“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
job. Karen
Anderson
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Getting out into your garden in the depths of winter is great for your mental health so much so some people call it the ‘Natural Health Service’.
January in the garden can be cold and the days are short but regularly getting into your plot for a few minutes can significantly improve your mood and your energy levels, give you a much-needed boost of vitamin D and improve your outlook as you look forward to a productive gardening year.
A natural antidote to winter
When it is freezing cold outside staying inside in the warmth is tempting, but it was the famous rambler Alfred Wainwright who said, ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’. So, get wrapped up and head out into your garden
Calling all clubs, groups, associations, schools & churches in Shepton Mallet/BA4!
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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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this winter because studies have shown getting outside in the winter can significantly elevate your mood and reduce stress levels. It is a natural antidote to winter! And what better place to go than your garden.
Get Vitamin D – nature’s way
Amongst other things Vitamin D is thought to help prevent the symptoms of depression in winter and as our bodies cannot store it, we need to get regular amounts. Getting outdoors on a crisp, sunny winter’s day is a good way of getting some natural vitamin D.
Increasing happiness
It is official, getting out into your garden can make you feel happier, it does this by taking us away from the stresses and strains of daily life, helps us forget work or family problems and worries, and it gets us out from under the feet of our loved ones. It also connects us to nature and by doing that makes us more mindful.
Battling Blue Monday
‘Blue Monday’ is the third Monday in January, and it is thought of by some people as the most depressing day of the year. But gardeners know that being outside tidying, pruning, digging or planting makes us feel more positive and lowers the chances of depression.
Physical exercise in your garden is good for mental health
One of the best ways of improving your mental health in winter is outdoor exercise. Why not do some physical work in your garden and it will save you gym fees! There are plenty of jobs you could do. Consider doing some digging, or double digging if you are feeling really motivated. Repair and paint outdoor furniture, structures and fences, or get started on a big landscaping project. This will get your blood flowing and exercise your joints and muscles and in turn will give you a feeling of wellbeing and create a forwarding looking outlook as you imagine how your hard work will reap rewards later in the year.
Amongst other things, the very act of gardening in winter makes you look to the future. Almost every job you do in the garden is to help prepare for the coming months, of spring and summer and this will boost your mental health.
By Rob Bullock
Your loft isn’t just somewhere to stash the Christmas decorations after the festive clean up; it could be a real gold mine of storage potential all year around. However, you can only take full advantage of your loft if you can access it safely, especially if you need to store heavier objects. Climbing up on that wobbly old kitchen chair, or the just-too-short step ladder, to haul things in and out of the loft, could put yourself at risk of injury.
At Access4Lofts, we specialise in installing loft ladders and hatches that can help you make the most of that hidden gem of extra storage space. We have a number of options to suit any space, no matter how small, and can even offer boarding and shelving options too. You’d be surprised at just how much room there is up there, and you’ll be even more surprised at just how quick, easy, and affordable it can be to make it safely accessible.
This could also be a good time to think about some better insulation. A properly insulated roof can knock as much as 20% off your energy bills, so you and your family can be sure to keep warm and cosy this winter, without worrying about those bills come spring.
Once the decorations are all put away, this could also be a great chance to free up some room in the rest of the house too. After all, why suffer with clutter when there could be perfectly good storage space above your head that’s just waiting to be used?
Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been accessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, Access4Lofts has full public liability insurance, and all ladders and work carried out come with a Lifetime Guarantee.
Let Access4Lofts make it safe and easy for you to start 2025 clutter-free.
Why not 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
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 January meeting on Thursday 2nd will not have a speaker but will be a craft session on the theme of the Snowdrop Festival. 10:00am - 12noon at the Salvation Army Hall in Shepton Mallet centre as usual. £3 for non-members, to include refreshments.
Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch Meeting 13th January
RAFA-MSB will meet on Monday 13th January at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS. A presentation by Graham Mackinlay on his RAF Service and discussion about the Branch’s
How to recognise and distance yourself from unhealthy friendships
Signs of a Toxic
Friendships are meant to be a source of joy and support, but not all friendships are healthy. Knowing when a friendship is toxic - and how to distance yourself politely - will protect your emotional well-being.
