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Sowing Seeds and Planting Trees in February
Whilst your garden might appear dormant in February gardeners certainly are not, working outside planting trees and shrubs and inside sowing seeds
Gardeners need to be ever flexible according to the delights of the British weather and never more so than in February which is a busy time in the garden. When the days are fine, the ground not frozen or waterlogged it is the perfect month to get outside and plant trees and shrubs. When the weather is inclement why not busy yourself in the greenhouse, the potting shed or in your kitchen sowing seeds that will bear fruit or bloom in the months ahead.
Planting trees and shrubs
February is the perfect time to plant trees or large shrubs in your garden. Frozen ground will make it difficult and waterlogged soil will determine what
Calling all clubs, groups, associations, schools & churches in Shepton Mallet/BA4!
LocalReach Community Magazines are delivered by ROYAL MAIL to 8,988 homes & businesses to ALL of Shepton Mallet/BA4 postcode area. We help over 700 small local clubs, groups, associations, schools and churches with FREE OF CHARGE advertising.
Please send us all your news, events and information. We can give you 100 words FREE OF CHARGE each month, plus you can upload a photo. Just fill in the form on the Community Notices page of our web site www.localreach.co.uk/community-notices
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you plant but if the conditions are cool and dry then February is the perfect planting time.
What to plant
Shrubs to plant include Witch Hazel, Winter Jasmine and Mahonia’s which will provide beautiful foliage and flowers later in the year.
The size of your garden will determine which trees you plant. Planting an oak or horse chestnut that could grow to an immense size is unadvisable in a small garden so instead chose a Paperbark Maple or an ornamental cherry, or small fruit tree.
How to plant
Make sure root balls are teased out (except for shrubs who do not like root disturbance, for example magnolias). The hole needs to be no deeper than the root ball but around three times wider. Add some organic matter. Soak the root ball in water for around half an hour before placing carefully in the hole and filling and firming. Stake and shield from rodents. Water in well.
Sowing Vegetable Seeds
February is a great time to sow vegetable seeds. Leeks, fennel and artichoke can be sown indoors as can broad beans, peas, carrots, early beetroot, parsnips, summer cabbage and spinach.
Early potatoes can also begin the ‘chitting’ process on a windowsill. If you have space, you can also begin growing herbs like basil on your windowsill.
Sowing flowers
Some of the best flowers to grow from seed are sweet peas, which are the sweet smell of summer. Seed catalogues are full of some wonderful varieties from ‘Spencer’ to ‘Anne Gregg’ to ‘Noel Sutton’ or a general mix.
Cosmos are also a great flower to grow from seed and these can be sown inside from February as can some marigolds, lupins and delphiniums. By growing from seed, you can enjoy seeing tiny seeds grow into stunning floral displays and you could save yourself a lot of money on established plants later in the year. You also get an immense choice.
Chose a specialist seed compost, peat free composts work well, for best results and be sure to label your containers clearly.
The weather might be bracing in February, but it is a busy month for planting and sowing, whether outside or in.
By Rob Bullock
Don’t Let Your Bills Raise the Roof!
According to the Energy Saving Trust, as much as 25% of the heat in your home is lost through your loft or roof space. It could even be as high as on third or more in some properties – that’s heating and energy you’re paying for, literally flying straight out of the space in your loft. Not only does that mean you’re getting bigger bills than you should be, you’re also contributing much more than you need to towards greenhouse gases and your carbon footprint.
It’s a major problem for a lot of homes around the UK, but fortunately it is also one with an easy solution - having the right insulation installed.
While Access4Lofts specialises in supplying and installing loft ladders, hatches and boarding, we also offer loft insulation that could reduce this heat loss by as much as 20%. That’s going to mean not just a significant saving on your energy bills, but also a big step in the right direction when it comes to your household’s impact on climate change.
