LocalReach Burnham April 2023

BURNHAM & HIGHBRIDGE - TA8 & TA9

GARDENING – page 5

COMMUNITY – page 6

PUZZLES – page 13

BUSINESS A-Z – page 22

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Disclaimer.

DO YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF LOCALREACH EACH MONTH?

LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge/TA9 & TA8 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 15,041 copies each month.

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Spring Clean and De-Clutter with Big Bull Self Storage

With the brighter days now upon us, Spring is finally here. I’m certainly not sad to see the back of Winter and the cold rainy days. So, what better time to have a spring clean and sort out that spare room, or garage in time for the long Summer evenings. Have a sort through anything you don’t need, do you really need that bread maker? You know it’s been at the back of the cupboard since you last made bread in Lockdown 2020! So take it to the charity shop, sell it on Facebook or your take it to the local recycling centre and think about putting your seasonal items in to storage.

At Big Bull Self Storage, we have self storage units of all sizes to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a smaller unit for a couple of months to store your seasonal items, you’re moving house and need a larger unit, or you’re self-employed and need one long term, we have units here for you. Our flexibility means you can change to a different size unit at any time if your requirements change. Operations Manager Kerry Llewellyn tells us “The site only opened in July, but the driveup units are proving to be really popular due to the excellent security features, 24-hour access and as the site is fully illuminated you know you’ll have full visibility at all hours. Customers are also really impressed with the brand new units being fully ventilated and dry” Kerry continues “It’s free to reserve online meaning you have full flexibility, so reserve now and move in later. What’s even better, our location couldn’t be more perfect as we are right next to the recycling centre on Isleport Business Park, meaning you can tick off two jobs on your list in one go! You don’t need an appointment so come and see us and we can do the reservation for you.”

Garden View This month – Going wild

Wildflowers are a great addition to any garden, as they can add texture, variety, and interest. Not only are they beautiful, but they also have many environmental benefits. They attract pollinators: Wildflowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden. Biodiversity: All these pollinators promote biodiversity by providing habitat and food for a variety of other insects, birds and animals. They improve soil health: When they die off, wildflowers can be dug into the soil to promote better structure and add organic matter. They can also help prevent erosion by wind and rain. In addition, wildflowers are low-maintenance, this is very important if you have a busy job with little time to garden, but still want a pretty outdoor space. For best results select an area with plenty of sunlight. Find a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Wildflowers prefer well-drained soil, so if your garden soil is heavy clay or you may need to improve the structure by digging in grit and organic matter.

There are so many different varieties of wildflowers. You can customise the colours to your personal taste. Look on the seed packets and consider the bloom time, colour, and height of the flowers. Avoid invasive species or plants that may not be appropriate for your garden.

Remove any existing grass or weeds from your chosen area and loosen the soil with a garden fork. Rake it over to create a smooth flat surface, and then lightly compact the soil with a roller or your feet.

When it comes to sowing you can either broadcast the seeds over the entire planting area or plant them in rows. Seeing the area you’ve already covered is easier if you mix the seeds with sand or vermiculite before sowing. Once you have sown the seeds, gently rake the surface to cover them with a thin layer of soil.

Water the area thoroughly to help the seeds settle into the soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which should take 1 to 3 weeks depending on the varieties of wildflowers you’ve selected.. Once the seeds have sprouted, water as required and pull out any weeds that pop up.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

You are never alone with Moose!

The next Meeting of One Moose will take place at Berrow Village Hall on Thursday 30th March for a 7pm start. Come and meet us to discover more about our Community fund raising projects. You are never alone with Moose!

For further information: chriswhite.burnham@gmail.com

Brent Knoll Book Fair

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April at Brent Knoll Parish Hall, 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Whether you favour hardbacks or paperbacks, incline to older authors or modern authors, are partial to children’s books or adult books (not that sort!), savour cooking, crave craft, dig archaeology or gardening, we have something for you.

