Wakefield Life – Free Newspaper – Issue 7 – Dec/Jan 2021-22

WAKEFIELD Life FREE PAPER - Dec Jan 2021/22 - Issue 7

Inside

Keeping Warm

Festive Fayre

How to stay snug and toasty when the temperature plummets P5

Delicious turkey curry takes care of the left overs P8

Notton Woods

Winter Motoring

A relaxing winter woodland walk on the doorstep P6

A quick guide to staying safe on the roads this winter P19

Hepworth Wakefield and Mining Museum win major accolades VisitEngland recognised two Wakefield attractions for their outstanding visitor experience as they announced the latest winners of the Visitor Attraction Accolades.

The Hepworth Wakefield and the National Coal Mining for England are amongst 76 attractions to be recognised for exceptional experiences they provide visitors based on the scores they gained in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment by VisitEngland.

Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We’re extremely proud of the cultural attractions that our district boasts for residents and visitors, so I’m delighted that The Hepworth Wakefield and National Coal Mining Museum have received this recognition – they are fantastic places to visit.”

The Hepworth Wakefield, whose current exhibition Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life runs until February 2022, was given a Gold Accolade, a distinction awarded to all-round topscoring attractions.

Simon Wallis, Director of The

Hepworth Wakefield, said: ‘We are so delighted to have been awarded Visit England’s highest accolade for the quality of our visitor experience.

It is a very thorough and rigorous assessment that considers everything from pre-visit communications and onsite interpretation of the exhibits to the welcome received by our visitors.

This award is a testament to the extra mile that the whole team at The Hepworth Wakefield goes to every day to provide an exceptional, world-class experience for our visitors. We hope our gold award encourages many more people to come and enjoy the warm and inspiring experience we offer in

visitor welcome for many years thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for our Coalfield Conversations Project. We have been able to upgrade the physical aspects of the welcome including branding, signage, wayfaring, a new reception and shop, as well recruit volunteers to help visitors make the most out of their day.

Acknowledgement like Wakefield.’ this is wonderful motivation to keep The National Coal Mining developing and improving.”

Museum, whose new Pony The VisitEngland Assessment Discovery Centre opened in 2021, Services Assessor, who nominated was awarded a Welcome Accolade, the Museum for the award, noted: which recognises attractions that “On arrival the visitor was are the most welcoming. immediately greeted by a cheerful Jenny Layfield, Director of The National Coal Mining Museum, said: miner; this really helped to create a “We are delighted to be recipients of positive impression and set the standard for interactions with all VisitEngland’s Welcome Accolade, staff during this visit. From the fully following their visit earlier this year. informed welcome at the reception At the heart of the Museum is the desk and fascinating conversation pride and enthusiasm our team with the stable manager to have for the story of coal mining, interactions in the cafe and shop, all and the greatest accolade is that this is recognised by the public. The members of staff made the visitor feel genuinely welcome. Faultless museum has been making a service from start to finish.” considered effort to improve our

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KEEPING YOURSELF WARM OVER CHRISTMAS Feeling snug and cosy can be one of the best things about winter. It’s not just an excuse to settle in with a good book – being warm helps combat certain illnesses and keeps us well when it’s cold. Follow these tips to stay healthy and keep warm indoors and when you’re out and about.

Keeping warm indoors • If you’re sitting down, wrap up with a shawl or blanket. You could even pop your feet up on something, as the air’s cooler at ground level.

• If you struggle to stay warm in bed, try wearing warm clothes and, if it’s particularly cold, thermal underwear and bed socks – even a hat can really help you keep warm.

• Use a hot water bottle, heat bag or an electric blanket to warm the bed – but never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together.

• Check if your electric blanket can be kept on all night or whether it’s only designed to warm the bed up before you get in. If you have any continence difficulties, talk to your doctor before using one.

• You should get your electric blanket checked every three years by a trusted electrician. The Trading Standards Institute has an online directory you can use to find a trusted trader.

Keeping warm when you’re out and about • Make sure you keep your hands and face warm. If your hands and face get cold this can cause a rise in blood pressure, which puts you at risk of a heart attack.

• As well as wearing gloves and a hat, always wrap a scarf around your face when you go out in cold weather, even for short intervals.

This helps to warm up the air you breathe in.

• Keep your feet warm. As with your hands and face, cold feet can trigger a potentially dangerous rise in blood pressure. Choose shoes (possibly boots) with non-slip soles and a warm lining, or wear thermal socks.

• Several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer, as the layers trap warm air between them. Start with thermal underwear, warm tights or woollen socks.

• Check local news and weather reports for advice when bad weather is forecast.

thermostat up to warm your house quickly.

• Keep the rooms you spend most time in warm. It might seem obvious, but make the most of individual radiator thermostats and keep the temperature higher in the rooms you are in most. Also make sure you’re not heating rooms you don’t use – you may just want to keep the heating low in these rooms, or turn it off all together.

HEATING YOUR HOME SAFELY • Test your carbon monoxide alarms. You can’t see, taste or smell carbon monoxide, but low exposure can cause longterm health problems, while high exposure can be fatal.

• If you’re a private tenant, your landlord must install carbon monoxide alarms for you.

• Make sure you have an alarm in each room that has a gas or solid-fuel burning appliance, as these can give off carbon monoxide if they’re not working properly or if the air vents become blocked.

• Put guards on open fires, and don’t hang any washing too close to the fire.

• Keep air vents clear, as fires need good ventilation. This also prevents condensation.

Getting help with heating costs • Contact your local Age UK or Citizens Advice for a benefits check and advice on any other financial support you may be eligible for.

EXTRA HELP WITH HEATING COSTS It can be tempting to keep the heating off and struggle through the cold to keep bills down.

But there are benefits and discounts available to help you keep your home warm.

Winter Fuel Payment This year, people born on or before 26 September 1955 are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment in the winter of 2021- 2022 to help with heating costs. This is a tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 paid to you between November and December.

If you’re eligible and receive the State Pension, you should receive your payment automatically.

However, if you don’t receive the necessary benefits or live abroad, you may need to make a claim.

If you’re making a claim for the first time, call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline. You’ll need your National Insurance number and your bank or building society details.

WARM HOME DISCOUNT HEATING YOUR HOME Most of us spend more time indoors over winter, so it’s important you feel comfortable, safe and warm at home without worrying about your heating bills. Keeping your home warm Lower temperatures increase the risk of flu and other breathing problems and can raise your blood pressure. When you’re older, your blood pressure takes longer to return to normal once you get cold, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The colder your home, the higher the risk to your health.

Keeping your home at a safe temperature • Keep your home at a stable, comfortable temperature.

• Keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is at its coldest.

• Close the curtains at dusk to keep the heat in. You may even want to fit thermal linings to them if you can. Using your heating controls • Get to know how to use the timer and thermostat on your heating system. If it’s very cold, set the timer for the heating to come on a bit earlier, rather than turning the

You may be entitled to a Warm Home Discount if you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit or if you’re on a low income. It’s a one-off discount on your electricity (or, occasionally, gas) bill, usually made between October and April. If you have a prepayment electricity meter, you can receive the discount as a voucher to top up your meter.

Not all energy companies participate in the scheme, so check with your supplier. If you already receive the Warm Home Discount and are thinking about switching supplier, make sure any new supplier also participates. You can go online to find out more at GOV.UK Cold Weather Payment If you receive Pension Credit or other incomerelated benefits, you’re automatically paid a Cold Weather Payment when the temperature is at 0°C/32°F or below for seven days in a row.

• You’re a tenant living in social housing that’s not energy efficient.

• Your local council assesses you as needing financial support.

To find out whether you’re eligible, give Age UK Advice a ring on 0800 169 65 65.

taking care of yourself in winter. www.gov.uk

NHS website Provides web-based information about NHS services, healthy living and health conditions. www.nhs.uk What to do if you can’t pay your bill NHS Smokefree Provides help and advice to stop smoking.

If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with your energy bills, get in touch with your supplier. You Tel: 0300 123 1044 www.nhs.uk/smokefree might able to set up a repayment plan or have a prepayment meter installed. Companies shouldn’t disconnect all-pensioner households Trading Standards Institute National consumer helpline for advice or to over the winter months. make a complaint.

Use the online search directory to find an USEFUL ORGANISATIONS approved trader.

Age UK Tel: 0808 223 1133 We provide advice and information for people in www.tradingstandards.uk/consumers later life through our Age UK Advice line, publications and website.

Winter Fuel Payment helpline Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65 For information and application forms to claim Lines are open seven days a week from 8am to the payment.

7pm.

Tel: 0800 731 0214 www.ageuk.org.uk www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment Charis Grants Directs people to grants to clear utility debts owed to certain energy providers.

Tel: 01733 421 021 www.charisgrants.com Cinnamon Trust Charity for older people and their pets.

They have volunteers who may be able to walk your dog for you in icy conditions.

Tel: 01736 757 900 www.cinnamon.org.uk Citizens Advice Consumer Service A consumer advice and complaints service.

Tel: 0808 223 1133 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer Energy Networks Association Contact them to find out who your network operator is.

Tel: 020 7706 5100 www.energynetworks.org Energy Saving Trust Provides online advice on saving energy. www.energysavingtrust.org.uk www.eachhomecountsadvice.org.uk Floodline Free 24-hour service that provides flood warnings by phone, text or email.

Tel: 0345 988 1188 flood-warninginformation.service.gov.uk/warnings 32

Gas Safe Register You can check if an engineer is on the register by visiting the website.

Tel: 0800 408 5500 If you suspect a gas leak, call the 24hour National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 www.gassaf ENERGY COMPANIES OBLIGATION eregister.co.uk (ECO) SCHEME GOV.UK You could be eligible for financial help from the The Government ECO scheme if any of the following apply to website of services you: and information that • You receive certain benefits, such as Pension includes advice on Credit or Attendance Allowance.

Telephone numbers to keep handy Tel: 105 to report a power cut Tel: 101 to speak to the police service for non emergency issues Tel: 111 to speak to NHS Online for immediate health advice or guidance (NOT emergencies) Tel: 999 for all emergency services Wakefield Council Email: customerservices@wakefield.gov.uk Tel: 0345 8 506 506 for general council enquiries (24 hour service) Tel: 0345 8 503 503 for Social Care Direct (24 hour service) Difficulty with hearing - Typetalk calls welcome From a textphone dial: 18001 0345 8 503 503 From a telephone dial: 18002 0345 8 503 503

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Notton Woods We discovered the Notton walk during lockdown and I think I have to say it’s definitely one of my favourites, not least because it involves a latte and cake but I’ll get in to that later! I also do like this walk because of the variety and good distance (it’s our cockerpoo, Molly’s favourite too) – just 5k but you can make it as long or short as you like.

Park at the village hall at the side of the green and head past the village Post Office and along the lane – you may think it’s just houses or maybe a dead end but walk up past the houses and then you will hear the river to your left alongside woodland.

Just five minutes further and then you will walk over a road bridge and it’s here that the lane forks into two. We

take the right fork so that the river is now on the right. The lane narrows to a footpath flanked either side by trees and bushes - Molly loves a good sniff along here! Keep going, past the large barn on the left and you will see a point where the hedges disappear and the shallow river appears. This is where Molly enjoys a good paddle and splash and to be honest, if I’m in wellies, so do I, or I like to sit on the small wooden bridge and dangle my legs while she dashes about. After a joyous ten minutes we head straight on, complete with wet, shaggy dog.

Another five minutes and the path naturally veers up a small incline, through a metal gate and the view opens up – a vast field of corn (I think) and woodland in the distance.

Located off the A61 Barnsley Road, between Wakefield and Barnsley

Continue the walk on the path to the left of the field then take the path right into the woodland. The woodland is vast and extremely beautiful and on our last visit a fortnight ago I can’t tell you how much the five year old in me enjoyed swishing through the leaves. You will see how there is a natural circular path through the wood which brings you back to exactly the same place where you enter it. Then make your way back the way you walked; the only difference is once we get back to the river instead of walking on, we go down the river banking and cross a bridge so we walk back on the left side of the river, higher up. This brings you to the lovely point where Molly splashes so that’s where you

cross to get back on the path.

This is a delightful walk, fairly flat and plenty to muse the senses but I did say there is latte and cake and I’m ready for it at this point – it’s the village post office. In there you can get a lovely hot drink and cake for £1.99 and sit on one of the two circular tables outside that overlook the green. It’s heaven. Summer or winter, sunshine or cold – it’s just good and so pleasant. The Post Office is a lovely store selling locally produced sweet treats so I usually pick something up to take home too.

The store is only open half day on a Sunday so don’t miss out…

Enjoy this beautiful walk everyone – perfect for burning off the turkey and sherry!

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WAKEFIELD Life

Recipe Page

Christmas Leftover Turkey Curry

20g/¾oz fresh coriander, stalks and leaves 2 tbsp butter 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 20g/¾oz ginger, peeled and finely chopped 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½–1 red chilli, finely chopped (to taste) 400g/14oz tin chopped tomatoes 100ml/3½fl oz turkey or chicken stock 350–400g/12–14oz cooked leftover turkey meat, cut into cubes or shredded 125g/4½oz baby spinach 100g/3½oz natural yoghurt salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD 1. Finely chop the coriander stalks and roughly chop the leaves. Place in two separate piles.

