Word Gets Around Magazine - November/December 2016

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL LOCAL FESTIVE EVENTS CHRISTMAS PARTY FIXING THE HANGOVER FROM HELL WHAT’S ON PAGE COMPETITION WITH GINGER GEORGE

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EDITOR:

Clive Smith clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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TAUNTON DEANE BUSINESS AWARDS FINALIST 2016 Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine are correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Word Gets Around hold no liability for supplied artwork from advertisers and contributors and views or advice contained within. So there!

HELLO AND WELCOME TO WORD GETS AROUND MAGAZINE. We are celebrating three years with the magazine in December and in October we celebrated 5 years of our own business networking group. Both are focused on supporting local business people and helping them and thier businesses to grow. I would like to thank all those people who have helped us along the way with either advertising, advice, submitting articles and for supporting in so many ways. We are not a huge outfit, in fact it’s just the two of us, although we collaborate with lots of people locally so it never feels like we are.

One of the most popular features in this magazine is ‘Ginger George’ and I’m often asked whether he is real. Well of course he is! Our very own cheeky little scamp with lots of attitude. Perhaps you have a lookalike in your street.

See page 20 for our competition.

We have introduced a ‘What’s On’ section so if you have a charity or village event we would love to include you in our listings. We will also share them on our Facebook page. Pop over, like our page and say hello: www.facebook.com/wordgetsaroundmagazine Our highlight of the year was to be a finalist in the Taunton Deane Business Awards. It marked our first five years in business and gave us a chance to reflect on what we had achieved and thank all those people who have helped us along the way. It was a great night and we got to meet local born entrepreneur and investor Deborah Meaden.

Well, Christmas is around the corner so I hope you have a great time with your friends and family. Please remember those less fortunate than us and spread a little charity alongside the cheer.

Hopefully you can help out with this: www.secretsanta-taunton.co.uk #secretsantataunton Have a good Christmas

Clive Editor

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A county town christmas Well here we are heading into the darker nights and straight towards Christmas again. It seems like the year has whizzed past but there has been enormous change this year with all sorts of fundamental economic changes happening.

However as Christmas is coming I am going to steer straight back to what is going on locally. If you want to donate some money to good causes and get into the Christmas spirit then look no further than the Gold award winning Taunton Visitor Centre based in the Market House who are again supporting Cards for Good causes. The shop is open Monday to Saturday 0930 am to 1630 and gives a choice of up to 30 different charity cards plus a whole range of wrapping, gift tags and festive gifts.

There is also plenty going on in and around Taunton with two early events giving you a chance to do some Christmas shopping in festive surroundings - from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November there will be a Christmas Market at Hestercombe Gardens, and on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November the Rural Living Show will be held at Kings Hall School.

Late night shopping starts with a number of the big retailers in Taunton on Thursday 24th November and will continue each Thursday until 22nd December, all until 9pm. The popular ‘free after three’ car parks initiative will also be launched on Saturday 26th November and will run each Saturday to 22nd December.

Thursday 1st December will see activity stepping up in Taunton when Apple FM and Tone FM will present Taunton Christmas Fest Live in Castle Green. The fun-filled live show will set the scene for a special late night opening at the Museum of Somerset and the switch on of Christmas tree lights within the green.

Later in the month on Tuesday 20th December the Museum will also host a Medieval Christmas which promises to be entertaining for all ages.

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The Christmas craft market will also start trading in Fore Street from Thursday 1st December selling toys, jewellery, preserves, woodwork, pottery and more until Sunday 18th December.

Anyone looking for their usual quality local food and drink with some festive flavours too will also have plenty of opportunity to shop at the Taunton Farmers Christmas Markets on Thursday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd December.

Castle Green becomes the focus again on Thursday 8th December when the fund raising spectacle Santa’s on the Run takes place in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West. To sign up for the Taunton event go to the Children’s Hospice website.

Ice skating is always a popular at this time of year so from Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 1st January the annual Festive Skating and Illuminated Winter Trail will be at Hestercombe. Father Christmas will also be taking up residency in his grotto there from Saturday 10th to Saturday 24th December.

