Movin' Magazine, Issue 2, May-June 2009 by Movin' Magazine

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Property | Lifestyle | News May–June 2009

M ovin ’

Magazine

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WARRINGTON’S CANALS AND WATERWAYS We investigate where they lead and what lies along the way The future of Warrington: We talk to Councillor Ian Marks on the council’s upcoming developments

Gadgets galore: Our Top Ten covers them all

Adam Shaw: Our exclusive interview with BBC2’s Working Lunch money expert

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Editor’s Note

Editor’s note... Welcome to the second issue of Movin’ Magazine! We had a great response to the first issue, as well as some really positive feedback from local residents – so a big THANK YOU to all! If you missed the first issue, don’t worry because you can still view it online at our website: www.movinmagazine.com. This month’s issue is jam-packed with the latest upbeat local news as well as the hottest properties in Warrington, plus more of our regular lifestyle features. We’re particularly pleased to welcome Wire FM’s Pete Pinnington and his new column to Movin’ (p50), as well as Warrington’s biggest book store, Borders, who is running an online competition through our website for all readers in our Book Review feature on page 49. And don’t miss our exclusive interview with BBC 2’s Working Lunch presenter, Adam Shaw, for an honest and frank insight into what’s happening in our economic world at the moment (p14). At Movin’, we’re also keen to look towards Warrington’s future, so this month we met up with the council’s leader, Councillor Ian Marks, to get the lowdown on what the next few years hold in store for our town.

www.movinmagazine.com There are some exciting plans afoot, and we predict that things are only set to get better for Warrington! We’re also proud to announce that we’ll be supporting, as well as taking part in, the Bike Events’ Manchester to Liverpool Charity Bike Ride on Sunday 31 May. This great ride helps raise money for the Mines Advisory Group, the humanitarian landmine clearance charity, and at Movin’ we’ll also mainly be supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care. Turn to page 7 to find out more, or visit our website to join our team. Over the coming year, we’ll be bringing you all the latest on more encouraging changes and the positive news coming out of our town. And remember, if you have some exciting news that you’d like to share with Warrington, simply get in touch with us and we’ll always be happy to support your local business, event, or anything else you think Warrington people should know about.

Let’s keep Warrington Movin’!  info@movinmagazine.com  0800 6129 160

Advertising

If you are interested in advertising in the next issue of Movin’ Magazine, contact our Advertising Sales Team either by phoning us on 0800 6129 160 or by emailing us at advertising@movinmagazine.com for availability and prices.

Website

Visit our brand new website at www.movinmagazine.com and leave your questions and comments. We promise to respond within 48 hours and answer your queries. You’ll find lots of additional information there, as well as what’s coming up in future issues and how you can get involved. We welcome your thoughts and ideas and would love to hear your news from Warrington.

Editor Adam Young Advertising Sales Manager Peter Clarke Media Sales Executive James McCoy Art Director Sophia Kenwrick-Piercy Picture Researcher Diane Parker Comments editor@movinmagazine.com Content design Orchid Designs Ltd Web Design Orchid Designs Ltd Printed by Warners Midland Plc Promotional Printing by Kwality Printer Subscriptions & Mailing List info@movinmagazine.com Distribution Self Select Distribution; Rendezvous Distribution; Movin’ Distribution Ltd

Copyright Copyright Movin’ Magazine. All rights reserved. Any part of this publication must not be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form or by any means. Storage of any information on a storage system or retrieval system is not permitted without the publisher’s written permission. Due diligence is applied to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, however, Movin’ Magazine can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the promotions and/or claims made by advertisers. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. All views expressed in this magazine are those of the independent journalists.

Movin’ Magazine is committed to recycling

Official media partner of Grassroots Grants, providing grants for voluntary, community & faith groups in Warrington

Disclaimer All information, prices and promotions correct at time of publishing, to the best of our knowledge. Movin’ Magazine cannot be held responsible for incorrect details either written by, or published in this magazine.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

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Contents

HomeStyle, p38

Movin’... property

16 Warrington’s Canals and Waterways, p10 Movin’... with the times

7 8 10 12 14

Manchester to Liverpool Bike Ride Join us as we take to the saddle to raise funds for charity Interview with Councillor Ian Marks We interview the Council leader on upcoming developments in Warrington COVER FEATURE: Warrington’s Canals and Waterways A look at what our infamous waterways have to offer 20 mph Scheme Debate We hear about the new pilot scheme across the town Adam Shaw Read our exclusive interview with the Working Lunch & Today programme presenter

24 26 28 29

Movin’... on the market Our regular feature of the hottest properties on offer in Warrington Home SOS Home staging expert, Chrissy Halton, looks at ways to make your home more appealing Should I Rent Out My Home? Part two of our guide to renting out your home

Q&A Have your questions about property answered by the experts

40 42 43

Movin’... explained This issue, we discuss deflation

Movin’... lifestyle

30 32 36

Movin’... people Warringtonbased Sue Moore talks about her company, Party CrewTM

Fashion The latest in men’s and women’s fashion

Gadgets Our ten best toys

49 50

HomeStyle Give your home a makeover with our guide to stylish rugs Movin’... on the web We look at the top ten most useful websites Freecycle How to give your unwanted items a new lease of life Love Food Hate Waste How to make your food budget stretch further and reduce waste Diet Our five simple steps to getting your health back on track in time for the summer Travel Andrea Wren looks at value-for-money African safari and beach holidays Book Review Borders reviews Tell Me Something by Adele Parks and The Other Hand by Chris Cleave, plus a competition for our readers! Pete Pinnington Presents In our first instalment of this regular feature, Pete reports on the success of the Baby Bobby Brown Appeal

Travel, p47 May–June 2009 | Issue 2

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Movin’... with the times

JOIN MOVIN’ MAGAZINE THIS YEAR AS WE DO THE MANCHESTER TO LIVERPOOL CHARITY BIKE RIDE We’re getting involved in the Manchester to Liverpool Charity Bike Ride this year, organised by Bike Events. Predominantly raising funds for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), riders can support any charity they wish. Movin’ Magazine is mainly supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care, and riders are invited

to raise sponsorship for any charity close to their hearts. Now in its fith year, the ride will be starting at Salford Quays, leaving Manchester via Old Trafford and Stretford, where it picks up the beautiful Trans-Pennine Trail, travelling through many villages in Warrington, such as Lymm, Thelwall & Grappenhall.

If you’d like to get involved, simply visit our website and fill in the online form.

IR T-SH

ne gazi hirt, a M in’ t-s Mov e a free that e h so in t eiv to jo ou’ll rec ogos on auses. t n e, y se c ies’ l u wa If yo r the rid n charit s of the re of the fo nes ose atu team the ch e aware ecial fe e. with an rais r our sp ext issu we c k out fo in the n Loo day

E FRE

This mostly traffic-free route is ideal for cycling and takes you along part of the Manchester Ship Canal towards Liverpool and the Mersey, which you’ll reach by travelling down the famous Penny Lane.

Sunday 31 May 2009 To register for your free t-shirt and to join our team, visit

www.movinmagazine.com and fill in the simple entry form In association with

www.bike-events.com

START

Salford Watersports Centre, Salford Quays, Salford M50 3SQ

38 miles

finish Otterspool Park, Otterspool Drive, Liverpool, L17 5AL

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... with the times

DEVELOPING WARRINGTON’S FUTURE Would you like to see what the next few years hold in store for Warrington?

Movin’ Magazine looks to the future by speaking to council leader, Ian Marks, to find out what plans the council has for shaping our town’s future.

We are not resting on our laurels and despairing at the much publicised gloom and doom, but instead making sure that the right policies and support systems are in place to capitalise on the recovery of the market.

Park Project which will be the first community sports village in the country, and the £1.2m Parr Hall refurbishment. Another £250,000 has also been awarded to the borough for renovating the museum in the town centre.

We’ve got big plans for the Mersey waterfront area, including lower Bridge Street. There are plans for a huge, mixed development, including performance areas, cafés, bars, restaurants, and these are supported by the North West Development Agency (NWDA).

