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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
www.wordgetsaround.co.uk Front cover: By Peter Duce www.peterducephotography.co.uk
I hope you had a great summer. In this issue we have a feature on Somerset Ladies in Business (SLIB), a networking group founded by Kim Philpots and Fiona Marlow. They realised how isolating business and professional life can be, when you are self-employed. Their group helps to bring business women together with friendship, help and advice. There are so many people, particulary in Somerset who work at home trying to get their businesses off the ground. We have helped launch many start ups over the years working with people with their branding, website and marketing advice. A new member to our writing team is Jo Middleton, who for years writes a blog under the guise of ‘Single Slummy Mummy’. She has won many accolades and awards for her work, which has taken her to many faraway places across the world. Her talent for writing was spotted by the publishers Penquin, who approached her to write a book. The book, now in print, is called ‘Playgroups and Prosecco’, and is now available in all good bookshops and online. I’ve read it, it’s extremely funny. In this issue we also explore the ‘Taunton Thespians’ who have been in existence since 1928. If you have ever fancied getting into the theatre, then this is the place to start. Whether on the stage or behind the scenes making costumes, props or lighting. You may have noticed we have introduced a ‘Small Ads’ section and at very low cost. This enables businesses to reach our 72,000 readers without breaking the bank. This has proved popular already and hope to expand this in our next issue. Please mention us if making enquiries or using someone from our magazine, it helps us and the advertisers.
Clive
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Making life less complicated... Everys has been providing high quality legal advice, delivered professionally yet personally to businesses, individuals and families across the region for many years. 01823 337636 | will.vine@everys.co.uk 5 Heron Gate Office Park, Hankridge Way, Taunton, TA1 2LR
.3
Staplehay c 1918. With Nick Chipchase This, to me, is the most remarkable image I have ever found. I was rifling through a stock at a London postcard fair when it came up. I will tell you why. Featured are my grandfather Albert Heny Yarde b.1887. My grandmother with the dog Mabel nee Mutter b 1888,. My uncle on the wall Charles b. 1912. My great grandmother with the pinney Sara Mutter b c 1860. Next to her is ‘Aunt Jane’ Parsons who with no children of her own who took on some of the large Yarde brood. The cottage they lived in is Rose Cottage owned or rented by my great grandfather William Mutter baptised 1853 at Yarcombe. In the background is the Crown Inn now housing. Grandfather was a bombadier during World War One but survived though sadly dying in 1934. I never knew either of my grandfathers. It’s remarkable how great events in history effect our own fate and existance. I can truly say that if Hitler had not invaded Poland I would not be here. Mother was a young village girl who met a dashing army physical training instructor at a dance at Sherford Camp. Father joined the army aged 18 and was posted to Bovington in the tank corps. At the onset of war he had the sense to join the physical training corps and was posted to Taunton. As you get older you ponder the great changes in your own lifetime. Like many at that time mother and father lived with grandmother as she was the original tenant at Church Road , Trull. Both mother and father worked at the Co-op and grandmother brought me up. Father never owned a car. Eventually father bought our house for £250.
4.
I went to school at Trull when at that time you completed your education there and left at 15 to work. I just missed that transition to take the dreaded ‘11 Plus’ exam which none of us village lads wanted to pass as we did not want to to to grammar school. I duly failed and went to Askwith Secondary Modern. My earliest memory is getting my Coronation mug at Trull village hall in 1953. Our home was basic in the 1950’s. We had a privy at the bottom of the garden ( bucket and chucket ). At least ours was stone whilst next doors was wood. No cold trips at night so a potty under each bed. We had a tin bath used once a week. Water heated on the gas stove father one end me the other. Normally it was a ‘strip wash’ sat on the draining board with feet in the sink. A single fire heated the whole house so we lived in one room. The ‘Front Room’ was always tidy and closed up for special guests. On the wall in Church Lane you will see N 62 in the cement. I left my mark in 1962. I used to walk down Church Road running my hand along the top of the church wall thinking that one day I will be able to reach the end. I can now. I had to go to Sunday School and help on our allotment. Sundays were rarely my own. Trull was a lovely community. You never locked the front door. The biggest bang Trull ever heard was when I blew up father’s iron saluting cannon one bonfire night. Took some tiles off our next door neighbour’s house. We wicked village boys attacked Queens College every bonfire night firing rockets at the windows. Even today echos of old Somerset rebound. A modern sign near the old mill in Mill Lane refers to ‘The Refuge Amenity Act’. Our old word for ‘refuse’. I got two ‘O Levels’ at Ask with but never lost a fight. It was more about character building back in my day. I guess I have not done too badly.
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Every summer seems to get shorter for me, but with only one month without football (June) here, it’s not surprising. We do put ourselves under extra pressure as we are all ambitious to take this club to higher levels. Whatever anyone thinks in sport you only get more “bums on seats” by consistently winning over a period of time which we have done over the last five seasons.
I believe we are all approachable from the Directors, Management and players so please ask questions if you are uncertain about anything.