Lastly Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the traditional pantomime. This year a fun-filled version of Around the World in Eighty Days will be presented at the Brewhouse Theatre from Saturday 10th to Saturday 31st December.

Details of all these events and more can be found online at http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/taunton or via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @moreTaunton Ian Timms Assistant Director of Business Development, Taunton Deane Borough and West Somerset Councils 01823 356577 itimms@westsomerset.gov.uk

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4 things it wouldn’t be Christmas without.

By Jo Middleton, Taunton.

I’m a massive fan of Christmas, and for me it is all about traditions.

HERE ARE FOUR I WOULDN’T DO WITHOUT: Being outside This sounds rather counterintuitive given the weather at this time of the year, but I love the crispness of winter. There is something about being outside that just makes you feel so much more alive, and I love nothing better than going for a walk on a cold day, with the sky blue above me, my breath steaming from my mouth. I prefer a short walk obviously, followed ideally by a nice cup of tea and a piece of cake, which is why I’m a member of the National Trust. With the National Trust you know that just about wherever you go you’re guaranteed beautiful scenery, and a nice cafe at the end of it.

My favourite local National Trust sites are probably Tyntesfield and Montacute House. We used to visit Montacute House a lot when I was a child and I have very fond memories of the long gallery on the upper floor.

The festive food I love Christmas food. In fact, I love it so much that I can’t wait to get started and on November 1st this year I plan to have mince pies for breakfast.

Christmas for me is very much about the build up, and by afternoon on the big day I’m ready to pack everything up and get started with January, so I need to start as early as possible to make the most of it.

My favourite Christmas foods are Bendicks mints, the strawberry creams from Roses, marzipan fruits and Turkish delight – all the food you only ever eat at Christmas. Our key tradition around food is the family trip to Marks & Spencer, where I let the girls put whatever they want in the trolley for a limited time only.

Christmas fairs Normally the Christmas season is kicked off by our annual trip to the Rural Living Show – a Christmas show held at King’s Hall. It’s awash with home made gifts, things whittled out of wood, cubes of cheese to nibble and chocolate fountains. It’s pretty ace.

Now I have to confess that I don’t normally buy a lot at Christmas fairs, I just love the atmosphere – carols playing quietly in the background, the smell of mulled wine in the air – and it’s even better of course if there’s a casual grotto tucked away in a quiet corner. I try to go to as many as I can to soak up my full quota of Christmas spirit. (And by Christmas spirit I obviously mean mulled wine.)

If you’re a sucker for Christmas fairs, the National Trust have a full list here of what’s going on in the south west.

The presents!

Yeah, yeah, I know, Christmas isn’t just about the gifts, but come on, it is really isn’t it? Otherwise how is it different from just going to your Mum’s for a really big Sunday lunch? Buying and wrapping presents is my favourite bit. I start early – normally January – and pick up bits and bobs throughout the year. Around this time I have a stock take, and discover that all I have actually done is buy Bee and Belle about 47 presents each, with nothing for anyone else. Oops.

Last year my friend Kathie introduced me to the idea of a ‘wrapping theme’ and it absolutely BLEW MY MIND. I love wrapping, but in the past it had always just been with whatever wrapping paper I had left over from the year before/bought in the January sales and then discovered again under the bed in December. A theme was something I had never even thought about, but now I am all over it.

What makes Christmas for you?

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Wrapping- tips and techniques for beautiful gifts Are you one of those people who leave all their wrapping until Christmas Eve and end up using a bit of birthday paper because you run out of Christmas wrapping?

Why not plan ahead and take a little more time this year. It can be really satisfying to see all your gifts looking beautiful under the tree and receive lots of compliments when you hand them out.

There are lots of different types of wrapping available including paper, bags, huge sacks, tubs and boxes. You can also get lots of accessories from craft shops to add a unique twist. Here are some tips and suggestions to help:-.

If using wrapping paper, measure it first and trim off the excess. Decide how much you need by wrapping a ribbon around the gift and then laying the ribbon on the paper and cutting it to that size. Alternatively, use a tape or ruler.

If you have trouble cutting gift wrap in a straight line, look for brands that have grid lines on the reverse. If you can’t get these, mark the paper where you need to cut it and then fold it and cut along the crease.

