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December 2021 Issue No. 6
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES Worle & ALL of BS22 postcode
CHURCH – page 4 GARDENING – page 6 HISTORY – page 8 COMMUNITY – page 9 PUZZLES – page 14 RECIPES – page 24 BOOKS – page 27 BUSINESS A-Z – page 29
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WELCOME TO LOCALREACH
Welcome… Well, I can’t believe we are already in December, my favourite time of year, where has this year gone?! Considering that for most of it we were unable to do all the things we are used to; it still seems to have flown by! This is our 6th Edition of LocalReach Worle, which is crazy! It’s been great hearing all the wonderful events and fundraising that goes on. There really are some amazing people putting so much work into these events and it’s so good to hear feedback from you when you have attended them. There are some great events happening in December, so look and see what takes your fancy. Keep up the good work in 2022, and I look forward to hearing from you for the January edition. Please remember to send them onto me at sarah@localreach.co.uk before 1st December. I wish each and every one of you a wonderful Christmas and here’s to a happy and healthy 2022 for all of you. Take Care
Sarah
Editorial deadline for the January issue is 1st December LocalReach Community Editor: Sarah Venn
sarah@localreach.co.uk
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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 2021.
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CHURCH
We’re all in this together ourselves, panic buying and the like because of the fear of not having enough. The bible encourages us with the golden rule in Luke 6:31 ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you,’ it starts with me doing the right thing first. We need to have each other’s back, especially when times are tough.
We are going to look at the third sayings in the series of four. We have covered so far ‘Just Keep Swimming’ (Perseverance) and Smile and Wave (Resilience). This month is ‘We’re all in this together’ from the Disney film ‘High School Musical.’ If memory serves me correctly, it is the film’s closing song with a real catchy tune. I have chosen this phrase because, in the current climate, we are facing some difficult situations, shortages, shelves empty and a possible Christmas without Turkeys! I can’t predict the future; we may face different circumstances other than a shortage of festive foodstuff and a rise in Covid or other respiratory diseases. But whatever we are facing, ‘we’re all in this together’ is a call for each one of us to realise that we need each other this Christmas. We must face hardship together rather than just thinking of
We may go to a Nativity, or a Christingle, a Christmas concert, or a Carol Service, part of our tradition as it’s Christmas, it’s a great story. But it is so much more than just a story; we can all play a part in the story of Jesus, God’s gift to the world, to bring hope and peace by looking out for each other. So, this Christmas, let us think of others who may be less fortunate and support one another, singing together that ‘we’re all in this together’ with the festive throng. Have a great and generous holiday season, Merry Christmas to you all. We’re all in this together: youtu.be/BlRvE9dKWQc Kindly provided by Revd Andy Pearce, Associate Minister at Locking Castle Church & Community Pastor for Church @ St Anne’s, West Wick.
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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
Hello from Clear Ear Microsuction! My name is Helen Aitchison and I have started a new business in Weston super Mare, Clear Ear Microsuction. Some people can suffer with an excess of ear wax and skin debris. When this blocks the outer part of your ear canal this can cause hearing distortion/loss and problems. Left untreated this can cause further damage to the ear, some of which may not be reversable. That said, wax in your ear is normal, it helps keep your ears clean and free from foreign bodies. Most GP Surgeries do not offer ear syringing/microsuction anymore, so I’ve set up my business to offer a professional and private service. Microsuction is where a very small suction tube is used to “hoover” away the wax and debris. In conjunction with the suction unit, special magnifying spectacles called Loupes are used. The whole procedure is quick, painless and safe. Once completed you should notice a huge improvement in your hearing. Not only can hearing loss due to wax build up affect your hearing it also has a profound effect on your mental health too. I am a registered health care professional who is registered with HCPC as a Paramedic. I left the ambulance service after 19 years earlier this year. Like so many of my NHS colleagues who have worked under good will for many years, the Covid Pandemic has taken its toll and I no longer feel I am able to continue in that field of healthcare. This took a while for me to realise, but as one chapter of your life closes another one opens. I have been trained by the UK’s leading provider in Ear Microsuction, Rotherham Ear Care. Please use the contact details below to book your appointment and use the website for further information. I look forward to meeting you and your ears! Note: At the time of going to print Covid numbers are increasing. I am able to continue to treat patients even if we have further Covid restrictions because Microsuction is a medical procedure. I am fully vaccinated and have also had my 3rd booster vaccination. My clinic is Covid safe.
EARS FEELING BLOCKED? STRUGGLING TO HEAR? We offer a bespoke Microsuction Earwax Removal service to those who are suffering with ear wax troubles Quick, simple and pain free Book your appointment today
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info@clearearmicrosuction.co.uk | www.clearearmicrosuction.co.uk Pure Offices, Pastures Avenue, St Georges, Weston super Mare. BS22 7SB www.localreach.co.uk | 5
GARDENING
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Garden View
First, take a look at your winter containers. If you have a particularly wet spell, make sure they don’t get flooded. If it’s dry, then plants will still need water regularly, just give the compost a chance to dry out each time. Pick off any leaves that look yellowed or diseased.
This month – Simple winter tasks
This year’s festive season (at least at time of writing), is shaping up to be a little more ‘normal’, whatever that term now means. While most of us are looking forward to more socialising and togetherness, I’m betting a fair few might think back fondly to last year’s smaller, quieter Christmas. And this is where the garden comes into its own. There are always things to do out there, even in December. A few simple gardening tasks offer some pockets of calm and relief amid the busyness of the festive season. They are also a wonderful way to get some fresh air and exercise to burn off those Christmas calories and winter gloominess!
Do you like garlic? I love it. Now is the perfect time to start your own garlic crop, especially if like mine your soil is free-draining. Plant individual cloves of garlic. ‘Solent Wight’ is a great variety for our greyer British climate and forms large plump bulbs. If you have a sheltered warmer spot try ‘Lautrec Wight,’ which as its name suggests originates from the town of Lautrec in France. It produces particularly handsome pink/purple cloves and is widely regarded in France as the best garlic. Snip off any wispy ends or the birds will pull cloves from the soil (I learned that one from experience!). The bulbs will be ready to harvest when the leaves start to die off and turn yellow, which is usually around June or July. Tidy established perennials by cutting back those that have become pulpy. Simply cut back the decaying material, chop it up and add it to the compost heap. If you have an unheated greenhouse, a summer house or conservatory you can sow some sweet peas and leave them to germinate. Sow the seeds in deep pots or root-trainers filled with multi-purpose compost then keep the pots in a propagator or cover them with a transparent plastic bag. Once seeds have germinated, remove the covering. If the soil isn’t frozen, you can plant bare-root fruit bushes such as gooseberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Make sure you dig a hole that can take the plant’s roots comfortably without squashing them. Then label them clearly because it’s easy to forget which varieties you’re growing!
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Finally, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the gardener in your life please can I recommend Gold Leaf Winter Touch gloves. They have a Thinsulate™ thermal lining which keeps hands toasty warm even in the coldest weather, AND an additional SkiDri™ waterproof, breathable lining so your hands remain dry even when used in the wet! I also love the reinforced palm because it’s great for spade work. As you can tell, I love mine, and I am neither sponsored by nor connected with the company in any way; mine were a recent gift and I’ve been raving about them to anyone who will listen ever since!s Happy gardening!
