LocalReach Wells September 2023

“Fantastic responsive service. It’s the 2nd time I have used central roofing and on both occasions they turned up on time got on with the job and kept us informed on what was being carried out. Went above and beyond and assisted me in issues around insurance. I would recommend this company to anyone with roofing issues.”

Cat Lady

We used Central Roofing to take down an old flat roof and install another on our business premises at Knight Brothers Garage. The company was very reliable, they turned up when they said they would, the guys that did the work were very tidy and efficient. The work was completed in the time frame they set…we are more than pleased with the finished job.

Karen Anderson

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Reducing Your Mortgage Borrowing to Prepare for Interest Rate Rises

As a mortgage advisor, we understand the concerns many homeowners have about potential interest rate rises and the impact it can have on mortgage payments. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to reduce your borrowing on your mortgage, giving you more financial stability when rates go up. Here are some valuable strategies to consider:

1. Regular Mortgage Reviews: Take the time to review your mortgage annually with your mortgage advisor. This allows you to stay on top of changes in your financial situation and your property value, presenting opportunities to reduce your borrowing.

2. Increase Repayments: If possible, consider increasing your monthly mortgage repayments. By paying more than the minimum required, you’ll chip away at the principal faster, leading to lower interest costs over time.

3. Accelerated Payment Frequency: Switching from monthly to bi-weekly or weekly mortgage payments can significantly reduce the time it takes to pay off your mortgage and save you money on interest. (Check with your lender the best way to do this)

4. Lump Sum Payments: Whenever you come into extra money, such as a bonus or inheritance,

consider making lump sum payments towards your mortgage. This will directly reduce the principal amount, resulting in overall interest savings.

5. Refinancing Options: Explore the possibility of refinancing your mortgage, especially if interest rates have decreased since you took out your loan or if your credit score has improved. Refinancing at a lower rate can lead to substantial long-term savings.

6. Consider Variable and Fixed Rates: Understand the pros and cons of variable and fixed-rate mortgages. Depending on the economic outlook, a variable rate might be a better choice if you want to prepare for potential interest rate fluctuations.

7. Financial Planning: Engage in comprehensive financial planning to enhance your overall financial health. A well-prepared budget and emergency savings can act as a safety net during uncertain economic times.

By adopting these strategies, you can proactively reduce your borrowing on your mortgage before renewal, providing a cushion against interest rate rises. As a responsible homeowner, taking early action can lead to significant savings and greater peace of mind. Speak to one of our advisors today on 01275 244360.

Garden View

This month – Garden for free

up all over the garden in random clumps every year.

I’ve banged on about making your own compost on this page for years. Just do it. Once your compost bin is established you will barely ever have to pay for expensive bags of compost again. You can start any time, and use grass cuttings, shredded paper, veg peelings and eggshells. Your garden will love you.

Watching The Chelsea Flower Show this year I was struck by how the hottest horticultural trends this year are budget-friendly. I assume that this was not an accident given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK. But whatever the reason there were many free and cheap garden ideas on show. One of the hottest trends in the show garden was ‘weed-styling.’ Cleve West’s Centrepoint Garden was a masterclass in how to do this. Using ‘weeds’ or wildflowers is not only kind to your budget but also to the environment. Unsurprisingly, our native wildlife loves our native flora and dandelions are particularly good for bees. Encourage plants such as wild carrot, yarrow, ivy-leaved toadflax, common fennel, red valerian, and cow parsley. Another trend on display was using rubble and reclaimed waste, which would otherwise go to landfill, to make a rockery, path, or wall. This look suits drought-tolerant plants such as rosemary, sedums, lavender, sage, phlomis, thyme and oregano.

Chaos gardening is an actual thing! Collect up any seeds that you have lying around and scatter them throughout your flowerbeds. Mix up annuals flowers with vegetables and once established it will produce a potager effect. I have one area of my garden called ‘freebie corner.’ It is stocked only with gifted plants, or those I’ve gleaned from cuttings or even in the case of one rose bush, removed from a skip, with the owner’s permission!

