LocalReach Wedmore January 2023

THINKING OF SELLING?

Charles Barnard Estate Agents is a local family firm specialising in residential sales. We sell all types of residential property, from flats to substantial homes with land. We will even manage an auction for you, if the property warrants it. We embrace modern technology, including professional standards in photography, including drone images when appropriate. Floor plans, bespoke brochures and the use of advanced estate agency software. Everything is included at no extra cost within the service we offer, and this is a ‘NO SALE NO FEE’ service.

We are committed to high levels of customer service and the traditional values you will expect of a wellestablished firm of estate agents. We do not ‘rely’ on computers or technology and unlike many other estate agents, we see the value in keeping in regular contact with buyers. This ensures purchasers are properly introduced to every property which may suit their needs. In this way, we are proud to be different.

We realise how important communication is, not only when looking for the right buyer for your home, but once a sale has been agreed. Your solicitor will be working hard to ensure you are covered legally, whilst we are busy chasing everyone throughout the chain to find a way to help the sale get across the line as quickly and as painlessly as possible.

One of the reasons we have been so successful over the years, is due to our larger than average marketing and advertising budget. This financial commitment ensures we offer each and every property the maximum exposure realistically possible. In addition, we have a larger than average presence on the most relevant online property portals. Importantly, this includes prominent advertising with the market leader ‘Rightmove’. All at no extra cost to you.

We also invest in promoting homes through social media, an obvious choice these days. Although, it is not as simple as listing a property on Facebook. You still need to invest to boost the chances of making sure a home is seen by the right person. There is no doubt technology has improved our industry, getting the best results from it is now the most important factor. We are constantly thinking outside the box when looking at other options for advertising. As a local family firm, we are able to adapt our marketing and advertising to suit a particular property, hopefully your property.

We hope you can see we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure every property is seen by the right person at the right time and it truly is a no sale, no fee service. If we are not successful in selling your home, we will not get paid a penny for trying.

Are you looking for more visitors to your event or more customers for your business?

LocalReach is an excellent way to promote your event or gain more leads for your business. Prices start from only £18+vat per month. We are the ONLY magazine delivered every month to ALL of your postcode area by the ROYAL MAIL

We now deliver 111,130 copies each and every month to ALL homes and businesses to ALL of: Westonsuper-Mare, Worle, Portishead, Burnham on Sea, Glastonbury, Street, Clevedon, Wedmore, Cheddar, Axbridge, Winscombe & Wells

A massive 95% of our advertisers rebook their adverts every month and we don’t hold anyone to a long contract. Readers say they love LocalReach and read it every month cover to cover, they keep it on their coffee table for 3-4 weeks and keep referring back to it, they then recycle LocalReach in the knowledge the new monthly issue will drop through their door. Readers tell us they love LocalReach, trust LocalReach and use the services of the businesses inside.

If you are interested in gaining more visitors to your event or more customers for your business go to www.localreach.co.uk for more info or email sales@localreach.co.uk

LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Wedmore, Cheddar, Axbridge, Winscombe/BS28, BS27, BS26, BS25 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 10,430 copies each month. We take non deliveries very seriously and in the event of a non delivery being reported to us we follow the Royal Mail’s complaint procedure.

If you are not getting your monthly copy by the end of the first week of any month please send us an email to royalmail@localreach.co.uk with the full address of the non delivery and we will ask Royal Mail to investigate and report back.

Garden View

This month – Winter Scent

has an extremely long flowering season, starting in mid-autumn and going right through until early spring.

All of the above flowers can be cut, and will last for several days in a vase in the house. But January is also the perfect time to enjoy gardening indoors. My teenage son collects cacti and was gifted a striking, ornamental cactus with funky foliage a couple of years ago, called Epiphyllum anguliger. The wavy-edge leaves which oscillate along the stem give rise to its more common name, the Fishbone Cactus. As well as looking handsome all year round it has the delightful bonus of producing large creamy white flowers in winter which emit a wonderful scent in the evening, just one bloom can fill a room with a sweet fragrance.

I love a garden planted for winter. There are so many plants with wonderful shape and interesting evergreen foliage. But the thing that draws me out into any garden is scent, and fragrance is particularly uplifting in the depths of winter.

