ABC Magazine: North Edition, Jan/Feb 2022

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PUZZLES INSIDE

N O RT H E D I T I O N | J A N U A RY- F E B R U A RY 2 02 2

BOOST YOUR MOOD & FITNESS Active Northumberland’s schedule for free health walks unveiled

RECIPE

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MORPETH MOVIE WEEKEND Two days of silverscreen hits

YO U R LO CA L M AG A Z I N E F O R : M O R P E T H

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NEW CARE FEES RULES: SAME OLD PROBLEMS Hiding in amongst the covid graphs and pandemic headlines, the government has announced a new system for assessment and payment of fees for residential and nursing care. As usual, the changes that are proposed offer very little in reality.

In one sense the publicity surrounding social care is positive, because it is generating debate. It has started to make us all consider the reality of care seriously. On the other hand, many of the rumours and political messages are not accurate and, in some instances, misleading.

We all work hard and at retirement many of us own our own homes. Time and again a move into care involves selling your house to pay the care fees – at an average of £4,000 per month it is easy to wipe out the value of an average property.

The answer is an asset protection trust. Don’t let the myths put you off: it is possible to protect your property for your family. the rules about trusts have not changed for years and the new proposals will make very little difference. there is no 7-year time limit and there never has been. the trust arrangement is legal. the council won’t take the property away in any event.

Come and see one of the team at Kidd and Spoor, or we can visit you at home. First meetings are always free and without obligation. Round up the whole family and we will reassure everyone that there is nothing to lose.

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W HAT'S ON

MORPETH MOVIE WEEKEND IS BACK

Following a break last year, Morpeth Movie Weekend returns to the town this May, and is set to be bigger and better than ever, showing a series of blockbusters and critically acclaimed films over two days and two venues.

Morpeth Movie Weekend was launched back in 2018 by a group of enthusiastic cinema goers who volunteer with Greater Morpeth Development Trust’s Arts and Culture Group. The group have been successfully running Morpeth Cinema Club in Morpeth Town Hall since 2011, with monthly screenings being held on the first Friday of the month, February to July and September to December.

The first ‘Morpeth Movie Weekend’ was held in February 2018, initially as a one off event and, due to the success, returned in 2019, with the event featuring 9 films in 2 days across 2 venues. This was increased to 10 films in 2020, with most screenings sold out. Unfortunately, due to covid, The Movie Weekend didn’t take place in 2021, and the 2022 event was originally planned for this month. However, with the new covid variant, and the possibility of restrictions hanging over us, the event has been put back to May 6th and 7th.

This years Movie Weekend kicks off with a bang, with Friday night showings of the James Bond Blockbuster ‘No Time To Die’ and Respect, the critically acclaimed biopic about the life of Aretha Franklin, starring Jennifer Hudson. Saturdays offerings include The Sound of Metal, A highly acclaimed and profound film about hearing loss and disability rarely depicted in film, Ammonite, Inspired by the life of the acclaimed but overlooked 19th century palaeontologist, Mary Anning and Another Round, which sees four jaded middle aged teachers in Denmark embark on an experiment to consume a little alcohol each day to maintain a constant level of 6

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0.5% in the hope that it will improve their personal and professional lives.

The event is held at two locations in the town, the Corn Exchange and the Ballroom at the Town Hall. Given the current circumstances, dates, times and locations are open to change so, for up to date details, and for information on tickets, visit www. morpethcinema.weebly.com

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LOCAL N E WS

LATEST STATION GETS THE GREEN LIGHT The latest new station for the Northumberland Line rail scheme has been given the go-ahead.

Planners have given the green light for construction of a new station at Bebside – the fifth of six new stations now granted approval for the project.

The station will include two platforms, pedestria lifts, road junction improvements and parking for buses, cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, cycles, and taxis.

The station will also feature a new pedestrian and cycle bridge and landscaping improvements.

Approval for Bebside means only plans for a sixth and final station at Newsham, Blyth, remain to be considered by the council’s Strategic Planning Committee later this year.

The planning approval comes ahead of construction work which is due to get underway this summer.

The whole scheme, which will also deliver 18 miles of upgraded track, access improvements and new signal locations, is expected to deliver economic benefits of up to £470m and is due to be open by December 2023. It's planned to run a half hourly service between Newcastle and Ashington, with an anticipated journey time between Blyth and Newcastle of around 25 minutes.

Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We’re delighted another station’s been given the go-ahead - we’re now five down and one to go. With main construction work just months away, we’re doing all we can to ensure the Line is open by the end of next year.

"Along with the benefits to the economy, education and tourism, this line will bring a range of green benefits to support our climate change agenda, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality on key roads by moving people away from car travel and onto public transport."

TOWN CENTRE IMPROVEMENTS BEGIN IN BLYTH As part of Northumberland County Council’s ongoing regeneration of Blyth, infrastructure improvements in the town centre are now underway.

The work is an important part of the council’s £70 million ‘Energising Blyth’ programme to revitalise the town over the next five years, delivering new jobs and learning opportunities, and helping to drive the green energy revolution in the UK. Three streets are affected at this stage of redevelopment; Bowes Street, Church Street and Wanley Street. The project will create a more welcoming, safe and accessible area, including new paving, street furniture, wider footpaths, increased on-street parking and improved lighting.

On Bowes Street the road will be upgraded, including improved cycling provision. The work will formalise a one-way system, west to east, along Bowes Street encouraging safe and sustainable transport in the area. It is business as usual in the area with pedestrian access available to all shops but there is a full road closure in place while the works are carried out.

Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Cabinet Member for Business, said: “These street improvements are an important first step in delivering our ambitions to reinvigorate Blyth town centre. This stage of work will deliver a range of benefits to make this part of town more welcoming and accessible for residents, visitors and businesses. I would like to thank local traders and businesses for their support as we deliver the scheme.”

The project is delivered by Northumberland County Council and funded in partnership through the Government's Accelerated Towns Fund, 8

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Artist’s impression of Church Street

Northumberland County Council, and Blyth Town Council.

