LocalReach Weston-super-Mare April 2024

Garden View

Every year since I began to garden, come spring, I grabbed my spade and in a fit of enthusiasm I dug over the soil. Then I filled any empty spaces with annuals. These might be carefully nurtured in my greenhouse, sprinkled direct from the packet, or purchased in packs at my local garden centre. Several years ago, due to an injury, I was unable to get out and begin this frenzy of activity. I resigned myself to the fact than my garden simply wouldn’t be as colourful that year. Nature however had other plans. As I waited for my perennials to surface something wonderful happened. Hundreds of selfsown annuals from the previous year also began to surface. They’d been there all along, just waiting for the warm spring sun to bring them to life. It occurred to me that my habit of stopping deadheading towards the end of the season (to leave some interesting seed heads which feed the birds and look so pretty covered in frost) had benefitted me in more ways than the one I’d intended.

Calendula, Candytuft, Cosmos, Larkspur, Nicotiana, Poppies, Sweet Alyssum and Love-in-a-Mist were popping up everywhere I looked. I’ve never been so delighted.

I waited until they were a couple of inches tall then on a slightly drizzly day I eased some out and transferred them to barer soil. My reward was a display of annuals every bit as lovely as if I’d spent hours with my spade and trowel.

So last year I experimented. Throughout the flowering season I noted where I might need an extra patch or two of colour and then, when I stopped deadheading, I simply grabbed a few seed heads and dropped them in the appropriate spot. That spring and summer I had another beautiful display of annuals. Why hadn’t I discovered this lazy way to garden before?

Of course, there are some teeny disadvantages. The main one is that annuals grown from seed flower later than those bought as plugs or plants from garden centres. Don’t let this put you off though. If you have a good range of perennials the annuals can take their time, taking over when the others begin to fade. Also, no-one says it has to be all or nothing.

So, if you’re planting annuals this spring, plan ahead a little. Look at your garden as an evolving piece of work and let at least some of them self-seed. Then next year don’t be so quick to brandish a spade… you’ll gain two commodities gardeners always need more of...time and money.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

The fence that repairs itself

If you scratch or cut Colourfence, the ingenious zinc element in the Zincalume steel reacts with moisture to form a protective barrier to prevent any corrosion with no action needed from you.

STRONG, SECURE & BUILT TO LAST!

Colourfence are transforming gardens across Somerset!

It may do “exactly what it says on the tin” but let’s face it, treating a timber fence can never be called fun! In fact, owning a timber fence isn’t much fun either with costly, time consuming maintenance and repairs almost every year.

Finally, the alternative to timber fencing…our fence goes up and stays up, resisting wind gusts of up to 130mph!

Colourfence fencing solutions are made from innovative Colorbond steel, virtually maintenance free with an occasional wash down with water to keep it looking as good as new - so you never need to pick up that paintbrush again!, Guaranteed not to rot, warp, chip or peel for 25 years.

Available in a variety of heights and colours with or without trellis, our skilled installation team will make short work of transforming your garden.

The best news is the pricing is just as attractive, starting costs are in line with comparable traditional systems but offer the ongoing peace of mind that your investment will continue to save time and money year after year.

For those of us who want a low maintenance garden, Colourfence promises a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment.

Are you fully utilising fibre internet? Websites or streaming remain slow? Let’s investigate

In many homes, the promise of super-fast fibre internet often falls short due to outdated home Wi-Fi equipment, or because of slow computers or other devices. A modern fibre connection may offer blazing speeds between 300 to 900 megabits, but poor or absent network equipment can limit the speed as it reaches phones, laptops, TVs and the rest, to perhaps a mere 30 megabits, or even less! This bottleneck is not uncommon and occurs because the network equipment in the home cannot handle the full potential of the fibre line.

