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

My Local Magazine ®

Issue 87 | August 2018 | The BEST of Middlesbrough’s Business, News, Reviews and To-Do’s

Local Stories | Local Businesses | Gardening | Car Reviews Health & Beauty | Home

Inside… Clear up the Kitchen Clutter Quirky Britain Bulldogs History of Specs

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Clear up your kitchen clutter A well-designed kitchen has a place for everything, from cutlery to coffee pods. SAVVY IDEAS FOR KITCHEN STORAGE • Rails and wall grids are incredibly useful, and are available in a range of styles. Look for accessories such as spice racks, knife racks and hanging containers. • Internal organisers help prevent kitchen cabinets and drawers from becoming an overflowing mess. Take some time to research the types of organiser that will be most

suited to whatever you are storing, from a simple cutlery tray or knife rack to pan lid holders, spice jar inserts or dividers. • Sometimes it helps to add extra shelves inside large cabinets, where space can easily be wasted. If that’s not possible, buy a free-standing rack to place inside instead. • It makes sense to store cooking utensils near the hob, whether in drawers, hanging from a rail, or just popped into a jar. • Transparent jars are useful for storing dry food such as rice, pulses and pasta. They can create an attractive display and you will

easily be able to tell when you are running low. Katherine Sorrell

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

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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Helping Families Cope – A guide for those caring for a loved one living with dementia While there is no cure, there is care Dementia affects over 850,000 in the UK and over 8,500 in the Cleveland area and the figure is growing at an unprecedented rate according to the Alzheimers Society.These are not just more alarming statistics: these numbers represent each one of thousands of families with loved ones who require special care and support to help them live fulfilling lives whilst living with their dementia. Dementia is progressive and is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases or strokes. There are over 100 different types of dementia, the most well-known being Alzheimers; Dementia with Lewy Bodies or maybe Vascular Dementia. It is important to know that if you suspect someone close to you has signs of having dementia, that you encourage them to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. Dementia usually progresses through stages and an early diagnosis means you can help

your loved one by understanding how their particular condition may develop. At Home Instead Senior Care, we have developed a unique dementia training programme for our Caregivers which is accredited by City & Guilds and focuses on the home care environment. The training helps our Caregivers to provide the best quality care possible for our clients. We know that living with someone with dementia can

feel stressful and challenging for the family as well as for the person with the condition and so we offer to share the key learning from our training with family members to make this difficult time an easier journey for everyone. Over the years Home Instead Senior Care has helped thousands of families to take care of loved ones who have signs, symptoms or a diagnosis of dementia. As specialists in dementia care for people who live at home (usually the best place as they are surrounded by familiarity), we are recognised as a valued and trusted solution to help your loved one maintain their independence at home for as long as they are able to. Our dementia care expertise along with our relationship-centred approach enables our Caregivers to provide personalised care that: • Helps you loved one remain safe and calm at home • Builds confidence and encourages engagement • Ensures nutritious meals and mealtime activities are encouraging healthy eating • Provides opportunities for social interaction • Prompts stimulating activities • Builds self-esteem and enhances physical strength • Supports the family to help you take a rest and enjoy some respite time from your caring duties. For further information on our services and to access the free guides on Coping with Alzheimers and Other Dementias please visit our website: www.homeinstead.co.uk/cleveland You will find plenty of information and also access to training videos in the Information and Resources section beneath the free guide on Protecting the Elderly from Fraud. Contact us on 01642 309650.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

September 2018 August can be a slow time for

if you wish to have something

lots of local small businesses, with

included, please be aware that

so many of their local customers

our deadlines are always the last

away on holiday, or maybe

Tuesday of the month.

spending some budget on some family days out. I am sure that

If you are looking to those

there are many a business near

little jobs that you have put off

you or in my local magazines who

doing during August we have an

would appreciate your support in

advertisers index at the back if

September.

you are looking for something specific.

I hope that you have found our

Until next time

recent fantastic summer very relaxing and enjoyable while making a few memories with your family and friends.

