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Community News - Features - Reviews and more.

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ISSUE 43 .1

BUY | SELL | BUY BACK | GOLD

Looking to buy, sell or raise money? At Money Maker you can sell for cash on-the-spot, pick up a nearly new bargain or raise money against items of value.

12 Station Road, Taunton TA1 1NH 9 Eastover, Bridgwater TA6 5AG Minimum age 18. Proof of ID & address required. Further terms & conditions apply. For help, go to moneyadviceservice.org.uk.

Smart new look for local stores! Former Cash Converters stores in Taunton and Bridgwater have undergone a makeover during lockdown with a smart new look – still oﬀering the same great products and services, maybe it’s time to take a closer look at what they can oﬀer?

explains Area Manager Ben Bland. “We also offer a pawnbroking service and of course if you’re on the lookout for a pre-owned bargain, it is definitely worth dropping by to see what gems we’ve got in-store”, he continues. It’s been a challenging few months for everyone and after so much disruption it’s great to be able to see something positive has come out of all of this. As the world slowly gets back to normal you can rely on the new look, rebranded MoneyMaker to be there for you if needed.

Regular visitors to stores in Station Road, Taunton and Eastover in Bridgwater are in for a pleasant surprise when they next drop by. “Aside from our smart new look our regulars will be pleased to know that we’re still offering all the services that we always have. At MoneyMaker we pay instant cash for most items of value with the option to buy back later; anything from unwanted phones, musical instruments to jewellery and gold.”

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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

www.wordgetsaround.co.uk

We have some good news for our readers and advertisers. As from May we will be bringing you our magazine out on a monthly basis, rather than bi-monthly. We are also splitting the magazine into three, giving our advertisers more flexibility and choice and in turn, gives us the opportunity to offer better discounts. For us, it means twice as much work in half the time. For our readers much will stay the same, except you’ll be getting our great articles more regularly. As I write this our prime minister Boris Johnson has just laid out his roadmap to ease restrictions, month by month, but driven by data and not dates. We must all do our bit as the end is in sight. I have been humbled by the way that the Covid-19 vaccinations are being administered across the country by the NHS and an army of volunteers. After being cooped up indoors for what seems like an eternity, it’s great to be able to get outside again, and wonderful to feel that first touch of warm sunshine on my face. Exposure to sunlight brings a muchneeded boost both to our morale and our physical health so I for one will be making the most of the lighter evenings to come. We are hoping by then businesses will able to trade again, so it’s vital we use their services and boost our local economy. As well as injecting the vaccine we need to inject some normality back in our lives. One thing is for sure it’ll make us appreciate life a whole lot more. Until next time!

Clive

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The change in the retail sector started a good few years ago. The man behind the counter. “Are you being served”? Spiller and Webber became part of that change when they closed shortly after their centenary in 1990. “A Proud Tradition of Service” stated the 100th Birthday special in the County Gazette of April 6th, 1990. Their first advertisement in the Gazette came in April 1890 as Ironmongers and Oil, Colour and Glass Merchants. Kitchen Ranges Fixed and Baths Fitted. The company founders were George Spiller and Charles Webber. The business at 7 Bridge St prospered and in 1912 became a limited company. The original two-story premises were enlarged in 1937. To keep the business going much of the work was done at night and it took nearly a year to complete. The building work was undertaken by Moggridge and Sons. 4.

The fourth-floor containing offices was added in 1956. Work continued in the 1960s as a car park was provided and the ground floor sales area expanded. Stodgels carried out extensive interior work in 1980 to comply with new fire regulations. Two new staircases were built and all four floors restructured. This work took six months and cost £63,000. 1985 saw a change of ownership at Spiller and Webber as the company was bought by the Stansell Group another family firm that sought to maintain the same personal approach to customers and staff. This enabled substantial investment in the warehouse arrangements with new plumbing and building counters. The stock level had risen to over 30,000 items so a new ICL computer system was installed. It took six months to bring the system to full working order. In 1987 George Spiller’s Penny Farthing bicycle was restored and adopted as the company logo. You can see it in the accompanying image. The same year saw a redesign of the ground floor and a year later a new

Twyfords Bathroom Centre was completed on the first floor. Later in the 1980s, the kitchen display area was modernised and the fireplace showroom refurbished to exhibit some 20 fireplaces and hearth accessories.1990 then saw the companies 100th anniversary. Sadly it was not to last. Fashion and times have changed. In 1937 Spiller and Webber advertised a wonderful new concept in design. The coloured toilet basin. Previously all sanitary fittings were white. Now they have reverted back to white again but the “are you being served”? concept is unlikely ever to return. Some of the staff in later years at Spiller and Webber included John Croker, Jim Westcott, George Glover, Cyril Alexander, Muriel Lewis, Arthur North, Jack and Sid Salter, Harold Winter, Harry Cook, George Kimmins, Jim Crews, Bill Newton, Stan Durman, Walter King, Ron Bone, Arthur Pinn, Edward Ricketts, and Alan Tremethick whom I knew well. The fine building still remains and is occupied by The Coal Orchard on another road into the ever-changing retail sector of our towns.