2. In a saucepan over a medium heat, warm the butter and oil and then fry the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook for around 15 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and beginning to caramelise. Add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, coriander stalks and chilli. Fry for a few minutes longer before adding the tinned tomatoes and stock.

Season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken and the flavours have mingled.

3. Stir in the turkey and bring back to a simmer. Finally mix in the spinach, allow to wilt then turn off the heat and stir through the yoghurt and most of the coriander leaves.

4. Serve the turkey curry hot with the reserved coriander leaves scattered on top.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake METHOD

For the cheesecake 75g/2½oz unsalted butter, & extra for greasing 175g/6oz chocolate digestive biscuits, crushed 200g/7oz dark chocolate with orange, chopped 3 tbsp fine-shred orange marmalade 600g/1lb 5oz full-fat cream cheese 175g/6oz caster sugar 3 medium free-range eggs 200g/7oz soured cream 1 tbsp cornflour 1 orange, zest finely grated

1. Preheat the oven to 170C/150C Fan/Gas 3. Grease and line the base of a 20cm/8in spring form tin with buttered baking paper.

2. Melt the butter, then mix with the crushed biscuits. Tip the mixture into the prepared tin and press into an even layer over the base. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 4–5 minutes, or until firm.

3. Melt the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water or in the microwave on a low heat. Stir until smooth, then leave to cool slightly. Melt the marmalade in a small pan over a low heat or in the microwave. Stir until smooth.

Ingredients:

and bake on the middle shelf of the oven for about 50 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are firm and the middle is just set.

Remove from the oven and leave the cheesecake to cool to room temperature. Cover and chill in the fridge overnight.

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, soured cream and cornflour, and whisk again to 6. To make the glaze, combine the chocolate, butter, milk and honey in a small saucepan and bring everything together. Add the melted melt over a low heat, stirring until smooth. Cool chocolate, marmalade and orange zest and mix for 3 minutes before pouring the glaze over the again until thoroughly combined. cheesecake in an even layer. Allow the glaze to 5. Carefully pour the mixture into the tin on top of set before serving. the biscuit base, place on a solid baking tray

For the glaze 100g/3½oz dark chocolate with orange, chopped 50g/1¾oz unsalted butter 50g/1¾oz full-fat milk 2 tsp runny honey

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Winter Warmer FESTIVE TIME FOR TEA! Come along and join the Age UK Wakefield District Time for Tea team on Thursday 16th December as they celebrate the festive season at The Ridings Shopping Centre. The team will welcome you with a warm

drink and a mince pie and throughout the day there will be entertainment, crafting and plenty of good cheer. If you’d like to pop in, the event will be held in The Kitchen Gardens (near TKMaxx) between 10am –

2pm, we’d love to see you there.

Time for Tea is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, for more information, please see our website www.ageukwd.org.uk

As we head further into the winter months, it’s important to keep warm.

Here are a few tips on how to keep yourself and your home warm • Try to heat your home to a steady 18-21oc comfortable temperature throughout the day.

• Draught proof your windows and doors • Set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off just before you go to bed • Close the curtains when it’s getting dark, tuck them behind the radiators and keep doors shut • Have regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day if possible

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• If you struggle to stay warm in bed try wearing bed socks and thermal underwear • Wear plenty of layers, this is the best way to keep warm in winter • Try and keep active which will generate heat to keep your body, hands and feet warm If you’re over 50, living in the Wakefield District and would like to speak to someone about ways to manage your heating bills or funds and support available, get in touch on 01977 552114

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Pathway heroes open up woodland to all A local access improvement group, run with adults with learning disabilities, has laid 500 metres of new path in Coxley Woods near Horbury Bridge in Wakefield following a plea from a local resident.

The Nature Force group is part of Wakefield-based charity Open Country and focuses on improving green spaces across the district. This latest project was inspired by local wheelchair user Michael Lucraft who got in touch with the group to ask whether anything could be done to improve access in the popular woodland.

Run by Open Country, the Yorkshirebased charity that enable anyone with a disability to access and enjoy the countryside, the Nature Force group work on improving green spaces all across the Wakefield district, planting trees and clearing scrub, as well as creating new wildlife habitats such as ponds and wildflower meadows and improving access by installing benches and laying new paths.

The charity started working on the public footpath that runs parallel to the beck at the bottom of Coxley Woods in July. After eleven full work days, over 80 tonnes of hardcore totalling at least 560 barrow loads, the project is now complete. The new wider, more compacted path will offer wheelchair users, parents and carers with prams and people with mobility issues a more accessible route around the woodland.

Mr Lucraft, a local Netheron resident,

Open Country Nature Force work at Coxley Wood: Open Country members and volunteers working on the new path at Coxley Woods, Netherton. commented on the new path improvements.

“This is such a wonderful new facility which allows me to walk my dogs from my doorstep to the woods in my wheelchair. It is now such a lovely woodland walk for all, and truly accessible. This project deserves to be promoted as a way forward for helping all to enjoy the outdoors, the woods, nature and wildlife in a time when the focus is so much on the planet and enjoying is riches.”

Ella Dixon, Open Country’s Wild about Wakefield Project Officer, is delighted with her team’s work: “We were so pleased to lead the way forward with this access project. It has been a real local success and we are hoping it will be one of many new

Coxley Wood new path launch: Open Country’s Nature Force group alongside the funders and project supporters at the path Grand Opening event.

access improvement schemes in the Wakefield district in the coming years.”

The project has been funded with support from Wakefield Council and Yorkshire Water.

The hope is that this new path will allow more people to enjoy the green space throughout the year.

Open Country has bases in Harrogate and Wakefield and enables anyone with a disability to access and enjoy the countryside. The Nature Force group focuses on tree planting and scrub clearing,

as well as creating new wildlife habitats such as ponds and wildflower meadows and improving access by installing benches and laying paths. The charity works with people with a disability or mental health problem to encourage social interaction between members and help improve their physical and mental wellbeing. As well as running a variety of outdoor activities, the charity also provides practical advice to landowners and countryside managers about how to improve access for all.

For more information call Ella on 07426 716677 or visit www.opencountry.org.uk/wakefield-project

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How to deal with spam text messages Unwanted text messages can be extremely annoying and in many cases a scam. Follow our instructions to put a stop to spam text messages.

Is it spam, or a scam?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between contact from a legitimate company or an attempted scam.

