March 2021 | Area 3
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THE ROADMAP OUT OF LOCKDOWN
!
Vou ch Puf er to sp fing Bill end a yC ycle t s
A visual and easy-to-read guide about the easing of lockdown restrictions
MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS With Mother’s Day taking place in lockdown, we have gathered together our favourite long-distanced gifting ideas
HOME & GARDEN Give your home a well -deserved makeover from the garden to DIY & home renovations and the interior design trends of 2021
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Area 3 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net DESIGN EDITOR Amy Fry editor@oracle.uk.net ACCOUNTS Emma-Jane Corry emma@oracle.uk.net SALES MANAGERS Myles Lockwood Matt White sales@oracle.uk.net GRAPHIC DESIGN Amy Fry
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Editor’s Note... Spring has sprung! Tulips and daffodils are popping up and the summer sun is beginning to thaw the winter frost. We have an exciting array of editorials this month to get stuck into during lockdown along with one business profile. Our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has declared the ‘roadmap’ as a way of easing us out of the lockdown. We have created a visual roadmap of each stage to help you understand it more clearly. In addition to this, we interviewed the leader of the Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans to see what his thoughts were on the announcement. This Mother’s Day we will, unfortunately, be in lockdown which makes giftgiving more challenging. We have gathered together our favourite longdistanced gift ideas to treat your mum this year. Spring is the perfect time for a freshen up around the house, whether that means pruning the garden ready for summer BBQ’s or redesigning your home office, our home & garden editorial is full of tips and ideas. Easter is only around the corner, so we have some delicious easter recipes and some fun easter craft ideas for the kids to enjoy! We hope you enjoy the first spring edition of the year.
Amy
Amy Fry - Editor
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Contents
zin www.plymptonmaga
March 2021
The Plympton Community Magazine, Oracle Publications, Unit 5, Bowker House, Lee Mill, Nr. Ivybridge, PL21 9EF
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Russells Flooring
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Tudor Evan’s Thoughts
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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Plymouth Hearing Centre
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Howard & Over
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Home & Garden
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Mother’s Day Gifts
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Realistic
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Garolla Doors
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Colourfence
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Gard & Co
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Skymind Studios
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Easter Recipes
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The Covid Roadmap
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Gutter Pro
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Garden
Maintenance March marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring which brings us hope, new life, warmer, longer days and lots of beautiful flowers. What better time of the year to start improving your humble abode? 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 to help you. Without further ado let’s spring into action! If you’ll pardon the pun...
Getting your garden ready for summer
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he garden is where spring really comes to life. Tulips and Daffodils are popping up here, there and everywhere, and the lawn is beginning to see the sun again.
Sowing, planting and mowing It’s all systems go in the garden in March. Whether you’re a novice gardener or have your own veg patch complete with a greenhouse, anyone can have a go, no matter the size of your garden or balcony. Knowing what seeds you have to sow indoors, outdoors or plant straight into the soil is the first thing to keep in mind. Seeds of carrots, parsnips, lettuces, radishes, turnips, broad beans, beetroot, peas, salad leaves, leeks and spinach can now be sown outdoors. Make sure they are sheltered with some protection or kept in a mini portable greenhouse. They will each have instructions on the back of the packet in terms of sunlight and feeding. For a splash of colour, sweet peas can now be sown outdoors after being sown indoors from autumn. And hardy annuals can be sown outdoors for a gorgeous display of colour when summer arrives. Sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber, aubergine, celery, salad and globe artichoke seeds can all be sown indoors in March. The majority will need to be kept in direct sunlight, with some form of cover to keep in the moisture.
bulbs such as gladioli, crocosmia, lilies and agapanthus. Bear in mind, March is the latest you can plant bareroot roses. These are the types of roses you typically receive in the mail that have no roots. It’s time to dust off your lawnmower and tend to your grass. It’s important not to over mow as it may upset new growth so try not to cut more than a third of the blade of grass off in one go. 1-2 times a month is advised from March to June and then more frequently in the summer months.
Fences
A lick of paint on your garden fence can freshen up your whole garden, but what’s the best colour to choose? For smaller garden spaces, a dark paint colour creates the illusion of a bigger garden because the foliage stands out against the dark fence which in turn takes the focus away from the actual boundaries of your garden. Choosing the colour of your fence should complement your house but not necessarily match it. Colourfence in Plymouth offers low maintenance fences with no painting required. You can choose from a wide variety of popular colours as well as four height options. They come in two varieties, a plain, sleek and smart design or with a decorative trellis design on top that you can customise with contrasting paint colours.
