LocalReach Shepton Mallet June 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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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 27th May for the July issues

For Business Advertising call 01749 600388 or visit our website www.localreach.co.uk Deadline is 27th May for the July 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.

Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch - 3rd June Meeting

RAFA-MSB meets on Monday 3rd June at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS. ProgrammeRobbert Turner “The Westonzoyland Air Museum” + 80th Anniversary of D Day + Pub Lunch and drinks from the Golf Club Menu and bar.

The Branch covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas.

RAFA Members, Current and Ex-RAF Reserves Personnel, Current and Ex-Commonwealth Air Forces Personnel, Members of RAF Family, Members of public that support aims and purpose of RAFA welcome.

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

Almshouse residents open their gardens to the public

The City of Wells Almshouses are delighted to announce that residents will once again be opening their Chapel, Guildroom and gardens for

another Summer Open Day on Saturday 15th June from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

Ploughman’s lunch, Home-made cakes and puddings will be served at the Bubwith Almshouses and the gardens and medieval buildings will be open for visiting. There will be talks given by residents and Trustees and free Trishaw rides, provided by the Wells Community Network will be available.

Entry is free. Everyone is welcome to come along and look at these historic dwellings, and to walk around the beautiful gardens and talk to the residents and volunteers.

In addition, the residents of Llewellyn’s almshouses will be opening their gardens every Wednesday morning (weather permitting) and refreshments will be available in the Pavilion.

Garden View

This Month – The ‘why’ of weeds

Some gardeners say that a weed is just a plant in the wrong place. But is any unwanted plant it really a weed? Is an apple tree seedling a weed? Are the random aquilegia or California poppies softening my stone paths weeds?

Plants have one goal: to live long enough to reproduce. So sometimes these plants show up in areas they’re not welcome. These plants are not technically weeds, though we might decide to treat them as such.

Then there are the plants that we know as conventional weeds, such as dandelions. Some are annuals, which live their whole life cycle in one year, and persist through a legacy of hundreds of thousands of seeds, germinating anywhere and everywhere.

Dandelions are actually perennials. They are persistent plants that love open lawn, growing into a big leafy mass with their characteristic bright yellow flowers. They also spread tens of thousands of seeds around to ensure that there are plenty more to come next year. The thing about a plant like dandelions - and this is true for many of our labelled perennial weeds, such as nettles - is that bees and other insects love them, so they are wonderful for biodiversity. Why DO plants show up where they’re not supposed to be?

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘Nature abhors a vacuum’? It’s the concept that emptiness or nothingness runs counter to the laws of nature. Space must be filled with something, and weeds have embraced this concept wholeheartedly. It explains why weeds pop up in places such as an open, mulched area or a pristine expanse of artfully placed stone patio. You may have determined there should be nothing there, but

Mother Nature has other ideas and starts inserting plants to fill the void.

As gardeners, we like the idea of carefully selected plants placed in well-chosen spots in our landscape. That’s ‘design’ – the conscious application of thought and the decision to grow or not grow plants in this particular place or that.

The sparsely planted landscaped garden and the heavily planted plot with barely any room between plants are garden styles at opposite ends of the spectrum. The first readily invites weeds to fill the empty spaces, but they are easy to see and remove. The second (which I favour), makes it difficult for weeds to germinate. But when they sprout – and they will - it takes a keen eye and some effort to remove them. I’m not diligent with this because the odd weed is less noticeable among all the other plants, and they are good for insect life.

Neither garden is ‘correct’. The more natural landscape will ultimately be more sustainable with less weeding effort required, though when first planted, because it takes time for all those plants to grow and fill in, you’ll have to deal with –you guessed it – weeds.,

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.

Beyond the Finish Line

Lessons learned from a school sports day

Summer term is here and school children all over the country are gearing up for the annual test of strength, stamina and dexterity otherwise known as School Sports Day.

