ABC Magazine: Wansbeck Edition, February/March 2022 by ABC Magazines

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

ABC is distributed free of charge to thousands of homes in Ashington, Stakeford, Pegswood and surrounding areas. 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 Scan the QR code with your mobile to visit our website @yourabc @abcmagazines www.yourabc.co.uk All information at time of going to press. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause. R Wilson Advertising does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.

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LOCAL N E WS

LEARN BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE WITH HANDS ON Hands On British Sign Language Tuition has been operational in Northumberland for over 9 years and is led by Debbie Jervis, an award winning Deaf British Sign Language teacher with over 30 years teaching experience. Having a native BSL Deaf teacher ensures students get the most culturally and linguistically accurate high standard of teaching. A BSL/ English Interpreter is also provided in class to ensure the most effective communication happens between both teacher and student.

WHAT IS BSL?

British Sign Language (BSL) is a visual language which consists of hand movements, hand shapes, facial expressions. body movement and lip patterns. It is estimated that 151,000 people in the UK use British Sign Language, of these approximately 87,000 are Deaf. This makes it the second most used language in the UK after English, so it’s really beneficial to learn.

WHY LEARN BSL?

Deaf people experience communication barriers every day. By learning BSL, you will be able to communicate with Deaf people who use BSL and contribute to a society where Deaf people are included. Learning BSL can also improve your confidence, your skillset as an employee and freshen up your CV. Learning a new skill can show that you’re motivated and you may find it can open up career opportunities. BSL is an exciting and expressive language to learn. You will be taught how to communicate using your hands, face and body. It relies entirely on visual images and has a different grammatical structure to English. 6

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Debbie Jervis The demand for learning BSL has never been higher since Rose Ayling-Ellis' appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. It has led to a huge surge in interest in learning British Sign Language.

WHERE CAN I LEARN BSL?

At Hands On, they offer a range of accredited BSL courses; Signature Levels 1,2,3 and 4. Additionally, they have non-accredited courses e.g. Introduction to BSL/Deaf awareness, family sign language courses and can tailor make courses on request to suit your needs. As well as individual students, they have recently provided short courses for Secondary Schools, Service providers, families that are looking for a fun activity to do together and sessions for groups such as the Women's Institute. Courses are run face to face from the home office in Ashington, can be delivered at your venue, or live tuition online via Zoom or Teams.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

The beginners level 1 course takes around 27 weeks to complete with a 2 hour weekly class. The BSL Awareness/Introduction to BSL and Family Sign Language courses are shorter and range from 6 – 10 weeks, these are a great way to gain knowledge in basic BSL or as a platform to advance to the accredited courses. If you are interested and would like further information regarding course availability and costs, please contact Debbie via: Facebook: Hands On BSL Tuition Website: www.handsonbsltuition.co.uk Email: debbiejervis123@googlemail.com Debbie also runs a social evening called NSBSL (Northumberland Social BSL) held on the last Friday of every month from 7pm at The Portland Hotel, Bar & Grill in Ashington. These are informal, informative evenings and serve as a great way to have fun and practice your BSL skills. Please see details on her Facebook page for more information. Newcomers are most welcome!