THE ECONOMY

We also have the £30m Orford

REGENERATION Movin’ Magazine: Are there any developments for Warrington that we can expect to see in the future? Ian Marks: Our strategy at the moment is to use this time of economic slowdown as an opportunity to ensure that all of our plans and visions for growth and development are polished and ready for when the upturn comes. When private investors look into the area, we’ll be able to point them in the right direction as to where they should put their money. 8

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

MM: We all know times are hard at the moment for businesses and residents alike, so what is the council doing to help limit the impact? IM: We’ve assembled a Credit Crunch Task Group, which is a mix

Movin’... with the times

of councillors from all political parties, offices from each part of the council, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Golden Gates Housing Association, and Job Centre Plus. We want to help citizens and businesses in the town who are suffering. This includes looking at various housing issues and sharing best practice with other councils in the North West and the rest of the country. We’re looking into whether the council and registered social landlords should be buying up properties from developers. There was an example of this recently, where a Liverpool-based housing association struck a deal with a developer to buy up several properties to add to their own portfolio to improve the quality of social housing. We’re also pleased with how the retail sector is holding up against the downturn, and although there are more empty units than we would like, the ones that remain are trading reasonably well.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION MM: What benefits does our location hold? IM: Historically, Warrington’s business is very well spread with a variety of businesses based here. We have a high proportion of skilled people, such as university graduates for example, and our schools are very good – we’re right at the top of the national league tables. This attracts a lot of interest not only from businesses within the North West, but nationally due to our diverse infrastructure. Recently my son had to travel from London Euston to Warrington Bank Quay on a Sunday and was able to come on a non-stop direct train in less than two hours. That puts us in the infamous ‘two-hour commuter belt’ of London, which opens up many more opportunities and links us more closely to the whole country. And to add to this, we’ve got a first class lounge already here at Bank Quay and there’s a lot of work going on to improve the entrance and usability of the station. We won the ‘Best Indoor Market’ award for the outstanding quality of our traders’ produce and we’ve introduced festive, continental and farmers’ markets across the town. And our local bus company, Warrington Borough Transport, won ‘UK Bus Operator of the Year 2008’, so the area is really starting to get recognised for the efforts being put in by, and for, local residents.

PROVIDING LOCAL SUPPORT MM: What sort of help is on offer from the council for our businesses during this tough time? IM: One area we’re targeting is making sure that local people and businesses are aware of what support is available and know how to access the advice, so we’re signposting a lot of people to useful information. We’ve got action teams to work with employers at the earliest stages to try and avoid redundancies and safeguard jobs – and to keep the employers in the town. The NWDA has several schemes in place to help start-up businesses who are looking for finance and advice too. Visit www.movinmagazine.com to put your ideas to Councillor Ian Marks on our My bright idea for Warrington page

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... with the times

Warrington’s Canals and Waterways This issue, we look at what lies along the way of our huge network of canals and waterways that run through Warrington. And they’re not just for the narrowboat lovers: There’s something on offer for the walker, the cyclist and the nature lover out there too!

Bridgewater Canal throughout the ages... The Bridgewater Canal, running from Leigh to Runcorn, was the first canal in Britain to be built without following an existing watercourse, and perhaps more importantly, it was used as the model for those canals that followed it. It was the construction that marked the beginning of the canal mania that followed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and in fact it was known as the ‘Father of Canals‘. The Bridgewater Canal revolutionised the way goods were transported across Britain. Built in the 1760’s by the Duke of Bridgewater in order to carry coal from his mines at Worsley to the industrial areas of Manchester, the construction of the Bridgewater Canal was

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

an integral part of the industrial revolution. Coal was transported using the canals, with horses pulling the boats along the towpaths in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The introduction of steam and railway travel signalled the decline of horse-drawn transport though, and the first steam tug was introduced to the Bridgewater Canal in 1872. This meant that the fundamental purpose of the towpath

for the towing of barges began to change, and it instead became a place for leisure activities. The Bridgewater Canal, whatever its guise, is a local gem and in 2011 the canal celebrates its 250th year since it first opened.

Movin’... with the times

Manchester Ship Canal

The 36-mile long Manchester Ship Canal roughly follows the original route of the rivers Mersey and Irwell, and runs along the south side of Warrington. It opened in 1894 and cost a whopping £15 million to build. Although it’s become somewhat of a norm in our everyday lives, in its day the canal was the largest navigation canal in the world, helping Manchester to become one of the most powerful ports in Britain during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the canal still accommodates huge vessels, ranging from coastal ships to inter-continental cargo liners, carrying some six million tonnes of freight each year for well-known companies such as Tesco and Proctor & Gamble. Perhaps the biggest signs of the ship canal in Warrington are the many bridges dotted across the town: we have two railway viaducts, four swing bridges and 1 set of Locks in Latchford. All of these bridges, although somewhat aged now, serve as dramatic structures that provide a telling reminder of Warrington’s essential role in the North West’s industrial past.

Forget Industrial Revolution...think Recreational Revolution! Canals no doubt bring to most people’s minds thoughts of industry and engineering in the late 18th and early 19th century, but why not try thinking of them in a new way: as everyday recreational escapes right on our doorsteps!

Forget canal, think... Gym – The towpaths are the perfect fresh air paths to run on.

Pub – What can be better than sitting by a canal on a sunny day with a pint in hand? Try the London Bridge in Stockton Heath.

Nature Reserve – You might spot water voles, dragonflies, herons or kingfishers alongside our canals.

Fish – There are plenty of fish, believe it or not, in our canals, so why not dabble in a bit of weekend fishing?

Cycle path – The towpaths have no steep hills or traffic, and instead have plenty of beautiful scenery – perfect for cycling!

Relaxation – Sitting by water is always relaxing, and fortunately we have plenty of it in Warrington!

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... with the times

Is Warrington Borough Council (WBC) has implemented a pilot study to examine the eﬀectiveness and beneﬁts of implementing three separate 20 mph speed limits on roads within the borough. The principal objective of this pilot is to determine whether average speeds can be significantly reduced by simply implementing 20 mph signs throughout each of the chosen routes, without using the typically associated traffic calming measures. The council has implemented an 18-month pilot scheme to examine the effectiveness of the introduction of 20 mph speed limits on three different types of roads in Warrington: In the town centre – to encourage more sustainable commuting practices, such as walking and cycling. On Park Road, Great Sankey – this has been chosen because an accident analysis revealed four collisions resulting in personal injury accidents on this road. In the Orford Area – The Long Lane/Sandy Lane/Northway area has been chosen as it’s contained within a large residential zone.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

plenty? The differing nature of these roads will enable the council to determine how suitable certain road types are for the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit.

“Modern vehicles are comfortable, quiet and insulated from the road and this can lead to drivers going above the posted speed limit” Over recent years, making an economic return after introducing area-wide 20 mph zones is becoming increasingly difficult, mainly because of the costs associated with the implementation of the traffic calming techniques. The council is therefore examining new, more innovative techniques to reduce casualties resulting from road traffic collisions. Exceeding the posted speed limit or travelling too fast for the specific road conditions is problematic on many of Warrington’s roads. Modern vehicles are comfortable, quiet and insulated from the road and this can lead to drivers going above the posted speed limit. Most drivers understand that

“Most drivers feel that other speeders threaten their own personal safety” speeding is dangerous and feel that other speeders threaten their own personal safety: speeding increases both the risk of a collision occurring and its severity. Changing cultural values regarding speed though can be regarded as similar to changing people’s attitudes towards smoking, eating high-fat foods and recycling. The council plans to lead this cultural change through effective communications with consistent and persuasive messages, which will be conveyed via leaflets, letters, questionnaires and regular community meetings. Leaflets have already been sent to over 7500 properties within the borough, and will give readers an in-depth overview of why and how the council are aiming to increase road safety. A 20 mph speed limit will only be successful however, if the community and road users take ownership of the scheme and understand what it’s trying to achieve. In this way, residents have a key role to play in making Warrington’s roads safer.

How do you think these speed limit restrictions will aﬀect the town’s residents? Firstly, the very task of introducing them across the whole of Warrington has created a debate about how we wish to share our roads: Whether they should be exclusively for the benefit of motorised transport or whether they should be classed as public spaces that all people have a right to

“We need to rethink how we should share the roads in a far more equitable manner”

use and enjoy in a manner which does not prejudice the health, safety or amenity of others. If this scheme is successful, we will achieve: • Less street noise • Lower levels of street pollution • Streets that are more attractive in which to walk or cycle • Streets that are safer for all users • Lower usage of fuel at slower and more steady speeds. And while limited area schemes leave most of the drivers still living in streets with 30 mph limits, an authority-wide scheme provides the benefits of lower speeds in their own street to most drivers.

Do you think the pilot schemes are being run in the right areas? Well, first you have to ask whether pilot schemes are needed at all. There is already ample evidence that a lower, 20 mph speed limit for residential roads has the capacity to avoid a large percentage of accidents and consequential injury and death. There is also good evidence that with correct public consultation and an authority-wide implementation then 20 mph speed limits do not need traffic or physical calming to be effective. On the other hand the rolling out of 20 mph across a large area is a new initiative for the local council and one in which it does not have any real experience. Therefore, any pilots will provide experience of the many aspects to consider and mistakes in implementing the pilots will provide good learning lessons for the anticipated roll-out across the whole town. How do you see the future of Warrington’s road laws and the impact these will have on the way we all live and commute in Warrington? We are not really changing the law as it stands, but merely identifying what is the most appro-

“Our streets and village centres will become far more pleasant to shop or walk in”

priate maximum speed limit for roads used by people as well as by motor vehicles. The intended 20 mph limits on residential rather than arterial roads will make very little difference in journey times, but will result in calmer driving around our residential streets. Our streets and village centres will become far more pleasant to shop or walk in with less noise and intrusion from passing traffic.

