Vlink nov:dec 2013 south

Nov/Dec 2013

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Published by local people for local people and supporting local business - each issue is delivered free into 10,000 different homes and businesses!

ANDREW CORRIE Editor EDITOR’S NOTE ust as the thought of putting your central heating on crosses your mind, the old energy companies announce another price hike! Annually I look for a new excuse to delay the inevitable switch on, and I thought a recent newspaper article might help my defense somewhat. I thought my wife might be encouraged to hear that no longer is it the humble pie, the bar of chocolate or indeed over-eating to blame for my rotund physique but little had I realised that the entire world’s obesity problem is down to central heating. The headline read “Can Turning Down the Thermostat Help You Lose Weight? When our bodies are cold, we shiver, causing our muscles to contract to generate heat and burn calories. Since central heating became common in the 1960s, average room temperatures have increased steadily in both the US and the UK. In both countries, obesity has also soared”. Needless to say, I turned on the central heating after we had to salt the hallway. Reflecting on this year that has flown in, wasn’t it lovely to have had a summer! Farmers, and other food growers, have enjoyed bumper crops, in particular, apples. In many villages surrounding Carlisle, it’s been so great to see people being so generous, leaving boxes of apples outside their homes with signs saying “Help Yourself” or honesty boxes - one where the proceeds went to the Air Ambulance. Thank you so much to all our advertisers for a cracking year and to all our readers and competition winners, well done to Myles who rescued the North Bear from being ran over by a huge hedge trimmer - South Bear is still out there!

J

my life We love to know what makes our local business people tick....

NAME Emma Tregellas Marital status Happily married to Rob for 3 years with an amazing 2 year old son Bailey LIVES Highgrove, Carlisle JOB Mobile Beauty Therapist (Mobile Beauty by Emma)

My motto in life is to do your absolute best and have a good time doing it.

The person I admire most is CoCo channel. What would we be wearing today if it wasn’t for her!

My life would be a lot easier if I could be in places at the same time!

And unfortunately there is no simple solution to this unless cloning becomes available in the very

near future.

My favourite film is Breakfast at Tiffany’s because it’s a timeless classic that never gets old.

My hobbies In my spare time I enjoy going on days out with my family, visiting different places around the Lakes and discovering new restaurants.

I love travelling, which my previous career as cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic has allowed me to do by seeing the world a meeting lots of interesting people on the way. I also enjoy fashion and keeping up to date with the latest trends.

Front Cover picture courtesy of Jesse Knibbs [nature_boy33@hotmail.co.uk] DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY: Michaela Corrie Design [m.corrie@virginmedia.com] PRINTED BY: H&H Reeds Printers, Penrith, Cumbria

Telephone us on

01228 562904 Write to us at

The Shrubbery, Great Corby, Carlisle CA4 8LR

Email us on editor@village-link.co.uk

visit our Website www.village-link.co.uk The deadline for booking advertising space in the Jan/Feb 2014 issue is Friday 13th December 2013

Please mention The Village Link when responding to adverts 3

History Matters A look into Carlisle’s past with history editor David Ramshaw

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Carlisle’s Railway Stations

arlisle had three railway stations in the past, the earliest being ‘London Road’ opened to passengers in July 1836. The Newcastle and Carlisle Railway was built to link with the Carlisle Canal and goods were the main traffic. The passenger station, being a mile from the city centre, was thus quite inconvenient, requiring horse drawn omnibuses to take passengers to and from the town.

Then in 1843 the Maryport and Carlisle Railway came into London Road. Soon after they built their own station, a wooden building, at Bogfield near Currock Road. This moved to Crown Street in 1844. There were plans to design a replacement stone building but advice was given to await plans for a new joint station with the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway in 1846.

Legal action over compensation led to ‘The Battle of Crown Street’ which Lancaster and Carlisle Railway Company won. They then promptly demolished the station forcing the Maryport and Carlisle Railway to return to London Road.

Building Citadel Station.

The route through Carlisle between England and Scotland was built by two railway companies, the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway and the Caledonian Railway. In 1846 demolition began of the gas works and a marble works to clear ground for a jointly funded station near the former Citadel, hence the name of the new station.

It was hoped that the two existing railway companies would use the station and contribute towards the costs but agreement could not be reached and it wasn’t until 1863 that London Road Station closed, becoming a goods depot, and all of the companies used the new Citadel Station.

health and fitness

by CAROL WESTMORLAND

D

eep breath everyone we are about to enter the season of coughs and colds. There is some inevitability to this sorry state. I am careful, very careful.

I always use my foot or elbow to enter and leave a Powder Room which caused one dear lady quite a surprise when I did this with some degree of force recently in Lakeland, Windermere. The doors were so indistinguishable I became confused. My mistake became apparent when I pinned said lady to the back of the cubicle she was keenly trying to leave.

So what to do? We all know that aerobic exercise speeds up your heart rate and that white blood cells fight infection. So a quick heart raiser everyday is a start.

That pearl of wisdom should come as no surprise. We should all have quite a stock of vitamin D from that lovely, long hot summer. For a top-up try a supplement.

It is now thought that vitamin D is more effective than vitamin C at fighting colds.

Allow the darker days to slow you down and relax more. You don’t need to hibernate, tempting as it may seem just take some pressure off and keep your immune system strong. Chaos and franticness depletes it.

