Weston and Worle View Magazine September 2014 by Pony Publishing

the

July 2014

September 2014

Weston &Worle Local News | Features | Articles | Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Now in our fourth year

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

A word from the editor

July 2014

After starting the magazine up in the last recession, we are pleased to say that 4 years on we are still going, many people said that we would not make it, but we have proved them wrong. We would like to thank all of our past and present customers for their support, also a special thank you for some of our advertisers who have been with us from the very first issue. We are always looking to improve the content of the magazine, future issues will include a wider range of interesting editorial, crosswords, and puzzles. We would also like to get a Sports section up and running for the new season any ideas, please email us.

www.andrewthompsonphotog

ew Steve Dr

raphy.co.uk

Editor

Deadline for October issue 25th September 2014

At a glance…September 05

20th September - 5th October Publisher: Pony Publishing Ltd, Locking Farm Industrial Estate, Locking, Weston-super-Mare,Somerset. BS24 8PJ

Editor: Steve Drew steve@ponypublishing.co.uk

09 10 13

Advertising: PatsieFowler patsie@ponypublishing.co.uk

Latest report from the NSEA

Studio/Production: Ian Williams Ian@ponypublishing.co.uk

Printed by:

Flying Colours Ltd, Badgeworth, Somerset.

Disclaimer:

South West’s woodlands

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage, or omission caused by error or negligence for any services provided by advertisers or for any content of the publication. The views expressed in this publication may not inaccessibly represent those of Pony Publishing Ltd or it’s associates. All material within the magazine, whether editorial or advertising, is copyright of Pony Publishing Ltd,and may not be reproduced without Permission from the publisher.

Looking after your car

25 WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Something on your mind? Something to share?

The Weston & Worle View web: www.westonandworleview.co.uk email: steve@ponypublishing.co.uk

Tel: 01934 820041

We’d love to hear from you. Email: steve@ponypublishing.co.uk putting “letter for publication” in the subject box. We must have your name and address but you can request anonymity.

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

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The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

ame a British dish. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Shepherds’ pie? Spotted dick? Now ask your child to name a traditional British dish. Can they? In recent years we have become a multi-cultural society and we’ve happily adopted pasta from Italy, curry, from India and noodles from China. While we should be proud of the fact that we’ve welcomed and assimilated these new tastes, we seem to be in danger of forgetting or ignoring our own national and regional dishes. It’s a sad fact that many British school children (and almost as many adults)have little or no knowledge of our culinary heritage in spite of it being rich and varied. British Food Fortnight exists to put British food firmly in the spotlight. It aims to encourage us to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and regional dishes. To this end it takes place during harvest time, which is the traditional time for celebrating food. This year it also has the additional aim of helping our children to discover all that’s wonderful about British food. The theme is Bringing Home the Harvest. Many schools are participating with the aim of teaching children how to prepare simple meals from fresh, seasonal ingredients. High street shops, farm shops and delicatessens will also be joining in, stocking British produce and running tasting sessions and cookery demonstrations.

There will be special events in care homes for the elderly, scrumptious servings of British food in garden centre cafes, patriotic menus in hospitals, family feasts in children's centres and lots of fun food and drink festivals and country fairs. With global warming rarely out of the news these days it’s reassuring to know that buying locally farmed, seasonal produce is the most eco-friendly choice too. It’s comforting to know that by buying British we’re doing our bit to save the planet.

During British Food Fortnight Visit a local farmers’ market. Discover your local farm shop. Sign up to a local veg-box scheme Shop for and cook at least one traditional or regional dish with your children. Visit a participating restaurant or pub and try a British dish you’ve never tried before.

For more information visit:

www.britishfoodforthight.co.uk By Louise Addison

Enter today to be in with a chance of wining a FREE Weston-super-Mare Family Odeon Ticket

To enter, answer the following question. What was the first film Lauren Bacall stared in?

To Enter: Email your answer to competitions@ponypublishing.co.uk 5

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

he Strawberry Line Path is an ambitious project aiming to create a continuous 30-mile traffic-free path spanning Mid-Somerset from Clevedon to Shepton Mallet. It will follow as much of the old Strawberry Line trackbed as possible, and represents a wonderful opportunity to open up the countryside for cyclists, walkers of all ages, runners, parents with buggies and wheelchair users. When complete, it will connect over 70,000 people across Somerset in a beautiful and sustainable way. As Somerset's roads become ever more congested and dangerous, the need for traffic-free routes grows ever more pronounced. Not only would a completed Strawberry Line facilitate more active lifestyles and reduce noise and air pollution across the region, it would also conform to Somerset County Council's policy to provide Safe Routes To School for children of all ages. The path will offer a traffic-free and healthy journey to school, an economical and enjoyable commute to work, a chance to widen access to the Mendips and marshlands, a glorious setting for keeping fit, and a tourist attraction to bring visitors and money into Somerset villages. The cycleway section from Yatton to Cheddar and smaller sections around Wells (Wells to Haybridge, Wells to Dulcote, and Wells to South Horrington)

