Inside Flintshire 2 Magazine October 2019 Issue by Inside Magazines

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FLINTSHIRE MAGAZINE 2 OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE 51

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Welcome.... Welcome to our October issue of Inside Flintshire 2 magazine. Who’s looking forward to cosy nights in front of the fire as the nights draw in and the weather gets colder? Halloween and Bonfire night coming up, two of my favourite Autumn days. If you have nothing planned for Halloween why not visit the Mountain Park hotel for a fun filled children’s party on Halloween night and an adults party on the 1st November. See page 9 for the full details.

R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W

CHEQUERS

Bansko also comes with the added bonus of soaring North-facing slopes with high altitudes, meaning waking up to fresh powder and a long ski season. With a Funpark to keep the snowboarders happy, and floodlit slopes for late night returns to the village, this really is a perfectly rounded resort. Non-skiers are also sure to find something here to keep them entertained. You can choose from ice-skating and ski-doo rides, kicking back in a relaxing spa or simply admiring the traditional architecture and culture found in the village centre.

If the fantastic slopes haven’t satisfied your need for speed during the day, fear not, as the pistes are all bordered by floodlights which light up the snow and let you ski late into the night.

The resort’s nearest airport is in Bulgaria’s bustling capital Sofia. The transfer may be a 3-hour drive between the two, but close your eyes and think of the fresh powder that awaits and the journey will fly by. So as not to waste any more time between you and the slopes, the lift system is efficient, modern and very quick, whisking you up the mountain in less than 20 minutes.

A living and breathing town, Bansko is the liveliest of the Bulgarian resorts, so you can bank on great après ski here, whether it’s the great local cuisine and wine or something a bit different if you fancy a day off the slopes.

You’ll probably find the best conditions between February and March if you want to book somewhere in advance. Should the temperatures somehow prove a little too high for the snow to last all day long later on in the season, make the most of it in the morning before soaking up some rays on 180° Restaurant’s outdoor beer garden.

Hotel Tanne Hotel Tanne is situated only 600 metres from the gondola lift and a 10 minute walk to the centre of the beautiful Bansko town. Hotel Tanne is built in traditional regional style of stone and wood, giving it a feel of homely cosiness combined with contemporary comfort and a good range of amenities.

Hotel Strazhite combines the beauty of traditional Bulgarian architecture with the comfort and convenience of a modern hotel. Situated just 300 metres from the Bansko gondola lift, hotel Strazhite is conveniently located for the enthusiastic skier who cannot get on the slopes soon enough. Bansko town centre with all its attractions, traditional restaurants and pubs is only a few minutes walk away. With

With a mixture of traditional architecture and modern comfort, this impressive hotel comprises of 5 connected buildings with an extensive range of on-site facilities. The fully refurbished Kempinski The Spa centre features a wide range of thermal facilities and offers variety of treatments.

For full details of these hotels, enquire online at: www.sno.co.uk/ski-holiday/ or call 020 7770 6888

After you’ve recovered from the night with a hangover-busting Bulgarian breakfast and fancy a day off from skiing, there’s plenty on offer. For a truly unforgettable, hair-raising experience, get yourself strapped in and prepare for some para skiing from the Todorka peak. For something a little more relaxed, there’s ice skating, rejuvenating spa treatments.

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena

Hotel Premier Luxury Mountain Resort

Hotel Premier Luxury Mountain Resort As a member of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” the 5* Premier Luxury Mountain Resort situated on the foothills of Pirin Mountain, offers luxury accommodation, gourmet dining, superior spa and wellness facilities coupled with top class To advertise text ADVERT to: 07446 778 482

Hugh Cornwell

WIN two tickets to see

The Gig Cartel presents..... Hugh Cornwell Electric - The Monster Tour. Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl, Always The Sun, Peaches, No More Heroes, Nice & Sleazy.....sound familiar?

All big hits, all great songs, all written and sung by Hugh Cornwell, the songwriter behind The Stranglers. He is the hitman and he’s back with a new album

Led by founder members Dave Hill on Lead Guitar and Don Powell on Drums, with John Berry - Lead Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Violin. John has also played Bass with The Sweet, the Tremeloes and The Bay City Rollers.

at Liverpool Arts Club Tuesday November 12, 2019 ‘Monster’ - just released on Sony Music. Expect an opening set of prime solo songs, including picks from ‘Monster’, followed by a storming set of those iconic hits, sung and played by the man himself and his band. ‘Just strap on your guitar and we’ll play some rock and rock’. You can’t miss it. The hitman is back!

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Joining John on Lead Vocals and Keys is Russell Keefe, having played in many original bands in his early years and recording albums for Polygram & United Artists, Russell has toured with The Pretty Little Things and Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers.

SLADE - Without doubt one of the most exciting bands to come out of the UK in the past 50 years. With their unique blend of perfect pop rock’n’roll, outrageous flamboyance and pure fun, and no less than 23 Top 20 singles of which six were No-1 smash hits….plus six smash albums, Slade have become a firm favourite in the hearts of pop fans all over the world.

Throughout the seventies, Slade became one of Europe’s biggest bands, touring and recording continually and making regular trips to America, Japan and other parts of the world. Slade’s catalogue of hits are synonymous with the era:“Take Me Bak ‘Ome”, “Mama We’er All Crazee Now”, “Cum On Feel The Noize”, “Gudbye T’ Jane”, along with the many others provided a soundtrack to the Glam Generation.

Slade today are still one of the most exciting bands on the road, and their stage performance is a dynamic, powerful and exhilarating roller-coaster ride of pure unadulterated rock’n’roll.

Tuesday November 12, 2019; Liverpool Arts club; Box Office No: 08444 780 898; Tickets: £29; Doors: 7.00pm; Website: www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Hugh-Cornwell.htm

A date for your diary... Slade are back for Christmaaaas!

To win just answe the tickets, r the follow ing question: “How

Who am I?

Benjamin Andrew ???? (born 4 June 1991) is an English international cricketer and current vice-captain of the England Test team. He was part of the England squad that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

many singles haveTop 20 Slade had?”

Slade have continued to tour the world. They are firm favourites on the German festival scene and undertake an annual UK “Merry

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, he moved to northern England with

Friday November 22, 2019; Liverpool Arts Club; Box Office No: 0844 249 1000; Tickets: £27; Doors: 7.00pm; Website: www.eventim.co.uk/artist/slade/?affiliate=HEJ

An attacking middle-order batsman, he holds the record for England’s fastest ever Test double-century, the fastest ever Test match 250, and the highest ever score for a

Test batsman batting at number six. He also holds the record for the most runs scored by an individual batsman in the morning session of a Test match. He became the highest-paid overseas player in the history of the Indian Premier League in 2017, fetching a record contract of £1.7 million he won the Most Valuable Player award during the season.

To enter our competitions please send your full name, address and contact details to

Guess the identity of our mystery celebrity and you could WIN £25 CASH!!

his parents at the age of 12, where he learnt the game and began playing club cricket for local teams. He is an all-rounder who bowls right-arm fast-medium pace and bats left-handed.

reg@insideflintshiremagazine.co.uk (Closing date Friday October 23) To advertise text ADVERT to: 07446 778 482

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WIN TICKETS! - TEN PAIRS OF TICKETS UP FOR GRABS W To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to T this years festive gift fair simply answer this Question.. In which city will this years festive gift fair be held? Email your answers to reg@insideﬂintshiremagazine.co.uk with your full name, address and contact details.

