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Book today for a quick, beautiful kitchen makeover and pay later with our 36 months interest-free credit. FREE SINK AUTUMN ONLY OFFER, WORTH OVER £229*
Present this voucher to our Home Consultant on the day of your Quartzize survey.
Quartzize - beautiful real stone overlays
Why replace your worktops when this unique quartz overlay simply fits over your existing surface. Here are some of the amazing benefits:
• Timeless - Looks clean and modern.
• Hygienic - A perfectly smooth surface.
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• Easily installed - Fitted in less than a day.
Just three simple steps to transform your existing kitchen:
1 2 3
Lines Open: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 8.00pm, Sat: 8.30am - 6.00pm, Sun: 9.00am - 5.00pm. NO NEED TO EMPTY CUPBOARDS
We’ll pop along and take some measurements... You choose from our range of doors and worktops... Our fitters will contact you to arrange a convenient time to come back and transform your kitchen.
Join our army of LocalReach Community Editors...
If you are community minded like us then we would love you to send us your local news, events and information. We give 100 words free of charge and want to help at least 50-75 local; clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches each and every month.
Simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the form on the Community Notices page. We want to especially help the all the clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches that have very little income for advertising. Please spread the word!
LocalReach is now on Facebook - go to www.facebook.com/localreachwestonsupermare
Are you looking for more business?
Advertising in LocalReach is a fantastic way to reach all your existing, and potentially new customers. LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in your postcode area every month. It is packed with community notices, interesting articles and local businesses. A massive 98% of our advertisers rebook every month so we must be doing something right!
So, if you are looking for more business then contact us now. To advertise just go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the contact form or email hello@localreach.co.uk
Community Notices are free of charge Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page Deadline is 26th Aug for the Oct issues
For Business Advertising call 01934 312171 or visit our web site www.localreach.co.uk Deadline is 26th Aug for the Oct issues
Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this
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 2024.
DO YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF LOCALREACH EACH MONTH?
LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the Weston-super-Mare/BS23 postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 17,380 copies each month.
We take non deliveries very seriously and in the event of a non delivery being reported to us we follow the Royal Mail’s complaint procedure.
If you are not getting your monthly copy by the end of the first week of any month please send us an email to royalmail@localreach.co.uk with the full address of the non delivery and we will ask Royal Mail to investigate and report back.
Garden View
Marvellous microorganisms
As their name suggests you can’t see them, yet microorganisms are some of the most important things you can grow in your garden.
Garden soil is teeming with millions of them, or rather it should be. They help to keep the soil healthy. They decompose organic matter, replenish soil nutrients, form humus, promote root growth, increase nutrient uptake, and breakdown herbicides and pesticides. The microorganism family includes bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa and we want to do everything we can to encourage these tiny gardening friends. In order to provide a good environment we need to provide oxygen, moisture, carbon-based food matter, and the right temperature and pH.
Oxygen content can be kept high by digging in lots of organic matter so that the soil structure is aerated. 75% of microorganisms live in the top two inches (5cm) of soil so particular care should be taken not to compact the topsoil. Improving the drainage of stodgy clay soil is particularly important as water-logged soil contains very little oxygen. Mulching helps to improve the moisture content of soil and also helps to maintain the soil temperature. Bare soil bakes in the summer and freezes in the
winter. Mulch acts as both shade and insulation so the temperature remains more constant.
Carbon-based food matter is just a posh way of saying ‘organic matter, including green manure and well-rotted compost. This provides a gourmet buffet for microorganisms, and they’ll reproduce rapidly. Finally, pH is probably the most difficult area to tackle. Most gardens have a natural pH range beyond which they’re not going to change much. So, someone living on a limestone ridge, as I do, is never going to be able to grow acid-loving Azaleas, except in pots.
But that’s not what we’re trying to achieve when creating a favourable environment for microorganisms. We don’t need to radically shift the pH; we just need to modify it slightly.
