select ISSUE 20 SPRING 2021
COVID-19 SECURE This magazine has been delivered in compliance with the UK Govenment’s Covid-19 risk management guidance
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GET SET FOR SPRING GARDENING CAN A SPRING CLEAN BE GREEN?
Get to know the parks of Newcastle a little better 1
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Bay Podiatry Welcome to Select magazine, a quarterly publication, featuring a mix of local business articles, editorial features and adverts from some of the finest businesses in the local area.
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Get to know the parks of Newcastle a little better
During these unprecedented times, and in the midst of another lockdown, it is vital that we look after ourselves both mentally and physically. Whilst we cant connect with each other as much as we would like, now is the perfect time to re-connect with nature. Spending time in nature, and within all the government guidelines, has been proven to directly and positively affect our cognitive function. Scientists increasingly recognise the beneficial effects of being exposed to nature on immune functioning, mood and feelings of well-being. Experiencing nature has been shown to reduce stress levels, help people feel less overwhelmed and more in control of the situation. We have been encouraged to exercise as local as possible throughout the duration of lockdown,
with most of us being restricted to the same walks day in day out. So, once measures ease slightly, here are a few parks slightly further afield for you to explore...
Armstrong Park
This historic park, gifted to the people of Newcastle by Lord Armstrong in 1878, sits on the East bank of the Ouseburn Valley and is recorded in the Ancient Woodland inventory with many oak, elm, beech, ash and sycamore trees. The park is well connected to Jesmond Dene and Heaton Park by a good network of paths, making it popular for dog walking and informal exercise. The tennis and basketball courts and bowling green are well used and the play area is popular with families or there are plenty of grassy open spaces to burn off some energy.
Photo by Philip Atkinson on Unsplash
PARK LIFE
The post medieval watermill was restored in 2011 using Heritage Lottery Funding. And make sure you discover King John’s Well – thought to once be a medicinal spring for King John’s Palace (the remains of which can still be seen in Heaton Park).
Brandling Park
Officially opened in 1880, Brandling Park is a small Victorian park and can be found adjacent to the Great North Road. Despite its busy location, the popular park maintains a quiet village green atmosphere and is made up of informal lawned areas, lined by trees and a pleasant mix of flowers and shrubs. Its relaxed nature makes it a popular meeting place for local
urbangreennewcastle.org
LOCAL
Exhibition Park
Exhibition Park has always been a popular location for events in the city. It was the location of the 1887 Royal Jubilee Exhibition which attracted over two million visitors and the 1929 North East Coast Exhibition also took place in the park. The impressive art deco Palace of the Arts is the only remaining building of the 1929 North East Coast Exhibition and is now home to Wylam Brewery, with a micro-brewery on site and a vibrant events venue that can host up to 800 people. The park has a stunning mix of tree-lined paths, large informal lawned areas, beautiful flowerbeds and a stunning lake that is home to a family of swans and ducks. Exhibition Park has something for everyone with a popular play area, large open spaces for ball games or a relaxing picnic, a large skatepark and outdoor gym equipment. The network of footpaths and cycle paths makes it a popular with people working or studying in the city centre and is well used for dog walking, running or just chilling out. There are also two croquet lawns and a pavilion with an active club house and tennis courts that are free to play.
Gosforth Central Park
This popular park in the heart of Gosforth plays host to over 200
trees, where a wide range of species and lime trees line the pathways. The War Memorial is Grade II Listed and a focal point for the annual remembrance service. Gosforth Central Park offers an excellent range of leisure and play facilities for all ages including a popular play area for under 14s (with swings, slides and climbing units, tennis and basketball courts, a men’s
urbangreennewcastle.org
residents and students and is popular for walking and informal recreation. The good network of footpaths and cycle paths makes it popular for those working in the city centre. Brandling Park is connected to nearby Exhibition Park by an underpass, where you will find facilities including a café and toilets.
bowling club, and large informal grassed areas which is great for ball games, picnics and dog walking. The formal flowerbeds feature a mix of flowers and shrubs, with ornamental roses and spectacular spring bulbs and make sure you visit the wildflower meadow and wildlife
pond which is a haven for local wildlife.
Heaton Park
Heaton Park, in the heart of a thriving community, is packed with history as well as stunning variety of seasonal flowerbeds, shrubs and trees. The park has an excellent network of footpaths to explore, connecting the park to nearby Ouseburn Park, Armstrong Park and Jesmond Dene. The beautiful Victorian Pavilion and Terrace, dating back to 1880 is a focal point and the perfect spot on a sunny day to watch the world go by and enjoy the fine views across the park. Refurbished in 2011 with Heritage Lottery Funding, the Pavilion is home to the popular Sambuca Italian restaurant. Heaton Park boasts two excellent play areas and plenty of open spaces for informal games and family fun. Look out for the 13th century ruins of King John's Palace (a fortified manor house) and the original gates and pillars to the park still exist at the entrance off Heaton Park View and Heaton Road.
Jesmond Dene Park
Jesmond Dene is the jewel in the crown of Newcastle's parks and green spaces. The Dene is packed
“The River Ouseburn was used to power the mills of the industrial revolution. You will find evidence of the area’s industrial heritage within the Dene today.” 7
urbangreennewcastle.org Photo by Philip Atkinson on Unsplash
full of historic and natural features and masses of wildlife, flowers and ancient woodland for everyone to enjoy. The River Ouseburn was used to power the mills of the industrial revolution. You will find evidence of the area’s industrial heritage within the Dene today. By 1862 William Armstrong had purchased most of the Dene and had built his house (Jesmond Dene House) and transformed the dene into his private garden, creating waterfalls, a grotto and planting many exotic trees and shrubs. In 1883 Armstrong gifted his garden back to the people of Newcastle and it was officially opened to the public in 1884. Jesmond Dene is home to Pets Corner. The popular attraction opened in the 1960s and continues to delight families with young children. Next door you will find the Visitor Centre which includes a gift shop, café, classroom, toilets and meetings space. There is a play area next to Pets Corner, designed and built as part of the Ouseburn Parks Lottery Project in 2011. Jesmond Dene is an ancient woodland and of geological interest. The dominant tree species are English, with a mix of exotic species. 8
Wildlife can be found in abundance - with otters, kingfishers and dippers known to have breeding sites on the river. The excellent network of paths, connecting Jesmond Dene to neighbouring Ouseburn parks makes Jesmond Dene popular with dog walkers, runners and walkers looking to get away from it all.
