Magazine
WEST SOMERSET ISSUE 37
OCAL TAXIS To advertise please call us on 01823 765045 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk
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Tel: 01643 703347 or 707707
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Clive Smith Editor Call 07779 653120 clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk ABOUT US Established in 2014, Word Gets Around Magazine is an independent community magazine and family business, run by father and son team; Clive and Paul Smith. West Somerset We deliver 10,000 magazines per issue across West Somerset direct into homes in TA24 and TA23. To get in contact please call us on: 01823 7655045 or email: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk
Socials: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk
Booking deadline for the next issue is 20th February
Let me start by wishing you a Happy New Year. I would like to mention the Christmas lights switch on in Minehead, what a turn out! After Minehead Bid were voted out this left an organisational hole. This was quickly filled by interested members who collectively got together and with no funds, put together a fun packed evening, with Queen Victoria switching the lights on and people arriving on the steam bus was a joy to see. Praise to the shop owners who dressed their windows, and themselves in a Victorian style, and to Ben Jewell from Excom and others, who headed the new team in record time. The group, now called ‘Minehead Collective’ quickly organised a new constitution and will be looking ahead to see what events the new committee will be putting on. Anyone can join which makes it ‘By the people, for the people’ with those of a ‘Can do’ attitude. Watchet are masters of this, and we should be taking a leaf out of their book. As I move forward, I am hoping to make some changes to the magazine and make it more community based. If you run a charity or club please send me details and I will build a directory in the magazine. You can do this by either emailing direct or better still, using the website www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/directory and just filling in the form. This also applies to anyone who want to be included in the ‘What’s On’ section which I will run in the magazine as well. All details are on the website. All are welcome, from coffee mornings to pub rock bands. Remember we are now bi-monthly so think ahead. January means a fresh start. This is a great time to revamp your health and review your good habits. If you make resolutions, try and keep them simple and easy. If a new habit doesn’t work, try a different approach, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember Valentine’s Day is not too far away, time to book something up and treat your loved one. Until next time,
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by Caroline Knight
• Prepared hyacinth bulbs that have finished
flowering can be hardened off by gradually acclimatising them to the outdoor air. Plant them outdoors when the soil is frost-free and they should flower every spring.
• Cyclamen can be enjoyed in a bright spot
Cyclamen
Most people who enjoy houseplants will admit to accidentally killing quite a few! Here’s how to care for some winter favourites. • Christmas cactus plants (Schlumbergera) are
not typical of most cacti. They grow naturally on trees and in rock crevices, shaded from direct sunlight. Don’t deny this lovely plant a timely drink, and keep it away from a southfacing windowsill. Pot it up in humus-rich compost but allow it to become slightly potbound, as it would if it were living in the crook of a tree.
• Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) have
colourful leafy bracts rather than actual flowers. They hate draughts, so don’t keep them in the hall or by a door that opens frequently. They like brightness but not full sun. When the show is over, prune them back quite hard and repot them during early spring. If you want them to produce their colourful display next Christmas you will need to put them in darkness for 12 hours every day during November to mimic short daylight hours.
indoors, but keep them away from radiators. Remove their spent flowers and stalks to prevent grey mould. Reduce watering as the foliage turns yellow, then allow the plant to become dormant for the summer. You can plant them in a shady spot in the garden or give them some new compost and start watering regularly once new growth appears.
• Indoor azaleas are not the same as those that
live outdoors, as they are not usually hardy. The vibrant winter flowers will last longest when kept out of direct sunlight and away from a heat source. Cool conditions and a north or east-facing windowsill are ideal. These plants are ericaceous, so they prefer rainwater or deionised water to thrive. After flowering, repot using ericaceous compost, then feed with a high potash feed. Keep them outdoors in a shady, damp spot for the summer and bring them back indoors before the first frosts.
Amaryllis
• Amaryllis bulbs should be planted in a pot
that is around 5cm wider than the bulb itself and they enjoy a brightly lit position. Water sparingly until the foliage develops, then gradually increase watering, taking care not to drown the bulb and make it rot. Your amaryllis might need support as they can reach up to 80cm high. After flowering, reduce watering and allow the plant to die down. Store the dry bulb ready for next year.