The new Mercedes EQC: as you were...

General knowledge quiz

Driving experience ‘Fun’ would be pushing it. The Tesla Model 3 and Jaguar i-Pace respond to being driven keenly, while the EQC merely puts up with it until you decide to slow down. It’s heavy, you sit high, the steering’s numb and there’s no clever anti-roll control, all of which mean this isn’t a car in which to get too carried away. But visibility is good, epic torque everpresent and there’s sack-loads of grip, making for a swift and hassle-free ally across hundreds of miles of real road in all weathers. And if that sounds like the kind of praise levelled at many of Mercedes’ cars over time, that’s no coincidence. After all, while the EQC might be electric, it’s a Mercedes first and foremost.

b) a cap Edinburgh Rita Fairclough Lead London and Glasgow Six a) 25 Princess Anne £50 Boxing

its excellent location, comfortable and spacious rooms, great selection of leisure facilities, including a pleasant swimming pool and modern bowling alley, hotel Strazhite is sure to enhance your winter holiday.

Hotel Strazhite

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena The renowned Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena is ideally positioned at the foot of the ski slopes and opposite the Bansko gondola lift and only a short walk away from the town centre. Indulge into a one-of-a-kind luxury experience in this Alpine style hotel and enjoy the best spa in Bulgaria with the most lavish breakfast in town. The hotel has been voted as Bulgaria’s Best Ski Hotel for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 by World Ski Awards and has also won Bulgaria’s Leading hotel award for 2017 & 2018 by World Travel Awards.

PRIZE

Slade

Total Bill .................................... £51.15

Where to stay

COMPETITIONS

WIN a pair of tickets to see

Dessert Cadbury’s Flake Cheesecake ............................ £6.00

Many skiers opt to take the gondola from the main ski centre down to town to avoid the lower slopes later on in the day.

The pistes here are wide in general, always well maintained, and covered largely by the resort’s snowmaking capabilities. Amongst these painstakingly maintained reds, highlights include the long descent from Bansko’s highest lift on the Bunderitsa slope.

Main Course Pan fried duck ........................ £16.50 Pan Fried Salmon ................ £15.75

service in a relaxing and peaceful environment. Whether you are wanting an active ski holiday or just relax while spending quality time with your family and friends then the Premier Luxury Mountain Resort is the place for you. The hotel offers luxurious modern rooms and suites and is within walking distance of the gondola ski lift station.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Bansko has more reliable snow than the other Bulgarian resorts - its high altitude (reaching a lofty 2600m) and North-facing slopes mean the ski season usually goes on into late April, the slopes well shielded from the spring sun, and preserving your precious powder. If you’re planning a last minute break early in the season, it’s best to check recent conditions – 90% of the ski area is covered by snow cannons if the snow gods need a helping hand, meaning you should find good coverage.

reg@insideflintshiremagazine.co.uk (Closing date Friday October 23)

Berlinda Carlisle - David Griffiths -Runaway Horses The South - Barry Guest - Nine Alexander O’Neal - Michael Higginson - Criticize Until next month, Reg - Editor Inside Flintshire Magazines T : 0 1 3 5 2 8 7 0 7 6 0 E: reg@insideflintshiremagazine.co.uk

Crossword

When is the best time to ski Bansko?

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Last months competition winner’s.

Easy Sudoku

A highlight in the resort centre is the beautiful village square, which includes the Virgin Mary Church, with magnificent woodcarvings dating back to the 6th Century.

The Bill Starters Chinese Crispy Duck .......... £6.95 Sticky Sausages .................... £5.95

To advertise text ADVERT to: 07446 778 482

lidays Ho

itting at the base of the mighty Todorka peak in the Pirin Mountains, lies Bansko, Bulgaria’s newest resort which is quickly becoming one of the country’s most popular ski destinations. Given the rustic mountain charm, fantastic skiing on offer and lively après ski, it comes as no surprise that the resort is continuing to draw in and churn out happy skiers. And in case this wasn’t enough, you’ll pay a fraction of the price of a similar holiday in France or Switzerland.

Thank you to the Chequers restaurant for a spectacular meal from the surroundings being beautiful, to the wonderful waitress Georgia who really could not do enough for us and is a credit to the restaurant, to the amazing tasty food which is all prepared fresh using seasonal ingredients and presented exceptionally in A l carte style but at reasonable pub grub prices. The Chequers really is a treat and has 5 stars from Inside Flintshire Magazine.

We were asked if we were going to indulge in a dessert, when looking through the menu we decided we could not resist sharing the Cheesecake of the day which was a Cadbury’s Flake Cheesecake which was served with Vanilla ice cream. This was homemade and absolutely scrumptious we were sorry we had shared one and promised next time we would deﬁnitely be having one each.

complemented beautifully with a rich Rosemary jus. It was then served with dauphinoise potatoes, Crispy Kale, Buttered Kale and seasonal vegetables.

Explore Bulgaria’s newest ski resort

Don’t forget to support our local businesses within and please give us a mention if you do use any of their services so we can continue to deliver this magazine free of charge.

Brain Workout Answers

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So what do we have in this months issue? There’s plenty going on in this months issue, including our very popular restaurant review and this months was a cracker as we visited the Northop Hall Hotel, the food was simply delicious. For the full review see pages 6-7. Autumn’s here and our holiday reviews takes a more wintery feel to it with a look at Bansko ski resort in Bulgaria, see pages 10-11. Our festive gift fair competition is back with a chance to win one of ten pairs of tickets to this year’s show at the NEC Birmingham. So much more going on and too much to mention here so please have a look through this months issue.

After looking at the menu we were both quick to decide on which starters to go for, Reg plumped for Sticky Sausages and I chose Chinese style Crispy Duck. The presentation on arrival was exquisite. The Sausages were really Moorish and were covered in a sticky Sweet Chilli and BBQ sauce. The Chinese style Crispy Duck was dressed with a sweet yet salty Hoi sin sauce and then mixed with green salad and shredded spring onion to ﬁnish, it was then aesthetically placed upon a toasted wrap and may I add absolutely beautiful even nicer than an authentic Chinese restaurant starter!

On entering the hotel, the imposing staircase immediately makes a grand ﬁrst impression, we were then directed towards the Chequers restaurant where we are greeted by the lovely waitress Georgia who escorted us to our table which was in front of a large beautiful bay windows overlooking the immaculate manicured grounds. We

Built-in 1872 by the Watkinson family, the property retains many of its original features including exquisite stained glass windows, a sweeping Canadian pine staircase, intricately panelled walls and grand period ﬁreplaces.

For main course Reg decided to not go with his favourite Steak and Chips and try something new, I suggested the Pan Fried Duck as he never has this and he was extremely impressed. The Duck was pan fried perfectly with crispy skin on the outside and pink and tender in the middle, it was also

here the funky, earlyadopter BMW i3 wore its EV heart on its sleeve, just as Tesla’s disrupter Model X screams fresh thinking from its crazy doors to its giant iPad interface, Mercedes’ new EQC is an under-the-radar EV revolutionary.

