Hello and welcome to your February issue of The Mirfield Word.
Ah, February... The month of love! I think, given the world we live in right now, we could all do with a little bit of love. Given the current financial climate, it still gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to know that people in Mirfield are pulling together to help those less fortunate. With “churches together “providing warm spaces and events such as coffee mornings, it really is great to see that they are not only providing somewhere to go to keep warm for a few hours ( so you may turn off the heating at home) but its also a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and have a conversation with other people face to face that doesn’t include the internet and social media.
You can find out more about what is happening this month in our “what’s on” pages. Did you know it is free of charge to advertise your community or charity event on these pages? All you need to do is contact me with the details, and by magic, it appears in the next issue! This is a great way to publicise your event, and whilst social media is great to do this, there are still many people who do not use it and rely on The Mirfield Word as their main reference point for finding out information.
Our February issue, as always, is jam-packed with great editorial features and local businesses promoting their services to you. I know I sound like a broken record sometimes, but if there was ever a time to support local – it is now! It’s cold outside, and many people are not braving the high street, but as a local business,, this is not what you need, given that it costs more than they are taking just to turn the lights on right now. So if you can, spend your money with one of the many fantastic businesses we have in Mirfield, you may be surprised at what you find.
This month we have a local gift guide showcasing some of the lovely products our shops have, and should this be a success for the shops involved, we will look to having a monthly gift guide for you – so be sure to let the shops know you have seen their product in The Mirfield Word.
Look out for your March issue dropping through the door from February 27th. Enjoy February, and remember to keep shopping local.
10:30am - 12:30pm at Mirfield Library
Running Every 2
Zion Baptist Church, Water Royd Lane
2:00pm - 3:00pm
£2.00 Including Tea and Biscuits
2nd Monday of each month- 10.30am11.30am U3A Book Group.
10.30am-12.30pm Scrabble, Chess & Board Games Group.
2.00pm-3.30pm Classic Literature Book Group.
4.30pm-6.30pm Knit and Natter.
10am Wellbeing Walkers Registration.
Temporary Opening Times - Supporting you, your baby, and your family. www.auntiepams.org.uk
Due to staffing and volunteer levels, until Friday 3 March, our opening times will be: Monday 10am until 3pm Wednesday 10am until 3pm We are closed on a Friday
Contact us by email auntiepams@kirklees.gov.uk by social media or leave a message on 01924 438316
Toddler Group 0-5yr
Robberttown Lane Preschool (Scout Hut)
The Scout Hut, Roberttown Ln, Liversedge, WF15 7LF
Mondays 1:30-3:00pm - £3 including refreshments
Crafts, Sensory Play, Music, Balance Bikes, Roleplay, Sand, Water Table, Play Doh, Construction.
Book Now! Call: 07855 159665
Mirfield Team Parish Warm Spaces
Every Saturday during Winter 10:00am until 4:00pm Drinks, lunch and chat available. St Mary’s Parish Community Centre, Church Lane, WF14 9HX 07840 395096
11.30am Wellbeing Walkers Coffee Club. 10.45am Rhymetime for Babies and Toddlers.
2pm last Wednesday of each month SpokenWord group.
2pm second Wednesday of each month Mirfield Library Bookworms.
10.30am-Storytime for pre-school children
THE MANHATTANS - UK’S FINEST SOUL & MOTOWN SHOW
Sunday, February 12th - 4 ‘til 7pm at Old Bank WMC
Call Andy on 07815 486098 or pop into the bar to book tickets.
To promote your community / charity event free of charge please contact Info@themirfieldword.co.uk
Interested in advertising? Email info@themirfieldword.co.uk or visit www.themirfieldword.co.uk
11.00am Art Group.
10.30am first Friday of each monthFriendship Café.
10.30am every Friday other than the above-Coffee/Tea/Chat.
10am every Thursday Needlers Craft Group.
10.30am to 12noon Lego Club.
All events are correct at the time of printing. The Mirfield Word does not take any responsibility for events being cancelled or rearranged.
Please let advertisers know you found them in The Mirfield Word!
In the early 20th century when vitamins were first discovered and their role in preventing illnesses such as scurvy and rickets began to be understood, it was deemed a revelation in healthcare. Back then, diets were nutritionally insufficient enough to cause serious health problems, and even death.
Yet now, in 2023, we have access to an abundance of fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat, making such diseases an anomaly in the western world.
However, a 2018 Food Standards Agency report found that about half of UK adults took food supplements on a regular basis, suggesting a belief at least that these special pills can either prevent and cure illness, or both. And of course, such magical thinking
is understandable given the information we are fed via the media.
It’s always worth bearing in mind that a well-balanced diet ought to have you covered in any case. Not only that, but vitamins and minerals in their natural state are easier absorbed by your body.
The question is then, does your diet have you covered? Well, as long as you aren’t excluding one of the main food groups, then yes. However, if you are following a vegetarian or vegan plantbased diet, taking a multivitamin that contains vitamin B12, iodine and choline, along with vitamin D, could be beneficial.
Similarly,
those averse to oily fish should consider an omega 3 supplement.
Women who are pregnant or intend on becoming pregnant are advised to take a 400-microgram supplement of folic acid, daily, as research shows that this reduces the risk of neural tube defects in babies. Calcium is also vital to those breastfeeding, so any new mums who are lactose intolerant ought to seek it by other means.
Ageing can also have a detrimental effect on your body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals; for example, as we get older our stomachs struggle to produce hydrochloric acid – vital for the absorption of vitamin B12 – so those over the age of 50 are advised to take a B12 supplement.
In conclusion, supplements tend to benefit those whose diets are lacking. That said, you might just want to take a multivitamin for peace of mind; after all, the only negative effect it can really have is to your wallet!
The trend for upcycling raw materials into garden furniture is coming to a back garden near you.
It’s the time of year when we all begin to consider ways we might be able to spruce up our gardens in time for the summer.
Of course, while plants, flowers, produce and more is a necessity for giving our outside space that natural, living, thriving edge, there’s an entire other aspect that will contribute towards the comfort and convenience of your garden, irrespective of its size. And while upsizing an old pallet into the ultimate outdoors DIY sofa may not scream opulence, the trend for creating fantastic homemade furniture for outdoors is one that’s really gathered pace in recent years.
What you’ll need:
• Three (or more) plain wooden pallets
• An electric drill with screws
• A small roller and tray
• A paintbrush
• Scatter cushions
• Garden furniture chalk paint
How to make your pallet sofa:
1. Using your foam roller, layer your pallets in whichever glorious hue you have selected, using a paintbrush for those tricky to reach areas. Paint one side first, let it dry, then do the other.
2. You’ll need to stack at least two pallets to get your sofa to a suitable height – you may want to make your sofa higher using more pallets, or even double the length... it’s all up to you! – before fixing them together with your electric drill and screws.
3. Add another pallet to the back of the bench to make your sofa back. Affix with screws.
4. That’s the hard part done! Now decorate your masterpiece in whichever way you choose with cushions, garlands and
throws. Then relax… you’ve earned it!
Advantages of using pallets for furniture
1. Cost-saving
By using your creativity, you can capitalise on a raw material – wooden pallets – that most people give away for free.
2. Environmentally friendly With furniture made from pallets, it’s as environmentally friendly on its way out as it is in its creation as an arty piece of reclaimed wood.
3. A design for garden life
By creating your own furniture rather than buying it, you are able to put your imprint on the look, so complete customisation is merely a few planks of wood away!
4. Mature with age
three
After two or three years, outdoor furniture can show the effects of being weatherbeaten, yet with pallets the resplendent ruggedness only adds to the effect!