We have CDs and DVDs, plus a chance to relax with a little refreshment. Most paperbacks 50p, most hardbacks £1, though we have an extended selection of better books at slightly higher prices.

Come and get a bargain.

Casino Chips

Saturday 1st April at East Huntspill Church Hall, 7pm for 7.30pm start. Fun Casino Night with Fish & Chips. £7.50. Please bring your own drink. No gambling actually takes place, games are played using imitation money and casino chips. For tickets please phone 01278 788665 or email allsaintscommunitygroup@outlook.com

In Aid of All Saints Church and Church Hall, East Huntspill.

Agatha Christie, Queen of Crime

One of the world’s great crime writers, Agatha Christie led a sheltered life in her native Torquay. Although her books sell over four million copies every year, the creator of Poirot and Miss Marple never attended a proper school. To learn more about this fascinating author and the mystery in her own life, come to the TASS lecture on 5th April 2023 at the 37 Club (between Woolavington and Puriton), at 2:00 for a 2:15 start. Visitors are always welcome, at a charge of £8 per lecture.

Full information on TASS and its future events can be found on our website theartssocietysedgemoor. org.uk

Are you tired of the same old cooking playlist?

Want to spice up your kitchen with some fresh tunes?

Well, Better Kitchens has got you covered!

We’re putting together a kitchen-themed Spotify playlist and we want YOUR song ideas. Whether it’s about cooking, cleaning, or just hanging out in the kitchen, we want to hear your suggestions.

Think you’ve got the perfect song to jam out to while chopping vegetables? Or maybe a catchy tune about the joys of baking? Whatever your kitchen-related song idea is, we want to hear it.

Simply head over to our Facebook page and leave a comment with your song suggestion. We’ll be compiling all of the best songs into a playlist that will be sure to have you dancing around your kitchen in no time.

And that’s not all - we’ll be randomly selecting one lucky commenter to receive six bottles of wine to enjoy while cooking up a storm in their newly inspired kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get those kitchen-themed songs flowing!

www.facebook.com/BetterKitchensUK

A company like Better Kitchens can help you bring together all aspects of buying your own kitchen - measuring, designing, planning and buying. Feel free to ask us for help at every step.

If you’re looking at a new kitchen, give Better Kitchens in Weston-s-Mare a look. We’re the largest independent online kitchen supplier in the South West.

Go to betterkitchens.co.uk/get-a-quote today, or visit our 28 display showroom in Weston to find out how much you could save on your existing kitchen quote from any other supplier!

The Better Kitchens Showroom, 12 Beaufighter Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8EE

Brent Knoll Bazaar, Farmers Market and Parish Café

Saturday 8th April at Brent Knoll Parish Hall, 10.00am - 12 noon. 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.

BOSfest Fundraiser

BOSfest fundraiser in the Ritz social club, Easter Sunday, 9th April. £5 for a wristband on the door to give entry for afternoon and evening. Lots of music and fun. Raffle.

Saturday 15th April Cake Sale

East Huntspill Church Hall at 10.30am. Homemade Cakes - Yummy.

For further details contact 01278 788665 or email allsaintscommunitygroup@outlook.com

Burnham-on-Sea & District Horticultural Society - 17th April

The next meeting at the Community Centre, Berrow Rd, B-o-S is 7.00pm for 7.30pm on Monday 17th April 2023 with guest speaker John Addison “Herbaceous for Wet and Dry”. All welcome. Members £1.00. Visitors £2.00.

Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch – April Meeting

The April Meeting will be a Branch Visit to Boscombe Down Aviation Museum, Old Sarum Airfield, at 10:00 am on Tuesday 18th April followed by a “Pub Lunch” at the “Old Castle” Harvester Inn, Old Castle Road, Salisbury. All events are open to Branch Members, RAFA Members from other Branches, Current and Ex-RAF Service Personnel (Including RAF Reserves), and Members of the “RAF Family”. Please contact the Branch via e-mail rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or tel to Secretary 01458 224057 for further information.

