!["[Somerset], and Taunton in particular, is much more cosmopolitan these days - and far richer for it" <i>(Image: NQ staff)</i>](/resources/images/18094559.jpg?type=mds-article-962)
So, what does the rest of the country think of those of us from Somerset? writes Phil Hill.
When you explain where you live to someone, how often are you met with a grin and: "Oo aar, Zumerset, zider"?
That was the reaction some time ago of a young man who had moved down to Taunton from 'up North'.
"OK, zo you guys from up North reckons us all be thickos down ’ere then, do ’ee?"
I mischievously quizzed him.
"No, of course not.
"It’s just a bit of fun," he smiled guiltily.
To which I replied: "Just as people from your neck of the woods claim to be straight talking and always say it as it is - which we call being downright rude."
"Don’t get upset," he replied.
"I’m not.
"It’s just a bit of friendly banter."
Honestly, I’m not really thin-skinned, although there was to be no exchange of Christmas cards.
After such insightfulness, I just had to ask someone from the Midlands a few days later what he thought of our glorious county.
His response was more measured.
"Lovely place.
"Lovely people, but…"
Of course, 'BUT'.
"…you’re not very accepting of outsiders, are you?"
I’ve heard that so many times.
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He went on: "I went into a pub the other day, and everyone just stared at me as if I was an extra-terrestrial."
Heard that one too.
"If you’re not part of the clique, you’re not welcome," he added.
Fake news.
Maybe in times past, when social mobility was virtually non-existent, members of a small community would understandably stop in their tracks if they saw an ‘outsider’ come through the bar door.
It was more an inquisitive silence as to what someone they’d never seen before was doing in their midst.
Big news for the village.
But the area, and Taunton in particular, is much more cosmopolitan these days - and far richer for it.
I like to think we’re a welcoming lot down here in Somerset.
We’re a self-deprecating bunch who like to laugh at ourselves.
And we champion The Wurzels band - especially the delightful Scot Tommy Banner, who Taunton has adopted as its own - as they amusingly and with plenty of musical talent send up what Somerset is all about.
But, please, anyone from away, don’t wind us up with unfair stereotyping.
