My local Magazine Stockton on Tees December 2016

AUTO-BIOGRAPHIES Mulled Wine

Abarth 124 Spider Page 24

What the Heck is Hygge?

Page 7

Page 10

My Local Magazine

®

Issue 67 | December 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

Martin Lewis Switch Bank Account Earn £100s Page 24

News - 5 minute catch up Pages 14 & 15

Recipe Page 6

My Local Magazine TM

April/May 2015 | The BEST of Middlesbrough’s Business, News, Reviews and ToDo’s

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distributed by Keep Me for 2 Months Famous Flyers www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: & jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk BTo advertise OILER S ERVICING REPAIRS 1

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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.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers

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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

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Visit our Showroom: Dream Doors Teesside, Yarm, Stockton on Tees, 21 High Street , TS15 9BW

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265 475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk

03

Welcome It does seem like twelve months since I was writing my introduction for last years December magazine.

Am I still sticking to my fitness plans? Well yes! I still ride my bike to work most days. For those considering riding a bike to work I would highly recommend it. It really does clear your head especially if you have had a stressful day.

This year, more than ever I am really looking forward to Christmas.

For the previous twenty eight years Debbie, my wife worked in retail, so most of my Christmas and New year was taken up taking Debbie to and from work. I’m particularly looking forward to Boxing Day, the thought of just watching the tele and not have to venture out will be in itself a great Christmas treat for me, as well as just getting together with the family on Christmas Day for great Christmas Day Dinner.

Decluttering – the KonMari Way 6

Regular Features Recipe

7

Motors

24

Gardening

26

Trades

28 - 32

Tastes so good Mulled Wine 7

Celebrity Interview Ricky Tomlinson 11

Russell Grant 16

So I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year and happiness for 2017.

All the very best

Abarth 124 Spider 24 Jeremy Middleton Managing Director My Local Magazines Ltd, Office 4, Walker House, 3rd Floor, High Street Stockton on Tees TS18 1BG T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk

@mylocalmag /mylocalmagazine

My Local Magazine does not endorse any advertisement with in this publication. My Local Magazine cannot be held responsible for breach of copyright arising from publication artwork supplied. It is the advertisers responsibility to ensure conformity wuth the Trades Description Act 1975 Business Advertisement Disclosure Order 1977 and The Consumer Act 1974. Reproduction of this magazine is in anyway is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the advertisements or content with in this publication please contact Jeremy Middleton 01642 924847 Whilst we, the publisher take great care to be accurate, no liability will be accepted under any circumstances should any of the contents of this publication be incorrect.

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

5

Decluttering – the KonMari Way

By Kate Duggan Marie Kondo is a Japanese ‘organising consultant’ whose method for decluttering is taking the globe by storm.

Called KonMari, the method is actually pretty straightforward.

If something you own doesn’t ‘spark joy’, get rid of it. Simple right?

KonMari isn’t for everyone, and Kondo certainly has a few somewhat bizarre suggestions.

(Seriously, who has the time to unpack every item from their handbag, every evening?) But most of her advice is practical, easy to follow and actually makes a lot of sense. She also dips into the psychology of why we hold on to things, and why we should let them go.

doesn’t ‘spark joy’ add it the charity pile. With this approach, you get the shock of realising just how much stuff you actually own, and are more likely to discard items than if you just flick through them when they’re in a drawer.

She does, of course, make some concessions for items you really need but that don’t particularly spark joy. The main idea is that you should stop hoarding stuff that you might use one day, clothes that you only ever wear when the washing pile is teetering over, and items you feel guilty about getting rid of.

Kondo recommends collecting every item in a particular category and going through them in one go.

So, for instance, you’d lay every item of clothing you own on the bed or floor, pick up each one and if it

Kondo also has some good advice when it comes to what to do with the things you keep. She advises against buying expensive storage solutions, and using shoe boxes to keep things tidy instead. She also recommends storing things vertically, e.g. folding clothes so that they can be stacked on end, meaning you can see them, rather than having them buried under

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other items. I’ve found this useful, to an extent. It does mean I can find a black t-shirt easily, but that I might have to unfold several black t-shirts to find the one that has the motif I want.

