Plympton Magazine January 2022

January 2022 | Area 1

EE NG F S I N I O NO J L FITNES E D OD M AT HE C T G SIN ’ AT

BY U 4FREE UK

‘JOIN TNESS.CO. DLFI M

MDL FITNESS We went along for a gym session at the brand new eco-friendly gym in Plymouth, MDL Fitness to find out what it’s all about

MIKE LEGASSICK

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Mike LeGassick specialises in investing, inheritance and retirement planning so who better to give some advice on the topic

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Editor’s Note...

Happy New Year!!

I hope you’ve all had a lovely Christmas and are excited for what 2022 will bring.

In the first edition of 2022, we have one business profile from MDL Fitness, an insight into the investing world from Mike LeGassick and lots of interesting editorial pieces.

MDL Fitness are not only a modern gym with panoramic sea views, but they are also eco-friendly whereby human energy is converted into electricity. We had the pleasure of trying out their facilities last month and admiring the stunning view from the gym.

Mike LeGassick is proudly sponsoring the ‘Start Saving Money on your Bills’ editorial with the do’s and don’ts of investing your money into stocks and shares.

We also have an editorial about home renovations which is sponsored by lots of our brilliant local businesses that are here to help transform your home. Adjacent to this editorial is the interior design trends of 2022!

We hope you enjoy this edition of Plympton.

Amy

Amy Fry - Editor

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Contents

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January 2022

The Plympton Community Magazine, Oracle Publications, Unit 5, Bowker House, Lee Mill, Nr. Ivybridge, PL21 9EF

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Copyright © 2021 The Plympton Community Magazine.

All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher. We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Oracle Publications accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in The Plympton Magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.

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Shake off Monday Blues

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MDL Fitness

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Walk Your Dog Month

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Nuffield Health Hospital

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Woollcombe Yonge

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Save Money on Bills

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Mortgages 4 Plymouth

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Mike LeGassick

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Veganuary Recipes

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Moorland Heating

20 Home Renovations

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memberships. Surprisingly, in the UK, 90% of the population are not gym members therefore, keen to make the jump, he pitched his idea to the MDL board and was chuffed when the initial nod to explore the MDL fitness concept had the go-ahead. Soon after, he contacted Roger again and collectively, they pulled together the first design and it has since grown from there.

Plymouth has seen a vast number of changes over the years, creating a city that is modern, forward-thinking and sustainable. With the global mission to cut down our carbon footprint, we are naturally taking more sustainable choices for a better future. MDL Fitness is part of that change by offering not only a modern gym with a stunning sea vista, but also an eco-friendly concept whereby human energy is converted into electricity.

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n the 1st of September 2021, MDL Fitness opened its doors for the first time, so after a few months of finding their feet, we spoke to Tim Mayer, Director of Sales and Marketing to find out what it’s all about.

MDL Fitness is part of a larger corporation called MDL Marinas who owns and operates 18 marinas across the UK and one in Spain. MDL Marinas owns Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth which is where you will find MDL Fitness.

Tim Mayer’s vision of the future is clear, he wants to make people’s lives better which starts by protecting what we all live on; Earth. Tim began working in the Health and Fitness market in 2007, starting at a single site level and by 2019, became a national manager, looking after the commercial activity and digital transformation of over 200 locations. In 2017, Tim met Roger Eldergill from SA Green Fitness, a sustainable health and fitness company offering green solutions. Tim was looking into the idea of portable/temporary gyms that could be sustainable and dropped into low-income areas but plans were only just evolving.

MDL is very fortunate to be managing 19 beautiful locations where each deserves and needs special consideration if we are to enjoy them in years to come.

Whilst it is aware that virtually all the activities of the company, and that of its customers and tenants, have some impact on the environment, MDL is dedicated to environmental improvement. It is working with its berth holders, on-site businesses and supply chain in a bid to protect the natural beauty of the marina surroundings and the marine ecosystem, for the enjoyment of all. MDL Fitness is just one of those brilliant, forward-thinking ideas to help the planet.

Sustainable products and business sustainability are increasing dramatically in demand, particularly among millennials and the younger generation.

