Inside Flintshire 2 November 2017

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To celebrate our brand new Winter menu, The Glynne Arms in Hawarden is offering 25% off all food from Monday to Thursday, morning, noon and night*. Our new menu features an abundance of seasonal, homegrown and locally sourced food, much of which comes from the Hawarden Estate.

The Glynne Arms is a 200-year-old traditional coaching inn whose philosophy is simple; to provide a warm, relaxed pub environment and excellent food with great provenance in the restaurant.

* 25% discount offer valid for Inside Flintshire readers during the month of November 2017, upon presentation of this voucher. This offer is valid Monday-Thursday only. Please alert your server at the time of ordering.

Offer includes all food on the menu.

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3 Glynne Way, Hawarden CH5 3NS

Hello and a warm welcome from

Inside Flintshire magazine Welcome to our November issue.

Once again we have a jam packed magazine with lots going on inside. Take a look at our double page feature on why every family should visit father Christmas in Lapland before its too late. P16-17 Look out for our double page spread on page 10-11 for the best Christmas markets to visit this year.

We have another fantastic competition page with a chance to win tickets to see the legendary Slade and the South on page 28-29. We have a new feature in this issue, taking a look at North Wales. This month we looked at the Pontcycyltes Aquaduct, a magnificant feat of engineering. Our monthly car review see’s us take a look at the Volvo XC60 T8 plug in hybrid on page 6-7. Don’t miss our monthly film review, gardening tips, recipes, house to home, beauty tips, puzzle page plus lots more going on inside.

Some of you might wonder how we produce this quality looking magazine for FREE? well it’s all down to the great local businesses who advertise within. So to keep this handy little magazine popping through your door every month please support our advertiser’s and give us a mention when using their services.

Enjoy the local firework displays going on across Flintshire in November and please stay save.

Until next month Reg - Editor inside Flintshire Text advert to 07446 778 482 & we will call you back

Contents

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30

6-7 HOLIDAY REVIEW

16-17

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

10-11

STAYING WELL THIS WINTER

20-21

NORTH WALES

36

HOUSE TO HOME

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ARTWORK

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P lea se men tion In si de Fl i nt shi r e m agaz i ne whe n r e s p o n d i n g t o a d v e r t s

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Motoring review

November

Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid: is 400bhp and 134.5mpg too good to be true?

Never one to shy away from placing ambitious deadlines on highly visible targets, Volvo has the stated aim of not having a single person killed or seriously injured in one of its cars by 2020.

Then, as if its engineers were not already frantic enough, in July this year the bosses announced the company would also be going ‘all electric by 2019’. Talk about a full plate.

Of course, anybody who read between the lines of Volvo’s press release (or, indeed, further than the headline) would know that the Swedish brand has not decided to do a Tesla and build cars with no internal combustion engines, but simply make public its deadline for including some form of electrification in all of its cars.

The result will be a product range that includes at least one fully electric car, plus mild hybrids that are primarily driven by an internal combustion engine but also include a beefedup electrical system to recover energy from the brakes and use it for powering auxiliary functions. Last but not least there will be a range of plug-in hybrids, such as this new XC60 T8.

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The XC60 is far from Volvo’s first crack at combining internal combustion with a battery and motor of sufficient strength to power the car for short journeys. Its dieselelectric V60, launched in 2013 and still available to buy today, is interesting if ultimately flawed, while the petrolelectric T8 hybrid version of its highly regarded XC90 SUV has so far defied expectations as far as sales go.

It is the XC90’s technology that also underpins its smaller sibling, the XC60. Official tests rate the XC60 T8 at 134.5mpg and corresponding CO2 emissions of 49g/km, which is astonishing for a more than two-tonne SUV, let alone one with a combined power output of 400bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds.

The XC60 achieves this by having not only a supercharged and turbocharged 314bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine driving the front wheels, but also an 86bhp electric motor to turn the rears. The latter is powered by a 10.4kWh battery pack (the XC90 makes do with a 9.2kWh equivalent) that can be plugged in and charged to give a pure electric range of up to 28 miles. A full charge takes two and half hours from a dedicated unit, or add another hour or two if you’re using a domestic socket.

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It’s complicated, and then some (can you begin to imagine buying one of these on the used market 15 years from now?), but to drive the T8 mostly takes care of itself. True, the brake pedal has all the consistency of the England cricket team, and the steering is completely numb, but nobody buys a Volvo expecting it to outperform BMW for driver involvement.

What you do buy one for, and what the XC60 delivers with aplomb, is comfort, space (for five and their luggage in this case), interior quality, safety and an understated sense of class.

The facts

Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Pro

Nor should you look at the on-paper stats and expect this SUV to be any kind of high-riding hot rod, because in reality driving with all the systems primed for performance is neither terribly satisfying nor good for battery life.

What’s more, the relaxed nature of the eight-speed automatic gearbox makes the kind of sudden bursts of speed an electrified car should be so good at a lot less sudden than you might like.

