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JUMP FOR JOY AND SMILE! 😁 Today, the world celebrates the International Day of Happiness, a day dedicated to promoting happiness as a fundamental human right and a key goal of sustainable development. The day was first celebrated in 2013 and has been observed annually on March 20th since then. The idea of an International Day of Happiness was proposed by the Kingdom of Bhutan, a country that has famously prioritised Gross National Happiness over Gross Domestic Product as a measure of progress. The initiative was supported by all 193 member states of the United Nations, who adopted a resolution in 2012 recognising happiness as a universal goal and calling for a day to be dedicated to promoting it. The theme for this year's International Day of Happiness is "Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind." Celebrations of the day are taking place around the world, with many events and initiatives aimed at promoting happiness and well-being. These include mindfulness and meditation sessions, community service projects, and social media campaigns. In addition to promoting happiness on an individual level, the International Day of Happiness also highlights the importance of happiness as a policy goal. Governments, businesses, and civil society organisations are encouraged to prioritise happiness and well-being in their policies and practices, recognising that these are essential components of sustainable development. As we celebrate the International Day of Happiness, let us remember some wise advice: "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." Let us all take action to promote happiness and well-being, both in our own lives and in the world around us. ---- More information on this day is available on the UN website: https://www.un.org/en/observances/happiness-day https://www.instagram.com/p/CqAT1BositV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED OPENING UP A FARM SHOP? 🧺🥚 🍅 🍞 🍖 🍾 Farm shops have become increasingly popular in recent years, as consumers become more interested in buying fresh, organic, locally produced food. For some West Country farmers, a farm shop could be a great way to sell their products directly to consumers, while also supporting the local economy. In this article, Pulman's Weekly News explores how our farmers could launch their own farm shop and make it a success. Step 1: Identify Your Products and Market The first step in launching a successful farm shop is to identify the products you want to sell and the market you want to target. You may already have a good idea of what products you want to sell, but it's worth doing some market research to ensure that there is demand for your products in your local area. In addition to the products you grow or raise on your farm, you may also want to consider selling other locally produced goods, such as cheese, bread, or honey. This can help you to offer a wider range of products and attract more customers. Step 2: Choose a Location The next step is to choose a location for your farm shop. Ideally, you want a location that is easily accessible for customers and has plenty of parking. You may also want to consider a location that is visible from the road, as this can help to attract passing trade. If you have an existing farm building that you can convert into a shop, this can be a good option. Alternatively, you may want to consider seeking planning permission and building a new shop on your farm or renting a space in a nearby town or village. Step 3: Develop a Business Plan Before you launch your farm shop, it's important to develop a business plan. This should include details on your products, your target market, your pricing strategy, and your marketing plan. We are very fortunate in East Devon, South Somerset and West Dorset to have a ready supply of visitors during the holiday seasons. These tourists can make very good customers. ( Read more @PulmansWeekly ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp_ZJhvIQ77/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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A MUDDY BATTLE FOR CHARD ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON - Our man at the match MALCOLM BROWN shares his take on the game... ⚽ "The visit of Keynsham Town Reserves on Saturday was a very important game for both clubs and three points was vital for both clubs. "The game started in bright sunshine, a heavy shower nearly ended the game within five minutes. After 20m with the conditions appalling for both sides Ben Haines slipped and fell over the ball and was adjudged to have handled it. Penalty to Keynsham neatly put into the top corner. "Not to be outdone Chard continued with good pressure and Keynsham were also looking for their second goal. After 37m Chard got a free kick just on the edge of the box, Richard Hebditch stood up and squeezed it acutely between the wall and post for the equaliser. With a heavy pitch and running up the slope Chard didn't sit back and wait for halftime. Another attack and another free kick for Chard in the 46th minute, this time the ball was cleared only to Oscar Latas who got a strong header onto it and into the net. 2-1 at Half Time. "Playing down the slope in the second half made it easier for Chard and several through balls made it difficult for the Keynsham defence. Richard Hebditch causing problems all afternoon was brought down and as he was the last man the defender was given a red card. "With only ten men Keynsham never gave up and pressed, in the 75m they were rewarded with an equaliser. Nervous times for Chard now, but after coming off the bench 10m earlier Michael Calverley was put into a great position to shoot, with defenders in front of him a powerful strike was enough to find the bottom corner of the goal. Again Keynsham didn't give up and pushed on for another equaliser. This left a big hole at the back and on 89m Oscar Latas was put through for his second of the afternoon. Full Time 4-2 "This was an important 3 points for Chard which lifted them out of the bottom three for the first time this year. With two difficult home games to come and the local derby with Ilminster on Good Friday it's now important we keep out of the bottom three." @chardtownfc_official shirt sponsor Tarr Residential Estate Agents @tar https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp-he6_MgeS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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WEEKLY WELLBEING: BE KIND... 