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where convenience often trumps quality, choosing a local florist for your floral needs is a choice that brings with it a bouquet of benefits.

As the last races of winter melt away, the arrival of spring breathes new life into our surroundings, inviting an opportunity to rejuvenate our living spaces.

Weddings are not just about the celebration of love and the coming together of two people; they’re also about the joining of lives, assets, and families.

Spring not only heralds the arrival of warmer weather but also marks the beginning of a new shopping season, offering fresh fashion trends and an ambundance of local produce.

THE CHARM OF LOCAL FLORISTS: CELEBRATING ANY OCCASION WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

In an era where convenience often trumps quality, choosing a local florist for your floral needs is a choice that brings with it a bouquet of benefits.

Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or just a simple gesture of affection, local florists offer a personalized and thoughtful approach to flower selection that big box stores and online retailers simply can’t match. This article explores the myriad reasons why opting for a local florist can make your floral gifts all the more special, regardless of the occasion.

A PERSONAL TOUCH FOR EVERY CELEBRATION

Local florists bring a personal touch to every arrangement they craft. Unlike mass-produced bouquets, a local florist takes the time to understand the sentiment behind every order, ensuring that each floral arrangement is as unique as the occasion it celebrates. Here’s why local florists are the go-to choice for marking life’s special moments:

A birthday bouquet from a local florist can be customized to suit the preferences and personality of the recipient. Whether they love roses, tulips, or exotic orchids, local florists can curate a bouquet that’s as

unique and vibrant as they are.

Anniversaries are deeply personal celebrations, and local florists understand this. They can help you select flowers that have a special significance to you and your partner, creating an arrangement that reflects your journey together.

For a day as significant as your wedding, local florists offer the bespoke service required to align with your theme, color scheme, and dream vision. They often provide a more flexible and personal service than larger chains, carefully selecting and arranging every bloom to ensure your day is nothing short of magical.

Sometimes, flowers are just because. A local florist can help you articulate your feelings through flowers, crafting a bouquet that conveys love, friendship, or appreciation in the most beautiful way.

Flowers

REFRESHING YOUR HOME FOR SPRING:

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR REVITALISATION

As the last traces of winter melt away, the arrival of spring breathes new life into our surroundings, inviting an opportunity to rejuvenate our living spaces.

This season, why not embark on a home update that not only refreshes your interiors with pastel shades and new furnishings but also prepares your garden for the sunny days ahead? Here’s a comprehensive guide to updating your home for spring, from cozy interior tweaks to getting your garden summerready.

Interior Updates with Pastel Shades and Furnishings

Spring is synonymous with renewal, making it the perfect time to infuse your home with light, airy pastel shades and new furnishings. These subtle hues can create a serene and inviting atmosphere, echoing the season’s awakening.

Embrace Pastel Colours: Start by introducing a palette of soft pastels to your living space. Think powder blue, soft lavender, mint green, or pale pink. These colours can be incorporated through wall paint, accent pieces, or textiles. Pastels not only make rooms feel more spacious and airy but also add a touch of elegance.

Refresh with Fabrics and Textiles: Swap out heavy, dark fabrics for lighter, breezier ones. Cotton and linen in pastel shades are perfect for curtains, bedding, and table linens, offering both comfort and style. Scatter cushions and throws in coordinating pastel colours can also add texture and warmth to any room.

Update with Furniture and Accessories: Consider adding a few key pieces of furniture in pastel shades or with floral designs to complement the season. A new pastel-hued sofa, a set of light-coloured wooden chairs, or a floral-patterned rug can dramatically change the feel of a room. Mirrors framed in light wood or painted in soft colours can also help to reflect light, making spaces appear larger and more inviting.

Preparing Your Garden: Furniture, Sheds, and Planting

With drier and warmer weather on the horizon, it’s also time to turn your attention to outdoor spaces. Updating your garden furniture, investing in new structures like

sheds or greenhouses, and planning your planting can transform your garden into a splendid spring oasis.

Introducing Garden Furniture: Upgrade your garden with new furniture that invites relaxation and outdoor dining. Rattan or wooden furniture sets with comfortable cushions in durable outdoor fabrics can create an inviting spot for enjoying the spring sunshine. Incorporate a garden bench or a hammock for those lazy afternoons spent outdoors.

