East Riding Mag: February 2023

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Editor’s note

Welcome to the Febuary edition of the magazine. I hope that you are all keeping well and are now looking forward to the Spring - it is going to be very tough for everyone with the current cost of living crisis and the state of the world that we live in. I don’t ever remember things been as bad as they are now - please continue to use the local businesses, shops, tradesmen and services that advertise in the magazine - it really does help our local economy, the local employment situation and ultimately the planet when you do.

We have an interesting and varied range of topics in this edition for your enjoyment ranging from A Special NHS 4 Page Pull Out, a feature on Hotel Destinations for under £200 to Rebekah’s Favourite Make-Up Tricks feature. In the House & Home feature we take a look at Book Shelves and Listed Properties. We also have a very informative news article from our local Police & Crime Commissioner - Jonathan Evison about the work that he is doing. We also have our usual round up of all the New Books to read this month. Roy Woodcock takes a look at the Nissan Qashqai in his Motoring Column

We have our regular Gardening column with Patrick White who takes a look at Carrots. The Food & Drink section has a great American Style Pancake recipe for you to cook up for Shrove Tuesday. We also have our regular Wine Column with Roy Woodcock who relays the latest wine news and takes a look at the best wine buys currently available. As usual we finish off with Fiona Dwyer’s ‘food for thought’

Until next month take care and look after each other

Editor

Magazine Team

Managing Director: Nic Gough.

Sales Director & Editor: Jane Gough.

Advertising Sales: Heather Mapplebeck.

Distribution Manager: Phil Hiscott.

Finance Manager: JP Kinnersley.

Designers: Mervyn King, Adam Jacobs.

Photography: Clash Pix.

Contributors: Fiona Dwyer, Roy Woodcock, Chris Warkup, Rebekah Robinson, Marc Greaves, Frances Lindley, Patrick White.

© Dalton Spire Limited 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press.

We cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact advertisers directly with regards to the price of products and/or services, referred to in this magazine.

Fashion on a Plate - 1950’s Contemporary

Treasure House, Beverley - Saturday

11 February to Saturday 6 May

Our spring Treasure House exhibition is full of favourite tableware brands from the 1950’s including Meakin, Beswick and Ridgway whose stylish Homemaker range was sold in Woolworths. There are examples of iconic local brand Hornsea Pottery including pieces kindly on loan from Hornsea Museum. Visitors can take a trip down memory lane with our film footage of the Hornsea Pottery visitor centre in the 1970s, courtesy of Yorkshire Film Archive.

East Riding Archives holds over 800 documents, photographs and design sheets relating to Hornsea Pottery and some of the material will be on display.

Treasure House Opening times:

• Monday: 9.30am – 5pm

• Tuesday: 9.30am – 8pm

• Wednesday: 9.30am – 5pm

• Thursday: 9.30am – 8pm

• Friday: 9.30am – 5pm

• Saturday: 9am – 4pm

Portraiture Course

- the Treasure House

An exciting new short art course will begin at the Treasure House on Saturdays 4 and 11 March from 10am until 3.15pm. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to make good on a New Year’s resolution! The course is led by experienced artist and tutor Esther Cawley and is suitable for beginners or those with some art experience. Participants will paint a self-portrait in acrylics inspired by the portraits of Fred Elwell in Beverley Art Gallery’s collection. They can choose to paint from life, using a mirror, or to work from a photograph of themselves. Esther will provide full tuition and support throughout the course. From sketching a tonal portrait to mixing flesh tones and demonstrating the different ways to apply acrylic paint, the sessions promise to be inspiring, valuable and enjoyable. The course costs £65 per person. Booking is essential as places are limited. Book online or call the booking line on (01482) 392699 Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Limited tickets are also available at Beverley Art Gallery for those preferring to book in person. A list of materials required can be found online.

The Swamp Doggs supported

by Murphy, Ridge and Taylor

The Processed Pea Music Club, Walkington Village Hall

Wednesday 22nd February - 7:30pm

Opening their 2023 programme - one of the Pea’s favourite bands

THE SWAMP DOGGS. Specifically chosen to open their music calendar knowing what a fantastic first night the audience can expect. It’s going to be an awesome night of foot tapping and singing of classic big hits we have come to love, but all done in a way that only the Swamp Doggs can do, it’s called HILLBILLY MADNESS! Bluegrass at its very best. These guys know how to entertain for sure!

Supporting them for their first visit to the Pea are the fabulous MURPHY, RIDGE and TAYLOR. These guys are super musicians with fabulous harmonies and will set the scene for an awesome night of big hit covers bound to have everyone singing along.

Tickets £10 Available in person from The Barrel, Walkington or online from: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/567231

RICHARD STRANGE presents

‘An Accent Waiting to Happen’

FRIDAY 3 MARCH 8pm

St Michael’s Church, Main Street Cherry Burton, Nr Beverley. HU17 7RF In Association with ‘Upstairs at Monks’

An evening of songs, film clips, stories, readings and scurrilous gossip from his 40 years in the arts and entertainment world.

The ‘Doctors of Madness’ Musician, actor and writer has appeared on stage, in films and on television alongside names such as James Nesbitt, Peter Capaldi and Marianne Faithfull. Films and TV credits include Batman, Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves, Harry Potter, & Men Behaving Badly. ”This show is funny, fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable” .

TICKETS £12 available now from Costcutter Cherry Burton by 23 January. (Please note online tickets for this show are on the following link only!) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/richard-strange-presents-an-accentwaiting-to-happen-tickets-513757200617

Bring your Own Drinks & Glasses!

FITTING A BOOKSHELF OR A FEATURE LIBRARY WALL

We asked interior designers for chapter and verse on creating beautiful and practical shelving for books

Our resident features writer is a fellow fan and here, Jenny Watson – interiors stylist, author and Victorian-terrace-dweller –waxes lyrical on the qualities of Victorian and Edwardian homes, and why they still reign supreme for modern-day living.

1. CONSIDER BUILDING BESPOKE Bespoke shelving has become increasingly popular as it can be curated to reflect your unique needs. ‘Bespoke furniture works with the architecture of your home to create seamless fixtures that feel like they are part of the room, rather than a piece that has been placed within it. It also helps a home feel more “designed”,’ explains designer Natalie Price.

In this space, the bookshelf design goes a step further, incorporating a hidden door that opens into a study. Covering the door means no inch of storage space is wasted, while also helping to achieve a cosy library-room aesthetic.

The alternative to bespoke shelving is to use freestanding designs, which offer flexibility and versatility. Either opt for a statement piece

or create the built-in look by arranging a series of thin full-height units next to each other.

2. LOOK BEYOND THE LIVING ROOM

Bookshelves aren’t just for a living room or office; they offer a valuable addition to any space.

Here, the walls of a dining room have been given an injection of character with full-height shelves. Painted in a warm orange-red shade with neutral panelled backs, the shelves provide a space to display both books and decor.

When selecting a bookshelf, let your material choices be guided by the space the shelving will occupy. Wood is the traditional choice and will be well suited to a living room or hallway. However, metal designs can create an industrial look, perfect for more utilitarian schemes, while glass designs bring a minimalist, contemporary flair.

3. MAKE THE MOST OF UNUSED

SPACE

Even the smallest areas can become home to a bookshelf. Nooks,

Continued page 8

House & Home

alcoves and otherwise dead spaces can all benefit from the addition of characterful storage. This bookshelf maps the wall, making use of the space between the door and the window, then tracks over the door, creating the perfect space to house lesser-used books.

To avoid space-wasting gaps, measure your books and create different heights of shelving for paperbacks, hardbacks and coffee table books – shelves look best when they are an inch or two higher than the books they hold.

When space is tight, pair your bookshelf with a cupboard at the base to provide extra storage.

4. STYLE UP YOUR SHELVING

The way you dress the bookshelf will define the look and feel of your room. ‘Books are such an important part of a home, we love using them in our projects. Not only do they make a space feel lived in but they are a great way to introduce colour in a room,’ explains interior designer Kathy McGuinness, who created this space.

‘A picture-perfect bookcase is an art, and arranging them by colour

looks good. We love to mix books with objects, lights, and even artwork; just ensure you don’t pack too much in when combining them with other objects.

It is important to create balance rather than necessarily aiming for total symmetry.’

