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

My Local Magazine ®

Issue 90 | December 2018 | The BEST of Stockton’s Business, News, Reviews and To-Do’s

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

distributed by GPS Leaﬂet Distribution

Keep Me for 2 Months

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This Winter… STAY WARM, STAY SAFE, STAY WELL As the Nights are starting to close in and I do believe I had the first frost on my car this week. HomeInstead Senior Care Cleveland would like to share the following tips on how best to say fit and health this winter. Get a flu jab. Everyone over the age of 65, living in the UK is eligible for a flu jab and is encouraged to take up this free NHS service to protect themselves from the flu virus, which can be unpredictable and serious. You can get a flu jab at your GP’s surgery or at participating pharmacies. See your pharmacist if you aren’t feeling well. Even if you have just a cough or a cold, your pharmacist might be able to help you prevent it from becoming more serious. If you can’t physically get to a pharmacy, make sure to call them to discuss your symptoms. If you

Keep mobile. Try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time. Even simply standing up to stretch your legs for a few moments can help to increase your body temperature. If you have good mobility, moderate exercise is a great way of keeping warm when temperatures are low.

need more urgent advice, ring the NHS helpline on 111. Keep warm. During the cold winter months, it is advisable to wear several layers of clothing, rather than one thick layer. Clothes that are made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat, and are better than silky and thin materials that don’t insulate well.

Drink warm beverages. When you get up to stretch, why not make yourself a hot drink to help keep you warm? You should also try to eat at least one hot meal a day. Making sure warm foods and drink are going into your system will keep your weight up and contribute to keeping your body temperature up. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked. If you treat early-onset symptoms of illness they are less likely to develop into anything more serious. By keeping your medicine cabinet stocked, you could avoid having to go out in the cold, if you do find yourself unwell. The temperatures were really cold last year, so it’s important to think about what you can do to protect yourself and any vulnerable friends and family from the ill-effects of the cold. At Home Instead Senior Care, our wonderful CAREGivers can help older people to stay well and can help with many of the tips mentioned here. If you or your loved one need help or support, please call us on 01642 309650.

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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Hiring a Cleaner There has been a long association that it's only the wealthy who hire a cleaner when in reality one in three households hire domestic help of some kind. Free Up Your Time. Most working families are really busy these days.What most people value most is more free time for themselves and their family. Also, the joy of coming home to a clean home after a busy day always makes you feel that it's one task less you have to do. What If You Can't Clean Your Home Some people who require a cleaner are sometimes elderly or maybe in respite. People who are houseproud and can't bear the thought of an untidy house. Not being able to keep on top of things can lead to people feeling unhappy. You can see those little annoyances that you just can't do anymore and it usually leads to frustration or feeling slightly down with yourself. Reliable,Trustworthy and Insured. A good cleaning company will be able to meet your needs. Most cleaning

companies or agencies have already checked and vetted your cleaner before being allowed in your home. Most cleaning companies have liability insurance if the cleaner has an accident in your home, or if something was accidentally damaged. Asking a cleaner to vacuum with a poorly wired vacuum cleaner, leaving toys on stairs or leaving the bar of soap on the shower floor causing an accident, will probably not be covered by an insurance company. Once a cleaner enters your home to do work, then your home becomes their place of work. It is essential that you do a quick check before the cleaner arrives. Work Away One of the significant advantages if you work away, is that not only is your home lovely and clean when you arrive back, but you are also getting someone to check your home as well. Fixing Problems. Do you have areas in your home that you just can't get clean? Professional cleaning companies have seen it all and usually have

professional cleaning products that may solve a problem like taps and shower screens covered in limescale, or mould and mildew build up in bathrooms and en-suites. A task like this can usually take a few hours of your time, but professional cleaners will know professional cleaning products that can solve these problems for you. Hire a Cleaner Most cleaning companies usually offer a minimum of two hours a week or a fortnight.You can request that only specific areas are cleaned, and you can ask that some rooms are out of bounds like a home office for example. If you decide on getting a cleaner for your home, ultimately the decision is yours whether you choose to interview a local cleaner yourself or allow a local agency who have done the interviewing for you. Local agency and franchises have the appropriate accident and liability insurance. Lastly, if a cleaner decides on a different career direction and leaves the agency, the domestic cleaning company or agency will arrange another cleaner for you on your behalf.