😊 In a world that can often feel harsh and unforgiving, it is important to remember the power of kindness. Being kind can have a profound impact not only on those around us, but on our own lives as well. Here are just a few reasons why it is always worth striving to be kind. ( Read more @PulmansWeekly ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp9djjaIZ14/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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CHARD BELT HOME THE BALLS WITH UNPRECEDENTED RESULT IN UNPRECEDENTED CONDITIONS - ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ Today's encounter in the Perry Street and District Football League was relocated at short notice due to Ilminster's pitch being deemed unfit. It certainly must have been badly waterlogged there because the venue replacement was itself pretty darn wet and muddy. Full credit to players on both sides who ended up looking as if they'd served a term in a trench... Chard United Football Club and Ilminster Town FC Res played out this Derby game valiantly. Chard taking a 3 - 0 half-time lead. Ilminster came out of the second half blocks with a will and got the goal they needed. Momentarily bringing the score up to 3 -1. This must have angered the Chard players or the mudfest had, because with excellent team work, procession and a succession of forward strikes, they punished Ilminster with a resounding 12 - 1 win. 😳 All match images courtesy of ( @neildopson ) NDPhotography. 📸 (at Somerset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp8TXF6LZzH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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YOUNGER CHARD PLAYERS GIVE IT GREAT GUNS BUT TAUNTON CIVIL SERVICE TRIUMPH IN MEN'S HOCKEY CLASH - 🏑 Chard B - 1 Taunton Civil Service A - 7 After last week being only able to muster a bare eleven players for the fixture at Minehead, captain Trevor Goss found himself with an embarrassment of riches, a squad of fifteen, enabling him to observe in a non-playing capacity throughout. This was the classic game of two halves. Chard had hoped to frustrate free scoring, top of the table Civil Service with defensive fortitude and to take advantage of that frustration, the longer the game remained scoreless. A couple of early shots from distance were well saved by Luke Bradshaw, the hero of the fixture between the sides in Taunton earlier this year. However, a change of tactics by Civil Service to get the ball deeper into the D for closer range efforts swiftly paid dividends and, enjoying the rub of the green with rebounds and half clearances, they raced to a five goal lead with scarcely 25 minutes played. Chard looked down and out but, with Civil Service feeling comfortably on target for another easy win, they relaxed and allowed the home side to start playing some cohesive hockey as half time approached. Having got a toehold in the game, Chard continued to build momentum from the start of the second half. Increasing confidence in possession and slick passing, combined with good movement off the ball saw a complete transformation as the visitors were suddenly chasing shadows and having to resort to some heavy challenges around their D. From one of a number of promising moves, Tom Sainsbury was put through and rounded the keeper only to be brought down. A penalty flick might have been awarded but Civil Service escaped with a penalty corner. Chard did deservedly get on the score sheet from another of their penalty corners, Rich Jones injecting, Gary Wheaton stopping and returning the ball to Jones to score from an angle with defence and keeper wrongfooted. ( Read full report @PulmansWeekly ) #hockey #localsportmatters (at Taunton CS Hockey Club) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp8FmWwsJtJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#hockey #localsportmatters

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The great Terry Thomas in 'School For Scoundrels' (1960). "Hard cheese!" 🎥 Watch this film closely and you will see that the titular School for Scoundrels is based in Yeovil, Somerset. 😂 Wonder why?? "You absolute rotters..." Anyone think of any other old film classics shot in or around Somerset? (at Yeovil, Somerset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp5_hN8LrnR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Springtime!! 💚 #somerset #easter #eastereggs 🥚 (at Ilminster) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp5p4pCrZ9J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#somerset #easter #eastereggs

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BLOKES' BRUNCH AT THE GEORGE IN AXMINSTER - 🍽️ ☕ Local charity, Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, are hosting their regular “Blokes Brunch” on Saturday, March 25th. This brunch get-together offers potential lifesaving advice and information over a late breakfast. 😳 The event is to be held at The George Hotel, Axminster, from 9:30 to 11:00am. and offers men a chance to join together over breakfast and listen to a local GP give information on men’s cancers: symptoms and treatments, mental well- being, as well as general health advice. Speaking at the event will be Axminster GP, Dr Nick Hodges. 🏥 While there is no charge for attending the event, those wishing to come along will need to register through the charity’s website at: https://axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk/product/blokes-brunch/ Please let other men who might be interested know about this important get-together. Bruce Kahn, speaking for the charity said: “Us men are normally very difficult to reach on health issues and looking after ourselves. We have found that these Saturday morning brunch events allow a group to come together over a free breakfast while listening to potentially lifesaving information”. Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support holds two Blokes Brunches a year alternating between Lyme Regis and Axminster and a number of other educational events. The charity is holding a skin awareness event in the summer. Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support exists to provide help and support to anyone affected by any cancer. If anyone wants to access support or contribute directly, details of services offered and how to contact the charity are on its website: www.axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk (at The George Hotel, Axminster) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp4yf5MMQ3F/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Come and celebrate St Patrick's day with a pint of the black stuff at the Old Poppe Inn, Chard... 