My local stockton 2018 03 by Jeremy Middleton

My Local Magazine ®

Issue 82 | March 2018 | The BEST of Stockton’s Business, News, Reviews and To-Do’s

ESSIDE

MADE IN TE

PAGE 8

ED MONTH NATIONAL BE 22 PAG

GARDENING PAGE 26

distributed by GPS Leaﬂet Distribution

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Keep Me for 2 Months

ADVERTISER INDEX PAGE page 30 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 offers homeowners the opis spotless when we leave, portunity to maximise their and Value in that we offer storage space with a loft our services at a price people ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding can afford. Our business and a light all fully fitted in relies on referrals and we got less than a day from just a huge amount of our calls £277 + VAT. But it’s not just from people who have been the affordability of the pack- referred to us by our existing age the company offers that customers - that simply makes Yorkshire Loft Ladwouldn’t happen if we didn’t ders stand out as manager adhere to our overriding Mark Hodson explains: principles. 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

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

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Spring Clean If you’re planning a good old spring clean, the first thing you’ll want to do is declutter. If you don’t love it or use it, get rid of it. Charity shops are always happy to take clean clothes, ornaments, books and toys off your hands, or you could earn a bit of cash by selling on eBay, or through your local Facebook selling group. If the thought of decluttering feels a bit daunting, try to tackle one area at a time.You can start small, with the ‘drawer of doom’ for instance, working your way up to the main living areas and your bulging wardrobes. Separate items into store, sell, donate and recycle piles. If you’re dithering over something, try packing it away for six months, then

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seeing whether you’ve missed it. Just remember to clearly mark the box and set yourself a calendar reminder to go through it again. You may also want to invest in some better storage. Make the most of unused alcoves and other wasted spaces, and look for multipurpose storage solutions, such as chests that can double up as tables. When it comes to the cleaning itself, remember to clean from top to bottom, so you don’t knock dirt or debris onto clean surfaces. All that’s left is to revel in your cleaner, brighter home. Enjoy! By Kate Duggan

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EDITOR’S LETTER

March 2018 The end of February was a bit of a white out. Or was it? Shoot me down in flames all you like but why do schools close on snowy days. When I was at school I can’t remember a day when it closed? There were afternoons or mornings when I wished it would. Especially in maths lessons. I don’t think I’ve ever used trigonometry. In fact I can’t remember what it is. I also remembr a teacher saying “ You won’t walk around with a calculator in your pocket” How wrong was he? The same teacher saying to a class mate. “ Son! You’re a dreamer “ Lucky for him he was. He went on to develop CD burning software that made millions!

get coffee to brew, when the outside temperature is below 0. My sister in law who is a teacher had to go to school on a snowy day.Waited in the school all day, incase someone turned up who could get to school? So she could turn them away? This morning.The same day that the schools closed. I saw people travelling to work in cars, local buses full of commuters.The Castlegate Shopping Centre was open. I never saw one shop shut. Hospitals were open. Doctors were open. Dentists were open. Can someone tell me why schools close on snowy days? Until next time..

CONTENTS

I hear various reasons for closing schools on snowy days. It’s because they are concerned they might get sued. Or that teachers don’t live locally anymore and travel from Newcastle or Staithes? Some also say, it’s difficult to

Features Recipe

Made in Teesside

Russell Grant

National Bed Month

Gardening

Trades

@mylocalmag /mylocalmagazine

Jeremy Middleton Managing Director T: 01642 924847 M: 07533 265 475 E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk W: www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk My Local Magazines Ltd, Office 4, Walker House, 3rd Floor, High Street Stockton on Tees TS18 1BG 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 with 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 within 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.

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Advertisers Index

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Made In Tees Valley – From Inspiration To Exhibition A SPECIAL exhibition is allowing Middlesbrough school students to show off their creativity.

Sedgwick said: “Middlesbrough has fantastic history and heritage, and it’s not just industrial.

