WARWICKSHIRE NOW AUGUST 2021

Warwickshire

Now

A good education is about more than academics...

GARDEN OFFICES SUMMER SCENTS A HEALTHY HEART AUGUST 2021 | ISSUE 55

PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P

TURN TO PAGE 21 & 23 FOR MORE DETAILS

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HOMES • GARDENS • EDUCATION • HEALTH & BEAUTY • PUZZLES • SENIOR LIVING

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Warwickshire

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Now

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Contents

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AUGUST 2021

HERE & NOW 04 All the latest news from around Warwickshire.

HOME & GARDEN 08 Your dream garden office

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BEAUTY 16 The perfect summer scent

HEALTH 24 A healthy heart

GREAT DAYS OUT 26 Our guide to the best events this August

WA R W I C K S H I R E

NOW 01905 723011

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EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk

ageing-better.org.uk Daisy Bennett Federation of Master Builders Gov.uk Sport England

ADVERTISING Kate Gilmartin 01905 727904 kate@pw-media.co.uk Lis Gardner 01905 727901 lis@pw-media.co.uk

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Warwickshire Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Cherry good summer ahead

Vogue turns 30

The end of June marked the start of the 2021 British Cherry harvest, with growers expecting 5,500 tonnes of home-grown British cherries to hit supermarket shelves this summer. The figures are from Love Fresh Cherries, Britain’s largest representative trade body for British cherries in the UK. Shoppers will be able to buy British cherries in stores from this week, building to the main peak of the harvest from early July through to August.

With UK growers producing cherries across the country including in Kent, Staffordshire, Hampshire, Lincolnshire and Essex, the industry, via Love Fresh Cherries, is predicting another year of good availability for consumers.

Matt Hancock, Love Fresh Cherries spokesperson, said, “Cherries are one of the UK’s most-loved quintessential English fruits for good reason.

“Not only do they taste delicious, but cherries are also packed with a whole host of health benefits that can aid better sleep and exercise recovery, all the way through to menopause.

At a time when staying healthy continues to be a high priority for us all, It’s no wonder around 20 million kg of cherries were enjoyed across the country last year.

“With all signs showing another strong UK cherry season, people across the country will be able to enjoy big and juicy British home-grown cherries at their peak all the way through to September.”

Favourable conditions over the winter months, is leading growers to anticipate another highquality crop, with an abundance of large and juicy fruit across most varieties.

Late season fruit will come from Hereford and Scotland, meaning good availability of UK cherries for shoppers, all the way through to late September. n

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Vogue International, hairdressing and barbering in Royal Leamington Spa, are experts in hair colouring and creative cutting with a fantastic team of highly creative stylists led by Liz Usher.

All their stylists are highly trained at Goldwell Academy and also in-house.

2021 marks Vogue’s 30th year in business in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa, they are extremely passionate about what they do for their clients.

Liz began her journey in Tavistock Street in 1991. Her first competition was the same year when the team won an award for Tresemme for outstanding salon of the year award. This was the start of many.

She went on to put on shows for many charity’s, her biggest donation is Myron Hospice. She has arised over £50,000 in her time. Her events have included Auctions,fundraising fashion shows and Fashion shoots (for local and international magazines) to name a few.

Liz and her late husband Neil, invented the company called Easyfoil . This was an invention that changed the way foiling was carried in salon hairdressing across the world. It influenced the culture of colour and still does to this day. Bridal hair and makeup work has always been an integral part of Vogue’s heritage. 30 years of the breadth and depth of communication is the whole concept of work and style that has been the foundation of Vogue. n

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HERE & NOW

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA GWSR recognises restoration pioneers – 40 years on A special ceremony at Winchcombe, Gloucestershire station on Tuesday 20th July marked) the 40th Anniversary of the creation of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR). It recognised the extraordinary effort of thousands of volunteers who, over the years, have created the beautiful heritage railway that today operates between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway.

Some of the original volunteers, whose vision and determination 40 years ago laid the foundations of the present-day railway, will receive (received) special awards presented by Colonel Mike Bennett OBE DL, a non-executive director of GWSR Plc. Col. Bennett will also formally open (formally opened) an exhibition in the Tim Mitchell Building at Winchcombe station. The display has been put together by volunteers from each of the railway’s many departments, to mark the progress made over the past four decades and it remains open on every operating day until September 5th. n

Hatton welcomes an invasion of dinosaurs this summer!

