LocalReach Wedmore May 2023

Based in the picturesque village of Cheddar. We are a husband-and-wife team and have gained our knowledge and experience working over 40 years between us in the bathroom retail, design and manufacturing industry.

Whatever the size of your space or your budget, we are here to help with anything from product advice to a full bathroom re-design. Everything in our extensive product range is also available to buy separately.

From product advice to a full bathroom re-design, we are delighted to help you with your bathroom plans.

Whatever the size of your space or your budget, we’re here to help. Visit our Showroom today!

Join our army of LocalReach Community Editors...

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

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

LocalReach is now on Facebook - go to www.facebook.com/localreachcheddar

Are you looking for more business?

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

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

Community Notices are free of charge

Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page

Deadline is 1st May for the June issues

Advertising from only £18+vat pm Email hello@localreach.co.uk or call 01934 312171

Deadline is 1st May for the June issues

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

Garden View

This month - Aquilegia

There is something quite lovely about Aquilegias, bobbing in the breeze. They provide exquisite flowers, which a great for cutting, in May and early June, and come in a variety of colours. Even the foliage is attractive.

Known as Granny’s bonnet or Columbine, this delicate-looking flower is actually and undemanding hardy perennial, is unfussy about soil and tolerant of full sun, or partial shade. What’s not to like? The plants grow to about 60cm so work well in the middle of a border, where they will happily self-seed and spread the joy.

If you want to plant seedlings rather than seeds, sow thinly on to moist compost in a seed tray. If they are slow to germinate, they may need stratification, the posh word for subjecting seeds to a cold - warm cycle to trick them into thinking they have been through a cold winter. Cover the seed tray with polythene and put in a fridge at 0-5°C for two to three weeks. Remove the tray and place in a greenhouse or on a windowsill at approx. 18-21°C.

Remove the polythene when the seeds start to germinate. Transplant the seedlings into 7cm pots and allow to grow on into sturdy plants. Plant out in the border about 45cm apart in groups of three –five plants for a more naturalistic look. However, at this time of year I just sow directly outdoors, where I want them to flower.

If you are planting established plants from a garden centre, remove the packaging and stand the pots upright in a bucket of water for 20 minutes, to give the roots a good drink. Then plant in prepared ground in small groups.

Once the aquilegia plants have established, they shouldn’t need additional watering. You might want to cut back the foliage after flowering if the leaves are beginning to look scruffy. Give the plant a drink and a mulch of compost, and it will reward you with a fresh flush of foliage in a few weeks.

Aquilegias need very little after care once they are established. They will self-seed and although offspring rarely look like their parents, they will still be very pretty. I personally like the naturalistic look.

The plant is a member of the poisonous Ranunculus family and all parts of the plant, including the seeds, are poisonous if ingested.

To collect the seeds from your aquilegia plants, wait for the flower to die back to an attractive papery seed head. Use a paper bag to hold over the stem and tap until all the seeds land in the bag. Alternatively cut the stems and hang upside down inside a large paper bag to dry and catch all the seed in the bag. Store in a paper envelope once they are completely dry and label carefully, noting that they are toxic if eaten.

Aquilegias are quintessential cottage garden favourites with nectar-rich flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and moths. This makes them a fantastic, easy-to-grow wildlife-friendly choice.

By Rachael Leverton

Bee MumFit

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

First Class Retirement Living At Sandford Station

Nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Sandford Station is a rural retirement village set in twelve acres of beautiful North Somerset countryside.

With the former Sandford and Banwell railway station as its focal point, the beautifully landscaped site has a range of purpose-built one, two and three bedroom apartments.

Sandford Station

ST MONICA TRUST

Enjoy a full and active retirement at Sandford Station in North Somerset

Each self-contained apartment has been created to blend practicality with ease of living. Wide doorways open onto generous hallways to allow easy access to the light and airy interiors. Clever floorplans include design features that make the best use of space, such as the twin doors of a Jack and Jill bathroom to create en-suite facilities. Storage has not been overlooked with built-in wardrobes and closet space throughout.

With properties from £190,000 find out more about village life by calling 0117 919 4250, or visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk for details of available properties.

Step outside your apartment and become part of a friendly and welcoming community where you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social circles and explore new interests and hobbies. Sandford Station really does offer the best of both worlds – on-site amenities and activities so you can enjoy a full and active retirement; yet peaceful enough for those days when you just want to sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of the birds singing in the nearby apple orchards.

