Just for Her Issue 8

ISSUE 8

Would you like to see your article published?

ISSUE 8

He’s Back!

ADOPTION Frie nds hips and

Just for Her is looking for interesting and relevant articles about the Service community…

If you have something you have written, ideally with pictures too, then please send your articles in to justforher@forcespublishing.co.uk.

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He’s Back!

Now what?

Book a River Cottage Cookery Course and get 20% off!

Now what?

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Military & Me

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Directory for the Wives, Girlfriends

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Frie nd ship s an d th e M ilit

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From Deflate

Directory for the Wives, Girlfriends and Families of Military Personnel

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River Cottage

Welcome to issue 8 of Just for Her… It’s 2016 ALREADY! Happy new year to all our fabulous readers, we hope 2016 brings you everything you wish for and that you’ve managed to stick to any resolutions for more than a week!

For those of you that could do with a break after the rush of Christmas, Whittlebury Hall & Spa are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a one night spa break for two people! For anyone that got engaged at Christmas or is already planning a wedding, make sure ‘The National Wedding Show’ is part of your plans and enter our competition to win tickets.

In this issue we interview the lovely Heledd Kendrick, founder of ‘Recruit for Spouses’. Finding employment as a military wife can often be difficult but Heledd and her team are working hard to change this. You can also read The Real Military Housewife’s heart warming and honest account of marriage counselling in ‘Deflate to Relate’ and whilst obviously we’d prefer our partners to be at home with us, it can also mean a change to routines and we discuss this in ‘He’s Back, Now What?!’. This issue sees the start of our new feature, ‘Military & Me’, in which we interview a military wife/girlfriend to hear what life is like for them. If you would like to take part then please email us at justforher@forcespublishing.co.uk.

6

Friendships and the Military

12

From Deflate to Relate

16

Military & Me

19

He’s Back! Now What?

22

Recruit for Spouses

26

A to Z of Dreams

30

The National Wedding Show

34

Adoption in the Military

38

Izzy and Ollie

43

Fashion Lookbook

44

Hot Girls Pearls

53

Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa

54

The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Cleaning

56

Shop the Highstreet

60

The Forces Pension Society

66

Cities A to Z - Edinburgh

68

To Camp Or Not To Camp

74

East Anglian Game and Country Fair

76

One of the Just for Her team was lucky enough to attend a River Cottage cookery course and you can read all about her experience, as well as receive a huge 20% discount on courses booked to take place before the end of March 2016.

Browse our fashion and interior pages for ideas and start thinking about the summer holidays. Susie Buchanan talks of the highs and lows of camping with a family and there’s an Edinburgh city guide for inspiration.

For anyone that would like to appear in the next issue, the closing date for contributions is 28th February 2016.

Until next time...

Many thanks to Kate Saines for her editorial contribution Cover Photo: www.longtallsally.com

Enjoy!

Articles and photographs reproduced by kind permission of the contributors © No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith. The MOD or any Service Establishment is not responsible for the advertiser or its advertised product or service.

Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10 0RU. Tel: 01933 419994 www.forcespublishing.co.uk justforher@forcespublishing.co.uk @justforhermag Editorial: Joanna Barnes Design: Amy Leverton

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ER L OFF A I C SPE FF 20% O age Cott River ses* Cour

River Cottage Need an extra special present for Valentines Day, Mother’s Day or an upcoming Birthday? Try a cookery course at River Cottage!

One of our lucky Just for Her team members went along for the ‘One Day Cookery Course’…

“Training by doing”. I was about to undertake the most enjoyable experience in years and soak up more hands on tips than I could ever pick up from a book…

Staying the night before at the Talbot Arms in Uplyme I asked the landlord over breakfast how long it would take to get to River Cottage. “Five minutes across the moor”. What a pea souper it was, the fog had enveloped the whole area. I turned off the main road and headed towards River Cottage. Finding the smallest sign, I drove

into the misty car park. Wearing wellies, as advised, I soon found out why. A real working farm was the setting for my day at the River Cottage Cookery School.

introduced himself. At River Cottage you can enjoy many courses, that specialise in all kinds of cookery, and today we were to have a taste of everything.

As a pair of headlights appeared I saw the tractor and trailer that was to be our transport to and from the farm. There was about a dozen of us, all from different parts of the country; a really mixed bunch.

We were met by Jason, the assistant front of house manager who supplied us with aprons and surprised us with homemade bread, fresh scrambled eggs with herbs and crispy farm cured bacon. Simple but amazing !

Andy explained about the various fresh ingredients we would be using, before easing us into bread making; a popular course at River Cottage. Using local flour, we went through the milling process and I realised, that with a little effort, I could produce my own bread, full of natural goodness, at home. Having not previously given it a thought, I now fully understand that if you pay slightly more for your bread, you will gain loads more in flavour and quality. We covered the dough with cling film and left to prove until later.

Andy was our teacher for the day. He was almost bouncing with enthusiasm as he

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Andy explained the different cooking methods for the different cuts of meat. He trimmed the sinews from the leg of pork, then proceeded to cut a dozen juicy steaks, which we were going to “cure” for our supper at the end of the day.

We mixed together equal parts of salt and sugar. You can use any salt and either caster sugar or soft brown sugar is recommended.

In a pestle and mortar we crushed juniper berries, black pepper corns and three fresh, torn bay leaves, adding this to the salt and sugar to make a basic cure. We each chose a steak and coated it in the cure mix before placing it on to a plate and into the fridge until nearer supper time.

Onto the belly pork, one of my favourites!

Andy took a piece of the belly and coated it in the cure we had just made. Bacon is made using the same mixture. You can do this easily yourself, pouring off the liquid produced by the curing daily and re coating with the cure. You can either put it in the fridge in a plastic bag or leave open to the air. As well as bacon, the bi-products include pancetta and lardons which are perfect for dicing into small chunks and browning off to enhance winter stews and casseroles.

One more thing not to waste is the pig’s trotters. Andy told us to add these to stews, soups and even curries as they give a rich, glutinous texture that you usually only find in restaurants. If you are spending time in your kitchen, pop a trotter in a big pan with celery, carrots and any other vegetables before bringing to the boil and simmering for as long as you can. Freezing good home made stock is a must.

Along came the lovely Jason with the offer of refreshments. My favourite was the elderflower juice, which was sensational!

Next was something I had always wanted to try, butchery. This was included in our day, but earlier in the week I had contemplated booking the “Pig in a Day” course.

continued over page

Half a pig is on the block and Andy starts to explain the different cuts and joints of meat that you can get from a pig. He really appreciates the products he uses which, more often than not, are produced at the farm. The first thing you notice about the pig is the layer of fat under the skin; it’s pure. If you render this down, it can be used over the winter, creating wonderful, crispy roasties for Sunday lunches.

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River Cottage Ooooh, time to bring on the sharp knives…I love them! How many kitchen knives do you have in the drawer that are only fit for cutting butter and boiled eggs in half? Treat yourself to a sharpening steel, they’re priceless.You don’t have to spend a fortune and all your knives can be restored to their original glory in minutes. Andy showed us various ways of holding the steel to get the maximum effect for different edges.

Heading on for midday, we were now going to fillet a fish which we would eat for lunch. Andy demonstrated how, and it is amazing how a little knowledge goes a long way. The principal he showed us can be used for most fish. We then selected our vegetables which were to form the rest of our lunch. Any seasonal vegetables can be used and Andy’s ingredients change over the seasons. We finely sliced savoy cabbage, pak choi, leeks and carrots into match sticks, about 5cm long, making sure not to have any thicker pieces to ensure even cooking.

Next we finely chopped root ginger, garlic and fresh chilli to suit.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spied Jason. He was on his way over with a tray of glasses that looked to contain a liquid…

Bingo! We were given a tot of Kingston Black Apple Aperitif. He explained that this is a blend of Cider Brandy and the juice of one of the finest cider apples from Somerset. It was wonderfully smooth and warming. It is great to get the opportunity to try different tastes.

Next, taking a large piece of baking parchment, we rubbed half of it with butter and then layered the finely chopped vegetables, topped off with the fish fillets.

Another knob of butter was placed on top with a good sprinkling of sesame seeds.

Andy showed us how to roll the parchment edges to make a “Cornish pasty” shape, leaving a gap at the top. We poured in a small glug of Soya Sauce to aid the steaming process and give an oriental flavour. We then sealed the last inch of the parcel.

The oven had been heated to 240 degrees.

We were now effectively being shown “fast food”. Eight minutes in the oven was all it took. As I pulled opened the top of the parcel the aroma of ginger and garlic escaped... Amazing! It was interesting to find that there was no strong smell of fish as it was so fresh. (I have since tried this recipe at home with Mackerel, a fantastic choice of fish). Turning the oven down slightly I then put my dough in to cook.

I placed the fish and vegetables onto a warm plate and we all went to sit at the table. Our lunch, accompanied by a glass of chilled local white wine, was enjoyed whilst looking across the misty vale in which River Cottage nestled. I’d love to visit again in the summer.

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After lunch we were invited to pop over to the River Cottage Farm kitchen where Hugh’s programmes are filmed.

The stone kitchen is small and cosy and is situated next to a dining room which can accommodate 16 – 18 people on a lunchtime or evening. What a lovely treat for a special occasion.

My bread had cooked to perfection so I took it out of the oven, marvelled at it, then left it to cool.

We were making panna cotta for supper’s dessert. This is really easy to make but tastes like a lot of work went into it. We took gelatine leaves and placed them into a shallow bowl of cold water to soften. Into a small saucepan we poured full fat milk and cream, then added sugar. Bringing to a simmer we added grated nutmeg and a half a stick of cinnamon. After removing it from the heat, we took the sheets of gelatine and squeezed them to remove the water. They were then added to the creamy mixture and stirred until they dissolved. Once the mixture had been poured into the moulds they were placed in the fridge to set.

From the fridge, we took our pork steaks.

You wouldn’t believe the amount of liquid the “cure” mixture had drawn out of the meat in the short time it had sat in the fridge. We gently washed the pork steak under the cold tap and patted it dry before setting it aside whilst we prepared our vegetables to accompany our supper.

Andy is amazing. The amount of knowledge he drip feeds you is incredible.

His skill for teaching is so much fun, you don’t realise how much you have absorbed until you get home. I would be a genius if I could learn all new skills like this. Where was he when I was at school?!

We chopped a couple of carrots and put them into a small pan with a couple of cloves of freshly chopped garlic, a pinch of cumin seeds, a pinch of fennel seeds and a little fresh chopped chilli, to taste. Just covering with water we added a knob of butter, brought to the boil then covered and left to simmer.

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Romanesque is my favourite vegetable ever. It is similar in size and makeup to a cauliflower but the florets are green and pointed. We took a couple of the florets and cut them in half. Taking a small frying pan we poured a good glug of rapeseed oil (which is great for hot temperatures as it doesn’t burn), plus a large knob of butter.

We heated the pan until the oil and butter began to foam with the heat. Putting the Romanesque flat side down we cooked it for 4 – 5 mins until it had started to caramelise. This was set aside for a couple of minutes and smelled amazing.

In another pan, oil and butter were added till foaming again and this time we sealed our pork steaks, making sure to brown all the surface of the meat. We then put the steaks in a hot oven for 10 minutes to cook. Again, the smells wafting through the kitchen at River Cottage were something else!

We took our panna cotta out of the fridge to enjoy with some Bramley apple puree and a “Rye digestive” biscuit that Andy had prepared for us.

It was the end of my day at River Cottage.

Kingston Black Cider Aperitif in my bag, wellies back on and ginger cat well stroked, Jason escorted us back to the tractor for our journey back up the rough track. I had had the most fantastic day.

Heather said, “Andy thank you for your enthusiasm and the wealth of knowledge you have passed on to me. I now have that spark back! Will you be seeing me again…? Yes Chef!!

Jason, thank you for spoiling me. You are an absolute pleasure and the whole day just flows from one treat to another.

River Cottage - what a brilliant location for an amazing experience. Love the tractor and I am already looking at which course to do next…!

Supper was a few minutes away so we drained our carrots and then blitzed them with a hand blender to create a puree. The pan containing the Romanesque went back on the hob to heat again and I added some chard that I had ripped, rather than sliced, and sautéed it until the chard had wilted. Jason supplied warm plates and took another drink order - what a guy!

We took the carrot puree and spooned it onto the warm plate, placing the Romanesque and chard alongside it. The pork was placed on top and drizzled with the sweet taste of caramelised butter and meat juices.

Everybody in the kitchen marvelled at their achievements and whilst eating, we chatted about the delicious food we had prepared over the day.

With over 30 day courses and a Two Day and Four Day course, you can learn about bread making, fish cookery, cheese making, savoury pastry and pies, “Pig in a Day”, cakes and sweet pastry, as well as many more.Take a look at the website for more details www.rivercottage.net.

Everyone struggles to find the perfect present for loved ones. Male or female, River Cottage courses are for everyone, and you can’t beat it!”

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NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

gives the practitioners both the theory and the practice to develop babies brains and bodies in a way that follows the natural progression and is fun.

There are links between baby’s brains and bodies, and any movement which helps the developing brain is also good for the body.

The rise in the percentage of young children being overweight and obese, has increased the importance of encouraging children and parents to be as active as possible from an early age.

Baby Moves Neuro Gym

We all aspire to a career which will give us a sense of achievement, to feel that we are making a positive contribution, and one that fits well into our work/life balance, especially when we have small children.

A Baby Moves Early Years Developmental Movement Practitioner and franchisee has the opportunity to fulfil all these career criteria and more.

Baby Moves is a unique award winning early years physical development, sound and sensory programme especially developed for babies from birth to three years, with the baby and toddler at the heart of everything they do. Their programmes are based on the latest neurological research into how babies and toddlers grow and develop and is now being used in parent groups and nurseries as well as with franchisees up and down the country. Their Baby Moves and Toddler Moves training programmes are endorsed

by CACHE (council for awards in care, health and education).

The Baby Moves programme was first developed in 2006 by the founders, Olwyn Maurer a professional dancer and movement artist in education, and Sue Sutherland, a teacher of children with special educational needs and a creative therapist.

Baby’s Developing Brain Recent neurological research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has added credence to the importance of physical development programmes such as Baby Moves for babies. They reported studies showing that a baby’s brain grows rapidly after birth and will reach half its adult size by three months.

The area of the brain associated with movement, the cerebellum, grows fastest, doubling its size over the first 90 days. The brains of the tiniest newborn baby grows at a staggering rate of 1% every day, slowing to 0.4% by the end of the 90 days.

What a tremendous opportunity to tap into this rapid developmental growth, changing the life prospects of our most precious people. Baby Moves has studied all the research and incorporated it into the programme in a way which is easy to access for parents and for the Developmental Movement Practitioners to teach. The CACHE endorsed training

The Baby Moves Neuro Gym has been designed with the physical and neurological needs of the baby and toddler in mind, linking both the theory of child development and practice to create this unique range.

Each piece has been carefully designed and piloted in line with this recent research into how baby’s minds and bodies grow.

The Baby Moves Neuro Gym is used in day nurseries and other settings across the country and their resources have won the prestigious Practical Pre-school awards for the last eight years!

Baby Moves Early Years Developmental Movement Practitioner Once trained the Baby Moves Developmental Movement Practitioner works within their own area. Delivering the Baby Moves and Toddler Moves workshops in parent and baby groups, within private day nurseries and also as birthday parties.

The help they receive from the Baby Moves support team ensures their success, with website and facebook design, marketing materials and support with the delivery of the workshops.

Ava, Early Years Developmental Movement Practitioner

day nurseries are very interested as they recognise that the award winning Baby Moves programme and Neuro Gyms are based upon child development and links into the Early Years Foundation Stage, which every child care setting must follow.

They do find that having the programme encourages new parents into their nurseries.

I have to say that the best part of my job is seeing the babies develop as they grow, and it is always a pleasure to see the mums engaging and having as much fun with their babies and seeing how much the babies enjoy being together. Each session is so much fun and is filled with laughter and giggles, it’s not so much a job as a privilege!