Access4Lofts is fully committed to providing you with loft insulation that is not only practical and affordable, but also meets the very highest environmental standards. All insulation installs comply with the National Insulation Association (NIA) recommended standard depths of insulation. And there’s no need to worry about how this might affect your loft access either. For example, you will still be able to use your loft for storage once it has been insulated, because our expert techniques can ensure any storage solution is fitted above your loft insulation.
So, no need to always be watching that thermostat and battling with your eco-conscience as temperatures drop. With the right loft insulation, you can go green without going mean. You and your family can be sure to keep cosy and warm this winter, and for many winters to come, without worrying about it costing the Earth – in every sense of the phrase!
Call Rash & Ollie now to book a free survey and quotation on 01225 956 375, or visit www.Access4Lofts.co.uk/Bath. You can also find them on Facebook as Access4Lofts Bath.
Small and Large Screen Entertainment this February
With new releases and returning favourites February is a great time for those who enjoy curling up at home in front of the TV or a night out at their local cinema
February evenings are long, but with so many great tv programmes, some outstanding live sporting events returning this month, and some excellent new movie releases there is something for everyone. These are some of my highlights.
Large Screen
Captain America: Brave New World
Eagerly anticipated for release on 14th February and starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson the new Captain America, taking over from Chris Evans, this is the fourth movie in the Marvel series. Viewers will remember Wilson as the Avenger Falcon. In true Captain America style following the election of Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford) Wilson finds himself tasked to uncover the masterminds of a major international incident.
Love Hurts
This quirky and exciting comedy action movie is directed by Jonathan Eusebio and starring Ke Huy Quan as a realtor who is drawn back into a life of crime that he thought he’d left as his crimelord brother makes him confront his past.
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
The fourth instalment of Helen Fielding’s hilarious comedy is set for a Valentines Day release and sees Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson reprise their roles. The story picks up with Bridget now in her fifties and widowed after the death of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Bridget is a mum of two and begins an often-hilarious relationship with a much younger man played by the in-vogue actor Leo Woodall.
TV Highlights
The Six Nations and Super Bowl LIX
As an unashamed sports fan February has two mega tv events from either side of the Atlantic to enjoy. Saturday 1st sees 2024 Rugby Union champions Ireland play England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in what is set to be the heavy weight match of the Six Nations tournament. Kick off 4.45pm ITV1.
American Football’s Super Bowl LIX takes place on February 9th from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans and is on Sky Sports NFL Channel. Neutral observers are once again hoping for a nailbiter after Kansas City edged the 49ers last year.
The Summer I turned Pretty Series 3 – Prime Video
Romance and beautiful scenery abound as the third instalment of Jenny Han’s trilogy continues to follow New England teenager Belly Conklin’s flourishing from awkward child to stunning young woman and her love of two teenage brothers who she has holidayed with at their idyllic beachside home at Cousins Beach since a child. Will season three see Belly with brooding Conrad or outgoing Jeremiah?
Silent Witness Season 28 – BBC TV
Emilia Fox and David Caves reprise their roles as Dr Nikki Alexander and Jack Hodgson in the ever-popular BBC TV show, which will return once again in 2026, with iconic Maggie Stead joining the cast. With five new stories spread over ten episodes the opener is the disturbing mystery of an elderly woman whose body is discovered in a cave.
By Rob Bullock
Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch Meeting, Monday 3rd February
RAFA-MSB will meet on Monday February at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS for a presentation by Roger Cowie entitled “From Russia with Love” and Branch Meeting preparing for the March AGM plus optional Lunch & Drinks from the Club Menu & Bar.
RAFA-MSB covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas. RAFA Members, Current & Ex-RAF Personnel & Reserves, Current & Ex-Commonwealth Air Forces Personnel, Members of the RAF Family & Members of the public that support RAFA aims & purpose welcome.
Contact Secretary raf.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01456 224057
West Mendip Walkers February 2025 Walk Programme
Thursday 6th February: West Mendip Walkers moderate 9m circular walk starting 9:30am from Wells City Hall (BA5 2RB).
Thursday 13th February: West Mendip Walkers moderate 7.7m circular walk starting 9:30am from Kilmersdon (BA3 5TD).
