Issuu

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

FREE

April 2021

Issue No. 58

Delivered by ROYAL MAIL to 9,725 homes & businesses including ALL towns & villages in the BA5 postcode areas

GARDENING – page 4 CHURCH – page 5 HISTORY – page 7 PUZZLES – page 10 RECIPE – page 15 BOOKS – page 18 COMMUNITY – page 23 BUSINESS A-Z – page 26

Luke’s

Tree Care, Hedge Care & General Building

NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL! LOW COSTS PLUS FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

01749 467093

luke100785@yahoo.com

Providing a waste recycling service Fully licensed & compliant Commercial & Domestic

01749 678279 / 07721 415677

email@cheddarskips.plus.com www.cheddarandwellsskips.co.uk

LocalReach Community Magazines serving the community for 10 years

Wells’ Luxury New Care Home WELCOMING RESIDENTS IN APRIL It’s reassuring to know that your loved one is supported and well cared for. That’s why at Crandon Springs, a luxury new care home in Wells, our friendly team will provide residential, dementia and respite care in beautiful surroundings, with delicious meals prepared by talented chefs, and meaningful activities to keep the fun in every day. We carefully balance our residents’ well-being with their safety. Our dedicated team is well-trained in infection control and specialist dementia care. We’re here to help you or your loved one, call to book an appointment to visit our home.

Call: 01749 302 051 In-person visits may be permitted in line with government and public health guidance and all infection control protocols must be followed

Crandon Springs Care Home, Glastonbury Road, Wells, BA5 1WE www.barchester.com/CrandonSprings

Barchester Healthcare is proud to be the only care provider to win the RoSPA Health and Safety Award in both 2019 and 2020.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

WELCOME TO LOCALREACH

A message from the team at LocalReach Community Magazines. LocalReach Community Magazines are still open for business! We are delivered monthly by Royal Mail to 47,935 homes & businesses across Somerset. We are working on the May issues and the deadline is 1st April; If you would like to advertise email us at hello@localreach.co.uk. If you know anybody who wants to advertise please let them know we would welcome their business. We can also be contacted online at www.localreach.co.uk or call 01749 600388. LocalReach is now delivered to ALL of TA8, TA9, BS28, BS27, BS26, BS25, BA6, BA16 & BA5. That includes all towns & villages; Burnham, Highbridge, Berrow, Brent, Brean, Mark, Cheddar, Axbridge, Wedmore, Winscombe, Street, Glastonbury & Wells. Below is a map that indicates where LocalReach is delivered in your area. Should you not receive a copy by the 1st of each month please email us with your full address and we will investigate and make sure you do receive a copy. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses & community groups that have supported LocalReach over the last 10 years and who continue to support us. These are unprecedented times and many of the events we normally publicise are not going ahead so we have put in content that we hope you like as an alternative. We usually give 30% of our content to the community free of charge and will happily receive your editorial if you believe it would be of interest to our readers. Email between 70-100 words to editor@localreach.co.uk before 1st April for the May issues. Stay safe. From the team at LocalReach Community Magazines.

Editorial deadline for the May issue is 1st April LocalReach Community Editor: Robert Hutchinson

Advertising & Enquiries:

01749 600388 hello@localreach.co.uk

editor@localreach.co.uk

Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 6:00pm and Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm

Yoxter LocalReach is delivered to all of Wells by ROYAL MAIL. Your local postman delivers to 9,725 homes & businesses to all of BA5 every month. This includes all the villages.

Priddy Green Ore

Rodney Stoke Easton

Mudgley Wookey Panborough

Upper Milton

BA5 WELLS

Coxley Polsham Godney Southway

Dulcote Dinder

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 2021.

www.localreach.co.uk | 3

GARDENING

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Garden View This Month – Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! There is also a tool called a Dutch hoe. This is used by sweeping it smoothly over the soil so that the surface is just ‘brushed’. If used correctly it slices the tops from the weeds. It’s actually simple to use but you do need to practice your technique. Slice the tops of weeds by bringing the hoe towards you, altering the angle to accommodate slopes. When you turn over a Dutch hoe you can use it to make a shallow trench called a seed drill to sow larger seeds, like peas into. Larger seeds are better because they need to be covered well. Your hoes need to be kept sharp and well maintained for maximum effectiveness. I use a metal file to both clean and sharpen, but you can buy sharpening stones reasonably cheaply and they are easy to use. Happy gardening Following on from last month’s list of essential garden tools for beginners I thought I’d explain about the humble hoe. When I first started gardening, I didn’t really understand how to use one. There are a couple of varieties of hoe and they are used in different ways, and they really are your friend at this time of year. The hoe is actually one of the most ancient garden tools and came before the plough. It’s mentioned in Egyptian art, the Code of Hammurabi and in the Bible. The reason spring is a great time to put your hoe to good use is because right now is when the annual weeds (the ones that self-seed freely and pop up all over the place every year) have started to germinate. The aim when hoeing, aim to sever the top growth from the roots, just below the soil surface, then leave it in the sun to dry out and die. Hoeing is best done when the soil is dry as this creates a ‘dust mulch’ which inhibits the germination of new weeds. I prefer a hoe with a long handle because it’s better for preventing back pain. I also have a shorthandled hoe known as an ‘onion hoe’ for closely planted areas. A shorted handle gives more control, so you don’t damage your prized plants. It’s important to note that hoeing only kills the annual weeds, not the deep-rooted perennial weeds, those need to be dug up by hand. 4 | www.localreach.co.uk

By Rachael Leverton

Top 10 jobs this month: Sunshine and showers Spring is finally in evidence as daffodils and flowering trees start to bloom. Expect the inevitable April showers this month but with sunny days too, when you can turn your attention to the lawn. It’s an exciting month, with indoor-sown seeds well into growth, and it’s also time to start sowing outdoors. Just watch out for frosts... 1 Keep weeds under control 2 Protect fruit blossom from late frosts 3 Tie in climbing and rambling roses 4 Sow hardy annuals, herbs and wild flower seed outdoors 5 Start to feed citrus plants 6 Increase the water given to houseplants 7 Feed hungry shrubs and roses 8 Sow new lawns or repair bare patches 9 Prune fig trees 10 Divide bamboos and waterlilies Tips from www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/April

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

CHURCH

Rise to wonder and joy… We are looking forward to Easter – for a start there’s the four day weekend. (Do you remember those traffic jams in years past?) Right now, we can’t go away on holiday but spring is a lovely time of year. The Easter story isn’t as easy or enjoyable as the Christmas story. It’s more of a roller-coaster. First there’s a high point - the excitement of Palm Sunday with Jesus being celebrated as the “One they’d all been waiting for.” Then a whirl of energy with Jesus at the centre of attention, healing, meeting people, a bit of protest at the rulers. Then comes a twist, as in the background the authorities who want rid of Jesus plot to arrest him at night when there will be less fuss. Then the rush down to despair with an unfair trial and Jesus’ execution. Perhaps we avoid Good Friday because we don’t want to sit with that sadness. No wonder many of us prefer to match Easter with bunnies and flowers. But this has been a tough year and many of us have had to deal with death and despair. So it’s very good news that the Easter story pulls us up out

of the darkness and into a glorious celebration of light, goodness and life. On Easter Sunday we rise to wonder and joy – because death couldn’t keep hold of Jesus. Perhaps we will notice some similarities between our experience of lockdown and this turnaround from despair to the hope of new life. As we look ahead to the hope of sunnier days, to the joy of meeting with friends and family again. We wonder if this rollercoaster that we’ve all been on is finally levelling out and slowing down. Whatever the future holds, we are able to talk to God about what’s going on. Rant at God if everything feels unfair. Weep with God if you are in despair. Thank God if things are going well. And if you want to talk problems through with someone, there are people happy to help. Wishing you a Happy Easter Kindly provided by Revd Jan Shellard-James, Curate at St Thomas Church Wells with Horrington, Chewton Mendip, Litton and Ston Easton. Contact the church office on: 01749 672335 www.facebook.com/StThomasWells/ Website: stthomaswells.co.uk

We provide a professional, trustworthy service at reasonable rates… NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL. • All aspects of tree work / hedge work • Stump grinding • Specialist work undertaken including fruit trees & bamboo removal • Suppliers of wood chip, wood mulch and logs

OAKHILL

TREE SURGEONS

Full site clearance Fully qualified & insured • Free quote 24 Hour call out service

01749 605389

& GROUNDS CARE www.oakhilltreesurgeons.co.uk | oakhilltreesurgeons@gmail.com

www.localreach.co.uk | 5

LOCALREACH

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Be Social, Be Safe How safe are your online interactions?

