If you are community minded like us then we would love you to send us your local news, events and information. We give 100 words free of charge and want to help at least 50-75 local; clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches each and every month.
Simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the form on the Community Notices page. We want to especially help the all the clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches that have very little income for advertising. Please spread the word!
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Advertising in LocalReach is a fantastic way to reach all your existing, and potentially new customers. LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in your postcode area every month. It is packed with community notices, interesting articles and local businesses. A massive 98% of our advertisers rebook every month so we must be doing something right!
So, if you are looking for more business then contact us now. To advertise just go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the contact form or email hello@localreach.co.uk
Community Notices are free of charge
Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page Deadline is 26th Aug for the Oct issues
For Business Advertising call 01749 600388 or visit our website www.localreach.co.uk Deadline is 26th Aug for the Oct issues
Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we make no guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. We do not approve any of the services or products provided by advertisers in this magazine. Anyone using the products, services or advice from advertisers will need to carry out normal checks to make sure businesses are trustworthy and reliable. LocalReach Ltd 2024.
DO YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF LOCALREACH EACH MONTH?
LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Shepton Mallet/BA4 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 8,978 copies each month.
We take non deliveries very seriously and in the event of a non delivery being reported to us we follow the Royal Mail’s complaint procedure.
If you are not getting your monthly copy by the end of the first week of any month please send us an email to hello@localreach.co.uk with the full address of the non delivery and we will ask Royal Mail to investigate and report back.
Tips to Getting Your Property Sold
If you are struggling to sell your home and want to check you are getting the best exposure, have a quick read through my suggestions below and make sure you tick every box.
With over 90% of buyers starting their search on-line, make sure your home is listed on both Rightmove and Zoopla portals, with Rightmove boasting 2.3 billion visits to their website in 2022. And don’t just settle for a standard listing, get your Agent to include a Premium listing in their offer (Rightmove Premium listings get 20% more enquiries, with a whopping 50% more on Zoopla).
Are you happy with your photographs? Professionally staged photos that are carefully edited have been shown to generate 61% more page views, so ensure your home is shown in the best possible light. Also seasonal decorations can date a listing so if they have sneaked into a photo ask your Agent to edit them out.
Make sure you have both 2D and 3D floorplans as statistics prove that people like them.
Check to make sure your Agent is open at the weekends and able to take enquiries during the evenings too. Buyers are busy people and often search on-line out of the standard ‘9 to 5’ office hours so the more time your Agent is open for business, the more interest you’ll get.
Guided accompanied viewings with people who know and care about your property is important, as many questions can be answered immediately and you can get instant viewer feedback. Using staff that have never visited your home before just because they are free, doesn’t engage the buyer or show that your Agent is passionate about selling your home.
Sell Your Home With Confidence
And finally make sure communication is top notch so that you are kept up-to-date with portal activity and clicks, feedback on viewings, performance reports, updates and advice.
EweMove offer all of the above with every property we take on and we put you 1st with our Happy Sale Guarantee, meaning that if you are not 100% happy you can walk away anytime pre-sale without paying a penny. For lots of extra tips to selling your home, why not contact me to get your FREE book ‘The 39 Steps to Avoid a House Sale Nightmare’. Ring me on 01749 600339 anytime day or night, email sheptonmallet@ewemove.com, or use the QR link below.
We’re not happy unless you’re happy... that means you can walk away at any point if you’re not 100% happy with our service. You won’t find any other agent that can sell your home with our risk-free Happy Sale Guarantee.
We’re not happy unless you’re happy... that means you can walk away at any point if you’re not 100% happy with our service.
You won’t find any other agent that can sell your home with our risk-free Happy Sale Guarantee.
We’re not happy unless you’re happy... that means you can walk away at any point if you’re not 100% happy with our service. You won’t find any other agent that can sell your home with our risk-free Happy Sale Guarantee.
Garden View
This month – Marvellous microorganisms
As their name suggests you can’t see them, yet microorganisms are some of the most important things you can grow in your garden.
Garden soil is teeming with millions of them, or rather it should be. They help to keep the soil healthy. They decompose organic matter, replenish soil nutrients, form humus, promote root growth, increase nutrient uptake, and breakdown herbicides and pesticides.
