My Local Magazine Middlesbrough February 2016 by My Local Magazine Middlesbrough & Stockton on Tees

My local June 2015_Layout 1 28/05/2015 15:16 Page 23

AUTO-BIOGRAPHIES Boro Stars That Time Forgot

Cheap Private Pensio trains, Easter Monday saw the most radical drains and The political spin i for a generation. pensions’. Yet more choice means i cars so here’s what everyone needs

All New Jaguar XF Page 22

Martin Lewis

Page 10

Plus by accessing your funds earlier than needed you can reduce your ability to make future contributions. Yet you’re saying if I want to, I can just take out all the cash? If you choose to yes, but remember only 25% of it is tax-free. The rest is taxed at your current income tax rate like salary, and if you take a huge whack, just like if you earn more, some of it will push you into the higher tax bracket. See the income tax calculator at www.mse.me/taxcalc to see the various levels. If I don’t want to take it all out what can I do? There are many options, some of them can be combined, here’s the main ones. Option 1: Leave it in your pension for when you need it. Then each time you withdraw, 25% of that amount is tax free. Eg, if you had £100,000 and took £20,000 out you’d get £5,000 of it tax-free, the rest would be taxed at your current rate. Option 2: Take 25% tax free, then buy a flexible income drawdown product. This is a product you buy to keep the rest invested so it can still hopefully grow, but you can also use it to take income when needed. Here you get the first 25% you withdraw tax free and then the rest is taxed when you take it – possibly useful if you’re likely to be in a lower-tax bracket once you’re older. Option 3: Take 25% tax free, then buy an annuity. This gives you a guaranteed income each year for the rest of your life. There are different charges on all of these, and it’s important to check them out and always compare different providers. Eh, I thought annuities were as dead as a dodo’s granny? Actually annuities are a decent concept, you get the security of knowing exactly how much you can spend each year, and that it’ll last for the rest of your life. The problem is the rates have been crap, and 60% of people just got them from their pension provider rather than checking for better deals, especially people with poor health who could’ve got much better rates. Yet done right, with some of your pension, it can be a useful option for security of income for life.

Page 14

My Local Magazine Pension freedom sounds like something from Braveheart – what’s actually happening? I suspect George Osborne does picture himself as a financial freedom fighter. Yet only time will tell whether these reforms will paint him as the man who liberated older savers, or who exposed them to huge risk.

This is all about how you use your pension savings. As always you can take a quarter of it as a tax-free lump sum. Yet for decades most people have effectively needed to use the remainder of the money to buy an annuity – a product that pays you an income each year until you die. Now anyone aged 55 and over can take the whole amount as a lump sum, paying no tax on the first 25% and the rest taxed as if it were a salary at their income tax rate.

Issue 57 | February 2016 | The BEST of Middlesbrough’s Business, News, Reviews and To-Do’s

Local Stories Local Businesses Whats On Gardening

Car Reviews Health & Beauty Home Horoscopes

Does it apply to all types of pension? No, we’re only really talking private pensions where you and/or your employer saved up a pot of cash for retirement. Technically these are known as ‘defined contribution’ or 'money purchase' pensions. It doesn’t apply to the state pension, nor in the main part does it apply to pensions where what you’re paid is a proportion of your final salary – known technically as ‘defined benefit’ pensions.

There are ways to convert these final salary pensions into a pot of cash (be very careful of scammers), but don’t do it without genuine independent financial advice Is it worth taking out my pot as soon as I can? Usually not. If you’re in your 50s or early 60s you’re probably still working towards retirement and should be focusing on putting yourself in a position to have enough income when you do retire – so you want your pension to keep growing.

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To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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how to save £1,000s and get a new kitchen in just 48 hours Buying a new kitchen can be a stressful experience. Highpressure sales are followed by lengthy delays, then one of the most used rooms in the home is totally out of bounds for a week or more. But customers in the north east have another option. A welcome alternative that is half the cost of an average new kitchen, can be delivered within the month, and fitted in as little as a day. From its showroom in Yarm, Dream Doors Teeside supplies time and money-saving kitchen makeovers – as well as

appliances and complete kitchens if required – all fitted by approved local installers. A family-run business owned by Kevin and Katrina Clarke, it is also part of a national franchised network of Dream Doors showrooms that stretches all the way down to Cornwall. “Major home improvement projects always seem daunting,” says Kevin. “But there's far less upheaval with our kitchen makeovers. For a door swap we're in and out in a day, and for a facelift, with new worktops and a sink, we'll probably need an extra day.

Dream Doors asks for just a 50 percent deposit from customers on order, and guarantees all its doors and work free of charge. Customers also benefit from dealing with local business owners who are also part of a national brand. “Dream Doors is the UK's biggest name in kitchen facelifts,” Katrina says. “But unlike other national companies, customers buy from us – the business owners – and we know we'll deliver the best customer service.” Contact kevin or katrina on 01642 924956 or visit www.dreamdoors.co.uk

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How to Write a CV By Kate Duggan

hile it’s tempting to dust off your last CV and just add an extra couple of lines for your current job, sometimes it’s best to start from scratch. There’s a wealth of advice on CV writing to be found on the internet, but to get you started, here are a few of our top tips: Personalise it. Ideally, amend your CV for each job application, making sure you reference any skills that were mentioned in the job description. Keep it brief. There’s no need to detail every job you’ve had if they’re not relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Present it well. Use a clear font, make sure everything lines up well, and separate sections with sub-headers. Search online for a template to make it easier.

