Word Gets Around Magazine: West Somerset - issue 36

Magazine

CAB-IT TAXIS

01643 707544

WEST SOMERSET ISSUE 36

OCAL TAXIS

GG TAXIS

07807 777620

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

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01643 703347 info@parkslane.co.uk www.parkslane.co.uk Parks Lane, Minehead, TA24 5NU. We have a wide range of furniture available, from our bedroom, dining room or lounge pieces.

SOFAS, FIRESIDE CHAIRS, ELECTRIC AND MANUAL RECLINERS.

Take a look in our bed store and find the right bed just for you. From single to super king, sprung to memory foam, there are so many for you to choose from.

PLENTY IN STOCK AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY.

● All our floor fitters are professionally trained. ● Our attention to detail is second to none. ● In a nutshell, we are competitively priced, highly skilled & thrive on looking after our customers. ● Call us on 01643 703347 for a FREE measure & quote. ● Home selection is also available.

01643 707707 paulparkslane@aol.com www.parkslane.co.uk 5 Parks Street, Minehead, TA24 5NQ. ● Made to measure curtains and blinds. ● FREE measure, quote & fitting. ● Visit our beautiful showroom or home selection is available. ● Shutters, canopies and awnings. ● First Class customer service. ● Competitive prices. ● FREE upgrade to thermal/blackout lining on made to measure Bill Beaumont Textiles curtains (offer ends 29/12/23).

Beautiful gifts, decorations and lit trees are all here. Top quality, affordable prices.

Choose some new tableware or update your roasting pan in our kitchenware department or add a festive cushion or throw to your sofa. Lots to see, bargains to be had and an experience to relish!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU!

Join the West Somerset Railway for an unforgettable festive adventure, as our popular Winterlights trains return for 2023.

Step aboard our illuminated train at Bishops Lydeard station and travel through wintery fields and woodlands.

Steam past enchanting displays as the Winterlights train lights up the Somerset skies on a return journey to Crowcombe Heathfield.

Tickets available now.

Dates in November & December 2023 01643 704996

www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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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.

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 OUR ADDRESS Word Gets Around Magazines Hestercombe House, Hestercombe Gardens Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LQ.

Socials: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk

Booking deadline for the next issue is 25th December

At this time of year, nature may be winding down but we have so much to celebrate and enjoy. Bonfire Night celebrations take place anytime around November 5th, and the skies will be festooned with colourful fireworks. It commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes failed to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Diwali begins on November 12th, one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu calendar. Many communities will come together in prayer, to exchange gifts and enjoy festive food and other gestures of love and goodwill. Fireworks are an essential part of the festival of lights, symbolising light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.

The second Sunday in November is always Remembrance Sunday, a day to honour those members of the armed forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. A two-minute silence is observed at 11 a.m. at events across the country.

By the end of this month, Christmas markets will start to appear in local towns, putting us in the mood for another festive season. Don’t forget the Christmas Light and late nigh shopping in Minehead on Friday 24th. November. Then we have ‘Dunster by Candlelight’. This year runs from Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd Dec. This year brings new street performers and singers. Proceeds go to St.Margaret’s Hospice.

We have been so proud to support this event by designing and printing the programme.

December brings us the Winter Solstice on 21st, also known as the Shortest day of the year. Then the big day in the Christian calendar, Christmas Day. A time to rejoice and dress up your house and exchange gifts. Merry Christmas to you all! Don’t burn yourself with the fireworks….. and remember the dogs and cats.

Until next time,

Clive 016 4 3

708876

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Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about adding water features to your garden to improve it even more.

Ah, the gentle burble of a garden fountain! It has a certain timeless charm, doesn’t it? It’s not just the preserve of stately homes or grand public gardens. With a dash of patience, a sprinkle of knowhow, and an eye for design, you too can bring that touch of serenity to your own plot.

Many a time, whilst wandering the meandering pathways of my Hampshire home, I’ve paused by my own water feature, momentarily transfixed by its aquatic ballet.

Yet, I remember the days when I would regard these structures with some scepticism, thinking, ‘All that plumbing! All that fuss!’

It’s true that the construction of a water feature can be

somewhat involved, but the rewards – both aesthetically and in terms of wildlife attraction – are undoubtedly worth it.

However, before plunging headlong into the world of water features, it’s wise to consider a few practicalities.

First and foremost, you have to think about the plumbing.

Pipes need to be buried, but not too deeply; you don’t want to run into trouble come winter when the ground freezes. The supply is another matter and while it might be tempting to tie it directly to your home’s mains, this can prove costly. Instead, consider a recirculating system which will save on both water and your pocket.

