Word Gets Around Magazines - Taunton - Issue 70

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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.

Taunton

We deliver 24,000 magazines per issue across Taunton direct into homes in TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4.

West Somerset

We deliver 10,000 magazines per issue across West Somerset direct into homes in TA24 and TA23.

To get in contact please call us on: 01823 7655045 or email: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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Booking deadline for the next issue is 20 th August

It’s been wonderful to enjoy some warmer weather and lighter evenings. It felt like an eternity to get here though. August sees the return of Taunton Flower Show on 4th and 5th August. Shows were first held in 1831 and, in 1851 a show was held in the grounds of Wilton House, owned by a Mr Kinglake of Taunton which led, in the course of time, to the establishment of Vivary Park at the top of the towns High Street. It is an enchanting horticultural event known for its vibrant displays and captivating floral arrangements, the show attracts visitors from all over the country. Showcasing the beauty and diversity of flowers, plants, and gardening, the show offers a delightful experience for nature enthusiasts and gardening enthusiasts alike.

At Word Gets Around Magazines we are often asked if we have any free space to promote various events, and to profile local clubs and societies. As with any business we have our costs to cover, but we always do our best to shine a light where we can. For years we have been wanting to do more, without the associated costs that limit us.

We are delighted to share the news that we now have a solution, in our digital version of the magazine! If you have an event that needs some publicity then please add this for free on our new What’s On guide. You can add the dates and a category so readers can easily see find out what’s going on locally.

If you run a club, group, society or charity then we can also offer a free space on our new Directory, to tell us about what you do and your contact details. Our aim is that our digital magazine is an online extension to the printed copy, and the two can complement each other to do more for our community.

We are constantly updating the online magazine with new articles and encourage you to make the most of what we can offer. We will be sharing these across our social media channels and with your support we can make it a key community resource. If you have any ideas or feedback then please get in touch. Enjoy July and August!

Clive

I used to buy factory second shirts at the factory. I think I paid three pounds each for them and you could never see the fault.

During the black-out the factory had to cope with 30,000 square feet of windows. This was achieved with 300 frames which could be removed in the day time. The staff could be accommodated in sand bagged shelters during a raid within two minutes of the alarm sounding. The factory A.R.P. squads were assigned particular duties. The First Aid Squad was composed mostly of the younger girls. There were also two fire brigade squads trained to dealing with incendiary bombs and decontamination. Senior factory staff operated as factory wardens maintaining orderly conduct in evacuation and within the shelters. The town medical officer provided staff

with lectures on first aid and gas. Gas masks were supplied to the staff. “Do you hear that rattling note upon the air so clear? It tells me there is gas about but stand fast without fear”.

The London Van Heusen staff were evacuated and many came to Taunton. The factory here made large quantities of Khaki and RAF uniforms. A new boiler house was completed in 1941. A huge boiler was delivered by Pickfords. It was noted that Messrs Bullock and Smith were too big to find uniforms for. It was suggested that they asked Goring’s taylor. No doubt readers may find fathers or relatives in this image. I can name a few at the factory during the war. Mr Browne. “A striking figure in his steel helmet”. Mr Stott who stated that the factory shelters were not as comfortable as his dug-out in Mesapotamia during the last war. Mr Dunlop who stated that courage,cheerfulness and resolution would win the war. Not forgetting, I suppose, that

the RAF, army and navy might help. Another name remembered by the company was Miss C. S. Bowers from accounts 1924 to 1939 who left to get married. To help you here are names for those in the photo.

Cox, Dunlop, Sladden, Siggers, Glanville, Stokes, Holden, Stevens, Walton, Wakley, Currie, Williams, Hordle, Browne, Smith, Fox, Saunders, Heaman, Jones, Rivington, Hort, Hawkins, Sparrow, Russell, Greed, Sylvester, Singleton, Coles, Pook, Hartley, Vellacott, Lord, McAuliffe, Pilgrim, White, Titcombe, Betty, Diamond, Hill.

Night duty usually required volunteers. The company provided a table tennis set to keep them active. As far as I know Hitler never attacked Taunton directly but a house in Eastbourne Road was badly damaged by a stray bomb.

Did you enjoy this article?

You can now find our archive online at:

wgalink.com/local-history

The Usborne Official Spy’s Handbook

From cracking secret codes and creating effective disguises to tracking and decoding signals, this book encourages kids to be creative. It’s the essential guide to spying – keep it close to hand but hidden from the unknown enemy! – packed with useful skills and tips, and spies in training can use the activity pages to create camouflage headbands, shake off a trail and spot enemy spies in crowds of people.

