Northallerton infocus Spring 2011

spring

2011

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welcome to the Spring issue of Northallerton infocus

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6 Features

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It’s Competition Time!

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Style Advice

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What’s on this Spring?

Rural Arts

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Riding High At Twycross Zoo

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Also in this issue...

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New To Northallerton New local businesses showcased...

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EDUCATION Cyberbullying...

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LOCAL NEWS Spring Events...

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Don’t forget to dust down your beloved pet this Spring

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LOCAL NEWS Friends go to great lengths for kidney patients...

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LOCAL NEWS Margaret’s Birthday Celebrations Help Friarage...

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LOCAL NEWS North Yorkshire’s 95 Alive road safety campaign has beaten its target...

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Choose Synergy...

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AT YOUR FINGERTIPS...

Spring Awakenings Take Care...

I hope that you enjoy this edition of Northallerton infocus.

Please contact us if you would like to advertise your business in this publication.

Best wishes,

Christine Campbell Editor

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t: 01609 777401 www.jkanorth.com

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Tax Tips for Selling your Home • Part 1

Many of us have sold our home without worrying about paying tax on the sale. This is because we’re entitled to Principal Private Residence Relief* which cancels out the Capital Gains Tax* due.

Unfortunately it’s not always that straightforward and you might owe tax under certain circumstances if you don’t minimise tax dues with good advice. Here’s a list of situations that could cause you problems • You haven’t lived in the House before selling it The house (or part of it) should be your main home (Principal Private Residence) for some time during ownership. Technically, this could be for only one day but your intention should be to live there permanently. One chap owned a property for 5 months and claimed he moved in and out again because his wife didn’t like it. He was made to pay because there was no clear intention of him wanting to move there permanently – no evidence of him notifying banks, council and other parties and the use of electricity in the house was also too low. So if you’re going to use your property as a home – make sure everyone knows and there’s clear evidence of it – just in case circumstances change!

• Renovation and Sale of properties is your Business So, if you’re running a business doing up properties and then selling them, your profits would be taxed as trade profits rather than under Capital Gains rules. You might also have to pay income tax and national insurance. If this is the case, make certain you keep receipts for all expenses incurred. These should include acquiring, renovating, and selling the property. You can claim this against profit from the sale.

• Your garden exceeds 1.24 acres Although the garden accompanying a residence is normally covered by the Principal Private Residence Relief if it To advertise with us, please contact Christine on 01609 777401

Peter Tarren For business planning and tax advice call Peter on: 0845 330 0451 or email him at: p.tarren@euraaudituk.com or drop in at: 87 South Parade, Northallerton

exceeds 0.5 hectares (1.24 acres) then you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax. If you sell the garden before the property and it qualifies for Tax Relief then there will be no tax due. But if you sell the house first you could be faced with a tax bill when you sell the garden.

Tip: If the garden is in excess of 0.5 hectares then ensure it’s not treated as separate to the property. Sometimes part of the garden may be fenced off separately even though the fenced-off part is part of the garden too. If this is the case consider taking the fence down and taking photos prior to the sale to prove that the land is part of the property and can be enjoyed from the property. For gardens, the use (business/personal) of the garden is considered at the time of sale and not during the whole period of ownership.

Tax Tips for Selling your Home Continued Next Month… *Private Residence Relief - is the name given to the tax relief designed to ensure that most people don’t face a Capital Gains Tax bill when they sell their home. *Capital Gains Tax (CGT) - When an asset (like property, or shares) is sold at a profit, the profit may be liable to a tax called Capital Gains Tax. In calculating the tax you need to consider capital gains allowances, adjustments for inflation and different computations depending on the age of the asset (Or just get yourself a smart advisor!)

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It’s Competition Time!

Darlington Civic Theatre has two pairs of tickets to give away for the opening night of Corrie! on Monday 2 May.

Corrie! can be seen from Monday 2 – Saturday 7 May, tickets are from £17 - £25 available from the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or online at www.darlingtonarts.co.uk

Celebrating 50 Golden years of Britain’s longest-running and most loved soap, the World Premiere of this brand new comedy play is not to be missed. Relive those magic moments from ‘the Street’ – see the tram run over Alan, Tracy kill Charlie, Todd kiss Nick and Gail marry Brian, Martin, Richard and Joe!

For your chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to the opening night just answer the following question and send to Marketing Dept., Darlington Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, Darlington, DL3 7AX. Closing date is Friday 15 April.

Corrie! it’s right up your street.

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Q. How many years has Coronation Street been on television?

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New to Nor Northallerton

New and exciting businesses come to the

New Businesses we’re introducing: • Yorkshire Fireplaces • Archers Jersey Ice Cream • Northallerton Hair & Beauty • Northern Energy North East

PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM NEW SERVICE A NEW service which helps determine the extent or stage of breast cancer is being provided at the Friarage Hospital.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to identify the spread of cancer into the lymph nodes by biopsy of the ‘gatekeeper’ sentinel lymph node.

Patient, Jan Sanders from Danby Wiske, who recently had the procedure at the Friarage, said: “It was quick and efficient with no lasting

discomfort and not having to travel to James Patient, Jan Sanders, with Mark Richardson (left) head of nuclear medicine and Robert Bryan, consultant general surgeon at the Friarage.