Thursday 20th February: West Mendip Walkers moderate 9m circular walk starting 9:30am from Ash Lane, Wells (BA5 2LR).
Thursday 27th February: West Mendip Walkers moderate 11m circular walk starting 9:30am from Nether Stowey (TA5 1NW).
Details for all walks: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Shepton Mallet u3a
If you are no longer working full time, you may be looking around for interesting things to do, with the possibility of making new friends. u3a is a national organisation with a branch in Shepton Mallet. Our website, where you can see what we do and how to join, is www.sheptonmalletu3a.org.uk
The next meeting is on 6th February - Goats of the Gorge. An Award winning family run business
nestled in the heart of the Mendips, Somerset. You may have seen them on Dragon’s Den and now they will be with us to tell us about caring for their goats and how their skincare business started. £3 members, £4 non-members, to include refreshments. 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Salvation Army Hall.
Glastonbury Armed Forces And Veterans Breakfast Club
We are a group of Veterans & Serving Members of His Majesties Armed Forces whose ethos, like other Veterans Breakfast Clubs around the UK & the World, is mutual support.
It works because we have a similar humour & outlook on on life.
There is no formal Membership and no Fees.
We meet every Wednesday at 08:30 for Breakfast at 09:00. For details of where we meet e-mail GlastonburyAFVBC@gmail.com or phone 07929 087260.
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Get talking! February 6th is Time to Talk Day!
Talking is good for our mental health. It can be a life saver and by talking to a friend or loved one or a professional at certain points in our lives we all benefit by sharing our troubles or worries
A trouble shared...
The English crime novelist Dorothy L Sayers once said, ‘a trouble shared is a trouble halved’ and it really can help. By talking about our worries, difficulties and health concerns whether to a friend or family member, or to a professional talking can help take a weight off our shoulders and help us deal with issues and, generally, support our mental health.
Time to Talk Day
This year mental health support groups are determined to make February 6th the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Recent surveys have found that if we don’t talk, we can feel withdrawn and isolated and this in turn can
Calling all clubs, groups, associations, schools & churches in Shepton Mallet/BA4!
LocalReach Community Magazines are delivered by ROYAL MAIL to 8,988 homes & businesses to ALL of Shepton Mallet/BA4 postcode area. We help over 700 small local clubs, groups, associations, schools and churches with FREE OF CHARGE advertising.
Please send us all your news, events and information. We can give you 100 words FREE OF CHARGE each month, plus you can upload a photo. Just fill in the form on the Community Notices page of our web site www.localreach.co.uk/community-notices
• 100% guaranteed monthly delivery by ROYAL MAIL
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stop us feeling like socialising. Simply by not talking made almost a quarter of participants in studies feel that their mental health significantly worsens.
Founded in 2014
It is eleven years since the first Time to Talk Day which was set up by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England as a way to end mental health stigma and discrimination. From the first Time to Talk Day it has encouraged us to have conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health.
One in four
Research by Mind shows that a quarter of us will experience some kind of mental health problem at some point each year. One in six of us also report having a mental health problem, be it anxiety, depression, a phobia or panic disorder amongst others each week and this can really impact our lives and the lives of our loved ones.
Start talking
It might seem simple but how many of us make the time to talk with someone each day? Of course, many of us pass the time of day, we say hello, ask if someone is OK, but mostly we are not listening for an answer.
Effective communication starts with listening, being interested and wanting to take an interest can enrich a conversation and both sides can benefit. Setting aside time doesn’t always mean sitting face to face like you are interviewing someone. Sitting side by side in a café, pub, in the car, or talking whilst on a dog walk can offer someone the opportunity to share something important to them. No one expects you to know all the answers, but patience helps everyone and might help someone to open up again.