There are pH modifiers on the market, but the best way of doing it is slowly by digging in compost or other organic matter. Organic matter acts as a neutraliser and will work whether your soil is acidic or alkaline. It is particularly important for alkaline soils like mine because they have far fewer bioavailable nutrients so become impoverished very quickly.
This month give some thought to encouraging your microorganisms. Your plants will thank you.
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.
Get ready the next release of Windows 11 and Apple OS
We are expecting a new release of Windows 11 in the next few weeks. Named 24H2 (meaning the second half of 2024) this release is set to bring new features and background improvements.
Here are some of the expected new features:
1. HDR Background Support: Enjoy richer colours and better contrast with HDR backgrounds.
2. Energy Saver: Reduce power consumption to extend battery life or save energy on desktops.
3. Sudo for Windows: Execute elevated tasks with administrative privileges.
4. Wi-Fi 7 and QR Codes: Connect faster with Wi-Fi 7 support and easily share network passwords using QR codes.
5. Voice Clarity: Improved audio quality for better communication.
6. Windows Protected Print Mode: Enhanced security for printing.
Apple will also be updating their computers to the latest release called “Sequoia” which should be released mid to late September. Also compatible iPhones and iPads can be updated to iOS 18.
For those of you with Windows 10, it is now more important than ever to think about upgrading to Windows 11. Since Windows 11 was released in 2021, Microsoft has given its full attention to give you the most secure and reliable experience with regular updates keeping things working well. For those of you that are daunted about upgrading, we offer an on-site service to either upgrade your existing computer or make the transition to new equipment as easy as possible. We also offer yearly service visits, so an experienced technician will make sure that everything is running as it should be for the next 12 months, as often, things have been overlooked that could turn into a big problem. Feel free to get in touch to discuss…
Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd. sales@e-cps.co.uk tel/text/whatsapp 07973 536299
Computer Problems?
• Problem Solving & Repairs • Virus/Spyware Removal
• New PC Systems
• Broadband/WIFI Problems
• Performance Improvement
Wireless Networking
iPhone/iPad help
Upgrades
Websites • Help & Tuition
We have mobile engineers in your area or with your permission we can access your computer remotely.
Engineer: 07973 536299
Office: 01934 853107
E-mail: sales@e-cps.co.uk
www.e-cps.co.uk
Transforming communities by feeding local families in our Community Garden
Amazing opportunities for local people to come join our opening of Dundry Community Garden. Volunteers and avid gardeners wanted. Every Sunday from 1st September, 1:00pm til 3:00pm.
Whether you like planting, building garden beds, digging, and meeting local people in your area. We also are looking for people with limited outdoor garden space who would like to grow their own food, flowers etc with a fee of £30 a year you keep what you grow, or donate seeds to our new space to be replanted.
For more information contact Dundry Community Garden on Facebook
Hard of Hearing Social Group. Next meeting Monday 2nd September
The North Somerset Hard of Hearing Social Group meets generally on the 1st Monday of each month, 2:00pm to 4:00pm at The Conservative Club, 24-26 Alexandra Parade, Weston super Mare BS23 10X. The meetings are mixture of speakers, outings, chat and useful information. Cost £4 to include refreshments. Come along. We’d be happy to see you.
Friends Of The Playhouse September Events
The Friends Of The Playhouse hold their Saturday Coffee Mornings 10:00am to 11:30am at the High Street Theatre. Hot And Cold Drinks and Biscuits are on sale. The Coffee Mornings are open to members and non members.
Saturday 7th September, 10:30am: Theatre Open Day.
Saturday 14 September, 10:00am: The monthly Raffle to win 2 tickets to a show of your choice (to be taken within 3 months) plus other lovely prizes.
Saturday 21st September, 10:00am: General Knowledge Quiz only £1 per person to enter.
