“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
GRP • FIBRE GLASS • FLAT
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
job. Karen
Anderson
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January Events
The Friends Of The Playhouse hold their Saturday Coffee Mornings 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 and the first one in 2025 is on Saturday 4th January, when the monthly raffle takes place to win 2 tickets to a show of your choice (to be taken within 3 months).
Saturday 18th January: General Knowledge Quiz. Only £1 per person to enter.
Saturday 25th January: The Quarterly Millenium Draw.
Come for a warming drink and a friendly smile
Our community cafe starts again on 7th January at St Mark’s Church at 2:30pm until 4:00pm, where you will receive a warm welcome.
A place to meet your friends or make new ones. Tea and coffee on china cups with a delicious selection of cakes.
What could be a better way or starting your new year.
Family History Advice
Weston-super-Mare & District Family History Society will present a talk about the 52 vicars of Worle since 1325. The talk will be given by Ray Green/Abi Smart at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Baytree Rd, Weston on 8th January, doors open at 2:00pm. Members £1.50, guests £2.00 which includes Tea/Coffee and Biscuits.
If you have any Family History Questions we will be there to help you.
For any help with your Family tree research we are in Weston Library on the first Saturday of every Month 2:00pm - 3:30pm.
A group for physically disabled people aged between 16-60
Our club will start again on the 9/1/25. 10:30am - 1:30pm.
We meet every Thursday at the scout hut in Windwhistle Road. Behind the cricket club on Devonshire Road.
We have entertainment speakers pub lunches & various trips throughout the year.
Food is available at lunchtimes.
Our New Year’s meal is at South Sands at Sand Bay in January.
We use WDC community buses for transport,if you need picking up.
We would welcome some new faces.
Ring Diana for more information or to book transport 07799110879.
U3A Weston-super-Mare News
The u3a monthly lecture: Bristol and Weston Hospital Charity, will be on 10th January. Natalie Watts will explain their work and how they are doing great things. Come along to the United Reform Church, Waterloo Street, BS23 1LF at 2:15pm cost £2.00.
Tuesday coffee morning will resume on 7th January at the Friends Meeting House, High Street, W-s-M, BS23 1JF at 10:00am to 11:15am. New members welcome.
Find us on Weston-super-Mare u3a website.
St Martin’s Church, Worle, 900th Anniversary celebrations
There will be a Baptism Exhibition in St Martin’s Church, Worle, on Saturday 11th January 10:00am4:00pm and Sunday 12th January 2:00pm - 4:00pm. This is a free event and refreshments will be available.
On Sunday 12th January we celebrate the feast day of the Baptism of Christ and at our 10:00am service there will be a chance for people to renew their Baptism vows.
Please do come and join us over the weekend, you will be very welcome.
Start the New Year Clutter-Free
Your loft isn’t just somewhere to stash the Christmas decorations after the festive clean up; it could be a real gold mine of storage potential all year around. However, you can only take full advantage of your loft if you can access it safely, especially if you need to store heavier objects. Climbing up on that wobbly old kitchen chair, or the just-too-short step ladder, to haul things in and out of the loft, could put yourself at risk of injury.
At Access4Lofts, we specialise in installing loft ladders and hatches that can help you make the most of that hidden gem of extra storage space. We have a number of options to suit any space, no matter how small, and can even offer boarding and shelving options too. You’d be surprised at just how much room there is up there, and you’ll be even more surprised at just how quick, easy, and affordable it can be to make it safely accessible.
This could also be a good time to think about some better insulation. A properly insulated roof can knock as much as 20% off your energy bills, so you and your family can be sure to keep warm and cosy this winter, without worrying about those bills come spring.
Once the decorations are all put away, this could also be a great chance to free up some room in the rest of the house too. After all, why suffer with clutter when there could be perfectly good storage space above your head that’s just waiting to be used?
Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been accessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, Access4Lofts has full public liability insurance, and all ladders and work carried out come with a Lifetime Guarantee.
