Independents Day UK: Support your independent retailer

Now more than ever we all know how important it is to support independent businesses, but how do we find those that are local to us? In light of Independents Day UK, we look at four fantastic, local, independent retailers you can support this summer.

Willowbrook Nursery & Garden Centre

(Image: Willowbrook Nursery & Garden Centre)
‘We know plants and we grow plants’: Garden centre celebrates 33 years in business

A FAMILY-RUN, independent garden centre and nursery is celebrating 33 years in business serving different generations in Wellington.

The Willowbrook Nursery & Garden Centre, in West Buckland, Wellington, aims to “provide you with plants that have been grown to suit our local area to make sure that they will provide you with many years of enjoyment”.

The business “started small”, as owner Stephen Grabham said, by growing plants in a back garden.

Mr Grabham, who runs the garden centre with her mum Carol, said: “We are a locally based garden centre and nursery. We try to sell plants that we grow here on-site.

“We cover everything related to gardening like compost, tools, sprays, and all the accessories.

“We also have a café and tea room, an aquatic shop, and a pet shop.

“We are a family-run business, and I run it with my mum Carol.

“We started small, growing plants in our back garden, then it gradually became bigger and that’s what we do – We know plants and we grow plants.

“A lot of customers come here since we have been here. We have seen different generations, and we are happy to see them.”

For further information contact 01823 461324 or visit www.willowbrooknurseryandgardencentre.co.uk

Quantock Funeral Directors

(Image: Quantock Funeral Directors)
Somerset funeral director shares steps to take after a loved one dies

When a loved one passes away, it is a challenging and emotional time.

Knowing the next steps to take can help manage the process and allow you to focus on grieving and remembering your loved one.

If your loved one dies in the hospital, the bereavement office will assist by contacting your chosen funeral director once they are ready to be transferred.

If the death occurs at home, you must first contact a doctor or nurse to verify the death. After this, inform your chosen funeral director, who will then take your loved one into their care.

Next, you need to phone the registrar, who will arrange the necessary paperwork and contact you to schedule an appointment to issue the death certificate. You will receive a "tell us once" code, which can be used to notify all relevant government agencies, simplifying the administrative process.

Your funeral director will handle funeral arrangements, helping you select music, a coffin, attire, flowers, and other desired elements. They will also help you coordinate with a celebrant to create a meaningful service.

The day of the funeral will undoubtedly be emotional and difficult. However, with thoughtful planning, it can also be a heartfelt celebration of your loved one's life.

Quantock Funeral Directors is independent and family-run, serving Taunton, Wellington, and surrounding areas. For more information, call 01823661138 or 01823277938, or visit quantockfuneralservices.co.uk.

Krackers

(Image: Krackers)

Krackers, a comics and collectables shop in Taunton, has held a place in the hearts of all local fantasy fans since 1980 and become deeply rooted in the town's culture.

The shop, found at 5 Bath Place, has seen success over the years, but its secluded location means many who stumble upon it were not already aware of its existence, something owner Anthony Peach attests to.

"Lots of people don't know it's here," he said.

"They discover it, come in and go 'oh, this is great!'.

"People who find it (Bath Place) always come back."

(Image: Krackers)
67-year-old Anthony has worked at Krackers since it first opened 44 years ago, when it was run by his mother and brother.

“We’re still here, we’re still in Bath Place," he added.

“We’re still going strong.

“Come along and see what we’ve got inside - we’ve got a range of games, pop figures, manga, graphic novels, and more.”

The shop started its 'Krazy Karpet Sale' earlier this year, which includes discounts from 20 per cent on almost everything in store.

The sale is still going, and fantasy lovers can benefit from discounts of up to half price on selected comics.

For more information call: 01823 335057, email: krackerstaunton@live.co.uk or visit their Facebook page to see what's on offer.

Address: 5 Bath Place, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4ER

Islands Caribbean Restaurant

(Image: Islands Caribbean Restaurant)
Taunton gives Islands Caribbean restaurant 5-stars

The newly opened Caribbean restaurant in Taunton has started very strong and is a massive hit with locals after opening at the end of April, with visits from the newly elected Mayor and deputy Mayor of Taunton and the Barbados deputy High commissioner all the way from London! All were very impressed with the food, the service, the vibes and the décor of Islands new home.

Islands, located at 14 Bath Place, has become a favourite with locals after almost 2 months of serving customers. The “outstanding” restaurant has received a five-star score on the door and dozens of five-star Google reviews since opening its doors, including a glowing recommendation from our chief reporter.

The family-run business, owned by Taunton locals Emma and Richard Cummins, launched the restaurant with a condensed menu of Authentic Caribbean food which included their “iconic” Curry Goat and delicious authentic Bajan fish cakes. They have now expanded the menu to include slow cooked Oxtail and butterbeans and the National dish of Jamaica Ackee & Saltfish and will be offering the widely requested Jamaican patties. Also on offer are cocktails, imported Caribbean beers, drinks and desserts including traditional rum cake and sweet potato pudding.

Emma, Islands' manager and owner, said: “as a new independent business, everything is brand new… new kitchen, menu, staff and systems and we have been working so hard around the clock to get the restaurant running as smooth as possible, which hasn’t always happened. We would really like to thank the community for being so supportive and gracious, on most occasions our customers have been understanding and patient and for that we are extremely grateful!”.

Islands are planning some DJ nights for dancing, good vibes, great food and tropical cocktails, these dates will be shared on their socials. They are also offering the option of private parties on selected dates, contact the restaurant for information.

Islands open for lunch and dinner between 12pm until 10pm Tuesday to Thursday and Friday to Saturday between 12pm until 11pm.

Bookings can be made by phone on 01823 807072, or via messages on their socials until their website with table bookings is up and running, islandsuk.co.uk — 50% of the restaurant is reserved for walk-ins. Takeaways are available, with deliveries to be offered soon.

Search ‘Islands Taunton’ on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.