We are very well set up off the pitch and around the Cygnet Health Care Stadium but if it was all about how everything looks for clubs every team with a new stadium would do well, have a look at Darlington to see my point! Of course clubs don’t because the world is now fickle with expectation of humans often beyond the grasp of most sporting clubs plus we have “chancers” and “rich” people on ego trips playing with something they rarely understand. Having spent most of my life in or around changing rooms you have to experience it to understand the “inner sanctum” of a changing room. It is very similar to the Army with their Regiments or any of the Armed Forces, they are very proud of who they represent and will fight to the end to protect that Regiment. But most importantly they are a team who support each other when things go well or badly. That is the same in football the changing room determines how well we will do and getting the right characters is so important. You don’t have to get on all the time as you also have to be able to push each other to keep achieving. We have that in abundance here and I can tell you all if we lose or even draw sometimes our players take it personally because they care so much. They respect what we do off the pitch to give them the best chance of winning but in a two-horse race you won’t win all the time. My point revolves around when someone is knocked down, help build them back up and as fans that’s all you can influence during a match so please keep supporting for 90 minutes, leave debate for your time in the refurbished bar (you need to visit it if you have not seen it yet!), we sell plenty of soft drinks for the non-drinkers like me.
6.
Check out The Peacocks refurbished bar Our support has grown and has been fantastic over the last three seasons and you can all help build that further. Off the pitch we will keep building more foundations and developing the Stadium as in my humble opinion we will never move as land values are about 20% of what we would need now to move plus we have a great position on the edge of town. Make no mistake this League was tough last season and this season will be even tougher we need to keep the Cygnet Health Care Stadium as our fortress and you can all make the difference and let’s all play our part in reaching the top of the attendance table as well as competing at the top of the League. The population is growing and we need to increase our crowds year on year by making this a safe family friendly environment. If we keep doing more of the right things on and off the pitch we will continue to make progress. #UpThePeacocks Kevin Sturmey Chairman & Chief Executive Photos: Ashley Harris.
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Cygnet Healthcare Supporting you, to support others... Are you looking for a rewarding career in healthcare? For nursing & clinical opportunities, contact Beren: 0121 728 8122 berenfreeman@cygnethealth.co.uk For support worker vacancies, contact Charlotte: 0121 728 8122 charlottefalconer@cygnethealth.co.uk
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Get in Touch Lucy Ball Destination Management & Marketing Email: lucy@destinationmarketing.me Phone: 07813 343209 Have your say! Fill in our survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/CKL23YP Follow us on Twitter @BidTaunton www.tauntonbid.co.uk
Business owners in Taunton know better than anyone else what needs to be done to improve the trading environment in the town and we need business leaders to tell us what their priorities are for the 2020 BID plan in Taunton. What is a BID? A BID scheme is an innovative way for the local businesses, to work together to design, plan, manage, deliver and pay for a business plan that reflects business’ priorities to take Taunton forward over the next 5 years. BIDs also provide a great opportunity for businesses to reduce their costs by cooperating to negotiate better rates for utility bills, trade waste and insurance premiums along with ensuring that the voice of business is heard to influence changes and plans to town centre strategies. To decide what those projects should be, a thorough programme of consultation is carried out, including questionnaires, newsletters, surgeries, one to one meetings and open meetings. Following that consultation, a business plan is written which includes those suggested priorities.
Smaller businesses pay less, and larger businesses pay more, but each contributes the same percentage. Together a fund is created to deliver the approved BID Business Plan. The Taunton BID Working Group is currently being led by the Taunton Chamber of Commerce to take the 2020 BID work forward. Following a successful BID vote, this group will no longer be active but will be replaced by a locally elected BID company Board of Directors run by the businesses within the BID area. The elected BID Company is obliged to deliver the scheme for the lifetime of the BID (max 5 years), and there is a statutory charge on all the eligible premises within the BID areas to pay an annual levy to fund the BID, payable by the ratepayer regardless of how they voted. Taunton is facing similar challenges as most towns currently. Footfall is declining, spend in stores is decreasing and investment has reduced significantly in recent years. By working together on a 2020 BID, we can improve Taunton and enable the town and local businesses to thrive!
Businesses will be asked to comment on the draft plan to make sure that it reflects accurately what they think the town needs. Every business in the area with a rateable value of £5,000 and above has one vote regardless of the size of the premises If you own or occupy more than one premises in the BID area, you will have a vote for each premises; you can cast a vote for each. If you vote in favour of this plan, it will be adopted and delivered by the BID Company on behalf of the town. BIDs work on a very simple principle where every business involved benefits and contributes proportionately.
8.
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17 The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4EB.
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To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk
.9
Autumn as a time for change. With Jo Middleton September was always one of my favourite times of the year when I was growing up. I know as a child you’re meant to hate school and relish the summer holidays, and I did enjoy the break, but I also loved the fresh start of a new school year - a new pencil case, shiny shoes, underlying the date with a new ruler on the first page of a pristine exercise book.
If drawing isn’t your thing, then how about something a bit more hi-tech at The Glass Box at Taunton library? You could learn more about Raspberry Pi (not pie unfortunately), find out about 3D printing or, if you already have a good tech knowledge, pass your expertise on to a younger generation by volunteering at a coding club.
(And in case you’re wondering, no, I didn’t have many friends.)
Take some time now to think about when the last time was that you really challenged yourself. How long has it been since you had a go at mastering an unusual skill or threw yourself into learning about something completely new? It can be scary initially, of course, but that’s half the fun - no one is expecting you to be an expert furniture maker the very first time you pick up a chisel and it’s hugely liberating having a go at something, knowing you’re probably going to be rubbish. When you’re starting from scratch you’ve got nothing to lose - you can only improve.
Coming through college, university, and then bringing up two children, my life has continued to be dominated by the rhythm of the school year, and I still get that rush in September, the promise of new beginnings. I might not have a new school year to start nowadays, but any excuse to buy a notebook right? We’re bombarded with ‘fresh start’ messages come January, but I prefer having the autumn as my own personal New Year, with more emphasis on positive change and new experiences and less on the pressure to lose weight or join the gym. We’re really spoilt in Taunton with opportunities for learning, with Bridgwater and Taunton College, University Centre Somerset and Richard Huish College all offering courses for adults. Whether you want something more formal like a bookkeeping qualification or are on the lookout for something a bit more unusual - (botanical printing using cameraless photography anyone?) - there’s something to suit everyone.