The Friends Of The Playhouse Open Day
Saturday 7th September, The Friends Of The
Playhouse Open Day. Take a tour behind the scenes and get a sneak peek at what goes into the magic of theatre. Walk out onto the stage, visit the famous back stage crew room and hear memorable stories, see areas that are not usually available to the public and ask any questions you may have about the venue.
Refreshments will be available and activities for all the family include face painting, performances by a magician and Samantha Ball will be signing copies of her book, ‘A History and Celebration Of The Playhouse Theatre’.
Tickets for the Open Day Tours are £5 (children under 16 going free) and include a free hot drink and biscuits (soft drink for children). You can book a place in advance at the theatre box office in person or over the telephone: 01934 645544
The first tour will start at 10:30am and then tours will be every 30 minutes, with the last tour starting at 3:00pm. Tours will take about 1 hour.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
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 7th September.
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
Family History Advice
On 11th September, 2:30pm - 4:30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Baytree Road, WsM, Peter Towey will give an interesting talk and answer questions about Nonconformity: what it is and where to find records. Members £1.50 Guests £2.00 which includes Tea/Coffee & Biscuits.
Also we hold a free Family History advise session at Weston Library on the first Saturday of the month 2:00pm - 3:30pm. Next session Saturday 7th September.
Contact us on www.wsmfhs.org.uk
What is Weston-super-Mare u3a doing in September?
On Friday 13th September, the monthly lecture will be on the topic of Lundy Island, one of the islands in the Severn estuary. Given by Andre Coutanche, it will describe the bird sanctuary and numerous features there, which makes it worth a visit. Doors open at 1:50pm with £2 admission. All welcome.
Weston-super-Mare u3a has been here since 1994, providing activities for those no longer in full time employment. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary on Friday 27th September at the Royal Hotel from 2:00pm - 4:30pm. All members are welcome.
Two superb concerts at All Saints’ Church!
Join us on Saturday 14th September at 12 midday in the beautiful church of All Saints, WSM, for the ‘Last Night of the Proms’! Paul Beechey directs the Weston Light Orchestra with Richard Lennox at the organ. Bring your flags and your best voices!
Tickets cost £12 on the door and include a light lunch. Raffle in aid of the Luhimba project, Tanzania.
Then on Saturday 28th September at 3:00pm we
welcome The Somernotes, a male close harmony ensemble. FREE ENTRY with donations. See you there!
Has someone died? Carrying the pain of grief is hard
Are you grieving the death of a loved one or struggling with the long-term 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 17th September 2024. 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-2024/
Macular Society local group next meeting - Wednesday 18th September
The local Weston-super-Mare Macular Society
QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS
by simply replacing the doors and worktops
› Up to 50% less than a new fully fitted kitchen
› Replacement kitchen doors
› Cost effective made to measure solution
› Worktops and appliances
› Quick installation in 2-3 days by local professionals
5 The Precinct, Brinsea Road, Congresbury, BS49 5JG
Call us now for a free estimate: 01934 832361 or 01275 562031 9.8/10
Group meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month 10:30am to 12:30pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, Baytree Road, Weston-super-Mare BS22 8HG. The group is for anyone affected by central vision loss, AMD wet or dry. Come to share experiences with others and swap tips. We have presentations on a variety of topics including useful appliances, helpful organisations and local interest such as RNIB and Cleaner Coastlines Weston and North Somerset. Cost £3 including refreshments. Friends and carers welcome. More information contact Jo 07947 373 244
New Yoga class starting 18th
September at The Hughenden Centre
Gentle Yoga, suitable for beginners or the more experienced. 10:30am - 11:45am on Wednesdays. Special ‘Taster’ session on 18th September - try the class with no commitment for only £5. Contact Pauline Cook: jivanyoga@gmail.com. British Wheel of Yoga accredited teacher.
FUCHSIA Cancer Support Group
Annual Macmillan Coffee Morning
The FUCHSIA Cancer Support Group are holding
their annual Macmillan Coffee Morning on Thursday 19th September at the Nightjar Pub in Mead Vale, 10:00am - 12 noon. Plenty of cakes will be on offer with all donations going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Anybody is welcome.
