Plympton Magazine January 2026

January 2026 | Area 2

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KF KITCHENS Find out why to choose KF kitchens in 2026

AVOID THE WINTER FLU Tips and tricks on how to avoid the winter flu

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The Plympton Community Magazine | www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net

Welcome. .

Area 2

January

DESIGN EDITOR Dylan Thain editor@oracle.uk.net 07365610463 SALES MANAGERS Tyler Cussen sales@oracle.uk.net 07535417264 GRAPHIC DESIGN Dylan Thain PHOTOGRAPHY Front Cover -Pixabay | Pexels | Freepik SISTER MAGAZINE OM Plymouth www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk

January arrives with a quieter pace, inviting Plymouth to pause, reset and look ahead. The festive sparkle may have faded, but there’s something refreshing about this time of year. Longer days slowly return, routines find their rhythm again, and there’s a shared sense of possibility as we step into a new chapter.

This edition embraces that feeling of renewal. January is a chance to reflect on what’s gone before, set intentions for the months ahead and rediscover the small things that bring purpose and joy to everyday life. I’ve loved putting this issue together and hope it offers inspiration, clarity and a gentle nudge to start the year feeling motivated and grounded.

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Your thoughts, stories and suggestions help shape this magazine and keep it closely connected to the people and places that make Plymouth special. You can reach me at editor@oracle.uk.net and I’ll always do my best to respond.

E TO IF YOU WOULD LIK ADVERTISE FOR AS LITTLE AS £60.00 A MONTH IN THE ITY PLYMPTON COMMUN MAGAZINE please call sales on

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Contents January 2026

plympton@orac

Copyright © 2026 The Plympton Community Magazine.

All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher. We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Oracle Publications accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in The Plympton Magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.

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KF Kitchen’s

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New Years Tracker

6

Beacon glass

20

West Country Hearing

9

Easy cars

23

HM Williams

10

Shapla Balti Cuisine

25

Winter flu

13

What’s on

30

Door Doctor

16

Ways to stay Healthy

31

Russells Flooring

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Why KF Kitchens Should Be Your First Choice for a 2026 Kitchen As homeowners across Plymouth and the South West look ahead to 2026, one priority stands out: transforming the kitchen into a space that enhances everyday living. Increasingly, clients want considered layouts, premium materials, and designs tailored to how they cook, gather, and enjoy their homes. KF Kitchens, the award-winning independent showroom at Faraday Mill, continues to lead the region in delivering kitchens that combine luxury, functionality, and intelligent design.

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Award-Winning Service and Design

Case Study: Lewis & Kylie

2025 was a landmark year for the business, led by Nathan and Derinda Damarell. KF Kitchens won both the KBSA Customer Service Award and the BKU Customer Service Award, and was named a finalist for NEFF MasterPartner of the Year, KBSA Best Kitchen Design (£25k–£50k), NEFF Best Island Solution, the KBB Focus UVLA Sustainability Award, and Häfele Kitchen Designer of the Year.

Furse – A Warm, Traditional Shaker for Modern Living For their first home, Lewis and Kylie wanted a timeless, welcoming kitchen without exceeding their budget. KF Kitchens designed an elegant open-plan layout featuring Burbidge Chartwell cabinets, a contrasting island, Silestone worktops, oak accents, and premium Neff appliances.

These achievements reflect what Plymouth customers already experience: a level of care, creativity, and professionalism that stands apart.

A bespoke false chimney created a strong focal point, while thoughtful storage ensured the large room felt cohesive. Installed in partnership with the homeowners’ builders, the project was completed smoothly and submitted for the KBB Awards 2025 (Under £50k).

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A Large, Luxury Showroom with Working Appliances KF Kitchens operates one of the South West’s most comprehensive independent kitchen showrooms.

The displays showcase German Nolte and Nolte Neo, British Burbidge and Kitchen Makers, and a wide range of premium finishes—from real wood veneer to concrete, slate, and metal door fronts.

