LocalReach Burnham September 2023

BURNHAM & HIGHBRIDGE - TA8 & TA9

Eco

COMMUNITY – page 4

GARDENING – page 6

BUSINESS A-Z – page 12

ChatGPT – The groundbreaking new AI conversational companion. Have you tried it?

OpenAI have released a free-to-use chatbot called ChatGPT, which enables us to have conversations with a computer that feels like a real human being. Like us, it learns from experience and becomes a better conversationalist over time. Its knowledge across all subjects is also comprehensive.

The resulting conversational experience this enables breezes past the barriers to realism we encountered when attempting to engage in natural dialogues with the more established smarthome devices such as the Amazon Alexa or Google Home, which despite being useful voiceassistants, would fall short in the conversation department.

To get started with trying out ChatGPT, which we recommend while the service remains free, simply head to OpenAI’s website at openai.com, create a free account, and start chatting. The human-like responses from this artificial companion are guaranteed to impress. As the website itself states, please refrain from sharing personal information within the chat such as bank information, personal addresses or passwords. That said, go ahead and chat about whatever comes to mind and witness for yourself the power of artificial intelligence in action!

Looking at the bigger picture, we see that ChatGPT does an excellent job of showcasing the complex possibilities of AI. Consider that AI is not limited to mere chatbots like ChatGPT and is perhaps destined to find countless applications in the future, affecting our lives tremendously. Difficult to outline at this moment, it is safe to assume the world of computing is soon to take on an all-new shape. Perhaps medical research will see powerful benefits. Stay tuned and let’s see what happens.

Should you need any help with your computers/phones/tablets etc, please see our advert on this page (we come to you) or contact me on 07973 536299.

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd.

Engineer: 07973 536299

Join our army of LocalReach Community Editors...

If you are community minded like us then we would love you to send us your local news, events and information. We give 100 words free of charge and want to help at least 50-75 local; clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches each and every month.

Simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the form on the Community Notices page. We want to especially help the all the clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches that have very little income for advertising. Please spread the word!

LocalReach is now on Facebook - go to

Are you looking for more business?

Advertising in LocalReach is a fantastic way to reach all your existing, and potentially new customers. LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in your postcode area every month. It is packed with community notices, interesting articles and local businesses. A massive 98% of our advertisers rebook every month so we must be doing something right!

So, if you are looking for more business then contact us now. To advertise just go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the contact form or email hello@localreach.co.uk

Community Notices are free of charge

Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page Deadline is 1st Sept for the October issues

Advertising from only £28+vat pm Email hello@localreach.co.uk or call 01278 238000

Deadline is 1st Sept for the October issues

Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we make no guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. We do not approve any of the services or products provided by advertisers in this magazine. Anyone using the products, services or advice from advertisers will need to carry out normal checks to make sure businesses are trustworthy and reliable. LocalReach Ltd 2023.

FREE TO ATTEND

BOSfest will be held on 1st, 2nd and 3rd September this year (our 7th year).

Friday evening at the Ritz Social Club.

Saturday afternoon in Victoria Street.

Saturday afternoon and evening at the Victoria Hotel and Ritz Social Club.

Sunday afternoon at Manor Gardens + large raffle.

Look out for the posters for the full line up. More details on the BOSfest Facebook site.

Remember - this is a free to attend event.

A Very Friendly Coffee Morning, Saturday 2nd September

The Friends of the Community Centre invite you to the September Coffee Morning between 10:00am and 12noon at the Community Centre, BoS. There will be our usual home-made cakes, endless

refills of tea and coffee, and craft stall as well as a jewellery stall.

This is also a chance to find out more about all the activities that take place in the Community Centre especially if you are new to the area. Not sure where the Centre is? Opposite the Manor Gardens and next to the swimming pool!

Talk on Mayan Civilisation plus Halfprice Membership Offer

Between 300 and 900 AD, the Mayans built enormous monuments, produced beautiful jade and ceramic ornaments, understood mathematics and astronomy, developed a calendar and used hieroglyphics which is only now deciphered.

The Arts Society Sedgemoor (TASS) talk on 6th September at The 37 Club explores the Mayan culture, at 2:00pm for a 2:15pm start.