Alan Ferguson, Blyth Town Deal Board Chair and Owner of Fergusons Transport, said: “It's fantastic to see the first Energising Blyth development get underway with even bigger things to come over the next few years including culture, leisure, education and innovation projects which will continue to build Blyth’s first class reputation as the place for clean growth industry.”

Councillor Margaret Richardson, Mayor of Blyth Town Council, said: “We’re really pleased to see this project begin construction. The Town Council has been keen to see it introduced and it will breathe new life into an important part of town.“ The latest information about the programme is available by visiting the website: www.northumberland. gov.uk/energisingblyth .

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QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE FUND LAUNCHED

A Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Fund has been launched by Northumberland County Council to help communities celebrate the historic occasion during 2022.

This year, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 70 years of service. To make this historic milestone, the council has allocated £70,000 to help communities across Northumberland celebrate this special event.

The fund will enable non-profit making community and voluntary groups, schools, parish councils and local charities within Northumberland to apply for a one-off grant to help them with the costs of marking this historic event. The grant could be used for a wide range of activities, including street entertainment, contributing towards a Jubilee Beacon, hospitality or long-lasting commemorative schemes.

The maximum grant available is £500, and in order to help out further, no matched funding is required.

Grants will be allocated in monthly rounds until the budget is fully allocated.

Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for culture, Cllr Jeff Watson, said: “Many of us have very happy memories of the fantastic street parties and events laid on for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, with communities and all generations coming together to celebrate. We want to repeat this British pride and spirit for the Platinum Jubilee and encourage everyone to get involved.

“The Queen is a remarkable woman who brings a unifying influence on our country. We hope this fund will help and encourage communities to come together and lay on celebratory events to mark this momentous occasion.”

Projects and activities should be for the benefit of the wider community. Commemorative or celebratory events are encouraged to take place during The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee extended Bank Holiday weekend of 2 June 2022 to 5 June 2022 but supported activities can take place throughout the year.

To apply go to https://nland.uk/platinum 10

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E N TE RTAIN M E N T

FILM REVIEWS DEATH ON THE NILE

MARRY ME

Genres: Musical, Romance, Comedy Age Rating: PG-13 Release date: 11th February

Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery Age Rating: PG-13 Release date: 11th February

Agatha Christie’s legendary crime novel ‘Death on the Nile’ is being brought to the big screen by the same production team that adapted Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’.

Sticking to the original plot, the movie depicts the journey of Belgian detective Hercule Poirot aboard an Egyptian cruise on the River Nile.

According to the movie’s official description, what was supposed to be leisure time for the detective turns into a search for a murderer of a cutshort couple’s idyllic honeymoon.

Set in an epic landscape of desert and the majestic Giza pyramids, Poirot will reveal a tale of unbridled passion and jealousy within a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travellers.

The main star of the movie, the iconic detective Poirot, is played by five-time Oscar-nominee Kenneth Branagh. The Irish-born British actor returns to portray the detective for the second time, continuing his role since ‘Murder in the Orient Express’.

The rest of the cast are also acclaimed actors and actresses including four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening, Tom Bateman, Russell Brand, Gal Gadot and Dawn French.

The production team includes Kenneth Branagh himself as the director with a screenplay by Michael Green. The two of them previously worked on ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ together.

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Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson become a couple in the upcoming romantic comedy ‘Marry Me’ by Kat Coiro.

When Latin diva Kat Valdez (Jennifer Lopez) learns that her on-and-off-stage partner Bastian (Maluma) is having an affair, her anger quickly turns into an impulsive decision. She decides to marry Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson), a random audience member holding a “Marry Me” sign at one of her live concerts.

The problem is that Charlie, a divorced math teacher, attends the concert not because he wants to. He is only there only because his teenage daughter and childhood best friend took him.

The cast for the film also includes actress Sarah Silverman and TV personality Jimmy Fallon.

MOONFALL

Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Action Age Rating: PG Release date: February 2022

Moonfall depicts a horrific situation while also aims to educate and inspire its audience.

The story revolves around mysterious forces that hit the moon, knocking it out of its orbit around

the Earth, and setting it on a collision course with the blue planet.

Jo Fowler (Halle Berry), a NASA executive and former astronaut, is convinced she knows how to resolve the issue and save the earth and humanity. The problem is that she only has a few weeks before its apocalyptic impact.

Unfortunately, the only people who believe her are Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson), an astronaut from Jo’s past, and conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (John Bradley). The trio decides to go into space and discover that the moon is beyond what we think.

The film also stars Michael Peña (Tom Lopez), Donald Sutherland (Holdenfield), Charlie Plummer (Sonny Harper), Wenwen Yu (Michelle), and Eme Ikwuakor (Doug Davidson).

RUMBLE

Genres: Comedy, Family, Animated Age Rating: PG Release date: 18 February 2022

‘Rumble’ is an upcoming animated sports comedy film. It is based on Rob Harrel’s novel ‘Monster on the Hill’, which was published in 2013.

The plot centres around a universe in which monsters typically pursue wrestling as their sport of choice. In this world, giant monsters join forces with humans to become superstar athletes.

Winnie (Geraldine Viswanathan), a little girl, aspires to be a manager like her father and dreams of competing in the Monster League. She plans to turn Steve (Will Arnett), an inexperienced and adorable monster, into a wrestling superstar.

The film stars Terry Crews (Tentacular), Fred Melamed (the Mayor), Chris Eubank (King George), and Bridget Everett (Lady Mayhem).

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LOCAL N E WS

FREE HEALTH WALKS TO BOOST MOOD AND FITNESS Free health walks are running across the county to encourage more people to get out into the great outdoors and improve their health.

The walks are being laid on by Active Northumberland and are suitable for all levels of ability, taking between half an hour and an hour and a half.