There is an argument that says none of this matters if you are a business owner or company car driver who can benefit from the tax incentives of running a luxury car with such low CO2 emissions, particularly if you commute less than 20 miles each way with a charger at either end. However, the oncoming electrification of cars – and plug-in hybrids such as this XC60 in particular – is going to need to benefit a significantly wider demographic of buyers in a very short timeframe if it is to really catch on. And that’s before any questions are asked about whether the low emissions dream promised by plug-in hybrids in official fuel tests is anywhere close to being realised in day-to-day use.

More pressing for Volvo is the realisation that, clever as this T8 hybrid might be, it is the diesel-powered XC60 that remains by some margin the more convincing car.

Tested 1,969cc turbocharged and

supercharged four-cylinder engine plus electric motor, eight-speed automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive.

Price on sale: From £55,450 (after plug-in car grant) Power/torque: Combined system output 400bhp/472lb ft Top speed: 140mph Acceleration: 0-62mph in 5.2sec Fuel economy: 134.5mpg (EU Combined) C02 emissions: 49g/km VED: £0 first year, £450 for following five years, then £130 Verdict: The XC60 is one of the most pleasant SUVs on sale today, but while adding a petrol-electric drivetrain might make it financially appealing to business users, others are likely to find that a conventional diesel model is still the one to go for as an all-rounder.

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Shopping

Christmas markets

Christmas markets 2017 Heading towards the most wonderful time of the year – it’s time to wrap up warm, indulge with steaming hot gluhwein and get searching for those perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Where better to stock up on festive cheer than one of the hundreds of amazing Christmas markets to be found popping up all over the country?

There are tons of stalls offering up trinkets and treasures for you to wrap under the tree, not to mention the wealth of food pop-ups and mulled wine stands if you need to replenish your energy levels during your Christmas shopping.

Christmas Markets go back quite far in our traditions and indeed were very popular until Oliver Cromwell banned the non religious celebration of Christmas, after which they fizzled out. There were of course many markets in Britain during the Victorian era, selling Christmas related products and foodstuffs in the run-up to the festivities. Popularity has grown again in recent years, and now almost every major city has a Christmas Market of some kind.

Llandudno 16th - 19th November

Visitors are welcomed to this beautiful Victorian seaside resort and their traditional Christmas Fayre, where you will enjoy cultural entertainment and stroll around more than 165 stalls right in the centre of town. In 2015 they doubled the size of the event, now making it one of the largest Christmas Fayre’s in Wales; attracting more than 35,000 visitors over the 4 days.

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The fayre gives you an opportunity to experience a variety of products not found in the normal high streets and national retail brands, including quality products from Wales and the rest of the UK and around the world. You can enjoy local Welsh Cultures together with friendly hospitality and entertainment.

Chester 17th November – 7th January

You’re in for a real festive treat this in Chester this Christmas, with more than 70 wooden chalets offering lots of festive goodies and gifts - all of which will be wrapped around the Christmas tree in the Town Hall Square in the centre of the city. Oh, and don’t forget to sample the food and drink on offer - it really is something to shout about!

There’s also a Real Ale Bar so if you fancy a tipple you’re in luck - hey, it’s Christmas! Open seven days a week, plenty of time to plan a visit.

Lincoln Thursday 7th December - Sunday 10th December 2017 A contemporary cathedral city with over 2,000 years of history, Lincoln is the perfect place to visit over the festive period. Take a trip back through time and stroll along the cobbles the cultural quarter of the city. The medieval square between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop for the Christmas Market.

Lincoln Christmas Market has developed dramatically since it began with just 11 stalls. The Christmas Market gives visitors and residents a truly festive experience, with a traditional, high quality event for all the family.

A little further afield…

If you fancy a trip up to Scotland, Edinburgh has not one, but three Christmas markets for 2017. There’s enough entertainment to keep the whole family occupied all day.

There’s Santa Land for the wee bairns, with face painting and Christmas crafts, a European market boasting ‘gastronomic surprises’ and a Scottish market, featuring the best local seafood, Scottish brewed beer and traditional jewellery. Head from The Mound along Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument.

November 18th – January 6th, 2017

The Frankfurt Christmas Market 2017 in Birmingham city centre is the biggest German market outside of the country itself. With hundreds of stalls in Victoria and Chamberlain square selling filled pretzels, Berlin doughnuts, traditional bier handmade Christmas decorations, you won’t leave empty handed – or with an empty stomach.

November 16th – December 24th, 2017

Another fantastic shopping city, Bath (pictured above) hosts one of the UK’s prettiest Christmas markets, with 200 chalets lining the streets around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Most of the stalls are run by local business owners, meaning you can pick up handmade wooden toys, artisan candles and local cheese before you head to the Apres Ski Bar for a mulled wine.

November 23rd – December 10th, 2017

Manchester

10th November – 20th December

Arguably the largest and Best Christmas Market in the country, Manchester Christmas Markets is the ideal destination for a festive group outing. This year could be the biggest and best ever, with some 300 traders offer mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of this buzzing city.

Last year the market stretched to 10

sites, including a traditional German market on St Ann’s Square, a world market on Brazennose Street and a French market on King Street; attracting millions of visitors. The main market hub will be at Albert Square in front of Manchester Town hall, with stalls on Exchange Street, Exchange Square, in the Corn Exchange, on New Cathedral Street and up Market Street, while Cathedral Gardens is home to a familyfriendly area with a skating rink.

