LocalReach Burnham July 2023

BURNHAM & HIGHBRIDGE - TA8 & TA9

GARDENING – page 4

COMMUNITY – page 6

BOOKS – page 13

PUZZLES – page 15

BUSINESS A-Z – page 21

About Impeccable Care Funerals

Our team at Impeccable Care Funeral Services have a shared vision and passion for the families we care for. Our core values of commitment, dignity and a desire to carry out your specific wishes until the very end of your journey with us are what we pride ourselves on.

We believe that the quality of care you receive, should not stop at the end of your life and it is very important for families to do their research to find the right funeral director to suit there needs. Our large beautiful, modern, light and airy premises are for families to use as a space of comfort, to take time out, visit their loved ones or hold a private service away from the time constraints of a modern crematorium service.

Final personal touches

We are able to advise you on an officiant to lead the service for you on the day. We will always try to find one that is the right ‘fit’ for your family, so that you will feel comfortable and know that you’re wishes are being heard.

Flowers are a very traditional expression of sympathy, and we can help you to choose something that’s personal to you.

Music can be both uplifting and emotional and often accentuates the important parts of saying goodbye.

There are limitless choices to be made to make this a very personal tribute. You may decide to have the theme tune from ‘Match of the day’ in respect of a huge football fan or even the sound of the ‘Flying Scotsman’ pulling away.

Aftercare

Many families are unsure what to do with the ashes of their loved one after the cremation has taken place. There are so many options, now more than ever. You may wish to have them interred in a permanent place of remembrance, place them in a beautiful urn to keep at home or within a stone monument in your garden, however, there are options now to have them scattered by drone, taken into space or sent up in a firework, who knew! We can help you organise any of these choices. One thing we have found is helpful to families is to wear a piece of jewellery to keep their loved one close. We make the jewellery for you in the funeral home with a huge choice of designs and colours to suit everybody and for us, this is our favourite thing to do for our families as it becomes even more of a personal service.

We will always listen to your thoughts and help with any ideas you have, but more than that, the kettle is always on, and a friendly face will always make time to sit with you. Impeccable Care Funeral Services are here for you when you need us. Call 01278 448973.

IMPECCABLE CARE FUNERAL SERVICES

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Garden View

This month – Watering: balancing need with conservation

a tap. The timer allows you to set specific watering schedules, ensuring your plants receive water even when you’re not around. This is particularly handy for busy individuals or holiday periods.

Installation requires some basic plumbing skills, but it is quite manageable for most gardeners. The system needs to be connected to a water source, and the pipes, valves, and sprinklers or drippers need to be positioned accordingly. Personally, I prefer drippers to sprinklers as they are less wasteful. Proper planning and layout are crucial to ensure efficient water distribution. There are lots of helpful videos on YouTube offering great advice.

Keeping our gardens healthy and hydrated can be a challenging task, especially during hot summers or when we’re away from home. The days when gardeners used hosepipes liberally are long gone. An automatic watering system can offer an efficient solution to keeping the garden looking great while not destroying the environment. Watering systems provide a hands-free approach to watering the garden. They consist of pipes, valves, and sprinklers or drippers strategically placed throughout your garden. They can be connected to a timer and a water source, such as

Bathing a problem? We

• Easy accessible wet room showering

• Rapid bath out walk-in shower conversions

• Back to a warm deep soak with a walk-in bath

• Making bathing safer with simple changes; Grab rails, shower seats, raised WCs & slip resistant safety flooring

• Council (DFG), SSAFA and charity grants quotes available

Watering systems can also be used with stored rainwater from a water butt. This makes them even more eco-friendly. If you’re going to do this make sure to use appropriate filtration and pump system to ensure the rainwater is suitable for distribution through the watering system.: Even if you have to use tap water, automatic systems are designed for efficient use. By targeting specific areas and delivering water directly to the plants’ roots, they minimize wastage. Additionally, the use of timers allows for precise scheduling, preventing overwatering, thus further conserving water. Compared to using a hosepipe, which can lead to water runoff and inefficient coverage, automatic systems provide better control use far less water.

