ABC Magazine: North Edition, March/April 2022

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N O RT H E D I T I O N | M A RC H / A P R I L 2 02 2 | YO U R A B C .CO. U K

PUZZLES INSIDE

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NEW CARE FEES RULES: SAME OLD PROBLEMS Hiding in amongst the covid graphs and pandemic headlines, the government has announced a new system for assessment and payment of fees for residential and nursing care. As usual, the changes that are proposed offer very little in reality.

In one sense the publicity surrounding social care is positive, because it is generating debate. It has started to make us all consider the reality of care seriously. On the other hand, many of the rumours and political messages are not accurate and, in some instances, misleading.

We all work hard and at retirement many of us own our own homes. Time and again a move into care involves selling your house to pay the care fees – at an average of £4,000 per month it is easy to wipe out the value of an average property.

The answer is an asset protection trust. Don’t let the myths put you off: it is possible to protect your property for your family. the rules about trusts have not changed for years and the new proposals will make very little difference. there is no 7-year time limit and there never has been. the trust arrangement is legal. the council won’t take the property away in any event.

Come and see one of the team at Kidd and Spoor, or we can visit you at home. First meetings are always free and without obligation. Round up the whole family and we will reassure everyone that there is nothing to lose.

Don’t be afraid to talk it over with us. We have the experience and expertise, and we can help.

It won’t cost you a penny to discuss it, but it could save your family a fortune.

WELCOME TO ABC MAGAZINE

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LOCAL NE WS

Headliners for Bedlington Festival Announced

Organisers of Gallagher Park Live hope the announcement of the co-headlines will be “Good Enough” for music fans, as one of the ’90s most prominent Britpop bands, Dodgy, will be heading to Bedlington this July. The London based band will co-headline this summer’s Festival at Gallagher Park playing fields in Bedlington, which takes place on Saturday, July 16th.

During the Britpop period, Dodgy had 5 top 20 singles and have proved their longevity with 6 studio and 3 compilation albums. The band are festival veterans, having played at Glastonbury, Isle Of Wight and headlining many smaller festivals over the past two decades. They bring an extensive back catalogue and an array of recognisable hits, which are sure to go down well at Gallagher Park Live.

And, to ensure the crowd “Don’t Stop Moving”, S Club Allstars will co-headline the event.

S Club Allstars are a mixture of past members of the multi-award-winning bands of S Club and S Club Juniors. With four UK number-one singles, one UK number-one album, a string of hits throughout Europe and a top 10 hit on the US Hot 100, S Club were one of the most successful groups of the 2000s. Their major hits include Don’t Stop Moving, Bring it all Back, Reach, and S Club Party.

S Club Juniors were formed in 2001, cast through a reality television show. Their top 10 singles include One 6

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Step Closer, Automatic High, and Puppy Love. Tina Barrett and Bradley McIntosh of S Club 7 and Stacey Franks of SClub Juniors form “S Club Allstars” and will make sure that the S Club Party doesn’t stop at Bedlington.

Funded by East Bedlington Parish Council with contributions from Choppington Parish Council, West Bedlington Town Council, and private donations, the Gallagher Park Live Festival looks set to appeal to all ages and members of the family. As well as the headliners, there will be a wide variety of support acts, fairground rides, food and drink stands and many more attractions.

Parish Clerk Ron Thornton said: “S Club Allstars will give us plenty of songs to sing along to. Their back catalogue is simply hit after hit, and the crowd will find it hard to ‘stop moving” to their music. With Dodgy and S Club Allstars now confirmed, we can all look forward to a fantastic day out.”

Organiser Mel Jackson of Jigsaw Event Management said. “As well as our fantastic co-headliners, we have even more acts to be confirmed, and there will be a great atmosphere in Gallagher Park with fairground rides, food concessions and hopefully good weather.”

Previous year’s headliners have included Matt Cardle, The Commitments, and Johnny Hates Jazz, all of which have entertained thousands of people at the free spectacle.

Keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/NorthumberlandliveBedlington

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W HAT'S ON

MORPETH MOVIE WEEKEND IS BACK

Following a break last year, Morpeth Movie Weekend returns to the town this May, and is set to be bigger and better than ever, showing a series of blockbusters and critically acclaimed films over two days and two venues.

Morpeth Movie Weekend was launched back in 2018 by a group of enthusiastic cinema goers who volunteer with Greater Morpeth Development Trust’s Arts and Culture Group. The group have been successfully running Morpeth Cinema Club in Morpeth Town Hall since 2011, with monthly screenings being held on the first Friday of the month, February to July and September to December.

The first ‘Morpeth Movie Weekend’ was held in February 2018, initially as a one off event and, due to the success, returned in 2019, with the event featuring 9 films in 2 days across 2 venues. This was increased to 10 films in 2020, with most screenings sold out. Unfortunately, due to covid, The Movie Weekend didn’t take place in 2021, and the 2022 event was originally planned for this month. However, with the new covid variant, and the possibility of restrictions hanging over us, the event has been put back to May 6th and 7th.

This years Movie Weekend kicks off with a bang, with Friday night showings of the James Bond Blockbuster ‘No Time To Die’ and Respect, the critically acclaimed biopic about the life of Aretha Franklin, starring Jennifer Hudson. Saturdays offerings include The Sound of Metal, A highly acclaimed and profound film about hearing loss and disability rarely depicted in film, Ammonite, Inspired by the life of the acclaimed but overlooked 19th century palaeontologist, Mary Anning and Another Round, which sees four jaded middle aged teachers in Denmark embark on an experiment to consume a little alcohol each day to maintain a constant level of 8

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0.5% in the hope that it will improve their personal and professional lives.