“

Rod King, Warrington road danger reduction campaigner and founder of the national 20’s Plenty For Us organisation, tells us us what the pilot scheme means for Warrington road users.

Movin’... with the times

These 20 mph speed limits for residential roads are already the norm in Northern Europe where they get a huge benefit in the amenity aspect of their streets. Already, people are feeling that it is crazy that we use the motor vehicle for so many short trips that we would like to walk or cycle but are too frightened of higher speed vehicles for ourselves or our children. Speed limits of 20 mph are the first step in starting to regain our streets as public amenities for the benefit of all.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... with the times

THE BIG QUESTION Adam Shaw is an awardwinning ﬁnancial reporter and presenter, and is one of the best known ﬁnancial experts on television and radio. He has presented BBC2’s Working Lunch programme and is the business presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Adam Shaw, apart from being a well-known financial expert, won the Plain English Campaign award for Broadcaster of the Year for his work in debunking the language used by business and finance. At Movin’ Magazine, we asked Shaw to give us an honest and straightforward explanation of the nation’s current financial situation. Movin’ Magazine: Is it really all doom and gloom for the economy at the moment? Adam Shaw: There are plenty of examples that the economy is still moving on, regardless of what’s

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

“The main thing is that we stay positive and continue to look for new opportunities for growth” making up most of the news that’s being reported. To take one example, Regus, who specialise in renting office space in innovative ways such as mobile, shared and virtual offices, are booming with demand from businesses wanting to remain flexible. Domino’s Pizza is also reporting that they’re doing very well, as people trade down and choose to stay in with a takeaway rather than going out for a meal. So there are plenty of examples that the economy is steady and continuing to thrive, albeit at a reduced rate.

We interview the award-winning Adam Shaw from BBC2’s Working Lunch and BBC4’s Today programme

The main thing is that we stay positive and continue to look for new opportunities for growth. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the bad news that’s being widely reported, but it’s important that those smaller businesses now look for ways to outmanoeuvre the larger companies and take advantage of their flexibility and reaction speeds to what’s going on at the moment. MM: Are the funds available from the banks? AS: Well, I constantly speak to the banks and they say they’re lending. But when I speak to the businesses, they say they’re not! This makes it somewhat difficult to find out the truth, but I think, as long as you have a good idea, a professional business plan, and there is a genuine opportunity, then you should get the funding.

Movin’... with the times

Don’t forget though that there are fewer banks out there, so of course there will be less lending going on. Northern Rock, for example, has had to stop offering new mortgage products while they remain publicly-owned. The total capacity has fallen, and when you consider that because so many people have defaulted on mortgages, there’s a lack of trust from the banks in us, of course it’s going to seem as if there’s not a lot of borrowing going on. The government’s policy of underwriting loans or ‘giving’ the banks money will be a failure however, if the banks don’t start to lend money again and get the money flowing, which is essentially the blood in this country’s system.

MM: You work a lot with stocks and shares: Is this a good time to transfer savings from low-interest accounts into stocks and shares? AS: Stocks and shares are a bit like a casino. I wouldn’t recommend transferring savings into stocks and shares at the moment because of the risk and uncertainty. But of course, just as they

did before, stocks and shares will rise again. It will be interesting to look back in, for example, 10 years and discover which options really were cheap. When the stock market in America crashed in 1929, those who bought certain stocks when they were at their lowest made a fortune, but not only was it risky, but it took the country some 20-odd years to regain its strength and realise those capital gains. But those without long-time horizons should probably stick with their savings. At least they’re guaranteed in this way because of the Government’s underwriting of the banks’ loans.

“With a strong local knowledge and understanding of what residents need and want, local businesses should be able to thrive not just survive” MM: What advice would you give to new start-up businesses during this diﬃcult time? AS: New businesses have a huge advantage at the moment which many people don’t realise. The big FTSE 100 companies are like

oil tankers now: the environment around them is constantly changing and is rather choppy, and due to their size, they will find it very hard to turn around. The stormy weather around them becomes unavoidable as they find it difficult to manoeuvre, whereas smaller, more agile companies get

“As long as you have a good idea, a professional business plan, and there is a genuine opportunity, then you should get the funding” back on the right current quicker. It’s easier for businesses to react in regions smaller than London, in a town such as Warrington, for example. With a strong local knowledge and understanding of what residents need and want, local businesses should be able to thrive as well as survive. The important thing to remember is that all businesses need to adapt to their environment by coming up with new and innovative ways of generating business. You can watch more of Adam Shaw on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, weekdays 6–9am and Saturdays 7–9am.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... property

Halﬁelds Road, Warrington, WA2

£109,950 Asking Price

Bedrooms

Reception Rooms

Bathroom

The agent’s description... “A well-presented and charming mid-terraced property overlooking Orford Park. Accommodation briefly comprises a lounge with original cast iron fireplace, dining room and a kitchen to the ground floor, with a landing, two bedrooms and a bathroom with roll top bath tub and separate shower cubicle to the first floor. An enclosed frontage and a yard providing off road parking to the rear of the house. Viewing highly recommended to fully appreciate.”

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Collette Whynett Beresford Adams 59/61 Sankey Street Warrington WA1 1SL

01925 574 053 warrington@beresfordadams.co.uk

Movin’... property

Wheelwright Cottage, Tarporley Road, Lower Whitley, Warrington, WA4

£359,950 Asking Price

Bedrooms

Reception Rooms

Bathrooms

The agent’s description... “Delightful country cottage offering spacious accommodation with charm, character and a great flexibility of room use to suit the varying needs of a modern family. Three reception rooms, large kitchen, utility, four beds, en-suite and superb bathroom. Generous rear garden with an open aspect over farmland. Potential for extension with substantial covered store/workshop space. No onward sale chain. Convenient location for commuting.”

Richard Capper Meller Braggins 97 London Road Stockton Heath WA4 6LG

01925 210 021 stocktonheath@mellerbraggins.com

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

WAY

25%

WAY

WAY WAY

WAY

WAY WAY

WAY

Movin’... property

Butts Green, Kingswood, Warrington, WA5

£550 pcm

Bedroom

Reception Room

Bathroom

The agent’s description... “We’re proud to offer this well presented and extremely spacious, one-bedroom penthouse apartment on the popular Butts Green development. Located in a peaceful area and close to local shops and amenities, this would make an ideal home for a couple or a professional. The property also benefits from easy access to transport networks and motorways. The property boasts an open plan living and dining area as well as a modern fully fitted kitchen.”

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Antoni Dmochowski Homelets 77 Sankey Street Warrington WA1 1SL

01925 577 555 warrington@homelets.co.uk

Movin’... property

Bank Street, Glazebrook, Warrington, WA3

£725 pcm

Bedrooms

Reception Rooms

Bathroom

The agent’s description... “Lettings From Courtyard are delighted to offer to let this fully refurbished detached bungalow situated in Glazebrook, Warrington. The spacious property briefly comprises lounge, open plan kitchen/dining/family area with access to a large rear garden and sun terrace, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally, there are extensive gardens with garage, in addition to off-road parking for several cars.”

Lee Houghton Lettings From Courtyard The Courtyard 26 Common Lane, Culcheth WA3 4HA

01925 767 000 info@lettingsfromcourtyard.co.uk

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Homelets Template:Layout 1

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Allerton 1 Allerton Road,Street, Mossley Hill Tel: 0151 4047 Warrington 77 Sankey Warrington Tel: 280 01925 577 555

Beechtree Road, L15 Walton Road, WA4 t ec bj es su enc t r Le efe r to

£135,000 £395 pcm

Royal Quay, Greenings Court,L3 WA2

Holly Avenue, Court, L19 Charter WA5

Burdett Street,WA1 L17 Cherry Court,

t jec s ub nce s e t r Le efe r to

£129,950 £400 pcm

£121,995 £450 pcm

£119,950 £475 pcm

1 Bedroom Apartment 3 Bedroom Mid Terrace Unfurnished Alarmed, Downstairs w/c Double Glazed, Glazing, GCH Double GCH FF Kitchen Driveway, Front & Rear Gardens

1 Bedroom Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment UF with WhiteE7 Goods Double Glazed, Heating Double Parking Glazing Secure FF NoKitchen chain

3 Bedroom Semi Detached 2 Bedroom Apartment UF with White Goods Electric Heating Double Glazing, GCH Double Glazed, FF Kitchen,Parking Garden Allocated

2 Bedroom Apartment Mid Terrace FF & Equipped Two Double Bedrooms, Two Glazing ReceptionDouble Rooms Double Glazed FF Kitchen Fitted Kitchen, GCH, Yard To Rear