Keep any off cuts as these may fit smaller gifts. This will also help avoid waste.

If your gift consists of a number of boxes try

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making a tower and wrapping ribbon round the whole. Even if your gifts don’t come in boxes, you could put them in some to make wrapping easier. This is also the art of disguise and can create an element of fun.

Even those who think they know what you are buying them will start to wonder.

When wrapping something soft like a scarf or a jumper, lay the item on a piece of cardboard, This will give you a firm base and mean that you can create clean corners and crisp edges.

For oddly shaped presents, you can create a better effect by padding out unusual angles with tissue paper or using a gift bag.

Try creating a cracker shape for tubular gifts.

If your present has a circular bottom, pleat the paper to get a neat finish.

To avoid getting in a tangle, buy tape which is on a dispenser and use double sided tape where it will help.

Create a wow factor by colour coordinating your wrapping or using the same design for all of a persons presents. You could also use plain wrapping and be creative with patterned tape, add homemade gift tags or create a pocket effect in which you insert a card or other decoration

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War poets As we head towards Armistice Day, it’s a pertinent time to reflect on the work of the ‘War Poets.’ The phrase is generally taken to refer to the 16 men who wrote about their firsthand experiences of the First World War and who are commemorated in a slate memorial at Poets Corner.

The 16 are; Richard Aldington, Laurence Binyon, Edmund Blunden, Rupert Brooke, Wilfrid Gibson, Robert Graves, Julian Grenfell, Ivor Gurney, David Jones, Robert Nichols, Wilfred Owen, Herbert Read, Isaac Rosenberg, Siegfried Sassoon, Charles Sorley and Edward Thomas.

Now often studied as part of the English curriculum, the work of these poets is particularly notable for being violent and realistic and challenging earlier poetry which had a pro-war message. Their work expresses extreme emotions of fear, anger and love.

The War Poets Association says; ‘the young soldier poets of the First World War established war poetry as a literary genre.

Their combined voice has become one of the defining texts of Twentieth Century Europe.’

Some such as, Isaac Rosenberg, Edward Thomas, Charles Sorley and Wilfred Owen died in action, whilst Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves survived but went on to express their emotional distress through poetry.

Wilfred Owen is generally accepted as the greatest war poet to have written in the English Language. After being blown

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up, suffering concussion and being shellshocked, Owen was sent to a psychiatric hospital in Edinburgh were he met Robert Graves and Siegfried Sassoon who inspired him to develop his poetry further.

Owen was awarded a George Cross in October 1918 having seized a machine gun and shot and captured several Germans, but just a few weeks later, he was killed at Orps.

His most famous poem is ‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’ meaning ‘it is sweet and right’ with the last line going on to mean ‘to die for your country.’ In his poem The Sentry he talks about how one of his sentries was blinded. He said ‘All a poet can do is warn. That is why the true poet must be truthful.’

Anthologies celebrating the best of the genre often include: Charles Sorley’s ‘When you see millions of the mouthless dead’, Isaac Rosenberg’s ‘Break of Day in the Trenches’, ‘Lights Out’ by Edward Thomas, ‘To his love’

by Ivor Gurney and ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke.

Whilst not written by one of the commemorated 16, the most quoted poem of this era remains ‘In Flanders Fields’ which was written by former doctor John McCrae during the second battle of Ypres.

Many widely renowned British poets also have war poems covering a wide range of conflicts within their collections, including Kipling, Tennyson, Hughes, Larkin and Hardy.

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Fixing the Hangover from Hell Pounding head … gasping thirst … a vague memory of telling anyone who’d listen how much you love them … Sound familiar? Most of us have woken up to regret that last drink (or five), at least once. If you’re reading this through bleary eyes, while trying to stop the world from spinning, you might want to take heed of these hangover cures: Rehydration sachet Dehydration is the main cause of your hangover symptoms. Drink plenty of water and juice, but if that’s not helping, try a rehydration sachet or isotonic drink.

A fry-up A fry-up is a bit of a kill or cure remedy in my opinion. Many people swear by it though.

Ideally, go for grilled meat, rather than fried, or you might realise it tastes a lot better going down than it does coming back up.

