ABC Magazine: Whitley Bay Edition, Mar/Apr 2022

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WHITLEY BAY EDITION | MAR / APR 2022

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DIGITAL CHAMPIONS WANTED Charity appeals for volunteers to help older people with technology

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M O N K S ABC E AT O N| 1 MAGAZINES

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.

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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.

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.

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

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 Good 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

( 0191 289 4047 or 07305 642 777

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email: littlelearnerschildcare1@yahoo.co.uk

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WELCOME TO ABC MAGAZINE

Est. 1998

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

ABC is distributed free to thousands of homes in Whitley Bay, Whitley Lodge and Monkseaton and surrounding areas.

You can also read it online, visit www.yourabc.co.uk.

Interested in advertising in ABC? Please call Richard on 07526 522272 or email info@yourabc.co.uk Scan the QR code with your mobile to visit our website @yourabc @abcmagazines www.yourabc.co.uk

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All information correct at the time of going to press. 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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ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

What’s for Dinner Tonight?

It’s the dreaded question, but a HelloFresh recipe box delivered to your door can answer it in a fresh and delicious way.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or looking to add some basics to your repertoire, HelloFresh is on hand to help. They deliver fresh, seasonal ingredients and recipe cards to your door, which means you can make tasty meals without meal planning or visiting the supermarket.

With more and more of us pushed for time, trying to make space in our week for regular trips to the supermarket to search for a host of individual ingredients could be difficult. Even if we do have time, putting a menu together can prove time consuming and, as we have all experienced, the supermarket may not have everything we need.

With 37 weekly recipes, there’s something for all taste buds and the opportunity to cook gourmet meals at home. You could go for a Rapid dinner ready in under 20 minutes, a Family Favourite, Veggie, or pick a Calorie Smart dish under 600 calories. Meals start from just £3.25 per person.

The ingredients you receive are pre-portioned, so there’s minimal food waste and a flexible subscription that you can control, which can be paused or cancelled at any time.

Your delivery will arrive in eco-friendly packaging, and you don’t have to worry if you’re not home as the team will leave your box in a specified safe place, and everything is packed with several ice packs, which keeps the ingredients well chilled.

HelloFresh was founded in 2011 and are proud to be an eco-friendly, carbon-neutral company. They’re also the first global recipe box company to be Red Tractor Assured, meaning their beef, chicken, turkey, duck and park meat are all sourced from farms that meet rigorous standards.

So if you fancy a fresh start with premium, delicious quality recipes getting set up is easy: 1.

Visit hellofresh.co.uk or scan the QR code 2.

Fill out a simple questionnaire about the size of your household and how many recipes you’d like per week.

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Tell HelloFresh which of its dozens of recipes you’d like 4.

Use the code HFABC50 at the checkout for 50% off your first box and 35% off the next three boxes.

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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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LOCAL N E WS

Popular Food Festival Returns with Another Mouth Watering Lineup One of the region's best loved food festival will return to one of the North East's most stunning locations this spring, with tickets on sale now.

Tynemouth Food Festival will take place at Tynemouth Priory and Castle on Saturday 7, and Sunday 8 May, from 10am until 5pm.

People can expect some of the region’s best street food, pop-up bars, local market traders, live music, and family entertainment. Food traders confirmed include Di Meo’s Ice Cream, Fat Hippo, Scream for Pizza, Acropolis, Hatch 76, Goodtime Tacos, Flip’n’Fast, Redheads Mac’n’Cheese, and many more.

There will also be a festival bar stocking North East craft beers and ciders by Anarchy Brew Co, alongside special gin and cocktail trailers.

A selection of stalls will be selling locally produced artisan products and gifts, including Good

REACH THOUSANDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS EVERY MONTH FROM ONLY £30 + VAT 8

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Tempered Chocolate Co, Baristocracy Coffee, St Mary’s Premium Spirits, The Brownie Bar, Love Leaf Tea, Zenote Handmade, Screaming Chimp Chilli Sauce, Weardale Cheese, Northumberland Sausage Co and many more.

There will be lots of space to sit and listen to live music and some great activities for children, including cooking classes with Fun Little Foodies, craft and messy play sessions with ARTventurers, face-painting, and drop-in sports sessions.

Advance tickets are available now from www. seetickets.com and are priced at £3.50 for adults, guaranteeing entry on the day. Children aged 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

The event is organised by North Tyneside Council.

Search for Tynemouth Food Festival on Facebook and Instagram for the full line-up and updates.

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?

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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

C PAWTASTI The North East Dog Festival

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

PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL EYE CARE at Stevens Optical Group - Your independent local opticians Whether you need an eye examination, are thinking about trying contact lenses, are concerned about your children's eyesight or would like to choose a new pair of glasses or sunglasses, we're only too pleased to assist.

With local family owned practices in Whitley Bay and Killingworth, we have a wide range of frames to choose from including many designer brands.

New patients welcome · Hearing Care now available Pickard Opticians, 11 Ilfracombe Gardens,Whitley Bay NE26 3ND Tel: 0191 252 8975 | Open: Monday - Friday 9.00am- 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 5.30pm Stevens Optical Group, Unit 22 The Killingworth Centre, Killingworth NE12 6YT Tel: 0191 268 1317 | Open: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm

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LOCAL NEWS

Segedunum Improvements Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum, based in Wallsend, have successfully secured £499,000 of Government funding for a host of improvements and upgrades.

T

he UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the south end of Wallsend, is one of more than 60 galleries, museums, libraries, and cultural venues to receive cash through the Government’s £48m Cultural Investment Fund (CIF).

The grant will pay for repairs to the roof, the installation of a new lift, and other improvements.

New equipment to control the conditions in the galleries will help to protect the museum’s internationally important collection of Roman artefacts and ensure that major exhibitions from other museums can be brought to the North East.

Segedunum is managed for the council by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and has welcomed almost one million visitors from the local community and tourists from all over the world since it opened in June 2000.

