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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

MAY 2021

UK BEACH GUIDE THE BEST SEASIDE AREAS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER SUMMER SKIN CARE LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN IN THE WARM SUNSHINE

HOT INTERIOR DESIGN THE LATEST INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS THIS YEAR

SPRING BANK HOLIDAY GREAT DAYS OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

MAY GARDENING GUIDE OUR GUIDE TO WHAT TO PLANT THIS MONTH

CONTENTS LIFESTYLE

COVER STORY

Best UK beaches We’ve put together a list of the best seaside areas in the country to visit

Spring bank holiday Our top ideas to help you get the most out of your long weekend

May gardening guide With our handy guide we have laid it all out for you

Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market

Screen Free Week Some ideas to include in your downtime from screen time

About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice

World Bee Day It’s vital to raise awareness of the importance of bees

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Hot interior design Now’s the time to think about your home decor, we have the latest trends for this year

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Summer skin care The sun is out, but what are the best ways to protect ourselves from its harmful rays?

The sun is out, but what are the best ways to protect ourselves from its harmful rays?

hether it’s a long-overdue holiday to a wave-lapped tropical shore or just an afternoon in the garden, there’s nothing quite like lounging in the sun, catching a few rays. A beer, a book, a basting session, it’s what summer’s all about, right? Well, no. Because what you do in the warmer months may well dictate how you look in later years. You may feel like a sun-kissed Greek god for a couple of weeks but, in a few years, there could be wrinkles, skin discolouration and any number of problems which could be a prelude to skin cancer. Short-term gain, long-term misery.

FOOD

Buzzingly good food Celebrate World Bee day with these wonderfully sticky honey recipes

SPORT

The finals countdown the football season heads into its ‘business end’ with trophies on the line

WELCOME TO THE MAY ISSUE!

he UK is slowly awakening from its imposed slumber. BBQs in the back garden with friends and family (following social distancing guidelines) are back on the cards, as are drinks in a beer garden. Non-essential shops are open again as are gyms and swimming pools. This month, with the weather heating up, we have an in-depth article about how to look after your skin in the sunshine and to tie-in we have a fantastic guide to some of the best UK beaches to visit over the summer. With the kids already having spent so much time at home this year, we have a feature full of idea for the Spring Bank Holiday, and if you are

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planning DIY jobs to take advantage of the long weekend, we have a guide to the hottest summer interior design trends. May is a busy month for your garden, and we have our monthly gardening guide to help you with advice of what to plant and sow now, and we also celebrate World Bee Day with an article about its history and some buzzingly good honey recipes. It is also a busy month for sport, with finals in a whole host of competitions, so we are looking at the potential winners of the cup competitions and we also look into the importance of Screen Free Week. Jonathan Wheatley Editor

Of course, we heed all the warnings: we’re coated in sun cream from head to foot, we feel we’re well covered, and we’re not going to sit out in direct sunlight too long. But what happens? You get comfortable, the book’s too good, and because you’ve moved to a shady spot, there’s no need to cover-up or re-apply the Factor 30. Is there? Come the end of the day, though, you’ve discovered a little tenderness around the neck – it couldn’t have been anything to do with that welcoming breeze which sprang up, could it? – and your ears are burning like someone’s having a good moan about you. And yes, it was a mistake to keep a bracelet on. Experts have been warning us for years that too much exposure to the sun is a danger to the skin, not only in the peak summer months but as outdoor temperatures and daylight hours start to increase. And while sunshine brings many benefits, such as an increase in Vitamin D, too much of a good thing isn’t necessarily ideal. Vitamin D can improve brain function invigorate muscles and bone health, and lower high blood pressure while the levels of serotonin, triggered by sunlight hitting the retina, helps to improve mood, helping a person feel calmer and less stressed. And

COVER-UP JOB the sun’s rays are also good for helping to battle such skin conditions as eczema, acne and jaundice. The disadvantages to over-exposure come in later life with unsightly solar lentigines (often called age spots or liver spots and are similar to freckles), solar elastosis (where the ultraviolet radiation breaks down the skin’s elasticity and causes vertical creases, deep wrinkles and sagging), melasma (a darkening of facial skin), and poikiloderma (reddish-brown pigmentation common on the neck and chest). It sounds scary but there are a number of ways, requiring minimal effort, to help you stay safe in the sun this summer.

and 3pm so limit your exposure time, or even use a higher-factor sunscreen during those hours if you need to be outside or add a thin layer of clothing. A T-shirt provides an extra barrier between the sun and your skin, also protecting sensitive areas such as shoulders, back and chest – areas prone to over-exposure and PRIORITISE LIGHT where the application of sunscreen is habitually hit and miss.

There’s nothing quite like lounging in the sun, catching a few rays

Wide-brimmed hats protect the face, neck and ears, and with sunscreen, provide a good all-round shield, particularly What you do in the if moving about in direct warmer months sunlight, while long-sleeved may well dictate swimming tops are ideal for how you look in children who like to spend a later years lot of time in the sea or pool.

The most obvious is sunscreen. Using a lotion with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) provides an increased level of defence, although with children it is always best to stick with 50-plus as their skin is so much more delicate. It is best applied at least 15 minutes before you go outside, allowing it to soak in, and should be re-applied regularly, particularly if you are sweating or have been swimming – even water-resistant creams need a top-up. Be careful with the time of day. In the UK, the sun is at its strongest between 11am

Shades and shade: Eye protection is all-important as UVA and UVB rays are particularly threatening from light, reflective surfaces. Polarised sunglasses absorb that glare, while seeking shade will not only protect your skin from direct light but also keep you cool. It almost goes without saying that babies and toddlers should be kept under cover as much as possible. And don’t forget to hydrate. Sweating is nature’s way of keeping the skin cool, so you will need to replenish lost fluids with lots of water. Not wine. Or beer.

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t doesn’t feel five-minutes since the kids were on Easter holidays, however, here we are again with some more time away from school. Being only a three-day break, however, time is short, so here are our top ideas to help you get the most out of your extended weekend.