Avoid repetition. If you’ve had a similar job role at several companies, there’s no need to keep repeating the same skills. Try to focus on added responsibilities for each role, to show career progression.

Check for grammar and spelling mistakes, and ask a friend to look over it for you.

Include a link to your LinkedIn profile, but only if it’s up to date.

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Don’t forget the cover letter! The cover letter gives you the chance to really highlight why your skills and experience are relevant to a particular job. Good luck!

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Welcome Welcome to the February edition of My Local Magazine

Regular Features Recipe Page

In this months edition is all about getting ourselves a bit organised. As we are getting into the spring its, probably time to start and think about organising the cupboards and wardrobes some great tips on page 8 Thinking of taking a trip shortly, Martin lewis offers some great advice on how to save money on train tickets and roadside assistance. Page 14

6&7

Beauty

Whats on Gardening Trades

19 30 & 31 28 - 31

Martin Lewis 14 Boro Stars That Time Forgot 18

Banana and Walnut Loaf 7

Lastly, if your looking for a new job, some great advice on how to write a CV a little preparation goes a long way. Page 4. In our regular features Some nice footballing history comes from Middlesbrough Dave Allen. Im not really a footy fanatic, but I do find the history of MFC very interesting... Page 18 Lastly, a UK motor manufacturer namely Jaguar is still making in-roads in the XF. I like Jags, and would love an XF, but for the time being in going green, read my eBike article on page 20

Russell Grant 16

Until Next Time

Jaguar XF 22 Jeremy Middleton Managing Director My Local Magazine, The Old Offices, Eaglescliffe, Stockton On Tees, TS16 0LA T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265 475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk

0800 255 0 255

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Trusted and reliable handyman services for families, individuals and business CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE CURTAINS, BLINDS, SHELVES, PICTURES, FLAT-PACK ASSEMBLY, PAINTING, TILING, DECORATING, DRIPPING TAPS, LIGHT FITTINGS, FENCING & ALL OTHER ODD JOBS My Local Magazine does not endorse any advertisement with in this publication. My Local Magazine cannot be held responsible for breach of copyright arising from publication artwork supplied. It is the advertisers responsibility to ensure conformity wuth the Trades Description Act 1975 Business Advertisement Disclosure Order 1977 and The Consumer Act 1974. Reproduction of this magazine is in anyway is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the advertisements or content with in this publication please contact Jeremy Middleton 01642 924847 Whilst we, the publisher take great care to be accurate, no liability will be accepted under any circumstances should any of the contents of this publication be incorrect.

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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My local June 2015_Layout 1 28/05/2015 16:09 Page 6

Recipe Recipe by by Steve Steve Lawford, Lawford, Head Head Chef Chef

Carrot Cake with Passion Fruit Cream Celeriac Soup Walnuts Serves 8 people Cheese & Candied

Ingredients Ingredients Cake 1kg x Celeriac (peeledSugar & diced) • 175g x Muscovado 2•x 175ml White xOnions (sliced) Sunflower Oil x EggsGarlic (large)(chopped) 3•x 3 Cloves • 140g x Grated Carrot 1L x Water • 100g x Raisins 250g x Unsalted Butter • Zest of 1 Orange • 175g x Self Raising 250ml x Double CreamFlour • 1 x Tsp Bicarbonate Chives (finely chopped)of Soda • 1 x Tsp Ground Cinnamon Almond Slivers (toasted under the • ½ x Nutmeg (grated) grill) Passion Fruit Cream Cheese Method • 500g x Cream Cheese • 75gallx ingredients Icing Sugar (except Place • 4 x Passion cream) in a panFruit and simmer until • 100ml x Orange Juice

celeriac is soft. Candied Walnuts Add cream and simmer for a • 100g x Walnuts further minutes. • 100g10 x Castor Sugar Blitz in a food processor and pass Method - Cake • Mix all wet ingredients together. • Mix all dry ingredients together. • Combine both together and mix thoroughly. • Line a cake tin with parchment paper, and pour in the cake mix • Bake at 160°C for 40 minutes.

through a fine sieve. Method - Candied Walnuts withtochopped chives and •Garnish Add sugar a dry saucepan and toasted almonds. heat until it forms a light caramel. •Serve Add walnuts andbread mix until with warm andwell butter. coated with caramel sauce. • Pour onto parchment paper and allow to cool and set. • Chop through with a knife. To Assemble • Pipe cream cheese on top of cake and sprinkle with the walnuts. • Cut into portions and serve.

Method - Passion Fruit Cream Cheese • Scrape out passion fruit and put into a saucepan. • Add orange juice. Reduce until thickened and pass through a fine sieve. • Combine with the icing sugar and cream cheese.

