LocalReach Wells February 2022 by localcm

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

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

FREE • February 2022 • Issue No. 68

GARDENING – page 4 CHURCH – page 7 HISTORY – page 9 PUZZLES – page 11 RECIPE – page 15 KIDS – page 16 BOOKS – page 19 COMMUNITY – page 21

Wells Floral Art Club - page 21

BUSINESS A-Z – page 27

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 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

Providing a waste recycling service Fully licensed & compliant Commercial & Domestic

01749 678279 / 07721 415677

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

LocalReach Community Magazines serving the community for over 11 years

01749 01749600387 600387

01749 600387

COVID 19 – We are currently working and practising social distancing of 2m.

Central Partnership Ltd 11522535

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

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 March issues and the deadline is 1st February; 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 February for the March issues. Stay safe. From the team at LocalReach Community Magazines.

Editorial deadline for the March issue is 1st February LocalReach Community Editor: Robert Hutchinson

Advertising & Enquiries:

01749 600388 hello@localreach.co.uk

editor@localreach.co.uk

Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 6:00pm and Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm

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

Rodney Stoke Easton

Mudgley Wookey Panborough

Upper Milton

BA5 WELLS

Coxley Polsham Godney Southway

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.

www.localreach.co.uk | 3

GARDENING

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Garden View This month – Contain your excitement garden centre. Yes its more expensive but it might be worth it in time and energy saved. The patio is a great place to indulge your creativity. Do you want a brilliant chaotic colour palate or a cool tranquil colour scheme, or maybe even monochrome calming greens in many textures of foliage. I think of patio pots like soft furnishings in the house…changing things up can transform the mood. While containers are conventionally planted in autumn and late spring, they can actually be planted at any time of year, and I like to get a couple planted up in February so they can become really established and give me a running a start. For me February marks the real beginning of the gardener’s year. Seed sowing starts in earnest, and we can begin to plan to bring the patio pots alive. As a gardener I do raise a lot of my plants from seeds in cold frames and greenhouses. But there is no right way to approach this. If you’re super busy and time in the garden is short, wait until late February and purchase fresh, well grown young plants from the

I use containers of all sizes but generally the large ones provide more impact. If they are to large and heavy to move easily, plant them with hardy bulbs or permanent shrubs or trees. You can then add seasonal geraniums and pansies etc around the core planting. Small, moveable containers can be planted with bright bulbs and specimen plants that can be brought to the front as they reach their peak with flowers or foliage. If you have a sheltered frostfree area for a cold frame or poly cover you can plant early, keep safe from the worst of the winter weather, and then bring them out when the frosts have finished. Good trees for larger containers are conifers. There is such a huge variety of shapes and colours to choose from. For patios its best to choose more compact, well-groomed shapes in bright greens or yellows. Groups of three or five pots containing contrasting shapes and colours work very well together. Alternatively go for similar shapes in a variety of sizes and colours.

ABSOL BEGINNE UTE R IMPROVE S TO JUST LIK RS… E YO U !

Because February tends to be quite wet drainage can be an issue. As a guide, patio and decking surfaces should be dry, or only wet if it’s rained recently. If a patio or decking is constantly wet it’s likely that algae and moss will start to grow which can look unsightly and make the surface dangerously slippery to walk on. Use a strong yard brush and approved detergent to keep hard surfaces clean and safe. As anticipation in gardening provides much of the pleasure take the garden furniture out of storage this month and clean it up…then you can enjoy a cup of tea on sunny days and watch your patio begin to wake up. By Rachael Leverton

4 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

Family activities and events in Wells Did you know that you can hire Cedars Hall in Wells for family parties and events? It is the ideal venue to celebrate a special birthday – with catering and a fully licenced bar supplied plus the opportunity to have a live band. Not only is Cedars Hall available for hire – we have other venues such as the historic Quilter Hall and Cedars Drawing Room – all close to the city centre with its plethora of hotels and B&Bs for your guests. Along with Cedars Hall, they make ideal venues for christenings and wakes. Not only do we have spaces to hire, we have also organised more holiday activity camps for 2022 to keep your children entertained – these will run in every school holiday except Christmas – you can book your camps online at activatecamps.co.uk – simply search for Activate camps at Wells Cathedral School. We also have our annual Holiday Music Schools at Easter and in the Summer – these range from wind, brass and percussion to strings, jazz and piano – and we have introduced two fantastic new composition schools into the mix for 2022. The early bird discount ends on 28th February and you can find out more and book your child’s place at wells.cathedral.school/holidaymusic. For more information on hiring premises contact the Wells Cathedral School Enterprises team (Kay, Sue, Polly and Chris) on 01749 834483. Not forgetting the fantastic series of events we have planned for you to kick off 2022 in Cedars Hall. Tickets are on sale now and we have events up to the end of April online; from talks to rock and pop, classical to country music, there is something for everyone! To see all the events and to book your tickets, visit cedarshallwells.co.uk. And watch this space for news about our family swimming and lessons in our heated outdoor/indoor pool…

Spring highlights

JAZZ/FOLK: Alex Garden and Harriet Riley CLASSICAL: Piano Masters: Imogen Cooper ROCK & POP: Event on the Lawn COUNTRY: Katy Hurt CLASSICAL: Dudok Quartet of Amsterdam DRAMA: Matilda Jr Plus much more!

Book your tickets cedarshallwells.co.uk 01749 834483 Local Reach Ad February 2022.indd 1

21/12/2021 10:27:28 www.localreach.co.uk | 5

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

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

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:

01934 660 140 MOBILE:

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

6 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

CHURCH

Come Work For Me

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” John 6:27

Matthew 20:1-15 A farmer needed labourers to work in his vineyard. So throughout the day he went into the marketplace and hired those waiting. He told the first employed that he would pay them a denarius. Later, he told the others that he would pay them what was right and fair. The workers waited – some all day – for an opportunity. Those hired at the eleventh hour were still there, hopeful; they had not given up and walked away. They are asked “Why have you been standing here all day, doing nothing?” “Because no-one has hired us”, they reply. That may resonate with many readers. There is something about work that gives us not only money, but dignity and many have felt the lack of both over the past year. Jesus spoke this parable, prefacing it with “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”So what are spiritual implications for us? Whether we have been employed and busy, or are still waiting and hoping for something to turn up, we have an invitation from God, the Farmer: “Come work for me.”

