Direct Local Magazine South Bristol February 2018

South Bristol Edition Feb 2018 www.directlocalonline.com

Win Movie Tickets - Recipe Of The Month - Kids Corner Councillors Surgery - Events Guide - Movies For February

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REGULAR ARTICLES: Eileen Means Jos Clark Sarah Bryant Miles Kitching Aaron Potter

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Direct Local South Bristol is hand delivered to selected homes and businesses in Ashton, Bedminster, Bishopsworth, Headley Park, Hengrove, Whitchurch and Brislington. (coming soon delivery to Stockwood)

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Contents 6. Slimming World 8. Ultimate valentines cookies 12. The collapse of Carillion 14. Your garden in February 16. A tale of two arenas 18. Movies for February 19. Word search competition 20. Events guide February 21. Kids corner 27. Distracted or disciplined 28. How to generate more enquireres

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in Direct Local do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in Direct Local. The content of Direct Local is not to be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. Please pass to a friend, recycle or compost. All adverts designed by Direct Local are the property of Direct Local please contact us if you wish to reprint them in other publications as a small release fee Is applied. Use of adverts designed by us will need written permission first.

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51% of people in Bristol let worries about social media photos spoil special occasions, Slimming expert reveals Whitchurch slimming expert, Sarah Bryant, says anyone unhappy with their weight needn’t miss out on living the life they want to live this 2018, after new research found that the fear of being tagged in unflattering social media photos ruins special occasions for 51% of people in Bristol.

The study conducted by Slimming World found nights out with friends, weddings and trips to the beach are the most commonly spoiled occasions because of social media photo fears and the worries are particularly strong for people who are unhappy with their weight.

However, Sarah says that while social media can be a source of worry for many, it can also be an inspiration for people on a weight loss programme, as the research shows that seven in ten slimmers are inspired by social media on their weight loss journey. Furthermore, 93% said the support they get on social media complements the face-to-face support they get from their weight loss group and 87% said social media actually helped them to lose weight.

Slimming World Consultant Sarah, who runs groups each week in Whitchurch and Hengrove says: “Having lost 2st 7lbs myself, I know how not being comfortable with your weight can take over your life. I’ve felt anxious and uneasy when someone has taken out their phone on a night out, I’ve felt uncomfortable getting the camera out on holiday, and I’ve even spent important family occasions worrying about people’s photographs of me appearing online afterwards. Nowadays with smartphone cameras and social media networks, every day seems to bring numerous photo opportunities, so it’s easy to see why some people don’t feel comfortable attending special events because of worries about their picture appearing online.

“I don’t want anyone in Bristol to feel like they have to miss out on special occasions they might never get back because they’re unhappy with how they look. Together my members lost 997st last year, and not only do they tell me that losing weight has improved their confidence and self-esteem ten-fold, many now tell me they love being in front of the camera.

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And being part of a positive supportive group like Slimming World means that sharing recipes, tips and motivational transformations on social media becomes an extension of that support. Posts showing how members are getting on, the delicious, tasty Free Food meals they’re eating and how they’re becoming more active help them to inspire and be inspired by each other.”

“Before losing weight I hated seeing photos of myself online. I dreaded every ‘you’ve been tagged in a photo’ notification after a night out or family event. Thanks to Slimming World and my fellow group members I’m now full of confidence – both in the real world and online! As well as going to group each week, social media now really inspires and encourages me along my journey. I love seeing other people’s transformations and getting ideas for recipes to try. I am also part of our group’s Facebook page – it means we can support each other in between our weekly meetings. I love seeing everyone else achieve their weight loss dreams just as much as my own!”

“I’d encourage anyone to not let social media worries stop them from living their best life, or from achieving their goals and dreams, and to instead be confident and proud online. And if their goals include losing weight, they’ll always get a warm welcome from me and the members of mine or any Slimming World group.”

To find out more about local Slimming World groups call Sarah on 07879 443888, or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find your nearest group.