St George’s Supper

Friday 21st April, 6.30pm for 7pm start. Traditional English food with great friends. £7.50 - Please bring your own drink. For tickets, please phone 01278 788665 or email allsaintscommunitygroup@ outlook.com

In Aid of All Saints Church and Church Hall, East Huntspill.

Get active with Mark Moor Bowling Club!

Ever played lawn bowls? It’s a great game! We are offering a free year’s membership to all players of any age new to the club. Free coaching at this

small and friendly club. Outdoor club evenings start from mid-April at 5.30pm or 6.00pm on Mondays and Thursdays next to Mark Village Hall, Vole Road, Mark TA9 4NY. Free parking.

We have two Open Days – Saturday 22nd April 11-5pm and Friday 26th May 2-7pm. Please wear trainers. Call on 641744, visit markmoorbowlingclub.co.uk or email markbowlsclub@gmail.com

Burnham on sea Pagan Group

We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month in room 2 at the community centre BOS TA8 2ET, except in December. Our next moot is on 25th April 7.30pm. Topic Matthew Hopkins - Witch finder General. For more details contact derwen73@ gmail.com

Burnham & Highbridge Sea Cadets Events

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

Fund raising events started with a Joint fun Bingo night on March 24th with profits going to the unit and St. Margaret’s Hospice.

On April 30th will be our Spring Fair from 10am till 3pm with crafts stalls, games and more. Entry free.

For more information follow us on Facebook: Burnham on sea and Highbridge Sea Cadets, Sea cadets website or email info@bhseacadets.org

Burnham-on-Sea WI

We are a friendly WI, meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month, from 2.00 - 4.00pm at the Sea Cadets Hall, Cassis Close, Burnham TA8 1NN. Please come and see what we have to offer. Here are some diary dates for April.

Monday 24th April, Quiz at The Ritz. 7.45pm. £1pp.

Tuesday 25th April, 2.00pm at the Sea Cadets Hall, Damien Boyd - Local Author. Visitors £5. Both these events are open to everyone.

St George’s Day

Sunday April 23rd is St George’s Day. It’s actually a designated feast day for St George, the patron saint of England. The origins of his legend can be traced back to the veneration of saints in the early Christian church.

St. George was a real person, born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) in the 3rd century. According to his legend, he was a Roman soldier who refused to renounce his Christian faith and was subsequently tortured and executed. As a result of this he became a martyr, revered as a symbol of bravery and courage, and his story spread throughout Europe.

St. George is known for fighting a dragon. The alleged encounter occurred in Libya. The dragon is said to have set up a den by a freshwater spring and terrorised the townsfolk, who could not collect water unless they pacified it by feeding it their sheep. Eventually they ran out of livestock so

decided to offer a maiden instead, but just at the moment the dragon was about to eat her, George is said to have galloped in on a white stallion, and killed the beast with his sword. As dragons are mythical creatures it is more likely that George killed some sort of animal, or even a man, if he killed anyone at all. The story may simply be a fictional allegory for his bravery.

And in the Middle Ages, St George became particularly popular in England, where he was seen as a symbol of the country’s struggle against foreign invaders. In the 14th century King Edward III made him the patron saint of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in England. He was given a major feast day which was marked with religious services, parades, and other public celebrations. Nowadays St George’s Day is no longer a public holiday, and though there have been some calls to revive it in England, in the same way that St Andrew’s Day is in Scotland, and St Patrick’s Day is in Ireland, this seems unlikely to happen.

So, as there is currently no set way of celebrating St Georges Day, I’m going to have to settle for a cup of English tea and a chocolate digestive.

By Sarah Davey

Does your computer need an MOT and your devices updating? Have you allowed somebody to work on your computer remotely after a random phone call?

We like to use the term “MOT” in relation to computers. Whilst not a legal requirement, it is worth having your equipment checked once a year. Over time, issues tend to occur, but sometimes don’t show themselves, so typically computers tend to get slower and also things happen which can leave the computer at risk.