Remember these five tips: Friendships - When accepting friend requests be cautious. Do you know whether their profile is real, or could it be fake? Manage your privacy settings – Only share information with people in your network. Check the settings regularly in case there are any changes. It’s easy to share our lives with the world today. It only takes a few clicks to share those special moments with family and friends. Social media has been a lifeline for many during the pandemic. But the Information we share may end up being available to a far wider group than our immediate social circle, and with hundreds of millions of users online, unfortunately some of these people may have sinister agendas. By sharing information about our lives, we offer potential criminals the opportunity to gather useful information about us. Even information which seems harmless may be a useful to criminals looking to perpetrate a scam.

Never divulge personal information - Be suspicious of anyone who asks you for your information that may be used to identify you, such as a social security number. Change your passwords frequently - Choose a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s best to use different passwords for each account. Close old accounts - Don’t risk leaving personal data in an old account. Close accounts that you don’t use and delete as much personal information from them as possible. By Kate McCarthy

01749 346 900

www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk The Works, Shepton & Mallet, Somerset. BA4AVAILABLE 5DX SHORT NOTICE OFTEN POSSIBLE • EVENINGS WEEKENDS ALSO 6 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Easter Eggs Many people today celebrate Easter by indulging in a lot of chocolate rather than commemorating the resurrection of Christ. Chocolate eggs are, of course, a relatively new invention but the Easter egg, as a symbol of rebirth and fertility goes back a long way. Before Christianity eggs were painted with bright colours to celebrate Spring and it was a popular custom in the Middle Ages. In the household accounts of Edward I there was an entry in 1307 which recorded a cost of 18 pence for “450 eggs to be boiled and dyed and covered with gold leaf and distributed to the Royal household.” In the 18th century people could buy papier-maché eggs which were then decorated and filled with a small gift. It was not until the 19th century that a method of making chocolate eggs was devised, initially by the French and Germans and then copied by British manufacturers including John Cadbury who made the first Cadbury Easter egg in 1875. The first decorated eggs were plain shells decorated with marzipan flowers and chocolate piping.

LOCAL HISTORY

Has your sofa taken a battering during Lockdown?

Most of us have spent much more time on our sofas than normal during lockdown! Understandably, they are now not looking their best due to constant wear, food & drink spills. As we prepare to come out of lockdown it is the ideal time to get your soft furnishings professionally cleaned. Call Copper Beech Cleaning for a free estimate and honest assessment We still remain covid compliant during our time in your home. Masks, gloves, safe distance. Tel: 01749 600383

But it was not all about chocolate. In Russia, during the early years of the 20th century, the jeweller Carl Fabergé made highly decorated eggs for both Czar Alexander III and Czar Nicholas II. The very first was a gift from Czar Alexander to his wife. It was made of gold and white enamel with a golden yolk, inside which was a golden hen with a ruby pendant inside. This was so impressive that the Czar ordered Fabergé to make one for the Czarina every Easter and 10 were produced for her between 1885 and 1893. Alexander’s son, Nicholas, carried on the tradition ordering two to be made every year for his mother and wife. Although the design was left up to Fabergé, each egg had to have a surprise in it. One amazing egg celebrated the opening of the Trans-Siberian railway. It was made of solid silver, with a map of the train route on it. The stations were marked with precious Jewels, and inside was a gold clockwork train! Whilst few, if any, of us can afford a Faberge egg at least we can have a chocolate one!

Your Local Specialist Cleaning Service

• • • •

CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY CLASSIC & ORIENTAL RUGS LEATHER RESTORATION CURTAINS & BLINDS

• Professionally and reliably cleaned • Family safe and Eco friendly products • All work fully guaranteed and insured • We take pride in the service we provide • A local company for local people Call for a free quote today!

Tel: 01749 01934 600383 235 855 www.copperbeechcleaning.com

Kindly provided by Elizabeth Friend, Axbridge Archaeological and Local History Society. www.aalhs.co.uk

www.localreach.co.uk | 7

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Better things to come At the time of writing the Prime Minister has just announced the lockdown roadmap to re-open the country to a new normality of living with COVID-19. Like many of you we are looking forward to being able to catch up with friends and family, as well as having a desperately needed haircut! One other thing we are planning for is the start of the new tax year on 6 April 2021. With the start of a new tax year it also signals the end of a tax year with the 2020-21 tax year ending on 5 April 2021. While most of us have experienced some disruption to our finances, those who have received help from the Government will need to ensure that they include in their income and tax calculations any self isolation payments, business rate COVID grants or SEISS grants received, as all are taxable. There are also some benefits that are taxable such as the state pension. Also people do not necessarily realise that the contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) are also both taxable benefits. Unless you already complete a self-assessment tax return, anyone who has received a grant or any taxable benefit will need to check if they have income tax to pay. The Government have a useful link for you to be able to work out if you need to pay income tax and if you do, you will need to contact HM Revenue and Customs. www.gov.uk/income-tax/find-out-if-you-need-to-pay-income-tax However if it’s all a bit daunting, we can help. Offering fixed fee packages, with the option to pay over a number of months, you will know where you are with not only your tax affairs but also your accounting costs. We are a friendly team based in the heart of Wells, happy to speak on the phone, over Zoom, Teams or face to face. Our office is COVID compliant so if you want to come into the office, arrangements can be made. Not sure whether you need to complete a return or need to register with HMRC? Do you need help completing your self-assessment tax return? Why not give us a call to talk through the options available.

YOUR LOCAL CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AND TAX ADVISERS Audits & Accounts Bookkeeping & Payroll Business Start-Ups Company Secretary VAT Returns & Registration Tax Services Sage & QuickBooks Training With over 30 years’ industry experience you can rely on Bishop Jones for the highest levels of expertise. For a quotation, contact us today!

01749 678 307

enquiries@bishopjones.co.uk www.bishopjones.co.uk

Mill Street Business Centre 55a High Street, Wells. BA5 2AE 8 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

LOCALREACH

All That Jazz International Jazz Day - April 30th International Jazz Day brings together schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz. Jazz began in the early twentieth century in New Orleans, in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The port of New Orleans meant the area was a melting pot of different nationalities and their musical influences: Spanish folk music, French military band music, Ragtime, European ballroom dance music, and Blues music all had an impact on the birth of Jazz. Jazz wasn’t written down in the same way as classical music; the styles and tunes evolved as they were passed on by ear. Black musicians in particular, were for the most part not classically trained, and began to express themselves through jazz. These musically agile instrumentalists and singers improvised around a main melody, often the popular folk and blues tunes of the era, creating a rich and exciting new blend of sound.

