Based in the picturesque village of Cheddar. We are a husband-and-wife team and have gained our knowledge and experience working over 40 years between us in the bathroom retail, design and manufacturing industry.
Whatever the size of your space or your budget, we are here to help with anything from product advice to a full bathroom re-design. Everything in our extensive product range is also available to buy separately.
From product advice to a full bathroom re-design, we are delighted to help you with your bathroom plans.
Whatever the size of your space or your budget, we’re here to help. Visit our Showroom today!
Community Notices are back!
Due to popular demand we are bringing back Community Notices to LocalReach as of the April issues. So if you are a local; club, group, school, church, association etc and want to advertise your event or just make people aware of what you do, we want to hear from you. We will place this free of charge for you. Simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the form on the Community page or email editor@localreach.co.uk. We want to help as much of the community as possible, especially the groups that have very little income and no budget for advertising.
Are you looking for more business?
Advertising in LocalReach is a fantastic way to reach all your existing, and potentially new customers. LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in your postcode area every month. It is packed with community notices, interesting articles and local businesses. A massive 98% of our advertisers rebook every month so we must be doing something right!
So, if you are looking for more business then contact us now. To advertise just go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the contact form or email hello@localreach.co.uk
Community Notices are free of charge
editor@localreach.co.uk or www.localreach.co.uk
Deadline is 1st March for the April issues
Business advertising from only £18+vat pm hello@localreach.co.uk or www.localreach.co.uk
Deadline is 1st March for the April 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.
Garden View
This month – Delightful dahlias
tubers right about now. Look for strong, healthy tubers and check the labels carefully to make sure they are suitable for your climate and soil type. They should be planted after the last frost, in a well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. By well-drained I mean soil which allows water to percolate through it reasonably quickly and not pool. If your soil is too heavy, or alternatively too free draining (so nutrients wash away), the best remedy is to dig in lots of organic matter such as compost, well-rotted farm manure, or shredded leaves This will condition the soil so it maintains the right amounts of water and air for better plant growth and increased biological activity
I’m a fairly recent convert to the delights of the Dahlia. When I first began gardening seriously, I considered them a bit vulgar and blousy…not to mention needy. Then I saw a fantastic display in my friend’s garden and in a Damascene moment I suddenly saw the light, and I’ve been growing them ever since. With just a little know-how, they are actually easy to grow and care for.
When choosing Dahlias consider the size and type of flower head you want, as well as the height of the plant. Dwarf varieties are great for patio pots, but there are also varieties tall enough be used as a centrepiece in a border. They are planted as
Toad Patrols in Operation Now
Please drive carefully through Winscombe Hill, Priddy & Webbington. On warm damp evenings during Feb & March toads migrate to their breeding ponds, crossing roads to get there, hundreds get killed by traffic. These ancient routes are very specific. Volunteers will be wearing high viz and carrying buckets and torches, assisting the toads on the roads.
The UK toad population is estimated to have suffered a 68% decline since 1990. Volunteers all over the country are trying to reduce the loss of life by patrolling the areas where toad migration routes intersect busy roads. They are supported by The Wildlife Trusts, Councils, the charity Froglife and locally, The Reptile and Amphibian Group for Somerset (RAGS).
To volunteer email:
Winscombe: joytrus@hotmail.co.uk
Priddy: jdickson61@aol.com
Webbington: bindycardy@yahoo.com
Dig a hole about 10-15cm deep and position the tuber, with the eye (the little dip) facing upward, then cover with soil. Water well and mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Dahlias are quite thirsty plants so require regular watering, especially during dry spells, and they should be fed every two weeks with a highpotash fertilizer. Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Stake tall varieties to prevent them from falling over in windy weather. This sounds needy but they will repay this attention handsomely with their glorious blooms. Deadhead by removing the faded blooms regularly to encourage even more flowers. Cut the stem back to just above the next pair of leaves.
Unfortunately, Dahlias are not frost-hardy, so it’s important to lift the tubers in the fall before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place. Leave the stems and foliage to die back, then carefully lift the tubers, brushing off any soil, and let them dry out for a few days. Store them in a frost-free place, such as a shed or garage, until the spring when you can plant them out again.