Leading on from this, try planting self-seeders. I have loads of aquilegia, meadow cranesbill, poppies, verbena, and forget-me-nots. They pop

You can also try wilding your lawn. This is not for everyone because some people like their grass neat. But if your lawn is a bit motheaten or you hate mowing, try letting it grow. You will be amazed at the flowers, and the insects they attract. The trick to making it look like a style choice and not just neglect is curation. You can choose to wild just certain areas, leaving a central space on which to sit or play, or mow a wide meandering path or two through the longer grass, or mow around the edge like a picture frame and keep the lawn well edged and the wild area contained to the centre. Try it. If you hate it, it’s simple enough to mow it short again.

Your garden is your space. It should work with you and your budget to provide a place where you can relax.

By Rachael Leverton

Western Fuel are suppliers of Home Heating Oil and as your local Somerset, family run supplier, can offer you a fast and reliable service at competitive prices.

Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch - September Meeting Presentation

On Wednesday 6th September the Branch Meeting will be a Presentation “An Engineer’s Journey from Metal file to Frogram file” at 11:00 am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS followed by a Lunch from the Golf Club Menu. The Branch Area covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BA4, BA5, BA6, BA16, TA11 & TA10.

All events are open to Branch Members, RAFA Members from other Branches, Current and ExRAF Service Personnel (Including RAF Reserves), and Members of the “RAF Family”. Please contact the Branch via e-mail rafa.midsomerset@gmail. com or 01458 224057.

Speak to Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team at Wells Library

Drop in and speak to a member of Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team on Wednesday 6th September 11:00am - 12:00pm. Whether you want advice on how to protect your belongings, more information about the work we are doing in your area, or you want to raise a concern about an issue in your community, your Neighbourhood Policing Team will be on-hand to help.

West Mendip Walkers September Walk Programme

Thursday 7th September: 8m circular walk starting 10am from Uphill BS23 4SD.

Thursday 14th September: 10m circular walk starting 10am from Moorlinch Village Hall TA7 9BU.

Wednesday 20th September: 12m circular walk starting 10am from Newton Poppleford EX10 0EY.

Thursday 21st September: 10.3m circular walk starting 10am from Steps Bridge EX6 7EQ. All details on www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Wedmore 40/30 charity cycle is back!

Sunday 10th September. The exciting cycling challenge sees bike enthusiasts take on a breathtaking 30, 40 or 70 mile course across the spectacular Mendip Hills and Somerset levels. There is also a fun, family-friendly 12 mile course.

Weston Hospicecare is working in collaboration with a brilliant group of cycling enthusiast volunteers from Wedmore to bring this event to you and money raised through ticket sales will be split between Weston Hospicecare and St Mary’s Church.

www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/ wedmore-40-30/

Dance into Autumn with our friendly Scottish Country Dancing club

Lots to learn and lots of fun to be had as we begin a new term on September 14th. Our classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The Blue School Sports Centre, Wells. All ages (over 18) welcome.

No experience necessary. No partner needed. However, a reasonable level of mobility is required for this lively and sociable activity.

To learn more about Scottish Dancing or to register your interest in joining us, call Ann on 01934 740065 or email ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com

September News from Coxley, Henton and Wookey Churches

On Sunday 17th September, Coxley has a Harvest Festival (10:30am) followed by a Shared Lunch at 12 noon. Food donations from the service will go to Wells Foodbank.

Come to Muddy Church (Wookey Goat Farm: Sunday 17th September 4-5pm) where children can enjoy digging up vegetables, a Bible story and refreshments. No need to RSVP, just turn up!

Also, please join us for Holy Communion every Wednesday (10:00am) at Wookey Church.

Find out more about our events and services at www.chwchurches.co.uk

International Talk Like a Pirate Day - September 19th

A Summer of Sewing Classes

This summer has seen our new sewing classes take off. Starting with a class on how to get the best from your sewing machine, students were shown how to make a buttonhole, machine applique and zig zag stitching amongst other decorative sewing techniques on their own sewing machines. We received some enthusiastic responses from our students: “I never knew that I could achieve so much on my old sewing machine” “Thoroughly enjoyable class and I intend to do much more sewing now…”

Ahoy, mateys! Avast ye, for it be time to set sail on a riotous journey through the history of International Talk Like a Pirate Day. This be a day like no other, where landlubbers and scallywags alike embrace their inner pirate and let loose with a hearty “Arr!” and a mighty “Yo-ho-ho!”