In AD 122, the Emperor Hadrian ordered a mighty frontier system to be built across Britain, designed to consolidate, and define the Roman 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 10

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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 within the grounds. The 35-metre-high viewing tower provides outstanding views across the World Heritage Site.

North Tyneside Council has identified Segedunum as a priority for investment as part of its Ambition for North Tyneside regeneration strategy and is working with Tyne and Wear Archives & Museums to transform the offer and visitor experience.

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “This funding for essential repairs at Segedunum will hopefully set us on the road for the wider development of the World Heritage Site, which we are proud to have in Wallsend.

“MEND funding will ensure that Segedunum becomes even more welcoming for visitors and, as we develop our work through the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership, we hope to see more investment coming into the site to make this a truly exciting offer for visitors from across the region and beyond.”

Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: “It is fantastic to have this funding to make much needed repairs and improvements to Segedunum, having seen more than a million visitors pass through it's doors in the last 20 years .This is just the start of an ambitious development programme at the museum to update displays and facilities so this important World Heritage Site can be enjoyed for years to come by local communities and visitors from far and wide.”

The Cultural Investment Fund is allocating £48m to galleries, museums, libraries and cultural venues across the country, to help improve public access to the arts, safeguard cultural assets for future generations, and power economic growth through culture.

The Segedunum funding has been awarded from the Museums Estate and Development Fund (MEND) strand of the funding, which helps to pay for museum and local authority infrastructure projects and urgent maintenance works beyond their day-to-day budgets.

It was awarded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sports, delivered by Arts Council England. The announcement follows a concerted effort by the Government to support the country’s vital cultural organisations.

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What’s On Whitley Bay Carnival ‘Giant’

Sat 28 May, 10am – 8pm Giant parade structures, carnival club promenaders, artists and musicians in a community celebration. www.whitleybaycarnival.co.uk

Spanish City Fun Fair 15 – 21 April The Links, Whitley Bay

Scenic Stroll at St. Mary’s Lighthouse 19 April, 10am – 12pm 1 June, 10am – 12pm A relaxed walk covering local history and wildlife highlights.

Booking essential, £3.50 per person.

To book, call 0191 643 4777 or email stmaryslighthouse@ northtyneside.gov.uk

Rockpool Ramble at St. Mary’s Lighthouse

21 April, 2pm – 4pm 31 May, 10am – 12pm Explore the rock pools. Suitable for ages 5+, booking essential, £3.50 per person.

To book, call 0191 643 4777 or email stmaryslighthouse@ northtyneside.gov.uk

Tynemouth Fake Festival

Sat 23 April, 11.45am – 11pm Percy Park Rugby Club Featuring tributes acts, local bands and entertainment. www.fakefestivals.co.uk.

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Fiesta

Sun 24 April, 10am – 4pm & Sun 19 June, 10am – 4pm tynemouthstationbookfair.co.uk

Tynemouth Food Festival

Feast by the Sea

Tynemouth Station Book Fair

Sat 7 – Sun 8 May Tynemouth Priory and Castle Street food, market stalls, live music and children’s entertainment.

Advance tickets £3.50, under-16s free. Facebook: Tynemouth Food Festival

A Stone’s Throw Festival

Sat 28 May Tynemouth and North Shields A coastal music trail.

Facebook: A Stone’s Throw Festival

Victor & Vulcan: Steam Gala Event

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28 – 30 May Royal Quays Outlet Centre, North Shields Sun 5 June, 11am – 3pm Whitley Bay town centre and St Paul’s Church grounds Market stalls, street food, free creative crafts, fun activities and live music.

Facebook: Fiesta Whitley Bay

30 April – 2 May Stephenson Steam Railway A reunion of steam locomotives Victor and Vulcan, working together again for the first time since the late 1980s. www.stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk 12

Funfair

Sat 18 – Sun 19 June Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay Street food and live music by the coast.

Facebook: Feast by the Sea

King Eddie’s Stair Challenge

Sat 18 June King Edward’s Bay, Tynemouth A relay challenge in aid of charity. www.kingeddiesstairschallenge.co.uk

Wallsend Festival Sat 2 July

Live music, fairground rides, stalls and entertainment. www.visitnorthtyneside.com All event details correct at time of going to press. Please check before you attend.

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E NTE RTAINM E 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

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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.

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ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE GOOD VISION MEANS QUALITY OF LIFE Imagine losing your sight. Imagine for a moment not being able to see the faces of your family and friends, the beautiful sunrises the sunsets and the vivid colours of spring. It is easy to think that this won’t happen to us- but it is this complacency that places us at risk.

At Concept Eye Clinic, we have next generation technology. As an independent practice we take pride in innovation by offering all our patients the futuristic benefits of an advanced diagnostic eye examination. This examination is for everyone. The examination involves optical coherence tomography, similar to an MRI, which enables the optometrist to check the health of the central part of the eye examining the deeper layers of the retina, and quantifying risk of getting an eye disease. In addition the optomap offers ultra-wide field retinal imaging to help treat and discover ocular abnormalities in the periphery of the retina. The technology was invented by Douglas Anderson following his 5 year old son’s loss of vision through a retinal detachment. We’re very excited to introduce this to our Tynemouth practice.

WHY CAN THIS HELP ME? Quite simply, early diagnosis with the Optomap will save eyes and lives.

Did you know that many signs of eye pathologies and diseases are evident on the retina, long before we notice any symptoms? These signs may first present in the periphery and can initially go undetected using traditional examination techniques and equipment. An 16

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optomap image provides a bigger picture and more clinical information to facilitate the early detection, management and treatment of disorders and diseases found in the retina such as retinal detachment and tears, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration. Retinal imaging can also indicate evidence of non eye or systemic diseases such as hypertension and certain cancers. This is not just another “camera” but it gives a snap shot of most of the retina in less than half second.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The Optomap non invasively captures a complete widefield image of the retina revealing important information to assess systemic and ocular health, rather like a full eye MOT. The image is captured in less than a second.