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LOCAL N E WS

Work Starts on £1.9m Refurbishment of Newbiggin Sports Centre Construction work is now underway to refurbish and remodel Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre. The £1.9m Northumberland County Council funded scheme will include a new and improved sporting offer and a community hub. The ground floor gym area will be refurbished and reconfigured to provide a dedicated cycling/spinning studio while the first floor will be converted into a new gym area with weights and stateof-the-art cardio equipment. In addition, the three squash courts and viewing gallery will be refurbished and the six-court sports hall upgraded. There will be new and improved changing facilities that will be available for sport and community use, including changing places that are designed to be fully accessible for those with additional needs. A new, modern and welcoming reception area, a library and the creation of a community café and hub area will provide a community focal point for events and workshops. Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives said, “This major refurbishment and upgrade work will breathe new life into the centre and provide a modern and much improved social and sporting experience for the local community. I am pleased such rapid progress is being made on this scheme, and the start of work on site means we are one step closer to bringing these fantastic new facilities to the local community.” Local ward member Liz Simpson added, “This scheme is something I have worked on for five years and I am so pleased it is coming to fruition. I can’t wait for it to open as we have so many exciting things planned for all ages of the community. The community allotment which will be situated behind the centre is another great part of the scheme which will encourage interaction between the generations.” Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for Northumberland Communities Together said, “As well as the sporting offer the centre will offer a vibrant community hub for social groups, activities and skills workshops. There will be a library area, a café and a welcoming social space for local people to access a range of services and support. I am sure it will become a much loved and valued focal point for this community which will help people feel more connected.”   Architect Howarth Litchfield will be responsible for architecture and interior design while Brims Construction (Brims) has been appointed building contractor. Explaining the extent of the interior refurbishment 8

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and the design approach taken, Neil Turner, director of Howarth Litchfield, said, “We are developing a new, open plan community hub with modern library resources breathing new life and vibrancy into a tired, existing building. The hub will provide modern facilities by creating an inviting and relaxing interior with the smart use of contemporary finishes, integrated furniture and flexible units. "The remaining community areas will receive a decorative refresh further enhanced with replacement LED lights, while the central entrance will be re-focused and the changing area completely remodelled to provide an uplifting, fully inclusive facility to energise and enthuse any sports enthusiast.”

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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 10

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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

SCORES OF POTENTIAL PROJECTS BEING CONSIDERED FOR ASHINGTON A partnership working to bring transformative change to Ashington is now considering scores of potential projects – thanks to local feedback. Made up of business, public sector and community leaders – the Ashington Town Board is developing an ambitious Investment Plan for the town. The board, which meets regularly, is working with the community and both county and town councils, to deliver change, while also celebrating and promoting what makes Ashington unique. Ahead of drafting the Investment Plan, the local community was asked to comment on its vision and objectives last summer, as well as giving feedback on the best and worst aspects of the town. This can be viewed at nland.uk/Ashsurvey Over 450 responses were received, which proved invaluable to help inform plans for Ashington. A call out for projects in the Autumn of 2021 netted 30 potential projects for the town, which were independently evaluated and are now being consolidated, developed and worked up for suitable funding opportunities. While details of the potential schemes are still under development, among those underway are a raft of improvements in the Hirst area, from park safety work to tackling fly tipping. Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business,

said: “We're working on an ambitious Investment Plan for the town and are very pleased with the enthusiasm of residents, business organisations and other stakeholders to bring long-term sustainable improvements to Ashington. There are numerous projects in the pipeline and as soon as we’re able to share more details we’ll be consulting on plans with everyone who’s got an interest.” John Johnston, Chief Executive of Bernicia and Chair of the Ashington Town Board, said: “This is an exciting time for Ashington. The Town Board has worked exceptionally hard to develop ambitious plans and are committed to working together with stakeholders across the town to afford real transformation for Ashington.” More information on the Ashington Town Board is available at www.northumberland.gov.uk/ ashingtonip

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Could you support someone in a voluntary opportunity to help them bridge the gap to work and skills? Northumberland CVA’s Supported Volunteering project supports individuals on the Bridge Northumberland programme, undertaking volunteering opportunities to develop their confidence and life experiences to improve the skills they need to find work.

We are looking to expand our team of Volunteer Buddies across Northumberland. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Volunteer Buddy, please call Lisa on 07818 511690 or email lisa.wackett@northumberlandcva.org.uk

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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!

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.

