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LocalReach Wells April 2022

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

Delivered by ROYAL MAIL to 9,731 homes & businesses including ALL towns & villages in the BA5 postcode areas

FREE • April 2022 • Issue No. 70

GARDENING – page 4 CHURCH – page 7 HISTORY – page 9 PUZZLES – page 11 RECIPE – page 14 BOOKS – page 15 KIDS – page 16 COMMUNITY – page 23 BUSINESS A-Z – page 27

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LocalReach Community Magazines serving the community for over 11 years


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WELCOME TO LOCALREACH

A message from the team at LocalReach Community Magazines. LocalReach Community Magazines are still open for business! We are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to 83,000 homes & businesses across Somerset. We are working on the May issues and the deadline is 1st April; If you would like to advertise email us at hello@localreach.co.uk. If you know anybody who wants to advertise please let them know we would welcome their business. We can also be contacted online at www.localreach.co.uk or call 01749 600388. LocalReach is now delivered to ALL of TA8, TA9, BS28, BS27, BS26, BS25, BA6, BA16 & BA5, BS23 & BS22. That includes all towns & villages; Burnham, Highbridge, Berrow, Brent, Brean, Mark, Cheddar, Axbridge, Wedmore, Winscombe, Street, Glastonbury & Wells, Weston-Super-Mare and Worle. Below is a map that indicates where LocalReach is delivered in your area. Should you not receive a copy by the 1st of each month please email us with your full address and we will investigate and make sure you do receive a copy. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses & community groups that have supported LocalReach over the last 11 years and who continue to support us. These are unprecedented times and many of the events we normally publicise are not going ahead so we have put in content that we hope you like as an alternative. We usually give 30% of our content to the community free of charge and will happily receive your editorial if you believe it would be of interest to our readers. Email between 70-100 words to editor@localreach.co.uk before 1st April for the May issues. Stay safe. From the team at LocalReach Community Magazines.

Editorial deadline for the May issue is 1st April LocalReach Community Editor: Robert Hutchinson

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editor@localreach.co.uk

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Yoxter LocalReach is delivered to all of Wells by ROYAL MAIL. Your local postman delivers to 9,731 homes & businesses to all of BA5 every month. This includes all the villages.

Priddy Green Ore

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BA5 WELLS

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Dulcote Dinder

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.

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GARDENING

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Garden View This month - Bee nice to bees! production relies on these bees. Without them we’re in trouble and they are in decline. Pesticides, loss of habitat and disease are all thought to be playing a part. Bees are fascinating and beautiful creatures and as gardeners we can play our part in their continued survival. It’s simple: bees need flowers for sustenance, flowers need bees for survival and gardeners need flowers to garden!

Albert Einstein supposedly declared that, “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left.” There is much debate over whether the great man actually did make such an assertion as he was a physicist after all, not an entomologist, but whether he did or not, it’s a scary thought. There’s no doubt about it, honey bees and bumble bees are of enormous agricultural importance. It is estimated that more than a third of the world’s crop

First it’s important to think ahead and provide flowers for bees throughout their lifecycle, which runs from March to September. Here are some suggestions. Spring – Bluebells, bugle, flowering cherry, forgetme-not (Myosotis), hellebore and rosemary are all good spring plants. Summer – Aquilegia, sweet peas, fennel, foxgloves, potentilla, roses, stachys, teasel, thyme and verbascum Late summer / early autumn – Aster, buddleia, dahlia, eryngium, fuchsia, heather, lavender and sedum. Second, unfortunately not all flowers are created equal. Frilly double flowers, for example, are too elaborate. They have so many petals that the bees struggle to get to the nectar and pollen. This is the reason that single dahlias attract lots of bees, whilst double varieties are generally ignored. Single flowered rose varieties are also good, such as the rambler Seagull, with its flat open white blooms, large yellow stamens and heady scent. Any similar rambler grown over a fence or wall will do. Some, like the pale pink Little Rambler, will even repeat flower. Ramblers are terrific roses. They are vigorous, disease resistant and great for covering bare fences, unsightly sheds and walls. Best of all they need next to no pruning! The main thing is to keep it simple: a few flowers for each part of the bee life cycle and no overly fancy varieties. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t grow double flowered dahlias if that’s what floats your boat, it’s just that Mr Bee would appreciate a few single flowered varieties thrown into the mix. Let’s make this the year we all be nice to bees: our future may depend on it!, By Rachael Leverton

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

All about Planting Design Charlotte Hastings, Professional Landscape Designer Successful planting most often starts with a well thought out plan. A qualified designer will be experienced in working out which combinations work together. It’s all about finding the right balance and selecting the right plants that will thrive in the conditions in your garden to create the desired aesthetic effect. Carefully considering maintenance schedules is also the key to success, with gardens being constantly evolving and dynamic spaces. Plants that give interest across the seasons are very valuable. For instance, those that are long flowering or those with evergreen foliage. But equally as important are those that give surprising bursts of colour even if they are short lived. Think about plants with scent near to seating areas or next to paths and plants that will be of value to wildlife to bring even more interest into the garden.

Inspired by Nature For planting ideas I tend to look towards the wild. The relationship between mosses and lichens growing on a gnarly old branch, the distribution of ferns growing in between cracks on a damp rock face or flowers and grasses sweeping across a meadow. These patterns and associations are often the starting point for the most wonderful designs.

My Favourite Plants in April This time of year brings much promise and excitement in the garden with an abundance of flowers and fresh foliage. Euphorbias are striking along with delicate Epimediums and unfurling Ferns. This month is also time for sowing annual flowers and vegetables. With so much to choose from a few of my top picks are Cosmos, Verbena bonariensis, Bunny’s tail grass, Swiss chard, Sugar snap peas and Beetroot. All of which can be directly sown outdoors.

How we can work together Whether its a full garden design, planting design or existing borders that are in need of a refresh, I strive to provide a professional and friendly experience. Listening carefully to your aspirations for the design and finding solutions is always the most important aspect of the job and the key to successful outcomes. Send an email to info@charlottehastingsgardendesign.co.uk to book an initial consultation to start on your journey today.

07973 113787

info@charlottehastingsgardendesign.co.uk charlottehastingsgardendesign.com charlottehastingsgardendreams

Professional, friendly service Qualified garden designer Services include full garden design, planting design and maintenance Email info@charlottehastingsgardendesign.co.uk to book a consultation

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

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Are your stairs a struggle? Enjoy independence in your home… 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. Call us on 01749 346 900 for more information.

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The Works, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. BA4 5DX 6 | www.localreach.co.uk


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Rejoicing in new life from death

CHURCH

overnight leading to him being lashed and executed on a cross in public on Good Friday. Hence we eat hot cross buns. Then Easter Sunday when we rejoice because this humble servant leadership and love that in Christ gave everything, led to life through death in resurrection. When this is modelled amongst us as Jesus lived it that can be our experience too. Kindly provided by Revd Rowena Francis, Minister Wells United Church. wellsunitedchurch.org.uk

Never Feel Alone With Trust By Phone A Trusted daily phone call or text service giving you peace of mind Living on your own can be scary and TRUST BY PHONE is here for you offering you a personalised call and text service tailored to your needs.