Most patients only tend to get their eyes examined when they feel they need a new prescription. In reality, one of the most important part of the eye examination is determining the health of the retina. The Optomap provides a permanent digital image which magnifies the back of the eye to provide the most comprehensive view to discover any abnormalities and early detection of disease to enable your optometrist to make a critical assessment and implement an urgent and effective treatment plan.

“I would recommend this to every patient. Optomap saved my sight and life through early diagnosis of a brain tumour.” - Sam, Practice Manager Inspired by the remarkable people we serve, at Concept we provide preventative care to meet our patient’s optical health needs across the spectrum. Your vision is our priority. Our investment in our people, in advanced diagnostic instruments bespoke and affordable care plans, Zeiss lenses and a sustainable, independent frame selection, is based on the belief that access to first class eye care is not just a privilege but a rightful expectation.

Book your advanced eye examination (including OCT and Optomap) from only £5.99 a month. Ask Sam for more details. Call 0191 296 6124. Concept Eye Clinic, 25 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX

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Using ancient wisdom to combat modern day problems Join Catherine and Irene on their signature 4 week course, where they will share techniques and strategies to help you navigate the modern world.

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Join our safe and nuturing space and meet like minded women Be guided through gentle movement and energy work to release any tension being held in the body Learn breathing techniques to calm the nervous system Guided meditation and relaxation to help centre and calm you.

Try our taster session on Thursday 19th May, 10.30am at the Linskill Centre in North Shields to see if this is the right fit for you - £6

4 Week Course commences Thursday 26th May 10.30-11.30am - £30pp Booking is essential. To book your space or to chat with Catherine or Irene about the sessions: Email: catherine@thehappinesscompany.co.uk Tel: 07890 913 970 ABC MAGAZINES

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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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Redcastle Hotel, Co. Donegal 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

£30

QUALITY COACH TOURS DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES OF DONEGAL - 25th April ‘22 Redcastle Hotel, County Donegal - 5 days 4 nights DB&B - £550 pp* 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*

* 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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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.

n Now Ope 3A Ilfracombe Gardens Whitley Bay NE263ND

WWW.HAPPYPLANETCREATIVEARTS.ORG.UK

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Contact us to discuss your health issues and find out how we can help you.

Tel: 0191 287 1042 www.heatonacupuncture.co.uk 182 Portland Road, Sandyford Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1DJ ABC MAGAZINES

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE, GARAGE DOORS

Looking for a new garage door? AI Garage Doors have got just the right solution for you.

Whether you’re looking to enhance the look of your property, replace a worn-out garage door or prevent draughts, AI Garage Doors have a door to suit your needs.

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.

A simple and very effective type of door with the potential to offer excellent performance in security and insulation and ease of daily use.

Up and Over garage doors consist of a single panel of material. The door has to be pulled out and then pivoted up so it can slide along the roof of the garage. On the other hand, roller garage doors are made of many horizontal sections hinged together for flexibility. Because it rests on rollers, it can be lifted and rolled into place along the garage roof.

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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.

Remote control - You can’t beat a remote-controlled door for ease, convenience, and even safety.

Override - Make sure the remote can be manually overridden in case of power failure.

Security - Automatic door locking mechanisms are helpful.

Safety – This one is a top priority. To ensure that an electric garage door is deemed safe for use, it will have to incorporate at least one sufficient safety feature into its mechanism, which will prevent personal injury.

AI Garage Doors have been supplying, installing and maintaining garage doors in the Northumberland

and North Tyneside areas for over 15 years. They are Approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen and have built a reputation as reputable and trusted specialists.

They offer a wide range of garage doors in a variety of colours, materials and features whilst delivering excellent service and price without compromising on safety or security.

The doors they fit are all manufactured on a professional production line in the UK by a reputable garage door manufacturer, and they conform with the standards expected throughout the industry.

With over 80 positive reviews on Checkatrade.com, they are highly recommended tradesmen who can install your new garage door in no time, transforming the appearance of your home.

The garage door is typically the largest moving part of your home and is probably used daily. Parts can eventually wear out and break with everyday use, creating potential safety problems. Therefore AI Garage Doors also offer a complete repair and maintenance service to keep your garage door running smoothly.

Whether you have something minor from a broken spring or snapped cable or require a fully fitted automatic double door, they can help!

■ AI Garage Doors Tel: 07931 304057 www.aigaragedoors.co.uk

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

Parker Grove Design Ltd INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Interior design | Space planning | Project management Tel: 0191 468 2662 email: enquiries@parkergrove.co.uk www.parkergrove.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES

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HILLS LANDSCAPES (North East) Ltd

We are proud sponsors of U17’s Blue Team & U12’s Pumas Team at Whitley Bay Sporting Club We have been involved with Whitley Bay Sporting Club for many years and are more than happy to show our support for this great club.

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HILLS LANDSCAPES (North East) Ltd

Fencing ∙ Turfing ∙ Decking ∙ All Aspects of Paving Driveways ∙ Water Features ∙ Garden Design Lawn Treatment ∙ Grounds Maintenance All Contract Work Undertaken

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.

We can even collect your favourite planter for re-planting

Greenleaf Organic Compost 3 for £12 Bespoke planters from £15

GARDEN MACHINERY

REPAIRS We can service or repair petrol-powered garden machinery including lawn mowers and hedge trimmers.

Cylinder grinding also available.

FREE LOCAL PICK UP & RETURN SERVICE

Tel: 0191 251 0439 Mob: 07976 644 251

Email: info@hills-landscapes.com ∙ www.hills-landscapes.com ABC MAGAZINES

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Simpsons is a family run café & bistro situated in Whitley Lodge, Whitley Bay serving traditional British and authentic Indonesian food.