So polish your shoes, dust off your pencil case and use the new season as a chance to try something different. At the very least you might get a new notebook out of it. Jo is the owner of the long-running and hilariously funny parenting blog, Slummy Single Mummy, She also co-hosts at Word Gets Around networking in Taunton. Jo now boasts a new string to her bow as her debut novel, Playgroups and Prosecco, hit the bookshop shelves back in May. Follow her adventures online...
Learning doesn’t have to be formal of course, it can be about experimenting, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and trying new things. I’ve been meaning to try the ‘Drink and Draw’ sessions at the Brewhouse for a while now, because honestly if you’ve had a couple of glasses of wine then your sketching is always going to seem top notch isn’t it? 10.
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.11
Somerset Ladies in Business. The networking group with a heart.
8 The Courtyard, TA11JR www.facebook.com/rocketandbird
Busylizzie Art www.busylizzie.co.uk Liz Hutchin
Somerset Ladies in Business is a networking group for Somerset entrepreneurs and business women who work in a large variety of business vocational areas. We are a professional and friendly group who believe in getting to know each other, so that it is easy to recommend businesses in good faith. So, if you are looking for an informal, friendly and motivational group, with no yearly membership fees, then come and give our group a try. We meet twice monthly, the second Thursday of each month at Jordan’s Courtyard, Horton, Ilminster from 10 - 12.30pm and the last Thursday of every month, from 9.30-12.00pm at the Taunton & Pickerage Golf Club, Corfe. Both meetings are held so that they are easy to attend after the school run and both venues have plenty of free parking available. Included in your ticket price is tea and coffee on arrival and a further serving of coffee, tea and slabs of cake or fresh fruit later during the morning.
Wedding Stationery, Wall Art, Watercolour Painting, Wall Signs and Art Skills Teaching. 07730 605193 busylizzie2@sky.com
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We have professional guest speakers at every meeting, delivering information on the most vital aspects of business, to help facilitate the learning and improving of all our skills. A valuable aspect of each meeting is the sharing of knowledge and experience from one another, to help build friendships and business relationships through a professional yet informal networking setting. Tickets are £17 per head when bought in advance and £20 on the door. Refunds are available but not within the same week as the meeting as orders for refreshments will have been placed. “What an amazing inspirational bunch of ladies! Thoroughly enjoyed my first meeting with you all last week and will certainly be a regular event for me from now on!” “A wonderful group of hard-working, independent women whose strength lies in being kind, caring and supportive of one another...”
Tel: 07909 813499 Email: zoe@harmonyathome.co.uk Web: https://bit.ly/2YgUZdy
“You will receive a lovely warm welcome to this supportive and collaborative group.”
Please find us at: www.somersetladiesinbusiness.co.uk or on social media.
12.
Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our lovely advertisers.
Laura combines coaching, NLP, hypnotherapy, mediation and psychometrics to create bespoke personal development programmes to get the best results for her clients.
info@courageouspeople.co.uk +44 (0)7903 641 288 www.courageouspeople.co.uk @courageous.people.partners
Ladies, love to sing? Come and visit, have a listen, and join in… Thursdays 7.30-10.00pm Bishops Hull Primary School Contact Wendy 01823 413625 or Liz 07730605193
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www.tfdetectives.co.uk Bluebird Care provides the highest quality of home and live-in care in Taunton, leading the field in 01823 331194 taunton@bluebirdcare.co.uk customer service.
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You’ll have to give it some more thought. Anyway, who is this lucky girl, then?” Pickles smiled dreamily. “Yeah, well… have you seen the cat that lives at the house at the corner of Silver Street? You know – the white house?”
George It was one of those rare days that it isn’t raining or blowing a gale, so I decided to have a wander around the park. When I got there, I met up with Pickles, a black and white tomcat. “Hey Pickles. Why the long face – you lost something?” I asked. “No, mate. Can I ask you a question? Do you think I’m unattractive?” “Why do you ask?” I replied, “You are as cool as they come. I’d give you an ‘eight’ anytime.” “Yeah, but you have status – being the top cat – so, the girls are all over you. Remember that time when that fox was terrifying us all, and you went out and killed it all by yourself…? When you appeared, dragging his carcass back up the park, you could have had your pick of any of them. Those girls were all over you. No way could I kill a fox to impress the girls like you.” “Let me tell you a little secret,” I said with a wink, “but you can’t tell anybody. That fox was running at full speed at me to take my head off and, as it crossed the road, a car came around the corner and ran it over. Otherwise, mate, I wouldn’t be here now.”
“I have, mate. The Siamese. Is she not.... forthcoming…?” “Isn’t that. She never leaves the house – so I can’t even get introduced. I hang around for ages, but she never even goes into the garden, as far as I can see. I sit on the window sill for ages, and she just sits in the chair. Doesn’t even know I’m there.”. “So, find another one,” I said, always eager to help a friend. “There isn’t another one,” Pickles said, gloomily, “Not like her, anyway. She’s exotic… She’s got those almond-shaped, bright blue eyes… and that beautiful coffee-coloured coat, all shiny and sleek…” “Yeah, I know what you’re saying – she’s Siamese. They come from Thailand, and these Thai girls are the homely sort – they never want to go out. But I agree with you. She’s absolutely stunning, always immaculate. You have no chance mate.” Pickles wasn’t going to be put off. “But there must be a way to get inside the house. I just need five minutes to show her my affections. I mean, if she spurns me, well, fair enough – I just want half a chance…”
“Really?” he asked, slightly disappointed.