Working appliances from NEFF, Siemens, BORA, Miele, Gaggenau, and Quooker allow customers to experience realworld performance, including venting hobs, steam ovens, and boiling-water taps.

The showroom is designed to be relaxed and pressure-free, giving visitors time to think, explore, and ask questions.

Case Study: Mr. and Mrs. Garcia – Modern German Design with Everyday Practicality During a full renovation and extension, the Garcias needed a kitchen that matched both Nick’s professional cooking standards and their growing family’s needs.

KF Kitchens designed a sleek Nolte scheme in Plus Lava and Artline fronts, complemented by natural light from new Velux windows.

A clever secondary worktop created space for casual seating and allowed pendant lighting to be installed without blocking the daylight—a feature the clients had thought impossible. Highperformance Neff appliances and a Quooker Pro-3 Vaq with Cube elevated functionality while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. The project was later submitted for the NEFF Best Island Solution Award, where it became a national finalist.

Start Your 2026 Project with Confidence

KF Kitchens is known for more than cabinetry. Nathan’s design approach regularly includes moving doorways, adjusting sightlines, improving natural light, coordinating with trades, and solving spatial constraints.

Whether it’s a modest redesign or a full structural re-imagining, the result is a kitchen that feels intentional and personalised.

Multiple design concepts are offered with no pressure and no deposit required until customers feel confident in the direction.

Installation is delivered by trusted, highly professional teams—or KF Kitchens can coordinate seamlessly with clients’ own builders.

Read our reviews

A successful kitchen begins with early planning. Whether clients want a luxurious contemporary space or a warm, traditional design, KF Kitchens offers awardwinning expertise backed by a large showroom, premium brands, and a proven, end-to-end service.

Design That Rethinks the Entire Space

For a deeper look at our award-winning projects and design philosophy, visit the KF Kitchens studio, email enquiries@kfkitchensco. uk, or call 01752 255022.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @kfkitchens.

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Hearing Aids Expert, relaxed consultations, attentive care, unbiased advice and support from your local independent NHS trained audiologist.

Complimentary hearing aid trials Discover the latest invisible & re-chargeable hearing aids.

Call for an appointment: Kevin Carlyon MSHAA, RHAD – Independent Audiologist & HCPC Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser – 30 years high level experience.

FREEPHONE or BOOK ONLINE:

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We are specialists in loft ladders and hatches for easy and safe access to your loft. We can provide boarding, lighting and insulation solutions. Call us now to find out how we can help you turn your lost space into a really useful loft space.

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Lights to Remember Plymouth Remember those we have lost We invite you to join this celebration of life to remember those who have died, with others who understand.

There will be live music, stories, and free tea and cake.

You can connect with others or simply sit and listen, whatever feels right for you.

- Sunday 30th November 2025 - 5.00pm – 6.00pm - Crowne Plaza, Armada Way, Plymouth, PL1 2HJ (near Smeaton's Tower, we'll be in reception to welcome you)

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9

HOME RENOVATIONS January marks the start of a new year, bringing with it hope, change and new year’s resolutions.

Whether you’re looking to sell or if you just want to add a fresh new lease of life to your home, we have some great tips and tricks, as well as some brilliant local businesses that can get the job done!

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iving your home a makeover can mean more than just the furnishings and a lick of paint. In order to make the most of the space or increase the value of your property, it might be worth thinking about doing some renovating.

Forking out the money for a brand-new kitchen isn’t always a quick and easy decision and with the average brand-new kitchen costing you around £8,000, you have every right to be hesitant! If only there was a way to reduce the cost somehow… well there is.

Dream Doors Plymouth offer affordable solutions to a brand-new kitchen by quite simply replacing the doors and worktops. The shell of a kitchen usually stays the same, unless you’re moving the kitchen elsewhere, therefore, swapping out the doors, door handles and worktops, could save you 50% compared to a new fully fitted kitchen.

Cleaning the gutters and roof of your home can not only transform the exterior of your home but can also extend the lifespan of your roof by ridding it from harmful substances. Luke’s Gutters and Roof are a local roof and gutter cleaning service with affordable prices starting from just £40.

