HairToday, GoneTomorrow
Waxingcanbetaxing,butshavingisn’t time-savinginthelongrun,whichiswhy
Waxing Shaving
Marshfield Village
WELCOMETOISSUE1
Welcometoour NEW Magazine!
Deliveredrightto yourdoorbyRoyal Maileveryother month,toMarshfield, Castleton,Petersone, andWentloog.
We’reexcitedtoshare newsaboutlocal events,musicand foodfestivals,trade andcountryshows, andconcertshappeninginourvibrant community.
Thinkingabouthomeimprovementsthis summer?Ourmagazineispackedwithtipsand recommendationsfromlocalexperts.Support ourfantastictradespeopleandpropertyservices bygivingthemashout-outwhenyouseetheir adsintheMarshfieldVillageMagazine.
Supportingourcommunityandlocalbusinesses isattheheartofwhatwedo.Byshoppinglocally andattendingneighborhoodevents,wecanhelp ourareathrive.Let'sworktogethertokeepour communityvibrantandstrong.
Inthisissue,you'llfindadelightfulmixofarticles andpuzzlestoenjoy.
Howeveryouchoosetospendyourearly summerdays,wewishyouhappiness,health, andfun!
Seeyounexttime...
Email: Lizmarshfieldvillage@gmail.com
1/41/2Full
TheVisionfortheSix BellsCommunityHub
Fedupwithlookingatasitethatisfalling apartandunkemptwehaveorganised ourselvesasaCommunityBenefitSociety withtheaimtorestorethepositionoftheSix Bellsattheheartofourcommunitybut extenditsreachandappealtomakeitamore viablebusiness.
Weenvisionamulti-functionalsite comprising;
•AGastroPub: afamilyfriendlyenvironment offeringfreshfoodusinglocallysourced ingredients
•ACafé: awelcomingplaceforalltocome andenjoycoffeeandcake;thelocal community,dogwalkers,cyclists,walkers exploringtheWelshCoastalpath,
•AShop: sellingsomeofthefantasticlocal crafts&produceaswellasessentials.
•Aninformationcentre: celebratingthe geology,ecologyandhistoryoftheGwent Levels.
HowCanYouHelp?
•Like,followandshareourFacebookand Instagrampagestogetthewordoutthere,far andwide,helpingustolaythefoundationsfor asuccessfulcommunityshareoffer
•SupporttheMonthlyCoffeeMorningsand otherevents
•Wecanneverhaveenoughvolunteers.Ifyou canspareanytimepleasegetintouch. Getintouch
Facebook.com/SixBellsHub #savethesixwww.savethesixbells.org savethe6bells@gmail.com
Grillalittle greener
Makeyoursummerbarbecuesalittle eco-friendlierwithoutcompromising
Oneofthemostjoyous momentsofthegreatBritish summertimeisonthose dayswhentheweatheris dryandcalmenoughto haveabarbecue.Saladsand skeweredmeatsselloutat thesupermarketsandtheir aislesarebereftofdisposable barbecuesandbriquettes.
However,allthishastecan haveanegativeimpactonthe environment.Youonlyhaveto lookatthepatchesofscorched earthleftinpublicparks, streetslitteredwithplastic picnicdebris,andtheplumesof blacksmokemarringtheblue skiesofbusypublicbeaches, toreconsiderourcollective approachtooutdoorgrilling.
Thegoodnewsisthatsmall changescanmakeabig impact.
Let’sstartwith disposable barbecues. They’recheap andconvenient,but accordingtotheHome areresponsiblefor4%of seriousaccidentalblazes. Thisaloneisenoughof areasontosteerclear ofthem,thoughaddin thefactthattheycreate tonnesofsingle-use plasticwasteandare alsoanightmareto successfullycookedible foodon,andthere’ssome evidencesupportingthe solution.
Manysupermarketshave startedtofeelthesameway andhaveceasedstocking disposablecharcoalgrills.
l h h For tunate y t ere are ot er
Fortunately,thereareother optionsavailabletofairweatherbarbecueenthusiasts, suchasportablegrillsthat areastonishinglycheapand, overall,offerbetterbangfor yourbuck.
Andifthatisacommitmenttoo far,considermoreeco-friendly disposableoptionswhichare oftenmadewithbamboo,lava rocksandcardboard.These notonlyheatupquickly,they alsohaveinbuiltinsulationto preventearth-scorchingand are100%biodegradablewith nometalorplasticwhatsoever.
Inadditiontochoosinga greenergrill,avoidusing disposableplates,cupsand utensils,andinsteadconsider
reusablevarieties madefromeco-friendly materialssuchas bambooorrecycled plastic.Ifyoumustuse disposableitems,choose thosethatcanbe compostedafteruse.
Thefuelyouchoose isequallyimportant, asregularcharcoal ismadefromwood thathasbeentreated withchemicals,andits productioncontributes todeforestation.Look forcharcoalmadefrom sustainablematerialssuchascoconutshells, whicharerenewableandburnlonger.
Ifyoupreferagasbarbecue,choosepropanegas –insteadofnaturalgas–asitproducesfewer greenhousegasesandiseasiertotransportand lessfuelandemitsfewerpollutants.
Last,but least,let’s talkaboutthe foodwegrill. Yes,youcan buyprocessed meatfromthe supermarket -thiswillbe cheaperbut it’salsonot goingtotaste greatandis oftenswathed insingle-use plastic.Using high-grademeat fromalocalsourcewillnotonlysaveairmiles,it willtastefantasticandboostyourlocaleconomy intheprocess.Also,don’tforgetthatbarbecued veggiesaredelicious,cheapandhealthy.
Sograbanaubergineortwoandsomebamboo briquettesforagreatBritishbarbecueto remember!
Greenfingers… TheAlanTitchmarshColumn
He’samagnificentbroadcaster, giftedgardener,brilliantauthor andall-roundhorticultural visionary.Thismonth,Alan Titchmarshtalksaboutthe bestwaytodealwiththeevergrowinglitteringofleavesin yourgarden.
Astheleavesbegintofalland thetemperaturesstarttodrop, it’stheperfecttimetogiveyour gardenagoodtidy-upbefore wintersetsin.
Autumnistheseasonwhen leavescarpetourgardens, bringingbothbeautyandabit ofachallenge–yetmanaging thisleafycascadedoesn’thave tobeadauntingtask,aslongas youapproachitcorrectly.
