ABC Magazine: Wansbeck Edition, February - March 2021

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WANSBECK EDITION | FEBRUARY - MARCH 2021

Established

2008

PUZZLES INSIDE

Exciting Move for Local Dog Groomers Blyth Town Centre gets £11m Boost Thriving Furniture Business opens new High Street Premises

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

A S H I N GTO N | STAKEFORD | PEGSWOOD | & S UR ROUN D I N G A R E A1S

Recruiting Now It’s time to care Rate of Pay

£9.80 an hour

• Flexible Hours • Rewarding Work • Full & Part-time • Training & Support • Competitive Rates of Pay • Career Progression

Find out more:

• Must be a car driver

Bluebird Care Northumberland South northumberlandsouth@bluebirdcare.co.uk Tel: 0191 2502244 bluebirdcare.co.uk/northumberland-south

of e g n ra ade to e g u h lity m nds qua sure bli meatorised blidndaswnings • Mo opies an n • Ca fect fit r e • P tters u h S n • netia e V • d e t a • Ple ler l o R l • rtica e V • od • Wo el n a •P man • Ro x lu • Ve

ke o p s be ains curt

Unit 4

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

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

www.yourabc.co.uk

Working safely throughout Covid19

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.

ALLY ORMID N G N OV KI WOR URING C D NoWax Ear Care

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5

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Exciting Move for Local Dog Groomers GROOMS BY ARIANE HAS BRANCHED OUT INTO THEIR OWN PREMISES - ADDING A BRAND NEW PET SHOP TOO

G

rooms By Ariane is a dog grooming business owned and operated by Ariane Blevins.

Having launched the business in 2018, and spent the last 2 years working within another grooming salon in the town, she decided the time was right to open her own salon and pet shop.

She found the ideal premises, right in the heart of Bedlington Front Street at 76A High Street West, directly opposite Bedlington Community Centre and next door to Studio be and Innovations hairdressing.

Grooms By Ariane provides professional clipping, cutting and styling grooming services for all breeds of dogs as well as nail clipping, teeth cleaning and baths and brushes to keep our best friends clean and healthy. Ariane has also incorporated a pet store side in the shop which sells various animal related products including pet food, leads and collars, pet beds, doggie treats and toys. In addition it is there for our wild bird friends as well selling fat balls and 'non-growing' wild bird seed amongst other things.

Ariane, 24, is a professional City and Guilds qualified Level 3 dog groomer with over 10 years experience which seems strange for

one who appears so young. Ariane has a strong work ethic and started grooming whilst training to Level 3 standard in Animal Management and City and Guilds at Brooksby College in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire whilst simultaneously working at a local boarding kennels in Lincolnshire, a kennels she had worked at since she was 14 years old. Ariane came to the North East when her parents moved to Durham as her ex-military father was from the area originally and moved 'back home' as Ariane said he described it.

Ariane found immediate employment as a dog groomer first with a local big chain followed by employment with an independent business before setting up Grooms By Ariane as her own brand with her own clients and renting a table at another Bedlington grooming shop. After grooming for 10 years Ariane felt that she had to

build a business of her own for her long term future, thus Grooms By Ariane on Bedlington High Street was born.

It has been a painful time for everyone this year, Covid has seen to that, and no sooner had Grooms

By Ariane opened on 12 January 2021, new guidance during the current National 'lockdown' meant that Ariane felt that despite all of the Covid precautions she had put in place in the shop, she had to close the grooming side to protect her and her customers health from the risks associated with Covid.

Unfortunately, at time of writing, no local Government Agency is prepared to give a straight answer as to whether or not dog grooming establishments can remain open, stating only welfare grooms can be carried out, but no-one will define what a welfare groom is and the risk of being fined for being open is very real. Nevertheless, the pet shop side of Grooms By Ariane is open, as an essential shop, so visit if you can and support your local High Street shops.

We all hope this Covid situation will be over soon and Grooms By Ariane can start to offer the grooming services that have brought Ariane many loyal customers who are desperately waiting for her to reopen.