Tim Mayer states, ‘One recent report revealed that certain categories of products with sustainability claims showed twice the growth of their traditional counterparts. In one recent survey, 65% said they want to buy purpose-driven brands that advocate sustainability, yet only about 26% actually do so. That is a challenge for all of us.’

Each of us can begin to make that journey to zero carbon with forward-thinking ideas and having the courage to do what Tim has done by putting a stake in the ground and hoping the rest of the industry follows suit.

Featuring the latest kit, including treadmills, bike machines, cross trainers, free weights, functional space and fixed resistance equipment, MDL Fitness has all you need for an exhilarating workout with the added bonus of an undisrupted view of the Plymouth Sound.

He made the move over to the marina industry at the end of 2019 with exciting plans whereby sustainability and protecting the marine environment were at the forefront. In 2020, Covid-19 fundamentally shifted the UK fitness industry giving an opportunity to those in a position to enter the market. The pandemic made everybody more inclined to take better care of their health which resulted in an influx of gym

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The environmental success of the gym comes down to the gym members and their workouts on SportsArt Eco-Powr equipment. By plugging in its new Eco-Powr treadmills, cross trainers and bicycles into a standard outlet, MDL Fitness will be able to send AC power generated by gym members back through the gym’s power grid to offset its energy consumption and reduce its carbon footprint. By working out on an EcoPowr treadmill for an hour, twice a week for a year, it’s possible to create a CO2 emission offset equivalent to 62 lbs of coal burned, 138 miles driven in a car or 7,197 smartphones charged!

The team at OM went down to MDL Fitness last month to try out the SportsArt machines and admire the gorgeous view and we were not disappointed. On arrival to the gym, you enter the barrier into Queen Anne’s Battery and take a ticket with 2 hours of free parking. Drive around towards the gym at the bottom of the marina and head up the stairs to the reception.

Lockers are available to store your belongings and then once you have scanned your QR code, you can head into the gym.

There is a great range of equipment available to use, from cardio machines to resistance machines, a squat rack and a free weights section. This is perfect for those who are just staring off as well as those who frequently workout but are looking for a different and more calming location.

The view really is breath-taking. There is nothing better than using the rowing machine and looking out onto water, or having a stunning view to distract yourself whilst burning some calories on a treadmill.

In the centre of the gym, there is a spin class section which is run through the day, complete with a TV to see how much power you’re producing per machine.

Due to the calming nature of the location with the fulfilment of helping to protect the environment, MDL Fitness is a very rare gym with something unique to offer the South West.

Not only are the cardio machines sustainable, there are other elements to the gym that are also environmentally friendly. The flooring has been made from recycled tyres, the ventilation system has heat recovery making it more energy-efficient and the gym furniture comes from a sustainable source.

01752 671142 www.mdlfitness.co.uk

The UK’s climate mission is ambitious, and MDL is in full support of it as it continues its journey to becoming the UK’s most sustainable marina group.

It has already made some improvements to its marinas by installing 1,000 solar panels on five of its marina buildings.

MDL also has a 100% zero waste to landfill policy, it is helping to replenish the Solent’s oyster population and converting its existing petrol/diesel workboats to fully electric or hybrid propulsion. It has also just announced that it will be the first UK marina group to offer an electric boat charging solution across its marinas!

Users of the gym will be able to track their progress and energy production against local and global leader boards through a specialist wellness App. MDL Fitness is all about making fitness sustainable and as straightforward as possible. It wants to be able to help people appreciate new environments they may not have been lucky enough to experience before and ensure it’s open to people, no matter their personal circumstances.

There is a membership option to suit everyone! You can pay for a day, a month or a year with prices from as little as 69p per day.

To find out more and join MDL Fitness, Readers of please go to Plympton Magazine www.mdlfitness.co.uk

MDL Fitness, Commercial Place, Plymouth, PL4 0LP

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START SAVING MONEY ON YOUR BILLS THIS JANUARY January is the time for starting a fresh, making new year’s resolutions and a whole lot of change therefore, what better time to get your finances in order!

A

fter a typically expensive month in December, our bank accounts aren’t thanking us, so we have found some brilliant ways to get on top of your bills and find out what you can do to save a little bit extra this year.

