- BS21
GARDENING – page 4
COMMUNITY – page 7
PUZZLES – page 8
RECIPE – page 14
BOOKS – page 18
BUSINESS A-Z – page 19
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Garden View
This month – Wonderful Wisteria
Wisteria, with its enchanting cascades of fragrant flowers, adds a touch of elegance and charm to any garden. It has a reputation for being slow and difficult, but it’s really not justified. You just need a bit of know-how.
Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil to plant your wisteria. The ideal time to plant is during early spring or autumn when the plant is dormant. Ensure the planting hole is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball and add organic matter to enrich the soil. Provide a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or pergola, for the wisteria to climb.
During August, after the flowering period, prune to control the size and shape of the plant. Trim long shoots, maintaining a balanced framework while retaining a few leaves on each pruned stem.
During winter/early spring, remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches. Trim back the previous year’s growth to around three to five buds from the main stem. This encourages the
formation of flower buds and prevents excessive growth.
Wisteria generally requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply at the base of the plant, providing enough moisture to reach the root system. However, be careful not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
To promote optimal growth and flowering, fertilize your wisteria annually in early spring. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wisteria is a vigorous climber, so proper training is essential for creating a visually appealing display. Gently tie and train young shoots to your chosen support structure, guiding them horizontally to encourage the development of flowering spurs along the stems.
If you’re starting from scratch it may take several years before your wisteria starts blooming profusely. Be patient and provide consistent care, and you will be rewarded with a stunning display of flowers in due course. Gardening is often the long-term rewards.
Happy gardening.
By Rachael LevertonFamily run business provides reliable bin cleaning services.
Gordano Wheelie Bin Cleaning will visit on the same day your bins are emptied. We arrive with our specialist equipment and load your bins into our bespoke cleaning trailer, thoroughly jet washing them inside and out, using only suitable and biodegradable cleaning products, removing all stuck on muck, grime and other nasties that lurk in your bin.
With the ongoing COVID concerns we use Dettol anti-bacterial products then spray deodoriser to ensure your bins are left sanitized, clean, and smelling fresh.
All water is fully recycled and is strictly disposed of in accordance with our Discharge Licence with all our operations being fully insured.
Have you ever tried to clean a wheelie bin?
It’s not the easiest of jobs! Boiling water to kill maggots and flies, awkwardly using a long broom or mop to reach all areas before tipping it back up to discharge foul smelling liquid. Most people tell us they only clean them out when it really needs it, infested or smelling awful, if indeed at all. Let us take that hassle away from you.
Did you know, unclean bins are a breeding ground for Salmonella, Listeria and E. Coli?
All prices online - A single wheelie bin from £4.50 every four weeks.
Easy to sign up online with a card. We also accept cash or a standing order / bank transfercontact us and we will accommodate your preferred payment method.
Great feedback from regular customers.
Protect your family: we reduce harmful bacterial and remove lingering offensive odours with our perfumed detergent and deodorisers. We minimize other health hazards that your wheelie bin conceals.
Regular cleaning reduces the risks of pest infestation, maggots, flies and rodent activity.
We’re a local, family run business offering a regular, reliable service. Scan here to arrange a clean or visit gordanoclean.com or call us on: 0117 370 1770 to find out more
Have you got your Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPAs”) in place yet?
You need to consider making these important documents whilst you are able and have capacity to do so to ensure you are protected.
We do not know what our future holds for us and you should consider making the LPAs sooner rather than later to put your affairs in order.
LPAs need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (“OPG”) before they can be used and at the moment, the OPG is taking nearly five months to turn the LPAs around! This could be a problem for your family should you need assistance during that period and is another reason why you need to consider making them as soon as possible.
With Grove Wills, there is no form filling; we do everything for you. Our fees are very competitive too. Please contact us to arrange a free “no obligation” appointment to discuss further.
Call Karen on 07498 948580 or email info@grovewills.com
Clevedon Cruse support for those who have been bereaved
If someone close to you has died, talking to our trained volunteers and listening to one another, can help you make sense of your feelings.
Our next monthly Walk and Talk is on Wednesday 9th August. To register, ring Bristol Cruse on 01179264045 and leave your contact details.
