An update for 2011

As the blog was mentioned in the newsletter, I thought I would update it. However, if no interest is shown in the blog, I will shut it down.

The sparrowhawks returned last year but decided to nest next door in the Kings College Field. Look out for them from mid July.

Bagpuss and Mumbles have grown. They wander far and wide but still have time to let you stroke them if they are not hunting.

Taunton council now collect cardboard and plastic bottles (no other plastic, please) in their kerbside collection. If you ring the council, you can order your brown boxes to put this in. I am still using my green box for everything and it is collected. You can check what is collected on the Taunton Council website. The kerbside collection is collected either at 7 am or around 1 pm so you need to put the stuff out before 7 am on Monday. On Bank Holiday weeks, the collection tends to be collected on Tuesday. However, you need to check the website as there are occasions when it is collected on the Bank Holiday Monday. There should be no excuse, therefore, for large amounts of cardboard in the general waste bins. Most of the townhouses recycle but very few of the flats use the kerbside collection which includes the food waste.

Don't forget the fish - chip - mushy pea supper on Friday August 12th 2011. Wine and orange juice (3 glasses per person) included in the price. £10 per person with cash payment to No 20A Annecy Court. To be held in Cloisters Lawn at 7 pm. Bring a chair and warm clothing if necessary.

The newsletter mentioned a couple of restaurants to visit. If you like decent coffee, here are my choices in Taunton. I am a double espresso lover so that is what I base my choice on.

Cornerstone is the nearest to us - at the cross roads in East Reach.

Pain et Vin in St James Street is the cheapest and together with Cornerstone serves the best espresso in Taunton.

Expresso in High Street - a good coffee but is more expensive then the above.

Olive Tree - a good coffee but you have to use the stairs.

Augustus - the most expensive espresso and not as good as the first two.

Brazz - depends who is serving the coffee. Not always a dependable espresso.

Miles - I have only been here once for coffee and they charged for two single espressos. Not worth visiting just for coffee but meals are good.

Over to you for new and interesting places to visit. It doesn't have to be food or drink related. Check out the events on Blackdown Hills - there is a website and leaflets in Tourist Information office.

Sparrowhawks

Another welcome to a visitor who was here last year. The sparrowhawks have returned and we now have a nest in the first tree at the front of the convent - before the gate. No sight of the young - though plenty of noise. The parents can be seen flying from tree to tree or flying over the convent, annoying the seagulls. I suspect they have been visiting the gardens too.

New residents and a visitor

Welcome to the two new kittens, Mumbles and Bagpuss. Mumbles, a black and white with white ring around his tail has soon found his way around. He has met the three cats from the townhouses, Frankie the Siamese (who is terrified of Mumbles), Toby (who ignores him), and Tom Tom who is trying to make friends with him. Bagpuss, the ginger one, is a little more cautious.

The egret who arrived at the stream behind St Joseph's Field a few months ago has taken to spending his afternoon on the lawn within the grounds. He also sits on one of the trees and surveys the estate.

Landing Party

A good time was had by all at the first Landing Party held on top floor of the 4th phase of Annecy Court on 31st January 2009. Hopefully there will be a few more. The party was very easy to arrange. Invite everyone in the 'block'. Everyone brings their own drink, glasses and nibbles and joins the hosts on their landing. The hosts can provide music if necessary.

Our landing party ended by everyone looking around each other's flats. It started at 6.30 pm and was meant to go on for about an hour. However, the last few people went home at around 10.30 pm.

A good way to get to know your neighbours.

Planning application on Kings College land.

By now you will have received information on the planning application of 81 houses on the sports ground adjoining the St Joseph's Field site. I understand that entry to the site will be from the existing pedestrian site from South Road and exit will be via St Joseph's Field. This will mean an increase to traffic through the site.

I have placed an objection to the application due to the increase in traffic, reduced security and probability of further parking problems should traffic be allowed through St Joseph's Field. I urge you all to do the same.

You have until 13th August to place your objection

Excellent job Caroline!

Caroline,

Thanks for organising this site/blog & congrats on the great photographs.

Unusual visitors

I am sure there have been many strange visitors to the St Joseph's Field site during the years. I discovered that if I have my top window fully down, I attract the feathered kind. Last month I woke to flapping sounds from the lounge. When I went in, there was a pigeon sitting on the top of the window. Luckily he was on his way out and flew off as I appeared. Today I was preparing breakfast when I heard cheeping. A long tailed tit was flying around the lounge. He posed for a few photos before finally finding the window. With a final cheep he disappeared.