Tired or broken doors and windows can make the whole house feel neglected, they also let in more drafts causing your energy bills to increase. For all types of door and window repairs, The Door Doctor offers a mobile repair service based in Plymouth to help your windows look brand new again.

Do you feel like you’re outgrowing your home but can’t afford anywhere bigger? On average, extensions work out cheaper compared to upsizing and you can design it exactly how you want.

With the plans in place, it’s time to get building. Base Concepts Plymouth are an award-winning building company that specialises in the refurbishment of both commercial and domestic properties throughout Devon and Cornwall. They offer all types of building services from partitioning and suspended ceilings to bath and kitchen remodelling.

If you decide to refurbish areas in your home that require a plumber, Core Plumbing solutions have over 12 years of experience in all aspects of the trade. They offer central heating installations, general plumbing work, boilers, wet rooms, bathroom installations and disability conversions.

When renovating your home, try not to neglect your garden because by the time spring and summer comes alone, you’ll probably be spending just as much, if not more time in your garden than indoors.

The most noticeable difference you can make is updating the fences. Colourfence offer metal garden fences in a wide range of colours, styles and finishes.

All businesses mentioned in this editorial are local to Plymouth and trusted with years of experience.

We hope that this has given you the confidence to transform your own house into a space that you’re proud to call home.

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The Plympton Community Magazine is your local monthly magazine delivered to Plympton households & businesses.

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What’s On Kavus Torabi Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth 31st January

Kavus Torabi is a British/ Iranian composer, multi-instrumentalist, performer, author, artist, broadcaster and DJ. His largely autobiographical solo work marries the human with the celestial.

Since 2016 he has fronted legendary psychedelic band Gong with whom he is principal songwriter. He is a member of the semi-modular experimental/ psychedelic trio The Utopia Strong. He is a former guitarist of British cult band, Cardiacs and avant rock instrumentalists Guapo. As part of a a DJ duo with Steve Davis, he has performed festivals throughout the UK, recently performing at Wembley Stadium between bands for Blur's comeback performance.

Snow White Pantomime China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall 10th Janaury

Mirror, mirror on the wall... who's ready for the fairest panto of them all?!

Join Snow White and her seven delightful companions for a magical, laugh-out-loud adventure full of sparkle, songs, and surprises! With a wicked queen, a charming prince, and a whole lot of panto mischief, this festive treat is perfect for the whole family.

Bridget Christie Jacket Potato Pizza Quad Theatre, Marjon University, Plymouth, Devon 24th January

A kidney stone. A stray cat. An eyethemed fetish. Bridget Christie hits the road again with a brand new show. Creator and star of Channel 4's The Change. Taskmaster S13 legend. Annie in BBC's Ghosts.

South Devon january 2026

Comedy @ Millbrook Village Hall: Suzy Bennett The Parade, Millbrook, Torpoint, Cornwall, 23rd January

Get ready for a night of top-tier laughs at Millbrook Village Hall! Our brand-new comedy event brings a stellar headline set from the brilliantly funny Suzy Bennett, winner of the Funny Women Award and a favourite on the UK comedy circuit. Your host for the evening is the ever-charismatic Will Skillington, keeping the energy high and the jokes rolling.

They'll be joined by a selection of fantastic local support acts, serving up fresh material and plenty of surprises.

It's Pay What You Can with tiered options at £10, £12.50, or £15 — choose what suits you and come enjoy a brilliant night of live comedy right here in the RAME peninsula!

"One of the brightest and best around." The Independent

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13

LOCAL DOG WALKS January marks ‘Walk Your Dog Month’and what better way to celebrate than discovering some new places to explore with your furry friend this month.

Wistman’s Woods Start at the carpark which is located opposite the Two Bridges Hotel and head through the gate into the Moors. Follow the trodden grass track until you meet the ancient woodland. Turn back the way you came or explore deeper into Dartmoor and head off in any direction you choose.