Kondo lives alone, and it does feel sometimes that her method is mainly aimed at other single adults. She recommends leading by example, the idea being that if you get rid of clutter, your family will follow you. That has not yet happened in my house I have to say. Nevertheless, I have got rid of several bin bags and boxes full of ‘stuff’ since reading her book and have felt surprisingly relieved about doing it.

If you fancy trying the KonMari method for yourself, her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, can be ordered from most libraries and book stores.

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)

Serves: 4- 6 adults

lemon rind and orange rind. Heat

2-4 tablespoons demerara sugar,

Method

gently, but don’t bring to the boil.

(or to taste)

Pour the wine into a heavy

Preparation time: less than 30 mins

saucepan over medium heat, and

Cooking time: less than 10 mins

add the cinnamon, cloves, allspice,

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

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Supporting Stockton’s unpaid carers Sanctuary Supported Living’s Stockton Carers Service offers a wide range of support to adult carers in Stockton including practical day-to-day support, emotional support, accessing training, advice and information, benefits advice and referrals to other agencies that can provide additional support.

We can assist you in many ways to ensure you look after your own welfare, as well as that of the person you care for. We have a new carers’ room where carers can receive private and confidential one-to-one support with our experienced staff.

We understand that this time of year can be especially difficult if you’re caring for someone.

Christmas time quite often means limited services, tight budgets and family tensions. At Stockton Carers Service we understand these issues and we can support you.

As usual, in December, the

Stockton

Carers Service

Supported Living

Free confidential information and support for adult carers who live in Stockton.

y Open Monda to Friday 9am – 5.30pm

as Day, Closed Christm d Boxing Day an y New Year’s Da

Carers Support group meets every Thursday from 1pm- 3pm at Five Lamps, 32 Dovecot Street, Stockton TS18 1LN. The Carers Support Group is a chance for carers to meet other carers – there are no commitments involved, so you’re welcome to join us even if you can’t come regularly. The last group meeting for 2016 will be held on Thursday 15 December and will

0800 917 0204

www.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk/carers

Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Clinical Commissioning Group

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reconvene on Thursday 5 January 2017.

For more information on Stockton Carers Service, call 0800 917 0204 or visit us at 70-74 Brunswick Street, Stockton on Tees, Cleveland, TS18 1DW. Finally, we wish everyone a merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy new year!

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

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.

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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What the Heck is Hygge?

By Kate Duggan You’d have had to be pretty well snuggled under a mountain of blankets not to have heard about hygge this winter. Pronounced ‘hue-gah’, it’s all about creating a sense of cosiness, of coming together with friends and family, of revelling in simple pleasures.

Think warm, fluffy towels, roaring fires and flickering candles. Think good, honest, home-cooked food, shared with friends.

Hygge isn’t about buying ‘stuff’, whatever the retailers want us to think. You don’t need to spend money to create a sense of hygge.

Wrapping up in a snuggly jumper and going for a walk can be hygge, as can catching up with a friend over coffee. It’s about a feeling, not possessions. It’s about being kind to yourself, and to others.

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You could…

• Curl up in PJs and a snuggly blanket, drink hot chocolate and read a book.

• Light that scented candle you’ve been saving.

• Stop trying to multi-task; turn off your phone and focus on the moment.

• Bake some gooey chocolate chip cookies.

www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk

• Invite a neighbour over for a cuppa.

• Send a loved one a letter.

• Soak in a bath with a few drops of aromatherapy oils.

• Explore the great outdoors with your family.

• Turn off your phone.

While fashions come and go, hygge is one trend that’s very much worth indulging in. Enjoy.

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.

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

11

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 12

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Give The Gift Of Confidence This Christmas As Christmas approaches again, parents and grandparents ponder about what to buy for their children. The latest toys fade in popularity, or get broken. But what if you could give the special child in your life something with lasting value, something which would bring them weekly fun and friendship and improve their self-esteem, confidence and life chances.

Well – now you can! Stagecoach Yarm offers all of that through classes in Drama, Dance and Singing, on Sundays, for young people aged from 2 – 18 years.

Students harness creativity and confidence and this often improves their success at school and helps them to work towards their future goals, in all walks of life.

