LocalReach Shepton Mallet February 2024 by localcm

LOCALREACH SHEPTON MALLET – BA4

FREE Feb 24 No. 08

GARDENING – page 5 COMMUNITY – page 6 PUZZLES – page 8 RECIPE – page 11 KIDS – page 12

BOOKS – page 16 BUSINESS A-Z – page 19

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Are you looking for more business? Advertising in LocalReach is a fantastic way to reach all your existing, and potentially new customers. LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in your postcode area every month. It is packed with community notices, interesting articles and local businesses. A massive 98% of our advertisers rebook every month so we must be doing something right! So, if you are looking for more business then contact us now. To advertise just go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the contact form or email hello@localreach.co.uk

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Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we make no guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. We do not approve any of the services or products provided by advertisers in this magazine. Anyone using the products, services or advice from advertisers will need to carry out normal checks to make sure businesses are trustworthy and reliable. LocalReach Ltd 2024.

DO YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF LOCALREACH EACH MONTH? 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 8,886 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.

Downside

SHEPTON MALLET

West Compton Pilton

Dean

BA4 Evercreech

Wanstrow Upton Noble

East Pennard Alhampton Hornblotten

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The First 14 Days As soon as your property goes live on the sale portals, there’s a flurry of activity and emotion. Both excitement about taking the first step on your new journey and fear on what lies ahead. Will other people fall in love with your home just as you have done ? Almost instantly you’re likely to get interest from potential buyers. This means that there no time to lose to get your house ready for viewings. Hence it is crucial that before you market your home and present it to the world, you have carried out the 3 steps below. You want to make sure that your home is in perfect condition to do itself justice. 1. Kerb Appeal - you only get one chance to make a first impression and when your potential buyer arrives, if they have a bad first impression you’re starting off on the back foot. Try to see your home through the eyes of an observer, or even better, seek the help of a trusted friend for advice. 2. Declutter & Clear - we can’t all call in Mrs Hinch, so start by removing built-up clutter (which we are all guilty of) so allowing you to complete a thorough clean. A house full of nick-knacks to you, is just a crowded space full of somebody else’s items to a potential buyer. Give away or recycle anything that you are not going to take with you to your new house. 3. Repair & Decorate – the majority of buyers are looking for a home that they can move into straight away, so time to sort out any minor repairs or anything not in working order. Redecoration or freshen up heavy duty areas such as hallways and stairways is a good idea, keeping any colour scheme neutral in tone.

Your Home SellSell Your Home With Confidence Do you want to know how much With your houseConfidence is worth? EweMove offer a home valuation report Happy that usually costs £19.95, however youWith can get Our your personalised report for free by visiting: With Our Happy www.EweMove.com/sheptonmallet or scan the QR code below. Alternatively, please contact me on Sale Guarantee 01749 600 339 any time of the day Sale or night. Guarantee For lots more information and tips on making your home the best it can be prior to marketing, drop me an email on anne.ﬂintham@ewemove.com and I will send you a FREE copy of my book “The 39 Steps to Avoid a House Sale Nightmare”.

Sell Your Home With Confidence With Our Happy Sale Guarantee No Minimum No Minimum No No No Sale No Sale Contract Cancellation Contract Cancellation No Fee - No Fee TermTerm Fee Fee Anne Flintham

Anne Flintham Branch Director not happy Branch Director We’reWe’re not happy unlessunless you’reyou’re happy... that means you can walk happy... that means you can walk any point if you’re awayaway at anyatpoint if you’re not not withservice. our service. 100%100% happyhappy with our We’re not happy unless you’re happy... that means you can You won’t findother any other agent Younot won’t findhappy any agent walk away at any point if you’re 100% our service. that canyour sell home yourwith home with our that can sell with our risk-free Happy Sale Guarantee. You won’t find any other agent that can sell your home risk-free Happy Sale Guarantee. Anne Flintham with our risk-free Happy Sale Guarantee. Branch Director