Made in the Tees Valley has seen Year 3 and 4 students from Sacred Heart RC Primary take their inspiration from design legend Christopher Dresser.

Christopher Dresser was a huge figure in the world of design, and his work remains as fresh, relevant collectible as it’s ever been.

Their handiwork will shortly go on display at the town’s Dorman Museum which has a gallery dedicated to the 19th century artist.

That’s been a huge inspiration for the students from Sacred Heart, and they’ve thrown themselves into this project with boundless enthusiasm.

The budding young designers have created their own ceramic pieces and Japanese windsocks for a show that opens to the public on Saturday, January 27 and runs until Sunday, March 25.

They’ve created a wonderful exhibition which shows the creative spirit of Christopher Dresser is alive and well in Middlesbrough today.

The students were inspired an earlier exhibition about Japan and celebrating the 150th anniversary of Christopher Dresser’s visit to the country whose art and culture would have a profound influence on his Linthorpe Pottery. All the students who have taken part in the project will attend a VIP opening event on Saturday with their families, with the show opening to the public at 12.30pm Dorman Museum Access Officer Sue

They can be immensely proud of what they’ve achieved, and I have no doubt their display will be enjoyed by everyone who visits the museum over the next month.” Sacred Heart Assistant Head Kerry Mallam said: “The students have had great fun developing their own exhibition, and have learned a great deal in the process. Made in the Tees Valley is a tribute to their hard work, and to the enduring inspiration of Christopher Dresser.”

For more information on exhibitions and events at the Dorman Museum, visit www.dormanmuseum.co.uk

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Shopping Vouchers

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Tastes so good...

Roast Beef with Rosemary & Garlic Ingredients Ingredients 1 joint of beef 1 -3 tsp coarse salt (generous amount) 1 -3tsp fresh cracked pepper 1 tbsp fresh rosemary 10 garlic cloves Method 1.

Settle the joint and let it stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

Mix the salt and pepper together.

Insert some of the rosemary directly into the skin of the joint, scoring with a sharp knife to help you insert it.

Preheat the oven to 375oF.

Now score the joint in 10 random spots for the garlic. Rub the meat with the seasoning mix. Place cloves into the slices.

Place the roast on a rack in the pan with the rosemary top side up.

Roast for 1 hour and then turn off oven.

Leave the roast in the oven but do not open oven door for 3 hours.

About 30 to 40 minutes before serving time, turn oven to 375 oF and reheat the roast.

10. Make sure not to remove roast or re-open the oven door from time roast is put in until 20 minutes before ready to serve. 11. Remove roast 20 minutes after heating. www.mylocal-magazine.co.uk | E: jeremy@mylocal-magazine.co.uk

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Running & Fitness Coach Running is an Art and a Science

As a coach I am constantly telling my runners to slow down and they look at me in a puzzled sort of way. I say “Anyone, and I mean anyone, can run the first mile of a race at a fast pace, we can all boast that we were on for a sub 30min 5k, 60min 10k, 2-hour half or 4-hour marathon in that first mile but it’s how you finish the last mile that counts”. Getting the pacing right for any race is an art and a science and it can take many races to perfect it. There is a fine line between running a PB (Personal Best) success or a PW (Personal Worst) disaster and sometimes this fine line can be the difference between whether you hang your trainers up for good or whether you dust yourself down and put it down to experience enabling you to try again. Sometimes we can put too much pressure on ourselves on the lead up to a big event. It could be your first parkrun or your first marathon but getting caught up in the excitement and atmosphere as you wait on the start line can cause you to run a race just a little bit faster than norm.This change in the energy system that our