Sadly, the reality of it is, you’re not going to be saving £1,000 in just one day. These things take time and have to be implemented into your lifestyle for the benefits to really begin to show. Our minds work in very odd ways where we end up saving money on one thing and then see that saved money as ‘free money’ resulting in us spending that money on something else. This is an endless cycle which means we never get to save money; we just end up spreading the finances further afield. This was a snippet of information I took from speaking to the Martin Lewis of the investment world, Mike LeGassick.

There are a few apps on the market that help to track your daily spending’s, one in particular that I use is called Emma. Think of Emma as your best financial friend, she will help you to take control of your finances by notifying you if you are entering an overdraft as well as tracking your subscriptions for you. The app categorises your direct debits and purchases to enable you to see exactly what you’re spending and what areas you’re spending the most in. There is also no escaping your bank balance because Emma will notify you every day to make sure you’re aware of how much is left in your account.

Brutal but very helpful in the long run!

The Emma app has also teamed up with Money Super Market to give you suggestions to save on your bills as well as other useful financial cuts. You can use the majority of the app for free but there are some

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benefits to using the paid service however you have to think, “Is this going to just be another thing I have to spend money on?”

I can’t stress enough that the time to start taking control is right now! You might have a weekend planned that you may want to spend a little extra to treat yourself but that doesn’t mean you can cut your expenses elsewhere to make up the difference.

Finding the best rates on your utility providers and insurance companies will no doubt take many hours searching through the web and contacting various companies but it will be worth it.

Firstly, make a list of all your bills and subscriptions and go through each one finding out what you’re paying and if you can find a cheaper deal. I prefer to write this on paper as it’s easier to see and make notes on.

Cheaper deals can be found on various comparison websites however, it’s always good to have an idea of where to go first for each of your bills.

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Where to find cheap deals.

Gas & Electricity – Money Saving Expert, Compare the Market, Utility Warehouse Car & Home Insurance – Compare the Market, Go Compare Broadband – U-Switch, Which?, Compare the Market, Money Supermarket Phone Contract – U-Switch, Money Saving Expert, Money Super Market It’s also worth finding these cheaper deals elsewhere and then going back to your original provider to see if they could match your price. I would also recommend calling up your insurance company to see if they can find ways to reduce the price for you. Particularly for car insurance, you can save a lot of money just by swapping a few things around, updating your annual mileage or taking people off your insurance that isn’t needed.

If you’re employed, there are some benefits that you can use against utility bills and subscriptions.

Business owners can also get discounts on things like phone contracts and if you work for the NHS or the forces and have a blue light card, they can also get you various discounts. Students, make full use of those discounts because you’ll be wishing you still had them for years to come.

Don’t be afraid of own-brand foods. We are all guilty of picking out our favourite brands regardless of the price jump but own brand foods are always worth trying. Some own brand products are almost identical to their branded counterparts yet we always get enticed by pretty packaging. Even if the flavours aren’t quite as tasty, you can always add extra herbs and spices at home to give them a more premium taste with no added cost.

With this in mind, we hope this has helped you to think a little differently this year and take control of your finances!

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YOUR PERSONAL INVESTMENT COACH: MIKE LEGASSICK It’s that time of the year when we make resolutions to improve our lives in the new year. Health and finances always seem to be among the top areas we wish to improve. In this piece I have decided to write about the 3 most important things that all investors need to be aware of.

O

ne of the most common questions I get asked is “what’s working now Mike or where is the best place to invest now Mike?”

My answer is always the same. I have only ever invested my clients’ money in what has always worked and that is a huge collection of the greatest companies on the planet. I have never invested my clients’ money in whatever the current fad happens to be. Examples of what people think are hot right now are Cryptocurrency, Brazilian Teak Farms, and Car Parks to name a few. If a client wants to invest in just one or two highly volatile, high risk asset classes that’s up to them, but I will have no part of it. If it is money they can afford to lose completely and it won’t impact their financial and retirement plans then they can go and knock themselves out.

After all, it is their money.

