Mental health benefits of gardening in winter
Getting out into your garden in the depths of winter is great for your mental health so much so some people call it the ‘Natural Health Service’.
January in the garden can be cold and the days are short but regularly getting into your plot for a few minutes can significantly improve your mood and your energy levels, give you a much-needed boost of vitamin D and improve your outlook as you look forward to a productive gardening year.
A natural antidote to winter
When it is freezing cold outside staying inside in the warmth is tempting, but it was the famous rambler Alfred Wainwright who said, ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’. So, get wrapped up and head out into your garden
this winter because studies have shown getting outside in the winter can significantly elevate your mood and reduce stress levels. It is a natural antidote to winter! And what better place to go than your garden.
Get Vitamin D – nature’s way
Amongst other things Vitamin D is thought to help prevent the symptoms of depression in winter and as our bodies cannot store it, we need to get regular amounts. Getting outdoors on a crisp, sunny winter’s day is a good way of getting some natural vitamin D.
Increasing happiness
It is official, getting out into your garden can make you feel happier, it does this by taking us away from the stresses and strains of daily life, helps us forget work or family problems and worries, and it gets us out from under the feet of our loved ones. It also connects us to nature and by doing that makes us more mindful.
Battling Blue Monday
‘Blue Monday’ is the third Monday in January, and it is thought of by some people as the most depressing day of the year. But gardeners know that being outside tidying, pruning, digging or planting makes us feel more positive and lowers the chances of depression.
Physical exercise in your garden is good for mental health
One of the best ways of improving your mental health in winter is outdoor exercise. Why not do some physical work in your garden and it will save you gym fees! There are plenty of jobs you could do. Consider doing some digging, or double digging if you are feeling really motivated. Repair and paint outdoor furniture, structures and fences, or get started on a big landscaping project. This will get your blood flowing and exercise your joints and muscles and in turn will give you a feeling of wellbeing and create a forwarding looking outlook as you imagine how your hard work will reap rewards later in the year.
Amongst other things, the very act of gardening in winter makes you look to the future. Almost every job you do in the garden is to help prepare for the coming months, of spring and summer and this will boost your mental health.
By Rob Bullock
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job. Karen
Anderson
Strained
ligament
healed in just two weeks
“Amazing therapies allowed me to take my walking holiday”
“I grew up in New Zealand and have always been very active”, explains Anna Leonie, 72. “I love walking and climb Glastonbury Tor three or four days a week.
“Recently I booked a group hiking holiday on Dartmoor and was looking forward to being out in that special landscape. Then, annoyingly, I pulled a medial ligament in my right knee – but I really didn’t want to miss the holiday, so I went to see Matthew Jackson.
“At first I had acupuncture and laser treatment once a week, then Matthew suggested increasing to twice weekly to ensure I’d be fit to walk the hills. I looked after it myself as well with heat and ice, rest and self-massage.”
Conventional medical advice says that a medial collateral ligament strain takes six weeks to heal and 6 months for return to fitness, but after just two weeks of laser treatment, Anna was fit to go on her holiday and walked 6-7 miles a day for three days. “It was magic, really amazing. I was so pleased.”
Matthew says, “Laser therapy is proven effective by dozens of academic and medical studies worldwide. The laser light penetrates deep into soft tissues, joints and bones so that tendons, ligaments and muscles repair much faster, with less scarring and reduced pain and inflammation.”
“I’ve known how good Matthew is since he fixed a long term shoulder injury for me years
ago”, adds Anna. “At first I was scared of acupuncture but Matthew puts the needles in quickly so it’s fine – and the laser is painless. I would recommend him any time because he’s a such a good person, very aware, sensitive and in tune with people.”
Exclusive offer
Somerset Health Practice is making a special, exclusive offer to LocalReach readers
– A free Ultrasound scan, worth £130.
*Offer open to the first 5 readers to book shockwave sessions, quoting the offer code ‘JOG THROUGH JANUARY!’
Call 01458 860392 before 31st January.