EVENINGS & WEEKENDS ALSO AVAILABLE By Rachael Leverton
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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
ColourFence Fencing, built to last for at least 25 years! ColourFence is becoming increasingly popular across the UK with homeowners fed up of losing their garden fences to winter storms and the hassle of replacing them. Equally, timber fences decay rapidly and require regular treatment with paint and chemical cleaners. Unlike standard timber fences, ColourFence is designed to resist harsh weather conditions and will withstand wind gusts of up to 130mph! The weatherproof and durable ColourFence range has a number of core benefits that appeal to homeowners, it’s guaranteed not to warp, crack, rot, peel or colour fade for the next 25 years. When fencing maintenance costs are high, you want an option that is easy, low maintenance and costeffective; and ColourFence is all those things and more, not least the 25-year guarantee. No painting, preserving, repairs or harsh cleaning chemicals, just an occasional hose down to keep it looking as good as new. There’s a choice of colours available, green, brown, cream and blue – to harmonise and enhance your garden’s design. Choose a trellis in the same shade or contrasting colour. Both sides of the panels are the same colour meaning both you and your neighbour have a stunning fence to look at year after year, helping you build good neighbourly relations. The panels are 2.35 metres wide compared to 1.8 metres wide for standard timber panels (so you need fewer panels like for like) and can be cut on-site to custom fit your garden, whatever the size and the natural contours of your land. Our traditional metal garden gates are ideal for front gardens or driveways. With the ability to choose from simple drop bolts to key operated deadlocks we can guarantee the safety of your garden. For further information and to arrange a free no obligation survey call 01823 792029 or visit colourfencetaunton.co.uk
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LOCAL HISTORY
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Mince pies Traditionally eaten at Christmas but what’s their origin?
Until the middle to end of the 19th century the recipes always included meat. In medieval and Tudor times this was typically lamb or veal, then tongue and tripe in the 18th century and minced beef in the 19th century. The meat was always spiced and this may have been influenced by the introduction into England of a wide ranges of spices around the time of the Crusades.
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The earliest recipe for a pie full of spices and meat is said to have appeared in 1390 in a 14th century manuscript collection of recipes apparently recorded by the cooks to Richard II. One of the manuscripts was published in 1780, for the curator of the British Museum, by Samuel Pegge and entitled The Forme of Cury. It is among the oldest extant English cookery books, and the earliest known to mention olive oil, and spices such as mace and cloves. In it, the “tartes of fleshe” were made of pork, hard-boiled eggs and cheese which were mixed with saffron, spices and sugar. A similar recipe can be found in Gervase Markham’s The English Huswife, published in 1615 in which a leg of mutton was mixed with three pounds of suet, salt, cloves, mace, currants, raisins, prunes, dates, and orange peel. As you can see from the recipes, the pies were not the small dainty ones we see today; these were large pies intended to be eaten by several people. This and the addition of expensive spices in the recipes suggests that they were typically eaten by the better off and on special occasions. By the mid-17th Century, there appears to have been some connections made to Christmas and Samuel Pepys makes several references to eating them at that time in his diary. Although the myth is not true that Oliver Cromwell banned the eating of mince pies, it is fortunate for Pepys that the monarchy had been restored in 1660. The Puritans believed that over-indulgence in food at Christmas and other feast days was associated with wantonness and debauchery. They disapproved of any form of feasting and introduced various laws in the 1640’s banning celebrations at Christmas, Easter and Whitsun. I hope, however, that other myths associated with mince pies are true. Do make a wish when you eat the first one and eat one, preferably in different houses, for every happy month. Enjoy!
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
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Kindly provided by Elizabeth Friend, Axbridge Archaeological and Local History Society. www.aalhs.co.uk
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The North Somerset Christmas Fair Saturday 27th November: Santa has decided to join us! Come and see him at the Winter Gardens, WSM on Saturday 27th November from 10:30am - 4:30pm. Buy tickets online now, tickets are £6.50 per child and includes a story and gift. Come along for raffles, shopping, stalls, crafts, activities and refreshments. It’s the best festive day of the year! Tickets can be booked here www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/the-north-somerset-christmas-fairtickets-tickets-171526348927
St Mark’s Church Christmas Services 28th November: Christingle Service at 10:30am 19th December: Carols by Candlelight at 6:30pm 24th December: Crib Service at 4:00pm 24th December: Communion at 9:30pm 25th December: Christmas Service at 10:30am Please join us for any or all of these services. No need to book.
Save The Children Lunches Friday 3rd and 17th December: Served in the Shipham Village Hall BS25 1SG at 12.30pm on Friday 3rd December. Do come and join us for hot soup, bread and cheese, pickle, homemade biscuits, tea/coffee for £4.00pp pay on the door. Our Christmas Special and last lunch for this year will be on Friday 17th December at 12.30pm. So please come and join us for homemade soups plus cheese and bread, pickle and mince pies, tea/ coffee for £4.50pp pay on the door. We also hope to have music and carols plus singing from the children of our local primary school .
COMMUNITY information, please visit our new website at worle. community or call 01934 515681
Weston Choral, Bob Chilcott’s Christmas Oratorio Saturday 4th December: Soloists Peter Davoren (Evangelist), Kate Eastment (Mary), Luke Johnson (Herod). Performance 1 starts at 7.00pm, Performance 2 starts at 8.30pm. With Worle School Youth Choir, Ensemble Inspirita. All Saint’s Church, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2NL. £9/£6 (child) Entry by Programme in Advance Only. To book, complete an order form; available from choir members, Worle Community School or westonchoralsociety. org.uk/ or by phoning 01934 813255
Christmas Fayre at Priory Community School Saturday 4th December: PCSA is holding a Christmas Fayre in our main hall on the 4th of December 2021 between 10am and 1pm. There will be lots of stalls from the local community and refreshments will be available. Entry is free. We hope to see you there! If you wish to hire a table at this event, please contact the main office - 01934 511411 or email mainoffice@pcsa. org.uk
Weston-super-Mare Conservative Club Forthcoming Events Every Tuesday from 3:00pm 4:00pm – Bingo sessions Saturday 4th December: Charity Fundraising event, including raffle, auction, and entertainment from Beau Jangles. Proceeds to the club charity – Weston-Super-Mare Food Bank.
Worle Community Christmas Fayre
Sunday 12th December: Christmas Draw
Saturday 4th December: Worle Community Centre is a community space for community use. Based in Lawrence Road, just 200 yards from Worle High Street. We are holding our Christmas Fayre on Saturday December 4th from 4pm. Father Christmas will be attending. All ages welcome. Entrance 50p. We would like ideas and suggestions for new events to be held at the centre and we urgently need volunteers to help set up and run various events and activities. For more
Sunday 19th December: Christmas Lunch Entertainment Saturday 11th December: 3:00pm - 6:00pm Madel, a popular and proactive singer Saturday 18th December: 3:00pm - 6:00pm Tony B, a well-known local performer Monday 27th December: 3:00pm - 6:00pm Steve Cesari – bring your dancing shoes! For more information visit www.wsmconservativeclub.co.uk www.localreach.co.uk | 9
COMMUNITY
Christmas wreath making workshops Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th & Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th December: Laurabug Designs presents a 2.5 hour festive wreath making workshop along with a delicious cream tea! You will be provided with everything you need to create your very own beautiful wreath to adorn your front door this Christmas which will include an array of fresh foliage, traditional dried natural decorative touches as well as other pretty modern embellishments. You will be shown the basics of wreath making using traditional methods under creative guidance. The dates and locations are: 4th, 5th & 12th December at The Stables, Wadham street, BS23 1JY. 11th December at Haywood Airfield Leisure Enterprise, Haywood Academy, BS24 8ES. The price is £40pp. Book now: buytickets.at/laurabugdesigns, Facebook: @laurabugdesigns Email: Laurabugdesigns@outlook.com
Your Invitation to the Friends of the Playhouse Coffee Mornings Saturday 4th December: Join The Friends of The Playhouse on Saturday 4th December from 10:00am for their Christmas Coffee Morning being held at The Playhouse theatre. On sale will be a selection of hot drinks and festive mince pies. The first Millennium Draw since October 2020 will be taking place during the coffee morning, with a substantial jackpot as the first prize, and two other cash prizes, as well as a Christmas Raffle with some excellent prizes to be won. We will also be welcoming the new Friends Of The Playhouse committee who will be continuing the ongoing fundraising efforts, and adding to the £260,000 that has so far been raised by The Friends over the last 30 years. Other social events are also in the planning for 2022 both locally and further afield for those that wish to participate. Run by a team of dedicated volunteers, the coffee mornings take place monthly at The Playhouse on Weston-super-Mare High Steet. So if you are Christmas shopping in the town on Saturday 4th December please drop in to The Playhouse and have a welcome drink! (Open for both Members and Non-Members) 10 | www.localreach.co.uk
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Weston -Super-Mare & District Family History Society Wednesday 8th December: At the Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Baytree Road, Milton, BS22 8HQ. Meetings start again on Wednesday the 8th of December from 2:30pm to 5:00pm and thereafter on every 2nd Wednesday of the month. The speaker for the first meeting is Ian Sage on “Friars Coalpit Nailsea”. New members and visitors are welcome. There is a small charge which includes a drink and biscuits.
