ABC Magazine: North Shields & Tynemouth Edition, Aug - Sep 2021

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N O RT H S H I E L D S E D I T I O N | A U G - S E P 2 02 1

PUZZLES INSIDE

MADE IN THE NORTH EAST

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Get inspired by Contour Blinds quality made to measure blinds & shutters

KICKING OFF Age UK introduces local walking football programme

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Celebrate history & culture with events in North Tyneside

FANCY A BREAK?

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Tel: 0191 251 0439 Mob: 07976 644251

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ARE YOU TIRED OF GETTING COMPOST OR PLANTERS HOME? Why not let Hills Landscapes deliver colourful planters or hanging baskets and compost free to your door.

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WELCOME TO ABC MAGAZINE Welcome to the South edition of ABC, your bi-monthly local magazine.

ABC is distributed free of charge to thousands of homes in North Shields, Tynemouth, Royal Quays and surrounding areas. You can also read it online, visit www.yourabc.co.uk for more information.

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Interested in advertising in ABC? Please call Richard on 07526 522272 or email info@yourabc.co.uk

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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause. R Wilson Advertising does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.

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LO C A L N E W S

EXPANSION TO LOCAL INDEPENDENT CINEMA MEANS EVEN MORE CHOICE! Right in the heart of Whitley Bay, the Jam Jar Cinema offers the best in local, friendly, affordable, inclusive and diverse cinema, showing a good range of new releases and old classics.

Following their expansion in 2019, Jam Jar Cinema now boasts three screens, two bar areas and a lift that makes it accessible for all.

While the bigger, multiplex cinemas concentrate on their screens, seats and sound, Jam Jar take these high standards as a given. Instead they prefer to focus their highly trained staff, maintaining excellent customer service and ensuring complete accessibility for all. They believe a trip to the cinema is unique. It's a delight, a treat and a pleasure - nothing else can beat it for sheer escapism and sense of wonder. It can transport you from the daily chores and routine to a different realm, place, time or even galaxy.

The name Jam Jar Cinema is a nod to historic times, where you used to be able to get into the cinema at a discounted rate, or for 6

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free, on production of a Jam Jar. This originated in North Tyneside and continued until the 1970’s when the value of glass dropped. By this time it had spread to cinemas all over the country, typically in areas of heavy industry: Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow; where it was known as J’eely Jar Cinema. But it started here in North Tyneside, so what better name for a community cinema than ... Jam Jar Cinema!

New releases being screened at Jam Jar this month include Respect, Herself, The Many Saints of Newark (a prequel to the multi award winning TV series The Sopranos), Oasis Knebworth 1996, as well as No Time To Die – the long awaited new Bond film.

And all of this is available at the centre of Whitley Bay! The Jam

Jar Cinema means no transport headaches, no over-priced food and a relaxed, cosy, inviting bar to unwind in. They offer a cosy hug rather than a corporate handshake.

Jam jar always have friendly faces to welcome you - not a soulless machine on the wall. Finally, just like you, Jam Jar staff are moviefanatics - they eat, drink, think film.

The team can't wait to see the latest flick and they love choosing the best of what's to come for our community to enjoy.

Jam Jar are also doing everything they can to ensure that you are welcomed to a safe, socially distanced and enjoyable cinema experience.

If you have any specific questions then you can contact them at info@ jamjarcinema.com, but they do have a dedicated Covid page on their website, with a Covid-19 FAQ's section, which you can check out first, just in case they've already answered your question.

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LO C A L N E W S

NORTH TYNESIDE LEISURE FACILITIES UPDATE

As we continue the road back to normality, North Tyneside Council have updated their Covid19 guidance for local leisure centres. Their priority is the safety of the councils teams, North Tyneside residents and visitors to the region, and their objective is to deliver sport and leisure services in a measured and controlled fashion that minimises the transmission of Covid19, but maximises activity.

The latest information is as follows: From 31 August 2021, you no longer need a booking to go swimming From 31 August 2021, you no longer need to book for the soft play From 6 September 2021, you no longer need a booking to attend the gym On 6 September 2021, health suites re-opened The booking system will remain in place for exercise classes, you can continue to book online, or via reception; the timetable will be reviewed in due course once we have liaised with our instructors.

From 6 September 2021, members attending any leisure centre can now use the new selfservice kiosk to register their attendance.

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Although legislation has been replaced with guidance, the council have a duty of care to safeguard their teams and visitors. You are therefore asked to: exercise good hygiene such as covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze remember ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ respect others, including the teams, by giving them plenty of space where possible wear a face covering when in crowded indoor public areas not visit any of the facilities if you have symptoms of COVID-19; self-isolate and book a PCR test.

• • • •

Hand sanitiser will continue to be provided as will the maintaining of effective cleaning plans. For more information visit my.northtyneside.gov.uk

REACH THOUSANDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS EVERY MONTH FROM ONLY £30 + VAT

If you are a local business looking for the most cost effective way to advertise to local residents every month, why not try ABC Magazines?

This publication is delivered free to thousands of homes and businesses in North Shields, Tynemouth and Royal Quays, bi-monthly by our own in house distribution team.

We also have magazines covering Whitley Bay, Monkseaton, Shiremoor, Holystone, Gosforth, Ashington, Cramlington, Morpeth and more. We’ve been delivering results for local businesses since 2008, get in touch today to see how we can help you.

Call Richard on 07526 522 272 or email info@yourabc.co.uk www.yourabc.co.uk

Established

2008

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- J U LY 2 02 1 EDITION | JUNE N O RT H S H I E L D S

PUZZLES INSIDE

ON YOUR BIKE

MAKE NEW SPACE

Your loft & garage hold the key to extra space in your home

Summer of Cycling underway & plans revealed to expand cycle network

STIC PAWTA The North East Dog Festival

returns for 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

The Exchange Theatre

HERITAGE OPEN DAY EVENTS IN NORTH TYNESIDE Members of the public are invited to go behind the scenes at some of North Tyneside's most interesting venues when Heritage Open Days returns this month.

An annual celebration of England's architecture and culture, the programme allows visitors free access to local landmarks that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Dozens of heritage sites across the borough open their doors to the public and offer a range of activities.

The programme aims to build on the ambition to regrow cultural activities in North Tyneside as part of the recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic.

Here are just a few of the fantastic locations opening their doors this month.

THE EXCHANGE THEATRE AND NORTH SHIELDS HERITAGE The Exchange has partnered with North Shields Heritology Project, Remembering the Past and VODA to deliver a programme of activities.

An art exhibition of Steps, Pubs and Cinemas of historic North Shields 12

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by local artist Jack Shotton will run from 11-19 September. Other displays include the History of The Saville Exchange and architect John Dobson and the Heritage Action Zone's future plans for Howard Street and Northumberland Square.

Tuesday 14th, there will be a presentation by VODA, called, North Shields Past, Present and Community.

Wednesday 15th, Remembering the Past will give a talk called Gannin Shoppin in Shields, find out about the lost shops of Shields and the wonderful things they sold, followed by a Memory Cafe. Thursday 16th is a screening of the short film, Port of The Tyne with full colour archive footage from the 1960's. Sunday 19th discover The 'C' Word by Author and poet Sue Miller.

SEGEDUNUM ROMAN FORT, MUSEUM AND BATHS Guided Tours - Saturday 18th September: 11am, 2pm. Prebooking required.

