ABC
EnEthly R F Mo B i-
Established
2008
WANSBECK EDITION | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 | WWW.YOURABC.CO.UK
HANDMADE ART JEWELLERY
Find the perfect gift with Ouseburn jewellery artist Silverkupe
EVERYTHING ON TRACK
Passenger Service between Ashington and Newcastle could be ready by 2023
PUZZLEES INSID
CHOOSING THE PERFECT TREE
Dobbies Garden Centre give their expert guide to real Christmas Trees
A S H I N G T O N | S TA K E F O R D | P E G S W O O D | & S U R R O U N D I N G A R E A1S
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WELCOME TO ABC MAGAZINE Welcome to the Wansbeck edition of ABC, your bi-monthly local magazine.
ABC is distributed free of charge to thousands of homes in Ashington, Stakeford, Pegswood and surrounding areas and is available in various outlets such as cafés, dentists, hairdressers, health clubs and community centres. You can also read it online, visit www.yourabc.co.uk for more information.
Level 3 City & Guilds qualified dog groomer with 9+ years experience with many different breeds
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Publisher: R Wilson Advertising, PO Box 225, Bedlington, NE63 3FL www.yourabc.co.uk Email: info@yourabc.co.uk Facebook: @yourabc Twitter: @abcmagazines 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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Please visit my facebook page or website for reviews & photos of my work. Thinking of becoming an Aesthetic Beauty Technician? I am an Accredited Training Provider, offering the best in ‘one to one’ training to fit around your own schedule.
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Pauline Stephenson Aesthetics
I look forward to welcoming you to my home clinic located in Cramlington.
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
Handmade Art-Jewellery
S
ituated in Ouseburn, the artistic engine-room of Newcastle, Silverkupe offers unique handmade jewellery for discerning clients. After more than 20 years of teaching landscape architecture and 3D modelling, Emine started her jewellery journey in 2017 and never looked back. Originally from Istanbul, she lives in Whitley Bay and creates her contemporary jewellery from the BBox Studios in Newcastle. Since the beginning of her creative journey Emine has always been fascinated by colour, texture and form. She uses a combination of techniques in her creations, such as traditional silversmithing, metalclay, and sculptural and enamelling techniques. She seeks to bring together the individual characteristics of different materials and techniques to construct unmistakable pieces. Colour plays an important role in her designs also. Emine achieves deep blacks by selective oxidisation, intense blues and reds by vitreous enamels, and adds indulgence to her designs with 24k gold-accents. Her pieces get hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office. Emine’s expressive jewellery offers a 6
Emine’s modern silver art-jewellery, with its pop of colour and gold, might be just the thing you are looking for.
contemporary twist on more traditional ideas. Due to handmade process, every single piece is one-of-a- kind. Currently she has four collections within her portfolio, Colour Seeds, Dotty, Simplicity and Half & Half that reflects her unique design. You can find her art-jewellery in fourteen galleries and gift shops across the UK and on her website. Up until recently, she also exhibited her designs in many UK locations such as London, York, Newcastle, Durham, Saltaire, Glasgow and, of
course, Whitley Bay. Speaking about life as a designer-maker and her business values, Emine said: ‘Jewellery and precious metals play an important role in traditional Turkish culture. Just have a look at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul! This culture is embedded in me. I am also fascinated by how silver, and indeed gold, can be endlessly recycled, and how every bit of discarded metal can eventually be turned into a beautiful piece. I use eco-friendly jewellery presentation boxes and my postage material is all recycled’. Emine has been living in the UK since 1999 and the name ‘Silverkupe’ encapsulates her background and her future. ‘Küpe’ means an earring in Turkish. As a child and a teenager, Emine always liked silver jewellery and especially earrings. So she combined two words from the two different cultures to which she belongs to
create her brand name. Emine loves teaching and enjoys seeing people developing and finding out what they are cable of doing. She gives jewellery-making workshops at her studio. These are currently one-to-one only. Workshops from her range are proving to be popular gifts. You can select from six different workshops, ranging from introductory silverclay to more advanced silversmithing techniques. She is planning further options for her workshop portfolio to spread the joy of making even more! Emine’s modern silver artjewellery, with its pop of colour and gold, might be just the thing you are looking for. You can select a statement piece or everyday jewellery to accompany your individual style. Emine also accepts bespoke commissions and designs the pieces according to her client’s needs, desires and visions. And if you cannot decide what to choose for a loved one, she offers personalized gift cards as well. ■ Silverkupe Jewellery & Workshops, BBox Studios, Studio 30, Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AN www.silverkupe.com contact@silverkupe.com 7
LOCAL NEWS
Contractors appointed to build Morpeth Leisure Centre development
The development of a new state-of-the art Leisure Centre and community hub in Morpeth has taken another step forward with the appointment of the contractors. After a rigorous tender process, Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the official contractor to build the centre. The new £21million development is being funded by Northumberland County Council and will be built on The Terrace site on Gas House Lane in Morpeth. It is hoped that work will start on the site in November, with the centre complete and open to the public in Summer 2022. The centre will include a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, a learner pool, spa facilities, a four-court sports hall, a new 100 station fitness suite, a dedicated cycling studio, large fitness studios, a cafe area and soft play. The plans also incorporate a new community services hub which will see the town’s library move back to its former home on Gas House Lane, a customer service centre and a new adult learning facility with classrooms for STEM learning and catering. Leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson said: “I am delighted that we are one step closer to creating outstanding sports, leisure and community facilities for Morpeth and the wider area. The new centre will be a real asset for the town and a wonderful place for residents and visitors to enjoy for many years to come. “ When work does commence, Willmott Dixon will be implementing strict social distancing to ensure the health and safety of their staff and the wider community is not compromised in any way and that all measures on site are compliant with Government guidelines and Public Health 8
England guidance.” The new sports complex will be run by Active Northumberland, the charitable trust that manages leisure services across the county. Mark Warnes, Acting Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said: “This modern new centre and the facilities within it have been designed so there will be something for all members of the local community to realise their fitness, lifestyle and sporting goals.” Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the north, said: "We are delighted to have been appointed to create such an exciting and important facility, one that we think the people of Morpeth will be proud of, for generations to come. The creation of top-quality leisure facilities to encourage health and wellbeing are vital to help our communities thrive. Morpeth Leisure Centre will combine that with a new community services hub; a space that will bring people together and create a fantastic learning environment. "As one of the UK's largest constructors of leisure centres, we will be bringing all our experience to ensure this is a fantastic facility for local people, as well as ensuring that we use local companies wherever possible to help support the local economy and create jobs in Morpeth." The new centre is part of an ambitious £65 million countywide investment programme by Northumberland County Council to upgrade and transform sport and leisure facilities and to enhance the customer experience. This includes the building of new leisure centres in Berwick and Ponteland and major investment to refurbish and revitalise centres in Blyth and Hexham.
