Shrewsbury Lifestyle Issue 47 by Stephan Callear

Priceless

SHREWSBURY LIFESTYLE HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021

HOUSE & HOME LOCAL NEWS RECIPES

What’s inside...

What’s Inside? Local News, Recipes, Fashion, Motoring, Education, Local Businesses & Services and Much, Much More...”

ONLINE ISSUE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 www.shrewsburylifestyle.co.uk

Next year is on us! 12-months mortgage paid

This season is a time for new adventures and more spacious settings. Get moving with our new buying option that will help give you some security and make your next move a reality. We have 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes from £199,995

For more information please call:

01785 788 312 or search:

Bovis Homes Mercia

Appointment visits and virtual tours available! Don’t worry if you don’t feel comfortable to visit us just yet, you can still talk to us over the phone or via a virtual call. Mortgage Paid for 12 months offer is available on selected homes only, not in conjunction with any other offer. Paid as a cash lump sum upon legal completion and calculated as the cash equivalent of monthly mortgage repayments of £600 per month for the period of 12 months from legal completion. Cash lump sum capped at a maximum of 3% of the purchase price, subject to lender’s criteria, qualification and acceptance of cash incentives. Not applicable to second homeowners or investor purchasers. We reserve the right to withdraw the incentive at any time without prior notice. ^Flooring is provided from our standard range unless otherwise specified. Photograph depicts a typical Bovis Home exterior/interior. Elevation may differ to that shown. Internal images may include optional upgrades at an additional cost. Price & availability correct at time of going to print/broadcast. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE ORANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Ask our sales advisor for details. 5-star home rating based on the independent. Offer ends 31-12-2020. 5-star home rating based on the independent annual home owner survey conducted by the Home Builders Federation. GDD57556

Shrewsbury Taxis_Full Page Bleed New 20/11/2019 16:53 Page 1

Contents

Issue 47 - January & February 2021 Online Edition 18 LOCAL NEW With all of the latest news for the area, from Covid-19 Tiers, to news about the vaccine roll-out for Shropshire...

20 RECIPES Pumpkin and potato gratin - For a tasty twist on a standard recipe for gratin potatoes, look no further...

26 FASHION TRENDS Winter fashion is all about the winter blues - Navy blue, to be precise. Why is Navy such a good all-rounder?

30 HOMESTYLE Love Your Outdoor Space Through the Winter Months and it Will Love You Back!

THE TEAM: Stephan Caear Director

Luke Smith

Sales Manager

Jasmine Bee

42 SEASONAL FLU HEALTH... Here we have the best tips for keeping well this winter.

Editor

Syd Taylor

Editorial Contributor

48 MOTORING Motoring reviewer Syd Taylor test drives the new Volvo V60 D4 R-Design Pro.

Eiln Caear

Editorial Contributor www.shrewsburylifestyle.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

RECYCLE ME PLEASE

Editor’s Letter Issue 47 - January &February 2021 Edition With the end of one of the worst years in living memory, I think we are all ready to welcome the new year. I know that 2021 may still bring some uncertain times, with Brexit finally done and talk of the new variant of Covid-19, but there is a glimmer of hope with the roll-out of the vaccine - our first care home residents have started to get their jabs, and that will hopefully mean that in the not too distant future, we can all maybe look forward to getting back to our normal lives. I think 2020 has given us all a new perspective on life. Some people have managed incredibly well and others have really struggled. I know that most of us have come to realise what is really important to us in life, and it isn’t possessions, but spending time with family and the simple things like a hug. I for one can’t wait to be able to do these things once again, but while there is still a risk - we have to stay strong and keep doing our bit to stay safe and protect our NHS heroes, who have worked all year to save lives. Shropshire starts the new year in a new tier of coronavirus restrictions, which will again bring some difficulties to residents and businesses in the area. It is not an easy time for small and

large businesses alike, and we have all been trying to do our bit to support local shops and businesses, and I hope that it continues after the pandemic has finally come to an end. We have had to bring this edition to you digitally, due to the changing restrictions. We had no way of knowing where would be open to distribute printed copies. I hope that you still enjoy it. We have everything crossed that the March & April editions will be back in print, but we will have to wait and see how things go. Happy New Year from everyone here at Telford Lifestyle Magazine. We hope that this year brings a return to normality, but in the meantime we wish you health and happiness.

Cllr Eileen Callear

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

RECYCLE ME PLEASE

Master Drives Advert Jul Aug_Full Page Bleed New 28/05/2019 11:48 Page 1

Master Drives Construction Ltd www.masterdrivesconstructionltd.co.uk

P LOCAL P RELIABLE PAFFORDABLE UNIQUE, ELEGANT & PERSONALISED DESIGNS TO MEET INDIVIDUAL NEED

FREE SURVEY FREE QUOTATION

0800 048 4138 Block Paving Patio Slabs Tarmacadam Resin Drives

Brickwork Turfing Fencing Graveling

Drainage Pressure Cleaning Landscaping

All Work Guaranteed | No Deposits | Free Estimates | 14 Day Cooling Off Period

Freephone: 0800 048 4138 Telephone: 01952 426042 Direct Line: 07553 930047 127 Woodrows, Woodside, Telford, TF7 5PL

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.

AD GRID X 3_- 21/10/2020 15:34 Page 1

Your local solicitors As an accident victim you may have the right to claim compensation.

www.martinkaye.co.uk

0800 975 6066

Your initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation, you can contact us on...

e:claims@martinkaye.co.uk

WILSON ALARMS For All Your Home Security Needs

SSAIB APPROVED INSTALLER FOR INTRUDER ALARMS AND CCTV

S.S.A.I.B. APPROVED INSTALLER FIRE ALARMS

INTRUDER ALARMS. DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL C.C.T.V

4K CAMERAS

Call 01743 491416 Covering The Shropshire Area EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@WILSON-ALARMS.COM

Shropshire Leisure closed_Full Page Bleed New 11/01/2021 08:53 Page 1

e temporary closure will remain in place until further notice.

LOCAL NEWS Shropshire Council’s culture and leisure facilities closed

For the above sites all memberships will be automatically frozen and no membership payments will be taken; there is no need to cancel your Direct Debit or your membership.

Following the Government’s announcement of a national lockdown in England to help curb the spread of coronavirus, all libraries, museums and leisure facilities managed by Shropshire Council are closed to the public.

Shrewsbury Sports Village, The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre, Shrewsbury, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Market Drayton Swimming Centre and Whitchurch Swimming Centre.

Managed by South Shropshire Leisure (Teme)

Cleobury Mortimer Sports Centre, Ludlow Leisure Centre Managed by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust:

Managed by Halo Leisure

Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre and Severn Centre, Highley. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, the Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury and Meole Brace Golf Course, Shrewsbury are also closed for the duration of the lockdown.

The closure means all events, meetings and group volunteering at these sites will also be cancelled to reduce social interaction and protect Shropshire residents. Although facilities have had to close, many can still be accessed online from the safety of your home. These include the e-library, Mindful Museums and Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery at Home and the online collections of Shropshire Archives. The sites and facilities closed are: Museums

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Shropshire Museums Collection Centre in Ludlow, Shrewsbury Castle, Much Wenlock Museum, Coleham Pumping Station, Severn Valley Country Park Visitor Centre, The Bungalow at The Mere at Ellesmere and Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, which was due to reopen on Friday 8 January 2021, will remain closed until further notice. Archives

Shropshire Archives: We are maintaining our remote services and more information is on our website. Libraries

Libraries are closed for public access, but will operate a click & collect service. For more information, visit https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/librarynews/impact-of-third-lockdown-on-libraries-5-jan-update/.

Closed libraries include:

Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Market Drayton, Ludlow, Bayston Hill, Church Stretton, Gobowen, Pontesbury, Wem, The Lantern, Shrewsbury and Much Wenlock.

Facilities that will remain open:

Country parks, green spaces and outdoor play areas will remain open for you to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. Where possible, please only visit your local parks and green spaces. You can find more information by visiting the Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website. For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus. Official Guidelines

The new lockdown restrictions for Shropshire will mean everyone must Stay at Home and may leave only for a limited set of reasons. These include: Shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person. Go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home. Exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area. Meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one. Seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse). Attend education or childcare – for those eligible. Other measures include:

Restaurants can continue to offer delivery for food.

Community-managed libraries:

Clinically extremely vulnerable people must shield.

Leisure centres - Managed by Shropshire Council

Amateur team sports are not allowed, but elite sport can continue.

Albrighton, Bishop’s Castle, Broseley, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms, Highley, Ellesmere, Shifnal and Mobile libraries.

Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, Idsall Sports Centre, Roman Road Sports Centre, Shrewsbury, SpArC, Bishop’s Castle & Church Stretton Sports Centre.

Outdoor sports venues – such as golf courses, tennis courts and outside gyms – must close. Further details about the lockdown measures can be found here – www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdownstay-at-home

advertise_Full Page Bleed New 21/10/2020 14:33 Page 1

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

FREE ADVERT DESIGN Included Prices Â£45 from hs

ont for 2 m e and g a r e cov k rtwor free a n... ig des

To advertise in our digital online editions please call: 01952 787786 or email: eileen@deltaecho.co.uk We will be boosting the magazines via paid for social media posts. To reach 20-25K local people...