Cook removed any potential anxiety on the day of the operation. All the staff involved were more than willing to answer any questions and explain the process.”

Award Winning Ice Cream comes to Northallerton The well known local brand, Archer’s Jersey Ice Cream, has just opened a new Ice Cream Parlour in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Chris and Graham Daniel have invested in the franchise opportunity after Graham was made redundant a year ago. It took about four months to get the venture up and running and the business opened in mid-November.

Archers Jersey Ice Cream has won a number of accolades in recent years including the Taste North East 2009 Gold award for their increasingly popular Christmas Pudding flavour Ice Cream.

Chris and Graham Daniel

With small batch production at the Northallerton site we can manufacture significant quantities of Ice Cream to stock the parlour and supply other outlets, such as local restaurants, hotels and theatres, whilst maintaining the highest quality.

Using only the best Jersey milk, ingredients and flavours, Archers have a range of over

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40 flavours, also making Ice Cream Cakes for special occasions together with a fantastic range of popular Ice Cream deserts.

In the Spring we plan to open late for a Waffle Night each week – a mid-week family treat with special offers such as Waffles and Ice Cream for a family of four from as little as £14.00 - (Watch local press for details) The new Parlour has been open for three months now and is always busy despite the (often freezing) winter weather.

Archers Northallerton has already established itself for more than its delicious freshly made ice cream serving own-blend Coffees, Speciality Teas, Italian Hot Chocolate and other tempting treats, always with a warm welcome within a convivial atmosphere.

The whole team at Archers are looking forward to a long, hot summer busy making our exquisite Jersey Ice Cream for you to enjoy!

rthallerton area this Spring

To feature within this section of Northallerton infocus please contact us on: 01609 777401 You can also email: Christine@jkanorth.com or visit our website at: www.jkanorth.com

Registration services now offered at Catterick library North Yorkshire County Council registration service is now offering a service at Catterick library every Monday and Wednesday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am.

The service is by appointment only for people who wish to register a birth or a death. To book an appointment with the registrar, please contact: Northallerton Registration Office County Hall Northallerton DL7 8XE

Have you had problems getting your deliveries of oil or LPG this winter?

If so, Northern Energy North East is the company to call!

Northern Energy North East is the latest addition to the Northern Energy family which is one of the few remaining independent, family-run suppliers of domestic, agricultural and commercial oil and LPG. It has recently expanded its delivery area to as far north as Teesdale and surrounding areas.

Northern Energy was established in 1932 by Ralph Robinson, the grandfather of the current managing director, Howard Illingworth, and originally began collecting milk from dales farmers

and delivering coal to the local community, and from there made the natural move to supplying oil and LPG. The company has come a long way since these humble beginnings nearly 80 years ago. It prides itself on its customer service and reliability and is proud to boast that 100% of customers on its top-up scheme, a benefit of the Recession Recovery package, had oil or LPG for Christmas – quite an achievement given the horrendous weather conditions experienced!

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Colour

Style

of the year...

Design trends Sheer & Shimmer

Sleek highly reflective effects in silver and white draw attention to design and detail. Pearl glazes add elegance and luxury to common objects while sheer materials float with a light airy aesthetic. A symbol of modernism mixed with elitism, matte metallic finishes in gold and bronze take natural to a new level of glamour.

Ever-Popular Prints

In patterns today, bigger is better. Oversized prints in paisley, damask, and floral on the walls, ceiling, or fabrics offer a nod to traditional. Bold color paired with complex neutrals and even white boast contrast in both pattern and color. Geometric circles, crisscross shapes, and organic lines imply texture while flocking and patchwork with velvet add a plush hand in contemporary beauty.

Wild Hide

African inspired animal hides in zebra, cheetah, and leopard make a fast dash toward high style.

A toss-up between tacky and trendy animal prints can incorporate touches of nature in a different yet classy way when done right. Both large and small-scale applications take on exotic appeal with something familiar.

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A Color for All Seasons Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

• While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.

• “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

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• Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the

flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar.

Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

• Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It’s a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men’s ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway.

Pamper Part ies at Home The Therapists offer a full range of massage and beauty treatments perfect for pamper parties. Our Therapists are fully mobile and will arrive at your home, hotel or holiday cottage fully equipped to provide a truly relaxing, pampering experience. A wonderful idea for birthdays, hen do’s or a girl’s night in.

We have simple set packages and prices to help you create the Pamper party of your choice, whatever your budget.

Simply choose from the packages below or contact us to discuss your requirements.

Tot al Chill out Pamper Package

Express Beaut y

Includes a 60 minute pamper for each guest £35 per person.

Includes a 30 minute pamper for each guest £20 per person.

Please choose from the following treatments: - Luxury Manicure - Luxury Pedicure - Facial - ½ leg wax, brow shape, bikini and underarm wax - FakeBake Gold Tan including preparation (body

brushing, full body exfoliation and mini facial) - Full body massage - Indian Head Massage - Makeup Lesson

Please choose from the following treatments: - Express Manicure - Express Pedicure - Eyes Queen lash tint, brow shape and tint* - Express Facial - ½ leg wax - Bikini and underarm wax - FakeBake Gold Tan excluding preparation - Back, neck and shoulder massage - Indian Head Massage - Makeup session

Pamper Package

*A patch test is required 48 hours before lash or brow tinting

To book your pamper party call Victoria on: 07921 398370 or email: victoria.lees@ymail.com www.thetherapists.co.uk To advertise with us, please contact Christine on 01609 777401

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What’s on this Spring?

