LocalReach Shepton Mallet July 2024

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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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

Community Notices are free of charge

Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page Deadline is 1st July for the August issues

For Business Advertising call 01749 600388 or visit our website www.localreach.co.uk Deadline is 1st July for the August 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 8,978 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.

Learn! Laugh! Live! with u3a

If you are no longer working full time, you may be looking around for interesting things to do, with the possibility of making new friends. So why not join u3a, a national organisation with a branch in Shepton Mallet. Our website, where you can see all the things we get up to and find out how to join, is www.sheptonmalletu3a.org.uk

The July Speaker Meeting is on Thursday 4th, 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Shepton Mallet. Bryn Hawkins will talk about coal mining in Somerset. £3 for non-members, to include refreshments.

Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch - Summer Lunch 6th July

RAFA-MSB Summer Lunch is on Saturday 6th July at 12:15 pm in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS. This will be a 2/3 course formal lunch with choices for each course and includes aperitif, coffee, mints and port. The Lunch is open to all Branch members plus friends and families, members from any RAFA Branch, Current and Ex-RAF Personnel and Reserves, Current and ExCommonwealth Air Forces Personnel.The Branch covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas.

Contact Secretary rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057 for details.

Saturday 27th July, Baltonsborough

Car Boot Sale

Baltonsborough Village Hall and Playing Fields, 9:00am – Noon.

Free entry for Buyers. Sellers 8:00am / Buyers 9:00am. £8 per pitch if booked in advance. £10 per pitch on the day. £11 Table Hire available on the day. Cash only. £10 Refundable deposit on return of the table.

Bacon butties and hot drinks available in the Hall.

Please book your pitch via email janhorwoodsmith@gmail.com

Somerset Chamber Choir 40th Anniversary Concert in Wells Cathedral

27th July at 7:00pm. Tallis’s extraordinary 40part masterpiece Spem in Alium, in a dramatic arrangement featuring cornetts & sackbuts, will form the centrepiece of this very special concert which will also include exuberant music by H Praetorius, JS Bach’s dazzling Magnificat in D, the soaring lines of Handel’s sublime Eternal Source of Light Divine, and one of Purcell’s most popular works, Come Ye Sons of Art.

Box Office: somersetchamberchoir.org

0333 666 3366 (booking fee applies).

Tickets £10 - £30, under 16s half price.

Tai Chi for Health

Tai Chi is a gentle exercise suitable for most people. Can be done seated. No previous experience necessary. £5 per session.

Qigong: An ancient Chinese form of exercise, originally to develop spirituality, but found to improve health and well- being. It involves mind, breath and movement to create a calm, natural balance of energy that can be used in work, recreation or self-defence. Qigong means ‘energy exercise’.

For more details contact Jo Webb 07730 397397 - jo.webb@mbzonline.net

Classes: Monday Oakhill 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Wednesday Caryford Hall 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Friday 10:00am - 11:00am Scouty Hut Castle Cary, Caryford Hall 11:30am - 12:30pm.

Mah-Jong: A beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity

The Shipham Inn (Somerset - BS25 1TW) would like to welcome new members 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 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: 7:30pm start. Free.

Contact: mark.trenchard53@gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580.

Garden View

This month – Fancy foliage

We all love flowers. They’re what gardening is all about and the fact that they’re relatively shortlived makes them extra-special.

But my garden can’t survive on flowers alone. It needs to look attractive all year round. This is where friendly foliage plants come in to their own.

Many non-evergreen plants have beautiful showy foliage between April and November, and we’d be mad not to take full advantage of it.

Rodgersia pinnata is an excellent example. It has huge, attractive bronze, leathery leaves which are almost sculptural in appearance. As a bonus it sends up feathery cream flowers in the summer.

It like soil which doesn’t dry out so a pebble mulch will work brilliantly, and it complements the plant.

Hostas have truly beautiful leaves, but I’ve tried and failed with them on many occasions because my garden is home to a race of hosta-chomping super slugs. I’ve had some success with the variety “Frances Williams” which is less prone to attack though I still need to go on slug patrol every evening! Mostly though, I now plant them in pots armed with copper rings. Slugs hate copper and my hostas can grow (mostly) unmolested.

