TN Uncovered February 2017

TN IN THIS ISSUE Reader Competition WIN tickets to Let’s Dance The Night Away WINDOW DRESSINGS

Dressed to Perfection HEARING PROBLEMS

Ears in Focus

TN EDITION - FEBRUARY 2017

Delivered to 23,000 Homes and Businesses- Issue 54

www.tnuncovered.co.uk

WELCOME

Hello...

This month, it’s Valentine’s Day and we’re all about love! We’re sharing our love for window dressings, we’ve got a guide to the best out there from decadent drapes to cool curtains and from beautiful blinds to stunning shutters; we’ve also got a guide to how to create your own lovely kitchen garden from scratch and our health feature this month is focusing on ears and hearing problems.

Our cover story this month features BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev who brings his dance show Let’s Dance The Night Away to Redhill next month and we’ve got tickets to the show up for grabs!

Enjoy February with us, so whether you’re loved up or not, catch up with our great lifestyle features and local community content!

Don’t forget you can contact our community writers by emailing featuresdesk@mantramagazines.co.uk if there is something you would like to see in the magazine next month.

It’s over to you! The TN Team

Contents

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4 COMMUNITY Community News

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12 COVER STORY Let’s Dance The Night Away 16

HEALTH

Ears in Focus 18 MOTORING Top Tips to Help Pass Your MOT 19 STYLE Work Wear Uncovered

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20 PET CARE Animal Magic!

TN

22 HOMES Dressed to Perfection 26 GARDENS Creating a Kitchen Garden From Scratch

UNCOVERED

Heather Porter, Nadine Lindsay,

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FEATURES EDITOR Jacob White, jacob@mantramagazines.co.uk

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MANAGING DIRECTOR Matthew Arnold, Matthew@mantramagazines.co.uk

ACCOUNTS Mandy Notridge, Credit@mantramagazines.co.uk

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ART & PRODUCTION

CONTACT

28 FOOD & DRINK Ricotta Pancakes with Poached Cherries

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ADVERTISING SALES Nikki Relffe-Arnold, nikki@mantramagazines.co.uk

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ARTICLE WRITERS Jacob White, jacob@mantramagazines.co.uk Shelley Welti, shelley@mantramagazines.co.uk Nikki Relffe-Arnold nikki@mantramagazines.co.uk

COMMUNITY WRITERS Jacob White, featuresdesk@mantramagazines.co.uk

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COMMUNITY My TN Passion and I…

Sweet Caroline’s Sweet Art What’s your passion? This month I meet artist Caroline Sims who tells me about her passion for drawing and painting, what inspired her to get creative and what struggles she has faced with art.

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By Jacob White

aroline Sims from Uckfield works around the clock as a healthcare professional but when she’s not looking after patients she’s expressing herself in art and her passion for drawing and painting.

Despite having a long-held passion for art Caroline had been at first reluctant to firmly put her ideas on paper and says her artistic journey is still at its beginning as she’s only be creating for five years.

The Sussex artist, said: “I express how I experience the world in a visual way. I’ve always been intrigued about how a picture or painting is created and crafted and I’ve tried to learn those skills.”

Her attitudes to her own art have changed and she’s now in the position of encouraging others to take up a pencil or paint brush and says we shouldn’t be afraid to take the plunge into art.

“Everyone can draw and paint and express themselves in a unique way – to develop sound skills, which is fundamental to the practice of drawing and painting” Caroline says.

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Caroline’s tips for art success are simple – it’s about practice which can lead to development and the sense of self, for Caroline and she says all artists whatever level or ability it’s about personal style.

“Draw every day, develop a personal vision. Keep all artwork so that development can be seen. Take time to explore different mediums and styles – as there are many approaches to drawing.”

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She acknowledges the difficulty in finding time for her passion around her busy work commitments which are far removed from the world of creative art and her passion for putting pencil to paper.

“Finding time to draw is a challenge but when I do, art is a way that I can express myself.

It allows the pace of life to slow down – it’s calming.

It also keeps a sense of wonder” Caroline added.

Has Caroline’s story inspired you? If you’re keen to draw or paint but need some helpful guidance, Caroline says the following books helped her in her early journey to becoming the artist that she is.

The Practice and Science of Drawing (1913) by Harold Speed Classical Drawing Atelier (2006) by Juliette Aristides

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COMMUNITY Spotlight: Framfield and Blackboys Monday Club

55 Years Young!

They used to say life begins at 40, today they say 50 is the new 40 so one TN club is in the prime of its life! Last year, Framfield and Blackboys Monday Club celebrated its 55th anniversary with a jam-packed schedule of events as varied as dances, afternoon teas and talks on history from esteemed speakers.

