WARWICKSHIRE NOW JUNE21

Warwickshire

Now

Birnam Mews

A limited collection of Shared Ownership homes in Stratford-upon-Avon

PINK BATHROOMS PEACH PERFECT EXCLUSIVE WHAT’S ON IN WARWICK JUNE 2021 | ISSUE 53

PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P

TURN TO PAGE 12 & 13 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

Contents

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JUNE 2021

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

HOME & GARDEN

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08 Hint of Pink

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FATHER’S DAY 16 Our guide to the best shaving gifts 17 Exclusive discount at Peach Perfect for Now readers

WHAT’S ON 26 Your guide to June’s events

WA R W I C K S H I R E

NOW 01905 723011

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

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Age UK Daisy Bennett Jonathan Small NHS

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

Young fundraisers gear up for 50-mile cycling challenge TWO young friends are gearing up for an epic fundraising challenge when they cycle 50 miles for a Warwick charity this summer. Carrick Hayre and Nicole Baker, from Knowle, hope to raise £1,000 when they cycle along a route between their homes and Molly Olly’s Wishes charity HQ in Warwick town centre, on July 3rd.

The charity was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer. It works to support children with terminal or lifelimiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK. Mascot of the charity is a therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave who has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 40 hospitals, along with a book from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.

Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Both Carrick, Nicole and their families have been great supporters of Molly Olly’s for many years.

They have both taken time to really understand how the charity helps and the difference that we can make to children with life-threatening illnesses with the money raised. They have set themselves a challenge that is new to them and has required a lot of time training to build up the miles and we wish them lots of luck.

Thank you to both of them and all those who have donated to their fundraising page.”

Further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or how to donate can be found at: www.mollyolly.co.uk To support Carrick and Nicole’s fundraising efforts, visit: Carrick Hayre is fundraising for Molly Olly’s Wishes (justgiving.com). n

Part of more than £2.5m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first Molly Olly consultant in paediatric medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Fourteen-year-old Carrick, who attends Arden School in Solihull, said: “I decided I wanted to do something for the charity when I started doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award last year. I like the charity because it helps children emotionally rather than physically, which I’m not sure that many other charities do so much.”

Nicole, 13, a pupil at Solihull School, added: “I wanted a new challenge and decided to help the charity, especially after their struggle over the past year. I also love the fact that they help grant children’s wishes.” The pair are already well on the way to exceeding their £1,000 fundraising target.

Carrick said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the response.

People have been so generous.”

Staycation at Warwickshire’s Country Parks Looking for a staycation this summer? Then why not visit Warwickshire’s Country Parks!

value permit. These can be for individual parks, or all parks or just parks in the North or South of the County.

There are 5 parks to choose from and 3 Greenways (linear routes) all very different with a range of things to see and do.

For more information on any of the sites visit: www.warwickshire.gov. uk/parks

If you are a regular visitor, why not think about purchasing a great

For more inspiration search #VisitWarwickshire.n

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital Celebrates 40th Anniversary On 10th May 1981, Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital opened its doors for the first time. Forty years on and the hospital is a well-established part of the local community.

Tim Shewbridge, Hospital Director said: “It is a very proud day for us here at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital. The 40th anniversary of the hospital opening represents a milestone in the history of Nuffield Health and the community it serves.

Today, the high quality of care and the friendly atmosphere are comparable to the days when the doors first opened, but the procedures and services that we now offer, including MRI Scans and digital imaging illustrate how far healthcare has progressed in 40 years.

We were unable to celebrate in the same way we did for our 30th birthday, though we wanted to do something to mark the occasion and to show our appreciation to all of our hard-working colleagues, particularly during the last 12 months.”

As part of the celebrations, the Hospital Director and Matron

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distributed cup-cakes and brownies to all departments. Staff also received a free lunch and took part in quiz competition based on the year 1981, with some great prizes on offer.

Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital offers up to date medical treatments and services combined with a professional and caring service.

For more information Call 0300 131 1400 or email warwickshire. enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com n

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HOME & GARDEN Haze Freestanding Bath, £2,495*, Elements Collection, Waters Baths of Ashbourne, shown in light pink custom colour

Hint of Pink This month we give bathrooms a makeover by adding a splash of pink; bringing a sense of femininity, playfulness and romance to your home Pink can be a daunting colour to play with in your home.

The thought of using the colour can instantly bring visions of a Barbie boudoir. However, done right, you can turn certain rooms into a harmonious setting, with a hint of daring playfulness.