Although the ‘Jazz Age’ was in the 1920s, jazz never went away, it evolved through various incarnations. Talented soloists like Louis Armstrong pushed jazz in the direction of virtuosic improvisers, weaving their music around each other. Swing was a smoother, more easy-listening sound, popularised by the pianist and composer Duke Ellington. This was followed in the 40s and 50s by the Latin influences of Dizzy Gillespie, who collaborated with other musicians to bring jazz into the mainstream. Charlie Parker pioneered modern jazz (be-bop) which challenged many listeners with its complex experimentations in rhythm and harmony. Miles Davis on the other hand developed a more gentle, understated style. Free jazz ignored all the previous rules and constraints on harmony and structure which many people disliked. During the past 50 years jazz evolution has accelerated through jazz fusion – which fuses jazz solos with other musical styles - and acid jazz, which draws on soul, funk, disco and hip-hop. Well known pioneering acid jazz groups include ‘Jamiroquai’, and ‘The Brand-New Heavies’. By Tracey Anderson

Situated in the peaceful village of Evercreech, not far from the historic market town of Shepton Mallet in Somerset, The Glen is a friendly care home, offering residential and nursing care. We’re pioneering a simple approach to care, where kindness is our ethos. Through the vaccination, routine testing and enhanced infection control measures, we’re able to welcome new Residents, provide safe visits and protect those who already live with us. To find out more information on the care that The Glen can offer you, or your loved one, please visit our website or contact our Home Manager, Terri-Ann Weatherall.

Offering;

Offering; • Safe family visits and video calls • Tailored visiting care plans for Residents • Enhanced infection control • Telephone and video assessments • Carehome.co.uk rating of 9.7/10 • Leisure and wellbeing programme • ‘Good’ overall CQC rating W hc-one.co.uk T 0333 321 4741 E careline@hc-one.co.uk A Shapway Lane, Evercreech, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6JS

www.localreach.co.uk | 9

PUZZLES

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Crossword

Across 1 Agile, lithe (4) 4 Inferior cut of meat (5-3) 8 Devour, guzzle (6) 9 Rough, stormy (6) 10 ____-detached, a house (4) 11 Sailing (8) 13 ______ Loren, Italian actress (6) 15 ______ Hemmingway, author (6) 17 Dormer window (8) 20 Large brass instrument (4) 21 Poppycock (6) 23 Cared for, tended (6) 24 Distress, trouble (8) 25 Children’s board game (4) Down 2 Directory of names and numbers (5,4) 3 Rude, noisy, aggressive (informal) (7) 4 Dingy, sleazy (5) 5 Salvage (7) 6 Spectre (5) 7 Brief sleep (3) 12 Epistaxis (9) 14 Saintly, virtuous (7) 16 Instinctive, innate (7) 18 Even, equal (5) 19 Forceps-like tool (5) 22 Branch of the armed services (Abbr) (3)

Word Search

Solutions

Applause Arena Big top Caravans Circus Clowns

Costumes Highwire Hoops Horses Jugglers Knife thrower

10 | www.localreach.co.uk

Music Parade Ringmaster Safety net Sawdust Sequins

Sideshows Strongman Swing Tents Ticket Top hat

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

LOCALREACH

Lay a Little Egg for Me Are eggs good for us? Easter is all about rebirth which is the reason that eggs feature large. They are pretty amazing things, from the way they’re constructed to the way they taste, and this is doubly true when they are constructed from chocolate! But joking aside, an egg is something that has all the ingredients to grow a chick, so it’s nutrient dense. If there was such a thing as a perfect food, the egg would be a candidate. Eggs are readily available, easy to cook, affordable, versatile, and packed with protein. They also have the effect of helping our bodies absorb nutrients from other foods better, so eating an egg with a salad, for instance, increases the vitamin E we absorb from the meal. Eggs have a controversial past because they contain cholesterol. The yolk contains around 185 milligrams of it, which is more than half of the 300mg which until recently was the recommended maximum. Cholesterol is a yellowish fat produced in our liver and intestines and found in every cell in our body. It’s actually a crucial building block in cell membranes, and the body needs it to make vitamin D, testosterone, and oestrogen.

it’s broken down and removed from the body. HDL is thought to have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease by preventing cholesterol from building up in the blood. Cholesterol circulating in the blood contributes to heart disease but having a higher ratio of HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol reduces the risk. Healthy humans regulate their own cholesterol, so if they consume dietary cholesterol, they make less cholesterol themselves. But some people struggle to regulate, and they might be wise to limit their egg intake...as well as their intake of other foods high in LDL. But it’s not all about cholesterol. Eggs have some great health benefits. They contain choline, which may help protect us against Alzheimer’s disease. Egg yolks are also one of the best sources of lutein, a pigment that has been linked to a lower risk of developing the eye disease macular degeneration. Lutein acts like a blue light filter, protecting the delicate retinal tissue So do indulge in an egg for Easter, maybe don’t eat lots of them every day though...especially the chocolate ones! By Louise Addison

Humans produce all the cholesterol we need on our own, but it’s also found in animal produce such as beef, prawns, eggs, cheese, and butter. It’s transported around our body by lipoprotein molecules in the blood. Every person has a different combination of lipoproteins, which play a role in determining our risk of developing heart disease. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – is often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. It’s responsible for clogging up blood vessels and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. LDL cholesterol is found in some animal products, but the majority of LDL cholesterol in our diets is made artificially and found in foods like margarines, snacks, and some deep-fried and baked foods, such as pastries, doughnuts, and cakes. Meanwhile, along with prawns, eggs are the only high cholesterol food which is correspondingly low in saturated fat. Studies have repeatedly found that saturated fat increases blood cholesterol, and that there is no link between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease. Some cholesterol may actually be good for us. Highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (also known as ‘good’ cholesterol) travels to the liver, where

The Perfect Fit Ben and Nathan (a third-generation member of the family firm) are two of our fitting team. Unlike many (if not most) of our competitors we employ our own fitters each of whom is highly trained, qualified and above all committed to meeting the highest standards we expect our customers to expect. 8 Mill Batch Farm, East Brent, Near Highbridge, TA9 4JN 01278 760616 or 01749 671431 hello@thekingfisherfamily.com www.thekingfisherfamily.com

www.localreach.co.uk | 11

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

THE 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan Hi I’m your 1:1 Diet Consultant Fran, For your free virtual appointment and free delivery all that you have to do is call Fran on 07999 584935 or inbox me cwpfran@gmail.com

How’s this different to other diet plans? The 1:1 Diet is a lot more flexible than other weight-loss plans and it’s the ONLY one that gives you dedicated, one-to-one support from your own personal diet Consultant. That means your diet is designed for you, and only you. Together with your Consultant, you’ll work out an easy-to-follow eating plan that fits with your routine and gets you the results you want.

Frances Fountain The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan

Our meal replacement products, snacks and Step Up Meals® can be enjoyed on Plan to achieve your weight loss goals or to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle once you’ve hit your target. With over 35 products to choose from, you’ll never get bored. We are constantly developing tasty new products with your needs in mind, to ensure every day on Plan is varied, exciting and motivating, making The 1:1 Diet perfect for weight loss. It caters for all kinds of dietary requirements too - check the packs for more information or view our on line information. All of our products are approximately 200 calories or under, so it’s really easy to plan out your day, no matter what step of the Plan you’re on. Your personal weight loss Consultant Fran will be available every step of the way to find the right products for you, that fit with your lifestyle and cater to your every need. Whether you want to start the day with a filling bowl of porridge, a scrummy smoothie or an on-the-go bar, we’ve got you covered. For lunch and dinner, you’ll have plenty of delicious options to choose from; mouth-watering soups to some of the nation’s favourite dishes; Spaghetti Bolognese, Chicken Tikka or Macaroni Cheese, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re feeling peckish we also have our savoury snacks, the Crunchy Fava Beans! They’re high in protein and low in fat so are sure to curb those cravings! All our products are either quick and easy to make or you can just grab them and go or why not become a consultant and join my team and you will have all of the products to hand while earning!! For your free virtual appointment and free delivery all that you have todo is call Fran on 07999 584935 or inbox me cwpfran@gmail.com 12 | www.localreach.co.uk www.localreach.co.uk

