ABC Magazine: Whitley Bay Edition, Jan/Feb 2022 by ABC Magazines

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WHITLEY BAY EDITION | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2022

RECIPE Buttermilk Pancakes - a tasty breakfast treat

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE

Look after your vision with Concept Eye Clinic W H I T L E Y B AY

SPORTING LEGEND VISITS NORTH SHIELDS

Cliff Thorburn pays a visit to North East Snooker Centre

WHITLEY LODGE

M O N K S ABC E AT O N| 1 MAGAZINES

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. Don’t be afraid to talk it over with us. We have the experience and expertise, and we can help. It won’t cost you a penny to discuss it, but it could save your family a fortune.

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WELCOME TO ABC MAGAZINE Welcome to the Whitley Bay edition of ABC, your bi-monthly independent local magazine. ABC is distributed free of charge to thousands of homes in Whitley Bay, Whitley Lodge and Monkseaton or you can view it online via www.yourabc.co.uk

Bay Podiatry Professional Footcare

Comprehensive footcare from experienced clinicians

Each edition of ABC brings you a range of adverts and features including, local news, business features, health, recipes and more.

Interested in advertising in ABC? Please call Richard on 07526 522272 or email info@yourabc.co.uk

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All information correct 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

SPORTING LEGEND VISITS NORTH SHIELDS

ormer Snooker World Champion Cliff Thorburn, affectionately known as ‘The Grinder’ for his methodical style of play, recently visited the North East Snooker Centre in North Shields, both to catch up with his English friends, and owners of the centre, Paul and Alison Rinaldi, and to check out the amazing facilities at the centre. Canadian native Thorburn won the hearts of snooker fans worldwide when he was crowned World Champion in 1980, a time when snooker was at its peak and games regularly attracted 20 million plus viewers. ‘The Grinder’, the first player ever to score a 147 on television and winner of multiple snooker events, recently announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 74, playing his last game in January of this year. Cliff spent a week in the North East and was hugely impressed with the brand new snooker and pool venue, right here in North Shields. The North East Snooker Centre, based on Queen Alexandra Road, is the only club in the North East to play host to four Professional Star tables, the same type of table you see on televised events. The centre also has two high quality Riley Aristocrat tables with steel block cushions, and four standard Riley tables, similar to those found in most social clubs, but in tip-top condition. For those new to the game, or even for experienced players wanting to build their potting confidence, the club has a high quality ¾ table. For ardent 9-ball 6

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Cliff Thorburn with North East Snooker Centre owners Alison and Paul Rinaldi

and 8-ball pool players, the couple have installed tournament quality tables, offering the best playing surfaces for both sports. Also, be assured you’re in good hands when seeking advice on improving all aspects of your game. Paul Rinaldi himself is a former professional player, and his main advice is always ‘Keep it Simple’. Paul is continually involved with many of the current top professionals and also helps run ‘The Cue Zone’ during the World Championships in Sheffield, as well as other ranking tournaments. If you’d like help from a coach who has made over 1000 century breaks then look no further. Whether you are a beginner looking for basic tips, or an experienced player seeking help with certain aspects of your game, pop in and see how Paul can help improve your game. Because of the contacts Paul has built up over the years, the centre has already hosted Professional Snooker Exhibitions and other quality events. In their first year, cue sport legends Dennis Taylor, Steve Davis and Cliff himself, as well as world champions Shaun Murphy and Mark Williams, have all made appearances at the centre. With more events planned for the coming 12 months, keep an eye out for more world class stars coming to the area. As well as catering for adult enthusiasts of all abilities, the club also provides quality coaching through their Saturday Morning Kids Club. Boys and Girls ages 8 to 16 will truly benefit from attending a funpacked morning of cue sport activity. For more details call the centre on 0191 691 2091 or visit www.northeastsnookercentre.com