Segedunum

Free Museum entry - Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September: 10am-4pm. No booking required.

An opportunity to discover the ancient site of Segedunum on the banks of the River Tyne, near the old Wallsend slipway. Travel nine stories high to the legendary 35m Viewing Tower and take in spectacular views across the city and river.

In AD 122, the Emperor Hadrian ordered a mighty frontier system to be built across Britain, designed to consolidate and define the Empire and help protect against raiding parties from the north.The result was Hadrian's Wall, a 73 mile barrier stretching from the River Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth in the west.

Segedunum, which means ‘Strong Fort’, was built to guard the eastern end of the Wall, and housed 600 Roman soldiers. It stood for almost 300 years as a symbol of Roman rule and a bastion against barbarian attack.

Today, Segedunum is once again a major site on Hadrian's Wall. It is the most excavated fort along the Wall with surviving foundations of many buildings and part of the Wall itself.

There is a large interactive museum plus full-scale reconstructions of a bath house (currently viewed externally only) and a section of Wall.

The 35 metre high viewing tower provides outstanding views across this World Heritage Site.

Image by Bill Henderson, CC BY-SA 2.0

GELATO ICE CREAM TASTING – MOLTEN GALLERY AND CAFE

Picking up the national HODs theme of ‘Edible England’ Molten Gallery and Cafe in Clifford’s Fort present an extra-ordinary tasting of gelato ice cream made in a scheduled monument, with ingredients from some of the historic and foraged foods and spices from near the Fish Quay North Shields and further afield. Saturday 18th September at 11am.

Christ Church

CHURCH TALKS AND TOURS

North Tyneside has a multiple of churches with unique features, histories and heritage and some stunning stained glass. The following churches have registered for this year’s programme: • St. Alban’s Church, Earsdon Saturday 18th 10-5pm/Sunday 19th September. 12-5pm • St John’s Church,

• • •

Killingworth Saturday18th September 10-4pm St Columbas Church RC, Wallsend Saturday 18th September 10-4pm St Luke’s Church, Wallsend Saturday 18th September 10-3pm Christ Church, North Shields Saturday 18th 10-4pm/Sunday 19th September. 12.30-5pm

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St George’s Church, Cullercoats Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September 9.30 – 5pm.

St Peter’s Church in Wallsend Saturday 18th, 10am-4pm

Full details of all this years Heritage Open Days programme are available from www.heritageopendays.org.uk

A1 Garage Doors is a trading name of Apex Improvements Limited ©Apex Improvements Limited 2015

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

TREAT YOUR FEET THIS WORLD REFLEXOLOGY WEEK! Reflexologists worldwide are celebrating and taking part in World Reflexology Week, which takes place from 20-26 September 2021, to help raise awareness about some of the health and wellbeing benefits of this popular therapy.

With its roots dating back more than four millennia, reflexology is based on the principle that special ‘reflex’ points found on the soles, tops and sides of the feet correspond to different areas of the body. In this way, the feet can be seen as a ‘map’ of the whole body.

While the feet are the most common part of the body treated during a reflexology treatment, reflex points can also be found on the hands, ears and face.

By applying specialised massage techniques to the reflex points, the aim of a reflexology treatment is to help restore balance to the body naturally and improve general wellbeing.

As well as helping to aid relaxation and improve sleep, a survey of FHT reflexologists found that 71% of clients regularly use reflexology to support them with long-term health conditions including stress and

anxiety, depression, joint and mobility issues, and pain.

If you’re interested in giving reflexology a try, you can save 25% during World Reflexology Week with LIFE Holistic Therapies.

LIFE Holistic Therapies offer a sacred space where you can relax and enjoy powerful, healing massage therapies. With over 17 years experience, it is ‘the’ place to look for all your specialised alternative therapy needs, providing first-class massage treatments including: Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Energy Work, and Indian Head Massage, helping relieve stress related conditions such as back pain, fatigue, muscular aches and pains, problems with sleep, headaches, mood disorders, joint mobility and flexibility, digestive issues and more!

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

SAY GOODBYE TO DRY EYES It’s official. Due to popular demand, Concept Eye Clinic’s specialist service to treat dry eye conditions is back!

If you already suffer from dry eye syndrome, the increased use of screen time due to working from home over the last two years will undoubtedly have exacerbated the discomfort. As work/ life boundaries are increasingly blurred, using digital devices over more extended periods of time, may have made us more productive, but with regards to our eye health and overall well being, it can have a detrimental impact. We can’t hold back the passage of time, but we can certainly help address symptoms caused by digital eye strain.

What is Dry Eye condition?

Quite simply, this derives from insufficient lubrication and tears forming to moisten the surface of the eye. Did you know that keeping our eyes healthy and our vision to stay clear, a consistent layer of tears is essential? This layer comprises aqueous (water), oil, and mucous, which come from glands around the eye. When these glands are blocked or clogged, your eyes struggle to produce tear film. As a result, dry eye symptoms may appear and cause discomfort and irritation.

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Treatments are typically repeated at regular monthly intervals depending on the severity of the disease. By eliminating the inflammatory etiology of blepharitis/dry eyes, the overall health of the eyelid is improved. You 16

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can then begin to produce more of their own tears and finally enjoy a life free from the chronic and irritating symptoms associated with blepharitis and its subsequent dry eye disease.

Contact Sam to book your Blephex appointment, or if you are experiencing any problems with your eyes or health such as a change in your vision. With a reputation for clinical excellence and diagnostic technology, being prepared, is what the people at Concept Eye Clinic are good at, to ensure your experience is a safe, comfortable and seamless one. It’s time to give your eyes a fresh MOT

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Little Learners

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Childcare

Play, Learn & Grow Together High quality care for babies and children provided by a fully qualified and experienced team.

Our Private Day Nurseries are located in North Shields Centre and at the top of Rake Lane (next to Vets 4 Pets). We have access to great outdoor spaces on a daily basis as well as educational outings for all children.

Healthy balanced meals and snacks are on offer as well as ensuring any dietary requirements.

Our fees include your child’s personal Learning Journey file with photographs, all meals, snacks, outings, visitors into nurseries etc. We do not have any hidden charges.

Funded places available for eligible 2, 3 & 4 year olds

We offer full day, half day, hours to suit shift workers, term time only as well as all year round, 51 weeks of the year. The nurseries are open 8.00am to 5.30pm with the option of extended bookable places from 7.30am and until 6pm.

Little Learners was voted as one of the best places to work in the North East for 2 years running and we are an Ofsted Outstanding Early Years Provider.

Please get in touch if you would like to look around our nurseries in a safe way Barnstaple Road, North Shields NE29 8QD Lovaine Place, North Shields NE29 0BU ( 0191 289 4047 or 07305 642 777 ( 07914 376 434

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LOCAL NEWS

Image by RusbyMedia

AGE UK NORTH TYNESIDE KICKS OFF NEW WALKING FOOTBALL PROGRAMME

Walking Footballer Bob Smith, 73, at The Parks Sports Centre in North Shields

Age UK North Tyneside has launched a new walking football programme for older people in North Tyneside.

Football is our national game, beloved of millions, and the walking version is a fun, friendly and safe way of engaging in physical activity for both men and women in later life. It's open to all, whether you've played football before or not and regardless of age. It's great for the mind as well as the body and is a sociable sport, giving everyone involved the chance to make new friends and enjoy being part of a team.

