LocalReach Somerton & Langport August 2023

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

ROOFING

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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Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we make no guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. We do not approve any of the services or products provided by advertisers in this magazine. Anyone using the products, services or advice from advertisers will need to carry out normal checks to make sure businesses are trustworthy and reliable. LocalReach Ltd 2023.

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Garden View

This month – Wonderful Wisteria

in shaping and maintaining the growth of the plant while promoting abundant flowering. The other pruning period is during late winter or early spring.

During August, after the flowering period, prune to control the size and shape of the plant. Trim long shoots, maintaining a balanced framework while retaining a few leaves on each pruned stem. This allows the plant to channel energy into flower production for the following year.

Wisteria, with its enchanting cascades of fragrant flowers, adds a touch of elegance and charm to any garden. It has a reputation for being slow and difficult, but it’s really not justified. You just need a bit of know-how.

Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil to plant your wisteria. The ideal time to plant is during early spring or autumn when the plant is dormant. Ensure the planting hole is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball and add organic matter to enrich the soil. Provide a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or pergola, for the wisteria to climb..

This month is one of the pruning months for wisteria. Twice yearly pruning plays a crucial role

During winter/early spring, remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches. Trim back the previous year’s growth to around three to five buds from the main stem. This encourages the formation of flower buds and prevents excessive growth.

Wisteria generally requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply at the base of the plant, providing enough moisture to reach the root system. However, be careful not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

To promote optimal growth and flowering, fertilize your wisteria annually in early spring. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This provides the necessary nutrients to support healthy foliage and abundant blooms.

Wisteria is a vigorous climber, so proper training is essential for creating a visually appealing display. Gently tie and train young shoots to your chosen support structure, guiding them horizontally to encourage the development of flowering spurs along the stems. Regularly check for any tendrils or side shoots that need redirecting to maintain a neat growth pattern.

Although Wisteria is generally hardy, it can be susceptible aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect your wisteria for signs of infestation or disease and take appropriate measures to control and treat them promptly. Organic insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be effective against pests, but the regular pruning sessions will help with good air circulation, which prevents disease.

If you’re starting from scratch it may take several years before your wisteria starts blooming profusely. Be patient and provide consistent care, and you will be rewarded with a stunning display of flowers in due course. Gardening is often the long-term rewards.

Happy gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

Summer Skills to Get Kids Outside

Summer is the perfect time to encourage kids to step away from their screens and engage in outdoor activities that are both fun and educational. Here are some of our favourites.

Juggling - This is a fantastic skill that promotes hand-eye coordination, concentration, and perseverance. Start with basic juggling techniques using soft balls or beanbags. As they progress, they can try juggling with more objects or learn tricks. Juggling a great physical activity, which boosts cognitive skills and focus.

Skipping - A classic outdoor activity that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while improving coordination and balance. Start with basic jumps and gradually progress to more complex techniques like crisscross, doubleunders, or even group skipping routines. Skipping can also be done with friends, making it a social activity.

Flower Pressing – Pressing flowers is a wonderful way for kids to engage with nature and their

creativity. Encourage them to explore their surroundings, identify different flowers and plants, and collect specimens for pressing. Pressed flowers can be used for various crafts such as making greeting cards, or artwork.

Roller-skating - This is a fun and active outdoor activity that challenges balance and coordination and develops leg strength. Kids can learn to roller skate in a safe environment like a local skate park or a designated skating area. Once they get the hang of it, they can branch out to skills like skating backward, executing turns, or even trying some simple tricks. Roller skating provides an exciting way to stay active while enjoying the summer weather.

Identifying Insects - Encourage your mini entomologist by teaching kids how to identify common insects. Provide them with a guidebook or use online resources to help them recognize different species. Kids can go on nature walks or explore their gardens to spot insects, learn about their habitats, and observe their behaviours. This activity is great for promoting curiosity, environmental awareness, and an understanding of the vital role insects play in our ecosystem.

By Tom Hancock

West Mendip Walkers August Walk Programme

3rd August 8m circular walk starting 10:00am from North Curry TA3 6LH.

