The Grapevine Halifax Issue 155 April 2021

THE
GRAPEVINE

HALIFAX EDITION

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

Support the Halifax and Brighouse businesses emerging from lockdown
– keep the love LOCAL

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY 24TH APRIL 2021
10AM – 2PM

Madison Gardens, Hartshead Court,
Liversedge WF15 8FG
• Luxurious two bedroom over 55s apartments
• High standard, bespoke specifications
• Allocated parking available

T: 01484 719191 | E: [email protected]

PB
Property

2

Editor’s Note: The Local Edit – Spring lockdown 8-9
treats 10
Spring really is here and
it’s been such a long time Best apps for getting things done
coming.

I don’t know about you but I seem to be checking Chris Helme’s nostalgia 12
out the weather forecast on a unhealthily regular Seasonal food for April 14
basis as we approach Easter and the sweet Electric car? Making the switch 16-17
invitation to start meeting outdoors now. What your make up bag says…. 20
Who’s that knocking? 29
Check out The Local Edit pages for ideas and
inspiration to keep busy during April and places Yorkshire Digital Conference 28
you could meet up with friends and family. Have – this month 33
some well-earned social time whilst supporting 50
local, independent businesses throughout Halifax Greener lawns
and Brighouse.
Great gadgets – outdoor cleaning
I’m delighted to see that new businesses are still
opening locally. Index 58

In Brighouse – we’ve spotted MAMIL Café
Bar just off the canal bank on the walk out of
Brighouse – a pitstop for anyone but offers
cyclists a workshop too. Also there’s a new bar
opening called Truth opening soon right in the
centre of Brighouse too.

Lots for us all to look forward too – stay positive Testimonial: “I have been inundated with phone
and hang on in there. calls from The Grapevine Mag spring edition – you
guys have been keeping me so busy after lockdown
Next edition landing on your doorstep in May …. unknowingly – thank you. We’ll be advertising again
when we’ve caught up!”
Helen Simon Manning (SAM Decorating)

Contact us

[email protected] Why not call in for Advertise from Free advert design
077918 91623 a socially-distanced chat? just £47 ex vat Free feature writing
www.facebook.com/thegrapevinemag Reach 20,000 local Guidance and advice
Find our office at 6 The homes and businesses on maximising your
@thegrapevinemag – follow us Boat House, Wharf Street, Online directory and
on Facebook to find out the Brighouse HD6 1PP (just social media results
latest local news
around from Jeremy’s). included 3
@thegrapevine.magazine Give us a call first to make

@thegrapevinemag sure we’re around.

Lifestyle & Leisure
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Lifestyle & Leisure

Makes 12 This easy all-in-one almond-flavoured sponge with a sweet and tangy
Ready in 1 hr 10 mins, rhubarb topping can be served warm with cream or custard or enjoy a
plus cooling slice with a cup of tea or coffee.

INGREDIENTS 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Grease a 23cm
• 300g rhubarb, trimmed square shallow cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper.
Toss the rhubarb and icing sugar together in a bowl and set aside.
and chopped (see Tips)
• 25g icing sugar, plus extra 2. Place the butter, caster sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
Sift over the flour and baking powder. Using a handheld electric
for dusting mixer, beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Fold in the
• 175g unsalted butter, ground almonds and milk.

softened, plus extra for 3. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and gently level the surface
greasing with a palette knife. Scatter the rhubarb evenly over the top.
• 175g caster sugar
• 3 large eggs 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is
• 175g self-raising flour risen and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 10-15
• 1 tsp baking powder minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or cold dusted
• 50g ground almonds with icing sugar.
• 1 tbsp milk

TIP Choose thin stems of pink forced rhubarb for this recipe and chop into small even-sized pieces.
Add 1-2 tbsp drained and chopped stem ginger to the sponge mixture, if liked.

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Put your love into LOCAL this month

The Local Edit stTbuhrupiesspaiAnot perytrsoisluloearcssnaedllf
Spring Lockdown Treats

As Spring approaches and lockdown measures start
to be lifted this month – here’s a few local lockdown
treats that may lift your soul

Crust and Craft, Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax

The horsebox is back!

Open daily (weather permitting) from 10am until 3pm.

Serving hot drinks and sweet treats Monday to Friday and

sausage butties at the weekend!

www.crustandcraft.com

Grow your own Superhero or Unicorn
Kura Gifts, Halifax

How fabulous are these Superhero and Unicorn Magic Beans?
A great alternative to chocolate this Easter...
Teach youngsters about the basic requirements of growing
plants. Let them enjoy the transformation of the embossed
words/images from beans to leaves as they grow! Only £3.99
Available to purchase online now:
www.kuragifts.co.uk

Kershaws Garden Centre, Brighouse
Get your garden ready for (hopefully) a long,

warm Summer outdoors
Heaps of flowers, bedding plants, trees and

garden accessories now available
www.kershawsgardencentre.co.uk

Cakeybakes, Halifax
You might not be able to
have a party at the
moment but that doesn’t stop you ordering cake!
This Halifax-based bespoke cake business makes almost
anything to order – handmade to a high standard.