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body isn’t used to can sometimes result in disaster. When you exercise, your body uses oxygen to break down glucose for energy and a by-product of this process is lactate. During easy running, your body converts and recycles this lactic acid back into energy and efficiently expels the waste products. Therefore, the production of lactate will remain relatively constant while running at an easy aerobic (talking) pace, which doesn’t require a huge demand for energy. However, if you set off too quickly in any run and continue to run faster you demand more energy from your body and the production of lactic acid will slowly increase. At some point if you continue to run too fast the production of lactic acid will soar and your body will no longer be able to convert lactate back into energy and expel the waste products. This point is commonly referred to as your lactate threshold.The lactic acid then floods into system, muscle power is diminished and you begin to slow down (I refer to this as the bear jumping on you as it feels as though you can’t move!) Symptoms

may include a burning feeling in your muscles, including cramp, feeling nauseous, weak and exhausted. It’s your body’s way to tell you to stop what you’re doing. Ultimately, lactic acid is one of the largest contributors to why you slow down as the race goes on and what makes the race hard work. The idea is, then, that if you run at a slightly slower than usual pace then you can hold this threshold for as long as possible as you prevent waste products from building up and causing the exhaustion.The aim is to get to the last quarter of the race with enough energy to kick those last miles and finish strong. Try running without a watch so that you can feel your pace, run a little bit faster between lamp posts so that you learn where the difference is between feeling comfortable and uncomfortable. Remember running is a journey; an art and a science, a bit like a recipe, see what works, what doesn’t, you can take a bit of training out or add a bit more in until you find what works for you and that is part of the fun. By Verity Wright

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Crufts

11TH - 18TH MARCH The world’s biggest dog show is back this month. Here are some facts about our favourite canine competition. Charles Cruft was a dog-biscuit salesman!

met at Crufts, then was stabbed to death by his wife with the knife he used to cut up their dog’s food. Statistically, the most likely breed to win the Best in Show crown is the Cocker Spaniel which has won ‘Best in Show’ seven times

Don’t own pedigree? In 2000, the Kennel Club started Scruffts – a show for crossbreeds, which compete for the titles of Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch, Child’s Best Friend and Golden Oldie. By Louise Addison

It was originally just for terriers. The inaugural event was billed as the “First Great Terrier Show”. Five years later it was renamed “Cruft’s Greatest Dog Show” and opened to all breeds. Queen Victoria’s collie Darnley II, and two of her Pomeranians won prizes in 1891. In 1991, Crufts was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest dog show. Now 27,000 dogs take part each year, with 160,000 human visitors attending. Around 350kg (or 55st) of canine fur will be cleared from the Birmingham NEC following the show! Over the years there have been scandals worthy of an Agatha Christie plot. There have been claims of owners slipping rival dogs laxatives, poisoning them or sticking chewing gum in their fur. There has even been a murder. In 1974 an Old Bailey jury heard how a man began an affair with a woman he

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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.

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A Good Read The Island by Victoria Hislop It is books like this that remind you, in small ways, how fortunate we are to live in the 21st century when illnesses and diseases that were once considered a death sentence are now curable. One such disease is leprosy which provides the background for this debut novel. Very often associated with Biblical times, it may be shocking to people to learn that in Europe as recently as 1957, victims of this disease were sent into isolation. The last known leper colony in Europe was the island of Spinalonga off the coast of Crete. This is the island of the novel’s title. Alexis Fielding is a 25-year-old living in London who knows very little

about her background other than the fact that her mother comes from Crete. For whatever reason her mother refuses to discuss her past. Frustrated by her silence, Alexis decides to take her own journey to her mother’s home village, Plaka, to discover the truth that her mother will not speak of. Through an old family friend, in the heat of the Cretan sun, Alexis learns of her family history. Of her great grandmother, Eleni, and her two daughters, Maria and Anna. More crucially she learns of the sad past of the now deserted island, just 1km from Plaka. And how her family’s past is forever linked to this place where the shunned inhabitants tried to maintain some level of normalcy

amidst their pain and isolation. In a culture where family is everything, how can a family continue when it is ripped apart?

