Select Magazine Gosforth - Winter 2020

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EE

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Gosforth

ISSUE 16 WINTER 2020

LOCAL NEWS

INTERIORS

LIFESTYLE

FOOD

Gosforth Wellbeing & Beauty

Helping you to be the best version of yourself

Handmade Art Jewellery Find the perfect gift, with Ouseburn jewellery artist Silverkupe

The ct Perfe as tm Chris e Tre Centre

en to s Gard Dobbie expert guide eir es e r t s give th a ristm real Ch

The MODERN

YOGA

Practice yoga online or at this tranquil studio on Gosforth High Street 1

5 Reasons we recommend ZEISS

GOSFORTH

ZEISS UVProtect Technology A higher level of UV protection, which enables clear ZEISS lenses to block harmful UV rays up to 400 nm.

This is the same standard of UV protection premium sunglasses provide.

ZEISS FaceFit Technology Matches the unique facial anatomy for full potential of lens zones.

ZEISS FrameFit+Technology Optimised lens performance in any frame.

ZEISS Luminance Design Technology

Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses At the dawn of winter, as the light changes

Technology that incorporates the pupil size for driving in mesopic conditions and optimises the lens design accordingly.

across our beautiful part of the world, it’s important that we keep on top of our vision and the health of our eyes. Many people feel uncomfortable

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ZEISS DuraVision DriveSafe DuraVision® DriveSafe Coating is an anti-reflective coating that partially reflects specific wavelengths responsible for glare.

difficult light or weather conditions. Driving can be stressful at the best of times, no matter how far the distance. At Concept Eye Clinic, we firmly believe that good vision is vital for safety.

Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses 30% OFF - LIMITED PERIOD T&C’s Apply

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T H E MO D E R N YO G A STU DIO STUDIO & ONLINE CLASSES 7 DAYS A WEEK CLASSES FOR ALL LEVELS From Beginners to Advanced Yogi’s.

Flow, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, Pregnancy

New to The Modern Yoga offers 4 studio classes for £25 4 online classes for £15

Join us at www.themodernyoga.co.uk 1st floor, The Former Fire Station, High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HH e: themodernyoga@gmail.com

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Welcome

Welcome to Select magazine, a quarterly publication, featuring a mix of local business articles, editorial features and adverts from some of the finest businesses in the local area.

If you’re interested in advertising in the magazine please email info@selectmagazinene.co.uk or call Richard on 07526 522272. www.selectmagazinene.co.uk

Select Magazines, PO Box 225, Bedlington, NE63 3FL Cover: Joe Browns

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause. Select Magazines do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.

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ADVERTIS ING FEATU RE

The Modern Yoga Studio

Based in the Old Fire Station on Gosforth High Street, Rebecca Cairney’s studio is a place where people can practice yoga, be inspired and make connections.

T

he Modern Yoga is a yoga studio which opened its doors at the start of 2019. Its founder Rebecca Cairney is a local resident and a mother who left a successful career in marketing to become a yoga teacher. She wanted a studio that was both a sanctuary from the pressures of everyday life and to build upon the strong yoga community already created in the area.

ABOUT THE STUDIO

The studio occupies the 1st floor of the renovated Former Fire Station. A building restored 6

to its former glory and featuring several independent small businesses.

There are several teachers at the studio which provides a range of classes, courses and workshops including vinyasa flow, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, beginners and pregnancy yoga to suit all levels. The studio is bright and welcoming and has proved a hit in the local area bringing all ages and abilities together.

ONLINE CLASSES

As well as in-studio teaching yogi’s can enjoy a range of

classes streamed into their homes using Zoom which has proved a popular addition to the studio timetable during the lockdown months. Students can book classes when it’s convenient to them and also enjoy classes from guest teachers.

A SAFE PLACE TO PRACTICE Due to the COVID-19 pandemic every effort has been made to make the studio a safe place to practice where students have real peace of mind. When in the studio yogis can expect strict sanitation and deep cleaning,

“ Wonderful! Always a good class, every teacher is so knowledgeable, skilled, kind and helpful.

It’s a lovely little community” - Yoga student improved air quality and ventilation with new air cleaning equipment, longer times between classes to allow for studio cleaning and safe social distancing between yogi’s. The in-studio class sizes have also been reduced giving students more space on their mats.

Student safety and wellbeing is their number one priority.

so gratifying to be able to teach and share our practice. What’s also lovely is the fantastic feedback we get from our students”.

A YOGA COMMUNITY

“All teachers are so lovely and welcoming. I didn’t know there was such a variety of styles, it’s given me the chance to try different ones totally getting me hooked into yoga!

Rebecca always wanted to add to the yoga community in Gosforth – ‘In these difficult times I believe people need yoga more than ever and it’s

“Wonderful! Always a good class, every teacher is so knowledgeable, skilled, kind and helpful. It’s a lovely little community”

“Great. Have only done through Zoom, but feel very included in the Modern Yoga Community”.

To book a studio or online class visit www.themodernyoga.co.uk or you can email themodernyoga@gmail.com.

If you haven’t practiced with the studio before, they have a couple of New to The Modern Yoga offers: 4 studio classes for £25 4 online classes for £15 ■ The Modern Yoga, 234-236 High Street, The Former Fire Station, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1HH www.themodernyoga.co.uk 7

Howlett & Dickinson are pleased to announce that we are able to offer our patients 3D-printed Phits™ – which are the first & only 3D printed orthotics based on dynamic Gait scanning.

From SCAN to SOLE Step 1- footscan and analysis

We will discuss with you your medical history and your activities, then scan and analyse your gait using our foot scan system.

Step 2- 3D-printing Based on this data we create a design for you which is then 3D-printed into an ultralight custom orthotic.

Step 3 - Quality control and delivery When ready we will invite you in to fit your orthotic to make sure your body gets the balance it needs with every step.

HCPC Registered Podiatrists 25 Ashburton Road | Gosforth | NE3 4XN T: 0191 284 3698 W: www.chiropodistsnewcastle.co.uk Accredited Practice by the College of Podiatry 8

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ADVERTIS ING FEATU RE

Handmade Art-Jewellery

S

ituated in Ouseburn, the artistic engineroom of Newcastle, Silverkupe offers unique handmade jewellery for discerning clients.

