“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
job. Karen
Anderson
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If you scratch or cut Colourfence, the ingenious zinc element in the Zincalume steel reacts with moisture to form a protective barrier to prevent any corrosion with no action needed from you.
Colourfence are transforming gardens across Somerset!
It may do “exactly what it says on the tin” but let’s face it, treating a timber fence can never be called fun! In fact, owning a timber fence isn’t much fun either with costly, time consuming maintenance and repairs almost every year.
Finally, the alternative to timber fencing…our fence goes up and stays up, resisting wind gusts of up to 130mph!
Colourfence fencing solutions are made from innovative Colorbond steel, virtually maintenance free with an occasional wash down with water to keep it looking as good as new - so you never need to pick up that paintbrush again!, Guaranteed not to rot, warp, chip or peel for 25 years.
Available in a variety of heights and colours with or without trellis, our skilled installation team will make short work of transforming your garden.
The best news is the pricing is just as attractive, starting costs are in line with comparable traditional systems but offer the ongoing peace of mind that your investment will continue to save time and money year after year.
For those of us who want a low maintenance garden, Colourfence promises a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment.
With warmer weather, longer days, and warm moist soil, April in the UK is the month for sowing, vegetables, flowers and even a new lawn
April is a busy month in every part of the garden, and with the soil warming after the cold of winter but still welcomingly moist growing conditions could not be better for sowing seeds.
Whilst you can just throw grass seed on the ground and it will germinate, careful preparation of the ground will ensure even growth that will result in a lush carpet like lawn.
Whilst many people choose to lay turf for a new lawn growing a lawn from seed can be a more inexpensive and satisfying process and you can choose a specific seed to suit your garden’s conditions. Begin by de-weeding the area before digging over the ground if it is compacted. Rake carefully in different directions, de-clumping the soil and removing stones until the ground is like a fine crumb. Scatter the grass seed as evenly as possible. Lightly rake over to cover most of the seed and if there is no rain in the forecast water lightly. Water regularly and in seven to fourteen days you should see the first signs of your new lawn.
Because of the risk of cold weather and even the odd frost it is advisable to sow hardy annuals outside in April, half-hardy annuals can of course be sown under glass where they will be offered protection.
My favourite hardy annuals – sunflowers, cornflowers and pot marigolds are also good for insects as they will provide much needed food. There are also some other hardy annuals such as poppies, a flower that brightens any border and provides valuable food for various birds. Prepare your flower bed by raking over well and removing weeds, adding soil enhancer if the ground is heavy as hardy annuals prefer lighter soils. If you sow in drills, or straight lines this will make future weeding easier as the plants grow.
Many vegetables can be sown directly into the soil in April, carrots and peas being two good examples. In facts carrots should only be sown directly into the soil as transplanting once sown disturbs their fragile roots. Prepare the soil by raking well and removing weeds. Make drills in the ground and sow sparingly. Gently cover with finely raked soil and water with a watering can fitted with a rose.
Peas will only germinate if the soil temperature is around ten degrees so if the weather is still chilly wait until everything warms up. You can use cloches to help warm the sowing area. Prepare and rake the soil and sow in parallel lines about four inches apart, cover carefully and water well. As April can be a temperamental month weather wise, be prepared to water if there is no or little rain and cover tender seedlings if a frost or wintery precipitation return.
By Rob Bullock
For over thirty years April has been Stress Awareness Month. Its aim is to raise awareness of the causes and how to deal with stress
Stress effects everyone differently, some stress in our lives is ok, but when it begins to impact our mental and physical health it can seem to take over our lives. There are ways to become aware of, and to battle and overcome stress and this is what Stress Awareness Month aims to do.
The World Health Organisation defines stress as ‘a state of worry or mental tension that is caused by a difficult situation’, but it is much more than that and it can have a massive impact on our everyday lives in the short and long term. Everyone deals with stress differently, and it is this which makes helping
Calling all clubs, groups, associations, schools & churches in Bridgwater/TA6!
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people close to us who may be suffering from stress difficult.