Hatton Adventure World will welcome an invasion of dinosaurs for the first time this summer. 650 million year ago dinosaurs roamed the earth but having ruled the planet for more than 180 million years, they suddenly vanished. However, they have now returned to entertain families at Hatton throughout the summer holidays from 24 July – 5 September!

There will be a roarsome programme where children can get up close to the dinosaurs such as a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and a Stegosaurus with expert Rangers at the meet and greet sessions. There will also be a highly entertaining dinosaur show. Older children can also enjoy a packed programme of activities including three outdoor Laser Combat challenges; Death Match, Domination and Capture the Flag! There are also family shows featuring cabaret and puppets each day. Visitors can also see exotic animals in Scales and Tails and watch the goats in the outdoor Farmyard. Plus, there’s the Tractor Safari, and the indoor soft play area ‘Snorty’s Superslide Mania’!

The all-inclusive price at Hatton ensures a carefree day out on the 100-acre site with up to 30 shows and activities daily, a 4-acre laser combat field and one of the largest indoor play areas in the Midlands. There are over 450 creatures great and small, 40 birds of prey and 150 Guinea Pigs, all located in the Warwickshire countryside with food available in 5 outlets, a shopping village, free parking and an easy to find location.

Tickets cost £16.95 per child and adult and must be booked online. Hatton Adventure World is open every day throughout the year (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day) from 10am to 5.30pm. For more information, please visit the website at www.hattonworld.com/adventure-world or telephone 01926 843411. n

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HOME & GARDEN

HOME & GARDEN

Convert your loft There are five main loft conversion types that tend to be used in the UK. The loft conversion type you opt for should depend on your existing roof structure and shape, how much you want to spend and will, on some occasions, be dictated by planning restrictions. Your builder, house designer or chosen loft conversion specialist will be able to advise you further.

Dormer loft conversion A flat roof dormer loft conversion is a popular choice for many people, being one of the simpler and more cost effective types of loft conversion out there. A dormer loft conversion projects out vertically from the sloping section of the roof and uses standard windows — as opposed to rooflights. They can span the entire width of the roof, or simply feature a couple of smaller dormer windows spaced at regular intervals. This is a great way to add headroom, with its box-like structure creating an easy-to-use space with flat ceilings and walls.

While not always aesthetically pleasing compared to other types of conversion, they can fall under permitted development. A gabled dormer, where the roof has a pitched roof as opposed to flat, is more visually appealing but might be a little more expensive and limit internal headroom.

Mansard loft conversion A mansard loft conversion is almost like adding an entire new storey to a house and is ideal for period properties and for loft conversions on terraced houses. Bear in mind that the party wall between houses will usually need to be raised and suitable agreements required.

A mansard loft conversion involves altering the roof structure of a sloped roof, giving it an almost vertical wall – usually 72 degrees. The roof remains flat and windows are inserted into the new roof structure.

Most mansard conversions span gable wall to gable wall. Mansard loft conversions are most commonly added to the rear of houses, but they can be added to the side and front too. Double mansard roofs are also possible, where they are added to both the front and rear of the house. Those after loft conversions with en-suites or attic conversions should consider this style of conversion. A mansard loft conversion is usually more expensive than other types of loft conversion, taking more time and, in the majority of cases, requiring planning permission.

Roof light loft conversion A roof light loft conversion will almost certainly be the cheapest way to convert a loft. The existing space remains just as it is, with roof windows added. The floor will need to be reinforced and stairs added. Electrics, plumbing and insulation will also be required for the space to become habitable. Roof lights are an easy way to draw in natural light and provide ventilation, with relatively minimal disruption CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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to your existing living space. The frame of the roof lights will be fitted into a new opening in the roof, before flashings are added and the tiling made good around the new window. This is a good option for small loft conversions or simple loft bedrooms — although remember that a minimum of 2.25m of head height in the centre of the room will be required in order to properly build up the floor. It may also be necessary for the new loft stairs to come into the centre of the room due to limited headroom. In most cases, a roof light loft conversion won’t require planning permission (although it may if the roof lights will be at the front of the house).

Hip to gable loft conversion Those looking for ideas for loft conversions for bungalows, or for a semi-detached house, could consider a hip to gable loft conversion.

In layman terms, a hip to gable loft conversion straightens the slanted (hipped) end of a roof in order to create a vertical wall (the gable end). The existing roof is taken back and the end wall built up to form the new gable with a standard pitched roof. This creates a good space internally with full headroom. The creation of this new vertical wall means standard window openings can be added for natural light.

