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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
The fence that repairs itself
If you scratch or cut Colourfence, the ingenious zinc element in the Zincalume steel reacts with moisture to form a protective barrier to prevent any corrosion with no action needed from you.
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Colourfence are transforming gardens across Somerset!
It may do “exactly what it says on the tin” but let’s face it, treating a timber fence can never be called fun! In fact, owning a timber fence isn’t much fun either with costly, time consuming maintenance and repairs almost every year.
Finally, the alternative to timber fencing…our fence goes up and stays up, resisting wind gusts of up to 130mph!
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The best news is the pricing is just as attractive, starting costs are in line with comparable traditional systems but offer the ongoing peace of mind that your investment will continue to save time and money year after year.
For those of us who want a low maintenance garden, Colourfence promises a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment.
Watermark Bathrooms and Adaptions, the bathroom fitting experts who have been transforming homes for over a decade
What sets Watermark Bathrooms apart is our unparalleled ability to adapt and customise bathrooms to meet the specific needs of individuals facing challenges in bathing. Our team of highly skilled professionals not only possesses exceptional craftsmanship but also a deep understanding of the diverse needs of their clients. We are also dedicated to making bathrooms accessible and comfortable for individuals with difficulties in bathing, ensuring a safe and relaxing bathing experience.
One of the remarkable aspects of Watermark Bathrooms and is our adaptability, no matter the size or layout of the bathroom, we have a unique talent for maximising space and designing functional layouts. Our attention to detail is truly commendable, ensuring that every inch of the bathroom is utilized efficiently. From installing grab bars and non-slip flooring to designing easy-access showers and walk-in baths, we tailor each project to perfection, providing a safe and stylish bathing solution for everyone.
Furthermore, the professionalism and reliability of Watermark Bathrooms is unparalleled. Our team of experts not only complete projects on time but also communicate effectively throughout the process, ensuring that customers are informed and involved at every step. The quality of our workmanship is evident in the final result – a beautifully designed, accessible bathroom that exceeds expectations.
In a world where customer service often falls short, Watermark Bathrooms and Adaptions stands as a shining example of excellence. Our ability to transform ordinary bathrooms into safe havens of comfort is truly remarkable. If you are looking for a bathroom fitting company that genuinely cares about your needs and delivers outstanding results, look no further than us, you can expect nothing but the best – a bathroom tailored to your needs, designed with expertise, and crafted with care.
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Birds of a feather stitch together
ACEarts, Somerton is delighted to exhibit “Hanging by a Thread”, featuring the works of textile artists Angela Knapp and Kara Chambers. On now to September 28th. The theme of this exhibition centres around the challenges that nature faces. Angela’s artwork focuses specifically on birds, which were once common but now facing drastic decline. Kara, on the other hand, finds the process of hand-sewing meditative, slowing down and deepening her understanding and appreciation of nature.
“Hanging by a Thread” is an exhibition that will leave a lasting impression.
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.
Somerton Group of Artists Annual Exhibition and Sale of Works
All are welcome on..
Tuesday 3rd - Friday 6th September (10:00am - 4:00pm), Saturday 7th (10:00am - 3:00pm) at The Parish Rooms, Somerton TA117LZ.
Free admission. Come and browse a wide range of paintings, Textile art, 3d, and cards, all by local artists.
Also: Wednesday 11th September, 7:30pm.
For our next meeting, Owen Williams will be giving us a talk and demonstration on “Painting in the Negative Space”.
Owen is an Artist and Illustrator. He gets his inspiration from the Devon countryside, from the fields and hedgerows and the stunning coastal walks.
Love to sing Carols and Festive music?
Mid Wessex Singers start weekly rehearsals for our Festive Concert (date for your calendar is the evening of Weds 18th December) at West Street Church Hall, Somerton on Tuesday 3rd September 7:00pm for a prompt start at 7:15pm. We’re a friendly non-auditioned adult choir who have just celebrated 25 years in the local community, rehearsal tracks are provided so reading the dots is not essential, just come and see if you fit in. www.midwessexsingers.co.uk or contact our Secretary, Sheena, on 07768 704883
High Ham Flower and Produce Show, 8th September
Our annual show is held this year on Sunday 8th September at the village hall, High Ham. Pick up an entry form locally or online, there’s something for everyone. Come and see all the entries from 11:00am. Free entry. Refreshments available.
Visit our website or Facebook page for more information. highhamvillagehall.wordpress.com
This month the new season begins at Sedgemoor Gardens Club!
We’d like to welcome members and visitors to a fascinating talk about Plants and Trees of the Somerset Levels by Peter and Sylvia Goodenough on Tuesday 10th September, followed by our AGM. We meet in All Saints Hall in Langport from 7:00pm onwards to chat and take part in monthly competitions. Visitors - £3 entrance fee and annual membership is £15 or £25 per couple. Refreshments available. Members’ discounts and seed swaps, plant sales. Contact our secretary on 01458 259025 or just turn up for the evening talk. www.sedgemoorgardensclub.co.uk
Tips on baking and gardening
The next meeting of Somerton Gardeners Club will be held on 11th September in St Cleers Chapel at 7:30pm. The talk will be given by Carole Edwards on “Baking and Gardening tips”. Non members are very welcome so come and join us for an interesting evening. Further details are available on our website www.somertongc. com/programme-2024.html or contact Annette Sparks 01458 258947.
