Beartown Voice - Edition 5 2023 : simplebooklet.com

4In this editionDays Out & Meals Out review... 8All in a good cause... 12Funeral plans 16Katy meets... A Lench Building Group 20Resting the Mind Meditation 24Congleton’s heritage... 28The importance of stillness... 32AI, friend or foe... 34The secret chef... 36Ready reference 38Beartown Voice TeamContact us...Katy O’Regankaty@archpublications.comDavid Crawforddavid@archpublications.comFor all enquires & bookings 01477 518 252YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT FLOORING RETAILER YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT FLOORING RETAILER ALL DOMESTIC FLOORING & ACCESSORIES CLEARANCE SALECLEARANCE SALECARPET • LAMINATE • VINYL FREE UNDERLAYWITH CLEARANCE CARPETSQUICKSTEP HYDROSEAL &QUICKSTEP HYDROSEAL &WATER RESISTANT WATER RESISTANT LAMINATELAMINATE FROMFROM££1414.99.99SQ,MTSQ,MTEXCLUSIVEEXCLUSIVESERVICESERVICEROB TAYLOR FLOOR FITTERROB TAYLOR FLOOR FITTERSKIRTING BOARDSSKIRTING BOARDSSTAIRS/MATWELLSSTAIRS/MATWELLSMASTERMASTERINSTALLERINSTALLERFITTER SERVICEFITTER SERVICELARGESTLARGESTSTOCKIESTSTOCKIESTLOCALLYLOCALLY16 DELAMERE STREET, WINSFORD CW7 2LSTEL: 01606 668311www.unlimitedcarpetsandﬂ ooring.co.ukDelivered FreeGo LocalMiddlewichYour magazine for our communityJune 2023YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT FLOORING RETAILER YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT FLOORING RETAILER ALL DOMESTIC FLOORING & ACCESSORIES CLEARANCE SALECLEARANCE SALECARPET • LAMINATE • VINYL FREE UNDERLAYWITH CLEARANCE CARPETSQUICKSTEP HYDROSEAL &QUICKSTEP HYDROSEAL &WATER RESISTANT WATER RESISTANT LAMINATELAMINATE FROMFROM££1414.99.99SQ,MTSQ,MTEXCLUSIVEEXCLUSIVESERVICESERVICEROB TAYLOR FLOOR FITTERROB TAYLOR FLOOR FITTERSKIRTING BOARDSSKIRTING BOARDSSTAIRS/MATWELLSSTAIRS/MATWELLSMASTERMASTERINSTALLERINSTALLERFITTER SERVICEFITTER SERVICELARGESTLARGESTSTOCKIESTSTOCKIESTLOCALLYLOCALLY16 DELAMERE STREET, WINSFORD CW7 2LSTEL: 01606 668311www.unlimitedcarpetsandﬂ ooring.co.ukTHE VILLAGES MAGLinking local business & communityJune 2023Holmes Chapel • Brereton • Cranage • Goostrey • AllostockDelivered Free to 9,500 Homes & BusinessesGo LocalSandbachLinking business & community in SandbachJune 2023Beartown Voice is part ofWelcome & Contents01477 518 252 • beartownvoice.comfor advertising information www.archpublications.comKa x Love paper, please recycle after readingJUNE is an incredibly exciting month for us as we have been collaborating with the Town Council on the creation of the new Congleton Town Guide. Working closely with numerous businesses and organisations supporting this project has been an absolute delight. We must extend our appreciation to Jackie and Debbie from the Town Council for their exceptional dedication to developing the content. The Town Guide, a compact A5 publication, provides a comprehensive overview of everything one needs to know about Congleton and highlights why it is a remarkable place to live and work. Keep an eye out for your copy as it will be arriving at your doorstep in the coming weeks!Adding to the excitement, June holds a particular signiﬁcance for me as it marks my birthday. I eagerly anticipate spending pleasant evenings in the company of friends and family, either in the garden or at a cozy beer garden, celebrating another year of cherished memories.Moreover, Cheshire proudly hosts a diverse range of events throughout the month that promise to captivate both locals and visitors alike. Kicking off the festivities is the highly anticipated Cheshire County Show, a true highlight of the region. This spectacular agricultural extravaganza pays homage to Cheshire’s rich farming heritage, featuring captivating displays of livestock, thrilling equestrian competitions, and an array of stalls showcasing locally sourced produce.Cheshire in June offers an enticing assortment of events, ensuring there is something for everyone to relish. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a music lover, or a sports aﬁcionado, the county’s offerings will create lasting memories and an enjoyable experience for all who attend. Make sure to mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that Cheshire has to offer this June.Business InsightsScan to Listen & Subscribearchpublications.com/podcast

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6Innovative graphic design and professional printing that delivers in more ways than one! We can help you stand out from the crowd, while you help to make Cheshire a better place for people with muscular dystrophy. From business stationery to banners, newsletters to annual reports, calendars to website design, children’s books, wedding stationery, and much more, we’ve got you covered. Work with us to support local charity, NeuroMuscular Centre.GraphicDesign+PrintManagementPart of The NeuroMuscular Centrealison-evans@nmcentre.comnmcdesignandprint.com01606 863 464@NMCDesignPrint Pet Food SuperstoreFarm, Smallholder and Pet FeedsCongleton - T: 01260 299 889 Wheelock - T: 01270 753 295 www.shop.hjlea.comA WIDE RANGE OF PET, SMALLHOLDER & FARM FEEDS AVAILABLE!*** FANTASTIC PRICES AVAILABLE TODAY ***Now offeriNg a free LocaL DeLivery Service from our coNgLetoN & wheeLock StoreS!5 Mile Local Delivery - Every FridayFREE Delivery on Orders over £40£4 per delivery on orders under £40£10 Minimum OrderORDER via our website:www.shop.hjlea.com orPHONE 01260 299 889TO PLACE YOUR ORDERS!Our StOreS are OPeN fOr yOu tO cOme iN aNd ShOP Or uSe Our click & cOllect Service fOr OutdOOr / NON-cONtacleSS cOllectiONS!