If you want to kick-start the New Year with some healthy activity and fancy giving it a go - all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes with good grip and support for your feet and always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. You'll have great company, trained walk leaders, and safe walking routes to get you on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

Walking is a low impact exercise that has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, stroke and some cancers. While getting out in the fresh air with friends can help combat loneliness and depression.

Loraine Oliver, Health Walks Coordinator for Active Northumberland said: “We know that the benefits of sport and exercise are not just physical. Regular physical activity is great for the mind and our mental health. It can improve mood,

lift self-esteem and reduce stress. Going for regular walks is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to become more active and improve your health. Some of our walks are short and very gentle so if you’ve had problems with your health or are new to walking, don’t worry, we’ll help you to get started.

“Our group walks also offer people the opportunity to explore their local area, meet new people and make more friends. I would encourage anyone who may be interested to give Health Walks a try.”

To view a timetable of walks in your area visit ww.activenorthumberland.org.uk and click on ‘Health Walks’.

Could you be a health walk volunteer?

Active Northumberland is looking for more volunteers to help support its popular weekly health walks.

As a volunteer walk leader you will help to plan routes and accompany the walkers, making sure everyone is safe and nobody gets left behind. No qualifications are needed – you will be fully trained - all that is asked is that you have a reasonable level of fitness, a love of the outdoors and a friendly personality.

There are walking groups for the north, west and south-eastern corners of the county so you won’t have to travel too far from home to attend the walks.

If you are interested and would like to know more, please email loliver@activenorthumberland.org.uk with your name and contact telephone number.

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LOCAL N E WS

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE AT HOME WITH FREE LIBRARY RESOURCES If you want to set yourself a challenge this New Year, why not learn a new foreign language, which you can do for free, and from home, using resources from Northumberland libraries.

From French to Spanish, Italian to Greek, you can learn a new language anywhere and at any time by borrowing an audiobook from the digital library BorrowBox. All you need to get started is your Northumberland library card number and PIN so you can download the BorrowBox app, choose your audiobook and make a start to your learning. If you aren’t already a library member you can join for free, by logging on to mylibrary.co.uk and following the simple instructions.

Languages currently available include French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, Polish, Greek and Russian. The language learning series includes Learning Language with Paul Noble and Collins Easy Language Learning.

If you cannot find the language you are wanting to learn then please ask at your local library or email mylibrary@northumberland.gov.uk as the library team

are always happy to receive new suggestions from library members.

If you need help setting up your device to access the digital library, contact the digital helpline via 0345 600 6400 and an appointment will be arranged to talk you through the process. All help is free of charge, private and done by library staff.

More information on BorrowBox and the digital library can be found on the library website: www.mylibrary.co.uk

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SUDOKU

Solution on page 40 Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

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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

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CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE 0808 808 1677

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24 hours a day. Confidential emotional support helpline for anyone in a crisis

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LOCAL N E WS

CHOIR HOPES FOR A FULL YEAR OF SINGING A most entertaining and enjoyable Christmas Concert saw the return of Ashington & District Male Voice Choir (ADMVC) after a long spell of isolation and no public performances. St. Cuthbert’s Church Bedlington hosted the afternoon concert on Saturday 11th December, and the pleasant weather helped ensure a capacity audience, who enjoyed a variety of the choir’s favourite seasonal songs and other well known pieces, joining in carols and Christmas songs as well as the wonderful singing of local soprano and friend of the choir, Susan Robertson. There were also many happy folk at the end of the concert who had one or more of the excellent raffle prizes.

Unfortunately, with the continuing increases in Covid cases, it was decided to delay rehearsals after the short Christmas break for a few weeks until any changes to the safety directives had been determined. Hopefully our coming together will be possible by February. This was disappointing as amazing progress had been made since August during which period six new members had joined our ranks with the possibility of a couple more giving us a try in the new year. This compensated for the loss of some of stalwarts on returning in August after the long lockdown.

ADMVC is a Community Choir which helps support local voluntary and charitable organisations. It also

gives the opportunity for gentlemen of all ages to meet socially, form friendships whilst enjoying singing a wide range of songs and prospective members should know that no previous experience or the ability to read music are necessary, just an interest and wish to ‘give singing a go’. Furthermore there’s a free six week trial period to see if it’s for you…and very few gent’s have decided that this is not the case and it’s at this stage when you are given your choir jacket and tie.

Why not visit our Facebook page or www.ashingtonmalevoicechoir.org or just come along to Stakeford & Bomarsund Welfare & Social Centre on a Thursday evening at 7.00pm. We look forward to see you!

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Ashington & District Male Voice Choir

• • • • • •

Attention all Gentlemen Singers Make 2022 a Choral year for you!

Free no commitment 6 week trial period.

Drop in to one of our rehearsals for a chat about the choir.

No audition or requirement to read music.

We are a community choir supporting local charities.

Enjoy the social aspect of rehearsal and performances.

Uniform blazer and music provided free of charge.

Thursdays 7pm - Bomarsund Welfare Lounge

Interested? Call Stuart 07950 770021 for more information

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

£2,895

• 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 ABC MAGAZINES

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LOCAL N E WS

FISHING FOR BENEFITS Why we should all be eating oily fish

By Louise Addison

Oily fish are those that are high in omega-3 fatty acid. This is an essential fatty acid which our body cannot manufacture for itself so has to obtain from food. Omega-3 fatty acid is a polyunsaturated fat, made up of two main fatty acids - EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) The most common and easily accessible oily fish in the UK are salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring, and anchovies. Unlike salmon, which is oily whether fresh, tinned, or smoked, tuna is classed as an oily fish only when fresh and not when it’s tinned, because the canning process reduces the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to levels similar to those in white fish. Also, tuna contains small amounts of mercury, which is toxic to humans, and we are advised to restrict the amount we eat.

Smoked salmon contains a lot of sodium so is best eaten in small quantities, but the soft bones in tinned salmon are positively beneficial for adding calcium and phosphorous to our diet.

Eating a diet rich in oily fish has many health benefits.

