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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.
What to Focus on During Viewings
A new analysis of buyers’ actions during viewings suggests many effectively ignore the truly important features, and are instead distracted by items which are not even part of the property. Zoopla trialled eye-tracking software during the viewing process, amongst 2000 homebuyers over the last 5 years, to assess where real home-hunters focused their attention during a viewing.
Last month there was much publicity as Zoopla found buyers spend 34 seconds looking at a bedroom, and just 1.2 minutes in the kitchen. Now it’s been revealed that rather than focusing their attention on important things such as the condition of the boiler, water pressure or signs of damage or damp, homebuyers are more likely to spend time admiring items that wouldn’t even be there when they moved in, such as ornaments, furnishings and decorations. Mirrors, plants and pictures proved particularly popular. In the hallway, while the coat rack, rug and ornaments were viewed for over a second on average, structural elements of the property like the ceiling, flooring, radiator and walls were looked at for under a second, or not at all. Two-fifths (38%) don’t check for damp and three fifths (57%) don’t check for condensation according to the consumer research.
A good agent should point out the most important things as they tour the viewer around the house. Whilst the key features will have been ticked off prior to booking a viewing (guide price, property type, number of bedrooms, parking and location) other important considerations are the EPC and Council Tax Banding, NHBC certificate if applicable, warranties and permissions for any recent upgrades, and what is NOT included in the sale. This might influence the amount a buyer may wish to offer. So if you are house hunting, make sure the selling Agent points out the important features when walking around the property.
For anyone wondering what their home is worth, my EweMove website features a free online valuation tool that provides an instant valuation report or scan the QR code below.
For an informal chat please contact me on 01749 600339 any time of the day or night (we are night owls too) or visit www.EweMove.com/Sheptonmallet where the free, instant valuation tool can be accessed.
What is good to harvest in October
October is the month of abundance in the garden with fruits and vegetables aplenty. Here is what is good to harvest this month and what other jobs there are to do
The month of October is harvest time, a month where you can harvest both summer and autumn fruit and vegetables.
Fruits
Fruits in your garden should be ripe and ready to pick in October.
Soft fruits - If you are lucky and the weather remains mild, then you could still be harvesting your summer soft fruits. Perhaps you are still picking the last of your strawberries, raspberries or plums but your blackberries should still be cropping heavily and will be perfectly sweet.
Elderberries - You might have elderberries growing on the edges of your garden. Elderberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins that can boost your immune system but remember you must cook your elderberries by boiling for at least half an hour to neutralise the toxins they contain.
Fruit trees – These are ladened with bounty and the apples will still be ripening nicely whilst the pears will be ready to drop.
Vegetables
October is so bountiful that the list of vegetables to harvest is long! Aubergines are fat and succulent whilst butternut squashes are delicious and pumpkins ripe for the picking in readiness for Halloween.
Greenhouse - In the greenhouse tomatoes are finishing their long summer of fruiting and cucumbers are still perfect to adorn your salads. Greens and alliums - Greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli are deliciously nutritious, and regular picking of leaves or heads encourages more to grow. Cabbages that were sown in May are now large and ready to eat and cauliflowers
have impressive white heads, whilst onions and leeks are large and ready for lifting, drying and storing for over winter eating.
Root vegetables - Get your fork out to carefully dig late potatoes, turnips, swedes, and carrots. If you can lift these carefully and avoid damaging the vegetables they can then be stored in a cool, dry place and enjoyed for many months.
Think ahead and sow some seeds
If you live somewhere where autumn frosts are imminent then October might be your last chance to sow your overwintering beans and peas, but you will need to cover them with some kind of protection, perhaps a frame, cloche or fleece. You can also plant out your spring cabbages for succulent and delicious early spring greens.
October is the month of plentiful harvest in the garden, but it is also a time to look forward and think about next year’s garden.
By Rob Bullock
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.
Save The Planet – Spiders
Halloween looms, and one of the most maligned creatures on the planet often takes centre stage in the celebrations.
BUT it seems, that most of the year, this unrecognised intelligence lives happily and quietly amongst us, playing a vital protective role in our eco system.
We are talking… SPIDERS! Let’s understand them! There are over 650 species of spider in the UK, all differ in behaviour; but all have eight legs, are not aggressive, and do not chase or attack humans!
