AUTO-BIOGRAPHIES Mulled Wine
Abarth 124 Spider Page 22
Private P Consumer Easter Monday saw the Champion for a generation. The p
pensions’. Yet more ch
Christmas so here’s what eve
Page 7
Page 20
Plus by accessing your funds e than needed you can reduce y ability to make future contributi Yet you’re saying if I want to, just take out all the cash? If y choose to yes, but remember on of it is tax-free. The rest is taxed Pension freedom sounds like current income tax rate like sala something from Braveheart – if you take a huge whack, just lik what’s actually happening? I earn more, some of it will push suspect George Osborne does picture the higher tax bracket. See the himself as a financial freedom fighter. tax calculator at www.mse.me/ta Yet only time will tell whether these to see the various levels. reforms will paint him as the man who If I don’t want to take it all ou liberated older savers, or who can I do? There are many opt exposed them to huge risk. some of them can be combine This is all about how you use your here’s the main ones. pension savings. As always you can Option 1: Leave it in your pens take a quarter of it as a tax-free lump when you need it. Then each t sum. Yet for decades most people withdraw, 25% of that amount have effectively needed to use the free. Eg, if you had £100,000 a remainder of the money to buy an took £20,000 out you’d get £5, annuity – a product that pays you an it tax-free, the rest would be ta income each year until you die. Now your current rate. anyone aged 55 and over can take Option 2: Take 25% tax free, th the whole amount as a lump sum, a flexible income drawdown paying no tax on the first 25% and the product. This is a product you rest taxed as if it were a salary at their keep the rest invested so it can income tax rate. hopefully grow, but you can als Does it apply to all types of to take income when needed. H pension? No, we’re only really talking you get the first 25% you withd private pensions where you and/or free and then the rest is taxed your employer saved up a pot of cash you take it – possibly useful if y likely to be in a lower-tax brack for retirement. Technically these are you’re older. known as ‘defined contribution’ or 'money purchase' pensions. Option 3: Take 25% tax free, th an annuity. This gives you a It doesn’t apply to the state pension, guaranteed income each year nor in the main part does it apply to rest of your life. There are diffe pensions where what you’re paid is a Pagecharges 24 on all of these, and it’s proportion of your final salary – known important to check them out an technically as ‘defined benefit’ always compare different provi pensions. Recipe Eh, I thought annuities were There are ways to convert these final 6 a dodo’s granny? Ac dead as salary pensions into a pot of cash (be Page annuities are a decent concept very careful of scammers), but don’t get the security of knowing exa do it without genuine independent how much you can spend each financial advice and that it’ll last for the rest of y Is it worth taking out my pot as The problem is the rates have soon as I can? Usually not. If you’re crap, and 60% of people just g in your 50s or early 60s you’re from their pension provider rath probably still working towards than checking for better deals, retirement and should be focusing on especially people with poor he putting yourself in a position to have who could’ve got much better enough income when you do retire – TM rates. Yet done right, with som so you want your pension to keep your pension, it can be a usefu growing. for security of income for life.
My Local Magazine
®
Issue 66 | November 2016 | The BEST of Stockton’s Business, News, Reviews and To-Do’s
My local April 2015_Layout 1 30/05/2015 15:16 Page 1
An Interview with Andy Preston
Review Pages 22 & 23 Porsche Panamera Diesel
Page 17 News - 5 minute catch up Pages 14 & 15
Martin Lewis Switch Bank Account Earn £100s
My Local Magazine
April/May 2015 | The BEST of Middlesbrough’s Business, News, Reviews and To advertise callToDo’s Jeremy T: 01642 924847
M: 07533 265 475
We also offer walk in baths and wheel chair friendly bathing solutions.
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Castlegate Launches ‘Cup Of Festive Kindness’ To Support Elderly At Christmas Stockton’s award-winning shopping centre has launched a ‘Cup of Festive Kindness’ community campaign which aims to benefit older people in the area, who are often isolated and less mobile members of the community. Organised by Castlegate Shopping Centre’s ‘Hampers from the Heart’, which is a community initiative, the shopping centre is appealing for public and private partnerships and agencies to support ‘Cup of Festive Kindness’ by taking part in a vintage-esque tea party. Acting Centre Manager Tracey Surtees comments: “The aim of the ‘Cup of Festive Kindness’ is to bring together the hearts and minds of local people to support their elderly neighbours through acts of kindness at Christmas.
Councillor Ken Dixon, Castlegate’s Acting Centre Manager Tracey Surtees, Madam Mayor, Andy Preston, Chairman of The Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation. The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, said: “We are lucky to have such a strong community spirit across Stockton Borough.
The campaign will see a Christmas vintage-feel tea dance on Tuesday 13th December with food and live entertainment. Tracey added: “We are aiming to reach out to people who may well be caring for the elderly to join in the fun.
Castlegate will give back a ‘Cup of Festive Kindness to shoppers’ making food donations at the centre’s collection point located near B&M.
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On Wednesday’s and Saturday’s from 10am til 3pm when shoppers’
are seen by the promotional representative donating a food item, the centre in return will reward the customer with a voucher to redeem a regular tea or coffee at Greggs, Café Express or The Stottie Company, FREE of charge. Goods in Kind The centre is appealing for goods in kind for the Christmas Afternoon Tea Dance, on Tuesday 13th December.