WEDNESDAYS

Bridge Farm Primary School East Dundry Rd, Whitchurch, BS14 0LL Wednesday 5:30pm and 7:30pm Sarah: 07879 443888

MONDAYS

St Peters Church Hall School Room, Church Rd Bishopsworth, BS13 8JR 5:30pm and 7:30pm Tina: 0117 9407471

MONDAYS / TUESDAYS

St Cuthberts Church Sandy Park Rd, Brislington, BS4 4HE Monday 5:30pm and 7:30pm Tuesday 9:30am Kris: 07938 691548 Methodist Key Centre Charlton Rd, Keynsham, BS31 2JA Monday 7:30pm and Tuesday 9:30am Sharon: 07401 948239

TUESDAYS

Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Rd, Hengrove, BS14 9NX Tuesday 9;30am Sarah: 07879 443888 Hengrove Community Centre Fortfield Rd, Hengrove, BS14 9NX Tuesday 5:30pm and 7:30pm Emma: 07976 230391 Wicklea Academy Junior School Wick Rd, Brislington, BS4 4HR Tuesday 5;30 and 7:30pm Emma: 0117 3825844

St Christophers Church Hampstead Rd, Brislington, BS4 3HJ Wednesday 5:30pm and 7:30pm Emma: 0117 3825844 WEDNESDAYS / THURSDAYS Santan Club Queens Rd, Bishopsworth, BS13 8LF Wednesday 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Thursdays 9:30am Vicky: 07999 617075 THURSDAYS Broomhill Junior School Alison Rd, Brislington, BS4 4NZ Thursday 5:30am and 7:30pm Emma: 0117 3825844 Bridge Farm Junior School East Dundry Rd, Whitchurch BS14 0LL Thursday 7:30pm Sharon: 07401 948239 Christ The Serant Stockwood Rd, Stockwood, BS14 8PL Thursday 5pm and 7pm Vicky: 07999 617075 Keynsham Baptist Church High Street, keynsham, BS31 1DS Thursday 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Kelly: 07795 951137 THURSDAYS / FRIDAYS Bedminster Down Ex Service Club Winford Grove, BS13 7DY Thursday 9:30am, 11:30, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Friday 9:30am Debbie: 07796 945039

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The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Cookie

Your sweetheart will be yours forever when you give him or her a batch of these delicious, heart-shaped cookies.

Ingredients

Steps

Cookies 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 drops red food color

1 Heat oven to 400°F. In large bowl, beat 1 cup powdered sugar, the butter and vinegar with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in remaining cookie ingredients except food color.

Divide dough in half. Mix food color into one half. (If dough is too dry, stir in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time)

Frosting 2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half

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2 On lightly floured cloth-covered surface, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into heart shapes with various sizes of cookie cutters. Place smaller hearts on larger hearts of different color dough if desired.

On ungreased cookie sheet, place shapes about 2 inches apart.

3 Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until set but not brown.

Cool 1 to 2 minutes; carefully remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

4 In medium bowl, mix all frosting ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Tint with food color if desired. Spread frosting on cookies.

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Councillors Surgery Article by Jos Clark

The collapse of Carillion has thrown a spotlight on the whole area of outsourced (or privatised contracts). There are some on the left of politics who believe that all public sector services should be provided by the state and those on right who believe that the state has no role to play at all.

As we have seen from the Carillion collapse that approach maybe a dangerous one especially when we have vulnerable people who rely on vital public services especially in health and social care. But there has to be a balance struck between what is a vital public service and what could be provided by another body, whether it is a business or a charity.

The NHS is a prime example of an organisation that whilst its core services are primarily provided by the public sector, they have a number of organisations that they work with, whether it be the excellent MacMillan Nurses or the local league of friends. But what constitutes a public service? As a Liberal I take a pragmatic view after all it was my party who first proposed selling Bristol Airport and Avonmouth/Portbury docks.

I think most people would agree that an airport is not a public service but a business, but it took years of campaigning to get the then Labour Council to accept that fact. Under them the airport carried around 250,000 passengers a year, today in private hands in carries around 8 million.

