ABC Magazine: North Shields & Tynemouth Edition, February/March 2021

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N O RT H S H I E L D S E D I T I O N | F E B R U A RY - M A RC H 2 02 1

PUZZLES INSIDE

Get set for spring Gardening Exciting plans for Tynemouth Library Can a spring clean be green?

COVID-19 SECURE This magazine has been delivered in compliance with the UK Govenment’s Covid-19 risk management guidance

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TYNEMOUTH'S FIRST ZERO WASTE PLASTIC-FREE STORE

WE SELL: DRIED FOODS CLEANING PRODUCTS HOUSEHOLD GOODS TOILETRIES Come down to Buy The Kilo and purchase your goods by weight: as much or as little as you need.

Bring your own containers and re-stock your pantry.

Jars, bottles and paper bags available in store.

Our friendly team are on hand to help you!

UNIT 3 THE SIDINGS · TYNEMOUTH METRO STATION TYNEMOUTH · NE30 2TF *

hello@buy-the-kilo.com

buy_the_kilo

@buythekilo

WELCOME TO ABC MAGAZINE Welcome to the South edition of ABC, your bi-monthly local magazine.

ABC is distributed free of charge to thousands of homes in North Shields, Tynemouth and surrounding areas.

You can also read it online, visit www. yourabc.co.uk for more information.

Bay Podiatry Professional Footcare

Comprehensive footcare from experienced clinicians

Interested in advertising in ABC? Please call Richard on 07526 522272 or email info@yourabc.co.uk Published by: ABC Magazines, PO Box 225, Bedlington, NE63 3FL @yourabc

@abcmagazines

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Podiatry / Chiropody: Toenails • Callus • Corns • Verrucas • Blisters

Biomechanical Assessment • Nail Surgery • Sports Massage Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause. R Wilson Advertising does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.

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0191 252 4441

www.baypodiatry.co.uk

LLY RMA O N KING OVID WOR URING C D NoWax Ear Care

Ear Wax Removal

Fast, safe and professional ear wax removal by microsuction, carried out by a qualified audiologist in the convenience of your home.

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07845 191 590 or 0191 258 3514 info@nowax.pro www.nowax.pro

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Image: North Tyneside Council

LOCAL NEWS

EXCITING PLANS FOR TYNEMOUTH LIBRARY Proposals to demolish and reconstruct Tynemouth Library as a modern community hub are set to take a step forward.

The building, at 36 Front Street, served the community for almost 70 years, but the ageing building was deemed no longer fit for purpose and it closed in February 2020.

Aurora Properties Ltd, on behalf of North Tyneside Council, is now seeking permission to demolish and redevelop the site with a modern facility that combines a new library with financial services, and six high-quality residential apartments. The proposal also includes the demolition of a vacant shop unit next door and an electricity substation, with a new substation to be constructed on site to meet modern requirements.

The council will continue to operate the library, alongside a community branch of Newcastle Building Society, and the building will be equipped with a Changing Places toilet to meet the needs of people with profound learning or physical disabilities. The redevelopment is part of the council’s Ambition for North Tyneside programme, which sets out how the council will regenerate all parts of the borough and make it fit for the future.

Councillor Bruce Pickard, North Tyneside’s Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The library has been a good servant to the people of Tynemouth for many years and we know how much our residents value its convenience and accessibility. But the building has really started to show its age in recent years and this project will see a modern facility built in its place, offering local people a wider range of services in much more comfortable surroundings.

“It will be lighter, brighter and more spacious, with 6

improved accessibility for people with learning or physical disabilities. It will have an improved visual impact on Front Street and will offer an expanded range of services through our partnership with Newcastle Building Society. I am very excited to see the redevelopment being brought forward as part of the council’s commitment to invest in all parts of the borough to keep North Tyneside a great place to live, work, and visit.

A consultation exercise is now underway asking for local people and businesses to have their say on the plans.

Councillor Sarah Day, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure at North Tyneside Council, added: “I am very excited to see this project continue to take shape. I know what an important asset the library is for the local community and we would welcome people’s comments on the plans for the improved facility, with the building society sharing the new space. Postcards are also going out to people’s homes and local businesses explaining how they can take part in the consultation.”

Andrew Haigh, chief executive at Newcastle Building Society, said: “We’re pleased to see the redevelopment plans for the library continue to move forward. We believe high streets play a vital role in the heart of local communities and from our experience with our existing community partnership branches in Wooler, Hawes and Yarm, the proposal for Tynemouth will deliver a vibrant new community space for residents. The plans are an important part of our commitment to provide face to face financial services in the North East and we’re looking forward to working in partnership to realise the ambition for this latest innovative addition to our branch network.”

Welcoming New Patients Welcoming New Patients

Due to recent staff changes, service development and expansion to our clinical team we are keen to invite patients to register at

Spring Terrace Health Centre Services:

Our team:

• • • •

As well as 5 GPs we also have some additional roles in our team delivering high quality clinical care including:

• • • • •

Early Morning and Saturday clinics School run friendly smear slots Dedicated Diabetic Clinic Contraception Clinic – coils and implants Baby Immunisations Long-Term Condition Management Minor Surgery Joint Injections Online medication requests

Tel: 0191 296 1588

• • • •

Nurse Practitioners Mental Health Nurse Physiotherapist Pharmacists

Online and Video consultations available

www.springterrace.co.uk Central Location and Good parking

Twitter: @spring_terrace Facebook: /SpringTerraceHealthCentre

LIFESTYLE

CAN A SPRING CLEAN BE GREEN?

By Sarah Davey

When the spring light catches the surfaces in my home, I see smears and dust, and I fall victim to ‘the spring-cleaning bug’. Suddenly I want to scrub, dust and polish everything in sight.

A few years ago I made a big effort to become a ‘greener cleaner’.

I worried about the active ingredients in my cleaning products and wondered how much damage that chemical cocktail was doing to the planet?

Most of us have a miniature chemical factory stashed under our sinks: detergents, bleaches, and degreasers, all containing potentially hazardous substances which find their way into groundwater and contaminate the lakes and the oceans.

Phosphates are some of the main culprits. They are common in laundry detergents and some cleaning products. An average consumer uses the equivalent of 14Kg of detergent a year. High phosphate levels in water cause ‘algae blooms’ which contribute to the death of fish and other water-dwelling creatures. These algae blooms are becoming more common thanks to a combination of pollutants and global warming.

Cleaning products can have an adverse effect on our health.

Household ammonia is often found in window or general glass cleaners.

It is a skin and eye irritant and deadly to fish, even in low concentrations, so it’s not something we should flush down our drains. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is corrosive and an eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. It is especially toxic to people with heart conditions or asthma.

D-limonene is a degreasant found in citrus and orange cleaners. It is also a neurotoxin, an irritant and can cause respiratory distress.

