“Fantastic responsive service. It’s the 2nd time I have used central roofing and on both occasions they turned up on time got on with the job and kept us informed on what was being carried out. Went above and beyond and assisted me in issues around insurance. I would recommend this company to anyone with roofing issues.”
Cat Lady
We used Central Roofing to take down an old flat roof and install another on our business premises at Knight Brothers Garage. The company was very reliable, they turned up when they said they would, the guys that did the work were very tidy and efficient. The work was completed in the time frame they set…we are more than pleased with the
job. Karen
Anderson
If you are a local community club, group, association, school or church then we would love you to send us your local news, events and information. We can give you 100 words FREE OF CHARGE each month. LocalReach now supports over 750+ local clubs, groups, associations, schools or churches each month. To submit your community notice simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the form on the Community Notices page. We want to especially help local clubs, groups, associations, schools & churches that have no income or very little income for advertising. Please help us spread the LocalReach word!
LocalReach is now on Facebook - go to www.facebook.com/localreachwestonsupermare
Advertising in LocalReach is a fantastic way to reach all your existing, and potentially new customers. LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in your postcode area every month. It is packed with community notices, interesting articles and local businesses. A massive 98% of our advertisers rebook every month so we must be doing something right! So, if you are looking for more business then contact us now. To advertise just go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the contact form or email hello@localreach.co.uk
Community Notices are free of charge Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page Deadline is 24th March for the May issues
For Business Advertising call 01934 312171 or visit our web site www.localreach.co.uk Deadline is 24th March for the May issues
Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we make no guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. We do not approve any of the services or products provided by advertisers in this magazine. Anyone using the products, services or advice from advertisers will need to carry out normal checks to make sure businesses are trustworthy and reliable. LocalReach Ltd 2025.
LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Weston-super-Mare/BS23 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 17,190 copies each month.
We take non deliveries very seriously and in the event of a non delivery being reported to us we follow the Royal Mail’s complaint procedure.
If you are not getting your monthly copy by the end of the first week of any month please send us an email to hello@localreach.co.uk with the full address of the non delivery and we will ask Royal Mail to investigate and report back.
With warmer weather, longer days, and warm moist soil, April in the UK is the month for sowing, vegetables, flowers and even a new lawn
April is a busy month in every part of the garden, and with the soil warming after the cold of winter but still welcomingly moist growing conditions could not be better for sowing seeds.
Whilst you can just throw grass seed on the ground and it will germinate, careful preparation of the ground will ensure even growth that will result in a lush carpet like lawn.
Whilst many people choose to lay turf for a new lawn growing a lawn from seed can be a more
Non-emergency police: 101
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inexpensive and satisfying process and you can choose a specific seed to suit your garden’s conditions. Begin by de-weeding the area before digging over the ground if it is compacted. Rake carefully in different directions, de-clumping the soil and removing stones until the ground is like a fine crumb. Scatter the grass seed as evenly as possible. Lightly rake over to cover most of the seed and if there is no rain in the forecast water lightly. Water regularly and in seven to fourteen days you should see the first signs of your new lawn.
Because of the risk of cold weather and even the odd frost it is advisable to sow hardy annuals outside in April, half-hardy annuals can of course be sown under glass where they will be offered protection.
My favourite hardy annuals – sunflowers, cornflowers and pot marigolds are also good for insects as they will provide much needed food. There are also some other hardy annuals such as poppies, a flower that brightens any border and provides valuable food for various birds.
Prepare your flower bed by raking over well and removing weeds, adding soil enhancer if the ground is heavy as hardy annuals prefer lighter soils. If you sow in drills, or straight lines this will make future weeding easier as the plants grow.
Many vegetables can be sown directly into the soil in April, carrots and peas being two good examples. In facts carrots should only be sown directly into the soil as transplanting once sown disturbs their fragile roots. Prepare the soil by raking well and removing weeds. Make drills in the ground and sow sparingly. Gently cover with finely raked soil and water with a watering can fitted with a rose.
Peas will only germinate if the soil temperature is around ten degrees so if the weather is still chilly wait until everything warms up. You can use cloches to help warm the sowing area. Prepare and rake the soil and sow in parallel lines about four inches apart, cover carefully and water well.
As April can be a temperamental month weather wise, be prepared to water if there is no or little rain and cover tender seedlings if a frost or wintery precipitation return.
By Rob Bullock
Our friendly group meets fortnightly to enjoy friendship and a sing-a-long. We’re not a choir and no musical ability is necessary - but a sense of humour is a plus! Music is via a computer, with the words projected on a screen.
We meet in St Jude’s Hall, part of St Peter’s Church in Baytree Road, from 2:00pm - 3:45pm and our next sessions are on 31st March, 14th & 28th April. We ask £2 a session to cover hall rental and refreshments. For more information contact Pam on 07776307097 or daleykeith@hotmail.co.uk
The North Somerset Hard of Hearing Social Group generally meets on the 1st Monday of each month 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Conservative Club, 24-26 Alexandra Parade, Westonsuper-Mare BS23 10X.
The meetings are a mixture of speakers, outings, chat and useful information. Hearing aid batteries available. Cost £4 to include refreshments. Come along. We will be very happy to see you.