Wet weather can really dampen your mood, not to mention interfere with your fashion plans. Here are some waterproof ways to keep on trend when the dark clouds loom.
Storm clouds one minute and bright sunshine the next: it’s no wonder us Brits complain so much about the weather.
Spring in particular is a tricky season to navigate, but these fabulous fashion tips will keep you high and dry even in the most inclement weather.
Choose high-tech over high fashion
High-end brands like such as Burberry have long been feted for their statement rain macs, but what works on the catwalk doesn’t necessarily work on the school run.
If you resent venturing out looking like you’re about to navigate a kayak down a river, then focus on the small elements of your look that need to be waterproofed. Sturdy, leather boots will keep your feet dry enough in lieu of wellies; a cosy, knitted beanie will protect your hair for a short dash between your car and work; and a practical but stylish crossbody bag that is water-resistant can be big enough for all your essentials, over your expensive, leather handbag.
If in doubt, brolly out
steel, fibreglass or airplane-grade aluminium; integrate a 360-degree spinning canopy to protect the main mechanism, or reinforce the tips of the umbrella so the spokes don’t wear away the fabric and poke out.
Fortunately, technology enhanced fabrics have been a big focus for the fashion industry the last decade or so, meaning you can find a raincoat that not only offers almost total dryness, but is also lightweight and flattering too.
You may have given up on umbrellas after one gusty adventure too many, but it’s worth bearing in mind that there are brollies available now that are designed to be lightweight, sturdy and wind-resistant. Whether utilising high-grade
If you’ve ever worn bootcut jeans or flares, you’ll be familiar with how the loose bottoms drag in puddles and take half the pavement grime home with you. In other words, stick to slim fitting trousers like skinny jeans or leggings tucked into boots. Similarly, a long skirt is going to hold water, so go for something above the knee that you can wear with tights.
So how do we cope with this new sound that follows us everywhere? I work with those who are distressed by their tinnitus, helping people to become ‘habituated’ to it.
Habituation is the process by which we still have tinnitus but are no longer upset by it.
98% of people will habituate over time, and I teach people how to shortcut that process. Here are a couple of key points of my teaching:
Tinnitus doesn’t have ‘volume’, because it’s not a sound. Sound follows the laws of physics - it will be drowned out by a louder
The only downside with such materials is that they are manmade and therefore less friendly to the environment. However, many high street
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external source (whistling, whooshing, buzzing etc), experienced persistently by 10% of the population. It’s not usually something to worry about, however you should consult a GP/audiologist if it lasts longer than five minutes AND is in one ear only; pulses with your heartbeat; causes insomnia/low mood.
prominent than it was.
2. Pick another environmental sound, maybe the traffic outside the house. Imagine the source, see the cars going past in your mind. After a few seconds the traffic seems more prominent and the fridge noise falls back.
3. Switch back and forth between various sounds, each for a good 15 seconds. What this should show you is that sound is subjective, and attention is capable of affecting it. Tinnitus signals
brands are now choosing recycled polyester, so it is possible to be dry and a friend of the planet.
successfully ignored their tinnitus for months or years can find it suddenly becomes a major issue when they go through a stressful time such as lockdown or a bereavement. It’s important for them to know that it can and will drop back when the stress recedes.
I know what you’re thinking: the only time wellington boots are fashionable is when Kate Moss is donning them with a miniskirt at Glastonbury, but these aren’t just any wellington boots. These are the lightweight, Chelsea-boot-style ankle wellies that happen to currently be very much in fashion. That’s right, wellies have upped their style game, and a pair of these beauties tucked into skinny jeans or worn ‘a la Miss. Moss’ with bare legs, will give you that style edge even when the sky is falling in.
Ultimately, what sufferers tend to do with the tinnitus signal is focus in on it, which is a natural response. However, focusing in and thinking about it simply trains the brain to devote resources to the signal. This is why I tell people not to
Safe, non-invasive and painless treatment
– for the reduction of pain, swelling and
Useful for the following conditions:
Muscle spasm and pain Ar thritis Sprains & strains Back pain Hip pain Knee pain Sciatica Bursitis Tendonitis Haematoma and oedema
Spor ts injuries
Ever yone will experience muscle and joint pain at some point in their lives We understand the impor tance of reducing your pain quickly and effectively to get you back to your best
Laser therapy involves directing Laser tissues to accelerate the body’s natural healing process
The laser is placed in direct contact with the skin which enables light photons to penetrate the tissue and interact with molecules within the cells to cause several biochemical effects
After a full clinical assessment of your condition, we will tailor make a treatment protocol just for you.
The number of sessions you will require will depend on the condition - this will be discussed in your initial appointment Treatments are quick and painless and often you will feel the results during the may take a few sessions for you to feel be immediate!
Inhibits the sensor y ner ve impulses associated with pain
FAST TREATMENT TIMES from 3-10 minutes
REDUCED NUMBER OF SESSIONS in many patients the reduction in pain can felt within minutes
SIMULTANEOUS ACTION marked reduction in pain, swelling
Relaxes muscle spasm immediately Increases vascular supply and restores
Provides energy for the cells within the tissue allowing them to repair
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Please let advertisers know you found them in The Mirfield Word!
Dental implants are a great solution.
The Benefits of Dental Implants:
• Look like a natural tooth
• Support facial structure
• Prevent bone loss
• Strong,stable and function like a natural tooth
• Help to restore full chewing power
• Allows you to enjoy your favourite food
Eat with confidence in public
Bonding is the application of a tooth coloured composite resin directly to the tooth to make it appear straighter and whiter providing immediate, same day results.
• Repairs a chipped tooth
• Closes gaps between teeth
Are you afraid of the dentist? Is dental fear and phobia preventing you from having your perfect smile?
Whilst you may feel that you are the only person you know who is terrified of dental treatment, in fact 1 in 10 people in the UK experience such a high degree of fear of the dentist that they put off seeking dental treatment.
At Wood Dental Clinic, we understand that a visit to the dentist can be quite challenging. We believe everybody deserves a smile that is healthy and happy and we are committed to working with you to help you get the treatment you need.
Our highly experienced and dedicated team have been able to help many patients finally overcome dental anxiety by providing them the dental treatment they need using a relaxed and calming approach to put them at ease.
• Covering stained or discoloured teeth
• Changes tooth’s shape
• Creating a brighter smile
“Just had an upper molar removed today by Prabhat Gurung and his assistant. Very professional, explained what he was going to do and expected sensations during injections. Did not experience any pain with the injections or the removal of the tooth. Excellent!” Mr Armitage.
Wacoal Lace Perfection Red Plumb
Plunge Bra: £49.00 Tanga: £23.00
3 Bradford Rd, Brighouse HD6 1RW
COW AND CAKE
Treat Box £33.50 - Photo is one of our treat boxes. Packages available for all budgets. Cow and Cake Catering cowandcake
Come and enjoy lovely food and coffee in our warm and friendly atmosphere and treat your Valentine. Gift vouchers available from £10 54 Calder Rd, Mirfield WF14 8NR
Valentines gift vouchers available for any amount. Not sure what to buy the lady in your life? Treat her to some pampering at Vibe. 12 Nab Ln, Mirfield WF14 9BN Tel: 01924 489994
Luxury Candles Handmade in Hopton, Mirfield. The perfect gift this Valentine’s Day! www.hoptonengland.co.uk
Hopton Candles & Gifts
Various Bouquets Available for Valentines Day, we work to any budget.