how to save £1,000s and get a new kitchen in just 48 hours Buying aa new newkitchen kitchencan canbe a Buying be a stressful experience. stressful experience. HighHighpressure are followed pressure salessales are followed by by lengthy delays, then lengthy delays, then one one of the of theused mostrooms used in rooms in theis most the home home out is totally out offor bounds totally of bounds a weekfor or a week or more. more. But But customers customersininthe thenorth northeast east have have another anotheroption. option.AAwelcome welcome alternative alternativethat thatisishalf halfthe thecost costofof an average averagenew newkitchen, kitchen,can canbe be an delivered within withinthe themonth, month,and and delivered fitted in in as aslittle littleas asaaday. day. fitted From From its its showroom showroomininYarm, Yarm, Dream Dream Doors DoorsTeeside Teesidesupplies supplies time time and and money-saving money-savingkitchen makeovers – as well–as kitchen makeovers as well
as appliances complete appliances and and complete kitchens fitted ifkitchens requiredif–required all fitted –byallapproved by approved installers. It is local installers.local A family-run also part owned of a national franchised business by Kevin and networkClarke, of Dream Katrina it is Doors also part of a showrooms that stretches national franchised networkall of the way down to Cornwall. Dream Doors showrooms that stretches all the way down to “Major home improvement Cornwall. projects always seem daunting. “Major homefar improvement But there's less upheaval projects always daunting,” with our kitchenseem makeovers. For says Kevin. there's farout less a door swap“But we're in and upheaval ourakitchen in a day, with and for facelift, with makeovers. Forand a door swap new worktops a sink, we'll we're in and out in a day, and for probably need an extra day. a facelift, with new worktops and aDream sink, we'll probably need Doors asks for justan a 50 extra day.deposit from customers percent
on order, andasks guarantees Dream Doors for just aall50its percent deposit doors and workfrom free customers of charge. on order, and guarantees all its doors and work of charge. Customers alsofree benefit from Customers also benefit from dealing with local business dealing business ownerswith wholocal are also part of a owners who are also part of a national brand. “Dream Doors is national brand. “Dream Doors is theUK's UK'sbiggest biggestname nameininkitchen kitchen the facelifts. Katrina But unlike other facelifts,” says. “Butnational unlike companies, buy from other nationalcustomers companies, customers buy fromowners us – the– and us – the business business – andthe we best know we knowowners we'll deliver we'll deliverservice.” the best customer customer service.” Contactkevin Jackie Contact oron katrina on 01642 01642924956 646029or orvisit visit www.dreamdoors.co.uk www.dreamdoors.co.uk
first hour is free parking in Yarm
Call kevin or Jackie now, to book an appointment on 01642 646029
4
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03
Welcome Merry Christmas and Welcome to the first issue of a Happy New My Local Magazine. Year..
Regular RegularFeatures Features
Where does Traditionally the time go? Wear Valley always had a strong Wishing you and thriving retail / all a Merrysector Christmas business and asand youHappy look New Year, seemI'm a bit early, through thismight first issue sure you however this is the last edition in will agree there are some great your areas for 2016. shopping experiences still to be Ive always wanted to know how to had. make Mulled wine and the recipe on
Motors
Recipe Puzzles
page 7 has the answer. I bet it’s a lot Everything where to topbought up better than from the supermarket and yourtastier. tan to where you can get the The about very ever best popular windowsquestions for your home. which Christmas tree to buy is looming, sofind withthis thismagazine in mind Sarah to be I hope you Davey offers advice on informative and a usefulwhich guide to Christmas Trees are the best to buy. the best Wear Valley has to offer I Don’t forget to read Martin Lewis would like to thank everyone who article, always good advice. The has supported me inon making article offers advice how tomy curtail the overspend not have that dream becomeand a reality and look skint feeling in January page 20 forward to growing our business's Lastly, if budget not a problem, I together in futureisissues and quiet like to look of the Abrath 124 making Wear Valley the place to Spider on pages 22 and 23 be. I wont be offended if anyone offers to buy me one. Until next time ... Speak again in 2017
Gillian
It’s all childs play
7 & 306
Porsche Chicken Pie 6 Panamera Diesel 24 & 25
10
22 - 23
Recipe
6 & 14
Hot Trends for 2015 Gardening
24 - 14 25
Antiques on the Green Trades 32 Molly’s Tea Room 1628&- 17 Health
18
NEW Advertisers Index
31
Tastes so good Martin Lewis Mulled Wine 7
GardenInterview View Celebrity - 27 Ricky 26 Tomlinson 11
Money Saving Expert 28 Russell Grant 16
Horoscopes 12 & 13 Russell Grant
Learn to Dance
11
Abarth 124 Spider 22
Jeremy Middleton Managing Director My Local Magazines Ltd, Office 4, Walker House, 3rd Floor, High Street West Auckland, County Durham T: 07538 947039 Stockton on Tees TS18 1BG E: mylocalmagazinewearvalley@gmail.com T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk
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My cannot be be held held responsible responsible for for breach breachof ofcopyright copyright MyLocal Local Magazine Magazine does does not not endorse endorse any any advertisement advertisement with in this publication. My Local Magazine cannot arising theTrades TradesDescription DescriptionAct Act1975 1975Business Business arisingfrom frompublication publicationartwork artworksupplied. supplied.ItItisisthe the advertisers advertisers responsibility responsibility to to ensure ensure conformity wuth with the AdvertisementDisclosure DisclosureOrder Order 1977 and The Consumer 1974. Reproduction magazine is anyway in anyway is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use Advertisement 1977 and The Consumer ActAct 1974. Reproduction of of thisthis magazine is in is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the advertisements or content withwith in this publication please contact Gillian 07538 947039.01642 Whilst924847 we, the Whilst publisher great caretake to begreat accurate, any of the advertisements or content in this publication please contact Jeremy Middleton we,take the publisher care tonobe liability will bewill accepted under under any circumstances shouldshould any of any the contents of this publication be incorrect. accurate, no liability be accepted any circumstances of the contents of this publication be incorrect.