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.
Despite their tiny brains, scientists have recently found that they exhibit behaviours indicative of intelligence on a similar level to that of birds and some mammals! They are capable of learning, planning, calculating risk, forming memories and can experience fear.
Spiders are often good parents. They lay eggs, which they cover or wrap in silken pouches. They then hide or carry the egg sacs on their backs until the eggs hatch into tiny spiderlings, miniature replicas of an adult. Some are independent from day one, others are cared for and fed by their mothers, travelling on her back until mature enough to cope alone. Some mother spiders even have grip knobs on their backs for the spiderlings to hang onto!
I recently came across a mother spider and her silken egg sac, neatly sealed onto the top of a bookcase, it was clear she was on guard. As I appeared, she repeatedly circled her egg sac in such a deliberate way that it was clear she was guarding her precious brood from my threat. You would have been heartless indeed to have harmed her, or her growing spiderlings! Needless to say, I left them all safely in their nursery!
UK Spiders pose no real danger to anyone and do an amazing job of eating insects that could actually harm us. Experts tell us that only a small number of our spiders have the mouthparts to bite humans, and of the very few who do, they will only bite if they are threatened or treated roughly. There are no records of any severe reactions or allergies caused by any UK spider. Don’t hoover them up, or wash them down the sink, they will die. If you really cannot live with them, use a glass and piece of card to catch them, then gently remove them to the outside, or use a special spider catching gadget.
A renowned scientist said, “If spiders disappeared, we would face famine.” They are major controllers of insects; without them our crops would be consumed, and we would also be overrun with disease causing insects! One spider eats around 2,000 insects a year, including, flies, mosquitoes, ants, moths, earwigs, cockroaches and they are themselves a valuable food for birds. They drink droplets of water from condensation, or maybe the dog bowl, but are able to go long spells not eating. They are clean creatures; they even dust their webs and remove debris with their furry legs.
Spiders are a critical part of our eco system: serious friends for our good!
By Kate Southworth
Learn! Laugh! Live! with u3a
If you are no longer working full time, you may be looking around for interesting things to do, with the possibility of making new friends. So why not join u3a, a national organisation with a branch in Shepton Mallet. Our website, where you can see all the things we get up to and find out how to join, is www.sheptonmalletu3a.org.uk
The next Speaker Coffee Morning will be on Thursday 3rd October, 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Shepton Mallet centre. The talk will be about the Strawberry Line railway, which used to take the fruit from Draycott and Cheddar up to London. £3 for non-members, to include refreshments.
Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch Meeting, Monday
7th October
RAFA-MSB will meet on Monday 7th October at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS for a presentation by Mike Green entitled “The Baedeker Raids” and President’s Briefing on Annual Conference 2024 followed by optional Lunch & Drinks from the Club Menu &
Bar. RAFA-MSB covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas. RAFA Members, Current & Ex-RAF Personnel & Reserves, Current & Ex-Commonwealth Air Forces Personnel, Members of the RAF Family & Members of the public that support RAFA aims & purpose welcome. Contact Secretary raf.midsomerset@ gmail.com or 01456 224057.
Local Parent Carer Forum Plans Next Free Super Supportive Event
North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together (NSPCWT) are the local forum for parent carers to children with additional needs/disabilities.
On 23rd October, their largest SEND Event, held at Priory Community School will be in full flow!
Parents, Carers, Family Members & Professionals are all welcome to attend & benefit from the many exhibitors, training workshops, keynote speakers, drop-in clinics & an inspiring performance! No diagnosis is required for families to access our offers. We also offer coffee meet ups, training sessions & wellbeing activities.