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Finance

Money saving tips Your Home

Your mortgage is the big one. Most people spend a THIRD of their income on mortgage payments but savings can be made, especially if you took your mortgage out when interest rates were much higher.

Based on a £150K mortgage you can save over £1700 a year. Take a one minute mortgage check at letssavesomemoney.com and then speak to fee-free brokers London and Country on 0800 9530591 Also DO prep for the new, harder mortgage application process. Speak to a fee-free mortgage broker to see what mortgage is best for you.

Only do your washing with a full load – about 90% of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water, so by doing full loads you’ll be using less water per item saving £63 per year (£5.25 per month). Hang your washing outside to dry whenever possible and avoid the tumble dryer during the summer months – SAVE £15 (£1.25 per month) off the average energy bill.

Actually understanding how much energy you use can make a MASSIVE difference to your bills. By using an energy monitor, you can clearly see what you are using and when. You may notice that leaving your telly on standby is costing you £35 a year or that your child’s computer is wasting energy. Being armed with this sort of knowledge can really help you change your behaviour and reduce your consumption. We like the energy monitor from OWL. Switch to LED lighting. Using a 7W LED bulb (equivalent to 50W halogen bulb) for four hours a day would typically save you £8.97 a year PER BULB.

Technology

75% of people overpay by almost £200 per year because they’re not on the right mobile phone contract.

A great way to check if you are getting a good deal is to go to www.billmonitor.com where they will analyse your call usage, texts and internet use and then match you with the right deal to save you cash.

Fixing mistakes made by cowboy builders and decorators has cost Brits £3.7 billion in the past five years. To guarantee you are getting a good tradesman then there are three golden rules – check references, check qualifications, check your paperwork. The Trading Standards website is a great place to look as it has a thorough audit process and invites feedback. If you are a member of Which? then you can also log on and look for local recommendations.

Water & Energy

A well fitted hot water tank jacket could save you around £40 a year, even more if you heat your water electrically.

It will cost you £15 and is easy to fit yourself. Being more efficient with your water is something that you have control over.

You can reduce the water you use at home in loads of clever little ways. The Energy Saving Trust has an AMAZING tool that works out where YOU can cut your water bills.

Use eco balls in your washing machine, a replacement for detergent. These will last 1000 washes and save £255 per 1000 washes (£72 per year, £6 per month) and it gets your washing clean – we use them!

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You pay more for a faster broadband connection. The average download speed across the UK is 17.8mbps, don’t pay for more than you can actually get. Check the speed available to you in your area with a speed checker.

For the biggest saving, you should bundle your phone and digital TV with broadband into one package from just one provider and save up to £413 a year.

Making money

Did you know that you can make money by renting out your stuff? You could earn £15 a day renting out your lawnmower, £6 a day renting out a bike and even £20 a day renting out a designer handbag! Well, you can rent out pretty much ANYTHING (so long as it is legal!) from your car, through to DIY equipment, DVDs, clothes and pushchairs and you can earn some handy extra cash.

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Holiday review

November

Why every family must visit Father Christmas in Lapland - before it’s too late Modern life is full of second chances. From political rehabilitations to second careers to third marriages, mine is Generation Redo – and, to many minds, this represents progress. But in a pleasantly retro way, there remain certain opportunities in life for which there is a window.

Between the ages of four and eight, children’s imaginations are primed to accept enchantment. Fairy tales give way to imaginative play before school channels them on to more prosaic paths. And this window is the time to visit elves.

in the heart of the mountainous Pyha-Luosto national park, a 90-minute drive north-east of the Arctic Circle.

This was where, according to the British operator Canterbury Travel, we were likely to find the big man with the beard. Here also the daily temperature is between -7 and -10, and daylight comes and goes in less than four hours.

Clad head-to-toe in the provided snowsuits and boots, you are launched outside into the darkness each morning with your fellow enthusiasts, after gobbling down decidedly simple and UK child-focused fare, to track down the elusive bearded man via a series of encounters with elves.

In a way that will appeal to characterFather Christmas, as any child could focused young people, the tell you, lives with his wife search has a well-developed and a gaggle of elves in narrative and a rousing a snow-covered cabin theme song – with where he builds any dance moves – which toy a child desires. your group of 20 The great thing about or so families will Father Christmas, sing at least once my daughter has per hour for the observed, is that you duration of your stay. don’t have to pay him Will Snowy Bowie, the back: anything you ask charming sprite in charge for, he’ll give you. What a The eerily silent sleigh ride was a highlight of Christmas wrapping, have a hero. of the trip for Sally and Antonia. clue? Or Noisy Nod, Santa’s chief Now imagine that your parent bell-maker? suggests that you go visit this benevolent Over the space of four days, your children will gain sprite in his home. Who’s the hero now? detailed knowledge of each of these sprites as they offer A few days before last clues as to what – in the weeks before Christmas – the Christmas, this is just big man is up to. Your child will also forge profound what I did: I spirited friendships with these extraordinarily squeaky people a then four-year-old (who will, for an extra fee, come and read them bedtime Antonia out of stories) while tobogganing with them in the snow.