I adore garlic, tomatoes and carrots. All three in the form of a warming soup will help protect you from viruses. The phytonutrients in carrots and tomatoes are actually more concentrated when cooked, so there’s more for your body to absorb. You will also have a kitchen that smells amazing.

Make sure you hydrate and keep warm.

Having never experienced flu I found myself flattened by it on February 14 th this year. It was so severe I will always remember that date. I could barely lift my head.

Completely lost my appetite, ached from head to toe and felt absolutely terrible.

Never confuse a cold with flu. No-one who has experienced flu will like you for it.

Finally consider your friends. Allow them the option of keeping a distance when that cold strikes. It may be the one time no-one needs to see you soldiering on.

You can then enjoy all that the deep mid-winter has to offer and it won’t be just the logs on that open fire that are fired up.

NEW C You will be too.

LASS

The full story of Carlisle’s Citadel Station can be found in the book “Carlisle Citadel Station, 150 years a Railway Centre” available from www.p3publications.com , Bookends, Tullie House and Carlisle Visitor Information Centre

4 8

Warwick on Eden Memorial Hall 9am Wednesdays starting Sep 11th.

ALL WELCOME www.pilates-cumbria.co.uk

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MUSIC REVIEWs

readers letters We know that the letters page ain’t what it used to be. If anyone has something to say they have a blog, and audiences and communities are found on Facebook. The sense of reader community that you found in print is all but gone at most publications..but not here at Village Link.

We welcome you to get in touch... rewarding the writer of the Star Letter we print.

WIN

(Find the Village Link post or email address on page 3)

Do you know any communities, schools or groups that would benefit from free trees?

14th Dec 2013 NEWCASTLE: Metro Radio Arena 15th Dec 2013 GLASGOW: The Hydro

To mark their 20th year together, Ronan, Keith, Shane & Mikey have already announced a major eighteen-date UK and Ireland arena tour, to thank their fans for the phenomenal support over the years and to pay tribute to their brother, Stephen Gately. Now they can also confirm they have signed a new recording deal with Warner Music and will release a brand new studio album titled ‘BZ20’ on November 25th through the Rhino label.

Dear Village Link The Woodland Trust is once again offering community groups, youth groups and schools the chance to apply for packs of free trees for delivery in March 2014 and we are accepting applications until 9 January 2014. Whether groups are interested in helping wildlife; creating a faith, or inter-faith, green space; planting for remembrance, creating a community garden or allotment; or just want to enhance their local area - any community groups are very welcome to apply for our free packs of saplings. We have over 3000 packs to give away in spring and they come in three sizes – 30 saplings, 105 saplings and 420 saplings in various themes (hedge, copse, wildlife, wild harvest,

year-round colour, working wood, wild wood and wetland). A new feature of the scheme is that you can now apply for more than one pack with 420 saplings being the maximum quantity. You can find out more about them and apply online at www.woodlandtrust. org.uk/freetrees. I’d advise groups to apply sooner rather than later as we are usually oversubscribed and may have to close early. We’re trying to help bees by encouraging groups to plant species that are beneficial through their nectar or pollen and I’ve attached a leaflet that details the relevant packs. I’ve also attached our current community tree packs leaflet. Please feel free to forward them to any group who might be interested, add them to your website or include them in your newsletter. If you have any questions at all please do get in touch.

Beverley, via email

This Year’s Best Selling Christmas Books

16th Dec 2013 CARLISLE: Brickyard Burton-U-Trent four-piece Max Raptor have emerged as one of the most unique rock bands in the UK. British tastemaker Zane Lowe made comeback single ‘Breakers’ his ‘Next Hype’ record on his popular BBC Radio 1 show and the band have not looked back since. The new Lewis Cater (Kodaline, Don Broco, Enter Shikari) directed video for ‘England Breathes’ is currently being aired by Kerrang! and is No 2 on Scuzz TV’s Fresh Videos in the UK. Even today’s leading light of British alternative music Frank Turner has tweeted his admiration for the bands ‘great’ new video.

‘Hogging The Roast Potatoes’

by Dick Tator ‘Too much Christmas Dinner’

by O. B. City ‘Fish for Christmas Dinner’

by Ann Chovie ‘Surprise Present!’

by Omar Gosh ‘Christmas Quiz Questions’

by I. Dunnoe ‘Sledging for Beginners’

by I. C. Bottom ‘What To Do After Christmas Dinner’

by Clare Inup ‘An Embarrassing Christmas’

by Lucy Lastic ‘The Art of Kissing’

by Miss L. Toe Editor’s Review...

‘Christmas Cruises’

by C. Shanty Pippa, via email

STA

LetteR r

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Add a little certainty to your future

by Mike Turney

Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society

W

e live in economically challenged times. The threat of further recessions, rising unemployment, and a second global banking crisis have left many people with less money in their pocket to spend.

Many parents will have some level of life cover in place, typically enough to pay off their mortgage should the unthinkable happen, but protecting your family is more than buying a simple life insurance policy.

The harsh and sad fact is, that we are very likely to be close to someone who gets a serious illness. Take cancer, for instance.

According to Macmillan, the cancer charity, one in every three of us will be diagnosed with cancer and one-third will be below the age of 65 (Source: www.macmillan.org.uk, October 2012).