If you have not had a computer professional check your equipment for over a year, it is worth booking in a service visit. We understand that your computer may not have any visible issues, but things can simmer in the background, so it’s worth having things checked before it is too late. We often get calls saying that the computer will not switch on and that it has been working fine up until now. Computers tend to go wrong without any warning, but with the right measures, this likelihood can be greatly reduced.

We offer a service where “we come to you” so no need to disconnect equipment. Simply book us in, and we will visit and give you honest advice on any requirements which will ensure that your system is safe and the computer continues to work reliably. We can also check your phones and tablets to make sure all is well.

Have you ever had a phone call from “Microsoft”, or similar, whereby somebody remotely works on your computer. Companies like Microsoft / Apple / BT / Openreach and so on would never cold call and ask to remote control your computer.

If this has happened to you, please get in touch as it is likely that your computer may have been compromised, even if the phone call seemed very plausible. If there is a text file on your desktop with contact details, this is often a sign that a scam remote session has happened. You would have been given false information, and possibly charged a fee, but unfortunately, this is not genuine. We can undo the “work” that these scammers created and make the machine safe again.

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd. Tel: 07973 536299 or email sales@e-cps.co.uk

• Problem Solving & Repairs

• Virus/Spyware Removal

• New PC Systems

• Broadband/WIFI Problems

• Performance Improvement

• Wireless Networking

• iPhone/iPad help

• Upgrades

• Websites

• Help & Tuition

We have Mobile Engineers in your area or with your permission we can access your computer remotely.

YOUR LOCAL, TRUSTED COMPANY

Engineer: 07973 536299

Office: 01278 787846

E-mail: sales@e-cps.co.uk

www.e-cps.co.uk

Consideration before arranging a Funeral

The birth of impeccable care funeral services was inspired by a shared vision, passion, and commitment to promote that every person counts and deserves only the best possible experience throughout their end-of-life journey. Quality of care does not stop at the end of one’s life; passion, commitment, dignity, and a desire to carry out ones wishes until the very end of their journey, these are the core values we pride ourselves on. At Impeccable Care Funeral Services, we believe that the best service we can offer is to not only listen to your wishes, but also professionally guide you through everything you need to know. When arranging a funeral, we will discuss all the relevant details with you and explain all aspects of the day. Here are a few things that you can think about before you come to your appointment to make the arrangements easier for you; You can actually arrange a funeral before registering the death. You will need to register the death as soon as you can, as we will need the paperwork from the registrar for the funeral to go ahead.

• Please note though there are occasions when you will not receive this paperwork; if this is the case, the Hospital staff and ourselves will be able to guide you through what to do.

• You will need to decide whether you would like a cremation or a burial for the deceased. If you do not know, please visit our cremation or burial section for some advice.

• If you would like the deceased to be dressed in their own clothes, then please bring them in when arranging the funeral. If this is not possible, please let us have them as soon as possible after the arrangements.

• If there are any specific dates and times that you would like to arrange the funeral for, we will do the best we can to accommodate this. However, we would recommend that you think about a range of dates, as the crematorium, cemeteries or place of worship may not be available on your first choice of date.

• If you wish, please look at our coffins section to see our range of coffins and caskets

• If you require limousines for family or friends to follow the hearse on the day of the funeral. The limousines will follow the hearse from the chosen address to the place of worship, crematorium or cemetery and back to a chosen address.

Impeccable care funeral services are here for you when you need us. Call 01278 448973

A helping hand at a difficult time

Impeccable care funeral services believe quality of care does not stop at the end of one’s life; passion, commitment, dignity, and a desire to carry out ones wishes until the very end of their journey, these are the core values we pride ourselves on.

