LocalReach Portishead May 2024

• Contemporary 3 seater sofa with reversible cushions

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It is packed with community notices, interesting articles and local businesses. A massive 98% of our advertisers rebook every month so we must be doing something right!

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Community Notices are free of charge

Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page

Deadline is 29th April for the June issues

For Business Advertising call 01275 400160

or visit our website www.localreach.co.uk

Deadline is 29th April for the June 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 – Nutritious nettles

As a novice gardener I spent a lot of time pulling out nettles from the overgrown patch I inherited when I bought my first home. Fast forward twenty years and I have learned that I was doing the humble nettle a disservice.

Contrary to their reputation for stinging and being a pervasive nuisance, nettles offer numerous (and free) benefits. These include serving as a rich nutrient source for your garden, attracting helpful insects, and even being a delightful edible option when gathered properly.

You can leverage the nutrient-rich nature of nettles by making a homemade, organic liquid fertilizer. Nettles are packed with some fabulous gardenfriendly elements such as nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium, all vital for plant growth.

Any part of the plant can be used, even the older, tougher parts, and the process is straightforward. Chop the nettles and pack them into a sealable container (to mitigate any unpleasant smells) before submerging them in water. Let the mixture

sit for about a month to create a potent nettle tea. Dilute this tea with water in a ratio of 1:10 for a nutrient-rich feed, ideal for nurturing leafy greens like kale, chard, and spinach.

Nettles also double as an excellent mulch for bigger plants or fruit bushes and act as a compost accelerator by enhancing the breakdown process in your compost pile. However, avoid using the roots or seeds, to prevent unintended growth.

By allowing some nettles to grow on your patch, you support the lifecycle of butterfly species such as red admiral, small tortoiseshell, painted lady, and comma butterflies, and also offer a habitat for beneficial insects such as ladybirds, which control aphid populations and other garden pests.

In addition to their usefulness in the garden, nettles are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Using gloves to avoid the stings, nettles can be harvested and used just like spinach, boasting a similar high iron content. They’re perfect for steaming or as the base for a soup - blend boiled potatoes and tender nettles with vegetable stock, season and enrich with a spoon of cream for a hearty dish…perfect after a day working in the garden! Happy gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

Bluebell Cafe, at St. Mary’s Church, Portbury BS20 7TR

Open 20th April to 6th May (weekends only) for Homemade cake, tea, coffee squash, from 11:00 am to 5:00pm. Everyone welcome.

Join in with North Somerset Walk Fest this May!

Look out for a brochure full of walks and events happening across North Somerset for the whole of May, to celebrate National Walking Month

Pick up a copy in your local library, or visit: n-somerset.gov.uk/nswalkfest to find out more.

Easton in Gordano WI

On 1st May, Easton in Gordano WI will have their Resolution Meeting when we will discuss “Dental Health Matters”. After which we will have a talk by J Burt on The Food Hub. Non members and guests are welcome to join us at 7:30pm in St George’s

Church Hall. Craft dates for May are 14th and 28th and non members are also welcome to join this small friendly group of “crafters” from 10:00am12:00pm.

Work with rough sleepers

The Wednesday Focus meeting at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church, Queen’s Rd, Portishead BS20 8HT on 1st May will have a talk by Alex Henden on the work of St Mungo’s with rough sleepers. Free entry, but a collection for the charity will be taken. All welcome to any meeting - start time 2:30pm (information: rayburgin@hotmail.co.uk, Tel 01275 844115).

Free Entry (Free Will Donation) to our Clairvoyant Evening

Everyone welcome to join us for another wonderful Clairvoyant evening with Sue Chard. 2nd May, 7:30pm - 9:15pm. Workman’s Sports Bar, Slade Road, BS20 6BW. Free entry (free will donation) Disabled access/ Bar open upstairs/ Raffle.

Navigating Life with Hearing Loss

Hello to our wonderful friends, from Claire, Mia, Emma and Toby at Meadows and Wood Hearing Care. Recently, I came across an interesting article about how people react to a decline in their hearing, and thought I would share my insights so that those suffering feel less alone in their journey.

A recent survey of a thousand adults aged 50 and above found that 64% reported experiencing hearing difficulties. However, nearly a quarter of them had never attended a formal hearing test, and of those, only 14% have tried hearing aids in the past.

Individuals facing hearing difficulties also report various negative impacts on their daily lives, including:

• 40% mentioned negative effects on their personal relationships;

• 32% reported negative impacts on their mental health;

• 31% expressed difficulties in conducting day-to-day activities.