But as I investigated Eco products I stumbled into a minefield. Many big companies produce eco-brands, but this involves ‘greenwashing’, 8

which is defined as an attempt to make consumers believe a company is doing more to protect the environment than it actually is. They use unregulated words like ‘natural’ and ‘eco-friendly’ while still using potentially harmful chemicals. They don’t list ingredients or information about manufacture and supply, and if you check their websites there are no environmental targets published nor information about progress on their environmental impact.

I won’t lie, truly environmentally friendly products are more expensive so the cheapest way to do a green spring clean is to make your own and there are some great websites around with detailed instructions on how to do just this.

I did try to make my own but found that work constraints meant I struggled with some of the more time-consuming concoctions, but I’ve listed a couple of websites in case you feel you’d like to try this.

I am a huge fan of distilled white vinegar which I use to clean toilets, windows, and mirrors. I also like

Bicarbonate of Soda which is a great degreaser, scouring agent, and deodoriser. For ready-made cleaning products I’ve suggested a couple of UK websites which are certified environmentally and vegan friendly.

I’m not perfect. Sometimes I do grab a regular cleaning product for convenience but I’m gradually becoming greener and if we all switched even one or two of our products for a greener cleaner, the planet would thank us.

Homemade product recipes and lifestyle advice www.moralfibres.co.uk www.madeleineolivia.co.uk Certified environmentally friendly companies www.biod.co.uk www.greenscents.co.uk Be sure to check out Buy The Kilo, Tynemouth’s first zero waste, plastic free store, who offer a range of eco friendly cleaning products: www.buy-the-kilo.com

Meet the Vet Team at North Tyneside

Fran ce s - Ow ne r/ Di re ct or

Fiona

Va l

Contact us for an appointment today Vets4Pets North Tyneside 18 Barnstaple Road, North Shields, NE29 8QD

Call: 0191 296 3311 or visit: vets4pets.com/northtyneside

We are now accepting new clients

Rache l

Sach

A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

German Language Learning for 2021 SUSANNE WARDLE, DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF THE GERMAN TEACHER, EXPLAINS WHY LEARNING A LANGUAGE COULD BENEFIT YOU IN 2021

Could German language learning be your New Year’s resolution for 2021? Finally, the year 2020 has gone and, despite the ongoing challenges due to Covid-19, it is time to think about the fulfilment of plans, dreams and the achievement of goals for 2021.

However, while 60% of people make New Year’s resolutions, most give up by the 12th of January and 43% in under a month. As a matter of fact, only 8-12% of all resolutions see their fulfilment by the end of the year.

Let it be German Whether you have always wanted to learn a new language or refresh your language from school, German is a great choice for any English speaker.

Undeniably German is similar to English, as you say the letters you see and it is very structured.

Whether you decide to learn German or any other language, here are the top tips: Firstly, pick a language which is relevant to you.

So, it might be your holiday destination, or you might have friends who are native speakers or speak the language well. Do you need the language for work or will it further your career? Did you enjoy the language at school and wished you kept it up? Do you enjoy German films, books, music or composers? Whatever your reason, if the language is relevant to you, you will put the work in to learn it!

Secondly, you could learn a language with a partner, friend, group or your children? It is fun to learn together and apart from practising, you can correct and challenge each other.

Expect challenges on the way and have realistic expectations. It is unlikely that you will achieve fluency within a few months unless you have some prior knowledge. Your life will get busy at times and your language learning might not be your priority.

Be clear in your goal settings and convey this to your language teacher! What do you want to get out

“A different language is a different version of life” - Frederico Fellini – film director 10

of your language learning? Any professional language teacher will have that conversation with you and tailor the lesson to your needs.

Make a commitment to learning! 10 minutes of vocabulary learning a day is better than 1 hour in 7 days. Complete the set homework!

Have fun with the language: Listen to songs, label your house with post-its, write your shopping list in German, try your German out on friends and on holiday and watch German language films with subtitles.

Benefits of learning a language • It opens your world to another way of thinking while gaining a deeper understanding of your own culture.

• Languages let you connect you with different people and a different culture and limit barriers between people.

• Foreign languages improve your analytical and problem-solving skills.

• A foreign language opens the door to art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine, film, philosophy, science.

• It undoubtedly has health benefits, as it sharpens your memory and helps to prevent the onset of dementia.

• Learning a language is fun and gives you a sense of achievement.

In brief, whatever your New Year’s Resolutions for 2021, make language learning one of them. There is no age limit and you might surprise yourself.

Absolutely consider German as an option. It has a lot to offer and is easier than you think!

■ www.germanteacher.uk

We are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services in North Tyneside. We help people find information and we gather feedback to improve services.

We want to know your experience of Waiting for treatment, and Getting prescriptions Tell us what's working and what could be better.

Please take five minutes to complete a confidential survey online or request a call. healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/haveyoursay info@hwnt.co.uk T: 0191 263 5321 Follow us on Facebook @HealthwatchNT Twitter @HWNTyneside 12

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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

Havana Vibes in the Heart of Tynemouth

Based in The Land of Green Ginger on Tynemouth front street, Cubana Coffee brings Havana vibes to the area, with a unique and innovative menu fully of locally sourced sustainable food and drinks.

The menu is packed with speciality creations, all unique to the area. Their mouth watering tapas selection boasts 12 inventive creations, including the Gourmet award winning scotch eggs made from local rare breed pigs, from the Clucking Pig Co., the exotic sounding Caribbean meatballs, and the must-try Flambeau Brandy Choritzo. The choices on offer also include sides such as truffle oil and parmesan chips, halloumi chips and a selection of artisan breads, as well as their famous Cubanos sandwich, which is marinated in magic mojo.

You can try their award winning artisan coffee from Iron & Fire, which brings fresh Latino bean to machine.

Also on the menu is their Dreamy Hot Chocolate, specialised tea from the Tea Pig Company as well as Marlish soft drinks, all natural, organic and sugar free, with water sourced from our very own Northumbrian hills.

For those who hanker for something a little stronger you can sample their Brandy Champers Sangria or Caribbean Rum Sangria.

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Whatever you fancy from their menu (see a sample below), there is a choice of mouth watering foods with a twist. Whilst we are in lockdown, Cubana are operating a takeaway and delivery service only, open from Friday to Sunday. Keep an eye on their facebook page for updates on opening times and any menu changes.

■ Cubana Coffee House, Land of Green Ginger, 78 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4BP. Tel: 07935 009 072 www.cubanacoffee.co.uk Facebook.com/cubanacoffeehousetynemouth

Cubana Coffee House

Let our Chef do the cooking for you!

