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Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we make no guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. We do not approve any of the services or products provided by advertisers in this magazine. Anyone using the products, services or advice from advertisers will need to carry out normal checks to make sure businesses are trustworthy and reliable. LocalReach Ltd 2024.
DO YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF LOCALREACH EACH MONTH?
LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Shepton Mallet/BA4 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 8,988 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.
How the Sales Process Works
With more attractive mortgage rates now on offer, hopefully this will lead to increased market activity, so I thought it might be helpful to summarise the sales process from when a potential buyer makes an offer on your property.
Step 1: Qualifying the Buyer – this involves determining how the purchase will be funded. If it is relying on the sale of their current property, the chain is checked. If the buyer is relying on a mortgage has this been agreed in principal ? For a cash buyer, the Agent needs to confirm that they’ve the actual funds in place.
Step 2: Sales Progression – this is where the hard work really starts as it is vital to keep track of the whole chain from beginning to end with weekly calls to the Solicitors and Agents involved. Often there is a dedicated Sales Progressor whose sole job is to progress, monitor and move forward a chain. Should the chain break, then the sale is stalled or may collapse completely.
Step 3: Arranging the Survey – This performs 2 main functions a) provides a valuation on your property used by a mortgage lender to determine its suitability for lending, and b) provides a summary of the property’s condition.
Step 4: Conveyancing – Solicitors will be instructed to act on your behalf in respect of the sale and the onward purchase of your new home. You will be sent lengthy documents to complete on the house you are selling, confirming exactly what is included in the sale. As the sale progresses, the buyer’s Solicitor will have raised enquiries some of which you will be asked to respond to.
Step 5: Exchange of Contracts and Completion – once both Solicitors are happy then an exchange of contracts take place. At this point both yourself and the buyers are locked into the sale and the buyer will need to take out building insurance. Normally there is a gap between exchange of contracts and the completion date, but it is not always the case.
Step 6: Handing over the Keys – this will be done by the Agent, and the utility meters read at the same time.
For anyone wondering what their home is worth, my EweMove website features a free online valuation tool that provides an instant valuation report or ring 07566 756699 to book an appointment today !
Prepare your garden for winter and help wildlife in November
There are thousands of tiny gardeners in our gardens, bugs, birds, worms, and all year they have helped us tend to our plots, now November is the month to turn our attention to how we can make our gardens a safe haven for wildlife.
Our gardens are full of wildlife, and with a little encouragement can be even more. Buddleias are a particular favourite of butterflies, some birds love sunflowers, some love redcurrants, and bees just love lavender. They are busy in our garden throughout the year, but when the colder months arrive, they rely on us to make our gardens wildlife friendly.
Wildlife is good for gardens
For example, worms are vital to soil health, birds, small rodents and other mammals help to combat pests without harmful chemicals and where would we be without the bees who pollinate our plants. And the presence of wildlife in our gardens is good for our health too, just listening to bird song or watching butterflies feed is beneficial to our mental health.
Winter wildlife hibernating in your garden
Butterflies – some butterflies like to hide in shed corners – so try to avoid disturbing them.
Amphibians - like toads and newts like to spend winter sleeping in greenhouses or frames and sometimes under unused pots – again try not to disturb them.
Ladybirds – like to gather in large clusters to overwinter on dead plant stems, particularly in more sheltered parts of the garden. So, please avoid excessive pruning.
Wrens – please do not take your nestboxes down in winter because they are used as bedrooms by some birds, including Wrens who can lose up to 10 per cent of their body weight on cold nights. They conserve heat by roosting communally sometimes in empty nestboxes.
Spiders - do not dig your flower beds in November because spiders like to lay their eggs to overwinter and flower beds are the perfect home for them.
Gardening jobs for November
Leave your garden in what might seem a little untidy state – when some plants have finished flowering leave them as their seedheads will feeds some birds, especially house sparrows and goldfinches. Other plants that you should consider
leaving include herbaceous plants, such as fennel and echinacea.
Leave hedges unpruned as there could still be berries on them. Buy and plant new hedge plants. Use swept up leaves as a flower bed mulch. This will help some animals to get through winter.
