Swindon Issue 43

EDITION 43 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2021

James Martin

Tom Cruise

RECIPES FROM HIS NEW BOOK, BUTTER

GLOBAL MEGASTAR

Jack and the Beanstalk

THE GIANT PANTOMIME SPECTACULAR

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CONTENTS

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE 4-5

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

6-7 TRAVEL

The best of Barbados 8-9

DAISH’S HOLIDAYS Door to Door Coach Tours 2022

10-11

TOM CRUISE A Global Megastar

Travel THE BEST OF BARBADOS

14-16 HOME

Keeping your home cosy this Winter 19-21 HOME

Plants make perfect presents 22-25

FOOD & DRINK Recipes from James Martin’s new cookbook

26 LEISURE

Top hobbies to take up before the year is out 28 FINANCE

Vital things you need to do now to provide for your retirement.

Bridgeman House 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

Home KEEPING YOUR HOME COSY THIS WINTER

Food & Drink RECIPES FROM JAMES MARTIN

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TWITTERING ON

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TWITTERING ON

BY ANGELA KELLY Then the next thing is she becomes a qualifier at the US Open, immediately turns into a whirlwind and takes the women’s singles’ title!

She ends up a Grand Slam Champion and world No.22, all while still studying for her A-levels.

The best thing about our Emma, though, is that she comes across as a very ordinary girl who definitely has her head screwed on tightly.

STRICTLY SHOWS US LIFE AS WE KNOW IT AS a self-confessed fan of Strictly Come Dancing every new season is a genuine joy.

But I’ve also come to realise that Strictly is a microcosm of life itself.

There are goodies and baddies (well, judge Craig Revel Horwood on a mean day), brilliance and awfulness, wonderful success and crushing disappointment.

Some couples become closerthanthis and some seem uncomfortable together, just like life.

Some celebrity dancers reveal hidden talents and some should just stay hidden.

And throughout it all is the joyous music and dance that underpins this very popular programme.

This year’s crop has proved as riveting as always. Some lesser talented going out early and some really surprisingly talented celebs continuing their journey glitterball-bound.

Why, though, is it such a mesmerising programme?

Perhaps it’s because there’s a very strong feeling that if THEY can do it with no dance background, then perhaps we could dance as well.

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Then there’s the costumes, the fake tan, the fabulous sets, the skilled professional dancers – all part of this regular dose of escapist glamour.

It’s also partly a popularity contest, too, with a fickle public that can vote out even the most talented. Every season has shown this can happen and that innate talent and hard work don’t always win out.

She took winning and defeat in the same gracious stride, even when she followed up her epic American win by losing her next competitive match in the BNP Paribas Open in straight sets Such a highly visible loss when you’re riding the crest of a wave might have been tough to take for most players. Not Emma.

She smiled, shrugged her shoulders – and started practising for the next event.

So there is the uncertainty of who might succeed. Also just like life.

She also said of her opponent, Aliaksandra Sasnovich: “I think Aliaksandra played a great match. She was better than me today so she deserves to win.

Whatever the reason, Strictly itself is the main winner. And we’re basically quite happy about that.

“I’m kind of glad that what happened today happened so I can learn and take is as a lesson.

EMMA’S PLAYED HER WAY INTO OUR HEARTS JUST when life looked a bit bleak in our Covid-19 hit world and the UK’s sporting future seemed uncertain, along came Emma Raducanu.

Cometh the hour, cometh the woman.

After winning the LTA British Tour Masters’ title last December, the 18 year-old from Bromley brightened up our ongoing post-lockdown gloom with a dazzling Wimbledon debut.

Even having to quit when she unwell didn’t dent her obvious promise.

“There’s going to be disappointment after any loss. I didn’t go in there putting any pressure on myself because in my mind I’m so inexperienced that I’m just taking it all in.”

No tantrums, no flouncing tempers, no excuses, just sensible acceptance and moving on.

At a time when famous females are often largely personified by non-celebrities and fake fame, she’s a breath of fresh air and a real role model for any youngster. Not to mention a golden prospect for the future.

but replicating those wonderful songs that shook teens and adults alike all those decades ago.

DRIFTING BACK IN TIME FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY THERE are very few opportunities to touch base with your teenage self but a concert by The Drifters is definitely one of them.

Like thousands of others around the UK, I joined an enthusiastic audience to relive those amazing ‘60s and ‘70s that first brought American music to audiences on this side of the Atlantic.

True, these were not the originals. No-one was pushed on in a wheelchair or struggled to warble the high notes.

These were younger members of the Drifter family, strong and vibrant singers

This concert audience, like those around the country no doubt, were mostly of an age. We were probably infinitely respectable, ordinary, Joe Citizen types by day. But here, treated to full-on Under the Boardwalk and Saturday Night at the Movies we were young and excited all over again.

For a start, we all knew all the words to every song – even some of the lesser hits had a major portion of the audience singing along with the four slick Americans in their dress suits entertaining us.

There were short films and slides to remind us of Drifters long ago. Of Ben E King as a Drifter and that amazing voice, of slick dance moves in atmospheric black and white film – a photo album of teenage years that we recognised as our own.

I was with a group of lively older women friends and we fitted right in. We yelled out the words with the rest, using vocal

chords more usually raised in chastising grandchildren or calling in the dog.

Here, we were 17 again – with no arthritis or elasticated waistbands in sight again - just loving this different, tuneful music that captured our souls all over again.

We clapped, we waved our arms, some of us stood up and gyrated. No-one cared because everyone was doing the same thing that just came naturally.

We were united in a giant fan club, sitting in a time-machine that whizzed us back over the years to sample favourite memories.

Music is the great leveller and the Drifters are polished magicians at providing just what’s wanted.

Forget Covid, Brexit, shortages and politics. this was a chance to let loose for a few hours, away from everything.

The old joke is that nostalgia isn’t what it used to be. But that’s wrong – in truth, it can be just as good as ever.

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TRAVEL

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THE BEST OF BARBADOS a heritage railway experience. The Cave family, owned St. Nicholas Abbey for nearly 200 years, largely as absentee landowners.

The plantation ran under management of an overseer, producing sugar and syrup at the plantation’s mill. The family made periodic visits to the property and in 1935 Charles J P Cave filmed an absolutely charming home movie which is now shown in the great house and is an absolute must-see. It provides a glimpse of plantation life as well as the mill in operation during the height of the sugar cane season and will bring back happy memories I’m sure for many, of the clothes and manners of our parents and grandparents.

Known for its picture-perfect beaches and friendly culture, Barbados proves to be the ideal post-pandemic destination for Petra Shepard.

Sun, sea and sand are closer than you think, and I was lucky enough to be on one of the first planes out to ‘green list’ Barbados earlier this year. Known for some of the most open and inviting luxurious hotels, spacious beaches and rich culture and history, Barbados lends itself as the perfect post pandemic travel destination.

Below are a few of the highlights of my recent stay: Brilliant Beaches Barbados has two distinctive coasts, the calm Caribbean west coast with narrow sugar sand beaches and aqua marine waters, my favourite was Mullins Beach an idyllic spot to soak up those Bajan beach vibes.

The East Coast with the wild Atlantic pounding its shores couldn’t be more different. I’d highly recommend hiring a car and exploring this rugged and picturesque landscape.