The event is held at two locations in the town, the Corn Exchange and the Ballroom at the Town Hall. Given the current circumstances, dates, times and locations are open to change so, for up to date details, and for information on tickets, visit www. morpethcinema.weebly.com

Working safely throughout Covid19

ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

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 Time Saver They deliver everything you need to create delicious dinners from scratch so you spend less time shopping!  Value for Money They work closely with trusted suppliers to source fresh, highquality ingredients for your recipe box.  Cutting Food Waste By giving you the exact amount of ingredients you need, you cut food waste.

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WORDSEARCH

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LOCAL N E WS

SUMMER SONGS FOR EVERYONE After an absence of three years, Ashington & District Male Voice Choir will once again be performing their Annual Celebration concert this May. Rehearsals eventually resumed in August after a long break due to covid, and the choir performed an excellent Christmas Concert, despite limited rehearsal time.

Following the Christmas Concert, there was another month of lockdown before they could once again get together at the end of January. Even though this was only leaving them just over three months to prepare for the event, they are pleased to be renewing the tradition of the Annual Celebration Concert, This years' celebration will once again be held at the Holy Sepulchre in Ashington, on Saturday 21st May at 7-00 pm, with tickets costing only £8 (full details are in the advertisement). Hopefully, the event will be the start of a period of celebration, with the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations following, and may well give the opportunity for the audience to join in some patriotic songs. The choir is also pleased that this year's concert is being supported by THE MORPETH CHEESE SHOP, a place that many of you will know, and this support is very much appreciated.

As usual, the choir will have a varied programme which

should create fond memories, as well as many new ones.

Musical director Neil Morton, assisted by accompanist Derek Brett have been working hard to ensure there is something for everyone. There is always a special guest at these concerts, and this year we welcome North East baritone, Richard Grady. Richard has been singing for many years and has sung with Northern Opera, and is a member of The Ravensworth Singers. His last appearance in Ashington was as Billy in 'Fell Em Doon' in 2013.

The members are delighted to be preparing for another major concert, and the choir's two longest serving members are pleased that so many new members have joined since the early Autumn. It's always a delight to welcome newcomers to the ranks. There are no prior conditions, just an interest and a wish to give singing a try, so why not pop along to Bomarsund Welfare every Thursday at 7-00 pm?

Visit their website at www.ashingtonmalevoicechoir.org or see them on Facebook.

Ashington & District Male Voice Choir Annual Concert

Saturday 21st May Church of The Holy Sepulchre Ashington 7pm.

With Guest – Talented Baritone Richard Grady A varied programme including Showtunes, Male Voice Standards, and Spirituals. Bumper raffle and refreshments during interval.

Tickets £8 from ADMVC members, Holy Sepulchre, Al’s Ashington or ADMVC Secretary C.Prow 01670 815534 Our Concert programme sponsors

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE, GARAGE DOORS

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Give them a call, and they will guide you through the process, ensuring you select the right garage door to meet your requirements.

From Side Hinged to Roller, Sectional to Up and Over, there are many to choose from.

Side Hinged (also known as side opening or ‘swing’ garage doors) are a traditional style of garage door that are exactly what they say they are: garage doors hinged at the sides, nearly always opening outwards.

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Sectional doors are a great option if space on your drive is tight. They also take up less room in the garage since they can be placed higher than an up and over door.

Things to consider…

Insulation - Insulated doors can reduce heat loss due to foam-filled aluminium slats. They can help reduce your energy bills and is particularly good for houses with an integral garage. Their sound-proofing properties also offer acoustic insulation.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Improve the Appearance of your Smile with Dental Implants

By Joanne Duggan, Principal Dental Surgeon at Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice

I

f you have a tooth or teeth missing, and you want to improve the appearance of your smile, or perhaps be able to eat and function better, have you ever considered having an implant? There are a few options to restore a gap, such as dentures, bridges or implants. In this article, I will focus on just dental implants as I feel there are many misconceptions regarding them.

Hopefully, you will be enlightened.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is usually made of titanium and is a cylindrical screw that is placed into a carefully prepared socket in your jawbone.

Over a period of months, the bone becomes firmly attached or fused to the implant; this process is called osseointegration. Once fused with the bone, the implant can then provide the foundation to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

If you are considering dental implants, then the process may involve many visits to your dentist.

These will include appointments to discuss options and to plan your treatment; surgery to place the implants; appointments to restore the top of the implants, and yet further appointments to maintain the implants and the restorations supported by them. They are certainly not a quick fix but can be a fantastic solution to fill a gap or replace a denture.

How many implants will I need?

Every case is different, so your implant dentist will decide the number of implants once they have thoroughly examined your mouth and discussed the treatment options with you.

If you are missing just one tooth, then usually, just one implant is needed. If you have a larger space created by two, three or more

missing teeth, then this does not necessarily mean you have to have one implant per missing tooth.

If you decide an implant is the treatment choice for you, then the multiple appointments may be scheduled as suggested as follows.

Dental Implant Stages

1. Initial Phase This will include a full dental health check by a dentist at the practice to ensure your mouth is healthy and to determine if you are suitable for an implant.

It is essential to be in good general health when undergoing treatment. Heavy drinking or smoking can increase the number of problems during the initial healing and, in the long term, can adversely affect the health of the gum and bone surrounding each implant. Also, your general well-being and certain medical conditions can affect your ability to heal after surgery. The dentist will check your medical history and any medication you are taking.