Protection against heart disease – Numerous scientific studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid is beneficial for helping to reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure, two of the greatest predictors for heart disease.

Neuroprotective properties - The DHA in omega-3 fatty acid, is required for proper brain development and function and offers protection against certain 22

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neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

Joint protection - Omega-3 fatty acid is naturally antiinflammatory and has been shown in several scientific studies to offer protection of joints and may even help in the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.

Positive mental health implications - Because depression appears less common in nations where people eat large amounts of oily fish, scientists have conducted studies which suggest that fish oils may prevent or treat depression and other mood disorders. This may be because omega-3s travels easily through the brain cell membrane and may then interact with moodrelated molecules inside the brain.

Their anti-inflammatory actions may help relieve depression and anxiety.

Reduces risk of certain cancers - Omega-3 supplementation is widely employed in the treatment of

cancer patients as a supplement to the main treatment. Many research papers since the 1970s have shown links with omega-3 fatty acid and a reduced risk of certain cancers, including colon, breast, and prostate. This is most likely due to the anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA. The NHS currently recommends that we include at least two portions of fish in our diet a week, one of which should be an oily fish. One portion is about 140g. However, all girls and women who reached menopause age, including those trying for a baby, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should have no more than 2 portions of oily fish a week. A portion is around 140g.

This is because the low levels of pollutants that oily fish contain can build up in the body and may harm an unborn baby during a future pregnancy.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/ fish-and-shellfish-nutrition

bedlingtonshire dental practice AFFORDABLE, HIGH QUALITY PRIVATE DENTISTRY

We offer a wide range of treatments including: • Crown and Bridgework

• Smile Makeovers

• Preventive Dentistry

• Denture Services

• Sedation for Anxious Patients • Bleaching • Cosmetic Dentistry

• Implants

• Children’s Dentistry

• Invisalign®

• Quick Straight Teeth

• Emergency Cover

• Late night appointments available 3 days a week • Easy access with ground floor facilities

• Guaranteed registration with the practice • Daily emergency appointments • 24 hour helpline for dental emergencies at home and abroad, for practice plan members

If you’re unhappy with your smile or would like a routine check up, then please call us to arrange an appointment

30 Front Street East, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 5AA

01670 828402

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sugar

Joanne Duggan, principal dental surgeon at Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice, explains the real impact of indulging in sugar

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W

& YOUR TEETH

hat we eat and drink is really important for our general health but also the health of our teeth. Sugar in particular will rot or decay teeth.

You know when you have a packet of sweets that they are bad for your teeth, however with clever marketing there are also a host of other food and drinks that contain sugar without you realising; for example an advert can display a product as low fat, or to be a healthy option due to added vitamins and minerals, or no added sugar, when in fact they contain a lot of sugar. I find this very frustrating as a dentist as many people are caught out by eating hidden sugars and are not aware of the damaging potential on their health.

The main message is to reduce both the amount and frequency of foods and drinks that contain free sugars. Free sugars are those added to foods and drinks as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices. It does not include sugars found naturally in whole fresh fruit and vegetables or those naturally present in milk and milk products.

Most free sugars in the diet are contained in processed and manufactured foods and drinks. When we cook our own food at home we know exactly what ingredients we have added, but many processed and manufactured foods have sugar added, therefore be sure to check the label for the sugar content.

What is dental decay and how is sugar involved?

Dental decay is the same as dental caries, and happens when bacteria in the plaque on our teeth react with sugars from food and drink to create acid which softens the enamel and dentine.

This softening of the teeth will eventually lead to a hole or cavity which could cause you pain, and the need for dental treatment.

What happens to your teeth if you have repeated attacks of sugar during the day?

When you have something sugary, your teeth are attacked by the acid produced. When you have finished eating or drinking, your teeth recover from this acid attack after about an hour; they will remineralise (harden again.) Saliva in your mouth helps to neutralise the acid, (which also happens more quickly if there is fluoride which is found in toothpastes or fluoride mouthwash.) The safest time to have anything containing sugar is with a meal. Eating and drinking sugar at meal times only is the best as your teeth are attacked on fewer occasions. Saliva production is also stimulated at mealtimes which has the added benefit of neutralising any damaging acid. Having sugary snacks and drinks in between meals can increase the risk of decay, because your teeth come under repeated attacks and do not have time to recover; the time between attacks is not long enough for the tooth to recover properly and harden, so the tooth becomes permanently damaged.

Reduce the frequency of sugar during the day It is therefore important not to keep having sugary snacks or sipping sugary drinks throughout the day. When sugar intake is restricted to meal times there

is the opportunity and time for our teeth to recover and harden before the next attack of sugar and acid. If you need to have a snack in between meals then some alternative suggestions are whole fruit and vegetables, bread sticks, plain rice cakes, nuts, toast with butter/margarine, and to drink plain water, milk or tea/ coffee with no sugar in.

Do not eat or drink anything sugary an hour before bed It is very important not to have anything sweet to eat or drink within an hour before bed. Even if we brush our teeth before bed there may still be harmful sugars left on our teeth. As our mouths

Eating and drinking sugar at meal times only is the best as your teeth are attacked on fewer occasions.

dry up when we are asleep at night there is less saliva to protect our teeth. Never take a sugary drink to bed, only sip water during the night as the damage from any sugary drink will be much worse in a dry mouth at night.

Newton’s third law of motion: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

I used to like to explain to patients the theory of Newton’s third law of motion sort of applied to eating and drinking sweet food and the damage it caused to teeth. This is because for every lovely chocolate bar or sweet thing you ate or drank (nice enjoyable action), then there is an equal and opposite horrible reaction to your teeth: caries that could cause pain and require dental treatment.