Firstthingsfirst,let’stalkabout whyit’sessentialtoclearthose leaves.Whentheyfallinlarge quantitiesduringOctoberand November,theycanquickly coverlawnsandborders.
discouragewormsfrom surfacing,whichcanmake yourlawnlookunsightly. So,startingaregimented processinSeptemberwill getyouusedtodoingit throughtherestofthe autumnmonths.
Leftunattended,theycan smothergrassandthe crownsofherbaceous perennials,sometimes killingthem.
Aquickrake-up willprevent thisandalso
Whenraking,useonewith plastic-teethratherthana wireoneasthey’regentler onyourgrassandplants. However,rememberthatthe aimisn’ttobemeticulous inremovingeverysingleleaf; it’smoreaboutgettingridofthe bulksoastopreventdamage. Leavesthatsiton,around, andunderneathplantswill eventuallyrotdown,enriching thesoilintheprocess.
neededshelterforoverwintering wildlife.Hedgehogs,frogs,and ahostofbeneficialinsectswill appreciatetherefuge.Justbe suretoclearleavesfromyour lawn,paths,andborderswhere theycanbeproblematic.
Also,theleavesthatyoucollect canbeputtoexcellentuse,so insteadofbaggingthemup forthebin,createamouldpile byheapingtheminacorner–perhapsunderahedge–where theywon’tbeintheway.Over aboutayear,they’llbreakdown intoafantasticsoilconditioner thatwillbenefityourgarden.
It’salsoworthnotingthatafew pilesofleavesleftinout-of-thewayplacescanprovidemuch-
Remember,thisisn’tatask youcanleaveuntiltheendof autumn.Ifyouwaituntilall theleaveshavefallenandare thoroughlydamp,itwillbetoo latetosavethegrassandplants underneath.
Regular,lightrakingthroughout theseasonisthewaytogo.This notonlyprotectsyourgarden butalsooffersgreatexercise –thinkofitasabonus workoutforyourcore!
MONTHLYEVENTS
BlueLightLunch -Everyfirst dayofthemonthat12:30pm BINGOnight forlocal community-everyfirstFriday ofthemonthat6pm-weare askingfor£5donationand thatincludesgame,snacks, drinksandprizesforwinners. ComeDineWithMe /Fish&ChipClub -every secondFridayofthemonth at12:30pm CoffeeClub -lastWednesday ofthemonthat1.30pm.
SUMMEREVENTS
IndiaIndependenceDay 16thAugust- Armchair Travelsatourcinemaat2pm withtastingsessionand demonstrationoftraditional sari.
SummerFete31stAugust Between10amand3pmwith dogshowat11amandsinger at2pm.
OPENDAY -Comeandhave atouraroundourhomeon 31stofAugustbetween 10am-4pm-pleasebookin advance.
Hummingbird Bakery’sRed VelvetCupcake
HummingbirdBakeryinNottingHillbackin2004,he neverimaginedjusthowpopularhisAmerican-style cakesandbakedgoodswouldbe.
Twentyyearslater,therearenowsixbakeriesinthecapitaland franchisesintheMiddleEast,butyoucanrecreatetheiriconic redvelvetcupcakefromthecomfortofyourownkitchen.
Method
1. Preheattheovento180°C (fan160°C)/gasmark4and divide16papercasesbetween two12-holecupcaketrays.
2. Putthebutterandthesugar inafree-standingelectricmixer withapaddleattachment(or useahandheldelectricwhisk) andbeatonmediumspeeduntil
3. Turnthemixeruptohigh speed,slowlyaddtheeggsand beatuntilwellincorporated.
4. Inaseparatebowl,mix togetherthecocoapowder, food-colouringpaste,3 tablespoonsofwaterand vanillaextracttomakeathick, darkpaste.Addtothebutter mixtureandmixuntilevenly combinedandcoloured.
5.Turnthemixerdownto slowandslowlypourinhalf thebuttermilk.Beatuntilwell Continueuntilallthebuttermilk
Ingredients:
Scrapedownthesideofthe bowlagain.Turnthemixer uptohighspeedandbeat untilyouhaveasmooth,even mixture.Turnthemixerdown tolowspeedandaddthe salt,bicarbonateofsodaand vinegar.Turnbackupandbeat fora2minutes.
6. Divideevenlybetweenthe papercasesandbakeinthe preheatedovenfor20–25 minutes,oruntilthesponge bouncesbackwhentouched. Leavethecupcakestocoolfor about15minutesinthetrays beforeturningoutontoawire coolingracktocoolcompletely.
7. Whilethecupcakesare cooling,makethefrosting. Beatthebutterandicingsugar togetherinafree-standing mixerwithapaddleattachment (oruseahandheldelectric whisk)onamedium-slow speeduntilthemixturecomes togetherandiswellmixedand
SpongeCakes
• 120gsoftunsaltedbutter
•300gcastersugar
•2largeeggs
•20gcocoapowder
•1tbspredfood-colouring paste
•1tspvanillaextract
•240mlbuttermilk
•1tspbicarbonateofsoda
•3tspwhitevinegar
Cream-cheesefrosting
•100gsoftunsaltedbutter
•600gicingsugar
•250gfull-fatsoftcheese, chilled
hasasandytexture.Addthe softcheeseallinonegoand beatuntilfullyincorporated.
Turnthemixeruptoamediumhighspeed,continuingtobeat untilthefrostingisjustlightand
StayAheadOfThe HosepipeBan
Withthepossibilityofahosepipebanalwaysinthe
Watersmartly
Thetimingofwateringyour
retainedinthesoil.
Doingsoeitherlateinthe eveningorearlyinthemorning isidealbecauseofthecooler temperatures,andwillhelpto reducetherateofevaporation. Italsoensuresthatwaterseeps deeperintothesoil,providing betterhydrationtotheroots.
Focusonwateringthesoil directlyratherthanthefoliage, asthisguaranteesthegood stuffendsupwhereit’s mostneeded.
Forlawns,it’smoreeffectiveto useawateringcanratherthan ahosepipeorsprinkler.The latterareknowntopromote shallowrootdevelopment duetomuchofthewater evaporatingbeforeitpenetrates thesoil,especiallyduringdry conditionsandwhenthesoilis compactandhumidityhigh.