A banana Bananas contain potassium, which you might be lacking after all the booze. If you don’t fancy a banana, try popping a multivitamin.

Tomato juice and raw egg Personally, the risk of salmonella is enough to put me off this one. No one seems to be able to explain why the egg needs to be raw, so I’ll stick to my boiled egg and toasted soldiers, with a side of tomato juice.

help to detoxify your liver, so really does seem to help reduce a hangover, or even prevent it in the first place. Ideally, you should take one or two capsules before bed and another first thing in the morning.

Hair of the dog that bit you Treating a hangover with more alcohol is just delaying the pain. If you can stomach a drink, you may well feel better short-term, but the hangover will come back again, with a vengeance.

Fresh air While you may just want to curl up on the sofa with Netflix, a walk outside will usually help to clear your head. Just don the shades so your bloodshot eyes don’t scare any small children.

Mongolian cure If all else fails, you could go for a drink that’s said to be popular the morning after the night before in Mongolia – tomato juice with a pickled sheep’s eyeball. Not sure where you’re going to get the eyeball from however.

Prevention Of course, prevention is always better than cure. Next time you’re out, try alternating your alcoholic drinks with soft drinks, and downing a pint of water before bed.

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NOV & DEC Please email your Jan/Feb charity events to clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk 11th November TACCHI-MORRIS THE NEW JERSEY BOYS- OH WHAT A NIGHT Back by public demand this sensational sell-out family show returns with another great evening of musical entertainment celebrating the music of the Four Seasons ...and Showaddywaddy!

11th November ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, PARK STREET, TAUNTON TA1 4DG. 12:45pm - 1.30pm Doors open at noon.

and refreshments.

Entry Form from info@ gocommando.org.uk 18th November THE BREWHOUSE THEATRE BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETERS This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok and Swindon to Sweden and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles.

Organ Concert given by Jonathan Delbridge, Organist Free admission - retiring collection in aid of The Poppy Appeal and St John’s Church.

12 th November TEMPLE METHODIST CHURCH. TAUNTON Taunton Rotary present The Riverside Harmony Chorus, The new Horizon Singers and Soloists from local schools.

Tickets £12.50, U18 £6.00 Ring Roger on 01823 337099 12 th November MUMS2MUMS MARKET MONKTON VILLAGE HALL 2pm www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 16th November NORTON MANOR CAMP 5K OR 10K SPEEDMARCH WITH THE COMMANDOS. 10.30. Free T Shirt, certificate 16.

18th November TAUNTON RUGBY CLUB STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE QUIZ NIGHT With Paul ‘The Sinnerman’ Sinha from The Chase. Tickets £10.00 www.ticketsource.co.uk/ standagainstviolence

18th - 20th November HESTERCOMBE HOUSE CHRISTMAS MARKET 60 Festive Stalls 10am – 5pm Hestercombe.com/christmas 19 th November KINGSTON ST MARY PRIMARY SCHOOL JUMBLE SALE 2pm. Entry 50p.

19 th November HOLWAY PRIMARY SCHOOL HOLWAY SCHOOL CRAFT FAIR 10am – 2pm. £10 a stall Email: Dottysmays@yahoo.co.uk 24th November THE BREWHOUSE THEATRE PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Triple Bill 2016 showcases three engaging works in celebration of their 35th anniversary.

01823 283244 25th November KINGSMEAD SCHOOL, WIVELISCOMBE THE WURZELS SUPPORTED

BY THE UNDERSTAIRS. 7.30pm. Tickets £15.00.

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26th November THE BREWHOUSE THEATRE CLARE TEAL’S FESTIVE FIESTA An uplifting, retro journey into the sensational world of Clare Teal’s Festive Fiesta – blending seasonal swing, cheeky grooves and cosy fireside ballads 29 th November - 1st December TACCHI-MORRIS HEATHFIELD DRAMA FESTIVAL – SCROOGED Christmas: a time for giving and thinking of others. So what happens when ruthless hot-shot businessman David P. Humph III starts caring more about hitting the Top 40 of the rich list by the end of the year than the welfare of his employees?

2nd December FRIENDS OF STAPLEGROVE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR. SANTA’S GROTTO Xmas gifts, refreshments.

