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December 2021
Issue No. 66
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
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GARDENING – page 4 CHURCH – page 7 HISTORY – page 9 PUZZLES – page 11 RECIPE – page 12 BOOKS – page 18 COMMUNITY – page 21 KIDS – page 22 BUSINESS A-Z – page 27
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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 January issues and the deadline is 1st December; 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 December for the January issues. Stay safe. From the team at LocalReach Community Magazines.
Editorial deadline for the January issue is 1st December LocalReach Community Editor: Robert Hutchinson
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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 2021.
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GARDENING
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Garden View This month – Simple winter tasks
This year’s festive season (at least at time of writing), is shaping up to be a little more ‘normal’, whatever that term now means. While most of us are looking forward to more socialising and togetherness, I’m betting a fair few might think back fondly to last year’s smaller, quieter Christmas. And this is where the garden comes into its own. There are always things to do out there, even in December. A few simple gardening tasks offer some pockets of calm and relief amid the busyness of the festive season. They are also a wonderful way to get some fresh air and exercise to burn off those Christmas calories and winter gloominess!
First, take a look at your winter containers. If you have a particularly wet spell, make sure they don’t get flooded. If it’s dry, then plants will still need water regularly, just give the compost a chance to dry out each time. Pick off any leaves that look yellowed or diseased. Do you like garlic? I love it. Now is the perfect time to start your own garlic crop, especially if like mine your soil is free-draining. Plant individual cloves of garlic. ‘Solent Wight’ is a great variety for our greyer British climate and forms large plump bulbs. If you have a sheltered warmer spot try ‘Lautrec Wight,’ which as its name suggests originates from the town of Lautrec in France. It produces particularly handsome pink/purple cloves and is widely regarded in France as the best garlic. Snip off any wispy ends or the birds will pull cloves from the soil (I learned that one from experience!). The bulbs will be ready to harvest when the leaves start to die off and turn yellow, which is usually around June or July. Tidy established perennials by cutting back those that have become pulpy. Simply cut back the decaying material, chop it up and add it to the compost heap. If you have an unheated greenhouse, a summer house or conservatory you can sow some sweet peas and leave them to germinate. Sow the seeds in deep pots or root-trainers filled with multi-purpose compost then keep the pots in a propagator or cover them with a transparent plastic bag. Once seeds have germinated, remove the covering. If the soil isn’t frozen, you can plant bare-root fruit bushes such as gooseberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Make sure you dig a hole that can take the plant’s roots comfortably without squashing them. Then label them clearly because it’s easy to forget which varieties you’re growing!
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G if t
Finally, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the gardener in your life please can I recommend Gold Leaf Winter Touch gloves. They have a Thinsulate™ thermal lining which keeps hands toasty warm even in the coldest weather, AND an additional SkiDri™ waterproof, breathable lining so your hands remain dry even when used in the wet! I also love the reinforced palm because it’s great for spade work. As you can tell, I love mine, and I am neither sponsored by nor connected with the company in any way; mine were a recent gift and I’ve been raving about them to anyone who will listen ever since!s Happy gardening! By Rachael Leverton
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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
Cedars Hall - not just a pretty face There is much more to Cedars Hall than meets the eye. Opened in 2016 as a state-of-the-art performance venue, this modern and acoustically magnificent building nestles in the beautifully kept grounds of Wells Cathedral School and is only 5 minutes’ walk from the centre of Wells. You may already expect to find a classical concert at Cedars Hall, but you might be surprised to learn that the venue also has a whole host of other events up its sleeve - from jazz, folk and films to talks, drama and comedy as well as some of the best tribute bands and cabaret in the South West. Something for all the family! Local celebrity Clare Teal and national treasure Dame Patricia Routledge have graced our stage and we have also been privileged to host top class pianists such as Jason Rebello, Stephen Hough and Jonathan Biss, the late great jazz saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, acoustic guitarist Mike Dawes - and we couldn’t be in Somerset without inviting The Wurzels to put on a rousing performance - complete with local cider on sale in the bar. The 2022 schedule will soon be announced, with another exciting mix of concerts and events - and a special outdoor festival in the summer. Keep an eye out on the Cedars Hall website for details: cedarshall.events Alongside all of this, did you know that you can also hire out Cedars Hall to celebrate special family parties? We have facilities for a live band, a bar and catering on hand. If you would like more information email enterprises@wells-cathedral-school.com
What’s on in December Saturday 11th Alex Western-King Quartet Wednesday 15th The Sensation Abba Christmas Show Saturday 18th Kanda Bongo Man
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A Basic Guide for Spot & Stain Removal from Copper Beech Cleaning Alcohol, Coffee, Tea & Urine Blot up surplus spillage using absorbent cloth or white kitchen paper. Apply lots of pressure to absorb as much liquid as possible. Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use Detergent Vinegar Solution, a little at a time. Frequently blot with dry cloths. See final rinse procedure » Chocolate, Sweets, Ice Cream & Vomit Scrape up any excess using a blunt knife. Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use a Detergent Solution. Blot dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry. See final rinse procedure » Fats, Chewing Gum & Shoe Polish Scrape up any excess using a blunt knife. Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by Detergent Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See final rinse procedure » Final Rinse Procedure • Mix one part white vinegar & four-parts water • Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained areas • Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture • Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) or absorbent cloth over the affected area and place something weighted on top
Items & Solutions Needed • Clean white absorbent cloth or towel • Dry Cleaning Solution: Surgical Spirit (usually available from local Chemists) • Detergent Solution: One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woollens, to half a pint (0.3litres) of warm water • Detergent Vinegar Solution: Add one teaspoonful of white (not malt) vinegar to the Detergent Solution • Ammonia Solution: One teaspoonful of branded household Ammonia to one cup of warm water
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Caring For All
CHURCH (as potentially illegal) to see us through covid. It will be interesting to see if that argument is used as strongly for the UK aid budget to be reinstated as it was for the £20 uplift in Universal Credit to be set aside. This aid cut impacted hugely. The British vaccination programme that has helped minimise killer diseases has been cut. Communities reliant on food aid will struggle more. This is before we start on Covid vaccines and the limitations in administering them fairly across the world.
Christmas is the season of goodwill and generosity when we give thanks for all God’s gifts, including God’s presence with us, in Jesus. Christmas is a season for giving presents to others, and offering charitable donations. I was raised, in a Christian tradition that taught as a fundamental value giving to charity at home and overseas, in equal measure, because all are our neighbours. I was deeply concerned therefore by the ‘temporary reduction’ in British overseas aid announced in late 2020. It is temporary measure
By caring for all, across the world, as Jesus did in coming to be born as a babe amongst us for the sake of all, life will be better for everyone. As people lead secure daily lives in their own countries the refugee crises will be reduced. Better health and education across the world will lead to greater peace and more prosperity for all. As we all work to mitigate the effects of climate change life will be better for all. The world will become a better more compassionate place. It is vitally important, this Christmas that we remain generous and compassionate, not only to our loved ones but to our neighbours across the globe. Kindly provided by Revd Rowena Francis, Minister Wells United Church. wellsunitedchurch.org.uk
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Partying in a Pandemic!
