April 2018 - Stockton on Tees by My Local Magazine Middlesbrough & Stockton on Tees

My Local Magazine ®

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

MOTORING 7 CITROEN DS PAGE 24

GARDENING PAGE 26

distributed by GPS Leaﬂet Distribution

Keep Me for 2 Months

ADVERTISER INDEX PAGE page 30 1 www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk

Spring Clean If you’re planning a good old spring clean, the first thing you’ll want to do is declutter. If you don’t love it or use it, get rid of it. Charity shops are always happy to take clean clothes, ornaments, books and toys off your hands, or you could earn a bit of cash by selling on eBay, or through your local Facebook selling group. If the thought of decluttering feels a bit daunting, try to tackle one area at a time.You can start small, with the ‘drawer of doom’ for instance, working your way up to the main living areas and your bulging wardrobes. Separate items into store, sell, donate and recycle piles. If you’re dithering over something, try packing it away for six months, then

seeing whether you’ve missed it. Just remember to clearly mark the box and set yourself a calendar reminder to go through it again. You may also want to invest in some better storage. Make the most of unused alcoves and other wasted spaces, and look for multipurpose storage solutions, such as chests that can double up as tables. When it comes to the cleaning itself, remember to clean from top to bottom, so you don’t knock dirt or debris onto clean surfaces. All that’s left is to revel in your cleaner, brighter home. Enjoy! By Kate Duggan

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

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

‘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.”

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

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

A Good Read

Russell Grant

@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 18 Motoring

Gardening

Trades

29-32

Advertisers Index

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.

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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.

Is your conservatory too HOT in the summer and too COLD in the winter? There is a solution…

Call 01904 891936 now to arrange a FREE quote and survey.

U VE P TO SA

80%

HE AT

Affordable, effective and fitted in just 2 days.

SS LO

IN WINTER

Conservatory Insulation System www.inceil.co.uk

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

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. www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

A Good Read Notes to my Mother-in-law – Phyllida Law This is one of those deceptive little books that looks like a quick ‘read it and forget it’, but is really much more. At little over a hundred pages, it is indeed a quick read – easily done in one sitting – but the pictures of family life it paints will, justifiably, stay in your memory and affections for some time. The title is a fairly straightforward description of the contents. Law’s mother in law, Annie, shared her family home for seventeen years and ‘was picture-book perfect’. As she was deaf, Law would write her notes with reminders, requests and titbits of gossip every evening before going to bed. In response to her husband’s comment that she could have written and illustrated a book in the time she spent on these notes, she did so, gathering together a series of

missives – some long, some short, some sad and some funny. The one sided nature of the story – we never hear anything of Annie’s replies – means that we fill in the gaps ourselves. The topics range from the mundane – the availability of pearl barley or dusters – to the profound – the death of a family pet. All, however, are tinged with humour, mainly from the chaos of family life and the cast of unseen characters whose many deeds and misdeeds fill the pages. What raises this above the ordinary, however, is the sense of a bygone age. Annie belonged to a past that is gone, having been in service and maintained many of the disciplines and routines she learnt as a girl. The depth of feeling in Law’s relationship with her is palpable, and as Annie

becomes increasingly ill the reader cannot help but feel the sense of imminent loss. Often funny, never sentimental but truly touching – a wonderful read.

How I Live Now – Meg Rosoff I’m really not sure whether to describe this as a children’s book, but certainly if you know a teenage girl of 13 upwards, they will be captivated by it. Rosoff’s debut novel is narrated by Daisy, a 15 year old American sent to England by her newly married father for the summer to stay with her cousins. She is immediately drawn in by this wild and wonderful bunch – Osbert, Isaac, Piper and Edmond – and delighted when Aunt Penn begins to tell her more about the mother she never knew. But, within days, the world changes. A bomb in London may or may not have started a war, and Aunt Penn is unable to return home. Left alone, 8

the children attempt to survive in the best way they can, and Daisy and Edmond fall in love. Meanwhile, the mysterious war develops through rumours and shortages and increasing military presence, until the inevitable happens and Daisy and Edmond are separated. In Daisy, Rosoff creates an engaging, realistic and intelligent narrator whose matter of fact style carries us forward. Something like a cross between Holden Caulfield and Esther Greenwood (The Bell Jar), she deserves to be as widely known as both.

buying it for that teenager, you could

This is a novel about first love, about

do worse than read it yourself before

war and about being young. If you’re

you hand it over. You won’t regret it.