LONDON

London, in essence, is everything and anything you want it to be. No two trips to London can possibly be alike due to its vast scope of diversity, and if you’ve never been before, now’s the time to visit, because right now is when London is gearing up for a fabulous summertime.

A visit to this enchanting archipelago on your extended weekend would be perfect for all the family or even just as a couple, for there is plenty to enjoy

With eight fantastic royal parks, there is ample outdoors space for picnics, walks or just plain-old sightseeing, for you can see many of London’s prime landmarks from a simple park bench, including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Whether it’s a play, an opera, a tour, a burlesque show, a sporting event, a wine tasting class or anything else which may tickle your fancy, London will have something for you.

BEACH WALKS – THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER AND CORNWALL

Even when the weather isn’t perfect, a walk down the beach – either alone, as a couple or with the family – can be one

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of the nicest, most relaxing activities to engage in. The water gently crashing up against the shoreline as you stroll alongside the ocean, looking out to the distant horizon. It’s also something the kids will absolutely love whilst they’re off from school, as most children love simple walks down the beach. Whether it’s skimming stones across the sea or looking for rare and weird washedup artefacts on the sand, children will always have a fun experience, and what better place to do this than Dover? The White Cliffs are a spectacular marvel and the best way to see them is to take a walk along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse. Guided tours are available too to get the most out of these breath-taking views. Moreover, the UK owns some tremendous white-sand beaches, and many of them are just as beautiful as those we travel half way around the world to see. Cornwall is another great destination to visit to take in some magnificent stretches of white sand.

THE LAKE DISTRICT

By far the most popular mountainous region in England and possibly the UK, the Lake District is a much-loved holiday destination for families everywhere, with

SPRING

BANK HOLIDAY IDEAS This spring bank holiday is going to be a special one; it’s going to be one for us all to let our over-grown hair down and have fun in the sunshine and bask in our freedoms!

more than 19 million visitors each year. Largely famous for its lakes, forests and mountains, it is also well-known for its associations with William Wordsworth and other Lake Poets, as well as Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin.

sailing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Alternatively, soar through the national park on your mountain bike before refuelling with a slice of the famous Kendal Mint Cake.

THE ISLES OF SCILLY

All the land in England which is higher The Isles of Scilly are considered by many than 3,000 feet above sea level exclusively to be the most underrated of the British lies within the Lake District National Park, Isles. COVID regulations permitting, a including Scafell Pike visit to this enchanting which is officially the archipelago on your highest mountain in extended weekend Camp in the right England. The deepest would be perfect for all spots, and treat it (Wastwater) and largest the family or even just like an adventure, (Windermere) natural as a couple, for there is lakes in England are plenty to enjoy. and you’ve got here too. With hotels, yourself a truly camping sites, and The Isles of Scilly lie just wonderful time various exhibitions to off the coast of Cornwall, offer, it will be a winner but are a world apart for any family. in every way. They are a natural wonder, like a cluster of precious The Lake District is also a fantastic ocean jewels, where nature thrives and camping spot. Camping is essentially the soul is inspired. huddling up together under tents outside, but this can be so much more COVID-restrictions permitting, it may be than that. Camp in the right spots, and possible to travel abroad on the cusp of treat it like an adventure, and you’ve got this summer. So, for a two or three night yourself a truly wonderful adventure. For stay, we recommend places like Paris, those feeling active, spend an afternoon Brussels, Amsterdam or Copenhagen, in Ullswater, which is England’s second or indeed many other oversea locations largest lake and offers a magnitude nearby, for many of these destinations can of watersport opportunities including be reached in less than an hour by plane.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE BEST

BEACH BREAKS THIS SUMMER As we move towards Summer, heads will inevitably turn to getting away on a much deserved break

A UK beach getaway might be the safest, and most popular way forward

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owever, with question marks remaining over whether overseas holidays will be possible this year, a UK beach getaway might be the safest, and most popular way forward. So, whether you love fun in the sand, or walks along coastlines, we’ve put together a list of the best seaside areas in the country to visit.

PERRANPORTH, CORNWALL

Situated on Cornwall’s rugged North Coast, this town is perfect for anyone who wants to combine having fun with scenic views. The beach itself stretches for over three miles, and is manned by the RNLI, making it a safe, and clean place to spend your time. This place is about more than just its sandy beach though. Towards the town end of the beach, there are rock pools and caves to explore. But if you’d prefer to truly relax on your getaway, then why not pay a visit to ‘The Watering Hole’ - an all-year-round pub, situated right on the beach, and providing live music performances on its outdoor stage. And only a stone’s throw away, the small high street offers a variety of shops and cafes, meaning that one never has to travel too far in order to find something to do in Perranporth.

BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET

The sun-drenched town of Bournemouth enjoys seven miles of sandy beach, and is the ultimate destination for families. As well as the array of water sport activities on offer, it’s only a short walk to the famous Bournemouth Pier. Complete with an arcade and a variety theatre, Bournemouth, amongst many other seaside towns, does not lack in family entertainment. And that’s not to mention the PierZip at RockReef - the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire. The 250m long wire is also dual-wired, so it’s possible to race others, whilst making the most of the view. And if you’re looking to unwind, then take a stroll towards BH2 Leisure. This modern complex houses a cinema, as well as a selection of restaurants. If you needed any confirmation of how attractive a proposition Bournemouth is, its beach has been named as TripAdvisor’s 20th best beach in the world in 2021.

SEVEN SISTERS, SUFFOLK

To completely contrast with the buzz of Bournemouth, The serene Seven Sisters stand between Seaford and Eastbourne on the south coast of England, and is the perfect destination if you want to be at one with nature. It boasts a stretch of white chalk cliffs, and the area takes its name from the seven peaks of these cliffs. This dramatic landscape provides the perfect opportunity for a country walk, and will test even a seasoned hiker’s stamina. The Seven Sisters country park is also a popular area for activities such as bird-watching, canoeing, and wild swimming. So if you’re of this persuasion, this could be the perfect getaway for you.