There’s nothing quite like it: sunburn, squabbles, sprained ankles, and a distinct lack of sportsmanship...and that’s just the parents. Children learn by watching those around them, especially their parents, so it is important to model good sports day etiquette. Accusing Johnny of cheating in the sack race is not good form, even if you did see him shove Suria out of the way. Remember that we are there as spectators; let the teachers deal with the kids.

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.

Cheer but try not to be ‘that’ parent’, barking instructions from the sideline. Just because we came first (or last) in every race at school, doesn’t necessarily mean that our child will do the same. And if she comes last in the egg and spoon race but doesn’t drop her egg, we can always praise her fantastic sense of balance. Reframing a situation in a more positive light helps build resilience. It teaches her that, while we cannot control all life events, we can control our emotional responses and reactions.

At the same time, we should embrace the competition element. Competition is a necessary part of life so exposing children to it at a young age helps prepare them for life. Competitive sport can build a positive ethos and highlights the importance of playing by the rules and working as a team.

Sports Day is an opportunity for us to show children how to accept both victory and defeat with grace. Learning how to manage emotions in both situations will benefit them in their personal or professional lives. Teach them to refrain from petulant behaviour such as badmouthing the winner or denouncing a race as ‘stupid’ or ‘unfair’. Instead, practice good sports etiquette by congratulating the victors with a ‘Well done’ and a genuine smile. And while they should be encouraged to take pride in their accomplishments, over-the-top displays of celebration can make them seem insensitive and arrogant. They should say thank you to everyone who congratulates them and acknowledge the efforts of their teammates.

Sports Day is an ideal opportunity for children to learn to work together as a team. We can encourage our child to cheer on their teammates and enjoy being part of a group with a common goal. It is important not to berate those children who are slower or less co-ordinated than others. It is certainly not acceptable sportsmanship to single anyone out as a scapegoat for the team not winning.

If approached in the right way, events like Sports Day build qualities such as respect, resilience, and perseverance. When our child gets back up can carries on after falling over in the sack race, or thanks their team members after winning the relay race, they are developing the building blocks for a successful future.

By Bev Stone

LocalReach partners with Digi Soci to deliver digital services to the community

In the world of business, each company is unique, and so are their marketing needs. Choosing the right marketing channel can be a daunting task, but that’s where Digi Soci comes in.

We understand that marketing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a broad spectrum that includes activities like; website design, email marketing, search engine optimisation, pay-perclick advertising and more. Each channel has its strengths and can be tailored to meet your business’s specific needs.

That is why we, the team behind LocalReach Community Magazines, decided to launch Digi Soci. Bringing decades of experience in sales, marketing, design and print advertising to the digital world. Digi Soci offers a wide range of services, from web design to social media marketing, Google ads management and SEO management.

But what sets us apart? We are local. We are all born, raised, and working in Somerset. We understand the importance of local marketing. LocalReach may be a traditional printed magazine, but we use modern technology to help local businesses reach their audience.

We also believe in simplicity. We will not bombard you with jargon or unnecessary details. Instead, we will explain in clear, understandable terms how we can help your business grow.

We make every penny count of your marketing budget by focusing on delivering cost-effective solutions that provide real value. We believe that with the right strategy, every business can make a significant impact without breaking the bank.

We are not just a digital marketing agency; we are a part of the local business community of Somerset. We aim to build long-lasting relationships with our clients.

So, if you are unsure about which marketing channel is right for your business, why not book a consultation with us? We are here to help. Do not delay, book a discovery call today at www.digisoci.co.uk/contact-us/