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05 5
This months recipe Chicken Pie
This is a delicious recipe which is perfect for those chilly nights in. You can serve this with almost anything from chips or a healthier alternative or vegetables. And any excess pastry can be used as decoration on top. Ingredients for 4 servings
1 medium green pepper (sliced) 400g cooked chicken (shredded) 225g ready-made puff pastry 1 medium free-range egg (beaten) Equipment: Saucepan (2), large oven proof dish Oven: Gas Mark 6, 200C
1 handful button mushrooms (cut into quarters)
Method: Melt half the butter in a saucepan before adding the flour. Cook on a low heat for 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and turn up the heat and stir continuously until it is simmering. Then add in the cream and gently simmer until thickened. Next add the lemon juice and tarragon and switch off the heat. In a separate pan, fry
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4 tbsp. butter 1 tbsp. flour 200ml chicken stock 3 tbsp. double cream Sprig of tarragon Squeeze of lemon juice
the chicken with mushrooms and peppers with the rest of the butter. Once this is cooked add the sauce and mix together. Using the dish, pour in the chicken mixture. Then roll out the pastry onto a floured surface. Make sure it is flattened out until 1cm thick. Place the flattened pastry over the dish and cut off the excess around the sides. Cut a few holes into the top with a knife and brush the pastry with the beaten eggs. Bake in the oven for 25-35 minutes until the filling is hot and the top of browned. Serve and enjoy!
Tastes so good... Mulled Wine An easy mulled wine recipe for the festive season, brimming with Christmassy spice. Don’t bother with expensive wine - a cheap red will work beautifully and no one will ever know the difference! Eat, Drink and be merry! Ingredients for 4- 6 servings 1 bottle dry red wine 2 (5cm) cinnamon sticks 1 dessertspoon whole cloves 1 dessertspoon whole allspice 1 large piece orange rind (avoid the pith) 1 large piece lemon rind (avoid the pith) 2-4 tablespoons demerara sugar, (or to taste) Preparation time: less than 30 mins Cooking time: less than 10 mins Serves: 4- 6 adults Method Pour the wine into a heavy saucepan over medium heat, and add the cinnamon, cloves, allspice, lemon rind and orange rind. Heat gently, but don’t bring to the boil.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of the sugar, and once dissolved, taste to see if you’d like the wine sweeter and add more if so (take care not to burn your mouth as this will be hot!). Keep hot on medium to low heat for 20 minutes to let the flavours infuse
the wine. Strain your mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs and serve at once, perhaps accompanied by mince pies or just enjoy by the fireside.
To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk
7
Borough-wide support for Britain's best high street Councillors across Stockton Borough are flying the flag for Stockton in a national competition to find the country’s best high street. The Council is encouraging residents to vote for the High Street after it was officially shortlisted in the third annual Great British High Street competition. It is one of only three finalists in the running for the “Rising Star” category.
we are delighted that it has been recognised in such a prestigious national competition.
increased footfall. Janice Auton, Chair of the Stockton Business Improvement District
This year’s competition saw a
“We are now calling on local people
(BID), added: “It's great that
record 900 applications across
to help us drum up support and
Stockton-on-Tees' councillors are
all 14 categories, including the
vote for the High Street throughout
getting behind the town - this is a
new categories for individuals and
the next few weeks. Voting ends in
fantastic time with our Business
shops.
November and you can vote once
Improvement District (BID) just
If Stockton High Street is voted winner of the ‘Rising Star’ category, it will receive a share of a prize pot
per day, so do make sure you take part and encourage your family and friends to show their support too.”
This accolade will support our long term plans to successfully deliver on our objectives - the 5C's - to
worth £100,000. The High Street’s
To cast your vote, visit http://
shops, bars and restaurants will
thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/
also receive digital training from
finalist-rising-star
Google experts as well as a trip to
starting and for us to be shortlisted.
create a Confident, Convenient, Competitive, Customer-friendly and Co-ordinated Stockton.”
More than 200 applications were
Alongside the public’s votes,
submitted and 200,000 votes
shortlisted towns will also be
cast in last year’s Great British
inspected by the judging panel –
Leader of Stockton-on-Tees
High Street competition which
made up of industry leaders from
Borough Council, Councillor Bob
saw Bishy Road in York crowned
across retail, property and business
Cook, said: “Stockton High Street
Britain’s best. Bishy Road found
– including British Land, the Post
has so much to offer residents
that winning boosted town pride
Office and Holland and Barratt.
and visitors from across the
and also made a positive economic
The winners will be announced in
Borough and further afield, so
impact with retailers reporting
December.
8
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Twitter UK’s London office to further develop their social media skills.
Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we The company, based locally, say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, offers homeowners the opand Value in that we offer portunity to maximise their our services at a price people storage space with a loft can afford. Our business ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding relies on referrals and we got and a light all fully fitted in a huge amount of our calls less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just from people who have been the affordability of the pack- referred to us by our existing customers - that simply age the company offers that wouldn’t happen if we didn’t makes Yorkshire Loft Ladadhere to our overriding ders stand out as manager principles. Paul Robson explains: These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in.
‘Our watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.
lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however
big or small, call Paul on 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers
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Celebrity Interview Ricky Tomlinson talks to Tim Saunders Ricky Tomlinson is probably best known for playing Jim Royle in the Royle Family. His catchphrase ‘My arse!’ is equally memorable. In 2001 he was National Television Comedy Actor of the Year and was awarded Best Performance in Network Drama by the Royal Television Society. Many, including the director, Ken Loach believe Ricky to be a fine actor, “…His work – and comedy – springs from a life that has seen hardship and struggle and many changes in fortune. From his early days in the building trade and as one of the heroic Shrewsbury Two, he has always known which side he is on, as those who have experienced his generosity and loyalty will testify.” In 1968, after deciding that less immigration meant more jobs, Ricky signed up to the National Front. He went on marches and registered as a candidate. Britain’s first building strike was called in 1972. Ricky became a member of the Wrexham Strike Action Committee and peacefully picketed building sites but was later arrested and found guilty of unlawful assembly. Refusing to plead guilty, he went down for two years. “They were tough times but my Liverpool sense of humour helped me survive.” On leaving prison he discovered that he had been blacklisted from the building trade. “So I became a stand-up comic touring the pubs and clubs. I started acting in 1979,
when, at the age of 40, director Roland Joffe cast me in the lead role of the controversial BBC film, United Kingdom.” Yet Ricky admits to finding it difficult remembering his lines. “It does take me time. Fortunately, Ken Loach and other directors are happy for me to extemporise.” Ricky has starred in a variety of TV programmes and films: Brookside; Boys From The Blackstuff; Cracker; Down To Earth (which sums Ricky up to a tee – he happily chats to anyone); the Royle Family; 51st State; and Mike Bassett: England Manager. He has made one top selling comedy video entitled Laughter My Arse and written two books, the first, his autobiography was called Ricky (available in all good bookshops priced £17.99) and was a number one bestseller. “So far it has sold half a million copies. It was in 2002, that my wife Rita sold
it to Time Warner for the incredible sum of £800,000. I still can’t believe it.” Since this phenomenal success, Rita has become Ricky’s agent. Given that she knows his availability and the roles he likes, she insists it’s no problem negotiating his acting work. Ricky has now been commissioned to write a third book, which will be about his life in showbiz. In addition, he has won ten regional awards for comedy, personality and drama. His CD single are you lookin’ at me was released in 2001 and reached no. 18. So what’s this celebrity up to now? Driving Ferraris and jetting abroad at every opportunity? Not a bit of it. “We do have a big caravan that we take to Benidorm now and again, but to be honest when I’m not acting, I’m doing DIY which I’m not bad at. We have a large garden at home in a quiet part of Liverpool near the Mersey and I’ve built sheds, fitted electrics and water. Actually, I’m a DIY fanatic. Every day off I get a different tool from B&Q. I have most of their tools. Now that I’m a certain age, I’m a B&Q Diamond cardholder - I get 10% off any purchase, which’ll come in handy when I buy my generator. I’ve just finished filming an in-house film for B&Q too.” Tim Saunders is an author, journalist and businessman. He meets celebrities, goes on holiday and road tests cars.
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70 YEARS OF GREAT BRITISH HERITAGE IN WALLPAPER AND AN OFFICIAL COOLBRAND® Whether you’re looking to transform your home or simply update a room, you can find all of the wall decoration solutions you need to refresh your home at Graham & Brown Outlet, Dalton Park. Choose the perfect wallpaper from thousands of designs available, including collections from leading designers such as Kelly Hoppen and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Or perhaps try Graham & Brown’s innovative Superfresco Easy paste-the-wall wallpaper, which cuts decorating time in half - simply paste the wall and apply the wallpaper straight from the roll – no pasting table required and when you’re ready for a change, simply peel off. Select the perfect coordinating paint from hundreds of colours mixed to order in-store. Whether used with a paintable wallpaper or on all four walls, their premium matt emulsion achieves a flawless, high quality finish. The beautiful paint colours are also available in gloss and undercoat finishes to truly coordinate your home, not to mention their new ultra-durable matt emulsion; Resistance, which has exceptional scrub resistance and resistance to stains and dirt build up – perfect for an enviable finish in high traffic areas of your home. With tester pots also now available in-store you can be confident in your colour
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choice by testing them at home today. To complete the look or simply for a quick and easy way to update your room, you will find an extensive range of trend-led cushions and wall art, which offers something for every interior design style from floral canvases to metal art. For a bedroom your little ones will love, there are easy to use kids’ décor products including wallpaper, stickers and canvases featuring much-loved characters from Frozen, Marvel, Star Wars and many more. Discover the huge savings in store, with up to 50% off wallpaper, up to 70% off wall art and 30% off all kids’ décor - all with the help of a knowledgeable instore team to advise your all-important interior design decisions. Graham & Brown Outlet Dalton Park makes for the new go-to destination for your home.
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How to make your Conservatory Feel like a Proper Room If you’ve ever tried to use your conservatory in the winter, you’ll know that it can feel like a cold, damp and dismal part of the house. In all the glossy conservatory sales catalogues, the sun is always shining, the garden is blooming and everyone is having fun being in the bright and clean ‘new room’. The reality is that most conservatories are too hot to use in comfort in the summer, and certainly too cold to use in the winter. Condensation can be a problem in the winter, and it’s too bright to watch a tv in there in the summer. And when it rains, the noise can be deafening! Most conservatories have been built as temporary structures and usually as a less expensive alternative to an extension. This means that they don’t comply
with the building regulations that an extension would have to do especially in terms of the thermal efficiency. The team at local specialists Inceil talk to homeowners every day who want to be able to use their conservatory all year round and not on the handful of days when the temperature is just right! Their cost-effective solution is to fit an insulated ceiling fitted to the existing roof structure in just 1 or 2 days. The new plastered ceiling follows the contours of the existing roof and uses the most thermally dynamic insulation available. Your conservatory will feel like a proper room with a better temperature year round. And you don’t have to do anything to the external roof. It’s important when having any works done that you are happy with the people working in your home.
Customers frequently comment on how polite and friendly everyone is in the Inceil team – and that they cleaned up when they had finished! On the Inceil informative website www.inceil.co.uk you can watch an installation video which shows exactly how the process works, and request a free survey and quote. Or give them a call on 01904 891936. In just one or two days, your conservatory can be transformed into a comfortable and usable part of your home.
Is your conservatory TOO COLD to use this winter? An insulated ceiling from Inceil will transform your conservatory so it is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer - so you can enjoy your conservatory all year round. Affordable, effective and fitted in just 2 days
Call 01904 891936 now to arrange a FREE quote and survey.
www.inceil.co.uk
Which Christmas Tree? By Sarah Davey. Nordmann fir trees come in lots of sizes. They are bushy and symmetrical and are a lovely colour. They last well too, even in homes where people like the central heating set to toasty levels. The Fraser Fir has an intense
festive aroma that lasts well. It’s a
have a lot of floor space. It retains
pretty shape and slimmer than the
its needles well.
Nordmann so is good if you don’t
The Serbian Spruce has a slender trunk with short, gracefully drooping branches and bright green needles. They are often sold as smaller potgrown specimens here so they can be good for a table-top tree, and can be planted out once Christmas is over. The Rocky Mountain Fir is quite a narrow tree with a striking blue colouring to the foliage. It’s also good for needle retention. Finally the Norway Spruce, is what we think of (somewhat ironically) as a traditional British Christmas tree. It has a lovely shape but is notorious for dropping its needles. Try buying a potted tree rather than a cut one, as these hold their needles better. But actually, it’s only for a couple of weeks so a few dropped needles aren’t such a terrible price to pay for a truly lovely tree.