@cakeybakesonline

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

Put your love into LOCAL this month

MAMIL Café Bar, Brighouse
We’re ready for you WEEKEND!
Two tyred to carry on with your weekend walk or cycle?
Or just fancy a quick coffee and cake fix? Pop into the
takeaway, they’ll have you FUELD up in no time with a
delicious selection of toasties, soup, sweet treats and
caffeine

@mamilcafebar

Crust and Crumb, Brighouse Market

When one loaf is not enough – call and see the

friendly team at Crust and Crumb

Various days at Brighouse market

crustandcrumb77

Bolster Moor Farm Shop, Huddersfield

When life gives you lockdown – pie is the only
answer
Huge selection of freshly made pies
(and lots of other delish treats)

bolstermoorfarmshop

Woofs & Wellies, Supporting Overgate 9
Hospice, Halifax

You can sign up anytime to the Overgate Hospice
Woofs & Wellies

The 4 or 8 mile walk up to Stoodley Pike can be done
at a date and time to suit you
Find out more and sign up at
ww.overgatehospice.org.uk

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Lifestyle & Leisure

The best apps for getting things done

Remember The Milk Any.do Streaks
Remember The Milk is one of Any.do is fast, effective and Do you need a bit of help
our favourite organising apps, a superb way to stay on top achieving your goals? The
enabling you to track almost of all of the things you need
anything from shopping lists to award-winning Streaks
serious projects. It integrates to do. It’s easy to create makes it easy to set, track
lists, track progress and and be motivated to achieve
with Siri, Gmail, Google schedule/reschedule tasks, multiple things: you might
Calendar, Twitter, Evernote and it makes good use of
and many more apps, and it’s buttons to automate the use it to make sure you
particularly good for scheduling most common tasks so it’s drink enough water, or
repeated events and setting walk enough steps, or eat
reminders to keep you focused. really quick to use. healthily. It’s very flexible

and lots of fun too.

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Lifestyle & Leisure

Choosing a Nursery for Your 2, 3 or 4 Year Old?

Limited Nursery & School Places Available From September 2021 2019

“Provision for two-year-old children is particularly effective. Adults have high expectations of children’s behaviour and
achievement. Consequently, children settle quickly, they play well together and they become confident learners.

Skilled adults model appropriate vocabulary and encourage children to extend their speaking and listening skills well”.
Ofsted 2019

✓ Experienced, qualified & dedicated staff take pride in providing a stimulating environment
in which children feel at home

✓ Dedicated facilities enhanced by outdoor learning in safe, fenced gardens
✓ Learning through play to develop literacy, numeracy, social, emotional & everyday skills
✓ Free childcare: 2 year olds may qualify for 15 hours per week free, all children are entitled

to 15 hours per week, (30 for working parents) from the term after their 3rd birthday for 38
weeks of the year
✓ Affordable childcare: The Bungalow, (ages 2 & 3), 9am-12pm, £9.50 per session. Little
Longroyde Pre-School, (ages 3 & 4), 9am-12pm, 12pm-3pm, £8.50 per session
✓ Benefits transition into Longroyde Primary School Reception
✓ Stay & Play sessions, (3) for your child to meet staff & other children

Want to find out more? Contact our friendly team in the School Office:

∙ Call 01484 715300 ∙ Email [email protected] ∙ Visit www.longroyde.org.uk ∙

Nursery, Reception & KS1: Head Office & KS2:
Field Top Road, Brighouse, HD6 3XB Longroyde Road, Brighouse HD6 3AS

Ask About Wrap Around Care for 3 to 11 Year Olds, 7.30am to 6pm

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Lifestyle & Leisure

“It will all be over by
Christmas!”

By Chris Helme

It looks as if there is now some watching and listening to the
light at the end of the Covid-19 visiting speaker in the comfort
tunnel, with the gradual of their own home. Whilst it
opening of the escape door of is not the same as a proper
the lockdown period. Along meeting, it does enable some
with countless others I too am members to keep in touch with
waiting for the notification to each other.
go for that all important second
vaccine jab. That will of course I have done many of these
not mean we can then do Zoom presentations over the
exactly what we want, we will last year, it comes as a shock
still have to be careful. when you not only have local
members involved. On one presentation I had some
Just when organisations will be able to start having people watching from their home in North Carolina
their weekly or monthly meetings again is very in America and one member in Brisbane Australia.
much a wait and see situation. Over the last 12
months I have had over 100 bookings cancelled Whilst Zoom meetings are not for everyone,
where I would be the guest speaker. These were the vast majority of people watching the Zoom
at every kind of local group you can imagine meetings were in the main retired people. Whilst
throughout the length and breadth of the county. getting to grips with the new technology has
certainly been a challenge, it is one many have
When the all clear is finally given that meetings taken on.
can start again, I wonder how many local groups
will have decided to call it a day. With members Many readers will already be familiar with
another year older, those aches and pains catching my Brighouse and District Heritage Newseum
up and the passing of some members. Many will magazine. What started off as a challenge in the
have got out of the habit of attending their weekly summer of 2018, the magazine is now celebrating
or monthly get together. With those members on its third anniversary with issue number 12 having
the top table who help to keep it ticking over with been published last month.
the official side of any organisation, will they want
to carry on? Our featured photograph shows some of the
members of the Lightcliffe Good Companions Club
Losing that all important interaction with friends at their annual Christmas Tea during the 1990s, at
for many will have been lost once their organisation the Lightcliffe Conservative Club. Sadly, this group
was closed. Once that had happened no one could like many others closed down many years ago.
have imagined everything would still be closed a People don’t seem to want to join a local group
year later. ‘It will be all over by Christmas’, familiar these days and does prompt the question how
words from a different generation. many groups will be left in 10 or even five years’
time?
Some groups have managed to keep going
with Zoom presentations. These are when an Chris Helme
organisation can still have its monthly meeting Email: [email protected]
using the technology of the internet. With members Website: www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk

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

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T: 01422 202191 MOT station

Victoria Road, Hipperholme, HX3 8DF MOT repairs

Servicing on all
makes & models

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

Let us be your 13
lightbulb moment
We’ll throw a light on
local marketing

Call Helen on 077918 91623
[email protected]

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Lifestyle & Leisure

April Gooseberries
Just coming into season in May, you are unlikely
The end of spring and the start of summer is to pop a ripe gooseberry into your mouth as
perfect when it comes to seasonal produce. they have a very sharp flavour. However, with
Expect plenty of fresh greens and early fruits. the addition of sugar in pies, puddings and the
famous gooseberry fool, the tartness is perfect.

Still Wonderful
Asparagus, Jersey Royal new
potatoes and fresh peas came into
season in April and have plenty of
delicious flavours to give well into May.

Strawberries Cherries
Although June is thought Eating cherries (as opposed to
sour cherries, which are better for
of as peak season for cooking) start appearing during
British strawberries, some May. Some people don’t like them
early fruiting varieties will because of the stone but here’s a
be in season now. There’s little tip if you don’t own a stoning
really nothing imported that tool: pull off the stem, insert the loop
ever beats the flavour of
the locally grown varieties end of a paperclip into the hole and
scoop the stone out.
– it’s hard to believe Spinach
something tasting that Popeye’s favourite is deserved
yummy is good for you. of its reputation as a superfood.
Loaded with nutrients and low in
calories, it makes a great addition
to so many dishes and salads and
is really quick to cook.

Watercress
Rich in vitamins A and C, magnesium, iron,
calcium and folic acid, watercress is most
commonly eaten raw in salads and sandwiches,
but watercress soup is also delicious. Eat as
soon as possible after harvesting.

Image www.thewatercresscompany.com

Elderflower Baby Vegetables
Elderflower’s distinctive scent Vegetables are
and flavour is a popular addition wonderfully sweet
to deserts and drinks. Cordial, before they are fully
wine, gin and champagne often grown and carrots
feature this plant, but it will give and broad beans are
a distinctive and tasty flavour to excellent examples that
most drinks. are just in season now.

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Lifestyle & Leisure

Making the switch to an
electric vehicle:

what you need to know

Government announcements
mean EVs will be an even more
common sight on our roads, but
what do you need to know about
them?

Last year’s announcement by
Boris Johnson that sales of new
petrol and diesel cars and vans
will be phased out by 2030 means
that electric vehicles are going to
become a more important part of
our driving lives very shortly.

But even with this change, with shorter ranges, though, as home wall box much cheaper.
there remains a level of mystery they’ll still offer more than most Yes, you can use a three-pin
surrounding all things electric. people do on average each week. socket, but this isn’t as quick or as
Fortunately, we’ve got some of Plus, cars with smaller batteries safe as having a wall box.
the key things you need to know offer quicker charge times.
about making the leap to an EV. Will it actually be cheaper to buy
How do I add charge when I get and run an electric car?
How much range do you need? home? Of course, the initial upfront cost
Range is a word which has great Home charging is one of the for an EV is often more than an
importance in the EV world, as crucial aspects of owning and equivalent internal combustion-
it’s what governs how far you’ll running an electric car. Being able engined car. However, as the
be able to travel in between trips to add energy to the vehicle while technology progresses, this is
to the plug. However, there’s no it’s at your home really does becoming less common. The
need to get worried about a car’s make things a lot more flexible – new Renault Zoe, for instance,
range if you think carefully about and cheaper, too. is priced from £26,495, which
how far you travel. though still relatively expensive is
Whenever you buy a new car, more in line with the segment.
If you’re someone who only there are incentives in place for
does shorter trips around town charging at home. Government The Prime Minister also outlined
and does fewer than 100 miles grants and even manufacturer up to £582 million in extra grants
a week, for instance, then a car schemes will make installing a to help those buying zero or
with a shorter range will suit
you down the ground. However,
if you’re a driver who travels
further afield, then a car with a
bigger battery might make more
sense. Don’t be scared of cars

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low-emissions vehicles to lower around in. You’ll notice quite rolled out in order to improve the
the cost. a difference compared with a country’s charging structure and
petrol or diesel car, in fact. thus make charging easier.
It’s charging where the cost
savings really come into play. As Another positive is Doesn’t the energy for electric
with petrol, the prices do vary performance. Even lower- cars only come from fossil fuels
between chargers, with some powered EVs really zip away anyway?
costing from around 25p/kWh up from the line, and they give Of course, an electric vehicle is
to around 35p/kWh. For around acceleration that regular cars only as environmentally friendly
100 miles of additional charge, simply can’t hope to match. as its energy source. However,
you’ll be looking at about £6-7. many energy and charger
When it comes to charging at But isn’t the UK lacking in unit suppliers are working to
home, that really depends on charge points? ensure that their energy comes
your own energy tariff. Plenty of The number of charging from green suppliers. All of BP
companies are now offering EV- stations in the UK has grown Chargemaster’s charging stations,
friendly plans that take advantage enormously in recent years. for example, are certified as
of lower-priced charging times, According to ZapMap, there are providing renewable energy,
such as in the middle of the night. over 35,000 connectors across while home energy providers like
However, for an average EV the country, made up of around Octopus Energy provide power
with around 200 miles of range 20,000 charge points in about that is completely green.
and a 60kWh battery, you’ll be 13,000 locations.
looking at around £8.40 for a full In terms of how they’re spread
charge. It represents good value out across the country, 26 per
compared with petrol and diesel. cent are in central London
alone, with 13.5 per cent in the
Are there any benefits that south east and 12.3 per cent in
aren’t as obvious? Scotland. This figure is only set to
Though the cost-saving benefits rise, too, as government funding
are quite easy to see, there are looks to make fast chargers more
some other positives to owning widespread across the country.
an electric car. One of them is Furthermore, the Prime Minister
simply refinement – EVs are quiet has stated that an extra £1.3
and, therefore, relaxing to drive billion in investment will be

