Word Gets Around - Taunton Magazine - Issue 34

ISSUE 34

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Digital Taunton Ensuring our county town becomes a hub for digital innovation and collaboration.

Friends of KÜnigslutter Taunton’s twin town.

Penguin Random House Snaps up Taunton blogger for fiction debut.

Explore and enjoy Bath & West Show, Hestercombe Gardens, Ferne Animal Sanctuary and Somerfest.

Taste with Martin Our local drinks connoisseur.

Taunton Area Cycling Campaign On route to a blue network.

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www.wordgetsaround.co.uk #TalkUpTaunton To advertise please call Clive on #PositiveTaunton 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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Fundraising in aid of

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7th, 8th & 9th June Chelston Motorhomes, Wellington, Somerset. TA21 9JE

NEW & USED MOTORHOMES SALE • Summer deals on a huge selection of Used Motorhomes • Free packs on selected 2019 motorhomes in-show • Unmissable SHOW OFFERS on all remaining New 2019 models • New 2019 Models from Auto-trail, Adria, Burstner, Carado & Carthago • Our best prices for part-ex and cash deals

SHOW DEALS ON ACCESSORIES • Save £££££’s on Supply & Fit Accessories • Great choice of accessories in our Specialist Store • Your chance to get “Touring ready” for the Summer!

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www.chelstonmotorhomeshow.co.uk 01823 662075 - info@teamchelston.co.uk Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset. TA21 9JE

Chelston Motorhomes & Outdoor Leisure Store

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We’re a Father & Son team based at Hestercombe Gardens. We help people and businesses to market themselves more effectively online, offline and face to face. We are energised by seeing our clients succeed by joining up the dots to successful marketing.

As our name suggests, our business has grown through happy clients championing what we do.

Editor: Clive Smith clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk Design: Paul Smith paul@wordgetsaround.co.uk Address: Hestercombe House Hestercombe Gardens Cheddon Fitzpaine Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8LQ. Phone: 01823 765045 Artwork to: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk Follow us: _wordgetsaround thewordgetsaround wordgetsaround thewordgetsaround

Welcome to our 34rd copy of our magazine. May I say thank you to those who have sent us kind comments and ideas going forward. It’s so nice to have your feedback.

Let’s hope we have a similar summer to last year. We have some great places to visit in the magazine. We are supporting the Taunton Area Cycling Campaign to increase the number of dedicated cycle paths. Maybe it’s time to start your ‘keep fit’ regime and join them.

We are so lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful countryside.

Whether you are going for a walk, ride, picnic, drive or fly over it, make time for yourself and enjoy what we have.

We are fortunate to have our office at Hestercombe House, which at this time of year is the most splendid place to be. We look out of our window and watch the changing seasons. We have made friends with a Jackdaw, who we have named Jackson. He visits most days, sat on the window sill. Recently his friend has finally got up the courage to visit too. Soon we will see the arrival of the House Martins, which always signifies that summer has arrived.

On 15th June it’s ‘Somerfest’, celebrating the arts, culture and diversity of our community. You can enjoy a fabulous line up of live music on the Goodland Garden music stage, street theatre, global dance and circus, aerial acrobats, puppets shows, children’s entertainments, local arts and crafts, food, drink and stalls and a wide range of free activities and workshops to suit all the family.

Then there is the Bath & West Show at Shepton Mallet from 29th May - 1st June. A great day out for the whole family!

Clive

Special thanks to our local experts...

www.wordgetsaround.co.uk 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 All rights reserved. Word Gets Around Magazines is registered in England and Wales No. 11422005.

Word Gets Around Magazines Ltd hold no liability for supplied artwork from advertisers and contributors and views or advice contained within.

Want to join our team?

Gardening, Motoring, Interiors, Arts & Theatre, DIY, Computing...

Get in touch: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk Front cover image: Hestercombe Gardens.

To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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The County Hotel c 1925.

With Nick Chipchase There are many images of The County Hotel from its days as The London Hotel around 1900. I have chosen this image as it shows the hotel in the mid 1920’s when it also incorporated a cinema. I love the film posters as they tell a story though I have not been able to trace the film mentioned. “ The Mormon and His Wives “. Most Mormon missionaries were recalled to America in World War One. In the mid 1920’s a large number returned to continue their work in the UK. British folk were appalled at Mormon polygamy and public anger was stoked up by films such as the one in the image. In 1922 a silent film was released called “ Married to a Mormon “ whilst later another appeared called “ Trapped by the Mormons “. This hinted darkly at virginal young British girls being spirited away to join Mormon harems in the USA. The other poster in the image refers to the Home Secretary which, at the time, was Winston Churchill.

Despite public pressure he refused to deport the Mormons or refuse them entry.

The earliest reference to a hotel or inn at this site was in 1528 referring to a house called “ Le Thre Cuppys “. John Benot the landlord. No doubt “ The Three Cups “ was a popular coaching inn being on the main route from London to Exeter. All was well until The English Civil War when Taunton suffered severely under the command of Robert Blake. In an effort to hold Taunton Castle and remove buildings which

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obstructed the outer wall part of “ The Three Cups “ and other buildings were removed. The sieges were relieved in 1644. It seems that by 1672 the Inn had been rebuilt and extended . Monmouth arrived in Taunton in 1685 where he lodged in a house opposite the inn. In 1786 the inn was re christened “ The London Inn “ and did a grand trade in coaching. In 1793 there was stabling for 50 horses, 3 coach houses and 20 good lodging rooms.

