Latest news with #CountyGazette
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to 'kind and caring' 13-year old Maddi
Tributes have poured in for an 'intelligent, clever, beautiful, very funny' Taunton girl who died suddenly weeks after turning 13. Around 300 people celebrated Maddi Bray's life at her funeral at Taunton Deane Crematorium on Tuesday (June 17). Guard of honour from her Gang Show colleagues (Image: Simon Helliar-Moor, Crescent Funeral Services) Two police outriders guide the funeral procession (Image: Simon Helliar-Moore, Crescent Funeral Services) She leaves her mother Lora, stepfather Sam, and seven-year-old sister Imogen. Also her grandparents Martin and Heather. Sam said: 'Maddi would have been disappointed to miss the funeral and be sad not to see her piece in the County Gazette. Maddi Bray (Image: Family of Maddi Bray) 'I've been part of her world since she was four. 'She was intelligent, clever, beautiful, very funny, determined and always wanted to impress. 'She was very talented in lots of fields. Her school work looked like being a success, she loved drama, music and singing and was a very good swimmer.' Maddi attended Stoke St Gregory and Thurlbear Primary Schools, before moving to Bishop Fox's. She lived nearby off South Road and was looking forward to a Disney school trip in July. She was a Girl Guide and enjoyed performing in the annual Gang Show variety entertainment. Sam added: 'She was kind and caring and would go out of her way in the Guides to be the one to take anyone who had just joined under her wing. 'It's been a huge shock. It's very sad and we're now trying to negotiate the new new. 'It's something we just didn't expect.' Bishop Fox's headteacher Kerry Tonkin said the school community was 'shocked and extremely sad' and described Maddi as hard-working and making 'great academic progress' with a proud 100 per cent attendance record. Ms Tonkin added: 'Performing arts is where Maddi found her passion. 'She was actively involved with drama, both in school and as part of Somerset Youth Theatre. 'Maddi also loved music. She regularly performed in our school concerts, was a vocalist in our school rock band and was in both our school choir and Year 8 choir. 'Maddi had many friends in school; she had a kind heart and a great sense of humour. 'She was proudly one of us and she will be missed by so many Bishop Fox's staff and students.' The school plans in time to hold a formal tribute to celebrate Maddi's 'fantastic life'. Following Maddi's death at home on May 25, friends set up a fundraiser on to support her family that has so far raised almost £4,000. *When life is difficult, Samaritans are here - day or night 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@ or visit to find your nearest branch.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A new food establishment is opening in Taunton soon
A NEW sandwich shop will be opening in Taunton over summer and is replacing Boba Corner. Ionut Mihalia, aged 39, otherwise known as Jonny, has announced to the County Gazette that he will be opening a new sandwich shop after working in both Taunton Dominos branches for the last 9 years. The new shop will open in 52 Bridge Street, Taunton, in Mid-June and is set to be called Savoury Sandwiches – although the name is still to be finalised. This new eatery will be replacing Boba Corner which closed in December 2024 and will be offering a range of breakfast and lunch sandwiches and burgers which will be available to eat in and takeaway. READ MORE: The Crown Inn, Frome, set to reopen with brand-new look READ MORE: Greek restaurant in Wells set to close after nearly 11 years Jonny said: 'I am planning mainly breakfast and lunch items including different types of sandwiches and have done some research online and have some idea. 'Mainly it will be pulled pork, fried chicken, we'll have a vegan range and also Spanish chicken and chorizo. There will be burgers and some fries. Obviously for breakfast there will be some sausage rolls and egg baps. I am still working on the menu, but this is what I have so far.' Jonny will be receiving the keys at the end of March and after that will focus on renovating the property through April and May. He said: 'I am planning to change everything inside. 'I will have to do some alteration to the property, so I am hoping mid-June will be the opening. I do not have a confirmed date now. 'I am really excited; I will bring something new to Taunton. The sandwiches and all the produce I will sell - I haven't seen everywhere. I will be using different recipes that others don't use. I am really excited to be opening my own business. 'It is something to give back to the community. I want to bring something new in town and hopefully it will be a success.'
