April 2018 by My Local Magazine Middlesbrough & Stockton on Tees

My Local Magazine ®

Issue 83 | April 2018 | The BEST of Middlesbrough’s Business, News, Reviews and To-Do’s

MOTORING 7 CITROEN DS PAGE 22

GARDENING PAGE 26

distributed by GPS Leaﬂet Distribution

Keep Me for 2 Months

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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.

‘Our watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however

big or small, call Mark on 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers

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Sunday lunch 1 course £8.95 2 course £11.95 3 course £14.95

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Chapters Deli terrinestuffed with grapes redgranary onion bread chutney Avocado & prawn tomato&with Bread & olivessoup withofwarm rustic bread (v) Homemade the day withartisan warm ciabatta Chapters Deli terrine with grapes & red onion chutney

Main courses

Bread & olives with warm rustic artisan bread (v)

Roasts of the day (please ask) with homemade Yorkshire puddings, Main courses roast potato & a gorgeous gravy! creamy mash, seasonal vegetables, Roasts of the day ask) with homemade Yorkshire puddings, Fillet(please of salmon baked in herb butter creamy with mash, seasonal vegetables, roast potato & a gorgeous gravy! glazed new potatoes & seasonal vegetables Fillet of salmon baked in herb butter with glazed new potatoes & seasonal vegetables

Butternut squash & lentil curry with a timbale of rice (v) (gf)

Desserts

Butternut squash & lentil curry with a timbale of rice (v) (gf)

Sticky toffee Desserts pudding & toffee sauce

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EDITOR’S LETTER

April 2018 April is the 7th anniversary of My Local Magazines. Initially, we only started distributing our magazines in Acklam. A few years later we expanded our magazines into Linthorpe, Coulby, Marton & Nunthorpe.Then in 2015, we published a new magazine for Stockton on Tees, covering Hartburn, Elmtree, Fairfield & Oxbridge. Magazines like ours are the lifeblood of local business, communities and charities. If you decide to contact a company in my local magazine, please tell them where you found them.This does help the company you are calling.

helped so many local businesses. In 2015 my wife was made redundant. With a little help from me, my wife now runs her own business which has also gone on to help another thirtytwo people gain independence by running their own business all because of My Local Magazines. So when you decide to call a company from this publication, you can feel restassured that you are doing your bit for the local people of Teesside. I thank you all personally for your continued support. Until Next Time

CONTENTS

We started My local Magazines to help local business and local people. It does help keep business local.That’s what we all want? To keep the £ in Teesside and keep our local communities prosperous. Am I right? The local magazine you are now reading has

Features Recipe

@mylocalmag /mylocalmagazine

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.

Bless You! It’s Hayfever Time Again 9 Russell Grant

Local News

Motors

Gardening

26-27

Trades

28-29

Trades

30-32

Advertisers Index Page

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how to save £1,000s and get a new kitchen in just 48 hours Buying a a new Buying new kitchen kitchen can can be be aa stressful experience. Highpressure stressful Highsales are sales followed lengthyby pressure are by followed lengthy delays, onemost of the delays, then onethen of the used most used rooms in is the homeout is rooms in the home totally totally out of week or of bounds forbounds a weekfor oramore. more. But customers customers in in the thenorth northeast east But have another option. option. A welcome welcome have alternative that that isis half half the the cost cost of of alternative an new kitchen, kitchen,can canbe be an average average new delivered delivered within withinthe themonth, month,and and fitted fittedininas as little littleas asaa day. day.

and complete if required appliances andkitchens complete kitchens all fitted –byallapproved local if–required fitted by approved local installers. A family-run installers. It is also part of a business owned by network Kevin andof national franchised Katrina it is also partthat of a Dream Clarke, Doors showrooms national network of stretchesfranchised all the way down to Dream Doors showrooms that Cornwall. stretches all the way down to Cornwall. “Major home improvement

From its showroom in Yarm, From its showroom Yarm, Dream Doors Teesideinsupplies Dream Teeside supplies time andDoors money-saving kitchen time and money-saving makeovers – as well as kitchen

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Tastes so good... Pea and Mint Soup