The Friends Of The Playhouse hold their Saturday Coffee Mornings 10:0am to 11:30am at the High Street Theatre. Hot drinks and biscuits are on sale and everybody is welcome.
Saturday 5th April: The monthly raffle takes place to win 2 tickets to a show of the winners choice (to be taken within 3 months and subject to availability), plus other lovely prizes.
Saturday 12th April: The Music Quiz, only £1 per person to enter.
Saturday 19th April: Grand Easter Raffle.
Saturday 26th April: The Quarterly Millennium Draw.
You will be sure of a warm welcome at our Saturday coffee morning in our old and beautiful Church hall in the centre of town - Emmanuel Church, Oxford Street, held on the first Saturday of the month - the next one on April 5th. People of all ages and walks of life can come together for a meet-up of friends and to make new friends from 10:30am until 12.00 noon. There will be lovely homemade cakes available and a sale of other goodies including books. Contact Dina 01934 625994
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Celebrate the joys of Spring with friends old and new at our annual Easter Social. Designed especially with local Seniors in mind!
1:30pm - 4:30pm, Saturday 5th April at Corpus Christi Parish Hall, Ellenborough Park South.
Live Entertainment and Easter Bonnet Competition!
To Book Your Free Place: Phone 01934 273117 or email: secretary@wsmrotary.uk. Don’t be shy! Get in touch! We look forward to seeing you there.
Join us to find out how heraldry can help us with our Family History research at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Baytree Road, Weston. On the 9th April at 2:30pm. Members £1.50, guests £2.00 including refreshments. We also offer free family history help and advice in Weston Library on the first Saturday of the month 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
The u3a has a coffee morning every Tuesday at the Friends Meeting House, 6 High Street, Westonsuper-Mare BS23 1JF. Come along and see what activities are on offer. Friday 11th April at the united Reformed Church, Waterloo Street, Weston-superMare, BS23 1LF the u3a monthly lecture is The British Honours System. Ashley Jones MBE will explain the honours system. Cost £2.00 this is open to members and non members.
Join Right at Home North Somerset on the second Friday of the month to enjoy a relaxed coffee with friends and if you fancy trying your hand at a board game there’s plenty to choose from. There’ll also be carers and office staff available if you have any questions about the services we offer.
11th April - 10:00am - 12:00pm 9th May - 10:00am - 12:00pm
The Stable Games Room, 129 High Street, WestonSuper-Mare BS23 1HN.
For more information: amy.collins@rightathomens.co.uk 07708 076 566.
For many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. South Bristol based loft ladder installer, Access4Lofts, whose slogan is ‘Creating Space The Easy Way’ can change all that, often in less than a day.
Access4Lofts Bristol South is owned by Anthony Cheung. He advises that; “With space at such a premium, it makes sense to make the most of your loft. Installing a loft ladder is quick and affordable. It’s less expensive than a garden shed, and it means you don’t have to store everything out of the house.”
Freeing up a room currently clogged with clutter can save a lot of trouble and expense, as Anthony explains; “Some people looking for more space consider moving to a bigger home, but this needn’t be necessary. People are surprised by the amount of space a loft can create, we can even include shelving to maximise the space too.”
Call Anthony now to book a free survey and quotation on 01275 293 128, or visit www.Access4Lofts.co.uk/BristolSouth
You can also find them on Facebook as Access4Lofts Bristol South
Did you know that Microsoft have incorporated AI (artificial intelligence) into their latest version of Microsoft Word. This is with a system called “Copilot”. Using Copilot in Word offers a variety of benefits:
1. Enhanced Productivity: With Copilot, you can streamline tasks such as summarizing documents, generating text, and formatting. This frees up more time for focusing on content creation and editing.
2. Grammar and Style Assistance: Copilot provides suggestions to improve your writing style and correct grammatical errors, ensuring your documents are polished and professional.
3. Collaboration: Copilot can help with collaborative tasks, such as tracking changes, suggesting edits, and managing comments, making it easier to work with others on shared documents.
4. Research and Information: Quickly find relevant information and data using Copilot’s search capabilities. It can pull in facts, definitions, and other resources to support your writing.
5. Creative Assistance: Whether you’re drafting a report, writing a story, or creating a presentation, Copilot can offer creative suggestions and help brainstorm ideas to enhance your work.
6. Task Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like formatting, creating tables of contents, and generating references, saving you time and reducing the chance of errors.
In short, Copilot in Word can help you work smarter, not harder. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s always ready to lend a hand. It may surprise you to read that all the bullet points above were generated using AI, simply by asking “give me the benefits of using copilot in Word”
Copilot is also part of Windows 11 and can be found along the taskbar in the form of a colourful icon, as shown top right of this page. Give it a try! Ask it a question or two and test it out. Please get in touch if we can be of any help with your home or work IT.
Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd. Tel/Text/WhatsApp: 07973 536299 or email sales@e-cps.co.uk
Problem Solving & Repairs • Virus/Spyware Removal • New PC Systems • Broadband/WIFI Problems • Performance Improvement
Upgrades
Websites
Help & Tuition
We have mobile engineers in your area or with your permission we can access your computer remotely.
