LocalReach Portishead July 2022

FREE July 2022

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

Issue No. 1

CHURCH – page 4 HISTORY – page 7 COMMUNITY – page 8 GARDENING – page 9 PUZZLES – page 15 RECIPES – page 21 BOOKS – page 22 KIDS – page 25 BUSINESS A-Z – page 28

• Three and Four Wheeled Walkers • Wheelchairs • Bath Lifts • Rise and Recliner Chairs • Stairlifts • Mobility Scooters • Electric Wheelchairs • Cosyfeet Slippers and Shoes

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WELCOME TO LOCALREACH

Welcome…

Hello and welcome to the first edition of the Portishead LocalReach Magazine.

We have been delivering magazines throughout somerset for over 12 years, and this month we are really pleased to be launching in Portishead and surrounding areas.

The magazine is full of local businesses, advice and articles on various topics, puzzles and recipes. Plus, there are details of what’s going on in and around Portishead. Have a read and find out what events, groups, clubs and activities are available right on your doorstep. There’s something for everyone whatever your age! Please take a look and we really hope you enjoy and find it useful.

I would love to hear from you if you are holding a local event or run a local group, club or activity. If you have something of interest to the local community, please email the details to kim@localreach.co.uk. I will need anything for the August issue by 1st July please.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Ki m

Editorial deadline for the August issue is 1st July LocalReach Community Editor: Kim Batchelor

kim@localreach.co.uk

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Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we make no guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. We do not approve any of the services or products provided by advertisers in this magazine. Anyone using the products, services or advice from advertisers will need to carry out normal checks to make sure businesses are trustworthy and reliable. LocalReach Ltd 2022.

LocalReach Community Magazines are delivered by ROYAL MAIL every month. Your local postman delivers 15,596 copies door to door to all of Portishead/BS20 postcode area.

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CHURCH

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Living life to the full!

‘I have come in order that you might have life — life in all its fullness’. John 10:10 A six-year-old little girl sat at the back of a classroom drawing a picture one day. The teacher asked the girl what she was drawing. Without looking up, the girl said, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” Surprised, the teacher replied, “But nobody knows what God looks like.” The girl said, “They will in a minute.”

One of the most wonderful things about reading the Bible is that we get a rounded picture of the nature and character of God. Faith is presenting and offering us an opportunity of a new way of living.

To live life to the full it starts with Jesus; it starts with radical love.

Corrie ten Boom, the Holocaust survivor said, ‘There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still’. Even when she had seen the horrors of the Holocaust she some how knew the love of Jesus was within her: Jesus gives us an invitation for this new way of living in John 15:9 where he says, ’I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love’.

Faith helps us to understand where it all started; it gives us hope, purpose and determination. It helps us form heathy relationships. It gives us vision and wisdom for living. Faith challenges us to be faithful, courageous, and helps us deal with forgiveness. Faith is wrapped up in incredible freedom; it encourages us to take risks and ultimately live life to the full.

This is the invitation today to live within His love. This is where a radical way of living life to the full truly begins.

Jesus is truly amazing! Time Magazine called Him ‘the most persistent symbol of purity, selflessness and love in the history of western humanity. His life is the supreme example of love, and it was said of His time on earth that ‘all who touched Him were healed.’

Prayer: Lord, help me to discover more of who you are and your passion for my life. That I may know you and make you known so that I can live life to the full- the way you intended it to be.

Bear Grylls in his book Soul Fuel says of Jesus; ‘There is nothing in our lives that Jesus can’t provide, no wound so deep that His love won’t heal’.

We are today challenged: To live within His love, to share it with others and to live freely by His Grace.

Kindly provided by Chris James Leader of Enjoy Church, Lead Chaplain of Bristol Sport.

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

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Do I need a Stairlift? – If you have difficulty getting up and down stairs you are not alone. The decision to install a stairlift is sometimes a difficult one to take but, when compared with the alternative of moving or living on only one level of their home, many people have found a stairlift to be their preferred solution.

Why choose us? – Suttons Stairlifts aim to provide a reliable and prompt service to their valued customers. Thanks to personal recommendations from satisfied customers referring us to their friends and relations Suttons Stairlifts is now a wellestablished company committed to providing expert advice with a no-pressure selling policy, guaranteed!

Our Products and Services – We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts for either straight or curved stairs throughout the West Country, from Bath & Bristol right down to South Devon.

We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts as well as annual services and safety checks, repairs and removals.

What happens next? – We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time. Once you’ve made your decision we aim to install your lift within the week, or even the next day subject to availability.

With our comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a firstclass and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts.

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Online divorce – getting the financial side right The introduction of no-fault divorce in April has seen a 50% rise in applications – from couples waiting until they could end their relationship without having to apportion blame.

A new online service has also been launched, enabling you to handle your divorce yourselves for a fee of £593. However, we can do this for you for a small, fixed fee in most cases.

Taking specialist legal advice at an early stage is money well spent, ensuring you don’t miss anything or make a mistake that could back to haunt you.

What can go wrong with a DIY divorce?

It is possible to do the work yourselves, and it may seem like the obvious thing to do when you both agree on the division of assets, savings and investments, it’s important to be cautious.

Ensuring that financial matters have been resolved before applying for the final order (previously called the decree absolute) is vital to make sure you have a legally enforceable settlement.

Do we need a financial order if we agree on everything?

Yes. The legal ending of a marriage, however friendly, does not end the financial claims arising from that marriage.

A financial order details how finances will be divided between you when you divorce. This can include agreements in relation to the sale or transfer of the marital home, ongoing maintenance, the division of pensions and lump sum payments.

A judge in the Family Court can then approve this and once approved, neither of you – except in rare circumstances - can return to make a financial claim in the future. This is also known as a ‘clean break’ agreement.

A private verbal arrangement between the two of you does not carry this legal weight.

An initial meeting with one of our family lawyers can help give you clarity on your position.