If we take it that the employer is God, what are the wages that He offers his labourers? Do we come to the marketplace eager; late; disheartened? The pay is the same! “Are you envious, because I am generous?” Eternal Life is the same ‘wage’, whenever we agree to work for God. You can’t have partly eternal life. You either have it; or not. Some of us serve the Lord for decades; some only at the eleventh hour! Just in time – the thief on the cross. “Come work for me” “Yes, Lord” “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Kindly provided by Sue Marland. Senior Pastor, Wells Vineyard. wellsvineyard.com

ROOF, GUTTER, UPVC - REPAIR, FITTING AND CLEANING SERVICE ROOFING SERVICES – New Roofs, Roof Repairs, Under Tile Felting, Ridge Tiles UPVC ROOFING SERVICES – UPVC Fascias & Soffits, Guttering, Bargeboards, Cladding, Dry Verge Systems ROOF & UPVC CLEANING SERVICES – Roof Cleaning and Fungicide Treatment, UPVC Cleaning

FREE S TE QUO

01749 605415 www.local-homecare.co.uk

LOCAL HOME CARE Roofing Contractors

www.localreach.co.uk | 7

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Carpet & Upholstery Stain Protection. Does It Work? The simple answer is yes it does. Stain protection on carpets and soft furnishings form an invisible protective coating on fabric and fibre. It helps repel liquid spills and prevents staining, allowing liquids to sit on the surface for longer giving you time to blot them up with an absorbent cloth. Most new carpets and some soft furnishings come with manufacturers stain protection and some offer a warranty. However It is always worth checking with them.

Untreated

Unfortunately, over time this protection will lose its effectiveness due to normal wear and tear and the build up of soils. Everyone knows that carpets benefit from regular professional cleaning but did you know that the original stain protection can be reapplied in conjunction with a fresh carpet/upholstery clean to prolong the life of your carpet and soft furnishings. Copper Beech Cleaning offer a friendly free survey and 6 months stain warranty on any freshly cleaned and protected carpet and upholstery cleaned by us…

Your Local Specialist Cleaning Service

Treated

ecivreS gninaelC tsilaicepS lacoL ruoY

www.copperbeechcleaning.com • CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY Your Local Tel: 01934 235 855 Specialist

YR E T S L O H P U & S T E P R A C • Cleaning Service S G U R L AT N E I R O & C I S S A L C •

Tel: 01934 235 855 www.copperbeechcleaning.com

• CLASSIC & ORIENTAL RUGS Call for a free quote today! • LEATHER RESTORATION N O I TA R OT S E R R E H TA E L • CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY • CLASSIC & ORIENTAL RUGS • ACURTAINS local company local people & for BLINDS S D N I L B & S N I ATR U C • LEATHER RESTORATION • CURTAINS & BLINDS Call for a free quote today!

• Professionally and reliably cleaned • Family safe and Eco friendly products • All work fully guaranteed and insured • We take pride in the service we provide • A local company for local people

•• We take pride and in thereliably servicecleaned we provide Professionally denaelc ylbailer dna yllanoisseforP • •• All work fully guaranteed and insured Family safe and Ecoand friendly products cudoand rp ylEco dneirfriendly f ocE dnproducts a efas ylimaF • Professionally reliably cleaned • Familystsafe •• Family safe and Eco friendly products All work fully guaranteed and insured • We take pride in the service we All work fully guaranteed and insured derusni dna deetnaraug ylluprovide f krow llA • A local company for local people •• Professionally We take pride and in thereliably servicecleaned we provide edivorp ew ecivres eht ni edirp ekat eW •

Your Local Specialist Cleaning Service Your Local Specialist Cleaning Service

• CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY • CLASSIC & ORIENTAL RUGS

8 | www.localreach.co.uk

elpoep lacol rof ynapmoc lacol A • !yadot etouq eerf a rof llaC

558 532 43910 :leT

mwww.copperbeechcleaning.com oc.gninaelchceebreppoc.www Your Local Specialist Cleaning Service

www.copperbeechcleaning.com

01749 600383

• CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY • CLASSIC & ORIENTAL RUGS • LEATHER RESTORATION • CURTAINS & BLINDS

•• ACURTAINS & for BLINDS local company local people Call for a free quote today! •Call LEATHER RESTORATION for a free quote today! • CLASSIC & ORIENTAL RUGS Tel: 01934 235 855 • CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

LOCAL HISTORY

Shrove Tuesday and Pancakes Playing games was also frowned up during Lent and in many towns in England, games of football were played on Shrove Tuesday, a practice which probably dates back to the 12th century and which continued until the passing of the 1835 Highways Act which banned the playing of football on the public roads. In an interesting precursor to the “trick and treat” custom on Halloween, children apparently went round houses on Shrove Tuesday demanding the following: We be come a-shroving, For a piece of pancake, Or a bite of bacon, Or a little truckle of cheese Of your own making

In Anglo-Saxon Britain, the 40 days before Easter, known as Lent, were fast days and on the Tuesday before this started, Christians would go to church to confess their sins. This became known as Shrove Tuesday derived from the word “shrive”, meaning to be absolved from sin. The “shriving” bell would be rung on this day to call people to church. Obviously before 40 days of fasting, various foodstuffs needed to be eaten up. Meats would be consumed on what was known as Collop Monday, a collop being a slice of meat, and on Tuesday eggs, butter and flour would be turned into a pancake. Recipes for pancakes are mentioned in cookery books as far back as 1439, although the cooking of basic mixtures of ground grain and water was certainly done in Roman and Ancient Greek times and probably far earlier than that. Of course, Lent didn’t only mean fasting, it also meant a time for quiet reflection and prayer and so medieval Britons made sure that they spent the few days before Lent enjoying themselves. One of the results of this was the beginning of pancake races which, according to legend, began in 1445 in Olney, Buckinghamshire when a woman reputedly heard the shriving bell when she was making pancakes and rushed to the church in her apron clutching her frying pan. Pancake races are still held today in many places.

