REFORMED PLASTICS

Why you should loose the dead wood and switch to recycled plastic...

The recent rise in wood prices has left people struggling to afford jobs or products which they previously believed were in budget, making us question if this is the best material to use. This is a great time to explore alternative options for your next project and consider not only the short term but also the long term benefits.

Our products are made from recycled plastic, so immediately you will be using a resource which is helping towards the environment - taking waste plastic out of circulation and giving it a new purpose. The material is strong, durable and weather resistant, and it will last over 50 years which means you won’t get a few years down the line and have to replace it, which is often the case with wood products as they can start to look old and tired. On top of that it is maintenance free, therfore you can save the effort spent on sanding and re-varnishing or painting the wooden counterparts.

AS FEATURED ON ITV’S “LOVE YOUR GARDEN” WITH ALAN TITCHMARSH If you compared this to soft wood for example, the average lifespan is between 5 to 10 years, not to mention if used on something like decking it will become naturally slippery and grimy before too long causing it to be a slip hazard – this means it will require regular maintenance, costing not only money but time too! The benefits of switching your choice of materials to our recycled plastic option are vast and well worth the time spent considering them.

WOOD VS PLASTIC

Stain-resistant

NO splinters

NO warping

NO splitting

NO rotting

NO need for treating

NO need for sanding

Child friendly

Anti-slip decking

NO maintenance

WOOD PLASTIC

Average maintenance cost per year £150 £0

Is there a colour choice? Our standard colours are black or brown, however we do produce a range of products in a variety of bright colours including purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, grey and beige! This removes the need for painting and staining. So whatever colour is required... just ask! Does it need to be cleaned? Our products only need to be cleaned after a spillage. The collection of airborne dirt is inevitable and we would recommend a simple spray-down with a hose or brush over every so often to ensure that your purchase is kept in the best condition.

About us All of our products are made from 100% recycled plastic. We manufacture products ourselves and then sell direct to the Domestic and Commercial sector. From concept to completion, our experienced and dedicated team based at our Parley workshop will make it their mission, for you to get the most out of your outdoor space for the best price possible!

Due to the ever increasing importance to recycle and protect the environment, the plastic used is recycled in the UK and is the perfect maintenance free alternative to wood. Our aims are to help rebuild the environment by utilising a commodity which people would otherwise just throw away, turning what most would consider rubbish into a valuable product for everybody. Get set for Christmas! We have a variety of products that make not only a unique gift but will last forever! We have companion sets, benches, planters and much more, which can be customised by choosing from our range of colour options, styles and engravings, making beautifully bespoke gifts for your someone special. Adding engraved names, quotes or any message (space permitting) is sure to make their gift truly memorable.

• Quality Decking, Fencing & Furniture • 100% Recycled Plastic • Can be worked with like wood • Does not rot, split or splinter • Strong, Durable & Weather Resistant • Maintenance Free & lasts over 50 years! • Local, Friendly Family run business • Unique, High Quality Personal Service • Nationwide Delivery

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL 01202 385 751

www.reformedplastics.co.uk sales@reformedplastics.co.uk

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Remoulding the Past, Reshaping the Future, Rebuilding the Environment

Want to attract wildlife to your garden?

Homemade seed bombs could be the answer. And you can get the kids to help!

As pollinating insects start to hunker down during the cooler months, gardeners can be doing their bit now to make sure they are welcomed into their garden during spring.

Beneficial insects including bees and butterflies love the nectar that wildflowers provide – and with this in mind you could get your kids to help you make some seed bombs which will be a magnet for pollinators and provide lashings of colour next year.

Garden expert and podcaster Michael Perry (aka Mr Plant Geek), explains: “Seed bombs – or Tsuchi Dango (‘earth dumplings’) as they were known in ancient Japan – are the perfect way for gardeners of all levels to get a head start on next year’s borders and pots.

“The hard clay protects the precious seeds from harsh winds and hungry wildlife, and together with the compost, provides them with all the nutrients they need to grow wild.”

Alamy/ PA

Alamy/ PA Perry has devised a recipe using a mix of 11 wildflowers, including cowslips, musk mallow, cornflowers, poppies, chamomile and cranesbill geraniums, which will help provide a treasure trove of nectar rich sources for pollinating insects, in support of Rowse’s Hives for Lives (rowsehoney.co.uk/hives-for-lives) programme of vital initiatives to help care for bees.

The wildflowers featured will all grow at different times, providing a dazzling display of colour throughout the summer. Here, Perry offers a step-by-step guide to seed bomb success.

