Kirklees Issue 75

IN THIS ISSUE

Kelly

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TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Perhaps we all need a bit more humanity and pragmatism when it comes to them. After all, they still WANT to win and definitely don’t let the fans down on purpose.

I for one hope Emma is back competing when her wrists are totally right once more and she has full fitness. Whatever the outcome, she’s a heroine in my eyes – and a winner.

Our heroes are only human so give them a chance

WE all seem to have impossibly high standards for our heroes. And when they fail – for whatever reason – we’re disappointed.

I was thinking about that when I read about poor Emma Raducanu’s woes about her wrists. The tennis player needs surgery on both her wrists which will rule her out of Wimbledon and the French Open.

It really doesn’t seem five minutes since we were thrilled to be basking in her Brit success in 2021 when she burst onto the international scene taking the US Open title.

The 20 year-old from Kent looked to have it all: wonderful tennis skills, charisma that attracted a host of commercial sponsors and even a refreshingly sensible approach to success that created an ideal role model for youngsters everywhere.

We just waited for her to make the next spectacular move and notch up more successes. But it just didn’t happen.

She went out early from major competitions and, for the last 10 months, has been dealing with a recurring injury to both hands.

Emma has always impressed with her no-nonsense approach to both her successes and her failures and deserves massive credit for her approach to professional life.

Even with the current bleak, although temporary, tennis prospects caused by her need for surgery she is thinking of her fans.

In a statement, she explained: “I tried to downplay the issues so I thank all my fans who continue to support me when you did not know the facts. Looking forward to seeing you all back out there.”

A working life in journalism has taught me that we build up our icons to knock them down again, which is particularly cruel but a fact of media life.

People always have impossible expectations of sporting heroes. It’s as though we are living vicariously through them.

This is, though, very unfair and pointless. Sportsmen and women in particular need time to grow their talents and part of this is enduring failure as well as success.

Shoppers are shocked at new store rule

EVER since the first supermarket was opened in the UK by Premier Stores in South London in 1951 the population has been hooked on this type of one-stop shopping.

Since then, Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and the other major names have become firmly ensconced in our retail life. They have simply changed shopping habits forever.

So, major alterations in one of the big names like Sainsbury’s is worth a second glance. In fact, it’s currently worth a controversy. Sainsbury’s has changed the shopping routine by installing security gates in some stores, forcing customers to scan their receipts in order to leave.

Shoppers have resorted to Twitter to express how the move makes them feel like shoplifters. They allege they are being made to feel like criminals by blocking them leaving before their receipts are checked.

Some point out the difficulties that individuals with disabilities or parents with young children may experience as a result.

The reason for this change is likely to be linked to security and the rise in shoplifting due to the dramatic increase in the cost of living.

This may be just something we have to accept these days but, unfortunately, once one chain has tried it the likelihood of others going the same route is high.

nose is not as “good” as someone else’s and somehow reveals just who you are?

A nose for success?

WHAT sort of a nose have you got?

I know this is a trivial question but it’s currently up for debate as Disney is being slammed over the noses it gives its characters in its films and TV series.

Princesses, for example, usually have little button jobs while witches and other villains tend to have larger, sometimes hooked noses. This, critics believe, sends out the wrong message to young children.

The result is that TikTok has been alight with more than 5.3 million views of Disney being called out over their depictions.

You might be tempted to dismiss all this as totally unimportant unless, like me, you looked in the mirror at the nose Nature gave you and realised you were veering towards a villain’s conk.

Age has made me realise that not only is the shape of your nose irrelevant but that beauty is very much in the eyes of the beholder. In fact, many acknowledged beautiful women have unconventional noses. However, I think the Disney critics do have a point here. If you peddle perfection like this you affect the way that anyone – especially youngsters – perceive themselves in today’s competitive world.

Children are already under enough pressure via social media to conform in all sorts of ways. Why add even more by implying their

Let’s all say yes to the mess

PROBABLY every home has one “messy drawer”.You know, where we chuck in keys, elastic bands, bits of string, small tools and sundry pieces of paper.

It’s the accepted bit of mess we don’t fret about. A bit like the chair in the bedroom piled high with clothes.

Now, a new book from author Kerri Sackville called The LifeChanging Magic of a Little Bit of Mess makes this all officially acceptable.

Her philosophy basically is “Has anybody got to the end of their life and wished they’d spent more time with their steam mop?” The answer, obviously, is no.

So, she started writing a manifesto for mess which she believes is good for the soul.

Great! So let’s now all accept that our homes will never be completely spotless and let ourselves off the hook. Job done.

FIVE FUN WAYS TO EXPLORE MALTA AND GOZO

TRAVEL WRITER PETRA SHEPHERD GETS ACTIVE

Malta is just a three-hour flight away, perfect for a beach holiday or a city break. The islands’ honey coloured architecture complementing the deepest of Mediterranean blues will be familiar to many Silver Travellers. I too have visited Malta several times, so it was a fun change on a recent visit to discover some alternative ways to explore the islands’ 7,000 years of history and stunning scenery.

