ABC Magazine - Whitley Bay Edition - September/October 2020 by ABC Magazines

ABC WHITLEY BAY EDITION | SEP/OCT 2020

Developing Fun in an Instant

Established

2008

www.yourabc.co.uk

Digital High Street Launched

BRING YOUR OLD POLAROID CAMERA BACK TO LIFE

‘BUY LOCAL NORTH TYNESIDE’ AIMS TO BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Telephone Befriending Service AGE UK CONTINUES TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE’S LIVES

PUZZLES INSIDE W H I T L E Y BAY

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ARE YOU TIRED OF GETTING COMPOST OR PLANTERS HOME? Why not let Hills Landscapes deliver colourful planters or hanging baskets and compost free to your door. We can even collect your favourite planter for re-planting.

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HILLS GARDEN MACHINERY

REPAIRS We can service or repair petrol-powered garden machinery including lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. Cylinder grinding also available.

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WELCOME TO ABC MAGAZINE

Welcome to the Whitley Bay edition of ABC, your bi-monthly local magazine. ABC is distributed free of charge to thousands of homes in Whitley Bay, Whitley Lodge and Monkseaton. It’s also available in Cafés, Dentists, Hairdressers and Community Centres, or you can view it online via www.yourabc.co.uk

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Each edition of ABC brings you a range of adverts and features including, local news, business features, food reviews, special offers and more. If you’re interested in advertising in ABC, please call Richard on 07526522272 or email info@yourabc.co.uk Publisher: R Wilson Advertising, PO Box 225, Bedlington, NE63 3FL www.yourabc.co.uk Email: info@yourabc.co.uk Facebook: @yourabc Twitter: @abcmagazines Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause. R Wilson Advertising does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher.

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‘DIGITAL HIGH STREET’ LAUNCHED TO HELP BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY S hoppers are being offered a new, easy way to find local businesses operating across North Tyneside using a searchable ‘digital high street’ website. Buy Local North Tyneside began as a simple online list of businesses open during lockdown, and has since developed into website www. localnorthtyneside.co.uk, detailing which businesses are open and what goods and services they provide. So far hundreds of organisations have been added to the website, where shoppers can search by business name, type or location, to find the provider of a product or service they need - encouraging people to ‘buy local’. All that businesses need to do to appear on Buy Local North Tyneside is go to www.buylocalnorthtyneside. co.uk/register-business/ and enter their details. The three business chambers of North Shields, Whitley Bay and Wallsend came together to start the Buy Local North Tyneside project in a bid to encourage footfall to town centres and high streets, and it rapidly grew with the support of local businesses and North Tyneside Council. Chair of North Shields Business Chamber, Miles Walton, said: “When lockdown happened it was clear that it would be very useful for shoppers to have an idea of which businesses were still operating across North Tyneside. “Once we got going on the list of open businesses it then became obvious how useful a searchable, upto-date directory of local businesses would be both for consumers and the organisations themselves. “Thanks to the hard work of many local businesses who have pulled together, we have created something which we hope will be the first port of call for shoppers in the area. “Our plan is that this new website will eventually feature every business in North Tyneside and will help to bring

Image: RusbyMedia

LOCAL NEWS

Ava Fearn, 9, with the Buy Local North Tyneside logo

safe footfall back to our high streets and give boost the local economy.” The website, which is free for companies to register for, will be kept up to date with businesses’ latest developments and is linked to specific ‘Buy Local North Tyneside’ Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. The website was put together by the Chambers, with the help of Canny Clever and Cargo Creative, who collaborated on the technical side of the site, and Newcastle Building Society. Retail champion and digital marketing expert Graham Soult has also been an informal consultant on the project. He believes initiatives like this are vital in helping to revitalise the High Street. He said: “I am a big advocate of the high street going online – I encourage all the businesses I work with to get themselves on the internet and using social media. I don’t see the internet

“The Buy Local North Tyneside project was launched in a bid to encourage footfall to town centres and high streets.”

as much of a threat to the high street, as it can be a benefit. “Bricks and mortar businesses can use the internet and social media to drive football to their premises and Buy Local North Tyneside is doing just that. “Towns like Whitley Bay, North Shields and Wallsend have so much to talk positively about on their high streets. When headlines are often so negative, people can forget the great things that are on offer in these town centres. “This website rounds up in one place all the businesses there are out there that are serving the community and reminds people how much there is in their local area.” Cllr Bruce Pickard, Deputy Mayor and North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet member for Business and Economic Development, agreed. He said: “As a council we’re taking a lead role in the recovery of the local economy so we’re pleased to support the businesses and Chambers of Trade working together on this. “This new tool is a great way to encourage people to shop local and support businesses in such challenging and uncertain times.” Follow Buy Local North Tyneside on social media at @BLNorthTyneside.

Your digital High Street Buy Local North Tyneside is a new initiative set up to help promote local independent businesses and help visitors and residents find the products & services they need.

Search by business name, type or location Find the goods or service you need Support local businesses

BUSINESS OWNERS Register now for FREE to reach shoppers across the borough and beyond

www.buylocalnorthtyneside.co.uk @BLNorthTyneside

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@blnorthtyneside 7

TELEPHONE BEFRIENDING Our Telephone Befriending service makes a real difference to an older person's life in our community. Contact us for more information

Call 0191 2808484 or E mail: customerservices@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

Befriending volunteer Lynsey Finlayson visits Tom Bailey for Age UK North Tyneside

New telephone support service was the right call for North Tyneside charity Over 100 older people have been kept from loneliness since the start of the Covid-19 crisis thanks to a new telephone befriending service from Age UK North Tyneside. The charity has run a successful Befriending Service – where volunteers have been matched with older people based in North Tyneside for the last 20 years, but because of lockdown and people’s need to self-isolate they had to adapt their service to sociallydistance. The telephone service has been so popular that the charity looking to develop this even further and has appointed a new Telephone Befriending Co-ordinator to run it, who starts in mid-September. Head of Charity Services, Yvonne Probert, said: “Loneliness can affect people in very different ways and even if an older person has family and friends, they may still have times when they may feel lonely or are in need of friendship. “Our befriending services offer older people a chance to share their stories, make a new friend and connect with someone outside their usual social circle. “It is fantastic that we have many more people coming on board to receive support from Age UK North Tyneside, but we are always on the lookout for more people to work with – both as befrienders and befriendees. “Looking forward, we will be rolling out more virtual and telephone support, especially as social distancing 10

restrictions are the new norm.” Although lockdown restrictions have been relaxed, many older people are still receiving their Befriending support over the phone as they continue to self-isolate. Moving forward, Befriending customers – who are matched with a volunteer by the charity based on their needs and interests – will be able to choose if they receive the service over the phone, or face-to-face. Customer Tom Bailey, 91, received regular phone calls from volunteer Befriender Lynsey Finlayson for five months before he was able to meet her face-toface again. He said having someone to talk to has helped him get through lockdown, and helps him take his mind off any worries he has. The great-grandfather said: “Lynsey is a such a lovely young lady and I love when she comes to see me. It takes my mind off any troubles that I have and puts me at ease. “It’s so important to be able to look forward to something and that is what Lynsey brings me. Even when we were speaking over the phone and not seeing each other I always looked forward to her call.” If you are interested in becoming a Befriender, or feel you or a family member could benefit from being a Befriendee, contact Age UK North Tyneside on 0191 280 8484.

Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside for more information.

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WHAT'S ON TYNEMOUTH STATION MARKET

Every Weekend - 9am - 3.30pm Two market platforms, one good day out! Gloriously restored to the former glory of its grand Victorian days, Tynemouth Station now offers a vast covered space for the famous markets each weekend. Visitors come from far and wide to join the crowds enjoying the huge variety of over 150 stalls and soaking up the huge atmosphere on both sides of the platforms. Its magnificent glazed roof offers shelter whatever the British weather brings, rain or shine! At time of going to print the market was operating fully, but with social distancing and hygiene precautions in place. www.tynemouthmarkets.com

NORTH TYNESIDE 10K ROAD RACE 18th October 2020

The race starts at the Parks Sports Centre in North Shields before heading down to North Shields Fish Quay and winding along the coast taking in Tynemouth Priory and Castle, the seafront, Spanish 12

City and St Mary's Lighthouse. The event is supported by Bernicia Homes, Start Fitness and Greggs who are kindly supplying the drinking water. www.visitnorthtyneside.com/ events/event/32

NORTHUMBERLAND ZOO

Northumberland Country Zoo is an up and coming family-run animal not-for-profit collection in the heart of Northumberland. The park currently has 17 acres for visitors to explore with over 50 species of animals to see, as well as an outdoor play area and tractor museum.

The Zoo is back open, but you must go on line and select a date and time for your arrival slot. www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk

SPOOKY WOODLAND WALKS AT BELSAY HALL

Image: English Heritage

During these unprecedented times, we are all looking for places to visit and events to attend to give us some sense of normality. Here are six local offerings, although please note that all details are correct at time of going to print but could be subject to change.

NORTH TYNESIDE FIREWORKS 1st November 2020

North Tyneside's annual fireworks display attracts thousands of people to see a spectacular show overlooking the North Sea off Whitley Bay. There are fairground rides and refreshments from 6pm and the display starts at 7pm, lasting for around 20 minutes. Traffic in the area will be busy but many people choose to use the Metro. In the event of bad weather, the event will take place the following night. www.visitnorthtyneside.com/events/ event/28

29th - Sat 31st October 2020

TYNE IDOLS TOUR

As the days grow shorter and the nights get longer, bring your family to join our ghost-hunting storytellers on a trip through the shadows of Belsay Hall. With well-told tales full of spooky, strange and silly goings-on, this Halloween walk is sure to get you into the spirit of the season. This is an outdoor tour, so please wear suitable clothes and shoes. Afterwards you can warm up with a hot drink and some cake. The walk lasts about 45 minutes, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suitable for children aged 5-12. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

Tyne Idols celebrate the enormous wealth of talent born of our region, by creating, organising and hosting unforgettable experiences, promotions and tours throughout the North East. Their extraordinary 'Evenings withâ&#x20AC;Ś' and Special Events attract some very special guests indeed. The popular Music, Film & Cultural Heritage Tours aboard a classic double decker bus provide hours of local fact-finding fun, guided by 'local hero in residence', drummer with the legendary folk-rock band Lindisfarne, Ray Laidlaw. www.tyneidols.com/events

Events resume 2021

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Coffee To Relish Nestled in the heart of Whitley Bay, Relish Coffee has all a coffee lover could ask for and more.

ocussing on artisan small batch roasting, shoppers can enjoy Relishs’ range of 14 single origin coffees sourced from all over the world, with the bonus of all coffee being rainforest alliance certified or direct trade. For owner and founder Polat it all began over 20 years ago in Turkey. His passion for coffee and the science behind it was ignited and has grown over the years. Building his knowledge and experience working with corporate brands he was eager to branch out on his own. Polat is keen to share his love of coffee with the local people, aiming to provide the best coffee experience and the highest quality coffee. Since opening their coffee shop on Marine Avenue in 2012, the business has gone from strength to strength. Roasting their own coffee in house for the last 5 years and offering a range of single origin and various blends, including a home roasted decaf. After perfecting his roast Polat then moved on to the popular new world of cold brew coffee, and customers are loving the 18 hour brewed bottles. This then became the base for all of their iced beverages. Since last year home users have been able to take advantage of Relish’s monthly subscription service including free local delivery, and delivery day is fast becoming the favourite day of the month for many! Starting at £5.95 per month subscribers can enjoy the finest seasonal harvest specially blended in house. Personalised bags in your choice of single origin coffee are proving to be a popular gift choice among the locals. 75g sample tins are available should you wish to treat a loved one, and these can also be personalised. The eye catching tins can be ordered

“Polat is keen to share his love of coffee with the local people, aiming to provide the best coffee experience and the highest quality coffee.”

in bulk and are a hit as wedding favours, or gifts at corporate events. In September, Polat opened his second shop on Monkseaton Front Street. With its Instagram worthy interior and knowledgeable staff, here you can sample all of their coffee, and for those interested in brewing the perfect cup the Coffee Academy will teach you all you need to know. Polat’s team are happy to share their knowledge and coffee experience with customers, and a

wide range of coffee equipment and gadgets are available in both shops. Supplying well known brands such as Gaggia and Aeropress, if home brewing is your thing you wont be disappointed. A visit to www.relishcoffee.com will take you to their monthly blog where you can find brewing guides to help you along. If coffee isn’t your thing, don’t be disheartened. They also have a wide range of flavoured tea, milkshakes and soft drinks as well as cakes and Turkish mezzes, making a visit to Relish a must when visiting the coast. 27 Marine Ave, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX 22 Front Street, Monkseaton, NE25 8DF