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St Nicholas Abbey A tour of the north of the island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to St Nicholas Abbey and one of Barbados’s top attractions. One of the oldest homes on the island, and one of three Jacobean mansions left standing in the world, the Abbey is a stunning relic of Barbados’ past. Lovingly restored by the Warren Family, the historic home boasts rum tastings, tours of the 17th century home and for railway buffs

Hunte’s Gardens, Barbados Keen gardeners will enjoy a visit to Hunte’s Gardens, full of rare exotic plants, exquisitely arranged with wonderful flair and artistry. The wizard who created it, Anthony Hunte has for many years been one of the leading horticulturists on the island and his storytelling and potent rum punch are not to be missed. You’ll need to be able to manage a fair few steps but taking a leisurely stroll through the tall palm trees of what once was a regular gully is a wonderfully peaceful and serene way to spend a morning.

Bushy Park Circuit I’m gradually ticking off my bucket list experiences, although forever adding new ones including riding as a passenger in a racing car, 4 terrifying 100 mph miles around Bushy Park Barbados Circuit and a world away for the tranquillity of Hunte’s

Gardens.You don’t need to be a petrol head to enjoy Bushy Park, the leading circuitracing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean.You’re kitted up in a suit (mine blue and sadly not Ferrari red) and helmet, so you look the part, with the car a Radical SR3 driven by a professional driver. It’s a noisy and thrilling ride and something that’ll seriously impress any grandchildren who ask what you did on your tropical island holiday.

Watch those jaws drop.

A walking tour of historic Bridgetown’s City Centre & Exchange Museum If you can tear yourself away from the beach, historic Bridgetown’s city centre, Exchange Museum and the Garrison Historic area are well worth a visit. The Exchange Museum is housed within a beautifully restored 18th century building which has served many purposes over the years including being a school and Masonic Lodge. It’s where I posed with a model of Rebecca Pringle and learned more about the fascinating story of this Afro-Barbadian hotelier.

Rum Vault at Colony Club Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum and Mount Gay distillery founded in 1703 is believed to produce the oldest rum found anywhere in the world. The Rum Vault at The Colony Club hotel is the first of its kind in Barbados and features 150 rums from around the globe and a 3-course storied rum dinner. On my first night I enjoyed being informed and entertained about all things rum from rum ambassador Corey Sobers whilst feasting on rum glazed pork belly paired with spiced sorrel rum sour followed by a coconut crusted red snapper paired with The Fennel Act (Mount Gay Silver, fennel and ginger syrup with lime). Also, for the first time in my life, I not unsurprisingly suffered no jet lag and slept through the night.

Hotels Barbados has no shortage of hotels from very small and intimate boutique hotels to large resort hotels. I was a guest of Elegant Hotels Barbados and stayed at two of their properties Colony Club and The House. Colony Club is a timeless retreat, restored from a former private colonial

club, replete with soaring palm trees and lagoon-style pools amongst its seven acres of serene tropical gardens. Garden rooms are all on one level and metres from a gently shelving beach and the warm waters of the Caribbean. The House is a luxury, all-inclusive adults only (no noisy children splashing in the pool disturbing your latest Ian Rankin) resort and perfect for romance and relaxation.

At last, we are able to turn our lockdown dreams into reality and if you are wanting to run for the sun as winter approaches, then Barbados is very much back in business.

Fact Box: For general information on Barbados visit www.visitbarbados.org For holidays in Barbados, Silver Travel Advisor recommends Tropical Sky www.tropicalsky.co.uk/caribbeanholidays/barbados Petra Shepherd travelled to Barbados with Virgin Atlantic.

or email: help@aamail.org 7

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£129 from

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If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.

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Isle of Wight

Torquay

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Scarborough

Eastbourne

Weymouth

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away.

Price includes return coach travel from:

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All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

MARCH

JANUARY 02

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£129

04

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£199

21

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£144

06

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£189

24

Hotel Prince Regent - Weymouth

5

£159

07

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£184

27

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£159

17

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£189

29

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£144

24

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£189

27

Barrowfield Hotel - Newquay

5

£189

FEBRUARY 01

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel - Blackpool

5

£149

03

Barrowfield Hotel - Newquay

5

£144

09

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£154

12

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£144

13

Hotel Prince Regent - Weymouth

5

£219

14

County Hotel - Lake District

5

£189

15

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£179

16

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£164

26

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£199

Call - 01202 638 840 Quote - 50PlusSwindon or visit daishs.com facebook.com/daishs

@daishs_holidays

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy.

Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2021. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. Offer ends 15th December 2021

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

Eastbourne

Bournemouth Sands

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Imperial Hotel

Isle of Wight

Scarborough

Torquay

Torquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Daish’s Hotel

Esplanade Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel

County Hotel

Call 01202 638 840 or visit daishs.com

facebook.com/daishs

@daishs_holidays

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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TOM CRUISE GLOBAL MEGASTAR IF there’s one thing that global megastar Tom Cruise is good at it’s winning new friends.

And he certainly did that across the UK during 2021.

Cruise, unbelievably now 59 but with enviable youthful looks and the energy of a 25 year-old, was here making the seventh film in the Mission: Impossible franchise.

As a result, he popped up filming in various unlikely places including Birmingham, Yorkshire and Derbyshire and was spotted bringing his stardust to Wimbledon, Silverstone Grand Prix and Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 final.

All of which proved a delight for his many UK fans and showed yet again that Cruise is one of the film world’s most popular – and accessible – actors.

Acting certainly wasn’t the first choice for the young Thomas Cruise Mapother IV growing up in Syracuse, New York. At 14, he was a student in a Franciscan seminary with an ambition to join the priesthood.

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He was the only son of four children of nomadic parents. As a result, the youngster spent his boyhood always on the move and by the age of 14 he had attended 15 different schools in the US and Canada.

He finally settled in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, with his mother and her new husband and pretty soon abandoned plans to become a priest, dropped out of school and at 18 was headed for New York and a possible acting career.

The catalyst, he later recalled was “when I saw Akira Kurosawa’s film Seven Samurai.

“After about 30 seconds, I realized that this was not just a cultural thing, it was universal.

“Years later, I read Bushido. It talked about many things that I strive for in my own life:

loyalty, compassion, the idea of looking back on your life and taking responsibility for everything you’ve ever done.

“I’m fascinated by the Samurai and the Samurai code – it’s one of the main reasons I wanted to make The Last Samurai (2003).”

Tom Cruise, as he then became, made his film debut in Endless Love (1981) and, from early on, that star quality was plainly evident to both female and male audiences.

Within five years, the young man with the billion dollar smile was starring in some of the most successful films of the 1980s including Top Gun, The Color of Money, Rain Man and Born on the Fourth of July.

Unsurprisingly, by the 1990s, he was one of the highest paid actors in the world, earning an average 15 million dollars a picture.

The hits continued coming: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994), the first Mission: Impossible (1996) and Jerry Maguire that same year.

He received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor in Jerry Maguire and many Cruise fans still think it was one of his best films.

Mission: Impossible became his biggest franchise, however, earning him a total of 3 billion dollars worldwide and counting.

As an actor, Cruise specialises in likeable, laidback, intelligent characters and is intensely believable onscreen. Not content with being a highly successful actor, he has replicated much of this in producing films including the Mission: Impossible titles.

His work has not only brought him an extremely healthy bank balance but also a raft of awards – from Best Dressed Male Movie Star to one of the Most Beautiful People in the World. He also ranks highly among the top box-office stars over the past couple of decades.

However, he is pragmatic about such conspicuous recognition.

“Awards are wonderful,” he is reported as saying. “I’ve been nominated many times and I’ve won many awards. But my journey is not towards that. If it happens, it will be a blast. If it doesn’t it’s still been a blast.”

What has always endeared Cruise to the filmgoing public, however, has been the knowledge that he has always performed many of his own daredevil film stunts.

in Days of Thunder) and to Katie Holmes in 2006. He has three children Isabella Jane, Suri and Connor.

doesn’t have a cell phone, he doesn’t have email. He’s off the grid. He pays for things in cash.