D E PUBLICATIONS LTD

This volunteer recruitment campaign is part of the local campaign #BeAPartOfHistory

News from our partners Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP)

LOCAL NEWS Coronavirus: News from our partners – Volunteers needed to join the battle to beat coronavirus and COVID-19

News from our partners Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) Local organisations have joined forces to call on local people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to be a part of history by giving the gift of their time to help in the county’s fight against coronavirus and COVID-19. Shropshire Rural Communities Charity (Shropshire RCC), Shropshire Youth Association (SYA) and Shropshire Council are working with the county’s health and care organisations to lead a volunteer recruitment campaign to support local rapid testing and vaccination services. Testing and vaccination are the country’s best hope of a return to more normal life. The people of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin can help by signing up to one of the available roles, including vaccination marshals, car parking marshals, results recorders and reception assistants. In Shropshire, volunteers are needed to help with the county’s rapid testing programme. Victoria Rankin, Executive Lead for People at the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, said: “We have a mammoth task ahead of us and we need all our people, our health and care workforce and our local communities to work together. This is an amazing opportunity for people from all over the county to be a part of history by giving their time to volunteer alongside our health and care teams in the fight against this virus.”

Julia Baron, Chief Executive for Shropshire Rural Communities Charity, said: “This is a significant time in our history and one we’re likely never to forget. People have the chance to be involved in something which will have such an incredibly important and positive impact on every thread of our community. You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to volunteer. As long as you feel well and are not shielding, self-isolating or in a highrisk group, you just need the time and a desire to help.” Everyone who registers their interest to volunteer will be risk assessed and before starting their role will receive the appropriate training and induction. To sign up, people can visit the Shropshire RCC website at www.shropshire-rcc.org.uk/covid19volunteers. Partners involved include Shropshire Rural Communities Charity, Shropshire Youth Association, Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust. This volunteer recruitment campaign is part of the local campaign #BeAPartOfHistory which is also looking to recruit current and retired healthcare professionals, but also non-clinical staff in a range of administrative, reception and other front-of-house roles to support the vaccine rollout.

Select Joinery FP mar apr 20_Full Page Bleed New 14/10/2020 14:33 Page 1

Select Joinery (Telford) Ltd

QUALITY BESPOKE JOINERY, TRADITIONALLY HANDCRAFTED IN OUR WORKSHOP - CONSERVATORIES - ENTRANCE PORCHES - STAIRCASES - PATIO/FRENCH DOORS - SASH & TRADITIONAL WINDOWS, INTERNAL & EXTERNAL DOORS & FRAMES - FLOORING AND MUCH MORE...

RENOVATION

We also do Renovations of Existing Staircases in Solid Oak Cladding with Spindles or Glass Balustrading for a fraction of the cost!

For a FREE Quotation Telephone:

Before

01952 249773

Or call in for professional, friendly advice at: Unit 23, Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5JD. Visit us online: www.selectjoinery.co.uk or email: sales@selectjoinery.com OPEN : Mon-Fri : 8am till 5pm

After

Music Legend Bryan Adams is Coming to Telford

LOCAL NEWS Orchard Live who are also bringing Sir Tom Jones and Olly Murs to Telford are pleased to be confirm that Multimillion selling recording artist Bryan Adams is coming to the UK next summer and will bring his spectacular open-air show to Telford QEII Arena on Saturday 3 July. Tickets for the show, which will form part of a UK tour in June and July 2021, went on pre-sale with Tickets Telford sale back in December. General tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster and ticketstelford.com Adams’ influence extends 4 decades, over which time he has released 14 studio albums. His most recent recording, Shine a Light, whose title track was co-written by Ed Sheeran, debuted at number one on the album charts in March of 2019. The album also features a duet with Jennifer Lopez. His song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award.

Music Legend Bryan Adams is Coming to Telford Telford & Wrekin Council are excited to announce that another huge name will be appearing in Telford Town Park in 2021.

Cllr Shaun Davies, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council said ‘We are delighted that working with our partner that we have been able to attract another huge name to Telford which will attract visitors from far and wide, bringing money into our town for local businesses. ‘We hope that this gives everyone something to look forward to during these difficult times. The show is many months away and it is looking like the country will be in a much more positive space where people will once again be able to enjoy outdoor entertainment with family and friends. The council over the years have brought big names to the Telford Town Park and we are delighted to be working with a partner who is taking our vision to the next level!'

Shout About advert_Full Page Bleed New 21/10/2020 14:27 Page 1

SHOUT ABOUT? HAVE YOU GOT SOMETHING

Affordable advertising, with a focus on local... Prices from ÂŁ45 for 2 months coverage and free artwork design...

Let your customers know that you are open again Inform people about the products & services you are offering Let people know what measures you are taking to keep them safe from Covid-19

To advertise in our digital online edition please call: 01952 787786 or email: eileen@deltaecho.co.uk We will be boosting the magazines via paid for social media posts. To reach 20-25K local people...

D E PUBLICATIONS LTD

Credit Image: Howmet Aerospace

Shropshire will be a magnet for attractive investment opportunities, new jobs and sustainable growth as the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

LOCAL NEWS Shropshire will be a “magnet” for new investment and jobs during recovery

Shropshire will be a magnet for attractive investment opportunities, new jobs and sustainable growth as the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. The county is well placed geographically and strategically to grow and build on its natural assets and helping both established and new emerging businesses in the coming years as we redefine, develop and transform the economy in coming years.

and environmental sectors. We will support our young residents in getting into work and ensure that we have a digitally active and agile workforce, while also promoting Shropshire’s visitor economy and staycation opportunities, which are particularly timely.”

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the council’s new economic recovery, transformation and resilience framework when it meets on 18th January 2021.

“Shropshire is a fantastic, resilient county and well placed to bounce back quickly. There is work going on all over the county to ensure that is the case, from the Business Park Programme to the work happening in major towns like Oswestry and Shrewsbury.”

The framework will deliver an economic growth plan to ensure the county’s economy is aligned to national and regional priorities and will use a dynamic project tracker to identify and report emerging issues and bring forward opportunities to build in the short, medium and long-term. Councillor Steve Charmley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for assets, economic growth and regeneration, said: “There is no hiding that the last year has been extremely tough for every business in the county, but we are well placed to provide a strong economic recovery for the whole of Shropshire. I am confident that this economic framework provides ways we can identify and establish, restart, revitalise and regrow opportunities across the county as we address coronavirus, Brexit, digital and environmental challenges with resilience and transformation. “We want to focus on business growth and survival and investing in our local economy, while also focussing on employment growth, particularly within innovative, digital

A key highlight of how Shropshire’s economy is developing is the growth in ‘superfast’ broadband, with coverage increasing from 24 per cent to 94 per cent since 2014, highlighting the impact the pandemic could have had in our business communities had the Connecting Shropshire Programme not already been in place. In order to further develop, the council is now working with Government on the new ‘gigabit’ programme planning announced in the Autumn Spending Review which the council will work on to plug the remaining ‘superfast’ gaps in the county. The council will also focus on the green agenda while working on economic growth. Throughout the pandemic, there has been a notable reduction in pollution and carbon emissions, highlighting the scale of behaviour change needed. Therefore, the council will focus on employment opportunities in renewable energy development, energy efficiency retrofit measures, low carbon vehicle fuels and land management.

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE OPEN!

We are open advert_Full Page Bleed New 21/10/2020 14:28 Page 1

Welcome back

As good as before, and Covid-secure... Prices 5 from ÂŁ4

nths for 2 mo nd a e coverag ork w rt a e fre . design..

Let your customers know that you are open again Inform people about the services you are offering Let people know what measures you are taking to keep them safe from Covid-19

D E PUBLICATIONS LTD

Shrewsbury Big Town Plan

Visit www.shrewsburybigtownplan.org for more information.

LOCAL NEWS Ambitious and bold ideas set out in Shrewsbury Big Town Plan’s Masterplan Vision

A range of ambitious and bold opportunities for Shrewsbury are being set out in a “Masterplan Vision” for how the town could evolve over the next two decades. The document explores a range of ideas for how Shrewsbury could improve and develop, building on the priorities established in the Big Town Plan published in 2018. The Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, made up of Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury BID, say the report is a “visionary document” intended to spark debate about the future development of Shrewsbury. The report has been published by nationally-acclaimed urban designers, Glenn Howells Architects, on behalf of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, made up of Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury BID.

Road, and revitalising the Abbey Foregate viaduct to provide space for businesses and community events. The report considers how Shrewsbury could develop across four interconnected themes: Connecting communities Quality and characterful public spaces Celebrating heritage Creating opportunities and growth

Dav Bansal, partner at Glenn Howells Architects, said:

These themes and the range of ideas outlined in the report will be explored in more detail during a series of online discussion sessions taking place as part of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Festival, running from 19 January to 29 January 2021.

“We believe Shrewsbury could lead the way for others to follow with ambitious plans to ‘future-proof’ the town and we are delighted to be working with the partnership on this terrific opportunity.

People are being invited to visit festival. shrewsburybigtownplan.org where they can register to join the sessions live or watch on demand. The full Masterplan Vision document is also available on the website.

“The Masterplan Vision explores how this historic town will address the challenges of climate change, healthy places and changing trends in how we live, work, shop and play, which is now even more so relevant during this pandemic while continuing to build on the great work that has already been done in establishing the vision for the Big Town Plan.”

Shropshire Council leader, Peter Nutting, said the Big Town Plan was a true partnership of local authorities, business groups and residents.

Among the ideas suggested in the report are creating a new northern entrance to the railway station, creating a riverside walkway and park by rerouting traffic away from Smithfield

James Handley, elected non-executive director of Shrewsbury BID, said the Big Town Plan Festival was an excellent way to start discussing the way forward.

Shrewsbury Town Council leader, Alan Mosley, said the Big Town Plan Masterplan Vision could act as a catalyst for positive change.

WELCOME BACK!

Welcome Back advert_Full Page Bleed New 21/10/2020 14:27 Page 1

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE MISSED YOU...

Get your business back on track... Prices from ÂŁ45 for 2 months coverage and free artwork design...