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE WORLD HAS CHANGED At Concept we want to make life easier for you S

urfacing with care and heartfelt determination in adjusting to a ‘new normality’, Concept Eye Clinic in Tynemouth is back to serve an appreciative coastal audience strictly by appointment. The Clinic Lead, Sam, has experienced a seminal few weeks with the launch of a new eye care plan designed to help meet the demands of our complex lives. In these uncertain times, we asked Sam… Why is a payment plan for eyes a sensible idea? “This was actually conceptualised before lockdown and is more relevant than ever! People are more discerning about what they buy and want real value for money. Quite simply, this plan is not just about vision, but about the health of your eyes. For a small monthly premium, you will access the diagnostic components of an advanced eye exam, where the optometrist can detect any aberrations, predict disease and correct and optimise vision, before it’s too late. Alongside the clinical element, you can enjoy benefits on frames and lenses as often as required. Who does the plan benefit? Anyone with a prescription, those concerned about the health of their eyes, NHS patients who need more than a basic eye exam and, contact lens wearers. With the increase in unregulated supermarket and online offers without a clinical requirement for

“We can now customise your lenses so that you can enjoy visual comfort and quality of life”. routine eye health checks or aftercare, our interest free membership plan, provides a safe, integrative and affordable eye care package. Why do you advocate Zeiss above other lens providers? We want the best in lens technology for our patients. Our natural choice of lens portfolio is Zeiss. At Concept we can now

customise your lenses so that you can enjoy visual comfort and quality of life. Aside from being a global scientific leader in microchip technology, Zeiss lead on the best lenses for every prescription. As a spectacle wearer myself, I tend to need several pairs. Life is complicated enough. With Zeiss lenses we are pleased to offer a half price set of lenses on your second purchase. Our plan incorporates this.” AT CONCEPT WE PROVIDE A GREAT DEAL FOR VERY LITTLE. Concept Eye Clinic 25 Front St, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX info@conceteyeclinic.com concepteyeclinic.com

LOCAL FE ATUR E

Combat Academic Losses from Lockdown with Art

Jenn Diaz, Director at Turpentyne Fine Art Classes, discusses how the Arts can enrich child development during Covid and beyond 2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenge and devastating losses. These past few months have turned our adult worlds upside down. Imagine for a moment the distinctly different challenge this has been for young people. Our children are living through this whilst their bodies and minds are undergoing essential physical and cognitive development. The upending of their routines has for many led to a significant drop in educational and social stimuli. Four months on, and our children are desperate to see their friends, to return to their familiar routines, and to find an outlet for expressing everything on their minds.

Gerhard Richter once said “Art is the highest form of hope” For Turpentyne Fine Art Classes, located on Ashburton Road in Gosforth, this sentiment has always been amongst our guiding principles. Now, in the world of 2020, access to the arts has never been more important. Our children are experiencing an event that will transform their lives, for better or worse. Art equips them with the tools to process and express their thoughts and feelings as they develop healthy emotional responses to our ever-changing world. Not only is art a way to express oneself creatively, but it is also an essential tool for learning and cognitive development. Studies have shown that children who participate in the arts are more likely to achieve and excel academically. Educators understand that the critical and abstract thinking processes used in art lead to the better understanding of academic subjects such as languages, science, and maths. At Turpentyne, we aim to provide this enrichment. We understand that art is essential for our growth and development as emotionally healthy human beings. Art is particularly important for children, as additionally they are developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Creating a drawing or painting requires visual 18

measurement, an understanding of line, form, and composition. It requires fine motor skills to manipulate mediums and accurately execute the process of putting pencil to paper. At Turpentyne we have always offered a calm and soothing environment where our students can be creative as they learn the “how to” of art. That still holds true, but the new challenge of Covid has inspired us to adapt, so that we can keep our students safe whilst still completing our mission of providing the highest quality art instruction. We are truly thankful for the unique opportunity we have to continue making a difference in the lives of so many children in the Northeast. We are looking forward to seeing all our students creating art in the Turpentyne studio again! www.Turpentyne.com

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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 childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal Learning Journey file with photographs, all meals, snacks, outings, visitors into nurseries etc. We do not have any hidden charges.

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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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Tripadvisor Recognises Longsands as One of the World's Best Beaches

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A popular North Tyneside beach has been recognised among the best travel destinations in the world. The multi award-winning beach at Tynemouth Longsands has been placed in the top 10% of attractions worldwide in the 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards. The awards were given out to destinations that received consistently great traveller feedback over a year, prior to any changes caused by the pandemic. It’s the latest of many accolades for the beach, famous for its golden sands and surf schools, which is a regular winner of the coveted Blue Flag award and Seaside Awards for excellence. One recent TripAdvisor review said: “What a beautiful beach of soft golden sand. There's beach wardens making sure the beach is tidy and safe. There are several lifeguards watching the brave swimmers and surfers. There are safe flags marked out at the shoreline. There's a surfboard hire shop and a lovely beachfront cafe called Crusoe’s.” Another endorsement from a resident said: “Beautiful beach, the stunning views I am still delighted by every time I see them, even though I have lived 10 minutes away from it all of my life.” Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “Tynemouth Longsands is a stunning beach and it is no surprise that the beach continues to win awards and gain recognition among travellers. Our teams work so hard to keep all our beaches in a great condition all year round, for residents and visitors to enjoy, and this accolade is another reminder of how fortunate we are to have such a beautiful coastline.” The beach has in recent years gained a national reputation as a surf destination and is home to regular fitness bootcamps and is a feature in many people’s daily lives. Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at TripAdvisor, said: “Winners of the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition. Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners' achievements. Award winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality. Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for travellers as the world begins to venture out again.”

IS HALLOWEEN CANCELLED? By Sarah Davey Trick-or-Treat is either a fun chance to dress-up and claim free sweets from neighbours, or it's an antisocial American travesty which has infiltrated these shores. I happen to fall squarely in the latter camp, my kids, the former. They start planning their outfits in March. I don't want to rain on their scary parades, but what should we do about Halloween in the face of a global pandemic? It's not certain that any of our neighbours will actually welcome my young visitors (or plague-bearers as I’ve come to think of them of them since their return to school) to their doorsteps, no matter how cute their costumes or beguiling their manners. And frankly I'd freak out about them grabbing handfuls of potentially COVID-coated Crunchie bars, so I'm not exactly devastated that I won't have to accompany them door-to-door and smile apologetically as they beg for treats. But neither am I a total killjoy, so I've come up with some ideas for alternative activities: Hang a spooky piñata for your children in your own back garden.