London to There’s punch to be drunk, metaphorically speaking, Finnish Lapland, and if you and your child willingly partake, this is the specifically to trip of a lifetime. the tiny resort town of Luosto

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Peppered throughout the organised search each day are splendid outdoor activities. At the reindeer camp, an actual Finnish man (a rarity on this trip), decked out in traditional furs, teaches children about his way of life as a reindeer herder. After you feed the deer by hand, you take an eerily silent trip on a reindeer-pulled caravan of sleighs – through spectacular woods, perhaps pausing in the quiet to wonder whether a reindeer skin would really suit your bedroom back at home.

by Sally Peck There are Ski-Doos available for adult-led trips (you drive, your child hops on the back, and you have a safe, wintry Hells Angels moment together); but there are also child-sized Ski-Doos (my four-year-old was a daredevil, but the oodles of engaged, chirpy staff kept safety and communication at the top of the agenda).

While all of these activities require taking turns, those waiting are entertained, having snowball fights or tobogganing with yet more sparkly elves.

With so many similar holidays on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right approach for your child.

Many operators, including Canterbury, offer one-day trips but I found that the luxury of four days allowed for a full exploration of this mystical land of beautiful darkness.

Canterbury’s itinerary, and inventive character-led narrative, had a wild appeal for my daughter, whose love for performance and drama knows no bounds.

One of the great joys of having children is allowing them to restore innocence and optimism in adults – and at no time of the year does this happen more than at Christmas. It cultivates the sort of wonder that embodies the Christmas spirit.

A video I recorded on my phone during our hunt for Santa betrays this: the children sing of their search with gusto.

But the parents in the background are also singing with childish abandon – for Christmas, after all, is all about the child.

And the pinnacle of the trip – a private audience with Santa – is as charming and magical as any child would wish.

The details The highlight of the activities is the husky ride. A pack of six dogs, so strong that they could probably move a house, pull your child in a sleigh while you stand at the back of the sleigh, “driving” at breakneck speed through a snow-covered pine forest, in a scene more romantically wintry than any other I can imagine.

The mission of finding Father Christmas is never off the agenda; each time you board the coach (you drive to every single activity, which grows wearisome) you sing the Santa song, led by your two abnormally kind and spirited camp counsellors.

Canterbury Travel (santa-holidays.com) offers a three-night Magical Interlude trip, with flights from Gatwick and Manchester, from £5,308 for a family of four sharing a log cabin. The price includes return flights, all transport, full room and board and all activities. Spots book up quickly, and most tours are full by mid-October.

For sleeping, there’s a nondescript corporate-feeling hotel, or picturesque log cabins of widely varying decorative order (each is individually owned and, while some were luxurious, ours was of the most basic variety, with sheets whose purchase must predate my birth).

While all meals are included, I would recommend skipping the dull buffet at the hotel restaurant and heading across the road to the Ravintola Vaisko, which serves reindeer in a variety of ways and has a pleasant wine list with Scandinavian prices.

After a lunch of jacket potatoes with beans while out on the search, you’ll want something reasonable – plus, the chic wooden interior of Ravintola Vaisko will go some way to resetting the trip’s parent-child balance.

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Health

Seasonal wellness

10 tips for staying well this winter With cold and flu season approaching, this is the perfect time to focus on healthy eating to help boost your immune system and keep your body strong. It takes more than any one particular food, nutrient or supplement, but rather, a consistent and varied combination of foods high in antioxidants and compounds that enhance our immune function. Adequate rest and sleep, physical activity, hydration and good eating habits are also key factors in a healthy immune system.

Facts about colds

Healthy adults have about two colds per year, the common cold being an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus.

Cold weather isn’t a cause, but cold viruses tend to thrive in colder temperatures with less humidity and can survive for several hours on hands, tissues and hard surfaces so hand washing throughout the day is key.

Viruses can lie dormant in the body until they are triggered by a weakened immune system. Having a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, staying active and stress management are very important for keeping the body strong.

1. Vitamin C

Research has shown that consuming vitamin C can enhance immunity and impact the frequency, duration and severity of a cold.

Vitamin C is not made or stored in the body, so we need to consume a daily intake of foods rich in vitamin C. Major sources come from fruits and vegetables.

Best Food Sources: Bell peppers, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, strawberries, grapefruit, brussel sprouts, spinach, kale, orange juice.

2. Turmeric

Curcumin is the orange, yellow part of turmeric, which has been shown to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can also help boost our body’s immune system.

Turmeric is best absorbed by the body when consumed with some black pepper and can be easily be sprinkled on foods such as chicken or fish when cooking, or added to vanilla yoghurt or tea.

3. Chicken soup

Chicken soup might just be the natural remedy you need at the very first signs of a cold, according to a handful of studies.

The warm broth soothes a sore throat and the other ingredients such as carrots, onion and garlic have anti-viral and antibacterial properties. Some research suggests that it may also exert an anti-inflammatory effect on the upper respiratory tract, reducing the duration of a cold.