5. ADD LAMPS TO YOUR

BOOKSHELF

A large bookshelf can become a dark blot in a room without good lighting to turn it into a feature at night. ‘A bookshelf is a great place to incorporate lighting into an interior.

We include layered lighting in our designs to create an inviting and moody atmosphere. This includes a combination of wall, table and overhead lighting – or indeed lighting attached to joinery.

For a bookshelf this size, we would typically include four lamps, often with coloured and patterned shades to draw the eye and inject a note of fun into the design,’ says Nic Gough, designer at Dalton Spire, who designed this room.

Listed Homes

We look at the pros and cons...

There’s a special kind of allure to a listed building. Rare and unique properties of historical or architectural importance, they have been placed on a national register with strict rules in place designed to protect and maintain their fabric for future generations. There are three categories of listing. Grade II means the property is of special interest. Grade II* means it is considered important and of more than special interest. And Grade I means the property is of ‘exceptional interest’.

‘Listed buildings offer something different to homebuyers. Not only are they a piece of history, they are often unique in terms of design and build,’ explains Marc Headley Grreaves, managing director of Bounds & Greaves estate agency.

‘This, coupled with the fact that stock levels are limited, makes them incredibly rare, and so increases their desirability further.

They are essentially an investment class of their own, much like gold or antique furniture, which can also make them impervious if there’s a dip in property values across the wider market.’

RULES TO CONSIDER

The fabric of a listed building is protected by law, which means owners need to apply for both listed building consent and planning permission when proposing any changes.

‘Regular maintenance and likefor-like repair is often permitted but if these renovations involve alterations to the fabric or features of the home, you will need consent,’ says Marc.

Getting approval for a larger project, such as an extension or loft conversion, may be slow or difficult to obtain. ‘The most common obstacle is failing to seek advice from a heritage consultant during the initial stages of any renovation project,’ Marc advises.

‘Beyond that, it’s the changes themselves that can cause issues,

either because they are prohibited or they haven’t been carried out to the necessary standards.’

CHECK BEFORE YOU INVEST

‘It’s of vital importance that you invest in a full structural Listed Building Survey or Historic Building Survey. This will reveal any existing or potential problems and give an idea of what they might cost to remedy,’ suggests Marc.

‘A specialist survey for a gradelisted home will cost between £800 and £1,500, versus a cost of between £300 and £500 for a regular home.’

You’ll also need to check that planning permission was in place for any past work on the property. If not, it may be you –

not the previous owner – who is responsible for returning the property to its previous condition.

OTHER COSTS AND CONSIDERATIONS

‘You will require specialist insurance as the rebuild cost of a listed building is higher than a traditional home,’ says Marc. ‘The average insurance premium tends to be about 40 per cent above an ordinary home insurance policy.

‘Any maintenance or repair work is likely to cost considerably more than average property building work, as it will require specialist tradespeople and specific materials. There are government grants available via Historic England so it’s well worth checking with them to see if your property is eligible.’

HIGH PRICE, HIGH RETURNS

‘The average asking price for a grade-listed home sits at £750,000, which is 131 per cent higher than the national average house price,’ explains Marc.

‘With limited stock available, demand for grade-listed homes can be high, meaning they attract immediate attention when entering the market for sale. However, they don’t suit everyone and require a certain kind of buyer with a certain level of budget.’

A LEGACY HOME

We talk about finding our ‘forever home’, but when you buy a listed home, you are truly creating a legacy for generations to come. ‘As the owner of a grade-listed home, you’re a guardian of that unique piece of history and heritage until you pass the baton on,’ Marc says.

Should you invest in a listed building, or will the regulations turn your dream home into a house of horrors?

Roy Woodcock’s World of Wines

A British Sauvignon Blanc has been named one of the best in the world in a blind tasting competition. Gloucestershire-based winemakers Woodchester Valley was awarded the highest accolade - a “Master” - at the Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters awards in the £20-£30 category of unoaked entries.

The wine, a 2021 vintage, beat entrants from more traditional wine-making countries such as France, Italy and New Zealand. It retails for £21.95 on the vineyard’s website.

The judges said the result is a “perfect example of why we taste blind - partly to leave any preconceptions behind us, and partly for the absolute joy of surprise when something unexpected turns out to be wonderful”.

They added: “And this wine was, indeed, wonderful. It starts with an intense gooseberry nose, building to reveal undertones of ripe lemon. On the palate there is bright, taut acidity and a juicy mouthfeel,” and continued: ”Very well balanced, there’s just a hint of sweetness on the finish, which is long and textured. A very engaging wine, perfect for matching with asparagus or goat’s cheese.”

The Woodchester Valley vineyard near Stroud was established by

Best Buys for February

lawyer Fiona Shiner in 2007 after she moved from Hong Kong to the Cotswolds. Her daughter Chloe, 34, joined the family business in 2018. Mrs Shiner said they did not know there was a “Masters” award above a gold medal so the award was “a very nice shock once we’d figured it out”.

Writing in her blog on the vineyard’s website, Fiona said “a few eyebrows were raised” when she first planted their Sauvignon Blanc vines in 2015. “It was a risky trial planting on a virgin site and in the South West of England when the majority of vineyards were located in the South East. It was actually a bit of an indulgence as I have always loved a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc, particularly from the Loire Valley,” she wrote.

She continued: “Our vineyards are located in the South Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the steep slopes and Cotswold brash soils typical of the area. Cotswold brash, is poor grade arable soil with a shallow layer of stony topsoil, typically 8-12 inches over limestone. Our soil is free draining, full of fossils and a mean challenge for any cultivation machinery or post knocker.

However the vines thrive in this environment and send their roots down deep into the limestone rock. During the drought of the summer of 2022, they looked a vibrant green against the parched grasslands.”

She said less than a handful of English vineyards had planted

The Ned Pinnacle Sauvignon Blanc

Price: £9.99 (was £12.99)

Where: Waitrose

When: Now, until February 14

Why: This is the premium selection from The Ned range - Waitrose also have The Ned, which I often recommend, currently on offer at £7.99. This is New Zealand Sauvignon at its best, offering complex aromatics of citrus and ripe white peach with a subtle sandalwood spice.

Dark Horse Merlot

Price: £7 (was £8.50)

Where: Sainsbury’s

When: Now, while stocks last. Why: Robust flavours with smooth tannins. Rich aromas of dark, jammy blackberries are complemented by toasted oak with a long, plush finish. Lovely with slow-roasted brisket of beef.

Sauvignon Blanc at the time they started their trial, in 2015. “Sauvignon Blanc is a late ripener compared to Bacchus, Ortega and other varieties we plant for our still wines,” she said. “It would need to hang on the vines later than our Chardonnay destined for sparkling wine which can be picked as late as the end of October or even into November (grapes for sparkling wine do not need to reach the ripeness levels required for still wine production),” she said.

“In a late ripening year, would it ripen at all? There was no history of Sauvignon Blanc grown in England and certainly not in the Cotswolds for reference. However, some of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines are grown in cool climates and in limestone soils. It was worth a trial.” Success came fast however, with Woodchester’s 2018 vintage winning a gold medal at the 2019 Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters.

The family business produces more than 100,000 bottles of still and sparkling wine every year. It is one of just a few British vineyards producing Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which are traditionally grown in warmer climates.

Other wines produced by the vineyard and available via their online shop include Woodchester Valley’s Culver Hill 2021, described as having “enticing notes of crisp and refreshing citrus and green fruits, beautifully balanced with subtle peach and hints of minerality”. It costs £14.95.

The estate’s Bacchus 2021 (£15.75) is said to be “a quintessential representation of the varietal style. Aromatic yet dry, With both early and late-harvested fruit this wine offers complex flavours of zesty citrus and gooseberry, subtle lychee and pineapple, with

a distinctive elderflower aroma. The finish is mouthwatering and incredibly refreshing.”

There’s a red wine, too - Atcombe Red 2020 (£19.95) and two rose wines - a 2021 Rose (£15) and a Pinot Rose 2021 (£16.95). Full details at www. woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk. Guided tours and tastings are available all year round.

The Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters is run in collaboration with the London-based company The Drinks Business. The judges tasted 146 wines, awarding Gold, Silver or Bronze medals to the top wines.

Two entries - the British wine and the Pride and Glory sauvignon blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand - were awarded the title of Sauvignon Blanc Masters, described as “the ultimate accolade” by organisers. Two Indian sauvignon blancs were also recognised at the awards, which the judges said were “particularly encouraging”.

