Trade Locally Issue 84

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Blythe Bridge – Forsbrook – Meir Park – Meir Heath – Caverswall

Barlaston – Rough Close – Hilderstone – Fulford – Saverley Green

Cresswell – Draycott – Tean – Checkley – Dilhorne – Parkhall - Part of Stone

When you are next looking for Goods or Services

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SERVICING

EPS

DRY VERGE

DRY RIDGE SYSTEM

NEW ROOFS

FLAT ROOFS

RIDGE TILES RE-BEDDED

VALLEYS UPVC FASCIAS

SOFFITS & GUT TERING

BIRD

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

ALL REPOINTING WORK

MOSS REMOVAL

LEAD WORK

NEW PORCHES

FIT & FORGE T DRY RANGE

FELT & BAT TEN

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Lawns do wonders for our wellbeing. That’s why we’ve devised three programmes of year-round treatments to keep your grass a cut above.

From controlling weeds to bringing out the green, we’ll help you to look after the lawn that looks after you.

MEDIUM SUDOKU

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DIVIDE AND CONQUER

As a canny Yorkshireman, I like nothing more than finding a bargain and saving some cash (and a little bit of the planet) - especially so amid a cost of living crisis. As no one has yet invented the charity shop version of a garden centre, whenever I make one of my regular forays to the rather lovely horticultural emporiums in the area, I’m always on the lookout for plants with ‘investment opportunities.’ This involves a careful scope of all the plants of a particular variety on display and choosing the plant with the most ‘growth’ potential, which is more about shoots and roots than a billowing display of flowers. I know this sounds a little bit too ‘Yorkshire’ for most sane readers of this magazine but, trust me, with a bit of horticultural wizardry you could soon be earning a return of up to 300% on your original stake (and a lot more bounteous flowering border) if you follow some simple advice.

Let’s take an easy and obvious example – snowdrops and other plants that have storage organs such as bulbs or rhizomes. If you’ve enjoyed a display of snowdrops or aconites this spring or if you have recently bought a potful of them, then it’s a simple job to split up the clumps (while they are still in leaf) and replant the smaller portions around the garden. Old clumps of bearded irises need to be divided once they’ve flowered in midsummer, but if you’ve got a really tired old plant that hardly ever flowers, then you might as well dig it up now and give it a new lease of life. I would cut off

a few of the newer growths with some finger length portions of the old rhizomes and replant in fresh soil in a sunny spot – I’ve done this many times and even had a few flowers in the first season, which is a bonus.

A great favourite, which is ripe for a bit of judicious dividing and conquering, is the Agapanthus – a wonderful plant that looks fantastic in pots or in the border, and is now available in a huge variety of colours and forms. I have a lovely dwarf double white variety, which I bought many moons ago from the bargain basement area of a garden centre, that has been dug up and divided so many times that friends and family can always guess what they are going to get for pressies. Recently I splashed out on a bare root crown of a lovely variety called Windsor Grey, which was the cost a of a good bottle of single malt. On the face of it this is a steep price to pay for a lump of tangled roots, but the promise of an amazing display and the fact that I could probably tease 2 or

3 new plants out of it made my purchase a no brainer – even though the scotch option was sorely tempting!

It obviously doesn’t have to be just garden centre finds that you should be looking to divide up - if you’ve got an established flower border, now is a great time to get your hands dirty and burn off some winter padding whilst increasing the stocks of your favourites. I’m a habitual digger – I love excavating a whole border at this time of the year and seeing which plants need the division treatment and then replanting in a fresh new design. This process is so physically and mentally uplifting that I’m afraid there is no way that I could be a member of the ‘no dig’ fraternity! What’s more, it’s also a great tonic for the plants themselves –by replanting the fresh new divisions in a reinvigorated soil you are guaranteed a far better display along with the smug satisfaction of knowing that your horticultural investments are maturing nicely.

Wholesale & retail plant nursery

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Local & nationwide delivery New build sites our specialty! Compost & Topsoil

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Design panting service & garden maintenance available

Call or email for a competitive quotation

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E: admin@draycottnurseries.co.uk draycottnurseries.co.uk

See our web shop and Facebook page for exclusive offers and new products!