No matter how amicable the split now, if your relationship deteriorates in the future – for example, your ex has a change of heart or fortune – they could still try to make a financial claim for financial provision or property adjustment.

For a free half hour consultation, contact Family Law Partner Mandy McCabe at mandy.mccabe@wards.uk.com or call our Portishead office on 01275 850460

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LOCAL HISTORY

Crime, Punishment and the Midsummer Assizes Whilst we are all familiar with magistrates’ courts (hopefully not from personal experience) these were previously known as the Petty Sessions, were held Assize judge arriving at the Town Hall in various places ©Wells Museum around the county and were presided over by a Justice of the Peace.

They dealt, as the name suggests, with small misdemeanours such as allowing your horse to stray onto the public highway or being drunk and disorderly and these usually resulted in a fine. In 1877, for example, a 12 year old boy was summoned for stealing apples from a garden in Weston-superMare and was fined 10s and ordered to pay 2d for the value of the apples. Bear in mind this would have been a considerable amount of money in 1877.

More serious offences such as theft, murder etc. were, until their abolition in 1971, dealt with in assize courts which were held in the main county towns and presided over by visiting judges from the higher courts based in London.

The courts were held 4 times a year and, in Somerset

the midsummer assizes were held in Wells and Bridgwater in alternate years. The court in Wells was held in the Town Hall and the judge would have been met by the High Sherriff, taken to the cathedral for a service and then to the court to open the formal document which gave him authority to hold the court. He would then have been taken to the judges lodging in New Street and the actual court business would take place the following day.

In many cases the offences committed, and the ensuing punishments, seem excessive by today’s standards. In 1860, for example, George Stitch was found guilty of stealing 50lb potatoes, valued at 1s 9d and was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment with hard labour in Taunton Gaol and in 1868 Fred Young a 22 year old labourer (and habitual offender) from Burnham was found guilty of stealing some bread and butter and sentenced to 7 years in prison. Rather surprisingly a girl found guilty of attempting to kill her father by poison in 1875 was also sentenced to 7 years imprisonment.

I presume that then, as now, there are different views about the severity of sentence that people deserve.

Kindly provided by Elizabeth Friend, Axbridge Archaeological and Local History Society. www.aalhs.co.uk

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Portishead Players Open Day – Saturday 2nd July Portishead Players, the local Amateur Dramatic Group are holding an open day and season review on Saturday 2nd July at 2-4pm at the Folk Hall, on the High Street.

Afternoon tea will be served and you’ll get details of their upcoming productions and how you can get involved. So if yo are interested in joining, on stage or off stage or just wanted to find out what productions are coming up this season go along. All are welcome and it is free to attend.

Memory Café – Tuesday 5th and 19th July The Memory Café is for anyone (and their carers) with dementia and memory problems It runs twice a month at Jubilee Day Centre in Portishead All are welcome and there is no charge – teas/ coffees and biscuits served during the afternoon.

There are regular professional performers such as “Alive” and they always get everyone singing and laughing. A big part of Memory Café is that both the person with memory problems and their carer join in together, so everyone is involved.

Go along and see what a special place this is at Jubilee Day Centre in Slade Road Portishead BS20 6BE on the first & third Tuesdays of the month at 2.15 pm – 3.45pm. So, in July that will be 5th and 19th.

Walking Group – Tuesday 5th, Tuesday 12th, Sunday 17th & Thursday 28th July The Gordano Footpath Group are a local footpaths group based in the Gordano Valley area of North Somerset. They cater for all abilities with walks varying from ambles of about 4 miles up to more strenuous walks of about 12 miles. Below are the walks they have planned for July • Tuesday 5th - Lower Redbrook for a 10-mile walk leaving at 9am • Tuesday 12th - Easter Compton for a 8 mile walk leaving at 9.30am • Sunday 17th - Wotton 3 Peaks for 7 miles walk leaving at 9am • Thursday 28th - Holford for 9 miles leaving at 9am.

Further details can be found on their website www.gordano-footpath-group.org.uk/ or call Christine Scruby on 01275 817139.

Gardening Services

Mitch

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GARDENING

Garden View This month - Gone to seed!

Choose a dry day with little or no wind. Select a healthy, pest and disease-free plant with seedpods which look as though they’re about to split.

Label a paper bag (it’s much easier to do this first) then cut off the seedhead and turn it upside down into the bag.

Place the bag into a dry place and wait for the seeds to ripen. Check regularly.

When most of the seedpods have opened, tip out the contents on to a dry surface and separate all the seeds from any remaining bits of pod.

Store the clean seeds in a small, labelled paper bag or envelope, in a cool dry place until ready to be used.

Easy seeds to collect and grow: Gardening is a hobby and, after a while, most people with hobbies find themselves experimenting. They get a bit creative and want to see if they can do something on the cheap, or for free, or simply find to out whether it’s possible to do something just for the simple pleasure of trying. Seed collecting falls into this category for me. Most seeds are not particularly expensive to buy, so why would I or anyone else want to collect our own?

Well I can’t speak for anyone else, but I get a real buzz from collecting seed, knowing that I can perpetuate a favourite plant without any outside involvement.

Sometimes I’ll collect seed with a fair degree of certainty that I’ll be able to raise hundreds of little seedlings, and sometimes I do it for the challenge, as not all seeds are easy to propagate.

If you want to have a go at seed collecting (and be warned, it’s a highly addictive pastime) then here are a few tips.

You will need: Large paper bags – Must be paper. Plastic bags won’t do as they retain moisture and cause the seeds to develop fungus or go mouldy. You can buy them from eBay or make your own from brown paper and artist’s paper tape.

Felt pen - for labelling. This is important as you will forget what you’ve collected even if you think you won’t!

Box or trug - for carrying the bags of seeds around the garden.

Nigella damascena (love-in-the-mist) Aquilegia (ladies bonnets Papaver (Poppy) Digitalis Purpurea (Foxglove) Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Cosmos bipinnatus (Cosmos), Lunaria annua (Honesty) You’ll soon discover many more. Happy collecting.

