HullMag Issue No.100 April 2023

Editor’s note

Welcome to the April edition of the magazine. I hope that you are all keeping well and are now looking forward to the Easter break - it is still 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 including a House and Home Feature that looks at 5 Home Improvements that can Add Value to Your Home, also a feature on Vintage Furniture and Rebekah’s top New Beauty Products, plus much more We also have our usual round up of all the New Books to read this month as well as our tv and film feature on What To Watch. Roy Woodcock takes a look at the new Peugeot 408GT Hybrid in his Motoring Column.

We have our regular Gardening column with Patrick White who takes a look at Vegetables. The Food & Drink section has two great recipes from Erkan at The Olive Tree: Lentil & Chestnut Soup and a Vegan Mac ‘N’ Cheese for you to try at home. We also have our regular Wine Column with Roy Woodcock who relays the latest wine news and takes a look at Spanish wine and also the best 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, Helen Smith, 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.

Box

New beauty launches to have on your radar this April

In my monthly Make-Up column, I have listed a mixed selection of the tried and tested, freshest, and buzziest beauty launches that are worth adding to your basket.

MERIT Beauty Shade Slick Gelées

Minimalistic makeup label MERIT made a splash on UK last month and is already expanding its collection. The Shade Slick Gelées is your first stop for juicy lips. The gloss brings a sheer finish without any of the stickiness typically associated with 90’s iterations of this product type. Ingredients like squalane and quinoa seed oil show the brand’s skin-first approach and inject parched pouts with moisture, while protecting against external aggressors that can disrupt the barrier function. There are four shades; Jeté, Le Deux, Maraschino and Mapleton that offer a very subtle wash of colour.

£26, MERIT Beauty

ANINE BING Rose Wood

To get our olfactories ready for the warmer weather, Anine Bing has a new fragrance in its line up. The LAbased fashion label has ushered in the spring season with Rose Wood that combines the vibrant note of smoked rose with raw amber, a heady concocotions that takes inspiration from new beginnings.

£185, ANINE BING

Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc

Mascara

If you’re anything like us and an enduring search for the perfect mascara has sent you on a lifelong hunt, you’ll be as chuffed as we are to learn that Rihanna has brought a new formulation to the fold. With her Fenty Beauty line, you may be changing up your dessert island product forever as this Hella Thicc mascara does what it says on the tin - thicken and lifts the lashes without weighing them down. It’s a creamy texture that is applied with a precision brush to ensure just the right amount of the pigment coats the individual lashes - no clumps or

MILK MAKEUP

Sculpt Stick 6g MILK MAKEUP has gone back to the drawing board with its signature sticks. After listening to customer feedback that there was a lot of product wastage due to expiry dates looming before any real progress has been made in the larger size, the brand has scaled down the operation, giving them a more travel-ready update at the same time.

This is the Sculpt Stick that is a creamy contour product that is applied directly onto the skin. Use a brush or fingers to blend it out to take a effortless approach to sculpting. There are four shades to suit all skin tones and the formula is enriched with apricot oil and mango butter that give a buttery soft texture.

The INKEY List

Polyglutamic Acid

Dewy Sunscreen

SPF30 Daily sunscreen application is something we all know we should be doing but so many of us are still reluctant and that may be due to the thick, unpleasant textures that are drying and laborious to rub in. That’s where The INKEY List has come in with its new innovation. The brand is making the morning task a breeze by packing SPF30 UVA and UVB protection with anti-ageing polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane to hydrate as you shield from damaging environmental stressors. It also leaves a dewy finish so you skin is prep, primed and ready for your makeup routine that follows.

£14.99, The INKEY List

Grace de Monaco

£22, Sephora

Tan-Luxe Express Mousse

You may take a quick glance at this fake tan from Tan-Luxe and wonder how the see-through formula can 1) be a mousse texture and 2) have any dyes within the formula. Both justifiable questions but that’s part of the brand’s raison d’etre. Tired of thick paint-like tan textures, founder Marc Elrick wanted to turn the formulations of faux glow products on its head with a skin-first approach. This is why you’ll find their products with ingredients you’ll recognise from your bathroom cabinet. For a quick bronzing fix, the new addition to the collection will give you a natural radiance in just 30 minutes.

The foaming texture is free from that traditional fake tan aroma (in fact, it’s actually particularly pleasant) and contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for moisturising and brightening respectively. It continues to deepen the longer you leave it before washing it off but stops at around the four hour mark to suit your busy lifestyle.

In honour of the legacy of Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco aka Grace Kelly, this fragrance house breaks from the norm. It’s the first luxury-for-good label where the entirety of its profits are donated to the Princess Grace Foundation to support emerging artists in theatre, dance and www.beverleyfm.com

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Five home improvements that can add value to your home

If you’re seriously invested in increasing the value of your home, it will take more than a lick of paint. Major improvements take longer, involve real building work, and –let’s be honest – can be a bit of a pain at the weekends. But they can also help your property stand out in the market, making it far more appealing to buyers and helping you get a bit more money to spend on your new place.

So, before you roll your sleeves up, which home improvement should

you go for? Buyers are typically most swayed by a home with a new kitchen, but there are plenty of other home improvements that can up its value. These are five popular choices for adding value to your home.

Wait! Before you start with your home improvements consider getting an online valuation with our award-winning service to find out the price of your home before you start the work on it.

1. Bolt on a bathroom

Adding an extra bathroom will typically boost your home’s value by up to 5% – which doesn’t sound like much, but actually works out at nearly £15,000 for the average home in the UK.

Ensuite bathrooms are hugely popular – who doesn’t like the convenience of rolling out of bed and straight into the shower? The cost of adding in an extra bathroom can vary significantly, depending on whether it’s a full bathroom suite or a simple shower room, so costs can range from anywhere between £2,300 to upwards of £6,000.

Our advice is not to go overboard when it comes to luxuries like

décor, tiles, and taps, which can end up costing a lot. It’s worth going for simple, affordable quality and thinking about what might appeal to buyers rather than making costly decisions based on personal taste.

2. Extend your property’s appeal

Adding square footage to your home is pretty much guaranteed to boost its value, and a single-storey extension won’t usually require planning permission (although you should definitely check).

Expect to pay upwards of £20,000 for this home improvement. Most people get and estimated added value of 15%, which works out at around £35,000 for the average UK

Continued page 8

House & Home

home. Not a bad payoff – although you should decide if the time and effort is worth it.

3. Kit out your kitchen

Which? found that a new kitchen typically costs £7,000 and could add up to 10% to your home’s value. If your kitchen is particularly old or obviously in need of an update, it could be dragging your home’s value down, as many buyers would prefer the convenience of moving into a new place that’s already in great shape.

4. A room with a view

Conservatories are back in fashion, and for good reason. They’re a fairly cost-effective way to extend the space in your house, and if your property has a large garden (or even great views) a conservatory can help you enjoy them without having to go outside. If done well, a glass conservatory costing

between £4,000 and £12,000 could increase your home’s value by up to 5% – which works out at an average of around £15,000.

But be warned – conservatories built on the cheap or made from plastic can actually put buyers off, and potentially even decrease your home’s value in the long run. They need to be high quality and provide lots of light in order to significantly impact your home’s value.

5. Lofty ambitions

To add more space to your home without extending outwards, consider a loft conversion. A typical loft conversion will cost around £55,000 to £80,000, but can add up to 20% to the value of a house. Whether it’s used as an additional bedroom, a home office, or a recreational space, a loft conversion offers so much potential – and buyers will love the extra space.

VIVA VINTAGE FURNITURE

Mid-Century mania or postmodern passions?

