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PORTISHEAD - BS20
GARDENING – page 5
PUZZLES – page 12
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
COMMUNITY – page 6 LocalReach
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ChatGPT – The groundbreaking new AI conversational companion. Have you tried it?
OpenAI have released a free-to-use chatbot called ChatGPT, which enables us to have conversations with a computer that feels like a real human being. Like us, it learns from experience and becomes a better conversationalist over time. Its knowledge across all subjects is also comprehensive.
The resulting conversational experience this enables breezes past the barriers to realism we encountered when attempting to engage in natural dialogues with the more established smarthome devices such as the Amazon Alexa or Google Home, which despite being useful voiceassistants, would fall short in the conversation department.
To get started with trying out ChatGPT, which we recommend while the service remains free, simply head to OpenAI’s website at openai.com, create a free account, and start chatting. The human-like responses from this artificial companion are guaranteed to impress. As the website itself states, please refrain from sharing personal information within the chat such as bank information, personal addresses or passwords. That said, go ahead and chat about whatever comes to mind and witness for yourself the power of artificial intelligence in action!
Looking at the bigger picture, we see that ChatGPT does an excellent job of showcasing the complex possibilities of AI. Consider that AI is not limited to mere chatbots like ChatGPT and is perhaps destined to find countless applications in the future, affecting our lives tremendously. Difficult to outline at this moment, it is safe to assume the world of computing is soon to take on an all-new shape. Perhaps medical research will see powerful benefits. Stay tuned and let’s see what happens.
Should you need any help with your computers/phones/tablets etc, please see our advert on this page (we come to you) or contact me on 07973 536299.
Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd.
Garden View
This month – Garden for free
I’ve banged on about making your own compost on this page for years. Just do it. Once your compost bin is established you will barely ever have to pay for expensive bags of compost again. You can start any time, and use grass cuttings, shredded paper, veg peelings and eggshells. Your garden will love you.
Watching The Chelsea Flower Show this year I was struck by how the hottest horticultural trends this year are budget-friendly. I assume that this was not an accident given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK. But whatever the reason there were many free and cheap garden ideas on show. One of the hottest trends in the show garden was ‘weed-styling.’ Cleve West’s Centrepoint Garden was a masterclass in how to do this. Using ‘weeds’ or wildflowers is not only kind to your budget but also to the environment. Unsurprisingly, our native wildlife loves our native flora and dandelions are particularly good for bees. Encourage plants such as wild carrot, yarrow, ivy-leaved toadflax, common fennel, red valerian, and cow parsley. Another trend on display was using rubble and reclaimed waste, which would otherwise go to landfill, to make a rockery, path, or wall. This look suits drought-tolerant plants such as rosemary, sedums, lavender, sage, phlomis, thyme and oregano.
Chaos gardening is an actual thing! Collect up any seeds that you have lying around and scatter them throughout your flowerbeds. Mix up annuals flowers with vegetables and once established it will produce a potager effect. I have one area of my garden called ‘freebie corner.’ It is stocked only with gifted plants, or those I’ve gleaned from cuttings or even in the case of one rose bush, removed from a skip, with the owner’s permission!
Leading on from this, try planting self-seeders. I have loads of aquilegia, meadow cranesbill, poppies, verbena, and forget-me-nots. They pop up all over the garden in random clumps every year.
You can also try wilding your lawn. This is not for everyone because some people like their grass neat. But if your lawn is a bit motheaten or you hate mowing, try letting it grow. You will be amazed at the flowers, and the insects they attract. The trick to making it look like a style choice and not just neglect is curation. You can choose to wild just certain areas, leaving a central space on which to sit or play, or mow a wide meandering path or two through the longer grass, or mow around the edge like a picture frame and keep the lawn well edged and the wild area contained to the centre. Try it. If you hate it, it’s simple enough to mow it short again.
Your garden is your space. It should work with you and your budget to provide a place where you can relax.
Happy gardening,
By Rachael LevertonFibromyalgia 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 monthly on the 3rd Monday afternoon, for coffee in Weston on the 2nd Friday morning and in Worle on the 4th Tuesday afternoon. Meetings are a mix of speakers, chat and information. September 3rd - 10th is Fibromyalgia Awareness Week and we will have an information stand in Can’t Dance Coffee with group members available 12noon - 2:00pm every day.
For more information, call Val 07411989478 or email wsmfibro@gmail.com
An Interesting Afternoon
Wednesday Focus at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church in Queen’s Road now meets at 2:30pm, generally on the first Wednesday of the month. Meetings have illustrated talks mostly on local subjects and occasionally musical entertainment. Coffee, tea
and biscuits are served and participants are asked to make a donation for these and to cover speaker’s expenses
On 6th September Mike Burt will showcase The Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Light Railway. Everyone is welcome to come to any meeting. Car Park, disabled friendly, use the entrance on the right.