@mylocalmag

The October edition will be

/mylocalmagazine

CONTENTS

delivered from mid-October, so

Features Clear up the Kitchen Clutter

Recipe

Nordic Walking

Health

History of Specs

Beauty

Technology

Home Interiors

Motoring

Quirky Britain

Gardening

Trades

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 within this publication. My Local Magazine cannot be held responsible for breach of copyright arising from publication artwork supplied. It is the advertiser’s 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 any way is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the advertisements or content within this publication, please contact Jeremy Middleton 01642 924847 While 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.

Struggling with dentures? We can help Can you eat with conﬁdence? Are you happy with how they look? Are you embarrased to smile? Chris Egan GDC 119949

will not only treat you personally in clinic, but he’ll also carefully handcraft your dentures from start to ﬁnish.

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SALTED CARAMEL, CHOCOLATE AND CHILLI TARTLETS tartlet tins. Prick the bases with a fork and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200Â°C/ fan 180Â°C/gas mark 6.

It may sound like an unusual combination but a hint of fiery chilli complements a rich chocolate dessert perfectly. Serve with a spoonful of thick cream or Greek yogurt for a really indulgent dessert. Makes 6 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling and chilling time Flour, for dusting 250g ready-made sweet shortcrust pastry 260g jar salted caramel sauce 25g unsalted butter 100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

1 small red chilli, deseeded and chopped (see Tip) Shredded fresh basil leaves, to decorate (optional) Icing sugar, for dusting 1 Lightly dust a work surface with flour and roll out the pastry to about 3mm thickness. Use to line six 10cm

2 Line each tartlet tin with a circle of baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake blind in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and bake the tarts for a further 4-5 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale golden. Leave to cool completely, then remove the pastry cases from the tins and place on a board. 3 Divide the salted caramel sauce between the cold tartlet pastry cases, smoothing the surfaces level with the back of a teaspoon. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. 4 Place the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water and leave until melted. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir the mixture until smooth. Cool for 20 minutes then spread over the salted caramel filling. Chill for 1 hour or until set. 5 To serve, sprinkle the chopped chilli pepper over the set chocolate topping and scatter over the shredded basil (if using). Dust with icing sugar. Tip Blanch the chopped chilli pepper in boiling water for 1 minute, then refresh under cold water and pat dry with kitchen paper. This will remove a little of the fiery heat from the chilli. If you prefer, replace the fresh chopped chilli with a sprinkle of dried chilli flakes.

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Quality Kitchen Facelifts

A fresh new look thislook winter A fresh new

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• The whole process managed from design to completion • Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks and taps • UK’s leading kitchen facelift expert www.dreamdoors.co.uk

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01642 918984 ts@dreamdoors.co.uk Dream Doors Teesside, Yarm, Stockton on Tees, 21 High Street, TS15 9BW

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We have dry cleaned carpets & upholstery in 100’s of homes

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Nordic Walking

A new fitness concept is taking place name by storm.Visitors to venue/ park may have noticed people walking with what look like ski poles! We’re reliably informed that they are Nordic walking and that it is the fastest growing fitness activity in the world with over 10 million enthusiasts now regularly taking part in what was originally used by super fit cross country skiers as a way to stay fit during the summer. It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels, simple to learn and really sociable” says your name a local Nordic walking UK Instructor. “By using the specially designed poles, you can use all the major muscles in the body and burn up to twice as many calories as ordinary walking but the best thing is that the poles actually propel you along so it feels easier! “ he/she adds. The poles also reduce the pressure on the knees and joints and the gentle upper body movement is great for easing back and neck pain too. It’s so effective that it is being used for weight loss, rehabilitation and sports specific training all the over the UK and those that have tried

all agree that being outdoors was energising and that they felt fantastic afterwards! However it is not simply a case of grabbing a pair of poles and walking with them! It requires the correct technique in order to get the whole body working and it is essential you learn this from a qualified Instructor who will ensure you get the full benefit and fastest possible results. name offers come and try sessions and 4 week technique courses in place - Check out his/her page on the Nordic walking UK website for all the dates and times www, your web page or call them on your no. to give it a try! Name would like to invite your health/fitness/wellbeing correspondent for a FREE trial session of Nordic walking – call him/ her on today NORDIC WALKING FACTS  It can burn nearly twice as many calories as ordinary walking  It reduces the strain on knees and joints  It uses over 90% of the major muscles  Its suitable for all levels