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Ross Richard ‘Rylan’ Clark was born in 1988 and raised by his single mum Linda in a council house in Stepney Green, east London. He attended the Cooper’s Company and Coborn School in Upminster. Despite his upbeat nature, the young Ross Clark was bullied at school and he retaliated by dressing to stand out. In an interview with the Guardian he said it was an act of defiance, and he’d thought, “If you’re going to talk about me, I’ll give you something to talk about.” (Guardian 15/10/22) A modelling career began at the age of sixteen, and he started using the name ‘Rylan’ for professional purposes. Rylan spent some time in Ibiza and earned a living as part of a West Life and Take That tribute band, and was part of his own boy band 4bidden until 2010. A very confident 23-year-old Rylan Clark strode onto our TV screens way back in 2012, when he auditioned for The X Factor in a tight white t-shirt and skinny jeans. His chatty demeanour and comedic take on the whole experience made him a hit with the panel, and he went on to take 5th place in the final show. From there, Rylan jumped at the opportunity to take part in Celebrity Big Brother 2013. Some controversy came about when the press reported that he’d been taken out of the Big Brother house to attend X Factor tour rehearsals, but the scandal didn’t tarnish his popularity with viewers. Rylan won the contest, mainly due to his innate ability to have fun with housemates and keep smiling. Since then, Rylan has worked hard on TV, radio, and even had a few bit parts in films. Rylan presented Big Brother’s Bit on the Side and it wasn’t long before Channel 5 gave him his own show, Up Late With Rylan. He used his background knowledge of The X Factor to provide gossip on ITV’s This Morning. He co-hosted a number of shows as a relief presenter for the series from 2014 until 2020. The BBC have also employed Rylan, involving him in various programmes and coverage of Eurovision and as a relief host on The One Show. Radio 2 employed him to cover Zoe Ball and Rylan was given his own slot, Rylan on Saturday in 2019. As an actor, Rylan has had appearances in Sky 1’s comedy Stella, and as an air steward ‘Ryan’ in 2016’s Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. He also reached the final of the BBC’s reality cooking show Celebrity MasterChef in 2015.
Rylan Clark By Emma Russell
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In his personal life, Rylan met Dan Neal from Big Brother 2014 and they married the following year. Unfortunately, the couple broke up in 2021 and Rylan suffered a bout of ill health and hospitalisation. He has publicly discussed this, in order to diminish any taboos around men’s mental health issues. Rylan Clark has graced our TV screens for over ten years now, and with his signature smile and sharp wit, he has established himself as one of Britain’s best-loved TV presenters.
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Serves 6 Takes 8 hours on low 1. Preheat your slow cooker on low for 10 minutes and make sure What’s not to love about your pudding bowl fits into your slow cooker when the lid is closed. sticky toffee pudding?And Grease your bowl with 1 tbsp of the butter and line with baking paper. this version has the added 2. Put the dates in a heatproof bowl. Cover with the boiling water and appeal of being cooked leave to soak for 30 minutes. in a slow cooker – giving 3. Put the vanilla extract, 80g of the sugar, the cream, half the treacle you maximum flavour with and half the butter into a pan. Cook over a medium heat, stirring minimum fuss!
Ingredients • 125g butter • 250g dates, stoned • 125ml boiling water • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 275g brown sugar • 325ml double cream • 5 tbsp treacle • 2 large eggs, beaten • 200g self-raising flour • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • Sea salt To serve • Clotted cream, custard or ice cream
until the sugar dissolves. Carefully turn up the heat and cook for 3 more minutes. Whisk the mixture and add a pinch of salt. Pour about a third of the mixture into your lined bowl, leaving the rest to reheat later for your sauce.
4. Remove the dates from the bowl, reserving the water, and roughly chop. In a mixing bowl, stir together the remaining sugar, treacle and butter with the beaten eggs. Fold in the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ¼ tsp of salt, the dates and the soaking water. Spoon into the pudding bowl, leaving about a 1cm gap at the top. Cover with a greased layer of baking paper and a layer of tin foil, then make a central cut to allow the steam to escape and tie with some string. 5. Place the bowl in your slow cooker. Boil the kettle and pour in the water to fill halfway up the side of the bowl. Close the lid of the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. 6. Remove the pudding from your slow cooker and turn out onto a serving plate. Reheat the remaining sauce to pour over your pudding. Serve with clotted cream, custard or ice cream.
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LET’S ROCK THE 70s Friday 23rd February 2024 7:30pm This isn’t a tribute act – these supertalented musicians are Hazel O’Connor’s band!