The Monster of Shiversands Cove by Emma Fischel Ah, a summer holiday by the beach! Hot days playing in the sand. Days full of digging and snorkelling. Sounds like bliss! At least it DID. Stan is fed up. For the last four years his family have holidayed with his best friend, Rory’s, family. And this year was supposed to be the same until Rory’s parents both got new jobs and moved away. Now he is

stuck in a cottage by the sea with Magnus, his four-year-old brother who is insistent that he is going to spend the whole holiday searching for fairies. Of course, Stan knows that this is nonsense and that fairies don’t even exist. One night he decides he has had enough. Magnus will not stop talking about the fairy he caught and has called Harry. In a moment of anger,

he agrees with Magnus that this may be a hot spot for fairies and elves, but that means it is also a hot spot for monsters! Magnus is terrified but of course he has no real need to be. Everyone knows that monsters aren’t real. Or are they? 12

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For April 2018

ARIES

By Astrologer Russell Grant

ARIES (March21st-April20th) A brilliant idea at Easter is worth developing.You're tired of making money for others. Launching your own business will allow you to set your own hours and follow your instincts. If you've been thinking of changing your luck, the New Moon on the 16th is an ideal time to do so. It's a great time to restyle your hair, revamp your wardrobe or undergo a cosmetic procedure. Any initiative that will change the way people see you is worth considering. On the 30th, the Full Moon is great for making a long term investment. Opening a savings, retirement or college fund will help you build a nice little nest egg.You're tired of living from one payday to the next. Use the final days of April to create a stronger financial foundation for you and your family. If you have a romantic partner, your amour will be given an impressive raise or lucrative job, thereby improving your economic status. TAURUS (April21st-May21st) Easter will be a relaxing time. Take this opportunity to enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest in a low-key setting. Although you enjoy dressing up, you don't especially want to be working hard to serve others. If you're throwing a party, order food from a caterer instead of spending all day in the kitchen. This will allow you to connect with your guests. On the 16th, the New Moon allows you to let go of a period of struggle. Instead of dwelling on the past, you'll make a fresh start. Going after a job, courting a potential partner or launching a creative project will renew your zest for life. The Full Moon on the 30th could mark an engagement or marriage. If you've been longing to make a romance official, do it at the end of April, when your prospects for creating a lifetime of happiness are strong. GEMINI (May22nd-June21st) Attending an Easter party will be lots more fun than you expect.You'll meet an interesting person who excites your interest in a hobby or sport. Let your new friend take you to a cultural event or game; you'll have a wonderful time together. The New Moon on the 16th is perfect for joining a humanitarian organisation or club. Working with a team will greatly increase your chances for success. Although you have great ideas, you currently lack the social connections to get them off the ground. Join forces with people who have extensive experience in your desired field. On the 30th, the Full 16

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Moon will bring relief from a persistent health problem. Getting an accurate diagnosis will put you on the path to renewed health. Show your gratitude by donating time, money or both to a good cause. Keep the positive energy flowing as April turns to May. CANCER (June22nd-July23rd) You'll attract wonderful publicity on or around Easter, when word spreads of your leadership ability.Your willingness to accept a thankless job is greatly appreciated. Thanks to you, an organisation that was on the verge of falling apart has been salvaged. Instead of listening to conventional wisdom, you tried bold methods that have paid off handsomely. As a result, you'll be offered an impressive job with a cutting edge company on the 16th. That's when an energising New Moon will enhance your professional prospects. Don't be afraid to enter an unfamiliar field; you'll take to this industry like a duck to water. A romantic relationship will burst into flower on the 30th, thanks to a passionate Full Moon. If you're single, you'll meet someone special at a work conference. Falling in love with someone who is much older or younger is a possibility. Instead of worrying about what people will say about this relationship, listen to your heart. LEO (July24th-August23rd) Easter ushers in an opportunity to travel, study or write. Being able to visit a country that has deep spiritual meaning will be inspiring. If you aren't able to get away, sign up for an advanced course of learning or begin work on an article. Exercising your intellect will pay off handsomely this month. On the 16th, you could launch an entrepreneurial effort. The energising New Moon will help you get the funding and publicity you need to make this project successful. Don't be afraid to break away from traditional business methods. Offering unusual products and services or courting an underserved market will be highly profitable. The Full Moon on the 30th is good for wrapping up a property matter. If you need to find a new place to live, you'll find one in an established neighbourhood famous for its historic architecture. Getting out of an old lease should not be a problem. VIRGO (August24th-September23rd) News of an inheritance, legal settlement or insurance refund will reach your ears on or