 Outdoor exercise is proven to have a positive effect on the state of mind  Over 700 NWUK Instructors offer courses and sessions in the UK  Nordic Walking has attracted extensive national media coverage in 2009 see http://www. nordicwalking.co.uk/?page=more_ info&c=21 for examples from BBC to the Telegraph

Book a FREE 45 minute TASTER today... Locations: • Flatts Lane

Woodland Park • Mill Hill Field, Acklam • RSPB Saltholme

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nordicnorthyorkshire.co.uk

 Can be done anywhere – urban or rural  Its great for back, neck and shoulder problems

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Serious about Acting? SO ARE WE. The DJW School of Acting, offer weekly acting classes for ages 7 to 11, 12 to 15 and 16+ in Theatre,Television & Film. The School offers a diverse range of skilled workshops to enhance emerging talent, gearing students up for the industry, acting auditions and guiding those who are looking to apply for drama school entry. We invite anyone who is serious about a career in acting and for those wishing to prepare for genuine professional training in the future, or even just to make new friends and focus on confidence building and have a bit of fun whilst learning from the best, to come along and join us. The DJW School of Acting focus on a variety of techniques and skills from Improv, Stage craft, Audition technique, creative exploration, confidence building, monologues,

to open up more opportunities for the students that attend.

duologues, scenes, script breakdowns, character development. We pride ourselves on offering a unique actor training programme, with an Agency attached to help get actors into auditions for opportunities in all areas of Entertainment. The team work very closely with Industry leaders to keep up to date with industry requirements, training and castings and work closely with Casting Directors, Producers, Directors and other Actors in Television, Film and Theatre, in order

The DJW School of Acting was founded by local Teesside actor Daniel-John Williams who has starred in numerous theatre, television and film roles since graduating from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in 2008. (IMDb actor) Daniel and his partner Emma Louise Teasdale also run an actors agency alongside the school which is based at Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough called DJW Talent. Daniel has travelled the world in attendance of red carpet events, film premiers, BAFTA parties, private press junkets and has a wealth of inside industry knowledge due to his involvement with castings in theatre, television and film. www.thedjwschool.com Twitter Instagram Facebook @thedjwschool

FREE TASTER SESSION AND FREE REGISTRATION with this advert The DJW School of acting launches in Newcastle on Saturday 1st & 8th September 2018 at 10am-2pm at Newcastle College.

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Achieving A Better Work-Life Balance 1st – 5th October is National Work Life Week, focusing on how employees and employers can improve work-life balance. Research undertaken by campaign organisers Working Families found that: • Half of parents feel their work-life balance causes stress. • One in ten is ready to resign (without another job). • Seven out of ten parents work at home in the evenings or weekends, due to increasing workloads, organisational culture and manager attitudes. But working long hours is bad for us. Research by Public Health expert Prof

Mika Kivimäki showed that people working 55 hours or more per week have a 33% higher risk of stroke and a 13% higher risk of coronary heart disease than those working a 35 to 40-hour week. Experts suggest this is probably due to prolonged sitting, stress, less time for exercise and less time for relaxation and healthy eating. So, how can employees achieve a better work-life balance and how can employers help? Employees:Think Flexibility The Working Families study showed that half of people in the UK want to work flexibly but fewer than one in ten jobs advertised offer flexible working. • Discuss your requirements and possible solutions with your employer, such as flexible working, changing work times, reducing your hours or working fully or partially from home. • Self-employment may appeal but be warned: it has its downsides and doesn’t suit everyone. Finding work, selling your skills, doing your own book-keeping and admin, taking sole responsibility for the quality and completion of projects, avoiding distractions and motivating yourself can be overwhelming, stressful and lonely. • Know when to say no and when to down tools (resist opening workrelated emails after hours). • Get enough sleep.Working into the night is ultimately counter-productive as your memory, response time and concentration will all suffer.You’re also putting yourself at great risk of mental and physical health issues. • Prioritise tasks and break them down