6 – 8 pm

4th December VINTAGE XMAS FAIR WEST MONKTON VILLAGE HALL Step back in time and meet the Upottery Heritage Trust Homemade Cakes and refreshments.

Facebook/DeeDeeshandmade and vintage fairs.

4th December BISHOPS LYDEARD CHURCH PRESENT CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES. World class Christmas choral music sung by the UK’s Finest new choir Siglo de Oro. 3pm. Reserve tickets at hello@ musiconthequantocks.com

Nutcracker, created by Peter Wrightin 1984, is the production par excellence of an all-time ballet favourite.

6th December TACCHI_MORRIS ALLADIN -FAMILY PANTOMIME Come and join in the magical fun with Shooting Stars and their enchanting family pantomime ALADDIN! 9 th December ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, PARK STREET, TAUNTON. TA1 4DG. CAROLS AT LUNCHTIME - WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL CHOIR DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER LEGROVE. Collection in aid of a local charity. 12:45pm - 1.30pm Doors open at noon.

9 th December CICCIC CINEMA: LED ZEPPELIN BEST PERFORMANCES FROM THE 70’S 7.30pm.

Come along to CICCIC and see three of Led Zeppelin’s bestever performances – Royal Albert Hall 1970, Earls Court 1975, Knebworth 1979 plus Madison Square Gardens 1973mon our big screen and enjoy a few drinks with friends while watching the amazing talents of some of the best musicians perform live and entry is just £3.

11th - 14th December THE BREWHOUSE THEATRE CINEMA: Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of The

13th - 14th December TACCHI-MORRIS CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY SHOW Two nights of festive performance from members of the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre Community Classes. From Show Choir to Stamp Theatre, Ballet to Bolder Dance these are varied and uplifting evenings packed to the brim with Christmas entertainment!

19 th December QUEENS COLLEGE, TAUNTON SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST PRESENT TV’s wildlife presenter Mike Dilger Tickets £13.50.

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20 th December THE BREWHOUSE THEATRE ANDRE RIEU: CHRISTMAS WITH ANDRE CINEMA: A festive celebration, featuring a recorded Christmas concert packed with all the favourites including Hallelujah, Jingle Bells, White Christmas & many more performed by André. .17

What’s the best way to watch TV? Most of us enjoy curling up in-front of the TV on a cold winter’s night. And, as long as you have decent broadband, these days there’s plenty of ways to watch your favourite shows.

If you’re feeling a bit flummoxed by all the options available, our quick guide might help to make your mind up.

Freeview – Free As the name implies, Freeview gives you access to more than 60 TV channels, for free.

You can also watch hundreds of programmes that have aired in the previous seven days.

With most TVs, you shouldn’t need any extra equipment, but TVs bought before 2010 might require a set-top box, which costs from £30. You will need a TV aerial, and not all channels are available in all locations, so it’s worth checking what you can get before you buy anything.

Satellite TV – from around £7.50 a month There are a range of providers to choose from, including Sky, Virgin Media, BT and Talk Talk, all of which give you access to a wide range of digital channels. You will need a set-top box, and in some cases a satellite dish, which is normally included in the cost of your subscription, and you’ll need to take out a 12-18 month contract. Most providers have different packages to choose from, and you can add on bundles, such as sports channels.

Some providers offer wider phone and

18.

broadband packages. BT, for example, offers 80 channels, unlimited broadband and free weekend calls from around £10 per month.

Netflix – £5.99-£8.99 per month Netflix is a subscription service that allows you to watch thousands of films and TV shows through your smart TV, laptop, phone, tablet and other devices. You can choose what you want to watch from a huge menu, including programmes made by Netflix, such as the award-winning Orange is the New Black. You don’t need any extra equipment; there are no adverts and you can pause, rewind, fast forward and watch again as much as you like.

There’s also no contract, so you can cancel whenever you want.

Amazon Prime – £79 per year Like Netflix, Amazon Prime is a subscription service that allows you to watch films and TV shows through a multitude of digital devices.