If you use the airport you will meet a lot of welsh people because Cardiff airport (which is still under Council control) does not appear to offer the same choice as our excellent local airport.

The docks were a similar case, back in the early eighties the Council was giving around £10 million pounds every year to Avonmouth Portbury, therefore denying that money other Council services.

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Portbury’s massive construction debt were cleared through selling Broadmead property leases in a deal dubbed at the time as “the sale of the century” by the Evening post. This allowed the Port to become an attractive proposition to potential buyers and it was eventually sold and is now one of the leading ports in the Country.

So there does need to be a debate around what constitutes a public service and for those services that are outsourced there needs to be proper scrutiny and control. Wherever possible local suppliers with a good public service ethos such as co-ops or social enterprises should be encouraged to bid and supported over these large monopolistic conglomerates that end up like Carillion as massive financial failure.

But it is worth remembering that every organisation that is returned to state control (as Jeremy Corbyn wants) will compete with those vital public services such as the NHS for public money. Or if they do produce a profit then the Government will be tempted to take a large slice of it for themselves to spend elsewhere, often denying that organisation the resources it needs to invest in new equipment or technology for the future.

Council services online: www.bristol.gov.uk/service Keep up to date with the latest council news and sign up to our monthly email newsletter: www.bristol.gov.uk/ournews Have your say on consultations and view our webcasts: www.bristol.gov.uk/consult

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Your garden in February If you’re a keen gardener February is a month filled with anticipation. The first signs of life are beginning to emerge as plants shake off their winter dormancy and wildlife begins to wake. Light levels are increasing, temperatures are rising and splashes of colour are beginning to creep back into the garden. Spring is on its way and there is plenty of preparation to do.

Plant of the month: Camellia

The essential gardening jobs for February Prune plants

Plant shrubs and trees

Prune late flowering shrubs such as fuchsia, hydrangea, buddleja and ceanothus.

Using sharp secateurs, cut just above an outward pointing bud. Aim to remove about a third of the height of the shrub and try to maintain an even shape. Check other shrubs and remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Try to avoid pruning early flowering shrubs until after they have flowered.

February is the ideal time to plant new shrubs and trees while they are still in their dormant state. Make sure the ground is not frozen or water logged before planting. Stakes and rabbit guards should be put in place at the time of planting to prevent damage to the root ball or bark. It’s also a good idea to check ties and stakes on existing plants and replace, tighten or slacken where necessary.

Give the lawn a light mow If the weather is warm you may need to start mowing.

Set the cutting height on your mower to its maximum and only mow when it’s dry.

Re-cutting lawn edges will also give an instant lift to the appearance of the garden.

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Enjoy your garden!

Why should you plant them?

Welcome in the spring with Camellias-these hardy shrubs have glossy evergreen leaves and display flowers that brighten up your winter. An early riser in terms of plants waking up from the winter snooze. Camellias burst into flower in February just as the rest of the garden is starting to blink its eyes at the sunshine.

How should you plant them?

Camellias are easy to grow and flower relliably-the most important thing is choosing the right spot.

Although a hardy shrub their flower buds are susceptible to frost once they start to develop so plant in a sheltered spot and wrap with fleece when frost is forecast.

Camellias like to grow in acidic soil so need planting with ericaceous compost. feed with ericaceous plant food to keep the leaves glossy and green and water well once the flower buds appear-although the flowers wont break until February. The buds will begin to develop in autumn.

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A Tale of Two Arenas Once upon a time there was a thriving city in the west of the country. It had a long and proud history, including being the second port of the realm in days long gone, but time has not been kind to the city; its castle was destroyed and buried, its Great Western Railway and SS Great Britain designed by a multi- talented genius were pioneering in their day and led the way, but the city fell into complacency and settled for adequate or “that will do” rather than the high standards in the past. Its Centre became nondescript, other cities caught up, overtook, and became more attractive to their citizens.

