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Characters from the county talk to us every month about their lives and loves, and this selection captures the flavour and variety of six of these celebrity interviews. You can catch up with the latest interview in the current issue of Somerset Life.
A Jazz Legend: Somerset has always been home to Acker Bilk, the great master of the clarinet, who still lives in the village of Pensford where he was born in 1929. His real name is actually Bernard Stanley, but 'Acker' is a Somerset expression for friend or mate, and it suits him down to the ground.
From Veteran to VIP: The last veteran of Passchendaele, Harry Patch also played an important part in creating a famous local landmark. Born in Combe Down, near Bath, he was conscripted in 1917 and on his return to civilian life trained as a plumber and worked on Bristol University's famous Wills Memorial building. Read on to find out what Harry thinks is the secret of a long life...
Our Farm: Living on a Somerset smallholding with five acres of vegetables as well as pigs, chickens and geese, former Fleet Street editor Rosie Boycott talks about her passion for good quality local food, and how she spends her money... on pig feed and fruit trees!
From Fashion to Food: Born in Lottisham, near Shepton Mallet, Roger Saul was the founder of the famous Mulberry fashion label, but is now associated with the spelt revolution as he and his wife cultivate this arable crop, wheat's ancient cousin, on their organic farm at Sharpham Park.
The Laugh Doctor: Dr Phil Hammond wears many hats: he is a GP, writer, broadcaster, campaigner, comedian and lecturer. If you listen to Radio Bristol on Saturday mornings you will already be familiar with his dry wit, and this interview is guaranteed to make you feel better!
The Common Touch: The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Bishop Peter, presides over what was described by the Independent newspaper as 'the most godly place in Britain'. Bishop Peter talks about the challenge he has set the churches of Somerset, the new DVD he has launched and his appearances on the main stage at Glastonbury - an experience he describes as 'terrifying'.
