LocalReach Worle August 2023

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Garden View

This month – Wonderful Wisteria

Wisteria, with its enchanting cascades of fragrant flowers, adds a touch of elegance and charm to any garden. It has a reputation for being slow and difficult, but it’s really not justified. You just need a bit of know-how.

Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil to plant your wisteria. The ideal time to plant is during early spring or autumn when the plant is dormant. Ensure the planting hole is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball and add organic matter to enrich the soil. Provide a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or pergola, for the wisteria to climb.

During August, after the flowering period, prune to control the size and shape of the plant. Trim long shoots, maintaining a balanced framework while retaining a few leaves on each pruned stem. During winter/early spring, remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches. Trim back the previous year’s growth to around three to five buds from the main stem. This encourages the

formation of flower buds and prevents excessive growth.

Wisteria generally requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply at the base of the plant, providing enough moisture to reach the root system. However, be careful not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

To promote optimal growth and flowering, fertilize your wisteria annually in early spring. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Wisteria is a vigorous climber, so proper training is essential for creating a visually appealing display. Gently tie and train young shoots to your chosen support structure, guiding them horizontally to encourage the development of flowering spurs along the stems.

If you’re starting from scratch it may take several years before your wisteria starts blooming profusely. Be patient and provide consistent care, and you will be rewarded with a stunning display of flowers in due course. Gardening is often the long-term rewards. Happy gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

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

Hello! and welcome to the August newsletter!

From Claire, Mia and myself, Toby at Meadows & Wood Hearing Specialists, I hope you are keeping well and having a lovely summer!

We were honoured have both the Mayor of Weston, Worle and Uphill, Mr. Ciaran Cronnelly, and our local MP Mr. John Penrose, along with some of our earliest clients and members of the Meadows & Wood hearing family to celebrate the opening of our premised at 142 High Street, Worle. This is north Somersets only full time, family owned, Independent Hearing Specialist Clinic.

We cut the ribbon and enjoyed interesting and informed speeches from our esteemed guests, both demonstrating a great deal of knowledge about local health issues and the vital importance of easily accessible availability for high quality healthcare. They have, I know, taken a keen interest in public health activity and outcomes and it was a pleasure to welcome them. For those of us who also care about ears and hearing well, here are a few facts about what to do if you experience wax!

• Do - For most people, using a drop or two of olive oil wax softening drops will ease discomfort and ideally help the wax to disperse.

• Don’t – Use any sort of matchstick or cotton bud to poke around in your ear, many people end up in A&E every year with damage as a result.

• Do – Seek expert advice if your hearing is affected, there may be wax or another issue affecting your hearing, so a professional check-up is essential.

• Don’t – Despair if you can’t seem to treat your ears with drops, you can come and see a fully insured expert in ear care in one of our clinics. We cover the whole of north Somerset.

If you would like to know more about how we can help you and your family with hearing well, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

John Penrose MP and the mayor of Weston, Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly joined the team at Meadows & Wood for the official opening of the Hearing Care Centre in Worle.

Summer Skills to Get Kids Outside

Summer is the perfect time to encourage kids to step away from their screens and engage in outdoor activities that are both fun and educational. Here are some of our favourites.

Juggling - This is a fantastic skill that promotes hand-eye coordination, concentration, and perseverance. Start with basic juggling techniques using soft balls or beanbags. As they progress, they can try juggling with more objects or learn tricks. Juggling a great physical activity, which boosts cognitive skills and focus.

Skipping - A classic outdoor activity that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while improving coordination and balance. Start with basic jumps and gradually progress to more complex techniques like crisscross, doubleunders, or even group skipping routines. Skipping can also be done with friends, making it a social activity.

Flower Pressing – Pressing flowers is a wonderful way for kids to engage with nature and their

creativity. Encourage them to explore their surroundings, identify different flowers and plants, and collect specimens for pressing. Pressed flowers can be used for various crafts such as making greeting cards, or artwork.

Roller-skating - This is a fun and active outdoor activity that challenges balance and coordination and develops leg strength. Kids can learn to roller skate in a safe environment like a local skate park or a designated skating area. Once they get the hang of it, they can branch out to skills like skating backward, executing turns, or even trying some simple tricks. Roller skating provides an exciting way to stay active while enjoying the summer weather.