01278 448973

• Open 24 hours a day

• Covering Somerset & Devon

• Home arrangements & taxi service available

www.impeccablefunerals.co.uk Info@impeccablefunerals.co.uk

Crossword Across

1 Clockwork model of the solar system (6)

4 Strengthened, supported (6)

9 Nevertheless (7)

10 Snapshot, image (5)

11 Beatles’ drummer _____ Starr (5)

12 Outmoded person (3-4)

13 Seasonal spruce-up (6-5)

18 Mountainous European country (7)

20 Doomed person (5)

22 Goodbye! (5)

23 Delinquent, thug (7)

24 Irritates, irks (6)

25 Very thin (6)

Down

1 Extras (6)

2 Mountain Ash (5)

3 Filled pasta parcels (7)

5 Cables, lines (5)

6 Waterborne disease (7)

7 Soaks, saturates (6)

Word Search

Anna

Ariel

Aurora

Belle

Bo Peep

Cinderella

Colette Tatou

Edna Mode

Elsa Esmeralda

Helen Parr

Jasmine

Jessie

Merida

Mirabel

Moana

Mulan

Pocahontas

Rapunzel Raya

Snow White

Tiana

Tinkerbell

Violet Parr

Wendy

8 The study of spelling and letter usage (11)

14 Love, ardour, desire (7)

15 Journal, ledger (7)

16 Spanish for ‘tomorrow’ (6)

17 Dowdy, without style (6)

19 Dangerous (5)

21 Synthetic fabric (5)

Mindbenders

Solutions: Turn to page 22

Your 7 day Countdown To A Fun Easter

#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: Graeme Robertson, OvenGleamers now on 01934 440032

Spring Concert with the Old and the New

The Burnham and Highbridge Choral Society Spring Concert is 7.30pm, Saturday 29th April 2023. At St. Andrew’s Church, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2AQ. The choir will perform Haydn’s Maria Theresa Mass, Westside Story, Mamma Mia and The Phantom of the Opera.

Tickets are £10 including wine or soft drinks. Available from www.burnhamandhighbridgechoral.org.uk, Material Needs, Burnham, Dusi Cake, Burnham, Tourist Information, Burnham or choir members, or at the door.

Advance Notice - West Huntspill

Horticultural Society

Thursday May 11th - West Huntspill Horticultural Society will be holding their popular Plant Sale of Flowers and Vegetables on Thursday May 11th at 7.30pm at the Balliol Hall, West Huntspill, TA93RN.

This will be the first sale since 2019 due to Covid so

please come along and support us. This is a chance to buy quality flower and vegetable plants whilst at the same time raising money to allow us to run the Annual August Flower Show. If you need any further information please contact the secretary at westhuntspillhortsociety@gmail.com

Retired? Active? Come and join us on a Monday

Come and join our very welcoming group at Burnham Methodist Church, College Street every Monday 2-4pm. We have quizzes, seated exercise classes, speakers, and more….and of course coffee drinking, biscuit eating and a good chat.

Everyone welcome for £2 a week to help cover the hall donation, refreshments and activity charges. Never be without company or someone to chat to… Being retired is the only requirement.

Every Monday – Serendipity Singers

We are a singing group within the University of the Third Age (U3A) that enjoys performing. We sing songs from musicals and popular songs from all-time-classics to the present. The music is specifically arranged to suit our voices: Sopranos, Altos, and ‘Men’. We normally give about 20 performances, with three repertoires, each year, for Friendship Groups, charities and other local organisations. We rehearse on Monday afternoons in Burnham. At present, we would like to increase the number of Altos and Men within the choir. Please e-mail us at singers@ burnhamu3a.com

Men’s and Ladies SHED - interested? Read on....

The Burnham / Highbridge Men’s SHED welcomes men and ladies to make, learn, try crafts, have a chat, cuppa and a laugh with like minded friends in our kitted out workshops. Come and join us? You will be welcome. Monday: 9.00 - 12.00 and 1.00 - 3.30 the ladies wood section meet and the lady crafters 9.30 - 12.00. Tuesday: 9.45 - 12.45 and 1.45 - 4.45 the men meet and Thursday: 9.45 - 12.45 and 1.45 - 4.45. Morland Community

Hub, Pearce Drive, Highbridge TA9 3FU. Contact: russelswgleed@gmail.com or meadssue@ yahoo.co.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

Walk and Talk Bereavement Group

Every 2nd Tuesday in the month. Walk and Talk Bereavement Group meet at 10am at St Andrews Church Door. Join us for a walk along the sea front as we share in the ongoing journey of grief, followed by a coffee in a local cafe. All welcome. Further details from Rev Sharon 07925089698.

