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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

MARCH 2021

LIVING ROOM RENOVATIONS BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR LIVING SPACE TODAY KIT-OUT YOUR GARDEN BE SPRING-READY WITH THE BEST GARDEN FURNITURE

ST PATRICK’S DAY RECIPES COOK AN IRISH FEAST TO CELEBRATE ST. PADDY’S DAY

NEW MUSIC FROM STARS CLASSIC BANDS RELEASING BRAND NEW MUSIC

BEAT THE BOREDOM HOBBIES TO TRY AT HOME TO KEEP YOU BUSY

CONTENTS COVER STORY

Living room renovations Breathe new life into your living space today

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2 16 20

Kit-out your garden Be spring-ready with the best garden furniture Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice

FOOD

A feast for St Patrick’s Day Tasty Irish recipes, perfect for celebrating St Paddy’s day

LIFESTYLE

A matter of time The clocks go forward this month, but what does it all mean?

A head-start on your garden There are certain seeds and bulbs you can now start to sow

The Many Saints of Newark What to expect from the film based on The Sopranos series

New music from old stars We look at the classic bands releasing new music

Beat the boredom Put some bounce into spring with a new hobby

SPORT

Reaching for the pot of gold The race to reach the Premier League is entering the last leg

WELCOME TO THE MARCH ISSUE! The schools go back in a week and, at the end of the month, outdoor sports facilities will reopen and the rule of six will come back into place. This is obviously positive news for everyone, especially with the days getting longer. This month, to coincide with the positive news, we want to help you get your garden up to scratch and to do so we have two great features about your outdoor space. The first includes the ‘best buys’ to kit-out-your-garden in styles, and the second is our Spring gardening guide. At the end of the month the clocks change; lighter evenings are coming and on pages 4&5 we have an in-depth look at the

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process. Moving inside, we have a superb feature with some incredible, space-saving living room renovation ideas. In the middle, we celebrate St. Patrick’s day with some traditional Irish recipes, and, on top of all these, we have a preview of The Many Saints of Newark, the best new music releases from old favourites and a look at the EFL Championship teams pushing for promotion this Spring. The clouds are clearing and there is light at the tunnel… Remember, Stay Safe, Stay Positive. Jonathan Wheatley Editor

ack in August, the UK recorded a record-breaking heatwave. Therefore we can be hopeful of rivalling temperatures in 2021. So, in preparation, here are some perfect DIY garden ideas so you can make the most of celebrating the British Summer from your own home.

COOK OUTDOORS

If you want to capitalise on the warm weather this Summer, then give yourself a good excuse to cook outside, and treat yourself to a new barbecue, or, if you feel like getting hands-on, then check out how you can design a barbecue from scratch. Perhaps you would like to go a step further. In this case, look to build a whole outdoor kitchen so you can really make the garden the place to be. As well as increasing your living space, its openness provides the perfect opportunity for entertaining guests, and allows everyone to gather around whilst dinner is being prepared.

SNUGGLE UP IN THE DARK

A really stylish way to transform your garden is to install a fire pit. Through just a few easy steps, and a handful of materials, you can create a stunning visual display, which is equally as practical. On cool evenings a firepit can provide you with some much needed warmth, and add some colour to your garden. On top of this, they are the perfect crowd-pleaser. With just the addition of a few chairs, fire pits are great for socialising late into the night. They can also offer a great way of cooking food. For example, you can place a grill rack over the top in order to give your dinner the authentic taste of a campfire. And what’s more, the fire pit is the gift that keeps on giving, because it can be used throughout the year. Just grab some blankets, and experience its warmth into the winter months.

CREATING

YOUR OWN

SUMMER

PARADISE

SOAK UP THE RAYS

There is nothing more exciting about the Summer months than the prospect of hot weather

TAKE THE PARTY OUTSIDE

If you want to take the good times anywhere you go this summer, then why not create your own home bar? For example, if there is a rustic shed at the end of your garden which is going unused, then why not dust it down and revamp it into an industrial pub shed. Or, if you fancy going for a slightly more minimalist approach, then choose to extend a bar counter onto the outside of the kitchen. By merely switching to appropriate windows, this can transform your kitchen into a restaurant-like bar in seconds, and make it easy to transfer food and drink across, creating a link between your kitchen and patio. And if you fancy designing a bar that can follow you around the garden, then opt for a sturdy bar cart, and fill it with all the drinks of a fully-stocked bar, so that, wherever you are, the party is never far behind.