BROAD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE

Moving into Wales, the town of Broad Haven also falls into the category of ‘having something for everyone’. The water is suitable for swimming, and there are numerous rock pools, so this beach is a hit for children. If staying on the beach isn’t for you, then you’ll be thankful that you’re right in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, offering several exceptional nature walks to choose from. And what’s more, the town of Broad Haven became the object of numerous UFO sightings in the 1970s, and has since been humorously nicknamed the ‘Broad Haven Triangle’. So, if you’re a budding believer of extraterrestrial life, a trip to this town could give you more than you bargained for.

STONEHAVEN, ABERDEENSHIRE

And finally, for those wanting to venture into Scotland, Stonehaven could just be the place for you. The beach itself is very popular among water sports enthusiasts. So if you’re a keen surfer, diver, or sailor, then why not take on the brisk waves of the North Sea? Aside from the beach, the town of Stonehaven boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool, so that the whole family can keep warm during the Scottish summer. And if you’re looking for something more cultural, Stonehaven is steeped in history. Take a trip to the beautiful Dunnottar Castle which sits atop tall cliffs. Although this castle fell into ruins nearly three hundred years ago, it has lost none of its charm, and is well worth a visit to learn about Scottish history.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CORE VALUES

Now’s the time to think about your home’s decor

hey say a change is as good as a rest. And although there will be no respite when it comes to actually getting down to do it, there can be no doubt that, once finished, a home makeover is good for the soul.

Less is more seems to be the key phrase when it comes to furniture, particularly if you are after a vintage look

The dilemma is whether to follow the herd and opt for the latest fashion, knowing next year you’ll be out of date and will need to do it again. Or opt for comfort and personality, with the emphasis on longevity. Therefore, it won’t be a surprise to learn there are wildly differing schools of thought when it comes to this year’s summer trends. The first is all about comfort and nostalgia, and has been dubbed Cottagecore, because we can’t live without labels. This is a romantic interpretation of simplistic rural life

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with splashes of glamour – granny chic meets rustic vogue, according to the influencers – with muted, pastel tones offset by statement gold accessories and vintage-style wallpaper. As for furnishings, it’s traditional-shaped sofas with the accent on curves, rather than angular edges, and deep cushions, large footstools and statement lighting. Plus full-length curtains on wooden poles, something of a throwback to the Eighties. In the opposite corner is Japandi, a blending of the modern, pared back and functional Japanese and Scandinavian styles with simple shapes, rattan and natural wood dominant. Stoneware and ceramics are particularly important with bold, abstract prints on plain grey or white walls adding splashes of colour. Boucle – a tactile fabric popular in the Fifties and now fashionable again -

adds texture and softness to upholstery while, instead of flowers in vases, replace blooms with elegant grasses. Similarly, tall vivid green houseplants, such as palms, weeping figs or yuccas are also suitably eye-catching.

Less is more seems to be the key phrase when it comes to furniture, particularly if you are after a vintage look. Antique, repurposed or salvaged pieces all have their place, but the key is to provide plenty of contrast and that can only come gradually. Interior designers say it’s a look which needs layering so a few rich fabrics and statement lighting will help retain a modern note until the look is complete.

As for paint, Dulux’s colour of the year is Brave Ground, a warm natural tone which is the perfect backdrop for sage green - which is Boucle – a tactile expected to be particularly popular Some pieces, such as fabric popular in the in kitchens – as well bookcases or cabinets, Fifties and now as pale pinks. Earth are useful for displaying fashionable again colours are said to ornaments and - adds texture and give us courage to sentimental objects, softness to upholstery embrace change, so if but are not as effective you’re having a radical as floating shelves, rethink, at least it will particularly if they are give you confidence tiered. Being at home to carry on! more over the last year has made us look at what we have, and treasure them Industry-standard Pantone, on the other accordingly, while there is something hand, went for two shades: Illuminating therapeutic about choosing favourite – a bright yellow – and The Ultimate Grey items, moving them around into – a soft neutral – which, when combined, different patterns and orders. present a warming and optimistic colour scheme certain to lift spirits, Plus, they will look good as a backdrop and both are equally appealing when to your next Zoom call from the homeused on feature walls or in alcoves. Last working space you have managed to year’s colour, Classic Blue, still remains create behind that little bit of wall that relevant, however, and along with burnt juts out in your not-so-regularly shaped orange, provides a welcoming feel to living room, which you’ve never worked sitting rooms and snugs alike. out what to do with. You can zone the different areas with rugs, artwork lighting Alternatively, muted colours with folksy or plants and even paint the wall a slightly and characterful prints creates a modern darker shade to the rest of the room just vibe to brighten a window wall. to give it the feel of a separate area.

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MAY GARDENING GUIDE

May is a wonderful month for your garden, and with our handy guide we have laid it all out for you

pring is fully underway. There should be no more frosts and the temperature is steadily getting warmer, which is bliss for your garden. With more sunshine, your plants should get stronger and healthier and the colours should start to look really vibrant. However, if you have a new space or a blank space, we are on hand to guide you through the best flowers and plants for your outdoor space.

FLOWERS

The vibrant and bright colour of flowers is what makes a garden. And now is the time to sow seeds directly outdoors.

DILL

Looking to create a wild field look in your garden, then you can’t go wrong with cornflowers. These bright blue annual flowers can grow up to a metre high and give a vibrant wild meadow look to your beds. May is the final month to sow them, to get them to bloom this year.

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Towering sunflowers are exciting annuals to grow in your garden. Children love them and they are really easy to plant and look after. Also, with so many varieties available with different colours, shapes and sizes, they create a simply gorgeous summery border in your space.

SCABIOUS

If you love butterflies fluttering around your garden, then these gorgeous scabious flowers, which come in shades of purple, pink and blue, Homegrown veg simply are perfect. Some tastes better than shopvarieties are hardy perennials, which bought veg. It’s a fact and means they’ll come if you don’t believe us, back year-after-year cucumber is the perfect while some tender veg to test the fact species are annuals.

Dill is an airy annual that not only looks great but is also used in cooking. If you are looking to attract wildlife, this is a great little plant that hover-flies are particularly attracted to. You can sow it directly into your beds, ready for summer blooms.