Modular loft conversions Ready-made loft conversions, often made up using a steel frame, are fabricated off-site before being craned into position — after the roof of the house has been taken off. Many modular loft companies can organise planning permission approval on your behalf. This type of loft conversion is quick and requires little in the way of on-site labour – you can even choose packages which include doors, windows, electrics and bathrooms. Some modular lofts come complete with a Building Regulations certificate and a Part P Electrical certificate too.

Accurate measurements and planning will be required to ensure a good fit and smooth installation.

Federation of Master Builders www.fmb.org.uk

HOME & GARDEN

Warwickshire

Now

To book into the September issue of Warwickshire Now, contact: Lis Gardner Kate Gilmartin kate@pw-media.co.uk lis@pw-media.co.uk 01905 727901 01905 727904

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HOME & GARDEN Rowlinson Garden Studio £2,249.95 www.cuckooland.com

Garden offices We take a look at how to make the most your outdoor space by adding a stylish, long-lasting garden building to fulfill your home office needs.

Whether you want to create an office in your garden or just have a separate space to relax in, a garden room can provide you with all the modern technology needed to build a sanctuary, just a few feet away from home.

Larger than a summerhouse, garden rooms are designed to be an addition to your home with all the comforts needed to ensure they can be used all year round.

They can be as elaborate as you want them, with some having additional rooms, plumbing and even a gym, depending on space.

Choosing the right office for you There are many different garden offices out there to choose from. You need to make sure that you oick the best one for you.

Here are a few that I’ve picked out to suit your garden and home office needs.

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The Rowlinson Garden Studio from Cuckooland (shown above) is the perfect little hideaway from the hectic household.

With its lockable doors and flowing fresh air from the tilt and swivel windows, you’ll be feeling energised and relaxed before you know it. It’s a perfect space for when friends and family come to visit. Perfect for both the summer and winter months, whatever the season everyone will know where to find you.

The Summerhouse Garden Pod from Ornate Garden has an addition of a removable office table, this pod will make the perfect home study, ideal for a quiet spot of home working or even for your little ones to complete homework. The pod is fitted with all of the creature comforts you would expect indoors, such as heating, LED CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN lights & Bluetooth connectivity.

The 4m x 3m Harlow Insulated Garden Room from Waltons has ultra-modern architecture and clean lines to elevate this garden room into a contemporary extension of your home. Set up a bespoke gym, luxury office, or entertainment zone in which to relax with friends and family. The premium Eco-quilt multi-foil insulation in the walls, roof and floor is super-slim, providing a comfortable space for all-yearround use. The 100mm double-skinned walls include removable internal panels, so you can easily insert handy mains connections and hide unsightly wiring. With double-glazed French doors and windows can be customised, meaning you can set your garden room up to suit your own requirements. You can also paint the exterior of your garden room to suit any style of garden.

www.oecogardenrooms.co.uk

Oeco Garden Rooms also have stunning, superior quality garden structures since 2006. Their buildings are all constructed to an excellent standard, exceeding building regulations even for new homes.

If space is a problem for your garden, get creative. You may only need a laptop and a pen and paper for your work; so build a small hideaway in the corner of your garden. Build a summerhouse or even a small covered seating area surrounded by plants, small trees and a water feature; build your own secret garden.

Heating solutions Keeping your garden room at a constant comfortable temperature is vital if you are going to turn it into an office all year round. The position of the construction in the garden is important. Think about where the sun falls at certain times of the day. If you are working in the evening or throughout the day, where your office is positioned can create heating issues. If your garden gets particularly cold during your working hours, think about installing underfloor heating, installing radiators or an insulated roof.

By Daisy Bennett

Harlow insulated garden room Price: £9,949.99 www.waltons.co.uk

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Medium Summerhouse Garden Pod £18,995 www.cuckooland.com

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HOME & GARDEN

Two brand-new, high-quality developments are coming to Warwickshire - courtesy of Redrow Midlands Midsummer Meadow, in Warwick, and Poets Grange, in Stratford-upon-Avon, will bring a combined 332 new homes to the region.

Part of the larger Myton Green project, Midsummer Meadow is surrounded by open farmland, woodland, and waterways, and lives up to its charming name. Ideal for commuters looking for a slice of country life, the development, which offers a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes, is just a short drive away from the bustling town centre, and offers great transport links across the Midlands.