Easter is not simply a Spring Holiday celebrating cuddly bunnies, chicks breaking from eggs, daffodils and chocolate. It is a major Christian festival of great rejoicing in new life from death. The preparation time of 40 days plus Sunday’s is known as Lent and people have traditionally given something up or taken something on as a spiritual discipline. This equates to Jesus’s time spent in the desert discerning his God-given destiny and how he would fulfil it. The purpose of Lent is to follow in Christ’s footsteps so closely that the dust from his feet rises up and covers us. Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday. Jesus entered Jerusalem not as the Roman Empire did on a white stallion as a show of military power. Think Russian tanks for today’s equivalent. But on a donkey; a symbol of the ordinary everyday humble worker. Later Jesus shared a last supper with his followers. Maundy Thursday is the day when the Queen traditionally gives monies to people as in a hot climate Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to show servant leadership. This way is very different to how leadership is often demonstrated for us today. Yet this models the love of God for all creation. Jesus shared a last meal including bread and wine with his friends. He instituted Holy Communion / Mass / Eucharist that special meal that Christians share in regularly. This empowers people to identify with Jesus’s way and become one with all God’s loved creation. It brings all together. While Jesus was in a garden praying after this he was arrested and a ‘kangaroo’ court operated

• Daily phone call/text to check-in with you • Non automated, your always talking direct to an actual person who cares • Fail-Safe service • Tailored to your needs • Can be altered at anytime • Simple and easy to sign up either by post or via our website • No complicated contracts Here at TRUST BY PHONE conversations with you mean something just the same as if you were our own family. TRUST BY PHONE can be your Emergency contact and can even if needed fulfil your funeral plans Our service also includes a “FAIL-SAFE” where if you cant be contacted or do not reply within your specified time scale then your emergency contact will be notified or the emergency services will be notified to check on you. For only £10 per month TRUST BY PHONE offers a simple solution to put your mind at rest and make living alone feel less lonely. TO JOIN CALL NOW: 07399 617711

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

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Like your current PC but know you need new hardware? – Consider cloning Perhaps, like a great many others, you are unable to perform the upgrade to Windows 11 due to the age of your hardware? When it comes to replacing a computer, sometimes budget is not the reason for hesitance, but instead concerns over what might go wrong, and all the headaches and confusions involved with starting fresh. It’s one thing to transfer documents and pictures from an old computer over to a new one, but there’s more to a computer than data alone. What about your customisation, website favourites, stored passwords, installed programs, and all the rest that makes your computer “feel” like your computer? Often, through traditional means, these are lost. Fortunately, this “starting from scratch” scenario can be avoided, all while fully upgrading your hardware. How is this possible? The answer is computer cloning. With the use of professional tools, we can perform a procedure which clones all the data, including Windows itself, from an old computer over to a new one. This means we can set up brand new computers to replace older units, all-the-while retaining what matters the most – the user experience. The power button might be in a different place, but the rest is largely unchanged, except faster and healthier. No confusion, no losses, you can feel comfortable using it right away. In scenarios where the old hardware was not eligible for Windows 11, this then enables the option to upgrade. We at CPS are fond of this approach and can advise on the process and related costs for equipment and software licences. If this is of interest to you, please see our advert on this page or call me on 07973 536299 to discuss.

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd.

Computer Problems?

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SHORT NOTICE VISITS OFTEN POSSIBLE • EVENINGS & WEEKENDS ALSO AVAILABLE 8 | www.localreach.co.uk


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LOCAL HISTORY

The Somerset and Bath Lunatic Asylum 1848-1991

Grave markers and sculpture

In a quiet corner of Wells there is the last resting place of over 3,000 patients and staff from the Somerset and Bath County Lunatic Asylum which was established in 1848. Their graves are not marked with headstones but with simple iron markers with numbers on them. The plot itself, purchased in 1873 and last used as a cemetery in 1963, is quiet, peaceful and has a deep feeling of respect for many of these forgotten people. The grounds are a haven for wildlife and old stumps of trees blown down in a storm in 2008 have been beautifully carved into angels and figures which pay homage to many of the residents troubled lives by chainsaw artist Peter Bolton. There is a small, plain Victorian Chapel and that in itself is a gem in its simplicity, perched on the hill overlooking the grandeur of the city of Wells with its impressive medieval streets and buildings. The cemetery is managed by the Friends of the Mendip Hospital, who saved it from development when it was put up for sale by the NHS in 2000. The Friends are all volunteers who dedicate themselves to preserving this wonderful space and researching the stories and histories of some of the many thousands of patients who lived at the hospital. Part of the archive of the Asylum is a collection of photographs of the patients which have been kept along with their medical records and provide

a unique insight into this institution. These will be displayed in an exhibition in the cemetery chapel. This special place reopens for visitors on Sunday April 3rd 2022, 11:00am to 4:00pm and every Sunday until the end of September. It would however like to open on a weekday as well and is looking for volunteers to help welcome visitors. Please come and visit and if you feel you can volunteer to help keep the cemetery open please contact the chairman, Pete Jaggard on chairman@ mendiphospitalcemetery.org.uk Google: Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery for directions. BA5 3NA Kindly provided by Clare Blackmore, Friend of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery. www.mendiphospitalcemetery.org.uk

NEED A WEBSITE OR YOUR OLD WEBSITE MADE OVER? Call us now on 01934 312171 or email hello@localreach.co.uk www.localreach.co.uk COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

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LOCALREACH

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Puzzled!

Creating Calm If you know a child or young person struggling with big feelings, stressful situations or other life challenges, then therapy can really help them. There are lots of reasons they might come for therapy and generally, the answer is, ‘Yes, I can help.’ I work with children and young people experiencing a huge range of concerns including: • • • • • • •

Abuse Anger and frustration Anxiety ASD and PANDAS Attachment Bereavement Family issues

• • • •

Fears and phobias OCD, TS, ODD and PDA School issues Self-esteem and self-image • Trauma and PTSD • And more…

I support children and young people with play and creative arts therapy, AutPlay, TraumaPlay, Emotional Logic and animal assisted therapy. I generally work 1:1 with clients, but I will often work supporting the family too. I have a few client spaces, for immediate start in my private practice, at Cherry Tree Studio, Mendip Court, South Horrington, Wells. If I can help someone you know, or you would like to know more about how I work, please get in touch. You can also find out more at www.creatingcalm.co.uk

Unless you’ve been living as a hermit in a cave in the Himalayas you will have encountered Wordle, the simple word game, created by Josh Wardle, which took the internet by storm and was sold to the New York Times for a seven-figure sum. This fun little game has generated a whole host of similar timewasters. Here are some of the best. Nerdle - A number version of Wordle. Players have to work out a six- to eight-character calculation, for example 7+6/3=9, in six guesses.

Do you need help for a child or young person that you know? I'm a local therapist, based in Wells, who supports children, young people and their families to help them manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges.