Pink is thought to have a soothing effect on an individuals mood; ideal for sinking into a deep bath and relaxing. There is even a shade of pink called, “drunk-tank pink” that is sometimes used in prisons to calm inmates.

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Bathrooms are the perfect setting to try out something a bit more daring. Here are some examples of how to do pink right without turning your room into a bubblegum nightmare.

Pair pink with a darker colour such as a dark grey or navy blue. This will balance out the femininity and neutrlise the colour pop of the pink. The main image above shows the Haze Freestanding Bath from Waters Baths of Ashbourne in a light pink. The contrast to the dark CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

Warwickshire

Now

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

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HOME & GARDEN Scallop Blush Tiles Tonbridge Dove Grey Roll Top Bath from Bathroom Mountain www.bathroommountain.co.uk

Showerwall Showerwall.co.uk

blue wall compliments the youthful pink colour of the bath, balancing out the tones perfectly. The bath has an elegant and timeless shape designed to complement any modern or period bathroom.

Black fixtures and fittings Simple black features can compliment the softness of the colour pink. Use strong geometric shapes and clean lines to factor in timeless elegance and a sense of Japanese serenity to your bathroom space. Think monochrome with just a hint of pink.

Dramatic walls Pink tiles such as the Showerwell Scallop Blush Tiles pictured above are a bold way of introducing pink to your bathroom.

A full wall of cascading pink tiles are a sure fire way of adding drama to the showering space. Showerwall is a fast and hassle free alternative to tiles. The panels have been engineered to create a mechanical locking system that provides seamless, almost invisible joints. The lightweight panels are available in a range of sizes for maximum flexibility.. Scallop Blush is part of the Tiles Custom Collection and can be produced with any image of your choice for the ultimate personalised bathroom.

For an all over dramatic effect for your bathroom, the Marinace Rosso Brazilian Granite Slab from Cullifords is a beautiful way to turn your bathroom into a real showstopper.

Specialising in fine quality stone, Cullifords supplies this spectacular statement granite against a deep red background with different types of rocks set in a matrix that have travelled down a river. A statement piece for the hardy of pink lovers.

Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Globe Pendant - Pewter Price: £75.00 www.industville.co.uk @upstyleyourhome

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Pink accessories If a bright pink feature wall isn’t for you, you can still add smaller items with a pale pink tones to your bathroom.

Plastered polished walls with a peachy hue coupled with metallic fittings is perfect for those wanting a subtle finish.

Or add smaller accessories like this Ren Soap Dispenser and Storage Set, with a matte pink finish and, brass details. Ren’s a luxe take on Nordic styling. This 4 piece set contains a soap dispenser, tumbler and lidded jar, all on a matching tray. For another twist on the subtle pink features, try this abstract CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN shape design towel in beauitful muted colours with fringed edge. It adds a contemporary Skandi feel to your bathroom.

Wall art should not be forgotten when it comes to redecorating your bathroom. A statement piece with hues of pink running through it, could be the ideal way to update the look of your room without going the full splatter of pink. A monochrome bathroom with the addition of your favourite colours as the seasons change, could be a cheaper and effective way of adding the spark back into an uninspiring bathroom.

A small bathroom painted pink, surrounded by ecletic artwork, can give the room a feeling of style and elegance, leaving a strong impression to those entering.

Find your perfect pink shade and impress your friends and family! n

By Daisy Bennett

Ren Soap Dispenser & Storage Set, Matte Pink £29 www.made.com

Geo Abstract Towel £8-18 www.next.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

Find your dream home at

Birnam Mews this summer L&Q Birnam Mews is fast becoming a sought-after development in Stratford-upon-Avon with their high quality fully inclusive specification - larger than average turfed gardens and spacious homes. With 75% of homes sold, there is a limited number of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes available.

Birnam Mews is an ideal starter home for young families and firsttime buyers to part-own and part-rent a home, through L&Q Shared Ownership, is designed as a stepping-stone to ultimately achieve outright ownership. The minimum share you can initially purchase is 25% and the maximum is 75% - paying a mortgage on the part you own and subsidised rent on the remaining share. As your income rises, you can increase the share you own until you own 100%. An affordable option to get a foot on the property ladder!

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ACROSS 4. Samba 10. Rysa Bay 11. Interim 13. Barcode 14. Endless 15. Speak 17. Stonechat 18. Bletchley 22. Springfield 26. Handle 27. Locate 28. Standby 29. Chance 31. Insect 32.