Helen Smith on the best way to pick stylish antiques.

Good riddance to throwaway design - second-hand furniture is the new status symbol transcending trends. From Michel Ducaroy’s low-slung Togo sofa to 1970s mushroom lamps; wavy Fragola mirrors by Ettore Sottsass to the retrofabulous vibes of the Mario Bellini Camaleonda sofa, classic vintage design can be found in the homes of tastemakers across the globe.

You’ll come across these favourites in the pages of glossy magazines, as you scroll through decor-porn on social media, and even on ads on London’s public transport for Vinterior - the largest pre-owned furniture platform in the United Kingdom.

The appetite for vintage is insatiable: launched in 2016, Vinterior now has more than 2,000 vetted sellers from 30 countries and in 2021, raised £8 million in funding.

Seven years ago “it was all about Danish design, Hans Wegner and teak”, Sandrine Zhang Ferron, a co-founder, recalls. Teak fatigue has set in and shoppers now have far broader tastes. “Now, velvety textures and bouclé are everywhere.” What else is on the wish list? “There’s no fatigue for Togo - it is an investment piece,” says Lucy Ward, Vinterior’s brand director.

“People are also searching for the Scoop chair from Terence Conran, another 1970’s design. Mid-century remains popular - it’s often entry point when [people] start shopping pre-owned - but what’s exciting is that we are seeing people becoming more confident and branching out into other styles such as art deco, British antiques and postmodern design; the latter has resonated on TikTok and Instagram,” Ward says.

“Modernist British maker G Plan is very popular and a lot of people are diving into vintage Heal’s - everyone wants the Heal’s 1930s’ drinks cabinet. People love Italian postmodern designers -the 1960’s Carimate chairs and the Maralunga sofa and chairs by Vico Magistretti,” she adds.

The usual rite of passage for antiques lovers includes getting up super-early to swipe the good stuff at specialist fairs such as the Beverley Vintage & Retro Fair at Beverley Minster (Saturday 22nd April), but brands such as Vinterior are part of a wave of disrupters changing the way we find and shop for second-hand items. “We are moving away from the image of stuffy shops to something

that is fun and approachable,” Zhang Ferron says. Most pieces on Vinterior’s website are in the mid to high-range price brackets but “there is something for all purses. We definitely cater for people who want to upgrade from Ikea.”

The biggest issue facing online disrupters is that buyers can’t touch and feel the product, something Vinterior is tackling by partnering with Selfridges on Oxford Street in London for a three-month pop-up shop starting this month.

The curated edits will feature brands including Ercol, G Plan and Ligne Roset, And span art deco, midcentury modern and antique; prices for furniture start from around £150.

Besides Vinterior there are more ways to shop vintage besides charity shops, car boot sales and reclamation yards. Online competitors include the French platform Selency.co.uk (offering the Brocante experience

from your laptop) and 1stDibs.com for high-end antiques, art and collectors’ pieces from global dealers.

Catawiki.com is a sort of curated eBay based in Amsterdam. Think Persian rugs, Belgian bookends and bonsai plants, as well as brands such as Alessi, Cassina and Fornasetti. Note the 10 per cent auction fees and additional delivery costs; you may need to pay extra for duties and levies.

Narchie is a shopping app aiming to “transform flea market shopping into a digital experience”. It replicates “a real market experience” with its “make an offer” function making it speedier and easier to negotiate the right price. If you prefer to shop in person, then the East Riding has a large number of antique dealers, auction houses and reclamation yards for you to peruse. Instagram can be a brilliant resource for scouting out local gems too.

Nic Gough, organiser of the forthcoming Beverley Vintage & Retro Fair; and an avid vintage collector himself, says “Rather than putting everything online, we want to celebrate the dying art of discovering treasures in real life.”

He continues, “You never know what will turn up on the day; with over 80 dealers from around the country, you could find something that you may have once owned in the past that brings back memories or has a sentimental association or perhaps have just been seeking for a long while - there is something for everyone.”

Terence Conran C8 Cone Chair, Conran Furniture, England, 1954

Mid Century Fresco Range Teak Sideboard

Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset

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Step Into Spring with a Clean Kitchen

your sink before wiping out the fridge itself.

Small appliances

Time for the toaster: empty out the crumb tray of your toaster and wipe it down.

Remove the limescale in your kettle by adding equal parts water and vinegar and letting it soak for an hour. Then, boil it, empty it, and rinse it out.

Scour the microwave: remove the plate for a deep clean in your sink. To get rid of fossilised and ingrained spills, fill a microwavable container with water and microwave it until the window becomes steamy. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before opening the door and wiping it out with a sponge. Try adding lemon juice to the water for an extra spring clean scent!

It’s what’s on the inside that counts!

To ease the pain of the deep clean, we’ve compiled a spring cleaning checklist to help you spruce up the heart of your home and get your kitchen looking as good as new.

Up top

The long-forgotten dust traps in your kitchen are up top and down low. Get yourself a stepladder and get your duster up to those rarely scaled summits—cabinet tops, high shelves, and ledges. While you’re up there, wash it all down with a cloth and soapy water.

To achieve a truly deep clean, it’s a matter of three: dusting, washing and drying. Those forgotten shelves can accumulate quite the grime, so make sure your spring clean goes the distance by completing every step. Presentation is key, and it’s a quick way to add value to your property. As the kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s a good idea to keep it looking as good as new throughout the year.

Down low

Another easily ignored part of your kitchen is awarded to the floors! Most of us won’t escape without at least one inconvenient gap in the units, or badly fitted washing machine. It’s these little crevices that are the hardest to get at and the easiest to ignore. Use a hoover to get as far as you can; after that, it has to come down to manpower. Sometimes, unpleasant

as it is, nothing can beat a sponge, a bucket of soapy water, and the length of your arm! You may not be able to see the difference all the time, but you will definitely sense the benefit of having gone the extra mile in your kitchen spring clean.

Be sure to get to the rest of your floor as well. After the usual hoover, do a thorough mopping and remember to use special detergent to protect wooden floors.

Bin the bin

It’s no surprise that the dirtiest part of the kitchen has to be the bin area. It might be time to treat yourself to a new one if you’ve had your current bin for a while. If not, take it outside for a good dose of bleach and the soaking treatment. For in-cupboard bins, be sure to give the unit it sits in a good clean, along with each component of the appliance.

Refresh your fabrics

Don’t let your curtains, drapes and blinds go unnoticed! Take them down for a good shake out or, if their labels allow, a wash either by hand or in a machine. The same goes for any upholstery to be found in your kitchen—it could all do with a spring clean, as grease can easily ingrain itself in material over time. Refreshing your fabrics is a great way to add value to your home and keep your house looking revitalised all year round.

The oven

We’re all guilty of occasionally ignoring that one small spill in the oven, but it’s important to clean your oven regularly to avoid a build-up of dirt and grime. Invest in a good oven cleaner to put down, and remove all interior shelving for a scrub in the sink. Be careful with ceramic hobs, and remember to use a gentle cream cleaner that won’t do any damage. Follow your model’s instructions to find out how to remove nobs and buttons. It’s this kind of detail that will really result in a deep spring clean for your kitchen. Grease, oil, and sticky fingers have been pushing those buttons and turning those nobs all year, and it’s time to wash the marks away.