Build a wildlife refuge – this can be a log pile or a stack of branches and leaves that you can make to offer sanctuary to wildlife.
Invest in a bird table – the variety of birds that bird tables will encourage to come into your garden will delight you.
Buy and keep bird feeders topped up, and even in frosty weather make sure there is fresh water on both bird tables and on the ground.
By carefully considering the jobs you do around your garden in November you can offer a real lifeline to wildlife.
By Rob Bullock
LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES
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Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.
Film and TV Highlights for November
Shorter days and longer nights make November a prime time to catch up with the latest films and TV shows. Several notable releases are scheduled for this autumn
Gladiator II the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s epic, features Paul Mescal as Lucius. Following on from the original story, the film is set a few decades after Lucius witnessed the death of Maximus. Now an adult, Lucius is forced into the fighting arena after tyrannical emperors take over Rome. Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal
LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES
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take supporting roles and Ridley Scott returns as director, ensuring the continuity of the original classic film while introducing new characters. Due for cinema release 15th November.
Britain’s most beloved bear returns to the big screen for his third installment on November 8th, with Paddington in Peru. Details of the story have not been released, but Paddington will most likely return to Peru to explore his heritage. No doubt it will include heartwarming humour and family-friendly fun that have made the previous films so popular. The film is Dougal Wilson’s feature film directorial debut, and Olivia Coleman and Antonio Banderas will join the cast.
Fans of the Broadway hit musical, Wicked will be flocking to the cinema on November 29th for Wicked Part I. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande explores the origins of the witches from The Wizard of Oz (1939). It’s hard to imagine a film that can follow the fantasy classic of 85 years ago, but this technicolour marvel looks like it will please fans and introduce the land of Oz to a whole new generation.
A new horror Heretic is set for release on November 22nd, starring Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Hugh Grant. Two young missionaries knock on the door of Mr Reed who invites them inside to discuss their beliefs, but all is not as it seems and he ensnares them in a deadly game. If they want to make it out alive, they must rely on their faith. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. It’s great to see Hugh Grant show off some of his obvious acting gravitas in a very different genre, he seems to have left all of his likeable, foppish characters firmly behind him.
This November offers a mix of returning TV favourites. Season seven of The Crown will cover significant events from the early 2000s onwards, covering the last period of Queen Elizabeth’s life and reign. The American series Fargo also dives into the same time period and season five promises new stories and characters from the Midwest of the USA. The much-anticipated new season of True Detective: Night Country is set in the eerie landscapes of Alaska and stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. Marvel has also lined up Echo a series about a native American character, discovering her powers.
By Emma Russell
Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch - 4th November Games Day
RAFA-MSB meets on Monday 4th November at 11:00am in The Bell Inn, Bruton Road, Evercreech, BA4 6HY for a Fun Games Day (Skittles, Pool, Darts, Cards, Board Games) + Coffee, Pub Lunch and drinks from the Pub Menu and bar. The Branch covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA6, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas. RAFA Members, Current and ExRAF Reserves Personnel, Current and ExCommonwealth 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
Welcome winter 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. u3a is a national organisation with a branch in Shepton Mallet. Our
website, where you can see what we do and how to join, is www.sheptonmalletu3a.org.uk
Our November Speaker Coffee Morning will be on Thursday 7th November, 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Shepton Mallet centre. The talk will be about the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival. £3 for non-members, to include refreshments.
Shepton Artists Winter exhibition with guest artist Kate Lynch
Launching on Friday 8th November, 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Meet the artists including KATE LYNCH and NORMAN PARKER and enjoy a free glass of wine.
Closing celebration 15th November 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Come and enjoy live cello music to accompany the art and a glass of wine.
Open daily 9th - 15th November 10:00am - 4:00pm at 8 Town Street, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BG. Unique art from 12 local artists for sale - paintings, cards and gifts.
We all think we know the story behind The Gunpowder Plot and bonfire night... but do we?
It actually began with Queen Elizabeth I. Her persecution of Catholics was legendary. When her fifty-year reign came to an end it was thought that new king, James I would be more tolerant because his own mother had been a Catholic. Unfortunately, this was not to be and, increasingly, some young men felt called to violent action.