Create a haunted house for your kids at home. Let them dress up and be scared in a fun-but-safe way. Create a spooky scavenger hunt inside and out. Leave clues, or a trail of blood, or spiders. Snuggle up and watch a 'scary' movie...something like Monsters Inc or The Corpse Bride (depending on age). Read age-appropriate ghost stories in the dark in front of the fire, or if the weather is favourable, go outside, snuggle under blankets, light pumpkins and toast marshmallows on a camping stove or fire pit. That’s the sort of trick-or-treat night I could get behind. I suppose we should also leave a bowl of Quality Street and bottle of hand sanitizer on the doorstep and wave at the hardcore trick-or-treaters from the safety of the upstairs window. Whatever you decide, have a Happy COVID-safe Halloween!

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THE BATT HOUSE IS A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS BASED IN BEDLINGTON, OFFERING A RANGE OF MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS

laire Battista is an experienced Independent Nurse Prescriber who decided to venture into medical aesthetics by setting up her home based medical spa - The Batt House. Claire said “As an experienced nurse I was looking for a new challenge. I felt aesthetics was an amazing opportunity to combine my nursing expertise with my love for beautification”. The Batt House, located in Bedlington, always prides itself on ensuring a high-quality service. All their aesthetics treatments are based upon a medical model ensuring that all patients have thorough consultations, including taking a detailed medical history to ensure a patient’s suitability for treatments, with full aftercare provided. Claire is fully trained, qualified and insured to offer medical grade skin treatments, basic and advanced dermal filler treatments such as lip fillers, cheek filler and jawline filler, along with Botox anti-wrinkle treatments. When patients are booked in for a treatment such as dermal filler or Botox, Claire works in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Conduct to ensure patient safety and suitability before a treatment is carried out. Claire stated “As a nurse, when treating my patients, their safety and ensuring they have a good understanding of the treatment is of the utmost importance to me”. Claire regularly travels the country carrying out training to ensure her knowledge and skills are up to date. Claire has her next training course booked so, from December, will be offering patients advanced Botox treatments such as neck lifts, underarm sweating, and treatment for migraines. Claire explains “We have been privileged in The Batt House to be able to meet and treat our fantastic patients and clients. I get such job satisfaction from treating my patients whether it be a skin treatment, Botox or filler. Being able to boost my patient’s confidence and make them feel better about themselves through a treatment is so rewarding”. It’s 24

“For anyone unsure about which aesthetics treatments would best suit their needs, Claire is happy to arrange a consultation to discuss treatment options.” clear to see Aesthetic Nursing is an absolute passion for Claire. For anyone unsure about which aesthetics treatments would best suit their needs, Claire is happy to arrange a consultation to discuss treatment options. Claire’s daughters Charlotte and Jessica joined her in The Batt House to offer their beauty treatments too. They are highly skilled and trained brow, lash and nail technicians. Claire said “It’s been great for us to build a business together; we love

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Local Housebuilder Supports Older People with Donation to Age UK North Tyneside Five star housebuilder, Barratt Developments North East, is continuing to support charities and organisations in the areas in which it builds, which is needed now more than ever. The Community Fund initiative sees the housebuilder donate ÂŁ1,000 to a different community group or charity from the North East region every month. This month, Barratt Developments is supporting Age UK North Tyneside, which works with and supports older people to lead independent, fulfilling and productive lives. The donation to Age UK North Tyneside comes after Paul Thompson, Site Labourer at Barratt Developments North East volunteered at the charity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul, who is an active volunteer for Age UK in the North Tyneside area, was able to help an older person living in the local area, by doing some shopping for them while they were shielding. The older generation were hit incredibly hard when the UK went into lockdown, and Age UK North Tyneside received a number of calls from older people who were in distress and lonely. The charity has a telephone befriending service which saw phenomenal increase from volunteers during the lockdown, but as life moves forward and lockdown continues to ease, Age UK North Tyneside are continuing to reach out to vulnerable people to give them the support they need. Paul is one of many employees at Barratt Developments North East who have been spending their 28

time in lockdown supporting those in need, through a range of volunteering initiatives and offering a helping hand to those who need it the most. Dawn McNally, Chief Executive at Age UK North Tyneside said: "We are really grateful for the generous donation from Barratt Developments North East. Since lockdown began, we've worked tirelessly to support as many individuals as possible, with an incredible level of help from members of the general public who have volunteered, including Paul. This donation will ensure we can continue our work to support local people at what is still a difficult time." Carl Sobolewski, Managing Director at Barratt Developments North East commented: "We are thrilled that we were able to support Age UK North Tyneside with the Community Fund this month, off the back of Paul's wonderful commitment as a volunteer. The team at Age UK North Tyneside work incredibly hard, and during the COVID-19 crisis they have done a fantastic job in offering support to people in later life. We hope that the donation will help the charity to assist more individuals in need across the area." To find out more information about Age UK North Tyneside, or if you would like to make a donation, please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside For more information about Barratt Developments, visit: www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk

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THE ALNWICK GARDEN Ready To Welcome Visitors Back Again

he Alnwick Garden is back open, and all the staff are looking forward to welcoming guests back to the multi-award winning visitor attraction once again. However, in keeping with these unprecedented times, there have been some changes to the Alnwick Garden experience to help keep all visitors safe, whilst making your visit as enjoyable as possible. The garden will open from 9am – 6pm every day, and all bookings must be made online or by telephone. The site will also be cashless. Visitors will be required to book their tickets online and, whilst booking, you can select the day and the time that you wish to arrive. All Friends of The Alnwick Garden will receive a letter or email with a dedicated phone number and web URL to allow you to book your visit slot. The Garden have also got the official seal of approval from VisitBritain to say that they are following government and industry Covid-19 guidelines. Check out the list of safely measures on the opposite page for all visitors over the coming months to ensure everyone has a pleasant, enjoyable and safe experience. Keeping the garden in order and clean has been the teams priority. Your safety is their top concern and they

have taken the time over the last few weeks to make sure they are ready for your return. Alnwick Garden is the brainchild of The Duchess of Northumberland, and is a multi-award winning visitor attraction based just south of Alnwick Town Centre, clearly signposted off the A1. The Garden boasts 12 acres of meandering and magnificent Gardens, and is home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets, and the worlds largest Treehouse Restaurant. Unfortunately the restaurant is currently closed due to Covid restrictions but keep visiting their website for details of it’s re-opening. The Garden is a peacful and tranquil haven to spend hour after hour wandering amongst the Roses, the Ornamental Garden and the Cherry Blossom or just kicking back to take it all in on one of the 50 swinging benches. The Garden is a registered charity, and any surplus from it’s running is re-invested into improving and developing The Alnwick Garden for the future through one of their charity programmes, helping people in and around Northumberland from a variety of social backgrounds. www.alnwickgarden.com

Here are some of the safely measures, restrictions and rules in place for all visitors over the coming months to ensure everyone has a pleasant, enjoyable and safe experience:

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Images: Alwick Garden

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Please ensure you arrive at your selected time with your booking confirmation. The staff will not be able to admit you into The Garden without it, or if you arrive earlier/later than the time specified on your booking confirmation. If you are driving to The Alnwick Garden, please be considerate of those around you whilst parking, leaving or returning to your vehicle. Paying for parking will be via contactless card payment only, and you are able to park anywhere other than the first tier which is reserved for Blue Badge holders only. After you have parked, please maintain a distance of 2 metres or more from other visitors and adhere to any signage and guidelines you see across. Please follow the one-way routes where applicable. If you need to double back, please do so at the earliest juncture instead of turning around as this compromises the safety of other visitors. The Gift Shop and Plant Centre have temporarily relocated. You are able to visit these areas even if you do not have a ticket. Please follow the signage on the one-way system to access these areas. The Gift Shop and Plant Centre will only be accepting card payments. Masks must be worn inside the Gift Shop, Pavilion Kitchen (unless seated inside) and The Bakery. There will be limited toilet facilities available, these will be cleaned every 20 minutes for your safety. Within The Garden you are free to move around at your leisure, however, the onus is on you to ensure that you and your family exercise the 2 metre rule. Please be respectful of others space and safety. There may be some areas within The Garden that are too narrow for two-way traffic. If this is the case please utilise the one-way system that will be clearly signposted. The Garden will have hand sanitiser available across the site. Please feel free to use this as and when you deem necessary. The Garden will be allowing picnics on site. If you have any litter please make sure you dispose of it responsibly or take it home with you. Littering puts both visitors and staff at risk. The Poison Garden will be open, but unfortunately there will be no guided tours. Instead, you can learn about what’s in the Poison Garden using a QR code reader app on your smart phone, or by purchasing one of our Poison Garden books available in the Gift Shop. The swinging benches are being thoroughly sanitised twice a day. If you do wish to use the swinging benches please utilise the sanitisers available at the top of the Cherry Orchard before and after use. At this time our children’s tractors will be unavailable. This will be used as an opportunity to send them off for an MOT and a full valet so they’re all set for next season!

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The Magical Consent Order

Jacqueline Emmerson, Managaing Director of Emmersons Solicitors, explains what she has learned during Covid-19

ost people who are going through a Divorce right now, or who have been divorced and have used a solicitor will have heard of a Consent Order. As a Divorce Solicitor I see this as being the magical document. It is the end of a negotiated process and the document that protects you from further claims being made against you by your spouse. It is in many ways more important than a Decree Absolute.

What is a Consent Order?

Well the clue is in the name. It is an order of the court which sets out an agreement reached between you and your spouse in relation to your finances. The court expect the agreement to be fair taking into account your current assets, including housing, business assets, pensions, savings & investments, current income and any debts that you may have. My simple aim is to swap financial information with my clients’ spouses solicitors. I say simple but there is often a lot of work involved to compile this information. I will ask my client to provide written evidence in support of all those items that we are expected to disclose by way of full and frank disclosure. There is a list on the last page of what is known as Form E. Take a look and if you are about to begin divorce proceedings then compiling this information for your solicitor will save you a lot in legal fees. This form is used as a bench mark for the collection of information. In particular I would expect to see all bank statements going back a year. That way I can look for unusual payments. One of my clients, “Christine” was sure that her husband was filtering money away. When I looked at his bank statements I could see money going out to another previously unknown account. I queried this and after following quite an audit trail it transpired that Christine’s husband owned another house, in which he frequently stayed with another woman and their secret child. I might commonly spot sudden frequent amounts of cash being removed from an account in the months before one party says that they want the marriage to end. Or people frequently “forget” to mention their terminal grant received when leaving the armed forces. Or the life policy that has an encashment value. Regarding pensions, it is not good enough to just accept that the parties will split their pensions on a fifty fifty basis in the case of longer marriages. Let’s say two pensions are valued at 100,000 each. But if one of them is a civil service pension then the payment received for life may be far higher than a private pension. The

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correct way to address the issue of valuable pensions is to have them valued by an actuary who can advise as to the % of pension which should be transferred to one party from the other. The name Consent Order implies that everything runs smoothly and that there is no ongoing angst in the background. Sometimes this is not the case. The couple may not get along at all. There is often a huge disparity at the start of a case in relation to financial expectations. I may have a client who has been married for forty years and who decides that they are not going to give their spouse any of their pension. If that spouse has a low pension and very little by way of savings and income then I’m afraid that any court would see things differently. My job is to manage your expectations and those of your spouse and their solicitor. I have been a divorce lawyer for 30 years and I have a very good idea as to what a judge will and will not order by way of a Financial Settlement. There are parameters within which judges will operate. There is no set formula for any of this. I have to advance the arguments that suit your circumstances and needs or those of your children. I always have in mind what a judge must consider if this matter were being heard at court. These are some of the criteria; • • • • •

income, earning capacity, property and other resources which each spouse has The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage The ages of each of the spouses and the length of the marriage Any physical or mental disability of either spouse or any child The financial needs of any child

If I can reach a settlement on your behalf, without the need to attend court then I would say that is the best option. You have just avoided the cost of court, the length of time it takes to finalise a matter and you will both probably feel a lot better as you will have been instrumental in negotiating a settlement rather than having one imposed upon you by the court. If you require any help or advice relating to a financial settlement upon divorce then please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0191 2846989 Newcastle or je@emmersons-solicitors.co.uk

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BEAUTIFUL BERBERIS By Rachael Leverton

Berberis thunbergii are deciduous shrubs which look particularly fabulous at this time year, producing highly coloured leaves, and often berries which last well into winter. These berries are actually edible and rich in vitamin C though, because they are very acidic, they are not widely consumed by people. They are an important food for many small birds though. They get their other name of 'barberry bush' because of their vicious spines. This makes them useful as an impenetrable barrier hedge and may be another reason why the berries arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t harvested much! Like the colourful Japanese Maple, they originate from Eastern Asia. Berberis vary in colour according to the cultivar and variety. The common Berberis thunbergii have green leaves in spring and summer which turn rich burgundy in autumn. If you'd like the purple colour all year round choose Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea, which has purple leaves in spring that turn rich mahogany in autumn. Though Berberis are generally grown for their autumn colour, they are a hard-working shrub, and produce a mass of tiny yellow flowers in spring, providing interest at either end of the year.