10th August 7m circular walk starting 10:00am from Tyning’s Farm BS40 7XU.

17th August 10m circular walk starting 10:00am from Moorlinch Village Hall.

24th August 8m circular walk starting 10:00am from Ashcott Corner BA6 9SX.

31st August 6m circular walk starting 10:00am from Croscombe Village Hall BA5 3RE.

All details on www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Top UK Blues Band play in The Charltons!

Saturday 5th Aug - The Producers, The Charltons Community Centre, Top Road, Charlton Adam, Somerset. TA11 7BE

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 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

The Producers have played and headlined major festivals all over the World and are retiring at the end of 2023 so grab this last chance to see them locally!

Doors 7:30pm, Start 8:30pm. Adv £10. Door £12 from: Dave 07770 783713 or online. Limited no’s so book early.

Tickets online from www.wegottickets.com/ event/582606

In aid of Community Centre roof repairs.

Bristol Brass Consort - Allsorts of Sweet, Sweet Music

They’re back! Come to Axbridge Church Sunday 27th August at 7:00pm to hear the group play a selection of classical and light brass music to get your teeth into!

The Consort have given an informal late summer concert in Axbridge for twenty years. We look forward to welcoming them again as they fill Axbridge Church with a mix of new pieces and old favourites.

Free entry with a retiring collection. There will be an interval and you are welcome to bring your own refreshments.

Exhibition News for Local Textile Artists

The Textile Set are a group of textile artists, quilters and felters based in Babcary village. We are about to present our third exhibition ‘EAST’ at Ilminster Arts Centre, East Street, Ilminster TA19 0AN.

5th to 30th September - Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 3:00pm.

Free entry, cafe on site and disabled access on request at reception.

East…more than a point on the compass, come and see where our imagination has taken us!

Indoor vs outdoor glasses?

You might have heard the term outdoor glasses? Maybe indoor? Perhaps occupational, or office glasses? What are all of these, and why would you need more, than one pair? Is this just a money-making trick? This month I’ll explain what we mean by outdoor glasses.

Naturally, being outdoors, we think about sunglasses as a form of eye protection. Sunglasses vary in a wide range of colours and quality.

Most sunglasses will have UV400 protection which conform the British Standards requirement.

The depth of tint is categorised from 0-4, 0 being very light tint (eg for fashion), 4 being very dark (eg for snow activities), whilst 3 the most common category for casual sunglasses.

Polarised sunglasses are another option. They include a polarising filter, which reduces glare, increases comfort and clarity of vision.

Maui Jim are market leaders in polarised technology and use rare-earth elements to enhance colour. Eyetech are proud stockists of Maui Jim sunglasses both in prescription, and nonprescription form.

But what if a pair of ordinary sunglasses isn’t all you need? If you have a particular hobby or sport, that requires special eyewear, there is a solution.

The most popular outdoors hobby is cycling (and motorbiking), both on road and terrain. These sportspeople are sure to wear a helmet, which makes it difficult to wear ordinary glasses or sunglasses underneath. Your optician will be able to advise on wrapped frames, suitable prescription lenses, and of course, suitable tint colour for your needs.

Over the years, Eyetech has supplied its clients with cycling, biking, running, golfing, skiing, swimming, shooting, even diving eyewear.

Whatever your hobby… We have a solution. (Or we’re not afraid to ask.)

Read next month’s article for indoor spectacle solutions.

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Introducing the Shoemakers Museum – the story of Clarks

We are thrilled to announce the opening of an exhibition at the Grange in Street introducing the Shoemakers Museum - the story of Clarks, a captivating new museum set to open its doors in 2025, just in time for the momentous 200th year anniversary of the founding of Clarks shoe company. Located in the charming village of Street, the birthplace of Clarks, this museum will offer visitors a unique and immersive journey through the remarkable history of one of the world’s most renowned shoe manufacturers.

The Shoemakers Museum will boast four exceptional galleries designed to engage and inspire visitors of all ages. Each gallery explores different facets of the Clarks legacy, delving into captivating narratives that celebrate the family and community stories behind the creation of these iconic shoes and their impact as a global shoe manufacturer. Beyond the immersive galleries, visitors will have access to a well-curated shop, a delightful café, and stunning gardens, all of which will be free to enter and explore at their leisure. Furthermore, we are proud to introduce an engaging schools and education programme, specifically designed to captivate learners of all ages.

