LocalReach Portishead April 2024

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Simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the form on the Community Notices page. We want to especially help the all the clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches that have very little income for advertising. Please spread the word!

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Community Notices are free of charge

Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page Deadline is 1st April for the May issues

For Business Advertising call 01275 400160 or email hello@localreach.co.uk

Deadline is 1st April for the May issues

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

DO YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF LOCALREACH EACH MONTH?

LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Portishead/BS20 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 15,686 copies each month.

We take non deliveries very seriously and in the event of a non delivery being reported to us we follow the Royal Mail’s complaint procedure.

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

Garden View

This month – An annual pleasure

Every year since I began to garden, come spring, I grabbed my spade and in a fit of enthusiasm I dug over the soil. Then I filled any empty spaces with annuals. These might be carefully nurtured in my greenhouse, sprinkled direct from the packet, or purchased in packs at my local garden centre.

Several years ago, due to an injury, I was unable to get out and begin this frenzy of activity. I resigned myself to the fact than my garden simply wouldn’t be as colourful that year. Nature however had other plans.

As I waited for my perennials to surface something wonderful happened. Hundreds of self-sown annuals from the previous year also began to surface. They’d been there all along, just waiting for the warm spring sun to bring them to life.

It occurred to me that my habit of stopping deadheading towards the end of the season (to leave some interesting seed heads which feed the birds and look so pretty covered in frost) had benefitted me in more ways than the one I’d intended.

Calendula, Candytuft, Cosmos, Larkspur, Nicotiana, Poppies, Sweet Alyssum and Love-ina-Mist were popping up everywhere I looked. I’ve never been so delighted.

I waited until they were a couple of inches tall then on a slightly drizzly day I eased some out and transferred them to barer soil.

My reward was a display of annuals every bit as lovely as if I’d spent hours with my spade and trowel.

So last year I experimented. Throughout the flowering season I noted where I might need an extra patch or two of colour and then, when I stopped deadheading, I simply grabbed a few seed heads and dropped them in the appropriate spot.

That spring and summer I had another beautiful display of annuals. Why hadn’t I discovered this lazy way to garden before?

Of course, there are some teeny disadvantages. The main one is that annuals grown from seed flower later than those bought as plugs or plants from garden centres. Don’t let this put you off though. If you have a good range of perennials the annuals can take their time, taking over when the others begin to fade. Also, no-one says it has to be all or nothing. I have a passion for cosmos, so I bring in a few plants early on every year. That way I can savour their pretty blooms right through the season.

So, if you’re planting annuals this spring, plan ahead a little. Look at your garden as an evolving piece of work and let at least some of them selfseed. Then next year don’t be so quick to brandish a spade…you’ll gain two commodities gardeners always need more of...time and money.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

Spring Craft Fair & Tabletop Sale

Spring Craft Fair & Tabletop Sale, Sunday 24th March, 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Pill Memorial Club, BS20 0DH.

Are you a crafter, someone looking to declutter or perhaps you’re looking to buy something unique. Come and join us for a browse, along with homemade cake and fresh bean to cup coffee at our fair. Sellers can arrive from 1:00pm - please contact the club to book a table in advance. Tables are £5 + we kindly ask for a small gift donation towards our club raffles. We look forward to seeing you.

April in the WI

On 3rd April, Easton in Gordano WI will be 77 years old. Our committee are in charge this evening and we look forward to celebrating this event with members, guests and any ex members who might like to join us in St George’s Church Hall at 7:30pm. Members please bring their entries for the Group meeting competition to be judged - the theme this year is “anything to do with transport”. Craft Group dates for April are 9th and 23rd at 10:00am - 12:00pm in St George’s Church Hall. Non members welcome.

Double Points for Planes

On the first Thursday in April Nick Jenkins will be showing Portishead Camera club’s members that UK Landscapes can be as dramatic as anywhere in the world. Later in April, Plane pictures will get double points in Contest Nine’s Transport theme. For Nature lovers Contest Ten is for Floral photography. On April 18th judge Steve Hallam LRPS, will be handing out the awards for Competition 5. Meetings are held on Thursdays at Redcliffe Bay Hall, doors open at 7:00pm, with free entry for first-time visitors. Visit www.portisheadcameraclub.co.uk for further information.

Rockola - Live Rock ‘n’ Roll Band

After their successful afternoon event in February, Rockola are back for you to dance or listen to their list of popular hits from the 60’s and 70’s. Thursday 4th April 2:00pm - 4:30pm. Pill Memorial Club, BS20 0DH. £8 on the door.

