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www.omplymouth.co.uk Creative Director Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Editor Melissa Wylie melissa@oracle.uk.net Accounts Emma-Jane Corry emma@oracle.uk.net Sales Managers Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Beth Clarke beth@oracle.uk.net Graphic Design Tom Coles BA (Hons) tom@oracle.uk.net Myles Lockwood Melissa Wylie Editorial Melissa Wylie Mathew Carter Duncan Little Photography Pixabay.com Pexels.com Stocksnap.io Baz Richardson Tom Coles Sister Magazine The Plympton Community Magazine www.plymptonmagazine.co.uk
Editor's Note... We’re really looking forward to Summer here at OM and we’re hoping that the sun shines on Plymouth throughout May. It’s hay fever season though, and some of us are already noticing the pollen in the air. Turn to page 30 for some advice and tips if you’re suffering. On a brighter note, the sunshine and longer evenings has us thinking about music festivals! The country is dotted with these fun events and you can still buy tickets for most of them. Why not take the kids along? On page 16 we discuss the best festivals for families and how to make a weekend of camping and live music a success for you and the kids. As always, we love to hear from our readers, so we’ve put our reader feedback survey online! You can still fill it in on page 19 and post it to us, but you can also type in the link and take a moment to fill it in on our website, which is at www.omplymouth.co.uk. You can be in with the chance of winning some great prizes! Then, for those of you who are tech-savvy, remember to find us on Twitter (@OMPlymouth) and Facebook (search: Plymouth OM Magazine). We regularly post about offers from our advertisers and you’ll be the first to know when a new issue is available to read online.
Melissa
Enjoy our May issue!
Melissa Wylie - Editor
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CONTENTS May 2016
02 03
Tool Hire Express
43
36
Plymout
F R E E F it t in g & FRE If it’s a mode of
30
Don’t wait un
..replace your battery befor e the end of its life to avoid the effects of cold winter weath er
Let Jobel design your dream bathroom; visit their 2000ft squared showroom for the latest ideas.
Edgcumbe Court
10
Tons of Tiles
15
National Marine Aquarium
16
Kids and Festivals
19
Duke of Cornwall Hotel
22
Best Businesses and Entrepreneurs
28
Deja-View
30
Managing Hay Fever
e!..
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13
11
We spoke to the Mortgage Advice Bureau for this month’s Best Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Barbara Burgess offers her advice on how to feel good and lose weight
Don’t let hay fever get the better of you this summer! We have some advice and tips for you
32
What’s On Guide
34
H.M Williams
See what’s on in May in Plymouth in our handy, monthly guide
• Warm and friendly atmosphere • Experienced Stylists • Only professional products used • Ladies, Gents & Childrens Hair
The national award winning accountants who are down to earth with a can-do approach,
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The Family Law Company
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Divorce and finance –what you need to consider when you decide to separate
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Action Coach works with local business owners, to help them turn their company from good to great
If you’ve been injured in an accident, the friendly team at Chris Kallis can help
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: Mon - F
w: plymouth w our premises batter y.co.uk Farad
It’s Slime Week at the National Marine Aquarium! Get stuck in this May half term
Enjoy Tea at the Top! Experience incredible views as you tuck into a champagne afternoon tea
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Join the New Generation! W
hat are the housing options as we get older? It’s not something that many of us think about until it becomes a necessity and not a choice, but there are exciting opportunities for a new generation of retired people. Maybe you are concerned about your relatives who, although still active and healthy, would benefit from some assistance from time to time and the upkeep of their house and gardens have become time-consuming and costly. The option of retiring to a purpose built retirement village could well offer a solution, and what better way to embark on a new phase of life than to enjoy the grandeur of hotel-style retirement living
Apartment Lounge
from the comfort of your own luxurious apartment. Edgcumbe Court is a new retirement scheme developed by the Nazareth Care Charitable Trust, set in 4 acres of private landscaped grounds surrounding the existing Nazareth House Care Home on the Stonehouse Peninsula. The development, which comprises 45 assisted living apartments, has stunning views across Plymouth Sound.
The surrounding area is steeped in history. Just a short stroll along the seafront is the Royal William Yard which offers restaurants and cafes as well as a tea room and bakery, and there is easy access by ferry service to the Barbican. So, why not be one of the first of this new generation to experience this stunning location with all the comforts of home and the advantages of hotel luxury combined?
Each purpose built property is designed to offer comfort and security and comes complete with energy efficient underfloor heating, fully fitted kitchen and a wet room shower room. Many apartments have either French doors opening onto a balcony or sun terrace or large bay windows. Private parking is available in an underground car park and lifts give easy access to all floors. A guest suite provides additional accommodation for visiting family and friends. Residents can enjoy an extensive range of social and leisure facilities. They can be as sociable or private as they wish.
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TAKING RETIREMENT LIVING TO NEW HEIGHTS Located on the edge of the Stonehouse Peninsular and enjoying sweeping views across Plymouth Sound, Edgcumbe Court offers bespoke, stylish, retirement living by the sea. There is a choice of beautifully appointed one and two-bedroom assisted living apartments with landscaped promenades and grounds. Added to this is an extensive range of social and leisure facilities and support services usually only found in the best hotels. Social and leisure facilities include: t Conservatory t Hairdressing t Library salon t Lounge areas t Sun terraces t Restaurant t Coffee shop t Summerhouse t Guest suite t Bar t Chapel
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May 2016 09
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10 May 2016
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May 2016 11
Home
Garden Care Now Spring has begun and we’re looking forward to the Summer, it might seem as though every part of your garden needs attention. It’s either growing or dying too quickly and the task of keeping it looking good can become overwhelming. To enjoy your garden looking its best without the heavy work load there are a few ways of cutting down the time you need to spend on routine tasks. Lawn care It is easy to disregard your lawn, letting it grow long enough to be mistaken for a wild jungle rather than your back garden! When it comes to mowing your lawn, ‘little and often’ is the best policy. If you leave the grass to grow too long it can seem like a mammoth task to get it back to how it should be. More importantly, if you cut it by more than one third of its height it will put it under great stress and weaken it. However, keeping it too short will also prevent it from making a great deal of its own food and the roots will dry out extremely quickly. If you stick to a quick blitz every week it will save so much time in the long run. Grass will stay in good condition, weeds will be more controlled and the need for feeding and watering reduced.