Weston Woodturning Thursday 16th December: Weston Woodturning Circle will meet on the 16th of December at 7.00pm at Weston AFC, Winterstoke Road, Weston super Mare. A quiz will form part of the evening along with judging of the woodturned items submitted by club members. As this is our Christmas event buffet food will be provided to members and visitors. Visitors who are interested in our craft are welcome to join us by just turning up on the night the first two monthly meetings being free of charge. For more information about our friendly welcoming club contact us by visiting our website www.weston-woodturningcircle.co.uk
Monday Sing-a-Long Monday 13th December: On the 13th December and every other Monday, irrespective of 5-week months, from 2pm until 3.45pm, St Peters Hall, St Peters Church, Baytree Road, will be hosting a singing group for those who love to sing just for the joy of it! No musical ability whatsoever is required. As it’s the Friday before Christmas, we will have a Christmas themed sing-a-long and some Mince Pies! A donation of £2 is requested, but shouldn’t be a deterrent to joining us, to cover the refreshment costs. Email jo.coates1@gmail.com
Live events at 49 Social Club Monday 20th December: Our annual Christmas Draw takes place in the club on Monday 20th December.
Live music at 49 Social Club Friday 24th December: Music and Comedy with the ever-popular entertainer Lee Ross on Christmas Eve starting at 8:00pm.
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Boxing Day Live music at 49 Social Club Sunday 26th December: Boxing Day afternoon sees the club host a UB40 tribute from 4:00pm.
NYE Live Music at 49 Social Club Friday 31st December: New Year’s Eve sees our regular NYE DJ Bob Hill hosting his amazing Disco and Karaoke evening from 8:00pm.
Caroline Barlow School of Dance Monday, St.Judes Hall Tap - 9.30am - 10.15am Tap - 10.15am - 11.00am Dance fit - 11.00am - 11.45am Beginners Tap - 11.45am - 12.30pm Thursday, Lady of Lourdes Church Hall Over 50’s/Beginners Ballet - 9.30am - 10.15am Over 50’s Dance Fit - 10.30am - 11.30am Friday, Lady of Lourdes Church Hall Over 50’s Dance Fit - 12.00pm - 1.00pm Xmas drinks for all adult members of CBSD - 3rd December at 12pm Children’s Classes: Wednesday - Saturday, St.Judes Hall 2.5 years to - 18yrs, Ballet RAD, Tap, Modern, Jazz and Tap ISTD. Good luck to all students taking their first face to face RAD Ballet exam.
Monday Club at the 49 Club Mondays: Held weekly at the 49 Club Every Monday from 11am-2pm. A social gathering, games of Bingo and a draw every week and occasional quizzes. Funds raised for the purpose of outings and club events. Monday 6th December – Christmas Draw. Monday 13th December – Christmas lunch. New members welcome, must be a member of the 49 Club or become a member. Outings to start early in the New year!
A Merry Christmas from Vocalise! Mondays: Do you love singing and want to be part of something special? VOCALISE is a friendly, all-inclusive ladies’ choir that
COMMUNITY meets in St George’s Community Centre on Mondays at 7.30pm. No auditions, no experience needed. Lots of different music, so something for everyone, along with fun and laughter. Try us for free by ringing Ann on 01934 627709, email ann.clewlow@btinternet.com, find us and more information on Facebook, or vocalisechoir. wordpress.com
Caprione Community Choir Tuesdays: After a nineteen-month layoff, Caprione Community Choir “rebooted” in November. The choir is affiliated to Clarence Park Baptist Church and rehearsals are held in the rear hall of the Church on Tuesdays, from 7:30 to 9:00, in school termtime. Government Covid protocols will be observed, including face-coverings (where appropriate,) sanitising and cleaning. Our first public outing will be contributing to the church’s annual “Carols Round the Tree” at a date to be finalised. There is no audition and no fee. Just come along and enjoy the company and the singing. For further details call Peter on 01934 625788, or email themusicmouse12@gmail.com
The Stable Games Room The Stable Games Room is the brand-new board game café in Weston-Super-Mare. We have spruced up the old Market House pub, opposite the Playhouse Theatre, and turned it into a friendly, welcoming space for all those who love gaming. If you just want to pop in for a drink, coffee, bite to eat, that’s fine too. Everyone is welcome! We have lots of clubs and events you can attend each month. Contact: Call 01934 315305 or visit thegamesroom@thestableweston.com
Over 600 board games for all ages Loads of great weekly events FREE Pizza Fridays
D&D Nights
Bridge Club Social Gaming Sensory Sessions 129 High St. WsM BS23 1HN Opposite The Playhouse Theatre
www.thestableweston.com @thestablegamesroom
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COMMUNITY
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The Curious World of Babies Hi my name is Angelene and I have over 20 years’ experience working with children under the age of 5 and their families. The majority of my career has been working in nursery settings which included running busy Baby and Toddler rooms. For the past seven years I have been a Nursery Manager of a 100 place Ofsted outstanding nursery. After 10 years of trying for a baby, multiple failed fertility treatments and a complicated IVF pregnancy I gave birth to my daughter in March 2021. She truly is my miracle baby. In search of a better work life balance I thought about some of the struggles and experiences I have had at the beginning of my motherhood journey and using the skills and knowledge I have from my early years background I have created ‘ The Curious World of Babies’ I want to offer new mums postnatal support through one to one sessions in the comfort of their own home, this will be tailored to meet their needs whether its a listening ear or time to have a hot shower and cuppa while I look after their baby. From January I will be holding interactive Parent Stay and Play classes where learning is made fun as well as Baby Massage classes to help build strong bonds and positive connection through touch and massage.
Christmas Stay and Play: Saturday 27th November: Wick St Lawrence Village Hall at 10:00am Sunday 5th December: Haywood Airfield Leisure Enterprise at 10:00am Saturday 11th December: Winscombe Community Centre at 10:00am E: bookings@thecuriousworldofbabies.co.uk
Christmas Stay and Play Babies under 15 months and their parents (1 older sibling is also welcome)
Activities will include:
Messy play • Water play • Christmas card making Quiet Sensory area • A Selfie with Santa! The session will end with a mince pie and a Christmas sing along!