Considereachplant’sneeds Notallplantsrequirethesame amountofwater.Perennials, withtheirlonger-lastingand deeperrootsystems,canoften accesswaterfromdeepersoil layersandaremoreresilientto drierconditions.
Ontheotherhand,annualsand water-hungryfruitsmightneed morefrequentwatering.
Toassistinwater retentionandtoprotectthe soil,applyalayerofmulch afterwatering.Materialslike grassclippings,compost,orleaf mouldcanbeusedasmulch.
Forpottedplants,consider mulchingandwateringfrom belowtoencourageabsorption withoutwastage.
Utilisegroundcoverand maintainsoilstructure Themethodof‘no-dig’ gardeningisbecoming increasinglypopular,especially intermsofwaterconservation. Allowingplantstocoverthe soilnaturallywiththeirleaves reducesdirectsunexposure, whichcandryoutthe soilquickly.
Avoidingsoildigginghelps maintainitsstructure,aswell asabsorbingandretaining
leaverootsinthegroundafter harvestingplants,asthisaids inmaintainingsoilstabilityand moisturelevels.
Captureandreusewater Ofcourse,maximising therecyclingofwatercan garden’sdemandforfresh liquid.Installingwaterbuttsto collectrainwaterisanexcellent stepandthesecanbeplaced undergutterstocapturerunoff fromroofs.Alternatively, considerusingoldbinsor evenwheelbarrowstocollect rainwater.
Finally,greywater–the relativelycleanwastewater frombaths,showersandsinks, provideditisfreefromchemical nasties–canberepurposed forgardenwatering.Thisnot onlyconserveswaterbut alsomakesexcellentuseof resourcesthatwouldotherwise gotowaste.
C t d t
PackItIn
Sickofsandwiches?SpringintoSeptember withthesefreshtwistsontheclassic packedlunch.
Bentoboxes
Thesedaysyoucanbuybentobox-stylelunchboxesinany supermarket,butaregular Tupperwareboxwithunused papercakecasesworksjust aswell.
AswithaJapanesebento box,theideaistohavelots oflittlebitesthatmakeupa withaportionofricealong withvegetablesuchassliced offwithsomechoppedkiwior orangeslices,isanexample typicalserving.
Masonjarsalads
Isthereanythingmasonjars can’tbeusedfor?Anexcellent waytoensureyoursalad doesn’tgethorriblysoggy,this layeringmethodisnotonlyan ameal,italsolooksprettycool.
Startatthebottomwithyour dressing,layertwoisforhearty ingredients(cherrytomatoes, cucumbers,chickpeas),protein
islayerthree (grilledchicken, beans,orquinoa) layerfourisleafy greens(spinach, kale,orlettuce) and,totopitoff,nuts orseedsforcrunch seeds).Delicious!
Pastasalads
Transformyourleftover dinnerpastaintoadelicious andhealthysalad.
ForanItalianstylesaladmix wholewheatpasta,cherry tomatoes,mozzarellaballs, basil,andalightvinaigrette. Or,foraGreektwist, combineorzo,olives,feta cheese,dicedcucumbers,red onion,andalemonandolive oildressing,forasurprisingly simpleandtastysalad.
Minifrittatas
Ifyoulikeminifrittatasand gettingcaughtintherain…or ifyoujustfancysomethinga bitdifferentforlunch,these omelette-esquesnacks areideal.
Combineeggsandmilkwith yourpreferredingredients–eitherspinach,cherrytomatoes, bellpeppers,andcheeseor bacon,sausage,andcheese–panuntilset.
Noodles,twoways
Surprisingly,coldnoodles makeatastyandsatisfying sandwichalternative.
ForaThainoodlesalad, combinericenoodles,shredded carrots,peppers,corianderand aspicypeanutdressing.
Forsesamenoodles,mixsoba noodles,edamame,julienned cucumbers,andasesamegingerdressing.
Orifyou’refeelingreallyfancy, haveagoatmakingricepaper rolls.EitherVietnamesespring rolls-ricepaper,prawnortofu, vermicellinoodles,lettuce,mint andcorianderservedwitha hoisin-peanutsauce;orveggie rolls-ricepaper,julienned veggies(carrots,bellpeppers, cucumber)andavocadowitha soy-gingerdippingsauce.
TheOlympic Story
DiscoverhowthemodernOlympic Gameshavebeenshapedovertime.
TheOlympicsisoneofthefew eventsthattrulycaptivates theentireglobe;wherea spectacleofathleticprowess, internationalcamaraderie, extremecommitmentand unparalleledgloryenrichesa legacyandstoriedhistorythat spanstheages.
Itsoriginscanbetracedback toOlympia,inancientGreece, wherethegameswereheldin honourofZeus.
Theinauguralrecordedgames occurredin776BC,featuring asolefootrace,aswellas differentartslikemusic, singing,poetryandtheatre includedinthePythianor DelphicGames–different fromtheGamesinOlympia.
Overtime,theevent blossomed,incorporatinga myriadofsports,from wrestlingandboxingright throughtochariotracing.
TheearlyOlympiads werenotmerelyan athleticcompetitionbut aprofoundreligiousand culturalfestival,bringing togetherGreeksfromdisparate citystates.Itwasalldesigned tofosterasenseofunity
andinmanyways,theOlympic Gamesmightbesaidtostill beperformingthatsame functiontoday!
Thisearlytraditioncontinued untilAD393,whenEmperor TheodosiusI–aimingto promoteChristianity–decreed theendofallpaganfestivals. Subsequently,thegameslay dormantforcenturiesuntil theirrevivalinthemodernera, thankstotheeffortsofBaron PierredeCoubertinofFrance.
Inspiredbytheancient gamesanddrivenbythe desiretopromotepeaceand understandingamongnations throughsports,de Coubertinfoundedthe InternationalOlympic Committee(IOC)in
t
modernOlympics heldinAthensin 1896–anodtotheir origins–featuring 241athletesfrom14 nations,across43 differentevents.
Sincethen,theevent hasevolvedintothe world’sforemost sportscompetition,
withmorethan200nations participating,andheldevery fouryears–withtheSummer andWinterGamesalternating entities.Rio2016sawthe largestOlympicstodate,with over11,000competitorsin306 individualdisciplines.