In terms of style, it’s essential to find a design that complements the surroundings. There’s little sense in plonking a sleek, modern sculpture in the midst of a cottage garden or conversely, placing a rustic barrel in a space that is edgy and contemporary.

When I was planning mine, I took inspiration from the age of the house, the types of plants around and the overall ‘feel’ of the garden. Your water feature should enhance, not clash with, its environment.

And let us not forget maintenance. Algae

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blooms and the occasional mischievous leaf can plague water features. A little routine cleaning and perhaps a strategic water plant or two, can keep these issues in check. Remember, this is a living feature and like all living things, it requires a touch of tender loving care.

Reflecting on my own water feature journey, it’s clear to me now that these constructions are more than mere decorative pieces. They’re transformative, turning a simple garden into a haven of peace, an attractor of wildlife, and a focal point of design.

So, if you’ve been toying with the idea of introducing a water feature to your patch, I say dive in!

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Get Christmas wrapped up with our selection of festive reads for all the family.

FESTIVE by Francesca Stone Brimming with ways to have a magical and more sustainable Christmas with your own personal touch. Alongside festive recipes, discover styling tips covering how to dress your front door and tree, and crafty ideas to make your celebrations meaningful without the big spend.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens When Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843 it was an overnight success, following the fortune of miserly, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge who views Christmas as ‘humbug’. This version is part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library.

Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien Every December, an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting, and a beautifully coloured drawing or some sketches. The letters were from Father Christmas…

This centenary edition promises to be a festive feast for Tolkien fans of all ages.

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding – Poirot Agatha Christie’s seasonal Poirot and Marple short story collection. First, a sinister warning to Poirot not to eat any plum pudding… ending with the puzzle of the victim who dreamt his own suicide. What links this series of baffling cases? Poirot, of course!

The Haunting Season – featuring eight best-selling authors From a bustling Covent Garden Christmas market and the frosty moors of Yorkshire to a London mansion where a beautiful girl lies frozen in death, eight best-selling authors, including Bridget Collins and Andrew Michael Hurley, bring you a spine-chilling wintry collection of ghostly and Gothic tales.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Other Festive Poems by Chris Riddell The perfect stocking filler for poetry lovers of all ages, mixing old favourites with brand new festive verse. Includes much-loved traditional verse: The Night Before Christmas, The Twelve Days of Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and new seasonal verse.

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Do you need help with translations and interpretation?

Do you want to learn or improve your English?

Have you/your employees/pupils arrived recently from another country?

Diversity Voice is an equality, diversity and inclusion charity based in Bridgwater, Somerset.

We work to prevent all forms of discrimination and to promote social inclusion, assisting a wide variety of groups to integrate into society.

We work across the “protected characteristic” groups (per the Equality Act 2010) to ensure that no one faces discrimination on the grounds of race, language, age, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnerships, pregnancy or maternity, parenthood, menopause, or caring responsibilities.

We operate as part of a large network of Welcome Hubs, providing help and support to displaced people arriving in Somerset from around the world. We offer translation and interpretation support in over 60 languages for a hugely diverse range of individuals, schools, charities, public and private sector organisations across the South West. We also provide early years settings, primary and secondary schools with EAL support, together with English classes three days a week across a variety of levels.

We are currently seeking three new trustees, ideally from some of the diverse communities whom we support. The trustees tend to meet four times a year or so, for around an hour to an hour and half. Attendance at meetings via TEAMS or Zoom is also possible.

If you would like to know more about our work, or are interested in becoming a trustee, please email hello@diversityvoice.org.uk or visit www.diversityvoice.org.uk 10.

Do you want support navigating equality, diversity and inclusion generally?

If so, Diversity Voice are a Somerset based diversity and inclusion charity providing a wide range of support to local organisations, schools and protected characteristic groups.

Contact us at hello@diversityvoice.org.uk or 03000 750 105 to find out more.

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11/23

“I’m 72 and I really feel the cold. I really needed my Surviving Winter grant and it came at just the right time.”

Audrey, who received a grant in 2022

If you can afford to, please make a personal gift, or donate from your Winter Fuel Payment to help people like Audrey stay warm, safe and well this winter.

■ Support the appeal and donate online at www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter ■ Donate by calling 01749 344949 Registered Charity No. 1094446 Company No. 4530979

Many older people are extremely anxious about the high cost of energy, and with no additional government help with bills this year, winter looks set to be a tough one for many. Around 10,000 Somerset pensioners will find themselves living in fuel poverty this year – almost double the number in the same situation last year.