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Innovative graphic design and professional printing that delivers in more ways than one! We can help you stand out from the crowd, while you help to make Cheshire a better place for people with muscular dystrophy. From business stationery to banners, newsletters to annual reports, calendars to website design, children’s books, wedding stationery, and much more, we’ve got you covered. Work with us to support local charity, NeuroMuscular Centre.GraphicDesign+PrintManagementPart of The NeuroMuscular Centrealison-evans@nmcentre.comnmcdesignandprint.com01606 863 464@NMCDesignPrint Pet Food SuperstoreFarm, Smallholder and Pet FeedsCongleton - T: 01260 299 889 Wheelock - T: 01270 753 295 www.shop.hjlea.comA WIDE RANGE OF PET, SMALLHOLDER & FARM FEEDS AVAILABLE!*** FANTASTIC PRICES AVAILABLE TODAY ***Now offeriNg a free LocaL DeLivery Service from our coNgLetoN & wheeLock StoreS!5 Mile Local Delivery - Every FridayFREE Delivery on Orders over £40£4 per delivery on orders under £40£10 Minimum OrderORDER via our website:www.shop.hjlea.com orPHONE 01260 299 889TO PLACE YOUR ORDERS!Our StOreS are OPeN fOr yOu tO cOme iN aNd ShOP Or uSe Our click & cOllect Service fOr OutdOOr / NON-cONtacleSS cOllectiONS!FROM DESIGNTO BUILDBUILDING & MAINTENANCE Residential Design ServicesNew Builds · ExtensionsLoft & Garage ConversionsLayout AlterationsKitchen & Bathroom Designs30+ Years of Industry ExperienceBuilding Control ApplicationsPlanning Applications3D VisualsTHE LENCH BUILDING GROUP HAVE THE JOURNEY OF YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT COVERED.OUR DESIGN PARTNER.OUR BUILD PARTNER.Barn Conversions · New BuildsBuilding & MaintenanceSmall Works & RenovationsTurn Key Projects · Brick Cleaning01782 785347www.ttlbuilding.comUnit 3, West Avenue, Talke ST7 1NT07990 978873www.wildgoosearchitecture.co.uk

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8Days Out & Meals Out...I travelled to Altrincham for a very special lunch with my daughter. To a very rare 100% gluten free deli and cafe. It was amazing and so worth the 20min drive. As we checked over the cakes on the counter before taking a seat, I showed her the chalk board sign “Everything is Gluten Free”. Her eyes lit up as she took it in. My daughter loved the fact she could order anything on the menu and anything off the counter. It gave her the freedom that being gluten free steals on a daily basis.The menu is great and you can buy things to take home too as it’s also a deli. Breakfast is served all day and includes really interesting items like eggy bread and pancakes. There is a pastry section with a cheese and onion pie or one of their daily special pastries served with chips and baked beans/salad. A whole selection of sandwich ﬁllings which can be in bread, a bagel, toast or as a salad.The Children’s menu is actually amazing too. Giving both hot and cold options. The prices for all items are very reasonable especially the fact that it’s all Gluten free which is always priced higher than “muggle food” which is what some Gluten Free people call normal food for fun.My daughter struggled to choose as there was so much she fancied. Finally she went for Hot Chick Bagel which was overspilling with fresh chicken smothered in a lemon drop chilli mayo. I ordered potato cake stack with ham, cheese and jalapeño. We shared the meals so we could both try each other’s. My daughter really enjoyed the bagel but especially liked the potato cake, so much so, she said she wants to order that next time we visit.For dessert we went to have a look at the cakes again. My daughter chose a slice of chocolate biscuit cake which was a rich mouse with chunks of biscuit in. The owner was really friendly and chatty. Our whole visit was really enjoyable and we would love to visit again soon. If you cant get to Altrincham they offer delivery to Manchester and Cheshire. Open Thursday to Sunday 10am - 4pm. 8, 10 Oxford Rd, Altrincham WA14 2DY Jenny, Days Out and Meals Out Reviews You can ﬁnd more reviews on my Facebook page & Instagram, search ‘Days Out and Meals Out’

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To find out more visit our web sitehttps://www.larvinandclegg.co.ukIf you want to chat about our services please call us on 01260 297963Larvin & Clegg are a family run funeral directors proudly serving Congleton and the surrounding areas. We understand that nobody ever wants the services of an undertaker. As a local Congleton family we want to assure you, that we are here to help you and your family when you need us most. We believe in offering a wide range of funeral choices for both burial and cremation services. Whether you want a traditional or modern send off, a cremation services. Whether you want a traditional or modern send off, a service that reflects at particular religion, creed or belief, or even a celebration of someone’s live, we can can help.Our Antrobus Street funeral home has been created to feel like a home from home, where people can relax and have time to think about what they need from a funeral service, and most of all to show you that our family to show you that our family takes the very greatest of care. If your passing by and want to call in and talk about how we may be able to help you,the kettle is alwaysthe kettle is alwayson. To find out morescan the QR codebelow. To find out more visit our web sitehttps://www.larvinandclegg.co.ukIf you want to chat about our services please call us on 01260 297963Larvin & Clegg are a family run funeral directors proudly serving Congleton and the surrounding areas. We understand that nobody ever wants the services of an undertaker. As a local Congleton family we want to assure you, that we are here to help you and your family when you need us most. We believe in offering a wide range of funeral choices for both burial and cremation services. Whether you want a traditional or modern send off, a cremation services. Whether you want a traditional or modern send off, a service that reflects at particular religion, creed or belief, or even a celebration of someone’s live, we can can help.Our Antrobus Street funeral home has been created to feel like a home from home, where people can relax and have time to think about what they need from a funeral service, and most of all to show you that our family to show you that our family takes the very greatest of care. If your passing by and want to call in and talk about how we may be able to help you,the kettle is alwaysthe kettle is alwayson. To find out morescan the QR codebelow. Web Facebook To find out more visit our web sitehttps://www.larvinandclegg.co.ukIf you want to chat about our services please call us on 01260 297963Larvin & Clegg Funeral Care are a fully independent family run funeral directors proudly serving Congleton, and the surrounding areas. We understand that nobody ever wants the services of an undertaker. But as a local Congleton family we want to assure you, that we are here to help you and your family when you need us most. As a family, we provide compassionate and experienced help at your most difficult time so that everything on the day goes just as you planned.difficult time so that everything on the day goes just as you planned.We can also help you add those little touches to make the funeral service unique to your loved one, whether that means a personalised coffin, special cortege routes, individually chosen music or perhaps costume-themed funerals. We can even live stream funerals. In fact, just about anything you can think of, we never say no!We believe in transparency, and welcome everyone to and welcome everyone to come into our funeral home and to met us in person.We will happily show you behind the scenes. Show you our facilities, and answerall of your questions. If you want to find outIf you want to find outmore, follow the linksshown below.

