The Wessaxens came here for a visit 1513 years ago and liked it so much they have stayed.
Cerdic             drawn by  & Copywrite of Juliet Davey GET CERDIC MERCHANDISE BY CLICKING HERE	I'm Cerdic First King of Wessex. Welcome to my  Kingdom.  Here you will find dedicated pages to specialist activities in Wessex & Mercia. These include a list of Agricultural ,Horse Shows etc,  The Wessex Hall of Fame, Michelin starred restaurants in Wessex,Seaside Resorts,Theatres in Wessex & the UK, List of Films made in   Wessex, Wessex Names, Golf Clubs, Football Clubs, Rugby Clubs, and Racetracks . Campers & Caravanners have their own dedicated  section too.  Cerdic Merchandise is also available- Click here to view. Taunton began as a Saxon village and was called Tone Tun. The Saxon word tun means farm or estate. The word Tone is Celtic and may mean roaring river. By the 10th century Taunton had grown from a village into a small town (although it would seem very small to us with a population of only a few hundred). In AD 904 a charter was given to Taunton by King Edward the Elder  . Taunton was also a fortified settlement called a burh. In the late 9th century Alfred the Great created a network of fortified towns across his kingdom. These were called burhs . The burh of Taunton would have been surrounded by a ditch and rampart with a wooden palisade on top. By the 10th century Taunton had a mint and a market, which was held on The Parade. By the time of the Domesday Book (1086) the population of Taunton was about 1,500. In Thomas Hardy's Books Taunton was renamed Toneborough. In 1935 Taunton was made the county town instead of Weston Super Mare, an indication that Taunton was growing in size and importance. Sit back and enjoy a 1 minute taster video of what Taunton has to offer:  CLICK HERE TO VIEW.	THE SWORD IN THE STONE It is believed that the legend of King Arthur & The Knights of the Round Table  is based on Cerdic- and you may visit the Sword in The Stone just outside Taunton Castle. Have a pull - you could be the next King of Wessex.
		Reportedly bought a flat overlooking the County Cricket Ground
Reportedly Seen In Taunton
Lord Lucky	Nessy	Ben Larden