FULL ENGLISH BREAKFASTS • BREAKFAST BUTTIES • JACKET POTATOES SANDWICHES • PANINIS • NASI GORENG • BEEF RENDAG • MIE GORENG DESSERTS • TEAS • COFFEE • ALCOHOL & MORE

Simpsons

café & bistro

15 CLAREMONT CRESCENT, WHITLEY BAY, WHITLEY LODGE, NE26 3HR TEL: 0191 252 0037 28

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FACEBOOK: @SIMPSONSCAFEBISTRO

ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

FOCUS ON: WHITLEY LODGE

Whitley Bay is once again a town on the up. With the exciting transformation of the Spanish City site, the promenade being restored to its former glory, its blue flag beaches and the abundance of independent businesses around the town, Whitley Bay has a renewed vibrancy and spirit.

In this edition of ABC, we look at a selection of independent businesses in Whitley Lodge, some old favourites and some new additions, all contributing to the resurgence of Whitley Bay.

0191 251 3757

RECOVER

RELAX

@ WHITLEY LODGE

@ WHITLEY LODGE

� Physiotherapy � Sports Massage � Acupuncture � Shockwave Therapy

� Hot stones massage � Indian head massage � Pregnancy massage � Lower leg and foot massage

� Back, neck, face and head massage

ENHANCE YOUR VIEW WITH CONTOUR BLINDS

Contour Blinds is recognised within the North East as a leading supplier of blinds, shutters and awnings, a family run business established in 1995 by a family of quality blind makers with over 25 years experience within the industry.

Visit our showrooms at Unit 6a, North Tyne Industrial Estate, Whitley Road, Benton NE12 9SZ (opposite Asda) or at 33 Claremont Crescent, Whitley Bay NE26 3HL.

www.contourblinds.com

PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC

07703 822602 Whiterosephysio White Rose Physiotherapy Clinic

7 Claremont Crescent, Whitley Bay NE26 3HL

www.whiterosephysiotherapy.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Get Back to Doing What You Love With White Rose Physiotherapy Clinic We’ve all suffered from aches and pains from time to time. Whether it’s problems with bones, joints, or soft tissue, many people turn to physiotherapy and have benefitted from its effects for many years.

Physiotherapy works on a long list of common complaints, and it’s proven to get great results. Whether you have experienced an accident, sports injury, wear and tear issue, or have an ongoing medical condition, physio can help. Physiotherapists help restore movement and function for people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.

White Rose Physiotherapy Clinic, based in Whitley Lodge, is owned and run by Ben Sutton. Ben has a wide and diverse range of experience, treating everyone from elite level professional athletes to everyday occupational injuries. His experience ranges from working for the NHS in their musculoskeletal department to working for the England Rugby League Women’s team in the build-up to the 2017 World Cup. The ethos at White Rose Physiotherapy Clinic is to get everyone back to doing what they love, whether it’s a sport, a hobby or enjoying time with your family.

They target the root cause of your symptoms to provide sustainable long term results. The initial assessment will answer the four keys questions that every patient wants to know: What is my injury?

How has it happened?

How will I get it better?

How long will it take?

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Ben knows that good physiotherapy can transform lives, helping you live your life without pain, medication, injections or surgery. The idea being that you will be able to switch off from that nagging pain or constant ache and enjoy your life with renewed energy.

Ben, alongside Amber Cormack (Physiotherapist), will provide you with a transparent journey to recovery from the initial diagnostic appointment.

They will give you clear milestones to get you back to doing what you love. They treat every patient with 100% dedication, from office workers to international sports stars. The exact same level of dedication will be given to the patient, as their success is built on a patient-physiotherapist’s commitment to the journey to recovery.

As well as physiotherapy, sports massage can also play a vital role in the life of anyone, whether injured or not and for those who are just generally feeling the wear and tear of everyday life.

Massage has numerous benefits of physical, physiological and psychological nature. It helps maintain the body in better condition, prevent injuries and loss of mobility, cure and restore mobility to injured muscle tissue, boost performance and helps you continue to live an active lifestyle.

If you feel a sports massage may benefit you, experienced and fully qualified therapist Amy Edwards is also based at White Rose Physiotherapy Clinic. Amy offers Hot Stones, Indian Head massages and Leg and Foot massages. Each session is about you, and Amy assesses your needs to ensure they are met. She always gives her full attention and ensures each patient feels comfortable and cared for.

If you feel you could benefit from any of the treatments mentioned above, why not give Ben or Amy a call, life’s too short to spend it in unnecessary pain.  White Rose Physiotherapy Clinic 7 Claremont Crescent, Whitley Lodge, Whitley Bay, NE26 3HL Tel: 07703 822602 whiterosephysiotherapy.co.uk

Bay Podiatry Professional Footcare

Comprehensive footcare from experienced clinicians

Podiatry / Chiropody: Toenails • Callus • Corns • Verrucas • Blisters Biomechanical Assessment • Nail Surgery • Sports Massage

5 Claremont Crescent, Whitley Lodge Shopping Centre, Whitley Bay, NE26 3HL

0191 252 4441

www.baypodiatry.co.uk

LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Shutters

EnhanceYour View with Contour Blinds Whether you’d like shutters, blinds, or curtains they’ll have a type and design that is ideal for you.

Good quality blinds are an investment, so it is worth bringing in an expert to measure your space and advise you on all possible options.

Leading North East window blind supplier and manufacturer Contour Blinds and Shutters offer a noobligation 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 made to measure service and their extensive range of high quality and affordable blinds for the home and workplace.

As a manufacturer, Contour Blinds employ local people, ensuring quality and service.

Whether you’d like shutters, blinds, curtains, or any motorised window covering, Contour Blinds and Shutters will have a type and design that is ideal for you.

Roller blinds are a statement piece that can speak volumes about your style. They provide privacy, light control and can significantly improve thermal 32

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performance. They are simple in design, stylish and easy to operate. You can roll the blind up or down to achieve the required level of shading you need. You can also add those personalised finishing touches with cassette systems, decorative scallops, braids, pulls, poles, and eyelets to coordinate with your decor.