AmericanswimmerMichael Phelpsstandsasthemost decoratedOlympianofall time,withastaggering28 medals,including23golds. Hisdominanceacrossfour Olympicsepitomisesathletic excellenceanddedication.
Similarly,Usain‘Lightning’ BoltofJamaicacaptivatedthe worldwithhischarismaand speed,clinchingeightgold medalsacrossthreeOlympics and,intheprocess,completely SovietLarisaLatyninaamassed 18medals–14individualand fourteam,between1956and 1964,arecordfor48yearsuntil Phelpssurpassedher.
ThehistoryoftheOlympics isatestamenttohumanity’s unyieldingspirit,acelebration ofdistinction,perseveranceand theunifyingpowerofsports.
Greenfingers…the AlanTitchmarsh column
He’sabrilliantpresenter, accomplishedgardener, talentednovelist,andallroundhorticulturalinspiration. Thismonth,AlanTitchmarsh discussesthemaintenanceof pathwaysandwalkwaysin ourgardens.
It’sonlyrightwespendso longobsessingoverthegreen spacesinourgarden,and attheheartofthatisplants, gorgeous,lush,greenlawn.
Yetthereismanyabeautiful baizespoiledbytheconstant ploddingofhumanfeet, andwhenthecolder,rainier monthscomearound,that gentlepathleadingtotheshed canrapidlycometoresemblea muddymess.
That’swhyprovidinga practicalrouteforpeopletobe ablemovethroughagarden issoimportant.Pathsand walkwaysobviouslyservea practicalfunctioninproviding safeandeasyaccesstothe decoratedcornersofyour garden,whilstalsoofferinga
visualandaesthetic element,guidingthe eye,offeringacontrast betweennaturaland manmadematerials, whilstcreating,aswell,an invitationtoexplore.
Attheextremeendofthe scale,somepreferacompletely throughadesireforalower maintenancespace,maybefor mobilityreasons,oritcouldbe thatchildrenorgrandchildren areathat’saccessibleand
Eitherway,maintaininga pathway,orlargerpaved area,isimportant,andwhileit hasanunpopularreputation, concreteisalmostalwaysthe
wearing,inexpensiveand versatile,whileintermsof durabilityyou’llstruggleto thosewhowantalookthat’s morenaturalorrustic,Iwould suggestusingsomethinglike gravel,woodornaturalstone. Thesematerialscancreate asofter,moreorganiclook thatblendsinwellwiththe surroundinglandscape.
Ifyoudodecidetogotheway ofconcrete,focusoncolourand textureasawayofremoving yourselffromtheintensely dull,greyslabs,thatarea othercoloursinyourgarden andtrytomatchshadesand tones;alsomimicshapesin concreteelementsthatare styledandintricatelydesigned, focusingoncurves,linesand detail.
Intermsoflayingapath, planeverystonebefore perspectiveandapattern thatguidestheeye.Ensure thegroundyouarelaying thepathoniswelldrained, diggingintoandheavily weedingtheplatformon whicheachstonewilllay. Andwhilethetemptation istolayeachslablevel, youmaywanttofactorina slighttiltsothatrainwaterruns offitratherthanpoolingontop.
Finally,whenlaid,gravelor mulcharoundthesidesof thepathwillholditinplace andallowittosoftenasit naturaliseswithyourgarden.
Astheyearsgoby,regular cleaningandrepairswillkeep yourpathinoptimumcondition. Jetwashingisagreatwayof bringingitbacktolife,though
becarefulyoudon’tblastaway naturalmatteraroundit.
Idofeelconcreteoftencarries withitanunsteadyreputation asfarasourgardensare concerned,yetwithoutitwe’d bestuck,andcertainlysomeof ouroutsidespaces,intherainy access!
brotherswithover25yearselectrical experienceindomestic,commercial andindustrialpremises
Thegoalofawordwheelpuzzleistocreateas manywordspossiblewiththelettersintheword wheel.Youcanonlyuseeachletteronceandevery wordmusthavetheletterinthe centerofthewheel.
u r o t n e f
WeedingOut TheUnwanted
Contrarytopopularbelief, weeds–althoughoften unwelcomeguestsinour gardens–aremuchmorethan merenuisances.Infact,while theycanbeproblematic,in somecasesthey’reactually
Whatareweeds?
Theyareessentiallywildplants inplaceswheretheyweren’t intentionallysown–oftentothe annoyanceofgardeners.
Theseplantsusuallyappear it’sinamanicuredgardenora crackinthesidewalk.
Theiropportunisticnatureoften leadsthemtoplacesconsidered toyourgardenthough;
Forinstance,cowparsleyis notonlyaweedbutalsoa apollinator–playingacrucial roleinsupporting localecosystems.
Aperilofnaturelikenoother,butshould allweedsbeweededout? t
realitythatmost weedscompetewith yourplantsfornutrients, waterandlight.This competitioncanactually stressyourplants,makingthem weakandmoresusceptible todisease,whichmight,in turn,hastentheirdemiseifnot managedproperly.
Identifyingharmfulweeds
Althoughtheyareunsightly, certainweedscanposemore thanjustanaestheticissue–theycanactuallybeoutright theJapaneseknotweedand ecosystemsandcancause inhumans.
It’sestimatedthatJapanese knotweedimpactsmorethan and1.25%ofhomesacross GreatBritain,affectingtensof thousandsofproperties.
Additionally,plantslikepoison hemlockandthecommonreed areproblematic,withsome tobothhumansandwildlife.
Categoriesofweeds
threemaintypesbasedon theirlifecycles:Annualweeds likechickweed–foundmore
crabgrass,sproutfromseeds eachyear.
Biennialweedssuchascow year,bloominthesecondand thendie.
dandelions–godormantin winterbutreturneachspring. aseachtyperequiresa differentapproachbasedonits growthpatternandlifecycle. byhandorwithtoolsensures
It’sagoodideatoworkweed maintenanceintoalltheother regularthingsyoudoinyour garden,suchaspruning, trimming,mowingandchilling outwithaPinaColada.
Forpersistentorlarge-scale methodslikemulchingor herbicidesmightbenecessary.
