BBC Bus

The end of Thompson Bros

While we were here, we found out that the local ironmongers, Thompson Brothers, had announced it would close after 210 years in business.

The owner Peter Bond said they had lost too much trade to the big DIY stores and supermarkets.

Peter started work at the shop aged 15 and has worked there for 48 years.

He said he was sad it was closing but he was also looking forward to a rest. Customers in the shop said they would miss the friendly service and the fact that you can buy things as individual items instead of in big packages.

Blake 350

We also called in to see the Blake exhibition being on display in St Mary's church.

Replica of rigging used by sea cadets

It's got models, photos and illustrations to tell the story of Robert Blake and his military achievements, including the defence of Taunton against the royalists and his many sea battles as admiral of the fleet.

The exhibition has proved so popular they have had to extend its run.

Maltese Twins

We met the Mayor of Marsa, from Malta, who was visiting Bridgwater for the third time as part of the Bridgwater-Marsa Twinning Association. With him was Steve Gill who is the Chairman of the twinning association.

They told us about the benefits of Bridgwater being twinned with Marsa and about the special Maltese evening coming up in Bridgwater on the 15 September at Wellworthys Social Club.

Classic Cars

Ted Cogger brought his 1932 Morris Minor to the BBC Somerset Bus to tell us about his love of classic cars!

Charity wedding dresses

Finally we found Jane Hancock in her wedding dress on the streets of Bridgwater collecting for the charity Brainwave as part of National Wedding Dress Day.

She was wearing her own dress which she wore to get married in 12 years ago. She was really pleased to have the chance to wear her dress again and help to raise money for a good cause.