*I should also add congratulations to local vineyard, Laurel Vines, based at Aike, near Beverley, who won the Remarkable Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award at the Visit Hull & East Yorkshire Tourism Awards.

Judges said: “Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery has been created with sustainability entirely at the forefront of its business. The people who work there have a clear passion and drive to make the wine and the vineyard activities as sustainable as possible – even going as far to get an electric tractor! Their links with the community and the relationship they maintain are incredible – and of course so is the wine!

Roy

Please drink responsibly. For the facts, visit drinkaware.co.uk

Luis Felipe Edwards Terraced Sauvignon Blanc

Price: £5.99 (was £7.99)

Where: Waitrose

When: Now, until February 14

Why: A similar Sauvignon Blanc from this Chilean producer, retailing at £7.99, won a gold medal at the Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters in the under £10 category. This vegan-friendly wine is fresh, flinty and dry and is full of fruit flavours.

Jam Shed Shiraz

Price: £7.75 (was £6.75)

Where: Co-op

When: February 1 - 24

Why: Rich & opulent Australian wine, with sweet red berry flavours and balanced with a subtle hint of vanilla and spice. It’s a seriously delicious red wine, jam packed with flavour!

A fabulous Valentines celebratory twist on the classic chicken dish –although any sparkling wine will work.

Ingredients

2tbsp olive oil

4 chicken breasts, skin on

2 sticks celery, finely chopped

300g pearl shallots, peeled

2 carrots, roughly chopped

350g small chestnut mushrooms or larger ones, quartered

2 sprigs thyme

350ml Champagne

125ml chicken stock

Few sprigs tarragon leaves, chopped

3tbsp cr.me fraiche

Lemon wedges, to serve

Method

Step 1:

Heat half the oil in a large, lidded frying pan and fry the chicken skin side down. Season the top of the

chicken and leave it to cook until the skin is crisp and golden. Turn it over, season the skin and cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2:

Add the remaining oil to the pan along with the celery, shallots and carrots. Cook on a low heat for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.

Turn the heat up a little, add the mushrooms and the thyme, and cook for a further 5-10 minutes, until the mushrooms start to brown.

Step 3:

Pour in the champagne and allow the alcohol to cook off for a few minutes before adding the stock. Bring to a rolling simmer, nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan and cook with the lid on for 10 minutes. Remove the lid for a final 10 minutes, adding 1tbsp of water if it gets too thick. Remove from the heat.

Step 4:

Stir through the tarragon leaves and crème fraîche. Serve with boiled potatoes or rice, and fresh greens.

American Style Pancakes

Our easy American style pancakes are light, fluffy and perfect for an indulgent breakfast or as a dessert to celebrate Pancake Day. Whip them up in 10 minutes, stack them and serve with syrup, bacon or fresh fruits.

What’s the main difference between British and American pancakes?

The difference between British and American pancakes is a raising agent. The British-style pancakes don’t use one, whereas the American-style pancakes do – typically baking powder, or whipped egg white, or both. We’ve used both in our recipe below.

Ingredients

225g Plain White Flour

4 tsp Baking powder

2 tsp Unrefined Golden Caster Sugar

1 tsp Salt

2 Egg(s) (free range)

300ml Milk (whole)

50g Butter (unsalted) Drizzle Maple syrup

Method

Step 1: Sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl and stir in the sugar and salt.

Step 2: Make a well in the centre and add the eggs and milk. Whisk to a smooth batter and ideally leave for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Lightly grease a pan with butter and spoon the mixture on to the hot pan. Cook on each side for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining batter. Use the remaining butter in between to re-grease the pan.

Step 5: Enjoy drizzled with syrup or stack and serve with fresh fruits.

Why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?

In Christian traditions, the 40 days before Easter are known as Lent, and they mark the time that Jesus spent fasting in the desert. Traditionally, Christians would mark the period with prayers and fasting, abstaining from a whole range of foods, including meat, eggs, fish, fats and milk. The word ‘shrove’ comes from the old Roman Catholic practice of being ‘shriven’ – meaning to confess one’s sins. The shriving bell would be rung on Shrove Tuesday to call people to church to confess.

Before Lent could begin in earnest, all edible temptations needed to be removed. This took place over a period of days known as ‘Shrovetide’. Meat such as bacon would be eaten up on ‘Collop Monday’ (a collop is a thin slice of meat). And on Shrove Tuesday eggs, butter and stocks of fat would be used up. One of the easiest ways to dispose of these items was to turn them into pancakes or fritters, a custom which continued long after the Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century.

The Monday and Tuesday before Lent were periods of great festivity

before the coming days of abstinence. Children would go ‘Shroving’ or ‘Lent-crocking’ on Shrove Tuesday (or the night before), knocking on their neighbours’ doors and singing:

‘We be come a-shroving, For a piece of pancake, Or a bite of bacon, Or a little truckle of cheese Of your own making’

Or on Collop Monday:

‘Once, twice, thrice I give thee warning Please to make some pancakes

‘Gin tomorrow morning’

Sometimes they would bring shards of crockery or stones with them to throw at householders who refused to give them anything!

Pancake Day: February 21st, 2023

New Books To Read This Winter

If you’re after a new read, we’ve rounded up the best books out there –from highly anticipated debuts to thrilling sequels. Plus, we’ve included a handful of top reader recommendations from our readers.…

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

American-Israeli author Leigh Bardugo’s rollercoaster ride of a follow up to Ninth House ups the ante on sinister intrigue and atmospheric chills as Yale’s staff members start turning up very dead, very frequently. Galaxy ‘Alex’ Stern is determined to break Darlington out of hell – even if it costs her a future at Lethe and at Yale. But Alex is playing with forces far beyond her control, and as the staff members die one by one, she knows these aren’t just accidents.

Something deadly is at work in New Haven, and if Alex is going to survive, she’ll have to reckon with the monsters. The ideal read if you’re in the mood for something fantasy based.

The Garnett Girls by Georgina Moore

This debut is a powerful tale of sisterhood and home. Margo and Richard’s love affair was the stuff legends are made of – forbidden, passionate, all encompassing, but ultimately doomed. When Richard walked out, Margo shut herself away from the world, leaving her three daughters, Rachel, Imogen and Sasha, to run wild. Having finally put the past behind her, charismatic Margo holds court in her cottage on the Isle of Wight, refusing to ever speak of Richard. But her silence

is keeping each of the Garnett girls from finding true happiness. The eldest, Rachel, is desperate to return to London, but is held hostage by responsibility for Sandcove, their beloved but crumbling family home. Imogen, the dreamy middle child, feels the pressure to marry her kind, considerate fiancé, even when her life takes an unexpected turn. And wild Sasha, trapped between her increasingly alienated family and her controlling husband, has unearthed the secret behind Richard’s departure – and when she reveals it, the effects are devastating.

In Ascension by Martin MacInnes

Leigh grew up in Rotterdam, drawn to the waterfront as a refuge from her unhappy home life and volatile father. Enchanted by the marine world of her childhood, she excels in postgraduate research on ancient algae. When an unfathomable vent appears in the mid-Atlantic floor, Leigh joins the investigating team – and what she finds there will change her life forever. Around the same time, a trio of engineers, unknown to each other, make a seismic breakthrough in rocket propulsion, announcing an almost limitless era of space exploration. Billions of dollars are poured into projects, and Leigh’s classified research on the ocean vent sees her recruited to develop an experimental food source for offworld travel. From her base in the Mojave Desert, she’s drawn further into the space agency’s work. Soon, Leigh embarks on a journey that will take her across the breadth of the cosmos and the fullness of a single human life..

Age of Vice

by Deepti Kapoor

New Delhi, 3am. A speeding Mercedes jumps the kerb, and in the blink of an eye five people are dead. It’s a rich man’s car, but when the dust settles there is no rich man at all, just a shellshocked servant who cannot explain the strange series of events

that led to this crime. Nor can he foresee the dark drama that is about to unfold. Deftly shifting through time and perspective in contemporary India, Age of Vice is an action-packed story propelled by the seductive wealth, startling corruption, and bloodthirsty violence of the Wadia family. In the shadow of lavish estates, extravagant parties, predatory business deals, and calculated political influence, three lives become dangerously intertwined: Ajay is the watchful servant, born into poverty, who rises through the family’s ranks. Sunny is the playboy heir who dreams of outshining his father, whatever the cost. And Neda is the curious journalist caught between morality and desire. Equal parts crime thriller and family saga, Age of Vice is an intoxicating novel of gangsters and lovers, false friendships, forbidden romance and the consequences of corruption.