By Rachael Leverton

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Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!

I asked my son if he had heard of this expression - Nope! It basically means don’t throw something away which is still useful. I often get asked “Is my computer running slow?” I suppose the question is what is slow?

Many users only see their own computer so there is limited opportunity to compare like for like.

Is the starting of the computer slow? Do you have enough time to switch the kettle on between starting the PC and it being ready? Is the start up speed okay but accessing programmes is slow? Are the programmes okay but the email is slow, etc… The best solution depends on which process is running slow. To cut a long story short, identifying the problem is half way to finding the solution!

If the internet access is proven to be good then we move on to the computer itself (I include laptops & Desktops in this response). A knee jerk reaction may be to consider replacing the machine, hence the title above. Yes this should improve things, but at a high cost. With Covid reducing supply and costs rising, this can be an expensive option.

A second option may be to replace the machine with a second hand machine. This would reduce the high cost of a new machine; and there are some machines on the market which are powerful and would provide sterling service, however buyer-beware. It’s worth asking the question why is this machine for sale if it is a good performer?

The performance on most machines can be improved one way or another, without the need to replace the whole machine. Sometimes the better option is right under your nose (or on your PC desk). Most machines have the capability of running faster or more efficiently. So for most computers there is salvation. With a clean up here and few changes, performance can be improved.

It is worth asking advice before making that big step as there may be other considerations to take in to account. That is where we come in. Call T-Byte Computer Services to discuss your options for improving the running of your PC on 01275 814015.

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COMMUNITY

Portishead Horticultural Society – Tuesday 12th July

and interests of Portishead and the surrounding area.

The Portishead Horticultural Society have monthly members evenings with talks from gardening experts. The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at The Folk Hall. The July talk on 12th July will be a little different as our members will have a guided tour of the gardens at The Downs School in Failand with the Head Gardener, Jamie Caper. For more information visit www.portisheadhorticultural.org.uk or call 07989 140367.

This chamber matters. However, we can only continue as a chamber with the active engagement of the members. The chamber cannot function without member participation and engagement.

The committee are all volunteers. We are not paid for our time. Please help us help you.

Gordano Probus – Wednesday 13th July Gordano Probus club is for semi-retired/retired men who held a position of responsibility when working. They meet monthly every 2nd Wednesday at Clarence House, High St., Portishead at 12:30 till 3pm for a drink, a chat, a hearty meal and an interesting talk, sometimes with our ladies.

The speaker on July 13th is Terry Ransome, Yuri Gagarin, the 1st human in Outer Space New members are always welcome. Please contact Jim Bougnague on Tel: 01275 842259.

For more information, please visit the Gordano Probus website.

Attention Local Businesses - Meeting Wednesday 13th July All those with an interest in local Business and Portishead Chamber Members are invited to this meeting to discuss the future direction of the Portishead Chamber of Commerce and, in particular, to decide whether to: 1. Dissolve the chamber.

The meeting has been set for 6.00 pm on 13th July at The Poacher on High Street in Portishead. There will be good food provided. We very much look forward to meeting with all of you.

Open Air Concert – Friday 15th July That’ll Be The Day, the popular open air concert returns to Portishead Football Club. Doors open at 6.30pm ready for the music at 8pm. Tickets are £15 and available now through our Facebook page and from The Sports Shop and The Butchers Block Bakehouse on the High Street and Marks the Barbers up West Hill. Bring your friend’s, picnic and chairs and enjoy!

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2. Continue as an independent chamber, provided there are sufficient people who step forward to act as officers of the chamber, including President, Secretary, Membership Secretary¸ Events Organiser, Social Media.

Email hello@localreach.co.uk

3. To merge with other chambers, such as Westonsuper-Mare chamber to form a larger North Somerset Chamber.

Lines answered 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am – 6pm Sat & 10am to 4pm Sun.

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This has been an extremely challenging 2 years for us all and everyone has experienced that natural COMMUNITY MAGAZINES inclination to ‘bunker down’. As we emerge from the pandemic we have opportunities. This is your Independent, family run, Somerset based chamber and we are here to support you, local community magazine publishers since 2010. business and by extension the wider community www.localreach.co.uk | 11

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WC&P Railway Group - Friday 15th July Our group is for anyone interested in the history of the Weston, Clevedon & Portishead Railway. Our aims include keeping the memory alive, preserving the remains, building a collection of artefacts and photos, and installing interpretation boards. We have a regular newsletter, arrange occasional trips to railways, have an annual dinner, and hold meetings every other month with a speaker. Our next meeting is on Friday 15th July at 7.30 pm at St Andrew’s Church Centre, Old Church Road, Clevedon, BS21 7UF with speaker John CrockfordHawley: on ‘Town Planning and Local Railways’.

Visitors welcome - cost £2, members free. www.wcprgroup.org.uk

Portishead has entered for the South West in Bloom competition for the last 22 years and have been GOLD Award winners in every year since 2008. In 2018 Portishead won GOLD in the ‘Champion of Champions’ category in South West in Bloom. This year judging in Portishead is on Monday July 18th and Wednesday July 27th. Any help to get the town up to standard would be most welcome! Visit the website if you would like to get involved. www. portisheadinbloom.org.uk/ Good luck and fingers crossed for this year, and a massive thank you to all those making our town look so beautiful.

U3A – Tuesday 19th July Good Luck To Portishead in Bloom – Monday 18th & Wednesday 27th July PIB will be busy preparing this month for judging in July for RHS South West in Bloom and National Britain in Bloom. Britain in Bloom is the largest and most prestigious horticultural campaign in Europe. Started in 1963, it has grown to the size it is today due to the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers in local communities across the country. There are hundreds of communities involved in cities, towns and villages.

Calling all clubs, groups, schools, churches, associations.