DISCOVER THE THREE CITIES IN A SELF-DRIVE ELECTRIC CAR

ENJOY A FERRY RIDE ON A DGHAJSA AND TAKE A BOAT TRIP TO DISCOVER THE BLUE GROTTO

The Dghajsa is a typical Maltese gondola-shaped boat (dating back to the Phoenician times) used extensively in the Grand Harbour to ferry sailors and seamen. Historically, the boats were propelled by one or two men with oars which they stand and push instead of sitting and pulling. Nowadays, they tend to be motorised and can be hailed to cross from Valletta to the Three Cities costing just 2 euros per person. For 8 euros the friendly boatmen will take you on a 30-minute cruise around the Grand Harbour. Another popular boat trip is to the picturesque Blue Grotto and its neighbouring system of caverns that mirror the stunning colours of the underwater fauna. The Maltese coastline hit the silver screen last year, appearing in several international productions, including Hollywood blockbuster Jurassic World: Dominion starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. Several of Malta’s cities feature as the backdrop to many action-packed scenes throughout the movie including Birgu, Pembroke, Mellieħa, and the capital Valletta.

A Rolling Geek is a self-drive electric car that talks and takes selfies. They’re easy to drive, fun, comfortable and a unique way of discovering the three cities. Did you ever want a robot? Well, these are ones on wheels. Rolling Geeks are cars that talk, not like Knightrider, more like Star Wars C-3PO with attitude. Want to earn serious kudos if holidaying with any grandchildren or just want to put a smile on your face, then this is the tour for you. These little electric powered cars are very easy to drive and come complete with a pre-programmed GPS showing you where to go and what to look at when you’re there. With Rolling Geeks, you get all of the knowledge of a tour guide, but with the freedom to park up, get out and explore whenever you want to. In just 2 hours and 30 minutes you get to see three of the richest cities in Malta enjoying the sights of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Isla (Senglea) and Bormla (Cospicua). The three cities sit directly opposite Valletta and offer spectacular views of the capital city. The cars are safe and fully insured and have an inbuilt 2-way communication system with the office watching over you at all times.

Valetta Harbour

The Three Cities

THE COUNTRYSIDE ON A SEGWAY TOUR

Malta has an array of minor roads, country footpaths and off-road trails. A different way to explore the island’s distinct topography is to go offroad on a segway tour through the rugged countryside taking in views of spectacular cliffs, the jagged coastline and hidden inland valleys. The two-wheeled, self-balancing, electric devices are pretty simple to use and our 90-minute tour with Segway Malta in the north west of the island took in views of the sandy beach at Golden Bay (one of the most popular beaches in Malta) and neighbouring Ghajn Tuffieha.

SADDLE UP FOR A RIDE ALONG THE MALTESE COAST

If taking a segway tour, especially off road sounds a bit daunting the same views and countryside can be enjoyed on horseback. You won’t need to be an experienced rider; novices are taken on a lead reign. Golden Bay Horse Riding is one of the longest standing riding schools in Malta, established in 1981 and has been run by the same family since then, so you’re in safe hands. The horses are well cared for and amusingly named after drinks - there was Whiskey and Guinness, Aperol and Tia Maria and my gentle mare, Brandy. On arrival you’re provided with a high vis waistcoat and a helmet and assigned a horse suited to your experience. Don’t expect this to be a canter / beach ride experience but the ride is a lovely confidence booster for novice riders and more experienced riders like myself can ride upfront and enjoy the tranquillity and views. Also, at just over an hour, no sore bums or legs to contend with!

Gozo boasts some of the oldest freestanding stone buildings in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Ggantija Temples dating back to 3,600 B.C. The island is adorned with stunning baroque architecture inherited from the Knights of St.John and has plenty of sights to see both natural and historic, all conveniently packed into a small island. A Gozo tuk tuk tour will chauffeur you to Gozo’s secret landmarks, cherished by locals but not accessible to hop on/hop off bus tours or public transport. These are larger tuk tuks to the ones more commonly found in South East Asia, carrying a maximum of 6 people with the appropriately named Yippee Tours, living up to its happy sounding name.

FUN FOR EVERYONE

Tai Chi & Qigong Yoga and Meditation Walking and cycling Bridge, board games Dancing Bowling, Table Tennis

Propose a trip to Malta to a bunch of teenagers and it wouldn’t probably be high on their wish list. Catering to a wide range of ages can be a challenge. However, include some of these fun, adventurous activities that all the family can enjoy from 8-year-old grandchildren to 80-year-old active grandparents and suddenly Malta ticks all the boxes for a perfect multi-generational holiday. What’s more the sun shines for 300 days of the year and with oodles of history, it’s pretty educational too.

