Telford Lifestyle - Issue 48 March/April 2021

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TELFORD LIFESTYLE HOUSE & HOME | LOCAL NEWS | RECIPES

ISSUE “LIVE LIKE A LOCAL. EAT LIKE A LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL.”

Local Lifestyle, Leisure & Entertainment Magazine with Interesting Content and lots of Local Businesses offering great products & services...

MARCH/APRIL 2021 www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk

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Contents

Issue 48 - March & April 2021 Edition 10 LOCAL NEWS The latest news from Telford and Wrekin Council on what’s going on across the borough over the next few weeks.

28 RECIPES Celebrate Easter by baking a batch of traditional hot cross buns.

34 FASHION TRENDS Denim is about to get a whole lot more relaxed, as it loosens up for Spring/Summer season.

38 HOMESTYLE Islands: The Hot Topic Of The Kitchen World - From Magnet Kitchens.

THE TEAM: Stephan Caear Director

Luke Smith

Sales Manager

Jasmine Bee

58 HEALTH...

Maintaining healthy habits, after your new year’s resolution start to lose momentum...

62 MOTORING Motoring reviewer Syd Taylor test drives the new BMW 420i M Sport Coupe.

Editor

Syd Taylor

Editorial Contributor

Eiln Caear

Editorial Contributor www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk

TO FIND OUT ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEXT EDITION CALL:

01952 787786

DE Publications Limited are proud to support local businesses, although we do not accept responsibility for loss, damage or ommision by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork and editorial is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without prior consent in writing from the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.

INSTAGRAM: DEPublications12345 | FACEBOOK: DEPublicationsLimited | Twitter: @DEPublications

4

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Page 06 - Editors Letter Mar Apr_Full Page Bleed New 20/01/2021 14:27 Page 1

Hello Issue 48 - March & April 2021 Edition Looking forward to better days has become one of our favourite hobbies, but finally it looks as though they may actually be on their way. This year started badly, with another national lockdown and a mutant variant of the virus to contend with. But there was also a glimmer of hope in the form of a vaccine.

We have seen the vaccination roll-out across Telford, with our over 80’s first in line, and then subsequent groups getting the call that they have been waiting for - to go and receive their first dose of the vaccine. It has been important for people to not get carried away, and drop their guard too soon though. We need to keep strong, follow the guidance and wait for it to be safe enough for things to begin opening back up again. Just like The Queen said in her speech way back in the first lockdown - We’ll meet again. But we have to be patient.

As Cabinet Member for Leisure, Libraries and Culture, at Telford and Wrekin Council, it has been hard with the majority of events either cancelled, or moving to a virtual platform. The Leisure Centres and Libraries have been closed and opened, and then closed again, on a number of occasion, and the teams have been redeployed into other roles across the council everything from street champions to overseeing the testing centre at The Place in Oakengates, and now the vaccination roll-out. I want to just say a big thank you to them all, for their hard work, dedication and commitment to making a difference to the residents across our borough. THANK YOU - to all the key workers out there!!!

We can’t wait to be able to begin holding physical events again. I think we are all chomping at the bit to get out and connect with each other. This month we celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March, Mother’s Day on the 14th March and next month it’s Easter!

There will hopefully be sunnier days to enjoy, and there may even be an opportunity to take part in some activities like Easter egg hunts - Fingers Crossed! Whatever the weather - there will definitely be chocolate, which is always a bonus.

Stay safe, and be kind.

Cllr Eileen Callear

www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk INSTAGRAM: DEPublications12345 | FACEBOOK: DEPublicationsLimited | Twitter: @DEPublications

6

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Wakes Advert_Full Page Bleed New 16/02/2021 13:36 Page 1

Martin Kaye Edit_Full Page Bleed New 29/01/2021 14:35 Page 1

At Martin Kaye, individually, our lawyers have over 20 years’ expertise in securing compensation for accident victims.

We deal with a wide variety of claims including accidents which occur in the work place, at school, in supermarkets, on pavements, on our roads and other public places.

We pride ourselves on the level of service we are able to offer. We are a small team of 3 qualified lawyers. From the outset you will be allocated your personal file handler, you will be given their e-mail address and direct dial telephone number. If that person is not available another member of the team will always be pleased to help.

We offer a first free no-obligation interview where we will discuss all the options available to you and answer any queries that you have. Most of our work is conducted on a no win no fee basis which means that if you do not succeed with the claim, you don’t have to pay anything.

The benefits of making a personal injury claim are many. The most obvious benefit is that you will receive money to compensate you for the injuries you have suffered. This type of compensation is called general damages.

In addition to this you can also be reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident. This type of compensation is called special damages.

You may be in need of rehabilitation to assist in your recovery, resulting in you being back on your feet more quickly and back to work sooner. The defendant insurers have a duty to consider funding the costs of any treatment you require, this can include anything from physiotherapy to major operations. The knock on effect

is the burden on your employer is eased and there is less of strain placed on the NHS. If you are unsure whether or not to make a personal injury claim you must remember that you deserve to be compensated for an accident that was not your fault.

Government reform is also pending for Personal Injury Law and people who have had a road traffic accidents will be adversely affected.

It’s important to start you claim as soon as possible. If you have had an accident and are considering making a claim, give Sarah a call on 0800 046 3777.

Below are just some of the testimonials we have received from our many satisfied customers:“The staff are kind, considerate and most helpful. Everything is just perfect” “Alison – thank you so much. I received your correspondence today, and that allowed me to go “phew”!”

“Sarah was so quick to sort this for me. I am very grateful”

If you have had an accident and are considering making a claim, give Sarah a call on 0800 046 3777.

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CCTV for Dawley_Full Page Bleed New 01/02/2021 09:33 Page 1

CCTV now live in Dawley

Cabinet Member for Enforcement at Telford & Wrekin Borough Council - Cllr Richard Overton and Deputy Mayor of Great Dawley Town Council - Cllr Ian Preece

LOCAL NEWS New CCTV system to create a safer and better borough A new, improved and future-proofed CCTV system is beginning to go live in Telford and Wrekin.

It includes upgraded HD and 4k cameras that are fed into a new control room in Oakengates which constantly records them all and where there will also be live monitoring at key times, including during events.

The control room, which will be staffed by volunteers recruited and trained by West Mercia Police is currently receiving feeds from Dawley, Oakengates, Wellington and parts of Telford town centre, including Telford Ice Rink . There are 140 fixed cameras in place capturing high quality video and sound with more to be installed across the rest of the borough. When completed by the end of March 2021, there will be more than 400 fixed cameras connected.

The technology will allow for many more to be added in the future, including mobile cameras wherever and whenever needed. This would include rapid deployment to crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots. Footage will be immediately accessible by police and council officers and can be used as evidence.

Telford & Wrekin Council is investing £200,000 into the scheme and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner is investing £245,000.

Following demonstrations of the new system, Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: “This is a fantastic facility. This control room has the investment but also the quality of

the images that the police can use to deter crime and also stop anti social behaviour.

“This is a magnificent success for our borough. We always pride ourselves on being on the side of our residents and this will help support that approach by reducing criminal activity and adding to community safety; making people feel safe in our borough towns and the town centre.”

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, said: “I am proud to be working in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council to deliver this innovative system. As Commissioner, keeping communities safe is at the heart of my Safer West Mercia Plan which is why I support projects like this.

“Those living and working in Telford should feel reassured that this new technology will aid the police and council in making sure people feel safe, as well as helping to bring criminals to justice.”

Superintendent Jim Baker of West Mercia Police said: “This new facility is a significant upgrade on our previous capability. The quality of images captured by these cameras and received at the control room takes us to the next level.

“We look forward to recruiting and training a number of volunteers from within the community to work in the control room and help keep the borough even safer.”

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Wellington Station

Wellington station awarded £45k grant

LOCAL NEWS Wellington station awarded £45k grant Wellington station has been given a major boost with the news that it has been awarded a £45,000 grant from a newly set up West Midlands Railway customer and communities’ investment fund.

The grant, applied for by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Investment and Business Support Team back in 2020 on behalf of the Friends of Wellington Station, will see significant improvements being made to the station as part of a project named by the Friends ‘Wellington Ways’ Wellington Ways is a practical and visionary project which includes some much needed improvements to the station including new signage, improvements to the steps linking the rail and bus stations, a ‘secret garden’ and refillable water points installed on both platforms.

The secret garden will be created along an area of unused platform – creating a haven for wildlife and biodiversity and a quiet space for passengers and town centre visitors to enjoy.

Telford & Wrekin Council will continue to support the Friends by project managing the scheme on their behalf and Sally Themans of Love Wellington will also continue to support the group.

Cllr David Wright, Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport and Infrastructure said, “This is wonderful news for Wellington Station and a fantastic investment for the town. We hope that with the much needed improvements to the station it will encourage our local residents to use sustainable transport more frequently, visit neighbouring towns and spend more in the local economy. The station changes will also provide a warm welcome to those who may not have visited the area

before, providing a safe and secure gateway for their onward journey”.

Cllr Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council College Ward member, said: “Thanks to the dedicated volunteers from Friends of Wellington Station and West Midlands Rail we will deliver some really practical, tangible improvements for visitors to the station, some of which have been on the ‘to do’ list for a long time”.

Fay Easton, head of community and stakeholder for West Midlands Railway, said: “Putting the railway at the heart of our neighbourhoods is our top priority and we are delighted to be able to support this fantastic project which will make a real difference at Wellington station.

It will make sure that the railway is an inviting and welcoming place for locals and visitors alike”.

The project was selected by West Midlands Railway as part of its inaugural customer and communities improvement fund, with finance provide by the Department for Transport. West Midlands Railway and sister company London Northwestern Railway will invest a total of £1.7million in dozens of community projects across the network in coming months.

Kath Howard of the Friends of Wellington Station, a voluntary group which helps to maintain the station, said: “The station is a key entry point to the town and all that Wellington and the surrounding area has to offer, so this is great news for the town and for the station. The Friends of Wellington Station are thrilled by the news and this will make a huge difference to our work”.

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Page 14 & 15 - Wellington TC_Double Page Editorial 17/02/2021 18:59 Page 1

Love

Wellington Wellington 25th Anniversary Festival

2021 marks 25 years of the Wellington Festival, which started originally as a festival of Wellington’s literary heritage. This is the town that first put the Brontë family in print, educated modern day masters such as Bruce Chatwin and provided a birthplace for Hesba Stretton. Philip Larkin, one of the twentieth century’s greatest literary figures, published his first collection of poetry while working as the town’s librarian.

This year the festival will run from 7-9 May, and the theme will be ‘Wellington - Our Home Town’ and, of course, much of it has to be ‘virtual’.

The events will be available to view on the festival page on the Wellington Town Council website and Facebook page and will cover the visual arts, poetry and storytelling.

for Haygate Ward in Wellington.

On 6 May, local polls will take place including local elections in England and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.

In Wellington there will be an election in the Haygate Ward for the Town Council following the sad passing of Cllr Frank Burns.

To keep everyone safe, COVID-19 restrictions will be in place.

Nomination papers must be submitted to the Elections Team at Telford and Wrekin Council by 4pm Thursday 8 April.

New for this year is the quest to fill the position of ‘Wellington’s Resident Poet’ – in memory of retired Telford College lecturer Stuart Taylor. The post lasts for a year and the winner, who will win a £500 prize, will be expected to compose a minimum of 8 poems during that time to mark significant Wellington or national events.

There are a number of participant events at this year’s festival.

Wellington’s virtual art galley invites contributions of all visual art genres: paintings, drawings, sculptures, pottery and photographs on the festival theme of ‘Wellington - Our Home Town’; a short story competition and the Peggy Harrison schools poetry competition.

To find out more, please visit the Wellington Town Council website: wellington-shropshire.gov.uk

WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL

If you need to contact Wellington Town Council you can do so in the normal way by telephone 01952 567697 by email wellingtontowncouncil@telford.gov.uk

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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL

Page 14 & 15 - Wellington TC_Double Page Editorial 17/02/2021 18:59 Page 2

‘Hope Springs Eternal’ in Wellington

‘Hope Springs Eternal’ is the message behind a campaign, launched by Love Wellington, to lift the spirits of people in Wellington during lockdown as we approach spring.

The idea is to spread a message of hope throughout Wellington as spring approaches, with people decorating windows and front gardens with pompoms, yarn bombs, flower wreaths, cardboard daffodils, posters, flower pots, hanging baskets, and ornaments. Anything arty and crafty that people can create and will bring some joy and raise a smile.