Alternatively, please come to our monthly dropin support group, which will be held at Clevedon Community Centre, Princes Road, 10:00am to 12noon on Friday 18th August, where you will be assured of a warm and supportive welcome. All Cruse services are free.
Quietly Bringing Change
Can a bunch of people, gathering to pray together, really improve things for all in their town? Prayer 4 Clevedon are a bunch of Christians who dare to believe it, and that God challenges us to do just that, with Him!
This month, we will meet, on Saturday 12th Aug, 08.30-10.00, (Bacon & Mushroom rolls and hot drinks @ 08.30), at Town Council Offices, 44 Old St. (We also meet for 30 minutes on Zoom every Tues
and Fri, 8:00-08:30) More info from Tim Simpson 01275 872 618 / prayer4clevedon@gmail.com
Traditional flower show in seaside town of Clevedon celebrates 125th Show
CLEVEDON FLOWER SHOW 26th & 27th August 2023. Salthouse Field.
Showcasing locally grown flowers, fruit, vegetables, handicrafts, photography, home baking, and more. Classes for all ages and levels of expertise. Classes and entry forms on our website www.clevedonflowershow.uk
A range of live entertainment throughout the two days, vocalists, bands, dancers, and the wellknown Barnacle Bouys appearing Sunday when we also have Classic Cars and a dog show. Plenty of trade stalls inside and out, children’s activities, amazing refreshment tent, BBQ and bar.
For more details find us on Facebook and instagram
Crossword Across
1 Longing, dream (4)
3 Cavernous (8)
9 Impartial (7)
10 Choose to participate (3,2)
11 Laziness (5)
12 Gambling establishment (6)
14 Hold in the mind (6)
16 Dried grape (6)
19 Fleet of warships (6)
21 Divine water (5)
24 Emblem, symbol (5)
25 Exclusive group (2,5)
26 Alone (8)
27 Enthralled (4)
Down
1 Attractive, clean-cut (8)
2 Dwarf planet (5)
4 Lawman (6)
5 Peeved (5)
6 Short excursions (7)
7 Balanced, rational (4)
8 Bowman (6)
13 Unlikely winner (8)
Word Search
15 Relationship between man and wife (7)
17 Someone dependent on drugs (6)
18 Less difficult (6)
20 Concede (5)
22 Erroneous (5)
23 ____ Redding, soul singer (4)
Mindbenders
Accelerator
Air bag
Alarm
Battery
Bonnet Boot
Brake
Bumper Clutch
Dipstick
Solutions: Turn to page 19
Three Top Summer Kitchen Tips from Matt Reilly, OvenGleamers
1. Tear basil rather than cutting it?
Chefs often say that you must tear basil, rather than cut it with a knife, to get the best flavour. Nope. The flavours in basil are primarily contained within the cells of the leaf. If you tear it, it tends to come apart between the cells but if you cut the leaf, you will break open the cells releasing the flavour. This makes the most difference when you are using the basil raw, eg, in a tomato salad. Best to wash the basil, pat dry with paper towels, and remove the leaves from the stem. Stack several leaves together and roll into a cylinder, then cut crossways into thin strips.
2. Should I use foil on the base of my oven?
Many people line their grill pan or the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil to keep their cookers cleaner. This becomes heavily coated in grease and smells revolting! But it actually damages the enamel in the grill pan and on the base of the oven. The foil creates a superheating effect by reflecting the heat back onto the base of the oven or grill pan which then causes enamel damage. I recommend using an oven liner made from PTFE with a non-stick coating. This will catch any food drips keeping the bottom of the oven/grill pan clean. Remember to take the oven liner out regularly and wash it in warm soapy water.
3. “Hot pan - cold oil - prevents sticking”
Is this mantra really the best way to prevent food from sticking to the pan when sautéing or stirfrying. The idea is that you heat up the pan first then add the cold oil and almost immediately add the food and that will stop it sticking. What you really want is a “hot pan, hot oil”. When you add cold oil, it heats up almost instantly when added to the hot pan – giving you “hot pan, hot oil”. You get the same results if you heat the oil along with the pan so take your pick – they both work!
Matt Reilly is your local OvenGleamer and can be contacted on 01275 370571 or go to www.ovengleamers.com for more details.
Hello! and welcome to the August newsletter!
From Claire, Mia and myself, Toby at Meadows & Wood Hearing Specialists, I hope you are keeping well and having a lovely summer!
