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

My Local Magazine ®

Issue 81 | February 2018 | The BEST of Stockton’s Business, News, Reviews and To-Do’s

ESSIDE

MADE IN TE

PAGE 8

ED NATIONAL BE 10

MONTH

PAG

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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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

“Major home improvement projects always seem daunting. projects always seem daunting,” But there's far less upheaval says Kevin. “But there's far less with our kitchen makeovers. For upheaval with our kitchen a door swap we're in and out makeovers. For a door swap in a day, and out for in a facelift, withfor we're in and a day, and worktops andworktops a sink, we'll anew facelift, with new and need an extra day.an aprobably sink, we'll probably need extra day.

makeovers – as well as appliances

Dream Doors asks for just a 50

Quality Kitchen Facelifts

percentDoors deposit from Dream asks for customers just a 50 on order, and guarantees all its percent deposit from customers on order, and guarantees all its doors and work free of charge. doors and work free of charge. Customers Customersalso alsobenefit benefitfrom from dealing dealing with withlocal localbusiness business owners who are also part of a owners who are also part of a national brand. “Dream Doors is national brand. “Dream Doors is the UK's biggest name in kitchen the UK's Katrina biggest says. name “But in kitchen facelifts,” unlike facelifts. But unlike other other national companies, national companies,buy customers customers from us buy – thefrom us – the business and business owners –owners and we–know we know we'll the best we'll deliver the deliver best customer service.” customer service.” Contact kevin or katrina on Contact Jackie on 01642 924956 or visit 01642 646029 or visit www.dreamdoors.co.uk

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

A fresh new look this winter

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

Est. 1999

Call Kevin For a Free Estimate:

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

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EDITOR’S LETTER

February 2018 I like February because you know that in a few months everything is coming back to life again. When I’m cycling backwards and forwards to work the days are starting to feel as if they are getting longer.This time of year my wife Debbie loves to bring Daffodils into the home. It does in a funny way bring a ray of sunshine into the house.

them where you found them. For local businesses this is valuable information.

So you know.We always welcome new advertisers into the magazines. If you have been a previous advertiser you are also more than welcome to come back again at anytime.

Until next time

So you are also aware. Our magazines delivered to you, are every two months. Generally in the second week of the month. If for any reason you do not recieve our magazines please email. jeremy@mylocal-magazines.co.uk or call 01642 924847

@mylocalmag

CONTENTS

If you contact any of our advertisers, dont forget to tell

/mylocalmagazine

Features Recipe

Made in Teesside

National Bed Month

Russell Grant

St Davids Day

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 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.

29-32

Advertisers Index

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Roast Beef with Rosemary & Garlic Ingredients 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.

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

Preheat the oven to 375oF.

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

Place the roast on a rack in the pan with the rosemary top side up.

Roast for 1 hour and then turn off oven.

Leave the roast in the oven but do not open oven door for 3 hours.

About 30 to 40 minutes before serving time, turn oven to 375 oF and reheat the roast.

10. Make sure not to remove roast or re-open the oven door from time roast is put in until 20 minutes before ready to serve. 11. Remove roast 20 minutes after heating. 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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March is National Bed Month. We spend about a third of our lives in bed so if we live until 75 we’ll have been asleep for 25 years! We all know that a good night’s sleep is important but how much sleep do we really need and why do we do it? The question of why we sleep is actually quite mysterious. In simple terms it’s a daily extended bout of rest where we lay down with our eyes closed. But there’s more to sleep than meets the eye. During this time, our bodies replenish energy stores and make vital repairs, while our minds organise and store the memories of from day before. The amount of sleep we need depends on our age, sex, health and other factors, and our sleep cycles change as we grow older. Most of us know (or think we do) that we should get ‘8 hours sleep a night’ but in fact there is no magic number for how much sleep we should get because we’re all different. Providing you’re not regularly trying to get through your life on two or three hours a night (unless you’re a new mother in which case you have my sympathy) it’s important not to get too hung up on the quantity of your sleep but instead focus on the quality. When we first fall asleep we

enter non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). This is divided into three stages, with each becoming progressively deeper. NREM1 and NREM2 are light phases of sleep, from which we can be easily roused. NREM3 becomes deeper, and if woken up, we can feel disorientated. Following on from this is rapid eye movement sleep (REM), the stage at which we dream. When scientists study brainwaves during REM sleep they find that the brain behaves similar to when we’re awake, but our muscles are more-or-less inactive. Each sleep cycle lasts around 90 minutes, and in order to feel fully rested and refreshed when we wake up, we must experience all four stages. A full night’s sleep will include of five or six cycles, while