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10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

OLIVIA COLMAN

ACTRESS EXTRAORDINAIRE

FOR the actress who has been a Midsomer murderer, an impressive Queen Anne and, more recently, a mad as a hatter Miss Havisham Olivia Colman has proved that talent endures.

When her face pops up on the large or small screen you know that this is worth watching – and that you’re in for a treat.

She has crammed in a remarkably wide range of characters and performances since her first acting experience in a school production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie when she was 16.

But along the way, she has won plenty of plaudits and acclaim from both her audiences and from fellow actors and took an Oscar for her role in The Favourite in 2018.

Olivia was born and brought up in Norwich and briefly considered a teaching career, taking a teaching course at Cambridge University where she also met her future husband, Ed Sinclair.

Acting, however, pulled her away from the world of education and she enrolled at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School which acting luminaries like Daniel Day-Lewis, Jeremy Irons and Patrick Stewart all attended.

She made an early friendship in her acting career with comedy team David Mitchell and Thomas Webb. They went on to star in their own comedy sketch shows and Olivia was invited to join them.

She was also part of their subsequent shows That Mitchell and Webb Look and the acclaimed Peep Show, where she convinced the writers to make her role less likeable because of the way her character treated David Mitchell’s.

Her versatility as an actress was soon recognised and she became a familiar TV face on everything from The Office to Holby City. Comedy, though, remained one of her acknowledged strengths and she was also in regular series including Green Wing, Beautiful People, Rev, Flowers and Fleabag.

In fact, in 2012 Olivia received the BAFTA Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for the comedy series Twenty Twelve. Interestingly – and just to highlight her own diversity – she also received the Best Supporting Actress award for crime programme Accused that year, too.

In 2013, she appeared in the much-admired crime drama Broadchurch, for which she received a British Academy Television Award for Best Actress.

She was also in charismatic thriller mini-series The Night Manager in 2016, scooping a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Mini-series or Television Film.

For The Night Manager, Olivia persuaded director Susanne Bier to hire her for the role of Angela Burr despite being heavily pregnant with her third child at the time.

Mini-series generally have proved very fruitful for the actress. In the Netflix series The Crown, she played Queen Elizabeth II and won a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award as well as many new fans.

Other TV roles included Les Miserables in 2019, Landscapers in 2021 and, more recently, romantic comedy drama Heartstopper.

Her role as wealthy, eccentric and sadistic Miss Havisham in the latest TV series based on Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations has prompted a variety of headlines.

Not everyone accepted this more extreme version of Miss Havisham although Olivia remained a fan. She told the BBC: “It’s terrible what happens to Miss Havisham. If only she’d had a therapist or a really good friend to chat to, she might be in a better place.”

She said that Miss Havisham’s heartbreak was relatable to anyone who had been through a bad break-up. “I do understand the upset,” she said, “but I don’t really understand how she’s managed to keep it going for so long.”

Period black comedy and critical screen success The Favourite with Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz was another opinion-dividing film. Few, however, could argue about the quality of Olivia’s performance as the troubled Queen Anne.

Explaining what drew her to the role, Olivia stated:

She has never shied away from tackling difficult themes. In 2020, she starred with Anthony Hopkins in the adaptation of his stage play The Father which focused on an elderly man dealing with memory loss.

This depiction of dementia earned widespread praise for both Hopkins and Olivia and the film received six Academy Award nominations, including one for her as Best Supporting Actress.

This year will see her star in the Disney+ mini-series Secret Invasion, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And, just for contrast, she was also cast in the musical film Wonka, a prequel to Roald Dah’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is scheduled for release in December.

Not too surprisingly, Olivia was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2019 Queens Birthday Honours List in recognition of her services to drama.

Away from the large and small screen, Olivia is busy with her three children – two sons and a daughter – and life with her husband who is a well-known TV writer.

In her very diverse career she has also received great reviews and acclaim for roles in Hot Fuzz (2007), Tyrannosaur (2011), The Iron Lady (2011), Hyde Park on Hudson (2012), Locke (2013), The Lobster (2015), Murder on the Orient Express (2017), The Mitchells v The Machines (2021), Empire of Light (2022) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022). The list goes on and on.

She has supported a number of charities, including as an ambassador for UNICEF UK since 2015, and is often outspoken on various issues concerning women and children.

Olivia is 50 next January – a time when people often re-evaulate their lives. But you just get the feeling that Olivia Colman, actress extraordinaire, probably already has it all sorted.

“I loved that she had every emotion under the sun every five minutes. That’s an actor’s dream. She’s spoiled, grieving, sensitive and cruel.”

SUMMER HOME MAKEOVER IN 2023

WE’RE now in the months of the year when the light is at its brightest each day and – even with the vagaries of British weather – we can expect at least some sunshine.

