The Southbourne Link - May 2023

Welcome...

Dear Residents,

We do hope you had a good Easter break. April showers it certainly was but the main weekend was lovely and gave us all a chance to get out and about. The month of May can be a wonderful ‘transition’ from Spring to summer, so let’s hope the weather is good to us.

I particularly hope the Coronation weekend is good and the weather allows us to get out and have some fun with family and friends. Here at Modern Magazines, we wish new King Charles III and his Queen Consort Camilla good health and every success. Wishing them All the Very Best!

We have had some great feedback about the magazines recently. Many advertisers are extremely happy with all the calls they are getting from you. Stephen, myself and all of us here at Modern Magazines really appreciate you using your little local magazine. Carl at Work Smart has doubled the size of his business by advertising with us and this has meant him giving more jobs to local people, which is a win all round. There is a write up inside.

Do contact me if you would like to see anything else in the magazine, or you have a success story about one of the advertisers. We are here to link everyone together.

Wishing you a wonderful month of May, a Coronation to enjoy and few extra days off work!

Debbie, Stephen & all of us here at Modern Magazines

The King’s New Groove

He was raised to one day be king, but can Charles III fully realise his vision for Great Britain? Only time will tell.

They say the best things come to those who wait, and King Charles III’s 70 years spent as heir apparent suggest he is well deserving of the throne. For His Majesty, ascension is bittersweet with the loss of his mother still laying heavy on the royal heart, but he is equally keen to finally execute his master plan to bring the Windsors into the 21st century.

But what does this actually mean? And what are the implications for the country as a whole?

One of the main tenets is to slim down the royal family. Over recent years this has happened somewhat organically anyway with the voluntary stepping back of Prince Harry and the less voluntary removal of Prince Andrew from official duty. However, King Charles III is expected to go one step further as he is reportedly seeking to change legislation that allows

non-working royals to be counsellors of state.

Her Majesty’s passing means that Queen Consort Camilla, as the King’s spouse, and Princess Beatrice, as the next adult in line to the throne, are eligible to fill these roles. But aside from Prince William, three of the five counsellors – Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice – are non-working royals. This is thought not to sit well with the King who may change the law to allow his siblings, the Earl of Wessex and the Princess Royal, to take on the duty alongside their current roles as working royals.

Having lived through several tumultuous periods in the monarchy’s history, King Charles III is acutely aware of the Republican sentiment among certain Britons. Queen Elizabeth II was hugely popular, but there are some who are convinced that now is the right time to disband the monarchy and move forward into a fully modern, democratic Britain. Yet when you consider how much the monarchy generates for our economy, not to mention how valuable our traditions and illustrious

history are to us culturally, we would likely lose more than we would gain.

According to Forbes, the House of Windsor is estimated to be worth £19bn. And while the average annual cost for UK taxpayers in royal upkeep comes to around £500m a year, it’s estimated that the monarchy’s brand contributes £2.5bn to the British economy over the same period.

In short, His Majesty knows his worth, but he also respects the need to assimilate more with the everyday people in his kingdom - the recent cost of living crisis, environmental awareness and societal change being issues he must help solve if he is to have a peaceful reign.

Primary school places announced for families in

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Parents and carers across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who applied by the national deadline have been offered a school place for their child in September.

99.2% of families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area have been offered a place in Reception at one of their preferred schools.

98.4% of families living in BCP Council area have been offered a place in Year Three (Junior School) at one of their preferred schools.

All parents who applied on-line by the closing date of 15 January 2023 will be able to log on from 10am today (Monday 17 April) to view the result of their application. Letters will also be sent to all parents who

applied by the closing date of 15 January 2023.

Cathi Hadley, Corporate Director for Children’s Services at BCP Council said:

“We are pleased that we have been able to offer a high percentage of families one of their preferred schools for their children to attend from September.”

Families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole would like to talk to someone about school vacancies and the options available to them can contact BCP Council staff on 0120 2 123222 or 01202 127963

The breakdown of allocations is as follows:

Puzzle Page Quick Crossword

Across Clues:

2. Drink (3)

5. Close-fitting upper part of dress (6)

7. Brightly coloured flowers (6)

9. Responsible (11)

10. Intelligence (6)

Down Clues:

1. Decoration made up of small pieces (6)

2. Small, shiny discs (6)

3. Attendant (6)

4. Subtropical red marine percoid fish (6)

6. Inept (11)

11. Ease (6)

13. Entertainment theatre (6)

16. Final point (6)

18. Exaggerated (11)

19. Determined by agreement (6)

20. Wide, straight road (6)

21. Whole (3)

8. A rounded upper surface (11)

10. Smoothly curving line (3)

12. Hot fat or oil cooking (3)

14. Attribute (6)

15. Programme (6)

16. Deadly (6)

17. A thin, flat-cut diamond (6)

Word Ladder

Make your way from TOES to LEGS by changing one letter on each step to make a new word!

TOES LEGS

ANSWERS: (TOES,

The Avengers Quiz

1. Who is the first Avenger?

2. What is the name of Tony Stark’s personal butler?

3. What is the name of the magical land that Doctor Strange visits to learn the mystic arts?

4. Who is the main villain in the first Avengers movie?

5. Who plays the character of Black Widow?

6. What is the name of Thor’s hammer?

7. Who is the father of Peter Quill (Star-Lord)?

8. What is the name of the organization that creates the Winter Soldier?

9. What is the name of the villain in the movie “Black Panther”?

10. Who is the final boss in the movie “Avengers: Endgame”?

Queen Anne

Anne Hathaway just doesn’t add up. Firstly, how can someone so supremely talented and beautiful also be so downto-earth and charming? And what is it about her kindness and warmth that evokes such fury in a small number of online individuals – the unambiguously named Hath-haters? The truth is, the 40-year-old Oscar winner probably is too nice for Hollywood, but it is this combination of steeliness and vulnerability that make her such a compelling performer.

With a career that has involved playing roles such as a Disney princess, Catwoman and a 19th century French pauper, we ought to think twice before trying to place the mercurial star in a box.

“I think versatility is probably the most important thing when it comes to surviving in the movie industry,” she begins. “I am lucky in the sense that I’ve been offered roles that move across various different genres, but also the fact that I’m perhaps too easily bored when it comes to doing the same things all the time.”

Versatility in recent years for the New York-born actress has also meant embracing motherhood.

Since son Jonathan arrived in the world in March 2016, followed by brother Jack three years later, Hathaway has become regarded as a passionate and caring soul whose greatest role yet is as a mum. By her own

admission, it seemed that for someone who had endured more than her fair share of setbacks on the road to building a family with actor, producer and jewellery designer husband Adam Shulman, the end destination was finally worth the journey.

“I did feel as if it was in some way a reward for some of the nasty stuff I had been through,” she says. “You quickly realise that something truly meaningful, such as parenting, is hard and comes packaged with a lot of guilt and self-loathing, and that puts everything else in perspective.

“I try not to beat myself up about things, about the way

The critical resurgence of Anne Hathaway. to

I have lost my temper… but it is very difficult, and I think I am improving. It’s a journey; a journey I want to slow down.”

Professionally though, Hathaway cannot stop. This year, she returns with romantic comedy She Came to Me, psychological drama Mothers’ Instinct and Amazon production The Idea of You.