The symptoms of stress can be physical, mental or behavioural. Pyhiscally, they can include headaches or dizziness, muscle pain, digestive problems, chest pains or raised heart rate, or sexual problems. Mentally, the symptoms can include difficulty concentrating or decision making, constantly worrying about everything, being more forgetful than usual or feeling overwhelmed by life. Stress can be seen in changes to behaviour, eating more or less than usual, sleeping too much or too little, and having broken sleep, wanting to avoid certain places or people, and being much more irritable and snappier than usual. Stress can also lead people to become more dependent on drink, cigarettes, medications or drugs.
Sometimes if you know what is causing your stress it might be easier to find ways to manage it. It could be your work, perhaps you feel under pressure or perhaps a big change is impending, perhaps you have a family or relationship problem. Perhaps you are experiencing financial problems, or perhaps you have health worries. But many other events in our life can lead to stress.
Talking about how you feel is a great way to start to take on the stress in your life head on. Perhaps start with friends or close family and consider peers, or professionals. Perhaps consider contacting your GP. Exercise is another way to battle stress. Trying to become more positive and starting to take control of your life are great ways to begin to take on stress. Cherish the achievements you have made in your life so far.
By compartmentalising things that are worrying you it makes dealing with them more achievable. Why worry about a telephone call you need to make next week, you can’t deal with that today. A day-to-day approach to living helps make life less stressful. At the end of every day write down three things that went well that day.
Help is always just a conversation away. You could also contact the Samaritans, call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to. For more information and resources please visit www.stress.org.uk
By Rob Bullock
Choosing the right mobility scooter is key to improving your independence and comfort. Selecting the right model means assessing various features to match your lifestyle. Below are some features to consider when purchasing a mobility scooter to guarantee you make the best choice.
It’s incredibly important to consider your unique mobility requirements. Think about whether you’ll be using the scooter indoors, outdoors, or both. Determine how far you typically travel, and any storage or transport needs you may have. This will help narrow down your options when choosing the most suitable models. If comfort is paramount look for adjustable seats, armrests, and back support. The best way to test comfort is in person so we highly recommend popping into one of our showrooms and talking to our friendly staff.
Travel range
If you plan on taking long trips or need all-day usage, choose a scooter with a longer travel range on a single charge. The last thing you want is to set out for the day only to find your scooter running low on battery before lunchtime. There are often options for longer range batteries even on smaller scooters. Outdoor scooters are ideal if you enjoy exploring parklands or walking the dog. 8mph scooters are legal for road use and do not require a driving license, they will also come with a range of safety features including hazard and indicator lights, headlights and mirrors as standard.
If you need to transport your scooter frequently, look for a portable or foldable model. These are lightweight and easy to disassemble, making them convenient for travel and storage. Equally, consider where your mobility scooter will need to be stored overnight and what additional features may be needed to make this safe.
There are differences between lead acid batteries and lithium batteries, their life spans will vary and the habits you will need to adopt when charging may be different depending on how much you use your product. Speak to our friendly technician team for advice on battery charging.
Finding the right mobility scooter is about enhancing your independence and comfort. Mendip Mobility offers a wide range of models to suit all needs. Visit one of our showrooms for a test drive!
Huntspill Hub, West Huntspill TA9 3RN, 3rd April 2:30pm.
‘A trip to the Antarctic’ - This month’s talk is by John Lamb who lives in the village. In 1961/62 he went on an expedition with Explorers to the Antarctic.
He will be showing us slides of his remarkable journey. Followed by Tea & Cake, also a raffle. Entry £4 per person.
Saturday 5th April 10:30am4:00pm at West Monkton Village Hall, near Taunton TA2 8NE. Entry £3, under 16s free.
Orchid displays, orchids for sale, refreshments, tombola, free parking.
Come along and be amazed at the huge variety of shapes, sizes & colours of the orchid world.
Details: swos.secretary@gmail.com Website: sworchids.uk
If you are part of the Armed Forces community, come along to our monthly outreach session at Victoria Park Community Centre for a brew and banter. Rebecca or Teri will be there from the Armed Forces team at NHS Somerset, as will Jon, Sam or Samantha - our Somerset Armed Forces Link Workers. The next Bridgwater session is on the 24th April. All details can be found on our web pages nhssomerset.nhs.uk/armed-forces/ armed-forces-outreach/
Don’t sit at home on your own… come along and meet the team!
which uses fun props and laughter to get you moving. Age UK Somerset invite you to join them at:
Moorand & District Village Hall, Northmoor Green, Moorland, Bridgwater TA7 0AS on Tuesdays at 11:00am.