By Jacob White

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spoke with the club’s chairwomen Sandy Rogers to learn more about the club and its activities which centre around a simple principle – offering elderly people within the area the opportunity to meet up and enjoy leisure time with others which dates back to the club’s beginnings in the 1960s.

Sandy, says: “We’re not connected to the church although several group members are active in the church. The groups origins lie in the fact early organisers wanted to start up a new, unique group in Framfield and Blackboys which back in 1961 was not either a religious-based group or a sports club.”

“Today, there’s a little bit of a running joke between members – although we’re called the Framfield and Blackboys Monday Club equal members of the club come from Uckfield as they do from the villages of Framfield and Blackboys” Sandy adds as she explains the story behind the club’s genesis.

The club has more than 50 members with two members aged 95 and 96 respectively who have been members of the club for more than 25 years. All members, regardless of age are supported by 11 volunteers and helpers who along with Sandy and her husband help keep the club running.

Photo courtesy of Reg Jeffery

Talking about her role, Sandy, says: “ I thoroughly enjoy running the group! I am 68 and it’s hard work but a real team. My husband is involved in the club as he’s the mini bus driver for most of our days-out in Sussex. For me, for us both being involved with the club, you just cannot put it down.”

2016 was an outstanding year for the club with a host of happy memories which Sandy reflects upon with pride and delight but she’s excited about the future and what the 56th year of the club will bring as the club continues to grow and the waiting list for new members grows too.

Sandy, said: “2016 included visits to the Bluebell Railway and the Victorian tea rooms on Eastbourne Pier but without doubt the we were treated to a special day at our 55th birthday party at the East Sussex National with organ music from Michael Wooldridge. Just who knows what 2017 will bring?!”

The Club meets twice monthly on Mondays at the Memorial Hall, Framfield.

Membership is subject to a £10.00 a year fee.

For more information about the club, call Sandy Rogers on: 01825 840648.

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COMMUNITY

Faith and Football

What does faith and football have in common? Can a team benefit from some spiritual influence? One active member of his church in Blackboys believes the two have a lot in common and Christian beliefs can help form – he was inspired by Chelsea and England women’s star striker Eniola Aluko.

By Jacob White

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avin Toms, 28 from Heathfield is passionate about two things – faith and football. The two which many may think run into conflict are in fact two forces which can and should be brought together according to Gavin and he’s not alone, in 2015 Eniola Aluko wrote about her Christian beliefs.

In the article, the star who has more than 33 goals for England and who appeared for Great Britain at the London Olympics in 2012 explained how her faith and ‘speaking to God’ were crucial to her form and this article was to be a catalyst for Gavin to bring his two passions together.

Gavin, who works at Blackboys CE Primary School has been involved with New Life Blackboys since February 2014 but following the article in 2015 he started coaching the children’s Sunday school team and it is his hope that he can build a team of adult players in Sussex of faith.

The Christian and football fanatic, said: “Before Blackboys,

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my previous church was Christ Central Church in Penge where I was heavily involved in the children’s and youth ministry, and spent a year working fulltime at the church whilst taking a church training course.’

“Due to other church and work commitments I wasn’t an active part of the football team.

I was well aware of the work they did being friends with many of the players. Now that I have more time I feel able to try and replicate a similar team here in Blackboys and beyond.”

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Gavin sees strong parallels between a church community and a football team – the dynamics and how each member works together.

He also says that faith can play a key role in sport and abroad this is already commonplace pointing to some NFL players praying together before games.

He says: “A church community is a body, and the members are different parts.

Everyone has a role be it providing tea and coffee, to preaching, to Sunday school, to setting-up the sound equipment. Without one of those roles being filled the community wouldn’t be able to function properly.’

“A football team is the same.

There are players that will stand out, but the team wouldn’t function well without every role being filled, from the quiet but efficient defensive midfielder, to the guy who turns up at training early, stays late and keeps team morale up. You put others before yourself.”

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Family History Seminar London Temple Visitors’ Centre

West Park Road, Newchapel, Surrey RH7 6NB

Saturday 11th March 9:45am - 3:30pm The London Temple Visitors’ Centre enthusiastically invites members of the general public to attend its Fourth annual Family History Seminar. We are excited to welcome back Ian Waller, Jan and Steve Hough and introducing Katrina Friess.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the family is the most important unit in this life and the next.

Family history strengthens family units by creating identities that span many generations.

Those identities emerge when we use the challenges and successes our forebears experienced to overcome our own challenges and create our own successes.That could mean we learn from their mistakes and improve our lives, or that we learn from their success and model their lives, or that we do both.

From past experiences we are providing a fresh approach to help beginners and providing new methhods of research.

This year the Seminars are designed to be more interactive.

Below is a list of the Seminars being held throughout the day.

“Getting started with your Family History”

By Katrina Friess and Jan & Steve Hough.

“Progessing your Family History”

By Jan & Steve Hough.