Home-made Chicken soup

1 Whole roast chicken (or just use chicken thighs and legs) 6 medium carrots peeled and chopped 3 celery stalks chopped 1 small/ medium onion (leave it whole and then remove at the end of cooking) 1-32 oz container low sodium chicken broth 1 small can tomato sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp minced ginger (optional) Fresh parsley Salt/Pepper to taste Noodles of choice Place chicken in a large soup pot and cover with broth and remainder with water to about an inch above the chicken. Bring to a boil and skim off residue at the top. Add garlic, ginger, onion, carrots, celery, and one small can of tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about an hour. When it is done, carefully remove the chicken to take off skin and slice.

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4. Probiotics

According to a recent report by NHS Choices, regular consumption of good bacteria called probiotics found in yoghurt may help our immune system work better and improve digestion. It’s also a great source of Vitamin D, another nutrient involved in our immune health.

Best Food Sources: yoghurt, kefir, fresh sauerkraut, kombucha tea.

5. Vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D can negatively impact the immune system’s ability to fight viruses and bacteria.

In winter, with fewer hours of sunlight, we may need to include more vitamin D in our diets.

Best Food Sources: rainbow trout, tuna light canned, halibut, sardines, salmon, fortified milk, egg yolks, mushrooms.

6. Green tea

Green tea contains antiviral properties (polyphenols) that help fight the influenza virus and stimulate the production and activity of specific cells associated with combating viruses.

Think twice before adding milk, as the proteins bind to the polyphenols, preventing them from doing their job.

7. Echinacea

To boost the immune syatem, it may be helpful to take Echinacea at the first sign of a cold. It is recommended to take it until the symptoms go away, and for longer than three months.

It should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing. Consult your GP if you have diabetes or heart disease.

9. Exercise

Research supports the role of regular physical activity in keeping our immune systems strong.

Moving around helps to loosen built up mucus and fluids during the common cold, but it is not recommended in the event of a fever. Incorporate daily activity for prevention.

10. Zinc

Zinc is a key nutrient in boosting and enhancing our body’s immune response and helping to fight bacteria and viruses.

Zinc, in lozenge or syrup form, can be beneficial in reducing the duration and severity of the common cold if taken within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Research has found that taking zinc reduced the duration of a common cold by an average of three days.

Best Food Sources: Oysters, beef, crab, lamb, pork, turkey, lobster, beans, wheat germ, fortified cereal.

8. Elderberry

Elderberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A (beta-carotene).

Research has shown that flu symptoms were relieved an average of four days earlier when supplemented with elderberry syrup. Always check with your GP prior to supplementation, especially in children.

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Pets corner

Pet rabbits Rabbits make wonderful indoor pets. They are adorable and brimming with personality. But before you swoop into the shelter and pick out a cutie, there are a few things you should know to ensure a rabbit is right for you and your family.

Finances

Owning a pet rabbit comes with added financial responsibility. Be prepared to spend money up front on the adoption fee, as well as housing/food/bunny proofing supplies. In addition, be sure you’ll be able to afford ongoing costs for a bunny on food, litter, and vet bills (including spay/neuter fees).

Bunny housing

Rabbits are social animals. The location of a rabbit’s housing area within your home (which can take the form of a puppy pen, a large cage, or just an area with the food, litter boxes, and cardboard castles if the bunny is free reign) is an extremely important consideration.

You’ll have to make sure the rabbit has a place to relax by himself but is not completely secluded from the family. Rabbits need social interaction, plenty of exercise, and a lot of distraction.

Bunny proofing

If the bunny will have free reign in the house/apartment/room, you will absolutely need to bunny proof the area. Even if you keep the bunny in a cage or puppy pen, you still will need to safeguard your home when you let the rabbit out for supervised exercise. Rabbits are very curious and persistent creatures. They will find a way to get into your computer cables, wires, molding, couch piping, slightly frayed rug, etc.

They will eat your most important documents.

Distraction

Rabbits will get into trouble if they’re bored. They’ll make their own fun chewing your possessions if you don’t provide alternate forms of entertainment.

A great diversion for rabbits is a cardboard castle filled with empty toilet paper rolls, old phone books and other paper products you find around the house.

Nutrition

It’s important to have a good understanding of a rabbit’s nutritional needs throughout his/ her life. Proper nutrition (and in the correct amounts) is vital for a rabbit’s

26

Children and rabbits Rabbits live 10+ years.

Adopting a rabbit is a long-term commitment.

Rabbits are NOT low maintenance pets.

So adopting a bunny should be a family decision.

When kids turn 18 and go to college or look for work, it’s important that the rabbit still has a safe, loving home. well-being. The staple of a rabbit’s diet is fibre.

Rabbits must have access to unlimited grass hay at all times. It is very important to ensure that hay allergies will not pose a problem for anyone in the household.

Bonding with a bunny

Rabbits can be quite affectionate animals, but personalities can definitely vary from individual to individual. Most rabbits don’t particularly like being held/picked up, and some bunnies are more aloof than others.

Travelling

Rabbits get very stressed out when travelling or when placed in unfamiliar environments, so it’s best to have a good pet sitter on hand to watch the bunny if you go on holiday.