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10NURSERIESOpen 7 days a week, 10am til 4pmCongleton Road, Arclid, Sandbach CW11 2UJ Spark Lane Nurseries new phone number 01477 500455 Now open at Sparks LaneRose & Bluebell - Selling beautiful silk flowers.Hanging baskets & recycle your hanging baskets with our refill service We have a wide selection of homegrown herbaceous perennialsPatio & bedding plants • Wide range of fruit & vegetablesGarden sundries • Fertilisers • Bategate compostsPlants • Sprays • Bird seeds • Raspberry canesSoft fruit bushes • Mrs Darlington’s Award Winningams, Curds, Pickles & Chutneys and much more!• A full programme of Mindfulness Meditation Teaching programmes.• Training courses designed to help new entrepreneurs set up• and succeed in a new business.• A full suite of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) courses for individuals and businesses.• The opportunity to train in a new career as a Hypnotherapist.• Business Strategy Health Checks & improvement programmes for local businesses.• Becoming a specialist space and hub for personal growth and development for individuals and businesses alike.CONTACT MIKE FOR MORE INFORMATIONCongleton Complementary & Alternative Medical Centre9 West Street, Congleton, CW12 1JN01625 363049 / 07446 005472mike@mindbeingyou.co.uk www.mindbeingyou.co.ukMIND BEING YOU IS EXPANDING...We 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:10

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1212All in a good cause...bursting with ﬂora and fauna, other legs took us through woodland, across farmland full of new born lambs and around estuaries. Back on the coast, we were almost fooled that we were abroad – ‘warm sunshine, blue skies, crystal blue bays, white sandy beaches, and a ‘hazy’ Snowdonia on the distant mainland. Towards the north of the island the landscape became more rugged, wild and remote. The landscape ever changing. With so much to see and take in, the beauty of the island and its abundant wildlife was indeed a welcome distraction, taking the focus off the many miles being trodden daily. Some days the walking was easier with very little in the way of ascent, on others it was constant up hill and down dale with the phrase ‘are we nearly there yet’ coming to mind. We didn’t need to refer to the guide book to ascertain how far we’d covered as the sore feet and aching limbs were a ﬁne indicator, not forgetting the odd blister – thank goodness for blister balm! On particularly long days it was a relief to see our destination appear on the distant headland knowing that recovery and refuel time was ‘just around the corner’, not forgetting a good night’s sleep before heading out early again next morn.The highlights of our adventure certainly overshadowed any difﬁcult days. My glee at seeing porpoise swimming in the sea off Point Lynas was one of many memorable moments as was family and friends arriving to join us on route for a leg or two. Being chased by a herd of cows – well that’s another story and bitterly cold nights camping, not so enjoyable, but these only added to an unforgettable experience. The greatest highlight of all? People’s kindness and generosity. To all who very kindly donated, sent messages of encouragement and support or stopped to chat along the way, thank you. We hit our £2000 target whilst on the walk. In fact, we smashed it and the total now stands at just over £4000 including gift aid. This will make such a huge difference. Would we do it all again? In a heartbeat. Mel, Bare HealthIT’S been three weeks now since my husband Ian and I returned home following our epic trek around the Anglesey coast path in memory of and to mark the ﬁrst anniversary of the passing of my lovely dad Norm. Throughout his life, dad always had a great love of nature and the outdoors, especially getting out in the hills. Many a happy weekend was spent roaming the mountains in The Lake District or Wales or trekking up hill and down dale in the Peak District of which I have so many fond memories. It was these precious memories that ﬁrst inspired us both to undertake a spot of fundraising for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in Blurton, Stoke on Trent, where dad spent the last two weeks of his life. The care Dad received during his stay was second to none and we thought it would be a lovely idea to help raise funds for the hospice which is very much reliant on public donations and fundraising. We wanted to do our bit to give something back and to help the wonderful team continue to help support and care for those individuals facing life threatening illness and their families. Families like ours. With the decision made Ian quickly suggested that we embark on a bit of a challenge… a short stroll around the Anglesey coast path. Just a mere 130 miles (which turned out to be 145 miles) over 11 days! Challenge accepted! And just like that a fundraising target of £2000 was set and our training and a great deal of planning commenced.On Sunday 16th April donning our brightly coloured Dougie Mac t shirts we set off from Beaumaris laden with our heavy rucksacks, a little trepidation yet much excitement for the journey that lay ahead. Eleven days (11 stages) exploring the ‘blessed’ isle and what a journey it turned out to be. Despite the ‘variable’ weather forecast and a few light showers on the ﬁrst two legs, the rain held off during the days and downpours came and went during night time hours. All in all, perfect walking conditions. I had felt nervous and a little hesitant about the walk from the start, naturally dad had instilled in me a love of walking, but Ian and I had never walked such a distance consistently over 11 days. However, we both had steely determination and the reasons for completing the walk were never far from the front of our minds. It was also a deeply emotional time especially on legs 2 and 3 that celebrated Dads Birthday one day and the ﬁrst anniversary of his passing the next. As we started to clock up our miles though, the focus on those difﬁcult times ‘shifted’ to happy memories as we passed through places dad loved and happy times spent on family holidays on Anglesey with a deep feeling of gratitude to such a wonderful man. What better way to celebrate dad’s life? With all this in mind, we immersed ourselves into enjoying the experience fully. And on the days where things felt too much we remembered the reasons we were there. ‘It’s all in a good cause’.Exploring Anglesey via the coast path was a remarkable experience. The path is well marked and the scenery so diverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Each day brought something new to take in. Some days the path would veer inland from the coast along winding country lanes lined with hedgerows