75 Old Bank Rd, Mirfield WF14 0HY
Heart Necklace £68.00 81 Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield WF14 8AT
THE MIRFIELD EMPORIUM
Flipping Love You East of India Gift - £6.00 75 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, WF14 8AT Tel: 01924 609974
£5 off any package when you quote The Mirfield Word
215 Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield WF14 9DL www.zen-spa.co.uk
Iceland and New Year in New York
From £1599! Contact us about this package
- The perfect surprise for your loved one this valentines day www.tivolitravel.co.uk 176 Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield WF14 8AN
The Place in my Heart 925 Sterling Silver CZ Stud Earrings - £16.95 www.thewoodlandgiftcompany.com
The Woodland Gift Company
Nothing says “I love you” like breakfast in bed! Beds made especially for you. Call into our showroom to discuss your requirements www.bedsdirect-batley.co.uk
Bespoke candles made by Hopton Candle Co exclusively for the Cakery. Hampers also available on request. Prices Vary 4 Knowl Rd, Mirfield WF14 8DQ
Dermalogica gift sets available in the salon Image for illustration purposes. Various gift sets available. Prices Vary. www.thebeautyworksmirfield.co.uk
Individual handmade chocolates - pre boxed or select your own. The perfect way to say “ I love you”. Prices Vary. 75 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, WF14 8AT
Please
Rupert Check Scarf - Variety of colours £16.99 www.themissinglabel.co.uk 1 King St, Mirfield WF14 8AW
He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses garden design and spontaneity.
He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses garden design and spontaneity.
They say that a builder’s home is always unfinished, and much the same is true of any gardener in regards to his or her outside space.
They say that a builder’s home is always unfinished, and much the same is true of any gardener in regards to his or her outside space.
We have been in our current home for almost 20 years, and I am still evolving, adding, altering – every day. And that’s what makes each passing year so special – the fact you never go back to a blank canvas, but each spring there are new opportunities, ideas and spaces that emerge here and there, that can be formed into whatever takes your fancy at that particular time.
We have been in our current home for almost 20 years, and I am still evolving, adding, altering – every day. And that’s what makes each passing year so special – the fact you never go back to a blank canvas, but each spring there are new opportunities, ideas and spaces that emerge here and there, that can be formed into whatever takes your fancy at that particular time.
While variety and versatility are definitely important in a garden, I do find it’s necessary to follow some familiar boundaries. One of those, for me, is to ensure that the inspiration for the style of my garden comes from the feel of my house, and I think this is true for any outside space. The two must complement each other or you may find you end up with a strange and somewhat awkward juxtaposition between the building and nature.
While variety and versatility are definitely important in a garden, I do find it’s necessary to follow some familiar boundaries. One of those, for me, is to ensure that the inspiration for the style of my garden comes from the feel of my house, and I think this is true for any outside space. The two must complement each other or you may find you end up with a strange and somewhat awkward juxtaposition between the building and nature.
So my property is a classic, square Georgian farmhousethus I felt I had to do something that complemented that in the garden. I like straight lines anyway, which cross each other, and have softened this by planting throughout, creating a
So my property is a classic, square Georgian farmhousethus I felt I had to do something that complemented that in the garden. I like straight lines anyway, which cross each other, and have softened this by planting throughout, creating a
sort of billowing chaos in beds and borders. You essentially have one giving structure to the other.
sort of billowing chaos in beds and borders. You essentially have one giving structure to the other.
My exploration of plants really developed during my training at Kew – that’s when I realised I was a plantsman, and I can say that everything I have done since then has been about form and texture, perspective and proportion.
My exploration of plants really developed during my training at Kew – that’s when I realised I was a plantsman, and I can say that everything I have done since then has been about form and texture, perspective and proportion.
Remember, gardening is very different to architecture, because what you are dealing with isn’t just shape and form, it’s time as well – it’s a rapid adjustment and change between how something looks on day one and how it will look on day 100.
Remember, gardening is very different to architecture, because what you are dealing with isn’t just shape and form, it’s time as well – it’s a rapid adjustment and change between how something looks on day one and how it will look on day 100.
That’s not to say you can’t invest some architecture into your garden, though – think about sculpture, brickwork and fixed features such as walls and fountains. I have in my garden a plethora of sculpted pieces, and I would love to say the installation of each has been planned meticulously.
That’s not to say you can’t invest some architecture into your garden, though – think about sculpture, brickwork and fixed features such as walls and fountains. I have in my garden a plethora of sculpted pieces, and I would love to say the installation of each has been planned meticulously.
The truth, however, is that in much the same way as the flowers and plants in my garden, it’s case of seeing things for sale and just knowing you will have to find a space for them.
way as the flowers and plants in my garden, it’s case of seeing things for sale and just knowing you will have to find a space for them.
And while I know you’ll hear gardeners talking all the time about planning out an area, the types of plants you’ll have, and the tone and feel of a space; very often the reality is you are inspired by something off the cuff, and it is that instinctive appeal that’s exciting.
And while I know you’ll hear gardeners talking all the time about planning out an area, the types of plants you’ll have, and the tone and feel of a space; very often the reality is you are inspired by something off the cuff, and it is that instinctive appeal that’s exciting.
Whatever you’re going to do in your garden space, I would suggest it is gradual and over time. It really pays to observe and watch how nature embraces things – see what grows and what outgrows, and only when you are absolutely sure you want to adjust a certain area, only then proceed.
Whatever you’re going to do in your garden space, I would suggest it is gradual and over time. It really pays to observe and watch how nature embraces things – see what grows and what outgrows, and only when you are absolutely sure you want to adjust a certain area, only then proceed.
It’s about a steady progression rather than the wholesale demolition… such is life!
It’s about a steady progression rather than the wholesale demolition… such is life!
In 2021 dog thefts hit a sevenyear high, with more than 2700 taken that year (this equates to an average of 8 dogs per day); the higher demand for dogs during the covid pandemic led to hundreds more thefts, and sadly not even half have been found or reunited with their families to this day in 2023. (Statistics revealed under the freedom of information act and compiled by Direct Line Pet Insurance)
West Yorkshire had the secondhighest number of dog thefts, with 199 reports with the West Yorkshire Police in 2021, a number two-thirds more than what it was in 2020 for the region. The highest location was London, with a total of 362 offences recorded.
WAW Social Community interest company T/A Wags and walks was created in March 2021 by Gail Goor, who lives in Batley then Carrie Senior from Mirfield Joined not too long after to support, followed by Alison Dinsdale from Wibsey and then Jordan Alexander, also from Mirfield, Wags and Walks was started just as a social Facebook group to begin with, which was set up to help promote safety, wellbeing and healthy living for dogs and to support their owners to ensure a dog’s life is the best life it can have. We are dedicated to promoting and creating social activities for dogs and their humans, to socialise and share knowledge, skills, and any best practice of the management of
our canine best friends whilst inspiring others to do the same.
Wags and walks organise local group walks, off-lead events for dogs to be able to run free in a secure area, social events for owners and many other things – you will find details on our events page on the website or our Facebook page ‘Wags and Walks’ this is all in the local area in Mirfield and the Kirklees surroundings, we are always looking for other volunteers to join us as well to help run some group walks too, contact info@wags-and-walks.co.uk if you are interested.
Alongside the group in 2022, we also formed a pet food bank based in Batley for collection
but covering most of the Kirklees District.
This is to help keep as many cats and dogs out of shelters/ Rescues as possible during the cost-of-living crisis; Pets belong at home where they are loved. Poverty shouldn’t mean having to give up family members.
