LocalReach Shepton Mallet September 2023

GARDENING – page 5

COMMUNITY – page 6

PUZZLES – page 8

KIDS – page 12

BOOKS – page 16

RECIPES – page 19

BUSINESS A-Z – page 20

HIGHEST RATED ROOFER IN SOMERSET! (42

Google reviews)

“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 Anderson

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The “Right Price” for your Property

With the challenging property market as it is, making sure your agent prices your property at the “right” price is ever so more important. Rightmove has announced that the level of sales agreed has fallen below its normal market trend for this time of year but the “rightpriced” properties are still shifting.

The portal’s latest asking price data for July shows the average price of property coming to market has dropped by 0.2% on a monthly basis to £371,907, as new sellers temper their price expectations in response to recent interest rate rises and buyer affordability constraints.

So beware the agent who overprices a house just to win it. Sellers who price right the first time, rather than starting with too high an asking price only to reduce a month later, have a much better chance of attracting a motivated buyer, and a good local agent will provide sellers with accurate evidence of prices that are being achieved in their area now. First-time buyers, trader-uppers and downsizers appear to be still keenly searching the market, not wanting to miss out on the right property that

is not over-priced and that they can still afford. Nationally agents report that some movers are pausing until there is more certainty that mortgage rates have stabilised, as well as reviewing how higher costs are affecting their plans. However, there remains a large volume of motivated buyers who can factor rate rises into their budgets and are continuing to enquire about homes for sale, which is keeping the market functioning. As for those motivated buyers, according to Rightmove, there are 23,488 buyers registered to see when properties come to market in Shepton Mallet, which is a lot of potential interest for the right priced house !

For anyone wondering what their home is worth in the Shepton Mallet area, the EweMove website features a free online valuation tool that provides an instant valuation report or click on the QR code below.

For an informal chat please contact me on 01749 600 339 any time of day or night (we are night owls too) or visit www.EweMove.com/sheptonmallet where the free, instant valuation tool can be accessed.

Garden View

This month – Garden for free

I’ve banged on about making your own compost on this page for years. Just do it. Once your compost bin is established you will barely ever have to pay for expensive bags of compost again. You can start any time, and use grass cuttings, shredded paper, veg peelings and eggshells. Your garden will love you.

Watching The Chelsea Flower Show this year I was struck by how the hottest horticultural trends this year are budget-friendly. I assume that this was not an accident given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK. But whatever the reason there were many free and cheap garden ideas on show. One of the hottest trends in the show garden was ‘weed-styling.’ Cleve West’s Centrepoint Garden was a masterclass in how to do this. Using ‘weeds’ or wildflowers is not only kind to your budget but also to the environment. Unsurprisingly, our native wildlife loves our native flora and dandelions are particularly good for bees. Encourage plants such as wild carrot, yarrow, ivy-leaved toadflax, common fennel, red valerian, and cow parsley. Another trend on display was using rubble and reclaimed waste, which would otherwise go to landfill, to make a rockery, path, or wall. This look suits drought-tolerant plants such as rosemary, sedums, lavender, sage, phlomis, thyme and oregano.

Chaos gardening is an actual thing! Collect up any seeds that you have lying around and scatter them throughout your flowerbeds. Mix up annuals flowers with vegetables and once established it will produce a potager effect. I have one area of my garden called ‘freebie corner.’ It is stocked only with gifted plants, or those I’ve gleaned from cuttings or even in the case of one rose bush, removed from a skip, with the owner’s permission!

Leading on from this, try planting self-seeders. I have loads of aquilegia, meadow cranesbill, poppies, verbena, and forget-me-nots. They pop up all over the garden in random clumps every year.

You can also try wilding your lawn. This is not for everyone because some people like their grass neat. But if your lawn is a bit motheaten or you hate mowing, try letting it grow. You will be amazed at the flowers, and the insects they attract. The trick to making it look like a style choice and not just neglect is curation. You can choose to wild just certain areas, leaving a central space on which to sit or play, or mow a wide meandering path or two through the longer grass, or mow around the edge like a picture frame and keep the lawn well edged and the wild area contained to the centre. Try it. If you hate it, it’s simple enough to mow it short again.