Cost is £10 per family. To secure your place email:
bookings@thecuriousworldofbabies.co.uk See our editorial above for venues, dates and times 12 | www.localreach.co.uk
NHSRF Tuesdays: Why not come along on the first Tuesday of each month and join our Group. Meetings are held in the Scouts Hut, Windwhistle Lane, BS23 4PE from 10.30 - 12.30 all are welcome including family and friends whether NHS staff or working in the social care sector. We have a speaker each month which we find interesting, informative and quite often funny!! Coffee, lovely cakes and a raffle are also available. You can view further information by checking out the following via the web:- ‘Branch Finder NHS Retirement Fellowship Weston super Mare’
Respite Care Day Centre Tuesdays: Our Day Centre provides respite care for people who need time out from looking after a loved one or just companionship for lone people. We now have some great entertainment coming back in which is great. We have a Ukulele band and a singer coming along soon to entertain. We also have our Christmas Party on the 14th December. Each session will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Milton on Tuesdays 10:30am - 1:30pm. For more information call Nikki on 07879018384 / 01934 429519 or email nikkidight@gmail.com
Lynne Castell’s Adult Art Groups Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Always wanted to learn to draw and paint; develop your skill; or start using that set of paints you were given? (all in a friendly environment!) Lynne teaches a wide range of subjects in Watercolours 1.00pm - 4.00pm on Tuesdays, and Oils, Acrylics and Pastels 10.00 am 1.00pm on Wednesdays, at Greenways Farm, 2 Lyefield Road (behind the Crematorium), Worle BS22 9NX. Plus seasonal Outdoor Painting and Indoor Workshops. For more details, contact Lynne on 01934 628760 / 07519 109002 or online at www.lynnecastell.co.uk
Women Of Weston-super-Mare Womens Institute (WoW WI) Tuesdays: WoW WI meets monthly, on the third Tuesday of every month. Meetings are
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01934 312171 held at - The Vintage Church Centre, 25 Hughenden Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2UR. Meetings start at 7:30pm and finish up about 9:15pm. We usually have a speaker or activity, and guests are always welcome, your first meeting is free. If you need any more information, please contact us at WeAreWOWWI@gmail.com
St Mark’s Community Café Tuesdays: Mark’s Community Café opened in 2018. It’s built steadily until forced to close in March 2020 due to lockdown. We reopened in July and are so pleased to see people coming back. We meet Tuesday afternoons 2:30pm to 4:30pm. We offer tea, coffee, cakes, and a listening ear. There is no charge, but a donation cup is on each table. We take all precautions to keep you safe – hand sanitisers are readily available, masks are not mandatory, the choice is yours. Please join us, you will be sure of a warm welcome from Gill, Denise, Brenda, and Chris. St Mark’s church, Worle,BS22 7PW
Folk Dance Club Tuesdays: The Weston-super-Mare Folk Dance Club would love to welcome new members to join them at their friendly dance group. Beginners are more than welcome as every dance is led by our two experienced club callers. We meet from 8:00pm - 10:00pm on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Corpus Christi Church Hall, Ellenborough Park South, Weston BS23 1XW. For more information, please contact Sheila 01934 625242
Waves of Harmony chorus Tuesdays: Waves of Harmony are an all-female a cappella group based in Weston-super-Mare. We are always keen to welcome new members, and at the moment we are especially looking for any ladies who are able to hit the high notes! If you love singing why not come along to one of our rehearsals on a Tuesday evening to see what we do - Phone Sue on 01934 642806 or Stephen on 07889 015681. Alternatively go to www.wavesofharmony.co.uk or check out our Facebook page.
COMMUNITY
50+ Committee Tuesdays and Thursdays: We are a group of people over the age of 50 who like to exercise and socialise with like minded people. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9am to 1pm at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre to play a variety of sports. All equipment is provided. The annual club subscription is £5.00 and you pay £4.50 to the Centre per visit. Just drop into reception, ask to speak to a member of the 50+ committee who will welcome you, show you around and give you all the information you’ll need to get started and to have fun!
Worle WI Wednesdays: Worle WI hold meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at Castlebatch Community Centre, Bishops Avenue BS22 7PQ. We commence at 7.30 pm. This month we are holding a beetle drive, which is always great fun, as time to socialise and get the friendly competitive juices flowing! All welcome - please come along and see if we are right for you!
LGBT+ Support Groups Wednesdays: North Somerset LGBT+ Forum offer some fantastic support groups to the LGBT+ which take place between 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Wednesdays each month. 1st Wednesday of the Month: Trans+: North Somerset’s support group for transgender, nonbinary and gender-questioning people aged 18+. 2nd Wednesday of the Month: Colours: A safe space for 13-17 year olds who are LGBT+, questioning or allies, to socialise and meet new people. 3rd Wednesday of the Month: Family+: A free social group for parents, guardians and relatives of LGBT+ individuals to ask questions, get support or just pop along for a chat! 4th Wednesday of the Month: 50+: A safe space for members of the LGBT+ community who are over 50 to meet new people and socialise. For more information please email: support@ nslgbtforum.com or find us on social media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok www.localreach.co.uk | 13
HEALTH AND BEAUTY PUZZLES
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Crossword
Across 7 Destitute, lacking (6) 8 Allowing movement in a single direction (3-3) 9 False god (4) 10 Towards the back, at the end (8) 11 Major road (7) 13 Local authority regulation (5) 15 Cow’s mammary gland (5) 17 Having taste, genteel (7) 20 Computer ID (8) 21 Adorable, charming (4) 23 Tearful (6) 24 Reach, realise (6) Down 1 Desire, covet (4) 2 Riches (6) 3 Abiding, immortal (7) 4 Articulate (5) 5 Room to move and grow (6) 6 Bearing, stance (8) 12 Commerce, trade (8) 14 A few, not many (7) 16 Insect with pincers (6) 18 Encourage, foment (6) 19 Assess, quantify (5) 22 Offshoot (4)
Word Search
Solutions
Bezique Big Two Blitz Bridge Briscola Canasta Casino Cheat
Cribbage Eleusis Euchre Fan Tan Golf Hearts Jass Le Truc
14 | www.localreach.co.uk
Mao Nertz Ninety-nine Oh Hell Palace Pinochle Piquet Pitch
Poker President Rook Rummy Scopa Skat Snap Spades
Speed Spoons Whist Zetema
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HEALTH LOCAL EXPERT AND BEAUTY PAGE
Turkeys, tinsel and transformations… It’s December and we are getting festive here at Browns, hoping that Turkeys won’t be in short supply for the big day! When we had a shop premises years ago a big selling feature for ovens was the size of the turkey that could be cooked in it! Then came the advent of more energy efficient ovens and cookers, and the sizes of the ovens started to shrink. Nowadays we look for volume in litres and energy rating from D to A+++. If your oven is over 15 years old it may well be costing you a lot to run, and a replacement may be prudent. When considering a new oven think about what you cook? Do you need lots of room in the oven for batch cooking and large roasts, or are you more likely to stick in a casserole or a ready meal. Do you want your oven to cook on fan and conventional ? What other functions might you like? How about cleaning; pyrolytic, catalytic, steam and clean? There is so much more to buying an oven then just looking on line or in Currys! We can help you choose and recommend ovens that are tried and tested by our customers and ourselves, or you might want something completely different. We are here to help.
Before
After
Maybe you’d like a change? We have been delighted to be able to help customers transform their cooking areas. You might need your oven to be more accessible as bending down has become a problem, or you want to change from gas to electric. Two single ovens side by side might be more useful then one double built under oven. There are usually ways we can help. And so as we race towards Christmas we have teamed up with Worle Butchers to offer you the chance to win your Christmas turkey! Just email brownsdomesticappliances@gmail.com with your name, address and contact number with Turkey in the Subject. We will make the draw on Thursday 16th December and the winner will be able to collect their turkey in time for Christmas.
Browns Domestic Appliances
Ltd
Making things simple! Your complete local domestic appliance specialist for sales and repairs 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 36 years All work insured and guaranteed No hidden extras. We keep things simple!
01934 517657
www.brownsdomestics.co.uk www.localreach.co.uk | 15
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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
A Basic Guide for Spot & Stain Removal from Copper Beech Cleaning Alcohol, Coffee, Tea & Urine Blot up surplus spillage using absorbent cloth or white kitchen paper. Apply lots of pressure to absorb as much liquid as possible. Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use Detergent Vinegar Solution, a little at a time. Frequently blot with dry cloths. See final rinse procedure » Chocolate, Sweets, Ice Cream & Vomit Scrape up any excess using a blunt knife. Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use a Detergent Solution. Blot dry. Follow up with Ammonia Solution. Blot dry. See final rinse procedure » Fats, Chewing Gum & Shoe Polish Scrape up any excess using a blunt knife. Working from the outer edge of the stain inwards, use a Dry Cleaning Solution followed by Detergent Vinegar Solution. Blot dry. See final rinse procedure » Final Rinse Procedure • Mix one part white vinegar & four-parts water • Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the stained areas • Blot dampened area (do not rub) to remove excess moisture • Spread white kitchen towel (stacked 6-8 sheets deep) or absorbent cloth over the affected area and place something weighted on top
Items & Solutions Needed • Clean white absorbent cloth or towel • Dry Cleaning Solution: Surgical Spirit (usually available from local Chemists) • Detergent Solution: One teaspoonful of gentle detergent for washing woollens, to half a pint (0.3litres) of warm water • Detergent Vinegar Solution: Add one teaspoonful of white (not malt) vinegar to the Detergent Solution • Ammonia Solution: One teaspoonful of branded household Ammonia to one cup of warm water
If in doubt always employ a trained, insured professional. www.copperbeechcleaning.com 01934 235855
Your Local Specialist Cleaning Service
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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 •
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16 | www.localreach.co.uk
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• 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
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Petanque Wednesdays and Sundays: Play Petanque at the Clarence Park Bowling Club. We are a small friendly group who meet all year round. Use of Clubhouse and boules are included in your annual subscription. Just come along to the Club on Wednesday afternoons or Sunday mornings, weather permitting.
