17 minute read
Office Uplift
Give your Home Office an Uplift
Working from home may not be all fun and games, but there is no reason why your home office has to be dull. Add some personal touches and transform it into a space in which you actually enjoy spending time.
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Working from home at least gives you more time to tend to your plant collection. If you haven’t got one, now’s the time to start.
Terracotta plant pots, from £2 each, Scaramanga. To take your home office to the next level, add some abstract art, with prints featuring organic shapes and complementary monochrome colours
Selection of framed prints, all Desenio.
Combine support and style with an office chair that raises and lowers to a comfortable position, swivels easily and looks good enough to fit into your overall room scheme.
Calgary office chair in faux leather, £164.99, Lakeland Furniture.
Add a spot of cheerful colour in the form of an adjustable desk lamp.
Ginaz table lamp, £25, B&Q.
A home office need never be drab. Add some colour with well-chosen shades of paint.
Shown here: Greek Blue, Louis Blue, Giverny, Napoleonic Blue and Athenian Black, all £5.95 per 120ml, Annie Sloan.
A HOME OFFICE ‘GLOW UP’
Colour is important. If a particular colour makes you feel happy – add it! If you don’t want to go as far as painting the whole room, just refresh the wall behind the desk (that you spend the majority of your time looking at) with a small pot of emulsion. You can also add colour in the form of furniture and accessories, from an office chair to the essential adjustable desk lamp, as well as pen holders, clocks or paperweights. Personalise the walls with your favourite prints, posters, paintings and photographs. For a formal look, frame them identically and hang them symmetrically. Alternatively, you could peg small pictures to a string, stick postcards to a corkboard with coloured drawing pins or prop them, facing outwards, on a narrow shelf.
It’s all about comfort, so make sure you’re working at the right temperature. A small desk fan for the summer may be useful, while in the winter a heater can be an essential. For an even cosier feel, choose a woolly throw that looks pretty and feels soft. A few plants dotted here and there go a long way to making an office feel more homely. Increase the sensory experience with a vase of fresh flowers, scented candles or an aromatic diffuser.
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Invest Today. Change Tomorrow
A Guide to Responsible Investing
Responsible, sustainable and environmentally friendly investing is here to stay. However, while demand is growing among all age groups, genders and income bands, some savers and investors are missing their biggest opportunity for responsible investing, which is through their pension. We all want to make responsible choices as more of us are becoming aware of global challenges, such as environmental issues, human rights and climate change. We’re also starting to care more about how our behaviours affect the planet and society.
Future Success Taking ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) factors into consideration when investing is becoming more mainstream. It is acknowledged that companies that act responsibly to their employees, the environment and the public have a better chance of future success than those that don’t. Investing in these companies is now a logical approach financially as well as ethically. Many pension holders understand this approach and see the value of it. In a recent survey, more than one-third of respondents said that the option to invest their pension only in sustainable companies is important to them. Nearly two-thirds said having clearly branded funds for investing in environmentally and socially responsible companies is important to them.
Pension Investments The same survey suggests that pension holders feel that sustainable investing isn’t just important, but interesting. More than half of respondents said that a fund focused on clean energy and lowering carbon would make them more interested in their pension. A similar number felt that way about a zero-plastic fund. But while pension holders feel these issues are important and interesting, that isn’t yet affecting the way they invest. Most people don’t manage their pension investments personally so, more than two-thirds of pension holders do not know how sustainable their pension is.
Environmentally Friendly Many pension holders don’t know that they can choose their own funds, and therefore that they can choose sustainable or responsible funds. Around half are unaware of ways to ensure their pension is environmentally friendly. Clearly, many pension holders would like to invest pension funds more sustainably and responsibly but don’t know where to start. There are plenty of options, but without specialist advice, it can be difficult to select those companies that are truly responsible and environmentally friendly and will also deliver the financial return you’re seeking.
Investing with Purpose Responsible investors essentially take responsibility for the impact that the companies they invest in have on the world. Thankfully, investing with an ESG focus has moved from a niche area of investing to the mainstream, with many well-known investment firms now offering a large number of funds in this area.
Speak to us at Callisto about what responsible investing options are available in your pension scheme and any other investment, and for advice on how to help your money have the greatest impact. We look forward to hearing from you.
Andrew Platt
CFPTM Chartered MCSI
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to change in the future. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.
Tickets to Live Show! WIN
Local Life has teamed up with Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena to give our readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to one of three fantastic live shows taking place at the waterfront venue after lockdown restrictions are eased on 17th May.
X-treme Magic will be staged on Saturday 22 May; Sleeping Beauty will run from Saturday 29 May until Saturday 5 June; and audiences can look forward to Circus Spectacular on Saturday 12 June. All shows will be staged in The Auditorium at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, and tickets are on sale now.