Your garden is your space. It should work with you and your budget to provide a place where you can relax.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch - September Meeting Presentation

West Mendip Walkers September Walk Programme

On Wednesday 6th September the Branch Meeting will be a Presentation “An Engineer’s Journey from Metal file to Frogram file” at 11:00 am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS followed by a Lunch from the Golf Club Menu. The Branch Area covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BA4, BA5, BA6, BA16, TA11 & TA10.

All events are open to Branch Members, RAFA Members from other Branches, Current and ExRAF Service Personnel (Including RAF Reserves), and Members of the “RAF Family”. Please contact the Branch via e-mail rafa. midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057

Thursday 7th September: 8m circular walk starting 10am from Uphill BS23 4SD.

Thursday 14th September: 10m circular walk starting 10am from Moorlinch Village Hall TA7 9BU.

Wednesday 20th September: 12m circular walk starting 10am from Newton Poppleford EX10 0EY.

Thursday 21st September: 10.3m circular walk starting 10am from Steps Bridge EX6 7EQ.

All details on www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Crossword Across

1 Crusade, expedition (10)

7 Troubled, dubious (2,5)

8 Type of shoe (4)

10 Hairless (4)

11 Twelfth month (8)

13 Bunny (6)

15 Duplicate (6)

17 Cinderella’s were glass (8)

18 Quick (4)

21 Celebrity (4)

22 Speculated (7)

23 Give the go-ahead (5-5)

Down

1 Cycle (5)

2 Hoodlum (4)

3 A little, quite (6)

4 Oily fish (8)

5 Adios (7)

6 Gobbledygook (9)

9 Appreciation (9)

Word Search

Anaxarchus

Antisthenes

Arcesilaus

Archytas

Aristotle Chrysippus

Damo Democritus

Dicaearchus

Diogenes

Epicurus

Geminus

Gorgias Heraclitus

Parmenides

Plato Plutarch Posidonius

Proclus Speusippus

Stilpo

Xenephon

12 Scatter (8)

14 Vesicle, bubble (7)

16 Meagre (6)

19 Assign (5)

20 Complacent (4)

Mindbenders

Solutions: Turn to page 15

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.

Managing incontinence with dignity and independence

Incontinence can be a deeply emotional issue for people of all ages, but particularly for older people, who might find it difficult to talk about these problems. At Arelle, we genuinely understand the sensitive nature of incontinence care, and we are here to advise on the best products to support you through these challenging times, ensuring you or your loved one can manage incontinence with dignity and independence.

And once incontinence is better managed, with reliable products, the overall quality of life instantly improves. Whether this applies to you or an elderly parent, you’ll know that with the right products you feel more confident and comfortable; happier to go out more, to take part in hobbies and physical activities, to be sociable - all of which contribute significantly to maintaining a sense of well-being.

An Arelle customer told us this:

“As Dad got older, he stopped doing to the activities he used to enjoy, like bowls and chess club, he would make excuses when his friends invited him out for a cup of tea, and he would ask me do his shopping, something he was more than capable of doing. Eventually I discovered that incontinence was at the root of his anxiety.

Having taken Dad to see the doctor, I contacted Arelle for advice, and I was relieved they were so helpful – as I really didn’t know where to start! We got him the right incontinence products, which he now has delivered to his door on a regular basis, and slowly but surely I can see his confidence is returning, and is doing a lot more of the things that make him independent and happy.”

By recognising the emotional impact of incontinence and providing support, we can all help to make a real difference to those who are struggling. We hope that our personal advice and comprehensive range of products will help you or your loved ones manage incontinence with dignity and independence, resulting in a better quality of life.

Do get in touch by calling 0800 389 3597 or emailing info@arelle.com. We are here to help.

Wedmore 40/30 charity cycle is back!

