The Jersey Life - Spring 2021

SPRING 2021 | thejerseylife.co.uk

DREAMING OF A BRIGHTER FUTURE... health/well-being | excercise | nature | eco-issues | motoring | gardening | home | art/craft | nutrition | general interest | interview

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Publisher Fish Media Ltd Email: hello@thejerseylife.co.uk Website: www.thejerseylife.co.uk Director Jamie Fisher Editor Juanita Shield-Laignel Travel Writer Rebecca Underwood underwoodrebecca@hotmail.com Photography Simon Finch Production Ian Curtis Sales Manager Juanita Shield-Laignel juanita@thejerseylife.co.uk Accounts and Administration hello@thejerseylife.co.uk Contributors Rebecca Underwood Mark Shields Lorraine Pannetier Alistair Shield-Laignel Caroline Spencer Nigel Jones Sally Roberts Front Cover Alistair Shield-Laignel

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Gosh! A year on, and here we all are – still in the throes of global tragedy! Who’d have thought a year ago when many of us packed up our desks and did the ‘lockdown walk’ out of the office – (some of us never to return), working from home becoming a beneficial side effect, we would still be coping with these most unusual circumstances, the likes of which have never been seen. We truly are on the cutting edge of massive historical changes.

Talking of which – The Jerseylife has made some massive historical changes of its own…have a look at Lorraine Pannetier’s article on page 8 and click on the link to hear her audio version of the article. We intend to do more of this in future; videos, audios and live links to websites and a few other things tucked up our sleeve to keep up to date with the fast-moving technological age. Exciting!

But back down on the ground – who of us during lockdown didn’t appreciate our outside spaces more than ever; Sally Roberts The Herb Whisperer reminds us of the beautiful plants we can find in our gardens or out and about in nature at this time of year and we have a few gardening articles to keep your fingers ‘green’ long into summer…

Staying well has been foremost in most people’s minds over the last twelve months and acknowledging this we have several features to motivate and boost well-being.

Our personal health and the integrity of our immunity is up there on the top of the list for everyone, so we sincerely hope you find something of use in these pages – mental health is of course included being an

integral part of the overall whole; mind, body, spirit!

Personal health is not the only issue on the agenda – Nigel Jones looks at the dire situation of planetary health and asks us to be bolder in fighting for its long-term sustainability and Caroline Spencer shares how Acorn is making inroads to do just that.

Having like many, been touched by the devious hand of the ‘covid stone’ monster, I am going to be teaming up with Motivate Health over the next three months, to shed those lbs and improve my fitness levels and will record my progress to share in our summer issue…should be fun (or hilarious one of the two) but no doubt incredibly hard work!

And I cannot let his welcome page go without saying a huge thank you Sarah Le Marquand our Production manager for having done such a fantastic job since we began in 2006. Sarah has new paths to follow and new mountains to climb so we wish her well in those endeavours and welcome Ian Curtis on board for this issue.

So that just leaves me to wish you an inexorably joyful spring. Make the most of it whilst we can…

Juanita Shield-Laignel If you have an interesting story to share or would like your business reviewed, please feel free to contact us.

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 3

contents 3 WELCOME and The Jersey Life contact information

Spring 2021 HOME & GARDENS 22 HOW MUCH SPACE DO WE HAVE Architect Jane Faulkner looks at Jersey’s Housing needs

INTERVIEW 8 THE EDITOR MEETS...

Artist Anita Rive at La Houge Bie

HEALTH AND WELLBEING 6 LORRAINE PANNETIER You can’t always wait for the perfect time

12 THE HERB WHISPERER Sally Roberts shares spring plant magic

16 CAN CREATING ART Help Your mental health?

34 HOW TO PACE YOUR RUNNING

ECO-ISSUES

26 UPCYCLE The Editor Shares a Lockdown Project

BUISNESS 29 MARK BAKER ASKS How Businesses are setting themselves up for failure

30 SIMON LOFTHOUSE Joins Corbett Le Quesne

COMMUNITY 48 LOOKING BACK Through the eyes of a teacher – Thelma Heard

MOTORING 52 FIRST DRIVE Land Rover Discovery

20 ACORN LEAD THE WAY Jerseylife explores with Caroline Spencer

32 WE MUST BE BOLDER Nigel Jones reminds us!

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BOOK REVIEW 56 RUTHLESS WOMEN Fiction set in Jersey – Melanie Blake

SHAPE UP FOR SUMMER INVEST IN YOUR MIND, INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH, INVEST IN YOURSELF

Visit www.motivatehealth.co.uk or call 07700 322 344 Email: getfit@motivatehealth.co.uk

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By Lorraine Pannetier, Intuitive Copywriter for Lightworkers and Brands with Soul

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS WAIT FOR THE PERFECT TIME,

Eighteen months ago we would never have guessed where we’d be today. We could not have foreseen a global pandemic and the lockdown restrictions we’ve been through, and we definitely could not have imagined a year without foreign travel, holidays or hugs with friends and family.

While there have been countless negatives to the situation, we’re also privileged to be living through an era of unparalleled innovation and creativity as businesses, organisations and individuals find new ways of working, new systems and processes and a complete overhaul to the work-life balance we’ve known for decades.

In particular, this past year has given us all the opportunity to re-evaluate our personal and work situation and ponder on whether our home, lifestyle or career is really ticking all the boxes. It’s been a blessing in helping us all see how little material possessions really matter and how important relationships, community and health truly are.

Have you been questioning whether it’s the right time to launch your own business or set yourself up as a freelancer or consultant? Or perhaps you’ve realised that working 50 hours a week and being too exhausted to enjoy your family time, your home or your island simply doesn’t feel good anymore, despite the great salary?

If you’ve been in a well-paid, full-time job for a long time, it’s difficult to imagine how you could achieve the same level of security working for yourself, or whether you would really be able to change your lifestyle if you switched career to something more meaningful but with a significantly lower salary. But here’s the truth…

When we follow our heart, our soul, our intuition, then everything falls into place.

Suddenly that stuck, stagnant, heavy energy we’ve felt for so long disappears overnight, bringing us rainbows and calm after the storm.

‘Those who don’t jump will never fly.’ - Leena Ahmad Almashat If we’re always waiting for the perfect time, we’ll never fulfil our wildest dreams. There has to be that scary moment where we wonder whether we’re doing the right thing. When we feel sick, anxious and worrying about ‘how’ we’ll pay the bills or feed the kids. But in reality, once we jump, we find our wings. Our heightened sense of joy at our new life phase brings an unrivalled level of energy and motivation to get started and stay committed.

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...SOMETIMES YOU MUST DARE TO JUMP!

In a very short space of time, we find that we possess incredible tenacity, courage and resilience. We will always find a solution to every challenge life, health or business throws at us. As we’re walking along the beach (or going for a surf) on a Tuesday morning (when all our ex-colleagues are stuck in the office and the daily grind), we’re overcome by a huge sense of gratitude for the life we’ve created. We wonder why we didn’t do it sooner…

Divine timing…

Everything is working out exactly as it’s meant to.

Serendipity and synchronicity are your new best friends and they’ll show up at the perfect moment. And when they do, you’ll feel it. You won’t just know it, you’ll feel it in every cell of your body - fizzing with excitement and tingling with anticipation. Things will fall into place in ways you could never have planned, imagined or dreamed of. Opportunities will show up out of the blue and people will come into your life with exactly what you need - whether that’s information, connections or words of wisdom.

In this period of rapid growth and expansion, you may begin to notice little signs appearing around you: seeing the same number over and over again (particularly numbers 11 or 22), feathers, patterns, words or themes. You’ll experience heightened déjà-vu, like thinking about someone and then they send you a message or call you; or hearing specific phrases multiple times a day - from a friend, in a book, on the radio in song lyrics….

Once you have this awareness, you can never go back.

It’s time.

Time to take a big leap into the unknown.

Have faith, trust in yourself.

You’ve got this.

Photo: Linda Haran

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 7

INTERVIEW

e n o t S

SET IN

Anita told me her story…

“My painting does take up quite a lot of my time, but I am also a musician and play with two local bands, Parish 13 and The

Balafonics playing percussion, flute and balafon, and we perform at local events and in France and Sark when travelling is permitted!

My partner Graham and I are lucky to have been 'adopted' by a little Spanish rescue dog called Idris and we spend lots of time outdoors walking and enjoying the coastline of this beautiful island which is of course a constant source of inspiration.

Graham and I both play guitar and we enjoy sitting on the beach at St Ouen or Petit Port at sunset to have a BBQ and play. I also love to cook Asian and French food, but my cake making skills leave a lot to be desired! We both love to travel and hopefully this winter, we will be able to take our camper van to the continent for the winter where I can spend more time painting the very different but equally beautiful landscapes that are in Portugal and Spain.

Shortly after we went live with our November issue I had a call from local lady Anita Rive asking if we minded if she copied our gorgeous front cover photograph supplied by Rob Amy. We didn’t mind but of course contacted Rob and he also agreed. Anita explained she paints on stones and her son wanted this as a present. A week or so later Anita sent us a photo of her work and we were totally captivated, I decided we should feature some more. So it was on a recent sunny spring day I met with Anita at La Houge Bie and heard her story and marvelled at her talent! ...interview by Juanita Shield-Laignel

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INTERVIEW

Since I started in 2016, my work has developed enormously and I use new techniques, working with watercolour, acrylic and ink and also new mediums to paint on. In addition to pebbles, I have recently been painting on slate and larger rocks and I have recently sourced some very large pieces of "stand alone" Jersey Granite which I have been working on.

I varnish all of the pieces

so that the painting is protected and the colours keep their vibrancy, although I would say that my pieces are intended for display indoors rather than outdoors, but I am currently looking into a product that would seal the artwork so that it could be displayed outdoors as a house name or some artwork for the patio or garden.

For the last five years, I have worked for Jersey Heritage as a Visitor Services Assistant during the summer season. Being a Jersey girl, I am passionate about my Island, its history and heritage. Jersey Heritage are the guardians of some of our most prominent and oldest heritage sites. La Hougue Bie, for I have always painted, as a child and through my school years

instance, is 6,000 years old - older than the Pyramids! It has a

into my teens. However, when I got married and my children were

long, chequered and surprising history. Elizabeth Castle and

born my Art became less of a priority and being a busy working

Mont Orgueil are considered to be some of the finest heritage

mum, my time was filled.

sites in Europe and it is imperative to keep them that way. We also have many other sites which we let out as holiday

My background is in the finance industry, where I worked for 20

accommodation, whilst still keeping the character of the building -

years in Insurance and Trust Administration and prior to that, I

these include Hamptonne, Seymour Tower, La Rocco Tower,

worked as a Personal Assistant at Huelin-Renouf Shipping and then for The States of Jersey at Jersey Airport and Jersey Harbours. I left the finance industry in 2016 through ill health. It was whilst I was signed off for five months that I took up painting again. I was very bored being alone at home for weeks on end and painting helped enormously with my mental wellbeing and ultimately to my recovery. Many of my pieces take between 8 and 10 hours of intensive work if not more. I find whilst I am totally focused on a painting, all the other issues on my mind just fade away – the deep concentration is almost like a respite from every day worries. I’ve heard other artists and crafters talk about this extraordinary and potentially healing phenomenon.

I started by painting small pebbles and giving them away to friends. This led to people asking for certain things to be painted on pebbles for birthday and Christmas presents and people offered to pay, so I started taking a few commissions. I can paint most things from a photograph, be it a property, a pet, a favourite or important place etc. I do get asked to paint a lot of dogs that have crossed over the rainbow bridge and are no longer with us...very sad but joyful too; to be able to help keep the memories of beloved pets alive.

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 9

INTERVIEW

Barge Aground, Catel Fort, Fort Leicester, Fisherman's Cottage, The Jersey Radio Tower and the newly renovated Archirondel Tower.

These sites are so beautiful and a delight to paint and certainly combined with the Jersey Granite are a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a stunning island with so much history and beauty on our doorstep. I feel very lucky to be able to paint pieces that people really enjoy and some of which are very personal and sentimental to them and the joy on their faces when they see the finished product really does make it so worthwhile.

This is the reason that I am currently in the process of working on

these pieces with the public so that they can enjoy a little piece of

an exhibition of my work in one of the local galleries. I think it is

Jersey Heritage in their homes. The exhibition will be early next

important that Islanders appreciate how vital it is not only to

year, so watch this space!”

maintain these amazing sites for future generations, but also to enjoy them as a place of beauty and a portal of information and

I really enjoyed spending time with Anita, listening to her

education into our rich history that can be enjoyed by young and

experiences and appreciating her beautiful work. I was

old alike. The exhibition will be called “Jersey’s Heritage - Set in

particularly touched that paining in such minute detail gave her

Stone” and I think the Jersey Heritage sites will look amazing on

mind time to heal after a stressful and gruelling time…just goes to

these large pieces of Jersey Granite. I am very excited as this is

show – there is always hope and life beyond the bad times.

my first exhibition of my work and I am looking forward to sharing

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THE

“CARE CONTINUUM” One positive from the recent pandemic has been the spotlight on elderly care, with more images of the elderly shown in the media in the last few months alone, than in the last few years.