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

CATHEDRAL CEILINGS

Creating a cathedral ceiling can really add the wow factor to a room. It is cheap and easy to do and doesn’t involve too many compromises on practicality. What is a cathedral ceiling? If you have a pitched roof directly above a room, the ceiling follows the pitch of the roof, rather than being level. Effectively, the loft space is incorporated into the room, making it feel much more airy and spacious. It is best if the roof has gables and, to get the full effect, use roof lights or a window high in the gable end to flood the room with light.

Installing a cathedral ceiling is relatively straightforward and shouldn’t involve removing the roof tiles. One thing to remember is that the horizontal joists that support the existing ceiling are an integral part of the roof – it will collapse without them – and must be left in place. The alternative is to reinforce the rafters and put new joists in higher up. Personally, I think the exposed joists make an attractive architectural feature.

After that, it’s a matter of removing the existing ceiling and any insulation, rerouting the wiring for the lighting, installing high efficiency insulation between the rafters and then cladding the new ceiling with plasterboard. The result is dramatic, a double height room with interesting angles and, assuming you installed a skylight or a high-level window, a lot more natural light.

There are a couple of potential downsides. One is that you no longer have a loft space to use for storage, although most lofts aren’t used for this purpose because of problems with access. The other is that your heating bills could increase as you are having to heat a larger volume of air. However, improved roof insulation may well compensate for this.

Overall, installing a cathedral ceiling is a great way to transform one or more rooms in your home for minimal cost and inconvenience.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

RUGS YOU CAN WASH IN THE MACHINE

Practical and attractive though they are, tiled floors can feel cold underfoot, especially in the winter, and a large expanse of even a good quality wooden floor can look bland and featureless. A rug may seem like the ideal solution, but therein lies a quandary; a rug can get dirty very quickly, particularly if it is in an area with a lot of traffic, and generally they are no easier to clean than a normal carpet. In one fell swoop, all the practicality of your hard flooring has been undone.

So, what if there was a rug that you could just stick in the washing machine, dry in the tumble dryer and then lay down again looking as good as new? The good news is that there is. In fact, several manufacturers are now offering machine washable rugs. Probably the best known is Ruggable, an American manufacturer that was also first to market with the concept.

The rug comes in two parts. There is a durable synthetic underlay with a rubberised underside that sticks to the hard flooring and a kind of Velcro

topside that grips the rug. The underlay adds thickness to the pile and stops the rug from sliding around. The rug itself is positioned on top of the underlay. It is made of a lightweight synthetic fabric, which means that even a large rug will fit in a domestic washing machine. The fabric is stainresistant and repels dirt; it can also be washed numerous times without the colour fading and feels soft and comfortable underfoot. The rugs are available in a wide range of colours, patterns and sizes.

Ruggable rugs are only available online, are relatively expensive and can take a while to ship over from the USA. However, there are plenty of alternatives available from brands like ReaLife, Yome and HEBE, some of which are sold through regular retailers. Machine washable rugs are a great idea; they offer the benefits of carpets and hard flooring without the drawbacks.

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A fusion of different dance styles, Ceroc is easy to learn, with different classes aimed towards a range of different ability levels – from nervous first timers to dance floor masters. There is no complicated footwork to worry about, and by the end of your first class you will be able to dance a routine of three moves.

Whether you turn up alone, with a partner or in a group, you will get the opportunity to dance with lots of other dancers on the night.

Ceroc teachers are not only friendly, approachable and passionately dedicated to helping you to learn to dance, they also specialise in people with two left feet! Alongside them, you’ll also meet Taxi Dancers, accomplished volunteers who provide friendly help and assistance to beginners.

Ceroc DJs play a range of music to suit all tastes, from 50’s Swing, 60’s Motown, 70’s Disco and 80’s Rock through to current chart favourites, so there will always be music you enjoy. They are also open to requests so let them know your favourite track.

So, if you fancy having a go, there’s no need to book, just turn up at one of Ceroc Addiction’s venues across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and the West Midlands, where you will receive a very warm welcome.

For more information, call 07983 703166, email dance@cerocaddiction.com, find Ceroc Addiction on facebook or visit the national Ceroc website www.ceroc.com.

WHAT’S ON LOCAL DANCE FITNESS CLASSES.

New members welcome at our local dance and fitness classes.