We were honoured have both the Mayor of Weston, Worle and Uphill, Mr. Ciaran Cronnelly, and our local MP Mr. John Penrose, along with some of our earliest clients and members of the Meadows & Wood hearing family to celebrate the opening of our premised at 142 High Street, Worle. This is north Somersets only full time, family owned, Independent Hearing Specialist Clinic.
We cut the ribbon and enjoyed interesting and informed speeches from our esteemed guests, both demonstrating a great deal of knowledge about local health issues and the vital importance of easily accessible availability for high quality healthcare. They have, I know, taken a keen interest in public health activity and outcomes and it was a pleasure to welcome them. For those of us who also care about ears and hearing well, here are a few facts about what to do if you experience wax!
• Do - For most people, using a drop or two of olive oil wax softening drops will ease discomfort and ideally help the wax to disperse.
• Don’t – Use any sort of matchstick or cotton bud to poke around in your ear, many people end up in A&E every year with damage as a result.
• Do – Seek expert advice if your hearing is affected, there may be wax or another issue affecting your hearing, so a professional check-up is essential.
• Don’t – Despair if you can’t seem to treat your ears with drops, you can come and see a fully insured expert in ear care in one of our clinics. We cover the whole of north Somerset.
If you would like to know more about how we can help you and your family with hearing well, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Bristol Brass Consort - Allsorts of Sweet, Sweet Music
They’re back! Come to Axbridge Church Sunday 27th August at 7:00pm to hear the group play a selection of classical and light brass music to get your teeth into!
The Consort have given an informal late summer concert in Axbridge for twenty years. We look forward to welcoming them again as they fill Axbridge Church with a mix of new pieces and old favourites.
Free entry with a retiring collection. There will be an interval and you are welcome to bring your own refreshments.
Fibromyalgia Support Group
We are a group of people who are living with Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions who meet regularly to support each other. We meet monthly on the 3rd Monday afternoon, for coffee in Weston on the 2nd Friday morning and in Worle on the 4th Tuesday afternoon. Meetings are a mix of speakers, chat and information.
September 3rd - 10th is Fibromyalgia Awareness Week and we will have an information stand in Can’t Dance Coffee with group members available 12:00pm - 2:00pm every day. For more information, call Val 07411989478 or email wsmfibro@gmail.com
New Toddler group in Portishead
Enjoy Church Toddler group meeting at Avon Way Hall, Portishead (BS20 6LT) every Monday 9:30am - 11:30am (term time only). Tea, Coffee and Cake.
Tai Chi in Clevedon with Age UK Somerset
Local charity, Age UK Somerset, has expanded its service as part of their mission to provide more older people with the opportunity to exercise.
You can join the new Tai Chi QiGong class, held at 1st Clevedon Scout Hall, Great Western Road, on Tuesdays at 10am.
Dawn guides the class through easy-to-learn mindful movements- specially designed for people over 55.
QiGong, pronounced ‘chee gung’, is a form of Tai Chi beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing. £5 per week. For more information or to book, contact: 01823 345624 ageingwell@ ageuksomerset.org.uk
A small active group of friendly philatelists
We are a small active group of friendly stamp collectors who have been meeting in Portishead, near Bristol, North Somerset for the last 50 years or so and hold our monthly meetings at the Friends’ Meeting House in St Mary’s Road, Portishead, BS20 6QP at 7:30pm, mainly on the fourth Friday of the month, but please see our web site for more information including our current programme for the exact dates.
www.portisheadphilatelicsociety.org.uk/index. html
PLUMBING
Whether you need pipes, valves, fixtures, or tanks - you will find everything you need online or at one of our 370 branches across the country.
HEATING
Central heating products from leading manufacturers including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant Group, Grundfos and many more with great prices and exclusive products you won’t find elsewhere.
BATHROOMS
For you and your customers to visit, showcasing brands you know and like to fit. Our dedicated showroom managers offer FREE 3D designs and FREE tile sampling service.
SPARES
Heating and shower spares at competitive, fixed prices. Over 20,000 products to order with key lines stocked in branch. Order by 7pm for next day collection from branch.