The Leading Somerset Magazine  in which Stephen Tate Describes Taunton Unit 22, Midsomer Enterprise Park, Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton, Somerset BA3 2BB 01803 860910 www.somerset-life.co.uk View from French Weir Ever since the Saxons pushed the Romano-British Celts back into present-day Devon in the 690s, the Vale of Taunton has remained one of England’s prized assets. Protected on three sides by upland terrain, the vale is a land of plenty. In 1609, John Norden, the country’s greatest topographer, described it as the ‘Paradise of England’.  Taunton prospered under the Saxons. Later, the Diocese of Winchester, annexing town and vale, grew powerful on its milk and honey. Later still, the monarchy took charge, issuing a royal charter. The town lost that privilege when it backed the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War, but it grew regardless, producing silk and cloth. Like so much of Somerset, though, many tapped its wealth and tried to impose their will, but Taunton remained its own town. Never more so than now will today’s visitor discover a town very much in control of its destiny. Hit the downtown Follow the excellent Taunton Heritage Trail  from the castle where King Ine, King of Wessex from 688-726, built the original castle in 700 to consolidate the territorial gains of his predecessor. The castle’s Assize Hall is where Judge Jeffries took three days to condemn 526 followers of the Duke of Monmouth to death after defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685, less than a month after Monmouth had arrived in Taunton to declare himself King of England. A plaque at the northern end of the High Street commemorates the Duke’s folly. Tudor House on Fore Street, Taunton’s oldest building, takes up the story as Royalist Sir William Portman owned the 14th-century building when he escorted the Duke to London to be hanged. Despite its turbulent history, today the castle is the benign custodian of Somerset County Museum, home to the fabulous Shapwick Hoard of Roman coins. (Somerset County Museum will close to the public on 19 April 2008 for a two-year re-fit before re-opening as the Museum of Somerset in the summer of 2010.) Nearby, eye-catching creeper covers the Old Municipal Buildings where Bishop Richard Foxe founded a grammar school in 1522, which continued until 1870. The beamed main hall still hosts civic functions. Taunton takes pride in its links with the church. St Mary Magdalene Church boasts the highest church tower in Somerset, with Glastonbury Tor and Alfred’s Tower visible from the top. The Unitarian movement also put down strong roots here. The Mary Street Unitarian Chapel still has its original 18th-century interior where Coleridge and John Wesley once preached. In such an enlightened town, perhaps it is no surprise to learn that visitors can walk across the universe, albeit a scaled-down version. The Somerset Space Walk  is a model of our solar system, with planets marked at intervals along the canal path between Taunton and Bridgwater. Start at the Pluto stone by Tone Bridge. French Weir  In Memorium "I am James Scott, First Duke of Monmouth and the son of His Royal Majesty Charles II. All those who join me in my quest against the Catholic Usurper, James Duke of York, my father's brother and his murderer, will gain Royal favour when I take my rightful place as England’s Ruler."  I was  Crowned King in Taunton 20th June 1685 and  presented with flags embroidered by the maids of Taunton pupils of Mistress Susanna Musgrave and Mistress Mary Blake ( See plaque at top of High Street) In Memory of the People of Taunton executed for following me by courtesy of "hanging" Judge Jeffries.  