have already been completed and are there for you to enjoy today. The proposed extension of the route east to Shepton Mallet will pass through Cheddar, famous for its gorge and cheese, the City of Wells, a medieval settlement with 13th century cathedral and Bishop's Palace, and on to Shepton Mallet, following

an elevated scenic route overlooking Glastonbury Tor. The path will be for cyclists, walkers and disabled users, with some sections open to horse riders. The project also aims to create connecting paths to nearby village communities to maximise accessibility to the Strawberry Line and local market

Please visit: www.thestrawberryline.org.uk for more information The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

Our charming Georgian Hotel is renowned as Weston’s Premier Wedding Venue, due to a first class reputation built on the outstanding reviews from the many Bride and Grooms whose wedding days we have hosted. Our charming Georgian Hotel is renowned as Weston’s Premier Wedding Venue, due to a first class reputation built on the outstanding reviews from the many Bride and Grooms whose wedding days we have hosted.

We hold a Civil Wedding and Civil Partnership Licence, enabling you to simplify the arrangements by holding all aspects of your special day in one venue. Every Wedding includes the following: Red Carpet Arrival Dressed top table & cake table Master of Ceremonies & Designated Wedding Planner Private bar & lounge Complimentary Bridal Suite Preferential accommodation rates

Weston’s New Event

resh after the success of the Weston Colour Run, Weston Hospicecare is pleased to announce the launch of yet another brand new event called the Neon Five. Seen in major cities across the world and another Weston first, the Neon Five will take place on Saturday 25th October 2014 from 6pm at Weston Woods. The Neon Five will take you on an adventure through the darkness. With surprises waiting round every corner, the route will take you twisting through the trees of Weston Woods which will be filled with music, bright lights and hidden delights. Come dressed in your loudest clothes and brightest neon war paint, arm yourself with glowsticks and get ready to join the party as you head through different “glow zones” including Electric Avenue, Space Odyssey, Alice’s Wonderland, Enchanted Forest and Retro Revival – you’ll never want to leave! By happy coincidence, the clocks go back on Saturday 25th October and you get an extra hour in bed. Don’t waste it sleeping – join Weston Hospicecare’s neon rebellion. You can even carry on the party and head straight into town after! With only 900 spaces available, the Neon Five will be the exclusive event of the Winter so don’t delay registering, it is likely to sell out quick! To avoid disappointment, register now at www.neonfive.org.uk or call 01934 423960. The Neon Five is the fresh new alternative to Weston Hospicecare’s Not the Midnight Beach Walk event which ran for 7 years.

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014 2

The Weston 7 & Worle

Technology Corner with

Let’s Play Sudoku

5 3 2 9 6

How to play Sudoku

5 4 8 It’s simple! 6 2 Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 2 4 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 8 with no repetition. You don’t need to be a 8 4 6 3 genius. These puzzles 5 9 use logic alone. Watch out! Sudoku is 1 grid so that 3 each row, 4column, Fill in the 3x3 highland y addictive. box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. 4 8 1 3 You don’t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

We love a bargain, and things that are free are even more of a bargain. This column has often reported on some really useful free programmes that have seen constant use in our office. Sometimes, though, when free software is downloaded it comes with all sorts of “extras” from “carefully-selected partners”. The practice is completely understandable because those “carefully-selected partners” pay a small fee to the original programme makers, which allows their software to be provided “free”. Nevertheless, if you aren’t careful when you install the software you actually want, you could end up with all sorts of things on your computer that, at best, are of no use to you, or, even worse, are down-right, plain bad. This includes Adware, “PUPs” (Potentially Undesirable Program), Toolbars and Hijackers So this month we bring to you two more free programmes to help with that particular issue. The first, Unchecky, aims to prevent any unwanted programmes being installed on your computer. It’s a very small programme that runs quietly in the background and tries to block requests to install extras: unchecky.com Unchecky should be used as a safety net but you need to take care that it doesn’t miss anything. If, however, the worst happens, then the next free programme we want to tell you about will help remove unwanted tool bars and the suchlike. AdwCleaner can be downloaded from bit.ly/adwCleaner and, once it has been installed, can be used to scan your computer for known unwanted bits and bobs, but it’s best to make sure that you have saved any work and closed all open programmes before you allow AdwCleaner to do its work! We hope you find this month’s tips useful; next month, we’ll be taking a look at what technology is hot this Christmas - yes, it will be October! In the meantime, if you need unbiased, clear buying advice or help with your technology, call us - without obligation - on 07775 928772

