Taunton Local July & Aug 2017 by Word Gets Around Magazine

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF OUR COUNTY TOWN.

JULY / AUGUST 2017 ISSUE: 23

TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL REDEVELOPMENT PLANS

MEMORIES OF TAUNTON WITH NICK CHIPCHASE MAYOR OF TAUNTON DEANE 2017/18 CLLR HAZEL PRIOR-SANKEY

PETS KEEP YOUR ANIMAL COOL THIS SUMMER PAWS FOR THOUGHT THE DIARIES OF GINGER GEORGE

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Welcome EDITOR:

Clive Smith hello@tauntonlocal.com

MAGAZINE DESIGNED BY:

It saddens me to see the recent tragedies that have befell those living in London and Manchester and to carry the threat of what evil people are capable of. Even though we are many miles away we still cannot be complacent, even in Taunton we have seen armed police on our streets.

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www.taunton.dor2dor.com Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine are correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

However it shows the strength of our communities to overcome these threats. We should dwell on the good that people do in coming together raising much needed funds and support for the less advantaged. We have had some well attended events over the last few months including The Headway Dragon Race and Somerfest. We look forward to Taunton Live in July and Taunton Flower Show in August. Taunton has a good community spirit and Tauntonians are great at turning out to offer support whether it’s a main event or a school fete. Please remember if you have up and coming events we are more than happy to promote it in our ‘What’s On’ page for free. If ever you are using the services of our advertisers please mention where you saw the advert as it helps us show the effectiveness of the magazine and helps our local business know where and how they should advertise. I wish you a cracking summer with plenty to do and see.

Clive

Taunton Local Magazine hold no liability for supplied artwork from advertisers and contributors and views or advice contained within. So there!

Redevelopment plans I am writing this now on what has just been a super-hot weekend with another successful Somerfest event, taking Taunton by storm! Thanks go to the team who organised and provided the entertainment â€“ it was a really fun day for everyone.

to improving how we all move around. As reported in the media, this includes a trail to pedestrianise parts of the town centre over 18 months. This is likely to start in the New Year and should make a big difference to the way the town works.

We are now moving on with a series of projects that you will recall from previous articles.

Looking to the edge of town, the proposals for extending Junction 25 are moving through the planning committee at Somerset County Council. This work has been planned over the past few years and is the culmination of a significant effort with many partners to create the necessary funding to tackle these improvements.

First is the redevelopment of Coal Orchard. This has two main elements: redeveloping the area of the car park and former St James Street swimming pool; second is creating a larger venue at the Brewhouse capable of hosting a range of activities. These two combine to create a cultural hub for the town which will make best use of the river in that area and create a range of interesting possibilities for businesses. I was heavily involved in developing the new plans for the Brewhouse and really feel that what we propose would be great for the town. It will help support the Garden Town ethos and support the local community by providing a brilliant arts venue. The second key project is to deliver a viable planning application for the Firepool site. Colleagues have been working hard on these plans following their earlier rejection by the TDBC planning committee. They are now in a form which appears to work far more effectively from an urban design perspective and we are hoping they will move back to the committee stage in the late summer or early autumn. We are working hard, too, on absorbing the feedback from the consultation that was carried out on the urban realm project. This looks at the whole central area of the county town with a view

Associated with this proposal we are making good progress with the creation of a Local Development Order (LDO) for the Nexus 25 employment site to the east of the motorway. The creation of this LDO will mean that much of the work for any business wishing to locate at the site will have been done. This means that it should be quick and easy for those wanting to put their business in this great location to set up there. So there is plenty going on at the moment with many projects moving into a delivery phase in the next six months Ian Timms Assistant Director of Business Development, Taunton Deane Borough and West Somerset Councils 01823 356577 itimms@westsomerset.gov.uk Image by Craig Stone Photography.