A toxic friend often leaves you feeling drained, anxious, or unvalued. Red flags include:
Consistent Negativity: They criticize, belittle, or focus only on problems, leaving little room for positivity.
Lack of Reciprocity: The friendship feels onesided, with you constantly giving while they consistently take.
Manipulative Behaviour: They guilt-trip, gaslight, lie, or use your vulnerabilities against you.
programme for 2025 plus Lunch & Drinks from the Club Menu & Bar. RAFA-MSB covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA6, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas. RAFA members, Current and Ex-RAF Personnel & Reserves, Current & ExCommonwealth Air Forces Personnel, Members of the RAF Family & Members of the public that support RAFA aims & purpose welcome. Contact Secretary rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057
The Shipham Inn (Somerset - BS25 1TW) would like to welcome new members to join their regular MahJong Group. Whether you’re a novice, experienced Mah-Jong player or someone who would like to learn to play a warm welcome awaits. My hope is that we can make these enjoyable, social evenings playing a game that originated in the Far East.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month: 7:30 pm start. Free. Contact: mark.trenchard53@gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580
Boundary Violations: They disrespect your time, energy, or personal boundaries.
Jealousy or Competitiveness: They downplay your successes or sabotage your growth.
If you frequently feel worse after interacting with a person, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship. Distancing yourself doesn’t have to mean confrontation.
Set Boundaries: Politely but firmly communicate your limits, such as being unavailable for certain activities or conversations.
Limit Interactions: Gradually reduce contact by declining invites or responding less frequently to messages.
Focus on Positive Connections: Spend more time with supportive friends or hobbies that uplift you. Make it About You: If your friend asks, calmly express that you need space to focus on yourself without blaming them.
This year, let go of a toxic friendship and open the door to healthier, more fulfilling connections in 2025.
By Sarah Davey
In September 2024, the UK Butterfly Conservation Charity declared a national emergency for butterflies. This was a result of a research project which found the lowest number of butterflies on record in 2024, following a steady decline in their numbers of around 80% since the 1970s. One may think, “oh well, a shame, very pretty but not a problem”. However, that would be totally wrong!
Firstly, butterflies are known as an “indicator species”. Because they are very sensitive to changes in the environment, they show the first signs of what is to come for all our insects and creatures. So, this severe decline is a sign that our ecosystem is in real trouble. Butterflies are an important part of the food chain and ecosystem. They or their caterpillars are themselves food for many birds, insects and small mammals. Further, whilst not as efficient
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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as bees, they are valuable pollinators, because as they drink nectar, their bodies pick up pollen which is transferred to the next flower they visit. They travel longer distances than bees, so disperse pollen to more distant, unrelated plant groups, which provides genetic variation. This makes for stronger plants with greater resistance to disease. Butterflies will pollinate many crops and flowers.
Why the decline? Fewer places for them to inhabit, more hard cover of land, loss of 97% of our wildflower meadows, climate change, then there are pesticides / herbicides. Neonicotinoid pesticides, along with others are used on farmland and find their way into field edge wildflowers. Here, butterflies drink contaminated nectar and their caterpillars feed on contaminated leaves.
Can we really help? YES, we can! There are 23 million gardens in the UK, and a few small changes in most of these would transform butterfly and insect survival. Let’s use these quiet months to plan our strategy. Together, we can provide sanctuary for our much-needed butterfly and insect life. We can all learn to live together on this planet which we share with these tiny creatures. We are ultimately dependant on them for our very existence... so let’s make room and create a beautiful garden that can serve both us and these tiny creatures.
Plant a butterfly bed in a sunny spot. Bluebell, sedum, verbena, campion, clover, rosemary, buddleia, asters, golden rod, oregano and sunflowers for a start, mass plant if possible. Provide a shallow dish of water in the shade, with stones for them to land safely. Leave out some rotten fruit, an over ripe mushy banana would be hugely appreciated!