Get fitter, feel better, meet new people and have some fun! The class costs £4 a session and prebooking is advised.
For more information, or to sign-up, please call 01823 345624 or email: ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk
Dancing at the Ritz, Burnham-on-Sea. Every Tuesday afternoon 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Dancing includes Sequence, some modern ballroom, Olde thyme, some line dance. We are a sociable and friendly group. All are welcome. Currently we have two solo ladies, if any gent needs a dance partner. Cost per person £4.
Any further information contact Jeannie 07909 883553.
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New Seated Activity Session, in Bridgwater, with Age UK Somerset!
Specially designed for people over 55 - ‘Sit, Fit & Fun’ is a gentle, chairbased exercise session
• 95% of our advertisers rebook every month.
• 50% pages are given free of charge to the community.
Joining a tennis club is not only good for your physical health but it can have an excellent social scene too, and you might get to play the exciting new sport – padel!
More and more of us are joining a tennis club, some to play competitively, others to get fit and enjoy the health and fitness facilities but all can avail themselves of the brilliant social scene they offer.
There are over five thousand tennis clubs in England and Wales and most offer excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, and although there are only a couple of hundred padel courts here in the
Calling all clubs, groups, associations, schools & churches in Bridgwater/TA6!
LocalReach Community Magazines are delivered by ROYAL MAIL to 24,967 homes & businesses to ALL of Bridgwater/TA6 postcode area. We help over 700 small local clubs, groups, associations, schools and churches with FREE OF CHARGE advertising.
Please send us all your news, events and information. We can give you 100 words FREE OF CHARGE each month, plus you can upload a photo. Just fill in the form on the Community Notices page of our web site www.localreach.co.uk/community-notices
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• 95% of our advertisers rebook every month.
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UK, this number is set to double year on year as the fun craze gets even more popular.
Tennis is good for your physical health
There are few pastimes better for you physically than tennis. An excellent cardio workout on the tennis court can burn up to 600 calories an hour for men, and 400 for women. A brilliant endurance sport, tennis improves muscle tone and flexibility, motor skills and body movement. Tennis is particularly good at improving bone strength and balance and it is a full body workout.
...and mental health!
Tennis is also thought to improve your mental health as when you play a game you use tactics to try and beat your opponent and when you play endorphins are released into your brain and these make you feel good and combat depression.
Great social scene
Tennis clubs are welcoming and friendly places, they are great places to meet new people and make new friends and many often have facilities, such as bars, cafés and restaurants. There is usually a full calendar of varied social events to join in with if you want.
Whilst tennis has been around for well over a hundred and fifty years Padel is much younger, beginning in 1969 in Mexico. It is a lot like tennis and has the same scoring system, a net and balls but it incorporates some elements from Squash, like being able to bounce the ball off the back wall. But with the court around three quarters the size of tennis court it really appeals to people who feel a little daunted by covering a tennis court. Because the court is smaller, when you play doubles in particular everyone is thrown together more and this really seems to make the game fun!
Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in Europe and when you play in or watch a match you can see why – it seems to appeal to all ages and abilities, and everyone who tries it seems to love it. The smaller court seems to level abilities and enhance the fun, and you are enjoying a great workout without even thinking about it.
Whether it is to get out of the house and meet people, just to get a bit fitter, play competitively or try something new, joining a tennis club is a great place to start.
By Rob Bullock
1stApril30thJune2025 (Ts&Csapply, seewebsite)
Ensuring your will is comprehensive is crucial to avoid potential issues if it is not done correctly or at all. Here are some significant points to consider:
Non-family members could receive some of your estate: If your married children get divorced, would you want any portion of your estate to end up with your ex-son or daughter-in-law? Additionally, if your surviving spouse remarries, would you want any part of your estate to be inherited by the new spouse? Without a properly drafted will, unintended beneficiaries may receive your assets, causing conflicts and distress among your loved ones.
The Local Authority could become the largest benefactor of your estate: If you require longterm care, the entire value of your house might need to be sold to cover care home costs, significantly reducing the inheritance for your family. By planning ahead and drafting a will, you can protect your estate and ensure it is distributed according to your wishes, thus safeguarding your family’s future.