“Non-Conformist Records”

By nature we feel a connection to our progenitors and to our descendants.

By Katrina Friess.

Looking at the records of our dissenting ancestors.

Additional information and updates will be available on the London Temple Visitors’ Centre Facebook page.

By Ian Waller Looking at the wealth of records either side of the 1834 poor law act.

“Poor Souls”

We express our graditude to those who are giving their time to share their knowledge and experience with us so that you enjoy the day.

Free buffet lunch included

The event has limited availability (65 places) so book now Phone: 01342 837 952 Ample parking available. Wheelchair accessible.

‘Garden Tour’ aslo available if requested on the day.

Find us on the web www.lds.org/placestovisit Follow the London Temple Visitor’s Centre on Facebook

COMMUNITY

Sussex’s Revolutionary Past When President Barrack Obama passed over the seals of office last month, did you realise that the peaceful transfer of power in Washington DC has a close association with East Sussex? It is the ideas of the Enlightenment period which to this day shape and define the United States political system and one of the foremost thinkers of the period was Thomas Paine who lived in 18th-century Lewes.

By Jacob White

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orn in Norfolk in 1737, Thomas Paine was one of the most influential philosophers, political theorists and revolutionaries of the Enlightenment period who would go on to become one of the Founding Fathers of the US and write two pamphlets which would inspire American revolutionaries.

In February 1768, Paine moved to Lewes – a town long-associated with opposition to the monarchy, living above the 15th-century Bull House. While in Lewes, Paine became involved with civic matters as a member of the Court Leet – the town’s governing body at that time.

He was also part of the local church group and his responsibilities for parish business would include collecting taxes and tithes to distribute among the poor. It was in the Sussex town he would find love, in 1771 at the aged of 34 he married his landlord’s daughter Elizabeth Ollive.

Paine’s ideas reflected Enlightenment-era thinking – he first visited the British American colonies in 1774 with the help of fellow revolutionary Benjamin Franklin and arriving in time to participate in the American Revolution which culminated in the declaration of independence on July 4 1776.

After spending time in the US, Paine would go onto to spend much of the 1790s in France where he would write Rights of Man in 1791 – in part a defence of the French Revolution. Despite speaking little French he would go on to be elected to the French National Convention in 1792.

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The following year he was arrested by French authorities and was sent to prison in Paris where he would continue writing and would complete another book – The Age of Reason. In 1802, he returned to the US, settling in the state of Pennsylvania before dying at the age of 72 in New York City.

He was buried beneath a walnut tree on his farm in New Rochelle, New York State and although his funeral was only attended by six mourners his legacy has greatly influenced thinkers and radicals in the US and beyond and is considered an intellectual ancestor to the social democratic movement.

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At the time of his death, The American Citizen publication printed the following obituary: “He lived long, did some good, and much harm.”

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COMMUNITY

The Rotary Club of Uckfield Is this the year you can give something back?

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By Jacob White

his month marks the 112th birthday of Rotary International and with so much of the world’s population war-torn, suffering from disease or without the most basic essentials such as food and water the organisation as busy as ever.

Even in the UK, some 10% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Started in the USA in February 1905 Rotary was set up to try and redress some of these issues. Typically at the time members were senior businessmen. Today, Rotary International is a global organisation with a membership comprising both men and women from a range of backgrounds.

The one unifying aim of the organisation is ‘to give something back’ – whether on an international, national or at a local level.

Rotary International launched a worldwide vaccination against polio and has contributed

more than £680 million to the project also supported by the Bill Gates Foundation.

Rotary International funds shelter box aid for any disaster situation imaginable. Locally, the organisation helps individuals or groups with difficulties to realise their dreams or improve their quality of life, either by financial assistance from the organisation’s charity funds or hands on help.

Members can attend regular Monday evening meetings and at the same time know they are doing their bit for their town, their country and ultimately the world.

If you think this is the year you can give something back, call Jeff on: 01825 761145

Uckfield

COVER STORY

Let’s Dance The Night Away If you love Strictly Come Dancing you’re going to love dancer and Strictly winner Pasha Kovalev’s new show! Let’s Dance The Night Away is coming to the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill this spring!

By Jacob White

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re you missing your Saturday night fix of Ed Balls?

If you’re in need of some jive or want the Charleston in your life Pasha Kovalev’s show Let’s Dance The Night Away will be just the thing to get you tapping your feet!

Complete with special guests, live singing and involving local dance communities, the tour of the show launches close to home at the Harlequin Theatre with two dates next month – Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18.

A total of 58 performances are planned across the United Kingdom from March – May 2017 with the passion for Pasha and dance reaching fever pitch after the December final of Strictly Come Dancing – now a national institution.

Pasha arrived on the UK dance scene in 2011, joining the professional dancers on hit show Strictly Come Dancing and his first celebrity partner was actress Chelsee Healey, the pair finished runners-up.

