LocalReach Somerton & Langport September 2023

HIGHEST RATED ROOFER IN SOMERSET! (42 ★★★★★ Google reviews)

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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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Deadline is 1st Sept for the October 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 2023.

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Garden View

This month – Garden for free

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Come for Coffee - and a very warm welcome!

Come for coffee to St Michael’s Church, Somerton on Saturday 2nd September from 10:00am to noon. There is a coffee morning at St Michael’s on the first Saturday of each month, so if you’ve missed this one, put 7th October in your diary. You will find a warm welcome and meet friendly people, locals and visitors from further afield. Sunday services are at 11:00am, and there are midweek services on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am. Do come along and join us. You will always be welcome.

Acoustic Blues Concert

Sat 2nd Sept - An Evening with Harry Skinner + Dave Saunders, The Reading Rooms, Charlton Mackerell. TA11 6AN. One of the UKs top Blues duos in an intimate concert including stories of their 30 years playing around the World and their own renderings of blues songs by Muddy Waters, Elmore James and many others. You can bring your own food and drink to this venue as there’s no bar. It’s going to be a sell out with limited numbers so get tickets early! Adv £10. Door £12. www.wegottickets.com/event/578065

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES

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Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

Time to discover the history on your doorstep

We organise talks and visits, collect local photographs, research aspects of local history and produce publications of local interest. We can also provide guided history walks around Langport. Our talks are held in the Langport & Huish Sports & Social Club, Eastover, Langport TA10 9RZ, at 7:30pm on the first Monday of the month, except Bank Holidays, when we meet a week later.

Our next talk is on 4th September: Peta Henley. Working with collections: collection care and conservation at Stourhead House. Our website is langporthistory.org.uk

Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch - September Meeting Presentation

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

West Mendip Walkers September Walk Programme

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

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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Movie Nights Are Back In Somerton!

Somerton Cinema Society are pleased to announce the revival of movies nights at the Parish Rooms. The first Movie is ALLELUJAH in Saturday 9th September 2023 and a movie every month thereafter. Doors open at 7:00pm with the film showing to commence at 7:30pm. Ticket price is £6.00 per person, tickets available at Cobbs Wholefoodsin Brunel precinct Somerton. Payment can also be made on the door before prior to film showing. A variety of refreshments will also be available. If you wish any further information please email martyngeorge@hotmail.co.uk

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/

Great painting exhibition in Somerton from 7 artists with varied styles

Exhibition of original paintings and some top quality giclee prints plus cards from 7 artists living near Somerton. We have very varied styles between us; botanical art,

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

animals, flowers, landscape and more modern pieces-something for everyone! We use acrylic, watercolour, charcoal and coloured pencils. Very affordable prices. The exhibition will run from 11th to 17th September, 10:00am - 4:30pm (1:00pm Sunday) and will be at no. 1, West Street in Somerton (formally somARTon).

Somerton Beekeepers presents a Spectacular Honey Show and Artisan Market

FREE ENTRY for everyone on 16th September at Keinton Mandeville Village Hall TA11 6ES, from Noon til 5:00pm.

Come and see for yourselves the amazing exhibits that Bees and their beekeepers produce throughout the year.

Artisan market, Cider, Cheese, Jams, Cakes, Pastries, Plants, Candles, Cards, Cosmetics, Gifts and of course HONEY!

Let your children take a look into the incredible world of the Queen Bee and her workers in the observation hive. Bees never cease to amaze!

See you there.

Have fun Morris Dancing!

Treacle Eater Clog will be holding free North West Morris Dancing ‘Taster sessions’:

7:30pm on Monday 18th September at the Scout Hut, Blackberry Lane, Sherborne DT9 4DE.

7:30pm on Monday 25th September and Monday 2nd October at Rimpton Village Hall, Rimpton BA22 8AH.

Why not come along and have a go? Our lively band is looking for new members too. No booking required.

A warm welcome awaits no booking required. Information from: Jenny 07974 590927.

All about the Somerset Carnivals

Come and learn about the history of the Somerset Carnivals at the next meeting of the Somerton History Society to be held on Thursday September 28th at 7:30pm in the Parish Rooms. The speaker will be John Dando. Visitors welcome at £2 per person.