The team at Somerset Community Foundation know, from over 10 years’ experience of running their Surviving Winter Appeal, that many of the poorest pensioners will avoid putting their heating on at all, or they’ll cut back on food to save money. Audrey*, who received a Surviving Winter grant last year, said: “I don’t know how I manage at the moment. Right now I’m overdrawn and I’m incredibly careful with what I spend – and with my heating. Even though it’s getting colder, I still don’t put it on. I’m 72 and I really feel the cold in my little place.”

But thanks to the bright idea of one generous pensioner, around 800 older people in 12.

Somerset get help from the Surviving Winter Appeal every year with a cash grant of up to £500 to support their energy bills. The charity also provides help for people to buy essential items to stay warm, make their homes more energy efficient, and access specialist support and social activities in their communities.

Surviving Winter encourages local people to make a personal gift, or donate their Winter Fuel Payment to help older people in need.

Your gift will make a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of our neighbours. For Audrey, it was a lifeline: “It was so fantastic to get the Surviving Winter grant. I really needed that money – and it came at just the right time.”

Help Somerset Community Foundation to help more older people stay warm, safe and well this winter. Visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/ winter or call: 01749 344949 to donate. *Name has been changed to protect beneficiary’s identity.

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

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B N A G I K

Anagrams

Hidden in the Christmas cards are 12 ordinary words of three, four or six letters. How many of them can you find?

Did you know?

Who beats his chest and swings from Christmas cake to Christmas cake?

Tarzipan

What did one cranberry say to another at Christmas?

‘Tis the season to be jelly!

What do mice have for Christmas dinner?

Cheese and crackers

Early mince pies used to be much larger and contained anything from rabbit to mutton or pigeon to pheasant!

Festive Crossword CAKE CHEESE COOKIES GINGERBREAD GRAVY HAM MILK NUTS PARSNIPS PUDDING SPROUTS STOLLEN STUFFING TURKEY

14.

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4. What question is asked in the opening line of Slade’s Christmas number one hit single Merry Xmas Everybody?

5. What About Us was the working title of which Christmas number one single?

6. Which two songs were combined on the UK Christmas number one hit single of 2015 by the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir?

7. Name both the famous singer and the famous actress who duetted on the Christmas number one hit single of 2001 Somethin’ Stupid.

8. Which boy band prevented Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You from being Christmas number one when it was first released in 1994?

1. Which individual sang on the Christmas number one hit singles of 1988, 1989 and 1990?

2. What was the Spice Girls’ first Christmas number one single?

3. Starting in 2018, LadBaby have had a series of Christmas number one singles where the proceeds have gone to which charity?

9.

According to the lyrics of a Christmas number one hit single, who had a rival called Two-Ton Ted from Teddington?

10. What was the Christmas number one hit single in 1992, which went on to become the first Christmas number one to spend ten weeks at the top of the UK singles chart?

S A A T C S R H R Y I S D T T I M A E T R H M V S O A Y A U T L H F E A L I N R D E N L V O A I N P L K R O I N O E L M Y G N P E T W A P M S L I T E E O Y O S S D U I Y L R R X S D Y L L O J C H Y A S I N G S L O S D R A C P L V E A M E R R Y M I N C E P I E Y B A N O B B I R D N N I H O C A M E L O I S A M X M E J M Y R R H B G O L D

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Although it’s not a diagnosable medical condition, burnout shouldn’t be ignored. It doesn’t go away on its own; on the contrary, ignoring the signs could make it worse and cause further harm to your physical and mental health. If you suspect you’re suffering from burnout, here are some tips to get your mental health back on track.

The term ‘burnout’ was first coined in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until 2019 that the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially recognised it as an occupational phenomenon resulting from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”.

Of course, everyone has experienced workrelated stress, so how is burnout different? The key is in the word ‘chronic’. While stressors come and go, burnout is a state of complete physical and emotional exhaustion that can occur as a result of long-term stress. The symptoms range from constant fatigue and exhaustion to self-doubt and procrastination.

Given that a stressful working environment is the most significant contributing factor, many sufferers can end up feeling trapped in their jobs, defeated and helpless.

Unfortunately, this is a problem that has only worsened since the pandemic. With large swathes of the population now working from home, many people find it difficult to set boundaries and strike a healthy work-life balance. So, what is the solution If you suspect you’re suffering from burnout, here are some tips to get your mental health back on track.