■ Grooms by Ariane, 76a Front Street West, Bedlington, NE22 5UA Tel: 07494 874 471 www.groomsbyariane.co.uk

6

WE HAVE MOVED! Find us at our new address: 76a Front Street West, Bedlington, NE22 5UA Full grooms Baths & brushes Pet Shop Puppy grooms Emmi-Pet Teeth Clean

Level 3 City & Guilds qualified dog groomer with 9+ years experience with many different breeds Call Ariane on

07494 874 471

GroomsbyAriane

www

groomsbyariane.co.uk

@groomsbyariane 7

BOOKS

NEW LOCAL BOOK COVERS THE BEST WALKS THAT THIS VARIED COUNTY HAS TO OFFER Day Walks in Northumberland features 20 routes between 7.6 and 14.5 miles (12.2km and 23.3km) in length, suitable for hillwalkers of all abilities.

Researched and written by local walking guide David Wilson, this book covers the best that this varied county has to offer, including the border country along Hadrian’s Wall, spotless sandy beaches and exploring the industrial heritage of the area.

The routes are split into three areas – Northumberland Coast, Northumberland National Park and History & Heritage.

Together with stunning photography, each route features Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps, easy-to-follow directions,

details of distance and navigation information, and refreshmentstops and local information.

David Wilson is a Northumberland Trail and Tour Guide and has spent his life exploring this remote and unique landscape. An ambassador for the county, he can be found in a variety of locations from the wilds of Northumberland National Park to trekking along Hadrian’s Wall.

Alongside his passion for tourism in North East England, he is also a long-standing Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champion. This role sees him encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably - the core principle of Day Walks in Northumberland, his first guidebook.

Available from 4th March 2021 Publisher: Vertebrate Publishing ISBN: 9781912560615 Number of pages: 152 Weight: 200 g Dimensions: 175 x 120 x 10 mm www.v-publishing.co.uk

TUTORING WITH PROVEN RESULTS ••

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Entrance exams, SAT’s GCSE & A-levels Catch up on missed schooling GCSE & A-levels 2021: Get tutorial support to assist preparation for your Teacher marked assessments

To book a free consultation call 07894 852 929 or email maximizeeducation@gmail.com

www.maximizeeducation.com | 32a Newgate Street, Morpeth NE61 1BA 8

The Furniture Painter at Brooks of Oldgate Here at Brooks of Oldgate we love to paint furniture, although we mainly focus on painting and selling our own pieces, we are now taking commissions for the painting of customers furniture.

Rather than throw out that piece of furniture that no longer fits your decor why not ask us to paint it to give it a new lease of life.

We can help with your colour choices & discuss your options.

You have nothing to lose so why not ask us for a free no obligation quote?

Brooks of Oldgate, 16 Oldgate, Morpeth, NE61 1LX

Email: keith.brooks2@brooks@btconnect.com Mobile: 07437 853 665 Facebook: brooksofoldgate@morpethclocktower

Dollys Cottage

The place to find something beautiful for your home

To create your perfect cosy home, browse our collections of pretty decorative accessories and gifts at

www.dollyscottage.com or visit us at

73 Queen Street, Amble, Northumberland, NE65 0DA Stop by often or visit us online, so that you can keep up to date with all of our latest arrivals.

9

ADVERTISING FE ATURE

Thriving Furniture Business Opens new High Street Premises

DECEMBER SAW A LOCAL FURNITURE BUSINESS OPEN THEIR SECOND STORE, ALLOWING SIGNIFICANT GROWTH AND EXPANSION, AS WELL AS CREATING NEW JOBS. Quay Furniture, based at the Royal Quays in North Shields, and a sister company to Northumbria Flooring based in Blyth (North East retailer of the year award winner 2019), opened their brand store in Ashington on December the 5th and it is a very welcome addition to the town.

Quay Furniture, owned by James Cunningham, have over 25 years of experience selling furniture, and now employs fourteen staff, with the majority based and living in the local and surrounding areas. Four new jobs have also been created and recruited from Ashington as a result of the new store.