Takeaway & Delivery Available

Why not try the Famous Cubanos Sandwich or choose from our range of 12 Tapas including Chorizos, Pigs Cheeks braised in Sherry, Gambas, Potato Bravas & more!

cubanacoffeehousetynemouth

www.cubanacoffee.co.uk Call 07935 009 072

★ Cubana Coffee House | Land of Green Ginger | 78 Front Street | Tynemouth | NE30 4BP ★

n Now Ope

ONLINE WWW.HAPPYPLANETCREATIVEARTS.ORG.UK

LOCAL CLICK & COLLECT + DELIVERY WORLDWIDE Unique hand made gifts by local artists and makers with a great range of greeting cards from our shop at 3A Ilfracombe Gardens in Whitley Bay 15

A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

SAY HELLO TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE After a year full of social challenges and extraordinary human endeavour to stay well and connected with loved ones, we can all look forward to brighter prospects. Throughout the pandemic, Concept Eye Clinic has been at the fore in providing a vital eye health service for the local community. Our people are at the helm of what we do here. It’s not just an eye examination on offer, but a service where you can feel safe and nurtured.

Many of us have used computer and tablet screens more than ever before during lockdown, and protecting our vision has never been more critical. Sam, our clinic lead at Tynemouth has seen the impact of this with patients: “We’ve helped people experiencing vision deterioration, difficulty in reading, and who have noticed a progressive change in their vision through eye strain, headaches and dry eyes.

The good news is that throughout restrictions, people are entitled to medical appointments and at Concept, we’ve remained open to provide a key health service for our community”.

It’s never too late to trust your instincts and book an appointment.

Ask Ross Dempster, our resident optician: “We’re privileged to have the latest Zeiss technology at hand which means that even with a routine eye examination we can detect often ‘symptomless’ vision threatening conditions. Remember, an eye examination is not just to help optimise how well you can see, it’s essentially about your well being, quality of life and the health of your eyes. I’m passionate about preventative care”.

So once you’ve booked your 16

eye MOT ready for a spring in your step for a positive new year, how about a new pair of glasses?

Bespoke spectacle styling is what sets Concept apart as a boutique practice. In these challenging times, investment in our well being has never been more important.

The frame collection here reflects our lifestyle and aspirations. With Concept’s affordable care plans starting from £5.99p/m, looking stylish does not have to break the bank. Spectacles have come a long way in their evolution from medical frames! Our Tynemouth practice offers a rare, fresh perspective for younger and older audience groups.

From the quiet confidence of Lindberg, to the glamour of Tom Ford and the free spirit of Oliver Peoples, you can reflect who you want to be. With clever craftsmanship and design detail, there’s something special here for everyone because individual style and personality is respected as part of our unique ethos and frame-work of client care. Your spectacles are more than a vision aid. They are also a lifestyle statement and more than ever, they’re an important emotional investment. At Concept we recognise this.

Ask our creative stylist Sarah: “I love beautiful design and take pride in guiding my client to choose the right shape to suit their face.

Our lives are busy enough, but it’s important to take time to understand

ROSS

SAM

SARAH

what someone truly needs. The look of delight when they collect their new frames is what makes it magical”.

■ Concept Eye Clinic 25 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX. Tel: 0191 285 1603 concepteyeclinic.com

FRAME OF THE SEASON The Takumi 1 is exquisit el y, det ai l ed. I t ’s c l ass i c pant o l ens s h ape is dedicated to th e Oliver Peoples Takumi collection and f eat ures a uni que, v i nt age i ns pi r ed patter n A su n g las s clip co mes in 4 differen t c ol ours. Per f ec t l y st y l i s h sungl as s es to welco me Spr in g !

AFFORDABLE LUXURY FROM £5.99...

TEL : 0 191 296 6124

I N F O@ CONCE PT E Y E CLINIC.COM

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T &C ’ S A PPLY

CROSSWORD

Across 7 Rubbery, flexible (7) 9 Application, employment (5) 10 Well known (5) 11 Compress, contract (7) 12 Large flightless bird (3) 13 Slowly get rid off (8) 16 Moaners (8) 17 Vat, bucket (3) 19 _______ Banderas, actor (7) 21 Gone ____, circulated rapidly on the internet (5) 22 Most important person (5) 23 Sir Ranulph _______, Polar explorer (7) Down 1 Release from captivity (7) 2 Speak ill of (8) 3 Lothario (4) 4 Clumsy incompetents (8) 5 Agreement (4) 6 Switches baby to solid food (5) 8 Style of bread (11) 13 Folding ranger tool (8) 14 Proclaiming (8) 15 Dispose of (7) 18 Cheekily sexy (5) 20 Slim (4) 21 Outlook, scene (4)

WORD LADDER A word ladder is a sequence of words formed by changing just one letter each time eg CAT - COT - DOT - DOG. Can you find the missing words? Use the clues if you get stuck.

Clues: Discontinued Charter

MINDBENDERS

Lead

Can you find the hidden phrases?

Percolate

1

Fruit Roost Sear

2

Mend

WORD LADDER CHASE, CEASE, LEASE, LEASH, LEACH, PEACH, PERCH, PARCH, PATCH, CATCH

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MNDBENDERS 1. Last, not least 2. Blood is thicker than water 3. Rub up the wrong way

SOLUTIONS

CATCH

3

least

blood H20 R U B

CHASE

LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Italian for Beginners lessons starting March 2021 in Bedlington Fully qualified teacher BA (Hons) and PGCE (University of Leeds and Universita per Stranieri di Siena). Courses last 20 weeks: £12 for a 2 hour class at the Old Police Station building in Bedlington. Mondays 12.30- 2.30 pm Complimentary refreshments provided. Max class size 6.

Contact Sharon Email: letslearnbedlington@gmail.com or Tel 07764 709 985 / 01670 207488 Find us on Facebook

WHITLEY JEWELLERY & ANTIQUES LTD Proprietors Philip & Linda Stephenson

AS SEEN ON BBC TV’S ANTIQUES ROAD TRIP

New, Vintage & Antique Jewellery Bought & Sold Sale On Commission Service Available Valuations For Insurance & Probate Antique and Collectable China, Glass, Silverware & Furniture Valuations For Coins, Medals And Stamps

171 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3RE Telephone: 0191 2518444 www.whitleyjewelleryandantiques.co.uk

STAY WARM

✔

WITH NORTH EAST BOILER CARE We are your local gas safety, servicing and installation specialists, covering all areas of domestic heating, service and repairs.

Our services include:

• Gas boilers • Ducted warm air • Installation • Breakdowns • Gas oven/Hob inspections • Gas fires • Landlord CP12 • Power flushing • Smart tech installation

Call 0191 284 6133 or email neboilercare@btinternet.com

www.neboilercare.co.uk

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We’re looking forward to seeing all of our clients, old and new, after lockdown!

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for our re-opening date.

Tel: 0191 259 9933

See you soon!