What’s Working Now? - The Turkey’s Story To bring the permanent loss of capital or the ‘what’s working now’ dangers to life, try to think of them in terms of being a turkey on a farm. I know this sounds a little crazy, but please bear with me. You’re a turkey in a little coop and every day that goes by you become more confident and comfortable with the farmer and your environment. Why wouldn’t you?

Every day he puts grain in one trough and water into another for you. This farmer clearly has your best interests at heart.

You have a nice warm place to live, and you are protected from natural predators. You really like and trust this farmer. You’re permanently hanging out with your family and friends, and you don’t have a care in the world. Life is good. You’re getting really well fed and every day you are getting bigger, bigger, and bigger. So as time passes you grow more comfortable and settled in your rosy idyllic surroundings – that is, until a few days before

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Christmas when things take an unexpected turn for the worse. You get an unsettled feeling that something is not right. The farmer has not come in as usual, he’s late, and then suddenly the shed door is flung wide open and there’s a big truck outside and all your friends and family are getting loaded into the truck.

Christmas is just a few days away. You’re thinking to yourself “what’s going on here?” You don’t know it yet, but you are soon going to be someone’s Christmas lunch.

And it was all going so well until that day. This is what the permanent, irretrievable, loss of capital feels like.

Similarly investing your life savings in something that just happens to be working right now, the latest fad, most often produces the same outcome. Just when you thought that things could not get any better, reality bites and BANG! GAME OVER. Do your investments have the characteristics of the turkey, that misplaced trust, the false sense of security? If so, ask yourself whether you could be the turkey here?

The Rollercoaster In over 30 years as an investment adviser, the single biggest and most dangerous mistake I have seen people make is confusing volatility with the permanent loss of capital. Be very aware that these are 2 very different things.

You should think about volatility as being on a rollercoaster. If you have ever been on a rollercoaster, you probably experienced mixed emotions as you were about to get into your seat. Most people feel excited and fearful. You know that this is going to be both scary and exhilarating. You sit down, you lock the safety bar into place across your chest thinking that this is a bit tight, and you start your steep, high climb up the rollercoaster track.

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Up you go higher and higher to the apex and then as you drop down the other side at high speed you are screaming thinking you’re about to die. You go through the first loop the loop and then the second loop the loop and all you are thinking is I want to get off this, I want to get off this, please let me get off this!

I’m going to die! You go through the final loop the loop and then the rollercoaster slows down to a gentle stop, and you get out safe and sound.

You know that had you attempted to get yourself out mid-ride in the middle of one of those loops there would have been very serious consequences, a high chance of permanent loss, but you didn’t, you sat tight and finished the ride. Think of volatility as the ups and downs and unpredictability of prices over a rising trend line over time. Think about volatility as a rollercoaster ride. Investing is a little like walking upstairs using a yoyo. The ups and downs are inevitable but the journey on the stairs is upward.

Inflation - The Relentless, Silent Assassin Inflation ensures the slow, pervasive, erosion of the purchasing power of your money. Put simply, all your cash and invested assets really are, is the future purchasing power of your money. This is what all money and currency is, and inflation is a relentless and very dangerous flavour of risk. I refer to inflation as the silent assassin. The story below brings this vividly to life.

The Swan Ice Sculpture The story to bring inflation to life is the beautiful swan ice sculpture often seen at weddings. You arrive in the morning in all your finery. All your friends are there, and you are looking forward to a great day. And there it is, a beautiful swan ice sculpture that is the centrepiece of where you are having your canapés and drinks. It looks stunning and everyone is admiring it and commenting on it. It is pristine. You can clearly see the detailed definition of the feathers and the beak and there is a drip tray underneath it and there is not a single drop of water in the drip tray, and you think, wow, that is impressive.

lot of water in there now. You look at the swan and, and think, well, it’s sort of a swan. You can just about make out that it is a swan. You come back much later after the buffet and you’re wondering what has happened to the swan ice sculpture. What once stood majestically is now unrecognisable. It just looks like an undefined melting block of ice and the drip tray is now completely full of water.