Don’t Shake the Mango Tree by Graeme Forbes Smith

Graeme’s childhood ambition to climb Kilimanjaro and subsequent visits to Africa made him fall in love with the continent, so when he and his wife Candy have a mid-life crisis at the age of 50, they abandon their comfortable Edinburgh life and move to Tanzania. The warmth and welcoming nature of the locals swiftly found them work managing a luxury safari lodge, and tales of their new life with its up and downs in Africa unfold. Each tale is told with a touching blend of humour, tragedy, gratitude and joy.

City on Fire by Don Winslow

Exploring classic themes of loyalty, betrayal, honour, and corruption on both sides of the law, this is the first instalment of an expansive new trilogy from one of the world’s most eloquent crime writers. Danny Ryan is a hard-working longshoreman, loving husband, loyal friend, and occasional ‘muscle’ for the Irish crime syndicate that oversees much of the city. He yearns for something more and dreams of a fresh start somewhere far away. But when a modern-day Helen of Troy triggers a war between rival mob factions, Danny is embroiled in a conflict he can’t escape…

All You Need by Katie Piper

In her debut children’s picture book, best-selling author and TV presenter Katie Piper OBE invites young readers aged three to five to join Teeny Mouse in a wonderful tale of empowerment. Teeny Mouse is going on a big adventure, a journey she’s never taken before. And though it’s big, and fun, and exciting, she suddenly feels a little bit small...but she discovers all you need is to have a little bit of faith in yourself. A perfect read to share with young children fearful about trying new things.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

One for the older teens, this historical romance is inspired by the real-life story of C.R. Patterson (the first African-American automotive manufacturer) and his family, the Davenports are one of the few black families of immense wealth and status, their fortune made through a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. It’s now 1910 and we follow the fortunes of four determined and passionate young black women – Olivia, Helen, Amy-Rose and Ruby – discovering the courage to steer their own path in life…and love.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different – and far more satisfying – than he ever imagined. A fable about undauntedly following one’s dreams, listening to one’s heart and reading life’s omens, The Alchemist is currently the most-translated book in the world by a living author. It has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world.

Whatever your plans this holiday, there’s nothing better than a great read. Here are some for everyone of all ages to enjoy!

Tim Hill has launched his own Oven Cleaning Business as part of the Oven Wizards Franchise. He has lived and worked in the local area for a number of years,so as he knows the area well, he believes there will be a strong demand for his services.

Tim says “I was looking for a business idea that would be something I would enjoy doing and that would provide a great service to local people. I came across the idea of an oven cleaning business After researching the market I soon realised that becoming an Oven Wizard offered me a great opportunity, particularly with the support of a successful Franchise Brand”.

Mark Abbott, owner of the Oven Wizards business said “From the first time we met Tim we knew he would make a great success of running an Oven Wizards Franchise, particularly because of his great passion for friendly customer service.”

Mark went on to explain “There is a growing demand from people who want to have their ovens professionally cleaned because it is probably the hardest and most hated job in most households”.

A recent Survey carried out indicates that oven cleaning is one of the most hated chores in the home. Taking into account the fact that there are over 26 million households in the UK and that nearly each one has at least one oven and a hob, the growing domestic cleaning market therefore provides unlimited opportunities to delight our customers.

Feel free to contact him to discuss your oven cleaning requirements on 07931 382899 or e mail timhill@ovenwizards.com or go onto his website at www.ovenwizards.com/oven-cleaning/Taunton.

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 maintenance of pathways and walkways in our gardens.

It’s only right we spend so long obsessing over the green spaces in our garden, and at the heart of that is plants, flowers and, of course, a gorgeous, lush, green lawn.

Yet there is many a beautiful baize spoiled by the constant plodding of human feet, and when the colder, rainier months come around, that gentle path leading to the shed can rapidly come to resemble a muddy mess.

That’s why providing a practical route for people to be able move through a garden is so important. Paths and walkways obviously serve a practical function in providing safe and easy access to the decorated corners of your garden, whilst

also offering a visual and aesthetic element, guiding the eye, offering a contrast between natural and manmade materials, whilst creating, as well, an invitation to explore.

Maintaining a pathway, or perhaps even a larger paved area, almost always means turning to concrete. It is hardwearing, inexpensive and versatile, while in terms of durability you’ll struggle to find anything better. Yet for those who want a look that’s more natural or rustic, use something like gravel, wood or natural stone. These materials can create a softer, more organic look that blends in well with the surrounding landscape.