Bar some slightly tacky (and, thankfully optional) blue detailing and the lack of an exhaust, it looks normal. On the inside there’s no innovative packaging or EV minimalism, just a snug and beautifully built Mercedes cockpit. Jump in, push the start button, prod the thing into drive and, bar some whirring and the fact that the car’s rich seam of drive is entirely step-less, you’d even be forgiven for thinking the EQC wasn’t even electric. So, the EQC is not radical. But is it any good?

Performance & drive Like many of its rivals, the EQC’s power, torque and all-wheel-drive (one motor per axle) configuration do a great job of masking its huge weight (nearly two and a half tonnes, of which a quarter is the underfloor slab of battery). In city driving its effortless acceleration and impressive refinement are a pleasure, but it’s on the open road that the Mercedes really impresses. Overtakes are the work of

Motoring moments and noise and vibration are so well suppressed they’re virtually eliminated (the front motor unit is rubber-mounted twice, both with its subframe and then between the subframe and monocoque). The EQC’s turn of speed is a result of its juicy 80kWh battery (lovingly cooled and warmed as required by the car’s systems) and the two motors, the front tuned for efficiency and the rear for performance. The car constantly juggles power flow between the two, being front-wheel drive much of the time but managing to feel rear-driven.

Range 259 miles (WLTP) compares with the Merc’s two direct rivals, the Audi and the Jaguar, and of course the actual range will depend on your usage, particularly ambient temperature and driving style. But Mercedes

buyers keen to go electric but worried about the switchover. In every detail, from the way it drives through to the comprehensive aftersales package, the EQC is like a giant comfort blanket painstakingly

crafted to allay your every EV fear. Such peace of mind doesn’t come cheap, of course, but who better to take the electric plunge with than the car maker that’s been around as long as the car itself.

Spec: Price when new: £65,640 On sale in the UK: Now Engine: Twin e-motors, 80kWh lithium-ion battery, 396bhp, 564lb ft Transmission: Single-speed reduction, all-wheel drive Performance: 0-62mph 5.1sec, 111mph, 22.2 kWh/100km, 0g/km CO2

Verdict

Weight / material: 2425kg/steel and aluminium

The EQC isn’t as boldly innovative as an i-Pace or Model X but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a very good car. What’s more, it feels tailor-made for

Dimensions (length/width/height in mm): 4761/1884/1624mm

has put a lot of work into easing range anxiety. The driver’s display clearly communicates your real time consumption and remaining range, while a number of drive modes mean that, if you’re starting to fret, you can head for Max Range. Choose it, and hold the right shift paddle (now responsible for cycling through the EQC’s five levels of regenerative braking) for D auto, and the EQC will now work to maximise its efficiency and yours, urging you to back off when, via nav data and traffic sign recognition, it calculates that any more throttle will simply go to waste.

Interior space You’d think so since there’s no engine or gearbox to find room for but not so much. The boot’s big and the EQC’s hardly claustrophobic, but there’s little packaging magic here. In fact, the cockpit architecture is almost cosy - no bad thing, but it’s an approach in stark contrast to Tesla’s roomy minimalism. The interior fit and finish is extremely good (a metric on which Tesla disappoints) and, if you fork out for one of the higher spec levels and the £1695 Driving Assistance Package Plus bundle, the EQC’s armed with a raft of labour-saving and safety-boosting tech like active cruise, active steering assist, active braking assist and evasive steering assist.

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ARTWORK DEADLINE DATE 18TH OCTOBER

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R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W

CHEQUERS

his month we visited Chequers Restaurant inside Northop Hall Country House Hotel, nestled in nine acres of private woodland and secluded gardens, Northop Hall Country House Hotel is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion in the heart of North Wales. Built-in 1872 by the Watkinson family, the property retains many of its original features including exquisite stained glass windows, a sweeping Canadian pine staircase, intricately panelled walls and grand period ﬁreplaces.

The name Chequers was inspired by a historic local motor race which took place close to the hotel, the restaurant has built a strong reputation for quality, excellence and innovation and oﬀers a wide array of seasonally inspired dishes. On entering the hotel, the imposing staircase immediately makes a grand ﬁrst impression, we were then directed towards the Chequers restaurant where we are greeted by the lovely waitress Georgia who escorted us to our table which was in front of a large beautiful bay windows overlooking the immaculate manicured grounds. We

were left to peruse the menu whilst our drinks were swiftly brought to the table with a refreshing jug of ice cold water to accompany our wine, Georgia kindly informed us of the specials board which is as you walk in and is full of starters, mains and desserts that have an incredible 50% discount throughout the week. After looking at the menu we were both quick to decide on which starters to go for, Reg plumped for Sticky Sausages and I chose Chinese style Crispy Duck. The presentation on arrival was exquisite. The Sausages were really Moorish and were covered in a sticky Sweet Chilli and BBQ sauce. The Chinese style Crispy Duck was dressed with a sweet yet salty Hoi sin sauce and then mixed with green salad and shredded spring onion to ﬁnish, it was then aesthetically placed upon a toasted wrap and may I add absolutely beautiful even nicer than an authentic Chinese restaurant starter!

Please mention Inside Flintshire Magazine when responding to advertisements

complemented beautifully with a rich Rosemary jus. It was then served with dauphinoise potatoes, Crispy Kale, Buttered Kale and seasonal vegetables.

I was equally impressed with my choice which was Pan Fried Salmon this was also cooked to perfection and had a really tasty herby crust on the top which gave the Salmon a lovely crispy taste against the soft ﬂaky salmon. This was served with a homemade Dill and Chive potato cake and then accompanied with seasonal vegetables and lightly drizzled in a delicate white wine and dill cream sauce. We were also given extra pots of the sauces which was a really nice touch especially if you prefer plenty of sauce on your meal and not just drizzled. We were asked if we were going to indulge in a dessert, when looking through the menu we decided we could not resist sharing the Cheesecake of the day which was a Cadbury’s Flake Cheesecake which was served with Vanilla ice cream. This was homemade and absolutely scrumptious we were sorry we had shared one and promised next time we would deﬁnitely be having one each.

The Bill Starters Chinese Crispy Duck .......... £6.95 Sticky Sausages .................... £5.95 Main Course Pan fried duck ........................ £16.50 Pan Fried Salmon ................ £15.75 Dessert Cadbury’s Flake Cheesecake ............................ £6.00 Total Bill .................................... £51.15

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Explore Bulgaria’s newest ski resort

y s a d i l o H

A highlight in the resort centre is the beautiful village square, which includes the Virgin Mary Church, with magnificent woodcarvings dating back to the 6th Century.

If the fantastic slopes haven’t satisfied your need for speed during the day, fear not, as the pistes are all bordered by floodlights which light up the snow and let you ski late into the night.

Beginners are well looked after here, whether this is your first time skiing or you’re a couple of ski sessions left from the reds. New skiers, especially the little ones, can make the most of the Pirin or Ulen ski schools, before venturing out onto the gentle blues, like the Plato slope and the long, picturesque return on the Bansko slope. The pistes here are wide in general, always well maintained, and covered largely by the resort’s snowmaking capabilities. Amongst these painstakingly maintained reds, highlights include the long descent from Bansko’s highest lift on the Bunderitsa slope.