After more than 20 years of teaching landscape architecture and 3D modelling, Emine started her jewellery journey in 2017 and never looked back.

Originally from Istanbul, she lives in Whitley Bay and creates her contemporary jewellery from the BBox Studios in Newcastle.

Since the beginning of her creative journey Emine has always been fascinated by colour, texture and form. She uses a combination of techniques in her creations, such as traditional silversmithing, metalclay, and sculptural and enamelling techniques. She seeks to bring together the individual characteristics of different materials and techniques to construct unmistakable pieces.

Colour plays an important role in her designs also. Emine achieves deep blacks by selective oxidisation, intense blues and reds by vitreous enamels, and adds indulgence to her designs with 24k gold-accents. Her pieces get hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office.

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Emine’s modern silver art-jewellery, with its pop of colour and gold, might be just the thing you are looking for.

Emine’s expressive jewellery offers a contemporary twist on more traditional ideas. Due to handmade process, every single piece is one-of-a- kind. Currently she has four collections within her portfolio, Colour Seeds, Dotty, Simplicity and Half & Half that reflects her unique design.

You can find her art-jewellery in fourteen galleries and gift shops across the UK and on her website. Up until recently, she also exhibited her designs in many UK locations such as London, York, Newcastle,

Durham, Saltaire, Glasgow and, of course, Whitley Bay. Speaking about life as a designer-maker and her business values, Emine said: ‘Jewellery and precious metals play an important role in traditional Turkish culture. Just have a look at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul!

This culture is embedded in me.

I am also fascinated by how silver, and indeed gold, can be endlessly recycled, and how every bit of discarded metal can eventually be turned into a beautiful piece. I use eco-friendly jewellery presentation boxes and my postage material is all recycled’.

Emine has been living in the UK since 1999 and the name ‘Silverkupe’ encapsulates her background and her future.

‘Küpe’ means an earring in Turkish. As a child and a teenager, Emine always liked silver jewellery and especially earrings. So she combined two words from the two different

cultures to which she belongs to create her brand name.

Emine loves teaching and enjoys seeing people developing and finding out what they are cable of doing. She gives jewellery-making workshops at her studio. These are currently one-to-one only. Workshops from her range are proving to be popular gifts. You can select from six different workshops, ranging from introductory silverclay to more advanced silversmithing techniques. She is planning further options for her workshop portfolio to spread the joy of making even more!

Emine’s modern silver art-jewellery, with its pop of colour and gold, might be just the thing you are looking for.

You can select a statement piece or everyday jewellery to accompany your individual style.

Emine also accepts bespoke commissions and designs the pieces according to her client’s needs, desires and visions.

And if you cannot decide what to choose for a loved one, she offers personalized gift cards as well.

■ Silverkupe Jewellery & Workshops, BBox Studios, Studio 30, Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AN www.silverkupe.com contact@silverkupe.com 11

ADVERTIS ING FEATU RE

Don’t miss a thing

DriveSafe Zeiss lens technology for all round vision confidence

A testament to the benefits of an eye examination with Concept, is the growing number of patients, including many medical practitioners, who have joined our eye care programme after lockdown. With advanced diagnostics, Concept Eye Clinic are independent leaders in vision correction, clinical screening and the management of early anterior and posterior eye conditions before it’s too late.

Included in your eye care plan, the advanced eye examination at

12

Concept takes place in Theatre One. With space age technology, you can now see what your optometrist can see in real time with style and comfort and, uncompromising attention to detail.

Your eye examination includes 3D retinal scanning (OCT), wide field retinal photography, anterior eye photography and iProfiler for customised Zeiss lenses. We advise this for all adults and especially those with a family history of eyeconditions or systemic conditions such as heart disease.

With the very latest Zeiss instruments and lens portfolio, we can confidently say, the DriveSafe lens by Zeiss is a life changing lens not just for the road but for your every day needs. DriveSafe provides luminance design technology - with added comfort to enhance your vision in low light conditions and can reduce traffic glare by up to 64% and takes into account different light conditions and pupil sizes for natural vision.

Quite simply this means you won’t miss a single detail on the road – even in rain, mist or at dusk.

We all know driving can be stressful at the best of times. Here at Concept, we are independently invested in providing you with the very best in eye care. With seasonal light variances, we firmly believe that good vision is vital for safety.

DriveSafe lenses help provide better re-focusing on the road, between your dashboard and mirrors and perception of contrast and colour.

They are also brilliant for every day spectacle wearers.

Book your eye examination and ask about DriveSafe today.

Available in both single and progressive lens design.

Call us 0191 2851603 ■ Concept Eye Clinic, 157 - 159 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HB concepteyeclinic.com

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IS HALLOWEEN CANCELLED?

By Sarah Davey Trick-or-Treat is either a fun chance to dress-up and claim free sweets from neighbours, or it's an antisocial American travesty which has infiltrated these shores. I happen to fall squarely in the latter camp, my kids, the former. They start planning their outfits in March. I don't want to rain on their scary parades, but what should we do about Halloween in the face of a global pandemic?

It's not certain that any of our neighbours will actually welcome my young visitors (or plague-bearers as I’ve come to think of them of them since their return to school) to their doorsteps, no matter how cute their costumes or beguiling their manners.

And frankly I'd freak out about them grabbing handfuls of potentially COVID-coated Crunchie bars, so I'm not exactly devastated that I won't have to accompany them door-to-door and smile apologetically as they beg for treats. But neither am I a total killjoy, so I've come up with some ideas for alternative activities: Hang a spooky piñata for your children in your own back garden.

Create a haunted house for your kids at home. Let them dress up and be scared in a fun-but-safe way.

Create a spooky scavenger hunt inside and out.

Leave clues, or a trail of blood, or spiders.

Snuggle up and watch a 'scary' movie...something like Monsters Inc or The Corpse Bride (depending on age). Read age-appropriate ghost stories in the dark in front of the fire, or if the weather is favourable, go outside, snuggle under blankets, light pumpkins and toast marshmallows on a camping stove or fire pit.