Further info: j.banbury@mypostoffice.co.uk

Learn about Somerset village life in the past

“Reminiscences”, a celebration of the Charltons of the past. On Sunday 8th October at 3:00pm, villagers who grew up in the Charltons will be sharing their memories of life in Charlton Mackrell and Adam in their childhood and youth. This will be followed by afternoon tea. The event will be held at the Reading Room, Hillway, Charlton Mackrell TA11 6AN. Tickets £8 can be obtained by emailing charltonspcc@gmail.com or by payment at the door.

Short Mat Bowls Club needs new members

Come and join us on Monday and Friday evenings from 7:00pm.

We are in need of new members to join our club, enjoy a friendly game of bowls in the lovely hall at Hambridge. We play bowls and enjoy a sociable chat and a cup of tea. Just turn up or contact Janet on 07935314230.

Martial Arts Training

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.

Keep Active in Curry Rivel with Age

UK Somerset

Age UK Somerset delivers a fun and lively exercise session called Movement to Music in Curry Rivel. This dynamic, choreographed class is designed for people over 55. Held at Curry Rivel Village Hall, Wednesdays at 10:00am, £5. Instructor, Becky says, “This class is a great way to improve your general fitness, have fun, and meet new people. Expect music, laughter, dance and joy! I look forward to meeting you.”

For more information or to book your place call: 01823 345624, email: ageingwell@ ageuksomerset.org.uk or visit: ageuksomerset. org.uk/ageingwell

Breathe, Stretch and BalanceMindful Movements for Ageing Well

Age UK Somerset is launching a brand-new yoga-themed exercise class in High Ham. Breathe, Stretch and Balance is specially designed for people over 55 and consists of mindful movements for ageing well. Both seated and standing exercises are included. This monthly class takes place on the second Friday of each month at 10:30am at High Ham Village Hall, TA10 9DA. £6 per class. To find out more or sign up, call: 01823 345624 or email: ageingwell@ ageuksomerset.org.uk

Looking For A Local Christian Church?

Low Ham Chapel is a small rural church in the village of Low Ham, near Langport, TA10 9DT (What3Words location: among. songbird.sigh). We are a tiny part of the worldwide Christian family and are certain that the Bible and Christianity are still relevant today. Join us on Sundays: 11:00am & 6:30pm. We are situated off the beaten track, but you will find a genuine welcome. www.lowhamchapel.com

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.

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

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

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.

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

Amazing walk for the memory Cafe

The Somerton memory Café would like to thank Sue and Amber, the lovely ladies from Pawsability, who walked a grueling 64 mile walk in the Cotswolds’ over 27 hours to raise money to help us. An amazing £700 was raised which will ensure the continuation of the group for another year. Sue and Amber came along to our July meeting to present the funds.

If you would like to join our lively group, please come along to meet us. Meetings are held in the West Street Church Hall on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 2 to 4pm.

There is an opportunity to meet other people with memory problems, join in activities such as dominoes and cards, and enjoy a cup of tea and piece of cake. Come along and join us for an afternoon of fun!

If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining us please contact Lead Coordinator Annette Sparks on 01458 258947 or email annettes2853@gmail.com

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!

Flexercise Workshop Opportunity with Age UK Somerset

Bookings are now being taken for our Flexercise Workshops- for people who work with or have an interest in enhancing the lifestyle of the not so young.

Flexercise is a fun, seated exercise session and the workshops provide the necessary information that an individual will require to lead Flexercise sessions so they can help older people in their area stay more mobile, improve mental health and enhance their later years.

The next workshops are in November, in Wells, Somerton and Bridgwater and cost £15. Contact 01823 345624 or visit ageuksomerset.org.uk

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 bluecheeked 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 seabirds – frigates and terns, from the viewpoint high up on Aride’s rocky hilltop.

By Sheila Hamilton

Sally will be giving talks on her new book at the following local libraries, please see her website for details www.somersetmacaw.com:

Glastonbury – 6th September

Wells – 20th September

Street – 4th October

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 Stewart Baldwin at OvenGleamers on 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.

Bone Up on Bone Health

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

Our bones are amazing: they provide structure, allow us to move, protect our brain and vital organs, and store essential minerals.

As we age, our bone density can diminish, causing weak, brittle bones, which can lead to injury. Fortunately, you can preserve and even improve the health of your bones and it’s never too early or too late to start taking care of them.

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.