The taxman could receive more than he is entitled to: Without proper estate planning, your estate might face higher taxes. Properly structuring your will can help minimize tax liabilities and maximize the inheritance for your loved ones. This can include using trusts and other tax-efficient strategies to ensure that more of your estate goes to your intended beneficiaries.
Incapacity and decision-making: If you become incapacitated, who would you trust to make decisions about your finances and health? Drafting a Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make these crucial decisions on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are respected and carried out appropriately.
Professional advice is essential to protect you and your family, giving you peace of mind and preventing any of these issues from arising.
Call Andy now on 01278 806143.
If you are retired or a semi-retired business person you are more than welcome to join us at our monthly meetings.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Community Centre, North Petherton 10:00am to 12noon. Speakers are arranged on various Subjects - activities include Day Trips, Social Functions and a Charity Coffee Morning.
Please come along as a guest to see and hear what takes place and meet Members.
Details can be obtained from the Membership Secretary, Dorothy Wadeson, Tel 01278 662454.
Local charity, Age UK Somerset delivers a friendly, Yoga exercise class in Sydenham Bridgwater every week. Specially designed for people over 55, this class combines breathing with movement to calm the mind and improve strength & flexibility.
Held every Wednesday at 10:30am, at Sydenham Community Centre, Parkway, Bridgwater TA6 4QZ.
Why not come along and join us? The class costs £6 a session and pre-booking is advised.
For more information or to sign-up, please call 01823 345624 or email: ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk
Weston Walking Group walk on Wednesdays and Saturdays in all parts of Somerset. Why not come and join us enjoying fresh country air, excellent views and friendly company. Visit our website www.westonwalkinggroup.co.uk to check where the next walk is, and come and join us. You will be very welcome.
from 0-90+. We meet every Sunday morning at 10:00am, with groups for children from 0-14.
During the week we have Footsteps Toddler group on Monday mornings, JCIs club (8-11s) on Fridays monthly, Authentic (11+) on Fridays monthly, community coffee shop Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Holiday Bible Club in the summer holidays and lots more!
Please see our website (www.sgw.org.uk) for everything that’s going on, or come along on a Sunday morning at 10:00am. You’d be very welcome!
Bridgwater Bowls club is open all year round. It’s situated on Durleigh Rd. It welcomes people of all ages and gender. Bowls is a game that gently exercises mind and body. Make new friends, it has a good social side.
Come and have a free try - contact the club coaches who will give free lessons.
Contact club coaches 01278 450511 or club 01278 452920
Charles Bonnet Syndrome is linked to sight loss. When you lose your sight, your brain gets less information from your eyes so the brain can make up for this by creating hallucinations. Not everyone who suffers sight loss experiences CBS, for those who do, it is quite frightening.
Do you know of anyone suffering CBS? Are they scared to mention it?
Somerset Sight your local charity who supports blind and partially sighted people across Somerset with practical and emotional support.
Join us for our Sunday Services at 10:00am
St. George’s, Wembdon is a church of all ages,
For more information, please contact: 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk
In these early Spring months, the weather can still be unpredictable, so much so it can be tempting to bed in at home with a good book instead.
Yet there are so many benefits to venturing out into the great outdoors; so much so it’s worth risking a few rain showers and blustery winds to discover them.
If you’re the kind of person who struggles with those dark winter months, you might be feeling a bit blue by Spring. The perfect antidote then, is to get outside.
Whether it’s the scent of wildflowers and grass, a stunning vista across a carpet of fields, or simply the rush of endorphins as you triumphantly trek up a hill, being outdoors will make you feel fabulous.
Quite simply, we spend too long cloistered inside with our faces glued to screens. This is okay to an extent, but we are still primal creatures at heart and that maintaining that connection to nature can bring a myriad of benefits.
When we bond with the earth it can bring real sense of peace as it reminds us of how aweinspiring the natural and social world can be. It also helps us to remember that there are many things that are out of our control, but balance will always restore itself if we afford it the opportunity.
You may not realise it, but the repetition of modern living takes a significant toll on our bodies. The constant thrum of traffic, the polluted
air and general stress of navigating other people can cause stress over time, and a monthly jaunt to the countryside, the seaside, a park, attraction, or just somewhere utterly different to the norm, can have massive benefits.