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Focusing on the ‘there and in a little while’ With Jo Middleton

Writing this column feels a bit like listening to The Archers. There’s a lot less in the way of lambing and what not obviously - I’m thinking more of the fact that I write it with a delay before publication. The Archers records about six weeks ahead I think, and while normally it’s pretty easy to take a stab at what the world is going to look like six weeks from now, this last year has been a little harder to predict hasn’t it? I listened today and some of the men were off to the pub for socially distanced birthday drinks. I wish. When everything is so unpredictable, in such a state of flux, a lot of people will say that all we can do is to live in the moment. Don’t think of the past or the future, just take every day as it comes, focus on the here and now. 6.

Which is all well and good, but what about if the here and now is actually pretty lonely and tedious? What if the here and now is yet another daily walk around the park nearest to your house with your immediate family who, if you’re honest, you’re more than a little fed up with? I’m choosing instead to focus on the ‘there and in a little while.’ As much as I try to find pleasure day to day, I NEED something to look forward to. I’m used to my diary being full of work events, dinners out with friends and weekends away to keep me motivated. Staring at the blank pages, with no fun on the horizon, is just too much. In a bid to create our very own light at the end of the tunnel, a group of friends and I booked a mini-break this week - a weekend away in Dorset at the end of April. It’s hugely optimistic of us I know, but it feels worth it, if only for the excitement we had researching places to stay and planning our quite probably imaginary itinerary. ‘I’ve spoken to the AirBnb owners,’ said my friend Debbie, self-appointed accommodation booker, ‘and they are happy to give us a full refund if we need to cancel, less the AirBnb fees, which will be £30 each.’ We all thought about it for about three milliseconds.

‘Let’s do it!’ we said. ‘£30 is worth it just for the fun of having something to look forward to isn’t it?’ And you know what? It really is. In these tough times we have to hold onto hope. We have to keep visualising that light at the end of the tunnel, where we can go away with friends and drink cocktails and dance. We have to have those things in the near future, to keep us pushing on through the repetitive park walks. So in the spirit of looking forward, optimistically, I am going to imagine that you’re reading this in a pub garden. The spring sunshine is warm on your back and your beer is cold in your hand. A girl’s gotta dream right? Copywriter, author, speaker, self titled ‘word whore’.

Jo is the owner of the longrunning and hilariously funny parenting blog, Slummy Single Mummy and author of ‘Playgroups and Prosecco’.

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The Last Word-Book Review With John Fish

A Promised Land By Barack Obama

A Net for Small Fishes By Lucy Jago

Published by Viking (Published: 17th November 2020) 68 Pages PB £35.00

Published by Bloomsbury (Released: 4th February 2021) 352 Pages HB £16.99

Barack Obama’s memoir A Promised Land takes us from his childhood through to the killing of Osama Bin Laden in 2011. It is beautifully written but what really stands out is just how candid Obama is throughout. As the 44th President of the United States and his wife left the Whitehouse for the last time and boarded Air Force One, this is when Obama began to write what is to be his first instalment of his memoirs in pen. This is an elegant memoir that has some rather interesting comments about some of the world leaders at the time Obama was President. There are intimate moments contained in his memoir of his family and notably of his wife Michelle and the moment he wanted to run for President and Michelle asking ‘why you’. This is a bond so strong and the love for his family through to his mother and grandparents shines like a beacon.

What Obama does bring is honesty and he opens up about his failings and wanting to have done more but each time he walked into the Oval office he knew the sense of reverence and the responsibility of office which included being Commander in Chief and sending armed forces into action and writing letters to the families of those killed in action.

Obama also talks of his love of books and how he would grab moments just to read and help him relax. During his time as President he would often share his favourite reads from the Whitehouse. The much anticipated memoir from Barack Obama has reached new heights of modern day political memoirs. Volume two will be just as anticipated.

This is a sumptuous 17th century novel based on the true story of the scandal at the heart of the Jacobean court. This is the time of the reign of King James I and what Lucy Jago brings into the novel is a rich blend of both fact and fiction that tells the story of the two main characters the Countess Frances Howard and Mrs Anne Turner. Both women could not be different for Frances she was in an arranged marriage at age of just 14 to the 13 -year-old Robert Devereux who was the 3rd Earl of Essex and she was abused by her husband. Frances is beautiful but locked in a marriage leaving her desperately unhappy and fearful on the other hand Anne Turner really has nothing but it is her husband who is a respected doctor. But life within the royal court is paved with danger, you are in the Kings favour one day and you can fall the next and so it is when news reaches the King that Sir Thomas Overbury who was imprisoned in the Tower of London died but not of natural causes but was actually poisoned. But by who and why? It just so happened that Overbury was a close friend and advisor to Robert Carr. After the death of Overbury, the marriage between Frances Howard and Robert Devereux was annulled and that just months later Frances and Robert Carr were married. Now the two women at the centre of this story are now in a precarious position to put it mildly as any woman who dared to stand up and challenge would face the ultimate sanction. So much detail is contained within the storyline which makes for a terrific read.