Vertical blinds are a practical, classic solution appropriate for all rooms. Privacy can be achieved whilst still allowing complete light control. Now available in many on-trend colours and patterns, there are modern alternatives to the traditional whites and creams. Linear, floral, geometric and retro patterns make a stylish statement, while the use of taffeta silk or suede-like fabrics offer a subtle, luxurious effect. A wand control removes the need for cords or chains, making them safe and perfectly suited for a home with young children.

If you’d like to opt for a modern look, vision blinds are an innovative window furnishing that feature two layers of translucent and opaque horizontal striped fabric that combine to create a striking modern feel.

“

Contour Blinds and Shutters pride themselves on their prompt and professional made to measure service as well as their extensive range of high quality and affordable blinds.”

Wooden Venetian blinds add character and warmth to your rooms and are a timeless, elegant solution.

Wood is a natural insulator, so wooden blinds help to keep out the cold in winter and shade your space in the summer. Options of slat size, colour and finish, and the further option of woven tapes ensure that you can express your interior style.

Shutters are a simple yet elegant alternative to blinds. From café style to full height, they work on any window and give any home a real wow factor and dramatic finish! Contour Blinds and Shutters are the leading supplier and fitters of Shutters in the North East and will provide a professional service for all options.

Motorisation makes it even easier to operate your blinds. You can open and close your blinds with the touch of a button, and they are completely child safe.

Motorised blinds are perfect for skylights and other hard to reach windows in your home or office. Home automation – which is compatible with systems such as Alexa and Google Assistant – improves security and ease of use and protects furnishings.

Pleated and cellular blinds offer excellent control and insulation and are a popular choice in conservatories, sunrooms, and porches with lots of windows and doors. Contour Blinds and Shutters are also the only accredited manufacturer of Perfect Fit™ International roof blinds in the North East.

They also offer an extensive selection of Roman Blinds, Curtains, Poles, Tracks and accessories. If you’re looking for inspiration to brighten up your home or want to see more of their ranges, why not visit one of their two showrooms in Benton and Whitley Bay or ask them to come to you with free expert advice.

Contour Blinds and Shutters are Certified members of the British Blinds and Shutters Association (BBSA) and the Make It Safe campaign for added peace of mind. They are fully committed to eliminating the risk associated with hazardous looped operating cords, chains and tapes used on window blinds. All blinds are fitted with appropriate child safety devices.

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

Venetian Blinds Roller Blinds

Vision Blinds

Whitley Bay: 33 Claremont Crescent, Whitley Lodge, Whitley Bay, NE26 3HL Tel. 0191 251 3757 Benton: 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

Robava Bathrooms Opens in Whitley Lodge ‘Think Luxury; Shop Local’ is the mantra at their deluxe new showroom From invigorating morning showers to blissful soaks in the tub after a long day, our bathrooms are the centre of wellness within our homes. It’s therefore imperative to create a space that feels balanced for all our needs. Too often, our bathroom can feel out of step with the rest of the home, invested with less love and personality.

If you are looking to create the perfect bathroom, a room that energises you in the morning and helps you decompress in the evening, look no further than Robava Bathrooms.

With a wealth of knowledge and years of industry experience, the Robava Bathrooms team are perfectly placed to work with you and create your dream bathroom. Offering the best in luxury bathrooms and accessories, walls and flooring, you can find their new showroom right here in Whitley Lodge. They chose Whitley Lodge as the location for their first showroom as the area is becoming known for flourishing independent local businesses.

The showroom displays the best bathroom brands, offering you a wide selection of designs, styles and tastes. Brand names including Scudo, Heritage, Phoenix, and MyLife are synonymous with quality and of the highest calibre.

The team will work with you to find the perfect balance between elegance and affordability. Plus, the benefit of 34

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visiting a showroom of this quality with a fantastic range of products is that, instead of searching online, you can talk through the whole process with experienced staff and see in real life what your bathroom will look like, all in a friendly and welcoming environment.

They don’t just stop at bathrooms; Robava also have an extensive range of tiles and flooring for areas throughout your home. If you are looking for inspiration for your bathroom, hallway, living room, or kitchen, they have it covered. With summer just around the corner, they even have a range of outdoor porcelain tiles to create the perfect open-air environment. Ideal for gardens and patios, these sleek and stylish outdoor tiles are highly durable and designed to withstand all weather conditions.

They constantly review all of their suppliers to ensure they stay ahead of trends and can offer new design ideas to inspire you.

The team at Robava pride themselves on providing a quality service and delivering innovative bathrooms. With so many on display, why not call in and see if they can create your perfect bathroom.  Robava Bathrooms Claremont Crescent, Whitley Lodge Tel: 0191 252 8146 Email: info@robavabathrooms.co.uk www.robavabathrooms.co.uk

With a wealth of knowledge and years of industry experience, Robava Bathrooms are on hand to deliver the best in luxury bathrooms, accessories, walls and flooring. Our new showroom, based in Whitley Lodge, Whitley Bay, proudly displays the latest bathrooms and trends, whatever your style.

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WHITLEY LODGE: ADVERTISING FEATURE

Take The ‘Ow’ Out Of Ingrown Toenails

By Stephen and Robert of Bay Podiatry in Whitley Lodge

As experienced podiatrists, an ingrown toenail is a common condition that we see regularly.

They are often extremely painful and can significantly impact the enjoyment of everyday activities such as walking, sports, and even sleeping. The good news is you don’t have to put up with them! In many cases, an ingrown toenail can be treated quickly and painlessly with good lasting success, allowing a speedy return to doing all the activities you enjoy free from pain.

An ingrown toenail can come about when the edge of the nail breaks the surrounding skin. This often causes pain and swelling and can result in recurrent infections. In chronic cases, a red, highly vascular area of skin can be seen around the area called ‘hyper granulation tissue’. This tissue bleeds easily when knocked and is unlikely to resolve until the offending piece of nail is removed. Ingrown toenails can be the result of injury or poor nail cutting technique.

