Health & fitness

HEALTH & FITNESS THE POWER OF WORKING MUMS

OLYMPIC AND WORLD CHAMPION ATHLETE DAME JESSICA ENNIS-HILL TALKS TO LAUREN TAYLOR ABOUT MOTHERHOOD, RUNNING, AND REALLY LISTENING TO HER BODY

People underestimate new mums, thinks Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill. Whether or not you’re a top athlete, she believes returning to work after having a baby gives you even more focus than before.

“Because everything you do is going to be quality, you’re not just turning up, getting through day-to-day, you’re making sure that time away from your child is worthwhile,” says the former heptathlete and mum-of-two.

She retired from athletics in late 2016 – but prior to that, just 13 months after having her first child, Reggie, Jessica became world champion, and took silver at the Rio Games a year later.

“In an athletic context, you’re so determined and focused anyway, but chuck in being a mum and all that extra motivation – and it’s like next level,” she says. “I think you’re a more focused, determined animal.”

Leaving her son at that age to go t to Beijing for two weeks for the World C Championships was “heart-breaking” t though, she admits. “I cried my eyes out l leaving him. But I was like, if I’m going all the way to Beijing, I’m not coming back w without a medal. It’s got to be worth it.”

She was torn between being “the b best mum and being there for him all the t time” and wanting to finish her career. “ “I was thinking I have this amazing opportunity, I’ve got to do this last bit and I I wanted Reggie to see it all – but I then I I had all this guilt. And a feeling of, what if I put this last bit of energy towards my c career and then I get injured? Or I don’t w win a medal and it’s all been for nothing? I I found that really, really challenging. I was always questioning myself.”

Other top athletes like Serena W Williams and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce returned to the top of their game after having babies. “Because you can do both,” says Jessica, who married husband Andy Hill in 2013. “You have to be kind to yourself and not put too much expectation on yourself, but you can achieve incredible things.”

She says she was “really happy to step into that next phase of life” when she retired to spend time with her family, later welcoming her daughter Olivia, now five. The transition from pro to retired athlete can be challenging for many, she says, but for her, family became a “real focus”. And a life without daily – sometimes twicedaily – training, pressure, and pushing her body to breaking point, was a “massive relief ”.

Fitness is still a huge part of her life, but it’s taken on new meaning. “If I’ve got time and the weather’s nice, I just go out for a run. I’m not timing it, I’m not

Dame Jessica Ennis Hill with husband Andy.

Jessica competing in the anniversary games; inset, winning gold at the Bejing World Championships. looking at PBs, I’m just doing it for me. I love to go on a steady run in the Peak District and clear my mind.

“I go on how I feel after each run, whether I’m feeling strong and positive. It’s gauged by mood now. Having my son really made me understand how much of an impact your hormones have on your body physically,” she adds.

Her app, Jennis (jennis.com) helps women sync the right movement and exercise to the four phases of their cycle, in order to get stronger and fitter while really understanding their bodies.

These days, she works out four times a week with a mixture of runs, circuits, weights and yoga, walking with her family and tennis with her kids. But Jessica knows as much as anyone that fitting exercise around parenthood can be tricky.

“The stages that your kids are at, and their ages, has a big impact on how much time you have for yourself, and how you find that energy and time to exercise,” she says. Now that her children are a little older, she’s able to do some yoga in one room while they play in another, for example. It’s about planning when you’ll fit in workouts, and trying to stick to it, she says, and knowing “that you’re not going to have two hours to exercise and do a massive warm-up or cool-down. You’ve just got to take those little nuggets of time where you can, whether it’s 10 minutes to do some Theraband glute exercises in the bathroom or going for a quick half-hour run.” And don’t underestimate the power of a 10-minute workout. “I’ve realised that if I do something for 10 minutes, it’s better than doing nothing. It gets my body moving, I’ve switched on my muscles.

“This morning, I dropped the kids off, did a few squats and lunges, a little ab workout – and I’m done! A lot of the time you feel like you have to really slog yourself, but actually a 10-minute glute circuit is quick, quite low-maintenance, and it really stimulates those little muscles that need work but you often neglect and forget about.

“Health is such an important part of being a good parent,” she continues, and mums often don’t have enough time to really care for themselves.