Monday 7pm to 8pm Dance Fitness – St Frances Church, Meir Heath

Tuesday 10.30am to 11.30am Zumba – Blythe Bridge Village Hall

Tuesday 6.30pm to 7.30pm Zumba – St Frances Church, Meir Heath

Thursday 10.30am to 11.30am Zumba – Blythe Bridge Methodist Church

For further details of any classes call Jo on 07713308667

Telephone: 0800-555-111

This telephone number can be used to pass specific information about crime or criminals without fear of reprisals or direct contact with the police. Calls are FREE from land lines and most mobile phones. The service is anonymous and rewards of up to £1000 are available for information which leads to an arrest and charge.

To advertise in Trade Locally please call 01782 392355

WHAT’S ON

The Great British Food Festival – Trentham Gardens

April 29, 2023 – May 1, 2023

Returning once again to Trentham and showcasing the very best of Great British produce. This event features celebrity chef demos, an artisan market, street food stalls, bars, kids activities, crafts and gifts, baking competitions and live music plus lots more to enjoy.

For more information go to www.trentham.co.uk

Coronation Celebrations – Trentham Gardens

May 6, 2023

It’s time to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King! Join us for family fun and quintessentially British entertainment.

Further details will be announced soon. Website www.trentham.co.uk

Uttoxeter Racecourse – Comedy Evening

Saturday 29th April 2023

An uproarious evening of entertainment where you can laugh the night away with colleagues, friends & family. Tickets are priced at £17.50 per person. Witness 4 top national circuit acts as they work their magic on stage:

Host for Show

James Dowdeswell

Further Details: www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk

FLOWER POWER PLANT FAIR – SANDON HALL

30th April 2023

Flower Power Plant Fair is coming to Sandon Hall on the 30th of April 2023. Doors will be open from 11am up until 4pm.

The tennis lawns will be full of fabulous stalls selling rare and unusual plants with the seller bursting full of knowledge of how to properly care for your new purchases. It is a fabulous opportunity to ‘Buy British” as 90% of the plants being brought along was homegrown in the UK.

You will also have the opportunity to meander around the 50 acres of Sandon’s Sleeping gardens and explore dedicated conservation areas, rose gardens and areas of formal planting including our Potager and Temple Gardens.

For more details go to: www.sandonhall.co.uk

Newcastle under Lyme Funtopia

Funtopia, ‘The BIG Day Out for Little Kids’ is coming back to Newcastle! Funtopia shall be offering TWO visits this summer to Lyme Valley Park.

Funtopia is a fantastic fun-packed Children’s Festival which is specifically designed for under 10’s. Filled with role play areas, sumo suits, huge water fights, stage shows, giant inflatable games, character meet and greets, under 5’s area, high energy inflatables and more!

The Children’s Festival has several new attractions this summer, which include:

‘The Baby Zone’ where the tiniest of visitors can learn and play

Giant 110ft Obstacle Course (where both kids and grown ups can compete!)

‘The Farm Yard’ a new Role Play Area where kids can run their own farm

Stage Shows – The new stage features shows, parties and workshops throughout the day

Funtopia is All-Inclusive! All of the activities and games are included in the price of your entry. Please note: some activities have height/age restrictions attached.

The 2023 Summer Tour kicks off at Easter and is coming to Newcastle on the 29th April. The 2023 Tour consists of over 60 dates between AprilAugust. Funtopia is open daily 11:30am-5:30pm.

Full tour dates can be viewed on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/funtopiauk

After trialling Funtopia’s new Autism Friendly Sessions last year, they received a positively overwhelming response. The 2023 Tour shall now feature an Autism Friendly Session at the start of EVERY Funtopia! The Autism Friendly Sessions take place 10:30am-11:30am daily. Numbers are limited and tickets can be purchased in advance via Eventbrite (https://funtopiauk.eventbrite.com)

With the ever-increasing costs of living, Funtopia has decided to keep the 2022 ticket prices for this summer! “Providing families with a very reasonably

priced day out has always been one of our top priorities. This year we believe that it is even more important to offer all families the opportunity to enjoy a day out together” - Sarah Green, Funtopia Director. “We know how hard it can be for families to afford a day out. Most of the time the costs don’t end at the entrance either, with rides, prize stalls and food sometimes costing more than the entrance fee! Therefore, this year we have decided not to feature any additional pay-per-go rides or game stalls. Once you have paid to enter Funtopia, all the activities are included in the price. For only £10 per child, visitors can enjoy a full day of fun!”.

