LocalReach Shepton Mallet April 2024

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LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Shepton Mallet/BA4 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 8,944 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.

Deadline is 1st April for the May issues SHEPTON MALLET

Downside

West Compton

Dean

BA4

Pilton Evercreech

East Pennard

Wanstrow

Upton Noble

Alhampton

Hornblotten

As well as considering a conventional sale through an estate agent, you might want to consider other options, particularly if you need to sell fast or if your home is struggling to attract much interest. I’ve set out five alternatives, each of which has potential benefits and risks.

1. PRIVATE SALE: If you want to save yourself the cost of an agents fee, you can sell privately, however it might end costing you more in the long run as buyers are generally reluctant to contact private sellers (especially with stories in the national news of house sale scams). You also lose out on all the marketing exposure a traditional agent brings to the table.

2. QUICK PURCHASE COMPANIES: If you are desperate to sell quickly there are companies who promise to buy your house in a matter of days ‘for cash’. In many cases these purchases take far longer and are often bought using mortgage finance. Many of these companies are unregulated and offers can amount to as little as 60% of your property value.

3. TRADITIONAL AUCTION: Sales are completed within 28 days of the auction date and buyers are committed to pay 10% on the fall of the hammer. You can usually expect to achieve

between 85-90% of the price you’d get by selling through an agent.

4. MODERN METHOD OF AUCTION: This opens up sales to first time buyers and mortgage applicants as it allows 28 days to exchange contracts and a further 28 days to complete. EweMove can sell your home using this modern approach and 85% of homes marketed this way achieve full or above the sellers pre-agreed price.

5. PRIVATE TENDER BIDS: All bids must be submitted by a certain date and time in a sealed format. Nobody knows what others have bid and it’s up to the seller which bid (if any) they accept. However you will never know if you got the best price. Also some Agents are promising a 0% sale fee but then charging a 5% buyer’s premium. Given most Agents fees are 1%, the extra 4% could have been in your pocket instead.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, or even just to get an up-to-date valuation, then I would love to have a chat with you. EweMove offer both the traditional method of sale and Modern Method of Auction. Please contact me 24/7 on 01749 600 339 or visit www.EweMove.com/Sheptonmallet

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

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Easter Eggs

They’re good for you...honest!

Chocolate Easter eggs. Surely one of the finest German inventions ever. No-one can be quite sure who first came up with the idea of combining chocolate and eggs but whoever did was a marketing genius.

In these health-conscious times though can we still justify this tradition, or should we ban such an indulgent confectionary?

I once read an article, in the Guardian I think, that claimed you can find evidence to support any argument you like if you look hard enough. So,

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on behalf of chocoholics everywhere I decided to take up the challenge and here are my results.

CHOCOLATE IS GOOD FOR YOU

Chocolate is good for your brain.

Cocoa-rich drinks are rich in chemicals called flavanols. These enhance brain function, fight sleep deprivation, fatigue, and aging!

They are the same chemicals present in Green Tea, which is touted as a preventative for stroke, heart failure, cancer, and diabetes. Gwyneth Paltrow drinks gallons of it and she looks fab. Sadly, I couldn’t find any mention of her imbibing Thornton’s continental choccies, but I’ll keep looking.

Chocolate helps prevent cancer.

Ok, we’ve met flavanols...now meet flavonoids. These are antioxidants: you know, those things beloved of cosmetics companies, ‘We slapped this on our model, and she looked twenty years younger after we’d photographed her in softfocus and air-brushed her so even her own mother wouldn’t recognise her.’

We do know that they help prevent cancer. We also know they don’t do this directly. In fact, our bodies view flavonoids as highly undesirable and work hard to get rid of them. By-products of this effort are phase II enzymes, which help eliminate mutagens and carcinogens, which sound like the aliens from an episode of Captain Scarlett and are equally nasty. Only small amounts of flavonoids are required for this beneficial effect but hey... have another egg just to make sure.

Chocolate is a mood-booster.

It contains small amounts of phenylethylamine, anandamide, tryptophan and caffeine. These are natural mood boosters, so this explains why women crave the stuff when they’re premenstrual, pregnant, at work, awake…

I guess chocolate is both naughty and nice and annoyingly, as with anything life, moderation is the key.