It’s a break from the noise, a chance to be alone with your thoughts or around people you love - it’s new sparks of inspiration and fresh air in your lungs; and if you’re really lucky, it could be a freshly poured pint or glass of wine or in a gorgeous countryside pub… because even your favourite local can get boring sometimes, right? It brings us together
If solo exploring is not for you, get a gang together! Perhaps you’ve had a recent break-up - well joining a walking group is a wonderful way to heal (and maybe meet someone new!).
It can also bring you together as a family, especially if you’ve got kids who could really do with time off their phones.
Getting outdoors can also be incredibly romantic for you and your partner, because those who stray together, stay together.
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LocalReach Community Magazines is delivered monthly by ROYAL MAIL to 24,967 homes and businesses to ALL of Bridgwater/TA6 reaching a population of 59,920 people.
Prices start from as little as £66+vat per month. Contact us now at www.localreach.co.uk or call 01278 238000
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Amenolado
Bahia
Bain Marie
Baking
Balao
Conching
Couverture
Crystallization
Across
1 Useful kitchen gadget (4,9)
8 Artificial (6)
9 Panama, Suez, Caledonian _____ (6)
11 Large American wild cat (4)
12 Breakout, flee (6)
14 Communal, mutual (6)
15 Surface, side (5)
17 Series of linked metal rings (5)
19 Prejudiced, wrongful (6)
21 Glum (6)
24 Automobiles (4)
25 Flip. overturn (6)
26 Offer recommendation (6)
27 Tolerant, empathetic (13)
Down
2 Famous cricket ground (5)
3 Play, production (5)
4 Admire, value (7)
5 Muscle spasm (5)
6 Genre of painting (5,4)
7 Curtail, dwindle (6)
10 Chuckle, guffaw (5)
13 Are rich in underground seams of fuel (9)
16 Throw out, dislodge (5)
17 Starchy tuberous root (7)
18 Agency, office (6)
20 Grinds, rubs (5)
22 Extremely angry (5)
23 Builder (5)
Viscosity
Molinillo
Solutions: Turn to page 27
By Martha Wells
This is the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries series. It’s a riveting and witty exploration of identity, autonomy, and humanity through the perspective of a self-aware security bot. The protagonist, a rogue SecUnit that refers to itself as “Murderbot,” has hacked its governor module, gaining freedom from its programming. Despite this, Murderbot prefers to spend its time consuming media rather than engaging with humans or exploring its newfound independence.
The story follows Murderbot as it reluctantly protects a group of scientists on a survey mission to an uncharted planet. When their mission is jeopardized by a rival corporation’s sabotage, Murderbot must confront its fear of human interaction in order to save its clients. Through its interactions, Murderbot reveals a deep internal struggle with its purpose, autonomy, and desire to remain emotionally distant, even as it inadvertently forms bonds with the humans it protects.
Wells’ narrative is fast paced, infused with sharp humour and keen observations about humanity’s flaws and resilience. Murderbot’s voice is a sarcastic, introspective, and touchingly relatable, which means the reader will find themselves rooting for the reluctant hero. The novella raises questions about free will, artificial intelligence, and the meaning of personhood, all without sacrificing any of the plot’s tension and action.
Although officially Sci-fi, sceptics of the genre shouldn’t be put off. This is at its heart, characterdriven storytelling with added sharp commentary on technology and human relationships. The blend of humour, and high-stakes adventure makes it a winner for all readers.
By Kirsty Applebaum
TrooFriend is a compelling novel aimed at ages 10-14, that explores themes of friendship, technology, and ethical dilemmas in a world increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence. The story follows Sarah, a lonely girl with toobusy parents, who longs for a pet. Instead, her parents buy her a TrooFriend, a highly advanced robot companion designed to mimic human interactions but programmed never to harm or deceive. As Sarah bonds with her TrooFriend, who she name Ivy, their relationship begins to blur the lines between real and artificial connections, forcing Sarah to confront questions about authenticity, trust, and what it truly means to have a friend, and to be one.