“Now, Pickles, mate,” I said, carefully, “I don’t want to crush your affections for her, but, the thing is, she is actually a he”.
“Yeah, really. Anyway, I know plenty of girls who like you. Maybe you should come up with a plan to impress this special one with some bravado act.”
“What?” Pickles stared back at me in disbelief. “Are you sure?” “Yes mate. Sure as eggs is eggs. It’s a well known fact around here – I thought you would have heard…”
“Good idea!” said Pickles, “Maybe we could stage a fight in her back garden and I take you out.”
“Yes, but what about his…?” Pickles struggled to find a polite word. “Gone, mate. He was taken down the vets and…” I paused for effect, “Snip…!”.
“If you think I’m doing that you have another thing coming.
Music centre for all 5–18 year-olds Calling all music creatives! Your future starts here! Sign up for your FREE tryout morning 07754217993 taunton@cym.org.uk www.cymtaunton.org.uk
01823 @CYMTaunton 257444
We are local accountants working with business owners and landlords who are looking for a better way to manage their financial affairs. 20-21 Bath Place, TA1 4ER 01823 617580
Call Drew: 01823 257444 14.
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To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk
.15
Scan the QR code to ďŹ nd an exciting job local to you. You can set up job alerts, view all of our live jobs and contact our branches straight from your phone.
Job Alerts Please select a job category to be immediately notiďŹ ed of new jobs. You can select more than one!
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01823 250025
Making
wedding wishes
come true
For many people with a terminal or life-limiting illness the chance to marry the love of their life is something they can only dream of. This is where The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation comes in. Founded in 2012, the charity’s aim is to help people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses have the wedding of their dreams. The charity organises weddings throughout the UK, with the support of a growing network of suppliers who offer their services at a reduced rate, or for free. Facebook: TheWeddingWishingWellFoundation Twitter: @wedwishingwell Instagram: @wedwishingwell weddingwishingwell.org | info@weddingwishingwell.org
Have fun and be inspired at Somerset Libraries. Stop-Motion Movie Magic (5yrs +) Create a stop motion movie using Play-Doh, cut-outs and Lego, add sounds and voices and watch your movie on the big flat screen!
· Saturday 28th September 11:00-12:00 · Saturday 26th October 11:00-12:00 Nintendo Switch (any age)
There are a fantastic array of events, activities and resources for children and young people in Somerset Libraries. In this edition of Word Gets Around we would like to give a taster of just some of the things happening at Taunton and Priorswood Libraries during September and October.
Play Nintendo Switch on the big screen in the Glass Box – challenge your friends with multi-play.
· Saturday 14th & 21st September 2:30-3:30 · Saturday 28th September 11:00-12:00 · Saturday 12th & 19th October 2:30-3:30 · Saturday 26th October 11:00-12:00
The most popular events for the very young have always been the free regular ‘Baby Boogie’ or ‘Rhyme Time’ sessions (for babies up to 12 months) – held on Fridays in Taunton Library during term time (11.00-11.30). Toddler Time sessions are also held on Thursdays during term time (11.00-11.30). In Priorswood Library, ‘Rhyme & Story Time’ sessions for little ones (0-4yrs) are held on Mondays all year round (11.00-11.30). Lego Club (6-12 yrs) Join in the fun and create your own Lego design, with different themes each week! In Taunton library there are weekly sessions as follows:
· 7th, 14th & 21st September 11:00-11:45 · 28th September 2:30-3:15 · 5th, 15th & 19th October 11:00-11:45 · 26th October 2:30-3:15
Code Club (9-11 yrs) Meet our dedicated volunteers and learn about computer coding, gaming and animations in the Glass Box - Sessions are held weekly on a Tuesday 4.00-5.00 Coderdojo (7-17 yrs) Explore more advanced programming skills
In Priorswood library - weekly sessions are as follows: -
Sessions are held fortnightly on a Wednesday 4.30-6.30
· Monday – Wednesday 9.00-12.00noon · Tuesday – Friday 1.00-5.00
Wednesday Youth Club (any age) A range of interactive activities from card games to high-tech gadgets run by Young Somerset in the Glass Box Meets every other Wednesday (late afternoon) (contact: chrisbucksey@youngsomerset.org.uk )
Chatterbooks (7-11 yrs) A monthly children’s book group in Taunton Library looking at a different theme each session with a range of craft and puzzle activities
· 7th September and 5th October 2.30-3.30 18.
There are also exciting one-off events such as T-Shirt and Bag Printing, Virtual Reality experiences and special workshops to develop digital skills.
For more information on any of these, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries, email: Taulib@somerset.gov.uk tel: 0300 123 2224
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Stop the PRESS!! October 7th – 12th is Libraries Week and we will be offering a range of special events and activities on the theme of ‘Digital’, so you can expect some great experiences including 3D printing, Virtual Reality and ‘how-to’ sessions to develop your digital skills. NHS Health Information Drop In sessions NHS Librarians will be available at Taunton Library on Monday 7th October 12-4pm to help with a range of health-related topics such as
· Finding trustworthy health information on the internet · Preparing for you doctor’s consultation · Long-term and short-term symptom management and tools to support general well-being
No need to book – just pop in to the Glass Box at any time in the afternoon.
Qualified Mindfulness & Compassion Teacher Offering a bespoke course to individuals and small groups. Mindfulness and Compassion can help profoundly with your health, well-being and happiness. From pain, anxiety, low-self esteem to blood pressure, immune system and much more. Caring for your mind, body and spirit.