To bring inflation to life, think of it as a swan ice sculpture at a wedding, the slow, continual, drip, drip, drip of you relentlessly losing your money’s purchasing power to inflation. The primary requirement for any money you might have saved or invested is for it to maintain your purchasing power and standard of living. Providing your money, wherever it is held is growing at least by the rate of the increasing cost of living you will never suffer a drop in the standard of living. Unfortunately, as I write this, interest rates on savings remain at historic lows.

Most people are struggling to get 0.5% on any savings. Inflation is currently 4.2%. This means that any money you have saved at say 0.5% is losing 3.7% per annum to inflation. So let’s look at a monetary example of this. In 10 years’ time, £50,000 held on deposit will still show £50,000 in your account but will only be worth £34,768 in real terms. Yes , you read that right. Your £50,000 in just 10 years has lost an annually compounded 3.7% and will now only be able to buy goods and services to the value of £34,768 because of that silent assassin inflation. Ouch! Using long-term inflation trends, the cost of living increases about 2.5 times over a 30-year retirement. A first-class stamp in 1991 was 24p. A first-class stamp today is 85p. That is a whopping increase of 254% over a 30year period!

If you want to find out more on how to be a smarter investor, how to get your savings to grow at the same rate as inflation or more, and how much you need to retire comfortably and stay comfortably retired, please contact me on 01752 837950 or visit my client education and behavioural investor website which brings all of the above to life: www.saverbehaviour.co.uk

Mike LeGassick’s book

And then you get on with the wedding proceedings, you have the ceremony and you come back for some light snacks and refreshments, and you look at the swan and the drip tray and you think wow, there’s a

w: manningandco.co.uk

Mike specialises in investing, inheritance tax planning, and retirement planning.

Mike is also a member of the Parliamentary Review and has written a piece for them which was sent out to over 500,000 businesses in the UK.)

w: saverbehaviour.co.uk

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HOME RENOVATIONS January marks the start of a new year, bringing with it hope, change and new year’s resolutions.

Whether you’re looking to sell or if you just want to add a fresh new lease of life to your home, we have some great tips and tricks, as well as some brilliant local businesses that can get the job done!

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iving your home a makeover can mean more than just the furnishings and a lick of paint. In order to make the most of the space or increase the value of your property, it might be worth thinking about doing some renovating.

Forking out the money for a brand-new kitchen isn’t always a quick and easy decision and with the average brand-new kitchen costing you around £8,000, you have every right to be hesitant! If only there was a way to reduce the cost somehow… well there is.

Dream Doors Plymouth offer affordable solutions to a brand-new kitchen by quite simply replacing the doors and worktops. The shell of a kitchen usually stays the same, unless you’re moving the kitchen elsewhere, therefore, swapping out the doors, door handles and worktops, could save you 50% compared to a new fully fitted kitchen.

Cleaning the gutters and roof of your home can not only transform the exterior of your home but can also extend the lifespan of your roof by ridding it from harmful substances. Luke’s Gutters and Roof are a local roof and gutter cleaning service with affordable prices starting from just £40.

Tired or broken doors and windows can make the whole house feel neglected, they also let in more drafts causing your energy bills to increase. For all types of door and window repairs, The Door Doctor offers a mobile repair service based in Plymouth to help your windows look brand new again.

Do you feel like you’re outgrowing your home but can’t afford anywhere bigger? On average, extensions work out cheaper compared to upsizing and you can design it exactly how you want.

With the plans in place, it’s time to get building. Base Concepts Plymouth are an award-winning building company that specialises in the refurbishment of both commercial and domestic properties throughout Devon and Cornwall. They offer all types of building services from partitioning and suspended ceilings to bath and kitchen remodelling.

If you decide to refurbish areas in your home that require a plumber, Core Plumbing solutions have over 12 years of experience in all aspects of the trade. They offer central heating installations, general plumbing work, boilers, wet rooms, bathroom installations and disability conversions.

When renovating your home, try not to neglect your garden because by the time spring and summer comes alone, you’ll probably be spending just as much, if not more time in your garden than indoors.

The most noticeable difference you can make is updating the fences. Colourfence offer metal garden fences in a wide range of colours, styles and finishes.

All businesses mentioned in this editorial are local to Plymouth and trusted with years of experience.