Some people are more likely to suffer this condition because their nails are ‘involuted’ or ‘curled in’ at the edges.

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At Bay Podiatry, we pride ourselves on being the experts in feet, and we aim to keep you walking comfortably.

ABC MAGAZINES

We advise people to cut their nails straight across to allow the edge of the nail to grow free from the skin. Avoid cutting down the sides, as this can leave uneven, sharp pieces of the nail that can dig in or break the skin if knocked. If you find it difficult to cut your nails, sometimes filing them regularly will help. In the past, it was thought that cutting a ‘V’ in the middle of the nail would help - we now know this is unlikely to provide any benefit as the nail grows from the base.

If self-help doesn’t work, it is best to see a podiatrist (the specialists in feet). A podiatrist will assess your feet and offer an individual treatment plan. This may include simple nail cutting and advice on footcare. In cases where the toes have been sore for a long time or have become swollen or infected, minor surgery can be offered. This is undertaken using local anaesthetic and can be done so that the painful piece of the nail does not grow back, providing a lasting solution to the problem. Many people

imagine this will be painful to have done but are surprised at how straightforward it is.

In our experience, many people are unsure where to go when they have pain in their feet. At Bay Podiatry, we pride ourselves on being the experts in feet, and we aim to keep you walking comfortably. Sore feet do not have to spoil the enjoyment of doing everyday things, be that walking to the shops or running a marathon. If you suffer with an ingrown toenail or sore feet, then we would be happy to have a chat over the phone or to see you in our new, modern clinic so we can advise you on the best way forward.

We can also help with everyday skin problems such as corns, callus, heel fissures, blisters and verrucae.  Our clinic is located next to Tesco Express at Whitley Lodge Shopping Centre. For more information call us on 0191 252 4441 or visit www.baypodiatry.co.uk

Northumbria Flooring & Furniture www.northumbriaflooring.co.uk

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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 60

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)

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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LOCAL NEWS

Appeal for ‘Champions’ to help Eliminate Digital Poverty

According to Age UK North Tyneside, because of Covid-19 there are more older people than ever who are ‘digitally excluded’ – recent stats showed more than two million over-75s across the UK are not equipped with, or able to use, day-to-day technology To help tackle this issue in the North East, the charity has set up a ‘Digital Champions’ scheme, where older people are matched with volunteers who can help them with technology, whether that be using a PC, tablet, phone or even TV. Two of the main aims are to help older people reconnect with families, giving them the skills needed to keep in touch with video calls and messaging, and also to prevent them falling victim to the increasing number of digital scams being carried out by criminals.

Age UK North Tyneside has been inundated with requests from older people desperate to develop their digital skills, but needs volunteers to help deliver training to those who are waiting.

So far, the scheme’s coordinator Jo Linton is carrying out all the training. She said: “I know there are so many people out there who need help, but at the moment I just need to clone myself so I can help everyone!

“Really, what we need are volunteers who can go out there and spend just a couple of hours a week passing on what they know.

They don’t have to be experts, just people who can help someone set up a Zoom call, send a text 40

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Image: Rusby Media

A charity is fighting to eliminate the digital poverty ‘pandemic’ affecting older people in the North East in a bid to keep them connected with families and to avoid online scams.

Mo Black with Age UK North Tyneside’s Jo Linton

message or show them around an iPad! “We could reach so many people and help change their lives – if you think you can give up just a small amount of time please get in touch. Just giving up a small amount of time could really make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

One of the people benefiting from Jo’s help is artist Mo Black.

She has been a victim of a social media ‘phishing’ scam and wants to find out more about keeping herself e-secure.

Mo, who runs ‘Mo’s Mosaics’, also wants to know more about digitising her work so she can pass it on to the next generation.

Mo, 74, from North Shields, said: “We are living in a world built for the younger generation with so much done online nowadays.

The older generation are being left

behind!

“I have friends that are frightened to go online because they don’t know which emails are real and which are scams. It can be terrifying.

“We have to rely on organisations like Age UK North Tyneside to help us get by.

Meeting with Jo has been so beneficial me, and I really hope the charity can recruit more Digital Champions to help all the people out there who are in the same situation as me.”

As well as offering training to older people, the charity also has tablets and phones loaded with data to loan out to customers to help them keep connected.

The charity is running bookable group training sessions in Dudley and Whitley Bay, and regular bookable one-to-one sessions in the Forum Shopping Centre, Wallsend. It also has some training run on Zoom.

If you are over 18 and interested in becoming a Digital Champion, or want to learn more about using technology, call 0191 2877011 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside. org.uk.

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HEALTH

To Reverse Ageing, Think Blue What are Blue Zones and what can they teach us about ageing?

By Louise Addison

As a nation we’re obsessed with ageing. We try to turn the clock back with lotions, potions and sometimes Botox and fillers.

Yet some nations seem to have solved this issue without resorting to cosmetics or surgery. These people live in the world’s so-called Blue Zones. The term ‘Blue Zones’ refers to geographic areas in which people have low rates of chronic disease including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and several types of cancer, and enjoy life spans more than a decade longer than people elsewhere in the world. The concept of Blue Zones grew out of the work done by researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain. The five Blue Zones are: Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, The Ogliastra Region in Sardinia, Loma Linda in California (which boasts the highest concentration of Seventh Day Adventists in the US), and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Dan Buettner, who is an author, explorer, educator, and endurance cyclist, studied these regions intensively and concluded that the inhabitants all shared certain characteristics.

They exercise – but not at the gym, and they don’t run. Instead, they live in environments that encourage movement. They walk, garden, and tend to use manual tools rather than electric ones, when working in the house and garden.

They live with purpose - The Okinawans call it ikigai and the Nicoyans call it plan de vida; both roughly translate to "why I wake up in the morning."