Tel: 01823 400232 Mob: 07768 447826
Email: info@teresawort.co.uk www.teresawort.co.uk
KEV’S CLEANING SERVICES A family run business EST since 1986, with a friendly team of reliable and trustworthy window cleaners.
Window cleaning inside and out We also empty, unblock and clean guttering, fascias, soffits, downpipes, conservatories and roofs. We can fix leaking guttering. Regular and one off cleans!
(01823) 272260 | 07885 451628 www.kevscleaningservices.co.uk GUARANTEED a quality & professional service
Across 1 Designate (6) 5 Spooky (6) 8 Pitiful, feeble (8) 9 Outlay, expenditure (4) 10 Adamant (4) 11 Pamphlets (8) 12 Posture (6) 13 Friendlier (6) 15 Guarded, protected (8) 18 Dock, wharf (4) 19 Shadow, stalk (4) 20 D.H. ________, author of Sons and Lovers (8) 21 Cure, solution (6) 22 Vibrate, jangle (6) Down 2 An unexpected affront (4,2,3,4) 3 Savage, cruel (7) 4 _______ Wood, Hollywood actress (7) 5 Chocolate drink (5) 6 Transcend, shine (5) 7 Children’s party game (4,3,6) 13 A man whose wife is dead (7) 14 Polite demand (7) 16 _____ Simmonds, Paralympic swimmer (5) 17 Adjourn, postpone (5)
‘Crafternoon’ looking for members
Make friends with a knit and a natter Craft, Knitting, Crochet, Sewing, Cross stitch. A chance to make friends, keep busy and fight loneliness. They meet every Thursday 2-4:30pm for a ‘knit and a natter’ at Wellesley Street Community Hall (Priorswood). Any age welcome.
Call Mrs Wilcox on 01823 975748.
To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk
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The Founders of the Taunton Thespians would have claimed no far-sighted plans when, in 1927, they got together and said, “Let’s do a play.” Among them was Mr. Neville Bradshaw, a master at Taunton School and born organiser who acted as producer, business manager and even billposter. And so the posters went up for three performances of “Tilly of Bloomsbury” at the Lyceum Theatre, (latterly the Odeon and now apartments), with the name, The Taunton Thespians, added at the last minute to give a little class. The production was successful and Taunton Thespians became an established part of the local arts scene. In September 1939, members opted to “keep calm and carry on” despite the onset of war, indeed the number of productions increased to three a year. For players, the drama formed a valuable relaxation, and audiences, unable to travel far afield, were glad of the opportunity to see more plays.
The Wilmslow Boy, 1939 Over 90 years later we continue to stage two mainhouse productions annually at the Brewhouse Theatre Taunton. Our Annual Open Air Summer Tour plays at venues throughout Somerset and an established part of the Somerset Visitor & Leisure offering.
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The Importance of Being Earnest, 2019 The Thespians’ home is ‘The Place,’ Wilfred Road, Taunton. It is used for set building and storage, rehearsals, and workshops to develop members’ skills in Sound, Lighting, Set & Costume Design, Writing and Performance. We perform a traditional colourfully costumed Mummers entertainment complete with brave knights, mysterious princesses and a dragon. Our ‘Murder Squad’ present ‘Who Dun It’ mysteries which are great fun for us to perform and are especially rewarding when engaged by charities and local groups to raise funds for worthy causes. In between productions we like to let our hair (or theatrical wigs) down occasionally and have some ‘play’ time. Whether it be the annual treasure hunt, seasonal gatherings (Christmas, Burns Night… you get the drift) or trips to the theatre and arts events, we are always up to something! Current members range from 18 to over 80 and come from all walks of life. We extend an invitation to anyone interested in drama, on stage or behind the scenes, to get in touch and become part of something very special. We’ve been around for over 90 years and resolve, as did our society in 1939, to ‘carry on’ to our centenary and beyond. Visit the archive on our website to see details of every production since 1927. Will you find a family member or friend listed there? Are you ready to play your part?
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WA T K I N T OY S HOP Family run business. Est. 1940
Friendly, reliable & knowledgeable staff. Somerset West and Taunton Council fund a home improvement loan scheme for homeowners and landlords*. We understand the expense of maintaining your home. We want to help you to take the stress out of funding repairs, improvements or adaptations to your home. We see you as an individual, not a credit score. For a free, no obligation home visit or more information: Contact Wessex Resolutions CIC on 01823 461099 or visit www.wessexresolutions.org.uk *Subject to eligibility
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6 East Reach, Taunton TA1 3EN.
01823 272549
Limited parking outside 9am - 4:45pm.
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SECURE SELF STORAGE TAUNTON Secure, purpose build Self Storage, over 700 units with sizes from 20-260 sq ft 24/7 CCTV and alarm monitoring
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150 Priorwood Road Taunton, Somerset TA2 8DU To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk
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Martin G Straus 0747 007 8131 The 5th July 2019 was a landmark in my life I was 70, and chose to fully retire on that day. I recently visited Buckfast Abbey - an hour’s drive from Taunton. Or take the train from Taunton, changing at Exeter for Totnes, walk or bus to Totnes Riverside Station, a steam train ride on the South Devon Railway to Buckfastleigh and a very pretty walk to the Abbey. Admission is free and there is a superb value restaurant, but what has this Benedictine Buckfast Abbey to do with drink? Well, a lot actually! The monks invented Buckfast Tonic Wine (“Buckie”) in the 1890, now made under licence. There is huge range of Trappist Beers, made by monks from around the UK and abroad. And they stock the iconic liqueur Chartreuse, which is very herbal and unique, especially in cocktails. Yellow Chartreuse is 40% and milder/sweeter. Green Chartreuse is 55%, more complex, predominantly herbal taste profile and powerful finish. Both are superb, but quite different. Yellow is 70cl, Green 50cl, both at £36-£39– not cheap, but used carefully, goes a long away and makes a memorable cocktail! A special celebration? To celebrate my recent birthday, I was treated to lunch by a business associate and friend at an incredible value restaurant: Anise, 65 Station Road, Taunton, TA1 1PA (01823 352 121). Lunch is £11 for 2 courses or £13 for 3. À la Carte in the evening but also great value. Quality superb, and strongly recommended.