Update on Windows 11 Since last month’s article, Windows 11 is now fully released. We have installed it as both upgrades for existing customers and on new computers, and I am happy to report that it has been a great success. Customers are finding it straight forward to use and are not finding any major issues. We provide our own Windows 11 guide for each customer, and this has helped bridge the gap between Windows 10 and 11 features. One issue that we are seeing is that some older computers will not accept Windows 11 without modification, and in some cases, especially for older computers, a complete new system is the best way forward. Should you find yourself in the situation whereby Windows tells you that it will not run on Windows 11, please get in touch, as we may be able to provide a solution. One example is that we can resolve the issue of missing TPM module, and for those when the hardware is not compatible, we offer a smooth migration path from old to new. Please see our advert on this page and get in touch if Windows 11 is of interest. Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd, Tel: 07973 536299
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I love to throw a party. Every year I’d host a festive bash for our friends. Then last year COVID happened. This year I’ve been looking forwards to throwing my party again but actually the virus is still rife in the community. The kids and staff at my son’s senior school are dropping like flies, and I realised that it simply wouldn’t be sensible to gather 15-20 people I care about in a confined space. I felt a bit deflated until one of my friends asked, ‘Are you going to do your outdoor thing again? It was so much fun last year.’ I was a little taken aback, then I realised that I’d been so focussed on getting back to ‘normal’ I’d completely forgotten that amid all the darkness last year we’d actually had some great times, and one of them was my Christmas Party in the Yard. Back in 2020 when I’d realised we couldn’t host our friends in the usual way I decided to get creative. “I need to think outside the box,” I’d said to my husband…” In fact, I need to think ‘outside.’” He looked horrified, “You can’t host a Christmas party outside in the UK in December!” he said. Well, I couldn’t host a conventional party sure, but they were unconventional times. I canvassed my friends, and they were on board. I decided if we were going to do it, it would have to be full on magical. So, we hung outdoor fairy lights all-round the plot for a Winter Wonderland feel. We begged and borrowed outdoor lanterns and placed candles in jars on the table. We made garlands of pinecones, spruce clippings, eucalyptus, and ivy. We fired up BBQs, Patio heaters and a firepit and put all the garden chairs in the warmest area. And we made festive sausages with apple sauce and cranberry sauce instead of ketchup. There were mince pies and popcorn and we even roasted chestnuts and toasted marshmallows. For drinks we made spiced apple cider, hot chocolate with chocolate liqueur and squirty cream and mulled wine. And there were blankets, rugs, and fleecy throws. We played music on an old battery operated CD player and laughed and talked until late. My mistake was to think of this as a poor substitute for my usual Christmas party. My friends on the other hand thought of it as something quite lovely in its own right and were keen for a repeat in 2021, only hopefully in my garden this time, with easy access to posher plumbing when nature calls! So, this year, we’re not risking an indoor party again yet, we’re going to repeat the outdoor get together, and it will be exactly what we make it, a wonderful celebration of friendship and joy, exactly as Christmas should be. By Debbie James
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Mince pies Traditionally eaten at Christmas but what’s their origin?
Until the middle to end of the 19th century the recipes always included meat. In medieval and Tudor times this was typically lamb or veal, then tongue and tripe in the 18th century and minced beef in the 19th century. The meat was always spiced and this may have been influenced by the introduction into England of a wide ranges of spices around the time of the Crusades.
LOCAL HISTORY As you can see from the recipes, the pies were not the small dainty ones we see today; these were large pies intended to be eaten by several people. This and the addition of expensive spices in the recipes suggests that they were typically eaten by the better off and on special occasions. By the mid17th Century, there appears to have been some connections made to Christmas and Samuel Pepys makes several references to eating them at that time in his diary. Although the myth is not true that Oliver Cromwell banned the eating of mince pies, it is fortunate for Pepys that the monarchy had been restored in 1660. The Puritans believed that over-indulgence in food at Christmas and other feast days was associated with wantonness and debauchery. They disapproved of any form of feasting and introduced various laws in the 1640’s banning celebrations at Christmas, Easter and Whitsun. I hope, however, that other myths associated with mince pies are true. Do make a wish when you eat the first one and eat one, preferably in different houses, for every happy month. Enjoy! Kindly provided by Elizabeth Friend, Axbridge Archaeological and Local History Society. www.aalhs.co.uk
City of Wells Almshouses (CWA) – Trustee Opportunities
The earliest recipe for a pie full of spices and meat is said to have appeared in 1390 in a 14th century manuscript collection of recipes apparently recorded by the cooks to Richard II. One of the manuscripts was published in 1780, for the curator of the British Museum, by Samuel Pegge and entitled The Forme of Cury. It is among the oldest extant English cookery books, and the earliest known to mention olive oil, and spices such as mace and cloves. In it, the “tartes of fleshe” were made of pork, hard-boiled eggs and cheese which were mixed with saffron, spices and sugar. A similar recipe can be found in Gervase Markham’s The English Huswife, published in 1615 in which a leg of mutton was mixed with three pounds of suet, salt, cloves, mace, currants, raisins, prunes, dates, and orange peel.
The CWA is looking to widen the range of skills and experience within its Board and is now seeking applications to join the Charity as Trustees helping to steer the future for these historic buildings in the heart of Wells. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience at a strategic level in fundraising, marketing/media relations, legal, accounting and finance or housing sectors. Our 33 Almshouse properties are centrally located in the City of Wells and our Charity traces its origins back to 1424. In recent years we have been undertaking the progressive modernisation of our properties. For more information about the role and how to apply please visit the news page of our website: www.wellsalmshouses.org.uk or contact Martin Thomas, CEO. Telephone: 07460 257103; Email: ceo@wellsalmshouses.org.uk. The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 14 December 2021.
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The Art of Scepticism How to think critically
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 have to back up their claims? Where do those facts come from? Can they be trusted? Do they have something to gain? Without applying some critical thought, we end up falling down the rabbit hole and starting to believe all sorts of nonsensical conspiracy theories from the Earth being flat (yes, there is a growing Flat Earth movement), all the way up to the world being run by an elite race of child eating vampires (the basic QAnon premise!!). So how do you combat the deluge of misinformation, misunderstanding and barefaced lies surrounding us in today’s permanently connected life? Use Carl Sagan’s Baloney Detector.