Getting outdoors into natural daylight, even on a cold, dank day is a mood booster. If you need an excuse to don woolly hat and gloves then what better than winter-flowering shrubs. Even better if you can cut a few sprigs to take back indoors. Chimonanthus praecox, known as Wintersweet is the type of shrub that looks rather unexciting in spring and summer, but in winter once established (which may take a couple of years) the bare branches erupt with lovely waxy yellow flowers which have an intense sweet and spicy scent.

You don’t have to be deprived of scent in the winter months. Make a New Year’s resolution to bring some fragrance into your garden, and your home.

Happy gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

Wedmore Dental Practice

For a little spot near the front or back door, think about Daphne bholua, a shade-loving, tiny, evergreen shrub which produces delicate pink or white blooms that look like they are made from fondant icing. They have a rich floral, oldfashioned scent.

The team behind your smile

If space is limited you also try Sarcococca hookeriana. This is also a shade-lover and produced a very powerful jasmine-like scent which carries well on the breeze.

If you have more space and would like something more robust then plant Viburnum x bodnantense. It produces pom-poms of flowers in pastel pink or white which smell of warm vanilla and lilac. It also

Ingredients:

4 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely sliced

1 red pepper, diced

1 green pepper, diced

6 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tsp sweet paprika

½ tsp cumin seeds

½-1 tsp cayenne pepper

800g tinned tomatoes (use the best quality you can find)

2 tsp soft brown sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

4-8 eggs, depending on hunger

Small bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Method:

Heat the oil in a large frying pan (with a lid) and add the onion. Fry gently until golden, then add the peppers and cook until they are soft. Stir in the garlic and spices and cook for another minute or two.

Pour in the tomatoes and mash roughly. Stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Taste and season. Add a little more cayenne if you like your dishes spicier.

Make 4-8 hollows in the sauce and break an eggs gently into each one. Season lightly, and turn the heat down as low as possible, cover the pan with the lid and cook for about 10 minutes until the eggs are just set. Sprinkle with coriander and serve with crusty bread.

Serves: 4 with bread

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30-40 minutes

Aquatic Harmony - New classes starting in January

Hello my name is Hayleigh I have been running the swim school Aquatic Harmony since 2011. Aquatic Harmony hold baby to pre-classes, classes for school age children, beginner adults and we also specialise in pregnancy aqua natal classes. We teach in the Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire areas and have taught thousands of children and pregnant ladies through the years. We are super excited to be starting our classes at Ridgemoore pool in Blackford in January 2023 (BS28)

Why start swimming with your child?

When babies swim it strengthens their heart and lungs as well as their arm, leg and neck muscles. Bouncing and splashing in the water stimulates the vestibular system, aiding balance and coordination. Baby swimming is proven to help with little one’s eating and sleeping patterns which is always a bonus!

Introducing your children to swimming is a great way to establish a healthy lifestyle and one of the biggest advantages of swimming is that it allows children to be naturally adventurous and have fun. As well as a life skill, one major benefit of swimming is that it triggers the release of endorphins, famously known as the ‘happy hormones’.

Our pregnancy water-based Aquanatal Yoga classes is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind and baby whilst pregnant. Our classes provide you with a gentle and easily accessible way to exercise, relax and prepare for the birth of your baby. Our classes offer a relaxed environment allowing you to enjoy each stage of your pregnancy, learn beneficial breathing practices, meet other expectant mums and find time for you and your unborn baby. Or join us for our postnatal aqua classes which is suitable for all woman in all walks of life.

Our classes are held in warm pools, our instructors are handpicked for not only their qualifications and technical knowledge, but also their ability to make lessons fun. Our classes are small with just four or five in each group so we can dedicate more time to you and your child.

We also teach in other pools in Somerset, Bristol and Wiltshire. For more information please contact hayleigh@aquatic-harmony.com or go to our website www.aquatic-harmony.com

Incontinence products for men

It’s estimated over three million men in the UK experience incontinence at any one time, and almost 90% of men who reach their 70s will have suffered bladder weakness at some point. We offer a range of specialist incontinence products for men, providing discreet, absorbent and comfortable support.

