Beartown Voice - Edition 1 2023 : simplebooklet.com

4In this editionPain free feet! 610+1 celebrations for Ablewell Care 10Katy meets... Crossroads Together 14Help is at hand... Jan Johnson 18Congleton’s heritage... 20Congleton Town Council... Events 2023 25Let compassion open your heart... 28Katy meets... Bach 95 32New Year MOT & TLC... Bare Health 36Man about town... 38Katy meets... Chicco’s 40The Secret Chef... 44Ready reference 42Beartown Voice TeamContact us...Katy O’Regankaty@archpublications.comDavid Crawforddavid@archpublications.comFor all enquires & bookings01477 518 252Beartown Voice offers you a cost effective way for your businesses to advertise to 12,000 homes and businesses in Congleton. We also showcase community not for proﬁt organisations, charities, events and anything of interest in the town please contact us.Beartown Voice is part ofWelcome & Contents01477 518 252 • beartownvoice.comfor advertising information www.archpublications.comTHIS is the ﬁrst edition of Beartown Voice of 2023. I hope the year has been good so far. This edition is ﬁlled with local advertisers, and when putting it together it got me thinking. With the start of any year we all have plans, whether they are big or small, in your home, the garden, your community, personal goals or changes in career, then I feel we have you covered.Then there are the articles, again it is another editions full of interesting hints, tips, stories and history from our town’s contributors. If that isn’t enough I have had a busy month visiting and interviewing many of our local businesses to ﬁnd out their stories, I got to spend the afternoon with Ablewell Care as they celebrated their 10+1 birthday, along with meeting Tom from Bach 95 and Crossroads Together on West Street, both of which are part of our new podcast series.We launched our business insights podcast at the end of 2022, you can listen to these on our website, or where ever you get your podcast, including Apple, Google, Spotify and Amazon podcasts, just search for us to ﬁnd us. You might ask, why a podcast? We understand the importance’s of a digital edge to our traditional business, any good marketing expert will tell you a mix of promotion is the best way to reach your audience and build trust.If you would like more information on advertising your business in the magazine, please get in touch.Ka x Love paper, please recycle after readingKeep meuntil the next edition1st March 2023Remember to tell our advertisers you found them in Beartown Voice!

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6Pain free feet!OUR feet carry us through life. They are one of the most hard working yet least appreciated parts of our body. If your New Year’s resolution is to live a healthier lifestyle, why not set an intention to show your feet some love and attention?Find 10-minutes each day to focus on your feet with the following foot care rituals. You will need: A cleansing foot spray or foot bath, a foot cream, a nail ﬁle.Skin & nail care1. Cleanse the feet paying particular attention to the area between the toes. Dry carefully with a soft towel.2. Gently ﬁle the nails to smooth any sharp edges and prevent the nails snagging socks or irritating skin.3. Apply a foot cream and massage the feet. Apply circular pressure with thumbs to the arch and stretch toes backwards and forward to relieve tension in the top and bottom of the feet. Moisturising the skin daily improves the barrier function to prevent bacterial and fungal infection.Mindful balance & foot strength1. Stand with feet hip width apart, bring focussed attention to the soles of your feet. Slowly & gently move your weight back to the heels & forward to the balls of the feet and rock side to side. Notice the changes in sensation in your feet and legs.2. Stand with feet ﬂat, lift the toes and spread them out as much as possible then lay them back down. Repeat several times.3. Shift your balance slowly from one leg to the other, standing on alternate legs, feeling the body sensations as you do this. To make this more challenging, try the exercise with your eyes closed. Repeat several times.4. Bend knees into a gentle squat and raise the heels, shifting weight onto the ball of the foot, pressing toes into the ground. Straighten the legs to stand on tiptoes, then slowly move the heels back to the ﬂoor. This can be done in reverse by standing and lifting the heels, bending knees, moving heels back down to the ﬂoor and straightening back to standing.Daily self-care combined with comfortable, well-ﬁtting footwear will help prevent foot problems. If you have persistent foot pain, it’s important to visit a Podiatrist. Anna & Andrew AyresAyres Health

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9Discover HypnotherapyVery simply, Hypnotherapy is a therapy that uses Hypnosis to induce a deep state of relaxation during which our unconscious mind is highly receptive to new perspectives, and ideas.Meet Mike HollandClinical Hypnotherapist, Accredited Trainer & Master Practitioner of NLP, Advanced Practitioner of EFT. TNLP, Dip.C.Hyp., GQHP, EFT ADV.Congleton Complementary & Alternative Medical Centre9 West Street, Congleton, CW12 1JN01625 363049 / 07446 005472mike@mindbeingyou.co.uk www.mindbeingyou.co.ukPLAN AHEAD, LOOK AFTER YOURSELF & BE PREPAREDLearn techniques through Mindfulness & Hypnotherapy to copewith whatever crosses your path in life or career.WE ARE EXPANDINGWe are launching a new dedicated large and airy space at the practice for a range of learning, personal development and growth activities and business consultancy services for individuals, groups and businesses of all sizes. These include:• Mindfulness Meditation courses• Mindfulness of Movement Classes• Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Courses• Train in a new profession:• NLP Practitioner & Master Practitioner.• Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma.• A range of wellbeing and mental health care classes• Weight Management Classes• Career Change & Returning to Work Classes.• Prioritisation & Managing Everyday Life• Time Management & How to Create More Time in Your Life.• Stand and Deliver – How to Present Yourself and Make Magical Presentations.Architecture | Interiors | Conservation | Landscape | Principle Designer01782 515 555enquiries@bparchitecture.co.ukwww.bparchitecture.co.uk93 High Street BiddulphNew Build, Extensions, Layout Alterations, Feasibility Studies, Change of Use, Refurbishment, Barn Conversion, Listed Buildings, Architects CertificationResidential, Domestic, Retirement Care, Commercial, Offices, Education, Healthcare, Community, Industrial, Retail, Leisure, Landscape, External Works