It’s wonderful seeing elderly parents reunited with adult children as restrictions soften. An there are more positives. The increased focus on elderly care has prompted a lot more people think about what they may want when older if support becomes necessary. And as we all know, for most people exercising choice, and maintaining control of our own lives, is an important contributor to good psychological health – as critical to overall wellbeing as physical health.

Exercising informed choice is even more important. Yet so many people are unaware of the care options available – or indeed that they have a choice. It can be helpful to think about care as continuum – with a little bit of support with housework or shopping whilst living in your own home at one end of the continuum and full-on, live-in care at home or residential or nursing care in a home at the other. And lots of options in between.

residential homes. We’ve seen a definite increase in live-in enquiries recently.”

Care choices – something some people don’t even register they have …and most of us only make when we have to! Yet a bit of advance information gathering can increase the chance of making the right choice – and who doesn’t want a successful older age? It may not be something we want to contemplate, or to discuss with our parents. However, as a famous philosopher (William James I believe) once said “When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice.”

“Live-in care has been a relatively unknown option on the care continuum until now”, commented Helen O’Meara, Director at CI Home Care. Everyone lost liberties during covid, but an elderly person at home with a live-in Carer had the freedom to circulate in their own home and garden as opposed to being confined indoors and sometimes to their bedrooms, including for meals, in residential care.

One-on-one attention allowed greater use of technology to keep in contact with others, but most importantly live-in clients did not have to suffer the levels of anxiety caused by the news coverage of outbreaks in

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friendly care SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 11

SPRINGTIME WITH THE HERB WHISPERER

by Sally Roberts

I think we will all be emerging into this spring with even more enthusiasm than usual – not only has it been a long, cold, winter - for many of us the social restrictions have meant it’s been a lonely one too.

Whilst the garden naturally rests during the winter months, most of us rarely do. Instead of ‘Herbs of the month’, this time we are covering the general season of springtime, the start of new growth and activity as the days grow noticeably longer, and the sunshine stronger.

The winter months of January and February while the garden sleeps, I stay happily connected to it by reading about plants, playing with herbal scrapbooks and journals, and cooking with my herbs and spices. Quiet walks out among the dormant flowerbeds and countryside are restoring and the delight of discovering the first few snowdrops is always a favourite moment of mine. Then the first bright yellow daffodils with their promise of sunny warmth to come…of course it’s also time to think about new seeds, new herbs, new plants for the new season ahead…a renewal of all things!

Once March rolls in there are obvious signs of the season changing all around us, but what we can actually do outside in the garden very much depends on the weather and temperature in any given year. It is important not to be too hasty in our urge to get started if it is still too cold – if it’s under 10 degrees too much clearing and tidying will disturb valuable insects and pollinators still sleeping.

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I’m going to share with you some of the herbs and flowers I most enjoy during the spring months, most of which can be used in the kitchen, but some are just for the delight of them. Starting with primroses, which most of us recognise as an early symbol of spring, these can indeed be eaten, and crystallised with sugar they make the prettiest decoration for a cake at Eastertime. A lesser known but equally pretty herb that appears early, is sweet cicely. With lacy, fern like leaves, sweet cicely self-seeds and grows easily. It has a sweet liquorice scent and a honeyed slightly aniseed taste – wonderful if you are trying to cut down on sugar.

Add it to fruits when cooking them, or have in fruit salads.

Delicious with soft cheeses too.

We all know daisies, and their fresh innocence tends to bring out the child in us all. Daisies can be made into a tincture which can be used as a mouthwash to help sore throats, or infused in oil which can then be used to soothe scratches and bruises. They are actually full of Vitamin C, so can be drunk as a tea or added

Two more herbs I love to use in the kitchen at this time of year are

to salads and fruit salads, or used to decorate cakes and

rosemary and chives. Chives are easy to grow, even in a pot, and

desserts.

I used to grow them underneath my roses when I had a big garden. With their mild oniony flavour they boost our immune

A detox or a spring cleanse in our diet is something we naturally

systems in the same way as onions, and are delicious just

think of doing as the weather changes, and one of the very best

snipped with scissors over all kinds of salads, and dishes with

plants for this is the humble nettle. It’s the new, fresh leaves that

eggs, potatoes or cheese. The lovely purple flowers are edible

need to be picked – don’t forget your gloves – as once they start

too and look fantastic on salads – but a word of warning here,

to flower in late spring they become too tough. They obviously

because the flowers tend to be intensely strong in flavour; too

lose their sting as soon as they’re cooking – nettle tea or nettle

many will simply overpower a dish.

soup are superb spring tonics, with more Vitamin C and iron than either spinach or broccoli. I’m just going to say here that if you

Rosemary, of course, is associated with eating spring lamb, if you

forage for any of these plants, do it well away from the roadside

are a meat eater, not just for the flavour, but it helps to digest the

for obvious reasons. My other favourite spring tonic is watercress,

fat. I love it over roasted potatoes and vegetables, but a little

packed with calcium, iron and Vitamin C. Eaten fresh in salads

goes a long way as it has a strong taste. Bunches of rosemary

and sandwiches will give you the most nutrition, but is lovely

are pretty in the house, the scent is a gentle stimulant and always

made into soups on those cooler spring days.

associated with remembrance, it does in fact perk up the mind.

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 13

A tea made with a sprig of fresh rosemary is refreshing throughout the system.

Most of all, spring is the time to get outside and enjoy all the new life bursting out around you. If you don’t have your own garden to get busy in, you can still grow some herbs on your windowsill, inside or out, in pots outside the door if you can. Find new places to walk and sit and play, no matter what age you are it is the season when it is almost impossible not to rejoice in the sheer, beautiful, magic of nature.

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CAN CREATING

ART

HELP YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

By Prudence Wade, PA

Whether it’s doing a virtual class or doodling at home, art can be a great form of mindfulness.

After a year of various stay-at-home orders, many of us have picked up new hobbies to help pass the time – such as painting, sketching or sewing.

Creating art isn’t just a way of filling up your weekends – it could also have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. A new report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists says ‘social prescribing’ – where health professionals refer patients to non-clinical services, such as art classes, group gardening projects or playing football in a local team – could help combat the mental health fallout from the pandemic.

Social prescribing should be done to complement existing treatments, rather than replace them, but it could help decrease loneliness and improve mental and physical health.

Whether it’s getting into the trend for paint by numbers or avidly following Grayson’s Art Club on TV, there’s a reason so many of us have fallen back in love with art recently.

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Speak to your GP if you have any questions about social prescribing or your mental health, but if you’re keen for more moments of mindfulness in your day, art might be the way forward…

It can calm the mind Art is “a mindful pursuit”, explains psychologist Audrey Tang, author of The Leader’s Guide To Resilience (FT Publishing International, £11.99). “It can calm our mind and give us a bit of headspace.”

With more of us working from home, it can feel increasingly difficult to take a step back from the combined stresses of work and home life – but art could help.

Tang says: “Just take mindless doodling. Even if you’re not an artist, you can do something known as a Zentangle – simply drawing a rectangle, and then drawing shapes within it – any shapes, anything you like. If you focus on that, particularly if

you’re not the type of person who can sit and breathe and meditate, you will actually find it still has the effect of slowing our mind down. It’s about taking that moment to ourselves, giving ourselves what I like to call a mental palate cleanse.”

The psychologist suggests taking time out of your day to doodle can help you go back to whatever you were doing “with a slightly clearer approach”. When doing art “we’re concentrating on something other than our worries without even realising it”, she explains – something we all need every now and again.

really positive elements for our wellbeing in general.”

Particularly as loneliness is on the rise – according to the Office for National Statistics, 86% of women and 74% of men reported feeling lonely at the end of January – meeting new people could help combat this.

As many of us are still in lockdown, in-person art classes aren’t possible – but there are still plenty of options for online and Zoom sessions, which Tang advocates, as “you’re still interacting”.

You can take ownership of something

How to get started

Art “is for you, and that’s probably the most important thing”, says Tang. “When it comes to self-expression, the key is the self – it’s for us to get those feelings out, it’s for us to learn a little bit more about ourselves, and no one else needs to be part of that journey.”

You don’t need expensive oil paints to create art, says Tang: “If you’ve got a pencil and a piece of paper, you can still draw.”

No matter how skilled an artist you are, ultimately “you’ve created something that’s yours, you’ve got ownership of it – it’s something that belongs to you and you’ve got that sense of pride”, the psychologist explains.

She recommends watching free video tutorials on YouTube: “That way, you can try different techniques and different types of teachers, so before you even pay money for a class, you’ve at least got an idea of the style of teaching you like, or the style of art you want to explore.”

Group classes can boost your wellbeing

If you’re looking for something with a bit less structure, Tang recommends you “just give it a go – take a pencil and paper and go out and see what happens when you draw”.

Social prescribing recommends group activities like art classes, and Tang says: “If we meet like-minded people, we get to chat, we expand on our social circle, we build on our skills – those are

You don’t have to be a professional artist to reap the mental benefits, notes Tang. “No one needs to see it, no one needs to mark you on it – it’s not GCSEs – so just go for it.”

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 17

From memory-boosts to channelling calm, why old-school pen and paper will always be best

By Abi Jackson, PA

Whether it’s for therapeutic purposes or simply to stay organised, Abi Jackson ponders the endless appeal of writing by hand.

If you’re still using a paper diary, always have a notebook nearby,

sense of calm and control – and means I don’t forget important

and like your gratitude lists scribbled in ink, you don’t need

things as often, which shaves a chunk of avoidable stress out of

research to tell you that writing stuff down is great.

my life. The tangibility and being able to see everything at a glance – and cross things out/move them/add notes – is all part

Just recently though, a study led by neuroscientist Kuniyoshi

of the package.

Sakai at University of Tokyo found students who took notes by hand had better recall than those who used phones or tablets.

Counselling Directory member Dee Johnson, a counselling

Participants were quizzed an hour later, to see how much they

psychotherapist, CBT and mindfulness practitioner, is a huge fan

could remember from their notes, with MRI used to measure their

of the old-school pen and paper approach and still uses it as

brain activity.

much as possible in her own life and admin, as well as with clients and patients.

Those who’d handwritten their notes showed ‘significantly’ more activity in areas associated with language, imaginary visualisation

“The writing slows things down, so it’s making you more mindful

and the hippocampus (important for memory and navigation).

and aware of what you’re taking in. And we know the physical act of actually writing creates a motor memory – that’s why when

Summarising the findings, Professor Sakai said: “Paper is more

we’re teaching children how to write, or even somebody who’s

advanced and useful compared to electronic documents

had a stroke, just re-writing and shaping those letters jogs that

because paper contains more one-of-a-kind information for

part of the brain and memory bank,” she says.

stronger memory recall.” The information is being processed and stored more widely, which Sakai believes may not just be useful

Emotional connection

for studying, but for learning and creativity in general.

Think about when you’re trying to remember how to spell a word From journaling to keeping notes and to-do lists, we’re big fans of

– sometimes, the sequence of letters can escape us when we’re

putting pen to paper…

simply thinking it or saying it out loud. But once we grab a pen and jot them down, we recall the spelling. “That’s the motor

A sense of control

memory; you’ve built a neural pathway and it becomes that physical act of doing it,” says Johnson.

There are loads of reasons many of us still love to write by hand.

For some, keeping a physical log of everything is part of the

The therapist, who also works in addiction services at Priory,

appeal, for others, it’s an effective way to stay organised and be

regularly asks patients to do an exercise where they write out their

more mindful and creative. Writing down my to-do lists brings a

own life story. Of course, sometimes disability, illness or physical

18 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

differences might mean using technology is a more suitable

“fabulously freeing activity”. Tuning into the purpose and benefits

option. But when handwriting is possible, Johnson says the

of writing, rather than being bogged down by perfectionism,

effects can be powerful – not least in terms of jogging memory.

“builds confidence – we build a bit more trust in ourselves, and I

“They’ll often say, ‘So much came back!’

think there is something in that, building that inner confidence and inner trust”.