Le retro will give you your own little piece of France, or if you want a taste of the Orient go to the Kempinski Hotel’s sushi bar and Teppanyaki grill; but for a true taste of traditional Bulgarian grub, head for one of the many ‘Mehanas’ in the village. A Mehana is the Balkan take on a ‘tavern’, easily spotted with their homely feel, lively violinists, and of course fantastic food, all 3 of which you’ll find at the Tavern Macurev Han or the Baryakova. After you’ve recovered from the night with a hangover-busting Bulgarian breakfast and fancy a day off from skiing, there’s plenty on offer. For a truly unforgettable, hair-raising experience, get yourself strapped in and prepare for some para skiing from the Todorka peak. For something a little more relaxed, there’s ice skating, rejuvenating spa treatments.

Please mention Inside Flintshire Magazine when responding to advertisements

When is the best time to ski Bansko? Bansko has more reliable snow than the other Bulgarian resorts - its high altitude (reaching a lofty 2600m) and North-facing slopes mean the ski season usually goes on into late April, the slopes well shielded from the spring sun, and preserving your precious powder. If you’re planning a last minute break early in the season, it’s best to check recent conditions – 90% of the ski area is covered by snow cannons if the snow gods need a helping hand, meaning you should find good coverage. You’ll probably find the best conditions between February and March if you want to book somewhere in advance. Should the temperatures somehow prove a little too high for the snow to last all day long later on in the season, make the most of it in the morning before soaking up some rays on 180° Restaurant’s outdoor beer garden.

Hotel Strazhite Hotel Strazhite combines the beauty of traditional Bulgarian architecture with the comfort and convenience of a modern hotel. Situated just 300 metres from the Bansko gondola lift, hotel Strazhite is conveniently located for the enthusiastic skier who cannot get on the slopes soon enough. Bansko town centre with all its attractions, traditional restaurants and pubs is only a few minutes walk away. With

For full details of these hotels, enquire online at: www.sno.co.uk/ski-holiday/ or call 020 7770 6888

Many skiers opt to take the gondola from the main ski centre down to town to avoid the lower slopes later on in the day.

Where to stay Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena The renowned Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena is ideally positioned at the foot of the ski slopes and opposite the Bansko gondola lift and only a short walk away from the town centre. Indulge into a one-of-a-kind luxury experience in this Alpine style hotel and enjoy the best spa in Bulgaria with the most lavish breakfast in town. The hotel has been voted as Bulgaria’s Best Ski Hotel for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 by World Ski Awards and has also won Bulgaria’s Leading hotel award for 2017 & 2018 by World Travel Awards. With a mixture of traditional architecture and modern comfort, this impressive hotel comprises of 5 connected buildings with an extensive range of on-site facilities. The fully refurbished Kempinski The Spa centre features a wide range of thermal facilities and offers variety of treatments.

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena

Hotel Premier Luxury Mountain Resort

Tiick TTickets from only £6!

9.30AM – 5.00PM DAILY Y THE BIGGEST AND MOST LIVELY L INDOOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAIR IN THE MIDLANDS IS BACK! … WITH SO MUCH CHOICE, FABULOUS BARGAINS AND GREAT MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the CY fabulous atmosphere, anticipation rising as you browse CMY 300+ stalls overflowing with thousands upon thousands of unusual gifts, stocking fillers, decorations and artisan foodK & drink at prices worth celebrating! It’s an Aladdin’s cave of sparkling stalls offering more choice, more variety and more fun than the High Street, and it’s all under one roof. The run up to Christmas Day involves a lot of planning and most of us have so much to do and so little time to do it! Take the pressure out of Christmas shopping and find all the presents you want at the one-stop shop Festive Gift Fair. When your bags are full, just drop them off at the Present Creche and continue to shop some more!

Tickets available at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk or call the TICKET HOTLINE: 0844 581 0808

12 with your full name, address and contact details.

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COMPETITIONS

WIN a pair of tickets to see

Slade

at Liverpool Arts Club Friday November 22, 2019 Christmas Everybody” tour in December. They also have a huge following of fans and regularly play concert dates in Russia, Poland, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, France and the Czech Republic. Led by founder members Dave Hill on Lead Guitar and Don Powell on Drums, with John Berry - Lead Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Violin. John has also played Bass with The Sweet, the Tremeloes and The Bay City Rollers. Joining John on Lead Vocals and Keys is Russell Keefe, having played in many original bands in his early years and recording albums for Polygram & United Artists, Russell has toured with The Pretty Little Things and Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers.

Slade today are still one of the most exciting bands on the road, and their stage performance is a dynamic, powerful and exhilarating roller-coaster ride of pure unadulterated rock’n’roll.

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Friday November 22, 2019; Liverpool Arts Club; Box Office No: 0844 249 1000; Tickets: £27; Doors: 7.00pm; Website: www.eventim.co.uk/artist/slade/?affiliate=HEJ

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WIN two tickets to see

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Tuesday November 12, 2019; Liverpool Arts club; Box Office No: 08444 780 898; Tickets: £29; Doors: 7.00pm; Website: www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Hugh-Cornwell.htm

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his parents at the age of 12, where he learnt the game and began playing club cricket for local teams. He is an all-rounder who bowls right-arm fast-medium pace and bats left-handed. An attacking middle-order batsman, he holds the record for England’s fastest ever Test double-century, the fastest ever Test match 250, and the highest ever score for a

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AutumnFashion

hile the calendar may well still say summer, one quick glimpse out of your window will tell you that meteorologically, we're far from it. Oversized hats, tie-dye and fringing may have dominated our wardrobes over the last few months, but - if the autumn/winter 2019 catwalks earlier this year are anything to go by - over the next few months, things look set to get extra... A... F.

Giant bags After seasons spent cramming only our very essential items into the teeniest, tiniest totes our phones would fit in, come autumn/winter our handbaglip-balm-count will return to seven (minimum) as some of the coolest brands on the schedule dub it time to revisit practicality. And then some... Spotted at: Michael Kors, Rejina Pyo and Proenza Schouler.

Checks on checks Last season saw clashing prints - think polka dots *with* stripes - prove popular, but next season the bold trend has been pared down to something somewhat more manageable. Essentially one single print, by autumn

we'll all be re-investing in checks - we'll just be mixing the colours around a bit. Spotted at: A.W.A.K.E, Marta Jakubowski and Ashley Williams.

Waist belts While a cinched waist is a timeless trait, it’s one which has fallen off the radar somewhat in high fashion circles due to the ever-growing fondness for a loose, undefined silhouette. Next season, however, it’s all change, and we’ll be reaching for our belts to wrap around everything, from knits to coats and everything in-between. Spotted at: Prabal Gurung, JW Anderson and Tibi.

Brown outerwear If you had even half an eye on fashion week this season, you likely noticed the influx of tonal camel hues adorning the outfits of the street style set. Jump forward to the end of the year, and that same base shade gets an upgrade via sweeping midi coats. Spotted at: Simone Rocha, Jonathan Cohen and Rejina Pyo.