There is a Berberis for most gardens: They can grow to a maximum height and spread of 1.5m, but there are now dwarf forms which grow to just 50cm, try 'Tiny Gold' or 'Lutin Rouge'. They grow best in full sun but also tolerate partial shade. They do well in most soil types, and even do well in drought, but will thrive particularly well in well drained moist soil. Their easy-going nature extends to aftercare, as they are generally pest-free and require little attention, other than a trim to tidy them up periodically. If you don't

have much space or mainly grow in containers on a balcony 'Lutin Rouge' does very well in a pot. Mid-September to October, and mid-March to April are the best times to plant so now is the perfect time. Dig a hole double the width of the root ball. Sprinkle in a handful of blood, fish and bone and work into the ground. Place the plant into the hole, fill in with soil around the root ball and firm the soil down gently but firmly, finish by watering well. They will appreciate being mulched with well-rotted organic matter in late spring, but they aren't fussy; grass cuttings will do fine. My absolute favourite is Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Admiration'. This lovely plant has extremely attractive orange-red foliage, edged with yellow, and forms an attractive mound shape. Its masses of small yellow flowers in the spring followed by purplecrimson berries in autumn make it the most perfect Berberis in my opinion. Happy gardening.

Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents, Valuers

The team at RA Jackson & Son are still here to help our tenants, landlords and homeowners during this uncertain time and we would be happy to discuss any property questions you have. Stay home and stay safe, we are really looking forward to welcoming you all back.

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Why Everybody Really Does Need Good Neighbours

LOCAL VODA VOLUNTEERS PROVIDED WEEKLY SHOPPING SUPPORT TO THOSE SHIELDING DURING LOCKDOWN

he COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how many people in North Tyneside are without support networks or people to call upon when they need help. The lockdown of the country, introduction of shielding for those most at risk and the need to socially isolate for others left many unable to access shopping or prescriptions, through a combination of lack of availability of online deliveries, digital exclusion and having no one to call on. People were left feeling isolated and anxious about where their next meal would come from. With the support of North Tyneside Council and a whole range of local community organisations, North Tyneside VODA was able to up-scale their existing Good Neighbours project to help. A shopping and prescription collection service was quickly created that has seen 312 volunteers provide help via the North Tyneside COVID-19 Support Hub to over 1943 residents since March. The Good Neighbours have provided regular weekly shopping support to 191 residents and 44

delivered an average of 132 weekly food parcels. The volunteers have also ensured people received their prescriptions, with around 600 delivered so far, and to help support mental health 350 fortnightly activity packs were distributed.* Robin Fry, VODA’s Chief Executive commented: “I’m really proud of the work we’ve done so far with the local authority, our staff, but mostly proud of the volunteers, because without

them we wouldn’t have been able to support those residents who need the most help at the moment. We had an amazing number of people offer their support and we are so thankful for their hard work and dedication.” Here is just some of the feedback from beneficiaries: “I really appreciated someone’s help when I needed it. It is a wonderful service what you are doing to help vulnerable people in the community.” “Debra is both kind and caring and only one of two people I speak to directly each week while I’m in total Isolation and a lifeline for me.” “The kindness and empathy of people really takes my breath away. Liz, my volunteer is great always has time for a chat and is always so cheerful, nothing is a bother for her.”

Iris, beneficiary of the Good Neighbours Scheme

“Paul the volunteer is a darling a very kind man, he always has time for a chat and asks me how I am. You are all brilliant thank you so much.”

Food parcels being delivered during lockdown

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE GOOD NEIGHBOURS?

The UK Government paused shielding in England as of 1 August 2020; however, VODA’s Good Neighbours are still around to help with shopping and prescriptions for those who are still unable to go out. VODA is keen that as part of North Tyneside’s COVID-19 recovery the support to beneficiaries will go beyond providing shopping and they have created a number of new exciting volunteer roles to help people take their first steps back out into the world. Josie Robinson, VODA’s Ending Loneliness Coordinator commented: “We quickly realised after talking to beneficiaries and volunteers that people are very anxious about coming out of isolation and returning to the world. A lot has changed since the lockdown and they are nervous of the unknown, concerned about safety, don’t know the correct protocol for shopping and visiting places and many other things. Some people have spent the whole of lockdown on their own, many suffering from loneliness and isolation. We are keen to see how our amazing Good Neighbours volunteers can support this progression back into the world with these new volunteer buddy roles.”

1. Good Neighbours Garden Gate Buddy: volunteers will offer a much needed socially distanced chat with a local resident who is feeling socially isolated. 2. Good Neighbour Walking Buddy: volunteers who will be there to enable residents to get outside again, explore the local area and regain their confidence with walking. 3. Good Neighbours Shopping Buddy: volunteers who can help support someone from who has been shielding to go out shopping for the first time since lockdown. The new roles have been trialled by Good Neighbours’ Volunteer Paul, who provided feedback on how to ensure they work best for both the volunteer and beneficiary. Paul commented: “I find my role as Shopping Buddy to be incredibly rewarding as I get to see

Good Neighbours Volunteer, Kerry Roffe

“I really appreciated someone’s help when I needed it. It is a wonderful service what you are doing to help vulnerable people in the community.” --Beneficiary of Good Neighbours Scheme

the direct benefit this has on the individual and take great pride in seeing his confidence develop and independence restored. “Upon first arriving at the shop, my beneficiary was extremely anxious and wasn’t sure if he could cope. After listening to his concerns and providing reassurance that we were doing this as a team, we began shopping. I followed behind him at a 2m distance, helping to watch his back for any space-invading shoppers and guided him around the one way system. As his anxiety was causing him to forget things, I was able to prompt him for items he may have missed. He was exhausted once we reached the checkouts and the support I gave him by packing the shopping was very welcome... as was his smile and sense of achievement to me.” If you would like to be a Good Neighbours Buddy, please email josie.robinson@voda.org.uk. *Figures up to 31 July 2020 45

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. 46 46

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.