That’s the sort of trick-or-treat night I could get behind.

I suppose we should also leave a bowl of Quality Street and bottle of hand sanitizer on the doorstep and wave at the hardcore trick-or-treaters from the safety of the upstairs window.

Whatever you decide, have a Happy COVID-safe Halloween!

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LOCAL NEWS

Alnwick Garden WELCOMING VISITORS BACK AGAIN

T

he Alnwick Garden is back open, and all the staff are looking forward to welcoming guests back to the multi-award winning visitor attraction once again.

However, in keeping with these unprecedented times, there have been some changes to the Alnwick Garden experience to help keep all visitors safe, whilst making your visit as enjoyable as possible.

The garden will open from 9am – 6pm every day, and all bookings must be made online or by telephone. The site will also be cashless.

Visitors will be required to book their tickets online and, whilst booking, you can select the day and the time that you wish to arrive. All Friends of The Alnwick Garden will receive a letter or email with a dedicated phone number and web URL to allow you to book your visit slot.

The Garden have also got the official seal of approval from VisitBritain to say that they are following government and industry Covid-19 guidelines.

Check out the list of safely measures on the opposite page for all visitors over the coming months to ensure everyone has a pleasant, enjoyable and safe experience.

Keeping the garden in order and clean has been the teams priority. Your safety is their top concern 16

and they have taken the time over the last few weeks to make sure they are ready for your return.

Alnwick Garden is the brainchild of The Duchess of Northumberland, and is a multi-award winning visitor attraction based just south of Alnwick Town Centre, clearly signposted off the A1.

The Garden boasts 12 acres of meandering and magnificent Gardens, and is home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets, and the worlds largest Treehouse Restaurant. Unfortunately the restaurant is currently closed due to Covid restrictions but keep visiting their website for details of it’s reopening.

The Garden is a peacful and tranquil haven to spend hour after hour wandering amongst the Roses, the Ornamental Garden and the Cherry Blossom or just kicking back to take it all in on one of the 50 swinging benches.

The Garden is a registered charity, and any surplus from it’s running is re-invested into improving and developing The Alnwick Garden for the future through one of their charity programmes, helping people in and around Northumberland from a variety of social backgrounds.

■ www.alnwickgarden.com

Here are some of the safely measures, restrictions and rules in place for all visitors over the coming months to ensure everyone has a pleasant, enjoyable and safe experience:

·· ··

Images: Alnwick Garden

·· ·· ·· ·· ·· ·· ·· ·· ··

·· ··

Please ensure you arrive at your selected time with your booking confirmation. The staff will not be able to admit you into The Garden without it, or if you arrive earlier/later than the time specified on your booking confirmation.

If you are driving to The Alnwick Garden, please be considerate of those around you whilst parking, leaving or returning to your vehicle.

Paying for parking will be via contactless card payment only, and you are able to park anywhere other than the first tier which is reserved for Blue Badge holders only.

Please follow the one-way routes where applicable. If you need to double back, please do so at the earliest juncture instead of turning around as this compromises the safety of other visitors.

The Gift Shop and Plant Centre have temporarily relocated. You are able to visit these areas even if you do not have a ticket.

Please follow the signage on the one-way system to access these areas.

The Gift Shop and Plant Centre will only be accepting card payments.

Masks must be worn inside the Gift Shop, Pavilion Kitchen (unless seated inside) and The Bakery.

There will be limited toilet facilities available, these will be cleaned every 20 minutes for your safety.

Within The Garden you are free to move around at your leisure, however, the onus is on you to ensure that you and your family exercise the 2 metre rule. Please be respectful of others space and safety.

The Garden will have hand sanitiser available across the site. Please feel free to use this as and when you deem necessary.

The Garden will be allowing picnics on site.

If you have any litter please make sure you dispose of it responsibly or take it home with you. Littering puts both visitors and staff at risk.

The Poison Garden will be open, but unfortunately there will be no guided tours.

Instead, you can learn about what’s in the Poison Garden using a QR code reader app on your smart phone, or by purchasing one of our Poison Garden books available in the Gift Shop.

The swinging benches are being thoroughly sanitised twice a day. If you do wish to use the swinging benches please utilise the sanitisers available at the top of the Cherry Orchard before and after use.

At this time our children’s tractors will be unavailable. This will be used as an opportunity to send them off for an MOT and a full valet so they’re all set for next season!

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EDU C ATIO N

The Coding Conundrum How to get kids learning to code

By Kevin Shen

When my son Lee started secondary school this year, the subject he was most looking forward to studying was computer science. He wants to learn to code and create his own programs. But a few weeks in and he was starting to lose enthusiasm.The problem is that he hasn’t yet touched a computer, only partly because of COVID safety procedures. They learn about programming and how computers work, but it’s all on paper without a single line of code. I looked at his syllabus and frankly it’s not going to get much better for several months!

Computer science courses at school talk about computers much more than they talk about programming. Kids desperate to code become frustrated and switch off from the subject.

Fewer children in the UK are now progressing to become computer programmers. That’s unfortunate when it’s one of the most sought after skills in today’s workforce.

There is a shortage of specialist computer science teachers. Most computer programmers work in industry, where salaries are higher. So children are taught by non-specialists who mostly do not have a software engineering background. Hence the syllabus becomes weighted to teaching general computing rather than coding.

HOW DO WE TURN KIDS ON TO CODING? Most want to create the next top selling computer games, or a killer app for their phone. How 20

do we harness that and create the next generation of coders?

Learning is currently going through big changes thanks to the pandemic. We can’t rely on having kids in a classroom with their teacher for the whole of a term at the moment because of various year groups or members of a bubble needing to selfisolate. But online learning opens up an almost infinite number of options for students. Web sites like Udemy or Coursera offer high-quality, well-taught courses in a vast range of topics.

For Lee I found a Udemy course, tailored to his age range that taught coding through designing and building games (www.udemy.com/course/ learn-python-by-coding-games).

