LocalReach Shepton Mallet October 2023

Page 1

GARDENING – page 5

COMMUNITY – page 6

PUZZLES – page 8

KIDS – page 13

BOOKS – page 16

RECIPES – page 19

BUSINESS A-Z – page 20

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LOCALREACH FREE Oct 23 No. 04 SHEPTON MALLET – BA4 LocalReach is independent, family run & based in Somerset since 2010.
2|www.localreach.co.uk WE SPECIALISE IN ALL ASPECTS OF DRIVEWAYS Tarmac (Hand & Machine Lay) • Resin Bound Paving Tar & Chip Surface Dressing • Gravel • Block Paving Repairs to Existing Roads & Potholes WE’LL HAVE AN OPTION TO SUIT YOUR PROPERTY AND YOUR BUDGET Our friendly team have the skills and experience to guarantee a durable, robust driveway or patio to compliment your home and add kerb appeal and value for many years to come. Check out our 4.7 Star rating Call us for a FREE no obligation quote Tel: 01452 768943 • Mob: 07391 198613 www.stonewaypaving.co.uk www.stonewaypaving.co.uk Tel: 01452 768943 • Mob: 07391 198613 www.stonewaypaving.co.uk Call us for a FREE no obligation quote 01749 605372 www.stonewaypaving.co.uk 20% OFF all confirmed bookings until the end of October 2023 WE SPECIALISE IN ALL ASPECTS OF DRIVEWAYS 20% OFF all confirmed bookings until the end of March 2023 Tarmac (Hand & Machine Lay) • Resin Bound Paving Tar & Chip Surface Dressing • Gravel • Block Paving Repairs to Existing Roads & Potholes WE’LL HAVE AN OPTION TO SUIT YOUR PROPERTY AND YOUR BUDGET Our friendly team have the skills and experience to guarantee a durable, robust driveway or patio to compliment your home and add kerb appeal and value for many years to come. Check out our 4.7 Star rating Call us for a FREE no obligation quote Tel: 01452 768943 • Mob: 07391 198613 www.stonewaypaving.co.uk WE SPECIALISE IN ALL ASPECTS OF DRIVEWAYS 20% OFF all confirmed bookings until the end of March 2023 Tarmac (Hand & Machine Lay) • Resin Bound Paving Tar & Chip Surface Dressing • Gravel • Block Paving Repairs to Existing Roads & Potholes WE’LL HAVE AN OPTION TO SUIT YOUR PROPERTY AND YOUR BUDGET Our friendly team have the skills and experience to guarantee a durable, robust driveway or patio to compliment your home and add kerb appeal and value for many years to come. Check out our 4.7 Star rating Call us for a FREE no obligation quote Tel: 01452 768943 • Mob: 07391 198613 www.stonewaypaving.co.uk

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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 2023.

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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 SHEPTON

LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Shepton Mallet/BA4 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 8,886 copies each month.

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www.localreach.co.uk|3 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 LOCALREACH
MALLET
BA4 Pilton Evercreech
Alhampton Downside West Compton Hornblotten Upton Noble Wanstrow Dean East Pennard

You don’t need me to say that selling your home is an extremely emotional and quite stressful time. It’s described as being one of the most stressful moments of our lives, alongside death and divorce!

Amongst this cocktail of highly charged human emotions, the house seller will have spent a considerable amount of time thinking through their plans to sell, when to put their house on the market and what they plan to do next.

So when is the best time to sell?

The commonly held view is the beginning of Spring. However if everybody followed this same notion and vast armies of sellers all descend on the market at the same time, your house risks being crowded out as there are only a limited number of buyers.

Another question people ask is “should I wait until the housing market goes up ?” This often occurs when the market is going through a period of rising prices fuelled with salacious newspaper headlines promising untold riches from the next housing boom. However, in most

cases the seller will also be a buyer so the new home will also have gone up in price and, generally speaking, there’ll be no significant gain to be had by waiting. The housing market can change quite dramatically and a potential seller should always move when the time is right for them.