Applebaum’s captures the struggles of growing up, feeling isolated and misunderstood, while interweaving an intriguing exploration of AI ethics. Ivy’s character raises questions about free will, identity, and the role of technology in human lives. Despite Ivy’s advanced programming, her inability to feel emotions or act outside her directives creates some poignant moments
The book’s pacing is brisk, and the dialogue feels authentic. Its nuanced themes will ensure there’s plenty of material for discussion. Applebaum balances the moral dilemmas posed by AI, with Sarah’s personal journey, creating a layered narrative that is both accessible and thoughtprovoking.
TrooFriend is a novel for today’s children, experiencing the complexities of human relationships alongside the implications of their tech-driven future. Although aimed at early teens it’s actually a valuable read for all ages
By Tash Donovan
If ever you’ve watched the news on April 1st trying to spot the fake story we have a few fun reminders of some classic pranks from years gone by:
The most famous is probably the BBC’s 1957 Panorama report on the bumper spaghetti crop. Huge numbers of viewers were duped by the footage of Swiss peasants gathering long strands of pasta from the trees.
In 1962, Swedish television viewers were fooled into thinking that they could transform their black-
and-white sets into colour by stretching a nylon stocking over the screen.
Back in 1972, newspapers around the world reported that the body of the Loch Ness Monster had been found floating in the water. It turned out to be a bull elephant seal that had been placed there by a zoo worker as a practical joke.
In 2008, we were stunned to see a BBC film of Adélie penguins flying across the Antarctic on their way to spend the winter in the rainforests of South America. This became one of the most viewed videos on the internet.
In 2023 the Telegraph reported that some of Britain’s tallest buildings, including the BT Tower, were to be converted into wind turbines to help Britain reach net zero under radical climate plans secretly approved by the government. “The Treasury is understood to be ‘hugely supportive’ of the scheme as it will help bring down the cost of electricity in London.
Who knows what the ‘fake news’ stories will be this year, though frankly you might be forgiven for struggling to work out what’s real and what’s not at the moment. Such are the crazy times in which we live that every day feels like April Fools Day!
By Lisa Johnson
#7 Tidy up! Before you do anything else, you need a tidy home and clean kitchen. Put things away, recycle old newspapers and plump the cushions. To ensure a wonderful result with your cooking, your kitchen and its appliances need to be spotless. The last thing you want is your wonderful Easter Roast to taste of the last few weeks dinners. Get that cooker clean: either do it yourself or call OvenGleamers, a professional oven cleaning service to gleam it for you.
#6 Choose the menu. Will you have fish, lamb or a nut roast? Fish is traditionally eaten on Good Friday. Early Christians said that the day of Jesus’ crucifixion should be one of abstaining from meat, so they had fish instead.
#5 Invite your family and friends to join in. Easter is a great time for families and friends so plan something fun. Did you know where we got the Easter Bunny from? Experts say the 18th century when some Germans settled in America. They called him Osterhase because he lay brightly coloured eggs in nests in the bonnets of children.
#4 Get shopping. Prepare that list and pop down the supermarket or even easier shop online and get it all delivered.
#3 Plan the weekend’s activities. Set up an Easter Egg hunt in the house or the garden. Children love finding eggs anywhere!
#2 Get the cooking prepared. Now you’ve a lovely clean kitchen, get baking. Have you got some oven liners to help you? Great for lining roasting tins, baking biscuits on or to catch drips. OvenGleamers can supply these too.
#1 Hurrah you’re there. Food planned, friends and family on their way and fun events sorted. But if all else fails – try the National Trust for Easter Trails, buy the ready prepared dishes from your favourite supermarket and watch ‘Easter Parade’ on the TV to put you in the mood. Happy Easter. For that gleaming cooker, AGA or Range, just call me today: Graham Rogers, OvenGleamers now on 01278 497541
If you’re bored of the same old pub routine, then why not consider some of these brilliant experiences that are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.
Put your problem-solving skills to the test with themed escape rooms, from historical mysteries to sci-fi adventures. It’s a bit like the Crystal Maze without the eccentric bald guy and, hopefully, a
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drink or two… though probably best not to start on the shots until after you’ve cracked the cipher.
If you love cocktails but struggle to replicate them at home, you will enjoy a professional bartenderled workshop. Learn to craft your favourite drinks, master the super secrets used by expert mixologists and, quelle surprise, drink lots of yummy drinks.