Solution on page 29

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

Should my child have a mobile phone

hen my daughter entered secondary school and started to become more independent, I decided to buy her a mobile phone to keep in touch and check that all was well. But I soon discovered that we had different agendas! She treated her mobile phone like an additional body part. It accompanied her everywhere – to the dinner table, to the bathroom, to bed. She checked it constantly, and the 300 texts per month that I thought adequate, soon got swallowed up in her incessant cyber chatter. Much has changed since then. Texting was once the major attraction, but now mobile phones can have any number of uses, from accessing social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, to using apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat and for gaming, videos and music. Mobile phones are a great way to stay in touch and they are indispensable in emergencies, but they can also be a huge hindrance. Young people are much less active, preferring online games or social media sites to sports and other activities. Conversation has been replaced by instant messaging or texting, and schoolwork for some students is suffering due to long hours spent on phones instead of on their studies or even sleep! To ensure that mobile phones remain our children’s servant and not their master, a few ground rules need to be set in place. First, decide if your child is ready for their own phone. If they are generally responsible and trustworthy and able to look after their own belongings, maybe they are. The average child receives their first phone at the age of 12. This seems like a sensible time to me. Seriously consider buying a basic model for their first phone. At this stage it’s all about safety, not social status or games, and the phone should be regarded as a tool, not a toy. Only consider a smart

phone when your child is much older, say 16-18 years old. Set limits for the number of texts or minutes. A monthly capped contract can help with this, or alternatively a pay as you go scheme, which will only allow a certain spend before it needs

topping up again. Consider taking out insurance should the phone get lost or broken, and ask your child to contribute to the cost as they get older and are able to earn. Designate certain times when the phone should be turned off or left behind, such as at the dinner table, after 10pm, or in the bedroom - and limit the number of hours they spend on the phone to leave time for other interests. Finally, make sure you follow your own rules. You can’t expect your child to abide by them if you don’t, as you are their greatest role model! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Therapeutic Benefits of massage for the elderly

s you age, you may find yourself and your peers slowing down, but this does not necessarily need to happen. Regular massage therapy assists your desire to be active and get the most out of your life, and can promote the harmonious union of body and mind. Massage therapy can help you be reducing your anxiety; depression, stress and loneliness, and can improve your self-confidence and enhance your quality of life .Improved range of motion can enhance your ability to perform activities of daily living, which in turn can lead to increased independence and a higher quality of life. To find out more please visit; https://www.facebook.com/blissfulhandstherapies

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

Spicy Baked Apples with Walnuts Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 30 mins Serves: 4

Ingredients

4 large Golden Delicious Apples 1 splash Lemon Juice 85g Walnuts, halved 1 tbsp Raisins 1 tbsp Soft Light Brown Sugar 25g Butter ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon Method Preheat the oven to 180°C /Gas 4. Carefully cut a 2.5cm (1in) slice from the top of each apple and set aside. Using an apple corer or a small, sharp knife, remove the core from each apple. Place the walnuts, raisins, sugar, butter, and cinnamon into a food processor and pulse several times, to produce a coarse, textured mixture. If you don't have a food processor, chop the walnuts roughly and mix thoroughly with the other ingredients. Stuff each apple cavity with the mixture and replace the reserved tops. Arrange the apples in a shallow, ovenproof dish so that they're upright, and then fill the pan 1cm (1/2in) deep with water. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with the point of a knife. When slightly cooled, carefully remove the apples from the baking dish, transfer them to serving plates, and serve hot with crème fraiche or ice cream.

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The Weston & Worle View - July 2014 The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

Welcome to

Aerial Circus Photography Based in Worle, Aerial Circus photography is the brainchild of Rich Collar, ex-international Television Cameraman. Rich offers a wide range of photographic services and from many different perspectives!!!