A small group of men, under the leadership of Robert Catesby, felt that blowing up the Houses of Parliament would, in all likelihood, kill the King, the Prince of Wales and those politicians opposed to Catholicism.
To this end they acquired 36 barrels of gunpowder and stored them in the cellars under The House of Lords.
These are the facts but opinions about what happened next are divided.
The popular story goes that as the plan progressed, some of the conspirators began to have second thoughts. There was a likelihood that innocent people would be hurt, namely those politicians who had actually fought for Catholic rights. And so, one of the group sent a letter to his friend, Lord Monteagle, warning him to stay away from Parliament on November 5th.
This warning letter is said to have reached the King, who then made plans to stop the plot. Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars with the gunpowder. He was duly arrested, tortured, and executed along with his fellow conspirators. However, this theory is disputed by many historians.
It has been suggested that the letter may have been falsified by the King’s officials. There had already been minor terrorist acts against Parliament and the Palace and many of those
involved in The Gunpowder Plot were already known to the authorities. It would therefore have been extremely difficult for them to acquire gunpowder in such large amounts without arousing suspicion.
It’s thought that one of the conspirators, Francis Tresham, taken in for questioning, confessed. The suggestion is that the letter was then created as a tool to explain how the King found out about the plot in the nick of time and also as a means of anti-Catholic propaganda.
The fact that the letter was unsigned and that none of the conspirators appears to have known about it - none claimed in their defence that they’d written it - lends weight to this theory.
The legacy of The Gunpowder Plot persists. Even now the reigning monarch enters the Houses of Parliament only once each year for the state opening. Prior to their arrival the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars for explosives. Once a purely ceremonial ritual, in current times it has once again taken on a more serious tone.
On the night of November 5th, 1605, bonfires were lit all over London in celebration of the saving of Parliament and the King...and the tradition persists to this day.
By John Clarke
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 the deadline shown on page 3. 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.
The Shepton Mallet Carnival that we have today, started back in 1965. It is a Somerset tradition that families far and wide have loved for a very long time. Every year the organising becomes more difficult, with rising costs, so please give gererously to the collection. All profits are donated to local clubs, charities.
The Carnival Committee are looking for more members to help organise this popular event, for more information visit: www.sheptonmalletcarnival.org.uk mail@sheptonmalletcarnival.org.uk
Programmes also available in local shops and on carnival night.
Wells Cathedral School Jazz Orchestra
WCS Jazz Orchestra will be performing in St. Cuthbert’s Church on Saturday 16th November,
LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES
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Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.
7:00pm for 7:30pm. All profit to St. Cuthbert’s Bell Restoration Fund. Cash Bar. Tickets £10 available from jennycrossley@mbzonline.net or WhatsApp 07753 958836.
Crib Festival
St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells is holding a Crib Festival in December and we would welcome as many Crib/ Nativity sets as possible. We usually have over 200 sets and we welcome old and new ones. Many are family heirlooms, hand made or have been bought abroad. All have a story to tell which we love to hear. This amazing display can be seen on Friday 13th - Sunday 15th December. Please put the date in your diary and consider taking part. More details to follow, but ring 01749 675477 for further information.
Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion”
…but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mindbody practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health.
In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions; for example, “white crane spreads its wings”
Oakhill, Monday 2:00pm - 3:00pm.
Contact Jo Webb 07730393396, Jo.webb@mbzonline.net
Mah-Jong: A beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity
The Shipham Inn (SomersetBS25 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.
Group numbers have grown and we now average around 12 / 14 people per evening.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month: 7:30pm start. Free
Contact: mark.trenchard53@gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580.
Glastonbury Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
We are a group of Veterans & Serving Members of His Majesties Armed Forces from Glastonbury, Wells, Street and surrounding areas, who get together at 08:30 on Wednesday mornings to enjoy a Breakfast with like-minded people at “Mamf’s” Cafe in Glastonbury.
For further details of when and where we meet e-mail: GlastonburyAFVBC@gmail.com or telephone: 07929 087260
Shepton Mallet Carers Support and Information Group
Shepton Carers Group is part of Somerset Carers Service, a free, informal gathering for people who regularly look after, a friend, family member or loved one, in an unpaid capacity. We socialise, share stories and ideas and to talk about our experiences. Professional speakers and service providers also visit to offer support and information.
