LocalReach Shepton Mallet January 2024

LOCALREACH SHEPTON MALLET – BA4

FREE Jan 24 No. 07

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

BOOKS – page 16 RECIPES – page 19 BUSINESS A-Z – page 20

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LOCALREACH

Join our army of LocalReach Community Editors...

If you are community minded like us then we would love you to send us your local news, events and information. We give 100 words free of charge and want to help at least 50-75 local; clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches each and every month.

Simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the form on the Community Notices page.

We want to especially help the all the clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches that have very little income for advertising. Please spread the word!

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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

Community Notices are free of charge Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page Deadline is 1st Jan for the February issues

For Business Advertising call 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk Deadline is 1st Jan for the February issues

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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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

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EweMove Sales and Letting Agent TRIPLE Win AGAIN! EweMove is celebrating after being recognised as being part of the best sales and lettings agency in the country. They have becoming the first-ever estate agency to win the ‘triple crown’ at the UK’s biggest agency event for the second year running (yes, OK we also won it last year too). Anne who runs EweMove in North Somerset was delighted to be part of the team which were presented with the awards for Best National Sales Agent, Best National Lettings Agent 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.

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 over 13,000 estate agents across the country.

Agents are rigorously assessed based on listings 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 processes. Throughout, agencies are scored and reviewed based on their response times, response quality and overall delivery of service.

EweMove excelled in all areas and they will again feature in the Best Estate Agency Guide 2024.

Commenting on the market, Anne said: “The property market is still active with demand from buyers and sellers who have a genuine need to move, we expect this positivity to carry on into and throughout 2024 now that interest rates have stabilised. The sales market has returned to a more normal level”.

Do you want to know how much your house is worth? EweMove offer a home valuation report on their website, which is used by many of the major banks and lenders and usually costs £19.95, however you can get your personalised report for free by visiting: www.EweMove.com/ sheptonmallet or scan the QR code below. Alternatively, please contact Anne on 01749 600 339 any time of the day or night.

Your Home SellSell Your Home With Confidence With Confidence With Our Happy With Our Happy Sale Guarantee Sale Guarantee

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

Scan Me

EweMove respects any existing sole agency agreement already in place with another agent.

EweMove respects any existing sole agency agreement already in place with another agent.

EweMove respects any existing sole agency agreement already in place with another agent.

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GARDENING

Garden View This month – New Year, new garden?

Make a scale plan: Measure all the major distances in your garden. It’s a good idea to take them from a fixed point, such as the corner of your house. Try 1/4 or 1/2 inch = 1 foot if you’re not metric and 1cm or 2cm = 1m if you are. When complete make several copies and draw all your ideas on to the plans until you come up with one you really like. Because it’s to scale you can now carry out your plans with confidence. Happy Gardening!

When Planning a Garden...

When the outlook is cold and bleak pour a mug of hot chocolate and start planning for Spring.

We’d all like a dream garden right? But is your dream garden the same as your neighbour’s?

Probably not. Whether you’re designing a garden from scratch or remodelling the one you have there is no ‘one size fits all’ garden design. Unless you can afford to have the professionals in - and they can be worth every penny - you’ll need to apply a lot of thought to the process. We’ve created this brief guide to give you a kick-start.

Budget: Be clear about this. There’s no point coming up with a grand design if you can’t afford to carry it through.

Time: If you work full time and have an active social life you’ll need to think ‘low-maintenance.’

Consult your family What do they want from the garden. Small children will want a space to play; the adults might want a space to eat and entertain; you might want to grow your own veg, or herbs. Is it possible? How big is the garden?

How much sun does it get? It’s no good planning lots of flowerbeds if the garden is in deep shade for most of the day. How can you compromise so that everyone is happy?

What shape is your garden? Each shape presents its own challenge. Square can be boring and needs to be broken up using lots of curves.

Long and thin can be disguised by dividing it into imaginary rooms linked by a winding path. Slopes can be challenging, especially if they’re steep but could be made into a feature by terracing or incorporating a waterfall.

Firm up your ideas: Do you want grass or paving?

How much should be devoted to borders or flowerbeds? Will you need a new fence or would you rather have a natural hedge. Will you need professional help with any hard landscaping?

Look at the plants which thrive in your neighbours’ gardens. Chances are they’ll do well in yours too.

Don’t be scared of garden designers. A good one can maximise the potential of your plot. You can still do all the work yourself at your leisure if the budget is tight.

Get help with hard landscaping if you don’t have the expertise. You’ll save money and heartache in the long run!

Happy Gardening!