Poets Grange is part of the larger Meon Vale development and will feature a leisure hub, sports pitches and plenty of public open space once complete. Add in the great transport links to Warwick, Worcester, and Birmingham, combined with all the cultural heritage, and you have the ideal location to settle down and raise a family in one of the beautiful two or three-bedroom homes the development has to offer.

Both developments have recently launched their own show homes. including the Oxford Lifestyle. Boasting a timeless, traditional exterior complete with classic bay windows, this home features an elegant, modern interior designed for both comfort and convenience.

Alongside an integrated garage, the home includes spacious living areas downstairs, with a light-filled open-plan kitchen and dining room, ideal for families.

Upstairs, the Oxford Lifestyle offers a luxurious main bedroom, complete with walk-in wardrobe and sleek ensuite. The remaining bedrooms, which also include their ensuite, all offer plenty of space and flexibility and can easily be converted into a guest room, home gym or office.

To find out more about homes at Poets Grange or book an appointment, please visit redrow.co.uk/developments/poets-grangestratford-upon-avon-082727

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To find out more about homes at Midsummer Meadow or book an appointment, please visit redrow.co.uk/developments/midsummermeadow-warwick-082726 n

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BEAUTY

Summer Scents

Surround yourself with the most summery of scents this month with our top picks of the most delightful floral fragrances around.

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1. SHAY & BLUE, £55 A unique floral freshness of snowdrops and cyclamen, black tulip and plum. www.shayandblue.com; 2.

OYLMPEA BLOSSOM, £83.50 A floral and fresh scent composed by Paco Rabanne for a radiant and confident woman www.pacorabanne.com 3. CHLOÉ ROSE TANGERINE, £82 A fresh, fruity signature Eau de Toilette www.chloe.com; 4. ROSE, £30 Paul Smith Rose is a fresh, modern, addictive and sensual rose fragrance www.boots.com; 5. DKNY Be Delicious Coconuts About Summer, £47 A warm floral fragrance that adds an extra dose of all things holiday to the iconic apple scent www.next.co.uk.

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BEAUTY

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8 7 10 6. MIU MIU L’BLEU, £100 This fresh floral Eau de Parfum captures Lily of the Valley magnified by a subtle scent of Honeysuckle www. miumiu.com; 7. HERBAE PAR L’OCCITANE, £65 A a green, fresh and floral fragrance www.uk.loccitane.com; 8. GABRIELLE CHANEL, £120 A floral, solar and voluptuous interpretation www.chanel.com; 9. CLASSIQUE, £56.10 A beautiful floral oriental fragrance that is both aphrodisiac, regressive, warm and smooth www.jeanpaulgaultier.com; 10. BRONZE GODDESS, £65 The texture of the Tiare Flower along with creamy coconut, amber, sandalwood and vanilla www.esteelauder.co.uk

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SENIOR LIVING

Ageism and TV: Could Anne Robinson's Countdown role be a turning point?

Newly appointed Countdown presenter Anne Robinson joked in a recent interview that she’s the oldest woman on TV who’s not judging cakes. The announcement that Anne, 76, would be taking over the long running show from Nick Hewer, 77, has prompted the realisation that we don’t see many older women in prime-time presenting jobs. In the last year we saw Sue Barker, 64, leave A Question of Sport after 23 years following ‘a major shakeup’ of the program. And Jenni Murray left Radio 4 after 33 years hosting Woman’s Hour.

In 2006 and 2007 we saw two of our most highly experienced newsreaders, Moira Stuart and Anna Ford, quit the BBC after careers spanning 26 and 18 years, respectively. When Ms Ford left, she claimed that nobody over 60 was employed as a newsreader.

The broadcaster Libby Purves spoke out last year about women being subjected to ‘lookism’ in the workplace, with women under more pressure to appear attractive and youthful while their male counterparts are allowed to grow old with no questions asked.

Evidence suggests that women face a ‘double jeopardy’ of discrimination as we get older where our ageing is seen much more negatively than men’s. A key facet of ageism in society is a limiting set of expectations of how people should look and behave at older ages, and for women that intertwines with the enduring pressure to ‘look good’.

Why do a person’s value, skills and experiences seemingly become invalid at a certain point in time, just because they have reached a particular age?

But while the ‘rules’ on ageing are particularly unfair for women, ageism is of course harmful for everyone. Why do a person’s value, skills and experiences apparently become invalid at a certain point in time, just because they have reached a particular age?