There’s creative and emotional levels too. “[When we handwrite], we’re being more considered about what we’re putting onto the

Journaling, ‘morning pages’ or brain-dumps – where you sit with

paper, and it makes a tangible connection between your

your pen and just let the words flow for a period of time each day,

emotions and yourself… When it’s typed out, it’s a standardised

or however often – are hailed for a host of creativity, mindfulness

format, it’s depersonalised. When your brain recognises your own

and therapeutic benefits. Even if you never read any of it back,

handwriting, it knows you’ve made an effort, and it gives that real

the process can be rewarding and helpful, especially in terms of

visceral and emotional connection.”

getting thoughts ‘out’ if they have a tendency to swirl in endless loops in your head. And some people may find it useful to re-read

It’s something we can also get with other people’s handwriting.

their worry lists, says Johnson.

“When somebody sends you a card, what’s the first thing you look at? You read the handwritten bit, because that’s where the

“Sometimes I get my patients to write down their ‘what ifs’, and if

emotion and true sentiment is. Even just seeing that person’s

we get to the end of the day and it hasn’t happened, you scrawl it

name. There is a joy when we recognise someone else’s

out. Even the physical act of marking that out, didn’t happen,

handwriting, because it’s a symbol of that emotional connection

instead of just leaving it in your head and letting it grow [is

we have with them.”

helpful].

Building trust

“And you’re refocusing and regrouping, because if you let those things run away, they just catastrophise. When you’re writing, it’s

Johnson thinks it’s a massive shame so many people – especially

bringing you back to what’s actually going on, instead of what my

adults – lack confidence in their handwriting, often after being told

scattered thoughts are doing. Then you build up a trust process –

it was ‘messy’ at school, and therefore might miss out on this

‘Ah, ok, this stuff passes. It’s transient. I’m not stuck like this’.”

We always have one eye on the detail

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SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 19

WHY WAS A LIVING ROOM SET UP IN THE ROYAL SQUARE ONE CHILLY THURSDAY IN MARCH? The Jersey Life went to find out…

‘Right now, we’re facing a manmade disaster of global scale, our greatest threat in thousands of years. If we don’t take action, the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon. But the longer we leave it, the more difficult it will be to do something about it.’

These were the words of Sir David Attenborough at the UN Climate Change Conference in 2018. Thanks to TV documentaries and social media, we now have no excuse to ignore the critical state of our planet.

The message that everyone has the power to bring about change was put across in the Royal Square in March when Acorn Reuse and Jersey’s Climate Conversation joined together to create a pop-up living room.

Using second-hand furniture and household items from Acorn Reuse, they were raising awareness of the fact that buying preowned furniture and pre-loved clothes is a great way to reduce your personal environmental impact.

Each item was labelled with information, such as: ‘It would take 13 years to drink the amount of water needed to make one Tshirt and one pair of jeans.’ Astonishing!

Acorn fundraising manager Caroline Spencer explained: “Manufacturing and disposing of all these everyday items has a cost in terms of energy and raw materials. Buying and selling second-hand is one of the easiest ways you can reduce your personal environmental impact. You lower the demand for raw materials, reduce the demand for manufacture of goods like furniture and clothes, including the energy required to make them, prolong the actual lifetime of the items and reduce waste.

People sometimes think they can’t contribute to slowing down climate change, but they can. And the more people that do it, the greater the effect it will have.”

Now Acorn are taking it a step further by demonstrating to their customers in-store what their environmental footprint is.

Messages include: • The carbon footprint of one new 100% cotton shirt is greater than driving a car from Grosnez to La Rocque and back.

20 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

• The reuse of 12 small household appliances saves the equivalent CO2 of a flight from Jersey to London.

• A new living room suite uses the same amount of C02 to produce as driving from Jersey to Paris = 470 miles.

Acorn general manager Steve Pearce said: “Acorn’s primary objective will always be to support people with a disability or long-term health condition with work and training opportunities.

However, we also have an environmental objective, which is to assist in the protection and preservation of the environment and promote the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle waste.

Everyday things, from smartphones to furnishings, from the smallest piece of jewellery to the largest thing we sell, like a large sideboard – it all has a carbon footprint.

You can look at the Reuse Network website (https://reusenetwork.org.uk/impact-calculator/) and see that an average settee has a 52 kg CO2 saving but when we talked about this, we couldn’t picture what it meant. When you put it alongside the carbon footprint equivalent of a flight or a car journey, it starts to make sense.

Working with AI Studio and supported by Geomarine, we have interpreted some key messages. We want our customers to feel good about doing their bit for the environment.

Some of the statistics are quite shocking. Manufacturing and transporting a 100% cotton shirt, for example, has the equivalent carbon footprint as driving 35 miles. If we contribute to people’s awareness and make them think about their shopping habits in an accessible and fun way, then we will have succeeded.”

Geomarine managing director Phil Horsley said: “Geomarine are exploring ways to increase the amount of reused and recycled materials in local civil engineering projects. Using

recycled aggregate has become standard practice. We have also completed several piling contracts using pipe recycled from the offshore oil industry.

Partnering with Acorn allows us the opportunity to look at different ways of thinking about our eco-credentials and how we can bring about positive effects for the environment. We have always been impressed with Acorn’s philosophy of nurturing people and improving the environment, and are looking forward to developing the relationship.”

Jersey’s Climate Conversation was a six-week campaign aimed at encouraging Islanders to talk about the Island’s climate change responsibilities, leading to the first meeting of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate change. Forty-five randomly selected Islanders will produce a set of recommendations for consideration by the Council of Ministers and will also contribute to the Island’s long-term climate action plan.

Eco Active programme manager Jane Burns said: “Through Jersey’s Climate Conversation we’ve been talking to people about ways we can all work together to become carbon neutral. As an island we are large consumers and rely on most of our goods and services being imported. Emissions from things made elsewhere are known as our Scope 3 emissions, so choosing to buy less – or buy second-hand –will help us reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change.” *If you would like to find out more, please contact Caroline Spencer at caroline.spencer@jet.co.je

Acorn are drawing attention to the benefits to the environment of buying second-hand

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 21

HOW MUCH SPACE DO WE HAVE - OR NEED? As Architect you are ever conscious on the one hand aiming to produce good design, on the other on a small island 9x5 miles how much building can it take.

My feelings are sceptical and errs on the safe side, preserve what you've got, that's worth it, on the other hand in an age of climate action regenerate existing before building anew as this accounts for 70% less CO2 emissions.

Then the rather thorny issue of how much housing do you need for the population. The following is an interesting alternative calculation that builds in sustainable design by including the existing housing stock, and how this can be improved to avoid building more houses Detached house

10,808

26

29

Semi-detached house

7,990

19

19

Terraced house

4,528

*from the 2011 census and our calculation for the Housing need

**an estimate at this stage

Total the first column of existing Housing stock quota ie Detached House, semi detached House and Terraced House = 23,300* existing Houses

The calculation in fact interestingly reduces the need to build new houses to zero, except for those on the Housing list. And this would need review to check how many on the list could also extend their homes. Therein reducing the amount of new build housing if done will inevitably eat into the countryside and has considerable merit given the finite land resource of a small island.

It does however rely on Islanders funding extensions/regeneration to their homes therein effectively funding sustainable housing policy. The Government would need to consider some grant system if not a Tax break for those that participate.

* potentially can be extended in comparison with the 4000 new Houses proposed to be built in the next 5 years Allow 25% increase of the number of existing Houses (given the 10 years since the census was carried out). Round figures is 6000 more Houses ( of the '24,000' houses for the 10 year period) = 30,000 existing Houses in total that can be potentially extended Given some dwellings not permitting extending/Heritage restrictions/Planning restrictions it could be argued that say 50% of 30,000 houses can be extended* = 15,000** homes

So how do Developers and Builders feel about the calculation?

Does it reduce their profits? As a preliminary comment not at all as there will be considerable work with ‘redeveloping’ the existing stock and existing buildings to convert.

COMPARE OTHER BRITISH TERRITORY ISLANDS BERMUDA Bermuda has surprising similarities to Jersey Size – main island 14x1miles Overall area with smaller islands – 20.6 sq miles Population - 70k Green space - limited Pollution (air) - 12 Ug/m3 Environment - Car number restrictions – 1 car p/household

22 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

JERSEY Size – 9x5 miles, 45 sq miles Population- 108k, 770 p/sq/km is 3x higher than the UK Cars – 87 cars p/1000 people Green space Building density –30-35 dwelling p/hectare Pollution – air pollution: Jersey breaches EU pollution limits in key places, worst in the UK 42.59Ug.m3 v London – 40.83Ug/m3 Environment - Car population the highest in the western world Other pollution problems For the first time in its history a green slime sea lettuce appears on the beach in St Aubins bay each summer. Given as the result of high nitrate levels in the water from intensive farming which has increased in the last 10 years when significant levels of immigration has occurred as Government policy given as some 10,000 persons.

HONG KONG Size – 1064 sq miles Population – 7,552,801 *7.6M Building density - >100,000 p/km2 Green space – Parks, 75% is green Pollution – a serious problem, less than 8km for 30% of the year Cars – 76.3 cars p/1000 people

Jane Blakeley is Director of JfA Architects - Jersey, principally a House architect. Jane has strong interest in sustainable design for architecture. She was Remedials Architect to the reknowned Chumbe Island eco tourism project, Zanzibar, East Africa which first inspired her thoughts on sustainable design, how things fit & the remaining space around development. She has more recently for 2021 joined forces with Tectomic Architects, Jelena Tomic has similar focus - together they will be exploring sustainable Housing solutions & appropriate development and design.

Pollution and air pollution levels are very high as are house prices, the highest in the world. The dynamic of the place seems certainly foolhardy in overriding these factors with a ‘just live with it’ approach.

A second related issue - how much population can a small island take v how much housing, amenity buildings, infrastructure and roads?

There must be some scientific measures for this and one that excludes the need to consider market forces as a starting point. Together with how much traffic there is, and many Islanders feel it’s about full to the brim. In comparison, Bermuda and Hong Kong make worthy comparisons, Bermuda being smaller but making sensible measures for its environment eg limiting car numbers to 1 per household.

Hong Kong dwelling density is the highest in the world, but in fact maintaining its green spaces quite well outside of the main urban style skyrise buildings of the built up area. How many historic buildings & setting did it have though? The enclosed photos indicates it would seem a few. This is a key point in considering historic St Helier, and Jersey's future urban appearance. For Jersey and its topography the car is needed but how many cars/people can the island take? Hong Kong has plenty of public transport to the main city eg. taxis, MTR - (an Underground metro). It also connects Hong Kong Island with outlying islands of Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island, our equivalent of St Helier to St Aubin, Gorey, St Peter Port, Alderney and St Malo – there’s an idea. There’s also buses, minibuses, tramways, we don’t have all this in St Helier as it stands. Back to the point. We aren't having our hand forced to build more, nor substantially more, market forces or not.

Nor to adopt calculations that overlook vital sustainable measure v market forces to a small already crowded island. Further question is how exactly we want to leave it for future generations. The rest I'll leave up to you for your next vote – as perhaps it is the Polls that can help to direct this, in the will of our future politicians.

JFA ARCHITECTS RIBA Jane Blakeley BA Hons Dip Arch Cert Urban Des RIBA JFA ARCHITECTS have particular focus to house architecture from one off houses to refurbishment and extensions with a policy of no project being too small.

The practice has an open door policy to discuss projects at a preliminary level.

"Our homes no longer need to be confined to simply four walls, we can explore the opportunity of the 'outside being brought in', says Jane, 'and garden landscape and design merging as an extension of the home'.

T: 01534 744773 • E: JANEF@LOCALDIAL.COM www.jfa-architects.org SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 23

Tired all the time?

HERE’S HOW TO STAY ENERGISED

By Lisa Salmon, PA With many of us feeling drained, Lisa Salmon talks to two experts on tackling tiredness for good.

Feeling over-tired, no energy? A lot of people are right now, and

the time is the disruption of our energy trifecta – the complex

there’s even a new term for it – ‘lockdown fatigue’.

relationship between your gut, your immune system, and your hormones.” The way to tackle this disruption, she says, is by

You might think that with so many of us working from home more,

changing what and when you eat, and reducing anxiety.

avoiding the early travel to work and generally having less to do, we’d be less tired. But with the change in routine, less fresh air

Gundry says: “Surprisingly, the number one reason for being tired

and sheer boredom of pandemic restrictions, not to mention all

all the time is a leaky gut causing chronic inflammation that uses

the extra anxiety over the past year, many of us are feeling

up most of our energy. The second reason is we’re ‘overfed and

sluggish.

undernourished’. Our food no longer contains the important vitamins and minerals it had 100 years ago, and it’s been

A survey by Vitabiotics found 25% of adults, and a third of

processed to overwhelm the energy producing organelles, the

women, are ‘not feeling very energetic’ at the moment, with many

mitochondria, in our cells, so energy production grinds to a halt,

Brits turning to coffee, exercise and power naps for an energy

similar to a motorway during rush hour – too many cars, no

boost.

movement.”