To find out more: www.nspcwt.org/calendar
Crossword Across
Word Search
7 Graceful, drooping tree (6)
8 ______ Wisdom (actor) (6)
9 Giant, usually evil (4)
10 They pull Santa’s sleigh! (8)
11 British seaside town (11)
14 Used to disguise or conceal (5,6)
18 Broadcast, relay (8)
19 Ruler of Mt. Olympus. (4)
20 Apparition, hallucination (6)
21 Finally (6)
Down
1 Royal realm or province (7)
2 Abscond, scarper (4)
3 Deviate, sidestep (6)
4 Intense blue-purple (6)
5 Animal that catches and eats others (8)
6 Blanched, washed-out (5)
12 Fanciful, impractical (8)
13 Mexican alcoholic drink (7)
15 Japanese garment (6)
16 Appease, sooth (6)
17 Plait, weave (5)
19 Vivacity, zeal (4)
Mindbenders
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Many of us know someone affected by breast cancer so this October why not help raise awareness and money to help counter this terrible disease
Here in the UK one woman is diagnosed every 10 minutes with breast cancer and every year in the UK over 56,000 people receive a diagnosis but what many people do not know is that around 30% of these are preventable. This equates to around 17,000 breast cancer cases each year.
Most common Cancer
Breast is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. Latest statistics show that breast cancer in UK women increased by 24% between 1993 and 2018. But anyone can get breast cancer, and this includes men, in fact breast cancer in UK men increased by 38% between 1993 and 2018 in the 65-69 age group.
Raising awareness
Aswell as raising much needed funds Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of the following healthy lifestyle choices you can make to reduce the risk of breast cancer:
Healthy diet - Not being overweight and watching what you drink and eat can help reduce your breast cancer risk. Reducing how much alcohol you consume is good but being tee total is best of all. Cutting out red meat and processed meat and choosing fish or poultry or best of all a vegetarian or vegan diet where you have a variety of vegetables, fruits, pulses and wholegrains reduces your risk as well as trying and get your weight down to suit your height.
Regular exercise – it is thought that being active and exercising regularly can reduce your chances of breast cancer by 20% and it significantly lowers your risk if you are a woman who has reached the menopause.
The World Health Organisation recommends two and half hours of moderate exercise each week but as much as you can do, and the more the better, helps. Exercise can be incorporated into your daily life. At work, why not take the steps instead of the lifts or at home instead of going up your own stairs just once, do it two or three times, or ten! Ditch the car for short journeys
where you can walk and when you do walk, walk as fast as you can!
Be chemical aware – there are some chemicals that are in everyday items that can increase the risk of breast cancer. They are called EDC’s or Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. EDC’s include parabens, PFA’s also known as forever chemicals and bisphenols and they are in many everyday household items such as cleaning products, cosmetics, plastic containers and air fresheners just to name a few. So, do your homework and find out which of your household or personal items contain EDC’s and phase out your use of them to reduce your breast cancer risk.
Why not get aware, get active and get involved this October. You could spend all 30 days doing an exercise-based challenge or you could raise money to support breast cancer prevention.
For more information, please see www.breastcanceruk.org.uk
By Rob Bullock
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.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai chi is a non-competitive martial art known for its health benefits. It combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness. It can improve balance control, fitness, and flexibility. The activity may also reduce the risk of falls in older people.
Tai chi also appears to reduce pain and the symptoms of depression
Oakhill, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Monday.
Contact Jo Webb 07730397396 jo.webb@mbzonline.net
Mah-Jong: A beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity
The Shipham Inn (Somerset - BS25 1TW) would like to welcome new members to join their regular Mah-Jong Group.
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.
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.
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
Second Wednesday of the month, 2:00pm, Shepton Brasserie
Shepton Carers Group is part of CCS Somerset Carers Service. It is a free, informal gathering for people who regularly look after someone, maybe a friend, family member or loved one, in an unpaid capacity. We meet to socialise, share stories and ideas and to talk about our experiences. Professional speakers and service providers also visit to offer support and information. It is best to call before attending the group the first time in case of schedule changes. 07535 279359
The Somerset Carers Service Advice Line: 0800 3168600
Email: carers@somersetrcc.org.uk
Website: www.somersetcarers.org
How to bring rich autumnal colours into your home
Creating an autumnal ambience is all about being cosy, and you can do it by bringing rich seasonal colours into your home. Here are some ways you can do this
Autumn is all about rich colours, outside, in our gardens, in parks, in woods and in forests the greens are turning to rich reds, browns and mellow yellows. It truly is a feast for the eyes. And you can bring that lovely warmth into your home too.
Bring the outside in!