DARTMOUTH CASTLE Park in Dartmouth centre and walk along the waterfront towards the sea. Pass by Warfleet Creek before heading onto the wooded Castle Road until you reach Dartmouth Castle. Explore the Castle, Cove and it’s surrounding trails before heading back through the woodland above Castle Road.

LYDFORD GORGE This is the deepest river gorge in the South West owned by the National Trust. From the carpark, head into the visitors centre before starting your walk down the gorge. Witness the 30m high waterfall, ancient woodland and wildlife and the dramatic nature of the gorge itself.

BELLEVER FOREST Park in Bellever Forest carpark which has toilet facilities, lots of picnic areas as well as a beautiful river running through it. Head off into the woods from the carpark and follow one of the many routes that you can take marked on the OS map. Stop by the Postbridge Clapper Bridge on your way back too.

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DARTMEET Start at Dartmeet carpark and head up the river with the water on your left until you meet the Clapper Bridge. Turn left after the Clapper Bridge and head back down to cross the river via the stepping stones.

Keep walking with the river on your left until you reach the carpark again.

Noss Mayo Park in the village hall carpark and walk up past The Ship Inn. You can either walk through the woodland or stick to the road with the estuary to your right. The long circular walk hugs the coast before heading back to the village or walk to Cellar Beach and back which takes just over an hour.

ERMINGTON WOODS Park in Ermington village where you can grab a drink and some food at the local pub before venturing off into the woodland. Ermington Woods become carpeted with gorgeous bluebells in Spring. These woods are part of the 17mile Erme-Plym Trail.

Wembury Beach to warrren point Begin at the Wembury Beach carpark and walk up the South West Coast Path passed the church. Admire the stunning coastline whilst heading towards Warren point located at the end of the river Yealm. Walk back the same way or make it a loop by heading up into Wembury village.

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Ways to stay healthy this New Year...

January is here, it’s time to kickstart those resolutions!

I

f you’re still struggling for a New Year’s resolution for 2026, you can never go wrong with starting with the basics.

Perhaps you are looking to start the year by looking at changing your eating habits, or maybe you’ve joined a gym/fitness centre and have no idea where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there - and there a plenty of ways of getting into a routine that works for you.

With all these things, you have to remember that it’s not just a new diet or a new exercise regime that you are going to fit in around what you’re currently doing, it’s a lifestyle change.

A lot of people view healthiness as eating ‘bland’, low calories foods and spending hours on a treadmill; but it doesn’t work like that.

For example, if you just carry on with your regular day-to-day life but then decide that you’re going to start dieting now and do a thirty minute exercise per day on top of this, to begin with, it doesn’t like much at all.

But as you go on there will be times where you suddenly can’t fit in your daily exercises, or you don’t have time to prep a healthy meal before work; and then before you know it you’re back to normal because it’s easier than trying to add these new things on top.

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Remember that fitness isn’t a short-term fix. Nothing will get you completely toned and fit in a month, it takes patience, time, and it definitely shouldn’t be something that you dread every single day.

It shouldn’t stress you out (in fact, it should do the exact opposite!), it should be enjoyable, yet challenging at the same time. It should be filling foods that give you energy and fuel your body. And you must always remember that if something is working really well for someone else, that doesn’t mean that it will work for you.

Everyone is different: some see results quickly, some will take longer. Nobody is the same and that’s very important to remember.

Tips on how to keep up a healthy lifestyle: Don’t restrict yourself - A lot of people fail these diets because they tell themselves “I can’t eat this or that, only small, lowcalory foods.” When the truth is, that isn’t actually healthy for you at all. There shouldn’t be boundaries on what you eat.

Don’t count calories - The thought process behind it is that if you eat less calories, you’ll lose weight and become healthy - and you may lose weight - but you definitely won’t become healthy.

What will happen is that you will feel very fatigued and exhausted, and then won’t have any energy to workout. What you want to be looking at are the macronutrients of what you’re eating. There’s loads of information about this online that can properly aid you in your fitness journey Enjoy what you’re doing! There’s no point doing things if you’re not enjoying it! If going to the gym five times a week isn’t doing it for you, DON’T DO IT.

