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YOUR FREE LOCAL NEWS MAGAZINE

Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

ISSUE 19 MARCH 2018 FREE

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Face-to-face with Cheddar Man News, views and features from Cheddar, Wedmore, Winscombe and Axbridge

Inside this issue

NEWS

welcome . . .

Remarkable revelations about Cheddar Man – Page 4

The Cheddar bellringers who gave their life in WWI – Pages 10-11

Follow all the latest news Cheddar FC’s season – Page 9

Travel Consultant Clare Denny talks cruises – Page 12

Contact us 7 Tower Close, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3XQ Tel: 01934 741099 Mob: 07704 606151

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Welcome to the nineteenth issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy our offering of news, views and features from the Cheddar Valley.

Momentum is gathering for the campaign to save Cheddar Library.

The Friends of Cheddar Library have already amassed support for their cause and MP James Heappey has thrown his weight behind the fight.

Let’s hope that Somerset County Council are sincere in their claim that they will listen to the concerns of residents during their consultation.

The fear is that like so many consultations, the outcome has al-

ready been decided and this is just another box-ticking exercise by an authority which has already made up its mind on what it wants to do.

Let’s hope that is not the case and everyone who has used or uses the library should use the link on the opposite page to register that they would like Cheddar Library to remain open.

In the past, campaigners have already won one battle, let’s make it two out of two.

And to add another cliche to the cause it really is a matter of ‘use it or lose it’.

Because once it’s gone there will be no way of turning back the clock.

Rob Perkins, Editor

DAVID FORD AERIALS Quality installation for over 21 years

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Time is running out to save Cheddar library

T

he fight to save Cheddar Library has escalated as villagers, campaigners and those who use the facility begin to join forces.

In a bid to try to cut the amount of money Somerset County Council spends, it is proposing to axe Cheddar Library and replace it with a mobile service or one run by volunteers.

Local author and chair of Friends of Cheddar Library, Sue Purkiss, said: “Clearly the mobile option is completely inadequate for a community the size of Cheddar.

“And a partnership with the village would mean it being run entirely by volunteers with no guaranteed funding and little likelihood of sufficient volunteers being available.

“Our library is part of the village and would be much missed, particularly by families with young children and the elderly. If we want save our library we need to tell Somerset County Council exactly what we think. We need as many Cheddar residents as possible to look at the proposals and respond to the consultation.”

Campaigners point to the

Friends of Cheddar Library meet with Wells MP James Heappey, right

range of services the library provides which means it is a focal point of the village.

From free access to books and computers to a meeting point for such diverse groups as U3A and Knit and Natter, the library is an intrinsic part of the community.

The campaign group is urging residents to attend the public consultation on March 23 at Cheddar Library to air their views to Somerset County Council Wells MP James Heappey has met with the Friends of Cheddar Library group and offered

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

his support to the campaign.

He said: “Libraries play such an important role in our community and in Cheddar’s case, there is no other library for miles. I have offered my support as they try to find a way of working with the County Council to keep the library open.”

• The consultation runs until April 22 and you can complete the questionnaire online at www.somersetlibraries.co.uk/ consultation.

Paper copies are available at Cheddar Library for those unable to access a computer.

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3

NEWS

Facing up to the facts as Cheddar man is unveiled

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n 1903 workmen digging a drainage trench in Gough’s Cave uncovered the remains of a young man.

creating customers that recommend

The figure was small, at about 5ft 5in, and would have weighed around 10 stone when he died in his early 20s. The cause of death has still not been determined by palaeontologists.

The skeleton’s antiquity was revealed when fossil experts dated his bones and realised that Cheddar Man, as he quickly became known, was almost 10,000 years old. This is still the oldest virtually complete skeleton that has been unearthed in the British Isles, although it is unclear whether the young man died in the cave or was brought there by fellow tribesmen and was then buried there.

Geneticists have published new research that showed the young man would have had black hair, blue eyes – and dark skin.

The DNA of Cheddar Man shows there is a 10,000-yearold unbroken genetic lineage from people who inhabited Britain long before agriculture reached our shores to British men and women of today.

Cheddar Man was a member 4

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of a population of nomadic hunters who thrived during the middle stone age, also known as the Mesolithic age and they had dark skin and blue eyes, similar, genetically, to Cheddar Man. At this time, Britain was a peninsula of northern Europe, and nomadic people, often following migrating animals, undertook frequent visits and made the most of the British landscape, which was then flourishing in the wake of the retreat of the glaciers that had covered the country a few thousand years earlier.