Timewith children:Quality andQuantity
Formanyparents,thereisreal betweentheneedtoputbread onthetable,andthedesireto spendasmuchtimewith ourchildrenaspossible Rarelydoesonedesire facilitatetheother–in factitwouldbefairto saytheyareindirect competition–yetwith structure,planningand determination,youcan achievetimewithyour lovedonesthatprovides bothqualityand quantity.
2.Establish routinesandrituals
Creatingroutinesand ritualsinyourdailylife
1.Prioritisefamilytime Itsoundsobvious,butthebest
inconsciousmovestoprioritise itoverotherthings.
So,intentionallyschedule familyactivitiesinyour calendar,justasyouwould withanyotherimportant appointmentormeeting.This mightinvolvesettingaside fortnightforafamilyouting, orperhapsbycommittingto aregularfamilydinner.
Bymakingthisnon-negotiable, you’llnotonlymakeaconscious efforttospendmoretimewith yourchildren,butwillalso strengthenthatvitalbond thatitoffers.
you’retogether.Thismight involveplayinggames, engaginginconversations, orparticipatinginactivities thatinterestyourchildren. Ultimately,bymakingthe mostofthetimeyouhave together,you’llstrengthen yourbondandcreate lastingmemories.
canhelpcarveoutmeaningful timewithyourchildren.These canbeassimpleasreading abedtimestory,sharinga morningbreakfast,ortakingan eveningwalktogether.
Byincorporatingtheseroutines intoyourdailylife,youprovide opportunitiesforregular connectionandcommunication withyourchildren.
3.Maximisequality overquantity
Whiletheamountoftimeyou spendwithyourchildrenis important,thequalityofthat timeisevenmorecrucial. Thus,focusoncreating memorable,engagingand meaningfulmomentswhen
4.Utilisetechnologywisely Intoday’sdigitalage, technologyisoftenseenas somethingthathindersthe actionofcommittingtimeand fullattentiontootherpeople; yetthereversecanbetruealso.
Technologycanofcourse enableyoutoworkmore youtospendmoretimewith yourfamily.
Inaddition,insituationswhere lovedonesareapart,itisstill easytointeract,chatandeven setupzoomcallssothatfamily experiencescanbemaintained evenwhendistancepulls peopleapart.
importanttoputall technologytooneside whenspendingtimein eachother’scompany, andespeciallyat mealtimes.
5.Involvechildren indailytasks
Incorporatingyourchildren intoyourdailytaskscan beagreatwaytomake moretimeforthem.Simple activitieslikecooking, groceryshoppingorgardeningcan becomevaluablebondingopportunities.
Byinvolvingyourchildreninthesetasks,younot onlycreateopportunitiesforconnection,butalso teachthemvaluablelifeskills.
6.Shareresponsibilitieswithyourpartner Rememberthatalthoughmostfamilieshave primarybreadwinner,thenamainpersonlooking
afterchildcare–parenting hasbeenandalwayswill bemosteffectivewhen parentalresponsibilities areshared.
Notonlydoesthispromote fairness,italsomeansyour childrenareexposedto bothparents’personalities, love,creativityand humour–allqualities thatareenrichingforour youngsters.
7.Setrealisticexpectations
Finally,noneoftheideasaboveareachievable unlessyouraimsaresensibleandrealistic.
Understandthatyoucannotbeeverywhereat once,andthatwork-lifebalanceisacontinuous
Bysettingachievableexpectations,you’ll reducestressandguilt,allowingyoutofocuson enjoyingthetimeyouhavewithyourchildren.
Spotthe Difference!
General Knowledge Crossword
Across Clues:
5. Excessively get ready (11)
9. Skin condition (9)
10. Finger (5)
11. Not good (3)
12. 88 keyed instrument (5)
13. Very fast (5)
19. Manner of using (5)
20. Muscle in upper arm (5)
21. Noah’s vessel (3)
24. Pleasant (9)
Down Clues:
2. Armored mammal (9)
3. Suitable (3)
4. Cause annoyance (8)
7. Founded (11)
8. Government ministers (11)
14. Cleaning agent (9)
22. Work dough (5)
25. Pigpen (3)
Answers:
8. Ministerial, 14. Detergent, 18. Biform, 22. Knead, 25. Sty.
Jean-ChristopheNovelli’s RoastPotatoes
Couldyoueverimaginesomethingsimplerthanapotato? Yetitissomethingoffersthebroadestandmostdiverse
Indeed,whilemanyofusthinkwemayhavemastered prettymucheverythingtodowiththismostversatileroot, celebratedFrenchchefJean-ChristopheNovelliiskeepthe evolutionofthehumblepotatomovingforward,asoutlined belowinthisbrilliantrecipetoaccompanytheperfect
Method
1. Poptheovenonto220°C.Get yoursturdiestbakingtray,primed withsunfloweroil,onthehob heatinguptoveryhot.
2. Tossthepotatoeswiththe garlicandrosemary,addingsome saltandpepper(youcouldadd prettymuchanyseasoningyou wanthere;currypowder,cumin, paprikaetc.).
3. Throwtheminthebakingtray andgetshakingandstirring.
Ingredients
•1potatoperperson,diced toabout2cmpieces (withskinslefton)
•2fatclovesofgarlic, squashed
•2rosemarysprigs
•Saltandpepper
You’relookingtobuildupa slightcrustontheoutsidewhich willmakethemnon-stick,as wellasgettingthecooking startedquickly.
4. After5minutesofshakingand tossing,transferthebakingtray tothehotovenandbakefor45 minutesoruntiltender.Shake regularlytofreeanycrustybits.
5. Everyfewminutesdrizzle someoiloverthepotatoes,being
carefulnottolettoomuch heatescape.
6. Givethemafinalruffleina colander,seasonagain,then serve.Perfect!
Whattheydon’t tellyouabout supermarket loyaltycards
Weliveintheeraoftheloyaltycard,yetare wefullycluedupastowhatwesignedupfor?
Supermarketloyaltycards–thinktheTesco‘Clubcard’or Sainsbury’s‘Nectar’scheme –arepopularamongtensof millionsofshoppers.Fromthe consumerside,theyunlock specialdeals,enablethe redeemingofpointsthatcan beturnedintotreats,tripsand gifts,andcanevenoffera feelingofprestige.
Yetistheoutlookallpositive? Aretherenegativeelements ofloyaltycardsthat,inthe rushforsavings,wealltoo quicktooverlook?