Either way, focus on colour and texture. Look at the other shades in your garden and try to match tones; also mimic shapes in flowers and plants by selecting concrete elements that are styled and intricately designed, focusing on curves, lines and detail.

In terms of laying a path, plan every stone before you start, aiming for flow, perspective and a pattern that guides the eye. Ensure the ground you are laying the path on is well drained, and while the temptation is to lay each slab level, you may want to factor in a slight tilt so that rainwater runs off it rather than pooling on top.

Finally, when laid, gravel or mulch around the sides of the path will hold it in place and allow it to soften as it naturalises with your garden.

As the years go by, regular cleaning and repairs will keep your path in optimum condition. Jet washing is a great way of bringing it back to life.

Ultimately, while concrete often carries with it an unsteady reputation as far as our gardens are concerned, we’d be stuck without it!

125 YEARS

• The world’s first advertisement for a motor car appeared in newspapers in the USA. The ad for the Winton Motor Carriage Company in Cleveland, Ohio invited readers to ‘Dispense with a horse’.

30 YEARS AGO (1993)

• In 1993 the UK saw one of its biggest recessions since World War II. In 1990 the average house price had reached £57,683. By 1993 it was averaging at £51,210 (c. £133,500 at today’s prices).

• Caleb Bradham’s carbonated soft drink ‘Brad’s Drink’ was renamed ‘Pepsi-Cola’. (The name was shortened to ‘Pepsi’ in 1961.) singles charts included ‘Pray’

100 YEARS

• The Hollywood Sign was officially dedicated in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It was originally erected as a temporary advertisement for a housing development and read ‘Hollywoodland’.

• The Matrimonial Causes Act 1923 came into effect in the UK. For the first time, both men and women had the equal right to petition a court for divorce on the basis of their spouse’s adultery.

• The fi rst issue of the BBC’s radio and television listings magazine, Radio Times, was published.

60 YEARS

• The Great Train Robbery, Ledburn, Buckinghamshire. £2.6 million was stolen in one of the UK’s most infamous robberies. The bulk of the money was never recovered.

40 YEARS

• Soviet military officer Stanislav Petrov averted a full-scale nuclear war when he identified a computerised missile attack warning as a false alarm and chose to disregard it.

• Chart-toppers in the music singles charts included ‘Pray’ by Take That and ‘Creep’ by Radiohead.

• Sir John Major was Prime Minister (Conservatives), staying in office until 1997.

25 YEARS

• The Apple iMac (G3) was released. It was noted for its distinctive egg-shaped, coloured, translucent plastic shell. It helped revitalise the company, which had been facing financial ruin.

• Google, the internet search company, was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, both students at Stanford University, California, USA. The company was initially based in a friend’s garage in Menlo Park.

20 YEARS

A team from the BBC reported that the Loch Ness monster did not exist. They had combed every inch of the loch using 600 sonar beams guided by satellite navigation and found nothing. The search operation was covered in the documentary Searching For The Loch Ness Monster.

when you contact one of our advertisers.

Apple iMac (G3), Felix Winkelnkemper, Wikimedia licensed under CC BY 2.0

ADELAIDE AUSSIE BEACHES BOOMERANG

BRISBANE CANBERRA CORAL SEA

DESERTS DINGO EMUS KANGAROO

KOALA MARSUPIALS OCEANS PERTH

RAINFORESTS SEAFOOD SHRIMP SYDNEY

TASMANIA VICTORIA WOMBAT

Across

1. Short play preceding the main performance (7-6)

7. Diplomat having less authority than an ambassador (5)

8. Small axe with a short handle (7)

9. Egyptian royal tomb (7)

10. Plain dough cake, often griddled (5)

11. John ___, English dramatist whose works include Look Back in Anger (7)

17. Minor parish official (5)

18. Mass of precious metal (7)

20. Territory occupied by a nation (7)

21. One of the two main branches of orthodox Islam (5)

22. Native of Freetown, for example (6,7)

Down

1. Causing a sensation as of things crawling on the skin (6)

2. Large streams (6)

3. Bottomless gulf or pit (5)

4. Skilled craftsman (7)

5. Educational institution (6)

6. Having decayed or disintegrated (6)

8. Large body of water in north-east Canada (6,3)

12. Knitted jumper (7)

13. Appliance that corrects dental irregularities (6)

14. Food that is discarded (as from a kitchen) (6)

15. Character created by A A Milne, ___ the Pooh (6)

16. Native of Mumbai, for example (6)

19. Long noosed rope used to catch animals (5)

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

Dolphins sleep with one eye open. Honey never spoils. The shortest war lasted 38 minutes. The world’s oldest known recipe is for beer. The average person blinks around 15-20 times per minute. The Sun is 4.6 billion years old.