We hope that this has given you the confidence to transform your own house into a space that you’re proud to call home.

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INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2022 January calls for a fresh start and what better place to start than your home! We have found the top interior design trends for 2022 to give you a little bit of inspiration.

Natural Materials – Bring natural elements into your home by choosing exposed wood, concrete or brick as opposed to painted and varnished furniture.

The world of interior design is following the fashion industry as we turn our heads away from fast fashion by creating and choosing pieces that have longevity and stay timeless.

Houseplants – Houseplants have been all-the-rage since the first covid-19 lockdown in 2020. In a bid to escape the indoors, we decided to bring the outdoors into our living spaces and fill them with gorgeous greenery. Not only do they look beautiful and act as décor, they also help to purify the air and give you something to take care of.

Black Accents – Adding in small touches of black will help to bring depth into the room without making it feel dark and cold. Black table legs, mirror frames, door handles and lamps are some great options to add a touch of depth which will enhance your room making it feel sophisticated and add a good amount of contrast. Pair these black details with neutral tones to finish off the look.

Marble – Marble surfaces have been the centre of many kitchens for many years, and they still remain to be very trendy.

Vintage Hints – In 2022, we are diving back in time with our interior design and adopting more vintage pieces than ever before. Vintage items are not only a sustainable option as opposed to brand new pieces but they are also more personal unique.

Textured Fabrics – Fringed rugs, velvet sofas and boucle armchairs are said to be taking the front seat this year. Incorporating texture into your home décor creates visual interest as well as a cosy and sophisticated feel.

Sustainable materials – In recent years, we have become more environmentally conscious with growing fears towards the future of the planet.

Choosing materials that have little impact on the planet in years to come is something we have naturally adapted to.

Multifunctional Spaces – Open planned spaces with multiple uses are becoming very trendy ever since we were made to work from home during the pandemic. Having versatility in your rooms means that one space can be adapted to suit different activities such as a dining table can double up as a desk.

The ’80s & ‘90s replacing minimalism – Fine lines and limited colours are on their way out and they are being replaced with the bold and whacky designs of the ’80s and ’90s. The ’80s and ’90s were packed full of contrasting patterns and questionable designs however in 2022, we have moulded their patterns in a way that compliments the room and the existing furniture. The ’80s also saw lots of rounded edges, including large pieces of statement furniture which is all making a come-back this year.

Unlike the fashion industry, home décor trends are longer lasting and can sometimes still be current for years. We hope this has given you some food for thought when renovating your own home this year.

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BRITISH CURRY & BRITISH TAKEAWAY AWARD FINALISTS

est. 1999

To all our customers!

FOOD ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES Please speak to our staff about the ingredients in your meal before placing your order - THANK YOU

By word of mouth we are the BEST BALTI HOUSE in the area!

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Call us on 01752 338169 or 340555

Open 7 days a week - Mon-Thurs 5.30-10.30pm Fri, Sat 5.30-11pm | Sun 5.30-10pm (opening times may vary due to government guidelines)

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BRITISH CURRY AWARDS

2021 Shapla Balti Cuisine has been crowned one of the best indian restaurants in the South West at The British Curry Awards 2021!

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lympton, Plymouth is home to one of the best Indian restaurants and takeaways across the South West.

The 2021 British Curry Awards, also referred to as the ‘Curry Oscars’ is an annual celebration of the best curry restaurants in Britain. Hosted in a similar format to the Oscars and other global award celebrations, the British Curry Awards is known as one of the ‘most respected’ award ceremonies in the curry industry.

It took place on Monday 29th November 2021 in Battersea Park, London.

Shapla Balti Cuisine was nominated for ‘Best in the South West’ to which they took home the award as a finalist with Cheltenham-based Indian restaurant Prithvi taking the winning title.

Boris Johnson attended the British Curry Awards last month, along with a number of other politicians, celebrities and sports personalities Moshahid, who has been running the business since 1999, told PlymouthLive it was an honour to sit with stars, including being treated to a speech by Boris Johnson.

He said: “In attendance were Cricketer Azeem Rafiq, Love Island contestant Priya Gopaldas, model Danielle Mason, former The Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon and TV presenters Melinda Messenger, Lizzie Cundy, Faye Barker, Hayley Sparkes And Hayley Palmer.”