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There are lots of different ways to get into a healthier lifestyle. All require a bit of motivation, but a good mindset and dedication can see you through.

If you’re struggling for places to start with, then maybe taking up a challenge that thousands of people also take part in will be the right place for a proper kickstart.

This month is Veganuary, where the aim of the month is to eat vegan all throughout January. This means no meat, no dairy products and eggs, essentially nothing that comes from animals.

Veganuary launched in January 2014 in the UK. They are a registered charity that encourages people to try vegan for January.

Campaign organisers say that following a vegan diet - even if only for a short period of time - can have a lot of benefits, not only for health reasons but also for environmental reasons.

The charity says that going vegan can reduce obesity, lower blood pressure, and help to reduce the risk of other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

They also state how it has a more positive effect on the environment than it would if you were to give up your car.

Did you know...

Livestock emissions make up anywhere between 14.5% 18% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.

Veganuary 2018 broke all records!

The campaign grew by 183% in 2018, with over 16,000 people signing up to go vegan. 79,000 of which were omnivores.

Like previous year, most people signed up because of a concern for animal welfare - but there was also an increase in environmental and health motivations, with the two combined surpassing people choosing Veganuary for reasons to do with animals.

But these numbers may be broken again with Veganuary 2019 set to be the biggest yet. But what most people want to know about becoming vegan, is what can you eat?

A vegan diet contains only plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and goods made from plants

consume anything outside of what you should be.

There are also loads of recipes to follow online for anyone struggling for inspiration of where and how to start.

With the lifestyle and diet being more popular than ever before. more and more people are opting for veganism over other lifestyles.

There are 2.4 million vegans in Great Britain as of 2026, that’s about 1.6 per cent of the U.K’s population.

But will you be adding to that number this year? More information can be found on the Veganuary

A lot of people assume that because vegans cut out so many food groups, that there can’t be a lot left for them to eat, but this is definitely not true.

Well to begin with, a lot of standard households will already be stocked with vegan foods without them even realising. Peanut butter, baked beans, dried pasta, tea, coffee, many biscuits - you get the point.

There has also been a large increase in vegan foods that are available.

Supermarkets stock a wide variety of vegan alternatives, including various ready meals - so no, you won’t have to do extensive amounts of cooking if you don’t have the time.

The NHS website gives a rough guide of what to eat for a vegan diet, and how to get the various nutrients necessary without having to

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New years resolution As we turn the page into January, there’s something refreshing about the clean slate a new year brings.

Whether you’re eager to make big changes or simply refine the good habits you already have, now is the perfect moment to pause, reset and refocus. This month’s checklist is designed to help readers across Plymouth start 2026 with clarity and intention. From prioritising wellbeing and planning meaningful time for friends and family, to taking control of finances, refreshing daily routines and reconnecting with the local community, it offers simple, achievable steps that can make a genuine difference. Instead of overwhelming resolutions that fade

by February, this guide encourages steady, sustainable progress, reminding us that small, consistent actions are often the ones that truly shape our year. January invites us to rethink what matters, set realistic goals and begin the next chapter feeling organised, motivated and

tracker

THE GOAL

1 Week in check-in 1 Month in check-in 18

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3 Month Check-in

6 Month Check-in

The final reflection

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LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY WITH HOWARD & OVER

Planning for the future isn’t only about making a Will. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a vital tool in

protecting your wishes and ensuring your affairs are managed according to your instructions if you ever

become unable to make decisions for yourself. At Howard & Over, our private client team in Marsh Mills, led by Sonia Ganney, supports you through the process with clarity and care.

What is an LPA? An LPA allows a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf. There are two types: one covering property and financial affairs, and another for health and welfare. Without an LPA, your family may face delays, additional costs, and uncertainty at a time when swift, considered decisions are most needed.

Comprehensive Support and Peace of Mind At Howard & Over, Sonia and the private client team take care to ensure every LPA is meticulously drafted to reflect your individual wishes. LPAs

are frequently integrated with broader estate planning, including Wills, trusts, and inheritance tax strategies, providing you with complete reassurance that both your financial affairs and personal wellbeing are fully protected.

