Rachel Mead asks local businesses as well one of Somerset's sporting stars what makes Taunton tick.
It's our county town and the home of Somerset County Cricket Club but Taunton is also renowned for its selection of independent shops. diverse art and culture scene, as well as its sense of history.
Up My Street
‘Every town has a high street, but not every town has a Bath Place!’ says Sharon Ogden from The Birdcage Dress Agency which has been trading in this part of Taunton for over fifteen years. Located off the High Street, Bath Place is home to approximately twenty-five businesses, all of which are independent, and proud to be located in such a historic part of our county town. The Bath Place Traders Association, celebrating its 25 year anniversary this year, is chaired by Tom Riviello, ‘Bath Place used to be the ancient route to Exeter. With old Georgian shop fronts lining the street, all recently painted in different colours, we are pleased to be able to offer an array of independent shops in a place which has a really great feel about it.’
Amongst the vast selection of shops and eateries, Bath Place is also home to long-time established Brendon Books, owned by Jo and Lionel Ward, ‘We’ve run our business here since 1989, and we feel embedded in the local community. We proudly organise the Taunton Literary festival as well as support local authors with their self-published books. Bath Place is definitely one of the most attractive parts of the town!’ Taunton Chamber of Commerce’s Membership and Events Manager, Bethan Turner says, ‘Bath Place is one of Taunton's best loved shopping areas for good reason - the sense of history, and of community between the independent shopkeepers really adds to the retail experience. Many of the shops offer wonderfully curated products that you just won't find elsewhere, as well as the ability to tap into the owner's knowledge, so that you always come away with the perfect item, be that for you, your home or something delicious for dinner.’
Taking a look around, visitors to Bath Place will soon realise that in addition to the painted facades of the shop fronts, there is an extra display of colour adding to the independent vibe. The Bath Place Yarn Bombers are led by Sharon, ‘Everyone is in awe of the colour that we create through our knitting and crocheting. This year will see an explosion of red, white and blue as we celebrate the coronation, and then later in the year we are planning a gay pride celebration too – for all the colours of the rainbow! Bath Place is beautifully unique, and above all, a little treasure! It’s a mini Glastonbury!’
News
Not long now until the completion of the Somerset Digital Innovation Centre! Alongside the existing Somerset Energy Innovation Centre campus in Bridgwater and the iAero Centre in Yeovil, this new development on the Firepool site in Taunton will be the latest addition to the wider Somerset Innovation Centre Network. At over 2600 square metres, the £11 million facility supports innovation in the digital sphere of Somerset. The Somerset Digital Innovation Centre is funded by HM Government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ and the European Regional Development Fund and is designed to drive innovation-led growth, create and safeguard jobs, and help firms to bring new products and services to the market. economicstrategy@somerset.gov.uk
Just 50 metres away is the Collar Factory, a building previously well known to locals as a printing works, an organ factory and of course the Van Trump shirt and collar factory, Tone Vale Manufacturing. Rescuing it from demolition in 2010, Forward Space, the largest independent co-working company outside of London, saw the potential in the old building and set their sights on bringing it back to its former beauty. Offering 12,500 square feet of light, airy collaborative workspace, the Collar Factory is the ideal co-working space for those smaller creative and tech-based businesses in Somerset. From renting a desk, work pod or larger office spaces for up to twenty employees, the Collar Factory has created a community which encourages alliances between these businesses, as well as an active opportunity for socialising through regular events. Gavin Eddy, CEO and Founder of Forward Space says, ‘There’s nothing else like it in Taunton and we’re already on target on to be full by the end of the year. With the creative, tech and digital worlds all under one roof we are proud to be renovating buildings which is enabling the Fourth Industrial Revolution to flourish.’
forwardspace.co.uk
Q AND A
Name: Sophie Luff
Age: 29 years
Job Title(s): Professional Cricketer. Western Storm and Somerset CCC captain.
Tell us about your cricket career to date
It all started in my back garden! I played a lot at school and also club cricket for my local team in Weston-super-Mare where I played with the boys. I was recognised at 12 years old when I was asked to join the U13 Somerset girl’s county side. I was then part of the Emerging Players’ Programme at the same time as SCCC club captain, Tom Abell and was again the sole girl on that programme. I made my senior women’s debut at 15 and was involved in some England age group and academy programmes. I’ve spent the last two years as a professional cricketer at Western Storm where I am captain as well as playing for Somerset. I have also featured in the Hundred competition, last year playing at Lords for London Spirit.
What has been your proudest moment on the cricket pitch?
It has to be winning the KIA Super League with Western Storm in 2017 and 2019. 2017 was the first time I’d experienced winning a major trophy and to be out there batting at the end in the final, was one of those moments which I can still feel and remember vividly!
Who is your inspiration?
It has to be my dad! He is my role model and hero. I grew up watching him play and that is where I fell in love with the game. If I don’t have a game on a Saturday then I always go and watch him and my brother play for Lympsham.
What is the atmosphere like whilst playing at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton?
Taunton will always be my cricket home, I absolutely love playing there. The crowd always really get behind women’s cricket and because the ground is quite small they feel really close which just adds to the atmosphere. The Taunton fans definitely appreciate good cricket!
How has women’s cricket changed in the years that you have been playing?
It has grown massively! When I was starting out, I never thought that being a professional was possible. It simply wasn’t an option. I think England women winning the World Cup in 2017 was a turning point and it’s had a positive influence on both the interest and funding going into the game. There will roughly be 100 domestic female players in the country shortly which just shows how much the game has moved forward, plus The Hundred has given the women’s game a great platform too.
How can girls and women get involved in playing cricket?
I’d definitely suggest heading to your local club. So many of them have a great set up now for women and girls, quite often they offer soft ball before moving on to hard ball. I’d recommend all girls give it a go – go throw or whack a ball and see where it will take you!
If you could grant one wish for the women’s SCCC team what would it be?
I’d love for us to be seen equal to the men. We’d like the same opportunities across the game. It would also be great to see a whole team photo, side by side at the club too.
If you’re not on the cricket pitch, what are you doing?
Baking! My go-to is always something sweet whether that’s making a batch of Rolo Rocky Road or chocolate brownies. I love baking for the team.
Where is your favourite place in Taunton, and why?
The Shed. I believe it used to be a public toilet block but now it’s a lovely coffee shop. What a transformation!
If you had to describe Taunton in three words, what would they be, and why?
Heart Of Somerset. For me, Taunton is the number one place for cricket. It’s where my heart is.