The FUCHSIA Group (Friendship and Understanding, Cancer Help and Support in Abundance) is a self-help cancer support group for people who have experienced cancer a close hand whether as a patient, relative or carer. They have been supporting members since 2010.
For more information email Julie: hello@fuchsia.org.uk
Flower Arranging Demonstration
Monday 23rd September, 2:00pm for 2:30pm start at St George’s Community Centre BS22 7XF. Entry £7, Tea/ Coffee and Biscuits £1. Raffle Tickets to win an arrangement £1 a strip.
Do you love flowers? Come along and be inspired to try flower arranging by watching our demonstrator produce lots of different designs and have a chance to win one in the raffle. All welcome.
For more details Tel: 01934 622152.
Why should I visit a Private Audiologist?
Hello to our dear friends from Claire, Emma, Sam, Toby and of course, Charlie the dog at Meadows & Wood Hearing Care.
Hearing loss is a common but often underestimated condition that can significantly impact our lives. From strained communication and social isolation to cognitive decline, the consequences of untreated hearing loss are far-reaching. In this month’s newsletter, we’ll explore why choosing a private audiologist is a massive step towards maintaining your hearing health.
Advantages of Choosing a Private Audiologist:
Prompt Appointments: Access care without the long wait. Quick access to audiological services is essential because early detection of hearing issues leads to better outcomes. Whether it’s sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, or other auditory concerns, timely appointments allow healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and initiate treatment promptly. This can prevent complications and enhance the effectiveness of hearing care.
Personalised Care: Enjoy bespoke services tailored to your specific hearing needs. By understanding each person’s unique requirements, hearing professionals can develop personal treatment plans, recommend hearing aids, and provide support that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
Advanced Technology: Our cutting-edge technology enables thorough and precise hearing assessments, offering valuable insights into your hearing health. This allows us to offer you the best hearing solutions, including background noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI) and discreet designs to boost your confidence.
Comprehensive Services: We offer a full range of hearing care services, from initial hearing tests and regular check-ups to device adjustments and aftercare. We also offer earwax removal and tinnitus treatment, all under one roof.
If you or a loved one are displaying signs of hearing loss, we are here for you. Meadows & Wood is North Somerset’s only full time and independent hearing and tinnitus treatment clinic with various locations in North Somerset. Contact details are below.
Learn To Play Bridge This Autumn At Winscombe Community Centre
Winscombe Bridge Club is offering two courses of 10 lessons for £70 on Mondays at Winscombe Community Centre.
Bridge can be played socially, competitively, online or at a local club. The game develops logic, reasoning, quick thinking, concentration and much more. Its total absorption whilst you concentrate will let you leave your troubles at home. It is inexpensive and you’ll make new friends. Ring Janet O’brien 01934 253889 for a chat; Janet is a qualified and experienced English Bridge Union teacher.
Lessons start 7th October - 10:00am - 12:30pm improvers; 1:00pm - 3:30pm beginners.
Go BLUE to support Weston Hospicecare with Blue For You!
Blue For You is a fundraising initiative supporting Weston Hospicecare. You can get involved in the community, at work or at school, by going BLUE for our local
hospice between 7th - 13th October.
Why not hold a blue-themed party and collect donations for Weston Hospicecare? For bluerelated inspiration, use the QR code and visit our website to get your free fundraising pack. You’ll find posters to advertise your event, a fun set of blue photo props & an all-blue quiz! You can contact Fundraising & Development Officer, Abi, via email: abigail.smart@westonhospicecare. org.uk
Weston Rotary Christmas Charities Fayre – Saturday 9th November
This annual event organised by Weston Rotary to provide smaller local Charities and Voluntary Organisations with a platform to showcase their group, is setting up stalls in the Sovereign Centre, between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
Spaces will be reserved on a first come first served basis. To include your Charity or Organisation email your details to secretary@wsmrotary.uk which will enable us to provide you with more information as soon as it is confirmed.