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Memories of Taunton - With Nick Chipchase Bathpool, Taunton c 1908 I thought we could look at Bathpool this issue as it has changed so much in the last 100 years. I have used this super dated image ( 1908 ) of the Bathpool Inn to illustrate the account. Most villages had their own pubs 100 years ago. Many were simply named after their locality. Sadly “ rebranding “ has meant that the old local names have been dropped in many cases to something entirely inappropriate. This pub is now “ The New Mill “ which is far better than our own local pub which became “ The Pickled Newt “ for a while. It has since returned to “ The Shepherd’s Rest “ though I doubt many shepherd’s have actually rested in this area. It was originally named “ The Galmington Inn “which I thought the best. In 1903 The Bathpool Inn was run by Mr E. Rockett whose name may be linked to Rockett’s Cottages at nearby Creech St Michael. In 1908 Bathpool was outside the Municipal Borough of Taunton which lead to some interesting occurrences as we shall see. There was another pub here - “ The Rose Inn “ together with a blacksmith, post office,church and chapel. Bathpool was within the parish of West Monkton and local children went to school at Monkton and Monkton Heathfield. Times have certainly changed at Bathpool . Its prominence as a village on a main route , the A 38, has gone but we shall soon see a big new Aldi supermarket arriving. In September 1915 Thomas Redler and Sons Bathpool Mills were partially destroyed by fire. This was partly due to an ongoing dispute between the Borough and Rural District Councils.This meant that the Borough Fire Brigade was unable to attend but had a grandstand view of the event as it sat helplessly on the Borough boundary. This was the second serious fire at the mills which had moved from the traditional water driven process to steam power. In 1842 the railways came to Taunton and to carry the road above the line the Tone bridge at Bathpool was raised.This involved the digging of two big pits either side of the line and river on the East side of the road. Borough “ scavengers” were not allowed to dump rubbish within

one mile the Borough boundary. Where the private contractors dumped rubbish was left entirely to them but often they ignored the one mile rule. By 1902 the Borough’s contractors were collecting 10,000 cubic yards of refuse a year. The numerous complaints of dumped refuse lead to the construction of a refuse destructor in 1903 at Obridge. Bathpool was an ideal place to dump town rubbish and various complaints about the smell ensued. Both the bridge pits were filled up with rubbish in 1892 the larger South of the railway taking some 2,500 cubic yards of refuse. The smaller pit to the north of the line now lies under the end cottage garden and part of the railway line which was widened at a later date. Dumping at the larger pit resulted in a court case at Taunton Police Court in Feb. 1893. ( Ref Gazette, Feb 4th 1893 ). The serious pollution there is graphically described. “ Bathpool was a most unhealthy spot “. In an exercise in social archaeology both pits were completely exhumed by myself and others and every item recovered broken or whole recorded. This made more interesting as tipping at the pit can be precisely dated from around mid 1892 to Feb. 1893.The pit contents did not suggest that Taunton was a wealthy town. Most products recorded were inexpensive day to day items with little in the way of luxury products . Clay pipes from the barracks were found ( Somerset Light Infantry ) as well as items from the hospital. Other pits around Taunton were exhumed and recorded including the old swimming pool at Fullands school where the young General Gordon built the character seen in later life in the freezing cold stream fed water. Bathpool is now a busy suburb of Taunton with vast estates of new housing marching away into the countryside.The pit we dug has been re excavated to form a lake. Bathpool has long lost it’s status as a quiet environ of Taunton but at least the awful smell has long gone.

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How to keep your pets happy in the heat The only hot dog in summer should be those on the BBQ...but how many times do you still see or hear of a dog locked in a car on a hot summers day? Drives us, here at the practice, nuts! Just don’t do it... When the core body temperature of any mammal or bird is raised above its normal range then hyperthermia occurs, otherwise known as heatstroke; the result is heat damage to the animal or bird’s body tissue. When the heat generated exceeds the body’s ability to lose this heat then heatstroke occurs. However put, allowing your animal to overheat is very serious indeed, animals can and do die of multiple organ failure if treatment is not administered swiftly. Something I first witnessed when living in Bermuda. All mammals, including us, are vulnerable to overheating (especially the young, old and sick) so being aware that it can happen allows you to take preventative steps. The most obvious consideration must be the animal’s environment and this goes for all pets whether kept indoors or out. Our summers are hotting up (when we aren’t deluged with rain) and we need to be aware of what we can do to help them get through the heat of summer. Keep fresh water freely available and plenty of it; when dogs pant to cool down, it is far more effective when they are hydrated. Put down several bowls in case of spillage and ice cubes in the water will help too. If you can bring your pet indoors with fans blowing or air conditioning on it will make your pet more comfortable. Outside provide your pets with cool, shady areas to escape to and please move hutches to the shade too; hutches and aviaries become ovens in the heat just like cars do. And I will repeat again dogs die in hot cars, dogs pant to cool down and need air flow for this mechanism to be effective, add excessive heat and your dog is in danger of heat stroke. It can take as little as 5 minutes and it is an ugly death. 8.