Everlasting 37. Astronaut 39. Blueberry 40. Sable 41. Friends 42. Attempt 43. Plane 44. Schools 45. Bonanza 46. Brief

CRISS-CROSS: DOWN 1. Dynasty 2. Dancing 3. Landscape 5. Accept 6. Baobab 7. Uninstall 8. Healthy 9. Hipster 15. Sagittarius 16. Klein Bottle 19. Agendas 20. Check 21. Inlay 22. Slice 23. Doing 24. Paper 25. Depth 30. Evansdale 31. Invention 33. Ostrich 34. Freedom 35. Renewal 36. Trapeze

ANSWERS

Birnam Mews is set amongst beautifully landscaped surroundings with a rural countryside backdrop. Offering high specification homes, the development itself is built around traditional family friendly streetscenes and interspersed with pockets of greenery. For extra peace of mind L&Q offers an additional two-year warranty over and above the 10- year NHBC warranty.

Final 2-bedroom house from £82,500* for a 25% share with a FMV of £330,00 and a minimum deposit of £4,125. 3-bedroom house from £90,000* for a 25% share with a FMV of £330,000 and a minimum deposit of £4,500 and a 4-bedroom house from £130,000* for a 25% share with a FMV of £520,000 and a minimum deposit of £6,500.

Register your interest at lqhomes.com/birnammews n

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HOME & GARDEN

Reclaim your loft space with Access4 Lofts Are you fed up with clutter? Do you need more storage space?

Well the answer could literally be under your own roof!

For many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach.

Warwick based loft ladder installer Access4Lofts (whose slogan is creating space the easy way’) can change all that, often in less than a day!

Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with your loft area.

The majority of properties have an access hatch to the space in the loft. Access4Lofts create space the easy and affordable way. They can supply and install a new loft hatch and a safe, sturdy aluminium loft ladder in your home in just one day!

That means that your dark and dismal roof space suddenly becomes a useful storage area for all that family clutter. “My experience enables

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fitting the ladder and converting the access hatch, in double-quick time the space is accessible and I leave no mess behind” explains Wayne Reid, Access4Lofts, Warwick.

For extra peace of mind, Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been assessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks.

For added confidence, they also have full public liability insurance, are DBS checked, and all work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.

To find out how Access4Lofts can create more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote visit www.access4lofts. co.uk/warwick or call 01926 679591. You can also find them on Facebook @Access4LoftsWarwick. n

HOME & GARDEN

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FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL

A Close Shave....

Father’s Day this year falls on June 20th. We take a look at the best shaving products out there, to give your dad the best shave this Father’s Day.

L’OCCITAN EAU DE TOILETTE £52 An elegant and luxurious French eau de toilette with a woody fragrance for the energetic and self-confident man. uk.loccitane.com

CLARINSMEN AFTER SHAVE ENERGIZER £25 This refreshing, invigorating aftershave splash soothes and energizes the skin after shaving, while reducing razor burn and promoting the healing of minor nicks and cuts. www.clarins.co.uk

HARRY’S SHAVE GEL £5 An aloe-enriched formula and gentle, honest ingredients soothe and refresh your skin. www.harrys.com JEAN PAUL GAULTIER LE MALE EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY £52.50 The power and freshness of mint.

Lavender, evoking the familiar, comforting scent of shaving soap, is transformed by the sensuality of vanilla. www.boots.com

NIVEA POST SHAVE BALM £6.49 Instantly relieves skin from 5 signs of skin irritation: burning, redness, dryness, tightness, itchiness. www.nivea.co.uk

STRAIGHT EDGE CUT THROAT RAZOR WOODEN HANDLE £25 If you are one of the many who prefer the traditional style of razor without compromising precision and quality, we have a treat for you... www.russellsshaveclub.com

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ORIGINAL SHAVE BRUSH £8 Bulldog’s Bamboo Shave Brush has been designed to increase lather and lift hairs to help achieve a close and comfortable shave.