“We’re pleased to be offering our popular Autism Friendly Sessions at every Funtopia this year”Sam Harrison, Event Manager. “These sessions are specifically designed to allow children with autism the opportunity to visit Funtopia in a more relaxed and suitable setting. We’ve found that these children can often be forgotten and don’t always get the opportunity to visit events. We hope that they will be popular with the local community”.

Delicious snacks and meals are on offer throughout the day at the Fun-Food Court, which offers good food at a great price!

Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and picnics if they prefer.

All tickets are purchased on the gate (Autism Friendly Sessions can be booked online), there’s no need to pre-book. Sales open at 10am every event day. Tickets are priced at:

MAIN EVENT: Under 90cm FREE Over 90cm £10 Adults £2.50

AUTISM FRIENDLY SESSION: Under 90cm FREE Over 90cm £5 Adults FREE

Visitors can find out more about Funtopia by visiting the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ funtopiauk .

Funtopia shall be held at: Lyme Valley Park, Lyme Valley Road, Newcastle under Lyme ST5 3TF Event dates: Saturday 29th April and Saturday 26th August 2023.

Funtopia is visiting other areas in Staffordshire6666

THE DAY OF THE DARK MOON

1879 (PART 33)

21st January 1879; The Nqutu plateau, Natal, South Africa. The three riders were discussing the outline of the day’s events when they spotted a line of cavalry some way off yet approaching them from the distant plateau.

Brevet Major Manningham-Buller broke the silence by stating to his companion, ‘They must be from the column! And as they don’t appear to be in any hurry to get back to camp, so why not join them further ahead?’ ‘Certainly, makes good sense!’ said Matthew Gosset of the 54th Foot.

The Honourable William Drummond who made up the triumvirate simply nodded.

Of equal rank, the two Army officers had met en-route to South Africa and became instant friends, for both were serving as Aides de Camp to their Commander in Chief, Frederick Thesiger, the Lord Chelmsford.

Having been in the saddle since first light, and with an urgent message to give to his Lordship, they spurred their horses to intercept the cavalry.

‘My goodness Ernest! Isn’t that his Lordship leading the troop?’ Gosset exclaimed.

With no reply needed, the two officers and civilian were greeted with a smile by his Lordship, and told ‘Report to me as soon as we reach Isandhlwana!’

The camp was spread across the whole of the brown and parched hillside, with dozens of white canvas tents littering the slopes of the mountain that resembled the shape of the Egyptian sphinx. Only the wagon park, that surmounted the grassy

knoll to the left of the road leading back to Rorkes Drift, broke up the symmetry the British Army required whilst on campaign.

A thought however crossed Ernest Buller’s mind about using the wagons to build a defensive wall, just in case the Zulu attacked … for he knew they were not that far away.

Still, more pressing matters filled his head whilst he waited to enter the tent, and see the Head of the Army.

Colonel Crealock exited the tent and told the awaiting soldiers that they could enter. ‘So, what news do you have for me gentlemen?’, said the bearded face, without looking up from the table on which a large expansive map was displayed.

‘Sir! we have reason to report that the Zulu army is to the south east of this position near the Isipezi Hill, about 10 miles away, on the track towards Ulundi, the Zulu capital.’ Testing their ability, His Lordship asked his Intelligence Officer Drummond for an assessment of the situation. ‘Difficult to say Sir really! For we did not observe the Zulu army ourselves and then only in small parties very briefly…maybe just an initial reconnaissance group. We were ordered to report back to you by Major Dartnell, for he requests reinforcements so that he may engage the enemy as soon as possible’. He has less than 200 men of the Natal Mounted Police under his command, and they did seem quite shook up about what they saw.’

‘And what about you Buller…let me hear your thoughts man?’

‘Sir, Major Dartnell, was

concerned that the native infantry under Commandant Lonsdale would disappear during the dark, so decided to occupy his current position and await your arrival. He of course was quite safe with his own mounted troops, so requested us to convey his need for further assistance.’

‘Numbers, gentlemen, numbers!... we believe that the Zulus have twenty thousand against us, and how can I plan if I do not know where they are, and how they might attack us … for they surely will?’