Let Access4Lofts make it safe and easy for you to start 2025 clutter-free. Why not call Anthony now to book a free survey and quotation on 01275 293 128, or visit www.Access4Lofts.co.uk/BristolSouth.
You can also find them on Facebook as Access4Lofts Bristol South
Macular Society Local Group.
Meeting Wednesday 15th January
The Weston-super-Mare local Macular Society group covering Weston, Clevedon, Winscombe, Burnham and surrounding areas meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month 10:30am to 12:30pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, Baytree Road, Westonsuper-Mare BS22 8HG.
The group is for anyone affected by central vision loss, AMD wet or dry. We have presentations on a variety of topics including useful appliances, helpful organisations and local interest, such as VisionAid and Vision North Somerset. Cost £3 including refreshments. Friends and carers most welcome. For more information contact Jo 07947 373 244
Was your Christmas blue and marred by grief?
Christmas can be hard when someone is missing and we would like to help.
‘The Bereavement Journey’ course runs weekly for 7 weeks, starting on Wednesday 15th January from 2:00pm – 4:15pm at Christchurch, Clevedon, BS21 7LL.
By means of films and discussion groups, this course gently guides bereaved people through the most common aspects of grief, enabling them to process the implications for themselves and discern next steps. To join, please sign up via the Christchurch website, or to find out more, please contact us at: bereavementsupport@ christchurch-clevedon.org.uk
Weston-Super-Mare
Music Appreciation Society - Come and Join Us!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR MEMBERS AND VISITORS! 2025 meetings start on 15th January, followed by 12th February & 12th March. 2:15pm for a 2:30pm start. 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, Weston-Super-Mare BS22 9RA. (The hall is behind the church). For more details email: simonrawlings9@gmail.com or call/text Simon on 07971474968
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 the third Monday every month plus for coffee in Nuffield Health (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 interest groups as required. For more information, call Val 07411989478 or Jules 07840189641; email wsmfibro@gmail.com
Are you interested in quilting?
We are Weston Quilters a lively group of people of all abilities who enjoy patchwork and quilting. We normally 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 or for any change in venue or date.
Fancy joining a choir? Step into 2025 with Vocalise!
Now recruiting for January 2025, Vocalise has a few vacancies, especially if you have a low voice. Be part of a special singing family that loves to perform and be the best they can be. No auditions. Rehearsals are fun, full of laughter with a variety of music and a fabulous pianist. Concerts sell out. Build your confidence, improve your wellbeing and do something to be proud of. Try us for freeyou’ll be glad you did.
Ring Ann 01934 627709 or email ann.clewlow@ btinternet.com
Mondays, 7:30pm at St George’s Community Centre.
Day Centre Every Tuesday In Milton Respite Care
Day centre every Tuesday in Milton. 10:00am1:30pm.
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.
Coffee Mornings at Milton Methodist
The Tuesday coffee mornings at Milton Methodist Church continue into the New Year on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, between 10:00am and 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to call in for coffee or tea, homemade cake(s), and a chat with friends old or new.
At our November meeting we welcomed Simon Talbot-Ponsonby whose talk was on the Birnbeck Regeneration scheme. He was so informative and interesting, appreciated by our members.
Our visit to Hestercombe Gardens for the Christmas Lights was good and enjoyed by all, especially the turkey baps!
We are pleased we are able to retain our club’s annual fee of £30 which has to be paid by 31st March each year.
Anyone can join, so come along and see what’s on offer.
Mah-Jong: A beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity
The Shipham Inn (Somerset - BS25 1TW) would like to welcome new members to join their regular Mah-Jong Group.
Whether you’re a novice, experienced 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.
1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month: 7:30 pm start. Free. Contact: mark.trenchard53@gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580
TOTAL GARDEN SOLUTIONS
Coffee Morning at the RAFA Club every Wednesday
Coffee Morning at the RAFA Club every Wednesday, all RAFA members are welcome. If you are not a member but considering joining us, pop in and have a chat, membership is not limited to serving and exserving members, but open to all. Eagle House, 21 - 22 Alexandra Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QX.