Word Search

1 Small round stone (6)

4 Pristine (6)

8 Large black bird (5)

9 Zeal (7)

10 Type of large military ship (7)

11 Rectify, revise (5)

12 Scarlet food dye (9)

17 Yellow/brown (5)

19 Gleaned (7)

21 Sparkle, shine (7)

22 Barbecue (5)

23 Cantankerous (6)

24 Burns supper dish (6) Down

1 Robbery at sea (6)

2 Temporary, makeshift camp (7)

3 Estate, territory (5)

5 Recite, recount (7)

6 Tally, total (5)

7 Make fun of, insult (6)

9 Outlawed, prohibited (9)

13 The fastest big cat (7)

14 Deficient, incomplete (7)

15 Purchased (6)

16 Grown-ups (6)

18 Lift (5)

Mindbenders

20 Belief, principle (5) Solutions: Turn to page 19

Summer Plant Fair at Batcombe House. Many top nurseries

Summer Plant Fair at Batcombe House on 15th June (12 noon - 5:00pm) run by the Hardy Plant Society (Somerset group). There will be many of the southwest’s top nurseries attending plus other stalls.

Free parking is nearby and refreshments are available.

Entrance is £7.50, payable at the gate and proceeds to the NGS.

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

The Shipham Inn (Somerset - BS25 1TW) would like to welcome new 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 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

Local charity, Age UK Somerset, has launched a new Strength and Balance class in Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall

The ‘Strong and Steady’ classes are fun, friendly sessions, specially designed to follow evidence-based exercise programmes which are proven to help prevent falls.

The class is held on Wednesday afternoons and you will need to complete a brief health questionnaire before joining.

If you feel less steady than you used to, contact Age UK Somerset for a chat about options in your area: 01823 345614 or email: fallsprevention@ageuksomerset.org.uk

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Can pelvic floor exercises help treat incontinence?

You might already be aware of pelvic floor exercises, also known as kegel exercises. Women are frequently recommended them after giving birth, and men after prostate surgery. But did you know pelvic floor exercise can really help with incontinence?

This is because these exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder. When these muscles are stronger, you’re less likely to have leaks. If these muscles are weak, you can’t control your bladder quite so well. So what are they and how do you do them?

They’re very simple. It’s easiest to start the exercises lying down or in a sitting position, and then as you get stronger you can do them standing up. Pretend you’re trying to stop the flow of urine. Pull in and squeeze those muscles. Hold the squeeze for 5 to 10 seconds, then rest for 5 to 10 seconds. Don’t hold your breath or tighten your tummy, bottom or thigh muscles at the same time – keep these muscles as relaxed as possible, and keep breathing!

Once you’ve mastered this technique, try for three or four sets of 10 contractions every day. You should feel the impact in the lower pelvic area - but if you’re in any doubt about your technique, contact a healthcare professional for advice.

The really great thing about these exercises is that as well as strengthening your pelvic floor, you can do them anytime, anywhere. When you’re watching tv, sitting at a desk, driving a car – noone will ever notice! And when performed daily, similar to any other form of muscle exercise, you should feel the improvements in a few weeks.

While not all incontinence problems can be improved using pelvic floor exercises, it’s definitely worth considering. However if you are in any doubt about your condition, as always, we recommend you discuss this with a healthcare professional. And if you need help with products for your incontinence, don’t forget we offer a wide range of washable and disposable incontinence pants and pads, bed and seat protection and much more. Call Arelle free on 0800 389 3597

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:

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Wearing today’s hearing aids to keep you young!

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

It is estimated that there are approximately 6.7 million people in the UK who could benefit from wearing hearing aids, but only about 2 million people do. There are various reasons why this gap exists, including a stigma around hearing aids making you old or showing a weakness and a general lack of awareness about the amazing benefits and advancements in hearing technology.

As an Audiologist with many years helping people to improve their hearing, I firmly believe that wearing hearing aids is not a sign of old-age, weakness, or decline. In fact, wearing hearing aids keeps you young, keeps you involved, keeps you interested and interesting to others. They are a choice to have a richer life, empowering you to live life to the fullest.

Hearing aids are a powerful tool that can help you to: Reconnect with the world: Untreated hearing loss can allow social isolation to creep in and a feeling of being disconnected from your surroundings. Hearing aids allow you to re-engage in conversations, participate in activities you enjoy, and rekindle connections with loved ones.