Scammers are increasingly taking advantage of smartphones and are getting very clever with how they try to take your hard-earned money.

They can even make it look like a legitimate organisation is contacting you via text or a messaging app by using identity masking technology to change the name displayed as the sender. This is known as ‘number spoofing’.

If you get sent am unexpected message, it’s important you're sure it's legitimate.

Fraudsters can use many different types of of messaging systems and apps, like SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Google Hangouts, Snapchat and many any other platforms to try scam you out of your money.

Report a nuisance text You can complain about a company or a number making nuisance calls and texts to a number of organisations including

the TPS, your phone operator, Ofcom (which covers silent and abandoned calls) or the ICO. The threshold at which the ICO is allowed to act has been lowered and they have the power to fine companies up to £500,000 that break the rules on unsolicited texts and phone calls.

Sending unsolicited text messages is illegal. So, if you want to stop receiving spam texts you can report this to the Information Commissioner's Office. You can also report unsolicited text messages to your mobile provider.

Use a dedicated text number You can report spam texts directly to your mobile phone provider. All operators now use 7726 as the short code to report spam texts, which is free of charge.

All of the UK’s mobile operators worked together to deploy a tool which collates all the information from the 7726 short code in real time.

This means they can take early action to block numbers that are generating spam on their networks. They can also

use this information to inform the regulators.

You can report spam texts directly to your mobile phone provider free of charge by forwarding the text message to 7726.

When you report a spam text you may get an automated response thanking you for the report giving you further instructions if needed.

Texts from unknown numbers Never respond to spam texts as this will just confirm that your number is live.

Simply delete the text.

Only reply ‘STOP’ if you know the company that's sending the message. If the company continues to send you unwanted texts you can report it to the ICO.

P14 Dec Jan 2021/22 - Wakefield Life

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District’s rugby league clubs set for a £6m boost A £6m funding pot could be set up to support the district’s three rugby league clubs, boosting grass roots rugby and community use for other sports – if proposals get the go ahead from senior councillors.

The new Rugby League Resilience Fund would offer a grant of up to £2m each for Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity and Featherstone Rovers. It would support all three clubs to meet the current, and potential future, Rugby Football League (RFL) conditions on stadium facilities as well as improving community use at the sites.

Commenting on the proposal for the new Rugby Resilience Fund, the Leader of Wakefield Council, Cllr Denise Jeffery said: “This district’s long and passionate history of rugby league is well documented. My Cabinet colleagues and I, are extremely proud of this heritage and fully support the important part rugby league plays in this district.

“I know full well that there are strong allegiances to all three clubs and the desire for all our rugby league clubs to thrive at the highest level is something we absolutely want to see.

“By offering this support to Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers, we can help prolong the heritage of potential Super League rugby being played in the district.

“However, it is just as important that we can help the clubs widen their grass roots reach in the community and create more inclusive facilties that will meet the needs of even more people in our district.

“All three rugby league clubs are ‘Community Clubs’ and do excellent work with children and adults across a wide range of local groups and clubs. Helping the rugby league clubs increase this community use, across a range of sports, can play such an important part in improving the health and wellbeing of

our district. This clearly shows the crucial social value of our rugby league hertitage.”

The report sets out the need for the clubs to produce and deliver a Community Use Strategy as part of the funding agreement. This would show how the clubs will increase community use and support and encourage the growth of grass roots rugby league.

As part of this, it is proposed that the Council recieves an annual report on the usgae and the wider impact of the usage on the community. The Council would also work with the clubs to ensure they are able to demonstrate real impacts on health from the community activity it carries out.

The Rugby League Resilience Fund report will be discussed by Wakefield Council’s Cabinet at a meeting on Monday 29 November at 10.30am. The meeting can be watched live or later on the Council’s website.

Residents reminded to respond to annual canvass forms Residents reminded to respond to annual canvass forms Residents in the Wakefield district are being reminded to respond to recent letters asking them to register to vote.

Wakefield Council is required to send these forms every year to ensure that records are up to date before the next elections.

With the polls due to take place on 5 May 2022, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they are able to take part.

A second reminder form will soon be delivered to households who haven’t yet responded.

The forms have been pre-printed with the information currently known for the address and residents need to check to see if that information is correct, and to report any changes.

Completion of the form ensures that Wakefield Council can keep the electoral register up to date and identify any residents who are not yet registered to take part in future elections.

Electoral canvassers may need to visit households that do not respond to the second reminder form.

Gillian Marshall, Wakefield Council’s

Electoral Registration Officer, said: “With elections taking place next May, it’s important to make sure you are registered to vote. It only takes a few minutes to check and update the details for the whole household online. If you need any support to fill in your form please contact our electoral services team who will be happy to help.

“Those that don’t respond to these requests may receive a home visit by one of our Electoral Canvassers which is costly, so please help the Council save money by responding.”

The quickest and easiest way to respond is online at www.registersecurely.com/wak efield using the security codes printed on the letter.

Registering online will take only a few minutes and you can update the details for your household online.

If details are not up to date on the electoral register, it may also lead to problems obtaining credit or opening bank accounts as credit reference companies rely on the register for background information. Registering to vote can help your credit score.

Any person who requires support can call the Electoral Services team on 01924 305023 or email elections@wakefield.gov.uk

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Wakefield Life - Dec Jan 2021/22 P15

WAKEFIELD Life Money Matters

A year of being debt free is far more important than a Christmas splurge Martin Lewis has warned households against splurging this Christmas, while also highlighting the importance of being honest about their finances in a bid to remain debt-free over the festive period and beyond.

Accept that you may not be able to afford that 'lust list' and be honest with those around you In response to an audience member on his show, who asked Martin if it's wise to spend above their means through credit cards and buy-now pay-later products this winter, Martin said: "The mistake many people make on

limited budgets about Christmas is they have a lust list - but accept you can't meet this list."

Martin also hammered home the importance of being honest and open about your finances with your friends, family and children - especially if they're of the age when they'll understand your financial circumstances. He said: "Be honest to your children about money and cut your cloth accordingly."

The best way to understand if you can afford something this Christmas is to plan your budget, said Martin. He said: "The right

More than £74 million in Premium Bond prizes sitting unclaimed – how to check if you've won More than 2 million Premium Bond prizes worth a combined £74 million remain unclaimed, according to the latest figures from NS&I. If you have or have ever had Premium Bonds, here's how to check if you've won.

The unclaimed prizes include five worth £100,000 and nine worth £50,000. NS&I, which runs Premium Bonds, has also given MoneySavingExpert.com a breakdown of unclaimed prizes by value and region.

A total of 2,079,568 prizes are unclaimed An unclaimed prize is defined as one that hasn't been claimed within 18 months of being won – so there will be other prizes won more recently that are also waiting to be claimed.