Go on, treat yourself to a traditional shave. www.bulldogskincare.com

COOLING AFTERSHAVE BALM £22.50 This certified organic aftershave balm is the final step in your shave routine. Suitable for all skin types, it nourishes, hydrates and cools to give skin post-shave comfort. www.nealsyardremedies.com

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL

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Father's Day inspiration from

Peach Perfect With Father’s Day on the horizon, gift inspiration can often be hard to find. Peach Perfect, based in Barford, has a range of stunning – and original – present ideas for dads of all ages and interests, from sports-themed and wildlife gifts to practical gadgets, tasty treats and much more. Here are ten top tips for gifts to help make Father’s Day really special on June 20th.

contains a window feeder, a small bird nester, bird food and garden

1. The Football Crazy BBQ Set £18 This fun and practical Football Crazy Apron and BBQ set is the ideal gift for the dad who loves the ‘beautiful game’ and who barbecues!

The set comprises a chef’s apron, stainless steel utensils with ‘Football Crazy’ printed on the hardwood handles.

7.The Rambler Travel Mug £8

2. Rainshader Sports Umbrella £24.50 These innovative Rainshader umbrellas tackle the drawbacks of conventional umbrellas. They are virtually impossible to turn inside out and made with strong fibre-glass ribs and a rubber handle.

These award-winning smart little bean bags, are brilliant for holding

3. Cyclists Body Repair Kit £29 A handy gift tin packed with goodies which any cyclist will appreciate, including Hand Scrub with natural orange citrus oils and ground pumice; Hack Wax with essential oils and beeswax for cracked and spilt skin; Bath Soak with essential oils for muscular ache; Sun Block and Lip Balm.

This elegant folding cane with a patterned chrome handle is the

4. Seriously Smart Cookies by The Bottled Baking Company £9.50 This easy to make Smarties cookies kit comes complete with all the dry ingredients you need to make approximately 22 cookies, in this reusable/recyclable glass bottle.

can also be personalised.

5. Luxury Bird Gift Box £29 This luxury bird-themed gift by Wildlife World set helps you get up close and personal with the birds in your garden. The gift box

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bird species guide.

6. Animo London Skyline Gin Glass £19.50 An elegant gin balloon glass by The Milford Collection, has been hand-sandblast decorated in the UK.

This stainless steel Rambler travel mug keeps hot drinks warm for approximately four hours and cold drinks cool for three hours. The secure plastic top has sliding closure and a leak-proof seal.

8. iBeani Tablet & iPad Stand £19 tablets or iPads (up to 12.9ins), e-readers and even good old fashioned books! UK designed, they come in five designs.

9.Chrome Men’s Folding Cane £42 perfect gift for a gentleman who needs a little help and likes to walk out in style.

10. Personalised Beano Annual by Year £22 The Beano annuals started in 1940 and these personalised versions feature exactly the same content from whichever year you choose. It

For more information on all products, visit the Peach Perfect website; www.peachperfect.co.uk/collections/gifts-for-men EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER: We are offering an exclusive 10% discount for NOW readers, using code NW10DAD, valid until 30th June 2021.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

National Osteoporosis Awareness Month Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.

It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture).

The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are: • broken wrist • broken hip • broken spinal bones (vertebrae) • However, breaks can also happen in other bones, such as in the arm or pelvis. Sometimes a cough or sneeze can cause a broken rib or the partial collapse of one of the bones of the spine.

Osteoporosis is not usually painful until a bone is broken, but broken bones in the spine are a common cause of long-term pain. Although a broken bone is often the first sign of osteoporosis, some older people develop the characteristic stooped (bent forward) posture.

It happens when the bones in the spine have broken, making it difficult to support the weight of the body. Osteoporosis can be treated with bone strengthening medicines.

Bone loss before osteoporosis (osteopenia) The stage before osteoporosis is called osteopenia. This is when a bone density scan shows you have lower bone density than the average for your age, but not low enough to be classed as osteoporosis. Osteopenia does not always lead to osteoporosis. It depends on many factors. If you have osteopenia, there are steps you can take to keep your bones healthy and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.

Who’s affected by osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK. More than 500,000 people receive hospital treatment for fragility fractures (bones that break after falling from standing height or less) every year as a result of osteoporosis.