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Banana and Walnut Loaf Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 60-70 minutes Ingredients 225g plain flour 2 level tsp baking powder 80g softened or spreadable butter 1 large egg (beaten) 110g caster sugar 4 medium bananas (peeled) 50g walnuts (chopped) Zest 1 lemon Demerara sugar for sprinkling Method Preheat oven to 180C / gas 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin. Mash three bananas to a pulp and chop the fourth. Sift the flour and baking powder together into a separate bowl. Add the butter, egg and caster sugar. Using a mixer mix everything together for a minute or two. Add

the mashed and chopped bananas and briefly whisk them into the mixture. Fold in the chopped walnuts and lemon zest. Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin. Sprinkle with Demerara sugar. Place in the pre-heated oven so that the top of the tin is in the

centre. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes then turn out on to a cooling rack. This cake is good served warm with crĂ¨me fraiche, cold, or even toasted.

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To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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My local June 2015_Layout 1 28/05/2015 14:55 Page 9

Organise Your Life By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

business dates, or goals you'd like to achieve - write them down!

Write Things Down Don't try to remember everything. From shopping lists or ideas for home decor, to important family or

Do It Now The longer you wait to do something, the more difficult it will become. Putting in the effort to get things done as soon as possible will make your life less stressful and less demanding.

ome people seem to be born more organised than the rest of us, but we can all develop habits that will make for a more organised and productive life. Here are five to consider.

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The Addictive Fitbit By Kate Duggan

Top of the range is Surge, at around £200. It’s been designed for people who are really serious about their sports performance, and want to monitor every aspect of their training. For instance, you can track the route you’re running using GPS. You can also control music and read texts that come through to your smartphone.

ant to make sure you’re completing your 10,000 steps a day, or looking to improve your training? An activity tracker can help. The FitBit is probably the best known brand on the market, with several models to choose from: The entry level Zip, at around £50, tracks your steps, distance walked and calories burned. “So it’s a fancy pedometer then?” I hear you ask. Well, yes, basically, but it’s more responsive and you can sync it to your computer or smartphone to see your activity presented as a graph. This makes it much easier to monitor your activity levels over time and track you progress. The Zip also acts as a watch, and there are various other extras, such as the ability to log your food intake.

up, but not your partner. One clips onto your clothing, while Flex is worn like a watch. There are some differences in what they offer – Flex doesn’t have a clock, for example. Charge is similar to Flex, in that you wear it like a watch, but it comes with some added extras, such as a clock. If your phone is nearby and it rings, the caller ID will come up on the Charge display. It also has a better battery life, of up to 10 days. Charge HR is designed for people who work out regularly, as it can recognise different exercises, and has an automatic heart-rate monitor to help maximise your training.

So which one to go for? Well Zip is a great choice if you just want to check whether you’re walking those recommended 10,000 steps a day. If you cycle, run, or enjoy another sport, you’ll want to opt for a more advanced model. Now, a warning… It is possible to get ever so slightly obsessed with the FitBit. You can easily find yourself checking it hundreds of times a day, which can distract you from real life, and you can find yourself pushing ever harder, unnecessarily. On the positive side, it does encourage you to increase your activity levels and build up your fitness. Like so much in life, the key is moderation. Tempted? Head to: www.fitbit.com

Feel like you’re getting your full eight hours of sleep, but still feel tired? You might want to opt for One or Flex, which track your sleep as well as your activity. They also have silent alarms, to wake you

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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My Local Middlesbrough 2016-02.indd 10

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THE HAMBLETON GROUP BUSINESS CENTRE, FLECK WAY, THORNABY, TS17 9JZ

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27/01/2016 17:11:47

Butterwick Hospice ‘Make aWill’ Month Does your existing Will need updating or have you never written a Will? Do you own a house? Do you have a partner, spouse, children or grandchildren? Own a vehicle? Have many possessions? If you answered YES to any of the above questions the next question you should ask yourself is how soon and where can I draw up a Will? By drawing up a Will you gain peace of mind by knowing that you have provided properly for all your loved ones’ futures. During February Butterwick Hospice is working in partnership with Jacksons Law Firm, Punch Robson Solicitors, BHP Law and Macks Solicitors. The solicitors are giving their time and expertise freely. All we ask is that you make a donation to the hospice of £75 for a single Will or £100 for a pair of matching Wills.

Here are three good reasons to write a Will:

1 To make sure that your money, property and possessions are passed on the way you want. 2 Do you have a grandchild? Are they included in your current Will? 3 To clarify your wishes for your burial or cremation. To take part in Butterwick’s ‘Make a Will’ month this February please contact your preferred participating solicitor directly from the list below: Jacksons Law Firm, Stockton, Helen Milburn - 01642 356500 Punch Robson, Ingleby Barwick, Leah Keating - 01642 754062 Punch Robson, Coulby Newham, Julie Beattie - 01642 233980 Punch Robson, Middlesbrough, Peter Walker - 01642 233961 BHP Law, Stockton, Helen Biglin - 01642 672770 BHP Law, Darlington, Helen Biglin - 01325 466794 Macks, Middlesbrough & Darlington, Lynda Monks - 01642 252828 Macks, Redcar, Kerry Brundall - 01642 293334 For more information see our web page, www.butterwick.org.uk/willsmonth For more information about Butterwick Hospice Care and the care we provide to families in your area please contact Laura-Jane Wedgwood on 01642 628930 or email laura-janewedgwood@butterwick.org.uk Supported by:

My Local Middlesbrough 2016-02.indd 12

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My local June 2015_Layout 1 28/05/2015 15:16 Page 23