With some older TVs, you’ll need to buy a fire stick (which costs around £30). There doesn’t seem to be quite as much choice with Amazon Prime as there is with Netflix, but if you take into consideration the other benefits of Prime, such as free music, next-day Amazon delivery and cloud-storage for photos, it is a great price. If you don’t want the extras, you can opt for Prime video, for just £5.99 per month.

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The Diaries Of

Ginger

George

Autumn had arrived and that sudden shift in temperature just puts the seal on those warm summer days. It’s not the daytime so much but the evenings, that sudden chill and the dampness in the air.

Truth is I can put up with it all. What really drives me nuts is the bickering that goes on every year about October time. She, (my adopted mother so to speak), wants the heating on whereas he, (my adopted master) wants it off until we are on the verge of hypothermia. “I’m freezing”, she says, “Well put a jumper on”, he replies. I have to say the girls agree with their mother as I do.

“Have you turned the thermostat up”, he’d shout to her. “No I bloody haven’t”, she would shout back down the stairs. “Well someone has, the thermostat is suddenly gone up to 24 degrees, you could roast a chicken at that temperature, it must be the one of the girls, I’ll have words with them when they come in from school, they don’t have to pay the bills, that’s the trouble”, He moans on.

fridge”. This goes on for about two weeks, we’d get a warm day, then a cold one so there never is a defined date where it’s officially cold.

“Have you been turning the thermostat up”, as he interrogates the girls. The girls deny anything, as they do, but then again I see them going to school in nothing more than a vest and a mini skirt even if it’s going to rain, so they can’t feel the cold.

How I’d wish for some peace and quiet, however I know I could find a quiet spot somewhere if only he’d turn the heating up.

What they haven’t sussed out is that I worked out what the thermostat is and where it is. It’s that’s little white box screwed to staircase in the hall and if I squeeze my leg through the bannister, I can just reach it. I don’t how to turn it up or down yet but I worked out when I hit the right side there is this little ‘boom’ noise in the airing cupboard and it’s gets hotter, but that’s our little secret.

Anyway I don’t think it’s fair, how am I expected to where a jumper?

“Look, don’t have a go at us”, she says. “Yesterday it was set at fifteen degrees, it’ll be warmer in the

Send us a picture of you with your beloved moggy and we’ll share our favourites on our facebook page.

Maybe you have a Ginger George lookalike!

Our favourite will WIN get some yummy cat treats.

Send them here: www.facebook.com/wordgetsaroundmagazine along with your name and the name of your furry friend.

You must LIKE our Facebook page to win.

Entries end 20th December. Winner announced Christmas Eve. You must be in the picture with your cat. Only one picture per entry. Good luck!

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Advice, Help & Training Help with Viruses Repairs & Upgrades Broadband & Wi-Fi Windows & Linux Expertise Fully Qualified IT Professional Tel: 01823 366067 Email: ian@summerleaze.biz .21

Love a log burner Out of all the purchases I have ever made for my house, the log burner has to be the best. I was a bit hesitant at first. I thought there were advantages our gas fire had the log burner didn’t. My main concern was convenience.

Those nights when you have been out in the cold and you come in and want instant heat. Then the thought of cleaning out the ash every day will be a chore. Well the truth the log burner is just as versatile. We load the burner with logs and put a couple bits of fire lighters underneath, light them, shut the door, open the vents and you will have a roaring fire in less than two minutes. No bits of paper, no kindling and no smoky room. If you burn sustainable logs only, the amount of ash you will get after burning several logs in an evening will fit in a teacup. So really it only needs cleaning once a week at best and logs like to burn on a bed of ash.

There is a down side of course, you have to store the logs somewhere and also stacking them, plus you have to bring in enough to use that day. Apart from that, the joy of a real heat (and boy they kick out some heat) and just the look of real flames out way any hardship. There is something primeval about a real fire and you could always cut your own logs up.

There is the initial cost of course, they range from £400 - £2000. We laid out £800 for ours which came to about £1500 by the time it was installed, but did included a large chunk of slate for it to sit on.

So running costs? Well you can read various savings on the internet but to give you some idea we buy

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a load and a half of logs which costs £150 which lasted me through the last winter lighting it most evenings and weekends.

On top of that we bought about £80.00 of coal nuts. This helps it to burn slower. The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) claim, a wood burning stove is 77% cheaper per kilowatt hour (kWh) to run than an electric fire, 29% cheaper than a gas fire, and around 43% and 50% cheaper than an oil burner.