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LOCAL NEWS
Remembrance Sunday Latest Updates Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions there is understandably uncertainty on whether Ashington’s annual Remembrance Day Service, as well as other Services across the country, will take place this year. Ashington Town Council works closely with the Ashington Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), Ashington Churches Together and Northumberland County Council in organising the town’s Remembrance Day Service. Attendance at the Service has significantly increased in recent years, particularly since the development of the Ashington Memorial Garden which provides a fitting setting to remember those from our town who died in the service of their country. At the current time it is unclear whether a Service in any form can take place. The Town Council, working with the RBL, local Ministers and the County Council will strictly adhere to all the relevant guidance and instruction in planning any activities. Please check the Town Council’s website for more information prior to Remembrance Day which will take place on Sunday 8 November this year. The Town Council are aware that a number of individuals and organisations in the town may wish to lay
a poppy wreath and pay their respects on Remembrance Day whether a formal Service takes place or not. Following social distancing instruction members of the public will have an opportunity to lay wreaths at the War Memorial during the day. Please note that arrangements for obtaining poppy wreaths in Ashington will be different to previous years. If you wish to purchase a wreath please call the Royal British Legion on tel; 0345 845 1945. For more information on the work of the Royal British Legion and this year’s Poppy Appeal visit www. britishlegion.org.uk For more information on the Ashington War Memorial visit ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk/services/War-Memorials
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
TUTORING WITH PROVEN RESULTS If you have any concerns over missed education this year and are considering tuition, Morpeth based Maximize Education can help
I
ndividual tuition can make a huge difference to a student’s confidence and academic success, but finding the right tutor is not always easy. However, the answer might be right here in Morpeth, in the shape of Christine Jamieson and the Maximize Education team! The Maximize Education concept began over 15 years ago, when Christine wanted to professionalise out-of-school tuition services, so that parents could be assured that tutors were fully qualified, DBS checked and had undergone safe recruitment procedures. This would also ensure professional tutors could work within a dedicated, fully-equipped environment with access to ongoing training opportunities and personal development. She wanted parents and students to be able to access as many subject tutors as they needed for individual tuition within one place, so that subjects could be alternated or rotated as required to ensure convenience and best use of time and money. But, most importantly, Christine wanted students to enjoy their tuition, reduce their learning or examination anxiety, build their confidence, and nurture their learning journey so they could achieve their absolute best. The first centre opened in Gosforth, shortly followed by the Morpeth Tuition Centre, based at 32a Newgate Street. Maximize Education is now a team of twelve highly qualified educators, covering an extensive range of subjects from Key stage 2 through to A-level, in addition to undergraduate support and adult learning and alternative education provision for
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home-schoolers. Tutors deliver both supportive and examination focused tuition using proven methods, developed and perfected to ‘Nurture Knowledge and Maximize Success.’ All tuition is delivered 1:1 with an individual learning programme put in place for each student whether you attend the centre in person or take online tutorials. The events of 2020 have provoked dramatic changes in the way education is delivered. Maximize Education have spent lockdown gaining further qualifications themselves, and developing their online learning platform to compliment individual tutorials. The centre has also undergone an extensive refurbishment to ensure COVID19 safety for their staff and students. They have put in place individual (self-contained) tuition pods, complete with 2 metre distancing between student and tutor, desk screens and hand sanitising stations. Stationery and resources are provided for each student individually and all staff wear face shields and masks. Tuition pods are sanitized after each student and timetables are staggered to assist social distancing. Individual tuition is available at the Morpeth Centre or online, between 9am – 8.30pm Monday – Friday and 10am – 4pm Saturdays. If you have any concerns over missed education this year and are considering tuition, get in touch. E: maximizeeducation@gmail.com T: 07894852929 www.maximizeeducation.com
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
AN EXPERT GUIDE TO
REAL CHRISTMAS TREES T
he focal point of the festive season has to be the Christmas tree. A day out to choose the perfect tree has become a magical highlight of the countdown to Christmas and it quickly becomes the star of the show once home and decorated. The go-to destination for real Christmas trees, the experts at Dobbies Garden Centres, have put together their essential guide, including tips to help you choose the picture-perfect one, keep it looking its best, and finally what to do with it when the time comes to take it down. In a change for 2020, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer is responding to demand and focusing on one type of real tree, the Nordmann Fir. Growing in popularity year-on-year, the traditional real tree has become a firm family favourite and here they explain why. With everything you need to create the perfect Christmas, visit your local store at Gosforth, Morpeth or Ponteland or browse the online range at Dobbies.com.