So, let the sunshine in with a Summer home makeover that can cost as much or as little as you like.

Start with the place where Nature thrives: outside. The simple act of PRUNING TREES in your garden really helps preserve natural light in your home.

As Spring prompts that great growth spurt in trees and bushes so the danger of available light being affected increases. Pruning your trees and bushes ensures they thrive and your home still gets the maximum amount of light inside.

If you have large trees, it might be worth calling in a tree surgeon to get the job done safely and efficiently as they have the knowledge for the job and know how to keep trees healthy.

It’s easy to forget that the state of your WINDOWS dramatically affects the light coming into your rooms. Just cleaning them

effectively makes a difference but large, uninterrupted panes of glass can really brighten any room, especially your lounge or kitchen where much of daily life happens.

Consider replacement and go along to your local window supplier to see what’s available. Getting someone referred to you because they’ve done such a good job elsewhere can also boost your confidence in a supplier.

Or, if you need to find a company in your area from an accredited source just go to websites like TrustATrader at https:// www.trustatrader.com

Investing in patio doors or bi-fold doors is another great way to get the outdoors indoors and bring the sunshine in. Again, using a supplier who has been recommended is usually best, especially when you can see their handiwork locally.

DOORS can also play a big part in making dingy areas much brighter. Your front door is the most important door in your home because it’s the first thing that visitors see as the portal to your life and also influences that pivotal room, the hallway.

Having new glass panes in your old door or going for a new, modern door with all the great designs currently on offer can make such a difference to this welcoming area.

DE-CLUTTERING your hall – and, actually, many of your rooms –makes a real difference to the amount of light and space there.

In the hallway, tidy away coats, boots and shoes in cupboards. Invest in a new, bright stair-runner to give a splash of colour and consider re-decorating your hallway with bright colours that bounce light around to create an open feeling.

You don’t have to opt for stark white, either, even though this may be useful in some rooms. Warm, golden colours and neutrals give the impression of light and lift the spirits immediately.

Check your plasterwork beforehand, though. If your walls are not smooth and even it’s worth getting in a plasterer before you start re-decorating to get the most from your investment.

And when you’ve got those lovely new, bright walls, don’t be tempted to hang too many pictures or have dark furniture here. Keep that airy feeling – although a cleverly placed large MIRROR can be your friend here and move that light around even more.

This trick with a well-placed, attractive mirror can work in many rooms, especially if you use it to reflect light into normally shady areas. Or try glass tiles as a good option for bathrooms and kitchens if you prefer not to install mirrors.

Opting for a GLOSS PAINT is also a great way of reflecting more light off the walls and back into your rooms. Take a look at the colours you want for different areas and see if there is a glossier version of that shade. This can work particularly well in normally dark rooms with minimum light available.

Is now the time to ditch that old shade you’ve had for 10 years and try something more modern and, quite literally, illuminating? There are plenty of beautiful modern shades around and if you combine them with LED lights you’ll see those darker rooms suddenly come to life all day long.

Use floor and table lamps to light up specific areas of your home for the evenings. The choice out there is huge now and smart styles can really complement the new décor in your home.

One simple way of improving light in your lounge in particular is to simply REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE. Move that sofa to a different area or angle, add a coffee table and lamp and suddenly you’ve got a brighter area to sit watching TV.

If you’ve got a recliner, move it nearer a window to get the best light for reading: natural light.

De-clutter here, too. It’s amazing the amount of household items we have around us that could be stored away to make room – and light – in much-used areas.

CHANGE YOUR CUSHIONS to match a new colour scheme or to create a new one. Echo this in a colourful throw on your sofa and pick out the colours in artwork on your walls. This kind of coordinated look can give a real Summer-y feel to your main rooms.

A new RUG will do the same job, perhaps picking out those main colours again. It doesn’t require a huge investment to make your rooms look fresh and different this Summer.

If you have a statement wall in your lounge, why not change it? If you just do this one wall, you may feel more like splashing out on more expensive, colourful wallpaper that lifts the whole room.

Bring Nature into your home with INDOOR PLANTS. We all love a bit of greenery and in the Summer months with the doors open, a pleasant breeze blowing through and attractive houseplants placed around it’s easy to feel at one with Nature.

Look around your home as, sometimes, just upgrading smaller items like kitchen handles can give rooms a really fresh, lighter look.

The Kirkwood exist to improve quality of life for local people across Kirklees, against all the odds. Together, we help those in our care to live well and make the most of every single day.

From the furthest corner of Kirklees to a street near you, we support life in our community, delivering dedicated care for those affected by any life limiting illness and their families. Whenever and wherever you need us, we are here for you.

We believe everyone affected by a life limiting illness deserves the very best care.