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Interested? Call Stuart 07950 770021 for more information 14

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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, 16

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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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LOCAL N E WS

Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisers in Northumberland Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They provide information and support, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. Here they explain more about their service... Having concerns about your memory, receiving a dementia diagnosis or being a carer for someone with dementia can be daunting and difficult at times. Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Adviser service is designed to provide support to people affected by dementia throughout this journey. Their experienced and compassionate Dementia Advisers cover the whole of Northumberland and can help you get the practical and emotional support you need. The service is available to people worried about their memory, with a diagnosis of dementia, their carers and family members. This can be by telephone or face to face. The service is unique to personal circumstances and can offer advice and support to meet your individual needs. Dementia Advisers can be contacted directly by anyone needing support or through a referral from any

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• • • •

The Northumberland Dementia Adviser team can be contacted by telephone on 01670 813255 (answer machine available out of hours) or at northumberland@ alzheimers.org.uk. The Alzheimer’s Society website can offer a great deal of information including further details of the Dementia Adviser service www. Alzheimers.org.uk. The Dementia Connect Helpline number is 0333 150 3456.

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LOCAL N E WS

Ashington Spa Shortlisted in National Awards The Tranquillity Spa, run by Active Northumberland, has been named among the best in the country after being shortlisted in the English Hair & Beauty Awards. The spa, based in Ashington Leisure Centre, has been named as a finalist in the Spa of the Year category and Spa Manager, Emily Sweet was overjoyed at the news: “The whole team are so excited to have been nominated for this amazing award." "We are a relatively new and small spa, so we are really proud to have been recognised on a national stage. We pride ourselves in offering top quality beauty treatments and an excellent service. This means so much to us all, and is a great reward for our extremely hard-working team.” The English Hair & Beauty Awards seek to shine the spotlight on the talented professionals that have shown great passion, commitment and innovation for the beauty industry, who often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Last year the Ashington spa scooped the Team of the Year at the prestigious Northeast Beauty Industry Awards, and they won't have to wait long to see if they can make it a double as the Awards will be held later in the month. Within the Spa there are three fabulous treatment rooms, a dedicated tanning room, manicure and pedicure bays and a team of fully qualified therapists who perform

a range of procedures including massages, waxing and facials. They offer a full Thermal Spa Experience, where you can relax and unwind from everyday stresses, with features including a spa pool, sauna, steam room, heated loungers, monsoon showers and ice features. Active Northumberland has five Tranquillity Spas. New Spas have been introduced in its sports centres at Blyth, Berwick and Ponteland, and it has established spas at Concordia Leisure Centre and the one at Ashington Leisure Centre. For further information about the spas and the treatments on offer visit: www.activenorthumberland. org.uk/The-Tranquillity-Spa.aspx You can take a virtual tour of the spa by following the link: http://bit.ly/Spaday

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01670 716666/ 01670 531648 Bedlington (salon only)

Cramlington

Creating a unique experience all under one roof, it truly is 'all about the dog'

Creche

GROOMINg

Entrusted to care for the regions canine companions since 2003 and awarded a 5 star rating from Northumberland county council, it truly is 'all about your dog'.

Providing a range of services from a simple bath & brush to our full grooming package, all of which include nail trim and ear cleaning as standard. Our puppy pamper package is now only £10!!

THE DOG BOUTIQUE All of your dog's essentials, including shampoo’s, luxury dog fragrances and accessories.

Do ggy Days

@do ggydayscreche

E: hello@do ggydayscreche.com www.doggy-days.co.uk

Company license number: NAB/207

Cramlington Crèche & Salon: 7-8 Hubbway Business Centre, Bassington Lane, Cramlington, NE23 8AD Bedlington Salon: 22 East Front Street, Bedlington NE22 5AA

PUZZLE CHALLENGE 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

SOLUTION: Q=5, R=8, S=3, T=6, U=2, V=7, W=1, X=9, Y=4. FIGURES OF FUN 082 FIGURES OF FUN © Lovatts Puzzles |

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

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

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

WELCOME TO ENERGYZE where your Skin Care is as individual as you. Energyze aims to provide quality treatments, tailored specifically to your needs in a safe environment where you can relax, have some precious time out and leave feeling on top of the world.