With your support, we hope to make the occasion an even bigger and more exciting experience than ever before.
Crossword Across
Word Search
1 Eastern European country (6)
4 Thin crisp biscuit (5)
8 Overhaul, modernise (5)
9 Loudly, uproariously (7)
10 Slim, lithe (7)
11 Skin irritation (4)
12 Top, cover (3)
14 Jealousy (4)
15 Type of goat (4)
18 Weep, cry (3)
21 Retort, riposte (4)
23 Guitar-like instrument (7)
25 Conceded, endorsed (7)
26 Emaciated, cadaverous (5)
27 Black (5)
28 Onset, arrival (6)
Down
1 Church district (6)
2 Portable lamp (7)
3 In this day and age (8)
4 Lament, moan (4)
5 Pass out (5)
6 Beat pattern (6)
7 Growl, grumble (5)
13 Spilled the beans, disclosed (8)
16 Assassinate, kill (7)
17 Four-sided shape (6)
19 Chum, mate (5)
20 Group of six (6)
22 Eskimo house! (5)
24 Rock rhythmically (4)
Puzzle Solutions
Back to School Cooking Tips from OvenGleamers – 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 non-stick liners in your roasting tins and on your baking trays (saves loads of time on the washing up)
5. 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 Graham Rogers at OvenGleamers on 01934 440032
It’s a win-win with Browns
As the new term commences and the summer gives way to Autumn, we are looking forward to a new season. We have a new website launching, and a new van with a great new design on it.
We know from your comments you often see our red vans bombing around Weston and further afield too. So, we want to give you the opportunity to watch out for our new van and have the chance of winning a £30.00 Amazon voucher. All you need to do is take a photo of the new van when you see it (as long as it’s safe for you to do so) and post a pic and comment where you saw us on our Facebook page. The winner will be selected randomly on Monday September 30th, 2024. Remember the more snaps the greater chance of winning.
And as the new term begins, remember we are here with our 5-star service, to help with all your domestic appliance needs, whether it be a new machine or a repair to an old one. And with a new website you can easily access all our information. However, we do realise that many of our customers really enjoy the personal touch and so we are always available on the end of the phone, and if we are busy then leave a message and we will call you back.
Happy Fall Y’all! Heres a little quote to help you on your way.
“ A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye “ – author unknown.
Browns Domestic Appliances
We repair: Washing machines, washer dryers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens and hobs, cookers and integrated appliances.
We sell: Washing machines, washer dryers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens and hobs, cookers, fridges and freezers and integrated appliances.
No hidden extras. We keep things simple!
www.brownsdomestics.co.uk
1st Ashcombe (W-s-M) Scout Group spaces across our 3 sections
Try new activities, grow in confidence, develop new skills for live and join the Adventure. We have some places available in September for boys and girls Monday and Wednesday evenings in the Ashcombe area.
We offer term time weekly meetings for Beavers (ages 6-8 years), Cubs (8-10.5 years) and Scouts 10.5-14 (years) adn extra occasional weekend camps and days out.
For further info contact info1stashcombescout@gmail.com or text 07766 482850
Day Centre Every Tuesday In Milton Respite Care
Day centre every Tuesday in Milton. 10:00am - 1:30pm. Perfect respite care for carers or companionship for lone people. Dementia care. Entertainment. Games. Newspapers.
Fully insured qualified staff. DBS checked. Please contact NIKKI on 07879018384 for further information and costs.
Dance into Autumn and meet new friends and feel good
Dancing at the Ritz Burnham-on-Sea every Tuesday afternoon 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Dancing includes Sequence, some modern ballroom, olde thyme, some line dance.
We are a sociable and friendly group. All are welcome. Price per person £4.
For further information contact Jeannie 07909 883553.