But the landscape was changing and around 8,000 years

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ago, the last land connection between Britain and Europe was inundated. Britain became an island, and the few thousand individuals who were then roaming its forest and heaths in search of food were isolated. By accident, these hunter-gatherers became the founding mothers and fathers of Britain.

The move away from the healthier hunter-gatherer diet to a less healthy diet based on one or two crops led to a lack of vitamin D which in turn led to our skin becoming lighter.

Specialists in financial planning and investment strategies for people who are: • In later life, regardless of age • Experiencing serious illness or bereavement • Bringing, or have settled, a legal action in relation to a personal injury • Making financial provision for a dependent with Special Needs • Going through a relationship breakdown or divorce • Entering or are in retirement • Attorney, Deputy or Trustee for someone who is in any of these situations We are pleased to offer all prospective clients an exploratory meeting at no charge.

Please contact Dave Robinson or Anne Hills at Somerset Court, Brinsea Road, Congresbury, BS49 5JL or telephone 01934 312690.

Web: www.centurioncfp.co.uk Email: anne@centurioncfp.co.uk or dave@centurioncfp.co.uk

The story of Cheddar Man gives us a feeling of just how profound the changes were.

Centurion Chartered Financial Planners is the trading Style of Centurion Wealth Management Limited

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 /isMARCH 2018and regulated by the Financial www.valley-life.co.uk which authorised Conduct Authority

5

LINDA THOMAS

Later living

CONTACT CLARE OR POPPY ON

01749605018

Tony Watts OBE looks at the issues as we grow older

Make sure you fight to get what is legally yours

I

n my days as an editor, I once published the story of a reader whose home was sold to pay for his care.

Nothing new there, you might think, as we’ve all come to accept that as the norm: if you move into a care home and there are no dependents living in the family home, and you don’t have enough assets to pay the bills, the local authority will deem your home an asset which can be realised – either now or after your demise.

However, this was a good 25 years ago when most people assumed they could pass their house on.

However, councils did have that right – albeit not all exercised it in those less cashstrapped days.

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YOUR LOCAL

but is usually less, and there are allowances available.

The advice I always give to anyone worrying about the cost of care is to explore the allowances and support to which they’re entitled – such as attendance allowance and nursing care contribution - which can soften the blow.

Over the years different Governments have fudged around the edges on this. The Government-commissioned Dilnot report concluded that people should only pay up to a certain capped amount, but that has now been kicked firmly into the long grass.

Cue outrage and a flurry of letters from an apoplectic Government Minister telling me to desist publishing lies.

The upshot is, the majority of those with assets and savings will end up paying for their care until most of the money runs out.

I published his letters, alongside the evidence of what was actually happening. After a while, his letters stopped.

In a care home setting, fees can be typically £3,000 a month or even more. The cost of support at home can vary enormously,

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All too often, elderly people go into care after an emergency and don’t have the medical assessments that will ensure they get this financial help.

There is also something called NHS Continuing Healthcare, which will pay all of the costs for those with complex health needs – but you’ll need expert help and stamina to win that as the NHS will fight their corner hard not to pay.

Above all, talking to a suitably qualified financial expert (a Member of the Society of Later Life Advisers) and/or a registered Solicitor for the Elderly will minimise the cost and ensure that your family inherits what they are rightfully due.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

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Money talk D

Later Life financial advice from Congresbury-based Centurion

After such a frustrating lay off, Shaun Potter’s side looked to have geared themselves up impressively with a 4-1 trouncing of Warminster Town, leading scorer Adam Jones grabbing a brace of goals to take his season’s tally so far to 15 league goals.

The essence of financial planning is budgeting and maintaining liquidity with your savings and investments.

Gather information from utility bills, bank and credit card statements. You might want to keep a diary for a while, to record what you are spending cash on.

Categorise your spending into housing costs, household bills, food, clothing, transport costs, leisure and holidays, insurance premiums and borrowing costs.

Separate your spending into essential, non-discretionary items like food, utility bills and housing costs, and discretionary, ‘nice to have’ things like leisure and holidays.

