PORTISHEAD - BS20
Remembrance Sunday 12th November
GARDENING – page 4
COMMUNITY – page 5
PUZZLES – page 10
BUSINESS A-Z – page 19
• Three and Four Wheeled Walkers
• Wheelchairs
• Bath Lifts
• Rise and Recliner Chairs
• Stairlifts
• Mobility Scooters
• Electric Wheelchairs
• Cosyfeet Slippers and Shoes
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Garden View
This month – Trees: Heroes of nature
most organisms on Earth. A mature leafy tree can produce as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year. By cleansing the air, trees essentially act as the lungs of our planet.
Trees are formidable warriors in the battle against climate change. By absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, they mitigate the greenhouse effect, helping to cool our warming planet. Forests worldwide store more than 296 gigatons of carbon, acting as crucial carbon sinks.
Trees have graced our planet for over 370 million years, offering a range of benefits that render them indispensable to life as we know it. National Tree Week (25th November-3rd December) celebrates the many reasons why trees are the champions of the natural world and why we should all plant a tree today.
Every school student learns that trees play a pivotal role in the process of carbon dioxide reduction. Through photosynthesis they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, a vital element for
Forests, rich with trees of all kinds, are hotspots of biodiversity. They provide habitat, food, and protection to countless species, from the tallest giraffes nibbling on treetop leaves in Africa, to the smallest beetles burrowing in the bark of rainforest trees. Without trees, many of these habitats would be lost, leading to massive declines in biodiversity. Trees play an essential role in maintaining the health and integrity of our soil. Their root systems anchor the soil, preventing erosion, particularly in areas susceptible to landslides or during heavy rainfall. Furthermore, fallen leaves decompose and enrich the soil with nutrients, promoting a healthy ground ecosystem.
Trees significantly influence the water cycle. They absorb rainfall and produce water vapour through transpiration, which is then released into the atmosphere. This process not only aids in cloud formation but also ensures that water is recycled back into our environment through rain, maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
In urban environments, trees act as natural air conditioners. Their shade cools down streets and cities, reducing the need for air conditioning in nearby buildings and lowering energy costs. Moreover, trees absorb and block sunlight, reducing the heat island effect common in urban areas.
Recent studies have highlighted the health benefits associated with trees. Proximity to green spaces with trees, has been linked to reduced stress, lower depression rates, and increased physical activity. Furthermore, trees filter out pollutants, providing cleaner air and reducing the rates of respiratory illnesses.
The multifaceted roles trees play in sustaining life on Earth means that we should be protecting them and planting more. In a rapidly changing world they are the stewards of our world and it is our duty to recognize their value, protect them, and ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.
Happy gardening.
By Rachael LevertonPortishead Jazz Club. Wednesday 1st November. Start November by swinging!
Please support your local trad jazz band at Clarence House, High Street, Portishead BS20 6PY, on Wednesday 1st November with a start time of 8:00pm.
Similar tunes from the 1920’s like those enjoyed last month - and if you are “5’ 2” with Eyes of Blue,” thinking of “Hindustan,” - “ When you’re Smiling” and saying “Bring me Sunshine” - then do come along, you will all be very welcome.
Entry is only £4, (cash only please, no card machine). Look forward to seeing you.
Wednesday Focus meeting - 1st November
After a successful start to the new season’s meetings, Wednesday Focus at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church, Queens Road, Portishead, BS20 8HT will have a presentation about the rehabilitation work of Andrew House, (Clevedon) Volunteer Plus Programme - part of
Changing Lives Charity, at 2:30pm on 1st November.
Everyone welcome to any meeting. Car parking and disabled friendly. Entrance by the Cross. Participants are asked to make a donation for the charity and a small contribution for coffee, tea and biscuits.
Join us for a Dementia friendly family day!
Kubiak Dementia Foundation are hosting their next Dementia friendly family day on Saturday 4th November, 11:00am - 4:00pm at Penny Brohn UK, Pill. Come along and join us for an interactive day incorporating workshops, colour therapy, craft, live music, animal interactions, holistic treatments such as reflexology, Indian head massage and much more. Entry to the event is free, with donations to the foundation being gratefully received.
Let us know you are coming by getting in touch via email:
info@kubiakdementiafoundation.co.uk or contact Victoria on 01275 876688
How can Vitamin D help to prevent hearing loss?