Identifying Insects - Encourage your mini entomologist by teaching kids how to identify common insects. Provide them with a guidebook or use online resources to help them recognize different species. Kids can go on nature walks or explore their gardens to spot insects, learn about their habitats, and observe their behaviours. This activity is great for promoting curiosity, environmental awareness, and an understanding of the vital role insects play in our ecosystem.

By Tom Hancock

New Craft Sessions

Running fortnightly 2:00pm - 5:00pm, £5 to include refreshments. Worle Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle. Come and join us on Sunday the 30th July at our first craft session. Bring your own craft, but we do have craft kits available to purchase. Great company: Great crafts. See you there, all welcome.

Phone 078 9661 8472 for more information.

A Free event for children and families

Sedgemoor Playday will take place at Apex Park, Highbridge on Wednesday 2nd August 10:0015:00. All children must be accompanied by an adult. It is a FREE event but parking at Cassis Close will be £1. There are over 40 activities ranging from Craft, archery, fishing, climbing wall, football, rugby tots, face painting to name a few. There will be inflatables, Action Pussycat, magic etc. There will be caterers there where you can buy lunch or you could bring a picnic. It is an outdoor event.

West Mendip Walkers August Walk Programme

3rd August 8m circular walk starting 10:00am

from North Curry TA3 6LH.

10th August 7m circular walk starting 10:00am from Tyning’s Farm BS40 7XU.

17th August 10m circular walk starting 10:00am from Moorlinch Village Hall.

24th August 8m circular walk starting 10:00am from Ashcott Corner BA6 9SX.

31st August 6m circular walk starting 10:00am from Croscombe Village Hall BA5 3RE.

All details on www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Garden Party on 5th August, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

The Friends of the Highbridge and Burnham on Sea Community Centre are pleased to announce their ever popular Garden Party in Rectory Road on Saturday 5th August. Cream teas, luscious home made cakes, a grand raffle, a craft stall, games and other surprises. Tickets are £6, available from the Community Centre office on Tuesday mornings, the U3A coffee mornings every Thursday or you can reserve your tickets by calling Mary on 07742497876 or Glenn on 07570806237 or just turn up on the day. Fun, friends and feasting!

A Good Read

A Long Way from Home by

Peter Carey

This compelling novel set in 1950s Australia, follows the lives of three central characters who embark on an eventful journey together.

Irene Bobs, a strong-willed and determined woman, dreams of winning the legendary Redex Trial, a gruelling endurance race that circumnavigates Australia. Her husband, Titch Bobs, is a car salesman with a passion for racing and an unresolved past. Willie Bachhuber is their troubled and brilliant navigator with an intimate knowledge of maps and an unconventional perspective on life.

As the trio sets off on their ambitious endeavour, they encounter all manner of challenges which brings them into direct contact with the racial tensions of the time. Australia’s indigenous population faces discrimination and marginalization, and each character is forced to confront their own biases and prejudices during their voyage.

Relationships gradually become strained and alliances shift, as long-hidden secrets and insecurities bubble to the surface.

As the race progresses, the characters’ personal journeys intertwine with the larger narrative of a nation struggling to find its identity. Carey uses The Redex Trial as a metaphorical representation of Australia’s cultural and social landscape, mirroring the country’s quest for a unified identity in the face of its diverse heritage. He weaves together themes of identity, belonging and the legacy of colonialism in a thought-provoking novel from which all three characters emerge changed forever.

Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car by John Burningham

Our children’s book this month also centres around a car journey. Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car is an old book, though I’d never heard of it until my son was given a copy on his first birthday. It’s one of those timeless, charming works that is destined to be loved forever. Mr. Gumpy decides to take a ride in his car. As he sets out on his journey he comes across different animals who all ask to join him. They are the Rabbit, the Cat, the Dog, the Pig, the Sheep, the Chickens, the Calf, the Goat, and the Children. Mr. Gumpy greets them all patiently and cheerfully, though they prove to be quite a rowdy bunch of passengers. When they reach a tricky hill Mr. Gumpy asks for a volunteer to help push the car, but everyone has an excuse as to why they can’t do it, then it starts to rain, and the car becomes stuck. The passengers eventually realise that if they don’t pull together (or rather push together) they will never get home.

