March 2018 Middlesbrough by My Local Magazine Middlesbrough & Stockton on Tees

My Local Magazine ®

Issue 82 | March 2018 | The BEST of Middlesbrough’s Business, News, Reviews and To-Do’s

GARDENING PAGE 24

MOTORING AUDI A4

PAGE 26

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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 The company, based locally, say and make sure the house offers homeowners the opis spotless when we leave, portunity to maximise their and Value in that we offer storage space with a loft our services at a price people ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding can afford. Our business and a light all fully fitted in relies on referrals and we got less than a day from just a huge amount of our calls £277 + VAT. But it’s not just from people who have been the affordability of the pack- referred to us by our existing age the company offers that customers - that simply makes Yorkshire Loft Ladwouldn’t happen if we didn’t ders stand out as manager adhere to our overriding Mark Hodson explains: principles. 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.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

March 2018 The end of February was a bit of a white out. Or was it? Shoot me down in flames all you like but why do schools close on snowy days. When I was at school I can’t remember a day when it closed? There were afternoons or mornings when I wished it would. Especially in maths lessons. I don’t think I’ve ever used trigonometry. In fact I can’t remember what it is. I also remembr a teacher saying “ You won’t walk around with a calculator in your pocket” How wrong was he? The same teacher saying to a class mate. “ Son! You’re a dreamer “ Lucky for him he was. He went on to develop CD burning software that made millions!

get coffee to brew, when the outside temperature is below 0. My sister in law who is a teacher had to go to school on a snowy day.Waited in the school all day, incase someone turned up who could get to school? So she could turn them away? This morning.The same day that the schools closed. I saw people travelling to work in cars, local buses full of commuters.The Castlegate Shopping Centre was open. I never saw one shop shut. Hospitals were open. Doctors were open. Dentists were open. Can someone tell me why schools close on snowy days? Until next time..

CONTENTS

I hear various reasons for closing schools on snowy days. It’s because they are concerned they might get sued. Or that teachers don’t live locally anymore and travel from Newcastle or Staithes? Some also say, it’s difficult to

Features Recipe

Running Fitness Coach

Russell Grant

Motors

Gardening

24-25

Trades

28-29

Advertisers Index Page Trades

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Jeremy Middleton Managing Director T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265 475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk W: www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk My Local Magazines Ltd, Office 4, Walker House, 3rd Floor, High Street Stockton on Tees TS18 1BG 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 with 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 within 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.

30 31-32

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Roast Beef with Rosemary & Garlic Ingredients 1 joint of beef 1 -3 tsp coarse salt (generous amount) 1 -3tsp fresh cracked pepper 1 tbsp fresh rosemary 10 garlic cloves Method 1.

Settle the joint and let it stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

Mix the salt and pepper together.

Preheat the oven to 375oF.

Insert some of the rosemary directly into the skin of the joint, scoring with a sharp knife to help you insert it.

Now score the joint in 10 random spots for the garlic. Rub the meat with the seasoning mix. Place cloves into the slices.

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Roast for 1 hour and then turn off oven.

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Running & Fitness Coach Running is an Art and a Science

As a coach I am constantly telling my runners to slow down and they look at me in a puzzled sort of way. I say “Anyone, and I mean anyone, can run the first mile of a race at a fast pace, we can all boast that we were on for a sub 30min 5k, 60min 10k, 2-hour half or 4-hour marathon in that first mile but it’s how you finish the last mile that counts”. Getting the pacing right for any race is an art and a science and it can take many races to perfect it. There is a fine line between running a PB (Personal Best) success or a PW (Personal Worst) disaster and sometimes this fine line can be the difference between whether you hang your trainers up for good or whether you dust yourself down and put it down to experience enabling you to try again. Sometimes we can put too much pressure on ourselves on the lead up to a big event. It could be your first parkrun or your first marathon but getting caught up in the excitement and atmosphere as you wait on the start line can cause you to run a race just a little bit faster than norm.This

change in the energy system that our body isn’t used to can sometimes result in disaster. When you exercise, your body uses oxygen to break down glucose for energy and a by-product of this process is lactate. During easy running, your body converts and recycles this lactic acid back into energy and efficiently expels the waste products. Therefore, the production of lactate will remain relatively constant while running at an easy aerobic (talking) pace, which doesn’t require a huge demand for energy. However, if you set off too quickly in any run and continue to run faster you demand more energy from your body and the production of lactic acid will slowly increase. At some point if you continue to run too fast the production of lactic acid will soar and your body will no longer be able to convert lactate back into energy and expel the waste products. This point is commonly referred to as your lactate threshold.The lactic acid then floods into system, muscle power is diminished and you begin to slow down (I refer to this as the