It teaches Python, the same programming language that he’ll use at school, and indeed the one most schools use. All the lessons

are video, so there’s no reading long documents. Coding starts as soon as the programming software (which is free!) is installed. He can go at his own pace, take lessons whenever he wants, and replay explanations as many times as he wants until he fully understands. Personal help is just a few clicks away.

Send a message and an answer comes back in about a day or so from the actual tutor. It’s just like having a private computer science teacher at a fraction of the cost - less than the cost of a single tutor session in fact!

SO HOW’S HE DOING? The enthusiasm is back. He’s blasting through the lessons and loving it. At this rate he’ll finish the course this term which will take him to GCSE coding standard in just a few months.

After that the sky’s the limit.

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Aerobic Bumps Aerobic Bumps is designed to increase energy levels in pregnancy, and stay active until birth.

• Acupuncture for everyone from children to older people, including fertility and facial enhancement acupuncture.

• Pregnancy massage and traditional Tuina massage.

• Daytime and evening Yoga classes. Studio space available.

• Appointments at our daytime and evening clinics, open six days a week.

• A calm and friendly environment.

• The same practitioner to treat you every time you visit.

• Fully qualified practitioners registered with The British Acupuncture Council.

t to : u wan Do yo

• Sleep better • Feel energised • Understand pregnancy and postnatal exercise The class is a no impact aerobic class specifically for mums, with exercise to music, strengthening, toning and relaxation.

Thursday 7-8pm Trinity Church, Gosforth ALL CLASSES NOW FACE 2 FACE

To book call Debbie 07846 237 855 or email debbie.donaldson1@sky.com www.debbiedonaldson.co.uk

At Concept, our community and relationship with the environment is at the heart of what we do. We recycle old spectacles to reduce our plastic footprint and actively help address visual impairment for those that need us most. We believe that healthy eyes make all the difference to a person’s quality of life and dignity.

Simply bring your old glasses in (without the case) to help us collect for the 'Lion's Club' an international foundation to help those with vision loss. tel:

0191 285 1603

email:

info@concepteyeclinic.com

ift 23

ADVERTIS ING FEATU RE

How we look can determine how we feel. It’s been a turbulent time with social challenges carrying our sense of mortality and wellbeing to the fore. The pandemic has provided many of us rare opportunity to pause and reflect, but we continue to live with an increased pace and expectation. We have one life to carry our human need to feel confident and be the best version of ourselves.

Perhaps the time to make a difference to your health and wellbeing is now. At our new centre in the heart of Gosforth High Street, you will find a dedicated selection of therapists, combining decades of experience to help you feel good, nurtured and empowered.

Welcome to Gosforth Beauty and Wellbeing By appointment Only.

Hair by Carla at BSolo “Carla has been working miracles with my hair for over 10 years. I’ve tried other hairdressers during this time and recommend her highly” Kristi Maugham

A Gosforth girl at heart, Carla is a charismatic hair stylist with a loyal following. Her warmth and experience in the hair industry is underpinned by a fervent desire to keep on top of the latest and most effective style and therapeutic trends such as Balayage and products including Moroccan Oil and Olaplex.

07387 846532 macecarla@yahoo.com

Lamai Thai Massage With a restorative massage, you can escape the pressures of life. Talented thai therapists led

by Mattaneya will relieve pain, ease muscle aches, improve blood flow, allow your body to de-stress and relax. Lamai Traditional Thai Massage believes in the interconnection of the body and mind. It was voted as one of the top things to do in Gosforth by TripAdvisor, and receives regular 5 star reviews by those who have derived lasting personal benefit..

0191 2855 644 info@lamaithaimassage.co.uk 24

Beauty By Daisy Anne Having worked in luxury salons across the world, Daisy brings home her experience specialising in holistic health, beauty and nutrition. She is also qualified to provide intolerance testing and bespoke diet plans. “Beauty has to be skin deep. At my Gosforth salon I will be offering face, eye lash and beauty treatments, including occasional make up” Contact via instagram

daisyanne_mua

advanced facials beauty & spa therapies

City Retreat by Lesley Caster With over 30 beauty industry awards for outstanding service and care, City Retreat founded by Lesley Caster, is predicated on treating skin beyond the surface. “Following the success of our Jesmond salon, I’m delighted to be part of the Gosforth Beauty and Wellbeing Centre, where we will be offering a range of advanced skin care, including; HydroFacial, ELEMIS BioTec, CACI Non Surgical Face Lift, Dermalogica Skin Care and Skin Peels to name a few. Our skin specialists will deliver a 360-degree approach with tailored facials, a full range of pregnancy treatments and of course.. our signature spa therapies!”

Advanced Beauty

by Victoria Lockyer Victoria specialises in facial treatments and body sculpting including anti-ageing, microdermabrasion, LED phototherapy and IPL (intense pulsed light) which is medically certified to help with skin concerns such as rosacea, broken capillaries, pigmentation, acne, scarring and sun damage. “I alwasy start with a bespoke plan, and my treatments are designed to enhance appearances without the extremity of invasive procedures.”

07477581410 www.advancedbeautycare.co.uk

0191 281 9222 beauty@city-retreat.com

Alan Brice Counselling / Supervision

S.N (Gosforth)

Counselling with Alan Brice info@lamaithaimassage.co.uk Moni Brow The art of brow threading originated from the cultures of India and Iran over 6,000 years ago.

Moni brings an age old tradition to Gosforth with skill and attunement. Having trained at Agra and Rajasthan, she's been perfecting her precision brow technique from a young age.

Much sought after by those ‘in the know’, Moni has a deep affinity with your style. She works quickly with results that speak for themselves.

07884 444487

We sometimes need a private space to reflect. With over 30 years therapeutic and clinical supervisory experience, Alan Brice (accredited with the BACP) brings expert knowledge to help you work through your emotional needs. Alan has taught his subject at both Durham and Newcastle Universities.

“It’s a privilege and delight to help people and to see their progress through difficulties.

Counselling offers an opportunity to talk about things that often are hard to discuss, and I hope I can make it easier to do that.”

0773 683 1479 alanbrice1@postmaster.co.uk 25

FA

CE

2F

AC

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LA

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ES

Aerobic Mums Tums and Bums is a fun postnatal exercise class aimed at increasing your energy levels, toning your body, whilst bringing your baby with you.