Community Group for Learning Disabilities
We are a community group for learning disabilities. We meet every Tuesday and Wednesday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in the social hall next to the church, 10:00am - 2:00pm. 14 Ellenborough Park, Western-super-Mare BS23 1XW.
We have a disco and a safe place to meet friends - all welcome.
Thursday we meet at the Hub 10:00am - 2:00pm. Loxton road BS23 4QX. All welcome.
For more information phone 07817650682.
Cadbury Wind Band Based in Yatton
Bored on Tuesday Evenings. Consider coming to Cadbury wind band. Tuesdays 7:15pm to 9:15pm during school term times. Room 2 in Yatton Methodist Church, 89 High St, Yatton. We are a wind band so Flutes, Clarinets, Oboes, Saxophones and basses string/electric or wind. We play a mix of music from pop, film, jazz and classical. Give us a try.
Phone: Michael on 01275 792300 (Leave a message if no answer). email: Secretary@ cadburywindband.org.uk
Facebook look for Cadbury Wind Band Web Page www.cadburywindband.org.uk
Best contact us first just in case we are out.
North Somerset Modelling Society
We make allsorts! The Society holds its meetings at the ‘Ebdon Arms’, Lilac Way, Wick St. Lawrence, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 9WE, from 7:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. It also holds an all day ‘model-in’ at The Helicopter Museum one Sunday each month. All modellers are welcome to either meeting, regardless of age or experience. For further information contact David Pye on 01934 844927, or visit our website www.nsmsworld.com
Weston-super-Mare 60 plus Social Singles Group
On 24th July, John Crockford-Hawley Weston’s Mayor presented achievement medals and congratulatory letters to members of the Westonsuper-Mare 60 plus Social Singles Group, who, overcame their fear of heights, and participated in a charity fundraising abseil down the sheers face of Uphill quarry on 16th June, raising £2840 for Prostate Cancer.
The group who meet at 7:30pm every Wednesday at the function room of the Windsor Castle pub are all older singles, who despite losing partners to fatal illnesses look to make the most of their remaining years, as well as helping those in society less fortunate than themselves.
Join Weston Walking Group for Somerset Walks
We walk on Wednesdays and Saturdays in all parts of Somerset. Why not come and join us enjoying fresh country air, excellent views and friendly company. Visit our website www. westonwalkinggroup.co.uk or phone Barbara 07934 197780 / 01934 624138 to check where the next walk is, and come and join us.
A Good Read
The Swallows
By Lisa Lutz
Alexandra Witt is a new teacher at the prestigious Stonebridge Academy where she quickly stumbles upon undercurrents of sexual exploitation and manipulation, which are poisoning the school. Disturbed by the casual acceptance of such behaviour, Witt takes it upon herself to empower the students, especially the girls, to challenge the status quo. This sparks a rebellion that gradually exposes the toxic culture perpetuated by a select group of male students known as “the darkroom.”
Lutz’s narrative is sharp and fast-paced, weaving multiple viewpoints that allow the reader an insider view as events unfold within the school. Each character offers a unique perspective which serves to highlight the complexity of teenage dynamics and adult responsibilities.
The climax of the book is both shocking and satisfying, providing a resolution that feels both inevitable and earned. The reader will be left pondering the dynamics of power and the courage required to overturn them.
The Swallows is a darkly intriguing novel that blends elements of suspense with biting social commentary, which makes it stand out in the densely populated thriller genre. The writing is both witty and sharp, infused with a sardonic tone that perfectly complements the serious themes she tackles.
Boys Don’t Cry
By Fiona Scarlett
While not strictly young adult fiction, I’m recommending Boys Don’t Cry for older teens, because it tells the story of two brothers, Joe, aged 17, who is a talented artist, and Finn, aged 12, through their own words. The boys live in a tower block in Dublin with their mother and father (known as Da’), who works for a local gang leader and is in and out of prison.