If you are a crafty person bringing autumn inside is a lovely thing to do. Autumn displays and seasonal wreaths can be easily made from items that are in your garden or are lying on the ground as you take a walk with your dogs through the local park, or woods or as you hike through the forest. Many local centres offer short craft courses that show you exactly how to do it!
Crafting and faux effect
If you are a whizz with the sewing machine or are an expert knitter, why not have a go at making faux autumnal wreaths and displays. Fun knitted pumpkins can be used to make a lovely table display. These can be reused year after year.
If you have painting skills, a decorative wood slice or two can contribute to a mantlepiece display or can be hung around the house as you would Christmas decorations. Unpainted wood slices can be bought from craft shops or on the internet and decorated to your own taste.
Soft furnishings
A simple and effective way to bring rich autumnal colours into your home is to change your soft furnishings. Swap over cushion covers and throws for ones in deep reds, warm browns, and fiery oranges for instant effect. After autumn, these can be replaced and stored for use next year.
If you have rugs, consider investing in ones in richer colours as these will help enhance the comforting feel of your autumnal space.
Paint your walls
Why not consider painting your walls, changing the cold whites for a cosy brown or red. You could do some research and find out what might work for your home, or you could get some professional advice.
Muted lighting
Autumnal colours can really be enhanced by considering your lighting. Simply by changing bulbs to warm whites can make a huge difference. Lamp shades can also be changed to enhance the colours of your room. If you have a dimmer switch, turn down the light, and this will help bring out your new colour scheme and your autumnal decorations.
Light the fire
If you have one, lighting a real fire or wood burner can help enhance the autumnal colours in your living space. If you have an electric fire or stove with a light only option, this could create a nice autumnal ambience too.
By making a few simple changes to your living space it is easy to bring rich autumn colours into your home this October.
By Rob Bullock
Refresh your kitchen with a simple but stunning makeover
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Book today for a quick, beautiful kitchen makeover and pay later with our 36 months interest-free credit.
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Present this voucher to our Home Consultant on the day of your Quartzize survey.
Quartzize - beautiful real stone overlays
Why replace your worktops when this unique quartz overlay simply fits over your existing surface. Here are some of the amazing benefits:
• Timeless - Looks clean and modern.
• Hygienic - A perfectly smooth surface.
• Easy care - Wipe with a neutral cleaner.
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• Easily installed - Fitted in less than a day.
Just three simple steps to transform your existing kitchen:
We’ll pop along and take some
You choose from our range of doors and worktops...
Our fitters will contact you to arrange a convenient time to come back and transform your kitchen.
CHOICE
By Simon Swindells, Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care
Hearing aids in 2024 can now do a lot more than simply just amplify sound. They actually make many things in your life easier. I’ve identified 6 key features that the latest devices can offer, which you may not know about…
Rechargeable (no more batteries): Many of the latest models no longer require you to change batteries. Pop them in their charger and away you go.
Provide relief from tinnitus: Offset annoying ringing in your ears with soothing sounds customised for your comfort.
Stream straight to your ears: Hearing aids can now act as a set of head-phones paired with your smartphone, TV and other Bluetooth compatible devices. You can also receive and answer phone calls without holding the phone to your ear or mouth and hear the call in both ears.
Narrow directionality: This feature attenuates distracting speech and other noises from the back and sides so that the wearer can focus on the conversational partner directly in front.
Automatically adjust to the sounds in your busy life: Automatically improve speech detection and minimise background noise everywhere you go, even in busy places like restaurants.
Control the hearing aid volume and settings using a smart phone: You no longer need to take your hearing aids off or fumble with small controls to make adjustments.
If you’d like to find out more about the latest hearing aid technology, please give us a call or book in for a FREE hearing test and consultation.
Street: 01458 555533 | Westbury: 01373 823076
www.swhearingcare.co.uk
Nature on Your Doorstep
In forests and woodlands up and down the country, the autumnal canopy of colours changes to a palette of rich golden yellows, burnt sienna orange, and deep russet reds. October is such a significant month for wild woodland creatures. It is a time of transition as nature prepares for the coming winter.