The latest Mission: Impossible was no different and shots of Cruise hanging out of trains and planes became regular media headline fodder during the year.

He is quite rightly considered being far from a one-dimensional character and renounced his devout Catholic beliefs in 1990 to embrace the Church of Scientology.

“People look at things through the prism of the colours of their life but Jack Reacher does things the way we want to sometimes. In that sense, he’s sort of Dirty Harry, a James Bond, a Josey Wales.”

When he worked with Paul Newman on The Color of Money, he enjoyed plenty of conversations with the politically active actor.

Cruise’s work ethic and attention to detail are legendary. For the film Eyes Wide Shut, he was required to do 95 takes of just walking through a door.

This resulting consciousness-raising affected Cruise and he countered the jingoistic tone of Top Gun by choosing a film with a strong anti-war tonewith Born on the Fourth of July (1989).

He sums up his work philosophy: “The thing about filmmaking is I give it everything, that’s why I work so hard.

Needless to say, he has also acquired a number of injuries doing these as well!

He enjoys skydiving, scuba diving and piloting his Pitts Special S-28 stunt plane.

Cruise is not only remarkably fit for any age but relishes the kind of running and throwing himself around that is the staple fare of his action movies.

He is believable because he is actually doing it!

Cruise has been married three times. In 1987 to Mimi Rogers, in 1990 to Nicole Kidman (whom he met when they starred

He is obviously an actor who considers each role carefully. On his lead role in Jack Reacher (2012), he commented; “Reacher is such a great character. He

I always tell young actors to take charge. It’s not that hard. Sign your own checks, be responsible.

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CONSERVATORY SPECIALISTS IN SWINDON

Our glass roof conservatories could be at least £10,000 cheaper than an extension.

Our skilled and experienced team are always on hand to help and answer your questions, so call us today to find out more.

With the very latest changes in the building regulations where now all solid or non-translucent roof buildings should now go through the process of acquiring building regulation approval.

Customers who are just looking for a quicker solution to having an extra room on their property using the new glass technology so they can use the room all year round. With reasonable lead times you could be using the extra room

by Autumn. They would do no better than look at a conservatory which is by far the most cost effective way forward while they are still exempt from planning and building regulations.

Here at The Conservatory Centre in Swindon, we offer the best quality roofs, frames and climate glass, available on the market at the best possible value.

OUR CONSERVATORIES All our conservatories are built on traditionally constructed bases and with the quality of our glass and frames, you are essentially buying another room for your home.

Our conservatories really are all year-round rooms, staying comfortable during the summer, and warm during the winter.

ULTRAFRAME We work most often with Ultraframe – a world-leading supplier of high-performance roofs perfect for a wide range of homes.

With a range of innovative features and modern, sleek designs, Ultraframe conservatories represent the very cutting-edge.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about our product range.

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A RANGE OF STYLES Our collection includes Performance, Designer and Classic conservatories, so there’s an option for every style preference.

Our Performance range includes the most cutting-edge technology, while Designer conservatories are all about the aesthetic appeal.

A Classic conservatory will offer traditional, timeless style for a vintage feel.

BESPOKE DESIGNS We work closely with every client to ensure the finished conservatory matches your vision.

We’ll take the time to discuss your requirements and collaborate with you in drawing up a design that you’ll love.

Apart from the climate controlled roof glass with a U value of 1 they can have insulated internal pelmets with plastered surrounds and downlighters to add ambience and make it look like a proper room without making the room you are covering any darker.

CAN A CONSERVATORY BE ENERGY EFFICIENT? Stephen Wright site manager of The Conservatory Centre explains: “A conservatory which is cold and expensive to heat in winter and unbearably hot in summer would represent poor value whatever the price paid.

We all would like a room that we can enjoy in the cold winter months and hot summer days.

So how do we achieve this? How do we compare what’s on offer?

Quite simply the term ‘U-value’ is used as a measure of heat transfer through a given material. The huge area of glass, and maybe polycarbonate in the roof of a conservatory, if not in line with the very latest technology can reduce your investment to little

This glass really does make a difference to the all year round comfort of the conservatory. Our customers who have experienced the difference tell us this!

more than a glorified greenhouse!

The higher the U-value figure, the greater the heat loss will be; conversely, the lower the U-value figure, the lower the heat loss.

Remember! for an energy efficient conservatory, compare U-values and GO FOR LOW.

Ordinary Pilkington double glazed units have a U value of 1.9 and will lose 2 times more heat through the glass. Another type of heat retaining glass, sometimes called low e glass or Pilkington K has a U-value of 1.6 which, although better will still let in 50% more heat than ‘Planitherm’.

Furthermore, crystal clear

in active blue, aqua, neutral or bronze tints and our Wall Glass: Total 1.1-1.2 U-Value crystal clear ‘planitherm’, argon gas filled cavity double glazed units. Europe’s top selling solar controlled ‘Low E’ glass made in Britain.

Planitherm Total 1.1-1.2 does not suffer the hazy sheen often associated with Pilkington K glass.

As an added bonus, Planitherm Total 1.1-1.2 glass reduces 70% of harmful radiation passing through the glass, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects, and reducing fabric fading. In summer this amazing glass technology with a .74% solar factor and a .85 shading coefficient keeps your conservatory comfortably cool. (g ISO905 M1) 

OUR SERVICE

We believe in giving customers the time to make their decision. All our conservatories are tailor-made to your requirements and we quote based on the exact measurements of your space.

We have the largest dedicated conservatory show site in the area - providing our customers with a realistic and homely setting to view our range, from standard conservatories to orangeries and lightweight, tiled roof extensions.

With our latest range of intelligent Climate Control Glass for roofs

WHICH? TRUSTED TRADER

Due to our honesty, value for money, no-pressure sales and customer service we have achieved the honour of being named a Which? Trusted Trader. Which? scrutinised our working practices and spoke to some of our customers and were pleased to welcome us into the Which? Trusted Trader Scheme.

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Telephone 01793 526691 - Closed Thursdays www.conservatorycentres.co.uk email: conservatoryworld@btconnect.com

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KEEPING YOUR HOME COSY THIS WINTER IF there’s one thing we need when the temperature drops and the skies look threatening this Winter it’s a cosy home.

could lose up to a quarter of the heat in your home through the roof otherwise.

Insulating the loft, attic or flat roof is a simple and effective method of helping prevent heat-loss.

We tend to spend more time at home then anyway and it becomes our welcome refuge from snowy days and seasonal deluges. The plus side of this is that we can really appreciate where we live and make it as warm and welcoming as possible.

We all know that energy bills may be rising this year and that we may have to think carefully about when and how much the heating goes on. But, there are other ways to help make your home better insulated and just feeling a lovely place to be in during chilly evenings.

Getting your BOILER serviced is the sensible way to approach Winter always.

Call in the experts and you’ve got an efficient boiler and peace of mind for months.

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Update your THERMOSTAT for the same reason. A thermostat controls your home’s temperature by communicating with your boiler and in older homes with older heating systems can degrade over time, which can affect your home’s temperature.

Updating it can prevent energy from being wasted and save you money.

If you’ve not insulated your LOFT yet, this is a really sensible investment.You

Now is a good time to ensure your FRONT DOOR is in good working order and keeps the weather out and your costly heating in.

If it doesn’t, it’s definitely worth investing in a new one – preferably one that lets some light into your hallway to prevent a gloomy atmosphere as soon as you step over the threshold.

DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS can also do a good job around the front door or your kitchen door as gaps under doors are one of the fastest ways for hot air to escape. Seal in that heat with some of those cute sausageshaped excluders, or you could even make your own.