■ CHOOSING YOUR TREE
Healthy trees will have a shiny, glossy green coating on the needles which feels slightly waxy to touch. A quality tree should have good needle retention and sturdy branches. Avoid bare branches test the needle retention by taking the tree by the trunk and give it a gentle tap on the ground. All evergreen trees lose needles all year round, but any more than a few fallen pine needles then you may want to reconsider your tree choice. There are two main types, Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir - both available as cut or pot grown. Nordmann Fir With its classic Christmas tree shape, glossy green foliage and fresh pine scent, it’s easy to see why this is by the far the most popular variety for 16
the perfect festive centrepiece. British grown for Dobbies, the Nordmann Fir has good needle retention and the softer foliage makes it the ideal option for families with young children or pets. Fraser Fir This tree is slightly narrower in shape, making it a good alternative for smaller areas, but still with plenty of taller options to make the most of vertical space. Pot-Grown Not just a wonderful choice for Christmas, a pot-grown tree has extra green credentials given that it can planted outside afterwards, providing an environmentally friendly choice. Once inside and decorated, this tree gives off a fresh and festive scent of natural pine, filling your home with the scent of Christmas. They look equally as good outside your home. Wind battery operated outdoor fairy lights for the final finishing touch. Each year, Christmas trees seem to go up earlier and earlier, but to keep
your tree looking its best through to the 25th, the best time to buy is the first or second weekend of December. The busiest day for real Christmas trees, dubbed ‘Bring Your Christmas Tree Home Day’, falls on the second Saturday in December, which falls on the 12th this year.
■ BRINGING YOUR TREE HOME
An important first task - make sure you have emptied the car and have enough space to fit your tree, either inside or on the roof. To get your tree home safely, there are some simple steps to follow. Netting helps protect it for the journey home. Put a blanket down to protect your car’s interior Securely fasten your tree down with rope or cable ties and drive slowly and carefully home. Once you get home, take the tree out of the car and take out of the net as soon as possible. Then, remove a few inches from the base and stand in water. The sawing off of the stump should be done outside. Place it upright against an exterior wall or fence, out of direct sunlight if it is a warm winter’s day, as this will stop it
*Prices subject to change
NORDMANN FIR, STANDARD GRADE CUT (4-7FT) FROM £19.99
drying out.
■ HOW TO KEEP YOUR TREE LOOKING ITS BEST
Treat your tree with TLC. Un-net your tree and leave it to stand for 24-hours before decorating so that the branches can settle. As exciting as it can be to get the tree instantly up and decorated, it will look much better if you give the branches a chance to drop into place after being unnetted, you’ll then be able to see were best to place hanging decs, lights and baubles. Opt for a stand with a water reservoir to prevent your tree from drying out and cover it with a Christmas tree skirt, which can help to achieve your overall look. Your tree will need approximately 1-2 litres a day, depending on the temperature of the room. Try to avoid putting your tree next to a radiator. Keep the room cool when it’s not in use. If you are bringing a pot-grown tree indoors, be mindful to keep the compost moist but not wet. If you find that your tree is too wide
FRASER FIR (4-5FT) FROM £29.99
for the space you planned it for, you can clip some of the larger branches lower down to make it fit. Save the cuttings, as these can make a lovely decorations, in vases or as part of a homemade wreath.
■ WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR REAL TREE AFTER CHRISTMAS
Traditionally, the 5th or 6th January is when trees should be taken down and decorations packed away for another year, known as ‘Twelfth Night’. Dobbies encourage people to recycle their trees. Christmas tree recycling points are located at your local household waste recycling centres. If you opted for a pot-grown Christmas tree, remember to plant it as soon as possible in January so you can enjoy the following year. Select a spot that has well drained soil, sun, and enough space for the tree to sit comfortably. Then all you need to do is keep the tree watered and protected. Water and feed your pot grown tree regularly in its first year when
POT GROWN NORDMANN FIR (1FT-5FT) FROM £14.99
planted out in the garden.
REBECCA STANTON, STYLIST AT DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES, SHARES HER TOP FOUR CHRISTMAS TREE STYLING TIPS 1. LIGHT IT UP: No tree is complete without the twinkling of fairy lights, you will always need more than you think. Turn the lights on before moving to add baubles and decorations, to make sure you have good coverage all over.
3. LEVEL UP: To make a real
statement, think big. Use extra-large baubles and clusters of smaller baubles together in your tree. Carefully place your larger baubles first to ensure your tree feels balanced then work around to add in smaller baubles and decorations.
4. BAUBLE PACKS: To instantly update your usual Christmas tree style pick up one of our mixed size bauble packs, we have a variety of shades to suit any colour palette. These baubles are great because not only do they instantly set the theme, they help to spread colour throughout your tree, think a base layer for you to build on top with your more special decorations. 5. A LAYER OF NATURE: Decorating your real tree doesn’t need to end at the baubles. Try adding some dried flowers to your tree to give that added layer of nature. You could use dried grasses, heather or eucalyptus to lay on the branches of your tree along with orange slices and cinnamon sticks to bring the smell of Christmas into your home.
■ www.dobbies.com 17
CROSSWORD Across 1 Fifty percent (4) 4 Happened again (8) 8 Immobile (6) 9 ___ ___ to help out! (3,3) 10 Medicine (4) 11 Goodies given to guests at the end of birthday celebrations (5,3) 13 Unpleasant (13) 16 Saviours (8) 19 Curse (4) 20 Guarantee (6) 22 Inclined the head (6) 23 Weirdos (8) 24 Information (4) Down 2 Can be changed (9) 3 Tiredness (7) 4 Go over information again (5) 5 Bye! (7) 6 Attempt again (5) 7 Large flightless bird (3) 12 Plot of land for growing veg (9) 14 Item of warm underwear! (7) 15 Steered clear of (7) 17 Scale (5) 18 Ballads (5) 21 Craze (3)
SIGNWORD Equitable
People who do manual labour
Inclination Playthings
Plead Barrier
Admitted Untruth
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.
Goya (anag.)
Shaving device
Skidded
SOLUTIONS
Emanation
Boy
Ask (anag.)
Information (slang)
Change colour Beaker
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Y O Y O S
Grandmother (inf.)