bear jumping on you as it feels as though you can’t move!) Symptoms may include a burning feeling in your muscles, including cramp, feeling nauseous, weak and exhausted. It’s your body’s way to tell you to stop what you’re doing. Ultimately, lactic acid is one of the largest contributors to why you slow down as the race goes on and what makes the race hard work. The idea is, then, that if you run at a slightly slower than usual pace then you can hold this threshold for as long as possible as you prevent waste products from building up and causing the exhaustion.The aim is to get to the last quarter of the race with enough energy to kick those last miles and finish strong. Try running without a watch so that you can feel your pace, run a little bit faster between lamp posts so that you learn where the difference is between feeling comfortable and uncomfortable. Remember running is a journey; an art and a science, a bit like a recipe, see what works, what doesn’t, you can take a bit of training out or add a bit more in until you find what works for you and that is part of the fun.

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MAYOR’S TRANSPORT HOPES FOR WHITEHALL VISIT

Dave Budd Mayor of Middlesbrough

MIDDLESBROUGH Mayor Dave Budd is hoping talks with a Government Minister will help to deliver solutions – and much needed funding - to ease trafﬁc congestion in the town. He will outline the Council’s detailed plans to alleviate traffic issues across Middlesbrough, and push for Government support and a commitment to funding. The delegation – arranged by Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke – will look in particular at the ‘Marton crawl’ to the south of the town. www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

Made In Tees Valley – From Inspiration To Exhibition A SPECIAL exhibition is allowing Middlesbrough school students to show off their creativity.

Sedgwick said: “Middlesbrough has fantastic history and heritage, and it’s not just industrial.

Made in the Tees Valley has seen Year 3 and 4 students from Sacred Heart RC Primary take their inspiration from design legend Christopher Dresser.

Christopher Dresser was a huge figure in the world of design, and his work remains as fresh, relevant collectible as it’s ever been.

Their handiwork will shortly go on display at the town’s Dorman Museum which has a gallery dedicated to the 19th century artist.

That’s been a huge inspiration for the students from Sacred Heart, and they’ve thrown themselves into this project with boundless enthusiasm.

The budding young designers have created their own ceramic pieces and Japanese windsocks for a show that opens to the public on Saturday, January 27 and runs until Sunday, March 25.

They’ve created a wonderful exhibition which shows the creative spirit of Christopher Dresser is alive and well in Middlesbrough today.

The students were inspired an earlier exhibition about Japan and celebrating the 150th anniversary of Christopher Dresser’s visit to the country whose art and culture would have a profound influence on his Linthorpe Pottery. All the students who have taken part in the project will attend a VIP opening event on Saturday with their families, with the show opening to the public at 12.30pm Dorman Museum Access Officer Sue

They can be immensely proud of what they’ve achieved, and I have no doubt their display will be enjoyed by everyone who visits the museum over the next month.” Sacred Heart Assistant Head Kerry Mallam said: “The students have had great fun developing their own exhibition, and have learned a great deal in the process. Made in the Tees Valley is a tribute to their hard work, and to the enduring inspiration of Christopher Dresser.”

For more information on exhibitions and events at the Dorman Museum, visit www.dormanmuseum.co.uk

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For April 2018

ARIES

By Astrologer Russell Grant

ARIES (March21st-April20th) A brilliant idea at Easter is worth developing.You're tired of making money for others. Launching your own business will allow you to set your own hours and follow your instincts. If you've been thinking of changing your luck, the New Moon on the 16th is an ideal time to do so. It's a great time to restyle your hair, revamp your wardrobe or undergo a cosmetic procedure. Any initiative that will change the way people see you is worth considering. On the 30th, the Full Moon is great for making a long term investment. Opening a savings, retirement or college fund will help you build a nice little nest egg.You're tired of living from one payday to the next. Use the final days of April to create a stronger financial foundation for you and your family. If you have a romantic partner, your amour will be given an impressive raise or lucrative job, thereby improving your economic status. TAURUS (April21st-May21st) Easter will be a relaxing time. Take this opportunity to enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest in a low-key setting. Although you enjoy dressing up, you don't especially want to be working hard to serve others. If you're throwing a party, order food from a caterer instead of spending all day in the kitchen. This will allow you to connect with your guests. On the 16th, the New Moon allows you to let go of a period of struggle. Instead of dwelling on the past, you'll make a fresh start. Going after a job, courting a potential partner or launching a creative project will renew your zest for life. The Full Moon on the 30th could mark an engagement or marriage. If you've been longing to make a romance official, do it at the end of April, when your prospects for creating a lifetime of happiness are strong. GEMINI (May22nd-June21st) Attending an Easter party will be lots more fun than you expect.You'll meet an interesting person who excites your interest in a hobby or sport. Let your new friend take you to a cultural event or game; you'll have a wonderful time together. The New Moon on the 16th is perfect for joining a humanitarian organisation or club. Working with a team will greatly increase your chances for success. Although you have great ideas, you currently lack the social connections to get them off the ground. Join forces with people who have extensive experience in your desired field. On the 30th, the Full 16