Springbourne Road, Bryers Court, WA2L17

Heysmoor Heights, L8 Cronton Farm Court, WA8

Sunningdale Road, Lovely Lane, WA5L15

Rosslyn Street,WA1 L17 Cherry Court,

t jec s ub ce t s eren e L ef r to

£119,950 £475 pcm

t jec s ub ce t s eren e L ef r to

£118,950 £475 pcm

£109,950 £475 pcm

£104,950 £475 pcm

1 Bedroom Apartment 3 Bedroom Terrace FF & Equipped Investment opportunity Double Glazing No Chain FF Kitchen Viewings Recommended

Bedroom Apartment 22Bedroom Apartment UFGlazed, with White GoodsHeated Double Central Double Glazing, GCH Secure Parking FFWith Kitchen Offered No Chain

32Bedroom MidTerrace Terrace Bedroom, Unfurnished Double Glazed, GCH Double Glazing, Loft Room, ThroughGCH Lounge FFRecommended Kitchen Viewings

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South Grove, L8 Algernon Street, WA1

Seymour Road,WA1 L14 Cherry Court,

Basing Street, L19 Stockswell Farm Ct, WA8

Temple Square, L2 Bevan Court, WA4

t ec bj es su enc t r Le efe r to

£90,000 £495 pcm

2 Bedroom Mid 2 Bedroom, Mid Terrace Terrace Flexible Furnishing Double Glazed, GCH 2 Reception Lounge, FittedRooms Kitchen FF Kitchen Rear Yard Downstairs Bathroom,

t ec bj es su enc t r Le efe r to

£90,000 £495 pcm

2 Bedroom Apartment 2 Bedroom, Terrace FF & Equipped Investment Opportunity Double Glazing Viewings Recommended FF Kitchen, NoAllocated Chain Parking

CHALLENGE US TO SELL Challenge us to YOUR PROPERTY! – Our experienced team LET YOUR PROPERTY! promises to provide a very personal service with Our updates experienced promises to provide a very regular andteam advice - we are confident that personal service with regular updates and advice we can provide clients with the best possible service we are confident that we can provide clients with the and guide you every step of the way. Selling your best possible service and guide you every home with HomeSales means that notstep onlyofisthe a way. your property Homelets mostLetting professional servicewith available butmeans also athat great not with only our is it introductory the most professional value service reduced fees. service but team also a today! great value service! Contact ouravailable specialist

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£89,950 £495 pcm 2 Bedroom Mid Apartment 2 Bedroom, Terrace FF & Equipped GCH, Investment Property, Lounge Double Glazing & GCH Kitchen, No Chain FFRecommended Kitchen Viewings

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2 Bedroom Apartment Apartment FF & Equipped Lounge/Dining Room, Kitchen Double Glazing No Chain, 1 Bedroom, Bathroom, FFRecommended Kitchen Viewings

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Homelets Template:Layout 1

4/20/09

9:04 AM

Page 1

Allerton 1 Allerton Road,Street, Mossley Hill Tel: 0151 4047 Warrington 77 Sankey Warrington Tel: 280 01925 577 555

Beechtree House, Road, L15 Ampleforth WA1

Royal Quay, L3WA1 Ampleforth House,

Holly Court, L19 Skylark Rise, WA9

Burdett Street, Ampleforth House,L17 WA1

t ec bj es su enc t r Le efe r to

£135,000 £500 pcm

£129,950 £500 pcm

£121,995 £500 pcm

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2 Bedroom Apartment 3 Bedroom Mid Terrace FF &Downstairs Equipped w/c Alarmed, Double Glazing Double Glazed, GCH FF Kitchen, Allocated Driveway, Front & RearParking Gardens

2 Bedroom Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment & Equipped Double FF Glazed, E7 Heating Double Parking Glazing Secure FF Kitchen, NoAllocated chain Parking

3 Bedroom Semi Detached 2 Bedroom Apartment UF with White Goods Electric Heating Double Glazing, GCH Double Glazed, FF Kitchen,Parking Garden Allocated

2 Bedroom Apartment Mid Terrace FF & Equipped Two Double Bedrooms, Two Glazing ReceptionDouble Rooms Double Glazed FFKitchen, Kitchen, Allocated Parking Fitted GCH, Yard To Rear

Springbourne Road,WA1 L17 Ampleforth House,

Heysmoor Heights, Butts Green, WA5L8

Sunningdale Road, Chapel Lane, WA8L15

Rosslyn Street,WA8 L17 Chapel Lane,

£119,950 £500 pcm

£118,950 £550 pcm

£109,950 £550 pcm

£104,950 £550 pcm

2 Bedroom Apartment 3 Bedroom Terrace FF & Equipped Investment opportunity Double Glazing No Chain FF Kitchen, Recommended Allocated Parking Viewings

1 Bedroom Penthouse Apartment 2 Bedroom Apartment with White GoodsHeated DoubleFFGlazed, Central Double Glazing, GCH Secure Parking FFOffered Kitchen,With Allocated Parking No Chain

2 Apartment 2 Bedroom Bedroom, Terrace Unfurnished Double Glazed, GCH Double Glazing, Loft Room, ThroughGCH Lounge FFRecommended Kitchen Viewings

Bedroom Apartment 2 2Bedroom, Mid Terrace Unfurnished Investment Property Double Glazing, No ChainGCH FF Recommended Kitchen Viewings

South Grove, L8WA1 Knightsbridge Court,

Seymour Road,WA5 L14 Hudson Close,

Basing Crescent, Street, L19 Campbell WA5

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t ec bj es su enc t r Le efe r to

£90,000 £575 pcm

1 Bedroom Mid Apartment 2 Bedroom, Terrace FF withGlazed, White Goods Double GCH Double Fitted Glazing,Kitchen GCH Lounge, FF Kitchen, Allocated Rear Parking Downstairs Bathroom, Yard

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23 Bedroom Bedroom,Bungalow Terrace UF with White Goods Investment Opportunity Double Recommended Glazing, GCH Viewings Front No & Rear Gardens Chain

CHALLENGE US TO SELL TENANTS! YOUR PROPERTY! – Weexperienced have a rangeteam of properties to let from Studio Flats Our and Apartments to Semi Detached Houses and Mansions. promises to provide a very personal service with Contact our experienced lettings who will gladly regular updates and advice - we team are confident that helpprovide you findclients your dream home. either: we can with the bestContact possible service and guide you every step of the way. Selling your home with HomeSales means that not is 577 a 555 Michelle Grey (Snr Lettings Negotiator) on only 01925 most professional service available but also a great value service with our introductory reduced Mike Savage (Lettings Negotiator) on 01925 fees. 577 555 Contact our specialist team today!

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t ec bj es su enc t r Le efe r to

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not be beaten onthe ourhassle fees! of LetWe thewill specialists take away lettingappraisal your property For a Free Lettings on your property contact Dmochowski (Branch on FullAntoni Management & Let OnlyManager) Services 01925 577 555 Available

Movin’... property

HOME

S O S Chrissy Halton launched Innerspace Interior Design in January 2005. She is a qualified Interior Designer and has trained in Home Staging with Channel 5’s House Doctor, Ann Maurice. Chrissy is also a Senior Consultant member of the UK Home Staging Network and a Member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (UK), enabling her to provide a variety of styling and home organisation services for her clients.

This month, we look at how to achieve that all-important initial appeal when selling your home.

Focus on... First Impressions You wouldn’t go to a job interview in jeans and a t-shirt so why would you try and sell your house without making it look its absolute best? You never get a second chance to make a first impression and that has never been truer than when selling your home. You have one chance to draw the buyers in and, if they don’t like what they see, they will simply go elsewhere. There are very few buyers who will go back to a property that they have already dismissed. It is therefore absolutely crucial to get all aspects of the initial impression 24

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

right. First impressions count. The first time that buyers will see your home is through photos in the estate agents details, or on the web. If the photos don’t show a home that they can see themselves living in, buyers will go no further and move on to the next home that has more appeal. These photos must be able to draw the buyer in to want to see more – and remember that they are judging it against the stylish homes in magazines and on TV – people always want to move to a home that they aspire to liv-

ing in. If you can get the pictures right, they will want to see it in reality, and you are one step closer to your sale. The next stage for the buyer may be to drive past your home, just to see exactly where it’s located and for the general look of the place and the neighbourhood. If your property looks in poor repair from the outside, they will assume that it will be the same on the inside. This is why one of the key areas to tackle when presenting your home for sale is the frontage.

Movin’... property

TIPS AND TRICKS

If it’s a painted house, ensure the paintwork looks new.

Cut back overgrown shrubs and anything lifeless.

Ensure windowsills are free from clutter inside and out.

Cut the lawn, weed the flowerbeds.

Ensure the property number can be seen from the road.