Although my rebellion was a disaster for many it will always be remembered amongst West Country people as a reason for some pride. Pride that when liberty was threatened the West County at least was prepared to fight against all odds for what they believed in. TThe Taunton Assize took place in the Great Hall of Taunton Castle (now the home of the Somerset County Museum). Of more than 500 prisoners brought before the court on the 18th/19th September, 144 were hanged and their remains displayed around the county for all to see and know what happened to those who rebelled against the king. The 284 who were transported were treated worse than slaves as, unlike slaves who had to be bought and paid for, they cost nothing and were therefore expendable. This may seem a cruel and bloody period in our history, but even into the 1800's people were still being imprisoned, executed, and transported for rioting and rebellion. The relatives of the schoolgirls, the Maids of Taunton, who had presented me with a banner, had to pay a heavy ransom to have them set free.* *One of the more interesting twists in the historical record revolves around William Penn, Jr.’s ( Son of the founder of Pennsylvania) activities in the aftermath of the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685. T.B. Macaulay, an English historian and Whig politician writing in the mid-1800s, caused a great stir among Quakers and other Penn admirers when he claimed in his History of England that William Penn took a bribe in return for arranging for the release of the “Maids of Taunton”  Macaulay’s accusation was based on a letter found in an obscure archive: “Whitehall, Feb. 13, 1685-6. “Mr. Penne, “Her Majesty’s Maids of Honour having acquainted me that they design to employ you and Mr. Walden in making a composition with the Relations of the Maids of Taunton for the high Misdemeanour they have been guilty of, I do at their request hereby let you know that His Majesty has been pleased to give their Fines to the said Maids of Honour, and therefore recommend it to Mr. Walden and you to make the most advantageous composition you can in their behalf. “I am, Sir, “Your humble servant, “SUNDERLAND.” The “Maids of Taunton” moment in history deserves further consideration  LIST OF TAUNTON MEN EXECUTED FOR THEIR PART IN THE MONMOUTH REBELLION 1685 ANSLEY, ABRAHAM  DEVERSON, WILLIAM DRYER, JOHN ENGLAND, JONATHAN FREAKE, JOHN HEWLING, BENJAMIN HUCKER, JOHN JENKYNS, WILLIAM LISLE, HENRY MATTHEWS, ABRAHAM MURREN, PIERCE PATRUM, JOHN PERROT, ROBERT SATCHEL, WILLIAM SAVAGE, JOHN SHARPE, JOHN TRICKEY, JOHN WHITTOM, HAMES WILLIAMS, JOHN

A TASTE OF TAUNTON THE ALFRESCO CAPITAL OF WESSEX   The world renowned coffee & tea merchants D.J.Miles of Porlock & Minehead have opened a magnificent new Coffee House and Tea Rooms. Is this Taunton's answer to Betty's of Harrogate?  After two days open there are queues waiting to get a table. How lovely to have the lovely aroma of coffee roasting. We are sure this will become a mecca for not only ladies who lunch but also the visitors and tourists to Taunton. Relaxed and sipping the wonderful array of coffees and teas- pinkies in the air. It is also a shop to buy tea, coffee, chocolate and an array of gifts.This is a traditional family business based in the heart of Somerset.  Their unique business is devoted to rare and mouth-watering  exclusive coffees and fine teas, now available to buy online.  Mr Miles Tearooms, 3-4 High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PG Tel: 01823 322288  Email: info@djmiles.co.uk TAUNTON FARMERS MARKET Every Thursday on the High Street pavement you will find a mouthwatering Food Market stocked with local goodies.  Somerset Duck stuffed with Apple or Apricot, Butchers, Cheeses, Ciders, Plants, Chocolates, Pies, Organic Vegatables and fabulous bread from a commune. A must if you are in the area. High Street, Taunton TA1 Just Opened in St. James Street PEPPERCORNS DELICATESSEN Fine Food Store Email :info@peppercornsdeli.co.uk  www.peppercornsdeli.co.uk Our Food of Taunton Award PARTRIDGES TAUNTON BLUE - THE CHEESE OF TAUNTON