You may need some of the following before you are deemed suitable for an implant: Radiographs (x-rays) to ensure your teeth and supporting bone structures are healthy, and there are no areas of dental disease.

Prevention advice, including oral hygiene instruction. It is vital for you to be able to properly clean your natural teeth as poor oral hygiene can lead to decay and gum disease. If you cannot clean your teeth to a high enough standard, you will not be suitable for a dental implant.

If any teeth have decay, you may need filling.

Extractions. Teeth may need to be removed before you start your implant treatment, especially if you want an implant to replace a diseased or unhealthy tooth. If any teeth are to be extracted then a period of healing may be advised before an implant is placed into the area. This may be 2 to 3 months.

Gum treatment, including visits to the hygienist. The bone and gums around an Implant can be prone to gum disease just like a natural tooth.

If you are prone to gum disease, (periodontitis), then you will be at a higher risk of gum disease around an implant.

Smoking cessation advice. It is well known that smoking increases the risk of failure of implants.

· · · · · ·

Ideally, your whole mouth (gums and teeth), needs to be healthy before you can have an implant placed.

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2. Consultation with the surgeon/ implantologist At Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice, you would be invited to have an appointment with Mr Rob Banks (consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon) to assess your suitability.

More radiographs may be taken to visualise your upper and lower jaws to assess the quality and quantity of your bone available to place an implant. We may advise a CBCT, (cone-beam computed tomography) 3D scan to gain more detail.

3. Confirm the treatment plan There are always alternative options to having an implant, (denture or bridge, or simply leave the space unfilled). It is advisable that any alternative options are explored before you make your final decision.

You will be provided with an estimate for treatment. Before committing to any dental treatment plan, it is important you are fully informed and understand the treatment that has been proposed, including the costs and any risks associated, and be aware of any other alternative options available to you.

4. Surgery to place the implant/s An appointment for implant surgery would be arranged with all the trained support staff required (usually including Joanne Duggan, the practice principal, or Andy Cartner, one of our dentists) to assist Mr Banks. If you are very nervous about dental treatment, we can also offer intravenous conscious sedation. We have two dentists (Joanne Duggan and Sarah Kime), who have attained a postgraduate diploma in conscious sedation in dentistry, and along with Mr Banks, can provide either intravenous or inhalation sedation.

We are also fortunate to have 3 qualified sedation nurses (Ally, Lisa or Ruth) who would give additional care and support and assess your fitness for sedation at a pre- sedation assessment appointment.

A standard implant placement procedure would normally run as follows: Rob Banks will be assisted by a familiar member of the practice team, usually Joanne or Andy, and Natalie, our implant nurse.

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You may be given antibiotics before starting and asked to use an antiseptic mouthwash. This is to reduce the risk of any infection at the surgical site.

A local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.

Mr Banks performs the procedure to place the implant. This usually involves Mr Banks making a small incision in your gum followed by a small pilot hole in your jaw bone into which he places the implant.

You will feel some pressure, which is manageable, but no pain. After placement of the implant, it is either fully covered over with your gum, or there may be a small metal cap sticking out of the gum. Either way, expect to have sutures/stitches.

If you have a temporary denture then we ensure this is fitting well.

Postoperative antibiotics will be given to you to take following the surgery, again to reduce the risk of an infection developing.

It is advisable to have analgesics (for example what you would normally take for a headache such as paracetamol or ibuprofen), as it is expected you will have some degree of discomfort for a few days afterwards.

You will be given a follow-up appointment approximately 2 weeks after surgery to ensure all is healthy and well.

5. Allow time for osseointegration In most cases, we allow time for the bone to fuse to the implant (osseointegration). This will normally take approximately 3 -4 months, however, sometimes can take longer.

Then an appointment will be arranged to uncover the implant. If your implants have been completely covered by the gum, you will need a very minor procedure with a local anaesthetic to expose the implant. You may require stitches, however, it is a much quicker and easier experience than the surgery to place the implant. The area is then allowed to heal and settle for a further few weeks.

6. Begin restoring the top of the implant One of the dentists at the practice will take impressions and radiographs and collect any additional information, such as the colour of your teeth (shade), which they send to the dental laboratory. We liaise with the dental

ADVERTISING FEATURE

laboratory, where a highly skilled team of technicians make the crown, denture or bridge to fit into the implant/s. If you have more than one implant or there are multiple teeth you are replacing, for example with larger bridges or implant retained dentures, then you will need multiple appointments before the final teeth are fitted.

7. Fitting the crown, bridge, denture The final restoration is tried in, checks are made to ensure it fits well and to ensure we are all happy with the appearance and how the teeth bite together. The crown/bridge/ denture is secured into the implants by small screws that are tightened.

You will attend two weeks later for a review appointment to ensure all is healthy and you are happy with everything. You may be fitted with a lower soft splint to wear at night to protect all the implant components from excessive heavy biting forces at night due to clenching/grinding.

We advise that you continue with your routine dental care appointments and checkups with the dentist.

8. Follow up appointment Approximately one year after the top of the implant has been restored, we would take a radiograph to see if there has been any change in the bone surrounding the implant.

At this appointment, the gum around the implant will be checked to ensure there are no problems such as bleeding, loosening of the gum (pocketing) or infection.

Approximately five years after placement, we will want to see you for another review appointment to take a radiograph to ensure all is still healthy.

How do I maintain the implants?

Implants need to be kept clean by brushing and using interdental brushes/floss just like you would around natural teeth. You will be instructed on the best cleaning aids for your implant by one of the dental professionals at the practice. You must be prepared to maintain the implants at home, which involves following the instructions we have given you.