a disturbed, restless night consists of fewer. The perfect sleep environment Comfortable temperature (16-18C) Fresh air circulating but no draughts. Dark - try using blackout blinds or an eye mask. A large bed - Buy the largest you can accommodate A quality mattress - try out lots and buy the best you can afford. Ban technology - The blue light emitted by screens is hazardous to good quality sleep. Quiet - you can buy soft earplugs if noise is a problem though some people sleep better with white noise in the background. Routine - A regular bedtime routine is an important cue to help us fall asleep. Think about the bath, book, bed routine we often establish for our children. You can use essential oils, a good book and a warm milky drink. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and screen use too close to bedtime, and never go to bed on an argument! By Louise Addison

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Masquerade Ball Saturday 17th February 2018

Wynyard Hall Hotel, Wynyard, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham, TS22 5NF

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• Cocktail reception drink • Live entertainment with Simon Carter

• DJ - Amazing music to get you up dancing with our top choice DJ SIMON EREIRA • A Wonderful Chance to Win a Studford Luxury Lodges Mid-Week Break for up to 6 People. • Dress Code - Black Tie / Eveningwear and Masks

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1172

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All donations go to

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. By Verity Wright

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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.

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

A Good Read The Island by Victoria Hislop It is books like this that

in London who knows very little

remind you, in small ways,

about her background other than

how fortunate we are to live

the fact that her mother comes

in the 21st century when

from Crete. For whatever reason

illnesses and diseases that

her mother refuses to discuss her

were once considered a death

past. Frustrated by her silence,

sentence are now curable. One

Alexis decides to take her own

such disease is leprosy which

journey to her mother’s home

provides the background for

village, Plaka, to discover the truth

this debut novel.

that her mother will not speak of.

Very often associated with Biblical

Through an old family friend, in

times, it may be shocking to people

the heat of the Cretan sun, Alexis

to learn that in Europe as recently

learns of her family history. Of

as 1957, victims of this disease were

her great grandmother, Eleni,

sent into isolation. The last known

and her two daughters, Maria and

leper colony in Europe was the

Anna.

island of Spinalonga off the coast of Crete. This is the island of the novel’s title. Alexis Fielding is a 25-year-old living

place where the shunned inhabitants tried to maintain some level of

More crucially she learns of the sad

normalcy amidst their pain and

past of the now deserted island,

isolation. In a culture where family

just 1km from Plaka. And how her

is everything, how can a family

family’s past is forever linked to this

continue when it is ripped apart?

The Monster of Shiversands Cove by Emma Fischel Ah, a summer holiday by the

he is going to spend the whole

beach! Hot days playing in

holiday searching for fairies. Of

the sand. Days full of digging

course, Stan knows that this is

and snorkelling. Sounds like

nonsense and that fairies don’t

bliss! At least it DID. Stan is

even exist.

fed up. For the last four years

One night he decides he has had

his family have holidayed with

enough. Magnus will not stop

his best friend, Rory’s, family.

talking about the fairy he caught

And this year was supposed

and has called Harry. In a moment

to be the same until Rory’s

of anger, he agrees with Magnus

parents both got new jobs

that this may be a hot spot for

and moved away. Now he is

fairies and elves, but that means

stuck in a cottage by the sea

it is also a hot spot for monsters!

with Magnus, his four-year-old

Magnus is terrified but of course he

brother who is insistent that

has no real need to be. Everyone

knows that monsters aren’t real. Or are they?