Elaine Hutchinson www.creatingcalm.co.uk hello@creatingcalm.co.uk 01749 599066 | Autplay | trauma play | emotional Logic coaching | tele-therapy

There are 17,723 valid solutions for an eight-digit Nerdle. Played in combination with Wordle, it makes for some serious daily brain training. Worldle - This one is a geography-based puzzle. A silhouette of a country or territory is presented, and users have six chances to work out the answer. Byrdle - One for Classical musicians. Byrdle uses only composers and musical terms. Other than that, it’s the same as Wordle. It’s also completely fiendish! Crosswordle - There are several games that go by this name but a particularly good one is the one created by Robert Flack, which requires users to guess two intersecting words. And it was only a matter of time before Lordle of the Rings and Wizarding Wordle (for Harry Potter fans) appeared.

creative art and Play therapy sand tray therapy

Finally, there’s Sweardle - Popular among my son’s teenage friends! It’s pretty self-explanatory. Like Wordle...but naughtier.

SHORT NOTICE OFTEN POSSIBLE • EVENINGS & WEEKENDS ALSO AVAILABLE By Tracey Anderson 10 | www.localreach.co.uk


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PUZZLES

Crossword

Across 1 Injured by extreme cold (11) 9 Sprite, little demon (3) 10 Decorate with fine needlework (9) 11 Where the monarch sits in the theatre (5,3) 12 Words of a book (4) 14 Mention, point out (6) 16 Mythical aquatic Scottish creature! (6) 18 Timber post on a sailing ship (4) 19 Stomach medicine, Milk of ________ (8) 22 Pledge, promise (9) 23 Age, generation (3) 24 Heavy duty power tool for masonry (6,5) Down 2 Settle a debt (5) 3 Baby plant (8) 4 Ground-dwelling monkey with a red bottom! (6) 5 Jog, lope (4) 6 Monotonous, perpetual (7) 7 Reflection (6, 5) 8 Squander, waste (7, 4) 13 Dasher, Dancer and Rudolph (8) 15 Eyelash-enhancing make-up (7) 17 Incident, affair (6) 20 Take illegally (5) 21 Tropical tree (4)

Word Search

Mindbenders

Bugs Bunny Custard Daffy Duck Donald Duck Garfield Goofy Henry’s Cat

Jerry Muttley Odie Rhubarb Roadrunner Scooby Doo Snoopy

Sylvester Tom Top Cat Tweety Wile E Coyote Woodstock Yogi Bear

Solutions: Turn to page 26

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LOCALREACH

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A New Epidemic Is stress making you sick?

We all know about coronavirus but in fact one of the major health risks today is stress. Workdays lost to stress, depression, and anxiety, are estimated to cost the British economy in excess of about £35 billion a year in lost output. But what exactly is stress? Stress is a natural, short term, response to danger. It floods our bodies with the hormones, adrenalin, and cortisol. In combination these hormones activate our heart and cardiovascular system. They raise our blood pressure and set us in a heightened state of alertness. They affect our liver and increase our blood

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sugar. During a stressful event all nonessential body functions, e.g., cell repair and ovulation, cease. If we’re under immediate threat from say, a mugger, or a life-threatening accident, a strong stress response is good, it may even help to save our lives. But long-term stress is bad for us. Exposure to large quantities of adrenalin and cortisol over a long period compromise our immune systems and increase our risk of suffering from high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and Diabetes. The most common form of long-term stress reported to GPs is work-related and specifically it is reported by those people who feel they have little or no control over their working environment. A healthy working environment includes choices; some control over what you do and an element of appreciation for the effort you put in. Unfortunately, many working environments fall short of this. Alarmingly, The Whitehall Experiment, which monitored 10,000 civil servants over a long period, found that those at bottom of the hierarchy experienced 4 times the mortality rate of those at the top, even when poor diet and smoking were factored into the calculations! It seems that some of us quite literally, are working ourselves to death. If you feel this is you and a change of job isn’t possible, then advice has been to try to balance stress levels both at and away from work. Yet recently the pandemic has meant that for many of us home and work have become inseparable, and this has added to wider stress in the world, including soaring food and energy prices and the war in Ukraine. Take a few minutes and see if you can articulate in a few words what the major sources of stress are in your working environment: unrealistic deadlines or targets, obstructive colleagues, interfering management etc. Then do the same for stress triggers away from work. If you feel you can tackle any of the issues, then do that. This isn’t always possible, but sometimes just knowing exactly why you are feeling stressed is enough to help you cope and see a way forward. Perhaps you need to restrict the time you spend answering work emails out of hours or cut down on the amount of news you consume or make time to go for a walk in the fresh air. Exercise is actually an excellent stress reducer, along with yoga. A well-balanced diet also helps and drinking lots of water is a great way to help the body rid itself of toxins. In addition, it has been shown that therapies such as massage also have potent stress-reducing properties. Bringing down your stress levels in 2022 may not be easy but your body will thank you for trying. By Louise Addison


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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

Sleek, Strong & Secure: Garolla Garage Doors For high-quality, handmade electric Garage Doors look no further than Garolla! Revolutionising the Garage Door industry, Garolla are the UK’s largest Roller Garage Door installers across the country with hundreds of garage doors being installed every single month. A company with nationwide power combined with local know-how, your local Garolla installer is right around the corner. Manufactured from strong aluminium, every electric Garage Door is made from the highest quality materials to ensure a strong, long-lasting foundation. From there, skilled craftsmen create bespoke electric Garage Doors to your home’s exact measurements. Once complete, these Garage Doors are rigorously tested and must pass a series of quality control tests before making their way to be fitted by your local installer. From measuring to installation and beyond, you will only ever work with your own local installer. They will be on hand to answer all of your questions and help guide you through the process of updating your garage door. Not only does a Garolla Garage Door improve your home’s aesthetic, it will also help to keep it safe and secure. Utilising a patented auto-locking system and twin-walled slats, Garolla Garage Doors keep the contents of your garage out of the hands of criminals and acts as a powerful deterrent for potential burglars. Gone are the days of heavy, outdated swinging doors. With Garolla, you can access your garage without taking a single step out of your car. Using one of two remotes provided you can quickly and easily open your Garage Door and park. And thanks to Garolla’s ingenious octagonal barrel system you can now park even closer to the door, allowing you to utilise every inch of your floorspace. Low-maintenance, these garage doors just need the occasional wipe down to continue looking as good as the day you bought them. Available in a stunning selection of 18-colours, you can now match your home’s exteriors with your own personal style. Whether you’re looking for Classic White or an adventurous Moss Green, Garolla has the perfect design to suit you. For an instant quote including measuring, fitting and VAT you can call Garolla’s friendly customer care team on 01934 660140 or visit their website at www.garolla.co.uk for more details.

Now only

£895

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for a fully fitted electric garage door.

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our experienced installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up FREE of charge.

WAS £1,354 INCLUDING VAT.