So, what is the solution? Noticing the signs is the first step. Ask yourself: Have you become cynical or critical at work?

Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started?

Have you become irritable or impatient with colleagues or customers?

Do you lack the energy to be productive?

Do you find it hard to concentrate?

Do you feel dissatisfied or disillusioned when you think about your job?

Are you finding it hard to sleep?

Are you troubled by unexplained headaches?

18.

Exercise regularly Not only is exercise good for our physical health, but it can also give us an emotional boost.

Even better – taking yourself for a short walk on your lunch break or starting your day with a tenminute yoga session can be just as beneficial as daily gym sessions.

Seek support Whether you reach out to your manager about your workload, or seek guidance from colleagues or friends, support and collaboration can help you cope with feelings of burnout.

Many workplaces even offer free access to an Employee Assistance Programme as part of their benefits package, which you can use to access free, confidential support.

Practice mindfulness When we’re burned out, we’re often on autopilot, so simply noticing the feelings we’re experiencing is the first step to recovery. This is where mindfulness can help. Practising mindfulness is a way of pressing pause, taking note of our feelings and giving ourselves the opportunity to return to a baseline sense of calm.

From that place, we are better positioned to move away from a burned-out state.

Know when to say ‘no’ Saying ‘no’ to requests, tasks or meetings that you don’t have the time or energy for could be the difference between a packed schedule and an open one, or between working long hours and hitting deadlines without stress.

Saying no can be tough. However, setting more personal boundaries can free up both your work and personal life and reduce feelings of burnout – now and in the future.

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

We offer ice cream, desserts, savouries and sweets from our shop in Blackbrook.

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TOWNSEND NOW KNOWN AS TOWNSEND HOUSE (PART 2) Compiled by Sally Bainbridge on behalf of Minehead Conservation Society.

In the last article we left ‘Townsend’ now known as Townsend House in the hands of Marcus and Marguerite Pointon. They decided to approach Councillor Christine Gibbons with their ideas for its future. Fortunately she was very supportive and it was agreed to call a meeting which was convened in Wooodcombe on June 10th 1982.

They invited organisations that might be interested in using the house to send a representative.

At that meeting it was agreed that they should approach the District Council and ask them to consider purchasing the house for the community.

Much to their delight their plea was successful and a steering committee was set up and Trustees appointed.

A lease was agreed with the Council which was overseen by solicitor David Segar acting for Townsend House, who still serves on the TH committee today.

A year later in June 1983 a constitution had been adopted, accepted by the Charity Commission and a 99yr lease signed. Friends of TH had been set up and the inaugural AGM was attended by 70 people.

Now came the hard work of restoring the house before it could be used for community use. A dedicated group of people set about raising the money required and the long and arduous task of seeing to all the work required. This work was not fully completed until 1992.

Fundraising supported by Lady Gass took many forms - coffee mornings, tea parties, exhibitions, a brief history of the house by Douglas Stevens for sale and even places such as Gaulden Manor (Tolland) and Worthy Manor (Porlock Weir) opened their gardens to raise funds for the TH Building Restoration Fund.

People were invited to buy a window pane for £10 for the replaced sash windows. The appeal benefited

20.

Exterior restoration work on Townsend House. from grants from Somerset County Council and West Somerset D C, which owned the house, but the efforts and generosity of Friends and residents were the main source.

A new roof was needed using with natural slate. A video taken of the work revealed the intricate roof structure and that sea pebbles had been used in the construction of the walls. A second staircase had to be installed to comply with health and safety. It can be seen where a beam had to be cut through to make room for it. A new kitchen was created at the back of the house. Previously this had been in part of the Harbour Room since the cottage had ceased to be part of Townsend House.

Toilets were built at ground level either side of a new corridor leading into the courtyard. An internal partition was taken down in the Harbour Room and an internal wall removed in what is now called ‘The Main Room’ to create a good sized meeting space.

Electrical work, plumbing and decorating were undertaken by volunteers whilst the major structural work was undertaken by the Manpower Services Commission who trained unemployed youngsters in building skills on the job under supervision.

During work on the main room a large aperture was found in part of the 6’ thick rear wall. It appears to

rise up to the roof. It is large enough for a person to climb into and could have been a Priest Hole in the days of religious persecution. The owner at that time may well have been a recusant or there could have been priests living in the house.

Another suggestion is that it is the chimney of an inglenook fireplace.

All fireplaces were sadly removed so we shall probably never know.

Although, another discovery in the garden lends credence to the former theory.

