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Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

DECEMBER 2019, ISSUE 39 FREE

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Festive time of year News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

Inside this issue

welcome . . . Cheddar Parish Council unveils cemetery plans – Page 5

Remembering all those who didn’t return home – Page 8

Cheddar’s Festive Night fever takes off again – Pages 10-11

rob@valley-life.com Valley Life is published by Valley Life Publishing and printed by Flying Colours. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any errors made in advertisements of for claims made by any advertisers which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. All material submitted for publication, including colour transparencies, is done so at the owner’s risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publisher for its return.

Welcome to the thirty-ninth issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the offering of news, views and features from the Cheddar Valley. It’s great news to see that the Cheddar parkrun has officially been approved by the governing body and come next spring, the event will be up and running. So, it’s well done to Martin Kay and his fellow race directors for persevering and finally getting across the finishing line with this venture. Now the hard work begins because what is needed now is volunteers to help make the event a success.

If you can spare a few hours to help to marshall the event, contact Martin through the Cheddar 5km Facebook page and he’s ll be delighted to talk you through what is needed. The Remembrance Day services were once again extremely well-attended events throughout the Cheddar Valley last month. It was the centenary of the first Remembrance Day which took place in 1919 and again showed that we will never forget those who selflessly lay down their lives in wars over those last 100years so that we can thrive today. Rob Perkins, Editor

NEWS

It’s full steam ahead for parkrun Cheddar

lans for a parkrun in Cheddar have moved a step nearer after the route was approved by the organisation that oversees the events in the UK. The route will use the Strawberry Line after proposals to use the Cheddar Reservoir perimeter proved problematic. Martin Kay, one of the Cheddar Parkrun founders said: “Dr Beeching’s legacy network of old railway paths is now being used for parkruns all around the country. “We are really grateful to both Cheddar Parish Council for the use of the playing fields, and the Strawberry Line Committee for agreeing to let us use their path. “Thanks also go to Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset Community Foundation, and Cheddar Walking, who have so far helped with the event funding, and to Cheddar Community Partnership for acting as funding vehicle. “Now, it still needs volunteers to help organise the parkrun from week to week, so, we’re looking for community assistance. “We have six Run Directors already in place (five of whom are pictured) who will be in

charge from week to week. The next step is to find another 10 members for our core team, who can fairly regularly help with duties such as additional volunteer sourcing, social media publicity, general marshalling and timekeeping. “Once live, the parkrun will happen every Saturday at 9am with volunteers needed between 8.30 and 10.30am. There is no confirmed start date yet, but we are aiming for early spring. “If you or someone you know might be interested in joining the parkrun core team to help with all this, visit our Facebook page and reply in the comments.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

“If you have experience volunteering at our existing Sunday junior parkrun, many roles are almost identical - but please don’t abandon junior parkrun in favour of volunteering at the senior event, it’s really important that the juniors still have enough volunteers to run their event. “It will mean kids can “graduate” from the 2k to the 5k events without having to leave the village. “It will be fantastic to have our own 5k parkrun in Cheddar after all this time!” For details about volunteering go to parkrun.org.uk or Cheddar 5km page on Facebook. www.valley-life.com

Riverside Inn & Restaurant Cheddar

New Year 2020 offers

2020

In the meantime, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at the Riverside Inn

buy one get one free bottle of house wine in January! free in January … Buy two full price main courses during January and only pay for one. Not applicable to groups of six or more.

Choose a free bottle of Riverside house wine per couple with any two main courses. Red, rosé or white wine - subject to availability.

All day. Valid from 02/01/20 to 31/01/20. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

After 6:30pm. Valid from 02/01/20 to 31/01/20. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

free bottle of house buy one get one free in February … wine in February! Choose a free bottle of Riverside house wine per couple with any two main courses. Red, rosé or white wine - subject to availability.

Buy two full price main courses during February and only pay for one. Not applicable to groups of six or more.