Make sure the window dressings inside the house are uniform and properly hung.

Make the entrance welcoming with hanging baskets and a welcome mat.

Clean windows inside and out – wash down all paintwork.

Hide away or screen off large bins and any other distractions (childrens toys, etc.)

Ensure that if you have the space, there is offroad parking on show.

Once the buyer is ready, they will look to view the property, and when they do, the key is to not disappoint.

if your property has been presented successfully, you hopefully won’t have to live like that for long.

Keeping your home looking as good as it did in the pictures all the time is one of the hardest parts of the presentation process – living in a staged home is not the same as living in a livedin home, but if you can keep on top of the cleaning and tidying it will pay dividends for you.

If you’ve not yet put your property on the market, it’s worth staging it prior to valuations. Remember – you’re not only trying to gain a buyer’s offer, but you also need to ensure that the estate agent sees your home looking its best; it will get the agent more enthusiastic about your property if they can see it looks good and will attract buyers.

What happens if you get a phone call to say prospective buyers are coming in half an hour? Always try to be only 30 minutes away from being ready for a viewing, as this can take a lot of the stress away, and

If your property is on the market but still not selling, it may be worth considering staging and then bringing your agent in to retake marketing photos.

If you would like to find out more about home staging and making the right first impression, contact Chrissy Halton by visiting her website at www.innerspaceinteriordesign.co.uk

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... property

Should I rent out my home ?

Part Two:

Types of Tenancy Agreement

End of tenancy

Legal obligations and getting your property back

To protect both yours and your tenant’s interests, tenancy agreements or contracts are drawn up to list the tenant’s and landlord’s obligations, and to document what should happen in certain circumstances. Choosing the right one is important to make sure you have the correct one for your location, i.e. for England and Wales.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

There are different types of tenancy agreements that you can use to ensure that your tenant is bound to a certain set of conditions from the start of living in your house. The most common are shorthold and assured shorthold tenancies.

“Tenancy Agreements are drawn up to protect both the landlord and tenant” The difference is, if you let your property on a shorthold tenancy, you can regain possession of your property six months after the beginning of the tenancy, provided that you give two months notice that you require possession.

If you want to get your property back at the end of the tenancy, you need to serve particular notices on the tenant, as they have the right to remain in the property unless you can prove to the court that you have grounds for possession. You do not have an automatic right to repossess the property when the tenancy comes to an end, and it is most likely that it will continue on what is called a ‘periodic’ tenancy, i.e. a rolling, month by month contract, unless you specifically request possession. If you use a letting agent, they’ll have standard contracts into which they’ll sign the tenant. These agreements will be time-served contracts that will have been constantly updated, closing up any loopholes that tenants might use to get out of tenancy agreements.

Movin’... property

A Po cce Pr ss le oc es ra ed si te ur on d e

S no erv ti in ce g s

If you want your tenant to vacate the premises within the agreed term of the tenancy, you must apply to the court for their eviction only after providing a series of notices. The most common is a Notice Seeking Possession, which is served under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 and is usually a result of the tenant’s non-payment of rent. This is used when there is still time remaining on the contract. If the tenancy term has expired and you just want to regain possession of the property, you must serve what’s called a Section 21 notice so the tenant must leave no later than the agreed length of the tenancy.

There is a quicker method for landlords to gain possession of their property, called the Accelerated Possession Procedure, which may help you get possession of your property without the need for a court hearing. Her Majesty’s Court Service (HMCS) says, “You can use this procedure if the tenancy is an Assured Shorthold tenancy. If you use the procedure, you can only claim possession and your costs of making the application. You cannot, for example, include a claim for rent arrears.”

st xt ep s

The court will normally make its decision by looking at the documents (‘written evidence’) which you and your tenant provide. Because your application will be dealt with in this way, you must give the court all the written evidence it needs to make its decision at the outset. Because of the complexities of different grounds for eviction and the strict ways in which you must serve notices, we recommend that you employ the services of a competent lettings agent who will be able to give you advice. If the need ever arises, some letting agents may even serve the notices on your behalf, taking most of the stress away.

Visit www.movinmagazine.com for info and tips on renting out your home

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... property

A view from the inside...

The Solicitor I’ve just put my property on the market but when the Home Information Pack (HIP) was instructed, they discovered that the property is unregistered. What do I do? HIP regulations require that, if the property is unregistered, what is known as an ‘abstract of title’ must be included within the HIP as an extra compulsory document. This is essentially a history of the legal title going back at least 15 years. You would almost certainly need to consult a solicitor to compile this. We’re thinking of buying our next property at auction but haven’t done it before. How should we go about it? The crucial thing to bear in mind is that as soon as the auctioneer’s hammer goes down on a successful bid, contracts are exchanged. You are legally committed to buy the property (usually within 28 days) and have to immediately pay a 10% deposit. It is therefore essential that you have a survey and valuation prior to attending the auction and bidding, that you have your finance in place, and that you have had a solicitor view the legal documentation beforehand. I have seen many examples of people being carried away and making a successful bid and then losing their deposit because they couldn’t proceed. You also risk a claim for damages from the vendor if he subsequently sells at a loss. I would also advise that you don’t bid without taking someone with you who knows the ropes. The auctioneer is allowed to build up the price by taking fake bids (known as ‘off the wall bids’) up to any reserve price set by the vendor which isn’t revealed to bidders, so you can get the impression there is lots of interest when in fact there is none.

These questions were answered by Tim Jordan of Forshaws Davies Ridgway solicitors. For further advice, call Tim on 01925 230 000

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Got a question regarding your property? Have your question answered by an industry expert, email your questions to editor@movinmagazine.com

The Mortgage Advisor Are mortgages now available for first-time buyers? Contrary to popular belief, mortgages are still available for first-time buyers, albeit at a significantly reduced number. First-time buyers are still able to obtain mortgages, however, in order to obtain a competitive interest rate, they would need to provide a 25% deposit. How have interest rate reductions affected availability? The interest rate reductions have not immediately affected the availability of mortgages. Certain people have benefited from these reductions, however some borrowers, for example on fixed rates, will not have. What can I do to help myself get a mortgage? Credit ratings should be constantly reviewed as standard whether you are applying for credit at the time or not. This is the basis of any credit provider’s decision whether to lend you the money you require. Your credit report can be obtained for a statutory fee of £2, however some websites like www.creditexpert.co.uk will offer you a free 30 day trial so you can get a copy of your credit report. There are lots of ways to improve your credit score, such as getting on the electoral role, getting your credit file in good shape, and making sure you pay your bills on time. My fixed rate term has come to an end and I need to remortgage. What should I do? Each person’s situation is different so a generic answer is difficult. The problem with house prices falling is that people may struggle to secure a new mortgage, and if you have the option to secure a new rate it may be prudent to look at securing it now as mortgage offers can be held for 3–6 months depending on the lender. Securing a new rate but not initially drawing down the funds might be a good alternative for people looking at remortgaging. A financial advisor would be able to compare your existing lender’s deals with the rest of the market for you, and help you make an informed decision as to whether switching lenders would be the best scenario for you. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages amortgage. co.uk can be paid a fee, usually £595 or by commission.

These questions were answered by Nicholas Johnson of amortgage.co.uk For further advice, call Nicholas on 01925 454 306

Movin’... property

Every issue we look at what’s happening in the economic world and ask the really important question: What does it all mean for me? This month we look at what’s happening at the opposite end of the inﬂation scale: Deﬂation. Last month, we looked at inflation and how it ultimately reduces the real value of our money. In the news at the moment though, the word at the opposite end of this scale, delaflation, seems to be reoccurring more and more often. So, what is deflation? In basic terms, deflation describes the continual decrease in price that we’re seeing at the moment of those goods and services that we all use every day. And why does this decrease in price happen? Well it all leads back to the banks and lenders: When they stop lending to the public due to a lack of credit, we as consumers start to become savvier with the little money that we do have. In turn, this means that we hold off on buying those items that we ordinarily would have done, hoping and expecting that prices will continue to fall.