With Sonia and her team by your side, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your future is secure and your legacy protected.

Contact Sonia today at sonia.ganney@howardover.co.uk or 01752 556606, or visit her at our Marsh Mills office.

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HOW TO AVOID THE WINTER FLU Written by Charlotte Cooper

Winter is the season of sneezes and stuffy noses. To avoid this year’s infuriating flu read our top 10 tips and tricks to keep clear of the chesty coughs and hot heads.

G

etting out of bed in the morning is hard enough without feeling under the weather!

Winter colds can seem impossible to avoid when everyone around you seems to be getting sick, but with these tips and tricks, you should sail through the season sniff-free!

Everyone’s saying it — get your Flu & Covid shot!

Flu vaccination is available every year on the NHS to help protect adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone over the age of six months get a flu shot every single year.

You’ve heard it before — eat your fruit and veg.

Support your immune system during the winter weather by eating your fruit and veg! Eat the food, starve the flu!

Fruits and vegetables are packed full of superstrength vitamin C which has long been considered the ideal precaution against catching a common cold.

Runaway from the winter flu!

People who exercise regularly usually get fewer colds and recover more quickly than people who do not exercise regularly.

Why? There is no doubt that regular exercise has health benefits as keeping up a regular exercise routine improves your overall fitness, which helps boost your immune system.

You may want to come home and snuggle up with a sweater and slippers, but those running shoes will be far more beneficial to your health this season!

Try to avoid those who sound slightly snotty this season.

It may difficult if your colleagues or family members have caught a cold to completely avoid them, but where possible it’s a good idea to keep your distance.

If you have to be in close proximity it’s vital to keep washing your hands as much as possible and sending those germs on a trip down the drain pipe.

Even better, purchase a pocket-sized hand sanitiser and use it as much possible throughout the day, particularly if you’re handling the same items or using the same facilities as your colleagues.

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Keep your surroundings super clean and a germfree zone.

Germs spread easily throughout your house and workplace so you’re at a much greater risk if you don’t get the sponge out soon enough!

Use anti-bacterial cleaners frequently and encourage your colleagues, friends, and family members to cough or sneeze into a tissue rather than their hand, and to dispose of the tissue right away, then clean their hands with a hand sanitiser or soap and water.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing hands for at least 10 to 15 seconds to effectively remove germs.

Switch your go-to brew for a green tea instead.

Green tea is known for its great health benefits with its high level of antioxidants, called flavonoids. This antioxidant activity helps support your body when it’s under attack and can soothe sickly symptoms.

As always, keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water throughout your day too Sorry to say but skipping that post-work pint will keep you healthy.

Some research shows that drinking alcohol can damage the body’s dendritic cells, a vital component of the immune system. Therefore drinking alcohol every evening with your meal can increase your risk of bacterial and viral infections.

Another reason to quit smoking for New Year.

Smoking is a known risk factor for several diseases, but not many people know that people who smoke, and people who breathe in second-hand smoke, are also more likely to experience severe symptoms when they catch a cold. Studies have shown that cigarette smoke can affect the immune system and reduce your ability to fight off those persistent germs.

Put your woolliest winter hat and scarf on to keep yourself toasty!

It’s important to stay protected against the winter chill as cold weather can affect your body’s ability to fight off infection.

Keep your body warm with hats, scarves, gloves and more, and perhaps crank up the heating at home for extra warmth for the winter mornings.

Make sure you’re resting and getting enough sleep.

Your body needs to get enough sleep to keep it in fighting-shape to protect you from the pesky germs.

When you don’t allow your body the rest it becomes weaker and doesn’t have the strength to shield you from bothersome bugs.

8-10 hours of sleep during the snowy season should keep you in tip-top condition.

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25

as though it has been prepared with care, not just rushed out of the kitchen. This steady standard has earned Shapla loyal regulars as well as the respect of wider food circles. The restaurant’s recognition with a Good Food Awards Gold Seal reflects years of hard work and Mr Ali’s commitment to excellence.