Happy Christmas and New Year from Weston 50+ Social Singles
We are a lively, local mixed group of singles, mostly in our 60’s and 70’s, who meet each Wednesday evening at an informal ‘Bar Night’ to chat and to arrange fun events for ourselves.
These include quizzes, meals, sports, dancing, trips, theatre and music for us to enjoy.
If you are an older single living in the Weston, Worle area and looking to make new friends why not give us a try for a week or two, then consider joining us regularly?
Call/Text Margaret 07887 883251 or Rob 07899 755457
Are you looking for more business from Worle?
LocalReach Community Magazines is delivered monthly by ROYAL MAIL to 17,661 homes and businesses to ALL of Worle/BS22 reaching a population of 42,386 people.
Prices start from as little as £47+vat per month.
Contact us now at www.localreach.co.uk or call 01934 312171
• 100% guaranteed delivered by ROYAL MAIL
• 95% of our advertisers rebook every month.
• 50% pages are given free of charge to the community.
Vocalise-Lite daytime ladies wellbeing choir - recruiting now for January 2025
Do you love to sing? Do you want to make new friends? Do you want to be part of a singing family and an uplifting supportive community? Do you want to build your confidence and improve your wellbeing? Then look no further than Vocalise-Lite!
Thursdays 1:15pm - 2:45pm, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, Baytree Road.
We are a friendly, welcoming group who also socialise outside of choir.
If you like the sound of this try us for free. No auditions.
Ring Ann on 01934 627709 or email ann. clewlow@btinternet.com
Tai Chi returns to Kewstoke with Age
UK Somerset
Local charity, Age UK Somerset, has brought back their Tai Chi class to Kewstoke. Now held every Thursday at 2:30pm, at Kewstoke Village Hall, Crookes Lane, BS22 9XB, you can join this friendly class - £6/week. Specially designed for people over 55, the sessions are fun and can improve your balance, strength and flexibility.
QiGong, pronounced ‘chee gung’, is a form of Tai Chi that is beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing, consisting of 18 easy-to-learn gentle movements.
Contact 01823 345624 ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk for more information.
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.
Oven Cleaning – The Job We ALL Hate!l
Are you embarrassed by the state of your oven? Do you hide your cooker door with a tea towel folded over the handle? Is your food being contaminated by past cooking?
You’re not alone – the vast majority of us hate cleaning our ovens – it’s a messy job with dangerous chemicals and it seems to take forever. But the benefits of cleaning it really are worth the effort to get it clean. If your oven is greasy then each time you heat it up, the grease already caked on in your oven will start to vaporize and permeate and taint your lovely fresh food. You’ll also find that your oven takes longer to get up to temperate as the grease forms a blanket-like layer which has to be heated first before the cavity of your oven gets heated. Keeping that oven door glass clean not only looks nice but also gives you the chance to check your food whilst it’s cooking without having to keep opening the oven door (letting the heat) to see how it’s doing.
Feeling exasperated about the thought of cleaning your oven? Then let OvenGleamers help you - we offer a professional deep cleaning service of your cooking appliances and are the only local oven cleaning company that does not
use harmful chemicals within your home. Give us a call and get your oven looking “as new” again.
Once your cooker’s clean again here are OvenGleamers 5 top tips for keeping your oven looking good between cleans:
1. Wipe up spills on the inside of the oven and oven door whilst the spills are still in liquid form.
2. Use an Oven Liner on the base of your oven or on the bottom rack to catch drips. These liners are non-stick and wipe clean easily or you can pop them in the dishwasher. (AGA clients can use these liners as non-stock liners in their roasting tins or baking trays)
3. Do not clean the exterior of an oven if it is hot. The heat will quickly evaporate the cleaning solution and leave a residue.
4. Soak the burner racks in warm, soapy water.
5. For stoves with flat top hob – simply spray with a gentle cleanser and wipe dry.
Graham Rogers is your local OvenGleamer and can be reached on 01934 440032
See our website www.ovengleamers.com for more details.
Happy New Year - Happy ¼ Century –Happy 40th birthday Browns!