“Once you’ve made them, all you need to do is just throw them and sow them,” he says.

Words by Hannah Stephenson, PA

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Photos credit Rowse/ PA

INGREDIENTS • 5 handfuls of peat-free compost • 4 handfuls of air-dry red clay • 1 handful of native wildflower seeds • A splash of water

You’ll also need: • A mixing bowl • A baking tray • Greaseproof paper 1. Place the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. Place the compost, clay and seeds in a large bowl, ready to mix. Use your hands to combine all of the ingredients together, adding a splash of water if needed. You’re aiming for a thick but mouldable consistency. The seed bombs need to hold their shape, so try to avoid adding too much water at once.

“If you’re making this with your children or grandchildren, this is the mucky part they’ll love the most. It’s a bit like making mud pies,” he enthuses.

2. Roll them into balls. “Once you’ve combined all your ingredients, roll the mixture into little balls. The size is up to you – these ones are slightly larger, but you can make them smaller, similar to the size of a golf ball, if you’d prefer to scatter them over a larger area.”

3. Leave them to dry. Place your seed bombs on greaseproof paper, ready to dry. Use a baking tray if you plan to move them elsewhere. Leave for four to five days, or until they’ve completely hardened

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HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE SEED BOMBS...

(check for soggy bottoms). Placing them out in the sun, or near a source of warmth, will speed up the drying process.

4. Sow, sow, sow! Now it’s time to sow your seed bombs. Wildflowers will bloom well in containers, window boxes and borders– anywhere with a splash of sunshine. Place them just below the surface of the soil for best results. Then let nature do its thing.

Like daffodils, wildflower seeds are best sown in autumn, while the soil is still soft and warm. This gives them time to develop strong roots before the frost kicks in, resulting in bigger, healthier plants.

“By spring, and throughout the summer, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous display of wildflowers, including cornflowers, chamomile and common poppies to name a few. You’ll also be doing your part to help protect our buzzing friends and their pollinating pals by providing them with the nectar nourishment they need to thrive,” he says.

MOTORING NEWS

Mark Slack tells us the latest news on all things motoring.

ALL-NEW DACIA JOGGER

Dacia is bringing its value-for-money approach to the 7-seater family car sector with the launch of the All-New Dacia Jogger.

Adding to the brand’s model line up in the UK, of the Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Duster, the new Jogger offers the key attributes of the length and practicality of an estate car, the spaciousness of an MPV, and the styling and of an SUV.

While the name may make you wonder - Dacia say it embodies the brand’s outdoor spirit, its positive energy and sense of adventure! – Dacia’s reputation is such that you know this is going to be a player and offer excellent value for money.

At launch, the Jogger will be available with two engines, including the brand new TCe 110 turbocharged petrol engine and a LPG TCe 100 Bi-Fuel engine. Joining the range in 2023 will be Dacia’s first hybrid powertrain option.

The All-New Dacia Jogger will be available to pre-order in the UK in November 2021, with first deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2022.

FIRST ALVIS GRABER SUPER COUPÉ BUILD COMPLETED

The first post-war Continuation Series model, a 3.0-litre Graber Super Coupé from the Alvis Car Company, has been finished. After a two-year build, which was delayed by the pandemic, the completion of the brand-new Graber, destined for Japan, represents a major milestone for the company, which is set to ship at least five cars to customers there via Meiji Sangyo, Alvis’ Japanese distributor.

The Graber Super Coupé is one of six models offered in the expanded Alvis’ Continuation Series with both pre and post-war derivatives. Each model is built to a bespoke specification with options such as air conditioning and all six have been developed from original drawings and feature an in-house designed and manufactured six-in-line 3-litre or 4.3-litre engine. This car draws on the new old stocks of chassis and engine blocks, carefully stored by Alvis since the Coventry factory closed in 1967. That’s when all the factory parts and racking were moved to Kenilworth where this Graber Super Coupé was assembled.

Thanks to the addition of fuel injection, a higher compression ratio (9.5:1) and modern digital machining processes resulting in tighter tolerances, the engine produces 172bhp, up 42bhp from the 1960s’ version. Torque also rises to 209 ft / lbs @ 3750 rpm and it can achieve a 0-60 time of 8.9 seconds.

With the Graber Super Coupé now roadtested and ready for shipment, focus shifts to the build of the first Continuation Series Graber Cabriolet, which is also set to be exported to the Far East in 2022 and in parallel, the first Lancefield pre-war 4.3 chassis car.