Fridge and freezer

You’ve ticked off a lot of your spring-cleaning checklist already, but it’s not time to put your feet up yet! While waiting for the oven cleaner to do its magic, it’s a good time to reach into the very back of your fridge and freezer to discard anything that has been festering there. If you haven’t eaten those frozen leftovers in six months, chances are you probably never will! Defrost your freezer to remove any ice build-up before giving it a thorough clean—you could gain inches of room in a small freezer by getting rid of ice build-up. Remove all the components of your fridge to give them a thorough clean in

Wash down both the insides and out of your units and cupboards to make your kitchen feel as good as new. It’s also a good chance to get rid of any unused or broken crockery. Empty out your cupboards for the deep clean in your kitchen, and be sure to make space in your cupboards for the coming year by getting rid of anything chipped, broken or simply unused. Chances are if you haven’t used it in the last year then you won’t use it in the future - so out it goes with the spring clean! When a cupboard is empty, wipe it out with a cloth, and refill it with a more methodical layout. It might not last the year, but you can always start with good intentions!

Do the same with your food cupboards, donating any unwanted foods and reaching right to the back with your cloth. Remember to wash the walls of your cupboard as well as the floor. If you want something special to spruce up your kitchen cupboards for the New Year, consider installing battery-powered kitchen cupboard lights.

Now you’ve dealt with the insides, move onto the exteriors of your units to give them a good wash down. A quick spring-cleaning tip: the cupboards and units can seem like an endless chore—tackle one a day for a week, and the task won’t feel so cumbersome!

Checked it all off the list? You should be ready to step right into spring with a kitchen that feels as good as new! Now put your feet up - you deserve it.

It’s that time of year again! The lambs are about to start gambolling in the fields; the daffodils are just about raising their heads, and the Easter eggs are already on the shelves. Spring heralds a deep clean to start the year— and there’s no better way to improve your home and make your kitchen feel as good as new.

Lentil and chestnut soup

Erkan

Sahindalbusiness owner at the Olive Tree on Lincoln Way, Beverley - and accomplished chef shares his recipe for Lentil and chestnut soup.

➤ SERVES 6-8

➤ PREPARATION 15 minutes

➤ COOKING 1 hour

This is walking food for fresh Spring days – rich and comforting, yet simplicity itself to assemble. If possible, choose lentils from the mountains of Umbria or Abruzzo, or from the volcanic French region of Le Puy, as these have the most flavour and don’t completely disintegrate on cooking, giving the soup a pleasant texture. Chestnuts, as well as lentils, are prepared to put up with poor soils and harsh climates, and they combine perfectly with lentils, adding a sweet mealiness that is very soothing.

INGREDIENTS

• 30ml olive oil (or use duck or goose fat)

• 1 onion, peeled and chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery sticks, trimmed and diced

• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

• 250g dried Santo Stefano di Sessanio (or Puy) lentils, rinsed and drained

• 1 fresh or dried bay leaf

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme

• 200g cooked and peeled chestnuts (canned or bottled are fine, but chestnuts roasted over a fire would be best)

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• salt and ground black pepper

• 4 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

• good olive oil, to serve

METHOD

1 Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and soften gently for 10 minutes, until the vegetables are giving o. a pleasant fragrance and the onion is golden in colour.

2 Add the drained lentils, bay leaf, fennel seeds and thyme. Add 1.5 litres of water, cover the pan and simmer for 30 minutes.

3 Chop the chestnuts roughly and add them to the pan together with the tomato purée and seasoning. Continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes, until the soup is thick enough and the lentils are thoroughly cooked. Dilute with extra water if the soup seems too thick.

4 Stir in the chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper and serve hot with some good extra-virgin olive oil to drizzle over the surface of the soup.

Vegan mac ‘n’ cheese with leeks

➤ SERVES 6

➤ PREP 20 MINS

➤ COOK 45 MINS

➤ EASY

Gooey and comforting, this plantbased pasta bake is the perfect standby for unexpected guests that drop in over Easter.

INGREDIENTS

• 400g prepared butternut squash

• 3 garlic cloves, skins on

• 2tbsp olive oil

• 2 large leeks, trimmed and sliced into rounds

• 100g cashew nuts

• 250ml plant-based milk

• 2tsp mustard powder

• 1/2.tsp paprika

• 400g macaroni pasta

• 50g breadcrumbs

• Few sprigs thyme, leaves stripped

METHOD

1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Drizzle the squash and garlic with

1tbsp oil and roast for 30 minutes until tender. After 10 minutes, add the leeks.

2 Meanwhile, place the cashew nuts in a bowl with the plant milk, mustard powder and paprika. Cook the pasta to al dente (around 8 minutes) in boiling water.

3 Carefully squeeze the soft, roasted garlic out of its skins into a blender with the squash, cashews and plant milk mix, then blend together.

4 Drain the pasta and reserve 50ml pasta water. Mix the pureed squash with the reserved pasta water and then stir into the pasta with the leeks.

5 Sprinkle over the breadcrumbs and thyme leaves then drizzle with the remaining oil. Place back in the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes until piping hot and the breadcrumbs are turning golden.

STONEBAKED PIZZA

KIDS MEALS

GARLIC BREAD

SPECIALITIES

90. Chicken Guvec: £10.00

Pan fried cubes of chicken with onions, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, cream, tomato sauce and herbs. Topped with mozzarella cheese and served with rice

91. Lamb Guvec: £10.00

Pan fried lamb cubes with onions, peppers, garlic, mushroom, cream, tomato sauce and herbs. Served with rice

92. King Prawn Guvec: £10.00

Pan fried king prawns with onions, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, cream, coriander, dill, tomatoes and white wine. Served with rice

PASTA DISHES

93. King Prawns: £9.50

Tomato sauce, dill, coriander, garlic and cream

94. Penne Pollo: £8.00

Strips of chicken cooked with onions, garlic and mushrooms in a creamy white wine sauce

95. Meatball Penne: £8.00

Home-made meatballs with tomato sauce

96. Spaghetti Bolognese: £8.00

Home-made Bolognese sauce with spaghetti

Turkish desserts

DRINKS

GARLIC BREAD

BURGERS

OMELETTES

BURGERS

SPECIALITIES

DONER KEBABS

peppers, mushrooms, garlic, cream, tomato sauce and herbs. Topped with mozzarella cheese and served with rice

91. Lamb Guvec: £10.00

Pan fried lamb cubes with onions, peppers, garlic, mushroom, cream, tomato sauce and herbs. Served with rice

92. King Prawn Guvec: £10.00

KEBAB SKEWERS

Pan fried king prawns with onions, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, cream, coriander, dill, tomatoes and white wine. Served with rice

PASTA DISHES

93. King Prawns: £9.50 Tomato sauce, dill, coriander, garlic and cream

94. Penne Pollo: £8.00

Strips of chicken cooked with onions, garlic and mushrooms in a creamy white wine sauce

95. Meatball Penne: £8.00

Home-made meatballs with tomato sauce

96. Spaghetti Bolognese: £8.00

Home-made Bolognese sauce with spaghetti

WRAPS

97. Penne Arrabiata: V £7.50

Mixed vegetables, chilli, Parmesan cheese and tomato sauce

98. Chicken Penne: £9.00

Tender cubes of pan fried chicken and mushrooms, cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic and fresh herbs

SALADS

(Main Course)

99. Mediterranean: V £6.90

AMERICAN FRIED CHICKEN

Mixed leaf salad with fresh tomato, cucumber, onion, green peppers and parsley

100. Chicken Caesar: £8.50

Mixed leaf salad with strips of chicken breast, onion, cucumber, tomato and Caesar dressing

101. Greek Salad: £7.00

Salad leaves, tomato, cucumber, onion, peppers, black and green olives, feta cheese and olive oil with our special Olive Tree dressing

102. Halloumi Salad: £7.00

Salad leaves, tomato, cucumber, onion, peppers, black and green olives, halloumi cheese and olive oil with our special Olive Tree dressing

WRAPS

97. Penne Arrabiata: V £7.50

Mixed vegetables, chilli, Parmesan cheese and tomato sauce

98. Chicken Penne: £9.00

Tender cubes of pan fried chicken and mushrooms, cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic and fresh herbs

SALADS (Main Course)

99. Mediterranean: V £6.90

Mixed leaf salad with fresh tomato, cucumber, onion, green peppers and parsley

AMERICAN FRIED CHICKEN

100. Chicken Caesar: £8.50

Mixed leaf salad with strips of chicken breast, onion, cucumber, tomato and Caesar dressing

101. Greek Salad: £7.00

Salad leaves, tomato, cucumber, onion, peppers, black and green olives, feta cheese and olive oil with our special Olive Tree dressing

102. Halloumi Salad: £7.00

Salad leaves, tomato, cucumber, onion, peppers, black and green olives, halloumi cheese and olive oil with our special Olive Tree dressing

EXTRAS

Turkish desserts

128.