Awards like these are not given lightly, and the achievement speaks to the dedication behind every plate that leaves the kitchen.

Shapla Balti Cuisine: Plymton’s Gold-Standard in Indian Dining

T

ucked along Ridgeway in the heart of Plympton, Shapla Balti Cuisine has earned a reputation as one of Plymouth’s most reliable and enjoyable dining experiences. It is the kind of place locals mention with pride and visitors remember long after they have left. Warm, welcoming and consistently delicious, Shapla has become more than a neighbourhood Indian restaurant.

It is a place where good food, genuine hospitality and community spirit naturally come together. Much of that atmosphere comes from the presence of its owner, Mr Ali, whose dedication and warmth are felt in every part of the restaurant.

From the moment you walk through the door, you notice the influence of a hands-on owner who truly cares about the people he serves.

Mr Ali is known for greeting guests with an easy smile and a sincere welcome, often stopping at tables to chat, ensure everyone is comfortable and check that the dishes suit each guest’s taste. His passion for hospitality is unmistakable. Regular customers often speak about how he remembers their favourite dishes, asks after their families and makes newcomers feel instantly at home. His

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leadership sets the tone for the entire team, and the result is service that feels effortless, personal and genuinely thoughtful.

Shapla’s inviting interior reflects that same care. The space is bright, clean and comfortable without being pretentious, creating a setting that works just as well for a family meal as it does for a relaxed evening with friends. Under Mr Ali’s guidance, the restaurant has maintained a level of consistency that diners appreciate. Even on busy nights, the service remains smooth, the food arrives hot and beautifully presented, and guests feel well looked after.

Of course, the heart of Shapla lies in its cuisine. The menu is a celebration of rich Indian flavours crafted with skill and authenticity. Under the direction of Mr Ali, the kitchen team has perfected a balance between traditional favourites and more adventurous dishes. The Baltis are vibrant and aromatic, the tandoori plates are tender and full of depth, and the biryanis are fragrant and satisfying. Diners often comment on the freshness of the ingredients, the tenderness of the meats and the generous portions that leave you fully content without feeling overwhelmed.

Vegetarian and vegan dishes receive just as much attention, ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.

What truly stands out is the consistency.

Whether you dine in or order takeaway, the quality never slips. Each dish feels

Value also plays a big role in Shapla’s popularity. In a time when eating out can feel costly, the restaurant offers generous portions, fair pricing and a level of quality that exceeds expectations.

For anyone seeking authentic Indian cuisine served with warmth and heart, Shapla Balti Cuisine stands out as one of Plymton’s finest choices. Thanks to Mr Ali’s leadership, the flavours are bold, the welcome is genuine and the experience remains consistently memorable. Whether you are exploring new dishes or returning for a favourite curry, Shapla offers an atmosphere that feels both special and comfortingly familiar.

Opening times: Monday – Sunday: typically from around 17:30 to approximately 22:30 (Fridays and Saturdays sometimes extend to about 23:00) Tripadvisor Website: https://www. shaplabaltiplympton.co.uk Phone to book: +44 1752 340555

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By word of mouth we are the BEST BALTI HOUSE in the area!

Mr Ali and The Shapla team would like to wish their Customers a Happy New Year!

ENJOY AN AWARD WINNING INDIAN RESTAURANT Book reservations and place orders on our website www.shaplabalticuisine.com Open 7 days a week 5.30 -10.30pm Open Christmas Day (booking only)

For Table Reservations & Takeaways call us on 01752 338169 or 340555 137 Ridgeway, Plympton, PL7 2AA / www.shplabaltiplympton.com Please mention The Plympton Community Magazine when responding to adverts

27

OUR FAVOURITE

VEGAN

RECIPE IDEAS VEGANUARY IS HERE! If you’re struggling for some delicious vegan recipes to help you through the month, look no further. Here are our favourite vegan dishes and sweet treats!