The new store takes up numbers 2-4 Woodhorn Road in Ashington, a property which stood vacant for over two years. Inside you will find a good selection of sofas, beds, wardrobes, dining sets, and lounge furniture, with some very eye catching displays. Quay Furniture offer free local delivery and interest free finance is available.

The business has been going from strength to strength from its current base at the Royal Quays in North Shields and, having grown the business significantly, they needed additional premises to support their further expansion plans.

They were looking for premises in Northumberland and, when this site came available, they decided the chance to take advance of its prominent corner plot location on the high street, right in heart of Ashington town centre, was too good an opportunity to turn down.

When the store opened on Saturday 5th December they created a Covid safe walk around environment for customers and suppliers to enjoy their modern furniture showroom. However, at the 10

time of going to press, the showroom has unfortunately had to temporarily close due to lockdown measures. To keep up to date with the changing situation please contact Quay Furniture using the details at the bottom of this page.

Cllr Richard Wearmouth, Chair of Advance Northumberland and cabinet member for economic development at Northumberland County Council said: “It’s great to see such a prominent high street building that has not been used for some time brought back into use.

This new retail offer will add to the shopping opportunities that are

already available on our high street and elsewhere in the town, all saving people time and money”.

James of Quay Furniture said: “We look forward to welcoming the people of Ashington and surrounding areas to help them shop local for all their furniture needs. We are delighted with the new building and we have ambitious plans for it, providing a fantastic base for our furniture showroom”.

■ For more information on Quay Furniture visit: www.quayfurniture.co.uk or call 01670 814 333

THE NORTH EAST’S PREMIER FURNITURE STOCKIST

NOW OPEN

YOUR NEW ASHINGTON STORE

IS HERE!

We stock sofas, beds, wardrobes, dining sets & lounge furniture.

Quick free local delivery, Interest free options available & excellent customer service

2-4 Woodhorn Road, Ashington, NE63 9UX | 01670 814 333 OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY • INTEREST FREE OPTIONS AVAILABLE • WWW.QUAYFURNITURE.CO.UK

JON’S HANDYMAN

• • • • • • • •

Leading Nursery Brands at Everyday

& PLUMBING SERVICE Plumbing: leaks, radiator, taps, toilets, showers, outside taps Carpentry: In & Outdoor Assembling of flatpack furniture Stair Rails Fitting of door/security locks & door handles Home Improvements Moving furniture within the home Any general repairs - please don’t be afraid to ask

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NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

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Unit 8D, North Tyne Ind. Estate, Whitley Road, Benton, NE12 9SZ (Opposite ASDA Beton) PramsNewcastle ∙ Open Tuesday to Saturday by appointment

Tel: 0191 266 1190 ∙ www.babythingz.com

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 12

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

** LIMITED AVAILABILITY ALREADY **

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 ★

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, conversational Italian, 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 Italian 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 14

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!

Come and try

INGTON ASH

BO

WLS CLUB

BOWLS in 2021

Ashington Bowls Club (Located within Hirst Park)

Pictured above is club Treasurer Lee Taylor (centre) receiving the new club jackets from Jack Phillips (right) and Iain Harvey (left).

The club would like to thank G. Phillips Heating Services for providing the all weather jackets and Mimarc Construction for the team polo shirts.

COME ALONG AND GIVE IT A GO! Find us on Facebook

or Contact Lee on 07986 505075 for more information

ESTABLISHED 1990

LOCAL NEWS

G E U

GEU DECORATING

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE RECEIVED TO RAIL CONSULTATION

QUALITY INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

PAPER HANGING

FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

DISCOUNTS FOR BOOKINGS THROUGH MARCH & APRIL

CALL GARY USHER TODAY ON CRAMLINGTON

01670 733563

FOR YOUR NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATE OR ADVICE 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE - TIME SERVED TRADESMAN

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 16

Public consultation on the reintroduction of a rail passenger service in Northumberland closed last month and over 1,000 people took the time to give their views on detailed plans for the Northumberland Line – which will connect Ashington to central Newcastle with a number of stops in between.