Watering In the hot weather of summer some plants will easily wilt if they are not watered daily. However, it is a waste of time and water to regularly soak your entire garden. If you place more vulnerable plants in the shade it will reduce the amount you will need to water them. When you do water your plants it is better to give a generous amount occasionally than a small sprinkle more often. This is because if you only dampen the surface of the soil, plants will develop much weaker shallow roots. A good tip to look after your trees and flowerbeds is to put a deep layer of mulch around the roots to preserve the water in the soil. If your soil is poor it is advisable to use slow release plant food as it only has to be applied at the beginning of the growing season, instead of a fertiliser that has to be used every few weeks.
Weeding Once a weed has seeded it can create hundreds more and the longer you leave them the harder the work will be to remove them! This job can be a tedious task that you will want to avoid. In the morning of a very dry day uproot weed seedlings using a hoe and leave them on the surface where the sun will shrivel them. If the weeds have passed the seeding stage it is important to remove them all completely using a hoe and either bin them or put them on the compost so ensure they are destroyed. If you take out the weeds before the seed heads develop you will save much more time.
Cutting and Pruning It is important to remove or ‘deadhead’ flowering plants early in the summer such as roses, geraniums and marigolds. By cutting the fading blossoms at an angle with pruning shears, it will encourage continued blooming and heavier flowering whist maintaining the size and shape of the plants. However, heavy pruning of trees, plants and shrubs should be avoided in this season!
The most useful gardening tools Pruning Shears (long handed) There’s no need to make work harder for yourself by using old shears. Get yourself a decent pair of long handed shears, which make pruning so much easier without putting stress on your knees or back. Hoe This is the essential tool for weeding, with swift easy movements. It will enable you to get rid of all those nasty weeds without having to get down on your knees with a trowel. Gardening Stool Take the strain out of gardening and prop yourself up on a gardening stool, perfect for keeping your knees clean and dry! Secateurs Buying a really good pair of secateurs is the best investment you can make to look after your garden. They are the most versatile gardening tool, and you can let your artistic flair take hold!
12 May 2016
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May 2016 13
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14 May 2016
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MAY 28TH - JUNE 5TH This May Half Term at the National Marine Aquarium
we’ll be exploring the slippery depths of some slimy underwater creatures. Find out about slime, who uses it and why. Have a go at making some slime of your own, and experience the Slimy Science Show in our Aqua Lab.
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May 2016 15
Kids + FESTIVALS Music festivals were once reserved for young people, serving as an opportunity to leave responsibility at home for the weekend. But over the years, these lively events have started to cater more and more to children and families.
S
ome people would think it’s mad to cart along a baby to a hectic, noisy festival, but for parents who’ve spent their youth enjoying the thrill of live music in huge arenas, it’s not necessarily a pastime which needs to be given up. Parents might need to take along a little more than a crate of booze and a cheap tent, but being prepared for every eventuality will make the entire weekend a lot easier on both you and the kids. If the thought is a bit daunting, take your little ones on a summer camping trip to let them try out their sleeping bags and experience the fun of living in a tent. If they’re already excited by the
prospect of camping, introducing them to a festival won’t be so difficult. Festivals big and small offer separate campsite areas for families, and with that, plenty of kids entertainment. Although you shouldn’t expect to be dragging the little ones over to the main stage to watch the headline acts at night, there are always great artists on in the daytime and the smaller stages and market areas have lots to offer. The entire experience won’t be the same as if you were a teenager (do we want to re-live that?) but you’ll enjoy it in a
completely different way. Instead of sleeping through the mornings, you’ll be able to try out some of the delicious food on offer, browse the markets and stalls and take in the fresh atmosphere (hopefully) in the sunshine. Of course, the weather will often decide how much fun you’re going to have. It’s a risk you take when booking a festival, but if you have kids who aren’t bothered by a bit of mud and are the sort who like to climb trees (and if you’re the same) then go for it, because the sun could shine and it could be the best weekend of your summer.
Credit: (Flickr) lflynnpr1
The entire experience won’t be the same as if you were a teenager, but you’ll enjoy it in a completely different way
14 May 2016
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Great Blue Hole, Belize
Pack plenty of rugs and blankets. Not only are they good to chuck onto the ground for a rest, but you can wrap the kids up in them if they’re cold.
•
Take a wheelbarrow, off-road buggy, or something similar. When you’re not carting around tired kids, you can use them to move equipment from the car to the campsite.
•
Take a bucket for when the kids need the toilet in the night. It’s easier than getting them to the portaloos/cabin in the dark.
•
Give the kids their own torches or light-up toys to carry at night. They’ll find them fun and it will help other people to see them.
•
Write your contact number on their arm, or attach it to their clothes in case they get lost. Alternatively, the name of your campsite can be helpful.
•
Buy ear defenders for babies to protect their ears from loud music. Older children might like to use ear plugs for the same reason, and to help them sleep if the campsite is noisy.
•
Put a big flag or colourful wind-spinner on top of the tent to help older children find their way back.
Credit: Stevie Gedge
•
Credit: (Flickr) Peter
Tips for a Family Festival Trip
Some of our favourites
Looe music festival
When? 23rd - 25th September Where? Looe, Cornwall How much? Under 5s free, under 18s £25, adults £89
This festival is set-up right on the beach! Expect to be dancing in the sand, enjoying Cornish food and drink while you’re entertained by the music which continues throughout the day. The entire town comes to life, as the bars and pubs also get involved and host many acts. Accomodation is offered at some great local camping and caravan parks.
(not including camping)
camp bestival
When? 28th-31st July Where? Lulworth Castle, Dorset How much? Tiered by age £15 - £118, adults £197.50
Camp Bestival has been designed with kids in mind, but this doesn’t mean the adults are left out. There’s endless entertainment for the children and great acts on the main stage - Fatboy Slim, Jess Glynne and KT Tunstall are on the bill. For the teenagers, there’s a special ‘den’ for them to head off to. This festival is colourful and fun, and the kids certainly won’t get bored.
womad festival
This festival is best described as a global gathering, with a lot more than great live music to enjoy. Womad offers plenty for kids to discover across the site, but the dedicated kids zone takes on a Brazilian Carnival theme this year.