Do you want to:

• Flatten you mummy tummy • Regain your strength and fitness • Tighten and tone your muscles • Feel energised The class is a low impact aerobic class specifically designed for mums, with exercise to music, strengthening, toning and relaxation.

Babies welcome too.

Monday 1-2pm at Trinity Church, Gosforth

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To book call Debbie 07846 237 855 or email: debbie.donaldson1@sky.com www.debbie.donaldson.co.uk

27

FAS HIO N

Love Thy Tailor

By Tracey Anderson

M

ost people think tailors are for rich gentlemen who frequent Saville Row, but tailoring is not as expensive as you might think, and it will save you money in the long run because if you love an item of clothing you're far less likely to replace it. At the low-price end are simple fixes such as hemming a dress or trousers; at the more expensive end will be adjusting the shoulders of a jacket.

Tailoring opens up possibilities because it allows you to buy high-quality second-hand items, or designer items on the sale rack, knowing you can get the fit altered.

Most importantly it helps your clothes look better than they did when you bought them. A slight change in fit can make a huge difference. Unless you habitually buy 'bespoke', clothing is sized in a 'good enough' way to fit most people well enough. Tailoring is the difference between an item that fits 'well enough' and one that fits perfectly.

SIMPLE HEMMING You can get skirts, trousers, jeans, dresses, and too-long shirts hemmed. When you get rid of the excess fabric at the base, you get clean lines for a sleek look. Wash new jeans before you take them in though as they nearly always shrink a little in the wash.

SHORTENING SHOULDER STRAPS The way the shoulders fit is crucial to making an item look nice overall.

If the shoulder straps on a shirt or dress won’t stay up, get them shortened. Anything sleeveless, or with straps is typically easy to alter.

ZIP REPLACEMENT Buy exactly what you want from the haberdashery section of a fabric store and ask the tailor to replace it.

TAKING IN The straight seams that run down the sides of shirts and dresses are easy to take in. A common

“Tailoring opens up possibilities because it allows you to buy high-quality second-hand items, or designer items on the sale rack, knowing you can get the fit altered.”

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alteration to blouses and dress shirts is darting, a process where extra seams are placed in the back or sides of a shirt to remove baggy fabric. If you find that you frequently have to size up a blouse to fit your chest properly - leaving extra fabric around your waist darting is an inexpensive way to reshape the garment.

Sleeves also tend to have straight seams running down their lengths, which a tailor can easily take in. The same works for trousers that are too loose in the leg. There is a limit though: if something is several sizes too big the alterations will throw the proportions out of balance, but a size or two is doable.

WHEN SHOPPING: Clothing sizing for women is so variable as to be useless. Try things on, find the best fit, then have them tailored.

Buy clothes that fit the biggest or widest part of your body, and then have them tailored down. If you are between sizes, size up and tailor down.

Ask for a recommendation. If you admire the way a friend dresses, they may well have a tailor and will be flattered that you asked. Highend and designer shops may be able to recommend tailors too.

of e g n ra ade to e g u h lity m nds qua sure bli meatorised blidndaswnings • Mo opies an n • Ca fect fit r e • P tters u h S n • netia e V • d e t a • Ple ler l o R l • rtica e V • od • Wo el n a •P man • Ro x lu • Ve

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FAS HIO N

Pack a punch with

P A I S L E Y Ditch the florals and experiment with this wonderful wintery print instead 8.

1.

7.

2.

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Above: Perfect Paisley Dress | £40 | Joe Browns

4.

6.

5.

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1. Emma Willis Sheer Shirt | £32 | Next 2. Pink Midi Dress | £25 | Florence & Fred 3. ‘Danny’ Printed Top | £45 | Monsoon 4. ‘Powder’ Tiger Print Scarf | £22 | John Lewis 5. Vintage Printed Gloves | £18 | Joe Browns 6. Odisha Silk Bandana | £32 | AllSaints 7. Shirred Blouse| £35.99 | Topshop 8. Printed Shirt Dress | £35 | Wallis 30

CLASSES NOW RS OUTDOO

. . . it's not just a walk in the park

Get fit with Buggyfit! ✔ Tighten and tone muscles ✔ Flatten your mummy tummy ✔ Make time for exercise ✔ Get back into your pre-baby clothes CLASSES:

Tuesday 9.45am & 10.45am - Jesmond Dene Tuesday 14.00pm - Morpeth Weds 10.00am & 11.00am - Gosforth Friday 10am - Ponteland To book call Debbie 07846 237 855 or email debbie.donaldson1@sky.com www.debbiedonaldson.co.uk

A DVE RT I SI NG F E AT URE

An expert guide to

Real Christmas Trees T

he focal point of the festive season has to be the Christmas tree. A day out to choose the perfect tree has become a magical highlight of the countdown to Christmas and it quickly becomes the star of the show once home and decorated.

The go-to destination for real Christmas trees, the experts at Dobbies Garden Centres, have put together their essential guide, including tips to help you choose the picture-perfect one, keep it looking its best, and finally what to do with it when the time comes to take it down.

In a change for 2020, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer is responding to demand and focusing on one type of real tree, the Nordmann Fir. Growing in popularity year-on-year, the traditional real tree has become a firm family favourite and here they explain why.

With everything you need to create the perfect Christmas, visit your local store Gosforth Park store or browse the online range at Dobbies.com.

■ CHOOSING YOUR TREE Healthy trees will have a shiny, glossy green coating on the needles which feels slightly waxy to touch.

A quality tree should have good needle retention and sturdy branches. Avoid bare branches test the needle retention by taking the tree by the trunk and give it a gentle tap on the ground. All evergreen trees lose needles all year round, but any more than a few fallen pine needles then you may want to reconsider your tree choice.

There are two main types, Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir - both available as cut or pot grown.

Nordmann Fir With its classic Christmas tree shape, glossy green foliage and fresh pine scent, it’s easy to see why this is by the far the most popular variety for the perfect festive centrepiece. British grown for Dobbies, the Nordmann

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Fir has good needle retention and the softer foliage makes it the ideal option for families with young children or pets.