Visit www.EweMove.com/Sheptonmallet Visit www.EweMove.com/Wells EweMove.com/York EweMove.com/York Call 24/7 01749 600339Visit www.EweMove.com/Wells Scan MeScan Me Call 24/7 01749 600339 Call 24/7 01749 600339

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GARDENING

Garden View varieties like ‘Jackmanii’ and ‘Sweet Autumn Clematis’. They require more extensive pruning, cut back almost to ground level (15-30 cm above the ground) in February. This encourages strong new growth and a profusion of flowers at a manageable height. Why prune at all? It’s important because it rejuvenates the plant by encouraging new growth, which is essential for flowering, particularly in Group 2 and 3 clematis. It helps maintain the shape and size of the plant, preventing it from becoming unruly and tangled. Regular pruning also allows for better air circulation through the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Clematis, often hailed as the “Queen of the Climbers”, is a beloved fixture in many UK gardens. Its enchanting flowers, ranging from delicate, starshaped blossoms to bold, dramatic blooms, can transform fences, walls, and trellises into living art. But clematis, like many plants, needs pruning, and understanding the pruning requirements of your particular clematis will depend on its pruning group. Clematis are categorized into three main pruning groups: 1, 2, and 3. These groups are determined by the plant’s flowering time and the age of the flowering wood. Group 1 clematis bloom early in the year, flowering on the previous year’s growth. These varieties, like the alpine clematis, produce flowers in late spring and are generally the least demanding in terms of pruning. Pruning, if necessary, should be done immediately after flowering. The goal is to remove dead or weak stems and to shape the plant, but heavy pruning is not needed. If left unpruned, these clematis can become a tangle of old wood with few flowers. Group 2 clematis flower in late spring or early summer on short shoots developing from the previous year’s growth and often have a second, less vigorous flush in late summer on the current year’s growth. Examples include the popular varieties like ‘Nelly Moser’ and ‘Miss Bateman’. Pruning for Group 2 should be light, focusing on removing dead and weak stems in late winter or early spring, so February is the perfect time. You can also lightly prune after the first flowering to encourage a more robust second bloom. Group 3 clematis flower on the current year’s growth, producing blooms from mid to late summer until the first frost. This group includes

When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts. This prevents damage to the plant and reduces the risk of disease. After pruning, it’s beneficial to apply a balanced fertilizer and mulch to provide nutrients and maintain soil moisture. With the right pruning techniques, your clematis will be a stunning feature in your garden, showcasing its floral beauty season after season. By Rachael Leverton

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church? Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge? Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month. Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

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COMMUNITY

RNLI Winscombe Bicentennial Super Quiz – Saturday 27th January 2024 is the Bicentennial of the formation of the RNLI and RNLI Winscombe & District Branch will hold a Bicentennial Super Quiz at 7:00pm on Saturday 27th January in Shipham Village Hall, New Road, Winscombe BS25 1SG. The Quiz will be for teams of six (£12 per member) and the price will include Tina’s Mega Ploughman’s Supper; there will be a bar and a raffle. Contact Tina Joyce by e-mail meejlfh@gmail.com or tel 01934 842304 for more details.

Royal Air Forces Association Midsomerset Branch – February Programme RAFA-MSB will meet on Monday 5th February at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS for a Branch Meeting including a Presentation by the Reverend Ken Brown entitled “Sky Pilot” followed by an optional Pub Lunch and drinks.

Note the 2024 AGM is on Monday 4th March at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club. The Branch covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas. Contact e-mail rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057. Members from any RAFA Branch, Current and ExRAF Personnel and Reserves welcome.