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All in a good cause...bursting with ﬂora and fauna, other legs took us through woodland, across farmland full of new born lambs and around estuaries. Back on the coast, we were almost fooled that we were abroad – ‘warm sunshine, blue skies, crystal blue bays, white sandy beaches, and a ‘hazy’ Snowdonia on the distant mainland. Towards the north of the island the landscape became more rugged, wild and remote. The landscape ever changing. With so much to see and take in, the beauty of the island and its abundant wildlife was indeed a welcome distraction, taking the focus off the many miles being trodden daily. Some days the walking was easier with very little in the way of ascent, on others it was constant up hill and down dale with the phrase ‘are we nearly there yet’ coming to mind. We didn’t need to refer to the guide book to ascertain how far we’d covered as the sore feet and aching limbs were a ﬁne indicator, not forgetting the odd blister – thank goodness for blister balm! On particularly long days it was a relief to see our destination appear on the distant headland knowing that recovery and refuel time was ‘just around the corner’, not forgetting a good night’s sleep before heading out early again next morn.The highlights of our adventure certainly overshadowed any difﬁcult days. My glee at seeing porpoise swimming in the sea off Point Lynas was one of many memorable moments as was family and friends arriving to join us on route for a leg or two. Being chased by a herd of cows – well that’s another story and bitterly cold nights camping, not so enjoyable, but these only added to an unforgettable experience. The greatest highlight of all? People’s kindness and generosity. To all who very kindly donated, sent messages of encouragement and support or stopped to chat along the way, thank you. We hit our £2000 target whilst on the walk. In fact, we smashed it and the total now stands at just over £4000 including gift aid. This will make such a huge difference. Would we do it all again? In a heartbeat. Mel, Bare HealthIT’S been three weeks now since my husband Ian and I returned home following our epic trek around the Anglesey coast path in memory of and to mark the ﬁrst anniversary of the passing of my lovely dad Norm. Throughout his life, dad always had a great love of nature and the outdoors, especially getting out in the hills. Many a happy weekend was spent roaming the mountains in The Lake District or Wales or trekking up hill and down dale in the Peak District of which I have so many fond memories. It was these precious memories that ﬁrst inspired us both to undertake a spot of fundraising for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in Blurton, Stoke on Trent, where dad spent the last two weeks of his life. The care Dad received during his stay was second to none and we thought it would be a lovely idea to help raise funds for the hospice which is very much reliant on public donations and fundraising. We wanted to do our bit to give something back and to help the wonderful team continue to help support and care for those individuals facing life threatening illness and their families. Families like ours. With the decision made Ian quickly suggested that we embark on a bit of a challenge… a short stroll around the Anglesey coast path. Just a mere 130 miles (which turned out to be 145 miles) over 11 days! Challenge accepted! And just like that a fundraising target of £2000 was set and our training and a great deal of planning commenced.On Sunday 16th April donning our brightly coloured Dougie Mac t shirts we set off from Beaumaris laden with our heavy rucksacks, a little trepidation yet much excitement for the journey that lay ahead. Eleven days (11 stages) exploring the ‘blessed’ isle and what a journey it turned out to be. Despite the ‘variable’ weather forecast and a few light showers on the ﬁrst two legs, the rain held off during the days and downpours came and went during night time hours. All in all, perfect walking conditions. I had felt nervous and a little hesitant about the walk from the start, naturally dad had instilled in me a love of walking, but Ian and I had never walked such a distance consistently over 11 days. However, we both had steely determination and the reasons for completing the walk were never far from the front of our minds. It was also a deeply emotional time especially on legs 2 and 3 that celebrated Dads Birthday one day and the ﬁrst anniversary of his passing the next. As we started to clock up our miles though, the focus on those difﬁcult times ‘shifted’ to happy memories as we passed through places dad loved and happy times spent on family holidays on Anglesey with a deep feeling of gratitude to such a wonderful man. What better way to celebrate dad’s life? With all this in mind, we immersed ourselves into enjoying the experience fully. And on the days where things felt too much we remembered the reasons we were there. ‘It’s all in a good cause’.Exploring Anglesey via the coast path was a remarkable experience. The path is well marked and the scenery so diverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Each day brought something new to take in. Some days the path would veer inland from the coast along winding country lanes lined with hedgerows

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14PLUMBING & HEATINGSPECIALISTLocal, gas safe registered, reliable, family business with female plumber.Please call Kevin orRebecca anytime on:07515 851 579 / 01782 782 792dad1plumbing@btinternet.com42 Beech Drive,Kidsgrove,ST7 1BADiscover 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, Congleton Complementary &Alternative Medical Centre9 West Street, Congleton, CW12 1JN01625 363049 / 07446 005472mike@mindbeingyou.co.ukwww.mindbeingyou.co.ukPLAN AHEAD, LOOK AFTERYOURSELF & BE PREPAREDLearn techniques through Mindfulness & Hypnotherapy to cope with whatever Improve, don’t move!Maximise the value of your home.It’s time to upgrade your garage door to a Garolla.We’ve been trusted by 100,000 customers to transform their home. It’s no wonder we’re the most recommended on Trust Pilot and Check-a-Trade, so you can rely on us when we say we are the UK’s number one! Our straightforward approach is backed by our trusted local engineers who are on-hand to guide you through the whole process.• SPACE-SAVING – MAXIMISE GARAGE HEADROOM• SECURITY-ENABLED AUTO-LOCKING SYSTEM• CHOICE OF 21 COLOURS TO MATCH YOUR HOME• REMOVAL AND RECYCLING OF YOUR OLD DOOR• DEDICATED GAROLLA AFTER-CARE TEAMT: 01270 730 160Lines are open 7 days a week • PREMIUM 5.1M• BLACK• FITTED PRICE£2,740• COMPACT UP TO 2.4M• WHITE• FITTED PRICE£8959.8 out of 10 4.8 out of 54.8 out of 5 / 5,000 reviewsFrom our door, to yours. CALL US TODAY FOR AFREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTECALL US TODAYOn 01606 833 492 or 07901 773 658 All aspects of Gardening, Landscaping& Ground Maintenance undertaken.We are experts in laying block pavingdriveways & garden patios.We also maintain block paving.FENCING · GARAGE AND SHED BASES · TURFINGASTRO TURF · GRAVELLING · JET WASHINGTREES AND HEDGES · TRIMMED & REMOVED ALL WASTERECYCLEDFully insured with 30 years experienceCovering Middlewich, Sandbach Holmes Chapel,Goostrey, Brereton, Cranage & CongletonNO JOBTOO BIGBLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS,PATHWAYS & PATIOSAll aspects of Gardening,Landscaping & GroundMaintenance