Exercise dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler and try to avoid walking on hot surfaces, if you find it too hot to walk on then your dog certainly will. Pale skinned or white haired animals are susceptible to sun burn and smearing sunblock on vulnerable noses and ears (and that includes horses) will help to prevent sun damage to these parts. So, what are we looking for if we suspect our animal has heatstroke? Anything out of the ordinary for that pet may be the first sign that he or she is not well. Excessive, relentless panting increases in intensity as heatstroke progresses, salivation, restlessness, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing are all signs to look for. If your dog begins to evacuate and shows mental confusion you need to get him to a vet fast. I will stop there you get my drift...it doesn’t get any better. Heatstroke is life threatening, it can cause organ damage which may not be apparent immediately, so if in doubt seek veterinary attention. An emergency vet will attempt to cool your dog down using water and fans, intravenous fluids for rehydration and medication as required. He will take blood samples to test for organ failure and act accordingly; monitoring closely until the dog is settled is paramount. I have already mentioned that the young, old and sick are vulnerable to the heat; for those of you with dogs who have short noses or flat faces they are equally as susceptible and need you to be as vigilant as ever to their needs. All it takes are a few active steps to prevent unnecessary anxiety and suffering. Have a safe summer. Danielle Giles, Heathside Veterinary Surgery. Voted the Best Small Vet Practice in the Best UK Vet Awards 2017

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All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV 1.2 GT Line It is not unusual to see some big changes between an older and newer generation of the same model, but the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV looks radically different to the outgoing one.

parking sensors. The GT Line hasn’t got any extra safety equipment - just sportier looks. But it has all the safety kit you really need, and as with all 3008s, it has a top five-star Euro NCAP safety score.

That exiting generation, introduced in 2008, was a frumpy, chubby SUV that did little to inspire buyers. The all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV, though, is a different animal, burying the clumsy image of the last car sixfeet under and achieving the European Car of the Year crown.

A car can look great and have all the equipment in the world crammed into it – but it’s no good if it isn’t economical and it doesn’t drive decently. There are no concerns to be had in this area with the 3008 SUV. The 1.2 GT Line’s average fuel consumption of 55.4mpg and

Sometimes it can be difficult to separate SUVs out on the road because most of them drive alike. Many are set up for comfort, and that’s what the all-new 3008 is tuned for. The small steering wheel and light handling gives a feeling of sprightliness, even if that’s not the case, as it’s a tall, heavy car. However; that’s not a complaint, the designers and engineers have done a good job covering the traditional flaws of an SUV’s dynamics.

117g/km of CO2 means low running costs, combined with effective performance. 0-62mph is achieved in 10.8 seconds and the Pug’s maximum speed is 117mph.

There’s a wholesome medley of engines on offer, as with most Peugeot models: two petrol’s in the shape of a 131PS 1.2-litre unit and a 165PS 1.6-litre turbo. Then there are a couple of turbo diesel engines of 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre capacity. What suits you best is largely going to depend on what sort of driving you do. Short urban trips suit the 1.2-litre petrol more, whereas longer journeys will fit the potential 70mpg obtainable from the 1.6-litre diesel. I drove the 1.2 petrol in GT Line spec with 131PS, fitted with a manual gearbox. Behind the wheel, things feel dynamic, and the weighting of the steering is spot on. The car grips bitumen like a cat’s claws cling to flesh, and mid-range pulling power is good, so you can pick up the pace easily. The six-speed transmission is slick shifting, and the car delivers a hushed ride. Tyre roar and wind whistle is kept out of the cabin, too. All this just adds to the 3008’s sense of refinement. The Peugeot offers a composed ride with seats that provide the sort of comfort and support required for long distance motoring. Furthermore, the car’s suspension sops up potholes without complaining. Significantly, the all-new 3008 doesn’t tip into bends. Indeed, body roll is very well contained. This surprised me, as smaller SUVs aren’t always the type of vehicle to stay so unflustered on twisty tarmac. The new 3008 comes in four levels of trim: Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. Factory fitted safety kit includes automatic emergency braking and rear

10.

