacular appearance of some raised beds; the next maybe I’m in awe of an old stone wall that could report on the changing of the seasons for many decades further back than me, and so the deliberation goes on and on

as the weeks and month go by.

However, if I had to pin my colours to something, I would struggle to look past a pergola. And if there’s one addition you’re thinking of making to your outdoor space this year, consider one of these. They date right the way back beyond Roman times, though were popularised by Caesar and his chums.

While the belief is you’ll need a decent plot of land on which to place it, in truth pergolas can be built in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials to suit any garden style or size. They can be freestanding or attached to a house or other garden structure and will give

you the necessary height that means you can experiment with vertical gardening – think climbing plants such as vines, roses, and wisteria – without having to worry about awkward poles, wonky trellises and more!

Mostly, a pergola provides a real focal point to the garden –I often think of mine as being akin to a church altar! It’s something that looks over an entire space with a sense of importance and prestige.

On a practical level, pergolas are brilliant for shade and shelter. There are many plants that shouldn’t be in direct sunlight for the whole of the day, while having a shaded area that can be used for outdoor entertaining, dining

or relaxing can transform an average afternoon, whether alone or with friends, into a glorious one.

There’s also the privacy element, and the fact pergolas are generally low maintenance and can last for many years with minimal upkeep.

As for cost, my advice is to shop around and see what you can get. From the very basic

Taunton's Taunton's Big Sleep BigOSleep ut Out

Friday 9th June 2023 Change Lives Whilst You Sleep

Just one night under the stars to support those experiencing homelessness locally Sign up today!

Local charity Arc are looking for participants to take part in their Big Sleep Out, to raise vital funds and awareness for the local homeless community. Could you sleep outside for 1 night, either at home or in Arc's car park? For more details visit: www.arcinspire.co.uk/bigsleepout2023 or contact rhather@arcinspire co uk / 07736043403

costing a couple of hundred pounds to elegant stone-pillared creations that go well into four figures, your budget and your personal taste can lead the way in creating for you a garden centrepiece that will evolve in the same way that your garden does. With good maintenance, your pergola has the ability to outlast the majority of other features in your garden… just ask the Romans!

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Rick Stein’s Potato and Pea Curry

Introduction

Aloo dum – or potato and pea curry! – is possibly the most common vegetable curry in India. Some complex recipes exist, but at its heart it’s easy to make. If I was describing it to someone I’d just say boil potatoes, fry them with garam masala, add some tomato, chilli, turmeric and salt and it’s done; then, if you like, throw in frozen peas just before the end.

Method

1. Boil the potatoes in a pan of salted water for eight minutes until just tender, then drain well. Heat the oil in a heavybased saucepan or karahi over a medium-high heat, add the potatoes and fry over a high heat for 5 mins, or until just starting to colour. Add the turmeric and fry for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.

2. For the sauce, heat the oil in another pan over a medium-

high heat. Add the bay leaves and fry for 1 minute, then add the asafoetida and stir. Add the onion and fry for 5 mins; then add the garlic and ginger and fry for 5 mins, or until softened and lightly golden-brown.

3. Add the chilli powder, cumin, coriander, amchur, turmeric and salt and fry for one minute, then add the tomato passata, green chillies and 100ml water and stir together. Add the fried potatoes,

Ingredients (serves 8)

For the fried potatoes

• 1kg potatoes, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks

• 4 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

For the sauce

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 Indian bay leaves

• ¼ tsp asafoetida

• 1 medium onion, very finely chopped

• 6 garlic cloves, finely crushed

• 5cm/2in fresh root ginger, finely grated

• 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp amchur (dried mango powder)

• ½ tsp ground turmeric

• ½ tsp salt

• 200g tomato passata

• 2 green chillies, sliced lengthways into thin strips, with or without seeds according to preference

• 150g frozen peas

• 1 tsp garam masala

• handful chopped coriander leaves, to finish

reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan and cook for 10 mins, adding a splash of water if anything catches on the bottom of the pan.

4. Add the peas and garam masala and cook uncovered for 3-4 mins, or until the peas are cooked. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve.

This light walnut sponge filled with strawberries and cream is often served on the Continent as a pudding, but it also makes the perfect afternoon teatime treat.

Serves 8

Preparation time 30 minutes

Cooking time 40-45 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs

• 100g caster sugar

• 75g self-raising flour

• 50g walnuts, finely chopped

For the filling and topping

• 300ml pouring double cream, whipped

• 450g strawberries, roughly chopped, plus extra kept whole for decoration

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / fan 160°C / gas mark 4. Grease a deep 20cm round cake tin, then line the base with non-stick baking paper.