Moon will bring relief from a persistent health problem. Getting an accurate diagnosis will put you on the path to renewed health. Show your gratitude by donating time, money or both to a good cause. Keep the positive energy flowing as April turns to May. CANCER (June22nd-July23rd) You'll attract wonderful publicity on or around Easter, when word spreads of your leadership ability.Your willingness to accept a thankless job is greatly appreciated. Thanks to you, an organisation that was on the verge of falling apart has been salvaged. Instead of listening to conventional wisdom, you tried bold methods that have paid off handsomely. As a result, you'll be offered an impressive job with a cutting edge company on the 16th. That's when an energising New Moon will enhance your professional prospects. Don't be afraid to enter an unfamiliar field; you'll take to this industry like a duck to water. A romantic relationship will burst into flower on the 30th, thanks to a passionate Full Moon. If you're single, you'll meet someone special at a work conference. Falling in love with someone who is much older or younger is a possibility. Instead of worrying about what people will say about this relationship, listen to your heart. LEO (July24th-August23rd) Easter ushers in an opportunity to travel, study or write. Being able to visit a country that has deep spiritual meaning will be inspiring. If you aren't able to get away, sign up for an advanced course of learning or begin work on an article. Exercising your intellect will pay off handsomely this month. On the 16th, you could launch an entrepreneurial effort. The energising New Moon will help you get the funding and publicity you need to make this project successful. Don't be afraid to break away from traditional business methods. Offering unusual products and services or courting an underserved market will be highly profitable. The Full Moon on the 30th is good for wrapping up a property matter. If you need to find a new place to live, you'll find one in an established neighbourhood famous for its historic architecture. Getting out of an old lease should not be a problem. VIRGO (August24th-September23rd) News of an inheritance, legal settlement or insurance refund will reach your ears on or

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around Easter. This is a great time to upgrade your technical equipment. Buying a new smartphone, car or computer will greatly increase your efficiency in the early days of April. The New Moon on the 16th finds you making inroads to a close relationship. By forgiving a past mistake, you'll forge a strong bond that is virtually unbreakable. Don't be surprised when your sensual side becomes more pronounced; this is a good time to enjoy a passionate interlude with the one you love. On the 30th, the Full Moon finds you passing a test or getting a certificate. The information you've accumulated will attract the admiration of a creative person. Don't be surprised if you're asked to create a website or promotional campaign for an artist. Your ability to communicate powerful messages with just a few images and phrases is impressive. LIBRA (September24th-October23rd) Working with a partner will be productive in the days surrounding Easter. Be open to trying cutting edge techniques, even if you've been steeped in an old tradition.Your willingness to try new things will earn the respect of your associate, who already admires your creative abilities. On the 16th, you might decide to get engaged or married. Are you already in a serious relationship? Your amour will get an unusual work opportunity. Moving to a place that is entirely different from your current home will strengthen your bond. Having your assumptions challenged and your lifestyle altered will force you to heavily rely on each other. Petty differences that once kept you apart will magically disappear. A handsome bonus could come your way on the 30th, thanks to an enriching Full Moon. Use some of this money for some beautiful furnishings or artwork. If you've been longing to buy your own place, this would be a good time to do so. SCORPIO (October24th-November22nd) An unusual work opportunity will be made on or around Easter. Take this opportunity to gain some experience in an entirely different field. The more varied your skill set, the easier it will be to land the well paid assignments you want. The New Moon on the 16th is ideal for launching a fitness regime. Taking up a sport, overhauling your diet and establishing a restful sleeping routine will pave the way for radiant health. A personal project will come to fruition on the 30th, thanks to an empowering Full Moon. A reference letter from an accomplished business person or political figure will open doors for you. This influential person admires your hard work and diligence. Thanks to their recommendation, you'll get funding for a project, get onto a training programme or be given money from a government grant. Late April is ideal for expanding your horizons; go ahead and venture into unfamiliar territory. SAGITTARIUS (November23rdDecember21st) Pour your energy into creative projects on Easter, when your urge to create something beautiful will be powerful. Putting an innovative spin on traditional forms will attract lots of favourable publicity. The New Moon on the 16th is ideal for going on a first date or going on a second honeymoon. Whether you are single or attached, mid-April will be one of those most romantic times of the entire year. Letting go of a grudge will be easier than expected on the