But how do you know what to buy – whether it’s for you or an elderly relative? Generally, you have two options:

• Disposable pads

Men sometimes prefer pads to pants because they are easy to remove and feel more natural than pants. The pads we sell are designed especially for the male anatomy and our customers report they offer an excellent fit, allowing free movement, which is ideal if you are active. Pads can be worn within your own snug fitting underwear or with stretch pants for extra security.

What to look for in pads:

– A top sheet incorporating stay dry technology for good skin health

– An inner core with a channel system to provide fast dispersion of liquid

– An outer layer of soft, breathable fabric

– Leakage barriers and odour control for your comfort and confidence

– An adhesive strip to hold the pad securely within close fitting underwear.

• Washable or disposable pants

These are designed like normal underwear with an elastic waistband and a discreet brief cut. Men often choose these because they have a more modern look and feel, with a flexible fit to stay secure during everyday activities.

What to look for in disposable pants:

– A cotton-like fabric which is soft and breathable, noiseless and provides a discreet fit

– A boosted dual absorbent core that quickly locks in leaks

– Odour control for your increased confidence.

What to look for in washable pants:

– Built in pad with fly opening for ease of use

– Good close fit

– Made of high quality materials (poly/cotton and elastic) for better durability.

We are more than happy to advise on the right product for you. And if you’d like to try before you buy, we offer free samples of our disposable pads, just get in touch. Call 0800 389 3597 or email info@arelle.com. We’re here to help.

What do cuticles do?

The cuticle is the layer of clear skin located along the bottom edge of your finger or toenail. The function of a cuticle is to protect bacteria from entering at the nail root.

Our nails are made from keratin protein that is secreted by a layer of living tissue called the nail matrix situated at the base of the fingernail. The pale pink half-moon shape that pokes out from under the flesh of your finger is called the lunula and part of that matrix. It’s most clearly visible on the thumbs but isn’t visible on everyone.

Cuticles are delicate and they can get dry, damaged, and infected. Caring for the nail area and keeping it clean will ensure that your nails stay healthy. The easiest way to do this is to soak your hands and feet in soapy, warm water for around 10 minutes every few days. This helps to soften the cuticle and keeps your nails clean. Applying a moisturiser will help prevent dryness and cracking.

Because of their protective function it is inadvisable to cut cuticles as it makes it easier for bacteria to get inside which can lead to an infection. A better approach is to push the cuticle back gently and only and trim loose skin and hangnails.

It’s tempting to pick at cuticles, but this should be avoided, as should using harsh nail polish removers. Stick to an acetone-free formula.

If you use a nail salon, ask the technician not to cut your cuticles, and make sure that they sanitize their instruments.

If you notice signs or symptoms of infection at the base of your nail, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

By Kate McCarthy

Scottish plaid (6)

Entice, coax (6)

Shape with many sides (7)

Circulate, deliver (5)

Grovel (5)

Spiky plant (7)

Calendar, schedule (6)

Despot, bully (6)

Touchable (7)

Scrutinise (5)

Pretended (5)

Teeming, jammed (7)

Victim, prey (6)

Delicate, fragile (6)

Subject matter (5)

Let go (7)

Seraph, cherub (5)

Nimbleness (7)

Beginning (5)

Essential feature (7)

Coalesce (5)

Captivate, fascinate (7)

Ebb, fade (7)

Kept away from (7)

Instruct (5)

Provide for (5)

Leave bread to rise (5)

Sea-dwelling duck (5)

Can you make additional payments?

Over the last few months the mortgage market has had some fast paced changes which we have tried to keep you aware of. As we enter the new year we thought we would share some information with you to help reduce your mortgage quicker that some customers are unaware off. Most mortgages allow you to make additional payments this depends on your mortgage company and varies between 5%, 10% or even 20% of the balance or original loan amount each year, by doing this it reduces the amount of interest you would pay off and can take years off your term.

Lets take for example a £150,000 repayment mortgage over 25 years on a rate of 2.29% fixed for the first two years then a rate of 5.64% for the rest of the term. Your total to pay would be £267,573 over the term, if you had the ability to make your 10% additional payments you could pay an additional £15,000 off your mortgage during year 1 and 10% of the balance remaining each and every year. So, if you made £1250 per month additional payment to your normal monthly payment you would pay your mortgage off 17 years and 6 months early saving £93,090.