With a proposed opening date for passenger services of winter 2023, thousands of residents a day are expected to use the service, while the scheme could boost the local economy by up to £470m.

The ambitious project includes new stations at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park in North Tyneside, as well as upgrades to the track and changes to level crossings where bridges or underpasses may need to be built.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member responsible for economic development, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who’s taken time to make their views known on this hugely important scheme for the whole region. Due to the Covid restrictions it just wasn’t possible to do face to face consultation but we’ve got a lot of feedback on various elements of the scheme which is now being evaulated ahead of planning applications being submitted early next year.”

Council Leader Glen Sanderson added: “This scheme has the potential to transform this part of the world, not just in terms of transport links, but bringing a boost to education and job opportunities and a huge injection into our economy. The public’s views are key to the scheme’s success and we look forward to more engagement with our communities as work progresses.”

NOW PROUDLY STOCKING

Inspirational flooring for your home

Book your free measure, advice and quotation service or simply request an appointment now.

Call us on 01670 517881 or visit www.castlecarpets.co.uk

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)

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.

CHASE

Clues: Discontinued Charter

Percolate Fruit Roost Sear Mend

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU ··

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

··

CATCH SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

Lead

18

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)

STYLISTI" Everything you need to look amazing under one roof!

160 STATION ROAD, ASHINGTON, NE63 8HG For an appointment please call

01670 813 013

Opening Times : Mon & Wed 9am-5pm, Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm

Dawn Lang Funeral Services YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTOR • 24 HOUR SERVICE

Covering Ashington, Morpeth and Bedlington areas You can tailor any of our funeral packages. You can also pre-pay for peace of mind.

Either pay now or in 12 monthly instalments with no additional instalment costs. Longer terms are available.

POPULAR CHOICE FUNERAL

£2,295

• Professional Fees • Doctors Fees • Care of Deceased • Hearse • Crematorium Fees • Humanist • Classic Coffin & Nameplate • Pall Bearers • Ashes Tube or Casket Limousine can be added for an additional £150

Also available: Direct to Crematorium package £1,495

TRADITIONAL FUNERAL

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• Professional fees • Doctors Fees • Care of Deceased • Chapel of Rest • Crematorium Fees • Pall Bearers • Traditional Coffin & Nameplate • Humanist/Minister • Order of Service • Hearse & 1 x Limousine

Also available: Horse Drawn Hearse package £3,595

£100 DISCOUNT ON ALL FUNERALS if accounts are settled prior to the funeral

We provide prepaid Funeral Plans

Call 01670 457 575 for help or advice at any time 73 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RS www.dawnlangfuneralservices.co.uk 19

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

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 with the rest of your conservatory

20

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

★★★★★ Check out our 5 star reviews on Facebook

@thermosroof

Is your conservatory: Too cold in the winter? & too hot in the summer?

Does it have problems with: Too much sun glare?

Condensation build-up?

Noise from heavy rain?

An unsightly dirty roof?

We can fix ALL of these issues with a Thermos Roof insulation system We can carry out a full install in a single day, leaving zero mess and instant results. We retain your existing roof profile & do Prices from not remove your current roof. A 5 year warranty is included.

£799

PART

P

Electrical Safety

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 21 PPE where suitable and, upon completion of each job, your Conservatory will be fully disinfected.

LO CA L N E W S

Blyth Town Centre gets £11m funding boost

Northumberland County Council has welcomed the news that a major funding bid unlocking up to £31m investment to transform Blyth town centre has been approved by government.

Blyth was one of 50 towns shortlisted to benefit from the Government’s £1 billion Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) and the Government has now confirmed that Blyth’s application has been successful. The council has been awarded £11.12m from FHSF which is complimented by significant funding support of £20m by the County Council approved earlier this year.

The approved funding will support a programme delivering a revitalised Blyth Market Place and Bridge Street with new culture and leisure facilities in the heart of the town centre. The town’s established reputation as a centre for the Energy and offshore wind industry will be bolstered by the development of a new research and education Energy Institute.