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around Easter. This is a great time to upgrade your technical equipment. Buying a new smartphone, car or computer will greatly increase your efficiency in the early days of April. The New Moon on the 16th finds you making inroads to a close relationship. By forgiving a past mistake, you'll forge a strong bond that is virtually unbreakable. Don't be surprised when your sensual side becomes more pronounced; this is a good time to enjoy a passionate interlude with the one you love. On the 30th, the Full Moon finds you passing a test or getting a certificate. The information you've accumulated will attract the admiration of a creative person. Don't be surprised if you're asked to create a website or promotional campaign for an artist. Your ability to communicate powerful messages with just a few images and phrases is impressive. LIBRA (September24th-October23rd) Working with a partner will be productive in the days surrounding Easter. Be open to trying cutting edge techniques, even if you've been steeped in an old tradition.Your willingness to try new things will earn the respect of your associate, who already admires your creative abilities. On the 16th, you might decide to get engaged or married. Are you already in a serious relationship? Your amour will get an unusual work opportunity. Moving to a place that is entirely different from your current home will strengthen your bond. Having your assumptions challenged and your lifestyle altered will force you to heavily rely on each other. Petty differences that once kept you apart will magically disappear. A handsome bonus could come your way on the 30th, thanks to an enriching Full Moon. Use some of this money for some beautiful furnishings or artwork. If you've been longing to buy your own place, this would be a good time to do so. SCORPIO (October24th-November22nd) An unusual work opportunity will be made on or around Easter. Take this opportunity to gain some experience in an entirely different field. The more varied your skill set, the easier it will be to land the well paid assignments you want. The New Moon on the 16th is ideal for launching a fitness regime. Taking up a sport, overhauling your diet and establishing a restful sleeping routine will pave the way for radiant health. A personal project will come to fruition on the 30th, thanks to an empowering Full Moon. A reference letter from an accomplished business person or political figure will open doors for you. This influential person admires your hard work and diligence. Thanks to their recommendation, you'll get funding for a project, get onto a training programme or be given money from a government grant. Late April is ideal for expanding your horizons; go ahead and venture into unfamiliar territory. SAGITTARIUS (November23rdDecember21st) Pour your energy into creative projects on Easter, when your urge to create something beautiful will be powerful. Putting an innovative spin on traditional forms will attract lots of favourable publicity. The New Moon on the 16th is ideal for going on a first date or going on a second honeymoon. Whether you are single or attached, mid-April will be one of those most romantic times of the entire year. Letting go of a grudge will be easier than expected on the