With the launch of their new Spring programme, Rural Arts have a great range of events and workshops for you to get involved in at their venue, The Courthouse in Thirsk.

• Free internet classes continue to run every

Monday, 10am -12 noon (booking is advised) and we will also be running courses in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Introduction to Mac in March and April.

• If you are looking to improve your fitness, why not try our weekly Zumba classes on Monday and Thursday evenings, 6pm -7pm? (Please note, due to high demand these classes are now run by Rural Arts at Thirsk Town Hall).

Goodwin (April 9th), Garlic Theatre’s ‘Old Mother Hubbard and her cupboard’ (7th May) for our younger audiences, Canadian singer David Myles (May 21st) and the very entertaining Chuck and Albert (May 24th).

• Business Link are running free workshops and

business advice clinics throughout March and Thirsk Museum Society are presenting monthly talks in March (‘Subscribers to the Opera’) and April (‘That’s Entertainment’).

• From March onwards, there will be French conversation classes, a screenwriting course and various artist led workshops including life drawing, felt making, music technology, quilt making and willow weaving.

• From the beginning of March until April 16th

our Spring exhibition will feature mosaics, willow garden sculptures, ceramic ornaments and metal sculpture. From 18th April until 14th May we will host work from the Feltmaker’s Guild followed

by North Yorkshire Open Studio’s exhibition for 2011, “Flowerings” featuring work by Dionne Swift, Judith Brown and Ruth Moore.

• Why not call in and have a browse or enjoy some

lunch in the café…our menu includes homemade soup, quiche with salad and a mouthwatering selection of cakes. Opening times (café / exhibition) are 10.00am-4.30pm, Monday to Saturday. ..............................................................................

• For further information or to book tickets, please contact Janice McVay, Courthouse Manager on 01845 526536/e: Janice@ruralarts. org or visit our website, www.ruralarts.org.

Alternatively call in to the Courthouse and pick up one of our Spring programmes.

Kids Art Club • Our Saturday morning kids art club gives chil-

dren a chance to work creatively in a range of different art forms. There are two sessions, ages 8-10 years (10am-11am) and 11-18 years (11.30am12.30pm); classes cost £5 and take place during term time only.

Art Exhibition • On 28th and 29th May, we will be hosting an

Arts Market featuring artists from around the region selling a selection of ceramics, textiles and jewellery (10.00am-4.30pm).

• Our current exhibition features ‘The School

• We are delighted to be able to offer a writing

workshop with Tom Needham (whose TV credits include Cold Blood, Silent Witness, Dalziel and Pascoe and The Bill) on April 9th as well as textile and jewellery classes linked to our Open Studios exhibition in May and June.

Prints’ and will run until the end of February alongside our selection of artists work to buy including ceramics, cards and jewellery.

classes...talks... workshops... exhibitions... cafe...

• Performances include ‘Frankenstein Live’, a

gripping production starring talented Dominic

Garlic Theatre

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Café

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Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that is carried out over the internet via email, social networks or mobile phones. The bullying can be instigated by an individual or group who target their intended victim by various means including threats, ridicule, harassment, humiliation, insults and accusations.

The bullies can invade the privacy of a youngster’s home without physically entering it on a 24/7 basis, and as a consequence this appalling type of bullying has resulted in a number of tragic situations.

Research indicates that as many as 40% of our children who use the internet or mobile phones may have been victims.

The youngsters can be frozen out of their social groups, while the instigators can remain anonymous. Schools and other authorities are aware of the situation and have their own policies on remedial measures.

not homework they say, but some do not wish to invade the privacy or trust that they have with their children. In addition, the majority of internet sites giving advice on how to tackle cyberbullying, focus on what the youngsters should do. So what can a parent do?

Advice for Parents 1 Watch Childnet’s cyberbullying film on www.digizen.org/film

2 Be alert to your child being upset after using the internet or mobile phone.

3 Learn how to use the safety features offered by your internet service provider.

4 Remind your children not to reply to bullying messages.

6 Keep the evidence of any offending material.

7 Report cyberbullying to your youngster’s school.

However, more than one set of parents have mentioned to me that they do not know what their youngsters get up to when “locked away”, working on their computers.

Is it games? Facebook? Twitter? Certainly

Advice for Youngsters 1 With your parents, watch Childnet’s cyberbullying film on www.digizen.org/film 2 Never give out your address or telephone number.

3 Learn how to block messages, and report the bullies.

4 Save the evidence of offending messages, pictures and conversations.

5 If anyone makes inappropriate suggestions, tell an adult you trust, your parents, your teacher or phone Childline 0800 1111.

Organisations that give advice to parents include:• Childnet International http://www.childnet-int.org/ • Parentline Plus a 24 hour free confidential helpline for parents (0808 800 2222) • Kidscape An anti bullying charity gives advice for parents (0845 120 5204) • NSPCC Information sheet “Bullying: What Parents can do?” (0808 800 5000) • Bullying UK http://www.bullying.co.uk/

Easter Egg Hunting Trail 16th April - 1st May Swinton Park Hotel • Themed Easter Day

Call: 01765 680900 for more details or visit: www.swintonpark.com

John Harris

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Spring Events 19th March • Spring Dance

Northallerton Caledonian Society present their Spring dance.