CORNFLOWERS

SUNFLOWERS

BISHOP’S FLOWER

Keeping with the wild meadows theme, the bishop’s flower is a very pretty annual plant that grows to roughly 1m in height. Sow these flowers en masse and when they come into bloom, you will have graceful white cloud formations on top. Grown amongst cornflowers, the contrast in colours looks simply stunning.

VEGETABLES

Similar to flowers, with the frosts having passed, many veggie seeds can now be sown directly outdoors.

BEETROOT

Beetroot is a purple root vegetable that is packed with essential nutrients. Even better, they are really easy to grow in your garden. The seeds don’t need much encouragement to germinate, and they require little maintenance once established.

SWEETCORN

Perfect for the BBQ, sweetcorn is another great plant that needs to be planted this month at the latest. Containing lots of fibre, sweetcorn is extremely healthy too. Simply sow the seeds in small pots or modules before planting them into rich, moist soil in a sunny spot.

CUCUMBER

Homegrown veg simply tastes better than shop-bought veg. It’s a fact and if you don’t believe us, cucumber is the perfect veg to test the fact. Sow cucumber seeds in peat-free compost and keep them in a warm spot. Once the seedlings have developed their first ‘true’ leaves, plant them outside with a bamboo stick for support.

SPROUTING BROCCOLI

Extremely robust, sprouting broccoli produces nutrient-packed succulent spears, which are perfect for steaming, boiling and grilling. Simply sow the seeds into small pots. Once the seedlings are coming through, prick them out and put them into larger pots. Then once they are between 7-9cm tall, plant them in rows in your garden.

With more sunshine, your plants should get stronger and healthier

CARROTS

A true garden and cooking staple, the honest carrot is an exceptionally easyto-grow vegetable, which is perfect for a whole host of dishes. Simply sow carrot seeds sparingly in drills in prepared soil before covering with a thin layer of soil and water sparingly. Seeds should germinate in a few weeks.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

TAKE SOME DOWNTIME FROM SCREEN TIME

Making the most of Screen Free Week

od knows we’ve all been indulging in a massive amount of screen time over the last year, including our televisions, computers and phones. What a perfect time, then, to celebrate Screen-Free Week! In 1994, the week was first championed by TV-Free America, which then became the centre for SCREEN-TIME Awareness. Since 2010, the name has officially been Screen Free Week. It is an annual event which campaigns to have screens turned off and life turned on. Reading, daydreaming, exploring, enjoying nature, and spending time with family and friends are all activities encouraged. This year, Screen Free Week runs from the 3rd May until 9th May. The objective of the week is to create as much opportunity as possible to reflect on our relationships with our electronic devices, put them down, and enjoy all things natural and social.

The objective of the week is to create as much opportunity as possible to reflect on our relationships with our electronic devices, put them down, and enjoy all things natural and social

HERE ARE SOME UNIQUE AND THOUGHTFUL IDEAS, PERFECT FOR YOUR SCREEN FREE WEEK

• Write a letter to an elderly family member.

• Go on a picnic, and make all the food yourself from scratch.

• Lay a blanket out in your backyard and stargaze.

• Call a friend who’s going through hard times to let them

• Read aloud to your kids, even if they think they’re

know that you’re thinking of them.

too old for it.

• Go find a local body of water. A river, pond or ocean will

• Recreate your favourite restaurant meal at home.

restore your spirits.

• Make your own postcards and mail them to far

• Write a short story from start to finish.

flung friends.

• Challenge your kids to create their own board games, and

• Make a flower bouquet from your own garden, even if

then be willing to play the games.

it’s mostly greenery.

• Take a nature walk in your own neighbourhood and take

• Go for a long hike.

close up photos of the plants and flowers.

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WE’RE BUZZING ABOUT WORLD BEE DAY World Bee Day is on the 20th May 2021

s it does every year, World Bee Day will take place on May 20th, to coincide with the birthday of Anton Janša, who pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in the 18th Century. And with the pandemic having negatively impacted the beekeeping industry, it is more vital than ever to raise the awareness of the importance of bees.

WHAT ARE POLLINATORS?

Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between plants, and they play a huge role in allowing food crops to reproduce. There are different pollinator species in the world, but some of the most common are butterflies, bats, hummingbirds, and of course, bees.

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

The most popular pollinators in the world are bees. In fact, pollinators, like bees, impact 35% of the world’s agricultural land, meaning that over a third of food has been at least partly pollinated by animals. And it’s more than just food that pollinators are useful for. Pollination also contributes to the creation of medicines, biofuels, fibres such as cotton and linen, and construction materials.

But the 25,000 to 30,000 species of bee are under threat. Due to human impacts, current extinction rates are 100 to 1000 times higher than normal. If this trend were to continue, many crops such as fruit and nuts would become less readily available, meaning imbalances to the human diet, and a lack of biodiversity.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Protecting bees can start at home, and it’s really easy to get involved! Planting bee-friendly plants like daisies and heather can help to attract them to your garden, and once they’re present, do your bit by helping them to flourish. You can achieve this by leaving a dish filled with water and pebbles, in case they get thirsty. Furthermore, by leaving a section of your garden to grow wild, this will provide the bees with much-needed shade when the weather heats up. It’s also critical to not use pesticides, fungicides or herbicides anywhere in your garden, as these can prove extremely harmful to bees. And, if you know one, choose to buy your honey from a beekeeper, and help local businesses! If you want to go even further, you can visit ‘worldbeeday.org’, and take part in one of their annual meetings, which will be held virtually this year.

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THE FINALS

COUNTDOWN It’s showdown time for football’s major prizes

n what seems a faster time than it takes VAR to sort out an offside decision, the football season heads into its ‘business end’ with trophies and relegation issues on the line. The compressed season has had more than its share of twists and turns, although there is an air of inevitability about where the honours are heading. Take the major domestic knockout trophies, the Emirates FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, for example. Neither has been won by a side outside the Premier League’s Big Six since 2013, when Wigan Athletic and Swansea City respectively had the audacity to buck the trend that suggested football was becoming a playground for the rich and mega-rich. Normal service has, sadly, been resumed, to the extent that since Wigan’s intervention, the FA Cup has become the property of just four clubs – Arsenal, who have won it four times, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. And it will take a brave man to bet against that stranglehold being broken at Wembley on May 15th. (To further deflate the romantic notions of anyone hoping for an upset, since Wimbledon’s mind-boggling triumph in 1988, only three other teams – Everton in 1995, Portsmouth in 2008 and Wigan – have prevented the Cup from falling into the clutches of a Big Six which also embraces Liverpool and Tottenham).