January & February
What’s on at the Regal... THE GREAT ESCAPER (Cert 12A) Sunday 7th January 2023 2.30pm. Starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson in her last film, based on a true story that made national news. THE OLD OAK (Cert 15) Tuesday 9th January 2024 7:30pm. Veteran British director Ken Loach’s compassionate, forthright and hopeful film is about a young Syrian woman who joins forces with a pub landlord to unite two traumatised communities in the North East of England. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Saturday 27th January 2024 11:00am. All proceeds to go to the Regal Theatre support fund. AN EVENING OF HEATWARMING TALES Saturday 27th January 2024 7:30. Hosted in our Bar area, by Alexandra Simson, of Story-Well. Join Alex for an evening of Heartwarming Tales this January.
MY FAIR LADY Saturday 24th February 2024 11:00am. In this beloved Lerner & Lowe musical featuring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn. All proceeds to go to the Regal Theatre support fund. REGAL COMEDY NIGHT Saturday 24th February 2024 7:30pm. Join us for a night of fun, laughter, the evening will feature a professional line up from the cream of the UK Comedy Circuit. PAINTING THE MODERN GARDEN: MONET TO MATISSE Tuesday 27th February 2024 7:30pm. Exhibition on Screen – Based on the sell-out show at the Royal Academy of Arts, London. Tickets for all events may be booked in advance online at www.regaltheatre.co.uk/whatson or from the Box Office (Tel 01643 706430) between 9.30am and 12.00pm Monday - Saturday; or by telephone only from 1.30pm to 4pm.
RUSALKA Sunday 28th January 2024 2:00pm The Royal Opera ENCORE LIVE BROADCAST from The Royal Opera House. Sung in Czech with English subtitles. THIS IS US!! Variety Show Saturday 3rd February 2024 7:30pm Live at The Regal Theatre, featuring Oasis Variety Group, Shanty, The Original Sailors Hobby Horse plus many more talented acts! Includes raffle with proceeds to the upkeep of the Original Sailors Hobby Horse and RNLI Minehead. MANON Wednesday 7th February 2024 7:15pm The Royal Ballet LIVE from The Royal Opera House. PETE ALLEN JAZZ Sunday 11th February 2024 7.30pm. Pete returns to the Regal with his band of talented and much respected musicians to present an evening of entertaining happy jazz instrumentals and songs. THE JERSEY BEATHS - OH WHAT A NITE TOUR – Thursday 15th February 2024 7:30pm. A sensational show celebrating the wonderful music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons! Don’t Go Into the Cellar presents ‘THE CANTERVILLE GHOST’ Saturday 17th February 2024 4:00pm. This one-man show, featuring much audience participation, is guaranteed to raise more than just a ghost of a smile!
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With Europe’s track record for scorching summer temperatures, it’s easy to see the appeal of visiting during the continent’s shoulder season. From a more comfortable climate and shorter queues to fantastic deals on flights and accommodation, you can experience Europe like a local. Rome, Italy Rome is a victim of its own popularity, with over 15 million visitors travelling here each year. It’s notoriously crowded in the summer, and then there’s the city’s oppressive heat, which reached a staggering 41°C last summer. While you’ll never have Rome all to yourself, visiting from mid-March through to early May will give you just enough warmth without the heaving crowds. However, if you don’t mind bringing your raincoat, January and February are ideal for avoiding museum queues and bagging the best restaurant reservations. Lisbon, Portugal Portugal’s capital city is a panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals, packed with centuries of history. Legend has it that Lisbon was built on seven hills, which remain significant city points today. While the winding streets make the city fascinating to experience on foot, tackling these undulating hills in the heat of summer is no joke. Travelling between March and May or September to early November is a great solution, allowing you to explore the city in a far more comfortable climate. Santorini, Greece Known for its sensational sunsets and whitewashed buildings, Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek Islands. Most people plan their visit during the summer season when everything’s open, ferries run frequently and the island is heaving with holidaymakers. However, the island’s shoulder season can be far more rewarding. From May to June and September to October, the weather is warm, almost everything is open and you’ll be far more likely to find a secluded spot to watch the sunset. Iceland Iceland has fast become one of Europe’s up-and-coming destinations thanks to its photogenic landscapes, glaciers and fjords. Naturally, the busiest months are June, July and August, when temperatures are at their highest. However, many people aren’t aware that Iceland can stay relatively mild up to the first week of October, so planning a September visit can be a great way to avoid the school trip season. It’s also the start of the aurora season, giving you a higher chance of spotting the northern lights. Dubrovnik, Croatia Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, Gothic architecture, shimmering Adriatic and fantastic food and drink offer something for every type of tourist. It is, however, a compact city with under 50,000 residents, which means the old town can get crowded during high season. Visiting in May, June, September and October is an excellent way to escape the crowds. Temperatures of 25°C or higher are still common, and while the sea can be cool, it’s still a good time to hit the beach.
