The Grapevine Brighouse Issue 97 September 2021

THE
GRAPEVINE

BRIGHOUSE EDITION

Sep ’21
Live Local Love Local
www.thegrapevinemag.co.uk

‘A Blooming Romance’
Courtesy of Danny Abrahams Art
wwwGR.AdPEaVnINEn_1y50axb65r_BaAhTHaROmOMs..padfrt1 19/08/2021 14:17:51

2

Editor’s Note: What’s inside this month

It’s September – the month Nostalgia ‘Out with the Old…’ 6
of back to school, back to
work or perhaps starting Schoolreaders Appeal 9
or going back to University.
It’s a very different picture to Local Artist Spotlight 11
September last year as we’re now living mostly
restriction-free and enjoying getting back to Speights Gin Launch 12-13
normal. I’m enjoying seeing mask-free smiles
locally and watching people enjoying drinks, Seasons Food 17
dining and shopping in a really positive way.
Eight for the Environment 18-19
Talking to local business owners – they feel really
positive about aiming to get life back to normal. Hybrid SUV’s 20-21
Let’s hope we can keep the local community
spirit which we witnessed during the worst Recipe 22-23
months and, in the run up to Autumn and Winter,
let’s support our local charities, community Cash for Clutter 27
groups and the shops and businesses that have
been there for us over the last 18 months. Technology – Dream World 29

It’s an over-used phrase at the moment but the Motorhome Life – Staycation Special 34-35
‘Staycation’ is still very much on everyone’s lips.
Take a look at our feature on the centre pages – The Copper Kitchen 52-53
highlighting how to get the best of both world’s
– luxury living and the best scenery the UK has Tidy those Toys 54
to offer – in the form of a Motorhome Holiday.
Peter Roberts Caravans have the most amazing Community News & Groups 64-65
rental opportunities and are also running an
exclusive Grapevine reader’s offer. Index 66

Enjoy September and meeting up with loved Testimonial: “I have been inundated with phone
ones again and we’ll be back through your door calls from The Grapevine Mag spring edition – you
in October. guys have been keeping me so busy after lockdown
unknowingly – thank you.  We’ll be advertising again
Helen when we’ve caught up!”
Simon Manning (SAM Decorating)

Contact us

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@thegrapevinemag sure we’re around.
 

BMW’s X5 has been a core
part of the SUV segment for
decades, but more recently
it has been added to with the
introduction of a plug-in hybrid
variant – badged X5 xDrive45e.
Where this car majors, though,
is electric range; at up to
54 miles, it far exceeds the
vast majority of other hybrids
and allows for decent-length
journeys to be completed on
battery power alone.
Plus, you still get the premium
cabin and sharp looks that you’d
associate with the standard X5.

THE
GRAPEVINE
MAGAZINE

Brighouse & Halifax

Tip

Frozen berries will
work in a pinch - just

defrost them for
half an hour before

baking.

Ingredients

(serves four)

For the pastry:
225g cold unsalted butter

chopped into small pieces

Summer Fruits Pie 350g plain flour
50g icing sugar

Pinch of salt

Introduction Divide the dough into two, wrap 1 large egg yolk

Make the most of summers in clingfilm and chill in the fridge

berries with this delectable pie… for at least one hour or, better For the filling:
perfect with a dollop of fresh still, overnight. 800g of berries such as
cream! strawberries, raspberries,
2. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/ blackberries, cherries or
Top Tips gas mark 5. Roll out one half blueberries
of the pastry, then butter an 8”
• If you’re time-starved, feel pie dish and press in the pastry 100g sugar
free to use pre-made shortcrust

pastry which is generally as good topped with a sheet of baking 2tbsp of cornflour

as homemade, and certainly
easier!

4 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]• If you don’t have baking beans
paper and baking beans. Bake ½ tsp cinnamon
blind for 30 mins. Remove the
paper and beans. Mix the berries,

use cooking weights, dried lentils sugar and pour the mixture into 1 egg white (for glazing)

or rice. your baked pie base. 1tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)

Lifestyle & Leisure

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about promoting yours

Since 2007, The Grapevine has provided local
businesses with the area’s very best advertising
opportunities in a magazine format our readers love

Going directly to 20,000 homes in Halifax and
Brighouse – we can help you promote your business
or service on your doorstep

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Lifestyle & Leisure

Out with the Old and
in with the New

By Chris Helme

Some readers may think this photograph was only The planted garden outside the new council office
taken 15 or maybe 20 years ago, no, try again. Is building was supposed to be replicated outside
it 30 years or even 40 years ago? It is just over 50 the second replacement building further along the
years ago since this photograph was taken, and for street, the Brighouse Health Centre Clinic, but that
those readers familiar with this road in the centre of was never done. Over the years more trees were
Brighouse will notice there
have been many changes planted to join the solitary
since the 1960s/70s. tree in this photograph. I
am sure the planners of
The street is named after the time would not have
Alderman Gilbert Lawson imagined that by February
OBE, who was one of only 2015 all the trees would
11 people to be made a have been cut down.
Freeman of the Borough, he
was awarded that distinction On the opposite side of
on April 6, 1964. the road is the Brighouse
Co-op filling station, which
Gilbert Lawson was first was later known as Sunwin
elected to the council in Garage, this also replaced
1929 and became an Alderman in 1937 and was a even more old buildings
Council member until 1969, he died on April 5, 1977. which included the police station. The street was
Housing in Brighouse and Alderman Lawson went originally named Police Street and once the re-
hand in glove with each other. This was particularly development was almost complete it was renamed
during his time as the Housing Committee Chairman. Lawson Road after Alderman Lawson.
He was widely respected for not allowing the
building of high-rise blocks of flats in the town. After the garage was demolished, the vacant space
was used as a carpark and the old petrol kiosk stood
It was during the town centre re-development of empty. That was until recently, when the old kiosk
the late 1960s and early 1970s that Police Street was replaced with a new building which is now the
(Lawson Road) area and many other parts of the Good Karma Coffee House
town were to change for ever.
Above changes in this photograph included the
All the old property on the left-hand side of this demolition of the Royal Hotel at the end of the road,
photograph was demolished, these were dwelling at the junction with Mill Lane. Known as the largest
houses, shops, and business premises, many of the public house in Brighouse, it was the home for many
buildings had been there for over a hundred years. local organisations that used to hold their weekly
These properties were replaced by new and modern and monthly meetings there. The site of the Royal
style buildings for that period. Flat roofed and as and its surrounding properties now form part of the
with almost rooves of that kind, would soon need dual carriageway and roundabout outside Sainsbury
repairing and even replacing, a lot sooner than was Supermarket.
imagined at the time.
Here is just a small section of the town centre that
has changed so much in such a relatively short time.