It all adds up to the amiable Hathaway looking set to reach her most creative point yet.

“There is no set process, per say, but I think the best scripts are those that I read and really can’t work out.

“It’s about choosing stuff that, in whatever way, pushes the boundaries of filmmaking… that teleports me to another, visceral experience.

“If I can find that, I’m happy!”

Nurdles are a threat to wildlife at Kimmeridge Bay

With the aftermath of the oil spill in Poole Harbour still being monitored, visitors and staff at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wild Seas Centre at Kimmeridge Bay are reporting a large amount of white nurdles, or tiny plastic pellets, which have been washed onto the beach.

Nurdles are the form of raw plastic that is transported to factories around the world to be moulded into a myriad of plastic products – anything from plastic bottles and bags to window frames and sunglasses. Unfortunately, they are regularly spilled from container ships into the sea or in factories where they are washed down drains. Nurdles are not harmless plastic beads but instead pose a real threat to marine wildlife. Often eaten by fish and birds, they accumulate in their stomachs causing feeding and digestion problems which can be fatal.

At the Wild Seas Centre, nurdles have been a focus of discussion for many years, with a nurdle o’meter clearly demonstrating the number of nurdles

washing ashore. However, staff and visitors at the Centre have been shocked by the increasing amount of white nurdles washing up in the last few days.

Wild Seas Centre Officer, Julie Hatcher said

“For many years, we have encouraged visitors to hunt for nurdles and hand pick them from the beach to help protect the important beach and shoreline wildlife. However, the number of nurdles currently on the beach has been truly shocking. We don’t know where they have come from, but many people are collecting handfuls of them and bringing them to us for disposal.”

Apart from collecting and removing these tiny plastic pellets from beaches, people can take action against this type of pollution by avoiding single-use plastic and excessive packaging and by choosing items made from natural materials wherever possible.

dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Photo Credit: Julie Hatcher

May the stories commence

For May, how about these works of impeccable observation by four of our most respected and influential forces of modern culture.

Good Pop, Bad Pop

by Jarvis Cocker

Told with all of Jarvis Cocker’s distinctive dry wit, Good Pop, Bad Pop finds the Pulp frontman clearing out his loft and taking an inventory of the ephemera that formed his eventful, iconic life.

From photos to tickets, clothes to souvenirs, Cocker seeks to discover why these things are important to us, and why Gold Star polycotton shirt and a dated pack of Wrigley’s Extra, amongst other items, have been vital to him. Published by Vintage Publishing on May 25th

Unbreakable

by Ronnie O’Sullivan

In his compelling and candid memoir, world champion snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan shares 12 powerful lessons he has learnt during his three-decade career, taking in triumphs, mistakes and the secrets of peak performance.

This pressure and expectation, together with a challenging home life, had served to catapult Ronnie into excess and addiction, though his path back has at times been slow.

This book highlights the reality –and brutality –of what it takes to rise to the very top, whatever your field.

Published by Orion on May 11th

1964: Eyes of the Storm by Sir Paul McCartney

Eyes of the Storm chronicles the whirlwind months from the end of 1963 to the beginning of 1964 when Beatlemania erupted, with an immediacy, vividness and authenticity unmatched by any previous works on the era.

The book is the result of a discovery, in 2020, of an extraordinary trove of nearly a thousand photographs taken by McCartney on a 35mm camera dating back almost 60 years.

While present are neverbefore-seen portraits of John, George and Ringo, the collection also conveys the moments where a cultural shift truly began, and that’s what makes this book so engaging. Published by Penguin Books on June 13th

Art is Magic by Jeremy Deller

From pop music to the Industrial Revolution, across film, politics and history, Art is Magic collates all of acclaimed

artist Jeremy Deller’s cultural touchstones into one lovingly curated volume, balancing these artistic inspirations with examples of Deller’s visionary work.

The book is divided into three sections: a visual guide through his favourite work, in-depth reflections on his life and art and, finally, a scrapbook of images to explain what drives him (from Rod Stewart to bats, the perfect jukebox to Neolithic axe heads).

Art is Magic gives us the most rigorous account of Deller and his work to date, and is a treat from cover to cover. Published by Profile Books on May 4th

Arlo

looking for a forever home!

Hello, We are Arlo and Archie – we both live here at Waggy Tails and are both hoping that we can find a new home each soon.

I am Arlo (on the left). I am a 3 year Pug Cross. I am told I have a lovely nature; I love people and other dogs. I really enjoy my walks and like lots of cuddles and play time.

I am Archie (on the right). I am a Pug cross and coming up for my second birthday. I am very good with humans and love company. I am not as used to other dogs as Arlo but I am working on this and enjoying group works and learning to be more sociable. I am a little bit on the chunky side so my exercise is important, along with my restricted diet.

Arlo and Archie are looking for a separate home each.

If you are able to offer me or one of my lovely friends a forever home or a foster home

Please contact our office on: Tel: 01202 875000

Email: admin@waggytails.org.uk or visit our website :

www.waggytails.org.uk

We also have lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes.

Waggy Tails Rescue are in need of

more foster homes. If you are at home most of the time, have a secure garden an experienced with dogs then please give us a ring and discuss fostering for us. It is a very rewarding experience and enables us to continue helping these dogs. (No children under 10 in the house please.)

Waggy Tails Rescue is a registered charity based in Dorset, we rescue and rehome dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or otherwise in need of a new home. We also find homes for other small furries that may be in our care, so to find out more you can contact us on the number above or send donations or letters to:

Waggy

Tails Rescue

Helen’s House

143 Magna Road

Wimborne

BH21 3AW

Thank you for supporting us!

and Archie are both

Let’s hear it for the boys

Men’s attire may not hit the heady or extroverted heights associated with the fairer sex, but there’s plenty to be excited about this summer for the man who has a fashion plan. Here are some must-have items that could be making a path to a wardrobe near you.

Light jackets

The return of what some might consider an Eighties throwback akin to shell suits and outrageously colourful ski wear has been provoked by the appearance of a Quiksilver jacket in the town of Hawkins, in hit Netflix drama Stranger Things.

The item was crafted as part of a collaboration with the costume department of the hit show, reminding us of arcades, skateboards and retro summer vibes from a simpler era.

Surf and ski aviators

The classic Top Gun aviators have undergone something of a redesign in recent years, with surf and ski versions moving this iconic classic from the highoctane fast lane and onto the rather more salubrious climes of Val Thorens and Courchevel.

‘Stay baggy’ tapered jeans

Tapered baggy denim is back.

After the likes of Pete Davidson and Justin Bieber pushed the look hard in 2022, the industry has responded by rolling out a delectable depth of dynamic denim that will drive that classic stonewashed look this year.

Baggy jeans not only look good as streetwear, skate wear and as voluminous vintage, they’re ultra-comfortable too!

Plain shorts

Whereas in previous years the shorts vibe has varied from sport to camouflage, summer 2023 will see a return to simple cotton, straight cuts and uncomplicated designs.

Functionality is being taken to be as important as flair, so expect durability, simple shades, pocket space aplenty and, of course, a cool and comfortable feel.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

with any dress code, any time, any place.

Lightweight shirts

This summer will see the return of the roomy, flowing shirt. Whites, greys and sky blues will dominate the high streets, putting to one side those dark, dusky tones and styles that seem to have patterned our social outings for the past couple of years.