Things to do with the kids this summer in Taunton

Peter Rabbit on August 9th which is sure to be an absolute delight. Hestercombe are also hosting a couple of outdoor productions by Folksy Theatre.

Taunton Flower Show

Well, that came around quick didn’t it? A quick blink, Christmas and Easter have rushed past and we’re nearly back to the summer holidays and six weeks of trying desperately to entertain the children in the midst of a cost of living crisis. Let me just say to all the parents out there, looking longingly at the wine box by 4pm and thinking that YouTube seems like a solid six week babysitting plan - I see you.

If you do find the energy to make some plans though, and are looking for some ideas for cheap or at least worthwhile ways to spend some money on family fun this summer, I’ve had a nose around Taunton and surrounding areas and come up with some ideas for you.

Hestercombe

Gardens

We’re big fans of Hestercombe at Word Gets Around of course, so I couldn’t miss out the summer activities planned for families at the gardens. Running throughout the summer are a couple of activities that will appeal to all ages - a Time To Bee Friendly trail through the gardens with a prize at the end and Family Waggle dance sessions on the marquee lawn every weekday at 11am and 1pm.

Older children might also enjoy the summer exhibition in the house by Susan Derges, featuring her work exploring cameraless photography. Basic cameraless photography is something anyone can have a go at with some basic equipment, so it could be a great one for inspiring activities at home.

Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

Adventure cinema, the UK’s largest outdoor cinema tour, is coming to Taunton Deane Cricket Club in September with an awesome lineup of films including Encanto, The Greatest Showman Singalong and, my personal favourite, Grease.

If you can’t wait until September then Taunton Museum is putting on an outdoor production of

Okay, so you might not think that kids would be interested in what is essentially a large outdoor garden centre, but there’s a lot more at the flower show than just plants, including music, competitions, BMX shows and an entire children’s village. You could also get them involved early by creating entries for the show itself. There are loads of creative categories for kids, so head to their website for more information on how to get involved.

If none of these float your boat then my advice to you is PICNIC. Whenever you’re stuck for something to do, turn it into a picnic. And I don’t mean spend hours making sandwiches and packing things into a wicker basket - a ‘picnic’ can just mean chucking snacks into a carrier bag and heading to the nearest park or beach. It’s all about the marketing. My daughter Belle is 20 but still enjoys going to Tesco Express for a meal deal and taking it to eat in the car while we look at Hawkridge Reservoir. Simple pleasures and all that.

On a hot day in Paris, the Eiffel Tower grows taller. The tower is constructed from iron and when this is warmed it expands, causing the structure to grow by up to 17 cm.

What’s worse than a worm in your apple? Half a worm.

What do insects learn at school?

Mothmatics

Why was the centipede dropped from the insect football team? He took too long to put his boots on!

SEA BALL BOAT KITE

SAND BEACH

GAMES

WAVES

PICNIC

PARASOL

ICECREAM

SUNCREAM

DECKCHAIR

Looking for a compact EV? Here are five great choices

Small cars lend themselves perfectly to being EVs, typically being used for shorter routes in and around towns and cities, where there’s often better access to public chargers.

There’s a good range of options, with these also being an affordable way to drive an EV. Here are the best small electric cars on the market.

Mini Electric

Mini’s 3-Door Hatch is an icon, and it got even better in 2020 when this British brand introduced the Electric. We’d argue this Mini is even more impressive and fun in Electric guise than petrol versions.

Retaining all the style and high-quality interior of the regular model, the Electric is one of the lightest EVs on sale. As a result, it feels particularly fun and agile to drive, aided by its punchy 181bhp electric motor. A claimed 145-mile range isn’t the longest but should be plenty for many drivers.

Fiat 500

Ever since Fiat revived its 500 in 2008, this has been a particularly popular choice and remains one of the best-selling cars across Europe. Fiat’s electric 500 propels this city car into modern territory.

It might retain similarly chic styling to the standard petrol Fiat 500 but the electric version is an entirely different car and gets a range of new technology and driverassistance features. It’s not a cheap choice, especially by city car standards, but it does offer a 199-mile electric range if you opt for the larger 42kWh battery.

Peugeot e-208

Peugeot’s 208 supermini was the best-selling car across Europe in 2022 and a key factor to its success is the electric e-208. This small EV offers a fantastic, highquality interior and plenty of standard equipment, while it’s good to drive as well. Currently, the Peugeot e-208 offers an electric range of up to 225 miles, but this supermini will be equipped with a larger battery and more powerful electric motor soon, increasing the range to 248 miles, which is great for a car of this size.