When? 28th-31st July
The festival also prides itself Where? Charlton Park, Wiltshire on great food, inviting you to travel around the world How much? Under 13s free, as you taste different dishes teens £85, adults £175 and delicacies.
end of the road
When? 2nd-4th September Where? Blandford, Dorset How much? Infants free, children £45-£75, teens £150, adults £195
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This increasingly popular festival is relaxed and family-friendly. The gardens create a woodland wonderland full with art installations, and most of the food and drink on offer is local and organic. It’s a real celebration of music, where good songwriting is valued and even the film and literary programmes are inspired by music. Children will love the unique atmosphere.
May 2016 17
Leisure & Events
CELEBRITY SUMMER SENSATIONS Amazing 5* Fly/Cruise Mediterranean Exclusive Offers
Book with us and receive these complimentary extras: Classic drinks package worth over £450 pp Upgrade from Interior to Oceanview or Oceanview to Balcony. One night hotel pre or post & all transfers Think of a 5* luxury cruise in the Med’ in peak season and high ticket prices spring into mind, but not this year as, at Have A Nice Stay Travel, we have created some very affordable gems on two stunning Celebrity ships - the Reflection & the Equinox. As ATOL licensed tour operators we create the whole holiday and, not only will you save a lot of money, but you will have total peace of mind with our vast product and destination knowledge. Once again, we offer far more than travel agents or call centres and can add super pre & post stays
as well as airport hotels in the UK with free parking. If you take a cruise that starts or finishes in Rome you are crazy not to have at least one day to scratch the surface of all the Eternal City has to offer. The port of Civitavecchia is just over an hour away and most
passengers simply fly in or out and miss one of the finest cities in the world. Never before have we had these very special rates and due to our 30 year+ relationship with Celebrity Cruises, we have 32 luxury cruises on offer from May until October with 7,10,11,12 and 13 night itineraries. So call or email us with any queries!
TWO OF OUR EXCLUSIVE SAILINGS: CELEBRITY REFLECTION 17 JUNE & 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 ITALY & GREEK CRUISE 10 NIGHTS PLUS 1 FREE NIGHT IN ROME Have A Nice Stay Exclusive Prices Interior with FREE upgrade to Ocean-view £1399 pp* Ocean view with Free upgrade to Balcony £1499 pp* *Subject to availability at time of booking
When they’re gone, they’re gone! Book any one of our Summer Sensations and get one night complimentary hotel pre or post.
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Call Have a Nice Stay Travel Ltd on 01752 481399 or email sales@haveanicestay.co.uk 18 May 2016
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May 2016 19
Leisure & Events
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20 May 2016
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May 2016 21
Pets
PLYMOUTH’S BEST BUSINESSES In this month’s Best Businesses and Entrepreneurs, we speak to Matthew Johns, Managing Director at the award-winning Mortgage Advice Bureau about how they became the best in the Southwest
M
atthew Johns has good cause to be happy. He has just celebrated his 40th birthday and in the same week his team at the Mortgage Advice Bureau have won a top award. He holds two trophies in his hands. One is in national recognition of the excellence of their parent company, and the other is the key focal point for the team, who are based on North Hill in Plymouth. The prestigious Regional Mortgage Broker of the Year 2016 award from the ESTAS was given to them based on their customer ratings and testimonials. It means they are the best in the Southwest when it comes to what they do and it’s the customers praise which earned them the award, which was presented at a glittering event at The Grosvenor in Hyde Park, London, in April this year. It’s a big deal. Matthew shows us the photos from the night. It certainly was very swish with a number of ice sculptures to mark the occasion. We head up the staircase and settle ourselves in his office with a cup of tea. The view across North Hill is incredible – a huge tree acts as an immediate landmark with the rest of the busy street neatly nestled behind it. By now we’re complimenting Matthew on his tea-making abilities and chatting about
the family pictures on the window ledge, where five awards are neatly lined up next to them.
the Mortgage Advice Bureau which he thinks is “brilliant” as it means he gets to spend time with him as well.
We chat about the family photos. His family is a big driver for him. He has two children - Harry is six and Lilly is two. He’s been married to Sarah for seven years. It’s not just his wife and children who play a crucial role in Matthew’s life, his Dad helps to train the team at
Growing up in Devon, it was his childhood which would spur Matthew to exceptional success in his chosen field of finance. He realised, at a young age, the importance of self-belief in everything we do. By 1995, Matthew had joined a local bank where he learnt a lot about the world and also how finances work. He was a 19 year old with aspirations and a desire to do what was always going to be best for the customer. It may sound like a cliché, but it was a belief which has seen his repeat custom grow over the years and, in particular, has seen the expansion of the Mortgage Advice Bureau from just three people in 2011 to 21 advisors and eight office staff today.
James Webster, Toni Dunstan, Jessica Bailey, Matthew Johns, Katie Quick, Jade Jones and Mark John
22 May 2016
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It is part of a franchised network and Matthew says it’s now the largest mortgage broker in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. The key to the success of the team is its breadth of experience
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AND ENTREPRENEURS provided by its staff, who use more than 90 companies to gain the best deals for the client. We take a break from scurrying down notes and ask what else has ensured success for Matthew’s business. “Hard work, thinking differently and remembering who the client is,” he answers. “When I say ‘thinking differently’ I am not talking about ‘out of the box’ but thinking in a different way to a competitor. “We do not have tunnel vision but think in a broad way. It is very easy for people to become inward focused and not to look outwards. We look to the long term outcome, long term investment and to the bigger picture.”