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

EDITOR’S LETTER

December 2018 Here we are again, another year is nearly over, and we will be all rushing about buying everything, plus a little bit more for over the festivities. If you are done and dusted for Christmas well done you! If you are like us, and everything is a bit last minute, then you may want to consider having a browse through this local magazine for those last minute essential or ideas for the New Year.

CONTENTS

The new year is also a time for new beginnings or a bit of a refresh. The new year may be time to get your accounts up-todate, get around to those jobs in your home you have promised yourself during 2018.

Beat the winter blues

Tandoori lamb with naan

Travel

Get on trend with a home bar

Small space? No problem!

The January/February edition is already now filling up with new advertisers, so if you are looking to promote your business or you know a good reputable company that you think should be in our magazines then drop me an email jeremy@mylocalmagazine.co.uk Enjoy the festive season, and I will be back again early February Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.. Best Wishes

@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 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.

Motoring: Be Prepared in Winter 13 Quirky Britain

Tech for the New You

Puzzles

The Best of the Best

The Most Effective Drug Ever?

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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Beat the winter blues This month, we’re focusing on books to make you laugh, cry, write and reflect your way out of the winter blues. How to be Famous – Caitlin Moran Snort-your-tea-out-of-your-nosefunny, How to be Famous centres around 19-year-old Johanna Morrigan aka the writer Dolly Wilde. It’s 1995, Britpop has taken over the music scene and there’s no better place to be than London. Until, that is, Johanna finds herself the subject of malicious gossip and has to decide whether to flee or fight back. The Accidental Memoir – Eve Makis and Anthony Chopper If you’ve ever thought about capturing moments of your life using the written word but have no idea where to start, you need this book. Prompts range from ‘Is there a mystery in your family? A story rarely spoken about?’ to ‘What posters did you have on your bedroom wall?’ and ‘Write a letter to your younger self.’ There are also extracts from other memoirs, writing tips and more. Slow – Gizzi Erskine

Comfort eating doesn’t have to mean chocolate, shop-bought pies and a vat of ice cream. It can mean taking the time to show yourself some self-care by preparing delicious, wholesome, hearty dishes. Slow has plenty of recipes to help you do just that, from warming winter stews to slow-roasted meats and decadent desserts. They’re all written in Gizzi’s usual easy, unaffected style. Salt Beef Brisket anyone? Or Lemon Sherbet Meringue Pie? Yum. Why Mummy Drinks:The Journal – Gill Sims Frazzled parents everywhere will find something to relate to in Why Mummy Drinks. Humorous reflections on parenting in the modern world precede spaces to jot down your own thoughts each day. If you like journals (and laughing), and have ever wondered whether you should just record yourself shouting ‘Teeth! Hair! Shoes! Hurry up!’ to save having to speak in the morning, this book is for you. Down to Earth – Monty Don One of the easiest ways to lift your spirits is to get out into nature.

There are few things more satisfying than growing something yourself and spring is just around the corner. Down to Earth is a useful book for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. It doesn’t matter whether you have acres of land or a tiny courtyard, you’ll find advice, tips and inspiration on everything from garden design and plant choice to pest control. Reasons to Stay Alive – Matt Haig An estimated 10% of people will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. If you’re waging your own battle against this debilitating illness, Reasons to Stay Alive may help. Matt Haig chronicles his own fight against depression and shares what worked for him. It’s an honest, warm, humorous and very relatable read.You may also find Haig’s Notes on a Nervous Planet of interest if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks. For other mood-boosting or selfhelp books, check out Reading Well’s recommendations at www.readingwell.org.uk

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Tandoori lamb with naan A pot of yogurt and a few spices can transform lamb steaks into a delicious spicy supper. If you prefer, serve with pilau rice or on a bed of spiced couscous. Serves 4 Ready in 30 mins, plus marinating time 4 large lamb steaks 6 tbsp natural yoghurt, plus extra to serve 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 2 tsp each garam masala and ground cumin 1 tsp each ground coriander and chilli powder 1 tbsp lemon juice 4 garlic and coriander naan breads Rocket leaves and sliced tomatoes, onion and cucumber, to serve 1 Place the lamb steaks in a shallow dish. Mix together the yoghurt, ginger, garlic, spices and lemon juice and add 1/2 tsp salt and some freshly ground

black pepper. Spread over the steaks. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours (or overnight). 2 Grill the marinated steaks under a preheated medium grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until just cooked and lightly charred in places. Cover the cooked steaks and leave to rest for 5 minutes. 3 Meanwhile, sprinkle the naan breads lightly with water and heat under the grill for 2-3 minutes.Top with rocket leaves and sliced tomatoes, onion and cucumber. Slice the steaks and pile on top of the salad. Serve with the extra yogurt on the side and mango chutney, if liked. TIP To make tandoori fish, replace the lamb steaks with 4 salmon fillets. Spread the marinade over the fillets and leave to marinate for 1-2 hours. Bake the fish in a preheated oven at 200C/fan 180C/gas mark 6 for 20-25 minutes until just cooked.