My absolute favourite is Dahlia ‘Chimborazo’ which is a pretty collarette dahlia, bearing deep crimson-red outer petals around an inner collar of pale yellow. It is about a metre tall so will need to be staked and is suited to growing in a mixed, herbaceous border. It also makes an excellent cut flower.
If you are after a dwarf plant try ‘Figaro’ which is a dwarf “landscape” dahlia with semi-double flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. It works well as bedding and in containers, and blooms from planting time until the first frosts.
Happy gardening,
By Rachael LevertonTop 10 Kitchen Buying Secrets Exposed!
Weston based kitchen supplier, Better Kitchens, shares some great insights into the potential pitfalls when buying a kitchen…
1. Interest free finance isn’t free - You may find prices from outlets that offer “interest free” are much higher than a “cash” price elsewhere. Because interest free finance is not free to the retailer, they will often inflate their prices to cover their costs for including the finance.
2. Why are some sales staff so pushy? - Most Sales staff work on commission, so they’re incentivised to sell you the most profitable lines, not the best option for you. Items that you don’t need can also be included. The higher your price, the larger their commission fee!
3. Trade prices are not always the cheapest - Always look at the bottom line price. Retailers who advertise themselves as “Trade Suppliers” like to give the impression that “Trade Prices” mean cheap prices. This may have been the case in the past, but now large Trade sheds use this “common knowledge” to their advantage and have raised their prices hoping you won’t realise.
4. Kitchen fitting shouldn’t cost as much as your kitchen - Bundled prices for fitting through a retailer can be inflated to include a margin for the supplier. The price could also include VAT, whereas a private installer may not be VAT registered, saving you 20% on the fitting.
5. You don’t have to sign up on the day!High pressure sales tactics include things like making you put a deposit down on the day of visiting the showroom. If you do this, you’re locked in to that supplier, stopping you from shopping around to find a better price.
6. Trade supplier prices are not always what they seem - Your local trade supplier’s prices are determined by the tradesman who’s buying the kitchen. The price they share with you may not always be the price they get charged by the supplier!
7. Why can’t some appliances be price matched? - Larger retailers will often negotiate specific models of appliances with their suppliers. These are often the exact same model as the ones available elsewhere, just with minor or inconsequential differences. But because they’re an exclusive model, they can no longer be price matched!
8. Half price sales are a myth - If you see a 50% reduction on a kitchen, ask yourself whether you think anyone has ever paid “full” price. Don’t assume that a “50% reduction” can’t be beaten elsewhere, they often can! Don’t be taken in.
9. Some suppliers use tricks to make shopping around difficult - If you buy into the wrong supplier’s kitchens, you can run the risk of locking yourself into their ecosystem, often for the life of the kitchen. Common tricks include using non-industry standard sizes, forcing you to buy their matching components. This can mean re-facing doors or worktops later in your kitchen’s life forces you to return to that same supplier again.
10. Organising the purchase and installation of your own kitchen can save you a small fortune - Buying online has never been easier. By measuring up yourself, then selecting and buying your own kitchen units, you can save yourself much of the additional costs associated with a full kitchen purchase like commission for sales staff, time for measure-ups and design. Even if you source your own fitter rather than doing it yourself, thousands can be saved!
A company like Better Kitchens can help you bring together all aspects of buying your own kitchenmeasuring, designing, planning and buying. Feel free to ask us for help at every step.
If you’re looking at a new kitchen, give Better Kitchens in Weston-s-Mare a look. We’re the largest independent online kitchen supplier in the South West. Go to betterkitchens.co.uk/get-a-quote today, or visit our 28 display showroom in Weston to find out how much you could save on your existing kitchen quote from any other supplier!
The Bank of Mum and Dad
If I asked you to name the top 10 banks in the UK, could you name them all, sure we’d all name HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds but would The Bank of Mum and Dad be in your top 10?
According to a recent survey 84% of parents help their children with deposits which contributes to 26% of funds to the UK housing market, this makes the bank of Mum and Dad the 9th largest bank in the UK.