TREATMENTS: • Dermaplaning • Microdermabrasion • Micro-needling • Rejuvenating Holistic Facial

• LED Light Therapy • Reflexology • Eve Taylor Facials • Skin Peels

I look forward to welcoming you to my relaxing studio in Bedlington, Northumberland which has been purpose built for one to one consultations. The area is COVID19 secure to provide a safe environment for your treatments.

Book direct via

www.energyze.net Facebook: Energyze: Bespoke Holistic Skincare | Tel: 07861 784445 ABC MAGAZINES

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ESCAPE THE CHILL IN YOUR CONSERVATORY

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...

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

BEAT THE CHILL! Get your conservatory insulated now so you don’t have to shut the door to it until 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

Electrical Safety

Call Steve on 01670 828 695 or 07901 506 645

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

25 25

LOCAL NEWS

JON’S PLUMBING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

•

Plumbing Services:

•

Handyman Services:

• Leaks · Radiators · Taps · Toilets Showers · Outside Taps

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 26

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• • • • • •

Fitting of door/security locks & door handles Stair Rails & Home Improvements Moving furniture within the home Indoor & Outdoor Carpentry Flatpack furniture assemby General repairs - please ask

FREE QUOTES LOCAL, FRIENDLY & FULLY INSURED NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

Please call 01670 638339 or 07496 726 403 Email: jonvrbeck@gmail.com Jons Handyman Services

TUTOR BUREAU Private tuition in your own home with experienced, professional tutors All tutors are DBS checked Suitable for Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 GCSE and A Level Also, tuition for university students & adults SATs preparation and homework help • • • •

ONLINE TUITION ALSO ACROSS NORTH EAST ALL SUBJECTS ALL AGES NEW TUTORS WELCOME

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

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R E CIPE

BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

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

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.

The Northfield Hotel, Minehead

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Property Solutions

Services include:

• Artificial Lawn Restoration • Pressure Washing • Driveway Sealing/Resin Painting • Gutter Clears • Fascia/Conservatory Deep Cleans • External Painting

Call Jonny on

07908 242 432

Block Paving Resin Paint Rennovation

Artifical Lawn Restored, Disinfected, Fragranced and Re-sanded

NewSpace Loft Storage We create space so everything has a place

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN CREATING HOBBY ROOMS

LOFT STORAGE SPACE PACKAGE

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.

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

Includes: • Independent Floor • Timber Ladder • Lights & Sockets • Plaster Boarded • Velux Window

CALL US FOR FURTHER DETAILS

• Loft Ladder • New hatch • Light with Switch • Flooring SUPPLIED & INSTALLED

FOR ONLY £595

Call us today for friendly advice and an estimate 07973 957 481 or 07931 801 472 info@newspaceloftstorage.co.uk

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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. 30

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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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E N TE RTAIN M E N T

FILM RELEASES THE DUKE

THE BATMAN

Genres: Action, Drama, Superhero Age Rating: 15 Release date: 4th March

Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama Age Rating: 12 Release date: 25th February

The Duke is finally coming to theatres in the UK after premiering at Venice Film Festival back in 2020. It follows the real-life story of Kempton Bunton, played by Jim Broadbent, a 60-year-old taxi driver who steals Francisco Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. Burnton then sends a ransom note, claiming the act of thievery was made for the greater good of the British elderly in care homes. Before the event happens, Burnton had been campaigning for pensioners to be given free television. He complains that he was jailed simply for not having a TV licence at one point, and says he will return the painting on one condition: The government must pay more attention to the elderly. The film’s story is based on a true story, an event that did actually happen in 1961. Since then, the case has been referenced in popular culture. The movie will focus not only on what actually happened in the oncein-a-lifetime event for the old man but also on the personal problems Burnton had been struggling with at the same time. Aside from Broadbent, the film also stars Helen Mirren (‘The Queen’, ‘Harry Potter’) as Dorothy, Kenneth’s wife and Fionn Whitehead (‘Dunkirk’, ‘The Children Act’) as Jackie Bunton.