Admission £10.00: 7.30pm.

For details: 01609 776025 Nurses Recreation Hall, Friarage Hospital, Northallerton ...............................................................................................................

24th - 26th MArch • THEATRE - The Late Sleepers

Presented by the 1812 Youth Theatre “In a junk-strewn wasteland in a distant future exists a gang of young people, The Late Sleepers —self-styled vampires, dressed in black and scarlet with bright dyed hair. With showstopping numbers, a high gothic wedding, drama and betrayal, and, ultimately, heart-breaking bravery, this is a fascinating romp through the world of the Undead, of popular culture, and of teenage rebellion.” £6 / Under 16s £4. 7.30pm Information Line: 01439 771700 | Box Office: 01439 771700 | www.helmsleyarts.co.uk.

Helmsley Arts Centre, The Old Meeting House, Helmsley, YO62 5DW ...............................................................................................................

25th March

• Paul Wheeler - Country & Western singer Tickets: £6.00.

Available from Greensleeves, Central Arcade or by calling: 01609 777272 7.30pm, Hambleton Forum, Northallerton ...............................................................................................................

26th March

• Northallerton Record & CD Fair This popular 4 times a year Record & CD Fair has been running for over 20 years. Lots of records & CDs to suit both collectors & any music lovers looking for the sort of music you just don’t find in high street shops anymore. Free admission: 10am - 4pm.

01642 882539 | 07834 760412 | www.stewybus.com Town Hall, High Street, Northallerton ...............................................................................................................

29th - 30th March • FILM - The Kings Speech

The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it. Admission: £4.90 / £4.60. 7.30pm Information Line: 01439 771700 | Box Office: 01439 771700 Helmsley Arts Centre, The Old Meeting House, Helmsley ...............................................................................................................

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10th April • Antique Fair

Beautiful village location, very friendly venue. Art deco, Victorian lace, vintage jewellery, wood, toys and much more. Light refreshments served, 50p admission. Ingleby Cross Village Hall, Northallerton, DL6 3NQ. www.amk-antique.co.uk 07904 452972 | Email: lottie28@fsmail.net ...............................................................................................................

16th April

• Swale Valley Stompers Northallerton fundraising committee for Macmillan Cancer Support are delighted that the SWALE VALLEY STOMPERS are to give a concert, with guests Northallerton Wind Ensemble.

Everyone very welcome. Concert to begin at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets: £10.00 including refreshments from: 01609 772620 or Greensleeves. Northallerton Town Hall, High Street, Northallerton, DL7 8QR ...............................................................................................................

18th - 21st April

• Musical Theatre Easter School There will be an Easter School in Musical Theatre where children get to have fun while learning about a musical through singing and dance and drama! There will be a performance on the last afternoon where parents and friends can watch and see what they have been doing during the week! Places are limited, so book your place today! 10.00am - 3.00pm.

East Cowton Village Hall, North Yorkshire, DL7 0DF. www.encoredancewearuk.com ...............................................................................................................

22nd - 25th April • Easter Fun Days - Newby Hall

On the woodland trail costumed characters will be helping families discover clues and find their way through the woodland in search of the Newby Treasure…but who are the characters and what tricks will they be up to? The fun starts at 11am on Easter Sunday and Monday and normal admission applies.

Tel: 0845 4504068 | www.newbyhallandgardens.com ...............................................................................................................

22nd - 24th April

• Wensleydale Railway Easter Family Fun Pre-booking essential www.wensleydalerailway.com For more information about this event, or to make a booking, please telephone 08454 505474. Wensleydale Railway, Leeming Bar Station, North Yorkshire, DL7 9AR ...............................................................................................................

Please note: the editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to events listed.

Please contact event organisers directly. All events correct at time of going to press.

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Dr Susie Boardman from Yorkshire,

riding high at Twycross Zoo Top vet Dr Susie Boardman, who grew up in Yorkshire and is now the only female director of a Top Five British zoo, Twycross in Leicestershire, began learning her trade as a teenager at the Thirsk veterinary practice of best-selling author James Heriot (real name James White.)

Susie, 48, whose father Edward Jackson’s family had farmed in the Vale of York for decades, worked at the practice from the age of 12 and was even taught to stitch up animals’ wounds by James White’s son Jim and the real life “Siegfried”, Donald Sinclair. Susie’s mother Kate Jackson even appears in some of James Heriot’s books as “Mrs Westby and her four unruly children”.

Since then, Susie has more than fulfilled the promise of her early years, and after leaving Thirsk Comprehensive School where she excelled in science, she gained distinctions as a student at Glasgow Veterinary School. She went on to work at London Zoo and founded a conservation charity before taking over as CEO at Twycross 6 years ago.

One major task she now faces is promoting Twycross Zoo, the World Primate Centre, which has changed radically since it opened in 1963 to huge crowds, desperate to see the animals, particularly the hand-reared chimps whose famous tea parties featured in the PG Tips commercials.

latest arrivals, a pair of stunning snow leopards, Irma and Suou in their huge rocky enclosure.