The story is deceptively simple and satisfying, which adds to its appeal. Burningham was known for his illustrations, and they are absolutely beautiful. The combination of earthy colours and whimsical characters make the images warm and inviting, and his use of crosshatching adds movement and life to the story. You can see the animals and children jostling for position in the car. The book’s message about the importance of staying calm and working together to overcome adversity is a positive one, endearingly told.

By Tash Donovan

Crossword Across

1 Longing, dream (4)

3 Cavernous (8)

9 Impartial (7)

10 Choose to participate (3,2)

11 Laziness (5)

12 Gambling establishment (6)

14 Hold in the mind (6)

16 Dried grape (6)

19 Fleet of warships (6)

21 Divine water (5)

24 Emblem, symbol (5)

25 Exclusive group (2,5)

26 Alone (8)

27 Enthralled (4)

Down

1 Attractive, clean-cut (8)

2 Dwarf planet (5)

4 Lawman (6)

5 Peeved (5)

6 Short excursions (7)

7 Balanced, rational (4)

8 Bowman (6)

13 Unlikely winner (8)

Word Search

Accelerator

Air bag

Alarm

Battery

15 Relationship between man and wife (7)

17 Someone dependent on drugs (6)

18 Less difficult (6)

20 Concede (5)

22 Erroneous (5)

23 ____ Redding, soul singer (4)

Mindbenders

Solutions: Turn to page 14

Waves at local Shanty Festival

Weston-based ladies chorus Waves of Harmony are busy preparing for their next appearance at the Weston Shanty Festival on Saturday 5th August, at various venues throughout the town. Check out social media nearer the date for an up to date programme. Tickets are also on sale for our Festive Allsorts Show on Saturday 9th December at St Paul’s Church, Weston-super-Mare, supported by Weston Brass. For more information please see our website www.wavesofharmony.co.uk or our Facebook page Waves of Harmony Chorus.

Friends Of The Playhouse

The Friends Of The Playhouse continue to hold their popular Saturday Coffee Mornings from 10:00am at the High Street Theatre. The Coffee Mornings are open to members and non members so please feel fee to drop in. There will be committee members on hand to answer anything about the organisation.

On Saturday 5 August: Grand Summer Raffle

On Saturday 19 August: Music Quiz Only £1 per person to enter

It’s only £15 a year join the Friends and there are many benefits - please enquire at the box office.

Cream Teas, Church Tower Tours and Children’s Treasure Hunt

Sunday, 13th August, 2:30pm - 5:00pm. Something for all the family to enjoy!

Come to St. Lawrence Church in Wick St.Lawrence, Wick Road, BS22 7YP for a delicious Cream Tea (£3.50) and Tour of the tower (£1.50) for wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

Free Treasure Hunt for the children, book sale, Bring and Buy stall and raffle. Any queries to Sandra Redman on 07743 922022.

Bristol Brass Consort - Allsorts of Sweet, Sweet Music

They’re back! Come to Axbridge Church Sunday 27th August at 7:00pm to hear the group play a selection of classical and light brass music to get your teeth into!

The Consort have given an informal late summer concert in Axbridge for twenty years. We look forward to welcoming them again as they fill Axbridge Church with a mix of new pieces and old favourites. Free entry with a retiring collection. There will be an interval and you are welcome to bring your own refreshments.

“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

Weston super Mare Macular Support Group. Next meeting 16th August

The Weston super Mare Macular Society local support group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month 10:00am - 12noon at St Peter’s Church Hall, Baytree Road, Weston-super-Mare BS22 8HG. Cost £2 to include refreshments. The meetings are open to all affected by central vision loss, wet or dry MD. Share experiences, tips and strategies. There are talks by professionals offering advice on appliances to help of safety in the home. Friends, family carers are most welcome.

Interested in Woodturning and would like to have a go?

We are holding an Open Lathe evening on Thursday 17th August at Weston Woodturning Circle in the Football Club on Winterstock Road, BS24 9AA. 7:00pm till 9:30pm. If you are interested and would like to try your hand at a friendly and enthusiastic Club come and take a look. There will be 3 lathes running with plenty of help, advice and a little banter on hand. No experience required.

Award-winning VOCALISE choir’s 10th anniversary celebration concert with guest performers

Celebrate with us and hear our award-winning songs in a fun evening of entertainment. Special guests are our sister choir VocaliseLite, children’s choir Vocalstars, and soprano Ann Clewlow, with accompanist Matthew Goh.