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Woodspring u3a area includes all the towns and villages in and around Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea, Backwell and Yatton. U3a provides lots of activities for people who are retired or approaching retirement. Membership has increased in this last year and so has the list of activities. We are always looking to start new groups and welcome more members. It is an excellent way to meet people and make friends.

The next monthly meeting is at 2.15, Tuesday 19th July, at the Methodist Church Hall, Silver Street, Nailsea. The speaker is Dr Helen Frisby who will talk about the Traditions of Death and Burials. This will be a fascinating topic about English death, burial customs and rituals which have helped us from the Norman Conquest to the present day.

Dr Frisby has taught history at the University of the West of England. She has been on BBC Radio and The History Channel as well as a published author.

All details can be found on www.u3asites.org.uk/ woodspring/home

Bumps’ breastfeeding session – Tuesday 19th July Lots of our mums come while they are still pregnant to our popular ‘Bumps’ breastfeeding sessions.

These sessions give an opportunity to find out first hand from breastfeeding mums what to expect and get practical tips to make those early weeks of feeding go as smoothly as possible. We run ‘bumps’ sessions at Portishead at 11.30am at the Café Mamma Cafe Portishead Children’s Centre, St Barnabas Centre (the old St Barnabas School) West Hill, Portishead, the next session is on Tuesday 19th July.

Please book your place by emailing info. mammaonline@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

Are you a Bronze, Silver or Gold Chef?!

Musings of an OvenGleamer The Commonwealth Games are starting later this month in Birmingham and Worl Class athletes will be competing for hopefully a Gold Medal. But what sort of Chef are you?

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

More budding chefs (most of you) come in at least a Silver Medal standard. You’re great at using a hob and an oven with several pans boiling away on the hob top whilst a delicious joint is roasting away in the oven. You are classic multi-tasker with better time–management skills than me. My partner falls in this category – she does a mean Roast Beef, Yorkshire puddings and mountains of vegetables – all cooked to perfection and appearing on the table at the same time. For dessert she produces an apple pie out of oven with creamy custard. She then expects me, a professional oven cleaner, to clean our cooker?

Does she not understand that it’s my day off?

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

So where do you fit into my medal parade – are you a bronze, silver or gold medal Chef? I promise you a Gold Medal service, call today: Matt Reilly OvenGleamers on 01275 370571

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Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re a burden We live in an aging society. There are far more people aged over 65 in the UK today compared to a generation ago, and it’s a fact of life that our needs change as we get older. Why then, do we sometimes feel like a burden if we ask for help in our later years?

Age UK did some research into why people struggle in later life. They found that older people often feel excluded, or they exclude themselves, from the world around them.

This was because of a few things, such as people feeling their lives didn’t hold as much worth; feeling that the benefits of making a change were outweighed by the effort; and not knowing how to change things.

We all have bad days. But if you’re struggling every day with household tasks like paying bills, cooking or using the bathroom, or your emotions are getting the better of you, then it’s time to act. For support and guidance, call Age UK’s Advice Line any day of the year on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm).

When it comes to help in the home, it’s common for people only to seek help as a result of a fall, accident or near-miss. It’s also common for a spouse, carer or family member to take action on someone else’s behalf.

If you need adaptations in your home, such as new grab rails, ramps, or a walk-in bath, it can be hard to know where to start. If money is a concern, did you know there’s a grant available for those with a qualifying condition? Talk to the council or search online for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

Changes to your home don’t need to look unsightly either. Just because you’re adding grab rails or a raised toilet in your bathroom for example, doesn’t mean it will look like a hospital bathroom. You could see it as an opportunity to refresh and update one of the most important rooms of your house.

If you’re unsure about which supplier to use for home adaptations, talk to family and friends about who they might know. If you can get online, have a look on Checkatrade.com for local suppliers who other people recommend. Usually, smaller companies are cheaper than the bigger brands.

Be proactive. If you think you need some extra guidance or support, talk to someone. Think about what might help to make everyday life easier for you and seek it out. You’re not alone – there are so many people facing these same challenges. Asking for help is the first step towards making your life healthier, easier and happier.

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PUZZLES

Crossword

Across 1 Pierced, punctured (medical) (6) 4 Atones (6) 8 Squander (5) 9 Disciple (7) 10 Extend (7) 11 Divide in two (5) 12 Maze (9) 17 Regulations (5) 19 Authorise, enable (7) 21 Aid, assist (7) 22 Bestowed (5) 23 Plundered goods (6) 24 Catches, traps (6) Down 1 Furthest down (6) 2 Nasal hole (7) 3 Occurence (5) 5 Black water bird (7) 6 Pre-_____, before birth (5) 7 Brochette, spit (6) 9 Despicable (9) 13 Coy, reticent (7) 14 Nevertheless (7) 15 Blackmails (6) 16 Sips, gulps (6) 18 Slow tempo (musical term) (5) 20 Follower of ancient religion (5)

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COMMUNITY LOCALREACH

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Take a Dip Outdoors of lifeguards. Both types of swimming present an opportunity to exercise, explore the local countryside and visit new places to try different waters.

Swimming outdoors is beneficial for our physical health and our mental wellbeing. A study published in British Medical Journal Case Reports suggested that cold water swimming may be effective in the treatment of depression. The theory is that subjecting the body to the physical stress of cold water helps to adapt it to the stress response associated with depression and anxiety. While more evidence is needed for confirmation, so many people have reported the mood-enhancing benefits of open water swimming that specialist groups have been formed where swimmers offer mutual support and share their own experiences.

Outdoor swimming has become popular recently.

It is a simple, low-cost activity with minimal gear needs. It can be as easy as downloading a map of the best wild swimming places in the UK and heading off with your swimsuit and a towel.

‘Wild swimming’ refers to swimming in rivers, lakes, pools, the sea in more out-of-the-way locations with no lifeguard supervision, while ‘open water swimming’ refers to swimming in a river or lake within a designated area under the watchful eye

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True wild swimming requires no memberships, but there are registered clubs and swimming groups around the UK. The Outdoor Swimming Society’s membership grew by 36% in 2020. You don’t need to be fast or competitive, but you do need to be a competent swimmer.