After 6:30pm. Valid from 01/02/02 to 29/02/20 excluding 14/02/20. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

All day. Valid from 01/02/20 to 29/02/20 excluding 14/02/20. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

Cheddar Parish Council News

working to provide a better community

Plans for Cheddar cemetery

he Cemetery is being extended by over 100%. Cheddarâ€™s population is growing and preferences on burials are changing; green as well as traditional. The extension has been designed locally incorporating the conventional layout with natural breaks to make it a more tranquil and harmonious place to sit, reflect and remember. The work should be completed by Christmas. For some months we have been battling with planners at

Sedgemoor District Council to prevent Bloor crossing Holwell Lane to access their northern site. However, development was granted. We wanted to protect the centuries old wellused public right of way. We had unprecedented support from you all but sadly SDC have given permission to bisect the lane. There are two other avenues which we will pursue. Anti-social driving is an ongoing problem and we are talking to other agencies.

astly, we introduce three more of our councillors who were not present at our Village Walkabout.

We have been asked to provide more evidence and have produced a simple leaflet to record incidents. This leaflet will be delivered soon to most houses. Extra copies can be picked up from various outlets such as the library, dentist and some pubs. The information recorded will provide further intelligence for the police. In addition we will be seeking volunteers to join the speed watch team. Training will be given.

They are Christina Brown, left, Adrian Male, right, and Gill Davies, far right, who were unable to make the group photograph.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

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Traditional Italian food cooked with flair, enthusiasm and love. These include a new exclusive lunch-time menu and delicious takeaway pizza and pasta offerings Lunch-time menu Any takeaway pizza (12-3pm) or pasta from £9.95 Monday to Friday (King Prawn dishes additional £1.00) excluding Bank Holidays and summer season (We reserve the right to withdraw the offer at any time)

Starter

Zupa del giorno (v) - Soup of the day (ask for details) served with home-made bread Calamari Fritti - Lightly fried squid with fresh lemon & tartar sauce Funghi con alio- Pan fried mushrooms in garlic butter and white wine with herbs served with bread and mixed leaves Bruschetta Napoli (v) - Fresh tomatoes marinated in olive oil, fresh basil onion and garlic. Served on Tuscan bread

Main

Branzzino (£2 supplement) - Fillet of Sea bass dusted in semolina flour, pan fried, served with chips and salad Bistecca Di Manzo (£2 supplement) - Grilled Rum steak cooked to your liking served with chips and salad Pollo con Fungui (£2 supplement) - Chargrilled chicken breast with mushrooms garlic and herbs in creamy white wine sauce. Served with chips and salad Risotto al Funghi (v) - Roasted mushroom risotto with garlic butter and herbs in creamy parmesan cheese Pizza Margharita (v) - Tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil

(Sunday - Friday)

Pizza Fungui (v) - Tomato, mushrooms and mozzarella Pizza Etna - Tomato, garlic, chilli, spicy pepperoni and mozzarella Spaghetti Bolognese - With rich bolognaise sauce & fresh basil Penne Bianco con Salsiccia - Penne with pork sausage pan fried in chilli, garlic and spinach Lasagne - Flat pasta layers with minced beef, béchamel sauce, fresh herbs and mozzarella baked in the oven Penne Arrabiata (v) - Penne pasta with chilli, garlic & cherry tomatoes and basil sauce Linguine Puttanesca - Pasta with anchovies, capers, black olives chillies and garlic oil

Dessert Panacotta

The Cliffs Cheddar BS27 3QE 01934 743782

Set vanilla cream with strawberry sauce and mint

Tiramisu Sponge fingers, mascarpone, marsala & coffee liqueur

Ice cream Choice of 2 scoops (Vanilla, strawberry or chocolate)

2 courses £12.95

3 courses £15.95

Book online at: www.la-rocca.co.uk

OPENING HOURS Monday - Saturday

Sunday

6 noonwww.valley-life.com 12 - 10 pm 12 noon - 9 pm

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39 Follow us on TripAdvisor, Facebook and Instagram

NEWS

Christmas surprise in store

isitors to Cheddar Gorge & Caves can discover a magical festive secret hidden deep underground this Christmas.

dar Christmas tale and receive a gift from Father Christmas himself, all within the stunning surroundings of this incredible show cave. The experience will last approximately 30 minutes and take place at 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1pm and 2.45pm (additional times may be added depending on demand).