“In basic terms, deflation describes the continual decrease in price that we’re seeing at the moment of those goods and services that we all use every day“ So why is deflation such a problem for our economy? The problem arises because of the waiting game that we’re all being tempted into playing at these times. When

we hold off from spending, the demand for products starts to decline, meaning that manufacturers have to make the decision to start producing less. This is the stage though where unemployment looms; if we’re producing less as an economy then we simply won’t need as many workers. Although the UK suffered from deflation at around the same time, it’s America’s Great Depression that’s noted in our economic history as the foremost period of deflation. From 1930 to 1933, due to the depression, Americans were finding it harder than usual to secure loans, but of course, people still needed money so bank-users started to withdraw their life savings. But for the banks, this had a devastating effect: they were left with seriously diminished cash reserves that would usually have been set aside for the very point of the banks’ business: lending money to the public. People approached banks in the hope of borrowing money, only to find that the banks had too little money themselves and simply couldn’t help them. Money wasn’t being spent because it just wasn’t there to spend, leading to the worst recession in US history, as unemployment skyrocketed and companies went bust with no demand for their goods or services. The lesson we’ve learned from America’s history is that, to fix deflation, the public simply need money to spend in the shops now, rather than being forced to hold off with the hope of falling prices. Obviously, the government can’t simply hand out cash to anyone

Deﬂation who asks, so this means that the banks have to start lending money to the consumers again. As we’ve seen of late, banks and lenders are the most important resources for fending off deflation, hence why the Government recently invested a number of huge cash injections into the banks. With more cash to spend in this way, we will start to see a higher demand for goods and services once again as the public’s purse strings begin to loosen, and this will mean that unemployment rates will fall as workers are required to fulfil the demand in the economy. As part of their deal for receiving the loans, the banks must pass on the money that thye’ve been granted to us, the consumers. But as ever, it’s still up to us to keep looking for these loans and to remember that in doing so, we all play a rôle in ensuring our economy regains its globally recognised power and stability.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle

Movin’...people Inspiring individuals from our town

www.partycrew.co.uk Your name: Sue Moore Your business name: Party Crew TM Where do you work from? Originally, I worked from my home in Stockton Heath, which was great for a small business as it helped to keep the set-up costs to a minimum. I knew we had outgrown my dining room the day we tried to hold a team meeting for ten people in there! We relocated to offices in South Warrington and we moved again last November to the Warrington Business School facility based within Warrington Collegiate; this has proved to be a great move on many levels. Where did it all begin? It all started many years ago when I knew eventually I would run my own business but just didn’t know what it would be. Ultimately, when the time was right I sat down with the whole family, and my children actually had a huge input when

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

it came to developing a children’s party business. We identified a gap in the market for a national brand in children’s entertainment that was both mobile and flexible. Party Crew was launched in 2005 when the industry was mainly male-dominated, most entertainers were locally based, the quality of the entertainment varied hugely and parents were looking for something other than soft play areas or bowling parties – our traditional party entertainment packages with a twist were met with great enthusiasm. As a business committed to strong customer service, we really felt that we could offer unique packages and deliver them with competitive prices. Equally, my background in franchising and business management enabled me to offer up the business as a franchise to other people who wanted to run their own children’s entertainment business. The testimonials we receive from our customers are proof that our party packages deliver fun for the kids and keep it stressfree for parents, which is exactly what we aimed to achieve!

Movin’... lifestyle

What’s it all about? Party Crew delivers traditional children’s party entertainment across a wide range of themes. Our female party hosts, who are uniformed, CRB-checked, fully trained and very enthusiastic, can entertain children at small parties in their own homes or any venue their parents hire. Themes include Princess, Pirate, Mini-Makeovers, High School Musical, Teddy Bear Making, Craft Parties, Superhero Parties, Fun and Games, Magic Shows and tailor-made packages for private and commercial customers.

What was the hardest aspect of starting your new business? Like most start-ups, there were times when we were running out of cash that was badly needed to continue the investment and to build the brand. Franchising your business is a very expensive route to expansion in the initial stages. Also, the late nights can be hard: because you’re so enthusiastic about developing your business, the hours simply roll by and before you know it, a new day is dawning and you’re still on the computer!

Ultimately, our aim is to deliver traditional children’s parties where parents can relax and can be 100% confident that we will arrive on time and deliver the party we promised.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

More recently, we have also launched our online shop where parents can purchase fabulous fancy dress costumes for children, together with some really creative craft kits and party gifts. We bring these products to customers at very competitive prices.

Many people inspire me: my family, my friends, my three fantastic children, Richard Branson, and some of the fabulous entertainers I meet who really are committed to making children smile. My own children inspire me to continue to work hard, as they are very proud of our achievements and very involved in my business. Receiving the Business Person of The Year award in Warrington was a great experience and a proud moment that I shared with my two sisters after many years of hard work.

Any advice for new starters? You have to be truly committed to building a business: don’t even consider doing it unless you are prepared to put in a huge amount of time and effort; don’t expect profits in the early stages of the business; make sure you have a Business Plan and that you really do have a market for your product or services. Most of all, make sure you have enough cash; cashflow is vital for any business. Building a business is like building a house: it can take a lot more time and a lot more money than you originally thought. What are your ambitions for the future? Expansion throughout 2009; Party Crew will launch in at least four more areas and we’ll expand the great range of party products on our website. Where can we ﬁnd out more? Visit www.partycrew.co.uk to enquire about party packages or to purchase party goods and fancy dress, or call the office on 0845 838 1314.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle

Poppy print, packable microﬁbre rain mac, Lands’ End, £90

Double breasted rain mac, Jane Norman, £55

Belted mac, Next, £65

SPRING showers Splash out on some spring essentials this season, helping you to stay stylish – whatever the weather!

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle

Fashion targets clear spot umbrella, Marks & Spencer, £12

Tickled pink umbrella, Asda, £5

Joy Valentines’ spotty umbrella, Joy, £15

Bossy heeled welly, Oﬃce, £25

Grey wellington boots, Evans, £20

Garden ﬂoral wellington boots, Bhs, £20 May–June 2009 | Issue 2

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Movin’... lifestyle

Red cardigan, House of Fraser, £60

Grey cotton-rich tipped cardigan, Next, £30

Cardigans are the latest fashion resurrection and unsurprisingly so with their adaptable and ﬂexible look. As the summer months fast approach, make a cardigan your essential item by teaming it with a plain white tee.

Mens stripey cardigan, Debenhams, £40

Soul Cal cashmillion cardigan, Republic, £19.99

Burgundy tipped cardigan, Burton, £25

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle

Spider Catcher , Prezzybox.co

m, £9.95

Remote Control Tarantula, Prezzybox.com, £19.95

GADGETS GALORE

Pink Zapper Remote Control, One-For-All, £9.99

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

ntrol,

Xsight Colour Remote Co One-For-All, £99.99

Movin’... lifestyle

Tribod, JML, £9.99

Parking Sensor, JML, £29.99

USB Mix Tape by Suck UK, Prezzybox.com, £19.95

SoWine Bar from Eurocave, Around Wine, £300 Condiment Gun, Drinkstuff, £14.99

USB Beverage Cooler, Drinkstuff, £24.99

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle

HOMEstyle

Rugs offer an easy and affordable way to lighten up any space. Use them to define separate living spaces, protect those more heavy footfall areas in your home or just to add a bit of warmth and atmosphere to an otherwise muted room.

‘Peking’ Rug, Littlewoods Direct, £45

‘Influence’ Rug, Matalan, £60

‘Pivoine Prune’ Rug, House Couturier, £250

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

‘Bloomah’ Rug, Loomah, Made to order

Movin’... lifestyle

‘Stella’ Rug, Bodie and Fou, £345

‘Lace Contemporary’ Rug, Style International, from £189

Teal ‘Vintage Damask’ Rug, Next, £80

‘Living Room’ Rug, Dunelm Mill, £109.99

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle

Movin’ on the web...

This issue, we look at The Top 10 Most Useful websites out there to help you plan and enjoy your life more easily.

www.pando.com www.metaefﬁcient.com

The Metaefficient website is a sort of ‘green’ version of the Which? guides. They review products not only for their energy efficiency, but also their embodied energy, toxicity, affordability and usability. So if you’ve found the right price for your next purchase and want to make sure it ticks the eco-friendly boxes too, search this website for their review.

www.google.co.uk

www.only2clicks.com This is the simplest and most useful bookmarking system on the web. You can put all your favourite websites in one place, and then make this list into your homepage. You’ll never have to type the website address again! What’s more, the bookmarks can be accessed from anywhere so they don’t just live on your personal computer.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Google is not just the most powerful search engine on the web, they also offer more than 50 free tools that you can use to change the way you use the internet. With Google’s own email system, image search engine, document creator and fantastic global mapping system, there really isn’t much more that Google can offer!

Pando is a great way of sharing photos, sending large documents, and sending videos that are too big to be sent via email. It’s really easy to use and even helps you download the files in the first place. It’s great for using at work too – you can make yourself more productive and even impress your boss!

www.designmyroom.com Don’t trust your design instincts? This is a great way of seeing what your redecoration plans will look like when complete with an easy-to-use but powerful design tool. Don’t take a chance – design your room in advance to avoid expensive mistakes!

Movin’... lifestyle

www.giftgen.co.uk www.backpackit.com Intranets remain popular with businesses, as their own small version of the Internet. BackPack allow you to create your very own Intranet, and share all your information such as To-do lists, announcements, ideas and files with your family, friends, workmates and/or employees.