RNLI Winscombe District Annual General Meeting – Thursday 29th February RNLI Winscombe & District Branch will hold its Annual General Meeting at 3:00pm on Thursday 29th February. All Branch Committee Members, regular helpers and supporters are encouraged to attend. The Meeting will include a Presentation on 2023 activities, a review of 2023 accounts, election of the Branch Committee, and discussion of the proposed 2024 Programme. For further details of the venue, the agenda and presentation please contact the Chairman Allan Cooper 01934 842954, e-mail: allan.coop@ tiscali.co.uk, or Secretary Mary Wallace 01934 842075, e-mail: mary.wallace@hotmail.co.uk

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LOCALREACH

The Delicate Art of Flirting Victorian Style A picture was worth a thousand words Many of us will send a Valentine’s card this month, but while we might spend some time choosing the perfect one I’ll bet few of us go to the lengths that our Victorian sisters did. The Victorian era, spanning the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, was a time of strict social codes and etiquette, particularly in the realm of courtship and romance. However, beneath the surface of these rigid norms, a playful and creative form of communication flourished: the art of flirtation through photo collage. This unique practice offered a discreet yet expressive way for individuals, especially women, to convey feelings and interests within the constraints of societal expectations. Photo collage in the Victorian era was a delicate craft, combining the fledgling hobby of photography with the traditional art of scrapbooking. Photography had recently become more accessible to the middle and upper classes. People began to collect carte de visite (small photographs mounted on cards) and cabinet cards, featuring portraits of friends, family, celebrities, and even themselves. These photographs provided the raw material for the creation of flirtatious collages. In the context of romance, these collages were often intricate and laden with symbolism. Women, who were typically more restricted in expressing romantic interest openly, found they could communicate subtly using collage. They could hint at their feelings or intentions without transgressing the bounds of propriety. Each element in a Victorian photo collage carried specific meanings. Flowers were a popular addition, with each variety representing a different sentiment – roses for love, violets for faithfulness etc. The inclusion of certain objects or scenes, like a ship for a longing heart or a bird for freedom, could also convey messages. The arrangement of the photographs themselves told a story; for instance, a portrait placed higher than others might indicate admiration or aspiration. These collages were not only personal expressions but also social artifacts, often exchanged during courtships or displayed in the home as a testament to one’s social connections and romantic status. The practice of creating and

sharing photo collages allowed for a controlled breach of the era’s strict communication barriers, offering a glimpse into the personal desires and emotions of the creator. Moreover, the art of photo collage in the Victorian era reflected broader cultural trends. It was a manifestation of the romanticism that permeated Victorian literature and art, with its emphasis on emotion and individualism. It also illustrated the era’s fascination with new technologies and their potential for personal expression. Today, Victorian photo collages are prized as historical artifacts, offering insight into the private lives and unspoken emotions of people in a bygone era. They remind us of the enduring human desire to connect and communicate, even under the most restrictive conditions. Through their delicate assembly and rich symbolism, these collages continue to speak across the centuries, telling stories of love, longing, and the timeless art of flirtation. By Dorothy Mitton

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PUZZLES

Across

Crossword

1 Egyptian canal (4) 3 New York City (3,5) 9 Put in order (7) 10 More infrequent (5) 11 State appointed temporary guardian (6-6) 14 Cyst, bag (3) 16 Recites, announces (5) 17 Become older (3) 18 How long it takes to react (8,4) 21 Plea of being elsewhere (5) 22 Tasteful, exquisite (7) 23 Embellished (8) 24 Curve (4)

Down

1 Sea creature found in rock pools (8) 2 British noblemen (5) 4 Frozen water (3) 5 Eliminates unpleasant room odours (3,9) 6 Carnivorous fish (7) 7 Make money (4) 8 Break, stoppage (12) 12 Type of shellfish (5) 13 Backslide (8) 15 Care about deeply (7) 19 Picture (5) 20 Predetermined course (4) 22 Scrutinise (3)

Word Search

Mindbenders

atlas bestseller bible bibliophile characters ending fairy tale

fiction flyleaf genre index library memoirs pages

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plot poetry reading review satire sci-fi script

series story study thesaurus tome

Solutions: Turn to page 15

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LOCALREACH

Ouch – How to remove a splinter

Splinters are painful and tricky to remove. I remember my mother digging around in the tender ball of my thumb with a darning needle one evening when I was ten. The splinter on that occasion had lodged itself firmly and resisted all attempts to prise it out while I resisted all attempts to have it prised out! Years later a friend training to be nurse taught me how to remove splinters safely and I pass on the knowledge here. First clean the area with soap and water. Inspect the splinter; use a magnifying glass if you have one. Look at the angle of entry and how

