LocalReach Weston May 2023

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

Highly competitive with wood pricesPLUSall the benefits!

For a free no-obligation site visit, please call Jordan or Courtney

Coffee, Plant and Crafts sale

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

www.justgiving.com/maydaycoffeemorning

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

A Right Royal Croquet Day - Monday

8th May

Come and join in the fun!!! Free Admission - Free Refreshments - Free Afternoon Tea!!! An afternoon of Croquet based games and fun. Opens at 1:00pm. Wear Flat shoes. Weston super Mare Croquet Club, Purn Way, Bleadon, BS24 0QE.

Weston-super-Mare Archaeological and Natural History Society (WANHS)

- Upcoming Talks

WANHS would like to invite you to their monthly

talks at The Stable, 3-6 Wadham St, Weston-superMare BS23 1JY. Entry fee is £1.00 for members and £3.00 for non-members. For further information please visit www.wanhs.co.uk

Tuesday 9th May: The Wildlife of North Somerset by “Higgy”. Doors opens at 7:00pm and the talk begins at 7:30pm.

The Friends Of The Playhouse May Events

The Friends Of The Playhouse hold their popular Saturday Coffee Mornings from 10.00am. Hot drinks and biscuits are on sale. The coffee mornings are open to members and non members.

On Saturday 13th May there will be the monthly raffle to win 2 tickets to a show of your choice plus other prizes.

On Saturday 20th May there will be the monthly quiz. It only costs £1 per person to enter!

NB: There will be NO Coffee Morning on Saturday 6th May due to Coronation of King Charles.

Are you tired of the same old cooking playlist?

Want to spice up your kitchen with some fresh tunes?

Well, Better Kitchens has got you covered!

We’re putting together a kitchen-themed Spotify playlist and we want YOUR song ideas. Whether it’s about cooking, cleaning, or just hanging out in the kitchen, we want to hear your suggestions.

Think you’ve got the perfect song to jam out to while chopping vegetables? Or maybe a catchy tune about the joys of baking? Whatever your kitchen-related song idea is, we want to hear it.

Simply head over to our Facebook page and leave a comment with your song suggestion. We’ll be compiling all of the best songs into a playlist that will be sure to have you dancing around your kitchen in no time.

And that’s not all - we’ll be randomly selecting one lucky commenter to receive six bottles of wine to enjoy while cooking up a storm in their newly inspired kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get those kitchen-themed songs flowing!

www.facebook.com/BetterKitchensUK

A company like Better Kitchens can help you bring together all aspects of buying your own kitchen - measuring, designing, planning and buying. Feel free to ask us for help at every step.

If you’re looking at a new kitchen, give Better Kitchens in Weston-s-Mare a look. We’re the largest independent online kitchen supplier in the South West.

Go to betterkitchens.co.uk/get-a-quote today, or visit our 28 display showroom in Weston to find out how much you could save on your existing kitchen quote from any other supplier!

The Better Kitchens Showroom, 12 Beaufighter Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8EE

Happy Balance… Supporting your busy life

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

Crossword Across

7 Severe mental or physical pain (6)

8 Bowed (6)

9 Lease, tariff (4)

10 Wash, cleanse (8)

11 Inscription (7)

13 Fossilised tree resin (5)

15 Caustic, stinging (5)

17 Nicotine-rich leaf (7)

20 Dwellings, (8)

21 Blanched (4)

22 Forbid, ban (6)

23 Improve, embellish (6)

Down

1 Zealous, fierce (6)

2 Flat-bottomed boat (4)

3 Wreath (7)

4 Ambiguous (5)

5 Scholarly world (8)

6 Unit of measurement (6)

12 Most unshaven (8)

Word Search

14 Bragged (7)

16 Church (6)

18 Unbleached cotton cloth (6)

19 Type of farm (5)

21 Hum, murmur (4)

Mindbenders

Solutions: Turn to page 20

Thrive and Shine

Would you like to change the way you think, feel or behave?

Do you struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep?

Are you struggling with Anxiety or low selfesteem?

Are you too worried to be yourself or try something new due to fear of what others will think of you?

Have you tried but failed to improve the way you feel?