Hostas do like a moist soil so if yours is on the dry side work in plenty of compost or manure at planting time and mulch well...preferably with something sharp to act as a deterrent to the slimy brigade.

I have had much more success with ferns. They are the most useful plant for shade. My favourite is the ostrich-plume fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris. Plant them under trees and shrubs and watch the stunning lime-green foliage unfold each spring.

New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax has bold, dramatic fountains of spiky purple foliage is my absolute favourite foliage plant. It isn’t frost-hardy, so during extended sub-zero temperatures it will need protecting. If you’re concerned, choose the much hardier green variety…but honestly, the purple on is worth the risk.

Many people overlook grasses when they think about foliage but there are some seriously attractive varieties. Try Miscanthus sinensis “Zebrinus.” The leaves look like green ribbons, striped with yellow and reach chest height. Cut it down to ground level each February.

Finally, if you have the space, for a real ‘in-yourface’ fancy foliage try the golden-leaved Catalpa bignonioides “Aurea.” Grow it as a large bush. Prune each stem back to a sprouting bud around knee-height each spring and mulch with manure at the same time. It will reward you with leaves as big as Frisbees! Now that’s really fancy foliage.

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.

Hat Tricks

How to choose the perfect outfit topper

It’s wedding season, and it’s time to bust out the pretty dresses and fancy hats. A hat? Oh no... HELP! How many of us have made an unfortunate choice millinery choice at weddings past? Most of us don’t wear hats all the time, so when we’re suddenly called upon to do it - we panic. Too many styles and colours. But there is a hat for everyone...honest. You just have to know which one to choose, and with a few handy tips you can banish your fears, buy with confidence, and get ahead...see what I did there?

Do you know your face shape? Faces can be oval, round, square or heart-shaped. They can also be long or short.

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.

If you really haven’t got a clue try this trick. Pull or clip your hair back off your face and sit in front of a mirror. Use an old lipstick or eyebrow pencil to outline your reflection. The shape you’ve drawn on the glass is the shape of your face.

Armed with this information you can narrow down the styles you want to browse.

Round - A hat with a high crown will add length to your features. Choose a medium brim because a narrow one will make your face look wider and a very wide one will emphasise broadness elsewhere on your body.

Heart - Your jaw is narrow compared to your forehead so don’t choose too wide a brim or these proportions will be emphasised.

Square - A medium to wide angled brim is the most flattering for this face shape. If your face is also short, choose a higher crown too.

Oval - You can take most hat shapes so choose one with which you feel comfortable, or it will stay in the box!

If you wear spectacles you can still wear a hat. Choose a style with an upturned brim at the front and your face will be nicely framed, not overpowered. Or try a fascinator, which my mother refers to as the ‘hat-free hat!’

Think very carefully about colour. Don’t try to match the hat to the colour of your outfit. Instead, choose a colour which flatters your skin tone and compliments your over-all look. Pale hats make older skin look drained so choose a beautiful bold colour instead.

If your outfit is tailored choose a sharp, structured hat. If you’re wearing a floaty summer dress choose a softer style, perhaps with flower or feather trim.

Hats should be worn forward, either tilted to one side or square on the head. When you look into the mirror adjust the hat with one hand at the front and one at the back until you find the perfect position. Tuck your hair behind your ears and choose slightly larger earrings than you’d usually wear.

Finally, hats should be worn completely unselfconsciously, as though you wear one every day. Head up, shoulders back and smile, you look fabulous.

By Sarah Davey

Make every millisecond count for your business’s website

Imagine your website greeting visitors with the same warmth and firmness as a handshake. That’s the kind of first impression you want to make in the digital world, where Google’s research indicates you have a mere 50 milliseconds to shine. Blink, and the moment’s gone.

But here’s the good news: a website that’s quick to load, easy to navigate, and pleasing to the eye can make that fraction of a second count. It’s about creating an online space that radiates trust and professionalism from the very first glance.