COMMUNITY Entry fee is £7.00 at the door with free parking. During a thirty-minute interval, there is a licensed bar, food and tea & coffee available. For more information, please visit the websites www. westonorganclub.20m.com www.organfax.co. uk/clubs/weston or call Jo (Chairman) on 01934 812759. Our next Concert is December 2nd Tony Stace Link: www.organfax.co.uk/players/ tonystace/
Badminton Club The Probus Club Weston-super-Mare Thursdays: The Probus Club Weston Super Mare meets at 10:00am on the first and third Thursday morning of each month, with a break in July and August. A variety of speakers give talks, often illustrated with slides or other visual aids. In addition, coffee mornings, annual excursions, lunches, and afternoon teas are arranged throughout the year for members and their partners. Non-members are always welcome to attend meetings as visitors. Meetings take place at: Worlebury Golf Club, Monks Hill, Worlebury, Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 9SX. For more information please telephone: Honorary Secretary: 01934 514857 www.probusweston.com
Vocalise-Lite Thursdays: Vocalise-Lite is a ladies’ community choir meeting on Thursdays 1.15pm to 2.45pm. No auditions, no experience necessary, no pressure! Ideal if you love singing, but dislike being out after dark or you have commitments in the evenings. We finish in time to collect children from school. The venue, Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, WSM has its own car park. A chance to make friends and socialise over a cuppa before singing a variety of songs. Contact ann.clewlow@btinternet.com, tel. 01934 627709 or find more information and sign up on our Facebook page.
Weston Organ and Keyboard Club Thursdays: The Club meets on the first Thursday of every month in the Somerset Suite of Weston Football Club, WSM, BS24 9AA at 7.30 -10.00pm. Top Artists entertain us using today’s state of the art instruments. They play music from shows, musicals, films the big band era, 1960’s and more.
Fridays: We are a small friendly social Club who play badminton every Friday evening 6.30pm 8.30pm in Weston Super Mare. Many years ago, a few employees at the local bus company, began playing badminton on a weekly basis. These employees were from all employment disciplines ie; drivers, inspectors, engineers etc. Of recent times, the numbers within the Club have grown, which meant we had outgrown our last venue of The Campus. A new venue became available at The Winterstoke Hundred Academy, Beaufighter Rd, Weston-superMare BS24 8EE. Although the origins of the Club were born from bus company employees, indeed all players of all standards are now welcome.
The Wee Cannae Dance Club Fridays: Held at St Georges Community Centre, BS23 1HS on Fridays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. A weekly session of chat, music, dance, fun and refreshments. People with 2 left feet especially welcome! With a wide range of music to enjoy with a mix of social dance types. Fee per member for a 2 hour session is £3 and includes tea,coffee and biscuits. You don’t have to dance; you can just enjoy the music and chat! You also don’t need to bring a partner. This is not a dance school, it’s social, just for fun! Contact Tony on 01934 260347
Beach Clean Saturdays and Sundays: Here at Sandbay Fish & Chips and the Cosy Hatch we encourage locals and visitors to join us in our efforts to keep the beach clean through our ‘Sandbay Beach Clean’. Collect a litter picker from the Hatch and bring back a bag of rubbish to receive your free tea, coffee or fruit shoot for the children. Pickers are available between 10-12pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Please see our Facebook & Instagram pages for updates on other days and events. Sandbay Fish & Chips & The Cosy Hatch – Units 1-2 Clyntonville, Crookes Lane, Kewstoke, WSM, BS22 9XB www.localreach.co.uk | 17
COMMUNITY
Foundations in Football Saturdays: Foundations in Football is a non-profit making coaching facility. We have 6 coaches 4 of which are FA Level 1 qualified. We focus on the fundamentals of football to build a brighter future for junior football for children aged between 4 to 8 years catering for both boys and girls. The courses are run on a 10 week basis at a cost of £25 for the course, plus £10 registration fee for all new members but this includes a football and drinks bottle. Sessions are every Saturday 9:00am 9:55am on the 3G @Worle Centre 58 New Bristol Road. Contact Gareth on 07979351322
The Scouts Need You! We need leaders, tea makers, activity planners, tidy-uppers and helpers for as little or as much time as you can spare. Axe District Scouts need enthusiastic volunteers to help our young people get going, get thinking and get stuck into all kinds of things to give them skills for life. Every now and then that may well mean using a compass, but more often than not, it’s about confidence, speaking up, thinking on their feet and going for it. Can you help? Sign up here: www.axescouts.org.uk/volunteer/
Worle Football Club Worle Football Club have been extremely busy through the covid break and the start of the season. In conjunction with Weston College we are working with 5 students who will be assisting the football club in areas of coaching, social media sites and football analysis. This will be a benefit for both the football club and the students as they will be able to get out of the classroom environment and see what it is like to run a football club and what goes on within a football club like ours. Worle FC have had mixed fortunes on the pitch where both our 2nd team and vets team remain unbeaten and are top of their respective leagues whereas the 1st team have suffered a few defeats mainly on the road but had impressive victories away at Nailsea United and home to Chilcompton who previously won the Somerset Senior Premier League , also we can include a home cup win against Portishead Town Reserves in the County Cup and will now face Bristol team Cutters Friday FC at home. Worle FC are also fortunate we can now 18 | www.localreach.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01934 312171 call on the Physio services of Tom Gawman who comes with a wealth of experience and so far, has been invaluable to both teams. Worle are continually looking to improve their facilities and throughout the break have revamped the clubhouse and put in a Physio room. The pitch and drainage have also been improved with help from a football foundation grant that allowed us to reseed, verti-drain and weedkill the main playing surface and also put in much needed drainage just outside the clubhouse area and this included a pathway for spectators. We have also been fortunate to get another pitch grant for the next 10 years so the surface will be always improving. Through the help of the FA the club are looking to buy a new set of professional goals to replace the heavier wheel on goals that we currently have and are awaiting the grant application decision. Throughout December to March our home games will KO at 2pm then revert to the 3pm KO’s. With all this work going on at the club we are always on the lookout for volunteers to help so if you have any spare time through the day please get in touch and you can call Gary on 07534957980
IntoUniversity Weston IntoUniversity Weston needs you! Do you have 2 hours a week to support one of our Academic Support sessions running Monday through Thursday from 15:30-17:00 for Primary and Secondary students? All volunteers receive training, advice and guidance on how to work with young people and are supported during the sessions. It is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience guiding young people in making positive life choices. Volunteers must be over the age of 16 and would ideally hold GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above. If interested please call 01934 314238
Big Worle – Community Organisation Big Worle are a lottery funded organisation, working in a specific area of Worle and have been granted £1.1 million to spend over a 10-year period to improve the lives of residents in the area. We run events, activities, courses and are welcoming new ideas from local people in this community. We are also looking to expand our steering group and volunteer base so if you are someone who wants to make a positive difference in your community, you can get in touch via our social media pages by searching for ‘Big Worle’ or email chair@bigworle. org.uk
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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
The Twelve Days of Gleaming! On the first day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers On the second day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Two Clean Roasting Tins and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers On the third day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: 3 New Oven Liners, Two Clean Roasting Tins and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers On the fourth day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Four Gleaming Glass Doors, 3 New Oven Liners…and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers
On the eighth day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Eight Hinges Gliding, Seven Seals Degreased ...and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers On the ninth day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Nine Fan Blades Spinning, Eight Hinges Gliding…and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers On the tenth day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Ten Shiny Oven Walls, Nine Fan Blades Spinning …and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers
On the fifth day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Five Sparkling Racks, Four Gleaming Glass Doors…and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers
On the eleventh day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Eleven Cooker Knobs Turning, Ten Shiny Oven Walls …and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers
On the sixth day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Six Shiny New Bulbs, Five Sparkling Racks… and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers
On the twelfth day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: 12 HOURS CLEANING SAVED, Eleven Cooker Knobs Turning …and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers!!