Boost brainpower: Studies suggest a link between unaddressed hearing loss and cognitive decline.

Hearing aids can help stimulate your brain by allowing you to clearly hear and process sound information. This can potentially improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function, contributing to a sharper and more engaged mind.

Embrace an active lifestyle: Hearing clearly allows you to participate fully in activities you enjoy, whether it’s dancing to your favourite music, attending fitness classes, or exploring the outdoors. This physical and social engagement keeps you active, improves your mood and contributes to a sense of well-being.

Have a positive outlook: Addressing your hearing needs can significantly improve your overall wellbeing. By regaining control over your ability to hear and engage with the world, you can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and feel empowered to live life to the fullest.

If you’d like to speak myself or the team for further advice or to book a free hearing assessment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Street: 01458 555533 | 7 The Bayliss Centre Westbury: 01373 823076 | 2 High Street www.swhearingcare.co.uk

Chocolate Sorbet Lighter than ice cream, refreshing and gluten-free!

Preparation time: 15 mins

Freezing time: 3-4 hours plus chilling time Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

100g good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) broken into pieces.

100ml filtered or mineral water

60g cocoa powder

For the sugar syrup:

250ml filtered or mineral water

150g caster sugar

Method:

Prepare the sugar syrup by placing the sugar and water into a saucepan. Bring to the boil without stirring and leave to simmer until the sugar crystals have dissolved (about 5 minutes). Remove from the heat.

Melt the dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl suspended over a saucepan of just-simmering water. When it has melted add the 100ml water and reheat until warm. Whisk in the cocoa, then add the melted chocolate, whisking together until smooth.

Let the mixture cool, then chill it by placing the bowl of sorbet mixture over a bowl of water filled with ice cubes. Stir occasionally but don’t let any water splash into the sorbet mix.

For the smoothest results churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker until ready.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker then place the mixture in a shallow bowl and freeze it in the coldest part of the freezer. Take it out every hour and whisk it to break up the ice crystals. Made this way it will have a slightly more granular texture, but it will still be delicious.

Remove from the freezer about twenty minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions:

Although this is lovely on its own you could try serving it with:

Strawberries dipped in melted chocolate, then chilled.

Rich butter shortbread (obviously not if you’re on a gluten-free diet!).

With a glass of coffee, chocolate or mint liqueur poured over.

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

Fatal Blow by Brian Price (Hobeck Books)

I’m a huge fan of this series and this is Book 4. It certainly opens with a bang, literally, as a bomb explodes at the police station. Safe to say the action doesn’t stop and it doesn’t relent, at all. It feels like bam, bam, bam, so much happening.

No-one is safe; so many different people in play. An Albanian OCG who are slightly peeved that their activities were held up by the police in Mexton are slowly working their way back in with hacking, prostitution, extortion, money-laundering, murder, of course! The leader also wants revenge. The police have never felt less safe when they start getting targeted. I won’t say what the results are but Brian hasn’t shown any mercy whatsoever.

This is such a breathtaking read. One I couldn’t put down. Punchy sentences and short chapters. Not a word wasted. The action is intense and engrossing. You have to keep reading. You have to know the outcomes of everything that’s happened as it goes along.

I think this is my favourite of the series yet. It felt like Brian has found another level to his writing which was already brilliant. It does work as a standalone but I’d recommend reading the previous ones, mainly because they are excellent but also because it will help you better understand motivations. Outstanding!

By Donna Morfett

The Kitchen Science Cookbook

by Dr. Michelle Dickinson

This is a beautifully crafted book with a unique twist: each recipe is a science experiment that you can do at home, using the everyday ingredients you’ll find in your kitchen.

You don’t need to be a science expert because the easy-to-follow recipes make science experiments fun for everyone. Nanotechnologist Michelle Dickinson is on a mission to show us that we can all be scientists, no matter how young or old.