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The Carabao Cup is, of course, an even cosier clique: Since Swansea, it has been won by either City or a side managed by Jose Mourinho. Such is the Premier League’s clout and perceived strength, it is tempting to think that dominance has spread across the English Channel into the European competitions. Indeed, the same names keep occurring… only they are Spanish. In the last 10 years, there have been just two English winners of the Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition - Liverpool in 2019 and Chelsea in 2012 – although Tottenham, in the all-Premier League final two years ago, Manchester United and Liverpool have reached the ultimate showdown. In that time, Real Madrid have won it four times, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich scoring two triumphs apiece, although this year’s final on May 29th is at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, a venue etched deep into the Merseysiders’ folklore. It was there, in 2005, that the Reds overturned a 3-0 deficit to beat AC Milan on penalties to complete one of the great sporting comebacks. Of all the competitions, the marathon slog that is the Europa League could be the one to be wearing seldom-applied colours after the final in Poland’s stunning Gdansk Stadium on May 26th. Sevilla (four-time champions) and Atletico Madrid (twice) were notable absentees from the latter rounds, leaving the stage clear for unheralded champions.

BUZZINGLY GOOD FOOD Celebrate World Bee day with these wonderfully sticky honey recipes

1kg carrots 25g butter 2 tbsp clear honey 5 lemon thyme sprigs, leaves picked, plus extra to serve (use ordinary thyme if you can’t find lemon)

3 thyme sprigs , leaves roughly chopped 2-3 rosemary sprigs, leaves roughly chopped 2 fat garlic cloves , lightly bashed ½ tsp black peppercorns 4 duck leg (about 800g) 750g duck fat 2 bay leaves sunflower oil., for covering the duck, if needed 4 tbsp clear honey

HONEY & THYME CARROTS Keep this succulent recipe for when your homegrown carrots have started to produce. Tip the carrots into a wide shallow pan so they are no more than a double layer. Add the butter, honey and about 500ml or 2cm of water, the leaves from the thyme and a pinch of salt. Partly cover with a lid, turn the heat up high and boil everything down until the carrots are tender, cooked through and sticky with honey. If they aren’t tender enough by the time the water has evaporated, add a splash more. Once glazed, turn them over in the sticky juices and serve, with extra thyme on top.

HONEY-ROAST CONFIT OF DUCK Serve your carrots with this wonderful French classic with meltingly tender meat with crispy skin. Mix together the thyme, rosemary, garlic and peppercorns with 2 tbsp flaky sea salt. Tip half into a large baking dish, top with the duck legs, then sprinkle over the remaining salt and massage well into the duck. Cover with cling film and chill for 24 hrs. Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Take the duck legs out of the dish, wipe off the salt mixture with kitchen paper, then set aside. Melt the duck fat in a flameproof casserole dish until just bubbling. Add the bay leaves and duck legs, and bring to a gentle simmer. The legs should be completely covered, so top up with olive oil if needed. Transfer the dish to the oven and cook for 2 hrs 30 mins. To check whether the duck is cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of a leg – it should go in easily. Leave the duck to cool in the fat. Can now be chilled for up to 2 weeks. While the duck cools, make the Puy lentils & pancetta (see Goes well with, right). Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Lift the duck legs from the dish, scrape off the fat and place, skin-side up, in a shallow roasting tin.

All recipes from the BBC Goodfood website Images for illustrative purposes only

Spoon 1 tbsp honey over each duck leg and roast for 25-30 mins until the skin is browned and sticky. Serve with the Puy lentils & pancetta.

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exclusive

Holland Avenue £850,000

* Significantly Extended & Internally Remodelled Four Bedroom Traditional Detached * Located Within A Popular Road Of Knowle & Within Walking Distance To All Local Schools & Knowle Village * Beautifully Presented Throughout & Includes Large Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen & Family Room With Underfloor Heating & Full Width Sliding Patio Doors * South Facing Rear Garden * Two Further Reception Rooms * Large Master Bedroom With Luxury Ensuite * Downstairs Shower Room & Utility * Garage * Set Behind A Large Block Paved Driveway * EPC Rating D *

Knowle Wood Road £1,000,000

* Large Five Bedroom Detached Property Located On The Golden Triangle * Significantly Extended & Improved * Four Reception Rooms Including Living Room / Play Room / Study & Conservatory * Stunning Open Plan Kitchen / Dining and Family Room * Set Behind Stoned In & Out Driveway * Garage * Five Bedrooms & Three Bathrooms * Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * EPC Rating C *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY T: 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk

Monwood Grove £875,000

* Impressive Five Bedroom Extended Detached * Situated Off Alderbrook Road * Easy Access To The School Campus Of St Peters, Alderbrook and Tudor Grange * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Enclosed Porch * Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Living Room * Family Room * Sitting Room * Large Kitchen/Diner * Five Double Bedrooms * Two Ensuite * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Private Rea Garden * Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

Eldersfield Grove £850,000

* Impressive Five Bedroom Detached * No Upward Chain * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Internal Viewing Essential * Immaculately Maintained * Gas Central Heating * Enclosed Porch * Impressive Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Large Through Lounge * Dining Room * Study * Large UPVC Double Glazed Conservatory * Modern Refitted Kitchen * Laundry/Utility Room * Five Bedrooms * Modern Refitted Family Bathroom And Ensuite * Double Garage * Wide Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk Station Road £750,000