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We have the ambition and the desire to do the best we can
The hard work aspect to Matthew’s recipe for success is certainly stringent. We ask him to talk us through an average day. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays sees his alarm go off at 05:45 so he can attend ‘boot camp’ before arriving back home for breakfast with his children at 07:15. Most of us would probably head to bed for a nap. Not Matt. Next up is a walk with the dogs and the school run which means he arrives to work before 09:00. Another crucial factor for any budding entrepreneur is the ability to be able to chat freely with staff. Matthew talks with everyone. From the ground floor (administration) through to the middle floor (advisors) and finally the top deck (which also consists of advisors). It tends to involve talking with a coffee in hand, and it’s this calm and genuinely relaxed attitude which we feel while sitting opposite him in his office. “It’s really important,” he explains. “People need to feel valued.” It’s a mantra which he extends beyond the office and through to the clients themselves. “It’s easy to think about yourself but if you do right by them (the client) it will work for them. Lots of people will think about
themselves and not the client which is where it goes wrong for them. “We have the ambition and the desire to do the best we can and we have invested in the infrastructure to be able to do it. “When you save someone £150 a month then it can be life changing for them, or when you help someone to buy a house when they didn’t think they could, that can really surprise people and it is a really strong feel good factor. “We want to see people through their journey and so build long term relationships which last years and years. We are looking not just for what is right today but for the next thirty years of that person’s life. “I think we have a duty of care as the house is the biggest thing that someone will ever buy.” With such strong moral values, it is perhaps not surprising that Matthew still works with a number of clients who he first met at the start of his career. Away from work and the business, he continues to look out for other people. Eight staff ran in the Plymouth 10K event last year to raise money for the Hugs for Henry charity. A keen runner himself, Matthew has entered the draw for places
on the London Marathon three times and is undoubtedly keen to run a marathon at some point. Aside from running 26.2 miles, he also wants to achieve a cycle ride from Venice to Rome (again for charity). As we start to pack up our pens and notebooks, Matthew mentions that another aspect to success is the ability to “keep going” and to “enjoy it on the way.” They’re inspirational words which leave us wondering what goals we can set ourselves and thinking that, perhaps, one day we will bump into Matthew at the start line of the London Marathon.
Mortgage Advice Bureau Farrer House, 73 North Hill, Plymouth PL4 8HB
www.mabsouthwest.co.uk
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Recipe & Image: www.bbcgoodfood.com
Gnocchi with lemon & chive pesto Potato gnocchi makes a welcome change from pasta. Give them a go in this simple veggie supper for two.
Ingredients •
Serves 2
1 garlic clove, finely chopped small bunch parsley, finely
chopped small bunch chives, snipped. • 2 tbsp toasted pinenuts, roughly chopped. • 2 tbsp grated parmesan, or vegetarian alternative, plus extra for serving. • Zest and juice 1 lemon. • 4 tbsp olive oil. • 500g pack gnocchi
Method 1. Place the garlic, herbs, pine nuts, cheese and lemon zest in a small bowl, season well, then stir in the olive oil and lemon juice. Set aside. 2. Cook the gnocchi in a pan of salt boiling water following pack instructions, then drain well. Tip into a serving bowl and toss through the pesto. Serve with extra grated Parmesan, if you like. Prep: 10 mins Cook: 5 mins
24 May 2016
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Eating & Drinking Local Directory Pub Food
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May 2016 25
Pets
Health Matters
We all know that eating your five a day and doing regular exercise is a good start for keeping healthy and preventing illness. However, there are other ways in which we can help ourselves with various common ailments, and they can make a real difference to our health.
BRONCHITIS
EYE INFECTIONS
Multivitamins and mineral supplements taken daily will help to build up the immune system and stimulate the process of loosening phlegm. Drinking three to four cups of thyme tea can help during an acute attack too, as this thins mucus secretions. Vitamin C is useful for fighting viruses that attach the respiratory system, and herbs like Echinacea have antiviral and immune-strengthening properties, which can help prevent acute bronchitis reoccurring.
Most eye infections are related to conjunctivitis, which makes the eyes irritable and red. If you have an infection, it is best to avoid wearing contact lenses and make up, and wash your hands regularly with antiseptic soap. Keep your towel to yourself, as conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Using an eye wash several times a day will calm down irritation and infusing and cooling chamomile tea bags and placing on the eye can also be a comfort to tired and inflamed eyes. Warm moist compresses applied to styes for ten minutes, three or four times a day can help to drain them too. Taking Vitamin C and Zinc for a month can promote eye health. These nutrients have been known to help clear away an infection and prevent recurrences.
Eliminate the use of aerosol products in the home which may make the condition worse, and it is best not to smoke as this will only aggravate the condition. You can help alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis by drinking plenty of fluids, such as diluted fruit juices, and herbal teas.
STRESS To help alleviate stress, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, massage and meditation. Exercising regularly can reduce the symptoms of stress; just taking a short walk in fresh air can radically lift your mood. It puts physical and mental distance between you and the stress causing environment and the exercise leads to the release of the body’s natural happy drugs - endorphins. The health of the nervous and immune system can be helped by taking B vitamins and magnesium, which can also relieve muscle tension. Try valerian for sleepless nights and restrict your intake of caffeine and alcohol as the can contribute to anxiety and insomnia.
Did you know... 26 May 2016
PREVENT RECURRENCES
Taking Vitamin C and Zinc for a month can promote eye health
Tea is believed to have anti aging properties. The Japanese have one of the longest life expectancies in the world, and this is partly attributed to drinking green tea. In addition, there are many new anti-aging beauty products that include tea extracts.
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TRAVEL SICKNESS Fresh or preserved ginger is very effective at preventing and treating nausea associated with travel sickness. It takes effect almost instantly and has none of the side effects that some conventional drugs can have. Some people find acupressure can reduce the symptoms of travel sickness. It can be applied using a wristband or by pressing your finger against the middle of the inner wrist about three finger widths above the crease where the wrist joins the hand. If you are traveling by plane avoiding fatty, greasy meals and alcohol the night before can reduce the chance of sickness. Magnesium is a good general tonic for calming nerves and Vitamin B6 can help to relieve feelings of nausea.
FATIGUE Fatigue is usually a symptom of some other problem such as poor nutrition, lack of (or too much) exercise or poor sleeping habits. It can be linked with stress, low immunity and a deficiency in almost any vitamin and mineral. B-complex Vitamins and Vitamin C support the immune system and can bring relief to symptoms of fatigue. If you are feeling tired due to bad sleep habits, make sure you avoid caffeinated beverages. Too much caffeine before bed can cause irritability, anxiety, upset stomach and muscle tremors. If you already suffer from anxiety or insomnia, caffeine may exacerbate the problems. It can stay in your system for up to 10 hours and reduce your ability to fall asleep and remain in a deep sleep, which can then cause fatigue during the day.
Ginger is an effective treatment for nausea
Dietary supplements should be used to support a healthy diet and not used as a substitute. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
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May 2016 27
Pets Health & Beauty
Feel Good, Lose Weight Great Blue Hole, Belize
By Barbara Burgess
With weight loss you need to be looking at the longer term, after all, the weight didn’t go on overnight, in fact it crept on so slowly that you probably didn’t notice until you found you had to buy clothes in the next size up, or you saw yourself in your holiday snaps and didn’t like what you saw!