Does your income exceed your expenditure? If there is a shortfall, can you reduce your expenditure, or is there any way you could increase your income, possibly by claiming benefits, reducing taxation or improving investment returns?

Is your income secure? Is it inflation proofed? If not, can its security and inflation protection be improved in any way?

If you can afford it, it is a good idea to hold an emergency fund, equal to at least 12 months’ essential expenditure, in an easily accessible account that you could draw on at short notice and without penalty, if unforeseen expenditure arises.

Do you have surplus cash over and above your emergency fund? You should only consider investing surplus cash if you know you will not have to draw on it for at least five years.

Any shorter than that, and you would probably be better off keeping it in savings accounts.

All investment involves risk, in later life it is usually more important to protect what you have rather than aim for high returns.

How is your expenditure likely to change, particularly if care is required? Looking ahead, planning in advance and taking action in anticipation is likely to reduce both stress and cost.

Contact Dave on 01934 312690 or email dave@centurioncfp.co.uk 8

I

n the last month, Cheesemen who have had to postpone two successive home games owing to waterlogged conditions at Bowdens Park, have played just three games, writes Alan Cooper.

ave Robinson and Anne Hills of Centurion Chartered Financial Planners are accredited by the Society of Later Life Advisers and specialise in advising people as they age.

Building an understanding of your income, and what you are spending it on, will take time and effort, but the peace of mind of knowing where you stand financially will make it worthwhile.

Cheddar frustrated by weather - again

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

Their last two results ended in a 0-0 draw at Bishop Sutton followed by an unexpected 0-1 loss at bottom side Portishead Town, where missed chances cost them dearly.

The team will be looking to get back on track when they host second bottom side Sherborne Town in midweek where victory could possibly lift them back up to fifth place. Thereafter, the Cheesemen have two tricky looking away fixtures at pace-setters Keynsham Town, who look favourite for promotion, and Devizes Town, who

are never an easy proposition.

Early March sees the club with two successive home games against Bishops Lydeard and a return game against Devizes, then three successive away trips to Wincanton, Calne and Chard before the Easter programme with home games on both Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Later this month, club official are planning to announce final arrangements for their 125th Anniversary weekend, meanwhile the club are to hold a special Horseracing ‘fundraising’ night in their clubhouse on Saturday, March 3 (admission just £1) details of which along with regular news on forthcoming fixtures, will be available on the club’s Facebook page.

Forthcoming fixtures (ko 3pm unless stated) Bishops Lyd (H) - Mar 3 Devizes Tn (H) - Mar 10 Wincanton Tn (A) - Mar 13 (7.30pm) Calne Tn (A) - Mar 17 Chard Tn (A) - Mar24 Bishop Sutton (H) - Mar 29

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

COLUMN

MONEY MATTERS

with Mark Meldon I find that one of the most interesting things I do for clients is an annual review.

An annual review allows my clients to bring me up to date with their lives and we can discuss any changes and as to how they might impact any current financial arrangements.

Often, a little adjustment here and there is all that is required.

Sometimes, though, major changes are justified. For example, I recently met with a charming couple who used an IFA to set up a suite of investments like ISAs and bonds some 15 years ago. They never saw her again and left everything just as it was.

As it turned out, that was a very sensible thing to do! The overall value of their investments had increased substantially just by being left alone – far more than they had realised, much to their surprise.

As retirement was imminent, I was able to help them make some little adjustments and help produce a very decent income from their “bits and pieces”.

On the other hand, I do meet people who must face up to disappointments in their investments; these might have been avoided for the sake of an hour or two a year, but something can often be done to improve the situation.

While sitting on your hands can be a very successful investment technique, I find it very sensible to take a peek at what you have got during an annual review to make sure that everything is on track.

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9

FEATURE

FEATURE

Bells toll to remember those who didn’t return

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team of bell-ringers from St Andrews Church, Cheddar will be remembering the lives of two First World War soldiers this month.

An estimated 1,400 bell-ringers lost their lives in the First World War including three from St Andrews – Herbert Cullen, Harold Cullen and George Fountain.

Both Harold and George will be remembered with a special bell-ringing at the church to commemorate their sacrifice.

Herbert Cullen who died in 1917

has always had a much wider function than its role in the church, but most of us today are not aware of its broad and inclusive service.

Private George Fountain, aged 23, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on March 21. He was the son of Ada and the late Charles Fountain who lived on Tuttors Hill, Cheddar.