Although the company has grown to be one of the largest wine trade suppliers, these traditional French “carafe wines” have remained consistent in quality and are my recommendation for everyday drinking! My Cocktail for this issue is Green Ghost - credits to inventor J.B. Hurrell, the www.seriouseats.com website and Café Royal Cocktail Book (Coronation Edition 1937). I was privileged to be invited to the 80th Anniversary of the Café Royal and have a replica of this book! Green Ghost is pale green, pretty with great aroma and taste and very easy to make.
CORNER GREEN GHOST
• • • • • • • • •
30ml gin, classic style (I recommend Tanqueray) 7.5ml Green Chartreuse 7.5ml fresh lime juice (depends on size/ juiciness) about 1-1.5 limes Fill cocktail shaker with ice to chill. Then throw ice away Few cubes of ice and water in glass to chill Refill shaker with more ice Add gin, Chartreuse and lime juice Shake until well chilled (about 15 seconds) Strain into cocktail/Martini glass and serve
A new kid on the block - Wine & Dandy wine shop. At 7a Bath Place, Taunton, TA1 4ER (07876 550 588), Hugh Elliott - previously at Willowbrook Garden Centre - has years of experience and knows every wine he sells. At entry level, there are red, white, and rosé Cuvée Jean Paul wines I have known well and enjoyed for some 30 years at the bargain price of For all your catering £6.90. Paul Boutinot initially made and cleaning supplies. these retro-labelled wines from Call Chris on 07522143179 family vineyards, for sale to local gainesdisposablesupplies16@yahoo.com restaurants in the South of France. www.gainesdisposablesupplies.co.uk
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Neil Robertson Plumbing & Heating Ltd Plumbing - Heating - Renewables
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm emergency mobile: 07050 263606 e: info@neilrobertsonplumbing.co.uk www.neilrobertsonplumbing.co.uk
Plumbing: We cover all issues, Big or Small Heating: From a Boiler Service to Full Installation
Call us on: 01823 413999
• Bathroom installations /repairs • Taps • Pipework • Install or Repair Toilets • Fit Washing Machines / Dishwashers
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• Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets • Discounts for over 60s and EX Service personnel Call now to arrange a FREE survey and quote:
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*Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.
To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk
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The Last Word-Book Review With John Fish
Sweet Sorrow
The Lost Words: Spell Songs
By David Nicholls Published by Hodder & Stoughton (Released: 11th July 2019) 416 Pages.
By Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris together with eight musicians. Published by Folk by the Oak (Released: 11th July 2019) 112 Pages Plus 14 track CD.
Many will recall falling in love with One Day back in 2011 now David Nicholls returns with his fifth novel Sweet Sorrow and Nicholls takes the reader on a nostalgic journey back to the late 1990’s. A teenage love story that involves a little Shakespeare and one very special summer. Charlie Lewis is a 16-year-old and the summer has arrived and he is trying to forget his exams as they have gone badly he is drifting. Home is not where Charlie wants to be as his mum has left to be with another man and now Charlie has been left with his father. Home is not a happy place to be and he is trying not to think too far ahead. Then he meets Fran Fisher and now all Charlie wants is to be with Fran but for that to happen our hero must join a theatre group who are putting on a performance of Romeo and Juliet and Fran is playing Juliet. It is Charlie who is telling the story of his teenage years and recounting the story of his young life and watches how his family is torn apart leaving him alone with his father who has fallen on hard times after the collapse of his business. But we are routing for our Charlie and that first kiss with Fran at a party was something to cheer. I am not going to give the story away as Sweet Sorrow is just the perfect nostalgic read.
In October 2017 The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris was released and it was the vision of the publisher Hamish Hamilton that made this happen. Words such as Otter, Dandelion, Bluebell and Kingfisher to name just a few were being lost in children’s lives. Now thanks to Crowdfunding campaigns across the country these words are now being spoken back in the classrooms including here in Somerset. Now thanks to Folk by the Oak Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane are joined by a group of eight incredible musicians including Kerry Andrew, Julie Fowlis, Karine Polwart, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Beth Porter, Rachel Newton and Jim Molyneux came together and The Lost Words: Spell Songs were born. This is a CD Book as a companion to the original The Lost Words book. Fourteen songs about our natural world that are just breathtaking in their beauty. This 112-page sleeve note book contains photographs and details of all those involved in the project as well as words to the songs and also new artwork by Jackie Morris and accompanying acrostic poems by Robert Macfarlane. The songs are so incredible that you have to stop and listen to the words. Never have I ever thought of the Skylark as a little astronaut. Now I always will. These songs are songs of hope, a rallying for the future.