To find out more about becoming a Baby Moves Early Years Developmental Movement Practitioner and franchisee visit their website or facebook site or contact them by email or phone.

www.babymoves.co.uk info@babymoves.co.uk 01204 771330

My name is Ava Holt, and I am a mum of two children, a boy of six and a baby girl. I completed the Baby Moves training and became a franchisee. I saw this as a great opportunity as the hours fit around my family, and I could see the earning potential. I am sociable and love meeting new people and I really enjoy the fact that every day as a Baby Moves franchisee is different.

I have many opportunities to work, I run my own parent Baby Moves and Toddler Moves classes and birthday parties. I also love going into day nurseries to deliver workshops to the staff and children, promoting the Baby Moves Neuro Gym and trainings. The

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FRIENDSHIPS AND THE

MILITARY Just before you settle down to read this feature, log on to your Facebook account and check your newsfeed. It probably won’t take you long to scroll through the latest batch of posts and musings from your friends before you happen upon a friendship quote. For the purposes of research (by no means procrastination, of course) we have done the same, and it didn’t take us long to discover a recently posted: “Hard times will always reveal true friends”.

R

eminders of the joys, anguish and complexities of friendship are a common feature of Facebook. Not surprising when you consider this form of social media is all about connecting with and keeping in touch with friends. But also because friendship and its many facets is quite fascinating. It’s something which can mean different things to different people and which can manifest in such a vast and complex variety of ways. It is something as precious and fragile as it is empowering and comforting.

If you look back over your life, there are probably a myriad friends who have come and gone. Friends who feature in important parts of your life, define an era then fizzle away. Friends who have inspired you, friends who have annoyed you, friends who have been there for you through difficult times, and friends who are so close that, despite only seeing them once a year, your bond only strengthens.

Nowhere are friends more important than in the armed forces community. As wives and girlfriends of military personnel, our buddies and mates are so much more than just ‘friends’. They are, in many ways, the equivalent of our partners’ colleagues and comrades.

The camaraderie we get from our ‘military wife’ support group is essential to our lives because, unlike many people in civilian society, we spend long periods alone. And not only that, we spend long spells alone, worrying, with little communication trying our best to be strong. Friends can take the edge away from that. They can support us practically - childcare, helping around the home, even being our birthing partners if our husbands are away at that crucial moment! But the emotional support is just as valuable.

“They just get it, don’t they?” said Jade Munro, blogger at The Real Military Housewife. “They almost replace the mothers, sisters and best friends that we left 13

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behind when we married into this lifestyle.

“You don’t have to explain yourself to them or try to be something you’re not. We’re all in the same boat. It’s intense, but it’s priceless.”

Jade, like many military wives and girlfriends, met her best friend, Julia* (*name changed) through the armed forces community. They connected because they had the same dry sense of humour and ability to polish off bottles of wine, explains Jade. “We met when our husbands were working in the same office. It was summer, pre-kids, and all we did was barbecue, lounge in beer gardens and chat endlessly about our travels, hopes and dreams.”

The friendship developed as the pair managed to follow each other from posting to posting. They also became parents at the same time. This meant, over the years, they have been able to support each other through some difficult times. “I had the most horrendous pregnancy,” said Jade, “riddled with morning sickness and an absent husband. So Julia, whose pregnancy was divine, was the one who would leave me care packages at the front door and ring to check I had read the latest Glamour magazine.

“On the flipside, she has struggled with sleepless nights and adjusting to having her husband posted to the opposite side of the country six months before her so I think she really appreciates me being able to provide occasional child care, regular hot meals and big hugs.” And it is those little things - care packages and hot meals which friends provide that can sometimes make the difference between us surviving a difficult time, and giving up.

Caroline Arnold, a confidence coach, said this is why friends aren’t just important - they are critical to our sanity. “I would be lost if it wasn’t for my five best female friends,” she said. “As we are all such a close group we know when someone needs the extra support and friendship. A simple message sent to say ‘good morning, have a fab day’ can go a long way when you are having a bad day.”

Not all friendships work out, however, and the test of a strong friendship is whether it can survive big life changes such as moving and having a baby. Indeed Caroline explained that as we get older, what we need from our friends changes. When we are young we tend to need friends for socialising, discussing our careers and dating 14

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“They are my sounding board, companion, validation on what to wear to a wedding, entertainment when at work and I can’t concentrate, a reality check on my latest business idea as well as providing laughter, support and a confidence boost when having a moment of self-doubt.” dilemmas. As we get older, start devoting more time to our partners, families or careers and we might not see our friends as much. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t need them.

Caroline said, “When we first met, I wanted friends who wanted to come out with me on a Friday night for dinner to discuss work and the confusing world of dating. Fast forward eight years and I have found that I have a much deeper bond with them all. I rely on them to remind me of how much I have achieved whilst trying to navigate the daunting challenge of moving to a new city, buying a house with my partner for the first time whilst setting up a company.”

She added: “They are my sounding board, companion, validation on what to wear to a wedding, entertainment when at work and I can’t concentrate, a reality check on my latest business idea as well as providing laughter, support and a confidence boost when having a moment of self-doubt.”

For Jade and Julia, growing older and becoming mums has highlighted just how important their friendship is to each other.

“I think we both took a knock when we became mothers and lost a certain amount of our renowned independence, spontaneity and routine,” she explained. “It has taken the best part of two years of chatting and figuring out why we feel the way do sometimes, whether it be cross or anxious,

frustrated or just knackered. One of us has always been through something the other is going through – normally deployment, labour, exhaustion or loneliness and despair and we support each other through those times.”

Caroline agrees that it’s this deep empathy of each other’s situation that makes friendships amongst military wives and girlfriends so essential. “It can be challenging moving to a new country and starting again in all aspects as well as maybe raising a young family,” she said, “so to have this group of friends is so important.” But that does not mean you should be cutting ties with non-military buddies though!

Jade said she enjoys her friendships with women “on the outside” because they provide a change of scenery. “For the most part they are ones from before I married my husband,” she said. “They have limited ideas as to what my life is like, which means, refreshingly, we can talk about everything else! They are the ones I meet up with to reminisce. They are my escape back into the real world, if only for a few hours.”

Whoever your friends are, Caroline said it’s important to take the time - occasionally to remind them how great they are. “If you are lucky enough to have a best friend”, she said, “maybe drop them a message now and just say ‘hi’ and hope they are having a good day as I know they will really appreciate hearing from you.”

15/12/2015 10:57

Here at wool tops we believe that knowing where our wool comes from and building good relationships with our farmers is a vital part of the traceability of our products.

We’re quite passionate about this.

Passionate enough to travel 8,000 miles to the Falkland Islands where some of our farmers live!

Each farm is miles away from the other and we had to fly around the islands landing on fields where the sheep had to be shooed out of the way in order for us to land.

The main breeds of sheep here are Merino, Polwarth & Corriedale, and with the weather conditions being wet and windy, they produce great wool for hand spinning.

Sheep farming has a long and successful tradition on the Falklands, being introduced in the mid 1800s.

Our adventure began at Brize Norton where we flew out with the RAF to Port Stanley. The flight took 18 hours with a refuel on the Ascension Island and so it was a strange experience when we emerged from the plane to a landscape that felt very much like Ilkley moor: wild and windswept with old LandRovers, English pubs, a slower pace of life, the Union Jack flying and...... penguins.

The islands have very few trees and there is no shelter from the incessant wind. Falcons swoop and farming is hard yet we were made welcome wherever we went. Visitors are few here and our visits were celebrated with home brew and many stories; one of the farmers told us about his great great great grandfather who had settled there after being shipwrecked on the way to South America.

We had planned our visit to coincide with shearing time and were able to observe the clip and the strict grading procedures that produce excellent wool for tops and yarns

NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

We like to go the extra mile to produce our Wool Yarns & Tops for hand dyers/spinners, 8,000 to be exact with a little help from the RAF!

Our farmers know that they are important to us and making the effort to meet them and see them in action and experiencing the landscape in which our wool is sourced makes us confident about the superb quality of our wool tops and yarns and we know that you will appreciate that.

All our produces are available online at www.wooltops.co.uk.

Special wholesale accounts are available for yarn dyers & hand spinners who resell their amazing creations.

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THE REAL MILITARY HOUSEWIFE

From Deflate to

H

relate

e and I did things very quickly. We had our first date a few days after meeting, became engaged on a frosty Christmas morning a few months later and married whilst pregnant the following year. In the first eighteen months of getting married and having Baby we relocated with the military three times.

We had also never spent time as a husband and wife, enjoying the post marital haze that allows you to settle into your roles as Mr and Mrs. It had been a whirlwind of our wedding, morning sickness, work trips, packing, un-packing, hellos and goodbyes, becoming parents and yet more packing and unpacking. Amongst the chaotic frenzy of adjustment I became a stay at home mother. I agreed to this wholeheartedly, wanting only the best for my husband and child. And also because if we were going to be moving every six months no one was going to be employing me anyway.

In the first couple of months I threw myself into being the best darn housewife you could shake a tin of furniture polish at. The house gleamed and reeked of Shake ’n Vac, the dog was walked, cakes were baked, meals were prepared and Baby was happy and content, sleeping through the nights allowing He and I to eat dinner together most evenings with a glass of wine. I smiled a lot.

Because why wouldn’t I? It was all rather pretty on the outside.

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What I wasn’t prepared to contend with was the resentment bubbling and fizzing inside me from my chest to the darkest depths of my soul. The finality of leaving MY job, MY city, MY friends, MY lifestyle. Where was MY medal?! Where was MY parade?!

The fear of never, ever being able to identify with myself as a financially independent, ambitious, awesome, sexy woman again took my inner breath away. Practically overnight I had become penniless and dependent. I also had dried cracked hands from all of the monotonous housework (aw, bless!), only ever wore pumps or trainers, had nipples the size of the rings of saturn and had lost the will to apply lipstick. I repeat, LOST. THE. WILL. TO. APPLY. LIPSTICK. Lady of leisure I most certainly was not, I was becoming *shudders* a martyr.

One sweltering late summers day this all came convulsing out, spewing like hot lava from within, frothing with anger and hurt and bitterness and resentment. The fury was unleashed. The injustice I had been feeling let itself known with an almighty roar.

I missed having my own money, I missed my friends, I missed my spontaneity, I missed feeling important, I missed my soul feeling full of life, buzzing with excited energy and endless possibilities. The storm thundered through the balmy afternoon until the cool early evening ending in a pile of heaving shoulders and panting, gasping sobs. We spent the night apart.

www.therealmilitaryhousewife.com

15/12/2015 10:57

The following day was one of mourning, for the both of us. I was grieving the death of a picture of perfection that I had been pretending to paint. The masterpiece had fallen, shattering into a million unloved pieces, fracturing any hope of repair. He was silent, heart broken. It felt like the end. We had lost each other. We had been, in one moment, best friends, giggling, sharing, dreaming, now strangers who followed a daily routine, digging themselves deeper into the dark, musty rut.

When Baby was born I immediately went from loving all of Him to loving all of Baby, shutting him out, assuming he would be there to provide for us and appreciate and admire the dedication I was showing our first born. I thought this was what you were supposed to do. I had turned from the bubbly, sophisticated, funny woman he had fallen so crazily in love with to a pasty, mean, dictating killjoy.

The femininity he adored had been replaced by saggy leggings, dark rings around my eyes and my hair scraped back from my face. He wasn’t met at the door each evening with smiles and appreciation. He wasn’t met at all.

It didn’t occur to me that he looked forward to coming home to see me. My bitterness and disintegrated self esteem had clouded this. Divorce was thrown back and forth, becoming the trump card of threats, until one day He and I, exhausted, took a leap of faith in each other, bound by the love for Baby and found our saving grace. Relate counselling.

What wasn’t normal, was the lack of communication. Talk, people!

Neither of us knew what the other felt, which is strange when you trust that person enough to take their name and create a new life with them, to entrust your future to them, but out of the fear of upsetting the boat you cannot have a chat about how you feel… or don’t feel?!

That damp Thursday evening walking away from the therapists office we turned a corner, quite literally into the closest pub for a nerve settling vino blanco. But figuratively too, not only did I feel as if I could see my best friend again, but we also realised that we had to stop blaming each other for the current state of our relationship and more importantly I had to stop blaming Him for my unhappiness.

I am learning that you cannot rely on another human being for your own happiness and contentment, regardless of what you feel that you have had to sacrifice. To feel fulfilled, this is your job and as soon as you start doing that job well the knock on effect will resonate through your soul, your husband, your children and your community. As much as the adjustment to becoming a military wife has been, and will continue to be, epic it has also dawned on me that I have been gifted the freedom and security to become whomever I want. Life is a long, luscious, exciting journey and you don’t have to fulfil all of your dreams immediately. It is a relief when you finally realise that. The anxiety in your soul dissipates.

Nestled in an arm chair in a cosy room, wrapped tightly into myself I glanced It felt wonderful to have someone nervously at Him as our therapist popped appreciate that we were going her head round the door to note our arrival, through a rough patch, to validate For now I am working on being content with reaching out he squeezed my hand and smiled our thoughts and to realise that it the fact that for the next few years I want to reassuringly. The hour we spent with our was so, utterly, completely normal. immerse myself in our Baby’s exploration of Relate counsellor was the safest I had felt in a this wonderful world and fill our existence long time, my shoulders dropped, the bridge with adventures and stories and bubbles in the bath, nourishing of my nose stopped burning and my face lost its pinched look. She our minds and bodies with good news and good food. And mediated our conversations so that the end result was that we could most importantly, much laughter. both confidently lay bare our souls without getting defensive and flouncing out as had previously happened when we had attempted I want to work on becoming the ‘Good Military Wife’ by being the drunken self counsel. best friend, the rock, the sounding board, the trophy, the safe place to come home to. I want to work on showing my gratitude for the Shockingly, He agreed with a lot of what I was saying and I was life that we, as military wives, have been handed. To stand proudly ashamed that I hadn’t seen earlier how isolated and scared he had next to our husbands, who with a quiet dignity, protect our country been feeling. She prompted with questions and acknowledged and fellow country men. We are afforded surreal lifestyles and when each of us made valid points or contributions. It felt tremendous adventures, the opportunities as a spouse are endless, no wonderful to have someone appreciate that we were going through day has to be the same. Our hardships are not tended to alone, there a rough patch, to validate our thoughts and to realise that it was so, is always help.You just need to ask. utterly, completely normal. Our arguments were normal and the topics of arguments were normal. My feelings of inadequateness All serving men and women, as well as their spouses are entitled and anxiety were normal. His fearful feelings of regret and financial to six free counselling sessions with Relate. Please don’t ignore burdens were normal. Our anger and judgement were normal. this amazing fact. It is the only step that you need to take to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Do it for yourself, you deserve it Most importantly, as a military family, our every day problems were more than anyone. magnified ten fold (but still, normal) and were not helped by the constant moving around, often further from our comfort zones, ‘Relate, provide counselling for couples up and down the country. settling our guilt at settling our children once again, enduring deployment, rationalising fear and anxiety, maintaining the standards Visit www.relate.org.uk or call 0300 100 1234 to find out everything you need to know.’ that tradition has set upon us. Becoming a military wife does essentially mean losing a bit of yourself, because your life centres You can also contact SSAFA who fund these sessions and can around your husband, his work and his priorities. NORMAL. She initiate first contact.Visit www.ssafa.org.uk or call 0800 731 4880. reminded us that it was Thursday, not Doomsday!

www.therealmilitaryhousewife.com

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NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

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PROFILE

Military Name - Hannah Paish Age - 23 Current Location - Brize Norton When and how did you meet your partner?

We met in September 2013 and met through friends. He went to sixth form in the same secondary school I attended, and made friends with my friends. One thing led to another and now we live together!

Best thing about military life?

The best thing about military life is making lots of new friends who are in the same boat as you and can relate to what you are experiencing. I find they are always there to help when you need it and make time to see you if you are down and need a friend to talk too.

Worst thing about military life?

The worst thing has to be being left on your own. Especially if you have limited contact, you never know if they are alright!

I am a massive worrier! :(

Favourite posting?

Yet to be posted! Looking at 2017 to be posted.Very nervous, I’ve never moved out of Oxfordshire before so it would be a massive step for me. I panic when I go to new places I don’t know because knowing my luck I would get lost!

How do you deal with goodbyes?

I deal with them awfully! I try my hardest to not be a blubbering mess when he leaves, but when he finally does leave I cry. He is currently posted to Swanwick and lives at HMS Collingwood. He can be away for

& Me

days or weeks at a time and when he comes home it’s for less than 3 days. I find it really hard when he leaves. We talk as often as we can but with his job it is very hard.