Roy Woodcock’s World of Wines

The rain in Spain falls mainly . . . in Rias Baixas.

Which is my way of introducing you to one of the lesser-known wine regions; but one well worth exploring. In fact, while I’m on the subject, it’s fair to say that Spanish wines continue to fly under the radar; surprising when you think Spain is the third largest producer of wine with the largest area dedicated to vineyards in the worldsome 2.4 million acres.

Spanish wines range the gamut from great values to collectible treasures, and from delicate whites to opulent reds. But this month we’re visiting the north-west of the country, to Galicia, in fact, home to the Denomination of Origin (DO) Rias Baixas (a wine classification, similar to the French Appellations, denoting quality wines).

Galicia is often referred to as “Green Spain,” and for good reason. This province receives more rain than any other in Spain, hence the hillsides that hug the Atlantic coastline are green and lush all year round. It bears a stronger resemblance to the green fields and rocky coasts of Ireland than classic images of drier, Castilian plains.

At first glance, Rias Baixas (pronounced Ree Ass Bye Shuss) may not give the appearance of a privileged grape growing region, but in fact, the climate, landscape, soils and indigenous grape varieties combine to make up a region capable of producing distinctive, high quality wines.

As well as the rain - average rainfall in some spots is nearly three times the national average - Galicia’s

Best Buys for April

damp Atlantic-influenced climate is, however, balanced by over 2,200 hours of sunshine, sufficient to ensure Rias Baixas’ signature grape Albariño ripens fully and is capable of producing wines with good natural acidity and an aromatic profile that makes it a sensory delight.

Over 99 per cent of all wine produced in Rias Baixas is white and while 14 grape varieties are permitted in the DO, the white Albariño grape represents 96 per cent of all plantings. There are five sub-regions within the DO and while there are subtle differences in the wines produced, they all share a number of characteristics: The wines are bone-dry and aromatic, packed with flavours of white peach, apricot, melon, pineapple, mango and honeysuckle. They share good natural acidity, have mineral overtones, and are medium bodied with moderate alcohol.

It’s a region of small farmers and “pocket handkerchief” vineyards and planting the Albariño vines at the proper height and exposure to ensure even, healthy ripening is essential to quality. Vines are traditionally widely spaced and trained on stone pergolas hewn of the same granite as the soils below. To counter the region’s rainfall and humidity, most vines are trained on a wire trellis called a “parra” anchored by granite posts.

Parras are up to seven feet high, allowing breezes to flow through for maximum circulation to prevent mildew and to promote even ripening. Ripened grape bunches form a ceiling-like canopy and are harvested by pickers standing on grape bins.

Marques De Vargas Pazo San Mauro

Price: £28.00

Where: josepiazarro.com - London shop based in Bermondsey Street

When: Now

Why: Fruity, fresh, broad, silky, full-flavoured and with a powerful finish. It harmonises its aromatic generosity with a broad and silky mouth feel.

Sensum Laxas

Price: £18.95

Where: Albion Wine Shippers (0207 2420873)

When: Current offer

Why: We started with Albariño’s sparkling wine, made in the traditional Champagne method. Fine bubbles, dry with biscuity, honey aromas and a long and persistent finish.

Lagar D Cervera Albarino

Price: £20.00

Where: armitwines.co.uk

Some vineyards are replacing the traditional parra canopy and using a European double cordon system called espaldera. Throughout the region, yields are low, ranging from three to five tons per acre. Careful harvesting (the grapes are handpicked in small plastic 40 pound crates) and temperature control have revolutionised winemaking in Rías Baixas. Grapes are delivered to the winery as fast as possible to avoid oxidation, and the must is fermented under meticulous temperature control in modern, stainless steel installations.

Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a Zoom wine-tasting with five Rias Baixas winemakers to gain an insight into the region which, although the first winemakers were thought to be Roman, can still be described as relatively young.

The “modern” winemaking history of Rías Baixas began in 1980 when an official denomination was created specifically for the Albariño grape variety, but received a huge boost when Spain joined the EU in 1988; the resulting increase in funding and investment helped modernise the industry and build an international following. Currently the UK is the region’s second biggest export

market behind the United States. The first thing to say - and I’ll be highlighting the wines tasted in this month’s “best buys” section - is that the wines were a real treat although, sadly, it will be a case of buying mail order should you want the examples of Rias Baixas I tasted.

However, in spite of the fact that you will not be confronted by a massive choice in local supermarkets and wine shops, Rias Baixas wines are there if you look hard enough. Currently, for example, you should be able to find Vina Taboexa Albariño in Waitrose (£9.99), which was awarded “best own label” and “best value” at the 2018 Wines From Spain awards and has Albariño’s characteristic floral, citrus and white fruit notes.

A quick look revealed Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Aldi and Lidl all had examples, as did Roberts & Speight in Beverley and Townend’s Cellar Door outlet at Melton. Do go out and try some - as a rule of thumb they are great with seafood and fish, ideal with appetisers and soft cheese, and great with Asian food, and rice, pasta and poultry dishes.

Roy

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

When: Now

Why: Pronounced aroma, with the distinctive white fruit of the Albariño variety. Particularly crisp, lively and with good structure on the palate.

Agro De Bazan Gran Bazan

Price: £30.00

Where: hedonism.co.uk

When: Now

Why: Very high-quality example, will reward ageing 3-5 years. Exotic aromas with notes of pineapple and honeysuckle. The palate is gently rounded, with ripe tropical fruit and peach notes.

Castro Martin Albarino

Price: £13.69

Where: allaboiutwine.co.uk

When: Now

Why: Fresh and vibrant crisp wine with refreshing citrus fruit and peachy flavours. Quite delicious!

Spain’s Galician Coastline near Rías Baixas in northwestern Spain.

WELCOME TO Chapter House

Chapter House is a purpose built home, where every little detail has been thought about to make the most positive impact on the lives of our residents. From the beautifully-appointed en-suite bedrooms and larger-than-average day spaces, to the relaxing spa, cinema, café and private roof terrace, it’s a setting where our residents have every opportunity to thrive.

New Books to Read this April

In Ordinary

Time

by Carmel McMahon

In 1993, aged 20, Carmel McMahon left Ireland for New York, carrying $500, two suitcases and a ton of unseen baggage. It took years –and a bitter struggle with alcohol addiction – to unpick the intricate traumas of her past and present. Candid yet lyrical, In Ordinary Time mines the ways that trauma reverberates through time and through individual lives, drawing connections to the events and rhythms of Ireland’s long Celtic, early Christian and Catholic history. From tragically lost siblings to the broader social scars of the Famine and the Magdalene Laundries, McMahon sketches the evolution of a consciousness from her conservative 1970s upbringing to 1990s New York, and back to the much-changed Ireland of today.