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A GOTHIC PILE IN A PLACE WITH TWO NAMES. Compiled by Sally Bainbridge on behalf of Minehead Conservation Society. Images supplied with kind permission of Duncan Stafford.
West Quantoxhead is also known as St Audries a name derived from St Etheldreda (also known as St Audrie) to which the church is dedicated, who was one of England’s most popular saints.She loved fine silk laces in her youth and died of a throat tumour which she believed was punishment for her fondness for necklaces. The word ‘tawdy’ a derivation of Audrey was the name given to the cheap lace sold at St Audrie’s Fair. Today we think of St Audries Park as a wedding venue but it has had several uses apart from its original one as a private mansion. Its history dates back to 1086 and originally known as Quantoxhead was held by Willian de Mohun of Dunster Castle. From the late 1300s until 1736 when it was sold it belonged to the Malet family. They had to sell the estate after 500yrs due to the double dealings of Richard Veale who had been appointed to take care of their tax revenue before passing it onto the crown. Veale, who had been given a large sum of money by the Malets, declared himself bankrupt and then headed off to the West Indies with the Malet’s tax money. William Malet having been left owing the crown £1,614 9s 5d was determined to recover his money so set sail for the West Indies. It is thought that his ship caught fire and that William died at sea in 1722. Over the next one hundred years the Manor changed hands several times. Owner Robert Batch began the process of improving the house and also enlarging the park. In 1835 the Reverend Elias Webb, who had only lived there a few
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St Audries Park
years put it up for sale, which is when Sir Peregrine Fuller-PalmerAcland bought it for his daughter, Isabel, for the sum of £29,000.
grandeur. In the opposite direction is a splendid view of Minehead and the coast of Wales, with St Audrie’s bay the boundary.
The sale published in September 1835 on the front page of The Taunton Courier described it as a ‘favoured marine mansion and demesne with about 1,260 acres of land,rights, and priviledges’. It was sold by auction at the Auction Mart, London on September 17th at 12 noon.
Of the mansion it says it is of modern Gothic and very commanding. It has noble paved halls, the staircase, library and dining room are of carved oak and indicate the standard of the rest.
The sale details give us a wonderful description of the house, its situation and its gardens and grounds and the effusive language, which caused some amusement even then, shows how keen the auctioneer was to sell it. I have left some of the expansive language in the summary that follows. Desirably situated between the towns of Taunton and Bridgwater. In a respectable neighbourhood in a luxuriant valley; protected from easterly winds by hanging woods of a fearful height rising one above another in majestic
The gardens and grounds are quite beautiful with a grand orangery and conservatory. The extensive plantations are in admirably taste. There are 5 miles of walks and drives with a never ending panorama of woodland ,scenery, hills and dales, in addition to the vast ocean (estuary!) with stupendous cliffs and beautiful bay. The advert claims that fish is caught at every tide and that possession of this fine property will be independent of trades people from the finest Somerset beef and mutton to grapes and pines (pineapples). Within an acre of thriving plantations are waters of
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The Orangery
considerable extent so ingeniously contrived to produce cascades and waterfalls. A rural fishing temple is situated above the waters and an island where wild fowl congregate in Winter. Thee farms, grounds and deer parks are about 1,260 acres. The tenants are respectable and contented . It is one of the most compact estates in Somerset, has black cocks and grouse in abundance, and fox hounds and harriers nearby. The effusive language used in the sale catalogue amused people even back then. It even alluded to the excellent health of the people living in the area. An interesting selling point! The house Sir Peregrine bought is very different from the house we see today, as is the village. Extensive rebuilding and remodelling took place over the next 40 yrs. By 1841 a whole new front was being added to the mansion. It included a central hall with an oak open-timber roof (the oak having been grown on the Fairfield estate) and a Minstrel’s gallery carried on marble columns; a library, a morning room and a massive tower forming the entrance porch built of red sandstone from the Samford Brett quarries. On the 2 storeys above there were 42 bedrooms and dressing rooms.
School band performing
The cost of the work undertaken by Henry Davis of Taunton under the direction of John Norton was £13,000. John Norton was the architect of St Etheldreda’s church in West Quantoxhead when it was rebuilt in 1856. The Mediaeval church had become so dilapidated that it had to be rebuilt and only the shaft of a cross from the original building was left in the churchyard. Two bells dated 1400, a Norman font and a stone coffin were saved.
