Thursday, May 3

Taunton's Farmers' Market

THE Vale is a genuine Farmer and Producers co-operative which has grown from strength to strength since its launch in 1999. We are fully certified by FARMA – the National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association, so you can be confident you are really buying local produce.

It all takes place in Taunton High Street, every Thursday from 9am until 3pm, year round.

Harry Cobden - Life As A Jockey

With four grade one winners, two Topham Chase victories and two rides in one of the biggest horse races in the world, The Grand National, 19-year old Harry Cobden sheds a light on his life from pony racing to becoming a professional jockey. Followed by Q&A All takes place at Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton.

Free event from 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Friday, May 4

Exhibition

A NEW family exhibition Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories will be open at the Museum of Somerset from March 17 to July 7.

Visitors can discover the life and works of one of Britain's best loved storytellers and the author of the inspirational hit of stage and screen War Horse.

The exhibition comes to the museum from Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, which is custodian of the Michael Morpurgo archive. Michael is one of Britain’s greatest living authors for children. In the 2018 New Year Honours list he was awarded a knighthood for his services to literature and charity.

His work spans 40 years and a career that has seen the publication of over 150 books for children, traversing wide-ranging topics that explore historical events, natural history and the environment, adventure and family life.

Visitor Services Manager Susie Simmons said: “Michael’s writing touches the hearts and minds of readers young and older.

This playful exhibition is perfect for families to explore together to discover more about one of the most influential storytellers of our time.”

On display will be draft manuscripts, photographs, notebooks and correspondence that chronicle Michael’s creative process and writing career. Items include handwritten versions of War Horse showing how the story evolved from first draft to publication of the book, adaptation for the National Theatre and Steven Spielberg film script.

Props from stage and film include a goose puppet, on loan from the National Theatre, a maquette of the Joey puppet and a First World War painting by war artist F.W. Reed that inspired War Horse.

Seated Pilates

THEY specialise in helping people to increase mobility, flexibility and core strength enabling each person to gain more confidence their movement, ultimately leading to an increased independent and active lifestyle. Please call 07854 456793 for a timetable or visit donnanoll.co.uk for more information.

All takes place at The Studio at Bank House, Magdalene Street, Taunton.

Saturday, May 5

Wellington Farmers Market

There is a wide variety of stalls from local producers, a cafe,and a friendly welcome.

Takes place from 9am-1.30pm at Wellington Community Centre, Wellington, Somerset.

Oliver! The Musical

THE award winning Taunton Operatic Society is presenting the musical Oliver!

This is Lionel Bart's musical adaptation/interpretation of Charles Dicken's classic novel Oliver Twist. The tale of young orphan Oliver and his journey through the dark underbelly of Victorian London highlighted by the many colourful and not altogether trustworthy characters that he encounters. Sometimes dark and gritty, other times humorous and light, this heart-warming show carries some classic all time musical tunes including: Consider Yourself, Food Glorious Food, Who Will Buy, As Long As He Needs Me, It's a Fine Life and Oom Pah, Pah.

Tickets on sale at the Taunton Visitor Centre or at the Brewhouse Theatre.

ENJOY a day out with the West Somerset Railway and Hestercombe. Board the steam train at Minehead, enjoy a scenic ride through rolling countryside, alight at Bishops Lydeard Station, then travel to Hestercombe in style on a vintage bus. Spend the day exploring the gardens then hop back onto the train for your return journey.

Your ticket includes travel on the steam train from Minehead, the vintage bus to Hestercombe and entry to the gardens and house.

For the timetable and to book tickets contact or visit Taunton Visitor Centre or the West Somerset Railway website.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, April to October. Excludes 29th April, 10th June, 2nd & 9th September and 7th October.

Takes place at Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton.

Sunday, May 6

Sunday Band Concerts in Vivary Park

Enjoy the free concerts performed by local and regional bands from the Vivary Park bandstand.

With music ranging from popular brass band classics to jazz and samba, bring a blanket or deckchair and perhaps a picnic for some delightful entertainment.

Concerts start at 3pm (unless otherwise stated).

All takes place at Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset.

BEMP - Folies et folettes Blackdowns Early Music Projects present: Folies et folettes: Recital of virtuoso French baroque music for viols and theorbo played by Newe Vialles (Henrik Persson & Caroline Ritchie: viola da gamba and Lynda Sayce: theorbo).

All takes place at 8pm at All Saints' Church, CULMSTOCK, Devon, EX15 3JD.

Tickets £10/£5. On sale ate the Taunton Visitor Centre.

Monday, May 7

Somerset walking club

handy cross,gaulden manor Meet at handy cross verge parking 14.00. 5ml. Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3DW.

Takes place from 2pm-4.45pm.

Taunton School Whole School Open Morning

AN open morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm. You'll have the chance to meet our Headmaster, teachers and students, take a tour and discover more about life at Taunton School.

Please contact our admissions team to register your interest in one of our events, to request further information or to book a personal visit.

Nursery 3 months to 3 years

Nursery@tauntonschool.co.uk - 01823 703302 Pre-Prep and Prep 4 years to 12 years - TPSadmissions@tauntonschool.co.uk - 01823 703303 Senior and Sixth Form 13 years to 18 years - Registrar@ tauntonschool.co.uk - 01823 703703 General Enquiries - enquiries@tauntonschool.co.uk - 01823 703703

BEMP - Iberian Treasury Blackdowns Early Music Project present: Iberian Treasury: Renaissance music for Voices and Viols, Morales to Esteves via Guerrero, Victoria, Cardoso and more! Glorious multivoice choral works with instruments. Musical Director JanJoost van Elburg, Newe Vialles and Martin Perkins: organ.

All takes place at Church of St John the Baptist, WELLINGTON, Somerset.

Tickets: £15/£8 on sale ate the Taunton Visitor Centre.

Thursday, May 10

Garden talk In aid of St Margaret's Hospice

Lift the latch and All Year Round Garden 1984-2018 David and Pauline Wright have developed their amazing garden over 25 years, and regularly welcome groups of visitors to share their peaceful all year round garden, This beautiful garden with all year interest has a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees, large wildlife pond and stream, and ornamental Koi Pond. Lovingly created from scratch the garden has featured on BBC2’s Open Gardens, and in Somerset Life, English Country Garden, Amateur Gardening and Gardening Answers Magazines Pauline and David are giving this illustrated talk about how they established the garden in aid of the hospice - admission free, donations welcome ALL PROCEEDS IN AID OF ST MARGARETS HOSPICE.

Takes place at St Margaret's Hospice Academy, Heron Drive, Bishops Hull, TAUNTON.