ABC Magazine - Wansbeck Edition - Jan/Feb 2020

ABC YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE | WANSBECK EDITION

Established

2008

JAN/FEB 2020 | ISSUE 10

ASHINGTON SCHEME GETS GREEN LIGHT

REEL CINEMAS SIGN DEAL TO OPEN NEW VENUE

TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN

HOW YOU CAN TAKE PART IN THE GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN IN YOUR AREA

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WELCOME TO ABC Welcome to ABC Wansbeck, your bi-monthly local magazine. Established in 2008, ABC Magazines are distributed, free of charge, to thousands of homes across Northumberland and North Tyneside.

This Wansbeck edition is distributed across Ashington, Stakeford and Pegswood, as well as being available in over 200 outlets such as CafĂŠs, Dentists, Hairdressers and Community Centres. You can also read it online, visit www.yourabc.co.uk for details.

If you’re interested in advertising in ABC, please call 07526 522 272, email info@yourabc.co.uk or visit www.yourabc.co.uk Publisher: R Wilson Advertising, PO Box 225, Bedlington, NE63 3FL 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 NEWS

LOCAL LANDMARK NOMINATED FOR BBC NATIONAL AWARD

O

ne of the Land Trust’s flagship sites, Northumberlandia, has been nominated for Landmark of the Year at the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2020, which aims to recognise the best of the British countryside.

The remarkable landscape, on the outskirts of Cramlington, was the brainchild of renowned landscape designer and architectural historian, Charles Jencks, who passed away last year at the age of 80.

Now attracting over 100,000 visitors a year from across the globe, Northumberlandia is a stunning human landform of a reclining lady made of 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil. She is 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long. She was built by the Banks Group as part of the restoration of the adjacent Shotton surface coal mine. This project is known as restoration first – taking an extra piece of land donated by the landowner and providing a new landscape for the community to enjoy while the mine is operational.

Work began in 2010 and once the major landscape works were complete the sculpture was blasted with hydro seed which started to transform the sculpture into a living landscape. Her face, paths and viewing platforms were constructed with a hard stone surface with every feature surveyed and checked against carefully designed plans.

It is now a 19 hectare community park providing free public access, with four miles of footpaths on and around the landform, along with a café and visitor centre. Walking to the viewing point at the top offers stunning views of the Northumbrian

“Over the last eight years the site has flourished... in line with its charitable objectives of health, environment and biodiversity, economy, education and learning and community cohesion.” coastline and countryside.

The Land Trust Took over management of the site in 2012 and over the last eight years the site has flourished as the Trust manages the site in line with its charitable objectives of health, environment and biodiversity, economy, education and learning and community cohesion.

The Land Trust’s Director of Portfolio Management, Alan Carter, said: “We are delighted that Northumberlandia has been nominated for Landmark of the

Year and it is great recognition for a site that welcomes thousands of visitors a year and has become a real part of the community since first opening in 2012. The competition in the category is tough so we are encouraging everyone who has enjoyed a visit to the site over the last eight years to vote for Northumberlandia and help the site claim this prestigious award.”

Northumberlandia will face stiff competition in the category from some spectacular landmarks across the country so every vote will matter.

You can vote for Northumberlandia to win by visiting the Countryfile Awards website www.countryfile.com/awards. You will then be required to register before you can cast your vote. Voting will close on Friday 28th February at midnight.

6

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LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

GET YOUR GLOW ON! Unlike gyms focussing on working out, or weight clubs which focus only on calories, Glow classes believe the best way for better health is a combined approach of exercise and diet. Margery Wilson visited her local Glow class ran by Liz Ford to find out more...

I

t was with some trepidation that I pulled into the car park at Beaconhill Community Centre in Cramlington on a dark, wet evening. It was years since I had done anything more strenuous than walking, but the information video on the Glow website assured me that I could work at my own pace and ability.

As soon as I entered the spacious hall I felt comfortable – the buzz of conversation and the greeting of the coach, Liz, were very welcoming. Liz told me about the session and how she had a background knowledge of dietary needs and healthy eating plans. She introduced me to the members who had arrived and gave me a basic health questionnaire to fill in (this was purely for my own wellbeing). Having returned the form, the ladies around me included me in their conversation and told me about the myriad of social activities Liz arranged for them as well as taking the classes.

After about half an hour, Liz gave a little talk – this week about Osteoporosis – then the work began! There were about 40 ladies there, and we started with a warm-up session which consisted of a series of gentle movements performed with background music. We then had a 'water break' and the workout part of the session began.

For each exercise (which was repeated for 30 seconds) Liz showed an easy version and a more energetic one, and it was left to the individual to decide which one to follow. I opted for the easy version and found I could keep up, though my arm/leg co-ordination left a lot to be desired! As the session progressed, however, I found that

I was getting into the rhythm and although one exercise flowed into another I felt I was improving. Throughout the workout there were 'water breaks' so I never felt dehydrated.

The cool-down at the end was very relaxing and rounded off the session perfectly. Liz showed me a timetable of the weekly sessions and each one consisted of different sets of movements so there was always variety. This variety applied to all her classes on different days, different times and in different venues. I have to admit that I was more than favourably impressed with my first visit. I have been to weight-loss groups and exercise groups before but to have them both included in one session was great. I have never been to a class where I felt so much at home and where there was no sense of others watching and criticising. The atmosphere from start to finish was genuinely friendly and sociable, the surroundings welcoming and the exercises were extremely 'do-able'.

I would have no hesitation in recommending these classes (whatever your age, shape, size or fitness level) and am looking forward to next time. I feel as if I have made some new friends and I was certainly 'GLOWING' when I finished.

Liz Ford runs Glow classes in Whitley Bay, Seaton Sluice, Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Burn.