This new local scheme is part of a wider Age UK walking football programme supported by both The Football Association and Sport England to help older people in communities like North Tyneside to keep active and to 20

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improve physical and mental wellbeing through playing the game.

Age UK North Tyneside’s walking football sessions started in July and are held at Wallsend Boys Club, The Parks, North Shields and the Foxhunter’s Pavillion. The sessions are open to anyone over the age of 50 regardless of ability or previous experience. All groups and sessions will be COVID-secure and delivered in accordance with Government guidelines.

Dawn McNally, Chief Executive at Age UK North Tyneside said: “We’re thrilled to have launched the Age UK Walking Football

Programme in North Tyneside, thanks to funding from The Football Association and Sport England.

Being active is good for physical and mental health whatever your age and it’s especially important as we get older. It can improve confidence and wellbeing, help older people live independently for longer, and reduce isolation and loneliness.

It’s been a difficult time for older people in our community during the pandemic, and our walking football programme will be a great opportunity for older people to feel active and socialise again in a safe and fun environment.”

To sign up to Age UK North Tyneside’s walking football programme, or for more information, please contact Rob Meldrum, Active Age Co-ordinator Tel: 0191 2877027 or email: community.development@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

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Work has begun to clear the site of a derelict former North Shields office block to make way for 28 highquality family homes.

Unicorn House, in Suez Street, has stood empty for more than seven years. The redevelopment of the site to provide high-quality family housing is part of North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for North Shields and the Fish Quay regeneration master plan.

The master plan aims to transform the town centre into an environment where more people choose to live, work and spend their leisure time. Once the site is cleared, work will get underway to build 22 threebedroom townhouses, two one-bed apartments and four two-bed apartments. The development will also include new affordable homes.

Off-street parking will be included on Stephenson Street and Norfolk Street, as well as private parking to the rear. The apartments will also have their own car park, while fresh landscaping and tree planting will create a leafy and modern street scene.

It complements other master plan projects including the revival of Georgian terraced homes at nearby Northumberland Square, as well as the North Shields Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project - a four-year programme of physical improvements, community and cultural activities aimed at revitalising the Northumberland Square Conservation Area.

Demolition of the vacant three-storey office block will be paid for by The North of Tyne Combined Authority using £1.3 million from its Brownfield Housing Programme. North of Tyne’s £24m Brownfield Housing Programme is being used to regenerate unused and brownfield sites to see up to 2,000 homes built in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside by 2025.

John Sparkes, Director of Regeneration and Economic Development, North Tyneside Council, said: “It’s really positive to see the redevelopment of the derelict former Unicorn House site getting underway. This development will provide high-quality family homes that are needed in the town centre and transform a disused piece of land.

“New housing is an important feature of the master plan for North Shields and these new homes have been designed to stay in keeping with their surroundings and in a contemporary style with long-term sustainability and the wider regeneration of the town in mind.”

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LO CA L NEWS

RECYCLING INITIATIVE AIMS TO KEEP OUR BEACHES TIDY A day at the beach has got a whole lot easier in North Tyneside with the launch of toy recycling boxes for families to use.

Made of recyclable materials, earlier this month, North Tyneside Council installed a beach toy recycling box on Longsands for children to leave behind unwanted buckets and spades for others to borrow.

It’s part of the local authority’s work to reduce the amount of plastic in the borough and litter left on beaches and to encourage people to reuse and recycle. The installation saw overwhelmingly positive feedback on social media from as far away as Spain – with people calling on councils up and down the country to install them.

And, following the success, boxes have now been rolled out to King Edward’s, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay beaches.

Phil Scott, Director of Environment, Housing and Leisure, said: “The response from the public has been phenomenal and we’re delighted to be able to expand the scheme to our other beaches. Council teams, as well as community-spirited residents, regularly pick up discarded beach toys right along the coastline, which could otherwise end up in the sea.

“Since we declared a climate emergency in 2019, we

have set ourselves ambitious targets to ensure we reduce our carbon footprint and we have already made huge in roads. However, we absolutely need residents help too. We can all take small steps, like always recycling wherever possible, to help create a more sustainable North Tyneside.”

David Wynd of Cullercoats Collective, a local community group, added: “The beach toy recycling box is a great addition to Cullercoats Bay. This scheme will hopefully see less plastic waste left on our beaches as those forgotten buckets and spades can be stored here for others to use. It is great that North Tyneside Council is working on simple and collaborative projects to tackle littering and plastic waste. This simple idea will help make our beaches a great place to visit for everyone.”

The news comes as the council continues to make more progress in reducing its carbon footprint and helping residents to play their part.

Plans have been drawn up to create 14km of new cycling routes in the borough, and an option for the first ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout in the region. A public consultation has recently ended and will now be evaluated.

Other initiatives have seen low carbon heating planned in four of the council’s most energy-intensive buildings and installed in homes across the borough. The council’s depot in Killingworth is also being redesigned to be an exemplar in energy efficiency.

Seven water fountains have recently been installed along the borough’s coastline, with the aim of reducing the number of single-use plastic bottles, and more will be installed elsewhere in the coming months.

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27

LOCAL NEWS

DEMENTIA MEETING CENTRES OPEN IN NORTH TYNESIDE Life-changing groups where people living with Dementia and their families can receive vital support have opened in the North East for the first time.

Age UK North Tyneside has opened two Dementia Meeting Centres, offering individually-tailored, expertled support to people affected by the condition and their families.

Most existing groups focus solely on the person with Dementia, however the new centres – at West Moor Community Centre and Howdon Hub – also help family members cope with the effects of the devastating condition.

Research has shown Meeting Centres have a hugely positive impact: statistics show that after attending people living with the condition were happier, and families felt more able to look after their loved ones.

With activities to help stimulate their minds, and experts on hand for help and advice, attendees have already said what a difference the new groups are making to their lives.

Sam Chiedozie, whose wife Tessie, 63, lives with Dementia and who attended the West Moor group, said: “It is great to have a place we can go like this where we can get advice and talk to other people who are going through the same things.

“The activities are great – they help stimulate her mind and help her with

her memory. This is so much better than us just being at home. This is exactly the kind of place we need.”

Tessie, from Wideopen, added: “We have been doing something similar with Age UK North Tyneside virtually but I have been really looking forward to meeting people for the first time!

“I have had such a great time here and will definitely come back!”

Dennis Brown, 82, from Forest Hall, also lives with the condition. He said: “When I heard about the Meeting Centres I thought it would do me good to come along.

“It has been very nice, with a great group of people who I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I have had a lot of fun.”

There are around 3000 people over 65 living with Dementia across North Tyneside, and the condition is listed as the biggest cause of death in the UK. Age UK North Tyneside’s Dementia Connections team currently supports almost 400 people a month who are living with Dementia, and their families.

During the pandemic it has kept in touch with customers via telephone, Zoom and Facetime, while also providing essential home visits.

The idea for Meeting Centres originated in the Netherlands, where there are now hundreds dotted across the country.

Despite their success in Europe, they are still uncommon in the UK. Kirsty De Bono-Hume, one of the

charity’s seven Dementia-specialist Admiral Nurses and the Centres’ ‘lead’ hopes the Centres will be the first of many.