But lockdown or no lockdown, some experts believe a lack of

2. When should you see a doctor for tiredness?

energy is often directly related to our diet and lifestyle – and two new books have just been published on the topic.

Shah says: “It’s essential to see a doctor if your fatigue has persisted for two or more weeks. And if you have other

In I’m So Effing Tired, medical doctor and nutrition expert Dr Amy

symptoms, such as coughing up blood, a change in the way your

Shah says the key to feeling revitalised is tapping into a powerful

guts are working, heavy periods or a lump somewhere it

energy trifecta (a situation where you achieve three things)

shouldn’t be. If despite making an effort to rest, reduce stress,

relating to the relationship between the gut, immune system, and

choose a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids, you still feel tired,

hormones.

Shah explains that by increasing your intake of fibre-rich, prebiotic vegetables, intermittent fasting, and using simple exercises to ease anxiety, within just two weeks, you’ll feel your energy surge. In three months, you’ll “feel like a whole new person”, Shah says.

Meanwhile in The Energy Paradox, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Steven Gundry says low energy is generally caused by chronic inflammation, an unbalanced gut, and dysfunctional energy production in our cells. And the way to tackle these problems? Simple dietary and lifestyle changes.

We checked in with both authors to talk tiredness and tapping back into our energy again…

1. Apart from insomnia, why might people feel tired all the time?

Shah says: “The common reason for feeling tired all 24 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

AVAILABLE NOW The Energy Paradox by Dr Steven Gundry is published by Harper Wave, priced £20.

I’m So Effing Tired by Dr Amy Shah is published

by Piatkus, priced £14.99.

Alamy/PA

call your doctor for an appointment.”

minimum, not using processed vegetable oils for cooking, decreasing white foods like pasta and bread, and limiting or

Gundry says: “Sadly, most of my fatigued patients have seen a

avoiding gluten, sugar and processed dairy. Shah points out:

doctor and have been told there’s nothing wrong, because the

“Everyone reacts differently to specific foods, but some foods

tests they use aren’t generally useful to help discover the

can cause you inflammation and disrupt your hormones – and

underlying reasons.” Gundry suggests people with fatigue should

inflammation is an energy-leech.”

ask for tests to measure inflammation markers in their blood, and thyroid function.

Gundry says: “Eliminate whole grains, especially wheat, oats and corn from your diet. They are the number one cause of leaky gut,

3. What should you eat to improve energy levels?

despite you being told they’re essential for good health.”

Shah recommends eating at least 6-11 servings of a variety of

5. What lifestyle measures will increase your energy?

fruit and vegetables every day. Eat specific fruits like bananas, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries etc, and green

Shah says simple energy-increasing measures include going to

leafy vegetables, butternut squash, carrots, beetroot, broccoli,

bed and waking up at the same time daily, sleeping seven to nine

mushrooms, etc.

hours most nights, getting 10-20 minutes of sunlight every day before 10am, limiting exposure to blue light from screens in the

It’s also important, she says, to include complex carbohydrates

evening as much as possible, and exercising mindfully.

with a low glycaemic index and high fibre, seeds, nuts, healthy fats like olive oil, fatty fish like salmon, good-quality protein like

Gundry says: “The most important thing to do is slowly reduce

grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, sardines and eggs. In

your daily eating window – the time you start eating to the time

addition, she suggests aiming to drink at least 3-3.5 litres of water

you have your last food later in the day. Limit that time to six to

a day: “If we don’t drink enough water, it can leave us feeling

eight hours per day slowly, with weekends off. This is the most

sluggish, fatigued and hungry.”

powerful energy-improving lifestyle change you can make. I call it timed controlled eating, but some people know it as intermittent

Gundry says: “Add more greens and tubers like yams to your

fasting.”

diet, and supplement with ground flax seeds or psyllium husks to feed the good bacteria in your gut prebiotics. When you do so,

Plus, he recommends ‘exercise snacking’ – short bursts of

they manufacture postbiotics, which literally turbocharge your

movement, as little as walking up and down stairs for a minute, or

energy production.”

doing deep knee bends while brushing your teeth twice a day.

4. What should you avoid eating?

6. What lifestyle factors should you avoid?

Shah recommends limiting alcohol intake, and drinking caffeine

Shah says people shouldn’t sleep really late, stress over little

only sparingly. “Although caffeine can temporarily increase your

things, be sedentary, eat big meals at night, or socialise with

energy levels, once the effect wears off, you’ll be left tired and in

people who are energy-drainers.

some cases irritated, with a headache,” she says.

And Gundry simply adds: “Try not to eat any food within three She also suggests keeping soy and processed snacks to a

hours of bedtime.”

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 25

upcycle / ps k( )l/ verb gerund or present participle: upcycling 1. reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. "the opportunity to upcycle trash, or turn it into new products, was vast" Definitions from Oxford Languages

Upcycling has been the rage for several years now but who has time to revel in all one’s desired creative projects; someone in lockdown, that’s who!

So it was during a time when staying at home had become the new norm and hugging ones friends in the street a veritable crime – what else could one do, but paint the pants off old bits of furniture.

Carrie Lakeman of Painted Beautiful in the Central Market said, “During lockdown and beyond I was selling stocks of Fusion Mineral Paint which I had on island. There was a need for people to be creative and to keep themselves busy, so I set up an online service with fetch.je which proved invaluable.”

I too jumped on the up-cycling bandwagon and asked Carrie for advice. She was brilliant and talked me through the process, including whether I needed to strip back my ancient (but not Carrie cuddling visiting Lottie in the shop...

26 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

antique) dark wood bookshelves; I’d been intending to paint and

never gotten around to, for no less than 10 years! Yes, I know – but with children, dogs, daily chores, work etc. – well you know how it is.

But looking for the silver lining – lockdown and less movement since, afforded the most wonderful opportunity for sorting out all sorts of pending household jobs, (some not so pleasurable).

Luckily, Carrie explained, Fusion paint is so good, many items only need a light sanding and that was the case for my shelves – no stripping with harsh chemicals, no sanding to within an inch of its former life and no undercoat – Yippee.

So after a ‘light’ sanding with a relatively fine grade sandpaper and then a wipe over with a damp cloth, I set to on the task of painting. Carrie also recommended a suitable paintbrush and helped me choose the correct shade of grey. Yes there are lots of shades a grey. Some were too green, too pale, too dark for my needs – in the end we settled on ‘Sterling’ which has a slight blue tinge to it and matches perfectly with my left-over grey pelican Angel Strawbridge wallpaper (bought for a feature wall in our dining area) and to be pasted on the board behind the shelves.

Painted Beautiful's services...

We sell quality painted and unpainted furniture.

We often post unpainted pieces on our page to give you opportunity to buy them before we start painting!

We source furniture, if you are looking for that special piece.

We have the most amazing furniture paints, offering more than 50 colours in store.

Call us or message us for a free quote Carrie is available in store on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to help you select the right paint for your project.

Email PaintedBeautifulJersey@gmail.com Mobile 07797 816 443 Address 50 Central Market JE2 4WL St. Helier, Saint Helier, Jersey

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 27

The paint went on so smoothly and gave such good cover I only needed to do two coats. I contacted Carrie again to ask if I would need to varnish or put a topcoat on, but she assured me that no – if left for a ‘hardening off’ period for a few days – it would be absolutely fine. Music to my ears. The other fact about Fusion that impressed me, was it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals unlike many other household paints. Yay – another plus.

I’ve watched upcycling videos where wallpaper paste is used to affix wall covering on furniture – having none to hand I just used an artist’s spray on glue – it worked perfectly and as it takes a little while to fix hard - gives some wiggle time!

Job done – I found myself looking around the house for more tired pieces to paint. Watch this space The Editor

These amazing Cling On! Brushes have been designed and brought to life by veteran painter Frank Michielsen. With over 30 years in the industry Frank's experience and expertise has created the most amazing paint brushes.

Cling On! brushes are handmade in Holland and offer SUPERIOR paint application for all water-based paints. The very BEST BLEND of specially engineered SYNTHETIC FILAMENTS in various lengths and diameters, made in the USA by Industry leader DuPont are secured into the stainless-steel ferrule by epoxy cement, ensuring there is ZERO filament shedding.

Cling On!'s nylon bristles have a special dye coating and are designed to be stored in water in-between use. The filaments retain their stiffness in water and returns perfectly to their original shape. After painting, just rinse your brush a little and hang with the brush's feet in water, due to the special coating any remaining paint will simply fall from the bristles.

Cling On! brushes retain their shape beautifully, due to the carefully selected filaments, further enhanced by the dye coating. The Cling On! Brush keeper is ideal for storing your brushes and water should be changed regularly.

There are 17 Cling On! brushes in total to choose from in different shapes - Rounded, Oval, Flat, Angle, Shorty and Wall. You will enjoy EXCELLENT paint pick up, coverage and sharp cutting in. The longer length and short painted handle is made from beech wood and contributes to a very sturdy, durable and long lasting brush.

With the Cling On! brushes there is no doubt about it, YOU WILL produce a SMOOTH, FLAWLESS and BRUSH STROKE FREE finish, which is why Cling On! brushes are every painter’s best friend! Why use anything less than the best?!

Cling On! UK brought to you by Painted Beautiful.

28 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

HOW BUSINESSES ARE INADVERTENTLY SETTING THEMSELVES UP FOR FAILURE! It’s no secret that things have changed quite dramatically in recent times and whilst it certainly isn’t all bad, the margins for error in business couldn’t be lower than they are right now. So why then are most businesses failing to get the best out of their staff especially when both parties would benefit massively if they could just utilise this one thing!

I’ve been in the business of coaching and consulting businesses worldwide for twenty-seven years and I have noticed two things, either they don’t understand the power of expectation or they are using it unconsciously which means that they are unable to use it consistently which leads to sporadic and inconsistent results at best!

voice and gestures as well as their unconscious intent.

The power of expectation should be embraced by everyone both in and outside the business world without question as it is the ultimate double-edged sword - creating an environment of opportunity that fosters people’s inherent desire to excel in life, whilst simultaneously driving the company onwards and upwards for the benefit of all concerned. It simply creates the ultimate winwin situation for everyone which ordinarily isn’t an easy thing to achieve and utilising expectation also sets the stage for positive self-fulfilling prophecy to occur.

RE IN

E NC UE

After I’ve worked with a company the most frequent thing I hear is “Why hasn’t someone told us about this before?” which isn’t surprising as I believe it’s one of the best kept secrets in business and when you can harness it, you will not only have more productive staff and enjoy increased productivity, you will also We embrace a four-part strategy for achieving this which works enjoy higher levels of staff retention directly due to the job universally irrespective of the setting regardless as to satisfaction that is sure to follow.

E C I whether you are a company, school, service or even NF R L FO You may recall from your school days that if a a sports team - because we all fundamentally OUR BELIEFS schoolteacher didn’t like you, you often respond to the same stimulus and essentially all OUR ACTIONS performed poorly in that class whilst you did want the same things; to be profitable and to THE much better with a teacher who treated you fulfil our potential in whatever field or stage of PYGMALION EFFECT favourably, not only that, you actually enjoyed our career we are at.

OTHERS’ being in that teacher’s class; sound familiar?

ACTIONS To be quite frank most of us are failing to foster OTHERS’ BELIEFS It should come as no surprise then that the area the gifts that everyone has to offer and because of E P of business shares many similarities with your this we are denying our companies the opportunity IM schooldays, albeit there is more to it than briefly to grow and not giving the individuals we work with the covered in the example above, it is however extremely easy to opportunity to excel within the realm we operate. But it doesn’t implement and derive successful outcomes from, if you know the have to be this way and it never has. There’s an old saying that formula by which to put the power of expectation to work. most people go to their graves with their music still within them, their potential largely untapped, often as a result of working within Is it manipulation? No not at all, it’s simply learning how to work companies that have failed to live up to the vision their leaders with people in a way that benefits both them and the company once held. Many don’t know how to capitalise on their staff’s equally and no one is going to take issue with that. unique abilities.

But it’s not just about the words we use - people are far too So sadly, everyone loses when it need never have been the case! sophisticated for that! A significant amount of our communication But it can all change starting from now! is subconscious which is why we often find ourselves distrusting people even when they are saying what they think we want to hear.

E-mail us to set up an appointment and discover how we can Our intuition picks up on the incongruencies between what they are help you transcend your current situation and surge onward saying and their nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of to the next level of success…

(ABOUT OTHERS)

(TOWARDS OTHERS)

US

AC

CA

(ABOUT THEMSELVES)

T

(TOWARDS US)

MARK ANTHONY BAKER Unleash the power of expectation in your life and business with Mark Anthony.