The Thursday Girls are holding a pop up fabric shop at Greenways Farm, Lyefield Road, Worle BS22 9NX on Wednesday 16th April from 10:00am to 3:00pm, when Mark Pickles will be bringing new cotton patchwork fabrics, wadding, calico and haberdashery. He’ll service sewing machines- contact him on 01225 482413 to book your slot, as spaces are limited. We’ll be running our coffee shop, with hot drinks, homemade cakes and light lunches in aid of our charity for the year, Somewhere to Go.
Contact Heather on 07967527455 or thethursdaygirls@gmail.com for more details.
The Weston-super-Mare Macular Society group covering Weston, Clevedon, Congresbury and surrounding areas meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at St Peter’s Church Hall, Baytree Road, Weston BS22 8HG 10:30am to 12:30pm.
The group is for anyone affected by central vision loss - AMD, wet or dry. We have talks by useful organisations such as VisionAid and Home Independent Living. Share tips and experiences.
Cost £3 including refreshments. Friends and carers most welcome.
For more information call Jo 07947973244
Back by popular demand, join Weston Hospicecare for a funfilled Easter Trail! Hop along our scenic route in Uphill to discover hidden Easter Clues and win exciting prizes! Enjoy family-friendly activities, challenges, and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with your loved ones and supporting your local hospice!
Date: 19.04.2025
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Uphill Village hall
Sing up at www.westonhospicecare.org.uk
Don’t miss out on this egg-cellent adventure — come make lasting memories this Easter!
Wednesday 23rd April, 2:00pm, Theatre Lounge Area. The Friends Of The Playhouse present LUCY ANNA TAYLOR who is a local professional singer and is classically trained. She will be singing songs from the Musicals including Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked, The Sound Of Music, Cats, Grease and The Greatest Showman and many more.
Tickets £7 (Members), £9 (Non Members) to include a hot drink and cake. Tickets are available to purchase from the Theatre Box Office in person or by calling 01934 645544 or online.
This course can help! This seven-session course, gently guides bereaved people through the most common aspects of grief, enabling them to process the implications for themselves and discern next steps.
The course will run for seven Tuesday evenings (19:15 to 21:30), at Christchurch, Clevedon BS21 7LL, starting on 29th April.
To find out more, please email: bereavementsupport@christchurch-clevedon. org.uk or sign up via the Church Website.
Also, all are welcome at our monthly “Grieve Well Cafe” which occurs 10:00am to noon every 3rd Wednesday; a caring and understanding place to chat.
North Somerset Walk Fest coming this May!
To celebrate National Walking Month this May, join us for North Somerset Walk Fest 2025!
Keep an eye on our Better Health website (www. betterhealthns.co.uk/get-active/walking/ ) from mid-April when we will be sharing an online programme of all the wonderful walking opportunities available in North Somerset.
If you run a walking event and would like to include it in the programme, please visit: www. betterhealthns.co.uk/information/providers/
Wednesday 14th May, 9:30am3:00pm at Penny Brohn UK, Chapel Pill Lane, Pill, BS20 0HH.
Our Relax and Restore Wellbeing Day is for anyone affected by cancer. These days combine a range of gentle activities designed to nourish your body and mind. As well as recharging your batteries the day will be an opportunity to connect with others and learn some new tools to take home with you to support your health and wellbeing.
To book: pennybrohn.org.uk/our-approach/ services/wellbeing-days/#Relaxandrestore
Do you live in the Shrubbery area on Weston Hillside?
Please come and join us! We are Shrubbery Neighbourhood Group. We collect litter and do guerrilla gardening. We also have quarterly meetings on Wednesdays at 7:00pm at St Joseph’s Church Hall in Camp Road, with our Councillors and PCSO. The remaining dates for 2025 are 21st May (AGM), 13th August and 5th November. In between the meetings we have social events and are planning an event for the Easter weekend (bonnets not required!)
To contact us:- email shrubberyng@yahoo.com, find us on Facebook or phone Bridie on 01934 625906.
Do you love to sing, but want to sing a variety of styles? Do you want rehearsals to be easy-going, fun, but help you become the best you can be?
Vocalise is run by a qualified singing teacher who can take time to educate and support because there are no restrictions from a franchise or committee.
We all know each other - like family. We socialise, too. And we win awards.
Mondays 19:30 - 21:30 St George’s Community
Centre. No auditions, no experience required.
Ring Ann on 01934 627709 or email ann.clewlow@btinternet.com
Day centre every Tuesday in Milton. 10:00am1:30pm.
Perfect respite care for carers or companionship for lone people. Dementia care. Entertainment. Games. Newspapers.
Fully insured qualified staff. DBS checked. Please contact NIKKI on 07879018384 for further information and costs.
The Weston-super-Mare Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association covers both W-s-M and Burnham areas, and we meet at Eagle House, 21-22 Alexandra Parade, Weston-superMare BS23 1QX. We have a Coffee Morning every Wednesday from 10:00 am. Our events are on our Facebook page (RAFA Weston Online Club), there is something for everyone.
The RAFA welcomes all, Veterans and NonVeterans alike, with full or associated membership. Pop along to a coffee morning or contact Jim on 07758354211, for more information, we will be more than pleased to hear from you.
We are a lively local mixed group of singles, mostly in our 60’s and 70’s, who meet each Wednesday evening at an informal ‘Bar Night’ to chat and to arrange fun events for ourselves.