* Significantly Extended & Absolutely Stunning Four Double Bedroom Traditional Property Located Within Easy Walking Distance To Knowle Village & All Local Schools & Set Behind Large Tarmacadam Driveway * Magnificent Open Plan Kitchen / Dining / Family Room With Full Width Sliding Doors to Rear Garden & Concealed Study Area * Private & Large South Easterly Facing Rear Garden * Living Room * Master Bedroom With Walk In Wardrobe & Luxury Ensuite * Three Further Double Bedrooms Serviced Via Luxury Family Bathroom * Side Store / Utility Leading To Single Garage * Internal Inspection Highly Recommended To Fully Appreciate This Stunning Family Home * EPC Rating D *

Hintons Coppice £480,000

** NO UPWARD CHAIN ** Three Bedroom Detached Property Set Within A Quiet Cul-De-Sac Location * Scope For Extension STPP * Open Plan Kitchen / Diner * Living Room * Excellent Sized Rear Garden * Garage * Set Behind Tarmacadam Driveway * Arden Academy Catchment Area *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

Tilehouse Green Lane £550,000

* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Private Gated Development * Absolutely Immaculate Four Bedroom Property Benefitting From Most Private Rear Garden Extending To The Side & Rear Of The Property * Finished To The Highest Specification Throughout * Superb Family Home In A Secure Environment * Large Open Plan Living / Dining Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Utility * Garage * Four Bedrooms & Three Bathrooms * EPC Rating C *

Station Lane £575,000

* Stunning & Significantly Extended 4 / 5 Bedroom Link Detached Property Set Within The Sought After Village Of Lapworth * Set Behind Resin Driveway With Ample Parking * Magnificent Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen / Dining / Family Room With Underfloor Heating * Further Sitting Room With Integrated Log Burner * Separate Play Room / Ground Floor Bedroom With Ensuite * Four Further Bedrooms To First Floor * Stunning Principal Bedroom With Open Luxury Ensuite & Freestanding Bath * Westerly Facing Rear Garden * Separate Utility * EPC Rating E *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk Warwick Road £425,000

* Three Bedroom Cottage Set Over Three Floors * Set Within the Village Of Henley-in-Arden * Lounge * Kitchen/Diner * Three Bedrooms * Large Re-Fitted Bathroom * South Facing Rear Garden * Outbuilding/ Office With Lighting/Heating & Power * Lots Of On Street Parking * Off Street Parking Available For A Small Monthly Charge * EPC Rating D *

Mother Gabriel £399,950

** NO UPWARD CHAIN ** Stunning Triplex Apartment Located Within An Exclusive Development & With Own Private Lift * Highly Desirable Location * Gated Courtyard Development * Luxuriously Appointed Throughout * Stunning Principal Bedroom * Open Plan Kitchen / Living Room With Balcony * Conveniently Located For All Transport Links * Two Bedrooms * EPC Rating B *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

Oakhall Drive £575,000

* Stunning & Significantly Extended Four Bedroom Detached Property * Located Within A Quiet Cul-De-Sac of Dorridge & Within Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * Absolutely Immaculate Throughout & Truly Requires Internal Inspection To Be Fully Appreciated * Open Plan Kitchen Dining Room * Living Room & Separate Family Room / Office * Four Double Bedrooms * Master With Ensuite * Luxury Family Bathroom * South Westerly Facing Rear Garden * Garage / Store To Rear * Arden Academy Catchment Area * EPC Rating C *

Poplar Road £360,000

* Beautifully Presented Two Bedroom Semi Detached Property Located A Short Walk To Dorridge Village & Station * Open Plan Kitchen / Dining Room * Living Room * Two Bedrooms & Family Bathroom * Large Landscaped Rear Garden With Parking To The Rear * EPC Rating E *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk

Norton Lane £699,950

Collister Close £500,000

* Impressive Four Bedroom Extended Semi Detached * Open Countryside Views To The Front * No Upward Chain * Early Viewing Essential * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Spacious Family Accommodation * Enclosed Porch * Entrance Hall * Lounge * Dining Room * Snug * Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Family Room * Utility Room * Four Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Garage * Superb Large Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *

* Four Bedroom Modern Detached * Originally Built By Damson Homes * Quiet Cul-De-Sac Location * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Internal Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Extended Lounge/Dining Room * Useful Storage Room * Luxury Fitted Kitchen * Study * Four Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Bathroom * Garage * Easy Maintained Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

Anchor Lane £300,000

Slimbridge Close £589,950

* Impressive Three Bedroom Semi Detached * Ideal For A First Time Purchaser * Early Viewing Essential * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Enclosed Porch * Entrance Hall * Attractive Lounge * Luxury Fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Three Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Off Road Parking * Private Garden * EPC Rating C *

* Impressive Four Bedroom Detached * Quiet Cul De Sac Location * Originally Built By Lang Homes * Immaculately Maintained And Decorated Throughout * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Canopy Porch * Impressive Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Study * Living Room * Dining Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Laundry/Utility Room * Four Bedrooms * Ensuite * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Private Landscaped Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

Broom Lane £229,950

Shustoke Road £160,000

* Ground Floor Luxury Apartment * Secure Gated Entrance * Superb Views Overlooking The Canal & Countryside * Electric Heating * Double Glazed * Immaculately Maintained Throughout * Internal Viewing Essential * Entrance Hall * Open Plan Living Room * Modern Refitted Kitchen * Two Double Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Modern Bathroom * Garage * Allocated Parking * Internal Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *

* Walking Distance To Solihull Town Centre * Second Floor Flat * No Upward Chain * Ideal Opportunity For A First Time Purchaser Or Investor * Gas Central Heating * Communal Entrance Hall * Useful Storage Cupboard * Large Lounge/Dining Room With Balcony Off * Fitted Kitchen * Two Double Bedrooms * Bathroom * Communal Gardens * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *

Cherrington Way £625,000

Maywell Drive £282,500

* Popular Hillfield Estate * Four Bedroom Detached * Originally Built By Bryant Homes To The Richmond Design * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Gas Central Heating * UPVC Double Glazing * Quiet Cul-De-Sac Location * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Through Living Room * Dining Room * Fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Ensuite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Wide Landscaped Rear Garden * Double Garage * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