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101010++1 celebrations for Ablewell...IT’S 2023 and Ablewell Care are celebrating 11 years in business. The plan was to mark the 10-year milestone last year; however, Covid was still an issue and in January 2022, gatherings were restricted. So I met up with management and staff at the Harrington Arms in Bosley to toast their 10th+1 birthday a few weeks ago. We all enjoyed freshly made cake and coffee while business owner John thanked the team and reﬂected on the journey they have been on over the last few years during Covid, expressing his gratitude for the dedication they had shown during a difﬁcult time. Many of the staff have been with them since day one, and company director Rachael took the opportunity to hand out long service awards, care training certiﬁcates and gifts.Ablewell Care work with individuals and families and support them in making life as easy as possible so they can stay at home for as long as possible. They provide services in personal and domestic support, along with meal preparation and medicine administration. It was good to talk to some of the team and see how much they enjoy their jobs; there was a real family feeling in the room and a sense of job satisfaction. As the empty plates and coffee cups were cleared away I asked Rachael what her goals were for the next 10+1 years. She told me the most important thing was to grow and develop the staff, making sure they are providing the best service possible to their clients. Recruitment in the whole sector is still a concern, and she hopes this will change and people will see the beneﬁts of working in care. I hope so too, as the job they do is vital and the time I spent with the team demonstrates to me that Ablewell are a lovely company to work for. Katy

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14Katy meets... Crossroads TogetherON a cold day in January, I stepped inside the grand Overton House on West Street close to the centre of Congleton. This beautiful historic grade 2 listed building is full of charm, and it is easy to step back in time to 1702 when it was built and imagine the comings and goings of the Mallabar family, who lived in the house all those years ago. The building today is still full of warmth, not just because there is frost on the ground outside but also because there is a feeling of friendliness and support you get from the organisation that is now based there. Crossroads Together is a registered charity who provide information, advice and practical support to unpaid carers of all ages and the people they care for. They also offer care services across Cheshire, Herefordshire, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside.I spent some time with one of the managers of Crossroads Together, Louise, to ﬁnd out more about them, their services and why working in care is a great career choice.Louise’s role is to manage the frontline care staff within the day centre based at Overton House and the team out in the community. The name Crossroads Together came about in the 1980s; you might remember a TV series called Crossroads, which was all about friendship and support in the community. The original owners felt this represented their starting ethos well, and these values are still very much in place today.They now partner with the Carers Trust, alongside the main functions of the organisation. The Carers Trust is a national charity who provide advice and support to unpaid carers. These are often family members, friends or neighbours of the person needing the care. Unpaid care can be very rewarding, but also very demanding, and it can affect physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing. The Carers Trust offer support, advice advocacy and signposting.The other services Crossroads Together provide include a day centre at Overton House. This is a safe environment for clients to come along to and take part in activities. The main aim of the day centre is to allow carers to take a break knowing their loved ones are enjoying themselves and making friends, while being looked after by fully trained staff. Crossroads Together also provides care at home, from daily tasks like washing or getting dressed to food preparation or help with ironing. They also do ad hoc support so if the individual is being cared for by an unpaid carer they can take a break or go away overnight.Crossroads Together are currently recruiting staff. I ask Louise why people should come and work for them, and she explains that their priority as a business is to care for the carers. They do this with longer calls giving the carers time with the clients, enabling them to spend time talking over a cup of tea, doing an activity or taking them out in the community. Domiciliary care can be part of the call; however, the aim is to make the most important part companionship and befriending. After all, we are all human and spending quality time with clients beneﬁts the carers and the cared for.KatyI interviewed Louise for our Podcast series, to ﬁnd out more about Crossroads Together scan the QR code or search Arch Publications, wherever you get your podcasts.

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16Proudly supplying, repairing & servicing every typeof hearing aid since 2007 in Congleton,Alsager, Holmes Chapel,Sandbach & all surrounding areas3 Duke Street,Congleton, Cheshire,CW12 1AP (Next to Greggs) Every type of hearing aid.T: 01260 290600The CongletonHearing CentreAPPOINTMENTS IN OUR TOWNCENTRE SHOP OR IN YOUR HOME Pensioner DiscountsFree lifetime after-care on all hearing aidsWax Removal £30 per ear, no charge for hearing aid customers (in shop only)MON-SAT 9AM - 5PM“We are the only approved Audibel Hearing company in the area” PAY OVER 12 MONTHS INTEREST FREEPilates is known for its many health benefits including mental health & general wellbeing.Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.Sports injuries and tightness(e.g. golf, running, football)Severe Musculoskeletal DisordersChronic Back PainParkinson's DiseaseMenopauseFibromyalgiaSteph | SCC Pilates | Congleton, CW12 4DR07969 775 411 | steph@sccpilates.co.ukwww.sccpilates.co.uk | © SCC Pilates 2022As well as increasing core strengthand improving balance and tone,Pilates has been proven to help with:aidalihairstudionowopenOPENING OFFER!25% OFF*A FRIENDLY, RELAXING HAIR SALON, BASED IN CONGLETON. WE CATER FOR ALL THE FAMILY.Our moto is;If you feel good, we feel good69 Antrobus Street Congleton CW12 1HET: 01260 40 80 50The Aidali name means living in aharmonious world.

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18Help is at hand...WE are in the midst of cold and ﬂu season and if you succumb, life can be miserable for a week or two. With a cold we tend to bravely carry on and arm ourselves with ‘over the counter’ meds. Flu, being more severe, can ﬂoor us entirely; and of course, how could we forget our new friend Covid! Each virus shares common symptoms of congestion, sinus pressure, sneezing and runny nose, cough, sore throat and headache. Anything that can help to relieve these symptoms has to be a positive, so why not give yourself a helping hand - literally! While it can never claim to be a cure, reﬂexology is a therapy used to promote healing in the body. Hand reﬂexology is an effective self-help practice and I often give this type of guidance to my clients, as it can extend the beneﬁts they experience between their sessions. Reﬂexology is most commonly practiced on the feet but work to the hands is just as effective as they have all the same reﬂex points.Referring to the areas marked in the photo, it’s easy to give yourself a mini reﬂexology treatment if you are experiencing cold and ﬂu-like symptoms. Spend a few moments working the reﬂexes on each hand and repeat as often as you can throughout the day.Diaphragm – work along the line just below the knuckle bones. Use the thumb in a caterpillar walking motion.Lung – deep rotations across the area using the thumb or knuckle of the index ﬁnger.Sinuses - grip each ﬁnger and work along it pressing into the reﬂex as marked.Head – pinch each ﬁngertip and rotate over the area with the thumb.Throat – thumb-walking method as used for the diaphragm. You can also rotate into the reﬂex using the thumb or ﬁngers.Nose – the reﬂex is located below the thumbnail. Press and rotate.I have made a number of guided self-help videos using hand reﬂexology techniques. They include sequences for insomnia and poor sleep, the immune system, hayfever and allergies and stress and anxiety. The videos are available to view for free on my website, www.JanJohnsonReﬂexology.co.uk/information.Jan Johnson Reﬂexology