These include quizzes, meals, sports, dancing, trips, theatre and music for us to enjoy.
If you are an older single living in the Weston, Worle or surrounding area and looking to make new friends, why not come along for a week or two, then consider joining us regularly?
Call/text Margaret 07887 883251 or Rob 07899 755457.
#7 Tidy up! Before you do anything else, you need a tidy home and clean kitchen. Put things away, recycle old newspapers and plump the cushions. To ensure a wonderful result with your cooking, your kitchen and its appliances need to be spotless. The last thing you want is your wonderful Easter Roast to taste of the last few weeks dinners. Get that cooker clean: either do it yourself or call OvenGleamers, a professional oven cleaning service to gleam it for you.
#6 Choose the menu. Will you have fish, lamb or a nut roast? Fish is traditionally eaten on Good Friday. Early Christians said that the day of Jesus’ crucifixion should be one of abstaining from meat, so they had fish instead.
#5 Invite your family and friends to join in. Easter is a great time for families and friends so plan something fun. Did you know where we got the Easter Bunny from? Experts say the 18th century when some Germans settled in America. They called him Osterhase because he lay brightly coloured eggs in nests in the bonnets of children.
#4 Get shopping. Prepare that list and pop down the supermarket or even easier shop online and get it all delivered.
#3 Plan the weekend’s activities. Set up an Easter Egg hunt in the house or the garden. Children love finding eggs anywhere!
#2 Get the cooking prepared. Now you’ve a lovely clean kitchen, get baking. Have you got some oven liners to help you? Great for lining roasting tins, baking biscuits on or to catch drips. OvenGleamers can supply these too.
#1 Hurrah you’re there. Food planned, friends and family on their way and fun events sorted. But if all else fails – try the National Trust for Easter Trails, buy the ready prepared dishes from your favourite supermarket and watch ‘Easter Parade’ on the TV to put you in the mood. Happy Easter. For that gleaming cooker, AGA or Range, just call me today: Graham Rogers, OvenGleamers now on 01934 440032
Keeping your home clean and organised can be a challenge, especially when life gets busy or tasks start to pile up. Whether it’s finding the time to tackle the cleaning or simply feeling overwhelmed by where to start, it’s easy for the day-to-day chores to become a burden.
That’s where our regular cleaning service comes in. At Cleanify, we’re here to take the stress out of maintaining your home, giving you more time to focus on the things that matter most.
Our tailored service is designed to fit your needs and schedule, whether you’d like weekly, fortnightly, or monthly visits. From dusting and vacuuming to keeping kitchens and bathrooms fresh, we handle the cleaning so you don’t have to.
Beyond keeping your home tidy, regular cleaning also promotes a healthier environment. Dust, allergens, and dirt can build up quickly, but with consistent upkeep, your home will feel fresher and more inviting.
You’ll also benefit from having the same trusted Helper each visit—someone who understands your preferences and knows how you like things done.
If you’re struggling to keep up with the cleaning or simply want to take it off your to-do list, let us help. Get in touch today to see how we can make life a little easier with our reliable, professional cleaning service.
If you scratch or cut Colourfence, the ingenious zinc element in the Zincalume steel reacts with moisture to form a protective barrier to prevent any corrosion with no action needed from you.
Colourfence are transforming gardens across Somerset!
It may do “exactly what it says on the tin” but let’s face it, treating a timber fence can never be called fun! In fact, owning a timber fence isn’t much fun either with costly, time consuming maintenance and repairs almost every year.
Finally, the alternative to timber fencing…our fence goes up and stays up, resisting wind gusts of up to 130mph!
Colourfence fencing solutions are made from innovative Colorbond steel, virtually maintenance free with an occasional wash down with water to keep it looking as good as new - so you never need to pick up that paintbrush again!, Guaranteed not to rot, warp, chip or peel for 25 years.
Available in a variety of heights and colours with or without trellis, our skilled installation team will make short work of transforming your garden.
The best news is the pricing is just as attractive, starting costs are in line with comparable traditional systems but offer the ongoing peace of mind that your investment will continue to save time and money year after year.
For those of us who want a low maintenance garden, Colourfence promises a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment.
By Martha Wells
This is the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries series. It’s a riveting and witty exploration of identity, autonomy, and humanity through the perspective of a self-aware security bot. The protagonist, a rogue SecUnit that refers to itself as “Murderbot,” has hacked its governor module, gaining freedom from its programming. Despite this, Murderbot prefers to spend its time consuming media rather than engaging with humans or exploring its newfound independence.
The story follows Murderbot as it reluctantly protects a group of scientists on a survey mission to an uncharted planet. When their mission is jeopardized by a rival corporation’s sabotage, Murderbot must confront its fear of human interaction in order to save its clients. Through its interactions, Murderbot reveals a deep internal struggle with its purpose, autonomy, and desire to remain emotionally distant, even as it inadvertently forms bonds with the humans it protects.
Wells’ narrative is fast paced, infused with sharp humour and keen observations about humanity’s flaws and resilience. Murderbot’s voice is a sarcastic, introspective, and touchingly relatable, which means the reader will find themselves rooting for the reluctant hero. The novella raises questions about free will, artificial intelligence, and the meaning of personhood, all without sacrificing any of the plot’s tension and action.