B E D G A M A U G R E A N
Before (poetic)
W O R K M E N
Periphery
F A L L L I E R A Z N S L I D A N Y E D G E
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
Beauty at The Batt House
THE BATT HOUSE IS A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS BASED IN BEDLINGTON, OFFERING A RANGE OF MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS
C
laire Battista is an experienced Independent Nurse Prescriber who decided to venture into medical aesthetics by setting up her home based medical spa - The Batt House. Claire said “As an experienced nurse I was looking for a new challenge. I felt aesthetics was an amazing opportunity to combine my nursing expertise with my love for beautification”. The Batt House, located in Bedlington, always prides itself on ensuring a high-quality service. All their aesthetics treatments are based upon a medical model ensuring that all patients have thorough consultations, including taking a detailed medical history to ensure a patient’s suitability for treatments, with full aftercare provided. Claire is fully trained, qualified and insured to offer medical grade skin treatments, basic and advanced dermal filler treatments such as lip fillers, cheek filler and jawline filler, along with Botox anti-wrinkle treatments. When patients are booked in for a treatment such as dermal filler or Botox, Claire works in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Conduct to ensure patient safety and suitability before a treatment is carried out. Claire stated “As a nurse, when treating my patients, their safety and ensuring they have a good understanding of the treatment is of the utmost importance to me”. Claire regularly travels the country carrying out training to ensure her knowledge and skills are up to date. Claire has her next training course booked so, from December, will be offering patients advanced Botox treatments such as neck lifts, underarm sweating, and treatment for migraines. Claire explains “We have been privileged in The Batt House to be able to meet and treat our fantastic patients and clients. I get such job satisfaction from treating my patients whether it be a skin treatment, Botox or filler. Being able to boost my patient’s confidence and make them feel better about themselves through a treatment is so rewarding”. It’s 20
“For anyone unsure about which aesthetics treatments would best suit their needs, Claire is happy to arrange a consultation to discuss treatment options.” clear to see Aesthetic Nursing is an absolute passion for Claire. For anyone unsure about which aesthetics treatments would best suit their needs, Claire is happy to arrange a consultation to discuss treatment options. Claire’s daughters Charlotte and Jessica joined her in The Batt House to offer their beauty treatments too. They are highly skilled and trained brow, lash and nail technicians. Claire said “It’s been great for us to build a business together; we love
working together because we are such a close family and are all so motivated and just love the positive impact a treatment has for everyone we meet in The Batt House. “Charlotte and Jessica, like me, have travelled the country to train in the latest brow, lash and gel nail techniques. We are constantly looking at new trends and treatments. Our focus is always on high quality treatments, that’s why we do so much research and training for any treatments we provide.”
You can find a full treatment list and gift cards on The Batt House Facebook or Instagram: @batthousecc Bookings can be made through direct message on social media or via email: thebatthouse@yahoo.com
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
Give Gum Disease The Brush Off Joanne Duggan, principal dental surgeon at Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice, explains the perils of gum disease
WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?
When your gums are sore, inflamed, swollen, bleed or infected this is gum disease. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
WHAT IS GINGIVITIS?
Gingivitis means ‘inflammation of the gums'. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the inflamed gums bleed when you clean your teeth. Some people are scared to keep brushing if their gums bleed, but it is really important to continue to do so. Spitting blood out is certainly not pleasant but if you stop cleaning you will not remove the harmful plaque and bacteria that cause the gum inflammation. So persevere, keep brushing, and with good oral hygiene at home the gum inflammation should improve. It is however important to visit your dental team to get the correct advice about your gums and how best to clean your teeth at home and monitor your gum health.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Teeth are held into place by the jaw bone which is under the gum. When healthy there is usually a very small space where the tooth meets the gum. If there is gum disease, this space between the tooth and gum gets bigger forming a deeper space called a pocket. The deeper the pocket or space surrounding the tooth, the less the tooth is attached to the gum and the more difficult it is to clean; harmful plaque and bacteria can get under the gum and destroy the gum attachment further but also destroy the bone anchoring the tooth. This bone loss leads to the tooth becoming loose and if periodontal disease is not treated can ultimately lead to the loss of a tooth. Gum disease has been linked with other medical conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, poor pregnancy outcomes and dementia. Although more research is needed to understand the exact link, there is evidence that having a healthy mouth and gums can help improve your general health. Continued on next page 23
...continued
COMPLICATIONS OF PERIODONTAL DISE ASE
• Bad breath or halitosis • Blood on your toothbrush or in the toothpaste you spit out after cleaning your teeth • Bad taste in your mouth • Abscesses • Receding gums • Loose teeth • Loss of teeth
WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE AND HOW DO I TRY TO PREVENT IT?
All gum disease is caused by plaque due to the harmful bacteria it contains. There is also a link to periodontal disease with a family history (hereditary), stress, hormonal and diabetes. Smoking too has a strong link with periodontal disease and the advice to all smokers is to stop smoking. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you attend the dentist for regular examinations and also for any necessary treatment. However treatment at the dentist or hygienist will not be successful unless you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. I'm afraid there is a lot of homework for you to do in between dental appointments; you cannot rely on your 3 monthly hygienist visits to do all the work for you. Treatment of periodontal disease will not be successful if you don't clean the plaque off your teeth; your plaque removal at home must be impeccable to remove the harmful bacteria to prevent the disease process progressing. I cannot stress the importance of this enough! Without good plaque removal at home then the disease process will continue. So you must: 1. Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes, especially before bed 2. Clean interdentally every day. Your dental team will advise you of the best products for you to use for every area of your mouth. Examples of some of the products are floss, interdental brushes and single tufted brushes.
SMOKING AND GUM DISEASE
There is a definite link between smoking and gum disease, so if you are a smoker, stopping is one of the best ways to improve your gum health. Smokers tend 24
to have more hard calculus and plaque, plus smoking reduces the blood supply to the gums. This means infected gums do not heal as well and the reduced blood supply could mask the symptoms of gum disease (bleeding gums in particular). So, if you are a smoker it really is worth the health benefit for your gums if you quit.