Ingredients 1 cupful of chopped spring onions 1 medium potato, peeled and chopped 1 crushed clove of garlic 850ml vegetable stock 250g fresh peas 4tbsp fresh mint, chopped Large pinch of sugar 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 150ml soured cream

Method 1. Place the spring onions into a large pan together with the potatoes, garlic and stock. Bring to the boil, turn down the heat and allow to simmer for 15 minutes or until the potato is soft. 2. Set aside a few tbsp. of peas for the garnish. Add the remaining peas into the pan and simmer for 5 minutes only. 3. Blanch the remaining peas in boiled water for 2-3 minutes. Drain them and then put to one side in a bowl of cold water. 4. Into the main pan add the mint, sugar, lemon and allow to cool slightly. 5. Pour into a blender and mix to the desired consistency. 6. Stir in half the cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. 7. Garnish with the remaining cream and drained peas to serve.

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Meet the Teacher

A secondary school guide to parents’ evening Parents’ evenings - love them or loathe them, they crop up with alarming regularity. They can cause a good deal of stress whether you’re the parent, child or teacher! As a parent this is your chance to speak to the teachers that spend all day with your children and to whom you are entrusting their education. Naturally you want to get the best out of the experience but how exactly do you do that, when you are on what feels like a conveyor belt? And if your child is in Year 7 then you will find this experience very different to what you are used to from their primary school days.

The first thing to remember – and this might sound quite harsh – is that your child’s teacher has a lot of parents to see that night, in a relatively short space of time. This does have implications for what you can discuss. The bottom line is, don’t be offended if they end the discussion, or if they suggest making an appointment for another time to come and discuss an issue. It is important to remember that you and the teacher both want your child to do their best and achieve. The teacher will no doubt have points they want to make and they may be good or bad. If there are problems then the teacher will most likely be

looking for reassurance that you will support the school in whatever behaviour or homework policy they have. They know that students don’t always tell their parents what goes on at school and so parents evening may be their chance to make it clear if they are not meeting expectations. Are there any general dos and don’ts? Do let them know your concerns, but don’t launch in with complaints. Let the teacher explain how they feel your child is doing and respond to that. They will often ask you if you have any other questions. Which leads to another point – don’t ask in Year 7 what the teacher thinks they will get in their GCSE. Learning is not a linear process from point A to B. For most children, it is a meandering journey – let your child enjoy that journey without pressure in those early years of secondary school. Also, don’t ask how they are doing compared to other students. Instead ask if they are where the teacher wants them to be. There is a final point to consider – whether to take your child. Most schools extend the offer to students, but don’t feel compelled to take them. For some children, the experience (and the noise) can be very overwhelming and they may prefer to stay at home. Above all remember that the teacher wants what is best for your child. Put your concerns to them but please listen to what they have to say too. By Willow Coby

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475

Bless You!

It’s Hayfever time again Hayfever is on the increase, says the British Allergy Foundation.The most likely explanation for this is that summer is starting earlier and pollution is rising.

Current Treatments Anti-histamine tablets Impede the body’s immune response so preventing symptoms. Nasal Sprays Work directly on the affected area and leave the rest of the immune system alone.

Pollution traps pollen in the atmosphere and holds it there. As a result we’re all being exposed to many more allergens, particularly those of us who live in towns in cities. No wonder we’re all sneezing. The body’s immune system is a wonderful creation. It responds to nasty substances such as viruses and bacteria by generating special antibodies which help to neutralise them. These helpful antibodies are actually large protein molecules of a category known as IGG. Unfortunately, there is another set of antibodies from a category known as IGE. These are less helpful because they tend to over react to allergens, which are harmless materials such as grass pollen. The problem lies with our mast cells. These are cells choc full of histamine and other substances capable of producing inflammation. The IGE molecules cling to the mast cells and when an allergen enters the body it sticks to the IGE-coated mast cells and triggers them to explode, whereupon they release all their histamine and cause an inflammatory response. Some of us have high levels of IGE in our bodies and some of us don’t. Those with high IGE levels are more

Injections Offer long term protection but are only used in severe cases because of their ongoing nature.

susceptible to allergies. In the case of hayfever it triggers runny noses and itchy eyes, but it can also trigger asthma if the response occurs in the airways and eczema if it occurs in the skin.