Its mind blowing to me that we are now entering 2025, a quarter of this century is almost completed. I can still remember clearly the celebrations when we entered the year 2000! How the world has change in those 25 years. In fact, as Browns starts its 40th birthday, year we look back in amazement at how the domestic appliance trade has changed too.
When Phil started his business in Weston super Mare, he had a workshop in his garage and from there he repaired many machines including vacuum cleaners and toasters and kettles, as well as washing machines and larger domestic appliances in customers’ homes.
The shop in Milton Road opened in November 1985, a very prestigious Hotpoint Centre and became well known for good value and customer service. You may well remember buying your new appliance here.
Strangely the cost of new appliances was far higher in comparison to wages then they are now. And maybe the quality is no longer what it was either! We no longer repair small appliances as they are cheaper to replace then repair, and the shop has long since closed as retail is now increasingly online.
But we are proud to say that our ethos and service remain the same. Our customers value our personal service and know that we will always be honest and trustworthy in our dealings. We may no longer have a physical showroom, but you can rely on us to provide recommendations and supply quality domestic appliances at competitive prices, with a beginning to end service delivered by us. And you can trust us when you call us to repair your machine, we will always be honest and do our best for you.
So may we wish you all a happy new year and we look forward to celebrating with you.
Sweet Potato and Cauli Coconut Curry
Infused with spices, this is a delicious creamy curry for a cold January evening. Its also perfect for Veganuary month!
Preparation and cooking time combined:
35-40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
500g sweet potatoes, scrubbed.
Vegetable oil
1 large cauliflower
1 onion, chopped.
Thumb-sized piece of peeled root ginger.
2 red chillies
5 garlic cloves
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric 2
1 x 400g tin full-fat coconut milk
1 x 30g pack flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked
Method:
Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan 200°C, gas 7. Chop the unpeeled sweet potatoes into 2cm cubes. Toss in a bowl with a tablespoon of oil then season and place into a large baking tray. Roast for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves and cut the head into florets. Add these to the tray with another tablespoon of oil and a little more seasoning. Toss the veg to mix then roast the cauli with the sweet potato for another 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a frying pan then fry the chopped onion for 5 minutes or until translucent.
Deseed the chillies then thinly slice, and finely chop the ginger and garlic. Add these to the pan along with the spices and cook for 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, 200ml of water and season to taste. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Remove the roasted sweet potato and cauliflower from the oven and stir the roasted vegetables into the curry sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then throw in the parsley. Adjust the seasoning to taste then serve the curry alongside jasmine rice.
• Full design and installation service
• VAT free for those with a long-term illness or disability
• Reduced costs for over 60s & less abled clients
• From walk-in baths, easy clean wall panelling to toilet lifters & bidets
• DFG & SSAFA Grant work undertaken
• Helping people regain independence since 1999
Helping make life easier
Are you finding it harder to keep up with the little tasks around your home? You’re not alone. Those daily tasks that once seemed easy can feel overwhelming. At Cleanify, we understand how important it is to maintain a clean and comfortable home without the stress or strain.
We’re a trusted local cleaning and housekeeping service, here to lend a hand with all those day-to-day jobs that can pile up. Whether it’s tidying the house, tackling the ironing, running errands, or keeping your space fresh and clean, we’ve got you covered.
We know how important it is for you to maintain your independence and stay comfortable in your own home. That’s why we’re here to help with the practical things, giving you more time and energy to focus on what you love.
While we can’t provide personal care services like washing or medical support, we’re happy to help with anything from cleaning, dusting and vacuuming to organising your pantry or picking up groceries. Our goal is to lighten your load and make your day a little brighter.
We’re a local team you can trust—fully insured, DBS checked, highly professional, and always respectful of your space and privacy. Let us take the worry out of your week and help you enjoy the comforts of home.
Call us today on 01934 268001 for a friendly chat about how we can help you or your loved ones.
WE ARE NOT JUST CLEANERS… WE OFFER HOME HELP ALSO
General Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and keeping your home fresh and tidy.
Housekeeping: Making beds, changing linens, and organising spaces.