Causes of osteoporosis Losing bone is a normal part of ageing, but some people lose bone much faster than normal. This can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of broken bones. Women also lose bone rapidly in the first few years after the menopause. Women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men, particularly if the menopause begins early (before the age of 45) or they’ve had their ovaries removed. n 18 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 53 | June 2021

However osteoporosis can also affect men, younger women and children. Many other factors can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including: • • • •

• • • •

taking high-dose steroid tablets for more than 3 months other medical conditions – such as inflammatory conditions, hormone-related conditions, or malabsorption problems a family history of osteoporosis – particularly a hip fracture in a parent long-term use of certain medicines that can affect bone strength or hormone levels, such as anti-oestrogen tablets that many women take after breast cancer having or having had an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia having a low body mass index (BMI) not exercising regularly heavy drinking and smoking

Preventing osteoporosis If you’re at risk of developing osteoporosis, you should take steps to help keep your bones healthy. This may include: • • • •

taking regular exercise to keep your bones as strong as possible healthy eating – including foods rich in calcium and vitamin D taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D making lifestyle changes – such as giving up smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption

Living with osteoporosis If you’re diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of a fall, such as removing hazards from your home and having regular sight tests and hearing tests. To help you recover from a fracture, you can try using: hot and cold treatments such as warm baths and cold packs; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – where a small battery-operated device is used to stimulate the nerves and reduce pain; relaxation techniques.

Speak to your GP or nurse if you’re worried about living with a long-term condition. They may be able to answer any questions you have. You may also find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor or psychologist, or other people with the condition. The Royal Osteoporosis Society can put you in touch with local support groups. n www.nhs.uk

HEALTH &HEALTH BEAUTY & WELL-BEING

The Cost of...Cracked heels

Now I know cracked heels may not seem like a big thing as they are so common, but actually they can be a lot more troublesome than maybe you realise.

Whilst “weathering” of the heels through wearing open-backed footwear such as sandals in the summer months is one of the main causes of cracked heels, there are other causes that can indicate or lead to worse problems.

For instance, underlying fungal infection can lead to dryness of the skin and make it more prone to cracking / fissuring. In such circumstances, applying just moisturising cream to the dry skin will actually prolong the problem as the fungus thrives with the additional moisture. Then if not dealt with properly, the fungal infection can spread to other parts of the feet including the nails where it is a lot more difficult to resolve. In addition there are underlying medical conditions that can lead to cracked / fissured heels. For instance diabetes can lead to autonomic neuropathy where control of sweating is lost and thereby moisture regulation of the skin is impaired. Sometimes this is one of the clues to identifying those who may need testing for diabetes if they haven’t been previously diagnosed. Whilst the vast majority of heel cracks / fissures only affect the outer layers of the skin (the epidermis), sometimes they can progress to the deeper layers (the dermis) and become dermal fissures. When that occurs they can be painful and bleed. Without the right treatment they can become infected and/or ulcerated which then increases the risk of sepsis.

Indeed just this month I had an 87-year old patient in clinic with a 1cm deep painful crack in her heel which had been treated twice by another “chiropodist” with no success. Fortunately at our clinic, we have lots of tools in our toolbox to help with the variety of foot conditions that present. So after just one treatment the patient was a lot more comfortable, and 10 days later the deep fissure had resolved completely. Take a look on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/healthfirstsoutham) and website blog for the amazing ‘before’ & ‘after’ photos.

As always in this series of articles, we will look at the costs of the specific foot condition being discussed. So here are the costs

relating to cracked heels:

Physical costs – As long as the heel cracks / fissures are in the epidermis, then they don’t really incur a physical cost, other than the effort of carrying out self-treatments through the use of suitable products. We recommend regularly using a foot file & urea-based moisturising cream (as long as there is no underlying fungal infection). These are available in a special pack from: www.firstaidforfeet.co.uk/Bargain-Packs/cracked-heels-pack.

However if the heel cracks / fissures have gone deeper and causing pain, then they can cause reduced activity or limping which can then have more of a physical effect on fitness and can induce other aches & pains. If they become infected especially in those with diabetes or poor circulation, then in the worse case scenario they could lead to hospital-admission and even amputation.

Emotional costs – Cracked heels are pretty unsightly so some people avoid exposing their feet for others to see. They become self-conscious of their feet at the beach or when sunbathing, so they avoid these situations. They can also get frustrated at being unable to resolve the cracked heels by themselves, especially if they snag on socks or tights. Then if they become painful, there are all the emotions associated with having to cope with that pain with every step taken when walking / running.

Financial costs – The good news is that even the worse cracked heels can be resolved without too much expense if you get the right treatment for them. However, if you don’t then the cracks can perpetuate for years, needing regular professional treatment just to keep on top of them. Such ongoing treatment by a Podiatrist or Foot Health Practitioner could cost £30 - £70 every few weeks / months for life. Whereas, using the 1cm deep fissure patient as an example, the fissure was cured at our clinic for £300.