The microorganism family includes bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa and we want to do everything we can to encourage these tiny gardening friends.
In order to provide a good environment we need to provide oxygen, moisture, carbon-based food matter, and the right temperature and pH.
Oxygen content can be kept high by digging in lots of organic matter so that the soil structure is aerated. 75% of microorganisms live in the top two inches (5cm) of soil so particular care should be taken not to compact the topsoil. Improving the drainage of stodgy clay soil is particularly important as water-logged soil contains very little oxygen.
Mulching helps to improve the moisture content of soil and also helps to maintain the soil temperature. Bare soil bakes in the summer and freezes in the winter. Mulch acts as both shade and insulation so the temperature remains more constant.
Carbon-based food matter is just a posh way of saying ‘organic matter, including green manure and well-rotted compost. This provides a gourmet buffet for microorganisms, and they’ll reproduce rapidly.
Finally, pH is probably the most difficult area to tackle. Most gardens have a natural pH range beyond which they’re not going to change much. So, someone living on a limestone ridge, as I do, is never going to be able to grow acid-loving Azaleas, except in pots.
But that’s not what we’re trying to achieve when creating a favourable environment for microorganisms. We don’t need to radically shift the pH; we just need to modify it slightly.
There are pH modifiers on the market, but the best way of doing it is slowly by digging in compost or other organic matter. Organic matter acts as a neutraliser and will work whether your soil is acidic or alkaline. It is particularly important for alkaline soils like mine because they have far fewer bioavailable nutrients so become impoverished very quickly.
This month give some thought to encouraging your microorganisms. Your plants will thank you.
Happy gardening,
By Rachael Leverton
LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES
Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?
Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge?
Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 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.
Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch Meeting, 2nd September
RAFA-MSB will meet on Monday 2nd September at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS for a presentation by Sister Anne Martin entitled “RAF Brats” and general discussion of Branch business plus Lunch & Drinks from the Club Menu & Bar.
RAFA-MSB covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28,BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas. RAFA members, Current and 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 01458 224057.
Party time at The Charltons with Goodfellas!
Goodfellas return to The Charltons on Saturday 14th September! Individually and collectively various members have played with many well known artists from the mid 60’s to the present day and have toured Europe and the USA. They play different genres of music - ‘Surfin’, Boppin’, ‘Bluesin’ and ‘Poppin’, all guaranteed to give you a good night out. Fancy dress is optional but adds to the fun! Charltons Community Centre, Charlton Adam.
Doors 7:30pm. Start 8:30pm. Adv £10 c/o Dave 07770 783713. Parking. Licensed Bar. Ltd no’s, book early!
Royal Air Forces Association Battle of Britain Service, 15th September
The Royal Air Forces Association Mid-Somerset Branch (RAFA-MSB) Battle Of Britain Service will be on Sunday 15th September at 11:00am in St John’s Church, Glastonbury, BA6 9DR. The Service will commemorate the 84th Anniversary of the Battle and the activity, personnel and service of the RAF during WW2 and subsequent conflicts. The Service will be followed by a Wreath Laying Ceremony.
RAFA-MSB covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas and members of the public from these areas are welcome.
Contact Secretary rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057.
Award winning Blues Duo to play afternoon session locally
Producers frontmen Harry Skinner + Dave Saunders have played their brand of Acoustic music around the world from Auckland to Atlanta. From Muddy Waters, Broonzy, Elmore James and more to their own acoustic renditions of favourite Producers songs. As the Irish Times said after the Dublin Blues Festival - ‘Pity the US guys who had to follow these two on stage!”
Tickets £10 from www.caryfordhall.co.uk or Bailey Hill Bookshop.
Stargazing And Woodland Experience Evening With The Amazing Space Detective!
On Saturday 5th October at Windsor Hill Wood Refuge, Shepton Mallet, there’s a unique opportunity to support our charity and watch distant galaxies through powerful telescopes!
Choice of family session from 6:30pm - 8:00pm or adult’s session from 8:00pm - 9:30pm.