PLEASE ditch any pesticides or herbicides! Let’s make this a haven for our butterfly and insect friends.
And finally, create a nursery area for caterpillars, and protect them. Plant a bucket with nettles, or use a quiet sunny corner because nettles are the chosen plant for many butterfly nurseries, where their precious eggs will be laid. Then emerging caterpillars of red admirals, peacocks, commas, painted ladies and small tortoiseshells, will emerge and munch happily away. No caterpillars = no butterflies. LET’S DO IT!
By Kate Southworth
Across
1 Hoards, gathers supplies (10)
8 Salty, like the sea (5)
9 British language (7)
10 Series of boat races (7)
11 Verbal or written answer (5)
12 Someone who digs the dirt (colloq) (4-5)
15 Take an examination again (5)
17 Rust, weaken something gradually (7)
19 Comforter, rug (7)
20 Appetising (5)
21 Deserting, dumping (10)
Down
2 Item (5)
3 Ambiguous, enigmatic (7)
4 Ready to assemble (building) (13)
5 German light beer (5)
6 Comfy indoor shoe (7)
7 Pronoun (4)
8 Naked (4)
12 Eyelash make-up (7)
13 Interview with a Vampire actor _______ Dunst (7)
14 Refute (4)
15 Red gemstone (4)
16 Chicken _____ Masala, popular Indian dish (5)
18 Citizen Kane actor _____ Welles (5)
With new releases and returning favourites January is an exciting time for those who enjoy a night out at the cinema or at home in front of the TV
We all crave escapism in the depths of winter and this month both the silver and small screens are delivering. There are exciting new film releases, and some eagerly awaited TV favourites both on terrestrial and streaming platforms. These are some of my highlights.
We Live in Time
Scheduled for January 1st release this romantic comedy starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh is also a real tearjerker. Main characters Tobias and Almut are thrown together by a shocking encounter which changes their lives forever. This is a very unconventional love story but it’s very entertaining and likely to become a classic.
Written, directed and produced by star Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain also features the brilliant Succession’s Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe and Dirty Dancing’s Jennfer Grey. Eisenberg and Culkin’s characters are mismatched cousins who reunite for a tour through Poland in honour of their grandmother. With its odd twists and turns years old tensions resurface.
Staring British actor Robert Pattinson, and featuring Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collete, Mickey 17 is a speculative science fiction movie with elements of dark comedy. As humans colonize the ice world of Niflheim an expendable employee replaces another who has died but it quickly becomes apparent that this new individual has most of the memories of the deceased one. This is one for sci-fi buffs.
Sunday evenings would not be the same without some glitz and glamour on the ice as we marvel at the spectacular costumes and who can actually stay upright. This year’s brave contestants feature former Eastender Charlie Brooks, ever youthful wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Sarah Storey. The excitement begins on Sunday 12 January on ITV1.
The wait is over for fans of this sci-fi hit after Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger. Adam Scott again is Mark Scout, head of a team at Lumon Industries, whose employees have undergone a severance procedure to split their memories between their personal lives and the work lives. Producers are extremely tight lipped about Season 2 but assure fans that they won’t be disappointed. Severance begins streaming on Apple TV from 17 January.
One of my favourite dramas of recent years The Night Agent introduced the world to the excellent Gabriel Basso as FBI Agent Peter Sutherland, a man with a massive target on his back. Season 1 moved at lightning speed and producers assure us Season 2 will not disappoint with viewers continually wondering who Peter can trust, whilst offering to tie up the mystery of Peter’s late father. If you haven’t watched Season 1, it is a must before the new Season. The Night Agent will stream on Netflix from January.
By Rob Bullock
We are a group of Veterans & Serving Members of His Majesties Armed Forces from Glastonbury, Wells, Street and surrounding areas, who get together at 08:30 on Wednesday mornings to enjoy a Breakfast with like-minded people at “Mamf’s” Cafe in Glastonbury. For further details of when and where we meet e-mail: GlastonburyAFVBC@ gmail.com or telephone: 07929 087260
…that is good for your heart and head and hands and will help you relax and unlock your inner rhythm?