So if you would like to see an experienced foot specialist with any foot-related problem, please call 01926 811272 or visit www.healthfirstsoutham.co.uk/book-appointment/ n Jonathan Small, Lead Podiatrist, Health First Foot & Gait Clinic

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SENIOR LIVING

Doorstep scams Doorstep scammers commonly target older people.

We’ll show you how to protect yourself and stay safe on your doorstep.

Doorstep scams take place when someone comes to your door and tries to scam you out of your money or tries to gain access to your home.

Doorstep scammers aren’t always pushy and persuasive, they may seem polite or friendly. So if you’re not expecting someone it’s important to be vigilant when you answer the door, especially if you live on your own.

It can be very easy to fall victim to a scam, but you can be scam savvy if you know what to look out for.

What are some common types of doorstep scams?

There are many different types of doorstep scams, some of the most common ones include: •

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Rogue traders: A cold-caller may offer you a service you don’t really need. They may claim to have noticed something about your property that needs work or improvement, such as the roof, and offer to fix it for cash or an inflated price.

Bogus officials: People claim to be from your utility company as a way of gaining access to your home. Always check the ID of any official, and if they’re genuine they won’t mind waiting while you check.

Fake charity collections: A fraudster may pretend they’re from a charity and ask you to donate money, clothes or household goods. Legitimate charities will all have a charity number that can be checked on the Charity Commission website.

Made-up consumer surveys: Some scammers ask you to complete a survey so they can get hold of your personal details, or use it as a cover for persuading you to buy something you don’t want or need.

Hard luck stories: Someone may come to your door and ask you to help them out with cash, ask to use your telephone or claim they’re feeling unwell. The story is made up and intended to con you out of your money or gain access to your home.

How can I protect myself from doorstep scams?

There are things you can do to feel safer when answering the door, such as: Putting up a deterrent sign. You could put a ‘no cold callers’ sign up on your door or window, which should deter any cold callers from knocking on your door.

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Setting up passwords for utilities. You can set up a password with your utility companies to be used by anyone they send round to your home. Phone your utility company to find out how to do this.

Nominating a neighbour. Find out if you have a nominated neighbour scheme where a neighbour can help to make sure if callers are safe.

Contact your local Neighbourhood Watch or your local Safer Neighbourhood police team to find out more.

Remember S.C.A.M.S Watch veteran broadcaster Sir Martyn Lewis talk you through how to avoid being scammed on your doorstep. If someone does come to the door, it’s important to remember the following: •

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Only let someone in if you’re expecting them or they’re a trusted friend, family member or professional. Don’t feel embarrassed about turning someone away.

Don’t feel pressured. Don’t agree to sign a contract or hand over money at the door. Think about it and talk to someone you trust.

Check their credentials. You should always check someone’s credentials - a genuine person won’t mind. You can phone the company they represent or check online, but never used contact details they give you.

Don’t share your PIN. Never disclose your PIN number or let anyone persuade you to hand over your bank card or withdraw cash.

Call the police. Call the police non-emergency number 101 if you’re not in immediate danger but want to report an incident.

But call 999 if you feel threatened or in danger.

Take the time to think about any offer, even if it’s genuine.

Don’t be embarrassed to say ‘No’ to people or ask them to leave.

What should I do if I’ve been a victim of a doorstep scam?

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people and doorstep scams are changing all the time. If you’ve been the victim of a scam don’t be embarrassed to report it. It can happen to anyone. Report the scam to the police and contact Action Fraud.

The information you give to Action Fraud can help track down the scammer.n Age UK

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EDUCATION

The power of play at Wawick Prep Warwick Prep’s new Forest School is reviving the Power of Play Hellen Dodsworth, Headmistress of Warwick Prep, says: ‘I have always felt play is one of the most important things children do. They learn so much, whether it’s through creating, thinking or social interaction. Right from the Early Years stage, we’re trying to make the most of our outdoor environments, from planting in the garden to playing with sand, and forest play in our new Forest School.’

Warwick Prep prides itself on the breadth of experience it offers children. The Prep’s outside spaces have been transformed over the last year. Parents have helped to raise funds for new outdoor playgrounds across the school. Nursery and Reception children have new play spaces, including climbing frames, musical instruments and bicycle tracks. After speaking with pupils on the School Council, a decision was made to keep the space for older children as more of a blank canvas so they can develop their own play.