CALL US TODAY ON:

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07537 149 128 *Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

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LOCAL HISTORY RECIPE

Weekly Yoga in Glastonbury In our yoga sessions this month the focus of our classes will be “Energy”

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Potato Rosti with Poached Egg and Bacon For an egg-cellent Easter treat try this brilliant sweet ‘n’ salty brunch

Capture the rejuvenation of Spring. The classes will be created to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit to make way for the new. We will be using essential oils such as Lime, chosen for its ability to cleanse the heart of emotional toxins combined with a smart sequence of twists and forward bends, guiding the body to move out of what is no longer needed. Geranium is a gentle oil to assist the mind, body, and spirit to trust in the process, softening anger and assisting in healing. These detoxifying classes create a deep physical spring clean leaving you feeling rejuvenated from the inside out. Tuesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm Yoga for all levels and 7:45pm - 8:15pm Guided Meditation @ The Assembly Rooms High St, Glastonbury BA6 9DU Thursday 7:00pm - 8:00pm and 8:15Pm - 9:15pm Yoga for all levels @ Sweet Track Centre, 44A High St, Glastonbury BA6 9DX Please pre-book for our Thursday sessions, Tuesday sessions you can just drop into. Cost: Drop in £8

Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes Serves: 6 Ingredients: 500g Maris Piper potatoes (King Edward also work well) 250g parsnips 50g butter 3tbsp sunflower oil 12 rashers smoked bacon 2tbsp maple syrup 6 free range eggs

6 Class pass (Valid for 3 months( £30) These can be pre-purchased on the website or you can pay in class. mahalayoga76@gmail.com www.mahalayoga.co.uk Mahala and Strawberry x

YOGA

Tuesday Yoga 6:30pm - 7:30pm & meditation 7:45pm Assembly Rooms, Glastonbury High St, BA69DU

Thursdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm & 8.15pm - 9.15pm Sweet Track, 44a High St, Glastonbury BA69DX

£8 Drop in | £30 6 class pass | Purchase online or in class

www.mahalayoga.co.uk World Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School

14 | www.localreach.co.uk

Method: Peel the potatoes, then coarsely grate them along with the parsnips, and squeeze out all the liquid (really important or you’ll get soggy mush rather than crispy rosti!) Season well and separate into six portions, then shape each portion into flat pancake shape, These are the rosti. Heat the butter and oil in a pan and cook the rosti for 6-7 mins on each side until deep golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, grill or oven cook the bacon for 20-25 minutes, until crisp and golden. Smoked bacon is sublime but unsmoked is good too. A few minutes before the bacon and rosti are ready, bring a pan of water to a gentle simmer and poach the eggs. Top each rosti with 2 rashers of bacon and 1 poached egg. Serve with maple syrup. Happy Easter.


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BOOK REVIEW

A Good Read

Black and British: An Illustrated History By David Olusoga

How to Kill Your Family By Bella Mackie

You know those moments when you’ve wanted to throttle your entire family and bury them under the patio? Or is that just me? Well, they are usually and thankfully short-lived flashes of fury. But what if they weren’t? What if they were deep-rooted and all encompassing? Enter Grace, a woman on a mission. She wants to wipe out parts of her family. I knew the premise before picking up the book and expected Grace to be unlikeable, which is not the case. In fact, I loved her. Mackie has created a sophisticated serial killer thriller. She deftly splits the story between past and present, smoothly interweaving snippets of Grace’s childhood and teens, which are both heart-warming and heartbreaking by turn. Grace endures a lot in her youth, and I honestly held a lot of affection for her throughout the story, in spite of her malign intentions. Grace is as forensically thorough in her planning and execution (pun totally intended) of her murders as Dexter in in the TV series of the same name. In fact, this book is crying out to be turned into a series, possibly starring Jodie Comer! It is a wonderfully darkly twisted tale which also bizarrely manages to feel somehow uplifting, and there’s a great plot twist too.

David Olusoga is a British-Nigerian historian. His book Black and British, A Short Essential History is an excellent introduction to how Black culture has both enriched and forms an integral part of British culture. While not aimed at children it’s accessible enough for fluent readers, and personally I feel it should be a core text for the National Curriculum. This book though is an illustrated and abridged version aimed specifically at children aged 8-11. Like the adult text, it charts the often-overlooked histories of Black people in Britain from Roman times (yes there were Roman Africans!) right through to the present day, encompassing the black soldiers who fought for Britain in World War 1 and Windrush, which has once again been in the news. The full colour illustrations are beautiful and include maps and portraits. This is an informative book for all children (and their parents), no matter what their heritage might be. By Tash Donovan

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Wedmore Theatre Friday 1st April: Wedmore Theatre is delighted to be bringing BBC Radio 4’s cop-turned-comedian Alfie Moore to Wedmore Village Hall on Friday 1st April. ‘Fair Cop Unleashed’ is based on a dramatic real-life incident from Alfie’s police casebook. Enjoy Alfie’s unique brand of humour hilariously woven together with his personal insights into his life on the front-line of the police force. It’d be a crime to miss it! For further details and tickets visit wedmoretheatre.com

Music Quiz 4 MS Saturday 2nd April: The Music Quiz 4 MS is back!! On Saturday 2nd of April, this popular music quiz returns to Tramways, West Street, Wells, BA5 2HN. Clive Hennessy will again deliver a fun packed evening of entertainment, all in aid of the Mendip Multiple Sclerosis Society Group. Cost is £5pp with teams of up to 6 people. Arrive at 7:30pm for an 8:00pm start. To guarantee a table please book with Sally Morgan 0797 552 9950 or Linda Bolton 07713 097588

Easter Bingo - Globe Carnival Club Monday 4th and Monday 11th April: Monday the 4th of April at Croscombe Village Hall. And our 2nd is Monday the 11th of April at St Thomas Hall, Wells. Doors open at 6:45pm and eyes down at 7:30pm.

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Classes in Interior Design & Upholstery Want to indulge your passion for interior design and get hands on creative? Then, why not join us at one of our half-day classes? If you have a room that you would like some inspiration with and don’t quite know where to start, then these mini masterclasses might be just up your street. We take you through the planning stages; colour theory and palettes; fabric choices and how to create your own mood board. Creative Interiors classes take place on a Saturday afternoon 2:00pm to 5:00pm at our Bath Street Showroom in the heart of Cheddar. If you have ever fancied trying your hand at reupholstering your own furniture and want to know how to do it like the professionals, then these classes might be for you! We teach both traditional and modern techniques and students are supported to work on their own projects at their own pace. All our classes are suitable for the complete beginner, as well as improvers, and we provide all the tools you need to do the job! Upholstery classes take place on Fridays and Saturdays at our Workshop, Barrows House, Tweentown, Cheddar. For further information, future dates and booking visit www.prettysittingvintage.co.uk or telephone 01934 752725.