GiftGen(erator) is a good way of coming up with a gift idea if you’re a bit stuck. You answer the short questions on the intended recipient, and the powerful generator will list suggestions, picking products and services from shops and retailers that are available right now and on the web. Never give an unwanted pair of socks again!

www.upmystreet.com UpMyStreet is a great way of making the most of your local area, and even making the most of holiday destinations in a short time. You can find information to help with your next house move, find the best utility suppliers when you’ve moved, and then find a nice place to eat out when you’re in!

www.liveplasma.com

www.getnetwise.org GetNetWise is a public service to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences. The GetNetWise coalition wants Internet users to be just ‘one click away’ from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their, as well as their family’s use of the Internet.

Do you want more of a good thing? If you know what you like, then visit Live Plasma. By inputting what sort of music or movies you like, this amazing little engine will come up with suggestions of music and movies that match your taste.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle

Don’t just recycle, Freecycle! We’re all trying to do our bit for the planet and each other these days: Here’s one way you can do both.

Freecycle is about passing on to others those items that you no longer want or need, but unlike Ebay, no payment is involved. Offers are made online, are requested online, and then you arrange who’s going to be the lucky one to receive your goods. It’s not a modern swap shop, neither is it there just as a way

of saving you a trip to the tip. It’s simply a way of giving something to someone who can use it when you can’t anymore. It’s about rebuilding more sharing communities across Britain. It’s amazing how many people there are who can use what you no longer need. One of the recent local listings of mostly fairly obscure items elicited nearly thirty replies – and mostly for the more unusual things – all within six hours or so. And the users are friendly people, grateful for the chance to take something

they’ve been trying to find. If you need to make some money on your unwanted goods, use Ebay; if you’re after giving unwanted items a home instead of chucking them out, this is the answer. The groups are all local, so passing things on generally means handing them over at the door (or whatever secure way you are comfortable with – there are lots of helpful bits of advice and hints on the contact page).

How do I use Freecycle? STEP ONE

Visit http://groups. yahoo.com/group/ WarringtonFreecycle and sign up as a member

STEP TWO

List your item, and pass on your unwanted items to someone who really wants it

STEP THREE

Sit back and await collection of your unwanted item. Job done!

Find out more about Freecycle by visiting: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WarringtonFreecycle

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle Warrington Borough Council are backing the national Love Food Hate Waste campaign, to try and reduce our country’s food wastage levels – which should save us some money too! A third of all the food we buy ends up being thrown away. Some of it is peelings and bones but most was once perfectly good food that could have been eaten. Each month the average family throws away around £50 of food, over a year this amounts to about £600 spent on food that ends up in the bin. Wasted food is more than just a waste of money; it also has a major impact on climate change. Most of it ends up in landfill where it rots and produces the greenhouse gas, methane. It also wastes energy, water and resources used in production, transportation and storage.

Top tips for reducing your food waste... 1.

Check the ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates

Food can be eaten up to a ‘use by’ date or in many cases can be frozen. The ‘best before’ date is about quality, so food can still be eaten after the date but may not be at its best. 2.

GTON

RRIN FREE FOR WA

Claim your free book from Warrington Borough Council with over 150 leftover food recipes for you to try.

Stock up your store cupboard

Keep a supply of tinned and frozen foods that you like (i.e. tinned beans, frozen veg, pasta, rice, etc.) They have a longer shelf-life and can help you turn your leftovers into a delicious meal. 3.

Check your portion sizes

Large amounts of pasta, rice and potatoes end up going in the bin because too much is cooked at meal times. Use the portion calculator at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com to remove the guesswork. For example, a full mug of rice will serve four adults. Also, in the UK we waste 7 million slices of bread a day. Keep a ready sliced loaf in the freezer and just defrost or toast what you need. 4.

RESIDE

Plan ahead!

Planning your meals in advance is the most effective way to cut waste and save money. Check your fridge, freezer and store cupboard and write a shopping list so you don’t buy things you already have. 5.

Be creative with your leftovers

Think before you throw and see if you can make a delicious meal with your leftovers. The Love Food Hate Waste website has lots of recipes and advice to help you make the most of your leftovers: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Just send an email requesting a copy with your postal address to: nsdwasteteam@ warrington.gov.uk

NTS ON

LY!

Warrington Borough Council has developed a newsletter called the Warrington Recycler for people interested in their local environment and for those who would like more information and regular updates on waste minimisation, recycling and composting activities in Warrington. To sign up to this new e-newsletter, send an email to: nsdwasteteam@warrington.gov.uk You can see previous copies by visiting www.recycleforwarrington.co.uk May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle

simple ways to improve your

Those New Year’s resolutions might seem like a distant memory, but the spring is here and many people are starting to look ahead to the warmer months with thoughts of squeezing into those bikinis or trunks. Now’s the time to re-examine your diet with a view to getting fit for the summer. Not a week goes by without hearing about the latest celebrity diet or quick-fix slimming product, but the truth is that if you would like to live a healthier life, then there are some simple changes out there that can really make all the difference.

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

If you want to make a positive change to your body and health then these five simple tips should help you to take a huge leap in the right direction!

CUT DOWN ON ‘WHITE’ CARBOHYDRATES

White carbohydrates, such as sugar, white pasta, white bread and white rice, are known as simple carbohydrates. By eating these white carbs we’re actually causing an insulin spike in our blood streams, giving us a sudden boost of energy followed by a lull, like many people experi-

ence mid-afternoon. This means that you don’t feel as full for long and can find yourself snacking to top up your blood sugar levels. Combined with the often higher calorie content of simple carbs, this can have a significant impact on the amount of calories you consume in a day. The solution is simple: replace these white carbs with complex carbohydrates such as wholemeal and wholegrain pasta and bread, brown rice, fresh vegetables and legumes, and pulses such as lentils, chickpeas and kidney beans (which will also contribute to that all important 5-a-day fruit and vegetable intake).

Movin’... lifestyle

EAT A LITTLE OFTEN, RATHER THAN A LOT SOMETIMES

A great way to stimulate your metabolism and to use up the food you’re eating is to eat a small amount of food often rather than take the 3-square-meals a day view at mealtimes. This means eating something every 2–3 hours so that your metabolism is constantly kicking into action.

Alcohol can make your body store fat around your midriff. Apart from the savings you can make by cutting back on the booze, your body will thank you: technically, alcohol is actually nothing more than a poison so should be enjoyed sensibly.

AVOID THE LOW-FAT TRAP

When looking to lose weight, many people head for the low-fat products on the shelves of their local supermarket. But we’d recommend always checking the label first, as these low-fat options often actually contain more calories than the fattier options.

This means that instead of leaving large gaps between your meals where you’re more likely to reach for fatty snack foods, you can instead get a steady supply of energy throughout the day. It might seem like a lot, but aim to have 6–7 small meals a day, and don’t skip breakfast as this is the best way to kick-start your metabolism for the entire day. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast have a healthier body weight than those who skip it.

REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE

What’s easy to forget is that fats are actually an excellent energy source and are required for healthy body functioning. Certain fats, known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), actually promote weight loss and you can find them in simple things like nuts, avocados and olive oil. The fats to watch out for are saturated and trans fats, but by cutting out on fat altogether you could actually be missing out on a key component of a healthy, balanced diet.

PLAN YOUR MEALS

A great tip that’s often overlooked in diet programmes is emphasising the importance of planning your meals. If you’re serious about healthy eating, planning meals means that you’re in full control of your food intake for the day and won’t be as likely to find yourself with nothing in the fridge and instead reaching for the takeaway menu. Planning your meals and shopping accordingly will also make it easier for you to stick to a food budget with fewer stressful and time consuming trips to the shops.

BONUS TIP: Introduce the cheat day Life’s too short not to enjoy it, so once a week allow yourself a cheat day to reward yourself for eating well by eating whatever you want. A cheat day takes a tremendous amount of self-control to make sure that, for the rest of the week, you continue to eat healthily (following our five tips for a starter) and not allowing your cheat day to turn into a cheat weekend and beyond!

