Telford Lifestyle - Issue 43 - Lockdown Edition

PRICELESS

TELFORD LIFESTYLE HOUSE & HOME Lockdown Ideas

FOOD & DRINK Eating In

LOCAL NEWS In Our Communities

THANKYOU N HS

. . e m o H t a g n i y a t S

“

What’s Inside? We bring you a different kind of edition, with lots of articles to help you through lockdown and looking forward to the recovery phase...”

SOCIAL DISTANCE ISSUE MAY/JUNE 2020 www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk

CONTENTS

ISSUE 43 - EARLY SUMMER DIGITAL EDITION

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28

41

50

SHAUN DAVIES

RECIPES GALORE

PUZZLE TIME

MOTORING

Boredom buster - our Sudoku and crossword page - Just for fun!

Check out our latest car review from Syd Taylor The Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Double Cab.

Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council talks about the last year, and it’s been a busy one...

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We put together a selection of our favourite recipes to try during lockdown.

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38

THANK YOU

#KINDLE KINDNESS

HOMESTYLE

Thank you signs have been popping up all over Telford for Key workers & NHS...

providing some much needed help for those in hospital or care homes...

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Eco-friendly home ideas, that look great...

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COCKTAILS

FASHION TRENDS

KEY WORKER BOOK

Cocktails from some of the best hotels across the world, for you to make at home.

Not going out, doesn’t mean you can’t get dressed up for date night in...

Local writer has releases a children’s book about our key worker heroes...

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TYPES OF LEARNERS

CELEBRITY TOUR

GARDEN TIME

With home education the new norm, we look at the different types of learners...

We bring you news about Tom Jones, who was due to play in Telford in June...

Great sustainable garden ideas that the kids will love to get stuck in to...

THE TEAM: Stephan Caear Director

Luke Smith

Sales Manager

Jasmine Bee Editor

Syd Taylor

Editorial Contributor

Eiln Caear Contributor

01952 787786

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TELFORD

LIFESTYLE

Hello...

Well, the last few months have been very strange and difficult. With the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the country and indeed the whole world, everything changed, and now we are all looking for new ways of working and doing things quite differently.

In the current lockdown we are unable to bring you the usual printed copies, and as they are distributed in high footfall areas, we could not get them out to you in the usual way either. So we have put together this special online, digital edition for you to enjoy at home instead.

We wanted to bring you some of the news about what has been happening locally, as well as some of our usual features to brighten your days.

Even though times have been difficult, we have seen so many positive stories, like Captain Tom, who turned 100 after raising millions of pounds for the NHS by walking lengths of his garden, to VE Day celebrations (of the virtual variety) which really brought the people of Telford (and across the country even) together in a safe, socially distanced way of course. We have been clapping for our Key Workers and NHS staff on Thursday evenings at 8pm and we have seen lots of volunteers, offering to help vulnerable residents and those who are shielding.

I have been very busy, working in my new role as Cabinet Member for Leisure, Libraries and Culture at Telford & Wrekin

Council. It has been an interesting start to this new position, but I am really proud to be a part of such a great team.

The council has continued to work throughout the pandemic, ensuring vital services have continued, like refuse collections which have remained unaffected, planned road improvements - which are being carried out by our contractors and much more. We have also provided other services like the delivery of free school meals right across the Borough, to children who would normally receive them. All of the staff have been absolutely fantastic.

I know that this lockdown has been very hard for many of us. Not being able to see our loved ones or friends and not being able to leave our homes. But the message of STAY HOME, PROTECT THE NHS & SAVES LIVES has really been a very important one. We have all done our bit in making these sacrifices, and in return our Key Workers and NHS heroes have been working tirelessly to keep us all safe and provided for. From refuse collectors, to posties, from supermarket workers to cleaners and from carers to doctors and nurses (and many more...) WE THANK YOU ALL!!!

Take Care & Stay Safe,

Cllr Eileen Callear

WWW.TELFORDLIFESTYLE.CO.UK & WWW.HYPEMAGAZINE.CO.UK 6

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THANK YOU

KEY WORKERS & NHS STAFF... ank you messages have been printed on roads and grass verges around the borough to show appreciation to all key workers and NHS staff who are working tirelessly to look after residents during the pandemic. ank you key workers and NHS staff. ank you to council contractors Balfour Beatty, WJ Road Markings and ermmark, Idverde and Rigby Taylor who have all completed the printing at no cost to the council.

Messages can be spotted all around town near to local supermarkets or shops where people will be visiting for essential goods. Locations include: • Newport High St • Wellington near Morrisons • Madeley near Tesco • 2 x Bridge Retail Park • Donnington Near Asda • Old Park roundabout • Malinsgate roundabout • Naird roundabout • Limekiln roundabout

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are delighted to be able to say thank you to all the key workers in our community who are working tirelessly looking after our residents during this pandemic.

“We hope the road markings around the borough remind everyone to stop and think about the bravery of all key workers and NHS staff.

“I would also like to thank all contractors and partners for doing a fantastic job with the markings.”

Pictures by: Sam Bagnall

Cllr Shaun Davies

e leader of Telford & Wrekin Council has been looking back on the past year since his administration was re-elected last May. Councillor Shaun Davies says the past 12 months have been a tough year but that much has been achieved in the borough.

It has seen the council’s children’s services rated as outstanding by Ofsted, the only council in the West Midlands to achieve that.

But on the flip side, the council has faced two of the biggest challenges in its history - the worst flooding for 20 years in February followed less than a month later by the coronavirus pandemic.

This has seen the entire country in lockdown, with the council playing a key role supporting the Government’s response to the pandemic and to support NHS staff and businesses to cope with the effects as well as taking steps to reassure residents.

Council leader Councillor Shaun Davies said that he had barely had any time to reflect over a tumultuous past year as a result.

“It really has been one thing after another since the borough election,” said Councillor Davies.

“We also had a General Election just before Christmas, so we’ve barely had a minute to take stock.

“I was massively proud when we received the Ofsted judgement which came after a rigorous four week inspection. To go from Requires Improvement to be Good straight to Outstanding was an astonishing achievement and we are only the second council in the country to achieve that in one go.

“Prior to that we were in full crisis mode as the River Severn rose and rose and actually threatened to overwhelm the temporary flood barriers.

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Telford & Wrekin Council Leader

Council leader: tough year but much achieved “As a result, we have lobbied Government for more funding to get permanent barriers installed and to ensure that every property in the borough that is next to the River Severn has some form of protection from potential flooding.

“Since then, the country has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic which has resulted in a nationwide lockdown with the council very much at the heart of the nation’s response to this.

“Nothing could have prepared us for something as all-encompassing as that and we have found ourselves living in unprecedented times. My heart goes out to everyone affected in so many different ways particularly anyone who has lost a loved one as a result.

“As a council we are doing all we can to help people during this very difficult time to ensure that we continue to protect, care and invest in our borough

“We’re calling 4,000 people in the borough each week to check they’re okay andwe’ve mobilised a fantastic 1,000 strong volunteer army to help support those who are isolated without a network to support them.

“We’ve issued the 8th highest percentage of Government grants to businesses affected by the lockdown because we know how vital it is that our economy remains as strong as possible. These are just a few of the examples of what we are doing to help.

resilience during this crisis.

“I am equally proud of what we as a council have achieved in the last year and how we have responded to truly unprecedented times and thank all our staff and partners who have made this possible.”