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Autumn events for Stockton's unpaid carers Sanctuary Supported Living’s
community to understand their
Stockton Carers Service’s
rights and find out how to get the
Autumn Activities Programme
help and support they are entitled
is well underway and includes a
to.
in receipt of Carer’s Allowance,
Stockton Carers Service provides
are welcome to attend Stockton
one-to-one support for carers
Carers Service’s group activities
and organises group activities to
which take place every Thursday
drop-in event at Splash Leisure Centre on Church Road to mark Carers Rights Day on Friday 25 November, from 1.30pm to 4pm.
help people cope with the various
sessions and guest speakers. All unpaid carers, including those
from 1pm to 3pm at Five Lamps,
Carers Rights Day brings
demands of looking after a friend or
organisations across the UK
loved one, including peer support,
32 Dovecot Street, Stockton, TS18
together to help carers in their local
discussion groups, arts and crafts
1LN.
Upcoming activities sessions: 10 November: Peer support session 17 November: Peer support session 24 November: Carers Assessment support – what does this mean for
8 December: Carers group Christmas party 15 December: Peer support session 5 January: Peer support session
carers?
If you would like to find out more or
1 December: Christmas card
about the support they can offer you,
making
contact 0800 917 0204.
speak to Stockton Carers Service
Stockton
Carers Service
Supported Living
Free confidential information and support for adult carers who live in Stockton.
0800 917 0204
www.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk/carers Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Clinical Commissioning Group
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For December 2016
Sagittarius By Astrologer Russell Grant
ARIES March 21st - April 20th It will be hard to get a dream off the ground in early December. Try not to get discouraged when an authority figure criticises your initial attempts. Patience and perseverance will pay off. Fortunately, friends will be very supportive throughout the first half of the month. Ask your loved ones for help when you encounter difficulty. A bold visionary will offer sound advice about a creative project; be sure to take it. The Full Moon on the 14th brings exciting news about your family. A round of celebrations will be triggered. Take this opportunity to reconnect with your nearest and dearest. During the second half of the month, you will try to keep a low profile. Despite these efforts, a powerful person will ask you to take the helm of an important project. Don't be surprised when you're given a pay rise, promotion or high profile job on the 29th. That's when the New Moon will mark a career breakthrough. TAURUS April 21st - May 21st A team project will be very frustrating in early December. It will be impossible to do a good job with so many conflicting opinions. Fortunately, you can make a good impression on authority figures by launching an independent effort. Creating a unique product or service during the first half of the month is strongly advised. The Full Moon on the 14th will help you earn extra money. Use this sum to buy a new car or computer. The second half of the month will invite you to expand your horizons. Taking a trip for pleasure will be a welcome change of pace on the 29th. That's when the New Moon will make it possible to break away from the old routine. Exploring a country known for its unspoiled natural vistas will be inspiring. Take along an easy going friend for company. The two of you will have a great time exploring the sights together. GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st It will be hard to get a straight answer from your boss in early December. You will have to muddle ahead as best you can. Be prepared to start a job from scratch. This situation will be frustrating, but it can't be helped. Take your cues from an older colleague who has lots of experience. By taking a philosophical approach to setbacks, you'll become a valued member of the team. The Full Moon on the 14th is ideal for making a serious commitment. Getting engaged or married is a distinct possibility. If you're already in a serious relationship, you may launch a business partnership. 16
Someone who is in the grips of an addiction needs to be confronted in the second half of the month. The New Moon on the 29th will give you the strength to communicate some hard facts to a loved one who needs help. Don't mince your words. CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd It will be difficult to find fulfilling work at the beginning of December. Your love life will fare much better. If you've recently met someone you fancy, you will have to be the aggressor. Don't be afraid to pursue your heart's desire. Spending time with your amour will make professional challenges more manageable. The Full Moon on the 14th will allow you to rest, relax and recuperate from a stressful assignment. This would be a good time to take some time out to think things through. During the second half of the month, you'll be on a more solid footing with your career. You might have to work overtime during the second half of the month. Fortunately, your loved ones will be very supportive. Are you single? You could meet someone special near the 29th, when the New Moon attracts lots of romantic attention. If you already have a partner, go on a trip with your amour. LEO July 24th - August 23rd Be realistic about romance at the beginning of December. Releasing a desire for perfection will make your personal life much more rewarding. Working with a partner is strongly advised during the first half of the month. Collaborating with somebody who is highly logical will allow you to reach new heights. The Full Moon on the 14th will bring the successful conclusion to a group project. Use this success as a launching pad to bigger and better work assignments. Be open to unorthodox teaching methods during the second half of the month. If you remain patient, you'll see the method to your instructor's madness. The New Moon on the 29th is perfect for launching a fitness regime. Taking more exercise will give you an attractive glow that will be difficult to resist. A steady job will be yours for the asking. Take this opportunity to build some financial security for you and your loved ones. VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd Be respectful of a loved one's desire for privacy in the early days of December. Focusing on work will be a welcome distraction during the first half of the month. You'll make great progress with an
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assignment that draws on your creative talent. Hosting a party could be lots of fun. Take this opportunity to bring together your nearest and dearest in a spirit of harmony. The Full Moon on the 14th marks a turning point in your domestic life. This is a great time to buy or sell a property. Relocating to a place that affords beautiful views will be inspiring. If you're looking for love, you could find it during the second half of the month. You'll have to play the aggressor in this relationship. Money from a loan, grant or scholarship could become available during the second half of the month. The New Moon on the 29th invites you to launch a creative project. LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd Work won't offer much creative fulfilment in the opening days of December. Your love life will be far more promising. If you're single, you could meet someone special at a sporting event or gym. Are you already in a serious relationship? Your partner will inspire you to develop your artistic talent. Taking a writing or music course will give you plenty of inspiration around the middle of the month. The Full