Ask The Experts

lifestyle Ask The Experts

Q: What are the benefits of Pilates?

A: Every exercise in Pilates will have either a stretch or strength-based element so you will get stronger and more flexible. It has many other health benefits such as better breathing, balance and it helps release tension. If you work from home on a laptop then Pilates can undo the strain placed on your body from being sat down all day. Home or desk workers often suffer from tight hips and back stiffness as well as 'forward neck' posture. Pilates really helps this by opening your spine back up again. Grace, Grace Rose Pilates (gracerosepilates.co.uk)

Q: How can I get the most from my mattress?

A: Make sure you turn your mattress every six months, even more if you are able, to ensure even wear – but be aware if your mattress is one that needs flipping over or swivelling around. Every now and then it’s a good idea to air your mattress. You could even sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on top of the mattress before running a vac over it. The best way of extending the life of your mattress is to use a mattress protector. David, The Bed Post (the-bedpost.co.uk)

Q: My garden lacks colour in the winter months. Any suggestions to help brighten it up?

A: There's plenty of colour to be had from perennials through the winter. I would use any of the following plants: bergenia varieties, hellebores (a huge range of colours and forms), and Hesperantha (previously called Schizostylis). Don't forget that bulbs such as snowdrops and winter aconites will give you extra colour too. Mark – Senior Plants Advisor, Coolings (coolings.co.uk)

Q: I’m having guests over for

Christmas, what shall I do if a drink is spilled?

A: Our 100% polypropylene carpets are already stainresistant, but you can even use diluted bleach on this type of carpet to clean it. Wool carpets are a little different however – just like your woolly jumpers they require a little bit of TLC – nonbiological soap powder in luke warm water and blot, don’t rub. Smooth floors are easy to maintain with a broom or vacuum and a damp cloth. Steam cleaners will damage any smooth floor but could be used on a man-made carpet. Jeremy Garrish, carpet buyer, Tapi (tapi.co.uk)

Q: What should I look for when comparing energy quotes?

A: If you have visited a comparison site it’s worth noting that energy companies pay the site in order to appear at the top. The monthly cost they quote is not always accurate even if you have entered your annual usage. It’s always best to look at the unit rates along with the daily standing charge, as this will determine if they are actually cheaper. At Smart Switch Utilities, we offer free no-obligation advice and support for all utilities, gas, electric, broadband and mobiles, whether you have a domestic or commercial property. Gail, Smart Switch Utilities (smartswitchutilities.co.uk)

Q: When doves are released, how do they know how to return home?

A: Each dove is a bit like a child in that they learn at different speeds and in different ways. We don’t allow any of our doves to work before they are 8 months old and training can take from 8 -16 weeks. The first few weeks are spent teaching them how to recognise home, where they are fed, watered, warm, safe and cared for. We do this by placing them into large, spacious baskets which they can see through and placing them for 30-40 mins a day looking at their loft. We then take them out one by one and place them through the Sputnik (a flap they can use to access the loft) - this teaches them how to get back inside. After this, they are brought out into a much larger aviary for the entire day with a much wider range of views, followed by individual collection and placing back home for a week or two before allowing them to attempt this themselves. We open the door and allow them to stay or go back to the loft. They are fed at sunset - this is to ensure everyone is home safely before nightfall and they are trained with a rattle box to tell them it’s dinner - nobody misses the rattle - they all love their food! Then the big day comes where we place them into baskets, take a short walk from home and release them. Over time, this distance increases until they can all navigate their way home. We hand raise all our ‘babies’ as we call them. It takes a huge amount of time, effort and love and they come before any job, every time.

Laura & Kirsty, Beau Doves (beau-doves.co.uk) 16 Life in... Orpington December 2021

My name is Michelle, and I am passionate about what I do.

I work locally as a Celebrant, in and around Orpington. Having been an Orpington resident for most of my life, I feel it is important to work closely with the community that I live in, and as a result of that, I have also co-founded The Bereavement Café in Orpington.

So, my role as a Celebrant is to work with families who have lost a loved one and help them create a unique and fitting ceremony, to help them say goodbye. But I have also introduced something called, “Remember Me” and that is to help people document their wishes before they die. This is a really simple way of instructing your loved ones with what you want, when that time comes. We can discuss everything from music choices, your life story, colours, themes, and have it all recorded safely, so that when the time comes your family members aren’t left scratching their heads trying to work out what you would have wanted.

If you have any questions about anything please do not hesitate to contact me at michelleharvey.lifecelebrant@yahoo.com SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES

THE GIFT OF RELAXATION Treat yourself and your loved ones this Christmas with Newton Wood® organic Epsom salt crystals and bath & body oils. www.newton-wood.co.uk