Suggested donation - Adults £20 each and children (under 16) £10 each – family ticket (2 adults 3 children) £50, includes jacket potato supper, a hot drink, a talk by the Space Detective, use Wells & Mendip Astronomers group’s powerful telescopes and a night-time woodland walk!
For details/to book your place, call 07504758263.
Tired All the Time?
Do you spring out of bed at 7am, ready to face the day? Or do you wake up feeling tired and drained?
GPs are reporting that more and more patients complain of having no energy. So much so, that the syndrome has its own acronym –TATT, or ‘tired all the time.’
TATT is common, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.
There are many different causes of fatigue, and it’s always a good idea to start by speaking to your GP or practice nurse.
Overwhelming exhaustion, which gets worse with activity and does not improve with rest, might be an indicator of myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). A cure has not yet been found, but there are treatments and self-help measures that can ease the symptoms.
A GP can also rule out conditions such as anaemia, thyroid problems, food intolerances or diabetes.
Many cases of TATT are due mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Traumatic life events, stress and money worries can also cause fatigue. In this case talking therapy can help and your doctor might refer you for counselling.
In the meantime, there are lifestyle changes which can help.
Sleep – Make sure you are getting enough good quality sleep. Try to keep to the same earlier bedtime for a few weeks and see if this helps. Sometimes an eye mask and or earplugs are all that’s needed to improve sleep quality.
Reduce stress – Build relaxation into your daily schedule. This might be a bath, or listening to music, or even yoga or meditation.
Diet - Try eating small healthy snacks throughout the day, rather than one large meal in the evening. Reduce alcohol and caffeine, and drink more water.
Finally, you may not feel like it, but exercising is another proven way to fight fatigue. Even a quick 15-minute walk around the block will give you an energy boost.
By Louise Addison
Crossword Across
Word Search
1 Eastern European country (6)
4 Thin crisp biscuit (5)
8 Overhaul, modernise (5)
9 Loudly, uproariously (7)
10 Slim, lithe (7)
11 Skin irritation (4)
12 Top, cover (3)
14 Jealousy (4)
15 Type of goat (4)
18 Weep, cry (3)
21 Retort, riposte (4)
23 Guitar-like instrument (7)
25 Conceded, endorsed (7)
26 Emaciated, cadaverous (5)
27 Black (5)
28 Onset, arrival (6)
Down
1 Church district (6)
2 Portable lamp (7)
3 In this day and age (8)
4 Lament, moan (4)
5 Pass out (5)
6 Beat pattern (6)
7 Growl, grumble (5)
13 Spilled the beans, disclosed (8)
16 Assassinate, kill (7)
17 Four-sided shape (6)
19 Chum, mate (5)
20 Group of six (6)
22 Eskimo house! (5)
24 Rock rhythmically (4)
Mindbenders
Solutions: Turn to page 18
Five Good Reasons to... Learn a Foreign Language
College evening classes start up again this month. Take the plunge and learn a new language. Here are five good reasons to enrol right now.
Make new friends - Languages require practice! It’s easier to talk to new people if you’re both concentrating on something other than how shy you are. Chatting in a foreign language is a good way to break the ice and get to know your classmates.
Improve your English! - Learning a new language helps us understand tenses, prepositions, and
all the other parts of speech we normally take for granted. As a result, we speak and write more precisely. Many great writers were / are polyglots!
Enrich your travel experiences - Connecting with the locals is the best way to get the most out of travelling. People are more welcoming if you make an effort to speak their language. It can turn an ordinary trip into the holiday of a lifetime.
Join the global community – Most of the rest of the world does not speak English! As the world becomes smaller and more interconnected it’s easy to see that we’ll come into contact with more and more non-English speakers. A foreign language puts you at an advantage in business and personal relationships.
Sense of accomplishment - Wouldn’t it be cool to tell people that you speak two or more languages? Not many people in this country can, so if you can pull it off you have a reason to be really proud of yourself.
By Sarah Davey
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FREE Prostate Cancer Testing Event
Sunday 6th October, 10:00am - 4:00pm at Glastonbury Town Hall. Hosted by Somerset Prostate Support Association, The Brue Boys Choir and Glastonbury & Street Lions Club.