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16Funeral plans...THIS time last year, The Financial Conduct Authority began regulating the provision of a funeral plan. This was in response to several companies going bust, and thousands of people loosing all their money. In our opinion the regulation was long overdue and deﬁnitely welcome. Although regulation meant big changes, and made it a little more difﬁcult to actually provide a plan, the biggest improvement was protection to your hard earned money. Funeral plans are now government backed, so should a funeral plan company collapse your money is still safe.Funeral Plans are big business, before setting up our family funeral service we both worked for the biggest funeral company in the U.K. Every week we would have regional meetings with our managers and the topic of discussion would always evolve around how many funeral plans had been sold. Obviously it’s revenue and to a funeral company it is future business. From a business perspective if you aim to attract investors, or potentially sell your business, having a large portfolio of pre-paid funerals is a very valuable asset. So what are the advantages to you in taking out a funeral plan. For most people it’s the knowledge that their funeral is paid for and will not be a burden on their families. It’s also an opportunity to control exactly what your funeral wishes are, so you can have a service representative of you. It’s also an opportunity to protect against future price increases. Most (not all) funeral directors will guarantee that their fees in relation to a funeral will not increase. Usually, they won’t provide guarantees in relation to third party fees, as these are outside of their control. Another interesting point is that statistically, the average time between someone taking out a plan and their passing is seven years.A funeral plan is a big decision and like everything in life, we certainly suggest you visit a number of funeral directors before making a decision. Do your due diligence and ask the important questions, if you are wondering what those questions are, have a look at the May edition of Beartown Voice and our conversation there. Organise a bespoke funeral plan speciﬁc to what your individual needs are, there’s no point in paying for things you don’t need! At the same time you probably want to make sure everything you want is included, making sure there are no additional fees when you die.Once this is done then you will need to be introduced to a funeral plan provider so they can discuss the actual arrangements and discuss the ﬁnancial aspects. It’s a little long winded, but it’s now protected. So it’s worth a little bit of extra work.Until next month,Larvin & Clegg Funeral Care

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20Katy meets... A Lench Building GroupAdrian speaks of this accomplishment with immense pride, and rightfully so. In fact, the very ﬁrst apprentice has ascended to Build Director within the ﬁrm.Adrian also holds a strong commitment to supporting the local community and charities. The Lench family, unfortunately, experienced the loss of a team member to prostate cancer recently, and they have plans to organise fundraising events in memory of their colleague. Additionally, they have been longstanding supporters of the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young and proudly sponsor local young sports teams and individuals.Once TTL Building and Maintenance kickstart the construction of your new extension or development, they have a team of over 300 trusted contractors and skilled in-house staff, including bricklayers, joiners, plumbers, electricians, and more. This means they have all bases covered in a single journey, from preparing the ground to adding those perfect ﬁnishing touches. With their expertise spanning a wide range of projects, including new builds, extensions, barn conversions, and turnkey endeavors, they bring a wealth of experience to the table.Moreover, A Lench Building Contractors boasts an in-house buyer, enabling them to procure materials and secure the best prices available. Throughout the entire project, Chris diligently oversees project management and keeps a watchful eye on costs, ensuring it stays within budget and on schedule. This seamless communication between Chris and the builder is a signiﬁcant advantage, as it eliminates any obstacles and ensures a smooth workﬂow.On a personal level, from my initial impression of both Chris and Adrian, it is evident that they are two exceptionally hardworking and compassionate individuals. Their dedication shines through when they discuss their involvement in the community and their commitment to nurturing apprentices. Adrian takes great pride in giving me a tour of their ofﬁce, introducing me to the entire staff. He proudly showcases their collection of building awards and heartfelt thank-you certiﬁcates from charities they have supported, while he admits that recognition is not their motivation for supporting charities, their primary goal is to provide as much help as they can. As a family-oriented man, Adrian strongly believes in the importance of training and developing his team. They regularly organise team-building days to foster strong relationships within the business, and from the moment new staff members join, he encourages empowerment and growth.Having met Chris and Adrian, I now have a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative structure of A Lench Building Contractors, with their partnership with Wild Goose Architecture and TTL Building Contractors and Maintenance. This partnership allows them to harness the expertise and resources of a larger company while maintaining a personalised approach and genuine understanding of the signiﬁcance your home holds for you. With their combined strength, they are equipped to provide exceptional service. Once your dream home is completed, it becomes a canvas for countless new life stories, creating cherished memories for years to come. KatyYOUR home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make. It is the place where families grow, and life stories are made. Therefore, if you make the decision to extend and develop your property, having a designer and builder who understand how important it is to you becomes crucial.I took a quick drive to Kidsgrove to meet the team behind the Lench Building Group and get a glimpse of how they expertly guide homeowners through the exciting process of improving and extending their homes.A Lench Building Contractors is a prominent business that offers its services to large-scale home and commercial builders. Along with them, they work in tandem with TTL Building and Maintenance LTD and Wild Goose Architecture, who specialise in crafting breath taking residential properties.The journey of improving your home has two main parts, and the beauty of working with TTL and Wild Goose is that they collaborate throughout the entire process. It typically starts with Chris Rye from Wild Goose Architecture, an Architectural Designer with over 30 years of experience working with well-respected ﬁrms across Cheshire and Staffordshire. He begins by discovering your dreams and aspirations for your home during a face-to-face consultation. Then, he puts together some initial ideas, timelines, and, most importantly, works within your budget. Once you’re satisﬁed and have appointed him, he digs deeper with site surveys and creates a virtual 3D model to help you envision what your new home will look like. Chris ensures that the client’s budget and expectations are always at the top of his mind, and having Adrian Lench from TTL nearby is a massive bonus, as he can provide cost estimates for everything from groundworks to a complete bespoke ﬁt out where required.Next, Chris will assess whether the proposed build requires planning permission or falls within permitted development guidelines. If planning permission is necessary, he will handle all the required documentation and prepare detailed drawings. He will then submit them and diligently follow through until approval is successfully obtained.Once everything is set to go, all the building works are entrusted to TTL. The mastermind behind TTL is Adrian Lench, a seasoned and skilled builder. Adrian, along with his wife Jackie, founded A Lench Building Contractors in 1987. His journey began as a bricklayer at the age of 16, which is why he places great importance on training and nurturing young individuals in the profession. Throughout the years, they have proudly employed numerous apprentices across their entire business, many of whom have gone on to establish long and prosperous careers.