Wells Board Game Group Wednesday 6th and 20th April: 7:00pm - 9:30pm, Globe Inn, Wells. Come and join us for some fun and games. For further information check out our facebook page www.facebook.com/WellsBoardGameGroup/

Exhibition from Mid Somerset Oxfam Group in Wells Library Thursday 7th - Wednesday 20th April: The staff at Wells Library have invited Oxfam to mount a small exhibition in their main room. The Mid Somerset Oxfam Group has risen to the challenge and has prepared a display with three elements. First of course is Oxfam, with a brief picture of the international organization. Second is a description of the local fund-raising and campaigning activity undertaken by MSOG, including a challenge to visitors to join the Group, so that they can be active in the world-wide fight against poverty. The third is about water and comprises an explanation of Oxfam’s remarkable history of coping with the shortage of clean water and decent sanitation in situations that we in this country can hardly contemplate. www.localreach.co.uk | 17


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NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) are the legal minimum wage rates that must be paid to employees. Employers can be penalised for not complying with the NMW and NLW rules. WHAT ARE THE RATES OF THE NMW AND NLW? There are different levels of NMW and NLW, depending on age and whether an apprentice. The rates from 1 April 2022 are: 23 years old and over (NLW): £9.50 21 to 22 years old rate (NMW): £9.18 18 to 20 years old rate (NMW): £6.83 Under 18 (NMW): £4.81 Apprentice rate*: £4.81 *Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they are either aged under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

There are no exemptions from paying the NMW on the grounds of the size of the business. KEY QUESTIONS: WHAT IS THE NLW? The National Living Wage (NLW) is the single hourly rate for adults aged 23 years and above. WHAT IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DECIDING WHETHER THE NMW HAS BEEN PAID? The amounts to be compared with the NMW include

basic pay, incentives, bonuses and performance related pay and also the value of any accommodation provided with the job. Overtime, shift premiums, service charges, tips, gratuities, cover charges and regional allowances are not to be taken into account and benefits other than accommodation are also excluded. WHAT RECORDS ARE NEEDED? There is no precise requirement but the records must show that the rules have been complied with if either HMRC or an Employment Tribunal requests this to be demonstrated. WHAT RIGHTS DO WORKERS HAVE? Workers are allowed to see their own pay records and can complain to an Employment Tribunal if not able to do so. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN NON-COMPLIANCE OCCURS? The government can impose substantial penalties on employers that underpay their workers in breach of the minimum wage legislation. Also HMRC has the power to serve an enforcement notice requiring the payment of at least the NMW, including arrears, to all family members working for a limited company. Need help with your payroll processing? Give us a call today.

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West Mendip Walkers Thursday 7th April: Moderate 9.5 mile circular walk from Heaven’s Gate car park, Longleat (BA12 7LG). Start 10.00a.m. OS Map Ex143 ST824418. What3words: Pens.Regal.Zipped. Please register with Mim Anderson Tel: 07949 548583 or mikeandmim55@btinternet.com Thursday 14th April: Moderate 10 mile circular walk from Holy Trinity Church, Newton St Loe (BA2 9BU). Start 10.00a.m. OS Map Ex155 ST701648. What3words: Swooned. Tailing. Lanes. Please register with Andrew Smallbone Tel: 07581 568805 or andrewsmallbone@hotmail.com Thursday 21st April: Moderate 12 mile circular walk from car park behind the Woodborough Inn, Winscombe (BS25 1HD). Start 10.00a.m. OS Map Ex141 ST420576. What3words: December. Eclipses. Intelligible. Please register with Pat Lynch Tel: 01934 842325/07580 597904 or pat.j.lynch123@gmail. com Wednesday 27th April: Moderate 10 mile circular walk from the Blue Bowl Inn, Compton Martin (BS40 6HJ). Start 10.00a.m. OS Map Ex141 ST557576. What3words: Ditched. Extreme. Conspired. Please register with Su Pinnegar Tel: 01761 221691/07817 127904 or supinnegar@btinternet.com

Toddler Explorers Friday 8th April: Beautiful Birds - Hear a story, make a beautiful hanging bird, do a feather painting, and create a chicken machine. Join us for a fun-filled session of play and active learning in the lovely surroundings of Somerset Rural Life Museum. Our friendly Toddler Explorer sessions are aimed at ages 1 to 3, and are specially designed for parents/ carers and toddlers to play and learn together. Each one-hour session includes themed arts and crafts, museum objects and storytime. The sessions take place in the newly-refurbished and well-equipped Community Learning Space which looks out onto the central museum courtyard and 14th century Abbey Barn. Booking required, £5 per child. swheritage.org.uk/events/

SOUP! is back in April and needs your support!

Bowley’s Jason Tunnicliffe presents their £350 cheque to SOUP! organiser Ross Young

Saturday 9th April: At last, now things are returning to some kind of normality, Saturday 9th April will see Wells Theatre Festival, Wells Dementia Action Alliance, Project Factory and Wells Foodbank each ‘spread their word’ at the grantfunding lunch at the Connect Centre and all will go away with much needed funds!

COMMUNITY

Bowleys Garage has very generously provided the £350 match-funding once again which together with the £5 taken on the door from each attendee will make up the pot which will be shared amongst the presenters. With delicious soup provided by the Blue School from vegetables donated by Waitrose, bread rolls from Burns the Bread, red wine from Sante and white wine, beer and soft drinks from Morrisons plus flowers for the tables from Micky in the Market, SOUP! is truly a community event. Please come along for the 12:45 start at the Connect Centre on Saturday 9th April to give your support to these worthy causes who’ve waited so long to present – it will make their day!

Meet the Neighbourhood Policing Team Saturday 9th April: 10:30am – 11:30am at Wells Library. Drop in and speak to a member of Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team. Whether you want advice on how to protect your belongings, more information about the work we are doing in your area or you want to raise a concern about an issue in your community, your Neighbourhood Policing team will be on-hand to help. For more information please visit: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/ your-area

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COMMUNITY

Community Seed Swap! Save the Date and save your seeds! Saturday 9th April: 10:00am - 1:00pm at Lympsham Café at The Pavilion, BS24 0DN. Bring along any unwanted vegetable or flower seeds clearly labelled in an envelope and swap for others that take your fancy! Then save seeds for next year! No seed to swap, no problem, just give a donation. Then grab a coffee and homemade cake, get chatting and share your ideas for some inspiration this season. It’s an opportunity to share seeds, pick up some new and interesting varieties, exchange tips and experiences and find out more about local community groups and initiatives. Talk about seed sowing and growing over a coffee and a delicious cake (plant-based options available). For further details or more information on seed swaps contact Genevieve Drinkwater gw2991@ yahoo.co.uk. Facebook fb.me/e/2dGS2jSsp

Easter Holiday Activities Saturday 9th – Sunday 24th April: Explore Easter on the Farm with biscuits in the kitchen, egg hunts in the orchard, and hot cross bun toasting over the firepit. Craft activities include Easter bonnet

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making, egg cup decorating and making a nature suncatcher. There will be something to do everyday at the Museum. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Somerset Rural Life Museum, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DB. www.swheritage.org.uk/ events

Theo The Yellow Bird - ‘My Adventure to Wells’ Tuesday 12th April: Book Launch held at Wells Library Union Street, Wells Tuesday 12th April, 11:00am until 12 noon. Age 3 and upwards welcome. Book Reading, Book Signing, Book Sales and lots more, come and join in the fun! Theo’s Mascot will be making an appearance! SPACE IS LIMITED, so please book your place by emailing wslib@somerset.gov.uk

Wells Floral Art Club Tuesday 12th April: On Tuesday 12th April club members will welcome Coral Gardner, national floral art demonstrator and multiple prize winner. Coral is vice chairman of the south west area of National Association of Flower Arrangements Societies. Her demonstration is entitled The Beauty of the Season and it will be held at St Thomas Church Hall, Wells at 2:15 pm.