Take part
With many ways to take part in Time to Talk Day you could begin by having a conversation with someone, organise an event to bring a few people together, or look out for and join in an event someone else is organising or something on social media
For more information, please visit timetotalkday.co.uk
By Rob Bullock
Crossword
Word Search
Across
1 Herbaceous perennial with edible stalks (7)
8 Itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot
______ (6)
9 The Moor of Venice, Shakespeare play (7)
10 Type of biscuit (6)
11 About-face (7)
12 Picked, selected (6)
16 Composer of Fantaisie-Impromptu (6)
20 Sang A Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side (3,4)
21 Tropical lizard (6)
22 Andalucian town (7)
23 Pollen-producing part of a flower (6)
24 Aerial, signal receiver (7)
Down
2 Enmity, contempt (6)
3 Infused, fermented (6)
4 Appreciate, enjoy (6)
5 _______ West, Dalton and Spall (7)
6 Bystander, spectator (7)
7 Explanation of how the universe began (7)
13 Astronomical event, can be solar or lunar (7)
14 Beloved, favoured (7)
15 Innovator (7)
17 Anne ______, second wife of Henry VIII (6)
18 Contusion, blemish caused by injury (6)
19 UK’s smallest bird of prey (6)
Mindbenders
Vasco
Solutions: Turn to page 19
West Pennard Garden Club… Come and join us
We are friendly, enthusiastic gardeners. We meet on first Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm in West Pennard Village Hall, BA6 8NL.
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
‘Companionship through socialising and sharing experiences with likeminded people’
Street Branch Royal Naval Association covers all areas of Somerset and meets monthly in the Wessex Hotel, 15 High St. Street, Somerset BA16 0EF. Current and ex RN, RM, WRNS, RFA, Reserves and Commonwealth personnel are welcome. Associate membership is also available to relatives of current and former serving personnel, Sea/Marine Cadet staff and civilians. Monthly meetings include a raffle and end with the option of staying for lunch at the hotel. Contact Chairman Mike Jayes, Tel: 07805 516946, Email: streetrnachair@gmail.com for details of the next meeting.
Local Homeless Shepherds Hut Charity Campaign
My name is Jill Meadows and I’m currently campaigning to raise funds to buy a much needed shepherds hut for Dairy House Charity and Root Connections CIC that provide refuge counselling and rehabilitation for the local Mendip homeless. The current shepherds hut in situ is used for a private bedroom for newcomers as they adjust before moving into the main farmhouse. This hut is failing. Please help me raise the funds for this much needed hut.
Visit the website to donate: www.connect-centre. org.uk/dairyhousefundraising
Thank you for your support.
SPA Singles Social Group – South West, Est. 1979
We are a member led group, aiming to help you make new friends and improve your social life. Welcoming active, 40+ singles throughout the South West. Your local branch is Wells & Mendip.
Events include meals, walks, music, holidays, day trips, social evenings, theatre, etc. and whatever members wish to organize.
Find us on the meetup website at www.meetup. com/spa-social-group
or use the meetup app and search for “SPA singles group south west”.
Somerset Sight
Somerset Sight’s Dave’s Diner Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 4th December saw an amazing 40 people attend.
After a complimentary glass of fizz, a hot cooked two course lunch of Turkey and ham with all the trimmings was served, followed by delicious apple crumble or raspberry cheesecake with cream or custard, all served by the Somerset Sight team. Very yummy.
Everyone really enjoyed it especially the raffle prize winners.
A comment from one of our service users “Well, haven’t you all done a marvellous job in arranging this Christmas event for us, with getting the food out hot and promptly from the small kitchen area”
We also held a prize raffle and a Tile Appeal to raise funds to upgrade and enlarge the kitchen for future training classes for visually impaired people and private hire.
Somerset Sight is pleased to be able to offer this and other social gatherings and activities for over 3000 blind and partially sighted people throughout Somerset, along with the other services of emotional and technology support, mobile advisory service and resource centre, and volunteer visiting service.
If you are interested in any of these please call the office on 01823 333818
Are garden centres the new department store?