Apparently, they sometimes took shards of crockery or stones with them to throw at householders who refused to give them anything. Thankfully this custom seems to have died out! Enjoy your pancakes! Kindly provided by Elizabeth Friend, Axbridge Archaeological and Local History Society. www.aalhs.co.uk

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR HOME INSTALLATIONS Installations:

Smart CCTV | Wireless alarms Home security | TV, Sound and Audio Home cinema We also stock and supply a wide range of products including:

Smart TV’s | Audio systems | Projectors Alarms and security devices Call to speak with our team

01749 595594 www.h-b-e-t.co.uk

The practice of tossing pancakes is also an old one and, in a book published in 1619 called Pasquil’s palinodia, it says “and every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Panckes up for feare they burne” www.localreach.co.uk | 9

LOCALREACH

The Winter Olympics February 4th – 20th

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

In 1911 the international Olympic Committee (IOC) proposed a separate winter competition but initially the Swedes were not keen, then the First World War forced the cancellation of all Olympic events. In 1920, figure skating featured in the summer Olympic schedule again, and was joined by ice hockey, which proved very popular. Soon after, the Scandinavians agreed to stage an IOC-sanctioned International Winter Sports Week in Chamonix, in the French Alps. 16 nations took part, and it was so successful that in 1925, the Winter Olympics were formally recognised as a separate international event, effectively making the competition at Chamonix the first ever Winter Olympics.

The modern Olympics first took place in 1868. Five years later Sweden decided to stage the first international competition for winter sports. It was called the Nordic Game, and only Scandinavian countries competed. Like the Olympics, it was staged every four years, but it always took place in Sweden. Then in 1908 figure skating was featured at the summer Olympics…sort of. It was actually showcased three months after the main event!

The original nine sporting events were: bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and skating (both figure skating and speed skating). More events have been added over the years and today there are fifteen: Alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short track speed skating, speed skating, skeleton, ski jumping, and snowboarding. An event that never made the final cut was Scandinavian skijoring. This event appeared as a demonstration in the St Moritz Winter Olympics in 1928 and involved competitors on skis clutching reins attached to a wooden harness, fitted to a horse. Then in 1932 at the Lake Placid Winter Games, sled dog racing was showcased. I rather wish they’d kept that one in, don’t you?

Happy Together When Laurie May first joined Kingfisher a few years back, her father, director Peter Hicks, made it clear that customer service was the cornerstone of the company’s success. The whole team at Kingfisher is committed to exceeding customer expectations and judging by Peter’s smile, Laurie May is more than living up to his expectations. 8 Mill Batch Farm, East Brent, Near Highbridge, TA9 4JN 01278 760616 or 01749 671431 hello@thekingfisherfamily.com www.thekingfisherfamily.com

Of course, a Winter Olympics relies heavily on snow. In 1964 in Innsbruck, Austria, there wasn’t enough of it and the games nearly didn’t go ahead! Fortunately, the Austrian army came to the rescue, transporting 20,000 blocks of ice from the mountains to the bobsled and luge track, and 40,000 cubic meters of snow to the Alpine skiing courses. Then as soon as the Winter Olympics ended (of course) Innsbruck received one of its heaviest snowfalls for years! Norway is the country that really punches above its weight at the Winter Olympics. It only has a population of five million (London alone has nearly nine million!) but to date has won 368 medals (132 gold, 125 silver, and 111 bronze) – way ahead of their nearest rivals, the United States, who have 305 medals and a population of 329 million! Whether skiing, bobsleighing or the figure skating is your winter sport of choice, pour a hot chocolate or a gluhwein and curl up under a blanket and enjoy all the action.

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

PUZZLES

Crossword

Across 1 Spectacles (7) 5 Foot joint (5) 8 Apologise, redeem (5) 9 Die (7) 10 Surveying method used to calculate distance (13) 11 Sound reflections (6) 12 Petrified prehistoric remains (6) 15 Sweets and chocolates (13) 18 Heathrow or Gatwick (7) 19 Common blood pressure medication (5) 20 Layers (5) 21 Captures, seduces (7) Down 1 Enormous, colossal (5) 2 Eradicate, prohibit (7) 3 American name for canine guides for the blind (6, 3, 4) 4 Element with symbol Na (6) 5 Person who excavates historic remains (13) 6 Brownish-olive (5) 7 Without pause, endless (7) 11 Bewitch, enthral (7) 13 Rainbow (7) 14 Effigy, figure (6) 16 Courage, fortitude (5) 17 Slang name for US citizens (5)

Word Search

Mindbenders

Aristotle Bell Bohr Boyle Copernicus Crick Curie

Darwin Edison Faraday Feynman Fleming Franklin Galileo

Goodall Hahn Hawking Hubble Kepler Linnaeus Maxwell

Newton Nobel Pasteur Planck Rutherford Tesla

Solutions: Turn to page 27

www.localreach.co.uk | 11

LOCALREACH

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

To Valentine, or not to Valentine? February 14th is Valentine’s Day

My husband and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. There, I said it. Before you dismiss us as a couple of old cheapskate cynics, whose relationship is on the rocks, we’re both in our late thirties, have been married for twelve years, we rarely argue, and we laugh a lot. We just don’t feel the need to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Five years into our marriage we realised that fancy restaurants, or weekends away mean less when everyone else is there doing exactly the same thing at the same time just because its February 14th. So, we stopped. We do like to do something romantic during February, but to be honest we like to do something romantic at least once in every other month too. Here are our favourite ideas, not restricted to February. We cook a meal. Not just a run of the mill, any night of the week meal. We each choose something from one of our cookbooks (main course and dessert) and we set aside an evening to create it. We arrange it around the kids’ sleepovers with grandparents or friends. It’s our night and we buy good wine, dress up and enjoy each other’s company and the process of creating (and eating) a delicious meal. Write a poem…or a song. My husband writes bad poetry...I’m not joking, it’s terrible and stems from him insisting that poetry is not poetry unless it rhymes! I love poetry and once joked that if he loved me he’d write me an ode. So, he did, and it was awful...but it did rhyme. Periodically he repeats the 12 | www.localreach.co.uk www.localreach.co.uk