Mulching further conserves water by preventing the underlying soil from drying out in warm weather. It creates a protective layer on the soil surface, acting as a barrier to reduce evaporation. Organic mulch materials include straw, wood chips, bark, leaves, grass clippings, and compost. These materials break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients while simultaneously retaining moisture. Organic mulch also improves soil structure, promotes beneficial microbial activity, and helps prevent weed growth. It needs to be reapplied as it breaks down.

or high raised toilet with any full bathroom installation

• Discounts for over 60s and ex-service personnel

Inorganic mulch materials such as gravel, stones do not break down and can very decorative. Its more expensive so better suited to small spaces. Apply a layer of mulch that is 2-4 inches thick around plants, leaving a gap around the stem or trunk to prevent rotting. Ensure the mulch extends to the drip line of trees and shrubs to cover the entire root zone. When used alongside an automatic drip watering system, mulching goes a long way towards reducing water usage in the garden.

By Rachael Leverton

Going abroad and travelling with Big Bull

The summer is finally here and if you’re anything like me then you’re looking forward to some time off work or even booking a little holiday. If, however, you’re planning a longer trip, or you’re thinking of packing up and going travelling, then you’re surely wondering where you might end up putting your life long belongings in your absence. Many people choose to rent out their homes while away for longer periods and opt for self storage for their items, but if you’re going away for a shorter time and don’t want to run the risk of leaving your valuables in your home, then why not choose your favourite items to be placed in to self storage. The security at Big Bull Self Storage really is second to none. Operations Manager Kerry Llewellyn told us ‘We have taken the security measures really seriously here and covered every eventuality, with 24 Hour monitored CCTV covering the whole site and extra high anti climb fence, along with many other security features. We even had one customer say the reason he chose us was because it was like Fort Knox’.

There is also a really clever sizing calculator on the website, making it easier to ascertain how much space you’ll need, potentially saving you money. It’s a useful tool where you choose what items you have from each room, how many boxes etc and it’ll work out which size unit is best for you, from the comfort of your own home. What’s even better, you can change the size of your unit at any time, so if the space isn’t quite right for you, then swap your unit over for something more convenient. It really is as flexible as that.

So if you want to worry less about how safe and secure your beloved items are while you’re away, then get in touch to see how Big Bull Self Storage can help you, or visit the website to use the calculator and see photos of the sizes of units available.

Coffee Morning Burnham Community Centre. Saturday 1st July

Coffee and home made cakes on Saturday 1st July, from 10:00am - 12 mid day to raise funds for Burnham on Sea Community Centre. All welcome, please support. Hand painted cards, knitted crafts, raffle, waitress service. Friends of the Community Centre. Berrow Road, Burnham on Sea.

West Huntspill Church Fete

On the Church Lawn, Saturday 1st July 11:00am - 3:00pm. We have a Magician and a Balloon Modeller there will be lots of stalls. BBQ, Refreshments, Cake stall, Plants, Tombola and Raffle. Also there is an Art Exhibition inside the church and some craft stalls

Brent Knoll Bazaar, Farmers’ Market & Parish Café

Saturday 8th July at Brent Knoll Parish Hall10:00am - 12noon. Locally produced fresh Pork, Goats milk, cheese and meat, Eggs, Pickles and

Preserves, Seasonal Vegetables, Westcroft Cider, Cakes, Savouries, Handmade cards, Handbags, Scarves, Silver and Beaded Jewellery, Childrens games and toys, Local Crafts, Dog Treats, Textiles, etc. CDs, DVDs, Books and Bric-a-Brac. Plus a Raffle.

The Parish Café will be serving drinks, light snacks and cakes.

Come and pick up a Bargain. Entrance FREE. Proceeds to Brent Knoll Parish Hall.

Weston-Super-Mare Philatelic Society

- Conservative Club, Alexandra Parade,WsM

CORRECTION on previous news broadcast regarding the stamp fair for July.

IT SHOULD READ SATURDAY 15th JULY 2023 NOT the 17th as previously stated.

So come along to St PAUL’S CHURCH HALL, WALLISCOTE ROAD, WESTON-S-MARE BS23 1EF. On the 15/7/23. Stamp Club resumes on the second Tuesday at 2:00pm, looking forward to all new members.