Moving forward to the 1900’s the inn was owned by Bristolian Ernest Claridge and sold it to local wine merchant Walter Whittingham in 1913. Around this time the hotel’s horse bus was replaced by a Napier motor bus. Both can be seen in early images. After Whittingham’s early death in 1919 his widow sold the hotel to Trust Houses and the name “County Hotel” was adopted. Claridge had installed a theatre and stage and many functions took place in The Assembly Rooms. Taunton’s first Cinema opened here under the name “ The Empire “ finally closing in 1934 with the film” Viva Villa “.

The County Hotel was a temporary home to many famous visitors including Winston Churchill, The Queen, William Booth and Margaret Thatcher. Today the premises operates as Waterstone’s book shop. A use far removed from its long use as a hotel and early coaching inn.

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More

To

e r o l p x E

ne holidays at fer l o o h c s e h t in Join us for activities and discover fun facts about pigs & cows this half term. Enjoy a lovely walk, see the animals in our care then relax in our cosy café.

27th May – Help build a giant willow dragonfly 30th May – Dragonfly Activities Day 30th June – Vintage Summer Picnic

HAppy 80 th Birth day F erne!

ferneanimalsanctuary.org Wambrook, Chard, Somerset TA20 3DH tel: 01460 65214 Charity No. 1164350

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It’s been a busy month at The Viridor Stadium, home to Taunton Town Football Club, with turnstile numbers on the rise. More than 2,100 fans filled the stadium in April to watch the Manchester United Legends take on a Taunton Town legends team. Football fans travelled to Taunton from as far away as Gloucester, Cornwall and the Midlands for the highly anticipated game.

The Manchester United legends team, which included famous names such as Keith Gillespie, Chris Eagles, Sammy McIlroy and Lee Martin, were an impressive side and the match ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw, with a final goal for the visitors coming in the last few seconds of the match. Whilst in Taunton, the Manchester United legends players enjoyed the hospitality of the recently refurbished Royal Ashton Hotel, with the hotel being the major sponsor of the match.

This season has also seen an appeal for photos of the football club and players over the decades.

Club Chairman, Kevin Sturmey said, “the Club are looking to put together an archive of all things Taunton football and we would like people to share their memories with us, so we can have a photographic archive of the club going back over the years”.

play in the Junior Premier League – a nationwide development competition – on Saturdays.

The Club also held their very first business networking event in March. “Breakfast for the Busy” was a huge success with attendees enjoying an entertaining and informative talk from Kevin Sturmey himself over a delicious breakfast roll. Keep an eye out online for further events in the near future.

Last but not least, the club is always on the look out for new sponsors so if you think you or your business can get involved or help in some way, please drop Kevin an email on chairman@tauntontown.com.

Alternatively, if you’ve never been to the Viridor Stadium to experience the thrills of a live game, check out the match fixtures online and go along to support your local team.

The football season may be coming to a close, but one aspect of Taunton Town in particular is looking to the future. Taunton Youth Football Club Community Trust runs a programme for players in the Under-11 to Under-16 age groups, with all levels of ability welcome to join.

There are now 160 youngsters involved, some in the training group, others in the match programme.

LEGENDS MATCH

The match programme group consists of players Town who have shown the ability to perform at a standard Taunton vs Man Utd above their local grassroots league, and they

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Images: Ashley Harris.

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ESCAPE Support Group aim to extend opportunities and support to families of children who have additional needs, within Somerset.

We bring the whole family together to spend quality time in relaxed surroundings with like minded people, in a supportive environment . Our activities boost morale, increase confidence, improve social skills, decrease behavioural difficulties and develop and strengthen friendships.

What Do We Do?

We organise day trips, weekly swimming sessions, a monthly Hub Club, plus an “annual special” trip away.

Escape also organise events specifically for our carers, including monthly “Coffee & Chat” mornings. The activities we offer are affordable and accessible to all members, due to our continued fundraising.

How To Contact Us….

01823 442160 / 07982 712608 help@escapesupportgroup.com www.escapesupportgroup.com 8.

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Visit the website: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk, select the type of business you need and enter your postcode: you will then see a list of companies who can provide that service and how close they are to you!

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.9

Volunteers needed to help change lives for people living with sight Loss.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association needs volunteers to help improve the confidence and independence of people with a visual impairment.

Some of those hoping for a volunteer have been waiting for several months, so getting involved could really help change someone’s life.

My Guide is a service that Guide Dogs offers whereby a trained, sighted guide, is partnered with someone with sight loss. My Guides accompany service users to facilitate tasks such as running errands, practicing everyday routes, using public transport, or going to the gym to build confidence in these areas.

Maeve Kearney, My Guide Volunteer Manager, says “My Guide is a fantastic service that enables volunteers to help people who are partially sighted or blind to take part in activities that they may not have been able to take part in previously. Many people living with sight loss experience isolation or loneliness, and I have seen first-hand how having a My Guide volunteer can help turn their life around” Ross, a volunteer in Bristol says, “It’s a simple yet fulfilling role that makes a positive difference. My match, Shruthi, is able to attend events with my support, such as the International Women’s Day event at Bristol City Hall, which she would have found much harder to do alone.

My training with Guide Dogs prior to being matched with Shruthi was invaluable. I’d recommend the role to anyone who is looking for volunteer opportunities.”