Honda e

Honda’s e has only a 137-mile electric range, but for those who stay predominantly local and want one of the coolest small cars ever made, it’s most certainly worth a look.

The rear-wheel-drive layout makes it huge fun to drive, while it’s absolutely packed full of technology with six digital displays in the interior. How this Japanese firm has packed so much into such a small car is seriously impressive.

MG4

The MG4 hatchback might be slightly larger in size than other models on this list but we’ve included it because its £26,995 starting price undercuts every other car here. You still get lots of equipment, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a digital dial display plus a host of driver-assistance features.

The MG4 is also great to drive and spacious, thanks to it being built around a new electric car-only platform. A seven-year warranty is included as well, while the MG4 offers up to 281 miles of claimed range – again, the most of any car on this list.

With Claire Agnew

Associate

Paying Inheritance Tax

For those dealing with someone’s estate after their death, the Inheritance Tax bill can come as a nasty shock. It needs to be paid before a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration are applied for, which can sometimes create difficulties.

The current Inheritance Tax threshold is £325,000, meaning that where more than this sum is left in an estate, Inheritance Tax will need to be paid on the amount in excess of the threshold at the rate of 40%. There are some exceptions to this, for example, where an individual leaves everything to their spouse or civil partner, no Inheritance Tax is payable. When the spouse or civil partner dies, their estate can also benefit from any unused Inheritance Tax allowance from the estate of the first to die.

How to calculate Inheritance Tax

Inheritance Tax calculations can be complex. The estate’s personal representative will need to value the deceased’s estate and also identify any gifts of value that the deceased made in the seven years before their death. Where the estate is liable for Inheritance Tax, tax is payable on some gifts of cash or items of value on a sliding scale, available on the government’s website.

All items of value will need to be included in the estate valuation, such as property, cars, jewellery, art, shares, Premium Bonds and investments. Their value as at the date of death should be listed on the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) forms.

You can obtain professional valuations for some chattels, such as art or jewellery. For other assets such as property or cars, you may be able to obtain a figure by looking at the sale price of similar items.

Where there is an unused Inheritance Tax allowance, this can be applied against the gross value of the estate along with the deceased’s own allowance. There is also an allowance in respect of the deceased’s residence, if this is left to direct descendants such as children or grandchildren. This is in the sum of £175,000. Again, if this was not used by the deceased’s late spouse or civil partner, the unused allowance can be put against the deceased’s estate.

Where the deceased left 10% or more of their estate to charity, their Inheritance Tax rate will drop to 36%.

When is Inheritance Tax payable?

Inheritance Tax should be paid at least fifteen working days before an application for a Grant is made to the Probate Registry. Before Inheritance Tax can be paid, you need to ask HMRC for an Inheritance Tax reference number. It will take them up to three weeks to issue this.

Once the reference number has been received, it can be used to pay the Inheritance Tax. A number of forms will also need to be sent to HMRC at the same time, giving full details of the deceased’s estate.

There is a deadline for payment of Inheritance Tax of the end of the sixth month after the person died. If this is not met, then HMRC will charge interest.

Most people do not have enough available cash to cover an Inheritance Tax bill and should seek legal advice on how to fund payment of it as investment companies will not generally release funds until they have been given a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. In turn, the Grant will not be issued until Inheritance Tax has been paid.

Senior

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As we approach another exciting season, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our fans for their unwavering support over the years. They are an integral part of our team’s success, and we are incredibly fortunate to have fans who stand by us through thick and thin.

Their dedication to the team plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere of our home games. It is through their presence, chants, and unwavering support that our players find the inspiration to push beyond their limits.

Our fans become part of a vibrant community united by a shared passion for the beautiful game. We see people forge lifelong friendships, bonds with fellow supporters, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The camaraderie and sense of belonging that come with being part of this community are truly priceless.

By becoming a season ticket holder it allows us to continue investing in the team’s development, helps us attract new talent, enhance our matchday experience, and create an environment where our players can thrive.

It has been a busy few months behind the scenes since the whistle last blew. We now look forward to the exhilarating moments that lie ahead with derbies against Yeovil Town, Weston-super-Mare, Weymouth, Torquay and Bath.

It promises to be an action-packed season. We have missed the

deafening roar of the crowd as the ball hits the back of the net, the collective euphoria when our team secures victory, and the joyous celebrations that reverberate throughout the stadium. These experiences are not only reserved for the players; they belong to each and every fan who fills the stands with passion and unwavering belief.