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LOCAL N E WS

WORK STARTS ON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SCHEME Work has recently started on an innovative new roundabout with on-road segregated cycling facilities in North Tyneside. It is part of North Tyneside Council’s ambitious sustainable transport scheme, featuring around 2km of cycling and walking improvements between Norham Road in New York and the Foxhunters roundabout in Monkseaton. It follows feedback from a consultation held last year (2021), and the scheme includes a redesigned roundabout with segregated provision for cycling and walking at the Rake Lane/Billy Mill Lane junction – the first of its kind in the North East. The scheme is being funded by the Government’s Active Travel Fund (ATF) Tranche 2, which supports local authorities to provide safe cycling and walking facilities along key commuter routes. The council has secured nearly £1.6 million from the ATF to help improve sustainable links to Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside General Hospital and Newcastle. This will also play a vital part in the council’s action on climate change and ambitions to work towards the borough being carbon net-zero by 2030. Cllr Sandra Graham, cabinet member for Environment, said: “I am really pleased that we’re now in a position to start to deliver this innovative and ambitious scheme, which will make it easier and safer for people to use sustainable forms of travel to commute and get around the borough. “We have listened to feedback from our consultation held in May 2021, where people have told us that segregated space for walking and cycling is important to them. The new scheme will play a vital part in our action on climate change and ambitions to work towards the borough being carbon net-zero by 2030

“It will improve links between residential areas and major employment sites like Cobalt Business Park and Rake Lane hospital and therefore is a big opportunity to convert short car journeys to a cleaner, greener alternative.” Due for completion in the summer, the works will be carried out by the council’s partner Capita. The construction team will work with consideration for the public – this includes keeping the use of temporary lane restrictions, pedestrian diversions and traffic signals to a minimum. However, motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys. During the scheme’s installation, the speed limit will be reduced on the New York Bypass and the Rake Lane/ Billy Mill Lane roundabout to help protect both the public and workforce. To receive regular updates as the project progresses, you can sign up to the electronic bulletin service by emailing sustainabletravel@northtyneside.gov.uk and put “Rake Lane” in the subject field. Alternatively, the major projects team can be contacted directly via Email: sustainabletravel@northtyneside.gov.uk or Tel: (0191) 643 6500.

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

If you are a local business looking for the most cost effective way to advertise to local residents every month, why not try ABC Magazines? This publication is delivered free to thousands of homes and businesses in Whitley Bay, Whitley Lodge and Monkseaton, bi-monthly by our own in house distribution team. We also have magazines covering North Shields, Tynemouth, Shiremoor, Holystone, Gosforth, Ashington, Cramlington, Morpeth 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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- J U LY 2 02 1 EDITION | JUNE N O RT H S H I E L D S

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MAKE NEW SPACE

Your loft & garage hold the key to extra space in your home

Summer of Cycling underway & plans revealed to expand cycle network

STIC PAWTA The North East Dog Festival

returns for 2021

N O RT H S H I E L D S

TYNEMOUTH

ROYA L Q U AYS

PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL EYE CARE at Stevens Optical Group - Your independent local opticians Whether you need an eye examination, are thinking about trying contact lenses, are concerned about your children's eyesight or would like to choose a new pair of glasses or sunglasses, we're only too pleased to assist. With local family owned practices in Whitley Bay and Killingworth, we have a wide range of frames to choose from including many designer brands.

New patients welcome · Hearing Care now available Pickard Opticians, 11 Ilfracombe Gardens,Whitley Bay NE26 3ND Tel: 0191 252 8975 | Open: Monday - Friday 9.00am- 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 5.30pm Stevens Optical Group, Unit 22 The Killingworth Centre, Killingworth NE12 6YT Tel: 0191 268 1317 | Open: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm

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LOCAL N E WS

Plans submitted for major North Shields developments Ambitious plans for a new transport hub with town square in North Shields and walkway linking the town centre to the Fish Quay have been submitted. The proposals are part of the Ambition for North Shields and the Fish Quay Masterplan, aimed at breathing new life into the town centre and riverside and providing the right environment to support businesses, leisure users and retail. Community groups, residents and businesses have all been asked for their views to help refine the designs ahead of the plans officially being lodged. The proposed transport hub will provide a modern and convenient, high-quality facility bringing all bus services in the town together and closer to Metro, taxis and links to cycling infrastructure – making it easier for people to choose cleaner, greener forms of travel. The proposals also include local amenities such as public toilets and a Changing Places facility. The site will also feature a new open town square for events and leisure activities with new planting, creating a much-needed green space in the heart of the town centre and increasing biodiversity in an urban environment. The proposed walkway will represent a vast improvement on 10

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the current stepped route with muchimproved accessibility and will create a safer link between the improved town centre and vibrant Fish Quay. It will feature green open spaces and different route options to suit different needs, including step-free routes and steps with handrails, as well as a direct route from top to bottom via steps. Both schemes are subject to a successful funding bid to the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) through the Department for Transport. Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “We are committed to transforming North Shields into somewhere people want to live, work and visit to help sustain the town for years to come. We’re now starting to see these ambitions coming to fruition with work getting underway on the ground. These are really exciting times for North Shields and there’s every reason to be optimistic for the future. “Our investments in the proposed transport hub and town square and embankment walkway are absolutely vital to improving connectivity and helping create a vibrant and sustainable shopping environment, which will help attract new investment in the town. We have been sharing our plans with local communities and incorporating their feedback into the designs and will continue to listen to what people tell us as the projects evolve.”

The North Shields Masterplan, which was adopted by Cabinet in January 2021 following a full public consultation, features eight separate projects aimed at breathing new life into the town centre and attracting more people to live, work and visit as well as attracting private sector investment. It is hoped that the transport hub will become the first net zero carbon building in North Tyneside and design work to achieve this is ongoing. The facility has been designed with sustainability at the forefront through the use of materials, solar energy and the way surface water quality is managed. Both schemes will be delivered by appointed construction partner Wilmott Dixon. Nick Corrigan, North East Director for the firm, said: “We are proud to be playing our part in delivering a project that will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre and create a new gateway for the people of North Shields. It really is a dynamic and sustainable design which will create a vibrant and innovative space for local people. We are focused on leaving a lasting legacy beyond bricks and mortar and that’s why we will be supporting the North Shields economy by using local businesses and creating local employment opportunities wherever possible.” Planning committee will consider the applications next month (February 2022). A separate application to demolish the former Co-op and Marie Curie buildings in Bedford Street, leading to Railway Terrace, to make way for the proposed transport hub and town square has also been submitted. The project involves taking the Square back to its original layout of footpaths and a perimeter of trees and creating a new, pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment and cultural scene on the top end of Howard Street (north of the Saville Street junction to the Square). In addition, the site of the former Unicorn House office block has been cleared ready for a new high-quality housing development. Work on building the new homes could start in Spring 2022 and take around 12 months to complete.

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Join our free Healthy Habits programme designed around you and your health and wellbeing goals. Taking that first step can be daunting, which is why we offer both peer-to-peer support sessions as well as one-to-one support from our Healthy Habits team. Call 0191 280 8484 or email Rachel.Haldenby@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk

“One-to-one and group support with Healthy Habits has helped me make positive changes to my diet, health and exercise as I get older and I’m looking forward to social interaction in group settings when circumstances allow.” - Susan

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ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