Read more of John’s book reviews at: www.thelastwordbookreview.com 8.

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Formerly Taunton Uniforms Opening when permitted. Monday - Saturday 9-5

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The Real McCoy! I just love smoked salmon. I’ve been enjoying it for as long as I can remember. In my childhood, on bread of different types, and over the years with scrambled eggs, on a plate with lemon wedges or on a toasted bagel with cream cheese. And it goes with so many alcoholic drinks, including Champagne! The type of wine, whisky or vodka depends on the salmon smoking style. There are several types too, ranging from the mild, rich London smoke to the heavily peated Scottish smoke. And the cut varies from the “D” slice (by machine) found in supermarket packets to long ultra-thin slices, cut by hand – by far my favourite. Every Christmas season I buy a side of smoked salmon and slice it myself with a proper salmon carving knife. I have alternated over the years between Loch Fyne Bradan Orach (Highland style) and Foreman’s for a traditional London smoke (Jewish deli style). I have recently discovered another online supplier, Goldstein’s (goldteinsalmon.com). The company was founded 1911, but until recently their trading name was unknown to consumers - they traditionally supplied the trade, including many Jewish delicatessens and restaurants. They now supply direct to the consumer, on very competitive delivery terms, so I recently gave them a trial order for smoked salmon and smoked cod roe - both were superlative, and reminded me of the style I remember from my youth. With a Scottish smoke, I particularly like a dry Alsace Gewurztraminer wine (a malt whisky can go well too), but this fish was much milder and richer in flavour, and a great match was an excellent Sancerre (Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference). Champagne also worked well, I can strongly the Wine Society, including their outstanding house Champagne (from Alfred Gratien) and Boizel (which I sold to the trade for ten years) and both are available in half bottle, which I find very useful. I have belonged to the Wine Society (founded 1874) since 1973, and it is unique in the world, with the largest temperature-controlled cellars in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Members own one share each, with all dividends going back into the Society’s funds. I cannot recommend them strongly enough (www. thewinesociety.com). Life membership is one-off £40 payment, and you get £20 back to spend right away.

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CORNER T H E C A LVA D O S CO C KTA I L Last edition’s cocktail featured Somerset Cider Brandy, so it seems appropriate to go talk about a classic also based on cider brandy, mentioned in the iconic Savoy Cocktail Book (first published 1930). Calvados (apple brandy) is highly relevant to Tauntonians (Calvados Road, Lisieux Way etc). • 45ml Calvados (I used Dupont, Calvados, Pays d’Auge, 42% abv) • 22.5ml Cointreau, 40% abv • 30ml freshly squeezed orange juice • 2 dashes orange bitters (I used Regan’s Orange Bitters No 6)

SHAKE with plenty of ice, then STRAIN into a chilled cocktail (Martini) glass (no garnish essential, but a slice of apple might be appropriate if you wish). A true gem! Beautifully balanced and refreshing. Gentle acidity from the orange juice, balanced by the herbal sweetness from the Cointreau. The appley Calvados comes through nicely on the finish.

Follow Martin’s Drinks Club on Facebook and on YouTube for a wonderful blend of recipes for you to mix, and enjoy at home.

facebook.com/martinsdrinksclub wgalink.com/martinsdrinksclub Scan the QR code with your smartphone.

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.11

As I write this, we are still in lockdown but there is lots of good news, the infection rates are coming down and more and more people are receiving their vaccine. Today I thought I would share ideas with you for a mindful walk. Often, we go out for a walk and get lost in our thoughts or even talking on our mobile we are on autopilot and missing what nature has to offer. Step outside and use your senses feel the air brush your face, is it cold, a springling of rain or warm? Listen to the sounds, hopefully birds, and what can you smell? As I write we have had lots of rain and the mud has washed on to the road, and I have been able to smell the disturbed earth, but most of all what can you see? from snow drops, daffodils, primroses, violets, crocuses, pussy willow to catkins the signs of spring are there. New life with baby lambs, always a moment of joy. If you live in a town nature is there too and it is always good to look up, we have some fabulous buildings but how often do we take the time to look at them and see their beauty? If you are unable to go for a walk, then look out of your window open it if you can, enjoy the fresh air and look around you there is new life growing, Spring is here, enjoy.