One-way parents do this is by releasing equity in their own property, this can be done by a traditional mortgage, increasing the loan amount, or depending on the circumstances there are more specialist lenders who have Retirement interest only mortgages (RIO’s). This is where the mortgage balance doesn’t decrease and only the interest is repaid each month, they are aimed at customers aged 50 and over regardless of whether they are retired or still working. RIOs are similar to a standard interest only mortgage, the main difference being that there is no termthe mortgage will run indefinitely and only repaid on the customer(s) entering long term care or death. RIO mortgages can be repaid early in the same way mainstream mortgages are and there are also fixed rates available. The main benefit of them is the way affordability is assessed using assets, private and state pensions and employed/self-employed incomes.
So why use us? Ultimately, it’s our job to find the right mortgage for your needs. We do this by assessing your requirements and then making a recommendation that puts your needs first.
With access to a vast array of lenders and the ability to tap into exclusive deals that are not available on the high street we aim to make sure you never pay a lender more than you need to. Life is busy, we know that, so we will apply to the lender on your behalf and manage the whole mortgage process, leaving you free to continue with other important tasks.
Call us on 01275 244360 so that we can arrange a no obligation discussion.
First Class Retirement Living At Sandford Station
Nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Sandford Station is a rural retirement village set in twelve acres of beautiful North Somerset countryside.
With the former Sandford and Banwell railway station as its focal point, the beautifully landscaped site has a range of purpose-built one, two and three bedroom apartments.
Sandford Station
ST MONICA TRUST
Enjoy a full and active retirement at Sandford Station in North Somerset
Each self-contained apartment has been created to blend practicality with ease of living. Wide doorways open onto generous hallways to allow easy access to the light and airy interiors. Clever floorplans include design features that make the best use of space, such as the twin doors of a Jack and Jill bathroom to create en-suite facilities. Storage has not been overlooked with built-in wardrobes and closet space throughout.
With properties from £190,000 find out more about village life by calling 0117 919 4250, or visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk for details of available properties.
Step outside your apartment and become part of a friendly and welcoming community where you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social circles and explore new interests and hobbies. Sandford Station really does offer the best of both worlds – on-site amenities and activities so you can enjoy a full and active retirement; yet peaceful enough for those days when you just want to sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of the birds singing in the nearby apple orchards.
Sandford Station is owned and operated by the St Monica Trust, a Bristol-based charity providing accommodation, care and support for older people in Bristol and the surrounding counties. Across all of the Trust’s retirement villages and care homes, our commitment to providing older people with the best experience of ageing is as important today as it was for our founders over a century ago.
To find out how you could enjoy a first class retirement at Sandford Station book your place on a guided tour now by calling 0117 919 4250. You can also visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk for more information, to watch an aerial tour and see details of available apartments.
Sandford Station
Enjoy a full and active retirement at Sandford Station in North Somerset
With properties from £190,000 find out more about village life by calling 0117 919 4250, or visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk for details of available properties.
202151
LEASEHOLD, RENTAL AND SHARED OWNERSHIP OPTIONS
Community fee and reinstatement fee apply
St Patrick’s Night Party
There will be a St Patrick’s Night Party at Sandford Village Hall on Friday 17th March at 7.30 with a chance to try some Ceildih Style Dancing. Tickets £10 with Supper. Contact Pat 07814 242654
Axbridge & District Museum opens 1st April
Axbridge & District Museum, in National Trust-owned King John’s Hunting Lodge, in Axbridge Square, displays a fascinating collection of artefacts illustrating the area’s rich history from preRoman times to World War Two. It opens Saturday, April 1st, with an official opening at 10am. We would love to see you there.
The museum will be open until the end of October, Wednesday-Sunday, 1-4pm, and from 11am-4pm on the first Saturday of each month, to coincide with the farmers’ market in the Square.
For further information, please visit www.kingjohnshuntinglodge.co.uk or on Twitter: KingJohnHuntingLodge@AxbridgeMuseum
April Fools Quiz
Axbridge District Rotary are holding an April Fools Quiz on surprisingly April Fools Day. Saturday 1st April. Axbridge Town Hall 7pm for 7.30pm start. £8.00 per person to include a ploughman’s lunch. Teams max 6 people. Bring your own drinks. Coffee & cake available.