How many times have you basked in the summer heat, and wished you had a hot tub to be soaking in? Well this year, make this dream a reality! There are so many reasons why getting one would be a fruitful investment. For example, along with a fire pit, a hot tub is not restrictive to the summer season, so you can relax in one whether it’s sunny or snowing. They also add a very bold statement to any household. They’re great for entertaining guests, or if you’d prefer to use it privately, they can act as a personal oasis, whilst simultaneously boasting health benefits, such as de-stressing and muscle relaxation. And finally, soaking in a hot tub is a superb way to feel pampered, without going on holiday. Just lie back, turn on the jets, and enjoy your own private retreat

GO ALL OUT ON A SUMMER HOUSE

If you fancy an even bigger project, then why not splash out on a summer house? As well as providing a statement for your garden, summer houses are great places to detox f rom the stresses of everyday life. For instance, the sanctuary of a summer house offers ample opportunity to unwind with a good book, or even to get creative with arts and crafts. And if you need some peace and quiet f rom the bustle of your own house, then turn this space into your own home office, and say goodbye to being interrupted during all of your important meetings. More than anything though, a summer house gives you more options for entertaining, so that you can really take advantage of the warm weather.

How many times have you basked in the summer heat, and wished you had a hot tub to be soaking in?

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

A MATTER OF

TIME The clocks go forward this month, but what does it all mean?

hat started with a throwaway remark in 1784 has influenced our lives for more than 100 years. But although one of America’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, observed on a visit to France that Parisiennes should be woken an hour earlier by cannons and church bells, the concept of Daylight Saving Time (DST) – or as it is more widely-known British Summer Time – did not gain traction until 1895 when a New Zealand scientist, George Vernon Hudson, proposed to his government that the clocks should go forward by two hours every summer. Although he was unsuccessful, an English builder, William Willett, began lobbying Parliament in 1907 to alter the clocks to create more hours of daylight in the

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summer. Although cynics sniped it was to allow Willett more time to play golf and ride out, he argued we were frittering away natural light by rising at the same time in the summer as in the darker days of winter. He advocated putting clocks forward of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) by 80 minutes (20 minutes at a time during April) and reversing it in similar stages throughout September. But it wasn’t until the spring of 1916, a year after his death, that Willett’s proposal was adopted - and then only by an hour – as wartime governments around Europe tried to cut fuel consumption and increase productivity. Incidentally, Willett is the greatgreat-grandfather of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who co-wrote the track Clocks for the group’s album, A Rush Of Blood To The Head. A nod to his ancestor, perhaps? Anyway, apart from a spell during, and immediately after, the second World War when they were brought forward two hours to avoid fuel shortages, that’s the way it stayed until 1968 when Britain spent three years in DST.

But fears around road safety prompted a return to the status quo, disappointing those who argued changing the clocks twice a year upset natural sleep rhythms which could ultimately lead to health problems. To say nothing of the shocks suffered by those who had forgotten to change and couldn’t work out what was going on. Our former European colleagues also tackled time in 2018, when the European Union commissioned a study which found 84 per cent of people in countries which had DST wanted it discontinued. It gave member states the option to continue in summer time by adjusting their clocks for the last time this month, while those opting for permanent winter time would turn back their clocks in October. For most of us, though, it all revolves around whether, for one day, we are gaining – or losing – an extra hour under the duvet. So, in this case, it means after 1am on Sunday March 28th, we spring forward from our beds, desperately hoping the other half remembered to adjust the central heating settings. The main advantage, of course, is that evenings gradually become lighter, promoting more activity

after work, which is obviously good for general health and the retail sector, which has long complained that darker, colder afternoons reduce footfall apart from around Christmas.

Nature starts to break out of its winter slumber to bring splashes of colour to the countryside

Roads also become safer. Figures show casualty rates peak at 8am and 10am and worsen at 3pm and 7pm during darker hours and deteriorating road conditions when cyclists – particularly children on their way home from school – are most at risk. There are also environmental benefits, as demand for electricity decreases in correlation with the increased hours of daylight as well as rising temperatures. Plus nature starts to break out of its winter slumber to bring splashes of colour to the countryside. Consequently, people generally feel happier and more energetic.

Employers’ organisations say there are lower sickness rates among their workers while instances of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter depression) drop significantly, while carb cravings are also lowered. And once the clocks go forward, the clock starts ticking down to the first of the Bank Holiday weekends, heralded by the four-day Easter blockbuster, followed by two more in May and another at the end of August. So, as you ponder the complexities of resetting the timer on the boiler count yourself fortunate. There are more than 2,000 clocks in the Houses of Parliament. And the time on your Smartphone updates automatically.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

NEED SOME INSPIRATION ON HOW TO RENOVATE AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE?

If you’re renovating your living room, and trying to change things up, and/or create more storage space, look no further for your inspiration than here

asking in the peaceable kingdom that is your living space has never been so important. Whether it be a calming décor, an ocean of soft and fluffy comfort for your bare feet to walk through, or a crackling fireplace spitting happily away as you read a good novel, your living space should be a thing of beauty. Here are our ideas for how to get the best out of your living space.

HANGING ART.

Art is the gateway to the soul, as someone great surely once said. Grace your walls with art. And art is art – it doesn’t need to be by a world-renowned artist, just something you like which suits your tastes.

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Perhaps choose colours which match your desired décor of the entire room. Either way, art or photography can go a long way in giving your living space a much needed lift in character and mood.