Moshahid added: “The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian Omid Djalili.”

Moshadid said, “to get this award is a great achievement” and received a fancy red certificate naming his restaurant finalist for the best in the southwest.

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Shake off the Monday Blues Blue Monday – January 15th 2022 The third Monday of January is supposedly the most depressing day of the year therefore we have compiled a list of ways to shake off those Monday Blues.

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anuary can be a tough month for a lot of people. Typically, by the 3rd Monday in January, the excitement of the Christmas holidays has left, New Year’s resolutions are falling short of success and the work routine seems to be dragging. Not to mention the shorter days and increased rainfall resulting in Season Affective Disorder (SAD). And after another worrying Christmas with the Covid-19 pandemic, the winter period has caused even more stress and anxiety for people worried about their own health and the health of their loved ones.

1. Blast some music on!

Whether you’re in the car on your way to work or cooking up some breakfast in the kitchen, an upbeat playlist can start the day off right.

2. Treat yourself to a little something Indulge in a takeaway, buy yourself some flowers or head to the online shops and order yourself a new outfit. Purchasing items that make you happy have a short-lived, but positive effect on your mood and it also gives you something to look forward to when they arrive.

3. Talk to someone Reaching out and having a conversation with someone can instantly brighten your day. Pop over to your loved ones for a catch-up and a cuppa or ask your work colleagues about their weekend. If you are in a position where you need immediate support, you can text SHOUT to 85258 for a free 24/7 support line.

4. Pamper yourself Light a candle, run the bath, use some essential oils to completely relax. It’s important to take some

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time out of your day to completely switch off from everything and allow your mind to feel at ease. Turn your phone on silent for the duration of your bath and maybe read a book, listen to a podcast or put on some relaxing music.

5. Get some exercise in Even if you don’t feel like working out, it will help!

Even a home workout releases happy mood chemicals called endorphins which in turn reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. A workout doesn’t have to be high-intensity either, it can simply be a stroll around the park or a walk around the glorious South West Coastline. Whilst you’re on your walk, or if you have decided to do a spot of yoga, remember to take in all the senses of being outside. Being in the present moment helps you to appreciate the world you live in and stops you from taking these things for granted.

With all this in mind, I hope your Blue Monday becomes a little less blue this year.

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IT’S NATIONAL WALK YOUR DOG MONTH Every year in January, we celebrate National Walk Your Dog Month! As a way of celebrating this, we have found some of the best walks around Plymouth with some reasons why walking your dog twice a day, every day is so beneficial to you and your dog’s health.

A

fter a month of Christmas celebrations and roast dinners, it is all to easy to stay inside with the comfort of a warm fire but getting a walk into your routine once or twice a day will help to keep you fit without needing to hit the gym. Depending on the breed of your dog, they all require different amounts of walking to maintain a healthy weight. Alongside a healthy diet, the correct amount of exercise will help to regulate their weight. Getting some exercise in each day will also make a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing and will allow you to be more motivated and less anxious in your day-to-day life.

views of the sea and the countryside as you take a gentle stroll along the trodden path. After 30 minutes of walking, you will arrive at Heybrook Bay, a stunning natural beach nestled into the South Hams coastline.

Where can I walk my dog near Plymouth?

Buckland Abbey Woodland Walks (1-3 miles)

Fortunately, we are very blessed to have an abundance of stunning walks right on our doorstep with low pollution levels and space for your furry friend to run around, complete with a paw friendly pub to end the walk.

Bovisand Bay to Heybrook Bay & back (2.5 miles) Arrive at Bovisand car park and join the South West Coast Path heading down past the holiday chalets and up towards the next cove. Enjoy picturesque

You can either choose to turn back around, stay for a paddle, carry on further down the coast path or enjoy a hot drink and some grub at the Eddystone Inn. The Eddystone Inn is a charming village gastro pub, complete with a log burner fire. Enjoy panoramic sea views sat on the terrace in the summer months or cosy up next to the roaring fire after a brisk walk. The bar area is dog friendly.