“So many mums forget about actually looking after themselves and the basics – because you just want to give all your energy to your child.” But Jessica says she realised: “I’ve got to be at my healthiest, I’ve got to be feeling as good as possible, because these children rely on me to be at my best as well.”

And she’s adamant mums shouldn’t feel guilty about taking time out to look after themselves.

“You feel guilty about literally everything as a mum. I’ll say to my husband, ‘Do you feel guilty about going on a bike ride? And he’s like, ‘No, not really’.

“We can be so hard on ourselves but we just have to reframe it, and think, ‘My mind needs to be in a good place and I need to feel good in myself ’,” she says. “And having times where you’re able to switch off, step away and come back, means you’re a refreshed and energised mum again.”

n Jennis – the hormone intelligence app founded by Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill –costs £9.99 a month after a 7-day free trial or £99.99 for 12 months. Cancel anytime.

LET’S GET MOVING

FITNESS AND WEIGHT LOSS TRAINER NOELLE WATSON SHARES HER TIPS ON HOW TO COMPLEMENT YOUR GYM REGIME WITH OTHER EXERCISE

Walk

Walking every day is one of the best forms of exercise there is. And it’s free. You don’t have to live in the country or have loads of different routes. Just get out there and start. We are spoilt for choice in Shropshire and Shrewsbury!

It will give you rosy cheeks, a healthy glow … AND better legs and bottom.

Did you know that walking outside burns more energy and arguably gets us fitter than walking on a treadmill? It’s all about the uneven ground, and the way we propel ourselves forward.

You can lose weight by walking too if you’re consistent, eat healthily, and give yourself mini challenges every day, like hills, steps and uneven ground.

Shopping

Carry your own purchases, and build up lovely muscle tone in your arms, back and shoulders. Yes, shopping is menial, but wow it can be a workout. Obviously, if you’re doing a big shop you’re not going to carry all that. But get as physical as you can with all your purchases – it’s good for you. Even just in and out of the car with it, it can be a brilliant and functional free mini workout.

Every time you lift a bag into the car, lift those elbows up above your shoulders for upright rows. Or carry your bags with bent elbows for bicep curls.

Save on car parking

Either park for free some distance away and enjoy the extra steps into town, or park at the far end of the car park instead (and make it much less likely that your car will get hit by someone else’s trolley). If you got a smart watch or similar for Christmas, you’ll be hitting those daily activity goals easily.

Housework

Yes, you knew this was coming. The simplest of tasks can be done vigorously and result in a bit of a sweat. Scrubbing a floor with a real scrubbing brush is the most fantastic workout for your core. Put the music on and get going.

That’s a double win – a clean house and an improved lovely waist shape.

Stairs

If your knees and hips are up to it, then using your stairs is great for leg strength and building your metabolism. As we age, we lose muscle mass and strength, so its hugely important to keep these large muscle blocks as strong as possible. It not only keeps us looking good, but it also boosts metabolic rate – and selfconfidence too. If you live in a bungalow, seek out stairs and steps when you’re shopping or out walking.

Bonus tip

Of course, exercise will always make you warmer. This means you can turn down the thermostat on the central heating. Save pounds and lose pounds, all at the same time. My online members LOVE this fact!

Separatingcohabitees: whatare your rights?

Formanyofusinourday-to-day lives,wedonotseethedifference betweenlivingasamarriedoran unmarriedcouple.However,thelaw treatscohabitingcoupleswhohave separatedverydifferentlyiftheyare unmarried,particularlyinrelationto property.

Whattypesofownershipare there? Thefirstquestionthatneedstobe answered,iswholegallyownsa property?Apropertycanbeownedby JointTenants,Tenantsincommon,or inasolename.

JointTenants JointTenantsownthepropertyin equalshares.Thisisthecaseevenif onepartyhascontributedmoreto thedeposit,renovationworkorthe mortgagerepayments.Ifeitherparty weretodie,theirshareoftheproperty wouldautomaticallypasstotheother.

Tenants in common TenantsinCommoncanownthe propertyinequalorunequalshares. Thisisusuallyusedwhereoneparty hascontributedmoretotheproperty ortheywishtheirshareofthe propertytopassaccordingtotheir Will.Itisbestpracticetorecordany contributionsmadetoaproperty, wherethereareunequalshares,in aDeclarationofTrust.Ifthereisno DeclarationofTrust,itispresumed thatthepropertyisownedinequal shares.