During restoration of the gardens a mysterious hidden vault was uncovered under a dome of concrete. There was an opening underneath the wall of the house leading to a deep vault lined with dry stone. It was suggested that this too was a secret room used as a priest hole and may have led to an escape passage. There have long been rumours that there was a secret passage to the convent. It could also have been connected to the chamber found just a few yards along the wall in the house.

An alternative suggestion for this vault was that it was a drain for a stable. Now there are huge stones which came from the harbour framing some rockery which conceals the revealed access.

Volunteers began restoring the three overgrown outside spaces.

There is a cobbled courtyard, a

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Gardeners Bill Lawring and Nita Webber.

Original roof structure still in existence today.

secret garden -back from the road a hidden by a high brick wall, and a side lawned garden. Two of the original gardeners Bill Lawring and Nita Webber can be seen in the photo baptising a seat donated by the Rotary Club to the garden in June 1987.

To mark the Millenium a Martlet (bird) fashioned by Jim Horrobin and presented by Roger Preston, then Chair of Trustees, was set in the niche above the front door.

At some time the wall bordering the road was rendered on the outside which had started cracking and looking tatty so in 2006 the Trust had it removed and the original stone wall exposed and re-pointed.

The result has greatly enhanced the street scene.

An internal gem is The Harbour Room which boasts eight painted panels charting the history of Minehead Harbour from its first jetty to the harbour today, painted by Ted Borrett in 1994 based on research

by Douglas Stevens. A few years ago the dismal grey paintwork and walls were re-decorated using colours in the pictures to reflect the sand and the sea. This has considerably lightened the room and shows off the pictures to greater advantage.

Some internal walls were constructed of wattle and daub as can be seen in an exposed section protected by glass,in the upstairs Trustees office.

The garden boasts a demi-culverin cannon that once stood on Minehead Harbour, placed there in the reign of William and Mary to protect the harbour from French privateers and a seat, recently donated, that was made from ship’ timbers. It bears a plaque which reads: Built from timber Ex H.M.S. Defiance 1860- 1932. This was one of the Navy’s last wooden steam ships which as broken up in Gosport in 1932.

The original idea for a museum in part of the building proved to be impossible for a number of reasons but the community and amenity provision was implemented and is still operating today run by a committee of volunteers who see to the on-going house and garden maintenance, bookings, fundraising and smooth running.

There are three letting rooms, a library of books for sale plus attractive gardens.

The house is a listed building making it a unique venue for small groups in an intimate setting. Whilst it is a community centre it is also one of Minehead’s most important heritage buildings and needs to be

Entrance to the dome capped garden vault respected as such, so it is essential that its décor and fittings befit its status. As a conservationist I should like to see high priority given to getting the woodwork, doors, windows, skirtings and shutters in the main room painted in a Farrow and Ball heritage colour so that as soon as you enter you are aware of the building’s status as an historic house. For it is this that gives it the edge over the utiliterian community centres and attracts hirers.

If there is a painter and decorator out there who loves old buildings, interested in such a job, please let me know!

Do call in on a Monday between 10am – 12pm to browse the books. * Owing to limited space it has not been possible to name individually all those who played such a vital role in the restoration of TH. Suffice it to know that we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.

Did you enjoy this article?

You can now find our archive online at: wgalink.com/local-history

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

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no fault of their own, including the driver of a vehicle, a passenger in a vehicle, a motorcyclist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian.

Dog bite claims Around one in three households in the UK own a dog. This equates to around 12 million dogs being kept as pets in the UK. It is therefore no surprise that sometimes innocent people are attacked by and/or bitten by a dog. Injuries can also be caused by other animals, including horses and cows.

With Mark Jones Associate & Chartered Legal Executive at Risdon Hosegood Solicitors

Personal Injury claims- a guide Many regular readers of this publication will no doubt be aware of the services that Risdon Hosegood provide.

These services include Property (including sales, purchases, leases and new builds), Wills, Probate & Lasting Powers of Attorney, Family Law (including divorce, finance and children), and Claims and Disputes (including disputes relating to property, wills and estates, and employment).

Alongside these established services, we are also now able to assist you if you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault. Even if you believe that you may have been partially to blame, you may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim.

Accidents that we can assist with Accidents at Work Whether you work in an office-based role, or you do a job that includes a more physical element to it, or maybe you do a job that involves driving or travelling from location to location, accidents can happen while in the course of your employment.