THE STRINES INN

Despite being within Sheffield's border, the Strines Inn could be a world away. Nestled amongst breathtaking moorland scenery, it is one of the local landmarks in the Peak District National Park.

Traditional Country Pub in Sheffield a perfect destination for walkers and dog walkers

Food and drink

Our menu is based around old favourites and traditional crowd pleasers, from pies and Yorkshire puddings to lasagne. We also have an extensive range of vegetarian options so there is something for everyone. We serve a host of fine real ales, alongside quality wines and spirits of all kinds.

Beer garden

The beer garden at The Strines Inn is the perfect place to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside when relaxing with a pint of real ale. Geese, chickens and peacocks roam nearby, while our enclosed play area means there’s plenty of fun to be had for kids.

Atmosphere

There’s nothing like a roaring fire and a good beverage to warm the cockles on a winter’s night, and The Strines Inn’s historic building offers atmosphere in spades to those who come through our doors. There’s plenty of nooks and crannies and quiet corners where you can settle in for an afternoon or evening.

Visit us today and find out why people come from miles around to sample our food, drink and unique atmosphere.

Originally a manor house, it was built in 1275 for the Worrall family, although most of the present day structure is 16th Century. After becoming an Inn in 1771 when John Morton leased the property from the Worrall's, it got its name from an Olde English word meaning the meeting of water, quite appropriate as nowadays it overlooks the Strines Reservoir.

In the height of Winter the Inn attracts walkers and visitors on a daily basis. The roaring fires and stunning views perfectly compliment the excellent food and drink available, with many dishes being homemade.

The Strines Inn is also famous for its numerous peacocks, the previous Landlord having introduced several pairs twenty years ago, there are now over thirty of them.

There is also accommodation available for those people looking to escape for a few days to relax. Our rooms all feature four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, hot drinks facilities and colour televisions. Each has a dining table where breakfast will be served to you, offering you comfort and privacy. Two of our rooms have fantastic views across the reservoir, so please ask if you would like a room with a view.

• Four-poster bed

• En-suite facilities

• Breakfast included

Nathan Outlaw previously worked with television chef Rick Stein, he now runs his two Michelin Star Restaurant. ‘Restaurant Nathan Outlaw’ in Port Isaac, Cornwall. Here he shares with us some recipes from his new book ‘Fish Kitchen’.

BAKED WHOLE PLAICE AND CIDER ONIONS WITH TARRAGON AND ANCHOVY BUTTER

I really wanted to get this recipe into my first book but I couldn’t fit it in, so I’m delighted to find a place for it here (ha, ha!). Plaice is one of those fish that doesn’t get enough praise. At its best, it is unbeatable in my view. It can handle all sorts of flavours – cider, tarragon, anchovy and onions for instance!

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 plaice, at least 1kg, gutted

• 50ml olive oil

• 2 white onions, peeled and finely sliced

• 2 bay leaves

• 200ml dry cider

• Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Tarragon and anchovy butter

• 200g unsalted butter, softened

• Bunch of tarragon, leaves only

• 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped

• 4 salted anchovy fillets, chopped

Method

Heat your oven to 220°C/Gas 7. For the flavoured butter, put the softened butter into a bowl. Chop the tarragon and add to the butter with the chopped shallots and anchovies. Mix well until evenly combined and season with pepper, and a little salt, if needed, to taste. Shape the butter into a roll on a sheet of cling film, wrap in the film and twist and tie the ends to seal. Refrigerate to firm up. Put the olive oil, onions and bay leaves in a roasting tray, pour on the cider and cook in the oven for 20 minutes. Season the

plaice all over with salt and pepper. Take the roasting tray from the oven and lay the fish on top of the onions. Put the tray back in the oven and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the plaice is just cooked. Meanwhile, unwrap and slice the butter. To check the fish is cooked, make an incision into the thickest part and see if the flesh is pulling away from the bone. Slice the butter, lay it on top of the fish and pop the tray back into the oven for 2 minutes. Serve the plaice simply with the cider onions and lemon wedges.

BRAISED TURBOT IN BEER WITH BACON, SHALLOTS AND PEAS

This dish, for some reason, says rich man/poor man to me. The king of the sea braised in good old beer with bacon and peas. I’ve portioned the turbot and cooked it on the bone, because that’s how I like it, but if you’ve got one of those turbot kettles you could braise the whole thing. That would be cracking as well!

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 turbot, about 1.5kg, fins trimmed, split down the centre bone and cut into steaks with the bone in

• Light rapeseed oil for cooking

• 75g unsalted butter

• 20 small shallots, peeled

• 12 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1 rosemary sprig

• 100ml red wine vinegar

• 750ml beer (Doom Bar or other good quality bitter)

• 500ml fish stock

• 8 rashers of streaky smoked bacon

• 200g peas (fresh or frozen)

• 3 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped

• Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

To prepare the fish braising liquid, heat a large, wide pan and add a drizzle of oil and half of the butter. When the oil is hot and the butter has melted, add the whole shallots and garlic.