* Two Bedroom Semi-Detached * Ideal For A First Time Purchaser * Early Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Well Maintained * Enclosed Porch * Living Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Conservatory/Sun Lounge * Two Double Bedrooms * Bathroom * Garage * South Facing Garden * EPC Rating C *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk

Strawberry Fields

Daytona Drive

£269,950

£525,000

** TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY *** Two Bedroom Mid Terraced * Sought After Location * Refurbished Throughout * Walking Distance To Meriden Village * Ideal For A First Time Buyer Or Investor * Lounge * Fitted Kitchen * Guest WC * Bathroom * Two Double Bedrooms * Landscaped Rear Garden * Allocated Parking Space * Garage * EPC Rating C *

* Four Bedroom Detached Property * Quiet Cul De Sac Location * Potential to Extend STPP * Large Garden to Three Sides * Lounge * Dining Room * Kitchen * Conservatory * Guest Cloakroom * Utility Area * En-Suite To Primcipal Bedroom * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Off Road Parking * EPC Rating D *

High Street

Meadow Drive

£550,000

£599,950

* Three Bedroom Double Fronted Period Property * Well Presented Throughout * Located in the Centre of Hampton In Arden * No Onward Chain * Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen/ Living Room * Sitting Room * Guest WC & Shower-room * Three Double Bedrooms * Three Bathrooms * Large Family Bathroom * Large Landscaped Rear Garden * EPC Rating E *

* Five Bedroom Detached Property * Beautifully Presented Throughout * Located Within Easy Walking Distance To Hampton Village & Station * Extended & Modernised * Breakfast Kitchen * Lounge * Playroom * Utility Room * 5 Bedrooms * En-Suite Master Bedroom * Family Bathroom * Landscaped Rear Garden * Off Road Parking * Garage * EPC Rating C *

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

Wyatt Way

Kenilworth Road

£530,000

£850,000

* Five Bedroom Detached Property * No Onward Chain * Early Completion Available * Well Presented Throughout * Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen * Dual Aspect Lounge * Utility Room * Five Double Bedrooms * Master With EnSuite * Two Bathrooms * Detached Double Garage * Extensive Off Road Parking * Landscaped Walled Rear Garden * EPC Rating B *

* Traditional Detached Property * Superb West Facing Plot * Over 2500 sq ft * Five Bedrooms * Potential to Extend STPP * Well Presented Throughout * Lounge * Dining Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Study * Games Room * Guest WC / Showeroom * Five Bedrooms * Ensuite Principal Bedroom * Family Bathroom * Large West Facing Rear Garden * Huge Workshop * Off Road Parking For Multiple Vehicles * EPC Rating C *

Station Road

Stoneton Crescent

£529,950

£450,000

* Three Bedroom Victorian Terrace * Well Presented Throughout * Walking Distance to Train Station * Breakfast Kitchen * Living Room * Lounge * Three Excellent Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * South Westerly Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *

* Four Bedroom Detached * Well Presented & Maintained * Re-fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Through Lounge / Diner * Conservatory * Storage Room * Family Bathroom * South Facing Rear Garden * Solar Panels * Storage Garage * Off Road Parking * EPC Rating B *

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk

Felton Grove, Solihull

Brightwell Crescent, Dorridge

£1,695 pcm

£2,950 pcm

Detached Property* Immaculately Presented Throughout* Four Bedrooms* Lounge* Dining Room* Conservatory* Fitted Kitchen* Downstairs Cloakroom* Utility* Store Room* Family Bathroom* En-suite Shower Room* EPC Rating C* Rear garden* Cul-De-Sac Location* Unfurnished* Available Now

Extended Detached Property* Immaculately Presented Throughout* Cul-De-Sac Location*Four Double Bedrooms* Lounge* Dining Room* Open Plan Fitted Dining Kitchen* Utility* Cloakroom* Modern Family Bathroom* Modern En-Suite Bathroom* Detached Double Garage* Large Driveway* Low Maintenance Rear Garden* Sonus Speaker System* Alarm Facility Available* EPC Rating C* Unfurnished* Available Now

Clarewell Avenue, Solihull

Kenilworth Road, Knowle

£1,250 pcm

£1,495 pcm

Detached Property* Ideally Located for Solihull Town Centre* Three Bedrooms* Lounge* Open Plan Kitchen/Diner* Downstairs Cloakroom* Modern Shower Room* New Flooring* Ideally Located for Local Schools* Garage* Attractive Rear Garden* Cul-De-Sac Location* EPC Rating D* Unfurnished* Available 25th May*

Semi Detached Character Property* Immaculately Presented Throughout* Three Bedrooms* Walking Distance to Knowle High Street* Lounge/Diner* Fitted Breakfast Kitchen* Separate Garden Office* Downstairs Cloakroom* Bathroom with Shower* Separate Attractive Rear Garden* Large Gated Parking Area* Small Rear Courtyard* EPC D* Gas Central Heating* Unfurnished* Available 26th April.

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

KNOWLE TEAM

BALSALL COMMON TEAM

SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY TEAM

MORTGAGES TEAM LETTINGS TEAM

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk Landor Road, Knowle £875pcm

Ground Floor Flat* Two Double Bedrooms* Lounge/Diner* Fitted Kitchen* Bathroom* Separate W.C* Garage in Separate Block* Gas Central Heating* Walking Distance to Knowle Park* EPC Rating D* Unfurnished* Available Now*

Maythorn Grove, Solihull £1,695 pcm

Extended Detached Property* Well Presented* Four Bedrooms* Lounge* Dining Area* Fitted Kitchen* Conservatory* Utility* Cloakroom* Two En-Suite Shower Rooms* Family Bathroom* TV Room* Garage/Store Room* Ideally Located for Local Schools*Cul-De-Sac Location* EPC Rating C * Unfurnished* Available 8th May*

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

Kewstoke, Penn Lane, Tanworth-in-arden £4,500 pcm

Significantly Extended Traditional Detached Property* Five Bedrooms* Sixth Bedroom/Office* Four Reception Rooms * Orangery* Fitted Kitchen* Large Sweeping Tree Lined Driveway * Absolutely Immaculate Throughout * Pedestrian Gated Access To Ladbrook Golf Club * Three Bathroom/ Shower Rooms* Triple Garage* Gardener Included* Attractive Rear/Side Gardens* EPC Rating D * Unfurnished* Available Now*