Martin LEWIS Gardening

Private Pens

Cheap trains, drains and cars

Easter Monday saw the most ra for a generation. The political s pensions’. Yet more choice me so here’s what everyone n

By Martin Lewis @moneysavingexpert

ome folks drive a lot for various reasons be it business or personal, here a few tip to help cut the cost of travel. • Free tank of fuel via extreme couponing trick. If you’re planning a big spend at any one of 50+ retailers (including House of Fraser, Homebase and PC World), buy the gift card in Morrisons and you get 1p/litre off fuel per £10 spend. So £100 gets 10p off and £1,000ish gets a free tank. The real trick isn’t to use them as gifts, but that if you’re planning a big purchase in that store anyway, first pop into Morrisons and buy the gift card. Then a few days later, once it’s active, go and use it to buy your planned purchase, giving you a potentially whopping petrol discount. There’s a full list of retailers and more info at www. morrisonsfuelsaver.co.uk. • Turn your heating down, but not off if you’re going away If it gets cold, no heating risks burst pipes. So much so that some insurers won’t cover you for damage if your home’s unoccupied for more than five days and you turned the heating off. The rule of thumb is keep it to a minimum 14 degrees. • Buying two tickets for one train journey can save you £100s Split ticketing makes about as much sense as Chewbacca, but it works. It’s where you buy tickets for a journey’s constituent parts separately to slash the price. It’s allowed by the conditions of carriage – the only rule is that the train must call at the stations you buy tickets for. For example, a single from Manchester to Cornwall costs £158, but the train stops at Cheltenham Spa. Buy a £52 ticket from Manchester to Cheltenham Spa, then a £58 one from there to Cornwall and the total’s £110. That’s the same train, the same time – possibly even the same seat. 14

My Local Middlesbrough 2016-02.indd 14

To help find if you can do this for your journey, use my free TicketySplit tool at mse.me/ ticketysplit. As Justine tweeted me: “Genius - tickety split has just saved me £50, no effort, exact same journey.” • Cheap boiler cover - you don’t need to stick with your energy firm Boiler cover is a free market, yet energy firms like you to think you need to stick with them. You don’t. While British Gas charges £12/ month, you may be able to get similar cover for as little as £6. My quick tips: a) Renters usually don’t need it, as their landlord’s likely responsible. Check. b) Ensure you know what cover you need. Choose between boiler-only, the cheaper option that covers your boiler and its controls, or central heating cover, which includes full central heating cover on top (including radiators, pipes, etc). c) To find the cheapest, compare prices via uSwitch.com and add in Energyhelpline.com if you’ve time. • Get a year’s breakdown cover for £17. If your car has had trouble during the winter season, it can be costly to pay it back in the Spring. Thankfully, if you know what you’re doing you can get super cheap cover. There are four things you need to know: - If you’re renewing, haggle. 84% of AA and 76% of RAC customer who tried reported success.

Pension freedom sounds like something from Braveheart –

actually happening? I you can what’s swap them in for RAC suspect George Osborne does picture as aof financial freedom fighter.gives you cover, sohimself £16 vouchers Yet only time will tell whether these reforms will paint him as the man who basic breakdown. liberated older savers, or who exposed them to huge risk.

is all about how you use your - For full This service, pension savings. As always you can take a quarter of it as a tax-free lump Autoaidbreakdown.co.uk sum. Yet for decades most people is a pay have effectively needed to use the and reclaim polcy forto£42/year, remainder of the money buy an annuity – a product that pays you an which covers you and your income each year until you die. Now spouse anyone aged 55 and over can take for homethestart, breakdown and whole amount as a lump sum, paying no tax on the first 25% and the rest taxed asA if it local were a salary at their onward travel. delivery firm income tax rate. is sent out, and you pay Does it apply to all types of then send pension? No, we’re only really talking in receipts topensions get where theyoucost and/or back. private your employer saved up a pot of cash for retirement. Technically these are

as ‘defined contribution’ or • Do youknown know where 'money purchase' pensions.your stopcock It doesn’t apply to the state pension, is? No nudge nudge wink wink nor in the main part does it apply to where what you’re paid is a needed. pensions Everyone should know proportion of your final salary – known technically as ‘defined benefit’ where their stopcock – mains water pensions. are ways pipe to convertbursts these final create tap – is. There Frozen salary pensions into a pot of cash (be very careful of scammers), don’t an average £4,000 of but damage, do it without genuine independent financial advice made worse if you can’t find the off Is it worth taking out my pot as as I can? Usually not. If you’re switch assoon your home floods. So be in your 50s or early 60s you’re probably still working towards prepared. retirement and should be focusing on

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SA STARTS 9

putting yourself in a position to have enough income when you do retire – so you want your pension to keep growing.

Under the kitchen sink’s a very common place. To locate yours, To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265 475 Thames Water has a helpful video at thameswater.co.uk/help-andadvice/13526.htm

3 FLOORS OF FURNITURE BA

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• Can you find sub-£1/litre petrol? Petrol prices are now under £1/litre in some places, but the range is huge. Use Petrolprices.com to find your cheapest, nearest forecourt. The difference even within one post code is 10%. It’s an easy check to fill up on savings.