Stagecoach Yarm has been in existence for 19 years, working out of Teesside High School, and has won six awards for its work with young people. Stagecoach has an unrivalled reputation locally for the quality of its training, the experience

and expertise of its staff and the

child and how it could improve

care that it gives to its students.

their life chances then contact

The teachers work to increase

Stagecoach for their information

self-esteem, confidence, team work

pack to thindmarsh15@gmail.com

and leadership skills, encouraging

or ring / text 0773 6164616 or visit

students to be articulate, creative

www.stagecoach.co.uk/yarm . You

and self-disciplined. And there

will be glad you did.

is always something exciting happening at Stagecoach.

FREE T SHIRT FOR CHILDREN ENROLLING FOR THE FULL

If you would like to see what

TERM – QUOTE `My Local

Stagecoach could mean to your

Magazine` to claim yours

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

13

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!

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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.

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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.

Pet Health Winter Warmers for Safer Pet Ownership Danielle Giles, Heathside Veterinary Surgery www. heathsidevets.co.uk With the New Year behind us we are truly in the depths of the winter months. We have already been dealing with the shorter day lengths and by using reflective collars, halters and leads we are ensuring visibility to motorists and the like. But what else can we do to improve our pets lot during this cold season?

It may not be obvious that slim dogs with short hair can, and do, feel the cold. Without the dense undercoat that many breeds have, for example huskies, they can be susceptible to hypothermia. Maybe you have a very young cat or dog? Maybe they are older? Like children and older people, pets will feel the cold, doubly so if they suffer from arthritis.

Indeed, the cold will aggravate conditions like these. Rather than curtail their walks consider getting them a coat; fleecy lined for warmth with a wax outer to help keep them dry. Most dogs will be fine running around exercising but do consider those who just like to mooch around; they can chill easily.

With the arthritic cat or dog consider providing a padded bed with a heat pad, hottie or hot water bottle for them to snuggle into; they will thank you for it in the long run! All cats love a warm spot, we have one that used to sleep on a ledge up our

chimney (remnants of an oven from days gone by) so do be careful of open fireplaces, wood stoves and radiators as burns are a reality.

Worth checking puss's paws if you suspect she has been too close for comfort!

summer months. It is a good idea to monitor your pets weight and food intake and adjust accordingly. We regularly have clients popping in for a quick weight check and we will even put it on your pets record to monitor for you.

The further north you live, the more likely your winters will involve hard frosts and snow. Did you know it is not unusual to see ears, noses and paws with frostbite? Consider the paws of dogs and be aware that snow and ice can ball up between the toes and become quite uncomfortable to walk on. If walking on gritted surfaces be aware that the chemicals and salt added can irritate pads grazed by the grit; and be sure to wash off from underbellies as well as paws when you get home otherwise poisoning can become a reality when your pooch cleans himself after walkies.

Antifreeze poisoning, the dreaded ethylene glycol, is a real and serious threat to our pets (and children) and not uncommonly treated in the winter months. Puddles under cars from over filled radiators or drips left to run down bottles in garages are accessed by both cats and dogs. Sweet tasting and palatable even small amounts cause serious kidney failure and can be fatal. If you suspect ethylene glycol is the cause of your pet’s lethargy do contact your vet, as with all poisoning, the quicker the treatment is started the better the outcome.

It is all too easy as we know to pile on the pounds during the winter months... And this goes for our cats and dogs too! Without a doubt the shorter day lengths, colder and wetter weather mean we do not get out as often or for as long or as regularly as we do in the finer

Finally, please ensure rabbits and guinea pigs hutches are well insulated and out of prevailing winds; ensure they have sufficient bedding to snuggle down into. As with all animals check water supplies are topped up and not frozen. Time to stretch those legs and get out on that walk...happy hiking folks.

To advertise call Jeremy T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

15

For January 2017

Capricorn

By Astrologer Russell Grant

ARIES March 21st - April 20th 2017 begins in a quiet, understated way. Instead of plunging right into the thick of things, you will gently test the waters. Quiet, contemplative activities will give you the emotional strength to assume big career responsibilities. The Full Moon on the 12th will find you facing off with oppressive officialdom that wants you to spend more time at work. It's critical to set healthy boundaries between work and leisure. You can't neglect your family for the sake of your career. As January draws to a close, you'll become more and more sociable. A gathering on the 28th is worth attending; you'll attract admirers like a flower draws bees at this stimulating gathering. Your popularity comes courtesy of the New Moon, which is helping you to make in-roads to strong friendships. Widening your social network will pay off both personally and professionally. Come out of the shadows and into the light as February approaches.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st Rubbing elbows with VIPs will be a trend during the first half of January. Whether you're looking for love, want a job or feel compelled to showcase your creative work, get out and network.