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Stockton News Senior politicians from a powerful national select committee visited Stockton town centre today as part of an inquiry into the future of the nation’s high streets. MPs from the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee toured the town centre and held discussions with business and council leaders. They are currently gathering evidence about how high streets are changing and adapting, with a focus on how they might look in 2030. It’s the second such visit to Stockton High Street in less than a week, following a similar visit by representatives from the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stocktonon-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “We were pleased to host such high profile visitors this week and last to have a positive conversation about the current situation town centres both here in the Borough and wider afield are going through. “Their particular interest in Stockton town centre and our plans for its repurposing and regeneration follows

the national focus we had earlier this year when straight-talking retail expert Bill Grimsey highlighted the town centre work we’re leading as a forward-thinking case study in his national review. “‘The Grimsey Review 2’ outlined that town centres need to shift their focus from purely retail to also include housing, business, leisure, arts, heritage, health and education facilities – we’re aspiring to this with projects like the restoration of the Globe and the regeneration of the former Victoria Estate. “That’s an ongoing journey and there’s a heck of a lot of work still to do but is a welcome opportunity to also share all of the current challenges,

frustrations and opportunities that are happening both on high streets in the Borough and across the whole UK. “That two groups of senior politicians have chosen to come here is yet more national recognition for what we are trying to achieve as we seek to help town centres adapt to the most significant period of change in their history.” In December 2016, Stockton was crowned a ‘Rising Star’ in the Great British High Street of the Year Awards. The judges specifically recognised the regeneration and delivery of a transformed town centre that is distinct from others given the changing nature of high streets.

How to keep your pets warm this winter As winter deepens and the weather starts to bite, it’s important to make sure our pets are warm and comfortable to avoid illn ess and distress. Even those animals with thick, furry coats are susceptible to the cold, so what can we do to help our dogs, cats, and rabbits stay warm this winter? Keeping your dog warm and cosy A warm dog coat offers protection from the winter cold, and as temperatures drop, even dogs with the thickest fur will benefit from the extra insulation when exercising or playing 8

outside. A fleece-lined inner layer with a waterproof outer is a good choice, particularly if the two layers can be detached and used individually as the weather dictates. Making sure your cat is warm this winter It’s more difficult to ensure your cat is warm in the winter given their independent nature, but they have a natural inclination to find warm places. That’s why it’s advisable to provide a cosy shelter in your garden, to reduce the likelihood of them sitting underneath cars or in other warm but dangerous places.

Protecting your rabbit from the worst of the winter weather If your rabbit is spending the winter in an outdoor hutch, you’ll need to provide additional protection from the elements. Siting their hutch away from the cold winds and driving rain, providing extra bedding, covering the hutch with a blanket and their run/ outdoor area with tarpaulin, will all help to keep them healthy and safe.

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Corsica : Discover the Alta Rocca With 40% of the land protected by a Regional Nature Park, Corsica is often called the ‘Isle of Beauty’, a worthy epithet as beyond the fabulous coastline, the hinterland has its own spectacular scenery. Down in the south, just inland from the popular resorts, the Alta Rocca is one of these lovely mountain regions laced in walking trails with only a couple of minor roads winding their way across the land. Up there time seems to stand still. Forests rich in oak and chestnut trees, lofty Laricio pines, pastures, tumbling streams and dramatic rocks, this is a paradise for all nature lovers. Red kites soar in the thermals and there are peregrine falcons, golden eagles and bearded vultures with a mighty wingspan. Nuthatches splash colour in the trees, lizards and salamanders scamper along the tracks, wild cats and boars forage here and there. Meanwhile deer graze in the shade but the mouflons with long horns like to perch on the most inaccessible rocks, basking

