Taunton and South Somerset Living Jun - Jul 2024

Glastonbury Festival presents 

years 

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS 

& THE SHEPTON MALLET BIG BAND 

Gates open 4.30pm 

Fireworks at 10pm

18 32 

C O N T E N T S 

INTERIOR HEALTHY RECIPES UPDATES 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

JACK ADDING STEIN VALUE INTERVIEW TO YOUR & RECIPE HOME 

22 18 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Adrian Hill 

e adrian.hill@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984496 

Front cover courtesy of Trading Post Farm Shop 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

12 27 

PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS 

COLOUR BOLT TREND 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, 

Hilperton BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Printed on sustainably sourced paper. 

Please recycle this copy or pass it along 

when you are finished for someone else 

to enjoy. 

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be 

held liable for any loss occasioned by 

failure of an advertisement to appear, or 

any damage or inconvenience caused by 

errors, omissions and misprints. No part of 

this publication may be reproduced without 

prior permission from the publishers. 

The opinions expressed within are not 

necessarily those of the publishers. 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

I’ve realised more recently 

that my emotional bandwidth 

I had my first English 

is a bit like a plant...a bit of 

strawberry this week, and my 

word, 

sunshine 

it was 

and 

beyond 

I become 

delicious 

a 

- 

different 

perfectly 

person! 

sweet, it was a 

very good advert for eating 

seasonally. As the sun I’ve starts tried to to peek echo 

this out from in all behind my recent the fruit clouds, and 

vegetable this edition purchases, is bursting and with it’s 

had stories a transformative to put a spring effect in your on 

my step cooking and a - smile everything on your just 

tastes face. better - more vibrant, 

needing less seasoning and 

just I’m overall mid-renovation very tasty. with my 

home at present and I know 

I’m the various making pitfalls the of most certain of 

cooking projects on whilst a cost I still vs have benefit a 

kitchen analysis. - mine We’ve is asked due to the be 

ripped experts out at the in two HomeOwners’ weeks and 

it Alliance will be to camping do the hard stove work and 

air for frying us and for give two us months an insight from 

there! into those I’ve already renovations picked which my 

kitchen, will give but maximum it got me value thinking for 

about minimal all outlay. the other areas that 

need updating in my home. If 

you On the are foodie thinking front of a we similar have 

refresh, some recipes please celebrating check out our an 

home unsung pages hero - this the edition flavour-packed 

full shallot. of inspiring Who trends knew 

they’re 

and that a this few versatile timeless classics. little root 

veg could be used in so 

We’ve many different also got ways! some lovely 

editorial on the best plants 

for If you pollinators are looking - to it’s shake never up 

been 

your wardrobe 

so important 

a little 

to support 

as the 

wildlife 

mercury 

in 

rises, 

the garden. 

check out our 

summer style guide - we are 

The 

all about 

competition 

those easy-breezy 

guide this 

issue is a bumper one - we 

pieces that still make you 

have an outdoor furniture 

looked pulled together. 

set from Bramblecrest worth 

nearly £3,000, plus a cordless 

Our later life guide sees an 

lawnmower worth £679 to get 

insightful guide to retirement 

that garden in shape. This, 

accommodation - perfect 

plus a lot more makes it well 

worth 

if you’re 

a look 

considering 

and an enter! 

those 

next big steps. 

We will be back again in 

August 

We will 

- 

be 

I’ll 

back 

be fully 

again 

rebooted 

in the 

and height recharged of summer into - hopefully summer 

mode. having See already you then! had some 

lovely sunshine and looking 

forward to some wonderful 

August scorchers 

Katie 

ahead. 

See you then! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

Time 

COMPETITION 

Find out more about entering our competitions online 

at minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions - join our 

Competition Club and enter over 60 comps a year for 

only £12.99! Or enter for free by post. 

All the below close on 15th July 2024 

WIN A FINAMILL 

RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC 

PEPPER MILL & SPICE 

GRINDER BUNDLE! 

Fall in love with freshly-ground spices 

again with FinaMill’s award-winning 

patented electric grinder! With its 

interchangeable pods, FinaMill is a 

brilliantly easy way to grind spices, 

regardless of whole spice shape, 

size and hardness. From salt and 

peppercorn to cumin seeds and even 

coffee beans! Win one of 3 bundles: 

Available from Amazon. 

Keyword ‘FinaMill’ 

WIN ONE OF 3 METHVEN 

SHOWER HEADS WORTH 

OVER £130 

Methven, the manufacturer of 

beautifully designed, innovative, and 

award-winning showers are offering 

their Eco Aio Shower head. Featuring 

patented Aurajet® technology, the 

handset gives up to 20% more spray 

coverage* and twice the amount of skin 

contact to deliver a full-bodied spray 

with maximum body contact and allover 

warmth. 

Shop online at uk.methven.com 

Keyword ‘Methven’ 

WIN A ULLEHUSE 6-SEATER 

GARDEN LOUNGE SET IN GREY 

WORTH £949.99 FROM JYSK 

Get summer ready with the help 

of JYSK. The best-selling JYSK 

ULLEHUSE polyrattan 6-seater 

corner sofa and table set with luxury 

cushions is a garden essential. Worth 

£949.99, the ULLEHUSE Lounge Set 

is a customer favourite and perfect 

for relaxing and alfresco dining. JYSK 

prides themselves on creating quality 

items that are loved in Denmark and 

now across the world. 

Shop online at jysk.co.uk 

Keyword ‘ULLEHUSE’ 

WIN CLASSIC 

BUNDLE BED 

WORTH £325 

Forget deflating air beds and hard roll 

mats, Bundle Beds have everything 

that you need for a brilliant night’s 

sleep in one bundle – yes, it’s ALL 

included! A super comfy self-inflating 

mattress, cosy duvet, comfy pillow and 

super soft bedding. Award winning, 

super soft and with a ten-year warranty, 

this is the perfect solution for extra 

beds, sleepovers, travel and camping! 

Shop online at bundlebeds.com 

Keyword ‘Bundle Bed’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

WIN A GIN TASTING SESSION 

AND BOTTLE OF ARTISAN GIN 

You have the chance to win one of 

four pairs of Gin Tasting Experience 

vouchers plus a 50cl bottle of one 

of Warwickshire Gin Company’s six 

signature gins in a prize worth £77. 

The inspiration behind the awardwinning 

craft distillery’s portfolio of 

artisan premium spirits, comes from a 

desire to capture a moment in history, 

developing flavours to fully represent the 

county’s own unique story and bringing 

the range of hand-crafted flavours to life. 

Find out more at: 

warwickshiregincompany.co.uk 

Keyword ‘Warwickshire Gin’ 

WIN ANITA ROSA FAIA 

SWIMWEAR 

One lucky winner will win the Anita 

Rosa Secret Jungle Elouise Soft Cup 

Swimsuit (size 10-12) and cover up, two 

runners up will receive another costume 

from the Secret Jungle collection. 

With practical and decorative zip front 

opening for a customised design and fit, 

it’s made with Lycra Xtra Life fibre so it’s 

long lasting. The wire-free cups are kept 

in a powernet shelf with wide underbust 

elastic for an extra bust support. 

Comes with low cut rounded back and 

adjustable straps for ease of dressing. 

Find out more at Amplebosom.com 

Keyword ‘Anita Rosa’

MARQUEE EVENT 

LINE UP 2024 

For the first time ever - we have an exciting line up of events 

in our marquee in June & July! 

SCAN HERE 

FOR MORE 

INFO & TO BUY 

TICKETS 

LASHINGS WORLD XI 

CRICKET DAY 

SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 

MAGIC OF THE 

MUSICALS 

SATURDAY 13TH JULY 

P!NK TRIBUTE 

PERFORMED BY VICKY JACKSON 

THURSDAY 18TH JULY 

THE GREAT BALDINI 

PRESENTS: A MAGICAL CABARET 

FRIDAY 19TH JULY 

TAKE THAT 

EXPERIENCE 

SUNDAY 21ST JULY 

FOREVER JACKSON 

FRIDAY 26TH JULY 

To view more information visit: www.tauntonschoolenterprises.co.uk/whatson

ADVERTISING FEATURE 


Stellar line-up for 

Taunton School's 

Summer Programme 

International cricket stars will take 

to the playing fields of Taunton 

School this June, heading up an 

exciting Summer programme of live 

entertainment... 

West Indian cricketing legend Sir Gordon 

Greenidge, former England player Chris 

Schofield and Saqlain Mushtaq, the 

Pakistani cricket coach and former 

international player, will be in action on 

June 29th as part of the Lashings World 

XI team. 

Known as ‘the Harlem Globetrotters of 

cricket’, the Lashings team will take part 

in a T20 match with commentary by 

legendary broadcaster, Henry Blofeld. 

There will also be a lunch and junior 

coaching sessions ahead of the game. 

In July, Taunton School Enterprises’ 

line-up of marquee events range from an 

audience with a psychic medium through 

to a night of magic, an evening of songs 

from the musicals and some of the best 

tribute acts on the circuit. 

On July 11th, psychic medium Darren 

Turner will help audience members 

communicate with loved ones, friends 

and family, blending humour and 

compassion to comfort those seeking 

connections with the spirit world. 

Darren, who has more than 17 years of 

experience, says: “My passion lies in 

guiding others on their spiritual journey, 

offering support and insights as you 

navigate your own unique connection 

with the spirit world.” 

The Magic of the Musicals comes to 

the Taunton School marquee on July 

13th with James & Murphy Productions’ 

spectacular evening of show-stopping 

songs from the greatest stage and screen 

musicals of all time. 

Sensational singers and dancers will 

bring to life hits from Les Miserables, 

Wicked, Mamma Mia, Joseph, Chicago, 

Mary Poppins, Frozen, Jersey Boys, 

Moulin Rouge, Phantom of The 

Opera, Cabaret, Cats, The Greatest 

Showman, Tina The Musical, Drifters 

Girl, Rocketman, Grease, Dreamgirls and 

many more. 

If American Grammy award-winning 

singer Pink is your thing, then come and 

see Vicky Jackson on July 18th. For more 

than a decade, Vicky has dominated 

the tribute scene with her stunning act, 

wowing audiences worldwide with hits 

from Pink’s 20-year career. 

Next up is an evening of Magical Cabaret 

with the Great Baldini on July 19th. 

Known as ‘The Emperor of Illusion’, 

‘The Prince of Prestidigitation’, and 

‘The Maharajah of Mystery’, Baldini has 

performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and 

on Radio 4. He will take the audience 

on a journey through his life from his 

very first illusion to attempting Houdini’s 

greatest escape and dabbling with 

Russian roulette. 

On July 21st it’s the turn of the Take That 

Experience to headline at the Taunton 

School marquee. For more than a decade 

these boys have been recognised as 

the supergroup’s most popular and 

recognised tribute act, recreating the 

magic of the band live on stage with their 

‘Greatest Hits Tour’. There’s even a turn 

from “Robbie Williams” performing fan 

favourites such as Rock DJ, Candy and 

Angels. 