Fraser Fir This tree is slightly narrower in shape, making it a good alternative for smaller areas, but still with plenty of taller options to make the most of vertical space.

Pot-Grown Not just a wonderful choice for Christmas, a pot-grown tree has extra green credentials given that it can planted outside afterwards, providing an environmentally friendly choice.

Once inside and decorated, this tree gives off a fresh and festive scent of natural pine, filling your home with the scent of Christmas.

They look equally as good outside your home. Wind battery operated outdoor fairy lights for the final finishing touch.

Each year, Christmas trees seem to go up earlier and earlier, but to keep your tree looking its best through

to the 25th, the best time to buy is the first or second weekend of December. The busiest day for real Christmas trees, dubbed ‘Bring Your Christmas Tree Home Day’, falls on the second Saturday in December, which falls on the 12th this year.

■ BRINGING YOUR TREE HOME An important first task - make sure you have emptied the car and have enough space to fit your tree, either inside or on the roof. To get your tree home safely, there are some simple steps to follow.

Netting helps protect it for the journey home. Put a blanket down to protect your car’s interior Securely fasten your tree down with rope or cable ties and drive slowly and carefully home.

Once you get home, take the tree out of the car and take out of the net as soon as possible. Then, remove a few inches from the base and stand in water. The sawing off of the stump should be done outside. Place it upright against an exterior wall or fence, out of direct sunlight if it is a warm winter’s day, as this will stop it drying out.

*Prices subject to change

NORDMANN FIR, STANDARD GRADE CUT (4-7FT) FROM £19.99

■ HOW TO KEEP YOUR TREE LOOKING ITS BEST Treat your tree with TLC. Un-net your tree and leave it to stand for 24-hours before decorating so that the branches can settle. As exciting as it can be to get the tree instantly up and decorated, it will look much better if you give the branches a chance to drop into place after being unnetted, you’ll then be able to see were best to place hanging decs, lights and baubles.

Opt for a stand with a water reservoir to prevent your tree from drying out and cover it with a Christmas tree skirt, which can help to achieve your overall look.

Your tree will need approximately 1-2 litres a day, depending on the temperature of the room.

Try to avoid putting your tree next to a radiator. Keep the room cool when it’s not in use.

If you are bringing a pot-grown tree indoors, be mindful to keep the compost moist but not wet.

If you find that your tree is too wide for the space you planned it for, you

FRASER FIR (4-5FT) FROM £29.99

POT GROWN NORDMANN FIR (1FT-5FT) FROM £14.99

can clip some of the larger branches lower down to make it fit. Save the cuttings, as these can make a lovely decorations, in vases or as part of a homemade wreath.

REBECCA STANTON, STYLIST AT DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES, SHARES HER TOP FOUR CHRISTMAS TREE STYLING TIPS

■ WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR REAL TREE AFTER CHRISTMAS Traditionally, the 5th or 6th January is when trees should be taken down and decorations packed away for another year, known as ‘Twelfth Night’.

Dobbies encourage people to recycle their trees. Christmas tree recycling points are located at your local household waste recycling centres.

If you opted for a pot-grown Christmas tree, remember to plant it as soon as possible in January so you can enjoy the following year. Select a spot that has well drained soil, sun, and enough space for the tree to sit comfortably. Then all you need to do is keep the tree watered and protected.

Water and feed your pot grown tree regularly in its first year when planted out in the garden.

1. LIGHT IT UP: No tree is complete without the twinkling of fairy lights, you will always need more than you think. Turn the lights on before moving to add baubles and decorations, to make sure you have good coverage all over.

3. LEVEL UP: To make a real statement, think big. Use extra-large baubles and clusters of smaller baubles together in your tree.

Carefully place your larger baubles first to ensure your tree feels balanced then work around to add in smaller baubles and decorations.

4. BAUBLE PACKS: To instantly update your usual Christmas tree style pick up one of our mixed size bauble packs, we have a variety of shades to suit any colour palette.

These baubles are great because not only do they instantly set the theme, they help to spread colour throughout your tree, think a base layer for you to build on top with your more special decorations.

5. A LAYER OF NATURE: Decorating your real tree doesn’t need to end at the baubles. Try adding some dried flowers to your tree to give that added layer of nature. You could use dried grasses, heather or eucalyptus to lay on the branches of your tree along with orange slices and cinnamon sticks to bring the smell of Christmas into your home.

■ Find out more at www.dobbies.com 33

Love your home, inside and out, the Stormshield Way! · GENUINE FAMILY BUSINESS · NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED · PRICES OVER PHONE IF REQUIRED

We are very proud of the reputation that we have built over the last 29 years.

As a genuine family run business, we have always provided a first class personal service with top quality products. When you choose Stormshield, you can relax in knowing you are working with a trusted family firm, who really cares. We’ll take care of everything - Fully project managed from start to finish and all building works undertaken.

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H E A LT H

OBESITY AND COVID-19 WHAT IS THE LINK?

By Louise Addison

COVID-19 and its effects have scared us all, health professionals and public alike. We’re still learning about the virus, but one fact has been all over the news in the past couple of months. Obese people (people with a BMI over 30) are more at risk of complications. Why is this? Most of my friends with BMIs close to, or greater than 30, seem perfectly healthy individuals.

Should they be worried?

In order to answer this question, we need to look at the immune system.

When we catch a virus our body’s defence system is triggered, and inflammation occurs. This is due to our all-purpose innate immune response, which serves as the first wave against foreign invaders. Blood flow increases to the infected area causing redness and swelling. When your nose blocks and becomes red when you catch a cold, that’s inflammation.

This reaction is caused by white blood cells called macrophages and the proteins they produce called cytokines. It’s the cytokines which trigger inflammation. Usually this inflammation is simply a sign that our body is releasing the hormones and proteins which activate our white blood cells to kickstart the recovery process, and ultimately defeat the infection. No inflammation means no defence… and that’s bad.

SO WHY IS OBESITY A PROBLEM? Well it turns out that white blood cells aren’t the only type of cell that have the ability to produce those inflammation-inducing cytokines.

