Warwickshire Now December 2020/ January 2021

Warwickshire

Now

SPREAD XMAS CHEER WE LOVE PIZZA COMPETITION FESTIVE PYJAMAS DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 | ISSUE 49

PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P

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HOMES • GARDENS • EDUCATION • HEALTH & BEAUTY • PUZZLES • COMPETITIONS

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Warwickshire

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Now

Contents

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DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 HERE & NOW 04 All the latest news from around Warwickshire.

HOME & GARDEN 08 Get into the Christmas spirit

LAZY MORNINGS 14 Our pick of the season’s best pyjamas

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MONEY MATTERS 16 Dealing with irregular monthly income

SENIOR LIVING 18 Keeping your spirits up

COMPETITION 24 We Love Pizza

PUZZLES 30 Get your brain into gear with our monthly puzzles sponsored by

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Mavericks Hair & Beauty

WA R W I C K S H I R E

EDITOR

DESIGN

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

Daisy Bennett daisy@pw-media.co.uk

01905 723011

ADVERTISING

NOW nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd Lower House, Whyle Lane Pudleston, Nr Leominster Herefordshire HR6 0RQ

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

CONTRIBUTORS Age UK British Christmas Tree Growers Association Daisy Bennett Money Advice Service

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

Two pooches from Jewellery Quarter Warwickshire win Christmas Window Trail 2020 calendar contest With over 50 participating businesses, this year’s Christmas Window Trail was set to turn Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter into a true winter wonderland. However, as the country has entered its second national lockdown, we’re bringing the magic of the JQ’s streets to you so you don’t miss out on the festive fun! Browse all the window displays from the comfort of your home and vote for your favourite for a chance to win a JQ Prize Bundle which includes artisanal chocolates, silver earrings, a whisky testing set, vouchers to use in local businesses & more! Vote for your favourite display online for a chance to win [https://bit.ly/JQXmasCompetition].

A Rottweiler and German Shepherd from Warwickshire are set to be two of 12 stars of a new calendar next year, after winning a public vote to be featured.

Bruno (rottweiler) and Mowgli (German shepherd) will be two of several pooches to star in the 2021 calendar, following a joint initiative between leading pet charity Blue Cross and the nation’s most animal-loving newspaper, the Daily Star. Backed by celebrities including Bill Bailey and Michaela Strachan, all profits from sales will go towards supporting Blue Cross at a time it is expecting to see a spike in pet abandonments.

This is due to the changes in people’s financial situations – and comes after the charity reported a 515% increase in demand to rehome pets in May 2020 in relation to the same period last year.

Blue Cross CEO Chris Burghes said: “We saw a huge amount of entries from Daily Star readers to get their pets into this fun calendar for next year, so it is a wonderful achievement for Bruno and Mowgli to be included. It’s another fantastic way for animallovers to support Blue Cross at a time when we are expecting to be helping more pets than ever before. We know what a tough time it’s been for so many people recently and hopefully this calendar will give people something to enjoy at the end of a difficult year.”

Bruno’s owner Stephanie Redhead said: “We have only had him a week, but he brings so much love and joy.”

Mowgli’s owner Sharron Kerr said: “She is my world. She is only three and I feel like I have had her forever. She made an impact in our home from the day she arrived, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. n

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The Jewellery Quarter is packed with independent businesses that need your support to survive this winter. Explore the range of delivery, click & collect and takeaway options available from local retailers and hospitality venues as you admire their festive window displays on our website.

Ranging from family jewellers to cake decorators, hairstylists, florists, chocolatiers, wedding shops and so much more; let the Jewellery Quarter make your Christmas shopping this year an absolute breeze.

If you are local to the area, be sure to look up and admire over 100 bespoke Christmas Lights in the Quarter supplied by the JQBID to add to the festive atmosphere. Including two 30-foot Christmas trees, one in the Golden Square and one in Saint Paul’s Square, as well as the interactive Christmas light display in the form of a 3 x 3 m illuminated JQ ring – the perfect selfie backdrop!

The Christmas Window Trail displays can be viewed by visiting www. jewelleryquarter.net/jq-christmas where you can also download the JQ Shopping and Food & Drink Guides to explore even more local independent businesses.n

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HERE & NOW

Festive Fun Days in aid of Myton Hospice While this Christmas is likely to be quite different from anything most of us have experienced before, The Myton Hospices want to bring some festive cheer to everyone!

to join in the fundraising fun. However, the Hospice will be delighted to receive as much as you are able to give to help them care for patients and their families during the Christmas period.

Their Festive Fun Days are the perfect way for work places and community groups to raise vital funds and stay connected, while also following government guidelines!