Mexico

We’ve all been invited to a party that brands itself under the ‘smart/casual’ tag, and it often feels like the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 was designed for every gathering.

There is no better nor more iconic fashion trainer than the Tiger – with a variety of colours ensuring an appropriate match

The fact lightweight fabrics will rule the roost must imply we’re in for a summer of high temperatures and radiant sunshine. Perhaps the fashion fraternity know something we don’t!

The Green 13

Want to play your part in helping the environment this summer but unsure where to start? Here are 13 easy routes to green greatness…

1. Reusable water bottle

Hydration is vital, but ensure you have a reusable water bottle that breaks the habit of constantly buying plastic disposables in shops.

2. Eat local

If you can source local producers from which to buy your food, not only will what you eat have real provenance, it will also be fresher having travelled a shorter distance to the plate.

3. Composting

Composting is a sure-fire way to reduce waste, whilst reinvesting in matter that will complete the circle in helping your garden grow.

4. Use natural energy

Why not return to the traditional outdoor clothesdrying methods rather than using appliances indoors?

5. Collect rainwater

Instead of draining the mains water supply, collect rainwater and store in barrels - it can then

be used when needed to water your plants and garden.

6. Use less water

Shower instead of bath – installing a water-saving showerhead – use bathing water from pets on plants, and definitely turn off water whilst shaving or brushing teeth.

7. Pick up a picnic

You can be as green as the park you’re sitting in if everything you use can be recycled – think paper plates, napkins, straws and reusable cups.

8. Great grass management

Let the grass grow a bit longer – that’s good for garden dwellers as well as the electricity or petrol required to cut it.

9. Change your car

The big drive is to adopt electric vehicles, but even switching to a smaller car, or removing items you don’t need that add weight and use up fuel, can have a really positive effect on the environment.

10. Keep up the (tyre) pressure

Make sure your vehicle’s tyres are correctly inflated. Flat or poorly maintained tyres require more energy, meaning greater fuel consumption.

11. Grow wildflowers

Planting wildflower seeds encourages bees and insects, and improves your environmental ecosystem.

12. Check your home for draughts

While you’ll truly feel the benefit of draught exclusion in the winter months, there’s all-yearround benefit from ensuring heat isn’t escaping from gaps in your home.

13. Help clean beaches

Finally, whether your local area is a park, a beach, a field or a rocky outcrop, a quick sweep for rubbish once a week – perhaps as part of a local community project – will not only make things visually pleasing, but will help the flora and fauna who reside there.

Gates, Railings, Balustrades

Interior & Exterior Ironwork

Heritage Restoration and Conservation work carried out

Consultation, Design, Manufacture & Installation services

Gold and Silver gilding service offered

Tel No: 01202 914360

info@ironworkofdistinction.com

Mobile No: 07967 545800 www.ironworkofdistinction.com

www.kingsparkplants.co.uk

High Quality Plants. Expert Advice. Everyone Welcome

Open:

Quality plants carefully chosen to thrive in our south coast climate

Seasonal hanging baskets, troughs, bedding, tropical plants, large olives, rare & unusual plants, herbs, vegetables and much more

King’s Park Drive, Bournemouth BH7 6LR | 01202 427851

Ken Fanner AWCB

Associate of The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths

Ashington Forge, Ashington Lane, WIMBORNE, Dorset, BH21 3DG

First young people in the UK to complete The OPT Award

The first young people in the UK have completed The OPT Award at Langside School in Poole, run by Diverse Abilities. The OPT Award is a new scheme which has been devised for young people with learning disabilities aged 16 and over in their transition into adulthood. It gives students the opportunity to complete three strands: The Helping Award, The Personal, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award, and The 48 Hour Challenge. Students focus on one strand each term with activities such as caring for animals, gardening, hydrotherapy, yoga and more. The challenge element of the award is to take on two days of activities these young people would not normally experience, and an overnight stay away from home. The three students who completed The OPT Award are Angel, Amelia and Alicia who are all in Options Class at Langside School. Across the course of the award they have prepared a three- course meal, spent the day at a high ropes course and enjoyed a sensory walk through the gardens and along the beach. The 48-hour challenge involved a sleep-over at the school where the girls enjoyed each other’s company, films and a pampering session.

Lisa Noel, Amelia’s Mum commented: “My daughter, Amelia, has been very lucky to be part of the first OPT Awards designed by Langside School. Recently, we watched the 3 girls, who are all best friends, collect their certificates from the Governor of the school. This was a very proud and special moment as they were all the first youngsters to have completed the new OPT Award. They had previously obtained their bronze in Duke of Edinburgh, but this award was much more tailored to youngsters with PMLD, like Amelia. It’s been lovely hearing about what different activities they had planned and then seeing the photos. She had the opportunity to do a 48 hours challenge, where they had a new experience at a local outdoor activity centre, being hoisted up into the trees and swinging through the trees, then back to school for a sleep over; not that a lot of sleeping was had that night at school. She now has badges we can sew onto her towel to remind us of all the activities and her certificates are up in her bedroom for everyone to see her achievements of obtaining The OPT Award.”

“As she’s very shortly transitioning into adult services, leaving Langside school The OPT Award has given her the opportunity to get out into the community visiting places she wouldn’t normally have access to. It’s helped her get ready for change. Thank you for everyone who has made The OPT Award possible; I recommend to any family.”

Find out more about The OPT Award and how your school can get involved at http://www.optaward.org.uk

Public Open Day on Sunday 28th May from 10am - 3pm FREE for everyone.

Bowls4Fun Monday evening 12th June 6pm – 7.30pm

Bowls4Fun Monday evening 19th June 6pm – 7.30pm

Bowls4Fun Monday evening 26th June 6pm – 7.30pm

Bowls4Fun Monday evening 3rd July 6pm – 7.30pm

(There is a £5 one off fee to cover all sessions with a special concessionary membership fee and season ticket for members joining the club who have attended the Bowls4Fun sessions.)

For more information ring Peter on 01202 418280

To be or not to be

Celebrating 75 years since the release of Sir Laurence Olivier’s film version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the first British film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

“Since Brevity is the soul of wit, I shall be brief.”

May 2023 sees the 75th anniversary of the Sir Laurence Olivier’s film adaptation of Hamlet, arguably William Shakespeare’s best-known play, which was directed by and starred the man famous for his psychologically intense versions of the Bard’s works.

Winning four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor –for Olivier himself – the film is continually referenced to as a benchmark for Shakespeareinspired productions for the big screen.

In fact, many critics have written over the last threequarters of a century that

the cinematic version of Hamlet can be viewed without even thinking that it was originally penned by Shakespeare at all, but more as an astonishing and standalone piece of art.

It’s rare that the viewer takes their eyes from the screen during the 153-minute masterpiece, as we are guided along the magical journey of ghost story, revenge plot, character study and actionpacked melodrama.

In truth, it wasn’t just the masterful Olivier who ascended to acting impeccability for the movie. A tremendous supporting cast of Basil Sydney, Eileen Herlie, Norman Wooland, Felix Aylmer, Terrence Morgan, Jean Simmons, John Laurie, Esmond Knight and Anthony Quayle all sparkled.

The latter went on to spend several years as Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in the writer’s hometown of StratfordUpon-Avon.