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20 20Congleton’s heritage...ROUGH rides? True for both mail and rail industries recently. Once, these essential services were very much intertwined - and quite curiously. On this moving theme then, let’s time-travel to the Congleton of exactly two hundred years ago. It’s 1822-23. How did locals fare?No trains yet. Instead, stagecoaches rule the rutted roads. Inter-city transportation of choice since mid-17th century, these horse-drawn carriages could only manage trips in 10 to 15 mile ‘stages’, hence the name. But often they acquired wonderful titles too. Congleton has a memorable selection.High on Swan Bank and run by a P. Acton is the Lion and Swan Inn. It’s a useful coach interchange. Passengers, at least a small number, can use ofﬁcial Royal Mail coaches to either London, Birmingham, Manchester or Liverpool. Take note of collection times for letters - or spare seats. A daunting round-the-clock schedule operates! The London Mail departs every night at 12:30. For Birmingham it is each morning at an unappealing 4. Post for Manchester leaves at 4pm. Liverpool is 6pm daily (passengers board at 6:30pm). Supervising all this busy-ness is Post Master Samuel Sherratt.Still from the Lion and Swan another Birmingham service runs every morning at 9 a.m. And further locations are offered. From the Bull’s Head Inn on Mill Street (Miss F. Hancock in charge) the poetically named ‘Eclipse’ leaves for Manchester every day at 1pm. Also on Mill Street, with James Stovey as manager, is the Coach and Horses public house. The stately-sounding, ‘Cobourg’ departs here for London via Newcastle every day at 6pm, and Manchester via Macclesﬁeld at 3.30 every afternoon. Bumpy, crammed, cold, and weather-beaten journeys may be, but it’s a popular (well, commonplace) mode of transport. Notoriously, occupants need to try and shift position, if only to get bruised in a different place!One welcome improvement earlier had been the establishment of turnpike trusts. Prior to this happening in the late 18th century conditions had been far worse - and slower. In 1657 the 180-mile journey from London to Chester took a six days. Unimaginable now. Tolls charged for access to turnpike roads enabled not just more usable surfaces but also their upkeep. As coaching inns sprang up with their conveniences of refreshment and overnight accommodation, life got a lot better for the travelling public.Yet even with constant modiﬁcations the age of the stage will soon give way to railways - and smoother rides. Re-imagining those taverns behind the stagecoach stops though, where they remain, adds a dash of ‘inn-trigue’ to local history-hunting.Julie Elizabeth Smalley

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24Congleton Town Council... Lots to Look Forward to in Congleton 2023! After a year of activities based around Congleton’s 750 Charter anniversary, Congleton Town Council is delighted to say that there are lots of activities being planned for your enjoyment in 2023! Below is a guide to community events that we think you won’t want to miss! As more events are made known to the Town Council they are being added to the Discover Congleton events guide at www.congleton-tc.gov.uk. They will also be listed in a love Congleton 2023 leaﬂet due out in the Spring.FEBRUARY MARCH12th – Boalloy 10k Bypass run, Wolstenholme Elmy Way, Boalloy 26th – Mayor’s Strictly High Tea, Congleton Town Hall - £20 ticket10th-12th Congleton Unplugged – music gigs in venues across the town Congleton Live 28th - Health and Wellbeing Fayre, Congleton Town Hall – Congleton Partnership APRIL MAY JUNE4th Easter Treats Day – Congleton Town Centre – Congleton Town Council 3rd– 17th Easter Hop around the Shops Easter trail – Congleton Town Council 4th – Elections for Town and Cheshire East Councils 8th – King Charles III Coronation Picnic in the Park –Congleton Town Council TBC - Annual Town Meeting Paddling Pool opens for the summer season11th – Congleton Food and Drink Festival – Free – Congleton Community Projects TBC – Congleton Triathlon JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER6th - 7th @Astonbury, Glebe Farm22nd Congleton Pride Day and Evening - Congleton Pride15th – Congleton Play Day – Town Centre – Congleton Community Projects 26th-27th - Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival – Congleton Live 30th – Congleton Green Fayre – Town CentreOCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER1st Congleton Half Marathon – Congleton Harriers 21st-29th – Halloween Trails – Congleton Town Centre - Congleton Town Council 4th – Congleton Bonﬁre and Fireworks – Congleton Rotary 12th Remembrance Sunday – Town Centre Congleton Town Council and RBL 24th – Congleton Christmas Lights Switch-on Congleton Tree of LightStreet Entertainment There are lots of regular events in Congleton – including:• Makers Market in the Town Centre on the last Saturday of the month• Retail Market every Tuesday and Saturday • Congleton Repair Café in the Old Saw Mill on the last Saturday of the month • Congleton Museum lead walks on the ﬁrst Sunday of the month (from **)• Films, plays, musicals and concerts at Daneside Theatre• Tree Planting sessions – lots of days up until the end of March • Green campaigns and activities throughout the year – see Congleton Green If you know of more events that should be added to the Congleton What’s On Calendar please contact info@congleton-tc.gov.uk Scan the QR code for Congleton Cares leaﬂet with regular activities.Scan the QR code for regular Young at Heart Activities.For The Young At HeartContact usTown Hall, High Street, Congleton CW12 1BN01260 270 350www.congleton-tc.gov.uk info@congleton-tc.gov.uk Congletontowncouncil