It is reasonable to expect some daily hygiene procedures to be a little more difficult than around your original teeth, so expect to spend more time maintaining the implants at home.

Well looked after implants placed into good bone can last for many years.

However, just as you would expect conventional crowns, bridges and fillings to need occasional repairs or replacements during their lifetime, your implant supported teeth may also have similar requirements. A denture that is retained by implants will also need regular maintenance. Implants do not come with a lifetime guarantee, and how long they last can be largely influenced by how well you look after them.

Can a dental implant fail?

Yes, although failure rates are below 5%. Failure can occur early on during treatment or later when the implant has been in use.

Rarely in the 3 months or so after an implant is placed there is insufficient fusing of the bone to it. In these cases, the implant is removed, the site allowed to heal, and if there is still good enough bone quality and quantity, then a new implant may be placed and given time to enable osseointegration again.

You must be aware that implants are not a "fit and forget" option. They need to be cleaned incredibly well by you at home to prevent a buildup of plaque and calculus, which contain harmful bacteria. This buildup can lead to gum problems around the implant, particularly peri-implantitis, which causes gum infection, bleeding, soreness and destruction of the supporting bone, mobility and loosening of the implant. The implant then fails and has to be removed.

There can also be issues with the mechanical components of the implant, screws and restorations screwed into them. An implant does not have a ligament around it like a natural tooth. The ligament around a tooth acts as a natural suspension system to be able to cope with additional pressures such as during eating, clenching or grinding our teeth at night. An implant does not have a ligament around it as it is fused to the bone; therefore, it has no suspension system. It can therefore be at greater risk of fractures and breakages if the load it has to bear is too great. If any components of an implant fracture, then they will need to be assessed to determine if they can be repaired.

In conclusion, implant treatment is not to be undertaken lightly as it does involve surgery, multiple appointments, can take months to complete and requires good maintenance at home. However, you need to balance this up with the fact they can be the best option to replace missing teeth as they do not affect the surrounding teeth (like a bridge), are fixed (which means are not removable like a denture) and can have excellent long term success rates.

■ Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice, 30 Front Street East, Bedlington, NE22 5AA Tel: 01670 828402 www.bedlingtonshiredental.co.uk

Reference: Implant information leaflet from Newcastle Dental Hospital (Produced by M Corson and Mr Nohl Nov 2006) ABC MAGAZINES

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bedlingtonshire dental practice AFFORDABLE, HIGH QUALITY PRIVATE DENTISTRY

We offer a wide range of treatments including: • Crown and Bridgework

• Smile Makeovers

• Preventive Dentistry

• Denture Services

• Sedation for Anxious Patients • Bleaching • Cosmetic Dentistry

• Implants

• Children’s Dentistry

• Invisalign®

• Quick Straight Teeth

• Emergency Cover

• Late night appointments available 3 days a week • Easy access with ground floor facilities • Guaranteed registration with the practice • Daily emergency appointments

• 24 hour helpline for dental emergencies at home and abroad, for practice plan members

If you’re unhappy with your smile or would like a routine check up, then please call us to arrange an appointment

30 Front Street East, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 5AA

01670 828402

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www.bedlingtonshiredental.co.uk

E NTE RTAINME NT

Film Releases SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

Genres: Superhero, Comedy Age Rating: To Be Confirmed Release date: 1st April

The narrative of the sequel picks up months after Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) beats Dr Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and banishes him to a world full of mushrooms, following the events of the original Sonic film.

Now that Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) have agreed to let Sonic stay at home while they go on vacation, Sonic is ready for more freedom.

However, Dr Robotnik, now known as Dr Eggman, returns from the mushroom world with treasure hunter Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba), whom he tricked into joining him in pursuit of an emerald that can grant the ability to construct and destroy civilizations. Sonic must now go on a quest to locate the gemstone before it falls into the hands of Dr Eggman.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE Genres: Fantasy, Drama Age Rating: To be confirmed Release date: 8th April

Following the first two films, ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’s storyline builds up to the Wizarding World’s involvement

WA R N E R LEISURE H OT E L S

in World War II and is set in Rio de Janeiro and Berlin, some years after the events of ‘The Crimes of Grindelwald’.

Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) sends Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his companions on a mission that will lead to a confrontation with Grindelwald’s army. Dumbledore is forced to consider how long he can remain on the sidelines in the coming battle.

Mads Mikkelsen takes over the role of Gellert Grindelwald from Johnny Depp, who left the franchise after playing the titular character in the previous two instalments.

Ryan Reynolds, Bullock's costar in ‘The Proposal’ (2009), was previously considered for the male role, but that did not pan out and the part went to Tatum instead.

He and Bullock joined a cast that also includes Daniel Radcliffe, Patti Harrison, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar Nunez, and Brad Pitt (in a cameo role).

TOP GUN: MAVERICK

Genres: Action, Drama Age Rating: PG Release date: 27th May

THE LOST CITY

Genres: Comedy, Adventure Age Rating: 15 Release date: 15th April

‘The Lost City’ follows a reclusive romance author (Sandra Bullock) who discovers that the mythical city she has been writing about is truly real and sets off on a mission to find it.

She travels with her cover model (Channing Tatum), whom she dislikes — that is, until an abduction attempt drags them both into a bloody jungle adventure, revealing that reality can be wilder and more romantic than any of her paperback novels.

‘The Lost City’ is an actionadventure rom-com directed

by Adam and Aaron Nee, best known for their feature films ‘The Last Romantic’ (2006) and ‘Band of Robbers’ (2015). The former received an Emerging Filmmaker Award at the Denver International Film Festival, while the latter won a Director's Choice Award at the Naples Film Festival.