If you are attending a supervised session, they are often in or near parks open to the public. Changing facilities can be limited so it’s better to arrive ready to swim, although there are readily available ‘modesty robes’ which can be purchased from sports shops.

Though there are no laws against being naked in public in England and Wales, venues can set their own rules and most require that you avoid nudity.

Supervised sessions often need to be booked in advance and swimmers are checked in and checked out by volunteers.

Whether you are wild swimming alone or open water swimming in a group it is advisable to wear a bright swim cap and a tow float. Some supervised venues insist on this in their rules. The floats and cap make you easy to spot if you get into difficulty, and as open water can be deep a tow float is a good floatation device if you get tired and need to stop for a while.

Bear in mind that water outside is cold, even in the summer months. You will adapt though, the more regularly you swim in open water. A wetsuit will help, and you can buy neoprene hats, gloves, and socks to protect you.

One advantage of supervised sessions is that the water quality is usually tested regularly to ensure maximum safety. They are a great place to start your outdoor swimming journey. Most sessions are run by volunteers who are passionate about open water swimming. They want you to be safe and get the most from your swim, so talk to them…then maybe offer to volunteer yourself.

By Gemma Brown

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LOCAL EXPERT COMMUNITY PAGE

PremTech Furniture Repairs – experts in domestic and commercial furniture repairs ‘Repair rather than renew’ is a growing mindset and we love to save families money by giving them the option of updating or repairing their old furniture, rather than buying mass produced new furniture. We hate to see good furniture go to waste.

We are a local, family run business that offer an affordable solution by providing our customers with furniture that looks and feels like new again.

We are used and recommended by global brands such as Furniture Village, DFS and Furniture Clinic for our repairs, restoration and renovation service in and around South Wales and the West of England. We specialise in repairing a wide range of furniture issues from seat boosts, replacement interiors, leather repairs, upholstery and much more.

We are happy to visit our customers in person to offer our advice and expertise where required and to provide a free of charge quotation before any work is agreed. For the majority of repairs, we can carry out the work in our customers homes, or we can offer a workshop repair (whereby we can collect and deliver the furniture back again).

Our delivery service is available to both individual customers and large furniture retailers.

Each technician offers over 20 years’ experience in the industry echoing the high level of expertise our company has to offer. We believe in keeping furniture alive and carry an integrity that promises every item of furniture is renewed to the highest quality standard.

It’s a real shame we live in such a throwaway society. Upgrading or renewing existing furniture is not only kinder to the environment but results in less expenditure with no compromise to quality.

We ensure that all pieces of furniture that come into our care, leave us in as close to perfect condition as we can possibly achieve.

For more information, see below. T 07497 391973, contact@ptfr.co.uk, www.ptfr.co.uk

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COMMUNITY

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Floral Art Demonstrations – Wednesday 20th July

at Clarence House in Portishead’s High Street at 12 noon on Wednesday July 20th.

Portishead Floral Art Society was established in Portishead over 40 years ago and are delighted to welcome you to join them at one of their up-andcoming demonstrations. They are always looking for new members , and would love you to join them and get involved. You can start as a visitor and become a member if you like it.

Membership £ 40.00 per year National Demo Evenings £ 12.00 per Visitor Other Evenings £ 5.00 Dates for Diary 20th July - ‘ What now’ - Sharon Dower 21st September - National Demonstrator Evening with Katherine Kear - ‘Rosabundance’ Doors Open 7pm at Somerset Hall, The Precinct.

Demonstration Starts 7.30pm For further information you can contact Nancy on 07968348116 or Alison on 01275 845322.

Congregate in the bar area for and hour of chat and good company and at 1pm move into the dining room for a splendid two course lunch. The usual brief, business meeting will be followed by Paul Evans who will entertain us.

Portishead Probus 73 – Wednesday 20th July Portishead Probus 73 will hold their July meeting

If you would like to give Probus a try, please ring David James on 07926 994614 or speak to any club member to find out more.

Macular Support Group – Thursday 28th July The macular society hold a support group meeting on the last Thursday of each Month from 2pm – 4 pm at the The Folk Hall, 95 High Street, Portishead.

Our groups provide information and support to those with macular disease, their family and friends.

Each one is a welcoming and compassionate place to learn about the support available, build your confidence, and better understand your own macular disease. And, of course, it’s a chance to make new friends who really understand what sight loss is like.

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Bereavement Drop-in Session – Thursday 28th July Grief can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Cruse bereavement offer support in various ways including a Portishead drop in session that takes place the last Thursday of every month between 10am – 12pm at the Methodist Church on the High Street – no need for appointments, just drop in and have a cuppa and speak to our volunteers. It’s a lovely venue and session and the volunteers are so great!

For more details visit www.cruse.org.uk/ or email Bristol&westonsupermare@cruse.org.uk

Portishead Summer Show – Saturday/ Sunday 30th & 31st July

COMMUNITY

Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPAs”) – Have you prepared yours yet?

Most people believe that their spouse or relative will automatically be allowed to make decisions about their health care needs if they were to be incapacitated; or their property and financial affairs if unable to act.

This is not the case!

These are just some ways the government will disregard your wishes if you become incapacitated and don’t have an LPA in place: • You’ll be denied access to your bank accounts and you will have to apply the Court of Protection to access your finances, including any pension or insurance payments which is costly.

• The Local Council will make decisions on your health care needs, including end of life care.

• You won’t be able to sell your property.

The Portishead Summer Show is run by the Portishead Horticultural Society and this year’s Show which is being held on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July will be the 159th Show!

We can prepare new LPAs for you or carry out a free review of your current documents to ensure they still meet your needs.