To advertise TO ADVERTISEemail CALLhello@localreach.co.uk 01749 600388

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

To claim your free virtual appointments together with free delivery call Fran 07999 584935 or email cwpfran@gmail.com

www.localreach.co.uk | 13

LOCAL HISTORY LOCALREACH

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

April Fool and high class, religious piety and impiety, people have enjoyed straddling society’s boundaries. The most popular theory about the ‘modern’ April Fools’ Day is that it began to take shape in late 16th century France. At that time, there was a switch to the Gregorian Calendar under Charles IX. Prior to this there had been a New Year’s week (March 25th-April1st), and under the Gregorian system, New Year’s Day fell on January 1st. As with any change (shhh no-one mention Brexit) there was some resistance, and many people stubbornly refused to accept the new system, continuing to celebrate New Year on April 1st. The origins of April Fools’ Day are lost way back in time but like many traditions it probably has a number of historical roots. There was certainly a Roman festival called Hilaria which took place around the time of the spring equinox. There was also a Medieval ‘Feast of Fools’ although that took place at the beginning of the year. Throughout history there seems to be a tradition of transgressing boundaries during such celebrations: whether male and female, low class

These people were ridiculed and labelled ‘fools’ by the general populace and were often the butt of jokes and pranks. They were known as poisson d’avril, or April fish, possibly because a naïve young fish is easily caught. Over the years the custom of prank-playing spread to the general population and eventually to Britain, where schoolboy pranks are still the order of the day, so watch out! By Tom Hancock

New Farm Shop - Open now! We are excited to open the doors to our new look Farm Shop at our HQ in Pylle. Stocking a wider range of high quality produce with an excellent selection of fresh, local products from around Somerset. Open 7 days a week! Visit us; Thorner’s Farm Shop Pylle Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 6TA

Home

e now with free de livery! *£30 M

in Spe

Shop

Availab l

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Spanish Baked Eggs An Easter breakfast with a continental twist

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely sliced 120g Chorizo, sliced 1 yellow pepper, finely sliced 1 orange or red pepper, finely sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika 400g can chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp capers (optional) 2 large eggs (4 if you’re really hungry!) 2 tbsp fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 thick slices of bread

RECIPE

Do you need a technology assistant? It may be assumed that as an IT support service, our support is exclusive to computer and laptop problems. On the contrary, our services extend over a wide range of issues at home/work relating to technology. The importance of utilising technologies at home has peaked, especially considering the current climate whereby we rely more heavily on operating from home. Additional to computer and laptop problems, we provide support for smart phones, smart TVs, Amazon Kindles, Sky boxes, iPads, android tablets, and many more similar devices. Often people run into problems filling out online forms and encounter other types of website issues - we can help with this too. If you feel a lack of understanding or confidence using certain equipment, we can help assist with issues and teach about it’s proper use. This is also important because improper use of modern technologies can lead to major problems. It is frequent that we see customers attempt their own self-repairs, which unfortunately can make things worse, so we suggest you consider contacting us sooner rather than later. If your devices confuse you, we can help you develop the skills and confidence needed to use, fix and configure them correctly on your own. If you are unsure whether we might be able to help, just call us and ask. Most often we operate by performing home visits, but we are also happy to perform work remotely when applicable. Please see our advertisement below for our contact information. Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd

Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Use a frying pan with an ovenproof handle. Heat the olive oil, then add the onion and chopped chorizo. Soften for 5 minutes. Add the peppers and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until they soften too. Stir in the crushed garlic and sweet smoked paprika, cook for another 1 minute. Pour in the tomatoes and add the capers, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes reduce and thicken a little. Make two or four wells in the thick sauce and gently crack an egg into each. Place the pan into the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Towards the end of the cooking time, toast the bread. Remove the eggs from the oven, scatter with the parsley and serve with the toasted bread, drizzled with a little olive oil. www.localreach.co.uk | 15

LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

A Spring Refresh With the long dark winter months and the government restrictions nearly behind us, I think that we are all looking for a fresh start. And that goes for our homes as well. As the new season brings with it an abundance of natural hues from spring greens; sunshine yellows; cool blues and warming pinks so we really want to bring some of that amazing world of colour into our homes as well. Pretty Sitting, which has already made a name for itself with it’s vibrant upholstery makeovers and eclectic commercial interiors, has now launched a brand new curtains, blinds and soft furnishings service. Based out of their new showroom on Bath Street in Cheddar, opposite the Bath Arms, you can browse displays of great quality fabric books, stylish curtain poles and accessories as well as a range of ethically sourced, locally made home wares and soft furnishings. For those that may need some inspiration and support to realize their ambitions Pretty Sitting offers a dedicated design service from a qualified in-house consultant. “We believe that with so much retail going online, for customers to be able to find an independent local interiors business providing expert advice and guidance is so important. We provide the human contact that we have all missed as well as great customer service,” say the Pretty Sitting team. The new showroom provides a space where you can indulge your passion for interiors, talk to experts and find products that you wont find in the big retail stores. Pretty Sitting buys from UK brands and small independents based in the South West and many of their products are made to order in their small craft workshop in Cheddar. “Whether you want to “make your own” or leave it to the professionals we have everything that you might want for the welldressed window and for creating a unique interior. So please come and talk to us and get inspired!” Contact Pretty Sitting in Cheddar on 01934 752725 or email info@prettysittingvintage.co.uk

16 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

LOCALREACH

Tips for Toes What is an ingrown toenail? An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail grows into the skin next to the nail. It’s a condition which primarily affects the big toe. Ingrown toenails are common and mostly affect adolescents and young adults, who tend to experience increased perspiration. This can lead to the nail fold becoming soft. This age group are also more likely to participate in sport, and females in particular are more likely to wear ‘fashion’ footwear which puts pressure on the toes. The pressure from sporting activity or caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear can lead to a small piece of the nail embedding itself in the skin. Senior citizens may also be more likely to develop ingrown toenails, especially if they have impaired vision or reduced mobility, which makes it more difficult to care for their toenails, which also tend to become thicker and more challenging with age. The most common causes of an ingrown toenail include: Poorly fitting shoes - Too-tight footwear or an overly narrow shoe forces the big toe and the second toe together, putting pressure on the nail wall. Poor toenail trimming technique - toenails should be cut straight across, above the level of the nail bed. If trimmed too short, inflammation can occur. Excessive sweating - perspiration causes the nail bed to soften, so the nail penetrates the skin easily. Injury - Stubbing the toe or dropping something on it can cause swelling and distort the natural nail architecture. Sport - Repetitive sports such as running, or dancing, or activities that involve kicking a ball, may damage the toenails. Infection - Fungal infections in particular can be a problem. Genetics - Some people inherit a predisposition for ingrown toenails. These people need to be particularly careful about choosing suitable footwear. The symptoms of an ingrown toenail are: Redness around the toenail

Swelling or harden skin around the nail. Fluid build-up in the toe area Pain when putting pressure on the toe Pus discharge Bleeding If you think you have an ingrown toenail: Soak the foot in warm salty water 3 or 4 times a day Keep the foot clean and dry at all other times Wear comfortable shoes that have enough room for the toes to move freely Take ibuprofen if there is pain. If there is no improvement after 2-3 days, consult a doctor. IMPORTANT: People with and underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage in the feet, or poor circulation, should see a doctor as soon as they notice an ingrown toenail. Medical treatment may involve antibiotics if there is an infection, or even a minor surgical procedure, usually performed under local anaesthetic. By Louise Addison

DO YOU NEED A NEW WEBSITE OR YOUR OLD ONE MADE OVER?