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Guide Dogs provides full training for all volunteers. To apply, go to the Guide Dogs website www.guidedogs. org.uk and click on Volunteering or call the South West Team on 0345 143 0204.

Contact: Francesca Rolle, Engagement Officer, francesca.rolle@guidedogs.org.uk / 07467443595 About Guide Dogs Every hour, another person in the UK loses their sight and if this happens to you, Guide Dogs is there to make sure you don’t lose your freedom as well.

We want everyone who experiences sight loss to be able to live their lives the way they choose and feel confident, independent and supported in the world.

A UK-wide charity, we’re specialists in giving people who are blind or partially sighted the means to live life on their own terms and to step out into the world again. Find out more at guidedogs.org.uk. To help us continue our life-changing work, we rely on donations from individuals. There are almost two million people in the UK living with sight loss today, a number which is predicted to double to four million by 2050.

Additional Information My Guide is the service provided by Guide Dogs which offers a mobility aid in the form of a volunteer. To learn more about the My Guide service go to: www.guidedogs.org.uk/services-we-provide/my-guide/

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Quick Crossword

Across 1 4 8 9 10 12 14 18 19 21 23 24 25

Noise a frog makes (5) Devoted, obedient (7) Left on a plate (food) (7) More timid (5) Trust, have faith in (7) Momentary slip (5) Beset, over-burdened (4-7) Artist’s stand (5) _______ Crowe, actor (7) Android, cyborg (5) Vacation (7) Defamation, smear (7) Amendment, clause (5)

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 15 16 17 20 22 23

SUDOKU

Plump, porky (6) Inundates, floods (9) ____ Hopkins, right-wing columnist (5) Burrow, hideaway (3) Brawls, skirmishes (7) Take wing (3) Pantry, food cupboard (6) Mistake (5) Imagined, made-up (9) Watered down (7) Detritus, rubble (6) Actor, performer (6) Pertaining to the sun (5) Feathery scarf (3) Female pronoun (3)

WORD SEARCH

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.11

Penguin Random House snaps up Taunton blogger for fiction debut @mummyblogger

You may already know Jo Middleton from her long-running and hilariously funny parenting blog, Slummy Single Mummy, or you may recognise her as co-host at Word Gets Around networking, but Jo now boasts a new string to her bow as her debut novel, Playgroups and Prosecco, hits the bookshop shelves on May 2nd.

Congratulations Jo on your new book! Can you tell us a bit about it?

Thank you! Playgroups and Prosecco is about the misadventures of a single mum, Frankie. We follow the ups and downs of Frankie’s life, her struggles as a single parent, her quest for her dream job and her rather terrifying attempts to use Tinder! Although it’s about a mum, I think anyone can enjoy reading it - I have reviews already from men and women, and even teenagers! It’s an easy, relatable and funny read - the kind of thing you want to take in the bath with a big glass of wine.

So how did you go about making the switch from blogger to novelist? Is writing a book something you’ve always wanted to do?

Honestly, it really wasn’t! I’ve always loved writing my blog and the idea of having to write more than around 800 words at once wasn’t ever something I thought I’d be able to commit to! It actually came from the publisher rather than me - an editor at Penguin Random House emailed out of the blue to say she enjoyed my blog and had I ever thought about writing fiction? I said I hadn’t, but was always up for trying new things, and here we are!

if I overworked it. Instead I’d just sit down and get on with it - I’d just pick up the laptop and start, then carry on typing until I ran out of things to say. That doesn’t sound very professional, but it seemed to work for me!

So when can we read it and are you doing a book tour?

You can read it now! Just search on Amazon for ‘Playgroups and Prosecco’. I’m appearing at a few events too, including Bath Festival on May 23rd alongside the fabulous Gill Sims, and in Frome, Ilminster and Swindon.

Find Jo at one of her south west events over the next few months and get yourself a copy of Playgroups and Prosecco now: https://amzn.to/2Msuz1z

Wow, so not the usual journey at all! How did you find the process?

When I look back on it, I feel like I loved it, but I wonder if it’s a bit like childbirth in that your brain tricks you into thinking it wasn’t that bad so you do it again! I think the key for me was not over-thinking it. I knew the publisher liked the chatty, informal tone of my blog, and I was conscious of losing this

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.13

The Diaries Of

Ginger

George Taunton’s Top Cat - the word on the street.

It’s been a lovely day, the sun beaming through the veranda window right where I have my morning nap.

Still a bit chilly outside so maybe another ten more minutes snooze time. Yes, everything is okay at the moment. Not so for my carers, arguing yesterday evening. Going on about, ‘How money is tight and they’ll have to cutback on things’. Far too much for me, I like the quiet life. If they slept more I’m sure they wouldn’t argue so much.

ate all that food. Quick look through the window... it’s still there! Make it quick Ginger I say to myself. I hit the window and it’s locked again. I can see the meaty chunks calling my name. How did she lock the flap, has she got a key?

Well snooze time over, I suppose I’ll have a look outside, check out the neighbourhood, make sure everyone is behaving themselves.

Well I was there for four hours. I was nearly at the point where I might had eaten vegetables, starving to say the least. Suddenly she appears and heads towards the door. In sheer desperation I leap out with a look of intention and chase her down the path.

She dives through the flap, I’m three feet behind her going like a train. I’m going to follow right on her tail, gobble the food and leg out of there as quick as lightning. The tip of her tail had just gone inside and I hit the flap and bang! It’s locked again !