If you’re a big jet-setter, with the need or desire to move to various places around the world, rabbit ownership probably isn’t right for you.

Bottom line: Do your research before adding a bunny to your family!

While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of getting a pet rabbit, it’s important to first assess whether or not you can truly provide a good home to a bunny.

27

WIN

a pair tickets of to see

SLADE

SLADE a exciting re without dou b Britain inbands to come t one of the mo o st With the the past 30 ye ut of Great ars. blend o ir unique “Mama f W rock’n’r perfect pop“Cum O e’re All Crazee o n flamboy ll, outrageous “Gudby Feel The Noiz Now”, ance, pu e”, and no e T’ Jan less tha re fun m a n y others e”, and n 20 sing p ro les, of w 23 Top so v id u e ndtrac d the were No hich 6 Generati k for the Glam plus 6 sm.1 smash hits... on and . a a to sh re d albums, ay, he still Slade ha any retr avily featured o favouriteve become a firm ospectiv n in e ti th m of the eh e. pop fan s all ove earts of r the wo To win a SLADE’S rld. answer pair of tickets, spanned chart career ha this sim q s 3 u d e st e c ion ple ades an “Cum O d n hits hav - how many Chri are still Feel The No their e S e stmas e S n n L d d ADE ma uring so y ize” and fe o u a r tu a re n ngs reg@ de? sw d some of insideflin er to: the Worl today in TV co “Coz I Luv You tsh ” m d’s bigg name, a Through est com mercials for ddress a iremagzine.co.u panies. nd conta k Europe’s out the seventi ct detail with your full e Friday 2 s. continua biggest bands, s, Slade becam 2 n d Decemb e Japan a lly and making touring and re one of T e ic r k e ts c n ava re catalogu d other parts o gular trips to ording Box Offi ilable from: LIV Am f th e of hits ER ce No: 0 are syno e world. Slade erica, 844 477 POOL – Hanga nymous ’s r 34 1000 with the Website era: – http://w slade-tic ww.ticke kets/27 tweb.co 4337 .uk/ eve nt/

WIN

a pair of tickets to see

THE SOUTH at Runcorn Brindley

When great British pop institution The Beautiful South split in 2007, some members of the band didn’t feel ready to hang up their microphones or instruments just yet…

The South feature former members of The Beautiful South, including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. Since original singer, Dave Hemingway, left the group earlier this year, Gaz has now moved across to vocal duties. They play the songs made famous by The Beautiful South and bring back the full flavour and excitement with the nine piece live band.

With the new reshuffle complete, The South are a full team again and raring to go! Their live show promises to continue to celebrate and perform the

classic Beautiful South songs - A Little Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her. All performed again live, these songs, and many more, span an impressive 20 year career starting way back in 1989!

Come on! Let’s Carry On… Regardless!

To win the tickets, answer this simple question - what was the original name of the South?

Send your answer to: reg@insideflintshiremagzine.co.uk with your full name, address and contact details.

Wed 29th November 2017 Tickets are available from: RUNCORN – Brindley Box Office No: 0151 907 8360 Website - https://tickets.thebrindley.org.uk/en-GB/ shows/the% 20south/info

Born (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011) was an English

singer and songwriter. She was known for her deep, His

expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul (sometimes labelled as blue-eyed soul and neo soul),rhythm and blues, and jazz.

Her debut album, Frank (2003), was a critical success in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her follow-up album, Back to Black (2006), led to five 2008 Grammy Awards, tying the then record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night, and made her the first British woman to win five Grammys, including three of the General Field "Big Four" Grammy Awards: Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. ?????? died of alcohol poisoning on 23 July 2011, aged 27. Her album Back to Black posthumously became, for a time, the UK's best-selling album of the 21st century Send your anser to reg@insideflintshiremagazine.co.uk. with you full name & address and contact details.

October Competition Winner’s on page 61

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Recipe of the month

November

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic dessert and this recipe puts a twist on the much-loved cake.

This is the most indulgent dessert you can possibly make - it's made of soft sponge and sticky toffee to make a fab pud that's the best dessert to follow up dinner with.

Method 1. To make this steamed pudding, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Mix the dates and the bicarbonate of soda.

2. Pour the hot water over and leave to soak while you make the batter.

3. Whisk together the butter and the sugar, then add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Fold in the flour, and then stir in the date mixture and vanilla. Pour into the prepared tin or ramekins.

5. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20-25 mins for individual portions or 40-50 mins for the square tin, until cooked (test with a skewer).

175g (6oz) dates, stoned and chopped 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 300ml (half pint) boiling water 55g (2oz) butter 175g (6oz) caster sugar 2 eggs 175g (6oz) self-raising flour 1tsp pure vanilla extract For the sauce 397g can caramel

6. For the sauce, spoon the caramel into a microwave safe bowl and heat for about 1 min.

7. Cut the pudding into squares for individual servings, and pour over the warm caramel sauce.

16 30

10 mins

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50 min

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DISCOVER NORTH WALES Pontcycyltes Aqueduct INDUSTRIAL DESIGN & NATURAL BEAUTY In 1805, architects Thomas Telford and William Jessop built Pontcysyllte’s cast iron aqueduct on 19 pillars over 100 feet (30 metres) above the River Dee, on the Welsh-English border. More than 200 years later, this vast landmark was named a World Heritage Site. The site starts at the Horseshoe Falls, named after the shape of the waterway the canal draws its stream from.