£45 for month r e p t +va r st yea the fir

…reducing to

We will…

• Design a 1 to 10 page web site • Host the site • Register your domain name • SSL Certificate included

£25+vat per month thereafter

Call us now on 01749

600388 hello@localreach.co.uk COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

Tenderness or pain along the sides of the nail www.localreach.co.uk | 17

BOOK REVIEW

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

A Good Read Bridgerton

by Julia Quinn Ah, the Regency Era. The world of Jane Austen, elegant women dressed in the sumptuous fashions or the era, and dashing young men, all navigating a world of parties and courtship. Julia Quinn drops us into this intriguing world in her bestselling novel Bridgerton: The Duke & I, the first in the series. Most people will know it through its highly successful adaptation on Netflix, but the original source material is well worth reading.

society – known as the ton – is lapping up the latest gossip. At one of many balls she attends, Daphne meets the rather irascible Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. The two form an unlikely friendship and, since neither of them is interested in marriage, they agree to a fake courtship, in the hope of avoiding advances from prospective husbands and wives. But can it really work? And are they really so averse to marriage? One of the charms of this novel is that you are reminded that no matter what era we are born into, we are all basically navigating the same pitfalls in life. Enjoy the ride!

The Big Ugly Monster and the Little Stone Rabbit by Jacqueline Wilson

We are introduced to the Bridgerton family with their 8 children (all named alphabetically). Mrs Bridgerton is eager to find a husband for her eldest daughter, Daphne, and it would appear that all of British high

My Journey as a Belly Dancer How do you mend the pieces of a broken heart? When Elizabeth finds herself at the crossroads of her life after a broken relationship, she embarked on a holiday to Morocco, where she became inspired after watching the performance of an Arabic Belly Dancer. Elizabeth returned home and signed up for classes, little realising that the course would change her life forever. My Journey as a Belly Dancer is Elizabeth’s true story that delves into the glitz and dangers of a world she found herself caught up in. “I was a Legal Secretary during the day and a Belly Dancer at night. A famous celebrity tracked me down years later.” Order Now through Waterstones and Amazon 18 | www.localreach.co.uk

Sometimes we all feel lonely. Sometimes all we want is a friend. The Big Ugly Monster is no different. This wonderful picture book tells the story of a monster who is so ugly that no one will go near him. Lakes, rivers, and puddles hiss and dry up when he steps in them. Animals and birds run away from him. Flowers drop their petals and trees lose their leaves. But one day he decides to make his own friend out of stone, and he carves a little stone rabbit. We learn that he is only ugly on the outside and that he is a faithful, loving friend. A moving story that will stay with you long after the final page. By Willow Coby

COMMUNITY TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

01749 01749600387 600387

01749 600387

COVID 19 – We are currently working and practising social distancing of 2m.

Central Partnership Ltd 11522535

| www.localreach.co.uk | 19 www.localreach.co.uk 19

LOCALREACH

20 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

LOCALREACH

De-Clutter Live with less

If you can’t lay your hands-on items quickly because they’re buried under piles of junk; if you’re constantly ‘stuff-shifting’ - moving things from one pile to a new ‘temporary’ pile; if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t throw this away, it might come in useful one day,” you’re probably a clutter victim. One of the side-effects of the events of 2020 was that many of us had more time and less money. We embraced a simpler, slower, less covetous lifestyle and many of us feel we’d like to keep something of that as we move towards a post-pandemic world. There was a collective realisation that possessions are less important than the people we missed. A decade ago, Californian blogger Dave Bruno set himself the year-long experimental task of reducing his belongings to just 100 items. When his experiment concluded he found he wanted to keep living by his new rules, preferring simplicity to consumerism. His book is worth seeking out. Since then, whole movement has developed around the aim of a simpler, more minimalistic lifestyle. There are some great blogs and podcasts available: The Practical Minimalists, and The Minimalists are two worth listening to. Listen to them for inspiration while you declutter. I’m not recommending a sparse monastic lifestyle, but most of us put far too much time, effort, and money into acquiring, keeping, and storing possessions. Sometimes it’s good to let go. If you’re ready to de-clutter, then we have a few simple tips. If you feel you need help, there are experts in de-cluttering who will guide you through the process of letting go.

De-cluttering Tips: Deal with one room at a time: The task will seem less daunting. Stick with that room until it’s finished. Choose a nice day: Take the room contents outside. Psychologically it’s easier to sort and let go if you’re one step removed. It’s also less likely that the clutter will make it back inside. Sort everything into three piles: Label them dump, donate, and keep. Be realistic: if the item in question hasn’t been used for over a year it is unlikely you will ever use it. Deal with the dump and donate piles: Do this before anything comes back into the house. It’s much harder to mess up your good work if the stuff is physically gone. Sort and label: Place the remaining items in clearly labelled boxes. Make sure there is one temporary box to house items which really belong in another room. As each room is sorted those items can be replaced, and other misplaced items can be housed there while the de-cluttering process continues. Replace everything that remains: The maxim ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’ is a good one. House small items in clear plastic boxes and store them in cupboards or wardrobes. Now you’re done instigate a one thing in: one thing out rule. It will make you think twice about acquiring something if you know something else has to go. Finally, once a week, take two bags and go through your home. One bag is for rubbish, the other for items in the wrong place. When you’ve finished throw the rubbish away and replace the misplaced items. Follow these small steps and you too can de-clutter your life. By Sarah Davey

www.localreach.co.uk | 21

LOCALREACH

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Hard Times A water softener might change your life

You probably know that water can be rated ‘hard’ or ‘soft’, but do you know what those terms actually mean? Water has varying levels of hardness based on calcium carbonate concentration. Water with less than 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate is considered soft, 61-120 mg/L is moderately hard, 121-180 mg/L is hard, and above 180 mg/L is deemed very hard. The water from your tap is safe to drink whether it’s hard or soft. Hard water may even have a few health benefits by fulfilling your dietary needs of essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. But while hard water is safe to ingest, the effect of hard water on hair and skin can be s different story. Hard water can leave behind a slight film making skin and hair feel less clean to the touch. It might cause dandruff in your hair and irritate skin problems such as eczema. Washing clothes with hard water can cause the clothing fabric to break down more quickly over time, leave spots on dishes, and residue on your work surfaces and shower screens. Over time mineral build-up in your pipes may cause them to clog, and you’ll likely see build-up on shower heads and taps. A water softener solves these problems by processing the hard water to turn it into soft water. Water enters the softener and passes into the resin or media tank where it goes through a simple process that removes calcium, magnesium carbonate and manganese, leaving only soft water to exit the softener and be used around your home. 22 | www.localreach.co.uk

Plumbing a good water softener into your household supply is an investment for your home. It will eliminate the limescale caused by minerals which build up and leave that white powdery residue which clogs shower heads and pipework, makes surfaces appear dirty and reduces the efficiency of your appliances. Often, we don’t think about our appliances until they break down. The most common reason for early appliance failure is limescale build-up which corrodes the heating elements of your kettle, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine and heating system. By removing the limescale, you start to protect your appliances, they work better, live longer, and cost you less money over time. Another benefit is no stains and marks on dishes, glasses, and pans. Your bathroom remains clean and shiny too with less scrubbing and harsh chemicals. You need less detergent in your washing machine and less salt in your dishwasher. Shampoo, soap, and conditioners will also last longer. Finally, over a period of time, your softened water will remove scale from the inside of your water pipes, hot water cylinders and shower heads…we all know how expensive an emergency plumber is, so arrange for a non-emergency plumber to fit a water softener instead and start enjoying the benefits. By Kate McCarthy