Although officially Sci-fi, sceptics of the genre shouldn’t be put off. This is at its heart, characterdriven storytelling with added sharp commentary on technology and human relationships. The blend of humour, and high-stakes adventure makes it a winner for all readers.
By Kirsty Applebaum
TrooFriend is a compelling novel aimed at ages 10-14, that explores themes of friendship, technology, and ethical dilemmas in a world increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence. The story follows Sarah, a lonely girl with toobusy parents, who longs for a pet. Instead, her parents buy her a TrooFriend, a highly advanced robot companion designed to mimic human interactions but programmed never to harm or deceive. As Sarah bonds with her TrooFriend, who she name Ivy, their relationship begins to blur the lines between real and artificial connections, forcing Sarah to confront questions about authenticity, trust, and what it truly means to have a friend, and to be one.
Applebaum’s captures the struggles of growing up, feeling isolated and misunderstood, while interweaving an intriguing exploration of AI ethics. Ivy’s character raises questions about free will, identity, and the role of technology in human lives. Despite Ivy’s advanced programming, her inability to feel emotions or act outside her directives creates some poignant moments
The book’s pacing is brisk, and the dialogue feels authentic. Its nuanced themes will ensure there’s plenty of material for discussion. Applebaum balances the moral dilemmas posed by AI, with Sarah’s personal journey, creating a layered narrative that is both accessible and thoughtprovoking.
TrooFriend is a novel for today’s children, experiencing the complexities of human relationships alongside the implications of their tech-driven future. Although aimed at early teens it’s actually a valuable read for all ages.
By Tash Donovan
Join us for the Annual Town Meeting - 28th April!
Weston-super-Mare, this is your town, your community - let’s come together!
You’re invited to an evening of engagement, celebration, and connection at the Annual Town Meeting, hosted by Weston-superMare Town Council.
What’s in store?
• Hear from local community groups making a difference.
• Receive the latest town updates in the annual report.
• Celebrate the incredible winners of the Mayor’s Awards.
• Take part in a Q&A session with the Mayor, Town Clerk, and Councillors.
This is your chance to have your voice heard, ask questions, and be part of shaping our town’s future.
If you have any questions, please contact us on 01934 268067
Amenolado Bahia Bain
Baking
Across
1 Useful kitchen gadget (4,9)
8 Artificial (6)
9 Panama, Suez, Caledonian _____ (6)
11 Large American wild cat (4)
12 Breakout, flee (6)
14 Communal, mutual (6)
15 Surface, side (5)
17 Series of linked metal rings (5)
19 Prejudiced, wrongful (6)
21 Glum (6)
24 Automobiles (4)
25 Flip. overturn (6)
26 Offer recommendation (6)
27 Tolerant, empathetic (13)
Down
2 Famous cricket ground (5)
3 Play, production (5)
4 Admire, value (7)
5 Muscle spasm (5)
6 Genre of painting (5,4)
7 Curtail, dwindle (6)
10 Chuckle, guffaw (5)
13 Are rich in underground seams of fuel (9)
16 Throw out, dislodge (5)
17 Starchy tuberous root (7)
18 Agency, office (6)
20 Grinds, rubs (5)
22 Extremely angry (5)
23 Builder (5)
Solutions: Turn to page 26
Ensuring your will is comprehensive is crucial to avoid potential issues if it is not done correctly or at all. Here are some significant points to consider:
Non-family members could receive some of your estate: If your married children get divorced, would you want any portion of your estate to end up with your ex-son or daughter-in-law? Additionally, if your surviving spouse remarries, would you want any part of your estate to be inherited by the new spouse? Without a properly drafted will, unintended beneficiaries may receive your assets, causing conflicts and distress among your loved ones.
The Local Authority could become the largest benefactor of your estate: If you require longterm care, the entire value of your house might need to be sold to cover care home costs, significantly reducing the inheritance for your family. By planning ahead and drafting a will, you can protect your estate and ensure it is distributed according to your wishes, thus safeguarding your family’s future.
The taxman could receive more than he is entitled to: Without proper estate planning, your estate might face higher taxes. Properly structuring your will can help minimize tax liabilities and maximize the inheritance for your loved ones. This can include using trusts and other tax-efficient strategies to ensure that more of your estate goes to your intended beneficiaries.
Incapacity and decision-making: If you become incapacitated, who would you trust to make decisions about your finances and health? Drafting a Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make these crucial decisions on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are respected and carried out appropriately.
Professional advice is essential to protect you and your family, giving you peace of mind and preventing any of these issues from arising.
Call Andy now on 01934 268063
Ingredients:
Crumble top
260g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
300g soft light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
170g unsalted butter
Cake
260g plain flour
70g wholewheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsps. ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
300g light soft brown sugar
170g unsalted butter, softened.
2 tsps. vanilla paste
4 eggs at room temperature
225ml buttermilk or natural yoghurt
400g Rhubarb, cut into 1.5-2cm chunks
Method:
Crumble Topping
Melt the butter in a saucepan. In a bowl sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt. Stir through the sugar then add the melted butter and mix together with a spoon until it clumps together and becomes crumbly.