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For March 2016

Picses

By Astrologer Russell Grant

ARIES March 21st - April 20th Whom you know is just as important as what you know in early March. Get out and network. Attend as many parties, conferences and casual gatherings as you can. People born in foreign countries can be especially helpful. Don’t waste time arguing about cultural and religious differences; concentrate on building bridges instead. It may be difficult to find privacy, due to a meddling colleague. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th could prompt you to retreat into the shadows for a long period of time. You’re tired of being picked apart by petty critics. An opportunity to find meaningful work could arrive in the second half of the month. Publishing, education and travel are all good industries to explore for career opportunities. A close relationship will show signs of strains on the 23rd, due to a stressful Lunar Eclipse. Taking a solitary holiday is strongly advised as April approaches. Visit a country that has fascinated you since childhood. TAURUS April 21st - May 21st You’ll be in the spotlight as the month opens, which is quite enjoyable. Making a good impression on authority figures will lead to career advancement. Your love life is also showing signs of life. If you’re looking for romance, you could find it with someone who has an attractive accent. Beware of neglecting friends as you get closer to your amour. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th marks an important occasion for a loved one; be sure to attend a birthday party, baby shower or general celebration. During the second half of March, your creative impulses will be stimulated. This will be a great time to paint, play music or design works of beauty. A work assignment will come to an end near the 23rd, due to a Lunar Eclipse. Try not to let this situation cause lots of stress. You have to clear the decks to make way for fresh opportunities. GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st Spending more time on spiritual pursuits will be rewarding. You’re tired of focusing on money and status. Fortunately, early March will bring exciting opportunities to study, travel and do research. You might have to cut back your work schedule to acquire important knowledge and take tests. Your best friend or romantic partner will provide you with additional support during this busy time. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th could attract a career opportunity. It may best to turn down this job offer, as there are considerable strings attached. Finding a way to work from home is a 16

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distinct possibility during the second half of the month. The results of a creative project will be disappointing on the 23rd, when a Lunar Eclipse causes harsh critics to come out of the woodwork. Try to take this disappointment with a pinch of salt. Treat this challenge as a test of character. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off. CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd Your allure is very strong in early March, making it easy to attract romance. Spending time with an attentive romantic partner will make you feel like you’re walking on air. Don’t make the mistake of joining bank accounts just now. It may be better to maintain your financial independence from an attractive but irresponsible partner. Work will be demanding during the first half of the month. It may be necessary to study with a stuffy but experienced colleague. On the 9th, a Solar Eclipse could cause a legal problem to erupt. It may be better to settle out of court than be subjected to a long, expensive courtroom drama. During the second half of March, your business or romantic partner will spread the word of your talent. Landing a lucrative assignment is a distinct possibility. It may be necessary to move around the 23rd, when a Lunar Eclipse makes emergency repairs necessary. LEO July 24th - August 23rd Two heads are better than one in the early days of March. This is a great time to embark on a serious romance, get engaged or sign a contract. You’re particularly drawn to rebellious types who are tremendously accomplished. If you’re already in a relationship, it will feel like you and your amour are enjoying a second honeymoon. An unexpected expense will arise on the 9th, due to a disruptive Solar Eclipse. Fortunately, you’ll be able to land a steady job during the second half of the month. This work will help you pay the bills and stay financially afloat. A troubled relationship with a relative or neighbour could come to an end near the 23rd. That’s when a Lunar Eclipse will force you to face some painful realities. Going away on an extended break can help you to come to terms with this loss as April approaches. It will be a relief to escape familiar surroundings. VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd Invest in new clothes or a makeover during the early days of March. Looking your best will improve both your personal and professional

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lives. If you’re single, you could meet someone special in a library, bookstore or classroom. Are you already in a relationship? Your union could experience some difficulty around the 9th, due to a disruptive Solar Eclipse. Being more attentive, supportive and giving is critical to this union’s health. Don’t impose your family’s beliefs on your amour. The two of you may have been raised very differently. It’s unfair to expect them to have the same priorities and values. Finding a middle ground is possible during the second half of the month, when you’ll be able to make some personal sacrifices on behalf of your partner. A Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd will cause a source of income to dry up. Don’t panic. It may take time to find a steady job, so be patient. LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd Fun and games are earmarked for the opening days of March. Give yourself a chance to enjoy some amusements, even if it means putting work on the back burner. Let a relative, neighbour or friend introduce you to a new sport or hobby. You may discover an affinity for this pursuit. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th could make you aware of a health problem. It may take some time to get this illness properly diagnosed. Be patient and don’t subject your body to intense workouts or heavy foods. Some holistic therapy could be helpful during the second half of the month. Let your best friend or romantic partner relieve you of chores while you recover. You may decide to upgrade your appearance on the 23rd, due to a Lunar Eclipse. Saying goodbye to the past and embracing a more cutting edge look is strongly advised. A business or romantic partner can help you with valuable knowledge and know how as April approaches. SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd Spending time with your nearest and dearest lifts your spirits in early March. If you have a chance to work from home, take it. You’ll be much more productive in familiar, comfortable surroundings. Moneymaking opportunities are available to you, but you’ll have to pursue them. Adopting a passive stance could cause you to lose a terrific job to a rival. Be willing to promote your abilities and introduce yourself to influential people who can advance your cause. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th could force you to adopt a new approach to your creative work. Be open to criticism, even if it stings a little. There will be lots of trial and error involved with an art project during the second half of the month. A tasteful friend will offer good advice about improving your performance. A Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd will force you out of the shadows. You’ll have to assume a more public role at work. SAGITTARIUS November 23rd December 21st People will be open to your ideas in the opening days of the month. Use your expertise to uplift and inspire newcomers who want to make a mark in your favourite field. A home improvement project will increase the value of your investment. If you don’t own your home, there will be an opportunity to raise the money for a deposit. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th warns against buying a property. Postpone such a purchase until later in the year, when you’ll be in a stronger financial position. This is a time