Breaking the Stigma of Hearing Loss:

Last month, we celebrated World Hearing Day, which focused on overcoming societal challenges and stigma surrounding hearing loss. While it’s commonly associated with the elderly, hearing loss actually affects all ages, if left untreated it can reduce a person’s confidence and limit their social and family interactions which are essential for a healthy and happy life. Here are some ways in which we can all help break the stigma around hearing loss:

Fostering Understanding

Hearing loss is still quite misunderstood by the public. It’s like trying to find a decent cup of tea when on holiday — it is elusive and perplexing. The reality is, hearing loss knows no age limits, affecting individuals from infancy to elderly. By talking about hearing health more often you can help individuals feel more comfortable in sharing their concerns and experience.

Empower Change

Regular hearing tests and understanding our challenges can help normalise hearing loss. Remember, you’re not alone in this, in the UK, 1 in 6 individuals struggle with hearing loss

Policies that promote inclusivity are crucial in breaking the stigma. No-one should feel left out due to their hearing ability.

Creating Positive Impact

Research shows that hearing loss can cause depression, low self-esteem, memory issues, and reduce mobility over time. Spotting hearing loss early is crucial in preventing these risks. If you, or someone you know, is having difficulties be proactive about addressing this important health concern. Good hearing means a better quality of life. By breaking the stigma, we’re not just changing lives but also embracing diversity and enriching our relationships with loved ones.

Our team at Meadows & Wood are here for you at home or in North Somerset’s only full time and fully independent audiology and tinnitus treatment clinic. Contact details are below.

We need your help to raise our puppies

Sight loss charity Guide Dogs are appealing for volunteer puppy raisers in Bristol. This means looking after future guide dogs for the first year of their lives, socialising them and giving them a loving home.

Ian, one of our Puppy Raisers says “My first puppy, May, is very inquisitive and wants to know about everything and anything. Before she first arrived, there was some trepidation as it is a huge commitment, then we met her and all I could think was ‘awwww’. Everything you have learned just disappears that first day and you just play with the puppy. Then the next day is starting the journey. This is the best bit for me, watching May progress and develop whilst allowing her to enjoy her time being a puppy.

Raising a puppy has given me a purpose in retirement. It has encouraged me to get up, get going, keep fit and keep my brain ticking over. She has brought me amusement as she does something every day that amazes me or makes me smile. She has stolen everyone’s heart”.

If you’d like more information please go to www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or contact our Volunteering Coordinator, Helena Brodie, on VolunteerSouthWestWales@guidedogs.org.uk

Free Entry (Free Will Donation) to our Clairvoyant Evening

Everyone welcome to join us for another wonderful Clairvoyant night with Ryan Matthews on 4th April. 7:30pm - 9:15pm at The Workmen’s Sports Bar, Slade Road BS20 6BW. Free Entry (free will donation). Bar open upstairs/raffle/ disabled access.

An Auctioneer’s Lot

Gordano Civic Society will have Andrew Stowe, ASFAV, to talk about auctions on Monday 8th April at 7:30pm in Somerset Hall, The Precinct, Portishead. All welcome. Admission feeMembers £1, Non Members £5. There will also be a short AGM. After this talk, the next meeting will be on Monday 9th September, but we will have a stall at the Summer Show. For further information please ring 01275 849200

Grief is hard. Death can impact all of life

Are you grieving the death of a loved one or struggling with the long-term effects of loss? This seven-session course, gently guides bereaved

people through the most common aspects of grief, enabling them to process the implications for themselves and discern next steps.

The course will be running for seven Tuesday evenings (19:15 to 21:30), at Christchurch Clevedon, and starting on 9th April. If you’d like to know more, please email: bereavementsupport@ christchurch-clevedon.org.uk

Or you can sign up via the Church Website: www.christchurch-clevedon.org.uk/news/thebereavement-journey-2023/

If bereaved come to our Cruse services for support

On Thurs 11th April you can join our friendly and supportive Portishead area Cruse “Walk and Talk“, commencing 10:00am, near the bicycle racks at Waitrose. Phone 0117 926 4045 leaving your contact no. and we will get back to you with more details.

On Thursday 25th April between 10:00am and 12 noon you will receive a warm welcome at the Cruse Drop in at Portishead Methodist Church in the High Street. Trained bereavement Counsellors present, and refreshments served by our hospitality team.