Onions, shallots and garlic sets can all be planted straight into the ground as well as herbaceous perennials. You can also begin planting summer
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DIY Renovations Increasing the value of your home ready to sell can be done in a few different ways depending on the property. It is always a good idea to speak to an estate agent before making any costly changes to your house.
Conservatories & Extensions
A conservatory can bring the outside in and feel like a tranquil oasis, especially in the summer months. An armchair and a good book, a dining table full of happy hungry faces, or a children’s play area, the options to turn the space into what suits your lifestyle are endless which is why they are so popular. Adding a conservatory to your house is thought to increase your property’s value by 5%. For that reason, it is proven to be one of the best assets for your home. Realistic Home Improvements offer thoughtfully designed and super-efficient conservatories with a 10-year warranty. 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. AJM Building Design are specialists in residential building design and are committed to providing a personal and tailored service. They can cover everything from planning applications, building regulations to extensions and conversions and will happily guide you through the process. Garages can feel very cluttered very quickly, even the garage door itself can take up that much needed space. Garolla Garage Doors have a unique solution with their electric roller garage doors. Fully fitted, insulated and with 24 colours available to choose from, these garage doors are the space saving items of the future.
Cosmetic
Cleaning up the guttering and wiping down the windows instantly gives the exterior of your home
a facelift. It appears more welcoming, cleaner and brighter. This is a really simple job to do or to hire a local service to carry out for you and won’t cost you the earth to make a big difference. For double glazing repairs, ADS Windows and Doors are a local company offering upgrades to energy efficient glass. The kitchen is the hub of the home for most families; it’s not only where you cook and eat, but it’s also a very sociable space therefore it is important not to neglect it. Open plan kitchen/ diners are never going to get outdated, so it seems. More and more homeowners are knocking down those walls to create a light space and a communal feel and buyers are also looking for this way of living. Painting the cupboard doors or changing the doors and door handles is a much cheaper option and will create the feel of a brand-new kitchen.
For the renters
Peel n’ stick wallpaper is impossible to go wrong, you can choose from hundreds of patterns or plain colours and all you have to do is peel and stick it down for effortless results. Having a pop of wallpaper can make a huge difference to the overall look of your room especially when painting the walls is off the cards. Peel n’ stick does not stop there. You can get flooring tiles, backsplash and bathroom tiles too! All of these come off so easy without the landlord ever finding out. Command strips will become your new best friends when hanging up gorgeous prints, tapestries and photographs. Changing the door handles can revamp any piece of furniture or kitchen and can be done in rented accommodation. The drill holes should always be the same size as the old ones in order to replace them with ease. Just make sure to keep all the old handles and put them back on before you leave.
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and architecture. Top this off with some terracotta pathways and blue mosaics on the walls and you can understand why this has become a trend of 2021.
Interior Trends
2021 Giving your space a well-deserved makeover can change how you view the room completely. It can bring new life into an old home and make you fall back in love with it again.
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his pandemic has made us all change our lifestyle; we search for outdoor space; we care more for our planet; we now require a home office and our urge to go on holiday is ever increasing by the minute. All of these lifestyle changes are subconsciously feeding themselves into the interior design trends of 2021.
Global Inspiration
The lack of travel within the past year forces us to adopt global styles and prints and incorporate them into our homes. Because if you can’t go to Japan, then bring Japan to you. Japandi is a style that combines Japanese minimalism with Scandi cool. Light, airy, muted tones and lots of texture is the basis of the Japandi style. The use of natural materials is key to finding those earthy, muted tones. Keep the room decluttered and use simple, clean lines. Bamboo is often used for furniture as it is a sustainable material because Bamboo trees are fast-growing and don’t require any pesticides to grow.
Blue and Terracotta.
Picture a bright blue Mediterranean sky contrasting with the burnt orange terracotta rooftops of Spanish civilisation. Now that makes me very happy which is why it is the colour combination of 2021. Pair these two colours with white accents and fresh green plants to complete the look.
Adding lots of texture to your room creates depth and interest. Woven baskets, woven cane furniture, detailed rugs and blankets, and even textured walls are all trendy additions to the room.