That Blackie is back on the catnip again, just got to take things to the max. Walking around last night with his eyes on stalks. What can you do eh?

Right, a bite to eat before I make my rounds. What is this? I’m not eating this! It looks disgusting....and the smell ! What cheap rubbish have they bought now! I bet half of it is vegetable, they might eat vegetables but I’m a cat. Cats eat meat. So this is the cutbacks is it? Well, not in my bowl it isn’t! I’m refusing to eat this.

Time to put Plan A into action. If you can’t eat your own food, then pinch someone elses. Next door has one of the most pampered cats in the street, so I’m guessing that they have the best food. Right, coast is clear. Make my way to their back door. Ooh! That’s a flashy cat flap. I can see the bowl through the window and boy it’s full of meaty chunks and gravy. Best do this quick and quietly. I hit the flap but it’s locked or jammed.

Plan B, take cover and wait. About a hour later out comes one pampered pussy. I just hope she hasn’t

Plan C, return to hiding place and wait for her return.

I’ll see how she locks the flap and then I’ll come up with Plan D.

I crashed nose first, face flat against the plastic window and a body going 20mph to make sure it stayed there. Boy did that hurt!!! How she managed to lock that flat so quick I’ll never know. Some smart feline that is. There must be a lever on the inside but she was quick.

By this time the carers had come back, so I popped in and sat next to my bowl of vegetables and not touching one bit of it. Just stared at them with that injured look. “See I told you he wouldn’t eat it, go down to the shop and get his normal stuff” said Mummy carer. Yes she knows what a cat wants, and if you’re going down the shop be quick about it...

I’m starving and my face hurts!

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To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.15

Following the success of its launch event in February, Digital Taunton has gone from strength to strength, with the support from the local community and key local media, including the BBC. A community-driven group of individuals and businesses, Digital Taunton is passionate about ensuring Taunton becomes a hub for digital innovation and collaboration.

Digital Taunton has been born out of discussions with local government and with this support, and the support of individuals and local businesses, it is striving for a culture of collaboration which celebrates and encourages innovation, putting Somerset on the map for the digital industry in-order to empower and future proof the local business community.

year. These events provide the opportunity for those involved in or interested in the digital industries to meet regularly to discuss industry developments, share knowledge and showcase the wealth and breadth of digital career opportunities available in the local area, with the aim of attracting and retaining exceptionally talented individuals.

Shane Griffiths, co-founder of the Idea Bureau and founder of Digital Taunton, has been blown away by the support so far. “We couldn’t have hoped for a better reaction to the launch of Digital Taunton,” says Shane.

“People turned out in their droves to hear Peter Andrews from Introtweet and Jeremy Hyams, CEO at Claims Consortium Group, talk at our last event. Jeremy is a champion for Digital Taunton and has been instrumental in its creation. Digital Taunton is focused on bringing like-minded people together to grow our digital community and support businesses with highly skilled people and colleges with strong industry links. We look forward to seeing everyone again at our next event.”

Kate O’Sullivan, Managing Director at Digital Taunton’s official strategic partner ADPR, comments, “As a specialist communications and digital PR agency, we help our clients, both locally and internationally, navigate their way through today’s complex media landscape and devise high impact integrated campaigns across traditional, online and social media that really get people talking about a brand or business.

The digital industries are at the heart of everything we do, and Digital Taunton’s mission is something we feel strongly about supporting.”

Together with Company Spaces, a hot-desking coffee shop in the centre of Taunton, Digital Taunton will be running a variety of inspiring events throughout the

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Photography: 360 South West

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.17

Friends of Königslutter Encouraging friendship and understanding between the communities of Taunton and Königslutter since 1992.

The town of Königslutter Am Elm in the state of Lower Saxony, Germany and is located on slopes of the Elm Hills, within the ElmLappwald Nature Park. The historic old town, dating from the Middle Ages, is the site of many half -timbered houses and the impressive Kaiserdom (Imperial Catheral) with its three spires.

The aims of the group are:

Friends of Königslutter Twinning Group provides a unique opportunity to meet and stay with families in Taunton’s twin town.

Over the past 25 years generations of ‘twinners’ have shared their family homes and developed a unique understanding of each country’s language and culture.

Students have had the opportunity to try out their language skills in a caring, family environment. Older students have taken advantage of Work Experience opportunities.

•

support the twinning of the two towns

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promote and build friendships and international understanding.

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provide hospitality for visitors.

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enrich lives through social, cultural and leisure activities.

•

organise fundrasiing events in support of the association.

The Friends believe that, post-Brexit, twinning will be an important means of maintaining links with our European friends and neighbours.

For more information about the Friends of Königslutter please contact:

Sara: 07340 908129 Email: foktaunton@gmail.com David Durdan: davedurdan@yahoo.co.uk 18.

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Call us on:

01984 624700 Come and see us: Ground Floor 1, The Courtyard, Higher Ford, Wiveliscombe, TA4 2RL. Visit us online: sales@homefrontdesign.uk.com www.homefrontdesign.uk.com

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.19

By Pip Sheard Taunton Area Cycling Campaign

Taunton Area Cycling Campaign was set up by local residents in 2016 to get improved cycling infrastructure and more and better designed cycle routes in the Taunton Area. We have 700 supporters.

Our approach is to challenge our local authorities and work constructively with them. Taunton’s housing and population will expand rapidly in the next decade. It is vital that new housing developments have cycle routes linked to the town centre and new cycle links are added such Bishops Lydeard to Taunton and Wellington to Taunton. We make planning representations and meet council officers, Councillors and developers to discuss cycle infrastructure in new developments and in road upgrades.