The Witches of Vardo

by Anya Bergman

Norway in 1662 is a dangerous time to be a woman, when even dancing can lead to accusations of witchcraft. After recently widowed Zigri’s affair with a local merchant is discovered, she is sent to the fortress at Vardo to be tried as a witch. Zigri’s daughter Ingeborg sets off into the wilderness to try to bring her mother back home. Accompanying her on this quest is Maren – herself the daughter of a witch – whose wild nature and unconquerable spirit gives Ingeborg the courage to venture into the unknown, and to risk everything to save her family. Also captive in the fortress is Anna Rhodius, once the King of Denmark’s mistress, who has been sent in disgrace to the island of Vardo. What will she do – and who will she betray – to return to her privileged life at court? In an age weighted against them, these women refuse to be victims. They will have their justice – all they need do is show their power.

Really Good, Actually

by Monica Heisey

This is one of the most hotly anticipated debut novels of 2023, from Schitt’s Creek screenwriter Monica Heisey. Maggie’s marriage has ended just 608 days after it started, but she’s fine – she’s doing really good, actually. Yes, she’s alone for the first time in her life, can’t afford her rent and her obscure

PhD is going nowhere, but at the age of 29, Maggie is determined to embrace her new status as a ‘Surprisingly Young Divorcee’. Soon she’s taking up ‘sadness hobbies’ and getting back out there, sex wise, oversharing in the group chat and drinking with her highintensity new divorced friend Amy.

As Maggie throws herself headlong into the chaos of her first year of divorce, she finds herself questioning everything. Laughout-loud funny, sharp and painfully relatable, Really Good, Actually is an irresistible novel about the uncertainties of modern love, friendship and happiness.

Ghost Music

by An Yu

This brilliant book is set in Beijing. For three years, Song Yan has filled the emptiness of her apartment with the tentative notes of her young piano students. With her marriage, she gave up on her own career as a concert pianist, but her husband Bowen has long rebuffed her desire to have a child. Instead, she must accommodate her mother-in-law, newly arrived from the province of Yunnan and bringing with her longburied family secrets. Soon strange parcels start to show up on the doorstep and Song Yan’s dreams become troubling and claustrophobic. Striking out alone through the winter city, she finds herself pulled into the ancient hutongs to confront the source of her unease. In a silent room within a timeless house, can she find the notes she needs to make sense of all the pain and beauty in her life?

All the books in this feature are available to purchase now at The Beverley Bookshop, 19 Butcher Row, Beverley HU17 0AA.

Please buy your books locally and support your local bookshops and the local economy - it really does make a difference!

LET'S GET BETTER Looking after our health together

We all have a part to play in looking after our health and the health of those around us. Here you can find all the information you need to look after your health this winter, and as we move into spring.

Let’s get vaccinated

We can protect ourselves and our families by getting vaccinated against COVID and flu, if we are eligible. Vaccinations help protect us from serious illness and protect the local health and care system from being overwhelmed.

COVID-19 boosters Seasonal COVID-19 boosters are available for:

• People aged 50 and over

• Pregnant women

• Carers

• Front line health and care workers

• Care home residents

• People of all ages who have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has

Find out more search NHS COVID-19 vaccine or scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet camera.

Flu jabs

If you’re eligible for a COVID-19 booster, you’re likely to also be eligible for a free flu jab. Young people and those with a long-term health condition/s can also have a free flu jab.

You can find out about flu jab eligibility on the NHS website. If you’re not eligible for a free jab, you can still protect yourself against flu through your local pharmacy for a small fee.

Find out more search NHS flu vaccine or scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet camera.

It is not too late to get vaccinated. If you are in an eligible group, book your vaccination today.

Don’t forget!

Always follow the directions on medicine packets and read the information leaflet. Never exceed the stated dose. Always keep medicines out of sight and reach of children and dispose of them safely through your local pharmacy.

Let’s look out for each other

The winter months can be an isolating time – keeping in touch and looking out for one another can help us all feel better supported and not so alone. Taking the time to chat with an elderly neighbour or visiting a family member could make all the difference to someone’s mood – including yours!

Think about the people in your life who might need some extra help during the colder months; elderly family and friends, people with long-term health condition/s, or people who are isolated. Support them by:

• Keeping in touch and asking if they need any practical help or what they need if they’re feeling under the weather. Support them to see their pharmacist if they need to.

• Making sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days in case they can’t get out.

• Supporting them in accessing cost of living support if they need it.

• Making sure they order repeat prescription medicines before they run out.

Follow this advice:

• Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), the room you spend most time in should be 21°C and your bedroom at least 18°C

• Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights

• Keep active when you’re indoors

• Wear several layers of light clothes

• Wrap up well when you go out in the cold: layering is the best way to keep warm. Try wrapping a scarf around your face before you go out in the cold. It'll warm up the cold air before you breathe it in, reducing the risk of respiratory problems.

Cost of living support is available

Cost of living support is available through the Hull City Council ‘Hull Together’ rescue package.

A dedicated telephone hotline, email address and online hub has been launched to help residents access the help they need. Hull Together connects local people with advice, information and support. This includes how to check benefit eligibility, debt support, accessing food banks and support applying for grants.

Several warm spaces have also launched, where people can go for free to keep warm, have hot drinks and charge phones.

To find out more call 01482 300 303, email costofliving@hullcc.gov.uk or visit hull.gov.uk/costofliving

Keeping warm is important as it can help prevent colds, flu and serious health problems like heart attack, stroke and pneumonia.

Let’s get online

Download the NHS App

The NHS App a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. You can use it to get health advice, get COVID-19 information, order repeat prescriptions, book appointments, and much more. Find out more here

www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

Use apps to support health conditions

Digital health apps are great tools to help you manage your health, particularly if you have a long-term health condition. Apps can help you recognise when your condition is getting worse and help you to know what to do.

Get self-care advice

The Self-Care forum is a website with factsheets and information for taking care of common conditions like backpain, eczema, heartburn and indigestion and more. Visit the website here www.selfcareforum.org

The Humber and North Yorkshire Health Apps Library

brings together trusted smartphone apps to help you stay fit and healthy. Search for apps online here https://hnyhealthapps.co.uk/

Let’s choose well

We know that finding the right place to go when you become ill or are injured can be confusing. Find out more about where to go to get the right care for you.

Vons Hearing Clinic in Beverley!

Vons Hearing Clinic is a family-run, independent clinic that can be found at 13A Saturday Market, Beverley and offers patients a compassionate and reliable service. Appointments are available quickly and if patients struggle to get into the clinic due to health or mobility problems, then the team can arrange for home visits.

Audiologist Ann Marie Von Ballmoos is a qualified registered Hearing Aid dispenser with the HCPC (RHAD) and has many years of experience working in the hearing industry. She takes the time to understand patients hearing concerns and to recommend the most appropriate solution to their hearing needs backed up by an honest and authentic customer journey.

The new hearing clinic offers a variety of hearing based services, including Ear Wax removal by micro-suction, hearing aid maintenance and repairs, noise protection etc.. and of course if you are at all concerned about your hearing, feel free to pop in and speak to their friendly team who will be happy to give you free independent hearing advice.

If you suffer from loss of hearing, visit the newly opened

Ann Marie Von Ballmoos

YOUR POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER JONATHAN EVISON

I’m pleased to bring you the latest update from my office on the work we are doing to improve community safety in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

There was some very positive news last November when Humberside Police were given an outstanding grading by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary. This is the police equivalent of an Ofsted report in schools which takes months to complete and the inspectors scrutinise every aspect of the force’s operations and how they deal with crime, find and arrest those who commit crime and how they respond to public calls for service and support those impacted by the offence. It was one of the best results achieved by any force in the country and for me, whose job is to hold the police to account on behalf of the public, it’s a sure sign that the improvements put in place by Chief Constable Lee Freeman and his team over recent years and the hard work of all his officers and staff, have made a positive difference and we now have a police force to be proud of.