in the bright Mediterranean sun. Flowers and plants vary with the altitude but favourites include myrtle and thyme, the delicate blue ancoli peeping out of rocky crags and the wild sweet-scented immortelle. The Alta Rocca starts in Ospedale, the first mountain village at 900 metres, then stretches north towards the Bavella pass where at 1,218 metres one enjoys superb views of the pink rocky ‘needles’ by the same name. This is on the old transhumance route and the nearby trails invite you to explore further. It’s an awesome spot protected by the statue of Our Lady of the Snows, installed with great difficulty by local monks. It may feel like the roof of the world but besides its natural wonders, the Alta Rocca is a land of hilltop villages where traditions survive on the ‘heritage trail’. On the western edge, Sainte Lucie de Tallano is a lively little place, all granite houses and cobbled lanes with convent and church, old bread ovens, oil mill and nearby thermal springs in their

natural settings. Then there’s Levie and its Alta Rocca museum and the ‘coutellerie’ where traditional Corsican knives are still made in various shapes and sizes.Yet this pretty village has other claims to fame for if you feel like a walk, a trail can lead you to the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu dating back to the Bronze Age. It’s quiet and atmospheric, dotted with remnants of walls, tower and storing areas. According to historians however, the Alta Rocca has 9,000 years of history, making it one of the oldest inhabited districts in Corsica. At just over 300 metres, the village of Sartène can vouch for that, with a museum of prehistory, nearby dolmens and menhirs and gateway to the highlands, once known as the Land of the Lords. Enjoy the local wine then, as you wander through stepped alleyways and narrow lanes framed by granite hills, you may well agree that as the locals say, Sartène is ‘the most Corsican of all Corsican villages’. Solange Hando

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Get on trend with a home bar From a drinks trolley to a full-on basement hideout, what could be more fun than serving up cocktails in your very own home bar? Stay home and socialise • Where will your bar go? Most people opt for the kitchen or dining room, but the living room and basement are also popular, while outdoor bars are a growing trend. For a fully integrated bar with a sink and refrigerator, don’t forget that you’ll need access to water and electricity. • Unused corners can easily become a home bar – a desk or broad shelf will work just as well as a traditional counter. Inject some pizzazz by wallpapering behind with a glamorous, oversized or metallic print and adding a fun neon sign. • No need to spend a fortune on a built-in bar – just say ‘party time’ with a glamorous bar trolley. A great place to display your most beautiful bottles and glassware, it adds instant personality and can be moved from place to place as the occasion arises.

• Money no object? Invest in a built-in champagne bar in your kitchen or a special wine fridge. Or, if your pockets are not quite so bottomless, simply buy a large wine cooler and stock up on ice. CAPTIONS 1 Show off your bar skills with a shiny serving tray. Add a cocktail shaker and glasses for a highfashion finish. Brandy round metal tray, £39, made.com. 2 These hand-made, mouth-blown glasses are perfect for martinis and more. Cocktail glasses, £24.95, Annabel James. 3 Brass-clad doors and a mangowood and antique brass frame give a luxe, Art Deco look to this bar cabinet, with plenty of space inside for storing and serving cocktails and wine. Pascali bar cabinet, £619, Atkin and Thyme. 4 A 1920s inspired gold and glass cocktail shaker, for those that prefer their cocktails shaken and not stirred. Cocktail shaker, £25.50, Audenza.

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Small space? No problem! Small may be beautiful, but living in a small space is not always easy. Our tips will help you make the most of every room, no matter what its size. 1 To make the most of your space, draw a scale plan and check for areas that could be improved with simple changes, such as repositioning a radiator, re-hanging a door or moving furniture. 2 Storage is vital, and losing a little floor area to create built-in storage can make the room seem more streamlined and larger. Think bookshelves and cupboards in the living room, wall-to-wall wardrobes in the bedroom, floor-to-ceiling shelving in the study and a tall coat cupboard in the hall. Add storage into ‘dead’ space such as chimney alcoves, around a bed head or above a doorway. Wall racks and hooks on the backs of doors are invaluable. 3 Make storage functional with internal drawers, shelves, baskets, hooks etc. so every bit of space is put to good use. 4 Aim high. In a child’s bedroom, for example, a high-sleeper bed can include a desk, sofa or play area beneath. Bookcases, kitchen cupboards and wardrobes can be built right up to the ceiling, adding extra storage space, but plan for somewhere to store a ladder or step stool, too. 5 Get clever with colour. For a bright, airy, open look, opt for a unified, pale colour scheme. Paint built-in storage and radiators the same colour as the walls to make them disappear.