WHY VISITING YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY IS SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR GUM HEALTH
When you visit the dentist, they will screen you for any gum disease by performing a basic periodontal examination (BPE). The dentist will gently feel around your teeth and gums and assess the pocket depths (looseness of the gums), and if there is any bleeding, plaque and calculus. The dentist will then have a score for your gums that will indicate both the condition of your gums and also the treatment that is needed. X-rays may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment can be prescribed for you.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
If you have gum disease you may need multiple appointments with your dental team. They will remove all plaque and calculus, (hard deposits) from your teeth and show you how to remove plaque successfully yourself, so you can thoroughly and effectively clean all the surfaces of your teeth. A good oral care routine at home with brushing and interdental cleaning is the most important thing you can do to help prevent gum disease getting worse. Once your teeth are clean, your dental team may need to treat the roots of the teeth, under the gums. This would involve cleaning under the gums to flush out any
Bedlingtonshire
Dental Practice
bacteria deep in the pockets. Your gums will then be reassessed to see if there has been improvement. If there is improvement then you will need to have a maintenance treatment plan, but if there is no improvement or worsening you may be offered more specialist treatment or even a referral to see a dentist whom specialises in periodontal disease for further help.
WHAT HAPPENS IF GUM DISEASE IS NOT TREATED?
Unfortunately, if you do not go regularly to the dentist you may not notice the destruction caused by gum disease until you have an abscess or loose tooth or bleeding/sore gums. Over a number of years, disease progression can lead to loss of the bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth mobility, infections and tooth loss. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can also be more difficult. It is vital you visit your dentist/hygienist regularly whom will monitor your gum health and advise you of the best treatment needed for you. Periodontal disease treatment is not a quick fix; it needs a lot of motivation and commitment from you the patient. Without good plaque removal at home, gum disease will not improve. Even after gum disease treatment, your gum health will need to be monitored regularly and maintained.
IF I HAVE IMPLANTS, CAN I STILL GET PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
You can still get gum problems around implants that can lead to loss of the bone surrounding and supporting the dental implant. This bone loss can lead to the failure of an implant and it may need to be removed. This condition is called peri-implantitis. It is really important with implants that the surrounding gum health is good with excellent removal of plaque at home every day. It is important to visit your dentist/hygienist to get the appropriate advice on how best to clean your implants and to receive the correct maintenance.
IN CONCLUSION
“Brushing your teeth and cleaning interdentally every day will help to keep gum disease at bay”. References www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/caring-for-teeth/gum-disease www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gum-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx British Society of Periodontology; Basic Periodontal Examination(BPE). Mar 2016
There is no cure for periodontal disease, but it can be controlled as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught by your dental team. The success of gum disease treatment and maintaining stable gum health relies very heavily on good plaque removal and oral hygiene at home to remove the harmful bacteria that drives this disease process. This message is so important; I'm sure you are sick of reading it but I don't think I've repeated myself enough!!!! Yes I do encourage (nag) my patients just as much to brush their teeth twice a day and to use interdental cleaning products every day. (If they do it, they get the benefit of good gum health plus I stop nagging!)
■ If you’re concerned about gum disease and you’d like to book a dental examination, contact Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice on 01670 828402. www.bedlingtonshiredental.co.uk 25
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
CHOIR LOOKS FORWARD & District TOAshington A NEW START
Male Voice Choir was formed around the Like so many organisations, time this picture of rehearsals and concerts were suspended for Ashington & District High Market was taken Male Voice Choir (ADMVC) when parts of Northumberland…it really is the country went into lockdown and repertoire available so that members enjoyable! thisc1916. included the cancellation of the can use them. These initiatives have Rehearsals are weekly on a 2020 Annual Concert scheduled been great but nothing is like the The Choir has a long Thursday at 7pm in Stakeford & for 6th June, the first time that this real thing. Bomarsund Welfare and there will be happened for at least 40 years. Ideas are now being considered and proud heritage iswhich now looking for when more publicity we can go back into All the members are itching to for and a new start we hope will action. get started again and Neil Morton, not be too far away! toandrehearse and perform a new repertoire Furthermore it’s worth at thesingers Musical Director Derek Brett Any gents looking for something remembering that there are no have been helping to sustain interest different to do after the lockdown auditions, no requirements to read through the use of throughout Facebook. Neil venues the County. may want to give choral singing a music, just a wish to give us a try. has had daily lunchtime interludes go. ADMVC is a community choir Just look us upthere’s on Facebook or visit bringing of songs requested offeringwill gents abe chance to meet welcome, Alltunes ages and abilities made no our website: by viewers whilst Derek has made socially and enjoy singing, whilst also theaudition, tunes of many of the choir’syou don’t bringing enjoyment manybe in many and needto to ablewww.ashingtonmalevoicechoir.org. to read music.
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LOCAL NEWS
Passenger Service between Ashington and Newcastle could be ready by 2023 WORK IS GETTING UNDERWAY TO EXPLORE GROUND CONDITIONS ON THE ROUTE OF THE PROPOSED NORTHUMBERLAND LINE.