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Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Subscription boxes have really taken By Kate Duggan
off in recent years. Who doesn’t love
receiving a goodie bag through the Browse the boxes
door now and then, even if the person Most subscription sites share the contents of
treating yourself is you? But with so previous boxes. It can be difficult to see which
many boxes to choose from, how do products are full-sized and which are mini from a
you decide which one to pick? photo, so check the description.
Read reviews
Here’s a few things to consider before you hand Check reviews on different sites. Remember
over your card details… that brands do sometimes pay people to write
reviews and they often sponsor influencer
What are you looking for? content. Look at ratings on Trustpilot, where the
First off, consider your budget and what you brand will likely have thousands of reviews and
want to get out of the subscription. Are you can’t delete the bad ones, rather than just relying
signing up to discover new products, or do you on the comments on a social-media ad.
just want a treat delivered to your door every Don’t get locked in
now and then? Do you prefer big brands or Generally with these boxes, the longer you
would you rather support smaller businesses? subscribe for, the lower the price of each box.
Do you want natural, vegan-friendly products, However, you don’t want to lock yourself into
more skincare than makeup, extra treats like a commitment that doesn’t work for you. So
cosmetic bags…and so on. it might be worth trying one box before you
commit, or making sure you can cancel without
penalties if you sign up to a monthly payment.

Boxes to consider...
Glossybox (www.glossybox.co.uk) is one of the most reasonably
priced boxes on the market and scores well on Trustpilot. Each
box contains five or more products with a combined value of at
least £50. Usually, you’ll get a mix of skincare and makeup, mainly
from lesser-known (but good-quality) brands. From £11.75 a box.

FabFitFun’s boxes (www.fabfitfun.com) treat you to a mix of
health and beauty and lifestyle products. My first box contained a
dressing gown (which I’ve been living in recently), a hair mask, a
couple of mugs, a mascara (which is awesome and by a brand I’d
never heard of) and various other items. Truthfully, a couple of the
products have gone straight in the charity box. However, overall,
I’ve been impressed. At $59.99 (approximately £45), it’s not cheap,
but you do get to customise the contents and definitely get that
‘ooh’ factor when it arrives at your door.

If you prefer natural, vegan brands, LoveLula (www.lovelula.com) is worth a look. For £14.95 you’ll
receive at least four products a month, from brands such as Green People, Balm Balm and Madara.

Other boxes to consider include:
Birchbox: www.birchbox.co.uk • Cohorted: www.cohorted.co.uk
Little Known Box: www.littleknownbox.com • Look Fantastic: www.lookfantastic.com
18 Interested in advertising? Call us on 077918 91623 or email [email protected]

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Sweet Summertime
Let’s get your
business bouncing
back this Summer

Call Helen on 077918 91623
[email protected]

Karen and Gillian, Rose Speech Therapy Rose Therapy Centre is a specialist
speech and language service working
Karen Scrivener-Fearn: with adults who have communication,
[email protected] voice or swallowing difficulties due to a
neurological illness
Gill Buckingham:
[email protected] Conditions we can treat include;
• Brain injury
• Brain tumour
• Dementia
• Motor Neurone Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Stroke
• Voice abuse, misuse or pathology

Consultations available now

Home visits and clinic appointments are still
available working within professional guidelines
to operate safely.

01484 793550 | www.rosetherapycentre.co.uk

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Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

What your
ambaokuet-uyopubag says

When it comes to makeup, every woman has her own
very specific rituals and preferred products – so, what
does your cosmetic bag say about you?

FOUNDATION multi-purpose. MASCARA
Clinique Even Better Glow While flitting from Rimmel Scandaleyes Volume
Light Reflecting Makeup gym to the office to On Demand Mascara £8.49
SPF15 £24 the school gates, Life is short, but your lashes
You’re the kind of person who this pocket-size shouldn’t be, which is why you
likes to let their powerhouse is love this dazzling mascara
natural beauty ideal for top- which offers a big bang for
shine, which is ups, providing every buck. With buildable
why you love this moisturising, volume and a no-flake formula,
super glowy and buildable this mascara is the kind of
hydrating formula. coverage that even has beauty essential than could be
Taking a no-fuss an SPF25 for protection picked up on the way to work,
approach to your from the sun. if perhaps you accidentally
morning routine, stayed out all night…
you’re up and out Laura Mercier Flawless
the door with a Fusion Ultra-Longwear Glossier Lash Slick Mascara
smoothie in hand Foundation £36 £14
and looking fresh When it comes to work When the sun rises so do
while the rest of and play you don’t like you for your morning yoga
the world is still to compromise, flitting session. Effortlessly radiant,
sleeping. effortlessly from the you love this lo-fi mascara
boardroom to the bar. which is smudge-resistant
bareMinerals Hard to resist then, enough to withstand a
Complexion this full-coverage satin sweaty workout, but also
formula stays in place for gentle enough to remove
Rescue Hydrating SPF25 up to 15 hours – ideal for with cleanser giving you that
Foundation Stick £30 all-day fabulousness. barely there look all day long.
With your jam-packed
schedule, efficiency Lancôme Monsieur Big
is key which is Mascara Extreme Black £22
why you need Never one to do anything
a foundation by halves, you believe that
that is both bigger is better and that
reliable and includes your lashes. With its
large, curvy brush and 24-hour