School staff
Norton also designed the village school (now a private residence) and Church Lodge both Grade 11 listed buildings.The Lodge was one of four Sir Peregrine had built in the 18600’s. It lies on what is the main drive to St Audries Manor but was once the High Street of West Quantoxhead.
The Orangery mentioned in the sale document, now used for wedding purposes, is a beautiful structure.
The house became a girls school in 1934 and remained as such until 1991. Six years later it was sold to the Amitabha Buddist Centre who only remained there a few years when in 2001 it became the wedding venue we now know. The grounds are listed on the register of Historic Parks and Gardens as being of special historic interest. In that the stable court through a crenallated archway, flanked by a pair of smaller archways, bearing a coat of arms is highlighted. Richard Carver built this in 1835.
Quantoxhead has had its share of notorious characters .Villager Thomas Shornie who married Joanne Badger in October 1575 was found guilty of her murder in 1589 and hanged the same year. Another resident Christia Thresher was burnt at the stake on March 27 1604 for ‘complicity in the murder of her second husband.’ The St Audrie’s estate and West Quantoxhead village is situated 4 mls NE of Williton on the Bridgwater Road. Did you enjoy this article? You can now find our archive online at: wgalink.com/local-history
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Bosch & Shimano E-bike diagnostics Sales, Service and Repairs
Specialist SERVICING Bike Shop Mountain REPAIRS T: 01643 841818 DIAGNOSTICS E: sales@kustombikes.co.uk AIR CONDITIONING www.kustombikes.co.uk Lype Farm, Wheddon Cross, Minehead, TA24 7BJ
From The Hungry Caterpillar to Great Western Railway Adventures and everything in between, Minehead Community Bookshop seems like any other bookshop at first. That is until you realise that the books have all been donated, and there are no prices on the books. Customers simply ‘pay what they can’. The idea is to stop books going to landfill and encourage a love of reading for all ages, ensuring cost isn’t a barrier for those who need them. Only open since the 5th December, but so far the volunteer run bookshop is already seeing regular customers through the doors, both buying and donating their used books. The owners, Lee and Lori Ross, have been overwhelmed by the generosity of their community who have been donating bookshelves, books and DVDs for this amazing initiative. They hope to invite local school groups to come and visit, as well as giving books to local nursing homes on a regular basis. The Community Bookshop, found at 40 The Avenue in Minehead, is a not-for-profit and if a profit is made at the end of the year, proceeds will go to local schools. The owners say, “We are just happy that the books are being re-loved and not going to landfill and we are promoting a love of literacy at the same time”.
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Magic Number 4
To find the magic number, just add the numbers together that are next to each other and put the 2 answer in the circle 7 below them!
9
9
1
4
3
How do mountains stay warm? They put on their snowcaps What bites with no teeth? Frost! What kind of ball doesn’t bounce? A snowball
Did You Know?
Winter lasts for 21 years on Uranus
BOOTS COAT EARMUFFS FLEECE GLOVES HAT HOODIE JACKET JOGGERS JUMPER MITTENS SCARF SOCKS TROUSERS VEST Remember to mention ‘Word Gets Around’ when you contact one of our advertisers. 20.
We offer ice cream, desserts, savouries and sweets from our shop in Blackbrook. We also deliver same day to the whole of Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Chard and surrounding areas via the delivery platforms: PLUS We provide custom cakes (anniversaries, birthdays and weddings) and sweet carts and other catering.
Special Boxes
Sweets
Traybakes
Cakes
Baked Goods
Ice Creams
Dog Treats
Lunchboxes
Drinks
Savouries
PLUS SPECIAL DEALS!
Come and visit us! Severn Drive, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2PD Monday to Saturday 11:00AM — 8:00PM 01823 279280 contact@sianssweettreats.co.uk
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90 YEARS
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California, USA, became a federal prison. The prison opened in August 1934 and closed in 1963.
75 YEARS
RCA launched the 7-inch 45-rpm vinyl record, commonly known as the single. The first single was PeeWee the Piccolo.
65 YEARS
The Barbie doll was launched at the International Toy Fair in New York City, USA. 9 March 1959 is Barbie’s official birthday.
50 YEARS
A three-day working week was introduced in the UK to conserve coal supplies (used by power stations) during a miners’ strike.
40 YEARS AGO January 1984
Average house price: £25,589 – worth around £80,000 today New Year chart-topper: I will always love you, Whitney Houston Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister
30 YEARS
Ireland lifted its 15-year broadcasting ban on the IRA and Sinn Féin. The UK lifted its ban in September.