For more information, go to www.mytonhospice.org. n

You can do almost anything to raise some money when you hold a Festive Fun Day, from wearing Christmas jumpers and outfits, and baking festive treats to holding a Christmas quiz and making gifts to sell! Anything festive you can think of doing will help support Myton and the people they care for, when they need it most.They are also asking people if they would generously donate ‘festive sweet treats’ which the Hospice can give to patients, families and their hardworking frontline staff over Christmas. The shining star on the top of our bumper Christmas offering this year is a brand new event – Christmas Karaoke!

Myton Hospice is encouraging companies and community groups to come together via Zoom or Teams to record themselves singing a Christmas song in a bid to be crowned Myton’s Christmas Karaoke Champions of 2020! Videos of the virtual singalongs can be uploaded to their private Festive Fun Day’s Facebook page and will be sure to spread some cheer at what is going to be a difficult time for so many people in so many ways.

A minumim of £2 donation is required from every person taking part in this festive event and hope this will inspire more people than ever

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HOME & GARDEN

Creating the perfect Christmas Christmas isn’t cancelled!

Take a look at our top tips on making your home feel festive throughout 2020.

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HOME & GARDEN It’s official, Christmas 2020 won’t be like any Christmas you’ve ever had, but that doesn’t mean it has to be cancelled. There are many ways that you can still get into the spirit without feeling like you’re missing out. Spread the festive cheer in your home with our ways to keep Christmas alive.

Light it up One of the magical things about the run up to Christmas Day is seeing all the houses lit up with sparkling lights. A favourite memory of mine when I was little was going the street where every house was lit up with Christmas lights and seeing all the elaborate decorations adorning their front lawns. During the first lockdown in March, teddies and toys were placed in windows to brighten up passersby on their daily walks. Not only to put a smile on people’s faces, but also a lovely game for children to tick off their favourites. Why not, for December, place a few decorations on your window sill, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, place an inflatable snowman or Santa Claus on your front drive for the ultimate festive Christmas display. Lighting up the front of your house can be daunting when thinking of electricity bills, but a lot of decorations now are made with LED’s, so all you’ll need to buy are a good set of batteries to keep them going through December. There are some wonderful examples on www.lightsforfun.co.uk including an acrylic family of reindeers that light up with icy white LEDs. If turning your house into Blackpool illuminations isn’t your thing, go for a family walk instead and spot your favourite decorations. I always know when Christmas has begun, when the giant inflatable penguin appears on the neighbours drive.

Make your own decorations Every year, we look at what the latest Christmas trends are, walk around the shops and pick our new favourite bauble or garland, yet you’re still up a ladder year after year, getting the old decorations down from the loft. They hold sentimental value from times gone by; reminding you of people you’ve lost over the years or simply because they make you smile. Make your own decorations for your own tree, or give your family them as gifts to hang in their homes.

A reminder year on year that someone took the time to create something especially for you. A few simple items from a craft store and let your imagination run wild. It could be something as simple as a cotton wool snowman, a paper snowflake or a few coloured pom poms. You could even turn your favourite photo into a tree decoration, by placing it in a DIY plastic bauble.

Xmas Inflatable £39.99 www.wayfair.co.uk

Christ candle, which is lit on Christmas Day. The evergreens used in a Christmas wreath represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end. There are many tutorials online about how you can make your own wreath, adding in evergreen leaves and pine cones that you can find on winter woodland walks. Twist the bracken CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Candles Candles can instantly give you a warm and cosy feeling, perfect for creating a festive display or a magical centrepiece for your table. The soft glow of a candle has been a Christmas tradition for centuries, reminding us of the coming spring during the winter solstice. A common sight in churches, one of the first records of candles being used at Christmas was during the middle ages where a candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem. Candles are important in many religions during December. The Jewish festiva of Hanukkah remembers the rededication of the second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, in Israel. You can start your own tradition by lighting a candle to represent something that is meaningful to you.

Christmas wreath Wreaths are using throughout all of the Christian denominations but they were started by the Lunterans in germany in the 16th Century to mark the start of Advent. All advent wreaths, however, have four candles, and many of them have a white candle in the centre; the t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n

HOME & GARDEN around a wire frame, then add LED candles to light throughout advent..

You can make them personalised to you in any way by adding bows, small figures, dried fruit, toys, even sweets!

Christmas gifts If you have an eye for all things crafty, then the perfect solution is to make your own gifts this year. Set aside a day where you can create something special for your friends and family. is there a skill you’ve learnt in 2020 that you can show off on Christmas morning? Maybe you’ve tried your hand at knitting or crocheting or even become a dab hand at watercolour painting. This doesn’t have to be extravagant or time consuming, it could be something as simple as making a personalised card. A day with the family making little gifts for your close family by the tree could be what really gets you into the festive spirit.