deeply embedded the splinter is. If the splinter protrudes from the skin it can be removed with tweezers. Sterilise the tweezers first using surgical spirit (neat Vodka also works) and if you need a magnifier get someone else to hold it; then grip the splinter gently and pull it out along the same angle it entered the skin. Small, fine splinters can be trickier, especially if they are more deeply embedded. In this instance cover the affected the area with Magnesium Sulphate paste (cheap and available from all pharmacies) and then bandage it. Leave overnight and in the morning the splinter will have surfaced. If it hasn’t, reapply and bandage again. The Magnesium sulphate is anhydrous and draws moisture out of the wound and with it the splinter. Once the end of the splinter pokes out you can use tweezers to remove it completely. Remember: If you use a needle to break the skin prior to applying the paste make sure the needle is sterile. Never try to squeeze a splinter out; you may drive it in further. By Louise Addison

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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.

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RECIPE

Beetroot Burger Perfect for those trying to reduce their meat consumption. This beetroot burger is full of flavour and it’s such a pretty colour we think it’s perfect Valentine’s Day fayre!

Makes: 8 burgers Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Ingredients: 1 onion, quartered 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing 2 garlic cloves, crushed 200g mushrooms (chestnut are good) 250g tofu 100g cooked beetroot (about 2-3 beetroot bulbs) 1 x 400g can black beans, drained 1 tbsp tomato purée 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise 1 tbsp miso paste 100g oat flour 2 tbsp ground flaxseed 50g pecans 200g cooked brown rice (75g dry rice is approximately 200g cooked)

Method: Put the onion in a food processor and pulse until it is the texture of cooked rice. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan, add the onion and fry for 10 mins until soft and pale golden. Stir in the garlic and fry for another minute. Remove the mixture to a large bowl and set aside. Now put the mushrooms in the food processor and pulse until they are as small as the onions. Heat the remaining oil in the pan, add the mushrooms and fry for 10-15 mins, until any liquid released has evaporated and the mushrooms are tender. Add to the bowl with the onions. Place the tofu, black beans, beetroot, miso paste, tomato purée, mayonnaise, flour, and flaxseed into the food processor and blitz until smooth. Add seasoning then mix this with the cooked veg. Pulse the pecans and half the cooked rice in the food processor until finely chopped. Add this mixture and the remaining rice to the veg too. Using your hands, shape the mixture into little burger-shaped patties about the same size as the buns. Vegetable burgers are more fragile than meat burger so chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins before cooking. I usually pop them in the freezer rather than the fridge. To cook, heat a frying pan over a medium heat. Brush both sides of the burgers with a little oil. Cook for 5-8 mins on each side, turning once after a crust has formed, until hot through to the centre. Avoid moving or turning them too often, as they may break up. Toast the buns on the open side, then spread each with a little chilli jam, and fill with lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, avocado with lime, vegan cheese and mayonnaise as required.

Serving suggestions: 8 burger buns, split. Chilli jam, lettuce, slices of tomato, red onion rings, avocado slices, lime wedges, vegan cheese slices, vegan mayonnaise.

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COMMUNITY

A packed programme: 2024 Shepton Snowdrops Festival

Chapel, the venue for the Poetry Competition Prize Giving.

The week-long Shepton Snowdrop Festival returns once again in February 2024 with an exciting programme. Galanthophile, gardener, plant collector, or lovers of beautiful things there’s something at the Festival to suit all. The range of workshops, talks and walks is greater than ever before. As it’s February half term, Festival organisers have included creative activities and drama workshops for children and families, all of them free.