Call 0791 020 7073 www.aerialcircus.webs.com rich@aerialcircus.co.uk The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

ew Business Booming

NSEA helps 76 new businesses to start-up in first half of 2014- whilst 90 per cent of 2011's January to June start-ups survive first three years The first six months of 2014 saw 76 new businesses start-up in North Somerset with the assistance of North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA), the notfor-profit organisation with social objectives has announced - with the new enterprises already creating 93 new jobs. The figures are on a par with the first six months of 2013 which saw 77 businesses started and 97 jobs created. Businesses who have enjoyed help to launch between January and June range from a DJ and magic enterprise to a boat and marina cleaning service, an online letting's and estate agency business to a child minder and a pub/restaurant to a children's gift business. In addition NSEA's team of locally-based business advisors have been almost fully booked during the last three months, advising both those who are considering self-employment and those who are looking to grow their business. North Somerset Enterprise Agency, which prides itself on helping businesses start-out with the best chance of success, has also identified that of the 44 new businesses who launched 3 years ago (January to June 2011), 40 (over 90 per cent) are still successfully trading. The first three years is significant because in that period 1 in 3 businesses are likely to fail. North Somerset Enterprise Agency's Chief Executive Angela Hicks has welcomed the latest figures. NSEA, which has recently built, relocated to and opened The Hive, North Somerset's new business development centre in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area of Weston-super-Mare, has been supporting local businesses with free or low-cost advice,information and training for some 25 years,helping thousands to succeed. It can now deliver the workspace, facilities and support that start-up, small and growing businesses need, all under one roof .

NSEA is now booking places for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Starting in Businessâ&#x20AC;? courses to be held in the autumn.

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

North Somerset on course to provide free school meals

uilding and renovation work on school kitchens across North Somerset is nearing completion, ready for the introduction of free school meals for infants in September. Work to improve and remodel 37 of the 50 primary school kitchens in the district is being carried out over the summer, with a complete rebuild for ten kitchens. Government funding of £429,310, plus an additional £101,649 from diocese grants, is covering the costs of building work, new cooking equipment, upgrading power supplies, new ventilation systems and additional crockery and cutlery. New government legislation means free school meals will be available to all children up to the age of seven attending a state-funded school, saving families an estimated £400 a year. It is expected that an additional 4,000 meals will be served daily in primary schools from September, taking the total number of free school meals to around 9,000 a day in North Somerset. Large schools, such as Ashcombe Primary and St Martin’s C of E Primary in Weston-super-Mare, will be serving many more pupils from the start of September with up to 400 meals to be provided each day. Cllr Jeremy Blatchford, North Somerset Council's executive member for children and young people's services, said: “To complete all the necessary work in the six-week summer holiday window is a massive challenge, but our programme of renovation work has made excellent progress. Not only will the free school meal scheme provide children with healthy, balanced meals, but it will give the local community a boost by creating new jobs.” Over 50 new jobs have been created, taking the total number employed in primary school catering to 250. Catering company Edwards & Ward, the main school meals contractor, has been working with the council, Weston College and Jobcentre Plus to recruit and train candidates. Many of the growers and suppliers used for the meals service are local or

regional, also benefiting the local economy. Parents and carers who would have been entitled anyway to claim free school meals because of their income or circumstances are being urged to still apply for this in the usual way before their child starts school. The council is asking families claiming Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment Support Allowance to continue to fill out an application form to receive free school lunches as this draws down vital funding for schools. Every child entitled to claim free school meals as a benefit brings £1,300 directly to their school. Cllr Blatchford added: “If parents and carers receiving benefits do not continue to fill out application request forms for free school lunches, schools will lose important funding that benefits individual pupils and the whole school community. There are currently around 700 children in North Somerset who are entitled to claim for a free school meal benefit but don't. That's nearly £1m in wasted funding for schools." You can download an application form from the council's website at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/schoolmeals

Puxton footpath re-opens A

public footpath crossing Puxton Moor, a nature reserve in North Somerset, has re-opened after many years. Volunteers from Woodspring Ramblers recently spent three days installing three new footbridges and eight new pedestrian gates on the path which links Puxton Lane and Dolmoor Lane. The bridges and gates were provided by Avon Wildlife Trust and North Somerset Puxton Moor is a site of special scientific interest and is accessed from the A370 close to Weston-super-Mare. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wildlife,such as skylarks and sedge warblers, as well as hairy dragonflies and water scorpions. The restored path is just under a mile long. Visitors should be aware it crosses an area grazed by cattle, so dogs must be kept under control. To join Woodspring Ramblers, who are part of the Ramblers’ Association, contact Martin Raines via woodspring.ramblers@tesco.net.