Other cities attracted the creative artistes of the time who performed and demonstrated their talents in arenas, built for this purpose and to entertain local people and visitors; indeed a famous name appearing brought in people from the rest of the country who spent lots of money in restaurants, cafes, staying over nights in hotels and in the shops.

But inequality in our city grew, with a clear divide between the richer north, well served by classy restaurants and the much poorer south where jobs were low paid, travel was difficult as that had fallen behind the times more than anything else in the city, and the people grew discontented.

So an arena was proposed, a site selected, sensibly very close to the train station so that the large crowds attending could be transported easily and conveniently. Investment started to rise in hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops, with jobs being created that local people could fill. A very vocal lobby insisted against all evidence at other arenas however, that people going to concerts like to cycle or walk, so a large amount of the people’s taxes were spent preparing the site, including an unnecessary “bridge to nowhere”.

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There, the project stalled as so much had been spent that the “powers that be” panicked.

Another site for an arena appeared in a neighbouring area, outside the city, in the middle of nowhere with no transport routes nearby, no hotels, no food outlets, indeed it was just a large shed. But the Council thought that this could be adapted more cheaply than building an arena in a convenient city centre site. They ignored the wider cost benefits to the city of more wealth creation through more jobs, more visitors and a happier populace who would see the talent of the time without the need to travel elsewhere. They asked for a report from ‘experts’ who were brought into the city at great expense to justify their decision.

So the city continued its genteel decline from being a trailblazer to becoming an ‘also ran’.

Meanwhile, the area close to the arena outside the city grew as it attracted new buildings that provided jobs that city people had difficulty travelling to; there were more cars on the congested motorways and the politicians demanded cleaner air and less pollution…

Dream on! It doesn’t need to be this way. Let your Mayor and local Council know that an Arena in Bristol would be a good thing for the city in so many ways; support your MPs Karin Smyth and Thangam Debbonaire who are fighting for the city arena to be built.

Let’s live the dream and see our favourite artistes in our city.

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The top 3 movies For February So it’s safe to say that the 2018 flow of movies is successfully in full swing, with many exciting and sometimes surprisingly heartfelt cinema experiences awaiting those who visit their local picturehouse in February. From amphibious creatures, cat-like superheroes, to questionable romances, there’s plenty to set your eyeballs on.

A different kind of love story kicks off February’s cinematic splendours, as Anastasia and Christian return to the silver screen in the conclusion to E.L James’ Fifty Shades trilogy. Having just returned stateside shortly after their honeymoon, the newlyweds will face their toughest challenge yet.

Look forward to Fifty Shades Freed this February 9th.

Sticking with the romance theme, Guillermo del Toro’s highly-anticipated The Shape of Water releases just five days later. Centring on Sally Hawkins’ mute custodian who befriends a captured humanoid-amphibian creature within a high-security government facility, the movie looks to continue the Spanish auteur’s flare for fantastical imagery and emotional storytelling.

Finally, time-travel back a day to February 13th and you’ll be treated to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest instalment: Black Panther.

Continuing the story of Wakandan King T’Challa mere months after the events of Civil War, the titular Black Panther is the only thing preventing the onset of another World War. The fun doesn’t stop there as Cineworld Bristol and Direct Local Magazine are teaming up once again to give moviegoers a chance to win 2 free cinema tickets. Just fill out the next page word search Aaron Potter is a professional writer for Cineworld Bristol and places these articles in Direct Local each month to give you the public a choice of great movies to view at your local cinema.

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Your Valentine’s day date is perfectly set with any one of these treats, so be sure to strap into your cinema seat!

This Months Prize 2 Tickets To The Movies Welcome to our word search competition

Cineworld Bristol are giving away 2 tickets to any movie of your choice All you need to do is complete the word search above and either scan, take a photo on your smart phone and email it to us at :

The Draw will take place on the 25th February

The lucky winner will be pulled randomly from a hat and contacted by a member of staff at Cineworld.