Why not try djembe drumming with Shepton group “DRUM TOGETHER”?
We meet each Wednesday morning 10:00am till 12:30pm to learn & practice mostly West African rhythms in the clubhouse at Shepton Bowls Club, Frithfield Walk BA4 5LY. Ring 07942739596 for info. Beginners welcome. Drums available to use.
Part of Somerset Carers Service, Shepton Mallet Carers Group is a free, informal gathering for people who look after a friend or family member in an unpaid capacity. We socialise, share ideas and experiences. Professional speakers and service providers visit to offer support and information. Find us on the sofas at Shepton Brasserie every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 2:00pm. Call Cath on 07535279359 before attending the groups for the first time in case of schedule changes.
Somerset Carers Service Advice Line: 0800 3168600
Email: carers@somersetrcc.org.uk
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
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.
Somerset Sight recently arranged a talk by Fraud Protection Officer from Avon and Somerset Police to help people to avoid scams. 30 people, all with sight impairment, attended.
Scammers are very clever and wish to panic people into action which they would not normally consider. They use our vulnerabilities, such as your child being in distress to extract money.
For example, “Hi mum it is Susie this is my new number, I have lost my phone, and this is my new number. I need some money to pay the garage who fixed my car, as I have lost my card and need to pay for my car bill. Please could you pay into my friend Louise’s account as I’ve lost my card as well.”
Stop and think – would your son or daughter normally contact you like this? If unlikely this could be a scam. Take time to consider, at least five minutes. Do not act on impulse. Discuss with two other people before before taking any action. Call your child’s number to check.
“This is very helpful advice; I now feel better equipped should I receive such a text or email”
Somerset Sight will arrange further talks in the New Year, at the many social groups across the county.
A local estate agent is celebrating after being recognised as being part of the best sales and lettings agency in the country. EweMove Sales & Lettings celebrates becoming the first-ever estate agency to win the ‘triple crown’ at the UK’s biggest agency event for the third year running.
Anne Flintham who runs EweMove in the North Somerset area was delighted to be part of the team which were presented with the awards for Best National Sales, Best National Lettings and Best National Sales & Lettings Agent at the recent EA Masters event in London. EweMove triumphed ahead of thousands of competitors to win the accolade and Anne explained why.
Anne said: “Winning these awards shows the level of customer care we provide our clients whether it’s sales, lettings or both! We were independently judged on our property marketing, customer service and results during a data analysis project and a large-scale mystery shopping exercise of all other estate agents across the country.”
The EA Masters awards looked at 13,080 estate agency offices across the country in a thorough review taking into account data from specialist data from TwentyEA and mystery shopping exercises.
Agents are rigorously assessed based on listing volume, throughputs, sales rates, completions and more. The top 20% of performers are then put through practical assessment with mystery shoppers at every stage of the sales and lettings process. Throughout, agencies are scored and reviewed based on their response times, response quality and overall delivery of service. EweMove excelled in all areas and will again feature in the Best Estate Agency Guide 2025.
Commenting on the property market, Anne said: “The local property market is active with demand from buyers and sellers who have a genuine need to move, we expect this positivity to carry on into and throughout 2025. The sales market has returned to a more normal level, however, the rental market is very buoyant with lots of tenants looking for properties in the area.”
To find out now what your house is worth, get your FREE online valuation report by visiting our website www.ewemove.com/MidsomerNorton or scan the QR code below.
Alternatively email me on anne.flintham@ewemove.com or we can be contacted 24/7 on 01761 252389
By Simon Swindells, Audiologist and Owner at South West Hearing Care
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects 1 in 5 people in the UK. While it can be a frustrating and sometimes isolating experience, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are effective solutions available to help you regain your hearing and improve your quality of life.
Recognising the Signs
Hearing loss can manifest in a variety of ways. Some common signs include:
• Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
• Turning up the volume on your TV or radio
• Regularly asking people to repeat themselves
• Beginning to feel isolated and withdrawing from social activities
If you recognise any of the above signs, it’s important to consult with a qualified Audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation.