Home to Exmoor Blue is an old stone dairy that lies in a lush valley on the eastern fringe of the Exmoor National Park. Ian and Ruby Arnett, who bought the company in November 2002, maintain a hands-on approach to cheese-making and under their enthusiastic stewardship, the business has gone from strength to strength. Using only traditional hand processes, they make hard and soft blue-veined cheeses using local cow, sheep, goat and buffalo milk. Their products are as consistent as hand-made cheeses possibly can be and their top priority is to ensure that all cheeses reach their customers in the best possible state. Only vegetarian rennet is added to the milk, so all the cheeses produced by the Exmoor Blue Cheese Company are suitable for vegetarians.Partridges Blue is a stronger version of Exmoor Jersey Blue. It is made using the same full cream Jersey milk, still soft and creamy but matured for twice as long as Exmoor Blue making this a blue for blue cheese lovers, mellow and less bitter than many. The cheese was originally made for Partridges of Sloane Square and has also been served on Concorde. You must try it- when in Taunton. Made at Willett Farm, Lydeard St. Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3QB.   Available from THE OLIVE TREE, Just near The Bridge at 10/10a The Bridge, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1UG Tel: 01823 353707 and from  Tower Farms Cheesemakers,Deans Cross, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3QN. Telephone : 01984 667 683 Email for Tower Farms Cheesemakers: enquiries@towerfarms.co.uk  Website:http://www.towerfarms.co.uk/Tower Farms are in Taunton Market on Thursdays

Bronze Age sauna discovered on site earmarked for park and ride scheme. A Bronze Age sauna and one of the oldest prehistoric roundhouses in the UK have been unearthed on a site earmarked for a park and ride scheme in Somerset.  By Telegraph Reporter  Last Updated: 4:12PM GMT 24 Mar 2009

Bronze Age sauna and one of the oldest prehistoric roundhouses in the UK have been unearthed on a site earmarked for a park and ride scheme Photo: PA Archaeologists have uncovered 3,000 years of history at the site near the junction of the A358 and the M5 at Cambria Farm, in Taunton, Somerset.The Iron Age roundhouse with a diameter of 56ft (17m) is one of the largest prehistoric roundhouses ever found in Britain.It is thought to date from around 700BC and has been uncovered alongside three other roundhouses.] A mound of burned stones indicating a 2,500-year-old sauna has also been discovered as well as the remains of a Roman farm.  A number of skeletons, all but one Roman, have also been unearthed after archaeologists spent more than three months on site.

Other finds have included a pair of Roman shears, three Iron Age spearheads, loom weights and Roman brooches, as well as large amounts of pottery. Steven Membury, historic environment officer at Somerset County Council, said: "We think the site began about 2,500 BC with ritual use around a spring where the burned stones were found. "The idea that the stone indicate 'sweat houses' is just one theory. "We can tell that the huge roundhouse burned down but we think we have one surviving post which we will be able to carbon date. "Another of the roundhouses dates from around 400-100BC, and we have found Glastonbury ware pottery inside. "It's the first opportunity we have ever had to look at an Iron Age settlement like this." Construction work will begin on the park-and-ride scheme next monday

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Taunton Flower Show 2011 5th & 6th August 2011 Taunton Flower Show is the premiere event of its type and has become renowned throughout the west.Held in the centre of Somerset's county town in the historic Vivary Park, the show is a traditional British flower show. The show features show gardens, competitive classes, a magnificent floral marquee, craft traders, a wide range of garden-orientated traders as well as a central events arena.This year the show has been moved from its traditional mid week dates and will take place on the first Friday and Saturday in August. This change has been made in order to encourage a family atmosphere.  The core of the show is the competitive classes where anyone can enter their fruit, vegetables, crafts, photography and floral art. The schedule of classes can be found on the competitive classes page and there are hints and tips on how to make the most of your exhibits. pictures from 2007 Show Mrs Caroline Seymour PO Box 796 Taunton TA4 3WU  Email: tauntonfs@onetel.com Friday 5rh August 2011 Gates open at 10.00am for members and at 11.00am for non-members. Show closes at 8.30pm Saturday 6th August 2011 Show opens for all at 10.00am. Show closes at 6.00pm   TAUNTON FLOWER SHOW CLICK Tel: 07794 407 758

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The weather and conditions in Taunton at this time are shown on the left. Enter other towns to find the weather conditions there To plan your journey by car or public transport click on to the Door-to-Door Journey Planner

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TAUNTON & CHARD CHAT ROOM Wessex.me.uk are happy to introduce their chatroom for the locals in  Chard & Taunton. Just click on the  picture of Cerdic to the left to enter the room. Obviously this site is for locals with similar interests to  chat to each other. In order for the room to be a success it is necessary for you to tell your friends about the room so you can chat to each other.. It is hoped that it will become the networking centre for the locals of Taunton & Chard.