The Festival runs from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th February, with core events on Friday and Saturday. The full programme and booking details for workshops, talks and walks are available on www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk

Once again, walks, talks and garden visits are a strong feature of the 2024 Festival programme thanks to partner gardens and Shepton Walks. The global reach of the 2023 Poetry Competition inspired Festival Organisers to commission a ‘Found Poetry’ community workshop for 2024. Led by author and poet, Polly Hall, participants in the workshop will create a poetry trail on buildings around the town centre. Another art and words project commissioned by the Festival will create a gigantic installation in the Georgian Baptist

Let’s Run with Street Striders Street Striders are Streets first & only UK Athletics affiliated running club. We meet on Mondays @ 6:30pm & 7:30pm, and Thursdays @ 7:00pm, setting off from Victoria Club, Leigh Road, BA16 0HB. Social running at its best! From beginners to experienced runners; there will be something for you. We also run regular Couch-to-5k sessions, as well as our dedicated slower paced group #SteadyStriders, and structured training sessions with certified run leaders. Try for free or get in touch via email (hello@ streetstriders.co.uk) or Facebook and Instagram (just search Street Striders).

LOCAL HANDYMAN SERVICE

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How hearing aids can help enrich relationships By Simon Swindells, Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many of us will be making plans to spend time with our loved ones. However, for those experiencing hearing loss, it can create a barrier within these special relationships. When we want to connect and share quality time with others, being able to hear and listen is absolutely key. From calling out from the other room to having a conversation face-to-face, if someone feels that they are not being listened to this can ultimately drive a wedge within any relationship. I always encourage my patients to attend their hearing assessment with a partner, family member or friend and the frustration they feel at not being heard is quite often the motivation for someone to first seek our help. How can hearing aids help? By addressing any underlying hearing loss with the help of an audiologist and the fitting of an advanced hearing system, you can allow yourself to hear to your full potential. Modern hearing aid technology works to expertly manage multiple speech and noise sources so you can focus on a conversation no matter where the sound is coming from, enabling you to hear naturally. Moreover, most new hearing systems have built in Bluetooth connectivity, meaning that you can stream films, television shows, music and even phone calls direct to your hearing system. This brings a new level of interaction within quality time and allows you to both enjoy what you are doing together. No more having to repeat what someone has said, or having to explain the joke that made you laugh. If you’d like to speak myself or the team for further advice or to book a free hearing assessment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Street: 01458 555533 | 7 The Bayliss Centre, High Street, Street Westbury: 01373 823076 | 2 High Street, Westbury www.swhearingcare.co.uk

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Love your

hearing Show your ears some love this February!

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swhearingcare.co.uk Audiologist: Simon Swindells RHAD MSHAA

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February 29th A history of the leap year

Leap years are a concept that might seem merely a quirk of the calendar, but they are rooted in a rich history of astronomical observations, mathematical calculations, and fascinating folklore. Spanning across cultures and centuries, the story of leap years reveals humanity’s ongoing quest to align our timekeeping with the cosmos. The history of the leap year begins with our understanding of the solar year - the time it takes the Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun. Early astronomers noticed that this period was not exactly 365 days but rather approximately 365.25 days. This extra quarter of a day presented a significant challenge: without adjustment, the calendar year would gradually drift away from the solar year, causing significant mismatches over time. The solution to this problem was first systematically implemented in the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC. Advised by the astronomer Sosigenes of Alexandria, Caesar reformed the Roman calendar by adding an extra day every four years to account for the additional quarter day. This leap day was added to February, traditionally the last month of the Roman year, making it 29 days instead of 28 in leap years. However, the Julian calendar overcompensated slightly because the actual solar year is approximately 11 minutes less than 365.25 days. This discrepancy led to the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, which refined the leap year rule. According to the Gregorian system, a year is a leap year if it is divisible by 4, but century years must be divisible by 400. Thus, 1600 and 2000 were leap years, but 1700, 1800, and 1900 were not. Beyond the technicalities, leap years are wrapped in a tapestry of folklore and traditions. One of the most famous is the practice, supposedly originating in Ireland, where women are encouraged to propose marriage to men on February 29th. This custom was popularized in the