At Digi Soci, we’re all about making those milliseconds work in your favour. With years of experience tucked under our belts, we’re the go-to local marketing gurus in Somerset. We believe in keeping things simple, setting achievable goals, and then smashing them, rather than overwhelming you with technical jargon.

Our mission is clear: to ensure your business is represented accurately and memorably. We’re here to make sure your existing and future customers carry a lasting image of your brand. And we achieve this by maximizing every penny of your marketing budget to deliver results that you can see and feel.

So, why not give us a ring or drop by our website? Let us show you how we turn brief digital encounters into lasting business relationships. Call us on 01749 597169 or head over to www.digisoci.co.uk/contact-us/ to get the ball rolling.

Let’s create a website that not only meets expectations but exceeds them, making every millisecond — and every visitor — count.

Crossword

Word Search

Across

1 Hit, clouted (6)

4 Abundance (6)

8 Institution (12)

9 Precise, singular (10)

12 Required (6)

13 Like better (6)

16 Amenities (10)

17 Advanced culture, society (12)

18 Prompt (6)

19 Rides a bike (6)

Down

1 Ceasing (8)

2 Watched, looked (8)

3 Deliberation, Cogitation (13)

5 Outstanding (13)

6 Cares for (5)

7 Concern, problem (5)

10 Accredited, authentic (8)

11 Gifts (8)

14 Stiff (5)

15 Father’s brother (5)

Mindbenders

Olympic Oddities: The Games’ Strangest Sports

The International Olympic Committee surprised everyone when it announced that breakdancing would debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, this is not the first instance of an unexpected sport appearing at the Olympic Games.

Tug-of-War was part of the Olympics from 1900 to 1920. Nations could enter multiple teams, allowing them to win more than one medal in the same event. The US and GB achieved this, securing gold, silver, and bronze in 1904 and 1908 respectively. Personally, I hope they reintroduce it soon.

Rope Climbing was featured in the 1896 Olympics as one of eight gymnastics events in the first modern international Olympic Games held in Athens. The sport demanded significant upper body strength, requiring competitors to ascend a 14-metre unknotted rope using only their hands. Only two of the five competitors reached the top. Rope climbing appeared in the Olympics four more times between 1904 and 1932, with rope lengths varying from 8 metres to 10 metres. If

you’re after something similarly impressive, try watching Olympic sport climbing.

Pistol Dueling was featured at the unofficial 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens as a maleonly event where competitors shot at plaster dummies. It returned as a demonstration event at the 1908 London Olympics, where competitors fired at each other using wax bullets while wearing protective gear. No injuries occurred. I can see this working with modern paintballs. Who wouldn’t love to watch that?

Obstacle Swimming was another unusual event in the 1900 Paris Olympics. Competitors navigated a 200-metre course in the Seine River, climbing over poles, scrambling over boats, and swimming under others. Australian swimmer Fred Lane won the event, narrowly beating the second-place finisher by two seconds. I’m putting in a bid for some sort of obstacle course event to feature in the next Olympics...something in the style of Total Wipeout would be a great spectator sport.

What sports would you like to see at the Olympics?

By Sarah Davey

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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

Carers friendship and support group at the Brasserie

Shepton Mallet Carers Group offered by Somerset Carers Service is a free, informal gathering of people who look after someone, maybe a friend or family member, in an unpaid capacity. We meet on the sofa’s at Shepton Brasserie to socialise, share stories and ideas and to talk about our experiences.

Professional speakers and service providers visit to offer support and information including Mendip Health Connectors.

It is best to call before attending for the first time in case of schedule changes.

Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 2:00pm.

Contact cathh@somersetrcc.org.uk or call 07535 279359.

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.

Enroll Now: Croscombe Primary Welcomes New Families for September 2024!

Exciting news for families! Croscombe Primary School currently has open reception places for the upcoming academic year. Join our vibrant school community nestled in the heart of Croscombe village. Experience tailored learning, nurturing environments, and engaging activities that foster growth and curiosity. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your child’s educational journey with us.

Contact our school office today to secure your place or arrange a visit. Let’s embark on this educational adventure together!