The all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV’s entry price is £21,795, but expect to fork out £25,655 for the petrol-powered GT Line I drove. A basic Nissan Qashqai costs £18,545, and the new SEAT Ateca is priced from £17,990. But I think the 3008’s extra cost is justified because it feels more upmarket inside than these two rivals. Cabin materials include brushed chrome, large areas of carbon decoration and textiles. They even cover some areas less commonly found in SUVs, such as the dashboard inlay. It’s all very contemporary and attractive. The Peugeot is just as stylish outside, and it drives well, while delivering a comfortable ride for all. PROS ‘N’ CONS • Stylish Looks √ • Ride Comfort √ • Kit √ • Boot Space √ • Measured Pace X Fast Facts (1.2-litre GT Line) • Max speed: 117 mph • 0-62 mph: 10.8 secs • Combined mpg: 55.4 • Engine layout: 1199cc 3-cylinder turbo petrol • Max. power (PS): 131 • CO2: 117 g/km • Price: £25,655

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At the Dentistâ€™s Word search

Find the hidden words in the word search grid

denture abscess decay fluoride molar

surgery toothpaste needle mouth cavity

nerve enamel root injection ache

Word mix up Unscramble the letters to make a word

geniythis

tinreare

cratenixot

mgu

tebi

maxinotinea

nowrc

caserb

slofs

naniec

hygienist, extraction, bite, crown, floss, retainer, gum, examination, braces, canine

1. Black (4) 2. Uttered (6) 3. Malevolent Look (4,3) 4. Recognized (5) 5. Die (6) 6. Sharp (8)

12.

11. Previous (8) 13. 18-oared boat (7) 15. Admonish (6) 17. Edible Part of Nut (6)

18. Social Class (5) 21. Semi-Circle (4)

Answers

7. Annoyance (13) 8. Rough Justice (5,3) 9. Muslim Priest (4) 10. Spring Days (7) 12. Validate (5) 14. Desolate (5) 16. Conjunctivitis (7) 19. Copy (4) 20. Unusual (8) 22. Space Technology (6,7)

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Mayor of Taunton Deane 2017/18 Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey

gardens and buildings. All money raised goes directly towards the upkeep and restoration of Hestercombe, protecting it for future generations. Cllr Prior-Sankey was elected to Taunton Deane Borough Council in 2003 representing the Blackbrook and Holway ward. She will be supported in her duties by her consort Adrian Prior-Sankey who was a former Mayor of Taunton Deane in 2002/2003. Cllr Prior-Sankey said: “I am proud to be elected as Mayor of Taunton Deane and am looking forward to supporting a wide range of organisations and individuals at events throughout the year, as well as raising funds for my two chosen charities.”

With her Consort Adrian Prior-Sankey

THE new Mayor of Taunton Deane Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey has begun her year in office after being selected by fellow councillors at the annual meeting of Taunton Deane Borough Council. The Mayor’s Charities for the year ahead are Stand Against Violence and Hestercombe Gardens Trust. Stand Against Violence works with young people to prevent violence through a variety of workshops and talks focusing on personal safety, anger and aggression, basic life support and the awareness of choices and consequences.

Cllr Prior-Sankey hosted a celebration dinner to mark the start of her year in office. Since then she has led the bi-annual Civic Visit to our twin-town, Lisieux in France and has welcomed visitors from our other twin-town, Konigslutter in Germany. She has also hosted the Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony on 19 June and led silent tributes at The Deane House in memory of those who have died in the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and London and the tragic fire at Grenfell House. Cllr Prior-Sankey succeeds Cllr Stock-Williams as Mayor of Taunton Deane. The Deputy Mayor for the year is Cllr Catherine Herbert who represents the Killams and Mountfields ward.

The charity was set up by Adam Fouracre in memory of his brother Lloyd who was beaten to death in Taunton in 2005. Donations will help to deliver anti-violence workshops, self-defence and first aid lessons to young people; and allow the charity to develop new educational resources for combating violence in our communities. Hestercombe Gardens Trust aims to restore, preserve, and enhance the gardens and buildings for the education and benefit of the public. It relies on the support of individuals and organisations to continue its award-winning restoration, maintenance and development of the historic 14.