What’s more, every year 275,000 people suffer a heart attack, of which some 155,000 of those people will survive (Source: www. netdoctor.co.uk, August 2012).

Taking out a critical illness policy can offer some financial reassurance. These policies promise to pay out a lump sum not when you die but on diagnosis of a specified condition, for example cancer, a stroke, heart attack, kidney failure or multiple sclerosis.

Critical illness cover can be more complex than some other financial products.

Consumers often fail to understand what they are covered for and, more importantly, what is not covered, so it pays to get expert help before signing on the dotted line.

Sickness benefits can vary substantially. If you are off work because of sickness your long term incapacity benefit will be £101.35, based on 2013/14 levels. An income protection policy is worth serious consideration as it is designed to pay out a monthly sum of money until you die, or more optimistically you reach retirement, return to work or recover from the illness. For example, a 20 year old taking a plan out with a retirement age of 65, who has an accident just after the plan is issued and can never work again, would get a monthly payout for 45 years. Therefore a plan with an income benefit of say £1,000 per month could potentially pay out a total of £540,000.

It is not just younger people that need to consider all eventualities. By the time your fiftieth birthday has been and gone, there is every chance that your children will have flown the nest and that your mortgage is, all but, paid off. But that doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about insurance and protecting your family, wealth and health.

You will have seen whole of life assurance for older people advertised on day-time television or have received mail shots through your letterbox from an insurer selling over-50s plans to cover funeral costs. However, whole of life assurance policies do more that simply cover funeral costs. They can, amongst other things, also help against a potential inheritance tax (IHT) bill.

Inheritance tax is currently paid on the excess of an estate worth more than £325,000 or over £650,000 if you are married or have a civil partner, where the full benefit has been passed to the surviving spouse. A common way to prepare for IHT is to take out a whole of life assurance policy in trust, which provides a sum of money that can be used to pay the IHT bill after you die. The proceeds of the policy do not form part of your estate, provided it is in a trust. So if your estate is expected to be liable for an IHT bill of, say £30,000, you take out a policy for that sum to cover it.

Many people think of financial planning as creating wealth. It is, but it is also about protecting what you already have. These are nervous times, which are riddled with uncertainties. With a little bit of thinking - and some expert guidance - you can add some certainty to your financial future.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Mike Turney of St. James’s Place Wealth Management on Office: 01228 406391 Mobile: 07850 580108 Email: mike.turney@sjpp.co.uk or www.miketurneywealthmanagement.co.uk

3 Easy Steps to a Kitchen Makeover Quality Installations for over 25 years

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nicola roberts

by

‘T

is the season of growing guilt as we prepare to gorge ourselves on festive fare and fret about New Year fitness regimes. As a Moky dance fitness instructor, I see class numbers fall in winter for understandable reasons: dark nights, rainy weather, dodgy driving conditions, too little time and money because of Christmas shopping. Come January, class numbers swell as people make New Year’s resolutions to get fit.

But why wait until 2014? There are targets and enticements throughout the year to nudge us into fitting fitness into our busy lives. Right now there’s the Christmas party to consider and that little black dress to squeeze into (or tux - sorry, blokes). And any pre-Christmas fitness means we don’t have to feel so bad about pigging out on the big day.

There may be seasonal offers to draw in newcomers and returners during quieter times. You can try one of my classes in November and December for £3 (normal price £5) with the Village Link voucher.

Getting into a regular routine now can make you feel better prepared for New Year’s resolutions and more determined to keep up the good work.

The key is to find a form of exercise you enjoy so it becomes a natural part of your week. I hadn’t stuck at any regular exercise for a decade until Moky had me hooked.

A one-hour Moky session involves doing fun routines to everyday chart hits – J-Lo, Pitbull, Gangnam. You don’t need co-ordination, just energy and enthusiasm. We laugh a lot and work up a sweat without realising. As one customer said: “Moky is like a night out without the drink.”

So be bold, exorcise those excuses and start your New Year’s resolutions early. * Nicola Roberts runs fun Moky dance fitness classes at Wetheral Village Hall (Monday, 6.30pm); Downagate Community Centre, Warwick Bridge (Tuesday, 9.30am); and Brampton Community Centre (Thursday, 6.30pm), tel: 07768 221 301 or see Moky Fit Carlisle on Facebook.

VOUCHER Bring this voucher to one of my classes in November and December and pay

only £3

(normal price £5)

01228 562448 Mobile: 07720 675 341

Ring 01228 562904 to advertise or email: sales@village-link.co.uk

Garden Feature

M

Life and the odd gardening tip from garden editor Jason Hindmoor

y wife and I had a night point where they decide all adults are idiots out at a concert recently. which normally starts somewhere around 8 We don’t normally do this years old and lasts until they need someone because we’ve reached to pay for their wedding. The problem is the stage in life that by the time we’ve got as a parent you have to pretend to adore ready to go out we’re too tired to leave your kids whatever age they are, whereas the house. Anyway my wife wanted to a grandparent can legitimately look after go and see a concert and I agreed on the them when they are cute and then go and understanding that I could leave a copy live in Spain when they are not. of our Will and Testament with her sister Before the ground freezes, make sure that and that I’d be back for the 10 o’clock you water your plants. It will be much easnews. This didn’t happen however as the ier for them to drink when the earth still is performance didn’t start until 8.30pm. relatively soft. This is especially important As a result we didn’t get home until for evergreens.