To celebrate the imminent arrival of the Shoemakers Museum, we are delighted to invite the public to our free exhibition, providing an exclusive sneak peek into the museum’s development. Rosie Martin, the Director of the Alfred Gillett Trust, the organisation behind the museum, said “We eagerly anticipate the gathering of a diverse range of views, as we seek to create an experience that will delight and engage visitors from around the world. You are guaranteed a warm welcome and a chance to influence the museum’s development.”

The exhibition is open from 10am on Wednesday 12 July and members of the public are welcome to drop in at any time to chat to a member of the museum team, or just browse the exhibition and leave your thoughts on a card. The exhibition will be open every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until 4pm (and other times as advertised). The Grange can be accessed via car park two for Clarks Village off the A39.

NEW MUSEUM IN STREET

alfredgilletttrust.org

fb.com/agtsomerset

@alfredgilletttrust

Opening by 2025, the new museum will reveal Clarks’ shoemaking heritage in the village where it all began

An Evening with internationally known Jinder

Saturday 9th September, 7:00pm at The Charltons Community Centre, Top Road, Charlton Adam TA11 7BE.

An Evening with JINDER. £10 on the door or via www.charltonscommunity.org

JINDER is a UK based singer/songwriter. Making his debut in the late ’90s with the critically acclaimed Dusty Roads EP, he has gone on to release twelve albums for five record labels, including Sony BMG. His songs have appeared in hit movies and have been recorded by many other artists, featured on a No.1 album and in a West End musical.

Martial Arts Training

Off the Page Wednesday Cafe (Pop Up Library)

Every Wednesday, from 9:30am until 1:00pm at the Morland Community Hub, Pearce Drive, Highbridge, TA9 3FU.

Come and enjoy breakfast baps, brunch and lunch, home-made cakes and including our ‘Tots Brunch’, for children of all ages. Barista coffees, from £1.95, all food offered at community friendly prices. Cash and card payments accepted.

Free on-site parking. Relaxed atmosphere, inside and outside seating, dogs welcomed.

If interested in our volunteering opportunities, please do make contact with us.

Tel: 01278 782766

Email: enquiries@morlandcommunityhub.org.uk

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES

Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?

Feeling stressed, unfit, lacking confidence, want to be able to defend yourself? Then try Karate… ideal for families, children over 5.

Every Tuesday 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Long Sutton Village Hall. Phone Terry on 01458 250173

Langport Weekly Market

Every Friday & most Saturdays 9am – 3pm Cocklemoor Island (opposite the library)

All independent local sellers – No high street chains

Toiletries, Jewellery, Pottery, Clothing, Furniture, Household Decorations, Cake, International Foods, Floristry, Greetings Cards, Art, Knitting & Crochet and much much more

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 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

The Power of the Nanna Nap! Why napping is good for you.

leaving us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. By giving our brains a chance to rest and recharge, we can enhance our ability to process information effectively and make better decisions.

In a fast-paced world where productivity is highly valued, the idea of taking a nap during the day may seem counterintuitive. But emerging research suggests that daytime naps can actually have a positive impact on our well-being and cognitive performance.

One of the primary benefits of daytime napping is its ability to enhance cognitive function and improve overall productivity. Studies have shown that a short nap can help restore alertness, concentration, and memory recall. When we experience a midday slump or a decline in mental acuity, a well-timed nap can counteract these,

The duration of a daytime nap plays a crucial role in reaping its benefits without experiencing grogginess. Experts suggest that a short nap, typically lasting around 10 to 30 minutes, is optimal for most individuals. This length of time allows us to enter a light sleep stage, known as Stage 2, which promotes alertness and aids in memory consolidation. By keeping naps within this timeframe, we can avoid entering deeper sleep stages, which can lead to sleep inertia -a feeling of grogginess upon waking. However, it’s important to note that individual preferences and sleep needs can vary, so experimenting with different nap durations can help identify what works best for you.