Dark chocolate is definitely better for you overall. 60% cocoa solids is great but 70 or 75% is better. Milk chocolate contains fewer cocoa solids and has a higher sugar and fat content, and I couldn’t find any research saying either of these have hidden health benefits...and believe me I looked really hard.

So, enjoy your eggs this Easter. Chocolate is delicious, fun and a perfect pick-me-up. Just don’t overdo it.

By Cally Grant

We are friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic gardeners. Come and join us

We meet on first Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm in West Pennard Village Hall, BA6 8NL.

3rd April - Speaker on Container Gardening!!

We have informative speakers, and organise exciting trips. We offer annual membership or pay at the door for individual meetings. There are refreshments and a raffle. New members always welcome

For more details: www.westpennardvillagehall. co.uk/gardeningclub or email karenrussell53@ icloud.com

RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch Presentation “They Bend ‘Em We Mend ‘Em”

RAFA-MSB next Branch Meeting is on Monday 8th April at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS. The Meeting includes a Presentation “They Bend Them, We Mend Them” covering 20 years adventures as an RAF Engineering Officer at RAF stations; the meeting will conclude with a Pub Lunch and drinks.

The Branch covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas. RAFA Members, Current and Ex-RAF and Reserves, Current and Ex-Commonwealth Air Forces Personnel welcome.

Contact Secretary e-mail rafa.midsomerset@ gmail.com or 01458 224057.

Dance for fun and fitness

Come for fun and fitness with dances ranging from English to zesty American. Bring a friend or come alone. A warm welcome is assured.

Wednesday dancing evenings in April are 10th, 17th and 24th, 7:30pm - 9:30pm.

On the 24th we’ll be dancing to live music.

City of Wells Bowling Club Come and Join Us

Ladies and gentlemen why not give bowls a try. Our season runs from 14th April - 22nd September, it’s a game that has no age barrier and a good social side. Club nights are on Monday evenings from 6:00pm. Every Sunday in May we will be holding taster sessions from 11:00am - 1:00pm, and on 27th May our Open Day from 2:00pm4:00pm. Just bring flat shoes.

We are a friendly club based on the Recreation Ground, to find out more visit our website City of Wells Bowling Club. We look forward to seeing you.

Shepton Mallet carnival Committee Annual General Meeting Monday 15th April

The Committee are holding their AGM Monday 15th April 7:30pm at the Mid Somerset Showground meeting room, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4GF.

The Committee are looking for more members, to help with the build-up before and during carnival night to ensure a safe evening.

The Illuminated Carnivals are a Somerset tradition that families have loved for a long time. Please help us keep this Somerset tradition alive for all to enjoy. If you are interested in helping or joining the committee please come along. www.sheptonmalletcarnival.org.uk. More info 07879471443

Mendip Inner Wheel Concert of Popular Music for RNLI BIcentennial

Mendip Inner Wheel are presenting a Concert of Popular Music by the Cameo Orchestra Bristol at 7:30pm (Doors open 7:00pm) on Saturday 27th April in St Andrew’s Church, Cheddar, BS27 3RE, in aid of the National RNLI 200 Bicentennial Celebration.

01749

Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club, St. Thomas Church Hall, St Thomas Street, Wells BA5 2UZ.

Call 01749 674920 or see 176.32.230.13/ wellsfdc.co.uk/

329 011

The concert will include local soloists Jenny Jefferies Soprano, Alan Philps Bass & Hannah Biddlecombe Soprano and tickets priced £10 may be obtained from Margaret Gelder Tel: 01934 710573 or paid on the door.

The concert will be supported by members of the RNLI Winscombe & District Branch.

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

National Unicorn Day - 9th April

National Unicorn Day, inaugurated in 2015, is celebrated every April 9th to honour the enchanting unicorn. Surprisingly, the unicorn is Scotland’s official national animal, a fact that might astonish those unfamiliar with Scottish heraldry (I had to triple check that fact!)

This mythological creature, symbolizing purity, innocence, and power, has been revered across various cultures since the classical age, including by the ancient Babylonians and the Indus civilization. According to Celtic mythology, the unicorn’s horn possesses the miraculous ability to purify poisoned water, highlighting its healing prowess.