Argyll knits Once the uniform of middle-aged golfers, argyle knitwear has had its highs and lows in the fashion world. But, according to this season's most

popular runways, it's officially back in favour. Strictly saved for jumpers and cardigans (no argyle trousers, thank you v much), pair them with chic skirts for cosy days in the office. Spotted at: Molly Goddard, Victoria Beckham and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi.

Corduroy suiting Corduroy has been making a subtle comeback over the last six months or so, but double that time-frame and we're predicting it will have truly reached the masses. Opt for loosefitting incarnations for a casual look, and high-waisted flared trousers with a nipped-waist jacket of an evening. Spotted at: Kate Spade, Margaret Howell and Jamie Wei Huang.

Seasonal sparkle Surprise surprise, 2019's party season will welcome a whole host more sparkle. But unlike last year's sexy, almost predictable takes on the trend, next season sequins undertake a slightly more thoughtful aesthetic. From draped dresses to fringing and portraiture, Christmas-party-dressing looks set to be a whole lot more interesting. Spotted at: Halpern, Molly Goddard and 16Arlington.

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Create some magic in the kitchen this Halloween with these spooky witches fingers

Kids w in the ill delight se bis cuits perfe ct Hallo for a wee party n !

Method 1. Combine the butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat together with an electric mixer; gradually add the flour, baking powder and salt, continually beating; chill for 20 to 30 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 160 C / Gas mark 3. Lightly grease baking trays. 3. Remove dough from fridge in small amounts. Scoop 1 heaping teaspoon at a time onto a piece of greaseproof paper. Use the paper to roll the dough into a thin finger-shaped biscuit. Press one almond into one end of each biscuit to give the appearance of a long fingernail. Squeeze biscuit near the tip and again near the centre of each to give the impression of knuckles. You can also cut into the dough with a sharp knife at the same points to help give a more finger-like appearance. Arrange the shaped biscuits on the baking trays.

What you need 1. 225g (8 oz) butter, softened 2. 125g (4 1/2 oz) icing sugar 3. 1 egg 4. 1 teaspoon almond extract 5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 6. 350g (12 oz) plain flour 7. 1 teaspoon baking powder 8. 1 teaspoon salt 9. 100g (4 oz) whole almonds 10. 1 tube red decorating icing

4. Bake in the preheated oven until the biscuits are slightly golden in colour, 20 to 25 minutes.

5. Remove the almond from the end of each Total Time Prep Time biscuit; squeeze a small amount of red icing into the cavity; replace the almond to cause the icing to 55 min 30 min ooze out around the tip of the biscuit. To advertise To advertise here please here call email: 07868 insidelincs2@outlook.com 433 225

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Advertising Feature

moneytalks

It’s never too late….

I've just read that HMRC collected record inheritance tax payments of £4.9bn

Not so12 very long ago, if you hadn’t saving for retirement by the time in the months to April 2017 whichstarted was a 4% increase on the previous year. you reached yourlot 50’s wouldwhich have been deemed to have toobeen late. taxed Only That's an awful of it money for the most part has been already theofway (possibly several times) as its been accumulated, as aalong lifetime saving into a pension, with some investment growth waseither likely to income tax when it was earned in the first place, more income tax if it's been produce a large enough pot to produce a viable income later in life.

saved, capital gains tax if the asset realised a profit and finally, inheritance

Let’s not forget either the value of tax relief. For Today, most young people, simply don’t have the tax at 40% when the owner leaves this mortal coil! spare cash to put much aside for retirement, after all our £70k earner to fully fund his annual pension property have risen this at a subject dramatically veryofsimple things can ensure I've not prices written about for aquicker long some allowance £40k, the cost you to him or do her to is actually time,than mainly because until this year, there your wealth to theof people whoavailable matter rate wages, certainly since I purchased myhave first £27,000 due passes to the level tax relief been 38 no years changes to thethey inheritance nil with rate when the most to you. For example, I write a lot home ago, often are startingtax work claimed through his annual tax returnabout as a for some to they be fair, thechildren fact that retirement planning, keeping as the much of aband student loan toyears, repay,and then have of higher rate tax payer. and Someone paying basic the nil rate is nowistransferable between your capital as you can, for as long as you can in their own, andband their income spread ever thinner. rate of 20% tax would have to spend £32k to save

spouses, means that the old adage of "use it or

Wages to peak in atheworry. 40s and 50s and hopefully lose it"tend is no longer by then you’ve paid off your mortgage, the kids have Readingmoved theseout, figures though reminded of possibly or at the very least are notme quite how I felt when I had to were writeand outsuddenly a cheque to the financial drain they once more theyour Inland Revenue many years ago on the of income is your own.

death of my mother.

My father had pre-

In this country wesome still have generous incentives deceased her by 16 years, she tax sadly passed to save into Pensions or ISAs, and whilst I havethe to away before the rule change allowing qualify thesespouses can change in thenilfuture, transferthisofbya saying deceased unused rate the oldresult, adage aofhefty making sun which shines band, IHThay bill whilst on anthe estate comes to mind. today wouldn't even raise a glimmer of hope in

the pension Revenue's The firmeye's. Quilters, calculated in May of ths year that athough, 50 year from old earning £70k per annum and It's clear the figures announced by able to make annual contributions HMRC that maximum many people arepension still falling foul of of expect toofbuild up and a pension fund this£40k mostcould unpalatable taxes, it's equally worth the some time they reached state clear to£985,800 me thatbywith sensible planning and discussion, thoseonofnet you who may retirement age of 67, based average returns of inadvertently 4% per annum. be making HMRC one of your

main beneficiaries, may be able to remove them, Of course, not everyone can afford to fully fund their or at the very least considerably reduce their annual pension allowances, but its all relative. If "inheritance" from you.

you’re used to earning £70k per annum, then its fair Of assume course,that some youbereading thisto may to youofwill expecting spendnot a mind in theof slightest more of your higher level income inif retirement, than estate if for passes to the been revenue your and children, or example you’ve used than to earning spending grandchildren, and that is of course your choice. £25-30k per annum.

If that's not your eventual aim though, there are

a pension "wrapper" is incredibly tax efficient, so often when I undertake cash flow modelling, I'll suggest on Iother The point I’m drawing making, and often capital say this before to my pension capital. people realise that own clients, is thatMany the last 10 todon't 15 years before gifts from are surplus eat into nil retirement key income in termsdon't of making thethe right rate band, so if your income is building up, financial planning decisions, and determining divertingorthis a savings or investment product whether nottoyou have a comfortable retirement, for a child, can help reduce the final inheritance doing the things you’ve planned and dreamed of, or tax bill on your estate, whilst building up capital you go back to the position you were in when you to enable a child to perhaps put down a deposit were your 20’s, 40’s where your on a in property or 30’s pay and off apossibly student loan in years income never seemed to stretch as far as you to come. the same amount.

needed it to.

It's fair to say that one size definitely does not fit

So, really is never too late a difference. all, itand advice, in what cantobemake a complex area is

to my do mind If you would like ifmore Please giveessential. us a call on 01948 840738 you 01244 561323 information on this, or any other of would like to chat through your options, area without financial planning, please do give us a call on obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.