However with further thought this is not the case! In fact the opposite reaction to sugar is not at all equal to our enjoyment of it, but is far, far worse (yes of course the law of motion does not apply to our teeth and diet but this explanation makes sense to my science influenced brain!) � ABC MAGAZINES

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Bedlingtonshire

Dental Practice

In fact for every sweet food or beverage we consume, and I may add enjoy, the damaging effect on our dental health and general health far outweighs the momentary enjoyment. The detrimental effects of sustained excessive sugar intake not only include rotting our teeth, but also other health problems such as weight gain and obesity which can lead to increasing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The scales are tipped heavily towards the damaging long lasting impact of sugar outweighing the brief enjoyment of taste.

(Newton’s law most definitely does not apply!)

So, we all need to think about reducing the amount of sugar we consume and make healthier choices. I am not saying don’t eat sugar at all; as a dentist I too like chocolate and cake, but I always consume in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, and only at mealtimes. To limit damage to our teeth, science has proven the safest time to eat or drink something sweet is with a meal.

Ultimately none of us want to have holes in our teeth, and we definitely don’t want any dental treatment, so reducing our sugar intake and preventing dental decay should be everyone’s goal.

Obvious foods that contain sugars which will rot our teeth • Fizzy pop and soft drinks • Sweets and chocolate • Cakes and biscuits • Sponges, puddings and custard • Sugar we put in tea or coffee • Breakfast cereals • Jams, honey • Ice cream and sorbets • Fruit juices and smoothies • Milk shakes • Sugar-containing alcoholic drinks And some less obvious ones • Dried fruit, for example raisins (the fruit being dried concentrates the sugars but they will stick to teeth and rot them) • Tomato, brown and barbeque sauces • Chutneys • Crisps • Yoghurts • Savoury tomato pasta sauces • Porridge with flavourings • Cereal bars • Flavoured rice cakes.

If you’re unhappy with your smile or in need of dental check up, then please call us to arrange an appointment.

Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice 30 Front Street East, Bedlington, NE22 5AA Tel: 01670 828402 www.bedlingtonshiredental.co.uk References: www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/mouth-conditions/dental-decay Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention. Department of Health. Public Health England. 2017 26

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Brooks of Oldgate In our lovely shop we have a unique range of gifts, accessory’s for your home, hand painted furniture, unique up-cycled accessories.

We also take furniture painting commissions.

There’s also lots of help and advice on hand and hopefully our shop will help inspire your creative side.

Check out our Facebook page: brooksofoldgate@morpethclocktower Mobile: 07437 853 665

16 Oldgate, Morpeth, NE61 1LX

(behind the Clock Tower)

TUTOR BUREAU

Est. 1998

Private tuition in your own home with experienced, professional tutors

KEN’S

GARDENING & GUTTER CLEANING SERVICES

All tutors are DBS checked Suitable for Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 GCSE and A Level

All Aspects of Gardening Fencing, Gates & Repairs Garden Shed Repairs & Re-felting Patio & Driveway Cleaning Mobile Gardening Machinery Sharpening Service

Also, tuition for university students & adults SATs preparation and homework help

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Call (0191) 252 6271 enquiries@tutorbureau.co.uk www.tutorbureau.co.uk

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ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT GETAWAY WITH UNITED GROUP TRAVEL Are you in need of a break? Local coach tourism experts Graham Wright and John Hindhaugh are taking bookings now for their United Group Travel quaity coach tours. Graham explains more...

John and I have worked in the coach tourism industry as drivers for many years, the last few spent as tour drivers for the same local North East coach holiday company, until the Global pandemic had a catastrophic effect on our industry, with many companies going out of business.

Over the years, on our numerous tours both abroad and in the UK, we have built up a fantastic relationship with many of our passengers, and are lucky to call many of them friends. They really appreciated our experience and knowledge of the places we visited, to the extent that a lot of passengers started asking who the driver would be before they actually booked a tour with the company.

It was during a conversation with one of our friends that the question was asked about starting our own company doing our own holidays, so here we are.

We have put all our years’ experience and knowledge to good use while planning our exclusive tours. All the tours are exceptional value for money, and we only select the best-established quality hotels, that are generally either known to us, or we have previously used before. The specific day trips on each tour are also carefully created, all based on our knowledge as well as any relevant previous customer feedback and suggestions to ensure they are always enjoyed. The trips do not leave the hotel too early, or return too late, so as to allow everyone to make full use of the facilities of the chosen hotel. Guaranteed free time as well as entertainment are also key factors

The Northfield Hotel, Minehead 28

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Redcastle Hotel, Co. Donegal Sidmouth

that we take into account to try and make a tour as pleasurable an experience possible.

In such a short space of time, from the initial concept, we have managed to make massive progress. During this current difficult time we all need something to look forward to, and we currently have a wide range of fantastic tours in Great Britain. From Norfolk to Somerset, Donegal to the Brecon Beacons, our advert on the opposite page shows you what’s on offer, with more to follow!

You can rest assured that you can book with confidence with us. We have been granted a COVID-19 Industry Standard Certificate which shows government and industry COVID-19 guidelines are followed. Plus, if your tour is cancelled due to the COVID restrictions, you will receive a full refund.

John and I would like to thank all of our wonderful customers that coninued to support us throughout 2021 and we are looking forward to welcoming you aboard our 2022 tours!

■ United Group Travel Ltd Tel: 01670 632460 / 07957 141654 www.unitedgrouptravel.com Facebook: United Group Travel Ltd E mail: graham.john.unitedgrouptravel@gmail.com

John & Graham look forward to welcoming you aboard!