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Easter Trail – Watch out for invitations to an Easter Trail around the churches in Wells. Sunday 4th to Saturday 10th April: From Sunday 4th to Saturday 10th April, you will be able to find scenes from the Easter Story on display outside the churches in Wells, for example – Jesus arriving at Jerusalem on a donkey, finding that Jesus’ body had disappeared from the tomb. Look for the clues hidden within each scene and, if you have found all the answers, you can claim a small prize on Saturday 10th April. More information can be found on St Cuthbert’s and St Thomas’ Facebook / websites. Or phone Rowena on 01749 679300 or email: revrowenafrancis@ gmail.com

COMMUNITY Mendip Ramblers had looked forward to winter walking, even relishing the rain and mud, but that quite rightly didn’t happen. But there is now hope that group walking will be possible again in late Spring and early Summer. We plan to resume offering a good variety of weekly walks for existing members and newcomers as soon as permission is given. It seems that many more people have been walking in their local area - maybe this is the time to join in group walks as well. Please take a look at our website where all walks are posted. With luck we’ll be out every week over the summer, ending with our August Bank Walking Festival based in Shipham. All are welcome. All details at www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Connect-Ed Henton and District Gardening Club Wednesday 21st April at 7:30pm: On a grey February evening it was a sight for sore eyes to gaze via Zoom at the colourful examples of “Plants that should be better know” gathered together by Katherine Crouch. Her headings of “ugly babies”, “cute babies” and “big beasties” summed up the plants which may well be out of fashion, but are certainly worth re-introducing into our gardens. In March we learned of the healing powers of plants with Nancy Steven’s talk “Curious Herbal – a history of medicinal herbs”. The title and venue of April’s talk on 21st is yet to be confirmed - but full details can be found on our website www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com

Wells Library - Spring is in the air! Why not have a look at our gardening magazines – free to borrow and you can keep them for as long as you like! Visit www.librarieswest.org.uk, choose Digital Magazines and download the RB Digital app. All you need is your library card and PIN. Any queries email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk

Peer support & social group for adults with mild learning difficulties, NDD or autism. We offer face to face peer support in Wells. Friendly, relaxed environment, small groups, support staff welcome. £3.30 per session, Covid rules apply. Contact Frances for info: reigatesc@hotmail.co.uk

Want more business in 2021? Advertise in LocalReach from only £3+vat per week! LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to 47,935 homes & businesses reaching a population of over 114,000 people. Call

Hope at Easter for Walkers The time for New Year resolutions is long gone but as the Easter season beckons people everywhere hope that a more ordinary way of living is within reach.

01749 600388 or email

hello@localreach.co.uk

www.localreach.co.uk | 23

COMMUNITY

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

Creating Calm If you know a child or young person struggling with big feelings, stressful situations or other life challenges, then therapy can really help them. There are lots of reasons they might come for therapy and generally, the answer is, ‘Yes, I can help.’ I work with children and young people experiencing a huge range of concerns including: • Abuse • Anger and frustration • Anxiety • ASD and PANDAS • Attachment • Bereavement • Family issues

• Fears and phobias • OCD, TS, ODD and PDA • School issues • Self-esteem and self-image • Trauma and PTSD • And more…

I support children and young people with play and creative arts therapy, AutPlay, TraumaPlay, Emotional Logic and animal assisted therapy. I generally work 1:1 with clients, but I will often work supporting the family too. I have a few client spaces, for immediate start in my private practice, at Cherry Tree Studio, Mendip Court, South Horrington, Wells. If I can help someone you know, or you would like to know more about how I work, please get in touch.

The Somerset and Bath County Lunatic Asylum A unique exhibition of “The Somerset and Bath County Lunatic Asylum 1848 to 1918, a photographic collection showing discover the stories of the patients and staff through their pictures, artifacts and displays” will take place at the Wells & Mendip Museum starting on Saturday June 4th until Wednesday July 14th 2021. In partnership with the Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery the exhibition will feature the photographs and stories of some of the 3,000 patients and staff buried in numbered graves at the cemetery and will give an incredible insight into the pioneering work that went on at the hospital in caring for their patients. Come and visit and learn more about the care and treatment given at the hospital during this time which, unlike pre conceived opinions, was in many cases enlightening considering the availability of medicine and the contemporary understanding of mental health conditions.

You can also find out more at www.creatingcalm.co.uk

Somerset man writes book in support of the local children’s hospice

Do you need help for a child or young person that you know? I'm a local therapist, based in Wells, who supports children, young people and their families to help them manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges.

Elaine Hutchinson www.creatingcalm.co.uk hello@creatingcalm.co.uk 01749 599066 | Autplay | trauma play sand tray therapy | emotional Logic coaching | tele-therapy creative art and Play therapy

John Barkle, age 86 from Wells in Somerset has written his first book called ‘Memories of a Village Grocer’ and it has been met with high praise. The book recounts John’s days as a young boy in Ditcheat, his years in the shops in Pilton and Wells, his amateur dramatics in Croscombe, to his retirement and beyond. It’s been described as ‘beautifully written, full of anecdotes and village characters; a must read for anyone who remembers shopping in Barkles or who loves village life’. To his delight, John’s first print run of 150 sold out quickly and another 250 are currently being printed. The book can be purchased for £12 including postage and packing, with all proceeds going to Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). John and his late wife, Elizabeth, were supporters of CHSW and took part in the charity’s Santa run in Wells over six years ago. They also visited CHSW’s local hospice, Charlton Farm in North Somerset,

24 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

COMMUNITY

to see for themselves the fantastic care provided there. Sadly, Elizabeth died in November 2019, but John has dedicated the book to her and their life together. Kylie Gallagher, Area Fundraiser for CHSW, said: “We are delighted and honoured to be the beneficiary of John’s book. I’m sure people will enjoy a trip down memory lane reading about John’s life. And what a wonderful tribute to his late wife, Elizabeth.” Book orders can be placed villagegrocer2021@outlook.com

emailing

RNLI Winscombe & District Branch – Planning can begin The announcement of Boris’s Roadmap on 22nd February has provided the Branch with some guidance and a “Springboard” to start planning some fund-raising for 2021. Consequently, the Branch held a Committee Meeting on 2nd March to kick start this year’s programme. Order lists for a full range of plants offered for our 2021 Plant Sale have already been sent out to previous customers and initial orders are being received. However, using Boris’s Roadmap, it now appears highly likely that we will be able to hold some form of Outdoor Plant Sale in Winscombe in May although neither the extent nor the date is finalised at time of writing. Further information on Plant Order Forms and the Plant Sale Format may be requested by e-mail from meejlfh@gmail.com or paul_e_ashmore@ btinternet.com. As always, prices will be very reasonable and all profits will go to RNLI Winscombe and District Branch. Also as part of Boris’s Roadmap Step 3 around 17 May, meeting outdoors will be permitted so the Branch will restart “Pop-Up” Stalls in our local villages while it may be possible to hold Village Events in which the Branch will participate. Meanwhile, the first batch of this year’s plants (mostly Broad Beans & Sweet Peas) are available at “Mike’s Honesty Box” Plant & Produce Sales Table on Jubilee Road in Axbridge; as well as buying items from the table, customers and supporters may leave plants and other produce at Mike’s Table for onward sales. The Branch is always open for individual donations so please contact our Chairman Allan Cooper on 01934-842954. At a national level, the RNLI has started to recruit and train lifeguards to ensure that all 248 RNLI beaches are provided with a lifeguard service this year. This should ensure that Burnham-on-Sea and Berrow beaches will be manned from July to September. RNLI lifeguards have helped thousands of people

return home to their loved ones over the last 20 years. They are a crucial part of the RNLI lifesaving service, helping to prevent incidents before they happen, and being there to rescue those who get into difficulty. It’s a truly rewarding role and a great summer job, where you get to call the beach your office, so if you have a passion for the RNLI, a good level of fitness, love speaking to people and helping others, why not apply? Go to the RNLI website: summerjobs.rnli. org/become-a-lifeguard