Tuscan Vegan Gnocchi (Serves 5) • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 vegan Italian sausages (7-8 ounces), sliced • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup vegetable broth • 13.5 ounce can full fat coconut milk • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning • 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, sliced if whole • 1 pound uncooked gnocchi • salt + pepper, to taste • 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach • 1/2 cup Vegan Parmesan, + more for garnish • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil ONE In a large skillet, sauté the vegan sausage over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until browned.

Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Vegan Thai Green Curry (Serves 4) • 200g baby potatoes, halved • 100g green beans, trimmed and halved • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • 1 garlic clove, finely sliced • 1 tbsp Thai green curry paste (check the label to make sure it’s vegetarian/ vegan) • 400g can light coconut milk • 1 lime, zest pared in thick strips • 80g sugar snap peas, halved lengthways • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved • 100g firm tofu, chopped into small cubes • small bunch coriander, chopped • 200g jasmine rice, cooked following pack instructions ONE Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 8 mins.

Add the green beans and cook for a further 3 mins, then drain.

TWO Heat the oil in a wok or pan, fry the garlic for 1 min, add the curry paste and cook for 1 min, or until it starts to darken a little and smell fragrant.

Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer, drop in the lime zest and gently bubble for 5 mins to thicken the sauce a little.

THREE Add the potatoes and beans followed by the sugar snap peas and cook for 1 min before stirring in the cherry tomatoes and tofu.

FOUR Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into the pan, then stir in the coriander and serve over the rice.

TWO Pour in the vegetable broth, coconut milk, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes and gnocchi. Give everything a good stir. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium and cook, uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt + pepper to taste, and stir in the spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.

FOUR If using, stir in the vegan parmesan. At this point, the gnocchi should be cooked through but not mushy, and the sauce thickened somewhat.

Cook an additional minute or two if necessary.

Serve immediately garnished with vegan parmesan and fresh basil.

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Vegan Jambalaya (Serves 2) • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion (180g), finely chopped • 4 celery sticks , finely chopped • 1 yellow pepper , chopped • 2 tsp smoked paprika • ½ tsp chilli flakes • ½ tsp dried oregano • 115g brown basmati rice • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 2 garlic cloves , finely grated • 400g butter beans , drained and rinsed • 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder • large handful of parsley , chopped ONE Heat the oil in a large pan set over a high heat and fry the onion, celery and pepper, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins until starting to soften and colour.

TWO Stir in the spices and rice, then tip in the tomatoes and a can of water. Stir in the garlic, beans and bouillon. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 25 mins until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Keep an eye on the pan towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it doesn’t boil dry – if it starts to catch, add a little more water. Stir in the parsley and serve hot.

Recipes from bbcgoodfood.com

Vegan Meringues (Makes 10-12) • 400g can chickpeas • 100g golden caster sugar • soya cream and fruit, to serve (optional) ONE Heat oven to 110C/90C fan/gas ¼ and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Drain the can of chickpeas over a bowl, saving the chickpeas for another recipe.

TWO Using an electric whisk, beat the chickpea water until soft peaks form (similar to egg whites).

Add the sugar a little at a time, whisking constantly until thick and glossy. This step is crucial to helping the meringues hold their shape and you’ll be whisking for up to 10 mins – far longer than for a traditional meringue.

THREE Spoon or pipe the meringue mixture over the tray in 8cm blobs. Bake for 1 hr 15 mins until crisp. Leave to cool, then pile with the soya cream and fruit, if using.

Spinach & Apple Smoothie (Makes 1) • 1 apple • 1 date • 1 celery stick • 4 cubes of frozen spinach (100g / 3.5oz ) • squeeze of fresh lemon juice • small handful of walnuts • 250ml / 8.5 fl.oz almond milk • 250ml / 8.5 fl.oz water ONE Quarter the apple and remove the core, top and tail the celery and cut it into small pieces and remove the stone from the date. Add all three ingredients to a blender along with the spinach, a squeeze of lemon, the walnuts, almond milk and water. Blend until smooth then serve.

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