To find your local class visit www.glow-fit.co.uk/liz-ford , call 07982 126 113 or email: liz.ford@glow-fit.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

ASHINGTON TOWN CENTRE SCHEME GETS GREEN LIGHT

T

he multi-million pound scheme to transform Ashington town centre has taken another major step forward with Advance Northumberland securing planning permission for its flagship scheme on Portland Park.

Independent cinema chain Reel Cinemas, which runs 14 other cinemas across the UK, signed a deal with development company Advance Northumberland to open the new venue.

The planning consent includes a multi-screen cinema, restaurants and car parking, with outline planning permission also granted for up to 12,000 sq ft of additional retail space and more parking. A further phase of the Portland Park scheme comprising 20,000 sq ft of new retail space and car parking is anticipated to be submitted in the next few months.

The cinema, featuring a total seating capacity of 660, would be located on the site south of the Asda petrol station, between the supermarket and Ashington Leisure Centre. It would be accessed from Lintonville Terrace, and the site would see an extra 117 parking spaces to serve the 2,599 sq m cinema and 544 sq m of restaurant floorspace.

Last year Advance Northumberland exchanged contracts with Reel Cinema to operate the leisure facility and secured a land sale to a national retailer for the development of 20,000 sq ft retail unit on the site. Combined, these private investments provide the nucleus and funding package that includes a £4.6m loan from Northumberland County Council along with a £3m 10

grant to support the scheme.

A further section of shop and restaurant space is proposed to the south of the site, but there are fewer details about this section of the development at this stage.

Work on the cinema complex could start as early as Spring 2020, subject to all planning and contractual conditions being satisfied, although this could be as long as 3 years if there are any issues.

Council Leader Peter Jackson said: “This ambitious but deliverable scheme is the culmination of carefully planned public and private investment into Ashington town centre, which has always been one of our priorities. It’s fantastic news that working on behalf of the County Council, Advance Northumberland has been able not only to secure high quality private investment into Ashington but also ensure we

have an attractive new, high quality mixed use development on this very important site and we look forward to work starting as soon as possible. This major town centre development is an exciting new start for Ashington and its community.”

Richard Wearmouth, Chair of Advance Northumberland, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing this mixed use development and cinema attraction to the centre of Ashington. It will bring new jobs into the town centre and attract many new visitors, increasing spend and footfall so that the whole of Ashington will benefit including existing retailers and consumers alike.”

“This will be the latest phase of the ongoing regeneration of the town, with a number of other opportunities coming forward over the coming months.”

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LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

HELP FOR YOUR COLD FEET HAVING CHILLY FEET CAN BE PRETTY UNCOMFORTABLE, BUT THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT. PODIATRY@THEQUAY EXPLAIN MORE...

T

he phrase “cold feet” doesn’t just refer to getting nervous before a big event like your wedding or appearing on stage. Some people literally have cold feet, which either feel cold to them, cold to the touch, or both.

The simplest reason for cold feet is a lack of warmth. If it’s winter and you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and your feet are bare, it’s obvious they may get cold. Many people experience cold toes and feet at some point.

Some causes are temporary and harmless, but it can also be a sign of underlying health conditions.

The most common cause of cold feet is poor circulation. A sedentary lifestyle, for example, if you sit at a desk all day at work, slows circulation preventing the warm blood to flow to the feet, and the cooled blood to be pumped back up to the heart.

Being overweight, smoking and excessive alcohol intake is also a cause of poor circulation.

Improve circulation by making healthy choices such as: ·· Smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake to improve general wellbeing. ·· Keep as active as possible to stimulate the circulation and enhance mobility. ·· Choose footwear which is not too tight to keep you comfortable, allowing the blood to circulate. ·· Visit your Podiatrist at Podiatry@theQuay for advice and a health check.

“Warm Wax Therapy stimulates circulation and intensively moisturises skin, giving blissful comfort for cold feet. “

Socks are a simple solution for cold feet. Organic socks made from wool, cotton or bamboo are best. Silver Socks are thermodynamic, which means they help regulate temperature.

So that person who bought you socks this Christmas really did have your wellbeing at heart!

At Podiatry@theQuay, we offer Warm Wax Therapy, that stimulates circulation and intensively moisturises skin, giving blissful comfort for cold feet. Containing essential oils such as Frankincense and Myrrh, it also makes a thoughtful gift.

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LOCAL NEWS

THE GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN 2020 THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST MASS-ACTION ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN IS HAPPENING AGAIN THIS YEAR, HERE’S HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED The Great British Spring Clean Campaign for 2020, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, is taking place from the 20 March till the 13 April.

Together, we can make a massive difference. All our individual actions can help to transform our country for the better, creating cleaner streets, parks and beaches, protecting our wildlife and, ultimately, stopping the tide of plastic that is doing so much damage to our oceans and marine life.

Last year, over 560,000 volunteers joined forces at over 17,000 events across the country with almost 1 million bags of rubbish collected. The campaign encourages volunteers, community groups and businesses to help improve the environment through targeting litter.

As in previous years, Ashington Town Council has organised a number of community litter picks, in partnership with Northumberland County Council, to support the campaign. The litter picks will take place as listed opposite.

Ashington Town Council is pleased that Friends of Ashington Community Woods, North Seaton Colliery Community Centre, Heart of the Hirst Tenant & Residents Group and Northumbria Police are supporting the effort.

They welcome volunteers at any of the events or if any community group, school or business would like to take part, get in touch.

Litterpickers, gloves and refreshments will be provided.

For more information please contact Stephen Humphrey at Ashington Town Council, on tel: 01670 620 533.

ASHINGTON COMMUNITY WOODLAND Monday 30 March from 10.00am till 11.30am.

Meeting at entrance to the Woodland – past the Police Station and over the railway line.

HIRST PARK

Tuesday 31 March from 10.00am till 11.30am.

Meeting at the Hirst Pavilion.