Sandford Station is owned and operated by the St Monica Trust, a Bristol-based charity providing accommodation, care and support for older people in Bristol and the surrounding counties. Across all of the Trust’s retirement villages and care homes, our commitment to providing older people with the best experience of ageing is as important today as it was for our founders over a century ago.

To find out how you could enjoy a first class retirement at Sandford Station book your place on a guided tour now by calling 0117 919 4250. You can also visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk for more information, to watch an aerial tour and see details of available apartments.

Sandford Station

Enjoy a full and active retirement at Sandford Station in North Somerset

With properties from £190,000 find out more about village life by calling 0117 919 4250, or visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk for details of available properties.

202151

LEASEHOLD, RENTAL AND SHARED OWNERSHIP OPTIONS

Community fee and reinstatement fee apply

Registered Charity 202151

Registered Charity

Cheddar Arts @ King’s Theatre –Summer Season 2023

Our summer cinema season begins on Friday 28th April with Living, starring Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood and Tom Burke. The story of an ordinary man who, after years of office routine, receives a terminal diagnosis and decides to turn his dull life around to achieve something wonderful. Tickets are available online at www.thelittleboxoffice. com/cheddararts

The doors of Kings Theatre at the Kings of Wessex School open at 6:45pm and performances begins at 7:30pm. For queries and help, email. cheddararts@gmail.com

Local MP pinned to the church wall

On 29th April at noon in Axbridge Parish Church, Andy Hebden, local conservatist, will explain how the memorial to Thomas Prowse 18th century MP was renovated and made safe - by being re-attached to the wall. The short presentation will be followed by the AGM of the Friends of Axbridge Church and light refreshments in the Church Rooms. Nonmembers and the curious are all welcome to come along.

Coffee, Plant and Crafts sale

Monday 1st May, 10:00am – 12noon at Stook House Farm, Littlemoor Road, Mark. TA9 4NL. Two miles from Mark Church - sign on gate. Proceeds to Cancer Research UK.

www.justgiving.com/maydaycoffeemorning

Winscombe and Sandford Coronation Celebration Weekend 5th to 7th May

All welcome in The Giant Marquee and Grassed area of Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1HP

Friday 5th May: Celebration Concert hosted by Winscombe-Folk-Club, 7:00pm. Tickets £7 from Winscombe Post Office /Wine Shop, cash only.

Saturday 6th May: 2:00pm - 6:00pm, BYO Picnic. Bring your neighbours/family/friends and join the Nation for THE CORONATION BIG LUNCH, Winscombe Community Choir, Children’s Entertainer, Family scavenger hunts, Short Tennis Disco. Free entry.

6:10pm: Avon and Somerset Police Horse Naming Ceremony. Come and meet ’Sandford’.

6:30pm - 10:45pm: Live Bands, BBQ and Bar. Entry only by wristband, £3, cash only from Farron’s / The Wine Shop and Sandford Stores also on the Marquee door.

Sunday 7th May: 11:00pm, Churches together, Coronation All age Service, All Welcome. 12:30pm: BYO picnic community lunch. 1:30pm: The Big Coronation Quiz on a royal theme. Free entry

See posters in village shops / Leaflet through your door. For info email alisonparmj@aol.com

Welcoming new patients

Welcoming patients

713013 appointments@wedmoredental.co.uk

Welcoming new patients

wedmoredental.co.uk 01934 713013 appointments@wedmoredental.co.uk

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult – property next to river Yeo. Entrance £2.50 for coffee/tea and cake. Entry at own risk –beware of uneven surfaces inside and out. Plants, cakes, craft, raffle, tea and coffee and live music.

Welcoming new patients

Welcoming new patients

Wedmore Dental Practice

wedmoredental.co.uk 01934 713013 appointments@wedmoredental.co.uk

Wedmore Dental Practice

wedmoredental.co.uk 01934 713013 appointments@wedmoredental.co.uk

wedmoredental.co.uk 01934 713013 appointments@wedmoredental.co.uk

Wedmore Dental Practice

U3A Plenty to Enjoy in the Merry Month of May

Jennifer Morecroft Practice Principal, BDS MCGDent

Jennifer Morecroft Practice Principal, BDS MCGDent

Wedmore Dental Practice

Practice Principal, BDS Associate, BDS MFDS PGCert (Endo) MSc Infection Control

4th May at 2:00pm, our AGM is in the Community Pavilion, Sharpham Road, Cheddar. ‘Have your say’ or better still participate in running Cheddar Valley u3a. This is followed by the intriguingly titled talk, ‘ Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway’. On 14th May, many members set off on holiday to Kent. Our ever popular Coffee Morning is on Thursday 18th May in Cheddar Village Hall from 10:00am – 11:30am. A day trip to Plymouth is planned for June – put your name down now! Email membership@cheddarvalleyu3a.org.uk