Let your customers know that you are open again Inform people about the services you are offering Let people know what measures you are taking to keep them safe from Covid-19

D E PUBLICATIONS LTD

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EAT. Pumpkin and potato gratin For a tasty twist on a standard recipe for gratin potatoes, look no further... For a tasty twist on a standard recipe for gratin potatoes, look no further...

With layers of sliced potato and pumpkin combined with Parmesan and a hint of thyme make for a tasty and elegant side dish.

Method... STEP 1 Preheat your oven to 200Â°C. Grease a shallow ovenproof dish and place on a baking tray. STEP 2 Place the potato slices in a large microwaveable dish. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes or until tender. Stand for 2 minutes and drain. Repeat this with pumpkin, microwave for 3-4 minutes, stand for 2 minutes then drain. STEP 3 Meanwhile, place the garlic with the onion in a medium saucepan over a moderate heat, and add the milk and cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring regularly, then remove from the heat and stand for 5 minutes for flavours to infuse. STEP 4 Scoop out any pieces of onion and discard, then pour milk into a heatproof jug and wipe pan clean.

RECIPES

THE INGREDIENTS Prep & Cooking time: 1hr 15mins Serves 6 4 large potatoes, peeled, cut into 5mm slices 600g pumpkin, peeled, cut into 5mm slices 1 medium brown onion, Chopped 1 Clove of Garlic, Chopped 230ml milk 300ml cream 50g butter 30g plain flour 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 100g freshly grated parmesan cayenne pepper fresh thyme

STEP 5 Melt butter in the pan over a moderate heat. Add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes or until bubbling. Add the nutmeg and stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Gradually mix in warm cream mixture until smooth and creamy. Whisk together for 4-5 minutes or until sauce boils and thickens. Remove from the heat, stir in half the parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with pepper, to taste. STEP 6 Arrange half the potato over the base of prepared dish. Then do the same with half of the pumpkin and pour over half the cream mixture. Repeat with the remaining potato, pumpkin and cream. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan and sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbling and golden. Stand for 5 minutes. You could make individual portions by using smaller dishes and following the same process. STEP 7 Garnish with some fresh thyme.

Tip: To make this gluten free, replace the flour with gluten free flour or cornflour. RECIPES

e Jaguar I-PACE

The Basics

Model: Jaguar I-Pace HSE Price from: £64,625 Pictures: Jaguar.com

With the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars being brought forward to 2030, and the growing climate emergency unfolding in front of our eyes, many of us are looking to move over to an electric vehicle. So when we found ourselves looking for our next car, we had our eye on the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE. It is quite a different feeling owning and driving an all-electric vehicle. It is great to know that you are doing your bit for the environment, but it is a bit of a learning curve. When we first picked up the I-PACE, our home charging point hadn’t been fitted. Luckily, my husband was able to charge at work, but it is definitely something to be mindful of when you buy your first electric car. There are a few places around Telford that have electric charging points, but it does take around 40 minutes on a fast-charging point (50kW) to get a half decent charge. So having the home charging point is essential. Once the charge point was fitted, we were able to plug in at night, ready for the next day. Working in Wolverhampton, there was no problem, with a range up to 292 miles from a full charge, but if you travel any distance it could be a less attractive option as you would have to factor in charging time to your day. The car itself is fantastic. Bursting with tech, and all of the luxury touches that you would expect from a premium brand like Jaguar. On the outside, it is a sleek SUV, with hidden handles that pop out when you unlock the car, and 20 inch alloys, positioned on each corner - as well as all-wheel drive; giving the car great handling capability. When you get inside the I-PACE you find that there is plenty of space. It is a really comfortable car to drive, or to be a passenger in. The back has loads of room - my eldest son who is 6ft 3ins had ample leg and head room, and the rear seats are split fold, which is handy for those trips to Ikea to pick up a flat pack or two. The vision out of the rear window is minimal, but the car comes with cameras that offer 360 degree vision, so it’s not really an issue. It is a big car, and fills the average parking space (which just seem to keep getting smaller) and like most electric vehicles, the I-PACE is not cheap. They start at around £64,625 and the HSE model comes in at around £75,000. Jaguar really have made going electric easy. We have found the switch over to electric relatively painless, and it feels good to be driving a car that is more environmentally friendly.

By Eileen Callear

Going Electric

Going electric made easy: e Jaguar I-PACE – the world’s ﬁrst premium all-electric performance SUV – now oﬀers a new fast, intuitive infotainment system and quicker charging capability, making owning and driving an electric vehicle easier than ever... The Jaguar I-PACE has been designed to ensure every step of the customer journey delivers peace of mind and makes owning an electric car as easy as possible. With a range of up to 292 miles (WLTP) from its 90kWh battery, customers with an average daily commute would only need to charge their I-PACE once a week. And the I-PACE is offered with an 8 year or 100,000 mile battery warranty. A range calculation tool on jaguar.co.uk/i-pace jaguar.com makes it easy to see how factors such as vehicle speed, ambient temperature and climate control settings can influence the real-world range you could expect to achieve. Jaguar has developed the iGuide app making it simple to find and understand the key features and controls of your Jaguar I‑PACE. It also doubles as your mobile owner’s manual, ensuring the answer to any question about charging are at your fingertips. For queries ‘on the go’ I-PACE you can also get help 24/7 from the I-Assistance service – at the touch of a button they’ll be connected directly to an expert to answer any queries about the vehicle. Every home charging point from Jaguar’s recommended partners comes smart enabled, meaning you can conveniently activate and deactivate you charging progress straight from your smart phone. When charging in public places the IPACE’s charging cable locks into place as soon as the car is locked, and cannot be disconnected until the vehicle is unlocked, giving you the freedom to go about your day while the vehicle charges up.

The Jaguar I-PACE now delivers even more technology to make living the electric life simpler and more rewarding than ever. This is the first Jaguar to feature the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. As intuitive to use as a smartphone, Pivi Pro is fast and responsive with enhanced EV navigation that can show you if nearby charging stations are available or in use, what they cost, and how long it will take to charge. I-PACE now comes with an 11kW on-board charger as standard, enabling customers with access to three-phase electricity supplies to enjoy significantly faster charging: when connected to an 11kW wall box 33 miles* of range (WLTP) per hour can be achieved, while a full charge from empty now takes only 8.6 hours – ideal for overnight charging at home. Customers using 7kW wallboxes also benefit from competitive charging capability – up to 22 miles of charge per hour, with a full charge taking 12.75 hours. When charging ‘on the go’, a 50kW charger will add up to 39 miles in 15 minutes, whilst a 100kW charger will add up to 78 miles over the same period. With a focus on air quality, occupant well-being is prioritised, with cabin air ionisation now featuring PM2.5 filtration to capture ultrafine airborne particles and allergens. The I-PACE can even filter its cabin air before a journey begins. The exterior design is enhanced with a new Atlas Grey grille tip finish and customers benefit from an enhanced paint palette, new range of wheels, and a luxurious new Bright Pack option, available on all models in the I-PACE range. (Pictures are the property of Jaguar.com for more information visit www.jaguar.co.uk)

The Jaguar I-PACE has an Eco Mode which helps preserve range by reducing energy depletion and encouraging a more efficient driving style. It also makes subtle changes to cabin temperature, air recirculation and to a number of the car's other features. You can override these changes by normal operation of each feature or via the menu settings. The I-PACE is equipped with Software over the Air (SOTA) functionality. This means Systems including infotainment, battery management and charging can be updated remotely and enable the I-PACE to continuously improve over time.

Going Electric

Shrewsbury Shopping Centres

Some stores to remain open in Shrewsbury’s shopping centres during lockdown

LOCAL NEWS Some stores to remain open in Shrewsbury’s shopping centres during lockdown

Shrewsbury’s Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside shopping centres are to remain open during the current lockdown, but only a small number of stores will be open, and two cafes will be open for takeaway only.

As with previous lockdowns, the Pride Hill Centre is available for access to Vision Express for appointments and emergencies only – via the main entrance on Pride Hill. No public access is available to the lower levels of the Pride Hill Centre and through to the Riverside Centre. Security staff are available on the front entrances of the centres to assist members of the public with any queries and to advise people about the wearing face coverings in the centres. Kevin Lockwood, Shrewsbury shopping centres manager, said: “Shrewsbury’s shopping centres are and will remain open for a small number of stores but we ask that our customers follow the latest Government guidance and only make essential visits at this time. “Furthermore, we are encouraging anyone – be it a member of staff or the public – who is feeling unwell, to stay at home and to get tested.” Stores currently open as of 5 January are: Pride Hill Centre

Lipstick & Gin – open for click & collect/ order via phone on 07530 428063 Vision Express – appointment only Riverside Centre

Cool Trader – normal opening hours

Dada Oriental – open Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm; Saturday, 10.30 – 4pm; closed on Sunday Rob Buckley – open for appointments only, Monday – Saturday 10am to 2pm. Darwin Centre

Time Piece Watch Repairs – open for repairs only Costa – open for takeaway only

Green Options – awaiting confirmation of opening hours Home Bargains – normal opening hours

Poundland – normal opening hours

Frankie’s – Open for takeaway only between 10.30am and 3.30pm WH Smith – normal opening hours

Marks & Spencer – normal opening hours

Tubeway Records – open for click & collect only Shrewsbury Shopping Centres continues to monitor and follow the advice from the Government and Public Health England and is working closely with stores and their staff throughout this challenging period to maintain their consistently high standards. All stores classed as non-essential are temporarily closed until further notice. Issued on behalf of Shrewsbury shopping centres.

NEW YEAR! HERE IS TO A BEAUTIFUL

Affordable advertising, with a focus on local... Prices from ÂŁ45 for 2 months coverage and free artwork design...

