A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2026!
New and Exciting Things are happening in Wincanton in the New Year! On Monday 5th January Wincanton Pharmacy is opening at 7 High Street, Wincanton (just next door to Clementina’s Café). They will be offering to fill NHS prescriptions, Vaccines and a Travel Clinic, Ear Wax Microsuction, Weight Management, Blood tests and Health checks. You can make them your prescription collection point by asking your current chemist to switch your details over or by going to the new Pharmacy to register.
And our Cinema is coming back! There is no date set for its opening yet, but it’s actually expanding into three cinemas so quite a lot has needed to be adapted and repaired. According to the Town Hall: ‘The cinema will feature state -of-the-art screens and seating, offering a diverse range of films to cater to all audiences. In addition to mainstream movies, the venue plans to host special events including independent film screenings and community gatherings.’
The Food Bank is moving! Currently the Food Bank is kindly being hosted by Uncle Tom’s Cabin every Friday morning from 9.30-12.00. But, as many know, the stairs can be a problem for the elderly and for pushchairs and prams. Thankfully, the Wincanton Quakers are now able to offer the Quaker Barn which is able to give better access and facilities. Once again, watch this space and we will give the moving date and any changed opening hours as oon as we can.
Did You Sleep Well?
This can be a tricky question! The causes of not sleeping well are myriad—anything from indigestion to a problem on your mind, from poor diet to cold feet. But there are ways to cultivate good quality sleep. The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) suggests investigating the problem using the appropriate acronym:
H – E – A – L
H is for HEALTH : the state of our health, physical or mental such as pain, stress or breathing difficulties can all affect sleep.
E is for Environment: a cool, dark and quiet room is an ideal place to sleep, but sometimes that’s not possible. If you’re too hot, have noisy neighbours or small children you may not be able to get all the sleep you need. Drinking a caffeine drink or watching screens late at night may keep many of us awake. Electric fans and earplugs can work with noise and heat or we could perhaps nap in the day, but too long may be counter-productive.
A is for Attitude: if you really can’t sleep there’s no point in worrying about it. Get up and make a soothing drink, meditate or listen to soothing music – take your mind off the problem! In really insolvable situations your doctor or a therapist could be worth visiting.
L is for Lifestyle: Bodies seem to like regularity! A regular bedtime and getting-up time. a regular healthy diet and regular exercise all help us to sleep at night.
Sleep Well!
Find the Mental Health Foundation at www.mentalhealth.org.uk and search for ‘sleep’ – or phone 020 7803 1100 or email info@mentalhealth.org.uk
Movement
From one extreme to the other! But our sleep benefits from movement just as movement benefits from sleep. Starting an exercise regime in January is nearly as traditional as starting a food diet. Neither is easy and both require a bit of determination and motivation to maintain. For older people, though, movement is the most important thing that keeps us going – even more important than food. Even if we can’t get out of bed we can still exercise – bending and stretching keeps the muscles in trim. If it’s not too much though, it’s ideal to get out of bed, wrap up warm and walk – briskly if possible (3 miles an hour is recommended!). But whatever we can do is helpful for the body, and for the mind too.
Some people like to go to classes where it might be easier to meet people. The Balsam Centre has a variety of different fitness classes:
Tai’Chi is a slow and gentle process good for general wellbeing, balance and muscle strength among other things. Lin runs a class for those with Parkinsons on Mondays from 12.30-1.30 (£2.00 a session) and general wellbeing classes (£5.00) on Mondays 2.00-3.00 and on Fridays 1.00-2.00. Booking is essential so please phone Lin on 07749 899094.
Natalie also runs a class on Fridays from 2.30-3.30, again at £5 and again, you need to book. Call Natalie on 07877 596507 or email taichinatalie@outlook.com
Louise teaches Pilates (in term time only) on Tuesdays 9.30-10.30 and Thursdays 9.30-10.30 and 11.00-12.00. The cost is £10 for each class or £40 for five classes. All abilities are welcome and Louise can adapt the exercises as necessary. Call her and book on 07779 712305 or email louisejking@yahoo.co.uk.
Sorrel teaches Yoga for all abilities on Wednesdays 4.00-5.00 (in term time only). The cost is £40 for 4 weeks or £52 for 6 weeks. Booking is essential so call Sorrel on 07795 182235 or email her : yoga@sorreldelahey.com
Everyone is welcome to the Balsam Centre’s free Health Walks led by trained health walkers. They are tailored for all different abilities and a good way to meet people. Find out more by phoning 01963 31842
Meditate
Meditation can be both a spiritual and a secular practice. Secular practitioners often talk about ‘Mindfulness’ which is a large part of Meditation but concentrates more on the benefits of stress relief, enhanced concentration, relaxation and calm.
There are many different methods of learning. Online courses are readily available, such as Gaia House in Devon who run Buddhist retreats and have a silent session each morning from 7.00-7.30 am on ‘Zoom’ (an internet application) called ‘Awakening Together’. Anyone can join in and it is free although they do ask for donations. Investigate further and fill
in a form to book on their website or phone 01626 333613.
Anyone who prefers to join a ‘live’ mindfulness class could join the group run by Sue in the Balsam Centre on the first Monday of each month. (The first one this year is on Monday 7th January). You will need to book by phoning the Balsam Centre on 01963 31842. This is a secular group and says that ‘the benefits of mindfulness are proven to prevent depression recurring and reduce anxiety and worry, so if you are struggling , get involved
Keep Warm This Winter
If you are having problems with heating your house whether this be a broken heating system, struggling with bills or any other difficulties, contact the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) for help. 0800 038 5730 www.cse.org.uk info@cse.org.uk
Join Wincanton Cares Crafty Talking Table Social Get Together and learn a new craft.
Calling anyone who is an Unpaid Carer, Bereaved, Socially Isolated or just plain Lonely … AND residents of ABRI housing. A very warm welcome will be guaranteed so please don’t hesitate
Our aim is to share some fun, joy, friendship and companionship
Unsure where to go? Want someone to go with? Please phone Annette on 07756 759741. Abri tenants please contact Carol. We are so looking forward to spending some time with you! A voluntary contribution of £2 to cover costs would be very welcome!
Regular Monthly Meetings and Events
Please note that some of the days shown on the schedule here will change in December because of the Christmas holidays. Please phone the relevant numbers shown to check. Thank you!
And finally. If you need help right now:
Or contact us on 07834 597893
And if you need more help:
Wincanton Cares
07756 759741
Email us at info@wincantoncares.org
Website at www.wincantoncares.org
And if you need more help: Wincanton Cares 07756 759741 Email us at info@wincantoncares.org or browse the website at www.wincantoncares.org