A year later, he danced with Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and was again a runnerup. In 2013, Pasha teamed-up with Countdown’s Rachel Riley before finally winning the coveted trophy in 2014 with TV presenter Caroline Flack.

Pasha toured with the Strictly Come Dancing Tour in 2012 and in 2013 toured with his dance partner Katya Virhilas in a sell-out show. A finalist on the US show So You Think You Can Dance in 2003, he has also appeared on Broadway and in the West End. Pasha Kovalev is now touring again after the huge success of his Life Through Dance and It’s All About You tours. Teaming up with Pasha will be spectacular professional dancers including Anja Garnis and a host of local dance schools.

Dance schools and their students will be able to showcase their abilities as part of the production jampacked with positive energy and emotion, breathtaking choreography, sensational music and stunning costumes.

Competition Time!

We’ve teamed-up with the Harlequin Theatre to offer you and a guest the chance to see Pasha’s live show Let’s Dance The Night Away.

For more information on how to win, visit our website: www.tnuncovered.co.uk

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From screen to stage Five minutes with Pasha Kovalev

Ahead of his performance at the Harlequin, I caught up with 34 year-old Siberian-born Pasha who specialises in ballroom and Latin dancing to see what inspired him to dance and what it is like to be part of the phenomenally successful TV show Strictly Come Dancing.

What inspired you to take up dancing?

“At the age of 8 my mother took me to see a dance competition and I fell in love with it. I just wanted to be on stage. I loved the lights, the costumes and the beautiful girls!”

What is your favourite dance?

“It’s so hard to pick a favourite dance because after so many years of studying and practicing dancing, you can’t help but fall in love with them all for different reasons.’

Two Is Company…

Alongside Pasha is Anya Garnis who made her name on US TV starring on So You Think You Can Dance. She began her training in Russia and after moving to New York she quickly rose to become a US National Finalist.

She has since embarked on a US national tour performing in more than 50 cities and was asked to perform at the 80th Annual Academy Awards. She was a special guest on the world televised Emmy winning Idol Gives Back.

“Although, I do enjoy Latin dancing which is funny as coming from Siberia I couldn’t be further from Latin America and I don’t have a drop of Latin blood in me!”

What is it like to be part of a huge show like Strictly?

“Strictly is an amazing show to be part of and I’d wanted to be on it for quite some time. I’ve done six years and I hope to do many more!

It’s great to use my skill to entertain.”

What did you think of Ed Balls’ performance?

“Ed did a great job! You cannot place him in the same box as the professionals but each week he improved and I was cheering him on each week!”

What are you looking forward to most about your show?

“I love meeting people and dancing in front of a live audience who want to be entertained. I hope to share my vision with them and hopefully they will leave happy.’

“With a live show people can feel energy and be part of the show which is cool and pure. Sometimes TV as a medium can lose this feeling and emotion.”

What can our readers expect from your new show?

“Whether you’ve seen one of my shows before or not this is brand new! New story, new routines and new costumes.

It’s a show for the entire family – music, dancing and audience participation!’

“I don’t want to reveal all my cards but if you’re looking for a great experience and the chance to forget about life for a few hours – come to see the show!”

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Secure Shredding Destruction Do you need confidential or sensitive documents securely destroyed?

We can help!

No business can afford their confidential or sensitive documents or files falling into the wrong hands. Studies suggest identity fraud is often committed through criminals obtaining information from bins.

Data protection is a hot topic and businesses are expected to comply with the laws that support the protection of information whether it’s record management or the ultimate data destruction.

S4B Document Solutions understands and offers a service where all documents are safely and securely shredded at our premises.

Document and Archive Storage Do you need an off-site storage facility?

We can help!

If your business is becoming overloaded with documents and records that you have to keep for compliance or legislative reasons then our document management system is the answer.

We offer clean, secure and confidential storage of all of your company files, records and documents - whether it’s just one box or thousands of boxes we can help!

Our box storage is charged by the box, by the day – offering great value as it means you only pay for the space that you use!

Save space and use your business space more productively!

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Five Minutes with Mike Founder and Owner Mike Potts Why would I store Private or Company records?

There is always an argument for using a space more productively at home or in business premises. Most people or companies do not need constant access to all of their records but are legally bound to keep some. The important thing is to be able to locate files or boxes with ease when needed.

How safe are my records and how do I get access?

This is the most important consideration. Always choose a reputable company with testimonials like S4B. Ensure that their premises are protected by a known Alarm company that that the premises are monitored out of office hours such as ours and that there is CCTV. We are open weekdays in office hours, we can retrieve a file/box next day or same day, delivered or collected.

Is there a minimum amount of boxes and is it expensive?

Not, it is priced on the amount of boxes stored but we can invoice annually for very small amounts if needed. There is no comparison with paying per box against a self-storage room where you pay for the entire area.