About Matthew Jackson…
Matthew Jackson of the Somerset Health Practice is well known locally as a trusted osteopath and acupuncturist who is truly dedicated to helping and healing people through modern natural medicine. He is also an expert herbalist and registered practitioner, having trained in London and China with world class professionals.
Matthew is always studying new ways and gaining new qualifications to help his clients, taking a holistic approach. These include Shockwave and Laser therapy for pain, injury and wounds alongside hyperbaric oxygen therapy for longevity, chronic disease healing and enhanced performance. Look online for Somerset Shockwave and Origin Oxygen and read informative e-books.
For more information and to claim the exclusive offer* call 01458 860392
Treatments are private and easy payment plans can be arranged to suit your budget
Follow us ‘Somerset Health Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram, or ‘@glastoosteo’ on Twitter
Matthew Jackson - BSc (Hons) Ost, Dip Ac/CHM (China), Pg Dip CHM (OB/GYN), Pg Cert US (MSK) MRCHM, BMUS
We welcome you to St Johns Glastonbury in 2025
Sunday Services Weekly: 8:00am Holy Communion, 10:00am Sung Eucharist.
Sunday 5th: We Celebrate the “Epiphany” - The coming of the Kings.
Choral Evensong Sunday 12th, 5:00pm.
Tuesdays: 9:00am Morning Prayer - 10:30am Holy Communion.
Events:
Mondays: 10:00am to 12noon Talking Cafe, Community Support Groups, Poetry and lots more. 12noon to 2:00pm Art Therapy.
Thursdays: 1:00pm Free Lunchtime Concert (Donations welcome).
Please see Church Website for full details of all services and events.
WE SEND ALL OUR BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Clergy - The Revd Fr Kieron Rowley & The Revd Pamela Heazell.
Happy New Year
This is our last meeting as “Glastonbury Tor Townswomen’s Guild,” next month February we will have a new name so look out for that in the Feb issue.
The January meeting is on 9th January at 2:30pm in Glastonbury Town Hall. We will be talking about the past years and the future of our friendly group of women who enjoy meeting for talks and other activities, like visits to local theatres , exhibitions, meals out, garden visits, book group and short walks.
Interested? Just come along or ring or text 07763672574.
Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch Meeting 13th
January
RAFA-MSB will meet on Monday 13th January at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS. A presentation by Graham Mackinlay on his RAF Service and discussion about the Branch’s
programme for 2025 plus Lunch & Drinks from the Club Menu & Bar.
RAFA-MSB covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA6, 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 rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057.
Street Repair Café, Saturday 25th
January 10:00am - 12:00 noon
Help save items from landfill during 2025 by bringing your things for fixing by our dedicated team of repairers. We can mend electrical appliances, bicycles, toys, furniture, jewellery, textiles and much more. In return for a donation, we will do our best to give your items a new lease of life. Enjoy a lovely cup of coffee and cake in our café. 4th Saturday in the month at the Quaker Meeting House, 36 High Street, BA16 0EB. Also a collecting point for DonateIT.
Contact streetrepaircafe@gmail.com or see more details on Facebook
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Prices start from as little as £35+vat per month
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Happy New Year
Everyone at Glastonbury Country Market would like to wish you all a Happy New Year 2025, and thank you for all your support over the past year.
We are closed for all of January 2025, due to work on the Town Hall, but will be open again on Tuesday 4th February at 9:30am where we look forward to welcoming you all again. Don’t forget to put the date in your diaries.
Facebook: Glastonbury Country Market
Street Carers Support Group
Street Carers Group is a free, informal gathering for people who look after a friend or family member in an unpaid capacity. We socialise, share ideas and experiences.
Professional speakers and service providers visit to offer support and information.
Find us in The Crispin Centre on the second Monday of the month from 10:30am
Call Mac 07490060355 before attending the groups for the first time in case of schedule changes.
Somerset Carers Service Advice Line: 0800 3168600
Email: carers@somersetrcc.org.uk
Gentle/Seated Pilates Class
A relaxed, friendly and social gentle exercise class for those who are getting back to exercise, recovering from injury/surgery or with underlying health conditions. A 45 minute class with seated or supported exercises to help with strength, stability, balance, co-ordination, flexibility and mobility. All exercises adaped to all ages and bodies. Open to men and women of all ages.