Many Wellington businesses have already got on board with window displays - even though many are closed in the early part of spring – to bring some cheer to the town centre.

The campaign also gives people who are stuck at home something positive and ‘communal’ to get involved in and hopefully it will be good for the whole town to lift our spirits and unite as a community during this difficult time.

AWARDED GRANTS Wellington station has been given a major boost with the

news that it has been awarded two grants from a newly set up West Midlands Railway customer and communities’ investment fund.

The first grant was applied for by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Investment and Business Support Team on behalf of the Friends of Wellington Station and will see significant improvements being made to the station.

The ‘Wellington Ways’ project will include new signage, improvements to the steps linking the rail and bus stations, a ‘secret garden’ and refillable water points installed on both platforms.

The secret garden will be created along an area of unused platform – bringing a haven for wildlife and biodiversity and a quiet space for passengers to enjoy.

The second grant award was made to the Wellington LA21 group with their ‘Walking with Giants’ project which sees the creation of a new visitor trail showcasing the cultural heritage of Wellington and The Wrekin in the worlds of literature, art and music.

WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL

15

Women’s Day

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International

I wanted to take an opportunity to raise a glass, a rather large glass, filled to the top with wine, to International Women’s Day, which is on the 8th March 2021.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.

This year the theme is #ChooseToChallenge - After all the last year was full of challenges, and a challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change.

So let's all choose to challenge. Challenge gender bias and inequality, because together we can help to create an inclusive world. So how will you choose to help forge a gender equal world? Will you Celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias or will you take action for equality? It is a time to celebrate, and champion all women. We have dug deep into our reserves this year, and found courage and strength, which some of us didn’t even know we possessed, over one of the most challenging times in living memory. We have fought our way through a global pandemic, and still managed to support each other at the same time.

Many of us have had to be 24/7 stay-at -home mom’s, while trying to keep everyone safe and well, without any of the benefits of being a stay at home mom - like not having to work or having time to get a haircut now and

again while the kids are at school! Many of us have had to work from home too, at the same time as teaching our children in ‘home school’ and some of us have also had to struggle to run our own businesses. We have found new ways of working. And some of us have reached breaking point, with more stress than we could have ever imagined. It has been like spinning plates in the air, like some kind of well-practiced circus routine. We managed to look calm on the surface, on the never-ending Teams and Zoom meetings, our presentations smooth, like the surface of a pond, but we were flapping around like ducks feet below the surface of the water once the camera went off. I for one have been in awe of some of the women I know and work with. They inspire me every day, with their grit and determination, and still strive to lift others up too, and support others whenever they can.

Women do this well though, it is in their nature to lift one-another up and celebrate each other.

I think we have finally realised we are the stronger sex.

They say behind every successful man, there is a strong woman. But behind every strong woman, there are ten more strong women. Our basic skills of empathy, kindness, resilience and grace really enable us to connect with other people, both in our work life and in our family life. We don’t work in a ‘Man’s World’ any more. We work towards a new way of doing things altogether. Where being vulnerable isn’t a weakness, but a strength. Our new super-power is in being united in our feminism, without the need to be ruthless or power-hungry. So, to all the women out there - Keep being amazing!

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

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Moer’s Day

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14th March 2021

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.

Mother’s Day last year was a bit of a let down. For the first time ever, many of us couldn’t even visit our mom’s due to the first lockdown. So this year, we have everything crossed that we will be able to pay them a visit on their special day.

The best gift for any mother this year will be a hug from her children, and grandchildren once again. But, just in case that isn’t possible - here are some gift ideas to help remind her how much she has been missed - just until that special day arrives....

MOTHER DEAREST

Tori Murphy Totto Stripe apron £70 and monogrammed basket £51 plus embroidery at £2.50 per letter, Smith & Munson tulips direct from the grower from £20, Rex London bevelled mirrors £9.95 each and retro alarm clock £12.95, Jonathan Adler lavender Pop candle £29, Original BTC Hector Pleat table light from £175

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Cash in your attic_Double Page Editorial 08/01/2021 15:41 Page 1

CASH IN THE ATTIC...

CLUELESS BRITS: OnBuy also surveyed 2,023 Brits to see how aware they are of the earning potential that they have laying around their house. It turns out 1 in 3 Brits had no clue they were sitting on a goldmine with 33% of those surveyed owning at least one of the sought after listed items.

Also during lockdown, a significant proportion of people (49%) have braved going through their attics and storage to find new things to sell. In a bid to help people who may be looking to start selling online, Cas Paton, Managing Director at Onbuy provides these three top tips: 1. Price Your Item By Reviewing Similar Listings:

Not sure how much your item is worth or worried about underpricing your item? Check listings for similar items to the ones you are selling to get a rough figure, after that factor in the cost of packaging,delivery and any selling fees.

2. Take Quality Photos To Attract Buyers:

Potential customers want to know exactly what they are buying, so taking high quality photos is important. Use a neutral background so that there are no distractions, also make sure the background is well lit. Taking photos from multiple angles will help buyers with making sure there are no faults to the exterior and provides them with a picture of how the item will arrive.

3. Write A Description:

Detailed

Product

Writing a good product description is crucial, make sure you include details of the item you are trying to sell such as model, make and condition. Do not forget to also include keywords so you can widen your pool of potential buyers.

During the last few months many of us have taken to finding new ways to make money, one of them being selling the things we have stored up in our houses.

But which hidden items in our homes could earn us the most?

Interested in finding out, Onbuy’s collectables department found the items that are in high demand and just how much you could potentially rack in.

10 Things in your house that could sell for up to thousands...

Topping the list are beanie babies which on average go for £2,207. The beanie babies’ craze has been going strong for the last two decades and shows no sign of stopping with over 73,000 monthly searches on Google!

Following in second place are VHS tapes with the average listing going for £2,205. Even though they stopped producing blank tapes in the mid-2000s, there still appears to be high levels of interest with 8,300 Google searches monthly.

Onbuy found that special editions tend to bring in the big bucks, huge franchises such as Star Wars, Disney and The Mummy were amongst the higher selling options.

It is well known that first editions of books can sell for a good amount of money, but how much? According to the findings of OnBuy, an average of £604 each! Among the highest selling first editions were James Bond, Lord of the Flies and many of the Harry Potter books, so if you’re strapped for cash and looking for a quick sale it may be worth parting with some of your favourite reads.

Before Apple iPods, there was the Sony Walkman! While we’ve mostly made the switch from cassette players to online music streaming services like Spotify and Apple music, we tend to keep them for a sense of nostalgia. Turns out keeping our memories stored somewhere pays off as on average Sony Walkmans go for £297. With 120,000 monthly searches this is one of the most searched for items on the list.

Many of us have learnt new skills during lockdown, one of them being how to sew. What better way to put that skill to use than making a quilt and potentially earning £171 for your hard work! Handmade quilts have been gifted to many of us by our nans and mothers, but who knew they were worth so much and are so sought after? With 2,600 monthly Google searches, they are becoming popular.

Completing the list is everyone’s childhood favourite, Furby! This classic toy from 1998 goes for £101 on average. If your furby is limited edition or still in mint condition it may be worth seeing how much you can get for it online, in this case the rarer the better.

Supplied by OnBuy.com

Cash in your attic_Double Page Editorial 08/01/2021 15:41 Page 2

Interesting findings:

1 in 3 are unaware they are sitting on a goldmine at home

Beanie babies top the list of hidden gems in your house that could sell for hundreds with listings on popular marketplaces going for an average of £2,207

Class yourself as a Lego fan? With 3,300,000 monthly searches your vintage sets could be what someone is looking for During lockdown 49% of people have braved going through their attics and storage to find new things to sell

Item: Number of monthly searches in brackets, and how much it sells for on average...

1. Beanie babies (73,000) £2,207 2. VHS Tapes (8,300) £2,205

3. Tiffany lamps (24,400) £997

4. First edition books (2,800) £604 5. Sony walkman (120,000) £297 6. Typewriter (256,000) £210 7. Cereal boxes (4,300) £206

8. Ipod classic (84,000) £189

9. Handmade quilts (2,600) £171 10. Lego (3,300,000) £139 11. Furby (199,000) £101

Image Credit: Linda Bestwick (Wrexham) Collectible Ty Beanie Baby, Fuzz the bear.

Birth date July 23 1998, retired December 23 1999.

CASH IN THE ATTIC

Page 30 & 31 - Education Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 19/02/2021 12:44 Page 1

EDUCATION...

82% of Parents Stumped by Children’s Homework!

• 82% of parents struggle to help children with homework.

• Parents are watching YouTube videos and hiring their own tutors to better help.

• 61% of parents say school curriculum changes too often.

• Physics is the hardest subject to help with – 81% agree.

• CEO and founder of Tutor House, Alex Dyer, shares his thoughts.

The back-to-school transition can be difficult for families. Especially when it comes to homework.

Children will sometimes rely on their parents’ help, but constantly changing curriculums have left many parents insecure in their ability to assist.

22

EDUCATION

Page 30 & 31 - Education Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 19/02/2021 12:44 Page 2

So which subjects do parents find the hardest?

TheKnowledgeAcademy.com surveyed 1,633 British parents of children in secondary school, to reveal which subject they find most difficult to help with.

Alongside the survey, theknowledgeacademy.com consulted the CEO and Founder of Tutor House, Alex Dyer for an exclusive quote.

The results reveal physics is the hardest (81%). In second place is maths (55%), and interestingly, history is the easiest subject according to parents (9%).

Please refer below to see where all subjects placed: 1. Physics (81%) 2. Maths (55%)

3. Chemistry (43%)

4. Economics (37%)

5. Business studies (34%) 6. Biology (31%)

7. English language (28%) 8. Languages (27%)

9. English literature (18%) 10. R.E. (16%)

11. Geography (12%) 12. History (9%)

Further survey results

The Knowledge Academy discovered that a whopping 82% of parents struggle to help their children with homework.

It appears some aren’t interested in becoming better at this either - 63% admit to encouraging their child to ask someone else (or figure it out themselves).

Of those that are interested, the preferred method to improve their ability to help is ‘watching informative YouTube videos’ (66%).

This is followed by hiring a tutor (45%), contacting teachers directly to ask for clarification (36%), teaching yourself some of the subject (23%), asking another parent (18%), taking an online course (16%) and finally researching the current curriculum (9%).

When asked if they would consider hiring a tutor for their child, 27% of parents admitted yes. However, the most common answer was only if they are really struggling (38%). Other responses include no (17%), depends on the price/ease of finding one (10%) and depends on the subject (8%).

Many parents believe that what their children are taught varies too much. When asked “Do you think the school curriculum changes too often?”. 61% said yes, in some areas/subjects. 27% said yes, whilst 12% disagreed.

Finally, parents agree with homework, but to a certain extent. When asked if they think homework is necessary, the majority believe if it is relevant and helps to reinforce what the child has been taught (34%). This is followed by yes (28%), for some subjects (27%), and finally no (11%).

The Knowledge Academy also spoke exclusively with the CEO and founder of Tutor House, Alex Dyer:

“There are a number of reasons why parents find it difficult to help their kids with homework. For starters, communication between schools and parents is often minimal, so they worry about teaching their child the ‘wrong thing’!

And in a world of distracting stimuli, getting children engaged and focused on homework can be a problem. There is also the issue of what the children are learning, and a parent’s ability to keep up with it. Subject matter and methodologies are constantly changing, so they’re always going to be unfamiliar with them!

However, of course, there are benefits to changing the curriculum, particularly if it means an update. The incorporation /introduction of new and more relevant topics are all great reasons to change a curriculum.”

Alex Dyer also provides further insights as to how parents can help:

• Employing a tutor for their child – a personal tutor will help with their homework, but also reinforce knowledge and skills surrounding homework tasks.

• Communicating frequently with the teacher so they can understand what their child is learning and how they might need help.

• Cutting themselves some slack! Your main role, as a parent, is to encourage, motivate and inspire your child. Try to emphasise the enjoyment that can come of learning new things.

• Connecting the things, they are learning at school with the world around them - visiting museums, seeing theatre productions, building something together or even simply reading with your child, can enrich their entire academic experience.

https://www.theknowledge academy.com/ commissioned the data.