Visiting a garden centre has never been more popular, revenues are increasing and are set to continue, and just like department stores their customers come from all walks of life
Department stores developed in the latter part of the nineteenth century, selling many different types of goods and services under one roof, their appeal became more and more broad, as did what they sold. They are part of the fabric of British life. In recent years their popularity has declined due to out-of-town shopping and the internet. In many ways modern garden centres are the new department stores, becoming popular by selling more than just plants and garden supplies.
Why do we British love our visits to garden centres?
Whilst many of us enjoy a visit to a garden centre to buy plants for our homes and gardens many visit to enjoy what else they have to offer. Many have award winning cafés and restaurants, some have farm shops or food halls, most are one stop shops for an enormous range of pet supplies, some sell clothes and shoes, many have Christmas cabins, and some have children’s play areas to name just a few.
History of the British garden centre
Whilst it is thought that the first British garden centre was opened by the Royal Horticultural Society in London in 1860 it was really the aftermath of the Second World War that saw the age of the British garden centre begin.
In 1954 Edward Stewart opened Stewart’s Garden Centre in Ferndown, Dorset to meet the surging demand for garden supplies as people turned their wartime vegetable plots into outdoor spaces to enjoy and spend their leisure time.
Popularity
of garden centres
Did you know that two thirds of British adults visit a garden centre every year? There are around 1400 garden centres in the UK and in 2023 we spent around £8b on retail garden products alone. But as we have seen, garden centres are about so much more than horticulture, a café or restaurant can make up over a third of a garden centre’s revenue. Garden centres are not entirely a British thing, they do not exist in our format
in the USA, but some European countries have similar centres.
Why do we love garden centres
Like department stores garden centres are retail centres that have expanded the range of products and services they sell to meet the needs of the people who shop there. As a more and more varied clientele visit garden centres, what they offer has grown.
We British also love cafés, when we go out for the day, or go to the shops many of us like to have some coffee and cake, or a light lunch, or afternoon tea. Many of the best garden centres have excellent cafés!
Garden centres are the new department store, they have grown into part of the fabric of British life offering so much more than garden supplies. A visit is a pleasurable experience to be shared with family and friends and they have become a British institution.
By Rob Bullock
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Contact us now at www.localreach.co.uk or call 01749 600388.
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Other Ways to Sell Your House
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 on 07566 756699 or visit www.EweMove.com/MidsomerNorton.
Understanding Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
By Simon Swindells, Audiologist and Owner at South West Hearing Care
Tinnitus is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often described as the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears when no external sound is present. For many, it can be a persistent and frustrating experience, impacting everyday life and mental well-being. Tinnitus Awareness Week, scheduled for 3-9 February 2025, provides a vital opportunity to raise awareness of this condition, its link to hearing loss, and the available support.
Research shows a clear connection between tinnitus and hearing loss. In fact, the majority of people who experience tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. While the two are not always directly linked, the underlying mechanism often involves damaged hair cells in the inner ear. These cells are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain, and when they are damaged, the brain may interpret this loss of input as sound, leading to the experience of tinnitus.
Hearing loss can occur gradually due to age-related changes or as a result of prolonged exposure to loud noises. For those affected by both hearing loss and tinnitus, managing both conditions can feel overwhelming. However, advancements in hearing aids and other hearing technologies have provided significant relief for many. Hearing aids, for example, can restore auditory stimulation to the brain, helping it ’forget’ about tinnitus. They also help to reduce stress and additional hearing strain which is a trigger of tinnitus for many. A number of hearing aids also come with a range of tinnitus masking features as standard.
At South West Hearing Care, we encourage anyone experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss to seek professional advice. Our team is dedicated to providing tailored solutions, offering the support and expertise needed to manage these conditions effectively. Book a free hearing assessment by contacting us using the details below.
Simon has 20 years’ experience as an Audiologist and is the Owner of South West Hearing Care, with local clinics in Street, Somerton and Westbury. Street: 01458 555533 | Westbury: 01373 823076 | www.swhearingcare.co.uk
South West Hearing Care are your local, South are independent hearing care specialists. hearing care specialists.