> Foxglove Trail launch - June 2018

> Petition to Highways England - July 2018

> Turn the Network Blue event - Sept 2018

Our work in 2017 and 2018 included persuading Taunton Deane Borough Council to allow cyclists to use the proposed Firepool Boulevard and worked with them on a new clearly designed route across Coal Orchard. We discussed with developers cycle infrastructure for the proposed Staplegrove urban extension. We designed the 11 mile Foxglove Trail around Taunton (free leaflet in Taunton Visitor Centre). We worked on an update and reprint of the Taunton Cycle map. We presented a design workshop for Somerset County Council officers to explain the changes we wanted to local cycle design and good examples from elsewhere. We plan a follow up workshop once the Government’s new cycle design guidance is published.

We have explored the avenues available locally to get more and better designed routes but believe that real and substantial improvements to existing routes and new cycle links cannot be financed from local funds. Our Councils need to apply for funding from Government transport budgets. To this end we have launched our Turn the Network Blue campaign with a petition which you can find at: http://bit/ly/TACCpetition.

This petition asks Somerset County Council and Somerset West and Taunton Council to apply to the Government for £10m for cycle funding as a major scheme as they do for new roads. Our London Tube style map of the Taunton area cycle network highlights where improvements are needed: https://thetacc.org.uk/network-upgrade-campaign/

If you support our aims, you can become a TACC supporter.

Email: tauntonareacyclingcampaign@gmail.com.

Join via our website www.thetacc.org.uk.

20.

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Find more recipes at www.misswindsor.uk

Mrs Beeton’s Spicy Suet Carrot Pudding!

Method

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To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings (6th of June) I excitedly present this truly scrumptious, Victorian, British, suet pudding recipe.

Created with the courageous “carrot” which also played an important role in winning WWII, hence their culinary contribution helped to save the British people from starvation.

Preparation time: 1 hour To steam: 1 & 1/4 hours (1-pint basin) or 2 hours (2-pint basin) Serves 4 to 8 guests

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Ingredients • 340g diced carrots • 220g white breadcrumbs • 120g beef or vegetable suet • 120g white sugar • 120g dried raisins and sultanas • 1 medium carrot – finely grated • 3 eggs – lightly beaten • 1 heaped teaspoon - mixed spice • 1 heaped teaspoon - ground ginger • 1 heaped teaspoon – sweet cinnamon • 1 heaped teaspoon – grated nutmeg Equipage •

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two x 1-pint (570ml) pudding basins or one x 2-pint (just over 1.1 litres) pudding basin.

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Boil the diced carrots until tender, then with a wooden spoon rub through a fine sieve. Put to one side.

Prepare the breadcrumbs and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Sieve the flour over the breadcrumbs, then add all the dry ingredients, and merrily combine together with a wooden spoon.

Add the carrot pulp, excess carrot juice, lightly beaten eggs, and finely grated carrot. The mixture should appear nice and moist – Oh, I say!

Place an old saucer onto the bottom of a large saucepan (this will prevent the basin from cracking) then fill with water, about half-way up the basin, and immediately put onto boil.

Take two small pudding basins or an extra-large one, grease with butter and three-quarters fill with the mixture.

Time to prepare the basins for steaming. Cut a large piece of greaseproof paper and foil. Place the foil piece on the kitchen counter followed by the greaseproof paper on top, and lightly grease with butter.

Holding both pieces together, make a pleat in the centre, then gently place over the basin and mould it around the edges.

Using a long piece of string, tightly wrap it around a few times under the “lip” of the basin and secure with a knot or two.

Make a handle by threading the string from one side to the other. Repeat and secure.

Trim off the excess paper/foil and tuck both layers under neatly, then place the basin into the saucepan and cover with the lid.

Regularly top up with water, as you wouldn’t want your “carrot-licious” pudding to boil dry!

At the 1 hour mark (1-pint basin) or 1 & 3/4 hours (2-pint basin) check if they’re cooked. Insert a skewer through the foil/paper layer, and if it comes out clean it’s ready, if not keep steaming for a while longer!

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.23

With Martin Straus Martin Straus achieved his first professional drinks qualification in 1973, and has continued to keep pace with industry developments ever since. He has been a professional Wine & Spirit Educator since 1988, Past South West Chairman of the UK Bartenders Guild, and is passionate about all quality drinks, including craft beers and ciders. Now resident in Taunton, he is keen to share his knowledge with local enthusiasts.

The theme of these articles is to encourage the reader to try new drinks, use them in cocktails to make at home and to pair with food.

In this edition I will be featuring a stunning food and wine match using Somerset products, a favourite cocktail plus local beers and ciders.

One of the hardest foods to pair with wine is asparagus. A classic match is Muscat (dry) from Alsace, but the problem is it’s extremely hard to find in the UK, especially locally. A wonderful alternative is an English grape variety called Bacchus, which makes a delicious dry white and pairs well with English asparagus. But don’t hang around – the season ends late May/early June.

24.

www.tastewithmartin.co.uk My personal recommendation is to buy asparagus as fresh as possible from local farms. An example is New Cross Fruit Farm, West Lambrook, South Petherton, or if you have a local greengrocer, it’s good to support them. For the Bacchus, look out for Aldwick Court Farm Vineyard, Redhill (between Weston and Bristol). Their 2018 vintage is due for release early May.