Contact us at 01749 343114 or email us office@croscombestokefederation.co.uk

SPA Singles Social Group – South West, Est. 1979

We are a member led group, aiming to help you make new friends and improve your social life. Welcoming active, 40+ singles throughout the South West. Your local branch is Wells & Mendip.

minded people

Branch members at the annual SW Area Reunion.

Street Branch Royal Naval Association covers all areas of Somerset and meets monthly in the Wessex Hotel,

Events include meals, walks, music, holidays, day trips, social evenings, theatre, etc. and whatever members wish to organize.

Find us on the meetup website a www.meetup.com/spa-social-group or use the meetup app and search for “SPA singles group south west”.

Joe’s Doors can simply transform your kitchen by replacing the doors, panels and trims.

With a huge range of kitchen styles to choose from, this cost effective, fuss free service, can be completed in under two days and best of all you don’t even need to empty the cupboards!

Call now to take advantage of a free survey, free quote and free design service....with no pressure selling.

Transform your worktops with Quartzize stone overlays

Why replace your worktops when this unique quartz overlay simply fits over your existing surface. Here are some of the amazing benefits:

•Timeless - Looks clean and modern.

•Hygienic - A perfectly smooth surface.

•Easy care - Wipe with a neutral cleaner.

•Durable - Tough and scratch resistant.

•Easily Installed - Fitted in less than a day.

Auracast: Game changing connectivity for hearing aids!

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

For people with hearing loss, navigating public spaces like train stations, airports, theatres, or conference centres can be challenging. Background noise and a lack of clear audio can make it difficult to follow conversations or enjoy entertainment.

Enter Auracast, a revolutionary new system poised to transform the hearing aid experience. Built on Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) technology, Auracast offers a range of benefits that promise clearer sound, greater flexibility, and a more streamlined user experience.

How does Auracast work?

Whilst the telecoil, a long-standing assistive technology on many hearing aids, has been helpful, but it has limitations. Unlike the telecoil, which relies on a magnetic loop system installed in specific locations, Auracast uses Bluetooth LE. This allows a single audio source (like a TV, microphone or public address system) to broadcast audio directly to any compatible receiver, including hearing aids. This opens doors to a more connected and inclusive environment. Users simply select the desired audio stream on their hearing aids using a device like a smart phone, eliminating the

need for bulky equipment or specific seating arrangements. Auracast also transmits high-quality digital audio, eliminating the muffled sounds and background noise. This translates to a clearer, more natural listening experience.

Early stages

While still in its early stages of being rolled out, Auracast represents a significant leap forward in hearing aid technology. As manufacturers integrate Auracast into their devices, users can expect a more personalised and seamless listening experience across various situations. This technology holds the potential to improve quality of life for millions of people with hearing loss, allowing them to participate more fully in the world around them.

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 | Westbury: 01373 823076

Grape Expectations A simple guide to choosing the right wine

When you’re handed a wine list at a restaurant how do you feel?

Do you feel flustered and mumble, ‘I’ll have the Chardonnay please,’ because it’s the only one you’ve heard of?

Wine has such snobbery attached to it, but choosing wine can be fun, if you know where to start.

Start by asking yourself whether the wine is for quaffing, maybe with a few nibbles, or whether it’s to accompany a special meal, where the food will take centre stage.

If it’s the former then New World wines (Australian, Californian etc) are a sure bet. They’re fruity and ripe and perfectly suited to drinking on their own. If you need wine to accompany a meal then you’re generally safe with an Old World (European) wine. The French, Italians, and Spaniards have been creating wine to complement food for a couple of hundred years and they’re good at it, producing wines rich in tannins with lots of natural acidity.

These are just guidelines though. If you like an Australian Shiraz with your burger, go for it. Noone should ever make you feel you’re ‘wrong.’

What about the cost of wine? Is expensive always better? Well mostly yes. Consider this: many of the fixed costs of wine production (bottle, cap, cork, label etc.) are the same, so any extra you pay should guarantee you an increase in the quality of the wine. A good way to test this is to treat yourself to a more expensive bottle of a wine you already know you like. So if you like Spanish Merlot and usually pay £7 per bottle, next time you have a special occasion try one at £15 and taste the difference.