Eco-friendly
The world is positively becoming more environmentally conscious and so is our interior design. More than ever, we are reclaiming and upcycling old furniture at home and creating pieces to fit with the 21st century. Dated furniture now has a place in our homes as we are seen to be mixing old with contemporary to create unique looks. Painting, tiling, wood varnishing or upholstering are all ways you can easily upcycle your old furniture.
The Home Office
Working from home has become the ‘new normal’ for a lot of us during the pandemic so it is no wonder it has made it to the tick list when purchasing a new house. Creating a space that is efficient for working 6/8 hours each day has to work for your lifestyle as you will be spending a considerable amount of your day in that room. You want to be able to wake up, get out of bed and feel excited to sit in your office space. Whether that means adding some photos from your favourite memories, hanging up some nice prints or collecting some plants to allow the air to flow. If you are struggling with space, there are a variety of different desks you can choose from which help save space. Pull down desks or desks that act as shelves when you’re not using them are all great space-saving alternatives. Purchasing a desk may not be an option for some and the kitchen table will have to do! But do make sure you still have a comfortable chair that supports your back and neck as this can lead to very painful injuries.
Arch doorways are coming back into fashion. Yes, this is true. When I think of arched doorways, I think of wandering around the streets of Spain, Morocco or Greece and being enveloped by the culture
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It has been one whole year since we last met Skymind Studios, and a lot has happened since. In January 2020. Jacqueline Cant had ambitious plans for the future of her business at the beginning of 2020, however due to the pandemic and the events industry being one of the worst effected, Jacqueline had to put her plans on hold. Yet with promising news of a vaccine, she has reassembled her team with lots of exciting plans in the making for 2021.
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o recap from last year, Skymind Studios, based in Plymouth, was founded in 2009 where Jacqueline and her partner at the time, worked on creating a platform specifically for photographers and videographers. It was never an aim of theirs to get into the events industry, Jacqueline had always been passionate about anything video or photographic related, and she was always happy to undertake any opportunity that was presented to her. In 2010, Jacqueline worked as a lifestyle worker for the charity Livability where she met with disabled people to find activities and sports that they could do. Whilst still working for the life-changing charity, Jacqueline decided to create an event to raise money for Livability. With her skills in videography and her multiple connections, she created her own music event where she organised everything, right the way down to the photography, sound and graphic design. The event was a huge success which opened a door for Jacqueline that she had not previously thought about. Event after event later, she has captured the people of Plymouth into a world of sound and media. In 2018, Jacqueline and her partner unfortunately split, whereby Jacqueline took the sole ownership of the company. Her mission was to grow the company even more by branching out into new platforms as well as learning to work alongside other people in her industry. Adapting to a huge change such as this can be very challenging, however, Skymind Studios have proven to themselves and others in the industry that this is possible. The events industry was the first to be put on hold and the last to reopen therefore it is to no one’s surprise that Skymind has been affected negatively. Part of being
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Ryan Bailey and Jacqueline Cant adaptable is learning to try new things and that is what Jacqueline and her team have done, by starting up podcasts and live streaming. Ryan Bailey has been a key member of Skymind Studios since 2018. Ryan was 15 when his company ‘Unity Production’ first joined Skymind. Yes, you heard that right. Ryan founded ‘Unity Production’ in April, 2017 when he was only 14 years old. Having always had an enthusiastic outlook on music and sound, he joined his father’s band at the age of 10, as well as a theatre group in school where he connected with lots of likeminded students. Having a talent like Ryan’s and discovering it at such a young age has meant he has had a huge amount of amazing opportunities come his way, for example, the chance to start up his own company. Unity Production formed through Ryan’s love of sound, music and theatre, and to enable multi-media companies such as Skymind to hire the whole of Unity and receive all of the services they provide. With the help of sound engineer Ryan, two podcasts will be launching from the beginning of April 2021, Music & Mayhem which will consist of bands and musicians who play and talk about their lives and how they started in the music industry. The other is called ‘Tech Pod’ which will include ultimately anything tech related like pyrotechnics and computer game developers to name a few; they also have four other podcasts set to launch in mid-2021. Changing with the times and the current pandemic, Jacqueline and Ryan have decided to start live streaming their events as a way to make it covid-secure with absolutely no risk to paying customers. Skymind’s live streams will all be edited live by her and the sound is all managed by Ryan. The customer can either pay for the live event and stream it on any device or they can watch is a few days later after it has been uploaded to the internet.