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.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

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COMMUNITY

Dance into the New Year with Scottish Country Dancing Group Lots to learn and lots of fun to be had as we begin a new term on January 11th. Our classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6.30 to 8.30 at The Blue School Sports Centre, Wells. All ages (over 18) welcome. No experience necessary. No partner needed. However, a reasonable level of mobility is necessary for this lively and sociable activity.

Free trial session.

To learn more about Scottish Dancing or to register your interest, call Ann Filer on 01934 740065 or email ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com

Beat the January Blues with a stonking pub quiz!

Local charity Youth With A Future is organising its annual fund-raising Pub Quiz on Sunday 28th January at 7:00pm at The Well Inn, Shepton Mallet. Teams of up to 6 people are invited to join at £5 per person.

If you would like to support YWAF by booking a quiz team place, and find out more about its work, you can go to the charity’s website www.ywaf. org.uk You can also message via the YWAF Somerset Facebook page or call 07504758263.

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 55, you can join Tai Chi and Pilates.

Pilates - Mondays at 10:00am, £5.

Tai Chi QiGong - Tuesdays at 11:30am, £4.

Find out more here: www.ageuksomerset.org.uk/ onlineexercisesessions Call 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ ageuksomerset.org.uk for more information.

Mah-Jong: a beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity The Penscot Inn (Shipham) would like to welcome people to join their regular Mah-Jong group.

Whether you’re a novice, experienced Mah-Jong player or someone who would like to learn to play please come along. 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, 7:30pm start. Free. Contact details: mark.trenchard53@gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580.

Mendip Community Transports Car Scheme Needs you!

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.

What is u3a? Knowing could be good for you!

It’s a self-help organisation for active, thinking people no longer working full time. The Shepton Mallet group has around 150 members who like to learn and keep busy in a social setting - walking, talking, painting, reading, sewing, playing ping-pong, singing and more! We also have outings, weekly coffee mornings at Dobbies, and a monthly Speaker Meeting (with tea/coffee and biscuits of course!)

Find out exactly what we do and how you can join at www.sheptonmalletu3a.org.uk

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LOCALREACH

01749 329 011 www.localreach.co.uk | 7

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PUZZLES

Across

Crossword

6 Trailblazer, trendsetter (7) 7 Sacked, given P45 (5) 9 Wooden shoe (4) 10 Measuring rod, inept person (8) 11 Belongs to a club (6) 13 Jab, prod (4) 15 Cat (informal) (4) 16 Glace, sour, Morello (6) 18 Valve in the loo cistern (8) 21 Did not tell the truth (4) 22 Oozy goo! (5) 23 High military rank (7)

Down

1 Undulating landscape (5) 2 Chortle, titter (8) 3 Imprisoned, incarcerated (4) 4 Perfect, spanking-new (4) 5 Toasted fruit-bun (7) 8 Thinly dispersed (6) 12 Call forward with a gesture (6) 13 Adjacent lines indefinitely equidistant are said to be ______ (8) 14 Responsive to medical treatment (7) 17 Turkish meat dish cooked on a skewer (5) 19 Floppy (4) 20 Part of the underside of a boat used for stability (4)

Word Search

Mindbenders

newbie newborn newcomer newer newest newfangled

newfound newish newly newmown newness newscaster

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newsdesk newshound newsless newsmen newspeak newsprint

newsreel newsroom newsstand newsworthy newt

Solutions: Turn to page 15

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

Pride in Whitstone School’s Exceptional Success Whitstone School has a considerable amount to celebrate. Not only have the Year 11 results achieved by students in the summer placed the school as one of the most improved in the whole country, the school is also celebrating one of the best Ofsted inspections seen in recent years within the local area.

This Ofsted inspection report commented on the quality of leadership within the school, the vision of the school for young people and the uniquely strong teaching and learning on offer to all students. There was also recognition that students at Whitstone School study an ambitious and broad curriculum, which has grown in recent years with the introduction of Statistics, Animal Care, Photography, Further Maths and a range of bespoke courses offered for students who benefit from an adapted approach to learning.

Headteacher Guy Swallow has been at Whitstone School for the past 3 ½ years and has overseen a dramatic improvement in the school’s fortunes, leading the ambitious, yet inclusive school, to two years of successive record results and behaviour data which sets the school apart from others in the local area. Mr Swallow commented, ‘I am immensely proud of the progress our school community has made in recent years. Despite the developments we have seen in recent years, we remain a school which is completely committed to knowing each individual student well, supporting them in developing as a young adult and challenging them to achieve the very best they can. I am proud to lead an exceptional staff group, which has subject specialists in every classroom, delivering lessons to classes which we have kept small to ensure the best provision for each child and supported by a strong pastoral team’.