Gossett added, ‘Isipezi hill is a strong defensive position to hold Sir. Too far away however, to reach with the entire column, in the necessary time and certainly much too slow if we are to take all the wagons and guns with us?’

‘Are you suggesting I split the column Major…that is against all military advice and extremely risky when you are playing the game on someone else’s turf’, the Commander in Chief barked.

Buller added, ‘No not at all Sir… but Major Dartnell was quite adamant about what could be achieved if we act rapidly. For the distance could be covered quite easily in about two or three hours.’

‘Thank you, gentlemen!’… get some rest. I will need you very early in the morning.’ The briefing was concluded, to leave Colonel Crealock returning with a lit paraffin lantern to dispel the gloom that was gathering outside.

An uneasy night past for the three officers, broken eventually by the sound of a bugle call that signalled reveille. With the last echoing sounds that drifted across the

wide valley, Buller lit a candle and took out his pocket watch.

In the dim-light he strained his eyes to see that it was about 1.40am.

Something must have happened… are the enemy upon us he questioned himself? For his mind was still half asleep and was struggling to find answers. The picquets had not shouted alarm, nor did he hear any shots being fired.

A head poked through the tent doorway…it was Drummond.

‘Get up quickly you two. They are upon Dartnell, so we are going with his Lordship as soon as we can mount’.

In less than half an hour the first mounted troops, including our gallant trio, were heading off down the trackway towards Isipezi hill, followed by the infantry and guns. By three thirty am, Lord Chelmsford had done what his instinct told him not to do. For by splitting his command in enemy territory, it placed the relieving force and those left behind in great danger of ambush… either by being strung out along the road, or by leaving a weak command to maintain a relatively undefended campsite. His mind told him he had to be with Dartnell before sunrise which was due at 5.30am, for a second messenger had brought news that a strong force of around 2000 Zulus were almost upon them.

It still left however a growing sense of alarm and much unease regarding where the rest were. This thought was to haunt Chelmsford for the rest of his days, for in the darkness of the African moonless night the majority of King Cetshwayo kaMpande’s army, had slipped quietly past Major Dartnell and were heading directly for the

campsite at Isandhlwana.

By the time the Commander in Chief had arrived at Major Dartnell’s location, there had been several encounters with small numbers of Zulus in the near vicinity, and Chelmsford’s relieving force had been scattered in every direction in consequence by midmorning.

All seemed well enough however, allowing his Lordship and fellow officers to rest and take a late breakfast.

Throughout the morning however, it became clear that back at the Isandhlwana campsite things were not quite so peaceful, for the Zulu army had unexpectedly descended from the plateau area and slowly infiltrated the thin red line of redcoats spread in front of the encampment. With an ever-dwindling number of effective soldiers and with ammunition running low, the outcome became inevitable. By 3.30pm in the afternoon over twelve hundred British soldiers and native levies lay dead and disembowelled on the battlefield. A very small number managed to escape! Most were caught and killed before they had reached the relative safety of the river some eight miles away.

Although the war was later won and the proud Zulu nation utterly destroyed by Lord Chelmsford, he had to live with the ignominy of this catastrophic defeat, whilst the nation celebrated the heroism displayed by the defenders of the Mission Station at Rorke’s Drift. He died playing billiards aged 78, at the United Services Club in London.

The Honourable William Henry Drummond, died during the last battle of the Zulu war, apparently charging a host of the enemy at Ulundi whilst drunk on his horse, on the 4th of July 1879.

Major Matthew William Edward Gossett, survived the war. He became a Major General being involved in several campaigns in Burma, India and again in South Africa against the Boers.

He lived until 1909, dying aged 70.

And finally, our own and later promoted Lt. Colonel Ernest, Henry Manningham-Buller was seriously injured on November 8th 1888, following an evening out at the United Services Club in London.

Being a very cold night, he apparently got onto his usual train, yet sat on the opposite seat. Getting out at Woolwich station, he opened the wrong door and fell onto the line being struck by an engine coming into the adjacent platform.

He died three days later, and was brought home to Blythe Bridge station. The road through Forsbrook village was lined with many people as the family walked the mile to the Church in Dilhorne

With much pomp and circumstance the cortege was led by a military band, and a church service followed at All Saints. He is interred alongside several of his brothers, in the red granite family vault found in the churchyard.