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

The Weston & Worle View - July 2014 The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

Photographic Competition

B , These important woodland areas are internationally-recognised hotspots for wild plants, and are a botanical treasure trove and home to some of the smallest yet most important wild plants in the UK; such as lichens, mosses and ferns that play a massive role in our lives. These incredible little plants that often go unnoticed tell us how clean our air is, filter our water, help prevent flooding, provide shelter for wildlife and over the centuries have been used for medicinal purposes, to dye wool, silk and even hair! We want people to see for themselves the wonders hidden within these woodlands and capture what they see on camera. Winners of the photography competition and their guests will be invited to a reception at Lynmouth Pavilion in April 2015 where the winning images will be shown to the public for the first time

Visit: www.wildaboutplants.org.uk for more information Closing date for entries-Friday 30th January 2015

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

Car Care

leaning and waxing your car can seem like a chore. But, it is a worthwhile investment. If you don’t want to do it yourself, take it to your local valet or find one that can come to you. Cleaning and protecting your car’s bodywork can bolster its resale value. Acid rain, bird droppings, road salt and the sun can damage your car. So ensure unwelcome deposits are regularly washed off and wax your car to provide a protective coating. A clean car is also safer. Washing mirrors, windscreens and lights regularly, means you will see more of the road and others will be able to see you better. A cleaner car is also less wind resistance so that helps fuel economy. In addition to regular cleaning and waxing, there are times when special attention is required, such as when you spill milk in your car or a child or pet vomits in your vehicle. Your local valet will have their own tried and trusted methods, but here’s a few tips in case you need to take immediate action. First, wipe up any excess liquid or debris. Second, take out floor mats and seat covers and wash these separately. Let the area dry completely and then apply some baking soda. Put cold water over the soda and allow to sit overnight. Then vacuum the next day or you can apply vinegar to the area and again let it sit overnight before vacuuming, or use a special carpet or pet cleaning product. These methods help break up the enzymes in the spillage and reduce odours. By Susan Brookes-Morris

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en Bonfire Night Christmas Lights We have LASERS, PYROTECHNICS LIGHTS and PA SYSTEMS for

ANY EVENT! www.c4events.co.uk

August Competition Winners Congratulations to A. Dean | R. Rose | R. Wood V. Sheridan | S. Dean | M. Vaughan

Coffee Time Crossword Across 7 Mexican drink (7) 9 Wind instrument (5) 10 Range cooker (3) 11 Hired soldier (9) 12 Coach, instruct (5) 14 Anguish (7) 16 Buffer, protect (7) 18 Polishes, wipes (5) 19 Occasionally (9) 20 Glide over snow (3) 21 Fleshy fruit (5) 22 Barrel makers (7) Down 1 Second-largest ocean (8) 2 Water (4)

6 Fee, tariff (4)

18 Absolute ruler (6)

8 Designed to reduce drag (11)

19 Drainage pan or pit (4)

3 Pilot, aviator (6)

13 Make (8)

4 Tenders, puts forward (6)

15 Most treacherous (8)

5 Absconders (8)

17 Contemplate, mean to (6)

20 Spore, germ (4)

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

Conkers M

4 Seasons Asian Food Take-Away Restaurant 14 The Centre, Chinese, Cantonese, Thai Weston-super-Mare

01934 643777

www.fourseasonsasianfood.co.uk

ost sources agree that the gloriously eccentric game of conkers began in England, but conkers is also played in North America, Canada, Ireland and Switzerland. Success in conkers relies on good equipment. Hence you need a good horse chestnut . The best are firm, uncracked and symmetrical. Drill through the centre and thread a shoelace through the hole, knotting it securely. The aim is to smash your opponent’s conker with your own and if you achieve this, your conker becomes a one-er. From here it gets a bit more complicated. If it then smashes another one-er it becomes a two-er. If it then smashes a two-er it automatically becomes a four-er. If it then smashes a six-er it becomes a ten-er and so on. Still with me? The rules of conkers are many and varied. I rather like the one which states that if you drop your conker your opponent can yell ‘stamps’ and crush your conker with his foot. If you yell ‘no stamp’ first, he’s not allowed to do this. Good luck with that one one in the heat of battle! Dense conkers are best. If yours sinks in a bucket of water it’s a good one. Less legitimately include baking your conker in a low oven, soaking it in vinegar or coating it in nail polish are all guaranteed to improve your chances of success in open competition. The official world conker championship is held annually in Ashton in Northamptonshire. Contestants are not allowed to use their own conkers. They also dispense with the points rule mentioned earlier, and no-one is allowed to stamp on anyone else’s conkers, which surely takes some of the fun out of it. In recent years the Health and Safety police have banned conkers in schools up and down the land. This is a shame and perhaps we should campaign to get conkers back into playgrounds as part of our rightful heritage. By Tom Hancock