Einstein said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result, and yet how many times do you go on another diet and expect to lose weight once and for all? Most of my clients, when they finally come to seek help, will be able to rattle off a long list of diets they have tried in the past, how many pounds they lost on it, and how much heavier they were a year later. Over the years their weight creeps up and up, but they are still sold on the idea that the next diet will work.
Long term weight loss is about small changes that, over time, make big differences: making better food choices, Long moving a little more and reducing portion weight sizes a little at a time.
Perhaps this is our modern obsession for an instant result? I want it and I want it now. With fast food, 24hr shopping and credit cards we’ve become used to getting what we want immediately. Or perhaps that instant gratification is concealing a bigger problem? ‘In the moment’ it makes you feel good (never mind that you might regret it later).
28 May 2016
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Having a healthy, fit body is a pleasure that has to come from within. It is the joy of self-esteem, loving yourself enough to feel you’re worth it, feeling that the world, and especially those you love, will benefit from you having a longer, healthy life and that you don’t need ‘stuff’ to give you value. Let me help you find that true selfesteem within you so that losing weight won’t just be about how you look, it will be about expressing the wonderful, unique person term that you are with energy, loss is health and vitality!
“
As summer comes in and we start to shed our winterwear, look forward to summer holidays and the beach-body, is it any surprise that we start to think again about losing those extra pounds?
about small Starting in May, I have a clinic, every Ongoing motivation is changes Friday, at the Holiday the reason most people Inn, Plymouth. Please don’t approach weight contact me if you would like to book a loss in that way. It is so motivating to consultation. lose a few pounds in a week or to have people notice you have lost weight but in the long term these forms of motivation Barbara Burgess don’t keep the weight off. If you manage Hypnotherapist and Coach to lose all your excess weight, people will Deja-View notice, they’ll say how amazing you look, but after a while they’ll get used to it and Telephone: 01752 876971 stop commenting – and they certainly Mobile: 07858 355915 won’t comment when you start to put it Email: info@deja-view.org.uk back on again!
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DO YOU SUFFER WITH UNWANTED HAIR, UNSIGHTLY THREAD VEINS OR PIGMENTATION AFFECTING THE FACE, LEGS OR BODY? Our Laser Nurse Specialists based at Nuffield Health, Plymouth Hospital can help
To arrange a FREE one-to-one chat with a Laser Nurse Specialist Telephone 01752 788088 or for more information visit www.iplclinics.co.uk
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May 2016 29
Pets Leisure & Events
Managing Hay Fever
Credit: IDJ Photography
this Summer
Don’t let hay fever get in your way this summer. Learn how to deal with it effectively so that you can enjoy the sunshine.
Many of us develop the allergy as a child and prepare for it every year, but it can become a problem at any age, even if you’ve never had any symptoms before. In the UK the main cause is grass pollen, but trees, mould and weeds can also trigger symptoms. The type of pollen you’re allergic to dictates the time of year you’ll suffer most. Trees release pollen earlier on in the year, from March until May. Grass pollen is around from May to August, and weeds and some shrubs release their pollen in the late summer months. Keeping track of when your symptoms appear can help you to work out which type of pollen you’re allergic to, but it’s possible to be allergic to more than one. For some unlucky people, this means that the hay fever season can last for much of the year with a break only in the winter. Sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose and rashes are common symptoms, and some people suffer more than others. Leaving windows open, trips to the zoo and parks,
30 May 2016
and even sitting in the office or classroom can become a problem when the pollen count is high. Summer can be ruined as eyes become swollen and jelly-like as they try to keep themselves clean of pollen, the nose gets sore as the sufferer goes through endless tissues, and even the tongue and throat can become irritated.
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D
id you know that, according to the charity Allergy UK, nearly 18 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever? So if you’re still taking cold and flu tablets and wondering why the sniffles won’t shift, you could be part of that statistic.
It can become a problem at any age, even if you’ve never had any symptoms before
Therefore, it’s not always as simple as taking a one-a-day antihistamine tablet. The main issue with these is that taking one in the morning can mean it wears off by the evening, and then hay fever can hit at night causing problems with sleep. Stronger antihistamines are usually stocked behind the pharmacy counter so it’s worth asking about them if the standard packs off the shelf aren’t working well enough for you. Some have slightly more effective ingredients to tackle various symptoms, and some advise that they’re taken at regular intervals throughout the day which can be more suitable. There’s no need to get a prescription for these as your pharmacist can advise you
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on how to take the tablets, but a doctor can recommend other medicines and remedies to combat severe allergies. If it’s your first year with hay fever, try the standard, one-a-day tablets first as these work well for light suffers, before going on to ask for something stronger if you need it. If you’d rather not take tablets, or if it’s not quite doing the trick, there are other methods to help manage your allergy. The NHS recommends keeping windows shut early in the morning and at night, wearing sunglasses to help keep pollen away from the eyes, washing the hands and face regularly, applying petroleum jelly around the nostrils to trap pollen before it enters the nose and avoiding sitting on the grass if that’s what’s causing the symptoms. They also suggest that sufferers avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is high, but this isn’t particularly good news when you’re keen to get out in the sunshine and enjoy the summer. Being prepared with these various remedies and medicines can help you to enjoy the warm weather with less sneezing to worry about. And remember - don’t suffer in silence. Your doctor or pharmacist will be more than happy to help you manage your hay fever when it becomes unbearable.
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Keep Your Home Pollen Free When all else fails, try to keep the pollen out of your home. Thankfully there are lots of things you can do to help ease your symptoms
Shower It Off
If you’ve been outside for a long period, change your clothes when you get home to stop pollen from irritating you. Take a shower too if the pollen count has been high
Wash Your Hands
Don’t rub your eyes or face if you’ve been outside because you might have pollen on your hands. Wash your hands regularly to avoid this becoming a problem
Don’t cut the grass
It’s something which needs doing every summer if you have a garden, but if your symptoms are triggered by grass pollen, ask someone else to mow the lawn for you
Dry Clothes Indoors
It might seem like a great idea to take advantage of the sunshine and dry clothes in the garden, but they can easily trap pollen. Dry clothes on an airer in a warm room instead
Brush Your Pets
Dogs and cats can collect pollen as they run around in the grass or through wooded areas. Brush them regularly outdoors to get rid of as much you can before they go inside
Don’t Use Feather Dusters
These simply spread the dust (and pollen) around your home. Use a damp cloth with warm water instead to collect dust and get rid of it Please mention Oracle Magazine when responding to adverts
May 2016 31
what’s on plymouth? Your guide to what’s on in and around Plymouth this month
Plymouth Film festival The Plymouth Film Festival is back again, and after mostly selling out last year, 2016 sees an extra day and an additional screen. The selection of high-quality, short films shown over the weekend will be accompanied by award ceremonies, panel discussions, networking parties and exclusive workshops.