Unit 4, Northumberland Park, Earsdon Road, Shiremoor, NE27 0SJ Kirsha Knowles Hair and Beauty

Next to Sainsburys - Lots of FREE Parking

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LOCAL NEWS

MAJOR FUNDING BOOST FOR AMBITIOUS NORTH SHIELDS REGENERATION Exciting plans to breathe new life into North Shields have been handed a multi-million pound funding boost.

North Tyneside Council has been awarded £3.5m from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, which is managed in the region by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). It will see a number of major improvements made to the Howard Street and Northumberland Square areas.

In addition, Nexus has secured more than £5m to relocate the landing for the cross-Tyne ferry service to Western Quay to bring the ferry to the heart of the Fish Quay with easy links to the town centre and proposed riverside walkway.

It’s all part of the council’s Ambition for North Shields master plan, aimed at transforming the town centre and riverside into an environment where people choose to live, work and spend their leisure time by creating a smaller, more vibrant, and connected town centre The changes to North Shields’ historic areas of Northumberland Square and Howard Street will complement the proposals which are part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project. They include creating an attractive and more pedestrian-friendly route along West Percy Street between Northumberland Square and Bedford Street. The appearance of historic Howard Street will also be improved, again making it more appealing for pedestrians, and trees will be planted lining the street. High-quality natural materials and street furniture will be used that are in keeping with the conservation area and will complement the style used for the rest of the area covered by the master plan.

It comes after the council’s Cabinet last month approved the final version of the master plan, which has been shaped and informed by feedback received during consultation.

Cllr Bruce Pickard, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside and cabinet member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Our ambitious plans will transform North Shields town centre and the riverside and will greatly benefit communities and businesses by attracting more people there and creating somewhere to be proud of, which is more vital now than ever before as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Our successful bid to the Getting Building Fund is another great piece of news following our other recent successful funding bid to the High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme as well as the approval from Cabinet to press ahead with the plans.

“We also look forward to continuing to work with our partners at Nexus to relocate the ferry landing into the master plan area, which will complement the work to transform the area and help secure the long-term future of 22

this important service.”

The Getting Building Fund is part of government’s package of financial support to kick-start the economy, create jobs and help areas facing the biggest economic challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Helen Golightly, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “North Shields, and in particular North Shields Fish Quay, has gone through a dramatic transformation in recent years and has become a popular visitor destination. The funding from government’s Getting Building Fund will support North Tyneside Council’s broader masterplan for the area, which aims to turn the town centre and Fish Quay into an attractive, family friendly destination with a year round cultural offer; helping to attract further investment and create more and better jobs in the area.

“The Getting Building Fund has invested heavily in North Tyneside, with more than £5m being awarded to Nexus to create a new North Shields ferry landing in the heart of the Fish Quay. Both investments are great news for North Tyneside and the wider region as they will support the North East’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.”

Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “Our plans to locate a new Shields ferry landing at the Western Quay will play a big role in the ongoing regeneration of North Shields town centre. As our region starts to recover from the impact of Covid-19 over the coming years the ferry will provide a vital link between communities. The scheme has the potential to be transformative, helping to drive footfall into this important regeneration area.

“The ferry project, when completed, would see the current North landing at River Drive closed completely.

Services would run from the Fish Quay across to the South Shields landing. It’s an exciting project and it is one we are going to consult widely on before bringing forward more detailed plans.”

The Ambition for North Shields master plan includes plans to enhance the appearance of key areas, creating a new transport hub and interchange and town square to host events, markets and performances, improved walking and cycling routes in the town centre, a new cultural quarter based around a traffic calmed Howard Street and riverside walkway linking the town centre to the Fish Quay.

2021 COACH TOURS DELIGHTFUL DEVON

MURDER MYSTERY WEEKEND

2nd - 8th June · 7 days/6 nights DBB

16th July 2021 · 3 days/2 nights DBB

at the Best Western Livermead Cliff Hotel

£595 per person (£60 single supplement) With 3 days included excursions visiting - Totnes, Dartmouth, Exeter, and Sidmouth and 2 days at leisure in resort The Livermead Cliff Hotel on Torquay Sea Front has its own direct private access to Livermead Beach and is a level walk to the Marina & Town Centre.

Its quiet location and spacious seaside lawns offering a wonderfully secluded seaside retreat by the Sea. Why not enjoy a Drink on the stunning Riviera Terrace and watch the Boats go in and out of the Marina.

OUTSTANDING VALUE AT £595!

At The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond

£30

£225 per person (£43 single supplement)

The murder mystery takes place on the first night, followed by an included Day time excursion and evening entertainment on the 2nd night.

Murder Mystery Nights take place in various forms, with numerous different plots. Someone sitting next to you may be another guest or an actor who will shortly slump to the floor. On all the storylines, you will be given the opportunity to guess ‘Whodunit’ and a prize given to the winner.

In the unlikely event of everyone guessing correctly, we draw the winner from a hat.

Most of the murder plots conclude after Breakfast, but some may conclude on the same night. The evening’s entertainment, with Dinner usually served between 7.30pm and 8.00pm – the evening usually finishes between 11pm and mid-night.

John & Graham

DEPOSI PER PERST SECURES YOON UR BOOKING

✆ CALL TODAY TO BOOK

01670 632 460 \ 07957 141 654 07770 934 189 \ 07720 784 084 Check our website or facebook page for updated tour information. Or you can contact us with your email address to receive updates: graham.john.unitedgrouptravel@gmail.com Preferred payments, via bank transfer, cheque, cash* or debit/credit card.

Visit our website for terms and conditions 1 Spencer Drive, Pegswood, Morpeth, NE61 6SZ

www.unitedgrouptravel.com

ALL-INCLUSIVE BURNS

TURKEY AND TINSEL

At The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond 3rd December 2021 · 4 day tour 3 nights DBB £275 per person (£51 Single supplement) Free bar 7:30pm- 10:30pm.

Christmas carols on the steamship on Loch Katrine and a visit to Edinburgh Christmas Markets.

The popular Winnock Hotel is situated in the centre of Drymen village just a short distance from Loch Lomond.

All Bedrooms are prepared in traditional Scottish style with Private Facilities, TV, Tea & Coffee Tray, Lounge area with open fire, Bar, Reception Service, Highlander Restaurant & Function Room for Meals and Entertainment.

TWIXMAS

at Warner’s Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel

27th December 2021 · 4 day tour DBB

Only £389! NO single supplement

Bodelwyddan (pronounced bod-el-withan), is a Grade II listed Victorian building near the North Wales coast, not far from Snowdonia.

Set within the grounds of a romantic castle, but with all the amenities of a modern Hotel, including a superb range of leisure facilities, numerous daily activities, and nightly live entertainment.

Dinner is normally a choice menu followed

by Tea or Coffee.There are just two floors but no Lift.

The hotel was given a £6 million renovation and awarded a 4* AA award.