EDUCATION

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Page 32 & 33 - UNI Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 19/02/2021 12:45 Page 1

e Pros and Cons of University Education

Has your teen been re-evaluating going to university in the wake of the pandemic? Online tutoring platform MyTutor launches their best advice to further your career and higher education advice after the pandemic. At this time of year, thousands of A-Level students across the country are making decisions on university courses and institutions, and whether university is even right for the next stage of their life. For many, university may not be the right choice. To help pupils with their considerations, MyTutor (https://www.mytutor. co.uk), the UK's leading tutoring platform, have launched a careers ebook.

Why university might be the right choice

• Pupils have the chance to study a subject (or subjects) they’re passionate about; • They can make friends for life;

• They get 3-4 years to try out different career options;

• Long-term, a degree could help financially. In 2019, 66% graduates were employed in high- skilled roles, compared to 24% non-graduates and on average are £115,000 better off than those who do not go to university (after taxes and student loans).

Why university might not be the right choice

• Lots of employers today don’t ask for a degree as a must-have;

• Students can go straight into work, getting a few years ahead of graduates; • No student debt! Universities cost £9000 a year for UK and EU students, which graduates pay off over several decades. On average, students are £40,000 in debt by the time they leave university; • 1 in 5 graduates would be better off financially if they hadn’t gone to university.

If teens are still debating, the UCAS website is a good source of information on some other options that are out there. If students are interested in going to university but are yet to make their mind up, have a look at the list of degree subjects on the same site. There are lots of subjects that are not taught in schools which might spark their passion.

Apprenticeships

Another viable choice to continue learning, without the backdrop of university, is to explore apprenticeship options. MyTutor teamed up with WhiteHat to help teens learn more. An apprenticeship is a great way to combine education and on-the- job learning. They are normally 15-18 months long, during which time an apprentice works full time for a business.

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University Education

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They will spend 20% of their time training as they work to earn a qualification, while earning a salary and applying what they’ve learnt to their day-to-day role. They’ll also meet people they can learn from and make valuable connections in the industry. With an apprenticeship, teens can:

• Study a profession rather than a subject, learning practical skills and knowledge they will use in their career; • Grow a network of professionals from day one;

• Learn with the support of a community of other apprentices; • Learn from people at all stages of their career;

• There is no need to relocate - teens can find one near home if desired; • Hands-on learning, rather than going to lectures.

Bertie Hubbard, Co-Founder and CEO of MyTutor, comments on the need for support through the UCAS process:

“UK parents are increasingly worried about the impact of school closures on their teens’ long-term career prospects. Teens have also missed out on months of UCAS prep with their teachers, and packing the process into the Autumn term gives them less time to get ready than previous cohorts. As a result, many teens fear they’ll have to lower their university choices, and their career ambitions as a result.

At MyTutor, our tutors are subject experts from UK unis and they have up-to-date curriculum and exam knowledge. Being just a few years older they can explain things in a way that teens really understand. In one-to-one lessons they guide teens through the curriculum and train them in exam technique so they can get the best grades in retakes and mocks. And because they’re at university, they also help with UCAS applications and double up as role models and mentors, all in one.”

More information can be read in MyTutor's World of Work ebook, available on the website: https://m.mytutor.co.uk/the-world-of-work-ebook/ University Education

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Garden Edit - Grow Your Own_Double Page Editorial 08/01/2021 10:10 Page 1

How to grow vegetables in containers...

No matter how small your garden space, many vegetables will grow very happily in containers, from shallow bowls to larger pots, window boxes and even hanging baskets. So, you can have fresh tasty vegetables whenever you need them.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Fill a container of your choice with peat free vegetable or multi-purpose compost and water gently. Shallow containers are good for salad crops, while deeper pots work best for root crops like carrots. Hanging baskets and window boxes are ideal for herbs, strawberries or trailing tomatoes.

2. To grow your vegetables from seed, sow them evenly across the surface, cover with a fine layer of compost and add a label. This is the most economical way to grow lots of vegetables.

3. Alternatively, for quicker results, plant ready-to-grow young plants available to buy in pots and strips.

This is a great option for warm growing vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes or chillies or for those with limited space to grow from the seed stage.

4. Keep your planted container under cover in a bright sunny spot protected from the cold, moving outside to a sheltered site when all risk of frost has passed.

5. Water regularly to keep the compost moist. After about six weeks feed weekly with liquid fertiliser to ensure strong and healthy growth.

6. Pick your vegetables when they’re ready, emptying and replanting your containers for an additional late season crop.

A GROWING HEALTHY Hobby With a rising interest in becoming more self-sufficient, many Brits have made the most of extra time at home by taking up gardening as a newfound hobby.

The National Allotment Society, saw a surge in interest in owning an allotment plot, with more than 60 councils reporting big increases in the number of applications to join waiting lists - in some cases up to five-fold*.

How to regrow vegetables from kitchen scraps:

It might surprise you to know that another way you can reduce kitchen waste and help the environment is to regrow some of your veg from the scraps you might usually throw away. It’s easy, fun and kids love to get involved too!

Here are some of our favourites -

- Spring onions and celery are two kitchen staples that are easy to regrow from their root base with a couple of inches of stem attached. Slice across the stems, then stand them root down in a shallow glass of water. When new roots appear, plant them out in the garden to grow on.

- Exotic vegetables such as pak-choi can be re-grown in a shallow dish of water, by keeping the young inner leaves intact with the root base.

- Pot up left-over nobbly sections of ginger root for an exotic pot plant that will be a great talking point.

- For chillies and sweet peppers, collect their seeds and plant them directly into fresh compost. Then leave them to grow on a warm sunny windowsill, watering regularly.

- Re-pot used basil or coriander plants from the supermarket to give them a new lease of life. Or grow new plants from stem cuttings in a jar of water, for a supply of your favourite herbs to use in your cooking.

How to Make Compost from Your Kitchen Waste

It’s easy to recycle your kitchen scraps into rich garden compost that will add a valuable boost to your pots and borders.

Keep a kitchen caddy next to the kitchen sink, where it’s easy to throw in your vegetable and fruit waste, peelings, juicing pulp, coffee grounds and tea-bags (double check they are plastic free first), and crushed eggshells. For convenience line your caddy with a compostable bag, lifting the bag and all its contents out when full, otherwise rinse your caddy thoroughly between fills. Avoid meat or anything dairy as these can soon turn smelly and attract unwanted visitors.

Add the contents to your compost heap or bin, located in a shady corner of the garden. Look to have a garden heap of at least 1m x 1m. Or if your space is limited, a compost bin also works really well, generally open ended at the base to allow earth worms to enter and speed up the process. Alternate with layers of garden waste such as clippings, twigs and leaves to keep it aired, or use unwaxed brown cardboard packaging.

Find out more at www.dobbies.com

GROW YOUR OWN

Garden Edit - Grow Your Own_Double Page Editorial 08/01/2021 10:10 Page 2

Top Tips:

- Sow or plant little and often for a continual supply of tasty veg.

Check your seed packets for the ideal sowing times and temperatures.

- Salad Leaves Cut and Come Again: Ideal for shallower containers, this fast maturing seed mix includes a range of colourful and tasty leaves including Mizuna, salad rocket and Pak Choi. Can be sown all year round, protecting from the cold during the winter months.

Shopping List:

- Vegetable seeds or young plants of your choice - Growing containers

- Good quality peat free vegetable or multi-purpose compost

- Liquid fertiliser such as seaweed extract - Wooden plant labels - Hand trowel

- Watering can

- Gardening gloves

GROW YOUR OWN

New Recipes Layout_Double Page Editorial 01/02/2021 16:01 Page 1

LET’S EAT. Traditional Hot Cross Buns...

Celebrate Easter with a batch of homemade, traditional hot cross buns.

The hot cross bun is a spiced sweet bun, which marks the end of lent. They are usually made with fruit and marked on the top with a cross.

Each part has a meaning, the cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus and the spices represent the spices used to embalm him at his burial.

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RECIPES

THE INGREDIENTS

For the buns: 225ml milk 50g butter, diced, plus extra for serving 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting 50g caster sugar 1 x 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp mixed spice oil, for greasing 150g seedless raisins 75g mixed peel For the crosses and glaze: 100g plain flour 2 tbsp shredless orange marmalade, for glazing (Makes 12)

Interesting fact: In 1592, Queen Elizabeth I decreed that hot cross buns could no longer be sold on any day except for Good Friday, Christmas or for burials, as they were simply too special!

New Recipes Layout_Double Page Editorial 01/02/2021 16:01 Page 2

Recipe

on a floured surface, for 5 mins more. Roll into a ball, flatten slightly, then divide into 12 equal pieces.

STEP 4 Shape each piece of dough into a smooth ball. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with nonstick baking paper, leaving a 35cm gap between each one. Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for about 20 mins, or until a fingertip leaves a small impression in the dough.

STEP 5 Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Mix 100g plain flour with 6 tbsp water to make a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a 5mm round nozzle. Pipe a cross onto each bun, then bake for 20 mins, or until golden with the bases sounding hollow when tapped.

STEP 6 Leave the buns to cool a little on the baking tray. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp shredless orange marmalade in a small pan to make a runny glaze. Dip a pastry brush in the glaze and brush over the surface of each bun.

Method...

STEP 1 Gently heat the milk in a small pan until just below boiling point. Stir 50g diced butter into the hot milk until melted.

Leave to cool for 5 mins, then stir in 2 beaten eggs. Sift 500g strong white bread flour, 50g caster sugar, 7g (1 sachet) fast-action dried yeast, 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp mixed spice into a mixing bowl with a pinch of salt; stir.

Make a well in the centre, then gradually pour in the milk mixture, stirring to form a slightly sticky dough.

STEP 2 Pop the dough onto a floured work surface and knead for 10 mins, or until soft and shiny (the dough should spring back when you press your thumb in). Transfer to an oiled bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Set aside to prove in a warm place for 1 hr, or until doubled in size.

STEP 3 Punch the dough to knock out any air bubbles. Flatten slightly, then scatter 150g raisins and 75g mixed peel into the centre; bring up the sides to enclose the fruit. Knead,

RECIPES

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Easter Ideas_Double Page Editorial 01/02/2021 15:12 Page 1

EASTER IDEAS. Good Friday - 2nd April 2021 & Easter Sunday - 4th April 2021...

There are so many reasons to look forward to Easter this year. Even in ‘normal’ times, it is the long-awaited first Bank Holiday of the year (since New Year’s Day!) which gives four clear days of being able to lie-in - Bliss! And there is chocolate - lots of chocolate! But this year it is even more eagerly anticipated, as we didn’t get to do any of the things we normally do last year, due to the global pandemic, which has been exceptionally hard for everyone.

ORGANISED EGG HUNTS Hopefully, we will be out of lockdown and there may be some organised events across the area that we can enjoy. Most events are outdoors, so fingers crossed Easter egg hunts will be on! You will find many local community centres organise events over Easter, so keep an eye out on their social media pages for updates.

STAY HOME EGG HUNT You may decide to do your own mini egg hunt at home. Just draw a map, and provide some clues as to where the chocolate treasure is hidden. You may want to decorate the garden with some balloons (you could even hide some smarties inside them!) or bunnies and chicks to really get that Easter magic flowing.

MAKE EASTER CARDS There are loads of printable templates online, from bunnies and chicks, to eggs and flowers.

Just print some off and get the kids to colour them in to make their very own Easter cards to send to loved ones. You can buy a card making kit from places like Hobbycraft, which has everything you need in it to make pretty spring Easter cards. Granny & Granddad will love to get one of these after the last year!

MAKE AN EASTER DOOR WREATH I have seen some fabulous Easter door wreaths.

You can really go to town on these, with spring flowers, eggs, chicks and even bunnies jumping through the middle! You can buy a Rattan wreath from Hobbycraft for around £3.50 and they also have loads of decorative items that you can glue on to it, such as a bag of assorted pastel decorative eggs which are just £1 for 36 - which is a bargain. You could add spring flowers like tulips, or daisies - they have pack of 12 wired flowers that are easy to add to a wreath and again are just £1!

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EASTER IDEAS

Easter Ideas_Double Page Editorial 01/02/2021 15:12 Page 2

UNICORNS Decorating eggs is one of those crafts that kids absolutely love to do. You can buy polystyrene eggs to decorate, or you can blow real eggs - the old fashioned way, and paint them with bright colours and patterns.

DECORATING EGGS FOR GROWN-UPS Painting eggs at Easter doesn’t have to just be for the kids. The grownups can really make the most of this tradition, creating some stunning painted eggs that will make pretty decorations which will last the whole year round. I love these blue and white water-colour eggs (the small ones are quail eggs) which look really beautiful and are easy to make. Just let your artistic juices flow!