LOCALREACH British Isles and beyond, breaking the historical convention of men initiating marriage proposals. In some cultures, leap years are considered unlucky. In Greece, for instance, couples usually avoid marrying in a leap year, and especially on a leap day. Conversely, in other traditions, leap years are seen as times of renewal and change. The Chinese believe that a leap year is an auspicious time to tie the knot. In 1712, Sweden briefly experienced a unique calendar date, February 30th! This anomaly occurred twelve years after Sweden’s initial decision in 1700 to switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. The change required eliminating some days to align the calendars, which Sweden intended to achieve by omitting leap days gradually. However, the outbreak of the Great Northern War in 1700 distracted the Swedes, leading them to overlook the omission of leap days in the subsequent years. By 1712, to simplify the transition back to the Julian calendar, Sweden added an extra day to the usual leap year, resulting in the one-time occurrence of February 30th. The complete shift to the Gregorian calendar was eventually realized in 1753, and February 30th disappeared forever. By Louise Addison

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender: 1: One thing after another 2: Once upon a time 3: Read between the lines

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BOOK REVIEWS

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A Good Read

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir that recounts the author’s weekly visits to his former sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is in the final stages of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Each Tuesday, they explore one of life’s fundamental questions, making this book a patchwork of profound wisdom. Albom’s prose is simple yet stirring, capturing Morrie’s remarkable outlook on life even as he faces his impending demise. Morrie’s insights on love, work, community, family, aging, forgiveness, and, ultimately, death, are both timeless and universally applicable. His teachings emphasize the importance of connection, compassion, and living a life that resonates with one’s personal values. But what makes the book truly compelling is the transformation of Albom himself. A successful sports journalist caught in the whirlwind of a careerdriven life, Albom’s reconnection with Morrie becomes a catalyst for his own introspection and growth. This personal evolution is what lends the book its emotional heft. Tuesdays With Morrie is more than a tribute to a dying man’s wisdom; it is an invitation to pause and reflect on our own lives. Its enduring popularity attests to its ability to touch hearts and awaken minds. In a world bustling with noise and haste, Morrie’s lessons urge us to embrace simplicity, love, and, ultimately, our humanity.

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Oliver Jeffers is a Northern Irish artist, illustrator, and writer. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth is a masterpiece of children’s literature that serves as a gentle yet profound guide to our planet and our place within it. Crafted with Jeffers’ signature charm and whimsy, this book is a visual feast that effortlessly blends playful illustrations with earnest, heartfelt advice. The book is structured as a father’s narrative to his newborn son, introducing him to the wonders and peculiarities of the world. From the vastness of the cosmos to the intricate details of the earth’s surface, Jeffers’ vivid illustrations and accessible text make the complexities of our world comprehensible and captivating to young minds. His portrayal of diverse landscapes, creatures, and people celebrates the richness of life and the value of kindness and understanding. What makes this book truly special is its underlying message of stewardship and compassion. Jeffers doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the fragility of our planet and the responsibility we share to care for it and each other. Yet, he does so with such warmth and optimism that it inspires rather than intimidates. “Here We Are” is more than just a children’s book; it’s a tender meditation on humanity and our place in the universe. It’s a book that encourages curiosity, respect, and wonder, making it a cherished read not only for children but for parents and educators alike. In its pages lies a universal message: despite our differences and the immensity of the universe, here we are together, and that in itself is something to celebrate. By Tash Donovan

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Love Your Specs Love them or hate them spectacles are a necessary part of many of our lives. So many of us need them to be able to carry out our every day lives. I myself am a spectacle wearer, having worn them since the age of 10. Back then the choice was, to say the least, limited and I was a very reluctant spectacle wearer. The styles never seemed to change from one year to the next, the only choice being colour, one year pink the next blue and so on endlessly repeating. Fast Forward 30 years, and, oh how things have changed. Spectacles are now as much a fashion choice as they are a necessity. After all, if we are going to have something in the middle of our face we might as well feel happy and confident about it. There are round frames, square frames, rectangular frames, asymmetric frames in fact almost any shape you can think of. With careful consideration of face shapes, hair colour, eye colour and complexion, there is a pair of spectacles out there waiting for all of us. So maybe February, the month of love, is the time to choose yourself a fabulous pair of specs and fall in love them. For every pair of specs ordered in February your name will be entered into a hat for our Valentine draw for a chance to win a chocolate hamper.