Saturday 9th September, 7:00pm, St Paul’s Church, Walliscote Road, BS23 1EF.

Tickets £10, under 16s £5. Available direct from choir members, Ann Clewlow 01934 627709, or online via Ticket Tailor - find the link on www. vocalisechoir.wordpress.com/events/ or Facebook.

Refreshments and wine available. Charity raffle. An eclectic mix of popular and show songs, guaranteed to make you smile!

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 monthly on the 3rd Monday afternoon, for coffee in Weston on the 2nd Friday morning and in Worle on the 4th Tuesday afternoon. Meetings are a mix of speakers, chat and information.

September 3rd - 10th is Fibromyalgia Awareness Week and we will have an information stand in Can’t Dance Coffee with group members available 12:00pm - 2:00pm every day.

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

Vocalstars - a fun choir for children aged 6-11

For children who love to sing with opportunities for solos and performances. All in a fun, supportive and enthusiastic environment. Run by a qualified singing teacher. Mondays 6:00 - 7:00pm in term time at St George’s Community Centre BS22 7XJ. £16 per month.

For details ring Ann on 01934 627709, email ann. clewlow@btinternet.com. Find us on Facebook and vocalisechoir.wordpress.com

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.

Bleadon Hill Youth Club every

Tuesday 10:00am - 2:00pm

Bleadon Hill Youth Club, Weston-super-Mare BS24 OPG.

For adults with a learning disability 10-2 £3.00 entry. Table tennis pool table football games hot drinks cold drinks hot dogs music and dancing social to meet up with friends and make new friends. All welcome 07817650682.

The Hub, Wednesday 10:00am - 2:00pm. Group for adults with a learning disabilities. Music, food, games, colouring, dancing, social to meet new friends. Contact 07817650682

Milton Coffee Mornings

Milton Methodist Church have a coffee morning between 10:00am and 12noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome to call in for coffee (or tea), homemade cake(s), and a chat with friends old or new. There is no charge but a small donation would be welcome.

Tuesday Retirement Group

First Tuesday In The Month - 10:30am to 12:00pm. All NHS staff, the social care sector and family/

friends are welcome. We charge £3 for the initial meeting then the balance to cover the annual subscription of £30.

Our Speaker in June was Verity Bartlett who is a Professional Toast Master, she was really interesting. We do not have a speaker in August but like to get together as a group and have a good chat. As usual tea, coffee, cake is available together with a raffle.

Why not come along in August you will be made very welcome.

U3A Weston group would love to meet new members

Self-help organisation for older people to join creative and leisure activities. Come to our coffee mornings, every Tuesday 10:00am to 11:15am at Friends Meeting House, High Street, Westonsuper-Mare.

Tuesday Badminton Club

Tuesday evenings, 8:00pm - 9:30pm, Broadoak school gym. Good players welcome (sorry, no tuition available, so not suitable for beginners, but ‘rusty players’ very welcome).

Not a league club, so no competitions - just play for fun and fitness. Reasonable termly fee, visitors £5.00.

Contact joycerudall@hotmail.com, or 07789475652 for further details.

Come and try something new! Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding

We are a locally based club of paddlers. The club has been running for many years. We have qualified coaches for paddleboarding, kayaking and Canadian canoeing.

We do regular sessions during the summer on Tuesday evenings, we also run pool sessions during the winter at Cheddar pool.

For those with enough experience, we run white water trips during the winter.

For more information about the club, visit our website, South Avon Canoe Club.

We are currently low on numbers and would welcome new members.

Our members range from 3 upwards.

Browns go down memory lane

August already! As I am writing this, we have had a run of really hot weather. I wonder if that will have continued! Its great to get the washing out in the sunshine and blowing in the breeze.