What canI do if I believethe ownershipisdifferenttothe title deeds? Asastartingpoint,thelawpresumes thattheowneronthetitleofthe propertyisboththelegaland beneficialowner.Itisthenforthe individualarguingthatthetitledeeds donotreflecttheactualownership,to proveotherwise. Thiscanbethecasewheretheparties ownthepropertyinjointnamesorif thepropertyisownedinthesolename ofonlyoneoftheparties. Cohabiteescanmakeanapplication undertheTrustofLandand AppointmentofTrusteesAct1996 (TOLATA).Theaimistoprovethatthe beneficialownershipoftheproperty isdifferenttothelegalownership. Abeneficialownershipallowsan individualtoliveinthepropertyand haveashareoftheproceedsofsale. Thecourtwillconsidertheintentions ofthepartiesatthedatetheproperty waspurchased,thediscussions thepartieshadbefore,duringand afterthepurchaseandanyfinancial contributionswhichhavebeenmade byeitherparty. Thisisaparticularlycomplexarea ofthelawandyoushouldseeklegal adviceifyouhaverecentlyseparated fromyourpartnerwhereeitherofyou ownaproperty.

SimonMagnerMawdsley Family LawPartner

E XQUISITE PIECES OF SILVER

BY MARYANNE LINEKER-MOBBERLEY, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AT HALLS FINE ART

As we welcome in the New Year at Halls Fine Art, we’re already busy preparing and cataloguing for our 2023 calendar of events. We’re kicking off our packed schedule with our first Antiques and Interiors auction of the year on January 11 and are already looking forward to our first Fine Art, Antiques and Jewellery auction on March 22.

It’s going to be one to watch with some exceptional pieces already consigned. One particularly exciting lot is an impressive sterling silver model of a snow leopard. Created using an electroforming process by Royal Silversmiths Mappin & Webb, this striking leopard was created in 1993 and is a limited edition of only nine in the world. It was the crown jewel of the Manchester store, acting as a stunning centrepiece until it was purchased by the vendors in 1994 and has remained a beloved member of the family since. Reaching almost 80cm in height, this beautiful leopard is modelled upon a stylised wooden outcrop surveying its territory. The manufacturing process of electroforming silver, often used in jewellery making, means the details achieved, most effectively seen through the leopard’s ‘fur’, are remarkable. Reflecting its quality and rarity, the leopard is being offered for auction with an estimate of £12,00018,000.

We’re also offering a wonderfully characterful silver model of an elephant which is a limited edition of 200. Also produced by Mappin & Webb and hallmarked for 1992, this African elephant is superbly designed and created. It comes with a more modest pre-sale estimate of £2,000-£3,000.

Silver models of animals are always popular, whether they have a function, such as a decanter or caster, or they are made to be purely decorative, they will always attract a host of bidders.

Over the years we’ve sold some beautiful examples, one of which was an impressive Goldsmiths & Silversmiths sugar caster in the form of an owl which realised a hammer price of £5,500 (+ BP).

However, you don’t always need deep pockets to get your hands on these highly collectable novelties. A small silver model of a horse is going into our January 11 auction with an affordable estimate of £200-£300 and in the past we sold a small silver miniature dachshund for a hammer price of £110 (+BP).

Our first Fine Art, Antiques and Jewellery auction of 2023 follows our hugely successful December specialist sale held just before Christmas, where the silver department achieved some fantastic results, including a comprehensive Victorian canteen of cutlery which sold for £6,500 (+ BP) and an unusual American silver novelty pineapple form teapot that realised £1,500 (+ BP). However, the star of the show came from the pictures department where an exceptional £31,000 hammer price was achieved for a pencil sketch (left) by renowned artist John Constable (1776-1837). Most noted for his early 19th century oil on canvas ‘The Hay Wain’ which is on display at The National Gallery in London, this small sketch depicting a tree by the banks of a stream demonstrates Constable’s talent to capture the natural world. It was highly contested on the sale day and was purchased following a tense bidding battle.

If you are interested in consigning a piece into our March Fine Art, Antiques and Jewellery auction, or would like a no obligation valuation, contact Halls to arrange an in-house appointment or a home visit on fineart@hallsgb.com or by calling 01743 450700.