Special half-price TASS membership offer: only £25 for the remainder of the season. Full information on TASS and its future events can be found on our website theartssocietysedgemoor.org.uk

Self Storage for Camping and seasonal equipment

It’s that time of year again when avid campers will be looking at packing up their seasonal gear and putting it away for the winter. You’ve enjoyed the long summer evenings toasting marshmallows with a nice cold drink, sat on fold up furniture around the campfire and you’re getting ready to pack up the car for that relentless drive home. You’ve pulled down the awning, battled with gale force winds and had a fight with the tent, but it’s finally packed back in the ridiculously small bag after performing some kind of magic trick to get it back in there.

Now you’re wondering what to do with all the gear until next year. You won’t want to leave it in your caravan, in fact it’s better to keep your items out of the caravan to keep them safe and secure. You’re probably not wanting to put it in the loft or shed, after all, who has space for all of that in their garage? It might be a good idea to look at self storage. A small self storage unit can be a low cost, secure option for your summer kit for the winter months until you’re ready to face the tent pegs again. Plenty of customers love the flexibility of self storage being a convenient way to store the things they don’t need right now. Should you need to pop over to check your sleeping bags are all tucked up for winter, make sure you choose somewhere with 24 hour access and lighting throughout the site so you can see what you’re doing while you’re there.

Big Bull Self Storage have plenty of seasonal customers storing camping gear, we speak to Operations Manager Kerry Llewellyn who told us “Our flexible booking system means that people can stay for as long as they like, we have seasonal customers who book for the winter to store the contents of their caravan or tents etc, knowing they can move out as soon as the sun comes back.”

Garden View

This month – Garden for free

was a masterclass in how to do this. Using ‘weeds’ or wildflowers is not only kind to your budget but also to the environment. Unsurprisingly, our native wildlife loves our native flora and dandelions are particularly good for bees. Encourage plants such as wild carrot, yarrow, ivy-leaved toadflax, common fennel, red valerian, and cow parsley. Another trend on display was using rubble and reclaimed waste, which would otherwise go to landfill, to make a rockery, path, or wall. This look suits drought-tolerant plants such as rosemary, sedums, lavender, sage, phlomis, thyme and oregano.

Watching The Chelsea Flower Show this year I was struck by how the hottest horticultural trends this year are budget-friendly. I assume that this was not an accident given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK. But whatever the reason there were many free and cheap garden ideas on show. One of the hottest trends in the show garden was ‘weed-styling.’ Cleve West’s Centrepoint Garden

VinCe DaVeY

Chaos gardening is an actual thing! Collect up any seeds that you have lying around and scatter them throughout your flowerbeds. Mix up annuals flowers with vegetables and once established it will produce a potager effect. I have one area of my garden called ‘freebie corner.’ It is stocked only with gifted plants, or those I’ve gleaned from cuttings or even in the case of one rose bush, removed from a skip, with the owner’s permission!

Leading on from this, try planting self-seeders. I have loads of aquilegia, meadow cranesbill, poppies, verbena, and forget-me-nots. They pop up all over the garden in random clumps every year.

I’ve banged on about making your own compost on this page for years. Just do it. Once your compost bin is established you will barely ever have to pay for expensive bags of compost again. You can start any time, and use grass cuttings, shredded paper, veg peelings and eggshells. Your garden will love you.

You can also try wilding your lawn. This is not for everyone because some people like their grass neat. But if your lawn is a bit motheaten or you hate mowing, try letting it grow. You will be amazed at the flowers, and the insects they attract. The trick to making it look like a style choice and not just neglect is curation. You can choose to wild just certain areas, leaving a central space on which to sit or play, or mow a wide meandering path or two through the longer grass, or mow around the edge like a picture frame and keep the lawn well edged and the wild area contained to the centre. Try it. If you hate it, it’s simple enough to mow it short again.

Your garden is your space. It should work with you and your budget to provide a place where you can relax.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

West Huntspill Vintage Vehicle Show Taking Place 9th September

Back for another year, The West Huntspill Classic and Vintage Vehicle Show in West Hunstpill. We have over 80 vehicles committed to attend ranging from vintage and classic cars, motorbikes and tractors.

The event will be in the Balliol Hall Field next to West Huntspill Church from 11:00am - 4:00pm. Admission will be £5, with under 16s free. Parking will be free.