Call or email us for a free quotation.

What if I am storing elsewhere at present?

It is unusual to move and sometimes costly but if you want to move it will be down to cost or poor service and it never hurts to get a quotation!

We are always looking to add to happy customers – our advice is free and we will help with relocations.

Give us a call!”

and have recommended you to others” Law Firm, East Sussex

HEALTH

Ears in Focus

Ears are our organs for hearing but all too often we can neglect these critical parts of our body when it comes to making sure they are working as they should, by getting our hearing tested. For some, there is a stigma attached to ear testing and the possible fitting of a hearing aid, but there shouldn’t be! You wouldn’t think anything of regular visits to the dentist or optician to maintain your oral and visual health; your audio health should be no different in 2017.

By Jacob White

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id you find you needed to ask relatives to speak up over the Christmas and New Year period? Do you find you need to turn up the volume on the TV? If these are scenarios you are familiar with now is the time for you to think about getting your ears and in particular your hearing in focus.

Who can help?

If you are having hearing problems, there are several tests available to determine the cause and treatment you may need to remedy the condition.

The first step is to see your GP who will be able to investigate the extent of the problem – they may refer you to an audiology clinic or a specialist for tests.

The most common tests for hearing loss causes include; a physical examination of the ear, a whispering test, a tuning fork test and an audiometry test.

Physical Examination of the Ear A preliminary form of testing the ear for hearing-loss done through the outer ear checking for problems such as liquid blocking the ear canal or swelling of the eardrum.

This test can reveal to a medical professional an indication of any liquid inside the inner ear, whether there is a punctured eardrum, or even foreign objects lodged within the ear.

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Whispering Test An assessment by way of someone whispering words behind one of your ears, while your other ear is blocked. You might be asked whether you heard anything and in some cases asked to repeat words.

Tuning Fork Test Using a metallic apparatus that when tapped vibrates and emits a fixed pitch sound. A tuning fork is held next to the ear to test how well sounds transmitted through vibrations in the air.

Sometimes, the tuning fork is held against the bone at the rear of the ear, called the mastoid, to test hearing when sound vibrations are directed to the inner ear through the bone.

Audiometry Test For this test, you will be required to wear earphones with sounds played of varying volumes before being asked to either raise your hand or press a button to indicate when you hear a sound.

What to do?

If you’re told by a medical professional you need a hearing aid, there is a much wider range of choice than you may think

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available both on the NHS and from private suppliers.

If you opt for an NHS hearing aid, today’s versions offered are slimmer, lighter and smaller than ever before and you can find all sorts of funky colours and designs to suit your style.

By going private, there is more choice which can mean you can get an aid better suited to your form of hearing loss and the wait for the fitting of the aid is much shorter.

It’s estimated that there are 4 million people with hearing loss in the UK who could benefit from wearing hearing aids, but don’t, so if you’re advised to wear one, don’t become part of that statistic.

How to protect your hearing?

Hearing is one of our most important senses playing a role in our day to day lives including our safety- as society gets louder, we place our hearing at increased risk.

Whether in a loud club or bar, or if you are merely walking by the side of a busy road, your hearing is being put under strain, and regular exposure will harm your hearing.

The human ear is a sensitive organ able to pick up very low and loud sounds – did you know?

Conversational speech is generally 60 decibels, a busy road is around 80 decibels, a rock concert is typically 120 decibels, but the intensity at which pain can begin is just 125 decibels and the intensity at which even limited exposure can cause hearing loss is only 140 decibels. @TNUncovered

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MOTORING

Top Tips to help pass your MOT

By Ben Morley Headlights and indicators All of these must work properly, so check the headlights (main and dipped beam), sidelights, rear lights, hazard warning lights (ignition on and off) and finally indicators. If you have clear lenses, the light emitted needs to clearly be orange.

Horn Give it a press, if it makes a noise, you’ll be fine.

Seats and Seatbelts All seats must be securely fitted, with the driver’s seat being able to adjust forwards and backwards. Pull out each seatbelt, checking for any damage to the material.

Tug sharply on each belt to ensure it reacts as it should if you had to brake hard.

Brake lights Get a friend/partner to check that the brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal. This includes any additional brake lights at the top of the rear screen or similar.

Number plate Give this a wipe, it sounds silly but if it’s not legible it can fail.

Also, if you have a personalised plate, the spacing must comply.

Screenwash Always top up your screenwash before going for an MOT – something as simple as a splash of water could end in a fail at some test centres.

to 3mm.

Windscreen wipers Check that the rubbers aren’t split or damaged and also check that they clear the screen.

Windscreen If you’ve got any chips or cracks larger than 40mm in your windscreen, it will fail.

This reduces to just 10mm if the damage is in front of the driver.