ELECTRICAL
Stocked at fixed, low prices in every branch helping you to get the job done. With dedicated electrical counters offering an enhanced range to support larger projects.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Courgette Frittata
Courgettes are plentiful now so use some in this super easy brunch recipe
Ingredients:
2 courgettes, sliced.
1 red onion, diced.
1 garlic clove, finely chopped.
6 medium or large eggs
3 ripe tomatoes
1tbsp olive oil
salt and black pepper to season 50g crumbled feta (or your favourite cheese)
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180C / Fan 160C Gas mark 4.
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 25 mins
Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof pan if you have one or an ordinary frying pan if not, over medium heat, and add the onion, garlic, and courgettes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until lightly brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
In a separate bowl beat the eggs and season well with salt and pepper. This dish does benefit from being well seasoned.
If your pan is ovenproof pour the egg mixture over the cooked vegetables then crumble the cheese over the top. If you don’t have a pan that can be placed directly in the oven, transfer the veg to a casserole dish then pour the eggs and crumbled cheese over.
Bake for about 25 minutes until the frittata is set in the middle and slightly golden on top. Take care not to overcook it, or it will become rubbery in texture. It should look puffy, golden, and have a slight wobble when you move the pan.
Let it cool for 5 minutes then slice into 8 pieces. The cooled frittata will keep in an airtight container for a couple of days. Eat it cold or reheat in the microwave on a low setting for 30 seconds.
Note: This is a very adaptable recipe. You can use any cooked vegetables and cheese combination.
Build and grow your own business with unlimited earnings!
For 135 years, Avon has been using the power of beauty to transform lives, but we’re only getting started! We’re signalling a new chapter for Avon and it’s one in which there’s never been a better time to join.
Avon offers premium beauty that won’t break the bank, something our customers love! We’ve got top-rated beauty products and must-have innovation that everyone’s talking about. Simply share Avon with your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours, and you’ll soon have your own customers. They can choose to shop with you using the printed brochure, digital brochure or online store and you’ll earn however they shop. The more you sell the more you earn, it’s that simple!
The great thing about Avon is that you earn from the very first product you sell – there are no minimum targets and the earnings opportunities are as big as you want to make them! You’ll earn a percentage of the sales you make, plus you’ll have access to discounts on exciting new products and other fantastic benefits.
The more you sell the higher the percentage. Sales under £99.99 = 10%, £100 - £249.99 = 20%, £250 - £2,999.99 = 25%, £3,000 or more = 30%. After your first 3 months, you’ll join our Avon Rewards loyalty programme - packed with extra benefits and an earnings opportunity of up to 32%.
A fantastic opportunity for you to build and grow your own business…full time, part time, any time…with unlimited earnings. Contact Kay using the details in the advert below.
Why not visit the very first Avon Pop Up Shop in Weston-super-Mare on Thursday 3rd August and Friday 4th August between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
Located opposite the Weston Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare at: 133 High Street, Westonsuper-Mare, BS23 1HN. Card payments accepted.
Summer Skills to Get Kids Outside
Summer is the perfect time to encourage kids to step away from their screens and engage in outdoor activities that are both fun and educational. Here are some of our favourites.
Juggling - This is a fantastic skill that promotes hand-eye coordination, concentration, and perseverance. Start with basic juggling techniques using soft balls or beanbags. As they progress, they can try juggling with more objects or learn tricks. Juggling a great physical activity, which boosts cognitive skills and focus.
Skipping - A classic outdoor activity that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while improving coordination and balance. Start with basic jumps and gradually progress to more complex techniques like crisscross, doubleunders, or even group skipping routines. Skipping can also be done with friends, making it a social activity.
Flower Pressing – Pressing flowers is a wonderful way for kids to engage with nature and their
creativity. Encourage them to explore their surroundings, identify different flowers and plants, and collect specimens for pressing. Pressed flowers can be used for various crafts such as making greeting cards, or artwork.
Roller-skating - This is a fun and active outdoor activity that challenges balance and coordination and develops leg strength. Kids can learn to roller skate in a safe environment like a local skate park or a designated skating area. Once they get the hang of it, they can branch out to skills like skating backward, executing turns, or even trying some simple tricks. Roller skating provides an exciting way to stay active while enjoying the summer weather.