We are always in need of food donations, wet and dry food for both cats and dogs, so please do contact us if you are donating or you need support (This is a collection from Batley or Mirfield) you can find more details on www.wags-and-walks.co.uk or contact us at foodbank@wags-and-walks.co.uk
No referral needed for the use of our service.
Contact us today, please don’t worry about putting a meal on your pets plate, let us help you!
Visit our website for more information www.wags-and-walks.co.uk
Contact Information: Text, Call, WhatsApp 07927 605 558 Email: foodbank@wags-and-walks.co.uk
You can also find us on Facebook by searching ‘Wags and Walks’.
Private and Confidential, please don’t be afraid to ask, we’re here to help!
Donations are always accepted, Thank You!
A wide variety of craft beers, lagers, ciders and spirits are on offer at great prices - you can even hire the Roberttown best room for just £50 for your perfect party venue.
It’s not just a club, it’s a village hub, and the Roberttown are proud supporters of local community charities such as Roberttown in Bloom and The Bobtown Beer Bash. Come along and join us this summer at The Roberttown.
the right advice from the right people in one easy place and to have a community of other parents to bounce ideas off. We’ve now created that.
“We realise that parents’ time is valuable and with lots of free advice online people can spend hours trawling through Google to find the advice they need. Your Little Village is a unique compilation of parenting and family advice from many different expert sources, all in one place.”
One expert is Kelly Thistlethwaite from FLY Mama which stands for First Love Yourself Mama.
to parents as they navigate their child’s education and learning stages from early years and how to choose the right childcare through to advice and guidance on how to help children through their school life.
Health: Support and advice on everything from mums’ fitness and nutrition to guidance on weaning and feeding. It includes expert advice on any sleep challenges and first aid training.
Pregnancy: It offers an antenatal course with vital knowledge for people
preparing to become parents and gives members the chance to link up with other parents in a similar position.
Wellbeing: Expert advice to support mental health ranging from personal development to relationship advice.
Family life: Support and information on family challenges whether it’s introducing a new sibling, heading back to work or dealing with family illness.
For more on Your Little Village go to www.yourlittlevillage.co.uk
Parents needing information about anything to do with parenthood can now get it through a new online community based in Huddersfield.
It’s called Your Little Village and was set up by mums Amy Melling and Laura Batchelor who both work in Lindley and have gone through tough experiences having children. They acted after discovering there’s a lack of support for people trying to find advice on a range of parenthood issues.
So they have created Your Little Village which includes
a panel of experts who can give advice on anything from mental health and exercise to breast-feeding, weaning and sleep techniques.
Amy, of Mirfield, said: “Me and Laura have talked many times over the years about there not being enough support out there for new parents. There’s so much to do, so much pressure, so many decisions to make and so many what-ifs but no manual to run by. And where do you turn?
“I soon realised the friendships I formed along the way were my saviour. It’s why we’ve
created Your Little Village. We want this to be a community there for everyone through the good and bad, raw emotions and all.
“It’s real life with real advice and no judgement. It aims to be a one-stop shop for parents and carers to get advice across so many aspects of parenthood with access to the community and the village that we all really need.”
Laura, of Lindley, added: “I’ve always spoken to Amy and other friends about how good it would have been to have all
She said: “We are so proud to have been asked to be on the panel of experts for Your Little Village. Our platform offers support for mother’s emotional and physical wellbeing and we support them throughout pregnancy and motherhood as well as supporting individuals through perinatal trauma and loss.”
The advice and support covers six main areas – community, education, health, pregnancy, wellbeing and family life.
Community: Your Little Village is a community and support network with other parents and advice from experts. It aims to be a one-stop shop for parents and carers to get advice across many aspects of parenthood.
Education: Providing support
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How our perception of diesel has changed over time, and why this final downward turn seems to finally be sounding the death knell for the petroleum product once labelled ‘wonderfuel’.
How our perception of diesel has changed over time, and why this final downward turn seems to finally be sounding the death knell for the petroleum product once labelled ‘wonderfuel’.
In the 1990s, life was beautiful for diesel. Engine technology improved with every passing year; and while fuel prices were low, supply was buoyant and, as a result, the popularity of this petrol derivative boomed.
In the 1990s, life was beautiful for diesel. Engine technology improved with every passing year; and while fuel prices were low, supply was buoyant and, as a result, the popularity of this petrol derivative boomed.
The ‘wonderfuel’ revolution permeated the mass market of car production. Rather than an earthy, dirty oil that was once only associated with trucks, coaches and industrial machinery, diesel had funnelled itself through a centre space of transport where it propelled the ambitions of family cars, nippy run-arounds and souped up superpowered showpieces.
The ‘wonderfuel’ revolution permeated the mass market of car production. Rather than an earthy, dirty oil that was once only associated with trucks, coaches and industrial machinery, diesel had funnelled itself through a centre space of transport where it propelled the ambitions of family cars, nippy run-arounds and souped up superpowered showpieces.
The boom has been down to the realisation that costeffective performance wasn’t just something that should be exclusive to the commercial vehicle operator, and cars such as the Audi 100 pioneered electronic control of the diesel engine for the first time.
The boom has been down to the realisation that costeffective performance wasn’t just something that should be exclusive to the commercial vehicle operator, and cars such as the Audi 100 pioneered electronic control of the diesel engine for the first time.
This advancement did huge things in terms of emissions, refinement and power; with the engines themselves benefitting from much greater power density thanks to tighter tolerance and improvements in fuel injection technology.
This advancement did huge things in terms of emissions, refinement and power; with the engines themselves benefitting from much greater power density thanks to tighter tolerance and improvements in fuel injection technology.
The marketing plan lasted a generation before the first chinks in the armoury were spotted. They arrived in
The marketing plan lasted a generation before the first chinks in the armoury were spotted. They arrived in
2015 and came bundled up as full-on warfare in light of the VW emissions scandal, although three years previously scientists spoke of the “silent killers” that particulate matter (PM) and NOx (nitrogen oxides and oxides) were proving to be.
as full-on warfare in light of the VW emissions scandal, although three years previously scientists spoke of the “silent killers” that particulate matter (PM) and NOx (nitrogen oxides and oxides) were proving to be.
Rapidly, diesel exhaust was declared a carcinogenic which put it in the same category as mustard gas and asbestos, causing lung cancer, and investment was backtracked.
The Mexico City, Athens, Paris and Madrid mayors all pledged to outlaw diesel cars from city centres by 2025.
Meanwhile London accelerated its commitment to low-emission
Rapidly, diesel exhaust was declared a carcinogenic which put it in the same category as mustard gas and asbestos, causing lung cancer, and investment was backtracked. The Mexico City, Athens, Paris and Madrid mayors all pledged to outlaw diesel cars from city centres by 2025. Meanwhile London accelerated its commitment to low-emission
zones, as well as imposing strongly prohibitive toll charges designed to quell the diesel storm.
zones, as well as imposing strongly prohibitive toll charges designed to quell the diesel storm.
In 2023, the directive now is not to reconfigure, repackage or reduce, but to cease the production of diesel vehicles altogether. After all, fuel and maintenance costs are far lower with EVs and hybrids – the vehicles have fewer working parts needing to be fixed or replaced – and while the global energy crisis is rapidly pushing up the cost of utilities, its price elevation is no worse than that of fossil fuels.
In 2023, the directive now is not to reconfigure, repackage or reduce, but to cease the production of diesel vehicles altogether. After all, fuel and maintenance costs are far lower with EVs and hybrids – the vehicles have fewer working parts needing to be fixed or replaced – and while the global energy crisis is rapidly pushing up the cost of utilities, its price elevation is no worse than that of fossil fuels.