Aswell as the immediate cognitive benefits, daytime napping has been linked to long-term health advantages. Research has shown that regular napping can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Napping has also been associated with improved immune function, stress reduction, and mood regulation. By incorporating short naps into our daily routine, we can take proactive steps toward maintaining our overall well-being.

While daytime napping can be advantageous, it’s essential to consider potential downsides. Longer naps, particularly those exceeding 60 minutes, can lead to sleep inertia, causing grogginess and difficulty in returning to full wakefulness. Additionally, napping too close to bedtime can disrupt nighttime sleep, leading to difficulties falling asleep or maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. It’s crucial to be mindful of nap timing and duration to strike the right balance between recharging and preserving nighttime sleep quality.

If you are prone to insomnia or have irregular sleep patterns it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach to incorporate daytime napping without negatively affecting your nighttime sleep.

Nanna naps (so called because of their association with grandmas) can be highly beneficial for our overall well-being and cognitive performance. They can provide a quick recharge, enhance alertness, and boost productivity. By understanding the benefits and limitations of daytime napping, we can harness its power to optimize our productivity and enhance our overall well-being.

By Louise Addison

Enjoying summer social events with hearing loss

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

For most people, the recent warmer weather and the prospect of social events out in the sun, are a source of great excitement. However, for someone with hearing loss, such gatherings can be a source of real anxiety. This centres around not being able to join in or feeling silly if you mishear something and often leads to people choosing to isolate themselves rather than to put measures in place so that they can feel included.

Here are three areas of focus to ensure that you can feel comfortable in an outdoor gathering this summer:

1) Environment: Ensure you find a quiet, well-lit location to sit. You can limit background noise by sitting away from speakers if music is playing and by joining a smaller group of conversation if possible. Lighting is important too. If you sit in a place where you can clearly see the faces of people you are talking to, you will be able to lipread much more easily.

2) Social: Another way to make your environment more comfortable for you is to be open and honest with the people around you. Let them know that you are struggling so they can help you to feel more included. Small things such as introducing everyone when you arrive so you can call their attention or having a visual signal to let your friends know if you are struggling to hear without disrupting the conversation can change the scenario for you completely.

3) Hearing aids: The first and least taxing step is to wear hearing aids as this will make life so much easier for you. There can be an inner selfconsciousness surrounding wearing hearing aids because it draws attention to the problem, but what will draw even more attention is the more visible struggle you will have if you don’t use them. Hearing aids today are technological marvels and have brilliant features to help aid with speech recognition and background noise. If you haven’t already, the first step would be to speak to your local Audiologist about suitable options.

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

Are you buying the WRONG incontinence product?

It might seem like an odd question, but the vast majority of people we speak with are contacting Arelle because they are struggling to manage their incontinence – and that is usually the result of choosing the wrong incontinence product for their condition.

Anecdotal reports suggest that as many as 80% of adults experiencing incontinence are using the wrong products – and many people will try seven or more different products until they find one that works.

That’s not really a surprise to us – there are now so many products available to you, both online and on the high street, that the choice can be quite bewildering. And while it may be simpler and more convenient to pick up your products in your local supermarket, your choice is likely to be far more limited than with specialist retailers, and we are pretty sure that there will be no supermarket staff with the expert knowledge or experience to advise you on what your options are.

So what can you do to choose the RIGHT incontinence product?

1. The right product for the right flow: Most people think “the more it absorbs the better” - but that’s not always the case! We can chat through all the different options with you.

2. Decide on the type of product which will suit you best: Pads or pants? You can try free samples when you contact us.

3. Washable v disposable: Washables are more environmentally friendly and ultimately will save you money.

4. Quality v economy: In all aspects, cheaper pads will not perform as well as quality products.

5. Fit and features: Consider using fixation or stretch pants to improve the performance of your product.

Advice:

If you need advice about choosing the right incontinence product, please do get in touch. It’s nothing to be embarrassed or concerned about – we would much rather you chat to us about purchasing the right product rather than you waste money and energy on buying something that simply isn’t right for you. Call us on 0800 389 3597 or email info@arelle.com