There’s a lot of confusion about corks vs screw caps. Cork is actually bark and it imparts flavour to wine over time. Try leaving a cork in a glass of water over night then taste the water in the morning if you don’t believe me.

Unfortunately, corks can taint, producing 2.4.6 trichloroanisole (TCA) which makes wine taste horrid. This is corked wine. Screw caps don’t suffer from this and are therefore an excellent seal.

Recent research has revealed that different wine styles are suited to different closure types, depending on the phenolic composition of the wine. Phenolic compounds are probably the most important group of flavour chemicals in wines, especially the reds. The new findings call into question the idea that all fine or aged wines must be sealed under cork. Instead, wine production companies are now focussing on which closure is best suited to an individual wine.

Finally, a few rules about matching food with wine.

Well as I said, there aren’t any hard and fast rules, but a good guide is that lighter foods such as fish and sea food go best with lighter wines but this doesn’t necessarily mean white: a light red, such as Beaujolais can work very well.

Equally if you are having something rich and fatty, a heavier wine with plenty of tannins would make a good match. The answer is to experiment...now that does sound like fun.

By Cora McNeil

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.

A Good Read

The Games: A Global History of the Olympics

by David Goldblatt

There are many books about the Olympics but Goldblatt’s insightful and thoroughly researched narrative of the sporting event stands out for its depth and breadth. He is known for his detailed sociological insights and doesn’t disappoint here as he explores the development of the Olympics throughout its modern existence, beginning in 1896. He examines how the Olympics have been a stage for not only showcasing athletic prowess but also for playing out international conflicts and alliances. His analysis spans the ideological battles during the Cold War, the controversies of boycotts, and the dynamics of gender and race that have evolved over the decades. He even digs into the commercialization and the corruption that have plagued the Games, providing a critical look at the bodies that organize and profit from them.

Goldblatt does not shy away from discussing how the Games have both challenged and reinforced social norms and inequalities, making it a reflective mirror for the host cities and nations. His discussions on the urban and economic impacts on host cities like Montreal, Beijing, and Rio are particularly enlightening, revealing the sometimes devastating aftermath of the Games.

Don’t be put off by the fact this is a weighty nonfiction. The prose is engaging and accessible, ensuring that The Games is not just for historians or sports enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the broader implications of this global event. The inclusion of personal stories and athlete perspectives adds a human element to the historical facts, making the narrative even more compelling.

This is a critical, comprehensive, and captivating read. Goldblatt’s prowess as a historian is well-

established, but he’s also a terrific storyteller, and I think the book will enhance anyone’s enjoyment of The Paris Olympics this summer.

Ready Steady Mo!

By Mo Farah and Kes Gray, illustrated by Marta Kissi

Ready Steady Mo! is a delightful children’s book that encourages young readers to get moving, have fun, and embrace the joy of running. Coauthored by Olympic champion Mo Farah and seasoned children’s author Kes Gray, this book is a playful, energetic read that will captivate kids with its rhyming text and vibrant spirit.

The narrative follows a simple rhythmic structure that mimics the pace of running, making it an excellent read-aloud choice. The text encourages children to run anywhere and everywhere – through parks, into jungles, and even up to the moon, suggesting a limitless world of possibilities.

Marta Kissi’s illustrations add a dynamic and colourful layer to the story. Her artwork is lively and full of motion, perfectly capturing the exuberance of the text. Kissi’s use of bright, bold colours and expressive characters from a variety of backgrounds means that each page bursts with energy and promotes diversity and inclusivity.

Ready Steady Mo! is more than just a story; it’s an invitation for kids to explore and enjoy the physicality of their world. The book is an excellent tool for parents and educators to inspire activity and imagination in children. Farah, Gray, and Kissi have collaborated to create a vibrant and motivational book that is sure to become a favourite among young readers.