She said: “The idea is to bring together the people affected by Dementia and support them through what can be a very difficult process.

“The Meeting Centres provide an inclusive, warm and enjoyable environment to support both people with Dementia alongside their family carers.

“There is nothing else like this in the North East and we think it is going to have a massive impact on people in the community.

“We are starting with two Centres initially, but ideally would have more spread across North Tyneside in future.”

The Admiral Nurse team which supports the Meeting Centres has been funded by North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Dr Alexandra Kent, CCG Medical Director, said: “Having communitybased support for people and families affected by dementia is vital especially after a very difficult 18 months.

“These local Meeting Centres really focus on helping people cope with the adjustments needed to live with the symptoms and changes that dementia brings and provides a welcoming, friendly and fun environment for everyone who visits.”

To find out more about the Centres, call 0191 2808484 option 0.

You can also email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk or head to https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside/our-services/dementiaservices/dementia-coordinators 28

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Do you know how much energy you’re using?

A smart meter could help you track your energy usage. The in-home display shows you the amount of energy you use in pounds and pence, allowing you to keep a closer eye on your energy spending habits.

Both the in-home display and the smart meter operate without the need to be connected to the internet.

Call our Information & Advice team on 0191 280 8484 or email customerservices@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk to find out more.

Eligibility may vary, consumer action required.

Age UK North Tyneside provide advice only, we do not supply or install smart meters.

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E N TE RTAIN M E N T

FILM REVIEWS NO TIME TO DIE Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller Age Rating: PG 13 Release date: 30th September

Bond is back. This time, Daniel Craig’s fifth ‘007’ movie arrives rather late due to multiple postponements caused by a global health crisis. ‘No Time to Die’ is the 25th instalment in the ‘James Bond’ film franchise. Craig himself has said this will be his final Bond film, which is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga from a screenplay by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Fukunaga, and ‘Fleebag’ actor-writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Five years after capturing supervillain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, James Bond (Daniel Craig) is now a retired MI6 agent, leading a normal life in Jamaica. His peace of mind is ruined when his CIA friend Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) turns up asking for help. He is tasked with finding a missing scientist, Valdo Obruchev (David Dencik). His rescue mission leads him to the discovery of a terrorist plot that could destroy the world. ‘No Time to Die’ is what Daniel Craig deserves to end his Bond era. Craig saw no small amount of negative vitriol thrown at him when he was cast as agent 007, and this film is his ultimate way of proving the haters wrong. What makes Craig’s performance so good is he is able to show multiple sides of the legendary spy character.

The layers in this movie are interesting as they give each character, even the minor ones, unique traits.

The film also has a myriad of brutal, but not over-the-top, action sequences. Every move is intricately set up and the editing does justice to the beautiful fight choreography. The production team put extra attention on the sound design as it becomes a highlight, too. ‘No Time to Die’ is set for release on 30th September in the UK .

THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK

Genres: Crime, Drama Age Rating: 18 Release date: October 22nd ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ is set in the explosive 1960s, the era of the Newark riots, when the AfricanAmerican and Italian communities are often at each other’s throats. But among the gangsters within each group, the dangerous rivalry becomes especially lethal.

It is the prequel to the award-winning HBO crime drama series ‘The Sopranos’, where the audience will take a look

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at the formative years of the infamous New Jersey gangster, Tony Soprano. But the film will revolve more around Dickie Moltsanti, a father of Christopher Moltisanti who Tony took as a nephew when he got older. The movie is titled ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ since Molti Santi translates to “many saints” in English. The listed casts are Alessandro Nivola as Dicki Moltisanti, Jon Bernthal as Giovanni “Johnny Boy” Soprano, Corey Stoll as Junior Soprano, Michael Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, Billy Magnussen as Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtier, John Magaro as Silvio Dante, as well as other notable actors, such as Michela De Rossi, Ray Liotta, Vera Farmiga and Leslie Odom Jr. Alan Taylor was appointed to direct the movie, as he already experienced directing several episodes of The Sopranos. Meanwhile, David Chase and Lawrence Konner who helped write the series are the ones to also write this movie. The film will come to UK theatres on October 22nd.

RON’S GONE WRONG

Genres: Animated, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction Age Rating: PG Release date: October 22nd, ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ takes the audience to witness the life of Barney, an awkward middle schooler who befriends his digital friend named Ron. ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ takes the audience to witness the life of Barney, an awkward middle schooler who befriends his digital friend named Ron. Ron is a pod-sized robot that can walk, talk, and function like humans. Being the curious teenager that he is, Barney sees a friend figure in Ron, at least until it malfunctions. Only then he realizes what the meaning of friendship in the digital era truly is. Ron is voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer, a seventeen year old actor who recently made his way to popular child and teenager movies. He has voiced Alberto Scorfano from Pixar’s ‘Luca’ and played Eddie Kaspbrak in the Horror movie ‘It’. On the other hand, the tiny robot is voiced by comedian and actor Zach Galifianakis. Despite being known for his role in an adult comedy ‘The Hangover’ as Alan, he is also a recurring voice actor in animated movies such as Humpty Dumpty in ‘Puss in the Boots’ and Joker in ‘The Lego Batman’.

Among the cast members are also Ed Helms, Rob Delaney, Justice Smith, and British actress Olivia Colman.

20th Century Studios partnered with Locksmith animation to make this computer-animated science-fiction comedy.

The animation company is based in London, England, and claims to be the only UK animation company with high-end technology. This project will be its first movie. Jean Philippe Vine directed the movie together with Sarah Smith, with a screenplay written by Smith and Peter Baynham.

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PUZZLE CHALLENGE

Solutions on page 48

CROSSWORD Across 7 Fakes, falsifies (8) 8 Bar joining two wheels (4) 9 Type of breakfast cereal (6) 10 Picture (5) 11 The round before the final (4) 12 Interloper, stranger (8) 14 Jam-filled bun (8) 18 Greasy film on water (4) 20 Shroud (5) 22 Build again (6) 23 Layer (4) 24 Personal views (8) Down 1 Excite, entice (6) 2 Hoarding (8) 3 Deep violet blue (6) 4 Help (6) 5 Molten fluid rock (4) 6 Accuse, assert (6) 13 Sleeplessness (8) 15 Rare, intricate flower (6) 16 Of little breadth (6) 17 Root vegetable (6) 19 Cruel (6) 21 Diversify, change (4)

MINDBENDERS Can you find the hidden phrases?

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SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

WORDSEARCH Can you find all of the mathematical terms in the grid?

add algebra angle brackets cube decimal difference differentiate divide equation estimate evaluate expression factorise

factors fraction graph integrate median mode power quadratic range rounding square subtract surd term

KAKURO

Fill in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it.

Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners.

You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

ABC MAGAZINES

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RECIPE

Upside Down Banana Cake A retro classic for lovers of caramel everywhere, and makes a great cooking project for teen cooks

INGREDIENTS

For Banana Topping

120 g brown sugar � 60 g butter 1.5 tbsp golden syrup 3 bananas sliced

For the Cake

2 ripe bananas � 2 tbsp yoghurt 90 g butter at room temperature 180 g caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 eggs � 180 g self-raising flour ½ tsp cinnamon � ¼ tsp nutmeg

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Line a 20 x 20cm square baking tin or a 23cm round tin with baking parchment. It’s best not to use a loose-bottomed tin but if you do fold the parchment so it goes up the sides of the tin too. Otherwise, the caramel will leak out into the oven!