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25Congleton Town Council... Lots to Look Forward to in Congleton 2023! After a year of activities based around Congleton’s 750 Charter anniversary, Congleton Town Council is delighted to say that there are lots of activities being planned for your enjoyment in 2023! Below is a guide to community events that we think you won’t want to miss! As more events are made known to the Town Council they are being added to the Discover Congleton events guide at www.congleton-tc.gov.uk. They will also be listed in a love Congleton 2023 leaﬂet due out in the Spring.FEBRUARY MARCH12th – Boalloy 10k Bypass run, Wolstenholme Elmy Way, Boalloy 26th – Mayor’s Strictly High Tea, Congleton Town Hall - £20 ticket10th-12th Congleton Unplugged – music gigs in venues across the town Congleton Live 28th - Health and Wellbeing Fayre, Congleton Town Hall – Congleton Partnership APRIL MAY JUNE4th Easter Treats Day – Congleton Town Centre – Congleton Town Council 3rd– 17th Easter Hop around the Shops Easter trail – Congleton Town Council 4th – Elections for Town and Cheshire East Councils 8th – King Charles III Coronation Picnic in the Park –Congleton Town Council TBC - Annual Town Meeting Paddling Pool opens for the summer season11th – Congleton Food and Drink Festival – Free – Congleton Community Projects TBC – Congleton Triathlon JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER6th - 7th @Astonbury, Glebe Farm22nd Congleton Pride Day and Evening - Congleton Pride15th – Congleton Play Day – Town Centre – Congleton Community Projects 26th-27th - Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival – Congleton Live 30th – Congleton Green Fayre – Town CentreOCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER1st Congleton Half Marathon – Congleton Harriers 21st-29th – Halloween Trails – Congleton Town Centre - Congleton Town Council 4th – Congleton Bonﬁre and Fireworks – Congleton Rotary 12th Remembrance Sunday – Town Centre Congleton Town Council and RBL 24th – Congleton Christmas Lights Switch-on Congleton Tree of LightStreet Entertainment There are lots of regular events in Congleton – including:• Makers Market in the Town Centre on the last Saturday of the month• Retail Market every Tuesday and Saturday • Congleton Repair Café in the Old Saw Mill on the last Saturday of the month • Congleton Museum lead walks on the ﬁrst Sunday of the month (from **)• Films, plays, musicals and concerts at Daneside Theatre• Tree Planting sessions – lots of days up until the end of March • Green campaigns and activities throughout the year – see Congleton Green If you know of more events that should be added to the Congleton What’s On Calendar please contact info@congleton-tc.gov.uk Scan the QR code for Congleton Cares leaﬂet with regular activities.Scan the QR code for regular Young at Heart Activities.For The Young At HeartContact usTown Hall, High Street, Congleton CW12 1BN01260 270 350www.congleton-tc.gov.uk info@congleton-tc.gov.uk Congletontowncouncil

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27MADE TO MEASURE SHEDSBirchenough’s Garden Sheds01625 576 51007496 948 153www.birchenoughsheds.co.uk birchenoughgardenshedsbirchenoughgardensheds@gmail.comTogetherCrossroadsctSupport Worker Vacancies Cheshire East£10.15 - £13.54 per hourCall: 01260 583019Email: jobs@crossroadstogether.org.ukApply Online: www.crossroadstogether.org.uk/vacanciesCrossroads Care Cheshire, Manchester and Merseyside Limited trading as Crossroads Together. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 3554493. Registered Oice: Overton House, West Street, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1JY. Registered Charity No 1075268. Regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Patron: Fiona Bruce MPCrossroads Together are a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting people with care needs and their unpaid carers.We currently have a number of vacancies across Cheshire East including Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Goostrey and Macclesfield. No previous experience is necessary as training will be given. A full UK driving license and access to your own car is essential. We’d love to hear from you!Tuesdays 11am & 12pm at The Chappell CentreLeek Road CW12 3HXRestorative sessions to upliing music!Everyone welcome!Fridays 11am at Nelson SuiteTrinity Church, Wagg St. CW12 4BA

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28I’ve had cause to reﬂect on loss recently after losing a close member of our family and this short, easy practice has helped me bear the grief of loss more easily, so I hope that this may help others who may be having to deal with loss in their lives at the moment. Begin by taking a few moments to let yourself be grounded and open.Sit comfortably and easy with your eyes open or looking downwards with a soft gaze.If it is easier for you to block visual distractions, gently close your eyes.Then, imagine yourself in the centre of a circle made up of the most loving beings you’ve ever met.Imagine that you’re encircled by people who love you deeply and unconditionally.There may be some people in your circle who you know well. Or people you’ve never met, but who have inspired you.Maybe they exist now, or they’ve existed historically, or even mythically.Receive the love of those who love you.Feel your heart receiving the energy, attention, care, and regard of all of these beings in your circle of love.Silently repeat phrases of loving-kindness that express what you most wish for yourself, not just for today but in an enduring way.For example: May I be safe, happy, and healthy. May I live with ease of heart. Notice how you feel when you receive love.All kinds of different emotions may arise.You may feel gratitude and awe, or you might feel uncertain or nervous.Whatever emotion may arise, just let it wash through you.Your touchstone and anchor are the those phrases of loving kindness:May I be safe, happy, and healthy. May I live with ease of heart, or whatever phrases you’ve chosen.Open yourself up to receiving love.Imagine that your skin is porous and this warm, loving energy is coming in. There’s nothing special that you need to do to deserve this kind of acknowledgment or care.It’s available to you simply because you exist.Send loving care to the people in your circle.Allow loving-kindness and compassion and care to ﬂow right back out to the circle and then toward all beings everywhere, so that what you receive, you transform into giving.These qualities can become part of you, and part of what you express and return to the world.When you feel ready, you can lift your gaze to end the meditation.Mike HollandMind Being YouLet compassion open your heart...