Spice it up Fill your home with the smell of all the Christmas spices to really set the scene. Not only will they smell delicious but they each has their own special properties that help with stress and digestion: •

Anise: This spice comes ground or in whole seeds and is found in

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gingerbread, honey cake and biscuits. Anise calms the stomach and the intestines.

Cloves: Dried flower buds can help strengthen the stomach and relieve bloating.They’re also the perfect addition to a mulled wine!

Allspice: A rich flavour found in many dishes and is a combination of nutmeg, cloves, pepper and cinnamon. The oils contained in the allspice help digestion and has a relaxing effect.

Ginger: The spicy taste of ginger is can be added to biscuits to give it a warming effect. It also provides many anti imflammatory substances.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon comes from the dried bark strips, bark powder and flowers of a small tree. Perfect for biscuits and cakes, cinnamon has a sweet and woody flavour, slightly spicy and with a hint of citrus.

Nutmeg: This spice is also often found in biscuits. It has a calming effect and should be used in moderation.

Stay connected If inviting friends and family over and celebrating in large groups is your usual way of celebrating, there are still many ways of being able to stay connected during lockdown restrictions. A Skype call or Zoom meeting might not seem like your idea of a fun Christmas, for most of us however it may be the only way we get to see our loved ones. You can even play interactive games through a Zoom call. All your favourite seasonal classics like Pictionary, Guess Who? and Taboo are now available to play whilst on a video call as well as a simple game of Rummy with a set of playing cards.

Stay positive Most of all this Christmas, take time to try to remember the positives that have come out of 2020. Maybe there has been a new arrival to the family, you've met someone new or simply been moved by something small that you wouldn't have noticed in your otherwise hectic and busy life. For those who are struggling, seek solace in a friend or visit www.mind.org for some tips how to get yourself through the Christmas period. n

By Daisy Bennett

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HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Picking the right tree That’s the message from Christmas tree growers across the UK, as the industry gears up for its busiest season ever.

Sales for UK trees from garden centres and farm shops are significantly ahead of 2019 and this year’s sunny weather means they are in better condition than ever before.

Covid-19 has led to many growers changing the way they sell, introducing online sales for the first time as well as social distancing measures for those who want to visit their local plantation to enjoy the experience of choosing their tree. Cadeby Tree Trust in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, is the largest grower in England, supplying farm shops and garden centres across the country.

Sharon Scamell-Katz, Sales Manager, said: “After such an unprecedented year, Christmas is the one thing we can focus on and look forward to, and orders from our retailers are already 28% up compared to last year. There’s more of a drive to purchase UK grown Christmas trees and any retailers with click and collect online, are putting in higher orders as consumer habits have changed because of Covid, with more and more buying online.”

But before you go to pick up your seasonal spruce, it’s worth reading our guide to choosing the perfect real tree. Pick the right type for your home and look after it properly, and it will look healthy and hearty right through until the twelfth day of advent – Tuesday 5th January.

What are the different types of Christmas tree?

• Nordmann Fir – This is the most popular Christmas Tree in the UK as it has excellent needle retention, with lush, dark green needles. They are symmetrical trees with strong branches, great for displaying ornaments.

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Fraser Fir – These trees have great fragrance with dark green, needles that are silvery underneath. Good needle retention and a pyramidshaped, strong branches which turn upward.

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Noble Fir – Ideal for great needle retention and a fresh fragrance.

With bluish-green needles and short, stiff branches; great for heavier ornaments; keeps well.

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Douglas Fir – probably the strongest scent of all Christmas trees, very popular in the USA. A true fir with great shape but a little harder to decorate with baubles as usually much denser.

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Norway Spruce – Keep them well watered for good needle retention and enjoy this traditional Christmas tree which is dark green and has a strong fragrance along with a great conical shape.

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Blue Spruce – Beautiful, unique blue colouring, needs watering well and has good stiff branches, great for hanging heavy decorations. An ideal small or second tree.

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Lodgepole Pine – A low needle-drop tree with beautiful tapering branches, that rarely lose their needles if well hydrated. The needles are green/yellow in colour. The traditionalists Christmas tree.

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Serbian Spruce - Tall and slender, with graceful upswept branches.

It has glossy dark green needles with slender streaks of white, a very good ornamental alternative.

Which is the most popular variety?