Having good connections will help you reach goals that were unattainable last year. Beware of making controversial remarks on social media sites on the 12th.

That's when the Full Moon puts everybody on edge.

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Blocking people who get under your skin can also keep your emotions in check. There's no point wasting valuable energy on a blowhard who is never going to change. The New Moon on the 28th will attract a welcome career opportunity. Don't hesitate to apply for a new job in the tech industry. This position will give you fame, acclaim and a very nice salary. At long last, you'll be able to enjoy the creature comforts you adore.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st You'll be basking in the public spotlight in the opening days of January. This is a terrific time to make a sales pitch or public appeal.

People will respond warmly to your wit, intelligence and humanity. Don't be surprised if you're asked to manage a collection or fund. Use this money to assist people who have been overlooked in your community. The Full Moon on the 12th could make you feel undervalued, due to a pay cheque that is much smaller than you expected. Take this opportunity to build a strategy for 16

landing a better job. Working at a university, publishing house or law firm could be profitable, both emotionally and financially. Start sending out applications on the 28th, when you'll have the strength of the New Moon on your side. If you've always wanted to work abroad, this could be your big chance to do so. Be willing to venture out of familiar surroundings.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd A pleasure trip could pave the way for an important social contact or romantic connection. Spend the opening days of 2017 touring a city that has fascinated you since childhood.

If you can't take a trip at this time, you can always armchair travel via the internet or a movie. Discussing this work on a social networking site could cause you to cross paths with someone who shares your love of a particular art form or artist. On the 12th, the Full Moon could make you quite emotional. You'll be ready to cut ties with a relative who is always overstepping their boundaries. Don't get defensive about this decision.

You're well within your right to limit their access to your personal life. The pressure will ease toward the end of the month, thanks to the New Moon on the 28th. An inheritance, royalty payment or insurance may arrive quite suddenly. Use this windfall to realise a career goal.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd Financial gain through a marriage, business partnership or investment deal could arrive early in the month. This is a good time to indulge your love of luxury. Splash out on a new outfit, fancy gadget or anything else that appeals to your sensual side. As the middle of January approaches, you could feel spiritually depleted because of a stressful Full Moon on the 12th.

Beware of a temptation to lash out at people who try pushing your buttons with teasing remarks. It's best to walk away from such provocateurs or better yet, avoid them altogether. The New Moon on the 28th is ideal for embarking on a partnership of some kind. You'll feel an instant connection with someone who doesn't look or sound like anybody else. As January draws to a close, avoid discussing sensitive topics like religion and politics. An argument could break out that does serious damage to a work relationship.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd Two heads are better than one in the early

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days of January. Spending quality time with a loving partner will strengthen your commitment. It will feel like you can move mountains with your beloved by your side. If you're single, you could meet someone special at a professional conference. Be ready to make the first move, as the object of your affection might be too shy to approach you. The Full Moon on the 12th will put strain on a friendship. You're tired of trying to keep up with lavish lifestyles. Instead of pushing yourself to buy more luxuries, focus on living within your means. You may not realise it, but your nearest and dearest might also be lying awake at night, wondering how to pay the bills. On the 28th, the New Moon could mark an exciting job offer. Not only will this position offer a lot of mental stimulation, but it will also have some impressive perks.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd The opening days are January are perfect for sprucing up your wardrobe or updating your look in some way. Keep all your receipts and don't undergo any procedures that will permanently alter your looks; with Mercury going retrograde until the 7th, you should keep your options open. The Full Moon on the 12th could find you facing off with an unbearable authority figure. Resist the temptation to quit a good job in a huff. Instead, quietly launch a job search. It's much easier to find employment when you already have a job.