Children entering must have parents written concent to enter, people over the age of 16 yrs need no concent to enter..

info@directlocalonline.com or send it in the post to via snail mail to the address below.

7 Hopewell Gardens Shirehampton Bristol BS11 0JS

January’s winner Gillian Nickolls

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Events guide February Saltcellar Folk Club: guest performer Steve Turner Event Date: 3rd Feb Description: Steve Turner is a folk singer who accompanies himself on English concertina, cittern, mandolin and banjo.

Venue: Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Rd. Bristol BS4 2AX St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Open Evening Event Date: 8th Feb Description: An opportunity for students considering their options after GCSEs to discover the fantastic range of A-levels and BTECs on offer at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Venue: St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Recruitment Event at SGS College Wise Campus Event Date: 9th Feb Description: ‘Get well paid for sharing your knowledge and skills whilst making a difference to the region’s future’.

Venue: SGS College Wise Campus, Bristol JOHN ROBINS: THE DARKNESS OF ROBINS Event Date: 9th Feb 8 – 10th Feb Description: Double Chortle Award winning comedian John Robins – one of the most exciting and distinctive voices in comedy – returns reflecting on love, loss and lamenting the fact he can’t break up with himself.

Venue: Redgrave Theatre Percival Road Clifton Bristol The Big Listen at Windmill Hill City Farm Event Date: 9th Feb - 15th Feb Description: The Big Listen is a week long project that aims to find out what the local community want from their city farm.

Venue: Windmill Hill City Farm Philip Street Bedminster Bristol

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Wild Discoveries: Join us at Wild Place Project this Feb Half Term Event Date: 10th Feb – 18th Feb Description: Join us for a week of Wild Discoveries at Wild Place Project this Feb Half Term, plus £5 child entry!

Venue: Wild Place

Gardening Social Club at The Eastfield Inn Event Date: 16th Feb Description: Join us for a bit of gardening and a social, meet new friends and have fun!

Venue: The Eastfield Inn 219 Henleaze Rd Bristol

GALA OPEN DAY MIXED FOURS Pirates and Mermaids at Bristol Event Date: 17th¬ Feb Aquarium Description: The City & County Event Date: 10th Feb - 25th Feb of Bristol Indoor Bowling Club is Description: Take on ’argh’ pirate pleased to announce that they are treasure trail, get involved with inviting Teams of Mixed Fours (2 your hands (and peg legs!) with Ladies and 2 Men) to participate our daily activities and learn more in open competition on SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17th Venue: Bristol Indoor Bowling 2018.

Club 198 South Liberty Lane Ashton Vale Bristol Bushcraft for Beginners Event Date: 18th Feb Description: Want to learn more Valentines Day Dinner at The about what the environment can Bristol Golf Club provide you to enhance your time Event Date: 14th Feb Description: Treat your loved one on the land? Want to learn new skills in fire-lighting, plant uses to an evening of delicious dining this Valentines Day. Wine & dine and wild foods?

Venue: Stoke Park Estate, North your “special someone” here at Bristol The Bristol Golf Club this year.

Venue: The Bristol Golf Club St. Morbid Curiosity Night Tour at Swithins Park, Blackhorse Hill Arnos Vale Almondsbury, Bristol Event Date: 22nd Feb Description: Have you ever Wild Outdoors Club (half term walked around a cemetery or activity) at Windmill Hill City graveyard and thought ‘I wonder Farm how they died?’. Well now’s your Event Date: 15th Feb chance to find out. Join us on our Description: Wild Outdoors Club fascinatingly gruesome tour and (half term activity) sate your morbid curiosity.

Venue: Windmill Hill City Farm Venue: Arnos Vale Cemetery Bath Philip Street Bedminster Bristol Road Georgeand the Flight of the Chocolate & Wine Tasting at Imaginees Averys Event Date: 16th Feb Event Date: 28th Feb Description: Join George on a globe-trotting adventure, powered Description: This will be a delicious combination with two of entirely by his own imagination! the greatest things in the world A new original show by makers coming together – Chocolate and of award-winning family theatre, Wine.