30th, when the Full Moon urges you to get rid of excess emotional baggage. Instead of dwelling on a past injustice, you'll turn your focus to the future. Establishing financial security will be easier when you adopt an optimistic attitude. If you get turned down for a job, express your gratitude for getting the chance to interview.Your positive energy will turn a 'no' into a 'yes.' CAPRICORN (December22ndJanuary20th)The days surrounding Easter find you more ambitious than ever. This is a good time to make plans for professional success. Applying for a high-profile position or creating a business proposal will be a good use of your time.Your preparations will pay off on the 16th, when an uplifting New Moon attracts an exciting career offer. Being able to put your leadership skills to work will be liberating.You know how to motivate people while maintaining impeccable standards. A collaboration comes to a successful conclusion on the 30th, when the Full Moon cultivates a celebratory atmosphere. Make sure to attend a big wrap party. It's important to keep in touch with the people who have challenged your ideas, encouraged your ability and improved your skills. Don't be surprised if you are named most valuable player. People appreciate your ability to give constructive criticism without taking the joy out of work. AQUARIUS (January21st-February19th) The 1st brings exciting news about a family or community matter. This Easter, you'll be able to break away from a confining routine and enjoy a greater measure of freedom, either in a relationship or in your neighbourhood. On the 16th, the New Moon urges you to speak up for your beliefs. Defending the underdog will cause your popularity to soar. Lately, someone who has been marginalised or unfairly criticised has gathered lots of secret support. Everyone was so afraid of the chief tormentor that they failed to challenge their abusive behaviour. This will change after you make it known that such behaviour is entirely unacceptable. Speak as you find to everyone. The Full Moon on the 30th will bring a promotion or award for a job well done. Take this opportunity to bask in the spotlight.Your hard work has paid off, making it possible to advance up the ladder to success. PISCES (February20th-March20th) April begins on an upbeat note, when a job offer could arrive on or around Easter. This will be a wonderful opportunity to increase your income and expand your technical skills. Working with bang up to date equipment and the latest software programs will increase your appeal on the job market. The New Moon on the 16th will give you a chance to do work that is personally meaningful. In the past, you treated work simply as a means to pay the bills. Now you will have a chance to get paid by making the world a better place. It will be a refreshing change. A bold risk will pay off on or around the 30th, when the Full Moon brings a successful resolution of a legal matter. Alternatively, you may return home from a trip feeling better than you have in a long time. The end of the month finds you gaining impressive forward momentum.

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CONSUMER CHAMPION Bring on the Mega Ombudsman!

If you’ve made a complaint but you’re still not happy, where do you turn when things go wrong (after Resolver, of course)? The answer’s simple – go to an ombudsman. Ombudsmen (and women) are best thought of as experts in their various fields and are a bit like judges. When you make a complaint to them, they don’t just look at the legal stuff, they are able to look at what’s fair and reasonable. If an ombudsman agrees with your case they have lots of ways to make things right, including telling businesses to pay compensation. We love ombudsmen at Resolver. They’re free, fair and fabulous. But when it comes to using different ones, there can be some frustrations, both for me and for people using them. Martin Lewis and the team at MoneySavingExpert recently released a report written in partnership with the Government which took a look at all of the existing ombudsmen. It’s a really interesting read and I must say, I agree with all the key points – and one in particular. Not all ombudsmen are created equal. For example, Ombudsman Services and the Financial Ombudsman – who can look at money matters, energy, communications and more – have sweeping powers and are a real force for good, helping millions of people. But other schemes don’t have the same powers, which means that businesses in some sectors aren’t being held to account properly when they get things wrong. One of the big problems with having a different kind of service with varying rules for every business sector (from parking to pensions) is 20

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it can be really confusing if the rules between schemes are contradictory. Many people suggested that having a bad experience with one ombudsman scheme meant they were less likely to use any ombudsman. That really worries me –unresolved complaints leave a bitter taste in the mouth. Ombudsmen are important for lots of reasons. Knowing we’ve got somewhere to turn if something goes wrong actually helps us have more faith in certain industries. In many ways, ombudsmen are our safety net – we aren’t guaranteed to get what we want, but we should get a fair hearing. Even though having a free way to get a complaint resolved is great, it’s important to revisit the powers these schemes have and ask, ‘can we do this better?’ At the moment, if you make a complaint the business usually has 8 weeks to resolve the matter (some have much longer periods). It’s one thing to standardise this timescale to 8 weeks for everything. But the report goes further. It correctly points out that with modern technology, 8 weeks is far to long for most complaints. Why not radically reduce that time? I also believe it’s really important to