Do you have certain coping mechanisms for dealing with the absence of your partner?

I try and talk to him often or we try and Skype. I tend to work quite a bit when he is away - I am a learning disability nurse! I volunteer with St John Ambulance as a Unit Manager so that keeps my mind occupied.

Failing that I used to enjoy going for massages and getting my nails done! Having the odd glass of wine helps! :)

What’s your guilty secret when he’s away?

I love to just binge watch american TV shows! the trashier the better in my opinion.

I love the big bang theory, Melissa and Joey, and American Horror Story. I also enjoy watching horror films by myself.

Do you do anything special when your partner returns?

I try and tidy up the house, make sure it’s all dusted and hoovered, candles lit. I can only cook one thing really well which is chicken, bacon and sweetcorn pie with chips. We then just like to lay on the sofa cuddling, watching Harry Potter. I love just laying on the sofa with him chilling out and not thinking about anything else! It’s the best feeling in the world.

What’s your top tip for new military partners?

Network! If you are new to the military life, the more friends you make the better.

Never feel like you are by yourself and no one would understand because they do!

I am still finding my way round this life and I don’t think I will ever figure out what makes a military wag.

What three words would you use to describe military partners?

Knowledgeable, friendly, funny!

Would you like to feature in the next issue?

Email us at justforher@forcespublishing.co.uk 19

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NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

Advertorial

Geopathic Stress Affects Everyone!

Could your home be responsible for your illness?

Is your relationship being stressed by your house?

Is the earth giving off rays that are affecting you?

Is it making me ill?

Your body is like a cup – the emptier of stress it is the better. If you are filling the cup with all kinds of negative lifestyle activities such as poor diet, smoking, drinking, work pressure etc, and then add geopathic stress, the result may be the cup overflowing, and ill health as a consequence.

Removal of Geopathic Stress will give your body the opportunity to recover.

What to do next What is Geopathic Stress?

Geopathic stress - or harmful earth rays - is natural radiation that rises up from the magnetic field of the earth and is distorted by weak electromagnetic fields created by underground water and fault lines.

The wave lengths of the disturbed natural radiation can seriously affect our health, causing cancer, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME), infertility and miscarriage.

While we are asleep our body should be resting so it can repair body cells, fight infections and absorb nutrients from food. However, if we sleep in an area affected by geopathic stress, our body has to use all it’s energy just to keep vital organs going. As a result our immune system becomes weakened, which means it doesn’t absorb nutrients or fight off infections effectively.

Research suggests that 85% of people that are suffering ill health are sleeping over a Geopathic Stressed area.

How do I know if I have Geopathic stress?

• Chronic illness, poor immune system • A feeling of being run-down depression • Nervous or stressed • Loss of appetite, allergy to food • Affected by electricity • Insomnia, restless sleep, cramps • Sleep walking • Grinding of teeth, nightmares • Fatigue and muzzy head in the morning.

• Children bed wetting • Babies continuously crying • Domestic disharmony If so ask yourself the following questions: • Did my health problem begin shortly after moving into this home or place of work?

• Do I feel better when I am away from my home or place of work?

• Do any of my family feel uneasy about the

‘atmosphere’ at home?

• Did the previous occupants suffer from any serious or long term illness, or divorce?

• Does the illness seem to be worse during autumn or spring or wet stormy weather?

• Were there any nearby disturbances, which may have caused underground water veins to flow into different channels under my house prior to my illness? (land slides, building and road work, working quarries and mines etc) • Does my home or any part of it feel unnaturally cold or damp?

Is Geopathic Stress affecting my relationship?

Divorce and domestic strife are more often than not the result of negativity in the home. Some of the bad energies found do not come from the earth, but are the result of arguments or anger, sometimes in the home but sometimes also from neighbouring houses. These are called disturbance lines. This negativity feeds on itself, resulting in what are called ‘divorce houses’, houses that change hands regularly as a result of marital breakdown. Even the worst of these can be brought back to harmony and peace.

The first thing I would need to dowse your house is a floor plan. It doesn’t have to be to scale, and I’d only need the downstairs plan, although it would be helpful for you to mark where you sleep upstairs.

Also I’d need all the family names, the address and the postcode.

Further useful details might be how long you’ve lived in the house, any previous history of the house that you know of, details of pets, and anything else that you think might be relevant.

Also i might require the details of your business or workplace as well.

I can visit your home if required, but it is not essentially necessary, as the dowsing will be done using your map.

Note that because of this, House Dowsing can be done anywhere in the world!

I would then establish the true picture of the geopathic stress at your property, and the factors that affect you, your family the house and if necessary your work place.

Then I would send you a detailed report of my findings.

Clearing will not be done until we have jointly discussed all the points raised and decided what is to be done.

Subsequently the healing will be completed, by allowing and directing the energies of higher souls to complete it.

Remember that I am only a channel for the healing, which is achieved by accepting the help of high and very beneficial beings.

What you will notice afterwards?

• Health improvements • Better sleep patterns • The house feels warmer and more inviting • Less depression • Increased energy • Harmony and peacefulness

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rebeccamughal@hotmail.co.uk

07884440385

www.prettyperfectbouquetsandboutonnieres.co.uk

NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

Rebecca Mughal

House Dowser Geopathic Stress Affects Everyone!

Could your home be responsible for your illness?

Is your relationship being stressed by your house?

Is the earth giving off rays that are affecting you?

Does your house need healing?

You could be being affected by the earth’s magnetic field.

Fault lines and water veins deep under the ground concentrate this field, and they could very possibly be coming up through your house.

The Problem

The Solution

The effect of Geopathic Stress is to depress the body’s immune system, particularly when you are sleeping over a negative place, causing illness, depression and stress.

• Your house is dowsed for all negative influences.

• A report is drawn up.

• The house is cleansed and all stress removed.

• House Dowsing brings back harmony, health and peace of mind.

Could this be the answer you’ve been looking for?

Chris Quartermaine

01244 509933 or 07921 783184 chris@wizdom.me.uk www.house-dowser.co.uk

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If you have something you have written, ideally with pictures too, then please send your articles in to sally@forcespublishing.co.uk.

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15/12/2015 11:23

Okay, we are just going to whisper this, then run away and hide (preferably somewhere dingy and cobwebbed, to purge ourselves of guilt).

But, when our husbands come back from tour, there can be some things that are - ahem - a little bit difficult. There, we’ve said it.

It’s out there (eek)…

He’s Back!

Now what?

S

o, first of all, it’s important to say that we would in absolutely no way prefer they went back on tour. Noooooo way! In fact, give us a husband or boyfriend nestled safely in the confines of home, doing mundane tasks on home soil any day.

But, with all that deployment, we do get to spend lots of time alone. And sometimes we get used to doing things our way. So, when he comes home, and we get the muchanticipated reunion out of the way, reality kicks in. All of a sudden we have to share things, consider someone else and, worst of all, stop eating cornflakes for tea.

Here’s our take on this tricky transition: Problem: Poldark-watching sessions are out, ‘Traffic Cops’ is in.

It’s that age-old relationship wedge - the remote control. Months of having the run of the Sky Planner have meant you are completely up to speed on the soaps, you have binged-watched the Box Sets he turned his nose up at (Mad Men, Grey’s Anatomy) and you’ve allowed your brain to be turned to pulp courtesy of The Only Way is Marbs. What’s more, you’ve got used to it! Now it’s time to compromise.

According to the Oxford Dictionary this is “an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions”.

However, we all know that what it really means is Him explaining he has spent six months without so much as a phone, so he is damned if he’s going to sit and watch Downton Abbey when there’s 26 episodes of Ice Road Truckers to catch up on.

Solution: Get Netflix on your laptop.

Or start channelling your inner trucker.

Problem: His return magnifies our sub-standard organisational skills One of the many attributes shown by our marvellous armed forces personnel is their ability to organise things - meticulously.

This is superb when it comes to defending our nation, but not so good when they get home and find the laundry bin’s spilling over, the kitchen surfaces are covered with the remnants of several failed attempts at a Welcome Home Cake and there’s nothing for tea. Fair dos, his colleagues don’t have to potty train a screaming toddler whilst breast-feeding a hungry baby when they are masterminding and executing intricate missions. But, it’s not great for our self-

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Clare Macnaughton, author and writer of the Modern Military Mother blog, said: “They come home from a place where everything is ordered and structured to a home which is often chaotic, with screaming kids that don’t do as they are told.

Then they start wanting to actually LIVE in their own homes and watch annoying TV like ‘Storage Hunters’.”

Clare tells of one ‘homecoming’ where she and her husband were arguing within an hour of his return because of a misunderstanding about who was getting the sausages out of the freezer for tea. “I had clearly failed on Operation Bangers & Mash,” she said. “If [my husband] had been at work and said to one of these young officers: ‘go and get the sausages from the freezer’, the officer in question would have gone to the freezer, established that we were out of sausages, then got in his car and gone out to the supermarket. If they didn’t have any sausages he would have gone to the pig farm, slaughtered a pig and made him some sausages because that is the kind of energetic and enthusiastic young men that he has on his flight. To come home and issue an instruction and to just, quite frankly, be ignored was not what he was used to.”

The Solution: Get a cleaner in the day before his return. Failing that, get kids to look extra-cute and sing Daddy a welcome home song to distract from the carnage.

Problem: You have to start eating and/or cooking Proper Meals

By Proper Meals we mean that for your evening meal - tea, dinner, supper (whatever you refer to this meal as) - you will have to start eating nutritional dishes involving protein, vegetables and carbs. This is as opposed to the bowl of cereal or the bar of chocolate you have been replacing evening meals with for the last few months.

Fortunately (or, possibly, unfortunately) your husband will not have been getting a packet of Wotsits for his dinner on deployment. So, this means, you cannot produce a cheesy maize-based snack for his homecoming dinner either.

What’s more, he will probably expect to sit down and eat with you! There’s none of this, heating-up-a-microwavable-Balti-andvegging-on-the-sofa-watching-X-Factor malarkey. And the days of hovering over the kids at mealtimes and stuffing discarded 24

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fish-finger remnants into a stale bun to save yourself the bother of cooking are well and truly over. It’s time to dust off the slow cooker or the griddle, dig out the recipe books and re-discover the vegetable aisle at Asda.

Jade Munro, who writes The Real Military Housewife blog explained: “When it comes to dinner I will have spent the last few months munching toast, soggy toddler leftovers (particularly breaded turkey dinosaurs) and occasionally indulging in some wine to stave off the scurvy. I do this in varying amounts, at untraditional times of the day, whilst watching incredibly terrible reality shows. I like this. This is my reward for doing ‘all of this’ *spreads arms wide to showcase clean home and office, happy toddler, folded laundry* by myself.”

Solution: Take Jade’s advice and prepare in advance.

“So, the week before his return,” she explained, “I draw up a meal plan and have the groceries delivered in good time. [It is] full of the no-brainer, delicious favourites that both of us enjoy cooking and that he missed while away. It also gives me the upper hand and makes me look superorganised.”

Problem: It’s time to say ‘goodbye’ to your routine So, while he’s away, it’s likely you have adopted a nice little routine.You have probably set up a well-timed morning schedule which is executed to precision to enable you to sleep in for as long as possible, whilst also getting the children up, dressed, fed and to school in under an hour.You probably eat crisps in bed, whilst pouring over the newspapers on a Sunday morning. And you may have got into the habit of sleeping diagonally across your double bed.

Well, now he’s back, you can forget about that.

“

Try as you might to have that dishwasher loaded by 8.33, so it’s working its magic while you are at work, and you can come home to clean mugs, cutlery and plates – this simply ain’t gonna happen anymore.

What will happen is your husband, at 8.32, will realise he cannot find his tweezers (or some other random, unnecessary implement). At 8.33, therefore, he will approach you, mid-dishwasher-turningon – and ask where they are. You reply: “They’re in the bathroom cabinet”.

To which, he will respond: “I can’t see them…”. Up the stairs you will go, abandoning Mission Dishwasher, plod huffily into the bathroom, present Said Tweezers (which were sitting in a very obvious place exactly where you said they would be) and berate your husband for being so useless. An argument will unfold.

You will both shout a bit and then you will realise you are late for work. Off you dash, leaving the dishwasher.

When you return home that evening from work, exhausted and looking for a clean mug from which to make a lovely, comforting cuppa – there won’t be one, because the dishwasher contents are still dirty! Still, at least his nose hairs are neatly plucked.

Solution: start a new routine. Or factor tweezer-searching scenarios into your current routine.

The problem: He’s back, you should be back to full capacity in the parenting department… but he has other ideas Months have passed where you are the Sole Parent. We all know single parenting is no walk in the park and, as such, we find ourselves beyond exhausted at being left – literally - holding the baby. So, as Homecoming Day draws closer, we start having fantasies about sharing childcare and taking it in turns to comfort the kids at night. Glorious Tag Team Bedtimes that we hear about in magazines are actually now a possibility, as is being able to nip to the corner shop for a newspaper without the need to drag three children

“

esteem when, after months of regulation and precision, the only thing He can guarantee at home is disorder, and chaos.

“When you return home that evening from work, exhausted and looking for a clean mug from which to make a lovely, comforting cuppa – there won’t be one, because the dishwasher contents are still dirty! Still, at least his nose hairs are neatly plucked.”

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in tow. But it doesn’t always work out like that, does it? Because, Daddy is knackered!

And not just any old knackered, a whole new kind of knackered that even us sleep-deprived mummies can’t understand.

Having a crying baby with a dirty nappy thrust at him with the words: “Your turn, sunshine” is probably not his idea of a joyful family reunion.

As Jade explains: “I occasionally have to have a little chat with myself before He comes home. In my head, if He is not here, it obviously means He is on holiday. Or, at the very last enjoying the freedoms of a grown up,” she explained. “It means I have been the only one grafting and I can become quite martyr-ish about it. I forget that He is away from the familiarity and ease that is home, sleeping in a single bed, in a faceless room, trying His best to protect His country and provide for His family the only way He knows how. Regardless of this, I find it hard not to hand the Toddler to Him the minute he walks through the door,

pour myself a glass of wine and sigh loudly, hand to forehead.”

Trying to remember that he’ll need some time and space to adjust is probably one of our biggest hurdles upon his return. Giving him that time and space can be just as challenging. But it’s something we learn to do with time and experience. Indeed, Clare added: “Sometimes it’s easier and simpler to go to war. [My husband] knows where he is at war. Home is messy, noisy, chaotic and full of hormonal, evolving people who don’t follow the rules. I know he loves us and we love him, but there is more than just distance between war and home. This is why the re-integration back is always complicated as we all learn how to be around each other again.”

Solution: Be patient, and take things slowly. Jade explains: “We’ve now fallen into a beautiful rut for that first week or so that he is back. We alternate the evening routine. One of us does the toddler’s bath and bedtime whilst the other starts

preparing dinner, accompanied by some music and a glass of wine. It keeps the resentment at bay.

The problem: Making the most of Him So, he’s back. The contents of his pockets, complete with screwed up tissue and leaking biro, are sprawled carelessly over your dressing table. The amount of laundry in the washing bin seems to have quadrupled and there are toothpaste stains all over the bathroom mirror. But, you don’t care because the thing that’s really bothering you, that growing niggle that keeps reappearing in the pit of your stomach is that there will be another deployment.

Solution: He’s home now so it’s time to appreciate the time together, wallow in it as much as you can and maybe, just maybe, you could grab a microwave meal together and watch Traffic Cops.

NATIONAL 25

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Job opportunities for wives and partners of armed forces personnel, it is probably fair to say, have always been a bit thin on the ground.

Spotlight on

RECRUIT FOR SPOUSES

And even if you discover that golden chalice that is ‘The Perfect Job’, finding a way to mould it snugly around a family and the demands of the armed forces can be an insurmountable conundrum.

So, with that in mind, this next revelation might come as a bit of a shock to you.

For there is a growing number of employers who are starting to understand, even embrace, the benefits that military spouses can bring to their business.

And, as a result, a number of military wives and husbands are finding employment in jobs which are offering them not only flexible hours or working-from-home opportunities but are also challenging and stimulating.