Many people with hearing loss may hesitate to seek help due to concerns about stigma or embarrassment towards hearing aids. It’s important to remember that hearing loss is a natural part of aging and is nothing to be ashamed of. By seeking professional help, you’re taking a
proactive step towards improving your hearing and overall well-being. I often tell my clients that they are more noticeable with a hearing loss, than they are wearing hearing aids.
Hearing aids are a valuable tool for people with hearing loss. Modern hearing aids are smaller, more discreet, and more technologically advanced than ever before offering a range of features designed to enhance your listening experience and improve your quality of life.
The best hearing aid for you will depend on your individual needs and lifestyle. An Audiologist can help you select the right hearing aid based on factors such as your degree of hearing loss, your listening environment, and your personal preferences.
If you’re concerned about your hearing, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist today. With the right support and technology, you can regain your confidence and live life to the fullest.
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.
The 2025 Six Nations Championship kicks off on 31st January, when France host Wales under the Friday night lights in Paris.
It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious rugby tournaments in the world. It brings together England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy in an annual competition that captivates fans with fierce rivalries and thrilling matches.
The championship began as the Home Nations Championship, contested between England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. By 1910, France joined the fray, transforming the competition into the Five Nations Championship.
Five became six in 2000 when Italy joined, marking the birth of the Six Nations Championship as we know it today. Despite initially struggling to compete with the established rugby powers, Italy’s inclusion expanded the championship’s reach and added a new layer of intrigue.
Over their long history, first the Five Nations then the Six Nations have delivered countless unforgettable moments. One of the most remarkable achievements came in 1973 when the five nations finished tied, with each team winning two matches. This extraordinary result underscored the evenly matched nature of the competition and remains the only time the tournament ended without a clear winner.
The Grand Slam - winning all matches in a single tournament - is a rare and celebrated feat. England’s 2003 campaign was especially memorable, as they not only secured the Grand Slam but also carried that momentum to win the Rugby World Cup later that year. Led by captain
Martin Johnson and guided by Jonny Wilkinson’s legendary kicking, England demonstrated unparalleled dominance.
Upsets have also defined the championships’ drama. In 1999, Scotland stunned England in the final Five Nations match to deny them a Grand Slam, with a superb kicking display from Scott Hastings. More recently, in 2007, Italy shocked Scotland with an historic victory at Murrayfield, cementing their place as a competitive force in the championship.
This season, Ireland head into the 2025 competition looking for a third title in a row. They didn’t manage a clean sweep in 2024, after England beat them at Twickenham. France have been their closest rivals in recent years and –with superstar scrum-half Antoine Dupont back from winning gold in the Olympic rugby sevens – seem likely to be the biggest threat to an Irish hat-trick.
Get ready for some thrills and possibly some surprises. The Six Nations never fails to deliver.
By James Cookson
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By Mark Haddon
Mark Haddon’s The Porpoise is a sweeping and imaginative novel that weaves together contemporary narrative with ancient myth. Known for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Haddon ventures into different territory here with a story that explores trauma, survival, and transformation. The novel begins with a tragic plane crash, which leaves wealthy Philippe without his beloved wife. Their newborn daughter, Angelica, survives, but her life is overshadowed by Philippe’s controlling and abusive behaviour. In her isolated and troubled existence, Angelica finds herself retreating into the world of her mind— and this is where Haddon’s novel takes an unexpected turn.
The narrative splits between Angelica’s plight and a parallel retelling of the ancient tale of Pericles, Prince of Tyre. The novel then moves between the modern and the mythical, with the story of Pericles embarking on a sea journey that mirrors Angelica’s emotional and psychological journey. As the characters cross between worlds, the boundaries of time and space blur, and Haddon’s lush, often poetic prose gives life to rich landscapes and deep emotional currents.
The Porpoise is an intense, complex novel. Haddon’s storytelling is both adventurous and reflective, drawing readers into a world where myth and reality intersect in fascinating ways, yet the thread of the central story remains strong.