NS&I says it contacts every winner - this will either be by text, email or post depending on the option you've selected - but sometimes prizes go unclaimed for reasons, such as the letter getting lost in the post or contact details not being updated.

As of November 2021, NS&I says there were a total of 2,079,568 unclaimed Premium Bond prizes, worth a total of £74,452,325.

There are also another 215,901 prizes waiting to be claimed by people who are either living overseas or whose locations are unknown due to a lack of NS&I data.

Martin also reiterated that staying out of debt is far more worthwhile than splurging and getting back into debt this Christmas.

Martin said: "If you can't have a

wonderful Christmas - remember it's only a day - the whole year of being debt-free is far more important."

way to do this is to do a budget and work out how much money you have and then ask what is the best possible Christmas I can have on that amount of money?"

And don't forget Martin's Money Mantras before spending: Before spending use Martin’s Mantras. If you answer No to any, then don’t buy!

Do I need it?

Can I afford it?

Will I use it?

Is it worth it?

Remember, Christmas is just one day

If you've not been notified of a win or you want to triple check - go online, use the prize checker app or contact NS&I You should have been notified of a prize win by text, email or post, so it's worth checking through old emails, letters and texts just in case you've missed one.

If you can't find any notification but want to triple check if you have an unclaimed prize, you can: • Log in (or register) for NS&I's website.

You'll need your NS&I number, surname and account password.

• Use NS&I's Premium Bonds Prize Checker tool on desktop. You'll need your Premium Bond holder's number to do so - this is separate to your NS&I number.

• Use NS&I's prize checker app. This is available for free on the App and Google Play stores. To access your account you'll need your Premium Bond holder's number or your NS&I number.

• Write to NS&I. You'll need to include your name, address and NS&I number or Premium Bonds holder’s number. Send letters to: NS&I, Sunderland, SR43 2SB. If you don't know your holder's number or account number, you can phone NS&I on 08085 007 007 or write to it and ask for a replacement bond record to be sent to you.

You should give it as much detail as you can, for example, your full name, address, when and where you bought your Premium Bonds and how much they're worth.

Alternatively, you can use NS&I's tracing service or the My Lost Account website, both of which can track down your Premium Bond details. They ask you to fill out info about yourself, including your name, address, an estimate of how many Premium Bonds you hold and how long you've held them.

If you've won an unclaimed prize - here's how to get your hands on it There's no time limit to claims, so you can go back as far as you like. Here's how to get your hands on any unclaimed prizes:

Original articles can be found on the website moneysavingexpert.com

• If you're registered for NS&I's online and phone service... you can phone 08085 007 007 to start your claim. You cannot claim online.

• If you're not registered for online and telephone services... you need to write to NS&I at: NS&I, Sunderland SR43 2SB. Give as much information as you can, including: - Holder's number.

- Current name.

- Any previous names.

- Current address.

- Any previous addresses where bonds may have been registered.

- Signature.

Prizes will then be sent to your home address as a warrant, which is like a cheque.

Claiming on behalf of someone who's died The process is different if the bond holder has passed away. Provided you're legally entitled to the deceased person's savings, you can use NS&I's online form to inform it of the death and claim any Premium Bonds prizes or other NS&I savings.

If you're not sure whether they had any NS&I savings or Premium Bonds, you can use the tracing service to check.

How to make sure you don't miss out on future prize wins If you win a prize worth between £5,000 and £100,000, NS&I will send you a claims form in the post for you to complete and confirm how you would like to be paid. If you win the £1 million jackpot, you'll be visited in person - but always ask to see ID to ensure it's not a scam.

For prize wins of up to £1,000, you can: • Choose to be notified by email or text and have prizes paid directly into your bank account. You can set this up in your online account (if you have one) or by using NS&I's prize options tool.

• Choose to be notified by email or text and have prizes automatically reinvested into more Premium Bonds. If, however, a prize win would take you over the maximum £50,000 Premium Bond limit, this will be paid to you by bank transfer or cheque.

You can set this up in your online account (if you have one) or by calling NS&I. • Choose to have prize wins sent to you by cheque. Here, you won't be separately notified as the cheque counts as notification. You can call NS&I to set this up.

P16 Dec Jan 2021/22 - Wakefield Life

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Is your roof winter ready?

Regular Roof Inspections It’s important that you inspect your roof on a regular basis to ensure it’s sound and in good condition. This is especially important in the run up to winter. Things you should look out for include: • Cracks • Missing, loose or broken tiles • Warped or loose flashing • Clogged gutters and drains • Damage caused by animals • General weathering

Remediate Wind Damage While snow and ice are the first two conditions that come to mind when you think about wintertime roof maintenance, don't discount the incredible power of wind. If a major storm

comes through your area, wind can be just as detrimental as any form of wet precipitation.

Inspect your roof for any signs of wind damage, and take steps to repair any spots that may have become compromised. You're specifically looking for missing, broken, or damaged shingles or other roofing materials.

subsequently obstructing the flow of water.

completely – hire a professional to chop them down and ensure all natural waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly, responsible manner.

Check Your Loft Ventilation

You might not realise it, but the performance of your attic is directly linked to the It’s important that all tree performance of your roof. Why? Repair Flashing and branches and overhanging If your attic is poorly ventilated Chimneys foliage that grow close to your or insulated, it can expose your house are regularly trimmed It’s important that the flashing roof more directly to the winter back. Branches can be heavily is inspected when making your elements, allowing problems to weighed down with snow which general roof checks. If you begin.

Keep Drains And could cause them to snap, notice that it has become When performing your roof Gutters Clear subsequently causing extensive warped or loose, then it should maintenance inspection, go Maintaining an efficient drainage damage to your roof. As well as be either replaced or repaired by inside and make sure your loft system around your home is an this, foliage which come into a professional as soon as has sufficient insulation and has important part of roof contact with your roof can cause possible. If the issue is left solid routes for ventilation. maintenance. It can help friction. This has the potential to unremedied, excess moisture Keeping the airflow consistent is prevent the formation of damp, prematurely wear out the has the potential to build-up and key to keeping your roof as water leaks and keeps water shingles or loosen tiles, which seep into your ceiling or cause protected as possible. free-flowing when ice and snow will also require immediate damp and other leaks. begins to melt. You should keep repair.

Therefore, repairs and Getting a professional to an especially close eye on your If surrounding trees look replacements should be carried assess your roof once a year gutter and drainage system over unstable or if they’re highly likely out before the bitterly cold could prevent costly problems the autumn, as fallen leaves can to fall down, it would be better weather eventually sets in. and save you money in the cause drains to block, to rid your garden of the problem long run.