HEALTHWATCH DISPEL THE MYTHS ABOUT NHS DENTISTRY Healthwatch busted the myths around NHS dentistry, and are now asking local residents to share their experiences of health, care and pharmacy services in two new surveys. Healthwatch has acted on feedback from local people and produced a myth busting leaflet to dispel the most common rumours relating to NHS dentistry. North East Healthwatch teams have seen a significant increase in people’s concerns around seeing a dentist, and have raised these concerns with NHS England. Working together with NHS England, they have produced a leaflet addressing some common myths and misunderstandings around how dental practices work. The ‘myth busting’ leaflet gives the facts about what it means to be registered with a practice, why you may be offered a private appointment, capacity for routine appointments, and what constitutes emergency care. The leaflet can be downloaded at: https://bit.ly/HWDentalMyths. The borough’s local health and care champion Healthwatch North Tyneside is currently helping local people have their say in two new surveys: the Annual Survey and Pharmacy Survey. If you’ve used GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services, you can share those experiences in Healthwatch’s Annual Survey. The findings will be shared with local service providers and commissioners to identify ways they can improve their

services to make health and care better for everyone. Healthwatch is also conducting a Pharmacy Survey to write a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for North Tyneside, which will ensure local pharmacies provide the services needed for the next three years. Healthwatch want to hear how people use pharmacies and what services they’d like them to provide in the future. Both surveys can be completed online at www.healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk or contact info@hwnt.co.uk or telephone 0191 263 5321 for a paper copy. As an independent statutory body, Healthwatch have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to your feedback and improve standards of care.

What matters to you? Have your say about: How you use pharmacies and what services you’d like them to provide in the future Your health and care experiences Your feedback helps improve health and care in North Tyneside. Have your say at:

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Little Learners

(N.E)

Childcare

Play, Learn & Grow Together High quality care for babies and children provided by a fully qualified and experienced team. Our Private Day Nurseries are located in North Shields Centre and at the top of Rake Lane (next to Vets 4 Pets). We have access to great outdoor spaces on a daily basis as well as educational outings for all children. Healthy balanced meals and snacks are on offer as well as ensuring any dietary requirements. Our fees include your child’s personal Learning Journey file with photographs, all meals, snacks, outings, visitors into nurseries etc. We do not have any hidden charges.

Funded places available for eligible 2, 3 & 4 year olds

We offer full day, half day, hours to suit shift workers, term time only as well as all year round, 51 weeks of the year. The nurseries are open 8.00am to 5.30pm with the option of extended bookable places from 7.30am and until 6pm. Little Learners was voted as one of the best places to work in the North East for 2 years running and we are an Ofsted Outstanding Early Years Provider.

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www.littlelearnersne.co.uk ABC MAGAZINES

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 20

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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

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* 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

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).

Est. 1990

YOUR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHIC RETAILER YOUR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHIC RETAILER NATIONAL NATIONAL

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ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE GOOD VISION MEANS QUALITY OF LIFE Imagine losing your sight. Imagine for a moment not being able to see the faces of your family and friends, the beautiful sunrises the sunsets and the vivid colours of spring. It is easy to think that this won’t happen to us- but it is this complacency that places us at risk. At Concept Eye Clinic, we have next generation technology. As an independent practice we take pride in innovation by offering all our patients the futuristic benefits of an advanced diagnostic eye examination. This examination is for everyone. The examination involves optical coherence tomography, similar to an MRI, which enables the optometrist to check the health of the central part of the eye examining the deeper layers of the retina, and quantifying risk of getting an eye disease. In addition the optomap offers ultra-wide field retinal imaging to help treat and discover ocular abnormalities in the periphery of the retina. The technology was invented by Douglas Anderson following his 5 year old son’s loss of vision through a retinal detachment. We’re very excited to introduce this to our Tynemouth practice. WHY CAN THIS HELP ME? Quite simply, early diagnosis with the Optomap will save eyes and lives. Did you know that many signs of eye pathologies and diseases are evident on the retina, long before we notice any symptoms? These signs may first present in the periphery and can initially go undetected using traditional examination techniques and equipment. An 24

