September 2026
At the time of researching this article, writes Annette Shaw, swathes of the UK were looking down the barrel of heat wave number five.
The price of a fan appeared to be up against the FTSE and the lead time for plantation shutters was 12 weeks. Yet, as the poet Keats penned so beautifully in Ode to Autumn: the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” is hovering.
The original plan for our feature was to celebrate Bridport’s retail and service businesses, pop to Burwood’s Domestic Appliances in the town and buy a soup maker. We’d then take a culinary peek into a winter wonderland of nutritious, homemade scotch broth, ready in under half an hour. We’ll get back to that when the mercury drops. Meanwhile, to maximise quality of life and be ready for any inclement weather, read on… before everyone else has the same ideas.
Aside from basics like getting the boiler serviced and tyre treads checked, Age UK offers many helpful tips that cross the generations, such as making sure stairs are well lit. Few places have a shop as good as Bridport Lighting, where owner Ann Griffiths is on hand to offer advice about overhead or floor options. Whether it’s a shadowy corner or illuminating a cosy chair for reading, she’ll have a range of solutions to help keep you safe.
After such intense heat, nobody can be sure of what Mother Nature has in mind for the coming months. One coping strategy is: Be Prepared. On all fronts. Tina Ross has 12 years’ experience in several areas of health maintenance. “To feel that we’re walking or standing with grip and stability aids mobility confidence,” she says. “It’s all too easy to bury your feet in socks and boots, forgetting to check on a build-up of hard skin, wonky nails, corns and fungal infections.” Tina recommends a simple pedicure every eight weeks to maintain optimum foot health. “People need feet to be proud of!”
Being comfortable needs thought. As a country we’re not always up to speed with homes having flexibility in adapting to extremes. One investment worth looking at is stylish planation shutters from Just Shutters in Dorchester, serving the Bridport area.
Bespoke and expertly fitted, they really do shade against the sun, and by night allow cool air in, minus the moths. Providing an extra layer of insulation in the winter, there’s the added bonus of no more dusty drapes or laundry, and there’s a favourable lifetime guarantee. There is the initial financial outlay – but consider the offset against utility bills.
As the days shorten, many of us can slide towards the winter blues and again it’s so important to stay on top of everyday essentials. Time spent planning a store cupboard with a week’s worth of long-life milk, pasta and rice won’t go to waste. For anyone struggling to get out, Bridport Co-op offers a super-efficient delivery service. Personal choice varies but maybe revisit childhood food such as tinned potatoes. Rumour has it they are having a resurgence, sautéed in an air fryer! Or sliced as part of a simple cheese omelette. Likewise, tinned ratatouille is delicious as a side with scrambled eggs.
The neighbouring village of Salway Ash is home to a fish option in the form of conservas prepared by multi-award-winning Sea Sisters. Products are available at farm shops and online and range from sardines to smoked trout. Cornish Hake with Seaweed Butter and Lemon or flavoured with Rosemary and Capers, folded in linguine, makes an easy yet quality supper. However, beware: cans tend to fly (or should that be swim?) off the shelf at warp speed.
We end where we began – with the weather. And a trip to Groves for a wander and a coffee. The lawns may bounce back but even the Verbena bonariensis looks as if it’s beyond recovery. For a concise guide/restoration campaign, a handy book is the The National Trust 2027 Gardener’s Almanac by Greg Loades. He’s written for BBC Gardener’s World and the RHS. Practical and inspiring, an entry for September says, “If you only do one thing… purchase spring bulbs.” Well, that plants seeds of optimism! It may have been a year of extremes so far, but the seasons will keep turning with glimpses of hope for next year.
Resource guide:
Age UK
ageuk.org.uk/stay-healthy-in-winter
Bridport Lighting
52 South Street / 01308 422318 / bridportlighting.co.uk
Just Shutters
For a brochure and a site visit call 01305 230321 / justshutters.co.uk
Groves Nurseries & Garden Centre
Dorset’s award-winning garden centre is home to an amazing restaurant as well as the largest selection of plants in the area. grovesnurseries.co.uk
The Co-op
Discover the latest deals and offers available at your local Co-op. Home delivery in as little as 60 minutes (enter your postcode to check availability). coop.co.uk
Sea Sisters Cannery
Salway Ash plus a pop-up shop at 31 East Street (open 10am to 3pm, Wednesday to Saturday). seasisters.co.uk
Tina Ross trading as Beautina
For more information and to book an appointment call 07435 705488