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For March 2018

PISCES

By Astrologer Russell Grant

ARIES (March21st-April20th) Work will be stressful at the beginning of March, with too many responsibilities being heaped on your plate. The Full Moon on the 2nd will tear you away from a relaxing interlude, making you irritable. Try not to take out your frustrations on a colleague who is suffering just as much as you. It’s not their fault you are in this situation. By forming an alliance, you can chip away at your list of things to do. On the 17th, the New Moon will give you an opportunity to withdraw from public life and enjoy some solitude. If you’re in love, this would be a great time to connect in a meaningful way with your partner. Stay away from annoying distractions like social media, 24-hour news cycles and phone calls from needy friends. Another Full Moon on the 31st urges you to recommit to a partner or break up altogether. TAURUS (April21st-May21st) A romance will meet a turning point on the 2nd, due to a pivotal Full Moon. It’s time to decide whether you’re going to get serious or part ways altogether. If you are in a committed partnership, things will be tense between you and your amour. Don’t let your practical approach to life undermine your love. A group activity on the 17th will be more fun than expected, thanks to a relaxed New Moon. If you’ve been looking for love, you will find it with one of your teammates. Have you been yearning to develop your creative talent? An accomplished artist in the group will be happy to mentor you. This will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Make sure you attend a festive party towards the middle of March. A flirtatious conversation will give you an attractive glow. On the 31st, a second Full Moon urges you to clear out clutter and tidy your work space. GEMINI (May22nd-June21st) Your living situation will be difficult at the start of the month. A Full Moon on the 2nd urges you to find a home where you feel supported and nurtured. If you live too far from work, think about getting a place closer to your job. Spending all your time commuting has a suffocating effect on your personal life. Look for a place that is close to a park or garden. Beautiful plant life has a powerful effect on your outlook. The New Moon on the 17th marks an exciting career opportunity. Getting a promotion will allow you to exercise your creative muscles. Be open to learning 16

advanced techniques from colleagues. At times, these lessons will be intense. When someone pushes you hard, strengthen your focus. The skills you acquire will serve you well and contribute to further career success. Another Full Moon on the 31st warns against rushing things with a love affair or creative project. CANCER (June22nd-July23rd) An upsetting exchange on social media will get under your skin. It’s best to stay away from threads involving politics, religion and current events. Someone who posts an offensive remark on the 2nd is looking for a fight. Taking their bait will be serious cause for regret. A comment made in anger could come back to haunt you; wait a full day to respond to upsetting remarks. The New Moon on the 17th will excite your spirit of adventure. Launching a business, going back to college or going an overseas trip are among the possibilities. You’re tired of following the rules. Stepping out of your familiar routine will be liberating. If you’re single, you’ll meet someone special as a result of taking a gamble. Do you have a partner? Taking a new direction will bring you closer together. On the 31st, a second Full Moon will cause disruptions on the home front. Prepare for a family quarrel. LEO (July24th-August23rd) Money from a job will be less than expected on the 2nd, due to a tense Full Moon. Let this be a lesson moving forward. If someone has violated a contract, you will have to get help from a legal professional to recoup your fee. Think through whether you want to go to the trouble and effort of a court battle. It may be better to cut your losses and leave this disappointment behind you. On the 17th, the New Moon helps you draw closer to someone you love. Whether you decide to move in together, get engaged or exchange vows is immaterial. The important thing is making a commitment to someone who has been loyal through good times and bad. Being the recipient of unconditional love has made you a better person. A second Full Moon on the 31st urges you to be on the alert for someone who is taking credit for your ideas. VIRGO (August24th-September23rd) It will be difficult to talk sense to a friend, romantic partner or business colleague at the

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beginning of March. The Full Moon on the 2nd has you working at cross purposes. Although it pains you to do so, it may be necessary to step aside and allow them to make a terrible mistake. The New Moon on the 17th finds you making a fresh start with someone special. If you’ve been fighting with your amour, take this opportunity to forgive past mistakes. Are you single? You could meet someone special at a spiritual, cultural or artistic gathering. This psychic connection will be powerful and reassuring. It’s a relief to finally be with someone who understands your quirks and admires your quest for perfection. Beware of a tendency to be hypercritical with your amour. On the 31st, you may be tempted to leave a steady job. Don’t quit until you find another position. LIBRA (September24th-October23rd) The Full Moon on the 2nd brings a painful secret to light.You feel betrayed by someone who kept their motives hidden from you. This manipulator will try to get back into your good graces. Don’t be fooled by their apparent apologies. Well intentioned friends might urge you to forgive and forget, but turn a deaf ear to their advice.You’re not going to be fooled again. On the 17th, the New Moon presents an ideal opportunity to start a job. Working for a company that appreciates your creative ability will be refreshing. Have you been worried about your health? This would be a good time to start a fitness regime. Improving your diet, taking regular exercise and getting more sleep will make you feel better. When you treat yourself well, others will do likewise. A second Full Moon on the 31st causes friction in a close relationship.Your partner will disapprove of your plans. SCORPIO (October24th-November22nd) A group project comes to fruition on the 2nd. If you’ve developed tender feelings for one of your teammates, keep them to yourself. The object of your affection has been maintaining a false front. When you get to know them outside of this alliance, you’ll see some unpleasant qualities that are highly disturbing. If you’re looking for love, you’ll have a much better chance for finding it on the 17th. That’s when the New Moon will put you in the path of someone who excites your imagination. Are you already in a relationship? Seize a chance to showcase your creative ability. Selling your work to a publisher, boutique or gallery will be a tremendous source of pride. Word will spread of your talent and you’ll get some special commissions. On the 31st, the Full Moon will urge you to release a grudge. Dwelling on the past is making you bitter. SAGITTARIUS (November23rdDecember21st) An embarrassing situation could occur on the 2nd, due to a tense Full Moon. Someone will try to blame you for their mistakes. Instead of getting defensive, it will be better to accept this accusation with good grace. An executive who understands the score will reward your noble attitude. The New Moon on the 17th draws an excellent property deal into your orbit. Take this opportunity to buy or sell a house. Alternatively, you could welcome someone into your household. Making space for a baby, elderly relative or roommate will be cause for celebration. This addition