REMEMBER - Do not wait until symptoms start. Ideally begin to take medication 3-4 weeks before the start of the hayfever season. By Louise Addison

Susceptibility does have a genetic basis. However, scientists also know that the immune system develops very early so early exposure to an allergen may affect the development and number of immune cells present, so later in life an allergic response to a particular allergen is more likely. We can’t yet reduce the number of IGE cells in a body but a few years ago scientists discovered that IGG and IGE molecules have different structures and bind differently to mast cells. Thus new medications are now being developed with the ability to disable the IGE and stop it binding to mast cells in the first place. In the future we may be able to relieve the misery of hayfever altogether. Wouldn’t that be lovely?

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CONSUMER CHAMPION Confessions Confessions

Confessions Last year, I wrote a column about financial confessions: admitting to the big money mistakes you’ve made or the things you don’t understand. It got one of the biggest responses I’d ever had. In the spirit of that column, I spoke to the team at Resolver, friends and family and asked them for their confessions about any of the services they use. The results were mindblowing! One of my team (who I’m not naming) has worked in customer service for over twenty years. He called out the broadband engineer after a week without Wi-Fi. To his absolute horror, it turns out that the router connection was unplugged. His flatmate had taken the Christmas lights down and unplugged everything. The shame. Another friend of mine runs a pretty huge company and is one of the bestknown and well-respected experts in her field. But she doesn’t know how to work her thermostat. In fact, she didn’t even know it had batteries in it until she called out the repair person. An expensive reminder to look at the instructions to say the least. A colleague who works in the insurance industry confessed to me that he never checks his bank statements. Which is why (after much badgering from his partner) when he finally did he found he had been paying for four separate mobile phone insurance contracts that his phone provider had ‘added on’ every time he’d upgraded. He got a hefty refund through Resolver too (he donated it to charity, I’m pleased to say!) We all had a giggle about the complaints we’d made that turned out to be totally our fault (and btw, you can use Resolver to pass on comments and thanks – and 10

confessions – to businesses too). But there’s a serious point here. There’s no shame in not understanding something. In fact, we could save ourselves time, money and stress by admitting this and asking for help. For example, Resolver has launched a campaign to encourage people to learn more about their pensions, the biggest financial commitment most of us will ever make outside of a mortgage and something few of us understand. I’d like everyone reading this column to feel that they can contact their pension provider and ask them to explain in simple terms how their pension works, how they can get a better deal and understand what options are available to them. It can be scary to ask questions like this. Which is why by admitting we don’t know as much as we’d like, we actually empower ourselves. Of course, pensions are just the tip of the iceberg. There are loads of things people don’t really understand the ins and outs of. Here’s a short list of a few of the most common ones, to give you a bit of inspiration to tackle the things that puzzle you the most:

they?! · Bills, for that matter – particularly if you’ve ‘gone paperless’ and aren’t getting updates. · How much money you’ve paid off your mortgage, porting your mortgage and reapplying for interest rates as they go up. · Insurance premiums, how they’re set, when they renew and how to get a better deal. · Why complaint rules are all different, who is regulated, why can some firms get fined and others get away with ignoring complaints. Admitting that you don’t fully understand how something works is the first step to making things right – and potentially saving a packet too. So get confessing! You can find out more about your rights or make a complaint using Resolver for free at www.resolver. co.uk. Or view our Twitter page @ WalkerResolver @resolvercouk or go to facebook.com/resolvercouk

· Electricity and gas bills. All those extra sheets of information on the bills don’t make things clearer, do

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475

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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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U VE P TO SA