Ironing and Laundry: Folding, organising, and keeping your clothes in order.
Errands: Grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or other small errands.
Organisation: Decluttering and tidying to help your home feel more spacious and welcoming.
Companionship: Keeping you company over a cup of tea or coffee, and brightening your day with a friendly face.
Are You Interested In Gardening
Weston Horticultural Society is actively seeking new members. Designed to 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. 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
New year New Hobby why to try Woodturning?
We are Weston Woodturning Circle and we meet on the Third Thursday of the month at the Football Club in Winterstoke Rd BS24 9AA, from 7:00pm9:30pm. Our January meeting will be our AGM followed by a demonstration. Came along and see how the club runs, we can promise you a very warm welcome no matter were you are on your woodturning journey. The first two meetings are free, if you decide to join we can offer the loan of some equipment and free tuition. Why not try us?
Come and join us!
Have you thought about singing in a choir? The Rainbow Singers are a lovely group of people who sing on a Friday morning in St. Peters Church Hall from 10:15am - 11:45am. All are welcome. We mainly sing songs from the shows and the old classic pops. Feel free to come and join us and try us out. Singing has great health benefits. For more information call Claire 07702699909 or email Rainbowsingers04@gmail.com
Free play sessions every Saturday, everyone welcome!
ParkPlay is free community play, every Saturday, for everyone. Make friends, have fun, get moving!
10:00am – Merlin Park Playground, Redcliff Bay, Portishead, BS20 8RW.
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/
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
Crossword
Word Search
Across
1 Hoards, gathers supplies (10)
8 Salty, like the sea (5)
9 British language (7)
10 Series of boat races (7)
11 Verbal or written answer (5)
12 Someone who digs the dirt (colloq) (4-5)
15 Take an examination again (5)
17 Rust, weaken something gradually (7)
19 Comforter, rug (7)
20 Appetising (5)
21 Deserting, dumping (10)
Down
2 Item (5)
3 Ambiguous, enigmatic (7)
4 Ready to assemble (building) (13)
5 German light beer (5)
6 Comfy indoor shoe (7)
7 Pronoun (4)
8 Naked (4)
12 Eyelash make-up (7)
13 Interview with a Vampire actor _______ Dunst (7)
14 Refute (4)
15 Red gemstone (4)
16 Chicken _____ Masala, popular Indian dish (5)
18 Citizen Kane actor _____ Welles (5)
Mindbenders
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.
Make 2025 the Year of Better Hearing!
Happy New Year from Toby, Claire, Emma, Sam, and, of course, Charlie the dog, at Meadows & Wood Hearing Care.
As we welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time to embrace new habits that boost your everyday life and wellbeing. Attending a hearing test is a fantastic way to start! While many of us focus on fitness and diet for our New Year’s resolutions, our hearing health is often overlooked. Here are some reasons why you should book a hearing test this year:
1. Enhance social connections: Hearing allows you to stay close to loved ones, confidently join in conversations, and cherish every moment shared with family and friends.
2. Prevent health issues: Studies have shown a link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive conditions such as dementia. By addressing hearing loss early, you can help your brain stay sharp and improve your overall health.
3. Improve your safety: Good quality hearing helps you stay aware of your surroundings, from hearing alarms to crossing streets safely. Protect your hearing to help navigate your environment safely and confidently.
4. It helps you enjoy life’s sounds: Our hearing is a key part of our everyday lives! Whether it’s your favourite song, the sounds of nature, or hearing a loved one’s voice, our hearing helps to enhance these moments.
This New Year, make caring for your hearing simple and stress-free. A hearing test is quick, easy, and completely painless. As North Somerset’s only full-time, independent family hearing clinic, Meadows & Wood are here to help you get the most from your hearing. Contact us today for a free check-up and a friendly chat about your hearing - details are below.
Does Your Computer Have Enough Memory?