Now we appreciate that is probably not a very realistic additional payment for most people so lets look at what an additional £150 monthly payment looks like; This would clear your mortgage 5 years 9 months early and save you £33,187.

These figures all change depending on interest rates and fees and if your lender will allow additional monthly payments or by a lump sum payment, but you can see from the illustrations how a small additional payment can significantly decrease the term of your mortgage and the amount you would pay. This can also help with those coming off very low fixed interest rates in the next few years, if you can make these additional payments, it would reduce your loan amount when you look to remortgage. Reducing the amount you will require will in turn reduce the monthly payments. For example £150,000 over 25 years with a rate of 2.29% would be a monthly payment of £657.17, 4.29% would be £815.97pm and 6.29% would be £993.22pm but if you reduce the balance then those committed monthly repayments start to reduce; for example £135,000 over 25 years with a rate of 2.29% would be a monthly payment of £591.45, 4.29% would be £734.37pm and 6.29% would be £893.89pm. If you have any questions on this or anything mortgage related then please call us on 01275 244360 for a no obligation quote or email us at info@LibertyMoney.co.uk

Based in the picturesque village of Cheddar. We are a husband-and-wife team and have gained our knowledge and experience working over 40 years between us in the bathroom retail, design and manufacturing industry. Whatever the size of your space or your budget, we are here to help with anything from product advice to a full bathroom re-design. Everything in our extensive product range is also available to buy separately.

From product advice to a full bathroom re-design, we are delighted to help you with your bathroom plans. Whatever the size of your space or your budget, we’re here to help. Visit our Showroom today!

Advanced natural healing for a painful torn tendon

“In

Mary Turner had been suffering hip pain from an unknown cause for years when she finally contacted Matthew Jackson to ask for help. Mary, a retired care worker from Dorchester, explains, “My work was quite physical and I thought it had probably caused the damage –but nobody could diagnose the exact problem! Four different physiotherapists all had different ideas and none of their solutions made any difference.”

Desperately searching for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, Mary came across the Somerset Health Practice and went to see Matthew. “He took an ultrasound and was the first person to finally detect that I had a torn tendon close to the hip.

“I had read about PRP (platelet rich plasma injections) and this is what Matthew and clinic nurse Becky recommended. They were so reassuring and encouraging, I felt safe and fully informed. I had three treatments over three weeks. Each one was quite quick and didn’t hurt too much.

“It seemed incredible that enhanced blood from my own body should be so effective. In my honest opinion – after constant pain, spoiled holidays and feeling so worn downthis treatment has changed my life. I certainly recommend Somerset Health.”

Matthew explains, “Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a nonsurgical, all-natural way to enhance

healing. The patient’s own blood is drawn and put into a centrifuge machine, which spins it to concentrate plasma in the platelets. This activated platelet concentration is then injected back into the body at the site of injury. Growth factors are released that regenerate damaged tissue and accelerate healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints.

PRP therapy has been proven in clinical trials and is approved by NICE, the UK regulatory body.

Exclusive offer

Somerset Health Practice is making a special, exclusive offer to LocalReach readers – free ultrasound scan worth £130.

*Offer open to the first 5 readers to book shockwave sessions, quoting the offer code JUMP INTO JANUARY!

Call 01458 860392 before 31st January.

About Matthew Jackson…

Matthew Jackson of the Somerset Health Practice is well known locally as a trusted osteopath and acupuncturist who is truly dedicated to helping and healing people through modern natural medicine. He is also an expert herbalist and registered practitioner, having trained in London and China with world class professionals.

Matthew is always studying new ways and gaining new qualifications to help his clients, taking a holistic approach. These include Shockwave and Laser therapy for pain, injury and wounds alongside hyperbaric oxygen therapy for longevity, chronic disease healing and enhanced performance. Look online for Somerset Shockwave and Origin Oxygen and read informative e-books.