The death knell has sounded, and with it comes frustration that the promises of diesel’s longevity – where motorists would complete a life cycle of car purchases – have turned out to be false.
The death knell has sounded, and with it comes frustration that the promises of diesel’s longevity – where motorists would complete a life cycle of car purchases – have turned out to be false.
How to stay safe online by avoiding scams, whilst keeping on top of what data you share and with whom.
How to stay safe online by avoiding scams, whilst keeping on top of what data you share and with whom.
While technology has made many areas of our everyday lives considerably easier –online banking, shopping and navigation for example – it’s also made us more vulnerable, and often we can underestimate the lengths that others will go to in attempting to obtain our data.
While technology has made many areas of our everyday lives considerably easier –online banking, shopping and navigation for example – it’s also made us more vulnerable, and often we can underestimate the lengths that others will go to in attempting to obtain our data.
Online scams to look out for Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and even those of us who are skilled at using the internet can be caught out. Scammers sometimes send bogus emails in the hope that people will enter their personal or financial details.
Online scams to look out for Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and even those of us who are skilled at using the internet can be caught out. Scammers sometimes send bogus emails in the hope that people will enter their personal or financial details.
Scam emails can look genuine and appear to be from official places, like HMRC or a bank, but you can often tell it’s a scam. Look out for:
Scam emails can look genuine and appear to be from official places, like HMRC or a bank, but you can often tell it’s a scam. Look out for:
• Errors in the spelling or grammar, or an unusual style of writing
• Errors in the spelling or grammar, or an unusual style of writing
• Requests for personal information, such as your username, full passwords or bank details - genuine organisations will never ask this • Threats that unless you act now your account will be closed
• Requests for personal information, such as your username, full passwords or bank details - genuine organisations will never ask this
• Threats that unless you act now your account will be closed
Occasionally these emails will redirect you to a fake website requesting you to provide personal or financial information. For example, a fake bank website may be set up asking you to update your account or security information. If you have any suspicions, check the URL or type in the bank’s official web address.
Occasionally these emails will redirect you to a fake website requesting you to provide personal or financial information. For example, a fake bank website may be set up asking you to update your account or security information. If you have any suspicions, check the URL or type in the bank’s official web address.
Another way of parting you from your well-earned money is via social media or dating apps. Once a scammer has gained your trust, they’ll start asking for money, often by telling you an emotional or hard luck story. If a relationship feels odd, be wary.
Another way of parting you from your well-earned money is via social media or dating apps. Once a scammer has gained your trust, they’ll start asking for money, often by telling you an emotional or hard luck story. If a relationship feels odd, be wary.
How can I protect my data?
How can I protect my data?
• Keep your passwords strong and change them regularly. Use
• Keep your passwords strong and change them regularly. Use
different passwords for different accounts, avoiding using words or dates that are personal to you and can be found on social media, for example your dog’s name and birth date!
different passwords for different accounts, avoiding using words or dates that are personal to you and can be found on social media, for example your dog’s name and birth date!
• Install security software on your computer. Anti-virus software will look for and remove viruses before they can infect your computer, while anti-spyware software prevents unwanted adverts from popping up, and stops programs tracking your activities or scanning your computer for private data, such as credit card numbers or bank details.
• Install security software on your computer. Anti-virus software will look for and remove viruses before they can infect your computer, while anti-spyware software prevents unwanted adverts from popping up, and stops programs tracking your activities or scanning your computer for private data, such as credit card numbers or bank details.
• Protect your wireless network. Read the instructions that come with your wireless router to find out how to set up a ‘key’ (a type of password) so that no one else can access the internet through your router.
• Protect your wireless network. Read the instructions that come with your wireless router to find out how to set up a ‘key’ (a type of password) so that no one else can access the internet through your router.
• Keep your device updated. Your device will be better protected from viruses if you keep the operating system updated. You should receive notifications when new updates are available, but you can also update your system manually.
• Keep your device updated. Your device will be better protected from viruses if you keep the operating system updated. You should receive notifications when new updates are available, but you can also update your system manually.
Jolene explained that “People are often wrong in thinking that if they have made a will then the individuals that they have appointed as executors would be able became ill, had a stroke, developed dementia or lost capacity in some other way during their lifetime.
As well as having a will in place everyone, regardless of age, should have a Lasting Power of Attorney (‘LPA’). The will would deal with their estate on death and a LPA that deals with their estate during their lifetime. There are two types of LPAs- one that deals with health and welfare. The LPA allows the attorney, who can be family members, to deal with banks accounts, pensions, utility providers etc but also
to make decisions such as where the person lives.
By putting a LPA in place during your lifetime it removes the burden on children should you later become ill and would avoid a lengthy and expensive application to the Court.
It is important to act early as the individual making the LPA must have capacity to make the LPA and isn’t a document for those in later life to put in place. The age at which people can be diagnosed with Dementia can be as young as 48 and I have often acted for individuals who have had accidents which has left them unable health decisions for themselves which has resulted in a very long and very expensive application to the Court.”
Jolene Head Director, JH Wills Ltd
Director of JH Wills Ltd
Jolene Head explains why some homeowners are leaving it too late or simply doing nothing at all to protect their hard-earned assets.
Most couples are not aware that if they require care at a later date the local authority will look at their assets on a means-tested basis to see whether it will contribute towards an individual’s care.
When a financial assessment is carried out assets have to fall below £14,250 before it will contribute towards any care fees.
I have dealt with estates where the person who made a will thought that they would be leaving their children the family home ranging from £120,000 - £500,000 but, because the surviving spouse has since gone into care, the actual amount received by the children was £14,250.
If the first person to die (in a married couple) leaves everything to the surviving spouse and the spouse then goes into care it doesn’t take much time for a person’s estate to diminish from £120,000 to £14,250 when the average weekly cost of care
is £900.
“I dealt with one particular case when a client had left all his estate to his wife in his will and she subsequently went into care. It was initially £280,000, taking into account the property that they owned and bank accounts, savings etc. She was in care for four years, at a cost of £46,800 per year, and when we came to deal with the estate the two children received £92,800 between the two of them rather than the £280,000 that their parents had hoped they would pass to them”.
What can you do about it?
I have a lot of clients approach me to sign their house over to their children now as they feel it wouldn’t be taken into account if the local authority later carried out a financial assessment. This is not correct as the local authority has an unlimited amount of time to look back at what assets that individual had and if it is of the view that the person who is going into care has ‘deliberately deprived’ themselves by giving the property away it can seek to have the person who received the asset to pay for the care.
Not only does the outright transfer not work for care fees but it is a high-
risk step to take.
The property would no longer by owned by you and as such you could be forced to leave the property or it could be taken into account if your children divorced or if they had financial difficulties–so it certainly isn’t something we would recommend.
At JH Wills Ltd we recommend changing the way in which you own your property from a joint tenancy to a tenancy-in-common and leave the property on trust for the surviving spouse instead of gifting the entire estate to one another. It is important that couples act now as it isn’t something that can be done when one party dies or becomes incapacitated as they will not be in a position to give us instructions.
Other than care fee planning our clients have used the type of planning we offer to prevent their children from losing out if their spouse was to remarry
Most of our clients don’t realise that if their spouse was to remarry then their will would automatically be cancelled and their estate would likely all pass to their new spouse not their children.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney and why do I need one?
you
Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover is arguably the biggest tech story of the decade, and one of the biggest, most headline-grabbing acquisitions of all time.
Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover is arguably the biggest tech story of the decade, and one of the biggest, most headline-grabbing acquisitions of all time.