2. Measure the eggs and sugar into a large bowl and beat until the mixture is thick and mousse-like, and leaves a trail when the whisk is lifted out of the mixture. Sift the flour onto the mixture and lightly fold in along with the chopped walnuts.

3. Turn into the prepared cake tin and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until well-risen and the top of the cake springs back when lightly pressed with a finger. Leave to cool in the tin for a few minutes then turn out, peel off the baking paper and finish cooling on a wire rack.

4. When cold, cut the cake into three horizontally using a serrated or bread knife, then sandwich the slices together with a good amount of whipped cream and strawberries. Spread the remaining cream over the top and the sides of the cake, and decorate with the reserved strawberries heaped on top.

Extracted from Mary Berry’s Baking Bible by Mary Berry (BBC Books, £28), a definitive baking collection, featuring 250 retested and updated foolproof classics plus 20 brand new recipes, along with Dame Mary’s tips. Photography by Ant Duncan.

TIP For a lighter filling, you can use full-fat crème fraiche.

A thoroughly Modern Monarch

King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday May 6th 2023, at Westminster Abbey. Eyes around the world will focus their attention once more on this magnificent London institution where the King will be crowned – alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort –in a ceremony overseen by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

This opulent ritual is the last of its kind in Europe and has remained largely unchanged for the past 1,000 years. It is an honour of course, but for a King who wants to be a modern monarch there are a few wrinkles that must be ironed out with Buckingham Palace confirming that although the Coronation will be ‘rooted in long-standing traditions’, it

will also reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future.

Everything we know about His Majesty’s upcoming coronation. has

For starters, it will be a relatively modest affair, even compared to Queen Elizabeth’s coronation that came in the recent aftermath of World War II. The ceremony itself is expected to last around two hours –rather than the three for Liz’s ascension to the throne – and guests will be limited to 2,000 due to health and safety restrictions. That’s considerably less than the 8,000 dignitaries from 129 nations who were crammed into Westminster Abbey in 1953.

There will also be less pomp and formality. Prince William is the only Duke expected to carry out the traditional gesture of kneeling and swearing allegiance to the King, and His Majesty has apparently decided to swap the stockings and breeches worn at coronations by his male predecessors

for a military uniform, possibly that of Admiral of the Fleet, which he wore for the State Opening of Parliament last May.

As for the crown, Charles will wear the solid gold 17th Century St Edward’s Crown. It is exceptionally heavy and contains the Cullinan II diamond, sometimes called the Second Star of Africa.

At its heart however, the ceremony must fulfil its key role as being the symbolic religious ceremony during which a sovereign is crowned, as well as fulfilling the physical act of placing a crown on a monarch’s head. And despite cementing His Majesty’s role as Head of the Church of England, it is thought that representatives of different faiths will also be present – to uphold the King’s wish to reflect the ethnic diversity of modern Britain. He will also still pledge to be “Defender of the Faith”, but further words will be added that allow the King to show he serves all religious faiths.

Five memorable Coronation Moments

As we look forward to the coronation of King Charles III, we take a moment to reflect on the most memorable crowning moments in Britain’s great history.

The one with the unwelcome guest

When it comes to organising large gatherings, there is always at least one family member you hope won’t show up. In the case of George IV at his 1821 coronation, it was his estranged wife Caroline of Brunswick.

Having wed in 1795, the union had long been acrimonious with the couple separating only a year into their marriage. George IV had sought various avenues for divorce, but with the pair still very much wed on the date of his coronation his only option was to lock his queen out. She was jeered by the awaiting crowds and died two weeks later.

The one where they lined the streets

Having ascended to the throne in 1377 at the tender age of 10, Richard II’s crowning was already a rare moment in the annals. His coronation ceremony featured the first-ever procession when he rode on horseback from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey and back, amidst the cheering crowds and streets bedecked with banners and decorations.

The one who did it his way Keen to step out of his father’s shadow, George II was determined to make an impression on his subjects from the very get-go.

Subsequently, the task of writing four new coronation anthems fell to famed composer George Frideric Handel. Needless to say, the

songs were instant classics and are still performed around the world today.

The one with sibling rivalry For Mary I the coronation was not just about becoming queen, but about setting order right in the country. A staunch Catholic, Mary I was convinced that her late brother, Edward VI, had tainted several aspects of the ceremony with his Protestant beliefs.

She demanded new coronation oil sent from the Catholic Bishop of Arras along with an alternative chair to the ancient one usually sat in by incoming monarchs. Naturally, her wishes were granted, for few dared say no to ‘Bloody Mary’ (a nickname she would earn after burning 280 protestants at the stake).