They’ve got real ‘Wow!’ factor and even come up to the window to paw at our visitors. They’re a critically-endangered species with under 7000 left in the wild, so we aim to raise awareness of their plight, and now they’ve settled in, they’re showing a lot of interest in each other, so we’re hoping to hear the patter of tiny paws.

This is a 24-hour-a-day job; I live, eat, breathe and sleep the zoo and it’s hugely rewarding.

We have Britain’s only group of bonobos, endangered apes from the Congo and I’ve just been along Uda Walawe our Sri Lankan themed walkway which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the elephant paddock and our ‘superstar’ 18-month-old baby elephant, Ganesh-Vijay, the youngest mem-

rative, paintings to ceramics, sculpture to photography, but the common thread will be their capacity to engage visitors with the natural world in an emotional, visceral way.

The Gallery forms part of the Zoo’s new art strategy which aims to engage visitors with the natural world through a more creative medium. Art will be incorporated across the Zoo park and in complementary education and research projects, to make Twycross Zoo the most exciting new art venue in the region. Some of the works and exhibitions may focus directly on the themes underlying all the Zoo’s work: passion for conservation, for sustainability and of course for the animals themselves, their habitats and their welfare.

Other artworks will have a more general, abstract link with nature, but all will be thought-provoking and distinguished examples of their particular genres.

Twycross has grown from a comparatively small collection to become one of Britain’s major zoos with 500,000 visitors each year. Working towards advancements in animal welfare, conservation and education, it is an organisation dedicated to make a significant difference to the region and cares for some of the world’s rarest animals.

2010 saw two major new additions to the Zoo, Himalaya, the free-to-enter visitor centre and the Uda Walawe elephant walkway. “Himalaya is a fantastic experience” enthused Susie. “You can eat Nepalese curry or another of our delicious freshly-prepared meals, and watch two of our

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ber of our herd of Indian and Burmese elephants. Apart from providing the unforgettable experience of seeing such amazing animals at close quarters, one of my major aims is to make sure that Twycross Zoo is a great value day out.”

This summer, Twycross will launch a ground-breaking new contemporary art gallery to showcase a variety of works and genres, which reflect the Zoo’s own values and its aspirations for the future. The Gallery is designed to provoke curiosity and engage emotions through the introduction of contemporary art and will feature an exciting selection of high-quality pieces in a range of styles, from abstract to figu-

Exhibitions will feature some of Britain’s top contemporary artists, designers, jewellers, printmakers and photographers and provide a platform for numerous rising stars of the art world. The Twycross Gallery is a major feature of the transformation which the Zoo is currently undergoing and central to its innovative strategy for the future: its pursuit of excellence in all aspects of its work and its awareness of the multi-faceted natural world and the inter-dependence of every element.

But if you’re looking for a reason to visit between now and the summer when Twycross Gallery is due to open, then the baby orang-utan, the two baby bonobos plus Ganesh-Vijay and the snow leopards should work a treat.

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Spring Awakenings Take care!

Did you know ?

March

• Issues: Dehydration, starvation, injuries Early Spring warmth begins to bring some hedgehogs out of hibernation. Those that successfully hibernated will be thin and extremely hungry and thirsty! A shallow dish of chickenbased cat/dog food, along with a shallow dish of water, put out each night will help them enormously.

Although a quiet time compared with summer, the first calls about sick or injured hedgehogs will be coming in. Gardeners beginning to tidy up the winter mess are using mowers, shears, strimmers and forks and the calls about injured hedgehogs are not far behind.

This marks the start of a nationwide Spring/Summer campaign asking all gardeners to PLEASE take care and check all areas where hedgehogs are likely to be sleeping BEFORE starting to use hazardous equipment. Mating can occur in this month but it’s rare, they’re usually far too busy trying to find food.

April

• Issues: Dehydration, starvation, injuries Matings occur in this month, especially in late-April. The female is circled by the male, until she accepts him. All snuffling and grunting you hear is her telling him what she thinks of him! He plays no other part in raising a family.

Birth sites include flower-beds, underneath hedges, underneath sheds, in unused rabbit burrows, in compost heaps

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• Hedgehogs are found in the wild in Europe, Asia, Af New Zealand, bu rica, and t not in Australia or North America • Hedgehogs ha ve probably been on Earth for arou million years! nd 15 • Hedgehog spine s are actually ho llow hairs. Altho spines are a bit pri ugh the ckly they don’t co ntain any kind of and they are the and even in bags of rubbish that have been left unatpoison, hedgehog’s only defense against A hedgehog can tended. predators. have up to 7,000 spines • ALWAYS check in rubbish sacks before you dispose • Baby hedgehog s will shed his sp ines before gettin spines, rather lik of them. g his adult e humans lose the ir baby teeth • ALWAYS check compost heaps before you plunge a • Hedgehogs wh o is very stresse d or sick can als fork in. spines. o lose his • ALWAYS move a bonfire before you light it.

• Hedgehogs are well-known for rol The pregnant female makes a nest of dry leaves, grass, ling into a ball as mechanism, us a defence ing their spine s to protect th moss or anything else suitable and unsuitable.

Unfortunately thi emselves. s mechanism do es not help the trying to cross ro m when ads.