publish as much as possible about the complaints ombudsmen receive, so we can all see what firms are getting right – and wrong. As far as I’m concerned, it’s clear that every industry needs an ombudsman. Each ombudsman should have the same powers and should be able to make firms cough up compensation where it’s appropriate. It’s not a big stretch to introduce this ‘gold standard’ for all ombudsmen everywhere. And in just the same way that I’ve worked hard to make the process of making a complaint simple and the same for everything, it’s time to focus on what happens if you want to take things further. Bring on the mega ombudsmen! The nation needs you! What do you think? What powers should ombudsmen have – and where do we need one most? You can find out more about your rights or make a complaint using Resolver for free at www.resolver. co.uk. Or view our Twitter page @ WalkerResolver @resolvercouk or go to facebook.com/resolvercouk

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28/02/2018 16:39:52

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28/02/2018 16:39:55

March is National Bed Month. We spend about a third of our lives in bed so if we live until 75 we’ll have been asleep for 25 years! We all know that a good night’s sleep is important but how much sleep do we really need and why do we do it? The question of why we sleep is actually quite mysterious. In simple terms it’s a daily extended bout of rest where we lay down with our eyes closed. But there’s more to sleep than meets the eye. During this time, our bodies replenish energy stores and make vital repairs, while our minds organise and store the memories of from day before. The amount of sleep we need depends on our age, sex, health and other factors, and our sleep cycles change as we grow older. Most of us know (or think we do) that we should get ‘8 hours sleep a night’ but in fact there is no magic number for how much sleep we should get because we’re all different. Providing you’re not regularly trying to get through your life on two or three hours a night (unless you’re a new mother in which case you have my sympathy) it’s important not to get too hung up on the quantity of your sleep but instead focus on the quality. When we first fall asleep we enter non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). This is divided into three stages, with each becoming progressively deeper. NREM1 and NREM2 are light phases of sleep, from which we can be easily roused. NREM3 becomes deeper, and if woken up, we can feel disorientated. Following on from this is rapid eye movement sleep (REM), the stage at 22

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which we dream. When scientists study brainwaves during REM sleep they find that the brain behaves similar to when we’re awake, but our muscles are more-or-less inactive. Each sleep cycle lasts around 90 minutes, and in order to feel fully rested and refreshed when we wake up, we must experience all four stages. A full night’s sleep will include of five or six cycles, while a disturbed, restless night consists of fewer.

can accommodate A quality mattress - try out lots and buy the best you can afford. Ban technology - The blue light emitted by screens is hazardous to good quality sleep. Quiet - you can buy soft earplugs if noise is a problem though some people sleep better with white noise in the background.

Dark - try using blackout blinds or an eye mask.

Routine - A regular bedtime routine is an important cue to help us fall asleep. Think about the bath, book, bed routine we often establish for our children. You can use essential oils, a good book and a warm milky drink. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and screen use too close to bedtime, and never go to bed on an argument!

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The perfect sleep environment Comfortable temperature (16-18C) Fresh air circulating but no draughts.

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28/02/2018 16:39:56

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28/02/2018 16:39:57

The Pain of Mother’s Day My mother left home when I was seven. It always struck me as particularly cruel that teachers insisted we made Mother’s Day cards. I pointed out once that my mother had left us. “Do you know her address?” teacher asked. When I nodded she told me I could post it.The irony of posting a card to ‘The World’s Best Mother’ notable mainly by her absence seemed lost on Miss Marriot.Three years ago my friend’s mother died from bowel cancer, and she said she would punch the next shop assistant who enquired whether she needed a Mother’s Day card. Don’t get me wrong, I think Mother’s Day is a lovely tradition but many of us may not realise that Mother’s Day is an emotional time of year for those who have lost their mother; those who can’t conceive, or those who have miscarried or lost a child Perhaps Mother’s Day needs a makeover. Currently it seems to be about wish-lists, hints to spouses about booking the perfect restaurant and a barrage of adverts featuring the perfect nuclear family. Our children, and maybe the rest of us need to understand that Mother’s Day isn’t about spending lots of money or being pressured into meeting crazy expectations. In the UK it originated when children, mainly daughters (often as young as ten), who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. This grew from the