Moon on the 14th brings the successful conclusion to a legal matter. It will be a relief to move on to greener pastures. Focus on your home life during the second half of the month. Spending time on domestic pursuits will be rewarding. Invent a new recipe, host a dinner party or arrange a family reunion. On the 29th, the New Moon could prompt you to relocate. Take this opportunity to find a place that serves as a comfortable haven from public life. SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd Don't feel pressured into buying expensive gifts at the beginning of December; it's better to conserve your resources. Career demands will keep you busy during the first half of the month. If you play your cards right, you could land a well paid position. Salary negotiations may be tense, but stay calm. You'll be able to get the money you want by keeping your cool. The Full Moon on the 14th will bring some additional money from an inheritance, legal settlement or insurance refund. Spend this windfall on equipment and clothes that can further your career. Resist the urge to take time off work during the second half of the month, or you could make some powerful enemies. It's better to do your part and offer to help colleagues who are struggling with an excessive workload. The New Moon on the 29th will prompt you to acquire some valuable skills. Expand your repertoire. SAGITTARIUS November 23rd December 21st Family won't be very supportive at the beginning of December. You'll have to be your own cheerleader, especially if you're planning a bold move. Raising money for a good cause will give you a new lease on life. Draw upon your extensive social network to help a vulnerable segment of society. Your success may prompt you to run for office or change a restrictive law. The Full Moon on the 14th marks an exciting turning point in an intimate relationship. Getting engaged or married is a distinct possibility. Alternatively, you might form a business partnership. The second half of December will be filled with exciting moneymaking opportunities. Landing a lucrative job is a strong possibility on the 29th. Use this
income to buy a dream home. Going on an uplifting spiritual journey is also an option as the month draws to a close. Head for an exotic place that has captivated your imagination since childhood. CAPRICORN December 22nd January 20th Be careful about sending sensitive emails in the early days of December. Double check the address field before hitting 'send.' The last thing you want is for confidential information to get into the wrong hands. Moneymaking opportunities will abound during the first half of the month. This would be a great time to land a lucrative job, raise your prices or demand a pay rise. The Full Moon on the 14th will mark an exciting turning point in an intimate relationship. You'll be able to hand off some responsibilities to a loving partner. If you're single, you could meet someone special at a library, bookshop or classroom. Don't make promises you cannot keep to your employer during the second half of December. Family responsibilities will keep you close to home. You might have to assume a reduced workload. The New Moon on the 29th could prompt you to change your look. Adopting a more fashionable appearance will be empowering. AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th Money will be tight at the beginning of December. The best way to increase your income is to spread word of your talent. You can generate lots of business with an original promotional campaign. The first half of the month will remind you that relationships are more important than money. When you feel insecure, turn to your nearest and dearest for support. The Full Moon on the 14th will bring the successful conclusion of a creative project. If you play your cards right, you'll be able to sell your handiwork for a handsome profit. Are you single? You can meet someone special at a library, bookshop or classroom. Your charisma will be powerful during the second half of the month. Take this opportunity to ask for favours, apply for loans and win hearts. The New Moon on the 29th will find you enjoying solitary pursuits. Escaping the public eye will be a profound relief. PISCES February 20th - March 20th It will be difficult to get an authority figure's approval in early December. Instead of trying to impress your boss, continue to obey your instincts. Although your methods are unconventional, they yield impressive results. Give your employer a chance to recognise your unique strengths and weaknesses. The Full Moon on the 14th could prompt you to relocate or make changes to your domestic life. Getting a little extra privacy will keep stress at bay. You need to draw a strong boundary between your private and public lives. Achieving a healthy balance will strengthen your career prospects. Don't be surprised if you're given a pay rise, promotion or both during the second half of the month. The New Moon on the 29th is ideal for planning a big party. You'll enjoy compiling the guest list, shopping for treats and catering the whole affair. Ask reliable friends to run small errands that will save time and aggravation.
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The Power of Clean By Debbie Singh-Bhatti The first fitted carpet my parents ever owned was medium brown in colour with a deep, textured pile, and it hid a multitude of sins. Grit and dirt from my dad’s work boots, food spills from us kids and the occasional accident by the pet dog were all cleverly concealed. During the 20 years or so it was down it never once required professional cleaning – or so we thought! Years later when I owned a carpet cleaning business, I learned about the dangers lurking beneath a carpet’s surface and discovered that far from being the creature comfort we thought it was, our deeply piled, deeply loved first carpet was something of a death trap (well, almost!). The majority of households in the UK only call in the professionals in response to some kind of incident – they’re having visitors so need to spruce things up a bit, or they’ve had a party and one of their guests has spilled red wine. Post-Christmas you may even find yourself in one of these categories!
But sit comfortably whilst I share a few shocking facts that may keep you awake at night, and prompt you into incorporating regular carpet cleaning into your plans and budget! FACT ONE An average-sized living room carpet can hold its own weight in trapped soil - around 150 lbs. FACT TWO About 85% of the dirt a carpet holds is hidden under the surface, buried deep in the pile. FACT THREE This hidden dirt wears away at the carpet fibres and reduces the carpet’s life dramatically. FACT FOUR A dirty carpet can harbour harmful mites and bacteria that can trigger asthma and cause allergic reactions. FACT FIVE The best way to remove deeply embedded dirt and the bacteria that lives in it is to have your carpets professionally cleaned. FACT SIX Research suggests that you should have your carpets cleaned every 12-18 months to remove unhealthy elements.
There are a number of effective cleaning methods around, including steam, shampoo and chemical, but the most important consideration is whether the technician doing the work is properly trained and qualified. When booking your clean, check about credentials, insurance, what the clean includes (will they move and replace furniture for example?) and ask to see customer testimonials. By having your carpets cleaned regularly, you will not only help to increase their life expectancy (a welcome prospect in these days of austerity) but you will also be helping to improve the quality of your own life, especially if you are one of the nation’s army of asthma or allergy sufferers. For more information visit the National Carpet Cleaners Association website at www.ncca.co.uk.