Forget dartboards with more holes than a slice of Edam, and sticky Scrabble sets with all the vowels missing, gaming is cool again. Shuffleboard tables (a bit like curling on a smaller scale) and Toad in the Hole (throwing brass discs into a hole) are popping up in pubs across the country. And if they don’t float your boat, how about dedicated table tennis bars?!
In other words, grown-up play is here to stay, from retro arcade games, board games, or modern video games with mates, you no longer need to keep your gaming addiction a secret.
Unleash your inner Viking with this thrilling activity. Many venues offer coaching, food, and drinks but, most of all, it is (an unexpectedly) safe space to process all that rage you’ve been building up.
Sure, we know it’s not a ‘new’ type of night out, but does comedy ever get old? Grab your mates and get down to your nearest laugh-a-minute venue to release those happy hormones.
If you’re not a fan of the music played in most traditional venues, then a silent disco is the perfect experience out for you. Dance the night away with headphones, where you can switch between different music channels and, when it all gets too much, simply switch off and enjoy the silence.
No longer exclusively an afternoon activity in some naff seaside town, miniature golf has come out from the cold and is now available to play in many town centres. Courses that glow in the dark or are made out of junk give the classic game an exciting new edge, with the added bonus of banging music and beer. Win, win.
The phrase ‘Tax-Wrapper’ refers to your money being in a type of account that is somewhat shielded from tax, this may include income tax or capital gains tax. The government provides different allowances and opportunities for you to ‘wrap’ savings and investments. This allows growth to be protected from a tax liability. Tax wrappers support a tax-efficient wealth management strategy.
The two core types of tax wrappers are ISAs and pensions. Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS), and Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes (SEIS) are further examples of wrappers. The tax rules vary between the wrappers. The tax wrapper that is right for you will vary depending on your personal circumstances – it may even be a combination of wrappers.
Contributions to an ISA can be made from net income and taxable savings. Growth is not subject to income tax, dividend tax, or capital gains tax. Withdrawals from ISAs have no income tax liability.
Contributions to a pension obtain tax relief at your marginal rate. Growth is not subject to income tax, dividend tax, or capital gains tax. Typically, 25% of income drawn from a pension is tax-free with the remainder taxable at your marginal rate.
There are limits to the amounts that can be contributed to each wrapper in a given a tax year. In some circumstances, carry forward allowance may be available for individuals looking to add to a pension account.
VCTs, EISs, and SEISs involve investments in small, unquoted trading companies. They each have specific legislative requirements to qualify for the tax advantages offered.
Tax relief on contributions to these schemes can be obtained, subject to maximum contribution limits and holding periods. Capital gains tax is exempt, after the investments has been held for a specific term for EISs and SEISs, and immediately for VCTs. Capital gains tax deferral relief is available for EISs.
Get financial advice from your local expert, Jessica Copp DipPFS on 07583 425566 or jessica.copp@carterdawes.com. We specialise in retirement planning, financial planning, financial protection, and inheritance planning.
Sources: Moneybox, M&G Wealth.
email: jessica.copp@carterdawes.com mobile: 07583 425566 website: www.carterdawes.com
Ingredients:
Crumble top
260g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
300g soft light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
170g unsalted butter,
Cake
260g plain flour
70g wholewheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsps. ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
300g light soft brown sugar
170g unsalted butter, softened.
2 tsps. vanilla paste
4 eggs at room temperature
225ml buttermilk or natural yoghurt
400g Rhubarb, cut into 1.5-2cm chunks.
Method:
Crumble Topping
Melt the butter in a saucepan. In a bowl sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt. Stir through the sugar then add the melted butter and mix together with a spoon until it clumps together and becomes crumbly.
Set aside.
Cake
Preheat the oven to 180C / 160 fan Gas mark 4.
Line a 13x9-inch pan with greaseproof paper so the paper overhangs the sides of the pan.
Sift together the flours, salt, baking powder and ground ginger, adding the bran from the wholewheat flour.
Place the brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium speed until fluffy and pale.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until well combined.
Fold in one third of the flour mixture gently. Add half of the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Add the next third of the flour mixture and fold in. Add the remaining buttermilk, mix it in then add the remaining third of the flour and fold until just combined. Finally mix everything together gently for another 30 seconds to make a smooth batter. Place the batter in the pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half the rhubarb over the top of the batter, then spread two thirds of the crumb mixture, then the remaining rhubarb followed by the rest of the crumb mixture.