With the Deputy Mayor Cllr Catherine Herbert

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JULY & AUGUST Please email your Sept/Oct charity events to: hello@tauntonlocal.com

10 th July Mambo – Comedy Club Edinburgh Fringe Preview

July 15th - 21st Jane Austin Week Taunton Museum

Lauren Pattison & Archie Maddocks MC Richard James £5 seated* £3 standing 8 Pre booking is required for advance tickets call 01823 351055

Tickets online museumofsomerset@somerset.gov.uk 01823 255088

15th July Mum2Mum Market Wellsprings Leisure Centre 2-4pm www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 21st July Supreme Queen The Brewhouse

24th - 30 th July Taunton Live In 2017, the Chinese year of the Fire Rooster and the 70th anniversary of independence for India, Taunton Live Arts Festival will be celebrating, mingling and theming events to celebrate the rich diversity of different cultures living in multi-cultural Somerset. Celebrating all the genres of the Arts in all its wonderful forms. From traditional Indian weaving seen alongside Somerset withy basket work; line-dancers will come face to face with Palestinian stick dancers; clog dancers will mingle with belly dancers. Sculpture, Poetry, Music, Dancing, Theatre, artists sketching outdoors and much much more. www.tauntonlive.co.uk

Recreating the unforgettable Queen “live experience’, with real authenticity that guarantees to transport the audience back in time. Tickets 01823 283244

15th July West Somerset Railway Murder Mystery Murder Mystery Specials West Somerset Railways are running 4 special trains on specific dates for the amateur detectives with a different Murder Mystery to solve on each trip !! If you think you are a budding Miss Marples or Sherlock Homes why not enjoy this challenge These trips are a must for all who believe they are good at solving murder Mysteries. All will be revealed by the time you arrive back at Bishop Lydeard station at 11-00pm 01643 704996 17th July Mambo – Comedy Club Edinburgh Fringe Preview Andy Stedman & Sally-Anne Hayward MC Tom Glover £5 seated* £3 standing 8 Pre booking is required for advance tickets call 01823 351055

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24th July Mambo – Comedy Club Edinburgh Fringe Preview Charlie Baker& Josh Pugh MC Cerys Nelmes £5 seated* £3 standing 8 Pre booking is required for advance tickets call 01823 351055

26th July Halfway to Paradise The Billy Fury Story The Brewhouse A spectacular two hour show telling the story of Billy Fury, Britain’s legendary Rock ‘n’ Roller, featuring the original members of his band, Fury’s Tornados, and the golden voice of Colin Gold. 01823 283244 28 th July Stand Up for Cider Comedy night CIC CIC Fancy a night of laughter and comedy or fancy yourself as a stand up comedian? Then why not join our amazing ‘Stand Up For Cider’ comedy nights throughout Jan, Mar, May & July 2017 in association with Invest South West. You’ll get the chance to see 6-10 comedians each night, a professional MC comedian and a professional headline act, and be part of one of the

most exciting events in Taunton, and you can even vote on who goes to the next round. Tickets just £9. www.creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk

4 rd - 5th August Taunton Flower Show Vivary Park www.tauntonfs.co.uk Taunton Flower Show is an annual flower show held in Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset, England. It has been described as “The Chelsea of the West”, and attracts around 24,000 visitors over its two days.

29 July The Taunton Fake Festival Long Run Meadow th

Tribute Bands Galore ! 12.30 – 11.00 pm www.fakefestivals.co.uk 30 th July WILD WOOD (FREE EVENT) WILD WOOD open sunday at Young Wood Staple Fitzpaine 2.00 0 5pm Woodland Trails, Green Crafts, Bug Hunt & Kids Games Neroche Woodlanders Gavin Saunders mobile: 07760 665378 Jenny Archard mobile: 07541 080397

5th - 6th August The Steam Farye & Vintage Vehicle Rally Norton Fitzwarren The 2017 Rally will be held at Norton Fitzwarren which will echo to the sight, sound and smell of many mighty steam engines as they gather for what will be our 30th Rally. A glittering array of superb machinery will be in action and 2017 looks like beating all records with some of the country’s finest examples of vintage transport on display. The 2017 Rally will be held at Norton Fitzwarren which will echo to the sight, sound and smell of many mighty steam engines as they gather for what will be our 30th Rally. www.steamrally.org.u/ 8 th August Organ recital The Church of St. Mary the Virgin Huish Episcopi.