Road traffic accidents You may have been involved in a road traffic accident. There are several different types of road users who can find themselves injured through

Public Liability claims If you have had a slip, trip or fall in a public place you may have been injured. Such accidents are often caused by defects that have been missed or that have been identified but have not been rectified sufficiently or at all.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims The CICA is a Government organisation that compensates people who have been the victim of a violent crime.

How I can help I am happy to provide advice whether the injury sustained is a relatively minor one, or indeed if it is a serious injury or if it is in relation to a fatality.

If you, or someone you know, has been involved in any accident or incident and would like to have a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, discussion with me with regard to a potential claim, please do call me direct on 01278 550765.

Most cases can be pursued on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Risdon Hosegood have offices in Bridgwater (01278 550760), Dulverton (01398 322100), Minehead (01643 703123), Taunton (01823 251571), Wellington (01823 804430) and Williton (01984 632277).

www.risdonhosegood.com - Your local and dependable Solicitors 22.

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Your local and dependable Solicitors Proud to provide a reliable and efficient service with personal and straightforward advice.

RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING As an organisation I cannot rate them highly enough. In particular our solicitor/contact, Caz. We were kept up to date throughout the whole process and the advice and guidance made a very stressful and complicated experience, a lot more bearable and manageable.

• Freehold and leasehold sales and purchases • Auction sales and purchases • Shared ownership • Mortgages • Remortgages • Equity release • Transfers of equity • Help to Buy & Right to Buy

PRIVATE CLIENT & FAMILY LAW • Wills • Probate • Trusts • Divorce • Separation Agreements • Financial Settlements and much more

01643 703123 mineheadstaff@risdonhosegood.com 6 Bancks Street, Minehead, TA24 5DF. www.risdonhosegood.com

Local insurance broker providing competitive quotes for Motor, Household, Let & Unoccupied properties, Listed buildings and travel.

Visit our friendly experienced team at 45 St James Street, Taunton (opposite the Ring of Bells Pub).

Call us on 01823 277188 or visit our website Bruford.co.uk To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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Makes 10-12 Preparation time about 1 hour Cooking time 1-1½ hours Whether you’re reducing your meat intake 1. Preheat the oven to 160°C / fan 140°C / gas mark 3. or catering for plant-based friends and Grease a deep 20cm round cake tin and line with nonfamily over the festive holiday, this classicstick baking paper. turned-vegan is the perfect centrepiece.

2. Melt the vegan butter or coconut oil in a saucepan along with the brown sugar, citrus zest and juice, and rum or brandy (if using). Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 Ingredients minutes, then remove from the heat.

• 250g vegan butter or coconut oil, 3. Add the dried fruit and candied peel to a large bowl, pour plus extra for greasing over the vegan butter/coconut oil mixture, and stir well.

• 175g soft light brown sugar 4. Whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking • Finely grated zest of 2 oranges and powder, salt and spices in a separate bowl. Mix the juice of 1 apple purée into the dried fruit mixture, then fold in the • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon flour mixture until just combined. (reserve 1 tbsp juice for the icing) 5. Pour the cake batter into the lined tin, smooth the • 150ml rum or brandy, plus extra surface with a spatula and bake for 1½ hours. Remove (optional) for feeding the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the • 875g mixed dried fruit of your choice, tin. Once cooled, pierce holes all over the top of the such as sultanas, raisins, currants, cake with a skewer, drizzle over 2 tbsp rum or brandy, cranberries and chopped figs and and let it soak in. Make sure the surface is fully dry apricots before decorating.

• 100g chopped candied peel 6. When you are ready to decorate, whisk together the • 175 g plain flour icing sugar, aquafaba and lemon juice in a large bowl • 125g ground almonds until you have a stiff and glossy icing. Cover with • 1 tsp baking powder clingfilm until needed.

• ¼ tsp salt 7. Heat the apricot jam in a small pan, then brush over the • 2 tsp ground cinnamon top and sides of the cake.

• ¾ tsp ground ginger 8. Roll out the marzipan into a rough circle about 2.5mm • ½ tsp ground mace thick on a work surface lightly dusted with icing sugar.

• ¼ tsp ground cloves Lay it over the cake and gently smooth it onto the top • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg and down around the sides, so that there is no air • 225g apple purée trapped inside. Neaten by smoothing over with the flat of For the icing your palm or the rolling pin and trim away any excess.

• 625g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 9. Spread over the icing in swoops and flicks to look like snow • 75ml aquafaba using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Let the icing set • 1 tbsp lemon juice completely for a few hours before cutting. Decorate with • 4 tbsp apricot jam frosted redcurrants and rosemary sprigs (if liked).