Hello from Mia, Claire and Myself, Toby, at Meadows & Wood hearing specialists. We hope you are keeping well. With the days now being shorter and evenings longer, we might be forgiven for looking back fondly to the long sunny days of summer. It turns out that spending time outdoors could have been benefitting you more than you realised!
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D also plays a vital role in maintaining hearing health. According to one study, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with higher rates of sudden sensorineural hearing loss as well as higher rates of hearing loss. Another study showed that the odds of bilateral hearing loss were increased by 45% in older adults when compared to their peers with normal vitamin D levels.
The good news is that higher vitamin D intake can result in reduced odds of hearing loss. In fact, studies have shown that adults who ate oily fish twice a week (e.g. sardines, salmon) had a 42% lower chance of facing age-related hearing loss than non-fish eaters. Vitamin D plays a vital role in promoting good hearing health. It is essential to maintain adequate levels of Vitamin D through proper diet or supplements to prevent hearing loss. So, make sure you get your daily dose of Vitamin D to keep your ears healthy and happy!
If you or your loved one is struggling with hearing, and you would like to know how we can help, please get in touch to book a consultation. We are here for you at home or in North Somerset’s only full time and fully independent audiology clinic. Our contact details are below.
Our November meeting will be on Wednesday 8th November.
Bristol Blue Plaques explained
Gordano Civic Society is Portishead’s local history group and the next meeting will be on Monday 13th November at the Somerset Hall, The Precinct, Portishead at 7:30pm, when Gordon Young will talk about Bristol’s blue plaques. Members £1 and visitors £5, but become a member for £10 (September - April).
Further information from Catherine Dixon, 01275 849200
Gordano Valley NHSRF
Our next meeting is Wednesday 15th November at Somerset Hall from 10:00am until 12noon. All retired persons of the NHS or Social Sector are welcome. We have a speaker and light refreshments. Cost is £3 to cover costs.
Come and try us before committing to join our fellowship.
For those in the Portishead area experiencing a bereavement
If you enjoy walking do join our monthly local ‘Walk and Talk’. In November it takes place on Thursday 9th November, in the morning. If interested please leave your contact details on 0117 9264045 and someone will get back to you with more details.
You will receive a supportive welcome on 30th November at the Cruse Bereavement Support Drop-in at the Methodist Hub, High Street, Portishead. It takes place between 10:00am and 12 noon. Trained bereavement volunteers present and refreshments available from our hospitality team.
Nest Associates - Sue Sadler
Sue has almost 30 years of experience in the real estate industry and has built a reputation for selling and renting high-quality homes in Bristol and the surrounding rural areas. Known for her honesty, enthusiasm, and energy, Sue takes pride in providing a bespoke service to her clients, particularly specializing in downsizing or “rightsizing” as it’s now called.
Understanding the significance of maximizing one’s main asset and the potential stress that comes with moving, especially for long-time homeowners, Sue approaches each transaction with a calm disposition and a focus on keeping everything running smoothly. Joining the Nest Associates team was an opportunity Sue couldn’t resist, as the agency offers a modern and friendly approach that aligns with her own values and commitment to exceptional service.
She also finds solace in her camper van, often taking trips to the South coast. Tennis is Sue’s passion, and she actively participates in the Avon league as a member of the Portishead tennis club. Sue’s dedication to her clients, her affiliation with Nest Associates, and her active lifestyle makes her an invaluable asset in the real estate industry, ensuring a positive experience for all those she serves.
WE DON’T WANT TO BE THE BIGGEST, JUST THE BEST!