A third of the administration’s manifesto pledges were completed within six months of the election and the remainder are under way despite the pandemic.

“We are still here and will continue to provide essential services as safely and professionally as possible and in the meantime reassure residents and lobby government on behalf of the business community.

“I am enormously proud of our response to the pandemic as a borough and I would like to again say a huge thank you to NHS staff, key workers and the council’s own staff for their fortitude and

Progress already made includes: • A new marketing campaign to recruit local foster carers has been launched to enable children in care to live locally.

• “Stronger Families” funding secured from the Department for Education to establish a best practice model of working to improve the quality of work with families by Children’s Services.

• £35m investment in the borough’s schools to ensure adequate school place provision now and in the future including expansion plans.

• Rectified 785 potholes, cleaned over 15,000 gullies, resurfaced almost 100 miles of roads and footpaths since April 2019 • Launched Sustainable Telford and Wrekin in response to the Climate Change Emergency • Continued to invest in businesses including the development of Ni-Park, a world leading agri tech hub in Newport • Launched a new free weekly borough-wide food waste recycling service, collecting 55 tonnes of waste in the first three days

Telford & Wrekin Council Leader

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Sports & Leisure...

Following the Government’s latest announcement around the coronavirus pandemic response, some outdoor sport and leisure facilities will begin to re-open as part of a phased approach in easing of restrictions put in place for the coronavirus lockdown.

From Wednesday 13 May, outdoor tennis courts at Bowring, Hartshill and Dawley parks will re-open and fishing restrictions will be lifted on all council owned pools and river sections leased to angling associations, societies and clubs, including Telford Town Park.

From Monday 18 May, Horsehay Village Golf Course will re-open in line with Government rules, on the Wrekin side only, on a 9 hole golf basis. A number of conditions will be in place including the clubhouse remaining closed, online booking only and start times staggered 15 minutes apart to help ensure social distancing.

The opening of outdoor sport and leisure facilities are subject to residents following government guidelines regarding social distancing. From Wednesday 13 May, one person will be able to meet another from a different household in outdoor public settings – such as parks – but they must stay more than 2m apart.

The participation of outdoor sport must be alone, with members of the same household or with one individual from a different household providing social distancing measures are observed.

To ensure all outdoor sport and leisure facilities are used in a safe environment, the following guidelines have been set: Horsehay Village Golf: - The golf course will open 9am-7pm (Mon-Fri) and 9am -5pm (weekends) from Monday 18 May. - The clubhouse, driving range and Footgolf course will remain closed. This includes all locker room and toilet facilities.

- No Direct Debit memberships will be re-started. Golf will be offered on a 9 hole basis (Wrekin side) and

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Sport & Leisure

Outdoor sport and leisure facilities to re-open can only be booked and paid for online (from Monday 18 May).

- Standard PAYG (pay as you go) prices apply for 9 holes to nonmembers.

Those with frozen memberships (DD & Cash) can book and pay at the reduced rate of £5 per 9 hole round online.

- Online bookings will be open to book for next week by Thursday 14 May. - You can pair up with one other person from outside your household (two ball only) or, play with members from the same household (maximum four).

- All players are required to bring and use their own equipment, no equipment including buggies will be available to hire.

- The course will be marshalled by staff to ensure the safe operation of the course and adherence to government guidelines relating to social distancing.

- DO NOT touch flagstick or hole cup/liner. The hole cup/liner will be sitting above the surface of the green so treat the ball as ‘holed’ if it strikes the cup and finishes within a putter grip length.

Outdoor Tennis Courts (includes Bowring, Hartshill and Dawley parks): - Parks based tennis courts will reopen from Wednesday 13 May and are free for community use.

- Social distancing must be followed at all times whilst on the courts.

- Park play areas, multi-use games areas, skate parks, Bmx tracks, bowling green’s and cricket squares all remain closed. Please do not use them.

Fishing: - Telford Town Park will re-open fishing pools from Wednesday 13 May.

use, theywill need to bailiff their own water and ensure appropriate use and social distancing.

- Only 1 person to occupy a fishing peg at a time, unless they are a family member of the same household.

- Withy Pool will be open for public fishing and will be offered free of charge providing any under 16s are supervised by an adult and that each angler to have a current Environment Agency rod licence).

- Council staff will be checking these safeguards are in place, by making unannounced visits to pools and river banks.

- Please follow the Angling Trust guidance at all times, see details here and observer the 15m fishing rule in this guidance - Hinkshay and Stirchley Grange Pool car parks will also re-open.

- All fishing clubs operating on council waters can return to normal

Telford Town Park: - The play areas, visitor centre, high ropes, adventure golf, formal gardens and disc golf will all remain closed. Please do not use the play areas.

- Dark Lane car park will re-open from Wednesday 13 May. The car park will be free of charge to avoid touchpoints at the ticket machine.

- The park will be patrolled by staff to ensure people are following Government rules relating to social distancing.

Cllr Carolyn Healy – Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Historic and Natural Environment, and Climate Change said “ese steps outlined mark the beginning of a phased recovery from the coronavirus lockdown. We are doing what we can to give people a degree of access to some of the activities and pastimes that we have previously taken for granted. We hope residents continue to enjoy the beautiful green spaces we have in Telford and Wrekin safely.”

Cllr Eileen Callear- Cabinet Member for Leisure, Libraries, and Culture “It is absolutely key that we all play our part in observing the Government’s restrictions on their use and everyone continues to observe social distancing when using these.”

Sport & Leisure

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American Dutchman

Cocktail O’Clock...

While most of us can’t get to the bar for cocktail hour, merrily, we can still bring cocktail hour to you – it's 5 o’clock somewhere, right?

Finding that work-life balance is more important when work and life are happening all in one room, making cocktail hour a goal point each day.

We’ve selected a range of cocktails from hotels and resorts around the world that use minimal equipment, simple ingredients and even fewer mixology skills that will give you the escapism of feeling like you’re in your favourite bar. at could be a buzzy city hotspot on a Friday night or a poolside idyll watching the sunset. We’ve lined up the classics to begin with, followed by a few that are slightly more ambitious (and Instagram-worthy).

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Recreate cocktails from your favourite hotel bars at home with IHG Hotels & Resorts

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Zambar (a locally inspired rum sour) Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa Serving Size: 1 drink Ingredients: • 2oz Ron Zacapa Ambar rum • .5oz Apricot Liqueur • .5oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon juice • 1oz Fresh Mango (blended ripe fruit) • .25oz Demerara syrup (equal parts Demerara sugar & water, stir until dissolved)

Directions: • Add all ingredients to ice-filled shaker. Shake very hard for 10-15 seconds.

• Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish and enjoy.

American Dutchman (a twist on the Negroni) InterContinental Barclay New York Serving Size: 1 drink Ingredients: •1 oz. sweet Vermouth •1 oz. Campari •1 oz. Bols Genever Garnishes: Orange slice

To serve: In a mixing glass, combine the Vermouth, Campari and Bols Genever. Add ice and stir well to chill and dilute. Serve in a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange twist.

Continued, on next page...

Continued...

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Singapura Nacional - For the cocktail pros Regent Singapore Serving Size: 1 drink Ingredients for the Spiced Syrup: • 3 Cinnamon Sticks • 5 pods Green Cardamon • 8 cloves • 4 star anise • 3 cups Fine White Sugar • 3 cups Water • Strips of Orange Peel • Strips of Lemon Peel

Method of making for Spiced Syrup: • • • • •

Add spices to a dry pan and toast until aromatic.