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For May 2018

TAURUS

By Astrologer Russell Grant

ARIES (March21st-April20th) Accepting a new job is a strong possibility at the middle of May. The New Moon on the 15th will give you a chance to gain hands on experience. Accept a temporary assignment.You will make such a success of this venture that you will be offered a full-time position. There will be plenty of growth opportunity at this company. This greatly appeals to your desire for leadership role.You’re tired of taking orders from people who are less talented and capable. On the 29th, you might be coming home from a long trip.Visiting a friend who lives far away will open your eyes to different ways of living. If you’ve found a particular routine oppressive, take this opportunity to change. Don’t defend your choices to narrow minded relatives. Seeking other people’s approval is always a losing proposition. It’s better to obey the call of your own heart. It knows what is best for you. TAURUS (April21st-May21st) Take this opportunity to show off your creative work. The New Moon on the 15th will attract an appreciative audience. If you’ve been longing for a career in the arts, this is the time to make your move. Submit your portfolio to a gallery, manager or publisher.You’ll quickly find representation. Don’t be surprised when you feel compelled to change your look after taking a big risk. Updating your hairstyle, revamping your wardrobe or undergoing a cosmetic procedure will cause people to take you more seriously. On the 29th, the Full Moon will prompt you to make a merger official or break things off with an oppressive partner. Give careful thought to your financial situation. If it will be improved by a romantic or business alliance, go for it. If you’ve been dealing with someone who has been draining your resources, head for greener pastures. A legal professional will give you excellent advice; take it. GEMINI (May22nd-June21st) After a frenzied period of partying, you’ll be able to rest and relax in the middle of May. The days surrounding the 15th urge you to take time off work and recharge your batteries. Obey the call of the New Moon and stay away from social media. Solitary activities like reading, writing and even a little contemplative meditation will be therapeutic. They will also give you a renewed appreciation for sensual pleasures. Treat yourself to a gourmet meal, a collection of music by your favourite 16

artist, or a film festival. The Full Moon on the 29th marks an exciting turning point in a relationship. Getting engaged or married is a strong possibility. If you’re in a committed partnership, your amour will have exciting news.You might be going on an overseas trip together. This holiday will feel like a second honeymoon. Exploring a cosmopolitan city will bring out the best in you both. CANCER (June22nd-July23rd) Joining a political organisation or professional club will be lots more fun than expected. On the 15th, you’ll be inspired to work with a group that shares your beliefs or ambitions. Many members of this team will delight and inspire you. After feeling like an oddball, it will be a real relief to find your tribe. Are you in the market for love? You will meet someone special who is a prominent participant. Let them pursue you; it will be good for your ego. A big job will come to a successful conclusion on the 29th, filling you with pride. The profits from this work will bring long term financial stability. Instead of raising your standard of living, maintain the status quo. Put your extra earnings into a savings, retirement or college fund. Having a financial cushion will leave you free to pursue the relationships and work you want. LEO (July24th-August23rd) You’ll be able to make fresh inroads in your career, thanks to the New Moon on the 15th. It’s a good time to take a job involving art, luxury goods or cosmetics.Your warmth and humour will attract loyal clients who trust your judgement. If you’re not looking for work, you might be invited to take the helm of a cultural organisation.You’ll be a great fit for this position. Use your extensive social connections to raise money for this institution. Thanks to your influence, more people in your community will be able to participate in programs designed for their enjoyment. The Full Moon on the 29th causes you to reveal a crush or make a serious romantic commitment. If you already have a partner, take this opportunity to do something special for your amour. A gift that reflects their taste will be greatly appreciated. If you’re not sure what to buy, ask their best friend for suggestions. VIRGO (August24th-September23rd) May invites you to go after a cherished dream.