3 - 4 August Jason Manford Live Wellsprings Leisure Centre rd

He’s back! It’s been a busy few years for Jason Manford since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. Muddle Class promises to feature a wealth of new material about Jason growing up ‘working class’ then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class’ - causing much confusion! Delivered with Jason’s amiable charm and captivating wit. £27.50 01823 271271

an unkempt man (played by Gleeson) attacked by a group of professional thugs. Shocked, she calls the police and ventures into the woods in search of the man, discovering that his home is the target of property developers using heavy-handed tactics to remove him. 01823 283244 27th August Movie Night - Amores Peros CIC CIC Neighbourhood Cinema movie night at CICCIC with ‘Amores Peros” 7.00pm. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s first feature film is a compelling story from his hometown of Mexico City. The film went on be nominated for an Oscar in Best Foreign Film category on its release. 26th August Dogs don’t do ballet The Brewhouse Biff is not like other dogs. He doesn’t do dog stuff like weeing on lampposts, or scratching his fleas, or drinking out of the toilet. No, Biff likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog. He thinks he’s a ballerina! 01823 283244 11.30 & 2.00 pm

Starts 7.30 pm. Tickets £8.00 children free with accompanied adult. Available from The Parish Office 01458 251881 or Clive Sills 01458 251399

11th August Hampstead The Brewhouse Cinema Starring Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson and James Norton, directed by Joel Hopkins from a screenplay by Robert Festinger (“In the Bedroom”). Keaton plays an American widow who can’t quite focus on things that need attention, like her lovely old apartment, her finances and her son while living on the edge of the British countryside. While looking out across the heath from her attic window, she witnesses

27th August Motown Supreme Mambo UK’s best Motown tribute act 7 piece live band £5 a ticket Ticket hotline 01823 351055

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CONSUMER CHAMPION JAMES WALKER “FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS” Consumer Champion – the man who helps you resolve your consumer complaints! A Hand with Broadband Remember life without the internet? No, me neither. We’ve got so used to broadband, mobile phones and new technology, that the world of landlines and dialup connections seems far away. But as we’ve become more reliant on broadband services, problems have emerged. Over 17,000 people have contacted Resolver about broadband in the last couple of years. Complaints range from dodgy connections to service failures, with MIA engineers and rubbish customer service high on the list too. There are some positives. It’s just been announced that broadband providers will be forced to advertise the speeds that at least half their customers actually receive. At the moment, they can get away with promoting the speed that only the top 10% get – which is hugely misleading. And regulator OFCOM is consulting on introducing automatic compensation for delayed repairs and missed appointments.

Switching providers •

The question I get asked the most is “Is it worth switching providers?” There’s no simple answer, I’m afraid. The quality of broadband can be affected by lots of things, not least where you live. If you’re unhappy with the service, check out these things first:

•

Telephone extensions. Extension leads can lower your broadband speed or cause interference as can tangled leads (it’s not all technical!) Shorter, higher quality cables can make a difference.

•

Microfilters: What?! Microfilters are those little white box thingies that split the broadband and phone signals. Check you have one and that it’s working. Your broadband provider can confirm if you need one.

•

Electrical stuff. Loads of things are rumoured to affect signals; fish tanks, lamps and dimmers, speakers and even fairy lights. Don’t be fobbed off. Move your things about but get the engineer to identify any problems. Moving the router off the floor can also help.

But most of the people I speak to just want what they’ve paid for. So, if you aren’t getting the service you signed up for, here’s what to do. Get a better deal •

•

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Do a speed test. There’s loads of free apps that you can download that will allow you to check the actual speed of your broadband connection. You can find a selection on Money Saving Expert’s guide. Take a screenshot each time you check. Ask for options. Speak to your provider (send them a tweet or get in touch online to jump the queue), you could ask for something to boost the speed, get a reduction in your payments – or they may even have a fix. Take it higher. Still not happy? Resolver can help you make a complaint, but it pays to set out your argument in simple terms. If you want out of the contract, provide proof of the poor service and the efforts you’ve made to sort it out. Broadband speed isn’t guaranteed, but you can argue that you’re not getting the service you paid for it it’s constantly disrupted.

One last tip – research suggests you’ll be charged upwards of 40% more if you stay loyal to some providers. So, switching can really save you loads! But remember: •

Check your contract. If it’s still running, you could face a hefty charge for cancelling early. Negotiate if you’ve not been getting the service you’ve paid for and use Resolver to make a complaint.

•

Check out what other people are saying about the competition. Some customer service is better than others…

•

Don’t forget to ask what happens next. It sounds a bit sad but I’ve seen grown men and women reduced to jibbering wrecks after three days offline!