6 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure

Prima Donna boutique has now
relocated to a new boutique at Market Street,

Brighouse.
Selling brand new season - Made in Italy designs.

Enjoy our pink Prosecco & Pink cupcake Saturdays
& browse & try our made in Italy collection with a

tipple or sweet delight.

633b Bradford Road, Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse HD6 4DN
prima donna boutique
07785 797018

Set of 3 ceramic pumpkins £25 Orli Jewellery LED Gonks from £4.99
(Also sold separately) from £15
(Silver, Gold &
Rose Gold plated
with branded

packaging)

LED Stargazer Globes £11.99 Set of 3 Decorative Stars £31.99
Beautiful Barrette Hair Accessories £5.99

17 Wakefield Road, Hipperholme, Halifax HX3 8AA 01422 203979 7
[email protected] | www.kuragifts.co.uk | @kuragifts

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Lifestyle & Leisure
8 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure

Help the adults of tomorrow by
reading with children today!

National literacy charity Chris Dowd, who has
Schoolreaders is urgently been volunteering with
looking for volunteers to Schoolreaders for over
provide one-to-one reading two years, comments,
support to children in “Volunteering through
primary schools in Halifax Schoolreaders has been
from the start of the new fabulous – a life-enhancing
school year. They are experience – and the school
particularly looking for I work in has been really
volunteers in Halifax and welcoming. Helping children
surrounding areas. to read well gives me the
opportunity to make a
Following the pandemic and change to children’s lives.
its associated disruption to A child I listen to once said
education, 1 in 3 children to me ‘I never used to like
are predicted to transition reading - it was too difficult
to secondary school this - but you make it fun, and I
year without reaching the can’t wait for tomorrow.’ For
required standard for reading. This has increased me, that says it all!”
from 1 in 4 last year.
Jane Whitbread, founder of Schoolreaders,
Schoolreaders, which had over 1,200 volunteers comments, “When I set up Schoolreaders eight
actively reading in schools nationwide pre-pandemic, years ago, I never anticipated the demand for our
is seeking out more volunteers who are keen to reading volunteers would increase so dramatically.
make a difference to children’s education and Covid and its associated disruption to education
life prospects. Volunteers are needed to support has meant that we are needed more than ever.
children in primary schools across Halifax. Children who leave primary school unable to read
well cannot access their secondary schooling fully
Schoolreaders’ support has been proven to and can struggle. Poor reading skills can also affect
help children’s reading fluency, comprehension life chances and hinder such simple things as reading
and enjoyment, providing a crucial supplement instructions, understanding a leaflet or accessing
to classroom teaching. A 2019 University of information over the internet which so many of us
Bedfordshire Institute for Research in Education take for granted. Literacy opens doors, helps learning
study showed that in six months 95% of children and brings new opportunities.
supported by Schoolreaders improved their reading
age. (Half of children (58%) gained 3-6 months in “Volunteering through us is so simple yet so
their reading age and over a third (37%) gained enriching. Adults can give back to their local
between 1-3 months improvement). community, it provides inter-generational
interaction, a regular purpose and makes such a
Schoolreader’s volunteers are asked to listen to difference to children’s lives. 98% of our volunteers
children read a minimum of once a week in term also reported a positive impact on their wellbeing
time (usually for up to 2 hours at a time) and through volunteering with us.”
to commit to a minimum of an academic year.
Occasional absences for holidays or long-standing To find out more about becoming a Schoolreader
commitments can be accommodated in liaison with volunteer in the forthcoming academic year, to
a volunteer’s partner school. register your school for this free service or to donate
to the charity to help fund its work visit
www.schoolreaders.org or call 01234 924111.

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Lifestyle & Leisure

Hover Kart Mania

For a thrilling afternoon of fun there is no better State of the art Infrared-mitting light guns are used
place than Hoverkart Mania, an indoor karting track to target your opponents during the one-hour
than can be enjoyed by children as young as two. sessions on our unique Call of Duty style battle
ground!
And now with Laser Mania recently opening right
next to it, it’s the go-to place to entertain the family Safety briefings take place in a specially-designed
all day long. Chinook helicopter before everyone is kitted out in
their equipment for battle.
The family-run business by husband and wife
Johnny and Jemma Bates has transformed two Needless to say, both attractions are the perfect
floors of Queensbury’s historic Black Dyke Mills. place for children’s parties, with packages starting
at £170 for 8-10 people including karting, food and
Boys and girls can race around Hoverkart’s track drinks.
on four different types of kart depending on age,
with qualified staff ensuring safety procedures are For more information on parties that are
adhered to. guaranteed to be exciting and memorable, see our
website www.hoverkartmania.com
There’s also a café and seating for spectators to Now we’re all finally allowed some fun, we’re
watch the fun, with pool tables, arcade machines looking forward to welcoming you to Hoverkart and
and free pool to enjoy when the racing is over. Laser Mania.

And now you can get the adrenaline pumping at We’re open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-5pm,
Laser Mania, an indoor laser tag arena that opened during school holidays. Term time opening times are
earlier this year aimed at the over fives to Adults. Wed to Fri, 4pm-7pm, and 11-5 at weekends.

10 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure

Local artist spotlight
Danny Abrahams

Danny Abrahams is a self-taught landscape artist,
born in Bradford in 1977. A late comer to the art
world it was his girlfriend Danielle who bought
him his first set of paints at the age of 32, to fill the
void that had been left by no longer playing music
in a band.