With over 20 years audiology experience, With over 20 years audiology experience, you can rest assured that your hearing is you rest is in good hands. hands.
Motoring News this February
Winter is still upon us in February, and we all need to take precautions when motoring but if you are thinking of changing vehicles February could be the month to do it. There are some interesting new vehicle releases and great used car deals
You might not think it, but if you are looking to buy a used car, then February is a good month to purchase. February is typically one of the slowest sales months in dealerships around the country and many are trying to clear out older models to make room for new ones.
Breaking the law on February mornings
Driving on cold winter mornings pose a challenge to everyone and in the winter months many of us break the law without even realising. If the temperature overnight has dipped below freezing many drivers start their cars and leave them unattended whilst windscreens de-ice. Leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running is an offence under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. If caught you could be fined but your vehicle could also be targeted by car thieves and stolen, and your insurance will be void.
Cool gadgets for February driving
Electromagnetic ice remover – £5.99
These inexpensive gadgets promise to detect and start de-icing your windscreens automatically. Many people choose to buy these small gadgets in multiples and place them on front and back windscreens plus side windows. They use molecular interference to clear windows and remove the need to warm up your vehicle before driving, stopping you breaking the law and risking your car being targeted by thieves.
Ryobi cordless high pressure tyre inflator - £32
Winter weather puts enormous strain on tyres often necessitating roadside inflation. Ryobi is a watchword for quality electric tools including cordless drills, clippers and power tools. There is a cordless Ryobi tool for almost everything using their ONE+ system, and now there is one for inflating your tyres quickly and effortlessly should you need to repair a damaged tyre.
Car news - New E Car of the Month –Audi A6 e-tron
With a high starting price, the fantastic futuristic looking Audi A6 e-tron is more expensive
than one of its closest rivals the BMW i5 and considerably more than it’s petrol- and dieselpowered Audi siblings. So, what do you get for the money?
In short - acceleration and range. Available in several power variants, each offering astonishing acceleration off the mark – the 543nhp model can get from 0-62 mph in an eye watering 3.9 seconds, and even the 362bhp model can do this is 5.4 second. Battery range is greater than its rivals the Mercedes EQE and the BMW i5. Audi puts this down to their latest EV technology and the car’s sophisticated aerodynamics.
Available in Sportback and Tourer, modern design is at the heart of the A6 e-tron and one design feature that stands out is the panoramic glass roof with its switchable transparency. The driver display is space age and along with the state-of-the-art design gives this car a futuristic feel that is sure to appeal to buyers.
By Rob Bullock
A Good Read
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
By Hank Green
When 23-year-old graphic designer April May stumbles upon a mysterious, 10-foot-tall sculpture in New York City, she doesn’t think much of it - until she realizes she’s the first to document its existence. In a viral video that captures the imagination of millions, she dubs the figure “Carl.” But it soon becomes clear that Carl is not alone: identical statues appear across the globe, defying explanation and sparking feverish speculation. As April becomes a central figure in the media storm surrounding the “Carls,” she finds herself drawn deeper into a strange mystery that forces her to confront fame, humanity, and the thin line between truth and perception.
This thoughtful, fast-paced novel blends science fiction, mystery, and social commentary into an irresistibly readable package. Green deftly tackles complex themes like fame, power, and the internet’s influence on personal identity, crafting a story that feels both futuristic but painfully real and current. April May is flawed yet relatable and her journey offers a raw look at how quickly internet fame can turn toxic. The writing is witty, insightful, and fans of speculative fiction and social media culture will find An Absolutely Remarkable Thing an unmissable, thought-provoking ride, which will keep them turning pages well into the night.
LIFEL1K3
By Jay Kristoff
In a broken, post-apocalyptic future where technology blurs the line between human and machine, 17-year-old Eve Carpenter fights to survive. Living in a harsh wasteland and scraping by in robot battles to pay her grandfather’s medical bills, Eve’s life changes dramatically when she discovers the ruins of a destroyed android - one so advanced it appears almost human. This android, named Ezekiel, possesses secrets from Eve’s own past and holds the key to a future that could change the world. As Eve, her best friend Lemon, and a rogue group of misfits set out on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth, they’re pursued by powerful corporations and deadly, half-human killers known as Lifelikes.