This development is down, in a very large part, to the incredible work of Recruit for Spouses (RFS). In case you haven’t heard of it, RFS is a recruitment agency which has spent the last six years striving to get military spouses into work and to reshape the way employers view this overlooked group of motivated, resourceful and highly competent workers.

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Its success speaks for itself, with many people landing fulfilling jobs and employers who previously would have dismissed the CV of a military spouse, now recruiting from the pool of armed forces families.

However, it has been a long, hard slog for this small but mighty organisation.

In the words of its founder and CEO, Heledd Kendrick, much time has been spent “knocking down very big walls with a small toothbrush” to change employers and business’s attitudes towards military spouses.

It all began in 2009, after Heledd married her husband and moved to Deepcut.

Prior to this, Heledd had enjoyed a career as a journalist and editor in the horse racing world. She would spend her days travelling the country, interviewing jockeys and trainers.

“I met my husband and moved to a military community and it was a real eye-opener for me,” she explains. “It’s like a big family – it was all about being there for each other and there was a huge support network. But I was amazed at all these wives who thought they had to give up their careers.”

She noticed that many women could not find fulfilling work because they faced prejudices from employers who assumed they would not commit to a job because of their transient lives.

Heledd, who is also a mother-of-two, said she felt there was a sense of apathy when it came to supporting the armed forces in this country. “Our nation says they get behind us but there’s only a small amount that actually gets behind the armed forces. It’s very hard for us.”

So, she set up a small agency to help people on her base find work. RFS was born.

It was a huge success. Heledd said: “I was overwhelmed by the amount of people registering.”

Candidates coming through the doors over the years have included a marketing manager from hotel chain Claridges and a former PA to the editor of the Independent.

The marketing manager couldn’t find work because she had to move around so frequently, the PA could only find a position as a dinner lady. RFS helped them both

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find jobs which made use of their skills and experience.

It’s not just those determined to get back on the career path who seek out RFS. One woman who came to RFS needed a job as an outlet because her husband had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

And it’s also there in an advisory capacity, and has a dedicated website with current vacancies, a blog and mountains of information.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a CV or have forgotten the drill when it comes to applying for jobs. The website includes a CV service, as well as confidence-boosting tips on interview techniques and there’s also support for those considering being self-employed.

RFS consists of a small team of recruitment consultants and support workers, who work from various locations across the country including London, Portsmouth and Stafford.

All are military spouses themselves, so understand implicitly the challenges faced.

As well as placing candidates in jobs, they also work with them to create CVs and build confidence.

employing military spouses, offering parttime and flexible work options for people in the armed forces communities.

But this is just one area of its work. As a social enterprise, it is also constantly campaigning and battling to change attitudes.

“The sole goal,” explained Heledd, “was to get into their heads. I explained that we needed to look at military spouse employment and put it on the agenda.”

“We are educating employers,” said Heledd.

“But not around feeling sorry for spouses - it’s about empowering them.We tell employers, ‘you are not doing [our candidates] a favour, they are doing you a favour and helping your company’.”

RFS is also making great strides in helping employers to understand that it’s difficult for women to find work when they only have one car, or their husband is away. And it is highlighting the benefits – to both employers and employees – of flexible hours and homeworking.

And get into their heads she most certainly did, for in 2013 RFS won the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award. It was an accolade which not only acknowledged Heledd and her team’s hard work, commitment and passion, but created lots of press and publicity for their mission.

This dedication was further cemented only last year (2015) when RFS beat over 2,000 applicants to win a place on the Deloitte Super Pioneers Program.

But it’s not just employers who Heledd has been educating. She has met with senior MPs, including the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to raise awareness of the challenges faced by military spouses.

“Childcare costs are high and military wives don’t have the normal support network,” said Heledd. “That’s where we try and get the employers to get to and understand.We try and educate them.”

It was a huge achievement as, not only was RFS one of only 12 organisations chosen, but Heledd had to execute a polished pitch as part of the vigorous application process just days after undergoing an operation involving two general anaesthetics.

In fact, Heledd believes employers can get a lot more from military wives when they can work from home, or they can work around children. And she feels very strongly that women should be proud of their circumstances. Rather than make excuses for having family and armed forces commitments, she encourages candidates to be honest about them with employers.

Heledd admits to dragging her very poorly self to London to do the pitch, but her determination paid off! And now RFS is benefiting from a support package worth around £1m which will give Heledd and her team access to a range of skills, experience, networks and opportunities across Deloitte delivered via a relationship management team.

One company who has embraced this ethos is Wiltshire Council. With encouragement from RFS, it has become a champion for

So what of the future? With so much already achieved where can RFS go from here? Heledd is adamant that while she has most certainly moved military spouse recruitment up the agenda, there are still plenty more notches on this particular ladder to climb.

But, ultimately, her goal is to see the wives and spouses continue to use RFS, for it to be useful to them and for RFS to continue being helpful.

“It’s the families that we want to support, and the wives,” she said. “After all, they are the force behind the force.”

For more information visit www.recruitforspouses.co.uk 27

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NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

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AJ and his fellow entertainers have been entertainers for children and adult events for 10 years. As an enthusiastic team, they pride themselves on being ng able to provide you with a unique, memorable experience no matter what the occasion may be!

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EAST MILITARY CATCHMENT

A fun, exci ng and flexible business opportunity which can fit around your family.

Longbow making course £325 Arrow making course £90 Master class shooting sessions £65

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Unique hand spun and hand dyed yarns, hand washed and carded fleece for spinning, felting and other craft projects and friendly, knowledgeable advice about our products and services. We also produce unique hand crafted garments and accessories and knitting patterns which can be used with our own yarn or commercially produced yarns. We offer workshops and taster days for beginners and improvers in spinning, knitting, tapestry weaving, needle felting, hand and machine embroidery, dressmaking and a wide variety of textile based techniques and skills. We are also available for talks and demonstrations at our clients’ own homes or venues.

At Spinspired we aspire to inspire.

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A Z s m a e r D to

f c beg d of

a

AEROPLANE

Dreams of aeroplanes can represent sudden or dramatic life changes. An aeroplane taking off represents a leap into the unknown and taking risks. An aeroplane landing indicates the success of a new venture or the outcome of a calculated risk.

BIRTH

We tend to dream of birth at the beginning of a new way of life, a new attitude, new ability, or a new project – also when we become aware of the death of the old.

DEATH

Traditionally to dream of death indicated the possibility of a birth or a change in circumstances in one’s own life or that of people around. In present times, death in a dream indicates a challenge we must confront.

FALLING

To dream of falling shows a lack of confidence in our own ability. We may feel threatened by a lack of security, whether real or imagined. We fear being dropped by friends or colleagues. We may feel we are slipping away from a situation, essentially we are losing our place. This can be because of other’s negative influence.

CHASED

Dreaming of being chased or of trying to escape is perhaps one of the most common dreams; usually we are trying to escape responsibility, our own sense of failure, fear or emotions we cannot handle. Being chased by shadows shows the need to escape from something previously repressed, such as past childhood trauma or difficulty. To be chased by an animal generally indicates we have not come to terms with our own passion.

ENTRANCE (DOOR)

A door in a dream signifies a movement between two states of being. It can represent entry into a new phase of life, such as becoming a military partner or relocating. There may be opportunities available to us about which we must make deliberate decisions. If the door in the dream is shut or difficult to open it indicates we are creating obstacles for ourselves, whereas if the door is open we can have the confidence to move forward.

GHOST

We may be resurrecting old memories or feelings in order to understand our own actions. By putting ourselves in touch with what is dead and gone, we can take appropriate action in the here and now.

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l hmP q i nr j s o k LOTTERY

HANDCUFFS

Dreaming of being in handcuffs denotes that we have been restrained in some way, often by an authority figure. If we are putting handcuffs on someone, we may be attempting to bind that person to us. We may be being overly possessive.

INSECTS

Insects in dreams can reflect the feeling that something is irritating or bugging us. It may also indicate our feeling of insignificance and powerlessness.

It will depend on the particular insect in the dream as to the interpretation. Thus, a wasp might indicate danger, whereas a beetle could mean either dirt or protection. Insects tend to signify negative feelings. This could be something niggling at our consciences or guilt.

JEWELLERY

Jewellery usually indicates that we have, or can have, something valuable in our lives. Giving jewellery signifies that we feel we have something to offer to other people. For a woman to be giving a man jewellery usually indicates that she is attracted to him.

A lottery, particularly in today’s climate, suggests an idea of gaining through taking a risk. To dream of winning a lottery would suggest that one has either been lucky or clever in waking life. To dream of losing might suggest that someone else was in control of our destiny. The lottery also denotes one’s attitude to greed and poverty and to the principle of winning through luck rather than effort.

When we dream about kissing someone, it can suggest an acceptance of a new relationship with that person. It can also signify that we are sealing a pact – perhaps coming to some sort of agreement. Being kissed indicates that we are appreciated and loved for ourselves.

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Dreaming of pregnancy usually denotes a fairly protracted waiting period being necessary for something, possibly the completion of a project.

A new area of our potential or personality is developing. Interestingly enough, to dream of pregnancy seldom actually means one’s own pregnancy, although it can indicate pregnancy in someone around us.

MURDER

We may be denying, or trying to control, a part of our own nature that we do not trust. We may also have feelings about other people which can only be safely expressed in a dream!

NUDE

Freud assumed that dreaming of being nude was linked with sexuality.

It is, however, more to do with self image. If we are seen by others, there may be something about ourselves which we wish to reveal. If we are alone we may simply have a wish for freedom of expression.

OFFENCE

KISS

PREGNANCY

To be committing an offence suggests that we are not, either consciously or unconsciously, following our own code of moral behaviour.

QUARREL

To dream that we are quarrelling with someone indicates an inner conflict. For a man to be quarrelling with a woman, or vice versa, signifies a conflict between drive and intuition. To be quarrelling with authority, e.g. police, indicates a conflict between right and wrong.

Rainbow

A rainbow appearing in a dream is the promise of something better to come. The old story of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is so firmly entrenched in folklore that this meaning often comes across in dreams.

SEX

To dream of erotica, represents your sexual desires and your sexual appetite.

The dream may also be a result from watching porn, erotic movies or reading erotic novels. Dreams of erotica are common dreams if you are approaching you wedding day. This may be due to the intensity of your sexual passion with your fiance. It also relates to the new roles that you will be taking on and the uncertainty that that may bring.

If you are recovering from an injury, surgery, grief or illness, then you may also experience erotic dreams. The dream may serve to provide a dramatic reminder of your vitality and liveliness.

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x V uw

t

VAMPIRE

TEETH

Being anxious about teeth dropping out suggests there is a fear of getting old and undesirable or an anxiety about maturing. In a woman’s dream, if the teeth are swallowed this can signify pregnancy.

When heavy demands are made on us which we do not feel capable of meeting, a vampire can appear in a dream. We are figuratively being ‘sucked dry’. The vampire or blood sucker is such a fearful figure that is accepted as an embodiment of evil.

X

If an X appears in a dream, we are usually marking the spot. It can also represent an error, misjudgement or possibly something which we particularly need to note.

yz UNICORN

Dreaming of a unicorn can signify that we need to be mindful of what is going on in the real world if we are to survive. It also signifies unconditional love.

WATER

Water represents cleansing, being able to wash away the contamination that we may experience in everyday life. In baptism, water is a cleanser of previously held ‘sins’, often also those inherited from family. Entering water suggests beginning something new whilst deep water signifies either being out of depth or entering our own subconscious.

YAWN

If we become conscious of yawning in a dream it can indicate boredom and tiredness. We may also be attempting to say something, but have not yet thought through what we wish to say.

A Z Dreams to

of

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ZIP

Psychologically, we are capable of being either open or closed to our friends or family. Often a zip can highlight this in a dream. A stuck zip suggests a difficulty in keeping our dignity in an awkward situation.

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Win White Hot Tickets to the Wedding Show of the Season…

20 - 21 February 2016 Manchester Central | 26 - 28 February 2016 London Olympia | 4 - 6 March 2016 Birmingham NEC

T

his spring sees the return of the UK’s biggest wedding show, where you can experience every element of your dream day unfolding before your very eyes. From discovering your perfect venue and trying on the dress of your dreams to sampling delectable delights, eyeing up fabulous floral creations and seeking out your idyllic honeymoon hideaway; The National Wedding Show is the ultimate one-stop-shop to discover the wedding experts in every field.

Endless inspiration and countless shopping opportunities to try, buy, book and hire everything you can imagine for your big day, all under one roof.

Kickstart the day by taking a seat at the renowned Catwalk Show to see the latest

trends for all the bridal party brought to life on the runway. A showcase of the hottest collections of the season from the nation’s finest designers, boutiques and retailers, provides invaluable inspiration for not only the bride, but also mothers and fathers, beautiful bridesmaids, dashing best men and ushers and not forgetting the man of the moment, the groom. The must-see line-up includes designs from the likes of Jenny Packham, Sassi Holford, Suzanne Neville, Ian Stuart, Halfpenny London, House of Mooshki, Nigel Rayment, Jeff Banks Savile Row, Ted Baker at Moss Bros, Ghost London and Maids to Measure, to name just a few*.

Get up close and personal with the allimportant wedding dresses by hitting the designated Bridal Boutique and Designer

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Ann’s Designer Cakes

Boutique to browse and try on an unrivalled selection of dresses under one roof. From high street to couture, short and sassy styles to long, glamorous, showstopping numbers, there is something to suit every style, shape and budget.

Head to the Wedding Theatre** to discover all you need to know about big day beauty, hair and style. The National Wedding Show’s glam squad will share their Top 10 Tips for achieving your perfect wedding day look through demonstrations and revealing trade secrets for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom. During each session, one lucky bride will be selected for a makeover live on stage and presented to the audience in a breath-taking ‘big reveal’.

You’ve nailed the look for you and your bridal party, now it’s time to turn your attention to the all-important venue.

**London and Birmingham only *seen on the autumn 2015 catwalk

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Transform your wedding destination into a spectacular backdrop for your dream day by seeking inspiration from The National Wedding Show’s host of wedding planners and stylists. Create the perfect ambience through clever lighting schemes, stylish tableware and signage then get the party started by discovering the ultimate DJ or live band and top it off by ordering a must-have dazzling dance floor or perhaps ensure the night goes off with a bang with some topclass fireworks.

Floral fantasies become a reality at the Designer Flower Market, where you will find inspiration-a-plenty from the showstopping displays together with expert advice from a line-up of top florists. Whether you are dreaming of a big, traditional fairytale wedding or planning an intimate summer garden affair, there are stylish solutions for all themes and colour schemes.

If you’re looking for something a little more alternative for your big day, head to The Rock n Roll Bride Collection. Brand new for 2016, the Rock n Roll Bride Collection will feature everything from bridalwear and accessories to flowers, cakes and stationery, to make your big day truly unique in every way. The Rock n Roll Bride Collection will also play host to the The Rock n Roll Café, the perfect place to unwind during an action-packed day of shopping, wedding planning and inspiration.

Goldlink Stationary

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Round off the day by registering for your gift list and perhaps even booking the honeymoon of your dreams.Your highstreet favourites will be on hand to help, including John Lewis, Debenhams, Sandals, Thomas Cook, Sandals and Turquoise Holidays.

Win Tickets…!

After an action-packed day of shopping and planning, make a beeline for the Champagne Bar to enjoy a well-deserved glass of bubbly and raise a toast to your exciting big day ahead! If you appreciate the finer things in life then get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the show in style with VIP tickets. The exclusive package includes fast track entrance to the show, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, unlimited access to the VIP Lounge, a complimentary glass of fizz, a mini make-under from bareMinerals, and a goody box containing beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day.

Just for Her has teamed up

with The National Wedding Show to offer FIVE lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free!

To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, email / send a post card to competitions@forcespublishing.co.uk or Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU with your name, address, phone number and which venue you wish to visit and if you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner.

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For more information visit The National Wedding Show website: www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/nationalweddingshow Twitter: @nationalwedding / #TNWS | Instagram: thenationalweddingshow Young’s Hire at Debenhams

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ADOPTION in the

Military

Adopting is a very different kind of parenting. In the words of one mum of two adopted children it is being a “parent plus”. Children being placed for adoption have often come from a background of abuse and neglect, and therefore require a completely different approach from parents, as well as a tremendous amount of resilience and patience…

I

t is no surprise, then, that the process potential parents must endure to adopt a child is rigorous and thorough. But when a couple is attached to the military, that process becomes even harder. Suddenly, prospective parents are seen through different eyes by the authorities. In fact, according to the SSAFA, which runs its own adoption service, and placed 18 children with ‘forever families’ in 2014, there have been cases where some local authorities have viewed military personnel as less attractive prospective adopters.