British Christmas Tree Growers Association estimate about 80% of the trees sold are Nordmann Fir, around 10-15% Norway Spruce, and the remainder are made up from the other varieties. n

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HOME & GARDEN

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Christmas Nights in

Relax during the festive period with our picks of the best pyjamas to snuggle up on the sofa

CHRISTMAS MOOSE PYJAMAS £28 next.co.uk

CHRISTMAS CHECKED PYJAMA SET £25 marksandspencer.com

RED REINDEER CHECK TROUSER CHRISTMAS PYJAMA SET £18.99 newlook.com

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STELLA STAR PRINT PYJAMA SET £48 johnlewis.com

NAVY ‘GINGER BREAD’ COTTON PETITE PYJAMA SET £17.60

BLUE CHRISTMAS PRINT HOODED ONESIE £22

debenhams.com

peacocks.co.uk

LET IT SNOW SLOGAN SHORT SLEEVE CHRISTMAS PYJAMAS £12.50 direct.asda.com

MINI ME CHRISTMAS TARTAN CHECK PYJAMAS £14 tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk

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HEALTH & WELL BEING

Money matters If you’re self-employed, working on a zero hours contract or claiming Universal Credit, you might be dealing with a variable or irregular monthly income. This could make budgeting accurately seem impossible. After all, how can you budget when your monthly payments could vary? This page tells you more about how you can effectively budget when you have different amounts coming in each month. You might not know how much you have coming in every month, but you should have a good idea about how much is going out and this is a good place to start.

Make a list of all your important regular outgoings. This includes: • • • • • • •

rent or mortgage travel costs mobile phone electricity and gas insurance council tax food.

This might not be perfect, but if you know how much is going out each month, you can budget based on how much is coming in. This is also a good way to identify ways you can cut back.

Make sure you can cover regular bills Once you’ve figured out how much you have going out, you need to be sure you can cover these costs every month. If not, you can easily be hit with charges for going into your overdraft, or face getting into debt. If you’re worried about dipping into money earmarked for these bills, you might want to set up a separate account for your regular outgoings you can use to top up in a higher-income month. This way, you’ll always know the money is there to cover essential expenses.

Budget for your lowest monthly income If you have a varying income, it can be tempting to budget as if every month will be a good month, but this can leave you short if you have a bad month. A good tip is to budget for your lowest monthly income.

This way, at least you’ll always have the major costs covered. Then, if you have a good month, you can revise your monthly budget up.

Alternatively, total up everything you had coming in over the last year and divide it by 12 to get an average monthly income and use this as a base mark for your income.

Think ahead It’s important to factor in seasonal changes in income, particularly if you’re self-employed. In some industries, Christmas is a good period, while in others the holidays are a slow time, with little income coming n 16 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 49 | December 2020/January 2021

in. You also need to be aware of times when your outgoings will be higher, for example around Christmas, or in months when there are birthdays or annual bills, like car insurance, due.

Build up an emergency fund If you have a good month, or a month when your outgoings are less than expected, don’t just splurge the extra cash. Build up an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs and get you through times when your income might be lower. A good rule of thumb is to have three months’ essential outgoings available, but even having a month’s income saved will give you a cushion to protect you against immediate income shocks.

How fluctuating income affects Universal Credit payments If you’re claiming Universal Credit you’ll be paid a month in arrears and the amount you get will vary depending on how much you earned during your assessment period. Your first assessment period starts on the day you make your claim and lasts one calendar month. You will usually get your first payment seven days after the end of your first assessment period. Your pay day is then fixed on the same date each month - seven days after the end of your assessment period. You’ll need to report any earnings from self-employment every calendar month. This needs to be done on the last day of your assessment period, even if you have no income to report.

Does my pay date affect my Universal Credit payment?

Different earnings patterns can have an impact on your Universal Credit payments, particularly if you get paid more frequently because of the way the pay dates fall within certain months. For example, if you get paid every four weeks, in some months you might receive two pay cheques. If you get paid every two weeks, there are some months when you’ll get paid three times. If you get paid every week, sometimes you’ll be paid five times in a month. When this happens, you could be pushed over the earnings threshold and receive no Universal Credit payment for the following month, or a reduced payment. However, if you’re paid monthly, rules introduced in November 2020 mean that if you receive two salary payments in one month (perhaps because your payday lands on a weekend or public holiday), one will automatically be moved into a different assessment period. This should mean if you’re paid monthly by your employer, you won’t have any assessment periods without a universal credit payment. You don’t have to do anything to make this happen but you can let your work coach know if you know in advance. You will then need to reapply for Universal Credit but you won’t need to make a new claim.

The Money Advice Service, www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

The Cost of...Verrucas

Foot warts (verrucae) are caused by the human

to resolve the problem but some have much higher success levels

papilloma virus (HPV) of which there are more than

than others. Very few, if any, are available on the NHS. So here are

100 different types. However there are generally only

guide prices for you:

4 main types that affect the feet and each one differs in size, pain, and appearance.