Call or message Paul 07973 784635 or Lesley 07828 153390
Wedmore Friends of Weston Hospicecare
Fashion show by Kukkina Boutique of Cheddar on Saturday 1st April 2023 at 2.30pm. Venue: Isle of Wedmore Bowls Club. In aid of Weston Hospicecare. Tickets £10 each to include cream tea. Tickets non-refundable. Why not come and join us and support the excellent work of Weston Hospicecare
Tickets are available from: Trish Newell 01934 713117, Liz Burton 01934 221288, Shirley Wederell 01934 712089, Dave Nicholls 01934 713483, Wedmore Paper Shop 01934 712545. We look forward to seeing you.
Wedmore
Our Local Indoor Bowling Club continues to Grow!
We were very pleased to see returning members from the start of the New Year. Our “User Friendly” mixed ability indoor bowling club meets at the Draycott Memorial Hall, (on the main A371 with free parking), every Wednesday between 2pm & 4pm. We welcome new members and will supply all necessary equipment and instruction at no charge for the initial 3 sessions. Just bring your own flat soled shoes and enthusiasm! We have a mid-point refreshment/social-chat break. Please arrive after 1.30pm or contact Bob Abbott on 01934 742237.
Parish Council invites nominations for Community Service Awards
Cheddar Parish Council is inviting residents of the parish to nominate individuals or groups for Community Service Awards. These are given annually to people who have contributed significantly to the community, whether for work done over the past year or commitment over many years. Derek Bradley-Balmer, Chairman of the Parish Council said “this is a great opportunity to celebrate those unsung heroes whether individuals or groups who go that extra mile in supporting the community, if you know someone deserving the parish council would love to hear from you.”
Details, including the nomination form can be found on the parish council website: cheddarparishcouncil.org or by contacting the clerk; clerk@cheddarparishcouncil.org
01934 743217.
Closing date for nominations is Wednesday 22nd March 2023.
FF
Folly Framing
Bespoke framing for paintings, photos, fabrics, memorabilia and everything in between
6 The Terrace, Folly Lane, Shipham. BS25 1TE info@follyframing.co.uk
www.follyframing.co.uk
07963 192 411
Sewing classes in Cheddar
Bring out your sewing machine and dust it off because at Pretty Sitting we are running new sewing classes. Simple sewing projects for the home is a programme of classes throughout the spring/summer months designed to give everyone confidence to make soft furnishings using their own sewing machines. Scatter cushions, bench seats, roman blinds and more…but starting us off is a class designed to simply get to know your sewing machine. All our tutors are experienced professionals and our class sizes small. It is a fun way to get making lovely pieces for your own home and suitable for the complete beginner. All our sewing classes are held at our workshop at Barrows House, Tweentown, Cheddar BS27 3HU. If you’d like some inspiration with a whole room project, then our Creative Interiors Masterclasses might just be the thing for you. Held on Sundays at our Bath Street showroom, Cheddar BS27 3AA, they are designed to get you thinking creatively and bring out your own inner interior designer! Further details of all our classes and courses in sewing, upholstery, soft furnishings and interiors can be found on our website www.prettysittingvintage.co.uk. You can also find us on Instagram at Pretty Sitting_Somerset and on our Facebook page.
Somerset Wood Recycling has been hand-making furniture in our workshop in Weston-super-Mare since 2007. We use a selection of reclaimed and salvaged timber and also sustainably sourced hardwoods from Somerset and South Wales. So, not only is our furniture locally made, the environmental impact of our manufacturing process is minimal. If you want something that is unique to you and your home please get in touch. We also make garden furniture and planters and even eco-coffins, made from 100% clean and chemical-free recycled wood.
You can also visit our showroom where you can look at a selection of tables, shelving and homeware, as well as work by local artists, confectioners and bee-keepers. And on top of all that we stock a massive range of reclaimed and locally sourced timber, everything from pallet wood to oak beams, so if you’re thinking of starting a project it’s definitely worth paying us a visit!
If you’re interested in having something made please get in touch. Our friendly team are more than happy to talk you through the design process and help you select the timber that is right for you.
For more information contact: info@somersetwoodrecycling.co.uk or visit us at Somerset Wood Recycling, The Motex Centre, Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 3YW.