Investing in a Shed or Greenhouse: A new shed or greenhouse can be a practical addition to your garden, offering storage and a nurturing space for your plants to thrive. Whether you’re an avid gardener needing space for tools and supplies or looking to grow your own fruits and vegetables, these structures can enhance your gardening experience.

Supporting Perennials and Planting Sunflowers: Spring is the time to support perennials that will return year after year, adding color and life to your garden. It’s also the ideal season to plant sunflowers, whose towering blooms will become a summer highlight. These vibrant flowers are not only beautiful but can also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.

Sowing and Preparing Your Lawn: Last but not least, give your lawn some love. Rake to remove any dead grass and debris, sow grass seeds to fill in bare patches, and apply a slow-release fertilizer to encourage growth. Regular mowing and watering will keep your lawn looking lush and green.

Updating your home for spring doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By integrating pastel colours and new furnishings into your interiors and giving your garden a little attention, you can create a space that’s perfect for welcoming the new season. Whether it’s through the soft glow of pastel shades indoors or the vibrant blooms in your garden, these changes can help you embrace the beauty and renewal that spring brings.

SECURING YOUR FUTURE: THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL SERVICES IN WEDDING PLANNING

Weddings are not just about the celebration of love and the coming together of two people; they’re also about the joining of lives, assets, and families. Amidst the excitement of choosing venues, dresses, and cakes, it’s crucial to consider the legal aspects of this union.

Enlisting the help of a legal services company can ensure that your final plans for your wedding include essential legal agreements like prenuptials, family loan agreements, wills, guardianship, and protective trusts, especially for children from previous relationships.

The Role of Prenuptial Agreements:

Prenuptials are often perceived negatively, but they are practical tools for protecting individual interests and assets, especially in cases where one or both parties have significant assets, debts, or children from previous relationships. These agreements clarify financial responsibilities and expectations, reducing potential conflicts in the event of a divorce. Each prenuptial agreement is unique and can be tailored to fit the specific needs and circumstances of your relationship.

Family Loan Agreements:

Many couples rely on family support to fund their wedding. A formal loan agreement can prevent

misunderstandings and familial disputes over repayment terms. These agreements provide legal clarity and set clear expectations, preserving family relationships in the long run.

Updating Wills:

Marriage often changes your financial and familial situation. It’s crucial to update your will to reflect these changes, ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your current wishes. If you have children from previous relationships, it’s important to specify guardianship arrangements in your will to ensure their care and protection.

Establishing Protective Trusts for Children:

Protective trusts can safeguard the financial future of children from previous relationships. They ensure that specific assets or funds are reserved for their benefit. These trusts help balance the financial interests of children from previous marriages with those of your new spouse.

AND QUALITY OF

THE IMPORTANCE OF MOBILITY SCOOTERS,

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND IMMOBILITY PROBLEMS

Mobility challenges can significantly impact an individual’s independence and overall quality of life. However, thanks to advancements in assistive technologies, individuals with disabilities and immobility problems now have access to a range of devices such as mobility scooters, frames, and wheelchairs.

These aids play a pivotal role in empowering individuals, enhancing their mobility, and fostering their participation in various aspects of life. This article explores the importance of improving the lives of people with disabilities and mobility limitations.

One of the primary benefits of mobility scooters, frames, and wheelchairs is the restoration or preservation of independence. For individuals with mobility limitations, these assistive devices serve as a lifeline, enabling them to move around freely without relying on others for assistance. Whether it’s navigating through their homes, going to work, running errands, or participating in social activities, these devices give individuals the freedom to explore the world on their own terms. Independence is essential for maintaining a sense of self-worth, autonomy, and dignity, contributing significantly to overall mental well-being.

Mobility scooters, frames, and wheelchairs are designed with accessibility in mind, making them essential tools for individuals with disabilities. These devices are engineered to manoeuvre through various terrains, including uneven surfaces, ramps, and narrow doorways, ensuring that individuals can access public spaces, buildings, and transportation with relative ease. Moreover, advancements in technology have led to the development of lightweight and foldable designs, making it convenient for users to transport their assistive devices and participate in activities outside their homes.

By recognising the importance of mobility aids, society can work towards creating a more inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive and participate fully in all aspects of life.