By the time the New Moon rises on the 28th, you will get a terrific offer. Working for a company that places a strong emphasis on creativity will be the answer to a prayer. You'll get the full support of your best friend or romantic partner to pursue this line of work. Good things come to those who wait.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd Love, adventure and leisure will characterise the opening days of 2017 for you. This is a wonderful time to go on a romantic trip with your amour, post a dating profile or launch a creative project. Work projects are destined to be revised during this period, due to Mercury retrograde, so don't pour too much energy into this area until the middle of January. On the 12th, the Full Moon will expose some gaps in your knowledge. Don't hesitate to ask for help and additional training. Nobody will look down on you for wanting to further your education. The New Moon on the 28th could allow you to work from home a few days each week. Avoiding a long commute and office politics will make you much more productive. If you've been thinking of relocating, check out an up and coming neighbourhood. You could find a great piece of property that dramatically increases in value.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd December 21st The opening days of 2017 offer a welcome opportunity to recover from the Christmas season. Stick close to home, spending quality time with your relatives and pets. There will be plenty of time to hit the party scene later, when your body has had a chance to rest, relax and revive. The Full Moon on the 12th could have you scrambling to pay an unexpected bill. Take a deep breath and get in touch with your creditor; it may be possible to work out a payment program over an extended period. As January comes to a close, you'll

get some good news on the 28th. That's when the New Moon will help you reconnect with a fun-loving neighbour or relative. Together, you might book a trip or sign up for a course.

CAPRICORN December 22nd January 20th The opening days of the month will be pleasantly pleasing and relaxing allowing you to talk with upbeat people who bring out the best in you. If you're asked to join a discussion group or book club, you should accept. This organisation will be a continual source of intellectual stimulation and emotional fulfilment.

On the 12th, the Full Moon will put strain on a close relationship. You'll have to strike a better balance between your personal and professional lives to keep this romance alive. Stop erring on the side of your career all the time. The New Moon on the 28th will attract an exciting moneymaking opportunity that allows you to work from home. This arrangement is ideal. Spending more time with your family will deepen your love and appreciation for it. You'll also put less emphasis on professional matters. There is more to life than getting ahead. Relationships are more precious than gold.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th You have a good chance of making money from your creative work in early January. This is a great time to show the fruits of your labour to an editor, talent agent or boutique owner. The income you earn from such work should be put toward a vacation or spiritual retreat you've been longing to take. The Full Moon on the 12th may prompt you to change your routine in a radical way. Quitting a job, starting a health regimen and breaking a bad habit are among the possibilities. By the 28th, you'll look like a brand new person. Use the energy of the New Moon to undergo a dramatic makeover. Changing your look will attract exciting opportunities. Don't be surprised when someone asks you to manage a social media campaign or launch a promotional effort. You know how to attract favourable publicity. Use this talent to pave the way to a successful career.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th All eyes will be on you in the early days of January. Your enhanced charisma will attract love, money and creative opportunities.

Take every opportunity to get out and about during the first two weeks of the month. On January 12th, the Full Moon might nag you into completing a creative project that you have left to gather dust for far too long. Rearrange your schedule to finish this work, as it has significant potential. The New Moon on the 28th could find you adopting a lower profile. Use this time to rest, relax and recharge your spiritual batteries. You'll be much more productive after you catch up on your sleep. Focusing on positive influences that fill you with hope will also be therapeutic. Do your best to avoid toxic people and tense situations in the closing days of January. You've always been highly sensitive to your environment. As a result, you should take every precaution to protect yourself from stress.

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17

New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep

By Kate Duggan All too often New Year’s resolutions seem to focus on doing more of what we don’t enjoy, and less of what we do enjoy. So this issue, we thought we’d give you our suggestions for resolutions you’ll actually want to keep.

Learn something new Whether you want to get a qualification so you can get a better job, or you just fancy trying a new hobby, make 2017 the year you try something new. www.futurelearn. com is a good place to start. It offers hundreds of free, short online courses. Many are delivered by leading UK universities. You could try writing fiction, exploring digital technologies, or learning about forensic science. If you prefer face-to-face tuition, check out the courses offered by your local college. You could improve your computer skills, take up a new craft, or find out how to delve into your family history.

Enjoy time outdoors

proven to help with depression, anxiety, stress and a whole lot of other issues. It may even help you to live longer. We know the great British weather doesn’t always make it the most tempting prospect.

But if the sun breaks through the clouds, wrap up warm, pull your wellies on and head for your nearest green space. You’ll likely find you feel calmer and happier as a result.