The problem is that while we’re all growing older, on average, we just haven’t woken up to the opportunities that those longer lives offer us and society. We haven’t shifted our thinking about ageing, and this is reflected in our societal structures and institutions.

Something needs to change. Society and, in particular, our creative and cultural industries need to catch up. They can start by thinking n 18 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 55 | August 2021

about the age diversity of their workforces which in some sectors is notoriously young. We need for media to refrain from characterising older people as incompetent, elderly and frail, and from stoking intergenerational tension. Instead, we are crying out for greater and more realistic representation of the huge diversity of people and experiences that exist in society – at all ages.

Ultimately, we need a fundamental culture shift on ageing, to overturn this culture of pity and dislike towards older people and ageing, which continues to be cultivated in many realms of public life. This ingrained ageism has a profound effect on our self-esteem, our ambitions for the future, and the way we experience day-to-day life. It affects our ability to get and retain jobs, and our access to healthcare.

Let’s hope that the appointment of Anne Robinson on one of our best loved TV shows is a sign that attitudes are slowly but surely shifting.

And here’s looking forward to seeing many more brilliant women over 50 on our screens. n Emma Twyning Head of Communications www.ageing-better.org.uk

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EDUCATION

Boosting the nation's skills Further measures to boost the nation’s skills, level up opportunities and get more people into better paid jobs have been announced.

The measures come after the Prime Minister delivered his levelling up speech, where he underlined the need to escalate the value of practical and vocational education through the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which will boost skills and open up opportunities for more people at every stage of their lives. The Government’s successful Skills Bootcamp training programmes will be expanded across the country, offering an extra 16,000 fully funded places for adults to upskill or retrain.

The expansion covers a range of digital and technical training including in green skills, such as solar energy installation, sustainable agriculture, nuclear energy, and green transport, along with coding and software development, so more adults have the opportunity to access the skills and training they need that leads directly to a job. A consultation has been launched on the future of the National Skills Fund, which has already supported thousands adults to upskill and retrain through Skills Bootcamps, and access to almost 400 free courses through the Free Courses for Jobs programme.

The consultation will ask for views on how the fund should be adapted for the future, so it continues to meet the future skills needs of individuals and employers, levelling up opportunities across the country.

Eighteen areas across the country will also be the first to lead work to build stronger partnerships between local employer groups, colleges and other providers through the Skills Accelerator programme, so the training on offer meets the need of local communities and fills skills gaps in key sectors of the economy including construction, digital, clean energy and manufacturing. This will mean more people can get the training needed to secure great jobs close to home.

New careers guidance has been published for all schools and colleges, to make sure that every young person is aware of all the options available to them, including apprenticeships and technical education opportunities instead of concentrating on the traditional university route.

A further consultation has been launched on plans to simplify funding for adult skills training, while giving colleges more freedom to decide Since April, adults without a full qualification at Level 3 (A level equivalent) have been able to access almost 400 free courses, through the Free Courses for Jobs offer, ranging from engineering to healthcare to conservation, to help them gain in-demand skills and open up job

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opportunities.

In January the government set out vital reforms to post-16 education and training in the Skills for Jobs White Paper, which will ensure everyone no matter where they live can gain the skills they need to progress and secure a great career at any stage of their life.

The measures announced today build on the work already underway to transform further and technical education, including the roll out of new T Levels, working with employers to create more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities, establishing a system of Higher Technical Education and a network of Institutes of Technology, backed by up to £290 million. n www.gov.uk

ANSWERS You’ve found the answers!

The puzzles are on page 30 & 31

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EDUCATION

Have fun this summer With the school summer holidays almost upon us, parents and carers will be looking for ways to keep their children occupied – and importantly, to have some fun.

We know how important it is that children and young people are physically active – without it, many will not enjoy the health and social benefits associated with living active lives.

Our Active Lives Children and Young People Survey shows the pandemic has been disruptive, but children and young people have been adapting their habits and trying new things. There are some key ways you can deliver your activity to appeal most to parents or carers and their children, and craft messaging that will highlight this. We’ve summarised this below, together with some example social media posts, a link to free images you can use, activities you can encourage parents or carers to do with their children, information on some of the funds we have that you can consider applying for, and more.