into smaller steps to stay on track, avoid being overwhelmed and have a feeling of achievement. Employers: Listen to Your Employees To become a more flexible employer: • Investigate how technology could help your employees work from home or while travelling, using Cloudbased services to access real-time financial data, message colleagues and collaborate on projects online. • Listen to employee requests regarding flexible working etc. with an open mind, but also express your concerns so that they can address them. A trial period allows both parties to see how well a new working pattern performs in practice. • Consider offering job-share options. You should also consider the well-being of your employees and ensure you’re meeting your legal obligations to them. • Do they get their statutory breaks in a place away from their workstation? • Do you signpost or offer mental and physical health services? • Do you ensure equipment is positioned correctly to avoid physical strain and fatigue? • Are employees encouraged to speak up if they feel the demands placed on them are too great? Research shows that happier, healthier employees are more productive and loyal, so caring about their wellbeing is not just altruistic – it makes good business sense as well. To find out more, visit www.workingfamilies.org.uk.

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The History of Specs Said to be man’s fifth most important invention, many of us see our spectacles as an indispensable dispensable. And with the array of modern designs available now, they are usually a fashion statement too. It’s a far cry from the 1930s when they were described as ‘medical appliances’. Wearing glasses has often been associated with stigma and it wasn’t really until the 1960s and 70s – when figures in the public eye such as John Lennon, Michael Cane and Elton John turned their glasses into a signature style – that they began to be seen as potentially desirable accessories. But where did the idea of wearing lenses over your eyes to help correct your sight even begin? Lenses have been around for a long time. The properties of optical lenses were known as far back as the ancient Greeks. The Vikings would grind lenses out of rock crystal, and in the 12th century in Europe, smooth-bottomed spherical magnifying lenses were called ‘reading stones’. It is generally accepted that the first actual spectacles were made in northern Italy in the late 13th century and that they were in accepted use by the 1350s, with Italy exporting large numbers of eye glasses to the Middle and Far East. The lenses were manufactured by highly skilled ‘cristalleri’ at the famous Venetian island’s Murano glassworks, to exacting criteria. One of the earliest (if not the earliest) artworks showing people wearing spectacles and using lenses is a series of frescoes by the Italian artist Tommaso da Modena, completed in 1352 at the Basilica san Nicolo in Treviso. They show Cardinal Hugh, or Hugo, of Provence wearing a pair to read with, and Cardinal 14

Nicholas of Rouen attempting to decipher a text using a monocular lens on a handle. It is no coincidence that the order from which these cardinals came, the Dominicans, were known as the ‘carriers of the sciences’. During this time, spectacles would not have had arms or earpieces but would have been made up of two magnifying lenses attached to a metal fame or holder that could be riveted to grip the nose (also known as pince nez or rivet spectacles). The spectacles would have acted like reading glasses, with convex lenses to correct long-sightedness only (hyperopia and age-related presbyopia). In 1604, the well-known scientist and astronomer Johannes Kepler explained how convex and concave lenses could correct both long and short-sightedness (myopia) and, in 1629, The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers was formed in England. Their slogan was ‘a blessing to the aged’. Although rigid rod side arms for spectacles were dreamt up as early as the beginning of the 1700s (possibly by the London optician Edward Scarlett), the innovation didn’t catch on initially, with people favouring the use of lorgnettes and scissor glasses until the late 18th century, even after optician James Ayscough improved on them by adding folding hinges. It is polymath and US founding father Benjamin Franklin who is often credited with having invented bifocals (the forerunner to today’s varifocals) to correct both short and long-sightedness in the same pair of spectacles. They were invented at some point during the mid to late 1700s and this belief is based on a letter Franklin wrote to his friend George Whatley, where he states that he is ‘happy in the invention of double spectacles, which serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes are useful to me as