The programme also includes projects which focus on improving green space, cycling and walking improvements to better connect the town centre to the quayside. The County Council is working as part of the Blyth Town Deal Board with public, private and community sector partners to back the ‘Energising Blyth’ vision. Creating a Vibrant Town is a key objective for the town with the aim of developing new projects which could help the town centre to be more attractive, welcoming and safe in the future.

The plans prepared are based on the results of over a year of engagement through the Blyth Town Forum with local users of the town centre. Consultation has been carried out with businesses, the local community and schools including two drop-in events in the town centre which attracted thousands of visitors.

The council will now be working with partners to develop a full delivery programme with preparations beginning in earnest for the FHSF scheme to deliver 22

over three years from Spring 2021. There will be further detailed engagement with the community, businesses and partners as the scheme is developed.

In early 2021 the town will also benefit from the new Northern Gateway project supported by the national Towns Fund, Northumberland County Council and Blyth Town Council, which will introduce an improved town centre environment focused on Bowes Street, Church Street and Wanley Street, which will eventually be integrated with the FHSF programme.

A new ‘Town Deal’ is also set to be agreed with Government in Spring 2021 which could bring in up to a further £47m programme to help the town to grow, improve and renew between 2022-2026.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “I’m delighted the Government have backed our ambitious plans to transform Blyth town centre. This will be a major boost to the town centre as it also restructures and recovers from the impact of Covid19. This award is a testament to the strong partnership working in the town, and thanks to residents and businesses who have told us they care about Blyth, are proud of their town but also want to see the town centre thrive again.”

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Business and Tourism, said “The Future High Streets Fund will ensure Blyth town centre is a place that people once again want to spend time in. It’s hugely exciting to get this news on the back of the recent announcements about the planned investment on Northumberland Energy Park and progress in reinstating the Northumberland Line.

Blyth Town Council Mayor Warren Taylor added: “Blyth Town Council welcomes the exciting news of this further investment in our town centre. We look forward to working with Northumberland County Council through the Blyth Town Forum, on developing and delivering these exciting new projects to transform our town centre."

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23

ADV E RTISIN G FE ATURE

Intimate Blyth Bungalow Development Available Now

Local bungalow developer, Altoria Development, is pleased to announce the 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.

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“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 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 ten-year 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

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To arrange a viewing of the show home please call 01670 432 602 Visit: www.altoriadevelopment.co.uk Email: info@altoriadevelopment.co.uk

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’, 26

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

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

GIVE SOMEONE POWER OF ATTORNEY… BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE Lasting Powers of Attorney are invaluable documents as part of the overall planning of your estate as managing your financial affairs can become more difficult as you get older. If a person is unable to manage their affairs due to mental incapacity and they have not made a valid Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney, their assets will be frozen as no one (including their spouse and children) has the authority to deal with them.

At this point someone will need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as the person’s Deputy. The Court will then authorize the Deputy to deal with the person’s affairs in a certain manner. This is a very time consuming (around 6 months) and expensive (in the region of £1,750) process.

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All work we undertake is at fixed fees: Single Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney: £300 inclusive of VAT Double Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (suitable for couples): £420 inclusive of VAT Single Will: £180 inclusive of VAT Mirror Will: £240 inclusive of VAT It is imperative that specialist advice is taken in order to ensure that the power given accurately reflects your wishes.

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LOCAL NEWS

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE, GARAGE DOORS Transform the look of your home with the help of Apex Improvements Ltd

One of the first things we notice when looking at a house is the garage, particularly the garage door.

So why not transform the appearance of your home by investing in a new garage door which incorporates the very latest innovations in design, technology and security.

Apex Improvements Limited, based in Northumberland, is a reputable Building, Joinery and Maintenance company, which has a core business of garage door supply, installation and maintenance.

Approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Apex Improvements Limited offers this specialist service, which is called AI Garage Doors. They have been supplying, installing and maintaining garage doors in the Northumberland, North Tyneside and most areas of the North East for over 15 years, building a reputation as reputable and trusted specialists.