OUTSTANDING VALUE AT ONLY £275

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at The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond 6th January 2022 · 5 Day Tour £325 per person (£68 single supplement) Join us for Burns Night in Drymen! Burns Night is the annual celebration honouring the life and works of Robert (Rabbie) Burns, the national poet of Scotland! Each year his birth is celebrated on 25th January with a hearty meal (and lots of haggis of course), a wee dram and renditions of his famous song Auld Lang Syne!

Includes: � Return coach travel � 4 nights all-inclusive � Hotel entertainment on at least 2 nights � Glass of wine with dinners followed by tea and coffee � Packed lunches or soup & sandwich lunches � Free bar every night (between 7:30pm & 10:30pm) � Farewell ‘Hot Toddy’ on departure � Loch Lomond cruise with tea/coffee and shortbread served on board

★ QUALITY TOURS - BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE ★ 23

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Traditional STEAK & ALE PIE

FOOD

IT'S HARD TO BEAT A GOOD PIE. SAVOURY OR SWEET THERE IS SOMETHING BLISSFUL ABOUT CRACKING THE CRUST TO RELEASE THE FRAGRANT CONTENTS WITHIN. The earliest reference to pies as 'pyes' seems to be in the 1300s.

These first pies were savoury, meatonly affairs, and the pastry case was not for eating, it was there as a form of crockery and to help preserve the contents for longer, particularly on sea voyages. Pie bases went by the unappetising name of coffins ('coffyns').

By medieval times pies had become something of a centrepiece for banqueting tables. Cooks became competitive, and enormous pie cases were made which could contain anything from live actors to musicians. These were definitely for entertainment only and not baked for consumption, though the 'coffyn' reference would have added a certain frisson to proceedings.

Shakespeare certainly used this 'coffyn' reference as a dramatic device. In his play Titus Andronicus, Titus has two male characters baked into a pie as a punishment. The pie is then served to their mother! Harsh!

The nation's favourite apple pie first materialised in the 14th Century.

Another literary heavyweight, Geoffrey Chaucer, published a recipe which also contained figs, raisins, and pears, but no sugar, as it was too much of a luxury ingredient at the time. My personal favourite pie, the cherry pie, is said to have first been created for and served to Elizabeth l. I shall be forever grateful to her majesty.

The pie continues to evolve, taking influences from other cultures but, here in UK, the apple pie is consistently voted the favourite sweet pie. while steak and ale tops the savoury charts. Why not try this great traditional recipe ☛ 26

SERVES 4 | PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME: FILLING - 3.5-4 HOURS (PLUS COOLING TIME), PIE - 45 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

Pie Filling: Lard or dripping (you can use sunflower oil at a push) · 700g boneless beef shin – cut into mouth size chunks · 25g plain flour, seasoned · 200g smoked bacon (diced) or lardons · 225g whole baby onions · 400ml sweet dark brown ale (Theakston’s Old Peculier works well if your ale knowledge is not strong!) · 400ml beef stock · 1 tsp dried thyme · 1 bay leaf · 1 tbsp dark muscovado sugar· 1 tsp red wine vinegar ·1 tsp cocoa or 1-2 squares of very dark (80%+) chocolate For the pastry: 400g plain flour, plus extra for rolling · 1 tsp baking powder · 1 tsp mustard powder (optional) · ½ tsp salt · 175g suet · Iced water · A little milk or egg, to glaze

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 170C or 150C fan / gas mark 3.

2. Place the seasoned flour into a large plastic bag. Add the beef in small batches and shake thoroughly to coat evenly. Reserve the floured pieces to a plate. Heat a generous chunk of lard or dripping a large frying pan over a high heat. Brown the beef pieces in small batches, transferring them to an ovenproof casserole dish as you go.

3. Reduce the heat a little and add the chopped bacon or lardons and the onions to the pan. Cook until the bacon fat begins to render, and the onions are brown on all sides, then add into the casserole.

4. Pour a small amount of the beer into the pan and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom to incorporate all the flavoured meat scraps and flour. Pour this into the casserole too, then pour in the rest of the ale, and add the stock, herbs, sugar, vinegar, and cocoa (or chocolate squares) and bring to a simmer.

5. Cover, and place into the oven for about 2 hours, then uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 1½ -2 hours (depends on your oven), until the meat is tender. Set on one side to cool then transfer to a pie dish.

6. To make the pastry place the flour, baking powder and mustard powder in a bowl with ½ tsp salt. Stir in the suet, and then add just enough iced water to bring it together into a dough. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for an hour or so.

7. Preheat the oven to 190C / 170C (fan) / Gas mark 5. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 1cm thick. Place over the filled pie dish, sealing the edges tightly. Cut vent slits to allow the steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg or milk and then bake for 45-50 minutes until golden.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Get Set for Spring Gardening

Spring 2021 gardening guide from the experts at Dobbies Garden Centres

As drifts of cheery yellow daffodils start to appear, brighter days are on the way, as spring officially begins on Saturday 20th March 2021.

A busy time in the gardeners’ calendar, once the chance of frost has passed it’s the perfect time to head outside and get growing.

Not your average garden centre, Dobbies is on hand to help you make the most of your garden, however big or small - from balconies to patios or flower bed filled back gardens.

Whether you’re just finding your green fingers, or an accomplished grower, there is plenty to keep you busy on your doorstep this spring.

Resident gardening expert and Horticultural Director at Dobbies, Marcus Eyles, shares his top jobs for the start of the spring gardening season: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

28

Garden spring clean - After a wet and windy winter, it’s time to take on the disarray of leaves and unkept sheds and get them tidy, ready for the return of the warmer gardening tasks. Declutter garden sheds, rake fallen leaves from lawns and give garden furniture a clean, making sure this is cleaned according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Pick up the paintbrush - Take the opportunity to give the fence a fresh coat of stain for the new season, or even a fresh lick of paint to transform the overall look and feel of your garden. This is a nice job on a mild sunny afternoon, just be sure to check the weather forecast so you can plan painting around at least a few dry days either side Prepare soil - Prepare your soil for the growing season by working in a layer of around 5cm of manure to flower and vegetable beds.

Plant up - In terrace gardens, plant pots, hanging baskets and window boxes with a cheerful display of early season bedding plants including Pansies, Violas and potted bulbs. One of the most economical ways to fill your tubs and baskets with colour this coming summer, is to grow your own bedding plants from young plants available now. Grow on under cover until all frosts have passed.

Get summer bulbs ready - Spring is the perfect time to plant your beautiful summer flowering bulbs such as Gladiolus and Lilies.

All products available at Dobbies

SPRING GARDENING CALENDAR ideas for your monthly garden focus

March

Hardy plants: Blossom (e.g. Magnolias & Cherries & Clematis Montana) Flower garden: Lupins, Delphiniums, Hollyhocks & Foxgloves Bedding plants: Dianthus including Pink Kisses Grow your own: Herbs & Strawberries

April Hardy plants: Acers Flower garden: Aubretia & Saxifrage Bedding plants: Marguerites Grow your own: Tomatoes

6.