This is a visceral, cinematic adventure packed with breathtaking twists and turns. Set in a vividly gritty world, the story combines cyberpunk, Mad Max-style wastelands, and a hint of romance, making it a compelling read for young adult fans of dystopian sci-fi. Kristoff’s worldbuilding is top-notch, immersing readers in a future where androids and humans are nearly indistinguishable, and technology questions the very meaning of humanity. Eve is a fierce, relatable protagonist, navigating intense emotions while making tough choices. LIFEL1K3 is a pulse-pounding action novel with emotional depth. It takes readers on a heart-pounding ride through a landscape where love, loyalty, and identity are all tested to their limits.
By Tash Donovan
Why do I need prescription sun spectacles for skiing?
Now, that Christmas is a distant memory and January’s ‘New Year, New You’ enthusiasm has waned, some of us go looking for some winter sun on the ski slopes. Is there anything we should bear in mind though before setting off?
As soon as the sun comes out, we all know we should use some SPF to protect our skin against ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can burn the skin, risking premature ageing and skin cancer. What many people don’t realise is that UV can also cause serious, sometimes irreversible damage to the eyes. In fact, eyes are ten times more sensitive to UV light, than the skin, according to the Eyecare Trust.
Despite UV causing structural damage to the delicate eye tissues, we take inadequate precautions when protecting the eyes. Longer term damage can contribute to cataract formation and pterygium and others, but excessive short-term exposure causes red, burning, stinging and watery eyes.
As the snow reflects UV, there’s 80% more radiation on the ski slopes, than on the beach!
A wrapped lens which curves around the face is required to give all round protection against UV, glare, dust, debris and snow or ice. Wrapped sunglasses combined with appropriate sun lenses will give full optical and physical protection. The correct choice of tint will also give comfortable vision, improving contrast and colour perception.
So to protect your eyes against the elements, contact Eyetech for advice and to complete your ski kit for your upcoming ski trip.
Pilates
Pilates is not some new-fangled fitness fad, in fact it has been around for almost one hundred years
Joseph Pilates was born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1883. Around 1912, he moved to England and found work as a circus performer, boxer, and self-defence instructor. During the First World War, he was interred alongside other German nationals living in the UK. He used this time to develop his physical fitness and trained fellow internees. Towards the end of the war, he was given a role in a hospital, working with patients who couldn’t walk. Joe Pilates adapted their beds and added springs and pulleys to allow exercise and build muscle strength. In 1926 Joe
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and his wife Clara emigrated to the United States and opened a fitness studio in New York city. Joseph Pilates based his exercises on six founding principles, breath, concentration, centring, control, precision, and flow. These principles are still applied almost one hundred years later and the style of equipment that Joseph invented is still used today. He is quoted as saying, “In 10 sessions you feel better, 20 sessions you look better, 30 sessions you have a completely new body.”
Modern Pilates studios will offer either mat Pilates or reformer apparatus Pilates. Performing a structured set of moves on a mat relies on your body weight to provide resistance against gravity and requires full control of your body. A reformer is a piece of equipment, much like Joe Pilates original invention. It consists of a narrow bed with a sliding carriage and pulleys with varying resistance. The reformer is designed to support your body when you perform Pilates, it can be used to target specific areas or full body strengthening.
Pilates studios may also offer classical or contemporary classes. Joe Pilates passed away in 1967, but his original set of exercises were passed down to ‘elders’ and are still used today. These are considered the classical moves and they generally require a posterior tilt, when your pelvis is tilted forward. Contemporary Pilates is a loose definition for everything that came after this classical approach. It has allowed instructors to add their own moves and stretches whilst adhering to the founding principles.