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
2024 Somerton Beekeepers Honey Show And Artisan Market - Free Entry
Join us Saturday 21st September at Keinton Mandeville Village Hall TA11 6ES between 12midday and 5:00pm. The best honey show in the west. View the many beekeeping classes of honey and wax on display. The Allcomers classes for preserves and crafts, free entry for everyone. Entry forms available to download on www. somersetbeekeepers.org.uk/honey-shows.html Visit the Bee tent and see Queen bee in the observation hive. Taste the local honey and be amazed at the different flavours.
The outside Artisan Market selling local produce. Join in the fight against the Asian Hornet.
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 14
Farm Open Afternoon in aid of Cancer Research UK
We at School Farm, Muchelney TA10 0DN are holding an open afternoon in aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday 22nd September, 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Come and see our pigs, poultry, sheep etc. vintage vehicles & stationary engines, willow weaving demo, Kingsbury Band in attendance, cream teas available. Adult entry £5 (goes to Cancer Research UK as does money from cream teas). Children under 12 free entry. For any further information contact Graham or Helen Walker Tel: 01458 251127 or visit www.schoolfarmmuchelney.co.uk
Humbly Grateful or Grumbly HatefulWhat’s Our Attitude?
Harvest: a time of plenty. It’s so easy to grumble when things go wrong, but let’s remember to be thankful for the good things. Come to a Harvest Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 22nd September to thank God for the things we enjoy each day: safe drinking water, clean air, indoor plumbing, home, family, friends, food.
Harvest Supper: Friday 20th, if you’d like to come ring Jeff: 07779439585
‘Every good and perfect gift is from above’ James 1:17 (Bible)
Low Ham Chapel, near Langport, TA10 9DT. Sundays 11:00am & 6:30pm. www.lowhamchapel.com
It will soon be carnival time again!
Can you remember how the Somerset carnivals used to look? The speaker at the next meeting of the Somerset History Society on 26th September @ 7:30pm in the Parish Rooms in Somerton will be John Dando, who will be telling us all about the carnivals and showing film clips from the earliest carnivals right through to the carnivals we see today. Members come for free, but guests are very welcome @ £4 per person.
Talk on The Diken Medal for Animals
The next u3a coffee morning with invited speaker is on the 27th September in the Edgar Hall at 10:00am. The talk will be about the Diken Medal for Animals which will be given by Ashley Jones. Non members are welcome to come and join us for a coffee and to hear this interesting speaker. For further information please contact Annette Sparks 01458 258947
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
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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.
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.
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.
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
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
LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES
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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
Somer Singers on the road again!
Somerton and Langport’s very own 12-piece vocal harmony group, Somer Singers, are again supporting the local arts and worthy causes, with local performances in the area.
Covering a range of songs from pop classics to mighty ballads, with a smattering of show tunes and traditional songs thrown in, the group will be singing at;
Arts Centre Ilminster, 27th September, 19.30 (tickets available from the arts centre, phone 01460 54973) and;
Seed Factory, Aller, 26th October, 19.30.
The Singers will love to see you there!
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
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
Devon
Freewheelers
(DFW) Supporting Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA)
Since 2016, DFW Dorchesterbased Team of 10 Volunteer Drivers has ensured the DSAA always has blood onboard.
We exchange blood every 48hrs, and resupply whenever it’s used, day or night.
We undertake approximately 190 scheduled, and 45 unscheduled deliveries (when blood has been used) a year to Henstridge Airfield. Approximately 12,000 miles driven.
This is a 24/7/365 commitment, provided at no cost to the DSAA. We rely solely upon donations.
If you would like to donate, please visit Devonfreewheelers.org.uk and use the ‘Donate Now’ button.
Thank you from the Dorchester Team.
Walking Sticks and Accessories
Rise & Recline Chairs
Mobility Scooters • Daily Living Aids
Experts in all things mobility 01278 787632 info@apexmobility.co.uk www.apexmobility.co.uk
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MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN STORAGE for 6 or 12 months. Undercover or Outside Storage. Also Car and Trailer Storage on request. 01458 274213 or 07973 883464
Simply Oven Cleaning
• Eco-friendly professional deep cleaning
• Fully insured and guaranteed
• We will clean your Oven, AGA, Microwave or BBQ
• Replace broken bulbs
• Repairs undertaken
For a reasonable quote: 01458 555531 www.simplyovencleaning.co.uk
is delivered every month by ROYAL Mail to 131,883 homes & businesses. Email hello@localreach.co.uk or call us on 01458 555503
family run, Somerset based community magazine publishers since 2010.
Martin Dransfield HANDYMAN SERVICES
Local, friendly and reliable for all those time-consuming jobs in the home and garden: Painting and decorating | Woodwork Household repairs | Gardening etc 07811 415834 / 01458 250527
insured • Current DBS
“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