Place the pan so that the top is level with the centre of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You don’t need a thermometer to check if it’s done but it does make things easier. The temperature of the cake in the centre should be about 95C when it’s cooked. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Use the excess greaseproof paper to remove the cake from the pan.
Allow the cake to cool completely. Sprinkle with icing sugar, cut into squares, and serve with thick yogurt or creme fraiche.
Secure Sourcing Limited has two main objectives firstly being dedicated to helping you to solve your “Problem Properties” for a Win-Win result and secondly helping those that are “Cash rich and Time poor” making their money work harder for them.
Property Problems can include:
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Our “Property Problem” services provide:
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Our investment services provide:
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Take the first step to solving your problems today: Contact Emma today either by Text message, Watsapp or call on 07826464691 or email us on securesourcinglimited@gmail.com to start your better life.
Taunton Eating Out Group - Looking for new members!
We’re a new friendly group aged 55+, looking for new members! Our meals are at Taunton restaurants, for maximum 6 people, so members can talk and get to know each other. The group is managed entirely on-line so members must be computer literate. To find out more, simply join Meetup.com (which is free), or Login, then search for Taunton Eating Out Group. Then you can read the ‘About’ page, view events on our calendar – usually 2 meals each monthand apply to join.
We look forward to meeting you!
Aspiring Ashcott!
The children from Ashcott Primary School have been thinking ahead to their future careers as part of the school’s ‘Aspirations Week’.
Throughout the week, children from every class listened to a number of interesting visitors
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and parents, from a diverse range of working backgrounds, who had come in to school to talk about their amazing jobs. The children had the opportunity to find out what it would be like to be: a Royal Navy pilot or work in special-effects, an artist or a farmer, a speech and language therapist or an actor - as well as many, many other exciting careers!
Children had the opportunity to ask the visitors questions and find out more about the different roles and responsibilities involved in a variety of different career paths. Some visitors even brought in some of the tools they use for their jobs for the children to look at.
At the beginning of the week, the children came to school dressed ready for the career they would like to have when they grow up. There were so many fantastic costumes and ideas!
The children and staff have been very inspired by their visitors and would like to thank them all for coming in to school. In addition, we would like to thank Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Shore, for organising such a fantastic Aspirations Week!
For more photos of Aspirations Week, please visit our school website: www.ashcott.somerset.sch. uk/parents/events/aspirations-week-2
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Why our teeth can reveal to us more about our health than we may imagine GERD, causes stomach acid to flow back up the oesophagus, damaging the teeth over time.
can warn us about serious conditions
It seems incredible that our humble teeth could tell us about something going wrong elsewhere in our body, but that is precisely what happens. For example, persistent gum infections and bad breath may indicate undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes. Gum disease (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease due to the inflammation it causes. Loose teeth, meanwhile, or receding gums, might signal osteoporosis, as declining bone density can affect the jawbone, while dental abscesses or untreated cavities could be caused by a compromised immune system, which struggles to fight off infections.
They can inform us of what we might be lacking
There can be many signs that your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs. Red, swollen gums can indicate a lack of vitamin C, while enamel erosion may point to a calcium deficiency. If you are feeling constantly fatigued and weak, check for pale gums and a sore tongue as this might signal anaemia (iron deficiency).
They can tell you to chill out
When we are constantly under pressure it can influence various parts of or body, but one area that tends to hold a lot of tension is the jaw. Bruxism is a condition where someone is frequently grinding or clenching their teeth, often linked to stress or anxiety, and can lead to enamel damage and jaw pain.
Another symptom of stress is digestive issues which can manifest in your mouth as the erosion of tooth enamel. This is because acid reflux or
They
It is obvious that enamel constantly stained with red wine or discoloured by tobacco use could be an indication one ought to lay off the fags and booze, but bad breath (halitosis) can also suggest poor hygiene or underlying conditions like liver or kidney problems.
Bad breath and yellowing teeth can be a real mood killer, but they are also a motivator for better oral hygiene. Flossing every day and brushing your teeth twice daily will help keep many problems at bay, but a regular dental checkup and professional clean are equally important if you want to keep smiling through the decades.
Four eyes
I’ll be back
Pull yourself together
If
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