Fuel and engine oil Make sure that the oil level is as it should be and also make sure it has enough fuel. A test centre could turn you away if either of these are low as it will mean that they are unable to carry out emissions testing.

TOP TIP Please wait for your vehicle to cool down before checking or changing anything that might be hot.

Wheels and tyres A quick check for damage is a good start. The legal tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm as far as an MOT is concerned, but it’s good practice to get them changed when they are down

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STYLE

Work Wear Uncovered

The world of work is changing, and so are the expectations of what we wear to work. Heels at work have hit the headlines but what are the alternatives?

We’ve got your office style updated for the 21st century…

By Shelley Welti Stylish Shifts Gone are the days where bland black pencil skirts and trousers with white shirts were the only appropriate work wear for women!

Nowadays we can look smart and stylish in shift dresses like this dogtooth dress from Apricot, £24.00. Team with a pretty blouse, opaque tights and a coloured cardigan to inject your personality!

No More Running in Heels Fed up of running in heels? Get savvy and swap your stilettos for comfy, yet classic, flats like brogues, ballerinas and loafers (like these from Dune, £70.00).

Earn Your (Fashion) Stripes So long to the boring pinstripe; hello chic white and blue combinations!

If you’re a trouser kind of girl, update your wardrobe with stylish (yet still professional) shirts such as this paperbag sleeve stripe shirt from Very.co.uk (£28.00).

Wrap Up Constantly in and out of the office?

Keep warm and turn heads as you enter meetings in a relaxed wrap coat (similar to this one from Dorothy Perkins, £69.00).

Are you following us on twitter yet?

follow We post community updates throughout the month @TNUncovered

PET CARE

Animal Magic!

The benefits of interacting with animals are well reported, and you don’t have to own a pet to enjoy them! We’ve got suggestions for how you can add some animal magic into your life!

By Jacob White

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nimals are magic! There are so many opportunities for you to enjoy their company from animal fostering to volunteering at a rescue centre or charity – go on, feel the benefits!

Foster an animal Many animal charities rely on fosterers to provide temporary homes for the animals in their care.

Could you foster a dog or cat?

Charities need people willing to open up their homes to dogs and cats looking for a fresh start in life.

When you foster, you’ll be freeing up space in pet centres so that they can rescue more animals.

Benefits to the animals Fostering is an important role in the rehabilitation of animals and helps improve their chance of finding a new home. Many animals taken in by a charity have either suffered or are not used to the care and affection that they deserved.

Living with a foster family helps them adapt to a normal lifestyle.

Benefits to you Fostering can be a pleasurable experience – it’s rewarding to know that you played a part in the rehoming process when a foster animal is successfully rehomed. It also gives you the chance to enjoy a pet in your home if you’re unable to take in an animal permanently due to other work and family commitments.

Volunteer for an animal charity Volunteering is an enjoyable way of helping animal welfare and can be extremely rewarding.

Volunteers make a contribution to the work charities do to prevent cruelty and offer help to animals.

With a wide range of volunteering roles available, there is sure to be a suitable opportunity near you.

What will you gain?

Volunteering is an excellent way to meet likeminded people who share the same enthusiasm for animal welfare, and there are other benefits too, such as learning new skills or developing existing ones, doing something useful and rewarding and gaining a sense of achievement in the community.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone – most charities value diversity and encourage volunteers from all sections of the community although opportunities for anyone who is under 16 years of age are limited but if helping or support an animal charity is for you there’s always fundraising events to get involved with!

How do you volunteer?

Contact a local animal charity centre – after that you will usually be asked to complete an application form, attend an interview and provide referees for the charity to contact. You’ll usually go on an induction course and best of all you give as much or as little time you have.

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• Dog walking • House sitting • Puppy play dates • All animals cared for from hens to horses • Horse riding lessons ( BHS instructor) • Friendly ,family-run business

01825 749630 • 07583 906833 20

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HOMES

Dressed to Perfection Too often when decorating our homes, the windows become an afterthought, but are we all missing a trick?

If we consider their purpose and dress them accordingly, they can literally transform a room.

By Shelley Welti

W

indows are an important feature of every room in your home, but with a seemingly dizzying array of choices for window dressings, it can be tempting to just throw up a pair of curtains, without considering all of the options available!

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry! We’ve got a whole range of ideas this month to make sure your windows are dressed to perfection!

Decadent Drapes Want to make your windows a fabulous focal point?

It’s time to unleash the drapes and dress them accordingly then! Look out for luxe fabrics such as sumptuous silks and dramatic velvets to sprawl across your window and wonderfully frame your view.

To really add to the WOW factor; don’t forget to dress up your drapes with elegant trimmings like beaded tassels and tantalising ties.

Or perhaps, you’d prefer to make a chic, sophisticated statement with white drapes?