For men aged 40 and over. Confidential PSA blood tests carried out by qualified phlebotomists. Early diagnosis can be crucial to successful treatment. APPOINTMENTS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
1. Visit mypsatests.org/events/
2. Register yourself using your email address.
3. Click ‘Find an event’ and search for SPSA
4. Select the event, scroll down, choose a time and book.
Questions: Contact Peter Hopwood, 01458 441669 or peterhopwood46@gmail.com
Tai Chi is a gentle exercise suitable for most
people
Tai Chi is a gentle exercise suitable for most people. Can be done seated. No previous experience necessary. £5 per session.
Qigong: An ancient Chinese form of exercise, originally to develop spirituality, but found to improve health and well-being. It involves mind, breath and movement to create a calm, natural balance of energy that can be used in work, recreation or self-defence. Qigong means ‘energy exercise’
For more details contact Jo Webb: 07730 397396, jo.webb@mbzonline.net
Classes: Monday, Oakhill 2:00pm - 3:00pm.
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
SPA Singles Social Group – South West, Est. 1979
We are a member led group, aiming to help you make new friends and improve your social life. Welcoming active, 40+ singles throughout the South West. Your local branch is Wells & Mendip.
Events include meals, walks, music, holidays, day trips, social evenings, theatre, etc. and whatever members wish to organize.
Find us on the meetup website at www.meetup.com/spa-social-group or use the meetup app and search for “SPA singles group south west”
Volunteer Drivers Urgently Needed To Help Your Community
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
Shepton Mallet welcomes guests from Oissel-sur-Seine, France
The Town Twinning Association arranged a programme for the weekend with visits to Burcott Mill near Wells, Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury and Montacute House near Yeovil. Shepton Mallet Town Council provided an official reception and the weekend concluded with an evening buffet at the home of one of the host families.
Visits between Shepton and Oissel near Rouen have taken place since 1991.
Chair Michael Kennett thanked hosts and members for their continued support.
Michael can be contacted on 01749 342170.
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By Simon Swindells, Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care
The excitement of jetting off on holiday can quickly be grounded by ear discomfort. Believe it or not, a key culprit might be earwax. While often overlooked, this natural substance plays a crucial role in ear health. However, when combined with the pressure changes experienced during flight, earwax can lead to unpleasant symptoms.
Earwax, or cerumen, is a normal and beneficial part of ear health. It is a sticky substance produced by glands in the ear canal to help protect the delicate eardrum. Typically, earwax gradually dries and exits the ear on its own. But for some, excessive earwax can build up.
During air travel, changes in cabin pressure can put extra strain on the ears, and this is where earwax can become a problem. The buildup can contribute to feelings of fullness, muffled hearing, or even pain.
If you consistently experience ear discomfort before, during and after flying, it’s recommended that you to consult a Nurse, Audiologist or Ear Care Practitioner. They can assess your ear health, safely remove any excess earwax, and provide guidance on preventing future issues.
Other tips for comfortable flying:
Equalise pressure: Frequent yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can help open the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat.
Consider decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants can also help open the Eustachian tubes, especially if you have a cold or allergies.
Don’t let earwax dampen your travel plans. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy a comfortable flight and make the most of your holidays.
At South West Hearing Care we offer ear health checks and earwax removal services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
My youngest son loves PE lessons - all of them. He even captains the dodgeball team. My oldest, Joe* would probably rather appear naked on National TV than set foot on a sports field during the winter months... or to be honest, any month!
As we navigate an increasingly digital and sedentary age, the value of PE in schools becomes ever more crucial. Ensuring that PE remains a vital component of education is essential for fostering well-rounded development in children and young people.
With increasing childhood obesity and related health issues, regular physical activity is a necessary countermeasure. PE provides students with an opportunity to engage in structured exercise, helping them develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Regular physical activity also improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and boosts the immune system. Moreover, exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. In a school setting, this means that students who participate in PE are often better equipped to handle stress and perform academically, thanks to the endorphins released.
PE also teaches important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and communication. These experiences can build self-esteem and foster a sense of community and belonging.