There will be various stalls, entertainment and other activities, including displays in the village hall. theballiolhall.org.uk/car-show or email davepaul29@gmail.com for more information, or to enter a vehicle at no cost.

Wedmore 40/30 charity cycle is back!

Sunday 10th September. The exciting cycling challenge sees bike enthusiasts take on a breathtaking 30, 40 or 70 mile course across the spectacular

Mendip Hills and Somerset levels. There is also a fun, family-friendly 12 mile course.

Weston Hospicecare is working in collaboration with a brilliant group of cycling enthusiast volunteers from Wedmore to bring this event to you and money raised through ticket sales will be split between Weston Hospicecare and St Mary’s Church.

www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/ wedmore-40-30/

Burnham Area Flower Club

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 12th September 2023 at 7:30pm in The Catholic Church Hall, Oxford Street Burnham on Sea. Coral Gardiner will be demonstrating with her interpretation of “Natures Seasonal Pallett “. Doors open 7pm to give you chance to have a coffee and a chat. Also time to browse our wonderful Plant Stall.

Don’t forget tickets will be on sale at the Princess Theatre for our Christmas Demonstration from 4th September for Tuesday 14th November starring Tracey Griffin.

Managing incontinence with dignity and independence

Incontinence can be a deeply emotional issue for people of all ages, but particularly for older people, who might find it difficult to talk about these problems. At Arelle, we genuinely understand the sensitive nature of incontinence care, and we are here to advise on the best products to support you through these challenging times, ensuring you or your loved one can manage incontinence with dignity and independence.

And once incontinence is better managed, with reliable products, the overall quality of life instantly improves. Whether this applies to you or an elderly parent, you’ll know that with the right products you feel more confident and comfortable; happier to go out more, to take part in hobbies and physical activities, to be sociable - all of which contribute significantly to maintaining a sense of well-being.

An Arelle customer told us this:

“As Dad got older, he stopped doing to the activities he used to enjoy, like bowls and chess club, he would make excuses when his friends invited him out for a cup of tea, and he would ask me do his shopping, something he was more than capable of doing. Eventually I discovered that incontinence was at the root of his anxiety.

Having taken Dad to see the doctor, I contacted Arelle for advice, and I was relieved they were so helpful – as I really didn’t know where to start! We got him the right incontinence products, which he now has delivered to his door on a regular basis, and slowly but surely I can see his confidence is returning, and is doing a lot more of the things that make him independent and happy.”

By recognising the emotional impact of incontinence and providing support, we can all help to make a real difference to those who are struggling. We hope that our personal advice and comprehensive range of products will help you or your loved ones manage incontinence with dignity and independence, resulting in a better quality of life.

Do get in touch by calling 0800 389 3597 or emailing info@arelle.com. We are here to help.

Burnham-on-Sea Pagan Group

We are a very friendly group of various pagan paths. We celebrate the Wheel of the Year. We meet in room 2 at Burnham Community Centre, Berrow Road, TA8 2ET, on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. New members always welcome

Our September moot is on Tuesday 26th. Topic; Phychometry.

Our October moot is on Tuesday 24th. Topic; Objects of Power. I ask for a contribution of £3 per person each evening to cover room hire and speaker’s fees.

For more information contact derwen73@gmail.com

Eco Festival

Climate and Ecology Working party are organising an Eco Festival to coincide with the Somerset and Exmoor Coastal Festival on the 30th September.

There will be activities going on during the week and then the Festival will be held at Apex Park on Saturday 30th September from 1:00pm - 4:00pm.

Activities during the week will include a beach and street clean, a family scavenger hunt, a Bumblebee Trail around both towns and an Open Day at Burnham and Weston Solar Energy Farm.

On Saturday 30th September there will be a children’s corner run by Somerset Wildlife Trust and the local Watch group. Our volunteers will also be in that area helping to make bug hotels. FUSE will be running a Plastic Sculpting Workshop. Secret World will be having a stall and giving a talk. Our local community groups will be holding stalls including the Repair Cafes, Plastic Free, Growing

Group and the Bus Group. The Growing Group will have a seed and plant swap and share.