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WILL WRITING • WILL TRUSTS • ASSETS TRUSTPOWER OF ATTORNEY • INHERITANCE TAX PLANNINGTelephone 01270 667 912 or visit www.sanctuarytts.comSanctuary Tax & Trust Services Ltd, 41 Lawton Road, Alsager ST7 2AAAs the cost-of-living spirals and more of our children struggle to get a footing on the property ladder it is now more important than every to plan our family’s inheritance. The team at Sanctuary Tax & Trust explain how many families nd themselves victims of avoidable losses and why simply writing a will does not guarantee our family will inherit as we wish.For the vast majority of people, we spend all our lives working to build up wealth, through property, savings and pensions we look at providing nancial security for our families and when our nal day arrives, we hope these assets will pass to the people we care about the most, partners, children, relatives and friends. Traditionally, people have chosen wills to document their wishes and while writing a will is important, it does not provide any protection for the assets within it.Considerations when planning InheritanceCare Fees – As we live longer the likelihood of needing care becomes greater and under the government’s changes to the social care act should the need for care arise, we could see our asset taken down to just £14,250. The new assessment process will see everybody with property and savings over a combined value of £23,250 being required to pay for their care.Relationship Failure – When passing assets purely through a will we see many leaving their assets to their children but not giving consideration to what would happen if one of their children was to divorce. This can lead to a child seeing half of their inheritance in the hands of an ex-partner and in the event of early bereavement this can lead to grandchildren being disinherited.Inheritance Tax – The current IHT framework can be complex and unknowingly people can leave their children and even grandchildren with an Inheritance tax issue.Probate – The cost of probate as risen dramatically over the last few years, and it can be a lengthy and drawn-out process. On average, with a valid Will, probate will typically take 6 – 12 months to complete, without a Will it may can take up to 2 years.Its Never the Wrong Time To Do The Right Thing – While people appreciate that inheritance planning is important many will delay seeking the correct advice. By putting o arranging our aairs we run the risk of running out of time, or in the event o illness, seeing our options dramatically reduced.Why Sanctuary Tax & Trust Services? With over 20 years of experience in Estate and Inheritance planning we have helped families in the area protect their assets and plan their inheritance in the most cost-eective way. While the individual family’s circumstance may vary, the one constant is that each family aims to provide the maximum amount of inheritance possible without the stress of complexed legal jargon.

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32Katy meets... Bach95IMAGINE if there was a lager that was low calorie, tasted great and the company producing it was local and happened to be professional rugby players… You might think you have stepped into a parallel universe where everything is nearly perfect. Well, you haven’t, the lager does exist, and it is called Bach 95.I met up with one of the owners, Tom Holmes, in his ofﬁce above Stephenson Browne in Sandbach town centre for an interview for our podcast series. Tom is very tall and needed to be as Second Row for many clubs, including Sale Sharks. He has now retired, but one of his business partners, Will Cliff, is still on the team, and his other partner,Jesse Coulson, is an ex-international player. Tom is Sandbach born and bred, he went to the boys’ school and started playing rugby from an early age. He then progressed to playing professionally, although like many players he has been hit with injuries over the years. He is now resting his knees and divides his time between coaching and working full time within the business.The beer came about at a BBQ one sunny afternoon. Will and Tom were discussing the issues around weight gain when you are a professional sportsperson and how they had to balance this with enjoying a relaxing beer at the weekend. The answer came at them like a power play: design a beer that tastes great and is low in calories! The aim was to make it less than 95 calories, hence the name ‘Bach’ as in Sandbach, and 95. The 9 and 5 also have a rugby connection as 9 was Jesse’s shirt number and 5 was Tom’s.The idea quickly grew into a reality as they did their research and worked with a brewer to ﬁnd the perfect recipe. Tom describes brewers as magical scientists as they found a way to keep a fantastic taste, using the same recipes as well known lagers, but by using some extra heat they can reduce the sugar. The ﬁnal result is a vegan, gluten-free lager with a 4.2% ABV.Since launching the beer, the feedback has been phenomenal, nationally and locally, with many of the bars and restaurants in Sandbach stocking the drink. The key question was would the consumer like it? The answer comes in the way of repeat customers, as so far the bars have been reordering due to demand, and as a result the team now produce the beer in kegs as well as cans. They also offer a subscription service directly through their website so you can enjoy the product at home. I ask Tom what the future plans are. He tells me they have recently launched a 0% alcohol version of the beer and they want to grow internationally through export along with getting the beer into more venues across the UK. He adds that the support they have had from Cheshire businesses like Franklyn Financial Management and Stephenson Browne estate agents has been overwhelming and he will be forever grateful. As our podcast interview comes to an end and Tom’s 6ft 4” frame towers above me, we shake hands and say goodbye, and we promise to meet up soon to toast his success with a lovely cool pint of Bach 95.KatyTo hear more of my chat with Tom, scan the QR code or search for Arch Publications online to listen to our podcast

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Now Recruing Community Support Workersin CongletonKICK STARTYOUR CAREER INCAREablewellWhy join us?We are a trusted local care provider employing aspiring people to help shape the future of care. We oer many benets including: Basic pay £10.40Weekends £11.40Average annual earnings for full me sta are £23,500We would love to support you on your career journey! Get in touch today to say hello or nd out more by vising...ablewellAre you living with dementia?Find the Care and Support you needOur mission...Is to enable people to stay in their own home, safely and independently for as long as possible. We do this through visits delivered by our local, skilled team, who can support with:Tailored acvies to smulate the mind, and encourage meaningful meRespite sits to oer a break to unpaid Carer’s & family membersHome and environment assessment and advice to promote comfort & safety, and help manage changing perceponsSupport and Networking groups, to give unpaid Carer’s and family members the opportunity to learn, and meet other people in a similar situaonAbleminds provides services specically for those living with the eects of demena. This includes the person with symptoms/diagnosis, as well as those around them.We provide full consultaon and assessment, before building a Support Plan and care arrangement plan to meet your needs. For more informaon, contact our friendly team:referrals@ablewellcare.com01625 669854Personal CareMedicaonMeal PreparaonDomesc SupportablemindsMaking time meaningful. Motivating the mind.Advice & Support with forms and applicaons, e.g. Aendance Allowance, Blue Badge.