Escapes

After two years of delays, Tom Cruise zips back into his flight suit when Top Gun: Maverick finally roars into cinemas later this May. Cruise is back on screen to reprise his role as the famous military pilot Maverick from 1986’s cinema hit ‘Top Gun’, after more than 30 years.

The sequel portrays Maverick as he enters his fourth decade of service, still working with the US Navy as one of their ace aviators.

The embodiment of the perfect military man shows off his skills, adjusting to current technologies of modern aviators flawlessly.

The story begins when Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise), a top Navy aviator who has served for almost thirty years, is assigned as an instructor to Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller).

Rooster is Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards), commonly known as “Goose”, who died in the first ‘Top Gun’ film.

Maverick is forced to confront his own concerns as he confronts the shadow of his past and faces an uncertain future.

Beautfully British

Designed exclusively for adults

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ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT GETAWAY WITH UNITED GROUP TRAVEL In need of a break? Local coach tourism experts Graham Wright and John Hindhaugh are taking bookings now for their United Group Travel quality coach tours. Graham explains more...

John and I have worked in the coach tourism industry as drivers for many years, the last few spent as tour drivers for the same local North East coach holiday company, until the Global pandemic had a catastrophic effect on our industry, with many companies going out of business.

Over the years, on our numerous tours both abroad and in the UK, we have built up a fantastic relationship with many of our passengers and are lucky to call many of them friends. They appreciated our experience and knowledge of the places we visited, to the extent that many passengers started asking who the driver would be before they booked a tour with the company. During a conversation with one of our friends, the question was asked about starting our own company doing our own holidays, so here we are.

We have put all our years’ experience and knowledge to good use while planning our exclusive tours. All of the tours are exceptional value for money.

We only select the best-established quality hotels that are generally either known to us or we have previously used them before. The specific day trips on each tour are also carefully created, all based on our knowledge and any relevant previous customer feedback and suggestions to ensure they are always enjoyed. The trips do not leave the hotel too early or return too late to allow everyone to make full use of the facilities of the chosen hotel. Guaranteed free time and entertainment are also vital factors that we

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Royal Deeside Sidmouth

consider to make a tour as pleasurable an experience as possible.

In such a short space of time, from the initial concept, we have managed to make massive progress. We all need something to look forward to during this challenging time, and we currently have a wide range of fantastic tours in Great Britain.

From Sidmouth to Liverpool, Donegal to the Brecon Beacons, our advert on the opposite page shows you what’s on offer, with more to follow!

You can rest assured that you can book with confidence with us. We have a COVID-19 Industry Standard Certificate, which shows government and industry COVID-19 guidelines are followed. Plus, if your tour is cancelled due to the COVID restrictions, you will receive a full refund.

John and I would like to thank all of our wonderful customers who continued to support us throughout 2021, and we are looking forward to welcoming you aboard our tours throughout 2022!

■ United Group Travel Ltd Tel: 01670 632460 / 07957 141654 www.unitedgrouptravel.com Facebook: United Group Travel Ltd E mail: graham.john.unitedgrouptravel@gmail.com

John & Graham look forward to DEPOSIT R PERSON welcoming PSEECU RES YOUR you aboard!

BOOKING

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QUALITY COACH TOURS SIDMOUTH - 28th May ‘22 Royal York and Faulkner Hotel - 6 day tour DB&B - £560 pp WREST PARK, HYDE HALL & ESSEX GARDEN - 9th June ‘22 Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel - 4 nights DB&B - £445 ROYAL DEESIDE - 23rd June ‘22 Mercure Caledonian Hotel, Aberdeen - 5 days 4 nights DB&B - £480 pp* WELSH BORDERS TRAIN & CRUISE - 4th July ‘22 Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa - 4 Nights DB&B - £485 pp* HARD DAYS NIGHT - 13th July ‘22 Beatles Boutique Hotel, Liverpool - 4 days 3 nights B&B - £285 pp BRECON BEACONS - BLACK & WHITE VILLAGE TOUR - 28th July ‘22 Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells - 5 day tour DB&B - £495 pp* ROMANTIC JOURNEYS OF SCOTLAND - 14th August ‘22 Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore 5 nights DB&B - £625*

* plus single room supplement Visit our website

or call us for more tours or information

WWW.UNITEDGROUPTRAVEL.COM 01670 632 460 \ 07957 141 654 ABC MAGAZINES

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CROSSWORD

Across

1 Disaster (11) 9 Assistance, cheer (13) 10 Hastening, hurrying (8) 12 Tresses (4) 14 Bridle, harness (5) 15 Extravagant, ornamental (5) 19 Boundary, margin (4) 20 1024000 bytes (8) 22 Speculatively (13) 24 Clever, brainy (11)

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Solution on page 44

Down

2 Bow, crescent (3) 3 Plentiful (8) 4 Locomotive (6) 5 Stove, kiln (4) 6 Pecking order (9) 7 Impression (5) 8 Tale (5) 11 Plant that retains leaves in winter (9) 13 Harmful (8) 16 Lure, entice (5) 17 Friend with whom you exchange letters (6) 18 East African country (5) 21 3D geometric shape with six faces (4) 23 Very long period of time (3)

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LOCAL N E WS

SPORTING LEGEND VISITS LOCAL SNOOKER CENTRE

F

ormer Snooker World Champion Cliff Thorburn, affectionately known as ‘The Grinder’ for his methodical style of play, recently visited the North East Snooker Centre in North Shields, both to catch up with his English friends, and owners of the centre, Paul and Alison Rinaldi, and to check out the amazing facilities at the centre.