Birnam Wood

by Eleanor Catton

Birnam Wood is a gripping psychological thriller from the Booker prize-winning author of The Luminaries. Five years ago, Mira Bunting founded a guerrilla gardening group: Birnam Wood. An undeclared, unregulated, sometimes-criminal, sometimesphilanthropic gathering of friends, this activist collective plants crops wherever no one will notice – on the sides of roads, in forgotten parks and neglected backyards. For years, the group has struggled to break even. Then, Mira stumbles on an answer, a way to finally set the group up for the long term: a landslide has closed the Korowai Pass, cutting off the town of

Thorndike. Natural disaster has created an opportunity, a sizable farm seemingly abandoned. But Mira is not the only one interested in Thorndike. Robert Lemoine, an enigmatic American billionaire, has snatched it up to build his end-times bunker – or so he tells Mira when he catches her on the property. Intrigued by Mira, Birnam Wood and their entrepreneurial spirit, he suggests they work his land. But can they trust him? And, as their ideals and ideologies are tested, can they trust each other?

Quartet: How Four Women Changed the Musical World

by Leah Broad

Ethel Smyth (b.1858) was famed for her operas and was a trailblazing queer Victorian composer who was a larger-than-life socialite, intrepid traveller and committed Suffragette. Rebecca Clarke (b.1886) was a talented violist and Pre-Raphaelite beauty, who was one of the first women ever hired by a professional orchestra.

Dorothy Howell (b.1898) was a prodigy who shot to fame at the 1919 Proms. And Doreen Carwithen (b.1922) was one of Britain’s first woman film composers, who scored Elizabeth II’s coronation film. In their time, these women were celebrities. They composed some of the century’s most popular music and pioneered creative careers; but today, they are ghostly presences, surviving only as muses and footnotes to male contemporaries like Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Britten. Debut biographer Leah Broad’s group biography resurrects these forgotten voices, recounting lives of rebellion, heart break and ambition, and celebrating their musical masterpieces.

Cursed Bread by

Sophie Mackintosh

Elodie is the baker’s wife. A plain, unremarkable woman, ignored by her husband and underestimated by her neighbours, she burns with the secret desire to be extraordinary. One day a charismatic new couple appear in

town – the ambassador and his sharptoothed wife, Violet – and Elodie quickly falls under their spell. All summer she stalks them through the streets: inviting herself into their home, eavesdropping on their coded conversations, longing to be part of their world. Meanwhile, beneath the tranquil surface of daily life, strange things are happening. Six horses are found dead in a field, laid out neatly on the ground like an offering. Widows see their lost husbands walking up the moonlit river, coming back to claim them. A teenage boy throws himself into the bonfire at the midsummer feast. A dark intoxication is spreading through the town and, when Elodie finally understands her role in it, it will be too late to stop.

Two Sisters by Blake Morrison

Blake Morrison has lost a sister and a half-sister in recent years. Both are the subjects of this remarkable and heart-breaking memoir, along with a forensic examination of sibling relationships in history and literature. Blake’s sister Gill struggled with alcoholism for a large part of her life and her shocking death is the starting point for Two Sisters. Blake returns to their childhood to search for the origins of her later difficulties and, in doing so, unearths the story behind his half-sister, Josie. As he unravels these narratives, Blake deals movingly with the guilt and shame that will be familiar to every person who has struggled with addiction in their family. He is unflinching in doing so, and the result is a book which provides testament to that common struggle, as well as acknowledging the complex, hidden forces on which all our lives are based.

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

This debut novel from Alice Winn is a gripping, heart-shattering story of love between two soldiers in WWI. It’s 1914 and talk of war feels far away to Henry Gaunt, Sidney Ellwood and the rest of their classmates, safely ensconced in their idyllic boarding school in

the English countryside.

At 17, they’re too young to enlist and, anyway, Gaunt is fighting his own private battle: an allconsuming infatuation with his best friend, Ellwood – all the while not having a clue that Ellwood is in love with him. When Gaunt’s German mother asks him to enlist as an officer in the British army to protect the family from antiGerman attacks, Gaunt signs up immediately, relieved to escape his overwhelming feelings for Ellwood. The front is horrific, of course, and though Gaunt tries to dissuade Ellwood from joining him on the battlefield, Ellwood soon rushes to join him, spurred on by his love of Greek heroes and romantic poetry. Before long, their classmates have followed suit. Once in the trenches, Ellwood and Gaunt find fleeting moments of solace in one another, but their friends are all dying right in front of them and, at any moment, they could be next. An epic tale of both the devastating tragedies of war and the forbidden romance that blooms in its grip.

Old Babes In The Wood

by Margaret Atwood

Atwood is celebrated as one of the most gifted storytellers in the world and these stories explore a huge range of experiences, from two best friends disagreeing about their shared past, to the right way to stop someone from choking; from a daughter determining if her mother really is a witch, to what to do with inherited relics such as WWII parade swords. They feature beloved cats, a confused snail, George Orwell, philosopher-astronomermathematician Hypatia of Alexandria, a cabal of elderly female academics and an alien tasked with retelling human fairy tales. At the heart of the collection is a striking sequence that follows a married couple as they travel the road together, exploring the moments big and small that make up a long life of love – and what comes after..

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

If you’re looking for ways to pass the time at home or you need a new read over Easter, there are plenty of recent and forthcoming novels and autobiographies to get into. From emotionally charged memoirs to immersive fiction, make space on your bookshelf for these top releases....

New exhibition at Beverley

Art Gallery: Home is so Sad

A new exhibition will open in Beverley Art Gallery on Saturday, 1 April : ‘Home is so Sad’, showcasing newly commissioned artwork, alongside pieces from the permanent collections of East Riding Museums and the Philip Larkin Society.

The paintings and installations of Seoul-based artists Yeonkyoung Lee and Sam Robinson reflect an interest in the conventions of painting and the details of daily life.

This unique exhibition draws on their research into the cultural

history of the East Riding and the idea of ‘home’ as a fluid concept.

Sam Robinson’s paintings for ‘Home is So Sad’ focus on an anonymous contemporary photograph, taken at dusk from a window in Wilburn Court, Cottingham. This block of flats occupies the site of 200 Hallgate, where Philip Larkin briefly lodged when he first arrived to work at the University of Hull in 1955.

Yeonkyoung Lee’s installation is made up of familiar furniture-like forms. These provide frames and surfaces for her paintings, found objects, and chosen images.

Together, these reflect culturally distinct and physically distant times and places, while also finding common ground between them.

Alongside their work, the artists have selected pieces from East Riding Museums and the Philip Larkin Society collection, chosen for their relationship with the everyday and their sense of time and place. Each piece reflects something of the tone of Philip Larkin’s poetry as it pertains to home, and includes a painting purchased by Larkin himself at Beverley Art Gallery.

During the exhibition, an additional display relating to Philip Larkin’s life in the East Riding, will be available in the red gallery, a collaboration with the Philip Larkin Society. Beverley Art Gallery curator Hannah Willetts said: “I’m delighted that Beverley Art Gallery have commissioned this exciting work by Yeonkyoung Lee and Sam Robinson.

“The artists have undertaken a great deal of research to produce new paintings and installation

work for Beverley Art Gallery, all the way from their studio in Seoul. I can’t wait to see how their work sits alongside pieces from our collection and the belongings of Philip Larkin. It’s a unique exhibition and we’re looking forward to sharing it with visitors.”