process, and the results are always hilariously bad. I stick them in a scrap book because as dire as they are, they hold a great deal of meaning for me. Movie marathon - The Die-Hard films might not be everyone’s idea of romantic film fodder, but we love them and every so often we have a day where we watch all of them back-to-back and buy in lunch and supper. Sometimes we do the Star Wars Trilogy (four, five and six...were there any others?), or the Lord of the Rings series (extended version), or the Bourne films. The point is, it’s an event. We set aside time to do it. Recreate a date - One of my favourite dates from before we were married was when my husband took me stargazing on a clear night. He was an amateur astronomer in his teens and knew his way around the night sky. We lay on top of his car, covered in blankets clutching binoculars while he told me stories about the constellations and encouraged me to look for shooting stars and the International Space Station (ISS)! Sometimes we recreate that, and I still get a buzz when I see the ISS moving swiftly across the sky. What favourite date could you recreate? If you love Valentine’s Day then you do you. But ask yourself, do you make Valentine plans with your partner just because that’s the thing to do? If so, perhaps it’s time to make a change. By Kate McCarthy

To advertise TO ADVERTISEemail CALLhello@localreach.co.uk 01749 600388

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

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.

STAIRLIFTS NEW from £1,495 RECONDITIONED from £949 RENTAL from £55 per month

01749 346 900

www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk

The Works, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. BA4 5DX www.localreach.co.uk | 13

HISTORYPAGE LOCAL EXPERT

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Whether to upgrade or replace your computer – considering the recent release of Windows 11 Is your computer over 5 years old? Sooner or later, older computers are expected to run into issues. There are recommended steps that can be taken to slow down the degeneration of computer health, such as routine servicing and decent antivirus protection. Regular backups are also worth performing to protect from sudden data loss. On average, computers older than 5 years are more expected to produce issues, and the question of upgrading or replacing often poses a conundrum for people. A common error we see is the assumption a slow or problematic computer is non-repairable, which concludes a new replacement computer as the sole resolution. In such scenarios, people often struggle on for months with problems, or simply stop using the computer altogether, because a replacement is not an affordable option. We want to let readers know that more often than not, computers with corruption, slowness, freezing, and many other issues, are repairable at a cost much cheaper than a new computer. For example, the common issue of extreme slowness is often resolved in an hour’s work replacing one internal component. However, with the recent release of Windows 11, there are new hardware requirements to meet. These requirements play a delicate role in the evaluation of whether investment in repairing or upgrading older computers is worthwhile. Investing in an old computer then being forbidden from upgrading Windows is not ideal. The “PC Health Check” found in the Windows 10 start menu list provides a quick way to tell if your hardware supports the latest Windows iteration. If not, a new computer becomes more justifiable over the upgrade route. For assistance with matters like this, or for general help, please see our advert on this page.

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd, Tel: 07973 536299

Computer Problems?

We come to you or remote appointments available! Services include:

• Problem Solving & Repairs • Virus/Spyware Removal • New PC Systems • Broadband/WIFI Problems

• Performance Improvement • Wireless Networking • iPhone/iPad help • Upgrades

• Websites • Help & Tuition

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

Engineer: 07973 536299 Office: 0800 011 2096 E-mail: sales@e-cps.co.uk www.e-cps.co.uk

SHORT NOTICE VISITS OFTEN POSSIBLE • EVENINGS & WEEKENDS ALSO AVAILABLE 14 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Irish Coffee Chocolate Cheesecake

RECIPE

Method: Line the base of a 20cm springform round cake tin with greaseproof paper and brush the sides with oil. Place the chocolate chip cookies in a polythene bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat then add the crushed cookies. Press the resulting mixture into the base of the prepared tin, and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

Ingredients: Base Vegetable oil, for oiling 175g chocolate chip cookies 55g unsalted butter Filling 225g plain chocolate (at least 70%), broken into pieces. 225g good quality milk chocolate (at least 45%) broken into pieces 55g golden caster sugar 350g cream cheese 425ml double cream, lightly whipped (this means that it’s no longer liquid, has increased in volume and just holds its shape when the whisk is removed). 3tbsp coffee cream liqueur

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE BUSINESS IN 2022? LocalReach is delivered every month by ROYAL Mail to 83,000 homes & businesses.

Place the broken plain and milk chocolate into a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Set aside to cool. Place the sugar and cream cheese into a mixing bowl and beat together until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream, then the melted chocolate, and finally the coffee cream liqueur. Spoon the mixture into the cake tin on top of the biscuit base. Smooth the surface and place in the fridge to chill for two hours. When it’s firm transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with more melted dark chocolate if required, Serves: 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes plus cooling and chilling time Cooking time: 10 minutes

Upholstery Curtains Soft Furnishings Homewares Furniture Classes

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 email hello@localreach.co.uk

www.localreach.co.uk

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

Upholstery & interiors Tweentown, Cheddar BS27 3HU

Curtains & Soft Furnishings Bath Street , Cheddar BS27 3AA

01934 752725 Info@prettysittingvintage.co.uk Shop online at www.prettysittingvintage.co.uk www.localreach.co.uk | 15