Hedgehogs are busy preparing for hibernation, intensively feeding to build up their fat reserves. They will consume a variety of foods including insects, worms, snails, and other invertebrates. They must reach a sufficient weight before hibernation, in order to survive the winter months. Hedgehogs build hibernacula, nests made of leaves, grass, and other available materials to provide insulation and protection during hibernation. They like quiet places, under sheds, deep in the hedgerows, or in compost heaps or woodpiles. Gardeners can help support hedgehogs by creating a hedgehog-friendly environment, creating log piles or leaf heaps for nesting, and ensuring there are safe passageways between gardens. You can cut a 13cm by 13cm hole in your fence to help hedgehogs move from garden to garden, check out the HomeHedgehog Street website for further details.
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from November until March or April, depending on the weather. During the period of hibernation, a hedgehog’s metabolic rate drops and their heart rate and breathing slows down to conserve energy. It’s very important to avoid disturbing potential hibernation sites. If you find a hedgehog out of hibernation during the winter, contact the Wildlife Aid Foundation for help and advice. Wildlife Aid Foundation | Emergency Deer enter their rutting season when the males fight each other for the right to mate. The red deer is Britain’s largest native land mammal. Male stags are very vocal in autumn, bellowing to attract female hinds and establish dominance over other males. Fallow deer also experience
the October rutting season, male bucks compete for female does through a combination of vocalizations, physical displays, and fighting. During the rut, male deer are far more active and aggressive. They mark their territories with scent from their glands and create rutting pits where they urinate and roll in the mud to spread their scent. Opportunities exist to observe the rut from a safe distance in parks and woodland around the UK. You can find out more on the British Deer Society website The British Deer Society (bds.org. uk)
Birds such as swallows and house martins leave the UK for warmer climates. Winter visitors like redwings and fieldfares arrive from the north and east. Our resident birds tend to rely heavily on garden birdfeeders as their natural food sources become more scarce. This is also the peak season for fungi, with a wide variety of mushrooms and toadstools appearing in woodlands and fields. Common species include fly agaric, chanterelles, and shaggy inkcaps.
October is a time of great change and preparation in the natural world, with both flora and fauna adapting to the cooler, shorter days and getting ready for the long, dark winter months ahead.
By Emma Russell
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.
A Good Read
If It Bleeds
By Stephen King
This is a collection of four compelling novellas that showcase King’s mastery of storytelling.
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone: Craig, a young boy in a small town, befriends the reclusive and wealthy Mr. Harrigan. After Mr. Harrigan’s death, Craig continues to text his old phone, which was buried with him, and astonishingly, receives responses. The story explores themes of friendship, technology, and the supernatural consequences of the digital age.
The Life of Chuck: This novella is told in three acts, beginning with the end. It chronicles the life of Chuck Krantz in reverse, starting with the apocalypse and moving backward to his childhood. The story is a meditation on the significance of individual lives and the marks they leave on the world, blending reality with magical realism.
If It Bleeds: A sequel to another story, “The Outsider,” this novella follows Holly Gibney of the Finders Keepers detective agency as she investigates a school bombing. Holly discovers that the reporter on the scene, Chet Ondowsky, is not who he seems. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a shape-shifting entity that feeds on human suffering, leading to a tense confrontation. This story highlights themes of resilience and the battle between good and evil.
Rat: Drew Larson, a struggling writer, retreats to a remote cabin to finish his novel. Stricken with writer’s block and a series of unfortunate events, he makes a Faustian bargain with a rat, trading his success for a friend’s life. The story examines the dark side of ambition, the cost of creativity, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in pursuit of their dreams.
Stephen King’s ability to weave intricate tales that
delve deep into the human psyche is legendary. And these four unconnected novellas are perfect for a bit of spooky-yet-easily digestible Halloween reading.
The Haunting of Aveline Jones
By Phi Hickes
This enchanting and eerie tale tells the story of Aveline Jones, a young girl who is sent to stay with her Aunt Lilian in the seaside town of Malmouth during her autumn break. While exploring the town, Aveline stumbles upon a dusty old book of ghost stories in a second-hand bookstore. Intrigued by the tales within, she discovers that one of the stories involves a girl named Primrose Penberthy who mysteriously disappeared thirty years ago.
As Aveline delves deeper into the book, she starts experiencing strange occurrences and eerie sightings, leading her to believe that Primrose’s ghost is trying to communicate with her. Determined to uncover the truth, Aveline investigates Primrose’s disappearance, despite her aunt’s warnings and the townspeople’s reluctance to discuss the past.