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36New Year MOT & TLCIT’S a brand new year! How are you feeling? Fabulous? Full of zest for life and raring to go? Or, quite the opposite - tired, lethargic, and pining for some quality downtime. Maybe you have succumbed to that awful condition ‘The Lurgy’ which has certainly been doing the rounds in of late. Perhaps, you’re just feeling a little below par, generally sluggish and in need of some TLC and a healthy MOT to restore your ‘joi de vivre’.Nature is excellent at preserving herself during the winter months and conserving her energy until spring arrives. These days we seem as a species so far removed from nature and her seasonal cycles. Our busy existence has us going against the grain day in, day out and way too often, we burn the candle at both ends at a time of year when we could hugely beneﬁt from taking things more slowly and resting. Hibernating even. We are not separate from nature we are part of it.Could ‘New Year’ be considered more a time to reﬂect, review and to Implement ‘gentle’ change whilst nurturing yourself. Let plans and ideas evolve for the year ahead without pressure to action. Utilise your reduced energy wisely. Nourish and replenish a sluggish body and a weary soul. Build resilience. Winter wisely during the dark so you can bloom into spring fully restored and renewed.BUILD RESILIENCE – Your body will always do its best for you in any given circumstance. Frequent illness and infections, digestive complaints, fatigue, auto immune issues are all signs that may indicate a struggling immune system. At some point in our lives we all experience low immunity. Whilst medications can help in certain circumstances, there are many other ways in which we can support our immunity and bolster our defences to invasion from unwanted organisms.EAT WELL – Take time to consider how you fuel your body. The type of foods we choose to eat and the quality of food certainly has an impact on health and wellbeing. Our body requires the right balance and a variety of health giving nutrients to ensure it can function optimally. Be aware of artiﬁcial ingredients and preservatives and limit processed foods to a bare minimum. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake. Fresh, seasonal and organic fruit and vegetables, grass fed meat or good quality vegetable proteins are a good starting point. Minimise sugary foods laden with salt and harmful fats.SUPPLEMENT SUPPORT – At this time of year certain nutrients have been shown to be beneﬁcial for immune health and building resilience. Vitamins D, C and the minerals zinc and selenium are certainly important ones to consider. There are also numerous remedies, supported by scientiﬁc research, that offer Immune support. Echinacea, elderberry, olive leaf, reishi mushroom, friendly gut bacteria and beta glucans are just a few examples.GENTLE EXERCISE –Gentle, moderate exercise is ideal during the winter months. Too much exercise has been shown to have a detrimental effect on Immunity. Walking, Yoga and Qiqong are worthy of consideration. If you’re new to exercise start slowly and build up over time. Let progress be gradual.As you get stronger increase intensity and frequency. Find the exercise that’s right for you and most importantly – Enjoy it.REST – Sleep well, make the most of the dark winter hours. Turn off electrical devices at night and remove from where you sleep. Take time to wind down and rest. Put yourself on ‘PAUSE’ and let your mind unwind, rest and wander. Quiet contemplation allows us to think better and creates space for creativity to emerge.Slowing down during Winter is not lazy and you are not ﬂawed. It is an investment in you, your health and wellbeing.MelBare Health“Nature is simply pulling you to slow, like the life, ﬂora and fauna around you. It is not your moment to rise. It is winter, you are wintering. And you are right on time” Donna Ashworth

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38Man about town...THIS month I have some alarming news to share with you. Congleton has been infested by ruthless predator. This sinister meat eater is more vicious than a starving Polar Bear, as pitiless as a Great White shark is more cunning than a Grey Wolf. But this carnivorous pest is more akin to a Venus Fly Trap. And it is stealthily spreading across our tranquil and peaceful little town.What could possibly present such horror and yet go unnoticed? I’m talking about the blood thirsty, ﬁnger munching mantraps that masquerade as letter boxes on newer homes.Let me give you some background. I’ve been helping some friends deliver thousands of leaﬂets across Congleton over the past few weeks. At an average of six miles a day on Shanks’s Pony it’s helped me shed quite a few of the pounds I got for Christmas. But that’s where the good news comes to a shuddering halt.I expected it to be a casual stroll around Congleton with a couple of mates, chewing the cud whilst shoving postcards through the letter boxes of the townsfolk. I mean, how hard could it be? Well, after just a few dozen drops my opinion had gone in to rapid reverse.I’m now the biggest fan of our local posties. As you’ll see from the photo my scarred and gnarled right hand bears witness to the injuries inﬂicted by the snap dragons lurking in plain sight and clearly visible on almost everyone’s home.Older homes - and I’m only going back twenty years or more - have much more gentle letter boxes. The older the home the more friendly the ﬂap. Really mature houses have a simple mechanism. You push the letter past an easily lifted lapel and the job is done. Even the spring loaded variety are unlikely inﬂict injury. However, more recent versions with their external and internal ﬂaps and draught excluders are a different and much hungrier beast altogether. And they are bad for the letters as well as the recipient. Being far harder to penetrate with the post they result in mangled and crushed letters while the lids close with such relish it is clear the inventor has a blood lust. At the most modern of homes the boxes open so narrowly it is a double whammy for the digits. Fingers get scraped and chewed on the way in and the way out.I won’t name and shame the worst offenders other than to repeat that the more modern the home the more monstrous the letter box. But I will give special mention to Melton Drive in West Heath where the householders have some of the least cruel letter boxes. May I offer my sincerest thanks to you all!Clearly, keeping our homes warm and efﬁcient is a priority for people as well as the environment. So, I don’t expect anything to change. But if you hear a yelp or an under-breath swear word as someone’s delivering post to you home you might spare them a soupçon of pity. It bloomin’ hurts.Mark Edwardson