Instantly Danny fell in love with art and would musician, writing songs and playing guitar for the
have plenty of late nights experimenting with rock band ‘The Hoover Dams’. He found moderate
different mediums and techniques to find his own success with the band, gigging at venues all over the
style. It was a fast learning curve of around two UK, appearing on TV and doing live performances
years before he started to realise his full potential, on the radio. Danny has a love for the surrounding
eventually he was able to quit his job and start to environment, finding beauty in everyday images.
make a living from selling his work. He now exhibits The sky is a powerful subject in his work. The
his work in many galleries nationwide. overall beauty, emptiness, rawness and power of a
everyday natural wonder that most of us take for
Art has now become the focal point of Danny’s life. granted, sets the backdrop for many of his works.
As a true Yorkshire man he is influenced by the local
beauty of the northern landscape, and has been
inspired by his many travels during his previous
career. Combining these images with memories of
‘growing up’ appeals to everyone with a soft spot
for nostalgia. Before he found his love for art Danny
had a love for music, becoming an accomplished

Danny prefers working with oil on board. It favours
his ability to capture the many moods of the
landscape and the magical ‘skyscapes’ that have
become his focal point. Inspiration for his work
comes from everyday life . As he sits down in front
of a bare canvas, he lets his natural ability and
creative mind take over, using vibrant colours to
create amazing and magical artwork.

Take a look at Danny’s Gallery in Haworth - Abrahams
Gallery on Main Street, Haworth and his work is also
available from Harrison Lord Gallery, Brighouse and
Heart Gallery, Hebden Bridge

For more information about Danny Abrahams, his
artwork and where you can buy it from – go to
www.dannyabrahams.art

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Lifestyle & Leisure

Speight’s Gin Launch Shibden Valley
tipple inspired by Anne Lister

The team behind Halifax’s award-winning gin The Shibden Valley Gin
brand, Speight’s Gin, has launched a Shibden Valley officially launched this
gin, featuring special edition Anne Lister-adorned month at an exclusive
birthday celebration bottles. event in the grounds of
Shibden Hall, complete
The Speight’s family has worked closely with with a mobile gin bar,
Shibden Hall to produce the gin, which will be performance from
available to purchase in-person at Shibden Hall and local Band Scars on 45,
on the Speight’s Gin website. canapes provided by
our outside catering
Shibden Hall was home to Anne Lister, the 19th- manager Ben Cole,
century diarist from live music and a
1791-1840. Anne Lister’s performance from Brighouse Theatre Productions.
life is the focus of the Halifax’s Mayor and Mayoress were also in
popular BBC drama attendance, along with several local business
series ‘Gentleman Jack’, owners and residents.
written and directed by
Sally Wainwright. The Crafted in a purpose-built distillery in the Speight’s
series explores Anne’s lush, floral family garden, the small-batch gin is
life and the lives of those made using a traditional copper still, blended using
who lived in the Hall and locally sourced ingredients and a secret concoction
Estate. Suranne Jones of 12 finest botanicals. Speight’s artisan gin is
stars as Anne Lister in available in five unique flavours, including bilberry,
Gentleman Jack, with huckleberry, pear, rhubarb and a signature floral
Shibden Hall featuring gin.
as one of the main filming locations featured in the
show. Speight’s Gin has already received global
recognition, with the Signature Gin being awarded
Peter Speight, owner of Speight’s Gin commented: ‘Best Distilled Gin’ out of entries from 32 countries
“We started conversations with Shibden Hall about at the Gin Guide Awards 2020, and their rhubarb
this project in December 2018, so to see it all finally gin winning second place in the World Gin Awards
come together is incredible. The feedback we’ve 2021.
had so far on the Shibden Valley Gin has been
overwhelmingly positive. We are delighted to be
working with the Shibden Hall team, and it’s truly
an honour to be associated with such an iconic
building which is part of our heritage.”

Speight’s Gin is a family affair, with Peter Speight
running the business alongside his son-in-law
Daniel, his wife Angie, and daughter Victoria.
Each family member plays a different role within
the company, with Daniel managing the distillery
operations, and the rest of the Speight’s team
pitching in with branding, events and marketing.

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Lifestyle & Leisure

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Lifestyle & Leisure
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Lifestyle & Leisure

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Lifestyle & Leisure

Free advert design – is
the icing on the cake when

you advertise with us

For prices and more info
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THE GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE

Brighouse & Halifax

T: 01422 202191 MOT station

Victoria Road, Hipperholme, HX3 8DF MOT repairs

Servicing on all
makes & models

• Tyres
• Exhausts
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Clutches
• Diagnostics
• Batteries

16 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure

At the end of the peak growing season, Butternut Squash
September days can be cool but equally can Butternut squash came
be summer-warm. Meals and desserts will
be chosen according to the weather, and the into season back in
seasonal fruit and vegetables available are August and is plentiful
ideal for whatever you cook at this time. now. If September sees
curries and stews back on
Cauliflower your meal plans, then think
The wonderfully versatile about including some squash
cauliflower is particularly in these recipes. Just don’t overcook it or it
receptive to flavours like
cumin, turmeric, chilli will – literally – squash into a mush.
and ginger, meaning Sweetcorn
it works really well with Although sweetcorn
does still deserve its
many dishes from the classification as a
Indian subcontinent. It also vegetable (but it is also
pairs famously with cheese and is good with a grain and a fruit), it’s
a roast dinner, which might be back on the more starchy than many,
menu as the weather cools. Tip: if you are making it higher in calories
trying to cut down on carbs, blitz the florets
in a food processor to make ‘cauli rice’, a and carbohydrate. Still, corn provides fibre
surprisingly effective substitute. and nutrients like vitamin C, thiamine, folate,
and potassium.
Plums
Plums taste ranges from Leeks
tart to sweet. The sour In many recipes, you can
varieties are best cooked use leeks in place of onions
and are excellent in a
tart on their own, but in a for a slightly sweeter,
crumble with the coming- milder onion flavour. Many
into-season Bramley,
you can’t go wrong. The people only use the white
sweet varieties make a and very light green parts of
tasty snack, although the leeks, but the dark green parts
flesh sticks to the stone
meaning getting those are fine in broths and soups. Finely sliced
last bits might leave you and then sautéed, leeks are a delicious light
needing a toothpick!
vegetable for late summer eating.

Apples
The famous Bramley cooking
apple is just coming into
season in September. The
very best apple for crumbles,
pies, juice and for delicious apple
sauce as an accompaniment to roast pork.

Figs
Fragrant figs have a rich jammy taste and a delicate,

chewy surface. Turkish figs are unmistakable in
appearance, with a gloomy purple-earthy coloured skin
and a dynamic red inside. Figs don’t mature after picking,
so bear this in mind when selecting your produce. Heat
into a fig custard tart for a striking harvest-time dessert, or
finely cut into a light goat’s curd, fig and beetroot side dish.