01948 840738 or 075959 28907 where me and

The value will of an with you. St. James’s Place my team beinvestment happy to help will be directly linked to the performance of the The value of an investment with St. James's funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may Place will be directly linked to the performance get back less selected than the and amount of the funds mayinvested. fall as well as rise.

You levels may and getbases backof less thanandthe amount The taxation, reliefs from invested.can Thechange levels at and of taxation taxation, anybases time. The value of and any reliefs from taxation can change at any time and tax relief depends on individual circumstances. is dependent on individual circumstances.

Carolyn Ling Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is Carolyn Lingand Financial Planning Ltd Financial representsConduct only St. James’s PlaceforWealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated the Financialproducts Conduct authorised regulated by the Authority) the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth by management Authority) for more the purpose solely theonGroup’s wealthwebsite management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s and services, detailsofofadvising which are setonout the Group’s at www.sjp.co.uk/products. website at www.sjp.co.uk/products.

Carolyn Ling Financial Planning Ltd 01244 01948 561323 840738 / 07469 075959871283 28907 alexander.smith@sjpp.co.uk carolyn.ling@sjpp.co.uk www.sjpp.co.uk/carolynling www.sjpp.co.uk/carolynling

Quality is never an accident…. Based locally on the Shropshire/Cheshire border, Based locally in Hawarden, we work closely where I have lived for most of my life, I work with our clients and their families to fully closely with my clients and their families to fully understand their financial aspirations, hopes understand their financial aspirations, hopes and and concerns. concerns. Ourbusiness businesshas hasquality qualityand andservice serviceatatit’s itscore core Our and we would like to invite readers to find out and I would like to invite readers to find out for for themselves our personal approach to themselves my personal approach to financial financial planning. planning.

It is always the result of intelligent effort WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY “The level support, help and advice “Alex hasofprovided trustworthy Carolyn provides to me and my family and sound advice. He explains goes far beyond what have everything in a clear andwe easily experienced in the past. Nothing is too understood manner. much trouble and she and her team are I have complete trust in his always available. We have complete advice and I would not hesitate trust in her advice and have no in recommending Alex to hesitation in recommending her”

anyone.”

Fred & Jill Dimelow, Farmers P. Reilly

Investment Planning Retirement Planning Protection Inheritance Tax Planning Long Term Care Fees Planning

Carolyn Ling Financial Planning Ltd represents only St. James’s Place Management plc (which is Carolyn Ling Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents onlyWealth St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by Financial the FinancialConduct Conduct Authority) for the for purpose advising solely on the group’s authorised and regulated by the Authority) the ofpurpose of advising solelywealth on the management products and services,products more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The titles Group’s wealth management and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. at www.sjp.co.uk/products.

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Renovate a small bathroom on a budget The average small bathroom remodel costs between £4000 and £7000. Here we see how much you can do with a budget of no more than £2000. It helped that the bathroom used in our example was tiny basically with enough space for a bath, toilet and sink, plus a small amount of floor space. The down side…there really isn’t anywhere to expand it out to. The up side… because the size is so small, you can splurge a little on the tiles and it won’t break the bank.

Step 1: Paint A new paint job is the easiest and least expensive way to change the look of a room. And if you don’t love the colour you’ve chosen, you can always paint over it! For bathrooms, semi-gloss paint stands up to the humidity and is easy to clean.

Cost: £100

Step 2: Tile the floor For the budget-conscious renovator, using ceramic tiles instead of real stone tiles is an easy way to save some money. Bear in mind that people will be getting out of the bath with wet feet and ceramic tile can be very slippery when it’s wet. So you need to make sure that the tile has some grip onto.

Cost: less than £150

Step 3: Add a tile accent wall If you’re looking for something to break

drama and don’t take up too much width over the mirror.

Cost: £310

Step 6: Replace the bath taps Going with the somewhat Asian-feel that the bathroom was taking on, our example used bamboo-look taps for the bath.

Cost: £100

up the wall space, add a tile accent wall, using split-face limestone mosaic tiles. They have the advantage of being easier to install than regular tiles since they don’t have to be grouted.

Cost: £200

Step 7: Add a window treatment A roman shade it takes up virtually no visual space, but still adds a little colour to the bathroom. Look for plaid fabric in colours that match the bathroom colour scheme.

Cost: £25

Step 4: Replace the sink This will be your most costly item. The sink used in our example fits the bill by having open storage where towels can be stored easily but still has a drawer for storing a hair dryer and curling tongs etc. The granite top is the same base colour as the accent wall, with a vessel sink and tap.

Step 8: Add storage and amenities A storage cabinet, towel bars and towels add the finishing touch. Just think of the best hotels you’ve visited and use them as an example!

Cost: £250

Cost: £750

Step 5: Upgrade the lighting In our example, the overhead bar-type lighting was repalced with sconces on the sides of the mirror. Since the space wasn’t very big, tall narrow sconces add some

Before...

... after 42

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Your monthly

Brain workout Easy Sudoku Use this area to work out your answers

General knowledge quiz 1. What is a Kippah? a) a fish b) a cap c) a small boat 2. Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seat is in which city? 3. Which character has Barbara Knox played for over 45 years? 4. Pb is the chemical symbol for what? 5. Between which two cities does the West Coast Mainline run? 6. How many feet make up a fathom? 7. In paper quantities how many

sheets make up a Quire? a) 25 b) 50 c) 100 8. Whose country residence is Gatcombe Park? 9. Both Matthew Boulton and James Watt have featured on which British banknote? 10. Adam Hollioake (right) was a professional cricketer who captained England in One Day Internationals in the 1990s. To which sport did he turn professional for a short time in 2011?

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Quick Crossword Across 1. Stage drapes 5. Pasted down or clogged (up) 9. London’s main airport 10. Held for trial, on ... 12. Sinfully 13. Fast jet effect, ... boom 14. Large planter pots or yoghurt containers 16. Intervenes or becomes involved (5,2) 19. Grain storehouse 21. Location Answers on page 4

24. Characteristic or distinguishing feature 25. Drowsy or sluggish 27. Steps 28. Divide or keep apart 29. Knights’ horses 30. Fireproof material

Down 1. 2. 3. 4. 6.

Joint inheritor Domains Detest Pasta ribbons Most anxious or most

uncomfortable 7. Lack of generosity or stinginess 8. Inferring or drawing conclusions 11. Colourants 15. Not changed 17. Self-obsessed people 18. Computerised inventory 20. Dog’s cry 21. Couches 22. Shocked & horrified 23. Eight-piece groups 26. Proverb

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Health Top seven bargain superfoods

rom the latest "superberry" to the newest healthboosting grain, there are plenty of superfoods that promise to boost your health, but can also leave your bank balance a little worse for wear. Fortunately, not all superfoods have to cost a fortune.

1. Oats With the constant emergence of trendy superfood grains such as spelt, amaranth and quinoa, it is easy to forget about the humble oat. However, oats are not only cheap, versatile and widely available, but they are packed with nutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium and fibre. Oats also have many health benefits, with the ability to reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, boost the digestive system and improve heart health.