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ADVE RTISIN G FE ATUR E

Blyth Bungalow Development Nearing Completion

Local bungalow developer, Altoria Development, is nearing completion of their latest stunning bungalow development in Blyth. Oakfield Grove is an exclusive development of only four detached bungalows tucked away in a quiet and private cul de sac off Inglewood Close, Chase Farm; the development is approached via a private driveway leading to a courtyard setting. All four bungalows are approximately 982 square feet and comprise of two double sized bedrooms. The bespoke kitchen includes integrated Bosch appliances: fridge, freezer, induction hob, extractor and single oven. Laminate worktop and co-ordinated cabinetry with soft closing doors and under cabinet lighting. The spacious family bathroom is tiled and includes a bath and shower over with a glass screen. Modern white doors with brushed chrome door handles feature throughout. All flooring is included within the purchase along with a bespoke colour scheme. Undoubtedly the focal feature of each new bungalow is the stunning large living room which has impressive windows and French doors leading to the landscaped rear garden. Externally, the front gardens are turfed and have a block paved 48

“The focal feature of each new bungalow is the stunning large living room which has impressive windows and French doors leading to the landscaped rear garden.” driveway. A footpath surrounds the property and external lighting is included. The properties are Freehold with mains gas, electricity and water. Each home also comes with a tenyear structural warranty. With two plots already sold and new homeowners due to complete in a matter of weeks, it has been a busy year for Altoria Development. Alan, director of Altoria Development, said: “Oakfield Grove is set to be another wonderful development with a high specification included as standard and within the sale price of £215,000. This development benefits from local services nearby yet still offers a secluded and private location.” Oakfield Grove is ideally located for easy access to the large Asda supermarket, only a few minutes walk away, as well as a wide range of local amenities in Blyth town centre, lovely beach walks and the thriving Blyth harbour. The development is also close to the A189 Spine Road for commuting to Newcastle and the coast, with direct links to the A1 for the rest of the region.

Victoria, co-director added, “We highly recommend a viewing of our show home to understand the high finish and full specification included within the purchase price. Our stunning new show home is now open, and we are delighted to be able to offer viewings, by appointment only, seven days a week.” To arrange a site viewing, or to request the sales literature of Oakfield Grove, Blyth please call Altoria Development on 01670 432603 or email info@altoriadevelopment.co.uk. Altoria Development specialise in bungalow developments and are always on the lookout for further sites with or without planning permission. Altoria Development’s current developments are at Oakfield Grove, Blyth and Ridge Grove, Stannington. For further details visit their website www.altoriadevelopment.co.uk

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RE CIPE

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Part science experiment and part sweet treat. This is fun for the kids and perfect for Halloween and bonfire night.

Tip!

Pour melted chocolate over the shards for the ultimate cinder toffee treat.

Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes (plus cooling) Serves: Depends how sweet your tooth is!

INGREDIENTS 165g demerara sugar 165g caster sugar 60ml golden syrup 4 tbsp water 15g butter, diced, plus extra to grease Pinch of salt 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda

You will also need a kitchen thermometer

METHOD 1. Generously grease an approximately 24cm square tin. 2. Put the bicarbonate of soda within easy reach of the hob.

Place both sugars, syrup, water, and butter in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan with a pinch of salt. (Make sure it is a deep pan or the 'science bit' will go horribly wrong!). Heat gently, stirring, until the sugars and butter have dissolved, then turn up the heat slightly and bring to the boil. Simmer until it reaches 138C turns amber and bubbles - this will take about 10-15 minutes. When the mixture gets to temperature, remove it from the heat and quickly and thoroughly whisk in the bicarb. It will foam and grow alarmingly. The kids will love it! Pour the foamy mixture into the tin and leave to set. When cold get the kids to smash it into pieces.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

ENJOY YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fed up with your conservatory being either freezing cold or blistering hot, then Thermos Roof have the answer

onservatories have become synonymous with the traditional English home. The first ever Conservatory in the UK was constructed in 1825 and to date there are now approximately 4 million. It is estimated that they can add up to 5% to the value of your property, which makes it a significant asset to your home. Conservatories 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 that, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually short lived and can only be enjoyed for 2 months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot. Thermosroof have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons, the first 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 thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermosroof they 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 they can do this all in one day! With no mess! They retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it form the inside, finishing

it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches perfectly with the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials they use are lightweight therefore no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess & upheaval in your home. in addition to this the look and finish of your Thermosroof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is now. The performance of their 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. They can install a Thermosroof 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 the Thermosroof 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 they guarantee that you will be amazed with both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof. The team offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermosroof 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 them a call today and ask for Steve to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory! Call 01670828695 www.thermosroof.co.uk

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Electrical Safety

Call Steve on 01670 828 695 or 07901 506 645 or visit our website www.thermosroof.co.uk During these unprecedented times, to ensure your safety and ours, all our staff and fitters wear PPE where suitable and, upon completion of each job, your Conservatory will be fully disinfected.55

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bring your Polaroid Camera back to life

Do you have an old Polaroid camera languishing in a cupboard? Now is the perfect time to bring it back to life. Polaroid Originals is the company that rose from the ashes of the discontinuation of Polaroid instant film in 2008 and is dedicated to analogue instant photography in the original, iconic format. Back then, a number of chemical suppliers that existed solely to provide Polaroid with chemistry for film production went out of business. And over the course of the last decade some of the chemistry used in film production became unavailable for commercial use. Polaroid Originals faced the challenge of reinventing analogue instant photography with the chemistry available, and over the past nine years has been gradually improving the processing and quality of instant film. Launched on September 13th, 2017, the 80th anniversary of the founding of Polaroid, Polaroid Originals makes instant film for Polaroid cameras, and refurbishes vintage cameras so they’re good as new. If you don’t own a vintage Polaroid camera new cameras are available. The OneStep 2 is a new Polaroid camera that blends classic design with contemporary style. It’s inspired by Polaroid’s original OneStep, but updated to create a simple, easy-to-use instant camera that works straight out of the box – just pick up some i-Type instant film and you’re good to go. It’s got a high quality lens 56

and a powerful flash to give you great photos every time, and this newly improved Viewfinder model makes framing your photos even more intuitive than before. Plus with its long-lasting rechargeable battery, you’ll always be ready to shoot, whether you’re on a brief excursion or a journey round the world. Now is the time to reacquaint yourself with instant analogue photography in an increasingly digital world. Photographic retailer, FotoSnaps are your local stockist for Polaroid Originals products. The Wallsend retailer offers a range of colour and black and white film for your vintage Polaroid camera, and they also have the new Polaroid OneStep 2 instant cameras available if you’re interested in starting a new hobby! Call the shop or pop in store for more details. FotoSnaps, 24 High Street East, Wallsend, NE28 8PQ. Tel: 0191 234 4606 www.fotosnapswallsend.co.uk