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Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

staying power, this ‘extreme’ version of an already hydrated with
iconic beauty classic is your secret weapon for a high-pigment
serious glamour vibes. swoosh of this
gorgeous lip
LIPS colour? Check.
MAC Matte Lipstick £17.50
When it comes to morning beauty rituals, none Illamasqua
is more elaborate and sacred than yours. Loaded Lip
Your makeup bag is impeccably curated, Polish £19
and every dazzling look finished off with You’re the
a daring lip, perfectly painted in one of person who
MAC’s iconic matte shades, because when brings the
it comes to exuding opulence, there is no
room to compromise. champagne
to the Sunday
Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra-Hydrating barbecue,
Lipstick £31 wears heels
Being super chic comes effortlessly to a stroll in the park and generally adds life
to you as you move through life with and soul to every party. Even on your off days
understated charm and style. Perfectly you’re a joy to be around believing that every
tousled hair? Check. ‘Thrown problem can be solved with a positive mental
together’ outfit that happens attitude, a winning smile and a slick of your
to be bang on-trend? Check. favourite lip gloss with its mirror-like shine and
Soft, kissable lips that are dazzling colour.

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Business, Finance & Technology
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Business, Finance & Technology

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Business, Finance & Technology

Business Owner
Finance Q & A’s

By Ifat Jhugroo, Sleigh & Story

Q. My director’s loan account is a shareholder. Expect a strong relief as long as you do this by 5
overdrawn as we approach our rebuff. April 2022. You need to make a
year end. Usually, a dividend is claim in writing, and include the
credited to cover the shortfall, but A better option would be to wait information required - set out in
my accountant says that there are to see if you might be able to pay SACM12150.
not enough reserves to do that a dividend before the repayment
this time. We’ve looked at writing deadline of nine months after the Q. I made an investment into
off the loan to avoid a s.455 year end, as this will avoid the a promising fledgling company
charge as a cheaper option than problem and the s.455 charge. several years ago. Due to
an additional salary payment. Are Q. I usually make regular pension Covid-19, the company has
there any problems with this? contributions of approximately struggled over the last 12
£10,000 per year net of relief. months, and has just entered
A: Writing off a director’s loan However, in 2017/18 I made administration. What is the best
means that you will be taxed on a large one-off contribution way to secure relief as soon as
the amount written off as if it following a capital gain. I’ve just possible?
were a dividend. On the face of realised that I omitted this from
it, this is cheaper than a salary my tax return and, as a result, A: As the shares are likely to be
payment. However, HMRC will overpaid tax by nearly £8,000. Is worthless, you can explore the
usually argue that the write off is there anyway I can amend the possibility of making a negligible
really a payment “derived from an return? value claim. If the conditions
employment”, meaning National are met, this crystallises the
Insurance also needs to be paid. A: The deadline for amending loss on the shares now, rather
The only way around this is to your 2017/18 has passed, but all than needing to wait until the
convince HMRC that the write- is not lost. You should be able to shares are formally cancelled.
off arose due to your position as reclaim the tax using overpayment The advantage of this is that it
should secure a loss that can
be offset against your general
income (assuming the company
is an unquoted trading company
meeting the requirements), and
you can carry this back to the
previous tax year. For example, if
you make the claim in March 2021,
you will be able to amend your
2019/20 return to include the loss
claim. You can read more about
negligible value claims and income
losses on Helpsheet 286.

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

24 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’ 25

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

Business, Finance & Technology

The Bank of Mum and Dad

Parents and grandparents with your estate. A separate one- FIRST HOME
cash to spare will often want to off exemption covers a gift for Perhaps the most common way
help the younger generation. a wedding or civil ceremony: to financially help a child or
They have plenty of options, but £5,000 for a gift to your child, grandchild is with their first home
it’s key to consider the tax and £2,500 to your grandchild and purchase. If you provide the
risk implications. £1,000 to anyone else. money for a deposit, it has the
same rules regarding inheritance
FINANCIAL GIFT SCHOOL FEES tax as any other gift. You’ll have
School fees for a grandchild to confirm you are not claiming
With a straightforward financial are also exempt, though this any financial interest and you
gift, the recipient won’t have only applies if you make regular may have to provide bank
to pay any income tax on it but payments and it’s clear you can statements for money-laundering
it can affect inheritance tax. afford them. Finally you can checks.
The simple principle is that any give up to £250 a year to any
money you give as a gift will still individual who isn’t covered by You can act as a mortgage
count towards the value of your any other exemptions. guarantor in which you become
estate (and potentially attract responsible for the payments if
inheritance tax) except in specific SAVINGS PLAN your children or grandchildren
circumstances. One alternative to an immediate fall behind. That’s a risky
gift is to put money into a savings proposition and you should
One exemption is time: if you plan, for example with the aim of never consider it without expert
live more than seven years after helping the child with university advice. That’s also true of a
making the gift, it’s not counted costs when they turn eighteen. family deposit mortgage where
towards your estate. If you die A Junior ISA is a way to do this you put the deposit money up
between three and seven years without attracting tax on the front. If the borrower makes all
after the gift, a special lower savings or growth. It comes in the scheduled payments for a set
inheritance tax rate applies both cash and stocks-and-shares period (often five years), you’ll
depending on the precise time. versions. get the money back, sometimes
If you die less than three years with interest as well.
after the gift, it’s covered by the Only a parent or guardian can
normal inheritance tax rate. open a Junior ISA, but anyone It’s also worth exploring a family
can put money into the Junior ISA offset mortgage. This lets you put
You also have an annual once it’s open. Legally the money savings into a special account,
exemption that means the first belongs to the child, though they temporarily lowering the figure
£3,000 you give away each can’t withdraw it until they turn used to calculate interest
year isn’t counted as part of eighteen. charges.