Privacyconcerns
Firstup,signingupfora supermarketloyaltycard permitstheproviderto begintocollectdataon yourshoppinghabits.This detailedinformationoffersa deepanalysisofconsumer
behaviour,therebyenablingthe tailoringofmarketingstrategies tomatchconsumerneeds.
Pricecomparisons
supermarketuse.Theymaybe sharedorsoldtoothersisteror partneredcompanies.
Costimplications
Supermarketloyaltycards offerdiscountsthatmay
canencourageconsumersto spendmorethanisnecessary. Thesecardscanalsosetup dealstoincentiviseadditional purchasesthatwemaynot need,increasingtheirspending undertheguiseofsavings.
Theymayadditionallypersuade customerstoconsolidatetheir activityatonestore,ratherthan ultimatelyshoppingaroundfor thebestdeal.
Thereisalsoa betweenpricepoints forloyaltycard members,andnot.For thosenotparticipating, thenotionthatthe personnexttoyou ispayinglessforthe sameproductcan leadtoanegative brandperception.
Thecomplexnatureofloyalty schemeslessenstheabilityfor consumerstomakeeffective pricecomparisons.Asan example,whenfactoringin‘eat in’andtakeawayvariations, thePretaManger‘ClubPret’ schemeofferseffectively meanseachsandwichhas fourdifferentprices.
Alternatives
Ofcourse,notallsupermarkets subscribetotheconceptof loyaltycards.Forexample,Aldi choosesnottoimplementa loyaltyscheme,maintaining competitivepricingbyoffering alimitedselectionofproducts andfocusingonhighturnover rates–astrategywhichallows themtokeepcostslowwithout theneedtogatherextensive dataoncustomerpreferences.
Allinall,whilesupermarket loyaltycardscanoffer immediatediscounts, personaliseddealsandthe chancetoredeempointsfor bigtreats,consumersshould remainwaryofprivacy concerns,greaterexposure tomarketing,andapotential lackofawarenessofchoice elsewhere.
VisitingTredegar Housewithyourdog
We'vealwaysloveddogsatTredegarHouse,fromLordTredegar'sbeloved Skyeterrier,Peeps,toourfour-leggedmembersoftheteam.There’salways awarmwelcomeforyourdogandyou,andwe’reworkinghardtofind differentwaystowelcomedogshereonsiteatTredegar.
Ourpawprintratingsystem
We’vebeenworkingonmakingiteasierfor youtofindouthowdog-friendlyyourvisitwill bebeforeyouandyourfour-legged-friend arrive.Tohelpwiththis,we'vecreatedanew pawprintratingsystemandgivenallthe placesinourcarearating.Youcanfindthis informationintheNationalTrustmembers’ handbook.
TredegarHouseisathreepawprintrated place.
Threepawprintsshowstheverybestplaces youcanvisitforadaywithyourdog.You’llbe abletotakeyourdogtomostareas,including indoorsforacupofteaandatreat.Readon todiscoverexactlywhereyoucantakeyour dog.
WherecanmydoggoatTredegarHouse?
DogshavelivedhereaspartoftheMorgan
familyformanyyears-you'resuretospota waggingtailinmostofthelaterfamilyphotos. From1July,foryourdog'ssafetyandfor everyone'senjoymentofTredegarHouse, we'reaskingfordogstobekeptonashort leaduntilyoureachthe20acreoff-leadarea intheparklandwhereyoucancontinueto enjoythefantasticopenspacethatwehaveto offer.
Thecarparkandsharedvehicleand pedestrianareasonsiteareverybusy.For yourdog'ssafety,keepthemonashortlead intheseareas,includingthegrassedand gravelledoverflowcarparks.
Lookoutforsignsintheparklandshowing wherethe20acreoff-leadareais.
Intheoff-leadarea,pleasebeconsiderateof otherparkusers.Donotallowyourdogto jumpuponpeopleorotherdogsandkeep
themawayfromwildlife.Weaskthatdogsare wellbehavedandthattheymusthavegood recallifofflead.
Ashasalwaysbeenthecase,dogsare requiredtobeonashortleadintheformal gardens,andonlyassistancedogsare permittedinthemansionhouseandplay area.
You'llfinddog-friendlytablesindoorsinthe BrewhouseCafe.Pleasekeepdogsoffthe tablesandservingcounter.Dogsmustbekept onashortleadintheBrewhouseCafeandin thecourtyard.
Dogbowlsandwaterareavailableoutsidethe BrewhouseCafe,VisitorWelcome,andthe Second-handBookshop.
Helpusstaydog-friendlyatTredegar House
Welovedogs,butit'salwaysgoodto rememberthatnoteverybodydoes.Please followourcaninecodeandhelpusstaydogfriendlywhilstconsideringallourvisitors’ needs.
TheCanineCode
We’veworkedwithourpartner Forthgladetocomeupwiththis CanineCode,whichhelpstomake sureeveryonecanenjoytheirday:
Keepthemclose: usingashortlead helpstokeepyourdogfrom disturbingground-nestingbirds andfarmanimals.It'sessentialto
useashortleadaroundsheep.Butifcattle approachyou,it'sbesttoletyourdogoffthe lead,andcallthembackwhenit'ssafetodo so.
Pickupthepoo: pleasealwaysclearupafter yourdog.Ifyoucan'tfindabinnearby,take thepoobagshomewithyou.
Watchthesigns: keepaneyeonlocalsigns andnoticeswhereveryou'rewalking.They'll tellyouifabeachhasadogban,forinstance, orifapathhasbeendiverted,orifyou'rein anareawheredogscanrunoff-lead.
Stayontheball: rememberthatnoteveryone lovesdogs,andsomepeoplefearthem.So makesureyourdogdoesn'trunuptoother people,especiallychildren.
ProfessionaldogwalkersatTredegar House
Ifyou'rewalkingdogsprofessionally,youmust havevalidpublicliabilityinsuranceandoneof ourfreedog-walkingpermits.Email tredegar@nationaltrust.org.ukformore
Grillstock
‘CompetitionStyle’ ChickenThighs
Introduction
foundersJonFinchandBenMerringtonandlearnhow tomakebothanauthenticSouthCarolinaBBQsauce,and theirsecretBBQrub.