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21Katy meets... A Lench Building GroupAdrian speaks of this accomplishment with immense pride, and rightfully so. In fact, the very ﬁrst apprentice has ascended to Build Director within the ﬁrm.Adrian also holds a strong commitment to supporting the local community and charities. The Lench family, unfortunately, experienced the loss of a team member to prostate cancer recently, and they have plans to organise fundraising events in memory of their colleague. Additionally, they have been longstanding supporters of the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young and proudly sponsor local young sports teams and individuals.Once TTL Building and Maintenance kickstart the construction of your new extension or development, they have a team of over 300 trusted contractors and skilled in-house staff, including bricklayers, joiners, plumbers, electricians, and more. This means they have all bases covered in a single journey, from preparing the ground to adding those perfect ﬁnishing touches. With their expertise spanning a wide range of projects, including new builds, extensions, barn conversions, and turnkey endeavors, they bring a wealth of experience to the table.Moreover, A Lench Building Contractors boasts an in-house buyer, enabling them to procure materials and secure the best prices available. Throughout the entire project, Chris diligently oversees project management and keeps a watchful eye on costs, ensuring it stays within budget and on schedule. This seamless communication between Chris and the builder is a signiﬁcant advantage, as it eliminates any obstacles and ensures a smooth workﬂow.On a personal level, from my initial impression of both Chris and Adrian, it is evident that they are two exceptionally hardworking and compassionate individuals. Their dedication shines through when they discuss their involvement in the community and their commitment to nurturing apprentices. Adrian takes great pride in giving me a tour of their ofﬁce, introducing me to the entire staff. He proudly showcases their collection of building awards and heartfelt thank-you certiﬁcates from charities they have supported, while he admits that recognition is not their motivation for supporting charities, their primary goal is to provide as much help as they can. As a family-oriented man, Adrian strongly believes in the importance of training and developing his team. They regularly organise team-building days to foster strong relationships within the business, and from the moment new staff members join, he encourages empowerment and growth.Having met Chris and Adrian, I now have a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative structure of A Lench Building Contractors, with their partnership with Wild Goose Architecture and TTL Building Contractors and Maintenance. This partnership allows them to harness the expertise and resources of a larger company while maintaining a personalised approach and genuine understanding of the signiﬁcance your home holds for you. With their combined strength, they are equipped to provide exceptional service. Once your dream home is completed, it becomes a canvas for countless new life stories, creating cherished memories for years to come. KatyYOUR home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make. It is the place where families grow, and life stories are made. Therefore, if you make the decision to extend and develop your property, having a designer and builder who understand how important it is to you becomes crucial.I took a quick drive to Kidsgrove to meet the team behind the Lench Building Group and get a glimpse of how they expertly guide homeowners through the exciting process of improving and extending their homes.A Lench Building Contractors is a prominent business that offers its services to large-scale home and commercial builders. Along with them, they work in tandem with TTL Building and Maintenance LTD and Wild Goose Architecture, who specialise in crafting breath taking residential properties.The journey of improving your home has two main parts, and the beauty of working with TTL and Wild Goose is that they collaborate throughout the entire process. It typically starts with Chris Rye from Wild Goose Architecture, an Architectural Designer with over 30 years of experience working with well-respected ﬁrms across Cheshire and Staffordshire. He begins by discovering your dreams and aspirations for your home during a face-to-face consultation. Then, he puts together some initial ideas, timelines, and, most importantly, works within your budget. Once you’re satisﬁed and have appointed him, he digs deeper with site surveys and creates a virtual 3D model to help you envision what your new home will look like. Chris ensures that the client’s budget and expectations are always at the top of his mind, and having Adrian Lench from TTL nearby is a massive bonus, as he can provide cost estimates for everything from groundworks to a complete bespoke ﬁt out where required.Next, Chris will assess whether the proposed build requires planning permission or falls within permitted development guidelines. If planning permission is necessary, he will handle all the required documentation and prepare detailed drawings. He will then submit them and diligently follow through until approval is successfully obtained.Once everything is set to go, all the building works are entrusted to TTL. The mastermind behind TTL is Adrian Lench, a seasoned and skilled builder. Adrian, along with his wife Jackie, founded A Lench Building Contractors in 1987. His journey began as a bricklayer at the age of 16, which is why he places great importance on training and nurturing young individuals in the profession. Throughout the years, they have proudly employed numerous apprentices across their entire business, many of whom have gone on to establish long and prosperous careers.

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22A free consultation at a convenient time & locationCreation of legally binding bespoke WillsEstate PlanningAdvice on how to protect your assets & leave a legacyCreation of Lasting Powers of AttorneyBusiness Wills & Business Powers of Attorney Without a Will or any Estate Planning children can disinherited & estates lost. Dave Burgess is independent, experienced & professional will writer.Call him today for a FREE consultationT: 01606 624593 | M: 07961 219138dave@dpbwillwritingservice.co.ukwww.dpbwills.co.uk DPB Will Writing ServicesWHERE THERE’S AWILL THERE’S A DAVEYOURWILLProtecting your futureEmbarking from a mooring in Marple · Morning, aernoon or full day trips availableLarge open air viewing platform · Heated interior lounges · Duck food availablee boat is speciﬁcally modiﬁed to be fully accessible & wheelchair friendly · Bring your own buﬀet Kitchen on board · Tea and Coﬀee provided · Qualiﬁed skipper & trained crewTHE STOCKPORT CANAL BOAT TRUSTN.HCruising on New HorizonsSpend time with friends, family or work colleagues relaxing on our 70ft canal boat, trips for up to 12 people from only £75 for your group.Registered Charity No. 1075844THE STOCKPORT CANAL BOAT TRUSTTo book & more info call07413 565150 or 07414550428or visit our websitewww.newhorizons.org.uk

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A free consultation at a convenient time & locationCreation of legally binding bespoke WillsEstate PlanningAdvice on how to protect your assets & leave a legacyCreation of Lasting Powers of AttorneyBusiness Wills & Business Powers of Attorney Without a Will or any Estate Planning children can disinherited & estates lost. Dave Burgess is independent, experienced & professional will writer.Call him today for a FREE consultationT: 01606 624593 | M: 07961 219138dave@dpbwillwritingservice.co.ukwww.dpbwills.co.uk DPB Will Writing ServicesWHERE THERE’S AWILL THERE’S A DAVEYOURWILLProtecting your futureEmbarking from a mooring in Marple · Morning, aernoon or full day trips availableLarge open air viewing platform · Heated interior lounges · Duck food availablee boat is speciﬁcally modiﬁed to be fully accessible & wheelchair friendly · Bring your own buﬀet Kitchen on board · Tea and Coﬀee provided · Qualiﬁed skipper & trained crewTHE STOCKPORT CANAL BOAT TRUSTN.HCruising on New HorizonsSpend time with friends, family or work colleagues relaxing on our 70ft canal boat, trips for up to 12 people from only £75 for your group.Registered Charity No. 1075844THE STOCKPORT CANAL BOAT TRUSTTo book & more info call07413 565150 or 07414550428or visit our websitewww.newhorizons.org.uk 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 £11.25Weekends £12.25Average 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...Find the Care and Support you need