7.

Dahlias and Begonias should also be started now too, however these should be started off in pots under the protection of any early spring frost, in a greenhouse or potting shed.

Grow your own - Plant soft fruit now, such as Raspberries, Blackcurrants and Blueberries. Mulch existing rows of Raspberry canes and fruit bushes. Plant Rhubarb remembering to allow enough room for them to develop to their full size. Add a thick layer of farmyard manure around your new plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Welcome feathered friends - Birds are an important part of a garden’s ecosystem and are easy to attract with feeding and shelter.

No bird friendly garden is complete without a bird feeder or table, which you can then fill with nuts, seeds and homemade fat balls.

May

Hardy plants: Clematis and climbing plants Flower garden: Lavender Bedding plants: Geraniums Grow your own: Vegetable Plants

Beginner gardener?

My advice is start simple. Gardening research can be great fun as there are amazing books, blogs and Instagram accounts out there for inspiration. Create a shopping list and don’t be nervous to ask questions!

Rewild and watch for wildlife We have seen the rise in popularity of ‘rewilding’ gardens, where neat and manicured lawns have been replaced with a desire to create more natural, wildlife friendly habitats to attract garden insects, hedgehogs, bees, butterflies and birds.

One approach is to create one ‘wild area’ in your garden, where you leave plants that are often cut down to grow, such as stinging nettles which provide a home for moths and butterflies. Small changes made by many can make a big difference.

Why not spend a spring morning outside on wildlife watch with youngsters, taking pictures of what you spot and keeping a tally of all the different types of garden wildlife – from ladybugs to caterpillars, it’s a fun game for little explorers and a great way to get them engaged in the natural world that’s around them.

■ Find your local Dobbies

at Gosforth Park, Gosforth, NE3 5EP. www.dobbies.com Listen to the Dobbies gardening podcast for more expert advice and trend insights: www.dobbies. com/content/podcast.html 29

LOCAL NEWS

Coping with Isolation During Lockdown During our third national lockdown, many of us will be feeling isolated and alone. It's been months since we've been able to spend any real time with our family and friends, and the Zoom quizzes that kept us occupied during the first lockdown have slowly dried up.

It's so easy to become inactive when living in lockdown, particularly those of use who are living by ourselves. But we need to ensure that we don't let our mental and physical health deteriorate.

To help combat this isolation Age UK North Tyneside have launched their latest programme of virtual events for over 50s.

Winter Warmers & Workouts is a mix of social and

physical activities designed to keep your body and mind active this winter.

The programme features several guest speakers including volunteers from the National Trust, a local police officer and staff from Washington Wetland Centre.

Events like these are a great way to get active and make the most of the lockdown. By taking part, you'll improve your health, pick up new skills, and maybe even make some friends along the way!

To find out more, get in touch with Age UK North Tyneside’s Community Development team on 0191 287 7027 or email Community.Development@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk.

SIGNWORD Picture to oneself

Elliptical

Cut with teeth

Geographical plan

Impair

Closest

Essential nutrient

In this crossword the clues are printed in what would normally be the ‘black’ squares. Follow the signs from each clue to find where the word should fit.

Think highly of Conserve

Vegetable

Cover pipes All existing things

Jewel

Unused

Animal doctor

Border

Understand

Solution

30

Encountered

B M I N A T E P E A R R S E I E S M E T

Watery

O M V I T A J A M R L A G G G U N I V E E N E M W E T

Rivals

Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents, Valuers

Here to help our landlords, tenant and homeowners during these uncertain times, the team at RA Jackson & Son are open for you, either over the phone or by appointment at the moment.

We are happy to discuss any property needs you have. We can be contacted on 0191 257 1253 or sales@rajackson.co.uk Stay safe we look forward to welcoming you to our newly refurbished agency just as soon as we are able to.

We are...

• Residential Estate Agents covering North Tyneside •

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Chartered Surveyors and ‘RICS Registered Valuers’ providing professional valuations of commercial and residential property, including; Probate, Matrimonial, Home Buyer Report and Valuation Reports across the North East.

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People proud of living and working in North Tyneside

31

HE ALTH

Upskill for Brain Health

LEARNING NEW THINGS HAS ALL KINDS OF FRINGE BENEFITS

By Kate McCarthy

Lots of us began 2021 with the ambition to learn a new skill: beginner’s computer programming, a new language, or how to paint with watercolours maybe. We learn new skills for many reasons.

Perhaps we need to improve our computer literacy to gain a promotion, or a new language so we can speak to our new in-laws, or we've always fancied learning to paint. Learning is fun but its benefits go way beyond the actual skill learned, and the skill is irrelevant, whether its crochet or advanced mathematics, the extra benefits are the same.

■ Positive brain changes - The white matter in our brain is comprised of nerve fibres covered in a fatty sheath called myelin. It is involved in learning and coordination of communication between different brain regions. The more we practice a new skill the more our white matter increases in density, which helps us when we learn other new skills.

■ Increased learning speed – When brain neurons are stimulated, more neural pathways are formed and the faster our brains process new information. It’s as if 'learning' is a muscle which strengthens as its exercised.

■ Interconnections - When we learn a new skill our brains draw on information and skills we already possess, and we build on that existing knowledge. But a wide knowledge base also makes it easier for us to learn more new skills.

■ Increased interestingness! - (Yes, it's a real word!)

Well-rounded individuals tend to find it easier to relate to others because a wider knowledge base makes it 32

easier to find things in common and thus make friends.

Beat boredom - Repetition can quickly become monotonous. Following the same routine every night, 'supper, bath, TV, bed' makes it easy to become bored. Learning new things breaks the cycle of monotony and gives our brain something to do.

■ Increased adaptability - Learning new things physically alters our brains in such a way that our outlook and perceptions change. These alterations make it easier for us to adapt to sudden life changes, like a global pandemic for instance! Adapting to change is a skill, and the more varied our life experiences are, the easier it is to draw on them and adjust ■ Prevent cognitive decline - Learning origami doesn’t mean we won’t get dementia. There are many types of dementia and the causes are nuanced. But there are many studies which suggest that people who learn new skills are less likely to experience cognitive decline including dementia. Mental decline is linked to demyelination of our brain. People who actively learn new skills are not giving their brains a chance to demyelinate, and their neural pathways are primed to create workarounds if some area of the brain does begin to fail. The key seems to be to learn things outside of our comfort zone, so if you are a knitter, don't choose to learn crochet, which is similar, choose Russian, or salsa dancing, or the ukulele instead, subjects which push you out of your comfort zone, but (importantly) which you actually want to learn and will enjoy.

Keep exercising that brain!

New 22 bed residential suite opening July Ideally situated just outside the historic seaside town of North Shields, Redesdale Court is a friendly, purpose-built care home offering residential and residential memory care.