And finally, to mark the end of this 

Summer’s marquee concerts on July 

26th, award-winning Forever Jackson 

will bring to life the best of Michael 

Jackson’s back catalogue. The show 

has become one of the most in-demand 

tributes in the country and Europe with a 

live band made up musicians who have 

themselves played with A-list names. 

Stunning performances coupled with 

superb choreography and special effects 

promise an evening to remember! 

To book tickets visit www. 

tauntonschoolenterprises.co.uk/ 

whatson/ 

6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

MEET THE 

Tauntonians 

WE TALK TO BUSINESSES IN AND 

AROUND THE TAUNTON AREA WHO ARE 

PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO... 

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY 

RICHARD HISCOX - VINTAGE TRAIN DRIVER 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A STEAM TRAIN DRIVER AT 

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY? 

I have been a steam locomotive driver since 2017 after 8 years 

as a fireman (shovelling coal). Once I was able to show I was 

confident firing and had the relevant skills I become a driver which 

is a big responsibility. 

HOW DID THIS ROLE COME ABOUT? 

I’ve had a passion for steam since I was a child and used to 

regularly be taken to the Thomas events at Minehead. As soon as 

I was old enough to join as a tracker in the youth section of the 

WSR I became a member of the Minehead station staff (volunteer) 

and progressed through the various ranks then on. 

IT MUST GIVE YOU IMMENSE PLEASURE, RIGHT? 

Its always a pleasure and sometimes feels like a dream that 

you are responsible for such a big, heavy and very expensive 

machine which a lot of people have spent hundreds of thousands 

of pounds and man-hours restoring for all to enjoy. The downside 

is the very early starts, which can vary from 04.30-06.15am 

depending on the timetable requirements. 

THE PASSENGERS MUST LOVE IT TOO. 

The passengers do indeed love the sight and sounds of a steam 

locomotive. For most, the first time seeing one is overwhelming 

and a lot don’t believe it stills burns coal and think it’s for show. 

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE STEAM ENGINE YOU DRIVE? 

We have a wide selection of steam locomotives to drive. Most of 

them are of Great Western Railway design built at Swindon during 

the early to late 1900’s. My favourite is the Manor Class engines 

which are ideal for the West Somerset Railway. 

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT WHAT’S ON THIS SUMMER? 

To find out about events and timetables keep a look out on our social 

media pages and the website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk 

PIZZAEXPRESS TAUNTON 

KELLY BAKER - GENERAL MANAGER 

PIZZAEXPRESS HAS JUST HAD A FABULOUS NEW MAKEOVER, 

RIGHT? 

Yes, we’ve recently reopened with a brand new look at 

PizzaExpress Taunton. I am so proud to lead the team at 

PizzaExpress Taunton, from our trainer Vicky, who has been with 

us 20 years, to our Head Pizzaiolo Ben, who has been with us 

15 years, the entire team can’t wait to show off our new look. 

With our recently introduced Spring menu of new and returning 

favourites, we can’t wait to welcome back our customers to 

enjoy their favourite pizzas in our stylish new setting. 

WHAT’S NEW ON THE MENU THIS SPRING IN TAUNTON? 

On our menu our customers will find our iconic flavours, 

including some recently returned customer favourites. Some 

of the legendary pizzas that have returned include the Romana 

American Hottest, a slice of heritage with the Soho ’65, and a 

veggie inferno with the Vegan Mezze. 

We also have a lovely al fresco dining area, which is the perfect 

destination for a refreshing spring cocktail, including the 

Raspberry Cosmo Spritz and Pimm’s Summer Cup, and a slice 

of pizza during the warmer months. 

WHERE ABOUTS CAN I FIND THE NEW LOOK RESTAURANT? 

PizzaExpress Taunton Is located just a few doors down from the 

River Tone at 20 Bridge Street, Taunton. 

HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH TO BOOK A TABLE? 

You can book a table online via our website: 

www.pizzaexpress.com/taunton-bridge-street or over the 

phone on 01823 352 245. 


Travel through countryside and coast on 

England’s longest Heritage Railway 

Travel through countryside and coast between Bishops 

Lydeard and Minehead, on England’s longest heritage railway! 

• Retail and catering facilities available 

• Choice of destinations 

• Picturesque country stations 

• Heritage steam and diesel locomotives 

Bishops Lydeard TA4 3RU • Minehead TA24 5BG 

www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk 

01643 704996 

WHAT’S ON 

ARRIVAL - THE 

HITS OF ABBA 

8 JUNE 

FEARNE 

COTTON 

13 JUNE 

ZOG AND THE 

FLYING DOCTORS 

29 - 30 JUNE 

ELO 

AGAIN 

7 JULY 

GIRLS 

NIGHT OUT 

16 JUL 

POP 

PARTY 

23 AUGUST 

www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk | Box Office: 01823 283244 


JOHN LYDON 

OPENS UP 

ABOUT THE 

HEART- 

BREAKING 

LOSS OF WIFE 

N O R A T O 

ALZHEIMER’S 

And God save the Queen 

– but not the Sussexes 

– says John Lydon who 

talks about royalty, 

respect and his new tour. 

Legendary punk rocker John Lydon has spoken candidly 

about the final days with his late wife Nora, who passed 

away in 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

J O H N 

LYDON’S 

TOUR ‘I COULD 

BE RIGHT’ IS 

ON ACROSS 

THE COUNTRY 

UNTIL 

29 JUNE. 

“It was chaotic, frustrating and mindnumbingly 

draining, but I loved taking 

care of her. I miss it like mad,” he confessed. 

In a raw and emotional interview, Lydon describes the 

agonising decision to take his wife off the respirators that 

were keeping her alive. 

“They said to me: ‘We really can’t do any more. Do we have 

your permission to stop?’ and God, what a question to have 

to answer. It was one of the most awful moments of my life,” 

he revealed. 

Lydon, 68, also shares a surprising connection he felt with 

Nora during her illness. 

“When I was seven, I almost died from meningitis and lost 

my memory for four years, so I understood how Nora felt on 

a much deeper level. But she never forgot who I was,” he 

said. 

Despite the challenges, Lydon admitted he cherished his 

time as Nora’s primary caregiver. 

“It was chaotic, frustrating and 

mind-numbingly draining, but 

I loved taking care of her. 

I miss it like mad” 

Looking ahead, Lydon, now living alone, says he’s 

determined to stay busy. 

“My friend and manager, Johnny ‘Rambo’ Stevens, also died 

last year. I’m living alone now, but I can still hear both him 

and Nora in my head saying, ‘Get up and do something!’, 

so I’m coming to the UK to do my spoken-word tour,” he 

shared. 

The conversation also delves into some of Lydon’s past 

controversies. He clarified his stance on the Sex Pistols’ 

song God Save the Queen, insisting it wasn’t a personal 

attack on the Queen but a critique of the monarchy. 

“It was never personal,” he explained. “It was about the 

institution.” 

However, his feelings about her grandson, Prince Harry and 

his wife Meghan, are a bit more personal. The former punk 

is definitely not a fan. 

“I don’t want to be judgemental, but it’s very hard to think 

kindly towards them when they’re so damn nasty to their 

own families,” he said. 

He concludes: “You can’t disrespect your parents and 

grandparents like that. And writing a kiss-and-tell book 

about your family? God that’s mean.” 


IT’S SHOWTI ME, 

TAUNTON. 

BOOK NOW 

at our new-look restaurant. 

20 Bridge Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1UB. TEL: 01823 352 245 

pizzaexpress.com

W E L L B E I N G 

in focus 

C O N F U S E D B Y 

S U P P L E M E N T S ? 

Take away the guesswork with a supplement 

bundle that will give you all-round health support 

with Nutrition Geek’s Super 7 Bundle. 

Spend less time being ill with a stronger immune 

system and have energy-filled days by reducing 

tiredness and fatigue. Unlock seamless ease of 

movement and revitalise your hair, skin and nails 

without paying for a makeover. Reduce stress and 

anxiety, achieve a better nights sleep and start 

being your best self! 

What do you get in the bundle? 

- Turmeric, Ginger & Black Pepper 

- Vitamin D 4000iu 

- Ashwagandha Calm+ 

- Biotin Growth+ 

- Milk Thistle 

- Iron Energy+ 

- Vitamin B12 Dual Power 

Bundle currently discounted to £39.99, 

www.nutritiongeeks.co 

A low-cost 

way to 

supplement 

P E D A L 

Y O U R 

W A Y T O 

H E A L T H 

BUSY BEE’S 

QUICK 

GUIDE TO 

FITNESS WITH 

PELOTON 

BIKE+ 

In today’s fast-paced 

world, finding time for 

self-care can feel like an 

impossible feat. But fear 

not, fellow busy bees, because with the Peloton 

Bike+ in your corner, achieving your fitness goals has never 

been easier—or more convenient. 

Gone are the days of spending hours at the gym. With the 

Peloton Bike+, you can squeeze in a killer workout in as little 

as 20 minutes. Whether you prefer a heart-pumping HIIT 

ride or a scenic journey through virtual landscapes, there’s 

something for everyone. And with motivating instructors 

guiding you every step of the way, you’ll be breaking a sweat 

and crushing your goals in no time. 

B U Z Z 

without the 

B O O Z E 

Introducing SENTIA, a revolutionary formula 

designed to elevate your mind by harnessing 

the power of your brain’s GABA levels. Revel in 

an unparalleled sense of tranquillity and ease 

as SENTIA works its magic. 

A potent blend of nootropics and adaptogens 

(basically, natural relaxation and feel-good 

nutrients), these blends give the effect of 

having one or two alchoitc drinks, but without 

the side effects. 

SENTIA Red is designed for relaxation and 

intimate moments, SENTIA Black is designed for 

engaging conversations and party starters.Grab 

both in 50cl bottles for £59, sentiaspirits.com 

But the benefits don’t stop there. Regular exercise isn’t just 

about looking good; it’s also about feeling good. With each 

pedal stroke, your body releases a flood of endorphins, leaving 

you with an unmistakable post-workout glow. Plus, the sense of 

accomplishment that comes with completing a workout—even 

a short one—can do wonders for your mental well-being. 

And let’s not forget about the community. Peloton isn’t just 

a bike; it’s a tribe. Whether you’re high-fiving strangers from 

across the globe or engaging in friendly competition with 

your fellow riders, there’s something undeniably uplifting 

about being part of a supportive community. 