2nd Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm at the Brasserie.
Call Cath on 07535279359 before attending for the first time in case of schedule changes.
Somerset Carers Service Advice Line: 0800 3168600
Email: carers@somersetrcc.org.uk
Website: www.somersetcarers.org
‘Companionship through socialising and sharing experiences with likeminded people’
Street Branch Royal Naval Association covers all areas of Somerset and meets monthly in the Wessex Hotel, 15 High St. Street, Somerset BA16 0EF. Current and ex RN, RM, WRNS, RFA, Reserves and Commonwealth personnel are welcome. Associate membership is also available to relatives of current and former serving personnel, Sea/Marine Cadet staff and civilians. Monthly meetings include a raffle and end with the option of staying for lunch at the hotel.
Contact Chairman Mike Jayes, Tel: 07805 516946 Email: streetrnachair@gmail.com for details of the next meeting.
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.
Events include meals, walks, music, holidays, day trips, social evenings, theatre, etc. and whatever members wish to organize.
Find us on the meetup website at www.meetup. com/spa-social-group or use the meetup app and search for “SPA singles group south west”
Defibrillator Legacy Launch For Donate For Defib
The Donate for Defib W-s-M Project has just had its year anniversary and with the continued support of the local community further publicly accessible defibrillators have been installed and a further 3 are on order, the Donate for Defib project is now working in partnership with Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance as well as the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.
The project has also launched a defib legacy in which a public accessible defibrillator can be bought in memory of a loved one.
For further details, please email: donatefordefib.wsm@gmail.com
Thank you!
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Hearing Loss and the Festive Season
By Simon Swindells, Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care
The festive season, a time for joy, laughter, and cherished memories, can be a magical experience for everyone. For those with hearing loss, however, it can present unique challenges. The cacophony of noise at Christmas parties, and the distant chatter of loved ones at the dinner table can make it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the festivities.
For individuals with hearing loss, these auditory challenges can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even anxiety. The fear of missing out on important conversations or social interactions can dampen the festive spirit. Moreover, the added stress and fatigue associated with the festive season can exacerbate hearing difficulties.
It is important to remember that hearing loss is treatable. With advancements in hearing technology, there are incredibly effective solutions available to improve hearing and enhance quality of life. Hearing aids, for example, can significantly improve speech understanding and reduce listening effort.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, it is essential to seek professional help. A routine hearing test can provide valuable insights into the extent of hearing impairment and help determine the most suitable treatment options. By addressing hearing loss early, individuals can enjoy a more fulfilling and connected Christmas period and beyond.
If you’d like to speak myself or the team for further advice or to book an appointment, 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
Movember - Raising Men’s Health Awareness in November
For over twenty years Movember has been an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues.
From just thirty men growing a moustache during the month of November in 2003 in Australia to over six million around the globe, Movember aims to raise awareness of some key men’s health issues, including mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. In doing so men are living healthier and longer.
From just thirty men
When in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, had an idea of raising awareness of men’s health issues little did they know that twenty years later Movember would be a global phenomenon. In 2003 they found thirty men to grow a moustache, or Mo in Australian. Over the twenty years Movember has been going it has had 6,861,045 Mo Bros and Mo Sisters and it has funded more than 1,320 men’s health projects. Movember’s three main causes:
Suicide prevention – it is shocking to discover that around the world one man dies from suicide every minute of every day, and here in the UK three out of every four suicides in the UK are by men. Movember is tackling this head on by helping men and boys stay mentally healthy, encouraging them to develop strong social connections, lobbying governments to take action and funding initiatives around the world tailored specifically to help men when they need it.
Prostate cancer – here in the UK one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Almost one and a half million men around the world are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Movember aims to raise awareness by helping men know what the signs and symptoms are of prostate cancer, and what are the risk factors. And they unite researchers and experts across the world to come up with groundbreaking innovations.
Testicular cancer – as with prostate cancer, Movember’s focus is on raising awareness and helping men look for signs and symptoms, as well as supporting groundbreaking research. Although testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young UK men and there can be long term treatment side effects the odds of survival are ninety five percent.