Over a year after the losing the US presidential election Donald Trump still maintains he won - by a ‘landslide’. Even after multiple recounts, audits and ‘forensic’ testing all proved him wrong. But why do tens of millions of Americans still think he’s telling the truth? Critical thinking and scepticism are dying skills. You read a post on Twitter and because other people agree with it you assume it’s true. We don’t ask the important questions. Who made the initial post? What expertise do they have? What facts do they
Carl Sagan was a leading scientist, philosopher and astronomer who saw how society was losing touch with reality in the 80’s and 90’s. He predicted our current situation and tried hard to combat the rejection of facts and truths. The baloney (or BS) detector is a set of rules you should follow to validate any argument people present to you. There are a number of steps, but I’ll take you through the main ones you should apply to claims you hear. 1. Check the facts There must be facts to back up the claim. These must be independently confirmed by a trusted source. 2. Don’t trust someone just because they are in authority. 3. Explore other explanations. Can you disprove them? Explanations that survive disproval stand a better chance of being correct. 4. Don’t believe something just because you like the sound of it. 5. If something can be measured, measure it, or get reliable data from an expert source.
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
6. If one argument relies on another and another, they all must work or the whole chain fails. 7. Occam’s Razor - if two arguments work, the simplest is usually the best. 8. Can you falsify the argument? If there’s no possible way you can test an argument to see if it’s true, it’s not a good argument. So, when you next read about aliens from Jupiter replacing members of the Government with robot clones, think to yourself. Is this true? How many have been replaced? Can we test this theory? Who is saying this? Can they be trusted? Is this the likeliest explanation? I leave you to ponder that one! By James Bates
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PUZZLES
Crossword
Across 7 Destitute, lacking (6) 8 Allowing movement in a single direction (3-3) 9 False god (4) 10 Towards the back, at the end (8) 11 Major road (7) 13 Local authority regulation (5) 15 Cow’s mammary gland (5) 17 Having taste, genteel (7) 20 Computer ID (8) 21 Adorable, charming (4) 23 Tearful (6) 24 Reach, realise (6) Down 1 Desire, covet (4) 2 Riches (6) 3 Abiding, immortal (7) 4 Articulate (5) 5 Room to move and grow (6) 6 Bearing, stance (8) 12 Commerce, trade (8) 14 A few, not many (7) 16 Insect with pincers (6) 18 Encourage, foment (6) 19 Assess, quantify (5) 22 Offshoot (4)
Word Search
Solutions
Bezique Big Two Blitz Bridge Briscola Canasta Casino Cheat
Cribbage Eleusis Euchre Fan Tan Golf Hearts Jass Le Truc
Mao Nertz Ninety-nine Oh Hell Palace Pinochle Piquet Pitch
Poker President Rook Rummy Scopa Skat Snap Spades
Speed Spoons Whist Zetema
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RECIPE
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Last-minute Christmas Gift Cake Traditionally Christmas cakes are made well in advance but if you haven’t had time try our last-minute version. Because it makes two you can also give one away as a gift, and solve two problems with one recipe!
Makes 2 cakes, each serving 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1-1¾ hours depending on oven. Ingredients: 600g good-quality mixed dried fruits 150ml whisky, warmed 150g stem ginger, drained, plus 8 tbsp ginger syrup from the jar 200g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 300g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp mixed spice 200g soft light brown sugar 4 large free-range eggs 2 tbsp milk Finely grated zest of 2 small oranges and 2 lemons 50g ground almonds 150g whole glacé cherries Method: Put the dried fruits in a bowl and pour over the whisky. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the fruit to plump up. 12 | www.localreach.co.uk www.localreach.co.uk
Briefly blend the ginger and its syrup in a mini food processor until finely chopped. Preheat the oven to 160°C/fan140°C/gas 3. Grease and line a 20cm square cake tin. Sift the flour, baking powder and mixed spice into a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients except the cherries. Beat with a hand-held electric whisk for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Fold in the soaked dried fruits and any whisky, the blitzed ginger and the cherries. Spoon into the baking tin and level off. Bake for 1-1¾ hours (this depends very much on your oven. My fan oven is super-quick whereas my mother’s aga is slower). If you’re unsure I recommend you check after an hour then every fifteen minutes after that, until the cake is firm and golden brown. To check, insert a skewer into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean the cake is cooked. You can cover it loosely with foil after 1 hour if the centre needs more time. This prevents the surface darkening too much. Leave in the tin for 10 minutes, and then remove to a wire rack to cool. Remove a thin slice from all sides of the cake and discard. Cut the cake in half to make 2 rectangles. Top with marzipan and white fondant icing and decorate with a sprig of holly.
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Clutter-free for Christmas Look around your house. Would you be able to invite people in without a second thought? Or would unexpected festive visitors send you into a panic? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by clutter but follow these simple ‘no extra mess steps and you’ll soon be ready to open the front door with a smile. Grab a bin bag. Go quickly through the house from room to room and put in anything that is obviously just rubbish: empty packets, wrappers, junk mail etc. Once you’ve done it, go through again and see whether you’ve missed anything. The chances are that going through the first time has opened your eyes to other things which can just be thrown away.
Take couple of empty and go through yet again, this time looking for items that are easy charity shop donations - things you won’t need or use again so don’t want to waste time finding a home for, but which are too good to throw away. These might be old toys and games, CDs, DVDs, books, extra pots and pans etc. By now things will be looking much tidier. At this point grab another box and go through one last time and look for things that are obviously out of place but which you know have a home. Put them in the box and rehome them as you go round the house. Then do the washing and drying, and fold and put away the items Hopefully by now you should feel more in control of your surroundings and will be able to see a way forward
Now do any washing-up or load the dishwasher. Clearing the kitchen surfaces makes a huge difference.
Obviously if your clutter is such a big problem that you are still overwhelmed speak to your doctor about seeking professional help.
Grab another bag. Go through the house again and this time look for items of clothing that need to be washed. Pop them in the bag and take them to the washing baskets.
helpforhoarders.co.uk By Tracey Anderson
FESTIVE RANGE PRE-ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS FOOD TODAY! Pick up a brochure at selected retailers or order your click & collect online at thornersofsomerset.co.uk
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HISTORYPAGE LOCAL EXPERT
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Do you have adequate credit control procedures? Getting paid is an exciting part of running a business, but managing receivables isn’t as much fun. Because cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, small or large, it is imperative to have robust systems and controls in place to ensure customers pay on time. If your customers start paying late you can very quickly find yourself in financial difficulty or having to write off balances as bad debts. To reduce the risk of non-payment by customers you should have formal policies and procedures for credit control, and you need to keep to them. But what should be included in your procedures? 1. It’s vital that your customers understand your credit policies and the terms and conditions that apply to your invoices. Write down your payment terms in a formal credit control policy that customers must accept and sign-off on before any work is carried out or goods supplied and make sure you include the basic terms in the small print on your invoices. 2. Ensure you invoice accurately and promptly. Raise invoices as soon as the work or order is completed, don’t wait until the end of the month. The sooner you send your invoice the sooner you will get paid. Email the invoices and include a range of payment methods, including ‘Pay Now’.