Nature is good for you. It’s been

Take time to cook

Home cooked meals are usually much better for you than ready meals. They’re higher in vitamins and minerals, and lower in salt and sugar. So, try resolving to cook for yourself a few days a week. If you struggle to find the time, you could try a box scheme. Simply Cook, for example, post you the herbs, seasonings and recipes to make simple (but delicious) meals in around 20 minutes. You just add four to six items of fresh food and follow the instructions. Hello Fresh go even further. They send you everything you need to make a meal, including simple-to-follow recipes.

Appreciate the little things We’re often so busy; we don’t get time to really appreciate the little things in life. A soak in the bath, your favourite radio programme, a chat with an old friend… Taking a moment to be thankful can make us happier and calmer, and improve our relationships. You could try listing three things that you’re grateful for before you go to sleep each night, or keeping a daily gratitude journal. Or just try to give thanks to the people you love a bit more often.

Whatever your New Year’s resolution, we wish you all the luck in keeping it.

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19

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

A Good Read

By Willow Coby The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion There have been several novels published in recent years which feature an autistic character; The Rosie Project is one of them.

Don is a scientist working at a university in Australia. In his late 30s he is single and largely contented. His day is meticulously

mapped out, and routine is a part of everything he does. He is never early (a waste of precious time) or late (rude and puts everything out of time), and can’t abide small talk.

He also has lobster every Tuesday.

As the novel opens he is lecturing on Aspergers at a conference but it is not a lecture from a personal perspective. Don is undiagnosed yet many friends and parents of those on the spectrum will identify his traits. A chance conversation

with the conference organiser leads him to consider if he can apply scientific methodology to the search for a suitable partner, and The Wife Project is born.

Readers will warm to Don, and his naïve approach to relationships and life in general, and anyone who is currently negotiating the dating minefield might wonder if it would all be easier with the aid of his questionnaire?

North Child by Edith Pattou This Young Adult novel is published by Usborne Books.

Based on the Norwegian fairy tale ‘East of the Sun and West of the Moon’ this sweeping fantasy story is set in the snow-covered lands of Scandinavia.

Legend has it that children born facing north are destined to travel far from home and die, crushed under ice and snow.

When Eugenia’s eighth and youngest child is born her belief in superstition leads her to fear for her daughter’s future. She lies about the circumstances of Rose’s birth but it would seem that fate cannot be deceived by a lie. As Rose grows up she feels out of place in the family and longs to travel, with a desire for adventure. Her unease, combined with a wanderlust means that when a white bear appears and offers her family a way out of poverty and ill-health if she will come away with him to a land far away in the north, she readily accepts.

Here she meets a mysterious stranger in a castle hidden in a mountain. Who is he and why does he only appear at night? Faced with challenges she discovers her purpose in life in a tale of love, betrayal, and adventure.

This rich story will appeal to

and is a great introduction to epic

readers from the age of 10 upwards

fantasy.

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 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.

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integrates a blend of tax-efficient

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1. Hathi is what type of animal in ‘The Jungle Book’?

Q.

2. What is the capital of the US state of Florida?

3. In Greek mythology what type of arrow did Eros shook Apollo with?

A

1.

2.

3.

Elephant Tallahassee Gold

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23

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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Gardening

Garden View

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.

with gravel then add water to half way up the gravel. Place the potted plant on top of the gravel.

before you repot.

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.

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 10-12C) and there’s no artificial light. After flower buds form, you can stop the cool/ dark treatment and start fertilizing for a strong three-week bloom cycle.

Humidity They love a humid atmosphere so are best grown on a gravel tray. Fill a waterproof bowl

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

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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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.

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.

Gardening

Garden View

By Rachel Leverton In the depth of winter garden birds bring us so much pleasure.

Squabbling on feeders, their colours and songs brighten gloomy days.

Birds play a vital role in our gardens’ ecosystems. They are feathered pest controllers, eating everything from snails to aphids to wind-fall fruits.

If you’d like to attract more birds to your garden there are several things to consider. Lots of people hang up a bag of peanuts when the weather turns grim then become disheartened as it hangs there unused. So here are my handy tips.

Food - When I was a child my dad told me to only feed birds in the winter, but now the experts advise putting out food all year round.

There is a dizzying array of bird food available but a good starter mix includes sunflower seeds, canary seed, hemp and husk-free oats. Use a good tube-style feeder and clean it regularly as a build up of bacteria and old food can kill birds.

If squirrels are a problem you can by rodent-proof feeders. I also have one tube-feeder which is set within a sort of cage which keeps larger birds out, letting the smaller ones access the food unimpeded.