A cocktail I fell in love with many years ago is the Negroni. It’s a favourite of cocktail bartenders, and is one of the easiest to make – no shaking or long stirring required! An authentic Negroni is always made with three alcohol ingredients in equal proportions: Campari, red Vermouth and gin. The gin isn’t specified, but it must be powerful enough to hold its own with the Campari. Examples are Tanqueray, Plymouth, Beefeater and Rock (from Cornwall). Use an Old Fashioned glass (short, wide) and fill with ice cubes (not crushed ice, it melts too fast). Then add 25ml of each of Campari, red Vermouth (Martini and Cinzano are the easiest brands to find) and the gin.

Take a strip of orange zest (use a vegetable peeler, avoiding the pith) and twist over the drink, adding

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a few drops. It’s optional whether to drop the zest in the glass – I do. I will be presenting at the Gin Fizz & Food Festival, Woodlands Castle, Taunton on Sunday 2nd June, together with Mike Sweetman, renowned classic cocktail bartender – come along for hints and tips!

And the Farmer’s Arms, Combe Florey, a beautiful, historic thatched pub which reopened recently after a devastating fire.

To conclude, please support local and regional beers and ciders. We have many superb craft products in Somerset, and everyone has those they like and those they don’t. I learnt all those years ago that the more character a product has got, the more people will dislike it as much as some like it! Hence the huge success of bland global products! It’s a purely matter of personal taste, so my view is EXPERIMENT! You may find you like it. When we recently tasted several beers at Company, the recently opened business centre, certain beers stood out, but the overall standard was excellent!

Contact Martin at: martin@tastewithmartin.co.uk or phone 0747 007 8131.

Drinks include varying craft ales, their own traditional cider, and over 70 gins - also the food is outstanding.

Breweries near Taunton are Quantock from Bishops Lydeard, Cotleigh and Exmoor from Wiveliscombe (and not forgetting the brewpub brewery, Black Bear).

Somerset is famous worldwide for its craft ciders and nearest to Taunton are Taunton Cider and Sheppey’s. Others include Parsons Choice, Perry’s, Tricky and Burrow Hill. The latter is the sister company to the globally renowned Somerset Cider Brandy Company who produce a wide range of stunning products.

There are so many outstanding pubs in our locality, it’s impossible to mention all my favourites. So in this first article I will mention but two.

The Plough, Station Road, Taunton - a true free house, with a massive range of draught ciders, plus excellent real ales and great pies.

To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.25

The Last Word-Book Review With John Fish

Wyld Dreamers

Underworld

My fiction review for this edition of Word Gets Around is a novel based here in our very own county of Somerset. Wyld Dreamers by Pamela Holmes is set during the early years of the 1970’s and surrounds a group of friends who are invited to help renovate a cottage on Wyld Farm that is owned by the photographer Seymour Stratton.

Just imagine for one moment the world beneath your feet. In Underland best-selling writer Robert Macfarlane author of many books on our natural world including The Wild Places and Landmarks and also The Lost Words now takes us on an adventure deep underground.

This is a book were past and its future are all here. From the Bronze Age burial chambers of the Mendips in Somerset to the glaziers of Greenland, the catacombs of Paris, Arctic sea caves to a point deep sunk hiding place where nuclear waste will be stored for 100,000 years.

By Pamela Holmes Published by Urbane Publications (Released 4th October 2018) 256 Pages.

Surrounded by the beautiful countryside the friends all believe this is the place they want to stay for the rest of their lives. But as time passes and the reality of life takes hold despite the many parties the friends held on the farm and idyllic relaxed lifestyle. Fast forward twenty-five-years the same group of friends are back together as they have inherited the farm from Seymour but those days back in the early 1970’s are clearly still lingering in their minds.

This is a story that has many twists that will keep you wondering where the story is heading. The main character is Amy and you cannot fail to not like her as she leaves the comfort of home for a new life away from home she is a little naïve at times. Early on in the story Amy’s mother you Seymour Stratton is a real laid back character who enjoy having the young people around and really looks after the group. Many will of course recognise some of the place names and Taunton is mentioned in the storyline. The rural setting of Somerset is just so beautifully laid out and is a joy to read.

By Robert Macfarlane Published by Hamish Hamilton (Released: 2nd May 2019) 496 Pages

The much-anticipated sequel to The Old Ways Robert Macfarlane now takes the reader on an unforgettable voyage exploring our relationship with darkness and what lies beneath. There is wonder, loss, fear and hope deep within the pages of Underland.

‘Into the underland we have long placed that which we fear and wish to lose, and that which we love and wish to save...’

It is hard to imagine a world that exits deep beneath us but that is exactly what there is. A truly remarkable book of discovery the reader will explore many themes including myth and literature as we travel the globe and discover a whole new world. Robert Macfarlane’s writing is both lyrical and breath-taking. A book that has opened even my eyes and will have a profound effect on how we see our precious world. The powerful cover was designed by the acclaimed artist and writer Stanley Donwood.

Read more of John’s book reviews at: www.thelastwordbookreview.wordpress.com

26.

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To celebrate Somerset Day (May 11th) our community gets together to decorate the village with our annual yarnbomb. All through the year a group of dedicated people knit and crochet, to create a wonderful display of yarn art for all to enjoy.

For 2019, we have a theme based on Jules Verne’s ‘Around The World In 80 Days’, our version is ‘Around The World In (approximately) 80 Minutes’!