Wells Festival of Literature 2021 The countdown has already begun! October 2021 might feel distant to most of us, but to the volunteers on the Committee of the Wells Festival of Literature it’s imminent! Speakers for the October Festival are being approached and signed up, judges for the International Competitions have been selected and a new look for the website is being finalised. The Competitions, all four of them, will open on Thursday 1 April, running until 30 June. They are open both to poets and writers of prose, and there are four categories: Open Poetry will be judged by Owen Sheers, Short Story by Sally Bayley, Book for Children by Joanna Nadin and the Young Poets by Phoebe Stuckes. Something for everyone! Full details of how to enter, plus all the rules and regulations, will be on the WFL website. And the prize money once again this year is extremely generous. First prize in the Open Poetry category is an astounding £1000. Small wonder the competitions attract a larger number of entrants every year with talented hopefuls sending in their offerings from all around the globe. The Festival itself is also becoming increasingly international, with the organisers yet again planning a hybrid nine days of live events, streamed events and live-streamed events! Wells 2020 proved how versatile and flexible a successful festival can be. Wells 2021 promises even more. So save the date: 15 – 23 October 2021. It’s not just the audiences who enjoy a successful festival: Somerset schools and colleges also reap the benefits with the Festival continuing to support a huge range of educational projects, many of them especially tailored to classrooms in lockdown and the challenges of home-schooling and virtual lessons. Support in this field is always needed and the Festival remains grateful to all the Friends and Sponsors who make its charitable giving possible. www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

www.localreach.co.uk | 25

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

Somerset Sight - Volunteers wanted During lockdown our services have continued to operate within Covid-19 guidelines, we are looking for volunteers in the Mendip area to visit local people in 2021 and also volunteers in other areas of Somerset. One of our services is a Volunteer Visiting Service within which local volunteers are matched up with local people with sight impairment. Volunteers visit people regularly for company and sometimes for trips out, visits can be organised around your own life of course. The regular company of a volunteer greatly helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation for people, the risks of which are greatly increased with the onset of sight loss and very often other health conditions too. We support our volunteers well and pay all reasonable expenses, I personally go with the volunteer to introduce them to the person they will visit. If you would like to know more about volunteering for Somerset Sight in your local area please contact us on 01823 333818 or email on claire.packwood@ somersetsight.org.uk for more information.

F O RO

Surviving Winter appeal raises recordbreaking amount to help local older people

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) is absolutely delighted to announce that the 2020/21 Surviving Winter appeal has smashed its target, raising an incredible, record-breaking £160,000, thanks to the generosity of local donors.

The annual appeal encourages those who can afford to, to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment. These donations provide funding and support to our older and vulnerable neighbours across Somerset. For information on how to apply for a Surviving Winter grant, please contact either Community Council for Somerset on 01823 331222 or visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter To donate some or all of your Winter Fuel Payment, or to make a donation of any size to the Surviving Winter appeal, please visit www.somersetcf.org. uk/winter to donate online. To make a donation over the phone, please call 01749 344949.

Have you been travelling on buses? Where do your thoughts lead you? You might not think you’re a photographer or collage artist? Why not give it a go and get involved! On your bus journey or destination, take a photo of something that has one dominant colour scheme. 26 | www.localreach.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 This could be something that stands out? Catches your eye or imagination? Or make a collage about this at home from old magazines in just one dominant colour, and photograph it. ‘All the Colours’ is working with the bus passengers of Sedgemoor to create a collage reflecting on your responses to your journey, the past year, a particular experience, mood, feeling, moment, personal or global memory. The images will be part of a co-created artwork which will be transformed into a hologram Chameleon. It’s FREE and we would love to involve you! This is your opportunity to be creative and help brighten up the buses with a community focus. For full details and to submit your image visit seedsedgemoor.com/all-the-colours

Local Business A – Z ACCOUNTANTS

Accountants and Business Advisors Supporting the local community T:

01749 677989

mail@probusinessuk.com | www.probusinessuk.com St Lawrence Lodge, 37 Chamberlain Street, Wells, BA5 2PQ

AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

DAVID FORD AERIALS Please call DAVID FORD on either TEL: 01749 649196 MOBILE: 07740 946385

01749 605381 BATHROOM & KITCHEN FITTERS

Glastonbury Bathrooms & Kitchens Reliable bathroom and kitchen fitters

FR CO EE DE NS ULT SIGN ATI ON

• Experienced Team • End-to-end Service • Top Brands • Tailored Designs • Supply Only - Retail and Trade

01458 860799

Westhay Business Park, Westhay, Glastonbury. BA6 9TL

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 BATHROOM FITTERS

BOILERS

BMT BATHROOM FITTERS TOTAL REFITS • WET ROOMS SHOWERS • TOILETS

FULLY INSURED • 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE FREE QUOTATIONS

CALL BEN TREASURE ON 01749 605203

BLINDS

F O

O R

BUILDERS

General Builders & Property Maintenance For all your building needs

Extensions - Driveways - Window Fitting - Roofing - Fencing Stone/Brick Walling - Patios - Decking - Pointing - Renovations Kitchen Fitting - Wood & Tile Floors - Patio & Decking Cleaning

GRP Fibreglass Roofing

Resin Bonded Driveways/Patios/Paths

FREE Estimates - All Jobs Welcome

No Job Too Small - We finish one job before starting the next

01458 840215 / 07940 380509 justin.green1@btinternet.com www.jtgreenbuilders.co.uk

OFFER OF THE MONTH 3 Vertical Blinds for Only £179 Up to 6ft wide, max 5ft drop Other sizes available

Over 20 years in the trade

Want more business in 2021? Advertise in LocalReach from only £3+vat per week! LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to 47,935 homes & businesses reaching a population of over 114,000 people.

Experience affordable elegance with FREE Fitting & up to 60% OFF VERTICAL • ROLLER • VENETIAN • ROMAN PLEATED • CONSERVATORY SPECIALIST

Call 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk CARPENTERS AND JOINERS