The new Forest School is a leafy, green oasis in a secure setting at the heart of the school campus. Hellen Dodsworth says: ‘I love it! There’s a storytelling area, planting areas where we’re growing vegetables, and secret pathways weaving in-and-out of the trees.

The children have been building dens, pond dipping, doing arts & crafts, and learning so much about the natural world in a safe environment – that’s the beauty of outdoor education!

‘During the pandemic children across the country have been isolated and missed playing with each other. This particularly applies to pre-school children, and these are the children coming to join us in Pre-prep in the new academic year. Outdoor spaces are even more important for them and I am so delighted we have these new play areas. There’s nothing more uplifting than hearing the sound of children playing!’

As part of Project One Campus, which saw King’s High School join Warwick Prep, Warwick School and Warwick Junior on one awardwinning campus, Warwick Prep’s surrounding space has been n 22 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 53 | June 2021

remodelled within an enhanced pedestrian-friendly campus, with linked green spaces.

Warwick Prep shares the new Music Centre with King’s High. The centre has been described as one of the best music facilities in the region, with professional-level performance spaces. Music plays a big part in life at Warwick Prep. The school has an orchestra and three choirs. Pupils can learn any instrument, and from Year 1, all children join the Strings Project. This is a hugely successful musical programme, where pupils learn to play a string instrument together (six-year-olds playing mini double bass!), and perform in front of parents. As Mrs Dodsworth says: ‘It all adds to our aim for children to enjoy the most rounded learning experience possible at Warwick Prep’. n

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EDUCATION

Creative thinking at King's High King’s High School’s Ground-breaking Work on Creative Thinking As the landscape of Higher Education and the workplace changes, creative thinking is becoming an increasingly important skill for children and young people to learn. Broadly defined as ‘the act of coming up with new, meaningful ideas’, the ability to think creatively will equip future generations for a world of technological, environmental and social change.

At King’s High School, we are placing creative thinking at the heart of our strategic vision. The Times Educational Supplement and Arts Council England’s ‘Creativity Exchange’ recently featured articles by our Head, Dr Stephen Burley, and our Deputy Head Academic, Dr Phil Seal, on the ground-breaking work the School doing to teach and nurture this vital skill.

How King’s High Nurtures Creative Thinking Staff at King’s High have spent the past three years designing and piloting a Creative Thinking Certificate. The Certificate is a 20hour course that involves students choosing a real-world problem, conducting research into it, and then using creative thinking techniques to propose an innovative solution. The course gives students a clear sense of how to move away from the memorisefor-the-exam model, and towards the application of creative thinking skills to an original project.

Pupils have completed a wide range of projects since the Certificate began, including a stop motion animation to raise awareness about urbanisation, the use of biological research to design a humanoid creature that would be likely to live for 200 years, and the development of a cold weather bicycle. Here two of the top tips we teach our pupils.

Be specific. Being specific is one simple way of enabling students to make progress when thinking about the solution to a problem. n 24 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 53 | June 2021

When a student or group of students say, “We want to solve the problem of transport in the difficult conditions of Iceland,” the teacher might respond with: “OK, and which type of transport, and which type of conditions?” From there the students might narrow their transport focus to ‘bicycle’, and their conditions focus to ‘very cold weather’. By being more specific, it becomes much easier to start generating ideas. How could a bicycle be designed in order to keep a human being warm? A covering, perhaps, or a heater? How might this work?

Problematize your problem. Ask students to step away for a moment from coming up with solutions to their chosen problem, and instead to make a list of the narrower sub-problems within their topic. Taking the example of bicycle transport in cold weather again: a student might problematize this problem further by thinking about wind-chill on a bike-rider’s face, or their cold hands, and develop ideas that respond to these more clearly defined issues.

These two top tips are just a taste of the skills we teach! If you would like to find out more about creative thinking, as well as the other exciting initiatives we are leading at King’s High, please register for our Open Evening on Friday, 2 July, 4.30pm-6.30pm.n

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What's On

Sunday 13th

Horrible Histories - Gorgeous Georgians & Vile Victorians We all want to meet people from history! The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians!