11.30pm and we both had There would be no Use frost cover a migraine for the next three days. My Dad wisely need for “Police, Camera, or an old sheet to cover plants with stated that you should be Action” or Jeremy Kyle buds or open able to go out and have a and his DNA tests flowers. Just be good night and be home careful not to use for 8pm and I think he is right. If everyone did that think how plastic, because when the sun comes much trouble would be avoided in the out, it can make your plants bake like world. There would be no need for they’re in an oven.

Police, Camera, Action or Jeremy Kyle Protect your pots, too. Some pots can and his DNA tests. shatter in freezing temperatures unless you give them protection or move them.

Anyway after two full days of planning where we could park the car we Don’t fertilize. Winter should be a time for eventually got there safely and at the your garden plants to rest and hibernate. venue there was a counter which said They shouldn’t be starting new growth ‘Pre-order your drinks for the interval until spring, when the ground warms up. here’ I thought this was a good idea and If you try to force this by using fertilizer on ordered 2 white teas to save putting them, any new growth that occurs is likely the kettle on when I got home. I’m still to be killed off by hard frosts. waiting for my cup of tea though, I guess Be prepared to bring less hardy plants they must have forgotten in the rush. inside.

Some plants just aren’t meant to be Just as well really because I’ve heard that outside in the harsh winter, so you have you have to be careful these days in case to plan ahead and make sure you have a someone puts something in your drink. place for them. It might be a conservatory, I was a bit worried in case it might react a greenhouse, or even just a room in your badly with my Imodium plus! house that stays fairly cool. Wherever you To be honest I’ve reached that point in put them, you’ll want to make sure that life where my teeth and I don’t sleep they get bright, indirect light for at least together anymore and it takes me more five hours every day and aren’t near that two tries to get up off the sofa. Yet heating vents or drafts. according to my calculations I’ve still

Weeding | Ground Clearance, Hedge Cutting | Planting, Leaf Clearance & Pressure Washing

Any Jobs Considered Jason Hindmoor 01228 561989 / 07812 438810 John Carr 01228 564083/ 07966 415061

got another 28 years before I can retire from work. This is a shame because I was looking forward to retiring so that I could spend more time with the grandchildren. The first obvious flaw with this plan was the not having of children, but I’d prefer if I could just leave that stage out. It’s not that I don’t like children, I love children but only in certain specific phases. For example I like babies from about 6 months old after they have grown necks. Before that point their heads flop about dangerously and they terrify me. Liquids flow freely out of every orifice and they look like Winston Churchill. So I prefer children from 6 months old all the way up until that

Village Link - your FREE Community Magazine

7

Mouth-watering inspiration from food editor Jane Ferguson

Pink Leaf Catering is taking a new direction and we will shortly be launching our own range of popular puddings.

Check our website for further developments at www.pinkleafcatering.co.uk

P

lease tell me it is not just me, but is anyone else overwhelmed with the amount of paperwork you get at the end of your shopping. Quite frankly I am exhausted!

It can be anything from getting 200 extra points when you spend over £50 on your next shop, or 100 extra points if you buy a wagon load of teabags; being told that your shop was 18p cheaper than if you had shopped in another store; money off petrol, the list goes on and on. Now all this is fine if you remember to use them at your next shop! So many times I have found that the next time I go shopping I have just finished paying when I suddenly realise I have not used any of my vouchers. Too late then!!

They will not redeem them for you after the event (which I am sure they did at one time). This just leaves me feeling frustrated and grumpy. I know the incentive is to get us to go back to their store, but perhaps if they just gave us these offers in the first

8

instance that would be incentive enough for us to shop with them, and would save us feeling agitated when we forget to use our vouchers. Even worse is when I do remember to use them the next time I visit I find the use by date has expired which leaves me feeling even more frustrated!

I also have a theory about how my shop is cheaper. The other day I was told (in a voucher) that I had saved over £13.

On this particular occasion I had bought a few bottles of wine which were shown as being half price. Now of course this is going to be cheaper than another store because they have obviously got a deal on those particular wines for that week.

However, I am sure the other store will have different wines on offer at half price which means that if I had shopped there instead and bought their wine on offer, then I would have saved over £13 as well.

All a big con really. I thought that in this particular issue rather than giving you a full recipe per se, I would explain how easy rice is to cook.

On speaking to a lot of people many struggle with cooking rice and buy all kinds of weird and wonderful gadgets to help them which you simply do not need.

It is so easy.

Get a cup or mug and fill it with rice (basmati is best in my opinion) then put the rice in a pan. Then fill either the cup or mug (whichever you are using) twice with water and add this to the rice in the pan and season with some salt. Basically it is double the amount of water to rice. I find a small mug of rice and two small mugs of water is perfect for serving two people. Bring to the boil and, keeping an eye on it, wait until the water has evaporated (this does not take long so you really do need to keep checking it). Once the water has evaporated turn off the heat and put a lid on the pan and leave for about 10 to 15 minutes after which time take the lid off and fluff up. Perfectly cooked rice with no draining or gadgets.