Simple ways to help children and young people get active this summer We’ve prepared some advice and ideas for activity providers based on the insight we have on children and young people’s activity levels and attitudes about being active. Our research shows that children and young people’s activity levels are lower than they were before the pandemic and this is even more pronounced for those from less affluent families and from some culturally diverse communities. On top of this, we know that some groups of children and young people have also been feeling less confident when taking part, aren’t finding sport and being active as easy and aren’t enjoying being active as much as they used to. All of this is important to consider when designing and running activities and tailoring messaging for parents or carers. Here are some of the things to bear in mind: Focus on the fun and enjoyment What we know Enjoyment is the biggest driver of children and young people’s activity levels, and there’s an established link between them feeling positive about taking part in sport and physical activity, and then doing so. Feeling confident when taking part, and finding sport and being active easy (competence), could be low for children and young people who’ve had lots of disruption or not been able to do an activity for a long time because of the pandemic.

How you can help Focus on providing activities based around being fun and informal.

Tailor your messages to emphasise what your activity will be like – enjoyable, a chance to have a good time with friends, helping to build confidence. If parents/carers know it’s going to be something n 22 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 55 | August 2021

fun, their child(ren) are likely to know that too. Create a friendly, safe and positive environment and ease children and young people into activities without focusing too much on developing skills and/or fitness. Actively involve them in helping to shape activities where you can – listen to their needs and try to act on their feedback.

Try to make it family-friendly What we know Family has a major influence on participation. We know there are strong associations between the attitudes and behaviours of parents/ carers and those of their children – the more active a parent/carer is, the more active their child(ren) are. And the more positive a parent/ carer feels towards sport or activity, the more likely their child(ren) are to be active.

How you can help Think about ways you can make activities fun and family-friendly, that focus on opportunities for active play or a chance to try an activity that might be new or different. Messaging should centre around activities that are easy to access, don’t take a long time to do, are low cost or free, or that can be done flexibly in a range of places – for example at home or at the local park with little or no equipment, or just walking, scooting and cycling.

Offer a choice What we know While the pandemic has created many barriers to being active, choice has been key in helping to maintain older girls’ activity levels and enjoyment in particular.

For some children and young people, the past 16 months have been a chance to do things differently – so some have enjoyed being active more than usual, using the extra time to take ownership of what they do and trying out new things in a way that feels safe, supported and free from pressure or judgement.

How you can help Consider providing a range of different opportunities and activities that cater for a range of abilities, and tailor your messaging to bring this to the fore. Think about ways of reducing any pressure or judgement so that children and young people can work at a pace and in an environment that suits them. For example, this may mean less focus on performance or competition, or being more relaxed about any kit that they need to wear. Create opportunities to connect with friends in a relaxed, informal environment.n www.sportengland.org

EDUCATION

A good education is about more than academics

With a planned return to something more akin to a normal school year set for September (school assemblies, no bubbles etc), the summer is the perfect time to take stock of lessons learned from the past two school years.

There is plenty to reflect on (the strength of the school community, the use of technology in the classroom, the dedication of pupils, parents and teachers supporting learning) but perhaps the most important lesson is that a good education and a good school experience is so much more than ‘good academic progress’.

When the pandemic dictated a move to remote provision, schools responded in a variety of ways. At Arnold Lodge School, we have used a variety of approaches (depending on the subject, age and stage) covering live lessons through to pre-recorded lessons to work through with teacher support.

As our classes are small (on average around 14), children were able to receive a high level of support from their teachers and keep ‘on track’ with their learning. Our exam classes, for example, kept pace with the coverage of their course and did not need to ‘catch up’ when we came back to site.

Whilst academic learning continued during remote provision, so much of the richness of the school community was lost as the pupils and staff could not be together. Whole school assemblies, lunchtime chess club or dance class (or fencing…or choir…or the school drama production) and, perhaps most importantly of all, time with friends on the playground.

The pandemic reminded us that a good education is so much more than just learning and that we should celebrate the opportunities for learning throughout the school day rather than just the things you can measure with a test.

As we look to September, at ALS we will be emphasising the ‘world beyond the test’ as much as possible. After all, a good education is about more than academics.

If you would like to find out more about ALS and what we can offer your child, join us for our Open Day on Saturday, 9th October.

Contact a member of our friendly admissions team on admissions@ arnoldlodge.com to reserve your place. n David Preston, Headteacher, Arnold Lodge School.

15-17 Kenilworth Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 5TW, 01926 778050. www.arnoldlodge.com

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HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Top 10 Healthy Heart Tips A healthy lifestyle will make your heart healthier. Here are 10 things you can do to look after your heart.

Give up smoking If you’re a smoker, quit. It’s the single best thing you can do for your heart health. Smoking is one of the main causes of coronary heart disease. A year after giving up, your risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker. You’re more likely to stop smoking for good if you use NHS stop smoking services. Visit the Smokefree website or ask your GP for help with quitting.