Jane Fello Hygienist, EDH

Associate, BDS MFDS PGCert (Endo)

Jennifer Morecroft Practice Principal, BDS MCGDent

Alison Chapman Associate, BDS MFDS PGCert (Endo) MSc Infection Control

A Alison Chapman Associate, BDS MFDS PGCert (Endo)

DPDS

N Nikolai Stankiewicz Associate, BDSc DPDS MCGDent MSc Infection Control

S Sally Cantwell Hygienist, Dip DH

Wedmore Dental Practice MSc Infection Control Hygienist, EDH

J Jane Fellows Hygienist, EDH

Better teeth for better health

Better teeth for better health

Better teeth for better health

Better teeth for better health

Better teeth for better health

Coronation House, The Borough, Wedmore, BS28 4EG

Better

for better

Coronation House, The Borough, Wedmore, BS28 4EG

Coronation House, The Borough, Wedmore, BS28 4EG

Coronation House, The Borough, Wedmore, BS28 4EG

Coronation House, The Borough, Wedmore, BS28 4EG

How safe is internet banking?

With the closure of many high street bank branches, internet banking is seen as a convenient way to manage your bank accounts, but how safe are these accounts?

In reality they are very safe as long as the devices that access internet banking are not compromised by a third party, with your unwitting help.

Most banks now rely on either a card reader which requires insertion of your bank card or a telephone as a way of approving payments, so should you want to send money, you will be required to insert your debit card into a reader, receive a text message / phone call from the bank, or have a small pin pad device that generates a code. So in theory, even if somebody got into a person’s internet banking, the would not be able to transfer money out with the approval on a secondary device. So in answer to my question, yes, internet banking is very safe, but scammers have been known to hoodwink people into approving outgoing payments, so be very wary if any third party wants you to approve a payment – speak to your bank, or even a friend or relative before doing this – it could save you a lot of money.

As always, computer security is a must and having your computer fully up to date with Windows or Mac operating systems is essential for security and reliability. The current latest version of Windows is Windows 11, version 22H2 and Mac OS latest version is Ventura. For anybody on Windows 10 or older versions of MacOS, please get in touch if you would like help on upgrading.

The Top Five Things Your Never Wanted To Know About BBQing

#1. Is it BBQ or Barbecue? Barbecue derives from the word barabicu found in the language of the Taíno people of the Caribbean and the Timucua of Florida, and entered European languages in the form barbacoa. The word translates as “sacred fire pit.” The word describes a grill for cooking meat, consisting of a wooden platform resting on sticks. Traditional barbacoa involves digging a hole in the ground and placing some meat (usually a whole goat) with a pot underneath it, so that the juices can make a hearty broth. It is then covered with maguey leaves and coal and set alight. The cooking process takes a few hours.

#2. The first commercially produced barbecue sauce was made by the Georgia Barbecue Sauce Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Its sauce was advertised for sale in the Atlanta Constitution, January 31, 1909. Heinz released its barbecue sauce in 1940. It now comes in three varieties: Classic, Sweet and Sweet & Spicy.

#3. Each year Environmental Health officers see a characteristic rise in the number of food poisoning cases through the summer period. When investigated, there is often one common factor - the barbecue!

#4. SAFETY TIP: In recent years there have been a number of fatalities and injuries as a result of people bringing BBQs into enclosed spaces and being overcome by carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous substance which is created when fossil fuels such as gas and solid fuels like charcoal and wood fail to combust fully due to a lack of oxygen. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it but it can kill quickly with no warning.

#5. In a recent survey of our clients 98% of them had never cleaned their BBQ! But don’t worry your BBQ can be restored to its clean, non-grease laden state in 2 – 2 ½ hours without you having to lift a finger – well not true – you have to pick up the phone and call Graeme Robertson at OvenGleamers on 01934 440032

If you’re thinking about going abroad, ask us about our Travel Health Service

Colour therapy

Colours have both a psychological and an emotional effect on us. We are surrounded by colours in nature and they change with the seasons. In the Springtime we experience fresh bursts of yellows, lilacs and blues. The Autumn hosts some mellow oranges, deep reds and browns.