The reintroduction of a rail passenger service between Ashington and central Newcastle could be in place in 2023 and preparatory work is ongoing both in terms of detailed design and on the ground. The ground investigation work, which will continue into the New Year, is being delivered by infrastructure consultancy AECOM, supported by delivery partner SEGL, a specialist ground engineering contractor. It involves drilling into the ground to gather soil and rock samples which are then tested to determine the properties of the ground conditions below the scheme. The deeper holes will find out whether there have been any mine workings beneath the scheme. The findings will give engineers information such as the strength of the rock, which they will factor into the design of the different elements of the railway upgrade, including new stations and bridges. The investigation will include more than 80 exploratory hole locations, from Northumberland Park in the south to Ashington in the north, at proposed station locations, bridges and embankments. More than 2km of drilling and coring is planned, with some boreholes extending 80m below ground level. In preparation, the team has undertaken extensive environmental surveys to ensure the work doesn’t disturb the surrounding natural environment. Councillor Richard Wearmouth, the Cabinet Member responsible for regeneration, said: “It really feels like we’re now making fast progress on this ambitious scheme, and people will see more activity along the 28
“It really feels like we’re now making fast progress on this ambitious scheme.” - COUNCILLOR RICHARD WEARMOUTH
route while these investigations take place. “While this work won’t impact on anyone’s properties we do thank people for their patience while this crucial stage of the scheme takes place. With passenger journeys taking people between Ashington and Newcastle in just over half an hour these are exciting times and, when realised, this scheme will bring huge benefits to residents, businesses and visitors.” Council Leader Glen Sanderson added: “I’m delighted we’ve reached the next stage of works on this hugely important project which is set to boost the local economy by up to £470m over the coming years.” James Todd, AECOM ‘s Project Director for the ground investigation, said: “The start of the ground investigations is a significant milestone for the project, representing start of the major site activity as we gear up for construction. It is a huge step forward in realising the wide-ranging benefits that the new rail line will bring to the surrounding communities.” Later this year an online public consultation will take place on various elements of the project. Any enquiries about the scheme can be directed to rail@northumberland.gov.uk
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RECIPE
CHICKEN JAMBALAYA A CAJUN-INSPIRED RICE POT, THAT IS PURE COMFORT FOOD FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH FLAVOUR
This veg-rich tart – drizzled with spinach pesto, is well worth the effort, and makes the perfect dinner
INGREDIENTS ½ tsp white peppercorns ½ tsp black peppercorns 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp cayenne 1 tsp dried thyme 2 bay leaves ½ tsp salt 2 tbsp neutral oil 2 smoked pork sausages, ideally andouille, but fresh Polish smoked sausages, smoked chorizo or would also do, cut into thick slices 4 bone-in chicken thighs 1 onion, finely chopped 1 red pepper, finely chopped 1 celery stick, finely chopped 4 spring onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed 800ml chicken or pork stock 1 tsp Tabasco or other hot sauce, plus extra to serve 300g long grain rice 300g large raw prawns 30
Serves: 4-6 ■ Preparation time: 15 Minutes Cooking time: 50 mins + 10 mins resting time METHOD ➊ Turn the heat to high and in a small dry pan toast the peppercorns, paprika and cayenne. Grind them in a pestle and mortar until smooth. Add the thyme, bay leaves and salt then set one side. ➋ Lower the heat to medium and heat the oil in a lidded frying pan. Add the sausage slices and cook until golden. Remove to drain on kitchen paper. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, remove and place with the sausage. ➌ Add the onion, green pepper, the white parts of the spring onions, and garlic to the pan. Cook until soft and translucent, then stir in the spice mix and cook for another couple of minutes. Return the
chicken back into the pan and pour stock and Tabasco over everything. ➍ Lower the heat to allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is tender. Stir in the rice and simmer for a further 10 minutes. Stir everything once then cover with a tight lid, reduce the heat and steam gently for 15 minutes. Remove the chicken. Add the prawns and sausage, stir again, then replace the lid and leave to rest for 10 minutes. ➎ Meanwhile, shred the chicken then fold into the rested jambalaya, season to taste with salt and more Tabasco. Garnish with the spring onion greens.
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E D U C AT I O N
The Coding Conundrum How to get kids learning to code By Kevin Shen
When my son Lee started secondary school this year, the subject he was most looking forward to studying was computer science. He wants to learn to code and create his own programs. But a few weeks in and he was starting to lose enthusiasm.The problem is that he hasn’t yet touched a computer, only partly because of COVID safety procedures. They learn about programming and how computers work, but it’s all on paper without a single line of code. I looked at his syllabus and frankly it’s not going to get much better for several months! Computer science courses at school talk about computers much more than they talk about programming. Kids desperate to code become frustrated and switch off from the subject. Fewer children in the UK are now progressing to become computer programmers. That’s unfortunate when it’s one of the most sought after skills in today’s workforce. There is a shortage of specialist computer science teachers. Most computer programmers work in industry, where salaries are higher. So children are taught by non-specialists who mostly do not have a software engineering background. Hence the syllabus becomes weighted to teaching general computing rather than coding. HOW DO WE TURN KIDS ON TO CODING? Most want to create the next top selling computer games, or a killer app for their phone. How 32
do we harness that and create the next generation of coders? Learning is currently going through big changes thanks to the pandemic. We can’t rely on having kids in a classroom with their teacher for the whole of a term at the moment because of various year groups or members of a bubble needing to selfisolate. But online learning opens up an almost infinite number of options for students. Web sites like Udemy or Coursera offer high-quality, well-taught courses in a vast range of topics. For Lee I found a Udemy course, tailored to his age range that taught coding through designing and building games (www.udemy.com/course/ learn-python-by-coding-games). It teaches Python, the same programming language that he’ll use at school, and indeed the one most schools use. All the lessons
are video, so there’s no reading long documents. Coding starts as soon as the programming software (which is free!) is installed. He can go at his own pace, take lessons whenever he wants, and replay explanations as many times as he wants until he fully understands. Personal help is just a few clicks away. Send a message and an answer comes back in about a day or so from the actual tutor. It’s just like having a private computer science teacher at a fraction of the cost - less than the cost of a single tutor session in fact! SO HOW’S HE DOING? The enthusiasm is back. He’s blasting through the lessons and loving it. At this rate he’ll finish the course this term which will take him to GCSE coding standard in just a few months. After that the sky’s the limit.
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
ENJOY YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND
If you’re fed up with your conservatory being either freezing cold or blistering hot. Here, Thermos Roof explain how they have the answer
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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 with the rest of your conservatory
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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! ■ www.thermosroof.co.uk
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FA S H I O N
Love Thy Tailor By Tracey Anderson
M
ost people think tailors are for rich gentlemen who frequent Saville Row, but tailoring is not as expensive as you might think, and it will save you money in the long run because if you love an item of clothing you're far less likely to replace it. At the low-price end are simple fixes such as hemming a dress or trousers; at the more expensive end will be adjusting the shoulders of a jacket. Tailoring opens up possibilities because it allows you to buy high-quality second-hand items, or designer items on the sale rack, knowing you can get the fit altered. Most importantly it helps your clothes look better than they did when you bought them. A slight change in fit can make a huge difference. Unless you habitually buy 'bespoke', clothing is sized in a 'good enough' way to fit most people well enough. Tailoring is the difference between an item that fits 'well enough' and one that fits perfectly.