One famous contemporary of Olivier though wasn’t involved, as most thought. It was assumed that Sir John Gielgud was behind the eerie and unsettling ghost in the 1948 film – even though he did actually go on to do so in later stage, radio, TV and album versions. Yet it was Olivier all along.

One oddity that was proven as true however was that having been born in 1907, Olivier was 40 years old when the film came to pass, and the aforementioned Eileen Herlie who played his mum… was 11 years his junior!

Since Hamlet succeeded in becoming the first British film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, over 50 versions have followed on screen.

It proves that Olivier’s original went a long way not just to making movie history, but in inspiring the generations of movie-makers who followed. William would be proud.

Fire in the kitchen

Why Gordon Ramsay’s approach to his craft, his business and life itself is confrontational and committed, yet utterly compelling.

Without for a moment suggesting Gordon Ramsay is softening in his middle years, in conversation he is reflective, grateful for what he has, loving and funny… although still unapologetically brash.

“My advice on this one has always been the same,” he says, addressing his love of an expletive. “If you don’t like it, turn over. You have to appreciate the pressures of the kitchen and that environment. It looks like a lovely serene, woolly, fluffy place front-ofhouse and that’s the whole point – you wouldn’t want to keep turning up for meals where the staff were ripping shreds off one another; but it needs to be high pressure out

the back. And only when you’ve seen that situation do you really appreciate what it is we go through.

“It’s stress – pure, unadulterated stress. It’s not pleasant for anyone, and someone being offended by an expletive is really going to be the least of someone’s worries!”

Through all his crudeness, in 2023 Gordon Ramsay’s eponymous empire is a meticulously curated, globally renowned brand. Much of that is down to its founder’s measured pursuit of what he is good at – never allowing the lure of expansion to divert him into areas outside his comfort zone, he’s always acted quickly when challenges approach.

The chef displays a passion, a determination and almost child-like giddiness that will always keep Ramsay at the top. For all his impassioned speeches, rants and dressing downs when in the kitchens of others in his reality shows, when it comes to gauging

his own survival prospects, the chef is self-assured in his poise.

“I have always had confidence in myself when it comes to work, largely because I’ve achieved everything I’ve set out to. I can’t afford to worry.

“As you get older and become wealthier, you have more to fall back on, but still it amounts to the same thing whether it’s a big investment or a small one – you don’t want to fail, and that fear of failure, combined with the motivation for the next ‘thing’, is what galvanises me more than anything else. I love the feeling.”

And the temper?

“A temper? Me?” he chips back, with a wry smile. “I think the big thing is wanting a job to get to the point where you sit back and savour it.

“The fact is, if you have some idiot stood in your way, preventing that, then of course you’re going to get mad!”

FOAM REMOVAL NO JOB TOO SMALL

FOAM REMOVAL WAS £1995 NOW FROM £995

FIRE RISK

TIMBER DAMAGE

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

MOVING HOME

Spray foam is very flammable putting your property and anyone living in it at much higher risk.

Spray foam has been known to cause damage to the structure of your roof by not allowing it to breathe, which can result in rotting. Most of the time this will be hidden behind the foam itself.

Spray foam contains Isocyanates which are powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes and gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.

Because of the dangers associated with spray foam insulation, mortgage companies will not lend for properties with spray foam installed.

Just like mortgages, your provider will more than likely check your property for spray foam insulation and can refuse to release equity on this basis.

Local Children’s Hospice Charity Steps Out To Mark 20 Years of Caring

Julia’s House has been providing essential respite care for local seriously ill children and their families for 20 years, with staff and supporters marking this milestone on Saturday 1 April, the anniversary of its first ever respite session.

On this special day, the charity’s CEO, Martin Edwards, joined Diana Lawrence, one of the first families supported by Julia’s House, as she walked 21 miles in tribute to her sister, Gabby, on what would have been Gabby’s 21st birthday. Diana and Martin were joined by Ruby McEvoy, whose family are also supported by Julia’s House, as well as the hospice’s Director of Care, Claire-Hudson Cooper, charity trustee, Jacquie Irvine and fundraisers Caroline Attreed and Sarah Agnew.

“It is important to mark this milestone of care not only for Julia’s House, but for the many families we have cared

for over the last two decades. We also want to say a huge thank you to the committed supporters and volunteers without whom we would not have been able to provide this critical care and to all our staff who have made it possible for us to be there for local families every day,” said charity CEO Martin Edwards.

“And it felt just as important to walk side-by-side with Diana, whom we have known since she was a very young child, and continue to support her as she took on her epic challenge in memory of Gabby and her mum, Maria, who she tragically lost just a couple of years after Gabby died. It is for families just like Diana’s that the care we provide has been a lifeline, helping the whole family - from a child with highly complex medical needs or a sibling who needs someone to share their difficult world to parents and grandparents who are struggling to cope with the challenges of caring 24/7. They don’t get our kind of individually-tailored care anywhere else.”

Julia’s House first began as the dream of paediatric nurse, Julia Perks, who wanted be able to offer care for the local families of seriously ill children, and was

founded after Julia died by her friend, local councillor, Mike Wise MBE. Now, the charity has a hospice in both Dorset and Wiltshire and a team of nurses and carers that support families at the hospice, at home or in hospital, the length and breadth of each county –last year they delivered over 16,000 hours of specialist care to 188 local children and their families.

More seriously ill children requiring care and support

More children are being born and living longer with increasingly complex medical conditions requiring around the clock care, so the vital respite breaks Julia’s House gives to families couldn’t be more critical. Across the UK, there are three times as many children and young people living with life-limiting conditions than there were 20 years ago and it is estimated that number could grow by a further 50 per cent over the coming decade.*

*(source: Together for Short Lives)

“We never want to have to turn an exhausted family away and want to ensure we are always there for them,” says Claire Hudson-Cooper, Julia’s House Director of Care. “We are so grateful for all the support from the local community over the last 20 years, which has enabled us to not only deliver our care, but also to expand our service to meet growing demand.

“We will continue to need this support to help shape our future and be

able to care for more children with increasingly complex conditions, support the whole family with a wide and ever-changing range of needs and partner with NHS healthcare services to provide more choice for families when their child reaches the end of their life.”

Julia’s House care starts when a seriously ill child and their family are first referred to the children’s hospice and the service continues to support the family for up to five years after their child has died. The charity relies on public support to provide over 90 per cent of its income – it only receives eight per cent Government funding.

Getting involved

There are lots of ways to help support Julia’s House future care and mark its 20 years of caring in the local community, from signing up for a tandem parachute jump to joining a ‘bucket list’ overseas trek. Or take on your own 20-themed fundraiser – your school could collect 20ps, you could take on a personal 20 minute challenge or why not hold a 20th anniversary tea party? Find out more about the anniversary and how you can help www.juliashouse.org/anniversary

Dorset Rough Riders Summer DRRt Event

June 25th

Event Name: Summer DRRt - Jurassic Jaunt

Date: 25th June 2023

Booking in Time: 09:00 to 09:30

Location: Manor Road (National Trust car park), Studland, Swange BH19 3AU or using What3Words: /// succeed.pursue.dots

Cost: Members £15 and Non Members £20

Online registration is open until 23rd June 2023. However, if you do not want to pre-book, just turn up on the day - just ensure you have cash to pay for your entry.