RECIPE

BRAISED SHOULDER OF LAMB, TOMATO TAPENADE, HISPI CABBAGE

1kg boneless Shoulder of Lamb

1 Onion

2 heads of Fennel

1 bulb of Garlic

2 Carrots

3 sprigs Rosemary

3 sprigs Thyme

½ Bottle of Red Wine

2 litres Lamb or Chicken Stock

250g Sun Blush Tomatoes in Oil

1 Large Hispi Cabbage

100g Butter

Sea Salt/Pepper

Heat a large non-stick pan and add a little oil, then carefully fry the lamb until it is coloured on all sides (do not season it first). Place the lamb in a deep casserole dish or large ovenproof saucepan. Now dice all the vegetables and gently fry in the oil left over from frying the lamb. Once slightly browned, add the red wine and boil until reduced by half, then add to the casserole dish. Pour in the stock and, if necessary, top up with a little water so that the lamb is completely covered. Cover with a lid or some foil and place in an oven preheated to 180ºC. After 20 minutes turn down the oven to 90ºC and cook for 8 hours or until tender. (You can do this overnight if necessary).

Once cooked, allow to cool and then take the lamb from the liquor. Cut away any fat from the outside and remove the string. Season with salt and pepper, roll the joint into a cylinder and leave in the fridge until firm. Pour the vegetables and stock into a saucepan and heat until it reduces to a thick gravy consistency. Spread three layers of cling film on the worksurface. Cut the cabbage into quarters and season with sea salt, then reform into its original shape, wrap it in the cling film and cut a few holes in the film with a knife. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, carefully lower the cabbage into the water and blanch for 2 minutes. Once cooked, chill in iced water then drain on a cloth until needed.

Making the tapenade is easy. Just place the sun blush tomatoes into a blender, pulse together until they form a semi smooth texture and season with salt and pepper. To serve, warm a knob of butter and a little oil in a nonstick saucepan. Slice the lamb into four thick pieces and fry until golden brown on both sides. Add a little of the gravy and warm in a pre-heated oven until fully warmed through. Heat the remaining lamb gravy and pan-fry the cabbage in a little oil until golden. Place a slice of lamb and a quarter of the cabbage on four warmed plates, then pour over the gravy. Serve with your choice of potatoes.

SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

When did you last take time to really think about the impression that your words create? It’s something all small business owners should be doing, not just professional copywriters! If you can use words and language well, it makes it so much easier for you to effectively promote your business. But how you use words – the style of the language you use and your tone of voice – can be key factors in differentiating you from the competition.

How so? Because, just as with the clothes you wear to a meeting and the look and feel of your brand identity, language and how you use it is crucial to the perception that others form of you and your business. Think about that the next time you start to put fingers to keyboard. You’re not just writing a few sentences in English; you’re creating an impression of your overall proficiency and capabilities.

Consider how these three sentences sound and the different impression that they give about the company behind it:

It is apparent that our customers desire a quick, efficient and effective service that is delivered at the right price, so we strive to ensure that we do just that.

Our customers want a quick and efficient service at the right price. We deliver that.

You want it cheap and fast, we do it.

Each company in this example is saying a similar thing, but in a very different way. Which would you prefer to do business with? Why is that, and does it make you think for a few moments about your own brand language and the impression you create with the words you use? I hope so...

The way you write brings your business to life. Or switches people off in seconds.

It’s not difficult to develop better business writing, if you can access the right resources. Why not think about using a professional copywriter?

Kyla Skinner

GARDEN WILDLIFE

Most garden wildlife is busy in April. Many bumblebees and birds will be establishing nests and plenty of other species, such as moths, leaf miners and other insects, are already breeding. Hedgehogs, which typically emerge from hibernation in March, will be fattening up to be in good condition for breeding in May. Most frogs and toads will have left ponds after breeding, in search of damp shelter such as beneath a log or brick pile.