But what about reluctant participants like Joe?
While the benefits of PE are clear, not all students enjoy team sports. Encouraging these youngsters requires a thoughtful approach. Diversifying the types of activities offered can make a significant difference. Options such as dance, yoga, or individual sports like tennis and swimming can appeal to a broader range of interests meaning every student can find something they enjoy and can succeed in. Joe discovered badminton and table tennis last year, and would happily play these if they were available, but his school insist on rugby, football, cricket, and dodgeball. Their idea of diversification is making the girls play too.
Creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment is essential. Some children may feel self-conscious about their abilities or physical appearance which can deter them from participating. Teachers and coaches should
emphasize personal improvement and effort over competition and winning (very much NOT the case at Joe’s school). Positive reinforcement and celebrating small achievements can boost confidence and motivation.
Integrating technology can also make PE more appealing. Fitness trackers, interactive games, and virtual reality sports can engage tech-savvy students and make physical activity more exciting. These tools can help students set personal goals and track their progress, adding a modern twist to traditional PE lessons.
PE might be a vital component of the national curriculum, offering numerous benefits for physical health, mental well-being, and social development but if we want to encourage every child to participate fully there needs to be diversification of activities, a supportive environment, and possible integration of technology. After all, want ALL our children to grow up, healthy and well-rounded, not just those who are naturally good at games.
By Louise Addison *Name changed
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
The Swallows
By Lisa Lutz
Alexandra Witt is a new teacher at the prestigious Stonebridge Academy where she quickly stumbles upon undercurrents of sexual exploitation and manipulation, which are poisoning the school. Disturbed by the casual acceptance of such behaviour, Witt takes it upon herself to empower the students, especially the girls, to challenge the status quo. This sparks a rebellion that gradually exposes the toxic culture perpetuated by a select group of male students known as “the darkroom.”
Lutz’s narrative is sharp and fast-paced, weaving multiple viewpoints that allow the reader an insider view as events unfold within the school. Each character offers a unique perspective which serves to highlight the complexity of teenage dynamics and adult responsibilities.
The climax of the book is both shocking and satisfying, providing a resolution that feels both inevitable and earned. The reader will be left pondering the dynamics of power and the courage required to overturn them.
The Swallows is a darkly intriguing novel that blends elements of suspense with biting social commentary, which makes it stand out in the densely populated thriller genre. The writing is both witty and sharp, infused with a sardonic tone that perfectly complements the serious themes she tackles.
Boys Don’t Cry
By Fiona Scarlett
While not strictly young adult fiction, I’m recommending Boys Don’t Cry for older teens, because it tells the story of two brothers, Joe, aged 17, who is a talented artist, and Finn, aged 12, through their own words. The boys live in a tower block in Dublin with their mother and father (known as Da’), who works for a local gang leader and is in and out of prison.
Joe’s accounts of how he is dealing with traumatic loss, while struggling against the criminal influences of his father and the expectations everyone else has of him, that he’s destined for a life of crime, is heartbreaking. Finn on the other hand relates his experiences of being diagnosed with and treated for leukaemia, and the effect he sees this having on his brother and parents.
Scarlett’s prose is beautiful and the voices of the two boys are believable and authentic. Teen readers will quickly identify with and become emotionally invested in the brothers as their stories intertwine in the most impactful way.
The author skilfully weaves humour through the sometimes harrowing themes, because even at life’s darkest moments, or perhaps because of them, there are always flashes of hilarity.
The stories of Joe, Finn and the other characters who live in ‘The Jax’ tower block will stay with the reader for a long time. My own teen suggested this title to me and thinks this should be on the GCSE English syllabus because of the engaging story and the author’s insight into boy’s lives and minds.
By Tash Donovan
National Eye Health Week 23 – 29 September 2024
Every year there’s a nationwide campaign to promote good habits for healthy eyes, the importance of having your eyes examined regularly and how to avoid certain eye problems. It is our responsibility to help educate our clients. Here are a few eye conditions worth keeping an eye out for (pun intended!)