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H E A LT H

OBESITY AND COVID-19 WHAT IS THE LINK? By Louise Addison

COVID-19 and its effects have scared us all, health professionals and public alike. We’re still learning about the virus, but one fact has been all over the news in the past couple of months. Obese people (people with a BMI over 30) are more at risk of complications. Why is this? Most of my friends with BMIs close to, or greater than 30, seem perfectly healthy individuals. Should they be worried? In order to answer this question, we need to look at the immune system. When we catch a virus our body’s defence system is triggered, and inflammation occurs. This is due to our all-purpose innate immune response, which serves as the first wave against foreign invaders. Blood flow increases to the infected area causing redness and swelling. When your nose blocks and becomes red when you catch a cold, that’s inflammation. This reaction is caused by white blood cells called macrophages and the proteins they produce called cytokines. It’s the cytokines which trigger inflammation. Usually this inflammation is simply a sign that our body is releasing the hormones and proteins which activate our white blood cells to kickstart the recovery process, and ultimately defeat the infection. No inflammation means no defence… and that’s bad. SO WHY IS OBESITY A PROBLEM? Well it turns out that white blood cells aren’t the only type of cell that have the ability to produce those inflammation-inducing cytokines. Fat cells (adipocytes) can also do this. Scientists have learned that fat is an active endocrine organ, one that can secrete a whole host of proteins and chemicals, including 60

“Back in 2009, doctors in Spain noticed that overweight and obese patients were being admitted to intensive care units in disproportionate numbers and took longer to recover than nonobese or overweight individuals.” inflammatory cytokines. When your body keeps adding adipose tissue (fat) cytokines are released by your fat cells, triggering inflammation. Researchers even characterised obesity as ‘…a state of low-grade, chronic inflammation.’ This means that an obese body has its immune system permanently switched on and is therefore in a constant state of inflammation. Over time this can lead to the development of both minor and major illness and conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO COVID-19? Back in 2009 the H1N1 Swine Flu was at its most virulent, doctors in Spain noticed that overweight and obese patients were being admitted to intensive care units in disproportionate numbers and took

longer to recover than non-obese or overweight individuals. Their increased risk was attributed to the excess number of pro-inflammatory cytokines in their bodies. Researchers in Canada then analysed the flu records for the previous 12 years and found that people who were obese were statistically more likely to be admitted to hospital for respiratory diseases than those whose BMI was in the normal range. They concluded that obese people were an “at risk” population during flu seasons due to their compromised immune response. As we go into the winter and the risk of a second wave of coronavirus, if you have a BMI over 30 it makes sense to try to bring it down and minimise your risk. Talk to your GP.

OAKFIELD GROVE

A BESPOKE BUNGALOW DEVELOPMENT IN BLYTH

FOUR DETACHED BUNGALOWS SITUATED ON A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY Specification inclusive of: n n n n n n n n

Bespoke kitchen with five integrated Bosch kitchen appliances Stunning large lounge with French doors leading to large landscaped garden Tiled family bathroom Two bedrooms Flooring included throughout Integrated single garage with electric garage door Landscaped front and rear garden Freehold and 10 year structural warranty.

SALE PRICE OF Â£215,000 AVAILABLE NOW To arrange a viewing of the show home please call 01670 432 602 Visit: www.altoriadevelopment.co.uk Email: info@altoriadevelopment.co.uk

BOOKS

A GOOD READ By Willow Coby

SALVAGE THE BONES by Jesmyn Ward

It was a storm that made headlines around the world. In August 2005 Katrina hit the Louisiana coast causing great loss of life and destruction to New Orleans and the surrounding area. This award-winning novel, set over a period of 12 days, tells the story of the Batiste family who live in the fictional town of Bois Sauvage. Esch is 15 years old and lives with her three brothers and their father. Isolated from the rest of the small town due to the location of their house, they live in extreme poverty, with a largely absent father who, seven years after the death of his wife, still relies on drink to get through the day. So, with the news of a category 5 storm is about to hit they begin to prepare what they can and stockpile a small amount of food. Each chapter is one day in the build up to the storm. Randall, the eldest is trying to do what he can to hold his family together. Skeetah is preoccupied with his pit-bull fighting dog, China, who has just given birth to puppies. Junior, the youngest, is trying to hold his own against his older brothers. And Esch has just discovered that she is pregnant. A captivating story with engaging characters, immerses you in their world, illustrated by a touch of Greek mythology thanks to a book that Esch (the narrator) is reading for school. The penultimate chapter will have your heart racing but ultimately this is the story of family love that survives despite the poverty and deprivation.

CALL THE MIDWIFE by Jennifer Worth

If in lockdown you re-watched the entire wonderful BBC series Call the Midwife, you might want to take the time to read the books on which it’s based. Jennifer Worth’s bestselling memoirs recall stories of life, birth and death in London’s East End during the 1950’s. It opens as Jennifer – then fresh-faced young Jenny Lee – arrives at Nonnatus House, a community of nuns who provide midwifery and district nursing for the close-knit families of the dockers of Poplar, and follows her as she lives and learns amongst them. Jenny is an honest and sympathetic narrator, quick to point out her own failings. The nuns, from calm, steady Sister Julienne,w to mischievous Sister Monica Joan are 62

characterised beautifully, and Jenny’s fellow midwives are a memorable bunch. But it is the people of the East End who burst from the pages – from terrified runaways to hardy mothers of four (and even twenty four!), from seedy pimps to rough and ready dockers, all are described so vividly that they practically step out to meet you. The backdrop is almost a character in itself. As the book progresses, the reader begins to understand something of the history of the area – bombed heavily during the war, it has not recovered by the time Jenny arrives, and many families are caught in limbo, unable to do anything about their appalling living conditions. This element is explored in further detail in the subsequent volumes of the trilogy, particularly in ‘Shadows of the Workhouse’. And, of course, there are the birth stories. Every birth is different, and the book contains comic, tragic and poignant experiences. Worth balances human interest and medical detail deftly, never talking down to the reader but never baffling them with complex terminology, as she guides us through the emotions as well as the technicalities. For anyone with an interest in birth, midwifery, social history or just a good story, this is a must read.

THE CAT IN THE HAT/ DR SEUSS’ SLEEP BOOK by Dr Seuss

You can never have too much nonsense in your life – especially not if you are under eight years old – and if you want nonsense, then Dr Seuss is the absolute master. These two classics are a must for every child’s bookshelf. The Cat in the Hat is a cautionary tale of sorts – never let strange felines into your home. One wet and cold day, the narrator and his sister make the mistake of opening the door to the eponymous cat, only for him to wreak rhyming havoc on their home. Children delight in each new calamity, and the rollicking rhythm carries you along to the end. Dr Seuss’s Sleep Book is a calmer tale, ideal for bedtimes, but still with the same humour and pizazz. Featuring an array of strange and sleepy creatures, from the Chippendale Mupp to the Hinkle Horn Honkers, the ‘Who’s Asleep Score ‘ gradually grows until the very last sleeper is needed – you! Illustrated in the author’s bold and distinctive style, these books stand repeated reading. Which is just as well, as you’ll be asked for them again, and again, and again....

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Unit 64