A common cause for computers running sluggish at unpredictable times, without a clear reason, is insufficient memory. In part due to recent updates, we are seeing memory requirements increase. The millions of background calculations that power a computer use the memory as its “working space” – essential for smooth operation. This usage increases as more tasks are performed at once, such as opening emails, browsing the web, and running other programs. This is in contrast with, and not to be confused with, the disk storage which stores permanent data. When memory runs low, a computer must instead use disk storage as a substitute, which dramatically slows things down.
Best practice is to ensure idle usage – essentially the minimum usage when no programs are open – leaves plenty of headroom to account for significant memory fluctuations during day-today use. To check idle usage, restart your computer and don’t open any programs, right click the Start menu and select “Task Manager.” Then look for the “Memory” column where a percentage is shown. If around 60% or higher, this is a strong sign of insufficient memory available to the system, and the recommended action is to have more installed to avoid sluggish performance issues. You can check the installed memory by right clicking the Start menu, selecting “System,” and looking for the “Installed RAM” entry. For Windows 11 computers, we recommend at least 16GB of RAM for most users. Systems with just 4GB or 8GB often experience sluggishness with modern apps and multitasking.
If your memory usage is too high, or your installed RAM is below 16GB, feel free to reach us on 07973 536299 or email sales@e-cps.co.uk - we can assess your system and perform a memory upgrade if necessary. With sufficient memory, a computer is unlocked to run at its best and most responsive.
Neil Buzzard, Director, Computer Problem Solutions Ltd.
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.
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
Kewstoke Repair Cafe - Here to make things good again
Every first Sunday in the month. 2:00pm - 3:30pm at St Pauls Church Hall, Kewstoke Road.
Small electrical, mechanical items, Jewellery, lamps, toys, radios clocks, bicycles, sewing items… In fact anything apart from machinery, microwaves or other large items.
Any enquiries call 07882 474692.
‘Companionship through socialising and sharing experiences with likeminded people’
Street Branch Royal Naval Association covers all areas of Somerset and meets monthly in the Wessex Hotel, 15 High St. Street, Somerset BA16 0EF. Current and ex RN, RM, WRNS, RFA, Reserves and Commonwealth personnel are welcome. Associate membership is also available to relatives of current and former serving personnel, Sea/Marine Cadet staff and civilians. Monthly meetings include a raffle and end with the option of staying for lunch at the hotel.
Contact Chairman Mike Jayes, Tel: 07805 516946
Email: streetrnachair@gmail.com for details of the next meeting.
Worle Lions Club
Lions are ordinary people who are dedicated to the welfare of those in the local community and give their time freely to help others. We would be happy to assist at charitable events in the Worle area.
Why not meet us on a Wednesday morning, we alternate a Knit and Knatter in the Lamb Inn at 11:00am (and would also be glad to use unwanted knitting items) with a local Litter Pick at different locations in Worle at 10:00am.
Or join us at our monthly Pub Quiz at the Windsor Castle, Upper Bristol Road, WSM, BS22 8DP on the first Sunday of the month at 7:45pm.
Please call 0345 833 9862 or text 07796 270721 for more details.
Free and friendly Health Walks available in your area!
30 to 60 minute Health Walks are available in Churchill and Cheddar, Clevedon, Congresbury, Long Ashton, Nailsea, Portishead, Westonsuper-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
Somerset Sight Fraud Protection Talk
Somerset Sight recently arranged a talk by Fraud Protection Officer from Avon and Somerset Police to help people to avoid scams. 30 people, all with sight impairment, attended.
Scammers are very clever and wish to panic people into action which they would not normally consider. They use our vulnerabilities, such as your child being in distress to extract money.
For example, “Hi mum it is Susie this is my new number, I have lost my phone, and this is my new number. I need some money to pay the garage who fixed my car, as I have lost my card and need to pay for my car bill. Please could you pay into my friend Louise’s account as I’ve lost my card as well.”
Stop and think – would your son or daughter normally contact you like this? If unlikely this could be a scam. Take time to consider, at least five minutes. Do not act on impulse. Discuss with two other people before before taking any action. Call your child’s number to check.
“This is very helpful advice; I now feel better equipped should I receive such a text or email”
Somerset Sight will arrange further talks in the New Year, at the many social groups across the county.