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Movin’... lifestyle With ‘Euro-Zone’ destinations becoming increasingly expensive to travel to, Andrea Wren, travel expert and owner of internet-based luxury travel consultancy, Wren Elite Travel, tells us why the African bush – followed by time out on the beach – is a great value holiday this year. You might not generally consider Kenya a beach destination, but after the adventure of the bush, a few days of letting the sand tickle your toes is the perfect way to round off a safari holiday. It’s good to know that once you’re away, expenditure is likely to be minimal since most safaris are fullboard and all-inclusive resort options for the beach are plentiful. Plus, optional excursions such as a Masai balloon ride can be pre-booked and paid for before you travel, meaning that you can stay on top of your expenses. When doing safari, passengers normally fly into Nairobi: It’s usually best to rest after the flight, so where possible, spending a night in Nairobi is recommended. The 5-star Nairobi Serena Hotel is a great option for anyone who likes the good life, being a Leading Hotel of The World. Some of the most popular game reserves to visit include Amboseli, with its imposing backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Samburu, an open savannah traversed by the Ewaso Nyiro River, and of course the Masai Mara – where you have the opportunity to meet the Masai people and see the ‘big five’: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. If visiting around September time, you might also get to witness the incredible spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration across the Masai Mara. The Rift Valley Lakes are a favourite too, where you’ll find Lake Nakuru National Park, sanctuary to one of the largest populations of rhinos in Kenya, as well as Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementeita. For holidaymakers with preferences for certain reserves or who don’t want to travel in a group, tailor-made holi-

days can easily be put together, according to requirements. Kenya caters for all accommodation tastes, from luxury tented camps such as Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo (Masai Mara), to the Sopa Lodges, such as the classically African-themed Amboseli Sopa Lodge with its lovely pool, and to exclusive wilderness like the Porini Lion Camp in the Masai Mara, with only six tents. In Kenya, the African bush can be exchanged for the natural beauty of the beaches, with a short flight away to Mombasa (booking with a quality tour operator will ensure your transfers and flights are included, so with no added stress).

Head out of the ‘Euro-zone’ and into the African bush and beach this summer two wonderful retreats, Kipungani and Manda Island, accessed by a flight from Nairobi and a boat transfer. So, while the Euro is strong and European destinations are more expensive, if there was ever a time to seek the wonders of the African experience, it’s now. Once you step foot on African soil, you’ll be destined to return.

Zanzibar

The Mombasa area on Kenya’s east coast boasts endless white beaches, coral reefs, a variety of water sports, and an ancient and exotic culture. Nyali Beach in north Mombasa, is one of the nearest beach hotels to town, where you’ll find the Nyali Beach hotel, one of the most famous in Mombasa, offering traditional hospitality and good standards of service.

The incredible paradise of Zanzibar, lies only 25 miles off the coast of East Africa. It’s easy to reach on a domestic flight from Nairobi, and here you can truly relax in pristine and idyllic surroundings. If you’re a keen diver, then you’ll love exploring Zanzibar, as it’s of one of the world’s premier diving locations.

Malindi, to the north of Mombasa, also offers excellent beaches, superb coral reefs and is an area popular for deep-sea fishing. Diani is a lively resort for people who like nightlife, plus there are wonderful bird watching opportunities at the Tiwi River, located near the Indian Ocean Beach Club (a popular 4-star hotel).

Zanzibar isn’t just beach and diving though: How about touring the spice plantations, seeing the monkeys at Jozani forest, meeting the giant tortoises at Prison Island, and discovering the port city of Stone Town? Like Kenya, Zanzibar offers lush accommodation such as the 5-star all-inclusive Planhotel Gemma Dell’Est.

For those who prefer the peace and quiet, Lamu is the ideal Kenyan beach-getaway. It’s an idyllic, tropical island off the north coast of Kenya with lush beaches and tiny villages that hide among coconut and mango plantations. On Lamu, you will find

Have the perfect Kenya safari & beach holiday tailormade for you by Wren Elite Travel, starting from just £1,739 per person for 14 nights full-board at two 5-star, luxury resorts including safari. Contact Wren Elite Travel by email to enquiries@ wrenelitetravel.co.uk, or call 0845 475 0342. May–June 2009 | Issue 2

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Movin’... lifestyle

The Other Hand by Chris Cleave

Tell Me Something by Adele Parks A story that every girl can relate to, especially where evil mother-in-laws are concerned. Elizabeth has a handsome Italian husband, but numerous attempts at conceiving the babies that Elizabeth so desperately wants has pushed him into the arms of his ex, leaving Elizabeth to fend for herself. Following a move to Italy, Elizabeth finds that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be and the language barrier is proving difficult. In a search to give her life some meaning and escape from her disapproving mother-in-law, Elizabeth enlists the help of a handsome American language teacher. He becomes a close friend but Elizabeth secretly wants more. Torn between making her marriage work against all odds and falling into the arms of her American friend, Elizabeth is forced to search her heart. A wonderful happy ending though: romance is indeed not dead!

We think this is the best book we’ve read this year, maybe even longer. The summary in the book doesn’t really tell you anything, but we were intrigued enough to give it a try, and we’re so glad we did! This is an amazingly well written book that made us laugh, made us cry, and kept us up all night. This is a book that will instantly grip you, and doesn’t let go. The Other Hand will change the way you view other people, and may even change the way you see yourself; we have a feeling that this book will haunt us for a long time. We don’t want to give anything away regarding the plot, and there’s no way we could do it justice here anyway, but suffice to say that this book is funny, moving, uplifting, horrifying and poignant. The horror is in the fact that this story is so utterly believable and will stay with you long after you turn the last page. We really do urge you to read this book, as it’s something special. Our only word of warning would be don’t start this book when you have an early start the next morning as you’ll no doubt be up all night reading and thinking about this book. Absolutely superb.

C a l e n d a r Saturday 9 May, 11–3pm Author, Stephen Gerard-Hayden, will be instore signing copies of his book Cobblestone Kids Monday 11 May, 6pm 14yrs+ Book Group Discussing Numbers by Rachel Ward Wednesday 13 & 27 May, 6.30pm Clairvoyant Evening with medium, Jeanette Ogden Monday 18 May, 6pm 11–14yrs Book Group Thursday 28 May, 7pm Fiction Book Group

WIN A £15 BORDERS GIFT CARD! All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning it is to answer the following question:

What is the title of Chris Cleaves’ first novel? Visit www.movinmagazine.com and fill out the form, along with your answer. Closing date is 8 June 2009, when the winner will be drawn at random from the entries received. Good luck!

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

www.shannonstrust.org.uk www.j-u-m-p.org

w w w. p e t e p i n n i n g t o n . c o . u k

Wire FM’s longest serving presenter gives us his views, and discusses what’s on in Warrington

Welcome to my ﬁrst page in this great new FREE magazine published for Warrington people! Each issue, my plan is to make you smile and let you know what’s going on locally – pretty much what I do on the radio!

Pete’s Calendar... On Sunday 17 May, I’ll be running this year’s Manchester 10K with Team WDP. All monies raised will be for the Warrington Disability Partnership. Find out more at www.justgiving.com/teamwdp

WELL DONE WARRINGTON! On 3 March 2009, baby Bobby was born blind due to an incredibly rare cornea abnormality known as Peter’s Anomaly. His only chance of sight was by having operations to implant artificial corneas, which could only be done by one doctor in New York. The operations cost £50,000, and if baby Bobby was to have a chance of sight, the money needed to be raised within two weeks! On 1 April, Wire FM & The Shannon Bradshaw Trust (of which I’m a Patron) launched the Baby Bobby Brown Appeal.

The Warrington community pulled together and gave so generously, raising a whopping £52,500 in one week, and a huge £80,000 after two! You can follow Baby Bobby’s recovery online on my website, www.petepinnington.co.uk, and by listening to 107.2 Wire FM. 50

May–June 2009 | Issue 2

Listen to Pete Weekdays Saturdays 3–7pm 10–2pm

PETE’S PAUSE FOR THOUGHT Vending machines have been a thorn in my side for years. I’ve always made my selection carefully, found the correct change, and placed the coins into the vending machine one after the other. The machine then rejects them. I’ve checked to make sure they’re not buttons, Spanish doubloons or mints. I’ve wiped them on my sleeve, licked them (not really understanding why but sometimes it works). I’ve then pressed the numbers carefully and waited. And waited. Then sudenly the row starts to move…but then it gets stuck! Vending machine manufacturers are obviously very clever because once this happens, people then try to buy one of the items above in the hope that it’ll drop down and knock what you originally wanted out on the way down! Sometimes, I’ve spent more on a vending machine than a fruit machine!

On Bank Holiday Sunday 24 May, J-U-M-P will be holding a Family Fun Day at Monks Sports & Social Club, Hillock Lane, Woolston between 1 and 5pm. I’ll be there, along with fellow Patrons, Carly Stenson & Ricky Whittle (Steph Dean & Calvin Valentine from Hollyoaks). There’ll be a GIANT Wii, Jenga, Connect 4, penalty shootout, balloon race, bouncy castle, face painting, disco and bbq! The Warrington Horse Show, on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May, is a family funfilled day out, celebrating all things equestrian at Hall Lane Farm, Daresbury. The show offers a huge variety of attractions, from spectacular national and international show jumping competitions to extensive showing displays. It’s not all about the horses though – you can bring your dog along and hope he’ll win any one of the dog show categories. The Strong Man competition is always a hit with the ladies PLUS, for the children, there are donkey rides and funfair rides! On Saturday 27 June, The Annual Warrington Festival will once again deliver a series of events for the whole family – The Comedy Store, Fashion Shows, Party In The Park, and plenty more!

ing!

d Thanks for rea Pete

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