Brave Bold Drama.

Venue: 9 Culver Street, Bristol Venue: Creative Workspace, Queens Road, Withywood, Bristol

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Enjoy all these movies and more at

CINEWORLD BRISTOL DON’ T

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Distracted or Disciplined – It’s up to you!

The mobile phone has been perhaps the most valuable tool for business people – whether the business is small or large.

Even with the business mobile phone you may need to divert calls to a messaging service so you can concentrate, only look at emails at coffee breaks and lunch breaks and structure your day so you can be responsive, but at the same time be able get your work done.

In the same breath, you will probably admit that it can also be the greatest distraction. Personal calls, “apps” sending notifications, surfing the internet, checking lottery numbers, games, and If you take a short time to put in place a structure of course the constant invasion of emails and texts. that suits your business, and then discipline yourself to work it for a month, you could be pleasantly Not so long ago only “important” people had more surprised how much more productive you become. than one mobile phone. But now some companies are making it mandatory that they own the business phone and its contents. And many smaller business owners are purposefully separating their business mobile phone from their home calls and activities.

By so doing you can put all of the distracting and “entertainment” apps and emails on the personal phone – which you can turn off through most of the day, and only “use” the business mobile during working hours.

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How to Generate More Enquiries for Your Business It is rare that a business doesn’t .Now you can ask people to post need more leads. What is usually reviews on a number of sites, more difficult is how to get them. including Facebook and review sites like Trust Pilot. There is Businesses like referrals because nothing wrong with that, in fact it’s a recommendation goes a long great. However, if people search way to generating trust even for your business through Google before the person speaks to you. – and Google is by far the most However, what other ways are popular way of search – these there? reviews won’t typically be apparent.

Basically, these can be split into what are known as on-line What people are most likely to methods i.e. through the internet take notice of is Google Maps on and off-line. What I want to cover the first page of Google. Usually in this article is Local Marketing three businesses show, but more through the internet. if the searcher clicks on the link.

Which they usually do. This is Understandably, many business now the most popular way of owners are wary of the internet. finding businesses online.

Possibly because the internet is unfamiliar territory or too technical Now one of the things about or that whatever marketing Google Maps for Local Search is companies have offered you is that in many business markets, too expensive. business owners have not cottoned on to the power of these However, what many marketing listings. Invariably, there are few, companies won’t tell you is that if any, collecting reviews and for you can do many of the fundathe person searching for say, an mental basics for getting more emergency electrician in Bristol, pre-qualified leads through the only a couple are going to appeal internet yourself. One of those to them. basics is getting on-line reviews.

Indeed, I was looking for a Did you know that people trust commercial solicitor recently. I online reviews almost as much as didn’t have a clue who to choose personal recommendation? Yes, and it was really difficult making I know there may be fake reviews, that choice. However, in the past but these are in the tiny minority few weeks, one firm is starting and usually easy to spot. to appear on the first page and guess what. It’s a no-brainer who Of course, when I’m talking about I’d choose now and I reckon from reviews, it is not so much the an on-line perspective, they’ve reviews you put on your website.

After all, you are unlikely to put negative reviews there! The reviews I’m talking about are the reviews that people put onto review sites and in social media.

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That’s not to say businesses should give up if competition appears tough. People still like a choice and there is still time to get in there before competition becomes greater. Plus, in general, people like 6 to 10 current reviews and quite often, businesses don’t have them.

Now you’ve read this article, try a Google search for your business.

Be honest, what compelling reason would there be for someone to choose your business from those listed.

And also take advantage of this special free report on your business that tells you what you can do to improve your visibility in Google Maps. It’s at htttp://marketdominationsecrets. com Oh yes. One question I’m often asked is “How do I get online reviews for my business?”

Believe it or not, the answer is ask! Not everyone will leave a review, but over time you can build up a healthy presence that will attract people to your business rather than your competitors.