The tale begins in the year 1995 when two lads from Oregon, John Baur and Mark Summers, found themselves embroiled in a friendly game of racquetball. As the sweat poured from their brows and their imaginations ran wild, they discovered a shared love for all things pirate. It was then that they decided the world needed a special day to celebrate the swashbuckling lingo and antics of these seafaring rogues.

And so, on September 19th, 1995, International Talk Like a Pirate Day was born! It started small, with just a handful of friends and acquaintances joining in the fun, but it quickly gained traction. Before they knew it, their silly holiday had spread like wildfire across the seven seas.

As the years went by, Talk Like a Pirate Day grew from a quirky inside joke to a global phenomenon and a cherished tradition: a day where we can all set aside our responsibilities and embrace our silly side. It reminds us not to take life too seriously, to let out a hearty laugh, and to remember the childlike joy that comes from pretending to be a pirate, if only for a day.

So, me hearties, on this glorious day, hoist the Jolly Roger, sing a sea shanty, and let loose with your best pirate accent. For International Talk Like a Pirate Day is a testament to the enduring power of laughter and the universal appeal of a good “Arrrr!”

By Tom Hancock

Students also attended a class on making a piped and zipped scatter cushion using their own machines (see photo). Future classes include How to sew a Roman Blind and How to make a bench/box cushion cover. We will be running classes regularly throughout the year, so if you are interested in taking part check our website for dates.

Plus, if you would like to try your hand at upholstery then classes start again in mid-September and run through until May next year. All our classes are suitable for beginners, just bring a domestic sewing machine for the sewing classes and a chair for your upholstery project.

Crossword Across

1 Crusade, expedition (10)

7 Troubled, dubious (2,5)

8 Type of shoe (4)

10 Hairless (4)

11 Twelfth month (8)

13 Bunny (6)

15 Duplicate (6)

17 Cinderella’s were glass (8)

18 Quick (4)

21 Celebrity (4)

22 Speculated (7)

23 Give the go-ahead (5-5)

Down

1 Cycle (5)

2 Hoodlum (4)

3 A little, quite (6)

4 Oily fish (8)

5 Adios (7)

6 Gobbledygook (9)

9 Appreciation (9)

Word Search

Anaxarchus

Antisthenes

Arcesilaus

Archytas

Aristotle Chrysippus

Damo Democritus

Dicaearchus

Diogenes

Epicurus

Geminus

Gorgias Heraclitus

Parmenides

Plato Plutarch Posidonius

Proclus Speusippus

Stilpo

Xenephon

12 Scatter (8)

14 Vesicle, bubble (7)

16 Meagre (6)

19 Assign (5)

20 Complacent (4)

Mindbenders

Solutions: Turn to page 12

New research highlights 40% of over 50s don’t report hearing loss

By Simon Swindells, Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care

A recent study has found that nearly 40% of people over the age of 50 who recognised they had hearing loss did not inform a medical professional. As a someone who helps to improve people’s hearing on a daily basis, this is very concerning, as untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, depression, and reduced quality of life.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, surveyed over 1,000 adults aged 50 and older in England. The results showed that 40% of those who recognised they had hearing loss did not report it to a medical professional, particularly among women, retirees, smokers, and heavy drinkers, to mention a few. There are several reasons why people may not report hearing loss to their GP or an Audiologist. Some people may be embarrassed about their hearing loss, or they may not think it is a serious problem. Others may not know where to go for help, or they think that hearing aids privately are unaffordable.

The findings of the study highlight the need for greater awareness of the importance of addressing hearing loss and access to treatment, particularly for those who may be less likely to report their hearing difficulties.

As mentioned earlier, it is important to get hearing loss treated as soon as possible. Untreated hearing loss can lead to several further issues, including:

Social isolation: People with hearing loss may have difficulty following conversations, which can lead to them withdrawing from social activities.

Depression: Hearing loss can be a major source of stress and anxiety, which can lead to depression. Reduced quality of life: Hearing loss can make it difficult to enjoy activities such as watching TV, listening to music, or talking to friends and family.

If you are concerned about your hearing, it is important to see your GP or an Audiologist such as myself for a hearing test. If you do have hearing loss, there is no need for concern. With the right treatment and support, you can manage your hearing loss and live a full and active life.