Fat cells (adipocytes) can also do this. Scientists have learned that fat is an active endocrine organ, one that can secrete a whole host of 36

“Researchers in Canada analysed the flu records and found that people who were obese were statistically more likely to be admitted to hospital for respiratory diseases than those whose BMI was in the normal range.” proteins and chemicals, including inflammatory cytokines.

When your body keeps adding adipose tissue (fat) cytokines are released by your fat cells, triggering inflammation. Researchers even characterised obesity as ‘…a state of low-grade, chronic inflammation.’

This means that an obese body has its immune system permanently switched on and is therefore in a constant state of inflammation.

Over time this can lead to the development of both minor and major illness and conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO COVID-19?

Back in 2009 the H1N1 Swine Flu was at its most virulent, doctors in Spain noticed that overweight and obese patients were being admitted to intensive care units in

disproportionate numbers and took longer to recover than non-obese or overweight individuals. Their increased risk was attributed to the excess number of pro-inflammatory cytokines in their bodies.

Researchers in Canada then analysed the flu records for the previous 12 years and found that people who were obese were statistically more likely to be admitted to hospital for respiratory diseases than those whose BMI was in the normal range. They concluded that obese people were an “at risk” population during flu seasons due to their compromised immune response.

As we go into the winter and the risk of a second wave of coronavirus, if you have a BMI over 30 it makes sense to try to bring it down and minimise your risk. Talk to your GP.

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L O C A L A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

Enjoy your conservatory all year round If you’re fed up with your conservatory being either freezing cold or blistering hot. Here, Thermos Roof explain how they have the answer

Conservatories are a fantastic space to enjoy whilst looking out onto your garden, they are bright, spacious and give you a great sense of closeness to the outdoors.

However, as most conservatory owners will know, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually short lived and can only be enjoyed for two or three months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot.

At Thermos Roof, we have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons, firstly to increase its insulating performance and secondly to enhance its internal aesthetic appearance.

Experience will have shown you that in the winter as soon as you open the door the heat is sucked out of your room into the conservatory and, during the summer, it becomes a dazzling sauna that’s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermos Roof we can transform your conservatory from a room you barely use into a room that you can enjoy all year round, because the temperature is comfortable and constant, you will even be able to watch TV or use a computer without sunglasses.

What is most impressive is that we can do this all in one day! With no mess!

We retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it from the inside, finishing it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches perfectly with the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials we use are lightweight, therefore no roof strengthening is 38

required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home. In addition to this the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is now.

The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste, and less time to install saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately.

We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein its use is not dictated by the external weather conditions, it will become warm in winter and cool in summer.

In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up an unsightly dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter in the evenings by

reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work.

All installations come with a 5 year warranty and we guarantee that you will be amazed with both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof.

We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs.

Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory!

■ www.thermosroof.co.uk

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Call Steve on 01670 828 695 or 07901 506 645 or visit our website www.thermosroof.co.uk During these unprecedented times, to ensure your safety and ours, all our staff and fitters wear PPE where suitable and, upon completion of each job, your Conservatory will be fully disinfected.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

GIVE SOMEONE POWER OF ATTORNEY… BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE Lasting Powers of Attorney are invaluable documents as part of the overall planning of your estate as managing your financial affairs can become more difficult as you get older. If a person is unable to manage their affairs due to mental incapacity and they have not made a valid Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney, their assets will be frozen as no one (including their spouse and children) has the authority to deal with them.

At this point someone will need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as the person’s Deputy. The Court will then authorize the Deputy to deal with the person’s affairs in a certain manner. This is a very time consuming (around 6 months) and expensive (in the region of £1,750) process. This situation can be simply avoided through the making of a Lasting Power of Attorney.

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney you can decide whom you would like to manage your affairs in the event that you are unable to do so either due to physical or mental incapacity.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney that can be made, one dealing with your property and financial affairs and the other dealing with your personal welfare.

PERSONAL WELFARE This power gives your attorney the authority to make decisions regarding your healthcare and medical treatment.

PROPERTY AND AFFAIRS

This power enables your attorney to deal with your bank accounts and your property. This includes decisions in relation to selling or renting your property, paying your bills, applying for benefits you are entitled to and all aspects of dealing with your bank accounts, savings and investments.

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All work we undertake is at fixed fees: Single Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney: £300 inclusive of VAT Double Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (suitable for couples): £420 inclusive of VAT Single Will: £180 inclusive of VAT Mirror Will: £240 inclusive of VAT It is imperative that specialist advice is taken in order to ensure that the power given accurately reflects your wishes.

Call Crichton Wills Trusts & Probate on 01670 514772 and speak to a specialist adviser today who will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and offers a free no obligation appointment in the comfort of your own home.

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REC IPE

CHICKEN Jambalaya A CAJUN-INSPIRED RICE POT, THAT IS PURE COMFORT FOOD FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH FLAVOUR

This veg-rich tart – drizzled with spinach pesto, is well worth the effort, and makes the perfect dinner

Ingredients ½ tsp white peppercorns ½ tsp black peppercorns 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp cayenne 1 tsp dried thyme 2 bay leaves ½ tsp salt 2 tbsp neutral oil 2 smoked pork sausages, ideally andouille, but fresh Polish smoked sausages, smoked chorizo or would also do, cut into thick slices 4 bone-in chicken thighs 1 onion, finely chopped 1 red pepper, finely chopped 1 celery stick, finely chopped 4 spring onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed 800ml chicken or pork stock 1 tsp Tabasco or other hot sauce, plus extra to serve 300g long grain rice 300g large raw prawns 42

Serves: 4-6 ■ Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 50 mins + 10 minS resting time.

METHOD ➊ Turn the heat to high and in a small dry pan toast the peppercorns, paprika and cayenne. Grind them in a pestle and mortar until smooth. Add the thyme, bay leaves and salt then set one side. ➋ Lower the heat to medium and heat the oil in a lidded frying pan.