Lazy eye: or its official name, amblyopia, is a developmental disorder. It usually only affects one eye and occurs because the eye and the brain are not working together properly. Early diagnosis, before the child is eight years of age, and compliance with the treatment prescribed are vital to ensure vision is fully restored. Without treatment vision may be permanently damaged.
Hormonal Dry Eye (HDE): According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, almost two thirds (61%) of menopausal women suffer from dry eyes. Changing hormone levels can reduce the quantity and quality of your tears and increasing the risk of evaporation. Symptoms commonly experienced by sufferers of HDE include: dryness, burning, a gritty sensation that gets worse throughout the day, blurred vision, tearing, and more sensitivity to light.
Treating dry eyes is relatively easy – just ask our team.
Screen Fatigue: As we spend more time on our screens than sleeping, no wonder Screen Fatigue has become a phenomenon. It manifests as headaches, sore or tired eyes and problems with closeup and/or long-distance vision. By being screen smart you can help minimise your risk of suffering visual distress and keep your eyes feeling fresh and bright. If you have been prescribed eyewear for screen use, make sure you wear it. Take frequent breaks – give your eyes a rest by following the 2020-20 rule. Look away from your screen every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds and focus on objects 20 feet away. And don’t forget to keep blinking!
For more interesting facts and advice check our Facebook and Instagram pages during the Eye Health Week.
And of course, if you have a concern, please get in touch for advice or to book an appointment.
Blackberry and Almond Crumble Cake
Puzzle Solutions
Preparation time: 20 mins
Cooking time: 45-50 mins
Serves: 10-12 slices
Ingredients:
Cake
200g butter, plus extra for the tin
200g golden caster sugar
3 medium eggs
225g plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
50g ground almonds
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
3 tbsp blackcurrant or blackberry and apple jam
150g blackberries
Crumble
50g plain flour
25g unsalted butter
25g caster sugar
1 tbsp demerara sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp flaked almonds
Method:
Cake
Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Grease a 23cm round cake tin and line with baking parchment. Beat the butter and the sugar together in a large bowl using an electric whisk until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time until smooth and creamy. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then fold in, adding the almonds, milk, and vanilla until mixed thoroughly.
Scrape the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Dot teaspoons of jam across the mix, then scatter over the blackberries, pressing them in lightly.
Crumble
Rub the flour and butter together until the mixture it resemble crumbs, then stir in the sugar and add a pinch of salt. Mix in the flaked almonds, then scatter the crumble over the cake. Scatter with the demerara sugar and bake for 45 mins until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Leave to cool in the tin for at least 20 mins then slice and serve with creme fraiche.
From Broom to Roomba
A whirlwind history of the vacuum cleaner
Once upon a time, household cleaning was an arduous task, often involving an array of brooms, dustpans, and a great deal of elbow grease. This all changed when the vacuum cleaner came into existence, transforming the way we keep our homes spick and span.
The story of this indispensable household hero began in the late 19th century. In 1860, an enterprising inventor named Daniel Hess from West Union, Iowa, patented a machine that used a rotating brush and bellows to create suction. His early prototype was a far cry from today’s sleek models, but it was a significant first step.
Fast forward to 1901, when British engineer Hubert Cecil Booth introduced a more recognizable version of the vacuum cleaner. Booth’s invention, affectionately known as the “Puffing Billy,” was a massive, horse-drawn contraption that parked outside buildings while long hoses snaked through windows to clean the interiors. Though it was effective, it wasn’t exactly practical for the average homeowner.
The vacuum cleaner’s true domestic breakthrough came courtesy of James Murray Spangler, an American janitor and tinkerer. In 1907, Spangler, who would probably have won both Robot Wars and Scrapheap Challenge had he been alive today, invented a portable electric vacuum cleaner using an old fan motor, a soapbox, and a pillowcase. This rudimentary device effectively captured dust and dirt and was a significant improvement over its predecessors. Recognizing its potential, Spangler quickly patented his invention and sold it to his cousin’s husband, William Hoover. The Hoover Company became synonymous with vacuum cleaners, and by the 1920s, the term “Hoovering” had made its way into common usage.