Reds can invigorate you, Yellow is the colour of happy sunshine, Orange can enliven. Calming Blues can help soothe the mind. Green is the colour of nature. Different shades, tones and saturations of colour can affect mood and psychology in subtle ways and combining colours can be quite impactful and dramatic or harmonising.

Wherever your adventure takes you, we are here to provide you with essential travel vaccinations, advice and treatments.

See our advert below to see what travel treatments we offer.

Call or visit the pharmacy to book your appointment today!

Address: The Square, Axbridge, BS26 2AR

Tel: 01934 733230

Email: axbridge@daylewisplc.co.uk

Opening times: Mon – Fri: 9:00am - 6:30pm,

But how do we chose colours for our homes that work in positive ways for us and our family? We tend to be very intuitive towards the colours we are drawn to and those that we react strongly against. At Pretty Sitting we often spend a lot of time working with customers asking them how they feel about their homes and how they use different rooms. That inevitably draws us into having conversations about colours – on furniture, on walls, on curtains – and we can help you chose the right schemes for your home.

To find out more about our Interiors Services in Upholstery, Curtains and Blinds, Soft Furnishings visit our website www.prettysittingvintage.co.uk or follow us on Instagram.

A Brief History of Coronations

On May 6th King Charles’ coronation will take place, an event steeped in centuries of tradition and symbolism. Coronations mark the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power, typically by the placing of a crown upon their head. They can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, with the first recorded coronation in Britain of King Egbert of Wessex in 802. However, it was not until the Norman Conquest in 1066 that the tradition of coronations as we know them today truly began. William the Conqueror’s coronation at Westminster Abbey laid the foundation for the ceremonies that followed, and the Abbey has since served as the primary venue for all but two coronations.

The ceremony itself is a blend of religious, political, and cultural elements. Historically, the Archbishop of Canterbury has been responsible for presiding over the ceremony. One of the most iconic aspects of the coronation is the anointing of the monarch with holy oil, symbolizing their consecration to God and their role as defender of the faith. The origins of this practice date back to biblical times, and the anointing of the kings of Israel. The oil used for the anointing is traditionally held in the Ampulla, a gold, eagle-shaped vessel, and applied using

the Anointing Spoon, which dates back to the 12th Century.

The crowning of the monarch is the climax of the coronation ceremony. The crown is a symbol of the continuity of the British monarchy. Over the centuries, various crowns have been used, but the most famous is St. Edward’s Crown which was originally used for the coronation of Charles ll in 1661, will be used to crown King Charles lll this month.

The ceremony also involves the presentation of other regalia, including the orb, sceptre, and ring. The Sovereign’s Orb is a golden globe surmounted by a cross to remind monarch that their power is derived from God. The sceptre represents the crown’s power and governance, and the ring is a symbol of royal dignity. The monarch takes an oath to uphold the laws of the land and to protect the Church of England. Following this, they are robed in coronation garments and seated on the Coronation Chair, also known as King Edward’s Chair, which has been used for this purpose since the 14th century.

One of the most famous coronations in British history is that of Queen Elizabeth I in 1559, which followed a period of cultural and political change, and reflected the power and prestige of the Tudor dynasty.

The coronation of King Charles II in 1661, followed the restoration of the monarchy after the English Civil War and the rule of Oliver Cromwell.

More recently, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was the first to be broadcast on television, allowing millions of people around the world to witness the historic occasion.

The coronation of King Charles lll will be a captivating blend of history, tradition, and pageantry, and I for one will be glued to the television.

By Kate McCarthy

FF Folly Framing

Let’s talk about bladder weakness…

Incontinence affects literally millions of people around the world – and there’s every chance that it will affect 1 in 3 of us as we get older. So why do we feel embarrassed or ashamed about talking about it?

It is an awkward topic, for sure. When our bladder is letting us down, we feel less able to do things that we may have previously taken for granted, whether that’s exercising, travelling or even leaving the house. And as a consequence our quality of life can suffer. If we don’t talk to anyone, then it can impact our mental health, and if we ignore it, potentially our medical health. So how do we overcome this stigma around bladder weakness? How do we normalise incontinence and make it a subject we’re all less fearful to talk about?