We generally find things slow down for the summer, but that has not been the case since we came out of lockdown. As services for many things become increasingly difficult to access, we aim to be available to help our customers. The best way to contact us is by phoning, which means that we can talk through your problem and book you in for a visit. However, there are other ways you can contact us. Email us from our website, or through Facebook or Google. We will get back to you as soon as we can. In June we had a little bit of a blip with our telephone lines and messages that were left were sadly lost. This was due to a problem with BT, so please accept our apologies if you didn’t get a call back. Recently a customer bought a new washing machine from us. When we delivered it, we were amazed to see the one it was replacing. It was a 47 year old Hoover Electronic 1100, which Phil Brown remembered selling in Curry’s when he was a young salesman. It would wash a 9lb load and sold for about £179.00! It was one of the first 1100 spin washing machines manufactured and was also one of the first machines with a stainless-steel drum instead of a blue vitreous enamel drum! Amazingly this machine had been working for all that time. Its hard to imagine a washing machine lasting that long now! It certainly took us down memory lane. We always take your old machine away unless you really want to keep it. The only time we have to charge is for refrigeration, where we have to pay for the recycling due to the gases inside. Our prices also include delivery and installation to your existing connections and if you do need any extra work done then our charges are reasonable. We look forward to being of service.

Browns Domestic Appliances Ltd

Making things simple!

Your complete local domestic appliance specialist for sales and repairs

We sell and repair washing machines, washer dryers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens, hobs and hoods, cookers, fridges and freezers. We are specialists in Freestanding and integrated appliances

Local family business established 38 years

All work insured and guaranteed

No hidden extras. We keep things simple!

Are you still running Windows 10? Time to upgrade!

Windows 10 is becoming plagued with problems due to its age, and the upgrade to Windows 11 has become an urgent matter. Windows 10 has been a reliable platform in the past, but with advances in technology and threats alike, the aged system now suffers from frequent bugs and increased exposure to potential risks, including infections. Those running Windows 10 should upgrade now to avoid these risks and ensure an overall safer, more productive, and up to date computing experience. Moreover, with the plug soon pulled on Windows 10 updates, machines are guaranteed to be left wide open to new vulnerabilities - so the time to upgrade is not later, but now. Due to the mounting issues around the outdated system, we consider Windows 10 to be an end-of-life product which should be avoided and urge people to no longer put off getting up to date. Some ask, “Will it still feel like my computer?” - “I don’t want things to change”. These are common reasons for hesitation, but fear not – Windows 11 is near identical to Windows 10 in its usage, while however bringing its countless performance and security improvements in the background. What are the costs involved? The good news is that the upgrade to Windows 11 is a free upgrade when hardware requirements are met. If the computer hardware is not capable of running Windows 11, some form of hardware upgrade is usually the way forward. We appreciate that moving to Windows 11 can be daunting, so if you know that you need to upgrade but aren’t sure how to proceed, please get in touch as we specialise in moving computers onto Windows 11 with the least amount of fuss and can provide training and support to keep you on track.

Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd. Tel: 07973 536299

Walking in Good Company

Every Wednesday and Saturday we walk in different parts of Somerset 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. You will be very welcome.

Tai Chi in Kewstoke with Age UK

Somerset

Specially designed for people over 55, Age UK Somerset delivers a weekly Tai Chi QiGong class in Kewstoke Village Hall, Crookes Lane.

On Thursdays at 3:00pm, Dawn guides the class through easy-to-learn mindful movements. QiGong, pronounced ‘chee gung’ is a form of Tai Chi beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing. £5 per week - booking advised.

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

African and Caribbean drop-in - 2nd Thursday of the Month

Ago! Ame! The new social group for African and Caribbean communities in and around Westonsuper-Mare. We welcome you to a drop in session every month, 5:00pm - 8:00pm at The Other Place, 81-83 Meadow street, BS23 1QL. We aim to meet as many people as possible that share a common cultural interest, participate in planned events and join our ever growing community club.

Visit www.agoame.org.uk for up to date info. Light refreshments served.

Hewish & District WI

At our August meeting we will have a talk by Avon Fire & Rescue Services.

We are a friendly group who meet on the third Thursday of the month at Puxton & Hewish Hall, Maysgreen Lane, Hewish BS24 6RW, at 7:30pm.

We also enjoy walks, craft sessions, theatre visits, friendly skittles and meals out, among others things.

New members will have a warm welcome, email HewishWI@outlook.com for further details.

For a free no-obligation site visit, please call Jordan or Courtney

Highly competitive with wood pricesPLUSall the benefits!

Worle Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle

You will receive a warm welcome every Friday morning 9:00am to 12 noon at the centre. We serve tea, coffee or hot chocolate, there is usually cake or toasted tea cake/bread available to buy. There are various activities through out the week at the hall, log onto our website for more information, www.worlecommunity@outlook.com or phone 01934 515685, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We also have rooms available at competitive prices for hire, for childrens’ parties, wakes etc.