Call Colin for your free quote & fast local service

Somerset 01749 467091

www.localreach.co.uk | 27

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 DOORS

Carpet & & Upholstery Upholstery Steam Steam Cleaning Cleaning Carpet Powerful Van Van Mounted Mounted Equipment Equipment •• Powerful Residential & & Commercial Commercial Cleaning Cleaning •• Residential Pre & & End End Of Of Tenancy Tenancy Cleaning Cleaning •• Pre Stains & & Pet Pet Odour Odour Removal Removal •• Stains • No VAT

~~~~ A Carpet Cleaner you can trust! Ca ll Sally: Mo b : 07766 117219 Te l: 01749 440011 www.s ta in awa y.c o .u k DRAINAGE

When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach

CHIMNEY SWEEPS

High Quality Sweep Stove Fitting & Repairs

07790 958616 DOG WALKING

Pe t s 4 Ho l i d ay s Qualified Vet Nurse.

Available to Dog walk, Dog mind and look after your pets. Dogs walk individually around my 12 acre holding. Happy to collect and drop back to your home

Phone Nicky: 01749 677722 / 07875 957023

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS AND SALES

28 | www.localreach.co.uk

Want more business in 2021? Advertise in LocalReach from only £3+vat per week! LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to 47,935 homes & businesses reaching a population of over 114,000 people. Call 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk ELECTRICIANS

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 FLOORING

GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND SERVICES

Carpets • Rugs • Vinyl • Wood Skirtings replaced • Stock rolls • Remnants

Luke’s

• Ranges from leading manufacturers • Competitively priced • Fully qualified, reliable fitting team and floor repairs service

F O O

Large showroom in Market Street, BA5 2DS

Tree Care, Hedge Care & General Building

NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL! LOW COSTS PLUS FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

FREE ESTIMATES

01749 67 65 65

01749 467093

(Opposite The Pound Shop)

luke100785@yahoo.com

www.wellscityfloors.co.uk FOOT CARE

Thea Mirfin DipFH. MCFHP. MAFHP.

Foot Health Professional

07849 033055

F O

TOE NAIL CUTTING SERVICE Contact Tracy SAC Dip F.H.P T: 01749

938712

M: 07787932416

FROM

£20

F O O R P

FUEL INSTALLATIONS

O R

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD Wood Burning Stove Fireplaces Chimneys Fully insured Qualified installers

01749 677440

07921 074602

solidfuel3@aol.com

www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

LAWN MOWING

stevecollinslawncare.co.uk 01749 595224 / 07971 677790 When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach LOFT BOARDING

LLLL BLBBBBBB SLSLS WWWL Need more this Christmas? Make usestorage of yourspace loft and create more

M a k e u s e o f y o u r space l o f t a n d in c r eyour a t e m home ore space in your home

Loft Ladders Raised Loft Storage ✓ Loft Ladders ✓ Raised Loft Storage Loft Lighting Insulation ✓ LLoft o f t s t o r aLighting g e s o l u t i o n s f o r p e✓ r i o d Insulation and new build homes that don’t void your warranty, with the bonus of keeping your belongings

s a f efor a n dperiod s e c u r e . and new build homes Loft storage solutions that don’t void your 0 1 3warranty, 7 3 8 1 with 3 4 the 3 8 bonus of keeping w.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk yourw wbelongings safe and secure.

01749 600384

www.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk

www.localreach.co.uk | 29

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CONTINUED

LOG SUPPLIER

Kiln Dried Hardwood Seasoned Hardwood Smokeless Coal & Eco Logs Kindling & Natural Firelighters

LOCAL HOME CARE GUTTER CLEANING SERVICES

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

EPDM flat roofs and repairs

01934 734662 www.ebdonfirewood.co.uk When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach

Supply, fit and repair Fascias, Soffits and Guttering

PLUMBING & HEATING

Drives, Paths, Gutters and Patios cleaned UPVC Fascias, Frames and Conservatories All types of Re-Roofs Call Geoff for your FREE estimate

01749 605415 or 07554 184479 www.local-homecare.co.uk

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

HandyMan in wells Shepton Mallet • Street • Glastonbury • Cheddar

Bath & Radstock Property Maintenance South West Fencing • Plastering • Painting • General Building • Plumbing • Oil heating • House Clearance • Guttering • and MUCH more!

Call 07894323115 for a FREE No Obligation Quote

Carpenter • General handyman Property maintenance • Sash window repairs

01749 676 732 • 07437 462 137 handymaninwells@btinternet.com www.handymaninwells.weebly.com

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A LOCAL HANDY MAN?

Local reach Ad.indd 1

No job too big or small Friendly, reliable, professional service that you can count on!

Call Mark now on

07393 455936 or 01749 347 599

markoscar.mg@gmail.com 30 | www.localreach.co.uk

When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach SEWING

07/06/2018 14:03

Frances C “I sew for you” ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS Clothing, Curtains & Blinds • Shortening • Hems • Fitting

• Repairs • Alterations • Making new

Frances Christine 01749 939578 Randall BA Hons Fashion Knitwear & Textiles Centrally located in Wells. Collection/delivery if required.

LOCAL BUSINESS A – Z

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01749 600388

F O O PR

SKIP HIRE

Providing a waste recycling service

Fully licensed & compliant

TREE SURGEONS CONTINUED

All gardening services All tree surgery services Stump grinding service Grass cutting | Hedge trimming Covering all of Somerset and the Southwest

Call Carl Carter

Commercial & Domestic

07909 040525

01749 678279 / 07721 415677

Fully Qualified & Insured

email@cheddarskips.plus.com www.cheddarandwellsskips.co.uk

STOVES (MULTI FUEL)

Multi Fuel Stoves Supplied & Fitted from £1250

When replying to adverts please say you saw it in LocalReach UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

ECOSY Purefire Curve 5kw A+ Energy Rated

Upholstery & Soft Furnishings

Courses in upholstery & related crafts

Prices exclude any additional building works

Call Dave on

07790 958616

Pretty Sitting UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Call 01749 600388 or email hello@localreach.co.uk TREE SURGEONS

H OAK ILL

TREE SURGEONS & GROUNDS CARE

• All aspects of tree/hedge work • Stump grinding • Specialist work undertaken including fruit trees & bamboo removal • Suppliers of wood chip, wood mulch & logs Full site clearance Fully qualified & insured Free quote • 24 Hour call out

01749 605389

Interior Design

01934 752725

www.prettysittingvintage.co.uk

Want more business in 2021?

LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to 47,935 homes & businesses reaching a population of over 114,000 people.

Upholstery Fabrics

Showroom and online store

5 Year Guarantee

Advertise in LocalReach from only £3+vat per week!

Recycled, restored and handmade furniture & accessories for sale

The Showroom & Workshop, Barrows House, Tweentown, Cheddar. BS27 3HU

WEB DESIGN

LOW COST WEB DESIGN SERVICE WEB SITE DESIGN DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION WEB SITE HOSTING We will design up to 10 page web site for only £45+vat per month, then drops to only £25+vat per month.

01749 600388 hello@localreach.co.uk WINDOW REPAIRS

Glazier, Windows & Door Engineer • Glass, Sealed Units • Handles & Hinges • Gaskets & Seals • Repairs & Servicing •Emergency Boarding Up Service Call Stephen from GlassCorp on

01458 851 020 07563 623 604 www.glasscorp.co.uk

www.localreach.co.uk | 31

If you’re looking to sell and want some up to date honest advice, please call us today.

Cheddar

£185,000

Luxury one bed apartment specifically designed for the over 55’s. There are 11 apartments in total each with its own integrated door entry and emergency call system Fully appointed with carpets, a well designed kitchen and wet room.

Cheddar

£439,950

Beautiful quiet location • Tucked away • Detached • Off street parking • Stunning views towards the Mendips • Within walking distance of Cheddar • Four bedrooms • Large kitchen • Lounge • En-suite • Viewing is essential

Winscombe OIEO£300,000 Attractive village location • 3 bedrooms • Off street parking • Lounge/diner • Kitchen • Walking distance to shops and pubs • Courtyard area

Axbridge

£102,500

One bedroom first floor over 55’s apartment • Allocated parking • Walking distance to the local amenities • Lovely views • Large bedroom • Walk in wardrobe • No onward chain • Communal entrances to ground and first floor

Cheddar

£310,000

Four bed semi-detached house • Great central location • Large kitchen/ dining room • Fully enclosed and well maintained rear garden • Solar panels to the roof currently yielding approx £1200 p/a, integral garage • Parking for at least two vehicles

Cheddar

£339,500

Lovely detached bungalow • 3 bedrooms • Family bathroom • Seperate cloakroom • Lounge/diner • 2 porch areas • Detached garage • Views towards the Mendip Hills and Gorge from the garden • Parking for 4 vehicles

Cheddar

£550,000

Well designed, unique and stunning property • Renovated and extended to a very high standard • Large open plan living • Kitchen/diner • Utility • Lounge • Four bedrooms • En suite bathroom • Main bathroom • Garage • Parking for multiple vehicles

Axbridge £350,000 Immaculate detached three bedroom house • Very well presented throughout • Ensuite to the main bedroom • Lounge • Dining room • Kitchen • Conservatory • Downstairs cloakroom • Detached garage

For a free valuation of your property, please call on 01934 742966 to have an up to date market appraisal.