30th, when the Full Moon urges you to get rid of excess emotional baggage. Instead of dwelling on a past injustice, you'll turn your focus to the future. Establishing financial security will be easier when you adopt an optimistic attitude. If you get turned down for a job, express your gratitude for getting the chance to interview.Your positive energy will turn a 'no' into a 'yes.' CAPRICORN (December22ndJanuary20th)The days surrounding Easter find you more ambitious than ever. This is a good time to make plans for professional success. Applying for a high-profile position or creating a business proposal will be a good use of your time.Your preparations will pay off on the 16th, when an uplifting New Moon attracts an exciting career offer. Being able to put your leadership skills to work will be liberating.You know how to motivate people while maintaining impeccable standards. A collaboration comes to a successful conclusion on the 30th, when the Full Moon cultivates a celebratory atmosphere. Make sure to attend a big wrap party. It's important to keep in touch with the people who have challenged your ideas, encouraged your ability and improved your skills. Don't be surprised if you are named most valuable player. People appreciate your ability to give constructive criticism without taking the joy out of work. AQUARIUS (January21st-February19th) The 1st brings exciting news about a family or community matter. This Easter, you'll be able to break away from a confining routine and enjoy a greater measure of freedom, either in a relationship or in your neighbourhood. On the 16th, the New Moon urges you to speak up for your beliefs. Defending the underdog will cause your popularity to soar. Lately, someone who has been marginalised or unfairly criticised has gathered lots of secret support. Everyone was so afraid of the chief tormentor that they failed to challenge their abusive behaviour. This will change after you make it known that such behaviour is entirely unacceptable. Speak as you find to everyone. The Full Moon on the 30th will bring a promotion or award for a job well done. Take this opportunity to bask in the spotlight.Your hard work has paid off, making it possible to advance up the ladder to success. PISCES (February20th-March20th) April begins on an upbeat note, when a job offer could arrive on or around Easter. This will be a wonderful opportunity to increase your income and expand your technical skills. Working with bang up to date equipment and the latest software programs will increase your appeal on the job market. The New Moon on the 16th will give you a chance to do work that is personally meaningful. In the past, you treated work simply as a means to pay the bills. Now you will have a chance to get paid by making the world a better place. It will be a refreshing change. A bold risk will pay off on or around the 30th, when the Full Moon brings a successful resolution of a legal matter. Alternatively, you may return home from a trip feeling better than you have in a long time. The end of the month finds you gaining impressive forward momentum.

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The Pain of Mother’s Day My mother left home when I was seven. It always struck me as particularly cruel that teachers insisted we made Mother’s Day cards. I pointed out once that my mother had left us. “Do you know her address?” teacher asked. When I nodded she told me I could post it.The irony of posting a card to ‘The World’s Best Mother’ notable mainly by her absence seemed lost on Miss Marriot.Three years ago my friend’s mother died from bowel cancer, and she said she would punch the next shop assistant who enquired whether she needed a Mother’s Day card. Don’t get me wrong, I think Mother’s Day is a lovely tradition but many of us may not realise that Mother’s Day is an emotional time of year for those who have lost their mother; those who can’t conceive, or those who have miscarried or lost a child Perhaps Mother’s Day needs a makeover. Currently it seems to be about wish-lists, hints to spouses about booking the perfect restaurant and a barrage of adverts featuring the perfect nuclear family. Our children, and maybe the rest of us need to understand that Mother’s

Day isn’t about spending lots of money or being pressured into meeting crazy expectations. In the UK it originated when children, mainly daughters (often as young as ten), who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family.This grew from the centuries-old tradition of people to returning to their home or ‘mother’ church once a year.The return to the ‘mother’ church became an occasion for family reunions. As there is no tradition of gift-giving on Mother’s Day we are free to invent our own traditions and I think it’s the perfect chance to inspire kindness, compassion and giving of time rather than possessions. I would love to see an ‘alternative’ Mother’s Day focussed on less material things. I want to talk to my children about what Motherhood means to me and what having a mother means to them. I want all of us to think about the people around us, at school, or work, in our social circle and community who might be having a hard time in the midst of Mother’s Day celebrations?