SIMPLE HEMMING You can get skirts, trousers, jeans, dresses, and too-long shirts hemmed. When you get rid of the excess fabric at the base, you get clean lines for a sleek look. Wash new jeans before you take them in though as they nearly always shrink a little in the wash. SHORTENING SHOULDER STRAPS The way the shoulders fit is crucial to making an item look nice overall. If the shoulder straps on a shirt or dress won’t stay up, get them shortened. Anything sleeveless, or with straps is typically easy to alter. ZIP REPLACEMENT Buy exactly what you want from the haberdashery section of a fabric store and ask the tailor to replace it. TAKING IN The straight seams that run down the sides of shirts and dresses are easy to take in. A common
“Tailoring opens up possibilities because it allows you to buy high-quality second-hand items, or designer items on the sale rack, knowing you can get the fit altered.” 38
alteration to blouses and dress shirts is darting, a process where extra seams are placed in the back or sides of a shirt to remove baggy fabric. If you find that you frequently have to size up a blouse to fit your chest properly - leaving extra fabric around your waist darting is an inexpensive way to reshape the garment. Sleeves also tend to have straight seams running down their lengths, which a tailor can easily take in. The same works for trousers that are too loose in the leg. There is a limit though: if something is several sizes too big the alterations will throw the proportions out of balance, but a size or two is doable. WHEN SHOPPING: Clothing sizing for women is so variable as to be useless. Try things on, find the best fit, then have them tailored. Buy clothes that fit the biggest or widest part of your body, and then have them tailored down. If you are between sizes, size up and tailor down. Ask for a recommendation. If you admire the way a friend dresses, they may well have a tailor and will be flattered that you asked. Highend and designer shops may be able to recommend tailors too.
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GARDENING
GARDEN VIEW
HOW TO GROW RHUBARB By Rachael Leverton
Rhubarb is a reasonably easy trouble-free plant to grow. It is also a handsome plant, with large leaves and striking red stems, and who doesn’t love a rhubarb crumble? The trick is to choose the right spot. Ideally it needs to be planted in full sun but if your garden is very sheltered it will tolerate partial shade. Don’t plant it anywhere where it might be in the way, disturbed, or need to be moved from. Rhubarb has an extensive root system and prefers to stay put, for at least a decade, so give careful thought to the spot. Rhubarb dislikes wet soil, so make sure it’s well-drained. Dig in plenty of organic matter a month or so before planting. It’s generally easier and more productive to grow rhubarb from crowns (divided plants) rather than seed, and from now until Christmas is the perfect time to plant. Dig a hole a little wider than the rhubarb crown in your prepared ground. Plant so that the growing tip is about an inch /2.5 cm below the surface. Firm the soil well around the roots to removed air pockets. Water well and mulch with organic matter, avoiding the growing tip. During the growing season keep
40
the area around the plant free of weeds and give an occasional good soaking in prolonged dry periods. Remove any flower heads that appear in the spring. Flowering will weaken the stems. If the crown rots, your soil was too wet, but following all the advice I’ve given earlier should prevent this happening! Harvest time is May until July, but rhubarb is a long-term investment so don’t harvest it during the first year. It needs that full first year of growth to establish a strong root system.
Second year leave at least five strong stems when you harvest. After that you can leave three or four stems each time. You should get 2-3 crops per season. Remove only the largest stems when picking and wait till the leaves have fully opened. Pull gently from the base with a slight twist. The leaves are poisonous but can be safely composted. Once your rhubarb is established you might want to try a forced crop for sweeter more tender stems. Rhubarb is forced by growing it in the absence of light in a microclimate slightly warmer than the outside temperature. You can start forcing in January for best results. Remove dead leaves and weeds from around the crown and add a layer of straw or shredded paper to warm the emerging shoots and to protect them from frost. Then cover the crown with an upturned dustbin or large crock pot to cut out all the light. The rhubarb should be ready for harvesting 8 weeks later. Happy gardening.
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Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.
WORDSEARCH Can you find all of the British Prime Ministers hidden in the grid? Asquith Attlee Baldwin Balfour Blair Brown Callaghan Cameron Chamberlain Churchill Douglas Home
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Eden Heath Johnson Law Lloyd George MacDonald Macmillan Major May Thatcher Wilson
NOW R C EATING YOUR E P RFECT BEDROOM
KITCHEN • BATHROOM • TILE
Brilliantly Simple...Simply Brilliant Signature Kitchens, Bathrooms & Tiles have been providing customers with quality kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, flooring and tiles for over ten years.
