HOME & GARDEN

T&K’s Insulate+ Replacement Roof system

creates an all-year round living space

Astylish insulated roof tiled roof can now replace transparent glass roofs which have been the norm for conservatories for many years.

Multi-award-winning T&K Home Improvements are leading the way in the innovative roof styles which not only look great but will insulate your home and significantly reduce energy costs from older roofs.

A change in building regulations has enabled the reliable and trusted brand to launch the new product range – T&K’s Insulate+ Replacement Roof system. Until recently, a conservatory roof was required to have a minimum 75% transparency. While this ensured the space was flooded with natural light it also meant the conservatory would be far too hot in summer and too cold in winter to use. The launch of a new solid roof system offers a stylish alternative which are tailor made to fit the existing framework so a conservatory can be transformed with minimal disruption to an all-year-round living space.

Thermally efficient transparent vents can also be added to the new roof to create more light and circulation of air in the summer months Adrian Timbers, Sales and Marketing Manager, said: “The changes in building regulations are great news for homeowners looking to update their conservatories to use.

“The insulated alternative will transform a conservatory into a contemporary extension which can be used all year round whilst reducing energy costs, carbon emissions and increasing the value of their home. Increased security and noise reduction are also other great benefits from transforming your tired conservatory roof. “It is now possible to have a living space that stays cool in the summer, warm in the winter and, at the same time, make significant reductions in energy bills. The continuing pressure on the price of materials and manufacturing means this a good time to buy rather than delaying the decision and then finding in the coming months that it will cost a lot more to make the changes, and with paying for a new roof monthly it makes it more affordable.” T&K guarantees the work unconditionally for ten years with the fitting undertaken by the family-run company’s team of experienced fitters. Monthly repayment plans are available to spread the costs for up to ten years.

‘The insulated alternative will transform a conservatory into a contemporary extension which can be used all year round whilst reducing energy costs’

Established 1979

44% OFFUP TO

T&K Home Improvements are celebrating their 44th anniversary in February with a limited offer – up to 44 per cent off all products. The offer, which ends on February 28th, will mean yet more clients can discover just what makes the company’s quality installations stand out from the crowd.

The company has a 98 per cent recommendation on Which? and products have police approved security. It was named UK Manufacturer of the Year in 2021 and UK Installer of the Year in 2022. Call now on 0800 622 716 or visit www.tkhi.co.uk Quote NEWROOF44.

Visiting Three Shires Hospital

At Three Shires Hospital, we see both Private and NHS patients! We will assess your problem quickly and build a bespoke treatment plan around your individual needs. If you’re an NHS patient, why not speak to your GP about getting referred to us? Private patients can simply call, or book online. Take a look at some of the services we offer:  Cardiology  Cosmetic Surgery  Dermatology  Ear, nose & throat (ENT) services  Gastroenterology  General surgery  Imaging Department with MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray and Fluoroscopy  Men’s Health  Oncology  Ophthalmology  Orthopaedics  Pain management  Physiotherapy  Rheumatology  Women’s Health

Had a carpal tunnel op. All staff from reception to surgery were amazing, friendly, and informative. Questions were answered quickly and effectively. Google review 2022

To find out more information you can scan the QR code or you can call us on 01604 620311 to arrange an appointment!

25948 2334 MKT ADV / 12.2022

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Office: 01604 871196 Mobile: 07931 605647 email: Lee@storkrenovate.co.uk www.storkrenovate.co.uk

DIGGING DEEP

The Big Garden Birdwatch

If you are sat with a hot-off-the-press copy of Pulse, you will still be in time to partake in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this year.

In the last 50 years due to the nature and climate emergency more than 38 million birds have been lost from UK skies.

The Big Garden Birdwatch is an opportunity to document what is happening to the birdlife where you live, by simply counting the birds on your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour.

But even if you’ve missed the chirpy event in 2023 (over the weekend of January 27-29) there is nothing to stop you encouraging and enticing feathered friends to your garden right away.

If you want to incorporate a bird feeder or table into your garden, think about where it will be most useful – it should be somewhere quiet and safe. Avoid placing it close to bushes where predators could be waiting, but ensure it is close enough to cover so the birds can easily dart to and from the table. And it should be sheltered from harsh winds.

Disease is easily spread and can be fatal, so bird feeders need to be cleaned weekly with warm soapy water and dried thoroughly before refilling.

A constant water source is just as important – a saucer or shallow plastic tub will suffice; birds don’t care about the pattern on the pot!

Don’t be surprised if you don’t have an influx of beaky sorts flying in on day one, it can take a while for them to find and explore a new feeder, but patience will pay off.

Not all birds will use feeders and blackbirds are ground eaters who enjoy getting stuck into fatty nibbles and mealworms.

Don’t have a garden? No problem – you can still attract birds to your property; even if you live in a flat, a little bird feeder attached to the window will attract tits and prove a far better source of entertainment than the small screen!

We have a feeder attached to an upstairs window and have enjoyed generations of blue tit and great tits families visiting daily for the past few years.

Pigeons and collared doves drink from the water tub attached to the ledge, and the fat balls hanging from the window proved a regular temptation for a magnificent great spotted woodpecker last summer.

Robins seemed all the more visible during the recent cold snap; one landed at our feet outside a shop in a very urban setting – the ground was snow covered and hard, and food scarce. I took to leaving the house with a pocket full of seeds and nuts to help them out!

In readiness for spring planting, I cleared a yard of weeds and general garden waste while the snow was down and a robin introduced himself and patiently sat on the fence hoping to hoover up any little live snacks I uncovered. They are called the gardener’s friend with good reason!

Birds bring colour, life and delight to gardens. Ditch the plastic grass and set about improving their lives. In return, they’ll remind you to stop, slow down and appreciate their beauty - and the sound of birdsong is food for the soul.

Top Tip...

There can be a tendency to hold back from getting out into the early year chill, but this is the time to get busy – plan now, and you’ll reap the success later.

What summer bulbs are you thinking of? Gladioli perhaps, lilies maybe? Get them ordered, and start looking at those planting positions.

Prune evergreens and winter-flowering shrubs that have bloomed, and with frost a concern, tree and soft fruit can use a helping hand if they are to crop well; small fruit trees will benefit from fleece covers (overnight only, remove during the day). Strawberries will also benefit from the same treatment, or the use of a cloche.

Pic: Nigel Blake rspb-images.com

How does your garden grow?

Snowdrops – the joy of spring! I am going to dig up individual or small groups of snowdrops which appear in odd places around the garden and replant them together to make larger groups, for more visual impact.

I have been tidying-up the overwintered perennials, removing dead stems and leaves, then working the surrounding soil with a hand fork. The birds soon find pest larvae and slug eggs which have overwintered. The wisteria over the French window needs pruning. I take the side shoots down to two or three buds from the main framework branches.

The white-flowered Buddleja at the side of the driveway needs to be pruned severely, as it flowers on new growth,

I will be sowing sweet peas, three seeds in a cream pot (which has had some holes made at the base for drainage) to give them a deep root run, hoping to make a better show than last year.

My Dahlia tubers did not like the drought of the summer. I’ll soak them before planting them up in potting compost.

Two of my bird boxes were not used last spring. After cleaning them out I will reposition them in the other garden.

Looking forward to better weather with growing anticipation!

Ralph Westmoreland, Denton & District Gardening Club member

> Denton & District Gardening Club is a small, friendly club which meets on a Monday evening every month. New members and visitors are always welcome. For more information please contact Margaret at m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk or 01604 890875.