Add water and sugar to the pan and heat over a low fire until sugar completely dissolves.

Simmer for another 10 minutes to fully extract flavours from the spices.

Turn heat off and add citrus peels. Infuse for up to 4 hours.

Strain and keep refrigerated.

Tweaks to make this at home Instead of using Spiced Syrup, you can substitute it with a plain simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar and water) and use a gin which has a more pronounced spice character. Monkey 47 gin works pretty well because of its complexity. If you do not have apricot brandy at home, you can use a teaspoon of apricot marmalade and or bitter orange marmalade instead.

Shake it together with the drink and fine strain to remove the solid particles. Using marmalade will also give your drink a great texture and the bitter orange marmalade will impart pleasurable bitterness to the drink (also doing the job of the bitters in the cocktail) Ingredients for Singapura Nacional: • 45ml Gin • 15ml Apricot Brandy • 10ml Lemon Juice • 10ml Spiced Syrup (recipe above) • 10ml Lemon Juice • 30ml Pineapple Juice • 2 dashes Peychaud Bitters • 1 dash Grapefruit Bitters To serve: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass

Cocktail O’Clock...

Continued...

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British Bellringer (a twist on the classic martini) InterContinental London Park Lane Serving Size: 1 drink Ingredients: • 2 oz. Beefeater Gin • .5 oz. dry Vermouth • .5 oz. apricot brandy Garnishes: • Orange peel • Lemon peel

To serve: Fill a cocktail glass with ice to chill it. In a mixing glass, combine Beefeater Gin and Dry Vermouth. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for 20 seconds to mix and dilute. Discard the ice in the cocktail glass. Coat the cocktail glass with apricot brandy. Discard most of the brandy. Strain the mixed cocktail into the glass. Perfume the outside of the glass with an orange peel and a lemon peel.

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Vietnamese Coral Mule From InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort Serving Size: 1 drink Ingredients: • 1.2 oz. Aperol • 0.5 oz, Cointreau • 0.17 oz. Luxardo Fernet • 0.5 oz. Lime Juice • 0.5 oz. Sim syrup • 1 can Ginger Beer Garnishes: • Garnish Snow Fungus • Lemongrass

To serve: Chill the highball glass with ice. Pour Aperol, Cointreau, Luxardo Fernet, Lime Juice and Sim syrup into the shaker. Strain the highball glass to remove diluted water. Pour the concoction into the highball glass with ice. Top up with Ginger Beer. Garnish with ‘Coral’ garnish, lemongrass and lemongrass straw to serve.

To create 'Coral' Garnish: Soak the snow fungus into the mixture of warm water and 0.3 oz of grenadine syrup to soften and dye it. Squeeze water from fungus to remove the extra water.

Trim the fungus into a round shape to fit the size of the highball.

Chill the trimmed fungus which is now ready for use.

Cocktail O’Clock...

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Texan Chuco Cantarito From Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown Serving Size: 1 drink Ingredients: • 1 1/2 oz. Mezcal • 1 oz. tamarindo paste • 1/2 oz. lime juice • 1 oz. pineapple juice • 1/2 oz. agave Garnishes: • Tajin •Tamarrico candy

To serve: Combine each of the ingredients, in order, into a shaker. Add ice and shake. Rim the glass with Tajin, then pour the mixture into an old-fashioned glass and garnish with Tamarrico candy.

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Canadian Secret Garden Cocktail From InterContinental Toronto Centre Serving Size: 1 drink Ingredients: • 1 ½ oz. Tanqueray Gin • 1 oz. 1885 Giffard Crème de Violette • ½ oz. St Germain Garnishes: • Edible flower

To serve: Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Top up with sparkling water. Garnish

with edible flower.

8 Bo & Birdy cocktail Kimpton Blythswood Square • 25ml Botanist Gin • 15ml Edinburgh Rhubarb • 10ml Byrrh Quinquina (or another vermouth) • 25ml lemon • 20ml egg white • 15ml sugar syrup To serve: Add ingredients in a cocktail shaker to combine. Strain into a glass.

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Are you worried about someone?

Don't sit in silence.

Telford & Wrekin Council has sought to reassure the borough’s children and young people that they still have a voice despite the coronavirus outbreak. e new campaign aims to help channel reports and referrals of young people at risk of harm to the council’s Family Connect helpline. is also includes other ways that someone can report a young person who they believe is at risk.

As a council that protects and cares for its residents and has children and young people at the forefront of priorities, it wants to highlight to everybody that it’s vital if you see a child at risk, do not sit in silence.

Family Connect is a free, confidential service providing, impartial advice, information, guidance and support on a full range of children's services available across the borough including childcare, activities, school admissions and finance. Family Connect aims to ensure that families are getting the right help at the right time.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, the council’s cabinet member for Children, Young People, Education and Lifelong Learning, said “Right now, we must recognise it is everybody’s responsibility to not sit back and speak up if they think or see something involving a young person they don’t feel is right.”

“At the same time, we want to reassure young people and children that we are here and will listen to them - there is as a safe place they can turn to in confidence.” “ere are other sources of support available to them as well as Family Connect and it is vital young people and those around them know this and use these when they need or see something that’s not right.

“We all have a part to play.”

Children and young people can contact Family Connect in confidence anytime online can call on 01952 385385.

TYPES OF LEARNERS What type of learner is your child and how do you tailor HOW they’re taught accordingly? t is important to remember that every teen is unique, and so is how they learn. Children learn in varying ways but at times, classroom teaching can only offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ overview of the syllabus. So what are the different learning styles, and what should your teen do once they’ve recognised the particular ways they take in knowledge? Personalised tutoring service, MyTutor reveals an ultimate guide to some of the way our children learn.

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MyTutor reveals some of the most common learning techniques for children:

1. The logical learner: For mathematicians, physicists, architects and even the musicians out there, everything makes sense if it’s in a logical system. For these sorts of learners, categorising and sequencing different pools of information can help them break things down into systems they can remember.

2. The social learner: Some kids learn best by discussing what they’re learning with others. This could be in the classroom, in small groups after school or in a pair with a friend. If they find topics tricky or need some extra help, lessons with a one-to-one tutor can be perfect for these sorts of learners.

3. The visual learner: Visual learners understand things best by looking. If they can translate information into diagrams, illustrations or mind maps then it can help them remember what can seem like the trickiest topics. That could mean drawing quick illustrations next to words when language learning, or creating a visual timeline to remember historical dates and events.

4. The verbal learner: If your child learns best by saying things out loud, they might be a verbal (also known as a linguistic) learner.

This means that when it comes to tests and revision, they can memorise things by using rhymes, acronyms, and other word games to remember numbers, sums, languages, dates and anything else they need to learn.

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What Type Of Learner Is Your Child

5. The physical (or kinaesthetic) learner: These guys remember things best when their bodies are engaged – not just their minds. Sitting still can be particularly hard for physical (also known as kinaesthetic) learners, and often they’ll have a sporty side too. To optimise their learning, weaving in activities such as practical experiments for subjects like Biology and Chemistry is a great way to make new knowledge soak in. For written subjects such as English, History, Politics or languages, highlighting, note-taking and making flashcards can help them engage better and remember.