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‘The Batman’ focuses on the early, formative years of Bruce Wayne, as Batman during his second year being Gotham City’s blackmasked vigilante. While confronting the Riddler (Paul Dano), a serial murderer, he discovers that the rampant corruption in his city is linked to his family. According to film’s director Mark Reeves, this film is not an origin story, although it does take inspiration from Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s ‘Batman: Year One’ comic arc, which portrays the billionaire superhero in his early days. ‘The Batman’ casts Robert Pattinson as Batman. Pattinson rose to prominence through his leading role in the Twilight saga and memorable performances in films such as ‘Water For Elephants’ (2011), ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019), and‘Tenet’ (2020). Besides Pattinson, this film also features familiar characters in the DC universe that fans know and love, such as Batman’s butler Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis) and Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz).

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

Genres: Superhero, Comedy Age Rating: To Be Confirmed Release date: April 2022 The narrative of the sequel picks

up months after Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) beats Dr Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and banishes him to a world full of mushrooms, following the events of the original Sonic film. Now that Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) have agreed to let Sonic stay at home while they go on vacation, Sonic is ready for more freedom. However, Dr Robotnik, now known as Dr Eggman, returns from the mushroom world with treasure hunter Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba), whom he tricked into joining him in pursuit of an emerald that can grant the ability to construct and destroy civilizations. Sonic must now go on a quest to locate the gemstone before it falls into the hands of Dr Eggman.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE Genres: Fantasy, Drama Age Rating: TBC Release date: April 2022

Following the first two films, ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’s storyline builds up to the Wizarding World’s involvement in World War II and is set in Rio de Janeiro and Berlin, some years after the events of ‘The Crimes of Grindelwald’. Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) sends Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his companions on a mission that will lead to a confrontation with Grindelwald’s army. Dumbledore is forced to consider how long he can remain on the sidelines in the coming battle. Mads Mikkelsen takes over the role of Gellert Grindelwald from Johnny Depp, who left the franchise after playing the titular character in the previous two instalments.

affordable, high quality private dentistry At Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice we provide Late night appointments 3 days a week Easy access with ground ﬂoor facilities Guaranteed registration with the practice Access to daily emergency appointments 24 hour helpline number for dental emergencies at home and abroad, 365 days a year for practice plan members

We offer a wide range of treatments including Children’s dentistry Restorative dentistry Bespoke dentures Quick Straight teeth Cosmetic dentistry Smile design Prevention Implants Invisalign® Bleaching Facial aesthetics Sedation for adults and children. Intravenous and inhalational sedation If you’re unhappy with your smile or would like a routine check up

CALL US NOW 01670 828402 or email toothurty@btinternet.com

Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice 30 Front Street East, Bedlington, NE22 5AA

Prams • Pushchairs • Car Seats • Nursery Furniture • Changing Bags • Raincovers

Mattresses • High Chairs & Lots More

www.babythingz.com

10% RESERVES

ANY ITEM

Unit 8D, North Tyne Industrial Estate, Whitley Road, Benton, NE12 9SZ

(Opposite ASDA Benton)

PramsNewcastle ∙ Open Tuesday to Saturday by appointment only ∙ Tel: 0191 266 1190

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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

Hard Days Night Tour 34

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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 N SECURES YO UR BOOKING

2022 QUALITY COACH TOURS 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 DB&B - £485 pp DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES OF DONEGAL - 25th April ‘22 Redcastle Hotel, County Donegal - 5 days 4 nights DB&B - £550 pp* SIDMOUTH - 28th May ‘22 Royal York and Faulkner Hotel - 6 day tour DB&B - £560 pp WELSH BORDERS TRAIN & CRUISE - 4th July ‘22 Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa - 4 Nights DB&B - £485 pp* HARD DAYS NIGHT - 13th July ‘22 Beatles Boutique Hotel, Liverpool - 4 days 3 nights B&B - £285 pp BRECON BEACONS - BLACK & WHITE VILLAGE TOUR - 28th July ‘22 Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells - 5 day tour DB&B - £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

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?