The Show is a combination of a traditional flower and produce show and a country fair. It is an opportunity for the Portishead community to come together and showcase local talent with over 300 horticultural, handicraft, cookery and photography classes. In addition to the classes there is a packed programme of attractions including the Hogg Show, a Mobile Farm, the fabulous Aldabra Tortoises and the Shetland Performance Display Team. We will also be hosting a Companion Dog Show with 15 classes.

On the entertainment front, The Chicken Teddys make a welcome return on the Saturday, plus the Barnacle Buoys and a local band from Portishead will play.

Micky Finn on the Sunday. In addition to the Stepping Stones School of Dance and Children’s Fun Sports with SK4. There will also be Punch and Judy Shows on both days, which are popular with the children and adults!

There’s plenty of refreshment options too so there really is something for all ages. This is a great community event so do try to get along.

For more info and to purchase tickets see www.portisheadsummershow.com

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COMMUNITY

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Give Bowling A Try – Mondays The Portishead Bowls Club are offering people the opportunity to come along to try bowls. They are always looking for new members and unlike a lot of sports, age and gender have less of an effect, so consequently it is suitable as a fun activity for the whole family.

It is also a great way to improve your fitness levels and mental well being. It is easy to take up, is relatively inexpensive and really sociable. Just pop along to the Lake Grounds on a Monday morning at 10am to try the sport. You will find a really warm welcome. www.Portisheadbowlingclub.org.uk

Dance Fusion – Every other Monday at 6pm Get fit at Gordano Sports Centre with Dance Fusion a fast paced exercise class, a fusion of Latin and Commercial dance styles to get you sweaty and smiling your butt off! Visit www.gordanosportscentre.org.uk/

Creche at Portishead Youth Centre – Mondays and Tuesdays Fancy a couple of hours to yourself, well Portishead Youth Centre offers a creche for children 12 weeks to 4 years on Mondays 9am -12pm and Tuesdays 9am to 11am. Your children will be in safe hands with qualified experienced staff and will experience plenty of engaging activities, including singing, arts & crafts, role play and sensory activity, as well as free play. Visit picktime.com/portisheadcreche to book your child’s place or email mail@ portisheadyouthcentre.co.uk

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Senior Citizen’s Social Sessions – Mondays and Wednesdays Portishead Youth Centre is not just for the young you know?! On Monday’s Senior’s can call in for coffee, cake and companionship between 1.30pm and 3pm. Go along relax and meet some new faces - all are welcome.

Wednesdays there is a lunch and activity club between 1pm and 2.30pm.

You can enjoy lunch and optional weekly activities, such as card games, bingo, board games and more. £2 per week for activities. For more information call 01275 842461.

Activities for Year 7 plus – Mondays & Tuesdays Portishead Youth Club is open to year 7 plus on Mondays and Tuesday evenings 6.30pm – 9pm.

Monday, there is street dancing from 6.30-7.30pm and other activities including crafts baking and games.

Tuesdays you can take part in Dungeons and Dragons, skateboarding, music recording sessions, crafts and games.

Book your space online at www.picktime.com/ youthclub or email stephf@portisheadyouthcentre. co.uk for more information

Portishead Rotary Club – Tuesday Portishead Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the Albion Pub (Bristol Road) 7pm for 7.15 pm.

Everyone is welcome to join – we are club where we support the local community and also international projects/disasters. In the last 3 months we have raised £6000 for Ukraine to supply medical items to hospitals in Ukraine.

No dress code we just want people to come join us and be willing to support the many charitable projects we get involved with during the year – our main one being our annual Swimathon where before Covid we had over 550 swimmers on the day Also we have social events and enjoy sports such as skittles and boules.

Interested? please Contact Paul Darling 07985 016673 email Pauldarling321@icloud.com

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RECIPE

Ratatouille The taste of summer for supper Method: Chop the aubergines into chunks about 2.5cm square. Cut the courgettes into 2.5cm thick slices.

De-seed the peppers and cut these into bite-sized chunks.

Preparation time: 30 mins Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 aubergines 4 small courgettes 2 red peppers 4 large tomatoes 4 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed ½ tsp sugar salt and freshly ground black pepper small bunch basil, torn

Peel the tomatoes - score a cross in the base of each tomato and place them in a heatproof bowl. Pour over enough boiling water to cover and set aside for one minute. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, peel away the skins. Roughly chop the flesh.

Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole dish and add the chopped onions. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown and tender.

Add the aubergines and courgettes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the peppers, garlic, sugar, some salt and pepper and half the basil and mix well. Cover and cook over a very gentle heat for 20 minutes.

Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for a further 10 minutes. Scatter the ratatouille with the remaining basil and serve with crusty garlic bread or Focaccia.

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BOOK REVIEW

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A Good Read

Hamnet

By Maggie O’Farrell This novel is the fictional retelling of the life of Anne Hathaway, who was married to William Shakespeare. The bard is never actually named in the book, which forces us to concentrate on Anne.

Shakespeare left no documentation about his personal life: if he wrote diaries, they are lost. This leaves O’Farrell free to use her imagination within an historical context.

Agnes - pronounced ‘Anyis,’ also known as Anne, is a farmer’s daughter, who is married for love to a younger man with few obvious prospects. She is a gifted herbalist with psychic abilities, whose confidence and self-assuredness marks her out among women of her time. He is the son of a bully, with a love of the intricacies of language and a penchant for wordy puns. They certainly make an unusual couple.

O’Farrell’s novel comprises of a series of interwoven short stories, centring on each of the characters.

Some of the earlier stories involve Anne’s extended family of in-laws, which whom the couple live following her first pregnancy, and her arrangements for her husband to seek his fortunes in London, while she’s pregnant with twins. In spite of their separation, the couple remain close until one of the twins, Hamnet, dies aged 11. The stories then centre on their shared grief and the strain this puts on their relationship, which culminates in him publishing his most famous tragedy, ‘Hamlet.