Spring Tales at Wells Library Wednesday 13th April: Storytelling and colouring-in with author and storyteller Beth Webb at Wells Library, 11:00am. For children 5-10 years. Spaces are limited so reserve your free place now! Ask staff in Wells Library, email: wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk or call 0300 123 2224

Draycott Crib Club - Anyone interested in playing crib? Thursday 14th April: We meet on the second Thursday of each month at the Strawberry Special in Draycott and would love to meet players from other villages who would be interested in playing for a couple of hours. The sessions start at 7:30pm. Next session will be April 14th. For further information, please contact Steve Young on 01749 870987 or by email to steveyoung1987@hotmail.co.uk


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How Avi wanted a healthy body and not to be ashamed of himself because of his size ‘Being overweight all my life my parents had convinced me several times throughout the years to attempt to diet and lose weight but it had never been effective. I would always lose a few kilograms, then the losses would stop, I would get demotivated and slowly creep back to eating how I was before. The turning point came in February (2020) on a trip to Orlando where the rides I had been looking forward all my life to going on I was unable to due to my size, plus having to ask for a seatbelt extender on the plane! This embarrassment stuck with me. Then Covid happened and my weight kept ballooning until I checked my weight one day and saw I was 150kg with high blood pressure, Pre Diabetic, high cholesterol and a fatty liver. Frances Fountain So I started trying to lose weight by myself again, but I felt the same struggles happening again. My dad had been telling me about the The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan for years since he had heard about it during his work as a GP. So I decided to get in contact my 1:1 Diet Consultant and that conversation has changed my life! Speaking to my consultant, I realised I had a challenge ahead of me but she was amazing and supportive from day one. I had always avoided talking about my weight to anyone, even family, openly and always used to be all hush hush about it, but my consultant managed to get me to address my weight head on and this definitely helped as I suddenly wasn’t battling a secret enemy. It’s been full steam ahead since then, I started my 1:1 diet journey in September 2020 at 144.4kg with a BMI of 43.1 and even though my original target was to get to 99kg as I hadn’t been in double digits for my weight since before 2009, I adjusted my target to 87kg which I hit in June 2021! And have lost a further 3kgs whilst moving up the steps to maintenance. It’s been an insane journey so far and I’ve gone from 4/5XL tops to now fitting in into L/XL tops. It’s the lightest and best I’ve ever felt. My health has also improved dramatically as my blood pressure has lowered, blood sugar and cholesterol has all lowered to normal levels and no fatty liver. My fitness has gone from an average of 300 steps a day to being able to go on a run for 30 mins without stopping.’ Thank you Avi for sharing your incredible journey and congratulations on being a Finalist at the UK 2021 Slimmer Awards. If you are struggling to lose weight come and see me and have a chat at my new clinic at 8 The Borough Mall, Wedmore because NOW is the time... Call Fran on 07999 584935

MAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2021

UK MAN OF THE YEAR 2021 FINALIST - AVI SINGH 66 KG LOST BMI from 43.1 to 25.1 Body Fat from 43% to 26%

10

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Visceral Fat 23 to 8 (healthy range 1-12)

“MY WEIGHT BATTLE STARTED WHEN I WAS 8 WEEKS OLD!”

To claim your free face to face or virtual appointments call Fran 07999 584935 or email cwpfran@gmail.com The 1:1 Weight Loss Clinic 8 The Borough Mall Wedmore. BS28 4EB 22 | www.localreach.co.uk

- Avi Singh

Frances Fountain


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Wells & Mendip Museum Saturday 16th April until Monday 6th June: Wells & Mendip Museum is hosting a major exhibition in partnership with the Project Factory, Wells City Archives, Somerset Film and Wells Civic Society using photographs of the main retail and shopping areas of Wells. Based on the Simes Map showing the heart of the city in 1735 the photographs will be from the Phillips Collection held by the museum, the Patrick Brown collection recently donated to the City Archive showing the buildings in the 1970s and the Millennium photographs commissioned by the Wells Civic Society as well as a film made by Somerset Film recording memories, looking at the city today and hopes for its future preservation and development. The exhibition will also feature memorabilia and photographs loaned or donated by the public recalling their memories of shopping in Wells. The collection will then be stored as a permanent archive at the museum and used in future outreach learning through the museum’s Learning Officer with local schools, residential homes, history groups and researchers.

COMMUNITY

range of plants at very competitive prices. Plants grown by the Somerset Group of the Hardy Plant Society. Free parking. £1 admission on the door.

City of Wells Bowling Club Monday 25th April: Ladies and gentlemen, ever thought of giving outdoor bowls a try? It’s a game that has no age barrier and has a good social side. Why not give it a go and see if it’s a sport for you. Coaching is available so you can try it out at your own pace without any pressure. Our season runs from April to September, club nights are on a Monday evening from 6:00pm starting on 25th April, and we welcome newcomers who would like to know more about the sport. If you can’t make that date, then come along to any one of our club nights. Visit us and have a look around at what the club can offer you, there will be members available who can explain more about the game. We are situated on the Recreation Ground by the Bandstand, we are a friendly club and you will be made very welcome. To find out more please contact our club coaches Dave or Trudy Bishop on 01749 678988

Lego Club Saturday 23rd April: 10:30am at Wells Library. Booking highly recommended. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Please email us or call into the Library to book a space wlslib@somerset.gov.uk

Belles in Wells Saturday 23rd April: A fabulous day of shopping & pampering. Lots on offer including: beautiful gifts for you and your home, beauty treatments, foodie goods, all from quality suppliers. 10:00am - 4:00pm. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB. For more info contact sarah@enosisevents. com, 07941 506800

Plant Sale Saturday 23rd April: Plant Sale at West Monkton Village Hall (Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, TA2 8NE) on Saturday 23rd April, 10:00am-12:30pm. Large

The Perfect Fit Ben and Nathan (a third-generation member of the family firm) are two of our fitting team. Unlike many (if not most) of our competitors we employ our own fitters each of whom is highly trained, qualified and above all committed to meeting the highest standards we expect our customers to expect. 8 Mill Batch Farm, East Brent, Near Highbridge, TA9 4JN 01278 760616 or 01749 671431 hello@thekingfisherfamily.com www.thekingfisherfamily.com

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50th Anniversary Concert Saturday 30th April: It’s time for the Burnham and Highbridge Choral Society to perform their Annual Spring Concert. They will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary. It will be at Our Lady and the English Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, Burnham on Sea, TA8 1LL. On Saturday 30th April 2022 at 7.30pm. The choir will be performing Handel’s Coronation Anthems and The Dettingen Te Deum. We will have two professional soloists joining us this year. Anthony Mansfield and Charlotte Sleet. The choir will be joined by an orchestral ensemble of 15 professional musicians including percussion. Tickets are £10 and £7 for children. They are available from: Coffee, Cake & Curtains, Victoria street, Burnham on Sea, Sopha, Church street, Highbridge, members, or our website www. burnhamandhighbridgechoral.org.uk. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but best to get them early to avoid any disappointment.