On the seventh day of Gleaming my true love sent to me: Seven Seals Degreased, Six Shiny New Bulbs …. and A Gleaming Cooker cleaned by OvenGleamers
Call Graeme at OvenGleamers TODAY on 01934 440032 and get yours gleamed!
www.localreach.co.uk | 19
LOCALREACH
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Board Games or Bored Games? There are two types of families; those that love a game of Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit or Scrabble, and families like mine. Our little festive hearts sink when guests suggest breaking out the Cluedo. We always thought we were odd until a few years ago when we befriended new neighbours. They invited us round for festive drinks and about halfway through the evening they suggested we play some games. They must have seen our collective look of horror. Oh no, they laughed, not BORED games...and with that they whipped out Dobble, Q-Bitz and Genius Square. These were games I had never heard of, although admittedly I hadn’t really researched the subject. What ensued were a couple of fast-paced fun-filled hours, which resulted in us buying the same games and few more besides. That evening our neighbours showed us that we didn’t hate board games, we’d just been playing the wrong ones. My family is very kinaesthetic. We like to touch and manipulate things. We have a dozen different Rubik cubes and enjoy solving
them. Traditional board games just aren’t engaging enough for us. Dobble is a ‘spot-it’ style game. There is a deck of circular cards covered in images and each card shares just one image in common with each other card. The idea is to spot the match quicker than your neighbour in a series of lightning rounds. Like snap but way more challenging and far more entertaining. Q-Bitz is a match-it game, where you race against other players to reproduce the pattern on a card, using sixteen cubes, which all have different patternparts on each face. There are speed and memory variations, and children tend to be better than adults...at least in our house. If you love Tetris you’ll probably like Genius Square. The blocks are the same shapes and colours, and by throwing special dice you block out various coordinates on your square, then race to fit all the blocks into the remaining spaces. These three games have become our family staples and we’ve discovered that lots of our friends prefer them to traditional board games too. So, if you’re ‘bored with board games’ try these and see if they convert you. By Sarah Davey
FESTIVE RANGE PRE-ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS FOOD TODAY! Pick up a brochure at selected retailers or order your click & collect online at thornersofsomerset.co.uk
20 | www.localreach.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01934 312171
Great Fundraising by Paul Hobbs for BHF Paul’s 26th anniversary year of charity events have a proved a huge success. His historic marathon walks on the Grand Pier in August, two years to the day of life saving heart surgery, was a huge success raising an amazing £5,000. Paul followed this in September with an online auction that raised over £1,000 which concluded with a fundraiser in October at The York Hotel. “We had a big raffle which raised over £400 and with additional pledges the events are expected to raise up to £8,000 in aid of the British Heart Foundation”. There will be a presentation held on the Grand Pier in December.
Plan C Training At Plan C Training not only do we offer martial arts classes, self-defence classes, NERF CHAOS battles, NERF birthday parties and Circuit Training but we also hire out our studios to others to host their own classes or meetings. If you’re looking for a space, please get in touch and we’ll see if we can accommodate you! We have ideal spaces for yoga, Pilates, Tai chi, ballet, tap, Zumba, Bokwa, dance fit, aerobics, pole fit, bounce fit or any type of fitness instructor who is looking for a studio to run a class. Or if you are looking to host regular meetings like Slimming World, or local clubs and societies that need a room then get in touch with us on 07798 907 681 or for further details including all our studio measurements and prices go to www.plan-ctraining.com
Curry & Conversation Workshops Weston Chamber of Commerce with Plastic-free Weston-super-Mare are delighted to announce that funding from the Quartet Community Foundation Megawatt Community Energy Fund will enable them to host six free Curry & Conversation workshops over the next few months in collaboration with local charity Plastic Pollution Awareness & Action Projects and local Indian cuisine takeaway Chutneys of Aller Parade. These informal and friendly community sessions will aim to raise awareness of climate change and provide help to take steps towards a climate positive future for North Somerset. Any resident or business from North Somerset is welcome to attend. The more
COMMUNITY people who participate, the faster we can make progress, so please bring along your innovative ideas for tackling climate change in North Somerset. Debbie Apted, Community Lead for Plastic-free Weston-super-Mare, said “Nearly four years ago we began our Surfers Against Sewage plasticfree campaign by taking small steps like refusing plastic straws, and we can do it again but this time to reduce carbon emissions to make for a better future for the next generations. What better way to learn how than in good company over a curry?” Sue Shillabeer, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to host these important workshops. We encourage businesses and residents alike to come along and learn what steps we can all start to take now to reduce carbon emissions and help North Somerset become carbon neutral by 2030.” The workshops will cover topics such as plastic pollution, recycling, food waste, nature-based solutions, fast fashion, the circular economy, energy, transport and how businesses can measure their carbon emissions. Naseem Talukdar of local charity, Plastic Pollution Awareness & Action Projects, who will be leading all the sessions says “The aim of these workshops is to equip businesses and individuals to address the climate emergency and make changes in their dayto-day lives. Even if we make only small steps now, it will be a move in the right direction. It’s time we all take responsibility and be part of the solution.” Weston Chamber of Commerce as an organisation will be learning how to measure and reduce their own carbon emissions and you can too. There will be 40 spaces available at each session and booking is essential. Full details of each workshop and how to register are on our website www. cleanercoastlines.org.uk/events or telephone Debbie on 07974 190660.
The Weston Ukulele Players and the Beachd Buoys Shanty Band The Weston Ukulele Players and the Beachd Buoys Shanty Band presented a donation to Julie Draper from the Children’s Hospice South West. Both groups donated all of the proceeds from their performances to their nominated charity. Both groups regularly appear around Somerset. For more information, please visit their websites. www. westonukuleleplayers.com or www. thebeachdbuoys.com www.localreach.co.uk | 21
COMMUNITY
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A Busy Autumn for The Steepholmers Weston-super-Mare sea shanty band The Steepholmers have been very busy since the highly successful Weston Sea Shanty and Folk Music Festival in August.
bit counts! If you’d like to apply to become a volunteer, or find out more, please check our website www.n-somerset.gov.uk/adopt-a-street or email adopt-a-street@n-somerset.gov.uk
Mayor quizzed by Jill Dando News reporters
On 10th October, we performed twice at Bristol Harbour Sea Shanty Festival, once on the poop deck of the replica Matthew sailing ship and again on the deck of the SS Great Britain.
Weston super Mare Mayor James Clayton was quizzed by Jill Dando Reporters from Ashcombe Primary School. He was meeting their Year 4 students who had been working on their REAL Project - ‘Should everyone be listened to? He was then quizzed by members of the Jill Dando newsroom, who are being trained by students from Worle Community School Academy (WCSA), part of The Priory Learning Trust. The school has been inundated with applications from pupils to become reporters, in memory of the late BBC TV journalist Jill Dando who went to WCSA. During his visit, Cllr Clayton also shared a hot chocolate with pupils and discussed his role as mayor, saying he “loved meeting new people”. WCSA has a Jill Dando News centre to train up future journalists across their own school and beyond.
15th to 17th October saw the band back in Cornwall again at the Mevagissey Sea Shanty Festival with several performances around the port and two in nearby villages.
Children learn about the joys of harvesting in exciting potato project
We kicked off September in suitable style with several performances at the Teign Valley Sea Shanty Festival in Teignmouth, Devon on Sunday 5th September. The following Wednesday, 8th September, we performed at a garden party held in Weston as a fundraiser for the RNLI and followed that up on Sunday, 12th September, with a performance at Uphill Yacht Club in Weston. 17th to 19th September saw us at Port Isaac Sea Shanty Festival at Port Isaac, Devon, made famous of course by the well-known Fisherman’s Friends Sea shanty band, where we performed on five occasions at various locations around and in the village. On Saturday 25th, five of us appeared at the Birnbeck Pier Open Day, held to raise funds for the acquisition and restoration of the pier.