	For a full list of theatres in the UK. Click on to Showtime

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Taunton Radio Stations

place at the following venues:-place at the following venues:-

CALL 01305 250300 TEXT 81222 Wessex* EMAIL >
BBC Somerset Sound	talk; news and sport; contemporary and oldies  am1566 Broadcasting House, Park Street, Taunton,TA1 4DA  01823 368181 www.bbc.co.uk/somerset
You've got to have Heart ALL YOU REALLY NEED IS	HEART Somerset's new radio station: Heart has arrived in Somerset. You can listen on 96.5 - 97.1 - 102.6 and online.To tell everyone about Heart we're going to have a TV ad, billboard posters across the area and information in the local newspapers. You could win £1,000 just by listening to our new TV advertisement or win a fabulous holiday with Toby Anstis.  Website: Our new look website has got plenty of fresh and fabulous features.There'll be competitions, music and showbiz news, fashion and beauty ideas, local event information, some great DJ blogs and it'll answer the question 'What song was that?'. top 40 chart and adult contemporary music  fm102.6 (Somerset) 97.1 (Yeovil) 96.5 (Taunton)   listen live on our audio pages   address & telephone number  Haygrove House, Shorditch Road,Taunton, Somerset TA3 7BT News: 01823 368330  Sales : 01823 368310  HEART CLICK May Events from Heart Radio Saturday  1st - Charity fashion show at Dellers Wharf Nightclub in Taunton from 7pm - 10pm, with fashion for all shapes and sizes! Live music, goodie bags, a sparkling wine reception and fizzy cider supplied by the Orchard Pig Cider Company. Tickets £7.50 or £5.50 for students. Get tickets and more information at www.verymodelblog.com *OVER 18's ONLY* Saturday 1st - Cancer Research May Market at Wincanton Memorial Hall from 9.30am till 12noon. Plants and stalls with cakes and crafts. To book a stall call 01963 824874 Saturday 1st - Gemini Tae Kwon-Do presents 24 Hour Charity Sparathon. Raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity in aid of Elliot Davies. Starts 3pm, at Kings Fitness and Leisure, Station Road, Cheddar. For more information check out www.tkd-selfdefence.co.uk	Saturday 1st - Ange Hardy on Tour "Story In Song" at Corton Denham Village Hall, near Sherborne from 7.30pm till 9.30pm Sunday 2nd - The Glastonbury Road Run! Starts outside the Town Hall in Glastonbury. To find out more and to register go to www.glastonburyroadrun.inf Wednesday 5th - Saturday 15th - Taunton Art Group Annual Exhibition at Taunton Library  Art on the Block - Charity Auction 11th - 6.30pm Here's your chance to buy the very best quality Art at affordable prices and benefit Taunton Musgrove Park Hospital. The auction will be held at the Castle Hotel, Taunton.For tickets call (01823) 342 488. Tickets cost £10 Or visit www.artforlife.nhs.uk to bid online. Saturday 15th - Yarlington Specialist Plant Sale at Yarlington House. From 10am till 4pm. With plants, cakes, teas, and more. Saturday 15th - 4th Annual Antiques and Collectables Fair at Comton Dundon's village hall. With indoor stalls and outdoor pitches, including plant sales. Raising money for St Margaret's Somerset Hospice and Children's Hospice South West. From 9.30am till 3pm. Saturday 15th - Peter Donegan (son of Lonnie Donegan) fronts his dads original band to play a celebration of Donegan's music. At the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre. from 8pm  Saturday 15th - Ange hardy "Story In Song" at Tatworth Memorial Hall from 7.30pm till 9.30pm  Adult Learners Week 15th - 21st  From learning Pilates to gaining a PHD, Adult learners week celebrates learning in all it's diversity. Events will be taking place at various locations across Somerset. Call Sue Edwards on (01823) 347 952 Or visit www.southwest.org.uk Sunday 23rd - Conquest Family Fun Day at the Conquest Equestrian Centre, Norton Fizwarren from 11am till 5pm. With It's A Knockout, mounted police display, stalls, food and more  Donkey Day! 29th May - 11am-3.30pm Come along and groom donkey's from the Donkey Sanctuary. For meore information contact us on the details below. Call the Somerset Rural Life Museum on (01458) 831 197 Or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/museums Saturday 29th - Ange Hardy on Tour "Story In Song" at Fivehead Village Hall, near Taunton from 7.30pm till 9.30pm  National Family Week. 31st May - 5th June Free events will be taking place across Somerset including a week of activity in Taunton Town Centre. For more info call 0845 345 9177 or email jtollington@somerset.gov.uk
105.3FM  & ON THE INTERNET	About 10Radio 10Radio is the community radio station for the Ten Parishes of Ashbrittle, Bathealton, Brompton Ralph, Chipstable, Clatworthy, Fitzhead, Huish Champflower, Milverton, Stawley and Wiveliscombe in Somerset. It can be heard in Taunton too 10Radio broadcasts live from the Ten Parishes every Friday to Sunday. We also broadcast a live breakfast show every Monday to Thursday and most weekday evenings as well. The rest of the time we play a shuffle of music, sometimes by genre, or repeat programmes broadcast in previous weeks. 10Radio broadcasts from the people to the people. It is entirely owned and run by the local community. 10Radio transmits on 105.3FM from our new studios at Croft Cottage, right next to Wiveliscombe Community Centre, West St, Wiveliscombe. You can also hear us on the internet via this website.	Contact 10Radio http://10radio.org/ Please get in touch with us if you want to get involved in 10Radio in anyway - whether it is making programmes, helping out behind the scenes, sponsoring our broadcasts or telling us about what you're doing in the local area.  10Radio  West Street Wiveliscombe Somerset TA4 2JP Tel: 01984 624 137 10Radio youth facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9505277153 10Radio facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5547474450