X-treme Magic
Billed as The World’s Most Dangerous Thrill Show and is packed with fire, illusion and death-defying stunts. Master illusionist Richard Cadell will be joined by a full supporting cast of magicians including Pete Firman, Elizabeth Best and Craig Christian, as well as fire artistes, speciality acts and dancers. Highlights include making a motorcycle appear from nowhere; Russian roulette with sticks of dynamite; and even trying to escape from a straightjacket while hung from a burning rope.
Sleeping Beauty
Billed as the Pantomime Of Your Dreams, Sleeping Beauty will star singer Gareth Gates, comedy star Bippo, and Peppa Pig’s Emma Grace Arends. When the Evil Carabosse curses Princess Beauty to die on her 21st birthday, Beauty’s Fairy ensures she only falls into a deep sleep which can be broken with a kiss from her true love. A handsome Prince must come to her rescue and save the day. The show also features a live band, beautiful scenery and costumes, special effects, and lots of laughs.
Circus Spectacular
Billed as Madness and Mayhem For All The Family, Circus Spectacular is a circus variety show bursting with fun for all the family, starring comedy performer Bippo The Clown and friends. The firstclass artistes will also present production numbers and comedy to make the show a fantastic experience. Every show is unique as audiences are given the rare opportunity to choose acts of the show in the ‘what’s next?’ section, with both sets of artistes fighting it out for the winning vote. The show culminates in a grand finale, which includes the first four rows being provided with rain macs.
Organisers are keen to reassure theatregoers that all necessary safety measures – including social distancing – will be in place to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable return to indoor live entertainment.
Producer James Shone commented: “We are thrilled to announce these new shows for Summer 2021. Audiences have missed out on so many live experiences over the last 12 months, so it’s a real privilege that we will be presenting some of the very first shows once lockdown restrictions are eased. “The three spectacular shows promise fun, laughter and magic – something we all really need right now. We want to reassure theatregoers that social distancing and safety measures will be in place to ensure Covidsecure performances – audience, cast and crew safety is paramount.”
To enter the competition to win one pair of the three pairs of tickets on offer, simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the following question;
In which city is the M&S Bank Arena located?
Please hurry, the expiry date for this competition is Friday 14th May 2021.
The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Friday 14th May 2021, and the winners will be personally contacted within three working days and the results will be posted on our Facebook account by 31st May 2021. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Strictly one entry per household – multiple entries will be disqualified. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.
To book tickets for these shows visit www.mandsbankarena.com
KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE Newsletter
The On-Going War Against Litter
The Parish Council organised a litter pick on 11.04.2021. Residents joined with Councillors, The Girl Guides and the Boy’s Brigade & Girl’s Association and sadly collected large quantities of rubbish from around Rainford. Grateful thanks to all those who were involved and to all those who created the need, please stop desecrating our beautiful village by dropping litter. Use the many bins provided or take it home. Rainford PC will be supporting Rainford-in-Bloom on the next assault against litter, as part of the Keep Britain Tidy - Great British Spring Clean campaign. Cllrs Reynolds, Lamb and Monk
Business Around Rainford
This Parish Council initiative had a virtual launch on 21.04.2021. It is a forum for Businesses in Rainford and for Rainford residents who have businesses. The next meeting will take place on 21.07.2021. If you would like more information, please contact Victoria Swainbank on 01744 884709 admin@rainfordparishcouncil.com The Parish Council is currently compiling a Business Directory which will be on the Parish Council website. Paper copies will also be available.
Parking in the Village
The Parish Council has received numerous complaints and concerns from residents about the way some people park their vehicles in and around the Village, particularly in the vicinity of the schools. It is therefore involved in a number of initiatives which will hopefully result in less thoughtless and illegal parking.
Quiz Nights
Friday night quizzes on 21.05.2021 at 7pm. These will continue for 5 weeks and will be a good way for people to ease back into social situations. Entrance to the quiz is free and it will start at 7.30pm.
Boundary Commission Review
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England issued draft recommendations on the new electoral arrangements for St Helens Borough Council. There were two parts of the draft recommendations that involved Rainford. The Parish Council made a submission which can be viewed at: www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk Please contact the Clerk’s office if you would like a paper copy.
Elections May 2021
There are elections for members of St Helens Council on 06.05.2021. Some people make a point of always voting. Others choose not to. But if you’re not sure whether there is any point, here are some points to consider: 1) It’s free and the polling station is a quiet place to make decisions in peace. 2) It affects where you live. Westminster and European elections can feel a little remote, but local councils are where decisions are made that matter on a day-to-day basis; schools, libraries, street cleaning, leisure centres, the bins etc. Many of the services you need, love and maybe despair of. 3) Councillors are important. It’s worth thinking about the qualities each candidate would bring to the role as they will be the people (along with the Parish Councillors), you can get in touch with if you want to improve your lives over the next few years. You will be able to vote for one of three candidates for Rainford. 4) Lots of your money is at stake. Councils account for a whopping one quarter of public spending. This equates to billions of pounds. Even divided area-by-area, this is a fortune. Have a say over how your money is spent. 5) It gives you the right to moan! You only have the right to criticise the “powers that be” if you didn’t do your bit to help choose them. 6) Voting can be fun. Polling stations are not dull. The staff are usually very pleased to see you and will help with any problems or concerns. 7) It’s anonymous. The candidate and party you choose are not made public and you don’t have to tell anyone how you voted. If you don’t want to vote for any of those standing, you can make your point by “spoiling” your ballot paper.