What therefore is behind the purchase, and how will it change the platform as we know it?
What therefore is behind the purchase, and how will it change the platform as we know it?
He is the world’s richest man… the world’s most important innovator, and with status comes expectation. What is endearing where Elon Musk is concerned is he doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities –“I want to build a better world. I’ve always wanted to, and now I’m doing it.”
He is the world’s richest man… the world’s most important innovator, and with status comes expectation. What is endearing where Elon Musk is concerned is he doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities –“I want to build a better world. I’ve always wanted to, and now I’m doing it.”
The Tesla and SpaceX guru is driven to create a platform for change; he craves a domain where efficiency and autonomy also plug in to truth, the environment and social change. Musk, 51, is a tech entrepreneur, an eco-exemplar and an ambassador for how we might, as people, forge a future that combines function with fun. And these are his realities, despite those who profess there to be some sort of sinister megalomaniacal undercurrent lurking below.
The Tesla and SpaceX guru is driven to create a platform for change; he craves a domain where efficiency and autonomy also plug in to truth, the environment and social change. Musk, 51, is a tech entrepreneur, an eco-exemplar and an ambassador for how we might, as people, forge a future that combines function with fun. And these are his realities, despite those who profess there to be some sort of sinister megalomaniacal undercurrent lurking below.
As far as Twitter is concerned, his takeover in 2022 was met with all the rapid action you would expect. Within days of arriving as the majority shareholder, he had sacked a number of problematic staff, put others on condition that unless they extended their working hours they would be let go, and began to put into place various systems designed to drive progress and efficiency.
As far as Twitter is concerned, his takeover in 2022 was met with all the rapid action you would expect. Within days of arriving as the majority shareholder, he had sacked a number of problematic staff, put others on condition that unless they extended their working hours they would be let go, and began to put into place various systems designed to drive progress and efficiency.
“If you stand on the side of truthfulness you should never resist scrutiny,” he says.
“If you stand on the side of truthfulness you should never resist scrutiny,” he says.
“There will always be avenues and pathways that enable us to invest in systems of truth; the same way we seek out those who do not subscribe to it.
“There will always be avenues and pathways that enable us to invest in systems of truth; the same way we seek out those who do not subscribe to it.
“Truth should be allowed a voice. And I’m talking about a total truth, not one governed by or distorted by the media. That is not truth.”
“Truth should be allowed a voice. And I’m talking about a total truth, not one governed by or distorted by the media. That is not truth.”
Musk guarantees Twitter will be restored as a platform of truth, freedom of speech and “proper diversity”. One of his first actions, to lift the bans of tough talkers (Donald Trump included), signals
Musk guarantees Twitter will be restored as a platform of truth, freedom of speech and “proper diversity”. One of his first actions, to lift the bans of tough talkers (Donald Trump included), signals
a restorative move in tech where the echo chambers are stripped out of the fabric of social media networks.
a restorative move in tech where the echo chambers are stripped out of the fabric of social media networks.
Users can also expect to see systems of revenue generation that extend well beyond paying for blue ticks.
Users can also expect to see systems of revenue generation that extend well beyond paying for blue ticks.
In return, Twitter will most likely become a marketing platform that offers as much versatility as Facebook when it comes to targeting audiences.
In return, Twitter will most likely become a marketing platform that offers as much versatility as Facebook when it comes to targeting audiences.
“There is space for improvement and need for improvement,” says Musk. And what Musk says, Musk does.
“There is space for improvement and need for improvement,” says Musk. And what Musk says, Musk does.
If the answer to any of the above is yesthen Sophella mortgages can help and are always on your side.
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Having met her now husband, John Torode, on the 2010 series of Celebrity MasterChef – on which he was a judge and she a contestant – Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?
Having met her now husband, John Torode, on the 2010 series of Celebrity MasterChef – on which he was a judge and she a contestant – Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?
(makes 8 hearts)
(makes 8 hearts)
For the choux pastry
For the choux pastry
• 90g butter
• 90g butter
• 360ml water
• 360ml water
• pinch salt
• pinch salt
• pinch sugar
• pinch sugar
• 110g plain flour, sifted
• 110g plain flour, sifted
• 3 whole eggs, beaten well
• 3 whole eggs, beaten well
To serve:
To serve:
• 500ml double cream
• 500ml double cream
• 400g mixed fresh berries
• 400g mixed fresh berries
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Put the butter and water in a medium saucepan, add the salt and sugar, and bring to the boil. Ensure the butter is melted. Remove from the heat, add the sifted flour all at once and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan. Return to the heat and cook for 2 minutes until the paste is pale. Cool a little.
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Put the butter and water in a medium saucepan, add the salt and sugar, and bring to the boil. Ensure the butter is melted. Remove from the heat, add the sifted flour all at once and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan. Return to the heat and cook for 2 minutes until the paste is pale. Cool a little.
2. Add the beaten eggs, a little at a time, incorporating fully with a wooden spoon after each addition. The mixture will go glossy then back to dull. Add the eggs until the mixture is shiny again and it just drops off the wooden spoon. Cool the mixture for about 10 minutes. Put in a piping bag and pipe heart shapes on to a baking sheet dampened with a little water.
2. Add the beaten eggs, a little at a time, incorporating fully with a wooden spoon after each addition. The mixture will go glossy then back to dull. Add the eggs until the mixture is shiny again and it just drops off the wooden spoon. Cool the mixture for about 10 minutes. Put in a piping bag and pipe heart shapes on to a baking sheet dampened with a little water.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes then reduce the temperature to 160°C, gas mark 3, and bake for a further 15-20 minutes until golden.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes then reduce the temperature to 160°C, gas mark 3, and bake for a further 15-20 minutes until golden.
4. Pour the cream into a chilled bowl and whisk, either by hand or with a hand mixer, until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes.
4. Pour the cream into a chilled bowl and whisk, either by hand or with a hand mixer, until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes.
5. When cooked, turn the hearts over and pop back into the oven for 2 minutes to dry out a little. Split each heart in half horizontally and then spoon or pipe the whipped cream on the base. Top with the other half and fill the centre with the fruit. Serve immediately.
5. When cooked, turn the hearts over and pop back into the oven for 2 minutes to dry out a little. Split each heart in half horizontally and then spoon or pipe the whipped cream on the base. Top with the other half and fill the centre with the fruit. Serve immediately.
Be careful not to overwhip your cream. As soon as you have firm peaks (you should be able to hold the bowl over your head without it spilling out!) you should stop. If berries aren’t your thing use whatever fruit you prefer… mango and passion fruit, for example.
Yorkshire Seafoods
www.yorkshireseafoods.com
Fresh Fish - Salmon, Haddock, Cod, Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Sea Trout, Hake, Halibut, Coley, Plaice, Lemon Sole, Dover Sole, Turbot, Mackerel, Plus Lots More
Smoked Products - Cold Smoked Salmon, Hot Smoked Salmon, Natural Smoked Haddock, Smoked Trout, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Duck, Smoked Mackerel
Shellfish - Dressed Crabs, Live Crabs, Boiled Whole Crabs, Dressed Lobsters, Live Lobsters, Boiled Lobsters, Shetland Mussels, Oysters, Razor Clams, Palourde Clams Plus Lots More
Frozen – Cocktail Prawns, Peeled King Prawns, Head-On Shell On King Prawns, Scampi, Squid, Scallops, Cockle Meat, Mussel Meat, Clams, Langoustines, Battered And Breaded Fish, Fishcakes, Plus Lots More.