3. Make sure bank receipts are posted regularly (daily) in your accounting software, so that customer balances are always up to date ‘real time’. Most accounting software allows automatic bank feeds to make this process easier and simpler to maintain. 4. Issue regular statements, preferably electronically. If you send a paper statement, buy a rubber stamp and physically stamp the statement as overdue, if it is. It is a simple thing to do but can be quite effective when it arrives on the desk of an Accounts Payable clerk as they know what’s coming next! 5. Review debtors regularly, at least once a month, but ideally once a week. Monday is a great time to review who has paid you over the weekend and to decide who needs a reminder if invoices are overdue. 6. Chase overdue invoices weekly! Gone are the days when we chased at the end of each calendar month for invoices 30, 60 and 90 days overdue. Being polite and persistent does pay off but bear in mind the impact your words can have on a customer relationship. A simple phone call may suffice, or a series of emails maybe needed. Make sure you’re speaking to your customer’s accounts team to speed up payment, but if this fails you may need to chase a debtor for payment through the form of legal action. Do you need help with your credit control process? If yes get in touch with us today.
YOUR LOCAL CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AND TAX ADVISERS Audits & Accounts Bookkeeping & Payroll Company Secretary Business Start-Ups Tax Services VAT Returns & Registration Sage & QuickBooks Training With over 30 years’ industry experience you can rely on Bishop Jones for the highest levels of expertise. For a quotation, contact us today!
01749 678 307
enquiries@bishopjones.co.uk www.bishopjones.co.uk
Mill Street Business Centre 55a High Street, Wells. BA5 2AE 14 | www.localreach.co.uk
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Board Games or Bored Games? There are two types of families; those that love a game of Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit or Scrabble, and families like mine. Our little festive hearts sink when guests suggest breaking out the Cluedo. We always thought we were odd until a few years ago when we befriended new neighbours. They invited us round for festive drinks and about halfway through the evening they suggested we play some games. They must have seen our collective look of horror. Oh no, they laughed, not BORED games...and with that they whipped out Dobble, Q-Bitz and Genius Square. These were games I had never heard of, although admittedly I hadn’t really researched the subject. What ensued were a couple of fast-paced fun-filled hours, which resulted in us buying the same games and few more besides. That evening our neighbours showed us that we didn’t hate board games, we’d just been playing the wrong ones. My family is very kinaesthetic. We like to touch and manipulate things. We have a dozen different Rubik cubes and enjoy solving them. Traditional board games just aren’t engaging enough for us.
LOCALREACH
Save fuel, shop local this Christmas! This message was cribbed from the blackboard outside Hansford Butchers in Shipham recently. Another advantage of shopping with small independent shops rather than the big box retailers also gives you opportunities for finding unique and interesting products that are not seen on the high street and don’t cost the earth to be shipped to your door! At Pretty Sitting in Cheddar this Christmas we have loads of unique gifts for sale: handblown glass baubles; table linens made with 100% linen; soy wax candles and diffusers; organic cotton baskets; recycled plastic rugs, throws and cushions and lovely handcrafted products for the home. We also have a range of bespoke furniture for sale including vintage chairs; fabric covered headboards and footstools (made to order). All our products are sustainably sourced, mostly made or designed in the UK by artisans and crafts people and certainly made with love. Come and browse in our Bath Street showroom in Cheddar, opposite the Bath Arms pub. Parking is available at Sainsburys or behind Tescos. Our contact details and our online shop can be found at www.prettysittingvintage.co.uk/shop. We look forward to welcoming you to our lovely new local shop this Christmas.
Dobble is a ‘spot-it’ style game. There is a deck of circular cards covered in images and each card shares just one image in common with each other card. The idea is to spot the match quicker than your neighbour in a series of lightning rounds. Like snap but way more challenging and far more entertaining. Q-Bitz is a match-it game, where you race against other players to reproduce the pattern on a card, using sixteen cubes, which all have different patternparts on each face. There are speed and memory variations, and children tend tao be better than adults...at least in our house. If you love Tetris you’ll probably like Genius Square. The blocks are the same shapes and colours, and by throwing special dice you block out various coordinates on your square, then race to fit all the blocks into the remaining spaces. These three games have become our family staples and we’ve discovered that lots of our friends prefer them to traditional board games too. So, if you’re ‘bored with board games’ try these and see if they convert you. By Sarah Davey
www.localreach.co.uk | 15
LOCAL EXPERT PAGE LOCALREACH
Yoga Poses for Winter
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What to by a Vegan!
It might be tempting to go into hibernation for winter, during these winter months below are a few of the postures we will be working with! We’ve also added an extra class, you can join us at 8.15pm now each Thursday!. 1. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) Wintertime benefits: This pose invigorates and calms the nervous system, making it perfect for finding harmony. In the winter you can focus on being firm and steady whilst you practice this pose, and imagine drawing earth energy up through your hands and into your lungs. 2. Crescent Lunge (Ashta Chandrasana) Wintertime benefits: In general, standing poses build stamina, heat, and strength. This pose, in particular, teaches us to face life with an open heart. We face the hips and heart straight ahead, by doing this it can support us to get clear about our direction in life, while remaining grounded and secure in the present moment. Working with the winter energy, consider mindfully sweeping your arms up and down as you breathe to release stagnation and stuck energy from your heart space. 3. Revolved Prayer Lunge (Parivrtta Ashta Chandrasana) Wintertime benefits: This pose provides a powerful massage for the internal organs, which can be beneficial during this season when digestion can sometimes be lagging. The deep twisting action stimulates elimination, and counteracts any sluggishness in the digestive system. Twists are also naturally heating poses, making them ideal in these cooler months. As you bring heat and vitality to the core, invite that energy to move up into your lungs, promoting a healthy respiratory system. 4. Triangle (Trikonasana) Wintertime benefits: Practicing this pose in winter helps to balance your entire system physically and energetically. Strong legs ground us. This shape promotes balance, calm, and a deep sense of peace.