Read more of John’s book reviews at: www.thelastwordbookreview.wordpress.com
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WELCOME TO RESTORFIX A LOCAL COMPANY SPECIALISING IN BRINGING YOUR TILED AREAS BACK TO LIFE. Taunton Line Dancers is a community group based at COACH in French Weir park. We are a friendly bunch who meet twice a week and learn a variety of line dance routines in many different styles contrary to popular belief, it’s definitely not all country music! In fact, our routines incorporate a lot of different genres of dance including jive, waltz, Charleston and tango, as well as Latin dances such as the mambo and samba. We meet on Thursdays, 7.30 - 9.30pm, when we cover routines for all abilities from beginners right through to advanced, and on Fridays, 6.30 - 7.30pm when we cover strictly beginners routines only. It costs £5 per week to join us, and that covers both sessions - people are free to come to as much or as little as they want.
Our range of services are suitable for many domestic, business & commercial discount for environments. We welcome your orders placed enquiry and always happy to discuss in September your requirements. Please contact us & October for a free no-obligation quote.
Contact Janine on 07884 348369 or Helen on 07971 091990, or find us on Facebook.
Tel: 07717 494964 www.restorfix.co.uk
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Rage Against Rubbish was formed by Dan Perry and his nineyear-old son Riley, Jason Winter, Trev Vass and Sarah Johnstone, all kayakers, who regularly paddle along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal. Dan explained: “We were fed up with seeing vast amounts of rubbish and discarded items in the waterway. Originally the clean-up started by accident but before long we realised just how much litter was actually in the water and this made us want to do more. So we decided to organise a litter pick once a month along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal”.
Our aims We’re an unincorporated association and our aims are:
Litter Picking Events To host a litter pick once a month along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.
Recycle Recycle or dispose of the litter collected from the canal in the correct manner.
Community spirit To bring together the local community and to improve people’s mental well-being.
Impact on the environment To spread awareness of the impact littering has on the environment.
Encourage To encourage people in the local area to not litter and to reduce, reuse & recycle where they can.
Enjoy the canal To inspire people in the local community to use the waterway for recreational activities.
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Volunteering info We are always looking for more volunteers to help us collect litter! You can get involved by turning up to one of our monthly litter picks and you can choose to either collect litter from the towpath along the canal or book a kayak/canoe free of charge and pick litter from the waterway. We do have bin bags, bag hoops, gloves and litter pickers for people to use but if you do have your own please bring them along. No one is too old or young to join but we do ask that all children are supervised by an adult. We meet at the YMCA George Williams Centre on Friarn Avenue in Bridgwater for every litter pick. We are also linking with the CPRE’s Green Clean for our September litter pick on Saturday, September 28 – more info here: https://bit.ly/2YXNzMt We’ll count all the bottles and cans that we collect and the CPRE will use the evidence to keep the pressure on the Government to create the best possible deposit return system for England. If you would like to help us on our quest, please visit our event page for the date of our next litter pick. For general enquiries email: rageagainstrubbish@gmail.com ragerubbish rageagainstrubbish rageagainstrubbish
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We are a family business who pride ourselves in providing a personal service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We make a commitment to you to take care of all the necessary funeral arrangements and offer a very personal and discreet service. We can provide all types of service and burial including Green and Woodland burials, horsedrawn funerals, military funerals and we can also arrange services in all religious denominations plus non-religious and humanist life celebrations as well.
Our Traditional funeral service ÂŁ2650.00 (all inclusive). Our Low cost funeral service is ÂŁ1350.00 * Price valid at time of publication. May be subject to change.
We would be happy to discuss this style of service with you and answer any questions you may have. 01823 277938 | 69 Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA1 1DG. 01823 971447 | Yeomans, Eastcombe, Bishops Lydeard, TA4 3HU. info@quantockfuneralservices.co.uk www.quantockfuneralservices.co.uk
Painting Contractors Ltd Commercial, Domestic & Industrial
T: 01823 253658 M: 07850 343831 E: info@abstractdecorators.com
To advertise please call Clive on 01823 765045 or email clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk
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BUYING & SELLING PROPERTY
SHARED OWNERSHIP
CRIMINAL LAW & MOTORING OFFENCES
WILLS PROBATE & TRUSTS
FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE
DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS
EMPLOYMENT LAW
AGRICULTURAL LAW
RUMWELL HALL | RUMWELL | TAUNTON | SOMERSET | TA4 1EL B R I D G WAT E R | TA U N T O N | M I N E H E A D | Y E O V I L | M A R T O C K | E X E T E R
A M I C U S L AW.C O.U K | 0 18 2 3 4 6 2 52 5
ENROL NOW! COURSES FOR ADULTS
BTC provides hundreds of courses for adults! ENROL NOW - online, by phone or in person. ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS AVAILABLE Only repay once you’re earning over £25,725 a year!
Half Price Desserts
Seasonal dishes cooked and served by our Hospitality & Catering students. OPEN WED - FRI FOR LUNCH
For lunchtime service only. Present this voucher on arrival. For the menus visit our facebook page or see www.btc.ac.uk. Search for The Quantock Restaurant. Scroll down, click on Learn More, click on the menu link. EXPIRY DATE: 22 Nov 2019
Photography by Clayton Jane
www.btc.ac.uk BRINGING OUT YOUR BEST
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To book: 01823 366497 tomlinsonr@btc.ac.uk
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SO LD ! 75 %
New home & New friends Retirement Living at McCarthy & Stone means doing what you want, when you want and Lock House in Taunton is no exception. New friends close by and all the benefits of your own private apartment gives you the choice to decide how you spend your time. Enjoy fully maintained gardens, meet up with your neighbours in our carefully designed social lounge, or just spend more time on the things and people you love.
Lock House
Keeper Close, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1AX Open Tues-Sat, 10.30am-5pm One and two bedroom apartments for sale or rent from ÂŁ236,500#.