There are so many crafts and activities that you can try this Easter, for example: Decorate a chocolate egg, make an Easter Hamper, make Easter bunnies or chicks, decorate an Easter cake, make some Hot Crossed Buns (see our recipe on page 28), make an Easter bonnet or table decoration - the list goes on and on... but the main thing is to have fun, and enjoy getting crafty!

Alternatively you could make a unicorn, deers or even rabbits!

Add a play-doh unicorn horn, and a few paper flowers, which you can buy online or from places like Hobbycraft, then draw on some eyes and you have your very own magical unicorn.

Paint an egg box to display them in. You can make all sorts of different animal friends by swapping the horn for some antlers cut out of gold card, to make a deer, or you could cut out some bunny ears to make Easter bunnies! Just have fun and let your imagination run wild!

Whatever you do to celebrate Easter this year, we hope you have a smashing time!

EASTER IDEAS

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Page 32 & 33 - Easter Garden Lights_Double Page Editorial 20/01/2021 16:27 Page 1

EASTER PICNIC...

OUTDOOR STYLING From Lights4fun

Easter bank holiday is the perfect opportunity to make the most of the sunshine and enjoy some quality time outdoors with the family.

Lights4fun has shared their ideal picnic setting and how you can achieve this in your own garden!

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EASTER PICNIC

Page 32 & 33 - Easter Garden Lights_Double Page Editorial 20/01/2021 16:27 Page 2

The perfect picnic

Picnics are a great way to spend your time outside when the weather starts to improve. Choose a relatively large blanket to allow plenty of space, along with some comfy cushions for you to sit on. Lights4fun suggests fresh and simple styling, adding a few minimal touches such as their Outdoor TruGlow® Candles to create a cosy ambience. They are super safe as the LEDs remain cool and there’s no risk of sitting them near fabrics! Delicate little lights are also the perfect finishing touch and Lights4fun’s Warm White Micro Butterflies can be weaved around elements of your picnic arrangement to add an elegant look. All that’s left to do is to settle down with some of your favourite snacks and drinks, before enjoying the afternoon in the sun.

Easter Egg Hunts...

Organise some outside games for the little ones to keep them entertained. You can arrange a family sports day and compete against each other or plan your own Easter egg hunt. Alternatively, if you’re lucky with the weather and it gets really warm, this calls for the paddling pool to be brought out! If you want to continue your activities into the evening, festoon lights are a stylish way to illuminate your space once darkness falls. Lights4fun’s Festival Festoons will create a fun, party feel and are easy to drape above your picnic or outdoor seating area. Each bulb houses a warm white LED, so as the sun sets you'll see your garden glow!

Night-time supper...

Another alternative to an afternoon picnic is a night-time supper outdoors. Lights4fun recommends waiting until it has gone dark to fully enjoy your lights, with their glowing appearance creating an even more magical atmosphere! Their Rattan Bunnies are a charming addition to your alfresco area and are perfectly seasonal, introducing character to your picnic setting instantly. To complete the look, sit a vase of fresh flowers within your space to add even more of a spring feel. Opt for roses, daffodils or tulips, depending on which colours work best with your styling.

Whether you have a lawn, patio or terrace, you can transform your garden into the most inviting set-up for your household to sit and relax together over the Easter break.

EASTER PICNIC

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Page 34 & 35 - Fashion Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 14/01/2021 09:49 Page 1

A NEW TAKE on office wear...

Wide-leg jeans, with a crisp white tee and sharp blazer - finished with some kitten-heel mules, make for a great new take on office wear. I love this Camel Power Blazer £25 from Primark.

Cropped

WIDE LEG The high waist on these cropped wide-leg jeans gives definition, and the wide leg gives comfort to move around. They are perfect with this white body top. Add a belt and heels to this and you’ve got a cool evening look. Or for a casual outfit, just team with some white trainers. Or for the office, pop on a blazer and some mules and you all set. These jeans are a versatile as they come!

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THE STYLE GUIDE

Sustainable Cotton Cropped Wide Leg £15 from Primark

Page 34 & 35 - Fashion Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 14/01/2021 09:49 Page 2

THE STYLE GUIDE

the

style guide

Denim is about to get a whole lot more relaxed, as it loosens up for Spring/Summer season. If you are after a stylish, casual everyday look or something for a relaxed evening out on the town (if those are even a thing this Spring!), relaxed denim is the perfect all-rounder...

Relaxed Denim...

Denim starts to loosen up for this Spring/Summer season, with a distinct ’70s vibe. We will see more wide-legged silhouettes, where jeans are sitting high on the waist, cinched in with a belt, but were loose in the leg for ultimate comfort without sacrificing on style. You don’t have to confine this classic to casual or just-for-the-weekend wear. Why not channel this style for more of an evening feel too? Team with delicate lace tops and daring bold-print jackets for a relaxed evening look. You can even create a new take on office wear by styling wide-leg jeans with a boyfriend shirt and some slides.

Boyfriend Shirts...

The boyfriend shirt is one of the most classic items in any wardrobe. This year though, the boyfriend shirt gets a bit more of a feminine spin, by using bright shocking-pink hues, by adding a touch of delicate lace or by fitting them at the waist. It is an ideal layering piece, which is absolutely timeless, so you will buy now, and wear forever. Let’s face it, a good shirt will never get old.

Sustainable Cotton Blue Denim Wash Mom Jeans £15 from Primark

JUST

BOYFRIEND

Relax...

Shirts...

A simple vest top and a pair of 90s, Long Length Jeans tag-team, creates a relaxed style with an edge. Plus, these ones are made with sustainable Organic Cotton £17 from Primark

This smart, yet relaxed look is great for creating a new take on office wear. Team a boyfriend shirt with these Sustainable Cotton Vintage Straight Leg jeans, £15 from Primark

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Page 28 & 29 - Home Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 19/02/2021 12:54 Page 1

STAY HOME...

There is something about a navy blue room that’s just so incredibly classy, cozy and timeless. Navy blue is a soothing color that’s perfect for relaxing you. It’s the color of the night sky and the deepest ocean. It’s also an incredibly versatile color that can suit just about any aesthetic. It’s perfect for traditional decor, natural and easy for to coastal vibes, beautiful and rich for minimalist looks, and totally luxurious for eclectic or art deco styles.

This dining space screams opulence, with strokable velvet pick and mix seats, and an elegant black table.You can usually buy dining chairs in sets of two, so it's easy to curate your own unique look. Choose a style you like and pick coordinating colours for a statement seating arrangement.

These ones from Argos are fabulous!

1. Elevated Dining...

Argos Home Pair of Midback Velvet Dining Chairs - £120 www.argos.co.uk

2. Navy Tableware Make an elegant statement at your dining table with these Curve plates and bowls from LIND DNA. Crafted from durable stoneware, its organic shape is perfectly suited for both everyday use and fine dining. Finished with a matt look, it will add instant interest to your dining table and looks fantastic when paired with gold cutlery. (Pictured below) Available at www.amara.com

3. Fluffy Stools I love these Scandinavian style stools with a removable real British sheepskin cover in Navy. A handcrafted solid steel trimetric frame which is then powder coated Grey giving a clean, contemporary feel. Made in the UK and upholstered at Baa Stool HQ in Wales. They have loads of different products, just visit the website - www.baastool.co.uk

Emma J Shipley Soho Accent Chair - Zambezi Navy from AMARA Trellis Rug - Argos Home Grey Baamuda Triangle in Navy £199 from Baastool

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Stay Home

Page 28 & 29 - Home Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 19/02/2021 12:54 Page 2

Top Left: Ananda Rug, Ivory, Navy, £100, Medium Vase, Grey/Black, £40, Vase tall Blue, £100, LED Task Lamp, white, £75, Dining Bench, Solid Walnut Oak, £399, Balance Throw, Multi, £60 - All From John Lewis

Images | Top Right: Regency four seater sofa £900 - Oak Furniture Land | Bottom Right: Shay Console Table £250 Oak Furniture | Bottom Left: Boodles £2799 SOFOLOGY

Stay Home

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Page 38 & 39 - Home Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 08/01/2021 15:36 Page 1

STAY HOME...

ISLANDS: THE HOT TOPIC OF THE KITCHEN WORLD From Magnet

Planning your perfect kitchen is a huge task and finding out what design suits your family’s lifestyle is very important.

An addition of an island in large, spacious kitchens is becoming increasingly popular in customer’s design plans, as they completely transform your kitchen’s layout and provide added benefits such as; more storage space, extra seating and an additional food preparation worktop. Check out Magnet’s guide to the kitchen islands that are setting the trend this season.

Free-Standing

A Pop Of Colour

A contrast of colour in the home has never been more on-trend. Taking the brave step to inject colour into your kitchen can be a challenge, especially when adding it to the focal point of the room. Make a bold statement with an intense colour island against a nude tone wall, your kitchen’s centerpiece will be sure to stand out. The Dunham kitchen in particular catches your eye with its Pass the Merlot island paired with Truffle Oil cabinets, complimenting each other beautifully.

A free-standing island is a classic, timeless design. It is accessible from any angle, so you can host family games nights, load up with cocktails for a couples’ night in or keep it free to create a more open spaced feel. A free-standing island is perfect for quality family time, as it enables plenty of room to bond with your nearest and dearest.

An addition of an island in your design plans offers the opportunity for it to be turned into a breakfast bar or dining table, like the example shown in the Tatton Graphite range. This provides you with the space for the whole family to congregate around and catch up after a long day.

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Stay Home

Page 38 & 39 - Home Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 08/01/2021 15:37 Page 2

You can either go brave with bright colours or stick to a more subtle change, designing the island to be a touch lighter or darker than the rest of the kitchen’s units. The Tribeca kitchen demonstrates this perfectly, with a Graphite Grey island coupled with Dove Grey cabinets. With so many colours and tones to pick from, you can easily find the combination that fits your sense of style with Magnet’s range of both brave and subtle colours. Head to Magnet’s Virtual Kitchen Design Service and you can see for yourself how easy it is to create a colour palette to suit your family home.

A Tech Triumph

A sleek, modern kitchen island is an ideal place to incorporate smart designs and appliances, allowing you to create your own tech hub.

Due to the current climate, more people are working from home and kitchen islands have been turned into an office space. An addition of hidden power sockets is a clutterfree solution to ensure your tech devices are always charged up and ready to go without a wire in sight.

Magnet’s Integra LED Profile is a lovely finishing touch to your island. Incorporating these profile lights add a contemporary, modern feel to the kitchen and highlight the centre hub of the home.

An inclusion of a kitchen island offers you the practicality and valuable extra storage and worktop space that is sought after by many families. During these cold, dark nights there’s nothing better than coming home to your family and relaxing at the end of the day in a warm and welcoming kitchen. Magnet offers a wide range of designs and options that will guarantee your taste, lifestyle and needs are met. An island ties a kitchen together and is a place where everybody gathers, truly making the kitchen the heart and hub of an everyday home.

Subtle And Seamless

To create a subtle and seamless feel, incorporating a handleless design will give your island a cool and contemporary touch. The inclusion of cupboards and drawers that have integrated handles will create an aesthetically pleasing island that will help open up your kitchen and make the room feel more spacious.

Magnet’s Integra Dunham kitchen island is designed with a streamlined, smooth matte painted finish, adding a modernised touch to the traditional shaker style kitchen.

The clutter-free, striking design combines functionality with fashion, turning your kitchen design into a modern marvel.

Stay Home

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Page 40 - Book Page_Double Page Editorial 21/01/2021 14:18 Page 1

BOOK WORMS New Book Promotes Importance of Unlocking Personal Potential During Challenging Times...

AWARD-WINNING ACTIVIST AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER SHULAMITE EZECHI IS BRINGING HER INSIGHT AND EXPERTISE INTO THE HOMES OF AVID READERS ACROSS THE WORLD WITH HER NEW SELF HELP GUIDE.

‘Unveiling Your True Potential’ is an examination of the power of self discovery, offering practical advice that empowers all readers to discover more about themselves and act upon the desire to be more, to do more, and achieve more during times of uncertainty and worry.

Shulamite has won many awards including ‘the Inspiration to the BME Community award’, conferred to her at the Glasgow City Chambers and is an ambassador for Migrant Voice UK. Shulamite is already known for her efforts inspiring social and personal change.