Corienne Strange, adoption service manager for the SSAFA, said regular house moves and misconceptions about the military lifestyle have been barriers to serving personnel being able to progress adoption applications.

One couple who know all too well how misunderstandings of armed forces life can hinder the adoption process are James and Louise* (*names changed) who live in Wiltshire. James served in the army until April 2015 and Louise is an IT manager.

The couple took the decision to adopt

for several reasons. James had cancer in his early 20s and, although he had given sperm samples before treatment, was not keen on IVF because of a stressful experience with the process with his first wife. For Louise, meanwhile, there was a small possibility of inheriting a very serious form of post-natal depression from her mum. Although small, it was a risk she was not willing to take.

In 2012, the couple made the decision to start the adoption process.

On paper the couple were the perfect prospect. They initially went to their

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prep course where they received intensive local authority (LA), which has parental training and met other potential and responsibility for children in care in their experienced adopters. It was an experience, area. Louise and James specifically wanted Louise admits, she will never forget as it to adopt two children, and were happy crystallised just what these children had to adopt kids over the age of three. As far gone through and how it affected them. The as the LA was concerned, this amounted next stage was to formally to two very big ticks apply to adopt through the because children in these SSAFA, before undergoing categories were classed as “James has a background checks, medicals “difficult to place”. very ‘military’ and home study, which sense of humour included regular visits from a All was going well. Until, social worker to learn more that is, the couple were and I could about the couple. Louise said: scrutinised by a social worker. see during the “James and I are chatty and Louise explained: “James course of the open people so although has a very ‘military’ sense session that it this part of the process was of humour and I could see wasn’t going rigorous, we never found it during the course of the overly intrusive.” session that it wasn’t going down all that down all that well with the well with the As part of the home social worker. Still we felt it social worker.” study James and Louise had gone okay.” compiled a portfolio presenting all they had Nothing, then, could have learnt and done as part prepared the couple for the letter they of the process, including reading books, received two weeks later saying they had attending conferences and gaining childcare failed the application because they hadn’t experience. Eventually, in early 2014, the lived together long enough and therefore couple were approved and went on to adopt not faced enough challenges as a couple. siblings, six-year-old Jack* and five-year-old Although they had been together for three Chloe* (*names changed). years, the fact they had endured time apart during tours and deployments had evidently Before being approved Louise and James been viewed unfavourably by the social had spotted a picture of the children in a worker. publication called “Be My Parent” which profiles children waiting for adoption. “We “[We] had lasted through two tours of Afghanistan, a two-year posting in Germany, were really drawn to them,” Louise said.

“It was too early for us to act on them. We James’ father dying, my mother being often thought about them though.” After admitted to a psychiatric ward and a host of their approval the pair featured again in the other challenges,” explained Louise. magazine, so Louise and James put in a call to their social worker and, a few weeks later, “In fact, had the question been asked ‘what the process of adopting Jack and Chloe challenges have you faced as a couple’, we began. could have written a book on the subject.

So, we could draw no other conclusion “Less than three months after being than this social worker taking a dislike to approved we were at a matching panel,” our circumstances and James being in the explained Louise, “and they were ours. military.”

We met them and they came home ten days later.” Jack and Chloe came from a Thankfully, the LA is not the only route background of abuse and neglect, yet Louise to adoption. Prospective parents can also apply through a Voluntary Adoption Agency describes them as being incredibly resilient.

Around 80% of children who are in care (VAA). Although there are a number of have moderate to severe problems, and Jack VAAs, Louise and James approached the and Chloe were in that majority. But Louise SSAFA. This time the process was very said their problems could be far, far worse. different. “We had an initial visit from a “Their problems manifest in ways most social worker,” recounted Louise, “And eight and six year olds behave, for example immediately we could tell she ‘got it’. We defiance and fussiness around food,” Louise didn’t have to try to explain the several explained. “It’s just the root causes of these moves or military sense of humour and issues, and therefore the way we deal with straight away we felt more comfortable.” them, that are different. But if you met them you would never guess they had a After this the couple went on a four-day

“

“

Just 4 Her Iss 8 15.indd 39

troubled background or were in any way different.”

James and Louise describe themselves as being “incredibly fortunate” to have adopted the pair. Chloe has thrived at school, defying expectations. Louise describes her as bold, strong-willed and determined. “She’s a total pain in the bum sometimes, but I love that she knows her own mind and will stand up for herself.”

Jack, meanwhile, is thoughtful and reflective.

He sometimes needs chivvying along to try new things, but he’s also sensitive and gentle, according to Louise. “They’ve now been with us for 18 months - in some ways it feels like a few days, and in others it feels like a lifetime,” said Louise.

A

nother couple to have benefited from the VAA route of adoption is Clare and Ian Holsgrove. Clare is a former MOD police officer, and is now a full-time mum while Ian is in the Royal Logistics Corps…

The pair already have one son, Oscar, 4, but Clare experienced medical problems after his birth which led to her having a hysterectomy. Clare also suffered from Post Natal Depression after Oscar’s birth.

“I had always wanted to adopt,” said Clare, “even before meeting Ian.” Once the decision was made for her to have a full hysterectomy, however, thoughts turned once again to adoption. “From that moment the seed was planted and we started talking about the possibility of us adopting and giving hope and a ‘forever home’ to a child out there who needed it. We have so much love to give.”

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“Being in the military wasn’t - and isn’t - an issue for this amazing and supportive agency,” said Clare. “If anything, I assumed my PND was going to be a stumbling block. But no, that wasn’t either because they know I have it under control.” After meeting the owner of New Leaf, and then their social worker, the couple underwent a home assessment, which they found ‘hard going’. They then attended a two-day course before facing the Adoption Panel.

“Nerves were very high during the panel,” said Clare, “as there are ten people questioning you. But everyone was very lovely.”

EAST MILITARY CATCHMENT

When the couple were finally approved, five months after starting the process with New Leaf, they were thrilled. Clare said it was like finding out she was pregnant again.

What’s more, they became the first military family to be approved through the agency.

Clare said, “We both feel we are being given a second chance to be parents again and for Oscar to have a brother or sister… or maybe both!” Clare and Ian are now waiting to be matched with a child.

at their own pace - and it was okay not to like my kids sometimes. The moment I realised that, the love started to flow.” Louise also explained the importance of dropping your perceptions and pre-conceived ideas of adoption and to understand that each situation is unique. Once you get your head around that, you will be an expert on your children.

Their experience so far has shown that as an armed forces family, it is essential to do lots of research into adoption agencies, and they advise other couples in a similar Finally, Clare said the approval process is just situation to explore all avenues including the beginning. Parenting is the challenge! the SSAFA, other VAAs and the local “What you have to remember is that authority. “Ask questions, be honest to when you adopt, you’re having to parent yourselves about what type children whose parents of child or children you have let them down in can manage,” Clare advises. the worst possible way “Many children, for “The approval - you’re a ‘parent plus’, example, have attachment process is just and it’s a different type of issues, long term medial the beginning. parenting.” conditions etc. Don’t be Parenting is the afraid to say ‘no’.

Clare, Ian, Louise and challenge!”

James have all shown “Adoption is the best gift you that being in the armed can give to a hopeful child.” services need not be a Clare’s advice is echoed by disadvantage when it Louise who urges prospective adopted comes to adopting. Indeed, their stories parents to devour information on adoption, prove LAs could be overlooking some whether it’s through books, newspaper potentially secure, loving and stable families. articles or internet forums such as Adoption Sir Martin Narey, government advisor on UK. Talk to other adoptive parents, too. children and ex CEO of Barnados said, “Military personnel are often extremely Louise said it’s also important to be realistic resourceful individuals, willing and able with expectations once you have been to take on a challenge and surmount the matched with a child. She admits that challenges which adoption can present before adopting she assumed she would along side the joy it can also provide. bond quickly with her children. But the Serving builds on your personal efficacy, bonding process has taken much longer resilience and self-confidence which are all than expected. “There are still days when great attributes for a parent to pass on to I don’t’ feel like they’re mine,” she admits. their child, in particular those children in “I’ve realised it’s a marathon not a sprint the care system who are harder to place.” and not to place any expectations on myself in terms of timescales. “ For more information on adoption visit the SSAFA’s website www.ssafa.

“Things became much easier when I org.uk or call 020 7463 9326. realised it was okay to let things develop

“

“

Clare and Ian initially approached the SSAFA and another VAA but were turned down because Oscar was not yet in full time education, raising concerns the couple could not devote enough care to an adopted child. However, a year later a voluntary organisation called the New Leaf Adoption Agency in South Yorkshire approached the couple. This was new territory for the agency, which had never had a military family join their agency, let alone complete the process. As such, there were worries about Clare and Ian’s suitability. “Their concern was that we are posted every few years and how that would impact on the child who joins our family,” Clare explained. But while this issue can mean ‘game over’ for most agencies, New Leaf was open minded. The couple explained their strengths, that they had support from friends and family and that the child would be secure and loved.

Thomas Adamski –

Art Portrait

Born in 1956 in the beautiful city of Poznan in Poland, I moved to England 10 years ago. Art has been an important part of my life from my earliest years. Through it, I could express emotion, surroundings, change of moods and show the beauty of life through my own vision of the world.

I studied Art at the Poznan Academy of Fine Arts, which provided me with an opportunity to experiment with a range of media. While living in Poland, I focused on working as a sculptor, creating large abstract pieces from stone and wood for ornamental display in gardens and galleries.

I have turned to traditional methods of oil painting and sketching using charcoal and pastel, all of which give a softer, gentle look to my work.

I have an ever-growing number of customers from around the UK, and abroad from countries as far as Germany and Spain. If you would like to commission your own art-piece, then you can get in touch with me via website:

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J o s e p h i n e ’s I n s p i r a t i o n ’s

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Click Click, Buckle Near tragedy, led to a little girl saving her Mum’s life, and sparking the idea for a life saving project. Isabelle, then 2 years old, called 999 whilst Mum Jo was having a severe allergic reaction and nearly died…

Jo believes any child can replicate this, advocating all parents of young children should teach them this vital life saving skill.

Any carer of young children could have an accident or become incapacitated through illness at home and they would have only young children to assist them. Jo (a recently retired Police Officer) recognises the dangers children are faced with and embarked on a mission to educate children through a story.

Jo’s first book ‘Adventure in an Ambulance’ teaches children how/ when (when not to!) call 999 in a medical emergency. A life saving skill all children should know. Jo has co-written further safety books with her daughter (now 8) who also thrives in the knowledge that she too can help save more lives.

Jo and Isabelle’s new book, ‘Click Click, Buckle Up Quick’ is about car safety and aims to teach young children about the importance of seat belts and car seats. As a parent herself Jo knows only too well the challenges many parents face with children in cars.

! k c Up Qui

Whenever you travel in a car, wear your seat belt every time. Buckling up at the start of every journey is the single most important thing a family can do to stay safe in their car.

No matter how short your journey is - even if it is only around the corner - you still need to buckle up. Why risk your life?

Many parents experience seat belt traumas from determined little children who do not wish to be strapped in their seats! Author Jo Keeling recalls how horrifying it was to see her little escapologist in her rear view mirror whilst trying to maintain concentration driving on a busy road. Negotiating with a 3 year old was somewhat tricky when they had no idea how unsafe this was. Izzy and Ollie’s latest adventure aims to help children understand the importance of in-car safety. Seat belts save lives. It takes seconds to buckle up, why wouldn’t you?

p e t m ition o C !

For your chance to win a copy of “Click Click, Buckle Up Quick!” send your name, address and phone number to competitions@forcespublishing. co.uk or write to Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU. Closing date: Friday 26th Feb 2016

Both books are available from many online retailers and www.izzyandollie.com Please visit the site for more information. Donations from sales of this book will be made to Breast Cancer Now. Contact Jo Keeling at info@izzyandollie.com 43

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We offer a range of essential treatments: Waxing, Facials, Eye Treatments, Make Up, Manicures, Pedicures, Spray Tanning

Monday - Friday: 10am - 2pm. 6pm - 10pm Saturday mornings: 9am - 12pm 33 Fieldfare Way, Royston, SG8 7XR www.the-bees-knees.co.uk Telephone: 01763 247134

MICHELLE CALLAN

PROFESSIONAL HOLISTIC THERAPIST Michelle Callan qualified as a holistic therapist in 2004 and provides a number of techniques in her therapy sessions including:

• Bi-Aura Energy Healing • No Hands Massage • Indian Head Massage • Hot Stones • Ayurvedic Facial (non surgical facelift) www.michellecallan.co.uk • 07976 893374 intershell2002@yahoo.co.uk

Life Regenesis Health Services

offer a new natural and drug-free system of preventa ve and regenera ve healthcare based on the ‘Bioregulatory Medicine’ system.

A new medical system founded by Dr Damir A Shakambet, MD and Dr Tatyana Bosh, MD in 1995, with the inten on to offer a new and drug-free system of preventa ve and regenera ve-healthcare. The therapeu c treatment is wholeperson focused.

Bioregulatory Medicine is an ‘open system’ in the integra on of the principles and prac ce of various health restora ve therapies; Integrated include but not limited to Herbalism, Psychosoma c body works, An -homotoxicology.

To discuss a consulta on and find out more about Life Regenesis Health Services and Bioregulatory Medicine, contact Shiloh Belgar via; Email: LifeRegenesis@gmail.com Website: www.LifeRegenesis.co.uk Phone: 020 3287 8681 Mob: 07849 608 805 FaceBook: LifeRegenesis

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MIDLANDS MILITARY CATCHMENT

At Skeins we can provide you with all your knitting and crochet requirements.

Choose from our selection of wools and yarns from some of the leading spinners such as Sirdar, Debbie Bliss, and West Yorkshire Spinners, plus needles and accessories from Knit Pro.

www.skeins.co.uk Clinical Hypnotherapy & Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner in Reading, Berkshire and surrounding areas Bespoke bridal cakes, vintage style hand painted cakes, cupcakes, occasion cakes and vintage hire service.

E: thesugaredrose@hotmail.co.uk M: 07813458582 The care is in the details, the joy is in the eating & the love is in the baking.

07941 556742 info@thelittlehippieshop.co.uk

www.thelittlehippieshop.co.uk

As a qualified HPD Clinical hypnotherapist and a Neuro Linguistic Practitioner (NLP) who specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation therapy). I can help you make positive permanent changes to your life. My high level of training gives me the ability to use various techniques to help with so many issues. I’m based in Reading, Berkshire and support clients from a wide surrounding area.

• Anxiety • Painful Memories • Bereavement • Phobias • Depression • Insomnia • IBS

• Self Esteem • Trauma • Fertility • PTSD • Relationships • Weight • Pain

FREE 30 minute telephone consultation contact me today to arrange a time.

01189547870 or 07808218871 theresa@tchypnotherapy.co.uk

www.tchypnotherapy.co.uk

AQUARAMICS HANDMADE CERAMICS

BY PAUL BURTON 23 Firs Parade, Matlock Derbyshire DE4 3AS

At The Little Hippie Shop you can browse a beautiful array of ethnic, hippy, and fair-trade gifts.

With our competitive prices and amazing choices, along with our one off, bespoke, recycled wood items all handmade by ourselves.

07875535896

aquaramics@hotmail.co.uk

www.aquaramics.co.uk

Shirewood Furniture Handmade wood furniture and crafts, using recycled timber. Rustic up-cycled handmade gifts and furniture, made to order.

T: 07929882583 E: fiona.hayes2@ntlworld.com

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Hot Flushes?

Don’t Sweat It!

Hot Girls Pearls, the stylish cooling solution for hot flushes, are now available in the UK and Just for Her were lucky enough to give them a go…!

H

ot Girls Pearls are like an ice pack in the form of a gorgeous pearl necklace, which can relieve the sensation of hot flushes, an uncomfortable symptom that is often brought on by the hormonal changes of menopause.