ever they were.’ Although Franklin does not actually say he invented them himself, his reputation as a scientist and inventor meant that many took it to mean he did. But another theory is that he bought them on a visit to England and the true inventor remains anonymous. The debate will probably never be completely settled. The first glasses for correcting astigmatism (where the eye is rugby ball shaped causing a blurred ‘double’ image) were invented in 1825 by a British astronomer named George Airy. By 1850, modern ‘temple’ glasses (with arms and a ‘temple’ that fits over the ears) were in use, and frame designs continued to evolve for comfort and practicality. In the early 19th century, under the direction of optical scientist Moritz von Rohr, the lens manufacturer Zeiss came to dominate the spectacle lens field with their spherical point-focus lens known as Punktal®, and for the first time the wearer could see clearly through the whole of the lens, not just the centre of it. Zeiss was also able to move away from the limitations of what had previously been the only lens available – the round optical lens – to create spectacles in more ergonomic shapes that better fitted the wearer. The 20th century saw a huge surge forward in spectacle technology with the introduction of polarisation, plastic frames, lightweight and photochromic lenses, specialist eyewear and, of course, contact lenses. The 1950s brought us the NHS and its now legendary NHS specs to the masses. Their iconic range of frames, typically either round wire ones or solid black plastic, is now seen as the ultimate retro chic. Catherine Rose

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Beauty Bargains Everyone loves a bargain. Check out our top finds, from supermarket own-brands to discounted goodies… Beauty Pie’s products are made by the same laboratories that supply lots of high-end brands, but they’re a whopping 85% cheaper. Bestsellers include the Wide Eyes Mascara (members’ price £3.92), Futurelipstick Luxe Shine (members’ price £3.50) and Plantastic Micropeeling Super Drops (members’ price £6.80). There is a £10 monthly membership fee, but you’ll easily save that with just one or two products. Why not club together with friends and split the fee and postage costs? See www.beautypie. com. Your kitchen cupboard could be a treasure trove of DIY beauty ingredients, such as olive oil, brown sugar and coconut oil. For softer skin, cut the foot out of an old pair of tights, pop a handful of porridge oats into it and tie a knot to secure them in place. Add the oat bundle to the bath as it’s running and enjoy a long, relaxing soak. Oats are a real multitasker – they cleanse, moisturise,

exfoliate and soothe irritation. They can even help to treat eczema and other itchy skin conditions. And, as a bag of organic porridge oats costs less than £2 in Tesco, each oat bundle will cost you just a few pence. Have a walk down the beauty aisle when you’re doing the weekly shop. Take George at Asda’s Long Lasting Nail Polish in Rich List. It’s a delicious nude metallic and costs just £2 – see www.asda.com. Discount stores are handy for essentials such as shower gel and nail files, as well as budget makeup brands and fragrances. I found Dolce & Gabbana’s The One Essence in Home Bargains for £24.99 (RRP £68.50), www.homebargains.co.uk. High-street clothes stores often sell reasonably priced own-brand cosmetics. Sets tend to offer the best value (as long as you’re likely to use all the products). Next’s All In One Makeup Palette is a great buy. It’s available in two colourways – Natural and Glamour. For £12 you get a bronzer, highlighter, two blushers and three eyeshadows. They’re housed in an expensive-looking gold compact,

complete with mirror. See www.next. co.uk. There’s often very little difference between baby wipes and makeup wipes, aside from the cost. Look for natural, biodegradable, unperfumed baby wipes, such as Earth Friendly Baby Gentle Aloe Vera Wipes.You get 72 wipes for £3.20, compared to 50 Clinique Take the Day Off Wipes for £13.40. Luxury aspirations but budget bank balance? Try TK Maxx.You never know what brands are going to be in stock, but when I browsed I found a fair few bargains. Particular highlights were an Aromatherapy Associates Moisturiser for £16.99 (RRP £50), a Bellapierre Extreme Concealing Kit for £14.99 (RRP £65) and a L’Oreal Lumino Contrast Mask for £16.99 (RRP £54). Other brands on sale included Crabtree & Evelyn, Rodial, Guerlain and Miller Harris. If you get a kick from saving big, try searching the beauty category on the www.tkmaxx. com website and sort by ‘RRP saving’. Kate Duggan: www.kateduggan.co.uk

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Avoid tech horrors this Halloween What to do with a watery phone and how to protect your photos…

could be catastrophic.