For those unsure whether this issue affects them, speed tests can be performed via smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and we recommend running tests throughout the home and looking for drops in speed. The areas of most importance are where phones, TVs and other smart devices are most often used. A reliable speed test website is speedtest.net – navigate here, hit the “Go” button, and ensure the download speeds throughout the home hit the maximum or thereabouts. In the event of speed issues, upgrading to modern Wi-Fi solutions that support the latest standards, like Wi-Fi 6, is recommended. There are numerous types of equipment, and we can help identify the best approach.

Perhaps the internet speeds are fast, but the internet nevertheless feels slow to navigate. This raises health concerns for the computer or other device used. Computers often become slow due to age or lack of proper maintenance and require cleaning and updating to prevent fast internet being squandered on a device that makes no use of it. Due to the complex nature of determining the genuine causes of internet speed issues, and in implementing the best solution, consider contacting us on 07973 536299 to arrange an appointment.

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd.

Clarence Bowling Club rips away the curtain!

We have cast away the curtain of high bushes around the club so everyone can see our excellent facilities. With a new constitution, the club is offering FREE MEMBERSHIP for the coming year, April through to March (Rules & Conditions apply). Open Day is 6th April quickly followed by Presidents’ Day when our newly elected President will open the greens for a Summer of exciting competitions and fun.

For more details, check out our website www. clarenceparkbowls.org

A Warm Welcome

You will be sure of a warm welcome at our Saturday coffee morning in our old and beautiful church hall in the centre of town - Emmanuel Church, Oxford Street, held on the first Saturday of the month - the next one on April 6th. People of all ages and walks of life can come together for a meet-up of friends and to make new friends, from 10:30am until 12:00 noon. There will be lovely

homemade cakes available and a sale of other goodies including books.

Contact Dina 01934 625994

Weston-super-Mare Archaeological and Natural History Society (WANHS) Monthly Talk

On Tuesday 9th April WANHS will be holding their AGM for members only. Followed by a talk entitled: ‘Crossing the RiverThe Waters of the North Marsh’ by Vince Russett. Non-members are invited to attend this talk.

At FACES, 4 - 6 Station Rd, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 1XB.

Doors will open at 6:30pm for members only attending the AGM which will commence at 7:00pm. The talk for non-members at 7:30pm.

Entry fees are £1.00 for members and £3.00 for non-members.

Parking is available nearby.

For further information please visit www.wanhs.co.uk

Grief

is hard. Death can impact all of life

Are you grieving the death of a loved one or struggling with the longterm effects of loss? This seven-session course, gently guides bereaved people through the most common aspects of grief, enabling them to process the implications for themselves and discern next steps.

The course will be running for seven Tuesday evenings (19:15 to 21:30), at Christchurch Clevedon, and starting on 9th April.

If you’d like to know more, please email: bereavementsupport@christchurch-clevedon. org.uk

Or you can sign up via the Church Website: www.christchurch-clevedon.org.uk/news/thebereavement-journey-2023/

Weston-Super Mare Music Appreciation Society - Our 45th Anniversary Year!

Our next meetings are: April 10th (AGM), April

24th, May 8th & 22nd. From 2:15pm for a 2:30pm start with tea/coffee provided during the break. We have presentations given by professional speakers and our own members. Come and join a friendly group of people with a shared interest in a wide range of recorded music. We meet at Milton Methodist Church, 2 Milton Hill, WestonSuper-Mare BS22 9RA. (The hall is behind the church).

For more details email: simonrawlings9@gmail. com or call/text Simon on 07971474968. Our website at: www.thefrms.co.uk/affprogs/ wsm_home.htm

Pop up Fabric Shop

We’re holding a pop up fabric shop at Greenways Farm, 2 Lyefield Road, Worle BS22 9NX, on Wednesday 10th April from 10:00am to 3:00pm when Mark Pickles will be bringing lots of lovely quilting cottons, wadding and haberdashery. He’ll also be servicing sewing machines- please book a slot by phoning him on 01225 482413. We’ll also be running our coffee shop, with coffee, homemade cakes and light lunches, in aid of our charity, Blood Bikers. Further information from Heather on 07967527455.