Enter the EPIC 33 miles and 4,000 feet of climb and descent in the Purbeck hills or the new 22 miles LITE route. The routes feature clifftop

bridleways, outstanding sea views, rolling chalk downs to sandy heath land and a forest, there’s just about everything you could wish for.

In co-operation with the National Trust we set up the HQ at Studland South Beach. This is in one of the large pay and display car parks with a real ale pub next door! You can also park at Sandbanks and cycle across to the start via the chain ferry (£2 return). Sign in for this event is between 09:00 and 09.30am, please do not arrive any later as we may refuse entry.

Location: Manor Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AU or using What3Words: ///succeed.pursue.dots

Growing Business...Locally!

With a strong presence in Modern Magazines' advertisements, Work Smart Roofing and Building Ltd is a highly professional and dependable roofing company that has unparalleled expertise in the industry.

4.87 TrustATrade Reviews

x2 Overall Business 100’s Of Happy Clients

4.87 TrustATrade Reviews

x2 Overall Business 100’s Of Happy Clients

We cannot praise the work of Carl and his team of hard workers highly enough. From the simple start of answering our initial enquiry, which many tradesmen fail to do, through every stage of the work Carl has kept us informed both in pictures and in person. Due to spray foam insulation in our loft Carl completely removed all our tiles, cutting out all traces of the insulation and then replaced the roof to a high standard including high specification insulation. The work was completed within five days due to his large team of skilled workers. He managed the delivery of scaffolding and the removal of same in very timely manner. The worksite was kept very tidy throughout and the waste removed promptly. We would highly recommend this company.”

- Alan Hicks

You recently repaired my parents roof at the above address & I wanted to thank you so very much for all your care & compassion towards them. My mother has been so touched by your kindness, I have never heard her cry with gratitude before.I live in Canada & always feel so helpless being so far away, especially when something goes wrong. The peace of mind that you gave me knowing that they were so cared for during such a stressful time, I cannot thank you enough. You are a very rare & special person.

Thank you again for doing such a great job!”

- Jay Naylor

Your magazines serve the community so well and changes their lives. People really have great trust and security with it, and the good contractors carry that on - Work Smart Roofing and Building Ltd

Work

Modern

Smart Roofing and Building Ltd have been advertising with

Magazines for around 1 year and say their business has doubled in that time

MOSS REMOVAL NO JOB TOO SMALL

MOSS REMOVAL WAS £695 NOW FROM £295

EXTEND ROOF LIFE

IMPROVED LOOK

VALUE OF PROPERTY

ORGANISMS & BACTERIA

GUTTERS & PIPES

Regular moss removal can help extend the life of your roof by preventing moss growth from damaging shingles and causing leaks.

Removing moss from your roof can significantly improve the overall look of your home, making it look cleaner and well-maintained.

Keeping your roof moss-free can add value to your property, as it signals that the property has been well-maintained and is in good condition.

Moss growth on your roof can lead to the buildup of organisms and bacteria, which can be harmful to your health. Regular moss removal can help prevent this.

Moss growth can clog gutters and downspouts, causing water to overflow and potentially damaging the pipes. Regular moss removal can prevent these issues.

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses something in our gardens that dates right the way back to 1400BC, yet is as popular today than ever before. It’s the humble pergola.

I was asked by someone the other day what my favourite thing was in my garden – a plant, a tree, perhaps something manmade.

In answering that, I think I would struggle to look past a pergola. And if there’s one addition you’re thinking of making to your outdoor space this year, consider one of these. They date right the way back beyond Roman times, though were popularised by Caesar and his chums.

While the belief is you’ll need a decent plot of land on which to place it, in truth pergolas can be built in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials to suit any garden style or size. They can be freestanding or attached to a house or other garden structure and will give you the necessary height that means you can experiment with vertical gardening – think climbing plants such as vines, roses, and wisteria – without

having to worry about awkward poles, wonky trellises and more!

Mostly, a pergola provides a real focal point to the garden – I often think of mine as being akin to a church altar! It’s something that looks over an entire space with a sense of importance and prestige.

On a practical level, pergolas are brilliant for shade and shelter. There are many plants that shouldn’t be in direct sunlight for the whole of the day, while having a shaded area that can be used for outdoor entertaining, dining or relaxing can transform an average afternoon, whether alone or with friends, into a glorious one.

There’s also the privacy element, and the fact pergolas are generally low maintenance and

can last for many years with minimal upkeep.

As for cost, my advice is to shop around and see what you can get. From the very basic costing a couple of hundred pounds to elegant stone-pillared creations that go well into four figures, your budget and your personal taste can lead the way in creating for you a garden centrepiece that will evolve in the same way that your garden does. With good maintenance, your pergola has the ability to outlast the majority of other features in your garden… just ask the Romans!

Here at United Fencing Supplies we specialise in all types of fencing from domestic to industrial.

We stock a full range of timber fencing products including:

• Picket Fencing

• Closeboard Fencing

• Trellis and Overlap

• Closeboard Panels

We manufacture all of our own panels, trellis and gates so if you have any bespoke requirements please don’t hesitate to contact us.

With over 25 years’ experience we are confident that United Fencing Supplies is the right choice for your garden project.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

It’s an important legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions, or make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to.

Think of an LPA like an insurance policy, putting it in place while you’re fit and healthy gives you peace of mind knowing that, no matter how life plays out, your health and financial matters will be managed as per your wishes

Here’s how it works:

Margaret suffers an unexpected illness or accident, resulting in a loss of mental capacity.

Without an LPA

Next of kin doesn’t have the legal right to make decisions for Margaret

Sole bank accounts are frozen

Joint bank accounts are frozen in some circumstances

Bills can’t be paid from Margaret’s money

Investment decisions can’t be made (any previous authority given to make investment decisions is cancelled)

Property can’t be sold, meaning a co-habiting partner can’t move house if they wanted to

Next of kin don’t have the legal right to make decisions about medical treatment

Next of kin don’t have the legal rights to make personal choices, for example where Margaret should live

If you don’t plan ahead and you suffer an accident or illness which causes you to lose mental capacity, your next of kin can only get the legal authority to act on your behalf through a Court Order. This is a long, costly and intrusive process.

With an LPA

Margaret puts LPAs in place for both Financials & Health and Care Decisions appointing a representative

Margarethas legallyappointeda representativetomake decisionsabouther finances

Thebankrecognisesthe chosenrepresentative’s legalauthorityandNO accountsarefrozen

Investmentdecisions canbemadeby Margaret’s representatives

Bills can be paid as normal

Property can be sold if needed

The representative has the legal right to make decisions about Margaret’s medical treatment

The representative can make personal choices for Margaret, such as where to live.

By planning ahead, you can choose who should have legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself. A Lasting Power of Attorney costs far less than a Court Order and the people you choose can step in as soon as needed

Cultural Coronation

How the term ‘Coronation’ has permeated so much of our language today.

Coronation Street

The first episode of Coronation Street was aired on December 9th 1960, just seven years after Elizabeth II took to the throne.

It has since gone on to become the world’s longest-running soap opera, clocking up almost 11,000 episodes, with actor William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, an ever-present since episode one. In that time he has had three wives, almost 30 girlfriends and, by his own admission, says he represents “the most dysfunctional of families”!