Let your customers know that you are open again Inform people about the products & services you are offering Let people know what measures you are taking to keep them safe from Covid-19

D E PUBLICATIONS LTD

WINTER Blues... Everyone should have a formal coat in their closet, and this navy blue onefrom Dorothy Perkins is an absolute classic. If you are looking for something for relaxing around the house or out for a walk, this tracksuit from Primark is perfect.

IN THE

NAVY Because it’s a classic shade, you can afford to think about navy clothes and accessories as an investment that will last you for years. Navy blue was first used to describe the specific shade of dark blue worn by the British Royal Navy. Now, it is still used to refer to a blue colour which is almost black, but you will find there are lots of variations in shade.

THE STYLE GUIDE

Left: Navy Coat from Dorothy Perkins. Main Image: Primark Printed Hoodie £7. Stripe 6 Button Blazer £20 & Pattern Pin Stitch Jogger £10. Far Right: Sonder St

Right: Primark Pin tudio Navy Top £49

THE STYLE GUIDE

the

style guide It’s one of the most universally flattering colours around and can look less harsh than black. It goes with just about every other colour out there, and it looks great what ever the season - What is it? It’s Navy Blue... Why Is Navy Blue Such A Fabulous Colour To Wear? Here are just a few of the reasons why I love navy:

Navy is a universal colour and unlike black, which can sometimes be harsh, navy flatters the most skin tones. It Looks Stylish Any Time Of Year...

While it’s not always in stores in great quantities all year, it looks fabulous at any time of year, whether you opt for a smart navy dress at Christmas, or you wear a striped navy sailor style t-shirt in summer. It Can Be Smart Or Casual...

You could wear navy as a bridesmaid in lovely lace, or you could choose a chunky navy sweater. It’s one of the most versatile colours out there. Navy Goes With Every Colour In Your Wardrobe...

If you are having one of those I-have-nothing-to-wear moments, adding more neutrals to your closet can help you get the most out of the clothes you already have.you like to wear – it’s hard to get it wrong when matching colors with navy.

JUST ADD

NAVY

White...

And Blue...

Crisp and clean, navy and white is an incredibly chic combination. Add a white shirt or cami vest to this classic navy suit and you will be ready to get down to business.

Wearing navy blue with another shade of blue isn’t just for men to wear to work! It’s a great combination which looks equally classy for women too!

STAY HOME... During the pandemic, homeowners have been exploring new ways to make extra space at home - as well as making their homes a more enjoyable place to be. Adding a garden room is a simple and costeﬀective way to achieve both! Check out these amazing real customer garden room projects from Green Retreats for some incredible garden room ideas: 1. Year-Round-Summerhouse Your garden needn't be reserved for use in summer! With a fully insulated garden room from Green Retreats, you can make the most of your garden all-year-round. Constructed using the same methods and materials used in modern house building, a Green Retreats garden room as a summerhouse alternative is as comfortable as a room inside your home no matter what the weather outside. Heating is included too!

2. Garden Pod A garden pod is typically a small garden building that's cleverly furnished to make the most of compact space. The modern and simplistic scandiinspired exterior styling of the Green Retreats garden buildings make for a clean and contemporary garden pod design. Perfect as a secret retreat from home to tuck away at the end of the garden.

3. Garden Oﬃce Garden offices have been the hero garden room use during the pandemic. With most of the country encouraged to work from home, making space to focus on work and create a work-life balance seemed an impossible task. A garden room offered a solution to both! Creating space away from the distractions of home, as well as being able to close the door at the end of the day to properly switch off.

Image Above | The Garden Office 'TGO4' 5m x 3m starting from £22,245

Stay Home

6. Double up with storage Not only are garden rooms a unique and modern way to add extra space at home, but they're also incredibly practical too. Green Retreats offer the option to double-up on the use of their buildings with the addition of a subtle storage section. The buildings are fully insulated and secured with insurance grade locking, unlike a typical garden shed, meaning your belongings will be safe. Image Above | The Garden Office 'TGO3' 3m x 5m starting from £21,245

4. Garden Bar With nowhere to drive to and pubs and restaurants closing, another popular home improvement this year has been the home bar or garden bar. Green Retreats' customers have created some incredible garden room transformations, creating garden pubs and even a 'gin palace'!

5. Make space for fun! Staying at home more has meant getting creative with ways to keep entertained. Garden rooms have allowed people to create spaces at home that they've always dreamt of! Games rooms, cinemas, man caves and shesheds have been some of the most exciting garden room transformations of the past year. Whether they're adults only or fun for all the family, making space to have fun at home has never been more relevant.

7. Panoramic views with bi-fold doors If you've got gorgeous garden views then make the most of them! Green Retreats have optional upgrades to large glazed sliding, French or bi-fold doors offering panoramic views of your garden for you to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.

Choosing a UK Garden Room Company With the growing popularity of garden rooms, especially over the past year, there are a lot of suppliers to choose from. Green Retreats have been the UKs trusted garden room company since 2005, with modern showrooms in Buckinghamshire and Twickenham, unparalleled customer service, a 5* Trustpilot rating and an enviable environmental policy. Green Retreats have also recently been backed by architecture guru Kevin McCloud!

Key Facts and Prices: Green Retreats garden room prices start at £14,745 for a complete and installed solution. That means prices include VAT, professional installation, base/foundations, 2.3m French or sliding doors, opening window, oak laminate flooring, internal wiring, 3 double plug sockets, lighting, heating, premium-grade insulation, delivery within 100 miles of their factory... and much more! Designed and built in the UK, Fully professionally installed as standard, 10-year guarantee, Eco-friendly, Insulated, weatherproofed and heated for year-round-use. Plus Planning permission rarely required (as easy to add as a garden shed!)

Image Above | Green Retreats 'Pinnacle' 5.5m x 5m starting from £29,295

"The idea of having a garden outbuilding as separate entertaining/relaxing space grew on me. Also, the fact that we work from home means that we could feel like we are in another space, a place to escape." - Allan

www.greenretreats.co.uk

Image Above | Green Retreats 'Inspiration' 4.5m x 3m starting from £18,745

Stay Home

Love Your Outdoor Space

THROUGH the Winter MONTHS

and it Will Love You Back!

As the winter months creep up on us, you may feel less enthused about venturing out into the cooler temperatures, to potter around your garden. You might find you don’t really know what the next steps are, to help nurture your outdoor space. As growth of plant life slows down, most blooms die back, leaves drop off, and the biting frost isn’t far away everything in the garden cries out for some TLC. Recycle fallen leaves... One of the first winter jobs to start with could be raking up the fallen autumn leaves. As well as preventing any slippery accidents on your driveway or decking, collected leaves can be composted or turned into leaf mould, a great nutritious material, ideal for potting or mulching. If you’re new to creating leaf mould and want to give it a go, Monty Don demonstrates the process perfectly, here: https://www.gardenersworld.com/howto/maintain-the-garden/how-to-make-leafmould/

If you’re committed to growing during the winter season, you will need to be more selective about the plants you choose, but planting with success is still possible. There’s no reason why you can’t change things up, swapping your tomatoes for spring onions in the greenhouse and switching your potted sunflowers for a winter heather. With so many of us embracing our gardens than ever before this year, especially during the spring and summer months of lockdown, it would be a shame not to carry on loving our outdoor spaces until the end of the year, celebrating the joy and hope they have brought to our lives. Read our guide below from online compost retailer, Compost Direct, offering ways in which you can change your focus and find your path in winter gardening.

Help wildlife get through the winter months There may be some colourful winter berries about during the winter months, but generally sources of food are more limited for our garden wildlife. Give the birds a boost by placing water baths and feeders around your outdoor space. If you have a garden pond, remember to break the ice on it, if temperatures fall below zero and that will offer wildlife of all sizes with some drinking water.

Don’t forget about your garden taps Since the frosty weather can cause the outside taps in your garden to burst, it’s important to isolate every tap, where possible, from the stop tap. After turning off the tap, drain it too. For those that can’t do this, it’s best to place a cover over the tap and insulate the pipes.

Yes, winter vegetables are a thing Wrap up your shrubs... For the shrubs you want to protect from the cold elements and frost, wrap them up in a ﬂeece jacket stuﬀed with straw. Our harsh winter weather can also cause terracotta pots to crack, so to help ensure they last for many years to come, tuck them away in a shed, garage or indoors.

Most people don’t think about growing vegetables during the winter months but if there’s a will, there’s a way! Not all vegetables will thrive and survive the cold, damp conditions of winter but here’s a few that will. • Carrots – Not only are they bursting with vitamin A and beta-carotene, but they also help keep your eyes healthy. With the dark nights approaching fast, carrots are a must! • Rocket – Rich in vitamin C, K, and A, rocket is the perfect crop to grow in your garden this winter. • Spring onions – These crops thrive in the winter months. Not only that, but when they are left to ‘bulb up’ in the later months of the year, they can grow into onions too. Efficiency is key. • Brussels sprouts – With Christmas approaching, producing your own Brussels sprouts suits the occasion perfectly.

WINTER GARDEN

Flowers that can withstand the chills of winter... Rather than leaving your summer blooms to slowly wilt away over the colder season, you could replant some winter alternatives, to add a pop of colour to your outdoor space. • Christmas roses: Get into the Christmas spirit with these large, rounded, flat-faced flowers. To glean the best results, plant at the front of a partially shaded border. • Winter aconites: These golden yellow flowers are beautifully divided by leafy bracts and take a buttercup-style formation. Blossoming best from mid to late winter, these will make a vibrant addition to your garden. • Snowdrops: Embrace the winter chill with these bright white flowers. • Winter heather: Add a splash of purple, pink, and blue to your garden with these gradually spreading blossoms.