22.
25 YEARS
The euro officially became the new currency in 11 European countries. Coins and banknotes entered circulation in January 2002. US President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial began. He was charged with lying under oath and obstructing the course of justice. Five days later, Clinton paid Paula Jones $850,000 under an agreement made in November 1998, officially ending her sexual harassment case against him. The first pay-per-view football match, Oxford United versus Sunderland, was broadcast in the UK. Sky TV subscribers could watch the match live for £7.95.
20 YEARS
Facebook, the social media networking website, was launched. Ireland became the first country in the world to ban smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants.
15 YEARS
American airline pilot Chesley Sullenberger safely landed an Airbus A320 (US Airways Flight 1549) on the Hudson River in New York City after a bird strike caused its engines to fail. All passengers and crew survived.
10 YEARS
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, China. Several pieces of debris confirmed to be from the plane washed ashore in the western Indian Ocean in 2015 and 2016. The first same-sex marriages in England and Wales took place.
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Your local and dependable Solicitors Proud to provide a reliable and efficient service with personal and straightforward advice. RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING As an organisation I cannot rate them highly enough. In particular our solicitor/contact, Caz. We were kept up to date throughout the whole process and the advice and guidance made a very stressful and complicated experience, a lot more bearable and manageable.
• Freehold and leasehold sales and purchases • Auction sales and purchases • Shared ownership • Mortgages • Remortgages • Equity release • Transfers of equity • Help to Buy & Right to Buy
PRIVATE CLIENT & FAMILY LAW • Wills • Probate • Trusts • Divorce • Separation Agreements • Financial Settlements and much more
01643 703123 mineheadstaff@risdonhosegood.com 6 Bancks Street, Minehead, TA24 5DF. www.risdonhosegood.com
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 To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk
.23
Ginger George West Somerset’s Top Cat - The word on the street
Any other business
Well, I was going to spend the winter down at the old people’s home but it’s been so mild out that you just overheat in there. It’s roasting hot. Instead, I have decided to hold an AGM and put the word about. We all met down at the park and it was a good turnout. “Alright, alright gather round, first on the agenda. Somebody has been doing their business up at the allotments again, when we all know it’s out of bounds. So who’s the culprit?. Unless you enjoy the prospect of a rake in the back of your head”.
“You should know by now that running up the Christmas tree (although this is the greatest temptation of all) is a big no-no”. Take your punishment like the good tom cat you are”. Well, if that’s all I have to contend with this year it should be a quiet one. Suddenly Misty buts in, “I want kittens”. “Mmm, see me after the meeting” I smirked. Have a good new year everyone.
Nobody came forward, as I suspected. “Right, I’ll get Blackie to look into that one. Item two, I’ve heard that our boundary security is a bit lapse, and that the Barton Street mob have been running amuck in our territory. Also, that the crows have been gathering a lot in that area showing their bravado. Who looks after that area”, I ask? Thomas the black and white cat then informed me that Arthur is the boy in that area, but he’s fourteen years old and can’t move like he used to. The Barton Street lot have threatened him a few times. “Looks like I’ll have to make a visit. Thomas you’d better take over and I’ll have a word with Arthur. “They call themselves the ‘Pussy Blinders’ now”, says Thomas. “What! where did they get that name from, a cornflake packet! More like the ‘Pushy Blunders’. Leave them to me”. “Right then, any other business?”. “Yes”, says Waterloo, “My carers haven’t fed me for 24hrs because I ran up the Christmas tree last month and it fell over” 24.
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Whether you’re looking to boost your brain, improve your mood and well-being, or want to start the new year feeling better about yourself, our selection of inspiring reads will set you on a positive journey. Walk Yourself Happy: Find your path to health and healing in nature by Julia Bradbury TV presenter, author, nature advocate and charity campaigner Julia Bradbury knows first-hand the profound impact of nature: it has helped her survive breast cancer, overcome infertility and continue through failed IVF treatments. Walk Yourself Happy explores how nature can soothe anxiety and stress and the importance of building nature into your everyday life. 12 Weeks to a Sharper You by Dr Sanjay Gupta Aiming to reduce anxiety, enable clear thinking and strengthen resilience in the face of daily stress, neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta’s workbook-style guide aims to boost your brain power, no matter your age. The 12-week programme covers nutrition, movement, sleep, social connection, discovery and downtime. Good Vibes, Good Life: How self-love is the key to unlocking your greatness by Vex King Having overcome adversity to become a source of hope for thousands of young people, Instagram sensation Vex King draws from his own experience to show that when you change the way you think, feel, speak and act, you begin to change the world. 2 Weeks to a Younger You by Gabriela Peacock With Sunday Times best-selling author Gabriela Peacock, looking good and feeling younger has never been so easy. Designed to be compatible with real life, along with weight-loss tips and plans, Gabriela’s advice will allow you to improve sleep, increase energy and sharpen mental clarity. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle The best-selling self-help book of its generation, in which Eckhart Tolle demonstrates how to live a healthier and happier life by living in the present moment. Living in the past or the future leads to regret, anxiety and other negative emotions, according to Tolle. Calm Your Mind with Food by Dr Uma Naidoo Drawing on the latest science on the connection between diet and anxiety, bestselling author and nutritional psychiatrist Dr Uma Naidoo shows us how to effectively use food and nutrition as a strong foundation for mental health and as essential tools for calming the mind.