2. To make the topping, place the sugar, butter, and golden syrup into a small heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Heat until all the sugar and butter have melted. Stir gently and pour into the tin, tilting the tin backwards and forwards so the layer of caramel completely covers the bottom.

Slice the bananas into pieces about 2cm thick. Place them in the caramel.

3. For the cake, mash the bananas

OAT & BERRY BAKE

This recipe makes an ideal breakfast, where the oats are baked in milk with fruits, seeds and bran for a protein and fibre-packed start to the day.

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with a fork then mix into the yogurt.

Set aside.

4. Place the butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Whisk till pale and fluffy.

Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, whisking after each one.

5. Sift the flour and spices together and gradually fold into the mixing bowl. Then fold in the banana and yoghurt mixture.

6. Spoon the batter into the cake tin

on top of the caramel and bananas.

7. Bake at 180C for about 45 minutes. Test with a skewer to see if it’s cooked. If necessary bake for a little longer.

8. When ready, remove the cake from the oven and let it stand for a couple of minutes. Then place a plate on top of the tin and turn it over to remove the cake.

9. Serve warm with cream, custard, or ice cream.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

2 eggs 475ml milk 120g oats 75g brown sugar 25g oat bran 30g chia seeds 160g fresh strawberries, chopped 140g fresh blueberries 3 tbsps honey 1½ tbsps butter, melted 1½ tsps vanilla extract 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp citrus peel ¼ tsp salt cooking spray, as needed

1. Preheat oven to 190ºC. 2. Spray a 20cm square glass baking dish with cooking spray.

3. Mix oats, brown sugar, oat bran, chia seeds, baking powder, cinnamon, peel and salt together in a bowl.

4. Whisk milk, eggs, honey, butter and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl.

5. Layer strawberries into the prepared baking dish; top with oat mixture. Pour milk mixture over oat mixture and top with blueberries.

6. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 25 minutes.

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© Kate Knight

FUN

#NoFilter

r u o y g n i Liv best life?

Army Cadets do things like ...

•

Adventurous training

Does your social feed make you feel you’re missing out while others seem to be having good times with friends?

•

Learning to navigate

•

Developing survival + first aid skills

•

Learning to safely use a weapon

•

Summer camps

•

Joining a band

You might be interested in finding out about a group of young people who are making life happen off-screen ...

•

Kayaking, climbing + mountaineering

•

Making life-long friends

... they’re Army Cadets – and they’re living life #NoFilter

38

© SSI Peter Russell

What’s the deal with Army Cadets?

Army Cadets is for young people who are up for adventure, enjoy an adrenalin rush, like working with others, want to challenge themselves and, most importantly, like to have fun.

Who can join

?

Army Cadets is a well kept secret – it’s fantastic, but not many people know about it.

Army Cadets is all-inclusive – you just need to be aged 12 -18.

Will I have to join the Army later?

How does it work?

You aren’t expected to join the Army after being an Army Cadet, it’s simply an organisation for young people who want to live an awesome no-filter lifestyle.

Cadets join a group called a detachment.

That’s your Army Cadet crew who you get to know well through your adventures.

You bond with each other by taking part in activities and spending time at summer camp and on expeditions.

Done any Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards? That’ll give you a flavour of the expedition element of Army Cadets. In fact, the expedition training and DofE are aligned so you can do your DofE through Army Cadets at a fraction of the price you’d pay anywhere else.

How often would I go?

Detachments meet one or two evenings a week and do adventurous training and camps on weekends and during school holidays.

What does it cost? Cadets pay a very small annual subscription for their uniform and access to incredible adventures. Weekends and camps are heavily subsidised; money shouldn’t be a barrier to joining.

Read more

© Carl Recine

BOOST your future

Being an Army Cadet is not just about adventure, it’s also about investing in your future by learning a wide range of skills and, if you want, gaining qualifications.

Cadets develop courage, self-discipline, respect, loyalty, integrity and commitment.

ll

A recent study revealed that being a cadet improves wellbeing, confidence, resilience, independence and employability.

•

STEM camp

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Summer camps

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Community activities

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Parades on Armistice Day

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Adventurous training in the UK and abroad

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Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards

JOIN THE ADVENTURE ArmyCadets.com/NoFilter

40

us

se

THINGS YOU COULD GET INVOLVED IN:

© SSI

R er Pet

INTERESTED IN BEING AN

ADULT VOLUNTEER? Army Cadets is run by adult volunteers from all walks of life. It’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of citizens, take part in outdoor adventures and even gain new qualifications and skills. If that sounds interesting, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more on the website below.

We are looking for new residential and commercial properties in North Tyneside for sale and for rent to meet increasing demand.

To arrange a free marketing appraisal call 0191 257 1253 or Email sales@rajackson.co.uk

www.rajackson.co.uk 18 Northumberland Square, North Shields, NE30 1PX ABC MAGAZINES

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

FANCY A BREAK? Right now we all need something to look forward to, and a UK coach break could be just the ticket!

Local coach tourism experts Graham Wright and John Hindhaugh have started their own coach tour company and are taking bookings now.

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 really appreciated our experience and knowledge of the places we visited, to the extent that a lot of passengers started asking who the driver would be before they actually booked a tour with the company. It was during a conversation with one of our friends that 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 the tours are exceptional value for money, and we only select the best-established quality hotels, that are generally either known to us, or we have previously used before.

The specific day trips on each tour are also carefully created, all based on our knowledge as well as 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, so as to allow 42

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everyone to make full use of the facilities of the chosen hotel. Guaranteed free time as well as entertainment are also key factors that we take into account to try and make a tour as pleasurable an experience possible.

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

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

■ United Group Travel Ltd

Tel: 01670 632460 / 07957 141654 www.unitedgrouptravel.com Facebook: United Group Travel Ltd E mail: graham.john.unitedgrouptravel@gmail.com Company no. 13052351

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

WHY USE A SOLICITOR IF YOU ARE AN EXECUTOR? If you have been appointed as an Executor you will be named as such in the Will of the deceased.

Many people appoint their friends or relatives to be their Executors without giving any thought to the legal responsibility involved. But if you get it wrong you may be liable to pay back large sums of money by way of taxes or overpaid state benefits that the deceased received.

THERE IS A LOT TO ATTEND TO AND YOU MAY FIND THE SITUATION OVERWHELMING. I was an Executor in the estate of one of my close relatives. I have over thirty years of experience as a Wills and Probate Solicitor and knew exactly how to handle the estate. But the task quickly became impossible to manage. I couldn’t face going to the house, the place of a lifetime of memories. And so I held up progress. In the meantime the other beneficiaries started to complain. I therefore asked one of my colleagues to take over the case and they moved the matter forward swiftly.

YOU MAY HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS AN EXECUTOR WHEN YOU WERE MUCH YOUNGER. If you agreed to be an Executor many years ago you may now realise that you simply can’t cope with the physical demands of sorting out an empty house. It can be a huge and time consuming process. Even if the deceased was a very organised person it can still take up to ten hours just to sort through all the paperwork. Every item needs to be checked, you do not wish to throw out what you feel are very old Life Assurance policies held in the names of the deceased’s parents. They could be worth a fortune. Or what about the slip of paper that we would recognise as a receipt for monies paid into an old savings policy that is still in existence.