Prices start at £295,000 for pre-war Continuation Series cars with the Graber Super Coupé starting at £323,000.

ROAD TEST: SUZUKI ACROSS – PERFECT FUSION OF PETROL AND ELECTRIC POWER

Suzuki may not have the clout of larger car makers but has always driven well above its automotive weight. A collaborative link with Toyota has produced Suzuki’s most expensive production car to date; the Across. Priced from £45,599 the Across is a considerable step up the price league by normal Suzuki standards, but does hold the prospect of some conquest sales.

The Across is, with a few subtle tweaks, a RAV4 and in Suzuki form not only feels & drives very premium but is a proper 4x4. A single model hosts one of the best equipped SUVs with standard fare including such things as leather trim, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual zone air conditioning, electronic 4-wheel-drive, high beam assist, keyless entry and start, rear parking camera, reclining rear seats and much more.

Power comes from a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to 134kw electric motor providing hybrid power. Four driving modes offer the option of pure electric, automatic between hybrid and electric, hybrid and battery charge. There’s a claimed pure electric range of 46 miles, I managed 40 miles without any effort at conserving battery power so it’s a particularly impressive and commutable distance.

The fusion between petrol and electric power is impressive too, with easilyselectable modes and an e-CVT automatic transmission that makes for smooth transitions without the usual raised engine revs. Add the self-charge button, which raises the engine revs somewhat, and there’s a surprisingly rapid recharge on the move. Plug-in the Across and it’ll take around six hours to fully charge from a domestic wallbox.

On the road the Across has a very premium feel helped by the smooth and refined progress. A large touchscreen still leaves buttons (hurrah!) for other functions and it’s all very intuitive. A conventional style automatic gear shift lever adds a touch of normality in a world where the standard rules of car conventionality seem to have disappeared. Many hybrids and electric vehicles have lost that conventional look and all too frequently for reasons of style rather than practical substance.

There is plenty of space for passengers and their luggage, not to mention lots of cubby boxes and pockets for your in-car bits-andbobs. With subtle styling tweaks to the front design the Across is a suitably rugged looking SUV, as befits a proper off-road vehicle, and with a high specification more than lives up to the price tag.

ROAD TEST: HONDA CR-V

Honda’s CR-V began production in the mid-nineties and has proved a popular seller for those seeking a higher quality, large SUV. The Honda comes with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol unit that’s mated to a twin electric motor hybrid system that recharges on the move. The system automatically uses the most efficient drive whether electric, hybrid or engine. It’s a perfect compromise for those who see having to plug-in your hybrid or electric car as a bit of a faff.

As one might expect from Honda the CR-V has a classy and quality feel throughout and feels like it will be on the road for decades to come. The CR-V will appeal to buyers who want sensible and spacious transport, and if that sounds a bit boring you would be wrong. True it’s not going to woo buyers of more sporty SUVs but it does feel special.

It’s remarkably spacious and there’s plenty of room for the family to stretch out, not to mention stow all their luggage. It comes with good levels of standard equipment, even on the lead-in model, and includes auto lights and wipers, LED lights, intelligent adaptive cruise control, smart entry and start, climate and all the usual connectivity. The range starts from £31,470 and there are five trim levels with two and four-wheeldrive and just one 2.0-litre engine. As with most electric and hybrid vehicles the transmission system is automatic, however the Honda uses a single fixed-gear ratio creating a direct connection between moving components. While very smooth under hard acceleration – the 2WD version reaches 62 mph in 8.8 seconds so impressive for a low powered large car – it is noisy. This is in direct contrast to lower speed city driving and cruising when the CR-V is very quiet and refined.

On the road it’s a genuinely nice drive and surprisingly nimble, the ergonomics are first class with a touch screen and instruments of excellent clarity. The transmission and drive modes – EV, Econ and Sport - are all switch operated rather than by levers and make for a compact and easy to use driving environment. Likewise gear position is also switch operated for drive, neutral, reverse and park.

The CR-V may be discreet and sensible, as opposed to so many models that are overtly bold and-in-your-face, but that’s the secret of its success. It’s a touch of class and class doesn’t have to announce its presence.

LOTUS CONFIRMS FULL SPECIFICATION AND PRICE OF ALLNEW EMIRA V6 FIRST EDITION

Lotus has confirmed the price and full specification of the all-new Emira V6 First Edition. The car, fully loaded with a host of technology, infotainment and comfort features plus unique badging, costs £75,995.