Set aside.
Cake
Preheat the oven to 180C / 160 fan Gas mark 4.
Line a 13x9-inch pan with greaseproof paper so the paper overhangs the sides of the pan.
Sift together the flours, salt, baking powder and ground ginger, adding the bran from the wholewheat flour.
Place the brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium speed until fluffy and pale.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until well combined.
Fold in one third of the flour mixture gently. Add half of the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Add the next third of the flour mixture and fold in. Add the remaining buttermilk, mix it in then add the remaining third of the flour and fold until just combined. Finally mix everything together gently for another 30 seconds to make a smooth batter. Place the batter in the pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half the rhubarb over the top of the batter, then spread two thirds of the crumb mixture, then the remaining rhubarb followed by the rest of the crumb mixture.
Place the pan so that the top is level with the centre of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You don’t need a thermometer to check if it’s done but it does make things easier. The temperature of the cake in the centre should be about 95C when it’s cooked. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Use the excess greaseproof paper to remove the cake from the pan.
Allow the cake to cool completely. Sprinkle with icing sugar, cut into squares, and serve with thick yogurt or creme fraiche.
A warm welcome from Toby, Claire, Emma, and Sam at Meadows & Wood Hearing Care Specialists. April is here, bringing longer days, blossoming flowers, and, fingers crossed, some spring sunshine.
One of our clients recently shared a lovely story during their follow-up appointment. After being fitted with hearing aids last winter, he was amazed to hear the birds singing around his home again. He’d initially thought there were fewer birds around or they’d simply lost their voices! Moments like this remind us how precious our hearing is and why it’s worth looking after.
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re gardening or taking a walk with loved ones. However, some outdoor activities can expose us to loud noises that may harm our hearing. It’s important to be mindful of sounds like lawn mowers or leaf blowers which can reach noise levels of 80 to 96 decibels. Wearing earplugs is a simple way to protect your ears while keeping your garden fresh and tidy.
April can bring some light showers, which can often lead to increased moisture, so if you love spending time outdoors, be sure to take care of your hearing devices, cleaning and drying them daily. You could also consider waterproof hearing aid devices, like Signia’s Pure Charge & Go, which has an optional Dry&Clean charger, refreshing your devices in just 15 minutes - which is very handy for the unpredictable Somerset weather.
While you’re out and about, pause and listen to the birds. If the high-pitched tweets begin to seem faint, it might be time to book an Ear Health Consultation.
We’re here for you at North Somerset’s only full-time, fully independent audiology and tinnitus treatment clinic, with various locations throughout the area. If you have any questions about your hearing health, give us a quick call. Contact our friendly team using the details below.
Weston Walking Group walk on Wednesdays and Saturdays in all parts of Somerset. Why not come and join us enjoying fresh country air, excellent views and friendly company.
Visit our website www.westonwalkinggroup. co.uk to check where the next walk is, and come and join us.
You will be very welcome.
The group runs on Thursdays 12:30pm - 2:40pm (mostly term time only) at St Paul’s Church, Weston. On arrival you’re welcomed into the main church building where you’re greeted and allowed to find a seat. The time starts with a short talk, followed by a light lunch including soup in the Winter months. Voluntary contributions are accepted but there is no pressure to give. After lunch there is a craft activity or you can have your nails painted but no obligation to do either
if you’re happy to sit and chat. A warm welcome awaits you!
Do you love to sing? Would you like to make new friends?
Be part of a singing family and an uplifting supportive community. Build your confidence and improve your physical and mental wellbeing with Vocalise-Lite.
Thursdays 1:15pm - 2:45pm, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, Baytree Road.
We are a friendly, welcoming froup who socialise out side of choir.
If you like the sound of this try us for free. No auditions and no pressure to memorise or perform.
Ring Ann on 01934 627709 or email ann.clewlow@btopenworld.com
African and Caribbean drop-in, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, 2nd Thursday of the Month
Ago! Ame! is the social group for African and Caribbean communities in and around Westonsuper-Mare. We welcome you to a drop-in session every month, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at The Other Place, 81-83 Meadow Street, BS23 1QL.
We aim to meet as many people as possible that share common cultural interest, participate in planned events and join our ever-growing community group. Visit www.agoame.org.uk for up-to-date info or just drop-in for a chat. Light refreshments served.
Sprichst du Deutsch? Do you know any German speakers?
We are a friendly group of German speakers who meet up once a month. We usually meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Stable Games room at 7:00pm (this date could change though, so please check our Facebook Group “German speaking group (Stammtisch) in Weston”). It’s not a lesson as such, but all levels are welcome - we chat about all kinds of things in German. Hoffentlich bis bald! Sarah.
Ever thought Woodturning might be fun? Then
Come and try your hand at a new hobby. We are Weston Woodturning Circle and we meet every third Thursday at Weston Football Club in Winterstoke Road from 7:00pm - 9:30pm.
We are a very friendly club with a mixture of woodturning skills, with all members more than willing to encourage new comers. The first 3 meetings are free and if you decide to join we can offer free tuition and the free loan of some equipment. Go on, give it a try! You never know, you might just like it.
morning, Worle Community
We are open for teas/coffees/hot chocolate, plus toasted tea cakes every Friday morning from 9:30am till 12noon. If you would like to come and help, you would be very welcome. Volunteers always needed. You will find us off the High street, up by the side of the Lamb Inn.