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on the Ground Floor at New Mills Trout Farm Brampton CA8 2QS

Espresso Coffees, Leaf Teas, Homema Loose de Ca and Scones, Brunch kes Light Lunches includ , our popular fish sp ing ecials

Katharine Goode: 07815 696030 www.newmillstroutfarm.net (Follow the brown fish farm signs off the A69)

Travel editor Stephen Dent tells you what to see and where to stay

Winter Wonderland

I

t’s nearly that time of year again.

If you’re anything like me, when it Time flies as they say or is it me comes to Christmas we’re all big kids at just getting old? heart. The magical atmosphere of the festive season is impossible to resist, Perhaps you’re dreaming of making it a great time to get away on a winter break that offers so much holiday. Holidays including visits to more than just skiing. This year why Chrismas Markets are becoming more not take the children to Lapland and more popular, as not only do where the magic is alive.....and see +2/,'$<6 (7 6(& 2 6(&5get a 5(7 relaxing break, you can also the wonder in their eyes when they 127 6you pick up unusual gifts you won’t find finally meet the big man himself. This anywhere else. Germany is traditionally fun filled day takes you to the heart associated with Christmas markets, and of True Lapland and brings you back CLEVER THE continues it’s a tradition that certainly home in time for tea! You will SAVE!!

WAY TO today you’ll find bustling markets experience a magical and unforgetacross the country.

That said, the table search through the wintry forAY E YOU ST enticing Christmas markets ofERAustria, OW WH N ests for Santa’s secret hideaway. Plus K Y PA T YOUBelgium HAItaly, France, and the Czech a chance to sample reindeer rides, KNOW W Republic certainly give Germany VE a run snowmobiles and husky dog sleds.

SA for their money.

So wherever you’d Direct flights operate from Newcastle like to visit in Europe, you’ll find & Manchester with prices from TO UP wonderful markets to explore.

Holiday £489 Adult £429 Child* t Summer your nex n o Prague from £159pp.....Dusseldorf SON Of course, Lapland is not just for & SANDER SONfrom from £169pp......Budapest OM DAW kids, with NASA prediciting that this FR S Y A D ECT HOLI £169pp......Vienna from £289pp* DIR winter will bring a solar maximum.

There has never been a better time to y! ou mone to save y venture far beyond the Artic Circle OTECTED ATOL PR in search of the breath taking Aurora E DAY CAR LI O H 24/7 Borealis - Northern Lights. Suits and boots are provided ensuring that operator best tour prices! you are wrapped up warm for the '98 398 8,) 1-(( 0)1%2 ;,30)7 exhilarating snowmobile drive %0) 46-')7 through the Arctic Tundra, or perhaps www.holidayco.co.uk you would prefer the more traditional mode of transport, as your team of eager husky dogs await.

Discover the land of the Northern Lights 3, 4 or 7 nights with direct flights from Newcastle and Manchester from £799pp*

ECT

IR WE BUY D

N APER THA

CHE

Great Gatsby Gathering at Greenhill Saturday 23rd November 7pm for 7.30pm Join us for a glamourous and glitzy evening, inspired by the 1920s Music by the Segretta Stompers with fizz and canapés on arrival Followed by a Two course dinner Then dance until the early hours to the music of Andrew Neen (Mobile DJ Cumbria).

 Roulette Table  Raffle  Roaring Twenties Dress (optional) Tickets £25, available in tables of 10 or individually, are available from Edna Graham 016973 61479 or www.hospiceathome.co.uk

31 Lowther St. Carlisle

01228 548899 Best Currency Deals Anywhere GUARANTEED!

The Greenhill Hotel, Red Dial, WIGTON, Cumbria, CA7 8LS

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Call into our store now for a package deal Free Blu-ray player Free when you purchase any new Sony Bravia 46” or above

West Tower Street · Carlisle · CA3 8QT Tel: 01228 525891 www.petertyson.co.uk Please mention The Village Link when responding to adverts 9

Mercedes Benz Which Model? A45 AMG Verdict? Vesuvius Hatch (it’s that hot!)

F

our wheel drive! That’s a first for AMG. They usually favour the trouser soiling rear wheel drive. But not so, you see to make sure that power is distributed properly, the A45 comes with Mercedes Benz 4matic 4 wheel drive system, a first for an AMG car. One naturally thinks too that a Mercedes AMG is a mad, fire breathing, 6, 8 or 12 cylinder petrol consuming monster, and you’d have every right to think that, until now. The new A45 isn’t another 6 cylinder beast just 4 - but its deliciously turbocharged producing a whopping 360bhp! This produces grip that is incredible. I quote from the great playwright (well, Julia Roberts, from the film Pretty Woman) where she says “It corners like it’s on rails”. It’s true. You can (if you so wish) throw this car into any bend and it sticks to the road like dried on weetabix on a breakfast bowl (virtually impossible to get it off).

Another ‘great’ about this car, is the fact you can really have the best of all worlds. Fuel consumption is pretty good (moving on swiftly), mind bending performance, a hatchback with plenty of

boot space and plenty of rear legroom.

In fact, it could be said that this indeed is the perfect all round family car. You see it keeps Dad happy because he can still cling on to his inner Lewis Hamilton, Mum’s happy because well, it looks great, and the kids will love it because of all the crackles and bangs that come from the exhaust when you plant your right foot into the floor!