Get active Getting – and staying – active can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. It can also be a great mood booster and stress buster.

Do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week.

One way to achieve this target is by doing 30 minutes of activity on 5 days a week. Fit it in where you can, such as by cycling to work.

Manage your weight Being overweight can increase your risk of heart disease. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet low in fat and sugar, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, combined with regular physical activity. Find out if you’re a healthy weight with the BMI calculator. If you’re overweight, try our 12-week NHS weight loss plan.

Eat more fibre Eat plenty of fibre to help lower your risk of heart disease – aim for at least 30g a day. Eat fibre from a variety of sources, such as wholemeal bread, bran, oats and wholegrain cereals, potatoes with their skins on, and plenty of fruit and veg.

Cut down on saturated fat Eating too many foods that are high in saturated fat can raise the level of cholesterol in your blood. This increases your risk of heart disease. Choose leaner cuts of meat and lower fat dairy products like 1% fat milk over full-fat (or whole) milk.

Get your 5 A Day Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day.

They’re a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. There are lots of tasty ways to get your 5 A Day, like adding chopped fruit to cereal or including vegetables in your pasta sauces and curries.

Cut down on salt To maintain healthy blood pressure, avoid using salt at the table and try adding less to your cooking. Once you get used to the taste of food without added salt, you can cut it out completely. Watch out for

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high salt levels in ready-made foods. Most of the salt we eat is already in the foods we buy. Check the food labels – a food is high in salt if it has more than 1.5g salt (or 0.6g sodium) per 100g. Adults should eat less than 6g of salt a day in total – that’s about 1 teaspoon.

Eat fish Eat fish at least twice a week, including a portion of oily fish. Fish such as pilchards, sardines and salmon are a source of omega-3 fats, which may help protect against heart disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not have more than 2 portions of oily fish a week.

Drink less alcohol Do not forget that alcohol contains calories. Regularly drinking more than the NHS recommends can have a noticeable impact on your waistline. Try to keep to the recommended daily alcohol limits to reduce the risk of serious problems with your health, including risks to your heart health.

Read the food label When shopping, it’s a good idea to look at the label on food and drink packaging to see how many calories and how much fat, salt and sugar the product contains. Understanding what’s in food and how it fits in with the rest of your diet will help you make healthier choices. www.nhs.uk

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Great Days Out! AUGUST Saturday 7th Battle Proms at Ragley Hall A summer celebration with music, Spitfire, cannons, cavalry & fireworks!

Pack up the hampers and champers and join thousands of loyal fans for an exceptional afternoon and evening of entertainment at the 11 annual Ragley Hall Battle Proms Concert. Enjoy a full 2 hour programme of captivating classical music from the 60 piece New English Concert Orchestra, led by Douglas Coombes MBE and compered by muchloved BBC presenter Pam Rhodes. The extensive programme of entertainments also includes toe-tapping vintage vocals, breathtaking Spitfire display to Elgar’s Nimrod, sensational freefall demonstration

by The Red Devils parachute team, dramatic WWI cavalry display, and groundshaking live fire from over 200 cannons! In a stunning setting on the lakeside, this quintessentially British ‘party in the park’ features magnificent musical firework displays, culminating in a flag waving, sing-a-long spectacular including all the ‘last night of the proms’ finale favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory. The Battle Proms is still believed to be the only opportunity in the world to see their signature piece – Beethoven’s ‘BattleSymphony’ – performed as he composed it: with 193 live firing Napoleonic cannons providing a thunderous percussion! Find out more and book tickets at www.battleproms.com

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th Art in the Park Festival Royal Leamington Spa’s Art in the Park Festival In Leamington Spa Gardens a Community Interest Company. They showcase, sell and provide live demonstrations from artists and craftspeople in Warwickshire and the Midlands. Celebrating independent local and regional food and drink and the the best live music, dance and theatre from our own doorstep alongside nationally and internationally renowned companies. For more details, go to www.artinthepark.co.uk

Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th In the Night Garden Live Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, MakkaPakka and friends are back in their funfilled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all! You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music.

This completely new show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from The Amazing Flying Pinky Ponk. Now in its 12th year, In the Night Garden Live is one of the UK’s favourite family events. Over 1 million people have seen it so far and it gets 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 13,490 parents’ reviews.