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.13

We’re Still Here For You! @SomersetLibrariesUK

Somerset Libraries invites you to pop in and try the ‘Library Choice’ service which has been hugely popular over the lockdown periods, with customers saying how much they have enjoyed their ‘mystery reads’ picked out for them by friendly, knowledgeable library staff. If you love reading crime or romance, why not try a different author or perhaps a whole new genre? Have you ever tried talking books, so you can just sit back and let someone else read a story? (talking books are free for anyone with a sight impairment) or why not let staff show you how to sign up and download free e-Magazines, e-Audiobooks or e-Newspapers, with free back-issues and you can keep them for as long as you like. You could even borrow a DVD for a small fee and watch a film you haven’t seen before, or perhaps re-kindle some memories with one you watched some time ago.

The public computers are also available for anyone who may be struggling with IT at home, although you may need to pre-book a session so staff have time to ensure everything is properly cleaned in line with requirements to make things ‘Covid safe’.

Jobseekers can also borrow an internet-ready tablet for free for up to six weeks – great for job searching, developing a CV or finding out how to perform in an online interview. All you need to do to access any of this is drop-in to your local library – if you are not a member or if you would someone to check if your library membership is still valid that’s fine, the friendly staff will be happy

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to help, just bring proof of identification with you such as a driving licence or passport.

Regular online videos, activities and reading suggestions is still being posted on the Somerset Libraries website and via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

For anyone unable to leave their home, the Home Library Service is still able to offer a doorstep delivery service – contact kirsty.Jenssen@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk for details of how to arrange a visit from a volunteer. To check opening hours of libraries, please visit www.somersetlibraries.co.uk or call 0300 123 2224

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Helping Hands Caring since 1989

Do you need a little help at home? With over 30 years’ experience, Helping Hands has the expertise to provide high quality home care that is bespoke to your needs. Care is available in Taunton and the surrounding Somerset areas.

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.15

Helping women and men find their colour and style confidence, so they can look and feel fabulous everyday! Having my “colours done” changed the way I dressed (very neutral in black, navy, beige....you get the picture??!) and gave me the confidence of how to wear colour. I would go as far to say that it changed my life! It injected fun, laughter and confidence in my day to day dressing all in one go! One of the best things I have ever done! Now, just because I have a lot of beautiful colours in my colour wallet, it doesn’t mean that I wear them all at once so that I am a walking kaleidoscope every day!! Yikes!! That wouldn’t suit my style personality at all because I am more of a classic girl (more on that later!). I choose to wear the colours I am drawn to....I get a feeling of what I need for that particular day.

The Power of Colour!!

I look pretty happy in this photograph don’t I? Take away the sunny day, blue doors, yellow bag and shoes...oh, and my red lippy (and nails) and it wouldn’t be so colourful and I may not be throwing my head back and laughing so much! lol! But I had everything to be happy for... it was a bright, sunny day, I had just started my own business and this was my first photo shoot with the very talented Aisling Magill of Aisling Magill Photography (www.aislingmagill.com). This particular photo was one of the last to be taken that day and I can’t for the life of me remember what made me laugh so hard?! Anyway, I digress! The reason I chose this pic for my first ever blog was because it showed how happy I was and how powerful a pop of colour can be! 16.

You may have noticed that I said it “put confidence in my every day dressing”, as I see so many people save colour for going on their summer holiday or for a special occasion like a wedding...such a waste!! Colour should be worn every day, don’t save it for something special!! It has the power to lift you if you’re feeling a bit blue, it can excite you, it can empower you, it can help you look more radiant (and younger!)...the list of positivity goes on and on! I always liken seeing someone in colour as a rainbow after a grey rainy day, it’s wonderfully uplifting and always makes me smile! How do you feel when you see a rainbow? So, if you need to inject a bit of colour confidence to your every day wardrobe please do drop me a message and I will get you booked in for a Colour Consultation so you can rock back out of lockdown feeling positively radiant!

Louise

mail. info@stylebylouise.com facebook. @yourstylebylouise instagram. @style.by.louise Tel: 07557858069 Gift vouchers available www.stylebylouise.com

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We understand that this is a worrying time for everyone, with an unstable job market so it’s more important than ever to make sure you get the right advice. A co-ordinated network of business, employment, skills, and apprenticeships support has been created across Somerset in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Whether you’re looking for work or need business advice and support, let us help to point you in the right direction.

Employment Support Whether you are searching for your next job opportunity, starting a new career, working on your employability skills or just beginning your journey in the work of work, you will find information and support to help you on the STEP UP Somerset website. Through STEP UP you can: • • • • •

Access support to create a strong CV, write a good covering letter and improve your interview techniques Find out how you can borrow an iPad, with internet access Find out how you can develop your skills to improve your employment prospects Search through local employment opportunities in our key sectors Find advice and guidance for young people who are making choices about their future

Redundancy Support Are you facing redundancy, or have recently been made redundant, and not sure what to do next? This can be a very stressful time, but it can also offer new opportunities, like the chance to retrain or work for yourself. Help is available on the STEP UP Somerset website. However, if you do not have internet access, then you can seek support from our Helpline on 0300 790 6275. Through STEP UP you can: • •

Seek advice about your rights if you’re made redundant Find out who to speak to on short-term financial and welfare support, such as claiming benefits, debt support and mental health

Redundancy support for businesses If you may need to make redundancies, then advice is available from Step Up Somerset. A package of support across a range of partners can be established to help your business and the affected individuals through the process.

www.stepupsomerset.org.uk

Support for Green Pre-start & Start-Up Businesses Somerset Authorities are launching expert training and support for Green Pre-Start and Start-Up businesses across Somerset. This will support you from an idea, to market analysis, commercialisation, business case development and legal structure support, and will ensure new business are aware of their carbon footprint and how to create a carbon capture plan, plus much more.