Word Search

1 Longing, dream (4)

3 Cavernous (8)

9 Impartial (7)

10 Choose to participate (3,2)

11 Laziness (5)

12 Gambling establishment (6)

14 Hold in the mind (6)

16 Dried grape (6)

19 Fleet of warships (6)

21 Divine water (5)

24 Emblem, symbol (5)

25 Exclusive group (2,5)

26 Alone (8)

27 Enthralled (4)

Down

1 Attractive, clean-cut (8)

2 Dwarf planet (5)

4 Lawman (6)

5 Peeved (5)

6 Short excursions (7)

7 Balanced, rational (4)

8 Bowman (6)

13 Unlikely winner (8)

15 Relationship between man and wife (7)

17 Someone dependent on drugs (6)

18 Less difficult (6)

20 Concede (5)

22 Erroneous (5)

23 ____ Redding, soul singer (4)

Mindbenders

Solutions: Turn to page 16

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 mins

Cooking time: 25 mins

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender:

1: Between you and me 2: An inside job

3: No doubt about it

Ingredients:

2 courgettes, sliced.

1 red onion, diced.

1 garlic clove, finely chopped.

6 medium or large eggs

3 ripe tomatoes

1tbsp olive oil

salt and black pepper to season 50g crumbled feta (or your favourite cheese)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180C / Fan 160C Gas mark 4.

Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof pan if you have one or an ordinary frying pan if not, over medium heat, and add the onion, garlic, and courgettes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until lightly brown.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.

In a separate bowl beat the eggs and season well with salt and pepper. This dish does benefit from being well seasoned.

If your pan is ovenproof pour the egg mixture over the cooked vegetables then crumble the cheese over the top. If you don’t have a pan that can be placed directly in the oven, transfer the veg to a casserole dish then pour the eggs and crumbled cheese over.

Bake for about 25 minutes until the frittata is set in the middle and slightly golden on top. Take care not to overcook it, or it will become rubbery in texture. It should look puffy, golden, and have a slight wobble when you move the pan.

Let it cool for 5 minutes then slice into 8 pieces. The cooled frittata will keep in an airtight container for a couple of days. Eat it cold or reheat in the microwave on a low setting for 30 seconds.

Note: This is a very adaptable recipe. You can use any cooked vegetables and cheese combination.

Courgette Frittata

Courgettes are plentiful now so use some in this super easy brunch recipe

Three Top Summer Kitchen Tips from Stewart Baldwin, OvenGleamers

1. Tear basil rather than cutting it?

Chefs often say that you must tear basil, rather than cut it with a knife, to get the best flavour. Nope. The flavours in basil are primarily contained within the cells of the leaf. If you tear it, it tends to come apart between the cells but if you cut the leaf, you will break open the cells releasing the flavour. This makes the most difference when you are using the basil raw, eg, in a tomato salad. Best to wash the basil, pat dry with paper towels, and remove the leaves from the stem. Stack several leaves together and roll into a cylinder, then cut crossways into thin strips.

2. Should I use foil on the base of my oven?

Many people line their grill pan or the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil to keep their cookers cleaner. This becomes heavily coated in grease and smells revolting! But it actually damages the enamel in the grill pan and on the base of the oven. The foil creates a superheating effect by reflecting the heat back onto the base of the oven or grill pan which then causes enamel damage. I recommend using an oven liner made from PTFE with a non-stick coating. This will catch any food drips keeping the bottom of the oven/grill pan clean. Remember to take the oven liner out regularly and wash it in warm soapy water.

3. “Hot pan - cold oil - prevents sticking”

Is this mantra really the best way to prevent food from sticking to the pan when sautéing or stirfrying. The idea is that you heat up the pan first then add the cold oil and almost immediately add the food and that will stop it sticking. What you really want is a “hot pan, hot oil”. When you add cold oil, it heats up almost instantly when added to the hot pan – giving you “hot pan, hot oil”. You get the same results if you heat the oil along with the pan so take your pick – they both work! Stewart Baldwin is your local OvenGleamer and can be contacted on 01458 767001 or go to www.ovengleamers.com for more details. 01458 767001

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.