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

Business, Finance & Technology

Yorkshire businesses invited to
get creative with digital marketing

at technology conference

Digital marketing and customer
experience will be the key
themes of the upcoming Go
Digital Live conference on
Wednesday 21 April. Yorkshire
businesses are invited to book
their place now for a packed
agenda of masterclasses,
networking and discussion
panels designed to make it
easier for them to boost sales
by getting creative with digital
technology.

The event is organised by the technology solutions and online “It’s so important for businesses
Digital Knowledge Exchange, platforms to enhance customer to make sure they are not being
part of the Digital Enterprise pro- experience. left behind by the ever-changing
gramme. It is designed for SMEs tech trends that are so vital for us
based in the Leeds City Region, David Donaldson will open the to increase productivity,
which includes West Yorkshire, event with the first keynote, compete, and ultimately, grow.
York, Harrogate, Craven and ‘Build your reputation online to
Selby. boost sales’. David is an “Essentially Go Digital Live really
international speaker on digital is something that your business,
Starting at 9am with an early marketing and the Managing for the sake of gaining a
networking opportunity, the Director of UK-based digital competitive edge, simply cannot
conference swiftly progresses marketing agency, BuzzLogic. afford to miss.”
to an action-packed schedule of
keynote speakers, digital mas- David said: “Regardless of what Go Digital Live will be an online
terclasses and a discussion panel industry you're in and if you're event and the schedule will cover
featuring some of the region’s B2B or B2C, those attending my a variety of subjects including
most digitally transformative session will receive practical tips customer journeys via online
businesses. Keynote speak- on how to utilise Linkedin, video channels, Facebook advertising,
ers include BuzzLogic Manag- content and e-books to boost building an online store, pay-
ing Director David Donaldson, their brand, which will grow their per-click (PPC) and search
PPC Manager at AO.com Chris business.’’ marketing, content creation and
Nightingale and digital marketing digital transformation for
expert Pascal Fintoni. Pascal Fintoni, Lead Trainer of the business growth.
Digital Knowledge Exchange, said:
During the event, delegates will “Go Digital Live is a highlight of Businesses can register now for
discover new and exciting ways to our event calendar and creates a Go Digital Live.
get creative with digital real buzz among the businesses in Google Go Digital – to find out
marketing campaigns and how the region. more.
to make the most of popular

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

Business, Finance & Technology

Who’s that knocking?

We have a look at the plusses and minuses of the smart doorbell.

Advantages of-the-range models won’t set you
- Video security. With people at back much more than £200.
your door appearing on your phone, - Platforms. Smart doorbells are
you will know who is around your generally effective no matter what
property. Similarly, video footage the user platform is.
can be stored – usually for a small - Subconscious deterrent. Anyone
additional subscription fee. eyeing up a property will quickly
- Delivery delight. Your smart walk on by at the sight of a device
doorbell instantly connects to your that videos the front door area of a
mobile phone so you can converse house.
with the person at the door.
- Cost. These clever gadgets start Limitations
for as little as £50, and even top- - No phone, no use. The smart

doorbell therefore remains - False alerts. Doorbells that don’t
pretty ‘unsmart’ for people have customisable motion zones
who work in jobs where may find themselves being set off
phones aren’t permitted. at all hours of the day by anything
- Reverse psychology. from cats to passing cars to high
There would be nothing winds.
to stop a reasonably well - Battery life. The battery life on
disguised ‘delivery driver’ smart doorbells is notoriously low
from ringing the doorbell, and you may have to swap them
establishing the person isn’t every couple of months if not wired
in, then attempting to enter in.
the house out via a back
entrance.

Features – Ads – Competitions 29

Promote your business – your
way next month

For ideas and inspiration contact
[email protected]

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

Lifestyle & Leisure

We’re
VOCAL about

BOUNCE supporting
LOCAL – get
BACK in touch
THE
FREE
Let ever yone know you GRAPEVINEBRIGHOUSE EDITIONBrloYoowcdIusawssrlwtupc.oetoehmoce7pgkm4lreauM2pntaoe0itrvyl1io‘n1m9ce9amalgabaguz.scinoine.eu-sksceosnnecting
are open for business CharityFeatures FREE