6. The solitary learner: Some kids study best on their own where they have the space to fully focus and think deeply about what they’re learning. If this sounds like your teen, it’s extra helpful for them to have a desk in a quiet corner of their house (if possible!) where they can knuckle down. Their school library or the public library can also be a really useful place for them if they want to get out of the house too.

7. The auditory learner: If your teen takes in knowledge best by listening, they could be an auditory learner. This learning style lends itself well to classroom learning, as well as audiobooks and podcasts in their own time.

They could try recording lists of quotations for English Lit and vocabulary for French and Spanish before listening back to soak in the knowledge.

TOP TIPS

for supporting your child’s mental well-being Mental health treatment specialists Smart TMS share some everyday tips to help your children.

In recent years, society is becoming more and more aware of mental health concerns, but the state of children's mental health in the UK is still extremely alarming. In fact, 1 in 10 under the age of 18 suffer from a mental health problem in the UK, and 7 in 10 of the children with a diagnosed mental health condition haven’t received intervention early enough.

This results in mental health declining whilst waiting for treatment that may be readily available for adults.

Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health in children. Not only does good mental health allow them to cope with life in general, but also gives them confidence in themselves as they transition into adulthood. At Smart TMS, we treat severe mental health problems with our TMS technology, but there are a number of simple actions that can be taken to help safeguard your children early and create a safe, supportive environment. So, how do we ensure that our kids stay mentally well?

Unconditional love...

There are so many things you can do to remind your child that you love them, regardless of their age. These actions don’t need to be expensive or extravagant, in fact, it’s often the smaller things that matter most. For example, asking them questions and showing genuine interest in the answer, proudly displaying any artwork or crafts they have made, and clearly expressing pride and happiness in them whenever you can, will go a long way to make them feel valued and loved. Although being loved unconditionally won’t necessarily stop mental health conditions from developing, you’ll remind your child that they have you on their team to fight the symptoms together.

Take them seriously...

Children love to play and fantasise, and their imagination runs wild. As a result, it's very easy to not take on board what they say and dismiss them when they try to express genuine feelings or concerns. Making an effort to really listen to what they have to say is vital - sometimes your child may be saying something worth hearing.

Know the signs...

Mental illness comes hand in hand with some big feelings and emotions. Often, adults even struggle to process these feelings. When children are feeling overwhelmed with emotion, these feelings can be displayed through their behaviour. Has your child’s behaviour drastically changed or do they seem more sad than usual? Think about whether there have been any changes in their life. Maybe they’ve moved classes or a grandparent has become poorly and your child is showing their emotions in the only way they know how. Once you know the signs of anxiety another mental health condition, you’ll be able to intervene before your child reaches “boiling point”. Show them love and support to get them through.

Ask for help...

Sometimes, having a family member’s support isn’t enough and a child will need outside support to help them through their mental illness. Your first port of call could be your child’s school, who will have specialists in child and adolescent mental health.

Family GPs can also be a good place to begin asking for help. Your child may be offered talking therapies, and many find that talking through their feelings with an impartial professional can give them the opportunity to be honest, without fear of upsetting you. This intervention will also provide you with the support you need to keep being your child’s safe place.

Create a positive environment...

The environment a child is brought up in can impact their mental health for the rest of their life. Make sure your environment is positive. Allow your child the opportunity to be a child and avoid involving them in any adult disagreements or worries; Support your child to do what they love and share their passion with them; Ensure that

top tips...

once your front door is closed, their home is their safe space where they are free from judgement or unrealistic expectations; Set boundaries and stick to them to ensure your child knows where they stand – Each child is different and the environment they require will vary but a positive home-life is a solid foundation for good mental health.

#KINDLE KINDNESS Care homes benefit from #KindleKindness as £10,000 barrier smashed...

Two care homes have taken delivery of brand new Kindles - thanks to £10,000 donated by the community. Both Lake View Residential Care Home in Brookside and e Priory Nursing Home in Wellington were on the receiving end of some #KindleKindness as part of a campaign to help end isolation during the Coronarvirus crisis.

Both homes received devices from Telford & Wrekin Council members as part of the campaign, which has smashed the £10,000 milestone today.

It is hoped that 200 Kindles will be handed out to those who are struggling to keep in touch with friends and family and those in need of some entertainment.

Councillor Paul Watling, Cabinet Member for Cooperative Communities, Engagement and Partnerships, said: “We would like to thank everybody who has contributed in these tough times to our campaign.

“Thanks to the huge generosity of the public, businesses and parish councils across the borough we have managed to supply two care homes with Kindles just in time for the VE Day celebrations.

“This is on top of the 20 Kindles that were donated to the Women’s and Children’s Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital last week.

“The reaction to the campaign has been overwhelming so far and it was clear to see how valuable these devices will be to the homes going forward.

“Those in care homes have been unable to have visitors for a number of weeks now.

“These Kindles, which come with the Telford & Wrekin library app installed, will allow them to keep in touch with loved ones, download books and do puzzles.”

#Kindlekindness...

Councillor Raj Mehta, chair of the Interfaith Council, added: “The community has really pulled together to smash through the £10,000 barrier and we are absolutely delighted.

“But this is just the start of the roll out to care homes across the borough and more deliveries are already being planned.

“Thanks to all those who have donated we are well on our way to handing out 200 Kindles to those who most need them across the borough.”

Steven Singh, owner of The Priory, said: “This is a fantastic initiative and we are delighted to accept the generous offer of Kindles.

“I feel this will really boost our service users morale during these unprecedented times.”

You can donate to the campaign by visiting: www.gofundme.com/kindlekindness

£10 Veg Only Box

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Green Fields Farm Shop

e Home of Great Local Food!

Fresher

Green Fields is more than a Farm Shop, it is the home of great local food for people in Shropshire and Staffordshire. Visit our Farm Shop or buy online and have delicious fresh groceries delivered to your home.We have the widest range of local food, bursting with goodness, from across the West Midlands.

Faster Friendlier

Opening Times Twitter: @shopgreenfields Facebook:Green Fields Farm Shop

Tel: 01952 200696 PRIORSLEE

Please check our website, or call for opening times during COVID-19.

Ask about our delivery service, as we are currently experiencing high demand

STILL Tel: 01952 677345 OPEN www.greenfieldsonline.co.uk .

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Delivery days: Wednesday - TF1 TF3 TF4 TF5 TF6 TF7 TF8 - Thursday - TF2 & Friday - TF10 TF11 ST19 ST20

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Recipes

LET’S EAT. Black Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiched in Chocolate Chip Cookies Add to the summer fun by making these clever little bites, with the cold refreshing ice cream sandwiched in between the soft chocolate chip cookies prepare for an awesome treat!

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wo delicious elements coupled together to create a refreshing summer treat! This dish will be devoured by both the grown-ups and kids! Add to the summer fun with this recipe.

THE INGREDIENTS Serves 5 Preparation time: 1 hour Cooking time: 15 minutes (cookies)

Method...

1 In a saucepan, reduce the cherries, 32g cup of sugar and water over medium heat. Cook for around 6 minutes until they are soft and syrup has formed in the pan.

2 Transfer the cherries to a dish and cool in the refrigerator.

3 In a separate saucepan combine 128g of cream and sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved.

4 Pour the cream and sugar mixture into a mixing bowl and combine with the remaining cream, almond extract and salt. Cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

5 Beat with an electric whisk until thick and stiff adding the cherries.

6 Pour into a freezer-safe container or loaf tin and cover with cellophane then transfer to the freezer.

The ice cream should harden over 3-4 hours.