Pilates is a whole-body conditioning workout. It strengthens muscles and elongates your frame, giving you flexibility, improving your mobility and refining muscle tone. It gained popularity in the 1990s, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna as loyal advocates for the regime. Pilates had a recent resurgence in popularity and new Pilates boutiques are opening across the UK, making it an industry worth approximately £800m and employing around 16,000 instructors. No doubt the increased accessibility to classes has helped the regimen gain a new audience of younger devotees, but it also encourages people of all ages to try a class for themselves. Why not contact your local Pilates boutique or studio and discover the benefits of Pilates for yourself.
By Emma Russell
Mushroom Stroganoff
A
creamy but light and delicious supper
Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
2 tsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped.
1 tbsp sweet paprika
2 garlic cloves, crushed.
300g mixed mushrooms
150ml vegetable stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp sour cream
Small bunch of parsley, roughly chopped.
Method:
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the onions and soften for about 5 mins.
Add the paprika and garlic, then cook for 1 minute more. Roughly chop and add the mushrooms, then cook over a high heat, stirring often, for about 5 mins.
Pour in the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer until the sauce thickens (5-10 minutes). Remove from the heat and stir through the soured cream and most of the parsley.
Serve with rice (it goes particularly well with brown or wild rice) stirring through the remaining chopped parsley just before plating the dish.
Mindbender:
1: Rub the wrong way 2: Needle in a haystack
3: Second time around
Puzzle Solutions
Are You Sure That Call Was Real?
In 2024, one in three people fell victim to scams involving AIdriven technologies and voice cloning. Imagine attending an urgent Zoom meeting set up by your manager, asking you to make an immediate payment to a supplier to improve business relationships. Or a vendor calls you up requesting an urgent update to their account details after a supposed data breach. Or receiving a phone call from a family member needing money. Acting in good faith on what seems like a legitimate request from people you know and trust, you comply—only to discover later that it wasn’t really them.
This is the unsettling reality of deepfakes, a threat growing rapidly and even catching large companies with advanced cybersecurity measures and trained personnel off guard.
In a world where criminals are now using advanced sophisticated AI tools to mimic voices, faces, and expressions with startling accuracy, it has become easier to fool colleagues, friends, and family members into believing requests for money or
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sensitive information are real. These scams are getting more sophisticated by day, posing serious risks for both individuals and businesses. Criminals know that people tend to follow instructions from authority figures, and they exploit employees’ trust and loyalty to gain access to sensitive information, resources, or funds.
So How to Spot a Deepfake
Detecting deepfakes can be challenging, but there are some common warning signs to watch out for:
• Unnatural Facial Expressions or Eye Movements: Deepfake technology at this stage struggles with realistic eye movements and subtle facial expressions.
• Mismatch in Voice and Lip Movements: If the audio doesn’t match the person’s lip movements precisely, or if there’s a slight delay, it could indicate a deepfake.
• High-Pressure or Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to push people into quick decisions. If a caller on video is pressuring you to act immediately, pause and verify the request through another channel. The same rule applies to emails and messages—urgency can be a major red flag!
Protecting Yourself and Your Business from Deepfakes
Verify Requests Through Other Channels: If you receive an urgent request, confirm it using a separate contact method—never use the same method to verify the request. Using multi-factor authentication for payments and sensitive Data transactions also helps ensuring the legitimacy of requests.
Head Movements: If you are not sure about the person on the video call ask the person to turn their head sideways to 45 degrees. Deepfake technology struggles to maintain realism with certain angles and movements. (Be creative when asking for it, like that’s an interesting book on your bookshelf prompting them to turn their head.) (If you want to see how head-turning can affect a deepfake, there are some examples in a Metaphysics.ai blog post.)
Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to take extra time to verify. Encourage your employees, colleagues, and family members to do the same. Fostering a culture of caution and verification can help protect everyone from falling prey to financial loss or Identify theft scams.
On a final note, always verify before you trust, and question before you obey. Staying cautious is your best defence against these evolving scams.
By Alessia Widowski
“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