Plymouth Arts Centre 13th - 15th May
pirate weekend The Pirate Weekend is back for more explosive, fun events following the success of last year. Expect to hear canons firing, see the tall ship in the harbour, test our your pirate skills and attend Mermaid School!
The Barbican / 14th - 15th May
May Fair and Dog show
Royal William Yard Spring Fair
family slime night
Gables Farm are holding their annual event to raise funds for the animals in their care. Take your dog along and get involved with the classes on offer, have a go at the raffle and tombola, and browse the stalls selling bric-a-brac, sweets and ice cream.
Royal William Yard are hosting, for the second year running, their Contemporary Arts & Crafts Spring Fair. Urban Splash and Born Hectic Events have teamed up to recreate last year’s success, which includes high quality crafts and live music running throughout the weekend.
Head to the National Marine Aquarium to learn how slime is useful to creatures living underwater. Visitors are invited to join in, get messy and even make some slime of their own!
Gables Farm Dogs & Cats Home, Plympton / 28th May
Royal William Yard / 28th - 29th May
National Marine Aquarium 31st May
The Lord Mayor Festival Lord Mayor’s Festival will give us all the chance to welcome the new Lord Mayor into the role. Visitors are invited to dressup as their favourite superheroes, so dress accordingly! It’s a family-friendly event, with plenty of street entertainment, competitions and fun activities spread across the city centre.
This May Half Term at the National Marine Aquarium
we’ll be exploring the slippery depths of some slimy underwater creatures. Find out abo slime, who uses it and why. Have a go at making some slime of your own, and experience the Slimy Science Show in our Aqua Lab.
City Centre / 28th May
Freedom community festival Plymouth’s Freedom Community Festival returns to recreate the buzz, sunshine and laughter that they are known for! With live music, this action packed day is sure to keep you busy, and most importantly, there is plenty to keeps the kids occupied!
Freedom Fields Park 28th - 30th May 32 May 2016
Moor things vintage & lovely spring garden fete Miss Ivy Events is presenting over 40 vintage & artisan exhibitors for you to browse in this beautiful setting. Live music from singer, Louise Parker, a hog roast, workshops and children’s entertainment is also on offer for visitors to enjoy. Entry is £2 (under 5s free)
Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton / 2nd May Call Oracle Magazine 01752 691007
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Leisure & Events
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May 2016 33
Law & Finance
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ivorce and finance – What you need to consider when you decide to separate Anne Shears, a solicitor with The Family Law Company, discusses how the divorce process works in practical terms, in particular looking at the need for advice with regard to finances. No divorce is the same When a couple decide to separate, divorce proceedings are not usually the first thing they think about. Instead, they often need to tackle more pressing practical concerns, such as where each of them is going to live, and what arrangements are to be made for their children. The reasons why two people break up are particular to them. Where some might want to get on with the divorce, understanding that the relationship is well and truly over, others can feel uncomfortable with the idea of a divorce. This may be because they hope for reconciliation or simply that they are not ready to bring their marriage to a formal end. Other people might be scared of what’s involved in the process of divorce, worried by legal terms and the thought of financial demands, such as Court fees. The divorce process It may be helpful for those who are nervous about divorce to understand that, leaving emotional aspects aside, the legal side of a divorce is a relatively simple process. A couple must have been married for more than a year before they can divorce. There is only one ground for divorce in England and Wales and that is that a marriage has irretrievably broken down. There are five facts that can be used to show a Court that this has happened.
These are: (a) A spouse has committed adultery with a member of the opposite sex and the other finds it intolerable to go on living together. (b) A spouse has behaved in such a way that it would be unreasonable to expect the couple to go on living together. (c) A spouse has deserted the other for a continuous period of two years or more. (d) The couple have been living separately for two years or more and agree to the divorce. (e) A couple have been living separately for five years or more whether or not they agree to divorce. The divorce will only be granted by the Court if the Petitioner (the spouse bringing the divorce proceedings) can establish one of these five facts. If the fact on which the divorce is based can be agreed before the Petition is lodged with the Court, this usually means that the divorce will go through more quickly – this can help to keep any conflict or disagreements to a minimum, enabling the separating couple a better chance of amicably agreeing finances and any other arrangements that need to be made. Finance For many people, it is only when they take legal advice about their separation that they realise that a divorce does not just end the marriage but also means that a Court will consider their finances. The Court cannot consider any agreement reached between a married couple about their finances until a divorce has reached the Decree Nisi stage. Remember that being divorced (the making of Decree Absolute) does not bring an end to the financial claims that can be made by either spouse. This is done in a separate financial order made by the Court.
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Anne Shears Good advice about the timing of Decree Absolute and resolving the finances is essential, especially if one or both of the parties intend to remarry. In practical terms, if the Decree Absolute is made but financial claims arising from that marriage are not concluded by Court Order and one of the parties remarries without protecting their ability to make financial claims, they will no longer be able to make claims against their former (unmarried) spouse. However, their former spouse could still make claims against them. When considering whether to take professional advice, remember that the divorce proceedings are only one part of the process. It is equally important to take careful advice to resolve the finances in such a way that puts each person in a position from which they can move on into their respective futures. For further information or to speak to one of our divorce specialists, call 01752 674999. We offer a free initial half hour appointment. For more information please visit: www.thefamilylawco.co.uk Tel: 01752 674999 Email: enquiries@thefamilylawco.com The Family Law Company, Princess Court, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2EX
May 2016 35
BUSINESS PROFILE:
ActionCOACH Who is Jonathan Keable? He is a business coach who helps local business owners move from good to great.