to your home will make it a happy, cheerful place. Have you been arguing with a relative? Take this opportunity to extend an olive branch. Healing this breach will relieve a great deal of stress. The Full Moon on the 31st urges you to monitor the company you keep. Break ties with a shady manipulator who pretends to be your friend. CAPRICORN (December22ndJanuary20th) A creative project will get a mixed reception on the 2nd. The Full Moon has created an air of confusion. Some people will instinctively love your work, while others will simply dismiss it. Try not to take the rejection personally. Instead of letting a disappointment get you down, use it as a launch pad to future success. On the 17th, the New Moon prompts you to launch an advertising campaign, blog or writing project. Discussing a subject that is close to your heart will pave the way to strong friendships. It’s reassuring to realise others feel as passionately as you about certain books, movies and musical styles.You’re tired of feeling like an outsider. Make some alliances; they’ll serve you well in surprising ways. A second Full Moon on the 31st urges you to conserve your energy. Don’t let a person flatter you into accepting a thankless job. Protect your interests. AQUARIUS (January21st-February19th) Go over your financial statements with a fine-toothed comb on the 2nd. That’s when the Full Moon will bring some troubling information to light. If you discover fraud or unauthorised activity, notify the authorities immediately. If you discover a romantic partner has been accessing your account, you must cut ties immediately. Don’t listen to lame excuses.You deserve a relationship that is founded in loyalty and trust. The New Moon on the 17th attracts a lucrative job offer. Taking this position will put you on the path of financial stability. It will also be emotionally fulfilling. Getting paid to help others will renew your faith in humanity. There are many people like you who are working hard to make the world a better place. Join forces; you won’t be sorry. A legal matter could come to a disappointing conclusion on the 31st, when a second Full Moon highlights a fundamental injustice. PISCES (February20th-March20th) A troubled partnership could finally come to an end. The Full Moon on the 2nd will convince you to explore greener pastures. Saying goodbye to a friend or romantic partner who doesn’t meet your needs will be a relief. If you’ve been working with an unappreciative business associate, you’ll finally be able to part ways. The New Moon on the 17th invites you to do something nice for yourself. Changing your hairstyle, revamping your wardrobe and undergoing a cosmetic procedure are among the possibilities. The important thing is to put your needs first. If you’ve been longing to go on a glamorous trip, book your tickets. This holiday will be empowering. Instead of doubting your abilities, your self-confidence will become stronger than ever. This is great news. A large payment or financial gain will be delayed on the 31st, when a second Full Moon cultivates greedy behaviour.

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Winte r Offe Selling r Fee

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CONSUMER CHAMPION Bring on the Mega Ombudsman!

If you’ve made a complaint but you’re still not happy, where do you turn when things go wrong (after Resolver, of course)? The answer’s simple – go to an ombudsman. Ombudsmen (and women) are best thought of as experts in their various fields and are a bit like judges. When you make a complaint to them, they don’t just look at the legal stuff, they are able to look at what’s fair and reasonable. If an ombudsman agrees with your case they have lots of ways to make things right, including telling businesses to pay compensation. We love ombudsmen at Resolver. They’re free, fair and fabulous. But when it comes to using different ones, there can be some frustrations, both for me and for people using them. Martin Lewis and the team at MoneySavingExpert recently released a report written in partnership with the Government which took a look at all of the existing ombudsmen. It’s a really interesting read and I must say, I agree with all the key points – and one in particular. Not all ombudsmen are created equal. For example, Ombudsman Services and the Financial Ombudsman – who can look at money matters, energy, communications and more – have sweeping powers and are a real force for good, helping millions of people. But other schemes don’t have the same powers, which means that businesses in some sectors aren’t being held to account properly when they get things wrong. One of the big problems with having a different kind of service with varying rules for every business sector (from parking to pensions) is 20