Are you ready to swing with a Georgian king? Can you see eye to eye with Admiral Nelson? Does the Duke the Wellington get the boot? Dare you dance the Tyburn gig? Will you be saved by Florence Nightingale? Find out what a baby farmer did and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria! Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in! Using actors and amazing 3D special effects, the astounding Horrible History shows are guaranteed to thrill as historical figures and events come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips. Written by Terry Deary – the world’s best selling non-fiction writer for children – these ground-breaking theatrical presentations will leave you gasping. The event will be held at Stratford Play House at 2pm and 5pm. To book tickets, go to www.ticketsource.co.uk

Friday 18th - Sunday 20th Bigfoot Festival Having amazing music programming come to you, choosing the perfect beer from a top brewer, enjoying delicious food from the best chefs, stunning boutique camping that doesn’t break the bank, taking a moment of relaxation by the lake, and being open to all – families, friends, party-goers. Somewhere in enjoying all this excitement you’ll find Bigfoot. Tickets on sale now for the Bigfoot Festival at Ragley

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OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH Hall. Visit www.bigfootfestival.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Saturday 19th Romeo & Juliet Possibly the most famous play in the world - William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet tells the tale of the two star-crossed lovers. This is their sixth annual Shakespeare and after the events of last year they are thrilled to be bringing you this production to some stunning outdoor venues. For most venues you may bring a picnic and a bottle or two of bubbly. Sit back and enjoy the perfect summer evenings entertainment.

Please note the performance will go ahead whatever the weather so wrap up warm as even summer nights can get quite chilly when the sun goes down. As we have been without theatre for so long we advise early booking as tickets on the night may not be available.Gates open at 6pm for the performance start at 7pm. Tickets cost £13, concessions £11, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk to book.

Sunday 25th-July 10th The Warwick & Leamington Midsummer Music Festival The Warwick & Leamington Midsummer Music Festival, running from 25 June to 10 July, will celebrate the resumption of live music-making in the two towns. The Festival has twenty-four concerts, over half featuring local choirs, orchestras, chamber groups and soloists. Works that will have wide appeal include three symphonies, No 4 by Brahms, the CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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What's On

‘New World’ by Dvoák and the ‘Eroica’ by Beethoven. The Leamington Music contribution features the Choir of Clare College Cambridge, Ex Cathedra, The Bach Players and the Coull Quartet as well as recent winners of the Leamington Music Prize. A highlight will be the concert on 9 July by Mark Padmore with guitarist Morgan Szymanski, a regular visitor to Leamington over the years. The previous evening, Armonico Consort’s performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, features an equally distinguished tenor, Ian Bostridge, singing beside the great bass, Sir Willard White. Booking is opening now for all the concerts in the Midsummer Festival. The Festival will also mark the 25th anniversary of Music to Your Ears, the music guide produced by the Forum three times a year about concerts for Warwick, Leamington Spa and beyond.

Each promoter is handling its own event and the eleven Leamington Music concerts are bookable on www.leamingtonmusic.org with the site also carrying details of all the Festival concerts. Lunchtime concerts in St Mary’s Church in Warwick and Holy Trinity Church in Leamington have free entrance and a retiring collection.

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH Sunday 27th Ford Nationals Ford Nationals comes to the British Motor Museum with a range of modern Fords. Ford Nationals have over 3000 members and each year they put together a stunning display featuring hundreds of cars. If you own a Ford yourself, bring it along whether it is a modern, classic or commercial vehicle. For just the cost of our standard entry, you can enjoy this event and explore the Museum too. Tickets cost just £14.50 per adult, £9 per child, £12.50 per concession and £40 for a family. All tickets must be pre-booked in order for us to follow guidelines for NHS Test and Trace. For more information and to book tickets, go to www. britishmotormuseum.co.uk PLEASE VISIT INDIVIDUAL EVENT WEBSITES FOR CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS FOR ANY CHANGES

LATEST

Saturday 26th Back to the 90s Festival Indoor music and dance festival in celebration of golden 90s hits at the Kasbah Nughtclub in Coventry. The biggest 90s Summer Indoor Dance Festival is happening on June 26th 2021! This will be the first Saturday of normality! Imagine hugging your loved ones on the dancefloor whilst the BIGGEST 90s anthems are going off! Get ready for this one! Brace yourselves as this will be an experience like no other. Get ready for a massive Indoor 90s Festival boutique festival with a massive lineup in Coventry. Running from 1-9pm, tickets cost between £15-£5. For more details go to www.kasbahnightclub.com

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Clare Choir 2020 Warwick & Leamington Midsummer Music Festival Sunday 25th - July 10th

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Puzzled?

SUDOKU - EVIL

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n 32 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 53 | June 2021