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Lifestyle & Leisure

Eight for the
Environment

A list of eight things we can do, today, to help the environment.

In environmental terms, the Look around your home, your
distance between where we garden, even your workspace.
are and where we want to Very quickly you will see items
be can sometimes seem so that fall into these categories.
great; yet if every person were No-one is suggesting you
to take even very small steps should style every habit around
towards decreasing the impact the mantra, but if you’re not
of their daily lives,
the strides that ensuring you refill your water at
planet Earth can home rather than buying it at
take forward will the shop.
be incredible,
protecting what FOUR - Eau Yes
we have for our Speaking of water, while the
children and many perception is any wasted
generations to water goes back into the
come. mains supply, in truth the less
water we use means the less
Here are eight runoff and wastewater that
things you can do, will eventually end up in our
today, that will oceans.
each contribute
towards making reusing, reducing or recycling FIVE - Plant a Tree
the world a when the opportunity arises, If you’ve got a garden and
cleaner, better, perhaps ask yourself why not, want to directly benefit the
more sustainable and consider whether there is environment off your own back,
and happier place: an alternative way. consider planting a tree. They’re
cheap to buy, easy to plant,
ONE - On yer bike THREE - Plastic (not) offer immediate gratification,
Pollution caused by cars fantastic and give back from day one.
remains one of the biggest Over the past few years, You can also witness your
contributors to the planet’s ill consumer awareness and green shoots flourish in the
health, so the more times you action has done incredible years to come.
can swap a car ride for a bike things in reducing plastic
ride, the more you’ll be doing use – from carrier bags to SIX - Light Up My Life
your bit for the environment… straws. While these changes Energy-efficient lightbulbs are
and of course, you’ll be making have largely been enforced, nothing new, but the increased
an even greater contribution to there are others you can drive price (compared to standard
your own health and wellbeing! through personal preference, bulbs) is something most of us
from only selecting limited or have found off-putting in the
TWO - The three Rs recycled packaging products, to past.
If there was ever a simple Yet perhaps revise your thinking
mantra for everyday living a little - as with most things
that could guide us forward
when it comes to helping the
environment, it almost certainly
is ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’.

18 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure SEVEN - A Chemical World?
There’s been a real drive amongst household
eco, you’ve got to consider the and garden product manufacturers to bring
long-term picture… the fact more responsibility into what we use to clean
the bulbs are considerably and maintain our homes. So, whether polishing
longer-lasting and reduce the bookshelves or fertilising the garden, choose
greenhouse gas emissions. products that are non-toxic and that come with
Equally important - remember a full provenance over how the formula was put
to turn off the light when you together (including whether they were tested on
leave the room! animals).

EIGHT - Sustained Success
Finally, check whether the
products you are buying
are sustainable. There is
no better way to protect
our planet than by ensuring
everything we take from it
we are putting back; from
fish to paper, toothbrushes
to swimwear, if what you’re
using is sustainable from the
cradle to the grave (and back
to the cradle), you know you
are doing your bit.

Relax....

Advertise with us and we
do all the hard work
for you

Text Advertise to or call 077918 91623 THE GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE
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Lifestyle & Leisure

If you fancy a hybrid with more space there Mercedes-Benz GLE350de
are plenty of options In a break from the norm, the GLE350de
arrives as a diesel-powered hybrid.
The SUV lends itself perfectly to a hybrid powertrain. Mercedes has a few in its line-up, but
With more space, it means there’s a little more wiggle across the wider segment, a hybrid
room for the batteries and, as a result, it allows for paired with a diesel engine isn’t a regular
a better boot. Needless to say, many manufacturers occurrence. Mercedes claims you’ll get
have clocked onto this, which is why there are so up to 256.8 mpg combined, too, which
many hybrid SUV offerings available today. will certainly help with the fuel bills.
With such a congested market it can be tricky to find Plus, when you’ve run out of electricity
out which is right for you. Fortunately, we’ve picked – which should still give you a decent
out some of the best options available today. 54 miles between charges – you’re
left with a smooth and refined 2.0-litre
diesel engine.

BMW X5 xDrive45e
BMW’s X5 has been a core
part of the SUV segment for
decades, but more recently
it has been added to with the
introduction of a plug-in hybrid
variant – badged X5 xDrive45e.
Where this car majors, though,
is electric range; at up to
54 miles, it far exceeds the
vast majority of other hybrids
and allows for decent-length
journeys to be completed on
battery power alone.
Plus, you still get the premium
cabin and sharp looks that you’d
associate with the standard X5.

20 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure

Volkswagen Touareg R
A hybrid setup can be used for performance, as
demonstrated by the new Volkswagen Touareg
R. It takes the title of Volkswagen’s most powerful
production car to date, thanks to its V6 petrol engine
and electric motor combination producing 456bhp and
700Nm of torque.
But it remains a practical and well-sized option, while a
claimed fuel economy figure of 94.2mpg should make it
a little cheaper to run than a conventional Touareg, too.

Kia Sorento PHEV
Kia is on a bit of a roll with its electrified powertrains, so it came
as little surprise when a plug-in hybrid version of its latest Sorento
SUV was announced. It uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine linked to an
electric motor and batteries, and Kia claims you’ll get around 35
miles of electric-only driving.
As well as a striking exterior design, the Sorento boasts a well-
made cabin that is fitted with a healthy level of standard equipment.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid
Peugeot’s range of electrified vehicles is expanding at
an ever-quickening rate and the 3008 plug-in hybrid is
one of its latest. It uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine hooked
up to two electric motors for a combined power output
of 296bhp. Four-wheel-drive means it’s got plenty of
traction, too.
Peugeot claims an electric-only range of up to 36 miles.
On top of this, you get loads of standard equipment
and one of the sharpest exterior designs around.

Audi Q5 TFSI e
Audi’s Q5 has proved to be a popular choice in the SUV segment
thanks to its premium interior and good level of standard
equipment. A plug-in hybrid version has recently been added to its
list of powertrains, mirroring other cars in Audi’s line-up.
You should get 26 miles of electric-only range in the Q5 too,
allowing for plenty of driving without having to trouble the
petrol engine.