So, to all my fellow busy bees out there, I leave you with this: 

don’t let your packed schedule be an excuse to neglect your 

health. With Peloton Bike+ by your side, you have the power 

to transform even the busiest of days into an opportunity for 

growth, both physically and mentally. So, clip in, crank up 

the resistance, and let’s pedal our way to a brighter, healthier 

tomorrow. See you at the virtual finish line! onepeloton.co.uk 


To Kiss Poster, desenio.com 

Delilah Paint, 

earthbornpaints.co.uk 

Cushion with Pad, £75, 

coloursofarley.com 

ANYDAY Trousers, 

£36, John Lewis 

Birdsong Wallpaper, 

fionahoward.com 

Elsie Stripe 

Blouse, 

£55, Monsoon 

ANYDAY Pocket Cardi, 

£34, John Lewis 

Deliberate Bag £95, 

dunelondon.com 

COLOUR BOLT 

Step into a world where joy and personality 

shines through every detail. A celebration of selfexpression 

through vibrant tones, eclectic decor 

and clothing. It’s a bold move away from the more 

mundane muted palettes that have dominated 

in the past, inviting a lively mix of colours that 

instantly infuse your space and wardrobe with 

joy, creativity and a new zest for life. Instant 

dopamine! Pair back with neutral bases. 

Orange Broderie 

Swing Dress, £24, 

George at Asda 

Lighting by pooky.com 

Garden Chair 

with Stool, 

£179, 

hauslife.co.uk 

Everyday Tiered 

Maxi Dress, £18, 

very.co.uk 

Striped 

Trousers, £54, 


Top, £14.50, 

George at Asda 

Gene Clog in 

Sand, £90, 

dunelondon.com 


Burford Rattan Dining Set, available 

with Four or Six Seats, currently £763 

off, £2,485 hauslife.co.uk 

Pair of Napkins, £28, 

avalonhome.co.uk 

ALFRESCO 

LIVING 

If you’re looking for a few new additions 

to add to your collection, we’ve pulled 

together a curated edit with everything you 

need to serve your guests in style - from 

the little details like napkins and serving 

boards to gorgeous outdoor furnishings 

that will suit the whole family. 

Set Of 4 Riviera 

Mimosa Placemats, £80, 

roseandgrey.co.uk 

Monstera Plate, £45, 

roseandgrey.co.uk 

Brisa Large Serving Bowl, 

£46.99, hauslife.co.uk 

Drinks 

Dispenser, £30, 

ellajames.co.uk 

Trendsetters 

OUR FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE FASHIONS & FINDS 

Fabric by abigailborg.com 

Striped Serving Bowl, £78, 

spicerandwood.co.uk 

Candle Pair, £15, 

talkingtables.co.uk 

Candlestick, £6, 

jysk.co.uk 

Lighting by lights4fun.com 


UNLOCK YOUR CHILD’S 

POTENTIAL: JOIN ACADEMIC 

CAMP’S ENRICHING SUMMER 

EXPERIENCE IN TAUNTON! 

Email – 

info@ 

academiccamp.org 

Call – 

020 3959 9570 

As the school year draws to a close and summer 

holidays beckon, parents are searching for opportunities 

to keep their children engaged and inspired. 

Look no further than Academic Camp’s upcoming 

summer camp, at Queen’s College in the picturesque 

town of Taunton. Our camps are suitable both for 

boarders and for those who want to attend on a day 

to day basis. The latter costs less than professional 

childcare for a day! 

Academic Summer, also known as Academic Camp, was 

founded by Helen Lami in 2008, and has a rich history of 

empowering young minds and nurturing talent. 

With a focus on bridging education and recreation, 

Summer Camp Details - 

What You Need To Know. 

Camps take place Monday - Thursday at Queen’s 

College, Trull Road, Taunton. 

TA1 4QS. Parents can choose 

between day or boarding 

options, accommodating the 

needs and preferences of 

every family. Learners come 

from near and far, including 

from overseas, adding to 

the vibrant and diverse 

summer community. 

The summer programme 

offers a diverse range of 

Academic Camp has helped thousands of children and 

young people unlock their potential and achieve their 

aspirations. 

Helen emphasises the importance of interactive 

learning, critical thinking, and global community building. 

The camps are infused with Content and Language 

Integrated Learning (CLIL), a holistic approach proven to 

inspire and motivate students. 

“Our summer camp is not just about learning - it’s 

about fostering a sense of connection, curiosity, and 

confidence in every child. We believe in empowering 

young minds to embrace new challenges, forge 

meaningful friendships, and discover their true 

potential.” 

experiences tailored to suit every child’s interest 

and ambition. From performing arts to academic 

enrichment to STEAM (Science, Technology, 

Engineering, Art, and Math) exploration, there’s 

something for everyone. 

In addition to the enriching activities on campus, 

boarding guests can embark on weekend excursions, 

further enhancing their summer experience. 

With a focus on personal growth, cultural exchange, 

and academic excellence, Academic Camp provides the 

perfect environment for children to thrive. 

For day students, aged nine to 16, the costs are from 

£45 a day from Monday July 15 to Thursday August 

22. Costs for boarders, aged ten to 16, for two-week 

courses including all accommodation, food and trips 

from £3,100. 

For more information and to secure your child’s spot, visit: 

www.academiccamp.org/ 

academic-summer-uk/taunton/#about-the-programme-more

AN INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR AGES 0 - 18 

NURSERY & 

PRE-PREP AT 

TAUNTON 

SCHOOL 

FIND YOUR 

EXCEPTIONAL 

Whatever your background, whatever your 

story, we unearth potential in every child. 

Find your exceptional at Taunton School. 

Nursery & Pre-Prep applications open now. 

Nursery: Ages 0-4 Pre-Prep: Ages 4-7 

# FINDYOUR 

EXCEPTIONAL 

Contact us to arrange a personal tour now: 

tppsadmissions@tauntonschool.co.uk

IT'S A GAME 

CHANGER 

BUT NOT FREE 

When the Chancellor announced his plan for 

expanding the childcare support for parents 

with young children last year, families across 

the country would have been jumping for joy. 

Early education and childcare is very expensive, especially for our 

youngest children. So the offer of “free” hours for their child is a 

game changer. Unfortunately it’s not free although it will make a 

big difference to family finances. 

The Government contribution to childcare costs has been low 

compared to similar countries. There has only been some help 

for children once they turn three, or those from disadvantaged 

backgrounds aged two. 

Unfortunately, the money they pay providers has never covered 

the costs of delivering high quality early education and care with 

83% saying it does not cover their costs and nurseries closing 

faster than ever. 

From September, children aged nine months upwards of working 

parents will be entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per 

week. This enables parents to work and supports children’s 

development, wellbeing and learning. 

There are catches however: 

• The 15 hours are only during term time – most providers 

will “stretch” these hours across the year which reduces the 

number of hours per week 

• The Government does not pay for meals, snacks, 

consumables or additional activities – so expect your 

nursery to make charges for these 

• You will need to pay for any additional hours at the 

nursery’s usual fee 

National Day Nurseries Association recommends that parents 

speak as soon as possible to their local providers to find a place 

for their child. 

By Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries 

Association (NDNA) 

www.ndna.org.uk 

early years 

education... 

Did you know Taunton School has its own 

on-site nursery for children aged between 

6 months and 4 years old? 

We are very proud of our nursery offering at Taunton School 

and we are currently hard at work making it even better! We 

have some exciting updates coming to the building including 

a new fun and engaging library and an additional baby 

room, plus we are currently updating our main entrance and 

playgrounds. These developments will lead to more nursery 

places being available from September 2024. 

Situated on our 56-acre campus, Taunton School Nursery 

offers a warm, friendly, safe and inviting space for children 

to thrive. There are different areas for playtime, sleeping, 

eating and learning, creating a true home from home for our 

youngest pupils. As Taunton School is all on one campus, 

children can benefit from a seamless transition to Taunton 

Pre-Prep and beyond. 

We welcome children from 6 months old and offer full 

wraparound care and holiday clubs during 50 weeks of the 

year, perfect for busy parents. Our Nursery is headed up by 

Becky Lewis, who is also head of Taunton Pre-Prep School, 

and supported by a team of dedicated, friendly practitioners. 

We recognise that each age and stage of development 

is unique, which is why our Nursery is split into four year 

groups. 

We understand how important it is that we can give your 

child the attention they need, which is why our staff to child 

ratios are 1:3 (under 2), 1:4 (ages 2-3) and 1:6 (ages 3-4). 

Each year group enjoys a variety of activities each day, 

from sensory play, swimming and yoga, to outdoor play and 

getting messy in our mud kitchen, to story time and art, as 

well as French, drama and music, all to encourage children to 

develop effectively whilst having lots of fun! 

To find out more about Taunton School Nursery, visit 

https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/nursery/ or contact our 

admissions team via tppsadmissions@tauntonschool.co.uk 

or 01823 703339. 


That’s 

Shallot 

UK Shallot help us celebrate this unsung 

hero! Find more recipes at: ukshallot.com 

SALMON AND 

SHALLOT 

TANDOORI 

SKEWERS 

These tandoori salmon skewers 

are the perfect BBQ recipe for 

summer, or they can also be 

grilled indoors on a griddle pan 

if it’s a classic British summer 

of rain! 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes 

(plus up to 60 minutes 

marinating time) 

Cooking Time: 10 minutes 

For the quick pickled shallots 

4 round shallots, peeled and 

finely sliced 

125ml water 

125ml white wine vinegar 

½ tsp fennel seeds 

½ tsp cumin seeds 

1 tbsp table salt 

2 tbsp golden caster sugar 

For the skewers 

4 skinless salmon fillets (about 

125g each) 

2 round shallots, finely chopped 

1 large garlic clove, grated 

2.5cm piece of fresh ginger, 

grated 

Juice of 1 lime 

100g Greek yoghurt 

1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 

1 tsp ground turmeric 

1 tsp ground cumin 

2 tsp ground coriander 

2 tsp smoked paprika 

Salt and pepper, to taste 

Vegetable oil 

To serve 

4 naan breads 

4 tbsp raita 

2 tbsp coriander leaves 

1 long green chilli, finely sliced 

Lime halves 

Prepare the quick pickled 

shallots. Place the sliced 

shallots in a clean bowl. Put the 

water, wine vinegar, fennel and 

cumin seeds, salt and sugar into 

a small pan over a medium heat 

and stir until the sugar and salt 

are fully dissolved. Pour the hot 

pickling liquor over the shallots 

and leave to cool slightly. Cover 

the bowl and place in the fridge 

to pickle. 

To prepare the salmon, cut each 

fillet into 4 equal-sized chunks. 

Place the chunks in a bowl with 

the chopped shallots, garlic, 

ginger and lime juice and mix 

well. 

In another bowl, mix the yoghurt 

with the spices and some salt 

and pepper. Add this spiced 

yoghurt to the salmon and mix 

well again. Leave to marinate 

in a cool place for at least 20 

minutes, or up to an hour. 

Once marinated, thread the 

salmon onto your skewers. 