This also applies to the time of year. I’ve already suggested a counter argument to marketing in spring but the reality is, if you look at any time of year, there are pros and cons. Long summer days give an opportunity for early evening viewings, the autumn is generally seen as the last good opportunity to sell before Christmas, and January picks up buyers with ‘New Year & New House’ plans.

So find out what your house is worth now in readiness for when you do decide to sell. The EweMove website features a free online valuation tool that provides an instant valuation report or use the URL link below.

To have a chat about your moving plans please contact me 24/7 on 01749 600 339 or visit www.EweMove.com/sheptonmallet.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 4|www.localreach.co.uk
LOCAL EXPERT PAGE Multi-Award Winning Estate Agency EweMove Has Arrived In Shepton Mallet! Sell Your House And Save £500 With My Exclusive Launch Offer Sell Your House And Save... £500 With Our Exclusive Launch Offer Take advantage of this never to be repeated offer and book your FREE valuation appointment. T&Cs apply. Call 24/7 01749 600339 Visit EweMove.com/SheptonMallet EweMove respects any existing sole agency agreement already in place with another agent. Anne Flintham Branch Director Scan Me Hurry! Only 4 remaining! Hurry! Only 5 remaining!
Sell Your Home
The Best Time to

Garden View

This month – Blue is beautiful

them is to buy them ready-potted. Garden centres will sell them at this time of year.

In spite of their fussiness, they are hardy perennials. If you can get them established they’ll proliferate. In the garden divide them carefully, disturbing the roots as little as possible, every three years in the spring. If you’re growing them in pots then at the start of spring carefully scrape out some of the top compost and redress it with ericaceous compost. Keep it moist and in a partially shaded area and the flowers should return in the autumn. When the pot looks overcrowded you can try splitting them once the flowering season is over but often it is better just to buy new plants.

Gentians have a reputation for being tricky little things to grow and it isn’t entirely undeserved. They’re a temperamental lot. They will only grow from fresh seed; they require the gardener to jump through hoops to get them to germinate; they don’t like being transplanted; they insist on free-draining but not impoverished soil...the list goes on. But those gorgeous ultra-marine trumpet flowers are so desirable, especially at this time of year when not much else is flowering.

I’ve had my fair share of failures with autumn gentians over the years but still I keep trying to grow them.

Like most of us I haven’t the time to devote to primping and preening the truly diva-ish varieties: those are best left to alpine devotees. I’ve had most success with Gentian sino-ornata. These form low growing clumps some 15cm / 6inches high and 30cm / 12inches across. In the right conditions they will produce gorgeous bright blue trumpets with pale green stripes from September all the way to November.

Gentians prefer shade for at least part of the day and, I can’t stress this bit enough, there must be no lime in the soil, or they’ll turn up their pretty blue toes and expire. Unfortunately, as I garden in an area rich in limestone, (our house is actually built on a limestone ridge!) the only way I can grow them is in low, dish-shaped containers where they can spread out a bit. If you’re making up your own pots, use ericaceous compost with added grit to promote drainage. An even easier way to grow

The trouble with gentians is that they’re addictive. Grow a few successfully and you’ll get greedy for those startling blue flowers and want more. Then you’ll start to think, ‘I wonder if they really are that difficult to grow from seed…’ and you’re lost.

Happy gardening.

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES

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Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 www.localreach.co.uk|5 GARDENING

Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch October Meeting & Quiz

The Branch will hold a Branch Meeting with a Fun Quiz followed by an optional Lunch on Monday 2nd October at 11:00 am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS. It covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA6, BA16, TA10 & TA11 areas.