As we navigate the ups and downs of the upcoming season, let us stand shoulder to shoulder.

#UpThePeacocks GRAB YOUR SEASON TICKET!

We hope you will continue to be a part of something special, something larger than ourselves. Together, we can create an atmosphere that inspires our players, intimidates our opponents, and showcases the power of our unwavering support. Join us as we embark on another thrilling chapter, filled with unforgettable moments and the unwavering spirit of our incredible fanbase.

We hope to see you at a game soon. UPTHE PEACOCKS!

All season tickets no longer include the pre-season games.

*Includes membership to the Junior Peacock Club - Full information to follow Season tickets can be purchased by emailing: clubshop@tauntontown.com

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The Growth Mindset

As sons, daughters, friends and family prepare to begin studies again in the new academic year, we look at growth mindset and how our belief in learning can ultimately create a platform for success.

While work we produce as a result of studying is black and white, it seems that our approach to learning is more flexible, and psychologists now believe that when utilising mindfulness and positive mental action, how we prepare to study can significantly impact results.

American Carol Dweck, a renowned Stanford University psychologist, has been one of the leading voices behind this idea of motivational psychology, with many of the theories played out in her groundbreaking tome Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. The book fixated on the idea of the so-called Growth Mindset - a theory that fundamentally revolutionised how we understand learning, intelligence and personal development.

The key principles are to…

Embrace challenges: Growth mindset instils a love for challenges. Instead of avoiding difficulties, individuals

with a growth mindset see them as opportunities for learning and personal development. They understand that struggle is a part of the growth process.

Show persistence in the face of setbacks: Setbacks are not perceived as failures but as necessary hurdles on the path to success. People with a growth mindset understand that progress requires overcoming obstacles.

Believe that effort leads to mastery: The belief that effort is a path to mastery is central to the growth mindset. Individuals understand that talent is just the starting point, and consistent effort is what leads to skill development and achievement.

Learn from criticism: Constructive criticism is viewed as a valuable source of feedback. Individuals with a growth mindset actively seek feedback and use it to improve, rather than taking it as a personal affront.

Be inspired by others’ success: Instead of feeling threatened by the success of others, individuals with a growth mindset find it motivating and educational. They seek lessons in the success stories of others.

Dweck’s research has shown that the growth mindset can be fostered in individuals, leading to increased resilience, adaptability and achievement, with a focus on continuous learning and effort, leading to a healthier and more productive attitude towards personal and professional growth.

In short, the power of believing that you can improve is the fundamental principle of what we can achieve. And as a new academic year begins, the ability to cultivate or harness it may have stunning results for people close to you.

Martin achieved his first professional drinks qualification in 1973. He has been a professional Wine & Spirit Educator since 1988, Past South West Chairman of the UK Bartenders Guild, and is passionate about good food, fine dining and supporting Somerset’s food and drinks industry.

LIST YOUR CLUB, GROUP, ORGANISATION, SOCIETY or CHARITY FOR FREE oN OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE!

We are often asked if we can showcase and promote various clubs and charities for free in our printed magazine. Unfortunately due to associated costs it has always limited us in the past. We are delighted to announce that we have the answer, in our NEW Directory on our digital magazine!

We can now give a spotlight to clubs, groups, organisations, societies and charities to help promote what they do, raise awareness and allow them be found easily. For residents it will serve as a vital directory, housing useful information and contact details in one central place.

Help us to grow this across Somerset by spreading the word. It’s quick and straightforward to list your group. Visit: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/directories

Together we can make this work, so let’s all get connected!

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There ain’t nothing like a Dame!

She’s cooking royalty: having risen through the royal honours ranks from OBE to CBE and then a DBE in 2020, Dame Prue Leith is best known to millions as one half of the judges who gets to crown the winner on TV’s jewel-in-the-crown baking show.

Prue, 83, has revealed that Bake Off is her “dream job”, adding: “It’s the nicest possible job, isn’t it? All we do is walk on, eat cake, say what we think, walk off.” Prue is delighted that This Morning’s Alison Hammond is joining the show. Working alongside Paul, Noel and Matt, she admits: “The problem for me is that I’m such a different generation from those three men that I never get their famous Bake Off innuendos. They’re like four-year-olds. So, I’m looking forward to having a woman around.”

A new batch of fans

It’s been a busy year or so for Dame Prue, who in September 2022 saw the relaunch of her updated autobiography, I’ll Try Anything Once It was originally published as Relish in 2017, when Prue had just joined the show. The riveting memoir tells the story of her incredible appetite for life, from her childhood in South Africa to becoming a Dame in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list.