• 500g vegan marzipan

Recipe extracted from A Very Vegan Christmas by Sam Dixon, published by Hamlyn, priced £16.99, with photography by Charlotte Nott-Macaire.

24.

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MILLBRIDGE CHURCH 8 Parkhouse Road, Minehead, TA24 8AB. contact@millbridgechurch.org.uk

CHRISTMAS SERVICES CAROL SERVICE

Sunday 17th December, 4pm Followed by Christmas Tea

CHRISTMAS DAY Service 10.30am

You are welcome to come and join us.

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

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A COMMUNITY NOT A COMPANY Help is required to make our unique

town the best it can be and share our ideas and thoughts about the promotion, look and feel of the town centre, seafront, harbour and surrounding areas.

If you have experience or an interest in organising of supporting local events or have ideas in fundraising. Can you provide some time, skills or services?

Already feelers have gone out and the response has been very positive, not only from the business quarter but by local groups and societies and individuals who love Minehead and want to give something back to the town.

It’s time to put aside our ‘us and them’ attitude and come together to create something new, something fresh and this can only be done by pooling our resources and be inclusive. Already there has been a few meetings which has been well attended, with a very positive outcome.

The “interest group” has at this time no name and constitution, but these are in hand.

Although it has happened quickly the group are keen to organise the Christmas light switch on and late-night shopping. This is planned for 24th.

November and will be a Victorina Xmas theme, even getting ‘Queen Victoria’ to do the switch on. Ideas and support have been pouring in with offers from local choirs, buskers, stall holders and hopefully a street procession. They want to include the whole of The Parade and The Avenue.

The council are to offer free parking and late toilet facilities.

If YOU want to help and give your support and attend some of the meetings contact can be made via:

info@themineheadproject.co.uk www.themineheadproject.co.uk Wombledon 43a. The Avenue Excom 24.Friday Street 01643 704673 or 0789409888

Including: Decorating, Power washing Over 30 yrs experience Competitive rates Friendly and reliable Quick and responsive

Contact Paul on:07850 769562 paulthehandyman@aol.com

26.

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.27

Ginger George West Somerset’s Top Cat - The word on the street

Oldies but goodies

It’s that time of year again when it starts to get cold. I’m not a great lover of ‘cold’, especially when it gets frosty. It’s time for ‘Operation Winterwarm’ to go into action. There is a certain day, about now, when there is loads of bangs and flashing lights in the sky. That’s the signal to stay indoors, I have learnt from experience not to venture out on that night.

However, it does signify the time to get things moving. So, where is the warmest place to be at this time of year? The old people’s residence!

It’s sometimes so hot in there even I can’t stand it myself. Why this place? Firstly, it’s warm, but there is another reason. I make my way down to the big house and with careful timing, slip inside

the back door when someone is coming out. With a bit of luck an open window. I wander around, the big lounge is best. I jump up on the old ladies laps, and get loads of affection.

The trick is to get known. They often call me ‘Ginge’, that’s nice. After a while they wait for my arrival. This is the best bit; the big tree goes up and then one special day they shower me in treats in an act of worship. For some reason they wrap them in paper, I have no idea why, but who’s complaining! Warmth, fuss and treats, what more can a cat ask for!? There is always enough to keep me going for months until it warms up a bit.

We offer elderly people a comfortable home at affordable prices.

• En-suite bedrooms • Staffed 24 hours a day • Good home cooked food • Attractive gardens • Mobility scooter garage • Entertainment & outings • Housing Benefit can be claimed

For more information or a brochure please call 01643 702849 28.

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

.29

Marking the end of another successful season, with visitor numbers exceeding last year’s very healthy record, Minehead Museum is holding a fun quiz on Friday 10th November, 7.30 at the Social Club, North Road, Minehead.

Whether you’re a quiz whiz or just like a fun evening among friends, why not join us? Tickets are £4 per person - come as you are or bring a team – maximum team size is 6.

Numbers are limited with our last quiz a sellout, so why not book your tickets in advance at mineheadmuseum@btconnect.com And if you’d like to find out more about volunteering with the Museum, why not come along to the bar area of the Regal Theatre, Minehead at 10.30 on Thursday 9th November?

PRESENTS

CHRISTMAS...

AT LAST!

Please join us for our long-awaited concert of seasonal entertainment

Saturday 9th December 2023 7:30 p.m.

Dulverton Town Hall TA22 9EX

Tickets £10 available from:

Need Help With Your Trees?