Canadian native Thorburn won the hearts of snooker fans worldwide when he was crowned World Champion in 1980, a time when snooker was at its peak and games regularly attracted 20 million plus viewers.

‘The Grinder’, the first player ever to score a 147 on television and winner of multiple snooker events, recently announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 74, playing his last game in January of this year. Cliff spent a week in the North East and was hugely impressed with the brand new snooker and pool venue, right here in North Shields.

The North East Snooker Centre, based on Queen Alexandra Road, is the only club in the North East to play host to four Professional Star tables, the same type of table you see on televised events. The centre also has two high quality Riley Aristocrat tables with steel block cushions, and four standard Riley tables, similar to those found in most social clubs, but in tip-top condition.

For those new to the game, or even for experienced players wanting to build their potting confidence, the club has a high quality ¾ table. For ardent 9-ball

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Cliff Thorburn with North East Snooker Centre owners Alison and Paul Rinaldi

and 8-ball pool players, the couple have installed tournament quality tables, offering the best playing surfaces for both sports.

Also, be assured you’re in good hands when seeking advice on improving all aspects of your game. Paul Rinaldi himself is a former professional player, and his main advice is always ‘Keep it Simple’.

Paul is continually involved with many of the current top professionals and also helps run ‘The Cue Zone’ during the World Championships in Sheffield, as well as other ranking tournaments. If you’d like help from a coach who has made over 1000 century breaks then look no further.

Whether you are a beginner looking for basic tips, or an experienced player seeking help with certain aspects of your game, pop in and see how Paul can help improve your game.

Because of the contacts Paul has built up over the years, the centre has already hosted Professional Snooker Exhibitions and other quality events. In their first year, cue sport legends Dennis Taylor, Steve Davis and Cliff himself, as well as world champions Shaun Murphy and Mark Williams, have all made appearances at the centre. With more events planned for the coming 12 months, keep an eye out for more world class stars coming to the area.

As well as catering for adult enthusiasts of all abilities, the club also provides quality coaching through their Saturday Morning Kids Club.

Boys and Girls ages 8 to 16 will truly benefit from attending a funpacked morning of cue sport activity.  For more details call the centre on 0191 691 2091 or visit

www.northeastsnookercentre.com

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Davidsons of Morpeth

Coopies Way Morpeth Northumberland NE61 6JN www.davidsonsofmorpeth.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

GIVE SOMEONE POWER OF ATTORNEY… BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE Lasting Powers of Attorney are invaluable documents as part of the overall planning of your estate as managing your financial affairs can become more difficult as you get older. If a person is unable to manage their affairs due to mental incapacity and they have not made a valid Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney, their assets will be frozen as no one (including their spouse and children) has the authority to deal with them.

At this point someone will need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as the person’s Deputy. The Court will then authorize the Deputy to deal with the person’s affairs in a certain manner. This is a very time consuming (around 6 months) and expensive (in the region of £1,750) process.

This situation can be simply avoided through the making of a Lasting Power of Attorney.

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney you can decide whom you would like to manage your affairs in the event that you are unable to do so either due to physical or mental incapacity.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney that can be made, one dealing with your property and financial affairs and the other dealing with your personal welfare.

Personal Welfare This power gives your attorney the authority to make decisions regarding your healthcare and medical treatment.

Property and Affairs This power enables your attorney to deal with your bank accounts and your property. This includes decisions in relation to selling or renting your property, paying your bills, applying for benefits you are entitled to and all aspects of dealing with your bank accounts, savings and investments.

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All work we undertake is at fixed fees: Single Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney: £300 inclusive of VAT Double Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (suitable for couples): £420 inclusive of VAT Single Will: £180 inclusive of VAT Mirror Will: £240 inclusive of VAT It is imperative that specialist advice is taken in order to ensure that the power given accurately reflects your wishes.

Call Crichton Wills Trusts & Probate on 01670 514772 and speak to a specialist adviser today who will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and offers a free no obligation appointment in the comfort of your own home.

55 Beaumont Court, Pegswood, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1BF

Price of Family Trust £1,800 (inc. VAT)

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Spring Gardening Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, talks through how to get the most out of our gardens this spring SPRING CLEAN AND PREPARE Spring cleaning your outdoor space is a crucial first step when it comes to preparing for the new season, giving you a fresh canvas. One of the easiest ways to tidy up your garden is by neatening your beds and borders for the growing season. You can do this by hoeing borders to remove weeds and applying a good layer of mulch or manure over the surface to lock in moisture and give plants a boost for spring.

Once you have removed weeds, Marcus suggests lightly trimming back winter flowering plants where blooms have started to fade and pruning summer flowering shrubs such as Buddleia and Hardy Fuchsias to allow for new growth that will produce an abundance of flowers. He also recommends pruning early spring flowering shrubs as required once flowering has finished, as this will give your beds and borders a tidier look.

PLANTING FOR COLOUR One of the most enjoyable spring gardening jobs is planting and there’s a wide selection of great plants that can be grown quickly in warmer soil for earlier blooms.

Plant summer flowering bulbs such as Dahlias for a burst of colour in the summer months, ensuring you mulch well and use peat-free compost.

There is a huge range of other bulb types available at Dobbies now for summer flowers this year including Begonias, Gladioli, and Lilies.

Cottage garden plants can be planted now for a beautiful display in summer, and hardy annuals like Nigella, Centaurea and Calendula can be sown in spring to flower later in the year.

To achieve a natural look and avoid plant damage, Marcus recommends inserting plant supports around any existing plants that are coming back to life and make sure you prune bush Roses back hard before the new season leaves begin to unfurl.