YOGA
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
16 | www.localreach.co.uk
How do you know whether someone is a vegan? Don’t worry...they’ll tell you! I’ve heard that joke many times because I’m a vegan. Oops did I just tell you that? I’m such a cliche! But joking aside, people often ask me what gifts might be suitable for a vegan. Vegans don’t eat any food derived from animals and typically don’t use other animal products either. As well as avoiding meat, I also don’t eat dairy-based cheese, or eggs, and I don’t wear leather or silk. So, what can you buy for the vegan in your life? For the style conscious vegan – Vegan leather bags have come of age. From the designer end Fraenk label (£200+) to the more modestly priced but extremely cute Fenella Smith bags (approx. £50£70). The recipient will love looking stylish and fun while showing the world they care about animal welfare. And when you see how beautiful these bags are you might even be tempted yourself. For the creative vegan - Cosy Owl Soy Wax Christmas (£18.99) Spice Candle Making kit is great for the creative vegan in your life. Scented with spicy notes of bergamot, ginger, orange zest and eucalyptus, blended with smooth undertones of clove bud, cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla, this kit is also sustainably sourced, and free from CMR and Phthalates. For the foodie vegan - The Big Vegan Cheese Making Kit (£27.50) contains everything needed to make six varieties of fresh dairy free cheeses! It includes herbs, instructions, and recipes to make vegan Mozzarella, Ricotta, Mascarpone, Halloumi, Feta and Parmesan. You just need to add nuts and almond milk! Contrary to popular belief, vegans have a sense of humour. My favourite T shirt was a Christmas gift from my brother. The slogan reads, ‘Have I mentioned I’m a vegan?’ By Heather Smith
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LOCALREACH
Situated in the peaceful village of Evercreech, not far from the historic market town of Shepton Mallet in Somerset, The Glen is a friendly care home, offering residential and nursing care. We’re pioneering a simple approach to care, where kindness is our ethos. Through the vaccination, routine testing and enhanced infection control measures, we’re able to welcome new Residents, provide safe visits and protect those who already live with us. To find out more information on the care that The Glen can offer you, or your loved one, please visit our website or contact our Home Manager, Terri-Ann Weatherall.
Offering;
Offering; • Safe family visits and video calls • Tailored visiting care plans for Residents • Enhanced infection control • Telephone and video assessments • Carehome.co.uk rating of 9.7/10 • Leisure and wellbeing programme • ‘Good’ overall CQC rating W hc-one.co.uk T 0333 321 4741 E careline@hc-one.co.uk A Shapway Lane, Evercreech, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6JS
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01749 605415 www.local-homecare.co.uk
LOCAL HOME CARE Roofing Contractors
www.localreach.co.uk | 17
BOOK REVIEW
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A Good Read
The Abdication
Glastonbury Landscapes
As a discerning reader not easily impressed by genre fiction, The Abdication came as a longdesired, pleasant surprise. Justin Newland is a historical fantasy author who successfully broke my growing bias towards fantasy and other forms of genre fiction. The Abdication is a novel worthy, not just to be read, but for a compelling discussion afterward. The journey of the young woman Tula is an old and a new story that provokes philosophic consideration rather than relying on tiresome, ironic plot twists. Tula’s journey of self-discovery leaves the reader questioning self-determination and the possible forces guiding fate.
Glastonbury’s visitors and residents, both seasoned and new will enjoy the beautiful descriptions and photographs in Vanda Lloyd’s latest book.
by Justin Newland
The story reveals the ugliness of unguided humanity racing headlong into a belief in freedom and industry that it doesn’t understand and is sorely unprepared to handle. Alluding to many biblical and philosophic references, Newland constructs a plot and symbolism-driven story. He produces an original story in which readers will come to realise the great journey underlying and connecting all people. Tula’s adventure to learn her destiny leads to her origin, the origin of all people, and the aftermath of free will run amuck. The end of her long walk becomes a sojourn of discovery in an industrypolluted town both morally and financially bankrupt on the road to the place of angels. There, in that place, aptly named Topeth, the reader and Tula confront the truth, faith in oneself, faith in a higher purpose, and ultimately, what it means to abdicate that faith. By Vincent Triola
18 | www.localreach.co.uk
by Vanda LLoyd
Available as both a coffee table hardback edition as well as a paperback, ‘Glastonbury Landscapes’ is a work of love by this local writer and photographer. The images are delightful to enjoy - evocatively capturing precious places and treasured views. I found it most enjoyable to read at the pace as though I were reading aloud to others. The photography and verse inspires a sense of peaceful reflection, motivating the reader to connect with a sense of place and time in each location. Time is a perpetual theme, journeying into each place across the seasons is discussed an illustrated throughout. The prose is laced with personal insights, suggestions and memories. I really got a sense of what it would be like to take each walk and watch the view alter as the year progresses. Sunsets are a key theme throughout Vanda’s work and none less than here, where she invites the reader to beautiful spots to watch the light shift. Helpfully mentioning how easy or tricky access might be, Vanda points out convenient benches, along with places to stop and watch the sunset from your car. Glastonbury Landscapes is an ideal complement to Vanda’s books on walking in Glastonbury, and her delightful children’s fiction series - The Lambs of Avalon. lloydbux.wixsite.com/vanda-lloyd By Shoshana Dennis
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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
A Healthy New You Have you been sat around in lockdown just eating and cooking and putting weight on? And - has your waist been growing since March 2020? You meant to take it off when we were allowed out again, but, somehow that didn’t happen. Well, NOW is the time to do something about that waistline and the uncomfortable feeling when you glance in the tall mirror. Turn off that daytime television. Don’t wait for “next time the advertisements come on”. Be decisive and call Fran 07999 584935
Frances Fountain
Have a one - to - one conversation, lets get started on losing those pounds. It will be completely free of charge and with no obligation. I have been helping people like you for a few years now. I know what you feel like and how difficult it is. But if you can summon the willpower to get out of that comfy chair and get to the phone, then you have the willpower to start the journey to a new, slimmer, you. There is no miracle cure but, with our help, you can do it. You can keep calling, anytime you need to talk over your slips of willpower. The system works, and we have our own medical team who guide us if you have medical issues. We work with GP’s for clients who suffer from diabetes type 2 and who, by reducing their weight have reversed their diabetes. I am committed to helping people succeed in their weight loss journey. I understand the struggle is real and believe that no one should face this journey alone. You will receive the support, guidance and commitment from me to help you towards your successes. My approach is listening, understanding, evaluating and then action! I want to help you focus on your goals & encourage you to be the very best version of you. So 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
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
20 | www.localreach.co.uk
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Orchard Vale Trust Closing Tuesday 30th November: Orchard Vale Trust have been supporting adults with learning disabilities in Somerset for over 30 years. This November, they have been fundraising to bring some new equipment to the people they support. A donation from you could bring years of joy to a vulnerable adult. To find out more, email amelia.goadby@orchardvaletrust.org.uk or call 01749684719.