To book a hearing test appointment with Simon at his clinics in either Street or Westbury, please call 01458 555533 (Street) / 01373 823076 (Westbury) or visit swhearingcare.co.uk

Preparing for the carpet fitter

Carpets usually come in rolls that are either 4 or 5 meters long and the rolls are heavy. They may need two people to carry them. They are difficult to bend and even if they do bend, carpet can crease where it is bent and getting the creases out might not be easy. Carpets can be rolled the short way, but some expensive woven carpets don’t like being rolled in any direction other than the way they were manufactured.

Think about access and talk to the estimator about it when he comes to measure. It might be wise to take pictures off walls and remove exposed ornaments from passageways and landings if there is a risk the carpet might collide with them when it is being carried in. If there are several corners close together, the carpet may rub against the wall and fresh paint or wallpaper might be marked.

Sometimes you may have to bring the carpet in through unconventional entrances, so think about what the people carrying it will have to walk through. Fresh tarmac on newly laid paths is an obvious hazard, as is mud if they have to go round the back of the house to go through the back door or a window. The same applies to where the carpet fitters are going to park – they may need to go out to their vehicle occasionally, so you don’t want them walking anything back in onto the new flooring.

The comments about new wallpaper and paint apply also to the room where the carpet is being fitted. If the carpet is going to be fitted in one piece, it will be bigger than the room it is going into. When it is laid out to be cut to size, it will touch your skirting boards, so again, make sure that the paint is properly cured. Touch dry is not cured, so try to leave at least a week between finishing the painting and getting the carpet fitters in.

HSBC Community Pop-Up Events in Wells Library

HSBC will be in Wells Library on Friday 8th September and Thursday 21st September from 9:30am - Midday.

So if you have a question for the HSBC representatives come along on either of those dates - no need to book just drop in.

From Hestercombe to the Hebrides

Henton and District Gardening Club starts its Autumn Meetings after a busy summer with visits to two Monmouth gardens - Tredegar and Llanover, and a much enjoyed strawberry tea.

Our September speaker on Wednesday 20th is Micky Little with a talk “Smoke that Thunders - a Peripatetic Journey” linking the life of plant hunter Ernest Wilson with Micky’s wide and interesting career in horticulture.

Coffee is served from 7.00 and the talk begins in Henton Hall (BA51PD) at 7:30pm. Raffle, plant sales. Visitors welcome ( £5).

More information on hentongardenclub.weebly.com

Get moving! Have fun! Stay warm!

Wells Folk & Barn Dance club resume meeting on Wednesday 20th September at St Thomas’ church hall, Wells. Doors open 7:00pm, dancing 7:30pm9:30pm.

No experience or partner necessary; you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Contact 01749 674920 or see www.wellsfdc.co.uk

Meet the Author - Wells Library

An opportunity for Wells folk to meet Sally Mills, the author of “Island to Island” and view the Photograph Collection.

Come along on Wednesday 20th September 3:00pm - 4:00pm and see some inspiring images and hear all about the trials and tribulations of living and working in a tropical paradise.

Music Magic

Why music might be the key to success.

I loved music lessons at school. I was part of the African drum group and sang in the school choir. I was never going to be one of the stars, like Katie the clarinet prodigy or Tom the classical pianist, who were wheeled out for all official school events, and I wasn’t cool enough to be in the school rock band, but none-the-less I sang in school assemblies and the Christmas show, and thanks to Earl my Djembe teacher, I can still tell a Dunungbe from a Fankani. Learning to play a musical instrument as a child offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the realm of music itself.

When we learn a musical instrument or take part in organised singing we engage various cognitive functions, including memory, attention,

Puzzle Solutions

Mindbender:

1: Small print 2: What goes up, must come down 3: Green with envy

and problem-solving skills. It has been shown to improve academic performance, particularly in areas such as mathematics, language development, and spatial-temporal reasoning. Playing an instrument or singing in a choir requires discipline and practice, which cultivates perseverance and time management skills. The cognitive abilities and work ethic developed through music are transferable skills, which lead to greater success in school and beyond.

Music sparks creativity and allows children to express themselves in a unique way. It nurtures imagination and emotional intelligence, as through music children learn both to convey and evoke a wide range of feelings. Whether through composing original pieces or interpreting existing works, children develop their artistic sensibilities and gain confidence in their creative abilities. This creative outlet provides a means of selfexpression and exploration that can be carried throughout their lives.