The unicorn’s portrayal as a proud, indomitable force resonates deeply with Scottish history

and identity. Scotland’s association with the unicorn traces back to the mid-1500s, where it prominently featured in the royal coat of arms. This emblematic use persisted until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when King James VI of Scotland, becoming James I of England, introduced the English lion alongside the unicorn to symbolize the countries’ unity. The lore often depicts unicorns and lions as adversaries, competing for the title of the ‘king of beasts.’

In Scottish heraldry, unicorns are depicted with gold chains, a detail thought to represent the Scottish monarchs’ power to ‘tame’ such a formidable creature. This emblematic imagery underscores the unicorn’s significance in Scottish culture, embodying the strength and independence that Scotland prides itself on.

I asked my 13-year-old daughter Casey whether she knew about National Unicorn Day, “There’s a Unicorn Day?” she asked incredulously, her eyes lighting up. “That’s awesome…they are so cute. Can we have unicorn cupcakes?”

Ignore the majesty of the unicorn and its association with Scottish kings and go straight for cuteness and cake…that’s my girl. But unicorn cupcakes does sound like a plan!

By Gemma Peters

Spring into action from home with Age UK Somerset

Keeping active is vital for our health and wellbeing. If for any reason you can’t get out, there’s no need to miss out on your favourite exercise class- you can join in from the comfort of your own home with Age UK Somerset’s online classes.

Specially designed for people over 55, you can join Tai Chi and Pilates. Pilates - Mondays at 10:00am, £5. Tai Chi QiGong - Tuesdays at 11:30am, £4. Find out more here: www.ageuksomerset.org. uk/onlineexercisesessions

Call 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ ageuksomerset.org.uk for more information.

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

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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.

Updates On Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare Project, Making A Difference!

The Donate For Defib Westonsuper-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!

New Singing for Lung Health Group!

Want to improve your breathlessness?

Sing2breathe is coming to Wells! Sing2breathe is a sociable group activity where techniques for breathing control and improved posture are taught through singing. It’s not about being a great singer – the aim is to help you breathe better, not sing better. Supported by funding from My Cool Music Foundation anyone interested in finding out more (including dates and times) should contact Kate - vocalkate@gmail.com, 07595 745884.

Vital funds raised to keep inclusive dementia group going

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community when we announced in January that we were having to reduce the frequency of our Singing for the Brain sessions. Our clients set up a go fund me page to keep our intergenerational, completely inclusive and gloriously joyful music sessions running in Wells and Glastonbury for people living with dementia, memory loss and learning disabilities. If you can spare £5 to support us please visit www.somersetartswell.co.uk

Can pelvic floor exercises help treat incontinence?

You might already be aware of pelvic floor exercises, also known as kegel exercises. Women are frequently recommended them after giving birth, and men after prostate surgery. But did you know pelvic floor exercise can really help with incontinence?

This is because these exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder. When these muscles are stronger, you’re less likely to have leaks. If these muscles are weak, you can’t control your bladder quite so well. So what are they and how do you do them?

They’re very simple. It’s easiest to start the exercises lying down or in a sitting position, and then as you get stronger you can do them standing up. Pretend you’re trying to stop the flow of urine. Pull in and squeeze those muscles. Hold the squeeze for 5 to 10 seconds, then rest for 5 to 10 seconds. Don’t hold your breath or tighten your tummy, bottom or thigh muscles at the same time – keep these muscles as relaxed as possible, and keep breathing!

Once you’ve mastered this technique, try for three or four sets of 10 contractions every day. You should feel the impact in the lower pelvic area - but if you’re in any doubt about your technique, contact a healthcare professional for advice.

The really great thing about these exercises is that as well as strengthening your pelvic floor, you can do them anytime, anywhere. When you’re watching tv, sitting at a desk, driving a car – noone will ever notice! And when performed daily, similar to any other form of muscle exercise, you should feel the improvements in a few weeks.

While not all incontinence problems can be improved using pelvic floor exercises, it’s definitely worth considering. However if you are in any doubt about your condition, as always, we recommend you discuss this with a healthcare professional. And if you need help with products for your incontinence, don’t forget we offer a wide range of washable and disposable incontinence pants and pads, bed and seat protection and much more. Call Arelle free on 0800 389 3597

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

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Then

Hearing Loss: The Untold Impact Upon Others

By Simon Swindells, Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care

Hearing loss is often perceived as an individual challenge, impacting only the person experiencing it. However, the reality is far more nuanced. While the individual with hearing loss undoubtedly faces difficulties, the consequences often extend outwards, affecting their loved ones, relationships, and even the broader community.