Aveline’s curiosity leads her to uncover dark secrets about Malmouth and its history. She learns that Primrose’s disappearance is tied to a chilling legend and that the ghostly encounters she experiences are linked to a malevolent presence in the town. Will Aveline and her new friend Will, be brave enough to confront the supernatural forces at play, and bring peace to Primrose’s restless spirit?
“The Haunting of Aveline Jones” is a suspenseful and atmospheric tale of courage, mystery, and the supernatural. Perfect for an October fireside read.
By Tash Donovan
Personal Eyewear Styling
Have you ever thought of asking for a stylist’s help to create a wardrobe that suits your personality, style and colourways? They are highly skilled individuals who understand body types, shades of colour, are happy to listen to suit your needs.
Did you know, you can have an eyewear stylist, too, who will help you choose the perfect pair of spectacles (or two)?
Eye-Tech opticians in Street have a purpose-built styling room ready to receive existing and new clients.
Our in-house stylist Rebecca has worked for Eye-Tech for 25 years and will be a familiar face to many. She studied with the Eyewear Styling Academy and qualified in March 2020 just before the first lockdown came into being. So unfortunately, no work on the new styling room was able to start until 2022. Things then proceeded at a steady pace and we are now fully up and running.
Are you ready?
Rebecca has been trained in how to assess individual colour analysis, colour psychology, facial features analysis, style personality and eyewear selection.
This individually dedicated consultation service offers clients a unique and bespoke eyewear styling consultation to help them discover their perfect eyewear to suit both their optical and style needs.
Why not treat yourself to a much needed me-time experience?
Other opticians’ prescriptions welcome.
Call our friendly team and ask for a Styling appointment with Rebecca: 01458 442178
Cheesy Onion Soup
Puzzle Solutions
As the clocks go back and the nights draw in take comfort in our onion soup, topped with crunchy bread and bubbling cheese.
Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 1 hour
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
12oz / 350g onions (can use a mixture of brown, red and white or all the same variety)
Butter for frying
1 1/2 tsp Demerara sugar
2 tsp dark soy sauce
1 pint stock (chicken stock is lighter, beef stock heartier)
2 thick slices lightly toasted bread
2oz / 50g cheddar or Gruyere cheese Crumble
50g plain flour
25g unsalted butter
25g caster sugar
1 tbsp demerara sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp flaked almonds
Method:
Peel and thinly slice the onions.
Heat the butter in a medium-sized saucepan.
Add the onions and sugar and fry gently over a low heat for 10-20 minutes, stirring frequently. The sugar will caramelise to a nice golden brown coating on the onions. Be careful not to let it stick and burn though, especially towards the end.
Add the stock and soy sauce, and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Put a lid on the pan and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the onions are soft and starting to disintegrate.
Grate or thinly slice the cheese.
Divide the soup between two heatproof bowls.
Float a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup, and top with the sliced or grated cheese.
Grill for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling (which is why you have to use heatproof soup bowls!)
Serve with more crusty fresh bread.
Come
join us at Wells Scottish Dancers
Lots to learn, great exercise, fun and friendship, all for £3 a session with Scottish Country Dancing. We start the Autumn term in September; join any time. Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The Blue School Sports Centre, Wells. All ages (over 18) welcome. No experience necessary. No partner needed. However, a fairly good level of mobility is necessary for this lively and sociable activity.
To learn more about Scottish Dancing and our friendly, welcoming group, call Ann Filer on 01934 740065 or email ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com
‘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.
The Somerset Carnivals are in full swing once again!
The carnival season has just kicked off in Somerset, offering a wide range of events from Weston-super-Mare to South Petherton. Every weekend from September until mid-November, vibrant carnivals will be lighting up every corner of our wonderful county. These events are free to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated, as it takes thousands of pounds to organize and host them. Your support will make a big difference! To find a carnival near you, visit www.cispp.org.uk/carnival-dates/
We’re looking for Marie Curie Fundraising Volunteers in Shepton Mallet!