Now, with her latest offering, Shulamite is inviting readers to share in her own story, using her personal experiences of challenging and unsettling times to promote the importance of self discovery, reinvention, and breaking down fear barriers.

‘Unveiling Your True Potential’ provides a simple, 5-step plan for self improvement, focusing on identifying a new path, examining the challenges that lie ahead, understanding the landscape of change, building self confidence, and embarking on a journey of self discovery. The book has already received a number of prestigious endorsements from the likes of Learning Surface Founder Rhymes Raheem Gbajiamilah, researcher Dr. Uchenna Ilo, and Pastor B N Adenyyi of the Grace of God Mission.

“Unveiling Your True Potential is rooted in the fact that life isn’t consistent, or flat, or stable, it’s filled with highs and lows, and that's something that i think every single one of us has come to realise this year,” says Shulamite Ezechi, author and Founder of ANYiSO, a Glasgow-based non-profit organisation for women and young people. “As part of my work with women through ANYiSO, i've seen firsthand how women especially have been impacted by the pandemic, for example more women have been furloughed than men, and it’s really made me realise that there’s never been a more important time to ensure we all have the support resources they need to navigate uncertainty.

“I hope to help anyone struggling through life's lows to realise that the bad times don’t define them; bad times are drivers of change, they empower us all to become the people we really want to be.”

Shulamite’s new book has been released at a time when many people all across the world are feeling unsure about

40 Book Worms

About The Author:

Shulamite Ezechi is the Founder and CEO of ANYiSO a registered charity in the UK that works with women and young people. She is passionate about helping women, young people, refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, and is driven by the inspiration of others and by her own personal experiences.

A proud feminist, advocate, and activist for women’s rights, Shulamite has served as a member of the Refugee Women’s Strategy Group and has been involved in the review of many policies that affect ethnic minority women and young people. She is on a team of the First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls, and has also served as a board member for North Glasgow Community Food Initiative in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Shulamite has a certificate and license for Teaching from the Teacher’s Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and taught in both primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. She obtained her National Certificate of Education (NCE) from Federal College of Education Technical, Umunze, Nigeria. Shulamite holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Imo State University, Nigeria and a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and Health from Glasgow Caledonian University, UK. She holds a second masters degree in Policy Analysis and Global Governance obtained from University of West of Scotland. themselves, and about their futures.

69% of UK adults feel that their mental health has been negatively affected by the global health crisis, and the majority are worried about their future, according to research by The Health Foundation.

Additionally, the Office for National Statistics reports that 1 in 5 UK adults have experienced feelings of depression during the pandemic. ‘Unveiling Your True Potential’ is the ultimate proof that life's lows do not have to mean the end of the road, with Shulamite’s own personal tale acting as solid proof that it is possible to emerge from life’s lowest points stronger and more resilient than ever.

‘Unveiling Your True Potential’ is available now in paperback and for Kindle.

By the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08L5CRLCM To find out more about Shulamite Ezechi, visit www.shulamiteezechi.com

Page 41 - Puzzle Page new layout_Full Page Bleed New 01/02/2021 14:46 Page 1

PUZZLE TIME...

Quick Crossword & Easy Sudoku Perfect for Coffee Breaks!

Clues Across

r Just fo fun...

easy

Answers & Solutions are available on our websites: www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk www.shrewsburylifestyle.co.uk www.hypemagazine.co.uk

SUDOKU

There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

1. Administrative shake-up (14) 9. Type of onion (7) 10. Involuntary spasm (8) 12. Roman poet (4) 13. Liquor (7) 14. Sparkling wine (4) 17. Adage (6) 18. Unremitting (10) 20. South American capital (8) 22. Large airship (8) 24. Means of support (10) 25. Large bottle (6) 28. Fold (4) 29. Put together (7) 30. Exhaust (4) 33. Tirade (8) 34. US Congress building (7) 35. English 19th century novelist (7,7)

Clues Down

1. Onus (14) 2. State of being impervious to light (7) 3. Ball game (4) 4. Provoke (6) 5. Educated (8) 6. Instrument for measuring speed (10) 7. Woodwind instrument (4) 8. Thin porcelain (8) 11. Uncomfortable prickling feeling (4,3,7) 15. Allow (7) 16. Paint in dots (7) 19. Food trader (10) 21. Dutch liqueur (8) 23. Entire (8) 26. Cartilage (7) 27. Cut in thin sections (6) 31. Confound (4) 32. Long film (4)

CROSSWORD & SUDOKU

41

Wedding Timeline Edit_Double Page Editorial 08/01/2021 12:25 Page 1

What To Do And When To Do It...

Your WEDDING BEAUTY Timeline:

Your wedding morning...

And the day of your wedding?

'Stay far away from any injectable treatments or anything that can cause downtime or swelling,' warns Dr Tailor. 'Instead try a Dermalux (LED Light Therapy) treatment to achieve a perfect glow and kill any bacteria which could give rise to a pre-wedding breakout. Make sure that you get your beauty sleep, keep hydrated, smile and enjoy the day.'

According to Realself, first comes love, then comes...Botox, waxing appointments, manicures, medical-grade facials, fat-freezing and maybe a laser hair-removal! Thanks to the global pandemic, most weddings have been postponed by around a year, giving brides at least another ten months to get themselves wedding-ready. Not sure how to make the most of that extra time to perfect body and your skin? Our experts reveal how…..

Wedding-Related Cosmetic Procedures Increase 30% on RealSelf and Botox is top of the list. New data released by RealSelf, the leading online resource to learn about cosmetic treatments and connect with plastic surgeons, shows that more people are getting cosmetic procedures as part of their wedding preparation, with wedding-related reviews up 30 percent in 2019.

And reviews for nonsurgical treatments in particular are on the rise, accounting for 46 percent of all wedding-related reviews posted on RealSelf over the past 12 months.

Botox (No. 2) and CoolSculpting (No. 5) made the list for the second year in a row, with Botox moving up two spots on the list and a tried-and-true classic, the medical facial.

The fact is that how high- or low-maintenance you want to be about your wedding prep is as personal a choice as whom you choose to marry. But if you decide to go all in, the experts say that it’s just as important to plan ahead for any non-surgical treatments as it is to book your venue in advance.

10 months before your wedding...

Some treatments take time to get the best results and so for these, it’s best to start early.

Cosmetic doctor, Dr Rekha Tailor (www.healthandaesthetics. co.uk) suggests looking at fat-reduction treatments like Cool-Sculpting between twelve and ten months prior to a wedding to allow plenty of time for optimal results for fittings and dress alterations.

Treatments like Ultherapy too should also be planned in early.

“Ultherapy is a nonsurgical alternative to a facelift,” explains Dr Tailor. “It’s used to counteract signs of aging like skin sagging and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest as well as drooping of the brow area. The technology stimulates collagen production, which creates a more youthful look overall.”

She also warns that other treatments which require a collagen response too need to be planned in early - schedule a full course and allow time to see the best results.

9 months before your wedding

‘Maskne’ is one of the most prevalent concerns of post-lockdown skin, warns Dr Paris Acharya, leading cosmetic doctor based on Harley Street. ‘Increased occlusion and pressure points from the masks we’re wearing all day is manifesting as acne flare-ups.’

The problem is two-fold; with the first issue being that you’re physically covering the skin and creating a warm, moist environment that is leading to increased skin congestion and acne. Secondly, this “maskne” can very well be due to the saliva and nasal secretions likely be living on your mask if you haven’t washed it in a while.

‘The key to treating acne at home is controlling the oil production and removing dead skin,’ explains Dr Acharya. ‘Ensuring you have a skincare range that is oil free and avoiding certain serums is essential as the oil in those products will only exacerbate acne. Look for cleansers which are foaming yet gentle as these will reduce oil production and ensure that your makeup is non-comedogenic as this will allow your skin to breathe and help prevent blocked pores.’

Since the pandemic it many of us are also noticing a distinct lack of glow after months of being stuck at home trying to take on any number of tasks.

‘The answer to persistent dryness and a lack of glow is to exfoliate, says cosmetic doctor, Dr Paris Acharya. “The first step in your skincare regimen should be to cleanse your face with an appropriate cleanser for your skin type, I recommend double cleansing to ensure a truly effective clean. For ingredients to properly absorb into your skin as you continue on with your regimen, you need to ensure that your skin is free of oil and dirt.

Wedding Timeline Edit_Double Page Editorial 08/01/2021 12:25 Page 2

Spending just ten minutes in total on cleansing your face will help reduce oily build-up and acne break outs. This is particularly important at this time of year when people are applying sun lotion and spending more time outside exposed to external factors such as pollution, pollen and dust.

‘Serums should be the next step within your regimen. Serums are essentially extremely concentrated nutrients, hydrators, and antioxidants. Applying a vitamin C serum such as PCA Skin's C&E Advanced in the morning will help to minimise pigmentation, repair skin cells that have undergone oxidative damage and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.’

According to Dr Acharya, retinol is of huge importance when it comes to giving us our glow back. ‘Retinols exfoliate the skin by increasing cellular turnover and help to stimulate collagen production revealing healthy fresh skin underneath,’ she says.

‘They also reduce pigmentation, fight free radicals and thicken the deeper layers of the skin reducing wrinkle formation. I prefer the Intensive Brightening Treatment from PCA Skin.

8 months before your wedding

According to Dr Tailor, eight months before your wedding is a good time to look into laser hair removal. 'It's a good time to look at laser hair removal,' says Dr Tailor. Laser hair removal is a great treatment for body-hair conscious brides and yields great results on darker hair. 'Hair removal works by sending the light of a laser through the pigment in the hair. This light then converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle and hair bulb.'

You will need 6 weeks between treatments. Other treatments that require time to get the best results are laser treatments for broken veins and pigmentation.

6 months before your wedding

Botox and fillers are a popular choice for modern brides. "If it is your first time getting either of these treatments- ideally 6 months would be the minimum amount of time needed,” explains Dr Tailor. 'On average Botox lasts 3 months so you would be on your second treatment by the week of the wedding; by this time your doctor will know exactly what strength you will need for it to have the desired effect. Dermal filler tends to last between 12 – 18 months and by doing the treatment 6 months before your big day, you can make sure that you are completely happy with the results.’

In addition to this, brides-to-be wishing to reduce cellulite before their big day might opt for the Thermage FLX. The Thermage FLX is a non-invasive high-powered radio frequency treatment that targets the tissue under the skin, called the dermis. It’s a one-off treatment that takes just 30-90 minutes and costs from approximately £1600 (depending on the treatment area needed) and helps to tighten skin by shrinking the collagen and encouraging new collagen to start growing, thus removing irregularities and cellulite. What makes this treatment different to the many other radio frequency devices on the market is that the output is high so that you only need one treatment to see results and the results continue to improve over time.

‘The anterior of the thigh is very popular area for this treatment, largely because it’s an area that people see themselves. The posterior, or back of the thigh, is the typical area for cellulite, even if you’re slim, and so it’s very popular there too,’ explains Dr Angelica Kavouni www.cosmetic-solutions.co.uk. ‘I treat a lot of patients who have lost weight and exercise regularly but can’t do anything to shift the orange-peel like effect of the cellulite or loose skin, and often this is because it’s a genetic thing. This is where the Thermage FLX is a good solution because it helps your skin to regain some of the tightness that it’s lost. It can be applied

to any skin types including Asian and black and apart from some minor redness, swelling or sensitivity for 24-48 hours afterwards there are no negative side-effects.

Patients may notice a difference to the skin immediately afterwards but over the course of weeks there will also be a gradual improvement. The treatment lasts for approximately 12 years.'

Stats suggest that over 90% of patients who have the treatment will see visible results and the treatment takes minutes and is non-invasive with no down time.

3 months before your wedding

Your hands will be on show a lot on your wedding day. 'As with all of the skin, we would recommend that brides to be start prep work on the hands, up to three months before the big day.

Treatments like Mesotherapy in the hands can give a lovely, youthful result, says Dr Tailor.

Book a medical-grade facial tailored to your skin. 'Medical-grade facials like the Hydrafacial are key when it comes to moisturising dry skin, treating acne-prone skin, diminishing fine lines and getting rid of pigmentation. There are six key steps involved and this is far from a ‘cucumber on the eyes’ experience. This will clean out your skin and prep it ready for your big day.

'Treatments like this come with no downtime so you can book a course of them right up until your wedding.'