The burner we have is 5Kw which is more than ample for most standard sized rooms. We leave the lounge door open so the heat hits the central heating thermostat in the hallway so turns if off most of the time but the excess heat travels upstairs too.

The fire can be easily controlled via air vents, so you can adjust the amount of heat required from glowing nicely to raging inferno. If you burn sustainable logs it is carbon neutral as for every tree cut down a new one is planted in its place.

They come in various forms: log only burner or duel fuel (logs or coal), from traditional too ultramodern. You can have a burner only or have radiators attached and don’t worry if you haven’t got a chimney as your installer will make you one.

You will be amazed at what they can do. So check with your local supplier. If the bailiffs call it’ll be the last thing they get their hands on. I love my log burner.

By Clive Smith, Editor.

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Crossword

Across

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Mull over (6) Tapered sharp end of a weapon or tool (5) Possessing a weapon (5) Leave, give up (7) Intrinsic character of something (7) Shop selling pre-prepared fine food (abbr.) (4) The earth’s star (3) Small body of land surrounded by water (4) Measurement of land area (4) Male sheep (3) South African currency (4) Eloquence in public speaking (7) Threatening, foreboding (7) In addition, more (5) Short poem (5) Anthem, refrain (6)

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20 Road built to avoid Solemn appeal to a deity (6) a town centre (6) Arch-enemy (7)

22 Loud, cacophonous (5) Put someone at risk (8)

24 Intense affection (4) Theatrical production (4) Music genre (abbr.) (5) Racquet sport (6) Speed competitions (5) Said to be Jesus’ childhood home (8) Male chicken (7) Worn by knights of old (6) Tiny rodent (5)

Sudoku How to play Sudoku It’s simple!

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

You don’t need to be a genius.

These puzzles are logic alone.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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Reg'd Charity No 1097407

Headway Somerset is a unique organisation that works to improve the quality of life for everyone in Somerset with a Brain Injury, their families and carers. We provide a flexible expert service offering information rehabilitation and support.

We are the only organisation of its kind in the County currently working with over 100 Clients, their families and carers providing specialist support and therapy, through home visits by our Outreach workers and/or attendance at one of our four Brain Injury Outreach Units based at Yeovil, Ilminster, Bridgwater and Henton near Wells Brain Injury, usually sudden, is devastating and life changing. Recovery is difficult and protracted, no sticking plaster, bandage, medicine or therapy is available to repair physical damage to the brain. Accessing

services and facilities becomes increasingly difficult, being detrimental to recovery, physical and mental health & well-being. Invariably people affected lose social networks, become isolated, vulnerable, are likely to be victims of abuse and experience extreme hardship.

Headway Somerset provides personcentred care and support in an environment which will facilitate personal development, independence and increase self-esteem.

NEW SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY Headway Somerset is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Hospital Liaison workers. Wendy Copeman and Ali Parrott will work at hospitals across Somerset to fulfil a need identified by people with acquired brain injury.

Centre days Bridgwater centre: Mondays & Thursdays 10.30am - 2.30pm Yeovil centre: Tuesdays & Fridays 10.30am - 2.30pm Henton centre: Tuesday & Fridays 10.30am - 2.30pm Ilminster centre: Fridays 10.30am - 2.30pm

www.headwaysomerset.org.uk

St Andrew’s Day

St Andrew’s day is the 30th November. An annual bank holiday has taken place in his honour since 2007, in Scotland. The day is marked with musical celebrations, dancing and special food. There is also free entry to many castles and attractions on that day.

St Andrew is a busy chap; he also the patron saint of Cyprus, Greece, Russia, Bulgaria and several other countries as well as gout, sore throats and spinsters!

Before leaving to follow Jesus, Andrew was a fisherman. Amongst his notable acts are: bringing the first foreigners to meet Jesus, and getting a crowd of people to share food with those beside them. He became one of the twelve disciples.

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Andrew’s brother was Peter, the founder of the church. This relationship helped the Scots appeal for protection from the Pope against the English in 1320.