Keep your HALLWAY welcoming with soft shades and complementary lighting. Visitors get their first impression of your home here so make it a good one.

warmth of the wood. Then there are everpopular wood-burners, which are a very effective heat source in main rooms.

of the warmth. Try to keep away from any draughty spots like by a window or door.

Make your WINDOWS energy-efficient throughout your home. If they need repairing or changing, there are plenty of excellent suppliers experienced in getting just the right sort for you.

Cosy THROWS are also useful at this time of year. A cheerful throw in a richly textured material can make a sofa or armchair look and feel much warmer.

Layer floors with RUGS. They work particularly well on wooden floors in

And your home won’t just be warmer, the extra insulation will be helping those pesky energy bills as well.

Investing in COSY TEXTURES throughout the house is always a good idea. Cushions in textures like velvet, wool and fake fur can offer instant warmth in key places like your living room or bedroom.

SOFT LIGHTING is always cosier than brash lights so try not using ceiling lights and using table lamps instead around the room. Even a gently coloured lightbulb can make a difference: think of how a rosy glow affects a seated area.

CANDLES also come into their own in Winter. They offer that lovely light that makes us feel more relaxed and that’s even better if it has your favourite scent so shop wisely – there are plenty of pleasantlysmelling candles at various prices You can’t beat an OPEN FIRE when the winds are blowing outside and you’re inside. If you’re lucky enough to have a handsome fireplace, an open fire can prove a highly effective room centrepiece – you feel warmer just looking at it!

There are a real variety of fires on offer these days, including wall-mounted fires which can look even cosier with a wood surround as the flames are reflected in the

Adding SPACE HEATERS to rooms like an open-plan kitchen or bedroom which can be tricky to heat will boost home warmth.

As they’re portable, you can also take them from room to room so if your study or a child’s bedroom needs an injection of warmth, space heaters are a great solution.

Keep your FURNITURE away from your walls. Placing furniture against walls stops the airflow coming through properly which can lead to cold areas in your room. Just moving it forward can improve this and make your room look more spacious.

Position your furniture - like your desk, bed or sofa - around any heat sources without blocking them to make the most

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23 years ago David designed and installed our new kitchen Now we have been back for a refurbishment

BEFORE

Tracy with David Dukes from nuimage AFTER

“The kitchen that David fitted 23 years ago is still in good condition,” says Mike & Tracy Mason of Wroughton “We just wanted a new look, so David suggested replacing the doors.”

The existing kitchen had non standard doors, but we can supply made to measure replacement doors and door fronts.

“It has made the room look brighter and refreshed,” says Tracy.

“David`s son Oliver did the fitting, he was still at school when the original kitchen was fitted. I would recommend nuimage to anyone, they are a friendly family business who care about their customers.”

OVER 40 YEAR'S EXPERIENCE Nuimage is a family run business and between us have over 40 years’ experience so why not let us create beautiful living spaces designed to meet your needs. Because of our experience we can manage your project from design and installation right through to tiling and decorating.

Winter to offer a different, cosier element than other times of the year and prevent heat from being lost. They also look nice!

Heavyweight CURTAINS can also prove very useful in Winter.

Thermal-lined curtains help keep out the cold especially if you have single-glazed windows. At the very least, go for lined curtains which can prevent warm air escaping and reduce general heat loss.

The sun usually sets at around 4pm in the height of Winter so, to make most of natural warmth, keep your curtains open until around 3pm.

You’re more aware of COLOURS throughout your home during the colder months – not just because you’re in the home more but also because our mood is strongly affected by colour.

So, if you’re considering re-decorating, consider warm hues that make you FEEL cosier.

Book your free no obligation visit today, call us on:

01793 644600 www.nuimagekbb.co.uk

REPLACEMENT DOORS

BATHROOMS

KITCHENS

BEDROOMS

Bring NATURE into your home as well during Winter. We need to keep that healthy connection.

Having plants inside your home is not only aesthetically pleasing but creates more oxygen for your family to breathe which positively affects health.

Plants can also help purify the air by cleaning it with their extensive root system. So Nature is helping you get through Winter healthily before it welcomes the warmer months.

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projects.You can learn how to use these tools and create your DIY project at the same time.You don’t need to be a pro to complete home renovations. All you will require is some DIY experience and power tools to help you accomplish the task at hand.You should also know what equipment works best for each specific case, so here are some examples: A drywall saw – This tool can cut through different materials such as wood or metal without fraying it too much because of its sharp teeth. In addition, these blades have very strong tips which keep them from breaking apart while being used.

They’re perfect when dealing with any type of material since they won’t damage the surface after cutting into it.

CAN YOU DIY YOUR HOME RENOVATIONS? Tips on How To Achieve This Designing and renovating a home can be one of the most exciting yet daunting projects. It takes time, patience, and creativity to come up with a design that you will love for years to come. However, if it is not appropriately executed or efficiently by professionals who know what they are doing, it could end up costing you more money than planned. Below are some tips on how to DIY your renovations and save money.

Understand What You Are Doing A lot of homeowners feel like they can do their renovation, which is not always the case.You need to know exactly what you’re getting into and be honest with yourself about whether this project will fit your schedule or end up costing more money than it’s worth. Sometimes DIY projects take longer than expected, but having a deadline set by your contractor might make things easier for you if that happens. In addition, understanding what you are doing can help you avoid expensive mistakes. This is the first step in being able to DIY your home renovations correctly.

Be Sure To Do Extensive Research Before you start on any renovation, be sure

to do extensive research. Make a list of your main goals and focus on the points that are most important to you. This will help ensure that you don’t get carried away with the renovation itself.

Then, be sure to do extensive research on appliances, fixtures and home decor to find precisely what you’re looking for while staying within your budget. This is especially important if you plan on designing all aspects of the home yourselffrom painting walls, fixing up cabinets or changing out flooring materials. If this sounds like something you’d like to take on but aren’t quite confident enough yet, try browsing Pinterest boards for inspiration!

An extensive research before renovation may be a little daunting, but it can help you succeed in your home renovations.

Renovation is not cheap, and the extensive research should ensure that nothing gets overlooked or forgotten before starting any project. Once done correctly, this will lead to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved and prevent future problems from arising.

Learn How To Use Different Equipment When it comes to home renovations, different equipment is essential for different

An electric drill – These power tools come in handy whenever you want to make holes or use screws on surfaces like walls or wood.

A steel ruler – This tool can help you achieve straight cuts since it consists of a durable material that won’t bend while being used. If you want to do your home renovations on a budget, these tools are perfect for that task. By using them with time and patience, you will be able to DIY any project without having an expert by your side.

Other things to consider include a Rubber Strip, tape measure, a measuring ruler and some glue. Having knowledge of home renovation equipment can help you save money and time while creating a new project. These tools are versatile, which makes them perfect for any type of DIY project.

Have a Plan A well-thought-out plan is essential for a successful DIY home renovation.You should make sure that you know exactly what you want to achieve and how much money you are willing to spend on the project. When making your plans, consider things like: – The time frame in which you would like the renovations done.

– The budget that you have set for the renovations.

– What is exactly that you would like done.

– Who will be doing the work and if they require help with specific tasks such as lifting heavy objects or using power tools.

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– How much disruption to your daily life this project will cause. The last thing you want during a renovation of your kitchen, for example, is to come home from work every day nervous about what state everything might be in. Once these critical factors are considered, and any possible problems are dealt with accordingly, there should be no reason why even the most novice DIYer cannot successfully complete their home renovation projects.

Planning is key in completing a successful DIY home renovation. Therefore, before anything else, you should make sure that you plan your projects carefully. Consider the factors listed above and other things that are specific to your chosen project.