Happy Balance…

Supporting your busy life

We are passionate about re-cycling, re-housing and re-using items, working with many local charities we distribute your unwanted items on your behalf. We always offer a FREE 1hour consultation to introduce ourselves and to discuss how we can help you.

Our clients know that allocating time to work alongside Happy Balance provides the impetus they need to make a start. Through experience we understand the importance of working with you at your pace, listening to you and helping you put into action what you want to achieve.

These are all scenarios from clients we have worked with:

• ‘I don’t want to leave it for the kids to sort’ – Feeling mindful that you need to get your home in order? You don’t want the family having to sort through everything when you are gone? We will work with you to streamline your home, recycle unwanted items and organise belongings you may wish to distribute to family and friends

• My partner/parent has died – You’re not only dealing with grief but also thinking about how you clear the house? We are NOT house clearance. We work with you sensitively, practically and confidentially to organise their affairs and clear the house for sale or other

• I am embarrassed – It’s all got on top of me and I just feel overwhelmed – Are you buying too many items, storing them away and feeling like you may be hoarding? Claire and SJ are non judgemental and through experience can help you declutter and regain control

• I’m moving and need to downsize – I can’t physically or emotionally cope with my move and I need help. We are hands-on in preparing your belongings ensuring that when your removal firm comes to move you that you have already sorted through, de-cluttered and made sure all your items, big and small will fit into your new home giving you peace of mind.

• ‘Our family space isn’t working for us’ –Who can help us? Happy Balance will give you guidance, ideas and hands on support to make the changes to make your home a living space and not a storage space

Crossword Across

Word Search

astronomical brawny broad chunky copious deep epic

extensive fat giant grand great heavy hefty

huge hulking immense infinite jumbo large lofty

long mega mighty outsized spacious tall titanic

1 Material used to make tents (6)

5 Skimpy knickers! (6)

8 Earth, compost (4)

9 Green vegetable (8)

10 Bendy fruit (6)

11 Hard yellowish tooth deposit (6)

12 Area, region (4)

14 Frozen water (3)

15 Nip, chomp (4)

16 Expression, brief utterance (6)

18 Lightweight waterproof jacket (6)

20 Sticky insect trap (8)

22 Barrage, bombardment (4)

23 Undercover, secret (6)

24 Brine (6)

Down

2 Odour, scent (5)

3 Group of houses, rural community (7)

4 The Beatles sang about a yellow one! (9)

5 As well, also (3)

6 Coveted film award (5)

7 Dashing, debonair (7)

11 Dictionary of synonyms and antonyms (9)

13 Shakespearean play (7)

15 House of ill repute! (7)

17 Bramley, Granny Smith, Cox (5)

19 Extra-terrestrial (5)

21 Container, vessel (3)

Mindbenders

towering tremendous vast voluminous weighty whopping wide

Solutions: Turn to page 16

Support or Abuse? The Mental capacity Act in Practice

Contemporary Ethics Forum: Monday 15th April, 7:30pm - 9:30pm at St Peter’s Church. No tickets required. No charge.

What will happen if we are no longer able to manage our own affairs due to loss of mental capacity. Retired Consultant Psychiatrist Peter Carpenter will help us explore The Mental Capacity Act, The principles and conundrums in practice, and related legal issues. This will be followed by questions and open discussion. Contact David 01275 840245 or david.tyres@gmail.com

Portishead Probus Club

PORTISHEAD PROBUS CLUB (formerly Probus73) will meet at Clarence House in Portishead’s High Street on Wednesday 17th April. Doors will open at 12 noon and you can enjoy an hour of pleasant socialising in the bar before a splendid two course lunch is served at 1:00pm. After lunch ex-BBC cameraman Geoff Vian will give us a glimpse into the fascinating life he has led behind a TV camera filming a wide variety of programmes including many important cricket matches around the world. If you would like to find out more about

about Portishead Probus Club please contact Brian Lazenby on on 01275 464104, or try taking a look at our new web site – just search for Portishead Probus Club.

Gordano NHSRF AGM

Our next meeting will be our AGM which will take place on Wednesday 17th April at Somerset Hall Portishead from 10:00am - 12:00pm, admission £3 which includes coffee and biscuits although this month members are asked to bring a small amount of cake to share. All retired people from the NHS and Social Care Sector welcome.