During the week the Somerset Coast Path Officer will be organising 3 walks in our area. They will cover West Huntspill to Highbridge, Burnham and Highbridge and St Marys Church, Berrow to the local Nature Reserve. Check the Somerset and Exmoor Coast Path website to book your place. There will also be a FLOW walk that uses our local beach materials to make paints and create artwork.

If you would like to get involved please contact cllr.Lesley.millard@Burnham-highbridge-tc.gov.uk

Tea & Talk - Somerset Road Safety, 60+ for older drivers

Thursday 19th October at 2:30pm. West Huntspill Church TA9 3RN.

£4 entry includes tea & cake. An Informal talk to help keep us on the road

As we age changes in health and ability can affect driving. Let us help you deal with these changes to achieve a safer, driving life for longer.

Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders!

West Huntspill Players are pleased to announce that they are performing this very comical “Who Done It?”, with fun and frolics throughout; you will be guessing until the end!

The production will run at the Balliol Hall, West Huntspill, TA9 3RN, for 4 nights from Wednesday 25th until Saturday 28th of October, 2023 inclusive, with curtain-up at 7:45pm each night. Doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets are £10.

Please book your tickets via our website www.westhuntspillplayers.org.uk – follow the dedicated link to the Eventbrite ticketing website.

Serendipity Singers – A new season begins

We are a singing group within the University of the Third Age (U3A) that enjoys performing. We sing specifically arranged songs from musicals and popular songs from all-time-classics to the present. Each year we have three repertoires and give some 20 performances.

This autumn, in addition to performing for Friendship Groups, Charities and other local

organisations, we will be presenting a public performance in Highbridge.

We rehearse on Monday afternoons in Burnham. At present, we would like to increase the number of Altos and Men in the choir.

e-mail: singers@burnhamu3a.com

Autumn Fair and Fun Bingo for all

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.

Fundraising continues with the Autumn fair on 8th October and family fun bingo on the last Friday of the month. See FB page for regular updates or email us.

Do you have time to be a volunteer/leader/ fundraiser or a helper? Do you need a hall to hire for meetings/events?

For more information see FB - Burnham on sea and Highbridge Sea Cadets, Sea Cadets website or email info@bhseacadets.org

Tai Chi in Brent Knoll with Age UK Somerset

Keeping active is vital for our health. Join Age UK Somerset for Tai Chi QiGong in Brent Knoll. QiGong, pronounced ‘chee gung’, is a form of Tai Chi beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing. This fun and friendly class is specially designed for people over 55, held in Brent Knoll Parish Hall, Mondays at 11:00am. £5 per class.

For more information or to sign up, call: 01823 345624 or email: ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk

Every Monday and Friday - BurnhamOn-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

A group for over 18’s who have to autism

We meet up at the Gatsby bar in the Ritz Burnham on sea. The group meets 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. (Excluding bank holidays). It’s just £1.50 subs for each person. The group starts at 7:00pm and finishes 9:00pm. Parents, caseworkers etc are welcome.

You can also find us on Facebook

Burnham U3A Coffee morning - Every Thursday, 9:45am - 11.45am

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 whether any of them might appeal to you.

We are in Burnham Community Centre - next to the Swimming Pool - from 9:45am to 11:45am every Thursday. Membership is £12 p.a. with a small contribution to room rent for any group attendance.

More info at www.burnhamu3a.com.

We look forward to meeting you!

Fancy doing something different and fun on a Thursday night?

Are you new to the area? Keen to meet new people? Come and join us at The All Sorts Choir!

We are a well-established and friendly choir who rehearse from 7:30pm - 9:15pm on Thursdays in East Brent Village Hall. We welcome all ages and abilities. There is no audition and the first session is free. For more info please contact Sue Toon01278 760753 or sue.toon@btinternet.com

We start back after the summer on 7th September.

Free Short Mat Bowling

Try short mat bowls. We are a sociable club and enjoy friendly games. We meet at the Balliol Hall, Church Road, West Huntspill. First two taster sessions FREE.

‘Phone 01278 783854 for details.

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue have four new sponsorship hogs for 2023/2024: Lady

Shackleton, Millie, Charlie and Reggie. They all need care to restore them to health.

Your sponsorship will help towards the cost of food, bedding and medication.

Please contact the office for details on 07806 744772. Thank you!