7 Select furniture carefully, avoiding deep, squishy upholstery, fussy details and bulky outlines. Simple, lightweight styles have the least impact in a small space, and anything on slender legs makes the room seem larger by increasing the visible floor area. Look for compact, folding, wheeled, extending, dualpurpose or wall-mounted furniture to provide solutions for different space problems – though it must be comfortable, fulfil its function and suit your style. 8 Make your design style cohesive throughout. Employ complementary (pale) colours, interesting natural textures and subtle patterns for a sense of harmony and understated visual appeal. 9 Renovations allow for larger-scale alterations, even if square footage is not enlarged. Consider replacing bulky radiators with underfloor heating, going open plan, enlarging windows, replacing doors or walls with glass to allow light to flow, or adding a mezzanine floor level. Clear your clutter and create some space In a small home there is simply no room for excess clutter, so be ruthless. Throw or give it away, recycle or store it elsewhere. Aim to do one room per week, or a few minutes a day – and get into the habit of keeping on top of it.

6 Use mirror and glass to open up a room. Think about light sources – whether sunlight or light fittings – and place mirrors to bounce light around. Choose glass or acrylic furnishings or accessories where possible for a barely-there look. www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

How to get the best deal on your car insurance Nobody likes to pay more than they have to with car insurance. We take a look at how you can save money on your premiums. Increase your excess It might be tempting to keep your excess low to minimise the upfront cost, but this can result in much higher premiums. Experiment with the different excess costs when you’re shopping around. Your policy price could tumble by simply adding £50 more to your excess. Of course, make sure you can afford to stump up the cash in the event of an accident. Consider your annual mileage Are you covering a few thousand miles less annually than your insurance allows? Reducing your quoted mileage will bring premiums down. The more miles you tell your insurer you’re doing, the more of a risk you are to them – meaning a higher price to pay for you. Sure, it’s hard to predict exactly how many miles we’re going to cover in a year – but if there’s noticeably more left over, don’t be afraid to cut them out of your policy. Keep the number of named drivers down While adding a more experienced driver to a policy may result in lower costs, adding multiple users will see it increase. If someone on the policy uses the car once or twice a year, drop them from it and use a temporary cover service when they need the vehicle. Add an alarm system Although most new cars are fitted with seriously good security equipment, some older models lack the modern luxury of a decent antitheft protection system. If your car is lacking, investing in an aftermarket alarm system with an immobiliser will result in long-term savings by way of cheaper insurance premiums – especially if you fit a Thatcham-approved system. 12

Opt for a black box policy For younger drivers in particular, a black box policy can drastically reduce the annual cost of insuring your car. Insurers offering a black box policy will fit a data recorder to your, car allowing them to monitor your driving habits, mileage covered and where you’ve been. It may sound rather Big Brother and terrifying but as they can track exactly how you’re driving, your initial cost is reduced and good habits on the roads can lead to huge discounts at renewal. Are the extras necessary? Car insurers like to offer plenty of extras alongside the standard policy to give buyers more cover, but these come at an extra cost. While things like breakdown and courtesy car cover sound like a smart addition, these can often be found cheaper elsewhere rather than alongside the policy – while extras like cover while driving abroad may be totally unnecessary.

noticeably higher than paying the annual insurance in one lump sum. If you can afford to pay for a full year’s cover in one go, you’ll save in the long run. Of course, only do this if you know you can afford to. Taking out bank loans or using a credit card will end up costing more than a monthly direct debit. Take a Pass Plus course Pass Plus courses are great for any motorist – new or old. If you’re fresh on the roads, it can give you more in-depth experience behind the wheel while still having the safety of a qualified instructor in the passenger seat. Those with more experience can still take a Pass Plus and refresh themselves on the rules of the road and eradicate any bad habits. Insurers recognise the benefits of Pass Plus courses and offer discounts for those who have taken them.You’re a safer and more experienced driver in their eyes, making you less of a risk.

Garage your car

Don’t be afraid to shop around

Securely parking your car in a garage makes it a much safer prospect in the eyes of insurers, as it’s out of the eyes of potential thieves and clear of any potential damage while parked. This means your premiums could tumble.

As convenient as it may be to head onto a price comparison site and pick the cheapest deal from there for your insurance, it’s not going to save you much money.