For more information and claim your free assessment * call 01458 860392

Treatments are private and easy payment plans can be arranged to suit your budget Follow us ‘Somerset Health Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram, or ‘@glastoosteo’ on Twitter

Matthew Jackson - BSc (Hons) Ost, Dip Ac/CHM (China), Pg Dip CHM (OB/GYN), Pg Cert US (MSK) MRCHM, BMUS

my honest opinion, this treatment has changed my life”

Living with Teens

The teen years are a time of body changes, brain rewiring, social pressures and exam stress. Parenting a teen can be hard work.

Conflict - Conflict is completely normal. Teens have to learn to become independent. They are hard-wired for it. Try to remain calm, listen and choose your battles. Decide what is worth taking a stand on and what isn’t.

Boundaries – Teens will test boundaries which is a source of conflict (see above). Set out clear guidelines about what is acceptable. Tell your teenager where you’re going, who with and when you’ll be back. Explain that this is for your safety and so they don’t worry. Tell them you expect the same in return, so that they are safe, and you don’t worry. Boundaries show you care. You teen knows this even if they choose to argue over them.

Individuals – Your teen is not an extension of you. Don’t expect them to agree with everything

you say or believe. Teenagers should and will test opinions and people. Agree to differ. Your teenager is more likely to respect your views if you respect theirs.

Interest – Show an interest in your teen’s day, whether at home or at school. Offer support and guidance with homework or revision. But please note that genuine interest is neither pressure nor prying. Just keep channels of communication open so they know they can talk freely to you about anything.

Family time - Your relationship with your child will change as they progress through their teens. Makes sure you spend some time together doing everyday things…sweeping up the leaves in the garden, sorting laundry, preparing supper. Don’t assume they won’t appreciate a family outing to the cinema, bowling or mini-golf now and then, or even a country walk. They may approach the event ironically as though they are humouring you but if they come it’s because they want to be there.

The work you put in to your relationship with your teen will pay dividends as they get older.

By Heidi Leonard

Win While You Save The history of Premium Bonds

Do you own any Premium Bonds? More than 21 million of us own at least one, and their history dates back to the 19th century.

By 1861 the British Empire was wealthy but ordinary citizens were not. They had little opportunity to save. A Huddersfield banker called Charles Sikes wanted to change this. He proposed a scheme to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, William Gladstone. Gladstone approved and decided there should be a savings bank within, “...an hour’s walk of every working man’s fireside.”.

The Post Office Savings Bank was established to provide cheap funding to the Government, and the Ordinary Savings Account was born. Because the funds were secured by the Government people felt it was a safe way to invest so the project was a success with 2500 branches opening within two years.

During the First World War, the Government needed to borrow more money, so in 1916 it launched War Savings Certificates in 1916 and followed those with National War Bonds in 1917. These raised £433m (around £24 billion based on today’s values).

During the Second World War there was a similar National Savings campaign and deposits rose from £509m to £1,982m between 1939 and 1946.

After the war the Government wanted to encourage people to save again and on November 1st 1956, Premium Savings Bonds went on sale. These didn’t earn interest, instead each £1 bond received a unique number and had an equal chance to win a prize in a monthly draw. £5 million worth of bonds were sold on the first day (about £121 million today).

So that each £1 bond had an equal chance of winning a prize, the draw needed to be truly random. Because of the complexity of the task, the Government used the team behind the Second World War code breaker, Colossus, to build a piece of Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment, dubbed ERNIE. This machine generated bond numbers based on the signal

noise created by gas neon diodes. The original ERNIE was the size of a van and took 10 days to complete a draw. Over the past several decades ERNIE has been through several iterations the current machine is ERNIE 5, which was introduced in 2019. ERNIE 5 is powered by quantum technology which uses light rather than thermal noise to generate random numbers and takes just 12 minutes to complete a draw.

Back in 1956 you had to own a bond for six months to be entered into the draw, now it’s one full calendar month. Initially you could only invest £500 maximum, and the biggest prize was £1000. In a time when the average weekly pay was £10 per week, and average house prices were just under £2000, it must have seemed like a huge sum.