Almost half of those suffering with hearing loss feel as though others don’t quite understand how much it has impacted their lives. Around 55% mention negative impacts on their ability to enjoy entertainment, while 42% had negative impacts on socialising. It’s incredibly important to check in with our loved ones, especially when we notice changes in their usual routines, moods, or if they seem a bit more withdrawn.

De Wet Swanepoel, Professor of Audiology and Editor-in-Chief of the IJA, mentions that over half of those suffering with hearing loss dismiss it as an inevitable part of getting older. This results in an average delay of seven years before they make the decision to take action on their hearing after first experiencing signs.

If you or your loved one need advice on hearing, we are here for you in North Somerset’s only full time and fully independent audiology and tinnitus treatment clinic. With various locations across North Somerset, we encourage you to take the first step to a better lifestyle, with the friendly support of your local team. Please see our contact details below.

The final Contest and End of Season Competition

Portishead Camera club will not be meeting on Thursday 2nd May because Redcliffe Bay Hall will be in use as a Polling station. Results for the Contest for an Animal picture on 9th May will determine who comes top of the leader board. The Annual Competition is on 23rd May when judge Les Loosemore will be awarding certificates and Trophies. Meetings are held on Thursdays, doors open at 7:00pm, with free entry for first-time visitors. Visit www.portisheadcameraclub.co.uk for further information and the September start date for the 2024-25 season.

Barn Dance @ Pill Memorial Club

Grab your partners, friends and book the date in your diary for this brilliant evening of fun! Stopping half way through for a ploughman’s. Saturday 4th May, doors open 7:00pm. Pill Memorial Club, BS20 0DH. £10 for Members, £15 for Non-Members. Tickets available from the bar during opening hours.

Hand sewing group making a different piece each month

We are a hand sewing group for beginners (or not). Each month you will hand sew a small something different. We supply the instructions and materials. You just pay for the materials. We meet in the conservatory at The Poacher, High St, Portishead 2:00pm to 4:00pm on the following dates: 6th May, 3rd June, 1st July. Tea and Coffee available at the bar.

Support for those who have been bereaved in Portishead area

Join other bereaved local people on a Cruse guided ‘Walk and talk ‘session on Thursday 9th May commences at 10:00am. Meet at side of Portishead Waitrose.

It is also possible to sign up for the above when attending the Cruse monthly Portishead Drop in which will be held at the Methodist hub High st Portishead on Thursday 30th May, 10:00am to 12 noon. You will receive a warm welcome. Refreshments available from our Hospitality team. Trained bereavement Volunteers will be there to support you.

Defibrillator Project - UpdatesMaking A True Difference!

The Donate For Defib W-s-M Project has installed 3 further defibrillators for venues in Weston super Mare over the last month. A defibrillator donated to the project by BEESWIFT Ltd, has been given to the Community Response Team in Weston, this defibrillator will also be used on the MavisBus when in operation. An Only Fools and Horses fundraising evening is being held at the Tropicana on May 10th, to raise funds for defibrillators, tickets on sale soon. For further information please email, donatefordefib.wsm@ gmail.com

Quiz Night with guest quizmaster ‘Jane Burnett’

Do you have what it takes? Go head to head and win yourself a prize. £2 per person, teams of 4, but whatever works! Everyone 18 and over welcome.

Wednesday 15th May, 8:00pm - 10:00pm. Pill Memorial Club, BS20 0DH. Open to both members and non-members.

Gordano National Health Service Retirement Fellowship

Our May meeting we have Brenda Birkenshaw talking on Dementia. We meet at Somerset Hall on the 15th May from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Admission is £3, which includes coffee, biscuits and a free raffle.

All retired persons of the NHS and Social Care Sector welcome.

Flower Arranging - Germaine Smith and her demonstration ‘My Inspirations‘

Wednesday 15th May, 7:30pm at Somerset Hall, Portishead. Visitors £7.50.

Contact for more info: Nancy 07968348116 or via our Facebook page Portishead Floral Art Society.

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

Portishead Senior Forum, Folk Hall. The Road to Antiques Roadshow

Portishead Senior Forum, Wednesday 15th May at the Folk Hall, Portishead.

Chris Yeo from Clevedon Salerooms will tell how a childhood passion led to a career in Fine Art valuation and TV with the Antiques Roadshow. After our tea break and raffle, Chris will be examining and valuing some of our members cherished ceramics, glass, and small items.

Please note that he cannot value jewellery or silver, so leave those at home.

The meeting begins at 2:00pm. We finish at 4:00pm. Entry free to members, £3 for visitors.