Stay snug and take in the sky at night... To add the final finishing touches to your garden this winter, investing in some cosy décor can help bring light and warmth to your outdoor space. With the market boasting a plethora of

cute and stylish outdoor decorations, these can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you wish – you choose. A firepit is a great place to start. For evenings that bring a spectacular winter sunset and nights that mark a glorious full moon or bring a display of stars - firepits will not only add a rustic vibe to your garden but help keep you snug. Grab a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate and your winter evenings are complete!

Light up your outdoor space... Lights can add the extra-cosy effect your garden craves. By placing fairy lights around your fence or the wooden gazebo you have left abandoned in the corner, you can add an authentic and warming feel to your exterior – just make sure the lights are suited for outdoor use. As the seasons come and go, with a little bit of planning and elbow grease, you can help your garden aesthetic to evolve with it. Keep loving your garden through the winter and it will love you back, helping you to weather any current uncertainties and hardships you might be facing personally during the pandemic.

Sources https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/how-to-make-leaf-mould/ https://www.compostdirect.com/shop-by-season/winter/c24

WINTER GARDEN

BOOK WORMS ‘Home By Seven: One woman's solo journey to ride all seven continents on two wheels’ It might have taken four years, but in March of 2018 Stephanie Jeavons had completed a motorcycle ride spanning 54 countries, over 74,000 miles, and put her 250cc Honda through record-breaking paces. She now held a new world record, becoming the first person to circumnavigate the globe and ride a motorcycle on all seven continents. But equally as fascinating is Jeavons’ life story that culminated in this achievement. In her new memoir, ‘Home By Seven: One woman's solo journey to ride all seven continents on two wheels’, Jeavons exposes all. Synopsis: One woman’s solo journey to ride all seven continents on two wheels Welsh girl Steph Jeavons ran away to see the world. She wanted to see the sunset from every angle. She wanted to see an orangutan and a baobab tree. She wanted to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe and ride a motorcycle on all seven continents - and to sing karaoke on the way. Steph’s cravings for escapism manifest themselves in many ways throughout her life. The book begins in her late teens where she finds herself in prison by the age of twenty. She knows there is a whole world beyond that razor wire just calling out to be explored. Twenty years later, and armed only with a stern tone of voice she reserves for naughty dogs, drunk Turks, Iranian taxi drivers, semiconscious British soldiers and Saudi truckers, she rides her trusty steed Rhonda the Honda solo around the world, to the highest, driest, wettest, hottest and coldest corners of the earth. This is a powerful and honest memoir written from the perspective of a liberated single woman taking on the world with a dogged determination to complete her mission at all costs. Home by Seven is told with honesty and wit and from a unique perspective. “When I look back at my life, the ride has been as brave, perilous and unconventional as my circumnavigation,” explains the author. “I made many bad decisions in my youth, as a heroin epidemic swept the nation, and I found myself caught in its grip, eventually landing in prison. But redemption is a powerful thing, and I now want to help people realize that anything is possible, and nobody will ever judge them by their worst action.” Continuing, “The book is a wonderful gift for fans of travel, motorcycles or personal stories of overcoming the odds. It’s especially profound in 2020, as we’re all forced to stay close

32 Book Worms

Home By Seven: Steph Jeavons’ ‘Home By Seven: One woman's solo journey to ride all seven continents on two wheels’ offers readers a back-seat ride alongside the author, as she becomes the first person to circumnavigate the globe and ride a motorcycle on all seven continents. But it’s not a travelogue; Jeavons offers a frank and uninhibited look at the events that led to her feat – from youth addiction and time in prison, to a burning desire to better herself. One critic wrote, “Two days of page turning excitement and trepidation, following Steph on her epic journey by motorbike. Highly recommend to everyone! You don’t have to love bikes or travel to be drawn into this. I am still moved and thoughtful days after completing it.”

to home, and many are turning to books to get that escape they crave. This book has it in abundance, with plenty of unexpected twists along the way.” Reviews have been extremely positive. Jamie McNeill writes, “Steph’s writing style is relaxed but witty, at times, as she recounts the miles, the landscapes and the experiences of the people whom she met along the way. This is a must read for all budding motorcycle adventurists and is an excellent source of reference for those wishing to get a ‘feel’ for a particular place before travelling there. Thank you for writing so candidly.” Another reader adds, “I was gripped from the first page and absolutely amazed at Steph’s journey from such a tough time (the first few chapters really hit you hard) to the unbelievable achievement of completing her dream solo trip on all 7 continents with best mate Rhonda the Honda. Such open and honest writing, with really touching experiences, from the hair-raising moment Rhonda was lowered onto a dinghy to reach the Antarctic, to sharing a bonding moment with her ‘warrior husband‘, there were times I was holding my breath in awe!” ‘Home By Seven: One woman's solo journey to ride all seven continents on two wheels’ is available now: https://amzn.to/3e2GEWu. Copies can also be purchased from the author’s official website: https://stephjeavons.com/shop.

2021 Spring Garden Trends PICTURES:

Summer Garden Party Picnic Outdoor TruGlow® Candles - £26.99

30 Warm White/Colour Plug In Festival Festoon Lights - £29.99

Micro Yellow Flower Lights - £8.99

Lights4fun www.lights4fun.co.uk

Once the flowers begin to bloom and the weather starts to improve, many of us will be spending a lot more time in our gardens. Whether you have a lawn, patio or decking space, Lights4fun reveals their top tips for transforming your outdoor area and the latest spring trends for 2021! Introducing colour is key for your spring garden according to Lights4fun. Yellow is one of the chosen pantone colours for 2021, in particular a bright yellow shade named ‘Illuminating’ is on trend this year. Lights4fun’s Micro Yellow Flower Lights are the perfect finishing touch to bushes and hedges and the brilliantly bendable wire enables you to intertwine them into the greenery to achieve your desired look. They can also be wrapped around other elements of your garden with ease and are a lovely addition to an outdoor table display. These delicate little lights are illuminated by warm white LEDs and are battery operated, so they can be displayed wherever you like! Festoon lights are a great feature by day and by night, as well as being versatile in their styling. Lights4fun’s Warm White Festival Festoons are subtle yet stylish, with their white perspex globe bulbs radiating a warm white glow once illuminated. Suitable for outdoor use, Lights4fun recommends hanging the festoons high above your outside seating area to add a little light as darkness falls. Alternatively, you can swag them along walls or fences to give them a glow. If you prefer a more vibrant look, opt for Lights4fun’s Multi Coloured Festival Festoons. They are sure to bring any outdoor space to life! Dining alfresco calls for the perfect picnic setting! It’s important to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere, so you can sit back and enjoy your time spent outdoors. Lights4fun’s Outdoor TruGlow® Candle Trio are the ideal accompaniment. Designed specifically for outside displays, the candles are waterproof so there’s no need to worry if they get caught in a spring shower! The LED flames look super realistic whilst also being incredibly safe, meaning you can sit them on picnic blankets and wooden tables as they remain cool to the touch. To complete your set-up, Light4fun’s outdoor micro lights will add sparkle. Simply weave them in and around your arrangement and add a vase of flowers to set the scene. However big or small your garden is, there are so many ways you can get your space spring ready!

Advertising Feature...

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

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A BRAND NEW HOME AT BOWBROOK MEADOWS, SHREWSBURY... Bowbrook Meadows in Shrewsbury offers spacious homes with open plan living, great views and enough space for the whole family. This new community, from Bovis Homes, is located just a mile from the centre meaning you can walk to town and enjoy the best this historic market town has to offer. Surrounded by open green space and overlooking the county park means you don’t need to go far to enjoy nature. Its also ideally located for the hospital and many existing residents have made use of the new extended keyworker scheme. Almost ninety-five percent of this new community is now sold with the remaining homes being dedicated to larger families with the popular five-bedroom Oxford home available. The Oxford offers great space including a large open plan kitchen and dining area with French doors overlooking the garden area. Downstairs comes complete with a utility area and the added bonus of a study. Ideal for those now working from home and wanting to separate the work/life balance. The Oxford starts from £389,995. The Help to Buy scheme is still available here for second time buyers who want to upgrade to more space. That means you still only need a 5% deposit to get moving with this option making your deposit under £20,000. In addition, the stamp duty holiday is still in place till March 2021 could help you save thousands on your next move. For those currently classed as a Keyworker Bovis Homes now offers a new extended scheme which includes a 5% deposit option and a £500 John Lewis voucher to spend on your new home. Selected homes also come with a full home flooring package. This is what current residents, Geoff and Vicky, had to say about their new home; “The house is very well built and

finished, and we are really pleased with the quality of the fixtures and fittings. The builders and tradesmen have been very friendly and helpful”. Need something a bit smaller? Then why not register for details on Bovis Homes’ brand-new development, Oteley Gardens which is coming to Shrewsbury in spring 2021 and will include a range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

You can book an appointment to look around Bowbrook Meadows and speak to a member of the sales team from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday on

01952 305 051.

Bowbrook Meadows in Shrewsbury offers spacious homes with open plan living, great views and enough space for the whole family.

AD GRID X 3_- 20/10/2020 14:23 Page 1

Abbey Kitchens, Unit 3, 93 Whitchurch Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 4EQ.

01743 588656 info@abbey-kitchens.net https://abbey-kitchens.net

Abbey Kitchens, Shrewsbury Quality kitchens, cabinets and appliances If you are looking for a new kitchen, or to refurbish your existing one, including doors, worktops and appliances call now and book an appointment to enjoy a hot Neff coffee while you browse and have an informal chat with our designer about your project.

Garden Services

COVERING ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS

ning Using a e l C le Mobi am & NO Chemicals! Ste y ronmentally r D Powerful, Envi rvice

ing Se Friendly Clean all Businesses Sm & For Homes

Dry STEAM DEMON

TREE SURGEON & LANDSCAPING Tree Felling, Pruning, Shaping, Fencing, Driveways, Slabbing, Turfing, Stump Removal, Hedge Trimming, Reduction Work & Artificial Grass.