Just seven days later, Sergeant Harold Cullen, aged 21, was killed while serving in the Royal Engineers on the western front. He was the son of H Cullen of The Hall Lodge, Cheddar and left behind a widow Alice Cullen.

Both men are buried at the Pozieres Memorial on the Somme. They were involved in the First Battles of the Somme, 1918 which saw a German Army which was bolstered by additional forces transferred from the now-collapsed Eastern Front.

The first, Operation Michael, 10

Private George Fountain of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers killed in March 1918

Serjeant Harold Cullen of the Royal Engineers killed in March 1918

struck the British Fifth and Third Armies with a deep advance inflicting large losses.

decessors should be commemorated.

months of the First World War.”

He said: “The bell tower has a picture which shows the three bell-ringers who gave their lives in the First World War.

A spokesman for the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers said: “When the bells rang out on November 11, 1918 they announced the end of the most catastrophic war the world had yet seen.

With 72 German divisions in positions ready to attack in three waves, thousands of infantrymen from three German Armies left the German Front Line after a five-hour artillery bombardment by over 6,600 artillery pieces.

Some 3.2 million shells were destined to land on the British-held front during that first day of the attack.

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The German offensive resulted in 160,000 Allied casualties killed or wounded and 90,000 men taken prisoner The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (CCCBR) is now looking to recruit an extra 1,400 bell ringers across the country to announce the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in November.

Clive Panchaud, a member of the St Andrews bell-ringers said it was important that the sacrifice of some of their pre-

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

“In September last year, we had a special ring of bells to remember Herbert Cullen who died in 1917.

“And we will be doing the same for George Fountain and Harold Cullen who lost their lives just days apart in the final

At the time, bells were at the heart of the community, marking events of great significance and communicating to people long before modern technology connected us. Bellringing

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

“Many bell ringers joined the war effort, and many lost their lives. Just after the war, the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers wrote to all bell towers to compile the Roll of Honour. At the time 1077 men were reported as lost. More recent research has uncovered over 300 ringers who died in service.

“In total some 1,400 bell ringers lost their lives in the Great War. A loss to them and their families.

“A loss to communities. We have now launched a project to try to recruit 1,400 new bell ringers to commorate those who lost their lives in the First World War.”

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Travel advice What’s On

Cheddar-based travel consultant Clare Denny offers some insider knowledge

Tide turns on cruising

M

Fr e w e i th te th a o is r c ad of ve fee rt

Events • Clubs • Groups • Music • Fitness

WHAT’S ON IN MARCH DANCEFIT

ore of us are choosing to cruise to avoid the hustle and bustle of busy summer airports.

Saturday, March 17, 2pm & 6.30pm Sunday, March 18, 2.00pm Join us on a fantasy adventure taking you to faraway lands with treats, snow queens, mermaids, unicorns and much much more!

World Voyages and Exotic Cruises or Short Breaks are now possible with local sailings from Bristol and Southampton, with ever increasing itineraries, the adventure starts from the moment you leave home.

Remote destinations, expanding niches, ultra luxury, modern luxury and bespoke river itineraries from a few days to a year, cruising has now become more popular than ever before.

Specialist ships now accommodating all needs and ages, from fantastic kids clubs, teen entertainment, indulgent luxury, or quiet decks on transatlantic crossings they can now offer an immersive atmosphere for all to enjoy .

Expedition cruises with their purpose built ships are a great addition for the intrepid travellers, exploring the untouched Antarctic regions, tracking polar bears, puffins, penguins, seals and whales, marvelling at the sheer scale of the icebergs.

Tickets: Standard £10/ Concession £8

The beauty of expedition cruising is that you can visit places that can’t be reached by larger ships.

tourism ,but with the advent of eco cruises, and volunteering, this is changing, protecting the environment one ship at a time.

Entering the seas this year, Celebrity Edge, the best in modern luxury architectural rules have been changed to create an “outward-facing” aesthetic, that breaks from traditional design.

Bristol to Belize’s barrier reef or pole to pole, are you ready for a an adventure on the high seas?

Also making a splash the Ultra luxury Scenic with verandas and butler service, inflatable boats, a seven-seater submarine and a helicopter. Look out for their launches they promise to be breathtaking .