Crossword Across

Word Search

astronomical brawny broad chunky copious deep epic

extensive fat giant grand great heavy hefty

huge hulking immense infinite jumbo large lofty

long mega mighty outsized spacious tall titanic

1 Material used to make tents (6)

5 Skimpy knickers! (6)

8 Earth, compost (4)

9 Green vegetable (8)

10 Bendy fruit (6)

11 Hard yellowish tooth deposit (6)

12 Area, region (4)

14 Frozen water (3)

15 Nip, chomp (4)

16 Expression, brief utterance (6)

18 Lightweight waterproof jacket (6)

20 Sticky insect trap (8)

22 Barrage, bombardment (4)

23 Undercover, secret (6)

24 Brine (6)

Down

2 Odour, scent (5)

3 Group of houses, rural community (7)

4 The Beatles sang about a yellow one! (9)

5 As well, also (3)

6 Coveted film award (5)

7 Dashing, debonair (7)

11 Dictionary of synonyms and antonyms (9)

13 Shakespearean play (7)

15 House of ill repute! (7)

17 Bramley, Granny Smith, Cox (5)

19 Extra-terrestrial (5)

21 Container, vessel (3)

Puzzle Solutions

towering tremendous vast voluminous weighty whopping wide

Breaking the Stigma of Hearing Loss:

Last month, we celebrated World Hearing Day, which focused on overcoming societal challenges and stigma surrounding hearing loss. While it’s commonly associated with the elderly, hearing loss actually affects all ages, if left untreated it can reduce a person’s confidence and limit their social and family interactions which are essential for a healthy and happy life. Here are some ways in which we can all help break the stigma around hearing loss:

Fostering Understanding

Hearing loss is still quite misunderstood by the public. It’s like trying to find a decent cup of tea when on holiday — it is elusive and perplexing. The reality is, hearing loss knows no age limits, affecting individuals from infancy to elderly. By talking about hearing health more often you can help individuals feel more comfortable in sharing their concerns and experience.

Empower Change

Regular hearing tests and understanding our challenges can help normalise hearing loss. Remember, you’re not alone in this, in the UK, 1 in 6 individuals struggle with hearing loss

Policies that promote inclusivity are crucial in breaking the stigma. No-one should feel left out due to their hearing ability.

Creating Positive Impact

Research shows that hearing loss can cause depression, low self-esteem, memory issues, and reduce mobility over time. Spotting hearing loss early is crucial in preventing these risks. If you, or someone you know, is having difficulties be proactive about addressing this important health concern. Good hearing means a better quality of life. By breaking the stigma, we’re not just changing lives but also embracing diversity and enriching our relationships with loved ones.

Our team at Meadows & Wood are here for you at home or in North Somerset’s only full time and fully independent audiology and tinnitus treatment clinic. Contact details are below.

An Heraldic and Genealogy Journey

Join us at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Baytree Road, W-s-M on Wednesday 10th April for a very interesting talk about Heraldry and Genealogy. After the talk there will be a Family History and DNA question and answer session. Members £1.50, guests £2.00 including free refreshments.

Weston-s-Mare & District Family History Society also offer a free help & advice session on the first Saturday of the month 2:00pm - 3:30pm in Weston Library.

Two spectacular All Saints’ Church concerts!

What a treat! On Friday 12th April at 7:30pm the ladies choir, Vocalise, directed by Ann Clewlow joins forces with the Maesteg Gleemen to present an evening of glorious harmony singing. Tickets from the Vocalise website. And on Saturday 20th April at 3:00pm - 4:00pm we have an exciting FREE entry concert featuring Dave James and his saxophone quartet, playing a huge variety of music for your delight. Retiring collection and a great raffle! Tea and biscuits afterwards. All Saints’ Church, BS23 2NL. See you there!

Do you like to sing along with your friends?