This revolutionary product has been brought to the UK by innovative women’s health company Forme Laboratories, who launched the first UK skin care range for menopausal skin - Stratum C. More about this later!

stashed in the work freezer (reserved normally for ice creams in the Summer!) and it wasn’t long before it made an appearance. After several exclamations of pleasure at the cooling effect the necklace was having, it was decided that the product provided a definite relief for hot flushes. We would definitely recommend this stylish way to keep cool and for those of you that aren’t in to wearing necklaces, a bracelet is also available!

As we mentioned above, Forme Laboratories have also produced a skin care range formulated specifically for menopausal skin. Along with the Hot Girls Pearls, we were sent a sample from the skin care range which included the Stratum C Menopause Repair Serum (RRP £49), the Stratum C Menopause Skin Gentle Cleanser (RRP £19) and the Stratum C Complete 4 Mature Hand Care Cream (RRP £22).

Stratum C products have been scientifically developed, containing a combination of 6 peptides which relax the muscles and tighten the skin using only topical application. The products are clinically proven to reduce deep wrinkle formation by up to 50% in just 4 weeks. What’s not to love?!

“The products feel rich and luxurious, and have left my skin fully hydrated”

When the package arrived at the Just for Her office, we were pleasantly surprised with the ‘necklace’ and had we not known, would have assumed it was a normal piece of costume jewellery. The necklace is stored inside a purse which you then place in the freezer. When you’re on the go, you take the purse and pearls together and the purse acts like a mini-cooler, keeping your pearls chilled until you’re ready to wear them. The idea is to wear the necklace as required, placing it back in the purse between wears to prolong their cooling effects.

Sarah, our Financial Director, was keen to be the ‘official tester’ as she suffers daily from menopausal hot flushes. Not generally a jewellery wearer, Sarah was a little conscious of the necklace size but everyone agreed that it looked lovely and definitely not too big. The purse was

Again, Sarah was our Guinea Pig and at the time of press, had been using the products for 5 weeks. She said “My initial thoughts were that the products were quite pricey, however having used them, I firmly believe that you get what you pay for. The products feel rich and luxurious, and have left my skin fully hydrated. As I have gotten older, my skin is definitely more sensitive and has benefited from the gentleness of these products. Whilst I am not professing that I now look 20 years younger, I do think that my wrinkles have slightly decreased and I will definitely be continuing to use the Stratum C Range.”

All the above products, and more, can be found at www.hotflushstuff.com.

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Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa The award-winning four-star Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa, set in rural Northamptonshire, are offering you the chance to win a One Night Spa Break for Two people , including; *

• Overnight Accommodation • Full English Breakfast • Three Course Dinner • Use of The Day Spa Heat and Ice Experiences • Use of The Spa and The Leisure Club Facilities Whilst on your stay you will unwind and experience the four star deluxe hotel which boasts some truly impressive features; 254 bedrooms, 4 restaurants and The Day Spa, one of the largest Spa’s in the country incorporating the unique Heat and Ice Experiences, with 23 treatments rooms and some of the latest treatments on offer.

In addition, The Leisure Club includes a 19-metre pool, whirlpool spa and gym with the latest equipment.

The award-winning The Day Spa incorporates unique Heat and Ice Experiences, which provides body sensations brought about by dramatic changes in temperature. Facilities include a Sanarium®, Caldarium Hot Room, Aromatherapy Crystal Steam Room, an Ice Cave, Roman Salt Steam, Experience Showers, Foot Spas and Hydrotherapy Pool.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: Which county is Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa located in?

Closing Date 5 February 2016.

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Not a Winner? **Buy a One Night Spa Stay this winter, and receive a COMPLIMENTARY overnight stay on us, simply book online using the promotional code ‘READER15’ Whatever the weather, our hot offer will be sure to warm you up this winter, as you enjoy our award-winning facilities and some well-earned time out…

To book this great offer or a spa day, hotel and spa breaks online, and to sign up for our latest offers, visit www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

*Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability. This prize is non-transferable and non-refundable, and has no cash equivalent

and full prepayment is required at time of booking. This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

This prize is available Sunday - Thursday only.

Guests must be aged 18 years or over. This competition is not open to the employees of Whittlebury Hall and their family members.

Accommodation is based on 2 people sharing a standard room.

Prize to be booked and taken by 31st April 2016 excluding 14th February 2016. £40 single supplement applies.

Heat and Ice Experiences to be taken on day of arrival. Offer applies to new purchases only. Offer: Complimentary second day and night stay is on a bed and breakfast basis only, when purchasing a 1 Night Spa Stay for £99 per person.

Offer valid for bookings taken from 1st October 2015 to 31st March 2016, excluding 14th February 2016.

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The Lazy Girl’s Guide

TO CLEANING

Christmas is well and truly over and we’re starting to think that (maybe!) it’s time to do a touch of spring cleaning...

For those of you, like us, that would rather be spending time doing other things (anything else), then read on for our tips, tricks and cheats.

Got a ‘March Out’ coming up? Don’t stress, we’ve got it covered!

Problem – Unhygienic sponges/cloths!

Solution – We all know that sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for a minute.

Problem – Pen marks on wooden surfaces Solution – Toothpaste! Dab a small amount of toothpaste on a cloth and gently rub away any pen marks on a wooden surface.

Problem – Soap scum/lime scale around your showerhead Solution – Fill a sandwich bag with vinegar and secure it over your showerhead with an elastic band. Leave it overnight and by morning you will be able to wipe off the hard water deposits and soap scum with minimal effort. For taps, soak some kitchen towel in vinegar and place over the top.

Problem – Stickers Solution – Have you peeled off a sticker and it’s left half of it behind?!

Spray it with hairspray and it’ll come right off!

Problem – Dirty blender Solution – How have we never thought of this before? After using your blender, fill it with warm water and washing up liquid and blend.

Voila!

Problem – Dirty bath/shower tray Solution - Next time you want to clean away the grime in your shower/bathtub just cut a grapefruit in half and sprinkle some salt on it.

Get your tub a little wet and pour a bit of salt in it as well. Scrub using the grapefruit halves and rinse for clean citrusy freshness! Adding a few drops of baby oil to the bath water will also prevent bathtub rings.

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Reader’s March Out Tips…

Problem – Carpet stains Solution - Next time you get a horrendous stain on your carpet, fear not! Fill a spray bottle with water and vinegar (2 to 1 ratio). Spray the spot and then lay a damp cloth over it. Run a hot iron (with a steam setting) over the cloth for about 1 minute. If it’s a really bad stain it might take a bit longer but eventually the carpet will be stain free!

Problem – Grease stains Solution - It doesn’t matter where the grease stain is (walls, clothes, etc), this works everywhere! Just cover the stain with chalk and then after a few minutes wipe the chalk away with a moist towel. It’s grease free!

Problem – Mattress odours Jacqueline via Facebook White plimsoll colouring on skirting boards to cover marks.

Alison via Facebook

Save old toothbrushes (handy for getting in nooks and crannies). Remove your army curtains, put in a box and use your own (or in my case, for a few months, tea towels and bed sheets!). Keep on top of that cooker, it will bite you in the ass if you don’t and DO NOT even think about decorating, just live with it as it is as you never know when you’re going elsewhere.

Mary via Facebook Always polish the front door and use tops on the furniture.

Solution - You may have never thought that you could clean your mattress, but you’re wrong! Just fill a spray bottle with vodka…yes, vodka…and spray it lightly across the sleeping surface. After it air dries it will have removed any odours and killed most of the bacteria.

Problem – Oven Solution – Call an oven cleaner! If there’s one job that really needs a professional to be done properly, it’s the oven. Particularly if you’re due a march out inspection!

Problem – Smelly refridgerator Solution – Place a bowl of ground coffee on the top shelf of your refridgerator, over night, to neutralise bad odours.

Problem – Carpet indents Solution – If pieces of furniture have left indents in your carpet, place an ice cube on top. As they melt, the nap of the carpet will begin to

Jean via Facebook Black shoe polish on the underneath of the toilet seats and talcum powder on scrubbed patches on mattresses.

fluff back up, reducing (and eventually removing) the dent.

Problem – Dirty toilet bowl Solutions – Coca Cola! To really deep clean your toilet bowl, pour a can of coca cola down it and leave it to sit over night. Flush it away in the morning and marvel at the difference!

Problem - Household Odours Solution – Place two caps full of vanilla extract in a coffee cup, then place it in the oven at 150C for one hour. Within 20 minutes the whole house smells delicious.

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SOUTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

DIFFICULTY IN CONCEIVING? NAUSEA AND DISCOMFORT DURING PREGNANCY? LESS ENERGY POST BIRTH? WANTING TO FEEL GENERALLY BALANCED AND WELL?

Unique Quilts, Cushions and Fabric Gifts made with Love!

with over 23 years of experience in

Handmade creations for your home, for your kids and for the whole family!

Acupuncture and Happiness Counselling

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a unique personalised gift; choose your design, theme and colour scheme

AMANDA EDWARDS

www.alessandrahandmade.co.uk | info@AlessandraHandmade.co.uk |

Delicious Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate Four Simple Questions that can ca n ch chan an nge g y ou ur li life f… change your life…

… if you said yes to these 4 questions you need to take a serious look at

1. Do you drink coffee?

2. Do you know others who drink coffee?

ORGANO GOLD! 3. Do you want or need more income? diamondbg.organogold.com 4. Do you want the perfect opportunity to be your own boss, choose your own hours and work from home?

please contact

B.Ac, M.B.Ac.C, Rev

For appointments 07703561616 www.awakentoheal.com

Handcrafted items all made individually with love. www.eetsy.coom/uk/shop/bootneckkbabbies twitter.com/am mandannewland3 bootneckkbabbiesplymouth www.stallaandcraftcollectivee.co.ukk • 07928462724 • raachhhanmeg@yahooo.co.uk

BENITA GARDNER T. 07956 355383 E. info@healthygourmetcoffees.com W. www.diamondbg.organogold.com www.incomefromcoffee.com

CARRY ON SEWING

Handmade Gifts & Home Décor

• Personalised Bunting • Quilted Cushions • Bags/Pouches • Quilts www.carryonsewing.co.uk

carry-on-sewing

www.hidarl.co.uk | info@hidarl.co.uk Sylvia Loots 01243 681084 Passionate about Design and Colour – Hand Crafted Home Décor – Creating Something Beautiful and Different

The pioneer of Tarology - the combination of tarot and numerology.

Winner of the alternative therapist award 2015/2016 www.destinyjones.co.uk or www.tarology.co.uk 07983737677 • kathleen@destinyjones.co.uk

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SOUTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

Reiki is a gentle yet powerful hands on healing therapy that relaxes the mind, body and soul. It can be used to relieve stress, trauma, physical and emotional pain or simply for relaxation. Reiki Master Suzanne Postings has over 10 years experience and offers treatments and training to suit your needs. Mobile treatments available.

Suzanne Postings 07724006469 info@hopehealing.co.uk www.hopehealing.co.uk

LustrousArt

Psychic Tarot and Angel Cards

by Kwin

ceramics and jewellery by Linda Gomez Unique handmade and painted ceramic jewellery including broaches, pendants, necklaces with beads on kumihimo braiding; matching bracelets or ear rings. Commissions welcome for individual pieces or for a group to mark that special occasion.

01634 301533 or 07743298212

Please contact via email: lindagomez11@hotmail.com or phone 07958 361 729 with your ideas https://twitter.com/Linda_Gomez_5 http://lindagomez.co.uk/

Kwin Kallu

M Domoney Portrait Artist - www.mdomoney.com -

Marty Knitwear Designs embodies simple elegance Marty designs knitwear with a passion for lacy knits in natural fibres Original collections of timeless fashion scarves and garments

www.martyknitwear.co.uk

T. 07867 977 119 | maureenportraits@gmail.com |

|

Tel: 01732 359749 Email: info@martyknitwear.co.uk

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HOUSE OF FRASER Nautical

Linea Regatta Accessories

Stripy Welly Boot £30

Ships Wheel £40

Square Metal Lanterns Small £50 Large £70

Ceramic Elephant £19.50

Stripe Mug £10

Java Lantern £89

Riya Embellished Cushion in Red £35 Bottle Holder £25

Regatta Cushion £20

Wooden Oar £45 Binoculars £50 60

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Small Glass & Metal Hurricane £19.50

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BHS

Floral

Flower Power Set of 4 Melamine Bowls £12

Carrie Bedding Set From £40

Paris Table Lamp £60

Orange Floral Plate £7 Blue Floral Cup £6

Yellow Printed Floral Cushion£12

Shop the Laser Cut Tealight Holder £9.50, Lasercut Hurricane £17.50, Marrakech Lantern £45, Saharan Lantern £9.50, Java Lantern Light £59, Carrie Lantern £19.50, Pillar Candle £6

Dinner Plates, £15 Set of 4, Side Plates £12 Set of 4, Cups, £12 Set of 4, Bowls, £12 Set of 4, Platter, £15 Set of 2

highstreet...

Westero Lantern £9.50

Vintage Print Rug £59 Elephant Print Cushion £25

Teeth Trinket Box £5

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HOME SENSE Easter

Heart Shaped Wreath With Miniature Eggs

Yellow Rabbit Head

Purple Ceramic Hanging Flower

Easter Egg Plate with Rabbit Some prices not available at time of press

WILKINSON Concrete Candle £4

New Naturals

Love Dinner Set 12 Piece £20

Storage Basket Set of 2 Grey Willow £8 Love Heart Apron £5

Wicker Heart String Lights £7 62 Wire Love Decor Sign £15 Just 4 Her Iss 8 15.indd 62

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Salt & Pepper Birds £6.99

DEBENHAMS Brights Ben Di Lisi Measuring Spoons £5

Embossed Glass Pitcher

Matthew Williamson Picnic Glass £4

Ben Di Lisi Measuring Cup Set £10

Easter Egg Wreath

Ben Di Lisi Striped Oven Glove £15

Cake Stand £6.99

Butterfly By Matthew Williamson Beach Towel £20 Ben De Lisi Letter Rack £15 Ben De Lisi Giraffe Ornament £18

Waffle Throw Chocolate £15

Faux Mongolian Cushion Natural £5

Butterfly By Matthew Williamson Tropical Bedset £50

Butterfly By Matthew Williamson Printed Cushion £25

Candle Jar Cream Vanilla & Coconut £3.00 Just 4 Her Iss 8 15.indd 63

Lido Textured Hi Ball £4 Remember Hanging Plaque £5

Lido Glass Vase £12

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SOUTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

Energy Healthcare Reconnective Healing and The Reconnection Reconnective Healing connects you to the source of all Healing - the Universe. It benefits you physically, mentally, emotionally and or spiritually. It is non- contact.

You might be infirm or super fit, young or elderly, curious or desperate, all who encounter these new frequencies will benefit. Many clients have had some amazing results.

For further information please visit my website below:

www.sharingreconnectivelight.co.uk | www.thereconnection.com | Tel mob: 07740188833 Email: noel.denney@googlemail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/sharingreconnectivelight Normal fees for Reconnective Healing £75.

Most people have between 1 to a maximum of 3 sessions.

333 Euros for The Reconnection. This is once in a lifetime

Patchwork Dreamer is a new exciting web shop in the heart of Cornwall.

We try to bring you something a little bit different from the comfort of your home. We have lots of lovely 100% cotton fabrics, Kona solids in the full spectrum of colours. Roll ups, charm squares and Hexies also from Robert Kaufman plus much more!

Please visit our online store to see our huge range!

www.patchworkdreamer.co.uk

Tel: +44 7473 283 042 Email: info@peonybymarianna.com

www.peonybymarianna.com Bespoke handmade flowers, flower arrangements, statement jewellery and hair accessories made of air dry clay. Wedding bouquets, hair accessories, centerpieces, boutonnieres.

Clay flower making classes and workshops in London.

Radiant Angel Energy

Connecting you with the Angels Angelic Reiki Healing is a beautiful, gentle nurturing experience carried out on a fully clothed body.

It is an effective aid for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing that can be used alongside orthodox medicine and other therapies.

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ suzybonomini

Each healing is unique to the individual and the energy flows to the area that most requires it.

www.radiantangelenergy.co.uk

suzy@redcatknitwear.com

Sale now on, 10% extra discount with this voucher “just4her”

07810 888 310

Trying to conceive and want to optimize your fertility, naturally?