Events are open to Branch Members, Members from other Branches, Current and Ex-RAF Service Personnel and Reserves, Current and ExCommonwealth Air Forces Personnel, Members of the RAF Family and Members of the public that support the aims and purpose of RAFA. Contact rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057

Improve Your National Trust Experience - Join your Local Centre

We meet monthly on the SECOND Saturday at 2:00pm at Henton Village Hall beginning on 4th October, to share experiences and consider future activities. During summer months outings to NT and other locations are arranged.

We introduce from many walks of life, speakers of their experiences and connections with interesting and often unusual activities. A small fee covers the cost of refreshments and expenses. There is no formality, just turn up.

Contact KEITH BROWN for more information on 01749 673949; text 07734215963 or email klancslad@gmail.com

RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch Visit to Weston-super-Mare Helicopter Museum

The Branch will visit the Weston-super-Mare Helicopter Museum, Locking Road, Westonsuper-Mare, BS24 8PP assembling at 10:30 am on Friday 13th October in the Museum Cafe for tour conducted by Alan Whitfield at 11:00 am followed by an optional lunch in the Museum Cafe at 1:00pm.

The visit is open to Branch Members, Members from other Branches, Current and Ex-RAF Service Personnel and Reserves, Current and ExCommonwealth Air Forces Personnel, Members of the RAF Family and Members of the public that support the aims and purpose of RAFA. Contact 01458 224057

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 6|www.localreach.co.uk COMMUNITY Bathing a problem? We can help • Easy accessible wet room showering • Rapid bath out walk-in shower conversions • Back to a warm deep soak with a walk-in bath • Making bathing safer with simple changes; Grab rails, shower seats, raised WCs & slip resistant safety flooring • Council (DFG), SSAFA and charity grants quotes available • Discounts for over 60s and ex-service personnel Call for our friendly advice, free survey and quote info@ahminstallations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. 01749 467136 AHM is rated Excellent FREE* Mirrored cabinet or high raised toilet with any full bathroom installation
01749 329 011

Crossword Across

1 Dried grape (7)

5 Take place, happen (5)

8 Global, cosmopolitan (13)

9 Male relative (5)

11 Modulate, attune (7)

13 Ecstatic, joyful (6)

14 Dishevel, discompose (6)

17 Artist’s paint-mixing board (7)

18 Weary (5)

19 Hysterical with fear (5-8)

22 Beg (5)

23 Drags a riverbed (7)

Down

1 Convulsion, fit (7)

2 Object or objects for sale at an auction (3)

3 Accord, concurrence (9)

4 Peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf (6)

5 Japanese kimono sash (3)

6 Anglo-Saxon King, Edward the _________ (9)

7 Rent out a property again (5)

10 Dispute, question (9)

Word Search

ant killer

bicycle bucket charcoal compost creosote

fork

hedge trimmer

hosepipe

ladder

lawnmower

mallet

oilcan

paint cans

plant pots

rake sacks spade

toolbox

trestle

twine

wood stain

12 Skin injury caused by extremely low temperature (9)

15 Conclusions, denouements (7)

16 Leased, chartered (6)

17 Appear suddenly (3,2)

20 Dastardly person (3)

21 Small barrel (3)

Mindbenders

Solutions: Turn to page 15

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 8|www.localreach.co.uk PUZZLES

Are your stairs a struggle? Enjoy independence in your home…

Do I need a Stairlift? – If you have difficulty getting up and down stairs you are not alone. The decision to install a stairlift is sometimes a difficult one to take but, when compared with the alternative of moving or living on only one level of their home, many people have found a stairlift to be their preferred solution.

Why choose us? – Suttons Stairlifts aim to provide a reliable and prompt service to their valued customers. Thanks to personal recommendations from satisfied customers referring us to their friends and relations Suttons Stairlifts is now a well-established company committed to providing expert advice with a no-pressure selling policy, guaranteed! Our Products and Services – We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts for either straight or curved stairs throughout the West Country, from Bath & Bristol right down to South Devon. We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts as well as annual services and safety checks, repairs and removals.

What happens next? – We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time. Once you’ve made your decision we aim to install your lift within the week, or even the next day subject to availability.

