Breezethe village
FREE TO TAKE AND USEFUL TO KEEP
Letter from the Editor
Hello again and welcome…
I recently heard that, after 86 years, Reader’s Digest had ceased trading in the UK.
At one time, Reader’s Digest was one of the biggest-selling monthly publications in the world. Even 25 years ago, circulation was more than one million copies, but by 2016, this had declined to around 106,000, and I imagine the trend continued until the business closed in 2024. (The magazine still operates in other parts of the world.)
Its demise follows that of other printed journals. Twenty years ago, Yellow Pages was dominant in the UK classified advertising market; in January 2019; the last printed copy was published.
And yet... here you are reading a printed magazine with advertising. There is still clearly an interest in reading interesting articles, and using advertisers, so what makes us different?
We are a small business. We keep our costs low, meaning that advertising is very affordable and, more than just surviving, we are thriving!
We do not ask you to pay for the magazine, and most copies are hand delivered direct to householders.
We are local. Events, news, and businesses are all nearby, which makes this magazine relevant and interesting for you.
I am not gloating about any business’s failure, particularly as there are always worried staff to think of. But for us, every cloud…
We approached a writer who used to edit and contribute to Reader’s Digest and asked her to write some articles for us. Susannah Hickling is a talented wordsmith, and we are delighted to have her on our team.
And the thought I will leave you with this month:-
“Our greatest glory is not in falling, But in getting up every time we do”
Until next time…
6 did you know?
A round-up of tyre facts
8 gardening with caroline knight
The origin of species
10 a short story by murray clarke
Home Alone... A Ghostly Tale
12 home interiors with katherine
Update your home office
14 finance
Loyalty doesn't pay 16 motoring
Street cabinet EV chargers
18 travel with solange hando
Cracking Christmas breaks
22 tv stars
Give us a twirl, Shirl
26 health with susannah hickling
Scary symptoms
28 coffee break
Grab a cuppa and a pen!
30 our times
The Festival of Lights
Get in touch...
The Village Breeze is a local community magazine and business directory distributed monthly to 8,000 homes and businesses in Appleby Magna, Donisthorpe, Linton, Measham, Moira, Oakthorpe and Overseal.
Deadline for next issue
15th October, 2024
Editor
Sheila J. Bethell
General enquiries 0753 441 3055
Advertising enquiries 01283 814214
Drop us an email info@thevillagebreeze.co.uk
Read the magazine online at www.thevillagebreeze.co.uk
A round-up of tyre facts
Tyres keep you on the road – but what are the key things to know? Not only do tyres provide traction, grip and stability, but they enable you to stop in a controlled and safe manner. There is an overwhelming array of choices, with summer, winter, four-wheel-drive, snow, eco and performance tyres all on offer.
But what does the writing on your tyre mean? We asked the experts at Davanti Tyres to decipher it.
Product name
The most obvious is the product name. Different tyre ranges and patterns are also displayed next to it, to give owners the make and model.
Tyre size
A tyre model can come in different sizes. The dimensions are defined by letters and numbers to differentiate them from other variants of the same model. The first of three numbers shows the width in millimetres, defined as the distance between the inner and outer sidewall of the tyre. For example, with 205/55/R17, the 205 denotes a width of 205mm.
The second number expresses the relationship between the tyre’s sidewall height and its width, shown as a percentage – for instance, the 55 in 205/55/R17 means the sidewall height, between the top of the tread and the rim, is 55 per cent of the tyre’s width, or 113mm.
Tyre construction type and wheel diameter
You can determine a tyre’s internal construction from the letter before the third number. For example, R in 205/55/R17 is radial. Other examples are P
for passenger cars, LT for light trucks and C for commercial vans. The number that follows is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
Maximum load and speed of tyre
Next comes a number to indicate the maximum load, followed by a letter to indicate the maximum speed of the tyre.
A tyre’s maximum load is measured from 70 to 104 – 70 being a weight of 335kg and 104 being the heaviest at 900kg. The speed rating can be any of the letters L, M, N, P, Q, S, T, U, H, V, Z, W, Y and (Y). L is for off-road and light truck tyres, while (Y) is for cars with a top speed of over 186 mph. Tyres with a maximum speed of over 149 mph may have a Z before the construction type – for example, P275/40ZR17 93W.