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Sheer fabrics, such as muslin, allow light in and add a fresh, contemporary feel to rooms yet still retain that touch of glamour.

Cool Curtains While many of us may think curtains are old-fashioned and the ‘easy’ option when it comes to decorating window spaces; they actually can be cool – if given a 2017 update! Seek out beautiful rich colours, unusual textures and shapes (stripes and geometric prints are particularly hot in homeware right now!) to modernise your windows. For luxurious living rooms with plush interiors, silk curtains illuminate and make your space even more elegant, without too much effort!

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Beautiful Blinds Blinds are a favourite and easy way of updating a room, without the need for bulky or heavy curtains clogging up valuable light space. They’re also the perfect accompaniment to effortlessly dressing bay windows too.

Light coloured Roman blinds in whites and creams transform and open up rooms (and work beautifully in living rooms, conservatories and bedrooms).

While for living rooms – or rooms you want to feel more cosy and homely; linens in softer vintage prints, two-tone blinds and bolder, brighter fabric blinds are a fantastic option.

For those of you who love curtains, but want to keep light (or peeping eyes!) out during the daytime, blinds and curtains can work together for a snug and stylish look.

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Stunning Shutters Whether you opt for interior or exterior shutters, they’re certainly a timeless trend that retains charm.

Pretty exterior shutters can be thrown open to let light in or closed for extra cosiness and privacy. Interior shutters also keep that intimate, private feel and can cover full windows or just lower halves – all depending on your requirements. Opt for whites to keep rooms light, bright and airy or browns and darker colours to transform your room into a comfortable, restful den.

Florence Landais many years experience

• Curtains • Blinds • Cushions• Tracks & Poles • Soft Furnishings Can work with your own fabric Offering a free local measuring service

01435 812768 - flo.landais@icloud.com

“Your Property In Our Hands” ● ALL ROOFING ● INTERIOR & EXTERIOR ● SCAFFOLDING SERVICES DECORATING SERVICE Contact George now for a FREE estimate on: Mobile: 07787 866 174 Free Phone: 08004 332 113 Web: www.tilleyandco.com Find us on “Trust A Trader” for customer reviews and ratings. Tilley & Co Ltd is based in East Grinstead W Sussex.Currently helping customers all over the South East.

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Andrew Skeggs Roofing Services REPAIRS * NEW ROOFS RE-ROOFING FLAT ROOFS * GUTTERING FULLY INSURED

For all enquiries please telephone: 01435 810022 / 07900 885888 or email askeggsroof@gmail.com 36 Paynsbridge Way, Horam, TN21 0HQ 24

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BAILEYBRIDGE

WE DESIGN AND BUILD AND EMPLOY ALL OUR OWN TRADESMEN Concept, Design, Drawing, Structural Engineering Planning & Building Regulations, Permitted Development New Builds, Extensions, Loft & Garage Conversions, Refurbishments Bespoke Kitchens, Bathrooms, Garden Rooms, Orangeries Services available from a couple of hours advice, to full scale design & build projects All projects are personally overseen by Sue Risley who provides exceptional attention to detail.

All projects are based on a fixed price

www.baileybridge.co.uk 01825 714 922 or email enquiries@baileybridge.co.uk

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GARDENS

Creating a Kitchen Garden from Scratch Do you aspire to create the perfect kitchen garden?

Regardless of size, we’ve got tips and ideas for you.

By Jacob White

A

kitchen garden is a dream for many, whether you are green-fingered, a dab hand in the kitchen, or both, a kitchen garden is a great idea and isn’t as difficult to plan and execute as you might think.

Is your garden a waste of space or do you have room for improvement and potential?

Are you past the stage of needing a lawn doubling up as Wembley and could you claim some of it for vegetables?

There are few more rewarding ways to spend an hour or two a week than growing your own vegetables. Let 2017 be the year when you start growing your own – it could become a habit for life.

A lot of vegetable growing requires little or no gardening experience, and by doing well, you can form the basis of hundreds of free and delicious meals over the next few months with very little effort.

You will probably need to continue buying trickier to grow vegetables such as red peppers and aubergines, but generally, you can produce yourself a kitchen garden which will be fit for supper!

Grand designs Even if you’ve never sown a packet of seeds before, get set to bring in the salad, herbs and vegetables from just outside your door in a few weeks! In order to do so, it’s all about the design!

If well-planned plots are the best-looking areas of a garden and you think about style as much as substance try using funky and creative-designed pots so you can create a style that is eye-catching!

Location, location, location To determine the best location for your patch, go out into the garden and work out a location which is sunny yet sheltered, the spot where you might want to sunbathe – this offers the best of both worlds.

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To help growth, your kitchen garden will need plenty of food to fuel the growing process. That’s only possible in full sun, so avoid overhanging trees and shrubs and shade-throwing sheds and buildings as far as possible.