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

Of course, not everyone will feel that difference and there are still improvements to be made but Humberside Police has made great strides forward, I was particularly pleased to see the Force Control Room being praised in this report. It is now answering calls more quickly than ever before and the force was the first in the country to offer a call back service for the non-emergency 101 number so that people don’t have to wait on the line during busy periods.

The influx of new police officers continues with more to join in 2023 and also more staff being recruited in the Control Room as call handlers and dispatchers. December saw the largest ever intake of new police officers with 78 student officers taking the oath of constable.

Over the coming months they will complete their training and be on the streets across all areas of our region. We now have the highest number of police officers for over a decade, that means a better response to your calls, more neighbourhood officers embedded in the community and more deployed into specialist areas of crime. For example we now have a team dedicated to rural crime based in Driffield, more officers dedicated to protecting vulnerable members of society from crime and exploitation, and more officers to deal with serious offences such as domestic abuse, violent crime and sexual offences.

78 new police officers joined Humberside Police in December

WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES

It’s that time of year when your annual council tax bill is issued and you will see a small increase, equivalent to a few pence per week, in the portion of your Council Tax that helps to fund your police service. We are living through tough times economically and as the person responsible for setting the police budget this is not lost on me. Any increase, no matter how small, is something I take seriously, so my finance team work hard to forecast our budget not just for this year, but for the next five years ahead based on what we expect to happen and what we’d like to happen to benefit our communities, otherwise we would stand still and see no further improvement. As a resident and tax payer myself, I want to know what I’m getting for my money so I asked the Chief Constable to outline what extra service he would commit to if I increased the budget. One important aspect for me was to see neighbourhood police teams based back at police stations which had previously been lost. We have already seen neighbourhood police teams either maintained or re-established in Hull, Beverley, Bridlington, Withernsea, Pocklington, Goole and Hedon. This year will see the return of a 24-hour response team based in Driffield and the programme will continue to expand.

INVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Last year I launched my Community Safety Fund to offer grants to community organisations for local projects that will cut crime and anti-social behaviour and improve feelings of safety. My office received a large number of applications and projects from the first round of applications are now receiving funding. I intend to visit as many projects as I can to see the work that is happening to make our communities safer places. Some of the successful projects in Hull and the East Riding include:

£4,000 for new CCTV to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour at St Margaret’s Play Park in Driffield

£35,000 for the Preston Road Women’s Centre in Hull to support women recovering from domestic abuse.

£29,000 to support women in Bridlington through the Together Women project

£33,000 for Youth engagement projects to be delivered by Hull Beats Bus.

There will be many more to come as we work through the applications from the latest rounds of funding. If you are involved with a community group, non-profit organisation, Town or Parish Council and have an idea or project to cut crime, anti-social behaviour or improve safety where you live, visit the community section of my website to find out more. Grants are available from £500 up to £35,000 and each funding round will be advertised on my website and through My Community Alert so ensure you are registered to receive the latest news.

The number of PCSOs dedicated to communities will be maintained and the roads policing team will be strengthened to tackle dangerous driving, illegal and uninsured drivers and driving that is leading to death and serious injury across the whole region. There will also be more detectives in CID to investigate more crimes and bring offenders to justice.

It is vital that trust and confidence in the police is maintained and improved, you have my assurance that I will continue to monitor progress and report back to you throughout the coming year.

Last year we also received funding from the Home Office to set up the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership with other local agencies to examine the root causes of all forms of violence and deliver projects to prevent it. This work is now starting to gather momentum and you can find out more at www.humbervpp.org

To keep in touch with announcements and the latest news by email, sign up to My Community Alert at www.mycommunityalert.co.uk

For more information visit my website www.humberside-pcc.gov.uk or follow Humberside PCC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Jonathan meeting with Kirk Ella Parish Council

Jonathan with Councillors and police officers in west Hull

Six of The Best: Hotels In The UK Under £200 A Night

The UK’s hotel scene has come a long way in the last few years, but as demand has increased, so have prices. If you’re after something more affordable, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite hotels under £200 a night – from boutique properties in the country to design-led hotels along the coast…

BEST NORTHERN ESCAPE:

Victorian House Hotel, Lake District

As well as offering some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes, the Lake District is synonymous with destination hotels and holiday homes. For an affordable option, Victorian House Hotel is a family and dog-friendly hotel in Grasmere, a pretty village popular with tourists thanks to its rows of 19th- and 20th-century stone houses. Guests can stay in cosy rooms in the main house or in the newer shepherd’s hut on the estate, complete with riverbank views and a vintage roll-top bath. Elsewhere, there’s a bright and light dining room which serves breakfast and small plates throughout the day made from local produce, as well as a bar with an interesting cocktail and mocktail menu. The hotel can help you book activities in and around Grasmere, from boating trips to horse riding.

Rooms from £140 per night. Visit VictorianHouseHotel.co.uk

BEST FOR COTSWOLDS LUXURY:

Double Red Duke, Oxfordshire

Double Red Duke is a modern gastropub in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds – but its rooms rival that of any boutique hotel on this list. Ideal for a foodie staycation, guests can stay in one of six spacious rooms above the restaurant which have bold patterned wallpaper, plush headboards and cosy lighting – some even have freestanding baths. Here, food is at the heart of each stay, as guests are treated to the best local produce for breakfast and all-day dining. There’s also a fantastic Sunday lunch menu; roast dinners with all the trimmings are served by a roaring fire in the main dining room, before generous desserts are offered with lashings of custard or homemade ice-cream. Guests can also book treatments in the shepherd’s hut using 100 Acres products.

Rooms from £180 per night. Visit CountryCreatures.com

BEST FOR A WEEKEND IN WALES:

Penally Abbey, Wales

There’s a lot to admire about Penally Abbey hotel in Wales, from its chic, minimalist bedrooms to its candlelit restaurant. Located just outside Tenby, and a ten-minute walk from the Pembrokeshire

Coastal Path, the family-run hotel has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. Today, there are 12 bedrooms with plush decorative accents and tasteful pops of colour throughout, as well as a new bar, courtyard and landscaped gardens. Its destination restaurant Rhosyn celebrates the best of Pembrokeshire produce –expect six- and ten-course tasting menus served in a relaxed dining room. After a day of exploring the local area (the nearest beach is about 30 minutes away), guests can settle down in the communal living room with a book and mug of hot chocolate.

Rooms from £150 per night. Visit Penally-Abbey.com

BEST BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE:

The Yard in Bath, Somerset Bath has no shortage of luxury hotels, and The Yard is one of the more affordable. A short walk from Milsom Street’s shops and cafés, the hotel in set in a Georgian building with a Grade II-listed courtyard and cosy rooms at every turn. There are 13 to choose from – with some of our favourite interiors on this

list – ranging from classic rooms to larger suites, all with beautiful printed wallpaper, Pooky lighting and a mixture of classic and contemporary furniture. Guests can enjoy breakfast in bed (a hamper filled with local produce will be delivered to your door), or venture downstairs to find a café and wine bar with a thoughtfully curated wine list and cocktail menu. The Roman Baths and Royal Crescent are just minutes away – ideal for a relaxing weekend for two. Rooms from £140 per night. Visit TheYardInBath.co.uk

Grade II-listed house feels like an upmarket country hotel – without the hefty price tag. Surrounded by acres of private woodland, wood panelling, inglenook fireplaces and plush interiors make it a great base from which to explore the north east of England. Each of the 40 bedrooms has lovely views of the estate and surrounding area, while the modern en-suites have underfloor heating. Guests can relax and unwind in two spacious living areas, enjoy meals in the conservatory dining area (the restaurant has three AA rosettes), and have evening drinks in the Great Hall.

Rooms from £70 per night.

Visit JesmondDeneHouse.co.uk

BEST CITY BREAK:

Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle Book a staycation in Newcastle to soak up its cultural highlights – and as long as you’re happy not to stay in the city centre, Jesmond Dene House will be the perfect home away from home. Just a tenminute drive away from town, the

BEST FOR COUPLES:

Glebe House, Devon Glebe House was made for couples looking to escape busy city life. In the small east Devon town of Colyton, the hotel is set on a 15-acre estate, with five beautiful bedrooms featuring dreamy interiors and plush furnishings. The Old Kitchen Room has pretty pink pastels, an indoor wood burner and a freestanding bath behind a chic rattan divider. Glebe House also has a tennis court, swimming pool and casual dining restaurant serving some of the best Devonshire food. With far-reaching views over the rolling Coly Valley, and a short drive from the Jurassic coast, think of this as a foodie retreat in the West Country.