DOT code
DOT stands for Department of Transportation and the code can show the location of manufacture, a tyre size code, an optional manufacturer internal product code, and the year and week of production.
Look for the word DOT on the sidewall. The first two numbers in the circled section provide the week it was made and the last two are the year.
Other tyre labels
The 3PMSF label – a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake - is more commonly found on snow and winter tyres. It guarantees a high level of winter performance, as winter tyres must pass an objective test. M+S, which stands for ‘Mud’ and ‘Snow’, is more often seen on winter and all-season tyres.
The origin of species
The phrase ‘plant hunters’ sounds adventurous and exciting, and indeed it was when people knew little of the world outside their local area. During the Victorian era, exploration and plant hunting became very popular, and exotic plants were brought back to Britain. Most of the plants we now take for granted, because they are grown in so many gardens, parks and within the wider landscape, were introduced during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Intriguingly, it’s thought we still haven’t discovered up to 30% of the flowering plants that exist in the world!
Pests and diseases
In earlier times, little thought was given to unwanted bugs and blights that might be introduced alongside the new,
desirable plants representing a symbol of exoticism and wealth. Understandably, there are now much stricter controls on the import of plants and related products into the UK. Plants arriving in Britain from the EU must have phytosanitary certificates, and a UK plant passport system is in operation so that every plant or plant-related product can be traced and recorded. There are also restrictions within the UK on the movement of certain plants, such as oaks, because of pests such as the oak processionary moth. Every plant nursery is subject to plant health inspections and appropriate restrictions according to location.
Olive threat
Not only are olives valuable for their fruit and for producing olive oil within countries enjoying a Mediterranean climate, but we Brits love to have olive trees in the garden too. However, Europe has been battling the spread of a plant pathogen called Xylella fastidiosa for the last decade or so. It is thought to have killed more than 20 million trees in Italy, Corsica, France, Spain, Portugal and Germany. Many olive tree groves and family businesses have been decimated. Xylella is caused by bacteria and spread by sap-sucking insects such as froghoppers and other common bugs. The bacteria cause blocking of the xylem vessels within the plant. As this is how a tree provides water and nutrients to its entire structure and produce, it doesn’t take long before growth becomes stunted and the slow death of the tree follows.
The same pathogen infects rosemary, lavender, coffee trees, and cherry and other Prunus trees. It is considered to represent the biggest threat to plant biosecurity in the UK. Over 500 plant species are at risk, including oaks, elms and the native bay, Laurus nobilis.
The Royal Horticultural Society has banned olive trees and other popular plants from their shows unless they have been propagated from seed in the UK or have been growing healthily in the UK for at least 12 months before the event.
Fortunately, this plant pathogen is not thought to have reached UK shores just yet. This means you can currently still buy olive trees in the UK. Many will have been grown from seed locally, and others will have been imported under strict conditions.
Home Alone... A Ghostly Tale
At first, Beryl thought she was imagining things. All alone in her quaint thatched cottage, she wondered what it could possibly be.
The full moon shone brightly through a gap in the curtains, casting an eerie glow into the cosy room where Beryl sat reading a paperback under the light of a solitary table lamp. The ornate grandfather clock in the corner – a family heirloom – chimed the hour. Eight o’clock. Where was Arthur at this time of the night?
How long did it take for a “quick game of darts down the Horse and Jockey” with his cronies?
Rat-a-tat-tat! No, she hadn’t imagined it – there was that noise again! A knock at the door, perhaps? Couldn’t possibly be her husband; he had his own key. Unable to concentrate, Beryl reluctantly closed the book, placing it on the pedestal table by the lamp, and rubbed her tired eyes.
Rat-a-tat-tat! Yes – it was certainly someone at the front door. Or something! But at this hour on a dark, damp, autumnal night? She laughed nervously. She wasn’t superstitious, didn’t believe in ghosts or ghouls or such nonsense – but she was beginning to wonder.
around to fixing that, she thought. All seemed quiet. But then . . .
Rat-a-tat-tat! Again!
Full of trepidation, Beryl shambled to the front door. What if it was a ghost or something equally scary? She shivered and drew her shawl closer around her neck.
She felt her heart beat faster in her chest as she turned the key in the lock and cautiously opened the door.
She recoiled in horror as dazzling bright lights were shone in her face, momentarily blinding her. Instinctively, she raised her hand to shield her eyes from the glare.