WANSBECK RIVERSIDE & NORTH SEATON COLLIERY

Wednesday 1 April from 10.00am till 11.30am.

Meeting at Cambois Rowing Club car park and North Seaton Colliery Community Centre.

PEOPLES PARK

Thursday 2 April from 5.00pm till 6.00pm.

Meeting at Peoples Park car park.

THE HIRST AREA

Friday 3 April from 10.00am till 11.30am.

Meeting at Heart of the Hirst Community Hub at 82 Beatrice Street.

PADDOCK WOODS IN NORTH SEATON Saturday 4 April from 10.00am till 11.30am.

Meeting at North Seaton Community Centre.

For more information on the Campaign visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean 14

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LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

IS IT YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TO EXERCISE MORE? Building up slowly and consistently is key according to MSK Healthcare & Performance Clinic, based in Guidepost

N

ew Year’s resolution exercise more, get fit, lose weight, sign up for classes go for it, ouch old knee pain come’s back, nagging bad back returns, achilles tendon is sore again. Does this sound familiar?

Remember, exercise increases stress on our joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and tissues which is good if done progressively.

However, often we see patients who are relativity sedative to suddenly doing 50-star jumps, 100 burpees, countless lunges and 20 shuttle runs 5 nights a week. Then they get injured unable to exercises for weeks, motivation drops off and the momentum to exercise is lost.

Our bodies deal with load differently with age, between the ages of 30 and 50 years old muscle strength and muscle mass is constant for the majority, of us.

From 50 years old muscle strength decreases 12-15% each decade and muscle mass reduces 30-40% during these years.

We often hear from patients is “once I hit 40 years old, I started to get injured” one of the reasons is the reduction of type II fibres in our tissues with aging. These fibres have the greatest capacity to absorb load that tissue are put under during exercise.

So, our tissues ability to cope with exercise “load” reduces with age especially if the loads are too high, too often and too sudden.

If we slowly and progressively increase the loads over time the

16

“If we slowly and progressively increase the loads over time the body adapts and handles exercise loads far better, significantly reducing risk of injury.” body adapts and handles exercise loads far better, significantly reducing risk of injury. It’s far better to build up your exercise duration and intensity gradually over weeks and months especially if you’re just getting back into exercising.

Also decide on what you want from exercising, getting older then lifting weights with good technique is beneficial to stop muscle wasting.

Want to lose body fat then doing

high intensity exercise (HITT) is best especially around the stomach.

Have adequate rest and don’t beat yourself up too much if the person next to you is doing twice as much but is half your age.

It’s better to be consistent in exercising then dropping in and out due to injuries. If you need any advice on injuries drop us an email or read our website research blog for more information on various topics surrounding exercise.

Visit www.mskhealthcare.co.uk or email info@mskhealthcare.co.uk.

MSK-Healthcare & Performance Clinic, 22 Front Street, Guidepost, NE62 5LT. Tel: 01670 813939

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LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

COUNTING CALORIES?

Sarah Howe, Director of three Curves Fitness Facility’s in the North East,explains why you need to think about more than calories if you’re trying to lose weight.

I

f you’re like most women, you have been on at least a handful of diets in your lifetime. You’ve probably spent more time than you care to remember counting calories. Most diets are based on the simple principle that if you eat fewer calories than you expend, you’ll lose weight.

While this is true, it’s only part of the story. When you lose weight, you either lose water, fat, muscle, or most commonly, a combination of all three.

Most water is lost in the first week on a weight-loss program. Water is stored with glycogen, a storage form of carbohydrate in your body. When you start to break down some of those carbohydrate stores for energy, you lose water as well.

Fat is what you really want to lose! Fat is a storage form of energy and has vital functions in your body, but having too much increases your risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. If you are overweight, you will want to primarily lose fat to prevent disease.

Unfortunately, muscle is the innocent victim of most weight-loss plans. The average dieter loses about 30% of their weight in the form of muscle tissue. This is a problem because muscle is the engine to your metabolism. Muscle tissue is metabolically active (burns calories) all day long. Muscle also helps to give you a lean, toned appearance because it is more dense than fat and occupies less space.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH LOSING MUSCLE TISSUE? Because muscle burns calories all day long, if you lose muscle tissue on a given diet, you will lower your metabolism. Over time, it will become more and more difficult to maintain your ideal weight because you will be burning fewer and fewer calories each day.

WHY DO DIETERS LOSE MUSCLE TISSUE? If a diet program is based simply on calories, you will lose muscle tissue. You’ve probably heard of diets that allow you to eat basically anything you want, as long as it is below a certain calorie limit. If you follow a program like this, it might seem ideal and easy to follow, but a large portion of your weight loss will be muscle tissue.

Sarah Howe is a fitness trainer for women, Director of 3 Curves fitness facility’s in the North East and a mother of two. Follow Sarah on instagram @buffmammy

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HOW CAN YOU MAINTAIN MUSCLE TISSUE AS YOU LOSE WEIGHT? Firstly, consume more protein. Eat meals that contain the right amount of protein to help maintain muscle tissue and burn fat.

Secondly, strength train. It is essential to overload your muscles (make them work!) in order to build and maintain muscle tissue. The Curves workout helps you do just that.

Many women fall into the trap of “I’ll just walk instead.”

While walking is fantastic exercise, walking alone is not enough. You have to regularly strength train to build and maintain muscle tissue. The good news is BOTH of these are accomplished by following Curves Complete.

MORE THAN THE NUMBER ON THE SCALE Now that you understand weight loss is about more than just a number on the scale, you can appreciate why it’s important to consume enough protein and strength train while dieting to maintain muscle tissue. And with Curves Complete, you’ll do just that – maintain muscle and burn fat!

For more information on Curves visit www.curves.eu/uk, call 0191 253 5500 or pop into your local Curves in Ashington.