•

Tincture of time i.e. leave alone to resolve by itself = £0

•

Occlusive taping but avoid industrial tape like duct tape,

Public understanding of viruses has come a long way due to

instead for safety use zinc oxide medical tape or similar = £5

Covid-19, including the acceptance that there is no quick fix for

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Weak acids available over the counter = £10

these infections and that different people experience different

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Strong acids applied by Podiatrists = £40-£400*

severity of symptoms and different treatment effectiveness. This is

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Verrutop topical treatment = £30-£500*

the same for verrucae and their treatments.

•

Imiquimod cream which is available on off-license prescription

As always in this series of articles, we will look at the costs involved:

only = £100+ •

Physical costs – Verrucas can hurt, especially if they are on a

Freezing treatments which vary according to temperature of freeze achieved = £10-£500*

weightbearing area or somewhere that rubs on footwear. The HPV

•

Falknor’s surgical needling = £200-£700*

virus affects the skin and can cause the formation of hard callus over

•

SWIFT microwave therapy = £100-£600*

the lesion. This can make it feel like a corn which can make you walk

•

Laser therapy = £150-£1000+*

abnormally to alleviate the pain, and this compensation can cause

•

Electrosurgery / hyfrecation = £200-£1000

damage to other tissues near the corn or further away elsewhere in

•

Surgical excision = £400-£2000

the body (eg knee, hip, lowback).

Emotional costs – People are often self-conscious about having a

*=depending on number of treatments required and by whom.

verruca. It can be unsightly, and that can worsen as it absorbs more

Note that all treatment options may not be suitable for you, and

water during showering / bathing. It can affect choice of footwear

that certain corns & skin cancers can look like verrucas and vica

(eg avoidance of wearing sandals), choice of activities (eg not going

versa. So getting a professional diagnosis and suitable treatment

swimming) and general self-esteem.

plan for you from all of the above options is very important. n

Financial costs – As a viral infection, our bodies are capable of

Jonathan Small, Lead Podiatrist,

resolving verrucae without any treatment. This process occurs more

www.healthfirstsoutham.co.uk

readily in childhood, but is still possible in adulthood. There are

Also follow us

@healthfirstsoutham

many different treatment options, none of which are guaranteed

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SENIOR LIVING

Keep your spirits up This winter things may be particularly tough. With time spent away from loved ones and lots of uncertainty about the future, it may be especially difficult to keep our spirits up.

Here are some tips to help you cope and get through this difficult time.

Get a routine going Having a daily routine can be really helpful, especially in uncertain times. It gives our minds some certainty, and can help us build up good habits. And if you are eating and moving at regular times this will help your physical health too. You don’t have to map out whole days – just having regular times to get up and go to bed, eat, and a small task to do each day can make all the difference.

Do something you enjoy every day Things have changed a lot this year, and you may not be able to get out and do the things you used to love. It is normal to feel sad or disappointed by these changes, but we can still find small pleasures.

Is there an old hobby you used to enjoy that you could pick up again?

Are there any books you have been meaning to read or films which have caught your eye?

We know many people are finding it difficult to enjoy things they used to do. If you feel less motivated to do things, you aren’t alone. Try not to berate yourself and give yourself time to settle into something.

You may find pleasure and motivation starts creeping back with a little time. But if you have been feeling low for some time then it is a good idea to speak to your GP about how you’re feeling.

Stay connected If you’re feeling lonely, we’re here for you. A regular chat with family or friends can make a huge difference to how we feel. We can share stories, catch up on the latest news and take some time to talk about how we’re feeling.

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Find out about our weekly friendship calls If you can’t visit friends or family, phone them, use email or try video call services like Skype or FaceTime. If COVID restrictions allow it and you feel comfortable to do so, why not ask if others could visit you a little more over winter? Even just for a natter at the doorstep.

Keep moving and eat well Being active – even just a little bit – is proven to help give you a boost.

A quick walk down the street, dance around the kitchen or satisfying stretch in bed or a chair are all good pick-me-ups. Our being active section can help you find an activity that suits you.

And keep an eye on your appetite. If you are finding it difficult to cook and manage big meals, try eating what you fancy little and often.

Something, even if not the healthiest treat, is better than nothing. If we move more and eat well we can help to reduce falls and maintain mobility. Do what you can, and if you are concerned, speak to your GP. Reach out when things are tough With everything going on and the changes to day-to-day life many of us may feel anxious and worried. Everything can feel a little overwhelming. It’s natural to feel this way.

If you’ve been feeling down for a while and it’s stopping you from doing the things that matter, making you feel listless or like you don’t have any energy, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Talk to friends or family, and if things have been this way for a while or are starting to worry yourself or those around you, speak to your GP. Healthcare services are still here for you, and it’s important to get support when you need it.