Rooms from £150 per night.

Visit GlebeHouseDevon.co.uk

Wastwater, Lake District

Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

Pentre Ifan standing stones,Wales

Roman Baths, Bath, Somerset

Clovelly, Devon

Quayside, Newcastle

Barbados, Bermuda, Bulgaria

&

Belgium...

On a cold winters night as I write Barbados sounds just the spot I should be

A lovely Caribbean island perfect for a winter getaway. Only a 9 hour flight to white sand beaches, sunshine, welcoming locals along with culture for those seeking it. It has always been a popular Island in the region and over the years has become much lighter on the pocket. Of course there is still ultra luxury on the West coast but a host of hotels & apartments offering a wide range of standards have developed on the South Coast. There are lovely gardens to visit on the Island, even a network of caves, Plantation Houses, museums, rum, cricket, golf & horse racing. Barbados is one of my favourite Caribbean islands possibly as my first visit many years ago was on my honeymoon.

Bermuda, is closer to the UK, located off the Eastern coast of the USA, midway between New York & Miami. Pink shell beaches amazing golf courses, fine hotels. Direct flights from Heathrow it is just a 6 hour flight. The climate is super April, May & September but you can visit year round. It is not a cheap place to visit but often hotels have special offers to promote tourism. Taking a 7 night cruise from New York you can spend around 5 days on the island allowing you to enjoy the sights & sounds (there is always a great weekly party on Dock Street) whilst still having the opportunity to live & dine on board your floating hotel in port. Although you must indulge in at least one meal ashore to experience the local cuisine. Bulgaria, a European destination bordering the Black Sea offer value for money year round & you can fly from Humberside. During the winter months it is one of the cheapest destinations to enjoy a skiing holiday. Borovets is a good resort and great for first timers. Equipment hire, lessons & lift passes are all so much cheaper than France, Austria or Italy.

During the Summer the seaside resorts come to life. There are many new modern hotels with great facilities for families also offering all inclusive holidays which represent super value. Belgium, much closer to home and something for everyone, cities steeped in history, seaside resorts. Sadly we lost our ferry direct from Hull but you can take a direct Eurostar to the heart of the capital city Brussels from London St Pancreas in just 3 hours. The statue of the Manneken Pis is an icon in the city and the Grand Place is renowned for its carpet of flowers which next takes place in 2024. For a more relaxing holiday there are coach tours travelling down to the South coast & across the channel plus odd departures sailing from Hull. This year a popular river cruise itinerary this spring sails from Amsterdam taking in the delights of the Netherlands & Belgium. To join a ship in Amsterdam you can either take the overnight ferry or take the short flight from Humberside to Amsterdam, I hope you have found a little inspiration from my B month. If you are looking to book don ’ many are into their 2nd month & certainly for 2024 & 2025 early booking discounts will start to reduce. It is time to get travelling, a change is definitely as good as a rest and I would recommend a break as a great tonic. There are so many options available to travel around our wonderful world including the UK. We look forward to the opportunity of sending you away and creating wonderful memories for you to treasure in 2023 & beyond.

MARIONOWEN TRAVEL

For all your travel needs We are a full travel agency we book ALL tour Operators & Cruise Lines. You don’t pay extra, our advice & service is included whilst you sit back and look forward to your holiday.

Our exclusive tours

10 April - Luxury River Cruise £2070

7 nights all inclusive:- pick up from your door, Flights from Humberside direct to Amsterdam. For non flyers this holiday is also available via P&O North Sea Ferries 09 April for 9 nights

05 May - A Taste of Scotland 5 days

Close to Loch Lomond enjoy the finer things in life relaxation, super walks or sitting back and drinking in the scenery. £595

23 May 23 - Seven Sea’s Splendor

9 night Regent Seven Sea’s all suite, all inclusive cruise. Sailing from Southampton. Ultra Luxury this is the ship on the TV Friday 9pm From your door call for your special price.

14 July - A Welsh Adventure £975

7 nights a 2 centre holiday staying in 3 nights at the Min y Mor in Barmouth + 4 nights a the wonderful Tynedale in Llandudno. A superb itinerary of seaside, canals, railways & castles.

16 September - Wild West Ireland £1165

9 Days exploring the Wild Atlantic Way of Galway & County Mayo, another one of Marion’s unique adventures!

22 October - 10 night cruise from £1299

Feb bookings - Free Drinks package! Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar. Sail with Emma aboard M/V Borealis Sailing from Liverpool - travel from your door

Jersey from Humberside

Saturday’s Mid May to Mid September 2023

7 or 14 nights : Call for details

Free nights : DBB for B&B offers due to finish Ask about Guernsey too!

Nort her n Lights Adve ntures 2024 21 January 5 days from Humberside

Full board, Thermal suits & boots

Snowmobile safari, Husky mushing, Reindeer camp & more £1109 pp

REMEMBER we are a FULL Travel agency & book all package holidays

Plus we tailor any holiday of your choice. E.g. Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand Escorted touring, self drive, trains etc to suit your requirements.

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My All-Time Favourite Make-Up Tricks

I know a thing or two about good make-up – which is why I am sharing some of my all-time favourite tips and tricks. From different mascara techniques to why adding blusher to the bridge of your nose can transform your entire look, these are the hacks that I have picked up after years in the beauty business.

Adjust

Your Lashes

I’d never given much thought to my mascara technique until I started covering beauty backstage at the shows. Among the many tricks I picked up was how to use your mascara wand to create different eye looks. Want your lashes to emphasise a feline flick? Swipe your wand through the hairs at a horizontal angle, gently pulling them out sideways. Want a wider, rounded effect to complement a soft halo of shadow? Use your mascara wand to pull the lashes upwards and finish by accentuating the very ends of your lashes with the tip of the brush. If I’m going big on liquid liner, I quite often only add mascara to my bottom lashes. It somehow balances out the drama that’s happening up top. When it comes to formula, I like something that has more of a gel-like consistency as opposed to anything too creamy. The Rubberlash mascara from make-up artist Isamaya French’s debut line has a real vinyl quality making it easy to use in different ways.

Apply

Blush To Your Nose

If I could only implore you to try just one of these tricks it would be

my failsafe blusher tip, which is to always add blusher to the bridge of your nose as well as your cheeks. I can’t emphasise what a difference it makes, brightening everything up, pulling it all together and just giving you an imperceptible glow of health. Any formula will work, so stick with what you love, but if you are in the market to try something new, I keep Glossier’s Cloud Paint in ‘Dusk’, Monika Blunder’s Liquid Flush in ‘Rome’ and Pacifica’s Fluffy Blush in ‘Bloom’ on rotation.

Use Highlighter First

Although I prefer lighter coverage and a more natural-looking base, I often find myself applying foundation all over my face, whether it’s needed or not. Recently, however, I’ve taken to applying a highlighter before my foundation and concealer instead of afterwards. This easy switch means that because my skin already has a lovely luminosity to it, I only apply base make-up to the areas that really need it, like around my nose and on any areas of hyperpigmentation. I’m hooked on Fenty’s Eaze Drop’Lit in ‘Taffy Topaz’, which is a champagne-flecked liquid highlighter that makes you look like you’ve had the best facial of your life. Powder formulas will work if they’re your thing, but I’d advise using a damp beauty blender to pat on your foundation and avoid dragging the pigment.

Red + Blue = White

Rethink Your Lip Liner

Lip liner is one of those products that, despite being tricky to perfect, is essential if you want your lipstick to look crisp and the colour to stay put. If, like me, you struggle to line your lips convincingly, start at the corners and gently glide the pencil up to the cupid’s bow. Going in this direction is somehow more fool proof and produces fewer wobbles – and, because the way pencil naturally glides outside your natural lip line, it’ll give the effect of a fuller shape. Even if I’m not wearing lipstick, I use the liner end of something neutral like Sculpted by Aimee’s Undressed Lip Duo in ‘Nude’ to create the shape, then blur the edges of the line inwards with a little lip balm.