to accumulate money, not spend it. An exciting career opportunity will arrive during the second half of March, changing the course of your life. Doing work that is both lucrative and satisfying will be the answer to a prayer. Breaking away from an oppressive group will be liberating on the 23rd, when the Lunar Eclipse causes you to question the company you keep. CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th Working behind the scenes can result in some exciting moneymaking opportunities. Early March is a wonderful time to increase your income. If you have your own business, raise your rates. Good clients and customers will be happy to pay more for superior products and service. Think twice about making a public presentation or talk on the 9th. That’s when a Solar Eclipse can cause others to take your remarks out of context. You may have to repeatedly defend yourself during the second half of the month. Keep a low profile. Working behind the scenes will be more rewarding and less stressful. A Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd will bring an end to a painful career matter. Take this opportunity to spend more quality time with your nearest and dearest. Having an enriching personal life is critical to your professional success. If you have to take a break from work, do it with an open and grateful heart. AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th Your personal charm is a force to be reckoned with in early March. Take this opportunity to attract love and admiration. If you’re already in a relationship, you’ll be able to twist your amour around your little finger. Ask for a favour or press your agenda. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th will attract a moneymaking opportunity, but there will be plenty of strings attached. You might want to hold out for a job that allows a greater measure of freedom. If you do accept this position, treat it as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. During the second half of the month, money from an inheritance, refund or legal settlement will improve your financial situation. Put as much as this windfall as possible into a savings account, where it can protect you from economic uncertainty. A Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd could cause a hero to fall from grace. PISCES February 20th - March 20th Operating by stealth is strongly advised in the early days of March. You’ll win the admiration of a demanding authority figure with your humble attitude. When a high profile job becomes available, go ahead and apply. Your application will go straight to the top of the pile. Be ready to promote your strengths and accomplishments. If you don’t, nobody else will. Resist the temptation to overhaul your appearance on the 9th, when a Solar Eclipse undermines your confidence. Trying to please a shallow person will be an exercise in futility. If you’re looking for love, you could find it with an old friend during the second half of the month. Are you already in a relationship? Your amour will have exciting news about a job or creative opportunity. Go out and celebrate. Don’t make the mistake of getting deep in debt on the 23rd. That’s when a Lunar Eclipse will force you to become more financially responsible.

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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THE BORO STARS THAT TIME FORGOT DAVE ALLAN continues his new series on the greatest Middlesbrough players you never saw (or even heard of). Featuring the club’s stars from 1876 to 1899 before the club joined the Football League.

Illustration by Richard Piers Rayner

Jackson EWBANK: Boro’s first recorded goalscorer The name of Jackson Ewbank will be forever etched in Boro’s history as the scorer of the club’s first recorded goal. That day, in a friendly match with local rugby side Tees Wanderers, he was one of SEVEN forwards in an attack-minded Boro line-up that was typical of football’s early years. In front of what local newspaper, The Weekly Exchange, described as “a good attendance of visitors” on Albert’s Park Archery Ground, Ewbank struck Middlesbrough’s first recorded goal in the first half of a 1-1 draw with Tees Wanderers. The talented forward went on to captain the fledgling club for six years when many fans felt he should have become the club’s first ever England international, a full quarter of a century before goalkeeper Tim Williamson achieved the feat. 18

My Local Middlesbrough 2016-02.indd 18

Born in Pontefract in 1856, Ewbank was working in Middlesbrough when the decision was made by the town’s cricket club to form a football team. Described as a sinuous player renowned for his ability to dribble and weave his way through opposition defences, he played as a forward, on the right wing or even in goal. Ewbank netted all three goals in Middlesbrough’s last match at their Breckon Hill home, in a 3-0 victory over Loftus. It was no surprise when he was chosen to play for a representative Sheffield Association side, scoring another three in a 7-1 humbling of Lancashire. He also represented the newly-formed Cleveland Association in a 10-0 destruction of their counterparts from Northumberland and Durham. But Ewbank was showing equal talent with bat and ball, establishing himself as an accomplished

member of Middlesbrough Cricket Club after earlier spells with Newcastle, Sunderland and Nottinghamshire. In 1880 Ewbank and Boro teammate Fred Hardisty opened the batting for Middlesbrough and District against a touring Australian XI. Back on the football pitch, he was part of the first Middlesbrough side to play FA Cup football in 1883, scored in a 3-0 victory over Redcar in the following year’s Cleveland Cup final and netted two more as the seasiders were humbled 8-1 in the 1886 cup final replay. All this was achieved as an amateur, whilst working as transport manager for a Middlesbrough ironworks. In his retirement presentation by club president, Colonel Samuel Sadler, he received a gold watch, albert guard and pendent worth “nearly £40” as a gift from his colleagues and admirers.