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Martin LEWIS
Christmas By Martin Lewis Don’t hate me, I know it’s early, but it’s time to prepare (not celebrate), as Christmas is coming. I hate tinsel and Jingle Bells before December as much as the next man, but many festive savings are only possible if you do them early. This isn’t a trivial message. I’m fed up of every January people telling me they’re skint and when I ask why they reply, “Christmas of course.” Well I can tell you exclusively here, Christmas will be on 25 December this year, so it’s not an unexpected event – there is time to plan in advance to prevent problems.
in advance. Wherever you’re planning on spending the festive season, if you need to travel by train, book your tickets 12 weeks in advance. That’s when most cheap advance tickets launch, so you get maximum availability. So this is close to the perfect moment to be buying tickets if you’re away visiting friends and family for Christmas and New Year. 3. Small savings make merry
So here are my seven key things you should do now that’ll save you for festivities. I’ve focused on Christmas, but the same techniques work for Chanukah, Eid, and Kwanzaa too.
Based on roughly 90 days, 75 working days and 13 weeks left till Christmas. So, if you buy a £2 coffee every work day, just give it up now, put the cash in a Christmas kitty instead and you’ll have £150 by the big day. I’m not telling you to do this, it’s about deciding priorities. If that’s cash you need for Christmas, are you willing to make the sacrifice?
1. Agree to not give unnecessary presents.
4. Earn 5% cashback on your Christmas shopping.
Gifts for kids, grandchildren or your spouse are fine. Yet it’s time to stop the ever growing list of people we buy for even when we’ve no idea what they want, know we’ll end up buying tat that’ll never be used, and add heaps of pressure on ourselves to do so.
If you’re going to be spending for Christmas, you might as well do it on a card that pays you every time you spend on it.
I’ve been campaigning to end unnecessary gifts for six years, and more and more people are doing it. Yet it involves agreeing a pact not to buy each other. Even the joy of giving can be selfish if it obligates someone who can’t afford it to buy back. Julia tweeted me a couple of weeks ago: “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told family I can’t afford Xmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” So contact friends and family now and make an agreement not to buy, or to cap the cost, only give homemade or even to give to charity instead. See my full ‘why Christmas presents are bad’ explanation at www.mse.me/ BanChristmas.
The no annual-fee www. americanexpress.com Platinum Everyday credit card pays you 5% cashback on your first three months’ spending (maximum £100), so get it now and you get the big cashback during the high spend pre-Christmas period. It then follows with up to 1% after. The cashback is paid after a year, so you’ll get it in time to help next Christmas, though there’s a minimum £3,000 spend to get it. That sounds a lot, but do all your normal spending on it as it pays you and you’ll be fine. Of course, only do this if you’ve a direct debit to repay it IN FULL each month, or you’ll be charged 22.9% rep APR, which kills the gain. 5. Not saved for it? Do it now – then you can split the cost by three.
2. Book your train tickets 12 weeks
A typical family Christmas costs
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around £600-£800 - a huge amount from one month’s salary alone. But if you haven’t started saving yet, there is still time. For example, if you put £200 aside from your October and November income, it’ll spread the cost. Save what you can. If you’re saying you can’t afford that, then I’m afraid you’ll need to go cold turkey. Christmas is just one day, it’s not worth overspending and ruining your New Year. 6. Set up a Christmas cupboard. Become a tactical shopper. Work out now what necessary gifts you need to buy, and then if you spot a bargain, you can pounce on it when there’s a code, voucher or discount that makes it cheaper (I put the best in my weekly email at www.mse. me/tips). Even better, as is part of many Money Savers’ Christmas arsenal, once you buy a present, bag it, wrap it, and pop it in a Christmas cupboard – gradually getting the chores done. 7. Not used it since last Christmas? Flog it. Walk around the house and examine everything; it’s time for your annual personal stock clearance. Many old items can be worth serious cash. And if you’ve not used things for a year, whether toys, prams, old coffee makers, mobile phones, gadgets, or even clothes, why not sell them? This isn’t just about eBay or car boot sales; Facebook now has a lot of good local sales groups too that can be an easy way to do this. There are also lots of recycling sites that will pay you for old mobiles and gadgets – just make sure you do your research first to find the one that’ll give you the most. Martin Lewis is the Founder & Editor in Chief of Money Saving Expert. To join the 10 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www. moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip
AUTO-BIOGRAPHIES Abarth 124 Spider
By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist
The Abarth 124 Spider is cast
has used the same tactic as it
it has added lithe looks, noise
from the same die as the Fiat
did to change the Fiat 500 into
and, most importantly, muscle.
124, and to improve it Abarth
the Abarth 595. In other words,
The Abarth 124 Spider uses the
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same platform as Mazda’s MX-5 and Fiat’s 124. However, while the Fiat has been constructed to be more of a cruising vehicle, the Abarth is more hardcore – and the most performance driven of the three brands. The Abarth uses the same 1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine as Fiat’s 124 - except in the Abarth it produces 170PS, compared with the Fiat 124’s 140PS. The Abarth’s power unit spins with the proper Italian sports car vigour you’d hope for. It feels wayward and entertaining at high revs - and you’re aware of the turbocharger when you push on. The sports car is quick to respond and the gear change is rapid and exact. The best thing about the 124 Spider, though, is the noise it makes. Popping burbles emit from the quad tailpipes when doing the 0-62mph gallop, as I found out testing the car at Silverstone Circuit, in Northamptonshire. The two-seater Abarth will reach the magical figure in 6.8 seconds, on its way to 143mph. Fold the roof, via a simple fastener, and the Abarth 124’s sound is even more delectable.
Spider is a grin maker, although your beam might falter for a moment when you see the pricetag - £29,565. Yes, it’s a large lump of cash, but once you’ve heard the melodious tailpipes, felt the performance and experienced the handling for yourself, you’ll appreciate that this car is worth every single bank note.