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Skymind Studios are starting the new year off strong, because as of March 2021, Jacqueline will have fully moved into her own office located at ‘The Huxley Hub’ Huxley Close, Plympton. This exciting new change for Skymind Studios means that generating ideas and discussing new events will be a lot easier to accomplish in the meeting rooms – not to mention a positive step for the company. Planning for a hopeful 2021 requires lots of space for ideas to bounce around the room. Their first big event of the year was unfortunately cancelled in 2020 called Flick Fest. OM had the pleasure of interviewing Jacqueline about Flick Fest last year where we learnt all about the exciting film showcase. Flick Fest is an informal film event where independent film makers from all over the world, come together to showcase their masterpieces in a relaxed setting. This year they are back and will be joined by a very special guest, Pod Pad Studios who create replicas of props from blockbuster films, such as Jurassic Park type dinos as well as the Batmobile from the ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy. This event is not to be missed and should be in the diary of every movie buff. Flick Fest is provisionally planned for November 2021 but it may change due to venue choices or pandemic restrictions. Park Fest will be in its 3rd year in 2021 and the event becomes stronger and stronger each year. Park Fest is an unusual mix of live music and sporting events; with a main stage and chill out stage, food traders and sports, fitness experts. Jacqueline’s kind-hearted and generous personality has meant that she donates the sponsorship money from Park Fest to raise money for The Brain Cancer charity, following the loss of her father who was a keen sportsman and marathon runner in his spare time. Within the festival, there is also a big effort made to raise awareness about skin cancer, which her father suffered from. Sun cream stations are dotted all over Devonport Park to remind people to stay safe when out in the sun. Park Fest is set to go ahead on September 11th 2021 in some form. These are just a few of the exciting events that Skymind Studio’s has in store for the people of Plymouth in 2021. Skymind and Unity hope that with the advance in vaccines, there is hope for the events industry this year, however, they have also tailored their services to provide us with virtual events and podcasts.
Union street Party - Dom Moore The most important piece to take from 2020 has been how Skymind Studios are able to adapt very well to changing circumstances. The annual Union Street Party was one of few events able to go ahead in 2020. For ten solid years, Skymind Studios have managed the sound on all three stages at the Union Street Party organised by ‘Nudge Community Builders’. With help from Ryan in recent years, they earned their spot managing the main stage at the 2020 street party. Sceptical as to how this would work given the restrictions, Skymind had to completely change the way they were used to running these stages and essentially start from scratch. Things that were never a problem, became huge obstacles, obstacles that Jacqueline and her team kept overcoming and resolving. There were many rules to abide by for example, the volume of the sound, no dancing, social distancing and not being able to share microphones. Despite all of this, they managed to pull it off with great success, even more so when they found out there had been a total of zero Covid-19 cases from the event. Both Jacqueline and Ryan work simultaneously with each other as well as helping each other, as and when is needed. Ryan spoke in the interview about how Jacqueline is the only person he can trust with his mixing desk, and Jacqui agreed the same about her desk. Having a caring and trusting friendship like theirs in the workplace not only helps their events to go smoothly and successfully, it also helps them to have a positive way of life which is reflected by their work ethic. Skymind Studios has undoubtedly been affected by the pandemic but in a way, it has made them stronger, able to prove themselves as a team as well as a company, and it has made the future of Skymind bright and optimistic as they are able to overcome huge obstacles and still perform admirably. The team at OM wish Skymind Studios a positive year and hope their events and other ventures can proceed this year.
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The Roadmap out of lockdown As many of you will know, Boris Johnson gave an announcement on Monday 22nd February that delighted the nation. It was a ‘one-way road to freedom’ promise with an end date of no sooner than the 21st June. With the vaccination programme rolling out thick and fast, our hopes are beginning to rise as we can finally see light at the end of a long dark tunnel. Following the announcement, there was a lot of dates to remember so hopefully this should help you understand the ‘roadmap’ more clearly.
Stage 1 8th March
You are still advised to stay at home and only leave for essential reasons.
Stage 2
No earlier than 12th April
All non-essential shops and personal care are allowed to open for example, hairdressers and beauty salons.
Schools will re-open.
Outdoor after-school sports will be allowed. Exercise is allowed once a day within your local area. You can exercise with one other person or with your support bubble.
Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors, including alcohol.