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Click here to view  Filmland & Daniel Craig's Website of Bond Girls

  In Thomas Hardy's Wessex Taunton is known as Toneborough

"I find that the name Wessex is getting taken up everywhere and it would be a pity for us to lose the right to it for lack of asserting it" Thomas Hardy first used the term "Wessex" in his 1874 novel, Far From the Madding Crowd.  Hardy's vast works conformed to the region that he envisioned and called Wessex. But as Thomas Hardy himself always maintained, "This is an imaginative Wessex only". In respect of places described under fictitious or ancient names in the novels -– for reason that seemed good at the time of writing them –- and kept up in the poems –- discerning people have affirmed in print that they clearly recognize the originals: such as Shaftesbury in ‘Shaston,’ Sturminster Newton in ‘Stourcastle,’ Dorchester in ‘Casterbridge,’ Salisbury Plain in ‘The Great Plain,’ Cranborne Chase in ‘The Chase,’ Beaminster in ‘Emminster,’ Bere Regis in ‘Kingsbere,’ Woodbury Hill in ‘Greenhill,’ Wool Bridge in ‘Wellbridge,’ Harfoot or Harput Lane in ‘Stagfoot Lane,’ Hazlebury in ‘Nuttlebury,’ Bridport in ‘Port Bredy,’ Maiden Newton in ‘Chalk Newton,’ a farm near Nettlecombe Tout in ‘Flintcomb Ash,’ Sherbourne in ‘Sherton Abbas,’ Milton Abbey in ‘Middleton Abbey,’ Cerne Abbas in ‘Abbot's Cernel,’ Evershot in ‘Evershead,’ Taunton in ‘Toneborough,’ Bournemouth in ‘Sandbourne,’ Winchester in ‘Wintonchester,’ Oxford in ‘Christminster,’ Reading in ‘Aldbrickham,’ Newbury in ‘Kennetbridge,’ Wantage in ‘Alferdston,’ Basingstoke in ‘Stoke Barehills,’ and so on.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS	Taunton Member of Parliament :   Mr Jeremy Browne (Liberal Democrat) I take up hundreds of cases a month on behalf of constituents who write to me. I also hold regular surgeries in Taunton, Wellington and in other towns and villages across the constituency. My contact details are: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG  tel: 01823 337 874 fax: 01823 339 823  office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk website: http://www.tauntonlibdems.org.uk/	LIST OF PREVIOUS MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR TAUNTON John Hope Simpson (1922) & Jackie Ballard (1997) were the only other modern day Liberals to hold the seat
CONSERVATIVES	Mark Formosa (pictured) is our Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Taunton Deane. He has his own website with plenty of up-to-date information on what he is doing to help you and other Taunton Deane residents. His website is http://www.markformosa.com/. We are really interested to know what you think .  Send us an email or even pick up the phone and give us a call.  If you want to help out, or join up with your local Taunton Conservatives please go to our Membership page. The Association Office, 20a Staplegrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 1DQ Telephone: 01823 286106 Fax: 01823 324453  Email:  office@tauntontories.org.uk	Benjamin Disraeli once stood as Member of Parliament for Taunton but failed to be elected.,  Historically Taunton has mainly been served by a Conservative MP.
	There are several ways to get involved with the Taunton Constituency Labour Party. For example, you can: * Help plan an event ,* Distribute literature ,* Assist with phone calls ,  * Stand in the Local Elections  , or * Make a donation Email:info@labourtaunton.co.uk By Post: Taunton CLP Secratary,5 Blackdown Road,Taunton,Somerset	Victor John Collins, Baron Stonham PC (1 July 1903 – 22 December 1971) was a British Labour Party politician. Born in Whitechapel, London, he was elected at the 1945 general election as Member of Parliament for Taunton, in Somerset. He lost his seat in 1950, to the Conservative Henry Hopkinson. Victor has been the only Labour Member of Parliament for the Taunton Constituency.
	Chairman: Dorothy Baker 7 Cranmer Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 1YE Telephone 01823 332 820  e-mail: Dorothy.baker@sky.com
THE WESSEX SOCIETY is dedicated to preserving and developing the cultural and linguistic heritage of Wessex.  For more information please contact : WESSEX SOCIETY, 121 Worthing Road, Patchway, BRISTOL WESSEX, BS34 5HU  telephone 0117 969 4947 email wessexsociety@zyworld.com THE WESSEX REGIONALIST PARTY/WESTSEAXE LANDRICESTAEFA is dedicated to the setting up of self government for WESSEX. For membership information or general enquiries please contact : James Gunter, Secretary-General, WESSEX REGIONALISTS, 5 Rickyard Cottages, Broad Hinton, Swindon,Wiltshire, Wessex ,SN4 9PS tel 01793 731974 email wessexregionalists@regionalist.net THE WESSEX CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION is an all party group that is forwarding the exciting plans of all the people of WESSEX to have their own parliament, with powers equal to those of Scotland. For more information please contact : WESSEX CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, 1/2 Atlantic Road South WESTON-SUPER-MARE, Somerset, WESSEX  tel 01934 641334  email wessexconvention@regionalist.net Until borders are agreed with all the various regionalist groups in England WESSEX for our purposes consists of the counties of Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire

Welcome to 'What's On Somerset, an exciting quarterly preview of leisure and entertainment designed to bring this great county together. It is a celebration of somerset and events within it and they are working with all communities to help highlight forthcoming entertainment.Read by Somerset residents and visitors alike, What’s On Somerset has been developed in response to requests for better information about entertainment, within the county and beyond. You will find printed copies all across the county in Theatres, cafes, Tourist Information Centres, Family attractions and many other outlets that are visited by active people.And on their website, you can see their current issue on screen. Some of their advertisers have even made it possible for you to click through to their own website, should you need to make a booking or just seek further information.The What’s on Somerset team are based in the county and grew up in it so they appreciate what you might be looking to do with your leisure time and where to get information.Being a community service, they are also reliant on information being sent to them and on their website you will be able to send them  information about forthcoming events and even opinions about things you have done.  Giles Adams Managing Editor, Character Graphics, 56/58 Station Road (rear),Taunton, Somerset TA1 1NS tel. 01823 279008 fax. 01823 279011 e. whatsonsomerset@btinternet.com

BORN OR LIVED IN TAUNTON

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Joseph Alleine - (1634–1668). English Puritan Nonconformist pastor and author.	Colin Addison - former professional footballer and manager. Born in Taunton 8 May 1940	Jenny Agutter - actress. Born in Taunton 20 December 1952.	Sir Ian Botham resident in Taunton while playing for Somerset	Andrew Caddick - cricketer. Born in New Zealand 21 November 1968, spent professional career at Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton	Arthur C Clarke - science fiction author and inventor (16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008)	Alexander William Kinglake - barrister, travel writer and historian (5 August 1809 – 2 January 1891).
Lee Martin - footballer who plays for Ipswich Town. Born in Taunton 9 February 1987	Deborah Meaden - business mogul, philanthropist, star of T.V series Dragons Den. Born in Taunton 11 February 1959	Alfred B. Mullett - architect to Abraham Lincoln. Born in Taunton (April 7, 1834 – October 20, 1890).	James Purefoy - actor, one of the stars of the joint HBO-BBC series, Rome. Born in Taunton 3 June 1964	Gary RhodesThe Castle Hotel - celebrity chef who was head chef at theCastle Hotel  from 1986 – 1990.	Mali Alexander Richards  (Cricketer)    September 2, 1983	Sir Viv Richards Antigua, resident in Taunton while playing for Somerset 1974–1986
Andy Robinson - former England rugby union international and head coach. Now head coach of Scotland. Born in Taunton 3 April 1964	Miranda Shearer - author. Born in Taunton 11 May 1982, but resident of Spaxton and later Over Stowey.	Hugh Trenchard, 1st Viscount Trenchard - Military officer involved in establishment of Royal Air Force (3 February 1873 – 10 February 1956). Born in Taunton	Marcus Trescothick - England cricketer, given Taunton Deane Citzenship Award in 2005	Sir Charles Trevelyan, 1st Baronet - Governor of Madras (2 April 1807 – 19 June 1886). Born in Taunton.	Frederick Porter Wensleychief constable of Scotland Yard CID (1865 – 1949) Born in Taunton. -	David Henry Wilson - English writer, known for his children's stories such as the Jeremy James series.
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Vanessa White - Singer, songwriter and member of the pop group The Saturdays.	Henry John Woodcock - Italian magistrate. Born in Taunton of an English father and Italian mother in 1967.	Colleen Clifford (actress) 17 November 1898 - 7 April1996	Stephen Daldry, director of Billy Elliot	W.A. Darlington (writer)   1890 -1979	William Larkins Bernard - architect (1 October 1843 – 22 July 1922). Born in Taunton	Rosemary Lord (actress)

A.H. Chadder – Harvey Chadder was educated at Taunton School and at Oxford University. He was a pillar of the Corinthian Football sides of the late 1920s, playing in all their major F.A. Cup games including the famous 1927 match with Newcastle United when Chadder played magnificently against the famous Hughie Gallager. Chadder was master in charge of football at Malvern College for many years and died in 1995.

Other Notable Local Websites CLICK

	SOMERSET ATTRACTIONS www.wessextouristboard.org.uk	CHARD WEBSITE www.wessextouristboard.org.uk	Somerset Pages Web Directory
	The Best of Taunton  www.thebestof.co.uk/taunton	Raring 2 Go For The Kids  www.raring2go.co.uk	UK Villages.co.uk

We are an indoor play and party centre located in the heart of Taunton. We open at 9.30am every morning and close at 6.00pm every evening, so there’s plenty of time to come after school!We have two separate areas, one for toddlers (under 4’s) and one for juniors (over 4’s). There is a three lane astra slide, a spiral & speed slide, we also have air canons and a sports zone.
Our huge warehouse provides the perfect setting for indoor play and there’s plenty of room to sit at a table or on our comfy sofas. Our café provides something for everyone and while you’re enjoying all the healthy food, we won’t mind if you ask for a side order of chips or a fizzy drink…...

The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton  first opened its doors in 1977 and provides a full and varied live programme catering for all ages including a wide range of touring music, drama, children's theatre, dance, opera, ballet and comedy.

Today the theatre's aim is to be the cultural centre of Taunton, presenting live performance and art exhibitions of the highest quality to its audiences

Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre
Coal Orchard, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JL  

 HESTERCOMBE GARDENS

Soldier & artist, Coplestone Warre Bampfylde renowned as having " the finest taste for laying out ground of any man in England", created the landscape garden in the 1750s. This was supplemented with the addition of a Victorian terrace & shrubbery & the stunning Edwardian gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens & Gertrude Jekyll. 

 Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8LG
four miles from Taunton

HESTERCOMBE GARDENS CLICK

Welcome to hollywood bowl the UK’s number one tenpin bowling experience.
If you want to go tenpin bowling in the UK then look no further than your local hollywood bowl. Our aim is to give you and your party the perfect bowling experience whether you are looking for a kids party, an office event or to spend some time out with friends.

Click on a film title below to view a film synopsis and select a time to book your tickets.

SHEPPY'S CIDER & RURAL LIFE MUSEUM

Since the early 1800's the Sheppy family has been making cider in the west country. They have gained over 200 awards & two gold medals. A 370 acre farm with 47 acres of apple orchards. A farm shop, cider sampling, Museum, tea room & picnic area.