Similarly, if you can park in a secure area at work, letting your insurer know can bring the price down too. Pay annually – if you can afford to Monthly payments are a great option for those on a budget, but the total price when paying monthly is often

Use that as a starting point, and then don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Tell one insurer of another’s prices and see if they’ll offer a better deal – and if they do, go back to the first and let them know.You could knock hundreds of pounds off your premium with an hour of calls if you’re savvy enough.

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

dividends if the “Beast” comes back. Check your vehicle’s lights work, windows are clear, wipers work, fluids are full, the battery is charged, and your tyres are in good and legal condition. On this last point you could consider changing to winter tyres, as they have proven

motorway network, and snow has fallen or is expected, take a blanket and a hot drink in a flask. We have all heard the stories of blocked motorways, the resultant tailbacks and motorists spending a freezing night on the hard shoulder.

Be Prepared in Winter

Do you recall the weather we had a mere eight weeks before the start of last year’s hot spell? The “Beast from the East” dumped snow across the UK. And we had to drive in it. It’s said every year, but it is worth repeating: a little preparation time on your car will pay dividends if the “Beast” comes back. Check your vehicle’s lights work, windows are clear, wipers work, fluids are full, the battery is charged, and your tyres are in good and legal condition. On this last point you could consider changing to winter tyres, as they have proven benefits when the temperature drops below 5 degrees. Alternatively, I have found a pair of snow socks around the driving wheels of my car a viable, if short-term, alternative.

Being prepared is the watch word in winter. By Iain Betson

When making a journey it’s wise to take the following: warning triangle, a torch, boots, de-icer, ice scraper and a fully charged phone, perhaps with spare battery pack. Some recommend taking a tow rope and shovel too; if you are likely to use country lanes then yes, but on a trip to the shops, perhaps not. If you must make a long journey,

even via the motorway network, and snow has fallen or is expected, take a blanket and a hot drink in a flask. We have all heard the stories of blocked motorways, the resultant tailbacks and motorists spending a freezing night on the hard shoulder. Being prepared is the watch word in winter.

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

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

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Grab your knitting and take to the streets Fluffy and lovable, ‘yarn bombing’ could be described as graffiti in sheep’s clothing. It combines the ‘matronly’ crafts of knitting and crochet with the maternal gesture of wrapping something cold in a warm blanket, with the objective of transforming the concrete and steel objects usually found in an urban streetscape. Lamp-posts, parking meters, bicycles, cars — even objects as large as buses and bridges — have all been ‘bombed’ in recent years. Yarn bombing (aka guerilla knitting or guerilla crochet) has become a way for artists to reclaim and personalise public spaces that might otherwise be considered unwelcoming. The trend began in 2005 in Houston, Texas, when textile artist Magda Sayeg decided to cover the door handle of her shop with a knitted wrapping. Magda admits that at the time she had no idea of where her actions might lead: “All I wanted to see was something warm, fuzzy and humanlike on the cold, steel grey facade I looked at every day.”

British artist Lauren O’Farrell learned to knit while recovering from cancer treatment in her twenties, and subsequently formed a knitting club with her friend. As her skills developed she decided to direct her energies towards becoming – in her words – a “squishy Banksy”. Lauren isn’t afraid of making big statements with her work. One of her early projects involved covering a phone box (displayed in Parliament Square as part of the BT ‘Art Box’ charity project) with a giant ‘cosy’. She didn’t seek permission to cover the box and admits she didn’t worry until the police asked her what she was doing. “We told them it was a craft project and we wanted to take a photo, and they let us,” Lauren

explained to theartsdesk.com. “The fact that they did opened the floodgates. I thought, I could now do this anywhere.” These days people of all ages are inspired to take to the streets with knitting needles and crochet hooks. A few years ago 104-year-old grandmother Grace Brett came to public attention as possibly the oldest street artist in the world. As part of a band of ‘yarnstormers’ known as the Souter Stormers, she helped to decorate various landmarks in Selkirk, Scotland, during the YES Arts Festival, where yarn-bombed items included public benches, phone boxes and trees. Grace, who became a focus for media attention during the festival, told interviewers she thought the town looked lovely, adding: “I’m not bragging, but I’m quite pleased with what I’ve done.” Yarn bombing has now become an integral part of many community events and festivals across Britain and its gentle, non-confrontational approach has also led to an association with a number of projects linked to mental health. In Cornwall “We are enough: the creative yarn bomb of love” is a project created to raise awareness of people who suffer with social anxiety. This year-long community arts initiative will conclude in May 2019 during Mental Health Awareness Week and the project reflects the views of many communities who see yarn bombing as the perfect way to convey a message of hope, positivity and kindness. By Kate McLelland

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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.