Be Sure To Consult You can consult with a contractor or architect to provide you with guidance for your renovation.You’ll want their expertise on what is possible, cost-effective and beneficial overall based on the upgrades you are planning to make. They will also tell you whether it makes sense financially for DIY renovations vs hiring contractors out.

You can also consider hiring a project manager from an agency to oversee your renovation. This will allow you to have someone experienced in this process guide you through the steps of renovations. They will also guide you on what needs to be done for each step, while allowing you freedom on some aspects.

A third option would be DIYing it yourself with help from friends or family members who are skilled at home improvement projects. Consider which level of involvement makes sense for your skillset, budget, and time management

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ

abilities, so all parties remain happy throughout the renovation period!

Use Safety Procedures There are many injuries that can occur during home renovations.

When doing DIY work, you must take precautions to protect yourself and your family from potential dangers. Use the appropriate tools for your home renovation project. Do not take on too much work and ensure to get more than one opinion before starting a project.

You can also read up on home renovation tips and tricks for extra safety. These will help you know what to expect from your DIY projects, as well as the potential dangers involved with them.

It’s important to remember that accidents can still happen during DIY projects at home, even with proper preparation. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial that those who choose to go ahead with home renovations, or those who have been assigned the task of completing them, take precautions to protect themselves and their families.

You can also check out some tutorial videos on DIY projects for extra insight, as well as safety tips that will help you know what to expect from your project, as well as any potential dangers involved in it.

Do Not Handle Any Risky Tasks Without Proper Certifications In case you are one of those individuals who is thinking about DIYing your home renovations, it is crucial that you understand the risks involved. One of these risks involves electric shock or electrocution. This can happen when using faulty electrical equipment and may cause serious damage to your health as well as your property.

It goes without saying that no matter how skilled you might be at performing such tasks, there will always be certain aspects which should not be tackled by yourself; instead, seek help from professionals for this purpose.You don’t want to end up causing more harm than good due to ignorance of some technicalities in construction work like plumbing, air conditioning installation. So call an expert if needed and ensure proper certification.

Know Your Limits You need to know your limits, so if you are not good with tools or have a busy work schedule, it’s probably best to leave renovations up to the professionals. Knowing your limits means knowing when to ask for help and when to hire a professional.

The good thing about knowing your limits is that it saves you a lot of money and time.

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Conclusion Your home renovations can be done in a DIY fashion. It is not necessary to hire people for this work, but you need some time and skills, of course. There are many benefits that come with doing them yourself, like the cost reduction or satisfaction after seeing your work finished. If you want to do it yourself, remember to plan well and read the instructions carefully. Also, ask for help from people who know better than you in some parts of this work. Finally, there are many websites with step-by-step tutorials that thatcan be very helpful when doing renovations like kitchen or bathroom.

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low in nitrogen and high in potassium is an alternative.

Long term care: With the right treatment a poinsettia will reward with anything from two to four months of colour. Gardeners may enjoy pruning, repotting and forcing the plant into flowering the following year but most people tend to treat this reasonably priced plant like fresh flowers and start again.

Give to: Someone who lives in a wellinsulated modern build as these stunning plants hate drafts.

PLANTS MAKE PERFECT PRESENTS GARDENING WRITER JULIA HEATON HAS SOME TIMELY FESTIVE ADVICE ON LIVING GIFTS One thing’s for sure – we need Christmas colour and cheer more than ever this year. Houseplants are a wonderful way to show your love and, given the right care and attention, they will continue to brighten the dark days of winter well into the new year.

The trouble is that we can be spoilt for choice when faced with the fabulous displays designed to tempt us at garden centres and supermarkets. So where to start? Well, to help you choose the right plant consider the person you are giving it to. Do they have the ideal place to display it? How green-fingered are they and how much time are they likely to devote to caring for the plant? Once you’ve done this, you’ll know exactly which one to go for.

To make the decision easier here’s a few of the festive plants you’re likely to come across and some top care tips that will come in handy whether you’re the gift-giver or lucky recipient.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) The bright scarlet bracts (modified leaves) of this beautiful bushy plant make it as much a part of the festivities as mince pies and mulled-wine. Go for one with dark green foliage all the way down the stems and check that it has unopened bead-like flowers at the base of the bracts. Then keep it well wrapped on the way home (try to buy one with a protective sleeve that hasn’t been in a supermarket doorway) as poinsettias hate cold draughts and could suffer leaf drop otherwise. This also means it can be a bit fussy about where it’s positioned. So, a cool, bright room, out of direct light, where a stable temperature of between 13-16°C (55-60°F) can be maintained is ideal. A south-facing windowsill where the window is kept shut is a good option, moving the plant into the room at night.

It will need watering thoroughly and not again until the soil feels dry, then misting every few days to keep the colourful bracts from dropping. Feeding should be every couple of weeks or a specialist drip feeder

Cyclamen persicum Choose from a variety of colours, including pure white to purple or shocking pink petals, which are often scented with leaves of marbled silver.

Air circulation needs to be good so it should be sat somewhere cool and light like an unheated conservatory, out of direct sun. To keep it thriving give a fortnightly low-nitrogen feed, deadheading flowers and yellowing leaves as you go.

Water when the soil becomes just about dry to the touch, draining away surplus to keep stem bases and the crown dry. Alternatively stand the plant in a bowl of rainwater or sink of soft water, where it can take up what it needs, then allow to drain thoroughly.

Reduce watering as soon as flowering stops in April.

Long term care: Kept dry when dormant cyclamen can be brought back to life in late August/ September by either repotting or a top dressing of fresh compost and resuming watering.

Give to: A friend who wants to add a welcoming touch to a cooler hallway.

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Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

Indian azalea (Rhododendron simsii) With their frilly blooms and small leaves these plants are definitely a Christmas favourite and offer an array of colours.

White, pink, purple, red and orange are the ones you’re most likely to come across but bi-coloured white ones are worth hunting down too.

Cool rooms are a must. Ensure the temperature is below 16°C (61°F) – kept too warm and the flowers will fall. Soft,

filtered light is best, so no sitting in direct sunlight, and watering is crucial. Do it at least three times a week to allow the lower roots to gain the benefit. Compost should be wet, not moist, and never allowed to dry out. Use rainwater if possible as it offers the acidity this plant likes. Then give it a liquid feed every week during flowering and every two weeks after that.

Long term care: Deadhead regularly and repot after flowering into ericaceous compost, standing it outside in a partially

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shady spot during the summer, bringing it indoors before the frosts hit.

Give to: Someone who will ensure it remains well-watered and has an unheated conservatory or cool porch.

Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis) This exotic beauty produces flowers yearround that last up to three months and is available in a range of colours. Although rather delicate looking it is fairly easy to look after and even thrives in centrally heated conditions.

Position in a bright, well-lit spot, slightly shaded from direct sun in summer, where it will be happy in daytime temperatures of between 19-30°C (66-86°F) and 16-19°C (61-66°F) at night.

Keep compost moist, if possible with tepid rain-water or boiled and cooled tap water, tipping out any excess collecting in the saucer and avoiding leaves as this can cause rot. It will also benefit when sat over a tray of damp gravel for humidity. Then give specialist orchid feed once or twice a month in the cold season and weekly during the growing season.

Long term care: Once flowers have faded simply cut back to a lower stalk node (bud) for more blooms. If this doesn’t happen then drop the temperature by 5°C (8°F)

for a few weeks to nudge the plant into flowering. Re-pot when the roots have filled the pot, using bark compost and a clear plastic container.

Give to: Anyone who likes their plants to make a big impression and will enjoy caring for it long-term

are available. Misting on a daily basis, and standing the pot on a base of damp gravel will also create the humid environment these plants prefer. At this time of year leave the compost to partly dry out before watering, draining off any excess.