Trim Surrounding Trees And Foliage

Home Winter Maintenance Checklist Here are some tasks to tackle to ensure your home is ready for the potentially harsh weather of winter: • Get your boiler or heating system serviced • If you have an open fire or wood burner stove, arrange to have your chimney swept, chimney liner checked and stove serviced

• Check insulation on pipes near windows, doors and in areas of the home that are unheated. When water freezes in pipes, it can cause the pipes to burst.

Also disconnect the garden hose from the outside tap.

blankets or duvets to stay warm if the heating is off.

• Put down mats both outside and inside entry doors to protect your floor from snow and mud on shoes or boots.

Ensure there is somewhere to dry off wet or muddy boots.

• Check the batteries in • Prepare for a storm and a smoke detectors and carbon potential power cut by monoxide alarms and • Ensure your loft space is having a stock of bottled replace where necessary. sufficiently insulated to help water, torches (with Test the alarms to ensure reduce heating costs and to batteries), candles and extra they are working protect your roof.

• Check trees and foliage • If snow or ice is forecast, around the property and ensure you have access to have dead or damaged salt/sand to grit roads, branches professionally pathways and steps removed or trimmed back to • Protect garden furniture with prevent them causing heavy duty covers or damage during high winds or tarpaulin. a storm.

• Check all Christmas lights • Check steps and handrails before using them and at the entry points to your ensure all lights are turned home to prevent slips, trips off at the socket before and falls due to loose leaving the house or going fittings. to bed for the night.

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Wakefield Life - Dec Jan 2021/22 P17 ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

What are Mirror Wills and Why You Should Have Them Mirror Wills aren’t right for everyone but if you are a couple, married or otherwise, and you are in agreement that upon your death your assets should be passed to the surviving partner then having Mirror Wills are a good and cost-effective way of ensuring that your partner is protected upon your death.

Furthermore, if you have children, then ensuring that both parents have a Will in place is vital to ensuring that your children are protected and provided for should both parents die at the same time.

What happens to my assets if I don’t have a Will?

If you pass away without a valid Will in place, known as ‘dying intestate’, then the law decides who receives your estate and this might not be who you would have chosen. Having a Will in place ensures that your wishes are known and that your estate goes to the people you choose.

How Do Mirror Wills differ to an Individual Will?

Can an Individual Will Supersede a Mirror Will?

Actually, very little differs between Mirror Wills and an individual Will as both make it clear what your personal wishes are for your estate upon your passing. The one fundamental difference is that Mirror Wills are practically identical for both parties (except for the name of the testator of course) and as such the making of Mirror Wills cost less due to the reduced amount of work needed by a Solicitor to make the Will (when compared to making two individual Wills).

In short, yes. Whilst you may agree with your partner over the contents of your Mirror Wills at the time of writing, either of you, including after one person has died, may change their Will and any subsequent Will would effectively be your most recent wishes. As such this new Will would supersede any previously made Will, whether that be an individual Will or a revision of of your Mirror Wills.

What if my Partner and I Have Different Wishes?

Mirror Wills aren’t necessarily the right solution for everyone and it’s not uncommon for couples to have different wishes for their personal estate upon their passing. In these situations, each party should have an individual Will that reflects their own personal wishes for their estate.

A solicitor will be able to guide you through the When should Mirror Wills be Written? process and advise on what typically should be Like any Will, Mirror Wills should be written as included in your Will to ensure that you are soon as possible and having a Will is even more accurately documenting your wishes and important when you have children. Typical Mirror ensuring that you are not exposing yourself to Wills would provide for the surviving partner and any future challenge. It’s worth being aware that then the children. In the unfortunate event that if your Will doesn’t make provision for someone both parents die at the same time, the children who might have been financially dependent upon would be provided for in accordance with your you then they might seek to claim against your wishes as documented within the Will. This could estate when you pass. include appointing a Testamentary guardian for your children as well.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE MIRROR WILLS • Mirror Wills Ensure Your Partner is Protected Without a valid Will in place the intestacy rules will decide who inherits your estate. If you are married then your spouse may inherit some or all of your estate depending on the circumstances.

However if you are unmarried then your partner isn’t legally entitled to inherit your estate upon your passing. A Will can put this right and can protect your partner’s financial future. Mirror Wills are almost identical and document your agreed wishes for your estate when you die.

surviving children as well as appointing a guardian for them should both parents pass away at the same time.

Your estate can be placed in Trust until your young children reach a pre-determined age and funds can even be made available from your estate for the ongoing care of your young children.

• You Can Name Additional Executors Normally, when making a Will, a person will name their partner or spouse as their executor, however this doesn’t allow for any tragedy where both parties die at the same time.

With Mirror Wills, additional Executors should be named to allow for both partners’ wishes to be carried out if both were to die at the same time.

• Mirror Wills are Cheaper!

At Thornton Jones Solicitors we are experts in Will Writing in Wakefield and with offices in Ossett, Garforth and Sherburn In Elmet we’ve got West Yorkshire covered.

• You Can Provide For, and Protect, Your Children

Our Basic Wills cost £200 plus VAT yet Mirror Wills (for two people) cost £350 plus VAT. Therefore if Mirror Wills are the right solution for you then choosing Mirror Wills can save you £50.

This is especially important if you have young children as Mirror Wills can include instructions for both parties’ estates to the left to any

Information and article courtesy Thornton Jones, www.thorntonjones.co.uk

P18 Dec Jan 2021/22 - Wakefield Life

WAKEFIELD Life Puzzle Page

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CLUES FOR THIS ISSUES QUICK CROSSWORD

WINTER WORD SEARCH MISTLETOE DECORATIONS PANTO SANTA CRACKERS

TURKEY HOLLY ELVES PORT GROTTO

HOLIDAYS REINDEER FAMILY SLEIGH PRESENTS

Clues Across

Clues Down

9. Subtle difference (6) 10. Meeting requirements (10) 11. Shrubby Asian tree (6) 12. Vegetable soup (10) 14. Buttocks (inf.) (3) 15. Protozoic (7) 16. Harbour (5) 17. Become prominent (4,2,3,4) 21. Merciful (13) 25. Island off the north Devon coast (5) 27. Candidate (7) 28. Dance step (3) 29. Two-masted sailing vessel (10) 30. Talisman (6) 31. Coastal tower (10) 32. Unruffled (6)

1. Drink swiftly (inf.) (5,4) 2. Theatrical show (9) 3. Pedantic (10) 4. Write carelessly (8) 5. Road and rail intersection (5,8) 6. Use a needle (6) 7. Pardon (7) 8. Landed estate (7) 13. Pollution (13) 18. Acquitted (10) 19. Completely full (3-6) 20. Member of moneyed social group (3-6) 22. Mildly reprove (8) 23. Round particle (7) 24. Turn of batting (7) 26. Foamy (6)

Sudoku 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.