£30

DEPOSIT PER PERSO SECURES YO N UR BOOKING

2022 QUALITY COACH TOURS ROYAL VICTORIA SNOWDONIA - 7th February ‘22 Llanberis, Gwynedd - 5 days DBB - £299 pp TRIO OF SNOWDROPS - 21st February ‘22 Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie - 5 days DBB - £364 pp POTTERS HOLIDAY VILLAGE RESORT - 28th March ‘22 Totally All Inclusive, Norfolk - 5 days 4 nights - £499 SOMERSET & ILFRACOMBE - 4th April ‘22 The Northfield Hotel, Minehead - 5 days 4 nights DBB - £485 pp DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES OF DONEGAL - 25th April ‘22 Redcastle Hotel, County Donegal - 5 days 4 nights DBB - £550 pp* SIDMOUTH - 28th May ‘22 Royal York and Faulkner Hotel - 6 days - £560 pp BRECON BEACONS - BLACK & WHITE VILLAGE TOUR - 28th July ‘22 Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells - 5 day tour - £495 pp*

* plus single room supplement Visit our website or call us for more tours or information

WWW.UNITEDGROUPTRAVEL.COM 01670 632 460 \ 07957 141 654 ABC MAGAZINES

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GARDENING

and colours work very well together. Alternatively go for similar shapes in a variety of sizes and colours.

As anticipation in gardening provides much of the pleasure take the garden furniture out of storage this month and clean it up…then you can enjoy a cup of tea on sunny days and watch your patio begin to wake up.

PLANTS AS AIR PURIFIERS

CONTAIN YOUR EXCITEMENT

By Rachael Leverton

February marks the real beginning of the gardener’s year.

Seed sowing starts in earnest, and we can begin to plan to bring the patio pots alive.

The patio is a great place to indulge your creativity.

Do you want a brilliant chaotic colour palate or a cool tranquil colour scheme, or maybe even monochrome calming greens in many textures of foliage. I think of patio pots like soft furnishings in the house…changing things up can transform the mood.

While containers are conventionally planted in autumn and late spring, they can actually be planted at any time of year, and I like to get a couple planted up in February so they can become really established and give me a running a start.

I use containers of all sizes but generally the large ones provide more impact. If they are too large and heavy to move easily, plant them with hardy bulbs or permanent shrubs or trees. You can then add seasonal geraniums and pansies etc around the core planting.

Small, moveable containers can be planted with bright bulbs and specimen plants that can be brought to the front as they reach their peak with flowers or foliage. If you have a sheltered frost-free area for a cold frame or poly cover you can plant early, keep safe from the worst of the winter weather, and then bring them out when the frosts have finished.

Good trees for larger containers are conifers. There is such a huge variety of shapes and colours to choose from. For patios its best to choose more compact, well-groomed shapes in bright greens or yellows. Groups of three or five pots containing contrasting shapes 30

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A friend recently asked me whether there are any plants which might help with the humidity and mould problem in the bathroom and back bedroom of her Victorian house. It’s a problem that actually affects many British households. In our damp climate humidity can rise pretty quickly in the winter when all the windows are closed, and the radiators are on. With increased humidity comes the increased risk of mould and associated respiratory problems Obviously, we can install a dehumidifier or an extractor fan, but nature also provides her own dehumidifiers and air purifiers in the form of certain house plants.

The best houseplants for mould-prone areas are those which are efficient at absorbing moisture through their leaves. Not all plants are equally efficient at this task so I’ve selected four of the best. Each offers a different aesthetic so there should be one that’s perfect for you.

English Ivy is a native plant and it’s a low-cost option.

It removes airborne mould, but also other toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight so is perfect for north-facing rooms.

You need to keep it out of reach of toddlers and pets because the leaves are toxic.

Peace Lilies are elegant plants with stunning white flowers, but research conducted by NASA found the Peace Lily to be one of the top indoor plants for air purification. This tropical plant breaks down and neutralizes benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. They love high humidity areas with indirect sunlight like most bathrooms and are great at preventing mould. Like English ivy the leaves and flowers are toxic.

Palms add a tropical touch to a room and will efficiently reduce humidity. There are many varieties and some of the best are the lady palm, dwarf palm and reed palm. Indirect light is best and keep the surface of the soil moist but not wet.

The Snake Plant is a wonderfully architectural succulent. Its evergreen sword-shaped leaves grow upright, and almost resemble artificial foliage. It’s great at air purification and is one of the few plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. This quality makes it particularly good for use in a bedroom as it can help regulate healthy airflow. Snake plants can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, including CO2, benzene and formaldehyde and act as an effective defence against airborne allergies.

Plants can’t solve a full-on damp problem and they won’t replace a builtin humidifier or extractor fan. But plants are a great way to improve the quality of the air in your home and they look beautiful too.

NewSpace

Garage Conversions

WE MAKE THAT UNUSED SPACE A WARM & HABITABLE PLACE

BEFORE

Most garages are too small for modern cars but can provide much needed extra space for the family. · HOME OFFICE · KIDS PLAY ROOM · ADDITIONAL RECEPTION ROOM Your garage holds the key to that extra space and we can bring it to reality.

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Create an additional living space in your home for less than you may think

Please contact us for friendly advice or to arrange an appointment

Tel: 0797 3957 481 or 07931 801 472

info@newspacegarageconversions.co.uk www.newspacegarageconversions.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES

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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.

This situation can be simply avoided through the making of a Lasting Power of Attorney.

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney you can decide whom you would like to manage your affairs in the event that you are unable to do so either due to physical or mental incapacity.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney that can be made, one dealing with your property and financial affairs and the other dealing with your personal welfare.

Personal Welfare This power gives your attorney the authority to make decisions regarding your healthcare and medical treatment.

Property and Affairs This power enables your attorney to deal with your bank accounts and your property. This includes decisions in relation to selling or renting your property, paying your bills, applying for benefits you are entitled to and all aspects of dealing with your bank accounts, savings and investments.

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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.

Call Crichton Wills Trusts & Probate on 01670 514772 and speak to a specialist adviser today who will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and offers a free no obligation appointment in the comfort of your own home.