Regular ‘Open Morning Tours’ are offered by Whitstone School, whereby prospective children and their families can visit the school ‘in action’ and observe lessons, meet students and speak to staff. These tours are always popular; to join one, check for upcoming dates on the school website or contact for a bespoke tour with the Headteacher.

Quotes from Ofsted: ‘A happy school community’ ‘Everyone is equal here’ ‘Pupils understand that there are high expectations and are proud of their school’

A community focused academy school in Shepton Mallet ‘One of Somerset’s highest performing schools’ *

Ambition, Respect, Excellence

* Quote from Ofsted

01749 345555 info@whitstoneschool.org www.whitstoneschool.org Whitstone School, Charlton Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5PF

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Can being overweight cause incontinence?

A question we are sometimes asked is whether being overweight and incontinence are connected.

And yes, several studies have shown that this is the case, because any excess weight in your abdominal area puts pressure on the bladder. This pressure can weaken, or even damage, the pelvic floor and urethral structures, making bladder leaks more likely.

This means that everyday activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, lifting heavy objects or even kneeling can prompt leaks – known as stress incontinence. But the extra pressure on the bladder can also result in the need to pass urine more frequently; this type of incontinence is called urge incontinence. And occasionally, being overweight can create a combination of urge and stress incontinence, which is known as mixed incontinence.

Of course, this can affect anyone of any age, but the good news is that you can do something about it. Research has shown that even if you lose just a bit of weight, particularly from around the tummy area, incontinence symptoms will generally improve, and sometimes even disappear completely.

Which is great news, especially as being overweight can bring with it other issues – so there really are a number of benefits to losing that extra bit of weight you might be carrying!

If weight loss doesn’t help enough with your incontinence, there are other options, including dietary changes, bladder training or pelvic floor exercises. But do be aware that there may be other contributing factors to incontinence, so check in with your GP or nurse, so they can ensure that there are no other issues to take into account.

In the meantime, choose the right incontinence products to support your condition. This means the right size and absorbency, as well as considering additional products such as bedding protection and skincare. Arelle is one of the few providers to stock of wide range of bariatric products, especially designed for larger sizes, including pads, pants and stretch pants – you can have a look at the selection at www.arelle.com Should you need advice, we are here to help. Either drop us a line at info@arelle.com or call us on 0800 389 3597.

10% off when you sign up to our e-news!

High quality continence care products for men and women For advice, free samples and a brochure call 0800 389 3597 or visit www.arelle.com Based locally in Spaxton, Somerset for over 20 years 10 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Resolution Revolution

LOCALREACH down on unnecessary expenses. Small changes can lead to long-term improvements in financial security and peace of mind.

Enhance personal relationships: Resolve to spend more quality time with family and friends.

Work on communication and empathy skills to strengthen those personal connections, which are crucial for emotional well-being.

Volunteer and give back: Commit to regular volunteering or find ways to help others in your community. It can be rewarding and benefit not only those you help but can also give you a sense of purpose and connection.

The five best new year resolutions that are NOT about losing weight.

Learn a new skill or hobby: Commit to learning something new, like a musical instrument, a new language, or a craft. It’s fulfilling; it stimulates the brain, introduces you to new communities, and can be a source of joy and pride.

Improve your financial health: Focus on financial goals such as saving a specific amount of money, learning how to invest, or cutting

Prioritise your mental health: You could try meditation or yoga, and if you have ever wondered whether you might benefit from therapy, this year could be the time to give it a try. Or you could simply work on increasing your leisure and relaxation time. Good mental health is foundational to overall well-being.

Each of these resolutions offers a path to self-improvement that goes beyond physical appearance, focusing instead on personal growth, happiness, and well-being in 2024.

By Louise Addison

WASSAIL • Head dress competition • Traditional Somerset wassail ceremony

14 Jan 2024 2-5pm

• Theatre & music • Refreshments • Storytelling

free entry!

find out more: alfredgilletttrust.org fb.com/agtsomerset Alfred Gillett Trust Clarks Village Street Somerset BA16 0BB

ALFRED GILLETT TRUST www.localreach.co.uk | 11

KIDS’ PAGE

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Why booking a hearing test should be your New Year’s Resolution

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

As one year draws to a close and a new one begins, we often tend to reflect on our health and well-being. It’s important to consider all aspects of our lives, including our hearing health. Hearing loss is a common condition that affects people of all ages, and it often progresses gradually without us even noticing. This is why making booking a hearing test one of your New Year’s resolutions is an essential step towards protecting your overall health and quality of life.