With our comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a first-class and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts

Call us on 01749 346 900 for more information.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 www.localreach.co.uk|9 LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
01749 346 900 www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk The Works, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. BA4 5DX STAIRLIFTS NEW from £1,645 RECONDITIONED from £995 RENTAL from £55 per month

The Best Incontinence Products of 2023

It’s that time of year when we reveal the most popular products as sold by Arelle in 2023!

Best Disposable Briefs for Moderate/Severe Incontinence:

Abena Pants are top of the charts. They are easy to fit, thin, snug, discreet, dignified and have a unique 3D DualCore® that ensures absorption precisely where it is needed. Plus the soft breathable backing covers the entire pad, not just the absorption area, making it even better.

Best Disposable Pads for Light/Moderate/ Severe Incontinence:

Our most popular product in this category is the Abena San Shaped Disposable pad which ensures maximum comfort, absorbency and protection against leakage. The materials used are fully breathable and latex-free, the super soft textile-like backsheet makes the pad noiseless and keeps your skin healthier. We’d be delighted to send you a free sample.

Best Product for Men and Women with Light/ Stress and Moderate Incontinence:

Coming out top again is the Arelle washable brief. It’s a great eco-friendly alternative if you have only light to moderate incontinence. It

features a gusset with either a highly absorbent mini or midi pad, a waterproof lining, and the men’s design differs slightly with a fly style opening. Definitely worth a try!

Best Incontinence Product for Men:

The Abena Man Shaped pad gets great feedback. Featuring leakage barriers, an airplus breathable backsheet, and a shape that has been adapted to ensure a secure fit, this T-shaped pad can absorb up to 700ml. We can even send you a free sample!

Best Incontinence Bed Pad:

Our bed pads are popular for comfort and providing night-time confidence. With polyester fabric on top, waterproof underneath and a viscose felt padding within for rapid absorption qualities – a special backing keep the pad in place on top of your sheet. If you want a costsaving and comfy alternative to a disposable bed pad, this is it.

So there you go! But if the choice of incontinence products is still overwhelming, or you can’t find what you need, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Phone 0800 389 3597 or email info@arelle.com

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

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 10|www.localreach.co.uk LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
For advice, free samples and a brochure call 0800 389 3597 or visit www.arelle.com Based locally in Spaxton, Somerset for over 20 years High quality continence care products for men and women
www.localreach.co.uk|11 Visit: www.avonmaterialsupplies.co.uk Call: 01749 830688 SKIP HIRE Somerset • 6 & 8 yard skips • Same day delivery (Sta) • 2 week hire included • Wait & load service • All waste types • Waste recycled Avon Material Supplies provides a full range of skip services to leading construction businesses, tradespeople, and the general public in Somerset. Order online 24/7 for your next project. ‘SOM’ USE CODE: FOR 10% OFF ONLINE* *Offer is subject to T&Cs and is only valid on your first online order on www.avonmaterialsupplies.co.uk. For further details, please call 01749 830688

The King William pub is a welcoming community and wet-led venue complemented with Sky Sports, a pool table and pub sports teams. On the outskirts of the small Somerset town of Shepton Mallet – this is a traditional and popular local pub.

The King William pub needs an experienced pub operator and avid sports enthusiast who can maximise the fantastic opportunity to put this pub back on the map.

The Kings Head is a beautiful country pub located in the backstreets of Cheddar in Somerset. It has a traditional look and feel, set in a 17th century thatched building with stone walls, open fires, and exposed beams.