On the first Friday of each month come and join your friends to enjoy an afternoon singing at the URC hall in the Boulevard in Weston super Mare at 2:15pm. On Friday 12th April you can also come to the same venue for a talk on our Climate Emergency. Entrance for both events is £2 which includes tea/coffee after. Non members invited.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Vocalise and the Maesteg Gleemen in concert

Welsh male voice choir The Maesteg Gleemen (winners of the 1996 National Eisteddfod of Wales) is coming to Weston to present a joint concert with Weston’s own award-winning ladies choir, Vocalise. To be held in arguably the best concert venue in Weston, All Saints Church, this will be an evening of superb singing, with an eclectic range of songs, and a sprinkling of comedy. Not to be missed! Friday 12th April, All Saints Church BS23 2NL, 7:30pm. Tickets £13, under 16s £6. Refreshments, charity raffle.

buytickets.at/annclewlowsvocalisechoirs

Ann Clewlow 01934 627709

The Friends Of The Playhouse April Events

The Friends Of The Playhouse hold their popular Saturday Coffee Mornings from 10:00am to 11:30am at the High Street Theatre. Hot Drinks and Biscuits are on sale. The Coffee Mornings are open to members and non members.

Saturday 13th April: The Monthly Raffle to win 2 tickets of your choice for a show at The Playhouse (to be taken within 3 months) plus other lovely prizes.

Saturday 20th April: The Music Quiz. It is only £1 per person to enter.

Saturday 27th April: The Quarterly Millennium Club Draw.

Choral Spring Concert

The Burnham & Highbridge choral society’s Spring concert is on Saturday 4th May at 7:30pm in the OLEM Catholic church. Tickets cost £10 & £5 for children. Available from www.burnhamandhighbridgechoral.org.uk ,

members and local businesses. All info available on website.

They will perform Brahms Requiem & Schubert’s Mass in G.

Joining them will be professional Soloists & two pianists.

We look forward to entertaining you..... & MAY the 4TH be with you!

All 60s/70s Night in aid Of Weston Hospicecare

Friday 10th May, 7:30pm to 11:00pm at Westonsuper-Mare Football Club, Winterstoke Road. All 60s/70s Night in aid Of Weston Hospicecare.

Headlining the event are top 60s/70s Tribute Band Locarno Beat plus the superb female vocalist Chrystal Bliss. A limited number of tickets at £12.50, please call 07849666537

Fibromyalgia Support Group

We are a group of people who are living with Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions who meet regularly to support each other. We

meet on Monday afternoons for Tai Chi and Crafts, plus for coffee in Nuffield (Weston) on Thursday mornings. Meetings are a mix of speakers, chat and information. We have a weekly hydrotherapy group and organize trips and meals out plus and interest groups as required.

For more information, call Val 07411989478 or Jules 07840189641; email wsmfibro@gmail.com

Interested in quilting? Come along and find out more

We are Weston Quilters a lively group of people of all abilities who enjoy patchwork and quilting. We usually meet on the first Monday of each month at the Hundred Academy, Beaufighter Road, Weston super Mare BS24 8EE. Doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start.

There are guest speakers during the year and the opportunity to buy from our invited traders. Guest entrance £5.

Please go to our Facebook for more information.

Weston Super Mare Philatelic Society, The Conservative Club, Alexandra Parade

Here we are again! How the months fly by, more interesting displays and debates, we have had part two of India overprints and railway posts, Malta. In early March we had an informal talk on stamp collecting and displaying. The meetings are held at the Conservative Club, 24-26 Alexandra Parade, W-S-M BS23 1QX, on the second Tuesday at 2:00pm and the forth Tuesday at 7:00pm. All are welcome. Your interests are our interests.