The price in major European markets has also been released, including in Germany where the car is €95,995. Prices in other international markets, including USA and China, will be released in the coming weeks. Production of the Emira V6 First Edition will start in the spring, with the ‘i4’ four-cylinder First Edition arriving in the autumn.

The Emira is an all-new mid-engine premium sports car that builds on the legacy of the Elise, Exige and Evora, the Emira represents a quantum leap forward for Lotus. The Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis – technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company’s sports car DNA.

Powering the V6 First Edition is the much-loved and Lotus-honed 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, mid-mounted behind the two seats. Developing 400hp, it’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a visible gearchange mechanism and hydraulic power-assisted steering.

The First Edition comes in one of six vibrant paint colours: Seneca Blue – which was seen at the car’s launch in July – plus Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey. More colours will be available during 2022.

ROAD TEST: TOYOTA COROLLA TOURING SPORTS – A CAR FOR ALL REASONS

The term Tourer is used a lot nowadays and essentially means a small estate car. That might seem a bit of a contradiction but most people don’t need the extra space offered by a traditional estate car, they just need that little bit of additional practicality. Whether for family sporting activities, weekends away or that extra load of gardening rubbish to the local tip, the Tourer offers a neat bridge between a normal car and a potentially larger than required SUV or estate.

One of the best Tourers in terms of that additionally little bit of practicality is Toyota’s Corolla. The Corolla name has been a mainstay in Toyota’s sales lists for decades, a slight Auris related intermission apart, and a popular addition to many driveways up and down the country. In its current hybrid guise the range of Corolla Tourers start from £25,755 and ends with my top-line Excel version with 2.0-litre petrol power costing £31,960. There are seven grades within the Touring Sports line up and standard equipment across the board includes adaptive cruise, auto lights, LED headlights, dual zone air conditioning, heated front seats, reversing camera along with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play Android Auto.

Engine choices are 1.8-litre 122hp or 2.0-litre 184hp petrol engines, both mated to automatic transmissions. Toyota’s hybrid system starts the car in EV mode and introduces the petrol engine once moving above what might be termed car park speeds. While cruising the petrol engine and electric motor are used independently according to demand, accelerate and both cut in to provide power, when decelerating the car goes to electric power only.

It’s a clever system that’s not only efficient but manages, unless you’re constantly using full throttle, to use electric power for a surprising amount of driving. As a hybrid it removes range anxiety and makes the Corolla a true car for all journeys, whether long or short.

Inside there’s a feeling of quality in the build and materials with a usefully large touch screen, unusually for a Japanese car pretty intuitive to use, and some buttons. Hurrah! It’s a smooth performer with very decent acceleration and there’s even a vaguely sporting version. The only downside was the darker interior of my test car made one of my passengers feel a little on the claustrophobic side but lighter colours are available. Overall this is an eminently sensible and practical choice on so many levels.

Best Restaurant Award 2021 served up to Westbourne Tandoori

Top Bournemouth Indian restaurant, Westbourne Tandoori, has become the UK’s top Indian restaurant thanks to the coveted Currylife Awards held recently at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Over 1000 guests, represented the country’s finest Indian restaurateurs, attended the gala ceremony hosted by the BBC’s Angela Rippon CBE and Mike Bushell.

The second category on the bill was ‘Best Indian Restaurant 2021’ and it took Westbourne Tandoori owner Anwar by surprise as Westbourne Tandoori was announced as the winner, he humbly received the prestigious award from Angela Rippon on stage – she commented: “It is so wonderful to see such a young owner achieving such incredible standards and support from his customers on a national scale.”

Anwar put the success down to several reasons; the increased support the restaurant has had since the start of 2020 lockdown when he instinctively upscaled his delivery service and looked after the community with a host of offers and discounts for those that needed them most – that coupled with his exceptional chef, local suppliers and slick service be it delivery, take away or eat in. Plus, he has fully refurbished the restaurant, redesigned his menu, and added a new cocktail list to his assets.

As if that was not enough his nominated Dorset hospice care charity, Lewis Manning, benefits each year from the restaurant’s Christmas donations.

Westbourne Tandoori is making its mark on the national Indian dining scene and Anwar hopes not only to expand the existing Westbourne premises but is actively looking for a second venue to spread the success further afield!

Anwar, 24, employs 30 staff in all departments of his restaurant and explicitly says that they are all collectively responsible for this award!

CONTACT

01202 767 142

info@westbournetandoori.com ADDRESS

42 Seamore Road, Westbourne

Bournemouth Dorset BH4 9AS WEBSITE

www.westbournetandoori.com