Sunday 10th September. The exciting cycling challenge sees bike enthusiasts take on a breathtaking 30, 40 or 70 mile course across the spectacular Mendip Hills and Somerset levels. There is also a fun, family-friendly 12 mile course. Weston Hospicecare is working in collaboration with a brilliant group of cycling enthusiast volunteers from Wedmore to bring this event to you and money raised through ticket sales will be split between Weston Hospicecare and St Mary’s Church.

www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/ wedmore-40-30/

Dance into Autumn with our friendly Scottish Country Dancing Club

Lots to learn and lots of fun to be had as we begin a new term on September 14th. Our 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 reasonable level of mobility is required for this lively and sociable activity.

To learn more about Scottish Dancing or to register your interest in joining us, call Ann on 01934 740065 or email ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com

An opportunity to visit a place of refuge!

Windsor Hill Wood is a woodland refuge at Shepton Mallet, offering a supportive environment to people going through uncertain times, mental health and addiction issues, offering the chance to rediscover peace, amidst the beauty of the woods. You are invited to visit for an open afternoon on Sunday 17th September from 2:30pm - 4:30pm, with two tours around the site at 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Refreshments, home-made cakes and home-grown produce available. Parking is at Rock Farm, Windsor Hill Lane, Shepton Mallet. BA4 4JE. www.windsorhillwood.co.uk or call 07504758263 for more information.

Keep well at home with Age UK

Somerset

Keeping active is vital for our health and wellbeing. If for any reason you can’t get out,

there’s no need to miss out on your favourite exercise class- you can join in from the comfort of your own home with Age UK Somerset’s online classes. Specially designed for people over 55, choose from Tai Chi and Pilates, suggested donation £4.

Find out more here: www.ageuksomerset.org.uk/ onlineexercisesessions

Call 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk for more information.

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue have four new sponsorship hogs for 2023/2024: Lady Shackleton, Millie, Charlie and Reggie. They all need care to restore them to health.

Your sponsorship will help towards the cost of food, bedding and medication.

Please contact the office for details on 07806 744772. Thank you!

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New research highlights 40% of over 50s don’t report hearing loss

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

A recent study has found that nearly 40% of people over the age of 50 who recognised they had hearing loss did not inform a medical professional. As a someone who helps to improve people’s hearing on a daily basis, this is very concerning, as untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, depression, and reduced quality of life.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, surveyed over 1,000 adults aged 50 and older in England. The results showed that 40% of those who recognised they had hearing loss did not report it to a medical professional, particularly among women, retirees, smokers, and heavy drinkers, to mention a few. There are several reasons why people may not report hearing loss to their GP or an Audiologist. Some people may be embarrassed about their hearing loss, or they may not think it is a serious problem. Others may not know where to go for help, or they think that hearing aids privately are unaffordable.

The findings of the study highlight the need for greater awareness of the importance of addressing hearing loss and access to treatment, particularly for those who may be less likely to report their hearing difficulties.

As mentioned earlier, it is important to get hearing loss treated as soon as possible. Untreated hearing loss can lead to several further issues, including:

Social isolation: People with hearing loss may have difficulty following conversations, which can lead to them withdrawing from social activities.

Depression: Hearing loss can be a major source of stress and anxiety, which can lead to depression. Reduced quality of life: Hearing loss can make it difficult to enjoy activities such as watching TV, listening to music, or talking to friends and family.

If you are concerned about your hearing, it is important to see your GP or an Audiologist such as myself for a hearing test. If you do have hearing loss, there is no need for concern. With the right treatment and support, you can manage your hearing loss and live a full and active life.

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 swhearingcare.co.uk

Music Magic

Why music might be the key to success.

I loved music lessons at school. I was part of the African drum group and sang in the school choir. I was never going to be one of the stars, like Katie the clarinet prodigy or Tom the classical pianist, who were wheeled out for all official school events, and I wasn’t cool enough to be in the school rock band, but none-the-less I sang in school assemblies and the Christmas show, and thanks to Earl my Djembe teacher, I can still tell a Dunungbe from a Fankani. Learning to play a musical instrument as a child offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the realm of music itself.

When we learn a musical instrument or take part in organised singing we engage various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It has been shown to improve academic performance, particularly in areas such as mathematics, language development, and spatial-temporal reasoning. Playing an instrument or singing in a choir requires discipline and practice, which cultivates perseverance and time management skills. The cognitive abilities and work ethic developed through music are transferable skills, which lead to greater success in school and beyond.