Renew, Rebuild and Rock your life!

De-Stress • Detox • Balance • Healing Body • and Soul Nourish •

Rock on Divas works with women to help manage their lifestyle and improve health by utilising The Thrive Technique ™creating a more balanced approach to health and wellbeing enabling them prepare their body for conception, pregnancy and beyond.

www.rockondivas.com

E-mail: info@rockondivas.com | Phone: 07594 308 860 | Skype: DivasHealthCoach

Stressed want to find ways to live with inner peace Learn the easy way through meditation 1-1 tuition in person or by Skype

www.annettegoldsmith.co.uk Contact me: 020 8224 3295 or 0740 232 1331

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SOUTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

Core Process

Psychotherapy Mindfulness based Senior trainee therapist registered with BACP and UKCP Affordable rates – first session free Bereavement/loss, anxiety, depression, stress, confidence issues...etc Elisabeth Mitchell 07939810333 elisabethmitchell@gmx.com

ARTIST MARY NARDUZZO

London Based

Mary applies her paint in a detailed manner, in a process that creates textured, abstract fluid surfaces.

Mary will happily take on New Commissioned pieces to suit your wall space.

T: 07949441778 E: info@marynarduzzo.com

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THE FORCES PENSION SOCIETY The Forces Pension Society is the independent not-for-profit pension watchdog, fighting for the interests of the Armed Forces and their families…

W

ith three pension schemes now in operation, Armed Forces Pensions have never been more complex. We exist to help our Members through the pension maze and to campaign against injustices in the system as we did when winning the right of all widows to retain their pension on remarriage.

Here the Society describes how the Armed Forces Pension Schemes look after you and your children should the worst happen.

Most couples do not discuss family pension provision – it is not surprising really as it is a complicated subject and awakens feelings about danger, mortality and the fragility of life. The other unsurprising fact is that many Servicemen and women no longer understand what their benefits are because they were transferred to AFPS 15 on 1 April 2015 and have protected benefits in either AFPS 75 or AFPS 05 (both of which are closed to new entrants). This article aims to give an outline of the family benefits offered by each scheme should the Serviceman or woman die whilst still serving and what happens when the family are entitled to benefits from AFPS 15 and protected benefits from one of the closed schemes. Benefits payable if the death occurs after leaving the Service are different and are not dealt with here.

To make sense of this you will need to know which pension scheme your partner belongs to. If you don’t know, ask the question – and this article could be the catalyst for this important conversation.

There are three main Armed Forces Pension Schemes - AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and the new AFPS 15 – all of which require that the member serves for two years in order to qualify for pension benefits.

Those who were transferred to AFPS 15 do not have to repeat the two year qualifying period. Family entitlements may come from any one of them or a combination of two:

• Those who joined before 6 April 2005 will have been on AFPS 75 and, even though there was an Offer to Transfer when AFPS 05 was introduced, most people opted to remain on the earlier scheme; • Those who joined on or after 6 April 2005 will have been AFPS 05 members.

• Those aged 45 or over on 1 April 2012 will have remained on their existing pension scheme.

• Everyone else will have been transferred to the new AFPS 15 pension scheme on 1 April 2015. However, they will have retained the benefits that they acquired on their previous pension scheme up until that date.

So, depending upon your partner’s age, they may have entitlement from either AFPS 75 or AFPS 05 alone, or a combination of either AFPS 75 or AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 benefits, or if they joined after 1 April 2015, AFPS 15 benefits only.

Each scheme features a death-in-service lump sum payable from the scheme the member belongs to at the time of his or her death. For AFPS 75 it is three times pensionable pay and is payable to the spouse or civil partner, or, if there is none, to the children. If there is no one eligible, it is paid to the estate. For AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 the lump sum is four times pensionable pay and it is payable to the person or persons nominated. If no nomination has been made it will be paid to the member’s spouse, civil partner or eligible partner (an unmarried partner who is living with the member and financially dependent or interdependent upon him or her), or, failing that, to the estate. We urge scheme members to nominate as it avoids delay in payment and doubt about the member’s wishes.

Turning now to single scheme eligibility.

This means that your partner did not transfer to AFPS 15 on 1 April 2015 because they met the age criteria. The only thing that all schemes have in common is that the spouse/civil partner pensions are now payable for life (thanks to the success of the Forces Pension Society campaign to achieve this for AFPS 75 spouses and civil partners) and that family benefits are increased annually in line with the increase in the Consumer Prices Index.

Mary Petley, author of the article from FPS’s Pension Advisory Service

AFPS 75 will pay a Short Term Family Pension (STFP) for 91 days if only a spouse or civil partner is eligible. This rises to 182 days if there are eligible children.

The amount of this STFP is equal to the member’s pensionable pay for that period.

After the STFP, the Forces Family Pension (FFP) becomes payable. 50% of member’s pension entitlement is paid to the spouse or civil partner. The remaining 50% is available for distribution between eligible children, with no child receiving more than 25% of the member’s pension entitlement. Where there is no adult beneficiary and the child is not living with a parent or step-parent, 100% of the pension is available for the children with no child receiving more than 1/3rd of the member’s pension entitlement.

An eligible child is a natural child or a child financially dependent upon the member who is: • Under the age of 17; or • Under the age of 23 who is in full time education or vocational training; or • Unable to undertake gainful employment because of physical or mental incapacity, where the incapacity was suffered before age 23.

AFPS 75 normally requires the children to be the children of a marriage but, where the death is during service, exceptionally a natural child born outside of marriage may qualify for a pension.

In AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 the spouse/civil partner or eligible partner are normally entitled to 62.5% of the member’s enhanced pension entitlement, subject to

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certain minimum entitlement. Put simply, the member’s enhanced pension is worked out first, based on a minimum of 20 years’ service for AFPS 05 members or 25 years’ service for AFPS 15 members. The spouse is entitled to 62.5% of that entitlement.

A spouse or civil partner will have a legal document to prove their relationship with the member. However, an eligible partner will have to demonstrate that they meet the criteria. Examples of the financial evidence Veterans UK would need to see could be a joint bank account, joint names on a rent book, evidence of bill sharing or documents showing joint ownership of property. This list is not exhaustive and the point about nomination is an important one as it is a demonstration of financial provision.

The remaining 37.5% is available for distribution between any eligible children.

If an adult’s pension is to be paid, no child may receive more than 25% of the member’s entitlement. Where there is no adult beneficiary and the child is not living with a parent or step parent, 100% of the pension is available for the children with no child receiving more than 1/3rd of the member’s pension entitlement.

An eligible child is a natural child or a child financially dependent upon the member who is:

From AFPS 75 The member’s pension would be worth 58.33% (or 7/12ths – which is the proportion of this total service which was as an AFPS 75 member) of the 12 year service invaliding pension (SIP) code for the year 2020-21.The spouse or civil partner would be eligible for half of the member’s pension entitlement with the remaining 50% available for division between any eligible children. This is the FFP element of AFPS 75 – there is no STFP for the families of those who transferred to AFPS 15 PLUS From AFPS 15 Where benefits are being paid from both AFPS 15 and AFPS 75, the enhancement mentioned earlier in this article is adjusted to take account of the proportion of total service spent in each scheme.The member spent 5/12 of his service in AFPS 15 so his pension is based on actual pension earned plus 5/12 of the number of years by which the pension was to be enhanced.

In this case the enhancement would be worked out by adding the AFPS 75 service to the actual service in order not to double count it.The spouse/civil partner or eligible partner would be entitled to 62.5% of the member’s entitlement with the remaining 37.5% of his entitlement being available for any eligible children.

• Under the age of 18; or • Under the age of 23 who is in full time education or vocational training; or • Unable to undertake gainful employment because of physical or mental incapacity, where the incapacity was suffered before age 23.

Entitlements under both AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 If the 30-year old dies in service with 7 years service as an AFPS 05 member, 5 years service as an AFPS 15 member his family will normally be eligible for the following, again working out the member’s entitlement first.

Where benefits are being paid from both AFPS 15 and AFPS 05, the enhancement is adjusted to take account of the proportion of total service spent in each scheme.

The majority of Servicemen and women are young and will certainly have transferred to AFPS 15. Their ‘old’ scheme benefits have been protected which means, in the event of their death, family benefits will come from more than one pension scheme. I have provided two outline examples to give you an idea of how the member’s combined benefits are calculated.

From AFPS 05 In this case the member’s pension would be calculated on 7 years actual service in AFPS 05 and 7/12 of the 13 years necessary to bring the total up to 20 years benefits.

The spouse/civil partner or eligible partner would be entitled to 62.5% of the member’s entitlement with the remaining 37.5% available for any eligible children.

Entitlements under both AFPS 75 and AFPS 15 rules The following example is based on a 30 year old Sergeant invalided on 1 April 2020 with 7 years service as an AFPS 75 member, 5 years service as an AFPS 15 member. The member's benefits would be worked out as follows:

PLUS From AFPS 15 The member’s benefits would be calculated on the basis of his 5 years membership of AFPS 15 plus the enhancement. The enhancement is the number of years necessary to bring the total up to a total of 25 years, less the 7 years served as an AFPS05 member (so as not to double count

them), then divided by 5/12. In this case the pension would be based on a total of 11.25 years.

The spouse/civil partner or eligible partner would be entitled to 62.5% of the member’s pension entitlement with 37.5% available for any eligible children.

We appreciate that the article is couched in general terms – it has to be – but even if you found the above baffling, there are two important take aways; firstly that each pension scheme makes significant provision for dependants in the event that the worst should occur; secondly such rules are complex – but advice and guidance is readily available.

If you have questions about this or any other aspect of the Armed Forces Pension Schemes, and you are a Member of the Forces Pension Society, you can call the Society’s dedicated help line on 020 7735 0110 or find answers on its web site. If you are not yet a Member, the cost is modest and benefits (in addition to the best available expert advice) include discounts on a range of useful products and services and the assurance that a dedicated organisation, independent of the Government, is there to help you and your partner get more from your pension. For more information, go to www.ForcesPensionSociety.org.

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CITIES A TO Z

Edinburgh Make the most of Edinburgh. Let This is Edinburgh help you plan your experience with a guide to the best places to visit in 48 hours. Trace Edinburgh’s historical links, discover its hidden gems and experience its Scottish culture. This two day itinerary will help you explore the beautiful city and savour the best it has to offer from morning until night.

Day 1…

Morning: EDINBURGH BUS TOUR The foot of the Scott Monument, on Waverley Bridge, is the departure point for the many Edinburgh Bus Tours. A guided bus tour is a great way to see some of the best places to visit and learn about the city’s main tourist attractions. Be sure to hold on to your ticket as some of the tours offer a hop and hop off service if there’s a particular area you wish to spend some more time in. As an alternative, Lothian Buses offer all-day tickets for single or family use.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT The bus tour swings in past Holyrood, home to the Scottish Parliament. Why not alight here and take a moment to view its modern architecture.You can enjoy a free guided tour or, if Parliament is in session, you can observe proceedings from the public gallery.

St Giles’ Cathedral © SurangaSL /Shutterstock.com

Scottish Parliament © Brendan Howard / Shutterstock.com

SCOTT MONUMENT Hop back on the bus and return to your original departure point. One of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks in the heart of Princes Street, the Scott Monument was constructed in 1846 to commemorate Edinburgh born writer Sir Walter Scott, renowned for his historical novels. Rising sharply, the views from its summit overlooking the capital and surrounding countryside are tremendous and well worth the climb – albeit, not for the faint hearted. At 200ft, there are 287 steps to be climbed.

ST GILES’ CATHEDRAL Open all year round, this magnificent crown-spired cathedral on the High Street contains memorials to around 200 distinguished Scots, as well as some incredible stained glass

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St Giles’ Cathedral

windows. Parts of the structure date back to the 12thcentury and you’ll also find Scotland’s chivalric company of Knights, the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, located here too.You can enjoy a welcome rest and light bite in the Cathedral’s café.

Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

Afternoon: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND The superb National Museum of Scotland houses collections celebrating the nation’s culture, history and people. It’s a great way to explore Scottish history, from the primeval age right up to the modern era, and the 360 degree views of Edinburgh from the roof garden are spectacular.

General entry is free although some special exhibitions may have a charge.

GREYFRIARS BOBBY Directly across the road from the National Museum, you’ll find a small statue commemorating one of Edinburgh’s best loved residents – a little Skye terrier known as Greyfriars Bobby. Made famous by numerous books and a Disney film, Bobby faithfully guarded over his owners grave in the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard for fourteen years.

There’s just time for a quick photo with Bobby before the next stop on today’s schedule...

Edinburgh Castle

EDINBURGH CASTLE Edinburgh’s most popular and famous attraction, Edinburgh Castle, dominates the city skyline from the peak of an extinct volcano. An ancient stronghold, it has been home to royalty for hundreds of years including Queen Margaret, 69

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Mary Queen of Scots and James VI. A must for visitors are the Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny and an opportunity to explore the castle’s ancient dungeons.

Crowds gather at 1pm for the shooting of the One o’clock Gun, a tradition dating back to 1861 and takes place every day except Sundays.

Evening: THE STAND Try and get tickets for one of the country’s most iconic comedy clubs – The Stand.

All the top jokers on the circuit have stood behind the microphone here, and with shows every night of the week, you could be chuckling away to comedy legends or catching the next big thing.

GEORGE STREET Home to some of Edinburgh’s trendiest, shops, bars and restaurants, George Street is the perfect spot to indulge in some retail therapy and catch up with friends for drinks, dinner or a light bite. Spoiled for choice, why not dine on fantastic Scottish cuisine at The Printing

Press or The George Street Bar & Grill before sipping a cocktail in one of the area’s many stylish bars, including Tigerlily, Le Monde and Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Bar. CABARET VOLTAIRE Party into the wee small hours at Cabaret Voltaire (website), or Cab Vol as its more commonly known. Home to big name DJs and underground cult favourites, it’s one of the city’s most popular night spots. Straddling two floors, this is a cosy cavern with nooks and crannies situated in Blair Street, with a musical programme featuring the best of underground music, open 7 nights a week.

Day 2 Morning: ARTHUR’S SEAT With amazing views to start your day set off early to enjoy the spectacular vistas from Arthur’s Seat. For walkers, this 251m high extinct volcanic summit is an easy 30 minute

climb from Dunsapie Loch but can be accessed by bike or car for a quick circuit around the steep hillside. A superb location to watch the sun rise but be sure to wrap up warm to make the most of this experience.

PRINCES STREET GARDENS After your early morning exertions, ease yourself back into the pace in with a gentle stroll in Princes Street Gardens. Resting at the foot of Edinburgh Castle this splendid public park divides the Old and the New Town. Take your time to explore the gardens’ seasonal floral displays, monuments and statues. A welcome place to relax and play, it is a hive of activity in the warm Summer months where you can bring a picnic, lie in the sunshine with your favourite book or enjoy a snack or refreshing drink from the outdoor café.

NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND The National Galleries of Scotland reside at the foot of the The Mound. Comprising

the Royal Scottish Academy building and the National Gallery of Scotland these majestic neo-classical buildings were designed by William Henry Playfair. Home to the art works of many old

© Edinburgh panorama from Arthur's Seat

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MULTREES WALK Tucked to the side of St Andrew Square, Multrees Walk plays host to top labels, including Mulberry, Armani and Louis Vuitton. It’s also home to Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols store featuring five floors of luxury supporting the latest trends in clothing, accessories, beauty products, not to mention a food and wine store filled with decadent treats. Boasting a restaurant, brasserie, bar and roof terrace you can take a rest from shopping and relax with a glass of wine or light meal overlooking the square.

Princes Street Gardens

masters they feature Titian, Da Vinci, Raphael and Vermeer, as well as other pre-eminent artists such as Monet, Degas, Constable, Turner and Cezanne.

Open daily, entry is free and exhibitions and events are held on a regular basis. For art enthusiasts why not pay visit to the other three galleries which make up the NGS - the Dean Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art in the West End, and the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH Spend the rest of the morning having a leisurely wander around the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

It’s free to enter, although there is a small charge for the Glasshouses and donations are always appreciated. The Botanics have a huge range of plants and flowers, ever changing throughout the year so no two visits are ever quite the same.