These patterns of behaviour and thoughts occur in your subconscious mind and are often learnt from childhood. In order to make changes we need to access those patterns which is hard to do alone. Remedial hypnosis enables you to access your subconscious, offer better strategies and change the way you feel or behave. The CONTROL method offers rapid transformation (usually in just 3 sessions) without the need for trance so you are always in control.

To find out if Remedial hypnosis can help you and to book a FREE initial consultation email roberta@thriveandshinestudio.co.uk

Save the Date!

Local ladies a cappella chorus Waves of Harmony are staging their next ‘big’ show at St Paul’s church later this year on Saturday December 9th. We know it’s a busy month so make sure you put the date in your diary! More details to follow - check out our website www.wavesofharmony.co.uk or see our Facebook page, Waves of Harmony Chorus.

Any ladies who would love to sing with us, feel free to come along to one of our rehearsals - tel: Sue on 01934 642806, or Stephen on 07889 015681

1st Ashcombe (Weston-super-Mare) Scout Group

We have spaces available in our Beaver Colony (ages 6-8 but register from 5 years old onwards), Cub Pack (ages 8-10½) and Scout Troop. (ages 10½ to 14½)

Our programme is based on activities, including cooking, team games, visits to places of interest, camping and much more, which enables our young people to gain skills for life, try new activities and meet new friends.

We meet in Hughenden Road, Scouts meet Monday evenings and Beavers and Cub Wednesday evenings term time.

We are also seeking more adult volunteers to join our team. We have various roles available from working directly with our young people to helping behind the scenes. We particularly need extra adult support with our Beaver and Cub sections. Please contact info@1stashcombescout@gmail. com for more information. Diane 07805 871482

Dancing at the Ritz every Tuesday afternoon Burnham-on-Sea

Dancing at the Ritz Burnham-on-Sea every Tuesday afternoon 2:00 - 4:00pm. We are a small friendly group who love to dance. Currently we have 2 solo ladies looking for a gentleman dance partner. Dancing is Sequence, some Ballroom, Olde Tyme and a little line dance. A real good mix, something for everyone to keep your feet and brain active. Price £4 per person. For further details contact Jeannie and Mac phone 07909 883553

Christopher’s House of Chocolates

Christopher’s House of Chocolates is a small independent Chocolate shop based in Weston-super-Mare, taking pride in making only handmade products and not using any machines to give the very best care and attention to their flavours.

Christopher has over 20 years of experience in Chocolate Artistry and uses all his experience to produce the most delicious chocolate delights to sell in his shop or online. This knowledge and technique has been passed on to his amazing team to ensure his legacy continues.

All of Christopher’s products are made from the finest Luxury Belgian Chocolate and quality ingredients so whether you’re searching for the perfect present, or looking for a little treat for yourself, this hidden gem is the only place to go.

Christopher creates a seemingly endless variety of decadent delicacies from indulgent Easter eggs, Blissful bites, tantalising truffles and so much more that will keep you coming back for more.

And the possibilities don’t stop there… He even offers Workshops too!

Come and learn the art of Chocolate Making and design your own unique creations. Have you got a flavour combination just waiting to be brought to life? Well wait no longer, we’re here at CHOC’s to make your chocolate fantasies a reality.

Book in today for a truly magical experience or just come on down and see the master at work today at: 43 Meadow Street, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS231QH.

Luxury handmade chocolates for gifts and presents…Whether you’re looking for boxed chocolates, luxury gifts, or giant chocolate slabs for birthdays, you’ll find it here.

Here at House of Chocolates, we believe that good quality comes from the heart. We love what we do, and it’s our passion that enables us to constantly bring you the very best and keep you coming back for more.

Why can’t I hear my TV clearly?

“The sound and music are 50 per cent of the entertainment in a movie” so said Star Wars creator George Lucas! It’s unlikely that he was thinking about the television in your front room when he said it though. The problem, is flatscreen TVs themselves. We all want a nice new telly to be as elegant as possible – but that makes the job of getting great sound out of it almost impossible. There’s just nowhere in that big, flat, glass-and-plastic frame to fit worthwhile speakers of a decent size – and so the sound your TV makes is weedy and thin in 95% of makes and models. Nowadays some TV manufacturers have started fitting bespoke audio systems to their sets, though these TVs tend to come at quite a cost!