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

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

RESCUE AND SECURE YOUR OLD CINE FILMS, SLIDES AND VIDEO TAPES TO DVD

Leading Nursery Brands at Everyday

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Prices!

Exclusive ABC

Special Of fer

Place an order

with Babythingz

and we’ll give

you a Gift Vouche

worth 10%

• Cine Film to DVD • Audio Cassettes to CD • Selected Vinyl albums to CD • VHS to DVD Transfer • Camcorder Tapes • Slides to CD

of your order value For example, place an order for £600 and receive a Babythingz gift voucher worth £60. Terms and Conditions apply. Please mention offer at time of purchase.

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

Tel: 0191 266 1190 ∙ www.babythingz.com

Tel: 0191 234 4606

Foto Snaps, 24 High Street East, Wallsend, NE28 8PQ www.fotosnapswallsend.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES

HEALTH

To Reverse Ageing, Think Blue

What are Blue Zones and what can they teach us about ageing? By Louise Addison As a nation we’re obsessed with ageing. We try to turn the clock back with lotions, potions and sometimes Botox and fillers. Yet some nations seem to have solved this issue without resorting to cosmetics or surgery. These people live in the world’s so-called Blue Zones. The term ‘Blue Zones’ refers to geographic areas in which people have low rates of chronic disease including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and several types of cancer, and enjoy life spans more than a decade longer than people elsewhere in the world. The concept of Blue Zones grew out of the work done by researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain. The five Blue Zones are: Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, The Ogliastra Region in Sardinia, Loma Linda in California (which boasts the highest concentration of Seventh Day Adventists in the US), and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Dan Buettner, who is an author, explorer, educator, and endurance cyclist, studied these regions intensively and concluded that the inhabitants all shared certain characteristics. They exercise – but not at the gym, and they don’t run. Instead, they live in environments that encourage movement. They walk, garden, and tend to use manual tools rather than electric ones, when working in the house and garden. They live with purpose - The Okinawans call it ikigai and the Nicoyans call it plan de vida; both roughly translate to "why I wake up in the morning." A sense of purpose adds several years to your life span. They take time out – Everyone, even those living in Blue Zones experience stress. Stress is the leading cause of chronic inflammation and is associated with every major age-related disease. The Blue Zone populations understand how to deal with and diffuse that stress. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap, and Sardinians do happy hour! They follow the 80% rule - The Okinawan’s have a 2,500-year-old Confucian mantra,

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‘Hara hachi bu’, which they recite before meals. It reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight and gaining it. People in the Blue Zones eat their smallest meal in the early evening, and then they don't eat any more for the rest of the day. They eat a plant-based diet -The people of the Blue Zones eat mainly plants and beans, limiting meat to small portions a few times per month. They drink moderately – Apart from the Adventists, all the people living in the Blue Zones drink alcohol regularly. Moderate drinkers actually outlive non-drinkers. So, keep to one to two glasses a day, preferably drunk with a meal and with friends or family They have a community - The world's longest-lived people chose - or were born into - social circles that support healthy behaviours. For example, Okinawans created moais - groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious, so healthy social networks are essential for long life. So, if you are interested in living a longer and healthier life…think blue!

Parker Grove Design Ltd INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Interior design | Space planning | Project management Tel: 0191 468 2662 email: enquiries@parkergrove.co.uk www.parkergrove.co.uk

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.

AFTER

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

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

March 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 40

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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.

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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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Answers on page 28 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) 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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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. 46

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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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