Please contact JOSH for a FREE QUOTE

07825 588284 JCGardenServices@yahoo.com

www.jc-gardenservices.co.uk

. Leather), Ovens nc (I y er st ol ph U , ts Indoor: Carpe ories (Inside & Out) at rv se on C s, an av ar Outdoor: Cars, C

o.uk

.c n o m e d m a e t s y r .d www NT---

---COVID COMPLIA ion quote t a ig l b o o n , e e r f call lee for a 0 610680 8 7 7 0 / 1 5 5 7 5 6 01630 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Rapid testing being oﬀered to Shropshire’s frontline workers

LOCAL NEWS Coronavirus: Rapid testing being oﬀered to Shropshire’s frontline workers

Frontline and key workers living Shropshire are being invited to take rapid COVID-19 testing, as part of the Council’s strategy to identify more positive cases, reduce the spread of infection and protect lives and livelihoods. Although we are in lockdown, there will be people who can’t work from home. Those individuals, who do not have symptoms, are encouraged to have Lateral Flow Rapid tests up to 2 times per week (or once every 4 days). The test, which has already been rolled out to select groups including university students, social care staff and care home visitors, is for people who do not have symptoms. We know that up to one in three people who have coronavirus never show any symptoms but that does not mean they are not infectious. Lateral flow (rapid) devices (LFDs) are one of the tools being used to help us to detect and fight COVID-19. The speedy tests can rapidly turn around results within an hour without the need for processing the swabs in a lab. Slots are available for frontline workers at the following sites:

“Getting tested doesn’t mean people can stop social distancing, wearing masks or washing their hands, but it does help to make the activities they are undertaking safer. People who come to be tested will be given one of the rapid lateral flow tests which give results in about 30 minutes. If they test positive, they will then be given a further test to confirm the result. “By getting tested, even if you don’t have symptoms, you are doing the right thing and ultimately helping people to stay well, businesses to stay open, children to stay in school and hospitals to have the capacity to treat other illness.” Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said “Whilst the number of positive cases in Shropshire remain low compared to other parts of the West Midlands, we are still seeing an increase. I know and appreciate the efforts everyone is making to be responsible and to try and prevent the spread of the virus. But it is now more important than ever for us all to follow the national guidance to keep the rates down, and our loved ones safe. These rapid tests will help our frontline workers to get tested and be sure that at that particular moment they are COVID-19 free. Those testing positive can take immediate action and self-isolate – reducing the impact on the wider community.” How to book a test if you DO NOT have any COVID-19 symptoms and live in Shropshire If you have access to the internet, www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting

If you DO have COVID-19 symptoms:

Currently anyone who has one of the main symptoms of a high temperature, new cough or loss of taste or smell must self-isolate immediately and book a/

Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG

When you book a test you will be given the option of a test centre based on nearest location to you and availability. If you are displaying symptoms, apply for a test online.

Craven Arms Community Centre, Newington Way, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9PS

Stay At Home

All tests must be booked in advance using the below link:

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 9:15am – 4:00pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday – 9:15 am– 4:00pm www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/

This in addition to the symptomatic testing, that is already available for those displaying COVID-19 symptoms at venues across the county. If you have symptoms, book a test by calling 119 or online www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s Director of Public Health said: “Unfortunately, like many areas across the country, Shropshire has seen a rapid rise in the number of positive cases. Community testing has a big role to play in driving infection rates down but it only works as part of a whole suite of measures including effective contact tracing, following the guidance around socialising and self-isolation and the roll-out of the vaccine.

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus: Work from home, if you can

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Wear a face covering in indoor settings (food shops, workplaces) where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble. Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 10 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test. For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Capital Appliances Nov Dec Telford_Full Page Bleed New 20/10/2020 14:04 Page 1

• • • •

71 Litres Capacity Fan Oven Variable Grill Removable Door, Enamel Lining Dimensions: H59.5xW59.4xD54,8cm 2 Year Warranty A Energy Rating

• • • •

Electric, 73 Litres Capacity Fan Oven Variable Intergral Grill LED Digital Display Dimensions: H59.6xW59.5xD55.5cm 3 Year Warranty A Energy Rating

• • • •

Fan Oven 5 Programmes, Dial Control 5 Shelves, Double Glazed Glass Door Dimensions: H59.5xW59.4xD56.7cm 2 Year Guarantee*

• • • •

71 Litres 4 Function Fan Oven Full Width Variable Grill Fully Programmable Touch Control LED Timer Dimensions: H59.5xW59.4xD56.7cm 5 Year Guarantee*

• 66 Litres (Net) Multifunction Fan Oven • 3D Hotair Cooking, Optimise distribution of heat • Integral Grill, Programmable Timer • Dimensions: H59.9xW59.4xD54.8cm 2 Year Warranty A Energy Rating

• • • •

71 Litres Capacity 5 Functions (Inc Defrost & Slow Cook) Catalytic Cleaning Liners Dimensions: H59.5xW59.5xD55.1cm 1 year labour 10 year parts A Energy Rating

Shrewsbury - Unit 26 Vanguard Telford - Castle Street, Way, Harlescott, SY1 3TG Hadley, Telford, TF1 6GJ T: 01743 463261 T: 01952 257007

LOCAL NEWS

News from our partners NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service

Coronavirus: News from our partners – Local rollout of vaccination against COVID-19 – please wait to be contacted

The NHS vaccination programme is underway in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, as part of the national rollout. The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. People are being called forward who meet the criteria based on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s recommendations. Vaccination started in the county on 8 December 2020 at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Hub who are vaccinating those aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and frontline healthcare staff at risk, identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine. However, since then, other local vaccination centres within the community have started to be launched across the county, with further centres and local vaccination services expected in the coming weeks. Care home residents are also now receiving the vaccine in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, with the ambition that all older people care home residents and staff will have had the vaccination by the end of January 2021. GP practices will contact care homes directly to plan the rollout as soon as they are ready. Following extensive trials, two safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 are now available. The vaccine will be offered to more people and at other locations as soon as possible. These will include local vaccine services provided by GPs and pharmacists, in people’s homes for those who are housebound, and new dedicated vaccination centres to make sure that everyone who needs a vaccine is able to get one. Angie Wallace, the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Director for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “We are working hard to ensure that that everyone who needs a vaccine is able to get one. “In light of the address from the Prime Minister last night we are now working through plans to deliver the vaccine by the middle of February to the four top priority groups. These include all residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, everyone over the age of 70, all frontline health and social care workers, and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable. “We expect vaccine supply to increase, particularly now a further vaccine (AstraZeneca/Oxford University) has been approved for use. This is good news, and will help enable us to increase the number of people we can vaccinate over

the coming weeks. However, it will take time to roll the programme out across the county, but be assured we are working hard to do this as quickly and as safely as possible. “I would urge the public to come forward when they are called up for the vaccine and to make sure they attend their appointments. Please do not contact your practice or the NHS for a vaccine; you will be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn.” The public have an important part to play:

please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, we will contact you; when we do contact you, please attend your booked appointments; and

please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives.

People are also being urged to ‘be part of history’ by applying for roles in the county’s NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service. This will ensure we have a dedicated workforce to staff the hubs, vaccination centres and services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. There are opportunities for current and retired healthcare professionals, but also for non-clinical staff in a range of administrative, reception and other front-of-house roles. Anyone interested can find further information on how to apply by visiting www.rjah.nhs.uk/vaccine. For more information about the vaccine against COVID19 please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

Rennards Advert 1_Full Page Bleed New 14/10/2020 14:12 Page 1

what is... Exclusive

Permanent Makeup M Often refferred to as PMU, semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation, this form form of cosmetic tattooing creates longlasting eyelinerr, lip colour and brows that enhance your natural beauty y.. Unlike microblading which uses a blade to score the skin n and insert pigment, PMU technology uses a Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013; pigment into the top epider e mal your skin, sim layer of milar to that of a

broww

traditional tattoo, whilst causing less trauma and allowing the treatment to last longer. Rennard Permanent Cosmetics fo ounder Wendy Dinsdale is a passionate artist of a PMU clinic in Shropshire. Her love ffor or this artistry began in 2016 6 when she admits, â&#x20AC;&#x153;with zero sym mmetry thanks to genetics and my tweezers, I was sure there were oth hers just like me who Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x192; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ Â&#x203A;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; liffe-changing tr t eatment.â&#x20AC;?

ENHANCEMENT

Eyebrows undoubtedly frame your face. Enhancing them is a great way to reduce the time you spend applying makeup in the morning. Our aim is to create a brow that perffectl ectly mimics your natural shape.

ENHANCEMENT

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re after a subtle lash line that creates the illusion of fuller lashes or a smokey eyeliner look, this enhancement will save you time trying to draw them in symmetrically and will not smudge.