Taking-The-Space Monday 9th May: Exciting news! From the 9th of May Taking-The-Space will be accepting new members for all of their Drama Classes. Open to budding acting

aged 6 to 18+, these groups are a great way to build confidence, learn new skills and make new friends. Don’t delay! Book early to avoid disappointment. For more info go to www.takingthespace.co.uk or call Maxine on 07850445540

Wells Folk and Barn Dance Club Wednesdays: Wells Folk and Barn Dance Club meet every Wednesday evening between 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Come alone or bring a friend! Learn a new skill. Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF. www.wellsfdc. co.uk for details or telephone 01749 674920

We need your support! - The Wells Vineyard Foodbank & Furniture Storehouse The Wells Vineyard Foodbank & Furniture Storehouse van urgently needs replacing and food stocks are continuously running dangerously low. Recent demands have risen exponentially; in 2021 we distributed over 80,000 meals in our area. To donate towards our monthly

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food shop of £1,500 or if you have surplus food please visit our Facebook page www.facebook. com/wellsstorehousefoodbank

storytelling or bird watching, the hospice gardens have something for all members of the family to enjoy together.

Without a working van we would be unable to collect and deliver donated home essentials such as beds and fridges to our referred clients. We already have a third of the money but if you can help please visit www.gofundme.com/f/foodbank-van-appeal

If you think you could help by opening your garden to visitors and asking for a donation to enter or by raising funds with refreshments then simply get in touch with CHSW who will be able to support you. You will be raising vital funds needed to provide care to 220 local children and families that are supported by Charlton Farm.

Looking for Research Participants… Have you ever experienced bladder leaks during exercise or coughing and sneezing and had a treatment involving an injection into the urethra called urethral bulking to help keep you dry? Would you be willing to contribute to a postgraduate research project exploring women’s experiences of this treatment? If yes, I’d like to invite you to take part in an online interview with me (someone who has had both) to share your experiences of bladder leakage and the difference having urethral bulking has made. Participation is anonymous and confidential. To find out more and register visit https://bit.ly/31lOglk

Could your garden grow great donations? Did your garden become your sanctuary during the pandemic? Did you spend many hours pruning and potting during lockdowns? If so, Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is looking for people to open their gardens this year to help raise funds to run its local children’s hospice, Charlton Farm in Wraxall. Whether it’s an all-day event open to the public or simply an afternoon with friends and family, the opportunity to show your hard work to others while raising vital funds for CHSW is open to all. Emma Parker, Area Fundraiser for CHSW said: “Gardening became incredibly popular during the pandemic as people spent more time than ever at home and their gardens became a labour of love . If you would be interested in opening your garden to celebrate your hard work and help raise funds then get in touch. Whatever time of year your garden will be looking its best we would be more than happy to support you with opening it as a fundraiser.” The gardens at Charlton Farm are a firm favourite for the children and families visiting. With plenty of space to run around and let off steam or ride bikes, sensory gardens to explore and quiet corners for

For more information visit www.chsw.org.uk/ event/group/open-gardens

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue As you start to tidy and prepare your gardens during Spring, please carefully check for possible hibernating hedgehogs. Their nests appear as a messy mound of dead leaves and other vegetation. Look carefully before forking, cutting and clearing. Contact Prickles Hedgehog Rescue if you find hedgehogs out in the daylight who are injured or unwell. Call 07806 744772.

Willow Man We have all driven on the M5 motorway and passed the Willow Man. But now the old fella is looking somewhat tired and haggard. It is for this reason that musician Barry Walsh has produced an original song called the ‘Willow Man’ to raise awareness of his plight. The sculptor Serena De La Hey is making a statement regarding the future of the Willow Man in the Spring of this year. Somerset based singer/songwriter Barry Walsh is known for his songs about the West Country such as ‘Porlock Hill’ and ‘The Queen of Clovelly’ , and his music is frequently played on BBC Radio and Worldwide Internet radio. You can find all his music on YouTube and Facebook: barrywalshuk

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Vicar of Dibley - Wookey Theatre Group

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characters and delivered them superbly, from Jim’s stutter and Hugo’s head tilts to Frank’s dithering, Owen’s unique enunciation and David’s haughty demeanour. In the play, the eponymous Geraldine (played by Lyn Hinde) is instantly attracted to Harry, a dashing new arrival to the village (played by Steve French). Their scenes together fizzed with wit and romance, leaving the audience firmly rooting for Geraldine’s longed-for happy ending.

After a two-year period of absence (for the obvious reason) the Wookey Theatre Group were back, and there was a palpable sense of excitement amongst the crowd and the performers. The show consisted of three episodes from the last Vicar of Dibley series, cleverly sewn together as one whole performance. The cast were strong throughout, and from the opening parish council meeting scene we immediately recognised familiar characters brilliantly brought to life, as Frank (Gil Oliphant), Owen (Paul Reynolds), Jim (Rosie Winstone) and Hugo (Steve French) were presided over by a wonderfully exasperated David (Steve Collinson). Without exception, this cast had studied their

Puzzle Solutions

Geraldine’s scenes with the delightfully dippy Alice (played by Louise Cooper) beautifully captured the iconic pair’s hilarious chemistry, and the infamous joke explanations, to a blissfully bewildered Alice, had the audience in stitches. Dawn French has left a large cassock to fill, but Lyn Hinde’s performance as Geraldine was a triumph. She impressively combined compassion and frustration (plus occasional bursts of profanity and lunacy) with real warmth for her wonderfully eccentric parishioners. On stage for every scene, this was a massive role, skilfully executed and a real joy to watch. The addition of a pre-filmed video clip was a highlight in the second act (directed and produced by Greg Collinson and Jamie Bendy). A superbly put together dream sequence, where Geraldine gets pipped to the alter by her rival, and whilst singing a soul classic, punches both the bride and the groom in sheer frustration. Make up, lights, and sound were all extremely well done, and the simplistic staging was remarkably effective. Directed by Polly Carroll and produced by Ann Gouldney, this 15th production by the WTG is a theatrical achievement of which they should be seriously proud. Wookey may be a small unassuming village, but the WTG cast and crew consistently raise their game to put on performances that are top notch.

Mendip Morris Mendip Morris will be out and about dancing at local pubs in the area on Thursdays from the beginning of May. On some weeks they will be joined by Morris dancers from further afield in Somerset or the South West. Do come along to watch, support or join in! They will also be performing at some local, and not so local, arts or dance festivals over the summer. Mindbender: 1: An eye for an eye 2: Pie in the sky 3: Double cross 26 | www.localreach.co.uk

The full programme, and more about Mendip Morris, can be found on the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MendipMorris/events or on the website at: mendipmorris.org.uk


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CHIMNEY SWEEPS

Chimney Sweep & Stove Installation • Power sweeping • Birds nest removal • CCTV inspections • Stove servicing • Fully insured

Experience affordable elegance with FREE Fitting & up to 60% OFF VERTICAL • ROLLER • VENETIAN • ROMAN PLEATED • CONSERVATORY SPECIALIST

Call Colin for your free quote & fast local service

Somerset 01749 467091

07790 958616

DOG WALKING

Pe t s 4 Ho l i d ay s Qualified Vet Nurse.