So, what can we do to help ourselves hear TV more clearly?

1) Check the settings. Most TV settings will have an audio menu where you can adjust the sound quality, I would advise that selecting the “Speech” or “Clear voice” setting in the audio menu will often make a big difference.

2) If you have the option, then turn down the bass and raise the treble. This will give a cleaner, sharper sound.

3) Consider the placement of the set, too close or too far from a wall will often impact the sound quality.

4) I am a big fan of soundbars to improve clarity! If you have the space, then a sound bar can be expected to deliver the sound of the show in the way it was planned.

By trying out these adjustments you should have improved your listening experience greatly!

If you still find that you are struggling to hear TV clearly then I would love to welcome you for a free hearing screening at one of my clinics. A 15-minute check will give you better understanding of how well you are hearing many sounds, not just TV.

Toby Meadows, Audiologist & Managing Director of Meadows & Wood Hearing Care Centre

North Somerset Modelling Society. We Make All Sorts

The Society holds its meetings at the ‘Ebdon Arms’, Lilac Way, Wick St Lawrence, Weston super Mare BS22 9WE from 7:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. It also holds an all day ‘model in’ at the Helicopter Museum one Sunday each month. All modellers are welcome to either meeting, regardless of age, experience or area of modelmaking interest. For further information please contact David Pye, on 01934844927 or e-mail dfpye@googlemail.com

Weston Super Mare Philatelic Society. Conservative Club, 22/24 Alexandra Parade

WSMPS Is a small friendly group who meet to display and discuss all aspects of stamp collecting where we display our collections, we also have visiting speakers. The club meets between October and May, on the 2nd Tuesday at 2:00pm and the 4th Tuesday at 7:00pm, on a monthly basis. In July we have a yearly stamp fair held at St Paul’s Church, Walliscote Road, (Saturday 17th July). Any further information contact, darrell. kellett@outlook.com

Weston 50+ Social Singles GroupWednesdays!

A friendly local volunteer led mixed group of singles in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s who meet at a weekly ‘Bar Night’ each Wednesday from 7.30pm purely to socialise and arrange events for each other to enjoy. wIf you are looking to make new friends and add a boost to your social life then why not give us a try with no obligation!

Just pick up your phone or mobile and contact Margaret on 07887 883251 or Rob on 07899 755457 for more details. Websiteweston50plussocialsingles.co.uk

Weston Walking Group

Weston Walking Group meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays, most walks are between 7 and 9 miles in length within the county of Somerset. All you need is walking boots and a rucksack for your packed lunch.

The walks programme can be viewed on the website westonwalkinggroup.co.uk.

Contact mdholbrow@talktalk.net or telephone Barbara 07934 197780 for further information.

Browns – your A team in domestic appliance repairs and sales!

We just love it when a plan comes together – might sound like a quote from the A Team (of course understanding this is age dependant!). But it certainly applies to us at Browns. Although lots of repairs and installations are straight forward, there are always those odd ones that give us a challenge and sometimes a headache. Its at these times we are so pleased that we are not like the nationals who will walk away if things are not straight forward. Recently we repaired a cooker which was honestly the most confusing we had ever had! It was a bit like a Rubik’s cube, confusing us on every twist and turn. However, we stuck with it and eventually solved the problem. Another more common problem is when we are fitting integrated appliances and the original fixings present a few surprises! Unexpected screws, wonky cabinets, unlevel floors and even bricks used to level things up! Most of the time we can overcome the obstacles and the results can be truly wonderful. Another obstacle to the domestic appliance trade, we have been told, is the problems caused in supply by the earthquakes in Turkey. Many appliances are manufactured there by leading brands, as are many spare parts. It is of course nothing compared to the terrible human suffering, but it is an unexpected consequence. However, there are always alternatives if you can’t get the machine you wanted and we can advise you on the best match for your needs. And we never tire of reminding you that we are a local family business who care about delivering excellent service to our customers. We love the feedback we get and maintain a 5-star rating. You can trust us to look after you and your family. So, when you find yourself needing a repair or a new appliance give us a call, or you can contact us via our website. Details below. We look forward to meeting you and being of service.