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE KIDS’ PAGE

16 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

A Declaration of Love A history of the Valentine card

At the primary school I attended, a decorated post box (i.e., a paper-covered cardboard box with a slit cut in it) would appear in the entrance in February and we were encouraged to post Valentine cards to our friends. I don’t know if this dubious ‘popularity contest’ was repeated in other schools but I do remember the thrill when I finally received a card! The earliest surviving Valentine missive was written by a French man Charles, Duke of Orleans during his imprisonment in the Tower of London, following his capture during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. It was a tender poem to his wife, Bonne of Armagnac, which uses the phrase, ‘Je suis desja d’amour tanné, Ma tres doulce Valentinée,’ (old French) which translates to, ‘I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine.’ The earliest example of an English Valentine dates to 1477 and was a love letter was written by Margery Brews to her fiancé John Paston. Margery refers to John as her ‘right well-beloved Valentine’ and implores him to marry her despite the fact she can’t convince her father to increase her dowry. Marriage had little to do with romance in the 15th century, but apparently they did eventually tie the knot! Something akin to a modern greeting card for Valentine’s Day appeared in the 1700s. These cards were handmade, and usually hand-delivered by slipping them under a door. Romantics who found it difficult to commit their feelings to paper could actually buy booklets of verse suggestions. The oldest printed Valentine’s Day card in existence can be viewed in York Castle Museum. It was printed in London in 1797 and features elaborate floral patterns, cupids and doves. It was handcoloured because colour printing was not available in the 18th century, and the verse reads, ‘Since on this ever Happy day, All Nature’s full of Love and Play. Yet harmless still if my design, ‘Tis but to be your Valentine.’ By Kate McCarthy

LOCALREACH

Yoga for February ...and it’s all about “LOVE” This month we have valentines day we would like to make our theme Love. So February is all about Connection and how to Cultivate an Open Heart… Why and how would we want to do that? As always we’re going to use our essential oils in class, this month using a combination of oils that cultivate an open heart and a quiet mind, such as Ylang Ylang - Reconnects us to the pure and simple ways of the heart. Geranium - Helps us to foster love and trust. Frankincense - Helps to ground and center the body. Wild Orange - Inspires a reconnection to spontaneity, fun, and playfulness. We will have roller balls of these oils available to purchase in class so you can take something away with you. Our Yoga focus this month... We are going to be looking at what we call “Active Hatha Yoga with Heart Openers” If you are new to yoga and have no idea what this means, basically it’s working with more fixed poses rather than a flowing sequence, and movements that open up the chest area. Chest opening poses tend to leave you energized, creating more space from the inside out, helping the body to let go of any stagnant energy. Check out www.mahalayoga.co.uk for the current class timetable. This month we have a special offer - 2 for the price of one! Buy a 6 class pass between the two of you. (£15 each!!!.) This will give you a chance to try out 3 classes with a friend. Purchase in-class or online. Our classes are open to any level, if you are totally new to yoga or you are a long-time practitioner... all are welcome. 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

www.localreach.co.uk | 17

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Making your life easier Whether you are a sole trader, large, medium or small company, you will have many things in common and one of those is the need to process your payroll. Payrolls come in many shapes and sizes, from a Director’s only payroll to several hundred employees who work shift patterns, have variable rates of pay and get paid every week, fortnightly, four weekly or monthly. We offer a payroll bureau service and strongly believe that one solution does not fit all, each business is different, and as a team we will work with you to give you the service you need. You may want: • our full payroll service, including ensuring you comply with the RTI legislation, your payroll is submitted on time and professional payroll advice is just a phone call away; • our hybrid payroll service, you can process your payroll on our software, we check what you have done and arrange for your payroll to be submitted to comply with RTI legislation; • our support payroll service, you are happy to process all aspects of your payroll yourself and just want to subscribe to use our payroll software. We use a cloud-based bureau package that offers superior functionality in comparison to its competitors and the package offers the ability to: • allow clients to key directly into the system their payroll information or upload their payroll information and

documentation through the system as an alternative to external emailing or uploading via stand alone portals. • enter new starter information into the system directly or upload new starter forms to the system as an alternative to the external methods of communication. • automatically retrieve tax code changes from HMRC. • allow businesses to run payroll reports as and when they or their accountants need them. • allow clients to approve the payroll or raise queries during the pay run process. • provide your employees with secure access to their online payslips and payroll related documents. The cloud-based package we use prides itself on being: • Cloud based tech - Hosted on Microsoft’s Azure platform, your data is safe, secure and backed by the world’s premier cloud provider. • GDPR Secure - Hosted in the UK, their privacy-sensitive solution is completely compliant with all data protection regulation. • Your data is protected - Industry-leading access control means your data is secure and accessible only by you. Advanced features like MFA (Multi-factor authentication) can protect your workforce from illicit access to their logins. • Business Continuity - Your business continuity is implicit in their architecture, and it’s underpinned by all the scalability and resilience of Microsoft’s global resource. Want to streamline and ease your payroll processing? Give us a call 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 18 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

BOOK REVIEW

A Good Read

All the Light We Cannot See By Anthony Doerr

Marie-Laure is blind. She lives in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where her father works. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris forcing father and daughter to flee to the home of MarieLaure’s reclusive great uncle, carrying what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel. Werner Pfennig, is an orphan, growing up in a mining town with his younger sister, learning about the world through a crude radio they find. Werner’s expertise in fixing radios makes him a valuable asset to the Nazis as they track down the resistance. Doerr deftly interweaves the lives of these two youngsters, and along the way shows us how against all the odds, people mostly do try to be good to one another. This book is built on beautiful imagery. Both in the literal sense - vividly evoking 1940s Paris and Germany - and the metaphorical as it’s woven through with scientific and philosophical references to light, to seeing and not seeing, and the differences between the two. It’s the beautiful and harrowing story of two childhoods torn apart by war. We learn how Mari-Laure and Werner are both forced along paths they did not choose due to their desperate personal circumstances. There is a running theme of interconnectedness, of invisible lives running parallel to one another yet sometimes coming together in the strangest of ways. Marie-Laure and Werner are from different worlds, yet each influences the other. All the Light We Cannot See is a haunting novel. The elegant prose and engaging, heart-breaking stories will remain with you long after you’ve reached the final page. The title hints at the fact that just as we only see a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum, so we are only ever aware of a fraction

of the spectrum of history. But if we could look deeper, we’d see the untold stories and they would be beautiful and strangely luminescent in their own right.