RUGS. If you’re in the process of renovating your living space, rugs can serve a very good practical purpose as well as a decorative one. If you’ve recently moved some significant furniture to another position, for instance, this can leave unattractive indentations in the carpet, and a rug can discreetly solve this problem. Two birds, one stone. It’s fun to decide upon the right colour and design of your rug, too!

TV AND UNITS.

The size of the unit obviously is determined by your television, because it’s all about the widescreen high def. Right? Well, not always. It’s often about storage and décor. Perhaps you’re someone who doesn’t particularly care for an enormous TV in your living room. Either way, a TV unit is a fantastic way of creating precious space for your Sky box, DVD’s, Blu-rays, video games, books, ornaments, and many other things. Make it work for you.

STORAGE BOX SEATS.

One of the most wonderfully versatile pieces of furniture for the living space can be a foldable storage stool. It can provide a

Throw pillows can also be the perfect seasoning to chairs, and can help blend the chairs into the desired décor of the room

brilliant storage solution for a great many bits and bobs, but also act as a foot rest, or a full on seat. Pick the right colour and style, and you’ve got yourself a very welcome new member of the furniture family.

CHAIRS AND THROW PILLOWS.

Hanging chairs can make the difference between traditional and modern, if done right. Be thoughtful in your creative thinking, and the chairs you have in your living space can complete it in reliable ways. Throw pillows can also be the perfect seasoning to chairs, and can help blend the chairs into the desired décor of the room. Hanging chairs are a more modern option, which, depending on the style of your room, can be one of the most impressive things in it.

COFFEE TABLE.

The centre piece of many living spaces, believe it not, can be a coffee table. If it’s a large, marble, beautifully crafted coffee table, for example, it certainly has the power to completely transform the living space from a mere room to a beautiful entertaining space. They usually serve

great practical purpose too, acting as a kind of storage solution in themselves, both on top and underneath the table.

FIREPLACES.

The fireplace can be key to creating the focal point in your living room. It can enhance the modern feel to the space, or indeed complement the vintage style to the room. Fireplaces can get expensive, though, so be sure to pick the right one for you, in terms of style as well. Log burners can be ideal for the winter, whereas wall-mounted fireplaces can be more low maintenance. With many factors to consider, the choice is yours to make.

BOOK SHELVES.

Like the aforementioned hanging art possibility, lots and lots of books can be the finishing touch to a living space and add a touch of class. After all, reading by the fireplace – is there a more peaceful scene? Book shelves can solve many storage problems. With an entire wall dominated by beautiful, elegant and spacious book shelves, you’ve got yourself a mini library, which is when a library ladder would be in order to really give your living space a delightfully stylish finish.

If you’ve recently moved some significant furniture to another position, for instance, this can leave unattractive indentations in the carpet, and a rug can discreetly solve this problem LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

COOK UP A FEAST TO CELEBRATE ST PATRICK’S DAY St Patrick’s Day is on the 17th March, so what better time to look at some great recipes from the Emerald Isle

Ireland isn’t just about Guinness and Potatoes, we have scoured through the cookbooks to find some of the most comforting and tasty Irish recipes, perfect for celebrating St Paddy’s day at home this year.

FIFTEEN Ingredients 15 digestive biscuits 15 marshmallows 15 glacé cherries, cut in half about 200ml condensed milk 100g desiccated coconut, to coat Method Crush the digestive biscuits in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin, then put them in a large mixing bowl. Chop each marshmallow into 4 pieces and add to the bowl with the cherries and 175ml condensed milk. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and you have a sticky mixture. If it’s too dry, add a splash more condensed milk.

Images for illustrative purposes only Recipes from www.bbcgoodfood.co.uk

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Sprinkle most of the coconut over a large piece of cling film (or foil). Tip the mixture onto the coconut and shape into a long sausage, about 30 x 5cm. Sprinkle more coconut over the top of it and wrap the cling film tightly around, twisting the ends together. Leave in the fridge to chill for 4-6 hrs, then cut into 15 slices and serve. Will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week wrapped in cling film.

IRISH STEW A classic, hearty and warming Irish stew, perfect for a cold Spring evening. Ingredients 3 middle necks of lamb (about 1.8kg/4lb), filleted and boned - you need to end up with about 950g/2lb 2oz pure meat 650g floury potatoes, such as King Edward 650g waxy potato, such as Desirée or Pentland Javelin 1kg carrots 2 onions ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves chopped fresh chives and parsley, to garnish For the stock bones from the lamb 1 large carrot, quartered 1 onion, quartered ½ celery stick, quartered 1 bay leaf 2 large sprigs of thyme a generous sprig of parsley 6 black peppercorns, lightly crushed