Offering a unique combination of superb products, expertise and unmatched customer service, we bring you the home of your dreams, whilst making the transformation a painless process. For every project, we have an experienced team and a generation of experience; this successful formula shows in the results. ● FAMILY RUN BUSINESS ● FREE 3D PLANNING & DESIGN ● TILING, ELECTRICS & PLASTERING ● SUPPLY OR INSTALLATION ● FULL PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF YOUR DREAM KITCHEN OR BATHROOM
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
Blyth Bungalow Development Nearing Completion
Local bungalow developer, Altoria Development, is nearing completion of their latest stunning bungalow development in Blyth. Oakfield Grove is an exclusive development of only four detached bungalows tucked away in a quiet and private cul de sac off Inglewood Close, Chase Farm; the development is approached via a private driveway leading to a courtyard setting. All four bungalows are approximately 982 square feet and comprise of two double sized bedrooms. The bespoke kitchen includes integrated Bosch appliances: fridge, freezer, induction hob, extractor and single oven. Laminate worktop and co-ordinated cabinetry with soft closing doors and under cabinet lighting. The spacious family bathroom is tiled and includes a bath and shower over with a glass screen. Modern white doors with brushed chrome door handles feature throughout. All flooring is included within the purchase along with a bespoke colour scheme. Undoubtedly the focal feature of each new bungalow is the stunning large living room which has impressive windows and French doors leading to the landscaped rear garden. Externally, the front gardens 44
“The focal feature of each new bungalow is the stunning large living room which has impressive windows and French doors leading to the landscaped rear garden.” are turfed and have a block paved driveway. A footpath surrounds the property and external lighting is included. The properties are Freehold with mains gas, electricity and water. Each home also comes with a tenyear structural warranty. With two plots already sold and new homeowners due to complete in a matter of weeks, it has been a busy year for Altoria Development. Alan, director of Altoria Development, said: “Oakfield Grove is set to be another wonderful development with a high specification included as standard and within the sale price of £215,000. This development benefits from local services nearby yet still offers a secluded and private location.” Oakfield Grove is ideally located for easy access to the large Asda supermarket, only a few minutes walk away, as well as a wide range of local amenities in Blyth town centre, lovely beach walks and the thriving Blyth harbour. The development is
also close to the A189 Spine Road for commuting to Newcastle and the coast, with direct links to the A1 for the rest of the region. Victoria, co-director added, “We highly recommend a viewing of our show home to understand the high finish and full specification included within the purchase price. Our stunning new show home is now open, and we are delighted to be able to offer viewings, by appointment only, seven days a week.” To arrange a site viewing, or to request the sales literature of Oakfield Grove, Blyth please call Altoria Development on 01670 432603 or email info@altoriadevelopment.co.uk. Altoria Development specialise in bungalow developments and are always on the lookout for further sites with or without planning permission. Altoria Development’s current developments are at Oakfield Grove, Blyth and Ridge Grove, Stannington. For further details visit their website www.altoriadevelopment.co.uk
OAKFIELD GROVE
A BESPOKE BUNGALOW DEVELOPMENT IN BLYTH
AN EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF FOUR DETACHED BUNGALOWS Specification inclusive of: n n n n n n n n n n
Bespoke kitchen with choice of worktop and coordinated cabinetry Integrated kitchen appliances Stunning large lounge with French doors leading to landscaped garden Large family bathroom with choice of tiling Two bedrooms Flooring throughout Individual colour scheme Integrated garage with electric garage door Landscaped front and rear gardens Freehold and 10 year structural warranty
SALE PRICE OF £215,000 COMPLETION FROM AUTUMN 2020 For a sales brochure or more information Call: 01670 432 602 Email: info@altoriadevelopment.co.uk Visit: www.altoriadevelopment.co.uk
BOOKS
A GOOD READ
By Willow Coby
ME BEFORE YOU by Jojo Moyes
26-year-old Lou Clark still lives with her parents in the quiet market town she grew up in. Almost deserted in the winter the town’s one draw is an old castle and when we meet Lou, she works in the local tea shop serving the coach loads of tourists who come to visit. With a quirky dress sense Lou never really feels as if she fits in and as a teenager longed to travel the world. However, circumstances meant that she could never bring herself to leave. After losing her job she reluctantly takes a job caring for Will, a young quadriplegic man injured in a motorcycle accident several years earlier. She is told the job is just for 6 months and despite a rough start she decides to stick it out and soon an unlikely bond develops between Lou and Will. A romantic novel this also deals with the sensitive issue of disability and the descriptions of Will’s day to day life are well-written with brutal honesty and little sensationalism. Things take a darker turn when Lou learns the reason why her contract is only to be for 6 months and she sets out to bring Will new experiences and remind him of the simple joys of life: not easy for a wheelchair bound man whose ideal way to pass the time before his accident was skydiving or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. As a reader you are drawn into the lives of these characters and the development of their relationship is believable. In the hands of the wrong writer this plot line could turn out to be very twee and cliché but Moyes does not fall into this trap. The resulting novel is engaging, difficult to put down and will lead you to appreciate the small wonders of life.
SALVAGE THE BONES by Jesmyn Ward
It was a storm that made headlines around the world. In August 2005 Katrina hit the Louisiana coast causing great loss of life and destruction to New Orleans and the surrounding area. This award-winning novel, set over a period of 12 days, tells the story of the Batiste family who live in the fictional town of Bois Sauvage. Esch is 15 years old and lives with her three brothers and their father. Isolated from the rest of the small town due to the location of their house, they live in extreme poverty, with a largely absent father who, seven years after 46
the death of his wife, still relies on drink to get through the day. So, with the news of a category 5 storm is about to hit they begin to prepare what they can and stockpile a small amount of food. Each chapter is one day in the build up to the storm. Randall, the eldest is trying to do what he can to hold his family together. Skeetah is preoccupied with his pit-bull fighting dog, China, who has just given birth to puppies. Junior, the youngest, is trying to hold his own against his older brothers. And Esch has just discovered that she is pregnant. A captivating story with engaging characters, immerses you in their world, illustrated by a touch of Greek mythology thanks to a book that Esch (the narrator) is reading for school. The penultimate chapter will have your heart racing but ultimately this is the story of family love that survives despite the poverty and deprivation.
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars is the hugely successful teen novel exploring the impact of teenage cancer on the lives of two individuals. 16-year-old Hazel has cancer and is, reluctantly, convinced by her parents to attend a support group for others in her situation. Amongst the other patients there is Augustus, a 17-year-old boy who lost a leg to cancer. The two begin talking and agree to read each other’s favourite books. Hazel’s book is a novel by a Dutch writer about a young girl with cancer: Hazel sees many parallels to her own life here. Augustus is angry after reading the book and discovering that it doesn’t have a nicely wrapped up ending. There is no conclusion, no neat package, no ending: happy or otherwise. Of course, life has an ending, but it often isn’t happy or neatly wrapped up. Hazel becomes aware of her fears about getting close to others. She is afraid that when she dies it will hurt them, and this naturally affects her relationship with Augustus. This moving novel deals with issues that most of its teen readers won’t have yet faced in their lives. As a teenager you often feel immortal. You feel as if life is stretching out ahead of you Hazel and Augustus, along with the other young people at the support group view life differently. There is no expectation that everyone will make it to the next meeting. No one is immortal. This novel stays with you long after the closing paragraph.
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