For further information contact Darrell Kellett on darrell.kellett@outlook.com

We Make Allsorts

The Society holds its meetings at the ‘Ebdon Arms’, Lilac Way, Wick St. Lawrence, Westonsuper-Mare, BS22 9WE, from 7:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The Society also holds an all day ‘model-in’ at The Helicopter Museum one Sunday each month, which is proving increasingly popular. All modellers are welcome to either meeting, regardless of age, experience or area of model-making interest. For further information contact David Pye on 01934 844927, or visit our website www.nsmsworld.com

Shower, walk-in bath, or wet room? We can help you decide

Choosing a new bathroom involves understanding your bathing needs. There are a variety of options to consider when deciding. One option is to replace your bath with a low-level shower, this is suited to those with limited mobility. Slip-resistant shower trays are available in various sizes, and accessories like shower seats.

Some people still prefer having a bath to a shower so this is when we would recommend a walk-in bath. These are available in various sizes and come with moulded seats and quick fill.

The third option is a wet room which eliminates obstacles with slip-resistant flooring and a central drain, making them ideal for wheelchair users and caregivers.

It can be overwhelming knowing which solution to choose but at AHM Installations, we have a friendly team of home surveyors who will visit you at home to discuss your bathing needs. We provide FREE quotations and visuals of how your new bathroom could look.

To find out more call 01934 805862.

Browns Top Tips for spring cleaning your appliances

Spring has sprung and the days are getting longer and flooding us with much more light and Vitamin D! And as this happens energy may well start to return, and we suddenly notice things we have neglected in the dull winter months.

Spring cleaning commences! Don’t forget your domestic appliances, they too benefit from a good clean. Here’s some of our top tips:

Washing machines – wipe door seal, remove and clean soap drawer, check filter if you have one, put machine through a service wash on the hottest programme with a handful of washing soda crystals in the drum. Some machines now have a drum cleaning programme which can be run instead.

Dishwashers – Check filter and spray arms for debris and clean, top up salt and rinse aid, use a good brand of dishwasher cleaner and run through as directed.

Tumble Dryers – Do a fluff check! Clean all the filters and clean as much fluff as possible that is reachable in the cabinet, (don’t take it apart!) – Condenser dryers – remove and rinse condenser unit (check your manual.) Heat Pump dryers – clean filters as directed by manufacturer.

Ovens and Cookers – The worst job! Depending on the type of oven, follow the manufacturers instructions to give your oven a lovely deep clean. Once clean why not consider using oven liners on the base to prevent burnt on debris on base. Another tip is to give your oven a quick wipe out after every use. This helps prevent build up that can burn on and be difficult to shift.

Microwaves - Wipe the interior over with a damp cloth making sure to remove any burnt-on food with a little washing up liquid and elbow grease!

Hobs – Use a good hob cleaner to give your hob a spring sparkle. For gas hobs give the furniture a good wash with warm soapy water.

Fridges – Wipe the shelves, drawers and sides. Pay attention to the drain hole, checking that it is clear.

Freezers – Defrost static freezers. Even frost-free freezers can benefit from an annual defrost, although this is not a must.

Enjoy good company every Tuesday while sprucing up your dancing

Dancing at the Ritz Burnham-on-Sea every Tuesday afternoon 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Dancing includes Sequence, some modern ballroom, Olde Tyme, some line dance. We are a sociable and friendly group. All are welcome. Cost per person £4. For further information, contact Jeannie 07909 883553.

Mah-Jong: a beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity

The Shipham Inn (SomersetBS25 1TW) would like to welcome people to join their regular Mah-Jong Group. Whether you’re a novice, experience Mah-Jong player or someone who would like to learn to play a warm welcome awaits.

My hope is that we can make these enjoyable social evenings playing a game that originated in the Far East.

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month: 7:30pm start. Free.

National Unicorn Day - 9th April

National Unicorn Day, inaugurated in 2015, is celebrated every April 9th to honour the enchanting unicorn. Surprisingly, the unicorn is Scotland’s official national animal, a fact that might astonish those unfamiliar with Scottish heraldry (I had to triple check that fact!)