Portishead Senior Forum. Folk Hall. The Golden Age of Shopping

Portishead Senior Forum, Wednesday 17th April at the Folk Hall. Before our tea break and Raffle, it is the 2024 AGM. Suitably refreshed, Dave Cheesly will regale us with tales of how shopping has changed, from all the goods behind the counter and no touching, to today when we buy too much and wait in a long queue at the checkout. The meeting begins at 2:00pm. The talk will start at 2:50pm. We finish at 4:00pm. Entry free to members, £3 for visitors.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPAs”) –Have you prepared yours yet?

Most people believe that their spouse or relative will automatically be allowed to make decisions about their health care needs if they were to be incapacitated; or their property and financial affairs if unable to act. This is not the case!

If you do not have a LPA in place and were mentally incapacitated:

• Your spouse/family will be denied access to your bank accounts and they will have to apply the Court of Protection to access your finances, including any pension or insurance payments which is costly and can take a year to put in place.

• The Local Council will make decisions on your health care needs, including end of life care; whereas a Health & Welfare LPA will give your attorneys some “power” to speak as if they were you regarding your care

Call Karen on 07498 948580 or email info@grovewills.com

• Your spouse/family will not be able to sell your property to pay for care fees or if you needed to downsize. Again, they would have to apply to the Court of Protection. We can prepare new LPAs for you at very reasonable rates or carry out a free review of your current documents to ensure they meet your needs..

Your 7 day Countdown To A Fun Easter

#7 Tidy up! Before you do anything else, you need a tidy home and clean kitchen. Put things away, recycle old newspapers and plump the cushions. To ensure a wonderful result with your cooking, your kitchen and its appliances need to be spotless. The last thing you want is your wonderful Easter Roast to taste of the last few weeks dinners. Get that cooker clean: either do it yourself or call OvenGleamers, a professional oven cleaning service to gleam it for you.

#6 Choose the menu. Will you have fish, lamb or a nut roast? Fish is traditionally eaten on Good Friday. Early Christians said that the day of Jesus’ crucifixion should be one of abstaining from meat, so they had fish instead.

#5 Invite your family and friends to join in. Easter is a great time for families and friends so plan something fun. Did you know where we got the Easter Bunny from? Experts say the 18th century when some Germans settled in America. They called him Osterhase because he lay brightly coloured eggs in nests in the bonnets of children.

#4 Get shopping. Prepare that list and pop down the supermarket or even easier shop online and get it all delivered.

#3 Plan the weekend’s activities. Set up an Easter Egg hunt in the house or the garden. Children love finding eggs anywhere!

#2 Get the cooking prepared. Now you’ve a lovely clean kitchen, get baking. Have you got some oven liners to help you? Great for lining roasting tins, baking biscuits on or to catch drips. OvenGleamers can supply these too.

#1 Hurrah you’re there. Food planned, friends and family on their way and fun events sorted. But if all else fails – try the National Trust for Easter Trails, buy the ready prepared dishes from your favourite supermarket and watch ‘Easter Parade’ on the TV to put you in the mood. Happy Easter. For that gleaming cooker, AGA or Range, just call me today: Graham Rogers, OvenGleamers now on 01275 370571

Are you fully utilising fibre internet? Websites or streaming remain slow? Let’s

investigate

In many homes, the promise of super-fast fibre internet often falls short due to outdated home Wi-Fi equipment, or because of slow computers or other devices. A modern fibre connection may offer blazing speeds between 300 to 900 megabits, but poor or absent network equipment can limit the speed as it reaches phones, laptops, TVs and the rest, to perhaps a mere 30 megabits, or even less! This bottleneck is not uncommon and occurs because the network equipment in the home cannot handle the full potential of the fibre line.

For those unsure whether this issue affects them, speed tests can be performed via smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and we recommend running tests throughout the home and looking for drops in speed. The areas of most importance are where phones, TVs and other smart devices are most often used. A reliable speed test website is speedtest.net – navigate here, hit the “Go” button, and ensure the download speeds throughout the home hit the maximum or thereabouts. In the event of speed issues, upgrading to modern Wi-Fi solutions that support the latest standards, like Wi-Fi 6, is recommended. There are numerous types of equipment, and we can help identify the best approach.

Perhaps the internet speeds are fast, but the internet nevertheless feels slow to navigate. This raises health concerns for the computer or other device used. Computers often become slow due to age or lack of proper maintenance and require cleaning and updating to prevent fast internet being squandered on a device that makes no use of it. Due to the complex nature of determining the genuine causes of internet speed issues, and in implementing the best solution, consider contacting us on 07973 536299 to arrange an appointment.

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd.