Cookies 1 In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and butter into a paste.

2 Beat the egg and vanilla.

3 Add flour and baking soda, fold the mixture together.

4 Fold in the chocolate chunks, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

5 Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

6 Scoop the dough with an ice-cream scoop onto the baking paper, flattening to form a cookie and ensure space between each cookie.

7 Bake for 12-15 minutes and completely cool before assembling your ice cream sandwiches.

Black Cherry Ice Cream...

360g cherries 32g sugar 64g water 384g heavy cream 96g sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract ½ teaspoon salt

Cookies...

100g granulated sugar 165g brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt 115g unsalted butter, melted 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 155g flour ½ teaspoon baking soda 4oz milk 110g chocolate chunk

Cook’s tip: We recommend our homemade cookie recipe but if you are short for time you could use shop bought cookies!

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Ingredients

SLOW COOKED Lamb Curry

You will need...

100g Plain Flour 1kg Diced Lamb 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 1 Large Brown Onion Chopped 2 Cloves of Garlic Crushed

Served with rice, chopped coriander and naan bread.

Treat the family to this tasty slow cooked lamb curry.

This is one of my families favourite meals, and it’s really easy to prepare. Try it for yourself!

1.5 cm Fresh Ginger Grated 1 Red Chilli Chopped 2 Tablespoons of Indian Madras Curry Paste 270 ml Coconut Milk 1 Vegetable Stockpot 1 Cinnamon Stick 3 Bay Leaves

Method 1. Place the flour, with a little salt and pepperin a large bowl and toss the lamb to coat thoroughly.

2. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat the coated lamb in batches for 3-4 minutes until brown.

Place the Lamb in a 4.5 litre slow cooker.

3. Place the onion, ginger and garlic to a pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the curry paste and the chilli.Cook and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. en stir in the stock powder, coconut milk and 3/4 cup cold water. Bring to the boil and transfer to a slow cooker.

4. Put the bay leaf and cinnamon stick and stir.

5. Cover and cook over low heat for 6 hours.

6. Discard the bay leaf and the cinnamon stick.

Serve with boiled rice, fresh chopped coriander and warm naan bread.

Ingredients

EASY RECIPES for tasty lockdown meals Roast Salmon with Vegetables We are all missing visits to the local pub or restaurant for a tasty meal. It is important to eat a healthy, varied diet whilst stuck in lockdown. So we have put together some of our favourite recipes for you to enjoy whilst at home...

You will need...

4 good-quality sustainable salmon fillets (about 150g each) 200g Mange Tout 150g Whole Baby Carrots 3-4 Large Potatoes (cut into wedges with skin on) 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle Squeeze of lemon juice Soy Sauce

Method 1.

Preheat the 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6.

oven

to

2. Tumble the veg and wedges into a shallow roasting tray. Pour over 3 tbsp olive oil, season with sea salt and ground black pepper, then gently toss to coat. Roast for 20 minutes.

3. .Add the Salmon fillets on top.

Season, then drizzle with a little more oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.

4. Return to the oven for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Drizzle with a little olive oil and soy sauce and enjoy!

Cook’s tip: Don’t over-cook your vegetables, they need to be nice and crunchy.

SUMMER SUPER FOODS Blueberry & Banana Smoothie For a tasty summer treat all the family will love try making these easy peasy Blueberry and Banana Smoothies. î “e best bit is they are really full of goodness and really, really yummy...

Ingredients For 2 smoothies you will need: 1 Ripe Banana 1 Cup Frozen Blueberries 1 Cup Nonfat Plain Yogurt Method 1. Using a blender, combine the banana, blueberries, and yogurt.

2. Blend on high speed until smooth. Pour into two glasses; serve immediately.

Layered Fruit Sundae Ingredients Fruit of your choice...

Strawberries Clementine segments Mango Kiwi Blueberries Pineapple Raspberries Cherries (withpits removed) Double Cream (whipped) or canned squirty cream Pomegranate seeds

Method 1. Chop each of the fruits into chunks around a couple of centimetres in size.

Break down clementines into segments and halve things like cherries (remove the pit) 2. Jam jars make the perfect layered fruit sundae. Place about an inch deep layer of your chosen fruits in each of your jars in turn, you will probably have around 5 fruits in each sundae.

3. If you are using fresh cream, place it in a mixing bowl and whick with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thick or a can of squirty cream will do the job just as well. Place a big dollop on top of the jar and sprinkle with a few pomegranate seeds.

Healthy Lockdown Recipes

Superfoods Kids Love.

We all want to get our kids to eat good, nutritious foods, but it is not always easy to get them to play ball.

Try introducing them to superfoods; these are highly nutritious whole foods including berries, nuts and oats. ey can be high in mineral content, high in vitamins or high in phytochemicals and antioxidants and are typically low in saturated and trans fats and food additives.

A Superfood...

“A food considered especially nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and wellbeing.”

Strawberries.

properties. You kids will love sliced apples sprinkled with cinnamon for a healthy snack. Add into oatmeal and its sweetness will mean you can get away with adding less sugar – winner!

Strawberries are one of the top antioxidant containing fruits available. Strawberries are also high in iron, making them a great snack. Dried strawberries make a delicious treat, a bit similar to chewy candy - A childhood favourite – yum!

Cherries. ese expensive and luxurious fruit become an affordable treat during Cherry season, and you can enjoy them every day. Cherries make great desserts but are even better as a late night snack because they are naturally high in melatonin, which helps you drop off to sleep. is sleep hormone can help regulate sleep in children that have difficulties falling and staying asleep. Cherries are also high in amino acids and antioxidants – just watch out for pits.

Cinnamon. is sweet and savoury spice is a great topping to oatmeal and other confections. Cinnamon has been shown to help stave off colds and the flu, and has natural antiviral

Blueberries. ese delicious berries have the highest antioxidant count compared to all other fruits. Eating plenty of blueberries every day has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Serve blueberries on their own when they are in season. Frozen blueberries are a great option for the winter months when it can be difficult to find fresh produce at an affordable price. Freezing doesn’t damage the antioxidants so you can feel good serving this fruit.

Oats.

Oatmeal makes a great breakfast choice for kids, filled with soluble fibre, keeping your kids full for long school days.

Make this superfood even better by topping with fruit, nuts, berries, honey and spices. Oatcakes are another treat that your kids will love.

All images supplied by Dorothy Perkins

Beauty spots & polka dots From day dot...

Polka dot first appeared in the fashion world in the 1840s, fast forward to 2020 and polka dot still holds a strong popularity when it comes to seasonal fashion. When polka dot made its debut it was mainly used on handkerchief’s, head scarves and swimwear, polka dot was heavily used in the 1930s and 40s and a favourite print for household items especially kitchen appliances and utensils, by the 1950s it was everywhere being given a popularity boost by famous Hollywood stars and not to forget Disney’s favourite Minnie Mouse sporting her red spotty dress along with matching bow!

Polka dots are normally seen as a more playful pattern but this year sees polka dot incorporated into formal office wear and unlike other fashion trends this summer it seems polka dot pieces are going to become a one piece for all occasions wardrobe must have!

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Staying in Fashion

Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Perkins

Date Night at Home...