One of the UK's leading business speakers and coaches helping companies and individuals thrive in times of unprecedented change.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS SIMPLY CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION

E. info@markbakerspeaks.co.uk W. www.markbakerspeaks.co.uk

AVAILABLE ON

Simon Lofthouse

Head of Private Client

Will you be remembered? People, pets, property and charity

Will you trust me?

How will you be remembered? That is a poignant and thought provoking question, I know. The emotional aspect of considering what will happen to your assets on death can be the most challenging aspect of a Will. But the pain of not facing this discomfort can make things so much harder for those you love.

One in six of us will develop dementia by the time we reach 80.

Since October 2018 the legal issues caused by the loss of capacity can be mitigated in part by putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

Writing a Will is a good way to make sure your affairs are in order.

It is a good time to consider what you have and who should receive what. As well as ensuring your loved ones are provided for, making a Will is also an opportunity to remember and be remembered by leaving a thoughtful gift to the special people in your life or to a charity close to your heart.

Some clients want to ensure that a family heirloom or special keepsake passes to a particular family member or friend. Others may wish to leave a cash gift to grandchildren or godchildren, or as a thank you to a member of staff for all of their hard work.

Making provision for a pet can also sometimes be a priority and failing to provide for a beloved pet can cause lots of confusion and difficulty.

Your Will is a record of your last wishes. It could have a very practical and emotional impact on your loved ones. What will your Will say?

Will you marry me? Marriages, mergers and misunderstandings.

In many civil law countries couples have to elect how they will own their assets when married. This is not the case in common law jurisdictions like Jersey.

If you or your children have been waiting to get married this year it is sensible to review your estate planning before doing so. Getting married carries with it a number of legal obligations including an expectation that your spouse will inherit from your estate.

However, it is possible under Jersey Law to enter into a marriage contract, a pre or post nuptial contract as they are commonly known, so that each party can choose how their estate will be dealt with.

Parents, grandparents and those with a family trust should take a pragmatic view of any impending nuptials. They may choose to focus attention on preserving family wealth or providing particular support for the next generation.

Pre-nuptial agreements are the best tool for an engaged couple to agree the division and claims on any assets in the event of a divorce.

Parents, grandparents and trustees (or their lawyers) are often best placed to approach this sensitive subject to avoid any embarrassment or misunderstanding.

30 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

An LPA is a document by which you nominate someone or a group of people to, in certain circumstances, make decisions for you. This will apply to your property and affairs and your health and welfare. Your attorney(s) must be somebody that you absolutely trust to act in your best interests. This is because it is likely that when the LPA is used you will be at your most vulnerable.

It is often the case that a loved one or a close friend is appointed as your attorney. For a married couple with adult children it is usual to see a spouse appointed as the primary attorney and the children as the reserve attorneys. Where you have more than one attorney you may choose how each attorney may act and include instructions, preferences and restrictions in the LPA. It is entirely up to you to choose. For example, couples who have separated may wish to appoint someone else as their attorney. Whereas, unmarried couples may wish to appoint each other rather than their nearest relative. A lawyer or a similar professional might be appointed where your affairs are particularly complex or where you require a neutral person that you can rely upon.

An unrestricted LPA dealing with your property and affairs can be very useful as it can be used as soon as it registered by the Court. Vulnerable clients who have been in lockdown this last year have found these to be invaluable as it has allowed their attorney to deal with matters on their behalf while they remained at home.

If you have not updated your Will since 2018 then there is a good chance that you do not have an LPA in place. Although for some people an LPA will never be used, not having one in place can cause a number of issues for your loved ones should you lose capacity at a time when they could least do without those problems.

Corbett Le Quesne Simon Lofthouse has recently joined Corbett Le Quesne as Head of Private Client. Simon is an English solicitor specialising in Wills and LPAs and Probate. Corbett Le Quesne is a specialist family law firm. Many clients want to deal with life changes with lawyers they trust and with whom they are familiar. Family lawyers are familiar with helping people when life is at its most challenging and divorce, death and dementia are some of the biggest changes we can face.

If you want to know more, please contact Simon for a free 30 minute information session. You can contact him on simon.lofthouse@corbettlequesne.com or 07797 863982 or 01534 733030 or visit our website at www.corbettlequesne.com

Corbett Le Quesne

Specialist family lawyers

PEACE OF MIND IN DIFFICULT TIMES

WILL YOU MARRY ME?

WILL YOU TRUST ME?

WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED?

Wills should be considered at the same time as Pre or Post-Nuptial Agreements to protect your loved ones and your assets.

A Lasting Power of Attorney may be used if you were unable to manage your affairs. Trusting someone to make your decisions can be hard.

A Will provides your loved ones with certainty but it is also an opportunity for you to pass down special keepsakes or to make legacies.

We are specialists in these agreements and have a unique understanding of how they interact with your Will.

We will ensure you have appropriate provision in place to ensure your wishes for your health, welfare, property and financial affairs are respected.

We can advise you how to realise your wishes in a way that your family will understand.

1a West's Centre St Helier Jersey JE2 4ST www.corbettlequesne.com

Contact Simon Lofthouse 07797 863982 01534 733030 simon.lofthouse@corbettlequesne.com

We MUST be Bolder

By Nigel Jones of Jersey In Transition

We live in an age of extremists. Our world is shaped by anti-government, free-market neoliberalism. We are told that it’s old-fashioned and unrealistic to expect any government to subsidise or ban things. The modern world is shaped by business, entrepreneurs and money.

But free-market extremists don’t like to talk about seatbelts. By

Recent events in England have brought up again the whole issue

removing motorists’ ‘freedom’ to drive without them, deaths and

of the abuse of women and girls. This issue has been raised

serious injuries inside vehicles were reduced dramatically.

regularly over the decades, yet some men still stalk, belittle, mistreat, abuse, injure, rape and sometimes kill women (and

People said for decades that banning smoking in workplaces

other men) (and not forgetting there has been a rise in abuse

would never happen. In fact it has made huge differences to our

towards men by women). What is it that goes on in an abuser’s

health, our children’s health and to the pleasantness of our daily

mind that makes them think that what they’re doing is acceptable,

lives.

or worth the risk?

Due to outpourings of public sentiment, there have been changes

Patriarchy

in people’s long-held racism. The Black Lives Matter movement forced all of us to review our prejudices. It will be hard for any

There are ideas like ‘I am what I am, I have my rights, no one can

local business to put up another statue of their favourite slave

tell me what to do, and anyway, what’s the harm?’ Such ideas are

owner.

everywhere in our society. These are the ways that our forefathers

32 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

thought when they sailed to distant lands, shot and raped the

that the changes we have to make are important, and forever.

local people, took their land, and set up plantations and worldwide trading networks.

Career politicians shy away from enacting such laws. They worry about getting re-elected. They worry that their business backers will

What has passed down the centuries from those times to these?

disown them. But they are also complacent and fairly certain that

Is it a sense of entitlement, a feeling of superiority? A lack of

it’s alright really, that something will come up, and that it can’t really

empathy or respect?

be as bad as all that.

The fires of self-importance are fanned and nurtured when the

If Covid has taught us anything, it should be that it really can be

abuser feels they’re among friends. Sniggers and encouraging

bad: that when you’re up against nature itself, things don’t just sort

banter from others in a group are an important encouragement.

themselves out if you let them be.

‘Dog whistles,’ they’re called. Too high a frequency for ordinary folk to hear, but there are dozens of little signals from like-

And so, those of us who understand the problem must be bolder.

minded oafs that say, ‘It’s alright, mate. We know. We’re just the

Just like when we see injustice and abuse in other spheres, now is

same.’

the time to stand up and say, ‘Enough.’ We must say it clearly and without any doubt or ambiguity to our politicians and legislators.

Climate and ecological emergency

We must use our social power to insist that rules are changed and laws brought in. In every jurisdiction across the world, the pollution

Science and statistics now tell us that climate change is at the

and extraction must be stopped.

far limit of what is safe, yet we continue to pollute, fuelling its acceleration. The sixth mass extinction is well under way. The

The abusers won’t like it. They will say, ‘But I am what I am, I have

places left for wild nature reduce every year. We are just

my rights. No one can tell me what to do, and anyway, what’s the

recovering from a global pandemic, which is likely to be the first

harm?’ With only a few years left before catastrophic changes

in an accelerating series of ecological disasters to spill around

become irreversible, we will have to be very bold indeed.

the world in the decades to come as the climate and ecological emergency gets worse and worse.

If we humans can turn the gas-guzzling, smoke-belching behemoth of free-market industrialism around in the decade we

Free-market extremism will not and cannot address these issues.

have left, it will be the biggest change that has ever happened in

It’s no good waiting for someone to invent something that makes

the history of our planet. We will have to be very bold, very bold

it all alright again. Many of us have chosen to reduce our driving,

indeed.

cut down on flights, eat less meat and waste less. Many, but not all of us. In the same way that only legislation made everyone do

We must draw a very definite line in the sand

the right thing with seatbelts, and with smoking indoors, only the force of law will make everybody accept that the time is now, and

facebook.com/groups/jerseyintransition

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 33

How to pace your

running Pacing can help you to clock the kilometres more effectively. Whether you’re going from couch to 5K, running a half or a full marathon this year.

Keeping to the right pace is one of the most important running

which might set your progress back,” says Jamie

skills to master. Yet many beginners head out of their front door and start pounding the pavements at peak speed, hoping a

You don’t have to be a seasoned runner to find pacing

quick start will get them to the finish line earlier.

strategies useful, some who run smaller distances can benefit too. This will help them improve their performance, speed and

But, no matter what stage of the running journey you’re on,

distance.

pacing is crucial, because it helps you to efficiently use the energy in your body and avoid running out of steam when

How can you work out your training pace?

you’re still kilometre from the final stretch.

Your training pace will largely be dependent on what you are But how can you find out your running pace, and what can you

trying to achieve, it will differ if you’re really pushing yourself to

do to improve it? We asked the experts to explain…

improve endurance or speed, or running for fun and general fitness.

Why is pacing so important?

If you’re new to pacing, you need to establish your base training “Pacing is a vital skill for runners, as it helps to improve

pace, which essentially means a pace that you can maintain

consistency and speed, which is important if you’re training for

and hold a conversation. This will allow you to find a pace where

an event, or simply trying to progress, get fitter and beat your

you are not breathless, and will help to develop your aerobic

personal best,” says Jamie Fisher of Motivate Health

threshold

“It's so important to set a pace because it ensures you’re

Another way to work out your training pace is by finding a

running at a speed where you can comfortably accumulate the

running track or a flat road and then running 1km hard – not

kilometres,” says Jamie, founder of (motivatehealth.co.uk).

your maximum effort, but close to it, and seeing what your time

“Pace is the foundation of your running and once you’ve

is. This will help you determine what pace is good for your

mastered that, you can start thinking about interval training.” If

fitness level, and from there, you can try to increase your speed

your aims are based on endurance, 80 percent of your running

over your next training runs.

should be at your pace time.

Keep a note of your times and distances, this will help you to It can also help you to avoid getting injured. “You can’t go flat

assess if you’re improving, and give you a good understanding

out on every run, because you run the risk of getting injuries

of what you are capable of and where you can look to improve.

34 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

Once you find your base pace, you can use that to calculate what you can expect when you increase your kilometres.

Top tips for improving your running pace over time One of the best ways to improve your running pace is by getting to grips with your form. Keeping your upper body tall yet relaxed and swinging your arms forward and back, not side to side, at a low 90degree angle will help to propel you forward and improve your speed.

Regular hill sessions can also help with pacing. Hill training, will increase your incline and the challenge on your calves. If you can run fast up a hill, it makes it easier to run on flat ground.

Strength training will also be a great help. If you are stronger, every running stride is easier than it would be if you were weaker. You will also consume less oxygen, which improves your running technique.

Interval work can also be beneficial, Hiit workouts will increase your fitness levels, which intern will increase your pace.

Finally, recovery is very important. Stretching, a good nights sleep and a good diet. You should eat a snack of carbohydrates and protein, or a nutritious meal within 30 minutes of finishing your run.

This is where your body can best absorb the nutrients to refuel and recover.

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 35

s c i t o i b rp o

Could

help your immune system?

By Lisa Salmon, PA Confused about probiotics? A dietitian and a food microbiologist talk to Lisa Salmon about the benefits of these gut-boosting ‘good’ bacteria.

A healthy immune system is vital for keeping us well, and one proven way to support it is with probiotics.

Many studies have found these ‘good bacteria’ can help balance gut flora, helping produce protective substances which may ‘turn on’ the immune system to fight off bugs, and there are other benefits to making sure you get enough probiotics too.