The one where everyone forgot their lines

Queen Victoria’s coronation was tainted by poor organisation.

During the ceremony, an elderly peer fell down the stairs on his way to pay homage to the Queen, the coronation ring was forcefully shoved onto the wrong finger (taking an hour to remove), and at one point, a bishop told her the service was over when it was still ongoing, leading to her being called back to finish the ceremony.

I was 39 when I started having menopausal symptoms. By 42, hot flushes were a daily annoyance; I was waking up several times a night with joint pain; and I just felt generally old. In short, the perimenopause was proving a royal pain in the ass.

The average age of the menopause is 51, but the perimenopause (the time leading up to the menopause when levels of oestrogen and progesterone are decreasing) can last for years.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms include:

Irregular periods

Hot flushes/night sweats

Mood changes

Fatigue

Loss of libido

Joint pain

Urinary problems

HRT

Some types of HRT may slightly increase your risk of breast cancer but HRT could also decrease your risk of other serious illnesses, particularly if you’re going through the menopause early. In my case, my GP felt it was the right choice for me.

Since being on HRT, my joints no longer ache, I have more energy and the hot flushes have gone.

Dr Louise Newson is a leading menopause specialist and the founder of the Balance app. She recommends seeking help early: “The perimenopause is when hormone levels start to reduce so this is actually the best time to start taking HRT. When hormone levels reduce, symptoms commonly occur and also health risks start, such as an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.”

Supplements

Before starting HRT, I took turmeric and evening primrose oil, which did seem to ease my symptoms. However, there is little evidence about how effective supplements are, and some should not be taken if you have certain health conditions. So do your research, speak to your doctor and only buy from a reputable retailer.

Dealing with hot flushes

I kept a bottle of rose water in the fridge to spritz on my face when the heat hit. An electric fan can help, as can wearing layers that are easy to whip off. The NHS advises reducing alcohol and caffeine (neither of which I succeeded at).

If hot flushes are making your life a misery, do talk to your doctor, as they may be able to prescribe something.

Exercise

Weight-bearing exercise (such as running) offers you some protection against osteoporosis. Ideally, find an exercise partner to keep you motivated. And if you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, you need to try the ‘Zombies, Run!’ app. If you’re not keen on running, there are thousands of exercise videos on YouTube, from Yoga With Adriene to high-energy dance workouts.

Useful info

• The Menopause Doctor website has advice on everything from HRT to contraception. www.menopausedoctor.co.uk

• The Balance app can help you to keep track of your period and symptoms. www.balance-app.com

• www.healthandher.com offers a wealth of advice and relevant products.

• If your friends aren’t at the same stage, why not join a forum? ‘Totes Merry Peri’ on Facebook is my personal favourite.

(Please note that this article is intended to give a general overview of the subject and is not intended as medical advice.)

By Kate Duggan

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#UpThePeacocks

The Peacocks’ first ever season in the Vanarama National League South is nearly at an end after a hectic programme of games during the final three months of the campaign.

of Slough Town which is followed by two lengthy away trips to Dartford and Dulwich Hamlet. Three successive home fixtures then bring down the curtain on football at the Cygnet for this season, with games against Hungerford Town on Tuesday 18th April, Worthing on Saturday 22nd April and Weymouth on Tuesday 25th April before the campaign concludes away at Chelmsford City on Saturday 29th April. To make sure you keep up to date with all fixture news please visit www.tauntontown.com

A combination of wet and cold weather meant the club suffered a sizeable number of postponements over the winter months due to waterlogged and frozen pitches, meaning a large number of games to rearrange in a relatively short space of time. The month of April will see six League fixtures being staged at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium beginning with the visit of champions-elect Ebbsfleet United on Saturday 1st April.

Concord Rangers then travel west on Tuesday 4th April before Taunton make the trip to Bath City on Good Friday for a Somerset derby. Easter Monday (10th April) sees the visit

With the Peacocks’ status in the National League not yet 100% confirmed at the time of writing, the club need the public of Taunton to get behind them in the final weeks of the season as their support can play a massive part in helping to ensure the Peacocks stay at this level for next season, the highest they have ever played at. Gate prices at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium are the lowest in the division, with admission priced at £12 for Adults, £10 for Concessions and £5 for Juniors (14-17 year olds) whilst Under 14’s are free on condition they are accompanied by a paying adult.

On top of National League football, spectators also have a range of food and drink outlets available including a Burrito Bus selling Mexican street food and Coffee Blue barista where you can purchase a smooth cappuccino or a tempting hot chocolate to enjoy whilst watching the game. In addition there is also a fast food outlet and an outside bar along with an inside can bar so plenty of opportunities to get some refreshments during your time at the stadium. On top of the match sponsorship opportunities and mascot packages for local children’s teams, did you know you can also have a song request played over the PA at a game by emailing dj@tauntontown.com?