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optomap image provides a bigger picture and more clinical information to facilitate the early detection, management and treatment of disorders and diseases found in the retina such as retinal detachment and tears, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration. Retinal imaging can also indicate evidence of non eye or systemic diseases such as hypertension and certain cancers. This is not just another “camera” but it gives a snap shot of most of the retina in less than half second. HOW DOES IT WORK? The Optomap non invasively captures a complete widefield image of the retina revealing important information to assess systemic and ocular health, rather like a full eye MOT. The image is captured in less than a second. Most patients only tend to get their eyes examined when they feel they need a new prescription. In reality, one of the most important part of the eye examination is determining the health of the retina. The Optomap provides a permanent digital image which magnifies the back of the eye to provide the most comprehensive view to discover any abnormalities and early detection of disease to enable your optometrist to make a critical assessment and implement an urgent and effective treatment plan. “I would recommend this to every patient. Optomap saved my sight and life through early diagnosis of a brain tumour.” - Sam, Practice Manager Inspired by the remarkable people we serve, at Concept we provide preventative care to meet our patient’s optical health needs across the spectrum. Your vision is our priority. Our investment in our people, in advanced diagnostic instruments bespoke and affordable care plans, Zeiss lenses and a sustainable, independent frame selection, is based on the belief that access to first class eye care is not just a privilege but a rightful expectation. Book your advanced eye examination (including OCT and Optomap) from only £5.99 a month. Ask Sam for more details. Call 0191 296 6124. Concept Eye Clinic, 25 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX

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TYNEMOUTH'S FIRST ZERO WASTE PLASTIC-FREE STORE

WE SELL: DRIED FOODS CLEANING PRODUCTS HOUSEHOLD GOODS TOILETRIES Come down to Buy The Kilo and purchase your goods by weight: as much or as little as you need. Bring your own containers and re-stock your pantry. Jars, bottles and paper bags available in store.

Our friendly team are on hand to help you! UNIT 3 THE SIDINGS · TYNEMOUTH METRO STATION TYNEMOUTH · NE30 2TF * 26

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Heaton Acupuncture Clinic Oriental medicine at its best •

Acupuncture for everyone from children to older people, including fertility & facial enhancement acupuncture.

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Appointments at our daytime and evening clinics, open six days a week.

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Fully qualified practitioners registered with The British Acupuncture Council.

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PUZZLE CHALLENGE 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) 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)

FIGURES OF FUN

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

FIGURES OF FUN

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

SOLUTIONS

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.

SOLUTION: Q=5, R=8, S=3, T=6, U=2, V=7, W=1, X=9, Y=4. FIGURES OF FUN 082 © Lovatts Puzzles 28

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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.

Do you need help with the digital world?

Our Digital Champions are here for you Whether you want to get online to do some shopping, or make the most of your mobile device with the latest apps, our Digital Champions will help you navigate the minefield that the digital world can be. We will: • Go at your pace • Avoid techy language • Help you with your devices

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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.

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NewSpace Loft Storage We create space so everything has a place

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NOW R C EATING YOUR E P RFECT BEDROOM

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

PROBATE LAWYERS The Inspector Clouseaus of the Legal World When we take on a probate case, it is often in respect of a client who lived alone before their death. They may not have been married in the first place, which is quite common, or their spouse or cohabitee predeceased them. We therefore turn up at a property and have to work our way through everything. Would you know where to start if you had been asked to look after the estate of a distant relative who you may not have seen for years? Are you a friend who was asked to be an Executor? Either way you may know a lot less than you’d assumed about how your friend or relative lived their life. That’s why I feel as if I am Inspector Clouseau a lot of the time. In one case last year, I could see that our client had been a church goer. I contacted the local vicar and he was able to give me a bit of background, who some relatives were, who may have died years ago etc. This was important because of the way the will was drafted. People who may have seemed important turned out to be none other than those my client had met on holiday and had then visited once. I have to search the house for valuables. But what is valuable? We alerted our auctioneer to a collection of comics recently. He was beyond excited and travelled a great distance to collect them. They raised hundreds of thousands of pounds at auction! I have clients who have collections of antiquities and art work that they have brought from their country of birth. It is always worth investigating their origin as what may seem worthless in this country could be exceptionally valuable in another. Or what about bank statements. We have to go back seven years to ensure that no monies or assets were given away during that period which would have an impact upon Inheritance Tax. I love going through bank statements. I can often spot overpayments. Three lots of house insurance per year in one case. Our client didn’t have the wherewithal to understand what was going on. It took some time but we managed to recover payments which had been made to two of the insurance companies. Or enquiring about the mental health of a client in the years before their death. Someone who has lost mental capacity should not be paying council tax. I have recovered thousands of pounds in overpaid council tax in various cases. I always look to see if there are recurring payments being paid from bank accounts or credit cards. What were they for, should they have been paid? Are some of them prepayments that now need to be reclaimed? I wonder though if Inspector Clouseau knows as much about infestations as me? Wasp nests, rats, mice, sewer flies, is that mould or damp, what is the likely source? What is the cheapest and fastest way of getting rid of all of the above? 34