Allow the top half of the compost to dry out between watering and create humidity around the plant, either by misting its leaves daily during flowering or standing it on a tray of moistened pebbles. Use a specialist drip feeder, deadhead to encourage more blooms and try not to move the plant during flowering as flowers may drop.

Long term care: Reshape if required in February and cut back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. They can be repotted in spring if necessary and watered freely in summer, again draining off any surplus. Try to use soft water where possible.

Give to: Ideally a relative or friend with a conservatory or a south-facing window where the plant will get all the light it craves in winter.

Long term care: After flowers fade encourage new buds by giving it two resting periods, lowering the amount of water and temperature. Repot every year.

Give to: Anyone who can be a little forgetful about watering. The succulent foliage will also withstand homes where the central heating is on the high side.

Christmas cactus (schlumbergera)

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Citrus like calamondin, lemon and orange, might be more expensive than other pot plants but offer the double joy of scented flowers and fruit. They need bright and cool airy conditions in winter otherwise the leaves will drop. A winter night-time temperature of 10°C (50°F) is ideal for lemons stepping up a little to 13°C (55°F) for oranges with a fortnightly citrus food feed for all – winter and summer feeds

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Blue

This great value tropical cacti, so called Forced bulbs like hyacinths, irises and because it flowers from late November anemones. These will thrive in the cool of through January, offers flowers ranging from a bright windowsill – though not above pale pink through to orange and red. Pop it a radiator or in direct sunlight. Kept in a bright place where it can benefit from watered and moist while in flower and temperatures of 18-21°C (65-70°F) and turned daily they’ll reward with glorious occasional direct winter sunlight, but keep blooms that can be left to die down in MAINTENANCE, away from the drying air of radiators. a cool porch after they fade. With the PAINTING ORfoliage removed and left to dry out they can planted outside in Spring.

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Free to enjoy the pleasure of your garden and a fence that’s always easy on the eye. There is a good choice of design and colour options to create the setting that you desire. ColourFence will even withstand windgusts of up to 130mph. Making it, probably, the world’s best maintenance-free fence.

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James Martin brings some of his favourite Buttery dishes in his new book for anyone who loves to cook with this delicious and versatile ingredient.

James showcases this style of cooking at its very best. Here are a sample of recipes taken from the book.

BARNSLEY LAMB CHOPS WITH PEPPERCORN AND GOAT’S CHEESE BUTTER Whipping really soft goat’s cheese with goat’s butter gives an interesting flavour but combined with a grilled Barnsley lamb chop it takes the taste to amazing. You can cook this recipe using standard lamb chops or leg of lamb steaks – either way make sure you grill the lamb until the fat becomes crisp.

Ingredients

Method • Season the chops with salt and pepper. Heat a large non- stick frying pan until hot,

drizzle in the oil and cook the chops for 2–3 minutes until deeply coloured, then

flip over and cook for a further 2–3 minutes.

• 2 x 200g Barnsley lamb chops • 1 tablespoon olive oil • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Beat together the butter, cheese and ground pepper until smooth. Mix through the

green peppercorns and rosemary. Dot the goat’s cheese butter over the lamb and serve.

• 100g goat’s butter, softened • 75g soft goat’s cheese • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 15g green peppercorns • a sprig of rosemary, chopped

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FOR THE PEPPERCORN AND GOAT’S CHEESE BUTTER

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CROQUE MONSIEUR A true classic for a reason, the combination of flavours just works. The key is not to make the sauce too thick, and adding a touch of mustard makes all the difference. Even seasoning with a dash of Worcestershire or Tabasco sauce adds a nice personal touch. The perfect brunch dish!

Ingredients • 4 slices of bread • 50g butter • 6 thick slices of cooked ham

Method • Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6.

•

To make the béchamel, melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat, add the flour and cook it out. Pour in the milk slowly, whisking as you go until it’s smooth. Add the cheese, and the spices and salt to taste. Set aside to cool.

FOR THE BÉCHAMEL • 25g butter • 20g plain flour • 250ml full-fat milk • 125g gruyère, grated • pinch of cayenne pepper • pinch of nutmeg, grated • pinch of sea salt

• Pan-fry the sliced bread in the butter until golden and crisp.

• Divide the ham between 2 slices of the bread, then spread a good layer of béchamel over the top. Top with the remaining slices of bread. Transfer to a tray and roast in the oven for 6–8 minutes.

ROAST CRAB WITH LIME AND CHILLI BUTTER This can be served as either potted crab spread on warm toast or, as I like to serve it, just melted in a dish so it warms the crab and fully melts the butter. That way all the flavours of the kaffir lime leaves come out.

Ingredients • 100g butter, softened • zest and juice of 2 limes • 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced • 1 lemongrass stick, finely chopped • 4 spring onions, sliced • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped, plus extra leaves to serve • 1 red chilli, finely diced • 300g white crab meat • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper TO SERVE toasted sourdough

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Method • Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6.

• Beat together the butter, lime zest and juice, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, spring onions, coriander and chilli. Season with salt and pepper.

• Spoon the crab into 2 ovenproof dishes and top with the butter. Place them on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes until hot and bubbling.

• Sprinkle with coriander leaves and serve straight away, with toasted sourdough on the side.

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT CAKE The topping for this cake is kind of like a deconstructed hazelnut spread and is made from buttercream with melted chocolate beaten into it and a scattering of hazelnuts. The most important thing to remember with this cake is not to put it in the fridge, as this will set the buttercream too much and will also make the cake go hard.

Ingredients FOR THE CAKE • 200g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 200g caster sugar • 4 eggs • 150g self-raising flour • 50g cocoa powder

FOR THE ICING • 300g dark chocolate, melted • 100g icing sugar • 200g butter, softened • 75ml double cream TO DECORATE • 50g toasted hazelnuts, chopped

Method • Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas

4. Grease a 20cm round cake tin and line it with

greaseproof paper.

•

Beat the butter and sugar together until white and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder and spoon the mixture into the tin. Bake for 35–40 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Once cool, use a knife to cut the cake in half horizontally.

•

Whisk together the melted chocolate and icing sugar and, once cool, beat the mixture into the butter, whisking for 8–10 minutes. Pour in the cream and mix until fully combined. Spread a thick layer of icing onto one of the cakes and sandwich the other cake on top. Spread the remaining icing all over the rest of the cake and sprinkle with the hazelnuts to decorate.

BUTTER: Comforting, delicious, versatile, over 130 recipes celebrating butter by James Martin (Quadrille) Photography: John Carey 25

large ones with famous art, to smaller ones with lesser-known artists.

TOP HOBBIES TO TAKE UP BEFORE THE YEAR IS OUT If you are looking for a new hobby, it can be tough to decide what you want to do. Maybe you are coming close to retirement, perhaps you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you are just looking to set yourself a challenge.

There are so many potential hobbies out there and also so many benefits to taking on something new in your life. If you are looking to add something new to your set of skills or interests, here are some top hobbies that you should look into before 2021 is over…

Classic Cars Classic cars are a fantastic hobby to partake in and you are likely to meet a really great community of like-minded enthusiasts too.You can start your hobby by reading up about classic cars and perhaps watching shows about them.You could look into purchasing your own classic car which you can take to races (be sure to look into a Car Transporter to make sure it gets there in one piece) Or you can just attend and watch different races – the choice is yours!

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Photography Photography is an interesting and useful skill to have and can even lead to you making some money on the side.You can figure out what you like to photograph, whether it is nature, people, sunsets or skies and then learn the different skills and settings on your camera. Why not head to a local photography class or do an online course to help you on your way?

Painting As with photography, painting can cover a broad spectrum of things and just because you may not enjoy one type of art, doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy this.