• Over 15 years’ experience
• Bespoke furniture design and creation
• Garden furniture and planters
• Showroom displaying tables, shelving and kitchen ware and work by Somerset-based makers
• Eco-coffins
• Timber warehouse with reclaimed wood, and sustainably sourced softwoods and hardwoods
• Firewood and kindling
Our team are friendly, knowledgeable and always happy to help
For more information contact: info@somersetwoodrecycling.co.uk Visit us:
Are you looking for something that is unique to you and built exactly to suit you and your home?
3 ways to save money on your incontinence products
We know that right now everyone is feeling the effects of the increased cost of living. As a small family business based in Somerset, we are keen to help our customers make their purchasing with Arelle as cost effective as possible. So this month we are reminding you of the different ways you can do this, and save money on your incontinence products when buying online or over the phone with us:
1. Sign up to our e-news
The easiest way to save money on a one-off purchase is to sign up to our monthly e-newsletter. As soon as you do this, we’ll send you a unique discount code for your next order, giving you 10% off whatever you buy. But you can only use this code once – so shop wisely! You can sign up on our website or by giving us a call.
2. Shop with multi-buy for the lowest prices
If you are able to buy your incontinence products in bulk, you can save up to 15% off our standard prices, and usually get free postage as well. We offer multi-buy on a wide range of products, including washable pants, stretch/fixation pants for pads, disposable pants and pads and bed and seat protection. Look for the multi-buy section on our website or in our catalogue (you can order this free, on our website).
3. Subscribe and save 10% on all disposable products
If you regularly buy a disposable incontinence product, why not subscribe to a monthly delivery service and get 10% off every time? It’s simple to set up and means you don’t have to worry about placing an order or running out of your products. And if it doesn’t suit you, you can easily cancel at any time. Give us a call or take a look at our website. Not sure which way to save money on your incontinence products is best for you? Then give us a call or drop us a line. We are here to help – Monday to Friday 0800 389 3597 – or email info@arelle.com
A Different Kind of Mothers’ Day
Could you be a foster mother?
loving environment for them. Fostering provides opportunity to make a difference in their lives and help them reach their full potential.
Children in the care system have often experienced significant trauma or upheaval in their lives, and foster families provide children with a sense of stability and security, creating an environment in which they can heal and grow and learn to form positive relationships with others.
Sunday 19th March is Mothers’ Day. Many of us will wake up to our offspring proudly offering us a wobbly tray of breakfast. But for the 400,000 children in the social care system there may be no-one in their lives to appreciate their efforts of burned toast and soggy cereal.
This is where foster parents are invaluable. Fostering is an opportunity for individuals and families to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children who are unable to live with their biological families, by providing a safe and
There is currently a shortage of foster carers, leading to long waits to place children. The basic requirements for fostering are that you are at least 21 years old (there is no upper age limit as long as you are fit and healthy), have a spare bedroom, and have permanent leave to remain in the UK.
new fully fitted kitchen
Foster carers receive an allowance for each child they foster and training is available.
If you feel that you have what it takes to be a foster mother there are resources and information available at www.fosteringpeople.co.uk
By Jamie MaxfieldModern therapy transforms swim champion’s chances
“A great range of holistic treatments to support his athletic ambition”
Josh, aged 15, of Somerton is a champion swimmer whose ability and dedication have earned him the support of the Swim England national talent programme, wins at the English Swimming Championships and Olympic ambitions.
Having loved to swim from the age of eight, Josh started getting serious at just ten years old with 5.30am training sessions in the pool several days a week. These days, he swims for 14 hours a week across six days. Like many athletes –especially when still growing – he has found that this routine brings challenges for the body.
“When Josh first came to me”, explains Matthew Jackson, “he had pains in his arm and shoulder through so much repetitive movement and was missing training sessions. I have experience in helping professional and serious athletes and started treating him with laser therapy, which is fast, non-invasive and can be used frequently.
“With regular treatments, Josh’s pain responded well to the Laser’s ability to promote regeneration and repair, as well as reducing inflammation and lessening stress. Laser therapy is a great option for athletesand is really effective for tendon and muscle pain in any individual, regardless of age and activity level.”
Laser treatment has allowed Josh to continue to swim without pain whilst training and
growing and so keep up his fitness and competitiveness. Matthew has also helped him with orthotics to prevent knee pain caused by flat feet and with sessions in the Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber to support his lungs after swimming frequently in chlorinated water. “I really appreciate the friendly, convenient set up at the clinic and the range of holistic treatments,” says Josh’s mother. “Matthew has gone out of his way to ensure that Josh can safely continue in his athletic ambition.”