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40Katy meets... Chicco’sLET’S be honest, cleaning a dog’s teeth isn’t top priority for every owner, but everyone can relate to how horriﬁc a dog’s breath can get. I say this as an owner of two furry members of the family. I have tried chasing them round the house with a toothbrush, using chews but this has caused weight issues with one of our dogs and then thought the only other option was a trip to the vets. So is there an alternative?It turns out there is; and after speaking to Jayne from Chicco’s Canine Design on Biddulph High Street, we’ve already booked in Jake & Teddy for their ﬁrst clean. Chicco’s use ultrasonic teeth cleaning, which is an effective way of maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene, in as little at 20 minutes your dog’s teeth can be just like new! Jayne explained to me the process and beneﬁts.A dog’s dental hygiene is now considered just as important as their physical health. Without regular teeth cleaning to keep tartar at bay, it becomes plaque. A large plaque build up can put pressure on the gum line, raising it up and away from the tooth. This gap can allow bacteria in, leading to gum disease, gingivitis or periodontal disease. When left unchecked this may result in continual pain for the dog (especially while eating), ear infections, severe bad breath, ulcers and ultimately, teeth removal.Despite all of this, did you know that most pet insurers won’t pay out for veterinary dental work (starting out at around £200) and that vets will only clean a dog’s teeth while they’re under anaesthetic? This isn’t great for your dogs or your wallets.We use the emmi-pet ultrasonic tooth brush where there’s no scrubbing, noise or vibration and no need to put your dog under anaesthetic, meaning it’s great for all dogs, especially the elderly or nervous. The emmi-pet unique brush head contains a chip that emits ultrasound when the bristles are introduced to water. Used in conjunction with a specially formulated toothpaste, millions of microscopic nano bubbles are continually created and continually implode. This creates a suction effect which kills germs, bacteria, plaque and tartar (the main cause of bad breath and gum disease). The nano bubbles also penetrate under any plaque and tartar which helps to lift it away from the tooth. This then allows it to be gently removed without damaging the enamel.The Advantages of Teeth Cleaning for your Dog include:• Fast and highly efﬁcient, antibacterial deep cleaning• Tooth cleaning and tartar removal without anaesthetic risk• New plaque and tartar formation is prevented• Cleans without movement, vibration or noise – a beneﬁt for sensitive teeth and gums• Cleans where bristles cannot reach (e.g gum pockets, interdental spaces, deep ﬁssures)• Improves blood circulation and lymph ﬂow• Reduces and prevents unpleasant mouth odours and caries (decay or crumbling of a tooth or bone)• Whiter teeth• No harmful side effectsWe carry out an initial consultation along with the ﬁrst session of ultrasonic teeth cleaning and advise of any follow up appointments. For dogs with teeth in a bad condition, we may recommend further treatments every 2-4 weeks to fully remove the plaque. When this point is reached and the teeth are like new, regular maintenance sessions should take place every 3 months. Katy

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42Delivered FreeGo LocalMiddlewichYour magazine for our communityPlatinum Jubilee Edition, June 2022Open 7 days a week • 10am til 4pm • Congleton Road, Arclid, Sandbach CW11 2UJ New Cheshire potatoes now in stock!• Hanging baskets • Recycle your hanging baskets with our refill service • We have a wide selection of homegrown herbaceous perennials• Patio & bedding plants • Wide range of fruit & vegetables• Garden sundries • Fertilisers • Bathgate Composts • Plants • Sprays• Bird seeds • Mr Fothergill’s Seeds• Mrs Darlington’s Award Winning Jams, Curds, Pickles & Chutneys & much more!Click & Collect orders can be placed by calling Brian 07713 209082 Linking Business & Community in CongletonJune 2022Beartown VoiceDelivered Free Let’s celebrate...with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee & Congleton’s 750 Celebrations there’s plenty to celebrate in 2022THE VILLAGES MAGLinking local business & communitySouvenir Edition, June 2022Holmes Chapel • Brereton • Cranage • Goostrey • AllostockHOLMES CHAPEL CELEBRATES2 - 5 JUNE 2022Holmes Chapel Partnership & Holmes Chapel Parish Councilis area will be lled with cover image, not to be included in your design.Discover HypnotherapyVery simply, Hypnotherapy is a therapy that uses Hypnosis to induce a deep state of relaxation during which our unconscious mind is highly receptive to new perspectives, and ideas.Meet Mike HollandClinical Hypnotherapist, Accredited Trainer & Master Practitioner of NLP,Advanced Practitioner of EFT. TNLP, Dip.C.Hyp., GQHP, EFT ADV.Congleton Complementary& Alternative Medical Centre9 West Street, Congleton, CW12 1JN01625 363049 / 07446 005472mike@mindbeingyou.co.ukwww.mindbeingyou.co.ukPLAN AHEAD, LOOK AFTER YOURSELF & BE PREPAREDLearn techniques through Mindfulness & Hypnotherapy to cope with whatever crosses your path in life or career.Linking Business & Community in CongletonJuly 2022Beartown VoiceDelivered Free Summers here...Ayres Health share tips on how to look after your feet in summer & Mark takes a stroll to the edge!Congleton’s 750 Celebrationscontinue, make sure you stay up to date...Halton Farms Flirty, her little boy and adopted baby girl2828AUGUSTAUGUST20222022GET YOUR TICKETS NOW...GET YOUR TICKETS NOW...SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISITSCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT FIESTAONTHEFIELD FIESTAONTHEFIELDGO LOCAL IS GO LOCAL IS PROUD TO BE PROUD TO BE A SPONSORA SPONSORON THE FIELDGATES OPEN 2.30PM, GATES OPEN 2.30PM, LAST ENTRY 5.OOPMLAST ENTRY 5.OOPMTHE THE KILLERSKILLERSTRIBUTE: THE RUNAWAY KILLERSKINGS OF KINGS OF LEONLEONTRIBUTE: THE KINGS OF LEIGHONFOO FOO FIGHTERSFIGHTERSTRIBUTE: FU FIGHTERSMUDDY MUDDY ELEPHANTELEPHANTJACK JACK LYO N SLYO NSHANGMAN'SHANGMAN'SHOWLHOWLEARLYBIRD EARLYBIRD SALE ENDS SALE ENDS JULY 28JULY 28SCAN FOR SCAN FOR TICKETSTICKETSTHE VILLAGES MAGLinking local business & communityJuly 2022Holmes Chapel • Brereton • Cranage • Goostrey • AllostockCHECKOUT THE BACK COVERis area will be lled with cover image, not to be included in your design.3 Duke Street, Congleton CW12 1AP (Next to Greggs)www.congletonhearingcentre.co.uk MON-SAT 9AM - 5PMAPPOINTMENTS IN OUR TOWN CENTRE SHOP OR IN YOUR HOMEProudly supplying, repairing & servicing every type of hearing aid since 2007 in Congleton, Biddulph, Knypersley, Alsager, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach & all surrounding areas.YOUR HEARING NEEDN’T SUFFER ANY LONGERFree lifetime after-care on all hearing aidsPensioner DiscountsWax Removal £30 per ear, no charge for hearing aid customers (in shop only)“We are the only approved Audibel Hearing company in the area”Linking Business & Community in CongletonAugust/September 2022Beartown VoiceDelivered Free Let the sunshine in...Bare Health shares how to enjoy the sun safely, Jan Johnson introduces us to Hygge & local Jewellery designer Fenella Baskerville tells how nature can inspire designs.middlewich royal british legion middlewich royal british legion 30+ BEERS, GINS & CIDERS LIVE MUSIC30+ BEERS, GINS & CIDERS LIVE MUSICSESSION 2SESSION 2SAT 29TH SAT 29TH 12PM TIL 4PM12PM TIL 4PMSESSION 3SESSION 3SAT 29TH SAT 29TH 6PM TIL LATE6PM TIL LATE£12 ENTRY£12 ENTRYSESSION 1SESSION 1FRI 28TH FRI 28TH 6PM TIL LATE6PM TIL LATE£8 ENTRY£8 ENTRYNORTHWICH UKE CLUB & CHRISTiE£12 ENTRY£12 ENTRY'LAST CALL'PARTY BAND30+30+BEERS, BEERS, GINS & GINS & CIDERSCIDERS'ROBBIE TO THE MAXX'ROBBIE WILLIAMS TRIBUTE ACTall profits go to the poppy appeal all profits go to the poppy appeal & local causes& local causesMIDDLEWICH & DISTRICT ROUND TABLE PRESENTS MIDDLEWICH & DISTRICT ROUND TABLE PRESENTS TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW...SCAN THE QR CODE, AT THE BRITISH LEGION CLUB OR FROM /MIDDBEERFEST'ROBBIE TO THE MAXX', 'LAST CALL' PLUS NORTHWICH UKE CLUB & CHRISTiEtickets available now... scan the qr code tickets available now... scan the qr code or from /middbeerfest or from /middbeerfest MIDDLEWICHMIDDLEWICH BEER & CIDERBEER & CIDERFESTIVAL 2022FESTIVAL 2022FRI 28TH & SAT 29TH OCTFRI 28TH & SAT 29TH OCTMIDDLEWICHMIDDLEWICH BEER & CIDERBEER & CIDERFESTIVAL 2022FESTIVAL 2022FRI 28TH & SAT 29TH OCTFRI 28TH & SAT 29TH OCT£3£3ONLYONLYPER PER PINTPINTDelivered FreeGo LocalMiddlewichYour magazine for our communityOctober 2022BOX OFFICE 01260 224 514 www.clonter.org CLONTER OPERA THEATRE Registered Charity Number 1083903Sat 29th October, 3pmEnsemble 360Holmes Chapel Music @ Clonter presents THE VILLAGES MAGLinking local business & communityOctober 2022Holmes Chapel • Brereton • Cranage • Goostrey • AllostockLinking Business & Community in CongletonNovember 2022Beartown VoiceDelivered Free November, the month of change...Nature signals this change with bursts of colour, it’s a beautiful time to be outside.In this edition Jan discusses anxiety, with tips to help you understand the feelings change can bring and Mel continues her power of plants series with mushrooms! Congleton Town Council share a full calendar of events to look forward to. Delivered Free to 9,000 Homes & BusinessesGo LocalSandbachLinking business & community in SandbachDecember 2022 & January 2023Our network of local magazines can help you reach new audiences and market your business more eectively.Whatsapp Chat... scan the QR code to startCall... 01477 518 252 Email... bookings@archpublications.comwww.archpublications.com