Cook for 4 minutes, then add the rosemary and cook for a further 2 minutes, allowing the shallots and garlic to colour slightly. Add the wine vinegar and let it bubble until reduced to almost nothing, then pour in the beer and reduce by half. Now pour in the fish stock and bring to the boil. Skim off any impurities from the surface and simmer for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat your grill to high. Lay the bacon rashers on the grill rack and grill until crispy, turning once.

Leave until cool enough to handle, then chop the bacon. To cook the fish, place the turbot portions in the beer liquor and cover with foil. Cook over a low heat for 12 minutes. Remove the foil, carefully turn the fish and add the peas and parsley.

Cook for 1 minute, then take off the heat. Carefully pour off the braising liquor into a saucepan, place over a medium heat and whisk in the remaining butter, in pieces. Pour the liquor back over the fish and scatter over the crispy bacon. Serve at once.

MACKEREL AND POLLACK DUMPLINGS IN LEEK AND SAFFRON SOUP

I love Chinese-style steamed dumplings, so I decided to create my own version from fish trimmings one day. Using a combination of oily and white fish gives the dumplings a lovely balance of texture and moisture, and a great flavour. They add another dimension to this delicious leek and saffron soup.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• Mackerel and pollack dumplings

• 300g mackerel fillet, skinned

• 300g pollack fillet, skinned

• A drizzle of light rapeseed oil, plus extra for oiling

• 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped

• 2 Dutch red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

• 1 tbsp chopped dill

• Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Leek and saffron soup

• A drizzle of cold-pressed rapeseed oil

• 1 white onion, peeled and chopped

• 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped

• 3 leeks, washed and sliced

• 100g potato, peeled and diced

• ½ tsp saffron strands

• 1 litre fish stock

• 150ml double cream

• A drizzle of good olive oil to finish

Method

To make the dumplings, check over the fish fillets for pin bones. Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add a drizzle of oil, followed by the shallots, garlic and chillies.

Sweat for 2 minutes to soften without colouring, then tip out onto a tray to cool. Put the mackerel and pollack fillet in a food processor and blitz for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the food processor and season the mixture with salt and pepper, then blend for another 30 seconds.

Transfer the mixture to a cold bowl and add the cooled shallot mixture, beaten egg and herbs. Mix well with your hands, then shape into balls, the size of golf balls, and place on a tray.

Chill while you make the soup. To make the soup, heat a saucepan over a medium heat, then add a little oil. When it is hot, add the onion, garlic and leeks and sweat for 3 minutes to soften without colour. Add the potato and saffron, then pour in the fish stock and season with salt and pepper.

Bring to a simmer and simmer gently until the potato is cooked. Add the cream, bring back to a simmer and cook for another minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Transfer to a blender and blend until just smooth. Return to the clean pan. Heat up your steamer (or steamer basket over a pan of simmering water). Take the dumplings from the fridge, oil them all over and season with a little salt.

Line your steamer with silicone paper. Place the dumplings in the steamer, cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Gently reheat the soup. Ladle the soup equally into 4 warm bowls and share the dumplings between them. Add a drizzle of olive oil and serve at once.

BRILL WITH MUSSELS, COCKLES, CLAMS, ASPARAGUS AND SPRING ONIONS

Big fillets of brill are brilliant for poaching. When pan-fried or grilled, they can become a bit dry but poaching gives you more control. Cooking them in a shellfish stock with clams, cockles and mussels works particularly well. Fresh asparagus gives this dish a real sense of spring. You might like to throw in a few early season peas and broad beans too – and vary the herbs.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 brill fillets, about 200g each, skinned and trimmed

• 12 live mussels, cleaned and beards removed

• 12 live cockles, cleaned

• 12 live clams, cleaned

• 500ml shellfish stock

• 12 asparagus spears

• 8 tbsp cold-pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil

• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar

• 4 spring onions, trimmed and finely shredded

• 2 tsp chopped chervil

• 50g unsalted butter, in pieces

• Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

To open the molluscs, place a large saucepan (that has a tight-fitting lid) over a medium heat. When it is hot, add the mussels, cockles, clams and 100ml shellfish stock and put the lid on.

Steam for 2 minutes until the shells open; discard any that remain closed. Tip the contents of the pan into a colander set over a bowl to catch the cooking liquor. Strain the saved liquor through a muslinlined sieve into a bowl to get rid of any sand.

Clean the pan, ready to cook the fish. Trim the asparagus and peel the lower end of the stems; set aside ready to cook. To make the dressing, in a small pan, mix 180ml shellfish stock with the extra virgin oil and wine vinegar.

