Word Gets Around Magazine

18/08/2026

We will be closing off the Word Gets Around Magazine next week. If you would like to advertise your business to our 25000 readers get on board now. Or just give you money to the taxman.

09/08/2026

I'd like to welcome Paul Smith to the magazine. Not the Paul Smith the famous designer, nor Paul Smith the comedian. Not even Paul Smith my son but Paul Smith the Bridgwater Insurance Broker, lovely guy, give him a call.
Paul Smith Associates Insurance Brokers

A family run, independent insurance brokers based in Bridgwater, Somerset providing commercial and personal insurance solutions.

08/08/2026

Somerset Council has submitted its bid for Government funding to reopen a vital road in the west of the county to vehicles.

The B3191 Cleeve Hill near Watchet was closed in January 2023 after cliff movement near the road was detected. A further geotechnical survey recommended it be kept closed to ensure the safety of the travelling public.

A later detailed report did find that it was safe for pedestrians and cyclists to use the route but it has remained closed to motor vehicles and the impact on the town and surrounding communities has been significant as there is only one route into the town over a 150-year-old bridge.

This week the Council has submitted its bid to the Government’s Structures Fund for a significant contribution towards what would be around a £40 million – subject to further detailed design work – scheme to reinstate the B3191, either by making the existing route safe for vehicles or by redirecting the route further inland.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said:

There is of course no guarantee that we will be successful, but we must remain optimistic. Securing this funding is competitive, local authorities from across the country will be bidding for a portion of it.

This has the support of all the local councillors and the local MP, Rachel Gilmour, as well as many other stakeholders and businesses.

It is the first real chance we have had to find a way to reinstate this vital route for the community since it closed in 2023.

We will be pushing hard for this funding, as we have been doing so from the start. We know the impact on the community of only having one road into Watchet, and the potential impact on the West Somerset traffic that has to take long diversions if the A39 has to close due to an incident.

We consulted our communities about the ongoing closure and they told us that it is having a major effect on the economy of Watchet including the cost to the local economy and the inconvenience in terms of hours lost in delays, the logistics of coping with delivering goods to and from Minehead as well as the negative effects on tourism.

Details of the bid can be found on the Council’s dedicated Structures Fund page. The 2023 closure report can be seen on the Council’s Transport policy page.

28/07/2026

Lineup announced for Minehead Bay Festival 2026

Minehead and Coast Development Trust (MCDT) has announced the full lineup for this year's Minehead Bay Festival, returning to Minehead Seafront and Beach on Saturday 29th August 2026.

The free, one-day festival runs from 12 pm to 6 pm and brings together two live music stages, live street art, circus performances, storytelling, street food and bars, and much more, all set against the backdrop of Minehead Beach.

Performing on the main stage this year are Dakka Sk**ks, Alcohol Licks, Nothing Concrete, Nick Parker, Sebastian Tesouro, and St. Fian, offering an exciting mix of live music throughout the day.

Beyond the main stage, the festival will be alive with the rhythms of Minehead Samba, sea shanty performances, and circus acts bringing energy to every corner of the seafront. Watch live street artists transform the Esplanade or step into the East Quay arts tent to try your hand at something new.

Fancy slowing the pace down? Head to the Wellbeing Tent or wander through the Nature Area for a moment of calm amidst the festival buzz. However you spend your day, there really is something for everyone.

Zara Aitken, Event Manager and Charity Operations Manager at Minehead and Coast Development Trust, said:

"This year marks the fifth Minehead Bay Festival, and it's amazing to see how it's grown into such a firm favourite in the Somerset calendar. From the very first festival to this year's lineup, our goal has always been the same: to bring people together, celebrate our incredible coastline, and give everyone a completely free day out. None of it would be possible without the incredible support of local performers, volunteers, and businesses. We're excited to celebrate this milestone with the whole community on 29th August."

A big thank you goes to this year's festival sponsors, Minehead Town Council and Hollam Solicitors, for their generous support. The festival has also been made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Minehead Bay Festival is set to be a brilliant day out on the seafront. Bring the family, bring your friends, and come and be part of the celebrations.

16/07/2026

New digital app launched to support ADHD patients in Somerset

Patients experiencing ADHD symptoms in Somerset are set to benefit from a new digital app designed to provide trusted information and personalised support throughout their care journey.

The ConnectPlus app, developed in partnership with clinicians from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s adult ADHD service, and technology partner HCI, is the first of its kind to be implemented by an adult ADHD service in England. The free app is now available to all patients with ADHD symptoms across Somerset.

Via Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Pictured (left to right): Dr Kate Franklin - consultant psychiatrist, Rosie Grenter - clinical lead for the Somerset ADHD service.

Patients experiencing ADHD symptoms in Somerset are set to benefit from a new digital app designed to provide trusted information and personalised support

16/07/2026

💧 Do you have a query about your water bill, how to save water and prevent blockages, or your water and sewerage services?

Wessex Water will be holding a drop-in session at Minehead Town Council, 3 Summerland Road, Minehead TA24 5BP on Thursday 10 September to answer all of your water related questions. This session will run between 10am-12pm

👉 To find out more, visit: https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/community-drop-ins

11/05/2026

Happy Somerset Day! A wonderful county to work, rest, play and call home.



Passion for Somerset

04/05/2026

We've got a winner!!!
We had lots of correct entries in issue 50!

One lucky reader gets to treat themselves to a £20 cash prize.
They were selected by the wheel from our other beady-eyed readers who correctly found Charlie the Chameleon, hiding on Page 22, on the black square of the crossword.

Look out for Charlie in our May/June issue and enter here...
wordgetsaround.co.uk/charlie

Good luck! Clive