A Good Read

A Long Way from Home by

Peter Carey

This compelling novel set in 1950s Australia, follows the lives of three central characters who embark on an eventful journey together.

Irene Bobs, a strong-willed and determined woman, dreams of winning the legendary Redex Trial, a gruelling endurance race that circumnavigates Australia. Her husband, Titch Bobs, is a car salesman with a passion for racing and an unresolved past. Willie Bachhuber is their troubled and brilliant navigator with an intimate knowledge of maps and an unconventional perspective on life.

As the trio sets off on their ambitious endeavour, they encounter all manner of challenges which brings them into direct contact with the racial tensions of the time. Australia’s indigenous population faces discrimination and marginalization, and each character is forced to confront their own biases and prejudices during their voyage.

Relationships gradually become strained and alliances shift, as long-hidden secrets and insecurities bubble to the surface.

As the race progresses, the characters’ personal journeys intertwine with the larger narrative of a nation struggling to find its identity. Carey uses The Redex Trial as a metaphorical representation of Australia’s cultural and social landscape, mirroring the country’s quest for a unified identity in the face of its diverse heritage. He weaves together themes of identity, belonging and the legacy of colonialism in a thought-provoking novel from which all three characters emerge changed forever.

Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car by John Burningham

Our children’s book this month also centres around a car journey. Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car is an old book, though I’d never heard of it until my son was given a copy on his first birthday. It’s one of those timeless, charming works that is destined to be loved forever. Mr. Gumpy decides to take a ride in his car. As he sets out on his journey he comes across different animals who all ask to join him. They are the Rabbit, the Cat, the Dog, the Pig, the Sheep, the Chickens, the Calf, the Goat, and the Children. Mr. Gumpy greets them all patiently and cheerfully, though they prove to be quite a rowdy bunch of passengers. When they reach a tricky hill Mr. Gumpy asks for a volunteer to help push the car, but everyone has an excuse as to why they can’t do it, then it starts to rain, and the car becomes stuck. The passengers eventually realise that if they don’t pull together (or rather push together) they will never get home.

The story is deceptively simple and satisfying, which adds to its appeal. Burningham was known for his illustrations, and they are absolutely beautiful. The combination of earthy colours and whimsical characters make the images warm and inviting, and his use of crosshatching adds movement and life to the story. You can see the animals and children jostling for position in the car. The book’s message about the importance of staying calm and working together to overcome adversity is a positive one, endearingly told.

By Tash Donovan

Ice Ice Baby

A brief history of ice cream.

parlours where you can indulge in flavours like peach, blueberry, bubble-gum, or even charcoal coconut (which is actually dark grey!) or maccha and red bean paste (much prettier).

In terms of brands, Walls is pretty iconic in the UK. It was founded in London in the 1780s and quickly became a household name. The other household name, Ben and Jerry’s didn’t arrive in on these shores until 1994!

Whether you prefer a scoop or a tub, there’s no denying the charm of cold ice cream on a hot summer’s day.

Enjoy!

By Kate McCarthy

Ice cream and ice lollies have long been cherished treats, especially during the warm summer months in the United Kingdom.

The origins of ice cream can be traced back to ancient China, where it is believed that the Chinese were the first to create a frozen dessert made from milk and rice. From there, the art of making ice cream spread throughout the world. In the UK though, ice cream gained popularity during the 18th century when it became fashionable among the upper classes. Initially, it was a luxury treat reserved for the elite, as the process of making ice cream required access to both ice and expensive ingredients.

With the advent of industrialization, ice cream became more accessible to the masses. In the mid-19th century, the development of artificial refrigeration techniques made it easier to produce and store ice cream. This led to the establishment of ice cream parlours and vendors across the UK, where people could indulge in this delightful frozen dessert. Street vendors and carts became a common sight and in 1958 Mr. Whippy ice cream vans began to appear in Birmingham, founded by Dominic Facchino. Vendors found that by playing a catchy jingle, they could attract more customers. Jingles were often folk songs and to this day Greensleeves is the most-used jingle for ice cream vans.

When it comes to flavours, the UK is very traditional, with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry topping the popularity charts. But if you prefer to get experimental, search out artisanal ice cream