• FOOT & NAIL CARE

• REMOVAL OF CORNS, CALLOUS & VERRUCAE

• NAIL SURGERY & LOCAL ANAESTHESIA

• TREATMENT OF FOOT & LEG PAIN

• DIABETIC FOOT HEALTH SCREENING

• PRESCRIPTION ORTHOSES

• GP REFERRAL UNNECESSARY

• MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF CHIROPODISTS & PODIATRISTS

• HCPC REGISTERED

• DBS CHECKED TO WORK WITH CHILDREN & VULNERABLE ADULTS

• FIVE PODIATRISTS WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE BETWEEN THEM, WORKING WITHIN THE NHS & PRIVATE PRACTICE

• HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

HD FINANCIAL SERVICES

HELENA

I am the Founder and Managing Director of HD Financial Services based at 244 Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge your local mortgage and personal finance brokers.

I started 4 years ago from a room at home and I am proud to say I now have a premises here in Blythe Bridge.

With a mission to look after the heart of your home we offer a number of services to help you look after your finances for you and your family.

Big financial decisions are always hard to make; finding the right help to make them can be even harder, that’s why our approach is to get to know you so we can offer you bespoke advice, guiding you through financial pitfalls and reaching the right destination for you.

We have helped many clients find their dream homes, including first-time buyers getting their foot on the

WORDSEARCH

property ladder, families looking to up-size without breaking the bank, and folks who thought their credit scores were a non-starter. With access to hundreds of products and lenders, we can ensure you get the most suitable product at the best rate possible.

We take huge pride in arranging bespoke insurance for clients so they can fully protect themselves and their loved ones. For us, it’s all about finding a brilliant deal that delivers on all fronts.

HD Financial Services also want to ensure you have peace of mind for the future so we can write your Will, so your wishes are known and honoured and complete Lasting Power of Attorney for both health and financial matters.

I have created a buisness that is all about looking after the heart of your home (you). Call us or visit https://www.hdaviesfs.co.uk to make an appointment or pop in, have a cuppa and start your journey to financial peace of mind.

Hope to see you soon.

TRAVEL ESCAPE TO DALYAN

If the winter blues are getting you down, it’s probably time to book this summer’s holiday! My usual impulse is to look at resorts in Spain, Greece, or Italy, but last summer I decided to get out of Europe altogether and look slightly further afield. After some research, we settled on Dalyan: a small resort in the south-west of Turkey. It’s easier to reach than you might think: East Midlands fly direct to Dalaman Airport and, from there, it’s just a half-hour transfer.

Dalyan has everything: sun, sea, historic sites, good food and even turtles! There are plenty of hotels within walking distance of the town centre. We went for Holiday Calbis which has relatively basic accommodation, but the choice of three pools and sprawling gardens more than make up for it. If you’re looking for somewhere more luxurious, we heard great things about the BC Spa Hotel, which is right on the river’s edge. There’s less choice when it comes to villas and apartments, but there are still plenty on Airbnb. I’d recommend you go for somewhere with a swimming pool if you’re a sunseeker – the Iztuzu beach is beautiful, but it’s a 40-minute boat ride to get to it each day.

If you do fancy a trip to the beach, riverboats leave frequently throughout the day, and should cost about £3 for a return ticket. Don’t pay any more than this! The journey takes you down the river through the high reeds, and you should see plenty of birds to keep you entertained. Iztuzu is one of the most unspoilt beaches I’ve ever visited. It’s where the turtles come to lay their eggs, so some areas are fenced off to avoid disturbing them. The sand is clean and the sea is very safe for swimming. There are two small cafes but beware, they tend to get very busy at lunchtime and neither serves beer (much to the chagrin of one of my companions)! I’d recommend bringing your own food and drinks if you can, but please make sure you clean up after yourself to preserve the turtles’ habitat.

There’s plenty to do besides the beach. River cruises will take you to the mud baths and hot springs just up the river, which are absolutely worth a try, if only for the Instagram photos! The thermal pools are lovely to sit in, but they do come with the stench of sulphur (read: rotten eggs), which puts some people off. Some people swear by the mud baths’ healing properties, but I’m yet to be convinced! You can also take a boat to see the Lycian rock tombs, hewn into the cliffs above Dalyan. We didn’t get a chance to go, but they are very beautiful, even just viewed from the town itself.