Cruise lines have not had the best reputations for their impact on the environment, or commitment to sustainable

My top tip - stay in a balcony cabin and make sure you choose a cabin that is positioned at the ship’s balancing point if you have any fears of sea sickness.

• Over the coming months, we aim to look at different ways to travel where it’s not the arrival but the journeying that make the memories of a lifetime. Next month, Clare will be looking at trains, but not planes.

Clare is looking to arrange a cruise evening with drinks and canapes. For more details contact 01749 605018 12

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

PHYSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP with FRANTIC ASSEMBLY Saturday, March 24 – 11am - 3pm An opportunity to experience a Physical Theatre workshop with arguably the most famous company in the field of expertise - the team behind The National Theatre’s stunning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime. Come dressed to work hard - over 14s only.

Tickets: Standard £28 / Concession £18 for a full-day workshop

Call 01278 784464 online booking at www.theprincesstheatre.co.uk

Visit our Arts Lounge for coffees and light lunches while enjoying local and international art.

Tues – Fri 10am – 3pm, Sat 10am -1pm Princess Theatre and Arts Centre, Princess Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 1EH VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

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13

Cheryl Childs

GROUP EVENING FLIGHTS

Mother’s Day

See Somerset from a whole different perspective on a summer’s evening with a flight in a glider!

11th March 2018 Gift Vouchers Available

Surprise your Mum with a gift voucher, either for a particular treatment or a specified value of your choice CACI non-surgical face lifting Jessica nail care and colour Outback Organics waxing Electrolysis / thermology Eye treatments

By appointment only Photo credit: www.individualphotography.co.uk

Soar over Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills as part of a group “Introductory Flight Evening” at the Mendip Gliding Club.

BRING YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES OR TEAM MATES AND SHARE A UNIQUE AND THRILLING EXPERIENCE. MINIMUM SIZE OF GROUP IS 8.

For more information : www.mendipgliding.co.uk

Back Issues

Beauty | Skin Care | Anti-Ageing

Please note: Age, height and weight restrictions apply

Cheryl Childs Beauty Saxon Way | Cheddar | Somerset | BS27 3GB E: cheryl@cherylchilds.co.uk | T: 01934 744384 www.cherylchilds.co.uk

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

Pain is something that we should take seriously

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Alarm systems ignored lead to bigger problems. I have always maintained there is a huge span of time between a niggle in the body and it developing into the need for surgery.

ches and pains are not normal. Commonplace I agree, but they are not the sign of a healthy thriving body.

Neither are they a feature of getting older. True enough it does occur more in our later years; however this has more to do with our activity levels and bodily neglect than our biological age.

During that period of time in the middle, chiropractic care is amazing at reversing those problems and getting you healthier than before.

As we’re coming into the planting season for all you keen allotment owners or budding gardeners preparing the garden for a wonderful season of growing, this is worth bearing in mind.

So what is pain? Pain is an alarm system for your body, nothing more noting less.

It’s your body’s way of telling you there is a problem and to get you to stop or change what you’re doing as a mechanism for self-preservation. If ignored you could be causing yourself more damage.

Lets put this in another context; the fuel light in the car comes on and you’re 10 miles from a petrol station with the next one after that being 60 miles away.

You wouldn’t just cover over

Don’t push through the pain.

Don’t just take pain killers/ medicate the issue – you’re just ignoring the warning signs. the fuel light, carry on driving and hope for the best, would you?

Well if you did the car would obviously come to a stop and cause you a bigger problem.

Break up the gardening jobs into smaller chunks.

Use the two-day rule; if the niggle/pain/stiffness persists for more than two days, get it checked, or it will start to cause bigger problems.

Contact Matt on 01934 229039 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk 14

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

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15

Green matters INN O VATO R S I N W ATER TEC HN O LO GY

Green-fingered tips from garden designer Robin Pargeter

Giving nature a little help

G

iving your seeds a gentle push in the right direction with a propagator at this time of year is a good way to get your growing season off to an early start.

An advantage of the propagator is that all the seeds will germinate at around the same time, rather than in dribs and drabs, so you will be able to germinate a tray, move them out and then get another tray moved into ideal conditions.

With night time temperatures still low and conditions unpredictable, the consistency of a propagator allows a high success rate for germination of seeds and gets you a few weeks ahead of nature’s normal timetable.