In the meantime HAPPY STAMP HUNTING. darrell. kellett@outlook.com Chairman. Don’t forget

Saturday 15th July - Stamp Fair.

Cake Sale

Saturday 15th July there will be a Cake Sale at East Huntspill Church Hall, starting at 10.30am. Homemade cakes - Yummy! For further details please contact 01278 788665 or email allsaintscommunitygroup@oulook.com

Burnham-on-Sea & District Horticultural Society - Meeting

Monday 17th July

The next meeting at The Community Centre, Berrow Road, Burnham-on-Sea is 7:00pm for 7:30pm on Monday 17th July with guest speaker Sally Gregson, “Hydrangeas“. All welcome. Members £1.00 Visitors £2.00.

St Margaret’s Hospice Glorious Gardens 2023 – Cossington Park, Bridgwater

As part of the annual Glorious Gardens on

behalf of St. Margaret’s Hospice, the gardens at Cossington Park, will be open to the public on Thursday 20th July 2023, 12.00pm - 4.00pm.

The extensive grounds of Cossington Park Estate in Somerset are a magical collection of spaces for any mood in every season. Admission: £4.00. For further details phone Kerry Baillie on 01935 709480 or email events@st-margarets-hospice. org.uk Website: www.st-margarets-hospice. org.uk/cossington-park-gardens

Brent Knoll Music on the Green

This year’s annual Music on the Green will be held on Saturday 22nd July 7:30pm.

We are thrilled to welcome back as this year’s performers ‘The Lipinski Band’ featuring brothers Adam and Alex Lipinski.

This is always a great evening and with the ‘Lipinski Band’ we know we are in for something special. Tickets are just £12.50 each, with entrance to accompanied children under 14 FREE. With Bar, BBQ and raffle.

Tickets are available from Brent Knoll Community shop or phone 01278 760308, 760760 or email bob@flockman.com

Quiz Night

On Saturday 29th July there will be a Movie Quiz Night in East Huntspill Church Hall starting at 7pm. A fun look at decades of silver screen moments. Will you be a film buff or a rotten tomato? £2.50 per person, maximum 4 per team. Bring a team or come along and make up a team on the night. Includes nibbles, please bring your own drink. To reserve your place please contact 01278 788665 or email allsaintscommunitygroup@outlook.com

West Huntspill St Peter’s and All Hallows Cream Tea

Saturday 29th July 3:00pm - 5:00pm in the Huntspill HUB, TA9 3RN. Come and enjoy Homemade Scone’s and cake with a cuppa, £5 per person.

Folk Festival in Sidmouth

Day trip to Sidmouth on 11th August for the folk festival. All local pick-ups and non profit making. Price is £15.00pp and if all seats sold it will be less. tel. 783652 to book.

Calling all ladies, come join our friendly netball club

Burnham Netball Club for ladies/girls. We play Monday & Tuesday evenings, at Berrow Village Hall, outside court, Parsonage Road, Berrow. Burnham on Sea, TA8 2NL.

Join our facebook group @ Highbridge, Burnham, Berrow Netball club to see all the games details. We would love to see new ladies/girls join our group. Cost is £2 per session, time 7:00pm, play for 1 hour.

Would you like to come and join us?

The Burnham and Highbridge SHED welcomes men and ladies to make, fix, learn, try crafts, or just chat with a cuppa in our kitted out workshops. Come and join us.

MONDAY: 9:00am until 12:00 and 1:00pm until 3:30pm the ladies wood section meet and the lady crafters meet from 9:30am until 12:30pm.

TUESDAY and THURSDAY: 9:45am until 12:45pm and 1:45pm until 4:45pm the men’s section meet.

Morland Community Hub, Pearce Drive, Highbridge, TA9 3FU. Contact: bhmenshed@ gmail.com or meadssue@yahoo.co.uk

Tell your MP, boys need bins: Tackling the male incontinence taboo

While local incontinence specialist Arelle has been chatting about the subject for some time, they wanted to bring you news of a national campaign aimed at tackling the male incontinence taboo. Launched recently by Prostate Cancer UK in recognition of the fact that 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer and some men experience bladder and bowel problems as a side effect of their treatment, the campaign encourages a national conversation to tackle the taboo surrounding male incontinence and support the large number of men who suffer in silence.