Images for illustrative purposes only Recipes from www.bbcgoodfood.co.uk

Method Make the stock. Put the lamb bones in a large heavy-based saucepan with the carrot, onion, celery, herbs, peppercorns and 1 tsp salt. Pour in 3 litres/5 ¼ pints water. Bring to the boil and simmer uncovered for 2 hours. Strain the stock through a fine sieve to remove bones and vegetables, then return to the pan. Boil until reduced to about 1.3 litres/2 ¼ pints. (You can make the stock the day before – keep it in a covered container in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months.) Make the stew. Cut the lamb into large chunks. Peel the potatoes (keeping both types separate) and cut into pieces of similar size to the meat. Put the two different types in separate bowls of water to keep them white. Peel the carrots and cut into slightly smaller pieces. Slice the onions into thick rings. Put the lamb in a large, clean saucepan. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil, skimming off all the impurities from the surface. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add the floury potatoes, carrots and onions. Season generously and simmer for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the waxy potatoes and thyme. Simmer until the lamb is tender (15-20 minutes). Take off the heat, cover (don’t stir) and leave for 15 minutes. (You can make this up to 2 days ahead and keep in the fridge). Garnish and serve.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

GET A

HEAD-START

ON YOUR GARDEN It’s that time of the year, gardeners everywhere are getting prepped for what they hope will be an incredible year in their gardens

t may still be cold outside, but, hopefully, the last of the year’s frosts has come and gone. There are certain seeds and bulbs you can now start to sow, both outside and inside, ready to move outside later on. If you get the timing just right, regardless of whether you have a greenhouse or not, or the size of your garden, you can have a bumper crop of veg and herbs alongside some beautiful flowers in your borders, but you need to put the work in now.

good quality compost and pick a few different varieties of tomatoes. Sow the seeds on the top of the seed trays, before sprinkling on a thin layer of compost. Give them a good water, before covering and leaving in a warm and sunny place. When the weather gets warmer, then transplant them into a large planter or grow bags with bamboo or trellis to hold them up.

HERBS

Another great group of plants, that when grown yourself at home adds so much to As opposed to shop-bought flowers ready your summer BBQs, are herbs. Basil, to plant, if you have grown oregano, and thyme your flowers from seeds and are three of the most bulbs, as well as the popular and you can There are certain excitement of watching start these great seeds and bulbs you them grow, they will plants off early. Sow can now start to sow, actually be hardier than the basil, oregano and both outside and shop-bought variety. thyme now in seed inside, ready to move planters with good outside later on For a little investment now quality compost and in seeds, if you’re savvy, you a propagator lid in a can then use the seeds warm place. The from the veg that grow for next years shoots should start to show within a week crops and likewise with the herbs. If you and when they do keep them moist until take a cutting towards the end of the they’re large enough to pot-on. When season, you can have your herb plants potted-on, put them in a warm, sunny ready-to-go next year too. spot in your garden or, even better, a greenhouse.

TOMATOES

Tomatoes are one of the best go-to veggies for your garden or greenhouse. Get an early start by sowing your seeds early in seed trays indoors. Start with some

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CHILLIES

Chilli peppers and sweet peppers perfectly compliment the tomatoes and herbs you already have growing and they are just as

If you get the timing just right you can have a bumper crop of veg and herbs alongside some beautiful flowers

simple to grow. Pick a few different varieties such as Burrito Chilli, Sweet Pepper and Cayenne, and sow the seeds similarly to the tomato plants. The roots go deeper in chilli plants, so plant each seed 1cm into the compost and then water, cover and keep in a very warm place. Once the plants are 2-3cm tall pot-on into individual containers somewhere warm and with lots of sunshine. Ideally, keep them in a greenhouse or lean-to with direct l Always use good quality compost when starting sunlight. your seeds to get incredible growth.

GARDENING TIPS

BULBS

l If you don’t have a lot of room for seed trays and Most of your Spring propagators, simply cover pots with cling film. bulbs should already l Always put pots with seeds in a well-lit and warm be in, however, there area to encourage growth. are a few more you can plant now. l When potting on, pull out the plant – root included Summer-flowering – using the leaves as if they break they will grow bulbs like Pineapple back, whereas a broken stem won’t. Lilies and other Lilies l Tomato plants grow like a jungle when bunched alongside your Gladioli together, so make sure you use bamboo or trellis to are prime to go into try to keep the space neat and tidy. the ground next. For Gladioli, soak the bulbs in water a day before planting and then plant the bulbs 2-6 inches deep, 5 inches apart in rows before covering again with soil. These will take between 70-90 days until they flower. For Lilies, plant the bulbs three times as deep as the height of the bulb and set pointy side up.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE MANY SAINTS

OF NEWARK – WHAT ARE WE

TO EXPECT?

On the cusp of the millennium in 1999, we were introduced to The Sopranos. Spanning six highly critically acclaimed seasons of ground-breaking TV, and leaving our screens in 2007 with almost 12million viewers tuning in for the final season’s finale. A story about New Jersey’s most famous fictional mob family, the upcoming film based on the TV series will act as a prequel to the series’ events, thus being set in the 60s and 70s during, and in the wake of, the Newark riots, which was one of many race riots of the time, killing 26 people. Films like The Godfather and Goodfellas romanticised the antihero in cinema, and The Sopranos was perhaps the first iconic TV show which carried on that tradition, putting the viewer in uneasy positions as we forever awkwardly albeit sympathetically root for the antiheros of the show. Shows like Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad and Mad Men followed in a similar theme,

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Just over 20 years later, and it’s back on the screen – the big screen. The Many Saints of Newark is due for release this year, after a COVIDcaused delay

exploring and glamorizing the darker complexities of human nature.