Early detection matters: One of the most compelling reasons to get a hearing test is to detect hearing loss early. Hearing loss often creeps up on us slowly, and by the time we notice significant changes, it may have already progressed to a moderate or severe stage. Early detection allows for early intervention, which can help to slow down or even prevent further hearing loss.

Improved communication and social interactions: Hearing loss can significantly impact our ability to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and social isolation.

A hearing test can identify any hearing difficulties and provide appropriate treatment options, such as hearing aids or assistive listening devices, to

14 | www.localreach.co.uk

restore clear communication and enhance social interactions.

Protecting cognitive health: Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, including an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can help to preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of these conditions.

Enhancing overall well-being: Untreated hearing loss can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. It can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression, and even balance problems.

Addressing hearing loss can improve our emotional well-being, increase our sense of confidence, and enhance our overall quality of life.

If you’d like to speak myself or the team for further advice or to book a 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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LOCALREACH

Have a Nap-py New Year!

Enjoy the benefits of a good nap in 2024 inertia, a state of grogginess upon waking, which many of us find unpleasant. Moreover, naps exceeding 30 minutes have been linked to health issues like obesity and metabolic syndrome. This association, however, is probably more indicative of underlying health conditions rather than being a direct result of prolonged napping.

Interestingly, excessive napping can also be a symptom of illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease or increased brain inflammation. If you regularly need lengthy naps (over an hour) or multiple naps per day. you might have a health problem and should consult your GP. In a society where napping is often misconstrued as laziness, there’s a growing body of scientific evidence underscoring the benefits of this habit.

I love a nap, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the advantages that a brief midday sleep can offer, aligning with the latest findings from sleep science.

Research on napping has historically been mixed, with some studies highlighting its cognitive and mood benefits, while others pointed to potential health risks, especially in older adults.

This ambiguity made experts cautious about recommending naps. However, recent studies have refined our understanding, suggesting that the ideal nap duration is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

The need to nap is driven by two physiological processes: homeostatic sleep pressure (HSP), which builds the longer we stay awake, and circadian rhythms that naturally induce sleepiness in the afternoon. Whether someone is a habitual napper or not also depends on genetic factors influencing these processes.

Short naps have been shown to significantly enhance certain cognitive functions, such as memory, information-processing speed, and vigilance. Research at the National University of Singapore emphasizes the mood-improving effects of napping, noting that even a brief 10-minute nap can be refreshing. A nap lasting around 30 minutes is considered optimal, as it predominantly involves light sleep, making it easier to wake up refreshed. The researchers, advise against napping after 5 P.M. to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep patterns.

While longer naps can provide more extended cognitive benefits, they also have downsides.

Moving into deeper sleep stages can lead to sleep

After looking at the research, I don’t feel guilty about my 20-minute naps anymore. They leave me feeling alert and productive, which aligns with the scientific understanding of the benefits of brief naps. When done correctly, napping can be a valuable tool for enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being. I would go as far as to say that in today’s fast-paced world, napping is a valuable survival tool.

By Kate McCarthy

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender: 1: Forget it 2: For once (ones) in my life 3: Try to understand

www.localreach.co.uk | 15

BOOK REVIEWS

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A Good Read

Perfect

by Rachel Joyce Perfect by Rachel Joyce is a beautifully written novel that delves into the intricacies of human nature, exploring themes of guilt, regret, and the search for redemption. Set against the backdrop of a quiet English town in the 1970s, the story intertwines the lives of its characters, primarily revolving around a young boy named Byron and a pivotal moment that alters his life forever.

The narrative unfolds in two parallel timelines – the first follows young Byron and his friend as they embark on a quest for truth after witnessing a tragic accident, and the second, decades later, presents Jim, a middle-aged man grappling with mental health issues and the weight of his past. The dual timelines are elegantly woven, converging to reveal the interconnectedness of these seemingly disparate lives.

Joyce’s prose is evocative and deeply emotional.

Her portrayal of Byron is haunting; his youthful innocence is clouded by the burdensome weight of guilt and the adult complexities he struggles to comprehend. Jim’s story is equally touching, presenting a life marked by isolation, yet seeking connection and understanding.

One of the novel’s strongest attributes is its exploration of the concept of ‘perfect’ – challenging societal norms, personal expectations, and the often-unrealistic standards we set for ourselves (especially at this time of year). Through the imperfect lives of its characters, the novel underscores the idea that perfection is an illusion, and our flaws and mistakes are integral to our humanity.