Brush the hot barbecue or 

griddle pan lightly with a little 

vegetable oil then lay the 

skewers on it. Cook for 2–3 

minutes on each side until 

golden brown and lightly 

charred. Meanwhile, warm the 

naan on a low heat in the oven. 

Once cooked, transfer the 

skewers to a warm plate. 

Spread the naans with a 

tablespoon each of raita. Top 

with a salmon skewer. Scatter 

over the pickled shallots, some 

coriander and sliced green 

chilli. Serve with lime halves for 

squeezing over. 


30g fresh coriander, reserving a few 

for garnish 

1 green chilli, deseeded and roughly 

chopped 

1 tbsp lime juice 

4 tbsp olive oil 

Salt 

To serve 

1½ tbsp shop-bought tamarind 

paste 

1½ tsp caster sugar 

¼ tsp chaat masala 

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan. Put 

a large pan of salted water on to 

boil. Once boiling add the potatoes 

and cook for 4-5 minutes until 

cooked through. Drain the potatoes. 

Add the potatoes to a large baking 

tray – drizzle with the 2 tbsp oil, 

and top with the chaat masala, 

turmeric and seasoning. Toss 

to mix thoroughly. Roast in the 

oven, stirring once or twice, for 35 

minutes, or until deeply golden. 

Meanwhile, make the coriander 

chutney. Put all the ingredients into 

a food processor or blender and 

blitz until smooth. Set aside. 

To make the tamarind dressing, 

whisk together all the ingredients in 

a small bowl with 1½ teaspoons of 

water until the sugar is dissolved. 

Set aside. 

Spread the yoghurt on a large 

serving platter. Top with half the 

coriander chutney, swirling it through 

without completely incorporating. 

Drizzle with half of the tamarind 

dressing, and top with the potatoes, 

shallot and chilli. Drizzle over the 

remaining coriander chutney and 

tamarind dressing, then sprinkle 

over the toasted seeds and reserved 

coriander leaves and serve. 

CHICKEN, 

SHALLOT AND 

CASHEW CURRY 

This warming, fragrant chicken curry 

is the perfect dish to cook over the 

weekend when you have a little bit 

more time. Serve with rice, chapatis 

and pickles for a delicious feast. 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 

2 hours marinating time and 30 

minutes soaking) 

Cooking Time: 45 

minutes 

For the chicken 

2 tbsp Greek yoghurt 

2 tsp turmeric 


800g skinless bone-in chicken 

thighs and drumsticks 

2 tsp vegetable oil 

6 cloves 

1 cinnamon stick 

120g round shallots, peeled and 

finely chopped 

1 tsp sugar 

100ml warm water 

½ tsp ground cardamom 

For the cashew paste: 

75g cashew nuts 

5cm piece of ginger, peeled and 

roughly chopped 

2 green chillies 

For the temper: 

1 tbsp vegetable oil 

2 round shallots, peeled and thinly 

sliced 


1 tsp mustard seeds 

10 curry leaves 

Put the yoghurt, turmeric and salt 

and pepper in a bowl and stir to 

combine. Mix through the chicken, 

cover and leave in the fridge to 

marinate for at least 2 hours. 

Meanwhile, make the cashew paste. 

Soak the cashews in 100ml of 

warm water 

for half an hour. Put the cashews 

and their liquid in a blender with 

the ginger and chillies, blitzing to a 

smooth paste. 

Heat the 2 teaspoons of vegetable 

oil in a large, lidded saucepan on 

a medium heat. Add the cloves 

and cinnamon and let sizzle for a 

couple of minutes until fragrant. 

Add the shallots and cook, stirring 

often, until golden – around 6 

minutes. 

Add the chicken and fry for 8 

minutes until seared all over. 

Lower the heat, add the sugar, a 

pinch of salt and 100ml of water. 

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, 

stirring halfway through. Stir in the 

cashew paste, simmer for a further 

5 minutes, add the cardamom, and 

take the pot off the heat. 

Allow the curry to rest whilst 

making the temper – heat the 1 

tbsp oil in a small frying pan on a 

medium heat. Add the shallots and 

cook for five minutes until starting 

to turn golden. Add the cashews 

and fry for a further 2 minutes. 

Add the mustard seeds and curry 

leaves, cook for 30 seconds. Pour 

the temper over the curry and serve 

with rice or chapati. 


CHAAT MASALA 

POTATOES AND 

SHALLOTS 

Sweet and crunchy, raw echalions 

shallots marry perfectly with crispy 

new potatoes, cold yoghurt and a 

zingy dressing in this fresh Indianinspired 

salad. 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 10 minutes 


For the potatoes 

750g baby new potatoes, cut 

lengthways into 1cm thick slices 


1 tsp chaat masala 

½ tsp ground turmeric 


250g thick Greek yoghurt 

1 echalion, thinly sliced on a 

mandolin or by hand 

1 green chilli, thinly sliced 

1½ tsp coriander seeds, toasted 

1½ tsp nigella seeds, toasted 

For the coriander chutney 

30g fresh coriander, reserving a few 

for garnish 

1 green chilli, deseeded and roughly 

chopped 

1 tbsp lime juice 


Salt 

To serve 

1½ tbsp shop-bought tamarind 

paste 

1½ tsp caster sugar 

¼ tsp chaat masala 

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan. Put 

a large pan of salted water on to 

boil. Once boiling add the potatoes 

and cook for 4-5 minutes until 

cooked through. Drain the potatoes. 

Add the potatoes to a large baking 

tray – drizzle with the 2 tbsp oil, 

and top with the chaat masala, 

turmeric and seasoning. Toss 

to mix thoroughly. Roast in the 

oven, stirring once or twice, for 35 

minutes, or until deeply golden. 

Meanwhile, make the coriander 

chutney. Put all the ingredients into 

a food processor or blender and 

blitz until smooth. Set aside. 

To make the tamarind dressing, 

whisk together all the ingredients in 

a small bowl with 1½ teaspoons of 

water until the sugar is dissolved. 

Set aside. 


Spread the yoghurt on a large 

serving platter. Top with half the 

coriander chutney, swirling it through 

without completely incorporating. 

Drizzle with half of the tamarind 

dressing, and top with the potatoes, 

shallot and chilli. Drizzle over the 

remaining coriander chutney and 

tamarind dressing, then sprinkle 

over the toasted seeds and reserved 

coriander leaves and serve. 

CHICKEN, 

SHALLOT AND 

CASHEW CURRY 

This warming, fragrant chicken curry 

is the perfect dish to cook over the 

weekend when you have a little bit 

more time. Serve with rice, chapatis 

and pickles for a delicious feast. 

Serves: 4 


2 hours marinating time and 30 

minutes soaking) 


For the chicken 

2 tbsp Greek yoghurt 

2 tsp turmeric 


800g skinless bone-in chicken 

thighs and drumsticks 

2 tsp vegetable oil 

6 cloves 

1 cinnamon stick 

120g round shallots, peeled and 

finely chopped 

1 tsp sugar 

100ml warm water 

½ tsp ground cardamom 

For the cashew paste: 


5cm piece of ginger, peeled and 

roughly chopped 

2 green chillies 

For the temper: 

1 tbsp vegetable oil 

2 round shallots, peeled and thinly 

sliced 


1 tsp mustard seeds 

10 curry leaves 

Put the yoghurt, turmeric and salt 

and pepper in a bowl and stir to

CASTLE COMBE KARTING 

RENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 

Juniors - aged 10 - 16 

Adults - aged 15 and over 

ENTRIES OPEN 

Price £50 per round 

Spectators FREE 

No registration fee 

All equipment provided 

For more details email: 

luke@drivetechltd.co.uk 

or call: 01249 783101 


combine. Mix through the chicken, 

cover and leave in the fridge to 

marinate for at least 2 hours. 

Meanwhile, make the cashew 

paste. Soak the cashews in 100ml 

of warm water for half an hour. Put 

the cashews and their liquid in a 

blender with the ginger and chillies, 

blitzing to a smooth paste. 

Heat the 2 teaspoons of vegetable 

oil in a large, lidded saucepan on 

a medium heat. Add the cloves 

and cinnamon and let sizzle for a 

couple of minutes until fragrant. 

Add the shallots and cook, stirring 

often, until golden – around 6 

minutes. 

Add the chicken and fry for 8 

minutes until seared all over. 

Lower the heat, add the sugar, a 

pinch of salt and 100ml of water. 

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, 

stirring halfway through. Stir in the 

cashew paste, simmer for a further 

5 minutes, add the cardamom, and 

take the pot off the heat. 

Allow the curry to rest whilst making 

the temper – heat the 1 tbsp oil in a 

small frying pan on a medium heat. 

Add the shallots and cook for five 

minutes until starting to turn golden. 

Add the cashews and fry for a 

further 2 minutes. Add the mustard 

seeds and curry leaves, cook for 30 

seconds. Pour the temper over the 

curry and serve with rice or chapati. 

BEEF AND 

SHALLOT 

EMPANADAS 

The filling of these empanadas is 

a classic combination of Spanish 

flavours – beef, shallot, sultanas and 

olives. Deep fried until crispy, then 

finished with a salsa verde inspired 

shallot green sauce. 

Serves: 6-8 


resting time) 


For the dough 

450g plain flour 

1 tbsp salt 

60g unsalted butter 

1 egg 

6 tbsp water 

1 tbsp vinegar 

For the filling 

2 eggs, hard-boiled 

1 tbsp of olive oil 

4 echalion shallots, peeled and 

chopped 

1 garlic clove 

1 tbsp dried oregano 

500g beef mince 

1 tbsp raisin 

1 tbsp pitted green olives, roughly 

chopped 

½ a 400ml tin of chopped tomatoes 

Vegetable oil for frying 

For the green sauce 

1 small bunch of tarragon 

2 large bunches of flat-leaf parsley 

2 round shallots, peeled 

3 tsp Dijon mustard 

40g small capers, drained, rinsed 

and roughly chopped 

200ml extra virgin olive oil 

2 tbsp sherry vinegar 

Start with the dough - mix the 

flour, salt, and butter in a bowl by 

hand until it comes together as a 

homogeneous dough. 

In a separate large bowl, beat the 

egg, water, and vinegar, and add the 

mix to the flour dough. 

By hand, knead the mixture on a 

clean surface covered with a little bit 

of flour until it comes together as a 

rustic dough, and set aside, covered, 

in the fridge for one hour. 

To make the filling – peel and cut 

the hard-boiled eggs into thin slices. 

Heat the oil in a large pan on a 

medium heat - cook the echalion 

shallots until golden brown, then 

add the garlic and oregano, and 

stir for two minutes. Add the beef 

mince and cook for 10 minutes until 

browned. Add the raisins, olives, 

hard-boiled eggs, and chopped 

tomatoes. 

Meanwhile, make the green sauce 

by blitzing all the ingredients to a 

chunky texture in a blender. 