Get involved, talk, listen and support
The ethos of Movember is that too many men are dying too young, largely from preventable causes. You can help by talk to someone if you have any health concerns or listen to and support someone who might.
There are lots of ways you can get involved to raise awareness and funds for Movember this year. If you can, why not start by growing a Mo! Please visit uk.movember.com for more information.
Help is out there
If you need to speak with someone immediately you can call 111 or contact the Samaritans on 116 123. And if you’re concerned and worried that someone’s life might be in immediate danger, call 999.
By Rob Bullock
Puzzle Solutions
A Good Read
A Spot of Bother
By Mark Haddon
A Spot of Bother is a darkly humorous and poignant exploration of a family unravelling under the weight of its own dysfunctions. The central character, George Hall, is a retired man in his late fifties who becomes obsessively convinced that a lesion on his hip is cancerous, leading to a gradual mental breakdown. While this sounds a depressing premise for a story, Haddon’s deft handling of the anxieties of middle age and the fragile nature of mental health, ensures that the reader is able to smile, wince, cheer along and empathise with everyone involved.
The narrative weaves together the perspectives of George’s immediate family, each dealing with their own crisis, as is often the way of families. His wife, Jean, is having an affair, while their daughter, Katie, is preparing for a second marriage to a man that no one in the family likes. Their son, Jamie, is struggling both with his identity and his and his own relationships. Each of them is so wrapped up in their own little world that they fail to notice that George, who is like an extra in the film of their own lives, is falling apart in front of them. The blend of dry wit and deep empathy, keeps all the relationships authentic and relatable and there are moments when the reader, no matter which generation they belong to will recognise themselves and their own family relationships.
Haddon’s prose is sharp, and his ability to balance humour with moments of genuine emotional depth is impressive. A Spot of Bother is a compelling read, offering both laugh-out-loud and moments of introspection.
The Cat Who Saved Books
By Sosuke Natsukawa, translated by Louise Heal Kawai
Rintaro Natsuki has always considered Natsuki Books, his grandfather’s tiny, second-hand bookshop, a place of wonder and the perfect refuge for a quiet, introverted young boy. He has spent many happy hours there reading.
Then his grandfather dies leaving Rintaro grieving and along and the boy turns inwards even more and even stops going to school. Then he encounters a talking tabby cat named Tiger who wanders in and asks Rintaro for help. Tiger explains that he needs a book lover to accompany him on a mission to save books from people who have imprisoned, mistreated, and betrayed them. Together they embark on a series of book-themed adventures.
Sayo Yuzuki, is a strong, sensible girl who Rintaro has known since primary school. She calls by the bookshop to bring Rintaro homework, because she is concerned about his increased reclusiveness. They begin to discuss the power of books throughout the centuries; how books can introduce us to new ideas and how every difficult book offers us a new challenge. The children begin to develop a friendship through their shared love of stories.
This children’s novel was originally published in Japan in 2017, and Kawai’s elegant translation renders it accessible to English-speakers, without losing any of the essence of the Japanese language and culture. A wise and whimsical novel, about how love and loss affect our lives. Beautifully written and thought provoking, it will appeal to both children and adults alike.
By Tash Donovan
One Pair Is Never Enough
As the countdown to Christmas starts to enter our minds and we start making lists or maybe even start Christmas shopping it is easy to become overwhelmed and start putting off doing other jobs.
One job not to be put off is keeping our eyes in tip top condition. Spending hours Internet shopping or crafting Xmas cards and presents can take its toll, causing dryness and eye fatigue.
This isn’t limited to just Christmas however, our ever increasing busy lives, which includes, driving, writing, reading, sporting activities, using multiple digital devices including virtual reality, reading music, crafting, (the list goes on) means sometimes one pair of specs isn’t enough for all the demands that we make on our eyes.
With that in mind Eyetech are pleased to announce an exclusive pre-Christmas offer. It will run through November and December. For this period only we are offering our clients the opportunity to buy one pair of spectacles and get a second pair at half price. This applies to any combination of spectacles. So if you’re off in search of some winter sun, pop a new pair of sunglasses in your suitcase to wear alongside your everyday pair, or maybe a spare pair of reading specs to keep by the bed or to leave at the office.