If you’re concerned about someone’s health or safety, call 111 for health advice, or in an emergency call 999 (112 from a mobile). n Age UK

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SENIOR LIVING

Helping the elderly during winter There are lots of ways you can do your bit to help lonely or socially isolated elderly people in your community. The person you’re helping will reap health benefits, and you’ll find you will as well.

Volunteering for an organisation that supports older people is a key way of helping a lonely or socially isolated older person. But a simple friendly chat or phone call can make all the difference, too.

Evidence suggests giving your time in this way could be as valuable to you as the person you support. It’s likely to boost your self-esteem and sense of purpose. And helping others takes your mind off your own problems for a while.

Start a conversation It’s not always easy to know who or how to help. A good start is simply to stop and talk to an elderly neighbour if you pass them on the street.

If you think an older person may have trouble hearing or has memory problems, make sure to speak clearly (but don’t shout!). Pause between sentences and questions to give them chance to digest the information. And allow a little extra time for them to respond – don’t hurry them.

Offer practical help Do you know an older person who lives alone, rarely leaves the house, has recently suffered a bereavement, is in poor health, disabled, has sight or hearing loss, or doesn’t seem to have close family living nearby? Ask them if they need any help with tasks such as shopping, posting letters, picking up prescriptions and medicines, or dog-walking. Offer to accompany them or give them a lift to activities or doctors’ and hospital appointments, the library, hairdressers or faith services.

Share your time Volunteer for organisations that support older people. These often offer “befriending” schemes for isolated elderly people, and rely on volunteers for one-to-one contact as a telephone “buddy”, visitor or driver, or hosting social events for groups. n 20 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 49 | December 2020/January 2021

Your contribution could be as simple as a weekly telephone call to an isolated older person, or extend to regular home visits for a chat and to help with shopping and so on, driving an elderly person to a social event, or even hosting coffee mornings for groups of elderly people.

Help with household tasks Getting older can make it hard to tackle even simple jobs around the house. Older people often really appreciate any offer of help with basic chores such as taking out the rubbish, changing light bulbs, fastening sash windows, clearing snow off the path, putting up pictures, and so on.

Share a meal Older, isolated people often need a hand cooking for themselves, so why not take round an extra plate of hot home-cooked food, or a frozen portion they can heat up or microwave? As well as being practical, it’s a nice way to share your time with a neighbour. Try to provide the meal in a container that you don’t need back – it’s hard work for both of you to keep track of serving bowls. The Casserole Club is a project that connects people who like to cook and are happy to share an extra portion of a delicious home-cooked meal with older neighbours living close by who could really benefit from a hot, cooked meal.

Watch out for signs of winter illness Older people are particularly vulnerable during the winter as cold weather increases their risk of illnesses, such as colds, coughs, flu, heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and hypothermia (a dangerous fall in body temperature). Look out for signs of serious illness, such as drowsiness, slurred speech and the person not complaining of feeling cold even in a bitterly cold room. If you’re worried, ask if there’s a relative or close friend you can phone, or call their doctor or NHS 111.

You could also contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 009 966. n

SENIOR LIVING

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SENIOR LIVING

Introducing Dignity Carers Dignity Carers are a forward-thinking, expert homecare provider setting the new standard of domiciliary care in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.

Their services include personal care and wellbeing, medication management, domestic support, companionship, live-in care, and hospital discharge support.

Every client has a story, a unique background and their own way of living and Dignity Carers want to make sure that they maintain this in all that they do.

The Carers work closely with clients and their families to develop a person-centred, tailored care plan, their highly skilled team delivers the most effective care and support in the luxury and comfort of your home, with flexibility to accommodate your needs and wishes. The service operates with an emphasis on independence, dignity, choice, compassion and satisfaction.

Warwickshire

Now

If you would like to advertise in our next issue of Warwickshire Now, please contact our sales team.

Kate Gilmartin 01905 727904 kate@pw-media.co.uk

Lis Gardner 01905 727901 lis@pw-media.co.uk

ANSWERS

Those at Dignity Carers go the extra mile to give you added value to the service you expect and deserve. There to promote your independence as much as possible, but a helping hand is always close by for that little spot of help.