centuries-old tradition of people to returning to their home or ‘mother’ church once a year. The return to the ‘mother’ church became an occasion for family reunions. As there is no tradition of gift-giving on Mother’s Day we are free to invent our own traditions and I think it’s the perfect chance to inspire kindness, compassion and giving of time rather than possessions. I would love to see an ‘alternative’ Mother’s Day focussed on less material things. I want to talk to my children about what Motherhood means to me and what having a mother means to them. I want all of us to think about the people around us, at school, or work, in our social circle and community who might be having a hard time in the midst of Mother’s Day celebrations? How can we reach out and share a little kindness or hope?

With a card? A note? A phone call? Last year my kids and I chose to sponsor a child at an orphanage in Uganda. It gives us pleasure to know that someone who has no mother of her own is receiving care and education. This year my friend and her children made a food parcel for their local food bank and donated it in her mother’s name. Her mother volunteered at a foodbank before she became ill so this seemed a fitting way to remember her. If you are struggling with Mother’s Day this year, please know that you are not alone. Reach out and talk to a friend; look for others with whom to share. Be kind to yourself, and if there is no-one you feel you can share your thoughts with consider starting with you and reach out to others who might need support. By Helen Jones

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Handymen 0800 255 0 255 trustinblue.com 24

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28/02/2018 16:39:59

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28/02/2018 16:39:59

Garden View

This Month - Fertiliser This month the days get longer and the sun gets stronger...we hope! However March is famously temperamental and if the soil where you are is still wet and cold then it’s wise to delay planting and sowing until the temperature rises. Plant nutrient reserves are low at this time of year so, as the soil warms up, it’s time to think about fertiliser. Many gardeners are a bit frightened of fertiliser. All those chemical symbols on the side of the packet are rather reminiscent of school chemistry lessons. In fact the basics are quite simple. NPK - This can be observed on the side of most fertiliser packages. The letters stand for: N - Nitrogen P - Phosphorous K - Potassium Together these are known as the macro-nutrients and each of them has its own use. Nitrogen primarily feeds the leafy above-the-ground parts of the plants. Phosphorous promotes strong roots. Potassium makes grass hardier, promotes germination and improves

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vegetable and fruit yields. The proportions of each macronutrient will be printed on the packet. Equal amounts of each nutrient make for a good general purpose fertiliser. A lawn will need a good balance of nitrogen and phosphorus to guarantee lush green grass with a healthy root system capable of withstanding dry spells. Fruiting plants need higher proportions of potassium. There are other macro-nutrients: Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen, which plants obtain freely from the air and water; and calcium, magnesium and sulphur, which

should be present in any good general purpose fertiliser. Plants also need micro-nutrients: Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron and Molybdenum. Plants take all these nutrients and build everything they need from scratch, including vitamins. What plants cannot do is absorb vitamins directly from things such as pet food, milk or so-called fertilisers which contain vitamins, proteins and fats. So don’t be intimidated by fertiliser. Decide what your plants need then read the label. It’s easy as ABC..or rather NPK! By Rachael Leverton

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28/02/2018 16:40:00

TAWNY OWL

A mostly nocturnal bird, the Tawny Owl is distinctive by their call “twit twoo” and in the UK is the most common woodland owl (although they are absent from Ireland).They ﬂy quickly and sadly other species ‘gang up’ on roosting Tawnies who are usually located on a branch close to the tree trunk or in a hole in the tree itself.These owls can be seen all year round although the young disperse from their breeding grounds in autumn.

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28/02/2018 16:40:04

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28/02/2018 16:40:05

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28/02/2018 16:40:08

advertisers index

My Local Stockton 2018-03.indd 30

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28/02/2018 16:40:09

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28/02/2018 16:40:14