J
onathan Keable is married with two children and lives in Plymouth. He has over 30 years business management experience in both corporate business and through running his own enterprises, which cover Electrical Contracting, Food & Catering Supplies, Dairy Agriculture & Property Sales & Distribution Industries. He thrives in the business environment having managed six businesses with up to £12m in sales and 75 staff. He turned five of these businesses around from a negative position to record profit, by creating a thriving business structure, developing the customer base and building great teams His attraction to ActionCOACH was immediate as he sees them providing a vital tool kit of profit-making strategies to add to his company, Business Success SW Ltd, which enables him to help local business owners move their companies from good to great. On meeting Brad Sugars, the founder of Action Coach, Jonathan was impressed by how Brad had achieved 23 years of business success in helping small to medium business owners grow their businesses and achieve their goals. For the first time, ActionCOACH gave these business owners access to hundreds of amazingly powerful, yet relatively simple and affordable sales, marketing and team building strategies, which resulted in dramatic improvements in their turnover and profits. Since that time more than 500,000 people have attended ActionCOACH’s seminars/workshop learning & attested to appointing their own ActionCOACH Business Coach. This 1st step is the single, most effective profit making initiative any business owner could make in their business today. Not only is the coaching system powerfully effective, it is also very affordable for most businesses.
36 May 2016
ActionCOACH is now the world’s number one business coaching firm. As a result, Jonathan Keable is motivated to use ActionCOACH ‘s tool kit of strategies and methods to help local business owners throughout Devon & Cornwall achieve their goals quicker than they thought possible. How? Jonathan focuses on proven strategies that work to prevent businesses owners wasting their time going through ‘trial and error’. How does Jonathan work with businesses? (a) Getting results with the One-to-One Coaching Programs Not only professional athletes & politicians have coaches, but the best businesses in the world have them too. So why shouldn’t you? Working with Jonathan as your ActionCoach, you will fast track your business into creating more time, increased income and a better
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performing team. You will develop a strategic plan and he will keep you focused, hold you accountable, brainstorm ideas, motivate you and provide a fresh/outside prospective on your results to grow your business. Jonathan will help you to identify the top marketing and system strategies for your business to give you momentum going forward. This is a sure way to get you on the fast track to business success and to achieving your business and personal goals. (b) Workshops to empower your team Jonathan & ActionCOACH offer one and two-day programs on specific areas of business building. He can customise a programme for you and your team. You will be taught: 1. Sales - learn the latest techniques for building rapport and relationships with your prospects and how to convert them into customers 2. Team Building - creating a championship team 3. Customer Service - how to turn your customers into referral business fans,
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getting them buying from you again & again. 4. Business Success - from sales and marketing to finance, systems and team building, the fundamental skills needed to build a successful business. Access to ActionCOACH’s worldwide network When you work with Jonathan, you will become part of the ActionCOACH global community. ActionCOACH regularly hosts networking events, members’ nights as well as
other social and learning events for all our clients. ActionCOACH coaches have assisted all types of enterprises throughout the world and this knowledge is available to assist your business. ActionCOACH has also partnered with other professional services to provide you with all the contacts you will ever need.
Customer Service Training 6. Online Marketing Training on; LinkedIn, Facebook, Website, Twitter & YouTube 7. Business learning with Action Coach: Books, DVDs, Online & CDs.
Knowledge to build success 1. Business Coaching 2. Finance & Improving Profitability 3. Team Building & Company Culture 4. Strategic Planning 5. Sales, Marketing, Advertising,Team &
• Jonathan Keable works with business owners who have the focus to move their business from good to great, who want to cut out the ‘trial & error’ stages and achieve their goals quickly without any significant increase to their expenses; which is why he offers a 12 month guarantee.
• Taking the 1st Step to getting a coach is not a risk but an investment in your Business’ future.
To find out more on how Jonathan can help you move your business from good to great, creating you more time, increased profit and performance, give him a call or drop him an e-mail. What have you got to lose? Jonathan invites business owners to go onto his website: www.actioncoach.com/jonathankeable to take the Business Health Check and find out - how healthy is your business? Jonathan Keable B.A. (Hons) Dip.M. Dip. M.R.S. ActionCOACH - Business Coach Director of Business Success SW Ltd Mobile: 07960661392 Tel: 01752 220377 e-mail: jonathankeable@actioncoach.com web: www.actioncoach.com/jonathankeable
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May 2016 37
Law & Finance
Injured in an accident? Call Chris Kallis Solicitors for trusted Legal advice No Win - No Fee Service Free Initial Consultation Exceptional Compensation Results Specialist in High Value Claims “1000s of local clients have been helped as a result of many hours of hard work and expertise� Chris Kallis
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X-Men: Apocalypse Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Oscar Isaac
guide
Your guide to the films hitting cinemas this month
One of the most successful film series of all time, the return of our favourite mutants is led by Professor Charles X (McAvoy), in a bid to protect the world from the meticulous and cruel mutant Apocalypse. The plot follows Apocalypse as he awakens to find the world he knew unrecognisable, and he sets out his plan to take over the world with the help of a few familiar faces. Can the X-Men defeat this powerful adversary?
Released: 20th May
The darkness
Alice through the looking glass
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Radha Mitchell, David Mazouz
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Johnny Depp, Sacha Baron Cohen
Two families are tied together after returning home from a trip to the Grand Canyon, bringing back a mysterious supernatural entity with them. After a series of supernatural events, including strange black handprints appearing on walls, the Taylors and the Carters desperately find a way to combat this force. Can they defeat the unknown, or will they be consumed by this threat?
Released: 13th May
Alice Through the Looking Glass follows Alice as she returns to Wonderland, which is cold and lifeless under the control of the evil Lord of Time (Baron Cohen). Alice teams up with some new friends, and attempts to return things to order by helping the Queen of Hearts (Bonham Carter) back onto the throne and saving the Mad Hatter.
Released: 27th May
Elvis & nixon
green room
Starring: Michael Shannon, Kevin Spacey
Starring: Alia Shawkat, Anton Yelchin, Patrick Stewart
In 1970 the King of Rock ‘n Roll rocked up to the White House to request a meeting with America’s leading man – President Nixon. What happened in this meeting was mostly unknown, until now. Elvis & Nixon reveals the true events behind an infamous photo, exposing an eventful yet humorous story. One of the music industry’s most influential men meets the world’s most powerful leader in this revealing film.