Prue colours

When she moved to the UK, Prue become the first woman to open a high-end restaurant in London, Leith’s, which went on to gain a Michelin star. Alongside her continued involvement with

the prestigious Leith’s School of Food and Wine, which she established in 1975, she keeps on top of her property and online business. Then there’s also been the launch of her vibrant and joyful tableware collection in collaboration with homeware brand BlissHome (available exclusively on www.uniqueandunity.co.uk).

Journey of discovery

It wasn’t until Prue left her native South Africa with a degree from Cape Town University to go to the Sorbonne in Paris, that she first discovered her love of food.

“I suddenly realised it was something I could do.” Clearly not a skill she’s learnt from her mother Peggy. Says Prue: “She was the worst cook in the world. But my very first book, Leith’s All-Party Cookbook, had the dedication, ‘For my mother, who can’t cook for toffee, but gave marvellous parties anyway.’ I wanted to make the point that food isn’t the only thing that goes into a party –your friends have not come to judge you.”

No stranger to mixing with members of the royal family, Dame Prue recently joined the Duke of Edinburgh, along with faith leaders, at Westminster Abbey, for a special Coronation Big Lunch – where the Duke ruled out a ‘bake off’, as he brought along a coronation quiche, baked by Buckingham Palace staff. The coronation quiche – the recipe chosen by the King and Queen – was given Dame Prue’s stamp of approval, praising the bake as “absolutely delicious”.

Depending on who you listen to, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is either going to make everything brilliant or destroy everybody’s jobs and maybe humanity too. So what is it, and why is everybody talking about it?

Generative AI is basically a super-powered search engine that can answer plain English questions and do things that Google can’t (yet).

Although it’s called AI, it isn’t actually intelligent. These apps are really super-powered memory machines: they don’t create anything, but they can make really good copies of things that already exist. An AI that makes artworks has been trained on millions of paintings and can create a reasonably good copy of the artists’ styles; an AI that answers questions has been trained on millions of internet pages. But that can be a problem, because those internet pages might not necessarily be accurate.

What AI actually means for you

It’s in its teething stages just now, but it does have a lot of potential. You’re using some of it already; for example modern smartphones have AI-powered software that automatically tweaks your images for the best results. Sometimes they get it wrong, but mostly what they do makes things better.

Try ChatGPT for yourself at chat.openai.com to see for yourself, or try creating your own AI art at creator.nightcafe.studio. And if you have Microsoft’s Edge web browser, you can try the new AI-powered Bing search at Bing.com.

Microsoft has gone big on AI, and if you have the Edge browser you can get AI-powered search on Bing.com

Edd Kimber’s Olive Oil, Pistachio And Lemon Snack Cake

Introduction

Delight your afternoon tea guests with this joyous one-tin bake from The Great British Bake Off’s first ever champ, Edd Kimber. This simple pistachio cake is made in a food processor, so it takes just minutes to prepare, and the machine does all the heavy lifting for you. Serve it with a simple lemon and sugar glaze and sprinkle with a few roughly chopped pistachios and dried rose petals.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas mark 4. Lightly grease your 15x40cm baking tin and line with a strip of parchment paper that overhangs the long sides, securing it in place with metal clips.

2. Place the pistachios in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment and pulse until they are finely ground. Tip into a large bowl along with the ground almonds, flour, baking powder and salt and mix together.

3. Put the sugar, eggs and lemon zest in the processor bowl and

Ingredients

(10 to 12 servings)

For the cake

• 200ml olive oil, plus extra for greasing

• 140g shelled pistachios, plus a few extra for decoration

• 65g ground almonds

• 65g gluten-free plain flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp fine sea salt

• 200g caster sugar

• 4 large eggs

• Zest of 1 lemon

For the glaze

• 200g icing sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice

• Pinch of fine sea salt

• Chopped pistachios

• Dried rose petals

process for about a minute. With the machine still running, slowly pour in the oil. Once fully combined, add the mixed dry ingredients and process for a second or two until evenly incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly.

4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until lightly browned and the cake is set in the middle. Set aside to cool completely in the tin before using the parchment paper to lift it out.

5. For the glaze, mix the icing sugar, lemon juice and salt in a bowl until you have a thick but pourable paste. Pour it over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with a few extra chopped pistachios and dried rose petals to decorate.