It has been a challenging year for the Peacocks at their new level but there is no time to rest on laurels at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium, with improvements underway to ensure the ground meets requirements for the National League above. There is always work that needs doing so if you possess practical skills and have some time to spare to help out, please email: admin@tauntontown.com

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.

MG is broadening its EV line-up with the new MG4. Ted Welford gets behind the wheel.

What is it?

Owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor, MG is the fastest-growing car brand in the UK, with much of its success due to electric models – the ZS EV crossover and MG5 estate. Will the MG4, its first electric hatchback, succeed?

What’s new?

The MG4 uses a bespoke EV platform with rearwheel-drive and a thin battery to save space.

The starting price of £25,995 is crucial to its appeal, undercutting rivals significantly.

What’s under the bonnet?

MG offers two power-train options, the Standard Range and the Long Range. The Standard car features a 51.1kWh battery and 168bhp electric motor, with 218 miles claimed from a charge.

The Long Range version’s 64kWh battery has a claimed 281 mile range, or 270 miles in our top-spec Trophy test car. The motor produces 200bhp and 250Nm of torque, and 0-60mph takes 7.7 seconds with a maximum of 100mph.

Charging is at up to 135kW, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent charge at an ultra-rapid charger takes 35 minutes. A 7kW home wall box would need

nine hours.

How does it look?

The MG4 has a bold design with lots of sharp angles. Great touches include the twin aero roof spoiler and the fancy ‘hatched’ pattern on the LED rear lights on top-spec Trophy models. However, we think the car’s front end looks a bit squashed and busy. What’s it like inside?

The MG4’s minimalist interior has few buttons and a central touchscreen, which includes climate menus alongside traditional media and navigation functions.

It’s a slick-looking cabin, particularly with the floating centre console, and the squared-off steering wheel features configurable shortcut buttons. The interior certainly doesn’t feel cheap. The MG4 has decent space, with rear-seat room for adults, and a practical and usable 363-litre boot. What’s the spec like?

The talking point with the MG4 is cost. Its £25,995 starting price for the SE Standard Range undercuts cars in its class (entry-level Nissan Leaf and Citroen e-C4) and the class above (electric Vauxhall Corsa).

The MG4 feels a step up and its 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive setup makes it entertaining to drive. Acceleration is brisk and

What’s it like to drive? it entertaining to drive. Acceleration is brisk and instantaneous.

There are various driving modes and levels of regen available. It rides well but with quite a lot of wind and road noise at speed, and it doesn’t feel as refined as other EVs in this class.

Standard equipment levels are superb and include LED front and rear lights, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, seven-inch digital dial display, 17inch alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control. The SE Long Range car costs £28,495, while the top-spec Trophy (£31,495) brings a 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging and heated front seats, and undercuts the cheapest Volkswagen ID.3 by £5,000.

Verdict

The MG4’s starting price suits those wanting a lower-cost electric car without any sacrifice of range or equipment.

Despite some areas – interior quality and refinement – the MG4 has no real weakness, and its price is remarkable. It should give established brands something to worry about.

TimE to do a to do list?

but even the act of thinking about them and writing them down can help you to get a better sense of yourself and what’s important to you. Even better, do it with a friend. Not only do you get to share ideas, but you can learn an awful lot about someone by hearing about their dreams and ambitions.

Hello and welcome to April, officially the best month of the year as it’s my birthday! Hoorah! This year I’ve planned a little birthday trip between Brighton, Margate and Crawley, (I know, super glamorous), to visit some of the UK’s best escape rooms. One of the items on my list of 50 things to do before I’m 50 is to complete 100 escape rooms - on this birthday I’ll be 45 and this trip will take me to 51 rooms, so we’re on track.

I like having a list like this. A lot of the things are silly, like making crumpets from scratch, (totally not worth it, just buy Warburtons), but others are a lot bigger, like visiting every country in Europe. (In my defence, I didn’t realise quite how BIG Europe was when I made the list…)

I know a lot of people have similar lists designed to challenge themselves, with things like ‘run a marathon’ making the cut, but my list is purely there for fun. They don’t have to be difficult things, just they are a prompt to remind me that life is short and to try new things. Time is whizzing by faster and faster and if you don’t make an effort to play all three crazy golf courses in Hastings, then it’s easy to miss out. (Hastings is where they host the International Crazy Golf Championships and yes, that is a thing and yes, I did say international.)