It’s great to see ‘celebrities’ starting the conversation – actors Kate Winslet has recently spoken about her stress incontinence, as has Samuel L Jackson who developed incontinence in his late 40s.If celebrities can chat openly to the media about their bladder weaknesses, perhaps that will give you the confidence to do the same with those closest to you. Sharing your worries with a friend, family member or health professional should feel like a weight off your shoulders. And if you talk with a medical professional, they will have seen time and time again how overwhelming and upsetting incontinence can be – they will understand it, and they really can help. In fact, people often say they wish they’d sought treatment sooner. If you need to have discussion about the best products to use, do consider giving us a call or drop us an email. We talk about bladder and bowel weaknesses all day long, so you can be assured we don’t consider it embarrassing, humiliating or awkward – but we definitely understand how distressing it can be, and we are here to help you discreetly, confidentially and kindly.

The more we have conversations about incontinence, the closer we are to ending the shame around experiencing bladder weakness. So let’s talk about it.

The Luxury in-home service that I provide will be perfect for:

• Mum’s or dad’s with young children at home that struggle to find childcare.

• Those who work from home working long hours and find it difficult to make time to have treatments at a studio.

• If you are sat behind a desk for long periods of time your body would really benefit from regular massage. This solution can easily be added into your schedule stress free.

• Those who would prefer to stay in a zen state after their treatment rather than worrying about redressing, parking, commuting charges and traffic. Imagine instead curling up on the sofa in your PJ’s after your relaxing treatment!

• A family member or a special friend who you feel deserves a relaxing pamper.

Massage therapy has been proven to help relieve muscle tension & pain, improve your mood, reduce stress & anxiety, promotes sleep, improves your skin tone & strengthens your immune system.

Massage also helps the body to recover from strenuous activities faster as it helps to remove lactic acid and other built up waste that can lead to pain & tension.

I am a fully qualified and insured holistic therapist and I take your health and wellbeing seriously. There are certain medical conditions which may respond negatively to massage and may need to be discussed with your doctor first. I have a full list of these contraindications on my website.

Before booking you in for a treatment I would go through an initial consultation with you over the phone.

I provide everything needed for your treatment. All I require is enough space to fit my massage table and room for me to move around the table comfortably.

Please visit www.soulserenity.uk for more information on all of the treatments I provide and full price list. Call me on 07947 628349 to book an appointment.

Service in the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you. With evening and weekend appointments available!

10% discount* on all planters from Somerset Wood Recycling

Somerset Wood Recycling has been hand-making furniture in our workshop in Weston-super-Mare since 2007. We use a selection of reclaimed and salvaged timber and also sustainably sourced hardwoods from Somerset and South Wales. So, not only is our furniture locally made, the environmental impact of our manufacturing process is minimal.

We also sell a range of sturdy and attractive planters, either as standard sizes or can be made to sizes that fit the space you have. Also, you get a 10% discount on all planters if you bring this copy of LocalReach with you when buying or ordering planters throughout May 2023.

Visit our showroom where you can look at a selection of tables, shelving and homeware, as well as work by local artists, confectioners and bee-keepers. And on top of all that we stock a massive range of reclaimed and locally sourced timber, everything from pallet wood to oak beams, so if you’re thinking of starting a project it’s definitely worth paying us a visit!

If you’re interested in having something made please get in touch. Our friendly team are more than happy to talk you through the design process and help you select the timber that is right for you.

For more information contact: info@somersetwoodrecycling.co.uk or visit us at Somerset Wood Recycling, The Motex Centre, Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 3YW.

• Bespoke furniture design and creation

• Garden furniture and planters

• Showroom displaying tables, shelving and kitchen ware and work by Somerset-based makers

• Eco-coffins

• Timber warehouse with reclaimed wood, and sustainably sourced softwoods and hardwoods

• Firewood and kindling

Our team are friendly, knowledgeable and always happy to help

For more information contact: info@somersetwoodrecycling.co.uk

Crossword Across

7 Severe mental or physical pain (6)

8 Bowed (6)

9 Lease, tariff (4)

10 Wash, cleanse (8)

11 Inscription (7)

13 Fossilised tree resin (5)

15 Caustic, stinging (5)

17 Nicotine-rich leaf (7)

20 Dwellings, (8)

21 Blanched (4)

22 Forbid, ban (6)

23 Improve, embellish (6)

Down

1 Zealous, fierce (6)

2 Flat-bottomed boat (4)

3 Wreath (7)

4 Ambiguous (5)

5 Scholarly world (8)

6 Unit of measurement (6)

12 Most unshaven (8)

14 Bragged (7)

16 Church (6)

Word Search

18 Unbleached cotton cloth (6)

19 Type of farm (5)

21 Hum, murmur (4)

Puzzle Solutions

What’s the latest in flooring?