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Support for business Independent advisors are available to help Somerset businesses needing Covid support or to develop and grow. They can offer 1-2-1 sessions to help businesses access the right assistance, including local and national training, skilling up and access to business support schemes.

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

.17

Taunton Town F.C haven’t kicked a ball since November, the Peacocks await a formal announcement from the Football Association and Southern League as to whether the 2020/21 season will continue or be terminated due to the pandemic. With each week passing it becomes more likely that it will be impossible for Tier 3 Non-League Clubs complete all outstanding fixtures by May and planning is well underway for a hopeful return to football during the summer for a full 2021/22 season.

Whilst only being able to open for a handful of home games during the fragmented season, the Club SHOP has continued to thrive and despite the challenges of the past year, has significantly increased sales from the 2019/20 season. Much of this was achieved through SHOP’s popular ‘Remote trading’ capability over the last twelve months. This has allowed supporters to purchase products via email, making payment via a secure mobile payment facility and collecting goods through appointment at the main gate at the ground.

Whilst the squad are not actively engaged in playing football due to the current restrictions, the management team’s focus has been on checking on the players welfare and moral and looking at building a squad for the 2021/22 season.

New bespoke products including face coverings, snoods, Baseball Caps and Calendars proved a great success alongside the the SCS Ltd/ Joma Supporters Range and the 2020/21 Home and Away shirts from which sales have enabled the Club to donate £220 to the Love Musgrove Charity.

With no opportunity to arrange the usual ‘Squad Photograph’ for the ‘stalled’ 2020/21 season due to social- distancing restrictions the individual team photos were the only option. Player and staff photographs were kindly taken by Club sponsor Ian Lewis, Managing Director of 360 South West Ltd at the last possible training session prior to the current lockdown, examples of which can be seen in this article.

18.

Club SHOP Manager, Lee Derrick commented, “We desperately miss our colleagues, supporters and valued customers. It’s been the most awful of times for everyone but we will return, bigger, brighter and better. We will hopefully have football back again and those cold, rainy frosty afternoons and nights in winter will feel all the better back together again at Wordsworth Drive”. UpThePeacocks!

The Peacock’s SHOP hopes to re-commence trading once current restrictions are relaxed (albeit remotely initially until football returns) and will be launching its own website in the near future. Going forward the Peacocks plan to, incorporate Match, Ball, Player Sponsorships to the growing portfolio of the Club SHOP which will free-up some much needed time for Chief Executive and Chairman, Kevin Sturmey.

Photos Courtesy of Ian Lewis360 South West Ltd.

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SUPPORT LOCAL THIS EASTER AND #HOPLOCAL ShopAppy enables you to buy goods and services online from their local retailers and businesses.

shopappy shopappyuk

To view the list of shops, services and markets available in the Somerset West and Taunton area, visit www.shopappy.com

#HopLocal #ShopAppy #SupportLocal When shopping in person remember to follow the latest government guidelines.

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

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BRAIN TRAIN

Cognitive training is a program of regular activities that help to maintain or improve one’s cognitive abilities.

Hi! I’m Petee. My friend Charlie the Chameleon is great at hiding. He’s hidden somewhere within this magazine. See if you can spot him and email us with where he is. Email.... info@wordgetsaround.co.uk*

Where’s that to?

Across

1 5 8 9 10 11 12 14 18 20 22 23 24 25

Grand house (7) Verifiable truths (5) Dividends, earnings (5) Ghoulish, spooky (7) Evened the score (7) Coach, teach (5) Animosity, hatred (6) Stick, attach (6) Permit (5) Sincere (7) Beasts (7) Belief (5) Ledge (5) Pudding (7)

Can you name these Somerset born celebrities?

Important business person (7) Sound (5) Brilliance, astuteness (7) Wanderers, travellers (6) One side of a many-sided object Savoy, Red, or Napa (7) Severe, sombre (5) Depression, sickness (7) Ridicules (7) Drain, take out (7) Stopped (6) Collect, compile (5) Dock, levee (5) Bald, Golden or Pygmy (5)

How to play...

Two girls born on the same day in the same year – they have the same parents and yet they’re not twins. How come?

20.