Heat 6cm vegetable oil in a large, 

deep-frying pan on a medium heat. 

Take the dough and roll out with 

a rolling pin to form a rectangular 

sheet around 2cm in thickness. 

Then, using a small bowl or cup, cut 

out circles around 12cm in diameter. 

Take a circle of dough and fill it with 

2 tablespoons of the beef filling. 

Then, fold the dough over and mark 

the edges with a fork to close the 

empanadas.

80th D-DAY 

ANNIVERSARY 

EXHIBITION 


A FREE exhibition at Taunton Library 

to mark the incredible achievements of 

Hydrographic Department staff during 

World War Two. 

Mainly based in Bath and Taunton, their trials and tribulations 

to provide the Allies with millions of charts is brought to light 

in this exhibition. A book to accompany the exhibition will be 

available. 

Copies of the book can be 

obtained in person from 

Brendon Books, Bath Place, 

Taunton at £25 

https://brendonbooks.org/ 

Link to buy the book : Copies 

can be ordered on Ebay. 

Note: The exhibition is 

sponsored by The British 

Association for Local 

History and the Somerset 

Archaeological and Natural 

History Society. 

1 0 % o f f 

u s i n g c o d e 

1 0 H A U S L I F E 

p e r f e c t 

g i f t s f o r 

a n y 

b u d g e t 

f a s h i o n , 

h o m e w a r e , 

b e a u t y & 

a c c e s s o r i e s 

3 Abbeygate Street, Bath | hauslife.co.uk 


Sambuca Tumbled & Aged Limestone - Reminiscent of the 

original flagstone floor, the Sambuca limestone features soft 

shades of grey and blue along with hand cut tumbled edges and 

a brushed aged finish. Random length x 500 x 20mm size. Can 

go inside and out. £53.94m², terzettostone.co.uk 

Composite decking is a great choice for lowmaintenance, 

long-lasting decking. Envirobuild’s 

decking is also made from 90% recycled 

materials, using 100% wind farm energy. From 

£29.69 per 4m length, envirobuild.com 

GARDEN 

Glow Up 

There’s still time to transform your space for the 

summer - here are some beautiful products to help 

your transformation 

Solar Lanterns, 

on sale from 

£175 each, 


Porcelain works wonderfully in 

a variety of settings - it’s super 

hard-wearing and anti-slip, 

making it perfect for patios. 

Chorus White Italian Porcelain 

– Available In and Out. You can 

create a trade account online to 

receive reduced prices. Price from 

- £43m²., rflandscapeproducts. 

co.uk 

Lacock Lounge Set, 

currently on sale for 

£1452, hauslife.co.uk 

Astor 8 Seat Square Dining 

Set, currently on sale for 

£974.99, envirobuild.com 


A TOUCH 

Frost 

OF 

Gardening is in Adam Frost’s 

blood. The popular BBC 

Gardeners’ World presenter 

spent much of his Essex 

childhood learning how to grow 

plants at his grandparents’ 

gardens and allotments. No 

surprise then that a career in 

horticulture beckoned. 

Starting his training with a local 

parks department, he then went on 

work for the organic gardener and 

TV presenter, Geoff Hamilton. Next 

came training with David Stevens, 

the acclaimed garden designer, 

which led him to start his own 

design and build company where 

he has created show gardens at 

the Chelsea Flower Show and BBC 

Gardeners’ World Live. With four 

best-selling books under his belt 

and a busy speaking schedule too, 

we were delighted Adam found time 

to chat with us the spectacular, 

edible, headline show garden that 

he is creating for this year’s BBC 

Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC 

Birmingham (13th-16th June). 

Called The Chef’s Table, the garden 

combines his favourite hobbies - 

gardening, growing and cooking 

- and is sure to draw a crowd. It’s 

going to be a vibrant celebration of 

home-grown produce, featuring a 

rustic outdoor cooking and eating 


space set amongst an array of 

tasty plants. Adam will be hosting 

a daily programme of ‘plot-toplate’ 

themed conversations and 

demonstrations there, joined by 

chefs and culinary friends from 

sister event, Good Food Show 

Summer, including James Martin, 

Michel Roux, and Good Food’s 

Cassie Best. 

Sally Thomson caught up with him 

to find out more. 

Thank you for talking with me. 

What a glorious day - in Wiltshire, 

where I’m talking to you from 

anyway! 

I am in Bath this afternoon - I’m 

going to film at a nursery tomorrow 

- I’ve built a couple of gardens in 

Bath, when I was designing and 

building, so I’ve spent a bit of time 

down there. 

Do you think we are falling more 

in love with our gardens than 

ever? 

I think that gardening gives so 

much happiness. I have many super 

memories of being in the garden 

with my grandfather. I remember 

sitting in his shed and the rain 

pouring down and the sound was 

fantastic. And then we would go out 

and then pull the asparagus up and 

it was just such a delightful thing. 

And that’s the other thing with 

gardening is, you know, it’s a great 

place to get together and have a 

chat. And it’s a great place to create 

memories. 

A lot of us that have gardened for 

a reasonable amount of time, you 

realise how many memories we’re 

carrying, really. I think that’s quite 

magical, really. 

Can you tell us a little more 

about your show garden at this 

year’s Gardener’ World Live in 

Birmingham? 

I am creating a garden and the 

lovely thing is that once I’ve created 

this garden, the chefs and cooks 

are going to come on and cook. 

They’re going to do demonstrations. 

It’s quite self-indulgent because I 

love talking to the chefs! So I’ve got 

a whole week, really, of chatting. 

Making new memories in my show 

garden! 

See Adam at BBC Gardeners’ 

World Live at the NEC 

Birmingham (13th-16th June)

Taunton Flower Show 

is back for 2024. 

We chat to Becky, The Show Manager 

about the upcoming Flower Show 

Where does the planning start for you Becky? 

Planning begins in September/October once outstanding work 

from the previous show has been completed. We study the reports 

from the show management team and the feedback from visitors 

and traders so see how things went at the previous show, and 

how we can improve. We try to get the trader bookings open as 

soon as we can, as well as booking entertainment, arena acts, 

contractors and the park before Christmas to make sure we have 

the right infrastructure in place. The competition team of volunteers 

meet in October/November to decide on the competition schedule, 

which is then printed in January. There is a lot to organise and it 

takes a small group most of the year to do it. 

What does your day-to-day role involve? 

We have an event plan which we follow throughout the year, which 

has been developed over many shows and helps us to stay on track 

to get everything done in time for the show days. My day-to-day 

work is quite varied depending on what is happening at the time. 

I might be discussing plans with contractors, meeting volunteers, 

measuring up sections of the park or meeting with sponsors. 

Taunton Flower Show has quite the history, but how long has 

the show been going? 

Taunton Flower Show is the oldest flower show in the country 

and has been going since 1831. It started in Market House in 

Taunton, moving to Vivary Park in 1851. It has been run almost 

entirely by volunteers in its time and is a true testament to 

volunteer organisations. 


What have you got planned for this year? 

We have our magnificent competition and floral marquees, as well as 

our designer garden competition where gardens are created over four 

days before the show. In the arena we have some great acts including 

an excellent falconry display and the Devon and Somerset Fire and 

Rescue Marching Band. We have lots of amazing music groups 

providing entertainment in the artisan village, where lots of amazing 

local makers, designers and creators as displaying their creations. We 

also have our Ready Steady Garden competition where teams create 

a tractor tyre planter in 45mins, and lots of free activities for children. 

For anyone who had never attended, what can I expect? 

The show has a rich horticultural history but it is so much more than 

flowers! It is two days of good food, great entertainment, amazing 

floral displays and lots of activities for visitors to enjoy. 

Do I need to book tickets? 

No, Tickets are available on the daybut you can get a discount on the 

gate price if you book in advance. Tickets will be discounted until 26th 

July and are available through Taunton Visitors Centre. 

Where online can I find out more? 

Our website www.tauntonfs.co.uk. Our social media channels are 

regularly updated so follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly 

Twitter) to keep up to date. 

2ND & 3RD AUGUST 2024 

VIVARY PARK, TAUNTON 

Family Day Out | Garden Inspiration | Food & Drink | Entertainment | Shopping | Competitions... and so 

much more! 

Discounted Tickets available 

online until 26th July 

Children free with a paying adult 

www.tauntonfs.co.uk 

FOLLOW US 

ON SOCIALS 


THE ELM TREE 

Restaurant and Coffee Lounge 

TRY OUR NEW MENU 

OR BOOK FOR OUR FAMOUS 

AFTERNOON TEA 

Monkton Heathfield, Taunton Somerset, TA2 8QN 

TEL: 01823 412381 

EMAIL: info@monkton-elm.co.uk 

www.monktonelm.com 

SCAN HERE 

TO BOOK OUR 

AFTERNOON 

TEA!

LAWN 

Care 

In the world of lawn care, the battle for 

the ultimate mow is real. 

Homeowners, landowners, and greenspace professionals grapple 

with a plethora of mower choices, each promising precision, 

efficiency, and convenience. 

Traditional mowers, ride-on mowers, and futuristic automowers vie for 

supremacy. But which one aligns with your unique needs? Wynand 

Lombaard, Product & Pricing Specialist at Husqvarna, South Africa, 

provides some pointers to solve the green dilemma. 

AutoMowers vs. Ride-On Mowers vs. Traditional Mowers - Which 

is Best for You? 

Wynand Lombaard, Product & Pricing Specialist at Husqvarna, 

South Africa provides some guidance on how to determine what 

type of mower is best to keep your lawn in tip-top shape. As with any 

significant purchase, budget considerations are at the forefront when 

making your decision, often outweighing personal preferences. 

1. Traditional Mowers 

• Staple of most small to medium-sized gardens. Suitable for 

lawns of up to 800m² on average. 

• Available in both battery electric and petrol models. 

• Petrol mowers excel in power and durability, are robust and can 

handle various terrains, including slopes and rough patches. 

• Battery mowers are lightweight, quiet and eco-friendly. They 

work well on flat to moderately uneven ground with gentle 

slopes and require minimal maintenance. 

Drawbacks: 

• Petrol mowers can be noisy. 

• Traditional mowers require more time and physical effort. 

2. Ride-on Mower 

• Best suited for half-acre or larger lawns. 

• Designed to handle varying landscapes and uneven or 

rolling terrain. 

• Their greatest advantage is their speed and they can mow 

very large areas in a very short time. In fact, no mower can 

compete in this regard. 

• Able to mow very tall, thick or coarse grass. 

Drawbacks: 

• Less agile and unable to navigate very steep inclines. 

• Higher maintenance and fuel consumption costs. 

3. Automower (Robotic Mowers) 

• An automower operates autonomously and mows 

according to a set schedule, giving you more free time. 

• Designed to cut between a quarter and half an acre of lawn. 

• They are versatile and can operate in uneven, hilly terrain 

and are also able to navigate slopes. 