Communication breakdown:

One of the most significant repercussions of hearing loss for others is the breakdown in communication. Misunderstandings, frustration, and social isolation can arise when a loved one struggles to hear conversations, follow instructions, or participate in group discussions. This can be particularly challenging for family members, caregivers, and close friends who may feel the burden of constantly repeating themselves or simplifying conversations.

Emotional strain:

Witnessing a loved one grapple with hearing loss can be emotionally taxing for those around them. Feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even anger can surface as they navigate the challenges of communication and witness the potential social isolation experienced by the individual with hearing loss. Additionally, the emotional toll can extend to concerns about safety and wellbeing, particularly for older adults with hearing loss.

Impact on relationships:

Hearing loss can significantly impact the dynamics of

relationships. Spouses and partners may experience a strain on communication and intimacy. Family gatherings and social interactions can become frustrating and isolating for both the individual with hearing loss and their loved ones. Additionally, friendships may suffer due to communication difficulties and the potential withdrawal of the person struggling to hear.

Societal Implications:

Individuals with hearing loss may face challenges in employment settings, struggling to follow instructions, participate in meetings, or effectively communicate with colleagues. This can limit their career opportunities and hinder their ability to fully contribute to the workforce. Furthermore, social interactions in public spaces, such as restaurants, theatres, or places of worship, can become significantly more difficult for those with hearing loss, potentially leading to social exclusion and a diminished sense of belonging.

If any of the above resonates with you please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer complimentary hearing assessments from our clinics in Street and Westbury.

Street: 01458 555533 | 7 The Bayliss Centre, High Street, Street

Westbury: 01373 823076 | 2 High Street, Westbury www.swhearingcare.co.uk

Banana and Walnut Loaf

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 60-70 minutes

Ingredients:

225g plain flour

2 level tsp baking powder

80g softened or spreadable butter

1 large egg (beaten)

110g caster sugar

4 medium bananas (peeled)

50g walnuts (chopped)

Zest 1 lemon

Demerara sugar for sprinkling

Method:

Preheat oven to 180C / gas 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin.

Mash three bananas to a pulp and chop the fourth.

Sift the flour and baking powder together into a separate bowl. Add the butter, egg and caster sugar. Using a mixer mix everything together for a minute or two. Add the mashed and chopped bananas and briefly whisk them into the mixture. Fold in the chopped walnuts and lemon zest.

Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin. Sprinkle with Demerara sugar.

Place in the pre-heated oven so that the top of the tin is in the centre. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes then turn out on to a cooling rack.

This cake is good served warm with crème fraiche, cold, or even toasted.

Shakespeare Day - 23rd April a loss that deeply influenced Shakespeare’s work, infusing his plays with themes of illness, death, and mourning. It’s speculated that the character Hamlet was named in homage to his late son.

Shakespeare Day celebrates the iconic playwright and we thought we’d join in by sharing some intriguing facts. He wanted to be an actor - William moved to London, closely followed by his brother Edmund who pursued the same dream of treading the boards. However, Shakespeare found his true calling in writing, quickly becoming adept at crafting tragedies and comedies that captivated audiences.

He was prolific - Shakespeare’s literary output was remarkable; he authored at least 37 plays that we are aware of, which works out to an impressive rate of about two plays per year. Additionally, he crafted many poems, particularly sonnets, publishing 154 of them in 1609 alone.

He survived a pandemic – Like us, Shakespeare experienced the devastation of a pandemic, surviving several outbreaks of the bubonic plague. Tragically, his son Hamnet succumbed to the disease at the age of 11,

He invented words and phrases - Shakespeare also contributed numerous phrases to the English language, including “vanished into thin air,” “wild goose chase,” “not a wink of sleep,” and “break the ice.” Known for his wit, he crafted memorable insults such as “Thy face is not worth sunburning,” “Thou art as fat as butter,” and the magnificent “You scullion! You rampallian! You fustilarian! I’ll tickle your catastrophe!”