We asked Professor Glenn Gibson, a professor of food microbiology at University of Reading, who’s studied probiotics and prebiotics extensively, and Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietitian for the Health and Food Supplements Information Service (hsis.org) to tell us more about the friendly bacteria that live in our intestines,

probiotic bacteria could help control the development and

stomach and gastrointestinal tract…

progression of colorectal cancer. While there’s also some evidence probiotics are helpful for reducing cholesterol, Gibson

What are probiotics?

says there’s only limited “tenuous” evidence, if any, that they’re

The World Health Organisation defines probiotics as “live

beneficial for reducing blood pressure and helping psoriasis and

microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts

chronic fatigue syndrome.

confer a health benefit on the host”. Ruxton says: “Probiotics are live ‘friendly’ bacteria in food or supplement form that can alter

Ruxton adds: “Many chronic health conditions, including type 2

the balance of our own gut bacteria – assuming they reach the

diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and bowel

gut intact.”

cancers, have been linked with an imbalance of gut bacteria, called dysbiosis, and optimal immune function – giving us

What are the health benefits of probiotics?

defences against viruses such as coronavirus – depends on

“Lots,” says Gibson. “There are now over 26,000 research articles

having the right bacteria in our gut.”

on their use. These include improved protection against gastroenteritis, reduced inflammation (hence the link to Covid),

Can you get probiotics in food?

and boosting immunity – being harmless microbes, they’re good

Probiotics are found in many fermented foods, including kefir

at stimulating non-specific immunity in the gut. Specific diseases

(fermented milk), kombucha (fermented sweet tea), kimchi (spicy

like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (inflammatory bowel

fermented cabbage), tempeh (fermented soya bean patties),

disease) have been looked at and there’s currently immense

miso (fermented soya bean paste) and sauerkraut (fermented

interest in obesity and gut-brain interactions (cognitive function).”

cabbage), as well as yoghurt.

In addition, research by University of Plymouth last year found

“Probiotics can also be found in supplements and special drinks

36 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

such as Yakult,” says Ruxton. “It’s good to combine probiotics with prebiotics – dietary substances that boost numbers of ‘friendly’ bacteria and promote their activity. The most accessible prebiotics are tea, onions, garlic and leeks. These have been proven to help rebalance our gut microbiota.” Gibson explains that prebiotics are like fertilisers for live probiotic microbes already in the gut.

Who should take probiotics?

Ruxton says UK diets tend to be low in fibre, fruit and vegetables and high in animal protein, “which doesn’t do your gut microbiota any good”. Our nutritional intake during infancy may also play a role. “However, people who are eating their five-a-day fruit and veg, and getting two to three daily servings of fibre-rich foods like wholegrain bread, pasta and rice, or high-fibre breakfast cereal, plus a few servings of fermented foods a week, should have a healthy gut microbiota. Everyone else should consider adapting their diets, or taking a probiotic supplement.”

Do you need to take supplements to get enough probiotics?

Gibson says the answer to this is yes, but Ruxton says it’s easy to get enough in the diet by including natural sources, boosting them with prebiotic foods, and ensuring you eat plenty of dietary fibre from wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, legumes and yoghurt. types or strains because scientific evidence suggests benefits for “Fibre helps keep the gut in good condition and works hand-in-

a range of bacteria. However, focusing on lactobacillus strains is

hand with friendly bacteria,” she explains. “Supplements, or

a good start. And make sure the product guarantees most of the

probiotic drinks, can be useful if your diet isn’t perfect, or if your

bacteria will survive the journey through your gut and reach the

gut needs extra support – for example, if you’ve had a recent

large intestine intact.”

course of antibiotics, a viral illness, or are planning to travel abroad and want to avoid a dodgy tummy.”

Are there any potential problems that can be caused by probiotics?

What probiotics should you take?

Ruxton says people who are immunosuppressed, for example if

Gibson says probiotics containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria

they’re taking immunosuppressant drugs linked to organ

are the most well researched and have the best safety and

transplants, should avoid probiotics because even ‘good’

efficacy records. “I like, and take, Multibionta and Actimel,” he

bacteria, which would be harmless in most people, has the

says. “Other good ones are Yakult, Proven Probiotics, Protexin

potential to cause infection in those with a suppressed immune

and Bio-Kult.”

system. “Apart from that, probiotics don’t cause harm, even in young children,” she says. “In fact, foods containing natural

However, he says product quality varies, with some probiotic

probiotics have been eaten by people around the world for

products being very well researched and others not. “Another big

thousands of years.”

issue is a lack of clarity on health claims – consumers are rightly bewildered at the range of products and a gross lack of

Gibson confirms authentic probiotics are unlikely to cause any

information on what to choose.”

problems, pointing out: “Part of their definition is they must be safe and impart heath-promoting aspects. Suffice to say their

While Ruxton agrees key species include bifidobacteria and

track record of safety is as good as it is, or better, than for virtually

lactobacilli, she says: “There’s no need to focus on any particular

anything else used to improve health.”

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 37

Y H T L A E H Eating As Covid19 continues to be a thorn in our collective sides – there is more and more evidence that looking after our own health is part of a greater whole... Juanita Shield-Laignel MFHT reviews some of the home-health things we can do help ourselves.

Nutrition

Supplementation

Really is up there; properly nourish our bodies with plenty of natural foods - veggies, fruit, seeds, nuts, pulses and wholegrains, we’ll be packed full of sustainable energy, not the peaks and troughs experienced when bulking up on the type of empty calories found in most processed foods. The more we cooking from scratch (when possible) to take advantage of the abundance nature provides, nourish our body with good healthgiving plant nutrients, the less it will crave the garbage and the more energy you will have to accomplish everything you need to.

Vitamin C ~ Abundant in many fruits and veg; a crucial nutrient.

Thought to reverse skin aging, reducing cholesterol levels, boost immunity, improve heart health and so much more. There are many studies to be found that extol the health benefits of vitamin C. Deficiency is reported to have a serious detrimental effect on the body, causing symptoms like impaired immunity, gingivitis, slow wound healing and many others. On the other hand, getting enough is attributed with the benefits of warding off illness and infection and enhancing iron absorption amongst many others.

Juicing ~ is one of my favourite things to do and the kids love it too. Packing a punch with ginger and turmeric, carrot and orange immune boosting smoothies are great during times of nutritional need. Packed full with beta carotene the precursor of vitamin A needed for healthy skin and mucus membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vital Vitamin C, to name just a few of the benefits. Green juices are also up there on my list of top-tips!

Vitamin D3 ~ vitamin D seems to be growing as a recommended supplement by GPs. Reputedly many adults are believed to be at least somewhat deficient in vitamin D, especially those who live in the northern hemisphere…and since we have been spending so much more time indoors during lock-down, there may be a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, which studies have shown may be instrumental in anxiety, weakness, fatigue, depression, trouble sleeping and a weakened immune system!

38 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

Self-Care This has been imperative for many over the last year, myself included. I don’t know how I would have coped without being able to use essential oils and relax during this strange time.

Here are a couple of things I most definitely would not be without.

Meditation ~ There are numerous studies supporting the benefits of meditation not just on the mind but the body also.

Slowing down and giving oneself time to switch off from normal life has a long-term positive effect. I find meditating at least once a day for 20 minutes sets me in good stead first thing in the morning is great before the rest of the house is awake. There are many Guided Mediation downloads out there…so anyone can have ago.

Essential Oils ~ Not just used as part of a massage regime but used every day to sustain health. Diffuse, inhale and rub a drop or two on your feet for quick absorption. The odd drop of orange or lemon oil in cooking is great too. The molecular structure of high-grade essential oils is so tiny, that just one drop can easily travel through our circulatory system. I have read that with a simple lavender massage, a blood sample taken 20 minutes later will reveal lavender molecules present in the blood stream. Other oils that help are cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and eucalyptus, all used for killing bacteria so great to ward off general colds and flu.

Take good care of yourself and enjoy the upcoming summer sun – we so need it!

www.juanita-spi-art.com

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 39

s y a W 13

By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

to work sorbet shades into your home this spring

Pretty pastels will make brightening up your space a breeze, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

Top of the colour charts, the pulling power of pastels never

Let’s see what’s turning heads on this season’s pastel

fades.

parade…

Serene, easy-on-the-eye hues and mellow effects can

1. Slow Coach Sofa in Nordic Blue Brushed Cotton,

collide beautifully together. And in their low-key statement

from Loaf

way – especially in the world of interiors – pastels are the never-boring neutrals in a wash of bold brights.

Neutrals and pastels are natural bedfellows, and a pillowsoft sofa in pale blue, built on strong Scandinavian Birch,

A clever tool to combine with eclectic furnishings, decos and romantic accents, a palette of plush pastels can be imaginably designed as a glamorous backdrop. Use them to draw in more light with paint choices, or turn up the volume and artfully place them among your hothouse of florals, or alongside dark furnishings for dramatic contrast.

40 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

will sit like a dream against a blank canvas.

2. Round Ruched Velvet Cushions, Graham & Green

evoke an exotic private garden to call your own. A fabulous take on luxe living for less.

Funny how a plush velvet cushion shaped like an expensive macaron works like a sweet treat in any space – and picture perfect in pastels.

6. Zuiver Luigi Table Range – Square and Round Side Tables available in Pink, White and Green, Cuckooland

3. Elinore Gold Swivel Base Accent Chair, Next A little Italian flair within arms’ reach… A sociable side table A chic 1930s-style cocktail chair to pimp up your boudoir,

is just the ticket as we head into ‘spritz season’, and need

or set the tone for a creative corner, style with a brass

something stylish to place our refreshing spring cocktail

standing lamp to complement the glitzy metal base. Drinks

and bowl of olives on.

trolley optional.

7. LeBonCandles Full Twist Set of 6 Soy Wax Candles, 4. 4 Piece 200ml All Purpose Glasses – Wayfair

Etsy

Team pink crystal with blue, and just imagine how much

Funky and fun, twisted candles are all the rage and we’ve

lovelier your favourite glass of rosé or pinot grigio is going

got a crush on this cute set.

to taste in these glammy goblets.

8. Set of 3 Summer Fruit Abstract Art Prints A4, 5. Resplendence Blush Wallpaper, Graham & Brown

Claude & Leighton

Wallpaper with the wow factor – with these striking teal

A tempting trio that really hits the spot, these abstract prints

peacocks perched amongst pale yellow blooms, you can

in sorbet shades work like a dream with bleached wood and Scandi style furniture.

9. The World Is Your Oyster Print, Eleanor Bowmer

And of course, a clever styling trick is to tie a scheme together with a kittenish print for maximum impact.

PA Photo/Wallsauce

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 41

10. Geode Wave Wallpaper – Classic Paste The Wall Mural, Wallsauce

To kick things up a notch or two, a show-stopping colour palette of coral and turquoise with gold foil effect reflections will add extra pizzazz to any space, and make anything you put next to it look like a room set worthy of a starring role.

11. Sadolin Superdec Peachy Punch Paint, Buypaintsonline

With everyone stepping into springtime, spruce up your outdoor space with a peachy paint shade. This satin opaque wood protection is suitable for windows, doors, conservatories and cladding.

12. George Home Outdoor Metallic Shell Plastic Tumbler – Asda Direct

You can almost taste the tipple and feel the sand between your toes with these cute as candy tumblers. Just made for sundowners.

13. Seymour Sloth Hanging Planter, Red Candy

A foliage favourite, your growing collection of houseplants will welcome this quirky, new addition with open arms.

42 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

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SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 43

Ho to uil

...a HOME OFFICE in your garden

By Liz Connor, PA Add some value to your property and make working from home more comfortable with an insulated garden office, says Liz Connor.

Keen to boost your home’s value? If you’re lucky enough to have

before you’ve even had a chance to use it.

some outdoor space at your disposal, there’s an easy way to

Step 2: Level off the ground

help bump up your house price.

Once you have the green light, it’s time to roll up your sleeves.

You’ll need to level and prepare the site, choosing a dry patch of

According to DIY retailer MyToolShed (mytoolshed.co.uk),

grass that avoids swampy areas and steep grades.

building an office in your garden can add as much as 5% or more onto the value of your property, and it’s an investment that can

“We recommend you level your garden shed on paving slabs,

make your life easier if you’re working from home right now too.

tarmac and or concrete,” says Goodwin. “Many people can make the mistake of thinking that because their lawn is flat they do not

If you’re a confident DIYer, you don’t have to spend 20K on a

need a base, but when the rain comes it will soon start to lift.”

swanky purpose-built outhouse either.