As the 20th century progressed, vacuum cleaners evolved rapidly. The 1930s and 1940s saw the introduction of sleek, upright models and canister vacuums, making cleaning more efficient and less cumbersome. Innovations continued, and by the 1950s, vacuums were equipped with HEPA filters, which greatly improved their ability to capture fine particles and allergens.
The latter half of the 20th century brought even more advancements. The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of lightweight, bagless vacuums, pioneered by inventors like James Dyson. Dyson’s revolutionary cyclonic separation technology changed the game, offering powerful suction without the hassle of bags, though dissenters pointed out that while not
having to remember to buy and replace bags might reduce hassle, emptying the dust out was a far messier affair and thus somewhat less desirable. Nevertheless, Dysons flew off the shelves.
As we entered the 21st century, technology took vacuum cleaners to a level previously seen only in Sci-Fi movies. The advent of robotic vacuums, like the Roomba, turned cleaning into a handsfree experience. These little marvels navigate rooms autonomously, avoiding obstacles and efficiently sucking up dirt and debris. They even take themselves back to their charging station when they finish.
Today, vacuum cleaners come in all shapes and sizes, from cordless sticks to powerful, robot models you can control with your smartphone. They are quieter, more efficient, and more versatile than ever before.
The evolution of the vacuum cleaner is a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless quest for an easy life. So, next time you drag out your Dyson or trip over your Roomba take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history behind this household marvel.
By Sarah Davey
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.
Are You a Safe Driver? Are you
sure about that?
Do you have a sneaking suspicion that as a nation we are becoming worse drivers? Well you’re right. Here are some reasons why.
Unconscious Aggression
- Many drivers exhibit behaviours, such as tailgating and blocking, that they would never consider outside their vehicle. Drivers who score high on impulsiveness, are more prone to this aggression and show less sensitivity to punishment!
Overestimating Safety – There has been a strong downward trend in the rate of motor vehicle deaths since the 1970s. This is thanks to advances in automotive safety systems such as seatbelts, airbags, ABS braking, and more recently, blindspot and lane-departure warnings. Yet these safety features may paradoxically cause complacency, making us less aware of road danger.
Dehumanising Other Drivers – On foot we apologise if we walk through a door and nearly collide with someone. Near misses in cars however
often trigger anger. Research indicates that drivers dehumanise other road users, behaving in ways they wouldn’t in personal interactions.
Lack of Bandwidth - Our brains receive more information than they can process at the best of times. Driving, particularly on unfamiliar roads in a city means we miss significant amounts of information, while falsely believing we see everything.
Everyone Else is Stupid! – This is called the Fundamental Attribution Error, and leads us to blame other drivers’ mistakes on their abilities while excusing our own errors as situational. So other drivers make mistakes because they are idiots but when we make them it was unavoidable!
Overestimating Our Skills – Are you an above average driver? Of course you are…and so is everyone else who answers that question. Well the maths says we can’t all be above average, so some of us are clearly wrong.
Lone Driver Danger - Lone drivers exhibit riskier behaviour than those carrying passengers. The presence of others, particularly children seems to encourage more careful driving.
Hands-Free is NOT Risk-Free - While UK law permits hands-free phone use, there is no evidence to shows it’s safer than hand-held! The primary danger lies in the cognitive distraction of the conversation, not the act of holding the phone.
Driving courteously is safer and makes the road a more pleasant place for everyone. So:
Keep Your Distance - Maintain a safe distance (a two-second gap) from the vehicle in front of you. This allows enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow. Increase the distance in poor weather.
Indicate Appropriately - Signal your intentions well in advance to reduce the likelihood of confusion and accidents. Indicate when turning, changing lanes, or merging into traffic.
Give Way to Pedestrians, Cyclists and Riders - At zebra crossings, stop to let pedestrians cross. When passing cyclists or horses, slow down and allow plenty of space, ideally at least 1.5 meters.
Avoid Aggression – Tailgating, honking and offensive gestures increase stress and the likelihood of accidents.
Merging Manners - Use the “zipper merge” technique, especially in heavy traffic. This means allowing one car from the merging lane to enter for every car in the continuing lane. Don’t speed up to block others from merging.
By Andy Carter
Consumer
“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.”
“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