Why our homeowners choose us:
3 Continued independence, in a manageable home 3 The reassurance of a Manager taking care of the development 3 Feeling safe and secure with camera door-entry and a 24-hour emergency-call system 3 Great location, close to local amenities
To find out more...
Call 0800 153 3428 mccarthyandstone.co.uk/lockhouse #Subject to availability.
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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.
The Lion King 9/10
Yesterday 10/10
So much better than I expected. Animation has reached a huge new height. The story is great - many of you would have seen it before - as a result some might be disappointed it probably won’t be a classic or loved as much as the original, but it was a worthy remake.
Pure perfection romcom. Add the ingredients of the writer of Love Actually, the rags to riches and director and theme of Slumdog Millionaire and the music of Beatles, and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect British romantic comedy. A great journey full of smile laughter joy fear and crying. All in all it was thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
Horrible Histories: Rotten Romans 9/10 Thoroughly enjoyable. Good family comedy continues the tradition of making history fun for all the family. Don’t go expecting a high brow history lesson go there for fun, and you’ll enjoy it.
The Current War (2017) 5/10 The highlight was Nicholas Hoult’s acting - widely underrated he has come along way since About a Boy and Skins. Average, concentrates too much on Edison and not enough on Tesla.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 1/10 An insult to Sergio Leone. There were some impressive factors however, but the bad bits overwhelmed the good parts. The recreation of the 1960s was impressive although seeing Pan Am 747’s flying in 1969 was either a goof or all part of the Hollywood ‘fairytale’ playing with history. Overall it a poor movie and plays little homage the the brilliant ‘Once upon a time in the West’ or ‘America’. It’s undeserving of the title.
Annabelle Comes Home 4/10 The ingredients are there, the jumps, the evil, the doll, the spirits. You just feel like you’ve been here before and this film adds nothing to the franchise apart from $$.
The Queen’s Corgi 5/10 It’s just your average low budget second tier animation. It’s not Beauty and the Tramp, but there’s a story in there somewhere. A story of jealousy and love whilst emulating human behaviour of snobbery, bullying and deceit - it’s not unenjoyable but it’s not the best film you’ll see.
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Toy Story 4 10/10 The toys are back in town. Great storytelling and an enjoyable family animated classic from start to finish. You’ll love the well known characters, the new owners , the sinister goings on in the antique shop and most of all you’ll love FORKY. What a brilliant ‘trash’ character.
Men In Black: International 2/10 Men in black plus women in black doesn’t quite sound as good, and neither was the film. This will be as memorable as the worst remakes / reboots eg Mad Max -if it’s aim was to simply to make money I’m pretty sure it flopped at that as it was pulled after only one week.
Midsommar 4/10 Fails to live up to expectations. If you’re like me you’ll see the trailer and poster and think this is going to be some sort of homage to The Wicker Man the 1970s cult classic starring William Woodward .Ultimately, the film was a let down and quite sad - although the main protagonist seems to finish the film with renewal and joy, you’re unlikely to feel the same.
Spider-Man: Far from Home 1/10 Some films you stay till the credits have ended, some films you can’t wait for the credits to start so you can leave. This was the latter. The first ten minutes were ok had good humour as soon as they landed in Europe it all went down hill. You’ll be relieved when it finishes - people couldn’t get out of the cinema quick enough.
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Carrie-Ann Crowe My Chinese friend said he had opened a crow’s shop, I said, you mean CLOTHES. He said ‘No, come and have a rook’ 32 Krystal Ball The hardness of butter is directly proportional to the softness of the bread. 6 Oliver Beer To the man on crutches, dressed in camouflage, who stole my wallet - you can hide, but you can’t run. 12 Moana Littlemore What do we want? Formula 1 noises When do we want them? Neeeeowwwww 10 Noah Fence I’m addicted to tupperware, it’s been so hard trying to keep a lid on it... 19 Emma Roids Hedgehogs, eh? Why can’t they just share the hedge? 22 Carrie Ohkee I hid my wife’s box of Scrabble last night. She was lost for words. 11
DBS & CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS
Chris P. Bacon Started my new job at a chess piece manufacturer; I’m on Knights tonight. 34 Faye Sake I’m fuming, just paid a carpenter, in advance, to make me a king sized bed.. He’s only done a bunk!
Quick & easy to use online system
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Efficient processing and results emailed direct to you Results in as little as 24 hours Personal service with dedicated account manager Enhanced, standard, basic & right to work checks available to both small and large organisations Full guidance and support given regarding eligibility, ID checking and the application process Enhanced DBS check: £55.50.
To register or for more information: admin@rcpa.org.uk or 01823 351630 www.rcpa.org.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.
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ARE YOU USING YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND? “It’s the best home improvement we have ever made. Our conservatory is now our dining room in the garden.” Mike Millis, Middleton On Sea
SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE
LATER THAT DAY
*Quote Ref WGA0919 • COOLER IN SUMMER • WARMER IN WINTER BEFORE
SUBSTANTIAL SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE ON OUR INSULATED CONSERVATORY ROOFING PANELS We’re planning to make insulation a must have addition to every conservatory across the UK. We are therefore offering a SUBSTANTIAL SUBSIDY to a limited number of suitable properties in selected areas. To find out more about the benefits that the Green Space system can offer and see if your conservatory is suitable for any potential subsidies, contact us now.
Call free on:
CONSERVATORY ROOFS
0800 65 25 157 www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk
*Finance subject to status, T&C’s apply. Subsidies are limited by area and not guaranteed. Putting off your enquiry could reduce the potential subsidy available to you
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