it can be really confusing if the rules between schemes are contradictory. Many people suggested that having a bad experience with one ombudsman scheme meant they were less likely to use any ombudsman. That really worries me –unresolved complaints leave a bitter taste in the mouth. Ombudsmen are important for lots of reasons. Knowing we’ve got somewhere to turn if something goes wrong actually helps us have more faith in certain industries. In many ways, ombudsmen are our safety net – we aren’t guaranteed to get what we want, but we should get a fair hearing. Even though having a free way to get a complaint resolved is great, it’s important to revisit the powers these schemes have and ask, ‘can we do this better?’ At the moment, if you make a complaint the business usually has 8 weeks to resolve the matter (some have much longer periods). It’s one thing to standardise this timescale to 8 weeks for everything. But the report goes further. It correctly points out that with modern technology, 8 weeks is far to long for most complaints. Why not radically reduce that time? I also believe it’s really important to

publish as much as possible about the complaints ombudsmen receive, so we can all see what firms are getting right – and wrong. As far as I’m concerned, it’s clear that every industry needs an ombudsman. Each ombudsman should have the same powers and should be able to make firms cough up compensation where it’s appropriate. It’s not a big stretch to introduce this ‘gold standard’ for all ombudsmen everywhere. And in just the same way that I’ve worked hard to make the process of making a complaint simple and the same for everything, it’s time to focus on what happens if you want to take things further. Bring on the mega ombudsmen! The nation needs you! What do you think? What powers should ombudsmen have – and where do we need one most? 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

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St Davids Day March 1st

St David is the patron saint of Wales and bizarrely also the patron saint of doves (who knew?). In Welsh he is Dewi Sant. He was born around 500AD and his parents were a Prince, and the daughter of a Chieftain. He was recognised as a national patron saint at the height of Welsh resistance to the Normans. David is said to have cured his tutor Paulinus of blindness, by making the sign of the cross. Realising that his protégé was blessed, Paulinus sent him off as a missionary to convert the pagan people of Britain. He became a priest and is remembered for helping to spread christianity across the continent, founding 12 monasteries during his lifetime. These monasteries were known for their extreme asceticism, where monks abstained from worldly pleasures, living on a diet of bread, vegetables, water and milk. At one monastery however the life of austerity was so unpopular that the monks attempted to poison David. The story goes that David ate the poisoned bread after blessing it, and thus came to no harm. His best know miracle was raising a hill that he was standing on to deliver a sermon when people at the back couldn’t hear. In his final sermon he asked his monks to ‘do the little things you’ve seen me doing.’ By Helen Jones www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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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Love & Romance Word search

Find the hidden words in the word search grid

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Word mix up Unscramble the letters to make a word

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Answers

marriage, cuddle, affection, glamour, sentimental, emotion, heartthrob, wine, dine, seductive www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

Garden View

This Month - Fertiliser This month the days get longer and the sun gets stronger...we hope! 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 until the temperature rises. Plant nutrient reserves are low at this time of year so, as the soil warms up, it’s time to think about fertiliser. Many gardeners are a bit frightened of fertiliser. All those chemical symbols on the side of the packet are rather reminiscent of school 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 has its own use. Nitrogen primarily feeds the leafy above-the-ground parts of the plants. Phosphorous promotes strong roots. Potassium makes grass hardier, promotes germination and improves

vegetable and fruit yields. The proportions of each macronutrient will be printed on the packet. Equal amounts of each nutrient make for a good general purpose fertiliser. A lawn will need a good balance of nitrogen and phosphorus to guarantee lush green grass with a healthy root system capable of withstanding dry spells. Fruiting plants need higher proportions of potassium. There are other macro-nutrients: Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen, which plants obtain freely from the air and water; and calcium, magnesium and sulphur, which

should be present in any good general purpose fertiliser. Plants also need micro-nutrients: Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron and Molybdenum. Plants take all these nutrients and build everything they need from scratch, including vitamins. What plants cannot do is absorb vitamins directly from things such as pet food, milk or so-called fertilisers which contain vitamins, proteins and fats. So don’t be intimidated by fertiliser. Decide what your plants need then read the label. It’s easy as ABC..or rather NPK! By Rachael Leverton

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AUTHORISED SALES & SERVICE AGENT

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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