Not everything that goes bump in the night is a ghost or a ghoul. Sometimes it’s a crucial bit of kit getting damaged. Unfortunately no piece of technology lasts forever, any device can be stolen or damaged and any digital file can be deleted or corrupted. If it contains something that really matters to you – your priceless family photos or home videos, perhaps, or your university dissertation, or the book that’s going to make you a superstar – then any problems

The first thing to do is to ensure that you have more than one copy of anything important. For example, if you store all your photos on your phone you should make sure you have copies of all of them on your PC too: if your phone was to be stolen and you didn’t have backups of your photos, they’d be gone forever. You can also use online services such as Apple’s iCloud or Google Photos to store your snaps on Apple or Google’s computers. Other services from

So how do you prevent problems from becoming Halloween horrors?

the likes of Flickr and DropBox can do the same. That means if you lose your phone or PC, you can still download the photos to a different phone or PC later. Those services aren’t just limited to photos, either. You can use them to store and share documents of any kind. A really good way to have backups is to get an external hard disk. If you have a recent PC or Mac you have USB 3.0 ports, which are much faster than the USB 2.0 ports in older computers. That means you can take advantage of super-speedy USB 3.0 drives. You don’t need to spend much to get a good one: for example, Toshiba’s Canvio Basics

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is currently £44.99 for 1TB of space, more than enough for even the biggest photo library. Even a massive drive such as the 4TB WD My Passport is less than £100. There are other ways to copy files, such as USB sticks and DVD discs (if your computer has a DVD burner), but we wouldn’t recommend them. USB sticks aren’t really made to last and they’re easy to lose, while DVD discs take ages to burn, don’t have much storage capacity and aren’t particularly well-suited to long term storage. So far we’ve talked about prevention. What about cure? One of the most common computer, tablet or phone disasters is a liquid spill. If that happens to you, turn the device off immediately and if it’s a laptop, turn it upside down so the keyboard is facing down. Whatever you do, don’t turn it back on until you’re sure it’s completely dry inside. If it isn’t, you could cause a short-circuit that’ll ruin the computer. Have you heard the one about putting a phone in a sealed bag of rice? That works, because the rice draws out the moisture – but it takes at least two days to work. As with laptops, keep the phone off until it’s completely dry.

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Kitchen design basics A great kitchen can be the hub of the home. Function is vital, especially when maximising space, and research and planning are key. First, consider who will use the room, and how: for cooking, homework, watching TV, doing laundry? Do you want gadget storage and cupboards or open shelves? Do you have a dresser or sideboard to include? Would you prefer built-in or free-standing appliances? A scrapbook of images (online or on paper) can help, as will a scaled plan of the kitchen on graph paper. Mark the position of doors, windows, radiators and power points, and experiment with layouts. Next, think about colour, pattern and texture, and how to co-ordinate cupboards with worktops, flooring, lighting and tiling. Don’t forget the sink and taps, knobs and handles, the splashback and window treatments. Look at magazines and websites, talk to friends and family and visit showrooms. Check what’s included in prices and whether there is a guarantee or after-sales service. Finally, don’t skimp on fitting – a good fitter can make an

average kitchen look fabulous. Planning a kitchen Start by deciding on the sink’s position. Place the food preparation area between sink and hob, with sufficient worktop space to serve up a meal and with power points nearby.The dishwasher is best near the sink. Placing your hob/cooker against an exterior wall or chimney is better for easy extraction.The fridge should ideally be at the end of a run of cupboards so that family members can access it without disturbing the cook. Good kitchen design includes the ‘work triangle’, with easy movement between the cooker, sink and fridge, so draw a floor plan with lines connecting the triangle’s points and avoid obstructions between them. Kitchen layouts Single line If your kitchen must be sited along one wall, place the sink between the fridge and hob and maximise work surface length, fitting built-in appliances below and wall units above. Galley In a narrow kitchen ending in a window or dead end, fit a line of units and appliances along each side.