Valuation Day - Wells Town Hall Friday 3rd December: Valuation Day in Wells Town Hall 10:00am - 2:00pm. Medals, Coins, Banknotes, Jewellery, Watches and Antiquities. Specialists will be available to advise on current auction values, free of charge and without obligation. Email: jewellery@dnw.co.uk or call 020 7016 1700 to book an appointment or for any enquiries. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB
Christmas Illuminations and Father & Mother Christmas Friday 3rd December – Sunday 19th December: Christmas at The Bishop’s Palace. The rooms of the medieval Palace building will each be adorned with decorations. Outside visitors can explore the magical
COMMUNITY inner gardens illuminated with festive decorations and Illuminations. And Father and Mother Christmas will be visiting and meeting children once again in the Palace itself. The Christmas Illuminations can be enjoyed only for The Palace’s special late openings which are: 3rd December (Member’s Only), 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th December. Tickets: Access to the Christmas Illuminations is included with any valid admission to the Bishop’s Palace. The Palace is delighted to welcome back Father and Mother Christmas! Check The Palace’s website for ticket availability because they do sell out extremely quickly.
Killers, Clues & Red Herrings Saturday December 4th: A FREE talk at Wells Library, Union Street, Wells Saturday December 4th 11 a.m. until 12 noon. Local author Nikki Copleston, creator of DI Jeff Lincoln, reveals the mystery behind her latest Lincoln crime novel, The Promise of Salvation. How does a grim discovery in the forest bring about the downfall and murder of aristocrat Hugh Buckthorn? SPACE IS LIMITED, so please book your place by emailing wlslib@somerset.gov.uk. Somerset County Council guidance is that face coverings should be worn inside Council buildings.
www.localreach.co.uk | 21
KIDS’ PAGE
22 | www.localreach.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388
Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society is singing again!
Handel
Messiah
COMMUNITY been so patient in waiting to return to their singing. “I’m thrilled that we are back rehearsing together again, and this afternoon performance of ‘Messiah’ will be a wonderful way to return to the concert platform.” Event details: Wells Cathedral, Saturday 4th December, 1.00pm. Entrance will be FREE with a retiring collection.
Winter Wednesday
Saturday 4th December: And what better way to celebrate the new season than a performance of Handel’s glorious ‘Messiah’. The concert will feature a wonderful line-up of soloists: Natalie Clifton-Griffith (soprano); Simon Clulow Come and enjoy an afternoon of music with Wells Cathedral (countertenor), Matthew Minter (tenor), and William Oratorio Society for their performance of Handel’s Messiah Drakett (bass). The choir will be accompanied by with the Music for Awhile String Quintet the Music Awhile soprano StringSimon Quintet, Nataliefor Clifton-Griffith Clulow altowith the Matthew Minter tenor Adam William Drakett bass society’s accompanist, Wilson, playing Jeremy Cole conductor Adam Wilson organ continuo organ. Saturday 4 December at 1.00pm Jeremy Cole, Musical Director of WCOS, said: “The FREE lastAdmission eighteen months have been trying and difficult collection) for(retiring the Oratorio Society, and the members have Registered charity no: 800481
Wednesday 8th December: 10:00am - 4:00pm. Over 60 stalls across 2 floors. With gifts and treats for you and your loved ones. Gallery Cafe. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB. For more information contact sarah@enosisevents.com
Cricket Talk Thursday 9th December: Pat Murphy: acclaimed cricket and sports journalist, author and radio broadcaster with some 30 years experience. 2:00pm at Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA. Admission £2. A West of England branch of The Cricket Society event. Non-members welcome.
STREET - INDOOR BOWLING CLUB WELCOMES NEW BOWLERS TO JOIN US: Three free bowling sessions with coaching for new starters. (Available every Thursday up and until end of year).
Venue: Street Victoria and Social Club. Further information: www.victoriaclubstreet.com or to book a session please contact John Murphy: 07946 710992 Do come and join us it’s very social, relaxing, and gentle exercise, it can be competitive but doesn’t have to be. www.localreach.co.uk | 23
COMMUNITY
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The Crib Festival
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.
Friday 10th December - Sunday 12th December: As Christmas approaches don’t miss the amazing Crib Festival which will take place in St Cuthberts Church, Wells on Friday 10th - Sunday 12th December, 10:00am - 4:00pm on Friday and Saturday. 11:30am - 4:00pm on Sunday. £2.50 per adult. Children free. Bring your camera and capture the perfect Christmas photograph of your child whilst enjoying world wide crib sets, angels, music, colour, childrens activities and seasonal refreshments. If you would like your treasured Nativity set or angel included in the display please contact the Church office. 01749 676906 email office@ stcuthbertswells.co.uk
Deck the Halls Saturday 11th December: 10:00am - 4:00pm. With fabulous suppliers for all your Christmas shopping needs. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB
You can also find out more at www.creatingcalm.co.uk
Wells City Band - Carols on Easton Green
Do you need help for a child or young person that you know?
Wednesday 15th December: 6:30pm on Easton Green. For more details on Wells City Band and news of further events visit wellscityband.org
Christmas Cracker
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.
Wednesday 15th December: 10:00am - 4:00pm. Over 60 stalls across 2 floors. With gifts and treats for you and your loved ones. Gallery Cafe. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB. For more information contact sarah@enosisevents.com
Elaine Hutchinson www.creatingcalm.co.uk hello@creatingcalm.co.uk 01749 599066
‘Theo The Yellow Bird’ is holding a Free All-day Open Door Children’s Event
| Autplay | trauma play | emotional Logic coaching | tele-therapy
creative art and Play therapy sand tray therapy
24 | www.localreach.co.uk
Saturday 18 December: At Wells Town Hall, Council Chambers - 9:00am to 4:30pm. Introducing ‘Theo the Yellow Bird’ Children’s Adventure story books with free sing-along songs. A chance to meet ‘Theo’ and Dawn Bosley a local children’s author, creator, illustrator and singer-
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 songwriter from Shipham, Somerset. A fun packed day of Creative Activities, Book Reading, Dancing, Singing, Book Sales and Book Signing. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Website www.dawnbosleypublishing.com Enquires email: office@dawnbosleypublishing.com
Holly Jolly Christmas Saturday 18th December: 10:00am - 4:00pm. With fabulous suppliers for all your Christmas shopping needs. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB
Wells City Band play Christmas Classics Sunday 19th December: 2:00pm - 4:00pm. The Bishop’s Palace is delighted to host the Wells City Band who’ll be playing an array of Christmas classics to welcome in the festive season. Grab your scarves, gloves and festive jumpers and join them as they play outside the Chapel at the Bishop’s Palace. www.bishopspalace.org.uk
Beat Surgery - Talk To Us Wednesday 22nd December: 11:00am – 12:00pm 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
Blitzen’s Bazaar Wednesday 22nd December: 10:00am - 4:00pm. Over 60 stalls across 2 floors. With gifts and treats for you and your loved ones. Gallery Cafe. Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB. For more information contact sarah@enosisevents.com
Try Shared Reading in Wells Library Fridays: Shared Reading groups bring people together through great literature to talk, laugh and share. Just drop in and enjoy listening to a story or poem –no pressure to talk or read. Every Friday 2:00pm – 3:30pm at Wells Library (wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk)/ Get in touch with info@ thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200 for more information.