O’ Farrell writes beautifully and if you like attention to historical detail coupled with elegant storytelling 22 | www.localreach.co.uk

then you’ll love this book. If you prefer a spare, more fluid style of writing then you might find the going a little slow. O’ Farrell also adopts the trend of writing women from history as possessing contemporary traits. I didn’t find this an issue, but I can imagine purists wondering if Anne really would have been quite as liberated as she’s written here.

A wonderful read for history-lovers with a satisfying ending.

Through the Mirror Door

By Sarah Baker

Books like ‘The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe’ ‘The Secret Garden’ and ‘The Ghosts of Motley Hall’ are timeless children’s novels which immerse the reader in another world. This was Sarah Baker’s entry into this particular genre of children’s literature, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Angela is orphaned and living in foster care when she’s invited on a family holiday with a distant aunt.

Whisked away to crumbling manor house in France, she’s bullied by her cousins, Kitty and Fliss. Angela feels isolated and lonely in the spooky house until she discovers Julien who becomes her only friend.

But Julien is in danger, and she has to keep him a secret. His life is at stake, and Angela is the only person who can save him. As Angela races against time to save her friend, she also has to cope with the nefarious plans of her aunt and cousins.

This delightful, spookily dark story is ultimately an uplifting tale about the power of friendship. And it has a nice twist at the end too.

By Tash Donovan

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Café Mamma – Tuesdays 10-11.30am Café Mamma is a weekly drop-in café for local families, providing support, encouragement and information to breastfeeding mums. It is a place where mums can meet with other mums, as well as with trained peer supporters, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We are open every Tuesday morning, from 10am to 11.30am at: Portishead Children’s Centre.

St Barnabas Centre (the old St Barnabas School) West Hill, Portishead

Yummy Mummies Exercise for new mums – Wednesdays Physio Flow Yoga Studio, unit 10, Kestrel court, Portishead.

• Are you a new Mum whose unsure what exercises to do safely post baby?

• Want to feel a sense of the pre-baby you?

• Finding it hard to fit in a workout as a new Mum with baby in tow?

COMMUNITY

a non-sectarian, non-political and non-fundraising organisation confining its activities to the social, educational and welfare needs of its members.

There is no maximum age, and the minimum age can be as low as 55. They would love to welcome new members so get in touch and find out more.

Gordano Probus meets on the second Wednesday every month at Clarence House, Portishead from 12.30 - 3.00 for a drink, a meal and an interesting talk. Our next talk on July 13th will be Yuri Gagarin, the first human in outer space by Terry Ransome.

Interested men should contact Jim Bougnague for further details jim.bougnague@gmail.com or 01275 842259

Advice & Support for Year 8 plus Wednesdays Wednesday night at Portishead Youth Club is a advice and support session covering topics such as LGBTQ+, mental health and well being and independent living skills. It is for those in Y8 and above and takes place 6.30-9pm with free entry.

Book your space online at www.picktime.com/ youthclub or email stephf@portisheadyouthcentre. co.uk for more information.

• Want to meet other like-minded new mums and have a little “me” time?

If you resonate with the above - Yummy Mummies Mum & Baby class is for you! A class specially designed for new mums to help you safely return to exercise post birth in a fun and friendly class – and babies can come too*! This class focusses on restoring your core and pelvic floor and gradually building up your strength, helping you reconnect to your body after birth – and re-energising you to be the best Mummy you can be!

Sessions run in blocks (“terms”) so Mummies can get to know one another, and you will have the best chance of getting results! For full details visit sophieheath.co.uk/classes/view/32

Gordano Probus - Wednesdays

Calling all clubs, groups, schools, churches, associations.

We want your news, events & info each month.

We provide this service FREE OF CHARGE! Email kim@localreach.co.uk

Gordano Probus Club located in Portishead is a club for retired / semi-retired men who have held some form of responsible position COMMUNITY MAGAZINES in the community and who appreciate some social interaction Independent, family run, Somerset based with other like-minded men. Membership is not community magazine publishers since 2010. restricted to business or professional men. Probus is www.localreach.co.uk | 23

COMMUNITY

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Portishead Choral Society – Thursdays

After School Drop in For Y6+ – Fridays

Portishead Choral Society is a friendly, choral society with close links to the community. They are dedicated to singing and providing performances of mostly classical music in four voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). They are delighted to be singing together again after the break enforced by the pandemic and rehearse at Portishead Methodist Church, on Thursday evenings, starting at 7.30pm.

Hard week at school drop into Portishead Youth Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on a Friday and wind down and chill with your friends. Email stephf@ portisheadyouthcentre.co.uk for more information

The society is always keen to welcome singers of all voices: sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.

Prospective younger members are especially welcome.

Pre-natal Support Portishead Youth Centre is now offering pre-natal support. They offer a 7-topic pick & mix course covering everything you need to know in preparation for birth and parenthood. Suitable for new and experienced parents. The classes are delivered by qualified mid-wife Nicki Henninghan who has 20 years experience.

There are no formal auditions, and previous experience of choral singing isn’t required, although the ability to sing in tune, and to read music, even if only at a basic level, are helpful! If you are thinking about joining, please do go along to a rehearsal to see what it is like. You will be warmly welcomed.

For more information on the content of the course please email mail@portisheadyouthcentre.co.uk

Please let them know in advance that you are coming by emailing chairman@portisheadchoral. co.uk

The Gordano Civic Society is an active voice in Portishead and the surrounding Gordano valley too with its aim to enhance and retain the character of the town.

The Society has a keen interest in retaining the heritage of the town and is active is preserving and restoring the history of the place, as well as looking forward and commenting on future plans for the town.

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The Gordano Civic Society

Through our publication Posset Pieces, we record the history, people and industrial past of Portishead.

We have recently been proactive in creating a heritage centre of the town, a place where our past is displayed and also historic records archived.

Recently opened, the Sandy Tebbutt Heritage centre is based in the Folk Hall in the High Street.

We hold monthly meetings in Somerset Hall from September onwards to listen to speakers on many topics of local interest and intrigue. The mid-meeting break is the place to catch up on your friends and neighbours and share stories and knowledge of the area. We will be present at the annual Flower Show on 30th & 31st July in the Flower Field, Portishead.