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GROW YOUR OWN Spring is a wonderful time to plant soft fruit and vegetables for a summer harvest.

Soft fruits such as rhubarb, raspberries, blackcurrants, and blueberries can all be planted in spring, as can strawberry plants. For an early strawberry crop, Marcus recommends planting strawberry plants in ground enriched with manure and covering with cloches to encourage growth. If you’re planting apricots, peaches and nectarines, Marcus suggests protecting them from any late frosts as this can cause damage to their blossom and therefore no fruit will set.

For vegetables, Marcus says you should start by chitting (sprouting) your first early potatoes in trays ready for planting in the ground or potato pots/bags later in March. Now is the time to sow carrots, parsnips, spinach, and peas - just make sure you protect your crops from frost with a layer of fleece if the weather turns chilly.

REFRESH YOUR POTS Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a compact courtyard, pots, hanging baskets and containers are great for outside spaces of all sizes.

To ensure instant colour in your garden for the new season, Marcus recommends early spring bedding

plants such as Pansies, Violas, Bellis, Primroses and potted bulbs to inject life back into your pots.

BEDS AND BORDERS Lightly trim back winter flowering plants that have started to fade, and pruning summer flowering shrubs, like Buddleia, Lavatera and hardy Fuchsias to allow for new growth this year. Early spring flowering shrubs such as Forsythia can be also pruned as required once flowering has finished.

To give your garden structure, Marcus also recommends planting new container grown shrubs, hedges, and trees in spring as well as tending to your evergreen trees and shrubs. If you have evergreen trees and shrubs that need relocating, March is the last time to do this before the plants start growing again.

To feed your trees and shrubs, make sure to apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser, lightly forked into your borders, and don’t forget to feed your hedges too.

LAWNCARE Spring is also the time to straighten lawn edges with an edging iron and get the area looking neat and as we approach summer, applying a lawn feed high in nitrogen to established lawns will encourage growth. Once your lawn is showing signs of growth, you can then give it the first light cut of the season. However, make sure the blades are kept on their highest setting at the start of the season so as not to scalp the lawn which will result in patches.

■ Dobbies Garden Centre, Gosforth Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5EP www.dobbies.com

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R E C IPE

Beef Stew & Dumplings A tasty casserole cooked with a delicious Guinness sauce

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

For the stew - 2 tbsp oil - 1kg braising steak, cut into large pieces - 2 tbsp plain flour, well-seasoned - 3 onions, sliced - 500ml Guinness - 2 sprigs thyme

1.

Heat the oven to 150C/fan 130C/gas 2.

2.

Heat a little of the oil in a large oven-proof pan.

3.

Lightly flour the pieces of braising steak and fry in small batches until well browned. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate.

4.

Add the onions to the pan and fry on a fairly high heat until they soften and tinge brown at the edges.

5.

Pour the Guinness into the pan, letting it bubble up, then return the meat to the pan along with the thyme.

For the dumplings - 75g butter, frozen and grated, or 75g suet - 150g self-raising flour - 1 small onion, grated - 2 sprigs of thyme, leaves stripped and chopped - Water for mixing

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Cover the pan and transfer to the oven for 2-2.5 hours or until tender. The sauce will sweeten and thicken during the cooking time.

6.

Make the dumplings towards the end of the cooking time by mixing the grated butter or suet, flour, onion, and thyme together and season well.

7.

Gradually add water to the dry ingredients until you have a soft dough.

Divide into 12 balls. Place the dumplings on top of the casserole and return it to the oven, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Serve with shredded cabbage or spring greens.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Help Reduce Energy Costs with Thermos Roof

With most of us facing rising energy bills, why not reduce these costs and save money instantly with a Thermos Roof insulation system in your conservatory.

Here they explain more.

Conservatories are a great space to enjoy whilst looking out onto your garden. They are bright, spacious and give you a great sense of closeness to the outdoors. However, as most conservatory owners will know, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually shortlived and can only be enjoyed for two or three months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot.

At Thermos Roof, we have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons: to increase its insulating performance and enhance its internal aesthetic appearance.

Experience will have shown you that in winter, heat is sucked out of your room and into the conservatory as soon as you open the door. During the summer, it becomes a dazzling sauna that’s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermos Roof, we can transform your conservatory from a room you barely use, into a space you can enjoy all year round as the temperature is comfortable and constant. You will even be able to watch TV or use a computer without sunglasses.

What is most impressive is that we can do this all in one day! With no mess!

We retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it from the inside, finishing it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials we use are lightweight; 40

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therefore, no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home.

In addition to this, the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is today.

The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste and less time to install, saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately.

We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape, transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein the external weather conditions do not dictate its use; it will become warm in winter and cool in summer.

In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up an unsightly dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter

in the evenings by reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work.

All installations come with a five-year warranty. We guarantee that you will be amazed by both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof.

We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs.

■ Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory! www.thermosroof.co.uk

★★★★★ Check out our 5 star reviews on Facebook

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Is your conservatory: Too cold in the winter? & too hot in the summer?

Does it have problems with: Too much sun glare?

Condensation build-up?

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An unsightly dirty roof?

We can fix ALL of these issues with a Thermos Roof insulation system We can carry out a full install in a single day,, leaving zero mess and instant results. We retain your existing roof profile & do Prices from not remove your current roof. A 5 year warranty is included.

£799

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Electrical Safety

Call Steve on 01670 828 695 or 07901 506 645 or visit our website www.thermosroof.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES MAGAZINES ABC

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LOCAL N E WS

Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisers in Northumberland Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They provide information and support, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. Here they explain more about their service...