Exclusive offer
Somerset Health Practice is making a special, exclusive offer to LocalReach readers – free ultrasound scan worth £130.
*Offer open to the first 5 readers to book shockwave sessions, quoting the offer code MARCH TO VICTORY!
Call 01458 860392 before 31st March.
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 claim your free assessment * 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
Dangerous new Microsoft scams on the rise – keep informed, stay alert!
Although we have written about this recently, we are still getting a large number of calls from customers who are reporting being scammed or telling us that “Microsoft” recently cleaned their computer. This new wave of scams imitates Microsoft support and is catching people off-guard at a higher rate than normal, and tricks victims into spending hundreds, sometimes thousands, on fake protection software which serves no purpose. The scammers also gain full control over the computer, putting user data and passwords at risk.
Unlike traditional scams, this can pop up whenever it pleases, even when all programs are closed, and after computer restarts. As a result, these pop-ups seem like legitimate messages from Microsoft, explaining the increasing number of new victims. Traditional scams take the form of malicious emails or dangerous websites, which most remain vigilant against, but these deceptive pop-ups utilise the Windows notifications system, slotting themselves in amongst genuine notifications, so keep alert. These emerge from the bottom right corner. The user often clicks “allow” to “notifications” from a dangerous website, which starts off this process. The popup messages claim to be security alerts from Microsoft and provide a number to call. Those who fall for it wind up giving the scammers full control over the computer and making one or more online payments for fake protection services.
For those who fall victim to this scam, first power off the computer, and if you have paid for services or given payment details, call your bank immediately to inform them of this. Your bank should refund any money stolen from you as a result of fraud. Remember that when making payments either online or over the phone, credit cards have fraud protection, while debit payments offer less protections. We specialise in resolving issues caused on the computer by such scams, so if either recently or in the past you have paid somebody to “fix” your computer after a pop-up message, please get in touch, as we can visit to ensure that your computer is secure.
Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd. Tel: 07973 536299 or email sales@e-cps.co.uk• Problem Solving & Repairs
• Virus/Spyware Removal
• New PC Systems
• Broadband/WIFI Problems
• Performance Improvement
• Wireless Networking
• iPhone/iPad help
• Upgrades
• Websites
• Help & Tuition
We have Mobile Engineers in your area or with your permission we can access your computer remotely.
YOUR LOCAL, TRUSTED COMPANY
Engineer: 07973 536299
Office: 01934 853107
E-mail: sales@e-cps.co.uk
www.e-cps.co.uk
Sofa So Good
So, you want a new sofa. What are the factors you need to consider?
might fall in love with a sleek ultra-modern purple number, but if you live in a cottage with original period décor, you have to consider whether you love it enough to change your entire interior scheme. If you want something to fit into your existing home, consider how the colour, fabric, and design will complement it. Then consider any additional features you might want, such as reclining seats or a pull-out guest bed.
Comfort - Sounds obvious but sit on the sofa in the store to get a feel for it. Consider the depth of the seat, the height of the back, the angle of the backrest, and the density of the cushions.
Durability - Look for a sofa that is well-constructed and made of durable materials. Check the frame, springs, and legs to ensure they are sturdy.
Size matters - Measure the space where the sofa will go, including doorways and stairways, to make sure the sofa will fit. It sounds obvious but it’s an incredibly common oversight! Also consider the scale of the room and the other furniture in it, and choose a sofa that is appropriately sized.
Style - Think about the overall decor of the room and choose a sofa that complements it. You
Maintenance - Consider the ease of cleaning and care the sofa might need. Some materials, such as leather, are easier to care for than others.
Budget - Work out your budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always equate to better quality. Look for sales and discounts. You can also get a great deal if you’re prepared to buy a used sofa.
By Gemma Peters
SLIMMING WORLD
Based on science, backed by research, loved by millions! It’s not magic, it is science! At Slimming World you can eat the foods you love, never feel hungry and lose weight. It sounds like magic, doesn’t it? But it is not magic - It is based on sound scientific principles, with decades of ongoing research leading to the creation of our effective, easy-to-follow methods that help people lose weight and feel healthier and happier for life.