April Fool

A history of practical jokes

History is littered with wars, revolutions, and the rise and fall of civilizations. Yet, amidst the chaos and drama, a less chronicled but equally important thread weaves through the fabric of our past: the history of practical jokes. This noble tradition has been the unsung hero of human interaction, providing levity in the face of adversity and reminding rulers and peasants alike that nobody is above a good pie in the face.

Let’s rewind to Ancient Rome, where one of the earliest recorded practical jokes came to light. Emperor Augustus, known for his powerful leadership, apparently also had a knack for humour. He was fond of sending guests to his banquets home with absurd gifts, such as a giant squid disguised as a delicacy, or a bunch of carrots artistically arranged to look like a rare bouquet. Imagine the confusion and laughter when a dignified senator discovered his ‘precious’ parting gift was essentially a well-dressed octopus.

Fast forward to the Renaissance, an era of enlightenment and, evidently, elite pranking. Leonardo da Vinci, aside from his contributions to art and science, reportedly designed a mechanical dragon to scare unwary visitors in his court. This early animatronic beast wasn’t just a feat of engineering but a testament to da Vinci’s love for a good prank, blending innovation with a dash of terror.

The 18th century brought us the infamous Joseph Pujol, better known by his stage name Le Pétomane. This French entertainer turned flatulence into an art form, astonishing audiences by playing musical instruments and performing various feats through the power of his own gas. Pujol’s performances at the Moulin Rouge were nothing short of a sensational prank on high society, making him a legend in the annals (half pun totally intended) of practical joke history.

In the more recent past, the 20th century gave us Alan Abel, a professional prankster who founded the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals (SINA), advocating for the clothing of all animals for the sake of decency. This long-running hoax fooled many, including some media outlets, into

believing there was a genuine movement to put pants on horses and dresses on chickens!

Even esteemed institutions haven’t been immune to the allure of pranking. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a storied tradition of elaborate “hacks,” as they call them. One of the most memorable involved placing a police car on top of the Institute’s Great Dome, complete with a dummy officer and a box of donuts inside. This feat of engineering and humour required meticulous planning and execution, embodying the spirit of creativity and mischief that defines the best practical jokes.

These historical hijinks remind us that, despite our differences, humour is a universal language. From the halls of ancient empires to the ivory towers of academia, the tradition of practical joking has endured, bringing joy, surprise, and sometimes befuddlement to the unsuspecting.

As we approach April 1st this year, let’s remember the lessons taught by history’s greatest pranksters: to approach life with a sense of humour, a dash of creativity, and, when necessary, a well-timed whoopee cushion.

By Tom Hancock

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES

Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?

Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge?

Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

Freemasons Meeting in April

Gordano Lodge, the Masonic Lodge for Portishead, is holding a special Third Degree ceremony on Monday 22nd April. The meeting will be conducted by a team from the Province of Somerset. This will be a very important occasion. All freemasons will be welcomed, especially if you have moved into the area, or you are no longer a subscribing member. If you would like to more about this occasion or about Freemasonry, please contact Marshall on 07585 152570 or Gordano.Lodge@gmail.com, or take a look at our Facebook page ‘Gordano Lodge 6244’.

Finland through the Seasons

Avon Wildlife Trust Portishead welcomes Helen Mugridge to talk about the varied flora and fauna seen on visits to the beautiful country of Finland on Friday 26th April. The talk will be held at the Folk Hall, 95 High Street, Portishead, BS20 6PR at 7:30pm. All welcome. Entrance £2 for all adults and £1 for children and students. This includes tea or coffee during the evening. For further

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender:

1: Perfect storm 2: Two peas in a pod

3: Code breaker

information please phone 01275 843160 or 07853 248476.

Help Turn The Tide Portishead Keep Our Town Tidy!

Litter-picking can be surprisingly fun and therapeutic, both mentally and physically. If you would like to give it a try, why not join Turn The Tide Portishead’s enthusiastic volunteers on one of our monthly community litterpicks? Our next event is on Sunday 28th April, 10:30am - 11:30am, meeting at the marina lock gates by the Captain’s Cabin. You can find future dates on our website: turnthetideportishead. co.uk/events. All you need are gloves, a bag for the rubbish you find and a litter-picker if you have one (we can lend you one if not).

Fibromyalgia Support Group

We are a group of people who are living with Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions who meet regularly to support each other. We meet on Monday afternoons for Tai Chi and Crafts, plus for coffee in Nuffield (Weston) on Thursday mornings. Meetings are a mix of speakers, chat and information. We have a weekly hydrotherapy group and organize trips and meals out plus and interest groups as required. For more information, call Val 07411989478 or Jules 07840189641; email wsmfibro@gmail.com.