Having concerns about your memory, receiving a dementia diagnosis or being a carer for someone with dementia can be daunting and difficult at times.

Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Adviser service is designed to provide support to people affected by dementia throughout this journey.

Their experienced and compassionate Dementia Advisers cover the whole of Northumberland and can help you get the practical and emotional support you need. The service is available to people worried about their memory, with a diagnosis of dementia, their carers and family members. This can be by telephone or face to face. The service is unique to personal circumstances and can offer advice and support to meet your individual needs.

Dementia Advisers can be contacted directly by anyone needing support or through a referral from any

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health or social care professional.

They will: listen to your needs and provide tailored information and advice so you can consider your future options. help you and your family understand your diagnosis and what it means for you link you with local professionals and services, including everything from social groups to help managing your money. provide support for you to access the services they refer you to so that you are not alone.

Please get in touch today.

• • • •

The Northumberland Dementia Adviser team can be contacted by telephone on 01670 813255 (answer machine available out of hours) or at northumberland@ alzheimers.org.uk.

The Alzheimer’s Society website can offer a great deal of information including further details of the Dementia Adviser service www.Alzheimers.org.uk. The Dementia Connect Helpline number is 0333 150 3456.

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NONAGRAM

R S H K C E A A V

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 21 Good; 25 Very Good; 29 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

SUDOKU

SOLUTIONS

There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

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WORDSEARCH

SUDOKU

NONAGRAM

acer; ache; acre; arch; cake; care; carse; carve; case; cash; cask; cava; cave; caver; chakra; char; charas; charka; chase; chaser; crake; crash; crave; creak; each; eschar; hacek; hack; hacker; HAVERSACK; heck; race; rack; reach; reck; sack; scar; scare; search; serac; shack; varec.

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Cowpen Road, Blyth, NE24 5SU - 01670 368 811 Opening Times - Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5:30pm Sat 9:30 to 4:00pm | Sun Closed

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01670 368 811 | www.northumbriaflooring.co.uk s n fi n d u

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BOOKS

A GOOD READ THE VATICAN SECRET

by David Leadbeater

From the bustling streets of Rome to the mountains of the Middle East, this highoctane adventure is laced with ancient history and intrigue.

The clock is ticking for ex-MI5 agent, Joe Mason.

An elderly professor under his protection has been ruthlessly murdered in the Vatican archives. If he doesn’t act fast to track down the people responsible, and the book of secrets in their possession, the threat to the Church and the world could be devastating. David Leadbeater brings his codebreaking quest to life by balancing explosive action sequences with key historical details perfectly.

Car chases, boat crashes, hand-to-hand combat and a healthy dose of brutal murder all help keep the blood pumping and the pages turning. But there’s plenty to discover too about the ancient cities, churches and artefacts that lie at the heart of Christianity. The relationships between Mason and Roxy - his feisty fellow agent - and other comrades they encounter on their chase are also central to the unfolding drama.

Each carries their own physical or psychological scars that are explored sensitively as the action builds. The success of this mission could help them all atone for past mistakes and misjudgments - so failure is not an option. The Vatican Secret is a thrilling novel that whisks you through crypts and catacombs, across stormy waters and treacherous caves. But it’s also a timely story about corruption, fake news and the danger posed by power hungry leaders.

REMEMBER ME

by Charity Norman They never found Leah Parata. Not a boot, not a backpack, not a turquoise beanie. After she left me that day, she vanished off the face of the earth.

A close-knit community is ripped apart by disturbing revelations that cast new light on a young woman’s disappearance twenty-five years ago.

After years of living overseas, Emily returns to New Zealand to care for her father who has dementia. As 46

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his memory fades and his guard slips, she begins to understand him for the first time - and to glimpse shattering truths about his past.

Are some secrets best left buried?

Another page-turning, emotive suspense novel from the Richard & Judy bestselling author of After the Fall and Radio 2 Book Club pick, 2020’s The Secrets of Strangers - ideal reading-group fiction, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Clare Mackintosh.

EDDIE ALBERT AND THE AMAZING ANIMAL GANG

by Paul O’Grady

The hilarious and actionpacked middle grade adventure from beloved comedian and bestselling author Paul O’Grady.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Eddie Albert can speak to animals - including his pet dog Butch, his hamster and his two pet goldfish (who claim they were once pirates).

What Eddie can’t do is fit in . . . until he is sent to stay with his eccentric aunt in Amsterdam. But then Eddie spots a captive orangutan being taken along the river.

So begins a hilarious adventure as Eddie, his new friend Flo Aunt Burge and a whole gang of amazing animals take on the most dastardly villain Amsterdam has ever seen, in a desperate race to save one of their own . . .

Eddie Albert is a technicolour cinematic adventure packed full of friendship, animals, action... and always, of course, a wicked sense of humour.

SUNRISE BY THE SEA

by Jenny Colgan

When she is given the opportunity to move to a remote tidal island off the Cornish Coast, Marisa Rossi decides some peace and quiet might be just what she needs.

Since the death of her grandfather back in Italy, she’s been struggling to find a way out of her grief. Perhaps this will be the perfect place for her to recuperate.

But Mount Polbearne is a far cry from the sleepy little place she was imagining. Between her noisy pianoteaching Russian neighbour and the hustle and bustle of a busy community, Marisa finds solitude is not so easy to come by. Especially when she finds herself involved with a tiny local bakery desperately in need of some new zest to save it .

Curl up and escape with this heart-warming Jenny Colgan book.

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