A team of Father Christmas’ elves has been hard at work constructing a fantastical workshop deep inside Gough’s Cave. In the run up to Christmas, Father Christmas himself will be paying a visit to check all the lists and ensure everything is ready for the big day.

place every weekend from November 16 to December 8 and then daily from December 14-24.

The experience is free with a Christmas at Cheddar Ticket and a valid Day Ticket (pre-booking is essential). There will be a £5 charge for under 5s.

He’s given special permission for visitors to go behind the scenes which will be taking

As part of the fun there will be the chance to sing some festive songs, listen to a special Ched-

To book visit www.cheddargorge.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-cheddar-2019.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

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NEWS

Remembering those who gave their lives

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

Award-winning ales, brewed on the slopes of the Mendip Hills

Christmas cheers! All of our award-winning, locally-produced draught and bottled ales. Gifts and vouchers also available. Come and try before you buy and check out our new Tap Room opening soon Open:

Closed:

Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm Saturday, December 21: 9am - noon Christmas Eve: 8am - 2pm

Christmas Day Boxing Day and Friday, December 27

Cheddar Ales, Winchester Farm, Draycott Road, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RP Tel: 01934 744193 â€¢ Email: sales@cheddarales.co.uk

OPENING TIMES Monday-Saturday 7am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

We are taking Christmas orders for all your meat, fish and delicatessen needs The Cross, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3NA Tel: 01934 742521 Email: cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

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NEWS

Remember loved ones with Tree of Light gift

hristmas is often a time of reflection, and members of Cheddar Vale Lions Club are inviting you to remember loved ones by sponsoring a light on their ‘Tree of Light’. The project. Now in its seventh year, the tree will again be located at Hilliers Garden Centre. A list of all those to be remembered will be displayed in front of the tree. Cheddar Lions send the sponsor a handwritten card with the name of the person who is being remembered. They are invited to come along to the official lighting up ceremony which takes place on Thursday, December 12 at 4.30pm at Hilliers Garden Centre. There will be a dedication ceremony, music, carols and mulled wine. Brian Airey from Cheddar Valley Lions Club said: “Christmas is a time when you get together as a family and remember those that we have lost. We would love you to share this moment to reflect and think of the good memories. “All money raised by the Cheddar Lions’ ‘Tree of Light’ will aid the Cheddar Valley community supporting local projects and those in need.

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The money raised makes a difference. If we have a request, for a piece of equipment for a disabled child, a group or anyone in need in our community, the Club will consider it, and the money will be available to help where required.” Last year the Tree of Light campaign raised more than

£1,000. The minimum donation for a light is £5, and this will sponsor a light in memory of a loved one by completing a form to be found either on our website www.cheddarvalelions. org.uk, or in Hilliers Garden Centre, at various outlets throughout the valley, or by telephone: 0345 833 7402.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

Sewell House

CHEDDAR & DISTRICT FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD A family-owned and run business offering a 24-hour professional service

• Rented self-contained, en suite accommodation for the active elderly • A home cooked three course midday meal • Trial flat for up to four weeks, when available • 24-hour emergency cover • Freedom from household management • Lift available to first floor and sitting room • Independent living within private community • Close to centre of a thriving picturesque village • Spacious landscaped gardens • Friendly home from home • Activities and outings • Guest accommodation • Views of the Mendip Hills • Welcome to people of any faith or none • Charges are fully inclusive

For further details contact the Resident Warden on 01934 843746 warden.sewell@btconnect.com Sewell House, Belmont Road, Winscombe, BS25 1LQ www.sewellhouse.org.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

Sewell House is managed by Sidcot Friends Housing Society Ltd - a not-for-profit organisation