Gym’s and spas can re-open. Two people will be allowed to sit together outside, this includes picnics and drinks. Care home residents will be allowed one regular visit and be able to hold hands.
Staycations are permitted, with self-contained accommodation only.
29th March
The stay-at-home rule will end.
Children are allowed to attend indoor play activities with up to 15 parents or guardians present.
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You will be allowed to meet outside within the rule of six or with one other household. This includes private gardens.
Outdoor facilities will re-open and organised sport will be allowed.
Parent and Children groups can return but are capped at 15 and must be outdoors unless otherwise stated.
Zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas can reopen.
Libraries and community centres can reopen.
15 Weddings with a maximum of 15 guests can go ahead.
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Continued... Stage 3
Stage 4
No earlier than 21st June All social contact regulations will be removed.
No earlier than 17th May
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No legal limits on weddings, funerals or other life events.
We can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors and 6 people or two households can meet indoors. Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen. Pubs and restaurants can seat customers indoors.
30 Weddings or other life events with a maximum of 30 guests can go ahead.
These four stages all depend on four key factors for them all to go ahead as planned. The vaccine programme must continue to be rolled out as planned and the vaccine must show a clear reduction in the number of deaths from the virus. Infection rates do not risk a rise in hospital admissions and any other covid-19 variants don’t change the risk of lifting restrictions.
Indoor and outdoor museums, cinemas, theatres and children’s soft play areas can open.
Performances and large events will be allowed indoors and outdoors but capacity rules will apply.
Hotels, B&B’s and hostels can open.
International travel will resume.
Adult indoor sports and exercise classes can resume.
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With all of this in mind, it is important not to get over excited and forget that we still have a very important part to play in this process. Be patient and abide by the rules and hopefully we will all be able to have a wonderful summer and get back to normality very soon.
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TUDOR EVANS’ ‘ROADMAP’ THOUGHTS After Boris Johnson declared the ‘roadmap’ plan to ease the UK out of lockdown, we interviewed Tudor Evans, Plymouth City Council leader to find out his thoughts. What are your thoughts on the Prime Ministers announcement? Do you think the relaxing of rules came at the right time or too early/late? Overall I think that the timetable is probably right. There is no doubt that the relaxation of the rules after the previous lockdowns were too quick. Hopefully the Government will have learnt from their mistakes – not playing to the gallery, but actually looking at the data. I do have concerns about schools returning. Whilst I am pleased that there will be testing for secondary aged pupils, the decision not to prioritise the vaccination of our teachers and teaching assistants is a mistake. What does this mean for the people of Plymouth in the coming months? Plymouth has shown so much resilience over the past few months. Local people and businesses have been brilliant. However, we are at a turning point. And whilst there is light at the end of the tunnel – we now need people to dig deep and keep following the rules. It is going to be a long haul before we return to normal. Let’s remember the Government roadmap is ‘indicative’. If we don’t all follow the rules, our case numbers will go back up. We want to keep going forwards, not backwards. For our business community it has been really tough. Yes there has been Government funding. However, the Council has been arguing since the start of the pandemic that there needs to be more financial help for freelancers and the self-employed. Through our innovative Resurgam economic programme we will drive forward our plans for recovery and seek to repair some of the damage caused by Coronavirus. Are you optimistic for the future or are you hesitant that the cases will rise again once things begin to open up? I know that people are desperate to get back to normal. But yes, at the forefront of my mind is the impact on local case numbers. We have seen so
many times that we get peaks and troughs when we have the relaxation of the rules. But, we have been working really hard to make sure that people know they need to continue following the rules. We are also aware that 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 do not display any symptoms. And that is worrying as people could be spreading it without realising. So, we are also shortly due to launch our Community Testing service – which means that those people are asymptomatic and are out and about for work or volunteering will be able to access free and quick regular COVID-19 testing. If they are positive, they will be able to self-isolate straight away. What would you say to someone struggling with their mental health at this current time in lockdown? We know that there are many people who are struggling during the pandemic. I would say to everyone that there is help available. No one has to be alone. Through our partnership with Livewell there are people available to listen and talk – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If this is you – give them a call on 01752 434 922. Have you been offered the vaccine, if so, how was the process? Yes I have. It was great. The NHS are doing a fantastic job – as are our community pharmacies. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in the vaccination programme – including the army of volunteers who have come forward to help. Are there any plans for the Mayflower 400 to continue its commemoration into the summer of 2021? Yes – our programme restarted last September. There will be a number of events this year. We intend to ramp everything up starting in summer. If you go to www.mayflower400uk.org we will be adding even more events in the coming months.