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Earning an advanced degree, living abroad and publishing a book are among the possibilities.You’ll get a green light near the 15th, when the New Moon beckons you into unfamiliar territory. Don’t be afraid to leave familiar surroundings for an intimidating environment. Being surrounded by accomplished people will force you to work harder than ever before. That’s definitely a good thing.You’re tired of resting on your laurels; it has dulled your intellect and made you complacent. By the 29th the Full Moon will find you wrapping up a household matter. Relocating to a different area, finding care for an elderly relative or tending to a youngster’s needs will give you a sense of accomplishment. Once this matter is concluded, you’ll have more time for yourself. Take this opportunity to enjoy the people and activities that fill you with happiness. LIBRA (September24th-October23rd) Moving in with your significant other, getting engaged or exchanging wedding vows are among the possibilities this month. On the 15th, the New Moon will urge you to merge with someone who has earned your trust. If you’re not interested in romance, you might form a business partnership or collective. Pooling resources will allow you to devote more time to the work you love best. Creating things that are useful and beautiful will renew your zest for living during the middle of May. The Full Moon on the 29th could find you commanding the spotlight. Promoting a good cause, passing on your knowledge to others or posting an article will draw favourable publicity.Your fan base is growing. It’s gratifying to know people are eager to hear from you. So many of us are drowning in a sea of negativity.Your ability to deliver an uplifting message is getting an enthusiastic response. Keep up the good work. SCORPIO (October24thNovember22nd) It’s time to turn a fresh page in a relationship. The New Moon on the 15th will cause you to see your business or romantic partner in an entirely different light. Maybe you weren’t aware of the full extent of their abilities. Perhaps you took their help for granted. Whatever the reason for this oversight, it will be corrected towards the middle of the month. If you are single, you’ll meet someone special, possibly at a sporting event or professional conference. Playing hard to get with an admirer will pay off handsomely.You’re dealing with a person who loves the thrill of the chase. On the 29th, the Full Moon will put a little extra cash your way. Use this money to launch an extensive home repair project. If you don’t own your place, take this opportunity to buy one.You could find a lovely property in an offbeat neighbourhood. SAGITTARIUS (November23rdDecember21st) Hiring an assistant or additional staff is strongly advised on or around the 15th. That’s when a New Moon will put helpful people in your path. Getting upbeat, enthusiastic people to join the team will take a lot of work from your shoulders. This change in responsibility will allow you to focus on the big picture. Improving products and services or expanding into new territory will increase your bottom line. If you’ve been looking for work, you’ll

be offered a steady position. Having a regular income will allow you to pay off debts and put money into savings. On the 29th, the Full Moon will prompt you to put the finishing touches on a personal project. Promoting this venture will drive lots of business to your door. People are charmed by your friendly, all inclusive attitude.Your work will bring people from all walks of life together. In this era of have and have nots, that’s quite refreshing. CAPRICORN (December22ndJanuary20th) If you’ve been yearning for romance, you’ll find it near the 15th. That’s when the New Moon puts an interesting person or opportunity in your path. A gifted artist will seek your company.You’ll admire their impeccable taste while they’ll praise your impressive accomplishments. This will be a match made in heaven. Do you already have a partner? Your amour will give you a beautiful token of their affection. Instead of fretting over how much this item cost, accept it with a happy and grateful heart. The Full Moon on the 29th marks the end of a period of seclusion. Leave the darkness and step into the spotlight. Recently, you’ve been gathering your energy together for a bold project. Launching a business or showcasing your creative work will earn you fame and acclaim during the final days of May.You’ll have to spend money to make it, so prepare to dip into savings. AQUARIUS (January21st-February19th) Spending time with your nearest and dearest is important at mid-May.You’re not especially sentimental, but you do need the support of family. The New Moon on the 15th gives you a chance to connect with people who love you unconditionally. If you’re estranged from your relatives, focus on creating a support network consisting of friends, neighbours and colleagues. Even a lone wolf like you can benefit from joining a tribe. On the 29th, the Full Moon will prompt you to wrap up a group project.You’ll be singled out for your extraordinary contributions. Don’t be surprised when you are named most valuable player. If you’ve been trying to move forward with a personal plan, ask an influential friend for a letter of recommendation. One word from this bigwig shall cause doors to fly open. An organisation that previously turned you away will suddenly welcome you into the fold. PISCES (February20th-March20th) The New Moon on the 15th is ideal for planting seeds for renewed health. Starting a fitness regime will pay off handsomely. Investing in a gym membership, joining an exercise class or hiring a trainer will keep you focused on your goals. Being able to socialise while getting physical activity will make this routine a labour of love.Your hard work will pay off towards the end of the month. If you’re not satisfied with a medical diagnosis, get a second opinion. An attention getting Full Moon on the 29th will result in a promotion or high-profile job offer. Playing a greater part in a non-profit organisation or charitable venture will give you a wonderful opportunity to make a living through philanthropy. Getting paid to make the world a better place will be a dream come true. This position will involve lots of overseas travel. If you need childcare or a pet sitter, start looking for the ideal candidate.

