Mayor Vanessa Garside: ‘Bringing Taunton Together’

In this column I want to focus on what makes Taunton such a fantastic place, drawing on its rich history and niche expertise, modern diversity and a thriving arts and culture scene.

Last month I attended a fantastic exhibition at Taunton Library on Somerset’s secret chart makers, presented by Dr Adrian Webb and Rosie Birley, who have spent most of their careers working for the UK Hydrographic Office.

The organisation itself has strong historical and nautical roots, with the Taunton office established in 1941; it was here that secret maps were created for the British Armed Forces, critical to the success of the Normandy landings.

These secret operations were the subject of the exhibition, with Dr Webb having written a book to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of D-Day – ‘Somerset’s Secret Chart Makers’ (lest we forget their brave work).

Taunton is the world’s leading centre for hydrography, specialising in marine geo-spatial data to support secure and thriving oceans, with the UK Hydrographic Office currently employing around 900 people and guess what? This office, right here in Taunton makes maritime maps which the British Government sells to countries all over the world. Something of which to be proud!

It’s an environmental force for good as well. Their shoreline maps constantly record new data such as erosions or sandbanks. This is provided by Harbour Masters all over the world and helps to keep all our mariners safe.

My new acquaintance, Rosie, shared that she has been delighted to serve the harbour services in Singapore and had even visited her counterpart there.

This stuff has been happening in Taunton for 83 years, and we’re relatively far from the sea. Perhaps those fat seagulls in Taunton know something we don’t know!

The mayor with members of the Nigerians in Taunton group. (Image: Taunton Town Council)

I was recently invited to a lively party organised by the ‘Nigerians in Taunton’, wonderful newcomers to our area, many of whom arrived during the pandemic to help in our care homes and in the NHS.

In Taunton we have a relatively high population of older people, the south west being a destination of choice for retirees from other parts of the UK as it has much to offer, from the beauty of our countryside to the warm-hearted nature and politeness of its inhabitants.

But mature people sadly become older and in need of help. There are not enough trained youngsters in the region to fulfil the need.

The ‘Nigerians in Taunton’ wrote to ask me how they can best fit in with the social life of the town beyond their work in the NHS and in our care homes.

They are doing their best for the UK and they are working hard to contribute to our economy.

They are highly qualified and dedicated to their jobs, which are not always easy and really want to help other people. They very much need to be appreciated and included in our community.

And last, but certainly not least, I’d like to mention the artistic community of Taunton, which also has historic origins.

Taunton once had one of the UK’s most flourishing art schools, but government support declined. However, the enterprising and creative community of Taunton have not let that prevent them from moving forward.

Creative thinking produces new enterprises, new ways of doing things.

The upcoming FREE one-day festival, Taunton Together, being held across the town on Saturday 28 September (11am – 7pm) is set to be a fantastic showcase for many of Taunton’s creative organisations.

We have Go Create; Arts Taunton; CICCIC; the Brewhouse Theatre; Sound of the Streets; the TYCA festival - and many more, all coming together to create something new for Taunton.

We also have wonderful advocates for Taunton, supporting this initiative, Rob Beckley, our very own High Sherriff of Somerset, Rev. Toby Osmond, the vicar of Taunton Minster, Andy and Denise Spragg of Sangha House, Somerset County Cricket Club, Taunton Chamber of Commerce, our new MP, the honourable Gideon Amos, not to mention all the community organisations, like Diversity Voice, the mayor’s charity, who are all excited to be involved.

You can find out more at www.TauntonTogether.co.uk or pick up a brochure from the Visitor Centre in the Market House Building on Fore Street.

Pray for sunshine!