2. Sweet potatoes While sweet potatoes are not as commonly eaten as the regular spud, there are many reasons why they should form a part of your standard diet. Firstly, this healthy root vegetable is packed with minerals and vitamins such as vitamin C, manganese, potassium and iron. Furthermore, it is one of the best natural sources of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which can help lower risk of heart disease and

cancer as well as being good for eye health.

3. Sardines With omega-3 being one of the big buzzwords in healthy eating, salmon has justifiably been hailed as the latest health-boosting superfood. However, for those on a budget, swapping fresh salmon for tinned sardines can deliver the same health benefits for less than half the price. Sardines, like salmon, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your skin, brain and heart. On top of that, sardines are rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D and the ever-elusive vitamin B12.

4. Blackcurrants For years the healthy eating industry has been all about the acai and goji berry. However, if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to shell out on the latest berry du jour, you may be pleased to know that the common blackcurrant is also a superfood in its own right. Research has found that blackcurrants are more nutritious and contain more antioxidants than blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, and they can help ward off a range of diseases including cancer and dementia.

5. Tomatoes Tomatoes are found in most supermarkets and come at a budgetfriendly price, yet they are still one of the best superfoods around. The

popular fruit is one of the richest sources of the antioxidant lycopene, which can help lower cholesterol, protect the heart and prevent the risk of diseases such as cancer (particularly of the prostate). Tomatoes can also help prevent blood clots and boost the immune system.

6. Green tea When it comes to healthy drinks, acai berry juice has received a lot of positive press. However, for the same health benefits at a fraction of the price, green tea is a great alternative. While it may not be quite as exotic, green tea is packed full of antioxidants and has long been renowned for its health-boosting properties. Some of the benefits of green tea include its ability to speed up the metabolism, ward off wrinkles, boost the immune system and protect against cancer.

7. Beetroot If there was ever a vegetable that truly deserved its place on your vegetable rack, then the beetroot would be it. One of the latest vegetables to be hailed as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;superfoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, beetroot juice is packed with antioxidants and has many health benefits including the ability to improve liver function, lower cholesterol, boost stamina for exercise and reduce risk of dementia. This cheap and healthy superfood is also a good source of folate and vitamin C.

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October Horoscopes Aries (March 21-April 19)

You could encounter some rather unexpected changes to your career path. Out of the blue you might be offered a new position. It will not be one you have applied for so it might come as a bit of a shock. The money is good - so go for it!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You will be very busy with stuff, sorting through your own things as well as those of other people, during this calendar month. You might have dealings with certain humanitarian causes where your past efforts will be recognised and rewarded. You could also be offered a leadership role, a promotion or a pay rise.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This is a good time to take stock of your finances. You may have overspent in the last couple of weeks, which means you have little rainy day money. If you take the time to plan your spending more carefully, you could be surprised by how much you can save by simply sticking to a plan.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is a month for relaxing and taking life easy. If you haven’t thought of a holiday, a last-minute getaway would do you the world of good. You may suddenly feel tired, so take some time out. The money will flow easily this month and you will have plenty to spend on the things you enjoy.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

There could be a serious flirtation going on at work this month. Certainly, your heart will be fluttering and there will be butterflies in your stomach. You may toy with the idea of starting an affair. Passions will run high and you will feel on top of the world.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

An analysis of your monthly indicators for October reveal that you will be mentally alert and switched on to life in general over this period. You will find life invigorating and challenges in work will excite you.. Your voice will be heard by senior people and your talents and creativity will be noted.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

You will be celebrating your finances, since all your investments are doing well and you have nothing to worry about. Your monetary income remains steady and predictable and you will be able to see how your past financial planning has paid dividends.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Wow! What a lucky 30-day period for Scorpions! Now is the time to preen yourself and take centre stage. Get your hair done, buy yourself some new clothes and dedicate this month to making yourself look fabulous. Time will fly by like a whirlwind and you may feel that you don’t quite know what’s hit you.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

This is another very positive month for the archer star sign and you will find encouragement all around. People will want you to start a new business to show off your expertise. There will be many persuasive people who feel they can gain from following your lead.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

You will seem more energetic this month and ready to explore new horizons. Travel is forecast, on both the work front as well as the home front. You might become interested in a job relocation opportunity which suddenly arises.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

You will feel more like yourself this month because your stress levels will have reduced. You could be inclined to embark on a strict diet where you are promised results very quickly. Don’t be too easily fooled. With regular exercise and a sensible fitness regime, you can easily achieve your desired results.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

There could be a few niggles ahead as you try to keep a healthy work/life balance. You risk struggling to keep yourself from flying off the handle with work colleagues who lack your conviction. In your frustration, you may be inclined to snap at those closest to you.

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Films

The pick of the new movies

Judy

Joker Starring Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker and based on established DC Comics characters, this new release is intended to launch DC Black, a series of DC-based standalone films. The film, which acts as an origin story for the Joker, is set in 1981, where failed comedian Arthur Fleck encounters violent thugs while wandering the streets of

Gemini Man Henry Brogan (Will Smith), an ageing government assassin seeking to exit his career, finds himself going up against a younger clone of himself named Junior, who's able to predict his every move. With no other choice, Henry must uncover the truth behind Junior's creation and save him from going

Gotham City dressed as a clown. Disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.

Released: October 4, 2019 Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller Director: Todd Phillips Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie

Thirty years after starring in "The Wizard of Oz," beloved actress and singer Judy Garland (RenĂŠe Zellweger) arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband. The film is an adaptation of the Olivier and Tony-nominated West End and Broadway play End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter.

Released: October 4, 2019 Genre: Biography, Drama, History Director: Rupert Goold Cast: RenĂŠe Zellweger, Jessie

Beetz, Robert De Niro.

down the same dark path he did, all while fighting against a corrupt system led by his former boss Clay Varris, who's determined to retire him at all costs.

Released: October 11, 2019 Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi Director: Ang Lee Cast: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen.

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Buckley, Rufus Sewell.

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How to light your garden Want to make full use of your outdoor space after dark but need some lighting inspiration for your yard? Try out these beautiful ways to light your garden.

of the gazebo…which provides great mood lighting for parties. Just change the color of the light to change the mood!

Torches

Low voltage landscape lighting Low voltage landscape lighting is the traditional way to add light to your garden. Landscape lighting uses various types of light fixtures to showcase garden’s plants, structures and pathways. When you see a house that almost looks magical at night because of the lighting, chances are this is the lighting system that they have installed. Low voltage lighting is powered by a transformer* that is plugged into a regular electrical outlet. It normally comes with a sensor that turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. It may also have the option to keep the lights on for a certain number of hours. The lights themselves are attached to a low voltage wire* that runs through the garden. Because it is low voltage, it doesn’t carry enough electricity to shock or hurt anyone, so it does not fall under the same building codes as a standard electrical installation would.

Torches* are a great way to add light in open areas (where the flame won’t be a problem).

form of outdoor lighting that perform many of the same functions as low voltage landscape lighting. Since they don’t require any cords, there’s no need to worry about hooking about a transformer and wires like you do with traditional low voltage lighting…which makes them really easy to install! Solar lights contain re-chargeable batteries that are charged during the day by the solar panel that is attached to the light. Each one has its own sensor that turns the light on at dusk… and the light will stay on for as long as the batteries still have a charge.