DS 7 Crossback E-Tense
As it’s part of the wider PSA Group, DS can take
advantage of all manner of hybrid powertrains. It’s why
the 3008 and the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense appear
so similar – they’re essentially the same underneath.
However, that efficient hybrid setup is contained within
a slightly more dramatic, eye-catching exterior with the
DS, while the interior is flamboyant too.
Plus, you should get up to 34 miles of electric range
from a single charge.

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 21

Lifestyle & Leisure

Super Seedy Ingredients
Granola Bars
(makes 12 bars)
Introduction 200g old fashioned rolled
oats
Fuel their back-to-school adventure with these one-bowl, easy bake 100g butter
bars that are ideal for lunchboxes and full of natural goodness. 70g light brown sugar
100g dried fruit
Top Tips (raisins, chopped dates,
cranberries etc.)
• Ensure your finished granola of a 18x25cm tin. Combine 100g sunflower seeds
bars don’t crumble by packing butter, honey/syrup and brown 2tbsp flax seeds
down the mixture well in the sugar in a small saucepan over 2tbsp chia seeds
pan before baking and leaving medium heat. Cook, stirring 3tbsp honey or maple syrup
to chill in the fridge for an hour occasionally until the butter 1tsp dried cinnamon
after. melts and the sugar completely
dissolves. until golden in colour. Wait for
• Add an extra depth of flavour the pan to cool entirely before
to your bars by toasting your Step two cutting into 12 even bars.
oats and seeds first. Simply Pour the butter and sugar Granola bars can be stored
place them in your clean, mixture into a large bowl with for up to a week in an airtight
dry baking pan and place in the oats, seeds and cinnamon container.
the oven for 5-10 minutes - (if adding chocolate chips wait
watching carefully in case they five minutes for mixture to cool
burn. before adding). Once thoroughly
combined, pour the granola mix
Method into the pan, packing it down
firmly with the back of a spoon.
Step one
Heat oven to 160C/fan 140C/ Step three
gas 3. Grease and line the base Bake the bars for 30 minutes or

22 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure

Recipe Tip

Feel free to riff… use
whatever seeds or
dried fruit you have

at hand – you could
even include chocolate

chips!

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 23

Lifestyle & Leisure
24 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 25

Lifestyle & Leisure

eBay used to dominate the online From sofas and desks to cars, pets and even
selling market, but nowadays you’re rooms to rent, Gumtree has it all. Despite its
spoilt for choice on where to swap broad appeal, it mainly specialises in selling
your clutter for cash. So, where are second-hand items.
the best places to advertise and how Unlike eBay, people use Gumtree to look for
can you make sure you’re getting the items locally, so putting your postcode in the
right price? listing is paramount. It’s also best to start with
a higher price, as most Gumtree buyers love to
Whether you’re moving house, redecorating or haggle.
just trying to live more minimally, we’ve gathered If you want your ad to get some extra attention,
together some of the best websites and ways to you can put some money behind it, but other
rehome your clutter at a profit. than that Gumtree won’t charge you for selling.
Paypal take a small cut, but to avoid this you can
Top places to sell... ask your buyer to pay by cash or bank transfer.

26 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Lifestyle & Leisure

Shpock is a bit like your local car boot sale: Marketplace
cheap, local, and full of surprises. It’s your
place to get rid of those smaller items that Local Facebook selling groups (search
won’t get much attention on bigger sites for Facebay + your area name) and
like Gumtree or eBay, from cushions Facebook Marketplace are hot on eBay’s
to children’s clothes and everything in heels. The best bit is there are no fees,
between. That’s not to say you can’t sell so the profit’s all yours.
bigger things on there too. Like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace is
It’s completely free to list, unless you want to used to sell locally. This makes it perfect
promote an item. Shpock doesn’t get involved for selling larger items without worrying
in the payment process either. Once a price about shipping. Of course though, one of
has been negotiated, it’s up to the buyer and the most appealing parts of using Facebook
seller to reach an agreement about delivery Marketplace is that it’s a platform many
and payment. of us are already familiar with. Keep up to
date with friends and family, and clear some
space in your house, all from one website!

A must-download if you’re into vintage Similar to Depop, but with a slightly older
fashion, Depop is the place to sell target audience, Vinted is a huge online
your unwanted clothes, shoes and marketplace for selling clothes, with millions
accessories. Think vintage, young, trendy of users.
and homemade – the quirkier, the better. Unlike Depop, however, upmarket high street
Listing your items is free, but once an brands tend to do better. Bagged a popular
item sells, Depop will charge a 10% fee Zara handbag that sold out within days? You
on the sale price (including the shipping can probably sell it for twice the price on
costs). Then there’s also a small PayPal Vinted!
transaction fee to be aware of. However, Even better – there are no fees for uploading
selling items on Depop can fetch you a or selling your items on Vinted either, so what
high price. With over 18 million users, you see is what you get.
it’s one of the most popular online
marketplaces right now.

Top tips for selling
Spend time taking good pictures
Photograph your items in a well-lit area of your house or garden, and from multiple angles. It’s
also a good idea to get photos of any defects, so as not to waste your – or anyone else’s – time.
The more descriptive, the better
Pad out your listing with as much information as you can, including dimensions, condition and
your reason for selling.
Be honest
An item doesn’t need to be in perfect condition to get attention online, but it’s important to be
honest from the get-go. Reviews are key to building your online selling profile, so avoid the
temptation to skim over any defects in your listing.
Think seasonally
Certain items, like garden furniture, will fetch a higher price in the summer, while warm woolly
jumpers and Christmas decorations will naturally do better in the winter. Sometimes it’s worth
keeping something in the loft a little longer to earn that extra cash.