Browns Domestic Appliances Ltd

Making things simple!

We sell and repair washing machines, washer dryers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens, hobs and hoods, cookers, fridges and freezers. We are specialists in Freestanding and integrated appliances

Local family business established 38 years

All work insured and guaranteed

No hidden extras. We keep things simple!

Your complete local domestic appliance specialist for sales and repairs

How safe is internet banking?

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

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

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

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

Garden View

This month - Aquilegia

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

If you want to plant seedlings rather than seeds, sow thinly on to moist compost in a seed tray. If they are slow to germinate, they may need stratification, the posh word for subjecting seeds to a cold - warm cycle to trick them into thinking they have been through a cold winter. Cover the seed tray with polythene and put in a fridge at 0-5°C for two to three weeks. Remove the tray and place in a greenhouse or on a windowsill at approx. 18-21°C. Remove the polythene when the seeds start to germinate. Transplant the seedlings into 7cm pots and allow to grow on into sturdy plants. Plant out in the border about 45cm apart in groups of three – five plants for a more naturalistic look. However, at this time of year I just sow directly outdoors, where I want them to flower.

If you are planting established plants from a garden centre, remove the packaging and stand the pots upright in a bucket of water for 20 minutes, to give

the roots a good drink. Then plant in prepared ground in small groups.

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

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

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

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

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

Beloved: A weekly event for women in Weston

Beloved meets as a collective to provide support and encouragement to women of all ages. Based at St Paul’s Church, Walliscote Rd, Weston-superMare. Doors open (main Church building) at 12:30pm on Thursdays and the event runs until 2:30pm (term-time only). Comprising Introduction and a ‘Thought for the Day’, lunch provided (voluntary contribution if able but not compulsory), craft, pampering, chat. A women’s event but preschool children welcome with young mum’s. The event is facilitated by a great team and you are invited to join us. Give us a try soon!

A group for not so able “16-60” year olds

We meet every Thursday 10.30-1.30 pm at the Scout Hut in Windwhistle Lane.(Behind the Cricket Club on Devonshire Road. We have speakers, outings, pub lunches, steam railway, canal barge, bowling.

Transport is available. To bring you & return you at a charge, if needed. Filled rolls are available or

soup. Or bring your own food. We are a friendly bunch, so come along & give us a go.

To book transport or more questions ring Diana on 07799110879

We are also in need of some volunteers who would be most welcome.

Age UK Somerset brings Tai Chi to Kewstoke

The local charity is expanding its service as part of their mission to provide more older people with the opportunity to exercise. Kewtoke Village Hall hosts the brand-new Tai Chi QiGong class, which has been specially designed for people over 60.

Every Thursday at 3pm, Dawn guides the class through 18 easy-to-learn mindful movements. QiGong, pronounced ‘chee gung’, is a form of Tai Chi that is beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing. The weekly class costs £5 – prebooking advised.

For more information contact 01823 345624 or ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk

“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 finished job.

Karen Anderson

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue

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

SPA Singles Social Group – South West Established in 1979

We are a member led group, aiming to help you make new friends, and improve your social life. Welcoming active, 40+ 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

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender:

1: Dance on thin ice 2: Space invaders

3: Cut above the rest

Overeaters

Is your eating overwhelming you?

We have found peace of mind and no longer want to binge or starve. Our compulsive food behaviours drove us crazy. There is a solution. Small room behind St Peters Church, Baytree Road. Free meeting. 10:30am every Saturday morning. oasaturdaywsm@gmail.com

OAgb.org.uk

You could change a life

Read Easy North Somerset offers free, one-toone coaching to adults who can’t read. You could be part of our friendly team and help adults in Weston and Worle to gain this most basic life skill. If you can spare two half hour daytime slots on two separate days in the week, you could make a huge difference to someone’s life by volunteering as a reading coach. If you think this may be for you please contact Sue Hobson by email: nosorecruiter@readeasy.org.uk