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My eBikes Commute - Two Months On By Jeremy Middleton

o what have I learned about my new e-Bike experience from my daily commute to work ? I am now coming to the conclusion that for a solus commuter, electric motorised transport is a more sustainable and cost effective way of getting about. I Would even go as far to say, as long as you are fit and able, I personally, would find it embarrassing to drive a car such a short distance.

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My average daily commute is 7.2 miles to and from work. The roads I travel on are not busy and form part of the National Cycle Route NCR14 Every-time I start to ride my e-Bike, it just brings a smile to my face. Why? Because its like travelling with a tail wind behind you. Additionally I like my eBike because It feels safer compared to a traditional bicycle. When I’m at traffic lights I can keep up with traffic setting off and move away quickly thanks to the assisted power. Also riding my eBike to work, over the week, actually saves me hours and gives me back family time.

• Re • Sa • De

In the previous issue of My Local Magazine I reported that it took me an additional five minutes to get to work on my e-Bike as opposed to travelling by car. However, this is five minutes well worth spent. Prior to cycling to work I was gong to the gym and spending an hour on a treadmill 3 times a week. I am not saying by any means that 5 minutes additional riding can outweigh one hour on a treadmill, but in reality it does? I’m actually getting more exercise over a week than going to the gym. Plus I’m doing additional exercise because I’m traveling to visit my parents by eBike on weekends. I’m now using the bike to pop to the shops for the odd grocery or two.

Willerton on riding to work on a eBike. The test/study found that the average power input was actually higher on the eBike because it cut the commute time down so much, he wasn’t destroying his body with over training. Additionally the e-Bike rider felt the shorter commute times resulted in higher output and more intense workouts. Simply put, he could ride the e-Bike as hard as he wished, for shorter periods See graph

e-Bikes are cheating aren’t they? That depends on how you look at it. If your riding a bike for sport, well yes you could argue the case, or could you?. A recent study by Paul

So what about bad weather? I found that I could ride an e-Bike in strong winds with ease because my efforts were assisted by the electric motor located on the front of the

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My Local Middlesbrough 2016-02.indd 20

Do bicycle. As far as bad weather was concerned, I just checked the forecast the night before, or before I left for work on the morning. I tried to dodge any down pours by setting off a bit earlier or later. In forty-five days so far, I’ve only been caught out with rain once. Plus I invested in some waterproof trousers, hat, cycle jacket and a pannier bag to store them. After all, the Met Office don’t always get the forecast right and you’re better off being prepared, just in case. If you are needing advice on purchasing an eBike, I found so far, Yarm Cycles in Yarm to be very helpful.

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Porsche, and its styling certainly doesn’t achieve universal acclaim.

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That said; it’s an awesome car to go long distance travelling in with three other’s to accompany you. You’re also bound to get lots of looks – but not always for the right reason.

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Carmouth Valeting available when I handed my all-new Jaguar XF enquiries@mas-ne.co.uk demonstrator back atAfter www.mas-ne.co.uk keys Before Pamplona Airport were “I’m SAFETY - SECURITY - STYLE going• to miss CUTS DOWNthat HEAT motor”. & GLARE • • HEAT PROTECTION FOR PETfor WELFARE And there’s a reason that:• • PRIVACY & SECURITY the fresh British saloon• I had • STYLING • on test in Spain made my life • LIFETIME GUARANTEE • far more relaxing than I had envisaged.

leather seats, the hushed cabin,For affordable of theprofessional rear wheelcar drive Jaguar FAMiLY FiRM care!! You can trust! and, even XFIndustrial 380PS S, on test here, the excellent brakes 12 Tamethe Road, Lawson Estate, Middlesbrough TS3 pulls 6LL Call Martin or Ron the scenery by the side823 of your sound Established system, make you feel as 01642 243772 • 07787 327 40 years head briskly. It is done in such an though a palace has been given BATTERIES • SUSPENSION • TIMING BELTS • ENGINE uncomplicated way that the speedo four wheels. My point is that, whether driving needle can nudge three figures all To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265 475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk 23 at 70mph or sat still waiting for too easily. When there is a chance to bury a shamble of sheep to move, your right foot into the deep carpet, Pure performance aside, handling the XF looks after you. The soft the creamy smooth powertrain is stunningly good. Indeed, the 2016 XF offers the fun already available from the Jaguar XJ, mainly due to its precise steering, lack of body roll and excellent traction. This was demonstrated perfectly when we stopped off for a bit of cheeky track driving at the Circuito de Navarra. This modern motorsport race track, near Los Arcos, is a 3.933 km permanent road course that hosts the Superleague Formula series and the FIA GT1 World Championship. Under expert instruction I managed to get the XF to behave like the beast it can be. The car will hold on to the surface like Velcro, only stepping out when pushed to levels you’d never attempt on a public highway. Jaguar’s PR team did a good job by really showing us that the new XF isn’t just a mile muncher – it’s a machine offering 22