Trends in flooring usually reflect the colour palette of the moment and the focus in recent years has been very much on grey tones. But colour is coming back, especially vibrant yellows, old golds, copper tones and peacocky blue greens. These colours mean that some people are moving away from having a single neutral colour coloured carpet throughout, to choosing a vibrant colour for the main living space or a subtle pastel for the master bedroom.

Modern silky yarns now used in carpets are ideal for bedrooms but don’t keep their appearance so well on stairs, so choose something with a shorter pile for the areas that get a lot of wear. These longer pile soft touch carpets often come in soft pinks, blues and jade greens, ideal for a restful and luxurious bedroom space.

Sustainability is also important as people are becoming more and more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices. Flooring made from sustainable materials like old fashioned Marmoleum, made from wood flour, can be pricey and expensive to fit, so while it is used in certain settings because of it is free of allergens and naturally prevents the growth of bacteria, sheet vinyl is a more practical and affordable choice for the home. Much sheet vinyl is made using recycled materials and these days manufacturers have recycling and ultimate disposal in land fill in mind, so they avoid harmful compounds that persist in landfill for years.

Patterns and textures are making a comeback in vinyl flooring, with bold geometric patterns, often mixing colours, styles and embossing to give personality to a space. Some of the tile patterns are reminiscent of a Middle Eastern harem, while others are bold and simple geometric prints. These designs add texture and visual interest and depth to a space. Wood designs with lot of grain can do the same thing.

Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), where the tiles or wood planks come as individual pieces, have moved from halls, kitchens and bathrooms, to living rooms and bedrooms as well. But with upstairs spaces, be aware that noise travels through hard floors, so carpet is usually a better option on stairs and upstairs. With so many different options available, it’s easy to find the perfect flooring for your home

“A Right Royal Knees Up” Coronation Concert

Missed out on tickets for the Coronation Concert in Windsor Castle?? Never mind - Allerton is having its own “Right Royal Knees Up” an evening of Musical Allsorts to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Songs, music, variety, singalong etc. Allerton Church, Friday 19th May 7:30pm. Tickets £10 from Johnny Torrens-Spence on 01934 710188 or johnnytspence@yahoo.co.uk

Cheddar Vale Lions Club 2nd Country Music Festival – 20th, 21st May

Last year Sunshine greeted campers and locals to the Clubs first Country Music & Campout Festival at Petruth Paddocks Cheddar courtesy of owner Jules Sayer, and we are hoping for the same this year. The Club raises valuable funds for local good causes and this event is not only targeting the Music Festival attenders, but also hopes the local community will come along and enjoy the music and activities on offer.

The weekend kicks off with campers arriving on Friday pm, then Saturday morning, with music starting at 12:00pm continuing until 6:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Last year’s feedback has been extremely positive from being delighted with the site and its facilities together with the friendly atmosphere, so spread the word of the event, bring friends and family for a good day or weekend away. It all bodes well for this year as it will be bigger, featuring bar, hot food, traders and displays offered by Westerners Show Team with Quick Draw Shootouts.

The Club expresses its gratitude to owner Jules for welcoming them to Petruth Paddocks and to Gregorys’ Transport for providing the Stage.

Tickets are now available via: cheddarvalelions.org.uk website or Email: country@cheddarvalelions.org.uk

Allerton Church Cakes and Plants Sale

Cakes & Plants Sale, Allerton Church, Saturday 20th May, 10:30am - 1:00pm. Delicious homemade cakes, biscuits, goodies and preserves. Loads of plants - annuals, perennials, shrubs and vegetables.

Cheddar Individuality Project Exhibition

21st May, 11:00am - 4:00pm at Cheddar Catholic Hall BS27 3HU

Come and see the 1,000 individual ceramic figures that have been created in workshops across Sedgemoor over the last 6 months. There will be refreshments available to enjoy before or after your walk round the exhibition.