Add the spring onions and chervil and season with salt and pepper. To cook the brill fillets, pour the remaining shellfish stock, including

the strained stock from the molluscs, into the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Season the brill fillets, add them to the stock and cook for 4 minutes.

Add the asparagus and molluscs, put the lid on the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer the brill, molluscs and asparagus to a warmed dish; cover and keep warm.

For the sauce, bring the stock to the boil over a high heat and whisk in the butter. Share the asparagus between 4 warm plates.

Place the brill fillets on top and arrange the molluscs around the fish. Spoon over the dressing. Serve with the sauce.

Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen (Quadrille, £15)

Photography ©David Loftus

LEXUS NX450H+ F SPORT

WHEN it comes to hybrid vehicles Lexus and parent company Toyota have been making them longer than most - so it is no surprise then that their latest offering is up there with the very best.

The 2023 Lexus NX450h has comfort, luxury and performance with a great kit list on the range topping F Sport plug-in hybrid Takumi version we got to try out recently.

Dealing with performance first the figures are impressive for a substantial SUV… 0 to 60 in just 6.3 seconds, a top speed of 124 yet a possible mpg figure of over 300 miles thanks to a 227kW motor that can also provide a claimed 43 miles of electric only range from a full charge.

Together with the 2.5 petrol four cylinder engine in sport mode the NX has 305bhp on tap which makes it brisk to say the least, but go into eco and it then stretches out fuel consumption… in a week of driving I only managed to use half a tank despite several long-ish motorway journeys and lots of around town trips.

The e-CVT auto transmission is also smooth and seamless although it does allow the engine noise to rise somewhat if you boot it.

However, luxury and comfort are arguably more what a Lexus is all about so again no surprise that you are wafted along on heated and

cooled leather electric seats with memory function at the front (including steering wheel adjustment).

The interior is a very nice place to be with quality materials used throughout and on the equipment list are must haves like a heads up display, adaptive cruise control, power tailgate, 360 degree camera system and an easy to use 14” central infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument binnacle.

I also like the way the cruise control display is included in heads up information and lane assist on the NX is not the ‘ping pong’ type on some cars where you can find yourself weaving from side to side in a motorway lane.

Supple and not too harsh sports suspension gives a smooth ride and unlike some SUVs the NX does not feel wallowy in corners inspiring confidence in the car’s ability on the more twisty roads. Also the twin motor set up means you have the added advantage of permanent four wheel drive.

Then there is the third generation Lexus Safety System plus which includes front and rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist, blind spot monitors plus Safe Exit Assist.

And there is the way the NX looks with real street presence from that corporate Lexus front design and its overall sporty appearance enhanced by an F-Sport styling kit and badging.

So all this comfort, equipment, performance and style must come with a cost and our test car comes in at £63,550 – a lot of cash but good value against similarly equipped competitors and the NX range does start at £44,500 for the non-plug in 350 version.

More info at www.lexus.co.uk For

Affordable Funeral Service

Not only involved with losing a loved one is the emotional upset, but it can also be a time of financial worry and strain and we not only lend a sympathetic ear but also an affordable funeral service too.

Or maybe you see not the need for an elaborate funeral and want only a simple, low key occasion without all the fuss.

Losing a loved one can be one of life's most upsetting and distressing times. We go out of our way to help ease the worries where funeral arrangements are concerned.

SPRINGHEAD

Funeral Service

Your Local Caring Independent Funeral Director

Direct Cremation - £1200

Direct cremation at a fixed price inclusive of necessary disbursements, cremation fee, doctor’s fees and an eco friendly coffin (no funeral service)

Low Fuss Funeral - £2150

• The payment of a cremation fee

• The payment of the Doctor's fees

• The payment of the Minister's / Celebrant fees

• The conveyance of your loved one into our Chapel of Rest

• The provision of an oak effect coffin with handles.

• The arranging and conducting of the funeral

• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral

Bespoke Funeral - £2300

• All of the above plus..

• The viewing of your loved one at our traditional chapel of rest

• The leaving from a home address on the day of the funeral before proceeding to the crematorium

Inclusive Funeral - £2600

• The payment of a cremation fee

• The payment of the Doctor's fees

• The payment of the Minister’s / Celebrant fees

• The conveyance of your loved one into our Chapel of Rest

• The provision of an oak effect coffin with handles.

• The arranging and conducting of the funeral

• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral

• The viewing of your loved one at our traditional chapel of rest

• The leaving from a home address on the day of the funeral before proceeding to the crematorium

• Obituary in the local newspaper

• Floral tribute to the value of £50

• One family limousine

ALL OTHER FUNERAL REQUIREMENTS UNDERTAKEN AFFORDABLY

Springhead Funeral Service Chapels of Rest

616 Wakefield Rd, Huddersfield, HD5 8PZ

Tel: 01484 534 488

7/9 Stainland Rd, Halifax (opposite Andy Thorntons)

Funerals at

Pre-paid

WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER

polyanthus (Primula polyanthus). These beautiful flowers will ensure a stunning display come winter time.