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JACQUELINE EMMERSON

We also have to consider items found in the house. One client had a contract for various electrical items including televisions. Imagine if you had given away the tv or taken it to the skip. It is only by checking all documentation and bank statements that we spotimportant information which leads us to investigate further. A common issue is stair lifts, does the company still own it, is there a balancing payment due? Then there are secret relatives. We have come across documents that show that the next of kin is actually the child of the deceased. The child that no one knew about and who has not been adopted. In one instance, the family assumed that they were next of kin until we told them otherwise. Cash and goods had already been removed from the property and had to be returned. But it was far better that the family found out sooner rather than later. What if the child had sought their rightful inheritance at a later date? On more than one occasion we have uncovered a secret family. Our clients sometimes live double lives. This means that the house, pension and all other assets have to be sorted out. As you can imagine one side of the family may be very angry, not only is there another “wife” or “husband” but sometimes there are also children involved. Surprisingly some items that you may think are valuable turn out to be almost worthless. There are trends and fads in the antiques and auction world. So that very expensive sideboard that your friend or relative was so proud of turns out to be worth nothing and it costs money to have it taken away. Certain ornaments previously worth hundreds or even thousands turn out to be so out of favour that you couldn’t get rid of them at a flea market. Auctioneers often charge a fee for coming out to value items. That fee may be more than the value of the goods themselves. However, because we have used the same auctioneer for years they will come out to our probate houses free of charge. I often take items along from a few houses at once. If a client has been in a care home then often all that is left is jewellery and ornaments. I love to hear that an innocuous looking brooch is worth hundreds. Or a damaged old watch or a battered musical instrument. I’m actually on holiday for a couple of days, so what have I spent my time doing? You guessed it, trotting around antique barns. If you need any help or advice to plan your own affairs or if you are now trying to administer an estate please don’t hesitate to contact me. Our award wining Probate Team of the Year are always happy to have an initial chat with you. 0191 284 6989 or je@emmersons-solicitors.co.uk

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Relationship in difficulties? Talk to the matrimonial specialist

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MICHAEL LEE

Independent Funeral Director When caring & understanding is most needed With a total of 38 years’ experience, we pride ourselves in compassion and care, ensuring that your loved-one’s funeral is organised with the utmost dignity and respect. Servicing Northumberland and North Tyneside.

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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 36

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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

NewSpace

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USEFUL NUMBERS NORTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL 0345 2000 101 Monday - Friday 7.30am - 8pm

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If you need help assessing how urgently treatment is needed.

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

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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 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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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...

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 44

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construction. The materials we use are lightweight, therefore no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home. In addition to this the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is now. The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste, and less time to install saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately. We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein its use is not dictated by the external weather conditions, it will become warm in winter and cool in summer. In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up an unsightly

dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter in the evenings by reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work. All installations come with a 5 year warranty and we guarantee that you will be amazed with both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof. We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs. Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory! ■ www.thermosroof.co.uk

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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.

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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.

Northumbria Flooring & Furniture www.northumbriaflooring.co.uk

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