1 month before your wedding

Maintain your medical facials alongside LED light therapy for a radiant glow on the big day. Build the body from the inside out with Skinade, a collagen based drink loved by Victoria Beckham and Radara eye-patches to further improve any lines around the eyes.

Page 44 - Lashes_Full Page Bleed New 13/01/2021 09:42 Page 1

How to look after your

Eye Lashes... according to an Ophthalmic surgeon

Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic surgeon, Dr Elizabeth Hawkes sheds some light on these little hairs...

Eyelashes are a good way of alerting us to potential health problems and as a result there are various things to look out for with our lashes:

Crusty eyelashes

'If you find that your eyelashes have a crusty build up this could be a sign of blepharitis, or lid margin inflammation,' says consultant oculoplastic surgeon, Dr Elizabeth Hawkes. 'This condition affects the oil secretions to the ocular surface and causes the eye to water.

It can also be a sign of eyelash mites, demodex, which become more common the older you get. They can also cause itching too.'

Inflamed eyelids

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eyelids, secondary to an overgrowth of bacteria on the Eyelashes losing colour eyelashes and eyelids. 'The meibomian glands are situated in the upper and lower 'The medical term for this is Poliosis and eyelids in close proximity to the eyelashes. sometimes it’s nothing to worry about, DID YOU KNOW? They secrete lipid which is the outer layer however in some cases it can be a sign of * Eyelashes are the first of our tear film and protects the ocular bacteria infestation or a viral disease on the hairs we grow and are surface,' explains Dr Hawkes.

'The eyelids,' advises Dr Hawkes. 'It’s worth developed at seven weeks symptoms of Blepharitis include red eye, seeking professional medical advice from in the womb. burning, sticky eyes, excessive watering, an ophthalmologist if you experience this ocular discomfort, light sensitivity and because in rare cases it can be a sign of a * Eyelashes are made of foreign body sensation. It can also cause more serious condition which could the protein keratin, excessive eyelid closure or twitching, potentially result in blindness - called Vogtproduced by a hair follicle ‘blepharospasm’, which sometimes and coated in sebum from koyonagi-harada syndrome.' requires regular botulinum toxin the sebaceous gland.

Lash length injections around the eye and brow region. * Like all hair they grow 'Because our bodies have a natural ‘There is unfortunately no cure as such for and then go through a shedding cycle eyelashes usually only reach blepharitis,’ explains Dr Hawkes. ‘And so cycle before falling out. approximately 10mm in length,' says Dr the mainstay of treatment at all stages is * They only grow about Hawkes. 'Longer eyelashes can be a sign of lid hygiene to control the bacterial build10mm before falling out health issues so seek the advice of a up. Other treatments such as antibiotics, * We lose between 1-4 qualified medical practitioner if you are steroids and ocular lubrication may also eyelashes a day concerned about this.' be necessary for different sequelae of the * They get shorter and condition.'

Eyelashes going in the wrong thinner, as well as lighter, Can eyelashes indicate Covid? direction as we age.

'It’s recognized that upper respiratory Eyelashes going in the wrong direction, or tract infections may result in misdirected lashes, is one of the biggest complications such as conjunctivitis. causes of blindness worldwide. 'Chlamydia Covid-19 can potentially spread from the eyes, via trachomatis can cause this although very rare in the UK. It can also particles generated by coughing and sneezing. These be caused by chronic blepharitis,' explains Dr Hawkes. 'The particles might cause infection at the conjunctiva which condition can be treated with antibiotics or surgery if necessary. In is a mucous membrane lining the ocular surface,' says the UK misdirected lashes are usually caused by inflammation of the Dr Hawkes. 'This highlights the need for wearing eye eyelids or scarring disorders, such as blepharitis, so it’s important protection where possible to avoid droplets coming to seek medical attention if you begin to experience this,' advises Dr into contact with the ocular surface and maintaining Hawkes. Another cause of misdirected lashes is when an extra roll hand cleanliness, as well as avoiding face touching.' of skin in the lower eyelid causes the lashes to turn inwards, this occurs in children, often those of Chinese or Japanese ancestry. 'Most will grow out of it but it can be addressed with surgery if not.'

44 LOOK AFTER YOUR LASHES

Pictured: Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic surgeon, Dr Elizabeth Hawkes (https://www.cadogan clinic.com/miss-elizabeth-hawkes)

12 Months £50pm FOOD_Full Page Bleed New 18/06/2019 16:45 Page 1

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Page 46 - Debt_Full Page Bleed New 19/02/2021 13:00 Page 1

How can I budget after the

financial

strain of the festive period?...

Buy Now, Pay Later has left Brits with £2.3billion Christmas Credit Hangover...

HyperJar founder and CEO, Mat Megens, discusses how Brits can re-organise their money and launch their financial reset for 2021 With 2020’s shattering impact on our national and personal finances, many of us now acknowledge the need to be better with our money this year. One in four consumers in the UK used a Buy Now, Pay Later credit scheme to pay for their Christmas shopping in 2020, totalling a staggering £2.3 billion. Equating to 40% of all Christmas purchases in the UK, the reliance on credit comes as almost 9 million Brits find themselves in their worst financial position ever.

To try and help the nation press reset on their finances, HyperJar's CEO Mat Megens has revealed his top tips for budgeting our money in 2021:

1. Start by understanding just one spending category

Most spending happens in just a few categories each month, usually at the same shops or websites. Say you go to the same supermarket, cafe or takeout again and again. That’s a great place to start. Want to spend the same or less than that next week? Set aside your goal amount, pay only from this budget and see how you go.

2. Planning ahead doesn’t mean you can’t be spontaneous

When you’re planning spending money according to where you want it to go in future – instead of looking back at where it went - it adds a fraction more friction to our spending.

MONEY Reflecting on what it is you need and want WORRIES... to spend on helps cut down on regret * New research reveals spend. Like my friend who blew £800 on 70% think their bank a cider press, made one batch of a doesn't help them to disgusting brew, and then had to stare at budget and plan their day the thing for two years before they finally to day finances sold it for £50. * 19% say they are in a 5. Know your money monster worse financial position We’re all dealing with some habits that than ever, due to Covid-19 keep us from living happily ever after with * 26% say that both our money and they start young! Our before and after Covid money personalities - at HyperJar we call they had zero emergency them Money Monsters - are a combination buffer funds* of impulse spending, apathy, short-term * Looming negative thinking and sheer embarrassment. Once interest rates leave savers you understand the hang-up that’s most searching for ways to responsible for getting in the way of you protect and grow feeling more confident with money, you’re spending power in a better position to tackle it. Head over to hyperjar.com to find out yours.

Paying for Christmas out of your November salary, or for a family holiday from a July pay packet? No one has a monthly income to meet this kind of hit, so it’s easy to fall back on debt. Make 2021 the year you plan for the usual big costs and start putting small amounts towards them now. Naming your goals really helps: it’s easier (and works better) to pay into a Spain 2021 fund than into a nameless pot.

3. Get a Money Buddy to share goals

Sharing fitness goals works for health kicks and it works for money too. Save up with close friends and family for holidays and other expenses – even build that emergency fund you’ve been promising to start for a while. We know some of our customers who struggle with impulse spending share a jar with a friend who doesn’t.

46 FINANCES

4. Spending is a bit like crossing the road - look left and right

About HyperJar: By using HyperJar, account holders who choose to commit money ahead of spending with HyperJar’s partner brands get a 4.8% Annual Growth Rate on every penny, calculated and added daily. This locked-in money must be spent with the business it is committed to, but there is no time limit and the balance keeps growing for up to 12 months. The app is now expanding its partner base to include SMEs, with local pubs, cafes, kids’ centres, speciality food shops and restaurants starting to join the app over the next few months.

HyperJar can be downloaded now from the App Store and Google Play Store. Account holders must be 18+ and a UK resident.

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Page 48 - Home_Full Page Bleed New 21/01/2021 13:24 Page 1

Create a relaxing

Relaxing Retreat Whatever type of day you’ve had, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the soothing sanctuary of a blissful bedroom full of warmth and comfort.

Now more than ever, our lives can be somewhat stressful so it’s the perfect opportunity to reassess our bedroom schemes and create a relaxing retreat that you long to come home to. The Painted Furniture Company has everything you need for a tranquil space, whether it’s for the main suite or a cosy guest bedroom, so treat yourself and your home to something really special - you deserve it.

Plan Ahead - When planning a new bedroom, the bed is often a good starting point, as it not only helps to anchor the space and provide a focal point, but it’s said that we spend up to a third of our lives sleeping so it makes sense to select a style you adore. The look and feel. Choosing high quality, British built Painted Furniture Company has everything from high and low end furniture with an elegant, timeless feel not only designs to storage beds and more. Next comes the all-important enhances a calming ambience but it also gives the storage. This is your chance to have a good sort-out and recycle or bedroom longevity both in terms of style and build. The donate to charity, anything you haven’t Amberley wardrobe and chest of drawers worn in the last 18 months. What you’re left shown above is just one collection that with will create your capsule collection of HOME WORK.. brings character and charm into any casual and smart attire that doesn’t get lost interior. Hand built at The Painted As many of us continue to in the back of the wardrobe. At the very Furniture Company’s workshop in the work from home, it’s also least, a wardrobe and chest of drawers will beautiful Wiltshire countryside, it is important to make space for provide room for all the essentials. crafted using the finest materials and a dedicated desk area and Choosing a matching furniture collection is artisan techniques for the ultimate whether this needs to be ideal for achieving a co-ordinated look that soothing sanctuary to rest, relax and within the main bedroom, in can be personalised with pops of colour replenish ready for whatever the next day a guest room or even in a from throws, blankets, cushions and brings. Adam Browne, MD at the company small nook on the landing or window dressings. The Portland Bedroom explains, ‘We love going back to basics in under the stairs, choosing Collection shown above is a great example our workshop mixing traditional the right furniture is key. The of how to create a tranquil feel with a techniques with modern machinery for a Portland double pedestal relaxed style reminiscent of the New premium mix of the old and the new. With writing desk can double as a England look. details such as dovetail joints and handdressing table and handy picked Tulip, Poplar, Pine and Oak timbers Store and Order - Storage is key to home office and you can that are knot-free and of the highest achieving a clutter-free bedroom with a choose your colour and wood possible standard, our furniture gives place for everything and everything in its finish to complement the rest bedrooms the ultimate premium finish.’ place. At The Painted Furniture Company of your scheme or add a you’ll find wardrobes in all sizes, chests of Accent Pieces - By selecting a cocontrasting shade to create drawers, bedside chests, dressing tables ordinated collection of quality bedroom different zones within the and blanket boxes, all of which come with furniture, you can choose a simple theme room. matching bedframes for a complementary for your space that helps you to relax and unwind at the end of a hard day. It could be nautical inspired with a touch of classic English seaside charm, something where you bring a sense of the outside in by choosing leaf prints for artwork on the walls and plenty of potted plants or a luxurious feel with tactile textures such as faux fur cushions and throws along with chunky knitted blankets. The Island Breeze, Oxford and Millbrook collections above are all perfect for creating a grown-up hideaway that suits all types of home, whether classic, contemporary or anything in between.

48

Pictured above: Portland Double Pedestal Writing Desk Pictured left:The Portland Bedroom Collection.

.

www.paintedfurnitureco.co.uk

AD GRID X 2_- 21/01/2021 11:47 Page 1

Bovis Homes Edit Telford_Full Page Bleed New 10/02/2021 13:32 Page 1

Advertising Feature...

Photograph depicts a typical Bovis Home exterior/interior. Internal images may include optional upgrades at an additional cost.

2021 IS ON US – LOVE THE GREAT INDOORS AND YOUR MORTGAGE PAID FOR A WHOLE YEAR...

Bovis Homes offers a range of stylish and spacious homes to suit both first time buyers and those looking to move up the ladder and purchase a second home.

With plenty of options to choose from including bungalows, townhouses, terraced and larger detached homes there’s something for couples and families alike; at affordable prices and with the option for taking some of the stress out of buying a new home. Designs favour openplan kitchen and dining rooms and selected homes offer a downstairs utility room and optional study or snug spaces; ideal for the new trends of working from home. The larger properties, such as the five-bedroom Birch, offer features like bifold doors out to the garden, kitchen islands and double en-suites.

If you want something smaller then there are three-bedroom detached homes in the range, like the Spruce, that also offer downstairs WC and utility area as well as en-suite features. The Spruce makes a great small family home with modern designs, spacious entrance hall and large bedrooms.