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

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a typical day at Hadrian Park care home? Getting creative

At Hadrian Park care home we support residents to get the most out of every day. We also believe in sharing our expertise. Join our next free event:

Dementia Friends session Thursday 26th April 2018, 2pm - 4pm Friday 27th April 2018, 6pm - 8pm

Free event

Dementia Friends Champion, Marsha Tuffin from Care UK will be covering a number of topics to help you understand what it might be like to live with dementia, as well as offering some practical advice. For more information or to book your free place please call us on 01642 918239 or email marsha.tuffin@careuk.com Hadrian Park Marsh House Avenue Billingham TS23 3DF careuk.com/hadrian-park

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

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

Imagine

Dry Carpet Cleaning

“no soggy carpets or wet dog smell in your home”

You dry c will leani ng sy our stem !

Special Offer Get Main Room Cleaned

• Spills & spots - gone • Smells & odours - removed • Deep cleans & lifts carpet pile

save

50%

on all further rooms + Free Stain Guard

We also clean... Upholstery

Hard Floors with Anti Slip Coating Wooden Floors

Before

Leather & Fabric

with super fast drying

After

Tiles inc Grout • Stone Karndean & Amtico

Locally based

You can call us on

0800 6444 350 zerodrytime.com

Sandless Wooden Floor Restoration

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

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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.

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

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 (October24th-November22nd) 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.

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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

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

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

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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 20

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

Spring Selling Offer Fee

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

‘We can’t wait to get going’:

Tees firm lands contract to clad Stockton’s new Hampton by Hilton Hotel

Cllr Nigel Cooke (front right) shakes hands with Midas Managing Director, Martin Gilbey, joined on the hotel site by (back left to right) Bowmer & Kirkland’s Area Commercial Manager, Colin Pomfrey, and Midas’ Richard Dawn and James Sidney

A TEES firm “can’t wait to get going” after landing a contract to supply and fit cladding on Stockton’s new Hampton by Hilton hotel. Midas secured the contract after attending a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event hosted by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and construction contractor, Bowmer & Kirkland. The event gave local firms the chance to bid for a range of work packages associated with the construction of the 128-bed hotel, which will be owned by the Council. And bosses at Midas, which employs 48 people and whose clients include AV Dawson, PD Ports, Sembcorp and Middlesbrough FC, are delighted with the outcome. Managing Director Martin Gilbey, from Ingleby Barwick, said: “The ‘Meet the Buyer’ event was the best council-run event I’ve been to since I started in this game in 2002. “It was open, honest and did exactly what it said on the tin because we got to meet the buyer and it opened a door that wouldn’t normally have been open to us. 22

“It was good to sit down with the council and Bowmer & Kirkland and now we’ve won the contract things are going from strength to strength.

I’m looking forward to seeing more local firms following Midas’ lead and sharing in the success of this exciting project.”

“This will guarantee a sizeable chunk of our work in the year ahead – it’s a prestigious job and everybody associated with it is proud to be involved.

The hotel is being built on the former dairy car park site and companies securing contracts will also have the chance to build relationships with Bowmer & Kirkland.