Do you struggle with sparse, thinning

brows?? Does your makeup smudge or run during your workout? Are your lips losing their colour and Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?ÇŤ Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6; Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Ç¤ Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x203A; Â?Â&#x2014;Â? oman w ho would or busiiness w to ffocus rather hav e time ocus on other importtant tasks, this is sure to take hours off of your makeup routine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just wak a e-up and go!

lip

ENHANCEMENT

At som me point we all lose the fullness, Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2022;Ç¤ subtle t lip blush corrects all these factors giving you a youthful, kissable pout ffor or up to three years. o

PERMANENT COSMETICS

www w .rennardcosmetics.co.uk | 07399 73 7 3 231111 | wendy@rennardcosmetics.co.uk u Íľ Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2022;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020;ÇĄ Â&#x201D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â?ÇĄ Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020; Íł Í´ Č Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2022;

LET’S TALK ABOUT LIPS

Lip Fillers... Early December after years of deliberation my mom, Eileen & I decided to get lip fillers.We headed down to meet Sharna Ellis, the owner of The Beauty Box Aesthetics based in Telford. Sharna specialises in lip augmentation, Micro-needling and Dermal fillers around the mouth area. I was a bag of nerves as Eileen took to the bed ready to get started. Sharna was excellent, talking us through the process, and checking what we expeced from the treatment for example; more volume, definition or to even out the lip shape. Eileen wanted to even out her uneven lips and to increase volume and improve definition. She had numbing cream applied, and Sharna got started. It was a bit painful, but nothing terrible, but it did make her eyes water a bit. Top lip first and then on to the bottom. It only took about 20 minutes or so and once finished Sharna sat her up and showed her the results. I could tell she was really pleased with the results. I was next, and I was really anxious by the time I lay back on the bed - but I had wanted lip fillers for ages, and I wasn’t going to let a few nerves stop me now! I wanted to enhance my cupid’s bow area and improve the definition of my lip line. Once I was all numbed up, it was time to get started. I really did find it quite uncomfortable. Once finished I was really pleased that I had gone through the discomfort. I absolutely love the results, and Sharna had given me exactly what I had wanted. She recommended Arnica Cream (from Superdrug) to help with any bruising - which we went and got. I didn’t get a lot of bruising but mom had a little bit, and the cream definitely helped to reduce it - so definitely worth using it. Sharna gave us all of the aftercare information, messaged us both regularly, and got us to send pictures so she could check everything was going as expected. We have booked our top up for the middle of January, and we are both really looking forward to it. Initially there is some swelling, which goes down after a couple of days - the trouble is you don’t want it to! There was a spaecial offer running at the time of 1.1ml for £99, which was a brilliant deal. I would recommend lip fillers to anyone. I absolutely love mine, and so does my mom.

40 LIP FILLERS

BEFORE & AFTER Eileen had 1.1ML to even out and enhance her naturel lips, this gave a beautiful deﬁnition. is will require a top up in 4/5 weeks to allow time for healing and then again in around 3 months time. After this maintance is just an annual top up to keep them looking plump and hydrated.

BEFORE & AFTER JASMINE... Jasmine wanted to enhance the cupids bow, and add volume to her lips.

THE BEAUTY BOX AESTHETICS Sharna Ellis - Qualified Aesthetic Practitioner Find her on Facebook: The Beauty Box Aesthetics Call: 07497 940338 (Based in Telford)

Inﬂuenza Are you at more risk of Influenza?...

We are all at risk of falling victim to the seasonal flu however some of us are more likely to have complications of influenza that may require medical treatment or hospitalization. People who suﬀer the following may be at more risk • Adults 65 years and over • Pregnant woman and young children • Asthmatics and diabetics • Heart disease or if you have suffered a stroke • Cancer patients • If you have HIV • Children with neurologic conditions • Chronic kidney disease Signs and symptoms of the flu include fever with aches or chills, weakness (feeling fatigue) along with a sore throat and cough. You may also experience a headache and stuffy nose. The onset of flu will normally come on fast and abruptly where as a common cold will normally have a gradual onset with symptoms being less sever. Whilst prevention is the ideal protection against flu it is hard to protect yourself against this invisible killer. Regular hand washing and use off hand sanitizer along with catching coughs and sneezes is the best way to prevent becoming infection or passing on influenza.

HEALTH

keeping well this flu season... Not only are we trying to protect ourselves against Covid-19 this winter we also face the risk of the flu season for good measure! Here we have the best tips for keeping well this winter. What is ﬂu season? There is a huge misconception when it comes to seasonal flu; many of us believe that as soon as temperatures plummet around late October time that flu season is upon us. However, seasonal flu tends to starts midDecember, peaking around January and February and coming to an end in March also it has been known to tail off as late as May in past years. People who have not experiences flu often mistake a common cold for seasonal flu. Although symptoms are similar, there is a huge difference between the two. In general, flu is much worse and symptoms are more intense and can lead to serious health complications such as pneumonia, bacterial infections leading to increased hospitalizations

How can i protect myself against seasonal ﬂu? Whilst flu is hard to prevent there are ways that we can help our bodies prepare for seasonal flu. 1. Keeping a nutritious diet is important in maintaining a healthy immune system, Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are all great for building a strong immune systems. Food such as yogurt, fruits, fish, nuts and oats are great. 2. Hydration! Staying hydrated is a must. Water is needed for body function regardless of the time of year however; water intake keeps the lining of the nose moist, this moisture inside the nose acts as a barrier to trap bacteria, dust and germs from entering you lungs. 3. Regular exercise is a great way to strengthen the immune system, even a 30 minute brisk walk a day can activate the body’s natural defence mechanisms. 4. We recommend keeping a small supply of flu medications ready available in the home. Remedies such as over the counter painkillers and vitamins, it is a good idea to always keep a thermometer handy and rest is the best cure. 5. Swapping coffee for hot tea! Not only can hot tea help chest congestion and sooth a sore throat it also contains antioxidants called catechins, which have flu fighting properties. There are also some great natural remedies for seasonal flu such as honey and lemon, citrus fruits such as oranges. Garlic is another popular remedy.

KEEPING WELL THIS FLU SEASON

WIPED AFTER WORK?... Here are some handy tips for you to STAY ENERGISED all day long. Give yourself an Olympic-quality energy boost to make the most out of your day after work. Co-Founder of Revvies, John NolanNeylan, shares some tips to give you the energy you need from 5pm onwards in the dark winter days.

Darker days As the days are shorter and the temperature drops, many of us will begin to find it harder to roll out of bed in the mornings, but even harder to keep our energy levels up after work during the dark evenings. Darker days disrupt our circadian rhythms - our internal body clocks - and our bodies may also produce more melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle and encourages us to fall asleep. Add that to a day of hard work, and it's not hard to see how many people are struggling to keep their eyes open from 5pm onwards. So, while it may be more difficult to spend more time in the daylight to stay sharp and energised, here are some tips from John Nolan-Neylan, CoFounder of Revvies Energy Strips, to help keep you feeling fresh and full of energy in the coming weeks, even after work:

Take a power nap A power nap is just that - powerful! Research shows that you can make yourself more alert, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning with a nap, particularly around the middle of the day. A power nap is especially effective if you've not managed to get a good night of sleep - even a short, 20-minute nap will re-energise you and help you to power through the end of the working day and beyond.

Have an appetite for energy Revvies energy strips Revvies Energy Strips are the perfect quick pick me up to help you perform at your peak. Used by professional sports teams and Olympic athletes, you can take them without any water for a convenient and rapid boost of energy. Taking a Revvies strip in a moment of fatigue, or just at the end of the working day, will give you the alertness and energy you need to help you make the most of your evenings!

Stay Energised

Go for a run/exercise Most people would assume that going for a run or doing some exercise when you're tired will make you even more tired... believe it or not, pushing yourself to go for a little run can in-fact wake you up and give you a second boost of energy. Exercise releases potent feelgood hormones like endorphins, which can help keep your energy levels topped up for hours. Even a short 20-30-minute home-based workout after work will leave you feeling good all evening.

Have some 'mindful' me time, and meditate Practicing mindfulness, and particularly engaging in a simple meditation practice, has been linked to a host of cognitive benefits. Allowing yourself some time to relax, quiet the mind, and focus on regular, smooth breathing can boost the brain's executive functions, reduce impulsive and emotional behaviour, improve mood, and leave you feeling energised. This is an especially effective technique after a draining workday to achieve a productive, feel-good evening.

Organise your time to make the most out of your day...

The benefits of organising your day are simple - being more organised and achieving your goals gives you a great sense of satisfaction, and gives you more time to reap the rewards of the other tips on this list! Being able to effectively plan your day will help you to boost your productivity - both at work and at home - and enable you to take the me time, nap time and exercise time needed to live an energy-filled life.

John Nolan-Neylan Co-Founder of Revvies, discusses the importance of keeping our energy levels consistent throughout the day, and how Revvies keeps elite level triathletes and Olympians charged to perform:

"Staying sharp and energised throughout the day is a challenge at the best of times, but as the days get shorter and we find ourselves spending hours of the day in darkness, it can become very difficult to stay energised and boosted, particularly after a hard day's work. Fortunately, there are some simple tips to keep your energy levels high throughout the day and evening, even in winter - power naps, mindfulness and quality exercise are sure-fire ways to give yourself a little pick-me-up. Revvies energy strips are another fantastic way to remain energised and alert - used by elite athletes and sportspeople across the globe, Revvies is the fastest and most convenient way to experience a great boost of energy, without the hassle and side effects of sugary energy drinks and gels."

INCLUDE plenty of fruit and veg ... Not only is regular physical activity good for our heart health, but it can also alleviate stress. It is recommended that adults get 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week, such as brisk walking. When we feel stressed, we may tell ourselves we are too busy to exercise. However, physical activity does not have to be a time-consuming chore. Incorporating small changes to increase our daily steps can improve our overall mental and physical health. You could start by making small changes, such as parking at the furthest point away from the shop entrance in the car park, getting off the bus a stop early, or leaving your office during your lunch break to take a walk.

ALSO INCLUDE lean sources of protein in your lunches ... Foods that are high in protein can help you to feel full for longer and this can prevent you from snacking on less healthy foods during the day. Lean sources of protein include grilled skinless chicken or turkey, canned tuna, soybeans, tofu and low-fat dairy products.