GLITTERING SURPRISES

Trevanion’s November Fine Art & Antiques Auction was their final event of their 2022 calendar and rounded off the year on a high with top prices from their jewellery section and a few surprises along the way.

The top hammer prices of the day came from a two-carat diamond solitaire ring which sold for £7,500 and an Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring which realised £6,000, amongst a string of further estimate-busting results.

“As our final auction before Christmas, we were not surprised by the flurry of interest!” says jewellery specialist Helena Waudby. “This auction had a wide breath of jewellery to suit every taste, and the appetite for vintage and antique jewellery has been strong over the last 12 months.

“There are several reasons for this; gold and silver prices remain considerably higher than pre-2020 figures, as more people seek to invest in precious metal in uncertain times. Further, the size of the market has increased – more and more people are dipping their toes into the world of auction for the first time, and it seems a lot of them are looking for antique jewellery.

“It’s not just diamonds and big gemstones that are selling well –everything across the jewellery spectrum from costume and modern pieces to antique treasures are enjoying buoyant sales and the run-up to Christmas provides further momentum for rising prices.

“A large amount of people have neglected or overlooked pieces lingering at the back of drawers and in jewellery boxes, which could be quietly generating a surprising amount of value. My advice to anyone with jewellery or watches which you have long been meaning to get valued is to do so now – don’t miss out on the market high!”

As another auction year draws to a close at Trevanion Auctioneers, Managing Partner Christina Trevanion has been reflecting on 2022, and looking forward to 2023.

“We have really enjoyed welcoming people back to our salerooms here in Whitchurch throughout the year, prices have remained high and the market is buoyant as our conscientious buyers focus on more sustainable-friendly investment purchases. We are looking forward to another fantastic year at Trevanion Auctioneers as we build on the successes that we have seen throughout 2022.

“Our first auction of 2023 offers a fantastic selection for our buyers and we look forward to welcoming BBC Bargain Hunt to film with us at our February auction with Associate Director Ashley Jones at the helm.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A diamond solitaire ring; Christina Trevanion inspecting a diamond solitaire; the Joyce Building, Whitchurch, home of Trevanion Auctioneers; an Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring.

THE RIGHT CHOICE

Thomas Telford welcomes applications from students across the region to join it’s thriving Sixth Form. More places than ever are available to external students wishing to transfer to the Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated school. Last year, via the reintroduced external examination system, 56% of all A-level grades were achieved at A*/A and Distinction*. We have an outstanding record in student achievement and destination.

The Sixth Form offers a wide range of courses and flexible programmes including traditional A-levels and vocational subjects. There are also four specialist academies in business, football, golf and performing arts so there is something to suit everyone. Support is provided throughout the application process to ensure that students choose the correct courses to maximise their success.

The facilities at the school are outstanding and include a new Business Centre, brand new fully-equipped science labs, a commercial standard fitness centre and swimming pool.

The depth of knowledge of the staff along with the positive relationships that they form with the students ensures a fantastic working environment. Students are supported throughout their time at Thomas Telford and are allocated a personal tutor who they meet daily and is their first point of contact. There are regular reports home and parents work in partnership with the school to support the students.

The mix of face-to-face teaching and personal study means that Sixth Form students become independent learners while still receiving exceptional support. The academic excellence is complimented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, societies, workshops and guest speakers.

An important part of life in the Sixth Form at Thomas Telford School is preparing for the students’ next stage, whether that is university, an apprenticeship, training or employment. The exceptional careers department provides an extensive support programme including work experience, interview preparation and UCAS applications. Through their many links with universities and industry, the careers advisers provide tailored advice and guidance for all students including medicine and Oxbridge pathways.

Outcomes at Thomas Telford are impressive, with 85% of students achieving places at their first choice university, while others achieve high quality apprenticeships with companies such as Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover and Capgemini or employment.

If you are in Year 11 and interested in a sixth form where you will receive excellent teaching, enriching opportunities and a supportive community, then Thomas Telford is for you. To find out more and submit an application please visit www.ttsonline.net

HOLLY BAGS SILVER IN HAIRDRESSING FINAL

North Shropshire College student Holly Williams has been celebrating after she collected a Silver medal for hairdressing at the national WorldSkills UK finals in Cardiff on Friday.