Isle of Wedmore Society, Thursday

25th May Meeting

Our May Meeting will be a visit to the Bioaqua Farm in Blackford at 6.30pm. There we will learn about how aquaponics can produce food in a sustainable way. Members free, visitors £4. Details from Ian Tomes on 01934 710390

Wilder Wedmore 9th - 11th June

Green Wedmore is delighted to bring you Wilder Wedmore - a jam packed long weekend of talks, walks, workshops and stands all about nature. ore information can be found on our new website: www.wilderwedmore.co.uk. More information is

available on a Wilder Wedmore Facebook group. The tickets for the various events will go on sale on the 22nd April.

Axbridge District Rotary Quiz raises £1000 for the Freewheelers

Rotary quiz on 1st April raised £1000 for the Freewheelers. This is just one of the things we have done to raise money for charity. We have also cleared footpaths and cleaned neglected signs amongst other things. If you would like to find out more, suggest new ideas and get involved come along to The Lamb at Weare 7:30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month.

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue can be contacted if you discover a hedgehog wandering in the daytime, especially if it appears to be injured. The earlier warm spell meant the end of hibernation for some and then of course this was followed by a further cold snap. Small hedgehogs struggle to find warmth and food so please support feed if they visit your garden. In particular, please check before strimming during your garden tidy. Call Prickles for advice and help 07806 744772

01934 832361

Modern range of treatments restores pain-free mobility “I felt I was getting my life back”

Arthritis and torn muscles in the shoulders are, for most people, a painful inconvenience – but for John Bowditch of South Somerset these conditions proved life changing. John has been paraplegic since 1970, after a serious injury to his spinal nerves at the T4 vertebra, which means that he has to use his arms to lift his body.

“When I developed arthritis in the left shoulder and then, in 2019, tore a bicep muscle on the same side, I became in constant pain, unable to sleep, unable to push a wheelchair or to drive and be independent when out of the house. Steroid injections and physiotherapy didn’t help, due to the way I use my arms, and I wasn’t suitable for surgery.

“My son started looking into alternative therapies and, in December 2021, we found Matthew Jackson, who turned out to be a very caring, genuine and skilful practitioner.”

“At the clinic, we offer a wide range of proven modern treatments”, explains Matthew. “At first, I gave John a combination of acupuncture, massage and K-Laser treatment to help with the pain - and then we progressed to Platelet Rich Plasma therapy in the spring.”

“Just a few days after the first PRP treatment I could move my arm more freely and with a lot less pain”, John remembers. “On completion of three treatments, I could push my wheelchair longer distances and lift my body

more easily. I was able to stop taking painkillers and was relieved to feel that I was regaining my independence and getting my life back.

“I would highly recommend Matthew. He listened to me and adapted his skills and range of treatments to suit my needs at each visit. I will certainly return to the clinic as needed.”

Exclusive offer

Somerset Health Practice is making a special, exclusive offer to LocalReach readers – Free gait analysis, worth £60 and ultrasound, worth £130 - total worth £190.

*Offer open to the first 5 readers to book treatment sessions, quoting the offer code MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU! Call 01458 860392 before 31st May.

About Matthew Jackson…

Matthew Jackson of the Somerset Health Practice is well known locally as a trusted osteopath and acupuncturist who is truly dedicated to helping and healing people through modern natural medicine. He is also an expert herbalist and registered practitioner, having trained in London and China with world class professionals.

Matthew is always studying new ways and gaining new qualifications to help his clients, taking a holistic approach. These include Shockwave and Laser therapy for pain, injury and wounds alongside hyperbaric oxygen therapy for longevity, chronic disease healing and enhanced performance. Look online for Somerset Shockwave and Origin Oxygen and read informative e-books.

For more information and claim your free assessment * call 01458 860392

Treatments are private and easy payment plans can be arranged to suit your budget

Follow us ‘Somerset Health Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram, or ‘@glastoosteo’ on Twitter

Matthew Jackson - BSc (Hons) Ost, Dip Ac/CHM (China), Pg Dip CHM (OB/GYN), Pg Cert US (MSK) MRCHM, BMUS

K-Laser therapy quickly reduces pain

Let’s Talk Buy To Let Mortgages…

A buy to let mortgage (BTL) is a type of mortgage specifically designed for people who want to buy property in the UK with the intention of renting it out to tenants. Lenders offer BTL mortgages to borrowers who want to purchase properties for investment purposes. These mortgages are different from regular residential mortgages because they are designed specifically for rental properties, and the terms and conditions are typically different from those with a regular mortgage.