You could spend an entire day soaking up the relaxing surroundings, but try and tear yourself away to explore more of the city centre in the afternoon...

Afternoon: JENNERS How about indulging in a spot of retail therapy this afternoon?

Start your shopping spree in the city’s most famous department store, Jenners. Founded in 1838 and situated across from the Scott Monument, it provides an upmarket shopping experience selling a wide variety of goods from fine fragrances to high fashion and even has an impressive food hall.

WEST END Just a few steps from Princes Street, centred around the colourful, cobbled William Street, lies Edinburgh’s West End - a picturesque haven of independent boutiques, quirky accessory stores, and unique gift shops. Only a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, but away from the hustle and bustle, it’s destination shopping at its best.

Evening: THEATRE SHOW The world-famous Fringe and International Festivals might take place in August, but there are great performances taking place in Edinburgh all year round. Get a flavour of the festival experience by taking

a trip to one of Edinburgh’s many theatres. There’s a host of dedicated venues, including the Playhouse, the largest working theatre in the UK, and the Traverse, which showcases the best new writing, not forgetting the Kings Theatre and Usher Hall - a five star concert hall where some of the very best classical and contemporary artists have performed.

LATE NIGHT DRINKS Round off your evening in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the vibrant Grassmaket. There are plenty of bars to choose from, including popular Scottish beer bar Brew Dog and quirky cocktail bar Dragonfly. Before turning in for the evening, from a vantage point on the North Bridge, enjoy the city in lights with stunning views of some of the sites you have visited today. Beautifully lit up, enjoy the views of the Old and New Town and some of the city’s most famous site, including Edinburgh Castle, Jenners, the Scott Monument, and the National Galleries complex.

Kindly reproduced by permission of www.thisisedinburgh.com

The Victorian Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens

All images from Shutterstock.com

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What I can do for you When life gets on top of us our energy depletes, we start to take up the bad habits we’d rather forget about and a distance deep inside starts to grow.

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p m a

C

“Who’s having a good holiday?” my husband stood in the middle of the tent, his head at a 45 degree angle. It seems tents are not designed for six-foot-plus men and I wondered if after a fortnight his head would ever return to an upright position. I tried to muster a smile as the rain thundered down on the roof of our brand new, ten-man ‘beast’ on its maiden voyage to the North Coast of Cornwall. The sound was deafening - like the white noise used in torture techniques, if you listened too intently you were in danger of losing your mind. Already a week into our holiday and the kids hadn’t mentioned Tango Victor

or p am

To C

to t o n

By Susie Buchanan

once, which was pretty good considering at home they usually beg for it before the breakfast cereals have left the cupboard.

Lip-reading ‘Superman’ on the iPad would be a welcome distraction until the rain stopped, at which point we could pursue a more wholesome activity.

About this time of year, when the days are short, cold and damp, everything I wear is thermal and all I want to do is hibernate, I start to fantasize about warmer weather and in particular, how we’re going to spend our Summer Holiday. The effects of being cooped up over the winter, often not having ventured out of the county since October half-term, gives me a serious case of itchy feet.

But trying to find a holiday which is both child-friendly and within our budget can be a challenge. Reclined on the sofa in the depths of January, steaming mug of cocoa in hand

and slipper-clad feet extended towards a crackling fire, I’d casually suggested we go camping.

“Are you sure? Two weeks?” my husband asked, looking a little nonplussed, “after what happened?” Our last two dabbles in camping had not been entirely successful and since been the subject of many a witty remark. On the first, I only survived one night before ending up in the hotel down the road. The second, I booked a long weekend as a Father’s Day present.

We put the tent up in the rain, spent one miserable night in it, before I pleaded with my husband to take the tent down in the rain the next day, whilst the kids and I dried off in the car. Not the best present I’ve ever given him. So admittedly, my track record was not good.

To my credit, I have camped around Europe in a tent a fraction of the size of ours for two months, albeit in 1994 when I had the advantage of carefree youth on my side. But it still proved I was capable of managing fourteen sleeps - didn’t it? If anything my sense of pride would see me through, I had to show my husband his doubts weren’t justified. Given the choice I would have opted for a holiday with a few more

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creature comforts, but a staycation during peak season, in a cosy cottage nestled in the English countryside, doesn’t come cheap. When you live with a man who is quite at home making himself a den in the woods foraging for his food and two young children who think camping is the greatest adventure in the world, then I didn’t really have a choice. I decided to view the holiday as a kind of boot, or rather, in the case of camping, ‘Croc’ camp. It may be gruelling, hard work, but the positive effects would supersede any negatives.

Camping has become a lot more complicated since 1994, when all I took with me was a rucksack. Now, it seems you’re roughing it if you’re limited to a roof-box. Serious campers take trailers or vans. They set up magnificent habitations on their allotted plot of land with the greatest of ease and are still smiling at the end of it, something that must come from many years of practice. Unless, as I suspect, these happy campers are born with a gene that enables them to reconnect with our nomadic past as easily as inserting a tent peg. Something my DNA is clearly deficient in.

I spent several weeks packing for the trip and many more ordering camping paraphernalia on the internet, so as the last bag was squeezed into our bulging Volvo and my husband mopped his furrowed brow and asked tentatively if that was everything, I could confidently nod my head. Once we finally crossed the border into Cornwall after six hours sitting with a moulting dog between my legs and two disgruntled children who had long lost the motivation to ask if we were nearly there yet, we spent a further three hours setting up camp. At last, with celebratory beer in hand, enjoying the last of the evening sun, I allowed myself a sigh of relief that our humble abode looked reasonably luxurious and to top it off had a view of the sea which was worthy of a place in the travel section.

I had one requirement for this holiday on which I was not prepared to budge - a pitch with electricity. Being warm with a cup of tea at the flick of a switch and a cold bottle of wine at the end of the day was a make or break situation and one my husband was happy to relent on if it meant keeping his wife in a cheerful mood. If anything was going to get me through, it was a few home-from-home adornments; we had a fridge and a field kitchen, shelves, air-beds with fitted sheets, duvets and pillows, inflatable armchairs, a kettle and even a heater. Maybe not ‘real’ camping but for me it was a step in the right direction.

I rather liked my temporary home but as more of the field outside was trodden inside and housekeeping became a challenge beyond even my house-proud capabilities it was glaringly obvious that camping not only required a change in my holiday expectations but also in my personality.

Once my initial impulse to drive around Cornwall in search of a hand-held vacuum had been curbed, I resigned myself to the mess and even became blasé about the large variety of insects who had chosen to share our tent with us. This was a survival exercise and soul-searching retreat rolled into one.

Suddenly the things that used to bother me lost all significance and the weight of everyday worries blew away with the onshore breeze.

Camping is not for the feint hearted nor is it a secluded affair; you have to be prepared to relinquish any sense of privacy. Lying in bed at night I felt like I was sharing it with a whole campsite’s worth of snoring, grunting men.You have to shed all inhibitions when using the communal bathroom, particularly when your seven-year-old starts pointing out your wobbly bits in the shower. Neither is it glamorous. If you think you can keep up a yummy

mummy appearance then forget it. Some campers do appear to effortlessly maintain a level of decorum but not me, my make-up bag got renegaded to a side pocket a few days in and my skirt and pumps got ousted by jogging bottoms and crocs. It makes you change how you do things. I am not a morning person and I would rather not converse with anyone before at least one cup of tea, but when the call of nature beckons along with the dawn chorus and you emerge bleary-eyed from a night of being bounced around on an air-bed by a restless husband, you can bet your groundsheet there will be an eager camper ready to welcome you with a cheery ‘hello’, forcing you into pleasantries before you’ve even rubbed the sleep from your eyes.

Life under canvas is fun and simple.

Nothing is rushed. The kids spent all day riding their bikes around the campsite or kicking a ball with no grumbles of ‘I’m bored, what can I do?’ for two whole weeks.

We spent lazy days on the beach collecting shells or wandering the coastal path.

Cooking outdoors was much less of a chore than in a kitchen at home and even washing up was something the kids were happy to help with. More than eight hours sleep was a rarity but the slower pace of life during the day made up for it. Being allowed to stay up late with their new found friends was a novelty my kids didn’t tire of, although by the end of the holiday, we were all more than ready for our own beds.

For an everything-is-done-at-full-speed, control-freak like me, going camping was a bit like going to rehab. I had no option but to change my ways and slow down. Initially, I was like a pacing tiger in a tent but I soon learned to relax and go with the flow.

I rediscovered a bit of the old me before life stepped up a gear and decided that this time, she was here to stay.

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EAST ANGLIAN GAME & COUNTRY FAIR

The East Anglian Game & Country Fair will take place on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th April 2016, at The Norfolk Showground, Norwich.

There will be lots of new displays including The Royal Signals White Helmets, a team of 25 serving soldiers from the Royal Corps of Signals. The display is a mixture of unique feats of balance, skill and coordination with high impact speed cross over rides. A fire jump, quad jump and reverse riders all make up a stunning main arena display. The 21 rider pyramid stack is a world famous manoeuvre and real crowd pleaser.

Action Sports Tour is a group of 8 guys that have mixed skill, balance, power and aerial styles of Trails Riding, BMX, MTB Dirt Jumping, Free running, Scooter Riding, Flatland BMX and Rollerblading. They give the audience the opportunity to watch crazy tricks that have been seen on the internet, live. Get ready for an awesome time as they introduce you to the thrilling world of Action Sports.

The Mid-Norfolk Gundog Club has been providing its members with training and competitions for 30 years. The Countryside Arena demonstrations illustrate the stages of training for spaniels and retrievers as they are prepared to become working gundogs. Trained gundogs have a vital role in any form of responsibly conducted

game shooting. In the Main Ring, the roles and work of spaniels and retrievers are demonstrated in the context of the shooting field. Mid Norfolk Gun Dog Club will be running the Gun Dog Scurry competitions and a Team Gundog Working Test - a competition for trained gundogs that simulates the problems the dogs will encounter when working. The competition, introduced to the East Anglian Game and Country Fair 3 years ago, is an ‘Open’ standard competition for teams of three experienced dogs and handlers representing clubs and societies from across East Anglia and takes place over both days of the fair.

Expect and enjoy first class work and a keen but friendly competition from some of the best gundogs and handlers in the region.

Whether you are a practicing falconer, nature enthusiast or not the falconry village is sure to keep you entertained. There will be mini events going on all day in the arena, lure swinging competitions and talks on hunting plus several stands to browse along with expert advice from falconers.

If Bear Grylls is your thing then Woodland Ways Bushcraft & Survival will be demonstrating their vast knowledge of bushcraft & survival techniques. There will be opportunities throughout the day to get ‘hands on’ and learn some skills for yourself. They will also be running ‘Pigeon Plucking’ competitions on their stand over the weekend. Find out how quickly you can prepare a pigeon for the table without using a knife.

Norwich Vikings Trials Motorcycle Display will have a range of riders from those on

modern bikes to those who prefer the classic bike and classes for all abilities.

Riders will be taking their bikes around a purpose built obstacle course from old oil drums to large tree trunks. This will all take place within the forestry arena.

Our game fair country kitchen has a great new line up with a variety of cookery workshops and demonstrations taking place over the weekend from a selection of local chefs, including Celebrity Chef Chris Coubrough, Rachel Green, Andy Snowling, Justin Kett and Na Hansell plus many more. The Cookery Theatre is housed in the centre of the busy food hall where you will find a wide variety of exhibitors from Norfolk and across the UK bringing unusual and mouth watering food and drink to the show for our visitors to sample, enjoy and purchase.

There are over 300 shopping stands with a wide variety of products from fashion and footwear to gun makers, eco products, fishing products and home improvements.

Plus craft halls and gift marquees. The main bar will be serving a great selection of local beers and drinks over the weekend.

Children of all ages will be able to take part in countryside activities and meet several

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animals, including alpacas and enjoy donkey rides. Heart Radio will also be at the show with interactive games, free contests and the big Heart games zone.

K9 Aqua Sports© will be holding its ‘K9 Jump Jet©’ Competition, which is the Long Jump for dogs into water, with Heats at 12.00pm (Midday) & 2:30pm on both days (Saturday & Sunday) of the show and the K9 Jump Jet© Finals will be held at 3.30pm on the last day (Sunday) of the show with the top Teams Dogs that have jumped the furthest distance within the 4 Heats Dogs, Fly ball Dogs, Gundogs, Obedience Dogs or even the Families Pet Dog are welcome, as long as they are over 6 months old and healthy. All K9 Jump Jet© Heat Participants will receive a Participant Rosette with Placement Rosettes for Top 6 Teams in each Heat.

Enter your dog into the Dog Agility and Jumping competitions and ‘have a go’ arenas. The Pet Dog Show 1pm Sat & Sun or even the popular Terrier & Lurcher

Show which takes place on Sunday at 11am. This will be a qualifier for all major championships as well as the East Anglian Championship.

Ticket Information: Advance discounted admission tickets are available now online at: www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline number 01263 735 828.

Adult £13.00, Children (5-16 Yrs) £5.00 and Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) £36, (offer valid until midday 18/04/16 and a small booking fee applies). Under 5’s are Free and Car Parking is Free for all.

On the gate prices: Adult £17.00, Children (5-16 Yrs) £6.00, Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) £46, under 5’s are Free and Free Car Parking for all.

Become a member of the show. Priced at a very attractive £26 per adult, £11 per child (5-16 yrs) or £76 for a family (2 adults & 3 children) its great value! Beat the queues with prioritised car parking & admission to the show, plus access into the ringside Members’ enclosure with licensed restaurant run by Hatter Events. Seating is available inside the marquee and bar area or outside overlooking all the main arena displays. Luxury toilets at the member’s enclosure with disabled access and disabled toilets also provided! Membership tickets, gift packages, experience days and lunches are also available to book online at www. ukgamefair.co.uk or call 01263 735828 for more information.

Camping Weekend Tickets - Set in glorious parkland, The Norfolk Showground is a fantastic place to visit and camp for the weekend, conveniently situated just 5 miles from Norwich City centre. Just

bring your Caravan, Camper or Tent and enjoy a fun filled short break in Norfolk with your friends and family! The Norfolk Showground provides excellent camping facilities plus you can enjoy two whole days at one of Norfolk’s most talked about family days out. Well behaved pets are most welcome too. Book early and save money on Camping weekend tickets visit www. ukgamefair.co.uk for prices and full details.

Keep up to date with all the latest game fair news and offers at www.ukgamefair.co.uk Subscribe to our e-newsletter and join us on our social networking sites, or call 01263 735828 for more information.

Win Tickets…!

Join in and ‘have a go’ at a range of country activities from clay shooting with John Bidwell’s High Lodge instructors or enter the 40-bird re-entry shooting competition for men, women and juniors. Fly fishing with the Salmon and Trout Association, ferret racing and archery to paintballing and crossbows. Take a helicopter pleasure flight over the showground, try the air rifle range, hold a bird of prey or take a ride in a Land Rover on the off road 4x4 course.

Just for Her has teamed up with THE EAST ANGLIAN GAME & COUNTRY FAIR to give away 10 family tickets!

To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets email or send a postcard to competitions@forcespublishing. co.uk or Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU with your name, address and phone number.

So what are you waiting for?

Send your entry today!

Closing date: Friday 26th Feb 2016

77

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WALES MILITARY CATCHMENT

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Teifi Counselling Service Normally we each possess the ability to cope with life’s crises, but there are times when something or everything appears overwhelming and we’re in an impossible tangle. Talking to a trained, unbiased counsellor can help tap into your own inner resources, enabling you to find your own coping strategies to untangle those knots.

Adult, children & young people, couples and skype counselling available.

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Most are inspired by vintage and retro styles.

Some are avaliable as patterns/kits.

Email: ledburysbaglady@yahoo.co.uk Ledburys Bag Lady

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Nappy Cakes By Donna Nappy cakes are a great way to say ‘Congratulations’ whilst providing much needed baby essentials without breaking the bank. Filled to the brim with baby products, our nappy cakes come in a number of different shapes and sizes and are designed to fit any budget – big or small!

Luxurious face and body care products made from antioxidant, plant-based ingredients and essential oils.

Order now and get £10 off your first order when you spend £40 with code FHER10 at www.fitzjohnskincare.com Expertly hand blended in the heart of Great Britain.

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ISSUE 8

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ISSUE 8

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