“ Boys Need Bins” demands that every public toilet and business across the UK puts incontinence bins in their male toilets, so men can dispose of incontinence pads, stoma products and other hygiene waste items easily, safely and with dignity. This is what they had to say:

“We conducted research to highlight the scale of male incontinence in the UK and found that previous estimates of how many men are dealing with incontinence may be vastly underestimated. More than half (51%) of the men surveyed, of all ages, have experienced symptoms associated with urinary incontinence. This is leaving nearly eight in 10 men anxious to leave the house.

We’re starting a national conversation on male incontinence and calling for bins to be provided in male toilets across the country. We’ve worked with phs Group to create a dedicated male incontinence bin, which businesses across the UK including MOTO service stations and Garric Ltd are already stocking for staff and customers.

But we need to make MPs aware of the scale of this issue and what they can do to make a much needed change. Help build a world where men’s lives are not limited by incontinence. Join our campaign today to say Boys need Bins.”

You can visit prostatecanceruk.org to find out more, and if you or a loved one has been affected by incontinence as a result of prostate cancer treatment, their Specialist Nurses are there for you. Text NURSE to 70004 to request a call back.

Wearable tech - simple and effective fitness tracking and other reasons to get onboard

For those unacquainted, wearable technology refers to smart devices that are worn on the body, often as watches or wristbands. These are equipped with various sensors that enable them to perform a range of functions, including tracking physical activity, monitoring heart rate. Some can also perform additional smart tasks, much like a smartphone. These devices, such as Apple Watches and fitness trackers like Fitbit, offer a compelling array of features that can make day-to-day life easier and healthier.

The health benefits are unique to wearable tech, offered nowhere else. For example, devices like Apple Watches can track steps, distance travelled, calories burned, and even monitor heart rate and sleep patterns. Planning workout routines, with reminders, helps to plan - and stick to – healthy lifestyle changes. Wearable devices can also communicate with your smartphone, with benefits such as taking calls using a smart watch without needing the phone on-hand, perhaps during exercise. Having worn a smart watch myself for the last few years, I can say that it has made a great difference to my fitness, in particular, reminding me to be more active.

Convenience benefits are also compelling. Smart watches can show phone notifications on your wrist - you can stay updated on calls, messages, emails, and other alerts without constantly checking your phone (even if your phone battery goes flat!) You can also control music playback, use voice commands, and even make payments, all from your wrist. Some wearable devices come equipped with GPS tracking and emergency assistance, which offer peace of mind in the case of emergencies. There is something for everyone in wearable tech, but given the wide range of options, it can be overwhelming to determine, and set up, the device that can best benefit you. Instead of rolling the dice and choosing the wrong wearable tech for you, please see our advert on this page and get in touch as we would be happy to assist in choosing and showing you how to get the most from a new device.

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions

Every Monday and FridayBurnham-On-Sea Short Mat Bowls Club

Our sessions are held at St Andrews Church Hall

Mondays 7:00pm to 9:00pm and Fridays 10:00am to 12:00 noon, all year round. We are a friendly bunch who will welcome newcomers of all ages, whether you are a beginner or experienced bowler. Refreshments included! Feel free to pop along or for further information contact Jen on 01278 782962 or email jenna8362@gmail.com

Very friendly, lively group supporting people with Parkinson’s

Meeting the 2nd Monday of a month, though July has no meeting as there is a canal trip. The Catholic Church for all other meetings which is on Oxford St, with space to park, the hall is to the left as you enter We often have a theme or activity e.g. a speaker, quiz etc, Refreshments : tea/ coffee biscuits provided for a small donation and there is a raffle (contributions welcomed)Regular and new members/carer/ family member please come and join us.

Contact Group Co-ordinator on 01278 782428.

There’s still time to get bowling outdoors!