David is a masterful storyteller and we... are thrilled that he has decided to revisit, and enlarge, the Soprano universe in a feature film

David Chase, creator of The Sopranos and co-writer of The Many Saints of Newark, has already divulged that the storyline of the film centres on the 1967 Newark riots and racial tensions between the Italian-American and African-American communities. He said: “I was interested in Newark and life in Newark at that time. I used to go down there every Saturday night for dinner with my grandparents. But the thing that interested me most was Tony’s boyhood. I was interested in exploring that.”

New Line Cinema purchased the rights to produce the film along with HBO Films, and NLC chairman, Toby Emmerich, has said: “David is a masterful storyteller and we, along with our colleagues at HBO, are thrilled that he has decided to revisit, and enlarge, the Soprano universe in a feature film.” In the famous TV show, the Soprano family, racist and hypermasculine as they usually were, were frequently looking back on the plight of the Italian American’s place in society, whilst struggling with their lack of a sense of home in the US. We are surely to expect The Many Saints of Newark, then, to explore just how the family’s tough and bitter men and women came to be the way they were in the modern day. “[The film will be] set in the 60s and 70s during, and in the wake of, the Newark riots, which was one of many race riots of the time, killing 26 people.”

THE

BIG NAMES

BRINGING OUT

NEW MUSIC

As we enter March, the music keeps on coming, as we welcome new material from some of the biggest acts around the world

KINGS OF LEON

This year is sees Kings of Leon release new music. Back in January, the Tennessee quartet shared two new songs ‘Must Catch the Bandit’ and ‘Feel the Way You Do’, with further snippets released for two further tracks. With the exception of the aptly-titled song ‘Going Nowhere’, in 2020, this is the first new music that the band have dropped since their 2016 album ‘WALLS’. This album, which landed the No.1 spot on the Billboard 200, has much to live up to, so the group will hope for their new album ‘When You See Yourself’, to be equally successful, when it comes out on March 5th.

This is the first new music that the band have dropped since their 2016 album

EVANESCENCE

For the first time in a decade, Evanescence will be releasing new music, following up the self-titled 2011 offering. ‘The Bitter Truth’, will be available from March 26th, with a number of singles

already available to listen to. To mark the announcement of the upcoming record, the band released the song ‘Yeah right’, a hard rock number, offering insights into the band’s lengthy tenure in the music industry. Speaking to Rolling Stone, frontwoman Amy Lee spoke of the difficulty in writing music during lockdown, saying, ‘Even on the days that I don’t want to, I come out here and I go, ‘Let’s do this. Let’s finish the album.’’

STING

RINGO STARR

The former Beatles drummer will also release a new five-song album in March. The record, entitled ‘Zoom In’, was recorded between the months of April and October 2020, and will include contributions from Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl and Finneas. Starr has already dropped one song, ‘Here’s To The Nights’, which was available to listen to from December, and was worked on with songwriter Diane Warren.

Due to unforeseen manufacturing delays, the release of Sting’s forthcoming album ‘Duets’ will be released on March 19th. As the title suggests, the seventeen-track album will feature some big alreadyreleased collaborations, including with the likes of Eric Clapton, Shaggy, Annie Lennox, and Mary J. Blige. It will also feature one new song, entitled ‘September’, which Sting has recorded with the famed Italian singer, Zucchero. Speaking in September 2020, Sting spoke of the ‘amazing people’, who he had recorded music with, leading to the creation of this new star-studded album.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE GREEN SHOOTS OF PERSONAL GROWTH

Put some bounce into spring with a new hobby

o here we are, spring already: the season of new birth, new growth … and new ideas. It’s an exciting time of the year, even more so if you’ve decided to broaden your horizons and embark on a new hobby. As the weather, hopefully, grows warmer and daylight gets longer there’s more chance to get outside to indulge newfound interests and put to use those rediscovered items which were bought with the prefix: “One day, I’ll…” Technology’s relentless advance brings information and advice to your fingertips, particularly helpful if your new smartphone also has a state-of-the-art camera, which has piqued an interest in photography. There are many online tutorials and workshops to help you develop your skills before advancing to that big digital SLR camera you’ve dreamt of for years. Similarly art, whether it be sketching or painting with watercolours or oils. Springtime, with its rapidly-improving light and emerging plant life, is a rich source of inspiration and the internet is awash with advice on how to get started, selecting your subjects and brushing up your techniques to get the best results.