Dancing at the Ritz Burnham every Tuesday 2-4pm All Welcome

Dancing at the Ritz Burnham every Tuesday afternoon 2-4pm. Dancing includes Traditional Sequence, some modern Ballroom, Olde Tyme, Line dance, a good mix, something for everyone to keep your feet and brain active. We are a friendly group and welcome new comers. We currently have 2 solo ladies for any gentleman who needs a dance partner. As before this is held and run by Jeannie and Mac. For all further information please contact Jeannie on 07909 883553 or 07452 865847. Email hagiss@hotmail.co.uk. Cost per session £4 each.

Burnham & Highbridge Karate Club. Wado Ryu Style

For

Every Wednesday and Sunday – Burnham & Highbridge Karate Club. Our training sessions are at the St Andrews Church Hall, Manor Road, Burnham-on-Sea. TA8 2AS on Wednesday evenings and YMCA, Huntspill Road (A38), Highbridge TA9 3DD on Sunday mornings. We welcome new and past members with separate sessions for Children and Adults on a pay as you train basis. First lesson is free. For further information call 07971 679455 or email bhkc1979@gmail.com. Website bhkc1979.wixsite.com/bhkc1979

Take your career up a gear with Somerset Passenger Solutions

Driving our state-of-the-art coaches, you will be transporting the workforce from local areas to HPC (Hinkley Point C) - one of the largest construction projects in Europe. No tickets or fares to issue, no equipment/ luggage to handle. This is a 24/7 project, so we have shifts starting from as early as 3am through to twilight and night shifts. Full and Part Time positions available.

Think you can’t drive a bus? If you have great people and customer service skills, we can teach you the rest! Our expert trainers will be with you every step of the way providing ongoing support, development, and training.

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Have a full manual UK licence (held for min 12 months)

• Are aged 18 or over

• Have fantastic people skills

• Can be flexible with working hours

A summary of benefits:

• Earn £34k+ with 7 hrs overtime a week

• Pay £12.45 per hr increasing to £12.78 per hr after 6 months & £14.27 after 12 months

• 10% night shift premium

• 25% overtime and weekend premium

• 5% contributory pension matched by us

• National retailers discount scheme

• Free bus travel & reduced rail travel

• Life assurance

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Discounted gym membership

SPS has been awarded the whole passenger transport contract for the HPC project until mid2027.

For full details and to apply visit our website at www.spsbus.co.uk or contact our Recruitment team at jobs@spsbus.co.uk

Hop into Spring Time with Stained Glass!

Our Spring Stained Glass Course is now open. No experience is necessary, all abilities welcome. Come and join us if you have an interest in this fascinating art. All aspects are covered; Leaded Lights, Stained Glass Painting and Copper Foiling. We are at the Bay Center in Burnham on Sea on Wednesday Evenings 6.30 to 9.pm. New Reduced Price per session £10.

The tutor Angie has been teaching and creating bespoke commissions for 30 years. Inquiries can be made through Angies Website: haremoonstainedglass.com or by Phoning her on: 07522185608

Every Thursday - Burnham U3A

Coffee morning

Burnham Community Centre (next to the Swimming Pool) between 10.00 and 12 noon. The U3A is open to anyone no longer in full time employment. Why not come along for coffee and

to see whether any of our many groups would be of interest? Membership is £12 p.a. with a small contribution to room rent for any group attendance. Further information is available on www.burnhamu3a.com

Tea/Coffee, Homemade Cakes & Sausage Rolls

Every Friday morning 10.3012pm at East Brent Village Hall. Tea/Coffee and either home made cake or sausage roll for £2.

Fresh fruit & Vegetable Van also in attendance from 11.30.