My final ‘great’ with this particular model was the fact that they had the £1500 Aeropack fitted. I will mention this now that this will be not to everyones taste. But clinging onto my boy-racer youth, I thought it essential in finishing the look of the car off perfectly. The Aeropack adds a larger front apron, front flics as well the ‘piece de la resistance’ - the very discreet rear wing on the tailgate. To be fair, you could probably land a Chinook Helicopter on it, it’s that large. Some will think it’s ridiculous but I however, think it’s one of the most attractive hot hatches I’ve seen in years.

MANY THANKS TO: James Mercedes Benz, Carlisle Tel: 01228 541111 Written by Andrew Corrie [Editor]

10 Ring 01228 562904 to advertise or email: sales@village-link.co.uk

On Your Bike Cycling tips and advice from sport editor Gary Dickson

What’s New in the Bike World?

J

ust as I was about to write this article the date for the annual bike show at the NEC Birmingham came around.

So I thought I’d do the visit before putting pen to paper.

In the early 80’s, when I got started, the BMX bike was a must have for every young lad, however, bikes in general were not media popular. Rarely did they appear in TV programmes or advertising that was not related to bikes. These days it’s popular to be seen as “green” and associated with health, fitness and leisure.

Wandering about the stands at the NEC it became apparent the trusty bike is becoming the chosen friend of many other businesses.

As I walked past one small stand, into my hand was put a free bag of pistachio nuts! Well, I love pistachios but what’s a stand dedicated to pistachio nuts doing at a bike show? The packet displayed all the clues. I’d been given a valuable sample of “Nature’s Snack”. These were no ordinary pistachio’s, they were “Californian Grown American Quality” nuts, the official snack of the USA Water Polo teams! Under the title “KNOW YOUR PISTACHIOS” I learned that each nut contain, weight for weight, more protein than cooked Halibut, more fibre than cooked Broccoli and almost three times as much potassium than Banana. Amazing, there’s a lot more to the humble pistachio than previously revealed, but I hadn’t come to a bike show to get an education on nuts.

It wasn’t long before I came across another stand that initially seemed set up in the wrong show, the Malta Tourist board!

But as you’ve probably now guessed Malta

is a great place to visit for a cycling holiday.

And not far away, as I was getting used to surprises, a Jet2 stand offering a chance to win a free holiday if you gave them all your details.

There are always many interesting things to see at a bike show, but my main reason for going was to keep up with cutting edge technology in the electric bike market.

A big section of the show this year was devoted to just this, including a test track where I was able to try out electric powered bikes designed for real off-road use (not just cheap MTB’s with a motor) that take the hard work out of

getting to the top of a mountain.

I tested the leisure and commuter bikes too. Scotby Cycles has been involved in this market for well over 15 years and seen many changes. We’ve noticed that people are worried about their street cred if spotted. Worry no more. These bikes are exciting! The demand for electric bikes is increasing and is seen as the next big thing in the bike trade.

Just a little word of warning if you are thinking of buying an electric bike: Don’t buy old out of date stock. The technology is moving fast. Don’t buy on the web unless you are good with electrics, understand exactly what you are buying and have access to spare parts (especially the electrical parts). The expression “you get what you pay for” should be considered when going electric. There is a lot of mediocre product around that you are better to avoid. Test before you buy, and buy where you can get advice and assistance.

Finally, walking around this show was warm work for my feet, but before leaving I discovered yet another alien to the bike world, a company selling water filled shoe insoles to relieve all aches and pains. I tried them out but they reminded me of walking in boots full of water. Not for me thanks, I’ll stick to the pistachios.

Sunday Special for 2 £10on.9ly 5 Starters (choose any 2) Onion Bhaji • Chicken Tikka • Sheek Kebab • Chicken Pakora Main Dishes (choose any 2, excluding Prawn or King Prawn Dishes) All Korma • Bhuna • Dhansak • Pathia • Rogan • Ceylon • Dupiaza • Jalfrezi Dishes Nan Breads (choose any 1) Select your choice from the menu Side Dishes 1 Vegetable Curry or 1 Bombay Aloo Rice Dishes (choose any 1) Plain Boiled Rice • Pilau Rice • Mushroom Pilau • Vegetable Pilau

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11

Christmas

Due to popular demand we have extended the Xmas Fayre Lunches through January

at the Crown Hotel

Christmas Fayre Lunches available throughout December For a delicious lunch with plenty of festive cheer why not bring your Christmas lunch party here!

Quote “VillageLink” when booking and receive a complimentary glass of house wine.

Homemade Lentil Soup Chicken Liver Parfait with Clar

Two Courses £pe1r 3.50 person Three Courses £16.50 pe r person

Festive mince pies & crackers included

Festive Afternoon Tea

A Selection of Finger Sandwiches, Homemade Sausage Roll, Scone (Jam & Cream), Spiced Orange Cake, Chocolate & Guinness Cake, Mulled Fruit Fool, Tea or Coffee

Cost £13.50pp. With a glass of Mulled Wine £16.95

Quote “Village Link” when booking for complimentary glass of Mulled Wine

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE CALL: 01228 561888 Crown Hotel, Wetheral, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 8ES www.crownhotelwetheral.co.uk info@crownhotelwetheral.co.uk