This mythological creature, symbolizing purity, innocence, and power, has been revered across various cultures since the classical age, including by the ancient Babylonians and the Indus civilization. According to Celtic mythology, the unicorn’s horn possesses the miraculous ability to purify poisoned water, highlighting its healing prowess.

The unicorn’s portrayal as a proud, indomitable force resonates deeply with Scottish history and identity. Scotland’s association with the unicorn traces back to the mid-1500s, where it prominently featured in the royal coat of arms. This emblematic use persisted until

Contact details

please: mark.trenchard53@ gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580.

Coffee Church Every Wednesday, 11:00am, St Saviour’s Hall

Everyone welcome. A safe space in which to have a chat, tea and coffee, cake or biscuit, within a Christian context.

Locking Road, Weston super Mare, BS23 3EN. Tel 01934 415379

Over 60’s Lunch Club

All are welcome at our weekly lunch club. Held every Wednesday from 12:00pm - 2:00pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Carlton Street.

You will be served a tasty 2 course lunch plus tea or coffee for £5.00.

Come along and enjoy a home cooked meal and make new friends, we would love to see you.

the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when King James VI of Scotland, becoming James I of England, introduced the English lion alongside the unicorn to symbolize the countries’ unity. The lore often depicts unicorns and lions as adversaries, competing for the title of the ‘king of beasts.’

In Scottish heraldry, unicorns are depicted with gold chains, a detail thought to represent the Scottish monarchs’ power to ‘tame’ such a formidable creature. This emblematic imagery underscores the unicorn’s significance in Scottish culture, embodying the strength and independence that Scotland prides itself on.

I asked my 13-year-old daughter Casey whether she knew about National Unicorn Day, “There’s a Unicorn Day?” she asked incredulously, her eyes lighting up. “That’s awesome…they are so cute. Can we have unicorn cupcakes?”

Ignore the majesty of the unicorn and its association with Scottish kings and go straight for cuteness and cake…that’s my girl. But unicorn cupcakes does sound like a plan!

By Gemma Peters

Why not keep dancing with Age UK Somerset?

Local charity Age UK

Somerset has launched a brand-new dancebased choreographed exercise session called Strictly Seniors.

This fun and dynamic class is designed for people over 55 and combines dance moves from salsa, rhumba and more. The class is held at Uphill Victory Hall, Wednesdays at 10:15am, £4 per class. You won’t need to bring a partner to enjoy this class, but please wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes suitable to dance in, sequins are optional!

For more information or to book call 01823 345624 or email ageingwell@ageuksomerset. org.uk

RAFA Coffee Morning every Wednesday 10:00am-12:00pm; All members welcome

The RAFA Club W-s-M, hold a coffee morning every Wednesday 10:00am - 12:00pm, all RAFA members welcome, come and meet old friends, and find new friends, in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Branch’s 85th Dinner to be held on 8th May in The Royal Hotel, please see club notice board for further details.

Weston 60+ Social Singles GroupMake New Friends!

If you are on older single in the Weston, Worle or surrounding area and looking to make new friends in a purely social environment then why not think about giving our Group a try?

We are a friendly local volunteer led mixed group of singles in our 60’s, 70’s and 80’s who meet informally at a weekly ‘Bar Night’ each Wednesday evening to socialise and to arrange events for each other to enjoy.

For more information why not call or text Margaret on 07887 883251 or Rob on 07899 755457.

Are you interested in gardening?

The Society is actively seeking new members. Designed to nurture and promote gardening and allotment growing. The Society holds its meetings in St Peter’s Church Hall, Baytree Road, Weston super Mare BS22 8HG on the second Thursday of each month normally at 7:30pm. Annual membership subscriptions are £10.00 for individuals and £15.00 for families.