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Best Foot Forward

London Marathon 22nd April 2018 What do Paula Radcliffe, SpongeBob SquarePants and a man in a diving suit have in common? Answer: They’ve all run, or in the last case walked, the London Marathon. I was thirteen years old in 1981, when the first London Marathon took place. I remember being awestruck at the sheer number of people willing to put themselves through the agony of running twentysix miles, for charity, for themselves or for their country. I cried when Norwegian Inge Simonsen and Dick Beardsley from the USA linked hands to finish in a dead heat. It is an amazing achievement to run a marathon but why do people do it? The reasons given include: • A get fit challenge • The buzz of taking part in a massive organised event • To raise money for a charity close to their heart. • To step out of their ordinary

existence and chase a momentous goal. Will Dillard, a professional coach from Atlanta thinks it’s down to instinct. “Our lives have become more comfortable,” he says, “We don’t have to worry about where our next meal is coming from; but something inside

of us still wants to know if we can survive if confronted with that kind of challenge: it wants to find out.” The fact that I seem to lack this instinct does not stop me admiring anyone who has a go, so if you’re running on April 22nd, I wish you luck: I am unworthy. By Sarah Davey

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‘Lollipop’ Roles Filled by Two Local Youngsters SCHOOL children in Middlesbrough are being helped across the road by two newly appointed ‘lollipop’ patrollers – who are perhaps unusually not long out of school themselves. Middlesbrough Council has recently appointed 20-year-old Courtney Pink and 19-year-old Dylan Hayes to work at two crossings in the town in posts it had struggled to fill despite repeat advertising. And the job is extra special to Dylan who himself suffered a fractured leg when hit by a car aged just 11 and on his way home from school in Billingham. Dylan, who now lives in Acklam and works a crossing on Green Lane near Cleveland College of Art and Design, said: “It’s good to think I’m helping kids be safe on the road. When I had my accident I was laid up for three weeks and then on crutches and the car was a write-off.” He added that many of the pupils and parents heading to and from Green Lane Academy Primary were not used to seeing a School Crossing Patroller of his age. “There has been a few surprised faces with me being so young and doing the job,” said Dylan. “It has been about six weeks I’ve been doing it and it’s been really good, I’ve enjoyed it and the community is really friendly. Everyone says ‘hi’ on a morning and there’s been no issues with drivers. It’s been good.” Courtney, from Park End, also works as a barmaid and at Park End Primary School alongside her School Crossing Patrol work on Ingram Road in Berwick Hills.

She said: “I like being outside so it’s good for me and all the parents were buzzing when I first started a couple of weeks ago. Everyone has been really nice.” Cllr Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “It is unusual to have School Crossing Patrollers who are so young but we’re delighted to have both Courtney and Dylan helping our children get to and from school safely. “These two posts had been advertised extensively and despite that we had been unable to fill either for quite some time. “I’m sure parents at both Green Lane Academy Primary and Berwick Hills Primary will be as pleased as we are to see Courtney and Dylan making their journeys safer each morning and afternoon.”

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AUTO-BIOGRAPHIES New DS 7 Crossback 2018

Tim Barnes-Clay, is back from his latest car launch. This time he was invited to Windsor to sample the allnew DS 7 Crossback.

At first sight, the DS 7 Crossback shows off conservative, rather than cool, characteristics.Yes, yes, I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But this is my opinion, and someone needs to have one. On the move, body lean is kept to a minimum, even though the steering is spongy and dead - and it isn’t perked up by changing the DS into its Sport mode. Don’t let me rain on the DS7 Crossback’s parade too much, though. The French motor is best kept in its Comfort setting, so that you can make the most of its respectable ride quality. This car isn’t all about the zero to 62mph

sprint, it’s far happier as a laid-back cruiser. But it can still pull okay, with the 2.0-litre diesel model doing the 0-62mph in just under 10 seconds. The DS marque is launching the Crossback with four different trim levels, and the Performance Line DS 7, as driven here, is likely to be the model to please the masses. This car gets 19-inch alloys, a gloss black grille, and LED lights. In the cabin, leather and Alcantara abound, while a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment screen hogs the limelight. Playing second fiddle to the big display is a large analogue clock, perched above the ignition button. The infotainment system itself