Ingredients
(servesfour):
• 12wholechicken thighs
Grillstockchickenrub
•2tbspseasalt
•2tbspbrownsugar
•2tbsppaprika
•1tbspgarlicsalt
•1tbspcelerysalt
•2tspchillipowder
•1tspblackpepper
SouthCarolinaBBQ sauce
•240mlFrench’s Americanmustard
•2tbspEnglishmustard
•150mlrunnyhoney
•60mlcidervinegar
•2tbspketchup
•1tbspsoftbrown sugar
•2tspWorcestershire sauce
•1tspFrank’sRedHot sauce(orother Americanhotsauce)
Method
1. TomaketheBBQsaucemixall untilyouneedit.You’llusehalffor
2. Mixalltherubingredients.Dust thechickenthighsalloverwiththe chickenrub.
3. Rollthethighssotheskinis onmorerub.
4.Ifusingasmokersetittocook at110°Candsmokethethighsin thetrayforaround1.5hrs.Remove cookingonthebarsofyoursmoker forafurtherhouroruntilcooked.
5. trayofthighsoverindirectheatfor 30minutesaddingahandfulof
thelidtocreatesmoke.Transfer thethighsdirectlyontheBBQgrill, cookingforanother15-20minutes oruntilcookedthrough.
6. beforeserving.
Ifyoudon’thaveaccess toabarbecuegrill, andovencookthe thighsinstead. TopTip
Holiday Hardbacks
Thesummerholidaysarehereandit’stimetodelve intoabeachread,orfour…
Resolution byIrvineWelsh Inthethird instalmentof IrvineWelsh’s bestselling CRIME series,former detectiveRay Lennoxis determined tostartanewlife.Hehas leftEdinburghPolicebehind forafreshcareerandafresh relationshipinBrighton.
ThenhemeetsMathew Cardingworth.Rich, smooth-talkingand immaculatelydressed,heis seeminglyapillarofthelocal community-yethesoondraws Lennoxbacktoapastthat he’sdesperatetoforget. PublishedbyVintagePublishing onJuly11th
Try:Apicturebookabout friendship byRobBurrowand
Astimulatingchildren’sbook inspiredbythereal-life affectionbetweenrugby legends,fundraisingheroesand bestfriendsRobBurrowand
Thisbig-heartedread translatesthemuch-publicised storyofthesesportingpalsinto aformatandtonethat’sperfect foryoungerreaders,promoting theideasofteamwork,health, resilienceandlove,allviathe mediumofrugby,arguablythe
toughestyetmostgentlemanly sportofthemall.
Certainlynotthelastincredible take-outfromBurrow’s MotorNeurone Disease,this oneisarguably oneofthemost important,in itsconnection withanationof youngreaders. PublishedbyPan MacmillanonJuly4th
FortheLoveofFood byPaulAinsworth PaulAinsworthhasspenta lifetimeworkinginMichelinstarredkitchens–from RestaurantGordonRamsay in Londontohisownrestaurant No6 inCornwall.Workingwith qualityproduceandalongside theUK’sbestchefs,he’s learnedthatseriouslygood foodandcomfortingclassics Atthe heartofthe Ainsworth Collectionis anethosof goodfood andgood people,and thisgenerous approachis extendedto therecipesthatarecollected inthisdebutcookbookthat’s beenalmosttwodecadesin
themaking–perfectfor bothseasonedchefsand aspiringhomecooksalike.
Publishedby HarperCollinsPublishing onJuly4th
Restore byWillKirk Caringfortheitemsyoulove aroundthehomeiseasier–andmorerewarding–than
TheRepairShop’s resident woodworkingexpertWillKirk takesyouonaninspirational touroftheelementsofwood careand restoration, frombasic principles andquick around thehome tolarger projects.
Restore showsyou howsimpleandjoyfulwood andstainsandmakingsmall repairs,tohouseholditems youcanusetohelpcare foryourfurnitureandother woodenobjects. PublishedbyEburyPublishing PressonJuly18th
PuzzlePage
QuickCrossword #043
AcrossClues:
5.Allowstopassthrough(9)
8.Cookbyimmersing(4)
9.Tocarve(8)
10.Stateofdisorder(7)
11.Severe(5)
13.Bitterintaste(5)
18.Smallsongbird(8)
19.Narrowroad(4)
20.Processofdetermining(9)
DownClues:
1.Onewhosells(6)
2.Fixed,settled(7)
3.Rough(5)
4.Religiousleader(6)
6.Lowinquality(9)
7.Reduction(9)
12.Command(7)
14.Massofice(6)
16.Emptyspace(6)
17.Arouseinterest(5)
WordLadder
EverythingT-Quiz
1.Oneofthebonesinthelowerleg?
2.Whatisthetermfora mathematicalstatementthattwo expressionsareequal?
3.WhoistheNorsegodofthunder?
4.Aninstrumentusedtomeasure temperature?
5.Whatisthenameofthepopular martialartfromJapan,knownfor itsgrapplingtechniques?
6.Whatistheprocessbywhich plantslosewatervapourthrough smallporesontheirleaves?
7.Whatisthenameoftheriverthat runsthroughLondon?
8.WhatisthecapitalofJapan?
9.Whatisthenameofthelayerof theatmosphereclosesttoEarth?
10.Asuddeninvoluntarymuscle contraction?
KingOfTheGrill
Embraceoutdoorentertainingandlearnto barbecuelikeapro.
HereintheUK,there’san acceptancethatwecan,at times,failtoproperlyembrace themagicthatisthebarbecue, yetthereissomuchtolove aboutthisultimateoutdoor foodexperience.
Forstarters,thefoodtastes somuchbetter.Barbecuing impartsauniqueanddelicious othercookingmethods.The spicesandmarinadesadds layersofcomplexityand depthtothetasteofmeat, grilledfoods. bringingpeopletogetherto gatheraroundthegrill,share stories,andenjoydelicious food.Thecreationofthat relaxed,informalatmosphere
camaraderieamongfriends andfamily.
Howtobarbecue
Grillingisanalchemyof soeachfactormatters…
Fuel charcoal,madefrom apple,cherry,maple thatsmellsofpetrol-it madeusingaccelerator yourfood.
Equipment
orsmokerthatsuitsyourneeds andpreferences.Whetheryou prefercharcoal,gasorelectric, makesureyourequipmentis calibratedforoptimalcooking results.Agood,solidpairof arealsohandy.