• Their mulching capability is great for your lawn. 

• Low maintenance and operating costs. 

Drawbacks: 

• Lawns have to be obstacle-free. 

If you’re in the market for a new mower, check out the Husqvarna 

range of mowers here: www.husqvarna.com/uk 

Ride On Lawn Mowers 

Discover the perfect John Deere Ride On Lawn Mower for your 

Lawn care needs available across the south at Hunt Forest Group. 

@huntforestgroup 

Find your local Hunt Forest Group branch at 

Ride On 

Lawn Mowers 

X107 

Type: Side Discharge 

Engine Power: 14.5hp 

Cutting Width: 107cm (42”) 

Ride On 

Lawn Mowers 

X117R 

Type: Rear Collector 



Ride On 

Lawn Mowers 

X350 

Type: Side Discharge/Mulch Deck 



NETHER STOWEY 

Inwood Farm, Nether Stowey, 

Bridgwater, Somerset, 

TA5 1HY 

Tel: 01278 733 603 

Opening hours 

Monday – Friday: 8.00am – 5.30pm 

Saturday: 8.00am – 12.00pm 

Email us at info@huntforest.com 

Visit us online at www.huntforest.com 

Speed: 5.5 mph (Forward) 

Rear Tyres: 20x10-8 

Speed: 5.5 mph (Forward) 

Collection Capacity: 300 ltrs 

Speed: 4.97 mph 

Rear Tyres: 

20x10-8 

Prices incl VAT from 

£ 3,250.00 


£ 4,125.00 


£ 6,105.00 

* By getting your machine serviced by a participating authorized John Deere dealer according to the maintenance schedule specified in the operator’s manual, the participating authorized John Deere Dealer 

will extend your statutory warranty to 3 years or 120 hours (X100) or 200 hours (Z300), whichever comes first. For private consumer use only. For commercial use the selling John Deere dealer’s warranty policy 

applies. Additional cost for service & inspection may apply and will be charged by dealer according to the dealer’s pricing schedule. 


NOTES FROM THE 

Garden 

The weather might be a little quixotic but 

the grass still grows and the bees still buzz 

so our gardens carry on regardless. 

If you are looking for inspiration and ideas- and like a great 

day out too - what better than a visit to a garden or country 

show. 

There will be professional nurserymen and women, show 

gardens, garden ornaments and a plethora of ideas and tricks 

of the trade to help you. 

If the idea of a show like Chelsea or Hampton Court is 

daunting and you know that you could never achieve that 

level of perfection- no one expects you to. You can pick 

a tiny corner of a show garden or even a simple plant 

combination to add to your own patch. As a show judge 

I am constantly amazed at how creative people are, how 

wonderful new plant introductions can be and what fun it is 

to share that with fellow gardeners. There is nothing more 

exciting than wandering around a marquee full of plants- just 

going wherever the mood takes you, stopping for a coffee 

or lunch and arriving home with a head full of new ideas- and 

probably aching feet! 

I have listed some, but by no means all, of the shows belowand 

I know whichever you choose you will come home with 

new ideas, new inspiration- and possibly a new plant or two! 

UPCOMING SHOWS: 

RHS Hampton Court 2-7 July 

RHS Tatton Park 17-21 July 

North Bucks County Show 1 June 

Warwickshire Game & Country Fair 22-23 June 

New Forest Show 30 July 1 August 

Wiltshire Game & Country Show 10-11 August 

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show 14-15 August 

Cheshire Game & Country Fair 25-26 August 

Sandringham Game & Country Fair 7-8 September 

Romsey Show 14 September 

There are many more across the country both large and 

small, so check them out and have a fabulous day! 

For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website: 

www.matthewbiggs.com 


ULTIMATE FABRICS 

Who are Ultimate Fabrics 

Ultimate Fabrics stock the largest selection of discounted designer 

curtain and upholstery fabrics, in the South West holding in stock 

over a thousand rolls with new stock arriving all the time. Owned 

and managed by husband and wife team Nick & Rebecca Ingoe 

alongside fantastic staff member Sarah they pride themselves on their 

unbeatable selection of fabrics and their exceptional customer service. 


Hundreds of rolls of designer curtain & 

upholstery fabrics at discounted prices 

What kind of fabrics do Ultimate Fabrics sell 

Curtain and upholstery fabrics by designers such as Linwood, 

Sanderson, Harlequin and many more, linens, weaves, prints and 

plains Ultimate Fabrics have them all plus linings and interlinings! If 

you don’t like to sew they can recommend local professional curtain 

and upholstery making services. 

What is new for 2024 

Ultimate Fabrics are delighted to work alongside Linwood Fabrics 

selling hundreds of their small rolls and remnants, stunning linens and 

weaves in a huge range of colours at only £15 per metre, unbeatable 

value for exceptional fabrics! 

Extension of their sale room where fabrics sell for only £5 per metre. 

Fabrics by designers such as Harlequin and Sanderson re-stocked 

weekly so there is always a bargain to be had! 

Why should I visit Ultimate Fabrics? 

There are many reasons why customers travel to Ultimate Fabrics. 

They have customers from all over the UK who understand the need 

to see the fabric on the roll, see the full design, the actual colour 

and feel the weight of the fabric it is not the same seeing an image 

on the internet or a small sample swatch. The selection of fabrics 

is unbeatable, the prices are incredible and they pride themselves 

on an exceptional level of customer service, helping with your 

measurements, choosing fabrics and a knowledge and contacts within 

the fabric industry through Nicks nearly 40 years in the business. 

Largest fabric selection in the South West complemented 

by professional curtain making and upholstery services. 


I M P R O V E 

don’t 

M O V E 

Significant home improvements are expensive, so it’s important to consider how your plans 

will add value to your home. More and more of us are choosing to improve rather than move. 

So, here the experts at the HomeOwners’ Alliance give us 10 ways to make your property 

better to live in, in a way that can also add value to your home. 

Image from Higham Furniture 

KNOCK DOWN A 

WALL FOR OPEN 

PLAN LIVING 

Spend £3,500, add £48,000 

Our research found that removing 

an internal wall to create an open 

plan kitchen and diner was the best 

way to add value to your home. It 

could cost around £3,500 but add 

£48,000 to the average London 

property or £27,000 to the average 

home in Dorset. 

Not only will this add value to your 

home, it should also make it more 

pleasant to live in, with more and 

more of us opting for open-plan 

living. Knocking down walls means 

more communal spaces where 

families can enjoy quality time 

together, whether that’s chatting 

while dinner is cooked or keeping 

an eye on kids while they do their 

homework. 

Best of all, this is a relatively simple 

project that most builders can 

complete in under a week. Meaning 

you could make almost £50k in just 

7 days! 

You may need the assistance of 

a structural engineer. A Chartered 

Structural Engineer or Chartered 

Civil Engineer can assist with the 

design of structural elements such 

as beams (RSJ’s), columns or 

retaining walls. 

BUILD A GARDEN 

ROOM 

Spend £6,700, add £10,000 

Another option is to add another 

living space outside. Building a 

garden room adds around £36,000 

to an averagely valued home in 

Surrey, or £10,000 in London, 

according to our research in 

partnership with the Federation 

of Master Builders (FMB) and The 

Guild of Property Professionals. 

SPRUCE UP YOUR 

KITCHEN 

Spend £4,000, add £15,000 

A new kitchen isn’t just a treat for 

you, it can also significantly boost 

the value of your home. Putting in a 

new worktop, cabinet doors or floor 

doesn’t have to break the bank – it 

costs around £4,000 on average. 

But, it could add £17,000 to the 

value of a London property, or the 

FMB and The Guild of Property 

Professionals found it could add 

around £15,000 to the average 

home in Cambridgeshire. 

MAKE WAY FOR 

AN ENSUITE 

Spend £7,000, add £15,000 

Another way to add extra bathroom 

space is to carve some space out of 

your master bedroom to create an 

ensuite. The job should take around 

11 days but could add £14,525 to 

the value of the average London 

home. 

CREATE A 

DOWNSTAIRS LOO 

Spend £1,500, add £26,000 

A downstairs toilet is a big 

attraction to a variety of different 

buyers. Adding one will make your 

home attractive to young families 

with children, those that like 

entertaining and don’t want guests 

wandering upstairs, to older buyers 

who might be looking to future 

proof their homes. 

So, turning wasted space, such as 

an understairs cupboard into a loo 

can add value to your home. This is 


Scan to watch 

senior designer, 

Jason, discuss 

why the Sovereign 

range is so special. 

Reign supreme. 

Our NEW Sovereign range makes for 

the ultimate high-end, contemporary 

or classic, hand-crafted bespoke kitchen. 

Call to arrange a free no-obligation home design 

visit or book an appointment to visit a showroom. 

01363 773533 · ashgrovekitchens.co.uk 

Head Office and Showroom: Marsh Lane, 

Lords Meadow, Crediton, Devon, EX17 1ES

Image from gardentrading.co.uk 

Image from Benjamin Moore UK 

a great project if you have a limited 

budget because for only a relatively 

small outlay of around £1,500 you 

could add around £26,000 to your 

home’s value, according to our 

research. 

CREATE A 

PARKING SPACE 

Spend £2,000, add £13,000 

We love green front gardens but 

if parking is at a premium in your 

neighbourhood, then paving over 

part of your front garden to create 

space for off road parking could 

significantly boost your home’s 

value. A parking space can add as 

much as 13% to the value of your 

home according to Direct Line. 

Our research found that a new 

driveway would add £13,354 to 

the value of the average Surrey 

property. 

You’ll need to check with your local 

council to see if you need planning 

permission. Usually, if your home 

isn’t on an A or B road you won’t 

need permission, but you will have 

to comply with your local authority’s 

regulations on dropping the kerb. 

SPRUCE UP YOUR 

BACK GARDEN 

Spend £4,000, add £9,000 

Gardens are often overlooked when 

property projects are concerned but 

ploughing some money into your 

green space can be rewarding. Our 

analysis found that adding decking 

and lighting to your back garden can 

really boost the asking price when a 

property goes on the market. 

For example, a property in Dorset 

would be worth £8,946 more after 

the job was done but would only 

require an outlay of £3,971. 

DECORATE 

Spend £1,000, add £5,000 

If you are planning to put your 

property on the market make sure 

you give it a fresh lick of paint first. 

Don’t understand the importance of 

kerb appeal by updating the exterior 

of your home. Getting professionals 

in could set you back around 

£1,000, but it could add £5,000 to 

your home’s value, according to 

property expert Phil Spencer. 

CONVERT YOUR 

L O F T 

Spend £20,000, add £40,000 

Homeowners looking to add floor 

space could significantly add value 

to their home. Loft conversions cost 

around £20,000 on average but they 

could boost your home’s value by 

£40,000, according to Spencer. 