COLLECT TREAT

Seed trays placed on a bright windowsill make the most of any sunshine and warmth but cool night time temperatures still mean that many seeds will remain dormant rather than risk germinating in the cold.

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propagators allowing exact temperature choice but for most of us this level of control is not necessary.

OPTIMISED DESIGN, ENGINEERED TO LAST

As many plants that we grow are not native to these shores, the lack of their preferred conditions means we must do everything to make the seeds feel at home. Using a propagator is the best way of achieving this.

Basic propagators work effectively enough; a simple tray with a clear plastic lid retains the daytime warmth

Once the seedlings are established it is best to move them on to a greenhouse or bright, sheltered porch for hardening off. and moisture over the course of the night. However, to keep the temperature in the ideal zone for germination, a heated electric propagator is best.

They use little electricity but maintain the consistency of temperature best for germination.

If you have no greenhouse with power installed or you are short of space there are narrow heated propagators available which are designed specifically to fit onto window sills. At the expensive end of the scale, you can buy thermostat controlled

If left in the propagator there is a risk of rotting as the warmth and moisture builds up and fungal infections take hold. To help avoid this, propagators with vents to allow air circulation are worth paying a little more for.

As outside daytime temperatures increase a little, hardening off the seedlings becomes easier. This year I have already used mine for sweet peas, broad beans and ‘Little Gem’ lettuce, and have many other seeds packets waiting to take their place.

Contact Robin on 07957 207067 or email: info@rpgardendesign.co.uk

sdslimited.com

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 / MARCH 2018

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17

Healthy Eating Nutritional therapist Linda Thomas with some food advice

Spring really is in the air

L

onger days, warmer temperatures, holidays looming, gardens to whip into shape and generally increased activity. What’s not to love about spring?

If you really must snack, choose protein and fat based options such as a few nuts, hummus and veggie sticks or a slice of chicken as these keep you fuller for longer

To ensure you have the energy and positive mood necessary for these pleasurable pastimes, now is the ideal time to review your habits and take some simple steps to maintain your health.

• If you regularly have low energy levels, and/or regular headaches, joint pain or digestive upset you may have a food intolerance. Keep a food/mood/symptom diary to help identify potential culprits and you test your theories by cutting out the suspected food for a week and then try reintroducing it. Or consider consulting a professional nutritional therapist for testing and personalised plans.

• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make us feel tired or be mistaken for hunger.

Preferably drink filtered water, hot or cold. Try adding flavourings such as sliced lemon, fresh mint or ginger, or have teas such as camomile, peppermint or cinnamon. Check out Pukka brand for tasty options.

boiled, chucked into smoothies or even added to brownies.

Rocket, beetroot and horseradish sandwiches are a personal favourite.

• Increase the variety of vegetables and salad in your diet. All foods have different nutritional profiles, so the range eaten is important. Bored of broccoli?

Try savoy cabbage. Lettuce too dull? Swap it for rocket or watercress. No idea what to do with fresh beetroot, above? It can be grated (raw), roasted,

• Stop snacking. Recent research suggests that this can reduce the risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, you avoid that post-food “slump” which sugary snacks often induce – they rarely fill you up and are often a habit or quick fix for a moment of boredom.

• Restrict eating to 12 hours of the day, e.g. Breakfast at 7am? Finish dinner by 7pm.

This gives your body time to fully digest your food, rest and repair overnight, then wake up ready to bounce into the day ahead. Bring it on, Tigger!

If this seems a bit challenging, try adopting one new habit at a time and enjoy the gradual improvement over the next few months. Happy, Healthy Easter.

Contact Linda on 07768 803198 or email: info@indathomasnutrition.co.uk 18

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Cheddar

Wedmore

At Laurel and Wylde our success is based on knowing the local market, our attention to detail and the quality of our marketing process. Contrary to common perception of estate agents, we are straight talking, will always give honest advice, and most importantly, will always act with our client’s best interests at heart – not our own, that’s why our contracts have no tie-in period to give you complete peace of mind. The last month has been so busy with a total of 11 sales (SSTC) and lots of new instructions lined up.

If you need reliable, trustworthy information about buying or selling, please visit our website www.laurelandwylde.co.uk for a quick on-line valuation, or contact us if you wish to book a free, no obligation market assessment appointment.

01934 742966 2c Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA enquiries@laurelandwylde.co.uk laurelandwylde.co.uk