• Home visits • Private Chapel of Rest • Burials & Cremations

Contact 01934 742958

Ian Taylor-Rowlands Dip FD. LMBIFD Redcliffe Court, 3 Redcliffe Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3ND www.valley-life.com

NEWS

Festive Night promises t

arols will be sung, mulled wine quaffed and mince pies gorged as Cheddar puts on its annual Festive Night. The annual pre-Christmas jamboree will again see roads closed between the Market Cross and up the Gorge as pedestrians take to the streets to sample the delights on offer in the village. St Andrews Church sees the official launch of Festive Night with parish councillors and residents taking part in a service that ends with a rocket being fired from the bell tower to mark the start of the entertainment. Shops along Bath Street will be opening their doors as well as businesses in Saxon Court offering mulled wine to customers. The Bath Arms will be hosting a pig roast, the proceeds of which will be going towards the Cheddar Youth Trust, while

the Cheddar Male Voice Choir will be in full flow with various carols. Cheddar Fire Service will again be accompanying Father Christmas as he makes his way through the village streets, no doubt to the delight of all the youngsters. While Cliff Street car park will again host a plethora of market stalls, tombolas and funfair rides. The Riverside Inn looks set to be the centre of attraction again as it welcomes a cubs and

scouts barbecue as the STARR singers take to the stage. While later in the evening The Funky Dillies will be playing some Yuletide favourites. Further up the Gorge and there will be tours of Gough’s Cave costing £5 with all the proceeds going to the Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue charity. While Cox’s Mill grounds will come to life again with fairground rides. Parking will be available at Kings Academy until 9pm.

Bridge taster sessions being planned

heddar Bridge Club will be starting a new beginners’ course at on Tuesday, January 14 at 2pm. The venue will be the Catholic Church Hall, Upper North Street, (off Tweentown), Cheddar.

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It will consist of 10 two-hour lessons and cost £100 including the course book. The first lesson will be a free ‘taster session’ after which you will be asked to sign up for the full course if you wish to continue and receive the

course book which normally retails for £26. Gift vouchers are available should you wish to give this course as a novel Christmas present. See the Cheddar Bridge Club website at bridgewebs.com/cheddar for full details.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

NEWS

s to be one to remember

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

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Christmas Essentials from BanwellGarden Centre

REAL CHRISTMAS TREES

MISTLETOE

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AS CHRISTM TREES

Present this voucher for a £5 discount off all real Christmas trees Terms & Conditions This offer is valid until 24th December 2019, and is for a £5 discount when you purchase a real Christmas tree from Banwell Garden Centre. Photocopies not accepted. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Open daily 9-5.30pm, Sundays 10-4.30pm Off the A371 between Banwell and Winscombe

Tel: 01934 822246 14

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

Healthy Eating Nutritional therapist Linda Thomas with some food advice

A healthy Christmas

hristmas is the perfect time to enjoy spending time with friends and family, and central to this is festive food and drinks.

by having a hearty breakfast such as porridge with festive cinnamon and dried cranberries or eggs with smoked salmon.

We also know that this can be the season of overindulgence and that, on average, people gain 2-3lbs over the festive period. However, with a bit of care, we can still eat, drink and be merry without regretting it later!

When you sit down for Christmas Dinner, pile your plate with lots of veggies such as carrots, broccoli and peas. Enjoy smaller portions of the trimmings such as bacon rolls, stuffing and mini sausages and roasted vegetables. Cutting your potatoes and parsnips into bigger pieces reduces the amount of fat they absorb when roasting.

Parties can be a minefield – lots of nibbles and snacks which we mindlessly dip into without realising how much we are eating. Making alternative choices can help enormously – chicken skewer rather than breaded chicken, unsalted nuts over roasted and salted ones or a few olives rather than handfuls of tortilla chips and dips.

diet drink in-between alcoholic beverages to minimise the damage here.

Try to be aware of your intake and stand well away from the buffet table to make it harder to reach the food!

Christmas meals with friends, clubs or colleagues can also add up. Save the full “Turkey and Trimmings” dinner for Christmas Day and choose lighter fish or vegetable based options. Try having a soup or salad starter and skip the sugary desserts.