Deli Products- Cooked Italian Meats, Spanish Tapas Selection, Tuscany Sausage, Nduja, Pancetta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Capers, Sea Salt, Chorizo,
Yorkshire Seafoods Ltd
Unit 21 Bankfield Business Park Huddersfield Rd Mirfield WF14 9DQ
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday - Friday: 8am-1pm
Saturday: 8am to Midday
Sunday: CLOSED
DiningInThisValentine’s Day?WhyNotChoose One Of Our Seafood BoxesAndSpoilThe One You Love
For over 20 years we have taken pride in supplying the finest restaurants, hotels and residential homes in the area.
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I first joined Slimming World in January 2020. I just knew I needed to sort myself out and get to grip with my health and weight. As a restaurant manager, the long shifts on my feet were taking a significant toll on my knees, and I was struggling to get through a 9 hour shift. My sleeping wasn’t great, and I was tired of feeling generally run down and lethargic all the time. I knew I had to change! In our household, our eating habits had taken a real nose dive, and we were eating two, maybe three takeaways a week, and it had started to have an effect on my stomach, and I was suffering from stomach aches daily.
I was nervous walking into class the first day, and I didn’t want to admit how I’d let myself go. However, I needn’t of felt worried as Mandy, our group leader, made me feel welcome, and there were never any judgements. I stood on the scale for the first time and was embarrassed with my weight. I’d joined other slimming clubs in the past and never managed to keep the weight off. Each time I got pregnant, I always piled weight on and more, telling myself it was ok as I was eating for two. I was determined to do it this time; I was in the right mindset.
The first week went great, and I stood on the scales to a 6.5lb loss, which made me feel fantastic and spurred me on to become a better version of myself. Every week I went to class, and there were a few gains (usually around birthdays and other celebrations), but the losses were greater. I reached my target on July 2021 after losing 6 stone 1lb! I feel great; I can play with the kids without worrying about how I’m going to get up off the floor. The meals I have started making are great; sometimes, it is hard to tell they are Slimming World-friendly. I try to make a new recipe a week. And I take a lot of inspiration from people I follow on Instagram and other social media accounts. I have managed to keep the weight off, and I am enjoying being able to go into shops for clothes where I don’t have to seek out plussize clothing.
When I first joined, my winter coat was a UK size 24-26, and this year I’m wearing a size 12. I’d like to thank Mandy and the other members of the group; I wouldn’t have been able to do it without your help. I still try to attend the group every week, as I tend to ‘fall off the wagon’ if I’m away too long!
Group Leader Mandy says – I highly recommend anyone joining to give themselves that hour every week to attend the group. It is proven that those who stay in a group benefit the most and have the highest losses. In our group, there is no shame, and we welcome everyone no matter how much weight you have to lose. We share recipes and ideas and come up with new ideas to keep one another motivated for the week ahead.
It is all about making the right food choices, and with Slimming World, no food is off-limits. I don’t like to think of Slimming World as a diet but as a way of life. It is about enjoying all the foods you love in moderation and thinking about the way you cook things. Air Fryers are hugely popular, and many of our recipes can be made in the air fryer and also the slow cooker.
There is a perception that healthy foods cost the earth, but our recipes don’t call for ingredients that are expensive or hard to find.
Slimming World has many “Free” foods, which are foods you can eat an unlimited amount of and guess what –they include CARBS! You can indulge in pasta and potatoes, and provided it is cooked the way we recommend; then you can freely eat these. What other diet plans allow you to eat eggs and chips as a snack? Fry Light is your friend! Chips cooked using fry light and cooked in the air fryer are fantastic and a group favourite, and whilst you can indulge in these, what we really recommend is that you get in those “speed foods” to really give you a boost.
I always recommend my group make a food diary, which is so easy to do on your phone. Writing down everything that you eat really helps as it can help you see where you and going right and also wrong. Some of the delicious meals you can enjoy in slimming world include full English breakfasts ( all visible fat removed), Steak, Chips and peppercorn sauce with a speed salad for garnish, Jacket potatoes layered with your favourite toppings, Prawns, Cheese and Beans – you name it! Nothing is off-limits. We also allow you a certain amount of “Syns” each day, which you can choose to spend as you wish.
To find out more about slimming world and my group – please contact me for more information.
I’d like to thank our member for sharing this story and their before and after photos with you.
Trinity Methodist Church Huddersfield Road WF14 8AD Saturdays at 8:30am & 10:00am Call Mandy on 07793 732 268 Disabled Access
slimmingworld.co.uk
slimmingworld.co.uk
Christ The King Stocks Bank Road
WF14 9QD Thursdays at 5:30pm & 7:00pm Fridays at 9:00am Call Mandy on 07793 732 268 Disabled Access
We have hundreds of fires/ fireplaces to show you, over 2 floors of our historic building –(it was built to in the 1800’s to provide silk to meet the growing demand)/
Since lock down the big ongoing trend is Media Walls – which house the fire, TV, gaming stations and much more, all in one complete unit. They have
truly become the focal point of the living room once more.
Ours are all built right here in our workshop, to the customers exact requirements.
Our Media Wall team will meet you at home to discuss your wish list for the new feature. This may be shelving, spot lights, led strip lights, marble tops or
bespoke wall coverings.
After the survey the team get to work manufacturing the unit to suit the fire of your choice.
The fires range in size from 870 ml to 2400 mls and we usually advise that you choose a fire to suit the size of tv you have or are buying. Our team can help you with this. Full and in depth advice is given and we can usually install the completed unit within a few weeks of your initial purchase.
On the day of installation – the unit is transported and fitted in one day – already pre-painted, so all you have to do is arrange your ornaments, tune in your TV to your favourite station and put your feet up.
If you’re looking for any kind of fire, fireplace or stove a visit to Artisan Fireplace design is a must.
We are open 7 days a week and are based in Brighouse, West Yorkshire just off the M62 junction 25.
At Artisan you will be inspired and delighted by our huge range, and you can comfortably browse hundreds of fires, fireplaces and stoves.
We offer everything from traditional inglenook designs to ultra-modern and completely bespoke media walls.
Call in speak to our friendly and knowledgeable sales team to design your dream fireplace.
• Logs and fireside accessories
• Outdoor fires and fire pits
• Fully bespoke media walls
• Wood burners and stoves
• Electric fires and suites
• Fireplaces
• Gas fires
As the UK’s largest Roller Garage Door installers, Garolla are taking the nation by storm with their high-quality products and unmatched customer service. Combining premium roller garage doors with skilled local installers, Garolla have taken the hassle out of home improvement.
Garolla roller garage doors are a timeless piece of technology that bring your home right into the 21st century. Remote controlled, quiet and easy to use these garage doors allow you to enter your home in style as well as comfort. Combining the latest safety features with unbeatable quality, every Garolla garage door is built to stand the test of time and will be a signature focus of your home for years to come.
Handcrafted to fit your home’s exact specifications, every Garolla roller garage door is unique and can perfectly represent your own personal
style and tastes. Available in a stunning array of 18 colours, with two finishes to choose from, finding a garage door to suit your home has never been easier. Create the garage door of your dreams in minutes and modernise your home with one quick and easy purchase with Garolla.
Once you’ve chosen your garage door, your local installer will be with you every step of the way to help guide you through the process. From the initial survey right up to the installation, your local installer will be on hand to answer all of your questions and help you make the best choice for your home. Garolla also have a dedicated customer care team who work tirelessly to answer any and all questions you might have.
On the day of your installation, your local installer will remove your old garage door and replace it with your custom-
made Garolla garage door, all within a matter of hours. After the installation is complete, your new garage door will be ready to use straight away, simply press the button and enjoy.