Today, you can hold up to £50,000 worth of Premium Bonds, and the maximum prize is £1 million with two chances to win the jackpot each month. There are also many smaller prizes down to a modest £25. 82 billion bonds go into the draw each month so the odds of any individual bond winning a prize (no matter how small) is 24500 to 1. More than £350 000 of bonds from 1956 are still active today and eligible for entry into the monthly draw.

Believe it or not, even in the present economic climate there are currently over 1.6 million prizes worth more than £63 million which have not been claimed. Perhaps now might be a good time to check to see whether you have any old Premium Bonds in your name, which have been forgotten about. You might get lucky!

By Jamie Maxfield

NOTE: Before making any financial decisions you are advised to consult a professional. financial adviser.

FF

Folly Framing

Bespoke framing for paintings, photos, fabrics, memorabilia and everything in between

6 The Terrace, Folly Lane, Shipham. BS25 1TE info@follyframing.co.uk www.follyframing.co.uk 07963 192 411

What a difference a year makes!

Kate decided enough was enough and in December 2021 walked into Cathy’s Cheddar Slimming World group at The Catholic Hall, Tweentown, Cheddar. Kate is a busy working mum of a 3 year old and wanted to change her mindset around food, drink and activity forever. She also wanted to feel more confident in herself. Kate had tried other things in the past but, this time was determined to find something that was going to be long term and life changing and something that she can enjoy for life. 1 year on and Kate is very close to her 9 stone award!

Kate never misses a group and has enjoyed her journey to feeling happier and more confident. Kate is enjoying a wide variety of foods including chicken, veg, rice pasta and loves Jacket potatoes she also loves making homemade soup, curries and spaghetti Bolognaise. She keeps herself full and satisfied.

Kate works full time but she has started to fit in more activity including walking, swimming and three months ago joined the local gym where she goes first thing in the morning as it opens. Something she never thought she would do.

Looking forward in 2023 Kate is determined to nail her target and most importantly stay there for life. She feels confident she will do it as she loves the new friends she has made at Slimming World and loves the package of support that she gets in and out of group each week. it really is a win win! x If you want to make 2023 your life changing year and want to lose weight whether its half a stone, 2 stone, 15 stone or more! Slimming World is definitely the place to be! You can find lots of Slimming World sessions in Churchill with Mary or Cheddar. with Cathy.

There is no better time than now! Come along and get your FREE fresh start pack for your best week ever! Available until 14th January 2023.

Normal People

by Sally Rooney

It’s the time of year for a feel-good romantic novel, one that can be enjoyed curled up under a blanket with a nutmeg-spiced hot chocolate.

Laurie is unlucky in love and stuck in a career rut. One day she is sitting on a bus when she spots a man reading at the bus stop. He looks up, their eyes meet and somewhere there is a spark. Laurie can’t stop thinking about him, wondering if they will ever meet. Her best friend and roommate Sarah is Laurie’s opposite. She introduces Jack, her new boyfriend to Laurie, anxious that they will hit it off except... her boyfriend is the man from the bus, the guy that Laurie has been dreaming about. No surprises here...classic romantic chicklit so far.

Cue heartbreak and hiccups, and the quest not to hurt a friend while pursuing your own ‘happily ever after’. But this novel actually spans a decade (unusual for a romance) of friendship, fate, unrequited feelings, forgiveness, heartache, and love. It’s not a typical love story...there’s good character development. It’s told both from Laurie and Jack’s perspectives, with the reader privy to their thoughts and feelings. It has all the nostalgia

(and a few of the cliches) of a Richard Curtis film, but the trio of central characters clearly care deeply about each other. Their friendship feels genuine, which in turn makes us care about them and gives the story its heart.

If this book doesn’t get made into a film at some point, I’ll be surprised.

Escape Room

by Christopher Edge

Ami is a clever, thoughtful girl who is gifted an escape room experience for her birthday. She’s excited arriving at The Escape, eager to solve puzzles and to make new friends. But Ami and the children who enter the escape room with her, never have anticipated the dangers ahead or how far their strengths and fragile new friendship bonds would be tested. It seems that far from playing simply to win the escape room, they are fighting for the continuation of the entire planet! The novel is aimed at ages 8-12. It’s short, fast paced, and full of twists and turns, so is particularly ideal for more reluctant readers, and the ending has quite a twist.

By Tash Donovan