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

September Friday 12th to Sunday 14th 10.00am - 5.00pm Weston Super Quilts The Winter Gardens Tickets: £3.50 including programme More details from westonquilters.org.uk Friday 12th 7.00pm - Midnight Festival in the Square - Live Music Saturday 13th 10.00am - 4.00pm Craft Fair and Live Acoustic Music Saturday 13th 7pm - Midnight Festival in the Square - Live Music Sunday 14th 11.00am - 7.00pm Streetfest Town Square, Weston-super-Mare More details from: steve@outdooreventsuk.co.uk or call 07825 549568 Saturday 13th 2.00pm - 3.00pm Roald Dahl-themed Craft Session Weston Library, Town Hall Tickets: £2 per family More details from bit.ly/LibraryDahl Saturday 13th - Sunday 5th October Made in North Somerset - a celebration of local food, drink, arts and crafts Various Locations Tickets: £1 Adults 50p Children/Seniors More details 01934 426341, business@n somerset.gov.uk or bit.ly/MadeInNS Sunday 14th - 2.30pm - 5.00pm Free Concert: Kingswood & Bristol E. Band Grove Park, Weston-super-Mare Tickets: Free More details from John at The Cafe in the Park or call 07952 943855 Saturday 20th 10.30am - 12.30pm Jumble Sale - Weston Sea Cadets Sea Cadets’ HQ, Sunnyside Road, Weston More details from 01934 416270 or bit.ly/SeaCadetsWSM

Friday 19th 10.00am - 10.00pm To Sunday 21st 10.00am - 7.00pm Clevedon Tides Festival Clevedon Marine Lake, Salthouse Field, Seafront and bandstand Tickets: FREE More details from 01275 792049 or marlens.org.uk Sunday 21st - 2.30pm - 5.00pm Free Concert: Weston Brass Grove Park, Weston-super-Mare Tickets: Free More details from John at The Cafe in the Park or call 07952 943855 Sunday 21st & 28th - 10.00am - 3.00pm Classic Car Show Town Square, Weston-super-Mare Tickets: Free More details from 01934 627563 Saturday 27th - Sunday 28th 10.00am - 3.00pm Weston Super Food Festival Town Square & Winter Gdns Weston-s-Mare Tickets: Free More details from 01934 813407 or bit.ly/wsmFood

BRENT KNOLL BAZAAR FARMERS’ MARKET & PARISH CAFÉ nd 2 SATURDAY every month at Brent Knoll Parish Hall - 10.00am to 12 noon

Locally-produced food and drink, Crafts, Toys and Bric-a-Brac PLUS: Raffle, Hot and Cold Snacks Entrance FREE Book a Table (£7 per table) Phone Eddie Fuller (01278 760 308) Proceeds to Brent Knoll Parish Hall

The Weston & Worle View - July 2014 The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

ow does it happen? Your family has enjoyed a happy, healthy six week summer holiday, but within just days of returning to school your child comes down with a cold, or develops an itchy skin condition, or catches nits. Why, when they need to be settling into a new routine and you need to be back at work, do they

others. If your child is older, warn them about sharing items such as lipstick, lip balm, make-up, razors, creams, lotions and other personal items such as towels and sports kit. There are some germ hotspots in schools, and cafeteria trays are one of them! One survey found that there were more bacteria per square inch on a cafeteria tray than there were on a toilet seat, probably because the trays don’t get cleaned as often. If your child drops food on a tray, they should throw it away! Finally, your child can build up their immunity by getting enough sleep and exercise, eating a well balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and by drinking plenty of water. Take these preventative measures and hopefully going back to school will be a happy, healthy time for everybody! By Debbie-Sing-Bhatt

October deadline 25 September 2014 th

suddenly get ill? Like it or not, children gathering in schools is one of the main ways germs circulate in communities. Their immune systems are less mature, they tend to be in close contact, and they have ‘germy’ habits like sticking fingers or pencils into their mouths, so it is inevitable that they are going to come home with something nasty at some point. That said, most illnesses can be avoided if a few good practices are followed. Top of the list is to make sure that your child’s immunisations are all up to date, and that all family members have had a seasonal flu vaccination, where appropriate. Prevention is definitely the best medicine. Next, make sure they wash their hands enough -and properly! The most common way to catch illness is through the mouth, eyes or nose after the hands have been in contact with infected surfaces. A thorough wash with soap and warm water to the back of the hands, in between the fingers and around the nails for 20 seconds (as long as it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice!) - before eating or drinking, after a visit to the toilet, blowing their nose, or touching animals and waste, should be the minimum. Teach your child ‘germ etiquette. This means staying away from other children who may be sneezing or coughing, covering their own coughs and sneezes by using tissues that should be thrown away immediately, and avoiding head to head contact with

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The Weston & Worle View July 2014 The Weston & Worle View -- September 2014

Country Station comes to life §

View this historic station restored to its former glory.