He was a savvy businessman - Beyond his literary genius, Shakespeare understood how to get ahead in business. He was a co-owner of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men and the Globe Theatre, an open-air venue established in London in 1599. He also ventured into the more luxurious Blackfriars Theatre, underscoring his dual talent as both a visionary playwright and a shrewd entrepreneur.

By Kate McCarthy

A Good Read

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

by Stuart Turton

Our hero awakens in a mysterious, damp forest, clad in an unfamiliar tuxedo and inhabiting a body that isn’t his own. With no recollection of his identity or how he came to be in this situation, he makes his way to Blackheath House, and soon discovers he is Aiden Bishop, trapped there for a purpose. A masked figure reveals to him that a disguised murder is set to occur that day. Bishop has eight attempts to unravel it, reliving the same day in different bodies, each termed a “host.” He retains memories from each host, but failure to identify the killer by the eighth cycle means a reset to day one, with all memories wiped, a cycle he has already undergone numerous times.

As Bishop gradually begins to make sense of his predicament, he learns of competitors: two others at the country house party are also inhabiting foreign souls, each racing to solve the murder to escape the time loop. As if this was not enough peril, a relentless psychopath is also pursuing him, threatening each of his hosts.

Author Turton masterfully orchestrates a narrative replete with diverse, enigmatic characters, while scattering random clues throughout. The ‘rules’ of the story rules evolve as Bishop navigates his way through each day. I’m doubting that many readers will solve the mystery before the final plot twist.

It’s Agatha Christie, Cluedo, and Groundhog Day, with a twist of time loop chaos. It takes a while to orientate yourself within the story but it’s well worth the effort. Turton’s debut novel is inventive, chaotic, and brilliantly bonkers. Buckle up and hold on tight.

Look Up!

by Nathan Bryon

and illustrated by Dapo Adeola

Rocket dreams of becoming the most brilliant star-catcher, and space explorer in the world, like her idol Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space. Fizzing with excitement about an imminent meteor shower, Rocket makes an announcement about it over the supermarket loudspeaker while the cashier is distracted. She makes and distributes flyers to all the shoppers, despite her older brother Jamal’s disapproval and embarrassment. Jamal is usually engrossed in his phone and video games and finds Rocket annoying. When he’s too absorbed in gaming to take Rocket to the park to see the meteor shower, Rocket faces a dilemma. But an unexpected visitor at their door turns out to be a delightful could save the day in the most delightful manner.

Bryon and Adeola’s captivating picture book introduces us to chatty, Rocket, a character whose passion for space is all-consuming. Adeola’s characterful illustrations capture Jamal’s angsty teenage moodiness and Rocket’s excitement about stargazing. Packed with space facts and insights into meteors, this book also beautifully depicts family dynamics, sibling bonds, and a young girl’s contagious zeal for the cosmos.

By Tash Donovan

Hayfever isn’t just sniffles and sneezes

It’s that time of year again where nature starts to wake up after a long winter and plants and trees start to bloom. Tree pollen can be an issue in February/March and April and with the warmer than normal temperatures around this year, the spring flowers have started to bloom early.

Spring and Summer brings colour to our world, but often comes with a price for allergy sufferers.

Hayfever isn’t just sniffles and sneezes; often people suffer with itchy, red and irritated eyes. Hayfever and allergies in general can also exacerbate existing eye conditions such as dry eye and blepharitis.

So, how do you know that you have an allergy? Well often, you don’t! That’s where we come in! There are lots of different products on the market that can help ease your symptoms, so pop in and see us or make an ACES (Acute Community Eyecare Scheme) appointment for urgent and/ or persistent symptoms. You can also mention it in your routine Eye Exam.

What kind of symptoms can you expect?

- Dry, gritty or itchy eyes

- Swollen eyelids and watery eyes

- Symptoms are usually first thing in the morning and more often early evening, and usually affects both eyes.

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Kirsty Thomas ConsultantOptometrist

National Pet Day

Thursday 11th April

The companionship of pets has been cherished across cultures and epochs. The bond between man and animal, while emotionally fulfilling, also harbours significant psychological and physical benefits, contributing to an owner’s well-being. From the wag of a dog’s tail to the purr of a cat, pets offer more than just companionship; they provide a unique form of support that enhances human health.