As well as the sun, many plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers need shelter from the wind – they won’t grow well if their roots are rocked and their leaves will become discoloured with wind burn.

The spade work Clear the soil of perennial and annual weeds before you plant, and if you want to be 100% organic, you’ll need to clear the grass and then dig it over, making sure you’ve got rid of any roots of weeds.

Go to war with the weeds If the weeds are already cleared, and only annual weeds are your problem, it’s good to cover the patch for a couple of weeks in early spring to keep the soil warm so you can plant earlier.

Use sheets of clear plastic which warm and dries the soil, and being transparent it helps the germination of weed seed – when you uncover these are easy to clear by hand or hoe.

Another key to weed control is to use mulch to prevent weed seed drifting in from germinating in your soil – as you plant out your seedlings in a few weeks, lay a good 2” (around 5cm) of mulch.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Ricotta Pancakes with Poached Cherries Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com Preparation time:10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients 200g pack Waitrose Cherries 200ml freshly squeezed orange juice Juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon 2 tbsp clear honey ½ vanilla pod, halved lengthways 250g tub essential Waitrose Italian Ricotta 125ml semi-skimmed milk 2 large Waitrose British Blacktail Free Range Eggs, separated 100g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 1-2 tbsp sunflower oil

Method 1. Place the cherries, orange and lemon juice, honey and vanilla in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the cherries are tender and the liquid is syrupy.

2. Meanwhile, place the ricotta, lemon zest, milk and egg yolks in a bowl and beat to combine. Add the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt, and fold in to make a smooth

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batter. In another bowl, 4. Divide the pancakes beat the egg whites until between 4 plates, spoon they’re softly peaking, then over the poached cherries fold into the mixture. and serve.

3. Brush a heavy-based frying pan with a little oil and drop large spoonfuls of batter into the pan to make 6-7cm-sized pancakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. Cover and keep warm while you cook in batches to make 12.

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COOK’S TIP Any leftover cherries can be chilled and served the next morning with yogurt and granola.

Look out for the stones in the cherries.

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THE RINGLES CROSS Wonderful Home Cooked Food All our food is home made from fresh ingredients obtained where possible from local sources.

New Childrens Play Area and Decking Quiz night first Tuesday of every month

FREE LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY AND SOME SATURDAYS

The Ringles Cross Hotel, London Road, Uckfield, TN22 1HG - 01825 765 428

THE PIG AND BUTCHER Restaurant Wed to Sat 12 noon - 3pm 6pm - 9pm To Make a Reservation Call us on

01825 732 191

Great Carvery Available Every Sunday 12 noon - 3pm All our food is home made from fresh ingredients obtained where possible from local sources.

We Cater For A Wide Variety of Events. (curry night, fish & chip night, pie night)

The Pig and Butcher, Five Ash Down, Uckfield, TN22 3AN - 01825 732 191

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Pre-book a table, hand your completed voucher to one of our staff & receive

20% off your food bill.

Voucher is valid for 2 people only.

(Excludes December, Bank Holidays, Mother’s & Father’s Day)

Name: Date of Birth: Anniversary: Postcode: We appreciate your visit and would like to keep you informed of our special offers and events as they happen. We will not pass your details on to anyone else

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INDEX Building & Maintenance, Reg Mardlin, 25 Care Home, Sussex Health Care, 5

Gutter Cleaning & Repairs, Ground Based Gutter Clearance, 27

Charity, Cats Protection, 21

Heating Services, Storaheat, 24

Charity, Chestnut Tree House, 3, 7

Hotel and Restaurant, The Ringles Cross Hotel , 29

Chiropractic Clinic,

Property Refurbishment & Construction,

Uckfield Chiropractic Clinic, 17 Curtains and Soft Furnishings,

Baileybridge Property Refurbishment & Construction, 25

Florence Landais, 23

Public House, Pig & Butcher, 29

Document Storage & Shredding, S4B, 14

Religious group,

Dog Walking & Pet Sitting,

London Temple Visitor Centre, 9

Endless Summer, 20

Retirement Home, Holy Cross Priory, 30

Domestic Fuels, Geoff Boorman Fuels, 27

Roof & Gutter Cleaning, Tilley & Co, 23

Driveways, New Look Driveways Ltd, 27

Roofing, Andrew Skeggs Roofing, 24

Driveways, Resin Drives, 32

Tyre Services, Setyres, 1

Farm Shop, Heaven Farm Shop, 30

Will Writing Service, Good Wills, 17

Wills Written

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Good Wills 01342 314082 01293 978979 07845 599520

WWW.GOOD-WILLS.CO.UK GOODWILLS@GOOD-WILLS.CO.UK

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booked by 28/02/2017 We strongly advise you ensure anyone offering these types of services are regulated and always ask to see proof of membership