By Muhammad Khan
Kick the Moon is a bold, thought-provoking teen novel that explores identity, friendship, and the pressures of growing up. It’s set in diverse, modern-day London, and centres around 15-year-old Ilyas Mian, a talented artist and comic book enthusiast who dreams of pursuing his passion for drawing, but his strict, traditional Pakistani father has different expectations for his future.
At school, Ilyas faces another challenge: he’s stuck in a dangerous dynamic with Imran, a volatile bully who expects Ilyas to stay loyal to him no matter what. When Ilyas befriends Kelly, a confident, outspoken classmate who encourages him to follow his dreams, he begins to rethink his relationship with Imran and question the path he’s on. But standing up for himself comes with risks, and Ilyas must navigate the pressures of school, his father’s expectations, and his personal ambitions.
Khan expertly portrays the struggles of young people trying to balance their identities between home and school, with themes of loyalty, masculinity, and the courage to be yourself woven throughout the novel. Ilyas’s journey is heartfelt and inspiring, filled with moments of humour and tension. The book’s authentic voice and relatable characters make it a standout in contemporary young adult fiction.
By Tash Donovan
Kirsty Thomas ConsultantOptometrist
In celebration of Robert Burns’ life for Burns Night on 25th January and as a tribute to our Scottish optometrist Kirsty, please find alongside a Burns themed poem, optician’s style:
On Burns Night, we gather, the fire aglow, With whisky and haggis, our spirits in tow. Yet amidst all the toasts, there’s a special delight, In the clarity given by spectacles’ sight.
Through lenses we peer, as the poet’s words fly, Each verse more vivid beneath the dark sky. A sharper vision, both near and far, To see the deep truths like a guiding star.
Kirsty the optometrist, with knowledge so bright, Adjusts every prescription, brings the world into light. With care in her hands and a skillful eye, She sharpens our focus, as time passes by.
Like Burns, who looked past the world’s simple mask, Our spectacles guide us to truths we ask. For through every toast and every bright cheer, The clarity of vision makes the night clear.
Through each lens we adjust, your sight refined, Much like the poet who sharpened his mind. So here’s to the words, and to seeing them right, On this Burns Night, with Eyetech in sight!
There is a rule of thumb that if it is too cold outside in winter for us, then it is too cold for our pets, so we need to prepare them for winter
Like us, each of our pets is different, different characters, likes and dislikes and tolerance to temperature. One of my dogs likes winter, and loves snow, another shivers when the temperature drops below ten degrees, but he doesn’t like the heat either! Here are some tips to prepare our pets for winter.
Warm coats or jumpers for walkies are a must for any dogs with little or thin fur, or elderly ones. Waterproof coats are perfect for wet winter weather and padding or insulation will keep them warm as the temperature drops. As the nights are long, walkies can be in the dark in January so consider purchasing a coat with reflective strips or buy a reflective overcoat to
place over the top.
It is vitally important to keep a close eye on your dog’s feet in winter. Some people choose to use booties but if you don’t you should thoroughly clean your dog’s feet after a walk as paths are often salted or gritted in winter and this is poisonous to dogs. Another lethal poison for dogs and cats is antifreeze so be extremely vigilant about using it and storing it.
When out walking in winter avoid walking with your dog on ice or frozen surfaces and always avoid frozen lakes, ponds and rivers.
As a rule, cats do tend to spend more time inside in winter so make sure they have plenty of beds available and litter trays. If you cat lives outside or likes to spend a lot of time outdoors in winter, make sure they can access a sheltered crate or box with plenty of warm bedding, access to clean fresh water and ample food.
As with dogs, check your cat’s feet when they come in from outside.
Small pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits can live outdoors in winter, but you should get them used to being outside well before winter because this way their coats thicken up and provide protection from the cold.
Outside hutches and enclosures need to be winter proofed from cold, damp, wet and draughts. Insulate under floors, walls and roofs and provide lots of bedding. Bedding must be changed more frequently than in summer as they will be spending more time inside.