Curves Ashington

Unit 12, Merchant Court, Ashington NE63 0YH 01670 522760 Curves Ashington

@buffmammy 21

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR Ashington & District LOCAL CHOIR

Male Voice Choir was formed around the new year brings an interesting time ahead A and plenty of new songs for the time this picture ofgentlemen of Ashington & District Male Voice Choir to master.

This followsMarket an excellent Christmas period when High was taken the choir gave four concerts in a couple of weeks all c1916. of which drew wonderful praise and the choir Choir members, 01670 815534 and at the door. performing to excellent audiences.

ADMVC is a community choir open to all gents The has a long Efforts are Choir now being concentrated on new and meets on Thursdays at 7-00pm in Stakeford pieces in readiness for the National Association of & Bomarsund Welfare. There are no auditions nor and proud heritage and looking Choirs North East Choral Spectacular at The Sageis in now a requirement to readfor music,more just a wish to ‘give it Gateshead. More local concerts in the choir’s winter/ a go’ and there is a 6 week period for newcomers singers to gives rehearse and perform a Most new repertoire at early spring calendar the opportunity for these to do this. concerts are to help voluntary new pieces to be performed before the big day and organisations or assist in the raising of funds for theat County. thevenues first of these isthroughout on Saturday 29th February charitable purposes, most of which are of local 7-00pm in St. John’s Church Seaton Hirst when the significance. Interested? Then just pay a visit or look agesthe and will welcome, there’s noon gentsAll will welcome returnabilities of local soprano Susanbe atmade www.ashingtonmalevoicechoir.org or find them Robertson. Tickets are £7 available from the Church.

Facebook. They would love to welcome you. audition, and you don’t need to be able to read music.

22

LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

COULD 2020 BE THE YEAR YOU STOP SMOKING?

JOANNE DUGGAN, PRINCIPAL DENTAL SURGEON AT BEDLINGTONSHIRE DENTAL PRACTICE, EXPLAINS THE IMPACT OF SMOKING ON YOUR MOUTH HEALTH

H

appy New Year! I hope you had a great festive season and did not indulge too much. This year could be the time for a fresh start to improve your health and wellbeing. If you are a smoker, why not choose 2020 as the time to quit?

Here at Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice we always discuss with our patients the benefit of stopping smoking. If you are worried or feel you won't be able to manage it alone, there is a smoking cessation service in Northumberland where you will receive all the help and support you need. The first step of picking up the phone is usually the hardest. Call 01670 813135.

You can call them yourself for an initial chat without the need of a referral from your doctor, dentist or any other health care professional. If you want their help to stop smoking just make the phone call yourself!

Did you know the success rate for quitting

smoking is much greater when you are supported by a cessation service rather than doing it alone?

I’m sure those of you that smoke are now rolling your eyes and feeling thoroughly picked on. I do appreciate some of you enjoy smoking and actually do not want to give up; you are already aware of the risk of heart and lung disease, diabetes and increased cancer risks. Sometimes however it is the smaller things that irritate people the most. Have you thought about the effects on your mouth when you light up? Putting the cigarette, cigar or pipe between your lips and breathing the smoke past your teeth, gums, tongue and all the other surfaces of your mouth and throat has a massive impact before reaching everywhere else in your body. There are also similar damaging affects if you are in the habit of chewing tobacco. Perhaps knowing the impact on your mouth may help your decision in choosing to quit for yourself. Turn over for some examples...

23

“

Smokers are 3 times more likely to develop cancer in the mouth than non- smokers.

STAINED AND DISCOLOURED TEETH

This really does irritate most smokers. Brown and yellow staining due to nicotine and tar is unsightly. Because it is visible it usually affects smokers more than worrying about the potential of future life-threatening smokingrelated diseases. Let's be honest, everyone (including me) would love to have nicer, whiter looking teeth.

This could be a great reason to stop as most of the stains caused by smoking can be removed with simple cleaning methods used by your dentist or hygienist. We do not recommend regular use of smokers toothpaste as these can be very abrasive and cause damage to the surfaces of your teeth.

For patients whom have their teeth bleached (which should only be performed with a dental professional), we also advise to abstain from smoking as this will hinder the whitening effect and could be a waste of your time and money.

Smokers also get more tartar, or calculus, build up on their teeth which is also unsightly and makes teeth much more difficult to keep clean. These deposits are stuck hard onto your teeth and will need to be professionally cleaned off by your dental professional.

BAD BREATH

I'm sure all of us know an ex-smoker whom since quitting has become really aware of the smell that smoking causes to clothes, hair, homes and cars. I'm afraid the smell of smoke is not something any of us could describe as pleasant or fragrant! Well, smoking can also cause halitosis or bad breath. I have to say as a dentist most people are mortified if they have had an Indian or Italian meal heavily laced with garlic the night before their

24

appointment. Their concern about the smell of their breath does distress them. (I do reassure my patients the smell of garlic does not bother me at all.) Stopping smoking will help reduce the risk of bad breath.

BLACK HAIRY TONGUE

Well, this does sound very unusual but unfortunately this condition looks exactly as its name suggests. This condition is when the tiny fibres, called papillae, on the surface of your tongue become longer and discolour to give the appearance of brown or black hairs on it. People whom have this condition are usually heavy smokers.

Although not the prettiest looking, black hairy tongue is benign, there are no symptoms associated and no treatment is needed.

GUM DISEASE

Gum disease is the most common reason why adults loose teeth. Missing teeth can have a really negative impact on anyone as it can affect appearance, the ability to eat properly and our general feeling of well- being, plus there may be the additional cost and time of dental treatment needed to replace them. There is a very definite link between smoking and gum disease. Smoking reduces the success of any treatment you may receive for gum disease. It is a definite fact that smokers do loose more teeth due to gum disease than non- smokers.