And music is fun. It offers a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment as children progress and master new skills. The process of practicing, refining, and eventually performing music is immensely satisfying and uplifting. I can provide lifelong pleasure and be an ongoing source of relaxation and stress relief.

Playing or singing in a group facilitates social interactions and provides opportunities for collaboration. Children who participate in choirs, ensembles, bands, or orchestras develop teamwork and cooperation skills, learning to listen to others and synchronize their playing with fellow musicians. These group experiences foster a sense of camaraderie and can create lifelong friendships. Additionally, participating in performances and sharing music with others boosts a child’s confidence in their ability to express themselves effectively in social situations.

Learning a musical instrument as a child provides a solid foundation for a well-rounded and enriched life. It stimulates cognitive development, nurtures creativity, offers a source of enjoyment, and fosters social skills. These benefits continue to shape individuals as they mature into adulthood, providing them with lifelong skills and a deep appreciation for the arts. Whether pursuing music professionally or as a hobby, the impact of learning an instrument during childhood is immeasurable, contributing to personal growth, self-expression, and a lifelong love of music… which can only be a good thing.

By Tracey Anderson

Back to School Cooking Tips from OvenGleamer – your local premium oven cleaning company

1. Batch Cook – once a week prepare all the week’s meals in one monster cookathon. Use a theme to help you:

a. Roast chicken can become chicken curry, chicken & sweetcorn topped jacket potatoes and chicken stir-fry.

b. Use mince for spaghetti bolognaise, lasagne and tacos

c. Roasted vegetables make great fajitas, veggie pasta and vegetable curry

2. Freeze sandwiches ahead for packed lunches – avoid soggy contents & salad – add these as extras on the day. Great fillings include Ham and cheese, Turkey, cranberry & brie, Tuna & sweetcorn (go light on the mayo) and Chicken & cream cheese.

4. Up your 5-a-day: Add fruit/vegetables to every meal: bananas at breakfast, grapes & apples/carrot sticks & cherry tomatoes in lunchboxes and side salad / fresh fruit salads with dinner.

5. Keep on top of looking after your cooking appliances by having a regular professional oven clean every few months. In between cleans use oven liners to catch spills or use them as nonstick liners in your roasting tins and on your baking trays (saves loads of time on the washing up)

6. De-grease the BBQ before you put it away for the winter – ensure all racks and surfaces are fully clean to avoid mould build-up over the storage period.

For all your back-to-school oven cleaning call Dean Sheppard at OvenGleamers on 01749 705059.

Footballer plays on thanks to powerful new PEMF pain treatment

“The pain was terrible, nothing else had helped”

Zeph Collins, aged 19, was playing in the professional academy at Exeter City Football Club when his dedication to the game was horribly interrupted by extreme knee pain. This turned out to be Patellofemoral tendon pain, usually caused by stress on the joint between the kneecap and thigh bone.

At first Zeph was prescribed gym work for rehabilitation but when, after three disappointing months of missing matches and training, he was still suffering badly, surgery was discussed. But first, the football club sent Zeph to see Matthew Jackson at the Somerset Health Practice in Westhay.

“This type of pain is hard to treat,” explains Matthew, “but we have recently introduced a new machine for repair and pain relief to the clinic - and that made all the difference. The PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic frequency) machine pulses electronic waves into the body without actually touching it. Treatment is comfortable and highly effective at repairing wear and tear in any part of the body. It is having amazing results with back pain especially.”

After just six sessions with the PEMF machine plus hand-held laser therapy, Zeph is now playing football again. “Matthew and his treatments have allowed Zeph to play his beloved game again and made a massive difference to his life” explains his mother Jo. “I would absolutely recommend him.”

“After just a short time, our new PEMF machine is exceeding even my expectations and amazing our patients,” says Matthew. “I encourage anyone suffering pain from any cause – especially in the back region –to book an appointment to see how we can help.”

Exclusive offer

Somerset Health Practice is making a special, exclusive offer to LocalReach readers – A free Ultrasound scan, worth £130.

*Offer open to the first 5 readers to book shockwave sessions, quoting the offer code SOCK IT SEPTEMBER!

Call 01458 860392 before 30th September.