Add a Mediterranean tree

Mediterranean gardens have become a huge trend in recent years, as they look beautiful and bring a hint of the Mediterranean straight to your front door. Olive trees, palm trees and citrus trees make stunning additions to the garden - especially in the spring and summer months. What’s more, these hardy trees are low maintenance, therefore can survive the ever-changing British weather.

Paint fences for a refreshed look

With spring upon us and summer not so far away, now is the perfect time to update your garden and give it a little makeover. The cold, frosty seasons are behind us and hopefully the next few months will be filled with lots of sunshine and amazing memories. With that said, we’re sharing our top ways to transform your garden this spring and summer.

Get rid of pests

Pests can be more active in the spring and summer months, due to more hours of sunlight and plant growth. Pests can be harmful to plants and can even cause them to die prematurely, therefore it is important to get rid of them. There are several ways to get rid of pests, including handpicking them off plants, using pesticides or through companion planting, which involves planting specific plants next to each other which will help repel pests. However, you should take care to use the right method for the specific pest problem to ensure effectiveness.

Plant flowers for bloom in Winter

Planting flowers is a great way to transform your garden. With such a wide variety, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Flowers to plant in spring for winter bloom include snowdrops (Galanthus), crocus (Crocus vernus), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) and pansies. Flowers to plant in summer for bloom in winter include primrose (Primula vulgaris), wallflowers (Erysimum cheiri) and

It’s not all about the flowers! Painting gates or fences you may have is an excellent way to transform your garden. This is a great way to increase the visual appeal of your home which can also help to increase its market value. The whole area will also look tidier, with your freshly painted fences free from any old marks or stains.

Add a water feature

Adding a water feature is a great way to add elegance to your garden, and will instantly become the focal point of the spacet. A water feature can also become a wonderful source of peace and tranquillity, with the sound of gushing water famously known for having calming effects.

Add lights and outdoor seating

Adding lights and outdoor seating to your garden can drastically improve its appearance, and can also increase the value of your property. Outdoor seating further allows you to enjoy your time outside with family and friends while enjoying the beauty of your garden at the same time.

Add colour

While winter is associated with dullness, the spring and summer months are known for their sunshine and vibrancy. These seasons are also associated with lots of colour, and there are several ways to add colour to your garden. You can add colourful flowers like tulips and daffodils, use colourful ornaments or containers or even plant colourful vegetables like peppers for a bright, colourful garden.

Plant vegetables

The warmer months are perfect for planting vegetables in your garden. Vegetables you can plant in spring or summer include peas, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and kale. These vegetables are sure to save you money in the long run and make for delicious meals and snacks.

And there we have it! Above are some ways to transform your garden this spring and summer. From planting new flowers to adding a water feature or opting for lights and outdoor seating, there are so many options to choose from. Whichever method you choose to transform your garden, we’re sure it will look great!

This article was written by a representative of Sutton Manor Nursery.

New Funeral Services Launches to Care for and Educate the Community

A new funeral home, Angelcare Funeral Services, has launched in Calderdale, offering a unique and caring approach to funeral services. The funeral home aims to provide a transparent and affordable service to families in the community during their time of need.

Angelcare Funeral Services is owned and operated by Zoe Enefer and forms part of the Angelcare group of companies, who have been working in the community for decades through their assisted living and care homes services, including Angelcare Residential Living, Calderdale’s only fully private care home. The funeral services team have over 30 years’ experience in the industry.

The home offers a range of services, including traditional funeral arrangements, cremations, and ecofriendly options. Families can choose from a variety of packages and can customize their services to fit their needs and budget.

In an effort to dispel some of the myths around funerals, and provide transparency about an industry that historically operates independently, Angelcare will be providing free training for any groups or

businesses who work closely with funeral practitioners. Businesses, community groups and healthcare workers can take part in a full day of training operated by the home, including an in-depth understanding of the processes that go into arranging and undertaking funerals.

“Having worked so closely with this industry in the past, we’re excited to open our doors to local organisations in Calderdale and provide as much information as possible” commented founder Zoe Enefer. “No matter whether you work in the community or care, dealing with death is always difficult and we want to make sure people are as aware and knowledgeable of what goes into it and how they can help family members and loved ones”.

Angelcare aims to provide a fresh approach to funerals, as modern services move away from traditional offers. “We’re excited to bring a new way of doing funeral services in Calderdale,” Zoe added. “Our goal is to provide families with a transparent and caring service that eases their burden during a difficult time and create an event that is much more a celebration of someone’s life than just mourning their passing.

(L-R) William Rofe, Zoe Enefer and Craig Greenwood of Angelcare Funeral Services