Being a non-smoker is therefore one of the best ways to improve your gum health.

Smokers have more hard calculus and plaque build up on their teeth. There is also a reduced blood supply to the gums, meaning infected gums do not heal as well.

A reduced blood supply to the gums is not healthy and

Bedlingtonshire

could hide the fact you have gum disease for some time as your gums may not bleed. This is why it is important to visit your dentist regularly as they will screen at every check up for the presence of gum disease.

CANNOT TASTE OR SMELL FOOD AS WELL

Smoking reduces the sense of smell, which also reduces the sense of taste. Some ex-smokers report enjoying their food much more after quitting due to the better smell and taste of the food they ate. The improved smell could be why ex smokers have a heightened awareness of the smell of smoking as mentioned above.

NOT HEALING WELL AFTER EXTRACTIONS, GUM TREATMENT OR ANY SURGERY IN THE MOUTH

Smoking reduces the ability to heal. Any wound needs a good blood supply with plenty of oxygen to repair successfully. Unfortunately smoking weakens our immune system and the ability to fight infection, but also narrows blood vessels so by reducing the nutrients and oxygen supply to a wound. The healing process can therefore be delayed.

If any of you have had the misfortune to suffer from a dry socket after an extraction then I sympathise with you as you know all too well the pain associated with this problem. A dry socket is truly awful and can be as bad as severe toothache. When a tooth is taken out the hole that is left, the socket, fills with a blood clot. If this blood clot comes out too soon the bone can become exposed and inflamed. It is this inflammation of the bone, osteitis, that is a dry socket, and my goodness it is truly horrible!

Anyone can suffer from a dry socket, however it is more common in smokers due to the reduced blood supply and healing of the area, but with the addition of the smoking action, "dragging" can help dislodge the blood clot from the socket. It is normal to be told to abstain from smoking after you have a tooth extracted to try to reduce the risk of this truly awful condition.

REDUCED SUCCESS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and involves surgery to place a tita nium implant into the jaw bone, then it is usual to allow a period of time (months) for the bone to fuse and integrate with the implant. The false tooth or teeth are then placed on the top of the implant. There is a need for any patient who wants an implant to be committed to surgery, maintaining good oral hygiene and maintenance of the implant, and be prepared to meet the financial implication associated, (costs are in the thousands). I think there is a common misconception that when implants are placed, that's it, you don't need to do anything with them for life. This simply is not the case as they need continuous maintenance and good care, without which they can fail. There is an increased

Dental Practice

risk of implant failure in smokers due to the reduction in the ability to heal after surgery but also the increased risk of gum problems around the implant, in particular periimplantitis. This is a destructive inflammatory process that affects the gum and bone around an implant and can lead to it loosening and having to be removed. If any smokers are thinking about dental implants, then certainly quitting is advisable before you commit to such a lot of extensive and invasive dental work with the significant costs associated.

ORAL CANCER

Sorry, it would be neglectful of me not to mention the C word. I will keep it short.

A few simple facts for you : Smokers are 3 times more likely to develop cancer in the mouth than non- smokers.

Mouth cancer is becoming more common in the UK, however it is reported that approximately 9 out of 10 cases could be prevented with lifestyle changes.

Smoking, chewing betel nut or tobacco all increases your risk of mouth cancer.

• • •

E-CIGARETTES

I know many people now use e cigarettes as an alternative, and have in fact used them to quit smoking, however as these are a relatively new concept and with a lack of research, the long term effects of their use is unknown. I would always advise you to seek advice from your local smoking cessation team or doctor to discuss all the smoking cessation products available to you .

Having read through this piece numerous times, I do feel terrible as it is quite hard hitting about the negative effects of smoking in the mouth, but it is a true representation of the facts. If you are a smoker, are aware of all the facts, (and not just the ones mentioned here), and accept the risks associated and still choose to smoke,then absolutely I agree you should not be nagged repeatedly about quitting. It is my opinion that giving up is something you must decide and want for yourself and not just to please others. After all this is an addiction and giving up will be hard, but there is help out there if you need it.

Contact Northumberland Smoking Cessation Service on 01670 813135 or if you’d like to book a dental examination contact Bedlingtonshire Dental Practice on 01670 828402.

References www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/sundry/smoking-and-oral-health en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_hairy_tongue www.advancedtissue.com/smoking-effects-wound-healing/ www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer

25

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LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

5 TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE LONGTERM FITNESS RESULTS Making health and fitness resolutions is easy, sticking to them is the hard part.

We introduce you to one local fitness expert who shares with us his top tips to achieve and maintaining those resolutions all year round.

M

y name is Aaron Phillips, Owner of Ocean Fit Personal Training Studio in Whitley Bay and Ocean Fit Online, a remote training platform.

I have been a full time Personal trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach now for many years working with 100's of people in the local area helping them change their lives for the better and now with our Online Training platform I am now able to work with people from around the globe.

With time comes a lot of experience and I know this time of year a lot of people will be making resolutions to improve their health and fitness which is always fantastic to hear but hard to maintain if you aren't prepared for long term changes. I have listed the top things I know can help you maintain and achieve long term results with your new fitness & lifestyle commitment!

Aaron Phillips

1 BE 100% COMMITTED & SET REALISTIC GOALS

If your head is not in the game from the start you are pretty much guaranteed to fail. That is the harsh truth.

Your goals need to me manageable and achievable.

I LOVE to hear and see ambition from my clients but we have to be realistic with ourselves as well. Why not aim to lose a pound before a stone or complete your first Parkrun before signing up to a marathon. Small manageable steps!

2 HAVE A PLAN

How are you going to execute this new resolution? When will you train, what will you actually eat and when will you cook all this healthy food? You need to make a plan for the month at LEAST of how you will execute what you plan to achieve. That normally where I would become useful.