Protect birds from prowling cats by planting something prickly and ground-hugging around the bird table or feeder – Berberis darwinii is a good one, but you can also confound cats with a collar, which fits around the bird table stand and prevents them from jumping up.

Water - A supply of clean water is very important for drinking and bathing. A sloping bath is best to accommodate different bird species, and add a flat stone or two to aid with getting in and out!

Keep it topped up and check daily to see that it hasn’t frozen. If it has, melt the ice with warm water. Your feathered friends will thank you.

Plants - Birds like cover so plant shrubs, trees and climbers. If you can manage it a mixed hedge of hawthorn, holly, dog rose, and rowan offers cover and food, and is also very pretty. Train honeysuckle and ivy over arches and pergolas. Pyracantha'Soleil d'Or', Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia' and rambling roses that will produce lots of rosehips are great for house walls and fences. If you have room for a tree try the bird cherry (Prunus padus) or a crab apple such as Malus 'John Downie'.

use the winter to scope out good breeding spots. If you already have boxes, take them down, remove any old nests and rinse the boxes with boiling water to sterilise them.

Come the spring put out some extra nesting material for them to grab: sheep wool, pet hair, wool scraps can all be pushed inside a wire cage or a terracotta pot Hopefully this has given you some ideas. And don’t forget to take part in The Big Garden Bird watch on January 28th and 29th.

Nesting - Dozens of bird species make use of nest boxes. Put up new boxes now because birds

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Trades

Please donate

£5

Make Christmas even more magical

for each letter*

with a Letter from Santa Kate

Adele Dear Emma, When we’re not busy making toys and wrapping presents, cooking up sweet treats we’re busy in the kitchen, for everyone in the North Pole. Now you’re 8, have baking Emma? you tried You can’t imagine the number of mince pies, Christmas Dear Kate biscuits, candy canes and cakes we , make. There are 18 gingerbread the Here athidden people I can’t belie in the picture. Can you find Dear Jemma, Are you excited? them all? for all the and nice ve you’re 5 now. with giftsI hear far away now Jemma. isn’t sleigh Eve the list’ you stack Time enjoy singing be a good girl to to make Christmas I wond and make sure you keep sure that flies. I’m just elves are busy helping gift for Megan earlier.

One day, I’m sure you’ll be that up. er what list checking North Pole, the a you’ve brilliant! Maybe as good Adele will – I think I saw as Mrs Santa isMy treats? Definitely as good machine great on Christmas be on this been a good girl my ‘naughty at baking good boys and girls as me at eating them; ho gives me sure your tree looks at dancing. There The elves this year. year? ho ho! the up nicely to make It’s time to get the biscuits great We wrap them hats? Whohelp me work names of every you out of the oven, maybe you just like you are paper. it. Can and Lizzie can make experts at it now, eatCan on Christmas Day? After is my some you count little boy and and three with stripy to Chief morning. We’re all, you’ve been working hard girl in Elf? them Kate with spotty paper it! I can’t wait to visit again at schoolItsolooks you like deserve and drop off your goodies. are three presents you’re on ? How manythe world. at read that told Christmas, my nice ing have blue Merry I’ve been find them? list Kate the world books. It won’t you’re 3 now and , probably all your dinner. , and comi be long gift for you because because you’ve been eating until that ng I’ve got a special and But to I’ll year, you’r put all of we’re be girl this your pres delivering pres e so great you’ve been a good your frien always busy check ents all ents unde ds kindl listen carefully ing name over sure to P.S. Be r That’s great! on! the y.

I’m move s a tree.

Merry I hear you have a Frozen to see if get sure you Chris advent calendar! Have you to do, so we best you’v bells ringing! have. I eaten your chocolatetmas There’s still lots hear my sleigh can’t wait! e still been today? treating – you might just Can you? on Christmas Eve See you soon! , Merry Christmas P.S. Well stories. done on helping I know he just mummy read at swimming! badge loves it! your broth duckling er, Jack on getting your , his bedt P.S. Well done Jemma proud. ime and daddy are very I know mummy

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© Photography by Alistair Hood. The children pictured are models.

Santa’s very busy at this time of year. But he’s still got time to make your children’s Christmas even more magical. Deliver a sprinkle of Christmas sparkle with a personalised Letter from Santa.

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