CURIOUS HOW MUCH YOUR
sue.sadler@nestassociates.co.uk SUE SADLER 0117 462 5600
Nest Associates
The dementia friendly coffee and chat will be held at The Anchor in Pill on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Refreshments cost £2. If you are living with dementia or supporting someone living with dementia then we would love to see you there. Advice and information is available from Community Connect and the Alzheimer’s 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
Crossword Across
1 chaos, uproar (6)
4 congratulations, adoration (6)
7 clippers (6)
8 fashionable, stylish (6)
9 administer, distribute (4)
10 small flat metal ring (6)
12 stippled (6)
14 acclaimed, recognised (6)
17 alcove (6)
20 at that time (4)
21 type of straw hat (6)
22 request, summon (6)
23 seat for riding (6)
24 as night falls (6)
Down
1 allot, grant (6)
2 anticipates with horror (6)
3 assemble, collect (6)
4 heaved, puffed (6)
5 hopeless and downtrodden (6)
6 without pips or kernels (8)
9 bill of fare (4)
11 semi-aquatic snake (8)
13 harbinger, portent (4)
Word Search
Antechinus
Blobfish
Box jellyfish
Cassowary
Crocodile
Dingo
Echidna
Emu
Kangaroo
Koala
Kookaburra
Lyrebird
Numbat
Perth
Platypus
Possum
Quokka
Rakali
River turtle
Stonefish
Taipan
Wallaby Wombat
Woylie
15 offer a higher price (6)
16 band (6)
17 careless (6)
18 begrudges, yearns (6)
19 mute (6)
Puzzle Solutions
Authentic music, songs and dance from 19th century West Country
Portishead Senior Forum at the Folk Hall, Portishead on Wednesday the 15th of November. This month we have the Brigstowe Village Band back to entertain us with their unique mixture of music, dance and readings from these there parts in the 19th century. Ooh Arr. It all begins at 2:00pm and ends at 4:00pm. Free to members, £3 for visitors.
Fibromyalgia Support GroupChristmas Craft Fair
Join us at our lovely Christmas Craft Fair on Sat, 18th November at St Mark’s Church in Worle from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Lots of crafts and unique gifts to choose from as the festive season approaches. Hot drinks and delicious homemade cakes will be available too. Come along and do some shopping – And why not bring a friend or two along? An information stall of our Fibromyalgia Group will also be available on the day. Free entry, Cash only. For more information, call Val 07411989478 or email wsmfibro@gmail.com
You could have heard a pin drop
As artist Patrick (Pat) Shipsides painted a watercolour scene of Portbury Church seen from across the fields, the members of Portbury WI fell silent. As we are a chatty bunch, that is a rare achievement, but we were enthralled by Pat’s talent and his teaching. One lucky member will get to keep the painting.
We will be doing some hands on crafting at our WI meeting on 21st November. If you would like to come along and join us, please give Helen Francis a ring for more information 07503 134817
Are you for the wildlife?
Avon Wildlife Trust Portishead local group supports wildlife in the area and the next meeting will be on Friday 24th November at 7:30pm in the Folk Hall, 95 High Street, Portishead BS20 6PR.
The illustrated talk will be “Mammal watching in Europe” by Tom Mabbett of Naturetrek. Entry is £2 for adults and £1 for children/students. This includes tea/coffee during the evening. For further information phone 01275 843160 or 07853 248476. Please note there is no meeting in December, so the next one is on Friday 26th January 2024
Clevedon Music Club Concerts
November 2023 – April 2024
Come and Enjoy St Georges’ Church Christmas Market
St Georges Church Christmas Market is on Saturday 25th November 10:30am - 12:00pm at St George’s Church Hall.
On sale we have Craft’s, Preserves, Toys, Bottle Stall, Cakes, Christmas Hamper Raffle, Bric-aBrac, Refreshments and so much more!
Plus a magical performance by Crockerne Primary School Choir.
For more information call David on 07538703912 or email davidford13@btinternet.com
Turn The Tide Portishead Launch New 2-Minute Beach Clean Board
Clevedon Community Centre
Tuesday 21st November: 7:30pm; Béla Hartmann.
Tuesday 12th December: 7:30pm; Marcus Evans (baritone).
Sunday 28th January: 3:00pm; Bochmann String Trio with pianist Paul Turner.
Tuesday 20th February: 7:30pm; Zosia Dzimitrowicz (piano).
Tuesday 19th March: 7:30pm; Emily Heathcote and Jason Anderson (clarinet and piano).
Tuesday 16th April: 7:30pm or Sunday 21st April: 3:00pm t.b.c, Outstanding musicians from Bristol schools.
With the exception of September, all concerts take place upstairs in the Teignmouth Room, Clevedon Community Centre BS21 7SZ.
Admission to individual concerts £12; Subscription for all eight concerts £72; Subscription for half season £38. By cash or cheque only.
To receive programme details by email; Phone 01275 875262 or email andrea.argent@hotmail.co.uk
Please cut out and save this advert for reference.
A new 2-Minute Beach Clean Board has been installed at Sugarloaf Beach outside Portishead Sailing Club by Turn The Tide Portishead. The Board is stocked with litter-pickers and bags so anyone can carry out a quick litter-pick in the surrounding area. Even litter-picking for a few minutes can make a big difference! Please ensure that you dispose responsibly of any rubbish you collect and return litter-pickers to the board once you’ve finished.