We were due to perform back in Weston on the 20th October, but a winter cold hit and we had to cancel. However, we’ve had several requests in lieu of the Weston Sea Shanty Festival and so we’ll be performing at The Vaults in November with two gigs in Burnham-on-Sea and Sand Bay on 4th and 5th December. Back in action soon folks!
Adopt-A-Street My name is Sue, I joined Adopt a street to help try and keep the area I live in a more pleasant and wildlife friendly place. I feel I am doing my small bit for the community and the environment. So far, my experiences of litter picking have been positive. I feel a real sense of achievement, and its actually therapy for me. I do find it gets me out the house talking to others and gives me a positive boost mentally. People have said positive comments of support. I am fairly new to this, so learning each time I go out! Do what you can to your ability, every 22 | www.localreach.co.uk
By Jill Dando News The brilliant children at the Ofsted Outstanding Little Learners Nursery based at St Anne’s Church Academy in West Wick have been learning about harvesting and potatoes. They began by planting some potatoes seeds in their vegetable patch and months later picked, washed and cleaned their crop. With support from the Nursery Crew, the Little Learners chopped the potatoes and put them in the oven to cook. While they were cooking, the children sat and listened to a story called Oliver’s Vegetables. Once the potatoes had finished cooking, the children all sat down together and enjoyed eating the potato wedges. Nursery leader Natalie said: “The children were very proud of themselves for their amazing potato harvesting leading all the way to eating their creations. “It really brought harvesting alive and everyone had great fun. The potato wedges were also delicious!”
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Update on Windows 11 Since last month’s article, Windows 11 is now fully released. We have installed it as both upgrades for existing customers and on new computers, and I am happy to report that it has been a great success. Customers are finding it straight forward to use and are not finding any major issues. We provide our own Windows 11 guide for each customer, and this has helped bridge the gap between Windows 10 and 11 features. One issue that we are seeing is that some older computers will not accept Windows 11 without modification, and in some cases, especially for older computers, a complete new system is the best way forward. Should you find yourself in the situation whereby Windows tells you that it will not run on Windows 11, please get in touch, as we may be able to provide a solution. One example is that we can resolve the issue of missing TPM module, and for those when the hardware is not compatible, we offer a smooth migration path from old to new. Please see our advert on this page and get in touch if Windows 11 is of interest.
Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd, Tel: 07973 536299
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Last-minute Christmas Gift Cake Traditionally Christmas cakes are made well in advance but if you haven’t had time try our last-minute version. Because it makes two you can also give one away as a gift, and solve two problems with one recipe!
Makes 2 cakes, each serving 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1-1¾ hours depending on oven. Ingredients: 600g good-quality mixed dried fruits 150ml whisky, warmed 150g stem ginger, drained, plus 8 tbsp ginger syrup from the jar 200g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 300g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp mixed spice 200g soft light brown sugar 4 large free-range eggs 2 tbsp milk Finely grated zest of 2 small oranges and 2 lemons 50g ground almonds 150g whole glacé cherries Method: Put the dried fruits in a bowl and pour over the whisky. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the fruit to plump up. 24 | www.localreach.co.uk
Briefly blend the ginger and its syrup in a mini food processor until finely chopped. Preheat the oven to 160°C/fan140°C/gas 3. Grease and line a 20cm square cake tin. Sift the flour, baking powder and mixed spice into a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients except the cherries. Beat with a hand-held electric whisk for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Fold in the soaked dried fruits and any whisky, the blitzed ginger and the cherries. Spoon into the baking tin and level off. Bake for 1-1¾ hours (this depends very much on your oven. My fan oven is super-quick whereas my mother’s aga is slower). If you’re unsure I recommend you check after an hour then every fifteen minutes after that, until the cake is firm and golden brown. To check, insert a skewer into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean the cake is cooked. You can cover it loosely with foil after 1 hour if the centre needs more time. This prevents the surface darkening too much. Leave in the tin for 10 minutes, and then remove to a wire rack to cool. Remove a thin slice from all sides of the cake and discard. Cut the cake in half to make 2 rectangles. Top with marzipan and white fondant icing and decorate with a sprig of holly.
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“We often wait for kindness… but being kind to yourself can start now.” Amy wins vital life values competition By Lexie and Ellis, age 11, Jill Dando News Students at Priory Community School Academy have been designing posters to represent important values such as, kindness, integrity, respect, confidence and aspiration. Year 7 students have created a remarkable number of kindness posters to show what it means to them. Winner of the competition, Amy, used quotes and images to present her ideas on kindness. Her favourite quote, by author Charlie Mackesy, is “we often wait for kindness…but being kind to yourself can start now.” Character education is being championed by the school to help place a bigger emphasis on building wholesome individuals that are ready for the world rather than just focusing on academic achievement. The competition has been opened out to all year groups so that students become familiar with the important values that can help build their characters. Principal Angelos Markoutsas said: “Kindness and all these other character attributes are really important. Amy has done a brilliant piece of work.
Successful cream tea afternoon held after record Open Evening turnout By Josh, 15, Jill Dando News A successful cream tea afternoon for prospective pupils, parents and carers has been held at a popular Academy. Worle Community School Academy, part of the high-achieving The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT), in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, hosted the families with cream tea and refreshments at their outstanding Restaurant. Its aim was to help answer any extra questions that they may have before making their final decision about their secondary school choice for their child. Last month saw record visitors to their annual Open Evening, prompting the extra event for prospective students, parents and carers. Since becoming part of TPLT in 2016, the Academy has seen many campus improvements including a £400,000 refurbished auditorium and sports hall. Principal Jacqui Scott said, “We really enjoyed meeting so many of the pupils, parents and carers. The cream tea aspect also went down very well!” The Academy has a wonderful caring and high achieving ethos, excellent extracurricular provision including the Jill Dando News Centre
COMMUNITY and the ground-breaking eco-club Climate Justice Revolution.
Popular school drives incredible postCovid19 lockdown underpass nature transformation. Priory Community School Academy (PCSA), part of The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT), is partnering in a sensational art transformation of two underpasses near the popular school. Inspirational artist Martin Darcy and his talented team of volunteers are halfway through painting the two underpasses with an array of environmental nature Images including a fox, hare, squirrel and trees. The academy and TPLT is passionate about the environment and wanted to bring together a project to look to the future post COVID-19 lockdown. Their students and staff have helped the community in huge ways since the start of lockdown 18 months ago. In the summer, a DT teacher at the school won a prestigious UK award after helping to make nearly 5000 NHS face masks during Covid19. Principal Angelos Markoutsas said: “This is going to be a brilliant community project used and seen by thousands of people throughout the years to come.”
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Clutter-free for Christmas Look around your house. Would you be able to invite people in without a second thought? Or would unexpected festive visitors send you into a panic? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by clutter but follow these simple ‘no extra mess steps and you’ll soon be ready to open the front door with a smile. Grab a bin bag. Go quickly through the house from room to room and put in anything that is obviously just rubbish: empty packets, wrappers, junk mail etc. Once you’ve done it, go through again and see whether you’ve missed anything. The chances are that going through the first time has opened your eyes to other things which can just be thrown away.
Take couple of empty and go through yet again, this time looking for items that are easy charity shop donations - things you won’t need or use again so don’t want to waste time finding a home for, but which are too good to throw away. These might be old toys and games, CDs, DVDs, books, extra pots and pans etc. By now things will be looking much tidier. At this point grab another box and go through one last time and look for things that are obviously out of place but which you know have a home. Put them in the box and rehome them as you go round the house. Then do the washing and drying, and fold and put away the items Hopefully by now you should feel more in control of your surroundings and will be able to see a way forward
Now do any washing-up or load the dishwasher. Clearing the kitchen surfaces makes a huge difference.