Jesmond Vale
Jesmond Vale is a mix of woodland and grassland to the south of Jesmond Dene and Armstrong Bridge with a network of footpaths connecting it to Jesmond Dene, Armstrong Park and Ouseburn Park. Jesmond Vale is a quieter park perfect for walking and dog walking and enjoying some peace and tranquillity away from busy urban living.
Leazes Park
Leazes Park is a traditional Victorian park in the centre of Newcastle. In
“Leazes Park is a rare gem that’s full of history and perfect for a stroll.” the shadow of St James’ Park and opposite the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), this mature well-kept green space is a rare gem that’s full of history and perfect for a stroll. The park officially opened in 1873, and boasts a lake (which was originally intended for ice-skating and boating) and is stocked and fished by Leazes Park Angling Association. With meandering tree-lined paths that change throughout the seasons, it’s an all-round great place to relax. There are lots of benches to sit and read a book or enjoy some lunch and watch the world go by. A large play area can be found in the woodland to the north of the park and is separated into two areas so children of all ages can enjoy playing.
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
Havana Vibes in the Heart of Tynemouth Based in The Land of Green Ginger on Tynemouth front street, Cubana Coffee brings Havana vibes to the area, with a unique and innovative menu fully of locally sourced sustainable food and drinks. The menu is packed with speciality creations, all unique to the area. Their mouth watering tapas selection boasts 12 inventive creations, including the Gourmet award winning scotch eggs made from local rare breed pigs, from the Clucking Pig Co., the exotic sounding Caribbean meatballs, and the must-try Flambeau Brandy Choritzo. The choices on offer also include sides such as truffle oil and parmesan chips, halloumi chips and a selection of artisan breads, as well as their famous Cubanos sandwich, which is marinated in magic mojo. You can try their award winning artisan coffee from Iron & Fire, which brings fresh Latino bean to machine. Also on the menu is their Dreamy Hot Chocolate, specialised tea from the Tea Pig Company as well as Marlish soft drinks, all natural, organic and sugar free, with water sourced from our very own Northumbrian hills. For those who hanker for something a little stronger you can sample their Brandy Champers Sangria or Caribbean Rum Sangria.
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Whatever you fancy from their menu (see a sample below), there is a choice of mouth watering foods with a twist. Whilst we are in lockdown, Cubana are operating a takeaway and delivery service only, open from Friday to Sunday. Keep an eye on their facebook page for updates on opening times and any menu changes. ■ Cubana Coffee House, Land of Green Ginger, 78 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4BP. Tel: 07935 009 072 www.cubanacoffee.co.uk Facebook.com/cubanacoffeehousetynemouth
Cubana Coffee House
Let our Chef do the cooking for you! Takeaway & Delivery Available
Why not try the Famous Cubanos Sandwich or choose from our range of 12 Tapas including Chorizos, Pigs Cheeks braised in Sherry, Gambas, Potato Bravas & more!
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www.cubanacoffee.co.uk Call 07935 009 072
★ Cubana Coffee House | Land of Green Ginger | 78 Front Street | Tynemouth | NE30 4BP ★
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A D V E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E
Say hello to a brighter future After a year full of social challenges and extraordinary human endeavour to stay well and connected with loved ones, we can all look forward to brighter prospects. Throughout the pandemic, Concept Eye Clinic has been at the fore in providing a vital eye health service for the local community. Our people are at the helm of what we do here. It’s not just an eye examination on offer, but a service where you can feel safe and nurtured. Many of us have used computer and tablet screens more than ever before during lockdown, and protecting our vision has never been more critical. Sam, our clinic lead at Tynemouth has seen the impact of this with patients: “We’ve helped people experiencing vision deterioration, difficulty in reading, and who have noticed a progressive change in their vision through eye strain, headaches and dry eyes. The good news is that throughout restrictions, people are entitled to medical appointments and at Concept, we’ve remained open to provide a key health service for our community”. It’s never too late to trust your instincts and book an appointment. Ask Ross Dempster, our resident optician: “We’re privileged to have the latest Zeiss technology at hand which means that even with a routine eye examination we can detect often ‘symptomless’ vision threatening conditions. Remember, an eye examination is not just to help optimise how well you can see, it’s essentially about your well being, quality of life and the health of your eyes. I’m passionate about preventative care”. So once you’ve booked your 14
eye MOT ready for a spring in your step for a positive new year, how about a new pair of glasses? Bespoke spectacle styling is what sets Concept apart as a boutique practice. In these challenging times, investment in our well being has never been more important. The frame collection here reflects our lifestyle and aspirations. With Concept’s affordable care plans starting from £5.99p/m, looking stylish does not have to break the bank. Spectacles have come a long way in their evolution from medical frames! Our Tynemouth practice offers a rare, fresh perspective for younger and older audience groups. From the quiet confidence of Lindberg, to the glamour of Tom Ford and the free spirit of Oliver Peoples, you can reflect who you want to be. With clever craftsmanship and design detail, there’s something special here for everyone because individual style and personality is respected as part of our unique ethos and frame-work of client care. Your spectacles are more than a vision aid. They are also a lifestyle statement and more than ever, they’re an important emotional investment. At Concept we recognise this. Ask our creative stylist Sarah: “I love beautiful design and take pride in guiding my client to choose the right shape to suit their face. Our lives are busy enough, but it’s important to take time to understand what
ROSS
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someone truly needs. The look of delight when they collect their new frames is what makes it magical”. ■ Concept Eye Clinic 25 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX. Tel: 0191 285 1603 concepteyeclinic.com
FRAME OF THE SEASON The Takumi 1 is exquisit el y, det ai l ed. I t ’s c l ass i c pant o l ens s h ape is dedicated to th e Oliver Peoples Takumi collection and f eat ures a uni que, v i nt age i ns pi r ed patter n A su n g las s clip co mes in 4 differen t c ol ours. Per f ec t l y st y l i s h sungl as s es to welco me Spr in g !
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T &C ’ S A PPLY
LIFESTYLE
The Rise of
By Tracey Anderson
Athleisure Wear It's stating the obvious to say that COVID has changed everything. It's even changed the way we dress. With so many of us working from home there has been a surge in demand for comfy clothes, that don't constrict or constrain, but which still allow us to look professional on Zoom calls and in Team meetings. Enter athleisure wear Athleisure wear is a combination of sports, urban, and fashion wear, but it's more than the sum of its parts. It has grown as a trend because it blends the aesthetics from both the sports and fashion industries, with fashion offering credibility to the sports aesthetic, while the sports provides some functionality to the fashion. Athletic brands have to stay ahead of the game by developing high-tech fabrics, with better performance and more comfort. The fashion industry, on the other hand, has always focused more on trends and less on comfort and functionality. But who doesn’t want to be comfortable in their clothes? We feel most naturally confident when our clothes are comfortable, and we know we look good. This is the beauty of athleisure wear – it isn’t just for sport; it can be worn anytime and anywhere. For this reason, it has attracted new fans during the age of COVID and homeworking. We can wear athleisure while lounging, walking the dog, hosting a meeting, or cooking supper. It's comfortable, durable, odour-resistant, and wrinkle-free. It’s becoming so popular it’s beginning to eat into the usually stable denim market: in recent surveys in the UK and the US more people now claim to prefer athleisure aesthetics over denim for their casual wear.
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Expert Tips on Choosing the Right Carpet Paul Taylor, owner of Castle Carpets in Morpeth, gives us some handy hints about carpet buying and ensuring you make the right choice. Choosing the right colour, shade and fibre of your carpet can be quite a daunting task, and there is so much choice out there that it can become very confusing. So, with this in mind, here are a few tips from the expert.... The room you are looking to carpet should narrow down your options. For example, in a room with a high traffic area such as the hallway or stairs, a carpet with a dense, low pile tuft will perform better than a soft, deeper pile carpet like a Saxony, as these are more likely to flatten more quickly. The higher the weight and density of the carpet, the longer it will stay looking at its best. You can then take the option of a softer, more luxurious pile for a bedroom carpet, as there will usually be minimum foot flow, and more often than not you will be wearing slippers or even going bare-foot. At Castle Carpets we would always advise that you take home a sample of the carpet you are considering so you can see the colour against your own furniture and décor. It is also advisable to keep samples overnight so you can see the colour in both daylight and at night.
Wool or Man-Made... What’s the Difference? Wool is generally used in higher quality carpets. You usually pay a little more for a natural fibre, but it is highly durable and retains its appearance remarkably well whilst also being perfect for reducing noise and heat loss. Man-Made fibres are often available in a much wider colour spectrum, that can not be produced in wool, and often have built-in stain resistance with many being able to be cleaned using a bleach cleaning solution. They are a good all-rounder for families because of their durability. So, if you are considering a new carpet, call in to our showroom on Coopies Lane, Industrial Estate, Morpeth, where we will be on hand to give our expert advice and help you find the perfect floor covering for your home. We also offer a free no obligation measuring service.
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LIFESTYLE
Can a Spring Clean be Green?
By Sarah Davey
When the spring light catches the surfaces in my home, I see smears and dust, and I fall victim to ‘the spring-cleaning bug’. Suddenly I want to scrub, dust and polish everything in sight. A few years ago I made a big effort to become a ‘greener cleaner’. I worried about the active ingredients in my cleaning products and wondered how much damage that chemical cocktail was doing to the planet? Most of us have a miniature chemical factory stashed under our sinks: detergents, bleaches, and degreasers, all containing potentially hazardous substances which find their way into groundwater and contaminate the lakes and the oceans. Phosphates are some of the main culprits. They are common in laundry detergents and some cleaning products. An average consumer uses the equivalent of 14Kg of detergent a year. High phosphate levels in water cause ‘algae blooms’ which contribute to the death of fish and other water-dwelling creatures. These algae blooms are becoming more common thanks to a combination of pollutants and global warming. Cleaning products can have an adverse effect on our health. Household ammonia is often found in window or general glass cleaners. It is a skin and eye irritant and deadly to fish, even in low concentrations, so it’s not something we should flush down our drains. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is corrosive and an eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. It is especially toxic to people with heart conditions or asthma. D-limonene is a degreasant found in citrus and orange cleaners. It is also a neurotoxin, an irritant and can cause respiratory distress. But as I investigated Eco products I stumbled into a minefield. Many big companies produce eco-brands, but this involves ‘greenwashing’, 20
which is defined as an attempt to make consumers believe a company is doing more to protect the environment than it actually is. They use unregulated words like ‘natural’ and ‘eco-friendly’ while still using potentially harmful chemicals. They don’t list ingredients or information about manufacture and supply, and if you check their websites there are no environmental targets published nor information about progress on their environmental impact. I won’t lie, truly environmentally friendly products are more expensive so the cheapest way to do a green spring clean is to make your own and there are some great websites around with detailed instructions on how to do just this. I did try to make my own but found that work constraints meant I struggled with some of the more time-consuming concoctions, but I’ve listed a couple of websites in case you feel you’d like to try this. I am a huge fan of distilled white vinegar which I use to clean toilets, windows, and mirrors. I also like
Bicarbonate of Soda which is a great degreaser, scouring agent, and deodoriser. For ready-made cleaning products I’ve suggested a couple of UK websites which are certified environmentally and vegan friendly. I’m not perfect. Sometimes I do grab a regular cleaning product for convenience but I’m gradually becoming greener and if we all switched even one or two of our products for a greener cleaner, the planet would thank us. Homemade product recipes and lifestyle advice www.moralfibres.co.uk www.madeleineolivia.co.uk Certified environmentally friendly companies www.biod.co.uk www.greenscents.co.uk Be sure to check out Buy The Kilo, Tynemouth’s first zero waste, plastic free store, who offer a range of eco friendly cleaning products: www.buy-the-kilo.com
TYNEMOUTH'S FIRST ZERO WASTE PLASTIC-FREE STORE
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
A Success Story for Morpeth Maximize Education is a private educational facility providing supportive and alternative education for students funded both privately and via local government. The business was founded in Morpeth by Christine Jamieson, who built up its reputation for delivering bespoke individual tuition for students of all ages, across a full range of academic subjects. She recognised the need to professionalise the private tutorial industry to ensure tutors provided tuition reflecting the national curriculum and examination board specifications while observing the necessary requirements of safeguarding. The intention was always to ensure that parents and students were given access to highly qualified professional educators, across as many subjects as required, in the most cost-effective way. The standards were set high with a determination ensure services continued to be one to one. The development of locally based tuition centres began in 2019, first in Gosforth then Morpeth when a suitable property became available. The onset of the pandemic brought about new challenges, however, Maximize Education adapted and evolved to meet the challenge and invested heavily in the Morpeth Tuition Centre to ensure a Covid safe
environment for students and staff, welcoming new and old students back into the learning environment. On the 7th September 2020 Maximize Education’s Online Tuition Services went National. The uptake has ensured that this locally developed business is not only surviving the pandemic, but marching forward, creating ongoing employment opportunities for a growing team in their Morpeth based Head Office. ■ www.maximizeeducation.com
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Get Set for Spring Gardening Spring 2021 gardening guide from the experts at Dobbies Garden Centres
As drifts of cheery yellow daffodils start to appear, brighter days are on the way, as spring officially begins on Saturday 20th March 2021. A busy time in the gardeners’ calendar, once the chance of frost has passed it’s the perfect time to head outside and get growing. Not your average garden centre, Dobbies is on hand to help you make the most of your garden, however big or small - from balconies to patios or flower bed filled back gardens. Whether you’re just finding your green fingers, or an accomplished grower, there is plenty to keep you busy on your doorstep this spring.
Resident gardening expert and Horticultural Director at Dobbies, Marcus Eyles, shares his top jobs for the start of the spring gardening season: 1.
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Garden spring clean - After a wet and windy winter, it’s time to take on the disarray of leaves and unkept sheds and get them tidy, ready for the return of the warmer gardening tasks. Declutter garden sheds, rake fallen leaves from lawns and give garden furniture a clean, making sure this is cleaned according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Pick up the paintbrush - Take the opportunity to give the fence a fresh coat of stain for the new season, or even a fresh lick of paint to transform the overall look and feel of your garden. This is a nice job on a mild sunny afternoon, just be sure to check the weather forecast so you can plan painting around at least a few dry days either side Prepare soil - Prepare your soil for the growing season by working in a layer of around 5cm of manure to flower and vegetable beds. Plant up - In terrace gardens, plant pots, hanging baskets and window boxes with a cheerful display of early season bedding plants including Pansies, Violas and potted bulbs. One of the most economical ways to fill your tubs and baskets with colour this coming summer, is to grow your own bedding plants from young plants available now. Grow on under cover until all frosts have passed. Get summer bulbs ready - Spring is the perfect time to plant your beautiful summer flowering bulbs such as Gladiolus and Lilies.
All products available at Dobbies
SPRING GARDENING CALENDAR ideas for your monthly garden focus
March
Hardy plants: Blossom (e.g. Magnolias & Cherries & Clematis Montana) Flower garden: Lupins, Delphiniums, Hollyhocks & Foxgloves Bedding plants: Dianthus including Pink Kisses Grow your own: Herbs & Strawberries
April Hardy plants: Acers Flower garden: Aubretia & Saxifrage Bedding plants: Marguerites Grow your own: Tomatoes
6.
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Dahlias and Begonias should also be started now too, however these should be started off in pots under the protection of any early spring frost, in a greenhouse or potting shed. Grow your own - Plant soft fruit now, such as Raspberries, Blackcurrants and Blueberries. Mulch existing rows of Raspberry canes and fruit bushes. Plant Rhubarb remembering to allow enough room for them to develop to their full size. Add a thick layer of farmyard manure around your new plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Welcome feathered friends - Birds are an important part of a garden’s ecosystem and are easy to attract with feeding and shelter. No bird friendly garden is complete without a bird feeder or table, which you can then fill with nuts, seeds and homemade fat balls.
May
Hardy plants: Clematis and climbing plants Flower garden: Lavender Bedding plants: Geraniums Grow your own: Vegetable Plants
Beginner gardener? My advice is start simple. Gardening research can be great fun as there are amazing books, blogs and Instagram accounts out there for inspiration. Create a shopping list and don’t be nervous to ask questions! Rewild and watch for wildlife We have seen the rise in popularity of ‘rewilding’ gardens, where neat and manicured lawns have been replaced with a desire to create more natural, wildlife friendly habitats to attract garden insects, hedgehogs, bees, butterflies and birds. One approach is to create one ‘wild area’ in your garden, where you leave plants that are often cut down to grow, such as stinging nettles which provide a home for moths and butterflies. Small changes made by many can make a big difference. Why not spend a spring morning outside on wildlife watch with youngsters, taking pictures of what you spot and keeping a tally of all the different types of garden wildlife – from ladybugs to caterpillars, it’s a fun game for little explorers and a great way to get them engaged in the natural world that’s around them.
■ Find your local Dobbies
at Gosforth Park, Gosforth, NE3 5EP. www.dobbies.com Listen to the Dobbies gardening podcast for more expert advice and trend insights: www.dobbies. com/content/podcast.html 25
Wordsearch Can you find all of the Greek and Roman gods hidden in the grid? Aphrodite Apollo Ares Artemis Athena Ceres Demeter Diana Dionysos Hephaestos Hera Hermes Juno Jupiter
Mars Mercury Minerva Neptune Poseidon Venus Vesta Vulcan Zeus
Sudoku Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.
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Meet the Vet Team at North Tyneside
Fran ce s - Ow ne r/ Di re ct or
Fiona
Va l
Contact us for an appointment today Vets4Pets North Tyneside 18 Barnstaple Road, North Shields, NE29 8QD
Call: 0191 296 3311 or visit: vets4pets.com/northtyneside
We are now accepting new clients
Rache l
Sach
Rend & Mend
★★★★★
“We are thrilled with our low maintenance lawn. We can guarantee that Simon will go above and beyond to provide his customers with an outstanding product and service.”
TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN
- LEIGH & CHRIS
Enjoy a tidy, mud-free, low-maintenance garden all year round with a high quality artificial grass installation from SR Works. ➤ UNRIVALLED ARTIFICIAL GRASS SPECIALISTS ➤ TRAINED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD IN DOMESTIC GRASS INSTALLATION ➤ FIRST CLASS SERVICE ➤ LANTRA TRAINED INSTALLER Simon Rnic, Director of SR Works Ltd has a background in civil aircraft safety critical equipment design. This has heavily influenced his unique approach to artificial grass installation, which focuses on the need to ensure high quality standards are always achieved.
CALL SIMON ON 07734 679 747 email: simon@srworks.co.uk
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www.srworks.co.uk
TILE NORTH EAST
LTD
K I T C H E N T I L E S | B AT H R O OM T I L E S | F LO O R T I L E S
UNIT 3, HUBBWAY BUSINESS CENTRE, CRAMLINGTON, NE23 8AD OPPOSITE AZURE GARDEN CENTRE Tel: 01670 716 767 Email: tilenortheast@outlook.com www.tilenortheast.com
NewSpace Loft Storage We create space so everything has a place
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WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN CREATING HOBBY ROOMS
Add storage space in your property with our special loft package which includes:
Our hobby/play rooms are a fantastic alternative to a full loft conversion and at a fraction of the price, they provide valuable space for a variety of uses.
• Loft Ladder • New hatch • Light with Switch • Flooring SUPPLIED & INSTALLED
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Call us today for friendly advice and an estimate 07973 957 481 or 07931 801 472 info@newspaceloftstorage.co.uk
www.newspaceloftstorage.co.uk 29
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Why choose Doggy Days Creche? BECAUSE IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DOG!
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warded a 5 Star Rating from Northumberland County Council and entrusted to care for the region’s canine companions since 2003, Doggy Days is where your dog would choose. Spanning across 200 square metres, with indoor day care, pampering in the grooming salon, and even a doggy boutique, we've got everything your furry friend could wish for all under one roof. With limited dog numbers and a thorough 20-hour assessment of each dog, (complete with school reports) everyones safety is assured, making us the premier dog day care facility in the area. Our experienced, professional day care team understand what dogs need for their physical and mental wellbeing. With their considerable experience, the team can read dog body language and know how to provide safe, enjoyable fun for dogs, no matter what their size or age. You can rest assured your dog is in safe hands while they have fun, meaning you can get on with your day without worry. The salon team handle dogs with patience and kindness, making sure
that they're comfortable and relaxed while being pampered. After all, a visit to the salon should be about feeling good as well as looking. In the salon you can choose from a range of services from a simple bath & brush to our full grooming package, all of which include nail trim and ear cleaning as standard. If you really want to pamper your pooch you can upgrade to our VIP Premium Care Package, this includes teeth cleaning, paw’s waxed, luxury facial, body massage, shine serum, spritz of cologne, all with the use of premium grooming products & a free gift, all for just £10. Even in the boutique, the team have selected a range of unique products for your dog that you simply won't find on the high street. High quality toys, indulgent treats and fabulous accessories that your dog will love are all here - in fact, treating your dog to something special has never been easier. Based in Cramlington, we are easily accessible by road or on public
transport. We also offer a collection and delivery service making it easy for your dog to visit, even if you can't come along yourself. We know dogs are a big part of family life. As dog owners ourselves, we understand what matters is their safety and happiness. We also know balancing busy lives with a dog’s needs can be difficult. That's why we're here to help you and your dog have a better life together. So why would you choose Doggy Days? Because it's all about YOUR dog! ■ www.doggy-days.co.uk Call 01670 716666 facebook.com/doggydayscreche Unit 7-8 Hubbway Business Centre, Bassington Lane, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 8AD
The Carpet and Flooring Specialists
NEW TO THE GOSFORTH AREA! OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FLOORING MARKET EXPERIENCE A SERVICE THAT IS SECOND TO NONE Top quality, honest and personable approach to flooring; ensuring ALL customer expectations are not only met, but exceeded. We give honest advice and options and allow YOU to make the right decision for yourself!
FREE MEASURING SERVICE • FREE SAMPLING FREE APPOINTMENTS AND ADVICE IN STORE AND AT YOUR HOME EXPERT ADVICE AND DESIGN SERVICE
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FLOORSCOPE NEWCASTLE • 0191 284 4884 1-3 Causey Street, Gosforth NE3 4DJ
Floorscope Northumberland • 01661 826 333 Unit B, Station Road, Prudhoe, Northumberland NE42 6NP
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
German Language Learning for 2021 SUSANNE WARDLE, DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF THE GERMAN TEACHER, EXPLAINS WHY LEARNING A LANGUAGE COULD BENEFIT YOU IN 2021
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ould German language learning be your resolution for 2021? Finally, the year 2020 has gone and, despite the ongoing challenges due to Covid-19, it is time to think about the fulfilment of plans, dreams and the achievement of goals for 2021. However, while 60% of people make New Year’s resolutions, most give up by the 12th of January and 43% in under a month. As a matter of fact, only 8-12% of all resolutions see their fulfilment by the end of the year.
LET IT BE GERMAN Whether you have always wanted to learn a new language or refresh your language from school, German is a great choice for any English speaker. Undeniably German is similar to English, as you say the letters you see and it is very structured. Whether you decide to learn German or any other language, here are the top tips: Firstly, pick a language which is relevant to you. So, it might be your holiday destination, or you might have friends who are native speakers or speak the language well. Do you need the language for work or will it further your career? Did you enjoy the language at school and wished you kept it up? Do you enjoy German films, books, music or composers? Whatever your reason, if the language is relevant to you, you will put the work in to learn it! Secondly, you could learn a language with a partner, friend, group or your children? It is fun to learn together and apart from practising, you can correct and challenge each other. Expect challenges on the way and have realistic expectations. It is unlikely that you will achieve fluency within a few months unless you have some prior knowledge. Your life will get busy at times and your language learning might not be your priority. Be clear in your goal settings and convey this to your language teacher! What do you want to get out of your language learning? Any professional language teacher will have that conversation with you and tailor the lesson to your needs. Make a commitment to learning! 10 minutes of vocabulary learning a day is better than 1 hour in 7 days. Complete the set homework! 32
“A different language is a different version of life” - FREDERICO FELLINI – FILM DIRECTOR
Have fun with the language: Listen to songs, label your house with post-its, write your shopping list in German, try your German out on friends and on holiday and watch German language films with subtitles. BENEFITS OF LEARNING A LANGUAGE • It opens your world to another way of thinking while gaining a deeper understanding of your own culture. • Languages let you connect you with different people and a different culture and limit barriers between people. • Foreign languages improve your analytical and problem-solving skills. • A foreign language opens the door to art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine, film, philosophy, science. • It undoubtedly has health benefits, as it sharpens your memory and helps to prevent the onset of dementia. • Learning a language is fun and gives you a sense of achievement. In brief, whatever your New Year’s Resolutions for 2021, make language learning one of them. There is no age limit and you might surprise yourself. Absolutely consider German as an option. It has a lot to offer and is easier than you think! ■ www.germanteacher.uk
WE CAN CLEAR.
GUTTER CLEANING SPECIALISTS
We use a powerful vacuum to reach up and clear debris & even grass from your gutters. BEFORE
WE CAN CLEAN.
From the ground we clean your guttering & fascia boards to remove unsightly staining. AFTER
WE CAN ALSO CLEAN Conservatories and conservatory roofs. HOW MUCH IS IT?
We can quote instantly. No visit required. We just need to know how many bedrooms you have & your postcode.
Hello, I’m Larry
I own & operate GutterPRO across North Shields,Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Shiremoor, Wallsend and the surrounding areas. Because its’s my business , you’ll get a personal service and be certain we’ll clear up thoroughly after the job.
GET A QUOTE & BOOK ONLINE
GutterPRO.co.uk gutterpronortheast Call
0191 654 0035 mobile: 07813 306711 Fully Insured Uniformed Staff Before & After Photos Cards Accepted
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
GIVE SOMEONE POWER OF ATTORNEY… BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE Lasting Powers of Attorney are invaluable documents as part of the overall planning of your estate as managing your financial affairs can become more difficult as you get older. If a person is unable to manage their affairs due to mental incapacity and they have not made a valid Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney, their assets will be frozen as no one (including their spouse and children) has the authority to deal with them. At this point someone will need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as the person’s Deputy. The Court will then authorize the Deputy to deal with the person’s affairs in a certain manner. This is a very time consuming (around 6 months) and expensive (in the region of £1,750) process. This situation can be simply avoided through the making of a Lasting Power of Attorney. By making a Lasting Power of Attorney you can decide whom you would like to manage your affairs in the event that you are unable to do so either due to physical or mental incapacity. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney that can be made, one dealing with your property and financial affairs and the other dealing with your personal welfare.
PERSONAL WELFARE This power gives your attorney the authority to make decisions regarding your healthcare and medical treatment. PROPERTY AND AFFAIRS
This power enables your attorney to deal with your bank accounts and your property. This includes decisions in relation to selling or renting your property, paying your bills, applying for benefits you are entitled to and all aspects of dealing with your bank accounts, savings and investments. 34
All work we undertake is at fixed fees: Single Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney: £300 inclusive of VAT Double Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (suitable for couples): £420 inclusive of VAT Single Will: £180 inclusive of VAT Mirror Will: £240 inclusive of VAT It is imperative that specialist advice is taken in order to ensure that the power given accurately reflects your wishes. Call Crichton Wills Trusts & Probate on 01670 514772 and speak to a specialist adviser today who will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and offers a free no obligation appointment in the comfort of your own home.
55 Beaumont Court, Pegswood, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1BF
Price of Family Trust £1,800 (inc. VAT)
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Sublime Sorrento
hills and brilliant blue sea, making for scenic views and interesting walks.
orrento offers an intoxicating mix of Italian culture, and it's an ideal base for exploring nearby Capri, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, and the Amalfi coast. The picturesque harbour town has been in use throughout European history, first as a Phoenician colony and later as a port for ancient Greece. During Roman times, Sorrento became an imperial holiday destination with Emperors Agrippa, Augustus and Antonius all having villas there. More recently, in the 18th Century, the town became one of the most significant Italian cities for intellectuals and artists like musician Richard Wagner and literary genius Charles Dickens to study Italian history, art and culture. As testament to Sorrento's romanticism, Casanova, possibly the most famous lover in the world, was a visitor to the town's alluring shores.
S
A WEALTH OF HISTORY For a history buffs, there’s much to see in the storied Italian town. These include the centuries-old Sorrento cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James, which was originally built in the Renaissance period. Though having been reconstructed several times since, the cathedral is still very much a portal from the period and features period frescos from Neapolitan painters. Another historical building worth a visit while in Sorrento is the Basilica of Saint Antonino. Erected around the 11th Century, it was built in honour of Saint Antonino, the patron saint of Sorrento and of navigators, at the site of a 9th century oratory. Today, Saint Antonino’s tomb is still adorned with gifts from local sailors seeking his protection from the seas. And then there’s the church and monastery of Saint Francis. It has an idyllic position in the surrounding hills overlooking the town and coastline. The tranquil and beautiful monastery cloisters have been restored during a number of architectural periods, hence its mix of late gothic to Renaissance styles. If you’re looking for more history and art than old churches can offer, then you should visit the Correale di Terranova museum which exhibits a wide range of Neapolitan paintings and decorative art. It also has an interesting collection of European clocks and one of the most prestigious collections of Chinese, European and Neapolitan porcelains of the 18th Century.
SPECTACULAR VIEWS Compared to other tourist hotspots in Italy, Sorrento has relatively few historical sights to see. Its main attraction, however, is the whole package. The town itself is laid upon a terrace perched high above the Campanian coast, offering spectacular panoramic views. Steps and narrow alleys winding down the cliff face reach the ancient main harbour, Marina Grande, and old-worldly hotels around the cliff top edges drip with colourful bougainvillaea. The area is also renowned for its citrus fruit orchards. Within Sorrento itself, the cafeacute culture around the main square, Piazza Tasso, bustles day and night. And the town’s modern architecture, seemingly piled on top of the old, creates interesting layers of history framed with green
PLENTY MORE TO SEE The beauty of a trip to Sorrento is that it often doesn’t end in Sorrento. From its lovely coast you can easily make a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both destroyed and preserved after the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. The cosmopolitan island of Capri is also just a boat ride from Sorrento's harbour. Once on the island, you can take the funicular to exclusive celebrity haunt, Anacapri, nestled high in the hills. And if you’d like to make more trips, try heading to the Amalfi coast, Italy's most romantic coastline, which is simply a bus or boat ride from Sorrento. At Amalfi, you’ll experience the quaint fishing villages, historic towns and stunning green hills and blue seas that have made the coast a favourite of celebrities.
Located on the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento offers an intoxicating mix of Italian culture and stunning views across hills and coastlines. It is also an ideal base for exploring other tourist hotspots in Italy.
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TROLLEY SERVICE, REPAIRS & BATTERIES Motocaddy, Powakaddy, Hillbilly Etc.
longer, straighter, F R E E hit more consistent CLUB shots by having your
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T: 0191 2702362 WE'RE CALL US FOR OPEN OPENING LATEST E: info@zflgolf.co.uk 9AM - 5.30PM TIMES TUES - SAT www.golfgear4less.co.uk UNIT 8D, NORTH TYNE IND. ESTATE, WHITLEY ROAD, BENTON, NE12 9SZ
Opposite ASDA Benton. Two minutes from A19 Whitley Bay Exit on A191 Old Coast Road
37
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ENJOY YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND WITH A THERMOS ROOF If you’re fed up with your conservatory being either freezing cold or blistering hot. Here, Thermos Roof explain how they have the answer
C
onservatories are a fantastic space to enjoy whilst looking out onto your garden, they are bright, spacious and give you a great sense of closeness to the outdoors. However, as most conservatory owners will know, whilst they bring all of those benefits, it is usually short lived and can only be enjoyed for two or three months of the year, the rest of those months being either freezing cold or blisteringly hot. At Thermos Roof, we have been insulating conservatory roofs since 2005 for two main reasons, firstly to increase its insulating performance and secondly to enhance its internal aesthetic appearance. Experience will have shown you that in the winter as soon as you open the door the heat is sucked out of your room into the conservatory and, during the summer, it becomes a dazzling sauna that’s so hot you need a fan to cool you down. At Thermos Roof we can transform your conservatory from a room you barely use into a room that you can enjoy all year round, because the temperature is comfortable and constant, you will even be able to watch TV or use a computer without sunglasses.
38 38
What is most impressive is that we can do this all in one day! With no mess! We retain your existing polycarbonate or glass roof and insulate it from the inside, finishing it in an attractive gloss white tongue and groove PVC cladding that matches perfectly with the rest of your conservatory construction. The materials we use are lightweight, therefore no roof strengthening is required, no planning application is necessary and no long periods of mess and upheaval in your home. In addition to this the look and finish of your Thermos Roof will be as fresh in 10 years as it is now. The performance of the lightweight insulation system will equal that of vastly more expensive options, with less mess and waste, and less time to install saving you thousands of pounds and allowing you to enjoy your conservatory immediately. We can install a Thermos Roof to conservatories of any size or shape transforming them into a flowing extension of your living space wherein its use is not dictated by the external weather conditions, it will become warm in winter and cool in summer.
In addition to the above benefits, our team will eliminate mould and condensation, reduce rain, noise and serve to cover up an unsightly dirty roof. The gloss white finish will make it brighter in the evenings by reflecting light and will give your conservatory that WOW factor, making it a great place to relax or work. All installations come with a 5 year warranty and we guarantee that you will be amazed with both the improved appearance and the insulating performance of your new roof. We offer a free quotation service for the installation of your Thermos Roof and, should you require it, we can also undertake maintenance works to repair or replace gutters, fascias, soffits, window sills, roof panels and leaking roofs. Please give us a call today on 01670 828 695 to start the ball rolling to making full use of your Conservatory! ■ www.thermosroof.co.uk
★★★★★ Check out our 5 star reviews on Facebook
@thermosroof
Is your conservatory: Too cold in the winter? & too hot in the summer? Does it have problems with: Too much sun glare? Condensation build-up? Noise from heavy rain? An unsightly dirty roof?
We can fix ALL of these issues with a Thermos Roof insulation system We can carry out a full install in a single day, leaving zero mess and instant results. We retain your existing roof profile & do Prices from not remove your current roof. A 5 year warranty is included.
£799
PART
P
Electrical Safety
Call Steve on 01670 828 695 or 07901 506 645 or visit our website www.thermosroof.co.uk During these unprecedented times, to ensure your safety and ours, all our staff and fitters wear 39 PPE where suitable and, upon completion of each job, your Conservatory will be fully disinfected.
RECIPE
DELICIOUS ROASTED PORK This veg-rich tart – drizzled with spinach pesto, is well worth the effort, and makes the perfect dinner Pork infused with fresh thyme
with thyme
and served with cider sauce – what’s not to love? Ideal for a Sunday meal or as a dinner party dish, served with fresh vegetables and roast potatoes.
SERVES 6
Ingredients • • • • • •
1 boneless pork loin (1.5kg rolled) Sea salt Small bunch of fresh thyme 6 large parsnips, peeled, diced and parboiled 150ml dry cider 100ml double cream
METHOD ➊ Preheat the oven to 200C ➋ Rub salt into the skin of the pork to help create a crisp crackling. ➌ Place the thyme on the base of a roasting tin with the pork on top; roast for 45 minutes before adding the parsnips. ➍ Roast for a further 45 minutes.
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➎ Remove pork and parsnips from oven and leave to rest while you make the cider sauce. ➏ Do this by removing the thyme from roasting tray along with any excess fat. Add cider to the meat juices, and boil for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cream, heat through without boiling and then serve with slices of the pork loin and parsnips.
Dollys Cottage
The place to find something beautiful for your home
To create your perfect cosy home, browse our collections of pretty decorative accessories and gifts at
www.dollyscottage.com or visit us at
73 Queen Street, Amble, Northumberland, NE65 0DA Stop by often or visit us online, so that you can keep up to date with all of our latest arrivals.
We are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services in North Tyneside. We help people find information and we gather feedback to improve services. We want to know your experience of Waiting for treatment, and Getting prescriptions Tell us what's working and what could be better. Please take five minutes to complete a confidential survey online or request a call. healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/haveyoursay info@hwnt.co.uk T: 0191 263 5321 Follow us on Facebook @HealthwatchNT Twitter @HWNTyneside
CROSSWORD
Across 1 Grand house (7) 5 Verifiable truths (5) 8 Dividends, earnings (5) 9 Ghoulish, spooky (7) 10 Evened the score (7) 11 Coach, teach (5) 12 Animosity, hatred (6) 14 Stick, attach (6) 18 Permit (5) 20 Sincere (7) 22 Beasts (7) 23 Belief (5) 24 Ledge (5) 25 Pudding (7)
Down 1 Important business person (7) 2 Sound (5) 3 Brilliance, astuteness (7) 4 Wanderers, travellers (6) 5 One side of a many-sided object (5) 6 Savoy, Red, or Napa (7) 7 Severe, sombre (5) 13 Depression, sickness (7) 15 Ridicules (7) 16 Drain, take out (7) 17 Stopped (6) 18 Collect, compile (5) 19 Dock, levee (5) 21 Bald, Golden or Pygmy (5)
SOLUTION ACROSS: 1. Mansion 5. Facts 8. Gains 9.Macabre 10. Avenged 11. Train 12. Enmity 14. Adhere 18. Allow 20.Earnest 22. Animals 23. Dogma 24. Shelf 25. Dessert DOWN: 1. Magnate 2. Noise 3. Insight 4. Nomads 5. Facet 6. Cabbage 7. Stern 13.Malaise 15. Derides 16. Extract 17. Ceased 18. Amass 19. Wharf 21. Eagle
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2021 COACH TOURS DELIGHTFUL DEVON
MURDER MYSTERY WEEKEND
2nd - 8th June · 7 days/6 nights DBB
16th July 2021 · 3 days/2 nights DBB
at the Best Western Livermead Cliff Hotel
£595 per person (£60 single supplement) With 3 days included excursions visiting - Totnes, Dartmouth, Exeter, and Sidmouth and 2 days at leisure in resort The Livermead Cliff Hotel on Torquay Sea Front has its own direct private access to Livermead Beach and is a level walk to the Marina & Town Centre. Its quiet location and spacious seaside lawns offering a wonderfully secluded seaside retreat by the Sea. Why not enjoy a Drink on the stunning Riviera Terrace and watch the Boats go in and out of the Marina.
OUTSTANDING VALUE AT £595!
At The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond
£30
£225 per person (£43 single supplement)
The murder mystery takes place on the first night, followed by an included Day time excursion and evening entertainment on the 2nd night. Murder Mystery Nights take place in various forms, with numerous different plots. Someone sitting next to you may be another guest or an actor who will shortly slump to the floor. On all the storylines, you will be given the opportunity to guess ‘Whodunit’ and a prize given to the winner. In the unlikely event of everyone guessing correctly, we draw the winner from a hat. Most of the murder plots conclude after Breakfast, but some may conclude on the same night. The evening’s entertainment, with Dinner usually served between 7.30pm and 8.00pm – the evening usually finishes between 11pm and mid-night.
John & Graham
DEPOSI PER PERST SECURES YOON UR BOOKING
✆ CALL TODAY TO BOOK
01670 632 460 \ 07957 141 654 07770 934 189 \ 07720 784 084 Check our website or facebook page for updated tour information. Or you can contact us with your email address to receive updates: graham.john.unitedgrouptravel@gmail.com Preferred payments, via bank transfer, cheque, cash* or debit/credit card. Visit our website for terms and conditions 1 Spencer Drive, Pegswood, Morpeth, NE61 6SZ
www.unitedgrouptravel.com
ALL-INCLUSIVE BURNS
TURKEY AND TINSEL
At The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond 3rd December 2021 · 4 day tour 3 nights DBB £275 per person (£51 Single supplement) Free bar 7:30pm- 10:30pm. Christmas carols on the steamship on Loch Katrine and a visit to Edinburgh Christmas Markets. The popular Winnock Hotel is situated in the centre of Drymen village just a short distance from Loch Lomond. All Bedrooms are prepared in traditional Scottish style with Private Facilities, TV, Tea & Coffee Tray, Lounge area with open fire, Bar, Reception Service, Highlander Restaurant & Function Room for Meals and Entertainment.
TWIXMAS
at Warner’s Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel
27th December 2021 · 4 day tour DBB
Only £389! NO single supplement
Bodelwyddan (pronounced bod-el-withan), is a Grade II listed Victorian building near the North Wales coast, not far from Snowdonia. Set within the grounds of a romantic castle, but with all the amenities of a modern Hotel, including a superb range of leisure facilities, numerous daily activities, and nightly live entertainment.
Dinner is normally a choice menu followed by Tea or Coffee.There are just two floors but no Lift.
The hotel was given a £6 million renovation and awarded a 4* AA award.
OUTSTANDING VALUE AT ONLY £275
** LIMITED AVAILABILITY ALREADY **
at The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond 6th January 2022 · 5 Day Tour £325 per person (£68 single supplement) Join us for Burns Night in Drymen! Burns Night is the annual celebration honouring the life and works of Robert (Rabbie) Burns, the national poet of Scotland! Each year his birth is celebrated on 25th January with a hearty meal (and lots of haggis of course), a wee dram and renditions of his famous song Auld Lang Syne! Includes: � Return coach travel � 4 nights all-inclusive � Hotel entertainment on at least 2 nights � Glass of wine with dinners followed by tea and coffee � Packed lunches or soup & sandwich lunches � Free bar every night (between 7:30pm & 10:30pm) � Farewell ‘Hot Toddy’ on departure � Loch Lomond cruise with tea/coffee and shortbread served on board
★ QUALITY TOURS - BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE ★ 44
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BOOKS
A Good Read
By Willow Coby
THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY by Rachel Joyce
Retirement is meant to be relaxing, isn’t it? You do what you love doing and enjoy yourself. But what if you suddenly receive a letter out of the blue? A woman who worked in your office many years ago has cancer and is dying. She just wants you to know. This touches you for reasons you can’t quite explain, so you write her a note to say that you are sorry to hear that. Putting on your coat and your yacht shoes you leave with the note. Your destination? The post box. Just as far as the end of the road. And so, starts Harold Fry’s extraordinary journey: 627 miles in 87 days. With no plan, other than to reach Queenie, he sets off on a journey of faith. Scribbling on the note he tells her to wait for him. This debut novel from radio and TV writer, Rachel Joyce, will take you on a gentle journey with Harold and the various people he meets along the way. Totally unprepared for what he will encounter, his faith in positive thinking keeps him going as he learns more about his life and relationships with his wife and son.
THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner
Post-apocalyptic and dystopian literature is perennially popular with teens and adults alike, and the events of 2020 only served to increase its attraction. The Maze Runner was initially published in 2009 but came to prominence with the release of the film adaptation in 2014. Thomas is a teenager who awakes to find himself in a box in a place called the Glade. He has no memory of who he is or how he came to be here, but he is thrown into this new community, and as a reader so are you. Before long you become familiar with the terminology used by the boys and you feel as if you are a Glader along with them. As Thomas adjusts to his new environment, he learns 46
about the Maze which surrounds the Glade. Each day the walls open and a select group of runners spend daylight hours exploring and mapping it. It is a race against the clock because at sunset the Grievers – giant robotic creatures – enter the Maze and they are deadly. The walls close to protect the community and overnight the structure of the Maze changers, leaving the runners to start again in the morning. The big mystery is why. Why are Thomas and the other boys there and why do the Grievers come out to get them? Why do the walls in the Maze change and will the runners ever solve it? However, more importantly why has a girl been sent to the Glade and why has all communication with the outside world suddenly stopped? This is the first book in an engaging series which develop the story and characters beyond the original theme.
WHEN THE CURTAIN FALLS by Carrie Hope Fletcher
Somewhere in every town or city is a special place. A place where real life is suspended, and you can forget about your problems. A place that shows us life in all its details. The ups and downs, love, death, joy, and sadness. It shows us life as we wish it was and life as we hope it will never be. That place is of course, the theatre. This novel catapults you into that world and provides a fascinating glimpse of life backstage where the audience usually never get to venture. Part romance and part ghost story When the Curtain Falls switches between the present day and 1952, where two young lovers try to steal moments together backstage as life begins to echo the drama being played out on stage. Tragedy strikes and one of them is destined to remain forever haunting the dressing rooms and fly floor high above the stage. Nearly 60 years later and their fateful play is revived at the same theatre. Among the cast are Olive and Oscar, also stealing moments together to keep their budding romance secret. But strange things start to happen as a previous occupant is reawakened. Sometimes (especially right now) you need a light, easy-to-read, novel for a bit of escapism. When the Curtain Falls fills that brief. It won’t win any literary awards, and sometimes the character development feels rushed, but it has a certain level of charm. Fletcher herself has grown up in the theatre and anyone who knows her cannot help but picture her when Olive is described. But that only adds to the fun.
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