If you are interested in local history, building, family history, conservation etc., or in present day planning, look at our website www.gordanosociety.org.uk where you will find details of our meetings, activities and publications.

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KIDS’ PAGE

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LOCALREACH

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The Year of the Bikini Body most of our holidays covered up with a T shirt or a towel.

Fast forward twenty years, three children and two years of COVID weight gain later and the pale, pearshaped body of my youth is now a distant dream.

Oh, how I wish I’d appreciated at the time!

When I was younger, I used to spend hours with my friends fretting over how to get the perfect bikini body before our girls’ getaway holiday. I’d berate myself for not having long slender limbs and an ample bosom like my friend Claire, as I scrutinised my pasty pear-shaped figure in the mirror for signs of cellulite. I’d imagine everyone on the beach was mocking me in my choice of swimwear and spent

Yet oddly in 2022 as holiday destinations open up again and we’re all yearning for a bit of sun, sand, and sangria, I feel more liberated than my anxietyridden 20-year-old self. Collectively we’ve all been to hell and back; we’ve lost loved ones, homeschooled our kids, openly our discussed mental health issues with strangers on the internet during lockdown, and the trend definitely seems to be towards being kinder to each other and ourselves.

We’re getting our lives back and our lives are for living, not worrying about our muffin tops and cellulite. The secret to a bikini body in 2022 is to put your body in a bikini…and that’s it.

Choose your swim wear in a colour you love and that you feel fabulous in. Choose a skimpy two piece or a shape-supporting one-piece, but whatever your choice wear it with confidence. Don’t let the judgement of others, real or imagined terrorise you into covering up and feeling miserable. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Your body is yours. It is nobody else’s business. Feel that sun on your skin and rejoice.

Calling all clubs, groups, schools, churches, associations.

Don’t try to starve your body into submission before your holiday. Holidays are meant to be relaxing and fun and goodness knows we all need some relaxation and fun right now. Your amazing body has come through two of the most stressful years in living history and you survived. Give yourself a pat on the back and let your hair down.

We want your news, events & info each month.

And for goodness’ sake don’t hang out on any social media sites where ‘influencers’ post #nofilter pics of themselves looking like catwalk models. It’s all #abunchoflies. Life is real and raw and we’re going to live it anyway…our way.

We provide this service FREE OF CHARGE! Email kim@localreach.co.uk

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The choice of beach wear this year is amazing.

There are supportive bra-sized sets for women who have bigger boobs. There are some gorgeous swimsuits with pretty details and cut outs and (my favourites) cute beach tops and skorts for those who feel more comfortable a bit more covered up but still want to swim and run around with the kids on the beach. There really is something for everyone.

So put on your new bikini, slap on your suntan lotion, and feel the sand between your toes.

Congratulations. You now have a bikini body.

By Cass Anderson

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Gordano Sports Centre Our Portishead gym facilities operate on 1-hour time slots and bookings for the gym and all fitness classes, including Zumba, Pilates, Circuits and more, are made online via the app.

Court hire can be made online as well as by phone and our full opening hours are: Early Morning Gym: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7am – 8am Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 4.30pm – 10pm & Friday 4.30pm – 9pm Weekends: Saturday -8.30am – 6pm & Sunday 8:30am – 8pm email sportcentre@gordanosportscentre.org.uk or telephone 01275 843942

Model Flying Club The Avon Model Flying Club (AMARC) has been in existence for over forty-five years and currently has a membership of over 80. If you want to learn more about our club, you can take part in one of our regular meetings. You do not have to be a member

Stay Cool this Summer

UK houses don’t have air con as a rule. So how do we stay cool when the temperature rises?

Think inside out - Drink and eat cold things! Iced water, tea and squash will keep you hydrated and cool. Try chilled watermelon, grapes, and sorbets.

Make healthy lollies from diluted cordial with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber.

Poor man’s air con - Fans don’t cool air; they move it around. So put a bowl of iced water in front of your fan. This will cool the air blowing over the bowl and make the room feel cooler. If you have a ceiling fan make it spin anti-clockwise to create a cooling effect. The opposite is true in the winter.

COMMUNITY

to attend the meeting. Based in Weston in Gordano club members fly most days from 10:00 to dusk. We fly aircraft, helicopters, gliders and drones. Don’t worry if you can’t fly, we have qualified instructors and experienced members who are only too willing to help get you off to a flying start. We welcome juniors and adults. Limited club memberships are available (Juniors £10 pa, Adults £55 pa).

For more information contact Nigel Kent 07736004464 or email secretary@amarc.co.uk

Portishead Cruising Club Portishead Cruising Club is an RYA affiliated sailing club for racing/cruising yachts. The atmosphere within the club is friendly and informal, with membership made up of families, couples and individuals. Interests range from “Cruise in Company” weekends to racing to blue water cruising. There’s also an extensive social itinerary, with club nights, parties and talks held throughout the year. We welcome new members, whether boat owners or crew/social members.

Contact the club via the website pccsail.com/ home/ or email c@pccsail.com Refrigerate your pillowcase - I am not joking. Pop your clean cotton pillowcases into the fridge and put them on your pillow just before bed. It feels great against your skin. You can also keep clean damp flannels or linen tea towels in the fridge and use them to cool your face and the back of your neck.

Be smart with windows - There is a reason many houses abroad have heavy shutters. They shade a home’s windows to prevent heat from getting in in the first place, keeping the house cool during the day.UK houses don’t generally have shutters, but a white-backed blind or thick curtains will definitely help. At night if you sleep on the first floor or above and it’s possible and safe to do so, open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a through draft.

Avoid using heat indoors - Eat cold food, or grill outdoors. If you have to cook indoors, try a slow cooker or Microwave which generate much less external heat. Avoid using the tumble dryer by hanging clothes outside.

Stay cool guys.

By Tom Hancock

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