1 2 3 4 5 (5) 6 7 13 15 16 17 18 19 21

Sudoku

Ok, get this one...

1. The letter Q is only one that doesn’t appear in any U.S. state name. 2. Armadillo shells are bulletproof. 3. Cats have fewer toes on their back paws. 4. Avocados were named after reproductive organs. 5. You only have two body parts that never stop growing; nose and ears. 6. Sloths have more neck bones than giraffes.

Down

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Aphrodite Apollo Ares Artemis Athena Ceres Demeter Diana Dionysos Hephaestos Hera Hermes

Juno Jupiter Mars Mercury Minerva Neptune Poseidon Venus Vesta Vulcan Zeus

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Minehead Office

Taunton Office

t. 01643 707777

t. 01823 745777

22 The Parks, Minehead, TA24 8BT.

17 The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4EB.

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

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Ginger George Taunton’s Top Cat - The word on the street. Sometimes I do wonder about my friends. Yesterday I went out for my usual walk and as I approached the park I could see a group of cats. One ran out to meet me. “Ginge, Blackie has seen a dragon up the park, and we are all a bit frightened to go in there”, shouts Mindy, a small fluffy white female. “A dragon”, I say, “Now that is unusual, you don’t see many dragons around here. And how big is this dragon?”

“Well this is the weird thing, my keepers talk to her and she talks back, but she’s nowhere to be seen. I’m convinced she is a witch. She can make things move. I tell you Ginge, I’m not going back in the house”. “Well, this does seem weird. What sort of things does she move then?” I ask. “The curtains Ginge, she can open the curtains at will, or switch the lights on and off. They call her …. Alexa”!

“Well, Blackie says it was 15 feet long”, she replies. I walk up to Blackie and asked him. “Blackie, this dragon, did it breathe fire and smoke”? “Err, not that I recollect”, he replies. “And how long is the dragon” “Well I’d say about 15ft” “And how long would you say I am”? Blackie looked me up and down and with a ponderous look, “At a guess Ginge, 10ft!”. That is what I thought. Blackie has not perception of size, or maths come to that. “So, Blackie, what you are saying it is slightly longer than me, yes?” “Well yea, I guess so, but it’s still a dragon”. “Then I suspect it could have been the escaped Iguana you saw which has escaped from the wildlife park”. “A What!”, he asks. “An ignoramus Blackie, an ignoramus”. This morning I caught up with him again. “I see on the tv that the ignoramus, or dragon has been caught and returned to the zoo”, he tells me. Blackie looks at me, still with an air of trepidation, “I wasn’t worried about the dragon Ginge, it’s this ghost we have in the house that frightens me”. “What makes you think you have a ghost in the house”? I ask. “Well Ginge, there is a ghost in the lounge, a woman, sometimes she speaks, but you never see her. Plain and clear as I’m talking to you. I’ve searched everywhere but there’s no-one there”. I am intrigued but doubtful too. “What sort of things does she say?”

01823 257444

Independent utility brokers for business

For all your catering and cleaning supplies. Call Chris on 07522143179

gainesdisposablesupplies16@yahoo.com www.gainesdisposablesupplies.co.uk

22.

Save on electricity / gas / water bills Email: tellme@costgard.co.uk Tel: 01460 282925

Call Drew: 01823 257444

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.23

We are a local charity who provide free FCA approved confidential debt advice. Don’t struggle alone, check out our web site and contact us today. www.tada.org.uk

Hope is at hand for those in Debt Many people experience financial difficulties at some point in their life but the earlier they tackle the problem, the easier the solution. However bad the situation might be, there are always steps that can be taken to make things better. The government has been right to prevent evictions by landlords and the heavy handed use of debt collection services during the pandemic, but those who work in the world of debt advice predict a tsunami of debt building and heading for the shore. During this period of calm before a potential storm, people are encouraged to act now in seeking help. Taunton Area Debt Advice is a charity which has increased its team of trained FCA approved debt counsellors and improved its online services. Chair of Trustees Steven Reed says “as soon as people begin to sense their finances getting out of control, that’s the moment to seek help. And there is no need to pay for advice thus adding to financial difficulties. We charge absolutely nothing for our confidential services. We aim to take the burden off the shoulders of clients and provide them with a plan, make arrangements and negotiate agreements. We provide hope”. Contact Taunton Area Debt Advice on 07921 526087 or visit the web site www.tada.org.uk

Your Local Electrician 07860 518025

www.somersetelectricians.co.uk somersetelectricians@gmail.com 24.

We need more charging points to enable more electric cars on the road.

There are 100% grants available. Our mission is to reduce co2 emissions and donate to reforest our future.

Call Pete Ash to find out more.

We donate to treesister. For every install we plant many trees ✅ www.treesisters.org

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.25

We’re sure most parents are more than a little fed up with hearing the phrase “I’m bored!”. It’s been a difficult past year for most of us, especially children/teens who have desperately missed the usual socialising at school and in their free time. Like most parents we have tried our best to keep their spirits up by keeping them busy, but the whole year of coming up with new ideas can be a little draining for even the most inventive individuals. Here are a few ideas that you can try over the Easter break.