Plant, Cake & Book Sale supporting the homeless in Bristol

Come to the Annual Plant, Cake & Book Sale at 10:30am on Saturday 18th May at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church in Queens Road, Portishead BS20 8HT. Tea & Coffee also available. All money raised will go to the Bristol Methodist Centre supporting the homeless and vulnerable.

We look forward to seeing you at our sale of home-grown plants and home-made cakes together with a variety of books to choose from on several tables.

Plant Sale and Afternoon Tea

Avon Wildlife Trust Portishead Group will be holding a plant sale and afternoon tea on Saturday 18th May from 2:00pm to 4:30pm at the Folk Hall, 95 High Street, Portishead, BS20 6PR. Please come along as there will be homemade cakes, handicrafts, white elephant stall, books and puzzles for sale. Entry is free. For further information ring 01275 843160.

There will then be a summer break until Friday 27th September when there will be a talk on “North of the Border” at 7:30pm in the Folk Hall.

Gordano Freemasons Lodge May Meeting

The Masonic lodge for Portishead Masons, Gordano Lodge, are holding a Second Degree Ceremony on 20th May. This is an

extra meeting, at which wives and partners are invited to dine, and several charity cheques will be presented.

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’.

Dental Health Matters

A lesser known fact about the WI is that it is a campaigning organisation; focussing on the needs of women, health, education and rural matters. At their May meetings WIs across the country discuss a Resolution to be voted on at the national AGM. This year the chosen Resolution is: Dental Health Matters.

Portbury WI meet at 7:30pm on 3rd Tuesday of the month at Portbury Village Hall, BS20 7TW. On 21st May we will also be having a Bring and Buy sale. Contact Helen Francis on 07503 134817

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

• 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..

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

Joe’s Doors can simply transform your kitchen by replacing the doors, panels and trims. With a huge range of kitchen styles to choose from, this cost effective, fuss free service, can be completed in under two days and best of all you don’t even need to empty the cupboards!

Call now to take advantage of a free survey, free quote and free design service....with no pressure selling. We’ll

Transform your worktops with Quartzize stone overlays

Why replace your worktops when this unique quartz overlay simply fits over your existing surface. Here are some of the amazing benefits:

•Timeless - Looks clean and modern.

•Hygienic - A perfectly smooth surface.

•Easy care - Wipe with a neutral cleaner.

•Durable - Tough and scratch resistant.

•Easily Installed - Fitted in less than a day.

Do you rely on an ageing computer?

In the last few months, we’ve been called in to a greater number of customers with computers over 7 years old, with various hardware related problems. In some cases, there has been data lost due to a failed component and no backup, so this raises the question of the reliability of older machines.

We appreciate that some machines work faultlessly for years and why fix something that isn’t broken, but the fact is that electrical devices, especially with moving parts, can fail without any warning, so we encourage people to initially make sure their important data is backed up, and then consider replacing or upgrading their computer.

Some customers are concerned about the cost of replacing equipment, which is particularly the case for Apple computers so it is worth mentioning that we can move data from Apple to Microsoft with a much cheaper replacement cost.

Another good reason for replacing older computers is that in almost all cases, the operating system is no longer supported, so with recent advances in speed, security and reliability added for both Windows and Mac operating systems, these are added benefits of replacing an older computer.

When we are involved in setting up new equipment, we do our best to make sure that the new system works as close as we can to the old system, so there is not much learning and everything looks the same or similar to the previous computer. If you think that you could benefit from having an older computer upgraded, or even the data backed up, please get in touch.

Please also remember that scams are getting more sophisticated – in particular never ring a phone number that flashes up on your screen, out of the blue, as this is a common way that hackers get you to call them!!

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd. Tel: 07973 536299

Turn The Tide Portishead Launch

Litter-Pick Board At Wheels Park

A 2-minute litter-pick board has been installed by Turn The Tide Portishead at the Lake Grounds Wheels Park. Anyone can use the equipment to carry out a quick litter-pick in the area and help keep this beautiful part of Portishead tidy. If you’d like to support Turn The Tide’s efforts to tackle litter and reduce single-use plastic you can boost their funding by playing the North Somerset Community Lottery (www.northsomersetcommunitylottery. co.uk/support/turn-the-tide-portishead) or join the Big Clean on Sunday 26th May, 10:30am11:30am, meeting at the Sainsbury’s bus-stop by Old Mill Road: turnthetideportishead.co.uk/ events/

Family Quiz Night!

Gather the gang and battle it out at our Family Quiz Night. All ages are welcome, £5 per team with a chance of winning a prize!