Flood lights

Solar landscape lighting

A lot of people are used to flood lights being used as security lighting (outside the garage with a movement sensor… and they do work well for that). But they can also be a great way to add general lighting to your yard.

Solar landscape lights are a newer

Install them pointing down from the top

That is good news for DIYers since it means you can install your own low voltage lighting, and it’s really not as hard as it looks!

They have the added benefit that they can burn Citronella fuel* which helps to keep the bugs away. Of course, if you prefer to make your own torches, it’s a great way to re-use wine bottles.

Flame-less candles Flame-less candles are another way to provide ambiance that is a little less risky than using open flame. They come in many different colors. T They also are available in many sizes, including tea lights and pillar candles. Many of them have timers or remote controls that makes them easy to turn on and off. Flameless pillar candles are made of real wax and have a remote which lets you turn them on and off easily.

Illuminated planters Illuminated planters a great unexpected splash of color in your landscape when they are lit, and look like white planters when they are not. They are also solar-powered, so you can put them anywhere that gets some sun.

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In this month... 1970 1938

1974 1978

1968 1970: Janis Joplin found dead

1963: Dr. Who makes TV debut

1938: ‘War Of The Worlds’

Janis Joplin, the American rock, soul and blues singer-songwriter, was one of the most successful and widely known rock stars of her era. On October 4, she was found dead in her room at Hollywood’s Landmark Motor Hotel by her band’s road manager, John Cooke.

The ever-popular science fiction series (with William Hartnell starring as the first Doctor) made its first appearance at precisely 17:16:20 GMT on Saturday, 23 November 1963 - eighty seconds later than its scheduled programme, due to John F. Kennedy’s assassination the previous day.

At 8.00pm on Sunday October 30, 1938, Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre Company broadcast an episode of their radio drama series based on H.G. Wells’ novel ‘War Of The Worlds’.

The official cause of death was a heroin overdose, possibly compounded by alcohol. Her fourth and final album, Pearl, was released in January 1971, just over three months after her death. It reached number one on the Billboard charts.

1968: Bob Beamon breaks world long jump record On October 18, American athlete Beamon set a world record for the long jump with a first jump of 8.90 m (29 ft. 2 1⁄2 in.), bettering the existing record by 55 cm (21 2⁄3 in.). When coach Ralph Boston told him that he had broken the the previous world record by over two feet, the emotional shock caused Beamon’s legs to give way. His world record stood for 23 years until it was finally broken in 1991 when Mike Powell jumped 8.95 m (29 ft. 4 3⁄8 in.) at the World Championships in Tokyo, but Beamon’s jump is still the Olympic record and 50 years later remains the second-longest jump in history.

Despite a distinctly lukewarm critical reception, it went on to become one of BBC1’s most popular and iconic programmes. In all, 13 actors have played the Doctor, the most recent being Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to be cast in the role.

1978: Sid Vicious arrested for murder On the morning of 12 October 1978, Sid Vicious, bass player with notorious punk band the Sex Pistols, woke from a drugged stupor to find girlfriend Nancy Spungen dead on the bathroom floor of their room in the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan, New York. After being arrested and charged with her murder, Vicious gave conflicting accounts of the incident. Released on bail, he was arrested again for assaulting Todd Smith, brother of Patti Smith, at a nightclub, and underwent drug rehabilitation on Rikers Island. He died on February 1, 1979 after overdosing on heroin.

Directed and narrated by Welles, the broadcast took the form of a series of spoof news reports telling of an alien spacecraft landing in New Jersey, with subsequent bulletins telling of a devastating worldwide Martian invasion. Although reports of mass public hysteria were greatly exaggerated, the episode provoked widespread outrage in the American media and secured Welles’ fame as a dramatist.

1974: ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ Arguably the greatest sporting event of the 20th century, the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ took place on October 30 in Kinshasa, Zaire. Pitting iconic former World Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali against the unbeaten, hard-hitting challenger George Foreman, it resulted in a major upset as Ali sensationally knocked out the much fancied (and much younger) Foreman in the eighth round. Watched by a crowd of 60,000 in Kinshasa’s 20th Of May Stadium, and by a record television audience of 1 billion viewers worldwide, it was the world’s most-watched live television broadcast.

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Fitness How to avoid workout injuries J oining a gym and working out is a great way to get fit and healthy. Unfortunately, one of the downsides of pushing yourself physically is an increased risk of injury. Workout injuries are very common - even under the experienced supervision of a PT or in the safe environment of a gym. The most common workout injuries are injuries to the foot and ankle, knee, lower back, shoulder and neck.

Foot and ankle Foot and ankle injuries are commonly caused by distributing too much weight to the front of the foot. One way to prevent foot and ankle problems is to find a running shoe that’s right for you. Improper footwear and misplaced centre of gravity can also damage the knee, and can be prevented by strengthening exercises such as lunges.

Back, shoulder and neck Lower back, shoulder and neck injuries are generally caused by the postures and habits of our sedentary lifestyles. Spending most of the day hunching at a desk can create tightness in the chest, and weakness in the back and neck muscles. This means that despite our good intentions, going straight from the office to a vigorous workout can cause the muscles to overextend and even tear.

In order to prevent damage and get more out of your workout, it’s important to ensure that you stretch adequately and properly before and after every workout, focusing on your back, neck and arms. Your PT should be able to create a stretching and strengthening program for you, and teach you how to properly support your neck and back during any risky exercises.

Work with your trainer Most importantly, the best way to avoid common gym injuries is to listen to your body and communicate with your PT (if you have one). Although exercise should be challenging, it should never be painful to the extent that you sustain an injury - and no one knows how your muscles and joints feel better than you do. Be mindful of the way your body feels before, during, and after your workout, and be open with your PT about how you feel. They’ll be able to tailor your session to accommodate any injury or weakness, and instruct you on how to protect and strengthen your problem areas.

What to do if you’ve been injured at the gym Workout injuries can be categorised into three categories: ● Acute, including tears, sprains, strains and fractures ● Overuse, caused by overworking a muscle or region without adequate rest or technique, or ● Chronic injuries, which are ongoing

and often come on gradually.

Acute injuries These are often instantly painful, and can even be debilitating. If you feel you may have sustained an acute injury during at PT session, stop and inform your trainer immediately. If an injury has occurred, the most common treatment is the RICER protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral), and can include the use of slings, splints or other immobilising apparatus. Overuse injuries Overuse injuries can occur over a long period of time, and are often the result of poor technique, inadequate recovery, or an over-repetitive program. If an overuse injury does occur, it’s important to rest, refrain from stressful activity, ice the effected area before and after exercise, and slowly include strengthening exercises into your PT sessions. Your trainer should be able to help you with all of these steps, and communicating with them will help prevent overuse injuries from occurring. Chronic injuries Finally, chronic injuries are gradual and ongoing. It’s often difficult to pinpoint exactly when or how the injury occurred. They often worsen and spread to other areas. If you think you may have a chronic injury, it’s important to rest and ice the area, and seek professional advice and treatment.

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