YOU WON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FINDING MONEY TO PAY FOR A FUNERAL. The first thing that I do if I am managing an estate is to look for a pre paid funeral plan. If I drafted the Will then I will have asked about this at the time. It is likely that if there is such a policy in existence I will have a copy of it stored with the original will. I also ask my clients to advise their friends or relatives that such a policy exists. If I haven’t drafted the will then I need to go to the deceased’s empty property and look for one quickly.

Could you face going into the deceased’s empty home within days of their death to start looking for a funeral 46

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JACQUELINE EMMERSON

plan? Often I am the first person to go into a house after the death in the property itself. Sometimes what I find is not very pleasant. Perhaps you would be better off remembering your relative or friend in happier times.

If you appoint a funeral director without checking first to see if there is a pre paid funeral plan then you may be wasting money belong to the estate and ultimately the beneficiaries.

If there isn’t a funeral plan it is still highly likely that you can avoid the stress of determining who will pay for the funeral. In many cases executors are distant relatives.

They may not wish to find the money for a funeral only to have to wait a long period of time to recover this.

If I am involved in Administering an estate then I will ask to see proof that there is sufficient money available to cover funeral costs in any of the deceased’s bank accounts. I will then contact a funeral director and advise that I will pay them from one of the bank accounts.

As a solicitor I am able to access an account in order to pay the funeral director prior to the Grant of Probate. This can actually take up to a year to obtain.

If you have been appointed as an Executor and you don’t know what to do next then you can always contact our Specialist Probate Lawyers at Emmersons Solicitors. We are all happy to have an initial FREE chat with you to determine how much help you will need.

Je@emmersons-solicitors.co.uk

If your relationship has just ended we understand that you may feel lost or worried.

Relationship in difficulties?

Talk to the matrimonial specialist

EMMERSONS SOLICITORS has helped thousands of people in your situation.

You will find us to be very approachable. We can offer you help with divorce, separation, financial settlements, arrangements for children, pre-nuptial agreements and same sex partnerships.

Our well-trained staff can obtain the best settlement for you. Due to their experience, excellent negotiating skills and use of Round Table Meetings the vast majority of our clients never have to visit court.

137a BackStreet, High Street, Gosforth 145 High Gosforth

emmersons-solicitors.co.uk

0191 284 6989

Why not let us help you reach agreement, avoid court and move on with your life.

Contact us now on 0191 284 6989 to see how we can help you.

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7/12/15 08:39:13

MICHAEL LEE

Independent Funeral Director When caring & understanding is most needed With a total of 38 years’ experience, we pride ourselves in compassion and care, ensuring that your loved-one’s funeral is organised with the utmost dignity and respect.

Servicing Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Private Chapel of Rest · 24 Hour Service Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

64 Park Road, Blyth, NE24 3DL Call us 01670 458 851 (24hrs) www.michaelleefunerals.co.uk

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PUZZLE CHALLENGE WORD LADDER

HEXOKU

Altering one letter at each stage to form a new word every time, change the word on the top line to the word on the bottom line.

Fit the numbers 1 to 6 into each hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

PALM

RIPE

SIGNWORD In this crossword the clues are printed in what would normally be the ‘black’ squares.

Follow the signs from each clue to find where the word should fit.

Hemispherical roof

SOLUTIONS

Paddle Singleton

Expressive sounds

Saucy

Exercise room

Leaves employment

CROSSWORD

MIND BENDERS

SUDOKU

WORDSEARCH

Ocean Baby's room

Profound Spermproducing organs

Assist Hatchet

16

12

15

13

7

6

14

9

5 9

1 17 8

Obtain

Internal

Secret agent

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17

9

1

8

13

4

9

27

6

1

4

7

8

8

11

1

2

13

4

9

9 5

16

8

7 3

2

9

5 29

HEXOKU

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WORD LADDER

KAKURO

Endeavour

Set of tools

Shortage

Bodily extremities

48

1.Feeling on top of the world 2.The first cut is the deepest 3. Small talk

Scrap of cloth

3

9

5

7

1

Palm, pale, pile, pipe, ripe, rile, rule, mule, mull

2

SIGN WORD P D O M E N U R S T E S T E I A L A C K X I N F E E T

R E S I G N S

O A G R Y M D E T E R P Y

Block Paving Cleaned WITHOUT removing Sand

Removes Weeds, Moss and Cleans all in one go!

Professional Domestic/Commercial Surface Cleaning Weed/Algae/Lichen/Moss Management/Treatments (licensed)

No Mess – No Flood No Sand Removal

As well as block paving, we also clean tarmac, sandstone, concrete, decking, walling, roofing using wide range of specialist equipment – Dry Cleaning(as seen here), Steam, Low & High Pressure, Hot or Cold Water, Professional Softwash/Biocide applications, and Weed Control Solutions.

Who are we….please type

Up A Height…& Down to Earth

into google and see our other services on YouTube including ‘spacevac’ gutter clearing up to 16 metres

Call us on 0191 252 99 88 Monday – Friday 8.30am - 6pm your call is important to us

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Prep your Garden this Autumn Although temperatures start to dwindle as we edge towards the final quarter of the year, now is the time to get outside and lay the groundwork in your garden, to allow it to spring into bloom in 2022.

The expert team from Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is here to help you along the way.

Whether you have a seasoned green thumb or are new to planting, freshly moistened soil, longer evenings and comfortable temperatures mean the autumn garden is packed with opportunity and this should be embraced to maximise a garden’s potential for the year ahead.

While spring may be the traditional time for deep-cleaning homes, Dobbies Horticultural Director Marcus Eyles, advises that autumn is the key season for sprucing up gardens. He recommends regular deadheading and cutting back of herbaceous plants and Roses - allowing them to produce some tidy growth, pruning (remember to keep sticks and stems so they can be used as plant supports next year) and continued weeding of perennials.

Marcus said; “Autumn is the perfect time to wind down, restore and prepare our gardens for the new year. Spring bulbs, vegetables and leafy crops will welcome your attention throughout the season, as we prepare for winter and anticipate a healthy 2022 spring bloom."

“Root systems will find it easier to develop under cooler weather, so now is an excellent time to plant potatoes for your Christmas dinner, or try beetroot and carrots for a hearty Sunday roast. Maintenance is key during the autumnal months, so make use of a quieter time to weed perennial plants and prune shrubs, but most of all, be sure to sit back and take a moment to wonder in the magnificence of the season’s rich colours.”

As Marcus highlighted, autumn is not simply for maintenance, with lots of bright plants revelling in the cooler conditions of the season. From fiery 50

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reds and oranges of the seasonal foliage to gorgeous greens from the vegetable patch harvest, for fans of colour, autumn can be beautiful.

Dogwood and Birch will keep your borders looking suitably seasonal while Acers, Cyclamen, Pansies and Ornamental grasses make for beautiful displays in containers.

In preparation for spring blooms, be sure to plant flowering bulbs, so they’ll burst into colour once the weather heats up again. Daffodils, Crocuses and Hyacinths can all be planted in October, but it’s best to wait until November for your Tulips.

For planting in the ground, firstly check the planting depth of your bulbs and dig a hole as deep as required. Mix in Bulb Starter and add a layer of grit – this is important if you have very wet or heavy soil as it will prevent the bulbs rotting during the winter.