If you don’t currently have any kind of bucket list, I’d recommend giving it some thought. The things you put on your list don’t have to be ground breaking or worthy - for one of mine I made a baked Alaska in a hollowed out pineapple - instead I’d encourage you to really think about the things in life that bring you joy.

What are those things that you’ve always secretly longed to do?

Maybe it’s to ride on the Orient Express or maybe it’s to try every item on the McDonalds menuwhatever it is, no matter how silly it feels - write it down. Sure, some of them might not be achievable,

Once you’ve got your list of however many things it might be, keep it somewhere you can see it regularly - a note on your phone maybe, or a piece of paper pinned to the back of the bathroom door. Add to it if you think of something else, cross things off if you change your mind, but keep it active. Use it to inspire you when you’re planning a holiday or day out or just when you have an empty weekend to fill.

You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself.

When Oswald and Celia Weston were told that their daughter Rosemary was unlikely to reach her tenth birthday due to acute asthma, few could have imagined that she would go on to be one of the nation’s leading health and fitness gurus.

Having launched her first slimming class just over 50 years ago, Rosemary is also celebrating the recent publication of her autobiography, Through Thick and Thin, in which she candidly talks about building her business empire, broken relationships, battling her own health issues and her belief in God.

In 1972, after leaving school at fifteen for a secretarial college, then working in an office before becoming a Tupperware lady, Rosemary began running diet classes, known as Slimming and Good Grooming Clubs (SAGG), with an investment of £8.

The classes grew into a successful UK-wide business, which Rosemary sold to IPC in 1981, overseeing the operation as managing director until the company disbanded in 1985.

The highs and the thighs!

The following year, in 1986, Rosemary recalls: “I had to eat a low-fat diet to avoid surgery for gallstones. I lost a lot of inches off my body, and what I learned through that resulted in my book Hip and Thigh Diet.” The book sold more than four million copies, with more books following, along with chart-topping diet and fitness videos, plus regular presenting slots on TV.

That same year she married her second husband Mike and became a Christian. She says, “I will always remember 1986 as the year my life took off, spiritually, emotionally and financially. It was a golden year, a trailblazer for many exciting times to come.”

In 1993 Rosemary and Mike launched Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs, a national network of clubs run as a franchise operation.

Indomitable spirit

As one of the nation’s leading diet and fitness experts, Rosemary, who was awarded a CBE in 2004, has helped thousands of people to live a healthier life. But her own has not been without health battles – she has arthritis in both feet. At her lowest point, she was wheelchair-bound. “When I was diagnosed the doctor said to me, ‘these feet have done a few miles,’ and he was absolutely right! After wearing high heels for 50 years and teaching over 10,000 aerobics classes they really do look grim!”

In 2001, two years after she was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Rosemary became the first woman ever to be granted the Freedom of the City of Leicester. So, with accolades and achievements aplenty, when is this formidable businesswoman at her happiest?

“I have a lovely life. Fortunately, I love everything I do – working, relaxing, writing. I feel so utterly blessed!”

Rosemary Conley’s autobiography, Through Thick and Thin, is published by SPCK Publishing, and is priced at £19.99. Signed copies of the book are available at the discounted price of £17.99 (plus p & p) from the website, www.rosemaryconley.com, where you can also find hundreds of free health and wellbeing videos, including recipes, exercises, interviews with health professionals, and hints and tips to help you live longer, live healthier and live happier.

NUFFIELD HEALTH SUPPORT SOMERSET CRICKET FOUNDATION

Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital are pleased to support Somerset Cricket Foundation to extend the Sporting Memories community outreach programme delivered in partnership with Reminiscence Learning and funded by Nuffield Health. The programme uses sport to help promote social interaction and physical activity to tackle dementia, memory loss, depression and loneliness.

The Sporting Memories project will take place at the iconic Cooper Associates County Ground for 12 weeks. Somerset Cricket Foundation have complied a ‘fixture list’ for the 12 weeks detailing the sport they plan to reminisce, along with a variety of gentle physical activities including boccia, new age curling and table cricket to get people active.

Driven by their purpose to build a healthier nation, Nuffield Health’s experts have been working together for more than 60 years to make the nation fitter, healthier, happier and stronger. Nuffield Health are playing a meaningful role in local communities, by addressing unmet health needs and providing support to under-represented communities, to develop more sustainable ways of living.

Jon Bendle, Managing Director of Somerset Cricket Foundation, says “Having the support of Nuffield Health is tremendous, and builds on the existing strong relationship they have with the Somerset County Cricket Club. Having seen first-hand how powerful and inspiring our weekly Sporting Memories Programme has become, its proving to make such a difference to those people involved. It’s a programme that demonstrates how the Foundation is enriching people’s lives through cricket and sport, making a real impact in a small but meaningful way. Taunton Hospital are proud to be able to support this fantastic programme, knowing people will benefit from sporting activities and provide carers with opportunity to engage with others.”