The Invisible

By Tom Percival This is another book about untold stories and human connections. Tom Percival has blended gorgeous illustrations with his simple, clear prose in this picture book which is perfect for bedtime reading. Isabel is a happy child whose parents love her and each other but the family is struggling financially. They slip through society’s cracks and descend into poverty. Isabel discovers that poverty brings a cloak of invisibility. No-one seems to see her, though she can see more than ever before. She begins to notice the other invisible members of society, and she begins to understand that alongside invisibility poverty brings something else...loneliness. Isabel decides that she will do something to tackle the problem. The book has modern social themes, but rather than being unremittingly grim, or alternatively, ridiculously upbeat and positive, Percival uses his light touch to show us the humanity and love that exist between people everywhere in society, and how we can all make a difference, whoever we are. The beautiful, heart-warming ending doesn’t rely on a lottery win, or a fairy godmother but on Isabel herself showing the way. The author has drawn on his own experiences growing up in poverty to create a gentle and thought-provoking window into a world that for many of us goes entirely unnoticed. This is another book that will stay with you and one which children will delight in hearing again because it has the magic of a fairy tale with none of the schmaltz. By Tash Donovan

www.localreach.co.uk | 19

20% OFF TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

all confirmed bookings until the end of February 2022

All works guaranteed No job too big or small

Specialising in… Resin bound & bonded driveways Stone Paving • Block Paving • Tarmac Drop kerbs • Landscaping • General building Check out our 4.7 star rating on

Call us for a FREE, no obligation quote

Tel:

01749 605372

www.stonewaypaving.co.uk

20 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

#VillageHallsWeek Monday 24th – Sunday 30th January: Community buildings across the county will be challenged to do something different as part of Village Halls Week 2022 and make a pledge on social media. CCS will be raising awareness of the contribution village halls make to rural communities, as well as inspiring the volunteers who run them to get creative and improve their offer to local residents. #VillageHallsWeek will be the fifth incarnation of the popular national campaign.

COMMUNITY

Map Ex154 ST554766. Register with Nick Elliott Tel: 07814 680787 or nickelliott150@gmail.com Wednesday 9th February: Moderate 9.8 mile circular walk over the Quantocks from Nether Stowey (TA5 1LJ). Start 10:00am. OS Map Ex140 ST193396. Register with Tony Strange Tel: 01934 733783/07415 517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Thursday 17th February: Moderate 12.5-mile circular walk from Brassknocker Basin near Monkton Combe (BA2 7HY). Start 10:00am. OS Map Ex155 ST782621

Village halls in Somerset are already doing many innovative things, such as making environmental improvements or taking steps to reduce isolation in their communities. Sally Sargent, Community Buildings Adviser, said, “We’re pleased to be supporting Village Halls Week 2022 which will be a celebration of everything that village halls can, or could do, to improve their offer to the local community. With Action with Communities in Rural England, we’ve been highlighting the role and achievements of halls for some time – from combating loneliness to supporting local businesses. But this year’s campaign will be a bit different. We know there are some great examples of halls that’ve gone the extra mile by putting on new activities and services for residents, taking action on climate change or taking steps to become more financially resilient. Along with other members of the ACRE Network, we’ll be celebrating these pioneering halls and challenging others to make pledges to get similarly creative. During Village Halls Week we will be holding two online events for halls trustees focused on the bringing the arts into community buildings and addressing climate change”.

The volunteers who run these buildings are urged to contact their ACRE Network member to access a campaign pack or visit ACRE’s website where they will find more information about the campaign, along with ideas to help them get involved and a copy of the pledge form.

Meetings are held in St Thomas Church Hall, Wells at 2:15pm. Why not come along?

West Mendip Walkers February Walk Programme

Lunch on a recent walk from Naish Farm, Clapton in Gordano.

Thursday 3rd February: Moderate 11.5 mile circular walk around Bristol from junction of Shirehampton Rd (B4054) and Bell Barn Rd (BS9 2DS). Start 10:00am. OS

Thursday 24th February: Moderate 9 mile circular walk from Batcombe Village Hall car park (BA4 6HE). Start 10:00am. OS Map Ex142 ST689391. What3words: Fidgeted. Chew. Passes. Register with Mike Gorman Tel: 07435 444829 or mgorman2017@gmail.com

Wells Floral Art Club Tuesday 8th February: We will be joined by Angie Blackwell a florist and floral artist from Ilminster. Her demonstration is entitled Spring is Busting out All Over. Angie is always full of good ideas for flower arranging at home.

Read and Rhyme is back at Wells Library! Thursday 10th February: Join us from 2:45pm on Thursday 10th February. Spaces are limited. Please book a place by emailing wlslib@somerset.gov.uk These FREE OF CHARGE activities are aimed at children under 5 years. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. www.localreach.co.uk | 21

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

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”. Frances Fountain

Be decisive and call Fran 07999 584935

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

ANNOUNCEMENT....

There has never been a more exciting time to become a consultant for The 1:1 Diet

WE ARE RECRUITING IN OUR PLATINUM TEAM

Flexible working hours to fit around your current commitments Full training and ongoing support provided Virtual and face to face working on a freelance basis National coverage AND incentives to WIN free holidays

Frances Fountain

Contact Fran to book your place 07999 22 | www.localreach.co.uk

584935

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

COMMUNITY

RNLI Winscombe Folk Featuring Miranda Sykes

funds to help Dorothy House provide end-of-life care for our local community.