Take Action against Pain with Age UK Somerset

Age UK Somerset are launching a new exercise class! Action4Pain is designed to help ease joint pain, strengthen muscles, and improve mobility & flexibility. Action4Pain will specifically target hip, knee and back pain, and can be adapted to suit your needs. Designed for people over 55, the class is held at Worle Baptist Church, 43 Rawlins Avenue, on Fridays at 9:30am, £5 per session. Pre-booking essential on 01823 345624 or ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk

Follow ON - Carers Caring for Carers

We are a group of carers offering respite for a couple of hours to people who are caring for people with a terminal illness. Quizzes, topical talks, outings, speakers from different organisations. Come along join in the laughter, the understanding, the camaraderie and the tea & coffee.

We meet every other Friday morning at The Coach House. Locking. 10:00am to 12 noon. Phone 07923 055 241 for Info. Look forward to seeing you.

A small active group of friendly philatelists

We are a small active group of friendly stamp collectors who have been meeting in Portishead, near Bristol, North Somerset for the last 50 years or so and hold our monthly meetings at the Friends’ Meeting House in St Mary’s Road, Portishead, BS20 6QP at 7:30pm, mainly on the fourth Friday of the month, but please see our web site for more information

including our current programme for the exact dates. www.portisheadphilatelicsociety.org.uk/ index.html

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 August 5th.

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.

Bingeing, starving? There is a solution

Do you have a problem with food? Do you feel desperate with no where to turn? Try these questions: Do I go on eating binges? Do I sometimes eat until stuffed or even feel sick? Do I severely restrict my food intake to control my weight? Do I fantasise about how much better life would be if I were a different size or weight?

Free weekly support group, Saturday, 10:30am oaSaturdayWsM@gmail.com oagb.org.uk

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

Wanna be in a Buoy Band?

The Buoys are looking to add to their performers. Anyone interested please contact, in the first instance, Peter on 07734 055808. We perform for the SW Childrens Hospice in pubs, festivals, care homes and clubs throughout Somerset and are based in Weston super Mare. All proceeds go to the Childrens’ Hospice.

A New Skill

There has been some publicity regarding the need for recruits to learn the art of bell ringing to celebrate the Coronation.

When taking up a new hobby or pastime people expect instant participation. Well you can pick up a dart, through it and, hopefully hit the dartboard. Or perhaps skittles: you can easily roll the ball but, like my first effort, it may just spin down the side.

There is no instant engagement when it comes to the art of bell ringing. First you may have to climb a medieval spiral staircase, and then enter the ringing chamber, where six, eight or ten ropes hang in a circle – each with a woollen tufting section called the ‘sally’, with a length of rope below.

The bell you are to practice on will be standing upside-down. The Task is to pull – maybe half a ton – off balance and rotate it through a full circle until it again reaches balance. Then let it spin back the way it came. This action requires a skilled manipulation of the rope. Your instructor will have hands on at all times. A safety ringer will also be standing close by.

It could be a few weeks before you are able to control the bell on your own – with the instructor still standing close by. But now, at last, you can participate. You stand in a circle with the team of ringers. Your mission is to simply follow the rope in front (easier said than done) as the bells run down the scale in ‘rounds’ – from the treble (the lightest and highest pitched) to the tenor (the heaviest with the deepest voice).

Number one calls: ‘Look-to, treble’s going!’ As each ringer eases their bell off balance, you feel like a paratrooper waiting your turn. Sometimes your rope may fly out of control, but a few deft pulls from the instructor will quickly tame it again.

Now comes the difficult part: the art of change ringing (months down the line) involves following a mathematical pattern. On paper it resembles

the read out from an ECG machine where the heartbeat has gone berserk. You will employ split second thinking. Your eyes will dart from rope to rope. By this time you are hooked – perhaps for life.

The health benefits are well known. The unique arm action makes it good for the heart and circulation. Back problems – what are they? You will become a part of a very close circle of friends which could be life long.

At 94 I dare not give it up or I would be ready for Boot Hill!

In BS22 we have three bell towers: St Martin, Worle; Kewstoke, and Wick St Lawrence. There is also St John at Grove Park. Contact the relevant parish office, or tower captain. Or ring 01934 514004.

BOILERS

Kindly provided by James Frederick Stanley