By Tash Donovan

Summer of Sports

At the time of writing we don’t yet know who wins the Euros… But whether your team did well, or you lost the sweepstake, there’s not much time to ponder over things, as the Olympic Games are upon us. The 2024 Olympics in Paris will feature 32 different sports and a total of 329 medal events. Breakdancing is making its debut, while karate is being removed.

Did you ever wonder if any of our top athletes are spectacle-wearers, and if so, how do they manage when they cannot afford to fail?

Contact lenses are an obvious choice for their ease of use and discreet appearance (or lack of appearance at all!)

When contact lenses cannot be used for a variety of reasons (health and eye-conditions, nature of sport, etc), sports specific eyewear is recommended.

For contact sports, it is essential, that the frames are rounded and do not have sharp corners, as well as specialist glazing is required for the protection of the eyes.

For swimming, an ergonomic design is required for streamlined performance.

Shooters may or may not require occluders, but a contrast tint is essential.

Cyclists need to be able to see the road as well as their navigation computer.

Helmets for riding or cycling pose another problem by restricting the choice on spectacleframes, needing to fit under.

As you can tell, choosing your sports spectacles is no easy business.

If you’d like specialist advice from professionals, whether you’re part of Team GB or a sports enthusiast, Eyetech Opticians is there to help you.

To book your sports-eyewear consultation, call 01458 442178.

We O f f er : Time to talk, time to listen. Relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Professional advice explained simply. Quality products.

The most advanced optical lenses from all manufacturers.

Could you volunteer with Age UK Somerset?

Could you volunteer to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people? Age UK Somerset is searching for volunteers to train in, and deliver, Tai Chi QiGong or Sit, Fit and Fun sessions.

Sit, Fit and Fun is a fun and friendly chair-based exercise session. Tai Chi QiGong is a series of mindful movements for health and wellbeing.

If you can spare an hour a week to volunteer with us, then please get in touch for more information. No previous experience is necessary.

Contact: 01823 345627, volunteers@ageuksomerset.org.uk

Mendip Community Transport Needs Volunteer Car Drivers For Hospital Appointments

We are in desperate need of Volunteer Community Car Drivers. Our volunteer 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 if you are interested and answer any questions. Please call Mendip Community Transport on 01749 880613 or alternatively email Office@mendipct.co.uk

Cycling the Somerset 100 for Mental Health in Construction - Foundations Up Construction Team Up with Sweet Track Counselling

Foundations Up Construction joined a team from Sweet Track Counselling to complete the Somerset 100 Cycle ride on the 19th May to raise awareness for their

low-cost counselling services. Sweet Track is a not-for-profit community interest company which offers free and affordable counselling, funded through donations and grants.

“It is fantastic to have raised over £1,500 for a great and local cause which is supporting young adults in the area. The event was really well organised and great fun. We had superb weather and the atmosphere was very supportive. They even had refuelling stations to take on snacks and water – which was very welcome!” says Charles from Foundations Up Construction.

Mental Health in construction is an issue which often goes unnoticed by the wider public. Over a quarter of all work-related illness in construction is caused by stress, depression and anxiety. It is so bad here in the UK, that every single working day 2 construction workers take their own lives. Men in the construction sector are the most likely to commit suicide, 2nd only to miners, being nearly twice as likely to do it than men in the general population. This trend is getting worst too.

Local organisations to support and help construction workers are a great way to address this serious problem. Sweet Track is based in Glastonbury so they are in a position to help construction workers (and others from all walks of life) from all across Somerset by offering affordable counselling services to all local people who need it.

Having a qualified counsellor to discuss your difficulties and concerns provides a nonjudgmental space where problems can be aired and somewhere you will be listened to attentively. One of their experienced counsellor will work collaboratively with their clients to help you gain a greater understanding of themselves, whilst discovering coping strategies and enhancing overall well-being.

If you feel that you need support, contact Sweet Track, or you can make a donation on their Just Giving Page if you would like to support their work:

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ sweettrackcounselling?utm_id=1&utm_ term=mgArVpGy9

For more information contact Charles Dowson or Philippa Edwards at Foundations Up Construction, Coleford, Radstock BA3 5RX.

info@foundationsup.co.uk, 01373 813 438.