Calls about injured and sick hedgehogs are now in• Hedgehogs ca n communicate creasing. in a variety of ways, including different grunts, snuffles, and loud squeals .

• Hedgehogs are nocturnal.

• Dog Attacks • Hedgehogs we Dog attacks are now becoming commonplace and re eaten in Ancie nt Eg cooking method being to cover the ypt, with a common of course it’s never the owner’s fault. Injured hedgehedgehog in cla then bake it. Plea y and se don’t try this hogs usually have deep tooth marks, broken legs, at home!

• The gestation ribs, skull fractures and eyes missing. period for hedg ehogs is 35 to depending on the 58 days, species, and thi s results in three baby hedgehogs. to six If you know your dog is likely to chase small animals • W ild he dgehogs, for ex in your garden please put a muzzle on it before letample in the UK nate from Novemb , generally hiber ting it out to play. Muzzles are not cruel - your dog er to March, altho ugh this can depe the temperature nd on and weather. Pe is highly unlikely to need to defend itself in your t, domesticated he do not usually hib dgehogs ernate. garden. Your dog learned that LEAD meant walk• So me sp ec ies of hedgehog ies and gets excited, he can also learn that muzcan live up the ag most hedgehogs e of 10, but live for around thr zle means play time. ee to six years.

• Hedgehogs are mentioned in Sh akespeare’s The Tempest and Mi The Hedgehog Helpline can be contacted dsummer Night’s Dream. by telephone in cases where urgent advice is required.

Helpline: 029 2062 3985

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25

Don’t forget...

Mother’s Day! 3rd April 2011

‘‘

You too, my mother, read my rhymes, For love of unforgotten times, And you may chance to hear once more, The little feet along the floor.

‘‘

Robert Louis Stevenson

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DON’T FORGET TO DUST DOWN YOUR BELOVED PET THIS SPRING As the winter months draw to a close and the sun begins to show its face, most of us will be embarking on a spring cleaning session.

Although we seek to air our homes and lives to get rid of musty smells and lingering dust, we can easily overlook one important area, according to the UK’s leading online pet care retailer, Vet UK. Rises in temperature at this time of year may be welcomed by many, but your furry friends may not be quite so happy with what the sunshine brings, as issues associated with pests such as worms and fleas suddenly become important considerations.

is much better than cure and it’s estimated that the number of flea and worm infestation cases really can be kept at bay with proper attention.

“It’s a subject that no-one is that comfortable talking about but if not addressed can be a real inconvenience for pets and owners alike but, if it’s tackled early pet owners can save a whole lot of hassle and cost! Preventative methods have improved dramatically within the past few years and are well worth the investment for both yours and your pet’s comfort.

The number of flea cases in dogs, cats and small furry animals dramatically increases as the temperature

“Even if you feel your pet does not have a flea problem, the worst part

climbs leading to a six fold increase through the spring - each female flea can lay over 2000 eggs in her lifetime with the majority hatching as the warm weather arrives. These little pests can fall off the pet’s hair, leaving them to breed in bedding and carpets. Fleas prefer to live on cats and dogs, but if dislodged, humans can also become host, which causes both discomfort and itching.

of fleas is the part you don’t see, as only 5% are visible adults and the remaining 95% are eggs and larvae. This is also similar in the case of worms. As helpful advice and information on tackling these issues is now easily accessible online, appropriate treatments can be sourced quickly and valuable time can be saved that would otherwise be spent going to visit the vet.”

Worming is also a cause for concern. Worm eggs, which are dormant through the winter, develop into infective larvae, which if ingested can develop into egg producing adults.

Vet UK has a selection of discounts available to help you prepare for your pet’s spring clean, such as 10% off Cestem Wormer Tablets for cats and dogs.

Iain Booth, owner of Vet UK and himself a vet, says that prevention

For more information about flea and worming products please visit www.vetuk.co.uk

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27

Local news

Friends go to great lengths for kidney patients LIFELONG friends Sue Barker and Alma Fox are no strangers to taking on charity challenges.

The fundraising duo have completed the Inca Trail in Peru for breast cancer, cycled across Vietnam and Cambodia to help teenagers with cancer and trekked the Himalayas in aid of the Herriot Hospice in Northallerton, but they are not stopping there.

Their next adventure will see them walk the Great Wall of China to raise funds to help kidney patients at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which runs The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and The Friarage in Northallerton.

Sue of Leyburn wanted to do something to support the trust’s renal day unit because her 33-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with kidney problems. She also lost her husband to kidney disease 27 years ago.

“It’s surprising how many people are affected by kidney problems,” said Sue, who works for the Yorkshire Dales National Park. “And you never know when you might need the service yourself.”

Sue and Alma plan to trek more than 60 miles of the Great Wall of China in May. “It will mean 5.30am starts and up to eight hours of walking a day for six days,” said Sue, 62. “We’re having to do a bit of practice to make sure

we are fit enough as there will be lots of steps along the way.”

Fundraising has already started with a charity day at Tennants Auction House, a Paul Wheater concert at Ingleby Cross and a raffle at the Co-op in Bedale collecting more than £1,600 for the campaign.

Other fundraising events have included a Valentine’s sixties evening and hog roast at Ingleby Cross in February. Then in May the two friends will jet off to northern China.