To achieve the award, Holly created an image on the theme of ‘festivals’, successfully demonstrating how she produced the style and finish, showing both continuity of design and her transferrable skills. She also produced a mood board in advance, showing how she would create her image.

Holly bagged the medal after undergoing months of regional heats and intensive training. It was awarded by a panel of judges drawn from industry, colleges and training providers.

Holly said: “I was over the moon and beyond happy. I feel very proud of myself that I have achieved this.”

More than 500 young students and apprentices took part in the 2022 WorldSkills UK Finals. They learned of their victory during a special live programme from Channel 4’s Packed Lunch studios, presented by Steph McGovern. The full list of winners is available at www.worldskillsuk.org

Campuses offering regular open days

HEREFORD, Ludlow & North Shropshire College hosts open events throughout the year across all campuses.

These include Hereford, Holme Lacy, Ludlow, North Shropshire – Oswestry, North Shropshire – Walford, and at County Training in Shrewsbury.

Open events are a great opportunity for prospective students and parents to visit the college and see for themselves the fantastic facilities and learning resources on offer. Tutors and course leaders are available to discuss course options and apprenticeships and to give course advice and information.

Ofsted has just awarded a ‘Good’ rating following their recent inspection across all of the colleges within the Hereford, Ludlow and North Shropshire College group.

All of the campuses offer excellent facilities and the feedback from students speaks for itself, so whatever your interest, go and have a look round and see what they’re all about.

Hereford, Ludlow & North Shropshire College is a leading provider of further education in Shropshire and Herefordshire. The college offers an extensive range of programmes to suit all academic abilities.

Our land-based and farming apprenticeships provided at our Holme Lacy College and Walford College offer hands-on experience whilst you earn. Our open events offer the chance to meet the tutors and learn about the businesses we have connections to.

Whether you prefer to work academically or vocationally, we have a course for you!

North Shropshire College.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Moreton Hall, one of the UK’s leading independent boarding and day schools, named Boarding School of the Year by the prestigious Tes Independent School Awards 2021, is an aspirational, joyous and nurturing school, where belonging and ambition are intrinsically intertwined.

Moreton Hall is innovative, creative and sets the bar high on one hand, and incredibly warm, familial and empathetic on the other. It nurtures in its pupils a grounded self-confidence, the willingness to give everything a go and the self-belief to tackle any challenge head-on. An atmosphere of fun and enterprise threads through all corners of the school, from the boarding houses and classrooms to the theatre and sports pitches.

Moreton Hall’s focus on building character over compliance fosters a can-do approach to life shared by all Moretonians. Resultantly, our pupils are free to be their authentic selves, ready to explore and achieve their ambitions. Moreton sets academic expectations high and expertly guides each pupil to develop intellectual independence alongside emotional intelligence.

Exceptional teaching and pastoral staff lie at the heart of Moreton’s success. Their dedication to the pupils, passion for their subjects and professionalism leave an indelible positive impression on each pupil, equipping them to successfully navigate a competitive, fast-paced global future.

As a result, pupils enjoy superb academic success and secure places at the nation’s most competitive universities. As all disciplines are equally valued, pupils progress into a diverse range of elite institutions, from Oxbridge to national and international sports teams and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Guided by 100 years of teaching excellence, Moreton, in some ways, operates more like a start-up company than a traditional boarding school. Moreton Hall continually evolves and innovates to create meaningful opportunities for its pupils. Its extensive co-curricular programme is agile to today’s discourse and provides each pupil with choices tailored to their interests and abilities.

Located near the English-Welsh border near Oswestry, Moreton Hall benefits from 100 acres of rolling green hills, wide open views and excellent facilities. The school’s academic and sporting facilities include everything you would expect from a top-rated independent school, as well as a few that you wouldn’t, such as a small farm, nine-hole golf course, professional theatre and an amphitheatre.

Moreton Hall is a through school, with a nursery, prep school, senior school and sixth form. Girls and boys join us at three years old, with boys leaving after Year 8 to join the senior school of their choice and girls continuing through Sixth Form.

We offer extensive bus routes throughout Shropshire, Cheshire and the Welsh Borders, and scholarships and meanstested bursaries.

We warmly invite you to come and discover what makes Moreton such a remarkable place.