Mah-Jong: a beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity

The Shipham Inn (SomersetBS25 1TW) would like to welcome people to join their regular Mah-Jong Group. Whether you’re a novice, experience Mah-Jong player or someone who would like to learn to play a warm welcome awaits.

My hope is that we can make these enjoyable social evenings playing a game that originated in the Far East.

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month: 7:30pm start. Free.

Contact details please: mark.trenchard53@ gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580

In 2024 Portbury WI is celebrating its 90th year

Why not make this the year that you try us out? We are a friendly group and have welcomed several new members and visitors in recent months. Joining the WI offers you monthly meetings with speakers on a range of topics plus the opportunity to enjoy a variety of other events organised by Portbury WI and the wider Avon Federation of WIs. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at Portbury Village Hall, BS20 7TW. For more information contact Helen Francis on 07503 134817.

Clairvoyant Evenings

We meet 7:30pm every Wednesday at Brampton Way Preschool Hall in Portishead with a different Medium each week. £5 at the door, net proceeds always going to charities. Open to all. Details of who is coming each week can be found on Facebook under Portishead Spiritualist Church.

Upcoming Royal British Legion events

Portishead RBL hosts get-together breakfasts in The Posset Cup BS20 7QZ on 1st Sunday of each month from 0900 to 1100 with generous support from JD Wetherspoon. Forthcoming events are on Sunday 5th May and Sunday 2nd June.

Branch meetings are held in Portishead RBL Bowling Club on 3rd Tuesday of each month starting at 1900. Forthcoming events are Tuesday 21st May and Tuesday 18th June. All welcome.

If you know anyone requiring assistance, the RBL Contact Centre is available on 08088028080 8:00am to 8:00pm daily except Christmas Day.

Join a free and friendly Health Walk!

30 to 60 minute Health Walks are available in Clevedon, Flax Bourton, Long Ashton, Nailsea, Portishead, Weston-super-Mare, Winscombe and Yatton.

No need to book, just come along!

Please see our website for the dates, times and meeting places: www.betterhealthns.co.uk/getactive/walking/

Or contact us at: getactive@n-somerset.gov.uk / 01275 882 730

Shower, walk-in bath, or wet room? We can help you decide

Choosing a new bathroom involves understanding your bathing needs. There are a variety of options to consider when deciding. One option is to replace your bath with a low-level shower, this is suited to those with limited mobility. Slip-resistant shower trays are available in various sizes, and accessories like shower seats.

Some people still prefer having a bath to a shower so this is when we would recommend a walk-in bath. These are available in various sizes and come with moulded seats and quick fill.

The third option is a wet room which eliminates obstacles with slip-resistant flooring and a central drain, making them ideal for wheelchair users and caregivers.

It can be overwhelming knowing which solution to choose but at AHM Installations, we have a friendly team of home surveyors who will visit you at home to discuss your bathing needs. We provide FREE quotations and visuals of how your new bathroom could look. To find out more call 01275 772425.

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We used Central Roofing to take down an old flat roof and install another on our business premises at Knight Brothers Garage. The company was very reliable, they turned up when they said they would, the guys that did the work were very tidy and efficient. The work was completed in the time frame they set…we are more than pleased with the finished job.

Keep active in and around Portishead

Keeping active is vital for our health and wellbeing.

Local charity, Age UK Somerset, has launched new exercise classes across North Somerset. More Tai Chi QiGong sessions have started in Clevedon and Nailsea, and Movement to Music has launched in Backwell, to complement their Tai Chi, Movement to Music and Strong and Steady strength and balance classes in Portishead.

Find out what’s on in and around Portishead here: www.ageuksomerset.org.uk/ageingwell

Or you could join one of their online sessions.

If you think you have a problem with alcohol

Then call us on 08009177650 or Email: help@ aamail.org. We have support groups in North

The Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare Team continues to raise awareness regarding defibrillators within the community through events, presentations, social media, local newspapers, radio and including the BBC. Three electrical companies are sponsoring the project by installing the defibrillators at various venues, more defibrillators are on order. In February the project, ran CPR / Defibrillator awareness sessions which were well-attended and further sessions are planned.

For further information please contact donatefordefib.wsm@gmail.com. Every second counts in a cardiac arrest and a defibrillator can make a difference!