By James Walker

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Beauty expertise: All about the eyes Summer is finally here and if you’re anything like me you’re dreading the panda eyes that can put a dampener on any beach or pool day. We’ve all been there - you step into the water looking like Ursula Andress and step out looking like a panda! Never fear though, summer doesn’t have to be ruined by makeup mishaps. Whether you love chilling by the pool or swimming in the sea, it’s always great to know that your eye makeup will stay put. However, we all know that waterproof mascara just doesn’t cut it, so this month we’re talking about what other options you have such as permanent lash lifts, lash tints and lash extensions. Lash Lifts are considered to be the most advanced of the lash treatments and involves the straightening of the lashes at the root, which creates a lovely open-eye look. They are fantastic at adding length, volume and lift to your lashes and generally last for up to 6-8 weeks. Your average lash lift involves placing the lashes on silicone shields which pull the lashes up whilst a perming solution is applied to the roots. This essentially straightens and lifts the lashes to give the perfect pre-holiday look. After this, a tint is added which enhances the boldness of the look and ensures that you can do away with constantly applying mascara every day. This way, whatever water you are exposed to you know that you won’t need to worry about your mascara running. If that sounds a little too much for you then why not ease in gently with an eyelash tint? This is a great introduction to lash services and gives your lashes more depth depending on what colour you choose. This treatment works on all hair colours but really transforms fairer hair giving the eyes more definition, perfect for sunny days and poolside! You won’t get the lift like in the lash lift but it will make your eyes bolder without make-up. An eyebrow tint is also a really good way to maintain that makeup-free look whilst you are out in the sun or near the water. Eyebrows can

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give incredible shape and definition to the face and great eyebrows can really make a difference to your overall look. A shape and tint is the best way to keep your eyebrows looking perfect on holiday and will enhance the eyes regardless of the weather. Lastly, lash extensions are always an option if you are looking for an enhancement that will give you a bolder look. Although lash extensions are less natural than their counterparts which use the client’s own lashes, the effects can be amazing. There are many different options available the easiest and most effective being Strip Lashes that can be applied at home. If you want something to last a bit longer and look more natural then semi-permanent lash extensions would be a great option. This involves applying individual lashes to enhance your own natural lashes. They can add length and volume and typically last up to three weeks giving a full eye-opening result. They are perfect for a natural summer look and mean that you will always have a full and bold set of lashes. With the latest technology giving us amazing new ways to enhance the eyes, there is no need to panic about wearing makeup this summer. The natural look is always a summer favourite and is best achieved with the help of eyelash and eyebrow tints, shaping and extensions. With over 20 years’ experience as a beauty therapist, Kelly Shaw’s passion and dedication to the industry has enabled her to achieve professional success as Spa Director for some of the world’s most exclusive global resorts. Founder of Kelly Shaw Consultancy Ltd and Hampshire’s multi award-winning boutique salon k:SPA, Kelly also sits on the board for both CIBTAC and BABTAC - British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology. By Kelly Shaw

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The Diaries Of

Ginger

George What a scorcher it was in mid June! Far too hot for me. I’d been trying to find a nice shady spot to have my afternoon snooze. About four doors down from where I live they have a large bush in their garden which I use, the positioning of the house causes a nice breeze, when there is one. The trouble is, it’s the weekend and I just get comfortable and out comes the BBQ equipment. How stupid humans are. They spend a fortune on a nice shiny cooker in the house but choose to cook on a cheap tin can affair in the garden. It doesn’t bother me but I was just nodding off when clouds of toxic smoke drifts in my direction and that’s before they cooked anything. Then all their friends arrived, so instead of an afternoon nap I’m smoked out and the noise they make would wake the dead. Music blaring, shouting, kids screaming on a bouncy thing. So I moved to another favourite spot of mine. On the way, as I was walking along the fences was a bunch of kids in a plastic pool, screaming their heads off. However, this is not the worst even. As I strolling past they aim their plastic toys at me and squirted me with water. One started it off, then they all joined in. By the time I got to the end of the fence I was soaked. They seemed to think it was funny. I was not impressed. I decided to jump down in Mrs. Jones’ garden, she is an old lady and not the BBQ or water flinging sort. I decided to disappear under her shed and dry my coat. I wasn’t hurt, only my pride. I’d been there for a couple of hours and decided to wander back. I arrived at the fence where I got wet and saw the kids had gone.