Rat-a-tat-tat! Whatever it was had no intention of going away.
‘Oh Arthur!’ Beryl whispered out loud. ‘Where are you when I need you?’
She eased herself out of the armchair, and with the help of her walking stick, shuffled to the window, parted the curtains and peered outside into the gloom. Her cottage was the last house in the village and overlooked open countryside. She noticed the mist beginning to roll in off the fields, threatening to blanket the village in dense fog. The neon streetlight opposite flickered. It was about time the council got
Standing on the doorstep, Beryl strained to make out the silhouettes of four dark apparitions, backlit by the moonlight. Ghosts? Aliens? She shuddered to think. One of the “ghosts” pointed a torch upwards on to its face. The others did the same. The effect was frightening, casting macabre shadows over the hideously painted masks they were wearing.
One of the “aliens” – dressed in a long black cape and pointed witch’s hat –stepped forward.
‘Trick or treat / Trick or treat / Give us something nice to eat!’ sang the small child menacingly, an impish smile on her cherub-like face as she held out a bucket already half-full of chocolate bars, sweets and other goodies.
Beryl breathed a sigh of relief.
Of course – it was Halloween Night!
Photo credit: Alison Chambers Fine Art America
Update your home office
Whether you’re self-employed, a remote worker, starting a new business, or simply need space for day-to-day admin, here are our ideas on how to improve your work-from-home space.
Desk space. Is your desk big enough? A slightly deeper desk won’t take much room but lets you spread out comfortably. Other options are adding a second desk to create an L shape, or investing in a spacesaving corner desk.
A good chair. Experts recommend a height-adjustable chair with a five-point base on wheels. The seat should be deep enough to support your legs, and the back rest should provide good back support. Some people like adjustable armrests and the ability to lean back. Less conventional options include kneeling chairs, saddle chairs and balance balls.
Position your monitor. Your computer monitor should ideally be directly in front of you at eye level, about 50cm from your face. If necessary, buy a monitor or laptop stand, and an ergonomic keyboard and mouse if you’re concerned about straining your wrists.
Consider the lighting. Maximise the natural light in your workspace but avoid glare by ensuring there are no bright lights behind your screen. Either reposition your computer or add a simple sheer curtain or blind to the window. A good desk light is a must – an adjustable style with an energy-saving LED bulb is ideal.
Minimise clutter. Adding coordinated storage of an appropriate type is always a good idea, and you may need to allow for expansion. Options include a slim shelf, a peg board on the wall, or a stack of lidded boxes. Some may need a filing cabinet, drawers or large cupboard; others may find that almost everything can be stored in the cloud and a few desk accessories will be enough.
Plugs and cables. Trailing leads are unsightly and not always safe, so if necessary ask an electrician to add extra sockets in a convenient position – perhaps versions incorporating USB outlets.
A comfortable temperature. In winter, you may want to heat only your workroom. A small, plug-in heater could be a good investment, or consider a heated blanket, seat or foot pad, or a hot water bottle. In very hot weather, turn off unused electrical items and add a fan. Keeping the curtains shut while the sun is blazing in through the windows can help, but if this isn’t an option you may need to consider an AC unit.
Make it personal. Anonymous white walls may be your go-to, but if you prefer colour there’s no reason not to personalise your home office. Experts recommend soft greens as being conducive to calm and productivity. A lick of paint can be transformative and not overly expensive. Add accessories that will brighten your day, including plants, artwork and photographs. A scented candle or diffuser makes the environment much more enjoyable, as do a soft throw and your favourite mug for that all-important cup of tea.
Loyalty doesn’t pay
If you operate all your finances through one account and you’ve been with the same bank for years, your loyalty is likely misplaced. There are many reasons why you should consider moving your account or opening an additional one.
Monogamy is risky
All banks run on technology. This is highly efficient and extremely convenient, but their systems can and do fail. It’s entirely possible that just at the moment you really need your bank to be working, they report some downtime. Furthermore, if your only card is lost or stolen, you will be stuck for a few days until you get a replacement. There’s gold in them there bills Several accounts give you a percentage back every month for your spending. Chase Bank give you 1% cashback on almost all debit card spending up to £15 a month; Santander Edge gives you 1% on bills such as council tax, utilities and broadband.