3 BE ACCOUNTABLE

Now this could be with a friend, family member or personal trainer. If you train with a friend/partner you are a lot more likely to stick it out a lot longer. Make sure you are both in it together from the start. Some people might feel self conscious about working with a friend or you may be at different abilities, you could always consult a fitness professional who will keep you on track, motivated and accountable every step of the way!

4 PREPARE YOUR DAYS

Now that you have made a plan of how you will execute a little longer term you can break it down daily. I always encourage my clients to have their clothes out and ready the night before, plan your meals for the next day. This doesn't have to be a 'meal prep' it can be just writing it 30

down and committing to a healthier meal. Also if your not working our from home, plan your journeys...what time do you need to leave, how will you get there etc. Our Beach Camp members are often faced with a frosty car in the winter, this is the perfect opportunity for them to turn around and go back to bed but by preparing the night before they are ready to deal with it and come straight down to the session!

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With consistency comes results. You can not attend sessions every 2 weeks and be disappointed with nothing changes. This type of goal takes some real grit and commitment, you need to really chip away slowly in order to see long sustainable changes. In saying that it can also be counter productive to do too much, listen to your body and when it says stop then STOP! Take rest days and remember to enjoy what you do!

If you would like any help, guidance or support with your fitness journey please do not hesitate to contact me at info@ocean-fit.com.

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Historically, the Club consisted of a senior (adult) team only. However, since the season 2005/2006 the Club has expanded to provide access to football for all ages from development (U6-7 years) to senior football (adults). The Club now has in excess of 220 footballers and also provides development opportunities for young coaches and referees.

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We are now seeking to further develop the Club, in terms of our pitches and club building, as part of a five year development plan. This work is facilitated by the Management Team.

In order to expedite our development plan, we seek to increase the membership of the Management Team from within the local community. We are looking to recruit new volunteers and particularly welcome interest from people with experience in business, law and facilities development.

Volunteering at the Club will involve committing a few hours a month to helping us achieve our development outcomes. It is a rewarding opportunity to be involved in the development stage on a project which is aimed at improving outcomes for our members AND the local community, as we seek to involve other community projects at Links Avenue, with a view to improving social welfare, recreation and wellbeing.

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LOCAL 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.

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LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

CARING FOR YOUR PETS TEETH

Vetinary Surgeon Frances Gray BVMS MRCVS owns and runs Vets4Pets Morpeth, here she shares her advice on looking after your pets dental health.

D

ental disease is a very common problem in pet animals – cats, dogs, rabbits and small mammals are all affected by it.

As humans we know how painful it can be to have a tooth root abscess or even something smaller like a mouth ulcer. Animals very rarely show signs of pain with dental disease but this doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain.

It often isn’t until they improve after the dental procedure that we can appreciate the pain they were in before.

The most common signs of dental disease are: • bad breath (halitosis) • drooling more • pawing at the mouth (particularly in cats) • choosing to eat softer foods • chewing on one side of their mouth • dropping food when trying to eat • change in behaviour, not as keen to play with toys and may become withdrawn In more severe cases you may even see missing teeth or a swollen face. We commonly see cats, dogs and rabbits in particular with severe end stage dental disease that would have a human crying for the dentist, but our pets are still eating their food. This means as an owner it can often be difficult to detect dental disease.

Dental disease is a progressive disease in animals in the same way it is for humans. It changes over time and therefore different and ongoing treatment is likely to be needed at different stages in a pet’s life. Some animals (like some humans) are very fortunate and they have great teeth and dental health – these animals may need very little intervention throughout their life. Other animals are less fortunate and these animals can need dental treatment every 4-12 months.

WHAT IS DENTAL DISEASE?

Dental disease covers a variety of conditions - the one we most commonly see in cats and dogs is periodontal disease. This is caused by a build-up of food and bacteria in the mouth which leads to calculus formation and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). This in turn leads to destruction of the structures that support the teeth (ligaments and bone). Over time the gums become red, swollen and sore, teeth then become loose and may start to fall out.

There are 4 stages of dental disease with 0 being a healthy mouth and 4 being severe dental disease. Stages 1 and 2 are potentially reversible with a combination of 38

veterinary treatment and dedicated home care (brushing teeth). Stages 3 and 4 are irreversible and often lead to loss of teeth. In stage 4 dental disease the amount of bacteria in the mouth is so high it can enter the bloodstream and travel through the body and impact on different organs e.g. bacteria settles in the heart valves and causes a disease called endocarditis.

It is impossible to examine an animal’s mouth completely when they are awake – the only way to carry out an effective and accurate dental examination is under general anesthetic.

You may hear your vet refer to a COHAT – this stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment.

During a COHAT the vet will examine every tooth with a dental probe and complete a dental chart – the same thing that happens when we go to the dentist. Things noted include how inflamed the gums are, how much calculus build up there is and whether there is any destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. Any missing, fractured or abnormal teeth will also be noted. Following this assessment it may be necessary to carry out dental radiographs (x-rays) to look at the roots of the teeth – this enables the vet to better assess any attachment loss around the teeth and evaluate the roots for any problems e.g. tooth root abscess (the same as in humans). An ultrasonic scaler will be used to carry out scaling of the tooth and under the gum line, the teeth will also be polished. Extractions will be carried out as necessary.

“

We commonly see cats, dogs and rabbits in particular with severe end stage dental disease that would have a human crying for the dentist.

To get the best out of any dental treatment you need to brush your animal’s teeth at home, at least 3 times weekly and ideally every day. Our nurses are happy to give advice on how to do this – it’s a great thing to start with young animals as often they accept it easier when younger. If you ever have any concerns about your pet’s dental health the best thing to do is to book an appointment to see your vet where they can assess your pet and discuss any treatment if it is necessary.

To book a dental check up for your pet call Vets4Pets Morpeth on 01670 500670.