To take advantage of this limited offer make sure you book your Eye Examination early, to avoid disappointment.
Sausage and Bean Bowl
Give sausage, mash and beans an autumnal makeover.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Serve s: 4
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 onions finely sliced
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
8 pork sausages
400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ chicken or vegetable stock cube, made up to 175ml
420g tin baked beans
Mashed potato, to serve
Method:
Heat half the oil in a lidded saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onions and fry until golden. Stir in the garlic and fry for 2 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
The Voice of Remembrance
November 11th
Remembrance Day on November 11th and Remembrance Sunday (Nov 10th this year) are observed to commemorate the end of World War I and to honour all members of the armed services, past and present, who have died in military service.
Many of us studied the War poets in school and one of the most influential is Wilfred Owen. He remains a powerful voice for the human cost of war. His vivid and haunting poetry captures the horrors of trench warfare, and the emotional trauma experienced by soldiers. Owen’s work, most notably poems
Increase the heat, add the remaining oil and the sausages, and cook for until caramelised browned all over.
Return the onion and garlic to the pan with the tomatoes and mustard. Add the stock, season with pepper, and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes, adding the beans after 5 minutes.
Cover and cook for 5 more minutes until the sausages are cooked through. Serve poured over creamy mashed potato.
like Dulce et Decorum Est and Anthem for Doomed Youth, stripped away the early 20th Century romanticized notions of war, revealing its brutality and senselessness.
Owen’s continued relevance to Remembrance Day is profound. His poetry serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by millions of soldiers who fought in World War I and other conflicts. Rather than glorifying war, Owen’s work focuses on the suffering, fear, and devastation experienced by those on the front lines. This perspective is crucial for modernday remembrance, encouraging people not just to honour the fallen but to reflect on the true costs of war.
Owen’s poetry gives voice to the soldiers, ensuring their experiences and the impact of their sacrifice are not forgotten. His poems continue to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of peace, the reality of conflict, and the need to remember the human stories behind historical events. His words are all the more poignant because he was killed in action in 1918, just one week before the Armistice.
By Sarah Davey
Nature on Your Doorstep
After the copper palette of autumn, the bare limbs of deciduous trees stretch across the landscape. Shorter days and cooler temperatures force wildlife into winter mode. Hedgehogs and bats enter hibernation as other small mammals gather food to keep them fuelled over the lean months.
Winter migration is now in full swing, and many species of bird have already left for warmer climates. Daytime flocks of winter thrushes are gathering to feed on haw berries, along with fieldfares and redwings migrating from Scandinavia. Long dark nights provide lots of time to fight over territory and tawny owls are at their very best in November. Females make a harsh ‘kewick’ call and the male answers. Young owls are busy trying to establish their boundaries and the older owls are busy guarding their patch, so you may hear some nocturnal battles between the hooting birds.
Bird boxes are an immense help to nature, as the wildlife will be attracted to ready-made homes. For a family fun challenge on a rainy November day, try building your own. Build a bird box (rspb. org.uk) Look out for other flashes of bright red in the bushes, robins will continue to feed on garden bird tables and give us a cheeky splash of colour over the winter months, so keep those feeders topped up.
Frosts become much more common as the season progresses, having a significant impact
on any remaining garden vegetation. This is the time to pluck the last of the root vegetables from your garden and collect any remaining pears and apples. Spring bulbs, daffodils and tulips, should be planted by now. They will lie dormant through the winter and bloom in early spring when the sunshine increases. November often brings frequent rain and storms which can lead to swollen rivers and localised flooding.
November is a great time to gather sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa). The spiky seeds are a challenge, but it’s worth wearing gloves and gathering a few. People used to cook the chestnuts by slicing one side of the skin, wrapping them in foil and placing them in the fire embers, but you can follow a modern recipe for the same delicious morsels. Roast chestnuts recipe | BBC Good Food
In summary, November is a time of preparation and transition in nature. Animals, plants, and the landscape itself are all gearing up for the colder months ahead, with many species entering a period of dormancy or migration. The natural world becomes quieter and more subdued, setting the stage for winter.
By Emma Russell
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