Music sparks creativity and allows children to express themselves in a unique way. It nurtures imagination and emotional intelligence, as through music children learn both to convey and evoke a wide range of feelings. Whether through composing original pieces or interpreting existing works, children develop their artistic sensibilities and gain confidence in their creative abilities. This creative outlet provides a means of selfexpression and exploration that can be carried throughout their lives.

And music is fun. It offers a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment as children progress and master new skills. The process of practicing, refining, and eventually performing music is immensely satisfying and uplifting. I can provide lifelong pleasure and be an ongoing source of relaxation and stress relief.

Playing or singing in a group facilitates social interactions and provides opportunities for collaboration. Children who participate in choirs, ensembles, bands, or orchestras develop teamwork and cooperation skills, learning to listen to others and synchronize their playing with fellow musicians. These group experiences foster a sense of camaraderie and can create lifelong friendships. Additionally, participating in performances and sharing music with others boosts a child’s confidence in their ability to express themselves effectively in social situations.

Learning a musical instrument as a child provides a solid foundation for a well-rounded and enriched life. It stimulates cognitive development, nurtures creativity, offers a source of enjoyment, and fosters social skills. These benefits continue to shape individuals as they mature into adulthood, providing them with lifelong skills and a deep appreciation for the arts. Whether pursuing music professionally or as a hobby, the impact of learning an instrument during childhood is immeasurable, contributing to personal growth, self-expression, and a lifelong love of music… which can only be a good thing.

By Tracey Anderson

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender:

1: Small print 2: What goes up, must come down 3: Green with envy

A Good Read

‘Island to Island: Photograph Collection’

by Sally Mills

Would you take up this challenge?

“The opportunity to spend two years working as nature reserve wardens for the Island Conservation Society on Aride Island, Seychelles…”

So begins Sally Mills’ latest book about Aride; this time presented as a stunning photograph collection accompanied by detailed captions, encompassing the beauty of the breathtaking land (and sea) scape, capturing the everyday existence of the abundant, yet vulnerable, wildlife and telling the story of the challenges, when looking after this exquisite, granitic chunk of tropical paradise.

Many of the photographs are simply entrancing. They introduce us to a magical array of wildlife as in the chapter Living with Skinks - one skink per square metre of island, the endearing and descriptively-named blue-cheeked bee-eater (bird) in Wailing Wedgetails and Nodding Noddies and, in Bulldozers on the Beach, distinctive hawksbill turtles and their impressive and beautiful cousins, green turtles.

Intermingled photographs portray perfectly the challenges of and adjustments to island life in the middle of the Indian Ocean for Sally and her partner, Melvyn. The darker side is also here: a much too close encounter with illegal octopushunters by day and nerve-wracking patrolling for sooty tern egg poachers on the island by night.

And so, these beautiful and compelling photographs leave us with a long-lasting impression. One can almost hear the surf crashing and the cries of thousands of sea-birds – frigates and terns, from the viewpoint high up on Aride’s rocky hilltop.

By Sheila Hamilton

Town is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Sydney Smith

This beautifully illustrated children’s book is set in a small coastal town. The story follows a young boy named Joey as he goes about his daily routine and reflects on the life of a miner.

Joey’s father is a coal miner who works deep beneath the sea, extracting coal to support their family. Every day, Joey imagines his father’s dangerous work while he enjoys the sunshine and plays with his friends. The contrast between the bright, vibrant world above ground and the darkness of the coal mine below is beautifully depicted through Sydney Smith’s evocative illustrations.

As Joey explores the town, he visits different places that hold significance for him. He goes to the park, where he can see the sparkling sea in the distance and dream about what lies beneath its surface. He visits the cemetery, where he pays respects to his ancestors who were also miners. And he goes to the local store, where his mother works, and imagines a future where he may have a different occupation.