HEALTHY LUNCHES

Healthy Lunches... Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK Lunch is an important meal for providing the energy and nutrients required to get you through the afternoon. On busy days, it is easy to grab lunch on the go without thinking too much about whether it is good for you. The key to a healthy lunch is to get a good variety of foods that will provide you with the nutrients you need to stay healthy. We have some tips for adding some heart healthy lunches to your weekly meal plan.

Plan your lunches in advance Planning meals in advance will allow you to put a little more thought into what you are eating as well as saving you time and money. Try creating a weekly meal plan before the start of the week and shop for the ingredients you need in advance. If possible, prepare your lunch the night before or in the morning as this can stop you from filling up on less healthy foods when you feel hungry.

Keep it simple There are some quick and simple ways to prepare a healthy lunch without spending hours in the kitchen. Try cooking large quantities of home-made soup or stews and store single portions in the freezer. Simple meals, such as baked beans on wholemeal toast or wholemeal pita stuffed with hummus and salad are also quick and easy to prepare. On busy days, you could heat up leftovers from the night before to save time.

STICK with wholegrain ... Wholegrain foods provide a good source of fibre, which is good for your heart. Try to regularly include a portion of wholegrain food in your lunches, such as brown bread, wholemeal pita, wholemeal pasta or brown rice. HEALTHY LUNCHES

Just

The Basics

Model: Volvo V60 D4 R-Design Pro Price: ÂŁ40,210 Engine: 2.0 litre 190hp 4 cylinder diesel engine Pictures: Volvo Car UK

Drive...

î&#x20AC;&#x20AC;e light beaming into my eyes was bright. Too bright. A cold harsh light that stopped me seeing the owner of the voice. "So you don't own a smart phone?" "N-no, my friend" I stuttered. "Nor do you own a smart watch?" I shook my head. "I suppose you must own a tablet?" "Well, the doctor gave me a dozen for hayfever " I sneezed. "Which didn't work" I added. "So I must conclude" said the voice in a sneering tone, "That for you, Volvo's ground-breaking technological connectivity as found in the new V60 - a second generation marvel of automotive design - is utterly wasted and that, therefore, your credentials for even beginning to assess the cars worth amount to nothing. Am I right?" By this stage beads of sweat were trickling down my forehead while the combination of bright light and unsympathetic interrogation was working to induce a state of mesmerised panic. I felt like a furry rabbit frozen to the spot in the remorseless glare of oncoming doom. At this point the neighbours cockerell woke me up. That was when I knew the time had come to phone a friend. A real friend that is. Not the fiend friend of my nightmare . Later that morning Tommy Tickle literally rolled up. He had just acquired one of those new-fangled electric scooters that are at present making life interesting for Parisian pedestrians. He was trying it out on the leafy boulevards adjoining my palatial manor house.

Motoring Review

Volvo V60 D4 R-Design Pro "Mind the car" I shouted - alarmed at his apparent lack of control. But he stopped, grinned and admired the V60 while I briefed him. I explained that even though I retained all the confidence befitting an expert motorist in matters relating to judging the qualities of a car as we know it, I remained lamentably ignorant regarding computerised connectivity, therefore I was prepared to defer to his judgement on these developments. At the same time I was most eager to subject myself - courtesy of his good nature - to an illuminating tutorial on the workings of the new technology from which I might emerge able to tell the difference between an app and an apostrophe, or even if it came to it, an android and an adenoid. At this juncture, dear reader, I can confidently tell you that the 2.0 litre 190hp 4 cylinder diesel engine and 8 speed automatic transmission with drive modes ranging from comfort to sport, combine to give one of the very best powertrains in the business. Smooth, quiet, torquey and quick (near 140 mph should you be wickedly inclined) it continues to surprise by returning between 46-52 mpg.

Examine the V60 closely and you will realise that it's beauty is more than skin deep. Smart thinking oozes from every pore of the coolly-contoured, svelte musculature. They may call it an estate car, even a compact estate car, or indeed a compact premium estate car - but there's no escaping the fact that it could pass for an upmarket coupe. And even though it shares a platform with other Volvos, it is never at the expense of individuality. The V60 makes its own persuasive statement. "It just looks fabulous" said Tommy. It was time to give it a go. I made sure Tommy was comfortable while I reached for the handbook to pass to him for technical guidance. After all this is a car that offers amongst other delights, an active digital display, a Clean Zone air quality system, a Sensus 9 inch touchscreen, climate control (of the sort the planet could do with no doubt) ... not to mention a sound system option entertaining occupants with no fewer than fifteen speakers. The number is correct. It is neither a slip of the pen or an errant tap on the keyboard.

But what a lovely, cleanly-designed, comfortable and well kitted-out cabin. Driver visibility is of the 'captains bridge' sort. You can see your way clear to delight. And there is wood too. What Volvo call Drift Wood inlays: not that the timber has the appearance of having just drifted in on the tide. Considered, tasteful deployment of subtle but enlivening embellishments enhance the experience for occupants. There was no need in the end to pass the handbook to Tommy, for with the adept fingers of the true 'tekkie'' he needed no advice on getting the hang of the systems. I looked sideways. He was as happy as the day is long. Rather than ask questions and subject myself to matters of the head scratching variety which, I confess, had been my intention - I decided to enjoy what I enjoy doing best.. That is driving. Although I feared that the intrusion of a plethora of driving aids would dampen my ardour at the wheel, I have to report that one of the most advanced modern cars yet (and safest too, since 'Volvo' is a byword for safety) retained much that is traditional in driving pleasures.

By Syd Taylor Motoring Reviewer

In short, this is a car that goes as it should and it comes very close to being the best one can imagine of a car. All this and huge luggage capacity too. It's the gift that keeps on giving. And no: for a car of this class it isn't prohibitively expensive. As Tommy said. "Just think. I could cancel my TV subscription packages and just about afford one of these at ÂŁ40,210. TV is make believe, but this is real." That night I dreamt of golden showers lifting to reveal an empty open road. A rainbow bridged the sky and across its coloured bands the words 'Volvo V60' shone with iridescence. There was hope for the planet after all!

Motoring Review

LOVE YOUR LEGS Revolutionary new treatment for varicose veins... Vein Solutions is a private service based in Cheshire, which is run by Mr Sameh Dimitri, an experienced consultant vascular surgeon, who specialises in modern techniques for the treatment of all types of varicose and thread veins. What are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins occur when there is weakness in the wall of the vein or damage to the valves. This results in an increased pressure inside the vein causing dilatation. Risk factors include increasing age, pregnancy, obesity and previous deep vein thrombosis. Over 25% of women and 10% of men will be affected by varicose veins at some point in their lives. Some will seek treatment due to the unsightly appearance but varicose veins can also cause significant discomfort in many patients. Treating the diseased superficial veins significantly improves the symptoms and the legs still function properly without them as the legs are mainly dependant on the deep veins close to the bones which will be checked by ultrasound scanning during the initial consultation.

Treatment options... Vein Solutions offers the latest techniques in treating veins without the need for a general anaesthetic or compression stockings, using state-of-the-art, innovative VenaSeal glue injections - a revolutionary treatment which is not yet widely available. There are also ‘walk in-walk out’ services which use minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), foam therapy and radio frequency ablation of veins (VNUS). Vein Solutions also offers treatment of thread veins using microsclerotherapy and Veinwave techniques. Treatment of facial veins, breast veins, arm veins, vaginal/vulva veins and pelvic congestion syndrome are also available, all of which are undertaken in about one hour, under local anaesthetic (as required). If you have any queries about Varicose vein treatments please contact Vein Solutions for enquiries, more information or to book an appointment.

Other services available... Vein Solutions also offer dermal fillers and wrinkle reduction injections. For more details about any of the treatments and to see a price list call free on 0800 043 1997 or visit: www.veinsolutions.co.uk

Health - Varicose Veins

Mr. Sameh K Dimitri Mr Sameh Dimitri MB BCh, MSc, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Edin) MB BCh, MSc, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Edin), Endovascular Diploma Clinical Director of the South Mersey Arterial Centre (SMART)

Mr Dimitri trained in vascular surgery in the Mersey region (Wirral, Liverpool and Chester). He is interested in minimally invasive treatment for venous disease and has run courses to train consultants who wish to develop their skills in the new treatments. Mr Dimitri was the only consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon in the UK approved to provide training to other surgeons in cyanoacrylate glue treatment under the original inventing company Sapheon prior to them being acquired by Medtronic.

Specialities:

•Minimal access surgery •Vascular surgery

•Endovascular surgery •Vascular medicine

Mr Sameh Dimitri

TwoJays Corner

TwoJays Corner Antiques & Vintage Nov Dec 2_Full Page Bleed New 13/10/2020 16:17 Page 1

ANTIQUES & VINTAGE TwoJaysCornerAntiquesVintage

Twitter @TwoJaysCorner

www.twojayscorner.com

AN T & V IQUE S MA INTAG KE E GR

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 10.30am to 4:00pm Everyday

UN IQ EAT GIF UE TS. ..

TWOJAYS CORNER ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE... Has been trading for 15 years. We stock an eclectic mix of antiques and vintage for the home and garden. We have been an active member of The House of Upcycling association since its conception. We take great pride in rescuing old and abused antiques and vintage furniture items by either renovation or upcycling. We also maintain a sustainable business whenever which of course Antiques shops have done for many many years.

Find us down Lamledge Lane, Shifnal...

Tel: 01952 462340 or 07949385618

UNIT 21C SHIFNAL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, LAMLEDGE LANE, SHIFNAL, SHROPSHIRE, TF11 8SD. At the entrance of the industrial estate keep left, then you will find us at the end on the right.

Email: info@twojayscorner.com

Love

your legs this winter with Vein Solutions...

Walk In... Walk Out... Call: 0800 043 1997 or 07887 793620 Email: info@veinsolutions.co.uk