With a BTL mortgage, the lender will usually require a larger deposit typically around 20% of the properties value. Interest rates on BTL mortgages can also be higher than on standard residential mortgages, and lenders may also charge higher fees for the application and the arrangement of the mortgage.

When applying for BTL mortgage, the lender will consider a potential rental return from the property, as well as the borrower’s income in some cases. Typically, lenders require the rental income to be at least 125% of the mortgage payments if you are a basic tax payer, if you are a higher or additional tax payer then the rental income would need to be at least 145% of the mortgage payments to ensure the borrower can afford to make the payments even if the property is vacant for a period of time. Once a BTL mortgage is secured the borrower can use a rental income from the property to make the mortgage payments and potentially generate profit. However, it’s important to know that being a landlord comes for responsibilities and risks, such as finding suitable tenants, dealing with repairs and maintenance and managing the property to ensure it is compliant with UK housing laws and regulations.

There are also changes coming, with the government’s net zero strategy. They are changing the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, at the moment you need to achieve an EPC rating of at least an E to be able to rent out your property. The big change is at the beginning of 2025, where newly rented properties will need to achieve a C rating and any existent tendencies will have until 2028 to do the same.

Call Liberty Money to go through any mortgage requirements on 01275 244360 or email info@libertymoney.co.uk

Be the boss of your own weight loss

Do you ever make a plan to lose weight and then find that something, almost anything, derails you, sending you back to square one? At Slimming World we help you with everyday lifestyle changes that will help you take control and keep you on track to lose those unwanted pounds for good!

Just Like Charlie who has managed her weight loss by breaking her weight loss goals into manageable milestones that has helped her stay motivated - and has lost an amazing 8st 7lbs so far.

Jim would avoid taking part in activities with his children which made him feel awful.. he was determined to be the change. Now, more than 4 stone lighter, he is able to keep up with his kids and is living life to the full!

Cathy and Mary support their members every week at their friendly, supportive sessions and it is empowering for their members to decide what they are going to take charge of in an area of their lives and make the most of what they can control which they find very powerful.

In groups (while stocks last) we have a fabulous new FREE booklet entitled SAY YES TO SUCCESS! with a full 28 days of amazing food all planned out for you! Providing a plan that is full of yummy food that will suit all lifestyles. Food that every member of the household can enjoy.

Just come along and start your journey of success. What are you waiting for??

Cheddar

Tuesday & Thursday 5:00pm & 6:30pm

The Catholic Hall

Tweentown

BS27 3HU

Call Cathy 07971 575158

Cheddar Wednesday 9:00am & 10:30am

The Catholic Hall

Tweentown

BS27 3HU

Call Cathy 07971 575158

Churchill Thursday 5:30pm

Churchill Memorial Hall

Ladymead Lane

BS25 5NH

Call Mary 07811 709184

Charlie

Jim

Scarecrows - get ready to spring into action!

The Cheddar Scarecrow Trail returns for a third summer of fun, creativity and community enjoyment. In 2023 it will run from Saturday 5th August to Tuesday 29th August. It is free to register your name and whereabouts for the Trail Map.

Go to Cheddar Flower Show Facebook Page, email cheddar.flowershow@yahoo.com or complete a form in the leaflets available in Cheddar Library, Katie Boo, Woodbury Insurance, Time Out, Hansford’s Deli and Maunders.

Cheddar Flower Show will be held on Saturday 19th August. Schedules are available from the same places.

Interested in learning something new and making new friends?

Join a friendly group of people and learn some English Country Dances with the Mendip Folk Dance Club. We meet at St James’s Church Centre, Winscombe, BS25 1BA on the 2nd, 4th and 5th

Monday of the month (except in August and on Bank Holidays), 8:00pm to 10:00pm. You will be made very welcome and you do not need to bring a partner. Your first evening is free, thereafter it will be £3 per evening, including tea/coffee. To find out more, please ring Pat on 01934 742853.

Men Wanted! Cheddar Male Choir

A proper singing session is a wonderful workout for the lungs. The actions of warming up and breathing deeply oxygenate the blood, creating more white blood cells, which strengthens the whole body. The breathing rate slows and deepens, releasing endorphins and increasing a profound sense of well being. Singing is also FUN!

Everyone can sing, it just takes a little practice. Come and see for yourself at the rehearsals held every Tuesday at 7:30pm in the Draycott Memorial Hall.

For more information check out www.cheddarmvchoir.co.uk