Throughout the book, the reader gets a glimpse into Joey’s close-knit community and the rhythm of their lives. They come together to support one another and to celebrate special moments, like the arrival of summer. However, the constant presence of the sea serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by Joey’s father and the sacrifices made by the miners.

Town Is by the Sea is a poignant and contemplative book that explores themes of family, community, and the contrast between a child’s innocent perspective and the realities of a challenging occupation.

By Tash Donovan

Indoor vs outdoor glasses?

Last month I explained why it might be useful to have specific outdoor glasses, may it be “ordinary” sunglasses or specific ones for certain activities.

Now the seasons turned into autumn, we might spend more time indoors, it’s time I explained why we might need more than one pair of glasses whilst indoors.

For those people, who need reading glasses, varifocals are the ultimate solution for everyday wear. They provide distance vision, near vision and allow for intermediate too.

Of course, to allow for all of this, it comes with compromise. Usually, the intermediate vision has a limited area, restricting the field of vision. The reading area can also be a bit limiting, making near vision hobbies, such as reading, needlework or crafts somewhat difficult. It is advisable to have a separate pair of readers for these tasks.

So many people these days, especially since the pandemic, have begun working on computers for extended periods of times, looking into their intermediate distance. As I explained above, the use of varifocals can make this task very difficult, leading to neck pain, discomfort of the eye and posture problems. A single vision pair of intermediate glasses might help, however they wouldn’t allow for looking at anything closer such as paperwork, or anything farther, such as the clock on the wall, people entering the room, etc.

The solution here is an indoors pair of glasses, which are often called occupational or lifestyle spectacles. They are either “enhanced readers”, which allow for vision for close-up and intermediate, but not farther. You can also opt for “restricted distance” glasses, which provide vision of up to 3 meters, perfect for any indoors needs. These spectacles provide wider fields of vision for the intermediate and near tasks, making it more comfortable to wear.

Ask your Dispensing Optician for advice on YOUR indoor visual needs and solutions.

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Back to School Cooking Tips from OvenGleamer – your local premium oven cleaning company

1. Batch Cook – once a week prepare all the week’s meals in one monster cookathon. Use a theme to help you:

a. Roast chicken can become chicken curry, chicken & sweetcorn topped jacket potatoes and chicken stir-fry.

b. Use mince for spaghetti bolognaise, lasagne and tacos

c. Roasted vegetables make great fajitas, veggie pasta and vegetable curry

2. Freeze sandwiches ahead for packed lunches – avoid soggy contents & salad – add these as extras on the day. Great fillings include Ham and cheese, Turkey, cranberry & brie, Tuna & sweetcorn (go light on the mayo) and Chicken & cream cheese.

4. Up your 5-a-day: Add fruit/vegetables to every meal: bananas at breakfast, grapes & apples/carrot sticks & cherry tomatoes in lunchboxes and side salad / fresh fruit salads with dinner.

5. Keep on top of looking after your cooking appliances by having a regular professional oven clean every few months. In between cleans use oven liners to catch spills or use them as nonstick liners in your roasting tins and on your baking trays (saves loads of time on the washing up)

6. De-grease the BBQ before you put it away for the winter – ensure all racks and surfaces are fully clean to avoid mould build-up over the storage period.

For all your back-to-school oven cleaning call Dean Sheppard at OvenGleamers on 01749 705059.

Pork Chops with Apple sauce

Method:

Preheat the oven to 200C / 180C Fan / Gas mark 6.

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20-25 mins

Cooking time: 30 mins plus standing

Ingredients:

4 pork chops on the bone - about 3cm / 1.5

inches thick at room temperature.

1½ tbsp sunflower oil

Salt and pepper for seasoning

Chunky Apple Sauce

450g cooking apples, cored and diced.

4 tbsp caster sugar

Finely grated zest 1/2 lemon

2 tsp lemon juice

4 tbsp water

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Knob of butter

International Talk Like a Pirate Day - September 19th

To make the apple sauce: Place the chopped apples, lemon juice and zest, sugar, and water into a heavy based saucepan. Bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the apples are tender. Add the butter and the cinnamon and beat the apples until you have a chunky sauce (if you prefer smooth, puree them). Remove the pan from the heat and cover to keep the sauce warm.