More interest is more interesting
Is it worth paying?
Most current accounts are free to use, provided you stay in credit, but some charge a monthly fee. However, all that do will give you some benefits, which can make or save you money in other ways. Virgin Money Club M charges £12.50 per month, giving you travel and mobile/gadget insurance, plus UK and European breakdown cover. Compared to individual policies, this is a bargain. Remember you can open a joint account with anybody (is it time to phone a friend?), and you’ll both get coverage at no extra cost.
Will I get a bad reputation?
Some current accounts give you access to linked savings with significantly higher than usual interest rates. You can earn 7% with First Direct (maximum £300 per month saving) or 6.5% with Nationwide (maximum £200 per month). Again, remember you can have an account with both banks or more.
I’m leaving you!
For bigger lump sum benefits, you can’t beat the switching incentives available. This is where you open a new account and close your old one. Your new bank will sort this out for you, including moving all your direct debits, and will then give you a nice welcome bonus – typically £150 to £200. This is another benefit of being with multiple banks. If you have one you hardly use, that can be the one to ditch.
Many people are concerned that applying for and holding several accounts will give them a bad credit rating. However, if you keep your credit clean (multiple maxed-out overdrafts will never be viewed favourably), it really shouldn’t affect you at all. However, it’s prudent to space out applications and probably best to postpone them if you are about to remortgage.
What about HMRC?
Good news: these reward payments are classed as 'annual' or 'miscellaneous' payments and you won’t be liable for tax on them. You must have accrued over £1,000 a year in interest payments – per person – before that’s taxed.
Street cabinet EV chargers
Residents of an East Lothian town can now charge their cars up using an old street cabinet.
The UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure continues to grow and while there are gaps in the allocation of chargers across the country, there are certainly more ways to top up than there ever have been.
BT Group announced last year that it would convert its old on-street cabinets into EV chargers, but how do they work and what sort of impact will they have on the overall network?
Here are a few key questions answered...
How many old BT Group cabinets are being converted to EV chargers?
As of today, a trial begins to see whether the old street BT cabinets will be of use to an EV owner. Initially, 600 charging points will be installed in the UK, with the first completed on 1 May this year in a street in East Lothian, Scotland.
What is the point of upcycling an old broadband cabinet?
The whole point of this experiment is not only to improve the UK’s EV infrastructure but also to help on-street charging.
Tom Guy, from BT Group, said: “Our research shows 78 per cent of petrol and diesel drivers see not being able to conveniently charge an EV as a key barrier to purchasing one. ”
What were the old BT Group cabinets used for originally?
Before they became surplus to requirements, they stored telephone and broadband cables – which means that all their electronics are already installed, allowing them to be easily converted into EV chargers.
Can I charge my car for free?
The first installation was free to use for residents until 31 May. Users also have to download an app to access the charging point.
How many old cabinets could be transformed into EV chargers?
The BT Group looked into how many could be converted and identified that 4,800 street cabinets in Scotland alone could be suitable for the change.
Where was the next location?
The next phase of the pilot was a site in West Yorkshire, and it’s expected that the rollout will continue throughout the rest of the UK.
Where can I get the app to access the charger?
The Trail app is available to purchase via the App Store or Google Play Store. EV owners can connect their cars to get live updates and battery levels, smart estimated costs, charge times and access to their charge history.
The UK government has a target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, and while EV uptake has slowed in recent months, it’s expected that further increases in charging infrastructure –including these BT ones – will help boost interest.
ASHBY u3a
AFTERNOON TALK WITH...
TOM INGALL
Talk about 'Loughborough Rail Link'
Tom Ingall is a well known expert on all things to do with public transport. He will take us through some of the nostalgia the railway is adept at recreating as well as looking at future projects and giving us an up to date view on them.
Come along to the Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2FQ [Look out for our flag on the pavement outside] on Tuesday 22nd October. Doors open at 1.30pm for 2pm start. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available – along with a warm welcome. Why not come along as our guest for a ‘taster’ visit? In addition to our monthly talks we also have in excess of 30 different interest groups, come and see what it's all about.
For more information go to ashbyu3a.co.uk or email:- members@ashbyu3a.co.uk
Cracking Christmas breaks
For many of us, a UK Christmas is characterised by short days, panicked present purchasing and considerably more drizzle than snow. So, if you’re tempted to sprinkle a little spontaneity into your Christmas this year, you’re not alone.