Of course, the Weatherfield location is entirely fictional… unlike, that is, the 74 Coronation Streets that exist around the UK.

Coronation Chicken

A dish inspired by George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935 and perfected by Winkfield Place College student Angela Wood, who was tasked with preparing a coronation dish in advance

of a 350-person banquet to be held at Westminster School.

The dish combines flavour, spice and sweetness, and is a generational favourite across the Commonwealth, and beyond.

Coronation rock

A large rocky formation, located on planet Mars near the landing site of the Curiosity rover, is named Coronation.

Coronation horses

Two famous horses have taken the name Coronation. Both Thoroughbreds, they first rode to victory at the 1841 Epsom Derby; and over a hundred years later, in 1949, another by the same name won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Coronation, the town

There are three towns that go by the name of Coronation. Two are location in South Africa; while a further, is found in Alberta, Canada.

Swamping all three in size, if not population, is the Coronation Glacier, which is found on Baffin Island in Canada, and measures around 660km sq.

Coronation transport

The magnificent Coronation Class

locomotive, first built in 1937, once held the British speed record, clocking 126mph.

The 6220’s maiden run in June of that year was tempered by its inability to slow, and it tore through Crewe station’s reverse curves at 53mph – well above the 20mph limit – much to the panic of passengers!

The HMS Coronation gunship, meanwhile, was built in Portsmouth and launched in 1685. She took part in the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690 against the French, but dragged her anchors the following year near Penlee Point in Cornwall and was wrecked, with 600 of the 620 on board perishing.

The wreck was discovered in 1967 and is now protected by English Heritage.

Coronation grape

Finally, the Coronation grape, also known as the Sovereign Coronation grape. This hardy variety was formulated in British Columbia, Canada, with around 2.5 million kilograms produced each year.

A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the a able architectural business owner talks about embracing darker shades in making our living space look stylish and welcoming.

Something I get asked a lot is how to use darker shades in a way that enables a room to feel stylish, whilst still inviting. It can be a tough thing to get right, but it’s certainly achievable with the correct approach.

The first thing I ask people is their definition of ‘dark’. After all, dark doesn’t have to mean pitch black! Traditional gloomy colours can sometimes feel cold and unwelcoming, but use of warm-toned dark shades like deep reds, burnt oranges and rich browns can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

The next big thing is texture. Incorporating a variety of textures like plush fabrics, cosy throws and soft rugs can help balance out the darkness of the room, en route to making it feel more welcoming. With this in mind, ensure you don’t use objects or furniture that are oversized, as these will dominate the darkness and make the room feel insular.

Next is where the lighting itself comes in. I feel the real secret when it comes to creating a welcoming

space with dark colours is to utilise a variety of lighting sources; so consider table lamps, floor lamps and overhead lighting, to create a warm and inviting glow.

In essence, you’re not looking to light up a dark room – more to accentuate some areas of darkness by lighting up other parts, where the detail is. It’s a skilled art, but embracing darkness in corners or through shadow and shade is incredibly satisfying.

Finally, juxtapose this with light-coloured accents - pillows, curtains and artwork can help to balance out the darkness of the room and prevent it from feeling too heavy or oppressive.

Overall, creating a welcoming room using dark colours in interior design requires careful attention to detail and a thoughtful approach to colour, texture, and lighting. With the right techniques, and if you’re openminded and brave, even the darkest of rooms can feel warm and inviting.

The Adventures of Daichi The Modern Magazines Camper Van

Wafflicious is ONE Year Old! As you may remember Daichi, our lovable Campervan who loves the sea, brought us to Weymouth to not only visit - but to actually live! It was a move we were all excited about. Can you imagine that now over one year ago, we opened our brand-new family dining experience right on the seafront! Yes, a full year ago... we cannot believe how time flies. Offering the most delightful range of tempting treats such as waffles, sundaes, milkshakes, scoop ice-creams and luxury hot chocolate, you really are guaranteed delicious when you come to Wafflicious!

On Saturday 25th February, we celebrated our first birthday. We commemorated the day by offering 50% off everything which of course, drew many of our wonderful regular visitors, as well as some brand-new faces.

Situated in the most perfect location on the Esplanade, overlooking Weymouth’s stunning beach and

landscape, our guests can devour their treats while taking in the stunning view. Ideal for families and couples alike, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Larger parties can now book our “Flamingo Suite” for groups of up to 20 people, perfect not only for children’s birthday treats but also for those who are young at heart! We get many adults sneaking in for a tasty dessert and a good cup of coffee.

The menu at Wafflicious includes all your favourite toppings, including the very popular ‘Smoreo’. You can also choose ‘Chocolate Fudge’, ‘StrawNana’, ‘Apple Pie’ which comes with a full slice of apple pie, and ‘Canadian’ which is a delicious mix of maple syrup and cinnamon. All the Waffles and Sundaes are served with Marshfield Farm Ice cream.

We even have treats for your fourlegged friends as we stock Marshfield Farm Doggy Ice Cream ‘Scoops’. What a treat after a run on the beach!

Taking care of all tastes, Wafflicious

From our family... to you and yours!

Pooches can enjoy their very own treats

also offers savoury waffles for guests who don’t have such a sweet tooth, with tantalising toppings such as ham, cheese and onion with chicken and pepperoni for a ‘pizza waffle’ experience, or smoked salmon, avocado or roasted peppers for a more sophisticated palate. Whether you’re a Weymouth local or visiting our beautiful town while you’re on holiday, no trip to the beach is complete without a trip to Wafflicious! We love to see people arriving from all over the South of England, as well as much farther afield. One lovely couple from Australia genuinely declared that our beach is prettier than Bondi Beach! Daichi of course agrees wholeheartedly.

Hayden is now managing the parlour and we have to say he is doing a fantastic job. He dashes around all day making waffles, talking to our amazing customers and making sure everything is stocked up. He says, “We have loved our first year and appreciate all the support our customers have given. We look forward to serving everyone in the many years to come. And remember its delicious here at Wafflicious!” With a big smile on his face of course!

Starting a new business is a challenge

for sure. Having a passion to make it go right, wanting it to succeed and working tremendously hard, is at the heart of what we have done. We really are looking forward to our second summer. Seeing those happy faces, families coming together and friends meeting up is just joyous. Our success is a result of the Lockdown, when we had time to look, plan and decide what we wanted to do. I think that is quite a turn around. If you are ever in Weymouth and want to pop in and say, “Hello!” we would love to see you. Mention Daichi and you will receive 10% off anything you try.

If you want to book in advance, or book a party please call Debbie on 07886 641600, or the Wafflicious email is eat@wafflicious.co.uk

Follow Wafflicious on socials for special offers and events:

www.facebook.com/WaffliciousWeymouth

www.instagram.com/wafflicious_weymouth

Daichi is very happy with the decision he made and will update you with his next plans, in the forthcoming issues of the magazine. We look forward to seeing you!

By Debbie Corney

All photos courtesy of Ellie Smeaton Photography

Perfect for just a coffee and a catch up...

It is service... with a smile!

The Value Equation

The top 10 ways to extract maximum value from your consumer habits.

The concept of value can be expressed in many ways, but with some smart planning, here’s how you can make it work best for you:

1. Shop around

Before making a purchase, research the market and compare prices from different retailers. You can use price comparison websites or shop around in person to ensure you get the best deal possible.