11:45am - 12:30pm, Mondays at Barton St David Village Hall. £6 per session, payable in advance as a block of 5-7 weeks.
Contact Lena for more info: lenadeedance@gmail.com www.lenadeedance.com
Warm Space Glastonbury - Free to all
Come and meet us at St Ben’s. We have a warm space and will be offering activities, refreshments, wi-fi, phone charging all FREE.
Monday 12:30pm - 3:00pm, Wednesday noon - 2:00pm, Thursday noon - 2:00pm.
With your support, we will open for longer - See you soon!
Mah-Jong: A beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity
The Shipham Inn (SomersetBS25 1TW) would like to welcome new members to join their regular Mah-Jong Group.
Whether you’re a novice, experienced Mah-Jong player or someone who would like to learn to play a warm welcome awaits.
My hope is that we can make these enjoyable, social evenings playing a game that originated in the Far East.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month: 7:30 pm start. Free.
Contact: mark.trenchard53@gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580
Glastonbury Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
We are a group of Veterans & Serving Members of His Majesties Armed Forces from Glastonbury, Wells, Street and surrounding areas, who get together at 08:30 on Wednesday mornings to enjoy a Breakfast with like-minded people at “Mamf’s” Cafe in Glastonbury.
For further details of when and where we meet e-mail: GlastonburyAFVBC@gmail.com or telephone: 07929 087260.
An Ode for Sight
Kirsty Thomas ConsultantOptometrist
In celebration of Robert Burns’ life for Burns Night on 25th January and as a tribute to our Scottish optometrist Kirsty, please find alongside a Burns themed poem, optician’s style:
On Burns Night, we gather, the fire aglow, With whisky and haggis, our spirits in tow. Yet amidst all the toasts, there’s a special delight, In the clarity given by spectacles’ sight.
Through lenses we peer, as the poet’s words fly, Each verse more vivid beneath the dark sky. A sharper vision, both near and far, To see the deep truths like a guiding star.
Kirsty the optometrist, with knowledge so bright, Adjusts every prescription, brings the world into light. With care in her hands and a skillful eye, She sharpens our focus, as time passes by.
Like Burns, who looked past the world’s simple mask, Our spectacles guide us to truths we ask. For through every toast and every bright cheer, The clarity of vision makes the night clear.
Through each lens we adjust, your sight refined, Much like the poet who sharpened his mind. So here’s to the words, and to seeing them right, On this Burns Night, with Eyetech in sight!
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
Street Senior Citizens
We meet every Thursday 2:00pm at the Unity Club, Street. Activities bingo, tea and biscuit, and meeting and making old and new friends. Days out each month from May until November. Annual subscription is £5.00 and weekly subs is £1.50 plus bingo and raffle. For more information ring Derek on 07833625740
Knit & Knatter Club
Just simply knatter, knit, crochet, sew or any craft you wish to do. Make for charity, yourself or other
Calling all clubs, groups, associations, schools & churches in Glastonbury & Street/BA6, BA16!
LocalReach Community Magazines are delivered by ROYAL MAIL to 13,672 homes & businesses to ALL of Glastonbury & Street/BA6, BA16 postcode area. We help over 700 small local clubs, groups, associations, schools and churches with FREE OF CHARGE advertising.
Please send us all your news, events and information. We can give you 100 words FREE OF CHARGE each month, plus you can upload a photo. Just fill in the form on the Community Notices page of our web site www.localreach.co.uk/community-notices
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“whatever”. Enjoy a cuppa & biccy for £1, proceeds towards heating costs etc.
Thursdays 2:00pm - 4:00pm at Methodist Church Hall, Leigh Road, Street. More information call: Sally 01458 441870 or 07423108863. Friendly & welcoming group see you there.