26.
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8 Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5UA
01643 707381 YOUR LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE & FRIENDLY COMPUTER SERVICE. Whether it’s a slow computer, a laptop that needs upgrading, or maybe you just need some friendly IT advise. With over 40 years experience you can be assured you’re in safe hands. Feel free to give us a call, email us or drop into our shop on Friday Street where you will always be greeted with a friendly face.
AR Computing IT you can trust www
SALES * REPAIRS * UPGRADES * DATA RECOVERY * NETWORKING
Beautiful blooms for every occasion, houseplants and more!
Call us on: 01643 706944 Email: floristminehead@gmail.com
Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
01643 224804 theallotmentminehead@gmail.com www.theallotmentminehead.co.uk To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk
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BRAIN TRAIN G Y P S Y I C H I C A G O L T O M M Y A H A A V E M A R D E E F T O U B N T A D I I R S H S E A A V A M L E M G E A H N I R I K E O L C A Y A E A G E A E T N L E H M N M R I T T M A M E I P E M N G G R I S O U M N V S S A U I S V S B I A N C E D S M F R E I W A F A C A R O U S E L K O A N Y T H I N G G O E S H L S M A R Y P O P P I N S
ANNIE ANYTHING GOES CABARET CAROUSEL CATS CHESS CHICAGO DREAMGIRLS EVITA FAME FUNNY GIRL GIGI GODSPELL GREASE GYPSY HAIR KISS ME KATE MAME MAMMA 8 MIA 9 MARY7 POPPINS OLIVER2 SHOW 3 9 BOAT 6TOMMY
1
9
7 3
6
4 6 2 1
5 7 2
1 5
7
8
1 9 7 5 5 6 3
EASY
#1
4 3 9 1 6
8 5
4 7 8
9
6
5
2 1
6
9 6 3 4 7 5
5 1 2
Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. HARD
28.
#2
Across 7. Appetiser usually of a thin slice of toast spread with a savoury paste (6) 8. Forest fire fighter (6) 9. Flat mass of ice floating at sea (4) 10. First public performance of a play or movie (8) 11. Collection of electrical cells (7) 13. Thick-skinned African herbivore (abbr) (5) 15. Having a sharp inclination (5) 16. Boxes made of cardboard (7) 18. Common hedge shrub (8) 19. Covering to disguise or conceal the face (4) 21. Great Britain’s longest river (6) 22. Light shoe with straps (6) Down 1. Release after a security has been paid (4) 2. Tanned skin with a glossy varnished surface, used to make belts, shoes, etc (6,7) 3. Spotted wildcat (7) 4. Carrying weapons (5) 5. Medicine used to treat allergies and hypersensitive reactions (13) 6. Web-footed turtle living in fresh or brackish water (8) 12. Spiny insectivore with a long tongue and sharp claws (8) 14. Restraining straps (7) 17. Weight equivalent to 16 ounces (5) 20. Neuter (a female cat, for example) (4)
Your brain is constantly eating itself. Identical twins don’t have the same fingerprints. The world’s oldest cat lived to 38 years and three days old. Ants don’t have lungs. Football teams wearing red kits play better. Bananas are radioactive.
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We’re extending the warmest of welcomes. Stay for a respite break of 7 days or more at our Wyndham House or Pulsford Lodge care homes, and enjoy two additional days as our welcome gift to you.*
Wyndham House Minehead TA24 5PR
That special Somerset Care thing.
Pulsford Lodge Wiveliscombe TA4 2LA
somersetcare.co.uk
0800 817 4990
*Applicable to stays at selected homes starting before 31st March 2024 only, subject to availability. Somerset Care reserve the right to change or withdraw the offer at any time, without notice.