Dabble around in all different areas of painting such as fine art, life drawing, modern art and more.You can try watercolour, acrylics and pastels too. It can be a good idea to visit art galleries where you can get inspiration for future projects and decide what you would like to do yourself. There are many art galleries all around the country from

Cooking Whether you have always been interested in cooking and never really done it, or you are looking to startup cooking, there is no time like the present! Find recipes online, starting with more simple ones and then progressing into those that are more complex.You could watch cookery shows online, read cookery books and also look into any local cookery schools.

There is also a range of online classes that you can partake in which show you how to cook and will teach you a range of useful skills and knowledge within this. The world is your oyster!

These are just a few hobbies that you can look into picking up as the year nears to a close. It is never too late to take up something new, so why not challenge yourself – you might be surprised at just how much you love it!

The on-going dilemma of am I receiving the right type of care?

HE L PIN G Old Friends

The trouble with deciding to have, or not to have, care is an issue many of us grapple with only when we need it and not before. As someone once said “you only need care when you need it”.

The decision to have care is usually foisted upon us by circumstance, which when you consider it is a great pity. After all, there are stigmas associated with receiving care, such as being seen to not cope, or being a drain on family and resources – nobody in fact ‘likes’ to be the recipient of care because of just that.

But with this new concept Helping Old Friends has introduced that ‘stigma’ need no longer apply. In fact, to avoid stigma this is one reason why our able staff are called ‘companions’ and not ‘carers’. Helping Old friends offers a service which, as its title suggests, can be tailor made to suit your circumstances long before you require professional carers to come in.

Offering services & companionship to people, who for whatever reason find themselves living alone and isolated.

With over 25 years of experience, we recognise that there is a necessity for a service that provides, more than anything, companionship to people who, for whatever reason find themselves living alone and isolated.

Families who live remotely can have peace of mind that a visit by one of our experienced staff will take place on the allotted date and time and be there to offer whatever is required. Whether it be just to have some companionship, or help with household chores, or even to help you write your memoirs.

We can provide a check in call when required or a longer visit which could include;

Here’s just one example of how a traditional care company wasn’t the right solution.

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Mrs C initially employed a care provider to visit two to three times a week to perform some routine household chores around the house. Initially the service was good, but after a while she found the carers were being rushed off their feet, often not having the time for niceties which Mrs C looked forward to the most.

She became disappointed that she was being treated less as a person and more as a commodity that ‘required servicing’. The personal touch had gone. Different carers would come and there was little continuity. This was not what Mrs C was looking for.

What Mrs C really wanted was not care at all, but companionship. She realised, after discussing it with her family, that perhaps she did not need to employ a traditional care company, she could instead use the services of Helping Old Friends.

Mrs C called our offices here at Helping Old Friends, found the process of matching the right kind of person to visit was refreshingly easy, and all-in-all it was quite a bit more reasonably priced. The same companion came at the time she had arranged and she found that they were far more able to intuitively understand what her needs were.

As she said, “I will only need to go back to a care provider once I need that service and not before.”

Of course, if and when she does need a more traditional care company, she and her family will be used to the idea of some support being provided, which will make the decision a much easier one.

If you would like to know more about our services at Helping Old Friends, either for yourself or for a loved one, please do give Katrina a call on 01793 550895 just to have a conversation to see if we can be of any assistance.You can also find more information on our website http://helpingoldfriends.co.uk/.

Our aim is to change people’s lives for the better.

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Light housework Putting home deliveries away Shopping calls Preparing and cooking meals Assistance in attending doctors appointments Hairdresser appointments Attending hospital appointments Social calls Assistance with writing memoirs Gardening and home maintenance Accompanying to social events Or just somebody to have a chat and cup of tea with.

(We do not provide any Personal Care or assist with medication administering).

All our staff have an enhanced police check and relevant training annually. They are Covid Vaccinated and use full PPE following Government Guidelines.

Sometimes you need to have a person just to talk to, someone to replace that lightbulb, someone to help navigate around the internet to fill in a form, Mow the lawn or find a handy man to do the job that has been left undone for ages.

That is where Helping Old Friends comes in…

We can set up regular visits to suit your requirements with well matched companions who will listen, help do the odd jobs or just be there for you. Through our advanced scheduling software, we can ensure that you will get the visit when and where you want them with a companion best suited to your character.

Having a caring companion by the side of a family loved one can make all the difference to the family as well as to the persons themselves. We aim to change people’s lives for the better.

If you have any questions about our services, please get it touch

01793 550895

Katrinasimms@helpingoldfriends.co.uk Helping Old Friends Ltd | Suite 4a | Lucena House Shaw Village Centre | Swindon SN5 5PY

www.helpingoldfriends.co.uk

VITAL THINGS YOU NEED TO DO NOW TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR RETIREMENT While it may still seem as if it’s very far away, retirement has a habit of creeping up on people, especially when it comes to making sure you have enough money to live the kind of life you want. The good news is you can take action now to secure your finances for when you retire. Keep reading to find out more.  Consider your current situation Before you begin looking to the future and planning your finances for your retirement it’s vital that you consider your current situation. In particular, this means assessing any significant debts that you need to pay off and taking action to complete this.  Additionally, now is the best time to consider any significant assets that you may have and whether you will hold on to them or sell them to release capital that can be used elsewhere. Property is often one of the most popular assets to sell to cover retirement, especially if you find that the market is favorable.  Plan when you will retire Deciding when to retire is less about hitting the right age, and more about doing it when your finances allow. After all, there is no point working after 50 if you don’t want or have to!  Also by settling on an age at which to retire you will have a time scale on which to work. This means that you can plan out how you

Wide range of active-user products from leading manufacturers in the industry, including Sunrise Medical, Invacare, Rehasense and Electric Mobility.

Off-road powerchairs or tribikes which attach to just about any active wheelchair.

The latest innovative range of lightweight manual wheelchairs are available to try in-store.

FREE suitability assessment done at home or in-store FULL BACKUP SERVICE IN OUR MODERN WORKSHOP TO SET UP AND REPAIR JUST ABOUT ANY ITEM OF MOBILITY EQUIPMENT. Based at:

WROUGHTON

6 Devizes Road, Wroughton SN4 0RZ

01793 815318

garyoptind@mail.com FREE LEVEL ACCESS PARKING

www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

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will save, manage and invest your money in the meantime to give you the best chance of achieving your financial goals.  Explore ways of growing your money In essence, providing for your retirement financially is all about taking the money that you have now and making it work as hard as possible so you have as much as possible for when you are no longer working.  The good news is that there are plenty of options to consider for this purpose. The first is to rely on the state pension, which as long as you have completed the required amount of national insurance payments you will be able to claim.  However, most people want to be able to access additional streams of income, as the state pension isn’t too generous. In particular, investing in a private pension scheme or independently investing your money in something like Forex Trading can be the best way to maximize your returns. Although, whichever type of investment you choose, it’s vital that you consider the potential for risk as well as profit before making your choice.  Consult a professional Last of all, do remember that there are people whose whole professional career is based around providing advice on this issue.

Indeed, it makes excellent sense to consult with one before you make any decisions.  Be sure to find a financial advisor that is independent though, because if they are getting any commission or fee from recommending you to a certain product or company, their opinions will be far from objective, and this means your future retirement finances could be at risk.

Optimised Independence is mainly aimed at the more specialised mobility product user, think Paralympic Wheelchairs and Powerchair football as examples of the types of products on offer.

On show in the new bespoke showroom at Wroughton is a wide range of active-user products from leading manufacturers in the industry, including Sunrise Medical, Invacare, Rehasense and Electric Mobility.