The Tantivy, Dulverton

L. WELLS TREE SERVICES

www.voicesofexmoor.co.uk

Specialists in all tree work

voetickets@gmail.com

All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped & pruned.

www.facebook.com/voicesofexmoor

All rubbish removed & roots destroyed.

Hedges pruned & trimmed.

No job too large or too small.

We also lay gravel drives. and supply & fit fencing.

North Devon Hospice Calvert Trust St. Margaret’s Hospice

FULLY INSURED & REGISTERED WASTE CARRIER For a FREE estimate or advice call

01823 475 686 07961 788 201 SPECIAL RATES FOR PENSIONERS

30.

In aid of this year’s charities

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

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8 Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5UA

01643 707381 YOUR LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE & FRIENDLY COMPUTER SERVICE. Now more than ever we rely on our technology.

AR Computing are doing everything possible to keep you safe both online and offline.

We have taken every precaution in both our shop and workshop to keep our customers safe.

From PC and Laptop sales, to repairs, upgrades and remote support, we’re here to help.

Merry Christmas to all our customers www

SALES * REPAIRS * UPGRADES * DATA RECOVERY * NETWORKING

Beautiful blooms for every occasion, houseplants and more!

Call us on: 01643 706944 Email: floristminehead@gmail.com

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables

01643 224804 theallotmentminehead@gmail.com www.theallotmentminehead.co.uk To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.31

For a great range of Christmas Games,Toys and Stocking Fillers Board Games, Escape Room Games, Jigsaw Puzzles, Children’s Books, Traditional wooden Toys, Early Learning Games, Hey Duggee, Bluey, Warhammer and much much more!

Minehead Old Indoor Market, The Parade www.thetoyboxminehead.com

KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS GREGG 07816 996327 PETE 07943 624728

Minehead Based | Established in 1994

Email. ekoskitchensandbathrooms@hotmail.com 32.

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That special Somerset Care thing.

A choice that’s so close to home.

Discover your home from home at Somerset Care.

Whether you need residential care, specialist dementia support, or simply a little extra help with daily tasks, we offer all the support you need to live the life you choose.

Croft House | Williton

Wyndham House | Minehead

Get in touch to discover how we can support you or a loved one.

www.somersetcare.co.uk

0800 817 4990

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

.33

Rooms available for hire in an historic 16th Century house with a secret garden.

Suitable for interest groups, hobby classes community groups, business meetings, social events & private functions.

Message From Santa App

Message From Santa enables children to

Competitive rates, leave a voicemail for flexible Santa or bookings, to send him kitchen, & Garden amodern text message, and WIFI to receive a video message from St Nicholas himself.

Why not arrange a viewing ? cherryburroughs@talktalk.net

www.messagefromsanta.com

WEBSITE: townsendhouse.weebly.com 34.

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Christmas Number 1s

My girlfriend said she was leaving because of my obsession with the Monkees. I thought she was joking. And then I saw her face...

1. Cliff Richard (on his songs Mistletoe And Wine and Saviour’s Day and as part of Band Aid II’s Do They Know It’s Christmas) 2. 2 Become 1 3. The Trussell Trust 4. Are you hanging up your stocking on your wall?

5. Earth Song (by Michael Jackson) 6. Bridge Over Troubled Water and Fix You (by Simon and Garfunkel, and Coldplay; the song was called Bridge Over You)

Why did the cows keep returning to the field of marijuana? It was the pot calling the cattle back.

A man just threw some milk, cream and cheese at me.

How dairy.

I asked my smartphone what to do if I feel sleepy in the middle of the day.

Turns out there’s a nap for that.

7. Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman 8. East 17 (with the song Stay Another Day) 9. Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West)

I’m very pleased with my new fridge magnet. So far I’ve got twelve fridges.

10. I Will Always Love You (by Whitney Houston)

Farmer isaac I az’ent spoke to mi mizzus vor three daze now. We ain’t vell out, I just dun wanna interrupt her.

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.

I named my iPad ‘The Titanic’, so when I plug it in, it says, “The Titanic is syncing”.

I told my therapist I can’t get the Grease soundtrack out of my head. He said “Tell me more…”

Two Eskimos sitting in a canoe were chilly, but when they lit a fire in the craft it sank. This proves once and for all that you can’t have your kayak and heat it, too.

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

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The Langdale Range

Create your perfect living space.

Homefront Design UK Ltd Ford, Near Wiveliscombe, Somerset, TA4 2RL. T: 01984 624700 www.homefrontdesign.uk.com 36.

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