Joe’s accounts of how he is dealing with traumatic loss, while struggling against the criminal influences of his father and the expectations everyone else has of him, that he’s destined for a life of crime, is heartbreaking. Finn on the other hand relates his experiences of being diagnosed with and treated for leukaemia, and the effect he sees this having on his brother and parents.
Scarlett’s prose is beautiful and the voices of the two boys are believable and authentic. Teen readers will quickly identify with and become emotionally invested in the brothers as their stories intertwine in the most impactful way.
The author skilfully weaves humour through the sometimes harrowing themes, because even at life’s darkest moments, or perhaps because of them, there are always flashes of hilarity.
The stories of Joe, Finn and the other characters who live in ‘The Jax’ tower block will stay with the reader for a long time. My own teen suggested this title to me and thinks this should be on the GCSE English syllabus because of the engaging story and the author’s insight into boy’s lives and minds.
By Tash Donovan
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
A social club for the ‘not so able’
The Notable Club is a friendly group offering physically disabled adults aged 16-65 the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy various outings. Run by volunteers, the club meets every Thursday morning at the scout hut behind Weston Cricket Club.
Events so far this year have included a visit from the then Mayor of Weston Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, pub lunches and trips to Oakham Treasures, Filton Aerospace Museum, Cadbury Garden Centre and Minehead on the steam train.
For more information call Diana on 07799 110879.
9:30am - Castle Batch Park, Bishop Avenue, Worle, Weston-superMare, BS22 7PQ
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/
Sprichst du Deutsch? Do you know any German speakers?
We are a friendly group of German speakers who meet up once a month. We usually meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Stable Games room at 7:00pm (this date could change though, so please check our Facebook Group “German speaking group (Stammtisch) in Weston”). It’s not a lesson as such, but all levels are welcome - we chat about all kinds of things in German. Hoffentlich bis bald! Sarah.
Woodturning in Weston. Interested? Then read on…
We are are Weston Woodturning Circle and we meet every third Thursday at the Football Club in Winterstoke Road BS24 9AA from 7:00pm until 9:30pm. We are a very friendly club and welcome all new and experienced woodturners to join our group. In September we have a demonstration by Peter Ravenscroft which we are looking forward to.
Our club offers all new members 3 free lessons with experience club members, as well as the free use of some equipment. So why not give it a try?
Free play sessions every Saturday, everyone welcome!
ParkPlay is free community play, every Saturday, for everyone. Make friends, have fun, get moving!
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, 50+ 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
Free and friendly Health Walks available in your area!
30 to 60 minute Health Walks are available in Churchill and Cheddar, Clevedon, Long Ashton, Nailsea, Portishead, Westonsuper-Mare, Winscombe, Worle and Yatton.
No need to book, just come along!
Please see our website for the dates, times and meeting places: www.betterhealthns.co.uk/get-active/walking/
Or contact us at: getactive@n-somerset.gov.uk / 01275 882 730.
Why not try - Weston 50/60+ Social
Singles Group!
We are a lively volunteer led mixed group of older singles who meet weekly at an informal ‘Bar Night’ and enjoy meals, music, dancing, sports, trips, theatre and other fun events arranged by our members!
If you are an older single living in the Weston, Worle or surrounding area and looking to make new friends why not contact us and come along for a week or two and then consider joining us regularly?
For more information call or text Margaret on 07887 883251 or Rob on 07899 755457.
Model Railway enthusiasts required
The 1st Ashcombe (WsM) Scout Group would like one or two persons to help our volunteers organise a model railway exhibition in May 2025. The venue is booked and planning is in the early stages so it is a good time to come on board and join a small committee to get us rolling.
Contact Diane Biddulph: info1stashcombescout@ gmail.com
If You Think You Have A Problem With Alcohol
Then call us on 0800 917 7650, this is a free number or email: help@aamail.org. We have support groups in North Somerset/Sedgemoor area 7 days a week.
All inquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.
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