Community News & Events

in 2021 DistributedBatoili9ff,5B0r0idhgoem, Ceslifatnodn,bHusoinveessEedsgeev,eRryasmtroicnkth,WthorooudghhoouusteB,rFigixhboyuse including
Why advertise your Distributed toTGBHRRIGEAHOPUESEVEDINITIOEN
business with us:
20HBoums,in0ees sas0ensd0IwsLYswlTooouCwcurec.arutoah7lcsep3moltgemDFreoamempepbelueesuf‘vn1iintiwbn9otyeirtlmaomiylncalaagatNgl.etcabooezdu.inwurseaiknFste-usc&OsonendvsEnerevcaretgiinsnagitntseg Hospice

• Great value for money Distributed Btoai9li,f5f 0B0rihdogme,eCs laifntdonb,uHsinoevseseEsdegvee,rRy amstornicthk,tWhroouogdhhoouutsBer,igFhixobuyse including

FREE

• Read from cover to cover each
• Oanudr emvaegrayzminoensthare trusted, TGHREAPEVINE GTRHAEPEVINEHALIFAX EDITIONIswswuYweloo.ut1chra4ecl8goprmMaepomaeprvul‘ien2nie0ttomy lmaogca.acgola.bzuiunksein-ecsosnensecting
• Hcaovaemnrdapgrdeeehtleiwvneosrmievdeobnaytnhdussketoptaflloarroenas HeLlopCcinaoSghlmibeldomdecinuta, nSl–tibutsmuyhpsoeiCnpvreeopssnisnsD,teHgsisstorghritblaieuoglytoehGbdrlriletegooehs8n,s,t0Hso00imlpohpoecmrahelosllymaned,bLuigshintecslisfefes,eNveorrythmoowntrhamin,clCudoilnegy, Norwood Green, ShelfHALIFAX EDITIONlYoowcIuaswrslwupc.etoehmoe1pgm4lre7auptnFoeietvylbionmc‘e2ama0lgabaguz.scinione.eu-sksceosnnectingFREE
KloeCceoapmlliynmegeunvnyjeioHtoryyyuapnmueteppoxwhnyitststorhaaFndLedaedbtaaerepyuveanYrttyosea–r one

• Interesting articles, features and Shibden, Stump Cross, HDoisrtlreibyuGterdeeton,8H,0i0p0pehrohmoelms ean, dLibguhsticnleifsfsee,sNeovertrhyomwornatmh ,inCcoluldeiyn,gNorwood Green, Shelf
local community news

• Free in house advert design

CALL TODAY to discuss how we can help you....

T: 077918 91623 E: [email protected]

www.thegrapevinemag.co.uk

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

Lifestyle & Leisure

Testimonial: “I have been inundated with phone
calls from The Grapevine Mag spring edition – you
guys have been keeping me so busy after lockdown

unknowingly – thank you. We’ll be advertising
again when we’ve caught up!”

Simon Manning (SAM Decorating)

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

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

Garden

Make your lawn the envy of your
neighbours this Summer

With the longer days finally here NIP THE WEEDS IN THE BUD damage. If you are going away
and temperatures set to rise again on holiday, cut the lawn normally
this Summer it’s great to be able to Weeds not only steal precious as close to your leaving date as
invest time into the front and back nutrients and moisture from the possible. Use an edging iron to
lawns whilst that wonderful scent soil, they also keep the lawn edges neat and tidy.
of freshly cut grass returns to fill
the air. Now that Spring is finally encourage insects and disease LEAVE YOUR CLIPPINGS WHERE
here, we have put together a around the garden. If you catch THEY FALL
handy checklist to ensure that your them while they’re still young,
lawn looks splendid all summer! they’ll prove easier to prune and Many house-proud homeowners
do minimal damage. What’s more, like to pick up the bundles of cut
KEEP YOUR GARDEN HYDRATED grass in order to achieve a tidier
nipping weeds in the bud prevents garden. Leaving the clippings to
While sun and heat are good them from sending out too many lie where they fall can protect the
for your garden, too much can seeds. Bring a solution of about 1 rays of the sun and retain moisture
destroy the well-deserved crop. cup salt in 2 cups water to a boil. in the grass intself.
Because of this, you will need to Pour directly on the weeds to kill
water when needed. The whole them. Another equally effective GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
idea of watering your garden, is method is to spread salt directly
to replicate the soaking action of onto the weeds or unwanted grass Healthy soil is the basis of healthy
the rain. Not just a sprinkle, but an that come up between patio bricks plants and a healthy environment.
honest amount of rain. The water or blocks. Alternatively, you can When garden soil is in good shape
needs to be able to reach the very use a weed killer. there is less need for fertilizers
ends of the roots. Try to water or pesticides. Soil can not only
in the early morning to minimize DON’T FORGET TO TRIM YOUR improve your plants health, but
the amount of moisture lost to LAWN you can also improve your own.
evaporation. When you dig in the dirt, you’ll be
You will now probably need to also digging into mycobacterium
CAFFEINE BOOST increase the regularity with which vaccae, a soil-based organism
you mow your lawn with the that animal research has shown
Coffee grinds are high in nitrogen weather getting warmer. If the to play a positive role in brain
and make a great addition to conditions are ideal for growth, health, including lightening mood
the organic matter around any you may need to cut twice a week and anxiety. It may have similar
flowers and vegetables. You can to keep it looking good. Don’t be positive effects in humans.
either sprinkle the coffee grinds tempted to cut the lawn too short
directly onto the soil or add them when it is hot as this can cause
to your compost bin or pile. If
you add them directly to the soil,
keep in mind that coffee is also
acidic, so you may also want to
add something alkaline. This is
a great question, because we all
throw away a huge volume of
used coffee. If we all composted
our coffee, it would make a
considerable difference!