Beverley Art Gallery is located in the Treasure House on Champney Road. It is open six days a week and admission is free. There is no need to book to attend the exhibition. For opening hours, and full details of facilities in the Treasure House, visit www.eastridingmuseums.co.uk

Join the Big Help Out – The King’s Community Celebration

Beverley Town Council and Beverley Minster are working in partnership to organise an afternoon of community-spirited entertainment to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Taking place on Bank Holiday Monday 8th May 2023, the event will be an opportunity for community groups to promote their activities and encourage new volunteers, all within the spirit of the national “Big Help Out” initiative being led by His Majesty. There will also be performances by a range of local music groups, refreshments and the opportunity to bring and enjoy a picnic within a historic setting.

Starting at 12noon and running until 5pm, everything will take place at Beverley Minster, with the grounds surrounding the church acting as a community picnic

venue for the day. Music will take place inside the Minster and a range of voluntary groups will have stalls to promote their good work.

Tea, coffee and cakes will be available to buy, and it is also hoped there will be a licenced bar amongst other things.

The musical groups involved include: East Riding Youth Orchestra, Beverley Handbell Ringers, Beverley Ukelele Group, Beverley Male Voice Choir and Beverley Church Lads and Girls Brigade. Timings for each performance will be available on the Town Council’s website nearer the time (www.beverley.gov.uk).

The King’s Community Celebration is completely free to attend, with people invited to come and go as they wish – you can sit down to watch the performers, wander in and around the Minster whilst listening to the music or simply enjoy a family picnic at a truly remarkable location.

Denmark, Egypt & England…

Your first thoughts of a visit to Denmark may be during a cruise to the Baltic Sea, as most cruises have a day in the capital city of Copenhagen. However, it is becoming popular as a short break destination and with flights from Humberside via Amsterdam you can maximise your visit time.

Walking along the 17th Century Nyhavn waterfront, you will see the well know statue “The Little Mermaid” as she sits perched on a rock overlooking the water and walking further will bring you to the pedestrianised Quay with its many styles of architecture, veteran ships, harbour museum, Amalienborg Palace, the writer Hans Christian Andersons house whilst further on you will find for the young at heart the famous Tivoli Gardens and its fun fair.

There are not many land based option to tour Denmark, but it can be included in a multi centre tour including Sweden and Norway during our summer months.

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

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

09 June - Lake District weekend £326

3 Days exploring Castles & Gardens. Leighton Hall, Muncaster & Sizergh included. 2 nights dinner B&B in Grange Over Sands

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

Egypt is a fascinating country steeped in History, with fabulous beaches and aquatic life, the flights of just over 5 hours make it a great destination to visit all year round.

There are not many other countries were you can enjoy so many historic sites in such a short time as you can whilst sailing down the Nile on a river cruise. With your fully guided sightseeing excursions, you receive in depth knowledge about the historical sites and as the excursions take place during the cooler early morning hours of the day, you can fully appreciate them and enjoy relaxing during the heat of the day.

I would recommend you include Cairo in your visit, view the pyramids and the new museum housing a treasure trove of Egyptian artifacts collected from the tombs. If you were lucky enough to have visited the loaned Tutankhamun Exhibition in London, this may have given you an idea of what a holiday to Egypt has to offer.

We should not leave Egypt without mentioning the second largest city, Alexandria. Located on the Mediterranean coastline and named after Alexander the Great, from here you can also visit El Alamein and view the battlefields and Cemeteries of World War 2.

England from Cottages to castles, coaches to cars travelling in England is open to us all and our “pleasant land” has some great gardens and National treasures to visit and should you be looking for a boat on the Broads, Glamping in Grasmere, a hotel in London or many of the other UK cities there are many options.

Back to the D’s Dorset & Devon are two super counties and visiting out of season can be just as good. You will encounter less crowds and often nice weather than here in the East Riding.

During February this year we visit Monkey World, ideal for the whole family and without the crowds we were able to get up close to these wonderful primates. Gardens were also springing into colour.

With so many options available to travel around our wonderful world, the time to see them is upon us and I would recommend a holiday as a great tonic, as the saying goes good as a rest”.

We look forward to fulfilling your holiday dreams and creating wonderful memories for you to treasure in 2023, 2024 and just out on sale 2025!

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

22 October - 10 night cruise from £1399 + £150 on board credit per person 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 e.g 7 nights at the Norfolk Hotel DBB 01 July - £855pp

Ask about other hotels & Guernsey too!

Northern Cyprus ~ with Marion departs 16 March 2024

7 nights half board & daily excursions

nice flight times from Leeds Bradford Travel from your door £ 1424pp solo traveller POA

see more of these departures 2023 & 2024 visit our website www.marionowentravel.com

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.

East Riding launches Health and Wellbeing survey with ambition that more people will live

healthy, connected, independent lives for longer

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is launching a survey to hear about

For more information, visit your local East Riding Leisure Centre, our website or contact East Riding Leisure on or email leisure@eastriding.gov.uk

health and social connections to physical activity, covid and smoking and alcohol use. Residents can complete the survey online: https://eryc.linkhealthsurvey2023

Woody Mellor

Hull City attracted 23,500 to a league games for the first time in six years or rather when they were last in the Premier League. As ever the many newcomers attracted by special ticket offers will have wondered what they had been missing as there was little to get excited about in the goalless draw with Rotherham. At least they didn’t lose like in many similar promotions last season but the former fans or youngsters trying out City for the first time will have had little to to remember or full them back once again. This just brings us to the current frustration with the team of a lack of goal threat..

Since Liam Rosenior came in he has steadied the ship, they now have one of the best defences in the division and the same players who were a disaster zone in the autumn are now seeing out clean sheets. The one obvious point to mention however as Sean McLoughlin was mysteriously missing until November and just like last season, he is solid as a rock in the middle of the defence. Alfie Jones his partner

rather than being seen as weak links they are two of the most consistent players in the team. Saying that the next step is to see how they handle the remaining fixtures as there are now against promotion contenders. Are they capable to handling opponents the club aims to be challenging within the play-offs next season or do we need to strengthen this position, as many expected during January.

As much as the defence has improved it is the attack that is the worry. We do not look like losing many games at the moment but by the same token they rarely look like scoring or scoring more than once in a game. Is it the quality we have up front, is it just confidence or is it the perpetual injury crisis? Oscar was missing yesterday with injury and apparently has been carrying a long stand injury since we signed him whilst Allahyar, Tetteh, Traore and Connolly have all spent several weeks on the treatment table.

Tetteh (pictured below) and Connolly both looked a goal threat but the Irishman gets inured the week after he scores twice and then the Ghanian finally starts a game against West Brom as centre forward, plays well, scores the goal of the month and is injured the following week. Tetteh and Connolly could be next year’s strike partnership but firstly we have to sign the former, the goalposts could move if he comes good

again in the coming weeks whilst will City persevere with Tetteh if he can’t play more than a dozen games a season? Added to the conundrum is Oscar can only score if someone feeds him opportunities in the penalty box, otherwise he’s pretty anonymous. He can’t create opportunities for himself so it’s back to the other issues of creative midfielders and wingers. We don’t really have these as well or who we have are not showing the quality they possess. Pelkas looked to be our star signing during the summer but I can barely remember much of note so far this season and he is probably the second highest wage earner after Seri. Allahyar has been injured for most of the season and he looks lively but again there has been limited end product so far for a £4 million signing. Like so many of the summer signings they need evaluation as to whether they are better than home grown alternatives or are they fit enough or strong enough to play around fifty games in this physical and competitive league. Saying that I’m sure there will still be players with Turkish links at Hull City due to Acuns profile in Turkey and the many big sponsorships from within this country.