Watch your alcohol consumption – lots of calories can be consumed with little thought as we sip through parties, dinners and family get-togethers. Aim to have a sparkling water or

Christmas Day itself can mean doubling or even trebling the recommended daily calorie intake. Reduce the temptation to overindulge in snacks whilst waiting for Christmas dinner

Remember that the festive season lasts more than just one day. Spread your treats over the whole Christmas/New Year period rather than feeling you have to have all of them every day – that second mince pie will still be there tomorrow! And remember you can mitigate some of the over-eating with extra exercise over the festive season – get out for more walks or do something as a family such as ice-skating or football on the beach. Even indoor games such as charades help get you moving, as do Nintendo or Wii fitness and dancing games.

Contact Linda on 07768 803198 or email: info@indathomasnutrition.co.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

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WOODPECKER SERVICES creating customers that recommend

fencing logs landscaping tree and hedging work firewood processing

07912 608519

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

Mendip walks Jennifer Hunt and her dogs Daisy and Dora take to the hills

The lost Mendip Lodge

here is very limited parking at the bottom of Stoney Lane and the access must not be blocked.

Whalley at the end of the 18th century. Alas all that remains of this once beautiful Italianate house is an arched doorway and a couple of walls, pictured, together with part of a cellar. If you would like to know more about Mendip Lodge, Prof Chris Stephens has written a very interesting book called â€œThe Rev Dr Thomas Sedgwick Whalley & The Queen of Bathâ€?.

Walk up Stoney Lane to the kissing gate on your right. Go through and follow the path along the edge of Dolebury Warren Wood overlooking Upper Langford. When the path eventually joins a wider track, take the second turning on the left, but first you may like to take advantage of a rustic bench opposite to admire the view through the trees. Then head uphill until the path levels out and you arrive at a kissing gate on the right. Pass through and follow the path across the hill. In the early summer there is a lovely spread of wild pink orchids growing amongst the rough grass. You will then come to another gate and stile. Climb over and continue along the track beside a plantation, turning left through a gate shortly after the end of the trees. Follow the wide, grassy path straight down over the hill to another gate which leads back out onto Stoney Lane.

Turn left and walk down the lane between the avenue of ancient beech trees until you come to the old stable ruins of Mendip Lodge (and a green shed) on your right opposite a gate. Turn right immediately after the ruins along a narrow footpath beside a high wall. Then it is just a short walk straight ahead to the remains of Mendip Lodge on the right. This was built by The Reverend Doctor Thomas Sedgwick

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

Return to Stoney Lane the way you came earlier and turn right. An attractive dry-stone wall runs down part of the lane, which was rebuilt a few years ago, together with beautiful ferns growing on the steep bank above. In various places you can see across to the far side of The Park where a huge tree grows, probably planted at the same time as Mendip Lodge was built. Continue walking to the bottom of the lane, which is very stoney and rutted in places, hence the name! Walk: Dolebury Warren Wood and Mendip Lodge. Start & End: Stoney Lane, Upper Langford (opposite Pear Tree Garage) Postcode: BS40 5DJ www.valley-life.com

Christmas at Cheddar Discover a magical secret below ground • • • • •

Meet Father Christmas Receive a present Sing some festive songs Listen to an original story For all family members ... dogs receive a treat too

Selected dates from 16th November 18

Booking online essential, 15%DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39 VALLEY LIFEsave MAGAZINE

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Garden time Garden designer Jane Hicks helps you create a better garden

Find a little room for some Turkish sage

’ve explained in the last few months some steps to take in order to design your own garden (albeit briefly with the space available here).

to approach the house 2 abreast so consider building this at a minimum of 1.5m wide. A narrow path can look silly especially if people have to walk one behind the other when it’s really not necessary.

How by observing, measuring and sketching your garden it will help you work out where you want each element to be placed, I’ve also suggested some ideas for shaping and breaking up the garden.