St Andrew was crucified by the Romans on an ‘X’ shaped cross. This is reflected in the white of the Scottish national flag which is known as the Saltire.

Some of St Andrew’s relics can be found at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, others are in Amalfi, Italy. Whilst now famous as the birthplace of modern golf and for having a notable university, St Andrews the town is believed to be so called because it once housed some of St Andrew’s relics.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

Petals Active Living Centre This is Somerset Care’s new dementia active living service which takes place at Lavender Court in Taunton. It provides activities and support for people with dementia.

When is the Petals Centre open?

Monday – Saturday 10am – 3pm How do you book?

Please call our Taunton Community Services team on: 01823 447 120

www.somersetcare.co.uk

Braemar House - Day Care Centre 01823 337702 Email: info@braemarhouse.com The Annexe, 54 Silver Street, Taunton, TA1 3DL Specialist care:

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We have many varied facilities, including a lovely enclosed garden, bright and airy rooms and ample parking to make dropping off and collecting members very easy. These facilities, in conjunction with the many services we offer, means that if you are dependent, or feel isolated, we are able to provide stimulating interests and experiences that will make such a positive difference to your life.

Why wait? Give us a call now on 01823 337702. www.braemarhouse.com .27

Latest Recommended Posting Dates for Christmas 2016 International Economy

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DATE: Wednesday 14 December

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DATE: Thursday 13 October DESTINATION: Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, USA. DATE: Thursday 3 November DESTINATION: Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece, Iceland, Malta, Turkey.

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International Standard (formerly Airmail) and all International Tracking and Signature services (formerly Airsure® and International Signed For®) DATE: Saturday 3 December DESTINATION: Africa, Middle East.

DATE: Wednesday 7 December

DATE: Thursday 15 December DATE: Friday 16 DESTINATION: December Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland Saturday DATE: Saturday 17 December DESTINATION: Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

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2nd Class and Royal Mail Signed For® 2nd Class

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SPECIAL OFFER FOR WORD GETS AROUND READERS AT HOWARDS CITROËN TAUNTON. Experience Business Class travel at Economy rates with Citroën’s amazing van range, where every model is noted for its high-flying specification and jumbo carrying capacity. It’s little wonder that the fleet has picked up so many awards. Citroën Vans, welcome on board.

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It will be a great opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience ourBRiDGE, award-winning van range for SOMERSET, BS2 HiLDESHEiM WESTON-SUPER-MARE, NORTH yourself.

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Offers apply to qualifying new Citroën models ordered & delivered 01/10-31/12/14 for business users only, exclu per month on a 2 year agreement of 10,000 miles per annum. Contract Hire rentals shown apply to New Citroën C miles per annum. Contract Hire rental includes delivery to dealership, Citroën Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Excise D exceeded. Contract Hire rental rates have been calculated with the appropriate manufacturer’s support applied to th Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Over 18s only. Written quotations available on request from UK only. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions app

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Contract Hire rentals shown apply to Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 625 Enterprise & require an advance rental of £834 followed by 23 monthly Highest:New Citroën C4 Cactus PureTech 110 S&S manual Feel rentals on a 2 year agreement of 10,000 miles per annum. For business users only excluding National Fleet customers as defined by Citroën & Touch 3.5/80.7, 2.9/97.4, 3.1/91.1, 82. exclude VAT. Howard Garages (Weston) Ltd is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender.manual To finance your purchase/lease we may introduce you to MPG figures ar a limited number of lenders. Terms and conditions apply. For general details please give purposes us a call. only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving cond

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Puzzle Solutions

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR JAN/FEB EDITION AND REACH 14,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES CALL...

CLIVE ON: 07779 653 120

EMAIL: CLIVE@WORDGETSAROUND.CO.UK

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Newton King would like to invite you to accept our offer of a FREE sales or lettings valuation of your home.

To arrange an appointment call us on 01823 259753

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 7.00, Saturday 9.00-5.00

YOUR PROPERTY DESERVES AN AGENT WHO THINKS DIFFERENTLY If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be considered to avoid a possible liability to pay two commissions.

53 East Street, Taunton, Somerset,TA1 3NA. 01823 259753 taunton@newtonking.co.uk www.newtonking.co.uk