12

e’s Damson es & Brown Toast

& Apple Chutney, Dressed Leav

Buffalo Mozzarella, Tomato Pesto Salad with Dressed Rocket& Galia Melon

with Fruit Compote & Berry

Coulis

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‘n’ Onion rry Sauce & Gravy

Stuffing, Chipolatas, Cranbe

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Buttered tard Grain Sauce

Mash, Creamed Leeks & Mus

Wild Mushroom, Spinach & Mascapone Cheese Risotto Braised Beef & Mushroom with Puff Pastry Top & Buttered Mas

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ddddddddddd Traditional Fruit Filled Chr istm Pudding with Brandy Sauce as Passion Fruit Posset with Sho rtbr ead Biscuit Selection of British & Contine ntal Cheeses with Biscuits, Celery & Chutney Baked Sticky Toffee Cheese cake with Muscavado Ice-Cream

ddddddddddd Coffee & Mini Mince Pies

Available 1st-23rd Decembe

r 2013. Booking advisable

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

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Each range has a set amount of ‘SAP’ points.

Each chart has a current and a potential energy rating out of a maximum of 100 points (being maximum efficiency). As follows:

What exactly is an EPC? Energy performance certificates (EPCs) give potential buyers an upfront look at how energy efficient your property is, how it can be improved and how much money this could save.

Even though the Energy Performance Certificate has been a required document when selling or renting a domestic property for more than 6 years now, most people only become aware of it when their Estate or Rental Agency inform them it is a necessary official document, and must be requested by the seller, before their property can be marketed.

An Energy Performance Certificate, otherwise known as an EPC, provides an energy efficiency rating for a home. The completed EPC outlines some ideas which would help to improve the buildings’ energy performance. Implementing these can lead to lower energy bills; reduced carbon deposits and can make homes more attractive to potential buyers. Production of an EPC must be carried out by a fully qualified Energy

The energy performance certificate comprises of two main charts

Assessor, who will visit the property and carry out a complete energy survey. Some areas that are looked at include: the heating systems and controls, loft and wall insulation, window types, the amount of energy efficient light bulbs, and of course the age and type and size of a property. The Assessment takes about approximately half an hour to an hour for residential properties depending on the size and complexity of the property. Until recently sellers have not attached too much importance to the EPC since they are selling the property, and will take no action on the result of the EPC rating. However sellers for the most part invariably become buyers, and should now take an interest in the rating of a property they are considering buying. The EPC will point out where the improvements to the efficiency can be made. It will also (based upon average conditions) give a financial appraisal of the running costs of that property, broken down into Lighting/Heating and Hot water. It should be noted that this can be considerably affected by how the energy is used and number of occupants etc.

The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of a home. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be.

Environmental Impact CO2 Rating

The environmental impact rating is a measure of a home’s impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The higher the rating the less impact it has on the environment.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows the current energy, and potential energy rating of a property, known as a ‘SAP rating’. A ‘SAP’ rating stands for Standard Assessment Procedure and is the governments recommended system for producing a home energy rating. The SAP charts have been divided into 7 bands ranging from A-G.

BAND A B C D E F G

Rating Points 92-100 SAP points (Most efficient) 81-91 SAP points 69-80 SAP points 55-68 SAP points 39-54 SAP points 21-38 SAP points 1-20 SAP points (Least efficient)

What makes a difference to the SAP rating?

Below are some examples of aspects that can make a different to your property’s SAP rating.

Improvement Rating can be improved by

Condensing Boiler *47 SAP points Cavity Wall Insulation *13 SAP points Loft Insulation *10 SAP points Cylinder Stat & Insulation *8 SAP points Double Glazing *4 SAP points Low Energy Lighting *2 SAP points

Estimated Savings (per year)

£225+ £100-£125 £100-£125 £100-£125 £10-£15 £10-£15

* Please note that these are only estimates and may be inaccurate

It can be seen therefore that the EPC, which is often questioned by property owners, is in fact a useful document, which should be read, by all prospective buyers and tenants.

An Energy Performance Certificate for residential properties is valid for 10 years. The EPC will stay with the property for the 10 year period no matter how many times it is sold.

It is simply passed for one owner to the next.

However we would advise that if the property is being sold and has been upgraded so as to improve the energy rating that a new EPC be purchased Ken Edwards is an independent Energy Assessor with six years of experience.

Contact details: info@cumbrianepc.co.uk, Tel: 016977 41671 Mobile: 0780 4436 642

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13

VILLAGE LIFE SARAH BRIGGS

up here: our love affair with the county is still in its early throes. However when I asked my 7-year old daughter, who y husband has lived here longer than she has lived commented anywhere else (she was 2 when we left the other day Bristol), what was better about living in that despite Cumbria than in a city, she wasn’t sure. the fantastic countryside As she can’t remember living in a city it’s around us here in north no wonder, although she did think a city Cumbria, if you go for a might be noisier. run out on the Fells you hardly ever see anyone That’s not to say that people who have else. Perhaps when it’s pouring with grown up here don’t love the county, and rain or snowing heavily that’s not surprising: I have met plenty of ‘natives’ who have but when it’s sunny why aren’t there more chosen not to move away, or who have people out enjoying the stunning views moved away and then come back again. I from Talkin Fell? was talking to Radio Cumbria’s Val Armstrong the other day (just to name drop) Even up on the Hadrian’s Wall path you and she said the reason she hadn’t moved may pass a handful of back-pack-equipped elsewhere within the BBC was because walkers – often foreign – but rarely a she loves it here. I knew what she meant. runner. With only 6% of the population When I lived in London I felt like a Loncarrying out regular (3x per week) heartdoner, but spent a lot of time escaping rate-raising exercise, it’s unlikely that many the city: work trips; visits to friends and exercisers are going to be out running in a family around the UK; holidays abroad. I sparsely populated area of the UK simultaneously; but it perhaps also says something was constantly on the move (I even had 11 different addresses in 14 years). Now about how we take places for granted. my family and I live in Cumbria we find We are of course, as incomers, converts it difficult to leave. Whilst I love the odd – “more Catholic than the Catholics”, or shopping trip to Newcastle, Glasgow or at least more passionately in love with Edinburgh, I am always glad to return Cumbria perhaps than people who grew