Wedmore 40/30 charity cycle is back!
Sunday 10th September. The exciting cycling challenge sees bike enthusiasts take on a breathtaking 30, 40 or 70 mile course across the spectacular Mendip Hills and Somerset levels. There is also a fun, family-friendly 12 mile course. Weston Hospicecare is working in collaboration with a brilliant group of cycling enthusiast volunteers from Wedmore to bring this event to you and money raised through ticket sales will be split between Weston Hospicecare and St Mary’s Church.
www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/ wedmore-40-30/
Hello! and welcome to the September newsletter!
From Claire, Mia and myself, Toby at Meadows & Wood Hearing Specialists, I hope you are all keeping well, and we get to enjoy some nice weather this autumn!
We are delighted to say that Claire passed top of her class in the accreditation for fitting and caring for hearing instruments! Many congratulations to Claire. This will make sure that whenever you need us there’s always someone available to help you with your hearing needs.
As you know we recently opened a clinic in Worle, it is very convenient to find in the High Street. If you are passing, please feel free to pop and see a lovely new piece of art that has been created for us by renowned local artist Martin D’Arcy. It is a themed mural and really striking, making the clinic feel personal to us. It is a great talking point for those who visit and passersby. Like this unique piece of artwork, Meadows & Wood are uniquely North Somersets only fully staffed independent hearing clinic.
One more piece of great news - this September we have a special offer on hearing aids! Great value is always given with our services and through September you can receive 10% discount and a free TV connector or remote control with a pair of our suitable hearing devices. If you have been putting off taking charge of your hearing, or helping a family member, then this is the time to act! If you would like to know more about how we can help you and your family with any concerns relating to hearing, then don’t hesitate to get in touch, our contact details are below.
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
Family run business provides reliable bin cleaning services.
Gordano Wheelie Bin Cleaning will visit on the same day your bins are emptied. We arrive with our specialist equipment and load your bins into our bespoke cleaning trailer, thoroughly jet washing them inside and out, using only suitable and biodegradable cleaning products, removing all stuck on muck, grime and other nasties that lurk in your bin.
With the ongoing COVID concerns we use Dettol anti-bacterial products then spray deodoriser to ensure your bins are left sanitized, clean, and smelling fresh.
All water is fully recycled and is strictly disposed of in accordance with our Discharge Licence with all our operations being fully insured.
Have you ever tried to clean a wheelie bin?
It’s not the easiest of jobs! Boiling water to kill maggots and flies, awkwardly using a long broom or mop to reach all areas before tipping it back up to discharge foul smelling liquid. Most people tell us they only clean them out when it really needs it, infested or smelling awful, if indeed at all. Let us take that hassle away from you.
Did you know, unclean bins are a breeding ground for Salmonella, Listeria and E. Coli?
All prices online - A single wheelie bin from £4.50 every four weeks. Easy to sign up online with a card. We also accept cash or a standing order / bank transfercontact us and we will accommodate your preferred payment method.
Great feedback from regular customers.
Protect your family: we reduce harmful bacterial and remove lingering offensive odours with our perfumed detergent and deodorisers. We minimize other health hazards that your wheelie bin conceals.
Regular cleaning reduces the risks of pest infestation, maggots, flies and rodent activity.
We’re a local, family run business offering a regular, reliable service. Scan here to arrange a clean or visit gordanoclean.com or call us on: 0117 370 1770 to find out more
Little Stars Toddler Group restarts Monday 11th September
The Toddler Group at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church Hall, Queens Road, restarts on Monday 11th September after the summer break. It is a small friendly group meeting on a Monday, term time, from 9:30am - 11:30am with plenty of toys for babies upwards. Tea & coffee for adults, toast for everyone. £2 with all money not spent at the end of July given to children’s charities. Parking, level access and outside grass space for when the weather is good. Contact Sue Mason, text 07523 190179. More details on www.portisheadparent.co.uk
Gordano Civic Society starts new season of talks
Gordano Civic Society is a local group promoting local history in Portishead and the Gordano Valley area. The society organises monthly talks on various subjects between September and April. The first talk will be on Scams by Lin Griffin from Age UK on Monday 11th September at 7:30pm in the Somerset Hall, Portishead. Entrance is £1 for members and £5 for visitors (membership
is available at the talks). For further information please contact the Membership Secretary, Catherine Dixon, on 01275 849200.