Add the sausage slices and cook until golden. Remove to drain on kitchen paper. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, remove and place with the sausage. ➌ Add the onion, green pepper, the white parts of the spring onions, and garlic to the pan. Cook until soft and translucent, then stir in the spice mix and cook for another couple of minutes. Return the chicken back into the pan and pour stock and Tabasco over everything.

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GARDENING

GARDEN VIEW

Beautiful Berberis

By Rachael Leverton

Berberis thunbergii are deciduous shrubs which look particularly fabulous at this time year, producing highly coloured leaves, and often berries which last well into winter. These berries are actually edible and rich in vitamin C though, because they are very acidic, they are not widely consumed by people. They are an important food for many small birds though. They get their other name of 'barberry bush' because of their vicious spines. This makes them useful as an impenetrable barrier hedge and may be another reason why the berries aren’t harvested much!

Like the colourful Japanese Maple, they originate from Eastern Asia. Berberis vary in colour according to the cultivar and variety. The common Berberis thunbergii have green leaves in spring and summer which turn rich burgundy in autumn. If you'd like the purple colour all year round choose Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea, which has purple leaves in spring that turn rich mahogany in autumn. Though Berberis are generally grown for their autumn colour, they are a hard-working shrub, and produce a mass of tiny yellow flowers in

44

spring, providing interest at either end of the year.

There is a Berberis for most gardens: They can grow to a maximum height and spread of 1.5m, but there are now dwarf forms which grow to just 50cm, try 'Tiny Gold' or 'Lutin Rouge'.

They grow best in full sun but also tolerate partial shade. They do well in most soil types, and even do well in drought, but will thrive particularly well in well drained moist soil. Their easy-going nature extends to aftercare, as they are generally pest-free and require little

attention, other than a trim to tidy them up periodically. If you don't have much space or mainly grow in containers on a balcony 'Lutin Rouge' does very well in a pot.

Mid-September to October, and mid-March to April are the best times to plant so now is the perfect time. Dig a hole double the width of the root ball. Sprinkle in a handful of blood, fish and bone and work into the ground. Place the plant into the hole, fill in with soil around the root ball and firm the soil down gently but firmly, finish by watering well. They will appreciate being mulched with well-rotted organic matter in late spring, but they aren't fussy; grass cuttings will do fine.

My absolute favourite is Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Admiration'. This lovely plant has extremely attractive orange-red foliage, edged with yellow, and forms an attractive mound shape.

Its masses of small yellow flowers in the spring followed by purplecrimson berries in autumn make it the most perfect Berberis in my opinion.

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BOOKS

A Good Read

By Willow Coby

ME BEFORE YOU

by Jojo Moyes 26-year-old Lou Clark still lives with her parents in the quiet market town she grew up in.

Almost deserted in the winter the town’s one draw is an old castle and when we meet Lou, she works in the local tea shop serving the coach loads of tourists who come to visit. With a quirky dress sense Lou never really feels as if she fits in and as a teenager longed to travel the world. However, circumstances meant that she could never bring herself to leave. After losing her job she reluctantly takes a job caring for Will, a young quadriplegic man injured in a motorcycle accident several years earlier. She is told the job is just for 6 months and despite a rough start she decides to stick it out and soon an unlikely bond develops between Lou and Will.

A romantic novel this also deals with the sensitive issue of disability and the descriptions of Will’s day to day life are well-written with brutal honesty and little sensationalism. Things take a darker turn when Lou learns the reason why her contract is only to be for 6 months and she sets out to bring Will new experiences and remind him of the simple joys of life: not easy for a wheelchair bound man whose ideal way to pass the time before his accident was skydiving or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

As a reader you are drawn into the lives of these characters and the development of their relationship is believable. In the hands of the wrong writer this plot line could turn out to be very twee and cliché but Moyes does not fall into this trap. The resulting novel is engaging, difficult to put down and will lead you to appreciate the small wonders of life.

SALVAGE THE BONES

by Jesmyn Ward It was a storm that made headlines around the world. In August 2005 Katrina hit the Louisiana coast causing great loss of life and destruction to New Orleans and the surrounding area. This awardwinning novel, set over a period of 12 days, tells the story of the Batiste family who live in the fictional town of Bois Sauvage.

Esch is 15 years old and lives with her three brothers and their father. Isolated from the rest of the small town due to the location of their house, they live in extreme 46

poverty, with a largely absent father who, seven years after the death of his wife, still relies on drink to get through the day. So, with the news of a category 5 storm is about to hit they begin to prepare what they can and stockpile a small amount of food.

Each chapter is one day in the build up to the storm.

Randall, the eldest is trying to do what he can to hold his family together. Skeetah is preoccupied with his pit-bull fighting dog, China, who has just given birth to puppies. Junior, the youngest, is trying to hold his own against his older brothers. And Esch has just discovered that she is pregnant.

A captivating story with engaging characters, immerses you in their world, illustrated by a touch of Greek mythology thanks to a book that Esch (the narrator) is reading for school. The penultimate chapter will have your heart racing but ultimately this is the story of family love that survives despite the poverty and deprivation.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

by John Green The Fault in Our Stars is the hugely successful teen novel exploring the impact of teenage cancer on the lives of two individuals.

16-year-old Hazel has cancer and is, reluctantly, convinced by her parents to attend a support group for others in her situation.

Amongst the other patients there is Augustus, a 17-year-old boy who lost a leg to cancer. The two begin talking and agree to read each other’s favourite books. Hazel’s book is a novel by a Dutch writer about a young girl with cancer: Hazel sees many parallels to her own life here. Augustus is angry after reading the book and discovering that it doesn’t have a nicely wrapped up ending. There is no conclusion, no neat package, no ending: happy or otherwise.

Of course, life has an ending, but it often isn’t happy or neatly wrapped up. Hazel becomes aware of her fears about getting close to others. She is afraid that when she dies it will hurt them, and this naturally affects her relationship with Augustus.

This moving novel deals with issues that most of its teen readers won’t have yet faced in their lives. As a teenager you often feel immortal. You feel as if life is stretching out ahead of you Hazel and Augustus, along with the other young people at the support group view life differently. There is no expectation that everyone will make it to the next meeting. No one is immortal.

This novel stays with you long after the closing paragraph.

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