With a choice of three different walks to try out, there is something for the whole family at Buckland Abbey.

Located besides the River Tavy, the 700-year-old, grade I listed house boasts 20,000 acres of stunning gardens and woodland walks.

The routes are as follows; yellow, red and blue which increase in difficulty and length.

The yellow route is a short 10–15-minute walk, suitable for wheel chair users and push chairs and ideal for elderly dogs who just need some fresh air.

The red route is a 45-minute trek around the picturesque countryside, through woodlands and fields. Walking boots or wellies are a must for this walk, especially after a heavy down pour.

The blue route is the most challenging walk of the three, taking 1.30hrs and taking you into the depths of the woodlands and overlooking The River Tavy.

Walking boots are essential.

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Begin by strolling through Totnes and follow the route to finally end up in Dartmouth. You can find the details for the walk here: www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/themiddle-dart-valley-walk

Bellever Forest (3 miles) Your four-legged friends are welcome in all three of the walks but they ask for you to keep them on a lead.

There are no doggy poo bins on the grounds therefore they suggest either ‘Sticking it and flicking it’ into the hedgerow or pick it up and dispose of it at home.

In need of a refreshment after the walk? Head to the restaurant for a delicious hot chocolate and to dry off those muddy paws.

The Middle Dart Valley Walk (5 miles) An easy walk, perfect for those winter days when your usual walks get too muddy. With surfaced paths and lanes between Totnes and Darington and no styles or steep hills, this walk is perfect for the long-distanced walkers.

Bellever Forest is a must see for anyone who loves a picturesque country walk with mossy woodlands and babbling brooks.

There are two trails to follow at Bellever, both similar distances that begin at the car park. To read the guided walks in detail, please visit www. visitdartmoor.co.uk/bellever-forest Although a lot of the walks involves tracks, this is Dartmoor so it’s always good to wear a suitable pair of walking boots as you never quite know how boggy it’s going to be.

In the summer months, Bellever Forest is a great destination to have a picnic next to the river. You can even enjoy a little paddle in the water to cool off and wash off those muddy paws.

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OUR FAVOURITE

VEGAN

RECIPE IDEAS VEGANUARY IS HERE! If you’re struggling for some delicious vegan recipes to help you through the month, look no further. Here are our favourite vegan dishes and sweet treats!

Tuscan Vegan Gnocchi (Serves 5) • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 vegan Italian sausages (7-8 ounces), sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup vegetable broth 13.5 ounce can full fat coconut milk 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, sliced if whole 1 pound uncooked gnocchi salt + pepper, to taste 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach 1/2 cup Vegan Parmesan, + more for garnish 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

ONE In a large skillet, sauté the vegan sausage over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until browned.

Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Vegan Thai Green Curry (Serves 4) • 200g baby potatoes, halved • 100g green beans, trimmed and halved • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • 1 garlic clove, finely sliced • 1 tbsp Thai green curry paste (check the label to make sure it’s vegetarian/ vegan) • 400g can light coconut milk • 1 lime, zest pared in thick strips • 80g sugar snap peas, halved lengthways • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved • 100g firm tofu, chopped into small cubes • small bunch coriander, chopped • 200g jasmine rice, cooked following pack instructions ONE Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 8 mins.

Add the green beans and cook for a further 3 mins, then drain.

TWO Heat the oil in a wok or pan, fry the garlic for 1 min, add the curry paste and cook for 1 min, or until it starts to darken a little and smell fragrant.

Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer, drop in the lime zest and gently bubble for 5 mins to thicken the sauce a little.

THREE Add the potatoes and beans followed by the sugar snap peas and cook for 1 min before stirring in the cherry tomatoes and tofu.

FOUR Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into the pan, then stir in the coriander and serve over the rice.

TWO Pour in the vegetable broth, coconut milk, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes and gnocchi. Give everything a good stir. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium and cook, uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt + pepper to taste, and stir in the spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.

FOUR If using, stir in the vegan parmesan. At this point, the gnocchi should be cooked through but not mushy, and the sauce thickened somewhat.

Cook an additional minute or two if necessary.

Serve immediately garnished with vegan parmesan and fresh basil.

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