2. Look for discounts and promotions

Many retailers offer discounts and promotions on products, especially during seasonal sales or holidays. Keep an eye out for these and take advantage of them to save money on your purchases.

3. Use voucher codes and coupons

Online voucher codes and coupons can help you save money on your purchases. These can often be found on retailer websites or through online coupon websites. Also consider signing up for loyalty programs.

4. Consider buying second-hand

Second-hand items can often be bought for a fraction of the price of new items. This is especially true for things like electronics and furniture, which can be expensive when bought new. Check online

marketplaces and visit local charity shops.

5. Plan your purchases

By planning your purchases in advance,

you can take advantage of seasonal sales and promotions. For example, buy Christmas decorations in January, or purchase summer clothes in the winter.

6. Check for quality

Consider the quality of the product you’re buying, remembering that buying a cheaper item that will need replacing frequently may end up costing you more in the long run than investing in a higherquality, more expensive item.

7. Consider buying in bulk

If you know you’ll be using a product frequently, buying in bulk can usually save you money. This is particularly true for household items like toiletries and cleaning supplies.

8. Negotiate

to the a

Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price with the retailer, especially if you’re buying a big-ticket item. Many retailers are open to negotiation.

9. Use cashback and reward schemes

Many banks and credit cards offer cashback and reward schemes that can help you save money on your purchases. By using these schemes, you’ll be getting back as you’re spending.

10. Avoid impulse buying

Impulse buying can lead to overspending and ‘purchase regret’ later on. To avoid this, make a shopping list and stick to it, and avoid buying things when you’re feeling emotional or stressed.

In conclusion, getting maximum value as a UK consumer requires effort and research, but done well, it’s a habit that will pay back many times over.

Ian Jones

Property Maintenance

• Brickwork, garden walls & repointing

• Patios

• Refurbishments

• Kitchens & bathrooms

• Plastering

• Ceramic tiling

• Internal & external painting

• Carpentry work Friendly and reliable service City and Guilds qualified Over 20 years experience No job too small!

Tel: 01202 56 97 00

M: 07881 68 23 78

PARKING SENSORS WITH AUDIBLE WARNING FIT TED

Rear set colour coded: from £160

Front set colour coded: from £190

Both Front & Rear Sensors: from £280 CRUISE CONTROL FOR MOST VEHICLES £425 FIT TED PRICE.

Metatrak insurance approved vehicle £330

Rear view cameras for Cars £190, Vans from £225 & Motorhomes from £245

Dash cameras starting at £145 or FRONT & REAR cameras for just £245

General Knowledge Crossword #027

Across Clues:

1. Cycle (4)

5. Long book (4)

7. Land located near a boundary (9)

9. Archaic, have (4)

11. Vault (5)

12. Seize (4)

14. Admission (6)

17. Go on (6)

19. Dripping (5)

20. Dissolve (5)

21. Light flat-bottomed boat (6)

23. A business partnership (6)

24. Harmony (4)

26. Faithful (5)

28. Restriction of food (4)

30. Highly contagious (9)

31. Young deer (4)

32. Race (4)

Down Clues:

1. Undergrowth (4)

2. Produce (4)

3. Slightly damaged (6)

4. Violent fight (6)

5. Revise (4)

6. Indication (4)

8. Cut and dried (3)

10. Going with (9)

13. Television tube (9)

15. Aristocracy (5)

16. Plenty of (5)

18. Show, demonstrate (5)

22. Improving, make better (6)

23. Country controlled by a more powerful one (6)

24. Mass of white bubbles (4)

25. Change (4) 27. 2nd person (3) 28. Departed (4)

29. Nylon shelter

Areyoufindingtravellingtoandfrommedicalappointmentsdifficult?

Doyoumissasocialmeetupandchatoverlunch?

Difficultywithonlineshoppingandpreferchoosingyourownfruitandvegetables? Thenreadon

Sedcat–YourNot-for-ProfitCommunityTransport

Ourservicescaterforthosewhohavedifficultyattendinganyhealthappointmentsdue toalackofappropriatetransport;peoplewhoareelderlyorfrail,thosewithmobilityor healthproblems,andthosewhoarelonelyandmissingsomefriendlycompany

SedcatareyourlocalCharitysituatedatCastlepointthatoffersitsmembersalternative andcostsavingtransportservicesthroughouttheBCParea

Theseservicesincludethefollowingandallcaterforthosetravellinginwheelchairs:

FullyEscortedHospitalAppointments-Bournemouth,ChristchurchandPoole

Medical/ClinicalAppointments-Doctors,DentistsandPodiatrists

Social-Clubs,HairdressersandDayCentres

WeeklyShoppingTrips-OnOurOwnMinibusestoBoscombeandCastlepoint

WeeklyLunchOuting-Pubs,Restaurants,GardenCentresandTeaRooms

Tel:01202534027

CouldYouHelpUs?

We’realwayslookingforownerdriversoffourdoorcarstotransportourmembersto andfromtheirappointments.Ownerdriversreceiveamileageallowanceandworkany hourswhichtheycansparebetween8–5pmMondaytoFriday.

Ifyouthinkyoucanhelpbothyourlocalcommunityandus,giveusacall

Just a few of the local care providers we receive referrals from

Spot the Difference!

Smoking Hot

Turning up the heat on the best barbecues on the market right now.

Kamado barbecues allow you to smoke your meat to perfection.

Made of ceramic, this beauty warms up in just 15 seconds, has a hinged lid for ultimate ease of use, plus two bamboo side tables to store utensils and plates. It’s not cheap, but it’s built to last.

As the weather warms up, many of us start heading outdoors for some good oldfashioned grilling. Whether you want to smoke a ham, charcoal-grill some chicken wings or gas-galvanise hamburgers, we’ve got the dream barbecue for you.

Best gas

Very Two Ring Gas BBQ with Side Burner (around £90)

If you just want a go-to outdoor option for when the sun is shining, then this is the barbecue for you. No need for coal, or any real grilling expertise at all, this is a straightforward gas grill for an outstanding price.

Assembly is easy and it even has a side-burner to fry your onions on… or any other sides you fancy.

Best charcoal

Gardenline Kamado Ceramic Egg BBQ (around £400)

Modelled on the clay cooking vessels first seen during the Chinese Qin Dynasty and later used by the Japanese at the beginning of the third century,

Best portable

Weber Go Anywhere

Charcoal Grill (around £75)

Adventurous types will be inclined to invest in a decent portable barbecue, and this one from Weber is a steal. It’s versatile, easy-to-store, easyto-clean and generally a fab little burner.

Considering the size, you can get a decent amount of food on the grill plate, making it perfect for the average family on a day out or camping excursion.

Best hybrid

Char-broil Gas2Coal 210

Hybrid BBQ (around £375)

Not only does this BBQ look great but it’s super functional too, offering the perfect mix between gas and charcoal, as well as the ability to light the coals using gas – no more sheltering from the wind with a box of matches!

The downside is that such outdoor

pleasures don’t come cheap. Nevertheless, this really is a joy of innovation for any serious grill master.

Best for a crowd

Weber Genesis II EX-335

GBS Smart Barbecue (around £1,600)

As its biblical name suggests, this mighty grilling machine from the maestros at Weber is a game changer.