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 27

Health, BLiefeaustyle&&WLeellibsuerineg

join an awesome new team
at an amazing new company
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We’re building something special in West Yorkshire – a new bus company
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Free travel for you and your partner on our buses and many more across the
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Through our Transdev Exchange app you get access to subsidised gym membership,
money off high street shops – including major supermarkets, life cover, hospital plan,
access to an online GP and access to a Mental Health First Aider
Awards and Rewards for our best performers
Opportunities to progress and develop yourself to other roles through our StepUp
talent and development programme
A generous company pension scheme and life cover

get in touch now with your CV and covering note
[email protected]
01423 884633

28 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Apple Watch Series 6 Sleep aids from clever cots to mattress monitors
Apple’s own sleep-tracking system is really
good, particularly now the Apple Watch doesn’t Many new parents would pay anything for a good night’s
require recharging every night. There are sleep, and it turns out that ‘anything’ might mean £1,145.
stacks of third-party sleep-tracking apps too. That’s what the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot costs, but
£349 from apple.com if it works then it’s priceless. The SNOO has sensors to
detect baby’s movement and responds with calming sounds
Withings Sleep Analyzer and motion, helping to settle fractious babies and help them
Turn any bed into a smart learn to self-soothe. It’s all controlled via a smartphone app
bed with this clever sleep that also enables you to get daily sleep reports and healthy
sensor. It tracks your sleep through the sleep tips.
night (or day) and sends the data to your Smart beds aren’t just for babies. From smart mattresses
phone so you can identify trends. using a mix of memory foam and other supportive fabrics (to
£89.95 from amazon.co.uk keep you comfortable without making your bed feel like an
Hargen Smart Bed oven) to smart beds that are packed with technology, there
Smart refers to the design rather than are lots of bedtime options for every body shape and every
the tech: the Hargen bed is packed with kind of sleeper.
storage cubbyholes as well as a stereo Most of the beds dubbed smart beds are really just
speaker system with Bluetooth connectivity. connected beds, so for example the £1,999 Hargen Smart
£1,999 from sleekliving.co.uk Bed’s smart features are Bluetooth audio, a password-
protected built-in safe and a remote-controlled massage
feature. But you can make any bed a smart bed by adding
some sleep sensors such as Withings’ Sleep Analyzer (£90).
This fits under your mattress and communicates with your
phone, enabling you to track your sleep patterns and monitor
conditions such as sleep apnoea that may be preventing you
from getting a good night’s sleep.
If you’d rather use a wearable, the Apple Watch and many
wearable fitness trackers such as Garmin and Fitbit trackers
can track your sleep. The available features vary by product
but they can typically distinguish between deep and light
sleep, and in some cases they can even monitor your
oxygen saturation and heart rate to get a fuller picture of
your sleep habits. You can use that information to identify the
things that might be interfering with your sleep, especially
if you also use your phone’s health app to track other data
such as exercise or alcohol intake: the more data you have
about your body, the easier it becomes to identify triggers
and trends that you can take steps to change.

SNOO Smart Sleeper
The award-winning
SNOO promises to
lull baby to sleep by
responding to their
movements with

soothing motions and
womb-like sounds.

£1,145 from
happiestbaby.co.uk

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 29

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

ONLINE WELLNESS HUB - PRENATAL
POSTNATAL • ACTIVE WOMEN

Are you pregnant or post natal and looking for
ways in which to understand and enjoy your
new body? My online wellness hub offers three
programmes for those that are in the second
& third trimesters, those that are newly post
natal and those who are from 1
year post-delivery onwards.
Based solely online, these
programmes are the most
flexible way to reach your
goals, allowing you to join
in when and where it's
most convenient for you
and your lifestyle.
Contact: Sharon at [email protected]

www.sharonporter.org.uk
30 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

NOW
OPEN

Welcome to Sanctus Fitness and Boxing Gym

Whether you want to learn the noble art
of Boxing, improve your athletic ability,
increase your strength and conditioning
capacity or truly transform the way you

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More details, photos and full timetables
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SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY
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www.sanctus tness.co.uk Sanctus tnessandboxing

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 31

Business, Finance & Technology

Business Owner Finance Q & A’s

By Ifat Jhugroo, Sleigh & Story

Q1. My partner has been suffering with “long COVID” has mentioned the possibility of selling the shares I
for several months, and unfortunately has had to gifted to her, but the minimum holding period has
leave her job as a result. As our son is in his second not expired. Will I be subject to income tax relief
year of university, we can’t really afford the drop clawback?
in income, and so I am taking a second job. The
hours will vary, but I am certain that the additional A:Once shares qualifying for EIS relief have been
income will push me into the higher rate tax band for gifted to a spouse or civil partner, in this case your
2021/22. I have heard that the NI contributions I pay wife, she is treated as subscribing for them in the first
should be capped as a result, but I’m not sure how to place, rather than you. If she subsequently sells them
go about securing this. Do I need to make a claim? before the termination date, it will be her who must
pay any income tax relief clawback. It would obviously
A: You are correct that the amount of NI you pay at be better if she could wait until the termination date
the main rate, i.e. 12%, is restricted to your earnings has passed before selling the shares, but if she needs
up to the higher rate threshold. For earnings above the money this may not be an option. Depending on
that, the charge is 2%. The problem is that the NI when you separated, it may be possible to effectively
system is completely separate from the tax system so swap assets with no CGT consequences, e.g. she
this won’t automatically be sorted out by your PAYE transfers the EIS shares back to you in exchange for
code or self-assessment tax return (if you file one). other shares of a similar value. However, this will only
be effective if the transfers take place in the same
One option would be to contact the NI office to tax year that the permanent separation occurred.
request a deferment on your second employment So, if the marriage broke down in a way that was
which will restrict the NI charge to 2%. The problem likely to be permanent before 6 April 2021 this won’t
with this is that if your earnings from your main job be an option. It suggested that you speak with your
are below the higher rate threshold, some of the accountant or tax adviser about this before making
earnings from the second job should actually be any transfers.
subject to the 12% rate so you may need to make an
additional payment after the end of the tax year. If you Q3. I am a builder who is registered for the CIS. The
want to follow this route fill out the application form vast majority of my work is as a subcontractor for a
CA72A and send it back to the address on the form. number of large companies. I am VAT registered and
so have been subject to the new reverse charge rules
If you would prefer not to have a bill later down the since 1 March 2021. However, the changes combined
line, you can allow the overpayment to occur initially with a downturn in work due to COVID-19 has
and claim a refund after the year-end by writing to: seriously affected my finances. Could I use the Cash
Personal Tax Operations, North East England, HMRC, Accounting Scheme to help with this?
BX9 1AN
A:Unfortunately, you can’t use the scheme for services
You will need to explain the circumstances that led to which are subject to the domestic reverse charge so
the overpayment, and preferably include a calculation signing up to the scheme wouldn’t help you there.
of the estimated refund due. However, if you now find that you are submitting
repayment VAT returns each quarter you can ask
Q2. I am very keen on investing in entrepreneurial HMRC to allow you to submit monthly returns which
companies, and over the years have made several will obviously speed up your input tax claims and
investments that qualified for the EIS. Two years ago, improve your position. The downside is that you will
I made such an investment, and three months later have to submit 12 VAT returns a year instead of four
gifted half of the shares to my wife. Unfortunately, so you will have to weigh up the benefit against the
we have recently separated (amicably) and are additional administration.
managing our own straightforward divorce. She

Sleigh & Story Ltd, Thornhill Brigg Mills, Thornhill Beck Lane, Brighouse HD6 4AH.
You can follow Sleigh & Story on Facebook, or Twitter @sleighandstory.