We also have rooms for hire for birthday parties up to the age of 10.
Have you thought about singing in a choir? The Rainbow Singers are a lovely group of people who sing on a Friday morning in St. Peters Church Hall, Baytree Road, from 10:15am - 11:45am. All are welcome. We mainly sing songs from the shows and the old classic pops. Feel free to come and join us and try us out. Singing has great health benefits.
For more information call Claire 07702699909 or email Rainbowsingers04@gmail.com
We are an over 50’s friendship club at Meadvale Community Hall in Worle. We run every Friday, 2:00pm till 4:00pm. To join its £1.50 subscription a year. And then you pay 50p each week, includes tea coffee and biscuits. We have different entertainers each week. Raffle, day trips, 2 holidays a year, skittles, cream tea afternoon, plus much more. If you are on your own or with someone and you like meeting new people, this is the place for you. We are an only friendly club, please contact (chair) Shaun on 07719176499.
Easter is late this year, and we are looking forward to warmer days and a well-deserved spring break.
Looking back to spring 40 year ago, when Browns was just a fledgling company, feels like a lifetime away. We have the first receipt book, and it’s a bit like handling a museum piece. In those days we repaired both large and small appliances and some receipts are for just £4.50. A washing machine repair could set you back £10.00 and to have the bearings changed (which is just uneconomical now) was £43.50. However, the average salary then was just £3.87 per hour, or just £155 for a 40-hour week. It puts things into perspective! A loaf of bread was just 37p and a pint of milk 39p and you could go to the pub and sink a pint of beer for 72p!
Life has changed so much and as we look forward, we realise that change is inevitable. The world feels much less safe, and we are bombarded with bad news and endlessly tempted with the latest must have ‘stuff’. Here at Browns, we can no longer offer the same day next day service which we once did. But we are committed to offering a high quality, reliable, personal service that you can trust. So to close may we take the opportunity to wish you a happy and truly blessed Easter.
We repair: Washing machines, washer dryers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens and hobs, cookers and integrated appliances.
We sell: Washing machines, washer dryers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens and hobs, cookers, fridges and freezers and integrated appliances.
No hidden extras. We keep things simple!
www.brownsdomestics.co.uk
We are passionate about re-cycling, re-housing and re-using items, working with many local charities we distribute your unwanted items on your behalf. We always offer a FREE 1hour consultation to introduce ourselves and to discuss how we can help you.
Our clients know that allocating time to work alongside Happy Balance provides the impetus they need to make a start. Through experience we understand the importance of working with you at your pace, listening to you and helping you put into action what you want to achieve.
These are all scenarios from clients we have worked with:
• ‘I don’t want to leave it for the kids to sort’ – Feeling mindful that you need to get your home in order? You don’t want the family having to sort through everything when you are gone? We will work with you to streamline your home, recycle unwanted items and organise belongings you may wish to distribute to family and friends
• My partner/parent has died – You’re not only dealing with grief but also thinking about how you clear the house? We are NOT house clearance. We work with you sensitively, practically and confidentially to organise their affairs and clear the house for sale or other
• I am embarrassed – It’s all got on top of me and I just feel overwhelmed – Are you buying too many items, storing them away and feeling like you may be hoarding? Claire and SJ are non judgemental and through experience can help you declutter and regain control
• I’m moving and need to downsize – I can’t physically or emotionally cope with my move and I need help. We are hands-on in preparing your belongings ensuring that when your removal firm comes to move you that you have already sorted through, de-cluttered and made sure all your items, big and small will fit into your new home giving you peace of mind.
• ‘Our family space isn’t working for us’ –Who can help us? Happy Balance will give you guidance, ideas and hands on support to make the changes to make your home a living space and not a storage space
Enjoy Seqence Dancing with Clevedon Olde Tyme & Modern Sequence Dance Club, now in it’s 75th winter season. The Club meets every Friday evening in St Mary’s Church Hall, Walton St Mary, Clevedon, BS21 5BX.
The evening starts at 7:45pm with dancing until 10:15pm, the cost of the evening is £3 per person. For further details contact the Secretary on 01275 847293.
Free play sessions every Saturday, everyone welcome!!
ParkPlay is free community play, every Saturday, for everyone. Make friends, have fun, get moving!
9:30am - Castle Batch Park, Bishop Avenue, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 7PQ.
Look out for the ParkPlay flag, we’ll be there – rain or shine.
If you can, please register before you come along: park-play.com/register/ (you only need to this once)
Find out more about ParkPlay here: www.betterhealthns.co.uk/information/parkplay/
Come and join us for a game of Petanque!
Spring is on the way, so why not try playing the French national sport of Petanque?
We play in the lovely outdoor surroundings of See Monster Gardens, Beach Rd, and meet regularly on Sunday mornings at 10:15 + Monday/Weds/Thursday at 13:15.
Also known as Boules, it’s a fun game… simple in theory but potentially addictive!
Weston super Mare Petanque are a friendly club, welcoming new and experienced players alike. Come along and try a session (we have spare boules) or contact us via our Facebook page or website.
See you soon!