They look forward serving you!

to

For more information, contact info@dignitycarers.co.uk or call 03335770299 / 01386577095. n n 22 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 49 | December 2020/January 2021

ACROSS 4. Usually 10. Beardie 11. Music 12. Concert 14. Camping 16. Ketchup 17. Oratory 18. Attic 20. Toaster 21. Ducat 22. Tiger 29. Advice 30. Grandparents 32. Thankfulness 33. Autumn 37. Value 38. Guide 41. Bobtail 43. Scale 44. Florist 46. Biscuit 48. Savings 49. Tonight 50. Creek 51. Morning 52. Crayons

On that note, Dignity Carers advise all potential clients to browse through the services and get in touch with to discuss their future with Warwickshire Living (Dignity Carers) and arrange an assessment meeting with a member of their management team.

CRISS-CROSS: DOWN 1. Regatta 2. Prepaid 3. Piano 5. Smooth 6. Accordionist 7. Lark 8. Success 9. Figures 13. Tenor 15. Great 19. Cupcake 20. Tempo 23. Earth 24. Avian 25. Tranquillity 26. Grounds 27. Input 28. Using 31. Rural 34. Purse 35. Topiary 36. Sticker 37. Visit 39. Echidna 40. Elegant 45. Tarot 47. Tour

Their clients are the heart and soul of the organisation and they are dedicated to looking for new ways to keep the service up to date.

New developments are recognised and carefully considered whilst maintaining client’s individual principles as well as company standards.

EDUCATION

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COMPETITION

Win a VIP meal for four at

We Love Pizza, Leamington A NEW artisan pizza restaurant is celebrating its arrival in Leamington Spa by offering NOW readers the chance to win a VIP meal for four – on the house! The lucky winner of this competition will be invited to bring three friends and dine out on three courses and two bottles of wine – or soft drinks – on any day of their choosing.

opening with the same philosophy that has always underpinned health and safety and hygiene at We Love Pizza. We work extremely hard behind the scenes to make everything as safe for our staff and customers as possible, so that when you come and sit in our restaurants everything will feel as normal as possible.”

Restaurateur Jose Ribeiro prides himself on delivering ‘affordable quality’ to his customers by using only the best and most nutritious flour combinations and implementing exact temperature control and longer fermentation periods for the sourdough.

Visit: https://welovepizza.uk/ or call 01926 839581 to book a table or place orders.

He said: “Pizza is a great food for different times of the day. It can be a quick snack or part of a larger meal and is made for sharing as part of a big group. But we do not skimp on the product, working with only the highest quality ingredients. Fresh ingredients, sourced directly from Italy as well as locally, are prepared by a team of five chefs from four corners of the globe. We use sourdough which means there is no yeast and no chemicals, and a combination of refined and coarser flours so we have a higher protein content. It also gives extra flavour than a plain white flour would give. So it has a healthier, more nutritional content and enhanced flavour. The dough is also fermented for periods and stored in temperature-controlled extra cold conditions for maximum taste.”

As well as dining in, orders can be made via a click and collect app, downloadable from the We Love Pizza website, with a 25% discount, or with free delivery to your door (for orders over £15.) Qualifying postcodes are listed on the website.

Terms and Conditions: The winner will be entitled to two starters to share, four pizzas, two desserts to share and two bottles of wine – or soft drinks. The prize cannot be exchanged for its cash value and no correspondence can be entered into. Table booking is subject to availability and must be made by February 28th, 2021 (excluding Valentine’s Day.) The prize can be taken as a delivery should the restaurant not be able to open due to COVID-19 and as long as they fall within the delivery area.

Otherwise the redemption period will be extended.

If you are not lucky enough to win you can still enjoy 15% off your next order by quoting the exclusive discount code NOW15 when booking over the phone or online. n

And they have even extended their two special lockdown offers Rule of Six Package (six pizzas delivered for £36) and Pizza and Prosecco (starter, two pizzas, Nutella and Strawberry Pizza dessert and bottle of Prosecco delivered for £35). We Love Pizza, on Regent Street, is open for eat-In and delivery seven days week from 12 midday to 10pm.

Jose added: “We have always taken the safety of our staff and customers extremely seriously and tried to achieve what we would consider a gold standard for the industry. In light of the current coronavirus pandemic this has never been more important. We are

To enter the competition visit the Warwickshire Now Facebook Page n 24 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 49 | December 2020/January 2021

EDUCATION

Warwickshire Primary School short-listed for catering award A primary school catering team from Warwickshire has been short-listed for an award by the UK’s national school catering industry body, in recognition of their achievements in going ‘above and beyond’ to deliver school meals and more during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Educaterers catering team from Knightlow Primary School in Stretton-on-Dunsmore, near Rugby, are just one of three school catering teams from across the UK who have been short-listed for the ‘Primary School Catering Team’ title in the LACA Awards for Excellence 2020, the winners of which will be announced on Wednesday (25th November). The LACA Awards acknowledge individuals and teams who continue to make a real difference to school food and education catering.