GET PLANNING 

PERMISSION 

Spend £400, add £20,000 

If you are preparing to sell your 

home and can’t afford a big project 

to boost the value, you could 

consider just getting the planning 

permission. Buyers are prepared to 

pay quite a premium to avoid the 

paperwork involved in an extension 

and to know red tape won’t stand 

in the way of their plans and 

allowing them to start works the 

minute they pick up the keys. 

Submitting a basic planning 

application costs up to £400 but 

could add as much as 10% to the 

value of your home, according to 

insurance firm Hamilton Fraser. 

Head to hoa.org.uk for more info. 


Now selling 

this Which Best 

Buy mattress 

with a 10 year 

warranty! 

151 151 Taunton Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 TA6 6BD 

6BD 

Tel: Tel: 01278 411180 

www.thebedhouse.co.uk 

Family Run Business / Free Parking 

Monday -Saturday 9am-5pm Sundays 10am – 4pm 

Family 

Family 

Run 

Run 

Business 

Business / 

Free 

Free Parking 

Parking 

Monday 

Monday 

-Saturday 

-Saturday 

9am-5pm 

9am-5pm 

Sundays 

Sundays 

10am 

10am – 

4pm 

4pm

AWARD 

WINNING 

SOLAR 

INSTALLATIONS 

 

CERTIFIED INSTALLER 

 

the site. While the 

knowledge and p 

apart from the co 

us, he had lots of 

and really seeme 

Mole Energy were 

with our building p 

get the solar pane 

additional costs. I 

with the team on 

felt confident that 

I have recommen 

Their team are ea 

level of technical 

with no problems. 

Crispin Waterhou 

Port Waterhouse 

“Solar energy has been an absolute 

no-brainer for us. We have cut our energy 

bills by approximately £8,000 in a year. 

That’s £200,000 over 25 years based on past 

prices! It makes total economic sense. If I 

were asked whether I would use Mole Energy 

again, I would have no hesitation in saying 

‘yes’. They made installing panels easy; 

making all the arrangements, keeping us 

up-to-date, organising all the paperwork 

and seeing the work through to completion. 

Throughout, the service has been second to 

none and we have also got to know the team 

personally. They are so easy to deal with; 

down to earth and approachable. Not only 

that, but we have reduced our CO 2 

emissions 

by nearly 32,000kg in the same time period!” 

Self-power your home & business 

Reduce energy bills & CO2 emissions 

In February 2024, the government scrapped VAT on 

retrofitted home battery storage, which means you 

could save £1,790 on a Powerwall*. 

Mole Energy is part of Mole Valley Farmers, 

Greg Morgan 

Ben’s Farm Shop 

established in 1960, which means you can expect 

a friendly face, expert advice and fair pricing. 

*At current prices. Other makes of battery also available. 

FOR PLANET & POCKET 

Your local installer, 

based near Totnes, Devon

hile their quotes were similar, their 

e and passion stood Mole Energy 

the competition. When Tim visited 

d lots of answers, was very capable 

seemed to know what he was doing. 

“The installation went very smoothly. The 

team was very professional; the panels were 

fitted in a single day. 

rgy were able to do things in parallel 

uilding project, so it wasn’t a stress to 

lar panels put on and there were no 

l costs. I was able to have discussions 

am on a technical level, so I always 

ent that I was doing the right thing. 

ommended Mole Energy to others. 

are easy to work with, have a great 

chnical know-how and delivered 

roblems.” 

At the same time, an inverter and control unit 

were fitted on the side of the house next to 

the meter, ready for the battery, which was 

fitted to the same high standard as the rest 

of the work. We were then off-grid and 

on-charge from the solar panels - with 

electricity to spare. 

We are very satisfied with our installation, 

in terms of the performance of the 

components recommended by Mole Energy, 

the service provided by their office staff, and 

by the quality and professionalism of their 

technicians.” 

aterhouse 

rhouse Moorings 

Ian 

Homeowner 

“Solar energy has been an absolute 

no-brainer for us. We have cut our energy 

bills by approximately £8,000 in a year. 

That’s £200,000 over 25 years based on past 

prices! It makes total economic sense. 

Throughout the service has been second to 

none and Mole Energy are so easy to deal 

with. Down to earth and approachable, 

they made installing panels easy; making all 

the arrangements, keeping us up-to-date, 

organising all the paperwork and seeing the 

work through to completion. Not only that, 

we have reduced our CO 2 

emissions by 

nearly 32,000kg in the same time period!” 

Greg Morgan 

Ben’s Farm Shop 

Helping homeowners & businesses make 

better choices for Planet & Pocket 

Part of 

CONTACT US TODAY 

01803 732946 

info@moleenergy.com 

Part of



Local home care company 

pledges to help boost 

early dementia diagnosis 

and drives awareness 

with dementia bus visit. 

This Dementia Action Week, Home Instead Yeovil, Sherborne, 

Bridport and Home Instead Taunton a local family run home care 

company is pledging to give out 1,000 of the Alzheimer’s Society’s 

dementia checklist. 

This enables families affected by 

dementia to seek an early diagnosis and 

receive support before it progresses 

further. Members of the community 

are being encouraged to join in with 

boosting awareness of the condition. 

In a focus to raise awareness we have 

also hosted a visit of the Dementia 

Bus for the local community with an 

immersive experience on the bus to 

know for a short while how it feels 

to have dementia. This is a unique 

experience that can give an insight into 

what Dementia might be like by using 

specialist equipment and creating a 

simulated environment. Andy Kendall, 

The Mayor of Yeovil on visiting the 

bus said, “how humbling it was to feel 

what it is like for dementia sufferers”. 

Healthcoaches, Ruth, Vikki and Julie from 

Hendford Lodge Medical Centre said 

“We all thoroughly enjoyed the unique 

experience we had and such a great idea 

to use for training purposes for everyone 

who is affected by Dementia. Having a 

real insight into the effects of this disease 

is an eye opener and certainly makes the 

awareness and understanding real, an 

overall great experience.” 

The Alzheimer’s Society’s checklist 

lists typical dementia symptoms. We 

have been distributing the checklist in 

local supermarkets and the people with 

dementia, or their loved ones, can fill 

it in and show it to a GP or healthcare 

professional. It helps show the severity 

of the condition and increases the 

chances of receiving a diagnosis, 

enabling you to seek further help. Not 

only that, it removes the need for family 

members to discuss their loved ones 

symptoms in front of them, preventing 

conflict and upset. 

As a company that supports older 

people with dementia living at home, 

Home Instead sees the impact that the 

condition has on families. The company 

has care professionals who are specially 

trained to deliver dementia care, and 

decided that Dementia Action Week, run 

by the Alzheimer’s Society, was the best 

time to raise awareness. 

Dr Mark Hunt, owner of Home Instead 

Yeovil, says: “For a number of reasons 

some people have difficulty receiving 

a dementia diagnosis. Perhaps the GP 

thinks that the person is simply showing 

signs of old age, rather than dementia. 

And maybe their loved one doesn’t think 

they have developed the condition. The 

dementia checklist is such a useful tool 

to demonstrate the common signs your 

loved one is showing, from asking the 

same question repeatedly to struggling 

to find the right word. 

“Getting an early diagnosis is important, 

and that’s the message we’re spreading 

when out in the community to mark 

Dementia Action Week. It might be that 

your loved one can get treatment to 

prevent it from progressing further. Or 

they might benefit from joining a local 

support group. Find out at an early stage 

stands you in great stead to face the 

challenges of dementia together.” 

Home Instead’s dementia training 

programme is City & Guilds assured and 

has even won a Princess Royal Training 

Award. Care professionals are equipped 

with the knowledge and skills to respond 

to common dementia symptoms and 

enable older people to live at home 

safely and happily. As a local company 

working in the community and trying to 

support clients and patients live their 

best life at home, we work with local 

agencies at every opportunity to try and 

put a smile on peoples faces. 

If you’d like to know more about the 

dementia checklist or would like to 

learn more about Home Instead’s 

care services or career opportunities, 

please email charley.holmes@ 

somersetdorset.homeinstead.co.uk or 

ring 01935 577030. 



HIT THE ROAD 

with Trailblazers 

We all have our fingers (and toes) 

crossed for a beautiful summer, 

and there really is no place like 

the UK when the sun is shining. 

What better way to see some 

of glittering coastlines and 

sprawling national parks, than to 

take to the road in a campervan? 

Katie Thomson hits the road... 

I’ll start by saying, I’m not a 

natural camper. My first camping 

experience was at the age of 16, 

on my bronze Duke of Edinburgh 

expedition in mid-March. This was 

where I learnt two things: one, you 

absoltely mustn’t forgot your roll 

mat (I have never been so cold in 

my life), and two, camping isn’t my 

bag. Or so I thought. 

Roll forward another 16 years and 

I was happily planning my next 

camping venture, but this time in 

the refined comfort of a campervan. 

I hired it from an indie company 

Trailblazer Campervan Hire and 

set off for a mini adventure on the 

borders of Exmoor. 

Equipped with a kitchenette, heater, 

two beds (one on the back seats, 

the other in the pop-top tent) and 

lots of other comforts, it’s compact 

enough for driving around without 

worrying about its size, but fullyeqipped 

enough to make sure you 

have everything you need. 

My two little four-legged friends 

came along for the ride, so the 

pop-up awning option was much 

needed. It was also a handy place 

to store camping chairs (and 

reserve our slot) whilst we shot 

off for the day, exploring Exmoor, 

Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. 

Home-base was the lovely 

Westermill Campsite - a working 

farm in the most bucolic of 

settings. 

If you’re planning a UK getaway, 

I can’t recommend Trailblazers 

enough. Collection is in Wiltshire, 

meaning you have the option to 

explore the south coast and south 

Wales easily. Rates start from £130 

per night, depending on the season. 

trailblazercampers.co.uk 

CAMPERVAN essentials 

Little touches to make your stay even 

more comfortable 

This hot choc is the best we’ve ever had - just 

the right balance of sweetness and rich chocolate 

flavour. 400g pouch, £6.95, hauslife.co.uk 

This ingenious sleeping bag can be 

made into two singles, or zipped 

together for a comfortable double 

- perfect for a couple sharing. Also 

available as a single which can unzip 

to create a double duvet. It’s the 

perfect thickness to cover you for 

multiple seasons, plus it’s machine 

washable with a fabric finish, 

meaning you feel as comfortable 

as your bed at home. Night Owl® 

Sleeping Bag - Single Or 3-In-1 

Double £60/95, finebedding.co.uk 


Road Test Review 

GENESIS ELECTRIFIED GV70 

Are you in need of an electric vehicle that meets the demands of family life and feels 

like a smooth estate to drive? Enter the Genesis Electrified GV70. 