Preserved Tomatoes

The perfect way to use up a glut of summer tomatoes. They will lend a touch of the Mediterranean to pasta dishes or a summer sandwich

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 2-3 hours

Makes: 1 medium-sized jar

Ingredients:

300g cherry or small tomatoes

Olive oil to brush and store.

Puzzle Solutions

Method:

Preheat the oven to 120°C (fan) / gas mark 1. Cut the tomatoes in half and arrange them cut-side up on an oiled baking tray. Lightly brush the tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until they are reduced in size and appear dark and wrinkled.

For storage, transfer the tomatoes into a sterilized jar and fill with olive oil until the tomatoes are fully submerged. They can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks. For longer preservation, place the sealed jars in a large pot of water and heat until it simmers, then let them simmer gently for 45 minutes. Allow the jars to cool in the water. Stored this way, the tomatoes will keep for up to six months in a cool, dark place. After opening, consume the tomatoes within two weeks and store them in the refrigerator.

You can have fun with flavourings, adding herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme, peeled garlic cloves or chilli flakes.

Mindbender:

1: Blood is thicker than water

2: Heavy sigh

3: Last not least

Kids Puzzle Solutions

A Taste of Tradition

The Joy of Dim Sum Dining

Dim sum is culinary tradition originating from Cantonese cuisine. It refers to a delightful array of bite-sized dishes typically served with tea.

Dim sum, translates to “touch the heart.” The small portions were designed merely to touch the heart not sate the appetite, and were originally enjoyed as a light snack to complement tea drinking. It has since evolved into a full dining experience featuring a variety of savoury and sweet dishes, traditionally served in small bamboo baskets or on small plates, making it easy to share among diners.

The preparation of dim sum is an art form that requires skill and precision. Each dish is meticulously prepared using fresh ingredients, most commonly pork, prawns, chicken, and vegetables, all combined with spices and seasonings to create unique flavours. Dumplings are crafted from delicate dough filled with savoury or sweet fillings, then steamed or fried to perfection. Bao are another staple; the buns are steamed to achieve a soft, fluffy texture and filled with ingredients like barbecued pork or custard.

Dim sum encompasses a wide variety of dishes, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular items include:

Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Translucent dumplings filled with succulent prawns.

Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings): Open-faced dumplings filled with a mixture of pork, prawns, and mushrooms.

Char Siu Bao (Barbecued Pork Buns): Steamed buns filled with a sweet and savoury barbecued pork.

Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): Soft, slippery rice noodles rolled around prawns, beef, or vegetables and drizzled with soy sauce.

Spring Rolls: Crispy, deep-fried rolls filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Egg Tarts: Small, flaky pastries filled with a creamy custard.

Dim sum is traditionally enjoyed during brunch hours, typically from late morning to early afternoon. In many cultures, it’s a weekend ritual, a time for family and friends to gather and share a leisurely meal. The experience is as much about the social interaction as it is about the food.

Ordering dim sum can be daunting if you’ve never done it before, especially in traditional Cantonese restaurants. Typically, servers would push carts laden with various dim sum dishes around the dining room, allowing diners to select items that catch their eye, but in the UK restaurants mostly use a menu system where customers can order specific dishes.

It’s common to start with a pot of Chinese tea, then gradually choose dishes, allowing the meal to unfold at a relaxed pace.

Don’t feel you have to order everything at once. Take your time, and sharing is encouraged; definitely don’t order one dish per person. The idea is to sample a wide variety of dishes in one sitting.

If you aren’t sure, ask your waiter to recommend a few dishes to get you started.

Dim sum is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural and social experience.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to be a little more adventurous when you go out to eat in a Chinese restaurant, I recommend going out for brunch and trying dim sum.

By Joan Li

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Cat Lady

We used Central Roofing to take down an old flat roof and install another on our business premises at Knight Brothers Garage. The company was very reliable, they turned up when they said they would, the guys that did the work were very tidy and efficient. The work was completed in the time frame they set…we are more than pleased with the finished job. Karen

Anderson