32 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Business, Finance & Technology

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 33

The Ultimate Staycation

Motorhome Life – freedom,
luxury and relaxation

When it comes to taking a a true home fom home motorhome), toilet chemicals
holiday trip in a Motorhome – experience. We love our and Motorhome vehicle help
you’re now guaranteed a home furry friends so we also have packs.
from home experience on a selection which are also
wheels. You can forget about dog friendly. You can relax Full vehicle handover on
that old-fashioned camping in the knowledge that our collection.
experience of cramped spaces motorhomes are in full working A full tank of diesel will be ready
and basic amenities – this is order and spotlessly clean and waiting in your Motorhome
luxury hotel accommodation before every rental, ensuring – simply return it with a full
with the added benefit of peace of mind while you tank.
placing your room wherever you holiday”
want! From mountain sunrises All new 2021 models – with
to moonlit lakes – you can take What’s included; new hire vehicles for every
your pick of where to pitch up year/ season. Therefore next
which is welcome after a year of • WiFi year 2022 you will be in a 2022
staying at home. • TV model.
• Fully equipped kitchen
Peter Roberts Caravans, based including plates, bowls, sharing Large selection of styles and
in Huddersfield, offer a huge plate and bowl, cups, mugs, berth sizes on offer – we offer 2,
choice of Motorhome hire knives, forks, spoons, frying 4 and 6 berth models plus 2 pet
vehicles now and have seen pan, pans, lighter, spatula, friendly models.
a huge boom in interest for scissors, can opener, peeler,
rentals. “We are an award chopping board, gas kettle, oven When hiring from the team at
winning family run business tray, washing up bowl, dust Peter Roberts - you become a
with over 20 years of experience pan and brush, waiters friend, member of the camping and
in the outdoor leisure industry. water hose (to fill water tank caravan club therefore you can
We’re proud of our fantastic with), electric hook up cable, take full advantage of member
reputation for providing EU adapters, leveling blocks, rate and receive up to 30% off
excellent customer service and gas bottles, bike rack (for 4 our Club Sites and 15% off our
value for money for buying bikes on the 4 and 6 berth and Camping in The Forest Sites.
tourers, motorhomes and now a bike rack for 2 on a 2 berth
also motorhome hire,” said
Nick Taylor, Hire Manager,
“We have one of the best
selections of Motorhomes in
this area for choice so we know
that there will be something
for everyone in terms of
layout and specifications.
Our motorhomes combine
luxury and comfort with the
freedom of camping. All of
our motorhomes are fully
Insured and we provide you
with everything you need
for a relaxing holiday, whilst
travelling to your destination,

34 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

The Ultimate Staycation

“Like with all holidays – the price depends on the EXCLUSIVE FOR
size of the Motorhome you need and the time of GRAPEVINE READERS
year,” said Nick, “The smallest Motorhome is a 2
berth and a week’s hire starts from £500 – moving For readers who hire a Motorhome –
up to a larger home which is 6 berth and starts from you will receive £50 off your rental cost
around £750 for a week. We offer a minimum of if you quote The Grapevine Mag at the
4 days and can cater for anytime longer than that
depending on your requirements.” time of booking.

The Motorhome brigade at Peter Roberts have been Valid until 30/11/21
extremely busy over the Summer period but now do
have availability from October this year onwards in www.peterrobertscaravans.co.uk
a number of their Motorhomes.
Peter Roberts Caravans & Motorhomes
“We’re also now taking bookings for 2022 as
there is a little bit of uncertainty still in terms of Come and see us
international air travel,” said Nick, “Customers can Peter Roberts Caravans Ltd
come and take a look at the various layouts at our Steps Industrial Park, Honley, Huddersfield
sales centre in Honley before deciding on which HD9 6RA
model they would like to rent – so feel free to call
and see us!” Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00am-5:30pm, Saturday:
Hiring a motorhome allows you the flexibility and 9:00am-5:00pm
freedom not afforded by other styles of holiday. Sunday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Be impulsive, knowing Out of hours by appointment only.
that you will always
have somewhere to Contact us: 01484 662 774
rest your head E: [email protected]
and to put on a www.peterrobertscaravans.co.uk
brew…
Peter Roberts Caravans & Motorhomes

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 35

Business, Finance & Technology

Playing House

Examining mortgage and housing market
trends for the coming year.

As far as property goes, and lost ground prices or, at very least, a period
specifically renting and buying, caused by where valuations plateau.
all bets have been off for quite Covid.
some time. It could mean then that house
Supply and buyers will find the band of
Covid, and more importantly, demand houses, flats and investments
Covid uncertainty, has left The leading factor that were unaffordable in
renters and buyers in a state behind high house 2021 suddenly become more
of flux, while job uncertainty prices in 2021 has attainable. However, the
has led to mortgage lenders been a real lack of mathematics cuts both ways,
adopting very much a ‘safety demand in the market. and if you’re selling to buy,
first’ approach. This point was accentuated beware you may be struggling
by the ending of the Stamp to hit the same sale price you
The result for buyers and Duty Holiday at the end of June, would have during the first half
sellers has largely been a and for all the time confidence of this year.
state of paralysis over the past in job security has been low, so
year-and-a-half, and only on too have people nervous about Mortgage rates
the resumption of supposed buying or selling. The current 30-year mortgage
‘normality’ is it possible to start interest rate sits at around
picking out specific trends that While the housing market in 2.8%, and forecasters believe
may play out over the course of 2021 was typified by frenetic this won’t change significantly
the next year. activity due to a lack of supply, over the next year or so. Buyers
in 2022 it is expected to be should expect a gradual
Of course, as far as the an excess of choice that will increase as the economy moves
cherished summer months produce the same reaction. back up to full recovery, but the
of the year go, the housing prediction is that by the middle
market has largely missed out Possible reduction in house of next year they won’t have
again, just as it did in 2020. Yet prices for 2022 moved beyond 3.1%.
experts believe that will only Speculation is that with a sharp
serve to supercharge events increase in properties coming
in 2022 when speculators onto the market next year, there
will begin to make up all the should follow a lowering of

For shorter-term mortgages,
notably 15-year terms, a
current rate of 2.2% is expected
to climb no higher than 2.4% by
mid-2022.