• Plant for December: Phlomis ruselliana or Turkish sage, pictured left, (90 cm tall x 75 cm) is lovely at the moment with it’s statuesque arrangement of dried flowers at intervals along strong stems, these stand up well most of the winter, its large green heart shaped foliage which surround the base of this plant, lasts well into December.

Hopefully, now you will have an idea of how you want your garden laid out. This month I will explain how scale and proportion is very important for an aesthetically pleasing garden. For example; a huge patio outside a bungalow with a small garden or equally a small patio adjacent to a big house looks disproportionate so bear this in mind when deciding on the patio size.

room for walking around it comfortably plus room for pots if desired. If you want more paving or sitting space, consider placing this in another area of the garden, or breaking it up with planting.

However you do need to make sure that when people are sitting around your table and chairs, there should be enough

Paths need careful planning as well. If for the entrance to a property, choose a wide welcoming path, people may like

In summer, its flowers are pale yellow. In good well-drained soil and sun or semi-shade it spreads forming great ground cover. • Jobs for the garden: Clear leaves, plant bare rooted trees and shrubs, feed the birds, put your feet up, look through gardening catalogues and magazines and dream of next year’s garden!

Contact Matt on 01934 235535 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk Contact Jane Hicks on 07817 041763 or email: designer@janesgardens.co.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

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EXPERIENCE OUR ACCLAIMED A LA CARTE GOURMET THAI MENU THIS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS DAY

The food in my opinion is some of the best I have ever sampled. Crab Rangoon starter was like nothing I have ever tasted, owners own recipe, highly recommend - Nick, Essex on TripAdvisor, October 2019

Find us at: The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QA 01934 740444 www.zenthaicheddar.com

Relax on Christmas Day and enjoy our fabulous gourmet Thai menu. You’ll be greeted with a glass of prosecco and prawn crackers and a delicious meal will follow at 12pm. For a full menu visit our website or pop in. Places are limited and booking is essential - £69.95 per head.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Celebrate the end of 2019 with us! We are offering two sittings on New Year’s Eve with our full a la carte menu. Choose between 6-8.30pm or 9pm until late, booking is essential We will also be open for takeaway meals on New Year’s Eve with collection before 8.30pm • Zen Thai will be closed from January 5 to February 12

Spence, Pear and all the staff at Zen Thai wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

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Facials and massage

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To book an appointment contact Sara on 07771 990868 or email: info@sarabbeauty.co.uk

Back Issues Doctor of Chiropractic Matt Sutton helps to keep you on the move

My tips on surviving the Christmas period

hristmas is such a wonderful time of year to be with or loved ones and indulge in the festivities of the season.

stress low and your body better rested. • Everything in moderation Enjoy your food and drink but make sure you have some water in there between the stronger stuff.

However it can also be quite stressful and full of pitfalls, so hopefully I’ll be able to help you avoid some of them.

I tend to have a lighter day of eating and drinking on Boxing Day so my body recovers nicely, otherwise I find the ropey Christmas feeling drags on and on. It certainly helps me blow the cobwebs out the next day.

About 1:5 of us at this time of year suffer stress leading to illness and relationship strain. These issues manifest in our bodies often and I see a large amount of neck and lower back tension at this time of year. It’s no coincidence that I tailor patient care to ensure everyone is fully settled on the lead up to Christmas, so they’re ready to handle what comes their way over the festive period. Here’s some tips to keep you in the best shape over the Christmas and New Year period: • Christmas shopping Load the bags evenly; carry one in each hand so you’re not unbalanced and causing undue strain on the neck and back.

Better yet order presents online and get them delivered. • Keep it simple Opt for a relaxed atmosphere this year, don’t strive for the ‘picture perfect’ Christmas. Enjoy each other’s company and make sure everyone mucks in with the jobs to keep the

• Stay active Have a Christmas or Boxing-day walk. Make sure your don’t become too sedentary. By all means put your feet up but balance it off with some activity each day. Get those teenagers outside and off the computer too! Have an amazing Christmas period and if in doubt or you’re suffering don’t hesitate to contact us. Merry Christmas from us all at Sutton Chiropractic.