‘Companionship through socialising and sharing experiences with likeminded people’
Street Branch Royal Naval Association covers all areas of Somerset and meets monthly in the Wessex Hotel, 15 High St. Street, Somerset BA16 0EF. Current and ex RN, RM, WRNS, RFA, Reserves and Commonwealth personnel are welcome. Associate membership is also available to relatives of current and former serving personnel, Sea/Marine Cadet staff and civilians. Monthly meetings include a raffle and end with the option of staying for lunch at the hotel.
Contact Chairman Mike Jayes, Tel: 07805 516946 Email: streetrnachair@gmail.com for details of the next meeting.
Somerset Sight Fraud Protection Talk
Somerset Sight recently arranged a talk by Fraud Protection Officer from Avon and Somerset Police to help people to avoid scams. 30 people, all with sight impairment, attended.
Scammers are very clever and wish to panic people into action which they would not normally consider. They use our vulnerabilities, such as your child being in distress to extract money.
For example, “Hi mum it is Susie this is my new number, I have lost my phone, and this is my new number. I need some money to pay the garage who fixed my car, as I have lost my card and need to pay for my car bill. Please could you pay into my friend Louise’s account as I’ve lost my card as well.”
Stop and think – would your son or daughter normally contact you like this? If unlikely this could be a scam. Take time to consider, at least five minutes. Do not act on impulse. Discuss with two other people before before taking any action. Call your child’s number to check.
“This is very helpful advice; I now feel better equipped should I receive such a text or email”
Somerset Sight will arrange further talks in the New Year, at the many social groups across the county
Trash to Treasure
Could junk journaling be for you?
Unlike ordinary journaling, which often focuses on writing about daily life or personal reflections, junk journaling is a visually driven, creative activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of writing ability.
At its core, junk journaling involves repurposing and assembling various materials - think ticket stubs, magazine clippings, scraps of fabric, or pressed flowers - into a journal format. The result is a quirky, possibly beautiful, and personal
collection of memories, ideas, and inspirations, created through art rather than words.
For non-writers, this approach is liberating. There’s no pressure to articulate thoughts perfectly or maintain a consistent narrative. Instead, junk journaling celebrates imperfection and creativity. You can express emotions through colours, textures, and imagery, letting the materials guide your story.
The tactile nature of junk journaling also makes it more engaging than traditional journaling. Cutting, gluing, and arranging materials becomes a meditative process that can reduce stress. Each page becomes a work of art, a reflection of your unique style and mood.
What’s more, junk journaling is accessible and eco-friendly. You can start with items already at home - greeting cards, wrapping paper, or even product packaging - turning “junk” into something meaningful.
For those intimidated by the blank page, junk journaling offers a fun, forgiving, and endlessly creative alternative. It’s not about perfect prose; it’s about personal expression - and that’s something anyone can do in 2025.
By Sarah Davey
Local Agent Celebrates TRIPLE Win as Part of National AwardWinning Team for the THIRD year running
A local estate agent is celebrating after being recognised as being part of the best sales and lettings agency in the country. EweMove Sales & Lettings celebrates becoming the first-ever estate agency to win the ‘triple crown’ at the UK’s biggest agency event for the third year running.
Anne Flintham who runs EweMove in the North Somerset area was delighted to be part of the team which were presented with the awards for Best National Sales, Best National Lettings and Best National Sales & Lettings Agent at the recent EA Masters event in London. EweMove triumphed ahead of thousands of competitors to win the accolade and Anne explained why.
Anne said: “Winning these awards shows the level of customer care we provide our clients whether it’s sales, lettings or both! We were independently judged on our property marketing, customer service and results during a data analysis project and a large-scale mystery shopping exercise of all other estate agents across the country.”
The EA Masters awards looked at 13,080 estate agency offices across the country in a thorough review taking into account data from specialist data from TwentyEA and mystery shopping exercises.
Agents are rigorously assessed based on listing volume, throughputs, sales rates, completions and more. The top 20% of performers are then put through practical assessment with mystery shoppers at every stage of the sales and lettings process. Throughout, agencies are scored and reviewed based on their response times, response quality and overall delivery of service. EweMove excelled in all areas and will again feature in the Best Estate Agency Guide 2025.