Consider giving small animals an appropriate winter diet which will be more concentrated and check water regularly as it could freeze up more often.
Even for indoor pets, including mice, rats and gerbils it is important to provide extra bedding for the times when the central heating is off. Also make sure their pens or houses are away from draughty places.
Preparing your pets for winter as is vital to their health and wellbeing as preparing for our own winter health.
By Rob Bullock
Infused with spices, this is a delicious creamy curry for a cold January evening. Its also perfect for Veganuary month!
Preparation and cooking time combined:
35-40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
500g sweet potatoes, scrubbed.
Vegetable oil
1 large cauliflower
1 onion, chopped.
Thumb-sized piece of peeled root ginger.
2 red chillies
5 garlic cloves
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric 2
1 x 400g tin full-fat coconut milk
1 x 30g pack flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked
Make quality sleep your top
New Year’s resolution
If there’s one resolution that can transform your life in 2025, it’s getting more good-quality sleep. Sleep is at the foundation of health and wellbeing, influencing everything from physical vitality to mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Good-quality sleep is essential for the body to repair itself, regulate hormones, and support immune function. It sharpens focus, improves memory, and helps manage stress. Chronic sleep deprivation, on the other hand, is linked to weight gain, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Simply put, better sleep will help you achieve all your other goals.
Method:
Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan 200°C, gas 7. Chop the unpeeled sweet potatoes into 2cm cubes. Toss in a bowl with a tablespoon of oil then season and place into a large baking tray. Roast for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves and cut the head into florets. Add these to the tray with another tablespoon of oil and a little more seasoning. Toss the veg to mix then roast the cauli with the sweet potato for another 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a frying pan then fry the chopped onion for 5 minutes or until translucent.
Deseed the chillies then thinly slice, and finely chop the ginger and garlic. Add these to the pan along with the spices and cook for 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, 200ml of water and season to taste. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Remove the roasted sweet potato and cauliflower from the oven and stir the roasted vegetables into the curry sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then throw in the parsley. Adjust the seasoning to taste then serve the curry alongside jasmine rice.
Here are some simple steps to help you sleep better in 2025:
Create a Sleep Schedule - Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consistency reinforces your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Optimize Your Sleep Environment - Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in comfortable bedding and minimize distractions, like bright clocks or noisy devices.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed - Blue light from phones and tablets can disrupt melatonin production. Aim to unplug at least an hour before bedtime and switch to ‘night mode’ if you absolutely have to check in.
Establish a Relaxing Routine - Incorporate calming activities like reading, meditation, or a warm bath to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
Prioritizing quality sleep is a powerful, lifeenhancing resolution. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as better rest leads to a better you in 2025.
By Louise Addison
Could junk journaling be for you?
Unlike ordinary journaling, which often focuses on writing about daily life or personal reflections, junk journaling is a visually driven, creative activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of writing ability.
At its core, junk journaling involves repurposing and assembling various materials - think ticket stubs, magazine clippings, scraps of fabric, or pressed flowers - into a journal format. The result is a quirky, possibly beautiful, and personal collection of memories, ideas, and inspirations, created through art rather than words.
For non-writers, this approach is liberating. There’s no pressure to articulate thoughts perfectly or maintain a consistent narrative. Instead, junk journaling celebrates imperfection and creativity. You can express emotions through colours, textures, and imagery, letting the materials guide your story.
The tactile nature of junk journaling also makes it more engaging than traditional journaling. Cutting, gluing, and arranging materials becomes a meditative process that can reduce stress. Each page becomes a work of art, a reflection of your unique style and mood.
What’s more, junk journaling is accessible and eco-friendly. You can start with items already at home - greeting cards, wrapping paper, or even product packaging - turning “junk” into something meaningful.
For those intimidated by the blank page, junk journaling offers a fun, forgiving, and endlessly creative alternative. It’s not about perfect prose; it’s about personal expression - and that’s something anyone can do in 2025.
By Sarah Davey