Marie Curie are looking for volunteers in Shepton Mallet to help raise funds for our hospice at home nursing service in Somerset. The role involves placing Marie Curie tins and daffodil boxes and banking income. It is a flexible role, in which you can give as much or little time as you like. It is a great way to get out and active in your local community, while raising money to support people with terminal illness in your area. For more information, please contact your local fundraiser on hannah.drury@mariecurie.org.uk
Mendip Community Transport Needs Volunteer Car Drivers For Hospital Appointments
We are in desperate need of additional Volunteer Community Car Drivers. Our drivers take people to attend medical appointments out of their local area when they don’t have any other form of transport.
We are looking for people with a full driving license and spare time on their hands to join our friendly team and make a difference to their local community.
We would be happy to chat with anyone interested and answer any questions. Please call Mendip Community Transport on 01749 880613
Volunteers Wanted
Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar needs volunteers to help with the morning clean out or afternoon feed.
If you have some spare time and would like to help please call 07806 744772 for details.
Very good music organisation working in Shepton Mallet
I have an incredibly good array of songs available on the internet. Similar to other artists, my glowing songs are posted online and presented at music websites after distribution. New songs are added frequently. Search ‘Alexander James Godman’ on Spotify, Amazon & Deezer.
For further information call 07580 582863
Outdoor Security Lighting
It’s always worth considering how to make your home feel safer and more secure. Before we head into winter and the long, dark evenings, why not consider if this could be the right time to fit outdoor security lighting?
To make sure they function effectively during the harshest weather conditions, select lights specifically designed for outdoor use. Look for fixtures with high IP ratings to ensure they are resistant to dust and water. IP stands for Ingress Protection rating, which is a standardised measurement used to define the levels of sealing against foreign bodies. The rating consists of two numbers, the first indicates the level of protection against solid objects and the second indicates the level of protection against liquids. Choose fixtures with an IP rating of 65 or higher when choosing your outdoor lights. LED lights are energy-efficient, durable, and perform well in colder temperatures. They provide bright illumination and have a long lifespan making them the ideal choice for winter use.
Consider using motion sensor lights, as these save energy and provide instant illumination when you need it. You can also install timers or smart light controls to automate lighting schedules. This ensures that your home is always well-lit during the long winter evenings, even when you are not at home.
The biggest test will be detecting movement in snowy or icy conditions. Ensure the lights are mounted high enough to avoid being buried in the snow, and securely mounted to withstand strong winds. You will need to position lights in strategic locations: entry points, pathways, driveways, and other vulnerable blind spots. Angle the lights downward to prevent any glare and ensure they illuminate the desired area. This also helps in
reducing light pollution and directing light where it’s needed.
Protect any wiring from moisture by using weatherproof junction boxes and connectors. Ensure all wiring is properly insulated and secured. Keep a regular maintenance schedule and clean the lights regularly to remove ice, snow, and any debris. This ensures the lenses and sensors are clear enough for optimum performance.
If you are in a sunny position, solar-powered security lights can be a good option. Just make sure that they receive enough sunlight during the day and that they are positioned to benefit from maximum exposure. It may be worth considering a source of backup power, batteries, or a generator, to ensure that lights will still function during any power outage.
By following these tips, you can easily enhance the effectiveness of your outdoor security lighting and ensure it remains reliable throughout the winter months. You can always refer to a professional for guidance, book a consultation to make sure you have the best possible security lighting.
By Emma Russell
– New Roofs, Roof Repairs, Under Tile Felting, Ridge Tiles UPVC ROOFING SERVICES – UPVC Fascias & Soffits, Guttering, Bargeboards, Cladding, Dry Verge Systems ROOF & UPVC CLEANING SERVICES –Roof Cleaning and Fungicide Treatment, UPVC Cleaning
LOCAL HOME CARE
Roofing Contractors
“Fantastic responsive service. It’s the 2nd time I have used central roofing and on both occasions they turned up on time got on with the job and kept us informed on what was being carried out. Went above and beyond and assisted me in issues around insurance. I would recommend this company to anyone with roofing issues.”
Cat Lady
We used Central Roofing to take down an old flat roof and install another on our business premises at Knight Brothers Garage. The company was very reliable, they turned up when they said they would, the guys that did the work were very tidy and efficient. The work was completed in the time frame they set…we are more than pleased with the finished job. Karen