Commenting on the property market, Anne said: “The local property market is active with demand from buyers and sellers who have a genuine need to move, we expect this positivity to carry on into and throughout 2025. The sales market has returned to a more normal level, however, the rental market is very buoyant with lots of tenants looking for properties in the area.”
To find out now what your house is worth, get your FREE online valuation report by visiting our website www.ewemove.com/MidsomerNorton or scan the QR code below.
Alternatively email me on anne.flintham@ewemove.com or we can be contacted 24/7 on 01761 252389
Hearing Loss: It’s Time to Listen
By Simon Swindells, Audiologist and Owner at South West Hearing Care
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects 1 in 5 people in the UK. While it can be a frustrating and sometimes isolating experience, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are effective solutions available to help you regain your hearing and improve your quality of life.
Recognising the Signs
Hearing loss can manifest in a variety of ways. Some common signs include:
• Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
• Turning up the volume on your TV or radio
• Regularly asking people to repeat themselves
• Beginning to feel isolated and withdrawing from social activities
If you recognise any of the above signs, it’s important to consult with a qualified Audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation.
Breaking Down Barriers
Many people with hearing loss may hesitate to seek help due to concerns about stigma or embarrassment towards hearing aids. It’s important to remember that hearing loss is a natural part of aging and is nothing to be ashamed of. By seeking professional help, you’re taking a
proactive step towards improving your hearing and overall well-being. I often tell my clients that they are more noticeable with a hearing loss, than they are wearing hearing aids.
The
Benefits of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are a valuable tool for people with hearing loss. Modern hearing aids are smaller, more discreet, and more technologically advanced than ever before offering a range of features designed to enhance your listening experience and improve your quality of life.
The best hearing aid for you will depend on your individual needs and lifestyle. An Audiologist can help you select the right hearing aid based on factors such as your degree of hearing loss, your listening environment, and your personal preferences.
Taking the First Step
If you’re concerned about your hearing, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist today. With the right support and technology, you can regain your confidence and live life to the fullest.
Street: 01458 555533 | Westbury: 01373 823076 www.swhearingcare.co.uk
South West Hearing Care are your local, South are independent hearing care specialists. hearing care specialists. With over 20 years audiology experience, With over 20 years audiology experience, you can rest assured that your hearing is you rest is in good hands. hands.
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.
local company offering competitively priced and professional solutions to all our customers.
Wetroom and walk-in shower specialists
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10 choices of wall panel
Wide range of floor coverings
Dream Big
Make quality sleep your top New Year’s resolution
If there’s one resolution that can transform your life in 2025, it’s getting more good-quality sleep. Sleep is at the foundation of health and well-being, influencing everything from physical vitality to mental clarity and emotional resilience. Good-quality sleep is essential for the body to repair itself, regulate hormones, and support immune function. It sharpens focus, improves memory, and helps manage stress. Chronic sleep deprivation, on the other hand, is linked to weight gain, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Simply put, better sleep will help you achieve all your other goals.
Here are some simple steps to help you sleep better in 2025:
Create a Sleep Schedule - Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consistency reinforces your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Optimize Your Sleep Environment - Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in comfortable bedding and minimize distractions, like bright clocks or noisy devices.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed - Blue light from phones and tablets can disrupt melatonin production. Aim to unplug at least an hour before bedtime and switch to ‘night mode’ if you absolutely have to check in.
Establish a Relaxing Routine - Incorporate calming activities like reading, meditation, or a warm bath to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
Prioritizing quality sleep is a powerful, lifeenhancing resolution. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as better rest leads to a better you in 2025.
By Louise Addison
Services
Bove Moor Road, Street, BA16 0DG wellwashedltd.co.uk wellwashedltd@gmail.com
Simply Oven Cleaning
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“Fantastic responsive service. It’s the 2nd time I have used Central Roofing…Went above and beyond and assisted me in issues around insurance. I would recommend this company to anyone with roofing issues.”
Cat Lady
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