At Redesdale Court, Residents are guaranteed a warm and comfortable stay in an inviting home-from-home environment, with a choice of tastefully decorated rooms for relaxing and dining.

The home is celebrating having recently received its second consecutive overall ‘Outstanding’ rating from an inspection from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a rating which only the top 3% of adult social care services have achieved, making Redesdale Court one of the very best in the country.

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9.9/10 carehome.co.uk average user rating Short and long term care packages All en-suite bathrooms Welcoming hair and beauty salon Overall ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating Extensive wellbeing programme

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UNFORTUNATELY DUE TO THESE UNPRECEDENTED CIRCUMSTANCES WE ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

Please keep an eye on our facebook page for up to date details as to when the shop will re-open. Thanks to all our customers for supporting us and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Stay safe.

NEED A PHOTO GIFT?

We are still offering a delivery service for:

CANVASES • CALENDARS PHOTO GIFTS • PHOTO BOOKS

Visit our website or download the FUJIFILM Imagine app and place your order

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35

CROSSWORD

Across 1 Grand house (7) 5 Verifiable truths (5) 8 Dividends, earnings (5) 9 Ghoulish, spooky (7) 10 Evened the score (7) 11 Coach, teach (5) 12 Animosity, hatred (6) 14 Stick, attach (6) 18 Permit (5) 20 Sincere (7) 22 Beasts (7) 23 Belief (5) 24 Ledge (5) 25 Pudding (7)

!

Down 1 Important business person (7) 2 Sound (5) 3 Brilliance, astuteness (7) 4 Wanderers, travellers (6) 5 One side of a many-sided object (5) 6 Savoy, Red, or Napa (7) 7 Severe, sombre (5) 13 Depression, sickness (7) 15 Ridicules (7) 16 Drain, take out (7) 17 Stopped (6) 18 Collect, compile (5) 19 Dock, levee (5) 21 Bald, Golden or Pygmy (5)

SOLUTION ACROSS: 1. Mansion 5. Facts 8. Gains 9.Macabre 10. Avenged 11. Train 12. Enmity 14. Adhere 18. Allow 20.Earnest 22. Animals 23. Dogma 24. Shelf 25. Dessert DOWN: 1. Magnate 2. Noise 3. Insight 4. Nomads 5. Facet 6. Cabbage 7. Stern 13.Malaise 15. Derides 16. Extract 17. Ceased 18. Amass 19. Wharf 21. Eagle 36

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I own & operate GutterPRO across North Shields,Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Shiremoor, Wallsend and the surrounding areas.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

ENJOY YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND WITH A THERMOS ROOF If you’re fed up with your conservatory being either freezing cold or blistering hot. Here, Thermos Roof explain how they have the answer

C

onservatories are a fantastic space to enjoy whilst looking out onto your garden, they are bright, spacious and give you a great sense of closeness to the outdoors. However, as most conservatory owners will know, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually short lived and can only be enjoyed for two or three months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot.

At Thermos Roof, we have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons, firstly to increase its insulating performance and secondly to enhance its internal aesthetic appearance.

Experience will have shown you that in the winter as soon as you open the door the heat is sucked out of your room into the conservatory and, during the summer, it becomes a dazzling sauna that’s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermos Roof we can transform your conservatory from a room you barely use into a room that you can enjoy all year round, because the temperature is comfortable and constant, you will even be able to watch TV or use a computer without sunglasses.

What is most impressive is that we can do this all in one day! With no mess!

We retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it from the inside, finishing it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches perfectly

38

with the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials we use are lightweight, therefore no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home. In addition to this the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is now.

The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste, and less time to install saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately.

We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein its use is not dictated by the external weather conditions, it will become warm in winter and cool in summer.

In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up

an unsightly dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter in the evenings by reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work.

All installations come with a 5 year warranty and we guarantee that you will be amazed with both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof.

We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs.

Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory!

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Call Steve on 01670 828 695 or 07901 506 645 or visit our website www.thermosroof.co.uk During these unprecedented times, to ensure your safety and ours, all our staff and fitters wear 39 PPE where suitable and, upon completion of each job, your Conservatory will be fully disinfected.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

PROBATE: How much do you charge?

BY JACQUELINE EMMERSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EMMERSONS SOLICITORS

W

hen I am drafting wills on behalf of clients, we discuss the issue of Executors. An Executor is the person who handles all of the paperwork and administration when someone dies.

They are expected to apply for a Grant of Probate and thereafter gather in the assets of the estate, pay all creditors and distribute the remainder to the beneficiaries. If you want to appoint someone who knows what they are doing, who can work quickly and who takes away the stress from your family then it would be a good idea to appoint a solicitor. Hence the question, how much do you charge?

Well that depends very much upon you. Are you organised?

A three bedroomed property which is neat and tidy and with most paperwork in one room will take about four to six hours for three of our staff to search for jewellery, paperwork, share certificates, coin collections, musical instruments etc. We have to search everywhere.

If you were very organised you would have all paperwork in one draw or cabinet with a list of your old accounts/investments indicating that those accounts had been closed down. This will immediately cut down on costs as we won’t have to spend time locating paperwork. There is a world of difference between us going through fifteen years of old bills or being presented with a neat orderly collection of up to date paperwork. If you have asked a family member to be your executor this is what you are asking them to attend to unless they then appoint a solicitor upon your death.

What state a property is in will hugely affect how much we charge. You are probably not aware of just how much a skip can cost. We have just received a quote for over £12,000 for a company to clear out a house. It’s in such bad condition that builders cannot tell what the structure of the building is like. I know that once it’s cleaned up and the garden tidied that we can make tens of thousands more on this property. It’s in a beautiful location with a mature 50 foot private garden.

A person’s mental health can deteriorate quite quickly once other family members pass away. We once went to a small house that was so packed with rubbish that we couldn’t tell if there was a bathroom 40

JACQUELINE EMMERSON

or not. The family had taken one look at the place and instructed us to act. It took six staff from our Clear and Clean team four days to clear out that house.

But they also cleaned it from top to bottom, thus it was immediately ready for sale and sold within days of being placed upon the market. According to the neighbour the place had been as neat as a pin when the lady of the house was alive. She predeceased her husband by three years and things had declined that much in such a short space of time.

I think the correct question to ask is how much added value can we as solicitors bring to the estate.

A few months ago we sorted out a house that had not been modernised since the 1950’s. No modern kitchen or bathroom, no central heating. But we organised everything very quickly and using sealed bids we obtained £65,000 over the asking price within three days of the property going on the market for sale.

I know that everyone does not live their lives in order to save probate legal fees but at the moment, as we are all stuck in the house, is it not a good idea to organise your paperwork. Whilst you are at it you might decide to rearrange some of your contracts.