Step 3: Add base framing and decking “If you don’t have the option financially to buy an outbuilding, and

It’s now time to add some more support to ensure your

you have the time, then building one can be a great way to

foundation is as sturdy as possible. A joist network that sits

improve your garden and increase the value of your home,” says

directly on a base of concrete is your best option, and you can

Ross Goodwin, managing director of MyToolShed. “Building your

directly deck over the top.

own garden building has the advantage of you being able to design it exactly the way you want, for it to complement your

Luke Spear, MyToolShed’s garden office ambassador, stresses

garden and surroundings perfectly too.”

you shouldn’t skimp on joists, and that you should use timber that’s strong enough to support plenty of weight. He says: “Get

Here’s how to get started…

the timber merchant to pre-cut as much as possible. Longer lengths have higher per-metre cost, so make sure to factor this

Step 1: Get permission

into your budget.”

You MAY NEED to apply for householder planning permission to erect a garden building if it affects your neighbours, so it’s a good

Step 4: Raise the wall frame

idea to check before you get started. You’ll be able to check any

This is a two-person job says Spear, so plan to have someone

restrictions and make sure you’re falling within legal guidelines –

from your household or bubble ready to lend a hand. You’ll need

otherwise you risk your beautiful new office being taken down

to work out the height of the shed structure and cut your lengths of timbre for the wall frames, if your timber merchant hasn’t cut them to size.

Spear suggests using reverse angled screws on your poles to hold them in place whilst fixing them to an OSB base (a type of engineered wood that forms the walls) and to each other.

Step 5: Lay the roof A roof with a decent sized overhang will provide more protection from heavy rain than a smaller one, and a flat roof is the simplest construction option for beginners. “Consider using a membrane around your roof before adding steel sheets,” says Spear. “The wrap will stop any water that gets through the steel from wetting the OSB sheathing below.”

44 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

Step 6: Add windows, doors and cladding If you’ve decided to install a window in your shed, you’ll need to cut a hole for it in the siding and frame around it with sturdy timber.

“Although windows can be an expensive part of this process we recommend you don’t cut costs on this as keeping the air circulated in the shed is important to ensure the shed is well ventilated,” says Goodwin.

Step 7: Consider electrics A home office needs a decent wi-fi connection, but we’d always recommend leaving electrics to the experts. Spear estimates that contracting a professional will cost around £500.

Step 8: Cover the roof “You should always look to buy a roof covering with ridges to ensure water can be dispersed and the roof is protected from potential leaks,” says Spear.

The best place to cut metal roofing is on the grass and you’ll need to be confident using a steel grinder if you’re doing this at home.

Get a local tradesman to cut the roofing to size if you don’t have the necessary experience or equipment.

Step 9: Add insulation and a vapour barrier An office without any insulation is going to be very cold in the winter months, so think carefully about adding some in. Spear says: “Fibreglass is a cost effective option for insulation, but you should consider wearing a mask when working with it, as direct contact with fiberglass or breathing airborne dust may irritate the nose and throat.”

Depending on your local climate you may also want to consider a vapour barrier to reduce the risk of condensation issues and to maximise heat retention.

Step 10: Set to work on plaster boarding and plastering “You are going to want to get a decent trowel, a plastering hook as well as a plaster mixer for this step,” says Goodwin. “And before doing any plastering, check to see if your walls are high suction. If they are, then you need to dampen the walls before plastering to avoid the wall and plaster from crumbling.”

Step 11: Lay the flooring Hiring a professional for this stage can often double your flooring budget, so Spear recommends shopping around for a deal on laminate flooring. He estimates that you should be able to pick some up for around £6-£8 per square metre and skirting for about £1 a metre.

You can lay laminate floors since it doesn’t have to be glued down and doesn’t involve grout or mortar – but you will need to measure and cut your planks with a hand saw, circular saw or flooring cutter.

The final step? Making your office a work from home oasis by hanging some pictures and adding some plants. Come Monday morning, it’ll feel great to get out of the house and enjoy a cuppa over emails in your new outdoor work area.

PLUMBING AND HEATING LIMITED

Call Tony Mobile 07797 743005 Tel/Fax: 872066 7 Le Clos Paumelle, Bagatelle Road, St. Saviour, JE2 7TW email: tlvplumbingltd@hotmail.com SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 45

Ho to uil

...a RAISED BED in your garden

By Claire Spreadbury, PA

Perfect for growing your own.

There has never been a better time to grow your own vegetables, but not all of us have a plot to do it. So, if an allotment is a no-go

First things first, you need to choose a suitable location for your

and you don’t want to dig up your lawn, a raised bed could be

raised bed, says Marcus Eyles, horticultural director of Dobbies

the answer.

Garden Centres. “This will depend on the plants you want to grow. If it’s for shade-loving plants, then it will need to be in the

You can make them as big or small as you require, buy or build

shadier parts of your garden.

your own, install it wherever you like, and then all you need to do is get planting.

“If it’s for vegetables, it must be in an open position that is not under trees and ideally in full sun or only partial shade. This

They’re a great way to remodel your garden, are easier to

location would also apply to most flower beds, as they require

manage and are also a good option for new-build gardens,

plenty of sunshine. To stop the raised bed from becoming

where soil quality can be a problem.

waterlogged, the ground must be well drained.”

Alamy/PA

6. Lay the membrane to stop weeds coming through, and then

What you’ll need

fill it with top soil and peat-free compost mixed together.

To build your raised bed, you’ll need sleepers (if you’re going to

You’ll need two thirds top soil to one third peat-free compost,

build your own), or a wooden or metal kit if you prefer a ready-

says Eyles.

made option. You’ll need some tools too – a hammer, spade and screws, nails or bolts. Then you’ll need membrane (to keep the

What can you grow in a raised bed?

weeds out), top soil and peat-free compost to fill.

Eyles suggests growing ericaceous plants (from the heather “You can buy everything you need at your local garden centre,”

family), as you can fill the bed with the acid soil they love; alpines

says Eyles. “You’ll also be able to shop online, but when it comes

and/or herbs, as they like free draining soils; or vegetables. Salad

to materials, I always recommend buying in person, so you can

leaves, spinach, kale, beans, peas, potatoes, carrots, courgettes,

see and feel the quality.”

radishes and onions are all pretty straightforward for beginners to grow.

Whether you build your own or buy a kit is all down to personal preference. A bespoke one can be tailored to fit your space,

Why not get the kids involved, too? “All of these are easy to grow

notes Eyles, and advises you consider the style of your garden

and great for children to start from seed, so young gardeners can

when deciding. “Sleepers are chunky and robust for larger beds.

watch and learn how they grow and produce their crops during

Ready-made kits are lightweight, easier to transport and great for

the season, from start to finish,” he says.

beginners.” It’s also worth noting beds built from pressure-treated and heavy-duty products like sleepers, are likely to last the longest.

If you opt for a kit, setting up your raised bed can be done and dusted in a few hours. Building your own with sleepers is likely to take about a day, depending on the size of your space.

Step-by-step guide to building a raised bed 1. Measure out the space required.

2. Level the area, removing any debris or grass.

3. Ensure the soil you are building on is free of perennial weeds.

4. Put the boards, panels or sleepers into position and attach them together with the appropriate fixings.

5. Ensure the corners are right angles.

Seagull season is HERE! Are you PREPARED? We offer prompt, efficient solutions for wasps nests, moles, rats, mice and other unacceptable nuisances, using sustainable, effective, economical and environmentally sound methods.

FRANK RAIMBAULT La Grenier a Pomme, La Rue de la Prairie, St Mary JE3 3EH T: 07797 829885 E: malcolmlewis60@gmail.com or frankraimbault@gmail.com

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 47

Looking back...

‘Through the Eyes of a Teacher’ Given the turbulent nature of education during 2020, The Jerseylife thought it would be thought-provoking to follow the life of someone whose education had suffered the constraints of post WWII and Occupation and yet progressed to become one of Jersey’s most dedicated teachers with a career spanning 39 years. In this issue, Thelma Heard tells us in her own words, of her early years…

I was born not long after the start of WWII, in February 1940 at

funnel by low flying enemy aircraft and the ship exploded right

a Nursing Home at Havre des Pas opposite the Bathing Pool.

in front of their eyes. My father counted his lucky stars that

My poor mother had little support as my father was somewhere

day!

in France having joined the Royal Engineers and she had no Sadly for my mum, he only had three days leave. Jersey only a

idea if he was even still alive!

few miles from Normandy would be occupied by the end of The German Army invaded France in May of that year and was

June so naturally there was mass evacuation from the Island to England.

E

advancing south and it seemed only a matter of time before they would control the shores of Normandy

Before he was recalled, my B

and Brittany. At the

father bought a boat ticket to f

beginning of June my

England for my mother and E

father was granted leave

me m as he feared for our

after being at Dunkirk. I

welfare having witnessed w

didn’t know who this

first-hand what it was like for f

strange man was but

the t French women and

Mother was thrilled to have

children when the German c

him home for a while. He

army invaded France. We a

told her this extraordinary

were on one of the last w

story…

boats out, it had been b carrying coal and we spent c the t journey in the hold

Waiting in line to board a small vessel ferrying soldiers to a larger ship, the man in

Rare occasion

home! when Dad was

whilst it was being w shadowed by a submarine. It was sh had adowed d

front climbed aboard and then

fortunate Mum took this step because having been born in fortun

an officer immediately put his arm down barring my father

England it is likely she would have been interned during 1942

informing him there was no more room on this vessel and he

when those who were not born locally were deported to

would have to wait.

Germany.

The small boat left the shore and made its way to the ship and

On arrival we were obliged to stay with relatives. Luckily Mum

minutes later, as their fellow soldiers began climbing aboard,

had a sister in Exeter. Having only one small suitcase of my

my father and all those in line behind him watched, when

baby clothes, she was informed she could go to a nearby

seemingly from nowhere, a bomb was dropped down the

depot to get help only to be told by a woman there, we “were

48 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

not true refugees and not English” so we were turned away

the stairs as she had seen too many people dug out from such

empty handed. When winter came she was still wearing

shelters. Instead, we had a very heavy wooden table under

sandals in the snow! Eventually the Salvation Army came to

which we sheltered during raids.

our aid and knowing this, I never pass their collecting box without donating to this day. How on earth she coped and with

We had no toys but I remember a singed teddy bear which was

a young child, I really don’t know and as was the wont of that

rescued from a blitzed building. Due to the lack of toys I found

generation – she rarely spoke of her experiences. She was a

other things to do. Once my mother found me emptying a

very courageous person and just had the instinct to survive.

cupboard of the landlady’s best china. I also covered my baby sister in Lux soap flakes and when she started to cry bubbles

My father communicated very little but he did eventually

were coming out of her nose and mouth. On another occasion

contact my mother saying he was then at Catterick Camp and

I covered her with cold cream. My mother decided something

suggested we visit him in Yorkshire as there was no bombing

needed to be done, so I was sent to a nursery school called

there. Irony of ironies, as the train pulled into the station, it was

Pennsylvania School. I remember copying letters on tracing

bombed!

paper in cursive writing. One day when as we were filing back indoors from the playground it started to rain and the teacher

Luckily we were ok and I know little of what ensued but once

said, “carry on with hands on your heads like the Germans.” I

we were back in Exeter

was puzzled by what she meant. There was a rather obnoxious boy who

with my grandmother and

liked to boss us li

a new baby sister had arrived, I was then old

about.

I had an a

enough to have some

altercation with him a

memories but they tend

once when I was o

to be unconnected

picking flowers and he p

snapshots. I do,

told me not to. to

however, vividly Food was scarce of F

remember bombers flying overhead, friend

course but I don’t c

or foe, I don’t know.

rremember being

There were

hungry. My sister was a h

searchlights

vvery fussy eater and was

crisscrossing the

made to sit at the table m

night sky and mother

1942 - baby

Josephine and

was constantly telling

until she had eaten all her u

2 year old Th

elma

food. I was intrigued by fo

me to shut the blackoutt curtains as I was fascinated and wanted to watch. One night a line of houses on the other side of our road were hit. In the morning we witnessed the utter devastation. The word Blitz was an early addition to my vocabulary. (Many years later I visited that road and saw the new houses sandwiched between older ones and memories of the noise and chaos of bombing came flooding back).

My mother refused to use the Anderson Shelter when there was a raid as on the one occasion she had, she found it too damp and what’s more there was a woman singing hymns all night; Mother couldn’t tolerate that!

April 1945 - Exeter. Thelma - 5 years old, Josphine - 3 1

Neither would she hunker down in the cupboard under

2

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 49

the boxes of powdered eggs we had. They were in a waxed brown cardboard box and bizarrely, I liked scraping the wax off with my fingernails. Grandma used to join a queue when she saw one as she reckoned there could be something worthwhile at the end. Alas it was not always so and often whatever was there had gone. We did not know what fruit was and I remembered being given some cherries from someone’s garden and rather suspiciously thinking they might be poisonous.