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

Matthew Jackson - BSc (Hons) Ost, Dip Ac/CHM (China), Pg Dip CHM (OB/GYN), Pg Cert US (MSK) MRCHM, BMUS

A Good Read

‘Island to Island: Photograph Collection’

by Sally Mills

Would you take up this challenge?

“The opportunity to spend two years working as nature reserve wardens for the Island Conservation Society on Aride Island, Seychelles…”

So begins Sally Mills’ latest book about Aride; this time presented as a stunning photograph collection accompanied by detailed captions, encompassing the beauty of the breathtaking land (and sea) scape, capturing the everyday existence of the abundant, yet vulnerable, wildlife and telling the story of the challenges, when looking after this exquisite, granitic chunk of tropical paradise.

Many of the photographs are simply entrancing. They introduce us to a magical array of wildlife as in the chapter Living with Skinks - one skink per square metre of island, the endearing and descriptively-named blue-cheeked bee-eater

(bird) in Wailing Wedgetails and Nodding Noddies and, in Bulldozers on the Beach, distinctive hawksbill turtles and their impressive and beautiful cousins, green turtles.

Intermingled photographs portray perfectly the challenges of and adjustments to island life in the middle of the Indian Ocean for Sally and her partner, Melvyn. The darker side is also here: a much too close encounter with illegal octopushunters by day and nerve-wracking patrolling for sooty tern egg poachers on the island by night. And so, these beautiful and compelling photographs leave us with a long-lasting impression. One can almost hear the surf crashing and the cries of thousands of sea-birds – frigates and terns, from the viewpoint high up on Aride’s rocky hilltop.

By Sheila Hamilton

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

Glastonbury – 6th September

Wells – 20th September

Street – 4th October

The Strawberry Line - Coffee Morning Event

Longstanding Strawberry Line campaigner Richard Jones speaks about the history of this greenway project, how volunteers have driven progress and how increasingly supportive local councils are making the path a reality. Detailed updates on all sections between Clevedon and Shepton Mallet are provided, alongside rarely seen photos and personal stories. There will be additional input from Mick Fletcher. Then Lisa Pool will update us on the St Cuthbert’s Out Heritage list findings.

Saturday 23rd September, 10:00am - 12 noon at The Portway Annexe, Portway Avenue, Wells BA5 2QF.

Free entry. Everybody welcome.

Keep Active with Age UK Somerset

Keeping active is vital for our health and wellbeing. Age UK Somerset delivers a fun and friendly exercise session in Henton.

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES

Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?

Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge?

Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

Specially designed for people over 55, Flexercise is a gentle, chair-based exercise session which uses fun props and laughter to get you moving. Age UK Somerset invite you to join them at Henton Village Hall, Henton, Wells, BA5 1PD on Thursdays at 10:00am to get fitter, feel better, and meet new people!

The class costs £3 a session - for more information or to sign up call 01823 345624.

Flexercise Workshop Opportunity with Age UK Somerset

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

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

The next workshops are in November, in Wells, Somerton and Bridgwater and cost £15. Contact 01823 345624 for more information.

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue have four new sponsorship hogs for 2023/2024: Lady Shackleton, Millie, Charlie and Reggie. They all need care to restore them to health. Your sponsorship will help towards the cost of food, bedding and medication.

Please contact the office for details on 07806 744772.

Thank you!

The “Right Price” for your Property

With the challenging property market as it is, making sure your agent prices your property at the “right” price is ever so more important. Rightmove has announced that the level of sales agreed has fallen below its normal market trend for this time of year but the “rightpriced” properties are still shifting.

The portal’s latest asking price data for July shows the average price of property coming to market has dropped by 0.2% on a monthly basis to £371,907, as new sellers temper their price expectations in response to recent interest rate rises and buyer affordability constraints.

So beware the agent who overprices a house just to win it. Sellers who price right the first time, rather than starting with too high an asking price only to reduce a month later, have a much better chance of attracting a motivated buyer, and a good local agent will provide sellers with accurate evidence of prices that are being achieved in their area now. First-time buyers, trader-uppers and downsizers appear to be still keenly searching the market, not wanting to miss out on the right property that

is not over-priced and that they can still afford. Nationally agents report that some movers are pausing until there is more certainty that mortgage rates have stabilised, as well as reviewing how higher costs are affecting their plans. However, there remains a large volume of motivated buyers who can factor rate rises into their budgets and are continuing to enquire about homes for sale, which is keeping the market functioning. As for those motivated buyers, according to Rightmove, there are 24,101 buyers registered to see when properties come to market in Wells, which is a lot of potential interest for the right priced house!