Green Room tells the story of a punk rock band called The Ain’t Rights performing a gig in a remote part of the Pacific Northwest, to an audience of vicious Neo-Nazi skinheads. Backstage they accidently become witness to a murder, and gang leader Darcy (Patrick Stewart) sets his radical men to kill the band members in this thrilling horror film.
Released: 6th May
Released: 13th May
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May 2016 39
Union Street is an intriguing place. Once littered with huge nightclubs and bars to entertain Plymouth on the weekend, it’s now in a state of disrepair and a shell of its former-self. OM looks at what it once was, and what it may become... Let us think back to Union Street in the early-mid 90s. While a night out now generally begins much later at night, we’d be heading out at around 7pm. We’d head past the Prince Regent, then stop by The Conservatory on the corner which offered up some great cocktails under the windows which now form part of Crash Manor. The Two Trees (which is still going strong) sat opposite, but would usually be saved for later in the night. Zig-zagging back across the road, Blondes, Oz and Warehouse sat together in the huge building which is still a prominent (if tiredlooking) part of Union Street. Some club-goers may remember sneaking through back doors from Blondes to get into Warehouse. Jesters, which opened in 1991 and is still open now, would be next on the street. Opposite this is now a car-lot where another club once stood – Zoom later became Electric Circus, which was sadly burnt to the ground. Boobs (now Choo Choos) and The Hackney Carriage pub sat around the roundabout on Union Street, and as you continued up the road you’d come across The Venue. JFKs (nicknamed Just For Kids based on its reputation) would be the easiest place for anyone underage to get entry to, and along from here was The Malthouse which sat on the bottom floor of the Palace Theatre. Anyone feeling hungry after drinking and dancing would head to the 24-hour Goodbody’s on Mutley Plain, or grab a portion of spicy spuds from Ali Baba’s. That part of the standard Plymouth night out doesn’t seem to have changed much.
Two larger clubs opened in later years – Dance Academy in 1997 and Millennium in 2001 - which attracted hard-house and trance DJs. What may shock the younger generation now is how, at Millenium, women could pay £10 and men £12 (as they were believed to drink more) for their all-you-can-drink deal. Of course, queues for entry would snake around the building and most nights were carnage. You may have been entertained while queuing or out and about on Union Street, by a few familiar faces. Birdman would sing and dance for those who asked, and was so popular that last year he switched on Plymouth’s Christmas lights. Spoons would stroll around the queues playing melodies by tapping spoons, and the Rose Man would encourage men to buy their ladies a rose.
Union Street Today Now, the scene on Union Street is quite different. The clubs and bars gradually closed down or were replaced by less-successful ones. Jesters (now Club Jesters) is still busy at the weekend, and The Two Trees has many loyal visitors through its doors – these are the only two to have hung around for so long. In more recent years C103 (formerly JFKs) closed its doors, and despite potential plans for it to re-open as a major live music venue, it still remains derelict. It seems that the focus on Union Street for clubgoers is more targeted towards Derry’s Cross, where Walkabout, Revolutions, the casinos and other lively bars pull in a big crowd. Do you have any memories or photos from 90s Union Street? Share them with us on Facebook (Plymouth OM Magazine) or Twitter (@OMPlymouth).
See more on the history of Union Street in Chris Robinson’s ‘Union Street’, available from his store on 34 New Street on the Barbican, or via Amazon. Find his book and more info at www.chrisrobinson.co.uk
what next? GO! (also known as Great Opportunities) is a charity which has created a project titled GO! Palace Plymouth, and it’s taken over the development of the Palace Theatre in hopes of restoring it back to its former glory. Their aim is to craft a ballroom and restore the large theatre. GO! is giving the youth of Plymouth the opportunity to learn real skills, with schemes that can offer 120 apprenticeships, hands-on work experience and volunteering places. With the intention of raising as much money as possible, the charity puts on many events to raise awareness, in the hope that they can continue with the project. GOD TV has taken over the old Millennium nightclub with the intent of renovating it and creating a state-of-the-art studio, which will help generate job growth in the local area. Despite their financial issues, GOD TV is adamant that the building will be ready for the city’s Mayflower 400 celebrations in 2020, and will become a popular fixture in the Plymouth region. Now a conservation area, pressure is on to restore Union Street to help produce great business opportunities for local people.
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May 2016 41
Withdrawing Cash from a Deceased’s Bank Account:
Recent Changes and their Implications
T
ypically, when someone dies banks and building societies freeze their accounts until the person dealing with their estate has applied for an official document known as a Grant of Probate (“probate”). An executor is named in the Will and is the person entitled to apply for probate. If the deceased died leaving no Will then the law states who is entitled to apply for probate (the administrator). The executor or administrator (also called personal representatives) takes responsibility for dealing with the estate. Many high street banks have increased how much they will release from the deceased’s account without probate. This can range from £15,000 to £50,000. Whoever presents themselves at the bank with the death certificate, whether a personal representative or not, will be able to close the account and receive the closing balance. This might come as a relief to bereaved families who believe this makes a loved
Tel: 01752 203500
one’s estate easier to deal with; however, it raises some issues: • The person who visits the bank may be the personal representative but they may not be the person entitled to benefit from the estate. What is to stop a dishonest personal representative simply ignoring the terms of the Will or the law of intestacy and keeping the balance for themselves?
Where does the responsibility of Catherine Bailey the account being closed and paid out inaccurately lie? Is this amounting to fraud? Is tax revenue going to decrease as a result? These are just a few questions that personal representatives could find they have to answer following these seemingly helpful changes.
• There have been many instances where the person who provides the death certificate to the bank is not the personal representative, nor are they entitled to receive a share in the estate. The personal representatives then have to rely on this individual to pay this sum to the estate so it can be correctly distributed.
At GA Solicitors we offer a fixed fee service for the application of probate and are well placed to provide comprehensive advice. Many individuals are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and Solicitors for the Elderly.
• When the personal representative files the inheritance tax account they might believe that because the bank has already released the funds that they do not have to be included. The personal representatives are therefore
Just one hour of good legal advice could save you thousands in the long term. Contact the team today on 01752 203500 or email: enquiries@GAsolicitors.com.
Email: enquiries@GAsolicitors.com
M
Early Years
Plymouth & South Hams Leading Lifestyle Magazine
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42 May 2016
not delivering a true account and potentially not paying the correct inheritance tax.
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