We’ve had two good open days and attracted lots of people with our offer of a free year’s membership to new players. If you are new to bowls, free coaching will get you started at this small friendly club. Outdoor club evenings start at 6:00pm on Mondays and Thursdays. Find us next to Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark TA9 4NY. Free parking. Don’t leave it too late, the season finishes late September! Call 01278 641714, visit markmoorbowlingclub.co.uk or email markbowlsclub@gmail.com

Summer activities stepping up a gear

Burnham & Highbridge Sea Cadets based in Cassis Close, TA8 1NN. Parade nights - 7:00pm till 9:30pm. Seniors (12-18) Mondays & Thursday: Juniors (10-11) Thursday. The Cadets are getting very busy with summer activities, check our FB page for events coming up and all the news. Do you have time to be a volunteer/leader/ fundraiser or a helper. Do you need a hall to hire for meetings/events then we have a unit for hire. For more information see FB-Burnham on sea and Highbridge Sea Cadets, Sea Cadets website or email - info@bhseacadets.org

Keep fit and meet up with like minded people

Wednesdays and Saturdays we walk all parts of Somerset enjoying scenic views and good company. We have a varied programme available on www.westonwalkinggroup.com or get in touch with Barbara 07934 197780 who will supply you with walk details and how to join us. All walks are graded so you can pick ones that suit you best. Come and join us you’ll be made very welcome.

Black Belt Success for dedicated karate student

Mike Woolley finally tested for his Black Belt 1st Dan on 23rd April after delays due to Covid and major surgery on his shoulder. His dedication was such that following surgery he attended every lesson to watch and when allowed to return to training put in many hours of hard work to achieve his goal. Congratulations. The Burnham & Highbridge Karate Club train at the St Andrews

Church Hall Burnham on Sea on Wednesday evenings and the YMCA Highbridge on Sunday mornings. Contact Nick Smith 8th Dan 07971 679455.

Burnham U3A Coffee morning - Every Thursday, 10:00am - 12noon

Open to anyone no longer in full time employment, the Burnham U3A hosts many special interest groups - why not come along for coffee and find out if any of them might be of interest. We are in Burnham Community Centre - next to the Swimming Pool - from 10:00am to 12noon every Thursday.

More info at www.burnhamu3a.com. We look forward to meeting you!

Saturday Coffee Morning

Coffee Morning every Saturday in East Huntspill Church Hall 10.30am to 12noon.

Come along for a friendly chat and a coffee or a tea. For further information please contact 01278 786790

A Good Read incident from her college days. One day she receives an unexpected visit from Lucy Mason, her former roommate and estranged friend, whom she hasn’t seen in over a year.

Lucy’s arrival triggers a series of unsettling events. Alice is plunged into a state of paranoia and uncertainty over her visitor’s ambiguous intentions and begins to question Lucy’s motives. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that both Alice and Lucy are harbouring secrets and that their past is deeply intertwined.

When something momentous happens under suspicious circumstances, tensions escalate and Alice must confront the truth about her past, the nature of her friendship with Lucy, and the true identity of the people around her.

Tangerine

by Christine Mangan

Tangerine is a gripping psychological thriller set in the 1950s that follows the tumultuous friendship between two women, Alice Shipley and Lucy Mason, and the dark secrets that bind them.

Alice Shipley is a fragile and reclusive young woman who resides in Tangier, Morocco, with her husband, John. She is haunted by a tragic

Mangan skilful storytelling delves into themes of obsession, identity, and betrayal. The intense atmosphere of Tangier serves as a backdrop for the complex relationship between Alice and Lucy. A gripping cat-and-mouse game unfolds, with high stakes, and a shocking revelation.

Tangerine is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that explores the dark corners of friendship and the consequences of deceit.

By Tash Donovan

Are you a Wimbledon Winner?! Musings of an OvenGleamer

Wimbledon is running from 3rd-16th July this year and there’ll be some incredible tennis played at varying levels of expertise. But what sort of Chef are you?

Ball Boy? (and about my level!) cooking is one of your life’s simple pleasures and your skill level is simple too. You’re great at using the microwave and can cope with a pan of boiling water for pasta and potatoes. You could cook a 3 course meal with a combi-microwave. Cheat with a ready-made prawn cocktails, then cook a chicken using the grill function and cook ‘steam in a bag’ vegetables to produce a Roast Dinner. For dessert “ping” chocolate sponge puddings with chocolate sauce to finish off…simples!