Ambitious plans to transform education in Somerset

As a result, schools from across the county and Council education professionals have committed to join forces to tackle challenges head on, support each other, and deliver much needed improvement.

Claire Winter, Somerset County Council’s Acting Director of Children & Families Services said:

“Though the recent exam results were disappointing for everyone working in education in Somerset, they’ve provided us with a really strong mandate for change. We have significant work ahead, but we’re united by a shared vision of a better future for children and young people in Somerset.

Somerset County Council’s new five-year education strategy was shared with professionals from across schools, local authorities, Ofsted and the Department for Education at the Somerset Education for Life event, held at Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton last month.

The new plans have been developed following reports that Somerset is in the top ten Local Authorities nationally for the proportion of inadequate schools, and recent poor exam results across the board.

Clear 5-year goals were proposed at the event, including:

• Improved access to support in the early years of life so that every child is ready to start school confidently

• Increased inclusion in all schools, educational settings and in our communities so every child is actively involved in their education 100% of the time

• Strong and supportive leadership capacity within and between Somerset schools so that improvement is shared, sustainable and educational outcomes are improved in every key phase

• Ensuring young people have access to further and higher education in the county, so they can develop adaptable skills equipping them to join and progress in the workforce in Somerset. The Strategy was shaped and informed by research conducted by think and action-tank the Centre for Education and Youth (CFEY), who attended the event. CFEY’s research led to a recommendation that Somerset’s schools and the Council should work more closely together to achieve the ambitious targets outlined in the Strategy.

“We are holding ourselves accountable for these ambitions, and have asked CFEY to develop a data framework to check we are all making progress against our objectives. For example, by surveying school leaders, we can check they feel effectively supported by the Council and have opportunities for shared training and development, and by surveying parents we can find ou t what the barriers to schools attendance are.“

Councillor Tessa Munt, Executive Lead for Children & Families at Somerset County Council, said:

“The event was aptly titled ‘Somerset Education for Life’, because a great education needs much more than just time spent in school. A great education is built on foundations of a healthy and loving home environment, access to educational and cultural experiences whether online or in the physical world, and a culture which supports children and young people to reach their full potential. This means that quality housing, nutrition, healthcare and excellent transport are all critical parts of the recipe of an excellent education.

“We have high ambitions for education in Somerset – it is, after all, a place which has nurtured many current leaders in business, culture and even politics – and their influence can be felt across the world stage. Investing in our children and young people is investing in the future – they are our future leaders, and will be the ones to tackle and hopefully overcome some of the seemingly impossible challenges we grapple with today.

“So while the old saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ certainly rings true, with this Strategy we are asking you to join us in imagining what an entire county can achieve. We firmly believe that by working together we can help children thrive and reach their full potential.”

You can find out more about Somerset Education for Life at Education for Life Strategy (somerset.gov.uk).

Duncan Sharkey, Leader at Somerset County Council & Councillor Tessa Munt, Executive Lead for Children & Families at Somerset County Council.

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

Across

3. Chest bone (3)

7. Ceremonial procession (6)

8. Plant similar to the rhododendron (6)

9. Transparent optical device (4)

10. Disorder of the central nervous system characterised by convulsions (8)

11. Fortress (7)

13. ___ Cagney, Hollywood star who died in 1986 (5)

15. Steeple (5)

17. Gelatinous container with medicine inside (7)

21. Equestrian display (8)

22. Long arduous journey (4)

24. Large military unit (6)

25. Insect with large pincers at the rear of the abdomen (6)

26. Earth’s nearest star (3)

Down

1. Female pantomime character (4)

2. Cinnamon-yielding tree (6)

3. Official who is expected to ensure fair play (7)

4. Method of producing designs on cloth by covering with wax, then dyeing (5)

5. Equipment for taking pictures (6)

6. Outer casing of a marine organism (8)

9. Resinous substance used to make varnish, sealing wax, dyes, etc (3)

12. Merchant who brings goods into the country from abroad (8)

14. Troglodytes (7)

16. Countrified (6)

18. Surgical stitch (6)

19. Northern deer with very large antlers (3)

20. Public announcement of a proposed marriage (5)

23. Independent ruler or chieftain (4)

Human teeth are the only part of the body that cannot heal themselves Emma Bunton auditioned for the role of Bianca Butcher in Eastenders. Baby rabbits are called kits. Venus is the only planet to spin clockwise. The actors who voiced Mickey and Minnie mouse got married in real life.

Andalucia Part 1: Spring in Seville!