A warm welcome is given to all new comers, either beginners or expert growers. If you are interested come along to one of our meetings. For further information please contact John Chapman 01934 418904 or 1951chapman@gmail.com

Looking for a Woodturning experience? Look no further

We are Weston Woodturning Circle and we meet every 3rd Thursday of the month at Weston Football Club BS24 9AA in Winterstoke Road at 7:00pm. We are a very friendly enthusiastic group of woodturners always looking for new members to join us. This month we are privileged to welcome Jason Breach to demonstrate to us. Jason is an Internationally renowned Woodturner and a great demonstrator.

Your first two meetings are free and if you decide to join our club we can offer free training.

A club for the ‘not so able ‘ aged 1665

We meet every Thursday at the scout hut off Windwhistle Lane, behind the cricket club. We have speakers, outings, pub lunches & entertainment throughout the year.

We use WDC community buses to transport us. We have fresh filled rolls or soup at lunchtime, or bring your own.

In March we enjoyed Weston town & seafront, the Helicopoter museum & a pub lunch at the Landing Light.

We are a friendly group so please come along & join in with us.

To book transport or any questions ring Diana on 07799110879

Happy Balance…

Supporting your busy life

We are passionate about re-cycling, re-housing and re-using items, working with many local charities we distribute your unwanted items on your behalf. We always offer a FREE 1hour consultation to introduce ourselves and to discuss how we can help you.

Our clients know that allocating time to work alongside Happy Balance provides the impetus they need to make a start. Through experience we understand the importance of working with you at your pace, listening to you and helping you put into action what you want to achieve.

These are all scenarios from clients we have worked with:

• ‘I don’t want to leave it for the kids to sort’ – Feeling mindful that you need to get your home in order? You don’t want the family having to sort through everything when you are gone? We will work with you to streamline your home, recycle unwanted items and organise belongings you may wish to distribute to family and friends

• My partner/parent has died – You’re not only dealing with grief but also thinking about how you clear the house? We are NOT house clearance. We work with you sensitively, practically and confidentially to organise their affairs and clear the house for sale or other

• I am embarrassed – It’s all got on top of me and I just feel overwhelmed – Are you buying too many items, storing them away and feeling like you may be hoarding? Claire and SJ are non judgemental and through experience can help you declutter and regain control

• I’m moving and need to downsize – I can’t physically or emotionally cope with my move and I need help. We are hands-on in preparing your belongings ensuring that when your removal firm comes to move you that you have already sorted through, de-cluttered and made sure all your items, big and small will fit into your new home giving you peace of mind.

• ‘Our family space isn’t working for us’ –Who can help us? Happy Balance will give you guidance, ideas and hands on support to make the changes to make your home a living space and not a storage space

Free play sessions for the whole community, every Saturday!

ParkPlay is 90 minutes of free community play, every Saturday, for everyone. Make friends, have fun, get moving!

9:30am - Castle Batch Park, Bishop Avenue, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 7PQ.

11:30am - Ellenborough Park in Weston-superMare, BS23 1XH.

10:30am at Cherry Avenue Playground in Clevedon, BS21 6DX.

Look out for the ParkPlay flag, we’ll be there – rain or shine.

If you can, please register before you come along: park-play.com/register/ (you only need to this once)

Find out more about ParkPlay here: www. betterhealthns.co.uk/information/parkplay/

Community group for anyone with an interest in home birth

Weston home birth group is a community group hosted monthly by Luiza & Holly, two perinatal educators. Both of us are extremely passionate about birth, especially homebirth.

Together we host the group to serve our community, for anyone with an interest in birthing at home

We are often joined by other pregnancy and birth experts.

We meet from 7:00pm - 9:00pm on the last Sunday of the month at 1st Milton Scout Hut, Drysdale Close, Weston super Mare, BS22 8HH. Email westonhomebirth@gmail.com for more information.

‘Weston 60+ Singles Meetup’ - A new singles group in WSM!

Launched in Feb 2024, a personal approach to singles socializing, especially suited to those daunted by prospect of meeting new people. Our events cater for max 6-8 people. Not a dating group but all members are single. Managed entirely on-line at Meetup.com, so computerliteracy and your own on-line access are essential.