Find solutions on page 21

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Wakefield Life - Dec Jan 2021/22 P19

WAKEFIELD Life MOTORING Tips for Driving this Winter Whether you love it or hate it, winter is closing in with temperatures dropping below zero and hours of daylight reducing. Take a look at this guide that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have provided to keep you safe this winter.

Driving in Fog Driving in foggy conditions is best avoided if at all possible as it is one of the most dangerous weather conditions for driving. An accident involving one vehicle can quickly spiral to involve many others.

Preparing your car RoSPA recommends having your vehicle fully serviced before the winter, making sure that the anti-freeze has been tested and is at the correct concentration.

If it is not possible to have your vehicle serviced, you can check carry out the following checks: • Ensure all of the vehicle’s lights are working and are clear of dirt.

• The vehicle’s battery is fully charged.

• The windows, windscreen and wipers should be clean and in good condition. Make sure that the windscreen washer bottle is full and the centration of the washer fluid is that recommended by the manufacturer for winter use to prevent it freezing.

• Condition of the tyres, including tread depths and pressures. Checking the tyre pressures is particularly important as the colder weather will lead to a reduction in pressures. Don’t forget to check the spare wheel too.

• Ensure your brakes are working correctly.

• All fluid levels should be kept topped up – in particular the windscreen wash, oil and antifreeze.

Emergency Kit

Driving with Low Sunshine

should get into difficulties. dipped headlights.

Be aware of alternatives to your planned route • It is possible for some parts of roads to should it become impassable. remain icy after the majority has thawed – Make sure your fuel tank is near to full to for example under bridges – so remain ensure you don’t run out should the journey vigilant. take longer than you expected.

Fully charge your phone before you set off so If you become stuck in snow: you can alert someone if you are delayed or • Move your vehicle backwards and forwards contact the emergency services should you slowly, using the highest gear possible, to become stuck. get out of the rut. Trying to power your way Ensure your windows and mirrors are out by revving the engine will only make completely free of snow and ice before starting things worse. your journey. Also make sure your car’s heater • If this does not help, you may have to enlist is blowing warm air before you set off as this some help of a passer-by to push you out or will make sure your windscreen remains clear. you may have to dig out your car with a shovel.

Driving in Snow

If you must drive in snowy or icy conditions, make sure you drive accordingly: • Slow down – The risk of skidding is greatly increased and stopping distances will be dramatically more than in normal driving conditions.

• Travel at speeds suitable for the conditions – no faster than the speed at which you could safely stop within the distance you can see to be clear. Speed limits are the maximum allowed in ideal conditions – when weather conditions are poor they are often too fast.

• Don’t accelerate or brake sharply and use smooth steering inputs.

• Reduce your speed smoothly and in plenty of time – this is especially true before bends and corners.

• It is important to remember that braking on an icy or snowy bend is highly dangerous.

Your tyres will not grip well and centrifugal force will pull you outwards and could cause Preparing for your Journey your vehicle to spin. Wherever possible Listening to the local/national weather reduce your speed before you reach the forecasts for areas you will be travelling bend. through is essential. Weather conditions can • To reduce your speed on ice or snow without change rapidly during the winter months so locking your wheels, use a lower gear than make sure you continue to check the forecasts normal to increase your vehicle’s engine and change your travel plans if conditions braking and use the brakes gently. become too bad.

• It may take you up to 10 times longer than If the emergency services are recommending normal to stop in snowy and icy conditions people do not travel because conditions are so increase the distance between you and too bad, then avoid making any journeys that the vehicle in front. are not absolutely necessary. Could you travel • Make sure you keep your car well ventilated at another time or use the phone or email to – a car’s heater on full can quickly make you avoid making the journey at all? drowsy.

If you have no choice but to travel, RoSPA • When driving in snow, stop frequently to recommends the following: make sure your car’s lights, windows, Make sure someone knows you are making number plates and wheel arches are free of the journey and at what time you expect to obstructions. arrive. This way they can raise the alarm if you • Visibility is likely to be reduced, so use When poor weather is forecast, RoSPA recommends keeping an emergency kit in your car, especially if you are making a longer journey, in case you become stranded in your car.

In these cases, RoSPA recommends you include the following in your emergency kit: • A tow rope • A shovel • Wellies • Food • De-icer • Hazard warning triangle • First Aid Kit • Drink • A working torch • Blanket •Warm clothing • Charged Mobile phone & spare charger than connects to the car

floodwater, drive slowly in first gear. Keep the engine revs high by slipping the clutch to prevent the car stalling. Be aware of bow waves from vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.

• Once you exit flood water make sure to test your brakes.

If you become stuck in a snow drift: • Stay with your vehicle.

• Call the breakdown or emergency services and let help come to you.

• Don’t run your engine to keep warm.

Driving in Rain Rain reduces visibility and increases the distance required to slow down or stop. In rainy conditions you may need twice the amount of space to stop that you would in dry conditions. Make sure you use dipped headlights and your windscreen wipers and use plenty of time to plan your movements.

Aquaplaning Aquaplaning occurs when driving too fast through standing water. The tread on the tyres cannot clear the water away quickly enough and the vehicle begins to float on top of the water. When this occurs your ability to brake and steer will be greatly reduced.

Aquaplaning can be avoided by reducing your speed in wet conditions as well as having the correct tyre pressures and tread depth. If you should find yourself aquaplaning, ease of the accelerator and brakes until your speed drops enough for the tyres to make contact with the road.

During the winter months’ sunshine can cause difficult driving conditions in the same way as poor weather. The angle of the sun in winter can mean it is too low in the sky for your sun visor to help. If you are blinded by glare: • Slow down.

• Reduce the effect of glare by making sure both the inside and outside of your windscreen is clean and free of grease.

• Make sure to remove your sunglasses as soon as the sun goes in as they will reduce your ability to see.

If you must drive: • Follow the weather forecast and travel advice closely.

• Allow plenty of extra time for your journey.

• Check your car – in particular its lights – before you begin your journey.

• Reduce your speed and keep it down.

• Switch on headlights and fog lights if visibility is reduced.

• If you can see the vehicles behind you, they can see you. Switch off your rear fog lights to avoid dazzling those behind you.

• Use your car’s demister and windscreen wipers.

• Don’t ‘hang on’ the rear lights of the car in front as it is likely you will be too close to stop safely if anything should happen.