Selected homes in the range include appliances such as integrated fridge freezers, Bosch double ovens and integrated dishwashers. There are many other features included in the new range such as turfed lawns as standard, front porch lighting, built-in-wardrobes and two years customer care warranty in addition to the NHBC Buildmark cover.

Outside the home you’ll find we’ve included plenty of shared open spaces for you to enjoy, play areas and walkways to enjoy nature and most homes will be overlooking these areas or be just a short walk away. Some of our new developments also include a Hedgehog Highway in your fence as part of the new plans to help these declining creatures and encourage them back into to the local habitat.

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Discover your new home from just £239,998 at a development in Shropshire, Staffordshire or the West Midlands or search Bovis Homes Mercia to find out more.

You can also book an appointment to look around our show-homes and speak to a member of the sales team from 10am to 5pm by visiting our website at bovishomes.co.uk. Please note the mortgage paid option is not available on shared ownership homes.

Bovis Homes offers a range of stylish and spacious homes to suit both first time buyers and those looking to move up the ladder and purchase a second home.

Capital Advert_Full Page Bleed New 16/02/2021 13:31 Page 1

Kids Lights Top Picks_Double Page Editorial 11/01/2021 15:49 Page 1

Wild ideas for Children’s lighting...

CHILDREN’S LIGHTS Top Picks...

Your little one’s space deserves that special something to truly make it their own and add a personal touch! Lights4fun has shared their top tips on how you can light up a smile on your little one’s face with a few simple decorative additions to their room.

Top Picks...

Lights4fun suggests choosing a theme for their bedroom, to help guide your styling and decide which lighting features you opt for. A jungle or safari theme is sure to bring their room to life! Adding indoor plants will create a true jungle feel, as well as dotting touches of vibrant colour through their bedroom.

A great addition is Lights4fun’s Safari Felt Lights, hung over their window or from shelves as an accessory. Lights4fun’s Lion Head Wall Light also makes a show-stopping display piece for a bedroom wall and is bound to be a roaring success with any little one!

Here are some for ocean enthusiasts...

For any ocean enthusiasts, a sea life theme is another option and will add a splash of fun to their bedroom! Incorporate blue tones which will create that underwater vibe, painting their walls with turquoise or navy shades to create the illusion of being in the sea. Scattering real sea shells on tables or window ledges will bring an authentic touch and Lights4fun’s Sea Life Table Light is perfect for sitting on bedside tables. You can use it as a night light as it’s super safe and doesn’t get hot, as well as having a handy 6 hour timer so it will automatically turn on and off at the same time each night.

Paint the whole world with a Rainbow...

Rainbows have also been a rising trend this year, with many of us taking to displaying them in our windows as a symbol of hope during these challenging times. Lights4fun Rainbow Felt Lights are a bright and cheerful accessory for your little one’s bedroom. They’ll introduce colour to their space instantly and are also ideal for decorating playrooms or nurseries. Spreading positivity through words of kindness has also been an important topic of 2020 and Lights4fun’s Be Kind Table Light is an uplifting feature for any room. With the message ‘Be Kind’ shaped in multi coloured lettering, it’s super vibrant and the 3D rectangular box makes it easy to sit on side tables or ledges.

You can get creative with your little one’s space and transform it into somewhere they will simply love spending time in!

Find out more at www.lights4fun.co.uk CHILDREN’S LIGHTS

Kids Lights Top Picks_Double Page Editorial 11/01/2021 15:49 Page 2

Children’s lights:

Your little one’s space deserves that special something to truly make it their own and add a personal touch!

Lights4fun has shared their top tips on how you can light up a smile on your little one’s face with a few simple decorative additions to their room.

Pictured:

Lion Head Wall Light - £29.00

Safari Felt Children's Fairy Lights £11.99 Giraffe Wall Light - £24.99

Lion & Zebra Table Light - £24.99

Shark Children's Fairy Lights - £11.99 Sea Life Table Light - £24.99 Rainbow Felt lights - £11.99

Be Kind Rainbow Neon Box Light £59.00 All from: www.lights4fun.co.uk

CHILDREN’S LIGHTS

Safer Streets_Full Page Bleed New 01/02/2021 09:46 Page 1

Safer Streets...

New two year project to help residents feel safe

Telford & Wrekin Council and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, launch Safer Communities Project this year...

LOCAL NEWS New two year project to help residents feel safe Telford & Wrekin Council and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, have announced that they will be investing in a new Safer Communities Project to launch this year.

The new project builds on the success of the recent £550,000 Safer Streets project which was launched in Brookside last November and is still ongoing.

The investment will see the council contribute £1m and an additional £500k from PCC John Campion to support the project, totalling £1.5m spread over two years from this April. The project will deliver initiatives that prevent crime and anti-social behaviour over a two year period and improve the quality of life for local communities.

The Council, West Mercia Police and partners, will establish a multi-functional approach that will work to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour and improve quality of life within our towns and communities to create a better borough. This follows the effective work of the Community Safety Partnership in the borough, as well as the recent joint £500,000 investment into upgrading local CCTV provision by the council and PCC. This approach will be driven by local data and intelligence that will ensure the borough is a safer and cleaner place to live, work and visit.

The partnership will look to learn from initiatives implemented in Brookside to roll out new measures in priority locations that will benefit the whole borough.

Some residents across the borough currently feel that there is a lack of visibility of police officers in their area. The innovative approach from the council and the Police and Crime Commissioner will focus on tackling long term issues currently causing concern in our community, identifying the root causes and putting in place longer term solutions that

can be managed within the community alongside support from the council and local partners.

The project will also enhance the council’s Pride in our Community work and the PCC’s ongoing commitment to listen to community concerns and ensure that people are safe, and feel safe, where they live.

Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for enforcement, community safety and customer services, said:

“It has been wonderful to see the improvements underway in Brookside and it’s fantastic news that with further investment from the council and the PCC we will be able to roll out further improvements across the borough. It’s important that residents feel they are supported and that the council is there to protect, care and invest in their neighbourhoods. By committing to making these improvements it shows that we are dedicated to making a difference to local people’s lives.

The Safer Communities project will see greater partnership working and involve the residents so that they feel part of improving safety in their area.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said:

“This is a substantial investment that builds on the additional resources and investments in crime prevention and additional police officers in recent years. With the innovative partnership with the Council, our joint investment will maximise the benefits to the communities in Telford, ensuring residents live in a low crime area and feel safe. I made a commitment as Commissioner that I would tackle crime and build stronger communities, and this funding in an important step in delivering that.”

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Page 56 & 57 - Beauty Sleep_Double Page Editorial 11/01/2021 14:09 Page 1

Damaging

effects of the stress hormone Cortisol...

Stress...

When we are tired, our bodies also produce more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can have a range of damaging effects, one of which is to increase our skin's oil production, which can lead to clogged pores and serious breakouts. Heightened cortisol levels also contribute to inflammation in the skin, which dramatically increases the likelihood of flare-ups in conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Finally, a chronic lack of sleep will result in our immune systems becoming less responsive, which apart from the obvious threat of increased susceptibility to COVID and other infections, also makes our skin far more prone to suffering rashes, irritations and other skin conditions - and is less effective at fighting them.

The good news is that for the majority of us, our sleep quality could be dramatically improved by simply making some simple adjustments to our lifestyle and daily habits. As simple as it may seem, improving our diet - particularly by eating less sugar - reducing our screen time right before bed and getting regular exercise will go great lengths to help establish a strong sleeping routine. Other sleep aids, such as sleeping masks, earplugs and sleeping in a slightly colder room, can help you create ideal sleeping conditions.

Though it may seem to good to be true, the idea of 'getting your beauty sleep' really does work, and getting regular, good quality shut-eye can dramatically improve the look and feel of your skin for years to come.”

56

BEAUTY SLEEP

Page 56 & 57 - Beauty Sleep_Double Page Editorial 11/01/2021 14:09 Page 2

Getting your beauty sleep: Not just an old wives' tale.

With half of Brits reporting a lack of sleep in lockdown, how does our shut-eye affect our appearance? Dr. Chris Donegan, biochemist and Chairman of natural cosmetic treatment company Uvence, discusses the science behind sleep and skin health...

In today’s society, it is now harder than ever to get a good night of sleep.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, we are now sleeping 90 minutes less on average than we did less than 100 years ago, with factors like increased work, screen time and poor diets causing more people to suffer with sleep problems.

However, despite the fact that many people in Britain have more time to sleep than ever before, more and more of us are experiencing a lack of sleep in lockdown. Research shows how half of Brits state that their sleep has been disrupted due to the pandemic, with 60 percent saying this is partially down to financial worries. Though many of us have more time on our hands to spend at home, the stress and lifestyle change brought about by the pandemic have severely disrupted our routines and sleep schedules, and this lack of sleep can dramatically inhibit our bodies' natural self-repair processes.

Now, Dr. Chris Donegan, biochemist and Chairman of natural cosmetic treatment company Uvence, explores how a lack of sleep can affect our skin, and provides tips on how to achieve a better sleeping routine: "Though a lack of sleep is typically associated with general tiredness, lethargy and a reduction of mental acuity, our skin health is something which often suffers most.

Sleep induces the production of collagen - which plays a key role in strengthening the elasticity of our skin - and growth hormone, which is essential for our cellular repair processes. Collagen and growth hormone work harmoniously to repair any skin damage you may have suffered, and to keep your skin vibrant, healthy and youthful.

Not only can a lack of sleep cause your skin to repair more slowly from any damage it may have sustained, but it will also make you more likely to develop lines, wrinkles and crevasses in your skin, particularly around the eyes and neck where our skin is thinnest.

BEAUTY SLEEP

57

Page 54 & 55 - Heart Health_Double Page Editorial 19/01/2021 10:33 Page 1

INVOLVING other people...

A really good way to motivate you to stick to your goal is to involve other people. If you know someone who has a similar goal to yours, try to involve them as a “buddy” to provide mutual support for each other. They may even be able to push you a little bit harder, helping you to achieve your goals and resolutions sooner. You can also look for groups on social media who share your goal.

Do not beat yourself up

If you miss a fitness session, have an alcoholic drink, cigarette or bar of chocolate, try not to feel guilty about it. Think about what might have triggered the deviation from your goal and try to avoid it in future. Forgive yourself and aim to get back to achieving your goal as soon as possible.

MAKE CHANGES

That will last long term...

On average, it takes between 21 and 28 days for something to become a long-term habit. Make goals that you want to be able to stick to long term, such as improving your overall fitness, stopping smoking or maintaining your weight. If you can make it through these first few weeks, you will notice that things will become much easier. drinking you can get support by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/

58

MAINTAINING HEALTHY HABITS

Page 54 & 55 - Heart Health_Double Page Editorial 19/01/2021 10:33 Page 2

Maintain healthy habits...

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK Maintaining Healthy Habits

Setting healthy goals can be a good starting point for making longer term health and lifestyle improvements, but most people who set goals do not stick to them. Reasons for quitting include a lack of time, a lack of support from other people and feeling daunted by unrealistic targets.

This tip is aimed at helping you to succeed in maintaining your healthy goals in 2021.

Setting achievable goals

The first thing to consider is whether your goal is achievable and realistic. Often, goals are unachievable because they are too difficult, or they do not allow enough time for you to make gradual changes. There is nothing wrong with aiming high and being ambitious, but it is important that your goal is not too difficult or time-consuming as this could leave you feeling daunted.

When setting a goal, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the goal too ambitious?

• Is the timeframe for the goal realistic?

• What specific changes do I need to make to achieve my goal?

• Can I fit my new healthy behaviour around my other commitments?

Break down your goal

Breaking large goals down into smaller goals can make them feel more achievable and less daunting. For example, if you are aiming to lose weight, the NHS recommends that you aim to lose around 1 to 2lbs (0.5 to 1kg) a week. You should be able to achieve this by cutting down your calorie intake by about 500 to 600 calories each day. It might take you longer than you originally planned to lose the weight, but you are more likely to stick to it and not give up.

Plan for success

Make a plan of how you will achieve your goal and what changes you will make to ensure you stick to it. There are online resources available to help you plan your healthy activities, such as the NHS’ couch to 5km programme or the NHS’ programmes for stopping smoking, cutting down alcohol and losing weight: • Couch to 5km: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/ • Stopping smoking: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/

• Cutting down on alcohol: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/tips-on-cuttingdown-alcohol/

• Losing weight: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/start-the-nhs-weight-loss-plan/

DON’T EXPECT

immediate results

The effects of your healthy goal may take time to appear. Try to be patient and don’t expect the results from just one or two weeks of dieting to show on the weighing scales, as it may take longer.