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Painting, particularly capturing landscapes, might just encourage a feeling of well-being, of being at one with nature. In which case, a logical step forward would be to try Tai Chi, the traditional Chinese martial art with its sequences of slow, controlled movements which reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and promote weight loss … just the thing to shed those Christmas pounds in anticipation of Easter chocolate. Again, there are many lessons online, but for the best grounding, join one of the many classes at sports centres, gyms or village halls so a qualified instructor can help you get the principles right before you go solo. Could there be anything more invigorating than callisthenics in the back garden in the early-morning sunshine? Well, how about standing thigh-deep in a swift-running stream trying to outwit a fighting-fit trout? Angling has long been one of Britain’s biggest participation sports, and while fly-fishing may be seen as elitist, it is anything but. Fairly accessible, relatively inexpensive and incredibly therapeutic, there are lessons online but for the best experience – and when lockdown restrictions are

It’s an exciting time of the year, even more so if you’ve decided to broaden your horizons and embark on a new hobby eased – enrol for a day-long lesson at venues such as Anglian Water’s recognised fisheries at Grafham, Pitsford, and Rutland waters, or Ravensthorpe Reservoir, and pretty soon you’ll be hooked (sorry). If you become proficient, you can always cook your catch. Barbeque cooking is an art-form in itself and something to explore beyond chargrilling the whatsits out of a forlorn sausage on a balmy summer evening. Again, internet tutorials – plus recipes – abound, while the same applies if you fancy more ambitious and creative continental cooking. A hobby where you can eat your efforts? Can’t be bad!

REACHING

FOR THE

POT OF

GOLD The race for the Premier League is entering the finishing straight

he English Premier League is, on the surface, the land of milk and honey, a footballing Utopia where the streets are paved with 24-carat gold bricks and the super-rich chatter idly of multi million-pound contracts and eyewatering sponsorship deals. But, as with most elitist societies, there are fat cats lounging at the top table with the wannabes scrambling around, snapping up the hand-me-downs and dining off scraps. And then there are those huddled outside, noses firmly pressed against the window, waiting for their membership of this lucrative club to be rubber-stamped so they too can bask in the limelight of being one of the chosen few. Unfortunately, for those outsiders, the path from the threshold to the cosiness of the inner sanctum is littered with broken dreams and, more often than not, severely-depleted bank accounts. Norwich City know this more than most. In the 29 seasons of the Premier League, they have had five separate spells in the top flight, none lasting more than three

seasons. And yet, once again, they are perched among the front-runners trying to escape the Sky Bet Championship for the Promised Land of the Premier League.

As the season enters the final quarter, it’s all about momentum and consistency

Their last attempt at gaining a toehold on football’s Everest came with a longanticipated relegation in May last year, but crucially, unlike many of their doomed predecessors, they managed to keep hold of the majority of their highlyrated younger players.

quarter, it’s all about momentum and consistency – and most of their rivals have shown anything but. Watford and Bournemouth squandered points around the middle of the campaign and lost ground, with Swansea, who squeezed into the playoffs last season, emerging as contenders from a rather congested pack. However, it is Brentford, another of last season’s bridesmaids, who continue to take the eye in a leading group otherwise dominated by clubs who have previously reached for the Holy Grail and been found wanting.

And with the arrival of the well-regarded Oliver Skipp on a season-long loan from Tottenham, they have regrouped, shown great resilience and now look a solid bet to bounce straight back, if not as champions then in the other automatic promotion spot.

The Bees, cruelly denied in the playoffs last season, continued to thrive despite subsequently losing key players Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, and their run to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup hinted at greater things, thanks to the arrival of Ivan Toney from Peterborough and the continued potency of Sergi Canos and Bryan Mbeumo.

Who accompanies them, though, is not so obvious. As the season enters the final

Perhaps there will be no sting in the tale this year.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

£180,000

Chackmore

A one bedroom end of terrace bungalow, in need of modernisation and with scope for extension to the side (subject to planning permission) located in the pretty village of Chackmore. Accommodation comprises; entrance porch, sitting room, inner hall, kitchen, shower room, double bedroom, garden areas to the front, side and rear. No onward chain

£175,000

Buckingham

An ideal buy to let or first time buy, a well presented one bedroom contemporary apartment situated in a lovely riverside location, just outside of Buckingham Town Centre. The property has the advantages of under floor heating, double glazing & a car port parking space. The accommodation fully comprises Entrance hall, open plan lounge/diner/kitchen, double bedroom, bathroom and separate utility room. NO UPPER CHAIN. EPC Rating C.

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Buckingham 01280 815999 Brackley 01280 706832 Banbury 01295 710367 Bicester 01869 251754 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

£419,995

Buckingham

Situated in a non estate location in a private close on the edge of Buckingham. We are pleased to offer For Sale this 4 bedroom detached family home which is offered in good order throughout and has benefits which include UPVC Double glazing (where specified) Gas radiator heating - with all radiators replaced in 2019. The accommodation briefly comprises: Entrance Hall, Dining Room, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Cloakroom. First floor accommodation; 4 Bedrooms and Family bathroom. An attractive feature of this property are the stunning views to Buckingham and beyond from the first floor bedrooms. It benefits further from a south facing, private rear garden, off road parking for 2/3 vehicles and an integral single garage. Viewing recommended.