Step inside the vintage carriage, complete with compartments and guards van.

Browse the authentic railway artefacts.

Let the children play in the wagons and with railway toys.

Take a refreshment break, hot and cold drinks etc. available.

We are open each year from the start of April to the end of October; Saturday, Sunday, and bank holiday Mondays from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.

andford Station Railway Heritage Centre, located in the iconic old station booking office at the heart of the St. Monica Trust Retirement Village, opened its doors to the public for the first time in July 2010. Since then there have been many visitors of all ages – lots of ‘locals’ of course, walkers and cyclists from the Strawberry Line, families from the area or on holiday. We have been delighted by the people with railway connections, some who worked on the line and others who rode on it, who have dropped in with stories to tell and items to donate. Railways are in their blood and they have given us all sorts of interesting insights and information into the workings of the station and the Branchline going back over generations of their families. Location: The Sandford Station Railway Heritage Centre is accessed from the Strawberry Line footpath and National Cycle network route 26 that follows the disused railway path. The Heritage Centre is located off Station Road, Sandford, BS25 5AA

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

SUCCESS LOOMS FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

thina Michael, 9, from Weston-super-Mare has been busy weaving loom bands to sell for charity. So far the budding young business woman has raised over £100 and is not stopping there with orders piling up and plenty of eager customers ready to buy her bands. Loom bands have been taking the country by storm and Athina spotted an opportunity to raise money for her favourite charity, Weston Hospicecare. I’ve been selling them at the Seaward Hotel and Winston’s in town. I’m going to make some to sell at the Hospice as well as they are really excited about my little business. “I wanted to do it so the Hospice can help people to feel better. They looked after my Grandad and I want to say thank you for everything they did. Athina hopes that when she’s a bit older she can carry on supporting the Hospice by volunteering in one of their shops. “I love clothes and like to choosing people’s clothes. Maybe I could offer a personal shopping service!” The bands take Athina just 5 minutes to make now she has had lots of practice and she is even going to make some whilst she is on holiday to sell to friends and family in Spain. Gill Auden, CEO at Weston Hospicecare said: “It just goes to show what you can do if you put your mind to it. We are thrilled to see someone so young doing something she loves for charity. Thank you Athina, we look forward to having them in the Hospice!”

Keeping active with Age UK

he Age UK Somerset Tai Chi class who meet every Friday at 10.30 am, have benefited from regular sessions with resident teacher Cheryl Mountford. Government guidelines for physical activity state that older adults should incorporate activities to improve balance and co-ordination on at least two days a week, example activities include Yoga and Tai Chi. One participant was recommended from her pharmacist and said ‘it’s the best exercise you can take…it keeps your mind active and its brilliant for keeping joints flexible - improving mood, and less tiredness…’ This is a great session for both men and women, beginners and improvers and can really help you improve your strength and balance. Come along and join us at Martindale Court, Martindale Road, Worle the sessions cost just £4.00, for more information, please contact Nikki Smith 07530 777895 or email nikki.smith@ageuksomerset.org.uk

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

nstall big water butts - Save as much rainwater as possible and deploy it with care. Water generously only where it’s needed, in the cool of the evening, to encourage deeper rooting. Mulch well. Right plant, right place - For free-draining soil don’t plant thirsty plants which require a lot of water. If it’s clay, choose deep-rooted, strong plants, like roses and hardy fuchsias, which will withstand dry periods where the ground bakes.If an established plant can't survive on its own, it's probably not the right plant for your plot. Ban peat - Peat bogs are an essential part of our eco system. Once they’re gone they’re gone forever. There is no excuse for buying peat-based products…ever. Use only peat-free composts,soilimprovers and mulches. Recycle. Recycle. Recycle - Make a compost heap or buy a compost bin. Re-use plastic and crock pots. String old CDs and bottle tops over newly planted seedlings as bird scarers. Restrict chemical usage - Try nematodes for pest control. Encourage ladybirds for greenfly control by planting fennel, dill, white cosmos and scented geraniums. Leave a wild patch - Build your own army of slug and bug killers. A pile of logs and fallen leaves and a patch of nettles will provide shelter for all manner of garden wildlife, including hedgehogs, ladybirds and beetles. By Louise Addison