Autumn is a season of change and transition. Peat-free compost is a great way to encourage sustainability in our gardens, and a healthy foundation for budding spring blooms.

With a target to be peat-free by the end of 2021, Dobbie’s own brand peat-free compost, which is now available instore, is a sustainable alternative for those hoping to garden without compromising the environment.

If food is at the forefront of your thoughts, autumn is an important time for the vegetable patch. Planting in this season gives crops a chance to start their life in warm soil giving them a strong base to establish themselves before winter and makes way for an earlier yield.

Broad beans are one of the simplest vegetables to grow in autumn, doing well in most soils and climates.

Excellent in risottos, stews or as a

snack, these hardy vegetables have large seeds that are easy to handle and don’t require any specialist equipment.

For the best results, sow your seeds in two close rows between October and November.

Garlic is another great addition to the autumn garden and will be ready to pick by July if planted now. If your soil is claggy, add grit to the bottom of the planting holes and pick a sundrenched spot.

While the list of autumn tasks may feel daunting for gardeners, Dobbies handy check-list of top ten tips below should keep you and your garden on track.

1. Tidy herbaceous plants 2. Continue to do weeding, focusing on perennial plants 3. Plant bulbs ready to burst into colour in spring 4. Plant herbaceous plants 5. Empty pots and plant autumn bedding 6. Start to prune trees and large shrubs 7. Continue to plant leafy crops 8. Prep for Christmas potatoes by planting in August/September 9. Mulch beds with soil enricher, such as Bloomin Amazing 10. Make refuge for wildlife by not over-tidying Dobbies is ‘not your average garden centre’, so remember to visit our website for more information, or pop into store if you require any further advice or guidance, as the expert team are always on hand and happy to help.

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

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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

ENJOY YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND

If you’re fed up with your conservatory being either freezing cold or blistering hot. Here, Thermos Roof explain how they have the answer

C

onservatories are a fantastic 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 short lived 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, firstly to increase its insulating performance and secondly to enhance its internal aesthetic appearance.

Experience will have shown you that in the winter as soon as you open the door the heat is sucked out of your room into the conservatory and, 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 room that you can enjoy all year round, because 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 perfectly with the rest of your conservatory

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construction. The materials we use are lightweight, 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 now.

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 its use is not dictated by the external weather conditions, 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 5 year warranty and we guarantee that you will be amazed with 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

@thermosroof

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?

Noise from heavy rain?

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

PART

P

Electrical Safety

Call Steve on 01670 828 695 or 07901 506 645 or visit our website www.thermosroof.co.uk During these unprecedented times, to ensure your safety and ours, all our staff and fitters wear 53 MAGAZINES | 53 PPE where suitable and, upon completion of each job, your Conservatory will be fullyABCdisinfected.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

GET INSPIRED AT CONTOUR BLINDS Contour Blinds is recognised within the North East as a leading supplier of quality made to measure window blinds and shutters. A family run business with over 35 years experience.

B

linds make practical and stylish additions to the home. As well as turning windows into room features, they also help with privacy and keep draughts at bay in chillier months.

Good quality blinds are an investment, so it’s worth bringing an expert in who can measure your space and run through colour, material and pattern options.

Leading North East window blind supplier Contour Blinds, offer an extensive range of high quality and affordable blinds for the home and workplace and offer a no obligation quotation and free measuring and fitting so you know exactly what to expect.

Established in 1995, they are a family run business who pride themselves on their prompt and professional service.

Whether you’d like roller blinds, wood Venetian or deluxe shutters, Contour Blinds will have a type and design that is ideal for you.

A favourite in home decor, roller blinds are a statement piece which can speak volumes about

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your style. They provide privacy, light control and can significantly improve thermal performance. simple in design, stylish and easy to operate. The blind can be rolled up or down to achieve the required level of shading you require.

You can add those personalised finishing touches with decorative scallops, braids, pulls, poles and eyelets to co-ordinate with your interior design scheme. Contour Blinds roller blind selection are individually manufactured to your unique specification!

Vertical blinds are a practical, classic solution appropriate for all rooms. Privacy can be achieved whilst still allowing full light control, during the day and at night.

Now available in many on- trend colours and patterns, inspirational new designs are the modern alternatives to the traditional whites and creams. Linear floral, geometric and retro patterns make a contemporary statement, while the use of taffeta silk or suede-like fabrics offer a subtle, luxurious effect.

In addition, an extensive range of colours in plains and black-out fabrics as well as jacquards and sheers all serve to offer a great range, creating a sharp modern twist whilst still maintaining the versatility and functionality of a tried and tested product. A wand control can remove the need for cords or chains making them safe and perfectly suited for a home with young children To make it even easier to operate your blinds, opt for a motorised control system. You can open and close your blinds with the touch of a button. Motorised is perfect for

Shutter Blinds

WOODEN VENETIANS: Add character and warmth to your room

Vision Blinds

Velux skylights and other hard to reach windows in your home or office.

If you’re keen to add character and warmth to your rooms wooden venetians are a timeless and elegant solution. Wood is a natural insulator, so wooden blinds help to keep out the cold in winter and shade your room in the summer. Options of slat size, colour and finish as well as the further option of woven tapes ensure that you can express your own interior style.

A simple yet elegant alternative to blinds are shutters. From café style which covers the lower half of your window to full height, they can work on any window but gives a real wow factor and dramatic finish to any home!

Or you could bring your windows to life with their new range of Vision Roller Blinds. This truly contemporary style allows you to control the light while maintaining the view. Their fabric collection features beautiful metallic finishes, pretty sheer fabrics, natural wood woven effects and a fashionable selection of muted tones. Combined

with a number of headrail options, Vision blinds are sure to complement any interior design scheme.

Contour also offer panel blinds, roman, Velux and many more. If you’re looking for inspiration to brighten up your home or want see more of their ranges, why not visit one of their two showrooms in Benton and Whitley Bay? Their experts will be on hand to discuss your requirements and help you make the right choice.

For added peace of mind, Contour are Certified members of the British Blinds and Shutters association. They are fully committed to help eliminate the risk associated with hazardous looped operating cords, chains and tapes used on window blinds. All blinds come with a child safety warning tag attached which explains the risks of blind cord, chain and tape and the precautions which can be put into action.

With a free home visit, and free measuring and fitting, why not contact them today.

“

Whether you’d like roller blinds, Velux, Venetian or deluxe shutters, Contour Blinds will have a type and design that is ideal for you.

Contour Blinds 33 Claremont Crescent, Whitley Lodge, Whitley Bay, NE26 3HL. Tel. 0191 251 3757 Unit 6A, North Tyne Industrial Estate, Whitley Road, Benton, NE12 9SZ. Tel. 0191 261 5915 www.contourblinds.com ABC MAGAZINES

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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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Do your little ones love• SING to sing , dan DANCE • ACT • 3-18 ce &YEARS act?