Convenient but best for a one- or two-person home. U-shaped Efficient with plenty of storage and working space, but requires stretches of wall on three sides. L-shaped Useful in square or rectangular kitchens and works well if two people will use the kitchen simultaneously. Peninsula A peninsula unit at right angles to one end of a U- or L-shaped kitchen is handy as a breakfast bar or extra work surface. Island An island gives extra storage and work space. Make sure you can reach its centre, and plan the room so that you are not constantly walking round it. Katherine Sorrell

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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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The most rugged cars you can buy We’ve rounded up six of the most hard-wearing and brawny cars you can buy today, ideal for surviving a nuclear war – or the muddy car boot sale in Sandford, Gloucestershire. Jeep Wrangler The latest Jeep Wrangler is more refined, luxurious and car-like than ever, but still retains the DNA of the original Willys Jeep – one of the most iconic off-roaders of all time. Solid axles ensure simplicity, allowing Wranglers to be modified for almost any purpose. For traversing sand dunes or mud-plugging in a deep forest, the Wrangler is about as tough as they come.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Originally known as the G-Wagen, this militaryspec beast has morphed into the ideal transport for those who want to be seen. With glitzy chrome atop the blocky body, and optional AMG-tuned engines, it’s often seen in London’s most glamorous districts.

Japanese could build off-roaders that never broke down.

However, it’s also one of the most serious off-roaders you can buy, thanks to a super-sophisticated 4WD system plus three locking differentials. When fitted with chunky tyres, the G-Class is near unstoppable.

Isuzu D-Max AT35 Arctic Trucks Isuzu’s D-Max pickup is already a pretty rugged vehicle, with a beefy diesel engine and four-wheel drive. The specialists at Arctic Trucks, however, have given it enormous tyres and widened arches, giving the car a more purposeful stance, while custom Fox suspension lets it deal with terrain that would trouble a mountain goat.

Toyota Land Cruiser The legendary Land Cruiser is the vehicle that pushed Land Rover out of Australia and showed the world that the

Though the Land Cruiser isn’t as luxurious as a Range Rover, treat it properly and it’ll probably outlast you. There’s no compromise to be made off-road either.

Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius is typically used as a taxi in London rather than for blasting through sand dunes. But that’s where the ruggedness lies. Nobody expected the Prius to be as reliable as it is – but even daily abuse as Uber cabs can’t break them. Many of these cars have done over 500,000 miles and still have their original battery packs.

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Barmy about the British Bulldog With some puppies costing as much as £2,500, an English Bulldog Fan Club on Facebook with 154,000 followers and merchandise that includes t-shirts, fridge magnets, cushions and Christmas cards, it’s clear that we Brits are more than a little barmy about our bulldogs. So what’s the reason for this enduring love affair? Over the past two hundred years our perception of this popular breed has gradually changed, as its image has transformed from feisty fighting dog to everyone’s favourite family pet. Bulldog beginnings Nowadays, as we laugh at funny Facebook posts of bulldogs in hats, or bulldogs splayed on couches, legs outstretched in an oddly human pose, it’s hard to grasp that the ancestors of this well-loved family pet were bred to excel in vicious blood sports. With its stocky, muscular body shape and vice-like jaw, the bulldog breed was deemed perfect for the violent sport of bull-baiting, in particular the practice of ‘pinning the bull’, where specially trained dogs were taught to bite and hold on to the captive animal’s snout. Bulldogs were selectively bred for this bloodthirsty pastime, which was finally banned by the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835. Throughout the 19th century the phrase ‘British bulldog spirit’ – as a watchword for unrelenting courage and bravery – became embedded in the public’s consciousness, and when the First World War broke out in the early 20th century, images of plucky bulldogs accompanied by slogans such as “They can’t muzzle me!” became a staple of wartime propaganda posters. It was a strange co-incidence that the man at the forefront of British politics during the Second World