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Easter Crafts It’s time to get a little bit messy and have some fun crafting! Easter Sunday is less than a month away now, so what better time to get the house ready for the holiday. We have found the very best but also simple crafts for everyone to enjoy.
Decorative eggs You will need: Eggs Food Colouring Vinegar Elastic bands/ stickers (optional) Chicken eggs will do just fine for this craft but if you wanted to get creative, you can have a lookout for quail, duck, emu or even ostrich eggs as well! • To get the contents of the egg out, pierce the top and the bottom of the egg with a sharp knife and then use something small and sharp like a staple to move the egg so that it comes out. • Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with 20 drops of food colouring in a cup of hot water. (Enough to your egg is completely submerged.) Take the egg out using tongs once you are happy with the colour it has become. • To create unique effects, wrap rubber bands around the egg or place stickers onto it before dipping it into the dye. • Try using natural dyes from things already in your kitchen. Foods like red cabbage, red onion skin or coffee make good natural dyes. • Once you are finished dying the eggs, you can either leave them as they are and decorate your house with them or you can draw faces or animals on them to give them some character. Or you can also add glitter, paint, paper ears, anything that takes your fancy! • These eggs are re-usable so you can bring them out yearly and reduce waste.
Egg Box flower Wreath You will need: Egg boxes Scissors Different coloured paints Craft ring Hot glue gun A fun alternative to an easter wreath is to make it out of your leftover egg boxes. This means that nothing is going to waste after making your decorative eggs! • Cut the bottom of your egg box so that you get lots of little egg cups. Cut little notches in and around the cup to resemble flower petals. Also, cut some leaf shapes using the left-over box. • Paint the egg box flowers and leaves with lots of different coloured paint. You may need to do a few coats for the paint to stand out. • Leave the paint to dry. • Arrange them onto a craft ring so they resemble a wreath and stick them in place using a hot glue gun.
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Our Top Gift Ideas For
Mother’s Day Showing your love and appreciation for your Mum when you are miles away from her can seem like an impossible mission, especially with the shops currently closed, but it can be done so we have created a list of our favourite gifting ideas to help treat your Mum to the Mother’s Day she deserves.
F
lowers, chocolates and a big dose of appreciation are just what the doctor ordered this Mother’s Day. It has been one whole year since the first national lockdown and, for some of us, the last time we got to see our Mothers. This March may be very similar in terms of a lockdown which means gift-giving becomes ever the more important.
Hampers and Gift Sets Compiling a hamper full of your Mother’s favourite things is a great way to show her that you’re thinking of her. Grab a cardboard box and some tissue paper or any kind of filling from your last online purchase and fill it with things like chocolates, alcohol, socks, perfume, toiletries, jewellery and don’t forget a handwritten card. Online shopping will become your best friend when buying all of your Mum’s favourite things if the high-street shops are still closed. When you have finished decorating it and adding in all of the gifts; the hamper then becomes the parcel when you add her address on to the box and hand it over to the post office. Have a look at the delivery times in advance so you know the right time to post it. Don’t forget to cushion the gifts and tape up the box well so
that it doesn’t get damaged on the journey. Creating a hamper can be tricky to execute yourself if you don’t have much time or the right shaped box to begin with. There are plenty of pre-made hampers online from websites such as; www. notonthehighstreet.com, www.hampers.com, or head online to your Mum’s favourite shop, for example, M&S, Hotel Chocolat, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols to find their versions. Lots of online shops also have a ‘Letterbox Gift’ section with a large choice of letterbox friendly hampers for a low-cost, smaller, but just as thoughtful gift idea. If you would like to treat your Mum to a home spa or pampering set, have a look online at her most loved brands and you will find a gift box section. These have a very similar appeal to a hamper, and you will rest assured knowing your Mum will love everything inside. If you want to really personalise the hamper, head to www.dontbuyherflowers.com or www.bookblock.com where you can choose between lots of wonderful gift options. And not forgetting those Mum’s to be, there are some gorgeous hampers on www.babyblooms. co.uk complete with a cuddly toy for the new-born and some fresh roses for the new Mother.