The book has an easy-to-follow format, and every experiment uses ingredients found in most kitchens. Kids will love following each recipe and learning about the science. When I set aside an afternoon to do a few experiments with my own kids I learned a lot too.

The photos show normal families doing each of the experiments, which contributes to the approachable feel of the book. In spite of it being so accessible, Dickinson, who is a serious scientist, covers the scientific method - coming up with a prediction, testing it etc; safety precautions, and general science tips which is great for non-scientist parents like me.

If you want to get your kids excited about science, this is a fabulous book.

By Tash Donovan

See through the summer of sport

Summer 2024 is set to be a fine one for Sport. From 14th June to 14th July we have the UEFA European Football Championship, kicking off in Munich and finishing in Berlin, how many offsides and dodgy ref decisions will there be?

Wimbledon from 1st July to 14th July with it’s thrilling volley’s and explosive personalities and of course Strawberries…

Then from 26th July to 11th August the Olympics in Paris followed by the Paralympics 28th August to 8th September, to name just a few.

How then are we going to watch these? Some will be fortunate enough to have bought tickets, to be right there in the midst of all the action, others will be able to access outdoor screenings perhaps taking a picnic along with friends and family, BBQ events, communities coming together to cheer for their favourites. All of this accompanied by some glorious summer sunshine.

So in order to be able to see whether the ball was offside, or ‘in’, to be able to judge the photofinish make sure you have your pair of trusty Maui Jim sunglasses to hand.

Their unique patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology eliminates 99.9% of glare and 100% of UV radiation – the main culprit in the formation of cataracts and skin cancer. The use of 3 rare Earth elements increases and balances the saturation of colours we need to see and filters out the colours we cannot see thus giving high clarity of vision. Combined fashion forward frame designs, Maui Jim really are a first rate pair of sunspecs with which to watch first rate sport.

The benefits of a game of golf

My dad is a ‘salt of the earth’ no airs and graces type. When he retired he took up golf and no-one was more surprised than him! Golf was once seen as the sport of the elite, but it has evolved over the years, shedding its image as an exclusive pastime, and becoming more accessible to a broader population. Numerous public courses and affordable equipment options have opened the door for people from all walks of life, including my father (who worked as a plumber), to enjoy golf. Could golf be the right sport for you?

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.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits - Golf as a sport offers a unique blend of physical activity and mental stimulation. While it might not seem as intense as other sports, golf requires a significant amount of walking. A typical 18-hole golf course can stretch over 6 or 7 kilometres of walking (4-5 miles if you’re still pre decimal like my dad). So, it’s a fantastic way to get low-impact, cardiovascular exercise, which is beneficial for all age groups, especially older players.

Moreover, golf is also a mental game. It challenges players to think strategically about each shot. Decision-making skills are honed with every hole, as players must consider factors such as wind direction, course topography, and club selection. The mental concentration and focus needed to play golf can help reduce stress and enhance brain function, promoting a healthier mind.

Social Interaction and Networking - Golf is inherently social. Whether playing a casual round with friends or participating in a club tournament, golfers often spend several hours together, which fosters a unique camaraderie. This aspect of the sport makes it an excellent tool for connecting with others, which is something known to improve mental health and reduce the risk of dementia.

Accessibility and Lifelong Playability - Golf’s growing accessibility is one of its most appealing aspects. Public courses and driving ranges offer affordable options for those interested in the sport, and second-hand clubs and equipment make starting out more budget-friendly. Introductory sessions designed for beginners are increasingly common, helping new players of all ages get into the game without the pressure of high initial costs. Additionally, golf is an activity that people can enjoy throughout their lives. Unlike many sports that might demand high levels of fitness or agility, golf’s pace and nature allow people to continue playing well into their senior years. This lifelong playability makes golf a wise investment in one’s leisure time and physical well-being.