A sense of purpose adds several years to your life span.

They take time out – Everyone, even those living in Blue Zones experience stress. Stress is the leading cause of chronic inflammation and is associated with every significant age-related disease. The Blue Zone populations understand how to deal with and diffuse that stress.

Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap, and Sardinians do happy hour!

They follow the 80% rule - The Okinawan’s have a 2,500-year-old Confucian mantra, ‘Hara hachi bu’, which they recite before meals. It reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight and gaining it. People in the Blue Zones eat their smallest meal in the early evening, and then they don't eat any more for the rest of the day.

They eat a plant-based diet -The people of the Blue Zones eat mainly plants and beans, limiting meat to small portions a few times per month.

They drink moderately – Apart from the Adventists, all the people living in the Blue Zones drink alcohol regularly. Moderate drinkers actually outlive nondrinkers. So, keep to one to two glasses a day, preferably drunk with a meal and with friends or family.

They have a community - The world's longest-lived people chose - or were born into - social circles that support healthy behaviours. For example, Okinawans created moais - groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious, so healthy social networks are essential for long life.

So, if you are interested in living a longer and healthier life…think blue!

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

How Can We Help You and Your Family?

by Jacqueline Emmerson of Emmersons Solicitors I am on a mission at the moment to find those folks who are falling through the cracks in society.

Pre covid was bad enough but being isolated and unable to seek help is far worse now. As regular readers will know, I spend a lot of time assisting older clients who simply have no one to support or help them. You may not even know what help is available to you.

Such clients will typically have been only children who never married. Or who were divorced years ago and don’t have siblings or children. Some of my clients have long term mental health problems such as schizophrenia, they can function on a day to day basis but cannot manage all of their affairs.

I am also particularly concerned about older members of the gay community. Especially those who were in the forces and had to spend their working lives hiding the fact that they were gay. This may mean that they were unable to marry, they may have avoided the gay community who would ordinarily have provided some support. I have been trying to highlight the plight of this group of people to various organisations including SSAFA. I have also noticed that in traditional religious families individuals have spent their lives hiding the fact that they are gay so as not to upset their parents or their religious community. Again they may remain unmarried and without children to help them as they get older.

Over the next few months Emmersons Solicitors will be holding free events to inform and offer help. In the meantime if you need help please don’t hesitate to contact me.

What Type of Help?

There are many things that we attend to on behalf of those who are struggling to manage their affairs. If we have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place then we can mange your money. In the first instance I would make sure that your home is insured. Many clients let this lapse without realising. I would check standing orders and direct debits to make sure that you are only paying out money when you need to do so. I regularly find that huge sums of money are being paid out to charities as one charity after another contacts the vulnerable to seek help. That is fine so long as you can afford to make such payments. And if you are paying to charities do you know how many you send money to and how much per month?

You may be struggling to cope with shopping, cleaning, washing and ironing etc. You may feel that you can’t afford help. But if your finances were under control this may free up money so that you could pay someone to assist you. You may be entitled to state benefits such as Attendance Allowance. This can be 44

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worth circa £4,000 per year. Again, this money could be used to pay for someone to come in and support you even a couple of times a week. And it doesn’t have to be fifteen minutes here and there. There are many private agencies, who are often cheaper than social services, who can offer you a minimum of an hour per visit.

Did you know that there are agencies who will take you out for the day. Do you fancy a trip to the Northumberland Coast or Durham City. Do you want someone to take you to and from your cricket club, or to watch the football? Do you want someone to make meals for you? The choice is yours.

We can also help to sort out your home. Has it all become a bit too much. Have you started to hoard things so that your home is feeling too cluttered? We have a team that will come in and work with us and you to turn things around. We can arrange for a one off deep clean, the removal of items you no longer need or want and weekly cleaning.

We can also get all of your paperwork under control.

This might include finding old savings policies that you have forgotten about. We found one recently for a client that was worth over £40,000! We can organise your bank accounts into one place and bring in a financial advisor to ensure that your money is in the correct place for you.

What If You Need to go Into a Care Home?

This can be a huge decision and there will be a lot to think about. I have looked after the homes of clients for years who have not wanted to sell. It is your decision as to when or if you sell a home that may have been the place of years of happy family memories. I have dealt with council tax and council tax rebates. Water rates, which should not be paid when a house is empty. Gas and electricity, care home fees and spending money.

Normal house insurance is not enough when a house is empty for more than thirty days. We deal with specialist insurers in order to protect our clients’ property.

To sum up, we can step in and be you. We do all the work so that you don’t have to worry about everything all of the time. If you feel that you are floundering and want a chat about how we can help then you can either email me at je@emmersons-solicitors.co.uk or ring the office on 0191 2846989 and leave your name and telephone number so that I can return your call.

And can I ask, have you noticed a lonely neighbour, have you popped round to see if they are coping? They might have been more in the swing of things before covid but if their day centre closed down or the club they were a member of stopped having meetings then they may have declined quite rapidly in the intervening period.

Please look out for your neighbours and friends who live alone or who may be struggling to care for a relative.

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

Relationship in difficulties?

Talk to the matrimonial specialist

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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.

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7/12/15 08:39:13

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LOCAL NEWS

Older People are Missing out on Benefits they could be Entitled to According to charity Age UK North Tyneside, older people across the region are missing out on millions of pounds that they could be entitled to because of a lack of clear messaging from the Government.

The current energy and food price crisis means people are struggling more and more to make ends meet, with older people often hit hardest because of their fixed incomes and need to heat their homes more.

Despite pensions and benefits due to increase in April by 3.1%, Age UK North Tyneside says thousands of people will miss out on money they could be entitled to.

Its Information and Advice Service has been able to help many get what they are entitled to.

It helped North Tyneside residents claim £1.1m in 2020-21 alone.

However, according to Charity Services Manager Len Watson, who manages the Information and Advice Service, millions of pounds they could be entitled to is sitting unclaimed.