Alma, 63, of Ingleby Cross, who runs the Shoebox store in Thirsk, said they have arranged all of their adventures abroad through an organisation called Charity Challenge: “I had always wanted to do The Inca Trail but had never had anyone to do it with. Then six years ago Sue said she would come with me and that’s how it all began. This year we are hoping to raise more than £5,000.”

Jo Flood, clinical director of nephrology added: “It is fantastic that Sue and Alma are this doing trek to help future kidney patients. The money raised will be used by the trust to purchase two infusion pumps (drips) and other vital equipment for the renal day unit.”

To book tickets or to pledge sponsorship contact Alma on 01609 822423 or Sue on 01969 623691 or visit www.justgiving.com/susan-barker0

MARGARET‘S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS HELP FRIARAGE THE FRIARAGE Hospital’s breast care department - the Scott suite - has received a generous £350 donation from grateful patient Margaret Pearson.

Caring Margaret recently celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends at the Fox and Hounds in West Witton asking for donations in lieu of gifts and thanks to everyone’s generosity future patients at the Northallerton hospital will benefit.

Margaret from West Witton said: “The Friarage staff have all been wonderful. This was my first time in hospital and the care and support they gave to me and my family was second to none. It made a big difference to my experience of being in hospital and I wanted to thank them for the fantastic job they do.”

“When I was an outpatient I received fantastic care and kindness from the doctors and nursing staff, admin and reception staff and Judith Curtis and Louise Sadler in the Scott suite outpatient department. I am

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very grateful for all that has been done for me and thrilled that this donation will help continue their caring work.”

Judith Curtis, specialist nurse in breast care, said: “On behalf of the Scott suite I would like to say a big thank you to Margaret and all her family and friends for their support.

We hope she had a very happy birthday and enjoyed the celebrations and we much appreciate her giving up her birthday treats to help us.”

(left to rig ht) Specia l ce Nicola Le onard, sist lebration: Margaret’s er Andrew B niece, lackburn, M , Lorna Leonard, nephew, argaret, Ju nurse in br dith Curtis east care, , specialist and niece, Sue Trotte r

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North Yorkshire’s 95 Alive road safety campaign has beaten its target in its drive to save 95 lives on the county’s roads Provisional figures take the number of lives saved in the past five years to 126. The figure is based on the projected total which would have been reached if casualties had continued at the same rate as five years ago.

The York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership was established by North Yorkshire County and City of York Councils, North Yorkshire Police and Fire and Rescue and many other agencies, working together to cut down casualties on the roads.

“It cannot be said that these lives have been saved purely because of the work done by the partnership. Road casualty statistics are complicated and can involve a lot of different factors, including the economy and the weather. But, through 95 Alive we hope these crucial lessons have been learned to share the road, take responsibility and stay safe.

combined effort of those involved have achieved more than what could have been done as individual organisations.

Looking back to when we first agreed the vision of saving so many lives it was always going to be difficult to deliver such an ambitious target but through the hard work and dedication of those involved we have made a real difference to the

“We see the appalling reality of fatal and serious injury crashes, over 300 people have died in the past five years on the roads of York and North Yorkshire, thousands have been seriously injured, and while this is a big reduction on the 430 people killed in the previous five years it is still a huge tragedy. Crashes are not inevitable, they are preventable.

Our ultimate aim is to make safe driving the most vital priority.“

communities of North Yorkshire and the City of York, something all concerned should be extremely proud of. That said we should not see this as a ‘job done’ and we need to now look to the future and be just as ambitious as to what we want to achieve over the next 5 years.”

While the target has been overtaken, the reality is 50 people died on the roads of York and North Yorkshire in 2010, and there have been more tragic deaths on the roads in January.

The reduction in the numbers of casualties demonstrates what can be done. The fact that lives continue to be lost is a reminder of how important the work is.

Over the past five years the challenge has been to change the behaviour of drivers, riders and pedestrians using Education, Enforcement and Engineering. After studying fatal crash reports, campaigns have concentrated on areas of most concern including motorcycles, seat belts, distraction driving, speeding, drink and drug driving, young drivers, driving for work and older drivers.

Campaigns have built on work being done by the road safety teams, coordinating efforts to deliver the crucial road safety messages that can save lives. These have included over 1,700 older drivers attending roadshows to help them to stay safe on the roads for longer. A large amount of work has been done in schools, with over 7,800 children being given pedestrian training. There has also been extensive cycle training, and Junior Road Safety Officers have been recruited to help . The Seatbelt Sheriff has sworn in 5,300 deputies to encourage children and adults to Clunk Click Every Trip. In the past five years 10,000 young people have attended Drive Alive events in schools to learn about the dangers new drivers face.

More than 200 new drivers have gone through the Enhanced Pass Plus Scheme, once they’ve passed their test, giving them the skills and knowledge that could save their own and some one else’s life.

Last year alone road safety staff talked to 10,000 motorcyclists at events across the county to encourage them to ride safely.

Messages have been taken out into the community through country shows, markets and events.

North Yorkshire County Council’s Director of Business and Environmental Services, David Bowe, Chair of 95 Alive said: “This is a major achievement. The target to save 95 lives was very ambitious, to top that by a further 31 is staggering and very rewarding for everyone involved.