We think Famous is pretty cool but don’t just take our word for it…

“Famous 4.15 has transformed our daughter’s life: not only has it developed her performing arts skills, but it has also brought her so much enjoyment and new friendships. The team are exceptional, making lessons fun and making her feel confident and valued. The altruism shown throughout the pandemic has been inspiring and it has been a saviour for our kids during what has been a very challenging time.” - Georgia’s Mum

BE WHOEVER YOU WANT TO BE WITH FAMOUS 4.15

TV Star Sarah Rayson who plays Floss Guppy in CBBC’s Hit TV Show - The Dumping Ground is a dedicated member of Famous 4.15

AGE

3-18

“Thank you Famous 4.15 for all you have and continue to do for our kids. They certainly wouldn’t be anywhere near as confident, happy, or successful without you. The difference it makes is immeasurable and we feel very lucky to be part of it. If only we could bottle the positivity and energy you share! It is a very special place.” - Freddie’s Mum

YEARS

FUN•CONFIDENCE BUILDING•SOCIAL INTERACTION•SKILLS FOR LIFE

Here’s where it’s at.

GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE • PERFORMANCE VENUE

Brand. New. Shiny, happy September schedule.

07745 005624

e. info@famous415.co.uk

www.famous415.co.uk

SUNDAYS @ FAMOUS 4.15

For those who haven’t tried it, we’d love it if you did.

Whaddya waiting for? Get in touch today!

Early enquiries advised. Waiting lists apply.

All procedures are adapted to adhere to Covid safe government guidelines, further adaptations may occur in due course.

@Famous4Fifteen 58

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@Famous_415

07745 005 624 info@famous415.co.uk www.famous415.co.uk GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE · PERFORMANCE VENUE ABC MAGAZINES

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USEFUL NUMBERS NORTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL 0345 2000 101 Monday - Friday 7.30am - 8pm

POLICE NON-EMERGENCY 101 NHS 111

If you need help assessing how urgently treatment is needed.

POWER CUT? CALL 105 SMELL GAS? CALL 0800 111 999 NORTHUMBRIAN WATER 0345 717 1100 DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE 0808 247 200 Freephone 24 hours per day

CHILDLINE 0800 11 11

24 hours a day. Confidential helpline for children and young people.

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Mon - Thu (6pm - 8.30pm), Fri (11am - 2pm)

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Confidential counselling and advice for anyone affected by gambling dependency.

Wed, Thu only 10am - 12noon and 2pm 4pm. Advice and information for all carers.

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24 hours a day. Confidential emotional support helpline for anyone in a crisis

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To report cruelty, neglect or an animal in distress

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AGE UK 0800 169 6565

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Free information on issues affecting older people

24 hrs a day. Offering free confidential, friendship and advice for older people.

8am - 12 midnight. Legal and housing advice line for anyone with a housing problem.

NORTHERN DAYS gifts & clothing

HOODIES

Help and advice for consumers in the UK.

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or visit www.northerndays.co.uk Email: northerndaysgifts@gmail.com

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BOOKS

A GOOD READ

By Willow Coby

GHOST STORY

by Peter Straub Although Straub had written a couple of novels before this, this was the book that made his name.

It was written in the late seventies, and is an epic creeping horror that has influenced many other writers, including Stephen King.

It is set in a small fictional town, where the elderly members of The Chowder Society meet regularly to tell each other spooky stories over a few drinks. The book opens with a seemingly unconnected tale and then the death of one of the group members. Each of the remaining members begins to experience similar, nightmarish, dreams. Contacting the nephew of their dead friend, they find he also has something to contribute to their shared nocturnal visions, forcing them to explore people and events from their collective past—a past they’d much rather forget.

The novel, although good in its own right, is also a tribute to ghost stories in general. Straub obviously set out to pay his respects to the genre and there are nods to Nathaniel Hawthorne and M.R James among others.

There’s a main overarching plot that incorporates a few shorter stories. Straub was clearly having fun, and he includes most of the ingredients for a classic scary story.

It’s not fast paced but the tension builds nicely, and a real sense of menace develops as Straub draws all the threads together for the climax.

It’s a must for fans of all things scary. The storytelling is superb and it’s definitely good read for Halloween.

THE DILEMMA

by Penny Vincenzi

Sometimes we’re daunted by the thickness of a book and wonder whether we should invest our time in something so enormous? Well 880 pages is certainly a big commitment. Anyone who has seen Vincenzi’s books on the shelves in a bookshop or library may well have felt a little intimidated. But Vincenzi really is worth the time and energy, though you may need a cheat sheet to keep track of all the characters!

An alibi. A simple alibi. That’s all Brad Channing asks of his wife, Francesca.

She simply has to say that he spent the day in the country with her, and 60

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so could not have been in London. All a mother wants for her family is for them to be happy and safe. If Brad is convicted, it would be the end for all of them. His business would fall apart and the comfortable life they’ve built for their family would be destroyed.

Like her other novels The Dilemma is ultimately a family saga. It may be set against a backdrop of wealth and business success on a scale that most of us can only dream of, but it shows that no matter your position or status in life we will all fight for the same things when it comes to those we love.

WILD SWANS

retold by Xanthe Gresham Knight

Eliza is the youngest of twelve children, looked after and protected by her eleven older brothers. Their father, the king is determined that the children will remain safe from the plague that is ravaging the kingdom and killed his wife. So, they are kept inside the palace walls. One day their stepmother persuades their father that they need to go out and explore the Eleven Kingdoms that they will eventually reign over, and she casts a spell on them that turns them into swans. They may only return to human form only when the sun sets.

Can Eliza break the spell and bring her brothers back?

This charming story is based on Hans Christian Anderson’s tale of the same name. It’s perfect for youngsters who are gaining confidence in independent reading.

WE WEAR PANTS by Katie Abey

There are many different styles of books for young children, and I know that when mine were both toddlers, one sort of book that was guaranteed to occupy them every time was a spotting book.

We Wear Pants is this type of book, and the illustrations are wonderful.

Each page is full of animals wearing … well, the sorts of things that you would NOT expect an animal to wear!

From the titular item of underpants to t-shirts, scarves, wellies, and pyjamas. Each page asks the reader to look for a different thing. Counting candy floss on a page with animals wearing t-shirts at the fair. Finding the stripy scarf and deciding which scarf you would want to wear. And who is dreaming while wearing pyjamas. The final page asks, ‘What will you wear today?’

A lovely way to get young children thinking about getting dressed – a task that often seems to be low on the list of priorities for a child that age!

Davidsons of Morpeth

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70 Plate Golf 1.5 TSi Evo Life 5 Door 783 Miles. £17,995 Save £6585 on cost new

69 Plate Tiguan 2.0 TDi R-Line Tech 5500 Miles. £27,995 Save £10505 on cost new

69 Plate Golf 1.5 TSi Evo Match 5 Door 3563 Miles. £15,995 Save £10175 on cost new

Your local family run company, striving for a flawless experience to all of our customers.

Go online or call us today for our full selection of stock Davidsons of Morpeth, Coopies Way, Morpeth, NE61 6JN

01670 512 115 www.davidsonsofmorpeth.co.uk

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HOME ROASTED COFFEE BEANS ( OR GROUND TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS ) A CHOICE OF 15 SINGLE ORIGIN COFFEE BEANS INCLUDING MILD & NUTTY AMERICANS, FRUITY AFRICANS, SWEET & CHOCOLATEY ASIANS OR ONE OUR FANTASTIC HOME BLENDS JOIN THE CLUB FOR AS LITTLE AS £5.95 A MONTH RELISHCOFFEE.COM ABC MAGAZINES

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