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What to do with a Box

by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Chris Sheban If your house is like mine, Christmas saw the arrival of at least one big box, and in the enchanting realm of children’s literature, Jane Yolen’s What to Do with a Box stands out as a delightful ode to imagination. With simple prose, Yolen captures the boundless potential of a plain cardboard box, turning it into a gateway to a myriad of adventures. Through her words, children are invited to sail roaring oceans, scale towering mountains, and journey to outer space, all without ever leaving their living rooms.

Integral to the magic of this book are Chris Sheban’s evocative illustrations. He masterfully employs soft, dreamy tones and delicate lines to bring to life the whimsical world Yolen describes.

Sheban’s use of light and shadow emphasizes the contrast between reality and imagination.

The fact that he draws the box with all the labels and markings still visible serves to reinforces the power of a child to see beyond what is real.

The story is a celebration of creativity, and the illustrations provide a visual foundation upon which young minds can build their dreams. In this regard, Sheban manages to tap into the essence of childhood wonder.

What to Do with a Box, is more than a story—it’s an invitation. to dream, to play, and to remember that in the mind of a child, the most ordinary objects can become the most extraordinary treasures.

By Tash Donovan

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

Time for a refresh?

Every January millions of people decide to become a better version of themselves.

Some people start dieting or exercising, some start learning something new or start a new hobby.

The question always is, how long will this last, until we go back to our old ways?

That’s why setting realistic goals is key.

How can a business activate itself after the Christmas closures? Staff should be wellrested and ready to welcome old and new clients alike.

Eyetech have launched a “brand-activation campaign” where we re-introduce an old and familiar frame range, that has recently been modernised to better suit the customers of 2024.

MODO have been making spectacle-frames since 1990. The technology is a mix of American progressiveness, Italian design, and Scandinavian precision.

They are working in collaboration with the Seva Foundation, who help unprivileged children around the World by testing their sights and providing free glasses. Their motto is “Buy a frame – help a child see”.

The materials are lightweight, durable and colourful.

If you’d like to find out more about the new/old range, or just have a look at the collection, head to Eyetech after our well-deserved rest, from 2nd January.

We will be only too happy seeing familiar and new faces in 2024 – and that is a realistic goal!

WE OFFER:

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RECIPE

Beef Stroganoff with Herb Pasta

Ingredients: 400g beef rump steak, trimmed 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp olive oil 300g small button mushrooms 400g pappardelle pasta 3 shallots, finely chopped 1 tbsp plain flour 300ml beef stock 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp tomato purée 3 tbsp crème fraiche ½ x 20g pack flat-leaf parsley, chopped.

New Year

From the Julian to Gregorian Calendar The celebration of New Year on January 1st is a practice steeped in history, reflecting significant shifts in calendar systems. In the United Kingdom, this tradition, as we know it today, has its roots in the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar.

The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE, was a reform of the Roman calendar. It was designed to more accurately reflect the solar year, the time it takes Earth to orbit the Sun. This calendar instituted January 1st as the start of the year, aligning with the civil Roman year’s beginning. However, the Julian calendar had a significant flaw: it miscalculated the solar year by 11 minutes.

This error meant that the calendar gained a day every 128 years, causing seasonal drift over centuries.

Method: Freeze the beef for 45 mins before you begin. This makes it easy to slice really thinly. Season well.

Melt half the butter and half the oil in a large, nonstick frying pan. Turn the heat up and quickly sear the beef in batches until browned on both sides.

Remove the meat and set aside. Repeat with the mushrooms, then set aside with the beef. Boil the pasta.

Add the remaining butter and oil to the pan and soften the shallots for a few mins. Stir in the flour for 1 min, then gradually add in the stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer to allow it to think for 5 mins, then stir in the mustard, tomato purée, crème fraîche and seasoning. Simmer for one more minute, then return the beef and mushrooms to the pan.

Drain the pasta, toss with half the chopped parsley, season, then serve with the creamy stroganoff, sprinkled with the remaining parsley.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10 mins (+45 mins freezer time) Cooking time: 20 mins

To correct this accumulating discrepancy, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582. This calendar was more precise in its calculation of the solar year. It was gradually adopted across Europe, with the United Kingdom and its colonies making the switch in 1752. The change necessitated an adjustment: September 2, 1752, was followed

by September 14, 1752, to realign dates with the seasons.

Both Julian and Gregorian calendars incorporated the concept of a leap year to maintain alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun. The Julian calendar added a leap day every four years, but this overcompensated for the actual solar year length. The Gregorian reform refined this by introducing a rule: a year is a leap year if it is divisible by four, but century years must be divisible by 400 to be leap years. This system ensures greater accuracy in keeping the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical year.

By Tom Hancock

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