Pill Coffee and Chat dementia friendly drop-in
A new dementia friendly coffee and chat will be starting at The Anchor public house at 60 Ham Green in Pill BS20 0H on Wednesday 13th September for people living with dementia and their carers.
We will meet from 1:00pm - 3:00pm every 2nd Wednesday of each month. Tea/coffee and cake will be provided at a cost of £2 per person. Friendly support and advice and a warm welcome to anyone who would like to come along.
No need to book, just drop-in. We look forward to seeing you there.
Are
Join
Telephone 0117 926 4045, leaving your name and telephone no. and you will then be contacted with more details.
You will receive a supportive welcome at our Portishead area CRUSE DROP-IN which will be held on Thursday September 28th from 10:00am to 12 noon at the Methodist Community hub. Come initially with a friend if you wish.
Trained Bereavement Volunteers available to talk to in confidence. Refreshments available from hospitality team.
Magic and Mystery at the Folk Hall
Now you see it, now you don’t.
The Portishead Senior Forum at the Folk Hall, Portishead on Wednesday the 20th of September begins at 2:00pm with a short talk by Avon Fire and Rescue Service.
After tea and biscuits, we will be entertained and mystified by the skills of magician and illusionist Terry Griffith. The meeting closes at 4pm, entry is free for members, £3 for visitors.
NHS Retirement Fellowship September Meeting
All retired NHS employers and those who worked in the social care sector are welcome to our next meeting on September 20th at Somerset Hall, Portishead from 10:00am until 12 noon. We have a speaker, coffee and biscuits on arrival, everyone pays £3 to cover costs.
Come and try us out before committing to joining us.
AWT talk, but Birds this time, not Spiders
On Friday 22nd September at 7:30pm, Avon Wildlife Trust Portishead Group will be holding an illustrated talk by Roy Jacobson entitled ‘An eye for a bird - 25 years of Wildlife photograpy’ .
Entry to the meeting at the Folk Hall, 95 Portishead High Street is £2 including refreshments. The pictures will be of local birds and those in the Camarque and Everglades. FFI 843160.
The talk previously advertised ‘Eight Legged Wonder’ will now be in January.
Clevedon Music Club Concerts
September 2023 – April 2024
Clevedon Community Centre
Sunday 24th September: 3:00pm, Bristol Brass Consort in the Princes Hall (level access).
Tuesday 17th October: 7:30pm; Duo Karadys (viola and pIano).
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.
Crossword Across
1 Crusade, expedition (10)
7 Troubled, dubious (2,5)
8 Type of shoe (4)
10 Hairless (4)
11 Twelfth month (8)
13 Bunny (6)
15 Duplicate (6)
17 Cinderella’s were glass (8)
18 Quick (4)
21 Celebrity (4)
22 Speculated (7)
23 Give the go-ahead (5-5)
Down
1 Cycle (5)
2 Hoodlum (4)
3 A little, quite (6)
4 Oily fish (8)
5 Adios (7)
6 Gobbledygook (9)
9 Appreciation (9)
Word Search
Anaxarchus
Antisthenes
Arcesilaus
Archytas
Aristotle
Chrysippus
Damo Democritus
Dicaearchus
Diogenes
Epicurus
Geminus
Gorgias Heraclitus
Parmenides
Plato Plutarch
Posidonius
Proclus Speusippus
Stilpo
Xenephon
12 Scatter (8)
14 Vesicle, bubble (7)
16 Meagre (6)
19 Assign (5)
20 Complacent (4)
Mindbenders
Solutions: Turn to page 14
“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.
Karen Anderson
Music Magic
Why music might be the key to success.
I loved music lessons at school. I was part of the African drum group and sang in the school choir. I was never going to be one of the stars, like Katie the clarinet prodigy or Tom the classical pianist, who were wheeled out for all official school events, and I wasn’t cool enough to be in the school rock band, but none-the-less I sang in school assemblies and the Christmas show, and thanks to Earl my Djembe teacher, I can still tell a Dunungbe from a Fankani.
Learning to play a musical instrument as a child offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the realm of music itself.
When we learn a musical instrument or take part in organised singing we engage various cognitive functions, including memory, attention,
Puzzle Solutions
and problem-solving skills. It has been shown to improve academic performance, particularly in areas such as mathematics, language development, and spatial-temporal reasoning. Playing an instrument or singing in a choir requires discipline and practice, which cultivates perseverance and time management skills. The cognitive abilities and work ethic developed through music are transferable skills, which lead to greater success in school and beyond.