This is the perfect opportunity for a Publican who thrives when operating at the heart of the community. You will pride yourself on creating a welcome environment and build long lasting local relationships. You will have an understanding of what makes a great community pub, providing an offer that locals love whilst working hard to bring new guests through the doors.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 12|www.localreach.co.uk KIDS’ PAGE www.punchpubs.co.uk - 01283 501999
Are you a We’re looking for people with fresh ideas to run these pubs! Maybe this opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone that fits the bill? We offer a £2,000 referral fee for a successful placement. Scan the QR code to find out more... £2,000 REFERRAL FEE! interested? These pubs are available on a flexible tenancy Scan the QR code to find out more...
PUB LOVER?
KINGS HEAD 1 Silver Street, Cheddar BS27 3LE
WILLIAM
KING
West Shepton, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5UG
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 www.localreach.co.uk|13 KIDS’ PAGE

One leading Audiologist has sent out a plea to anyone struggling with hearing loss, after a new study has found that wearing hearing aids could help reduce the risk of dementia.

Simon Swindells, Senior Audiologist and Owner of South West Hearing Care was speaking after a study, which was published The Lancet, showed that people with hearing loss who used hearing aids were 42% less likely to develop dementia than those with hearing loss who did not use hearing aids.

Simon, who is a passionate advocate for hearing health, said: “There are approximately 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss and many of these people have never sought the help of an audiologist for their hearing.

“This study, along many others before it, is showing strong evidence that untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline. My plea to anyone over 50 is to ensure you have a regular hearing check every couple of years, especially if you have started to notice you are missing parts of conversations or other sounds.”

The study looked at data from 437,704 people

taking part in the UK Biobank study. The average age was 56, and the average follow-up time was 12 years.

The hypothesis, known as cognitive overload, asserts that the brains of adults with hearing loss have to work harder to understand the same information as people with average hearing, which may put such a profound strain on the brain that it cannot perform other functions as well.

Simon, who fits the latest hearing aids from his dedicated practices in Street and Westbury, continued, “Wearing hearing aids can help to reduce the risks of dementia by improving hearing and making it easier for people to communicate. It is clear to me that this study highlight’s the urgent need for the early introduction of hearing aids when someone starts to experience hearing loss.”

To book a hearing test appointment with Simon at his clinics in either Street or Westbury, please call 01458 555533 (Street) / 01373 823076 (Westbury) or visit www.swhearingcare.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 14|www.localreach.co.uk LOCAL EXPERT PAGE
Simon Swindells - Owner and Audiologist at South West Hearing
Local Audiologist’s plea after survey shows hearing aids reduce dementia risk by over 40%

Wild Roots Growing for Wellbeing Group

Mondays & Thursdays

10:00am - 2;30pm, Catsham, Baltonsborough.

The Growing for Wellbeing Project welcomes people who want to get outdoors, learn new skills or use existing skills and be part of a supportive group. Our main emphasis is on horticulture and rural craft activities. Our Thursday sessions are particularly suited to neurodiverse participants.

For more information or to arrange a visit please contact Ursula Casey at ursula@wilderwoods. org.

Booking essential. Easily accessible by public transport.

Central Somerset Outdoor Learning Partnership. Registered Charity Number 1151284.

www.wilderwoods.org

18th October - Local Macular Society group to help with research

The Weston-super-Mare Macular Society Group, which meets 3rd Wednesday of the month 10:00am to 12noon at St Peter’s Church Hall, Baytree Road, Weston-super-Mare BS22 8HG, is helping test a new hand held device capable of carrying out an OCT scan at home.

The stability of the device is being tested, so partners/carers not diagnosed with central vision loss are welcome.

If you would like to take part and or come to the local group meetings in future, please contact Jo on 07947 373 244.

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

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

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender:

1: Easy peasy 2: Two for one 3: Drive over the speed limit

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 www.localreach.co.uk|15 COMMUNITY

A Good Read

Good Omens

Terry Pratchett’s “Good Omens,” a collaborative masterpiece co-written with Neil Gaiman, is an imaginative tour de force that seamlessly melds humour, fantasy, and social commentary. Published in 1990, the novel has become a timeless cult classic that continues to captivate readers with its wit and irreverence. The original book was adapted into a successful TV series, but the original book is definitely worth seeking out. The story revolves around an angel, Aziraphale, and a demon, Crowley, who have grown accustomed to life on Earth and have developed a certain fondness for humanity. When the apocalypse looms, they join forces to prevent the end of the world, inadvertently misplacing the Antichrist in the process. What ensues is a delightful romp through absurd situations, satirical jabs at religious norms, and a heartwarming exploration of friendship.