Identifying Insects - Encourage your mini entomologist by teaching kids how to identify common insects. Provide them with a guidebook or use online resources to help them recognize different species. Kids can go on nature walks or explore their gardens to spot insects, learn about their habitats, and observe their behaviours. This activity is great for promoting curiosity, environmental awareness, and an understanding of the vital role insects play in our ecosystem.
By Tom Hancock
Happy Balance… Supporting your busy life
We are passionate about re-cycling, re-housing and re-using items, working with many local charities we distribute your unwanted items on your behalf. We always offer a FREE 1hour consultation to introduce ourselves and to discuss how we can help you.
Our clients know that allocating time to work alongside Happy Balance provides the impetus they need to make a start. Through experience we understand the importance of working with you at your pace, listening to you and helping you put into action what you want to achieve.
These are all scenarios from clients we have worked with:
• ‘I don’t want to leave it for the kids to sort’ – Feeling mindful that you need to get your home in order? You don’t want the family having to sort through everything when you are gone? We will work with you to streamline your home, recycle unwanted items and organise belongings you may wish to distribute to family and friends.
• My partner/parent has died – You’re not only dealing with grief but also thinking about how you clear the house? We are NOT house clearance. We work with you sensitively, practically and confidentially to organise their affairs and clear the house for sale or other.
• I am embarrassed – It’s all got on top of me and I just feel overwhelmed – Are you buying too many items, storing them away and feeling like you may be hoarding? Claire and SJ are non judgemental and through experience can help you declutter and regain control.
• I’m moving and need to downsize – I can’t physically or emotionally cope with my move and I need help. We are hands-on in preparing your belongings ensuring that when your removal firm comes to move you that you have already sorted through, de-cluttered and made sure all your items, big and small will fit into your new home giving you peace of mind.
• ‘Our family space isn’t working for us’ –Who can help us? Happy Balance will give you guidance, ideas and hands on support to make the changes to make your home a living space and not a storage space.
A Long Way from Home by
Peter Carey
This compelling novel set in 1950s Australia, follows the lives of three central characters who embark on an eventful journey together.
Irene Bobs, a strong-willed and determined woman, dreams of winning the legendary Redex Trial, a gruelling endurance race that circumnavigates Australia. Her husband, Titch Bobs, is a car salesman with a passion for racing and an unresolved past. Willie Bachhuber is their troubled and brilliant navigator with an intimate knowledge of maps and an unconventional perspective on life.
As the trio sets off on their ambitious endeavour, they encounter all manner of challenges which brings them into direct contact with the racial tensions of the time. Australia’s indigenous population faces discrimination and marginalization, and each character is forced to confront their own biases and prejudices during their voyage.
Relationships gradually become strained and alliances shift, as long-hidden secrets and insecurities bubble to the surface.
As the race progresses, the characters’ personal journeys intertwine with the larger narrative of a nation struggling to find its identity. Carey uses The Redex Trial as a metaphorical representation of Australia’s cultural and social landscape, mirroring the country’s quest for a unified identity in the face of its diverse heritage. He weaves together themes of identity, belonging and the legacy of colonialism in a thought-provoking novel from which all three characters emerge changed forever.
Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car by John Burningham
Our children’s book this month also centres around a car journey. Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car is an old book, though I’d never heard of it until my son was given a copy on his first birthday. It’s one of those timeless, charming works that is destined to be loved forever. Mr. Gumpy decides to take a ride in his car. As he sets out on his journey he comes across different animals who all ask to join him. They are the Rabbit, the Cat, the Dog, the Pig, the Sheep, the Chickens, the Calf, the Goat, and the Children. Mr. Gumpy greets them all patiently and cheerfully, though they prove to be quite a rowdy bunch of passengers. When they reach a tricky hill Mr. Gumpy asks for a volunteer to help push the car, but everyone has an excuse as to why they can’t do it, then it starts to rain, and the car becomes stuck. The passengers eventually realise that if they don’t pull together (or rather push together) they will never get home.
The story is deceptively simple and satisfying, which adds to its appeal. Burningham was known for his illustrations, and they are absolutely beautiful. The combination of earthy colours and whimsical characters make the images warm and inviting, and his use of crosshatching adds movement and life to the story. You can see the animals and children jostling for position in the car. The book’s message about the importance of staying calm and working together to overcome adversity is a positive one, endearingly told.
By Tash Donovan