From Greenway to Darby Way and many places in between, including along the platform at the West Somerset Railway, you will be able to follow our trail leaflet (available from village shops) and look for all the countries represented in yarn.

You can search for wild animals, historic buildings, food, flowers, beautiful scenes and lots of hot air balloons, all made by the Bishops Lydeard Yarnbombers!

The display will be up from 4th May until 31st May. We are also encouraging residents of Bishops Lydeard, join the yarnbomb fun during May every year.

You don’t even need to knit or crochet!

If you have a gate, tree, fence, plant pot, porch or even your front door, you can decorate with any pom-poms, woolly scarves, or even wool clothes, or you can have a ball of wool and just wind that around so that we can show visitors to Bishops Lydeard what a brilliant village we have with a great community spirit!

th y, The West On Saturday 11 Ma hosting an is ay Somerset Railw y. There Da t rse me So for t even Lydeard, ps ho Bis at lls will be sta ns along tio sta e Minehead and som of local ts sor all th wi y, the wa d enter tainment Somerset crafts an to Bishops to enjoy. So, come merset Day, the So joy en Lydeard to t and the art en Crafts, enter tainm b! om of yarnb Lydeard Facebook: Bishops rs Yarnbombe

By Kathy Ford bl@gmail.com Email: somersetday To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.27

All reviews are marked out of 10. Anything above 5 is worth seeing, as taste is always subjective and spoilers have been avoided by concentrating on the craft, rather than simply the plot.

See bit.ly/Padreviews for the latest reviews. By Patric Maine BA (Hons) in Film studies.

What Men Want 2/10

The Aftermath 10/10

Both Men and Women want the same thing - a decent film! The script was awful full of stereotypes and clichés. Full of thinly disguised racism, homophobia, sexism and misogyny. This was no female version of Jerry McGuire yet it could have been - it could have been a film about female empowerment against a backdrop of male dominated sports agencies.

If you enjoyed The English Patient you’ll love this.

Set amongst the backdrop of the end of the Second World War in war ravaged Hamburg.

Fisherman’s Friends 10/10 This film was the perfect love story.

Well written comedy drama based on real events wide London boy a fish out of water discovers hidden talent in a sleepy fishing village. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer, you’ll leave happy.

Captain Marvel 9/10 Had no idea what to expect well that’s not true, I expected it to be rubbish. But I was wrong this was thoroughly enjoyable and a great coup delaying the release of this powerful female led film to the minute past midnight on international women’s day.

Writing, casting , acting, cgi, cinematography and script all top notch. It will be enjoyed by those like me who nothing about the story and by those who love the story.

US 3/10 If you loved GET OUT then you’ll love to see this until you realise this is not on a par with or anywhere close to the brilliant ‘Get out’ - this is more of a ‘Don’t go’ film.Such a shame I was hoping for so much more.

It had promise. The opening was good, the build up was good but as soon as the mystery became reality it lost the plot literally and just dragged. Avoid like a plague of doppelgänger zombies !

28.

The story has a strong theme of forgivenesses shielded by the stiff upper lip of the English upper class. The Socratic dialogue plays a strong part in examining right and wrong - in the end it doesn’t matter who won the war - everyone lost and everyone has loss.

Fighting with My Family 9/10 The script and direction of Stephen Merchant were both excellent. You don’t need to be a wrestling fan to like this - it’s a Cinderella story with up and downs. It has rises and falls - hope, dreams and many tears. It has individuality and the isolation of a maverick but the also the camaraderie of a team. Great supporting cast with Nick Frost and an unrecognisable Lena Heady as the parents.

With Dwayne Jonson the Rock producing and playing a cameo role. Vince Vaughn recreated his coach role from Dodgeball.

Instant Family 9/10 An instant hit - Love and hate a beautiful combination. I went expecting to see a lightweight family comedy like Daddy’s home - I got an amazing piece of drama almost as good as Lion. This is an important film I thoroughly recommend everyone goes to see - it’s as fundamental to the care system as Kramer vs Kramer was to divorce. It will have you laughing but it will definitely have you crying - it’s a story of longing for love and acceptance.

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

St John’s Church Lunchtime Concerts Friday 10th May, 12.45 - 1.30pm Student Showcase, Richard Huish College St John’s Church, Park Street, Taunton.

TA1 4DG. Friday 14th June, 12.45 - 1.30pm Adam Parrish, Derbyshire Organist & Pianist.

‘Things Bright and Beautiful’, An Organ and Piano Recital to Suit Everyone.

St John’s Church, Park Street, Taunton. TA1 4DG. Friday 12th July, 12.45 - 1.30pm Taunton Young Singers Taunton Festival of the Arts St John’s Church, Park Street, Taunton. TA1 4DG. (Doors open at noon for all concerts)

05 May 12 May 19 May 26 May 02 Jun 09 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 30 Jun 21 Jul 11 Aug 25 Aug 01 Sep

Lazy River Swing Taunton Concert Band Steel the Show Stoke-sub-Hamdon Band Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir King Alfred Concert band Wiveliscombe Town Band Kingsbury Episcopi Band West Somerset Brass Band Tone Big Band JW3 Skintight Samba Burtle Silver Band

Teaching Irish stick fighting, Eskrima Panantukan, and Kickboxing. Small friendly and relaxed club.