“Lots of our staff – me included – live in the Borough and we’ll all be watching the hotel take shape. We just can’t wait to get going.” Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stocktonon-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, added: “We’ve said all along that we won’t have to wait for the hotel to open before we start seeing the economic benefits, and this is why. “Even in the construction stage, our investment in this project is supporting local firms and local jobs. We put on the ‘Meet the Buyer’ event to give local companies the opportunity to win contracts and Midas have taken that opportunity with both hands. “Lots of the contracts on offer that night are still to be awarded and

Bowmer & Kirkland Area Commercial Manager, Colin Pomfrey, said: “As a main contractor with a base in the North East of England, we are always interested in adding to our excellent supply chain in the region. “‘Meet the Buyer’ events are the perfect way for us to meet local trades and give them the chance to bid for work with us.” The hotel site forms part of the mixed-use Northshore regeneration scheme, incorporating new offices, homes and leisure facilities near Stockton town centre. The 56-acre, £300million scheme is a partnership between Muse Developments, the Homes and Communities Agency and Stocktonon-Tees Borough Council.

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

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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 isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perked up by changing the DS into its Sport mode. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let me rain on the DS7

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

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.

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.

Still, being different is quite appealing, so it’ll be interesting to see what 2018 holds for the DS 7 Crossback. Watch this space!

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.

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.

• Expensive X

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.

• Engine layout: 1997cc four-cylinder turbo diesel

The infotainment system itself is intuitive and responsive and is supported by a bunch of touch sensitive switches for the cabin

Pros ‘n’ Cons • Looks √ • Comfortable √ • Space √

Fast Facts (DS 7 Crossback Performance Line BlueHDi 180 – as tested) • Max speed: 134 mph • 0-62 mph: 9.9 secs • Combined mpg: 57.6

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

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

Garden view

This Month - Plant a butterfly garden

Fascinating fact…Winston Churchill loved butterﬂies so much he had a garden designed specifically to attract them.

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.

His family home was the beautiful Chartwell, 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.

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 in the evening, and as a bonus they attract the orange tip butterfly.

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.

So, having satiated the caterpillars, we need to address the feeding requirements of the adult butterfly. The 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, are kept at eye level. Don’t worry too much if you know very little about pruning, Buddleias are hard to kill! Sedum spectabile must be one of the easiest plants ever to grow and even thrives in my poor soil. Its dusky pink flowers are always smothered in butterflies and bees when they open in late summer. Caryopteris clandonensis, or to use its more romantic name, blue mist spirea is also a wonderful butterfly magnet and very easy to grow. You can now buy packets of wild flower seeds and butterfly mixes. Try some among your borders and you’ll be rewarded with fluttering, jewellike visitors all summer. Butterﬂy Essentials Sunshine - plant butterfly-attracting plants in the sunniest spots Shelter - the site needs to be out of the wind Roosting spots - Butterflies need 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. By Rachael Leverton

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

Plant of the Month Primula

These cheerful bedding plants are an economical and easy way to fill ï¬&#x201A;ower 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. Keep watered if the weather should be dry and these hardy perennials will bloom, lasting for several years and covering large areas. They can handle frost and will provide a rainbow of colour until the weather warms up.

ALLEN PLANT AND TOOL HIRE

...Setting standards in reliability, value for money and service DIY

ACCESS

BUILDING

GARDENING

01642 604999 | www.allenplanthire.co.uk ALLEN PLANT AND TOOL HIRE, BOWESFIELD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, BOWESFIELD LANE, STOCKTON ON TEES, TS18 3BL

AUTHORISED SALES & SERVICE AGENT

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

advertisers index

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

Local Middlesbrough Builder Based in Acklam | No Sales Nonsense

Retired Police

Handymen 0800 255 0 255 trustinblue.com www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk



  



Installation Servicing Breakdown Repair Hot Water Systems Heating Alterations & Upgrades Gas Safe & OFTEC Registered Finance Available Local Company Monitored & Vetted by:

1 ar te st rs ll ) e Ye ran rce oil n A ilers O o ua o B e B G l W as nte Oil Al G ara ch n h u s O sc ar G r-Bo Bo Ye ste (7 rce o W



01642 651677 07773 786865