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24Although you cannot always control the mind, you can encourage it to be more at ease.Learning to do this will help you respond rather than react to your thoughts and emotions.This practice gives you the opportunity to train the mind to slow down when it becomes overactive, and helps you practice ease and relaxation instead of allowing agitated mental states to continue or worsen..You can sit upright or lie down for this practice.If you are experiencing anxiety or stress in this moment, lying down may encourage relaxation.Take a few deep breaths.Inhaling, ﬁll the lungs completely.Hold the breath for just a second or two, and exhale slowly.As you let the breath go, try to empty the lungs slowly and completely.Recognizing that you cannot control every thought that arises, connect with your intention to relax the mind.If thoughts are present, just leave them be.Offer yourself two simple phrases of kindness toward the mind:• May my mind be at ease.• May I be at ease with my mind.Synchronise these phrases with your exhale, offering one phrase every time you breathe out.Hear each word and try to connect with your own intention to care for the mind.When the thinking mind starts up, come back to the breath and the phrases.Even if you can say only one phrase before the mind wanders, you are still moving toward relaxation by continuing to practice.Completing this exercise, allow the eyes to open, and return to the activity of daily life.Watch the mind during your day, noticing when it becomes uncomfortable or agitated.Mike HollandMind Being YouResting the Mind Meditation

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Rubbish RemovalHouse Clearance01260 279 70007377 938 472We load and dispose of your wasteNo need for skip permits or spaceAll waste is recycled where possibleFree estimates · Save time and moneywww.wastecollectioncheshire.co.uk @loadandgo88Patios · Driveways · Drainage · Groundwork · DeckingArtificial grass · Garden walls · Digger & driver hire · TurfAnd much much more! MORRIS & SONS LANDSCAPES07872555043 / 01270 753548WhatsApp 07999 491749www.morrisandsonslandscapes.comFollow us onCall for a quote today!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 ever 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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28Congleton’s heritage...ROSES? It’s got to be June. The ﬁrst buds are one of early summer’s pleasures, and they signify love. In fact, not only roses, but blooms of all kinds bear snippets of social history… often in quite unexpected places. Time, then, for a touch of ﬂoral heritage. But where?Ideas of linking the natural world with qualities and sentiments happened in many different societies over time. And that includes trees, leaves, fruits, nuts, berries, herbs, weeds or even seashells! Declarations that maybe couldn’t ﬁnd open expression for whatever reason were symbolised instead. It was a method of covert communication. Particularly popular in Victorian and Edwardian periods the fashion for ﬂower-meanings reached a high art. So detailed were these quaint codes that little illustrated vocabularies were produced: dictionaries of ‘plant-speak’.This centuries-old Language of Flowers lingers into the present day. Apart from roses being the quintessential representation of love, is any explanation necessary for rosemary, olive branch, lily, laurel, or four-leaved clover? But how does this relate to the historic environment? Local waterways, surprisingly, give us some vivid examples.Skirting Congleton is the Macclesﬁeld Canal – with working narrowboats formerly having to double as homes. 19th century economic necessity caused families to abandon land-based dwelling and cram into small spaces aboard. So that life aﬂoat resembled a household, commercial boats became a canvas. Roses and daisies, sometimes sunﬂowers, came into bloom as highly stylised versions of the real thing, outside and in. Cramped domestic interiors still found space to feature decorations of petals, twining leaves…and stylised roses in warm symbols of love. No coincidence, surely?Artistically the skill is distinctive. The ‘knobstick rose’ style was a mid-Cheshire speciality. Dark colours were applied before highlights A brushstroke created a petal. Repetition formed a ﬂower. Delicately veined, stemless leaves intertwined. In this way borders or bunches transformed domestic objects and ultimately the entire living space. Adding a dab of fantasy to the workaday world, another romantic feature besides roses was … castles. Impossible turrets and towers of fairy-tale proportions were usually paired with bright blue lakes or bridged rivers. First arising in 18th century cottages, now this folk art has developed into something recognisably and uniquely ‘waterways’. Plant-based designs have adorned narrowboats, and added not-so-mysterious meaning, for generations. Take a closer look when next treading the towpaths. Oh, if not already apparent - an olive branch is extended for peace; a lily stands for purity; laurel means glory, and if you have this kind of clover you’re in luck. And rosemary? Handily, it’s for remembrance.Julie Elizabeth Smalley

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31Call for a free noobligation quote01782 256 255Do you have misted or steamed up double glazing?We specialise in replacing units at a fraction of the cost of new windows.We also do...New windowsComposite DoorsConservatoriesFamily run business 30 years experiencewww.citywindowservices.co.ukcitywindowservicesltd@gmail.comWe deliver fresh local farm produce to your doorstep- Ready to order... 01260 212 404 -- fresh@cowtocup.co.uk -- www.cowtocup.co.uk - ﬁnd us on - Fresh Milk: Pints, Litres & Flavoured Juice: Orange & AppleBread, Buer & EggsFruit & Veg boxesCall us today to arrange your will... 01270 814 488or contact us online... info@thehappywillcompany.co.ukwww.thehappywillcompany.co.ukWe keep it simple to help protect your families future. If you need to write a Will or update your existing Will – single Wills from £149Limited time oﬀer for over 65sNew Will or Will Amendments£149 £39Suite 11 • The Old Fuel Depot • Twemlow Lane • Twemlow • Cheshire • CW4 8GJ01270 765888 • accounts@brucemarshall.co.uk • www.brucemarshall.co.ukCall us today for afree consultationCompanyAccountsSelf-AssessmentPayrollBusinessStart-upsVAT