Three Bridges, Bradford on Tone,  Taunton, TA4 1ER
on the A38 midway between Taunton & Wellington

SHEPPEY'S CIDER CLICK

FIXTURES 2010

The County Ground, St James Street,
Taunton, TA1 1JT
Email: somerset@ecb.co.uk

SOMERSET CRICKET MUSEUM

7 Priory Avenue, Taunton, Somerset TA1 1XX

10.30am-4pm Tuesday to Friday April-October

email: somersetcricket.museum@
btinternet.com

Friday Ist August 2008
Gates open at 10.00am for members and at 11.00am for non-members. Show closes at 8.30pm

Saturday 2nd August 2008
Show opens for all at 10.00am. Show closes at 6.00pm
Adults: £8
Children (7-17): £3
Families (2 adults and up to 4 children}: £18
After 5pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday, adults: £4

The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene

Church Square, Taunton
Somerset, England,
TA1 1SA

St. MARY MAGDALENE CLICK  

St James Street swimming pool caters for schools, clubs, childrens lessons and some fitness activities. See the individual centres for the pool details and timetables. The Pool dimensions are 23 metres x 10.5 metres, with a depth of 1.13 metres in the shallow end and  2.02 metres in the deepThere is a viewing gallery over looking Main Pool and a viewing area alongside the leaner pool.The Pool is not available for public swimming, only schools, clubs and hirers

No prior knowledge of Taunton is required as all clues are solved by observation.  Both young and old will be fascinated whilst getting out for a couple of hours seeing the sites and solving the clues. Children will enjoy beating adults to solve the clues!  We even supply a map just in case you get lost.  The answers are at the back of the book so you can check any unsolved ones before you leave. The hunt starts at the Tourist Information Centre , Paul Street, Taunton, TA1 3XZ.

Local stockists of single hunts:
Waterstone's Taunton
The County Hotel, East Street
 Taunton TA1 3LU
Tel: 01823 333 113
E-mail: manager@taunton.waterstones.com
Site: http://www.waterstones.com

email: info@huntfun.co.uk

TAUNTON TREASURE HUNT CLICK

  Vivary Road, Taunton
       TA1 3JW

Mears Green, Stoke St.Gregory,
Taunton, TA3 6HY

WILLOW CROFT INDUSTRY CLICK

I was getting bored of eating out at various Chinese/ Indian/ Cantonese etc etc so when I found there was a Greek restaurant in town I thought I would give it a go and I am very glad I did, the food is excellent, the choice outstanding, the service is spot on and they have managed to create an atmosphere where you do not feel crowded in with other customers, the music level is just right, I have been back many times and will continue to do so.
Recommended by: Ian Gallaway - 13/02/2006

01823

324354

i went for a meal at the 4DQ bisto last week i had a very nice meal, the menu has a range of different foods, we had a drink before are meals in a quiet yet comfortable bar. the bar and waiting staff were all very helpful and friendly making you feel comfortable.
Recommended by: marnie - 19/04/2007

Biddys Burger Bar

Blagdon Inn

This is an exciting brasserie – Brazz – with its starlit dome and brilliant blue fish tank, it has become one of the most fashionable eating places in the West Country  Open:Mon-Sat 8.30am-11pm, sun 10am-10.30pm. Brazz- 1AA Rosette. Brazz- This contemporary Brasserie with its huge fish tank. AA Awards AA - 1 Rosette. A Pavement Cafe

A la carte restaurant offering superb and interesting English/French cuisine specialising in fresh fish, local meats abd vegetarian dishes. (Private function available). Children welcome, alcohol licence, credit cards accepted, eat-in, special dietry menu. We sell foods that are grown, reared and made in the Taunton Deane Area.

Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre
Coal Orchard, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JL 

Open: Mon-Sat 7.30-5pm. Nominated best café in Taunton, Taunton deane business award-May 2005. Cafe Expresso is a coffee shop which also does takeaway coffee and food, it is very popular for business lunches and has a very extensive menu.

Open: Monday to Saturday. A unique coffee shop selling home made cakes and lunch time meals.Cafe Noir is a place where you can have a cup of coffee and watch the world go by. With it’s excellent cuisine and extensive wine menu café noir is an ideal place to eat, drink and relax in an informal Parisian atmosphere.

Capriccio's Restaurant

01823

335711

Sorry! Nothing has been written about Castle At Taunton yet.

Open: 5.30pm to midnight.Chinese takeaway with free delivery service on £10 order.

Great food and a fun place to eat with the centre of the table turning so you can try several dishes. I've eaten here quite a few time and never had a bad meal.
Recommended by: Foody - 05/01/2007

This restaurant is a great find. I have eaten there a number of times now, and have never been disappointed. The food is all freshly cooked to order, and the service is great. You must check this place out.
Recommended by: Foodie - 30/12/2006

Sorry! Nothing has been written about Ciao Roma yet.