Whether you want to meet Santa in Lapland or have a barbeque on Bondi Beach, here’s a handful of the best places to travel for the festive season this year.
New York, USA
Best for: a Christmas from the movies
At Christmastime, there’s nothing quite like New York, the setting for so many iconic festive films, from ‘Elf’ to ‘Home Alone 2’.
Walk in little Kevin McCallister’s shoes as you experience the dreamy romance of ice skating at the Rockefeller, the splendour of the Plaza Hotel and Broadway’s dazzling festive shows. With its department stores, markets and bazaars, no city compares when it comes to shopping either.
Lapland, Finland
Best for: a magical white Christmas
Nestled in the northernmost region of Finland, Lapland is the home of Santa Claus and the quintessential Christmas destination. Visit the man himself in the small village of Rovaniemi and send postcards from Santa’s official post office.
Children will be swept away by the magic of feeding reindeer and visiting Rovaniemi’s very own ‘elf school’, but Lapland is also perfect for adult activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights.
Sydney, Australia
Best for: celebrations in the sun
Love Christmas but hate the cold? Sydney has all the festive lights and ice-skating opportunities of a typical Christmascelebrating city, but with the added bonus of 25°C heat.
On 25 December, Aussies don their Santa hats and descend on Bondi beach for Christmas dinner — barbeque-style. Lifeguards plant a fir tree in the sand and festive ‘sandmen’ replace snowmen. Sydney also has some of the best Christmas illuminations around, including Pitt Street Mall’s magnificent Canopy of Light.
Vienna, Austria
Best for: cosy Christmas markets
The elegant capital of Austria is renowned for its Yuletide markets, the most famous being the Wiener Christkindlmarkt. Munch on toffee apples and sip toasty Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch) as you browse traditional artisanal goods you’d struggle to find anywhere else.
The religious significance of the holidays remains strong here too. Experience Christmas Mass in centuries-old churches or attend one of the city’s famed Christmas concerts.
The Canary Islands, Spain Best for: escaping it all on a budget
Craving winter sunshine closer to home? A Canary Island Christmas could be just what you need. While you’ll still find signs of the festive season across the archipelago, you could almost forget about it altogether if you steer clear of the busier resorts. Many bars and restaurants stay open as usual, and outdoor activities are on offer too.
Looking for a little Christmas cheer? Stay in La Palma to see Franceses’ famous nativity scene complete with life-size models or attend an open-air Christmas concert in Tenerife’s capital Santa Cruz.
Give us a twirl, Shirl!
As ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ returns to our TV screens for its 20th anniversary, with Shirley Ballas heading up the judging panel, we catch up with the ‘Queen of Latin’ as she celebrates the publication of her second novel.
One of the world’s most renowned dancers, Shirley Ballas, 64, took up dancing at age seven when “a tune caught her ear” and began dancing competitively a few years later. Estranged from her father after he left their family home when she was only two, Shirley was raised by her mum Audrey and brother David in a small council flat on the Leasowe estate in Wallasey. Shirley will be back on our screens this ‘Strictly’ anniversary year with fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beck, and Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts. Since the first episode on BBC One on 15 May 2004, the series has become a critically acclaimed and multi-awardwinning hit, licensed to 61 territories. Shirley became head judge in 2017, replacing Len Goodman. Special moments Asked what moments or partnerships stand out in her memory, Shirley says: “I will forever remember Kelvin and Oti’s samba, which was on the first show in the 2019 series. It took us all by such surprise. I just remember leaping out of my seat mid-dance.
“And, of course, the beautiful silent dance by Rose and Giovanni in 2021 will forever be etched on my heart. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as soon as the music stopped – and they still do to this day. I have never heard the Strictly ballroom so quiet.”
Lessons learnt! Twice married – and twice divorced – Shirley called off her wedding to fiancé Danny Taylor in 2021.
On Alan Carr’s ‘Life’s A Beach’ podcast, she said: “Two marriages, an engagement, two long-term relationships later, and I will not be getting married again. I’ve made the decision.”