And with a no-nonsense approach to pricing, a new Garolla roller garage door might be cheaper than you’d think. Based on your measurements, colour and slat choice, you could receive a free, no strings attached quote in minutes that is valid for up to 30 days. The price is inclusive of measuring, fitting and VAT, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the very best garage door for the very best price.
To receive your quote today, head over to the Garolla website at www.garolla.co.uk or give their friendly customer care team a call on 0800 468 1982.
all HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN
need help with opening
requirements. Whether you have lost
February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and St. Valentine’s Day contains traces of both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. But who was Saint Valentine? The Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend states Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.
When Emperor Claudius II decided single men made better soldiers, he outlawed marriage for young men. However, Valentine defied Claudius and continued to secretly perform marriages for young lovers. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape Roman jails, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor’s daughter, who visited him in prison. Before his death, it is believed he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.
While some believe Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to
commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial, which probably occurred around AD270, others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianise” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15th, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or Lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then cut the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide.
Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year.
Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women
would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with the chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written messages didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today is a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine’s note to Catherine of Valois.
Simpson Dennis is a family run business located in Mirfield. Customer satisfaction is the key to their success and many contracts are the result of word-of-mouth recommendation from many satisfied customers, who have been delighted with the prompt service, attention to detail and high standard of work that they have received from this firm.
Their reputation has been built on strong foundations. Dennis has worked on major contracts around the country including restaurants for the Little Chef Chain, before starting his own business in Mirfield, 30 years ago. Simpson Dennis are approved by many leading insurance companies across the country, to not only carry out work on their behalf for insurance claims, but also to inspect new claims and produce a full report on their findings – a testimonial in itself to their excellent workmanship.
“When searching for a roofer, people are often searching for the most competitive price, and when costs are under quoted for the job, you are often compensating in other areas such as quality of materials, service, time taken on the job and the
after care service. In my 30 years in business I have seen many companies come and go meaning that there is no aftercare provided and no guarantee on the work carried out” quotes Dennis. “It is a real shame when someone has made a long term investment such as this to their home; they find that when a problem arises, the firm they have used is nowhere to be seen. The old saying of “Pay Cheap, Pay Twice” unfortunately does mean just that when it comes to these things”.
Simpson Dennis is quick to dissociate themselves from businesses like this and have often been called to fix problems for customers when the firm they have used originally have gone out of business. They cover a whole range of roofing services from small roof repairs, lead and chimney work, guttering and pointing, to large re-roofing contracts for the domestic market and only use the highest quality of materials.
They are qualified and insured, which gives you the peace of mind needed, that they will carry out all work to a very high standard and can fulfil their guarantees.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in.
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Warren Ingleson explains:
With energy costs on the rise, households across the country are looking for ways to reduce their bills. But did you know that heating and hot water typically accounts for more than half of your home’s energy usage?
Knowing this and making relevant upgrades to your boiler can go a long way to reducing your energy bills, as well as lowering your carbon footprint - something we can all get on board with.
Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and Value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we got a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
‘Our watchwords are Quality,
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers
If you’ve been using the same boiler for a good few years, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Modern boilers are much more efficient than older models, and the savings you can make by upgrading to a newer machine (up to £580 per year) can go a long way to ease the surging cost of living.
Upgrading to a new boiler is a great way to save money on your energy bills and is probably cheaper than you think it will be!
Do I need a new boiler?
Generally, the newer your boiler is, the more efficient it is at using energy. In other words, they use less gas or electricity to heat water up, which of course means they cost less to do their job. So, if your current boiler is 10 years old or more, then you can likely make significant savings by upgrading to a more modern and more efficient heating system.
It’s important to note that while investing in a new boiler will come with an upfront cost, this shouldn’t put you off as thanks to its much-improved efficiency, you should make this investment back in a few years through lower energy bills. This is even more true today with soaring wholesale energy costs.
How much can I save with a new boiler?
Upgrading your boiler should be seen as a long-term investment, with the money saved in lower energy bills paying back the initial cost of the new boiler over a number of years.
All boilers have an energy-efficiency rating, with A being the most efficient, and G being the lowest. Therefore, the amount you can save on your energy bills with a new boiler will depend on what type of boiler you’re replacing, as well as the type of home you live in.
To find out more on how a new boiler could help with the ever-rising energy costs, please contact Tony for an informal chat and a free of charge home consultation.
When choosing an electrician, I know how important it is that you get the right person or company for the job concerned and for you, which is why Smartlec take the upmost care on every job.
• Next Day Boiler replacement*
• Boiler ser vice and repair exper ts
• Heating system flushing
• New boilers with Free 10 year warrant y
• Approved Installer for Baxi/Main/Ideal/Vaillant
Completing all Commercial and Domestic Electrical work to the highest professional standard and providing excellent customer care from start to finish, it is easy to see why my customers rate me so highly.
*Subject to materials availabilit y
costs as transparent as possible, informing you of any potential charges before any job starts. I offer affordable and reasonable solutions for Commercial and Domestic Electrics, Every quote is based on the needs of each individual job, with all work guaranteed and insured.
Choose us to maintain and repair your heating system or install a new Bathroom. Our experienced engineers can help you with any problem, no matter how complex Thanks to our extensive knowledge, flexible business hours, and availabilit y on shor t notice, we are guaranteed to meet all your expectations.
I understand that people can often be hesitant about the cost of Electrical Repairs or projects, so I make my
www.baxtersplumbingandheating.co.uk 07910 367980
I am highly experienced, with over 13 years experience in the industry. I am trained to the latest electrical standards and use only professional standard tools and equipment in my work, ensuring your Electrical Installation or repair is the best available.
If you thought bathing safely and stylishly wasn’t possible, think again.
Picture the scene; it’s the end of the day. Your body feels tired, and your mind is ready for some downtime. So you imagine what it would feel like to climb into a warm, soothing bath and let your cares melt away.
Then a niggling doubt takes hold. The last time you had a bath, you had to call your partner to help you get out. So, maybe it won’t happen this time. So, you run a bath anyway, thinking this time you’ll be ok. But can you enjoy your bath with those doubts in your mind? And more importantly, should you?
There are far more people over 65 in the UK today compared to a generation ago – almost a fifth of the population – and it’s a fact of life that we all need little extra help as we get older.
It’s very common for people to seek help with their bathroom due to a fall, accident or near-miss. Should you wait that long, or are there changes you could make now?
Changes to your home don’t need to look unsightly, either.
Just because you’re adding grab rails or a raised toilet in your bathroom, for example, doesn’t mean it will look like a hospital bathroom. Instead, you could see it as an opportunity to refresh and update one of the most important rooms of your house.
We guide you through the whole process of updating your bathroom at your pace. If you’re in immediate need of a solution, we do our best to make it happen quickly. If you prefer taking time to think through the options, that’s fine too.
We’re a small, family-run firm with a background in caring and mobility, so we’re flexible, and we know what it’s like. We visit customers at home, for free, to get a complete understanding of their needs, and there’s always a real person at the end of the phone.
“To be able to speak to the same person when calling the office… was very important to me, and you dealt with my queries very efficiently.”
We don’t employ salespeople. Our experienced surveyors visit you to discuss your needs. We also pride ourselves in employing courteous and trustworthy fitters to install every bathroom.
“Not only have they done a great job, but they have been so kind to my mum, who is very fragile both physically and emotionally at the moment.”
We use specialist bathing products with a manufacturer’s warranty plus our own 12-month installation warranty.
“I am extremely pleased with my bathroom. It exceeds expectations!”
If