55 Beaumont Court, Pegswood, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1BF

Price of Family Trust £1,800 (inc. VAT)

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PUZZLE CHALLENGE

Solutions on page 40

CROSSWORD

Across 1 Pile, stack (4) 3 Large performing arts centre in London (8) 9 Introductions, Preambles (4-3) 10 Relationship between two numbers (5) 11 Paper fasteners (7,5) 13 Essence, personality (6) 15 Garden tool (6) 17 Fungal disease affecting tubers (6,6) 20 Halt, break-off (5) 21 Scannable mark on merchandise (7) 22 Money or property (8) 23 European mountain range (4) 34

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Down 1 Recklessly determined (4-4) 2 Use or benefit (5) 4 Designate, nominate (6) 5 Intruder deterrent (7,5) 6 Feline foot or to dupe someone (4-3) 7 Alcove, crevice (4) 8 Day care centre (12) 12 Sparkles (8) 14 Before time (3, 4) 16 Times two (6) 18 Bogeyman, fiend (5) 19 Baby cow (4)

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R E C IPE

BUTTERMILK PANCAKES a tasty breakfast treat!

Makes 12 pancakes Preparation time: 25 minutes plus standing time Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

175g Plain flour ¾ tbsp caster sugar ½ tsp salt 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 egg 375ml buttermilk 3tbsp vegetable oil Serving suggestions Whipping cream Bananas, Blueberries, or raspberries Maple syrup and smoked bacon

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METHOD 1.

2.

3.

4.

Sift the flour, sugar, and bicarbonate of soda into a mixing bowl.

Beat the egg lightly into the buttermilk and vegetable oil in a large jug.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat to a smooth creamy batter. Leave to stand for at least 30 minutes Brush a non-stick frying pan with oil and place over a medium heat. Pour enough batter to make 10cm round pancakes. Cook for 1½ – 2 minutes per side. Set aside on a warmed plate covered with a linen cloth until all pancakes are cooked.

What if you don’t have buttermilk?

Creamy, tangy buttermilk lends a beautiful flavour to this recipe but its not an ingredient many of us have lying around. But don’t worry, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Mix 240ml whole milk with 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice.

Let it sit for five minutes until it’s thickened and curdled slightly.

Use it one for one in recipes requiring buttermilk. So, for this recipe use 360ml milk with 1½ tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.

CHOPPINGTON SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRE N

WHAT’S O

LITTLE SHOOTERS JUNIOR FOOTBALL TRAINING SESSIONS

SEQUENCE DANCE GROUP Sunday & Tuesday 7pm - 10pm

A great place for 4 to 6 year olds to learn basic football skills & drills amongst a friendly group of kids & qualified Trainers. They can advance into playing competitively in one of the junior teams.

Contact Marc the Coach on 07855 954783 for more info.

New Members Wanted! Come along & enjoy an evening in the company of a lovely friendly group of people. New joiners please call the centre first to book your place.

CARPET BOWLS

Come along and Line Dance to traditional music or dance to the latest pop music.

Wednesdays 7pm to 9.30pm

Part of the centre for over 30 years. A very friendly group of people, some of whom have played Bowls at the highest level for County & league competitions. They have also raised thousands of pounds over the years to donate to various charities. Come along and learn the skill attached to Carpet Bowling from some of the best Bowlers of their time.

Contact the centre.

COMMUNITY CHOIR Thursdays 7pm - 9pm

Anyone wishing to come along and join Choir Master Richard and the group should call the Centre to book a place.

TO HELP US KEEP EVERYONE SAFE, ALL ACTIVITIES MUST BE PRE-BOOKED. Limited numbers can attend each session.

COVID rules must be adhered to. Contact details for Track & Trace are required and a mask or visor must be worn in the centre.

For more information or to book an activity call Neal on Email:

LINE DANCING Monday, Friday & Saturday 7pm to 10.30pm

PILATES CLASS Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm With Gill Glass. Enjoy this popular way of exercising and help losing those few extra pounds put on during the Pandemic Lockdown with the aim of getting fit.

Call 07742 885165 to book your place.

TABLE TENNIS & BADMINTON We’ve had interest in both activities. However we need more people to make their interest known in order to run these activities.

Please call the Centre for details.

?

Is there an activity you’d like to participate in but can’t find a location offering it?

Contact us & we’ll see if we can make it happen!

Also, if you have the skills to help run any of the activities listed above or something new - please get in touch!

01670 822 028

neal@choppington.org

BECOME A MEMBER £5 PER YEAR OR £4 FOR OAP & JUNIOR

Choppington Social Welfare Centre, Fernlea Drive, Scotland Gate, Choppington NE62 5SR

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

ENJOY YOUR CONSERVATORY THIS WINTER

If you’re fed up with your conservatory being freezing cold and unusable during the winter then 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

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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

★★★★★

Check out our 5 star reviews on Facebook @thermosroof

WINTER IS HERE! Get your conservatory insulated now so you don’t have to shut the door to it until next summer.

A THERMOS ROOF INSULATION SYSTEM KEEPS YOU AT THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE In winter, conservatories can very quickly become cold and uncomfortable to be in once any form of heating has been turned off. Insulation can help retain this heat, keeping you warm as well as saving you energy and money.

We can carry out a full install in a single day, leaving zero mess and instant results. We retain your existing roof profile & do not remove your current roof. A 5 year warranty is included.

PART

Prices from

£799

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Electrical Safety

Call Steve on 01670 828 695 or 07901 506 645

or visit our website www.thermosroof.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES

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PUZZLE CHALLENGE WORDSEARCH

Can you find all of the female performers hidden in the grid?

Amy Winehouse Ann Wilson Annie Lennox Bjork Cher Corin Tucker Debbie Harry Gwen Stefani Janis Joplin Joan Jett Joni Mitchell Karen O Kim Deal Kim Gordon Madonna Meg White Nancy Wilson Pat Benatar Stevie Nicks Tina Turner

FIGURES OF FUN Each letter has a different numerical value between one and nine. Find out what each letter represents to reach the added totals by reading across and down. Two values have been filled in for you.

SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

WORDSEARCH

FIGURES OF FUN

Q=5, R=8, S=3, T=6, U=2, V=7, W=1, X=9, Y=4 40

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NewSpace Loft Storage We create space so everything has a place

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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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LOCAL NEWS

CRAMLINGTON TREE PROJECT TAKES ROOT Hundreds of trees were planted in Cramlington last month in the first phase of a project that will see 2500 trees take root at various sites across Cramlington.

Over 100 people headed to Northumberlandia to plant a variety of specimens including hawthorn, rowan, Guelder rose, birch and alder. The trees have been sourced through a partnership between Trees for Cities, Cramlington Town Council and Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Robert Drummond from Northumberland Wildlife Trust said: “This week of tree planting has been an incredible success. We have managed to plant a diverse range of species native to Northumberland which will increase the overall biodiversity of Northumberlandia. “his in turn will benefit the local wildlife greatly by creating vital habitat. It has been such a phenomenal task carried out with many individuals and groups from the local community and we are truly so grateful for their help.

“It’s so rewarding having such a range of people get involved in helping their local area. People from many different backgrounds and generations have all been involved varying from schools, businesses and other community groups all around Cramlington and the surrounds. Despite the cold temperatures, howling winds and pouring rain we managed to get the trees planted due to the amazing resilience of everyone who took part.

“It is essential that projects like this happen in local areas, creating space for wildlife and helping to tackle climate change. Overall, I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was involved for

allowing this to happen, a special thank you also goes to Cramlington Town Council for organising all of the groups who were involved.”

The list of organisations and individuals that took part in the tree planting include: Beaconhill First School, Cramlington Kids Club, Northumberland Home Educators, Britishvolt, Cramlington Branch Royal British Legion, Draeger, Councillor Pat Heard, Councillor Helen Morris, Steve Beaty and Adam Harvey from Cramlington Town Council, Cramlington Rotary Club, Hartford Court Care Home, Hareside First School, Healthwise and Bright Red Blood Cancer Charity.

In the new year further planting is due to take place at sites including Northumbrian Road, Valley Park and Alexandra Park.

Maggie Martin, Cramlington Town Council’s Community and Youth manager said “The response to this first phase of treeplanting has been fantastic.

Just think of all the youngsters who will grow up in Cramlington with their trees growing here too.

There are still hundreds of trees to plant, the future is looking green in Cramlington!”

If you as an individual, or representing an organisation would like to take part in future tree planting activities, please contact Cramlington Town Council’s Community and Youth Manager Maggie Martin at maggie@cramlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk

REACH THOUSANDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS EVERY MONTH FROM ONLY £30 + VAT

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We also have magazines covering Whitley Bay, Shiremoor, Holystone, Gosforth, North Shields, Ashington and more. We’ve been delivering results for local businesses since 2008, get in touch today to see how we can help you.

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BOOKS

A GOOD READ

By Willow Coby

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE

By Anthony Doerr

Marie-Laure is blind.

She lives in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where her father works. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris forcing father and daughter to flee to the home of Marie-Laure’s reclusive great uncle, carrying what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.

Werner Pfennig, is an orphan, growing up in a mining town with his younger sister, learning about the world through a crude radio they find. Werner’s expertise in fixing radios makes him a valuable asset to the Nazis as they track down the resistance.

Doerr deftly interweaves the lives of these two youngsters, and along the way shows us how against all the odds, people mostly do try to be good to one another.

This book is built on beautiful imagery. Both in the literal sense - vividly evoking 1940s Paris and Germany - and the metaphorical as it’s woven through with scientific and philosophical references to light, to seeing and not seeing, and the differences between the two. It’s the beautiful and harrowing story of two childhoods torn apart by war. We learn how Mari-Laure and Werner are both forced along paths they did not choose due to their desperate personal circumstances.

There is a running theme of interconnectedness, of invisible lives running parallel to one another yet sometimes coming together in the strangest of ways.

Marie-Laure and Werner are from different worlds, yet each influences the other.

All the Light We Cannot See is a haunting novel. The elegant prose and engaging, heart-breaking stories will remain with you long after you’ve reached the final page. The title hints at the fact that just as we only see a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum, so we are only ever aware of a fraction of the spectrum of history. But if we could look deeper, we’d see the untold stories and they would be beautiful and strangely luminescent in their own right.

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A DEADLY EDUCATION

by Naomi Novik

It’s no secret that Harry Potter books are read by adults as much as by children. But what if there was a series about a school of magic written especially for adults? Well, that is what Naomi Novik has done.

However, it is not wizarding school as you know it.

In this first novel in the Scholomance series we meet El, a student at the Scholomance who is working through her studies, fast approaching graduation. But in this case graduation is not a celebratory event but a fight for survival. As a loner El is in danger. Lone students rarely survive graduation, and her best chance is to find an enclave that will have her. Being born to a Welsh witch she lived most of her childhood in a commune with her mother, away from other sorcerers. This has left her without the support of an enclave, unlike her fellow students such as Orion from the New York enclave.

A school with no teachers or anyone in charge, the students left to fend for themselves, and building up their skills as best they can to fight the malefecaria: mana-eating monsters who feed on the students.

Novik is exceptional at transporting you away from this world and into the world she has created. A multilayered world with a language and natural law system all of its own. It takes a bit of getting used to but is totally worth it.

POINT BLANC: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

by Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston, Kanako & Yuzuru For many young readers the name ‘Alex Rider’ needs no introduction. Like a teenage James Bond, Alex is a spy who works for MI6. Point Blank was the second Alex Ryder novel, and this version follows the same story, but adapted into a graphic novel.

Alex is sent undercover by MI6 to Point Blanc, an exclusive school in the Swiss Alps for the rebellious teenage sons of some of the richest people in the world. Two millionaires have been killed and the only connection between them are that they both had sons attending Point Blanc. Can Alex find some connection that will lead to the motive for the killings?

Full of gadgets, chases, and thrills, the original series of books have been a huge hit with teenage readers.

This graphic novel is especially suited for reluctant readers who struggle with large amounts of descriptive text, along with fans of graphic novels in general.

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