OVERVIEW 

Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai, who 

have been making huge strides in the 

SUV market with their perennially-popular 

Kona and Tuscon models. They’ve 

taken these successes and refined 

them, creating the Electrified GV70 - a 

stunning luxury crossover - from its gently 

articulated curves to a beautifully-decked 

out interior, this is a luxurious ride in every 

sense. We took it for a spin... 

DRIVING 

Given its heft, it handles corners 

surprisingly well - this is largely thanks 

to the rear-biased power delivery, which 

means the nose goes where you point it. 

Comfort is king, with the combination of its 

whisper-quiet motor and noise-cancelling 

technology - it effectively minimises 

wind noise with its standard acoustic 

windscreen and laminated side windows. 

RANGE 

The official range of the Genesis 

Electrified GV70 stands at 283 miles, 

although opting for the 20-inch wheel 

configuration slightly reduces it to 276 

miles. However, in real-world conditions, 

a more realistic estimate would be 

around 230 miles - still more than 

enough for day-to-day life, as well as 

some significant road trips. 

POWER 

Simplicity reigns in the Genesis Electrified 

GV70 lineup, boasting a singular 

mechanical configuration: dual electric 

motors and a four-wheel-drive setup, 

culminating in a formidable total power 

output of up to 483bhp. This propels 

the GV70 to achieve a brisk 0-62mph 

acceleration in just 4.2 seconds, eclipsing 

the performance of competitors such as 

the BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model 

Y Long Range, and Volvo C40. 

INTERIOR 

The standard 14.5in infotainment screen 

is one of the largest you’ll find in the 

class. However, for shorter drivers, it 

can be a little hard to reach because of 

its high-placement on the dashboard 

- happily, there’s a dial on the central 

console to control the screen too. 

Overall the interior feels spacious and 

luxurious, with soft coatings on all the 

areas you regularly touch. The many 

options for seat and steering wheel 

adjustments amplify the comfort - 

adjustable lumbar support is standard, or 

opting for the Comfort Seat pack adds a 

massaging driver’s seat. 

Front and rear parking sensors, along 

with a reversing camera, are included 

as standard features. Additionally, the 

Electrified GV70 offers a clever feature 

to aid in kerb visibility through its side 

mirrors: when in reverse, the reversing 

lights project lines onto the ground 

behind the car. 

CHARGING 

The GV70 boasts a faster charging 

capability compared to the iX3 and 

Model Y, as it can accept power at a 

rate of up to 240kW. This translates 

to approximately 18 minutes for a 

10-80% charge when utilising a rapid 

charger with such capacity. On the other 

hand, a home wall charger will take 

approximately 12 hours to complete a full 

0-100% recharge. 

SAFETY & SUPPORT 

All models come equipped with 

automatic emergency braking (AEB) 

featuring pedestrian detection, lanekeeping 

assistance, and rear cross-traffic 

alert. The Innovation Pack enhances 

safety further with additional automated 

functionalities, including lane-change 

assist on motorways, blind-spot 

monitoring, and an upgraded emergency 

braking system. 

Unique to Genesis, a Genesis Personal 

Assistant will help you at every stage of 

your journey, from your initial enquiry, 

through the ordering process, to servicing. 

They’ll help you choose the right model, 

arrange your test drive from home and 

help you build and order your perfect car. 

Every Genesis comes with five 

years’ peace of mind included. The 

comprehensive care plan includes 

warranty, scheduled services, roadside 

assistance as well as courtesy cars. 

OVERALL 

This is a phenomenal vehicle which 

stands tall alongside other makes in the 

class. More than once, we returned to 

the car in a car park to see it getting an 

admiring look over - it certainly does turn 

heads and has an elegant presence. It’s 

equally comfortable in the city and on 

country roads - it really does offer the 

best of all worlds. 

AWD Dual Motor Sport £65,105 (OTR). 

To start your journey with Genesis 

please look at the website 

www.genesis.com 


NEW BEGINNINGS 

Choosing Retirement Accommodation 

As one approaches retirement 

age, the prospect of downsizing 

and moving into retirement 

accommodation becomes 

increasingly relevant. It’s a significant 

decision that requires careful 

planning. Here, we delve into some 

common considerations to help guide 

you through this transitional phase. 

LOCATION, LOCATION, 

LOCATION 

First and foremost, consider the 

location. Do you want to stay close 

to family and friends, or perhaps 

venture to a new area for a fresh 

start? Think about amenities nearby, 

such as shops, healthcare facilities, 

and recreational activities. Access 

to public transport is also crucial 

for maintaining independence 

and staying connected with the 

community. 

TYPES OF 

ACCOMMODATION 

Retirement accommodation 

comes in various forms, including 

independent living apartments, 

retirement villages, and assisted 

living facilities. Determine the 

level of support you require and 

choose accommodation that aligns 

with your needs and preferences. 

Independent living offers freedom 

and autonomy, while assisted living 

provides additional support with 

daily tasks and healthcare services. 

FINANCIAL 

CONSIDERATIONS 

Budgeting plays a vital role in the 

decision-making process. Consider 

the cost of accommodation, including 

any ongoing fees for maintenance, 

utilities, and services. Explore 

financial options such as selling your 

current property, renting, or accessing 

equity release schemes. 

FUTURE-PROOFING 

Planning for the future is essential 

when considering retirement 

accommodation. Think about how 

your needs may change over time 

and whether the accommodation 

can accommodate those changes. 

Look for features such as accessible 

design, mobility aids, and flexible 

care options. By future-proofing your 

choice, you can ensure that your 

retirement accommodation remains 

suitable and supportive in the years 

to come. 

HEALTHCARE AND 

SUPPORT SERVICES 

As we age, our healthcare 

needs may evolve. Consider 

proximity to healthcare facilities 

and the availability of support 

services. Assess whether the 

accommodation offers on-site 

healthcare professionals, emergency 

assistance, and access to additional 

care if needed. Prioritising access 

to healthcare can provide peace of 

mind and ensure your well-being as 

you age. 

LEGAL AND 

CONTRACTUAL 

CONSIDERATIONS 

Before finalising any agreements, 

thoroughly review the legal and 

contractual aspects of the retirement 

accommodation. Seek legal advice 

if necessary to understand the 

terms and obligations involved. Pay 

attention to details such as lease 

agreements, service contracts, 

and exit fees. It’s crucial to have 

clarity regarding your rights and 

responsibilities as a resident. 

SOCIAL AND 

RECREATIONAL 

OPPORTUNITIES 

Retirement accommodation often 

provides a range of social and 

recreational activities to enrich 

residents’ lives. From fitness 

classes and hobby groups to 

communal events and outings, 

these opportunities foster a sense 

of community. Take the time to 

explore the amenities and social 

offerings available within different to 

find the right fit for your lifestyle. 

EMBRACING THE 

JOURNEY 

Moving into retirement 

accommodation marks the 

beginning of a new chapter in 

life. Embrace this transition with 

optimism and open-mindedness. 

Take the time to explore different 

options, ask questions, and involve 

loved ones in the decision-making 

process. By carefully considering 

your needs and preferences, you 

can embark on this journey with 

confidence and enthusiasm. 

Choosing retirement accommodation 

requires thoughtful planning and 

consideration of various factors. By 

focusing on location, accommodation 

type, financial considerations, social 

opportunities, healthcare services, 

future-proofing, legal aspects, and 

embracing the journey, you can make 

an informed decision that aligns 

with your lifestyle and preferences. 

Remember, this transition is an 

opportunity for new beginnings and 

exciting possibilities. 


That special 

Somerset Care 

thing. 

Specialists in 

nursing care. 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

Expert nursing care 

Specialist residential care 

Revitalising respite breaks 

Scan the QR code 

to find out more 

Calway House | Taunton 

somersetcare.co.uk 

0800 817 4925

outstanding 

care, in a homely 

environment 


Heron House Residential Home in 

Taunton, Somerset – formerly Abbeyfield 

Somerset Society is rated ‘Outstanding’ 

by the CQC. 

Same home, same staff, same values, same reputation... new 

name! 

As a not-for-profit organisation, we continuously invest in 

the residents’ experience at Heron House to enrich their 

lives. The heart of our mission and core values is that life 

should not stop when coming into a care home, it should in 

fact provide people with the opportunity to do things they 

may feel they would never do, to build new relationships 

and to gain a sense of purpose and self-value. We prioritise 

individualised, compassionate care within a supportive and 

engaging environment. 

We are ambitious and want to take residential care to the 

next level. Offering permanent accommodation in a variety 

of en-suite rooms and apartments leading out into beautiful 

gardens and providing respite care, day care and end of life 

care. Heron House will and does set the standard for premier 

residential living. 

Come and meet our friendly team for a show round our 

beautiful home! 

www.heronhousetaunton.co.uk 


Outstanding care, 

in a homely environment 

Heron House Taunton is a CQC ‘Outstanding’ 

Care Home. We are dedicated to providing the very 

best in care and treat all of our residents with respect 

in a homely and safe environment. Being different 

from many other care homes we offer a full weekly 

and diversified activities programme. It really does feel 

like being part of a family where everybody is cared for 

equally, cheerfully and with dignity. 

Download 

brochure 

Heron Drive, Bishops Hull, Taunton TA1 5HA 

Tel: 01823 334238 

mail@heronhousetaunton.co.uk 

www.heronhousetaunton.co.uk

Walk-in Shower 

or Wetroom? 

We can help you decide 

• Specialists in accessible 

bathing 

• Walk-in showers. walk-in 

baths and wetrooms 

• Free home visits and 

quotations 

• Full design and installation 

service 

• Over 24 years experience 

• Rated ‘Excellent’ on 

Trustpilot 

• Discounts for ex-military 

personnel 

AHM is rated Excellent 

by our customers 

Request a free brochure 

01823 661910 

www.ahminstallations.co.uk 


SECURE SELF STORAGE 

TAUNTON, SOMERSET 

Purpose built, alarm monitored 

facility with over 560 units 

ranging from 20-250 sq ft. 

Call our Taunton Branch 

01823 323575 

150 Priorswood Road, 

Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8DU 

taunton@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk 

Or visit our website: 

www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk 

Simple, flexible & affordable storage 

No hidden charges or access fees 

24 hour digital CCTV and alarms 

Long or short term storage available 

Insurance options & packing materials 

Our other 

Locations: 

Lopen, Somerset (HQ) 

Lopen Business Park 

Mill Lane, Lopen 

South Petherton 

Somerset, TA13 5JS 

01460 243100 

North Dorset 

Gold Hill Business Park 

Child Okeford, 

Blandford Forum 

Dorset, DT11 8HF 

01258 861100 

Beehive Toys for sale in store at Beehive Self Storage, 

Taunton. Pop in and browse the range or shop online: 

www.beehivetoyfactory.co.uk

#michaelspiersmoment 

michaelspiers.co.uk 

M_Spiers_Taunton Living_AD_APR_2024_V2.indd 1 30/04/2024 09:18

Taunton and South Somerset Living Jun - Jul 2024

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?