I can still see the American Soldiers when they arrived and Grandma making disparaging remarks when she saw them lounging on the bridge and making eyes at the girls as they passed. Once my father took me to the NAAFI the Americans there said I was “cute” and gave me some chocolate – a very rare treat indeed. He was friends with several GIs and some were involved in the tragedy of Slapton Sands when many were killed. It affected him very much according to my mother.

In 1945 my father was demobbed. He had wanted to stay in the army but it was not to be. Occupation over, I remember travelling by boat back to Jersey with my sister and a new baby brother all in a bunk. My parents had gone to see if they could get any food for us and my brother was crying and try as I might I just could not get him to stop. Once in Jersey I recall standing on a street corner of the esplanade with straw blowing

Thelma's Father 1940 on way to Dunkirk in France.

about. The esplanade was a row of warehouses then and I remember feeling puzzled by the whole thing; I was still only 5 years old.

French Photographer came into the streets as the British army was retreating with German army advancing through France.

Photophores wanted to continue business as usual - hence pedestal usually used in his studio!

Our home then was on Belvedere Hill. My mother’s parents were also living with us at that stage. It had a large garden and my sister and I used to amuse ourselves digging up the ground

there were no containers then. He would cycle home covered

hunting for pieces of colourful pottery and china. Later we

in coal dust or guano or whatever was being unloaded that

learned that during the Occupation a southern Irish family had

day. No showers then either.

moved into our house and allowed their child to smash whatever he wanted. All my parent’s wedding presents had

We moved to what is now Route du Fort and my sister and I

gone! My mother was devastated but such was the nature of

had a bedroom in the attic - it was pretty scary as there was no

War and Occupation.

electric light, but we did get a good view of any lightning over the sea and when in 1949, Le Gallais storage warehouse was

My father found it difficult to find work. I can still see him

on fire, we could see the flames leaping above the town.

serving at the bar in the Pomme d’Or Hotel in the evening. He also tried to get work on the docks lining up early in the

In the next issue of The Jerseylife – Thelma tells us of her

morning with many others in the hope of being chosen that

experiences at St Luke’s school and then eventually to

day; often not and returning home with nothing. Eventually he

teachers’ training college in England…

obtained a permanent job as a docker. It was hard work as

50 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

This book is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in Jersey’s Occupation history. Above all, it tells a very personal and human story. Juanita Shield-Laignel has skillfully woven the strands of a life together and ensured that Michael’s own voice shines through. The road he took from the German internment camp to his banquet with the Queen was a long one, but it demonstrates the capacity of ordinary people to make a positive difference to the world. Michael Ginns MBE is now gone; but his work of reconciliation will endure.

Paul Darroch - Author of Jersey; The Hidden Histories

The Author says: “Writing this book was an absolute joy. Michael was such a special man and was keen for me to share the details of his whole life – not just his internment to Sothern German aged just 15 or receiving his MBE but – his early childhood memories, such as sitting in church on a Sunday and thinking he would rather be on a nearby farm watching the pigs…and other such seemingly small details that shaped this extraordinary man’s life.

No matter who you are – we all have a story to tell and I am thrilled to be able to share Michael’s unique story with you. I know you will Enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed interviewing Michael, and writing it for posterity. Enjoy!”

Juanita x

To order your copy of this extremely sensitively written book e-mail books@fishmedia.biz or it is also available on Amazon and in WH Smith.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

By Darren Cassey, PA Motoring Reporter The Discovery is already an impressive all-rounder – but with its new 2021 updates, could it be better than ever? Darren Cassey finds out.

WHAT IS IT? While the Defender has been grabbing headlines for Land Rover over the past year or so, the British firm hasn’t forgotten about one of its staple models. New for 2021 is an updated Discovery, with the sevenseat SUV getting a little nip and tuck and some mild hybrid technology.

The Discovery hopes to set itself apart from rivals such as the Volvo XC90 – and the rest of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) range – by providing a premium cabin, improved on-road performance and the fantastic off-road abilities we’ve become used to.

WHAT’S NEW? There’s nothing particularly wild about the changes to the new Discovery, but there have been numerous small changes that all add up to a fairly comprehensive refresh. The styling has been tweaked with new LED headlights and taillights fitted, while inside there’s been a big update with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a revised look and a new air filtration system.

It’s also been given JLR’s latest straight-six petrol and diesel engines, most of which have mild hybrid electrification to improve emissions and fuel economy.

52 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? There are four engines available, with 296bhp and 355bhp petrols (badged P300 and P360 respectively) and 246bhp and 296bhp diesels (badged D250 and D300). The P300 is the only one without mild hybrid technology.

We tested the P360 and D300 models, and while the petrol was a pleasant engine, it’s really aimed at markets where fuel is cheaper so won’t sell well here.

The diesel, on the other hand, should be pretty popular with buyers, despite the fact many UK consumers are turning their backs on the black pump. It will do about 34mpg on the combined cycle which is respectable for an SUV of this size, while its 650Nm torque figure means it’s fantastically responsive, making motorway overtakes and off-road mud plugging equally easy.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Land Rover has good form recently in making its off-roaders’ on-road sensibilities mighty impressive, and the updated Discovery is no different.

Cruising around the British countryside in serene comfort is incredibly relaxing, with the soft suspension soaking up imperfections effortlessly.

This is a high car with soft suspension, so it does require you to reign in

any hint of enthusiasm on a fun road, but the biggest compliment you can pay the Discovery is that it doesn’t roll all over the place like you feel it probably should. That being said, it feels massive from behind the wheel, which could put some buyers off.

Take it off road, though, and it’s almost too capable to be fun. The offroad course we tested on was so far within its capabilities that even when wading through chalky gloop or pointing the nose up a steep, muddy incline slick with fresh rain, the Discovery never even hesitated.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? Let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, it does still have the offcentred number plate at the back, and no, it doesn’t look any better with time. Fortunately, the rest of the car makes up for it, being a big but handsome SUV, if hardly changed from before.

Aside from that plate, the rear looks sleek with the narrow tail light design, while up front the new headlights have a sleek look with a cool LED daytime running light signature within. There’s also a new R-Dynamic body style that brings some sporty styling touches, gloss black parts and two-tone leather upholstery. All together it really elevates the premium look of the new Discovery.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? Having driven much of JLR’s updated range this year, we’re at risk of repeating ourselves over and over again, but the cabin has traditionally let the firm down a little. However, the 2021 models have been really improved with the use of new materials, subtly updated designs and a new infotainment system.

It’s the same story in the Discovery, which has a real air of sophistication.

It manages to integrate the new 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment

touchscreen seamlessly, looking equal parts classic and modern. That system is great, by the way, with well-designed menus, excellent responsiveness and impressive functionality.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The Discovery is available in regular (£53,090), R-Dynamic (£55,400) and Commercial (£54,850) body styles. Standard features include LED lights all round, leather seats, two-zone climate control, 20-inch alloy wheels and the new Pivi Pro system. Upgrade to R-Dynamic to add some new exterior flourishes and black accents, while Commercial gets bigger alloy wheels and the Meridian sound system.

Once you’ve selected your body style, you can then pick a specification pack, with S, SE and HSE available depending on your body/engine combination of choice. These specification packages change everything from the exterior styling to interior materials, as well as how much driver assistance is on offer.

VERDICT The brief verdict is that this is a fantastic family SUV. It’s handsome, spacious, great to drive, and has the added bonus of more off-road ability than you’d need this side of Armageddon. The cabin quality is better than ever and the new infotainment system is a big step-change.

The complication? It’s intimidatingly big to drive and feels OTT for UK roads. There are rivals that are similarly practical without feeling like overkill. Then there’s the off-road ability – if you really need that, Defenders can be specified with seven seats.

As an overall package the Discovery is fantastic. Its place in the line-up might be confusing but if you need a premium family SUV with goanywhere ability the Discovery will serve you well.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model as tested: Land Rover Discovery S D300 Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol Power: 296bhp Torque: 650Nm Max speed: 130mph 0-60mph: 6.5 seconds MPG: 33.9 Emissions: 218g/km CO2

SPRING 2021 ISSUE | 53

g n i r p CLEANING S As I write the sun is streaming through my window lulling me into a false sense of what the weather is truly like on the other side; I know my morning walk will be met with the cold chill of spring air! The birds and bees on the other hand, don’t seem to care….they are busy in my garden, making noise and nests, far more industrious than I have been so far.

It’s at this time of year that we fair-weather gardeners start to notice

The promise of long summer evenings puts us in mind of outside

the patio needs scrubbing, the boarders weeding and the gravel

dining so neglected garden furniture gets a good scrubbing, garden

raking. But the jobs do not end there, oh no – on and on they go.

sheds are overhauled looking for dusty parasols, barbeques are revived and any tired equipment is soon replaced after a trip to the

Good intentions to keep the home and garden spruced up during

local garden centre where we always buy far more than we’d

the winter months often fall by the way-side but come spring the

intended, but the result is a an outdoor space we can be proud of

almost pathological urge to ‘spring clean’ kicks in. We find

now our friends and family can join us again for a chilled white and

ourselves raking leaves, trimming hedges, weeding, turning over soil

an selection of luscious summer salads.

and planting bulbs without giving it much thought. Even the jobs we’ve been putting off because they really are dreadfully tedious

I’ve always thought that we humans despite our opposing thumbs,

suddenly seem easier to tackle when the sun shines.

large brains and sophisticated accomplishments should emulate the wisdom of nature and hibernate, or at the very least rise and sleep

The power of the sun is not just limited to brushing a ruddy glow

with the sun, take it easy over the winter months, especially when

across our cheeks but also seems to put a spring in our step and

living is ‘engorged’ by a global pandemic but we can now literally

bring a renewed humour to everyday tasks. Fellow shoppers are

spring into action especially when the

less agitated, drivers seem more convivial, and joy of joys, we are

warmer weather finally arrives.

even getting the odd glimpse of an unmasked smile!

Juanita Shield-Laignel Before long we’ve cleared the gutters of moss and leaves, powerwashed the decking, rid the bird bath of algae, planted up terracotta pots with an array of tulips, washed the windows, including taking down the net curtains and washing off the winter grime then allowing them to waft, drying naturally in the spring breeze rather than stuffing them into the tumble dryer. On a roll; we’ve also cleared out all the cupboards and bagged unwanted clothes for charity.

Traditionally a time for new beginnings, spring seems even more pertinent than ever in 2021. Many households find that clearing out the attic and cleaning and decorating has a rather more permanent intention as they start to sort possessions preparing for a sale of their house. The warmer weather is renowned for stimulating a need to move-on or embark on a large home improvement project such as building a conservatory, replacing the kitchen or extending that awkward outbuilding or garage to make it into a useful living space, and we’ve had more time to think about these larger projects over the last year.

54 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk

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Book Review At fifteen, Melanie Blake was told by her career advisor at school that her decision to do work experience at a local record shop was an ‘embarrassment to the school and a clear example that she wouldn’t go far in life or her career.’ They were wrong. Despite leaving school with no qualifications, Melanie Blake is now one of the most successful female celebrity agents in the world. Her roster have won Baftas, Emmys, and pretty much every best actress award going. And now, despite being told by her English teacher that she’d never write more than labels in a factory, Blake is a Sunday Times Bestselling author.

Set on the Channel Islands, her new book, Ruthless Women, sees

Though the book is set on a fictional island off the coast of

us on location of the world’s most popular (fictional) soap opera,

Jersey, the setting is a big part of the novel, and Blake clearly

Falcon Bay. It is abundantly clear that Blake knows that celebrity

knows the Channel Islands well – and in fact has spent long

world inside out, as evidenced by the words of Coronation Street

periods of time on Jersey, researching the setting and jotting

star Beverley Callard: ‘At times, I felt sick reading, as it was like

ideas for the novel that would become Ruthless Women.

someone had shadowed my life on set, but I still couldn't put it

Lockdown dependent, she plans to return to Jersey to write the

down.’ But the book is more than just a sneak peek into that

next in the series: Ruthless Men.

world, it’s also a testament to women fighting the odds, and having to make a name for themselves in a man’s world. The

Ruthless Women is Blake’s second novel. Her first book, The

ratings for Falcon Bay are falling and new network owner,

Thunder Girls, became a Number 1 Best Seller in the summer of

Madeline Kay, is determined to get the show back up to scratch.

2019, and has now been adapted into a play – breaking box

But Madeline is not the only ruthless woman on set – there are

office records for a new work at the prestigious Lowry Theatre.

other ambitious women who will stop at nothing to save the show

Blake still represents a high profile stable of some of the best

and stay on top.

known faces on British television, but is also now enjoying success in her own right as a producer, author and playwright.

Totally unique, brilliantly unputdownable and chock full of drama, glamour, sex and scandal. With not one but two shock twists at the end, this is a seductive thriller that will keep you guessing all the way through.