2 Amontillado, Viejo 20 años, Zuleta - incredible: nutty, very dry & long – perfect match with whole baby artichoke including stalk, deep fried in light batterone of the best flavours ever!

3 Oloroso ‘en rama’, Carvajel – spectacular! Rich and full flavoured, dry but mouthfilling. Served with morilles (wild mushrooms) in cream & duck liver sauce; hint of sweetness from touch of PX (Pedro Ximenez) sherry in sauce – divine match with perfect balance between dish and wine.

My story begins in the 1960s in Pinner Green, Middlesex - the delightful La Giralda restaurant, owned by David Brown and his Spanish wife Carmen. Not only was the Spanish food superb, but the name of the restaurant fascinated me. It has taken me almost 60 years to visit the amazing La Giralda Moorish tower by Seville Cathedral!

There are numerous iconic food experiences in Seville, but for a Sherry lover, this city is Paradise, with countless Sherry Bars! The epicureal star of Seville for me was Palo Cortao tapas bar & restaurant, which features 80 Sherries! (Before my friends point out the Sherry style Palo Cortado is misspelt, this is intentional, as it is the way locals pronounce it!) My heart sank when I called to book a table and was told they were full, but persistence paid off and later I sat down to enjoy one of the very greatest gastronomic experiences of my life! Other bars and restaurants were good too, but nothing beat Palo Cortao!

My waitress, Ana, was particularly efficient and spoke excellent English – it later transpired she owned the restaurant with her partner Angel! We had detailed discussions prior to each Sherry and food pairing – heaven for me of course!

1 Manzanilla, A5 (5 barrels), Barbadillo - very dry, elegant & crisp

Served with sea urchins – delicious rich fishy, flavour –perfect pairing!

4 Palo Cortado, Fernando de Castilla Antique – dry, very complex and flavour grows significantly in mouth – exquisite! Served with signature dish – Bone Marrow and Steak Tartare with melba toast. The dish is a block buster – the bone marrow very rich and mouth-blowing, and the steak tartare with just a hint of spice. Now I adore steak tartare, but only eat it where I feel the establishment takes care. This was perfect. The match with the Palo Cortado was WOW!!! A marriage made in heaven!

5 Cream Sherry, Juan Piñero, Sanlucar de Barrameda served with “Tarte Tatin” – Flaky pastry with poached pears. Here I needed help as the usual choice with desserts is PX Sherry – far too intensely sweet for me. Ana recommended this delightful, delicate Cream Sherry, and the match was bliss!

Next month: Part 2 of Martin’s Andalucian trip: Córdoba and Montilla

MARTIN G STRAUS - 0747 007 8131

“TERTULIA”

By Martin G Straus

Past South-West Chairman, UKBG

Based on a recipe by Rafa Garcia Febles t/as

Drink Lab, New York City

INTRODUCTION

Tertulia was a type of Spanish literary salon from the 17th century held in private homes, later in clubs and cafés.

Hidalgo was established in 1792 in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and is still today a magnificent Sherry producer. I visited the bodega in 2019 and was hosted by Sr. Javier Hidalgo. Manzanilla is the driest of sherries and delicious! En Rama is the term used for unfiltered Sherry - it means ‘from the tree’ and is completely unfiltered and unrefinedgenerally more intense and fresher.

Cynar is an Italian bitter aperitif of the amaro variety, made from 13 herbs and plants, predominant of which is artichoke, from which the drink gets its name.

The Bitter Truth Celery Bitters - originated in the 19th century, it was extinct until revived in recent decades. A rich bouquet of white grapes, Sencha tea, lemongrass, celery leaf and ginger root.

The Tertulia cocktail is a highly innovative concoction, and astonishingly I had all the ingredients already! It has the added advantage of being much lower in alcohol strength than most cocktails.

INGREDIENTS:

45ml Manzanilla Sherry En Rama, Hidalgo, 15%

30ml Noilly Prat, Dry Vermouth, 18%

15ml Cynar, 16.5%

Dash of Celery Bitters, Bitter Truth

Garnish: Olive

METHOD

Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with olive.

COMMENTS

A really refreshing drink, stunning when the weather warms up! The Sherry is the dominant flavour, but with fascinating notes from the other ingredients. A lighter, drier style of cocktail and one I found most enjoyable.

Serves 4-6 Prep/cook time 30 minutes

Fuss-free and made in moments, Spaghetti alla Caprese (spaghetti from Capri) is a blissfully simple idea, yet looks stunningly sophisticated for a light lunch or quick midweek supper dish.