Pratchett and Gaiman’s unique writing styles blend seamlessly. Pratchett’s penchant for witty wordplay and Gaiman’s darkly enchanting storytelling combine to produce a tale that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining. The duo weaves together multiple storylines, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a quirky witch named Anathema Device, and a bumbling witch-hunter, creating an intricate tapestry of characters and events.

At its core, “Good Omens” is a celebration of the human experience. It nudges readers to question the conventions they take for granted while delivering laugh-out-loud moments that provide much-needed levity. It’s no wonder that this book has become a cherished favourite among readers.

The School for Good and Evil (Book 1) by Soman Chainani

Continuing the theme of ‘good and evil’ this month, the first book in Chainani’s series provides fresh take on fairy tales. Set in the mystical realm of Gavaldon, the story upends conventional notions of good and evil, sending readers on a journey of friendship, self-discovery, and moral complexity.

Sophie and Agatha are best friends, who are unexpectedly whisked away to the School for Good and Evil, an institution that trains children to become either heroes or villains in classic fairy tales. However, when their destinies seem to be swapped – Sophie, who embodies all things charming, is placed in the School for Evil, while Agatha, with her gloomy demeanour, is sent to the School for Good – the story takes a riveting turn. Chainani skilfully deconstructs stereotypes and delves into the depths of character motivations, making the reader question the nature of goodness and wickedness.

Chainani nicely balances whimsy with darkness in the exploration of friendship which is central to the novel. Sophie and Agatha navigate challenges that strain their bond, and face dilemmas that force them to confront their true selves.

The accessible, engaging prose makes the book suitable for a wide range of readers. The story invites readers to question the shades of grey between good and evil, and to embrace the power of friendship and self-acceptance. Young readers will almost certainly go searching for the sequels.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 16|www.localreach.co.uk BOOK REVIEWS

Have you thought about an eye care scheme?

We all know that it is important to take care of our eyes. After all, we only have one pair and they need to last a lifetime. Good eye care starts with regular, comprehensive eye exams using state-of-theart technology, plus a highly qualified Optometrist.

But does the best quality eye care have to be expensive?

For those of us that want outstanding care at an affordable price, there is the option of different eye care schemes. At Eyetech Opticians, we offer Eyeplan.

Under such a scheme, you usually do not pay for your eye exam. Instead, you pay a monthly subscription by Direct Debit. Once you are a member, all your eye exams are included for total peace of mind, and you can have one as often as you need to.

High quality spectacles are just as important. When we choose our eyewear, many of us are looking for great value frames and lenses – this means the best pair for our budget, rather than the cheapest option. With an eye care scheme, frames and lenses can be purchased at reduced prices. So, you can choose the pair that suits your needs best.

With the cost of living increasing, knowing that all your eye care is covered, can be reassuring. Eyeplan also offers Accidental Damage Cover, so you don’t have to worry about a huge expense if your eyewear is accidentally broken.

Monthly costs for eye care schemes vary, but they are all designed to give excellent value for money. With our eye care scheme, Eyeplan, the fee is reduced if family members are joining together.

At Eyetech Opticians we take time to listen to you and to find the best eyecare solution for YOU. From frame selection with our Eyewear Stylist, to advice on complex prescriptions, eye care schemes or low vision support, we are here to listen.

WE OFFER:

TIME FOR YOU TO TALK WHILST WE LISTEN. RELAXED FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE EXPLAINED SIMPLY.

SUPERB RANGE OF QUALITY AND INDIVIDUAL FRAMES.

THE MOST ADVANCED OPTICAL LENSES FROM ALL MANUFACTURERS.