How can we reach out and share a little kindness or hope? With a card? A note? A phone call? Last year my kids and I chose to sponsor a child at an orphanage in Uganda. It gives us pleasure to know that someone who has no mother of her own is receiving care and education. This year my friend and her children made a food parcel for their local food bank and donated it in her mother’s name. Her mother volunteered at a foodbank before she became ill so this seemed a fitting way to remember her. If you are struggling with Mother’s Day this year, please know that you are not alone. Reach out and talk to a friend; look for others with whom to share. Be kind to yourself, and if there is no-one you feel you can share your thoughts with consider starting with you and reach out to others who might need support. By Helen Jones

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How to make your Conservatory Feel like a Proper Room If you’ve ever tried to use your conservatory in the winter, you’ll know that it can feel like a cold, damp and dismal part of the house. In all the glossy conservatory sales catalogues, the sun is always shining, the garden is blooming and everyone is having fun being in the bright and clean ‘new room’. The reality is that most conservatories are too hot to use in comfort in the summer, and certainly too cold to use in the winter. Condensation can be a problem in the winter, and it’s too bright to watch a tv in there in the summer. And when it rains, the noise can be deafening! Most conservatories have been built as temporary structures and usually as a less expensive alternative to an extension. This means that they don’t comply with the building regulations that an extension would have to do especially in terms of the thermal efficiency. The team at local specialists Inceil talk to homeowners every day

who want to be able to use their conservatory all year round and not on the handful of days when the temperature is just right! Their cost-effective solution is to fit an insulated ceiling fitted to the existing roof structure in just 1 or 2 days. The new plastered ceiling follows the contours of the existing roof and uses the most thermally dynamic insulation available. Your conservatory will feel like a proper room with a better temperature year round. And you don’t have to do anything to the external roof. It’s important when having any works done that you are happy with the people working in your home. Customers frequently comment on how polite and friendly everyone is in the Inceil team – and that they cleaned up when they had finished! On the Inceil informative website www.inceil.co.uk you can watch

an installation video which shows exactly how the process works, and request a free survey and quote. Or give them a call on 01904 891936. In just one or two days, your conservatory can be transformed into a comfortable and usable part of your home.

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Overdone it at Christmas?

Now the festivities are well and truly over, this is the time we often turn our attention to keeping ďŹ t and hopefully losing a few pounds, so while you are at it why not check out your pets weight too, do they also need to lose a few pounds? Obesity is a huge problem for our pets; we love them so want to treat them, but our busy lives often means we cannot exercise them as often as we would like. There are things you can do to help your companions to keep fit, start

by visiting your veterinary practice and see what your pets body score is, this will give you an idea of the amount of weight they need to lose, dedicated vets and nurses can help you to create a diet plan tailored to your pets need, and offer support and encouragement along the way, and best of all its usually free

3 Top tips to help youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re your pet loose weight

longer and save you money too 2. Encourage indoor cats to play more often 3. Choose a specially design weight loss food for your pet. Contact your vet practice for a more information. 1 The Crescent, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS56SD 01642 817075 www.middlesbroughvets.co.uk

1. If you have to give treats, break them into smaller pieces and only give one piece, treats will last

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Tawny Owl

A mostly nocturnal bird, the Tawny Owl is distinctive by their call “twit twoo” and in the UK is the most common woodland owl (although they are absent from Ireland).They ﬂy quickly and sadly other species ‘gang up’ on roosting Tawnies who are usually located on a branch close to the tree trunk or in a hole in the tree itself.These owls can be seen all year round although the young disperse from their breeding grounds in autumn.