Now you can follow in their footsteps, gazing at your reflection in the man-made weir where industrial design and natural beauty meet.

There are so many ways to enjoy this area: find out why visitors have spent more than a century forgetting their cares with short or longer horsedrawn boat trips along the canal wharf in Llangollen.

Pulling on your walking boots If you’d rather travel by foot than hoof and barge, there are 11 miles of countryside to soak up in this stunning corner of the country, all easily walkable with plenty of pubs and picnic spots as you go. Intrepid walkers can head off track and onto trails such as the one between the Falls and Llangollen, which slopes down fields for a bracing, gentle wander in any season. There are loads of lengthier trails to choose from, not least the one along Offa’s Dyke, the 8th century earthwork separating Wales and England.

Fancy crossing the 18 piers? Walk above it at sunset for spectacular views. Want to go underneath? Take a boat ride and admire the mortar under Britain’s largest aqueduct of its kind, said to have been made out of oxen blood, lime and water. Then duck into Trevor Basin to park up or grab a drink and watch the canal conquerers breeze past.

There’s an expert local or two ready to captain a trip along the water if it floats your boat, but Trevor is neighboured by another village, Cefn Mawr. You’ll find a country park teeming with donkeys, chickens, pigs and other menagerie beauties there, as well as playgrounds and places to refresh.

Lay back or go wild – the choice is yours!

November brain teaser

Cross ďŹ gure

ACROSS

1. Twice 15 across 3. The sum of digits in 4 down 5. See 25 across 7. 3 across times 15 down 9. 2 down plus 21 down 10. See 1 down 12. Four times 21 down 13. 5 down plus 28 down 15. Mean of 23 across and 7 down 16. Three times 1 down 17. Half of 15 across 18. 21 across minus 8 down 20. Same as 20 down 21. 4 down divided by 8 23. 2 down minus 5 down 25. Twice 5 across 27. Three times 17 down 29. See 3 down 30. 12 across plus 21 down

DOWN

1. Five times 10 across 2. See 19 down 3. 29 across plus one 4. See 11 down 5. 1 across minus 3 down 6. 9 across plus 29 across 7. 20 across mins 17 across 8. Mean of 6 down and 22 down 11. 3 down times 4 down 14. Five across divided by 7 15. Three times 8 down 17. 13 across times 28 down 19. 2 down times 30 across 20. 23 across plus 24 down 21. See 12 across 22. Twice 2 down 24. Square root of 21 across 26. 20 across plus 7 down 28. 5 down plus 1

Sudoku

Scratch area

General knowledge quiz 1. The port of Plymouth is in which English county?

made of liquorice and eaten by Charlie Chaplin in the film ‘The Gold Rush’?

2. Which British artist painted ‘The Pond’?

9. Who was the last British monarch of the House of Hanover?

3. Which European country ceased to be a monarchy in 1910?

4. Tirana is the capital of which country?

5. The 2,228m high Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mainland mountain of which country?

10. Charlotte Brew was the first woman to: (a) be elected to Parliament (b) ride in the Grand National or (c) win the Miss World contest?

6. Who wore England’s number 9 shirt in their 1966 World Cup Final victory over Germany?

7. Orzo is what type of foodstuff?

8. What item of his apparel was

Answers on page 61

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House to home November Scout around for a good solicitor Your solicitor will be a key person in the process.

They should be organised, easily contactable and willing to answer any of your queries. Shop around and find someone good – it’s worth asking family and friends if they have any recommendations.

Keep level-headed House buying is very stressful so remember to keep level-headed and remain as detached as you possible can. Even though you may want to plan that fantastic new kitchen extension or the perfect curtains for the bedroom, don’t get too emotionally invested in the early stages. We understand this is easier said than done!

Enough said, this is the new chapter in your life, enjoy it!

Declutter first - Pack Early

A few easy ways to take the stress out of buying your new home

It’s official, buying a home is one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do, but before you start having a nervous breakdown, take a look at our top tips for making the process as pain free as possible. Between us we’ve bought plenty of houses, so we know a thing or two about making the whole thing as stress-free as possible.

Be prepared to compromise House-hunting can be soul-destroying, especially if the supply out there does not meet the demand (a major problem in London). While it’s good to narrow down your search it can make the process very difficult. Think about what your non-negotiable's are and be realistic – are you really going to get a family sized garden in the particular part of the city?

It’s worth having a good look at all your items and thinking hard about what is worth hanging on to and what is worth throwing out.

It’s never too early to start decluttering.

Plus you can sell any nicer items on eBay to raise some cash for your upcoming move! You can never be too organised when it comes to packing. Start with the non-essentials and label all the boxes clearly. It’ll make it so much easier when you unpack the other end.

Plan your finances carefully Buying a home is costly business. Even if you have budgeted carefully for stamp duty, solicitor’s fees and any selling costs, remember that you will need to pay to move all your items from one place to another. Plus you may have a few nasty surprises.