The Knightlow Primary School Team consists of Educaterers employees Catering Supervisor, Kayleigh Hall, and Catering Assistant, Tia Nelson.

Kayleigh worked as a Catering Assistant with Educaterers for 4 years prior to her appointment as Catering Supervisor in March this year, just before the start of lockdown.

Knightlow Primary School is at the heart of the village of Stretton on Dunsmore. With a population of around 1200, there is a strong

community spirit in the village, with families sending their children to either Knightlow or Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Princethorpe, where the Educaterers catering team also provide delicious, nutritious lunches. Knightlow Primary School remained open throughout the crisis, with Kayleigh and Tia diligently caring for and feeding vulnerable children and the children of key workers.

Educaterers would usually provide an extensive face to face training programme for a new Catering Supervisor, but in Kayleigh’s case this was not possible. Kayleigh had to fall back on her previous training as a Catering Assistant and undertake remote mentoring and online training as well as train her new Assistant Tia. As schools reopened to all pupils, the team devised a special hot and cold ‘deli bag’ menu to support social distancing in schools and provide a delicious, healthy and fun alternative to a packed lunch from home, which proved very popular with the children.

Educaterers serve up over 120,000 nutritious tasty meals a week in over 200 schools and colleges in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Birmingham and Oxfordshire.

For more information on Educaterers, visit www.educaterers.co.uk n

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EDUCATION

Bromsgrove Beckons Bromsgrove School offers an all-round education,

scholarship. Generous means-tested bursaries are available for Year 7,

combining academic excellence with a richness of

9 and 12 entry to enable boys and girls, who might not have previously

opportunity.

Pupils engage enthusiastically with

been able to consider an Independent education, the chance to do

knowledge, embrace new ideas and are intellectually stimulated. The

so. Pupils may apply for both a scholarship and a bursary. For more

School prides itself on the outstanding opportunities available, both

information please contact the Admissions team. n

inside and outside the classroom.

In 1693, Sir Thomas Cookes, re-endowed Bromsgrove School. An amount was left in his will to provide uniform and instruction for twelve Foundation Scholars who “being elected for a term of six years are to be taught the English, Greek and Latin tongues, writing and arithmetic�. Whilst the curriculum has changed somewhat, the opportunity still remains. Foundation Scholarships are for children living in the local area. Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham is proud to be known as a Foundation Scholar of Bromsgrove School. A hard working Scholar, he played rugby and hockey for the School and ultimately became Head Boy. Scholarships are available for Academic (11+, 13+ & 16+), Music (11+,13+,16+), Art (11+,13+,16+), Drama (13+,16+) and Sports Scholarship

(13+,

16+).

Interviews

and/or

examinations

are

competitive, however candidates may apply for more than one

n 26 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 49 | December 2020/January 2021

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EDUCATION

Enrol on a part-time course for adult learners Celebrate the New Year by learning a new skill at your local WCG (Warwickshire College Group) College, based in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick Trident, Rugby and Moreton Morrell.

From part-time leisure courses to professional qualifications, there is something for all adult learners to enjoy this New Year. WCG knows that their range of lifelong learning programmes are essential to strengthening communities and making sure that local people can succeed in their personal goals and career aspirations.

There are a wide variety of adult part-time subjects on offer across all Warwickshire colleges, including: · · · · · · ·

Animal Welfare Art, Design & Crafts Construction Counselling Engineering Floristry Health & Wellbeing

n 28 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 49 | December 2020/January 2021

·

Hospitality & Catering

·

IT & Computing

·

Languages & ESOL

·

Marketing

·

Motor Vehicle

·

Multimedia & Video

·

Fitness Instructor

·

Teaching & Learning

·

Plus much more!

All course delivery is currently adhering to strict COVID-19 guidance and could include both face-to-face and remote delivery elements.

Don’t forget, WCG also have over 50 short courses available to study now from the comfort of your own home. Subjects include: Writing; Nutrition; Animal Health Care and much more! Visit wcg.ac.uk/ distancelearning For more information and to enrol on an adult part-time course at Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick Trident, Rugby and Moreton Morrell colleges, visit wcg.ac.uk/adultlearning or call 0300 456 0049.n

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Puzzled?

STAY HOME. STAY SAFE. SUDOKU - FIENDISH

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Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from Puzzle Page sponsors...

n 30 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 49 | December 2020/January 2021

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5 letter words ATTIC AVIAN CREEK DUCAT EARTH GREAT GUIDE INPUT

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ACCORDIONIST GRANDPARENTS THANKFULNESS TRANQUILLITY

GO TO PAGE 22 FOR THE ANSWERS

'Taking the puzzle out of hair'

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n 32 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 49 | December 2020/January 2021