Actor Danny and Shirley first met at rehearsals for ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ in 2018. They're still an item despite deciding not to walk down the aisle together. Sharing stories This month sees the publication of Shirley’s second novel in the Sequin Mysteries series, ‘Dance to the Death’ (co-written with Sheila McClure, an experienced Mills & Boon author). It’s a follow-up to her debut novel, ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’.
Revealing her motivation behind the books, Shirley said: “When I was writing my autobiography, there were a lot of stories from my dance career that I couldn’t use – but when I shared them with people, their jaws hit the ground.
“So, I asked the publishers if I could write a fiction book based on these experiences, and they loved the idea. I’ve worked with a brilliant writer called Sheila McClure and we’ve covered it all – bullying, backstabbing, dancers having sex in broom cupboards – all these things that I’ve seen, heard or witnessed. Don’t be fooled into thinking the dance industry is all baubles, bangles and beads!”
‘Dance to the Death’, by Shirley Ballas and Sheila McClure, out 10 October, is published by HarperCollins Publishers, priced £18.99 in hardback.
Refurb madness!
Save big on your next PC, phone or tablet without buying second-hand. Refurbished items promise the best of both worlds: the reliability and peace of mind of buying from a retailer, and the price of buying used. That's because they're neither new nor second-hand, but something between the two.
How do you find a good refurbished item?
Refurbished items are usually graded A, B or C. Grade A items are the best quality and cost the most; for example, a brand-new iPhone 14 is currently £699 from Apple, a grade A refurb from Apple is £579, and a grade B (‘great’ quality) from refurb marketplace Reboxed.co is £469. A grade C (‘fair’) is £449.
What does refurbished mean?
Refurbished items are products customers have returned. Sometimes that's because they changed their mind or the device arrived with a fault. Sometimes they replaced it because they damaged it or were trading it in.
These devices aren't destined for the dump but they can't be resold as new, even when any faults have been fixed. Instead, they're called ‘refurbs’ and sold for considerably less than you'd pay for a new item.
Who sells refurbished items?
Some firms sell refurbished items directly. For example, Apple has a refurbished section on its online store. You'll pay slightly more than from a third-party seller, but you get the extra peace of mind of buying straight from the manufacturer. Most refurbished items are sold via third-party companies through markets such as Back Market or eBay. eBay has a dedicated channel, although not all refurbs on the site are sold there: it has very specific quality and consumer protection rules that sellers must abide by.
Grade A means nearly new. You might get a minor cosmetic imperfection but, otherwise, the device should look and work like a brand-new one, and the screen should be close to perfect. Grade B is lightly used and will have more cosmetic marks. Grade C is still working but has been well used and may have quite noticeable imperfections, such as a scratched phone back or a slightly dented tablet frame. The screen may have minor scratches or other display imperfections.
How to buy a refurbished item
Reputable sellers will offer a warranty, typically six months to a year, and will clearly state their returns policy: you should be able to return your purchase within 14 days for any reason. Steer clear of any seller with a no-refunds policy.
On sites such as eBay, you can see customer feedback from previous buyers. It's wise to avoid sellers with low or no feedback on eBay; if you're not confident of a particular seller there are plenty of alternatives.
Lastly, spend some time looking at the refurb deals available on the product you want to buy. Most sellers charge very similar amounts; if a seller is promising Grade A items for Grade C prices that's a red flag.
Scary symptoms
It’s Halloween but should you be spooked by some of the odd things your body does?
Sleepwalking
Things that go bump in the night can be terrifying if you’re the one crashing around while in the land of nod. Sleepwalking mostly affects children but can start at any age. Generally it isn’t serious, though some somnambulists have been known to drive a car! Triggers include lack of sleep, stress, too much alcohol and a fever.
See your doctor if: sleepwalking happens frequently or you’re putting yourself at risk with your nocturnal walkabouts.
Heart flutters
Does your heart ever miss a beat or beat too fast? These are palpitations, which are usually short-lived and harmless. They’re often caused by too much caffeine or alcohol, tiredness or stress. Try to keep hydrated, cut down on coffee and booze, manage anxiety and get enough sleep.
See your doctor if: palpitations happen regularly, or if you get chest pain or shortness of breath. You might have a heart rhythm problem.
Hearing things
Tinnitus is common. You might notice ringing, buzzing, humming or even roaring in your ears. Detecting a tune isn’t unheard of! Tinnitus can be occasional – especially after a loud concert – or constant. Stress exacerbates it and it’s often a sign of hearing loss.