• Switch of distracting noises and open your window slightly so you can hear what is going on around you – this is especially useful at junctions.

• Don’t speed up as soon as the visibility improves slightly. Fog is often patchy and visibility could soon be reduced again.

• If you breakdown in foggy conditions inform the police and get the vehicle off the road as soon as possible.

• Avoid parking on the road in fog and always use some kind of warning light if it is on the wrong-side of the road.

DON’T…

• …drive with ice partially or completely obscuring the windscreen or side windows • …pour boiling water onto an icy windscreen – you risk shattering the glass • …use whatever liquids or plastic objects you have to hand as substitutes for proper deicers and ice scrapers – you may damage your windows or the rubber seals around them • …leave with snow on your car – the law specifically prohibits doing so because it can Flooded roads fall and obscure your vision • Avoid driving through the deepest water. This • …leave your car engine running whilst it is is often found towards the kerbs. unattended – you risk a £20 fixed penalty • Don’t attempt to drive through flood water if fine as engine idling is illegal under Section appears too deep.

42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Also, the • If you don’t know how deep the water is, find RAC has warned idling engines can produce an alternative route. up to twice as many emissions as an engine • If you decide to risk driving through in motion.

P20 Dec Jan 2021/22 - Wakefield Life

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WAKEFIELD Life FREE PAPER / Oct Nov / Issue 6

Inside

The Ridings

Do You Know Your Numbers?

The many faces of Wakefield’s first shopping centre P5

Do you have any idea what your blood pressure numbers actually mean? P14

Nostell Priory

Energy Myth Busting

A day spent wandering around the grounds of this National Trust gem P6

A look at some of the right and wrong ways to save money on our energy bills P16

We are here to help – residents urged to get in touch if worried about rising energy costs Wakefield Council is reassuring residents who fear they may not be able to afford rising energy costs, that its support services are here to help.

Concerns are being raised about the price of energy after Ofgem said it will be raising the Energy Price Cap from 1 October 2021 – with the average annual household energy bill set to increase by around £140. This is in addition to annual fuel rises of around £100 per household that came into force in April.

Citizens Advice report that COVID-19 has driven over half a million households into energy debt and seven million are worrying about their heating bills.

Wakefield Council offers a range of specialist money services and support to residents and is urging those who are struggling financially to seek help.

Cllr Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Property said: “If anyone is concerned being not being able to pay their energy bills, please know you are not alone and we are here to help, and can offer advice and a strong package of support.”

“We recognise that many households are facing very challenging times financially, due

to impact of the pandemic, low wages and now these additional energy costs will be a major worry for some residents in our district people. Please do not worry – we are just a phone call away.”

Services include Money Smart, which is open to all residents, that has been running since 2018 and provides tailored support with energy efficiency improvements, energy switching, money and debt advice, benefit checks, and skills and employment support. Fully qualified money and debt advisors provide this service. And 737 households have been supported so far.

The Council has recruited additional staff to support residents, to able to meet any rise in demand for complex money, debt and energy bill related support.

Other services that can help residents who meet qualifying criteria, include the Council’s Mortgage Breathing Space – running since 2008, this unique project, hosted by the Council and available across the region, provides mortgage advice, lender negotiation, and interest free secured loans to prevent homelessness. So far 425 households have been supported and 225 loans (£1.8m) delivered,

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with £1.6m recycled loans paid back.

People who qualify can also access energy debt support, with grants to help clear problem energy debts enabling residents to move to cheaper energy suppliers and payment methods/tariffs.

Additional support for those that qualify includes home energy efficiency and fuel poverty schemes which offer a range of

ongoing heating and insulation improvement grants and loans.

Over 9,000 households have been supported since 2005.

Feedback from some private sector Money Smart clients is that they like dealing directly with the Council’s Money Smart Team for their money and debt issues.

Money Smart can be contacted on 01924 305892 and moneysmart@wakefield.gov.uk

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Officer, Khaled El-Ahm of sure make ty to s OCAL aspire “The safety and securi of the sional is Barnsley has a profes supporters and staff social, I made a football club for the utmost importance. nmental to both staff economic and enviro promise internally arent h. We're fans alike to be transp wellbeing of the boroug and ed and difficult the somewhat surpris regardless of how the supporters at disappointed for news is to share.

Barnsley purely based the decision that “The decision is to close a taken and have report Football Club on a structural and we urge the West Stand,

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Wakefield Council is reassuring to impact of the pande residents who fear they may not mic, low wages and now these be able to afford rising energy additional energy costs will costs, that its suppo be a major worry rt services for some residents are here to help. in our district people. Please do Concerns are being not worry – we raised are just a phone about the price of call away.” energy after Services include Ofgem said it will Money Smart, be raising the which is open to Energy Price Cap all residents, from 1 that has been runnin 2021 – with the averag October g since 2018 e annual and provides tailore household energy d support with bill set to energy efficiency increase by around improvements, £140. This is energy switching, in addition to annua money l fuel rises of advice, benefit checks and debt around £100 per household that , and skills and came into force in employment suppo April. rt. Fully qualified money and Citizens Advice report debt that advisors provide COVID-19 has driven this service. And over half a 737 households million households have been into supported so far. debt and seven million energy are The Council has recruit worrying about their heating bills. ed additional staff to Wakefield Council support offers a range reside of specialist money nts, to able to meet services and any rise in demand for support to reside complex nts and is urging money, debt and those who are strugg energy bill ling related support. financially to seek help.

Other services that Cllr Darren Byford can help , Cabinet residents who meet Member for Econo qualifying mic Growth, with £1.6m recycle criteria, include the Regeneration and d loans paid Council’s Property said: back.

Mortgage Breathing “If anyone is conce Space – rned being not running since 2008, People who qualify being able to pay can also this unique their energy access energy debt project, hosted by bills, please know the Council and support, with you are not grants to help clear available across alone and we are the problem region, here to help, energy debts enabli provides and can offer advice ng residents to and a strong negoti mortgage advice, lender move to cheaper package of suppo ation, and interes energy suppliers rt.” t free and payment metho secured loans to “We recognise that prevent ds/tariffs. many homelessness. So Additional support households are facing for far 425 very qualify includes home those that households have challenging times been supported energy financially, due efficiency and fuel and 225 loans (£1.8m poverty ) delivered, schem es which offer a range of

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ongoing heating and insulation improvement grants and loans.

Over 9,000 house holds supported since 2005. have been Feedback from some private sector Money Smart clients is that they like dealing directly with the Council’s Money Smart their money and debt Team for issues.

Money Smart can be contacted on 01924 305892 and moneysmart@wakefi eld.gov.uk

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