Preheat
Beforecooking,preheat yourgrilltotheappropriate temperatureforthefood you’repreparing.Thisensures createthosedesirablegrill marksandcaramelisationon
Temperature
temperatureofyourgrillor food,usingacombination ofdirectandindirect heatzones.
goodmeatthermometerisa greatideaforoptimalcooking forconsumption. Ingredients ingredientsforyourbarbecue andhigh-qualityspicesand -atriptoyourlocalbutcheror extraeffort.
Seasoning
Seasonyourmeatand tastyrub,marinade,orspice seasoningtopenetratethefood
Addinpatience,practiceand becomeanessentialpartofa happysummerroutine.
School’sOut
ForJuly,andwiththeschoolsummer holidaysinmind,herearefourreleases thatwillkeepkidsofallagesamused.
Roar byBethMead
Beth Mead,the England footballingicon,BBCSports Personalityofthe Yearand authorof Lioness hitsthe back ofthenetonce morewiththis inspiring andaccessibleguide tofollowingyourdreamsand developingresilience.
Thisdebutchildren’sbook drawsonheramazing trajectoryfromplayingwiththe boys’teamonthe pitchesof NorthYorkshire,tobecoming afootballchampionandrole model,andwillsurelyinspire girlsandboyseverywhereto dreambig,workhardand nevergive up.
Bethsharesherinsidertips, tacticsandadvice,discussing
positionandstyle,aswellas shiningaspotlightonsomeof
theworld’s bestsporting rolemodels. Publishedby HachetteonJune 22nd
BeanoThe UltimateGuide byIPDaley
worldoflegendarykids’comic The Beano, thissparkling volumecoversallthemuchlovedcharactersandlocations inwittyandimmersivestyle.
Offeringa wildridethrough Beanotownwiththisultimate guide toitsinhabitants, readerscan checkoutPie HardatBeanotown Cinema, exploretheneighbourhood undesirables,orgigglealong tosomejokesfromthe Bash StreetKids.
Eitherway,thisguide tooneofthemosticonic animatedcharacters ofalltimehasyou covered. Published byHarperCollinson June22nd
TheWonderBrothers byFrankCottrell-Boyce Twodiminutive magicianssetoutto retrievethevanished BlackpoolTowerand windupinLasVegas withaworld-famous illusionistinthis hilariousandheartwarmingstoryfromthe authorof Millions and Noah’sGold.
Thestoryisbasedaround cousinsMiddyandNathan, whobothlovemagic.For Middy,it’sallaboutpatience andpractice.Sheusesmagic skillstohelpheroutoftricky situations.
Nathan,ontheotherhand,is ashow-offandatotaldanger magnet,andisdrawntothe sensation,spectacleand audience.
Sowhen thefamousBlackpool Towerdramaticallyvanishes thenightoftheGrandLights Switch-On,showman Nathan announcesliveonTVthatthey willmagicitbackhome.
Howdotheyattempt todoit?Well…full oftricks,twistsand deceptions,the delightfulNathan andMiddywillkeep youguessinguntilthe veryend. Published byPacMacmillanon July20th
InkBlood
SisterScribe byEmmaTorzs
JoannaKalotay livesaloneinthe woodsofVermont, thesole protectorof acollectionofrare books;booksthat willallow someone towalkthroughwallsorturn waterintowine.Booksofmagic.
HerestrangedoldersisterEsthermoves betweencountriesandjobs,constantly
changing,neverstayinganywherelonger thanayear,desperatetoavoidthedeadly magicthatkilledhermother.Currently workingonaresearchbaseinAntarctica, shehasfoundloveandperhapsasortof happiness.
onthe mirrorsin theresearchbase,she knowssomeoneis comingforher,and thatJoannaand hercollectionarein danger.
Iftheyare tosurvive, she andJoanna mustunravelthe secretstheirparents kepthiddenfrom them-secretsthat spancenturiesand continents,andcould costthemtheirlives. PublishedbyPenguin BooksonJuly5th
LlysHerbertcarehome, Lisvane
Wednesday24thJuly,2pm-5pm
ComealongtoLlysHerbertcarehometo celebrateTheBigCareUKSportsDay, wherewe’rewelcomingthelocalcommunity tojoinusforfunandgamesatour Olympics-themedopenday,orsimplyrelax andenjoythecheerfulatmosphere. Trustedtocare.
ProtectingYourFamily’sInheritance
Mostpeoplehopethattheirestatewillpasson totheirlovedoneseventually.Butthiswillnot happenformanyunlesscarefularrangements havebeenmadetoprotecttheirassetsfrom beingtakentowardstheendoftheirlifetopay forcarehomefees.Thesolutiontohelpprotect yourestateisaWillincorporatingaProperty ProtectionTrust(PPT).AtestamentaryPPTcan onlybeexecutedwhilstbothpartnersremain alive.Upondeathofthefirstpartner,theirWill specifiesthattheirshareofthepropertyis placedintotrustandnamestheultimatebeneficiaryofthisshare,normallythechildrenofthe deceased.
Thesurvivingpartner,underthetermsofthe Trust,hastheunequivocalrighttoremainliving inthepropertyfortherestoftheirlife.Onthe deathofthesecondpartnertheTrustcomesto anendandthepropertypassestothebeneficiaries.Asthesurvivingpartnerdoesnotown thedeceased'sshareofthepropertyitisfully protectedforthebeneficiaries,soifthesurvivingpartnerrequirescare,orevenremarries, thisshareofthechildren'sinheritanceispro-
tected.Thislastpointcanbeofparticularinteresttocoupleswhohavecometogetherbut havechildrenfromdifferentpartners.
APPTcanhelpeachpersoninarelationshipensurethattheirchildreninherittheirshareofthe property,whilegivingtheirsurvivingpartnerthe abilitytoliveinthepropertyfortherestoftheir life.Ifthesurvivingpartnerwantstomoveto anotherpropertytheycanstillselltheproperty andtheproceedsbeusedtopurchaseanew property;thetermsofthetrustremainoverthe newproperty.
WestminsterLawwillassessyourcurrentcircumstancesandarrangethetrust thatwillprovidethebestprotectionforyou,yourfamilyandyourassets.