Ounique needs and preferences when it comes to mobility aids, and they work closely with each customer to find the perfect solution. Whether it’s a lightweight wheelchair, a mobility scooter, or a stairlift, Independent Mobility has a wide range of products to suit every need.

Furthermore, Independent Mobility offers a comprehensive aftercare service to ensure that customers can continue to use their products with confidence. The team provides ongoing support, maintenance, and repairs to ensure that customers can rely on their mobility aids for years to come.

Independent Mobility has also built a strong reputation for their competitive pricing and flexible payment options. They understand that mobility aids can be a significant investment for many people, and strive to make their products accessible to as many customers as possible.

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As we age, our sight tends to become less clear, and some of us will develop what is known as “Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration”. When this happens, the central area of our vision darkens and becomes blurred,

to produce low levels of red, yellow and infra-red light to stimulate the centre of vision by energising and providing

Results from extensive monitored trials of the therapy show that for many Dry AMD sufferers, there can be an improvement in sharpness of vision corresponding to some 5 or 8 extra letters on the testing chart. This therapy has also been shown to help diabetics who have certain eye

Dr Sheeraz Janjua is now providing this new treatment at his special

Dr Sheeraz Janjua using his new laser equipment

BEVERLEY PUPPET FESTIVAL...

YORKSHIRE THIS JULY

Beverley Puppet Festival is back this summer, bringing ‘our best-ever’ line up of UK and international shows to East Yorkshire from Friday 12th July to Sunday 14th July.

Announcing the news, Kerrin Tatman, co-artistic director, said: “Beverley Puppet Festival is a genuinely vibrant and colourful festival for all ages, right here in East Yorkshire. This is our 11th festival and we are determined to keep it growing and growing, providing a unique weekend of puppet shows, workshops and spectacle for everyone to enjoy.

“We continue to be astonished and humbled by all the support the festival gets and the amazing feedback we receive from audiences. We’ve had some great festivals, but this year promises to be our biggest and best ever.”

Festival funding has been secured from Arts Council England, Beverley Town Council, East Riding Yorkshire Council, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and the Flemingate Centre.

Anna Ingleby, co-artistic director and founder, said: “We have completed our planning of the full programme which will have shows and workshops for kids, teens, adults and families and be announced very soon.”

A festival warm up comes in the form of a two-day workshop on 11th and 12th July by Judith Hope, teaching adults, from professionals to enthusiasts, how to make simple animal rod puppets.

“Judith’s courses are very popular and places are likely to be sought after. It’s one to keep an eye on when tickets become available,” added Anna.

Judith Hope’s own performance over Saturday and Sunday is The Lost and Tangled Forests, a lively roaming puppet act, featuring two large flying ships accompanied by their fish head guides, the steampunk pirates. Audiences on the streets of Beverley will be able to join them on their mysterious journey as they transport their precious cargo of fantasy trees and foliage to rousing pirate music.

One international performer and a star of America’s Got Talent is Argentinian foot puppeteer Veronica Gonzales, who will perform at East Riding Theatre.

Kerrin added: “Veronica got through to the Judges Cut of America’s Got Talent after being buzzed by Mel B, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell. She is a very, very good and convincing foot puppeteer, using puppet’s eyes, nose and facial features fixed to her feet. If you liked the Scottish Falsetto Sock Company in 2022, this one is for you; audiences will really enjoy Veronica’s amazing ability to create hilarious and charming characters using very little.”

One of the many children’s shows at this year’s

Ocho the Octopus by Tim Davies

festival is Pinocchio by the Magical Paper Theatre Company who re-tell the timeless family favourite at The Friary using a nostalgic, 19th Century, pop-up style giant toy theatre.

At East Riding Theatre, Hull-based Indigo Moon Theatre, who recently produced the spooky shadows for Sir Kenneth Branagh’s latest film A Haunting in Venice, will present their classic favourite, Jungle Book, in their internationally acclaimed and recently remounted shadow theatre version which revisits the original Kipling book using 14 light sources and three screens.

Another children’s show, Moonsmile, by Goofus Theatre at the Masonic Hall, will blend music with movement, puppetry, play and mask, immersing audiences in a non-verbal storytelling performance, ‘creating a space for imagination to thrive’.