MAINTAIN HEALTHY HABITS

59

Page 60 - Single Page Health - Sleep Better_Full Page Bleed New 12/01/2021 11:21 Page 1

Top Tips For A

Beer Slp.. z

z

z

Leading sleep expert, Silentnight’s Dr Nerina Ramlakhan shares her Top Tips for a better sleep and healthier 2021 – including tackling lockdown bedtime blues.

With 2021 kicking off with the nightmare that is lockdown 3.0, it is inevitable that sleep cycles will be disrupted, with feelings of anxiousness keeping the nation awake at night. When people feel anxious and/or stressed it is harder to fall asleep peacefully, and when they are able to drift off, the quality of sleep throughout the night is still largely affected.

In fact, studies show that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the nation’s sleep with the number of Britons suffering sleep loss caused by worrying rising from one in six to one in four as a direct result of the huge disruption to people’s social and working lives. What’s more, the number of men experiencing poor sleep rose from 11.9% to 16.5%, and the increase among women shot up from 18.9% to 31.8%. Sleeplessness doubled from 19.5% to 40% amongst mothers of children aged 0 to 4 and rose almost as dramatically – from 21.7% to 38% – for those with children aged 5 to 18.**

Here, Silentnight’s sleep expert, Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan shares her top tips to destress, improve mental wellbeing, increase energy levels and set aside bedtime blues for a healthier night’s sleep in 2021.

1. Take technology breaks

“An effective habit to crack when settling down for the evening is stopping the ongoing scrolling of your mobile phone or tablet. The blue light that is emitted from the screens, suppresses melatonin, a hormone that dictates your sleep pattern. Taking regular breaks from technology, especially before bedtime, can help maintain that important sleep pattern throughout the night – especially when much of the news agenda is so unsettling.”

2. Avoid caffeine

“Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes alertness, which is perfect for first thing in the morning, but detrimental at night when you’re trying to drift off. Try to avoid drinking caffeinated drinks after 2pm, this will allow enough time for the caffeine to leave your system before bedtime. It also increases your cortisol (stress hormone) levels, so avoid caffeine if you’re feeling particular stressed as this will encourage your levels to go up rather than reduce them.”

3. Eat breakfast

“Breakfast is the most important meal, as it sets you up for the day, however it also helps you at night as well.

Breakfast helps to regulate our melatonin production – the hormone we need for a good night’s rest. Make sure you pick a breakfast dish that is rich with sleep boosting foods, such as seeds, nuts, whole grains, yoghurt and fruits – bananas and oranges in particular. All of these food items contain nutrients that enhance the production of the hormone, allowing your sleep routine to benefit.”

4. Take regular breaks through the day

“Our energy levels run on 90-minute cycles, so it’s very important to take a break every 60 – 90 minutes. These breaks can simply involve leaving your desk for 5 minutes to take a walk, reading a book or making a cup of tea. Taking these little snippets of ‘me time’, especially when you’re working from home, allows you chance to take a breather and re-focus your mind.”

“Sleep is incredibly important for the nation’s overall health and wellbeing, and whilst the current pandemic isn’t a factor we can change ourselves, our sleep pattern is. Creating a healthier sleep routine and changing habits should allow for a better, rejuvenating night’s rest throughout 2021.”

For more information on Silentnight and its products, please visit silentnight.co.uk.

60

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Page 62 & 63 - The Motoring Review_Double Page Editorial 22/01/2021 11:03 Page 1

Just

The Basics

Model: BMW 420i M Sport Coupe.

Price: £39,870 Engine:182 bhp 4 cylinder 2.0 turbo petrol Pictures: BMW PRESS

Drive...

Nothing impairs enjoyment derived from BMW's best. And with that also comes reassurance. It's a safe and secure place to be.

E. M. Forster once wrote presciently of an unspecified future where immobility reigned. People used a form of 'zoom' in order to communicate with each other while sitting fatly and inertly inside cells designed to provide for everyday needs. No travel. Nothing to talk about. Only navel-gazing mumblings about idle fancies. This may sound familiar to us today. But in case you think you've just signed up for an Eng. Lit. course at Mickey Mouse University, you're wrong. It's a car review you're reading. Blame my neighbour Perkins for the literary allusions. He's a retired lecturer who has been bending my ear about Forster's story 'The Machine Stops'. Perkins says we're all doomed. But yesterday things took a turn for the better. He wandered down my drive looking despondent. He gazed across and saw the gleaming BMW catching a bright ray of Winter sunshine by the gatehouse to Chateau Despair - the humble home of yours truly. At once his expression changed. His eyes opened wide. He crossed the lawns as if lured by irresistible magnetism. It was difficult for him to maintain a respectful social distance from me as at that very moment I was about to climb into the car. I asked him if he liked what he saw. He confessed that he did: very much.

"You surprise me" I responded. "I expected a host of disparaging comments. After all, for you it seems everything is coming to an end and machines are about to stop. But as far as I'm concerned this BMW machine is about to go go go! And no machine goes more swiftly and more smoothly than one like this. Allow me to introduce the BMW 420i M Sport Coupe. This is a car that doesn't need an app to 'zoom'. And by the way, it stops pretty smartly too. In my view it represents precisely the tonic one

62 Motoring Review

Page 62 & 63 - The Motoring Review_Double Page Editorial 22/01/2021 11:03 Page 2

BMW 420i M Sport Coupe. needs at the moment".

I paused, proud of my little speech. He seemed nonplussed, as though a Cassandra in his thoughts was wrestling with Big Daddy. Would I object to a passenger? He enquired.

"Sorry to disappoint you. I have to stick to the rules old boy. Tell you what. I'm just about to tootle off for a spin around The Wrekin.

When I return I'll let you know how it went".

Without waiting for his reply I hopped into the opulent leatherrich interior of the £39,870 (starting price) four seat coupe and fired up one of the world's legendary internal combustion engines - the 182 bhp 4 cylinder 2.0 turbo petrol unit that drives the rear wheels through a magnificent 8 speed auto box and that can take you to 150mph (where allowed, of course) and yet return around 40mpg. (depending on how driven).

The BMW began to glide away with the potent delicacy of an athlete yet to unleash reserves of power and pace. It's so much more of a 'driver's car' than such rivals as Mercedes C Class Coupe. Built to exacting specifications the result is the best of everything with the least of effort. And yet it remains so versatile: docile and economical when needs be and completely commanding in the hurly burly of traffic. Refinement is the key.

Everything is attuned to the tastes of the connoisseur of fine motoring.

At the wheel it's not difficult to resist the desire to be anywhere else. Motoring along I questioned not for the first time received contemporary wisdom to the effect that internal combustion engines have had their day. As far as I'm concerned it's an argument yet to be settled. Certainly

no-one should feel unable to enjoy to the full the benefits of modern technology with petrol and diesel.

With gusto I headed for the open road, determined to relish every moment and enjoy the incredibly responsive handling and smooth ride. A remarkable feature that goes into BMW engineering is the manner in which driver aids are incorporated within the overall experience without intrusiveness.

The excellent 'i Drive' rotary dial lets you control systems without taking your eyes off the road.

Nothing impairs enjoyment derived from BMW's best. And with that also comes reassurance.

It's a safe and secure place to be.

Niggles? You're joking. There aren't any. On the highway it's never stretched, never bothered, never discomfited to any degree.

It's illustrative of the saying: 'The more relaxed the driver, the better the car'.

By Syd Taylor Motoring Reviewer

After a time I turned for home. I recalled with a chuckle the gloomy prognostications of Forster as re-interpreted via my literary neighbour.

Guess what? Perkins was there when I returned, mowing his lawn. I parked and hailed him. The ear-splitting noise from his mower suddenly stopped. It had conked out. Who could resist saying what I said next. The words 'machine' and 'stopped' came into it!

FOOTNOTE. E.M.Forster's classic tale is available from all good bookshops. Alas, the BMW 420i Coupe costs a good deal more but is available from your local BMW Dealer.

Motoring Review 63

Telford Energy Advice 1_Full Page Bleed New 16/02/2021 15:51 Page 1

Telford Energy Advice 1_Full Page Bleed New 16/02/2021 15:54 Page 1

Page 66 & 67 - Skin Health_Double Page Editorial 21/01/2021 08:37 Page 1

LOVE YOUR SKIN...

The 5 fundamental factors which outweigh anything else when it comes to our skin quality and aesthetics...

Research from Uvence reveals how nearly 11 million Brits think their cosmetic products are ineffective when it comes to results.

Dr. Olivier Amar, leading U.K cosmetic surgeon and innovator of natural cosmetic treatment company Uvence, discusses how our aesthetics should always begin with our lifestyles. There are 5 simple yet fundamental areas of our everyday lifestyles which require our attention before we consider any other methods of improvement:

Sleep...

This factor is likely to come as little surprise. When we have a bad or disrupted night sleep, we feel the physical impacts of it: grogginess and tiredness being two key factors which take a visible form on our faces. But lack of sleep also inhibits our body's natural functioning which isn't as immediately obvious, including wound healing, the growth of collagen, and the overall texture of our skin. Although increasingly difficult in the current climate, I would say this is the first area which should be addressed, as the impacted areas are numerous.

The Beauty Business...

Statistics show how the beauty industry is worth over $527 billion this indicates how we're constantly looking for a quick-fix when it comes to our appearances, which usually comes in the form of a newly packaged cosmetic product. We're also quick to abandon our existing purchases when the next 'new and improved' solution comes along. Plus, with research from cosmetics innovator Uvence revealing how over 10 million Brits do not believe that moisturisers actually help their skin especially around the eye area - many of us are clearly still stuck for what the solution actually is.

66

Skin Quality

Page 66 & 67 - Skin Health_Double Page Editorial 21/01/2021 08:37 Page 2

Hydration...

Our skin is made up of over 64% water - and is also the largest organ in the body - which is a clear indication of how important staying hydrated is when it comes to the quality of your skin.

Water helps to flush out toxins as well as increase skin elasticity, which directly combats how we come to acquire wrinkles as we age. Also, increased hydration levels in the skin mean there is physically more space for collagen and elastin to flourish. But although all consumable liquids contain some level of water, these cannot substitute the benefits we receive in its simplest form - we should aim to drink at least 8 glasses per day.

Nutrition...

Our diets play a massive part in every aspect of our everyday health - but its the nutrients we get from fruit and vegetables specifically really boost the quality of skin.

Attentiveness towards these food groups and ensuring we receive a balanced diet will be reflected in the appearance of skin, such as its luminosity and elasticity. And although this factor will not be an overnight fix, the benefits over time are undeniable, especially in the context of ageing.

Exercise...

How much we physically exert ourselves goes hand-inhand with our blood flow, which is again closely linked to collagen production. As our heart rates increase as we exercise, so does our blood flow, which helps to nourish and repair our skin cells. Physical activity therefore helps to accelerate this process, meaning the natural processes which help rejuvenate the body occur become more efficient.

Supplementation...

Approximately 30m British adults take some form of supplements every week, yet many of us are left unclear if and how these are actually contributing any visible benefit for our skin's overall appearance. But choosing the right supplements for you can help the improve the body's internal environment, helping to support all pockets of our health from the inside-

Dr. Olivier Amar, leading U.K cosmetic surgeon and innovator of natural cosmetic treatment company Uvence, comments on how our appearances should always start with the fundamentals of good health: "There have been numerous occasions where patients have come to my clinic to discuss issues with their skin, especially regarding the ageing process. And although cosmetic treatments certainly do help to address problems with our skin, the underlying solutions are actually so much more simplistic than many of us often think they are - and they do not require any surgery.

Another point to stress is that 'skin' is not just a synonym for our faces. By addressing these 5 lifestyle factors in our everyday lives - sleep, hydration, nutrition, exercise and supplementation - we are holistically benefiting the skin across the entire surface area of our bodies. I think this is something which many of us understandably and often forget - and our skin elsewhere is just as important when it comes to noticeable signs of ageing.

While I should again stress that these environmental factors out.should always be considered first, Uvence is a natural cosmetic treatment which can be used alongside these areas of focus to enhance the process of improving our skin. By using one's own cells for rejuvenating the skin - which can be used in a plethora of ways - it offers an additional boost to improving our skin, which is naturally based and unique to every individual."

Skin Quality 67

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