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is intuitive and responsive and is supported by a bunch of touch sensitive switches for the cabin controls. But more remarkable in this car segment is the adding of an infrared night vision camera that projects a vivid picture onto the driver’s display. It picks out pedestrians and animals ahead of you, and, as I found out driving around Berkshire’s unlit backroads, it works! The only drawback is that the clever driver aid is an option costing £1600. Room in the cabin is good for five-up and it’s a very comfortable car fore and aft. Indeed, the DS 7 Crossback’s flat floor means that a rear seat occupant sitting in the middle will still have space. What’s more, the car’s boot is generously proportioned with 555 litres of cargo capacity. The all-new DS’ weak point is its price-tag. At over £30,000, other more established premium brands may seem more attractive. The BMW X3 and Volvo XC40 are examples of the stiff competition the up-to-theminute French machine is up against. Still, being different is quite appealing,

so it’ll be interesting to see what 2018 holds for the DS 7 Crossback. Watch this space!

– as tested)

Pros ‘n’ Cons

• 0-62 mph: 9.9 secs

• Looks √

• Combined mpg: 57.6

• Comfortable √

• Engine layout: 1997cc four-cylinder turbo diesel

• Space √ • Expensive X Fast Facts (DS 7 Crossback Performance Line BlueHDi 180

• Max speed: 134 mph

• Max. power (PS): 180 • CO2: 128 g/km • Price: £36,335

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Pet Health

Heat Happy Pets… The only hot dog in summer should be those on the BBQ...but how many times do you still see or hear of a dog locked in a car on a hot summers day? Drives us, here at the practice, nuts! Just don’t do it... When the core body temperature of any mammal or bird is raised above its normal range then hyperthermia occurs, otherwise known as heatstroke; the result is heat damage to the animal or bird’s body tissue.When the heat generated exceeds the body’s ability to lose this heat then heatstroke occurs. However put, allowing your animal to overheat is very serious indeed, animals can and do die of multiple organ failure if treatment is not administered swiftly. Something I first witnessed when living in Bermuda. All mammals, including us, are vulnerable to overheating (especially the young, old and sick) so being aware that it can happen allows you to take preventative steps.The most obvious consideration must be the animal’s environment and this goes for all pets whether kept indoors or out. Our summers are hotting up (when we aren’t deluged with rain) and we need to be aware of what we can do to help them get through the

heat of summer. Keep fresh water freely available and plenty of it; when dogs pant to cool down, it is far more effective when they are hydrated. Put down several bowls in case of spillage and ice cubes in the water will help too. If you can bring your pet indoors with fans blowing or air conditioning on it will make your pet more comfortable. Outside provide your pets with cool, shady areas to escape to and please move hutches to the shade too; hutches and aviaries become ovens in the heat just like cars do. And I will repeat again dogs die in hot cars, dogs pant to cool down and need air flow for this mechanism to be effective, add excessive heat and your dog is in danger of heat stroke. It can take as little as 5 minutes and it is an ugly death. Exercise dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler and try to avoid walking on hot surfaces, if you find it too hot to walk on then your dog certainly will. Pale skinned or white haired animals are susceptible to sun burn and smearing sunblock on vulnerable noses and ears (and that includes horses) will help to prevent sun damage to these parts.

So, what are we looking for if we suspect our animal has heatstroke? Anything out of the ordinary for that pet may be the first sign that he or she is not well. Excessive, relentless panting increases in intensity as heatstroke progresses, salivation, restlessness, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing are all signs to look for. If your dog begins to evacuate and shows mental confusion you need to get him to a vet fast. I will stop there you get my drift...it doesn’t get any better. Heatstroke is life threatening, it can cause organ damage which may not be apparent immediately, so if in doubt seek veterinary attention. An emergency vet will attempt to cool your dog down using water and fans, intravenous fluids for rehydration and