M

home again and the entire family cheers as we pass the ‘Cumbria’ sign when travelling back having been away. I think it’s something to do with the fact that even if you live in Carlisle, life is basically village life, in a secure and comforting way. Everybody knows everybody – as my boss says, “kick one and they all fall over” – but there’s enough space to escape as well.

This was highlighted recently. Last year I met a guy wearing a Lakeland Trails t-shirt and his girlfriend as I was out running along Hadrian’s Wall. A year later when I went to say ‘hello’ to some new neighbours, the man who opened the door – wearing a Lakeland Trails t-shirt – said “we’ve met before”….

Freelance writer Sarah Briggs writes for The Mirror, Top Sante, Cumbria Magazine, Somerset Life, Essentially Midirs and Running Free amongst many others. She is a regular interviewee on Radio Cumbria and is currently writing three books. If you want to tell her any local stories, then she can quite often be found in her favourite café – Off the Wall in Brampton – or you can catch her manning the Hallsford stall at Brampton Farmers’ market. And of course you can always contact her on sarah@village-link.co.uk

Crossword For the answers to this crossword, email: editor@village-link.co.uk

Crossword No XC248707

Due to recent cutbacks, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off until further notice

ACROSS 1 6 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 26 27 28

Clairvoyant is to support the nuts in charge (9) One with the hump caught male out (5) Wife perhaps is inactive business associate (8,7) Split reported initially by one newspaper (4) Dance follows live jazz (5) Song for that man on the radio (4) Warm review read out (7) Betray one’s principles in very popular show (4-3) Completely finished with a Latin paramour (3,4) Old king hugs wayward son for comfort (7) Part of azalea, for example (4) Vietnamese perhaps is like Scot (5) Oddly ignored fondness for poetry (4) Quick excursion to see small railway stations? (7-4,4) Act on desire to find most senior member (5) Evil bank acquires church, honestly! (9)

DOWN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 18 19 23 24 25

14 8 4

DOWN

Awkward question for affected sort (5) Poor formality, I aver, involves one showing this? (4-11) Writer’s optimism (4) Hide treatment from the workers here? (7) Generous policeman promises to pay (7) Low-life needs time with brief (4) Fed poorly no more, somehow getting easy cash (5,3,3,4) Left regent to change spectacles (9) Start court proceedings? (5) Criticism involving northern side (5) Drank with heads of state when permitted (9) More reckless son provides the bacon (7) Punish devious cheats to a point (7) Sprinkle water on some flowers (5) Most put up with this chap (4) Sword turns up in Dundee perhaps (4)

Stone Eden Nursery Bear is a keen rambler but with a poor sense of direction (stuffing for brains!), and has got lost again.

However he has his phone with him and has sent this photo of what he can see.

There is a £25 cash reward

IF YOU GO & RESCUE BEAR*

When you have rescued bear and you have him safe in your home, email us at bear@village-link.co.uk, leaving your name and address and we will be round to collect bear and hand and over your cash reward!

NURSERY SCHOOL Flexible childcare solutions all on one site, including FREE 15hrs for children aged 2 and 3 years Rural location close to city centre, with stunning outdoor facilities Ample & safe parking for parents picking up and dropping off Full time Chefs preparing and cooking high quality food Holiday Club for 4 - 11 year olds High Quality Apprentice Training Programme (annual vacancies)

erm...

“HELLO” I’m still here!

I’m getting cold...

I could just nip round the corner to The Haywain I suppose!

Tel: 01228 599400/07769 560443 www.stoneedennursery.co.uk Wheelbarrow Hall, Holme Lane, Aglionby, Carlisle, CA4 8AD

* IMPORTANT:

TO MAKE IT FAIR FOR ALL, BEAR WILL NOT BE HIDING DURING THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS OF THIS ISSUE...PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY TO LOOK FOR BEAR SOON x

See website for competition terms and conditions. www.village-link.co.uk

Lowther Used Furniture Open 7 Days 9.30am-5pm Mon-Sat 11am-4pm Sunday 27 The Green Houghton 01228 594404

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KENNEDY Dip. F.D. M.B.I.E.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Local independent undertaker offering traditional and environmental funerals with care and compassion for over 30 years Private Chapels of Rest

Telephone (24 hours)

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Home tel: Wetheral 561665

Memorial Brochure available

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Plumbing, Heating, Boiler Replacement Central Heating Systems Overhauled Oil Tank Installation, Log Burning Stoves Bathroom Installations Small Building works, General Handyman

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