100 High Street, Street BA16 0EW 01458 442178

eyetech-opticians.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 www.localreach.co.uk|17 LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

Hallowe’en Howlers…or Not? Dean Sheppard, OvenGleamers

A bit of fun this month from OvenGleamers – do you know which of these are true or which are not ie Howlers?!

1. The hydrochloric acid of the human digestive process is so strong a corrosive that it easily can eat its way through a cotton handkerchief and even through iron. But it does not endanger the walls of the stomach, which are protected by a film of sticky mucus (yuk!). Howler? No this is true!

2. One of the first things we learned in a Chemistry lab is how to light a Bunsen burner, a gas burner used to heat solutions of chemicals. The eminent German chemist Robert W. Bunsen invented the Bunsen burner. Howler? Yes…Robert W Bunsen did not invent it, he merely popularized its use.

3. Most plant pollen is highly inflammable. It will ignite and explode when placed on an extremely hot surface. In the early days of modern theatre, artificial lightning was produced by throwing pollen grains of the club moss onto a hot shovel. Howler? No, it’s not.

4. Human skulls have been used as drinking cups throughout history. CroMagnon (the first early modern) man scraped away muscles and flesh and hacked off and smooth the lower portion of the skull. (It is not known whether these skulls belonged to revered ancestors or hated enemies.) In the Middle Ages, the skulls of saints were used as drinking cups on ceremonial occasions. Lord Byron served wine to his visitors in Newstead Abbey in a human skull that he found in the cloisters there. A Howler or Not? Not.

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Roasted Cauliflower with Spinach, Saffron, Pine Nuts and Raisins

Method:

Blanch the florets for 1 minute, then drain. How to blanch.

Have ready a large bowl of ice-cold water, a slotted spoon, and a plate lined with a clean cloth or paper towel for draining.

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Just before adding the vegetables, add a generous pinch of salt.

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 min

Cooking time: 20 min

Ingredients:

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets.

3 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion thinly sliced.

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground turmeric

Pinch of saffron, infused in 150ml boiling water.

3 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted

75g raisins, soaked in warm water.

300g spinach leaves

1 tbsp butter (optional)

Five Fun things to Do in October

Add the florets to the pot in small batches so that the water continues to boil. After about 1-2 minutes remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and plunge them into the ice bath to stop the cooking process in a process called ‘shocking’. When the florets are completely cool, remove them from the ice bath and drain on the towel-lined plate.

Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan then add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook on a low heat until soft then add the ground spices and cook for another couple of minutes.

Add the blanched cauliflower florets. Pour in the saffron water, add the pine nuts, drained raisins and spinach leaves. Cook until the leaves have wilted and cauliflower is soft, and you have a thin sauce. Season to taste and add the butter, if using.

Take a guided ghost walk - There might be one in your town, or nearby. The guide dresses up and tells stories of hauntings and horror. Some are kid-friendly too.

Go leaf-collecting - Dress up warm and head out to the local woods. See how many different colours and types of leaves you can collect. Press them between sheets of blotting paper when you return home and use them to make pictures or decorate cards.

Get lost! - There will almost certainly be a Maize Maze near where you live, often accompanied by other attractions such as pumpkin patches and hayrides. Go and get lost with family or friends for an hour, then hit the farm shop after to stock up on goodies.

Pick your own pumpkin - This is a fun activity (and cute photo op) for all the family. Head to your local pumpkin patch and choose your favourite. You might be able to carve or paint it on site too.

Read a creepy book - Cool autumn evenings are just right for curling up with a good book. Try Erin. E Adam’s Jackal, about a Black woman, Liz Rocher, returning to her predominantly white hometown in Pennsylvania to attend a wedding, and discovering a horrifying secret, that children have been vanishing in the nearby forest for years. All of them Black. All of them girls. Can Liz find the latest missing child before she’s consumed by the darkness?

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