My Local Middlesbrough 2016-02.indd 22

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pure dynamism. In other words, it truly is a driver’s car. The specification levels of the new XF are lavish. The cabin is a seamless blend of contemporary luxury materials and finishes, traditional Jaguar craftsmanship and state-of-the art tech, with features such as a reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, laser head-up display and an InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system. What’s more, stereo camera technology enables autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist systems. Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist takes the stress out of motorway driving in stop-go traffic by tracking the vehicle in front, at a safe distance. With its plethora of talents and refreshed, more modern exterior, the XF is soon etched on your mind. From a distance, there are slight hints of Audi at the rear, but the car doesn’t look as much like the other premium executive saloons you see double-parked outside Michelin-starred restaurants in Chelsea or in City of London corporate car parks

as luxurious and as exciting as possible. The Jaguar’s cabin is sophisticated and sturdily built and the car is rapid, whichever model

you opt for. Indeed, the Jaguar XF 380PS S model, driven for this review, is as fast as you are ever likely to need.

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In summary, this new XF is loaded with a host of awesome tech, making the driving experience

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My Local Middlesbrough 2016-02.indd 24

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My Local Middlesbrough 2016-02.indd 25

27/01/2016 17:12:27

Gardening

Garden View Lovely Lilies (and a spot of hard-pruning) By Rachel Leverton

he first day of spring this year is officially March 20th . Trees are blossoming and daffodils are in bloom. The garden has woken up from its winter sleep and is full of promise. But promise is not enough. A beautiful garden does not happen by chance. So what are the top jobs for March gardeners? Pruning features large! Hardprune those late flowering shrubs like Buddleia, Leycesteria and Lavateria, but only if the risk of heavy frost is past. Spring-flowering plants such as Forsythia and Winter Honeysuckle should be pruned immediately the flowers fade. If you haven’t already pruned your bush roses, now is the time. Leave about an inch of last year’s growth to encourage bushiness and lots of flowers. Shrub roses don’t need such radical treatment but would benefit from losing a third of their old, thick, woody stems. Lift congested clumps of snowdrops

while they still have leaves showing.

weight to prevent these tall plants tipping over.

Finally, stay on top of the weeds. If you leave them, weeding quickly becomes an insurmountable chore.

Lilies need an open planting mixture which drains well so I use a mixture of potting compost plus a soil-less multi-purpose compost. The bulb tips should be a couple of inches below the compost.

Ok, we’ve dispensed with the hard work, now it’s time to look ahead. I have one word for you...Lilies. I always thought they were tricky to grow, and so they proved, mainly because my garden doubles as a slug sanctuary! Then I had an epiphany. It dawned on me that if I grew them in pots, slug prevention would be easier, plus I didn’t run the risk of slicing through the fat, scaly bulbs or tender shoots with my hoe while enthusiastically weeding my plot. Even better, it means you can grow them even if you only have a balcony. There are loads of varieties in the garden centres right now. Three bulbs fit nicely into an 8inch / 20cm pot and five fit into a ten inch / 25cm pot. I’ve found terracotta pots best because they provide enough

Keep in a sheltered spot and water when the surface of the compost looks dry. Once the buds have formed, feed weekly with dilute tomato food until late summer. When the blooms fade, cut the stems down and place in a sheltered spot. Each spring, scrape away a couple of inches of compost and add fresh mixture, then repeat the instructions above. Treated like this your lilies will reward you for three or four years before they need re-potting. There are a plethora of colours and scents available, so there is a lily for everyone. Try them. I guarantee you’ll be as in love with lilies as I am.

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My local June 2015_Layout 1 28/05/2015 14:58 Page 27

Gardening

Plant of the month Tomato Growing tomatoes from seed is super easy and you can get started in late February to ensure a lovely summer crop to look forward to. Simply fill a small pot with compost and scatter seeds thinly over the top then cover with another thin layer and water.

These 3 steps will create the foundation on which the new design for my garden will be based on and it will take into account that I now have very little time to look after it, so here are some of the things I will be thinking about: • How can I cut down on the amount of weeding I need to do?

• How can I cut down on the amount of watering required in the summer? • How can I avoid spending time on staking? • What will make mowing the lawn less time consuming? I’ll let you know what I do in the coming months. In the past few months, I have

plant of the month – geranium The leaves, covered in their unmistakable Geranium ‘fuzz’, may have a slightly odd smell about them but the burst of colour emitted from the flowers that shoot forth from these little plants more than make up for its shortcomings. These are pretty tough plants and usually grow through any off the odd problems they may get such as late summer mildew or vine weevil larvae. Make sure they are planted in good sunlight and protect from cold. Geraniums are happy both as indoor or outdoor plants and as they root easily from cuttings you can keep a good supply of plants on the go!

Pop the pot on the windowsill to help the seeds to germinate and keep an eye on them. This is a great project to do with kids as you’ll see seedlings within a couple of weeks and within a couple of months they’ll be big enough to move into separate pots. You can move them using a dibber and carefully lower them into their own, individual small pot. Once you see the yellow flowers appear you’re ready to put them into grow bags outside with canes.

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V W S B U B E

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Snowdrop Tulip Chrysanthemum Lily Carnation Gerber Daffodil Hyacinth Veronica Iris Lilac Mimosa Orchid Rose Sweet Pea

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Local Middlesbrough Builder Based in Acklam | No Sales Nonsense

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