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46Ready referenceAccountingBruce Marshall & Co 31ArchitectBP Architecture 9Wild Goose Architecture 17Blinds, Curtains & Soft FurnishingsBaillies Blinds 8Buildings, Maintenance & DevelopmentDavies and Daughter 17Mercury Roof Conversions 39Prestige Rooﬁng Cheshire 47Business ServicesSC Digital 43Decorators & Interior DesignBryan Turner 21J. O’Donnell Plastering Services 41Estate Agents & PropertyTimothy A Brown 11EventsClonter 26Congleton Town Council 24, 25Soul Train 23Food & DrinkBach95 21Cow To Cup 30Halton Farms Milk Shake 45RJ & J Moore 21Furniture & Home DecorationsCongleton Furniture Centre 12The Design House 15Garages, Sheds & Garden BuildingsBirchenough’ Garden Sheds 27Garolla 17Labradoors North West 1GardeningKinderton Landscaping 7Mid Cheshire Trees 41Morris & Sons 37Sandbach Mowers & Repairs 22Hair & BeautyAidali Hair Studio 16Health & FitnessAyres Podiatry 30 Bare Health 22Body and Mind 48SCC Pilates 16Jan Johnson Reﬂexology 22Limber for Later Life 27Mind Being You 9Jewellery DesignerBespoke by Baskerville 2Kitchens, Bedrooms & BathroomsKW Kitchens 11M6 Bed Warehouse 19Transform Your Kitchen 5Legal & Financial ServicesBlain Boland & Co. 3DPB Will Writing Services 39Evolve Family Law 33Sanctuary Tax & Trust Services 29Opticians & Hearing AidsCongleton Hearing Centre 16Pest ControlJackson’s Pest Control 22PetsChicco’s Canine Design 8HJ Lea Oakes 8PrintersHarveyboard 30NMC Design+Print 21RecruitmentCrossroads Together 27Hulme Walﬁeld & Somerford Booth Parish Council 37Removal Services & Household ClearanceA Small Man with a big Van 12Savill & Son 13Load and Go 37Residential Accommodation & CareAblewell Care 34Remember to tell our advertisers you found them in Beartown Voice!All adverts are printed in good faith. Whilst all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, the publishers also accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of statements and opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers, for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisements for the contents of the advert the services provided by the advertisers or for any errors or omissions in either the editorials or the advertisement published.Beartown Voice is part of01477 518 252 • beartownvoice.comfor advertising information www.archpublications.com

Beartown Voice - Edition 1 2023

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