They offer a range of garage doors in a variety of colours, materials and features whilst offering excellent service and price without compromising on safety or security.

There is an extensive range of garage doors to choose from but don't worry, they will guide you through the process, ensuring you select the right garage door to meet your requirements.

The garage door range starts with basic canopy garage doors which can be supplied in white or a selection of standard colours. There are also premium garage doors offering a larger variety of styles, colours and operating systems. They can even install your garage door even if they didn't supply it!

The garage door is typically the largest moving part in your home, and is probably used every day. With normal use, parts wear out and break, creating potential problems.

Apex have a fast and responsive repair service which can be relied upon when you are in a garage door crisis.

Covering Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle, they can be with you swiftly to avoid compromising the security of your garage.

They offer a full repair and maintenance service to keep your garage door running smoothly so, whether you have something minor from a broken spring or snapped cable, or require a fully fitted automatic double door, they can help!

Don't delay repairing that snapped cable or broken lock, call today on 07931 304057. www.aigaragedoors.co.uk 32

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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 ☛ 34

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.

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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 37

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!

38

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USEFUL NUMBERS NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL 0345 600 6400 Mon to Thu 08:30 - 17:00 Fri 08:30 - 16:30

POLICE NON-EMERGENCY 101 NHS 111

If you need help assessing how urgently treatment is needed.

POWER CUT? CALL 105 SMELL GAS? CALL 0800 111 999 NORTHUMBRIAN WATER 0345 717 1100 DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE 0808 247 200 Freephone 24 hours per day

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Mon - Thu (6pm - 8.30pm), Fri (11am - 2pm)

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NATIONAL DEBTLINE 0808 808 4000 Help for anyone in debt.

MISSING PEOPLE 116 000

Advice, help and support for anyone whose relatives or family members are missing.

CARER’S UK 0808 808 777

Wed, Thu only 10am - 12noon and 2pm 4pm. Advice and information for all carers.

RSPCA 0300 1234 999

BENEFIT ENQUIRY LINE 0800 882 200

AGE UK 0800 169 6565

CITIZEN’S ADVICE 03444 111 444

To report cruelty, neglect or an animal in distress

Free information on issues affecting older people

THE SILVER HELPLINE 0800 4 70 80 90

24 hrs a day. Offering free confidential, friendship and advice for older people.

Advice for disabled people and carers on the range of benefits available.

Help and advice for consumers in the UK.

NEWCASTLE AIRPORT 0871 882 1121 TRAVELINE 0871 200 22 33

Advice for your journey by public transport by bus, coach, train, metro or ferry.

LEARN FRENCH with Lingua Forme French Classes for Adults

Learn at a level that is suitable for you, from beginner to advanced.

All classes are now online via Zoom and I provide regular resources and audio files to keep learning fresh, fun and foolproof.

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or visit www.linguaforme.co.uk

NewSpace Loft Storage We create space so everything has a place

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Add storage space in your property with our special loft package which includes:

Our hobby/play rooms are a fantastic alternative to a full loft conversion and at a fraction of the price, they provide valuable space for a variety of uses.

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STAY WARM

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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:

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43

Love your home, inside and out, the Stormshield Way! · GENUINE FAMILY BUSINESS · NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED · PRICES OVER PHONE IF REQUIRED

We are very proud of the reputation that we have built over the last 29 years.

As a genuine family run business, we have always provided a first class personal service with top quality products. When you choose Stormshield, you can relax in knowing you are working with a trusted family firm, who really cares. We’ll take care of everything - Fully project managed from start to finish and all building works undertaken.

TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOWS

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Enjoy extra warmth and noise reduction in the comfort of your home

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STORMSHIELD

www.stormshieldhomeimprovements.co.uk Office & Showroom 3 Arcot Court, Nelson Road, Nelson Park, Cramlington, NE23 1BB

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Please visit my facebook page or website for reviews & photos of my work.

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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

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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 46

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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