Wednesday 29th May, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Pill Memorial Club, BS20 0DH. Open to both members and non-members.

www.pillmemorialclub.co.uk

Pop Up Play Village is coming to Pill!

Wednesday 29th May. We are a mobile, educational role play village for children to engage, explore, and have fun. We have created an environment where children from babies through to 6 years are inspired and excited to play! Enter our role play world where children become doctors, chefs, artists, vets, builders, posties, waiters and shopkeepers. Here imagination leads the way, so no two play sessions are ever the same! Suitable for 0 – 6 year olds.

Book online: popupplayvillage.co.uk/organiser/ north-of-bristol/

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 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 new people to join their regular Mah-Jong Group.

Whether you’re a novice, experienced 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.

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

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

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender:

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.

Walk-in Shower or Wetroom?

We can help you decide

• Over 24 years experience

• Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot

• Discounts for ex-military personnel

Clairvoyant Evenings

7:30pm each Wednesday night at Brampton Way Preschool Hall, Portishead Spiritualist Association has a Clairvoyant Evening with a different Medium/Mediums each time.

Entry £5 at the door with all net monies, after expenses, going to various charities. This has always been our policy in the 40 years we have been going as it is, and always has been, run by volunteers.

Open to all and a warm welcome awaits.

International Inner Wheel - The World’s Largest Women’s Service Organisation

The objects of Inner Wheel are Service and Friendship. We are your local branch of this amazing organisation - The Inner Wheel Club of Clevedon - and are a friendly group of ladies who enjoy each others company socially while raising funds for the needs of the community. We are always happy to welcome new members.

The Club meets at The Methodist Church Hall, Clevedon on the third Wednesday of the month, at 2:30pm.

If you would like more information, please contact us through our Facebook page.

Gain Confidence and Discipline whilst staying active with Martial Arts!

Portishead TSD is a martial arts school, training students in traditional Korean Tang Soo Do. We provide a strong foundation in self defence and a solid introduction into Martial Arts, in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The class is led by Robert Whitehead, 1st Dan black belt, a fully qualified instructor.

Come and visit us at the Portishead Folk Hall on a Thursday evening between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.

All ages and ability levels welcomed, plus the first class is free!

Contact: Portisheadtsd@gmail.com or call 07927291814 for more info.

“Fantastic responsive service. It’s the 2nd time I have used central roofing and on both occasions they turned up on time got on with the job and kept us informed on what was being carried out. Went above and beyond and assisted me in issues around insurance. I would recommend this company to anyone with roofing issues.”

Cat Lady

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

Anderson

Skittles, starting soon!

Are you interested in playing Skittles? New & existing team members are welcome to join. Summer League - Friday’s (6 a side) & Hardwick Cup - Wednesday’s & Thursday’s (12 a side). Forms are available behind the bar to sign up.

Contact Dave Anderson for more information –07969 347 655.

Pill Memorial Club, BS20 0DH www.pillmemorialclub.co.uk

01275 372176

Setting up a men’s Shed in Portishead?

Are you interested in setting up a men’s shed in Portishead? If you are I would be interested in meeting like minded people to consider trying to set up a Portishead Shed.

If you are interested in learning more about the “Men’s Sheds“ organisation please have a look at www.menssheds.org.uk and if you feel like getting involved please send me an Email at bob. beveritt@gmail.com

Join a free and friendly Health Walk!

30 to 60 minute Health Walks are available in Churchill and Cheddar, 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/get-active/walking/ Or contact us at: getactive@n-somerset.gov.uk / 01275 882 730.

Could you volunteer with Age UK Somerset?

Could you volunteer with Age UK Somerset to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people? Age UK Somerset is searching for volunteers to train in and deliver Tai Chi QiGong in the Portishead area.

Tai Chi QiGong is a series of 18 mindful movements for health and wellbeing.

If you can spare an hour a week to volunteer with us, then please get in touch for more information. No previous experience is necessary but a background in talking to groups is advantageous.

Contact: 01823 345627 volunteers@ageuksomerset.org.uk

Portishead Humanists - a meeting point for the non-religious Portishead Humanists exists as a part of Bristol Humanists at present, but may organise some local events in the coming year. If you would like further information, please contact Don Cameron at dcameron131@gmail.com

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Your roof and exteriors are actually NOT DIRTY, they are INFESTED with microorganisms like bacteria, algae, mold, fungus and lichen. These microorganisms shorten the lifespan of your roof by decomposing the roofing material itself. Sanitizing these surfaces can provide you a truly clean exterior.

Similar bacteria found on child’s hand.