Contact Jan Ward 01278 760660.

Every Saturday - Coffee Morning at East

Huntspill Church Hall

Come along for a friendly chat and a coffee between 10.30am - 12noon.

For further information telephone 01278 786790

For a free no-obligation site visit, please call Jordan or Courtney

Highly competitive with wood pricesPLUSall the benefits!

An Egg-cellent Activity

A history of egg decorating

My seven-year-old Darcey sat, head bowed over an egg she was painstakingly covering in tiny glittery plastic gems, determined to win the class egg decorating competition. She looked up, “Why do we decorate eggs at Easter?” she asked. It’s a good question.

Humans have been decorating eggs for centuries. In the UK the practice can be traced back to early pagan rituals, celebrating the arrival of spring and new life.

One of the earliest records of egg decoration comes from ancient Persia, where eggs were decorated to celebrate New Year. As eggs are widely considered a symbol of fertility and rebirth, the tradition gradually spread to other cultures. It also made them a fitting representation of the themes of Easter, so Christians used eggs as a way to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In medieval Europe, it became common to give decorated eggs as gifts during the Easter season. Wealthier people gave eggs made of precious metals, enamel, and glass, decorated with intricate patterns and religious imagery. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the tradition of decorating Easter eggs became even more widespread. About this time people started to use wax resist techniques. This involves the application of a coat of one colour, followed by painting an intricate wax pattern on to the egg, then applying a second coat of a different colour. The wax resists the second glaze from adhering, which allows the painted design to show.

In many cultures, Easter egg decorating has taken on significance beyond its original seasonal and religious origins. In Ukraine, for example, the art of egg decorating using wax resist is known as pysanky and has become a highly skilled form of folk art. Pysanky feature intricate patterns and symbols that have deep cultural and spiritual meaning.

In Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries the jewellery firm Fabergé created extravagantly

decorated eggs for the Russian Imperial family. These are some of the most exquisite and rare treasures in the world, known for their beautiful, intricate design and delicate workmanship. The first Fabergé egg was commissioned in 1885 by Tsar Alexander III as an Easter gift for his wife. The egg is known as the “Hen Egg,” and was crafted from gold. Inside there was even a miniature replica of the imperial crown. The success of this first egg led to a series of annual commissions, each one more elaborate and detailed than the last. In total, 50 Fabergé eggs were created, symbols of the wealth and power of the Russian Imperial family. Today they sell for millions of dollars at auction.

My daughter’s glue-and-gem-encrusted offering may not rival the fabulousness of Faberge but she enjoyed taking part in an historic tradition. Many communities hold Easter egg decorating contests and festivals, where participants can showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. Perhaps there’s one in your local area. Whether as part of a church activity, or simply a fun family event, Easter egg decorating remains a beloved tradition that brings people together and celebrates the joys of spring and new beginnings.

By Gemma Peters

Walk this Way! The benefits of walking for exercise

Spring is in the air, so put at spring in your step too by getting out in the fresh air for a walk. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise as well as being FREE, good for these financially difficult times.

Improves Physical Health: Walking is lowimpact exercise that increases your heart rate, strengthens your muscles, and helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Enhances Mood: Walking releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that improve your mood and help to reduce anxiety and depression. Walking outdoors in nature is particularly beneficial, as studies have shown that exposure to green spaces enhances the mental health benefits.

Increases Energy Levels: Walking helps to boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue.

Regular walking can improve the quality of your sleep, increase your metabolism, and reduce sluggishness.

Boosts Cognitive Function: Walking has been proven help to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span. Regular walking has even been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Encourages Social Interaction: Walking with a group is social activity that encourages interaction with others. Walking with friends, family, or a regular walking group helps to increase motivation, accountability, and make walking a more enjoyable experience.

There are no downsides to walking. It’s kinder on the knees than running, requires no specialist equipment other than sturdy shoes and can be done at any time convenient for you, so, take a step towards better physical and mental health and start walking today!

By Cass Holton

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