£425,000

Buckingham

An immaculate, four bedroom detached family home with a DOUBLE GARAGE well situated in a GATED CUL DE SAC location on the popular Lace Hill development, being in CATCHMENT and walking distance for Lace Hill Academy, and both Buckingham Secondary and Royal Latin Schools. The accommodation is over two floors and comprises: Reception hallway with STORAGE, cloakroom, sitting room, STUDY/PLAYROOM and kitchen/diner. On the first floor; Landing with STORAGE, Master bedroom with BUILT IN WARDROBES, en-suite shower room, three further bedrooms (bedroom three has two BUILT IN WARDROBES) and family bathroom. To the outside, DOUBLE garage and PARKING FOR 2 CARS and a good sized rear garden. EPC rating B.

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£2,795pcm

Milton Keynes

A substantial FIVE DOUBLE BEDROOM detached character cottage situated in a sought after village location but within a 20 minute drive of Milton Keynes Central Station & being in 2 miles of Akeley Wood School and Thornton College. Character features include an INGLENOOK FIREPLACE, exposed stone walls and beams whilst boasting a lovely RE-FITTED KITCHEN & SUN ROOM, parking for multiple vehicles & 1/2 an acre of garden with views over open countryside. The property briefly comprises; Entrance, sun room, large kitchen with integrated appliances, dining room, family room and lounge both with working log burners. To the first floor; master bedroom, en-suite, two further double bedrooms and family bathroom.

£1,100pcm

Buckingham

A luxury FURNISHED TWO DOUBLE BEDROOM ground floor apartment which benefits from it’s own entrance, conveniently situated in the TOWN CENTRE but also only a SHORT WALKING DISTANCE TO THE UNIVERSITY. The property comprises open plan living/kitchen/dining area, kitchen includes dishwasher & washing machine. Master bedroom, a further double bedroom and bathroom with shower over bath. The property further benefits from an allocated parking space. RPC RATING C. STRICTLY NO PETS. AVAILABLE MID MARCH.

russellandbutler.com

Buckingham 01280 815999 Brackley 01280 706832 Banbury 01295 710367 Bicester 01869 251754 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

£725pcm

Buckingham

FURNISHED one bedroom apartment CONVENIENTLY LOCATED WITHIN A 2 MINUTE WALK TO THE TOWN CENTRE AND 10 MINUTE WALK TO THE UNIVERSITY. The property benefits from THE RENT INCLUDING GAS SUPPLY. The property comprises entry phone system, lounge/dining area with storage cupboard housing washer/dryer, kitchen with single electric oven and two ring electric hob, integrated under counter fridge with freezer box, door to dressing room with ladder to mezzanine double bedroom area. Shower Room. EPC RATING C. COUNCIL TAX BAND A. STRICTLY NO PETS. AVAILABLE BEGINNING APRIL.

£895pcm

Buckingham

A stunning one DOUBLE bedroom first floor apartment conveniently situated in the town centre and WITHIN A SHORT WALKING DISTANCE TO THE UNIVERSITY. The property can be offered as UN-FURNISHED OR PART-FURNISHED TO SUIT. The apartment has been completed to a high specification with oak floors and Farrow & Ball finish to doors and windows. The property briefly comprises, entrance hall, open plan lounge/kitchen/diner, bedroom and bathroom with shower over bath. The property is ideally suited to a single professional or professional couple. STRICTLY NO PETS. COUNCIL TAX BAND. EPC RATING D. AVAILABLE MID APRIL.

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MEET THE TEAM... Brian has been an estate agent since 1983. He runs the successful Buckingham Branch whilst also overseeing our superb lettings team. Brian maintains the most important people in his business are his staff as this transfers into excellent customer service. His hobbies include watching Formula one and is an avid Chelsea fan.

Director Nick has over 30 years experience in the property industry working for Corporate Firms and has been Co Director of Russell & Butler since 2002. Every home is different, every home is important, moving home can be one of the most stressful times, Nick is committed to making this task as easy and as stress free as possible, hopefully even enjoyable... Nick enjoys spending time with family and friends, enjoying a glass of wine and learning modern foreign languages.

Nicholas Butler

Brian Russell

MNAEA, Director

Cheryl Oxley

MNAEA, Branch Manager Cheryl has worked for Nick and Brian at Russell and Butler since day 1. Joining them 15 years ago, as a weekend Sales Negotiator, and with hard work and dedication, Cheryl has progressed through the ranks, qualifying as a member of the National Association of Estate Agents 8 years ago, and is now the Branch Manager. Cheryl’s previous career, pre-children was in Hotel Management where she quickly identified how important good customer care, communication and service is. Communication is key when buying and selling properties, alongside identifying and understanding people’s needs and motivations. Cheryl believes that Brian, Michelle and herself are the strongest sales team in Buckingham, working closely together to provide the overall experience that Russell and Butler provide. Out of work, Cheryl enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for long walks and is partial to the odd glass of Prosecco!