Saturday 12th February: RNLI Winscombe’s first Folk Night for 2022 will be on Saturday 12th February in St James’ Church Hall (now the Church Centre), 52, Woodborough Road, Winscombe, BS25 1BA. Miranda Sykes is a well known Folk Singer who sings with “Show of Hands” but also performs in her own right as a solo singer. The hall will be arranged “Café-Style”, with tables of four or six, and audience members will be allocated seats at their tables so there will be TWO SESSIONS that evening to ensure that audience numbers in the hall are limited in each session:

The walk starts at 12 noon from Dorothy House, Winsley, and participants will set off on the route that follows the canal and finishes at Bath Pavilion just in time to watch the Six Nations England v Italy match at 3:00pm.

First Session – Doors will open at 6.30pm for an hour-long concert starting at 7.00pm prompt and ending at 8:00pm. The hall will be cleared and sanitised ready for the second performance. Second Session – Doors will open at 8:30pm for the second concert that will commence at 9.00pm and end at 10.00pm, allowing the hall to be cleared and sanitised after the performance. Tickets cost £14 per person and will be issued electronically; they must be shown at the door. Please contact James Barattini as soon as possible (e-mail: winscombe.folk@gmail.com) to book your place at either of the events and please indicate your session preference; tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis. There will be NO tickets available on the door. Attendance will be spread equally between the two sessions; if one session becomes fully booked, you will be offered tickets for the other session. Attendees must wear Face-Coverings when moving around the Hall, and it would be appreciated if they have had a NEGATIVE LATERAL FLOW TEST RESULT within the previous 24 hours. There will be NO BAR to avoid queuing, and attendees are welcome to BRING THEIR OWN beverages - Glasses will be supplied if required.

Henton and District Gardening Club Wednesday 16th February: We are going down under for our February meeting when Hilary Little will talk on “Wild Flowers and Wallabies of South West Australia”. A bit of Aussie sunshine will be welcomed on Wednesday 16th February at Henton Village Hall, 7.30. Raffle and Coffee. We have well known broadcaster, Anne Swithinbank as our keynote speaker on 16th March For ticket information ring 01749 674767 or visit our website hentongardenclub.weebly.com for further details.

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

Dorothy House Men’s Walk To Support Sunday 13th February: Join Dorothy House on 13th February for the ‘Men’s Walk To Support’. This 8-mile walk is an opportunity for guys to join together in solidarity, share their life journeys together, and raise vital

Call us now on 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk

www.localreach.co.uk

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

www.localreach.co.uk | 23

COMMUNITY

Wells Folk and Barn Dance Club Wednesdays: Wells Folk and Barn Dance Club meet on Wednesday evenings between 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Come alone or bring a partner to Dinder Village Hall. Be prepared to enjoy yourself and exercise as well as learn a new skill. Non members £4 but the first evening is free. For more information telephone 01749 674920.

Somerset Choral Society – Spring Term 2022 Wednesdays: Somerset Choral Society is pleased to announce that their Spring Term programme of Communal Rehearsals began on Wednesday 5th January 2022 and is continuing each week; subject to the Government Covid Regulations prevailing at the time. Somerset Choral Society continues to rehearse every Wednesday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm in their new Rehearsal Home at Cheddar Roman Catholic Church Community Hall, Tweentown BS27 3HU. The music this term is the much loved “Rutter Requiem” and “Stanford’s Songs of the Fleet” in preparation for

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

the Spring Concert in St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells at 7:30pm on Saturday 21st May 2022. New members from all voices (SATB) will be welcomed to join them for these two beautiful pieces; there are no auditions and scores are provided. More information may be found on their new website www.somersetchoralsociety.com

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue A hedgehog has the same metabolism as a small terrier and the same appetite. It costs approximately £5 a week in food per hog at Prickles Hedgehog Rescue. This is why we are constantly requesting donations of cat meat in jelly (no fish) and cat biscuits. We are so grateful for your generosity in donating much needed food. At this time of year, with so many little mouths to feed we are especially indebted. Please contact us on 07806 744772.

Toad Patrols in Operation Now Please drive carefully through Winscombe Hill, Priddy & Webbington. On warm damp evenings

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;

24 | www.localreach.co.uk

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

during Feb & March toads migrate to their breeding ponds, crossing roads to get there, hundreds get killed by traffic. Volunteers in high viz tabards will be collecting the toads in buckets and moving them to a safe location. Please drive carefully and considerately. The UK toad population is estimated to have suffered 68% decline since 1990. To volunteer email: Winscombe: joytrus@hotmail.co.uk Priddy: jdickson61@aol.com Webbington: bindycardy@yahoo.com

The Mendip Society For any details of Walks and other Events from The Mendip Society, please see details on the website www.themendipsociety.org.uk

Changes to the Highway Code which will affect all road users when meeting horses on our roads GUIDANCE stating that horses should be passed at a maximum of 10mph and at a minimum of two metres’ distance are among the “significant” improvements in proposed changes to the Highway Code. Also, cyclists must not pass riders on the inside and should call out when approaching or passing horses to alert the rider. Head cams are recommended for all riders to record non-compliance. The “statutory instrument”, which includes a number of other changes, was laid before parliament on 1 December, and is subject to a 40-day approval process. Should there be no objections, they will apply as part of the Highway Code from the end of January. A big thank you to all the drivers who already take care when passing horses. Your informed actions and consideration will have avoided a potential accident and are greatly appreciated by all equestrians.

Mendip Bridleways & Byways Association

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

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

Surviving Winter appeal supporting local older people raises incredible £100k in under a month Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) is thrilled to announce that, following the appeal launch at the end of November, the 2021/22 Surviving Winter appeal has already raised a phenomenal £100,000 - thanks to the incredible generosity of local donors. The team at SCF have been busy distributing funding across the county, and aim to support over 500 vulnerable older people in Somerset with a Surviving Winter grant again this winter, helping to keep them warm, safe and well. The annual appeal encourages pensioners to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment, if they don’t need it themselves. These donations provide funding and support to our older neighbours across Somerset who are struggling to heat their homes. To donate some or all of your Winter Fuel Payment, or to make a donation of any size to the Surviving Winter appeal, please visit: www.somersetcf.org. uk/winter to donate online, or send a cheque made payable to Somerset Community Foundation (writing SW on the reverse) to Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN, or call 01749 344949.