War (as the country faced the very real possibility of a Nazi invasion) bore a striking resemblance to a bulldog, and a famous poster entitled ‘Holding the Line’ showed Winston Churchill’s head superimposed onto a bulldog’s body. Brexit bulldogs During the final decades of the 20th century the bulldog breed fell out of fashion, but in 1994 a string of popular TV ads featuring Churchill (aka ‘Churchie’) – a nodding-head car mascot with a cheerful “Ooooh yes!”/”Oooh no!” catchphrase – helped the bulldog reclaim its place in the nation’s hearts. And it was, perhaps, inevitable that as soon as the referendum vote was cast back in June 2016, the British Bulldog would be summoned out of its kennel to do battle once more, with pundits from both sides using the image to support their arguments.

The last word According to a survey conducted in 2017 and 2018, one in four of us owns a dog, but despite the enduring popularity of the English Bulldog breed, it seems that it has only managed to reach number six in the nation’s poll of most popular dogs, while –Sacre Bleu! – the French Bulldog has recently been tipped to replace the Labrador as Britain’s best-loved canine pet. As our withdrawal from the EU draws ever closer, could we be preparing to swap our 250-year-old icon of British identity for something a little more … um … European in style? We can guess what Churchie would say: “Ooooh no!” Kate McLelland

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Beautiful Bulbs Why not make your house all the more special this winter with some colourful bowls of bulbs, perhaps with some gorgeous perfume too? You can buy ready-planted bowls of bulbs later in the year, but act now for a stunning display at a fraction of the price. The best bulbs are those described as ‘prepared’, which means they will flower well, reliably and uniformly indoors. Although often pricier they are still great value, as results with standard bulbs may be unpredictable. I like to use prepared hyacinths, but I have bowls of non-prepared bulbs too.

Visit your local garden centre now and you should see a good array of bulbs for sale, plus all the other things you need. Special bulb bowls are a good buy, and are available in many colours. They’re like huge soup bowls, but in plastic or china, and have no drainage holes.You can use normal flower pots, but put a fully waterproof container or saucer beneath each pot to protect your furniture. Bulb fibre or special compost formulated for indoor bulb planting performs better in containers without drainage, but is more expensive, and you can use standard multi-purpose compost if you wish.

Hyacinths for forcing are available in many shades, but use a single colour in any one container as there is often some variation in flowering times between the colours, and ideally you want all the flowers out simultaneously. Specially prepared crocus, paperwhite narcissus and some other daffodil types are also available.You can create a low-cost bowl with a large bag of inexpensive dwarf narcissus, such as ‘Tete-a-Tete’. Crocuses also work well. Fill your bowl about one third full of compost for larger bulbs to one half full for smaller bulbs. Firm the compost gently and position the bulbs pointed end uppermost. They

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can be quite closely packed, but not so they touch each other or the sides of the bowl. Nestle the bulbs gently into the compost and then top up with compost so that just the noses are poking out. Water the compost lightly until moist but not waterlogged. Cover the bowls loosely with a black bin liner and put them in a cool, dark place so that the bulbs can form good root systems. Check the bowls every week or so and apply a little more water if necessary. Bring the bowls out into the daylight once the shoots are about 2-3cm tall, which usually takes 3-5 weeks. Put them in a cool spot with plenty of natural daylight, where

the shoots will continue to grow and develop a healthy green colour; they will now need a little more water. Put your bulb bowl in a warmer room once the flower buds start to colour up. For a really smart look, cover the compost with some moss or tie a seasonal ribbon around the bowl.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and you’ll ﬁnd some great gardening items: stylish cloches, tunnels, the fantastic SpeedHoe, plant supports, raised bed kits, EasyTunnels, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?

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