Personalised Gifts and cards Adding a touch of personalisation to any gift can enhance the meaning and the thought behind the gift itself. Websites are much more convenient when it comes to personalising gifts as opposed to going in-store because there is a wider range of items to choose from and you can send it directly
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selected local bakeries or cake companies and can be collected in store when they are ready. If you are after something a bit longer lasting, you can send her a plaque or hanging decoration with the words ‘Sending a big hug to you Mum – From...’ Some of these items you can fully personalise with photos as well as changing the text.
to the receiver. They tend to make it easy to follow and virtually impossible to get wrong once you have checked the spelling and the image quality. The list of things you can personalise these days are endless! Mugs, photo collages, cushions, cards, socks, t-shirts, it really does go on. These gifts are all widely available to order from online printing companies. If you are wanting to think outside of the box, there are some other gifts that you can personalise, for example, an illustrated print of you and your Mum. These can be found on www.etsy.com and you can personalise the hair colour, clothing and text so that they really come to life! Some of these prints are based on a photo that you send in where you can get bespoke paintings by an artist or you can have someone create it digitally depending on the look you want. Having a Mum who lives in a different country can be especially saddening right now. A print of two hearts with the maps of each country that you and your mum live in is a nice sentimental gift that goes a long way (Literally!) You can personalise the map and the text to make it really meaningful. Wherever you are in the world, there is one thing that will always be the same. The night sky. You can now name a star after your mum and you will both be able to see it even though you may not be able to see each other. Head to www.star-name-registry.com to find out more.
Send a hug For those of us who are missing the comfort of their Mum’s embrace, you could send her a hug as a gift. These hug gifts can be gift sets with warming items inside, for example, a candle, hot chocolate, teddy bear and a book of heart-warming quotes. Or it can be some biscuits or cookies with the words ‘Sending hugs’ or ‘Consider this a hug’ baked onto it for example. These biscuits can be pre-ordered at
Cushions and blankets are everyday items that we love to hug, so why not send them a ‘bear hug’ cushion or a ‘The snuggle is real’ blanket. All of which can be found on www.thedriftingbear.com
Flowers by mail A beautiful bouquet is enough to brighten up anyone’s day and is the perfect accompaniment to your chosen gift. Consult your local florist to see whether they will be able to deliver to your Mother’s house, and if they are unable, then there are lots of online florists to choose from. With a lot of online florists, you can choose an exact delivery day, this means the flowers won’t have to be kept in hiding until the day and they will stay fresher for longer. The majority of florists will deliver in a large upright cardboard box with the bouquet already arranged, however, to minimise the use of plastic for the wrapping, you can now opt for a letterbox friendly parcel. This is a handy idea you are unsure if they will be at home when they arrive. Mothering Sunday can be an exceptionally saddening day for those who have lost their Mums. Adding some gorgeous fresh flowers to her grave or perhaps an artificial flower wreath to withstand the windy coast is a lovely heart warming gesture. Is your Mum constantly dressing her shelves with new flowers? Why not treat her to a flower subscription from her favourite florist! She will receive a fresh new bunch of flowers each month through a paid subscription plan. If your Mum prefers flowers that don’t die after a week or two, dried flowers are a great alternative. Not only are they a more environmentally friendly option to plastic flowers, but they can last up to 3 years! With muted hues and elegant textures, dried flowers are becoming increasingly popular with interior designers and florists. You could have a go at drying your own flowers. The current Covid-19 restrictions may alter our plans to see our Mums this Mother’s Day, but it doesn’t mean it has to be any less special. With these ideas, we hope they will inspire you to treat your Mum to a wonderful surprise through the door.
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OUR FAVOURITE
EASTER RECIPE IDEAS Easter is just around the corner and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with some Easter baking. We have found the most delicious recipes for the whole family.
Chocolate Easter egg nest cakes (Makes 12) 225g/8oz plain chocolate, broken into pieces, 2 tbsp golden syrup, 50g/2oz butter, 75g/2¾oz cornflakes, 36 mini chocolate eggs ONE Line a 12-hole fairy cake tin with paper cases. Melt the chocolate, golden syrup and butter in a bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (do not let the base of the bowl touch the water). Stir the mixture until smooth. TWO Remove the bowl from the heat and gently stir in the cornflakes until all of the cereal is coated in the chocolate. Divide the mixture between the paper cases and press 3 chocolate eggs into the centre of each nest. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour, or until completely set.