For anyone wondering what their home is worth in the Wells area, the EweMove website features a free online valuation tool that provides an instant valuation report or click on the QR code below.

For an informal chat please contact me on 01749 600 339 any time of day or night (we are night owls too) or visit www.EweMove.com/Wells where the free, instant valuation tool can be accessed.

Play and Creative Arts Therapy

This month’s focus is Play and Creative Arts Therapy, which is one of several ways I can support your child. Play therapy is developmentally appropriate for anyone who wishes to explore worries, concerns, or hard experiences in a playful or creative way but often children in primary school gravitate to this therapeutic model.

Play is the natural language of children. They will show you important feelings through their play that they want you to know about especially when talking is too hard. For some children, at some point, their feelings may get too ‘big’ to manage and that’s when you might notice your child being anxious, withdrawn or acting out in some way. Your child may be ‘out of character’ for an obvious reason but sometimes behaviours can be more complex. This is where play therapy could support both you and your child. Play therapy is the art of the relationship between the therapist and your child – with the therapist creating a safe space for your child to be themselves and express themselves freely through playing in pretty much any way they choose.

As a child and adolescent therapist, I’ll support your child so they can safely process everything they are feeling and have experienced. I believe that every child has their own process and that with support, they can find ways to move through the things that are worrying them and to find solutions that work for them.

Play therapy benefits most children, but not all children. No one therapy works for everyone which is why I work in several different ways and can tailor my approach specifically to your child and their unique needs. However, nearly 8 in 10 children find play therapy helpful and show ‘positive change’. Next month I will share some thoughts on creative counselling for teens and young adults but in the meantime, you can find additional information (and more) on my website. You can also send me an email if you think I might be able to help a child or young person that you know.

Do you need help for a child or young person that you know?

Contact Elaine: Email: hello@creatingcalm.co.uk, Website: creatingcalm.co.uk

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.

Do you need help for a child or young person that you know?

Do you need help for a child or young person that you know?

Supporting children and young people to help them manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges

Elaine Hutchinson

Working together with families and those who support children to look after themselves as well as others

www.creatingcalm.co.uk

hello@creatingcalm co uk

01749 599066

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

Elaine Hutchinson

art and Play therapy | Autplay | trauma play sand tray therapy | emotional Logic coaching | tele-therapy

Bone Up on Bone Health

reactions produce vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption. Too little sun means our body won’t have enough vitamin D so starts to leach it from our bones instead, weakening them.

Posture - Practicing good posture cuts down on the wear and tear on joints and reduces stress on our muscles and ligaments. We should focus on our posture both when walking or standing, and when sitting in a chair.

By Louise Addison

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

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

Drink plenty of water – Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is an important part of bone health as well as overall health. Bones need water to do specific jobs, like storing minerals and making red blood cells inside the bone marrow. Water transports 99 percent of the calcium in foods you eat to your bones, so without proper hydration, you could end up with bone loss or osteoporosis.

Eat a Calcium-Rich Breakfast – Calcium is responsible for making bones hard and strong. Nearly all of our body’s calcium is stored in our bones. Choose milk, cheese and yogurt, fortified orange juice, leafy greens, almonds, and fatty fish like salmon.

Exercise for bone strength - Weight-bearing exercise can help strengthen bones, maintain bone density, and lower the risk for osteoporosis. This can include walking, running, dancing or any exercise where we’re on our feet, and also free weights, weight machines or bodyweight exercises.

Get outside - Sunshine is good for our bones. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, chemical

ROOFING

ROOF, GUTTER, UPVC - REPAIR, FITTING AND CLEANING SERVICE

ROOFING SERVICES – New Roofs, Roof Repairs, Under Tile Felting, Ridge Tiles UPVC ROOFING SERVICES – UPVC Fascias & Soffits, Guttering, Bargeboards, Cladding, Dry Verge Systems

ROOF & UPVC CLEANING SERVICES – Roof Cleaning and Fungicide Treatment, UPVC Cleaning

TREE

TREE