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32The importance of stillness...DID you know that it is completely okay to do nothing? I can very happily lose hours reading a book or watching TV and, frustratingly often during this ‘relaxation’ the little nagging voice in my head says I should be doing A or getting on with B… Am I relaxed?... Not really. We are conditioned into associating inactivity with failure. Humans aren’t designed to be continually on the go and this can lead to burn-out and health problems. The importance of stillness should not be underestimated; it is a superpower! We lead busy lives full of noise and activity, cramming every minute with tasks, and yes, often enjoyable things too, but we can feel overloaded. If your computer or phone throws a wobble you turn it off, reboot and hey presto, it’s working normally again. That’s exactly what we need too! Stillness is our reboot and is extremely beneﬁcial to our health and mental wellbeing.During a reﬂexology treatment it is entirely possible to reach a state of total calm, and most people experience this. It is a feeling, not asleep and not awake but occupying a space of consciousness somewhere in-between. A stillness. Both mind and body are able to surrender in a way seldom achieved in most other ways we choose to relax.I practise Iyengar yoga, a method founded by B.K.S. Iyengar and brought to the West in the 70s. Yoga is an ancient system of balancing body, mind and spirit and the Iyengar teaching is known for precision and alignment of the postures. During a class there is a lot of emphasis on achieving stillness in a pose; allowing the brain to quieten, bringing a feeling of freedom. The ﬁnal pose of every class is Savasana or ‘Corpse pose;’ lying on one’s back, placing the body accurately on the ﬂoor. The aim is to achieve total relaxation and mental peace as you withdraw inwardly, whilst maintaining a gossamer-thin thread of awareness. This pose is incredibly difﬁcult to perfect but most rewarding if you can do it.“The stresses of modern civilisation are a strain on the nerves for which Savasana is the best antidote” - B.K.S. Iyengar ‘Light on Yoga’Noting an interesting comparison. The conscious relaxation from Savasana that allows body and mind to refresh and reinvigorate, exactly mirror the health beneﬁts gained from reﬂexology:• Relieving stress and anxiety• Helping with low mood• Reducing insomnia and fatigue• Helping to lower blood pressure• Improving memory and concentrationAdding periods of stillness to your day brings clarity, perspective and creativity. It offers a way to stop and take a step back. Have fun experimenting with ways to ﬁnd your stillness. This may be from reﬂexology, yoga, meditation or simply sitting in a place surrounded by the sounds of nature. There is no right or wrong way to do it, just choose whatever works for you. No longer are you wasting time when inactive. Engage your superpower, press pause and do absolutely nothing!Jan Johnson Reﬂexology

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34podcastpractitioners.com | hello@podcastpractitioners.com |Thinking about starting a Podcast?Have no idea how to start?Learn from local expertsWe will cover presenting techniques, how to plan, all the techie bits (made easy), how to plan, dierent Podcasting styles and most importantly… How Podcasting can benet your business!Book online for one of our live Zoom training sessionsMorning & afternoon sessions: 20th June 2023 Max of 6 people in each groupAI, friend or foe...OVER the last few editions of Beartown Voice, we’ve been employing AI tools to create text for the introductions, aid with ideas, and offer an alternative perspective. In this edition, we’ve even looked to AI for the cover image. After many creations, some exceedingly peculiar, it produced the one we’ve used. You might wonder why we have sought AI’s assistance or if we are simply following the trend. The truth is, we are striving to comprehend AI and how this rapidly advancing set of tools beneﬁts businesses. We’ve all read books, seen TV shows, and movies where AI destroys humanity, but unless we take the time to understand its use, is it fair to simply say we shouldn’t use it?I often talk about calculators when asked about AI. We can all do maths, yet we reach for one (physically or as an app on our phones) when we need to add anything up. Is AI any different from that?In some respects, yes, AI is a tremendously powerful calculator that not only provides the answer but can also spot errors, show you the workings out, and even write you a song about it. But in other ways, no, I see AI as a tool.We’re already using AI in our everyday lives, perhaps without even realising it. If you have a smartphone and take pictures, AI will be helping you capture better photos. If you use the internet to search, AI will be interpreting your searches, and if you interact with businesses online, you’ll initially be talking to a robot.While we don’t know where AI is going to take us, what we’ve discovered on this journey is that AI can help us. We have moments when we’re stuck for ideas, need some other input, or simply need to reach for the metaphorical “calculator.” For our business, we’ll continue to use and see AI as part of our business team.If you ﬁnd yourself wondering if you can use AI, I encourage you to conduct thorough research. Learn from those who are already utilising it, read about it online, listen to podcasts, and watch YouTube videos. After all, that’s what AI is doing! Matt, Arch Publications

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38Ready referenceAccountingBruce Marshall & Co 31ArchitectWild Goose Architecture 7Blinds, Curtains & Soft FurnishingsBaillies Blinds 11Buildings, Maintenance & DevelopmentAccess4Lofts - Crewe 18Davies and Daughter 14Prestige Rooﬁng Cheshire 19Business ServicesPodcast Practitioners 34Carpentry & Handyman ServicesE Beech Joinery 10SB Carpentry and Framing 17Crafts, Gifts & RetailSpark Lane Nurseries 10Day TripsNew Horizons 22Estate Agents & PropertyStephenson Browne 1Timothy A Brown 11ElectricianSJH Electrical Services 6EventsClonter 29Food & DrinkCow To Cup 30Bear Grills 17Halton Farms The Milk Shack 37Furniture & Home DecorationsThe Design House 39Garages, Sheds & Garden BuildingsGarolla 14Labradoors North West 5GardeningKinderton Landscaping 15MH Treecare 11Morris & Sons 26Sandbach Mowers & Repairs 17Funeral DirectorsLarvin & Clegg Funeral Care 9Health & FitnessAyres Podiatry 26Bare Health 17Body and Mind 40Jan Johnson Reﬂexology 17Mind Being You 10, 14Kitchens, Bedrooms & BathroomsKW Kitchens 2M6 Bed Warehouse 35Legal & Financial ServicesBlain Boland & Co. 3DPB Will Writing Services 22Evolve Family Law 33Sanctuary Tax & Trust Services 27The Happy Will Company 30Opticians & Hearing AidsCongleton Hearing Centre 18Pest ControlJackson’s Pest Control 17PetsHJ Lea Oakes 6PrintersHarveyboard 25NMC Design+Print 6Removal Services & Household ClearanceLoad and Go 26Residential Accommodation & CareAblewell Care 23Windows, Conservatories & DoorsCity Window Services 30Remember 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 5 2023

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