• Handling √
PROS ‘N’ CONS • Appearance √ • Noise √
• Max. power (PS): 170
• Excitement √ • Licence loser X FAST FACTS • Max speed: 143 mph • 0-62 mph: 6.8 secs • Combined mpg: 44.1 • Engine layout: 1368cc 4-cylinder turbo petrol • CO2: 148 g/km • Price: £29,565
For an added dose of pleasure, the Abarth 124 has a Sport setting. Hit the button and things become louder, tighter and faster. The throttle feels more insistent, and weight is also added to the steering, making you feel even more united with the road – or race track. The 124 Spider feels most pleased driven hard, with the tail-end hunkered down over the rear wheels. Even when you go too brutally into a bend and lose traction for a jiffy, the Abarth 124 continues to play nicely. Working out what the rump of the car is going to do soon becomes second nature. On the whole, the Abarth 124 To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk
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Pension Doctor NS&I Slash Rates Back at the end of March,
In other words, if you have any
National Savings and
affected NS&I products they may
Investments (NS&I) announced
offer poor returns, but no worse
that they would be slashing
than any other cash rates on the
the interest rates on 5 of its
market. To put it into context, the
core products and reducing
new NS&I Direct ISA will now
the number of Premium Bond
provide a whopping (note the
prizes available. In June this
sarcasm) 1.00% tax-free AER. Bear
year, those changes came into
in mind that the rate of inflation is
force, negatively affecting the
currently on the rise (sat at 0.5% at
rates of their Direct ISA, Direct Saver, Income Bonds and the Investment Account. I don’t want to delve too deeply into the political overtone that hangs over this news. NS&I is, of course, a state-owned investment organisation, so will always be faced with HM Treasury targets and pressures- it’s the nature of the beast. However, I do want to use this news to draw your attention to the topic of cash and how yours is at risk of being eroded away into oblivion. Jane Platt, Chief Executive of National Savings and Investments,
present, but slowly on the up) and
On the whole, we would
you can clearly see that 1.00% is
recommend opting for a diverse
not going to beat inflation for very
strategy to boost, or even just
long.
sustain, your finances, which
Whilst there will always be a need
integrates a blend of tax-efficient
to keep some money in cash (we
investment vehicles. This type of
normally recommend roughly 3
strategy will be tailored to your
months’ expenditure) piling your
unique appetite for risk, meaning
pennies into cash whilst inflation is
that you never invest in something
on the up is generally not a good
you feel uncomfortable with. We
idea. I’d also like to remind you that
would also recommend that you
there is no such thing as ‘no risk’.
review your financial choices
Cash is risky, as rates are low and
frequently, to ensure that they are
inflation is creeping up, which will
performing in line with your goals
eventually reduce the value of your
and that rates and charges are not
money.
destroying your wealth.
inadvertently hit the nail on the head when she stated “it is always a difficult decision to reduce rates, but downward movements in interest rates across the cash savings market mean that our rates have risen in the competitor tables.” Her statement alluded to the fact that despite being cut, the new NS&I rates would still offer “positive value” and that most of the newly ‘trimmed down’ rates will still be above market value. To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk
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Gardening
Garden View This month - The Christmas cactus By Rachel Leverton Christmas cacti are splendid plants. They pump out masses of delicate jungle flowers in rosy red, white, orange, pink, and pale yellow, depending on the variety, just in time for the festive season. And although they’re a true cactus, their spines are so tiny and soft that you’ll barely notice them - and never get pricked. Also as each outer leaf produces its own flower the display gets better year on year. They are available in shops and garden centres right now and are just perfect for those hard-to-buyfor souls. Also, according to my neighbour, who grows prize-winning cacti, they can live for 25 years or more so they’re the gift that just keeps on giving.
Christmas cactus care! Light Christmas cacti are tropical epiphytes, which grow naturally in
rain-forest trees. Choose a cool, bright spot, out of direct sun is best. Try an east-facing windowsill, and it won’t know it ever left the jungle. Humidity They love a humid atmosphere so are best grown on a gravel tray. Fill a waterproof bowl with gravel then add water to half way up the gravel. Place the potted plant on top of the gravel. Water As it’s tropical it’s less drought-tolerant than other cacti species. Water thoroughly then allow the top half-inch or inch of soil
to dry out before watering again. Fertilizer As new leaves appear or when flower buds start to swell, apply a liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants every 7 to 10 days until the growth or flowering cycle ends. Repotting Christmas cacti flower best when they’re pot-bound. Every year or so, gently pull the plant out of its container and check the roots. When roots start to mat where they touch the inside of the pot, move the plant into a container that’s an inch larger in diameter. Gently rough up the matted roots with a knife or fork before you repot. After Christmas When flowering is over, keep the plant indoors until the weather warms in late spring. New growth tends to start in March. If you particularly want the plant to flower at Christmas then next November put the cactus in a place where nights are cool (about 1012C) and there’s no artificial light. After flower buds form, you can stop the cool/dark treatment and start fertilizing for a strong threeweek bloom cycle. My neighbour tells me that Christmas cacti are pretty forgiving souls and that even if you’re unsuccessful at inducing Christmas blooms you should be treated to regular flowering displays throughout the year. What could be nicer?
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Gardening
Plant of the month Poinsettia Poinsettia plants are most commonly seen around Christmas time and you can instantly see why with their leaves and bracts coming in typically Christmas colours of bright crimson and dark green. Although at first Poinsettias seem as though they have flowers, the bright red parts of the plan are bracts, which are a form of modified leaves. They have a reputation for being rather difficult to maintain but there are a few tips to help keep then thriving even after Christmas. As they are native to Mexico they thrive best in humid temperatures and prefer indirect sunlight. You need to make sure to water them thoroughly but be careful not to drown them.
Closing date November 30th
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11/07/2016 11:16
Trades
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Trades
Local Middlesbrough Builder Based in Acklam | No Sales Nonsense
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