INGREDIENTS

• 250g cherry tomatoes on the vine, ripe and flavourful, cut into quarters

• 1 clove garlic, peeled and sliced

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 500g spaghetti

• 125g buffalo mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces

• A generous handful of fresh basil, torn

• 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano

• Freshly grated Parmesan, to serve

METHOD

1. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl with the garlic, oil, salt and pepper, and leave to marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling, salted water until al dente. This will very much depend on personal preference, so taste as you are cooking and stop when the pasta is cooked to your liking. Drain, reserving a cup of cooking water.

3. Add the mozzarella to the marinating tomatoes. Add the spaghetti to the bowl of tomatoes and mix through, adding a little of the pasta cooking water if needed. Sprinkle with basil and oregano. Serve straight away, sprinkled with Parmesan.

Ginger George

Taunton’s Top Cat - The word on the street Mystic Moonflower

About half an hour later my stomach started churning and I threw up over the kitchen floor. Is this what she meant by seeing two dinners, I saw my dinner a second time.

Blackie was transfixed on my story and asked if there was more. I told him there was. She bumped into me the next day and asked me if her predictions had come true. I wasn’t going to satisfy her premonitions but agreed to a reading, just to pacify her request. “Meet me by the lakes tonight at 9’OClock for it’s a full moon”, she requested, “and don’t be late”

I recently had a conversation with my best mate Blackie about fortune telling and being able to read the future, and what is known as the black arts. Now, I’m not a believer in all that mumbo jumbo but one day last week that feline called ‘Moonflower’ approached me and told me she could read my future, and asked if I would like a reading.

I have to say I declined her offer and she walked off. As she turned away, she said to me, “Tonight you will have to deal with great pain and you will see two dinners” and walked off without any explanation. I ignored her warning until I got home. I was walking over the lawn and my mummy carer was just taking down some washing from the line. As she was going inside and closing the back door I decided to shoot behind her to save me using the cat flap. As I ran in she caught my tail in the door. It really hurt too. Suddenly, Moonflowers words came into my head. No, it’s coincidence I thought.

I licked my wounds and ventured into the kitchen where my dinner was. What’s this about two dinners, I can only see one? That cat is off her head. I ate my dinner and curled up in my basket.

I did what she requested, and I could see her standing at the edge of the lake looking at the moon’s reflection in the water.

“Welcome George, for your future lies in the moon’s reflection” she said in a soft voice.

Blackie at this point was busting with curiosity, “What did she say Ginge, what premonitions did she have for you”?

I replied “None mate, I pushed her in the lake, bet she didn’t see that coming.”

Emergency

EMERGENCY / USEFUL NUMBERS

Useful Contacts

Council

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

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 then visit... www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/charlie

Farmer isaac

M’ son sadly wunts to vinnish wiv his girlfriend, but ain’t gut the ‘art to tell ‘er. I told ‘ee to write ‘er one of them John Deere letters instead.

My friend claims he glued himself to his autobiography. I don’t believe him, but that’s his story and he’s sticking to it. Lance isn’t a very common name these days, but in medieval times, they were called lance-a-lot.

I built a model of Mount Everest and my son asked if it was to scale. “No,” I said. “It’s just to look at.”

I have a joke about trickle-down economics. But 99% of you will never get it.

Down: 1 Carnation, 3 Cornflower, 6 Sweetpea, 8 Daisy, 9 Poppy, 10 Viola, 11 Lily

Across: 2 Fuschia, 4 Heather, 5 Rose, 7 Snapdragon, 9 Petunia, 12 Pansy, 13 Bluebell

Across: 3 Rib, 7 Parade, 8

Azalea, 9 Lens, 10 Epilepsy, 11

Citadel, 13 James, 15 Spire, 17

Capsule, 21 Dressage, 22 Trek, 24 Legion, 25 Earwig, 26 Sun.

Down: 1 Dame, 2 Cassia, 3

WORDWHEEL:

FORTUNE

Referee, 4 Batik, 5 Camera, 6 Seashell, 9 Lac, 12 Importer, 14 Cavemen, 16 Rustic, 18 Suture, 19 Elk, 20 Banns, 23 Emir.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of the advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted under the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Word Gets Around Magazines does not endorse any advertising material included in this publication. We hold no liability for supplied artwork from advertisers and contributors and views or advice contained within.

Word Gets Around Magazines is registered in England and Wales No. 11422005.

My wife and I have decided not to have children. The kids are taking it pretty badly.

As I get older, I remember all the people I lost along the way. Maybe a career as a tour guide was not the right choice.

I’d like to have kids one day. I don’t think I could stand them any longer than that, though. I never catch a cold on Saturday or Sunday. I must have a weekend immune system. The thief who stole my diary just died. My thoughts are with his family.