Music sparks creativity and allows children to express themselves in a unique way. It nurtures imagination and emotional intelligence, as through music children learn both to convey and evoke a wide range of feelings. Whether through composing original pieces or interpreting existing works, children develop their artistic sensibilities and gain confidence in their creative abilities. This creative outlet provides a means of selfexpression and exploration that can be carried throughout their lives.
And music is fun. It offers a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment as children progress and master new skills. The process of practicing, refining, and eventually performing music is immensely satisfying and uplifting. I can provide lifelong pleasure and be an ongoing source of relaxation and stress relief.
Playing or singing in a group facilitates social interactions and provides opportunities for collaboration. Children who participate in choirs, ensembles, bands, or orchestras develop teamwork and cooperation skills, learning to listen to others and synchronize their playing with fellow musicians. These group experiences foster a sense of camaraderie and can create lifelong friendships. Additionally, participating in performances and sharing music with others boosts a child’s confidence in their ability to express themselves effectively in social situations.
Learning a musical instrument as a child provides a solid foundation for a well-rounded and enriched life. It stimulates cognitive development, nurtures creativity, offers a source of enjoyment, and fosters social skills. These benefits continue to shape individuals as they mature into adulthood, providing them with lifelong skills and a deep appreciation for the arts. Whether pursuing music professionally or as a hobby, the impact of learning an instrument during childhood is immeasurable, contributing to personal growth, self-expression, and a lifelong love of music… which can only be a good thing.
By Tracey AndersonLitter-Picking Fun for the Whole Family With Turn The Tide
Would you and your family like to play your part in keeping Portishead and its beaches tidy and litter-free? If so, why not join Turn The Tide Portishead’s next Big Clean on Sunday 24th September from 10:30am to 11:30am, meeting at Sugar Loaf Beach by the sailing club. Litter-picking can be a surprisingly fun and educational way to help the environment, and a great way to keep the family active. Children in particular seem to love it! Please bring your own litter-picking equipment and gloves. For further details, visit turnthetideportishead.co.uk
Portishead Freemasons September Meeting
The Masonic lodge for Portishead Masons, Gordano Lodge, are holding a First Degree Ceremony on 25th September. This is an extra meeting to our calendar. All freemasons will be welcomed, especially those who are unattached or have moved into the area. If you are interested in this Masonic evening, or would to know more about freemasonry, please contact Marshall on 07585 152570
Gordano Freemasons Lodge was formed in Portishead over 75 years ago. Since the Portishead Masonic Hall became the new RNLI Lifeboat Station, the lodge now meets in Clevedon.
Keep active with Age UK Somerset
Keeping active is vital for our health and wellbeing. In Portishead, Age UK Somerset deliver specially designed exercise session for people over 55, held at Wesley Methodist Church Hall, BS20 6EN. You can choose from Movement to Music sessions on Monday and Tuesday at 11:30am. This is a fun and lively class.
Or join us for Tai Chi QiGong, mindful movements for your mental and physical wellbeing on Wednesdays at 2:00pm.
Bookings advised - for more information or to book your place call: 01823 345624 or email: ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk or visit: ageuksomerset.org.uk/ageingwell
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!
We’re more ’social’ than ‘social media’
If you’d rather connect with like-minded women in person than on social media, then we’d love to welcome you to Portbury WI. You will have the opportunity to make new friends and to listen to interesting speakers. Members also enjoy walks/ lunches, help tend our Bee Garden and enjoy other social activities including crafts, games (eg. boules or Mexican Trains) or just simple afternoon teas and a chat. We meet on 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. If you’d like to know more please phone Helen Francis on 07503 134817
Portishead Concert Band needs YOU! (Woodwind and Brass players)
Portishead Concert Band wleomes 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 clarinettist and flautiists, although any Tuba players (rusty or not) would be very welcome too. Contact Chris Pearce on cdpearce@btinternet.com or telephone 07790 446188
Look forward to hearing from you.
Enjoy Church Football Team’s sponsored event for Romanian school kids
In Romania, children must have stationery/ uniform to attend school. If they do not attend school, families cannot claim financial government support, so a group of 11 lads and their manager from Enjoy Church Football Club are doing a Welsh 3 peak challenge as fundraising to support children in Constanta, Romania so they can receive an education. It will enable us to purchase uniform, backpacks and stationery. If you would like to donate too, please use: www.gofundme.com/f/UniRom
Many thanks in advance for your much needed support.
Prickles Hedgehog Rescue
Prickles Hedgehog Rescue have four new sponsorship hogs for 2023/2024: Lady Shackleton, Millie, Charlie and Reggie. They all need care to restore them to health. Your sponsorship will help towards the cost of food, bedding and medication. Please contact the office for details on 07806 744772. Thank you!