This preserving of market

36 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Business, Finance & Technology

confidence is Britain is currently
crucial in fuelling spending £71/
what is expected to month less than if
be a high-volume they had bought
industry next year. the same property
with a typical 10%
Renting and first- deposit.
time buyers
The risk element This is the first
has meant time in over eight
mortgage lenders years that renting
are much favouring has worked out
those with big cheaper than a
deposits, with mortgage.
loans significantly
more affordable for Late-winter surge
those ploughing Those looking
cash reserves into their project. to make moves in the housing market should
prepare for action almost as soon as the New
This is bad news for first-time buyers whose Year comes around, presuming the pandemic
progress has been put back significantly by the hasn’t in any way set us back again in respect of
spectre of Covid. further lockdowns or imposed limitations.

However, it’s not all bad news for people who As usual, getting to the front of the queue may
continue to find it difficult to get on the property mean picking up the best deals.
ladder. Statistics show the average tenant in

Music Discovery Apps

Soundhound Soundcloud Last.fm
Not to be confused with Soundcloud is used by lots Last.fm is available as an
Soundcloud (right), of up-and-coming artists and app for your computer,
Soundhound enables you some household names too: smartphone or tablet and
to find out what’s playing in bands such as Chvrches you can connect it to music
the public place you’re in, were discovered in part services such as Spotify,
and in some cases it can thanks to their Soundcloud TIDAL and Deezer. It shares
even recognise songs if you streams. It’s a great way to what you’ve been listening to
hum or sing the tune. Once hear music that isn’t getting and finds music it thinks you’ll
recognised it can add the played by more mainstream like based on what other
song to your Apple Music or services. people with similar tastes
Spotify playlists. have been listening to.

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 37

Business, Finance & Technology
38 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Business, Finance & Technology

Brighouse’s first co-working space
NOW OPEN for YOUR BUSINESS

• Located 300 yards from Brighouse Railway Station
• A 12-minute walk from the town centre

• On-street parking available adjacent to the building
• Free Wi-Fi

• Outdoor decking and seating area
• Kitchen, shower room, dining space and lockers

Take a virtual tour at www.BrigHub.co.uk
To arrange a visit email [email protected]

Vulcan House, Foundry Street, Brighouse HD6 1LT

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So can you afford not to I guess is the question

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T: 07525 730 387

For more information on all our services visit www.virtualolive.co.uk

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 39

Business, Finance & Technology
40 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Business, Finance & Technology

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 41

Garden

Ask anyone who looks after a garden Group pots together so the plants can enjoy a micro climate
if they would like a high-maintenance
outdoor space and the answer will are daisies, dandelions, moss or most other self-
almost definitely be no. So how do seeded delights amongst the grass. The gentle
you achieve a garden that is easy to buzzing of bees is the reward you get for being
look after. more relaxed about your green carpet. Lawn
edges can be defined by using some sort of
Keep it Simple edging system that will stop the grass spreading
Start with simple things. Look around to see into the flowerbeds. These really do take the
how potty you have gone over pots - you really stress out of maintaining a neat edge. There
don’t want too many. The content within pots are dozens of options, from rustic and durable
and containers requires regular watering by Corten weathering steel through to rubber,
the head gardener and nutrients within the plastic, wood and brick.
compost depletes within just a few weeks Keep Weeds in the Dark
and they require feeding. Plants also require Ask a gardener about a job that always needs
gentle snipping to keep them looking neat and doing and weeds will be high on the agenda.
attractive, and to encourage more flowers. If you There’s a very simple way to stop weeds
have shrubs in pots, they might need pruning growing: cover up your soil! It’s inevitable that
as well as turning so that each side of the plant nature will send something to infiltrate any little
receives an equal amount of light. If all this is patch of bare ground. So, if you would rather
making you feel exhausted, just keep a few choose your own variety of species to grow in
very large containers for certain specimens and your garden, rather than whatever a passing bird
make them into a feature. If, however, you aren’t decides to eject, ensure you plant densely. While
ready to abandon your potaholic habits, group new plants are establishing, spread mulch onto
them together so that they can create their own any bare soil to stop weeds taking hold.
microclimate. Each pot will provide a bit of shade Shrubby Heroes
for another and the air around them will enjoy Shrubs are generally the best low-maintenance
increased humidity. plant of all. Replace any annual planting
No Mow schemes with shrub beds, but don’t inflict the
Next, we come to the lawn, if there is one. You hedge-cutter ‘blob treatment’ on them. The
don’t need to mow every week and you could secret lies in choosing your plants wisely and
allow the grass sward to grow longer. Welcome thus not planting something that grows larger
weeds and wildflowers into the lawn; it’s far than the space available. You can allow them to
better for wildlife than a monoculture of grass. grow into their natural form.
Provided the lawn looks vaguely green, it really
doesn’t matter if there By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Container filled with annuals

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Garden

Features – Ads – Competitions

Promote your business – your
way next month

For ideas and inspiration contact
[email protected]

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Homes & InGtearidoerns

Flower

Aster Impatiens Phlox
Bluebell Lobelia Poppy
Carnation Margeurite Rose
Coneflower Marigold Stock
Cosmos Pansy Sweet Pea
Dianthus Petunia Viola
Gerbera
Heartsease

Find the names of flowers in the grid and the remaining letters will
spell out a related phrase

44 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Homes & Interiors

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Homes & Interiors
46 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Homes & Interiors

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- Tiling and underfloor heating - Annual servicing of gas appliances
- Bathroom refurbishment - Drainage - Guttering and roofing repairs

- All other plumbing repairs

01484 716306
[email protected] www.mallinsonplumbing.co.uk

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 47

Homes & Interiors
48 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Homes & Interiors

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 49

Homes & Interiors
50 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]