More budding chefs (most of you) come in at least an Umpire standard. You’re great at using a hob and an oven with several pans boiling away on the hob top whilst a delicious joint is roasting away in the oven. You are classic multi-tasker with better time–management skills than me. My partner falls in this category – she does a mean Roast Beef, Yorkshire puddings and mountains of vegetables – all cooked to perfection and appearing on the table at the same time. For dessert she produces an apple pie out of oven with creamy custard. She then expects me, a professional oven cleaner, to clean our cooker? Does she not understand that it’s my day off?

Wimbledon Cup winners are you BBQ cookers! How anyone can produce an array of succulent steaks, juicy sausages and melt-in-the-mouth burgers as well as foil wrapped salmon from just a metal grid over some hot coals or gas, I’ll never know. You then to serve them with a selection of fresh salads and summer cocktails – a skill level way beyond my reach. My friends do this, invite me over and I can enjoy the fruits of their labours! Then with a messy BBQ, they phone me to clean it – fed and paid – Gold Medal for me on that one!

So where do you fit into my medal parade – are you a Ball Boy, Umpire or Wimbledon Cup Chef? I promise you a Cup level service, call today: Graeme Robertson, OvenGleamers on 01278 497541

Crossword Across

1 Refuse Collector (7)

5 Brown ink (5)

8 Destructive fire, blaze (13)

9 Hand tool (3)

10 Church state (9)

12 Speeding, competing (6)

13 Diverse (6)

15 Freak out, lose it (2,7)

16 Social insect (3)

18 Condition caused by toxic paint and dust (4,9)

20 Inspection, investigation (5)

21 Conference, discussion (7)

Down

1 Aquatic birds (5)

2 Advertising worn by a person (8,5)

3 Hormone produced at night (9)

4 Small lump of gold (6)

5 Ocean (3)

6 Transferring from public ownership (13)

Word Search

7 Bothered, miffed (7)

11 Lecture hall (9)

12 Finery (7)

14 Hijinks (6)

17 Big cat (5)

19 Place somewhere (3)

Mindbenders

Baby Blurple

Capri Cerulean

Solutions: Turn to page 21

HIGHEST RATED ROOFER IN SOMERSET! (42

Google reviews)

“Fantastic responsive service. It’s the 2nd time I have used central roofing and on both occasions they turned up on time got on with the job and kept us informed on what was being carried out. Went above and beyond and assisted me in issues around insurance. I would recommend this company to anyone with roofing issues.”

Cat Lady

We used Central Roofing to take down an old flat roof and install another on our business premises at Knight Brothers Garage. The company was very reliable, they turned up when they said they would, the guys that did the work were very tidy and efficient. The work was completed in the time frame they set…we are more than pleased with the finished job.

Karen Anderson

Join new activities at Somerset Time For Youth on Saturdays

Small group for families who have a special needs child or teenager meets every second Saturday at the Bay Centre Burnham on sea 10:30am to 1:00pm. Price £3 and concessions for additional children in the family. Various activities including ball games outside in enclosed area, art/craft, music, indoor games and toys.

A warm welcome awaits you. Outings and walks planned for school holidays. An opportunity for parents to meet up with other families with similar needs in a safe and relaxing environment. For details and dates please telephone 07938903358

Every Saturday and Sunday - Cream Teas

At St Mary’s Church Room, Berrow every Saturday and Sunday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm for a delicious cream tea and/or cake.

All through July, August and up to 10th September. Contact 07484 322502.

Burnham Christian Fellowship

All are welcome to our praise and worship services every Sunday at 10:30am. And to our free coffee mornings at 10:15am every 2nd Friday in the month.

We meet in the BAY Center, Cassis Close, Burnham on sea. Come and enjoy fellowship with us. 07542536433

Keep well at home with Age UK Somerset

Keeping active is vital for our health and wellbeing. If for any reason you can’t get out, there’s no need to miss out on your favourite exercise class - you can join in from the comfort of your own home with Age UK Somerset’s online classes. Specially designed for people over 55, choose from Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates.