High Street, Hampton In Arden £925 pcm

Mid Terrace Character Property* Walking Distance to Hampton Train Station* Two Double Bedrooms* Lounge* Fitted Kitchen* Rear Reception Room* Bathroom with Separate Shower Cubicle* Rear Courtyard* Off Road Parking to the Rear* Separate Rear Garden* EPC Rating D* Unfurnished* Available Mid May*

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk

Meet our Lettings Team

Sarah Bent HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Over 6 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting people SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I once appeared in a play at the Birmingham Rep when I was in a youth theatre group FAVOURITE FOOD? Chocolate FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? City break, New York

Lisa Davies

Wendy Clarke

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 3 weeks

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 4 years

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Looking forward to learning all about the industry and meeting new people

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people I work with

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Has an O’Level in Latin

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Been cautioned by police for demonstrating about women’s rights

FAVOURITE FOOD? Chinese

FAVOURITE FOOD? Crème Brulee

FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Villa Mora in Portugal

FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? I like historic sites in Italy

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

Sara Cope

Andrea Jones

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Nearly 2 years

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT?

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting people

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people I work with

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I used to sing in a choir for 20 years FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry/spicy food

5 years

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I am double jointed FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry or anything spicy

FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Anywhere in the Carribean

FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? The Algarve or Vegas

Yvonne Williams

Julie Chinnery

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 2 years in August WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Working as part of the team with Landlords and Tenants SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Played county hockey until the age of 24 FAVOURITE FOOD? Pretty much everything FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? With family and like to travel to both the UK and overseas

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Just over 10 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Organizing and helping put things in place so we can work more efficiently FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Cape Verde

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

Update: Six-month notice period comes into law and “Winter Truce” on evictions announced Landlords will need to give tenants six months notice if they intend to regain possession of their property and no tenants will be evicted over Christmas.

The government has changed the law to increase notice periods to six months and confirmed that possession proceedings will resume on 21 September 2020. The only exceptions to the six-month notice period are the most egregious cases, including where tenants have demonstrated anti-social behaviour or committed fraud, where notice periods have been shortened. In these cases, “notice periods must be at least 4 weeks where over six months of rent is due (if less than 6 months is owed, then 6 months’ notice must be given).” A “winter truce” on evictions also means that no evictions will take place between 11 December 2020 and 11 January 2021. When possession proceedings resume, cases will be subject to new court processes and procedures, which will be in place until at least 28 March 2021. These include: • The prioritisation of cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes, as well as extreme rent arrears where landlords would otherwise face unmanageable debts.

• No cases from before 3 August 2020 will immediately proceed to hearing, but will have to be ‘re-activated’ by the landlord and then subject to a new review hearing, at least four weeks before the substantive hearing. • Landlords will also need to provide the courts and judges with information on how tenants have been affected by the pandemic. Where this information is not provided, judges will be able to adjourn proceedings until the information is provided. In addition, the government has announced a “winter truce” on the enforcement of evictions, meaning no evictions will be permitted in England and Wales in the run up to and over Christmas except in the most serious circumstances. Tenants are still liable for their rent during this time and should pay this as usual. If tenants are facing financial hardship and think they will have difficulty making a rental payment, they should speak to their landlord in the first instance.

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details

“

This article was updated on 24 September 2020. Although we endeavour to keep our coronavirus (COVID-19) content as up to date as possible, the situation is rapidly changing, so please ensure you refer to gov.uk for the latest advice and information.

The government is encouraging tenants and landlords to work together to put in place a rent payment plan. However, there is other support available for tenants facing financial difficulties: • There is an existing £180 million of government funding for Discretionary Housing Payments made available this year, an increase of £40 million from last year and which is for councils to distribute to support renters with housing costs. • A £500 Hardship Fund will go to local authorities in England so they can reduce the 2020 to 2021 council tax bills of working age people receiving Local Council Tax Support. Councils will also be able to use the funding to provide further discretionary support to vulnerable people. • Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the government will pay up to 80% of a worker’s wages, up to a total of £2,500 per month, until August. • Universal Credit and Housing Benefit will increase and, from April, Local Housing Allowance rates will pay for at least 30% of market rents in each area.

Here’s what some of our clients say...

”

Laura & Matt

We absolutely recommend Xact to any family or friends looking to buy or sell a house and we have done on numerous occasions. You watch the market, you see a house go up with Xact and it sells and it completes and that’s our experience, there’s lots of reasons why that happens, they get jobs done basically.

”

Beth

I decided to use Xact for both selling my property and eventually buying, simply because I had used them 20 years ago when I bought my first house in the area and that experience had been a positive one so it seemed sense to go back to them again. Also I am aware of the fact that they are a very popular estate agent within the village and everybody that I had spoken to recommended them highly.

”

Peter

Without doubt I would recommend Xact without any equivocation, they’ve done a great job for us.

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

”

Tony

Yes, wholeheartedly I would recommend Xact to anyone who seeks my opinion.

”

Jon

We contacted a couple of the old firms and they came to see us and gave us their advice and their marketing strategies and the prices were very similar. But we noticed with Xact more and more signs were going up and one of my neighbours had sold his property with Xact and he was really pleased with them, so I thought we’ll give them a chance.

”

Kathy

I found them a very approachable estate agent, they had plenty of staff, they were all very polite, they were proactive, very empathetic with the sale, when I had any issues they were dealt with very quickly, they were always willing to answer my questions. I just thought they kept me up-to-date on a weekly basis, sometimes more often where necessary. I like their attitude towards sales really, they made me feel very comfortable.

”

Anne

I would definitely recommend Xact to friends, family and my colleagues and I have already done that.

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

Market movers

Take advantage of the busiest property market in a decade! Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation valuation.

KNOWLE

SOLIHULL

T: 01564 777284 E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 0121 712 6222 E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk

SHIRLEY

BALSALL COMMON

T: 0121 712 6222 E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 01676 534411 E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk