Property March 20198
NEWS
Egg-citing fun for all the family Page 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Finding a balanced lifestyle
The best fruit and vegetables to grow
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PAGE 4
Road to UEFA Euro Cup 2020
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome to the March issue.
Ever thought about growing your own fruit and vegetables? With winter turning to spring, now is the perfect time to start planning your crop! Look inside for our guide to sowing some of the most popular edibles in your own garden or balcony. The start of spring also signifies a fresh start and what better way to kickstart the season with a spring clean of your property. We’re all becoming increasingly aware that chemicals and plastic waste can be harmful to the environment we live in. So, with that in mind, we share our cleaning hacks that’ll have your home sparkling in no time – using natural products that can be found in any kitchen cupboard. And when you’ve had enough of tending to your vegetable patch and spring cleaning, why not head out on an adventure! With supermarket shelves already piled high with Easter eggs, and events planned for the lead up to, and including, Easter, there is lots of fun to be had and our travel feature gives plenty of ideas for the whole family. Until next time. Linda McKeown Editor
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Finding a balanced lifestyle that works for you
For your body to be able to work properly, it needs the balance of a good diet, exercise and enough sleep. Too much of anything is bad, so allow us to help you get that balance right with this guide With the Christmas and New Year celebrations well and truly gone, many of us are now looking to the future with pragmatism and with a new-found sense of purpose. After all, it wasn’t all that long ago when we made our new year’s resolutions. What did yours involve? A new, healthier lifestyle? How’s that going? Well – whether it’s going badly or brilliantly – this guide can help you remember what the most important factors are when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle. Balance is everything, so fixating
on one aspect, such as fully focusing your time and energy on excessive exercise and toning – and therefore neglecting all the other important aspects, probably isn’t the best idea.
Balance work and leisure Let’s begin dealing with something which far too many people neglect. You need some fun in your life! Of course, you need to work, but you also need to let off some steam and relax – both physically and mentally. After, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Getting the right balance between your work and leisure time is crucial in stabilising your happiness and mental health levels. If you’re working overtime on any given shift, try to ensure it’s not a regular occurrence, whether that be because your boss is working you like a dog,
or you think you’re a machine, limitless with infinite energy. Playing games, socialising, reading, watching films – all these activities can actually help tremendously in keeping your life in balance.
Food and drink It always has been, and remains to be, very important to eat a balanced and varied diet in order to stay healthy and fit. And fluids are just as important. Fizzy drinks, containing lots of sugar, ideally should be kept down to a minimum. Everything in moderation. Health authorities recommend approximately two litres a day, but don’t forget that fruit and vegetables actually contain water, so it’s perhaps unnecessary to drink exactly that each day. One of the nicest yet healthiest diets we can think of sure does satisfy the soul! Eggs for breakfast, perhaps
four, scrambled, with a bit of seasoning. Eggs are fantastic for high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals and more. Try a fruit salad for lunch; perhaps apple, mango and pineapple chunks (you can buy fresh fruit these days ready chopped from supermarkets, unfrozen), is a healthy and tasty treat for a midday meal. For dinner, there are many ways you can vary chicken and rice; almost all vegetables would be a suitable addition to such a meal. Peas, tomatoes, spring onions, leeks would all be delicious ingredients to include in a chicken and rice meal. With a spot of seasoning, you’ll be smiling with every mouthful.
Exercise You also need to make sure you exercise regularly to keep your heart, lungs and muscles strong and healthy. If you walk to work – great! If you don’t, next time you need to see John up in IT, take the stairs instead of the lift. Little things like this can help burn off calories throughout the day. Cardio is a great exercise to do at the gym to burn off said undesirables, and we all know that to keep our muscles in shape we need to move them.
Cardiovascular exercise – such as running on the treadmill, working the cross-trainer, or banging out a few miles on the rowing machine – makes your muscles stronger; and stronger muscles make for a more efficient and healthy body. Going to the gym immediately or soon after work is a great idea to help release any tension.
Sleep The recommended amount of sleep for an adult aged between 26 and 64 is 7-8 hours. Missing the odd night of sleep isn’t going to do you any harm, but if serious lack of sleep becomes a significant part of your life it can affect your overall health and make you prone to serious medical conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
lifestyle. Get a good alarm clock – perhaps one which gradually lights up half an hour or so before the alarm goes off. If you’re dazzled by light when you wake up, you may be more prone to getting out of bed more promptly in the morning. For teenagers aged between 14 and 17, the recommended amount of sleep is 8-10 hours. For younger adults aged 18 to 25 it’s 7-9 hours, and for older adults aged 65 and over, it’s 7-8 hours.
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The recommended amount of sleep for an adult aged between 26 and 64 is 7-8 hours
By the same token, oversleeping is also linked with many of the same health risks, as well as the addition of cognitive issues including difficulty with memory. This is why it’s important to make sure you have a healthy balance of sleep in your life, to complement the other aspects of your
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The best fruit and vegetables to grow in your own garden Spring is generally considered the best time of the year to start sowing your vegetables and fruits, so here’s our guide to sowing some of the most popular edibles in your own garden or balcony
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Garlic There isn’t much space required to grow your garlic. Simply plant each garlic clove alongside each other, with a little distance between each (four to six inches apart), with the rows being spaced one foot apart. Ensure the pointed end of the cloves are facing upwards and the blunt end downwards. Push each clove about one to two inches into the spoil, firm the soil surrounding them, and water the bed if it becomes too dry.
• Top tips: Should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil Once planted, cover with some straw, chopped leaves or grass clippings, approximately four inches thick
Lettuce Another versatile wonder in the kitchen, and the basis for any great salad! Before you plant your lettuce seeds, make sure the soil is prepared well. It should be loose and drain easily, remaining moist but without staying soggy. Feed the soil with composted organic matter about one week before you plant the seeds, so to keep the soil fertile. In this case, a well-filled seedbed would be ideal, due to the seeds being so small.
Top tips: Placing stones and large clods of dirt on top of the soil will prevent germination Planting rows of chives or garlic between your lettuces will help to control aphids
How to grow edibles on a balcony Don’t think that you need a garden or allotment in order to grow fruit and vegetables. If you only have a balcony, there will still be plenty of horticultural potential for you to indulge in. Strawberries, for example, are a fantastic fruit to grow on your balcony, because they can be grown vertically against a wall very easily. Another great starting point would be herbs, because they’re brilliantly appropriate for balconies. Hardy aromatic herbs easily tolerate the exposed conditions of a balcony. Incorporating the likes of rosemary, lavender and thyme into your planting plans would be wise indeed, given their immense gastronomic versatility. Furthermore, all herbs have high value and low space requirements, and on almost every day of the year they will give you something to pick!.
Tomatoes can be one of the tastiest crops to grow, and they tend to be much sweeter than shop-bought ones. To ensure you get the best quality tomatoes, pick the sunniest part of your garden. Plant the seedlings thirty to forty-eight inches apart, with rows set forty-eight inches distance apart. By allowing for substantial distance like this, sunlight is welcomed through into the lower portions of the plants, improving airflow.
• Top tips: Plant with plenty of depth – the extra root growth will produce a stronger, more robust plant
Blackberries and raspberries Compared to other, more common berries, raspberries and blackberries (often referred to as caneberries) grow slightly differently. Plant your berries about two to three feet apart from one another. Not only will this allow for good air circulation, but it will also help prevent against disease. When planting, ensure the crown is as close as possible to the level where it was growing before. To help protect them further, try adding a three to four inch layer of organic mulch, as raspberries and blackberries tend to have shallow roots.
Top tips: Full sun and well-drained soil are a must for blackberries and raspberries; and make sure the soil is rich in organic matter to ensure peak performance A great idea is to conduct a soil test to ensure your berries are getting the correct kind of soil they need for good nutrition
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You can’t put a price on having a nice, clean home. Thankfully, there are lots of cleaning hacks without using chemicals, in case you are worried about your children being within reach or if you simply don’t have a bottle of cleaner handy when you need it! Most things can miraculously be cleaned with a bucket full of warm water and a splash of vinegar. These are great solutions for cleaning cabinets and walls, the inside of the fridge and nearly any hard household surface that just needs a gentle cleaning. You can also clean windows with a spray bottle of vinegar diluted half and half with water – great for achieving smear-free windows!
Vinegar and salt are a very effective combination to deal with tea or coffee stains on most surfaces, including mugs.
When you mop tiled or laminate floors, add a big splash of vinegar and a few drops of essential oil to a bucket of warm water – changing the water as it gets dirty. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries, so no need to worry about a vinegary-smelling house! A little bit of vinegar is also great for cleaning blinds and for polishing wood surfaces. A great way to start the day is having tea or coffee in your favourite mug, but this can sometimes be ruined when you notice brown rings of tea or coffee inside. Vinegar and salt are a very effective combination to deal with tea or coffee stains on most surfaces, including mugs. Vinegar is mildly acidic and can chemically dissolve the pigments that constitute the stain. Adding salt as well will aid in this reaction and help to scrub off the stain.
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Vinegar is a great chemical-alternative for cleaning the bathroom
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Vinegar is a great chemicalalternative to cleaning the bathroom. We all know bleach can be a dangerous chemical to have around a house with children, so using a friendly substance such as vinegar is a great alternative. Not to mention, that flushing harmful chemicals ends up in the water supply which can have a negative impact on the environment.
As well as vinegar, other acidic substances such as lemons are ideal to clean laminate worktops as well as BBQ grills. You can also use half lemon, half salt to clean even the most heavily discoloured brass; the same method works for copper items too. You can also soak food storage containers in diluted lemon juice to remove stains and odours, add baking soda and scrub, then rinse and dry.
In order to clean the toilet without chemicals, pour some baking soda into the bowl along with some white vinegar, mix with your toilet brush and then let it set for 15 minutes before scrubbing and flushing. You can use a spray bottle with 50/50 water and vinegar to get underneath the rim of the toilet bowl. To clean grouting between the tiles, mix one-part water and three parts baking soda mixed into a paste. Apply to grout and let sit, scrub with a toothbrush and remove with a sponge.
Lemon is great for cleaning your microwave. Add some water into a bowl and then squeeze in a whole lemon and drop two lemon halves into a bowl. Microwave the bowl for three minutes so the liquid comes to a boil. Let this stand for three minutes without opening the microwave door so the steam will loosen the food gunk. Wipe the microwave clean with a clean towel!
You can achieve a lovely gleaming shine on chrome fittings such as taps and bath handles by wiping them with vinegar and water. A 50/50 mix of water can get your tiles clean, or you can make a special cleanser to be applied with a wet microfiber rag to remove tougher stains. Mix baking soda, lemon juice, salt, non-toxic dish soap and vinegar in a plastic container to use on tough patches.
Smells are everywhere in our home, and sometimes they aren’t too fresh! Your kitchen may smell of last night’s curry or your bathroom may not smell like a bouquet of flowers all the time. Before reaching for an air freshener that may contain harmful ingredients to you and the planet, take a deep breath and consider using a do-it-yourself, green alternative. Diffusing essential oils, many of which have antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties, will help to freshen and purify the air. Simply boil a pot of water, take it off the heat and add a few drops of essential oil, such as lemon or eucalyptus. The scent of the oils will infuse the whole room.
A great clever hack to cleaning the shower head is to fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and then tie the bag around the shower head so that the head is immersed in the vinegar. Leave on for up to 12 hours and remove carefully. Pour it down the drain and your shower head should be clean and free of hard water residue!
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DVD release: 11th February 2019
It’s no real surprise that the hugely successful, ‘A Star is Born’, has led the way in most Oscar predictions since its release in August 2018. And with its DVD release on 11th February 2019, it’s bound to attract even more fans A Star is Born is a remake of the 1937 film of the same name and is a new take on the iconic love story. Featuring Lady Gaga in her film debut, along-side Bradley Cooper, the film has been a worldwide box office hit – even though it’s actually the third remake of this tear jerker. Talks of a remake of A Star Is Born began in 2011, with Clint Eastwood originally set to direct and Beyoncé to star as Ally. A plethora of stars were approached to co-star including the likes of Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, and Tom Cruise. However, in March 2016, Bradley Cooper signed on to star and direct, while Lady Gaga joined the cast in August 2016. Produced and directed by Bradley Cooper – in his directorial debut – and written by Eric Roth, Cooper and Will Fetters. Cooper portrays a famous country music singer Jackson ‘Jack’ Maine, who discovers and falls in love with talented but
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struggling artist Ally. Despite his music success, Jack is privately battling an alcohol and drug addiction, but forms a special bond with Ally, who he encourages to join him on tour to sing with him. While on tour Ally meets a record producer who offers her a contract – and she goes on to be nominated for three Grammy Awards for her music. When Jack’s alcoholism really takes hold, Ally helps him to sober up and he joins a rehabilitation program for several months. Once recovering at home with Ally, her manager confronts Jack, accusing him of holding Ally back. Unbeknownst to Ally, Jack feels that her life would be better without him, which leads to a teary end to the film.
A Star is Born: Film facts •
A Star Is Born premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2018, and was theatrically released in the United States on October 5, 2018,
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by Warner Bros The film has grossed over $420 million worldwide and received critical acclaim It was chosen by both the National Board of Review and American Film Institute as one of the Top 10 Films of 2018 The film received numerous accolades, including five nominations at the 76th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, winning Best Original Song for Gaga’s “Shallow” The film also received eight nominations at the 91st Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), Best Actress (Gaga), Best Supporting Actor (Elliott) and Best Original Song (“Shallow” Source: Wikipedia
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A Star is Born is a remake of the 1937 film of the same name and is a new take on the iconic love story
Road to UEFA EURO 2020
March 2019 sees the start of the qualifying fixtures for the UEFA EURO 2020, with the qualifying fixtures running up until November 2019 Next year’s tournament will see some changes to the competition including the tournament being hosted in 12 countries with the final taking place at Wembley Stadium. None of the 12 host teams will gain automatic qualification – a change from previous tournaments. Twenty-four teams will compete in the tournament and 20 finalists will earn their places via conventional groups with four coming through a changed play-off system. The 55 teams were split into ten groups of five or six. Four of the five groups of five contain one team that has qualified for the UEFA Nations League finals (to be played June 2019). The top two from each group will qualify for the final tournament determining the first 20 places. The last four EURO places will be won through the European Qualifiers play-offs, which will be contested by the 16 UEFA Nations League group winners. If a UEFA Nations League
group winner has already qualified via European Qualifiers, then their spot will go to the next best-ranked team in their league. The last UEFA European Championship was in 2016 and was won by first-time winners Portugal, beating hosts France by 1-0 over extra time in the Stade de France. This was the first time the European Championship final tournament was contested by 24 teams, having been expanded from the 16-team format since 1996. Wales had a tournament to remember that year, beating Belgium 3-1 to reach the semi-final. Then managed by Chris Coleman, Wales also beat Russia 3-0 and saw a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland. It was the first time Wales had reached the finals of a major tournament since 1958, giving the Welsh nation a night to remember against Belgium. England suffered more of a humiliating tournament, despite beating in-form Wales. Their first game of the tournament was a 1-1
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The last UEFA European Championship was in 2016 and was won by first-time winners Portugal
draw with Russia, before narrowly beating Wales and being held to a goalless draw against Slovakia. They were ultimately knocked out of the Quarter-finals by unexpectedly losing 2-1 to Iceland. After a successful World Cup campaign last year, Gareth Southgate’s men are expected to go to next year’s competition with high hopes. European Qualifiers & UEFA EURO 2020 timetable
21–26 March, 7–8 & 10–11 June, 5–10 September, 10–15 October & 14–19 November 2019: European Qualifiers group stage (ten match-days) 22 November 2019: European Qualifiers play-off draw 1 December 2019: UEFA EURO 2020 final tournament draw 26–31 March 2020: European Qualifiers play-offs 1 April 2020: Additional final tournament draw, if required 12 June–12 July 2020 (provisional): UEFA EURO 2020 final tournament
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the meaning of hygge.. With stress levels rising in many countries around the world, how have the Danes managed to top the polls as the happiest people on the planet? One of the major reasons is attributed to Hygge; but what is it?
Hygge (pronounced Hue-Guh) is a Danish word which is used to describe a special feeling or moment. There is no translatable or equivalent word in the English language, however it is frequently associated with a feeling of cosiness and comfort. Originally a Norwegian term for well-being, it’s now been developed into a way of living. Allowing the individual to take time for themselves, taking a moment to enjoy the little things many overlook, such as reading a good book by an open fire, a candle lit diner with your partner or just time alone in a warm bath. It sounds a very simple concept but with life taking over sometimes, it is often hard to allow
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yourself the time for such small and inexpensive luxuries. There are, however, many ways Hygge can be achieved within your own home; just follow our tips here and you could be on your way to living a more Hygge way of life!
Tip 1 – Keep it simple
Try to create a calm and peaceful space within your home by avoiding garish colour schemes and by decluttering. However, you don’t need to overhaul your interior to enjoy the feeling Hygge brings. Making simple changes to your lifestyle can have the same desired effect; take the time to relax with a cup of your favourite coffee while listening to your long forgotten favourite songs or find space to put your
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Hygge… is frequently associated with a feeling of cosiness and comfort
favourite photographs on the wall. Just remember to take the time to enjoy these simple pleasures.
catch up on the sofa, with a cup of tea or a bottle of wine and some good home cooked grub. With our lifestyles often Tip 2 – Add more textures demanding so much of Adding a range of our time, friends and different textures is a family can sometimes great way to inject Hygge take a back seat. into your home. This can However, taking time out be done by investing in to enjoy the company cosy throws and pillows of those close to you is and contrasting that a vital piece of living a by adding more natural Hygge lifestyle. materials, such as wood and leather. You do not Tip 5. Take up a hobby, have to be an interior new or old designer to do this: just Taking up a new hobby by adding the different or revisiting an old one textures and colours you within the home, allows love and layering them you to disconnect from throughout your home, the stresses of day to you will be creating a day life and refocus the Hygge space. mind. Turn the TV off, put
Tip 3 – Invest in candles
The Danes light more candles per person, than anywhere else in Europe, with the inviting and warm glow candles bring to the home it’s hardly surprising. So, whether scented or unscented, investing in candles for your home is a great way to achieve Hygge. The Danish brand Skandinavisk have even developed their own Hygge fragrance – including brewed tea, baked strawberry cake, rose petals and wild mint. There are many other brands available with a range of fragrances, so choose one that means something to you; light the candle and fill your home with a warm and welcoming scent.
Tip 4 - Spend more time with family and friends
One of the most important parts of Hygge is to spend more quality time with your nearest and dearest. It shouldn’t be a formal environment, so get together for a
your phone on silent and take the time to enjoy something new. Painting, knitting or sewing can be a calming hobby to take up and your creativity may result in some additional decorations for your house! Not only will they be beautiful, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you took the time to create something yourself.
We are all guilty of embracing our busy lives and putting off the simple pleasures, stating we don’t have time for ourselves. If anything, Hygge teaches us that we should make the time to relax and have a few moments everyday to enjoy ourselves our environment and spend time with those who are important to us. Hopefully, by thinking about some of the simple ways the Danes enjoy their time, we can all become less stressed and much happier in ourselves.
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Egg-citing
fun for all the family
With thoughts now turning to that chocolate fuelled holiday – Easter – hopefully the whole family will be up for getting out and about. So, what fun is to be had this Easter?
Go egg hunting
Zoos and culture
If you want to move away from organising an Easter egg hunt yourself, it may be worth checking out your local area for details of Easter events. Many local villages, churches, clubs and pubs will be arranging events around the local area so it is definitely worth checking out your local papers to see what is happening.
London never disappoints and there is a great variety of events planned at most of its most famous attractions - from visiting cute animals to experiencing culture at a museum. For the animal lovers amongst us, London Zoo are organising an Easter themed adventure and many of the city farms including Battersea, will be open to show children the new spring arrivals including chickens, ducks and lambs. For the more historically minded, many of the major museums offer specially themed family activities with hands on interactive exhibits. Easter egg hunts and treasure trails. These include the Victoria and Albert, Science museum and the museum of London as well as Hampton Court Palace. For details of the actual events, timing and prices visit www.visitlondon.com If you want to move away from the chocolate fuelled Easter celebration and go back to something more traditional on Friday 19 April (Good Friday) there is a free performance of “The Passion of Jesus” in Trafalgar Square, which promises to be a spectacular event featuring over 100 actors.
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Experience nature For those more in tune with nature, Dyffryn Gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan are organising a plant hunter expedition event from the 30 March – 15 April where you follow in the footsteps of 19th century explorers. Plan an expedition then head outdoors to hunt for special plants and end up in the wild play area, complete the tasks and the whole family will achieve explorer status.
Days out There are plenty of places hosting Easter events designed to entertain the whole family. If you are looking for a day out which will be enjoyed by all – even dad, why not visit the National Brewery Centre in Burton on Trent?www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk They are hosting an Easter family fun weekend from the 21 – 22 April. Children will enjoy watching magic shows and the antics of Pip Ahoy (from Channel 5’s Milkshake). Plus, the ticket price of £6 includes entry to the museum where many more family activities have been organised, including face painting and an Easter egg hunt around the historic brewery. For the grownups on the visit, the brewery tour concludes with the chance to sample some of the real ales brewed on the premises. Throughout the country the National Trust will be organising a variety of events at most of its properties over the Easter weekend and during the Easter holidays. The events organised will depend on the type of property but for example from the 13 – 28 April, Llanerchaeron are hosting an Easter excitement event which promises many exciting family activities including “50 things to do before you are 11 and three quarters”, Easter egg hunts and in their own words “plenty of wild activities” – not to be missed!
Whatever you and your family enjoy doing, it is worth looking at the National Trust website (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) to discover properties near you and the activities organised for the Easter holidays; there is bound to be something that will appeal to everyone. However, should your love of eggs stretch beyond the chocolate variety and if you feel your family are brave enough, English Heritage (www. english-heritage.org.uk) have hidden a number of dragon eggs around their properties and are looking for brave knights to discover them! On an Easter Adventure Quest, you will follow the clues and search the locations which include Old Sarum near Salisbury, Beeston Castle, Walmer Castle and Pendennis Castle near Falmouth for hidden dragon eggs. Succeed and you will become a family of knights! Although Easter is a time for chocolate, it is also a time to get out and about. Whatever you enjoy doing as a family, there is something out there for all tastes and pockets.
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Although Easter is a time for chocolate, it is also a time to get out and about
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Vegan recipes ideas The biggest food craze at the moment is vegan, with many opting for a vegan diet. Here are some great recipe ideas – whether you’re a full-time or part-time vegan!
Margherita Pizza Vegan’s don’t need to miss out on the joys of pizza with this vegan friendly margherita pizza 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting 1 tsp dried yeast
For the tomato sauce 100ml passata 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or ½ tsp dried oregano) 1 garlic clove, crushed
For the topping
1 tsp caster sugar
200g vegan mozzarella-style cheese, grated
1 ½ tbsp olive oil, plus extra
2 tomatoes, thinly sliced Fresh basil or oregano leaves, chilli oil and vegan parmesan to serve (optional)
Put the flour, yeast and sugar in a large bowl. Measure 150ml of cold water and 150ml boiling water into a jug and mix together. Add the oil and 1 tsp salt to the warm water then pour it over the flour. Stir well with a spoon then start to knead the mixture together in the bowl until it forms a soft and slightly sticky dough. Knead the dough for 10 mins. Put it back in the mixing bowl and cover with cling film
greased with a few drops of olive oil. Leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hr or until doubled in size. Heat oven to 220C/200C/gas 9 and put a baking sheet or pizza stone on the top shelf to heat up. Once the dough has risen, knock it back by kneading again. Put all the ingredients for the tomato sauce together in a bowl, season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar and mix well. Set aside until needed. Divide the dough into 2 or 4 pieces
(depending on whether you want to make large or small pizzas), shape into balls and flatten each piece out as thin as you can get it with a rolling pin or using your hands. Spread 4-5 tbsp of the tomato sauce on top and add some sliced tomatoes and grated vegan cheese. Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake in the oven for 10-12 mins or until the base is puffed up and the vegan cheese is golden.
Satay Sweet Potato Curry Cook this tasty vegan curry for an exotic yet easy family dinner. With spinach and sweet potato, it boasts two of your five-a-day and it’s under 400 calories 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, grated thumb-sized piece ginger, grated 3 tbsp Thai red curry paste 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter 500g sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks 400ml can coconut milk 200g bag spinach 1 lime, juice dry roasted peanuts, to serve (optional)
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Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and soften 1 chopped onion for 5 mins. Add the garlic and ginger, then cook for 1 min until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp Thai red curry paste, 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter and 500g sweet potato, then add 400ml coconut milk and 200ml water. Bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 mins or until the sweet potato is soft. Stir through the spinach and the juice of 1 lime, and season well. Serve with cooked rice, and if you want some crunch, sprinkle over a few dry roasted peanuts.
Looking to rent? Choosing the right rental property is just as key as choosing the right home to buy. Here we give you our top tips on picking a property that’s right for you
First impressions
The property itself When it comes to viewing the property itself, try and bear in mind several factors including the condition of the property – inside and out. Is the property secure and is there a burglar alarm/entry system? It’s also worth finding out if there have been any previous problems with burglaries in or around the area near the property. If a garden is high on the priority list and it has one – ensure you know who is responsible for its up-keep.
It’s true that first impressions count. However, it’s important to also remember not to let your emotions overrule what you head says. Think about the practicalities of living there such as access to work, schools, shops. What’s available in the local area when it comes to amenities. Obviously, your needs will vary depending on whether you are looking to view a flat/studio or a house. What’s the condition of the property – and are there any associated costs that you would need to pick up?
Inside the property
Financing a move It might seem obvious, but before you go and view any rental properties, know your budget. There is no point in viewing a property if it’s not within the price range you can afford; otherwise you will only leave feeling disappointed. Check how much the rent is – and what it includes too. What other bills will you need to pay if taking on a rental? You’ll need to factor in the answers to these questions to ensure you’re fully aware of what your responsibility will be; and that you can afford to cover the costs. And don’t forget about the deposit too! Whatever your needs, we are here to help and guide you through your rental.
Moving to the inside of the property, be conscious of the space available. Is there enough storage space to be home to all your belongings? Are there enough kitchen cupboards and work surfaces to meet your needs? All this may seem like simple things to keep in mind, but you need to feel confident that the property you are renting is big enough to cope with your dayto-day life. If you are keen to put your own stamp on the property too, simply ask whether you can decorate – and if so, what extent you can do so. Another element which is becoming more of a requirement of those looking to rent, is the availability of broadband and wi-fi in the area. Don’t be afraid to ask if the property has a good, quality, service.
Talk to us about what we can do for you – we’d love to see you
Organisation is key Ensure that you have a checklist of what you want from your rental property before you go to view. Do you want a parking space? Is a garden a must? Would you prefer a house to rent over a flat?
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Before you go and view any rental properties, know your budget
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Walton on Thames
01932 222266
45a High Street, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 1DH CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Meet the team WALTON ON THAMES
Steve Turner Director
Beata Lukasiewicz Senior Negotiator
Shaun Screen Negotiator
Bea joined HTB in May 2017 as a negotiator at our Walton on Thames office. Bea has learned the area very quickly and has gained so much experience in her time with us. Bea has a fantastic relationship with all our clients and her bubbly personality always shines through. Bea moved to the UK from Poland in 2006 when she worked as a sales administrator with a luxury retailer. Bea lives locally with her mum and gorgeous son, Aleksander.
Shaun has worked locally as an agent since 2011 having moved to Walton in 2007 with his partner and son. Shaun is well known locally with his connections at Ashley Primary School. When not in the office, Shaun enjoys cycling, running and is a member of the local gym. Shaun likes to move house regularly and has recently moved to a lovely family home backing onto the river Thames – who better to ask about the selling process? Through his many moves, Shaun has become a true expert!
Charlotte Dover Property Manager
Monique Alexander Negotiator
Charlotte is a big asset to us and joined the team in 2013 as Property Manager. Prior to this, Charlotte worked within the Repossession Department for an established Asset Management company. Originally from Buckinghamshire, Charlotte moved to Surrey and studied locally at Rydens School, Brooklands College and attended the University of Surrey, where she studied Business and Marketing. Charlotte lives locally with her boyfriend and their Bulldog puppy, ‘Frank’.
Monique recently joined the Harmes Turner Brown team as a negotiator. She grew up in West London, living there most of her life until 2013, when she moved to Walton–On–Thames in search of a better quality of life for her young family. Until recently, Monique worked in London commuting by train and bicycle 5 days a week. Her children are now both at Ashley school and since giving up her full time London job has become a beekeeper at school and a part-time member of the HTB Team.
Steve has worked as an estate agent in the local area since 1990. Steve also grew up in Walton and Hersham and attended Rydens School, therefore not only has great property knowledge, but he knows the local area inside out too.
Peter Brown Director Peter began his career in property as a negotiator in 1994 and worked for two local estate agents before opening HTB in 2003. Peter now lives in Effingham with his wife, two daughters and Baxter the labradoodle!
sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com
Harmes Turner Brown Westcar Lane, Walton on Thames ÂŁ1,200,000 Freehold
A spacious extended semi-detached home. The accommodation includes entrance hallway, downstairs cloakroom, bay fronted family room, separate lounge/dining room, office/study, utility room and fitted kitchen/breakfast room. The first floor you will find five bedrooms, the master with fitted wardrobes. The family bathroom includes a modern four piece suite. Outside, the landscaped rear garden is large with beautiful tree and shrub borders, private patio, well maintained lawns and side access. To the rear of the garden is a detached games room/studio.
Crofton Avenue, Walton on Thames ÂŁ725,000 Freehold
Beautiful detached bungalow close to the town centre. The nicely proportioned accommodation briefly comprises entrance hall, lounge with feature fireplace, kitchen with a great range of shaker style units and a built-in oven. The kitchen opens onto the dining area with French doors to the rear. The master bedroom has built-in wardrobes, an en suite shower room and a dressing room/study. There are two further bedrooms and a three piece family bathroom. Outside is a driveway providing off road parking.
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01932 222266 Molesey 0208 001 8385 Walton on Thames
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Burwood Park Road, Walton on Thames £675,000 Leasehold
A unique split level maisonette just a few minutes’ walk from the mainline station. The wellpresented accommodation includes entrance hall, split level reception room, a lounge and a dining room. The kitchen has fitted units. The second reception room has a range of built-in cupboards. The bathroom has a re-fitted modern suite. On the top floor you will find two double bedrooms and an en suite. Outside is an enclosed garden at the front and a garage to the rear.
Belgrave Close, Hersham £514,500 Freehold
This modern Georgian style three bedroom home is in an idyllic courtyard on an award winning development of similar homes which are rarely available. This three bedroom home is well presented throughout and briefly includes entrance hallway, modern downstairs cloakroom, generous size through lounge/dining room and a modern fitted kitchen. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a modern three piece family bathroom. Outside there is a south facing rear garden with rear access and a garage.
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Harmes Turner Brown
Don’t just take our word for it...
“
TRUST, COMMUNICATION AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF OUR NEEDS The level of service from Harmes Turner Brown was fantastic and they delivered everything we needed. Letting your home can be daunting, we trusted HTB to find the right tenants for us within our timeframe and they did. They are very personal, you’re not just a sale - they are realistic, listen to your requirements, and go above and beyond to ensure they are met. I’ve recommended HTB to a few friends now and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again after the service we have just received.
Adeline Van den aardweg Landlord
“
COMMUNICATION WAS FANTASTIC
We originally met Harnes Turner Brown as they have a prominent location within the High Street, so when we were looking for a property we said hello to the guys! The communication with Harmes Turner Brown was fantastic. They handled the process between the buyer and the seller fantastically.
“
Anish Sabherwal Seller
IT’S JUST AN EASY PROCESS The level of service I’ve received from Harmes Turner Brown, for me personally, has been excellent. It’s really nice to be able to talk to the girls in the office. They are very friendly, doing everything you ask them to do and it’s just an easy process.
Karen Obeney Landlord
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Molesey 0208
001 8385
45 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0DP CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Meet the team MOLESEY
Richard Harmes Director
Sherrie Edwards Senior Negotiator
Julie Mellish Senior Negotiator
Having worked in real estate in Australia, Sherrie did a little travelling before settling in Walton on Thames in 2010. Sherrie joined HTB in 2012 originally at the Walton on Thames office, and in that time has gained valuable experience and knowledge of not only the UK housing market, but the local area too. Sherrie is now a valuable member of the team at the East Molesey office and is now involved in both sales & lettings. In her spare time, Sherrie enjoys time with her partner James and their beautiful daughter, Ella.
Julie has recently joined our new office in East Molesey. Having had 22 years’ experience as an estate agent in the local area, Julie is keen to assist with making our new branch in Molesey as successful as our office in Walton – we have no doubt she will be a huge success. Julie has lived most of her life in the area and currently lives in Walton with her husband, two children and their Labrador puppy, Lottie.
Karen Glands Negotiator
Pam Stringer Negotiator
Karen has lived locally all of her life, growing up in Teddington and moving to Hersham in 1990 when she purchased her first bungalow. Karen then travelled the world, and lived in New Zealand for two years before returning to Walton. She currently lives in Walton with her husband and two teenage children. Both of her children attended primary school in Walton, and now keep her busy with their social schedules.
Pam enjoyed an extensive career as part of the senior management team with Camelot, the founder and operator of the U.K. National Lottery, before her career took her towards property. Pam has a keen interest in property having renovated many houses over the last 20 years. Pam lives locally in West Molesey where she is currently busy revamping her latest house whilst also managing her recently acquired allotment. Pam also has two young grandchildren and a very active black Labrador, so just as well she loves being busy!
Richard began his career in property at just 18 years of age in 1988 and by the age of 21 he had worked his way up to become branch manager. Working with large national corporate estate agencies has given Richard the skills needed in the industry, whilst working with independent market leaders has given him the passion, drive and winning mentality that has helped him succeed in today’s market. Richard grew up locally in Lower Sunbury and bought his first house in Walton on Thames at the age of 21. He now lives in Weybridge, where he and his wife, two children and their Golden Retriever, Wilson, have lived for the past 18 years.
sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com
Harmes Turner Brown Victoria Close, West Molesey ÂŁ525,000 Freehold
Close to the River Thames, is this four bedroom end terrace home. Divided over three floors this home briefly comprises an entrance hallway, downstairs cloakroom, fourth bedroom/study and utility room. On the first floor there is a spacious living room, a separate dining area and a modern kitchen. On the second floor is the master bedroom, a second double room, a single room and the family bathroom. Outside offers a rear garden, a driveway and a garage. No onward chain.
Bishop Fox Way ÂŁ400,000 Freehold
A modern two bedroom house which also includes a detached studio. The property is on a popular development and briefly comprises an entrance porch, a stylish living area and a refitted kitchen, with patio doors to the rear and a downstairs cloakroom. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms, and a modern refitted shower room. Outside, there is a patio garden with an additional storage building and a covered seating area with off road parking to the front.
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01932 222266 Molesey 0208 001 8385 Walton on Thames
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Langton Road, West Molesey ÂŁ700,000 Freehold
This detached Victorian villa is within easy reach of Hampton Court station. The accommodation offers a wealth of character throughout and briefly comprises an entrance hall, bay fronted lounge/dining room, a kitchen with modern fitted units and a family bathroom with a four piece suite. On the first floor you will find three generous bedrooms and a separate cloakroom. Outside, the rear garden has a large patio with raised borders and side access. The front driveway provides off street parking.
Southmead Gardens, Teddington ÂŁ575,000 Leasehold
Harmes Turner Brown are pleased to offer this modern two bedroom duplex apartment in a quiet location within a short distance of the town centre with allocated off street parking. The property boasts many attractive features throughout. The accommodation is well presented and briefly comprises an open plan kitchen dining room, first floor living room with private roof terrace, two double bedrooms, en suite to master bedroom and an additional shower room. Offered for sale with no onward chain.
sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com
Our Community
THREE RIVERS ACADEMY ‘Bringing out the best’ One year on……… One year ago, on a somewhat chilly February morning, the students and staff of Three Rivers Academy stepped through the glass doors of their brand new, purpose-built school building that would become home. Under one roof, the school now offers a firstclass learning environment with state-of-theart facilities for a 21st century education. Practical and academic classrooms are light and airy and run alongside an awe inspiring 200 metre mall offering windows into the creative arts, science and design and technology. The main faculty subjects are represented by vivid colours making navigation around the school easy. The vast sports hall, ‘Multi Use Games Area’ and outdoor space mean that there are multiple sports for everyone to enjoy plus a huge dance studio, bespoke drama studio and music suite. As a school for the local community, the majority of the facilities are available for hire and numerous clubs have made Three Rivers Academy their home. As amazing as the new building is, Three Rivers Academy started its journey of school improvement in September 2016 when it joined The Howard Partnership Trust as a Partner school, benefiting from a wealth of expertise and additional support to help achieve its aims. The school remains committed to ‘bringing out the best’ in its students so they are happy and successful young people, maximising their lifechances.
So, one year on from moving into this fabulous new building it is timely for the school to reflect on its journey to date and celebrate some of the key achievements which include: • Improved public examination results with students working towards aspirational targets • Increased numbers on roll (both main school and Sixth Form) • Improved attendance to be in line with national average • New building with outstanding specialist facilities (February 2018) • Increased community engagement through a growing lettings programme • Recruitment and retention rates of specialist staff including ‘in shortage’ areas • 100% of staff agree that they are proud to be a member of staff at the school and that the school is well led and managed (November 2018) • Students feel safe and respected in the school (Student voice – Autumn 2018) • 96% of parents agree that their child is happy in school (Academic year 2017/18) • 94% of parents agree that their child is well taught (Academic year 2017/18) Headteacher Anne-Louise Payne said “We are all so very proud of our achievements to date and we welcome feedback from all members of our school community, please do share this with us via feedback@ threerivers.thpt.org.uk”
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Please contact the school office if you would like to arrange a tour to see the school in action. For more information and to see the latest video of the new school building visit www.threeriversacademy.org. uk and follow daily life via Facebook: Three Rivers Academy and Twitter: @3RiversSurrey #oneyearon
01932 222266 Molesey 0208 001 8385 Walton on Thames
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Thinking of letting your property? Find out more from our expert teams at HTB. BY LE HT T B
I
f you are considering letting
your home, why not contact our Lettings team to find out more
about the outstanding service we offer. From full management, rent collection or our standard intro service, we offer
exceptional advice at a competitive fee. We have a large database of private &
corporate tenants looking for both long term and short term lets.
People become Landlords for many
reasons and regardless of your reason, you need a letting agent you can trust.
Trust to give you accurate advice, clear
guidance on the process, legislation and tax, find you a reliable tenant and look after your property.
You need to know your investment is in safe hands. And you can rest assured with Harmes Turner Brown you and
your property are in safe hands with us. We have a dedicated team of experts at both our branches, for further details contact:
Lettings, Walton on Thames 01932 222266 (option 2) Lettings, East Molesey 0208 001 8385 (option 2)
Albany Road, Hersham LET IN HERSHAM VILLAGE This beautifully presented character home is conveniently located within easy reach of both Walton on Thames & Hersham mainline stations. The landlord has updated the home to a particularly high standard throughout and briefly includes two reception rooms, large family room/kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The rear garden faces south and backs the playing field behind, whilst the front provides off street parking on the private drive.
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T LE HTB BY
Rosemary Avenue, West Molesey LET IN WEST MOLESEY
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Annaleigh Place, Hersham LET IN HERSHAM
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Ashley Road, Walton on Thames LET IN WALTON ON THAMES
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Exclusively At Harmes Turner Brown
Giving you peace of mind every time Our innovative approach to marketing, together with our unrivalled customer care, makes us the right choice to market your property and guide you through your move
I’m marketing my property with Harmes Turner Brown How long have you lived there? 11 Years
Why did you buy the house? Because of it’s location near the school
What is the best feature? The open-plan kitchen dining space great for entertaining
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Whether you’re looking to sell or put your property up for rental, when you choose to market your property with Harmes Turner Brown, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Selling your property A leading independent agent covering Walton on Thames, Hersham, Weybridge, Molesey and Esher, the name Harmes Turner Brown is synonymous with trust, excellence and integrity. With decades of experience, specialising in all aspects of residential property, our friendly, enthusiastic and professional service ensures that our clients continually return to sell and buy through us. We also recognise the importance of marketing, so your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our window display. Exclusively to us in our area, your property will receive its very own FREE microsite showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and a property brochure. Sharing your personalised website across the social
networks widens the audience for your property, to find the right buyer and increasing the chances of a quicker sale. Our qualified database of home buyers will be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback.
through us, your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our prominent window display.
Quite simply we endeavour to sell your home for the best price, in the shortest possible time, providing you an outstanding service, with a personal and friendly approach.
Letting your property When it comes to letting, as Harmes Turner Brown are members of certified accreditations, you can have peace of mind that your property is in safe hands as we ensure you are fully compliant with your landlord duties. We offer a comprehensive range of services for you to choose from including areas such as Tenant Introduction, Rent Collection, Gas Safety Checks, in-depth Inventory reports, Deposit registration, insurance-based Rent Guarantee and Legal cover policies. As with selling, when you choose to let
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The power of social media Your property will also receive its very own FREE property website showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and property brochures; something that we are proud to say is exclusive to Harmes Turner Brown in our area. In addition, our qualified database of tenants will also be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback. All our tenants are fully referenced and vetted, making sure the highest of standards are met to find the right tenant for you. By sharing your personalised websites with family and friends across the social networks you will be widening the audience to find the right buyer or tenant for your property, increasing the chances of a quicker sale or rental.
High street window display
Print marketing: Property brochure, photography and floorplans COMMON MARKETING
Accompanied viewings (Drones, 360 tours)
Want to find out more about our range of exclusive services?
Portals and websites
Then please feel free to pop in or give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Video microsite on our website
Rightmove featured property advertising* Feature in our monthly magazine
UNIQUE with Harmes Turner Brown
When you choose to market your property with Harmes Turner Brown, you can be confident that we’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly
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1
ACTIVATE
2
RECEIVE YOUR VERY OWN
EXCLUSIVE PERSONALISED
SHARE
PROPERTY WEBSITE
SOLD
3
SELL Feature on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Property video
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All our applicants receive your property on their own search for a home website
PROUD TO BE
ABOVE PAR
We promise to hit the mark when you market your property with us. What’s more, we’ll give you a FREE personalised property website to share on social media. Contact us today for your FREE valuation.
Tel. Walton 01932 222266 | Molesey 0208 001 8385 Email. sales@htbproperty.com | lettings@htbproperty.com Web. htbproperty.com