Contact Matt on 01934 235535 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

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Hair Talk Acutabove owner Sarah Boundy passes on tips on making your hair stand out

Dandruff and an itchy scalp can be beaten

ach winter I notice as the weather gets colder more of our salon guests complain about scalp conditions.

If you have ever suffered with a dry scalp or dandruff you will know how annoying it can be to find a layer of scalp snow on your favourite black jumper - it really doesn’t do much for your confidence! But what is dandruff and how does it differ from a dry scalp? Dandruff and dry scalp have the same main symptoms, which are falling flakes and an itchy scalp, but they are two different conditions.

are age, hormones and stress but unlike a dry scalp, dandruff isn’t curable and most people suffering have to manage the symptoms.

With dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) the cause is too much oil on the scalp.

Usually, the flakes will come and go and treating dandruff with special shampoos can manage the condition and prevent itching and flakiness.

The excess oil causes skin cells to build up shedding white or yellowish oily flakes. You can get seborrheic dermatitis anywhere you have oil glands, including your eyebrows, groin or armpits, and in babies it’s called cradle cap. The main causes of dandruff 22

A dry scalp has too little moisture and can be caused by cold, dry weather, age, or contact dermatitis caused by an irritation to products such as shampoo, styling gels or hairspray.

If your scalp is dry, the skin on other parts of your body may be dry, too. Possibly the most effective and easiest treatment for dry scalp is a scalp massage. Most good salons offer a scalp mask and treatments using essential oils and steam or you could also try home remedies using coconut and tea tree oil which can all have benefits for treating your scalp. Changing your shampoo and hair products as well as your diet and staying hydrated

Contact Sarah at Acutabove, Axbridge on 01934 733666

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

Tiggi’s Travels Seeing life differently with visually-impaired Tiggi Trethowan

Jackie the celebrity

he city was frantic with the pre-Christmas rush. However, with Jackie by my side we pushed on through the crowds.

Jackie’s bottom in and quickly close the door. I was aware Jackie had headed straight for a remnant Fortnum and Mason’s food wrapper as my friend gently guided me towards the swimming pool.

On and off packed underground trains and cantering through the magnificent London parks of Wimbledon and Richmond.

Two hours of wonderful languishing later I headed back towards reception. As you can imagine it was with some trepidation until I heard a great deal of giggling in the distance.

I was so proud of Jackie in such a busy environment when her most familiar territory is the rolling Mendip Hills. She is quite heroic and nothing seems to faze her. Jackie’s only aim in life, it seems, is to get us both from A to B safely. It’s extraordinary that even in London rush hour she could navigate spaces that were wide enough for us both.

desk were three immaculately dressed young women with hair extensions and nails to match. I can only recount my friend’s description of their faces when I and a black Labrador marched up to the desk.

The friend I was staying with in London invited me to attend a very posh health club as her guest.

Many words were exchanged about where Jackie dog should be placed during my time at the club. To my horror they suggested tying her up outside or maybe popping her in a locker!? When I explain the error of their ways and produced mentally a laminated version of the disability act 2010, they seem to relent.

On arrival at said club, bright lights led our path to a shiny reception desk. Behind this

Stopping any further nonsense I open the side door to reception, gently pushed

As a couple we move quite fast. It took me some time to trust Jackie at speed but as my sight decreases my faith in Jackie increases making the partnership magnificent.

The posh girls behind the desk were taking selfies with Jackie who was happy to strike any pose. Not only the receptionists but most of the other guests from the health club were also having selfies taken with Jackie. Since this club has notoriety for celebrity I’m half expecting Jackie to be on the cover of next month’s Hello magazine! It just goes to show, with a little gentle encouragement, the world is getting more disability friendly. • Thanks to everybody who supported us by attending the Draycott Quilters Show on November 9, where more than £3,503 was raised for Guide Dogs.

Listen to the latest Draycott Diaries Podcast available at www.draycottdiaries.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 39

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