Turn The Tide’s next Portishead Big Clean is on Sunday November 26th, 10:30am by the Royal Hotel: turnthetideportishead.co.uk/events/
Portishead Freemasons Interesting November Meeting
The Masonic lodge for Portishead Masons, Gordano Lodge, are holding an interesting meeting on Monday 27th November. For the first time in the history of the lodge, there will be a double Initiation ceremony. This event is very rare, and will be a memorable occasion. If you are interested in this Masonic evening, please contact Marshall on 07585 152570 or Gordano.Lodge@gmail.com, especially if you are unattached or have moved into the area.
There’s fifteen lodges in our Portishead/Clevedon/ Nailsea area. If you would like to know more about us, just ask.
Prepare for Windows 11 23H2 update and please heed our warnings about scammers
By the time you read this, Microsoft should have released the new major update to Windows 11 which is known as 23H2. We would advise that you check your “Windows Update” section within the Settings cog on all Windows 11 computers to update to this. As usual there will be some new features, alongside a raft of security and reliability updates. New features include an AI based help tool called Co-pilot which promises to get answers to complex questions. Some computers due to age cannot take Windows 11 or even this latest update, so if this is the case for your computer, we would advise upgrading. We can help with this, so please see our advert on this page for contact details.
We often speak to customers about the risks of being scammed but the worrying fact is that even though people are aware, the scammers seem to be one step ahead. Our company is often called by worried customers who have been advised to have their computers checked after it has been remotely accessed by fraudsters (with the customer’s permission!) The scam can start by a phone call that pretends to be from a national company – they may know your name and other details, which when they quote, the guard is often let down. Other times, a seemingly genuine message pops up on the screen, usually after some social media interaction and tells the unnerved viewer that their computer or various accounts are going to imminently close down. The fact is that although many people are aware of scams, they seem to be unable to deal with these situations, so due to the frantic nature of the scam often allow remote access to their computers and unwittingly in to their bank accounts. We encourage people not to get into polite small talk with these people, but simply hang up the phone when it becomes apparent that these callers want to get onto your computer remotely. There is no justified reason that anyone other than your own trusted IT support would remote control your computer. Please get in touch if you feel that you need any help with this.
Another thing to remind you of is that should your device become faulty, it is possible that you could lose your precious documents, photos, music and so on, so we would strongly advise you to backup your files to either a local backup drive, or possibly some cloud system. We have seen a spate of older computers fail recently, without warning, and lots of important files were lost, so please don’t bury your head in the sand, but get yourself a backup solution. If you need any help with this, please get in touch.
Portishead Choral Society present Musica Sacra dall’Italia
On Saturday 2nd December 7:30pm, we invite you to join us at Portishead Methodist Church in Portishead High Street for our advent concert.
We will performing works by Verdi, Puccini and Vivaldi, along with some short works by Tchaikovsky, Rutter and Vaughan Williams. After an interval, we will be singing Christmas Carols for choir and audience
We will be accompanied by Richard Lennox on the organ, and the Newland Ensemble conducted by Jonathan Palmer.
Tickets (£12.50) can be obtained from Choir Members, Nortech Computers, and on the door.
Members wanted: Hard of Hearing Social Club
We are looking for members to join our hard of hearing social group. We meet once a month, usually the first Monday of the month at Vision North Somerset, Neva Road, WsM. 2:00pm4:00pm.
Socialise, make friends, attend day trips and activities.
We are a fully inclusive group who hold meetings for the hearing impaired in WSM. £4 entry which includes tea, coffee, cake/biscuits. Please come along!
Breathe, Stretch & Balance with Age UK Somerset
Local charity, Age UK Somerset delivers a friendly, yoga-themed exercise class in Easton in Gordano, called Breathe, Stretch and Balance.
Specially designed for people over 55, this class is part sitting, part standing, and consists of mindful movements for ageing well.
Held every Monday at 9:45am, at St George’s Church Hall, £5 per week. Why not come along and join us?
For more information or to sign up, call 01823 345624 or email: ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk
Is your metabolic health compromised?
Struggling with your weight and feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work? Do you feel like you no longer have control over your body and mind to make healthy food choices? Are you often lethargic and achy? Getting anxious about your long-term health? Or do you just want to feel and look better?