Hands up who doesn’t want whiter teeth? Thought so. While you can obviously go down the whitening route, applying a slick of red lipstick is a faster (not to mention cheaper) way to cheat a brighter smile. The key to getting it right is to pick the right shade of red. Steer clear of orange-based options and instead look for blue-based reds. Because blue sits opposite yellow on the colour wheel, anything with a blue undertone will cancel out any yellow tones in your teeth. Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Lip Colour in ‘Velvet Ribbon’ glides on like a dream but L’Oréal’s Color Riche

Satin in ‘Lipstick is Not a Yes’ is a more affordable option.

Trick Of The Eye

Although I love the look of liquid liner, my application technique is shaky at best. One way I get around this is my ‘tail tips’ technique. Instead of drawing a whole line across your lash line and out to the corners (which requires a steadier hand) I create small tails at the outer corners of each eye. Not only are they much easier to do, they also give the illusion of elongating the eyes. To create them, I like to gently hold my eyelids taut (looser lids courtesy of a recent 40th birthday) and, working from the

outside in, I draw a little tail that connects to the edge of my top lash line. The end of the tip should roughly start where you can feel your brow bone. If you need some definition along your top lash line, a pencil liner smudged into the lashes is a quick and infinitely easier solution. A liquid liner I really rate is Pat McGrath’s Perma Precision Liquid Liner in ‘Extreme Black’.

Lighten Up

If you’re only using your concealer to hide dark circles and spots then you’re missing a trick. One of my favourite tips is to use my concealer to trick the eye into thinking my face looks a lot brighter and more lifted than it really is. Quite often it’s enough to forgo my foundation altogether. The way I do it is by drawing on four lines with my product of choice, which at the moment is Vieve’s excellent Modern Radiance Concealer. Line number one is from brow tip to hairline; line two sweeps under the eye and out to the temple; line three hugs the cheekbone and goes out towards the ear; and line four hovers above the jawline and goes out to the ear. For maximum impact you want to just buff and blend enough for the lines to disappear but not so much sthat you lose them altogether. For this it has to be a damp beauty blender. Work into your skin gently, then sit back and marvel at your mini facelift.

The New Qashqai is Reliable, Popular and now Bigger

Roy Woodcock revisits Britain’s most popular - and most reliable - car; the Nissan Qashqai

When Nissan took the bold step of launching the Qashqai in the UK in 2007 there was nothing else like it on the road. It offered an excellent balance between the compact dimensions of a hatchback, with the sense of robustness and elevated view afforded by a traditional fourwheel drive, without the size, weight or efficiency penalty.

In doing so, it delivered the best of both worlds by breaking down the barriers to SUV ownership and the Crossover was born. The concept certainly struck a chord with buyers, particularly families, and since then more than 600,000 Qashqais have been registered for UK roads and millions more sold worldwide. All built in the UK, of course.

The car’s success shows no sign of abating, even though there are now 26 direct competitors to the current Qashqai in Europe. The latest, third generation, of the model was introduced in 2021

and the range now includes an e-POWER option alongside 1.3 and 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol engines.

The e-POWER badged version draws technologies from the company’s pioneering Nissan LEAF electric vehicle and uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator for the electric motor and battery, without a direct line between the combustion engine and the wheels. It’s a smooth and refined system that makes the car feel a bit like an EV most of the time, and it costs an awful lot less than rival plug-in hybrids.

Perhaps no surprise then that the Qashqai was the UK’s most popular car in 2022, with 42,704 sales.

Second was the Vauxhall Corsa with 35,910 registrations followed by the Tesla Model Y with 35,551 cars sold. It’s also recently been declared the UK’s most reliable car in the annual survey carried out by Which

The new Qashqai is bigger thanks to an extended wheelbase that gives it more presence and the front features the large Nissan V-motion grille finished in chrome. There are slim full LED headlights with boomerang daytime running lights and large 20-inch alloy wheels are available.

With an eye on the competition Nissan has also taken the cabin upmarket and my car featured ambient lighting, power operated quilted leather seats and a stack of technology.The infotainment system has been upgraded and includes easy integration of smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-car wi-fi and a 10-speaker Bose surround sound system.

Depending on which specification you opt for - the range goes from Visia to Tekna + in five steps, you can also enjoy a heads-up display, 12.3-inch driver TFT screen and heated seats that can also come with a massage function. Prices start at just over £26,000 all the way to £41,000 plus.

The Qashqai is no slouch but it focuses on comfort rather than speed and that is just what most

of its buyers will want. There are drive modes called Eco, Standard and Sport that alter the vehicle’s responses, while the ProPilot set-up assists with steering, acceleration and braking and helps maintain the car’s lane position and distance from the vehicle in front – ideal for motorway work.

The Qashqai offers lots of grip and there is not a lot of body roll even in tight corners.

The longer wheelbase means there is more room inside for passengers and four adults can travel in comfort and five for shorter journeys.

A powered tailgate (Tekna and above) offers easy access to the boot which can take 436 litres of kit and this increases to 1,379 litres

with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. A double boot floor is also part of the deal.

The third-gen Qashqai boasts a wealth of safety kit including the clever Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with predictive function. This is able to read the road ahead of the car in front to detect if a vehicle suddenly brakes and reacts accordingly. Another new feature is a central airbag that protects front occupants in the event of a side collision.

Building a Crossover vehicle is easy. Building one as good as this Qashqai is a whole lot tougher, as competitors have found. This remains a benchmark car from a brand that clearly knows its market.

For more info: www.nissan.co.uk

City - by Woody Mellor

Dare to Dream?

Gates are now averaging 17,000, comparable to the Pearson and Duffen years, well the years when we were not in the Premier League. The fans are now also vocally supporting the team home and away as the passion has returned to the club. The stadium is actually starting to buzz once again after so many years of many remaining fans going through the motions and everyone arguing with the owners and amongst each other. Best of all there is a now a dream that maybe City can gatecrash this years promotion play-offs. This will take some doing as we are twelfth and there are seven other teams in front of us fighting for fifth of sixth spot. City are however only four points behind the current team in the playoffs with sixteen games to go.

Arguably it is probably too soon to reach the Premier League. Liam Rosenior is only just transforming this squad into one competing within the Championship and several players are still acclimatising into English football as it is. However the random jigsaw pieces signed during the summer are on the whole starting to come together and others who don’t fit have returned to their previous clubs. City are still very much a work in progress but they have stopped

shipping stupid goals on a regular basis, they are very hard to beat, particularly away from home and they have become very well drilled and look like they finally know what they are all doing in the pitch individually or collectively. No one has really said this but the general hint from the players was that they didn’t really know their roles or their team structure under Shota Arveladze and everything has become so much simplified and thorough under the new manager and coaching team.

The elusive home victory finally came a week ago with the 3-0 victory over QPR (above) and this was followed by victory over Cardiff yesterday. So as well as one defeat in nine they have started to win at home and fans are getting behind them without the tension which both the team and fans shared for several weeks as they failed to perform in front of the MKM faithful.

The transfer window has also been successful. Rosenior has managed to chop down the squad size considerably and players sat on the sidelines have been moved out such as Cannon, Williams and Scott and they managed to hold onto players expected to attract interest such as Greaves and Oscar. City also brought in three loanees from the Premier League, young winger Malcolm Ebiowei from Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Newcastle and Brighton Striker Aaron Connolly. Rosenior had Ebiowei at Derby last year and the 18 year old was chased by several Premier League teams before choosing Palace. Connolly is an interesting signing. Rosenior was the youth coach at Brighton when Connolly first made his name with around twenty goals in the Academy side and two goals on his Premier League debut. Things seemed to have gone into decline ever since and he became better known for off field activities including a relationship with a Love Island contestant! However the player has admitted that he needs a fresh start and Liam Rosenior could be the man to revive his

career. He was a constant threat against QPR and scored twice, his first league goals in a year though he did have an unsuccessful loan at Venice of all places back in August.

If he continues his current form he could have a future at Brighton or City may be able to make this permanent.

Another interesting aspect of the transfer window was City’s finances. Pre-Christmas there was the suggestion that some players may need to be sold as well as reducing the overall wage bill to ensure they did not break the FFP financial fair play regulations. Points deductions or embargoes can be set if clubs spend too much on salaries or generate unsustainable debts over a period. Eight players were moved out but none of the really big wage earners and they then added three Premier League players to the wage bill and very nearly landed an ex-Barcelona winger Konrad de la Fuente for £2 million on transfer deadline day. Things must be going better through the improved gates and various sponsorship deals since the summer. As a side issue there is also some rumours that a Turkish billionaire may also be a financial backer?. Murat Ulker attended a recent game but who knows with Acun, he has friends with everyone in Turkey?