To advertise please call us on 01984 573025 or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk
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Clubs, Groups and Charities Directory Welcome to our directory, giving a spotlight to clubs, groups, organisations, societies and charities across Somerset. This helps promote what they do, raise awareness and allow them to be found easily. You will find various categories below to find useful information.
To publicise your group go to www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/directories and fill in your details. Health & Well Being: Age Uk Taunton. 01823 345626 www.ageuk.org/Somerset Literature: Friends of R.N.L.I Bookshop. Anne & Dick Holland 01643 704996 Education: Guilhall Young Artists Richard Huish Taunton. Rachael Parvin 07754217993. www.gyataunton.org.uk Health & Fitness: K.T’s Zumba Classes katie0704@live.co.uk 07738676832 Charities: • Minehead Community Defib Club. Richard Newton. 07968 026033 • Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. Emma Turk www.sanhs.org Gardening: Minehead Gardening Club. Keith Payne mineheadgardeningclub@chessck.co.uk Fitness: Taunton Town Walking Football Club. John Baker Taunton Vale Sports Club. Hobbies: The Exmoor Coast Railway Modellers. David Nelhams 01643 706736 Dance: The West Somerset Morris. www.westsomersetmorris.co.uk
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE Not only can you list your group for FREE, but you can promote your forthcoming events for FREE as well. Check out our growing What’s On section of our digital magazine at:
www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/whats-on We’ve created a great resource for anyone looking to explore their community and find out about events and activities happening in your area. Here you will find upcoming concerts, festivals, exhibitions, theatre productions, and listings for local markets, fairs, sports fixtures, and community initiatives. We hope they will help you to discover new interests, meet likeminded people, and make the most of what the area has to offer. To add YOUR events go to:
www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/submit-an-event 30.
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I can’t The police believe I forgot are interrogating to go to the gym someone about a today. That’s 365 stolen cheese toastie. days in a row They really grilled him. now. They said, “You shouldn’t steal anything with cheese in it. It’s nachos”. What do you call a cow with two legs? Lean beef. If the cow has no legs, then it’s I was once so ground beef. broke I couldn’t pay my electric bill. Those were the darkest days of my life.
#1
I used to have a really well-paid job collecting leaves. I was raking it in.
My friend Charlie the Chameleon is great at hiding. He’s hidden somewhere within this magazine. See if you can spot him and then visit...
www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/charlie
My wife threatened to leave me because of my “filthy and disgusting habits”. I was so shocked I almost choked on my toenails.
A man is on trial for stealing a guitar collection. The judge says, “First offender?” “No, your honour,” he says, “First a Gibson. Then a Fender!”
8 1 9 5 7 4 3 2 6 5 2 3 9 1 6 8 4 7 4 7 6 8 2 3 9 1 5 CROSSWORD: 2 9 7 3 8 5 4 6 1 Across: 7 Canapé, 8 Ranger, 9 Floe, 10 Premiere, 11 Battery, 13 Hippo, 1 5 4 6 9 7 2 3 8 15 Steep, 16 Cartons, 18 Hawthorn, 19 Mask, 21 Severn, 22 Sandal. 3 6 8 2 4 1 5 7 9 Terrapin, 12 Anteater, 14 Harness, 17 Pound, 20 Spay. 7 3 5 4 6 8 1 9 2 6 8 2 1 3 9 7 5 4 WORDWHEEL ANSWER: ORGANISE 9 4 1 7 5 2 6 8 3
Hi! I’m Petee.
Diet diary, day one: I removed all the fattening food from the house. It was delicious.
#2
2 1 8 5 9 4 7 3 6
5 4 7 1 6 3 8 9 2
6 3 9 2 8 7 4 5 1
3 6 1 7 4 9 2 8 5
4 9 5 3 2 8 1 6 7
8 7 2 6 5 1 9 4 3
7 2 4 8 3 6 5 1 9
1 8 6 9 7 5 3 2 4
9 5 3 4 1 2 6 7 8
I ‘as a trerrible job knowing ‘ow many zheep I haz. I goze into the veald and by the time I gets arf way counting, I’se voll asleep you.
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. We hold no liability for supplied artwork from advertisers and contributors and views or advice contained within. Word Gets Around Magazines is registered in England and Wales No. 11422005.
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Create your perfect living space. Homefront Design UK Ltd Ford, Near Wiveliscombe, Somerset, TA4 2RL. T: 01984 624700 www.homefrontdesign.uk.com 32.
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