Meetup.com is free to join – then search for ‘Weston 60+ Singles Meetup’ group, which is non-profit making, our fees of £5 pa all used to fund Meetup website charges.

Feel the love at Priory Tennis Club!

Want to get into tennis this summer? Whether you’re returning to the game or a complete beginner, you’re welcome at Priory Tennis Club - a friendly club in Weston-super-Mare. We play every Thursday throughout the year, with Hutton Moor Leisure Centre as our base, and on Sundays over the summer too! We offer coaching (adults and juniors) and regular socials, including pub quizzes and outings to play Padel in Bristol.

New players can get two free taster sessions before joining - visit priorytennisclub.co.uk or email priorytennisclubwsm@gmail.com for more details.

Do you know an adult who struggles with reading?

1 in 14 adults cannot read well enough to do things many of us take for granted. Like reading a letter from the doctor, or a bus timetable, or the ingredients on a food label. They struggle to help their children with schoolwork. Many find it very hard to get a job.

Read Easy North Somerset provides FREE, one-toone reading coaching. No classroom, no exams, no pressure - just a friendly coach to lead an adult of any age towards reading.

Call or text 07838 276659 or email northsomerset@readeasy.org.uk

Join a free and friendly Health Walk!

30 to 60 minute Health Walks are available in Clevedon, Flax Bourton, Long Ashton, Nailsea, Portishead, Weston-super-Mare, Winscombe and Yatton.

No need to book, just come along!

Please see our website for the dates, times and meeting places: www.betterhealthns.co.uk/getactive/walking/

Or contact us at: getactive@n-somerset.gov.uk / 01275 882 730

SPA Singles Social Group – South West Established in 1979

We are a member led group, aiming to help you make new friends, and improve your social life. Welcoming active, 40+ singles throughout the south west. With branches in Bath, Exeter, Taunton, Wells & Mendip, Weston super Mare, Yeovil & surrounding areas. Social events include meals, walks, music events, holidays, day trips, drinks evening, theatre, skittles, bowls etc. For more information www.spasinglesocialgroup. co.uk or find us on meetup@spa-social-group

The Mayor visits the Weston Ukulele Players

The Weston Ukelele Players entertained two special guests when the Mayor and Mayoress visited the Nightjar during their practice evening. The Players have been entertaining at the clubs, pubs, hotels and societies around Somerset and North Somerset. They raise donations for the Children’s Hospice South West in Wraxall. All the money collected goes to the charity and in 2023 they donated over £9200. If you would like them to play at your event then please contact Andrew on 07795690398.

If you think you have a problem with alcohol

Then call us on 08009177650 or Email: help@ aamail.org. We have support groups in North Somerset/Somerset area 7 days a week. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.

Updates On Donate For Defib

Weston-super-Mare Project, Making A Difference!

The Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare Team continues to raise awareness regarding defibrillators within the community through events, presentations, social media, local newspapers, radio and including the BBC. Three electrical companies are sponsoring the project by installing the defibrillators at various venues, more defibrillators are on order. In February the project, ran CPR / Defibrillator awareness sessions which were well-attended and further sessions are planned.

For further information please contact donatefordefib.wsm@gmail.com. Every second counts in a cardiac arrest and a defibrillator can make a difference!

How Dr Fox put Weston super Mare on the map

In 1830 at the age of 69, Dr Fox, a radical and mental health pioneer purchased Knightstone Rock and had the present road built to connect it to the mainland. The new attractive building contained many types of medicated baths with adjoining refreshment and lodging houses when Weston super Mare was a fishing village with a population of 735.

In the building that now houses Dr Fox’s Tearooms often visitors want to know more about Dr Fox. Now the book costing £3.50 per copy is available there.

HIGHEST RATED ROOFER IN SOMERSET! (52 ★★★★★ Google reviews)

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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.