Adult only classes Creech St Michael Community Hall Every Saturday 10-12 Call James: 07981 903335 Email: reflections247@outlook.com www.dewskitch-school-of-impact-arts-taunton.co.uk

Limelight Theatre We’re a local youth theatre group very keen to get our numbers up!

St Michael’s Church, Galmington, Taunton We meet once a week Phone number: 07847 437869 limelighttheatre2011@gmail.com www.Limelight-theatre.co.uk

To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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Emergency & Useful numbers Emergency Services

Useful Contacts

Smell Gas? Call Transco:..................0800 111 999 Police Emergency: ........................................... 999 Police Non Emergency: ................................... 101 Police Station: ............................... 0845 456 7000 Crimestoppers: ................................ 0800 555 111 Musgrove Intensive Care: ............... 01823 342006 Musgrove Hospital: ........................ 01823 333444 Floodline: ....................................... 0345 988 1188 Environment Agency: .................... 08708 506 506 Musgrove Hospital: ........................ 01823 333444 NHS Helpline: ................................................... 111 Wessex Water Emergency: ............. 0345 6004600

Taunton Information Centre: .......... 01823 340470 Bishops Lydeard Library: ....... ....... 0300 1232224 Taunton Library: .............................. 0300 1232224 Albermarle Cent .............................. 01823 252945 Traveline: ...................................... 0871 200 2233 CAB Consumer Helpline: ................. 0345 4040506 Fire Safety Officer: .......................... 01823 273039 Neighbourhood Watch: ................. 01278 644799 National Debtline: .......................... 0808 1898300 BBC Somerset Sound: ..................... 01823 323956 Apple FM: ......................................... 01823 342591 Tone FM: .......................................... 01823 286688 Taunton County Court: .................... 01823 281110 Bristol Airport Arr/Dep: .................... 0871334 4344 Heathrow Info Desk: ......................... 0844 335 1801 Gatwick Flight Info: ........................ 0344 892 0322 Exeter Airport Flights: .................... 01392 367 433 Berry’s Coaches: .............................. 01823 331356 National Express Enq: ..................... 0871 781 8181

Medical Crown Medical Centre: ................... 01823 282151 St James Medical Centre: .............. 01823 285400 Warwick House Medical: ................ 01823 282147 Orchard Medical Centre: ................ 01823 285428 Blackbrook Surgery: ...................... 01823 259444 Creech Medical Centre: .................. 01823 442357 Adfam Helpline Drug use: .............. 0845 3000911 Somerset Care: ............................... 01823 448150 Sheltered Housing: ......................... 01823 356304

Council Departments Rebecca Pow MP Office: ................. 01823 443062 Deane Helpline: .............................. 01823 257185 Dog Warden: ................................... 01823 356550 Environment Agency: .................... 08708 506 506 Noise Nuisance etc: .................... 01823 356339 Garages – Rental: ....................... 01823 356334 Halcon Link Centre: .................... 01823 350788 Pest Control: ............................... 01823 356337 Anti-Social Behaviour: ............... 01823 356332 Recycling centre, Priorswood: ...... 01823 338615 Housing Benefit /Council Tax: ....... 01823 356321 Housing Rents: ................................ 01823 356318 Government Ombudsman: ........... 0845 602 1983 Samaritans (UK helpline): ......................... 116123 Samaritans (admin only) ............... 01823 289456 Somerset County Council: ............. 0300 1232224 Victim Support, Somerset: .............. 01460 55535

Pharmacies Co-op Eastwick Road: ..................... 01823 331564 Boots, Crown Ind. Est: ....................... 01823 337888 Boots, High Street: ............................ 01823 276061 Well, Comeytrowe: .......................... 01823 256056 Jhoots, Lisieux Way: ........................ 01823 324280 Boots, Coal Orchard: ....................... 01823 251683 Morrisons, Deller’s Wharf: .............. 01823 351914 Staplegrove Pharmacy: .................. 01823 274049 Boots, French Weir Ave: ................ 01823 284009 Bishops Lydeard Pharmacy: .............. 01823 430201 Boots, Norton Fitzwarren: ............. 01823 354861 Lloyds, North Petherton: ................ 01278 662288

Village Halls West Monkton: ................................ 01823 412068 Ruishton Village: ............................. 01823 443506 Norton Fitzwarren: .......................... 01823 252268 Cheddon Fitzpaine: ......................... 01823 413925 Trull Memorial Hall: ........................ 01823 350840 Creech St Michael: ............................ 01823 444599 Stoke St Mary: ................................. 07526 673554 Kingston Saint Mary: ....................... 01823 451584 Oake: ................................................ 01823 461144

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

30.

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Al Coholic My husband sent me a text the other day that said “Your great�. So, naturally, I wrote back, “No, you’re great�. He’s been walking around all happy and smiling. Shall I tell him I was just correcting his grammar or leave it?

79 Seymour Butz Do clustrophobic people work better when then think outside the box?

12 Bea O’Problem Just been asked to join the slimming world website and it asked me to accept cookies. I think it’s a test!

34

We started this community magazine back in 2014 with just 4000 copies. We now have the largest circulation in Taunton of any magazine per issue, with 36,000 copies delivered through homes across the town. We want to hear your feedback and ideas to build on this further.

What would you like to read about? Do you have a local club or society that needs new members? Perhaps you have a great story to share that we could highlight.

Or if you own a local business then this magazine is the perfect way for you to promote your services or products. Prices to advertise start from just ÂŁ45.00 plus VAT per issue.

To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

.31

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