You don’t have to get on a boat to see the sights in Dalyan. My favourite experience was a trip to the Golbasi Restaurant, which is a short taxi ride out of town. The restaurant is hidden away at the edge of the river, built over the water. As you eat, turtles swim up to watch you, sticking their wizened heads out of the water. Ducks and geese float past, chicks in tow. It was truly magical, but if you’re more interested in cuisine than ambiance, Dalyan itself has plenty of good eateries. Like any holiday resort, the restaurants are a mixed bag, and TripAdvisor ratings are your friend, but we found some hidden gems. The best food and views are to be found on the riverside, on Maras Cd. Here you can watch the sunset as you eat, and the mezzes are great value for money. I’d also recommend the cocktails at the Dalyano Bar – they cost about £4 each, and their claim that they serve the best mojitos in Turkey has yet to be disproven!

All in all, Dalyan offers great value for money and a unique experience. Easy to get to, it’s the perfect getaway to look forward to this summer.

Garden of Remembrance Limited

Garden of Remembrance

Spring Garden Road, Longton, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. ST3 2QN

E: gardenofremembrance@hotmail.co.uk

Spring Garden Road, Longton, Email:

Telephone Number: 01782 326083

www.gardenofremembranceltd

The Garden of Remembrance Limited is a Unique Independently owned cemetery, established in 2005. We pride ourselves in delivering the best possible service, and our core policies are of paramount importance to us.

The cemetery sits on the edge of the potteries in Staffordshire and is set in a very quiet and tranquil location, enabling you to visit your loved ones in peace.

The cemetery is monitored 24/7 and open 365 days a year.

www.gardenofremembranceltd

CLASSIC CAR RENAULT 5 GT

TURBO

The original Renault 5, launched in 1972, was arguably the first supermini – a compact fourseater hatchback with front wheel drive and a similarly small price tag. Inevitably, a hot version put in an appearance a few years later, predating the iconic VW Golf GTi by a couple of months, although with just 93bhp it was more of warm hatch. Dedicated boy racers had to wait until the second-generation car arrived in 1985 before they could properly satisfy their need for speed – that was when the GT Turbo was born.

The second-generation Renault 5 looked remarkably similar to the original car; the styling was cleaner and more angular, but the dimensions and proportions were pretty much the same. It was short and compact with a wheel at each corner and a steeply raked tailgate. The low waistline made for an airy and relatively spacious interior, and it looked pert and pretty. The GT Turbo had plastic side skirts, wheel arch extensions and some tasty alloy wheels in the same style as the Alpine V6 – still pretty, but with an aggressive edge. Inside there were deep sided bucket seats, special seat fabric, a chunky steering wheel and lurid red carpet. The instrument binnacle was packed with dials, including that all important turbo boost gauge.

It was under the skin though that the important changes took place. Renault added a turbocharger to their long serving 1.4 litre engine to increase the power output to 115bhp. The Renault 5 was featherlight, just 850kg, so it could sprint to 60 in 7.5 seconds and on to 115mph, impressive numbers at the time. Uprated suspension, a lower ride height, quicker steering and ventilated discs completed the picture. In 1987 it received an upgrade with an extra 5bhp and 5mph on the top speed plus a more aggressive body kit.

For all its appeal, the GT Turbo had some major design flaws. It suffered from serious turbo lag and the engine’s habit of delivering a big dollop of power midway through a bend threw many an unwary driver into the nearest hedge. The carburettor was located right above the exhaust manifold, so if you switched off the engine when

it was hot, you had to wait 10 minutes before it would start again. The build quality was sloppy too, with anything from rusty exhausts to broken door handles afflicting long suffering owners. Yet, by and large, they didn’t care; when that turbo came on song, they didn’t care about anything more than keeping it on the road.

The GT Turbo is a relic from a more confident, less limited age. The yuppy strode the streets, the roads were less congested, and speed camera was yet to be invented. This car is an icon of the late 80s; in many ways it is the very essence of the hot hatch. Inevitably, many people hanker back to that happier time, and it is becoming very collectible. Well sorted UK spec cars are thin on the ground and dealers are resorting to importing left hand drive cars from the continent – you can pick up a tidy example of a European car for around £13k. These cars were made to be driven so a lot of them have high mileage which they do not wear particularly well. Even so, a UK spec car with well over 100,000 miles and some significant niggles will still cost over £15k. I saw a Raider special edition with modest mileage but original paint and interior for sale at £25,000.

Now is the time to buy this emerging classic. You will have to cosset it and spend money to keep it on the road, but it will reward you with an engaging driving experience and some cash in your pocket when you come to sell it on.

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