Just because we can’t go out at the moment, it doesn’t mean we can’t get dressed up for a special date night with our loved one. If you find you have been living in your PJ’s since lockdown began, it might be time to treat yourself. Get dressed up, eat some nice food, drink some wine or make a fancy cocktail from one of the recipe pages and enjoy each others company. Plus it’s a great excuse to do some online shopping.

Left - Red Herring boho tile of the shoulder tiered midi dress

by Debenhams £39 Staying in Fashion

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TOM JONES Rearranged for 27 June 2021 36

Features | Live Tours

TOM JONES Sir Tom Jones & Jack Savoretti concerts not going ahead in Telford Town Park due to coronavirus...

27 & 28 JUNE 2020 QEII Fields In Trust Arena, Telford Two evenings of spectacular entertainment were due to take place this summer in Telford Town Park organised and managed by Orchard Events.

U

nfortunately due to the coronavirus outbreak and in line with government advice, the decision has been taken that the Jack Savoretti and Sir Tom Jones concerts can no longer go ahead on 27 and 28 June 2020. e good news is that Sir Tom Jones has been rearranged for 27 June 2021 and any tickets purchased remain valid and have been transferred to the new date. e organisers are still waiting for confirmation as to whether Jack Savoretti can be rearranged and they ask that customers who have tickets be patient and wait a little longer for confirmation of a new date in 2021.

Sir Tom Jones said: “I am really sorry to have to inform you that my shows scheduled for this Summer have had to be postponed until next year.

“As you most likely are aware, public performances are sadly not going forward as normal for just about everyone who works in music and entertainment.

“My team have been monitoring the UK government advice on organised gatherings and I now need to take this action to ensure the protection of fans, my crew and everyone who works in support of the shows.

“It is also important to help ease the pressure on those working on the front line to fight this virus.

“You all know how much I love performing but everybody’s safety must come first.

“In the meantime, please stay home, stay safe and I look forward to seeing you all soon.” e Jack Savoretti Show on Sat 26th June has been postponed to 2021. Jack Savoretti said: “Every consideration has been given to the safety and wellbeing of the fans, band, crew and event organisers.

“Considerable effort is being made to reschedule this show. We hope to bring you more news within a month.”

Please note these events are not arranged or managed by Telford & Wrekin Council. For information regarding terms and conditions around tickets customers have purchased, please speak to the ticket agent you booked with directly as neither the council or Telford Town Park will be able to advise or help with this.

If you booked through Tickets Telford and have received confirmation regarding your tickets and still have questions please email theplace@telford.gov.uk and someone will be in touch soon. Please bear in mind due to Covid-19 teams are working remotely so it might take longer than normal to respond.

Although this will be a huge disappointment for customers the promoters hope, with your continued support, that next year will be a great success.

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Main Image: www.furniturechoice.co.uk

Hampshire Dining Table with Kendal Chairs ÂŁ649.99

Going Eco...

With climate change and plastic waste impacting our everyday lives, there has never been a more important time than now to adopt eco-friendly practices at home. Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at FurnitureChoice.co.uk shares four ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, helping you to save money and do your bit for the environment.

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Stay Home

Stay Home...

1. Repurpose old furniture Defined as a process by which used objects are transformed into new products of higher value, upcycling is a clever way to kick start an eco-friendly lifestyle. It breathes new life into old furniture and is a cost-effective and crafty solution to update home decor. “Upcycling conserves the environment by fully utilising what we already have, Rebecca explains. It prevents furniture from being thrown into landfills and is instead updated with a new look. The key is to start small by picking a simple DIY project such as repainting your headboard in the bedroom. It’s an enjoyable activity that you can do in your own time and saves you the money of having to buy new furniture. With its tranquil and lively appeal, opt for green as it perks up the rest of the decor by injecting a soothing feel to the space.

2. Switch to non-toxic paint Making the switch to eco-friendly products has a huge impact on the planet, home and overall health. It’s these small steps that help reduce harm on the environment and pushes people to lead a healthier lifestyle in the longrun. Take this concept to the walls with non-toxic paint which is free from volatile organic compounds (VOC) and removes chemicals such as formaldehyde in the air for a clean breathing space at home.

Eco Friendly Ideas Four ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle...

By Rebecca Snowden - Furniture Choice Ltd..

attention and care, indoor plants will flourish in the right environment and provide plenty of room for experimentation.

4. Use natural materials Bringing the outdoors in has become an increasingly popular way to infuse nature into the home. Known as biophilia, it’s a concept that combines a love of nature with innovative design to improve health and wellbeing.

The calming elements of nature are a welcome respite to the senses in the chaotic world we live in, Rebecca says.

“Decorating with natural materials such as wood, cotton and linen establishes a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere when you combine it with the right amount of natural lighting, greenery and colour palette. In the living room, turn your focus towards breathable materials which give the space a cosy and practical touch, such as with a linen sofa and cotton cushion covers. The ambience here is not just for the aesthetics, it’s also about delivering a positive impact on our lifestyle.

3. Incorporate plants into decor Going green at home literally and metaphorically would not be complete without including houseplants into the decor. Apart from purifying the air, houseplants also create a more welcoming atmosphere. And with proper

Hampton Chesterfield Sofa - £1099.99

Kenley Bed - £399.99

Stay Home

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A beautiful rhyming chilDren’’s story dedicated to our key worker heroes Picture:Facebook

Local author and illustrator Toni Sian Williams has been inspired by the heroic efforts of our key workers across the country. During the COVID-19 lockdown she has been busy creating a magical story that depicts our key workers through the eyes of a child, and what they see are their parents, auntie’s, uncles and grandparents going about their daily work as usual, but not as normal people do, but as superheroes!

The story has a different rhyme on every page which compliments each key worker’s superpower. Covering many different job roles such as NHS staff, ambulance drivers, police officers, delivery workers and more.

Toni comments: “I really have been inspired by the sheer strength and commitment of our key workers. During this difficult time, they have persisted to carry on doing their daily jobs in spite of risking their very own safety. In my eyes they truly are superheroes and deserve to be celebrated. I also know that many young children may be confused at the moment, as to why their parents may be working but they themselves are not at school. So, to shine some light on the situation I wanted to create a story that would let children’s imaginations run wild with the idea that their very own family member is in fact a hero!”

‘Who Can Be A Superhero?’ is now available to purchase as a paperback from Amazon. An ebook version will also be available soon. Toni will also be donating part of the proceeds of the book to the NHS.

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Book Worms

About The Author: Toni Sian Williams is a Shropshire based Children's Author and illustrator. She has been writing and illustrating since a very young age, and remembers being told off by her mother for having a bedroom full of self-made story books, glued and cello-taped together to look like her real books on a shelf!

Toni draws inspiration from her own childhood experiences and also finds inspiration from children's movies, mythical characters and science fiction. Toni loves to inspire young children to get involved with story writing and illustrating.

She holds regular author visits and workshops to schools, nurseries, libraries and more.

Website: www.tonisianwilliams.co.uk

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Quick Crossword & Easy Sudoku Perfect for Coee Breaks!