Support Wells Vineyard Foodbank with Spring Flowers

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

creative art and Play therapy sand tray therapy

26 | www.localreach.co.uk

Local florist, Jen Owen of Goldfinch Floral Studios is hoping to help Wells Vineyard Foodbank raise funds this spring by offering stunning ‘living garden’ kits for Mother’s Day. The kits can be ordered via goldﬁnchﬂoralstudio. co.uk and cost just £15. Jen is donating £5 for every kit to the Foodbank which is hoping to raise much needed funds for a replacement van. The kits include a mix of mosses, spring bulbs, pussy willow, 2 succulents, 2 blown quails eggs and full instructions. Even the most uncreative of people will be able to make a beautiful spring table display! The kits will be ready for collection on the 19th March, in time to make the display for family gatherings or to give as a Mother’s Day gift. Jen used to be a Product Manager for footwear brands Clarke’s Shoes and Ecco, but while living in Denmark, she was inspired by the distinctive Danish approach to floristry and decided to retrain as a florist. She returned to Somerset and set up

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Goldfinch Floral Studios in Wells in 2019. Jen says, “The philosophy of Goldfinch is that we offer ‘out of the ordinary flowers for out of the ordinary folk’. I’ve seen how the staff and volunteers of Wells Vineyard Foodbank have worked tirelessly through the pandemic to help local people and have been inspired by how truly extraordinary they all are. I wanted to do something to help support them and hope that these living garden kits will help raise money for them, while offering people something beautiful for their homes.” Sue Marland, Senior Pastor at Wells Vineyard Church and Manager of the Foodbank said, “We are very grateful to Goldfinch Floral Studios, and all the local businesses that do so much to support our work. We are currently trying to raise money for a new van and need to find around £7,000 before next winter as we don’t expect our current van to last much longer. The van is vital to help deliver essential items of furniture such as beds and cookers to our clients in Wells and the surrounding villages. People can also make donations directly to us via our GoFundMe appeal. Simply visit www.gofundme. com and search for ‘Wells Vineyard Foodbank Van Appeal. Alternatively financial donations can be made to Wells Vineyard Christian Fellowship’s HSBC account: Sort Code: 40-46-06, Acc No: 31387170. Please use “Van Appeal” as the reference.”

Local Business A – Z 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

Puzzle Solutions

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 monthly. • 30% Of our pages given to the community free of charge. Call us now on 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk

www.localreach.co.uk

Mindbender: 1: Cars 2: Jungle Book 3: Tangled

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

www.localreach.co.uk | 27

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

BLINDS

CARPENTERS AND JOINERS

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

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

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

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

~~~~ 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

Call Colin for your free quote & fast local service

Somerset 01749 467091 When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach

When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach

CHIMNEY SWEEPS

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

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 28 | www.localreach.co.uk

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 DOORS

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

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 DipFH. MCFHP. MAFHP.

Foot Health Professional

07849 033055

DRY STONE WALLING

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

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 FLOORING

938712

M: 07787932416

FROM

£20

FUEL INSTALLATIONS

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

01749 677440

07921 074602

solidfuel3@aol.com

www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES

Luke’s Carpets • Rugs • Vinyl • Wood Skirtings replaced • Stock rolls • Remnants • Ranges from leading manufacturers • Competitively priced • Fully qualified, reliable fitting team and floor repairs service

Tree Care, Hedge Care & General Building

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

01749 467093

luke100785@yahoo.com

Large showroom in Market Street, BA5 2DS

FREE ESTIMATES

01749 67 65 65 (Opposite The Pound Shop)

www.wellscityfloors.co.uk www.localreach.co.uk | 29

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES CONT.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

LOCAL HOME CARE GUTTER CLEANING SERVICES

EPDM flat roofs and repairs 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 LOFT BOARDING

HandyMan in wells Shepton Mallet • Street • Glastonbury • Cheddar

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 safe and secure.

Loft storage solutions for period and new build homes 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.

Carpenter • General handyman Property maintenance • Sash window repairs

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

01749 600384

www.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk

When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach

Property Maintenance

Local reach Ad.indd 1

07/06/2018 14:03

Fencing • Plumbing & heating House clearance • Guttering General building

LLLL BLBBB

LOGS

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

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

01934 734662 www.ebdonfirewood.co.uk

30 | www.localreach.co.uk

No job too big or small

FREE No Obligation Quote call Stuart

07894 323115

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 REMOVALS

TREE SURGEONS

ND TRANSPORT & COURIER SERVICES ALL YOUR TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, LOCAL AND LONG-DISTANCE REMOVALS & HOUSE CLEARANCES COMPETITIVE RATES

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

07410 439296 / 07516 811124

ndcouriersolutions@icloud.com

SEWING

TREE SURGEONS & GROUNDS CARE

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

01749 605389

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Frances C “I sew for you” ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS Clothing, Curtains & Blinds • Shortening • Hems • Fitting

• Repairs • Alterations • Making new

Upholstery & Soft Furnishings

Courses in upholstery & related crafts

Pretty Sitting UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

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

WEB DESIGN

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

Prices exclude any additional building works

Call Dave on

Interior Design

01934 752725

Centrally located in Wells. Collection/delivery if required.

ECOSY Purefire Curve 5kw A+ Energy Rated

Upholstery Fabrics

Showroom and online store

Frances Christine 01749 939578 Randall BA Hons Fashion Knitwear & Textiles SKIP HIRE

Recycled, restored and handmade furniture & accessories for sale

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

07790 958616 5 Year Guarantee

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

www.localreach.co.uk | 31

Craving a new outlook this new year? 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