COMMUNITY
Hosting is incredibly rewarding Anne Weir is a host family for international students in the UK. “I live alone in a quiet, rural location and felt I could offer children a place to recharge their batteries on their school break so I contacted Pippa’s Guardians and became a host for students studying at schools near my home. “Pippa’s Guardians looks after international students studying at boarding schools in the UK. As part of their service, they find students families to stay with for their holidays. They match students to families with similar interests or personalities. “The aspect I enjoy most is getting to know the children and building a trusting relationship with them. Some can initially be quite reserved, but I find it incredibly rewarding when they feel more at home and their personalities shine through. “I hosted a girl from Singapore, she was polite and helpful and a real pleasure to have around. She studied hard and even cooked us a meal as part of her school work which was a great success. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend being a host for Pippa’s Guardians.” For more information, please contact hostfamilies@pippasguardians.co.uk
Do you have a spare room in your home? Are you caring, nurturing and supportive?
Become a Host Family for an international pupil at a local boarding school Attractive daily rates Occasional weekend and half terms only To find out more email hostfamilies@pippasguardians.co.uk or call 01684 252757
www.pippasguardians.co.uk
www.localreach.co.uk | 25
COMMUNITY
New Social Afternoon Dances Sundays: Village Hall, Henton, Wells. BA5 1PD. Every Sunday. Your chance to dance to live music, IT’S FUN – IT’S SOCIAL – IT’S ACTIVE. For everyone including beginners. From 2:00pm – 4:00pm. £5ph. Ballroom / Jive / and Sequence! Further details call James on 07769603937 or email jamesvincentmusic@hotmail.com
The Mendip Society For any details of Walks and other Events from The Mendip Society, can you please get details from the website www.themendipsociety.org.uk
Connect-Ed Social and Support group Tuesdays: Held at The Lawrence Centre, Wells BA5 2PQ on the last Tuesday of the month, 3:30pm 5:30pm. What? Board games, raffle, refreshments, crafts, seasonal events, quizzes and other activities. Why? Neurodiverse adults, adults with mild learning disabilities, autism spectrum conditions or sensory impairment can meet new friends, share ideas and have fun! Free of charge, all welcome.
Give the Gift of Christmas! Christmas Present Appeal Give the gift of Christmas this year by donating unwanted new or preloved items to people in need. New and preloved items in excellent condition are being collected by Hannah Wall and gifts will be distributed to people using Wells Foodbank this Christmas. Last year Hannah ran a Christmas gifts appeal for Wells Foodbank which was so successful that presents were not only provided for Wells Foodbank, but also for the Salvation Army, Fusion Somerset and YMCA Wells. Hannah said, “Christmas is all about giving – especially for children. By giving a gift to a child who might not otherwise have much, you are making a huge difference to someone at this special time of year. Even for adults, it’s a hugely important time of year and having something to open and feeling that someone cares, really matters. All the presents will be gift wrapped for a personal touch.” If you have any new, unwanted gifts to re-gift, or any ‘as new’ preloved items, you can drop them 26 | www.localreach.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 off at LA Moore Demolition, Old Railway Yard, Haybridge, Wells, BA5 1AH. The deadline for donations is Friday 10th December. LA Moore are Hannah’s employers and have been kind enough to provide storage for the items in the run up to Christmas. Alternatively you can choose items from as little as £2 on an Amazon wish list, which you can find by visiting the Foodbank’s Facebook page. Sue Marland, pastor of Wells Vineyard Church who runs Wells Foodbank said, “Demand for the Foodbank has risen during the last two years and is nearly 6 times higher than in 2019. That means there are a lot of families in the area who will find it almost impossible to celebrate Christmas this year without your help. In addition to this year’s Christmas appeal, we are also in need of financial donations which used to purchase fresh food stocks and purchase items in short supply.” Financial donations can be made to Wells Vineyard Christian Fellowship’s HSBC account; Sort Code: 40-46-06, Acc No: 31387170. Please use “Wells Vineyard Church” as the reference. Money donated will be used to purchase fresh food, toiletries, cleaning products and other items that are in short supply.
Donate your Winter Fuel Payment so older people in Somerset don’t have to choose between heating and eating Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) has launched this year’s Surviving Winter appeal, which encourages people who can afford it to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help vulnerable older people in Somerset who are unable to afford to heat their homes to stay warm and well. As we head into winter, rising energy costs mean more of our older neighbours here in Somerset are forced to choose between heating and eating. This winter will continue to be difficult and worrying for many in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, as many pensioners will need to stay at home to keep themselves safe, and will find themselves cut off from family and friends, facing higher costs to heat their homes while becoming even more isolated. If you would like to donate to Surviving Winter, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949. A donation form is also available to download from the Somerset Community Foundation website. Further information on how to apply for a Surviving Winter grant will be published shortly on Somerset Community Foundation’s website. Please check: www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter for updates.
LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z
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Local Business A – Z
OFFER OF THE MONTH 3 Vertical Blinds for Only £179 Up to 6ft wide, max 5ft drop Other sizes available
Over 20 years in the trade
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AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES
DAVID FORD AERIALS Please call DAVID FORD on either TEL: 01749 649196 MOBILE: 07740 946385
01749 605381 BATHROOM & KITCHEN FITTERS
Glastonbury Bathrooms & Kitchens Reliable bathroom and kitchen fitters
FR CO EE DE NS ULT SIGN ATI ON
• Experienced Team • End-to-end Service • Top Brands • Tailored Designs • Supply Only - Retail and Trade
01458 860799
Westhay Business Park, Westhay, Glastonbury. BA6 9TL
BATHROOM FITTERS
BMT BATHROOM FITTERS TOTAL REFITS • WET ROOMS SHOWERS • TOILETS
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
WOULD YOU LIKE MORE BUSINESS IN 2021? 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 monthly. • 30% Of our pages given to the community free of charge. Call us now on 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk
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FULLY INSURED • 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE FREE QUOTATIONS
CALL BEN TREASURE ON 01749 605203
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
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LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388
BOOKKEEPING
CARPENTERS AND JOINERS
Tel: 01749 700775 weetradeassist.com AAT licenced bookkeeper offering a full service of bookkeeping and associated administrative support for sole traders & wee businesses in the Wells area, either in-house or remotely.
CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
BUILDERS
General Builders & Property Maintenance For all your building needs
Extensions - Driveways - Window Fitting - Roofing - Fencing Stone/Brick Walling - Patios - Decking - Pointing - Renovations Kitchen Fitting - Wood & Tile Floors - Patio & Decking Cleaning
GRP Fibreglass Roofing
Resin Bonded Driveways/Patios/Paths
FREE Estimates - All Jobs Welcome
No Job Too Small - We finish one job before starting the next
01458 224681 / 07940 380509 justin.green1@btinternet.com www.jtgreenbuilders.co.uk
Carpet & & Upholstery Upholstery Steam Steam Cleaning Cleaning Carpet Powerful Van Van Mounted Mounted Equipment Equipment •• Powerful Residential & & Commercial Commercial Cleaning Cleaning •• Residential Pre & & End End Of Of Tenancy Tenancy Cleaning Cleaning •• Pre Stains & & Pet Pet Odour Odour Removal Removal •• Stains • No VAT
~~~~ A Carpet Cleaner you can trust! Ca ll Sally: Mo b : 07766 117219 Te l: 01749 440011 www.s ta in awa y.c o .u k
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CHIMNEY SWEEPS
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BUILDING CONSERVATION
www.kempfconservation.co.uk
STONE REPAIR & REPOINTING Over 30 years experience Residential & Ecclesiastical
07502 400986 Old Fashioned Craftsmanship at Sensible Prices Re-pointing • Mullion Windows • Flagstones • Fireplaces • Lime Plastering Porches & Doorways • Steps & Iron Railings • Specialist Mortar Design
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Chimney Sweep & Stove Installation • Power sweeping • Birds nest removal • CCTV inspections • Stove servicing • Fully insured
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
LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 DOORS
FLOORING
DRY STONE WALLING
Carpets • Rugs • Vinyl • Wood Skirtings replaced • Stock rolls • Remnants • Ranges from leading manufacturers • Competitively priced • Fully qualified, reliable fitting team and floor repairs service
High quality NEW dry stone walls built. EXISTING dry stone walls rebuilt full or part.
Large showroom in Market Street, BA5 2DS
sales@lovedrystone.co.uk
01749 67 65 65
07970 142 716
FREE ESTIMATES
(Opposite The Pound Shop)
www.wellscityfloors.co.uk
www.lovedrystone.co.uk
WOULD YOU LIKE MORE BUSINESS IN 2021? 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
When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach FOOT CARE
Chiropody and Podiatry Services Chiropody and Podiatry Services • HCPC registered
Comfy Feet
HCPC registered • Nail cutting and thinning • Nail cutting & thinning • Hard skin & corn removal Hard skin and corn removal • Foot health checks • Foot health checks • Homevisit visit service Home service • Fully insured • Fully insured
Email:E: comfyfeet10@gmail.com 07916 401325 comfyfeet10@gmail.com
Call 07916 401325 CallJane: Jane:
Thea Mirfin DipFH. MCFHP. MAFHP.
Call us now on 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk
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
www.localreach.co.uk
TOE NAIL CUTTING SERVICE COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
Contact Tracy SAC Dip F.H.P T: 01749
938712
M: 07787932416
FROM
£20
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LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388
FUEL INSTALLATIONS
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD
LOCAL HOME CARE
Wood Burning Stove Fireplaces Chimneys Fully insured Qualified installers
01749 677440
GUTTER CLEANING SERVICES
EPDM flat roofs and repairs Supply, fit and repair Fascias, Soffits and Guttering
07921 074602
solidfuel3@aol.com
www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk
Drives, Paths, Gutters and Patios cleaned
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UPVC Fascias, Frames and Conservatories
GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES
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…
All types of Re-Roofs Call Geoff for your FREE estimate
01749 605415 or 07554 184479
NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL! LOW COSTS PLUS FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE
01749 467093
luke100785@yahoo.com
www.local-homecare.co.uk
HandyMan in wells Shepton Mallet • Street • Glastonbury • Cheddar
Carpenter • General handyman Property maintenance • Sash window repairs
01749 676 732 • 07437 462 137 handymaninwells@btinternet.com www.handymaninwells.weebly.com
LOFT BOARDING Local reach Ad.indd 1
LLLL BLBBBBBB SLSLS WWWL Need more this Christmas? Make usestorage of yourspace loft and create more
M a k e u s e o f y o u r space l o f t a n d in c r eyour a t e m home ore space in your home
Loft Ladders Raised Loft Storage ✓ Loft Ladders ✓ Raised Loft Storage Loft Lighting Insulation ✓ LLoft o f t s t o r aLighting g e s o l u t i o n s f o r p e✓ r i o d Insulation and new build homes that don’t
Bath & Radstock Property 07/06/2018 Maintenance South West
Fencing • Plastering • Painting • General Building • Plumbing • Oil heating • House Clearance • Guttering • and MUCH more!
Call 07894323115 for a FREE No Obligation Quote
void your warranty, with the bonus of keeping your belongings
s a f efor a n dperiod s e c u r e . 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
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14:03
LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 TREE SURGEONS
REMOVALS
ND TRANSPORT & COURIER SERVICES ALL YOUR TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, LOCAL AND LONG-DISTANCE REMOVALS & HOUSE CLEARANCES COMPETITIVE RATES
07410 439296 / 07516 811124
ndcouriersolutions@icloud.com
H OAK ILL
• All aspects of tree/hedge work • Stump grinding • Specialist work undertaken including fruit trees & bamboo removal • Suppliers of wood chip, wood mulch & logs
TREE SURGEONS & GROUNDS CARE
Full site clearance Fully qualified & insured Free quote • 24 Hour call out
01749 605389
UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS
SEWING
Frances C
Upholstery & Soft Furnishings
ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS Clothing, Curtains & Blinds • Shortening • Hems • Fitting
Courses in upholstery & related crafts
“I sew for you”
• Repairs • Alterations • Making new
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.
WEB DESIGN
SKIP HIRE
NEED A WEBSITE OR YOUR OLD WEBSITE MADE OVER? Providing a waste recycling service Fully licensed & compliant Commercial & Domestic
01749 678279 / 07721 415677
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.
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
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
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07790 958616 5 Year Guarantee
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
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House prices have risen! 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