“Education, Enforcement, and Engineering have been the key elements in working together to deliver the messages, and campaigns have been targeted at all ages. The most important thing has always been to change behaviour and the way people approach, walking, riding and driving to encourage them to think safety first every time. “

The original five year 95 Alive campaign finishes on March 31. Government funding which has been channelled through North Yorkshire County Council will end then, and in these challenging times, it is not clear what funding will be available. But the decision has been taken by the Partnership to carry on working together to deliver the campaign, although in a more limited form, under the 95 Alive banner. With reduced resources it is even more important that agencies and local communities work together to address this most important of issues and maintain our good progress in reducing casualties on our roads.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: “This is very good news for everyone and reflects the commitment to making our roads safer by all the agencies who make up the “95 Alive” partnership.

“We may have less resources in the future but our commitment is as strong and determined as ever, inspired even more by these excellent results. Safer roads are a priority for North Yorkshire Police and our road policing teams know only too well the devastating consequences of irresponsible and dangerous driving. We will continue with our robust approach to education and enforcement as we meet the challenging times ahead.”

Chris Anderson, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said “This is a remarkable achievement and highlights the benefits of working in partnership, as the

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29

Choose Synergy!

Conservatories, Windows and Doors are a major industry these days, and for most of us they represent a large investment too. With so many companies competing for business, and so much technical jargon flying around, it can be hard to decide which products, and what offer, suits your needs best. Do you go for a large national firm or a local one? Do you take the cheapest quote offered? Are there any hidden extras you need to look out for? And what sort of people will you be dealing with?

Synergy Windows is a long Established Darlington firm. Stephen Gaylor, the managing director, took over the old company of Weathertight Windows in 2006, and rebranded the Company into Synergy Windows, and it continues to operate very much as a family business, with a small core of loyal staff, some of whom have been with the company for many years. Andy Leighton, who fabricates windows and doors in the firm’s Darlington workshops, has worked for the company since the company was formed, and has recently been joined on the shop floor by his son.

“We’re a good team,” says Steve. “We work together well, and there’s a lot of experience and expertise to draw on.”

Synergy Conservatories doors and windows are all manufactured in-house to high specifications, and materials and components are British-made wherever possible. There’s a choice of white, Coloured and wood-grain finishes, and the company is one of only three in the North-East allowed to use the Synseal door and conservatory products, which provide a true brilliant-white moulding with a lifetime colour guar-

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antee. “It’s an excellent product, extremely resistant to weathering and fading,” explains Steve. “What’s more, it’s produced as a fully colour-matched suite including doors, window panels and conservatory roofs, which is one of the reasons we use it.” Not all whites are the same, he says, and it’s easy to end up with an irritating colour mismatch when installers use one type of moulding for the doors and windows, and then a complete roof, from another manufacturer. The Synseal system ensures that everything matches exactly.

To look their best, it’s vital that replacement windows and doors are in keeping with the property where they are fitted. In addition to modern casement windows, Synergy offers a full range of sliding sash windows, and can provide suitable replacements for most ages and styles of house. They also offer leaded, bevelled and coloured glazing options, and there’s a service for the replacement of period coloured glazing, using a specialist expert contractor to produce handcrafted replacements matched as closely as possible to the original colours. There’s also an extensive range of composite wood-grain doors, which have become very popular in recent years for their security, attractive appearance and wide selection of colours.

There’s a full project management service from design to completion, including any planning implications.

When it comes to conservatories and garden rooms, plumbing, flooring, electrics, and heating & cooling systems can all be installed, and as Steve explains, the latter is becoming increasingly popular. “We’re seeing more and more customers opt for a climate control system, which provides heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. It means you avoid the

fiddly pipe work of traditional radiators, and the Comfyair products we use – which are made in Yorkshire - are very effective and have an excellent reputation.”

So what makes Synergy special? “We’re a family firm first and foremost,” says Stephen. “We don’t employ high-pressure salesmen, and we don’t pay out huge commissions or enormous advertising costs, so we can compete well on price as well as quality. And buying from an established local company means we’re on your doorstep if you need us - you get to talk to the same people every time, and it’s easy to get after-sales support if you need it.” The company is a registered FENSA installer, and its insurance Backed guarantees are backed by the IPWFI (The Incorporation of Plastic Window Fabricators & Installers Ltd) offering further peace of mind for its customers.

More and more people at the moment seem to be improving and extending their existing homes rather than moving house. Whether you’re looking to replace worn-out doors and windows, boost your home’s security and energy efficiency, or add an attractive extra room, this friendly, professional Darlington company will be glad to offer you advice and a competitive quotation.

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at your finger tips YOUR MONEY SAVING LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY We can save you money and help you reach 44,300 potential customers each quarter.

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Are you advertising in this magazine?

You should be!

Northallerton

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When’s the next issue?

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Northallerton - Summer ‘11 Distribution: w/c 6 June ‘11 Copy: 12 May ‘11 ............................................................

Thirsk & Easingwold - Summer ‘11 Distribution: w/c 13 June ‘11 Copy: 18 May ‘11 ............................................................

Ripon & Masham - Summer ‘11 Distribution: w/c 18 July ‘11 Copy: 23 June ‘11

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