For the more adventurous off-road user to try is the powerful Optimus, a new off-road powerchair and all new easy-fit PAWs tribike which attaches to just about any wheelchair. The more pedestrianised user will find a host of different add on power options, for example the E-motion wheels from Invacare are particularly impressive.

The Mobility Store’s new division Optimised independence being opened by Paralympians Louise Hunt & Chris Skelley

OPTIMISED INDEPENDENCE AT THE MOBILITY STORE Gold medal-winning Paralympian Chris Skelley and wheelchair tennis pro Louise Hunt cut the ribbon for the new area and chatted with staff about their Tokyo 2020 experiences.

The final phase of work at The Mobility Store in Wroughton, has now completed and the new division called Optimised Independence opened on the 5th of October.

The active wheelchair user can try the latest innovative range of lightweight manual wheelchairs with a full range of the necessary accessories, cushions, and attachments.

Most of the larger items are prescriptive which usually means a full assessment of the client to ensure a perfect fit and user experience.

The friendly staff are fully trained and have the manufacturers’ software to prescribe the optimised set-up for the equipment.

Assessments can be done at home or in-store.

Back-up is important for any mechanical equipment, but it is essential for full-time wheelchair and powerchair users. Just a short distance from the Wroughton store is their modern workshop, equipped with all the test equipment and specialised tools to set up and repair just about any item of mobility equipment.

THE MOBILITY STORE SWINDON 7 Clive Parade Cricklade Road, Swindon SN2 1AJ

MAKE LIFE EASIER

• Large range of Mobility Aids • PPE • Hire services • Wheelchairs • Stairlifts

FREE HEARING HEALTH CHECK

01793 701313

swindon@thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

THE MOBILITY STORE MARBOROUGH 56 George Lane, Marlborough SN8 4BY

Our stores always welcome visits for consultations regarding advice on choosing the right mobility equipment or service.

01672 511550

wiltshiremobility@mail.com

THE MOBILITY STORE WROUGHTON Shoes and slipper Footcare appointments

6 Devizes Road Wroughton SN4 0RZ

01793 815083

wroughtonmobility@mail.com

Rise and recline furniture Adjustable beds

Mobility scooters Mobility scooter repairs

FREE LEVEL ACCESS PARKING AT ALL STORES www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

THE MOBILITY STORE BOURTON ON THE WATER Lansdowne Bourton on the Water GL54 2AR

01451 810088

bourtonmobility@mail.com

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Committed to fighting FRAUDLENT ACTIVITY Council Tax Benefit Council tax bills are based on the assumption that two adults occupy the property as their main home.

If it’s occupied by only one adult, and the property is their main home, the bill is reduced by a single person’s discount of 25%.

In addition, there are certain groups of people who we do not count for Council Tax purposes when counting the number of adults in the household. These groups are known as ‘disregarded persons’.

If there is an adult from one of these groups living in your property, they may not be counted for Council Tax purposes and you may be entitled to a discount.

Examples of disregarded persons are: • people on some apprentice schemes • 18 and 19-year-olds in full-time education • full-time college and university students • student nurses • foreign language assistants registered with the British Council • people with a severe mental impairment • live-in carers who look after someone who isn’t their partner, spouse or child • diplomats Fraud within the Council Tax system costs each lawful Council tax payer. Fraud can get into the system a number of ways but the most common issues are: • Making a false statement at the outset, i.e. misleading the Council into accepting information which at the time was not true.

• Failure to report relevant changes to circumstances to the Council Tax service, for example; someone over 18 has moved into your address and you receive a Single person’s discount.

If you suspect that someone may be defrauding the Council Tax system in any way you can help by reporting you concern’s in confidence to: CALL 0118 937 2143 Email antifraud@reading.gov.uk Report via web pages http://www.reading.gov.uk/ internalaudit

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Who is eligible for a blue badge?

If you are disabled, you may be able to park in restricted areas under the blue badge scheme. The scheme is for drivers and passengers.

Who can get a blue badge?

Some people can get a blue badge automatically. This is called being eligible without further assessment. You fit into this group if one or more of the following applies to you: • you are registered as blind/severely sight impaired • you receive the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement • you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) • you receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and you scored at least 8 points in relation to the ‘moving around’ activity in the PIP assessment, or least 12 points in the mobility activity for planning and following journeys • you have been awarded a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8).

You have also been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult • you receive a government grant towards your own vehicle.

If you were on higher rate mobility component of DLA, but you had to claim PIP instead and didn’t get enough points to be eligible for a blue badge, you can continue to use your badge until it expires.

If none of these apply to you, you may still be eligible. This is called being eligible subject to further assessment, and will apply to you if you meet one of these criteria: • you have a permanent or substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult • you are a driver and have severe upper limb disabilities • as a result of a mental disorder you are unable to follow the route of a familiar journey without the assistance

of another person. Anyone aged over two years can be eligible under this condition, including people over 65.

• you are applying on behalf of a child under three with a medical condition that requires them to be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment or transporting bulky medical equipment.

If you have any queries about whether you’re eligible for a blue badge, you can contact the national blue badge helpline on 0844 463 0215.

How are you assessed?

If you are eligible subject to further assessment, your local authority will look at the evidence of your disability to decide whether you can have a blue badge.

You may need to have an independent mobility assessment. If you have applied for or held a blue badge previously, your GP may have carried this out.

Assessments may now be carried out by an independent mobility assessor.

This is usually a medical professional such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, who has never treated you before.

If your local authority wants you to have a mobility assessment, it will refer you to the assessor. You will not be charged for the assessment.

You may not be required to undergo an assessment if your council says it is very obvious that you are eligible or ineligible.

Blue Badge (disabled parking permits) Fraud: Disabled Parking Permits or Blue Badges are issued by your Local Authority to persons with a genuine need to access facilities and park within easy reach of these. However there are some people who are prepared to misuse or fraudulently acquire these badges.

The Investigation Team are committed to fighting fraudulent activity but need your help to do so!

If you suspect someone of committing Blue Badge fraud please contact us in confidence.

CALL 0118 937 2143 Email antifraud@reading.gov.uk Report via web pages http://www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

Tenancy Fraud in Reading We’re closing in

When somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list.

It’s not fair.

CALL: 0118 937 2143 Email: antifraud@reading.gov.uk Report via web pages: http://www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting tell us.

Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously.

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FROM START TO FINISH WE WILL BE THERE EVERY STEP

FIREPLACE SOLUTION LOGO 2.pdf

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10/01/2018

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B EAU T I FU L FI REPLACES & S TOVE S Fireplaces expertly installed.

On display we have a huge range of electric fires, gas fires, solid fuel fires, hole-inthe-wall fires, plus multi-fuel and wood burning stoves. Then there’s our range of Warm smiles guaranteed!

stunning fireplaces, again traditional and modern, with stone, marble, or wooden surrounds. You can even have a bespoke fireplace, specially created to suit your living room and décor, and to suit every pocket there are models from £300 to £3000.

What’s more we have expert fitters on tap (including Gas Safety Technicians) that will remove your existing fireplace, make good any work that needs doing and install your new fireplace. At Fireplace Solutions we offer the full package.

And because we are a family company with over 14 years experience, we can give you all the adviceVisit and our tips on the type of fire and installation that you need. It’s the kind of valuable support showroom and advice you won’t get if you buy online or from most large retail stores.

That’s because we specialise in fires and fireplaces. (We can for some amazing advise you on your central heating requirements too). deals!

Visit our showroom for some amazing deals!

• Stone, marble & wood surrounds

OPEN: MON-FRI, 9am - 5pm, SAT 10am - 4pm

• Central heating surveying, FREE PARKING maintenance

GORSE HILL SN2 8AF TEL: 01793 640485

www.fireplacesolutions.co.uk

installed by gas safe technicians