Michelle (AKA Mush) joined Russell & Butler in March 2014 as a Sales Negotiator, with a passion for delivering a high level of customer service and keen to change the perception of ‘Estate Agents’ she shortly went on to become Senior Sales Negotiator and a qualified member of the National Association of Estate Agents. Michelle believes success in estate agency is down to client satisfaction and reputation, trusting the agent you are buying or selling through is paramount. Michelle values residential properties within the area, conducts sales viewings and has an excellent understanding of buyers and sellers requirements, living locally her knowledge of the area is invaluable. Michelle enjoys good food and quality time with family and friends.

Michelle Jenkinson

MNAEA, Senior Sales Negotiator

Alice joined the team in 2019 as an administrator, quickly establishing herself as part of the team and making the role her own. She enjoys the busy atmosphere of the sales office and keeping everything organised and up to date. In her free time Alice likes to spend time with her family and friends & interior design.

Sales Progressor At Russell & Butler we only believe a sale is a sale once an exchange of contracts has been achieved. Tracey’s role is to communicate and chase all parties involved in the transaction, ie. Solicitors, Estate Agents, Vendors & Purchasers with the sole aim of reaching an Exchange of Contracts as quickly as possible, Tracey has been an Estate Agents and more recently worked in a Local Solicitor’s Office and therefore has gained a knowledge and understanding of the sales process which is second to none.

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Tracey Steventon

Alice Butler

Branch Administrator

Buckingham 01280 815999 Brackley 01280 706832 Banbury 01295 710367 Bicester 01869 251754 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

Lyn Jopling

Sales Negotiator Before becoming an Estate Agent, Lyn used to work as a Customer Services Manager and delivered customer services training, working with independent Estate Agents and the NAEA. At that time, Lyn realised what she wanted to do and has never been happier since making the change! Lyn is somewhat obssessed with buying and selling property having bought and sold 13 times! Constantly inspired and enthused by the opportunity and adventure that a new property presents, she brings enthusiasm and energy to work. Lyn loves working on projects to improve her home and likes a good book and a glass of wine to relax with.

Rachel joined us in March 2015 as our Property Manager, having been in the industry for 9 years, progressing to Senior Property Manager in 2019 and in February 2020, took on the role as Lettings Manager, heading up our Lettings Department. Rachel’s main role now involves carrying out rental valuations and driving the business forward, together with overseeing the management of our rental portfolio.

Rachel Yates

Lettings Manager

Debbie joined the team in July 2013 and is the back bone of all of our general administration duties, which include managing the progression of all of our tenancy applications and preparing all paperwork for the tenants to move in on time, together with managing all tenancy renewals.

Senior Lettings Negotiator Matthew has been with us since February 2016 and has proved a valuable addition to the lettings team as it has grown to the level where we were in need of a dedicated member of staff to fulfill this role. Matthew manages our applicant database and conducts all of our rental viewings, negotiating lets between the landlord and the tenant and providing feedback to our landlords after each appointment so that they are always updated on the progress of marketing their property.

Matthew Russell

Debbie Rowe

Lettings Administrator

Shirley Taylor

Property Manager Shirley joined the lettings team in August 2020 as an additional Property Manager and, with 9 years experience in the Lettings industry, has a wealth of knowledge to bring to the lettings team. Shirley’s role is assisting in managing all maintenance related issues and compliance checks, together with ensuring that all of our Fully Managed properties are kept in good condition in order to protect our Landlords investments and achieve maximum rental income.

Annette’s early career was in Marketing and Magazine Publishing, returning to the UK from spending fourteen years in Australia, she changed direction and went into Property Sales and Management. Working as Lettings Manager for a local agent for some years, in 2011 she decided to start her own business providing Inventories, Check Outs and Sales Consultancy. Annette has now progressed into Property Management and is delighted to become a Property Manager, alongside Shirley, as a valued member of the Lettings Team.

russellandbutler.com

Annette Darby

Property Manager

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Here’s what our our customers have to say...

“

Certainly our experience with Russell & Butler as both a buyer and a seller was excellent. We were kept informed and supported through some difficult times. Our selling chain fell through and we felt very supported throughout.

David Buyer & Seller

I think Russell & Butler differ from other estate agents in the area because their level of service and response, especially their response time. They keep you informed at every stage even after the sale is made using they’re sales progressing service is fantastic.

Nigel Seller & Landlord russellandbutler.com

Buckingham 01280 815999 Brackley 01280 706832 Banbury 01295 710367 Bicester 01869 251754 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

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“ With regards to recommending Russell & Butler, they are the only ones I would recommend.

In an estate agent we look for professionalism and good people which Russell & Butler have a lot of.

Nigel Landlord

Neil Landlord

What we look for in a letting agent is trust worthy, professionalism and good advice and we find all that with Russell & Butler. We would recommend Russell & Butler without any hesitation and have done that with a few of our collegues in the rental business.

Vartan and Sarah - Landlord

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Your hunt for property is over Market your property with us and we’ll hop straight to it with outstanding customer service and your own FREE personalised property website to share with friends and family.

russellandbutler.com Banbury 01295 710367

Buckingham 01280 815999

Brackley 01280 706832

Bicester 01869 251754