Is your conservatory TOO COLD to use this winter? An insulated ceiling from Inceil will transform your conservatory so it is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer - so you can enjoy your conservatory all year round. Affordable, effective and fitted in just 2 days

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Tech for the New You If human beings were any good at keeping New Year’s resolutions, the gyms would be full to bursting and the streets full of joggers all year round, not just for the first few weeks. Tech can’t transform you from couch potato to body beautiful, but it can keep you focused on the goal. The good news is that you might already have most of what you need in your smartphone. Many modern smartphones contain the sensors to track all kinds of exercise apart from (obviously) swimming. If your device has GPS it can track your running or cycling,

but even if it doesn’t it can usually track your steps and distance. In some cases they can also track your elevation and tell you how many flights of stairs you’ve climbed. Both Apple and Google have their own fitness tracking apps in the form of Activity and Google Fit respectively, but some of the best fitness tracking apps are by third parties. Nike Training Club is a great workout app, while Runkeeper and Strava are brilliant. It’s not just about exercising, of course. Healthy eating can make a big difference to your energy levels and your body shape. MyFitnessPal

enables you to track what your food intake to get an insight into your personal nutrition. The app is free, although some of its more advanced features require a monthly subscription. That’s something to check with health and fitness apps generally: apps that appear to be free are often very limited in what they can do, and some subscription plans are frighteningly expensive. If you do decide to get some hardware, even that needn’t cost a fortune.Yes, the latest Apple Watch is pretty expensive at £399-plus, but you can get a perfectly good runner’s watch like the TomTom Runner 3 or Garmin Forerunner 35 for about £99; if all you want to track is your heart rate, you can get a heart rate monitoring watch from Decathlon for £15.99. Even GPS watches are much more affordable: the Kalenji Onmove 220 GPS Watch is currently £69.99. Don’t forget the second-hand market, either. At the time of writing you could get an Apple Watch Series 3 GPS Nike+ watch, a great smartwatch, for £229.99 on eBay. That’s a pretty good discount on the usual RRP of £359. If you do have a smartwatch, there are some excellent fitness apps for those too. The Apple Watch is particularly blessed with endless activity trackers. We like Carrot Fit, which is available for iPhone as well as Apple Watch. Unusually where other apps offer positive reinforcement, Carrot is bad-tempered, judgmental and deliberately offensive. If you have a dark sense of humour though it’s a lot of fun.

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WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

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QUIZ REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1. When he was born in April, what position did Prince Louis of Cambridge take in the line of succession to the British throne? 2. Ingvar Kamprad, who died in January at the age of 91, is best remembered for founding which business in 1943? 3. Which country hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics? 4. After over two decades on the BBC, what was broadcast on ITV for the first time in April as part of an advert break during an episode of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent? 5. In January, the results of Donald Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first medical since becoming US President revealed that he was taking a drug called finasteride to try to prevent what? 6. In June, which country officially lifted a ban meaning that there were no longer any countries in the world where women were forbidden to drive motor vehicles? 7. Which song did Theresa May briefly dance to as she stepped onto stage for her keynote speech at the 2018 Conservative party conference? 8. Following their marriage in May, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the Duke and Duchess of where? 9. In June, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, became only the second ever elected head of government to do what while in office? 10. In July, which song dropped from number one to number 97 to set a record for the fastest ever fall from the top of the UK singles charts in a single week?

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Card Game Brag Bridge Bunko Crib Demon Euchre Fan-Tan Faro Fish Gin Grab Hearts Hi-Low Misere Nap Ombre Piquet Poker Pontoon