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LOCALREACH

National Apprenticeship Week February 5th - 11th

Apprenticeships in the UK represent one pathway for individuals seeking practical training and experience in a wide range of professions. They blend on-the-job training with academic learning, providing a unique opportunity for learners to earn while they learn. An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines practical work with study. It allows individuals to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting while acquiring the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills. Apprentices are employed and earn a wage throughout their training, which can last between one and six years, depending on the level and field of study. The history of apprenticeships in the UK dates back to the Middle Ages when young people

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TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 would become apprentices in various trades to learn a skill or craft. Initially, these were primarily in manual trades like blacksmithing, carpentry, and masonry. Over time, the apprenticeship system evolved, and by the 20th century, it had expanded to include a broader range of trades and vocations. Today, apprenticeships cover a multitude of sectors, offering pathways into careers as varied as engineering, IT, finance, healthcare, construction, and creative arts. They range from entry-level opportunities (equivalent to GCSE or A-level qualifications) to higher and degree apprenticeships that can lead to bachelor’s or master’s degree qualifications. This wide-ranging scope makes apprenticeships accessible and appealing to a broad audience, from school leavers to career changers. The benefits of apprenticeships are manifold. For apprentices, they provide the opportunity to gain practical experience, develop job-specific skills, and build a professional network, all while earning a salary. Apprenticeships are particularly beneficial for those who prefer learning in a hands-on environment rather than in a traditional classroom setting. They also offer an alternative route to higher education qualifications without the associated tuition fees. For employers, apprenticeships are an effective way to develop a skilled workforce tailored to their specific needs. They enable businesses to train new and existing employees in the skills critical for their industries, fostering a committed and competent workforce. Moreover, apprenticeships play a significant role in the broader economy by addressing skill gaps and boosting productivity. They offer a pathway to upskill the workforce, meet the demands of emerging industries, and ensure that the UK’s workforce is equipped to tackle future challenges. In recent years, the UK government has actively promoted apprenticeships, introducing incentives for employers to offer apprenticeships, and also creating new standards to ensure the quality and relevance of apprenticeship programs. This support underlines the recognition of the value of apprenticeships as a crucial tool for personal development, business growth, and economic prosperity. Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of education and employment. They offer a practical route into a wide range of careers, equipping people with the skills and experience needed for professional success. As the employment landscape evolves, apprenticeships will undoubtedly continue to play a key role in shaping the workforce of the future. By Ian Law

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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. 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

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Prickles Hedgehog Rescue Prickles Hedgehog Rescue would be very interested to hear from anyone with a little spare time on their hands who could help with morning clean outs or afternoon feeding for our little prickly residents. We would also be grateful for old newspapers for our clean out routine. Please call if you can help 07806 744772.

Your Local Community Needs your Help! We are in desperate need of additional Volunteer Community Car Drivers. Our drivers take people to attend medical appointments out of their local area when they don’t have any other form of transport. We are looking for people with a full driving license and spare time on their hands to join our friendly team and make a difference to their local community. We would be happy to chat with anyone interested and answer any questions. Please call Mendip Community Transport on 01749 880613.

Defibrillator Project Installs More Defibs Within The Local Community! The Donate For Defibrillator Weston-Super-Mare Project continues to work with venues to purchase public accessible defibrillators. 6 public accessible defibrillators have been installed and other defibrillators are on order for various venues. The funds for these have all been raised by the venues, fundraising Great Western Heart Starters are also providing CPR training for venue staff that have bought defibrillator(s) in February and a couple of sessions are available for members of the public to book onto via the link on our Website, www.donatefordefibwsm.co.uk

CARPENTERS & JOINERS

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

Independent, family run, Somerset based community magazine publishers since 2010.

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DRAINAGE

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ELECTRICIANS

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

Independent, family run, Somerset based community magazine publishers since 2010.

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OVEN CLEANING

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TREE SURGEONS

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Tel:01452768943 • Mob:07391 98613

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