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info@newspacegarageconversions.co.uk www.newspacegarageconversions.co.uk 41

LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

HOW MUCH PROTECTION DOES STAIN-FREE CARPET OFFER? If you’re shopping for a new carpet, there are lots of decisions to make, which design? What colour? What type of carpet? But how many of us think about choosing a stain free carpet?

Michael Metcalf Carpets explain the benefits of stain free carpets.

S

tain-free carpet sounds too good to be true. Does such a thing exist and can it really stand up to the trails of family life? Well, there are an array of stain-free carpets on the market all equipped with stain barriers to protect against unwanted spills. So how does it work?

Coated with a shielding finish, stainfree carpet is defended by a protective barrier, meaning that any liquid spilt will sit on top of the carpet and not soak in. Quick cleaning will then prevent lasting damage, and in most cases soaking up the errant liquid with a kitchen towel will do the trick. Red wine, coffee, felt tip pen or dog urine can all be cleaned with ease.

Made from polypropylene, the carpet’s fibres have a built-in resistance to liquids, dust and dirt, thus protecting against everyday soiling. Suitable for many areas of the home, these carpets can be installed in the sitting room, dining room, study, hall, stairs, landing or bedrooms.

However, a degree of housekeeping is still required. Despite incredible stain resistant properties, all carpets do get a little dirty under normal use, so stain free products will still need regular care and cleaning to keep them looking at their best. Simple maintenance is all that’s needed to achieve this.

It is recommended that carpets are vacuumed frequently to reduce soil and grit accumulation to prolong the life of your carpets, with particular attention given to high-traffic areas, cleaning these areas when they begin to look soiled. Tackling the dirt early stops it spreading around the house or getting ingrained, so make sure to clean those well used areas around the entrance, doorways and favourite chairs, as well as ‘traffic lanes’. The finest advice that can be given is to

“The protective coating gives you more time to clean up those everyday mishaps. However, you should always endeavour to clean up spills and stains immediately. “

always remove ones shoes at the front door, entrance lobby or vestibule.

The protective coating gives you more time to clean up those everyday mishaps. However, you should always endeavour to clean up spills and stains immediately. Even with stain protected carpet it is best to soak up any spillages as soon as possible, rather that leaving them for a few days. The longer a stain is left, the more chance it has to react chemically with the carpet fibres, making it much harder to permanently remove. Most stain free carpets can be cleaned with household bleach, diluted in equal parts with water.

So what can’t stain-free carpet be protected from? Well there is very little that can’t be removed with the right cleaning methods, and the cleverly protected surface of stain free carpets provide you with a huge advantage in the cleaning regime. However it is worth being aware of the following: Naughty cats, dogs and house rabbits using their teeth or claws, can damage the fibres in the carpet, and potentially the coating, making it vulnerable to stains.

While no carpet is absolutely stainproof, polypropylene carpets certainly make those pesky unpredictable spills much less terrifying and give you peace of mind guaranteed.

Michael Metcalf Carpets 69 Bridge Street, Morpeth NE61 1PQ Tel: 01670 513 868 www.michaelmetcalfcarpets.co.uk

QUALITY, BESPOKE GATES & RAILINGS

Motech Engingeering, based in North Shields, design, manufacture and install high quality, bespoke, gates, railings, window grilles and balconies, to the highest specifications at great value prices.

The products can be made to any size, height or width required.

We cater for all budgets, from simple gates to automated driveway gates.

All our gates and railings are made in our workshop based in North Tyneside by our skilled craftsmen to ensure the high quality demanded.

For free no obligation quote call 0191 257 7277 Unit 4, Cumberland Road North Balkwell Farm Industrial Estate North Shields, NE29 8RD

A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS TRADING SINCE 2008

LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

7 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY WITH A LOCAL NOT JUST TRAVEL EXPERT Discover a new way to book your holiday with your very own personal travel expert, Hussain Ahmed.

Here he explains the benefits...

A

t Not Just Travel, we’re passionate about sending people on holidays they’ll remember forever.

Whatever you want, whatever your budget, we’ll take care of it for you. And here’s how we’ll do it…

MORE CHOICE

At Not Just Travel, we have access to over 12 million holiday options, which gives you total choice and freedom to create the holiday you really want. With more choice than pretty much any other travel agency, your personal Travel Consultant can explore options from some of the biggest travel brands out there, including the likes of TUI, Kuoni,

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and Thomas Cook, to name just a few. We have destinations all over the world, accommodation of all types, and all the added extras you need to piece together a package holiday that you’ll love. With your personal travel expert looking after you, its sure to be a holiday to remember!

HOLIDAYS YOU WON’T FIND ONLINE

Although you can find some cheap deals online, what you see is only 62% of holidays that are actually available. Your personal Travel Consultant will be able to access holidays that are only available to those in the travel industry and can find exclusive deals and prices that aren’t available to the public.

You can also completely tailor a holiday to your needs when booking with a Travel Consultant, which is something you wouldn’t be able to do when booking online.

MULTI-AWARD WINNING

Many of us read reviews of products or seek expert advice before committing to a big purchase, so why should booking a holiday be any different? At Not Just Travel, our success speaks for itself. We have won many awards over the years, including Homeworking Agency of the Year four years running.

We’re passionate about travel and passionate about people, and we love sending people on holidays they’ll remember forever, so leave it to us and you won’t be disappointed. Still need convincing?

FULLY PROTECTED

Should something go wrong while you’re away, you might not always know what to do. When

Wish you were here ...?

you. Whether you know exactly what you want or need a little inspiration, planning and booking your perfect holiday has never been easier.

No more time spent trawling through the internet and reading TripAdvisor reviews, only to go back to the flight you want and finding out it’s doubled in price. You’ll have insider knowledge, expert advice, and best of all, a friendly face to speak to throughout the whole process.