He said: “People are feeling the pinch more than ever with the cost of living being so high. There is definitely more pressure on older people’s finances.

“Everybody’s bills are increasing, and they will go up even more in April and then in October when the price cap rises.

“I think the messaging needs to be improved. Many people don’t realise what they are entitled to: it’s like they say – you don’t know what you don’t know.

“We deal with so many people 46

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who are struggling with what they have been on for a long time but don’t know they are entitled to more.

“Somebody should be going to these people and letting them know they are entitled to more and what they need to do to get it.”

The upcoming increase means the basic State Pension will rise to £141.85 per week from £137.60, and the full new State Pension will go up to £185.15 from £179.60.

Meanwhile, benefits including working age benefits, carers’ benefits, pensioner premiums in income related benefits and the widow’s pension will also increase by 3.1%.

Mr Watson, however, maintains that many older people won’t feel the positives of these rises, as they aren’t aware of what they are entitled to claim.

He also added that the ‘Digital Divide’ impacts older people – they are generally less confident with technology making it more difficult for them to fill in online application forms.

He added: “It’s only when they come to our Information and Advice team that we can find out what they should be getting and then help them fill out the forms to actually go and access this money.

“Even the process of accessing benefits can be painstaking - the forms can be long and extremely tricky to fill out. Many are online, which is not ideal for an older person, especially one living on their own without somebody there to support and help them.

“The Government needs to do more to make it easier for older people to get what they are entitled to.”

The Information and Advice Service can help with areas including welfare benefits, pensions, energy advice, tax and other financial matters, as well as housing and property, Health and Social Care matters, leisure and social activities and other local services.

To find out more visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside/our-services/information-and-advice You can also book an appointment by calling Age UK North Tyneside on 0191 280 8484 option 1 or emailing enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside. org.uk.

Worried about your bills?

If you have concerns about rising energy prices and the cost of living, call our Information & Advice team today.

We offer confidential, impartial and free information and advice on maximising your household income. This includes support with:

�� �� �� ��

Energy price increases Benefit entitlement Housing queries Social care concerns

To find out more, call us on 0191 280 8484 Option 1.

Age UK North Tyneside, Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields, NE29 6QP. Registered charity number 1049527. Company number 1763579.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Enjoy your Conservatory all Year Round

If you’re fed up with your conservatory being too hot in the summer and too cold in winter, then Thermos Roof explain how they have the answer...

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; 50

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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.

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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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LOCAL N E WS

First Contemplation Area to Reflect on the Pandemic Unveiled Two years to the day since the announcement of the first national lockdown, North Tyneside Council unveiled its first area for reflection and contemplation.

Five lasting memorial areas are being created across North Tyneside to help people to remember and reflect upon the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The end of March saw the first of the areas unveiled at Silverlink Biodiversity Park. During the unveiling ceremony, children from North Tyneside Young Carers Centre also buried a time capsule.

Connected to the borough’s 30-mile wagonway network, the areas of reflection are places where people can visit to remember the loved ones that they tragically lost during the pandemic, as well as offering a space to reflect on the impact the pandemic had on us all and remember the ways in which people came together to support one another.

All of the reflection areas are based around the theme of a compass, detailed in decorative hard landscaped paving, with seating provided and natural planting, as places to sit and reflect.

The artwork in the centre of the compass is unique to the location where it is situated and has been chosen with help from local communities.

The time capsule buried by the children contains items that were pertinent to the young people, who are aged between nine and ten, from the pandemic, such as face coverings, hand sanitiser and more.

Work is underway to create the other areas and they will be opened within the coming weeks. The locations and associated artwork include: Silverlink Biodiversity Park – sundial design Killingworth Lakeside Park – George Stephenson design Redburn Dene Park (North Shields) – fishing design Souter Park (Whitley Bay) – lighthouse design Wallsend Hall grounds – shipbuilding design.

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LOCAL N E WS

Ageing North Tyneside Metro Bridge to be Replaced this Summer A Metro bridge, which serves one of the network’s busiest routes between Newcastle and North Tyneside, is to be completely replaced this summer in a £3m project.

The Tanners Bank bridge, which is located on the Metro line between Tynemouth and North Shields, is to be removed to allow an entirely new bridge to be fitted.

The bridge work will take place during a 14-day major line closure, 16-29 July. A replacement bus for Metro passengers will be made available during this period.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, needs to replace Tanners Bank bridge due to its age. The current structure dates all the

way back to the Victorian era. This railway line opened in 1839 and is said to have been the world’s first commuter line.

Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “We are investing £3m in the complete replacement of the Tanners Bank Metro bridge, which carries 173 train services a day between Newcastle and North Tyneside.

This bridge is a vital part of Metro’s infrastructure which now needs to be replaced. The current bridge was built in 1853, and has served Metro for 41 years since we took the line over – but this summer is the right time to replace it.

“The new structure will ensure that we can run trains in this area for many more generations to come, and the new one will allow greater clearance above the road so that more buses and commercial vehicles are able to get down to North Shields Fish Quay.

“This is a big engineering challenge, and when the work takes place in July it will be the fourth Metro bridge that we have completely removed and replaced it in this way since 2010 as part of our modernisation programme. The new bridge deck will be lifted into place using a specialist heavy duty lifting rig during a major line closure in July.”

The work will help to secure a key piece of Metro’s infrastructure for another century to come. It is being funded by a £2.7m grant from the Department for Transport’s Highways Challenge Fund, £300,000 from the Metro Asset Renewal Programme, and £103,000 from North Tyneside Council.

For more information on metro and bus times, visit: www.nexus.org.uk

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171 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3RE Telephone: 0191 2518444 www.whitleyjewelleryandantiques.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES

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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 MINDBENDERS

1. The ball is in your court 2. Last but not least 3. Long time no see

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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0191 266 6593

SELECT MAGAZINE NORTH EAST | 61 www.davidsonsofnewcastle.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES | 6161

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

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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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