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Answers & Solutions are available on our websites: www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk www.shrewsburylifestyle.co.uk www.reviewlocalmagazines.co.uk www.hypemagazine.co.uk

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1. Campanula (10,4) 9. Old-fashioned iron golf club (7) 10. Wormwood (8) 12. Pour (4) 13. Thrive (7) 14. Machinegun (4) 17. Easily irritated (6) 18. Meaningless language (5-5) 20. Brass instrument (8) 22. Songbird (8) 24. Liquor shop (3-7) 25. Outbuilding (4-2) 28. Roguish (4) 29. Gymnastics performer (7) 30. Flightless bird (4) 33. Kerosene (8) 34. Capital of Libya (7) 35. Unremittingly monotonous (4-10)

Clues Down

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PUZZLE TIME...

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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.

1. Walk taken to benefit one's health (14) 2. Most illustrious (7) 3. Ireland (poetic) (4) 4. Where bread is made (6) 5. Announces (5,3) 6. Team game (10) 7. Drooping, flaccid (4) 8. Metrical (8) 11. Unyielding (14) 15. Dry white Burgundy wine (7) 16. Thrown out (7) 19. Relentless (10) 21. Authoritative (8) 23. Cadge (8) 26. Capital of Kenya (7) 27. Over the hill (inf.) (4,2) 31. Irish county (4) 32. Floor covering (4)

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Sustainable Gardens...

1

Help Hedgehogs to Hibernate

Sadly, thousands of UK wildlife species are now in decline, from hedgehogs, hares and sparrows to butterflies, bees and moths. An alarming 15% of our country’s wildlife are also at risk of becoming extinct, including the native bat population, with 41% of species having decreased in the last fifty years.

But if we can create nurturing habitats for native wildlife that includes refuge, food and water, we can all help to do our bit to look after our garden species.

Children will love building a cosy home for hedgehogs to help these prickly creatures hibernate throughout the winter, and to give them a safe space to raise their hoglets in spring. You can buy ready-made hedgehog homes, but why not get your kids involved and build your own.

With just a few small pieces of plywood and a handful of nails you can easily create your own unique house just watch out for those little fingers at this stage – and allow a ventilation hole at the back. Place the hedgehog home in a quiet, sheltered spot at the back of your garden, with the entrance facing away from the wind.

by Nicola Clements of garden specialist Haddonstone

Now for the fun part - cover with dry leaves, twigs and vegetation and get your kids to monitor for any activity, but remember to leave hibernating hedgehogs and their young during the main hibernation period, from October to April.

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Keep our Creepy Crawlies Happy

Other wildlife and insects may also need a place to hibernate in the winter, and an insect hotel can not only be a great way to keep the kids busy, but provides a safe environment for a whole host of creepy crawlies. What’s more, dedicated insect hotels are also ideal if you grow your own fruit and vegetables, as they are guaranteed to encourage pollination from our important bee population.

You can also build your own hidey-hole that will be a haven for ladybirds, woodlice and solitary bees in need of shelter. A really simple guide is to create a structure using planks of wood. Ask your kids to hunt for an array of natural garden matter that you can use to fill the hotel – this will create all those nooks and crannies that insects and bugs find so appealing. Dry leaves, cones, bamboo,

Continued, on next page...

Continued... twigs and bark are perfect for this and your children will have a great time finding all the bits and pieces for your hotel. Find a quiet spot, away from your family seating area and nail to a fence, the back of a shed, or a wall. Place your kids on insect watch and let the fun begin!

3 Plants that Wildlife will Love Trees such as the birch tree, provides food for an incredible 521 species of invertebrate – and where there’s insects, there are birds. e beech tree is also a nourishing food source for mammals such as mice and voles, and even provides food for some moth species, which have declined by 48% in recent years due to climate change. Evergreens, such as juniper, are a cosy home for wildlife all year round, and brighten up the darker winter months for customers.

Children will love choosing different seeds to plants in your garden. Take a trip with them to your garden centre to choose a colourful array of flowers that will bring your garden to life. Smaller flowers such as primroses, marigolds and scented geraniums will provide food and shelter for bees and other insects, and look stunning in stone planters and pots.

We all know that bees are crucial for our natural environment, so plant sunflowers and basil to attract these pollinators, and they will stay around all summer long.

Sustainable Gardens...

Continued...

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Clever Composting Good things come to those who wait, and compost, while taking up to a year to develop, can be a great family activity to bring science to life and create a fertilizer made from vegetable and garden waste.

Create either a designated compost area with a shelter (make sure it’s far away from anyone who may have an issue with the odour - ideally at the back of the garden) or choose to cut out the bottom of a compost bin so the material touches soil.

Fill the area regularly with fallen leaves, grass cuttings, vegetable peelings, tea bags, egg shells and other kitchen and garden debris that you would usually throw away. Add a layer of soil to introduce earthworms and microorganisms that will help break down the waste.

Once the mixture eventually decomposes, you’ll have an ecofriendly fertilizer that will not only save you money in the long-run, but is more likely to help your plants to survive.

Compost that’s made from kitchen and garden waste materials reduces landfill waste and therefore keeps a lid on increasing greenhouse gases too. Make this part of your family’s daily routine, encouraging your children to learn more about nature.

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Feed e Birds rowaway and landfill culture harms the environment, so try to minimise your plastic use as much as possible. When it comes to decorating your garden, high-quality stone products last a lifetime, and are far more sustainable in terms of production and disposal than plastic.

Installing a bird bath or bird table is another easy way to encourage and look after nature in your garden – and will be loved by children of all ages. A stone bird bath or bird table will not only look great in your garden, but will provide essential drinking and bathing water, and food throughout the year.

What’s more,stone bird baths and bird tables need little maintenance, apart from a quick clean with a non-abrasive, nontoxic cleaning fluid and brush.

Remember to ask your children to help keep your bird bath topped up with fresh water and keep an eye on it during the winter money, when freezing conditions can prevent our common garden birds from getting to the water they need to survive.

Sustainable Gardens...

Bake a batch of high-energy, nutritious suet balls studded with seeds and nuts to help sustain our feathered friends during the harsh winter months. Simply pour the mixture into half a coconut shell or place on your stone bird table, to be used time and time again. is is a fun activity for the whole family and placing these in your garden will encourage birds to flock in droves!

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Grow Your Own Growing your own food is sustainable, as currently, food production accounts for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, and using natural fertilizers, helps to nourish your soil and reduce the amount of harmful chemicals polluting our environment.

Your children will love growing their own food for all the family – an activity that will keep them busy from the springtime planting of seeds and seedlings, to the harvesting of healthy, homegrown salads, vegetables and berries in the autumn.

Research shows that when kids grow their own food, and see it develop from seed to fruit, they develop a much healthier relationship with what they eat. It also encourages them to eat more of their five a day.

Give your green-fingered little ones their own vegetable plot in the garden and encourage them to choose a variety of healthy vegetables, salads and herbs to plant, water and watch them grow! Keep them keen by planting a range of homegrown produce that will grow at different rates, so they have a constant crop of fresh food to harvest. Quick-growing runner beans, lettuce and carrots are great options to get started, while potatoes, radish and beetroots will provide a bounty of root veg that can be harvested later in the autumn.

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Gardening is Looking Up

One of the easiest ways to grow your own food, especially if you have smaller spaces, is through vertical gardening. Vertical greenery is perfect in areas where you have small gardens, and is becoming more and more popular in urban areas where space is limited.

Children love the novelty of vertical gardening and affordable upright frames can be bought pre-built, or you can create your own setup - you can find a handy how to guide here. For those with smaller plots, vertical gardening is ideal and easy to set-up and maintain. You can even water the plants through an automated irrigation system which comes through rainwater.