Following a pilot last year, and supported by local businesses, this year’s festival also includes a Puppet Trail allowing visitors to explore Beverley and the festival in a new way.

In another new development, Kerrin and Anna have appointed a Trainee Festival Director, York-based Vicky Yannoula, who has been hired to develop her career progression skills and help deliver the three-day programme of events.

Throughout this July’s festival there will be free outdoor acts and ticketed indoor shows including at East Riding Theatre, Beverley Friary & Gardens, Beverley Masonic Hall, Toll Gavel Church, as well as on Beverley’s shopping streets and at the Flemingate Centre.

One of the UK’s leading arts and puppet festivals, Beverley Puppet Festival has twice won, and been a repeat finalist, in the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Award including winning the ‘Remarkable Tourism Event’ in 2022.

To keep up-to-date on the Beverley Puppet Festival news, see our website and our social media feeds

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/BeverleyPuppetFestival

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/beverleypuppetfestival

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx91IER0oQdsZkbOuIVsQ

TO VOLUNTEER, email: beverleypuppetfestival@gmail.com

Lempen Puppet Theatre

Indigo Moon Theatre

Scene from The Puppet Festival 2022

under new ownership

EMBRACING SEASONAL TRENDS AND LOCAL GEMS

Spring not only heralds the arrival of warmer weather but also marks the beginning of a new shopping season, offering fresh fashion trends and an abundance of local produce.

This guide to spring shopping and retail will navigate you through the season’s essentials, from spring fashion and clothing to the benefits of supporting local providers and shops.

Spring Fashion and Clothing: Trends to Look Out For Spring fashion is characterised by its lightness, both in terms of color and material. As you refresh your wardrobe for the season, look for pastel hues, floral prints, and breathable fabrics. Linen, cotton, and silk blends are particularly popular, offering comfort and style as the temperatures begin to rise.

Pastel Power: Soft pastels like lavender, mint, and baby blue make a comeback every spring, and for a good reason. They reflect the season’s gentle nature and can easily be styled with neutral tones or bolder shades for a more dynamic look.

Floral Patterns: Spring and florals go hand in hand. This season, expect to see a mix of subtle floral patterns on dresses and blouses, as well as more bold and abstract designs. Floral patterns are a great way to inject some life into your wardrobe and embrace the season’s spirit.

Lightweight Layers: Even though the days are getting warmer, evenings can still be cool. Lightweight blazers, cardigans, and denim jackets are perfect for transitioning from day to night and adding a stylish layer to any outfit.

Supporting Local Providers and Shops

Spring is the perfect time to explore and support your local retailers and producers. As the season changes, local shops often introduce new lines and products, giving you a unique shopping experience that you won’t find in larger chains. Here are a few reasons to consider shopping locally this spring:

Unique Finds: Local boutiques and shops often stock unique items and brands that are not available in

larger retail stores. Whether it’s handmade jewellery, artisanal crafts, or one-of-a-kind clothing pieces, shopping locally can help you find something special and distinctive.

Sustainable Choices: Many local shops focus on sustainability, offering products made from eco-friendly materials or locally sourced goods. By choosing these options, you’re not only supporting the environment but also promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Boosting the Local Economy: Spending your money at local businesses helps to boost the local economy. It supports the livelihoods of local shop owners and artisans and ensures that your community remains vibrant and diverse.

Embracing Local Produce

Spring is an abundant season for fresh produce, and there’s no better place to find it than at your local farmers’ markets or specialty food shops. Seasonal fruits and vegetables not only taste better but are also more nutritious and often cheaper than their out-of-season counterparts.

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Look out for spring favorites such as asparagus, strawberries, radishes, and peas. Incorporating these into your meals is a delicious way to enjoy the season’s bounty.

Local Dairy and Meats: Many local producers offer dairy products and meats that are fresher and of higher quality than what you might find in larger supermarkets. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about where your food comes from and how it’s produced.

Spring shopping and retail offer an exciting opportunity to refresh your wardrobe, your home, and your pantry. By embracing the season’s trends and making a conscious effort to support local providers and shops, you can enjoy the best of what spring has to offer while contributing to the sustainability and prosperity of your community.

Happy Spring Shopping!