Find out more here: www.ageuksomerset.org. uk/onlineexercisesessions

Call 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ ageuksomerset.org.uk for more information.

Volunteer Visitors Needed

Somerset Sight is recruiting volunteers to befriend visually impaired people on a regular basis. Would you like to help someone in your local area?

Join our team of volunteers, who help people to remain independent and overcome loneliness and isolation.

All reasonable and out of pocket expenses

are paid. For more information please contact Somerset Sight on: 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk

Fl-exciting news from Age UK

Somerset

Bookings are now being taken for our Flexercise Workshops - for people who work with or have an interest in enhancing the lifestyle of the not so young. Flexercise is a fun, seated exercise session and the workshops provide the necessary information that an individual will require to lead Flexercise sessions so they can help older people in their area stay more mobile, improve mental health and enhance their later years.

The next workshops are in November in Wells, Somerton and Bridgwater and cost £15.

Contact 01823 345624 for more information.

Cricket, at a walking pace!

Walking sports are a fun way to keep your energy up, make new friends, and look after your health.

Played with a soft ball it’s perfect for people who are older, or less physically able, but who still want to enjoy the thrill of the game. Whether you’re batting, bowling, or fielding, it’s a great form of cardio exercise. Plus it improves both agility and hand-eye coordination.

Walking cricket takes place across the CountyWSM, Clevedon, Yeovil, Highbridge, Wellington, Minehead & Taunton.

To find out more, please email mustafa.shaikh@ somersetcricketfoundation.org

A Delightfully Quirky Affair

Pack up a hamper, it’s National Picnic Month!

saying, ‘Looks like rain.’ As a nation we have mastered the art of packing for all four seasons in a single picnic basket. From sweltering sun to sudden showers, we have evolved into experts at adaptive picnic planning. If there was an ‘official British Picnic checklist’ it would include sunscreen, insect repellent, a thick sweater an umbrella and a pac-a-mac!

Ah, the British picnic! That delightful tradition combining outdoor dining with unpredictable weather, and an assortment of eccentricities. The main ingredients for a truly traditional British picnic are, a dash of optimism, a splash of stoicism, a sprinkling of humour and a tiny pinch of disappointment.

First and foremost, there is the weather dance. No discussion about picnics in our green and pleasant land would be complete without someone looking upwards dubiously, sucking their cheeks in, and

VinCe DaVeY

Every Brit is born knowing exactly what a picnic should look like: a wicker hamper, a checked picnic blanket, and an array of finger foods including dainty cucumber sandwiches, iced buns and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, all washed down with ginger beer. This is because Enid Blyton and her Famous Five have somehow entered our collective subconscious, but we have been cruelly lied to. In reality it’s usually slightly curled ham and cheese sandwiches dispensed from a Tupperware tub along with a packet of crisps, some soggy custard creams, and lukewarm orange squash or (equally lukewarm) wine for the grown-ups.

Finding the perfect picnic spot is a grand adventure in itself which involves scouting out picturesque meadows, secret gardens, or a sandy beach. With Google maps on our phones, and determined expressions, we brave stinging nettles, cow pats, aggressive swans, persistent wasps, bickering kids and the occasional sheep all hell bent on thwarting us in our quest.

Games are compulsory at a British picnic. People whose idea of exercise for the rest of the year is getting up from the sofa to answer the front door, suddenly get all competitive and suggest a game of rounders, or croquet, or French cricket! This quickly descends into arguments about who is on which team, who gets (or shouldn’t get) Grandma, and whether there should be second chances at hitting a ball. But it’s all about the friendly competition and the odd black eye is just part of the fun.

But us Brits know that all the shenanigans is just a warm-up for the main event. As the afternoon rolls on, the time nears for the one British tradition everyone looks forward to, Pimms o’clock. This refreshing cocktail, filled with fruits, herbs, and a splash of gin, is the quintessential picnic libation.

As the glasses clink and laughter fills the air, the true spirit of the British picnic finally comes alive. It’s a time to relax, enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, and revel in the joy of this whimsical outdoor affair. Cheers.

By Kate McCarthy