Chances are that your metabolic health is compromised. This is because so many of today’s foods are ultra-processed, which can seriously confuse our bodies. And eating too often and/or too much, as so many of us do, doesn’t help.
Metabolic Balance®, designed by German doctors in the 1980s, is a nutrition and hormone balancing programme that is based on food choices that work for your unique body chemistry. It is entirely food-based, meaning no fads, no shakes, and once completed, you are left educated and empowered about your future food choices. This means it’s sustainable in the long term, giving you a life-long framework that you can use to optimise and maintain good health in a changing world.
Chances are that your metabolic health is compromised.
Metabolic Balance® is a personalised weight management programme built around what your body needs. It’s not a diet but a hormonebalancing program that helps you naturally lose weight and keep it off!
For more info:
07772 979320 | hello@eatforlife.co.uk eatforlife.co.uk
MS peer support group in Nailsea
The MS peer support group meets every month on the 2nd Monday from 2:00pm - 3:30pm at 65 the High Street in Nailsea. If you are living with MS and would like the chance to meet with others, share experiences and chat over a drink and biscuits then please come along - we would love to meet you. This is a very informal and welcoming group.
Come and Play with Portishead Concert Band
Portishead Concert Band welcomes new players. We rehearse every Tuesday 7:15pm until 9:00pm at St Nicolas’ Church, Nore Road, Portishead BS20 8EN. We have a mixture of ages and abilities. We are looking especially for clarinetists and flautists, although any Tuba player (rusty or not) would be very welcome too.
Contact Chris on 07790446188.
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/PortisheadConcertBand
Portishead Macular Support Group
The Portishead Macular Support Group meet on the last Thursday of each month in The Folk Hall Portishead from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. For people who have Macular so they can get to meet others with the same problems as themselves and not feel so isolated. For more details you can phone Hazel on 01275 845238 or Jeff 01275 219657
Beloved for women
Meets 12:30pm until 2.30pm on Thursdays, term-time only, at St Paul’s Church, Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1EF. Begins with a thought for the day then light lunch (voluntary contributions welcome), followed by craft, etc. Come along and find company and friendship, a safe space where we hope you will find a sense of community where you can relax and connect with other women during the week.
If you think you have a problem with Alcohol
Then call us on 08009177650 or Email: help@ aamail.org. We have free support groups in North Somerset.7 days a week. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.
Have you got your Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPAs”) in place yet?
Have you been putting off getting your LPAs in place? Have you also phoned around and the costs have put you off? Not sure if these are right for you? Feel that you do not need them yet?
With Grove Wills, we offer:
• A friendly service, meeting you in the comfort of your own home.
• An advisory service, to ensure you completely understand LPAs and their importance.
• Full disclosure of fees involved including the Office of the Public Guardian (“OPG”) registration fees and whether you qualify for reduced registration fees.
• The full package of preparing the documents, overseeing the signing, posting to the OPG etc and keeping you advised along the way. We do everything for you.
• Complete peace of mind for yourself and your family.
Call Karen on 07498 948580 or email info@grovewills.com
Fruit & Nut Bark – a great gift to make for Christmas
Ingredients
75g cup walnuts
450g good white chocolate, finely chopped
75g dried cranberries
75g medium-diced dried apricot
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C. Using a pencil, draw an 8-by-10-inch rectangle on a piece of parchment paper. Turn the parchment paper over so the pencil mark doesn’t get onto the chocolate and place it on a sheet pan.
Place the walnuts in one layer on another sheet pan and bake for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool. Place three quarters of the white chocolate in a heat-proof glass bowl and put it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.
Stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula, return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds, then stir again. Continue to heat and stir in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is just melted. Immediately stir in the remaining chocolate and allow it to sit at room temperature, stirring often,
until it’s completely smooth. (If you need to heat it a little more, place it in the microwave for another 15 seconds.)
Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread it lightly to fill the drawn rectangle.
Sprinkle the top evenly with the cooled walnuts, the cranberries, and apricots. Press the nuts and fruit lightly so they will set in the chocolate. Set aside for at least 2 hours until firm or refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Cut or break the bark in 16 pieces and serve at room temperature.
Great as Christmas presents – present in a small box or cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon. Enjoy.
PS If you need me to clean your cooker before Christmas, please call me Graham, OvenGleamers, on 01275 370571
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