Top tips

• To make this cake vegan, swap out the eggs with this alternative: 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water for every chicken’s egg

• If stored in a sealed container, the cake should keep for 3–4 days

Ginger George

Taunton’s Top Cat - The word on the street

Ants in your Pants

Ooh, I have say, I am enjoying this hot weather. The trouble is that it sends you to sleep all the time. This is something I am quite good at though. I decided to go down to the park and find a shady spot to continue snoozing. When I got there, Blackie (my mate) was already there, curled up and away with the fairies. He’s a sucker for catnip.

I was telling him how I went out last night for a stroll, once the sun had gone down. There was flashing lights coming from the village hall, so I went down to investigate. I perched on the windowsill and peered in. The room was full of a variety of coloured flashing lights and there was a really loud noise coming from inside. There were loads of people in there. How they put up with all that noise, I’ll never know! They were all sat at tables eating food, but all down one end of the hall. Then there was one woman in a big white dress who went down to the other end. I think she was ill, as a man grabbed her tightly and held her up. They were wobbling around the floor and when they stopped everyone was clapping. Why would people clap for wobbling around the floor?

I was so intrigued I stayed there for half an hour, when all of sudden three ladies got up and went to the empty end and they were stamping lightly on the whilst swaying side to side. First the left foot, and then the right foot. They were not walking about, they remained in one spot. “ do you think that was Blackie?”, I asked mate! Did you say there was food?”, he replied.

“I’m guessing, because of this warm weather there were loads of ants coming out and trying to get to the food and these ladies were out there trying to squash them”.

SCOOBY SNACKS

Who can resist those big eyes that are just begging for a tiny morsel? Whether it be your Labrador, feline friend or even your hamster, pets are professionals at getting the goodies out of their owners. Yet it is rarely in their best interests to overfeed…

DO …give the good stuff

The cost of premium pet treats can be prohibitive, but the less junk in them the better they are for your little friend. Certainly where dogs are concerned, opt for snacks with more natural ingredients, with a focus on keeping your pet energised with good food.

DON’T …do damage

designed to satiate our beloved pets, but you don’t have to spend a fortune at the pet shop to acquire them. Carrots for example, make a great occasional treat for your dog and are highly nutritious.

DON’T …overdo it

DO …reward good behaviour

Treats are a great way of teaching your pet good habits. Whether that’s going to the toilet outside or resisting the urge to bark at the postman, a little treat goes a long way in affirming those positive traits you wish to encourage.

DON’T …encourage begging

As with positive behaviour, treats can also work in reverse. That’s why it’s so important to be firm when it comes to negative traits such as begging. At best it ends in with daily disruption at mealtimes, and at worst, a porky pet!

When it comes to our beloved pets, it is important to be mindful of what they can and can’t have. Grapes, raisins, garlic and onion are toxic for both cats and dogs, while chicken bones and treats made from rawhide can get stuck in an animal’s throat or digestive system

DO …mix it up

From fish-flavoured biscuits to dried chicken feet, there is a huge variety of snacks

Some dogs and cats will happily chew their lives away in the most literal sense, so it’s important not to overfeed them regardless of how much they plead. Even vegetables can be high in sugar and therefore need to be eaten sparingly.

DO

…buy multipurpose snacks

In such an advanced age it should come as no surprise that petfood brands have created treats that do more than, well, treat! Think chews that act as a toothbrush, or biscuits containing chamomile or valerian root designed to calm an anxious animal.

DON’T …get ripped off

When comes to our furry friends we can be overly susceptible to products that overpromise. Quite often a biscuit and a belly rub are all that’s required to make your pet’s day.

The do’s and don’ts of in-between-meal treats for your pets.

Emergency

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Farmer isaac

‘ol Minnie Adderblack thinks she mite be pregnant. She goze off t’ chemist and coms back wiv two tests. They wur both positive, noo she thinks she is ‘aving twins..

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I like to have a ten minute nap on the sofa before going up for my main sleep. I call that a snors d’oeuvre.

To be or not to be a horse rider, that is equestrian.

The other day I saw a two hot dog rolls in a cage at the zoo. They were bread in captivity.

I had an incredible dream that I weighed less than a thousandth of a gram. I was like, 0mg.

To the person who stole my case of energy drinks: I hope you can’t sleep at night.

I joined an amateur autopsy club. Tuesday is open Mike night.

I was listening to Bob Marley on the car radio the other day when I was stopped by the police. They asked for my licence and reggae station.

I couldn’t afford to buy a bag of pasta for my dinner. I’m penneless.

To the guy who stole my antidepressant pills: I hope you’re happy now.

House | Taunton Lavender Court | Taunton Moorhaven | Taunton