Another big frustration has been injuries or physical fitness. Were

some of the signings ready for this league, were some fairly injury prone or it the state of City training facilities or just the lack of a pre-season. Greg Docherty mentioned that when City went for their pre-season trip to Turkey this was still during the period when players usually spent a fortnight of intensive running and fitness training. Were the players fit enough in August? As most of the injuries were muscle strains or tears rather than injuries from tackles. I’ve no idea but Liam Rosenior has made reference to getting to the bottom of the issues and ensuring that his first team will be available to play next season, be that to do with training or the players around him.

Things are positive, they should be safe though they play promotion contenders in the remaining fixtures. Surely, they will win at least one of these even though it’s currently just one win in nine but unlike the McCann side they are not likely to lose many of these games. It’s mid-table for Acun once again despite his investment - but it’s time to strengthen, swap and change and bring in a goal threat for next season or at least keep the current squad fit as maybe the answers may already be here, just not in the same side as each other.

Hull City - by

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. - Bob Marley

The impressive new Peugeot 408 oozes quality.

But back to what made me so impressed by this car: It’s incredibly comfortable, oozes quality and is very smooth to drive. Journeys seemed effortless. It’s quite a head-turner, too, the dramatic five-seater, with an eye-catching sloping roof and deep macho grille, is an innovative cross between a sleek fastback, almost coupe-like, with almost SUV-like amounts of useable space.

It only became available to UK drivers in February but I was lucky enough to be amongst the first motoring journalists to drive one and the week I spent with the car went by all too quick.

Let’s get the negatives out of the way quickly . . . on the road prices can make you wince a bit, particularly as you go up the range. Prices for the 408 start from £31,050 for the 1.2 PureTech petrol in the base Allure trim, travel via Allure Premium at £32,175 and reach £34,650 for the GT.

Other engine choices, currently, are two plug-in hybrids, based on a 1.6-litre petrol engine but giving either 178bhp or 222bhp and if you choose the range-topping GT Hybrid with the most powerful PHEV powerplant then the price reaches £44,700 on the road, or £48,025 for the model I was driving, which came with things like a “spoiler sunroof” tinted with interior blind (£900), premium hi-fi (£600) and four digital cameras (£450).

Fully electric models will follow in due course, we’re told.

Sit inside the 408 and you are faced with Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit, similar to that in the 308, which features a 10-inch digital instrument panel as well as a 10inch touchscreen. The GT model uses 3D technology which allows things like satellite navigation instructions to stand proud of the other details on the screen which makes them much easier to view.

I found the cabin spacious and business-like yet at the same time trendy, with the trim again reflecting the interior of the new 308. But while leg room in the 308 is adequate in the 408 it’s positively lounge-like. A minimalist approach means there are few dashboard switches as most operations are

carried out on the touchscreen, but responsive voice control helps to lessen the time your eyes are off the road.

The high-tech onboard technology on the 408 means the car can be set up to recognise individual drivers so as you take your seat your personal preferences are activated, changing everything from radio stations, to display settings and even ambient lighting colours. It’s all geared to the

Bluetooth connection on your smartphone.

The compact gear selector in the centre console falls easily to hand as does the button which give you access to a choice of three driving modes. All the cars also come with paddles behind the steering wheel for manual gear changing.

And as it’s a family car there’s generous luggage space, with 536 litres in the petrol models –

I’m going to wax all lyrical here, because sometimes new cars really make an instant impression. Now, I concede we tend to say good things about most cars these days (and it’s a truism that there are few, if any, really bad cars any more) but Peugeot really have pulled off something to admire with the new Peugeot 408.

Deep pockets may be needed to step into the new Peugeot 408, but you’ll be rewarded with something a little out of the ordinary. Roy Woodcock reports . . .

rising to 1,583 litres with the rear seatback lowered - and 471 litres in the hybrid version, rising to 1,545.

The new 408 benefits from a range of convenience and safety features. As standard, new 408 models are equipped with a 180-degree Colour Reversing Camera, rear parking sensors and Peugeot “Smart beam” High Beam Assist, while safety is improved via Advanced Emergency Braking as well as Extended Traffic Sign Recognition. A range of further safety features are available across the various trim levels, including Long Range Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert on Allure Premium models.

GT models get a powered handsfree operated tailgate as well as the bonus of a heated steering wheel and seats and full Matrix headlights as opposed to eco LEDs lights on Allure and Allure Plus models. Performance wise, acceleration is crisp and precise, covering 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds. Hybrid models are capable of an electric range of 40 miles, resulting in a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate of just eight per cent for business users (2022/23).

Overall, this has been a car a long time in the making (seven years from the first production sketches to an actual production model, we’re) led to believe, but well worth waiting for. It’s one of those vehicles that really does stand in a class of its own.

More details: www.peugeot.co.uk

What To Watch

an African-American writer who finds herself sucked back into the past, to a Maryland slave plantation.

The Dry

ITVX’s latest drama sees Roisin Gallagher take on the role of recovering alcoholic Shiv. She’s returning to the family in Dublin after a family death; unfortunately, the rest of her relatives are less than pleased to see her and Shiv’s approach of radical honesty soon starts to raise hackles.

Six Four

ITVX’s latest crime drama stars a returning Kevin McKidd (of Grey’s Anatomy fame) as police officer Chris O’Neill, whose daughter mysteriously goes missing. Alongside estranged wife Michelle (Vinette Robinson), he attempts to find out who – and finds himself butting up against a wall of police corruption.

The Twelve

Sam Neill heads ITV’s newest crime show, which arrives from Australia. He plays the defence lawyer of Kate (Kate Mulvany), who is on the stand for murdering her niece. The titular Twelve in question are the jurors, all of whom have lives - and secretsthat may well impact how the case plays out. In short, it’s a must-watch for crime fans.

Kindred

Octavia E. Butler’s book is just as powerful now as it was when it was published in 1979 – and now it’s finally getting the Hollywood treatment it deserves. Debuting in Disney+, it tells the story of Dana,

Rabbit Hole

Keifer Sutherland returns on Monday in a Paramount+ series that seems rather like a cross between Now You See Me and Jack Reacher. Sutherland plays John Weir, a “master of deception in the world of corporate espionage”. Unfortunately, he finds himself on the run when he’s framed for murder by sinister forces; cue chaos.

The Big Door Prize

This light-hearted AppleTV+ show is all about the power of human potential. Chris O’Dowd plays Dusty, whose world is rocked when a magical machine appears in his town’s local grocery store. The machine promises to reveal people’s potential – and naturally, the entire place descends into chaos.

The fascinating life and tragic death of 90s icon Paula Yates will be front and centre in this Channel 4 documentary. Out Monday, it will also feature footage from four previously-unheard interviews with Yates herself, taken shortly before her death.

DirectedbyRichardAvery

EastRidingTheatreishugelyproudtopresentDylanThomas’ emotiveandhilariousplay UnderMilkWood

Prepareyourselvestobethoroughlyenergisedandentertained thisSpringbythelivelyteamthatbroughttoyou ADickensofa Christmas.

You’llbeimmersedintheintimaciesofvillagelife inthefictional Welshvillageof Llareggub’(bestreadbackwards!)acrossthe periodofasinglespringday.

Over60characterswillbeplayedbyourboldbandofactors: Meetupwith Mrs.Ogmore-Pritchardassherelentlesslynagsnot onebuttwodeadhusbands!

JudgeforyourselvesthecomplexcharacterofMr.Waldo,“rabbitcatcher, barber,herbalist,catdoctor,quack”,anddiscoverthemysteriousRosie Probert(playedbyElizabethTaylorinthe1971film).