There are other shows for young children, but as The Independent wrote,“there’s nothing quite like In the Night Garden Live.”Tue 17 August 10am,1pm & 4pm; Wed 18 August 10am,1pm & 4pm. Children aged 12 months or over will need a child ticket. This show is for sale through Family Tickets only, and not the Royal Spa Centre Box Office, please visit www.familytickets.com to purchase tickets.

Sunday 15th Retro Warwick Classic Car Show 2021

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OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH HOME & GARDEN

This classic car show has established itself as one of Warwick’s most popular annual events. It’s a must for car enthusiasts but because it is held in and around the Town’s historic Market Square, there is something to interest everyone. The show attracts 150+ classic and retro cars; come along and enjoy the cars, shops, pubs, cafes and museums. Chat to the car owners and find out all about their cars, their history and why they own them. From a personal experience, this is one of the most attractive features of this show, it has a wonderful friendly ambience. From 9am onwards. It’s Free for both visitors and exhibitors. There’s no pre-booking required to display your car, just come and park up as per marshalls’ instructions. Entry is free. For more information go to www.carsceneinternational.com

Saturday 21st Outdoor Cinema - The Lion King Bringing the best movies to the best locations under the stars at CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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Great Days Out! Warwick Racecourse. Book your tickets now and watch The Lion King (PG). As a cub, Simba is forced to leave the Pride Lands after his father Mufasa is murdered by his wicked uncle, Scar. Years later, he returns as a young lion to reclaim his throne. The Age limit for the event will be based on the film certification. Any staff have the right to challenge this.Guests need to bring their own chairs, these won’t be provided unless you have brought the V.I.P ticket.You’re allowed entry from 7pm.

Tickets start from £8 plus booking fees. They go all the way up to a VIP ticket £30.50.Film will commence at sunset or thereafter. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.co.uk

Saturday 21st Warwickshire Pride 2021 Warwickshire Pride returns in 2021! On Saturday, August 21st, the Pump Room Gardens in Royal Leamington Spa will host Warwickshire Pride for the ninth year. Plus for the first time we will be having a Pride Parade March through the heart of Leamington Spa. Please visit the Warwickshire Pride website for details. Entry is free.

Midlands Italian Car Day Midlands Italian Car Day, or MITCAR for short, is a well-established show catering for all types of Italian cars. Supported by the major Italian car clubs, the show is open to anyone who wants to show off their Italian machine whether it’s a car or a motorbike. This is a wonderful chance to add some Italian flair to your Museum visit, with show tickets including both entry to the show and the Museum. Over 400 cars are expected including gorgeous Alfa Romeos, brightly coloured Fiats and Abarths, rare Lancias, sensational Maseratis and fabulous Ferraris, plus

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OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH there’s potential for the odd Lamborghini and other Italian rarity too!

MITCAR is organised by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club UK ltd, all Italian marques welcome and you do not have to be a club member to join in.

For more information please visit MITCAR.co.uk.

Friday 27th - Sunday 29th Warwickshire Family Festival Enjoy summer at the racecourse with a weekend of entertainment, suitable for all, whether you want to come along for a day, watch the open air film, or bring the caravan and make a whole weekend of it there are options for all. It’s time to celebrate summer and enjoy great music, a wide range of food, beer, prosecco, gin and entertainment.

This is a family friendly event and children under 8 are free! Tickets start at £8. To book go to www.eventbrite.co.uk

Friday 27th Just The Tonic Comedy Club Special with Ed Byrne The Assembly is a stunning, Art Deco, multi-function venue in the heart of Leamington Spa. It opened its doors in the summer of 2008 after a multi-million pound redevelopment designed by Lawrence LlewellynBowen. Just the Tonic bring a monthly line up of only the best from the comedy circuit. With over 25 years of producing live comedy in The Midlands, now operating in seven cities... and they pick the best, once a month, to put on in Leamington Spa. To book tickets go to www. justthetonic.seetickets.com PLEASE VISIT INDIVIDUAL EVENT WEBSITES FOR LATEST CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS FOR ANY CHANGES.

GREAT DAYS OUT

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Puzzles SUDOKU - HARD

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 20

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WORD SEARCH Find and cross out all the listed words. The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.

AUGUST

ICE POP

SPRINKLER

BARBECUE

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BEACH

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SHORTS VEGAN SULPHATE FREE PARABEN FREE QUINOA PROTEIN SUNFLOWER OIL GLUTEN FREE ORGANIC

Taking the puzzle out of hair

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