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Well thank you for small mercies I guess. I was half way across when they suddenly appeared from around the corner, not only with their squirty devices but the garden hose too. They hit me so hard I was nearly knocked off the fence and lost my balance and had to cling on with all my might. The only escape was to jump down into their garden and run as fast as I could, whilst being tracked by jets of water. Yet again I was wet. I scrambled over the fence, through the clouds of toxic gas and straight though my cat flap. These kids needed a lesson in respect. I had to think of some form of retribution. I waited until the evening after the kids had gone to bed and returned to the offending garden and surveyed the scene. I saw their plastic pool was still inflated, I could sink my claws in it and puncture it. On second thoughts I thought it was a bit harsh, the kids were just enjoying themselves so I just piddled in it instead. Justice done !

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Taunton Christadelphians We are a friendly Bible based community who meet regularly at Winchester Street, Taunton. We invite you to join us for a buffet meal followed by a topical talk each Sunday evening starting at 5.30pm or to our coffee morning on the first Friday of the Month 10.30-11.30. For further details please ring 01278 431389 or check out our website www.tauntonchristadelphians.com for upcoming events. The Christadelphian Hall, 72 Winchester Street, Taunton, TA1 1QF. Registered Charity Number: 1167346.

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Running & Fitness coach: How to Breathe Properly One of the first questions I am asked from new runners is how to breathe properly whilst running. If you are one of the many people who have this problem, don’t worry it can be fixed quite easily. The most common cause of being out of breath when running, which in some cases can lead to serious pain and/or panic, is that you could be running too fast too soon.

Top Tips for Controlling Your Breathing

•

Why You Should Walk If you are just starting out on your running journey then walk, allow yourself to be a beginner, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time. Try and get into the regular habit of exercising, slowly develop your fitness, give your bones, muscles and tendons the foundations they will need to becoming a runner without injury; and this can be easily achieved by putting walk breaks into your running; don’t worry, walking is not cheating or quitting, it is vital as doing too much too soon could result in you not being able to run at all or you may become demotivated and frustrated; being stuck in vicious cycle of going for a run, running too fast, feeling out of breath and out of control even after a short amount of running time which can result in you turning back home feeling rubbish and deflated. Walking puts the body through the same range of motion as running, but with less stress impact on the body and lungs, you may not be moving as fast but walking builds a good base for running, a good solid foundation to build the miles upon. Adding walking breaks into your run and slowing your pace right down can make a big difference to your running, it may be the difference between you going out for 5 mins and giving up or going out for 20 mins and adding walk breaks, these walk breaks are giving your body the chance to recover and then go again. This will give you confidence and hopefully make your run more enjoyable so that you want to do it again. And if you see anyone you know whilst you are on your walking break, and to be honest this is when we usually see people, then just think to yourself, well they don’t know that I haven’t just finished a 20-mile training run! 24.

• • •

• •

•

Warm up properly by walking briskly for 3-5 minutes. This allows your breathing to increase slowly and your diaphragm to adjust to a more vigorous breath, it also allows the nerves to calm down. Start out slowly, even if you think you could walk faster, running slowly is still running, it is better to start slowly and finish strong. Do your walk breaks before you become too breathless and panicky so that you are in control. Once you’ve slowed your pace, breathing can become quite rhythmic so listen to your breath and body When running your oxygen consumption increases, so breathe through your mouth to get enough air in; your mouth opening is almost ten times larger than your nose opening, so more oxygen in. Like any muscle, it will take time to strengthen your breathing muscles so be patient. Avoid fatty foods or large meals right before your run and give yourself two hours to digest a meal, as food can play havoc on your stomach and diaphragm as you begin to breathe and bounce. Try not to tense up as this can cause you to hyperventilate causing you to breathe in shallow, quick breaths and then running doesn’t become enjoyable so relax and slow it down.

Verity Wright is an England Athletics qualified Coach in Running Fitness and runs a successful Athletics Coaching business in the South of England. She competes as an endurance athlete in events from 10k to 42k over country, roads, fells and mountains. If you want to know more, you can visit her website www.runverity.com By Verity Wright, www.runverity.com

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

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It will be a great opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience ourBRiDGE, award-winning van range for SOMERSET, BS2 HiLDESHEiM WESTON-SUPER-MARE, NORTH yourself. Yours sincerely, SIMON JONES Howards Citroën Taunton Priorswood Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8DN 01823 230616 www.howardstaunton.citroen.co.uk

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

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

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Newton King would like to invite you to accept our offer of a FREE sales or lettings valuation of your home. To arrange an appointment call us on 01823 259753

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