🍀 (at YE OLDE POPPE INN) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp3PVGuLGi-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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WHY I AM WARY OF BECOMING TOO WOKE - 😳 As a former tabloid journalist and now editor of Pulman's Weekly News, I have always been mindful of the impact my words and actions might have on others. However, in today's "woke" culture, it sometimes feels like the goalposts are constantly shifting, and it can be hard to know what is considered acceptable. One potential risk is the phenomenon of "cancel culture," where individuals are publicly shamed and ostracised for expressing views or engaging in behaviours deemed offensive or harmful by certain groups. While I believe it's important to call out genuine instances of harm or discrimination, cancel culture can also be a blunt instrument that shuts down debate and stifles free expression. So how might I find myself on the wrong side of woke culture? It could be as simple as expressing a controversial opinion on social media, or using humour or irony that is misinterpreted by some as offensive. It could be participating in an event or organisation that others deem problematic, or even associating with individuals who have been "cancelled" themselves. Of course, the tricky thing about cancel culture is that it often operates in a highly subjective and unpredictable way. What one person considers a harmless joke, another might see as deeply offensive. What one group deems a legitimate expression of free speech, another might label as hate speech. All of this can be daunting, but I believe the key is to stay true to one's own values and principles, while also being receptive to feedback and willing to learn from others. It's important to engage in thoughtful dialogue and debate, rather than simply writing off anyone who disagrees with us. At the end of the day, we all have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact our words and actions have on others, and to strive for a more inclusive and just society. But we also need to be careful not to let cancel culture become a form of censorship that shuts down important conversations and stifles the diversity of viewpoints that are essential to a healthy democracy. Report by Duncan Williams @PulmansWeekly (at Pulman's Weekly News) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2OK9xsa2w/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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BINGO!! BINGO!! 🖐️ Eyes down... 👀 Legs eleven... 🦵 Pop it in your diary. 🖊️ Join the Bingo fundraiser in support of Ottery St Mary Carnival. 💯 The be held at Ottery Football Club on 26th March. Be there to take part in the fun! Details below:👇 (at Ottery St Mary A.F.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2Hx-zMDUq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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HAS THE LAST CALL ARRIVED FOR YOUR LOCAL PHONE BOX? 📞 The red public telephone box is an iconic symbol of British heritage and history. It would be a great shame if we lost them altogether, even if in an increasingly cashless society we seem to use them less and less. First introduced in 1921, these telephone kiosks quickly became ubiquitous across the UK, and are still a familiar sight on many of our streets today. In rural areas, including some parts of the South West of England, with poor mobile reception or signal drop-out, the phone box can still offer a vital means of communication. ( Read more @PulmansWeekly ) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpzoMlsMFDi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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CATCH THAT BUS!! 🎫🎟️🎫 Don't forget - it has never been a better time to use your local bus service... 🚌 The £2 cap on bus fares in England has been extended for another three months following warnings that many local services might risk being cut for good if it ended too early. The ticket cap was originally due to expire on 31 March, but has been extended until the end of June. Check with your regional service provider for full details. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxXl_BsM0q/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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The West Country is facing a growing cost of living crisis, with an increasing number of families relying on food banks to make ends meet. The cost of living has risen dramatically over the past few months, with the cost of essential items such as food, housing, and energy increasing at a faster rate than wages. According to recent figures, the number of people accessing food banks in the West Country has risen by over 50% in the past year alone. This is a worrying trend that highlights the extent of the problem facing many families in the region. The rise in food bank use is not just a problem for low-income families, but also for those on middle incomes who are struggling to make ends meet. Many families are finding it difficult to afford basic necessities such as food and heating, and are being forced to turn to food banks to put food on the table. The reasons for the cost of living crisis are complex, with many factors contributing to the problem. Rising energy bills, increasing food prices, and the high cost of housing are all contributing to the problem, and many families are finding it difficult to keep up with the rising cost of living. The government has come under increasing pressure to take action to address the cost of living crisis, and to provide support for families who are struggling to make ends meet. However, critics argue that the government's response has been inadequate, and that more needs to be done to address this growing problem. ( Read more @PulmansWeekly ) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxMPkOM3Md/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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So true... ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CpvziaQjdEL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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HONITON PEER SUPPORT HUB have over 30 support guides to help local families cope with mental wellbeing and mental health issues. 😘 They also have a wealth of knowledge about available local support for youngsters struggling with their mental health. Drop in for a chat and a cuppa, one to one bookings also available... 🤗 #communitymatters❤️ #eastdevon (at The Honiton Wine Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpvyaaAjF1U/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#communitymatters❤️ #eastdevon