Hull

After so many miserable years under the previous owners everything is finally coming together at Hull City.

The flavour of fresh, crunchy carrots straight from the garden or allotment is hard to beat. These roots are very versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked, or even made into a delicious cake. By sowing regularly from early-spring until summer you could be harvesting your home-grown roots from early-summer right through until lateautumn, and even store some for use over the winter.

Which variety?

Carrots are grouped according to their maturity, shape, and size, although there is some overlap between groups. Early carrots such as Amsterdam and Nantes types are good for your first sowings.

Maincrop types such as ‘Berlicum’ and ‘Autumn King’, while taking longer to mature, produce larger roots and are better for winter storage. Small round rooted carrots are good for containers and poor soils. As well as traditional orange types, look out for white, yellow or purple roots which are an interesting addition to recipes.

remove any stones and make sure the area is weed-free. Prepare a fine seedbed and rake it level. Take out a shallow drill with a hoe and water the base. Sow the seeds 1-2cm deep in rows 15-30cm apart. Try to sow the seed thinly to avoid the need for thinning them out later. It’s best to sow seeds directly into the ground as carrots don’t transplant very readily.

For an early crop, cover the ground with fleece or cloches in late winter and sow seed once the soil is warm in late February or March. Otherwise, wait until April to make your first sowing, as germination will be much quicker once the soil is warmer.

How to grow

Choose an open, sunny site with fertile, well-drained soil to grow your carrots. Round or stumprooted types are best for stony, very shallow or heavy clay soil. If you struggle to grow a good crop in the ground you could grow some in a container, which works well.

You can add well-rotted compost or manure to the ground during the previous growing season, but don’t add it just before sowing as it may cause the roots to fork. This may also happen if the soil is stony or the bed is poorly prepared as they try to grow around any obstacles.

Before sowing, dig over the ground,

Watch out for slug damage at this stage as they like to feed on young seedlings.

To grow carrots in a container, choose one at least 45cm deep and fill with multipurpose potting compost. Keep the crop wellwatered and thin so the plants have room to develop good roots.

Growing on

Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully thin them to 5-7.5cm apart. The young seedlings are easily smothered by weeds, so you’ll need to weed the crop regularly until the leaf canopy suppresses any competition.

Damage to the roots during thinning and weeding can release the odour that attracts carrot fly, so handle the plants with care. Carrots are fairly drought-resistant but will benefit from a thorough soaking, wetting the ground to a depth of 25cm, every two weeks in very dry weather.

Beware of overwatering as roots are sweeter in relatively dry conditions and too much water may lead to leafy growth at the expense of roots.

Sometimes, if dry weather is followed by very wet conditions the roots may split. This erratic growth is caused by the irregular water supply, so ensuring you keep to a watering routine can help avoid this.

Rich pickings

You can start harvesting carrots from 10-16 weeks after sowing depending on the cultivar. Initially pull some young roots from a few places along the row to allow the remainder to grow larger. With bigger roots and on heavy soils it’s best ease the crop from the ground with a fork.

In mild areas with light soil you can leave carrots in the ground over winter. Cover the row with dry mulch, for example straw, up to 30cm thick to protect from frost. Watch out for damage from mice, slugs and carrot fly. In colder areas lift your carrots and store good quality roots indoors, layered in boxes filled with sand. Larger roots will last longer in storage so eat the smaller roots first.

Pest watch

Carrot fly larvae can be a troublesome pest tunnelling into the developing roots to feed and making the crop inedible. The most effective way to limit damage to your crop from this pest is to completely cover it with insectproof mesh, making sure you bury the mesh in the ground to stop the flies sneaking underneath. The first generation of carrot fly usually emerges around early-May so you may be able to avoid some damage by sowing after this point.

Harvesting your crop before lateAugust can reduce damage to the roots from the second generation. You could also grow a partially resistant cultivar like ‘Flyaway’ to reduce the risk of damage.

Sometimes you may find aphids on the foliage or around the shoot tips – these will suck the sap and may encourage the growth of sooty mould. Potential damage can be limited by squashing them with your fingers.

Everything you need to know about growing carrots 75% of Britons say they tuck into carrots on a regular basis.

Gardening Jobs for February

This month there are signs of the approaching spring, with bulbs appearing and wildlife waking up as light levels and temperatures increase. There’s plenty to do indoors this month to prepare for the season ahead. Outdoors, as the garden comes to life again, it’s time to prune shrubs and climbers, such as Wisteria as well as evergreen hedges.

Prepare vegetable seed beds, and sow some vegetables under cover

Knowing which vegetables to sow where, when and how means you can maintain constant supplies throughout the season.

Chit potato tubers

It’s important with earlies, and a good idea with maincrops, to ‘chit’ the seed potatoes before planting. This means allowing them to start sprouting shoots.

Re-cut lawn edges using a half-moon edging iron or flatbladed spade, to neaten up the appearance of the garden and save work next season. Also maintain a 7.5cm (3in) ‘gutter’ around the lawn edges to prevent grass spreading into your borders.

Avoid walking on a frosty lawn, as this can damage the blades of grass, which go brittle in the cold.

Cut back deciduous grasses left uncut over the winter, remove dead grass from evergreen grasses

Houseplants

Cacti and Clivia houseplants should still be kept dormant until March. Very little water (barely moist) and no feeding is advised until then. Clivia will additionally benefit from lower light levels (e.g. a back room where the lights are rarely turned on and there is not too much natural light) - this will improve flowering for the following season.

General greenhouse tasks

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Mow if the weather is warm – grass will start to grow at temperatures above 5°C (41°F) – but set the cutting height to its maximum, and only mow when the grass is dry.

If you have bulbs planted in your lawn, such as snowdrops and crocuses, they may be starting to come up now, so avoid mowing or walking on those areas.

Repair bare patches, especially around lawn edges, using turf cut from other areas of the garden.

Maintain a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to prevent Fuchsia, Pelargonium and other tender plants being killed by the cold. Higher temperatures (at least 12°C/54°F) will be needed for tropical plants.

Check that glasshouse heaters are functioning properly, by investing in a maximum-minimum thermometer to enable accurate monitoring of your greenhouse temperature.

Check your glasshouse insulation is still secure for the remainder of the cold weather.

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FIONA’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

By Fiona Dwyer - Journalist, PR Consultant, DIY Your Biz PR Course Creator, Wife & Mum to

two teenagers!

FEBRUARY CLEANSE!

Did you know that ‘February’ comes from the Latin word ‘februa’ which means “to cleanse”? The month was named after the Roman Februalia, a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place at this time of year. Basically, it was all about praying, meditating and spring cleaning. When you think about it, it all makes sense. We’re gradually coming out of Winter, Lent begins on February 22nd and we’re getting ready for Spring and Easter. This is when we clear our heads, declutter our homes and look forward to brighter times and new life.

SPRING IS ON ITS WAY!

Talking of new life, I was so excited when I spotted snowdrops in the woods where I walk my dogs. It means Spring is definitely on the way – and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait. Spring is such a boost for the soul. The sun is rising and setting a little later every week so the dark and dreary days of winter are coming to an end. Woohoo! Anyway, here’s to longer, lighter and warmer days, waking to a dawn chorus and seeing lots of colourful daffodils, tulips and other Spring flowers. In the meantime, there’s still a nip to the air so make sure you keep your gloves in your pocket!

SHOULD YOU SEND ROSES TO YOUR VALENTINE?

The language of flowers is absolutely fascinating! I know it’s traditional to send roses to your loved one for Valentine’s Day, but what other options do you have that are equally if not more symbolic of your feelings and might not cost a fortune? Here are a few ideas! Violets represent watchfulness, loyalty and fidelity, so by giving a violet to someone, you’re telling them that you will always be there for them. Meanwhile, primroses let them know that you can’t live without them. You could also try red carnations, which signify love, pride and admiration. Gardenias stand for purity and sweetness and can indicate a secret love or crush, telling the other person you think they are lovely!

Have a brilliant February everyone!

Fiona x

Twitter: @fionadwyer • Facebook: Fiona Dwyer PR

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