Enjoy Church based in Portishead is a vibrant church reaching Portishead, Clevedon and the surrounding areas. It has a city feel church in a rural location.
You can expect coffee, cake, contemporary worship and a message that will encourage you on your journey. There is also a relevant, fun programme for children and young people to engage with.
Enjoy Church meets every Sunday at Somerset Hall at 10:30am with small groups / activities happening throughout the week.
Please visit www.enjoychurch.co.uk for more details.
30 to 60 minute Health Walks are available in Churchill and Cheddar, Clevedon, Congresbury, Long Ashton, Nailsea, Portishead, Weston-super-Mare, Winscombe and Yatton.
No need to book, just come along!
Please see our website for the dates, times and meeting places: www.betterhealthns.co.uk/getactive/walking/
Or contact us at: getactive@n-somerset.gov.uk / 01275 882 730
We are a member led group, aiming to help you make new friends, and improve your social life. Welcoming active, 50+ singles throughout the south west. With branches in Bath, Exeter, Taunton, Wells & Mendip, Weston super Mare, Yeovil & surrounding areas.
Social events include meals, walks, music events, holidays, day trips, drinks evening, theatre, skittles, bowls etc.
For more information: www.spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk or find us on meetup@spa-social-group
reasons getting outside is good for you
In these early Spring months, the weather can still be unpredictable, so much so it can be tempting to bed in at home with a good book instead.
Puzzle Solutions
Mindbender:
1: Four eyes 2: I’ll be back
3: Pull yourself together
Yet there are so many benefits to venturing out into the great outdoors; so much so it’s worth risking a few rain showers and blustery winds to discover them.
If you’re the kind of person who struggles with those dark winter months, you might be feeling a bit blue by Spring. The perfect antidote then, is to get outside.
Whether it’s the scent of wildflowers and grass, a stunning vista across a carpet of fields, or simply the rush of endorphins as you triumphantly trek up a hill, being outdoors will make you feel fabulous.
Quite simply, we spend too long cloistered inside with our faces glued to screens. This is okay to an extent, but we are still primal creatures at heart and that maintaining that connection to nature can bring a myriad of benefits.
When we bond with the earth it can bring real sense of peace as it reminds us of how aweinspiring the natural and social world can be. It also helps us to remember that there are many things that are out of our control, but balance will always restore itself if we afford it the opportunity.
It’s
You may not realise it, but the repetition of modern living takes a significant toll on our bodies. The constant thrum of traffic, the polluted air and general stress of navigating other people can cause stress over time, and a monthly jaunt to the countryside, the seaside, a park, attraction, or just somewhere utterly different to the norm, can have massive benefits.
It’s a break from the noise, a chance to be alone with your thoughts or around people you love - it’s new sparks of inspiration and fresh air in your lungs; and if you’re really lucky, it could be a freshly poured pint or glass of wine or in a gorgeous countryside pub… because even your favourite local can get boring sometimes, right?
If solo exploring is not for you, get a gang together! Perhaps you’ve had a recent break-up - well joining a walking group is a wonderful way to heal (and maybe meet someone new!).
It can also bring you together as a family, especially if you’ve got kids who could really do with time off their phones.
Getting outdoors can also be incredibly romantic for you and your partner, because those who stray together, stay together.
Do you know what the Weston-superMare Town Council does?
We look after Weston Museum (free admission), the Water Adventure Play Park, Blakehay Theatre, Milton Road Cemetery, the Old Town Quarry, many play areas, public toilets, bins, and noticeboards.
Find out more about our work and meet your councillors at wsm-tc.gov.uk
Visit our Visitor Information Centre at 32 Waterloo Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1LN, or get in touch at 01934 632567 or admin@wsm-tc.gov.uk. We’re here to help!
A simple covered heap is all you need to create your own compost. However, a compost bin does reduce heat and water loss.
Create a simple structure using timber posts and chicken wire or pallet slats, lining the inside and top with cardboard. Turn contents regularly.
Alternatively, a ‘Dalek’ type bin is effective where space and time is tight. This can be left to compost slowly without turning, with a hatch at the base to remove compost for use. You can purchase a bin from North Somerset Council for £10.
Improving Ageing in North Somerset 5 year project funded by Big Lottery delivered by VANS working with people over 65 in North Somerset.
Done: Hosting Breaking Barriers in Worle, 1st Portishead Community Conversation “Good, Bad and Ugly” of living in Portishead. Congresbury Pop Up, hosted by Congras.
Doing: A North Somerset Iftar (invitation only). 2nd Portishead Community Conversation themes for future meetings. Wrington Pop Up hosted Mother Hen café. Recruiting volunteers for Good Neighbours Scheme in rural villages in North Somerset. 1st Living Without Children Meeting WSM.
Contact 01934 416486 / IANS@vansmail.org.uk
by simply replacing the doors and worktops
› Up to 50% less than a new fully fitted kitchen
› Replacement kitchen doors
› Cost effective made to measure solution
› Worktops and appliances
› Quick installation in 2-3 days by local professionals
5 The Precinct, Brinsea Road, Congresbury, BS49 5JG
Call us now for a free estimate: 01934 832361 or 01275 562031 9.8/10
*Free if you are earning under £25K or on Universal Credit
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