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medication as required. He will take blood samples to test for organ failure and act accordingly; monitoring closely until the dog is settled is paramount. I have already mentioned that the young, old and sick are vulnerable to the heat; for those of you with dogs who have short noses or flat faces they are equally as susceptible and need you to be as vigilant as ever to their needs. All it takes are a few active steps to prevent unnecessary anxiety and suffering. Have a safe summer. Danielle Giles, Heathside Veterinary Surgery.Voted the Best Small Vet Practice in the Best UK Vet Awards 2017

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Plant of the Month Primula

These cheerful bedding plants are an economical and easy way to fill flower beds and patio pots with colour to welcome in the early spring months. Bursting with shades of sunshine yellow, bright pink and vibrant purples, Primulas will flower for weeks with little maintenance needed, creating instant, colour and brightness to gardens and displays.

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rainbow of colour until the weather warms up.

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How can I cut down on the Garden• View amount of watering required in

These 3 steps will create the foundation on which the new This Month - based Plant design for my garden will be on and it will take into account that Fascinating fact…Winston I now have very little time to look Churchill butterfl iesofsothe after it, soloved here are some much had garden about: designed things he I will beathinking specifically to attract them. • How can I cut down on the His amount family home was the beautiful of weeding I need to Chartwell, do? but you really don’t need a grand estate to attract butterflies because they will happily flock to the tiniest plot if the planting is right. When planting for butterflies we need to consider their life-cycle, and of course they start life as caterpillars. Butterflies choose to lay their eggs where there is a good food supply for their hungry offspring. A patch of nettles in a sunny spot is all you need to attract the red admiral, the small tortoiseshell, the painted lady and the peacock. If you want the common blue (though sadly these are not that common now) plant some birdsfoot trefoil, also known as lady’s fingers and properly named lotus corniculatus. A packet of sweet rocket seeds (hesperis matronalis) is a good investment. One pack produces flowers in all shades of lilac.They have a sweet scent, which is more powerful

the summer? a butterfl y garden

• How can I avoid spending time onevening, staking? in the and as a bonus they thewill orange tipmowing butterfly. the make •attract What lawn less timethe consuming? So, having satiated caterpillars, I’ll youtoknow what do in the welet need address the Ifeeding coming months. requirements of the adult butterfly. In past few months, I have Thethe most famous butterfly-attracting

plant is probably Buddleia davidii, hence its other name, the butterfly bush. It grows well in most soils but needs to be pruned back hard every year so the flowers, and hence the butterflies, kept atcovered eye level.in Don’t Theare leaves, theirworry too much if you Geranium know very little about unmistakable ‘fuzz’, may have a slightly odd smell about pruning, Buddleias are hard to kill! them but the burst of colour emitted spectabile must be one of fromSedum the flowers that shoot forth the easiest plants ever to grow and from these little plants more than even my poor soil. Its dusky make upthrives for itsinshortcomings. pinkare flowers aretough alwaysplants smothered These pretty and in butterfl ies and bees when they usually grow through any off theopen in summer.they may get such as oddlate problems lateCaryopteris summer mildew or vine clandonensis, orweevil to use its larvae. surename, theyblue are mist planted moreMake romantic spirea in good sunlight and protect from is also a wonderful butterfly magnet cold. and very easy to grow. Geraniums are happy both as You or canoutdoor now buyplants packetsand of wild indoor as seeds and butterfl y mixes. theyflower root easily from cuttings youTry cansome keepamong a good supply of plants your borders and you’ll on the go! be rewarded with fluttering, jewel-like visitors all summer.

plant of the month – geranium

been writing a book about how to apply the Garden Equation for fellow gardeners to follow and its title is, surprisingly, ‘The Garden Equation – how to have a garden you love that fits beautifully into your lifestyle’. It will soon be available on my website. Butterfly Essentials By Sally -Tierney, Sunshine plant butterfly-attracting plants in the sunniest spots Shelter - the site needs to be out of the wind Customer Satisfaction Roosting spots - Butterfl ies need Guaranteed! somewhere to sleep.They prefer to be high so plant climbers like honeysuckles and clematis. Nettles and wildflowers - if space is at a premium try growing them in pots. It works really well.

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