Nikkie and Carol joined Cathy’s Cheddar Slimming World group 16 weeks ago and have both achieved their 2 stone award! They both love their Slimming World group, Nikkie says “Everyone is so supportive of each other. Making changes takes effort, but it is definitely easier when you have that support from Cathy and your new friends.” Both ladies enjoyed Christmas and both have been on holiday in that time. They both love food and never feel hungry. They just follow the 3 simple steps: Fill up on amazing FREE FOODS: pasta, rice, potatoes, beans and pulses, meat, fish, all veg and fruit, making filling meals like soups, cottage pie, bolognese, pasta bakes and roast dinners. They use their 3 HEALTHY EXTRAS: Milk, cheese, bread, cereal, nuts and seeds or cooked, canned or dried fruit. Which gives them the fibre and calcium they need, and then they plan in their 5-15 SYNS each day (all food that isn’t free has a syn value they simply decide how to spend them). They cannot believe how amazing they feel, and I think you can see that by their smiles. Food Optimising is a fabulous, flexible plan where no foods are banned and can fit in with everyone’s lifestyle, dietary needs and family. Huge Congratulations ladies Cathy and the Wednesday morning group are very proud of you.
If you would like to know more about how Slimming World groups are run, and feel inspired by Carol and Nikkie’s success, get in touch. Cathy in Cheddar or Mary in Churchill would love to hear from you! Whatever you have to lose we can help! Nikkie and Carol are delighted they walked into Cathy’s group. Contact
slimming-friendly spag bol
Cheddar
Tuesday & Thursday 5:00pm & 6:30pm
The Catholic Hall
Tweentown
BS27 3HU
Call Cathy 07971 575158
slimmingworld.co.uk
#YesYouCanWithSlimmingWorld
Cheddar
Wednesday 9:00am & 10:30am
The Catholic Hall
Tweentown
BS27 3HU
Call Cathy 07971 575158
Churchill
Thursday 5:30pm
Churchill Memorial Hall
Ladymead Lane
BS25 5NH
Call Mary 07811 709184
Mad About Dogs?
Then don’t miss Crufts on March 9th-12th
discipline as obedience though the skills are different. The dogs have to negotiate a complex series of obstacles without error, in the fastest time possible. If you’ve never watched it you’re missing a real treat.
Most dog owners can never hope to aspire to Crufts glory, but we can all make sure our dogs are trained properly; it’s responsible and it’s fun. And local training clubs are great places to make two-legged, as well as four-legged, friends.
5 Top Dog Training Tips:
Dogs are pack animals and need to know their place. Dominance is probably the biggest cause of poor behaviour in a dog.
If ever you doubt that the British are a nation of dog lovers, then Crufts will set you straight. 20 000 top pedigree dogs will attend this year, along with around 150 000 spectators.
Named after its founder, Charles Cruft, the first dog show of that name was held in 1891 in Islington, London. It’s now officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest dog show in the world!
My ‘must-see’ events are agility and obedience. I admit to watching these with an envious eye as my own pup, Archie, was at the back of the queue when brains were handed out and I can only dream of a dog who sits, stays and jumps through hoops, rather than races around like a loon, chasing his own tail until he crashes into the fridge!
Crufts accepts only the cream of the canine obedience corps, and it takes dedication to produce a champion.
There are regional selection days around the country and different levels of ability can enter. Top obedience champions need to perform well in many different skills including:
Three different paces of heel work, including a sit, stand and down command.
Retrieval of an object
Send-away
Distance control in six positions
Scent discrimination
A three-minute sit-stay
As Archie can’t stay still for a nanosecond I don’t think we’ll be troubling Crufts for a while.
Agility was actually introduced as a filler item in 1978 and proved so popular it became a permanent fixture. Agility requires as much
Dogs are creatures of habit so be consistent with commands.
Socialise a dog with children, other dogs, and other animals. You’re less likely to have a nervous dog if it has encountered a variety of situations. Encourage your dog to play according to breed type. Terriers like Archie adore pulling games and Retrievers like to play fetch.
Enrol in a good training club which uses gentle reward based methods and positive reinforcement.