So, golf’s transformation from an elitist sport to a more inclusive activity is encouraging more people to partake in its challenges and pleasures. Whether you’re looking for exercise, a way to meet new people, or a new skill to master, golf is a rewarding choice. My father is now teaching my teenage daughter to play. They get to spend some quality time together, while exercising in the fresh air and bonus…she can’t use her phone while she’s playing. Thanks dad!

By Cora McNeil

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

Jazz Dance For The Over 60sBinegar/Gurney Slade

A low impact dance class aimed predominantly at over 60s but open to anyone looking for a gentle way to stay well. A friendly session, with emphasis on fun and the enjoyment of great music from across all eras. Exercises to help with flexibility, strength and mobility. Routines to improve memory, balance and co-ordination.

Thursdays, 10:00am - 11:30am, £10, Binegar/ Gurney Slade Village Hall. Classes run as a block of 5-7 weeks. More classes in Street, Barton St David and Keinton Mandeville.

Email Lena for more details: lenadeedance@ gmail.com, www.lenadeedance.com

Volunteer Drivers Urgently Needed!

Volunteers are desperately needed for our Community Transport Service that enables vulnerable 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 their own car, a full driving licence and spare time on their hands to join our friendly team.

We would be happy to chat with anyone interested and answer any questions. Please ask them to give us a call here at Mendip Community Transport on 01749 880613 or via email at chantel.difford@ mendipct.co.uk

Are You A Happy Bus User? Volunteers needed to help out

Twice a year the Local Transport Authority allows bus operators to change timetables, this usually is just before Spring and Autumn schools return from their breaks.

We need you to help man stalls handing out paper timetables to those who need them AND also help out at other events promoting bus travel, adopt a bus stop: keep an eye out for cleanliness, shelter damage, graffiti and if correct timetable is shown in the case.

We are a community group totally manned by volunteers no fees or incidental expenses are paid.

Puzzle Solutions

School’s (Almost) Out!

School holidays are just around the corner. Can you hear the collective panic from working parents everywhere? While our kids look forward to a long summer break, for us parents it can prove a logistical nightmare. What we need are practical ideas and solutions.

Start with how much of the holiday you can cover yourself. Will your family holiday take care of a fortnight? Some parents juggle childcare between them. Parent one covers two weeks then parent two covers two weeks, leaving just two weeks to find extra cover. However, it may not be desirable to split your holidays, nor even practical if you are a single parent.

What about Grandparents? While some love to help out, others may still be working themselves, or may be too frail, or far away to help. Perhaps you can share childcare with another relative or a friend. Are there other working parents at your child’s school with similar problems? WhatsApp groups were invented for a reason. Maybe you can join forces.

Could you work from home during the all or part of the school holidays? If you think this may be possible, discuss the idea with your boss. It’s best to draw up a plan detailing which aspects of your work could reasonably be completed remotely. You may get a positive response because if you’re not taking a holiday, they won’t have to find cover.

Even if you can piece together using some holiday, working from home, and sharing care with friends and family, you’ll probably still be left with some time to cover.

Now is the time to investigate paid-childcare options. If you have a pre-schooler at nursery, check whether it offers holiday care for older siblings. Schools and after-school clubs often run holiday schemes too. The advantage of these is that they are subsidised by the Government, so are less expensive than private options. The

disadvantage is that they fill up fast, so book early. They are often advertised first in school newsletters and few people actually read newsletters, so you can get ahead of the game here!

If you can afford them, there are some terrific holiday clubs on offer. Some specialise in sport, others in a variety of outdoor activities - including kayaking and rock-climbing. There are drama, music, art, and crafts clubs and even clubs teaching circus skills. Check what your local area has to offer.

Always check supervision levels, training certificates, health and safety information and any Ofsted reports. Try to speak with the group leaders so you get a feel for what they are like and whether your child will take to them.

School holidays are never easy if you work, but a little forward planning will relieve some of the stress. Remember though, that even the best laid plans can be derailed. Previous years here have involved a broken leg (son), appendicitis (me) and one year both kids contracting chicken pox the day after breaking up!

Happy school hols!!

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