THE PERFECT PRICE

you book with a Travel Consultant, they’ll be there for you every step of the way. From planning and booking through to your departure and arrival home. If your flight is cancelled or there is a problem with the hotel, we’ll be on hand to help you in any way we can.

You will also have peace of mind that your holiday is ABTA and ATOL protected. We book your holiday as a package, which ensures every aspect is covered, and we also provide tra vel insurance should you need it.

YOUR HOLIDAY BEGINS WITH US

Booking a holiday should be exciting, not stressful. When you book with us, you’ll have a dedicated Travel Consultant to do all the hard work for

The prices you find on the internet are non-negotiable. However, Not Just Travel has buying power of around £3m per day. What does this mean for you? This means we have access to some of the best deals and the authority to negotiate the perfect price for you.

Simply tell us your budget and we will do the rest. Your Travel Consultant will also be able to advise you on a realistic budget based on where you want to go, so that we can find you the perfect holiday at the perfect price!

As your personal Travel Consultant, tell me what you’d like from your holiday and I'll sort everything for you. Whatever you want, whatever your budget, I'll take care of it - Hussain Ahmed

UNIQUE PERSONAL SERVICE

There are some things money can’t buy, and our exceptional service is one of them. You don’t pay any extra for the pleasure of booking with a Travel Consultant, so why wouldn’t you? We know that booking a holiday is about so much more than flights and a hotel. It’s personal to you, and we’re passionate about understanding exactly what you want and delivering that to you at no extra cost.

Chat to Hussain, your local Personal Travel Expert today to start planning your next holiday.

Call on 07403 219212 or visit www.newcastle.notjusttravel.com

NEWCASTLE Tel: 07403 219212 www.newcastle.notjusttravel.com Facebook: NJTNewcastle

LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Parlez Vous

FRANÇAIS? If you fancy learning a new language, Barbara from Lingua Forme is on hand to help, explains Margery Wilson

D

o you set off on holiday to sunnier climes hoping that the hotel staff, waiters, shop assistants, bar staff, etc. all speak English?

I always promise myself that I’ll learn a few words, even if it’s just ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, but I never seem to get round to it (and anyway I’m too old to go back to school I tell myself!)

Yes, I’m one of the vast army of tourists who use the excuses ‘learning a language is too hard; learning a language will take too long; everyone speaks English don’t they’ to justify my lack of positive action!

Learning a new language can be a very fulfilling experience, whether it is something you want to do as a family, are a regular traveler looking to increase your language range, a mature couple retiring abroad, or if you are simply keen to learn.

Another myth is that everyone speaks English – I had a comical experience whilst on holiday abroad trying to buy an ankle support in a pharmacy. Believe me, there is only so much you can indicate with hand gestures!!

If you like to visit destinations which are somewhat off the beaten track, you may discover few or no English speakers.

With this in mind, let us introduce you to Barbara, owner of Lingua Forme, a French conversation classes for Adults business. Barbara is a fully qualified teacher of French with has several years’ experience. She has lived and taught in France, in Metz situated in the beautiful Lorraine region. There are about 220 million French-speakers world-wide, so French really can be a ‘Lingua Franca’.

If you were taught French at school, you may remember it as a less than enjoyable time, sitting in rows chanting phrases and declining verbs on end. If you have been away from school for a number of years you may feel embarrassed to be back in a learning situation 46

and unwilling to take the first step. It can take a lot of courage to go through the door for the first time but the effort will be well worth while. For these reasons, let her explain how she runs her sessions.

“We sit round a table in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and share knowledge, chat and exchange news.

Learning is not confined to any one method but encompasses books, handouts, videos and CD’s. We also play games and learn in a supportive atmosphere where NO question is a stupid question (often the question YOU ask is what other people wanted to know but couldn’t pluck up the courage to ask.) So, all you need to become a proficient French speaker is dedication, hard work and a willingness to learn (and with a lot of laughs sprinkled through the sessions).”

Barbara also runs extra classes for A level, GCSE and one-to-one tuition, just call her to discuss availability and times.

Barbara is presently running classes in Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay and Morpeth, covering all levels from beginners to advanced, so please get in touch if you are interested. At the classes you watch videos, listen to CDs and play games, all aimed at making learning fun. The classes are all aimed at putting you at ease and making you want to learn. At Linga Forme no question is a stupid question.

Learning a new language increases your knowledge, challenges you, helps you develop new skills, as well as increasing your confidence and self-esteem.

So, why not impress your friends, family and the hotel and restaurant staff on your next visit to the country – it is never too late to learn French!

For more information contact: Barbara on 07946115256, email barbara@linguaforme.co.uk or visit www.linguaforme.co.uk

FRENCH CLASSES for adults in Morpeth

Learn French with Lingua Forme! French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and one of the most rewarding to learn.

By learning even the basics of French, you’ll open a world of opportunities.

MORPETH CLASS TIMETABLE

Mondays 12.30 - 2.30pm

IMPROVERS CLASS

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED CONVERSATION WITH GRAMMAR Mondays 3.00 - 4.45pm POST BEGINNERS CLASS

Thursdays 10.00 - 11.45am

ADVANCED CONVERSATION

Thursdays 12.30 - 2.30pm

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED GRAMMAR RECAP

Thursdays 2.30 - 3.30pm

PRICE £11 PER SESSION

For more information contact Barbara on 07946 115 256 or visit www.linguaforme.co.uk

NORTH EAST DIRECT

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

TRADE PRICES

Savings of up to 50% OFF Retail Prices FREE UPGRADE TO RIGID UNITS

SUPPLY ONLY OR FULL FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WHERE QUALITY COSTS LESS

Tel 01670 528 424

FREE PLANNING & 3D COMPUTER DESIGN www.northeastdirect.co.uk Unit 5, Lintonville Ent. Park, Ashington NE63 9JZ Next to