ConsideredasThomas’mostenduringwork, UnderMilkWood recognisesthe goodnessthatpeoplearecapableofandthewarmthof friendship,familyandcommunitythatcanstillbindustogether.Learnof thedreamsandexperiencesofLlareggub’sinhabitants:Theretiredsea captainyearningforlostlove…

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Wecan’twaitforyoutojoinusforwhatpromisestobeawonderful productionatERT.

There are plenty of new (plus some you may have missed) and exciting shows and films to keep you entertained over Easter. Here are our top picks...

Paula

How to grow cheap houseplants from old root vegetables

Those gnarly old vegetables you’re about to throw out could become leafy houseplants

If you’ve got an old root vegetable lying forgotten in your vegetable box, don’t feel too guilty and chuck it out — it could make some great indoor foliage if you plant it in a bit of compost and a spare pot.

Here are three root vegetables that you can find easily at your local grocer, that will grow into leafy (cheap) houseplants.

Sweet potato

Sweet potato plants won’t last forever, but they are a cheap way to produce a vine-like houseplant. The leaves are heart-shaped and edible (though I’ve never tried them) and will trail from a pot or container.

Select a sweet potato that is fresh and shows no sign of mould. Start your plant in water, submerging about a third of the potato in a glass or jar of water, or supporting it over a container by inserting cocktail sticks. You’ll be able to watch as the roots develop with

the stems. Alternatively, you can start your sweet potato in compost, burying anywhere from half to all of it. Allow the compost to dry out between watering, as the tubers are liable to rot in wet soil.

Turmeric or ginger

Turmeric and ginger can also produce leafy houseplants, with aromatic foliage resembling a peace lily and a canna lily hybrid. Ginger tends to have slightly narrower leaves than turmeric. Start with a fresh tuber.

You should be able to see little eyes on the ginger and turmeric if you’ve kept it too long to cook with. These need to point upwards. Ginger can be grown on the surface of the compost, or buried just beneath — no deeper than its own size.

Keep the compost moist but not wet, and place somewhere warm and bright. These roots can be slow to get going, so patience is key.

Eddoes (elephant ears, Colocasia)

This tropical root vegetable resembles a hairy potato at first glance. But unlike potatoes, which are tubers, eddoes are corns, with a thickened stem from which the plant can regrow.

Vegetables to plant in April

Known scientifically as Colocasia, you might have seen these plants (and their cousins, Alocasia) for sale in houseplant shops, sometimes with a hefty price tag. The varieties available for food will differ from those sold as houseplants, but you can still grow a leafy plant from the foodstuff quite easily — the fresher the better.

Work out which end is the top. Usually, the fatter end of the eddoe should point out of the ground. Look for “eyes” where the new growth will begin, which are sometimes green.

Carrots

Sow carrots on well-prepared soil that is free of stones – stony soil results in forked carrots. At this time of year, it is a good idea to protect against carrot fly, by putting up a barrier around the crop.

Celeriac

Celeriac needs a long growing season for an autumn/winter harvest, so sow now, under cover. Transfer the seedlings to individual pots when they are large enough to handle.

Bury the bottom two-thirds of the root in compost in a pot four to five times its size, leaving the eyes pointing upwards. Water well and place somewhere bright and warm with a clear plastic bag over the pot to lock in humidity.

After a few weeks you should start to see signs of new growth. Do not let it dry out and remove the bag for an hour occasionally, to replace the air. Once the plant measures about 10cm the bag can be removed.

More tender crops like aubergines and courgettes, still need to be sown under glass, either in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. You can also plant out potatoes, as well as onions sets, shallots and garlic and Jerusalem artichokes.

Aubergines, chillies and tomatoes

This is the last chance to sow aubergines, chillies and tomatoes,

which need a long growing season to do well. If you only want a few plants, you can wait until May and buy plants at the garden centre.

Leeks

Leeks can be sown in seed trays under cover in April, for harvesting from autumn onwards.

Beetroot

Beetroot is an easy crop to grow, making it ideal for beginners. It will grow in any fertile, well drained soil and also does well in containers. Follow the spacing on the packet and thin the seedlings to about 10cm when they are around 3cm high. Harvest when the beets have reached golf ball size.

Lettuce

Lettuce is best sown under cover in April. Sow it in seed trays or modules, for transplanting outside later in spring.

Peas

Peas are easy to grow and can be harvested early in summer, making them a welcome early crop. You can sow them direct outside, but they are a favourite snack for mice – if these are a problem, sow them indoors and plant the plants outside when they are 15cm tall. Alternatively, sow in guttering and transplant seedlings into a trench when they’re ready.

Radish

This fast-growing crop is easy to grow and is a good ‘catch crop’, growing on empty ground that is waiting for other crops, or between slower growing crops. Sow direct outside, every three to four weeks, for a continuous Summer supply.

Spinach

Spinach can be sown directly outside in April; if it’s chilly, cover with fleece. Spinach needs lots of moisture and slug protection.

Swiss chard

Swiss chard is a beautiful crop for a sunny or partially shaded spot and can be sown directly outside in April.

April is a busy time in the veg garden, as lots of seeds can be sown this month. Now that the days are longer and warmer, you can start sowing some crops, such as carrots or peas, outside.

FIONA’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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

teenagers!

The benefits of laughter

I was out walking the dogs the other day with my husband and along the path we came across a little boy and his mum walking their dog. You know when youngsters have great big belly laughs about not a lot? Well, that’s what this boy was doing. He loved that the dogs were running around after each other. It was such a joyous and contagious sound. I think at times, especially now, when there’s so much going on in our lives and so much grim news in general we need to remember to laugh. Research has shown that laughter has all sorts of benefits for us, from relieving pain and increasing immunity to reducing stress and bringing greater happiness to our lives as well as overall wellness. One study suggests that healthy children may laugh as much as 400 times a day, but adults only tend to laugh 15 times a day. I think that’s pretty sad, don’t you? So, find something to make you laugh! Have you got a favourite comedian to listen to? A funny film? Or google 5-minute funny videos and see what makes you laugh! Maybe you’ve got a friend who has a wicked sense of humour? Whatever it is, let’s laugh more!!!! It’s going to make us feel better!

Using up leftover food

I recently read an article about how families throw away almost a month’s worth of food every year. The research, based on a survey of 1,800 parents with a child under 18 living at home, found that nearly half of parents in the UK admitted to chucking food in the bin that was still edible. More than a third also said they bought too much when shopping. At a time when bills are constantly on the increase and we’re all trying to save our pennies, we can do much better. So how do we use up our leftover food?

I guess the first thing to do is not to put quite so much on our plates. You can always go back for seconds if you want. Then, there are so many recipes if you search for them online – use leftovers for soups, stews, stir fries and salads. Leftover fruit can often be used for cakes and puddings. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of banana loaf? Let’s start being careful with our quantities – and we’ll surely feel the benefit in our pockets!

Happy Easter!

I know Easter eggs have been in the shops since The New Year, but you finally get to eat them this month! Wishing you all a very happy Easter.

I hope it will be a peaceful and joyous occasion for you.

Enjoy time with your family, relax and recharge. That’s certainly what I’m planning to do! It’s also Spring, a time of new life and renewal. A great time to clear out those cobwebs (actual and metaphorical!) and start afresh!

Have a great month everyone!

Twitter: @fionadwyer • Facebook: Fiona Dwyer PR

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Let’s get better.

There’s a part for us all to play in looking after ourselves. There’s a new local NHS website where you can find all the information you need to live a healthier and more active life. It is the place online for you to keep up to date with the latest health advice, top tips and local services. Visit letsgetbetter.co.uk to find out more, or scan the QR code below, using your smartphone.