Pat the pork chops dry and season well with salt and pepper. Heat the sunflower oil in a large oven-proof frying pan over a medium-high heat, and fry for 3 minutes each side to brown them.

Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast the chops for 7-10 minutes, until cooked through. (The juices should run clear when you cut into a chop). Take the pan out of the oven, cover with foil and let the chops rest for a few minutes. Transfer the chops to a plate, spoon over the pan juices and serve with the apple sauce, mashed potato, and vegetable of choice.

was then that they decided the world needed a special day to celebrate the swashbuckling lingo and antics of these seafaring rogues.

And so, on September 19th, 1995, International Talk Like a Pirate Day was born! It started small, with just a handful of friends and acquaintances joining in the fun, but it quickly gained traction. Before they knew it, their silly holiday had spread like wildfire across the seven seas.

Ahoy, mateys! Avast ye, for it be time to set sail on a riotous journey through the history of International Talk Like a Pirate Day. This be a day like no other, where landlubbers and scallywags alike embrace their inner pirate and let loose with a hearty “Arr!” and a mighty “Yo-ho-ho!”

The tale begins in the year 1995 when two lads from Oregon, John Baur and Mark Summers, found themselves embroiled in a friendly game of racquetball. As the sweat poured from their brows and their imaginations ran wild, they discovered a shared love for all things pirate. It

As the years went by, Talk Like a Pirate Day grew from a quirky inside joke to a global phenomenon and a cherished tradition: a day where we can all set aside our responsibilities and embrace our silly side. It reminds us not to take life too seriously, to let out a hearty laugh, and to remember the childlike joy that comes from pretending to be a pirate, if only for a day. So, me hearties, on this glorious day, hoist the Jolly Roger, sing a sea shanty, and let loose with your best pirate accent. For International Talk

Like a Pirate Day is a testament to the enduring power of laughter and the universal appeal of a good “Arrrr!”

By Tom Hancock

Bone Up on Bone Health

Drink plenty of water – Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is an important part of bone health as well as overall health. Bones need water to do specific jobs, like storing minerals and making red blood cells inside the bone marrow. Water transports 99 percent of the calcium in foods you eat to your bones, so without proper hydration, you could end up with bone loss or osteoporosis.

Eat a Calcium-Rich Breakfast – Calcium is responsible for making bones hard and strong. Nearly all of our body’s calcium is stored in our bones. Choose milk, cheese and yogurt, fortified orange juice, leafy greens, almonds, and fatty fish like salmon.

Exercise for bone strength - Weight-bearing exercise can help strengthen bones, maintain bone density, and lower the risk for osteoporosis. This can include walking, running, dancing or any exercise where we’re on our feet, and also free weights, weight machines or bodyweight exercises.

Get outside - Sunshine is good for our bones. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, chemical reactions produce vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption. Too little sun means our body won’t have enough vitamin D so starts to leach it from our bones instead, weakening them.

Posture - Practicing good posture cuts down on the wear and tear on joints and reduces stress on our muscles and ligaments. We should focus on our posture both when walking or standing, and when sitting in a chair.

By Louise Addison

01749 600387

centralroofing@gmx.com

HIGHEST RATED ROOFER IN SOMERSET!

“Fantastic responsive service. It’s the 2nd time I have used Central Roofing…Went above and beyond and assisted me in issues around insurance. I would recommend this company to anyone with roofing issues.” Cat Lady

ROOF, GUTTER, UPVC - REPAIR, FITTING AND CLEANING SERVICE

ROOFING SERVICES – 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

01749 605415

LOCAL HOME CARE

SKIP HIRE Visit: www.avonmaterialsupplies.co.uk Call: 01749 830688

Somerset • 6 & 8 yard skips • Same day delivery (Sta) • 2 week hire included • • • 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. Visit: www.avonmaterialsupplies.co.uk Call: 01749 830688

SKIP HIRE

SKIP HIRE

Somerset • • • Order online 24/7 for your next project. Order Call: 01749 830688 Visit: www.avonmaterialsupplies.co.uk

01749 346