If you are preparing a list of utility companies with account numbers what about negotiating yourself a better deal.

If you have gold sovereigns are they hidden all over the house, will I have to look down the back of drawers to find them or could you store them with your jewellery. Do you have an old watch? In days gone by as soon as a man qualified from his apprenticeship he would buy himself a decent watch.

Those watches are often left lying in cupboards but they can be worth a fortune. Gold is also quite valuable at the moment and it’s worth taking it down to the gold dealers in town to sell it. Why not cash in your money now and, when Covid is over take yourself off for a few days holiday. That way I won’t be charging your estate for the time taken to go and sell your gold, sovereigns or jewellery. A win win situation.

■ If you require any help then please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0191 2846989 or je@emmersons-solicitors.co.uk

If your relationship has just ended we understand that you may feel lost or worried.

Relationship in difficulties?

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GARDENING

GARDEN VIEW

Heavenly Hellebores

By Rachael Leverton I fell in love with Hellebores a few years ago after an early spring visit to the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge where there are some beautiful displays. They provide a spring garden with elegant colour, and I admit to being quite excited when they appear.

They are poisonous plants so are probably best avoided if you have young children. They have a somewhat magical history. A mythological physician named Melampus was said to have observed the cathartic effect of hellebore on goats who munched on the plants. Melampus allegedly then used the milk of the same goats to cure the daughters of the King of Argos of their madness.

The plant was used for its purgative properties into the Middle Ages and beyond. Personally, I would recommend growing them only for their attractiveness!

The original species originated in the northern parts of Greece and Turkey, but they grow incredibly well in British gardens. Having said that, I was disappointed when my first hellebore plants didn’t thrive initially.

They seemed to succumb to disease quite easily. I subsequently learned this this was black rot. Then I heard Alan Titchmarsh’s advice to carefully cut the large fingered leaves from the plant at ground level in January,

taking care not to damage the buds.

This somewhat brutal treatment has worked a treat and my hellebores are now flourishing.

Hellebores like well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade. My clumps are happily increasing in size yearon-year. The stems shoot up to 25-30cm high between late January and February and the flowers appear at the top. Colours tend to be subtle: green-tinged white, yellow, oxblood red or dull purple but they glow in the more subdued light at this time of year. They would certainly appear washed-out in the bright sun of late spring and summer. The flowers are

rich in nectar so provide food for early bees.

There are many varieties of hellebore, with single or double flowers. Just note that not all of them are easy to grow. I have struggled to get the Christmas Rose Helleborus niger to survive, never mind flower, but I’ve had much more success with the Green hellebore, Helleborus viridis, the pretty pink Lenten rose Helleborus x hybridus, which selfseeds quite nicely, and also the Helleborus x hybridus Ashwood Garden hybrids, which come in a variety of colours but don’t seem to self-seed as freely, at least in my garden.

Dig in plenty of mushroom compost before planting, and mulch after you’ve cut the leaves off. Dust with a blood, bone and fishmeal mix after flowering and mulch again with wellrotted leaf mould or compost. Dig up any small self-seeded plants and use them as gifts, or to increase your own colony.

Happy gardening!

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A WET FEW RAN IT RIGHT (5,5,7) GET WIN IF LIGHT (13) RING WELTS (9) LOB ALOFT (8) LITHE CATS (9) ROMAN HAT (8) MINOR GO CART (5,6) Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

WIN FUN GRIDS (11)

Solution

BALK TABLES (10) SOLUTION: White Water Rafting, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Football, Athletics, Marathon, Motor Racing, Windsurfing, Basketball

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BOOKS

A GOOD READ

By Willow Coby

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY

by Rachel Joyce

Retirement is meant to be relaxing, isn’t it? You do what you love doing and enjoy yourself. But what if you suddenly receive a letter out of the blue? A woman who worked in your office many years ago has cancer and is dying. She just wants you to know. This touches you for reasons you can’t quite explain, so you write her a note to say that you are sorry to hear that. Putting on your coat and your yacht shoes you leave with the note. Your destination? The post box. Just as far as the end of the road.

And so, starts Harold Fry’s extraordinary journey: 627 miles in 87 days. With no plan, other than to reach Queenie, he sets off on a journey of faith. Scribbling on the note he tells her to wait for him. This debut novel from radio and TV writer, Rachel Joyce, will take you on a gentle journey with Harold and the various people he meets along the way. Totally unprepared for what he will encounter, his faith in positive thinking keeps him going as he learns more about his life and relationships with his wife and son.

THE MAZE RUNNER

by James Dashner

Post-apocalyptic and dystopian literature is perennially popular with teens and adults alike, and the events of 2020 only served to increase its attraction. The Maze Runner was initially published in 2009 but came to prominence with the release of the film adaptation in 2014. Thomas is a teenager who awakes to find himself in a box in a place called the Glade. He has no memory of who he is or how he came to be here, but he is thrown into this new community, and as a reader so are you. Before long you become familiar with the terminology used by the boys and you feel as if you are a Glader along with them.

As Thomas adjusts to his new environment, he learns 54

about the Maze which surrounds the Glade. Each day the walls open and a select group of runners spend daylight hours exploring and mapping it. It is a race against the clock because at sunset the Grievers – giant robotic creatures – enter the Maze and they are deadly. The walls close to protect the community and overnight the structure of the Maze changers, leaving the runners to start again in the morning.

The big mystery is why. Why are Thomas and the other boys there and why do the Grievers come out to get them? Why do the walls in the Maze change and will the runners ever solve it? However, more importantly why has a girl been sent to the Glade and why has all communication with the outside world suddenly stopped?

This is the first book in an engaging series which develop the story and characters beyond the original theme.

WHEN THE CURTAIN FALLS

by Carrie Hope Fletcher

Somewhere in every town or city is a special place. A place where real life is suspended, and you can forget about your problems. A place that shows us life in all its details. The ups and downs, love, death, joy, and sadness. It shows us life as we wish it was and life as we hope it will never be. That place is of course, the theatre. This novel catapults you into that world and provides a fascinating glimpse of life backstage where the audience usually never get to venture.

Part romance and part ghost story When the Curtain Falls switches between the present day and 1952, where two young lovers try to steal moments together backstage as life begins to echo the drama being played out on stage. Tragedy strikes and one of them is destined to remain forever haunting the dressing rooms and fly floor high above the stage. Nearly 60 years later and their fateful play is revived at the same theatre. Among the cast are Olive and Oscar, also stealing moments together to keep their budding romance secret. But strange things start to happen as a previous occupant is reawakened.

Sometimes (especially right now) you need a light, easy-to-read, novel for a bit of escapism. When the Curtain Falls fills that brief. It won’t win any literary awards, and sometimes the character development feels rushed, but it has a certain level of charm. Fletcher herself has grown up in the theatre and anyone who knows her cannot help but picture her when Olive is described. But that only adds to the fun.

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