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Garden View

This Month - Fertiliser has its own use. This month the days get and the sun 1gets primarily feeds the leafy Mylonger local June 2015_Layout 28/05/2015 Nitrogen 14:58 Page 27 stronger...we hope! above-the-ground parts of the However March is famously temperamental and if the soil where you are is still wet and cold then it’s wise to delay planting and sowing These steps will create until the3temperature rises.the foundation on which the new Plant nutrient reserves are low design for my garden will be based at this time of year so, as the soil on and it will take into account that warms up, it’s time to think about I now have very little time to look fertiliser. after it, so here are some of the Many are a bitabout: frightened thingsgardeners I will be thinking of AllI cut those chemical • fertiliser. How can down on the symbols on the side of the packet amount of weeding I need to are rather reminiscent of school do? chemistry lessons. In fact the basics are quite simple. NPK - This can be observed on the side of most fertiliser packages. The letters stand for: N - Nitrogen P - Phosphorous K - Potassium Together these are known as the macro-nutrients and each of them

plants.

Phosphorous promotes strong roots. makes •Potassium How can I cutgrass downhardier, on the promotes improves amountgermination of wateringand required in vegetable and fruit yields. the summer? proportions of each macro-time •TheHow can I avoid spending on staking? nutrient will be printed on the Equal amounts of eachthe will make mowing •packet. What nutrient for aconsuming? good general lawn make less time purpose fertiliser. I’ll let you know what I do in the coming months. A lawn will need a good balance of nitrogen to In the past and few phosphorus months, I have guarantee lush green grass with a healthy root system capable of withstanding dry spells. Fruiting plants need higher proportions of potassium.

plant of the month – geranium

arecovered other macro-nutrients: TheThere leaves, in their unmistakable Geranium may Carbon, Hydrogen and‘fuzz’, Oxygen, have a slightly smell about which plantsodd obtain freely from them ofand colour emitted thebut airthe andburst water; calcium, from the flowers shootwhich forth magnesium andthat sulphur, from thesebelittle plants than should present in more any good make up for its shortcomings. general purpose fertiliser. 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!

been writing a book about how to apply the Garden Equation for fellow gardeners to follow and its Plants also need micro-nutrients: title is, surprisingly, ‘The Garden Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron and Equation – how to have a garden Molybdenum. you love that fits beautifully into Plantslifestyle’. take all these your It will nutrients soon be and build everything need from available on my they website. scratch, including vitamins. What By Sally Tierney, plants cannot do is absorb vitamins directly from things such as pet food, milk or so-called fertilisers which contain vitamins, proteins Customer Satisfaction and fats. Guaranteed!

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FENCING AND REPAIR

AUTO-BIOGRAPHIES Audi A4 Avant 3.0 TDI quattro 218PS

Fitted with a 3.0 litre V6 engine, the latest Audi A4 Avant becomes almost too powerful for its own good. Don’t get me wrong; the diesel lump is a real pearl, but there’s no way it returns the claimed 57.6mpg when riding on 19-inch wheels. I found the car thirsty, and mid-30s was more realistic for me when driving two-up, with no luggage, on a mix of motorways, A and B-roads. The A4 estate model that Audi sent me came in top S line trim, and starts at £38,895, but with a few thousand pounds of options thrown at it, my test car was waving a £46,395 price-tag. You get a lot of kit for the cash, though and Audi is well-known for its upmarket, understated interiors that are both perfectly finished and intuitive. This A4 doesn’t dissatisfy; it has upscale materials everywhere and a straightforward, intelligible dashboard

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arrangement. Technology is plentiful, too. It includes: a reversing camera, parking sensors, three-zone climate control, heated electric seats, and a powered, hands-free boot. The A4 Avant is among the bestlooking estates on the market in Britain. It’s undeniably classy, and the large 3.0 litre diesel engine is so smooth that it feels more like a hardhitting petrol unit. What’s more, indiscernible wind and road noise make the A4 the quietest cruiser in its class – by a long chalk. The ride is wonderful, and easily a match for BMW’s 3-series. The same goes for the car’s bob-on handling. This practical five-up estate comes with Audi’s standard seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. It changes slickly, keeping the revs low except when Dynamic mode is selected. A moderate push of your right foot is all that’s required to build momentum hastily; stamp down hard, though and you’ll get to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds.

Pros ‘n’ Cons

• Max speed: 152 mph

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• 0-62 mph: 6.4 secs

• Quiet √

• Combined mpg: 57.6

• Kit √ • Ride √

• Engine layout: 2967cc, six-cylinder turbo diesel

• Thirsty X

• Max. power (PS): 218

Fast Facts (3.0 TDI quattro 218PS)

• CO2: 126 g/km • Price: £38,895

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advertisers index

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Local Middlesbrough Builder Based in Acklam | No Sales Nonsense

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