See your doctor if: you find it distressing – you might need to find coping mechanisms – or if it only affects one ear, in which case it’s best to rule out a neurological
concern. It’s always wise to have your hearing tested.
Seeing things
Lots of people have dark dots or squiggles in their vision. Known as “floaters”, these tend to get worse with age.
See an optician if: you suddenly get them or get a lot more, have blurred vision, pain or see flashes. It’s important to eliminate a detached retina, which can cause sight loss.
Twitching legs
Crawling, creeping sensations in your legs? Involuntary jerking or an irresistible need to move your lower limbs, especially late in the day? These are symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Giving up smoking and exercising can help.
See your doctor if: it’s unbearable. Occasionally, there’s a link to kidney disease or iron deficiency.
Cracking joints
It sounds alarming when joints such as knuckles neck, ankles or knees click or pop (medical term crepitus), but usually it’s harmless. It’s a myth it causes arthritis and is thought to occur when gas builds up and escapes where bones meet, or tendons rub against muscles.
See your doctor if: there’s pain and swelling around a joint. You might have arthritis or a ligament problem.
Shaky hands
A slight tremor is normal. We get shakier as we age, or if we’re anxious and have had a lot of caffeine or alcohol.
See your doctor if: it gets worse or affects your day-today life. Sometimes shaky hands can be associated with Parkinson’s or a thyroid problem.
COMMUNITY GARDENING GROUP
DON'T KNOW ONE END OF A SPADE FROM ANOTHER?
Whether you do or not, you would be welcome at our friendly community gardening group.
Formed initially as one of Measham Medical Unit’s Social Prescribing groups, we aim to offer exercise and social contact as a means to bolster physical and emotional well-being and improve our public spaces at the same time.
We currently look after 3 sites in Measham, meeting on a Monday at 10.00, to work until 11.15 or so, when we head to the Age UK Cafe on Measham High St for tea and biscuits.
(Own cost : £1)
Some members also tend an allotment in Appleby Magna — organic, zero air miles, fruit and veg!
Call or text Linda on 0745 299 1949.
The Festival of Lights
Every year, for just under a week, India becomes a spectacle of light. Technicolour lanterns, diyas (oil lamps made from clay), sparklers and firework displays fill the streets, as families gather to feast and exchange gifts. Diwali celebrations have begun!
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals among Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and even some Buddhists across the world. This beautiful ‘Festival of Lights’ is a beacon of brightness and hope for the year ahead, symbolising new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
When is Diwali? The festival usually falls between mid-October and mid-November; however, the exact dates are determined by the lunar calendar. This year, Diwali will be celebrated between 29 October and 3 November.
What are the origins of the festival? Although originating in India, Diwali is now celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists across the world, with each religion marking the festival with its own historical legends and traditions. In Hinduism alone, there are several versions of the Diwali story that vary among geographic communities. In north India, for example, Diwali commemorates Prince Rama and Sita’s triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, whereas in South India, the festival honours the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura.
For Sikhs, Diwali commemorates the release of the 17th-century guru Hargobind after 12 years of
imprisonment by Mughal emperor Jahangir. Jains observe Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira reached nirvana (eternal bliss), while some Buddhists see it as the day the Hindu Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the third century BC, converted to Buddhism.
What happens during Diwali? Festivities vary across different traditions and cultural backgrounds. Generally, it’s marked by spending time with family, performing acts of dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service), cleaning and decorating the home, performing religious ceremonies and putting up lights.
The festivities can span five days with each day having its own significance. Typically, on the first day, people pray to the goddess Lakshmi, bake sweets and clean their homes – which they decorate on the second day with lamps and rangoli (designs made on the floor out of coloured sand, powder, rice or flower petals).
The third day is the most important day of the festival. Families gather to exchange gifts, feast, set off fireworks and indulge in sweets. Many Hindus also worship the goddess Lakshmi on this day.
For many celebrants, the fourth day of Diwali marks the first day of the New Year in many parts of India and is a time to exchange gifts and well wishes. Typically, the fifth day is then a day to honour one’s siblings.
Diwali is India’s biggest holiday season, with its importance being compared to Christmas for those of the Christian faith. However it’s celebrated around the world, the spirit of Diwali serves as a reminder of the power of hope and the importance of community.