Take a virtual trip

A number of museums, zoos and other organisations are offering virtual tours, one of our favourites is the Johnson Space Center – Boeing leads the tour through the Houston Texas facility, covering the history and future of aerospace innovation. Have a search online for some interesting tours, most of which are free of charge.

Play Come Dine with Me

Ideal with teens, first decide on your teams and a prize for the winner(s), each team can then decide on a theme for their evening and create menus. You may want to record the preparation, the meals, and any entertainment, to show to friends or grandparents. At the end of each team’s meal the guests score the chef out of 10, the scoring is kept secret – put 4 cards into labelled envelopes until the big reveal at the end.

Make a time capsule

Include things that you have done during lockdown such as crafts, letters, pictures, thoughts etc. You could create a scrapbook together with pictures and memories from what you’ve got up to, and how you felt throughout the past 12-months. 26.

Build a fairy house

Gather materials from hedgerows, parks and flower beds to create a tiny home for imaginary creatures in your garden. Get creative by adding touches like a carpet (moss) and a wash basin (an upturned shell).

Get crafty

Easter gives us a whole host of new craft projects that can be undertaken, pom-pom chicks, egg cress men, egg decorating, Easter Bunny Easter bonnets and cards. The list is almost endless and will provide hours of fun to both little and older children. If you can’t face the mess, then wait for a dry day and take the activities into the garden.

Build a den

All you need is a large blanket, some sheets and cushions. This is a fun activity for little ones to play indoors or outdoors and should keep them occupied for a little while.

games with another household. Get the app to play Uno or The Risk: Global Domination, free on both iOS and Android.

Host a pamper party day

We all love a pamper day in our house. Put your dressing gowns on and indulge. Light some candles, put soothing music on, make homemade face packs and scrubs, soak your feet in warm scented water and treat each other to a hand massage, manicure or pedicure for a real treat!

Plan an Easter egg hunt

Look for online for inspiration for cryptic clues or novel suggestions for your hunt, you could also said set up some fun activities such as hula-hoop competition, egg and spoon race, bunny hop sack race, pin the tail on the rabbit or egg toss.

Play board games online with family of friends

Play Monopoly online (available on IOS and Android for a small fee). It has an online multiplayer mode that lets you play private

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Everys’ Family Team provides quality legal expertise in Taunton and throughout the South West • Divorce & Separation • Child Arrangement Orders

• Family Finance • Cohabitation Agreements • Grandparents’ Rights

• Pre/Post-nuptial Agreements • Family Law

Call our Taunton team of experts on 01823 362890 or visit www.everys.co.uk

Moira Reynolds Head of Family

Lisa Miller Solicitor

Holley Fitzpatrick Legal Assistant

5 Heron Gate Office Park, Hankridge Way, Taunton TA1 2LR

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, horse-drawn funerals, military funerals and we can also arrange services in all religious denominations plus nonreligious and humanist life celebrations as well.

Our Traditional funeral service £2650.00 (all inclusive). Our Low cost funeral service is £1350.00 * 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 To advertise please call us on 01823 765045 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

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Local insurance broker providing competitive quotes for Motor, Household, Let & Unoccupied properties, Listed buildings and travel. Visit our friendly experienced team at 45 St James Street, Taunton (opposite the Ring of Bells Pub). Call us on 01823 277188 or visit our website Bruford.co.uk

The countdown to Somerset Day 2021 begins!

PICKERS PARADISE

The organisers of Somerset Day are counting down to Somerset Day 2021 and hoping that this year the county will be turned into a sea of Somerset flags – and will be encouraging everyone to Fly the Flag for Somerset!

House clearance & secondhand shop (Discover an Aladdin’s Cave) Taunton antiques collective

Whether it’s the distinctive Somerset flag with its bright red dragon waving from a flagpole, or your own painted picture in your front window, this is the time to be Flying the Flag for Somerset.

Courtlands Ind. Estate. TA2 6NS. Call us on: 07930 750747

Open Saturday & Sunday 10-4

Somerset Day founder Nigel Muers-Raby explains, “What better way to evoke our passion for Somerset as we move out of Covid restrictions than by looking forward with a splash of colour with our county flag? We’d love to see Somerset turned into a sea of flags – flying from public buildings, flagpoles in towns and villages, or bunting in your front garden. Over the next few weeks and months we’ll be putting ideas and suggestions onto our website as to how people can get involved,including templates for creating your own flag.” Between now and 11th May, Somerset Day’s website, www.somersetday.com and its social channels will be continually updated with new information on how everyone can take part in the campaign to Fly the Flag for Somerset. They are encouraging everyone to “Fly the Flag for Somerset” over the weekend of 8th and 9th May through to Somerset Day Tuesday 11th May. 28.