Red Dog Rummy Sevens Skat Solo Spades Spider Stop Streets The Star Whist

Find the words associated with card games in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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The Best of the Best The best thing about being a beauty writer is that I get to try a lot of products for free. Over the years I’ve tried hundreds of them, from high-tech gadgets to budget buys. I’m a sucker for shiny new things, so a product has to be very, very good for me to buy a replacement once it runs out. Without further ado, here’s my ‘best-of-the-best’ – the goodies I come back to time and time again. A lot of beauty writers seem to spend hours on their daily skincare routines. I am not one of those people. I’m lucky to have five minutes to myself of a morning, so I really love a multitasker. Frances Prescott’s Tri-Balm is a cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser in one. I have to admit, I do still use an extra moisturiser most days, but if I don’t have time then at least I know my skin will still feel soft and nourished. Now £46 seems pretty steep for a cleanser I know, but I use mine pretty much every day and it lasts for months. See www. francesprescott.com. I love lighting a candle when I’m in the bath and Janjira’s Grapefruit and Tangerine Massage Candle is one of my favourites. And this is no ordinary candle – it slowly melts to give you a small pool of natural oils to massage into your skin. Heaven. The scent is subtle but gorgeous. £32, from www. janjira.co.uk. If, like me, you sometimes struggle to get to sleep, try Neal’s Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist. I spray it liberally onto my pillow and it really does seem to help. It’s a blend of organic essential oils known for their ability to calm the senses and promote rest – such as lavender, vetiver and mandarin. The result is a gentle, comforting scent. It’s £15 from www.nealsyardremedies.com. I find a lot of lipsticks too drying and dislike the stickiness of lip gloss. Bobbi Brown’s Extra Lip Tint is my go-to alternative. It’s like a moisturising lip balm but flushes your lips for a hint of colour and adds shine. The effect lasts about as long

as a lip gloss. I’m currently on my second Bare Pink and am planning to treat myself to the Bare Melon and Bare Popsicle shades soon. £25.50, from www.bobbibrown.co.uk. While I like to have a few perfumes on the shelf, I tend to have a favourite for a few years at a time, while the rest sit gathering dust. My current favourite is Connock London’s Kukui. There’s a dash of fresh flowers, including gardenia rose and white jasmine, warmed by sandalwood, vetiver and white amber. Cashmere and vanilla add the comfort factor. The result is a grown-up fragrance that’s sensual, subtle and (in my opinion) totally addictive. It’s priced from £35 at www.connocklondon.co.uk, but do Google for offers. At the time of writing I have my eye on a giftset that includes three 30ml Connock London fragrances for £42.49 (RRP £84.99) at www.psyche.co.uk.

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The Most Effective Drug Ever? "If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented," says health promotion consultant Dr Nick Cavill.That’s true, because the benefits of exercise go way beyond simple ‘fitness’. Physical Health Benefits Research has proved that regular exercise can actively help to prevent disease and debility. It can: • Lower blood pressure (in turn lowering risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease). • Increase muscle mass and strength, bone strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and balance, helping to prevent strains, injuries, falls, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. • Help prevent some cancers and diseases, including colon and breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and Type 2 diabetes. • Regulate hormones that control appetite and sleep patterns. • Help control weight. • Release endorphins that ease pain. • Improve bowel function and prevent constipation. By improving your physical health and preventing falls, exercise can increase your longevity too. However, exercise can do a lot more than that. Mental Health and Wellbeing Benefits Exercise can: Improve your mood, self-esteem and sleep patterns Exercise can improve sleep patterns and release endorphins that can lift your mood and increase your energy levels. By improving your fitness and appearance, and giving you goals, routine and a sense of achievement, it can also increase your self-esteem. Improve your mental health Poor sleep can contribute to physical health issues and depression, anxiety, poor memory and concentration. 28

Exercise can improve your sleep and is proven to help alleviate anxiety, stress and mild to moderate depression. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking can increase mental alertness, energy and positivity, while increasing your activity from zero to exercising three times a week can reduce your depression risk by almost 20%.

Research has proved the benefits of ecotherapy and being active outdoors. Getting outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine is great for your mental and physical health, helping you produce the Vitamin D essential for absorption of calcium and good bone health.

Improve your sex life Regular exercise may increase your desire for, and enjoyment of, sex by improving your self-esteem, fitness and flexibility. Research shows that more active men and women have more sex, and that regular exercise may enhance arousal for women and make erectile dysfunction less likely for men.

Improve your social life and family life – and have some fun! Exercise can be fun, and by joining exercise classes or activity groups, you will also benefit from the positive effects that socialising and friendship can have on your health and wellbeing. Team sports can bring a sense of belonging and motivation, while becoming fitter may help you to take part in more family activities

Give you ‘time off’ Some of your exercise should make you out of breath, but you can also do more relaxing forms of exercise like tai chi, Pilates and yoga. Any exercise can give you time to focus on you, rather than your everyday concerns. Get you outdoors

Zumba, tennis, rowing, boxing, karate, netball, Pilates, dancing… there are many types of sport and exercise, so try out a few to find something you really enjoy.

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