Weston-super-Mare Sands 1913

Thousands of nostalgic images of locations all over Britain are available to view on the website of the Francis Frith Collection. www.francisfrith.com.why not visit our site today and enjoy some memories. The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

The Car Tax Disc

R.I.P. I

t’s been with us since 1921 but, from next month, that expensive bit of paper in your vehicle’s windscreen will be no more When tax discs were first introduced as a result of the Roads and Finance Act 1920, paying to run a vehicle on Britain’s roads was nothing new. Hackney Cabs were the first to come within the grasp of the tax man, way back in 1637, with carriages drawn by two or more horses coming next in 1747. Steam-powered road vehicles attracted tax in 1770, although, because these cumbersome beasts were incompatible with the terrible roads, they did not create much revenue. By 1861, under the Locomotive Acts, vehicle taxation was controlled by the local county offices - a system that remained in place until the Local Government reorganisation of 1974, when the DVLC (later the DVLA) was set up in Swansea as a central point of administration. To buy a licence in the 1860s, it would have cost around two guineas (£2.10p) and would expire on the last day of December of that year. You would also need one for each county that you travelled within - which would have become very expensive if you lived in the corner of an inland county! Of course, in those days, there was no such thing as number plates, and it doesn’t appear that there was the requirement to display proof of payment, so how this duty was enforced - if it was enforced - is not entirely clear. This next bit will make you weep; in 1903, a car’s annual registration fee was £1, and a motorcycle was charged 5s (25p), but the speed limit was increased

from 12mph to a speedy 20mph - just like driving in Bristol today (oh, how times have changed!). As motor vehicle use increased, so did the wear and tear on the road network. This resulted in a need to introduce a formula to decide the rate of tax a certain vehicle attracted, with a figure of £1 per engine horse power being the going rate. About this time, duty on petrol was introduced at a rate of three pennies per gallon. And then, in 1921, the first Tax Disc for display was introduced. It was a very simple, black and white, design on a square piece of paper. The only problem was - even back then - the tax disc holders were all circular. With no perforations, the hapless motorist was left to either cut around the disc, or fold its corners over repeatedly until it could be crammed into the holder. The tax, at this time, was till only valid for the year in which it was purchased, with the amount paid charged on a pro-rata basis. However, this system, which continued until 1961, naturally created a headache for the issuing offices, with every disc expiring on the same date. And so the tax disc has continued, with improvements to counterforgery and, of course, those perforations that never seem to tear properly, until the First of October 2014, when no new discs will be issued. But, before you get too excited, we will still all have to pay what’s due. It’s just that, thanks to improvements in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), a system carried in most enforcement vehicles, and an increased reliance on computer records, the chances of avoiding paying tax and getting away with it have become greatly reduced. We will still be able to renew our tax at Post Offices, although most people are renewing online nowadays. One other change is that we will not be able to buy or sell vehicles with tax left to run. As soon as you sell a car, you will have to reclaim any full months left and the new owner will have to start from scratch before they are able to legally use the vehicle on the road. Remember, by renewing at the Post Office, you are helping to keep that valuable service going.

Information for this article was drawn from Earslwood Vintage and Classics www.britishtaxdiscs.co.uk

The Weston & Worle View - September 2014

tarting up a new community organisation or running an existing one is a great thing to do, but it can also be challenging. There are plans to prepare, budgets to agree, activities to organise and volunteers to coordinate. Someone you can turn to for free, impartial support can be a lifeline. So for an afternoon a month, I volunteer with VANS to offer a free advice clinic for voluntary groups and social enterprises from across North Somerset. As a business consultant, I’ve worked with hundreds of organisations. And I’m delighted that I can use my experience to give something back to my local community. Over the last year, we’ve provided advice on a huge range of topics. We’ve helped with legal structures, business planning and financial management. We’ve advised on running meetings, managing volunteers and writing grant applications. we’ve made some great friends along the way. Whatever issues your organisation is facing, the monthly advice sessions can help. Each pre-booked slot lasts for twenty minutes and is free to VANS members. Just let us know what you’d like to talk about – and we’ll do our very best to help. We hold monthly advice session. For information on our next session please contact us by phone on 01934 410192 or by email on info@vansmail.org.uk Simon Perks is the founder and director of Sockmonkey Consulting. For more information visit his website http://www.sockmonkeyconsulting.com.

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The Weston & Worle View - September 2014