Strawberry and tomato plants are some of the best climbers you can grow on a vertical frame and the kids will love harvesting the plentiful sweet fruits.

Hardy fuchsias and petunias are also perfect for vertical gardening frames and will provide months of vivid colour throughout the warmer season.

Encouraging your children to step away from their screens and get more involved in gardening will bring so many benefits to the whole family, and help our natural wildlife to thrive.

Including your dog in your will_Double Page Editorial 13/03/2020 14:19 Page 1

WHO WILL CARE FOR YOUR PET? Yes, you should include your dog in your will The UK’s leading online will-writing service, Farewill discusses the importance of making sure our pets are taken care of after we’re gone.

So many of us think of our pets as members of the family, providing food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and love. To ensure that your beloved pet will continue to receive this care should something unexpected happen to you, it’s critical to plan ahead.

The UK’s leading online will-writing service, Farewill presents tips for planning for the ‘what ifs’ in life – like being outlived by your dog. Consider who would take care of your pet in the event of your death. Perhaps it’s your children, siblings, or even a close friend. Before making any definitive decisions with your will, you’ll need to have a frank conversation – of whether they will truly be able to take care of your pet, and be aware of any allergy, housing or mobility restrictions that could keep them from being an able bodied pet-parent.

In the event that you do not have someone in your life that could care for your pet, you can find a charitable organisation to help. Identify a local group that specialises in this and find out what it requires in return for finding your pet a good home – this is usually a specific sum of money for the cost of pet care.

Dan Garrett, CEO and founder of Farewill says...

Once you have both a plan and a budget for your pet’s care, you have two choices in your estate plan: either within your will, or via a separate pet trust.

“Because so many of us treat our pets as family members, we have seen a growing number of people including their pets in their wills. It is imperative that we take preventative measures to ensure that they will be cared for if something ever happens to us. At Farewill, we offer support for will-writing and estate-planning that is quick, easy and affordable, and can seamlessly guide our customers through the difficult and sometimes confusing parts of these processes. Our goal is to give you peace of mind and support: to take care of you and your entire family – even man’s best friend.”

A will has the advantage of simplicity; including a pet in your will is usually relatively inexpensive. As with any other piece of property, you state in your will who you’ve chosen to inherit your pet upon your death — but you can also leave that person funds to help pay for the pet’s care.

for the care of the pet. However, this added security can cost thousands in attorney fees.

You can get more control, but with greater expense, with a pet trust, which lets you set aside money with specific rules as to how the money will be used. You’d name a trustee to manage the funds and ensure that the money is used solely

Ultimately, your decision will come down to your family, your pet and your financial situation. Having a plan in place will give you peace of mind, and ensure that your pet will be taken care of in the case that the unthinkable happens.

If you’re leaving your pets to someone you trust, you may want to leave money to help pay for the cost of your pet’s future care. This can be done by calculating the annual costs to care for their pet, and multiply that figure by the pets remaining life expectancy, plus some additional money for medical care as the pet ages.

Pet Edit

Just Drive...

The Basics

Model: Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian X Double cab auto.

Price: ÂŁ32,525 Engine: 2.3 litre diesel Pictures: Mitsubishi-motors.co.uk

e days when bankers needed pick-ups to carry their wallets are hopefully over. But the pick-up itself rolls on: immune, it seems, to the vagaries of the market, broadcasting to the highways and byways of motoring, an uncompromising determination to impose a little beef into the whimpering world of conformity.

Even further back when life was nasty, brutish and short the Barbarians would charge across the Steppes and the tundra would tremble beneath the horses hooves.

Fast forward to todays world when gherkins, cheese graters and shards poke the sky above our capital city and media types broadcast to our nation from the Salford Quays. When politicians slug it out in the democratic bear pit of The Commons - we can say with certainty that civilisations untold benefits present few hazards for striving citizens.

And then there's the other story. When was the last time you took to our roads? Surely Genghis Khan himself would blanche at the horrors of the North Circular, pluck out his moustache hairs in fright at the terrors of the M6, run rings of sheer panic round roundabouts and cry to the heavens in despair 'Why this?'

But behold! What is this mighty beast that rumbles forward to his rescue? Surely some armoured chariot.

A hefty beast of a highway bruiser that will brook no nonsense.

As more and more discerning buyers are finding out - there is only one answer when a libertarian lifestyle founded upon solid principles of practicality is what the doctor ordered. What better pick-me-up than the sixth generation of a proud pick-up of multi purpose versatility.

For sporty types, farmer Palmer, tradesmen from Gary the go-faster plummer to Tommy Telford the builder and individualists of all kinds, the pick-up promises to deliver personalised yet practical motoring at

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Motoring Review

Mitsubishi L200

Barbarian X Double cab auto.

attractive costs. This top spec.

Barbarian X Double Cab 6 speed auto variant of the revised L200 is ÂŁ32,525.

leather and Alcantara seats, air con. and power windows. Where else will you find such versatility? It's on a par with some luxury saloons.

I was proud to be associated with the Mitsubishi Barbarian X from the very first moment I set eyes on it and for the duration of the extended test when through each passing day I grew to like it more and more.

Thanks to larger front brakes and a stronger chassis there's a load carrying capacity (1,080 kgs) that not even Archimedes could conceive of. If this gear won't float your boat nothing will. You could be delivering a bathtub one day and delivering the family to the seaside the next and bringing back half a beach of sand.

And in a vehicle with this presence, no-one will kick sand in your face (Figuratively speaking. of course) as drivers of lesser vehicles keep a respectful distance - the brute in me loved its bigness.

My answer to those who express wonder at the desirability of such vehicles is simply to say 'try one yourself and you'll understand'. The pick-up experience is one of the few remaining individualistic motoring treats available to the ordinary man or woman today.

Consider this. You get a cabin with space and plenty of scope for expansive thoughts - big enough for a family and what's more, it's not a hymn to utilitarianism but a celebration of luxurious comfort, with mood lighting, now even more comfortable heated

The prime mover for all this is the new 148bhp 2.3 litre lightweight aluminium diesel with electrically controlled variable valve timing, that conveys you with a smooth refinement all the way to - I guess - over

110mph. Most of the time you'll be in 2wd high but there's 4wd high and low, plus a diff.lock for when the grouse moor becomes difficult - and in this auto version with sports mode to shift manually, you'll never believe how good it is on the metalled highway as you cruise quietly and effortlessly at speed helped, of course by the slightly higher top gear ratio.

I was delighted at the way it stormed citadels of traffic chaos, muscled its way through mayhem thanks to a reasonable turning circle - and all the while pleasing me like punch at the pumps. Without a load, near 40/41mpg was easy to achieve with careful driving.

Highways, byways, uplands, lowlands, the Barbarian fears no potholes: look out mole! Here we come.

How lucky we are, I reflected, to be able to choose such an individualistic engine of progress.

By Syd Taylor Motoring Reviewer

I thought long and hard for something negative to say and came up with just one drawback. It is not the easiest vehicle to park at the supermarket - but that's a small price to pay for a big-hearted Barbarian unleashed.

And Hey! What's a squashed hatchback or two or a few bent shopping trolleys between friends? This is a gentle giant that won't let you down whether your name is Genghis or Geraldine.

Motoring Review

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