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Keeping You Safe in Your Home

Isn’t it surprising how fast the next calendar event sneaks up on us. It was only in September that I celebrated my fortieth birthday. Then before I knew it, Christmas was right around the corner. Elf on the shelf made an appearance in our home this year which my children absolutely loved. Every morning they would wake up and immediately they wanted to find out what the Elf had got up to during the night. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching but in the blink of an eye, Easter will be a distant memory, another birthday will pass and the signs of Christm as will be in all of the shops again.

Time... it goes so fast doesn’t it. Many people start the year with New Resolutions and good intentions but it’s often not very long before some start to fall victim to the hustle and bustle of life and pressures of paying bills which push these intentions and resolutions to the back of the mind. This is why, as your local Electrician, I completely understand why those small electrical jobs get put off. Even the simplest of tasks such as testing your RCD’s can be forgotten about and before you know it, a test that should be carried out monthly/every 3 months (depending on manufacturer) has been long forgotten about.

An RCD device, will usually be found in your fuse board. Sometimes they will be outside of it but in these situations it would be ideal to ask your local electrician to visit and make sure it’s protecting the circuits that it should be and that it’s the correct type.The photo included were taken by myself at various properties during my visits, there are different variations of RCD but they will all have a test button. This button should be pressed regularly to ensure that the mechanism inside does not seize. It’s pointless having these super sensitive, life saving devices if they don’t work when needed right?The RCD’s in your board should be rated at 30 milliamps (0.03 Amps) and the reason this is important is because between 50-80 milliamps (0.05-0.08 Amps) is enough to potentially KILL.

Whilst an RCD will still allow you to receive one heck of a belt, you SHOULD still live to tell the tale. Well, that is providing your RCD is working as it is intended. If the TEST button on the device isn’t pressed regularly then it is very likely that the mechanism inside won’t switch off the power in the event of a fault which could lead to a fatal injury or possibly death.

More often than not, the smallest fuse in your board will be a 5 or 6 Amp depending on the type of fuse board you have in your property. That’s 5,000 milliamps! Remember, between 50-80 milliamps (0.05-0.08 Amps) IS ENOUGH TO KILL. I hope by showing you these numbers you’re starting to see the importance of this device. Now I could start talking about disconnection times and go into detail about how the RCD actually works but knowing all of this IS NOT going to save your life and neither is it going to make the RCD work if the mechanism inside has seized. No, this month’s article is all about making sure that your RCD has been tested.

Show your RCD some LOVE this Valentines.

Touch it’s button ;) First of all, look at the markings on the device.

You’re looking for 30mA or 0.03A. This will indicate that you have the correct type of protection in your fuse board. Before testing your RCDs check that nobody in the property is using power tools, has unsaved work on a computer or could be left in the dark when the power goes off.

To Test your RCD 1. locate the ‘T’ or TEST button on the device. �� ���� �� �the �wit�h on the de�i�e will �i�� to the OFF position. If the switch appears to be resting halfway then you have the type that needs to be pressed down fully before the switch will allow you to push it back into the ON position) 3. Pushtheswitchbackup.

4. Repeattheaboveasecondtimetocompletethetest.

How simple is that?

If when you press the button on the RCD the switch does not move or it will not reset then you need to call your local electrician to advise that your RCD is not operating as it should.

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I hope this article has been of use to you. Should you have any questions contact me on any of the details below, I’m always happy to help:)

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We are a modern thinking, well-established firm of solicitors with a long and successful history that can be traced back to the mid-19th Century. We’re not a corporate law firm and because of that we can offer you an affordable, high quality, personal service.

We understand that when you need a solicitor it is likely to be during a difficult time. We aim to take the stress out of the process by offering constructive advice and answering all your questions. If you need help with a legal matter or simply want to talk to someone about your options, please contact us to see how we can help.