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Film review

November

Justice League

Inspired by Superman’s selfless sacrifice, Batman has regained his faith in humanity and been inspired to build a team. To counter the threat that’s coming, he creates the ‘Justice League’.

With a devastating enemy on the way and Earth’s greatest hero fallen, he and the immortal Amazon warrior Wonder Woman track down their recruits: king of Atlantis Aquaman, human/machine hybrid Cyborg, and super-

speedster the Flash. They’ll stand together to protect the Earth, but will it be enough?

DC’s greatest heroes finally unite in ‘Justice League’ for a titanic clash against evil with the fate of the entire world on the line.

Released on: 17/11/17 | Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Cast members: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa | Running time: 170 minutes | Directed by: Zack Snyder

Paddington 2

‘Paddington 2’ continues the adventures of the little bear from darkest Peru, now that he’s a permanent member of the Brown family and a popular member of the local community.

His Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday is coming up, and he’s trying to find the perfect present for her.

A unique, antique book could be exactly what he needs – but when a dastardly thief snatches it, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to catch him and get it back.

Jigsaw

The latest entry in the hugely successful horror franchise, ‘Saw: Legacy’ picks up the story a decade after the death of the Jigsaw killer… but bodies are still piling up.

Once again, it’s time to play a game with ‘Saw: Legacy’, the eagerly-awaited eighth chapter in the ‘Saw’ saga.

Years after Jigsaw’s death, a new spree of killings begins.

Dead bodies have begun appearing all over the city, and the killings match the pattern set by Jigsaw years before.

But if the original killer is dead, who is responsible for this new collection of corpses?

Released on: 27/10/17 | Genre: Horror, Thriller Cast members: Callum Keith Rennie, Laura Vandervoot, Tobin Bell | Running time: 92 minutes Directed by: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig

46

The eagerly -awaited sequel to the smash hit original, ‘Paddington 2’ sees our favourite bear carrying on spreading joy (and marmalade) wherever he goes.

Released on: 10/11/17 Genre: Comedy, Family Cast members: Brendan Gleeson, Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant Running time: 95 minutes Directed by: Paul King

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Gardening Tips For

NOVEMBER

As we put our gardens to bed for the winter, it’s the perfect time to consider how best to improve the soil, provide food and shelter for the wildlife all gardeners depend on, and protect plants and seeds for the future.

Fall Cleaning Invest time in tidying the garden and clearing the fall leaves before the snow falls. Time spent outdoors now pays big dividends in spring. You'll not only shorten your to-do list, you'll also ward off some pest and disease problems.

Pull annuals and add them to the compost pile. For annuals that self-seed, allow seed-laden stems to remain in place through winter unless you plan to sprinkle them elsewhere in the garden.

Store breakable items, like terra-cotta pots, rain gauges, and other garden art before hard freezes settle in. Terra-cotta over winter is fine in an unheated shed or garage. Make sure pots and saucers are dry before storage.

Landscape Chores Water any plants you added to the landscape during the previous growing season. Continue to irrigate until the ground freezes if rain is scarce. More plants die during their first winter due to lack of moisture.

Add mulch around plantings after the ground freezes. Mulch helps limit soil temperature swings, which can prevent frost heave - where freeze-thaw cycles push plants out of soil. Candidates for frost heave include Heucheras, shallowly planted bulbs, and perennials added to the landscape late in the season. If roots don't sink deeply into soil before it freezes, plants can heave.

Dig planting holes now for live Christmas trees. Stuff the hole with leaves and cover with a tarp. Store soil you removed from the planting hole in a spot where it won't freeze.

44

Get planting in November It's a good time for planting roses. They look like twigs in the garden centre this time of year, but they will look lovely next year with a little care and attention. You can also plant fruit trees and soft fruit ready for next year. Apple, pear and plum trees are in the garden centre now, along with raspberry, blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes. They prefer a sunny position. Plant them now for a ripe harvest next summer. When planting a tree or shrub, get it off to a good start by adding slow acting fertiliser to the planting hole. Soak the plant for an hour or so first in a bucket of water. Once planted, firm it in well using the heels of your feet. This gets rid of air pockets around the roots, which can lead to rot and the plant moving around in the wind. Water your new and relocated plants during dry spells, but avoid watering new plants when it’s frosty.

Use a leaf vacuum or blower to remove leaves along foundations. Removing leaves helps eliminate hiding places for pests and rodents that can gain entry to your home. Allow some leaves to remain beneath shrubs to provide vital winter cover for beneficial insects.

Winter pond care If the pond is stocked with fish and it does freeze over, melt the ice by placing a hot pan on the surface, or install a pond heater or water feature to prevent freezing occurring. Floating a ball on the water in cold weather can also delay freezing. Never smash the ice, as the shock waves can harm fish Hang an Assortment of Bird Feeders Purchase hulled birdseed, such as sunflower hearts, to eliminate mess try safflower seed to discourage squirrels. Don't forget that birdseed can attract rodents, from squirrels, to mice, to rats, store birdseed in tightly sealed, metal containers.

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