8) You could be helping the prime minister of the future. Who knows how far the political career of your chosen candidate will go? You could be helping someone on their way on a great political journey. 9) It should turn out nice. The weather is usually very pleasant at the beginning of May, so why not take a stroll to your local polling station. It will be open from 7am to 10pm, so plenty of time to get there. 10) It doesn’t happen often. We don’t get to vote on every issue or even every year, so it’s worth taking advantage of when we get the chance to have our say.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
The Parish Council was saddened to learn about the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The Chairman attended a special service at All Saints Parish Church.
Wildlife Cameras
The Parish Council is exploring the possibility of locating wildlife cameras around the Village.
Parish Council Meetings
Parish Council meetings are currently taking place via Zoom but that doesn’t mean that you can’t join in. Please contact the Clerk’s office for the link. 01744 884709. Further details can be found on the Parish Council website: www.rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk The Full Council meets on the fourth Monday of the month and residents are encouraged to address members on matters of concern to them.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish meeting will take place on 10.05.2021 at 6pm. The meeting will be held via Zoom and residents are encouraged to attend. Please contact the Clerk’s office for the link. The meeting will also be streamed live. If you have a question for the Parish Council you can ask it at the meeting or submit it in advance to the Clerk: 01744 884709 clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com Please do take this opportunity to engage with your Parish Council.
RAINFORD PARISH COUNCIL
Rainford Village Hall, Church Road Rainford WA11 8HB 01744 884709
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council
Not to be confused with the Annual Parish Meeting! This will take place at 6.30pm on 24.05.2021 and is when the Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected for 2021/22. The Standing Orders and Code of Conduct are approved and the Internal auditor is appointed. Additionally, the committee structure is reviewed and members are appointed to committees. Finally, the dates for the full Council meetings for 2021/22 are decided. Residents are very welcome to attend this meeting. It will be decided nearer the time whether this meeting will be held virtually via Zoom or in person. You can register your interest by contacting the Clerk’s office.
Bookings now being taken
Rainford Village Hall is available to hire for classes, parties, anniversaries, events and Wedding Receptions. Please ring 01744 884709 and speak to the Event Co-ordinator, Victoria Swainbank. email admin@ rainfordparishcouncil.com If you are interested in getting involved, would like further details of events or have suggestions for ways the Parish Council can engage with the community, please contact the Clerk, Sally Powell on 01744 884709 clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com
Puzzle Pages
CROSSWORD
DOWN
1. Father or mother (6) 2. Daphne du Maurier novel (7) 3. River which flows through Paris (5) 5. Fishermen (7) 6. Follower of a major religion (5) 7. Rough shelter at the side of a house (4-2) 8. Root used in the preparation of a sharp-tasting condiment (11) 14. Underground prison (7) 15. Japanese paper-folding art (7) 16. French sweet blackcurrant liqueur (6) 17. With hands on hips and elbows extending outward (6) 19. Compass point at 180 degrees (5) 21. Unprocessed thick sap from a tree (5)
ACROSS
1. Local church community (6) 4. US artist, Andy ___ (6) 9. Leader of a Jewish congregation (5) 10. Fabric made of silk (7) 11. Centre of an atom (7) 12. Spew forth lava and rocks (5) 13. Mythical container enclosing all human ills (8,3) 18. Malicious burning to destroy property (5) 20. Framework erected over an oil well (7) 22. Receptacles for cups (7) 23. Medieval and Renaissance wind instrument resembling an oboe (5) 24. Statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man (6) 25. Colour of the rainbow (6)
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.
TARGET
EXCELLENT: 24 or more words GOOD: 18 words FAIR: 15 words
T O M A L R
WORDSEARCH
SUDOKU
WIGGLE WORDS
CLUE: an implausible story used as an explanation or excuse.
Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.
T O R Y S C O C L B D K L U N A
INSECTS
ANTS
APHID
BEDBUG
BEETLE
BUMBLEBEE
CATERPILLAR
CICADA
COCKROACH
CRICKET EARWIG
FIREFLY
FLEA
FLIES
HORNET
LADYBIRD
LICE
LOCUST
MAYFLY MOSQUITO MOTH
SILKWORM
TERMITE
TICKS
WASP
WEEVIL
WORD LADDER
Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.