Obviously if your clutter is such a big problem that you are still overwhelmed speak to your doctor about seeking professional help.
Grab another bag. Go through the house again and this time look for items of clothing that need to be washed. Pop them in the bag and take them to the washing baskets.
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BOOK REVIEWS
A Good Read
The Abdication
Glastonbury Landscapes
As a discerning reader not easily impressed by genre fiction, The Abdication came as a longdesired, pleasant surprise. Justin Newland is a historical fantasy author who successfully broke my growing bias towards fantasy and other forms of genre fiction. The Abdication is a novel worthy, not just to be read, but for a compelling discussion afterward. The journey of the young woman Tula is an old and a new story that provokes philosophic consideration rather than relying on tiresome, ironic plot twists. Tula’s journey of self-discovery leaves the reader questioning self-determination and the possible forces guiding fate.
Glastonbury’s visitors and residents, both seasoned and new will enjoy the beautiful descriptions and photographs in Vanda Lloyd’s latest book.
by Justin Newland
The story reveals the ugliness of unguided humanity racing headlong into a belief in freedom and industry that it doesn’t understand and is sorely unprepared to handle. Alluding to many biblical and philosophic references, Newland constructs a plot and symbolism-driven story. He produces an original story in which readers will come to realise the great journey underlying and connecting all people. Tula’s adventure to learn her destiny leads to her origin, the origin of all people, and the aftermath of free will run amuck. The end of her long walk becomes a sojourn of discovery in an industrypolluted town both morally and financially bankrupt on the road to the place of angels. There, in that place, aptly named Topeth, the reader and Tula confront the truth, faith in oneself, faith in a higher purpose, and ultimately, what it means to abdicate that faith. By Vincent Triola
by Vanda LLoyd
Available as both a coffee table hardback edition as well as a paperback, ‘Glastonbury Landscapes’ is a work of love by this local writer and photographer. The images are delightful to enjoy - evocatively capturing precious places and treasured views. I found it most enjoyable to read at the pace as though I were reading aloud to others. The photography and verse inspires a sense of peaceful reflection, motivating the reader to connect with a sense of place and time in each location. Time is a perpetual theme, journeying into each place across the seasons is discussed an illustrated throughout. The prose is laced with personal insights, suggestions and memories. I really got a sense of what it would be like to take each walk and watch the view alter as the year progresses. Sunsets are a key theme throughout Vanda’s work and none less than here, where she invites the reader to beautiful spots to watch the light shift. Helpfully mentioning how easy or tricky access might be, Vanda points out convenient benches, along with places to stop and watch the sunset from your car. Glastonbury Landscapes is an ideal complement to Vanda’s books on walking in Glastonbury, and her delightful children’s fiction series - The Lambs of Avalon. lloydbux.wixsite.com/vanda-lloyd By Shoshana Dennis
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The Art of Scepticism How to think critically
have to back up their claims? Where do those facts come from? Can they be trusted? Do they have something to gain? Without applying some critical thought, we end up falling down the rabbit hole and starting to believe all sorts of nonsensical conspiracy theories from the Earth being flat (yes, there is a growing Flat Earth movement), all the way up to the world being run by an elite race of child eating vampires (the basic QAnon premise!!). So how do you combat the deluge of misinformation, misunderstanding and barefaced lies surrounding us in today’s permanently connected life? Use Carl Sagan’s Baloney Detector.
Over a year after the losing the US presidential election Donald Trump still maintains he won - by a ‘landslide’. Even after multiple recounts, audits and ‘forensic’ testing all proved him wrong. But why do tens of millions of Americans still think he’s telling the truth? Critical thinking and scepticism are dying skills. You read a post on Twitter and because other people agree with it you assume it’s true. We don’t ask the important questions. Who made the initial post? What expertise do they have? What facts do they
Carl Sagan was a leading scientist, philosopher and astronomer who saw how society was losing touch with reality in the 80’s and 90’s. He predicted our current situation and tried hard to combat the rejection of facts and truths. The baloney (or BS) detector is a set of rules you should follow to validate any argument people present to you. There are a number of steps, but I’ll take you through the main ones you should apply to claims you hear. 1. Check the facts There must be facts to back up the claim. These must be independently confirmed by a trusted source.
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2. Don’t trust someone just because they are in authority.
LocalReach Community Magazines provide FREE OF CHARGE publicity for your local events. The ROYAL MAIL delivers 17,978 copies each month to all of BS23.
4. Don’t believe something just because you like the sound of it.
As you can imagine we ARE inundated each month so we try to limit the wording to 50100 words. Plus you can send a good quality photo &/or logo.
6. If one argument relies on another and another, they all must work or the whole chain fails.
So if you are organising a cake sale, jumble sale, garden fete or similar, we would like to hear from you.
8. Can you falsify the argument? If there’s no possible way you can test an argument to see if it’s true, it’s not a good argument.
Email your event details for inclusion in our Whats On pages to our community editor sarah@localreach.co.uk before 1st of each month.
So, when you next read about aliens from Jupiter replacing members of the Government with robot clones, think to yourself. Is this true? How many have been replaced? Can we test this theory? Who is saying this? Can they be trusted? Is this the likeliest explanation?
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3. Explore other explanations. Can you disprove them? Explanations that survive disproval stand a better chance of being correct.
5. If something can be measured, measure it, or get reliable data from an expert source.
7. Occam’s Razor - if two arguments work, the simplest is usually the best.
I leave you to ponder that one! By James Bates
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I decided if we were going to do it, it would have to be full on magical. So, we hung outdoor fairy lights all-round the plot for a Winter Wonderland feel. We begged and borrowed outdoor lanterns and placed candles in jars on the table. We made garlands of pinecones, spruce clippings, eucalyptus, and ivy. My husband had the brilliant idea of tying star anise and cinnamon sticks to the garlands to make a really Christmassy smell, and he dragged out the summer gazebo We fired up BBQs, Patio heaters and a firepit and put all the garden chairs in the warmest area. And we made festive sausages with apple sauce and cranberry sauce instead of ketchup. There were mince pies and popcorn and we even roasted chestnuts and toasted marshmallows.
By Debbie James
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Well, I couldn’t host a conventional party sure, but they were unconventional times. I canvassed my friends, and they were on board. We decided that we would meet up in the afternoon to go for a lovely walk, then come back and hang out on my friend’s allotment because we’d already be dressed for the weather and allotment gatherings of more than three households were actually allowed!
So, this year, we’re not risking an indoor party again yet, we’re going to repeat the outdoor get together, and it will be exactly what we make it, a wonderful celebration of friendship and joy, exactly as Christmas should be.
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I was a little taken aback, then I realised that I’d been so focussed on getting back to ‘normal’ I’d completely forgotten that amid all the darkness last year we’d actually had some great times, and one of them was my Christmas Party in the Yard. Back in 2020 when I’d realised we couldn’t host our friends in the usual way I decided to get creative. “I need to think outside the box,” I’d said to my husband…” In fact, I need to think ‘outside.’” He looked horrified, “You can’t host a Christmas party outside in the UK in December!” he said.
My mistake was to think of this as a poor substitute for my usual Christmas party. My friends on the other hand thought of it as something quite lovely in its own right and were keen for a repeat in 2021, only hopefully in my garden this time, with easy access to posher plumbing when nature calls!
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I felt a bit deflated until one of my friends asked, ‘Are you going to do your outdoor thing again? It was so much fun last year.’
And there were blankets, rugs, and fleecy throws. We played music on an old battery operated CD player and laughed and talked until late.
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I love to throw a party. Every year I’d host a festive bash for our friends. Then last year COVID happened. This year I’ve been looking forwards to throwing my party again but actually the virus is still rife in the community. The kids and staff at my son’s senior school are dropping like flies, and I realised that it simply wouldn’t be sensible to gather 15-20 people I care about in a confined space.
chocolate with chocolate liqueur and squirty cream and mulled wine.
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Partying in a Pandemic!
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Over 600 board games for all ages Loads of great weekly events FREE Pizza Fridays
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