Psychologically, pets serve as a constant source of comfort and companionship, effectively reducing feelings of loneliness and depression. The presence of a pet can offer a sense of unconditional acceptance and love, which can be particularly therapeutic. Studies have shown that pet owners, on average, exhibit lower levels

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of stress and anxiety compared to those without pets. This calming influence is partly attributed to the increase in levels of oxytocin, a stressreducing hormone, which is released during interactions with animals. Engaging with a pet can also elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and tranquillity.

Pets require a routine of care, providing structure and purpose to their owners’ lives. This responsibility can significantly benefit individuals suffering from mental health issues by offering a distraction from troubling thoughts, encouraging mindfulness, and promoting a sense of achievement and self-worth. For instance, walking a dog not only demands physical activity but also encourages social interaction with other dog owners, combating isolation and promoting community belonging.

Physically, the benefits of owning certain types of pets extend to improved cardiovascular health. Dog owners, are more likely to meet daily physical activity recommendations, leading to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, and decreased risk of obesity. The act of walking a dog or engaging in play provides moderate exercise, contributing to the owner’s overall physical health. Furthermore, pet owners have been found to have a lower risk of heart disease, with some studies suggesting that they may also experience faster recovery rates from heart attacks.

Pets also play a role in child development, teaching children responsibility, empathy, and compassion. The presence of pets in a home can reduce the likelihood of developing allergies and asthma in children, as exposure to pet dander and the microorganisms that pets carry from outdoors can strengthen the immune system during its developmental stages.

In addition to these benefits, pets can serve in therapeutic roles, such as in animal-assisted therapy programs, helping individuals recover from or cope with health challenges such as PTSD, autism, and stroke. The interaction with therapy animals has been shown to improve motivation, engagement, and overall mood in patients undergoing rehabilitation or treatment for chronic conditions.

The benefits of pet ownership extend well beyond companionship. From enhancing mental health through the alleviation of stress and loneliness to promoting physical activity and heart health, the presence of a pet in one’s life can be profoundly beneficial, fostering a healthier, happier life..

By Kate McCarthy

Gut Feeling

Why IBS can be a pain...literally

Unglamorous they may be, but our guts are complex and clever. The gut is an hydraulic engineering system with its own brain and nervous system; its own immune system and its own hormone-producing system. It deals with digestion and absorption and defends us against infection.

Gut contents are squeezed along by muscular action. The various parts are separated by sphincters, little muscular trapdoors, which regulate speed and direction of travel. Food takes about 24 hours to travel through a healthy gut.

Because the gut is so complex perhaps it’s unsurprising that it malfunctions quite easily.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common problem experienced and up to 1 in 5 of us may suffer it at some point. Sufferers can experience constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, nausea, and colic. But why?

Gut muscles mix and move the contents, but the gut has to know what it’s dealing with, so it knows which digestive hormones to release, when to release them and in what quantities (it doesn’t want to digest itself!)

Amazingly, it can detect different molecular structures which make up the foods we eat. It knows which ones require the release of bile for instance and which ones don’t. The enteric nervous system, which governs all this, functions like a second brain and is very finely attuned. It has to be bombarded with food, drink, and air, it’s a constant challenge for the gut to maintain constancy.

Our brain pays close attention to the ‘gut brain’ and researchers have found that if the enteric nervous system is stimulated it can help depression, epilepsy and even memory. In fact,

90% of gut nerves take information to the brain and only 10% receive information from it.

IBS has historically been thought of as a psychological or neurotic problem but in fact scientists are now discovering that the close communication between brain and gut means that stress can cause very real problems, impairing the nerve function and causing marked sensory pain. If we know that a sufferer experiences more pain when they are stressed we can use neurochemicals to block the response. Tri-cyclics are particularly helpful agents.

There is also a relationship with serotonin (often connected with depression). In fact, 95% of the body’s serotonin is found in the gut. Detector cells in the lining of the gut squirt serotonin which excites the nerve fibres. Some people cannot turn this process off again though which can either cause diarrhoea, or, if the nerves are stimulated to the point of exhaustion, constipation.

People with IBS often give up hope of relieving their discomfort, but there is now good quality medical help available, so consult your GP. You don’t have to suffer.

By Louise Addison

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender:

1: Perfect storm 2: Two peas in a pod

3: Code breaker

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