Available to Dog walk, Dog mind and look after your pets. Dogs walk individually around my 12 acre holding. Happy to collect and drop back to your home

Phone Nicky: 01749 677722 / 07875 957023

www.localreach.co.uk | 27


LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z DOMESTIC REPAIRS

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 FLOORING

Carpets • Rugs • Vinyl • Wood Skirtings replaced • Stock rolls • Remnants • Ranges from leading manufacturers • Competitively priced • Fully qualified, reliable fitting team and floor repairs service Large showroom in Market Street, BA5 2DS

FREE ESTIMATES

01749 67 65 65 (Opposite The Pound Shop)

www.wellscityfloors.co.uk DOORS

When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach

FOOT CARE Chiropody and Podiatry Services Chiropody and Podiatry Services • HCPC registered

• Nail cutting & thinning HCPC registered • Nail cutting and thinning • Hard skin & corn removal Hard skinchecks and corn removal • Foot health checks • Foot health • Home visit service Home visit service • Fully insured • Fully insured

Comfy Feet

DRY STONE WALLING

Fully state registered and qualified to use the title chiropodist Email: comfyfeet10@gmail.com and podiatrist - meaning trained to the highest level

Call Jane: 07916 401325

Call Jane: 07916 401325 E: comfyfeet10@gmail.com

Thea Mirfin

High quality NEW dry stone walls built. EXISTING dry stone walls rebuilt full or part.

sales@lovedrystone.co.uk

07970 142 716

www.lovedrystone.co.uk 28 | www.localreach.co.uk

DipFH. MCFHP. MAFHP.

Foot Health Professional

Corn and callus removal | Fungal nail treatment | Nail trimming Thick nail reduction | Cracked heal treatment | Diabetes foot check Ingrown nail removal | And much more!

07849 033055

TOE NAIL CUTTING SERVICE Contact Tracy SAC Dip F.H.P T: 01749

938712

M: 07787932416

FROM

£25


LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 FUEL INSTALLATIONS

GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES CONT.

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD Wood Burning Stove Fireplaces Chimneys Fully insured Qualified installers

01749 677440

07921 074602

solidfuel3@aol.com

www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach LOFT BOARDING

GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES LLLL BLBBBBBB SLSLS WWWL Need more this Christmas? Make usestorage of yourspace loft and create more

Make use of your space loft and in create space in your home yourmore home

Loft Ladders Raised Loft Storage ✓ Loft Ladders ✓ Raised Loft Storage Loft Lighting Insulation ✓ Loft Loft Lighting ✓ Insulation storage solutions for period and new build homes that don’t void your warranty, with the bonus of keeping your belongings

safefor andperiod secure. and new build homes Loft storage solutions that don’t void your 0 1 3warranty, 7 3 8 1 with 3 4 the 3 8 bonus of keeping w.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk yourw wbelongings safe and secure.

01749 600384

www.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk

PLUMBING AND HEATING

LLLL B Installations Servicing Repairs

Boilers Cylinders | Radiators Underfloor Heating General Plumbing

Luke’s

Tree Care, Hedge Care & General Building

Clearing | Rotavating | Trees felled, Removed & Lopped Stump Removal | Hedge Trimming & Tree Pruning Turfing | Fencing | General Building and more…

Qualified Plumbing and Heating Service with over 22 years’ experience in the industry.

Need more

NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL! LOW COSTS PLUS FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

01749 467093

luke100785@yahoo.com

Professional and friendly company who takes pride in their work.

If you are looking for high-quality plumbing and heating services then please get in touch:

07432 105488

solutiononeheating@hotmail.com

www.localreach.co.uk | 29


LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

LOGS

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CONTINNUED

Kiln Dried & Seasoned Hardwood Logs Smokeless Coal Kindling & Natural Firelighters

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

01934 734662 www.ebdonfirewood.co.uk When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach

Property Maintenance Fencing • Plumbing & heating House clearance • Guttering General building No job too big or small FREE No Obligation Quote call Stuart

07894 323115

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

REMOVALS

LOCAL HOME CARE

ND TRANSPORT & COURIER SERVICES

GUTTER CLEANING SERVICES

EPDM flat roofs and repairs

ALL YOUR TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, LOCAL AND LONG-DISTANCE REMOVALS & HOUSE CLEARANCES

Supply, fit and repair Fascias, Soffits and Guttering Drives, Paths, Gutters and Patios cleaned UPVC Fascias, Frames and Conservatories All types of Re-Roofs Call Geoff for your FREE estimate 01749 605415 or 07554 184479 www.local-homecare.co.uk

HandyMan in wells Shepton Mallet • Street • Glastonbury • Cheddar

Carpenter • General handyman Property maintenance • Sash window repairs

COMPETITIVE RATES

07410 439296 / 07516 811124

ndcouriersolutions@icloud.com

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE BUSINESS IN 2022? LocalReach is delivered every month by ROYAL Mail to 83,000 homes & businesses. You can advertise in LocalReach Community Magazines from only £3+vat per week! 100% guaranteed delivery by ROYAL MAIL 95% of our advertisers rebook every month 30% of our pages given free to the community Call us now on 01749 600388 or visit www.localreach.co.uk

01749 676 732 • 07437 462 137 handymaninwells@btinternet.com www.handymaninwells.weebly.com

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

30 | www.localreach.co.uk Local reach Ad.indd 1

07/06/2018 14:03


LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 SEWING

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Frances C

ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS Clothing, Curtains & Blinds • Shortening • Hems • Fitting

Upholstery & Soft Furnishings

“I sew for you”

• Repairs • Alterations • Making new

Courses in upholstery & related crafts

Pretty Sitting UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Recycled, restored and handmade furniture & accessories for sale Upholstery Fabrics Interior Design

Showroom and online store

01934 752725

Frances Christine 01749 939578 Randall BA Hons Fashion Knitwear & Textiles

www.prettysittingvintage.co.uk The Showroom & Workshop, Barrows House, Tweentown, Cheddar. BS27 3HU

Centrally located in Wells. Collection/delivery if required.

SKIP HIRE

When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach Providing a waste recycling service Fully licensed & compliant Commercial & Domestic

01749 678279 / 07721 415677

email@cheddarskips.plus.com www.cheddarandwellsskips.co.uk

STOVES (MULTI FUEL)

Multi Fuel Stoves Supplied & Fitted from £1250 ECOSY Purefire Curve 5kw A+ Energy Rated

Prices exclude any additional building works

Call Dave on

07790 958616 5 Year Guarantee

TREE SURGEONS

H OAK ILL

TREE SURGEONS & GROUNDS CARE

• All aspects of tree/hedge work • Stump grinding • Specialist work undertaken including fruit trees & bamboo removal • Suppliers of wood chip, wood mulch & logs

WEB DESIGN

NEED A WEBSITE OR YOUR OLD WEBSITE MADE OVER? We will design a 1-10 page website that you can update or we can update for you. We can register your web address for you and host your website on our servers. We don’t charge any upfront fees just

£45+vat per month which then drops to only £25+vat per month after first year. If you would like to discuss having a website Call us now on 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk

www.localreach.co.uk

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

WINDOW CLEANING

Aqua Vista Window Cleaning

Full site clearance Fully qualified & insured Free quote • 24 Hour call out

Windows | Gutter clearance/cleans Fascias | Conservatory cleans

01749 605389

01458 551610 / 07842382473

Call or text for a free quote

aquavista.windowcleaning@yahoo.com

www.localreach.co.uk | 31


Cooking up the desire for a new home this Easter ? For a free valuation of your property, please call on 01934 742966 / 01934 710222 to have an up to date market appraisal. www.laurelandwylde.co.uk 2c Bath Street, Cheddar, BS27 3AA The Borough, Wedmore BS28 4EB


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