Classic carrot cake
(Serves 8-10)
For the carrot cake: 4 free-range eggs, at room temperature, 200ml/7fl oz vegetable or sunflower oil, plus a little extra for the tin, 250g/9oz carrots, coarsely grated, 100g/3½oz raisins or sultanas (optional), 100g/3½oz walnut pieces, plus a few extra for decoration, 1 orange, zest only, 200g/7oz self-raising flour, 2 tsp mixed spice, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda, ¼ tsp fine salt, 200g/7oz light brown sugar For the cream cheese frosting: 150g/5½oz unsalted butter, at room temperature, 3 tbsp caster sugar, 300g/10½oz full-fat cream cheese ONE For the carrot cake, preheat the oven to 180C/170C Fan/Gas 4. Grease and line a deep, 20cm/8in round cake tin with baking paper. TWO Break the eggs into a large bowl, and lightly whisk using a fork. Add the vegetable oil and whisk again. Stir in the grated carrots, raisins, walnut pieces and orange zest. THREE In a separate large bowl, sift the flour, mixed spice, bicarbonate of soda and salt. Stir in the sugar. Add the wet carrot mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well to combine, making sure there are no pockets of flour. FOUR Spoon the cake batter into the lined tin and bake on the middle shelf for 1–1¼ hours, until the cake has risen and is golden-brown all over. Remove the cake from the oven and set aside in the tin to cool for 10–15 mins, then turn the cake out and leave to cool completely on a wire rack. FIVE While the carrot cake cools, make the frosting. Place the butter in a large bowl with the caster sugar, beat it for 2–3 minutes until light and creamy, then beat in the cream cheese until smooth. Place the cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Use a palette knife, or wide flat bladed knife, to spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cake. SIX Place some carrot decorations or grated carrot on the top or and serve.
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Paul Hollywood’s hot cross buns (Makes 12)
For the buns: 300ml/10fl oz whole milk, 500g/1lb 2oz strong white flour, 75g/2½oz caster sugar, 1 tsp salt, 7g sachet fast-action yeast, 50g/1¾oz butter, 1 free-range egg, beaten, 150g/5oz sultanas, 80g/3oz mixed peel, 1 apple, cored and chopped, 2 oranges, zest only, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, sunflower oil, for greasing the bowl For the cross: 75g/2½oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting For the glaze: 3 tbsp apricot jam ONE Bring the milk to the boil and then remove from the heat and leave to cool until it reaches hand temperature. Mix the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, butter and egg together in a bowl, then slowly add the warmed milk until it forms a soft, sticky dough. THREE Add the sultanas, mixed peel, chopped apple, orange zest and cinnamon, then tip out of the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by holding the dough with one hand and stretching it with the heal of the other hand, then folding it back on itself. Repeat for five minutes, or until smooth and elastic. FOUR Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with oiled cling film and leave to rise for approximately one hour, or until doubled in size. FIVE Divide the dough into 12 even pieces, and roll each piece into a smooth ball on a lightly floured surface. Arrange the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment, leaving enough space so that the buns just touch when they rise and expand. Set aside to prove for another hour. Heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. SIX For the cross, mix the flour with about five tablespoons of water in small bowl, adding the water one tablespoon at a time, so that you add just enough for a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag with a small nozzle. Pipe a line along each row of buns, then repeat in the other direction to create crosses. Bake for 20-25 minutes on the middle shelf of the oven, or until golden-brown. SEVEN Gently heat the apricot jam to melt, then sieve to get rid of any chunks. While the jam is still warm, brush over the top of the warm buns and leave to cool.
Easter garibaldi biscuits (Makes 20-25) 110g/4oz butter, softened at room temperature, 110g/4oz caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling, 1 free-range egg, separated, 225g/8oz plain flour, sieved, plus extra for dusting, good pinch mixed spice, 55g/2oz currants, 30g/1oz candied peel, 3 tbsp milk ONE Preheat the oven 170C/150C Fan/Gas 3. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk until well combined. TWO Fold the flour into the mixture, then stir in the mixed spice, currants and candied peel. Stir in enough milk to form a stiff dough. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface and cut out the biscuits with fluted and Easter-shaped cutters. Place onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. THREE Remove the biscuits from the oven, brush with the egg white, sprinkle with sugar and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, or until pale golden brown. Set aside to cool.
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