The grill is huge, making it perfect for those who like to entertain, and the price tag is less shocking once you factor in the smart functions that make this barbecue so special. Included in this is a tool for perfectly cooked meat every time - simply insert the probe into your steak or joint. This syncs with the Weber Connect App sending you temperature alerts and timers to let you know when it’s done.

STAR GAZING

WRITTEN BY KATE EARL kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the May Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include Venus chasing Mars across the sky, and Spica, the harvest star.

International Space Station

The ISS is visible daily until the 28th, with overhead passes starting in the morning, gradually switching to the evening by month end. To establish exact timings please refer to www. heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Mercury

The innermost planet is too close to the Sun to be seen this month.

Venus

Venus is getting brighter every evening, and remains visible in our skies until after midnight. It appears close to Pollux, the brightest star in the constellation of Gemini, towards the latter half of the month, and when the Moon joins them between the 22nd and 24th it should be a splendid sight (see figure).

Mars

The red planet is chased across the sky by Venus this month, itself having a close encounter with Gemini mid-month. Much dimmer than Venus, its red tint can still be noticed. The Moon lies nearby on the 24th.

Jupiter & Saturn

Jupiter, now an early morning object, is visible from around 4am low in the ENE. Saturn comes up just before it, at 3am. Both planets aren’t visible in the sky for long, as they are lost in the dawn light, which appears earlier every day as we approach the summer solstice next month.

Moon

May’s full moon occurs on the 5th.

Star of the month

Spica, the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo, can be spotted low in the south during the month of May. It is found by arcing round the handle of the Plough (which is found very high in the northern sky at this time of year), through bright star Arcturus, with Spica the next star in line. The name Spica is derived from the Latin for ‘ear of wheat’, because many years ago the Sun passed through Virgo at harvest time. Spica is actually two stars, which orbit so close to each other that their strong gravitational pull distorts each star into an egg shape. Below and to the right of Spica lies the small but distinctive constellation of Corvus the Crow. Marked by four stars low on the horizon that make a wonky rectangle, this group of stars was an important navigational marker to ancient Polynesian sailors. Have a go at spotting Corvus when you take a look for Spica.

Rocking (and sur ng) in the free world

How much of the tech that we consume is actually free?

Our reliance on digital technologies, notably mobile phones and computers, has reinforced this notion that so much of what we rely on comes to us at zero cost… and for the most part that’s true.

We have top-end operating systems including Linux through office suites like LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice, note-taking apps like Evernote and Google Keep, vital messaging tools such as Gmail and What’s App, and team conferencing tech such as Zoom.

Add in web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge), antivirus software (Avast and AVG are two of the most popular that do not require payment), and cloud storage facilities (including Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive), and the ‘free’ framework seems exhaustive and impressive.

Yet as much as we relish being kept informed and educated, there are several technologies that might appear to be free on the surface, but actually come with hidden costs or obligations, and it pays to be aware of these.

Social media platforms, for instance, are free to

use, but they make money by collecting data about their users and selling it to advertisers. In this sense, as a user you are not paying with money –instead the cost comes at the relinquishing of your personal information.

The same goes for free-toplay video games. The games Fortnite and FIFA led the charge for smart paid-for add-ons that can potentially take a game’s eventual cost to way above a normal shelf price.

‘Freemium’ apps work in much the same way, with a basic opening out quickly into a paid system for additional features, content, or the removal of annoying ads or announcements.

In the case of some work apps, it may even be that you are

required to enter payment details at the crucial point of its use, such as downloading a document, PDF or photo that the tool in question has invited you to edit.

Cloud storage services may also require a charge once you exceed free storage quantities. This is a clever addition because by the time a user extends to the level where they need to pay for additional space, they are so invested in the system having been happily saving content to it for a length of time. The subsequent task of moving that storage into a different system can be time-consuming and problematic, hence many will simply agree to pay the fee.

It pays to be aware of these hidden costs. Always read the fine print and consult user reviews in determining whether what you get for zero cost is actually worth ‘the investment’, so to speak.

Minimum charge £45

Puzzle Page Answers

Quick Crossword Solution #027

Answers:

Across: 2. Sip, 5. Bodice, 7. Orchid, 9. Accountable, 10. Acumen, 11. Relief, 13. Cinema, 16. Lastly, 18. Pretentious, 19. Stated, 20. Avenue, 21. All.

Down: 1. Mosaic, 2. Sequin, 3. Porter, 4. Bigeye, 6. Incompetent, 8. Cobblestone, 10. Arc, 12. Fry, 14. Impute, 15. Agenda, 16. Lethal, 17. Lasque.

Spot the difference solutions

6. Mjolnir

7.

8. Hydra

9.

1. Captain America (Steve Rogers)

2. Jarvis (later, Friday)

3. Kamar-Taj

4. Loki

5. Scarlett Johansson

Ego the Living Planet

Erik Killmonger

10. Thanos

Candice Brown’s Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Perfect for large parties and small gatherings alike, this recipe takes care and attention, but done well will keep hungry tummies well satisfied.

Ingredients

(makes 18 mini tarts)

You’ll need 18 10cm round tartlet tins

For the pastry

• 500g plain flour

• Salt and pepper

• 2 tsp dried parsley

• 250g cold cubed butter

• 4 medium egg yolks

• 100ml ice-cold water

• 1 beaten egg (egg wash)

For the filling

• Drizzle olive oil

• 3 x 110g salmon fillets

• 3 sprigs fresh dill

• ½ tsp chilli flakes

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• ½ lemon, sliced

• 220g fine asparagus

• Large bowl ice cold water

• 8 large eggs

• 160ml double cream

• 200g Parmesan, grated

• 100g Gruyère, grated

• Small bunch fresh chives

Method

1. Combine the flour, salt, pepper and parsley in a bowl. Then rub the butter in with your fingertips until it feels like breadcrumbs. Add egg yolks, then slowly mix in the water.

Knead the pastry into a ball and divide in half, wrapping in cling film. Chill in the fridge for 30 mins.

2. For the filling, preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas mark 4. Lay out a sheet of foil and drizzle with olive oil. Place the salmon on top with dill, chilli flakes, garlic, salt and pepper.

Squeeze the lemon over the fish and lay on top. Wrap in foil on a baking tray and bake for 12–15 mins. Set the fish aside to cool, discarding the herbs etc., then refrigerate.

3. Bring a pan of salted water to boil, add the asparagus for 1 minute, then put the asparagus in ice-cold water and drain when cool. Cut into 1cm pieces, then preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas mark 4.

4. Roll the pastry to 4mm thick and cut into 11cm circles to line the pastry tins. Put the tins onto a baking tray and chill for 10 mins.

5. Cut squares of baking paper slightly larger than the tins, putting one into each pastry case and add baking beans. Bake for 15 mins. Remove the paper and baking beans and brush the pastry with egg wash. Return to the oven for 6 mins.

Mix the eggs and double cream, with salt and pepper. Set aside 30g of the Parmesan and mix the remaining cheeses into the egg mixture, adding fresh chives.

6. Put chunks of the cooked salmon and asparagus into the baked pastry. Spoon the egg mixture in to fill the tarts to the top. Sprinkle over the rest of the Parmesan and bake for 15 mins.