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We will talk to you at the outset about: • Who will deal with your affairs • How we will handle your case • The cost of our legal services Our open and friendly service will take the drama out of any legal crisis by getting to the crux of a problem, determining your objectives and explaining the law in clear and simple terms; without the jargon. We will explain the process every step of the way and inform you of the likely costs and timescales so you always know where you stand. We have the expertise to answer most of your queries within the firm, but if we can’t, we will refer you within our wide network of trusted contacts.

At the outset, you will be given the name of the person dealing with your work and their assistants, our terms of business and the procedures for dealing with any complaint. We are not a large corporate firm and we believe that our charges are more affordable than many of our competitors, our service more personal and our style more approachable. We hope you will agree!

The majority of our new clients come to us by recommendation. We pride ourselves on our good communication and approachability; the standard of service we have always set ourselves is now formulated in the following charter.

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Cavity Wall Insulation Problems?

YOU could be entitled to compensation of between...

£10,000 to £25,000 Do you live in a System Built House?

It’s estimated that 3 million homes in the UK will suffer damage due to insulation being fitted incorrectly, and in many circumstances shouldn’t have been fitted at all.

If you live in this type of concrete / timber construction (pictured) and have had Cavity Wall Insulation in the last 14 years, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE Cavity Wall Insulation should not have been installed.

In more traditionally built properties Cavity Wall Insulation may be causing long-term problems because of poor installation.

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What is a cavity wall?

Cavity Wall construction was Introduced in the 1900’s, initially in coastal areas because of high exposure to wind driven rain. Buildings were constructed with 2 “leafs” with a gap, the cavity, and held together with “Wall Ties”. Moisture penetrating the outer wall would evaporate and run down this outer ‘leaf’, keeping the inner wall dry.

Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) was promoted, in the 1970’s, as the solution to our energy saving conscience, and was seen as a way to improve our energy efficiency.

Government backed schemes, followed, which provided CWI to properties, to meet International emissions targets. Property owners were offered CWI at minimal or no cost, and there was an unprecedented push to insulate as many properties as possible.

This led to a large number of installers joining the market, and sales to the consumer increased one hundredfold, hindered only by poorly trained sales staff.

This push was on the back of poor regulation of the installers, poor surveying standards, poor installation practices, and inadequate guarantees..

Homeowners and tenants alike have suffered as a result. Post war, there was an immediate need to build a lot of houses.

Companies such as Laing, Wimpey built homes quickly and efficiently using new methods of fabrication on-site. Concrete was used, rather than brick on brick, so became known as System Built.

There are around one million non-traditional, System Built homes in the U.K. that used this method of construction.

Cavities, present in most ‘system built’ homes were not suitable for standard insulation materials like ‘bead’ and ‘mineral fibre’, and should not have been done. All CWI materials, badly installed or in the wrong type of property can lead to damp problems. Blown fibre and mineral wool, by the nature of its construction are able to absorb and retain moisture affecting the internal wall of the property, and causing problems, such as crumbling plaster, wallpaper lifting and furnishings damage.

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If you have got it, you’ll know it.

Estimated that 3 million homes in the UK will suffer damage due to insulation being installed incorrectly, and in many cases should not have been done at all.There are some obvious signs of damage, caused by damp, not the least being damp patches on interior walls, wallpaper lifting or crumbling plaster.

Not so obvious are the early signs of rising damp, not helped by the CWI retaining moisture making the interior walls damp. Also, the signs of penetrating damp, where the CWI acts as a wick across the cavity.

Condensation, usually seen as a black mould growth, should not be confused with “damp damage”, insufficient ventilation often the cause.

Air vents blocked by sealant, during the process of installation, can lead to damage to floor timbers, due to lack of ventilation.

Seeking help from a reputable company will involve no expense on your part, and the free inspection will reveal if you qualify for a compensation claim. The process is straightforward and is on a No Win No Fee basis.

Remember, damp can cause long term problems, and will reduce the value of your property, and the chance to sell it, in the future.

It has been said that we are becoming a “compensation” culture, society, but in this case, the fabric of our homes has been affected, and damage experienced.

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