New Builds | Extensions | Loft Conversions | Eco Homes

Full Architectural Service, Planning, Building Control and Project Management.

Contact Keith Stockwell on 07523 062219 / Keith@tekkwise.com www.tekkwise.com

Would you like to be a Volunteer Headway Buddy? Support and encourage people following a brain injury, as they look to rebuild confidence and make connections with their communities and interests. Learn about Head Injury Ongoing support and training opportunities Develop transferable skills (great for your CV) Meet people and have fun

Call: 07927 644128 Email: tricia@headwaysomerset.org.uk www.headwaysomerset.org.uk

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All our installations reflect our passion, imagination, craftsmanship and experience, turning your interior dreams into reality. Having lived in Somerset for over 35 years it has been my pleasure to transform hundreds of homes in the region. Our dedication to premium quality means the project is not over until you are completely satisfied with your dream project. Maybe you’ve just moved into your new home and want to set your mark on it with a stylish new kitchen fitted with modern appliances. As an independent and trusted local retailer we are authorised dealers for many leading manufacturers. But with so many suppliers and a bewildering array of products on the market, it’s not easy to find exactly what you want. Give us a call and we will help bring your dreams to life.

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

Justin Jasper

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

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Keeping Kids Fit The National Child Measurement Programme for England (NCMP) includes nearly all children in reception year (aged 4-5) and year 6 (aged 10-11). According to their statistics 10% of reception age children are obese (not just overweight) and this figure rises to around 20% by year 6. We’ve spent a year with kids not being in school, and for the most part not being allowed out to play so experts expect this figure to rise. The scientific advice is that children should engage in 60 minutes of physical activity each day and encouraging them to become more active now will help them maintain a healthy weight, improve their general fitness and wellbeing and reduce the risks of serious health problems in the future.

So, what can we do when activities are still restricted? Be the Example - Children will model the behaviour of their parents. If they see you are active, they are more likely to be active. If they see you watching television, eating jammy dodgers, so will they. Exercise with them - Go cycling or walking together or put on an exercise DVD and do it together as a family. Give them chores - Doing a bit of vigorous vacuuming or walking up and down stairs a few times putting laundry away will get the cardiovascular system working.

Play with Your Kids - Play tag or run-around games. Try an egg and spoon race, or Twister…anything to get them (and you) moving. Be the Parent - We need to encourage healthy behaviours and limit unhealthy ones – sometimes this means making unpopular decisions like limiting your children’s screen time outside of home-school hours. Make these tough decisions for your children but explain why. They may not recognise the benefits immediately, but the idea will percolate and feed into decisions they make for themselves in the future.

Whatever your experience...

We have the job for you!

We’re hiring in your area!

No matter what your skill set, current situation, or experience there is a career in care for you. To fi nd out more, please call us on 01823 697 652, email us on jobs@somersetcare.co.uk, or visit careers.somersetcare.co.uk/job4you

Somerset Care much more opportunity. 30.

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Farmer isaac I wuz in the pub quiz with Jack Higgs t’other night. Landlord sez, write doon answer to this question, “Whatz latin name fer a goose”? Jack putz ‘anser’ on m’ sheet, ow daft canny be?

Barry Cade I changed my password to “incorrect”. So whenever I forget what it is the computer will say “Your password is incorrect”.

Jack Pott She wanted a puppy. But I didn’t want a puppy. So we compromised and got a puppy.

Jerry Atrick Never laugh at your girlfriends choices... you’re one of them.

Jean Poole I just asked my husband if he remembers what today is... Scaring men is easy.

Joe King Team work is important; it helps to put the

Ok, get this one...

blame on someone else.

Two triplets.

Blurry STARS

Sue Render You know you’re ugly when it comes to a group picture and they hand you the camera.

1. Baking star Mary Berry. 2. F1 whizz Jenson Button. 3. Comedy legend John Cleese

Where’s that to?

Sally Forth If you think nobody cares whether you’re

The pavement outside The Church of St Mary Magdalene, adjoining to Hammet Street, Taunton.

alive, try missing a couple of payments.

EXCITING LOCAL NEWS

MAY 2021

• Monthly delivery as from 1st May • Now 4 magazines across Taunton and West Somerset • Better options for advertisers • BIG discounts for long term bookings Ring us NOW for our • Affordable rates for all budgets special introductory • Delivered direct to your door advertising rates.

Call 01823 765045 or email info@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.

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

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BUY | SELL | BUY BACK | GOLD

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12 Station Road, Taunton TA1 1NH 9 Eastover, Bridgwater TA6 5AG Warning: Failure to re-purchase your item within the option period will result in the item being sold by Money Maker. *Guaranteed 28 day buy back. Option fee applies. Minimum age 18. Proof of ID and address required. Further terms and conditions apply.

32.

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Word Gets Around Magazine - Taunton - Issue 44