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

Garden

About Us
home delivery to an ever increasing
Tommy Topsoil is a local family firm customer base. Carrier networks take care
spanning three generations. This year is of our nationwide deliveries. Our products
very special – we are celebrating our 60th include everything you need for your
year! Our registered company Daisy Lea flowers, plants, vegetables and lawns
Poultry Farm Ltd was established in 1961! to flourish, ranging from quality soils and
composts, to fertilizers and turf. Alongside
The longevity of the business is down the topsoil business, further diversification
to founder Charlie Denham who at the in recent years has seen the introduction
young age of 20, like the name suggests, of Christmas Trees and Winter Fuels
started out in poultry farming. Very quickly ensuring we are kept busy 12 months of
the business grew and firmly established the year.
himself as the largest independent
poultry farmer in Yorkshire! As a team, we continue to work hard to
consistently give you the best quality
Over the years, Charlie has adapted products at the best possible price.
and diversified to accommodate many This means that we may not always be
recessions, economic climates and the cheapest, but we aim to be the best!
customer demands to keep the business
successful. In fact, many years ago, the As an essential service, we continue
topsoil side of the business was born to operate within the current Covid
as a result of Charlie realising the great guidelines, to supply you with all your
potential of the natural by-product of the gardening and winter fuel requirements
poultry farm – worms and manure! throughout this difficult time.

Charlie is still a vital cog within the When the situation allows, we will raise
business, working an impressive 7 days a glass to wish a very Happy Birthday to
a week! His work ethos has passed onto both Tommy Topsoil and to the next 60
son Andy who now leads the way, and years!
Grandson Edward, who make up the three
generation team, along with other family We thank you all for your custom
members and employees. and support, especially in these
difficult times.
60 years on, and Tommy Topsoil is well
renowned throughout Yorkshire, offering

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

Garden

 Special Offers

Muckers Mulch Peaty Topsoil Cocoa Shell Mulch

£3.85/bag delivered £3.70/bag delivered 80 Litre bag
 BUY 5 GET 1 FREE
 BUY 10 GET 2 FREE

Lawn Feeds & Treatments • Soils
Composts • Barks Mulches • Cocoa Shell

Rolawn Turf • and much more...

 Special Offers Nets of Logs

Large Hardwood Bulk Bags (or tipped loose) £5.95/bag
 BUY 5 GET 1 FREE
£90/bag
 2 FOR £160

House coal & smokeless briquettes
Kindling • Fire lighters

AT YOUR SERVICE FOR 60 YEARS

 01422 831 112

 [email protected]  www.tommytopsoil.com

 Pine Trees Farm, Hubberton, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX6 1NT

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

Homes & Interiors

HanNew&WPorrokcinegduProelsiciesg + PPE Make your
kitchen the heart
CSOEVCIUDR-1E9 of your home

dwashing + Social Distancin Taking care of everything from design to
installation we can help you:

• Create a versatile and luxury concept
• Utilise space to offer a practical design
• Meet the functional needs of the whole family
• Provide an aspirational area to host and entertain

Book your free design appointment & quote: Visit our Mirfield Concession
Online: www.morekitchen.co.uk Showroom for Inspiration & Advice:
Call: 01924 480571
Email: [email protected] Whiteleys Garden Centre,
Far Common Road, Mirfield, WF14 0DQ
Facebook: More Kitchens

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

Homes & Interiors

These days most homeown- Integrity and Value. Quality in lead to more happy customers small, call Warren on
ers suffer from a lack of the materials that we use for all is true and we work hard to 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be
storage space. So many our installations and the fact make that happen for every happy to pop round and give
precious items that need to that all our loft packages are installation we carry out!’ you a no obligation quote so
be kept – but where to store fitted by time served trades- So, if you want to make use of you too can make use of your
it all? That’s where York- men so our customers are your loft space, however big or loft!
shire Loft Ladders come in. assured of the best job. Integ-
rity in that we will turn up at
The company, based locally, the time we say and make sure
offers homeowners the oppor- the house is spotless when we
tunity to maximise their leave, and Value in that we
storage space with a loft offer our services at a price
ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and people can afford. Our busi-
a light all fully fitted in less ness relies on referrals and we
than a day from just £277 + got a huge amount of our calls
VAT. But it’s not just the from people who have been
affordability of the package the referred to us by our existing
company offers that makes customers - that simply would-
Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand n’t happen if we didn’t adhere
out as manager Warren to our overriding principles.
Ingleson explains:
At the end of the day the old
‘Our watchwords are Quality, adage that happy customers

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

Homes & Interiors

Testimonials:

Mark has just completed our fabulous new We would absolutely recommend Town
kitchen and done a great job. We wanted a Kitchens. They recently completed our
company we could trust to take care of not kitchen and utility room and Mark’s
only the kitchen but also the building work, attention to detail throughout the process
electrics and decoration. All were completed was second to none. Mark clearly takes
within a few weeks and to a great standard. immense pride in his work and will take
What made Mark and Lesley stand the long way round a problem if it means
apart from the rest of the companies we that the outcome is better for the customer
contacted was the attention to detail in the rather than just fobbing you off.
planning and design. Highly recommended.
Paul Bottomley This was a major refurbishment and Mark
Having looked at numerous options for the and Lesley were so helpful and on hand to
renewal of our kitchen and the creation of a answer any questions we had throughout.
utility room we decided to plump for Town Their customer service is amazing and you
Kitchens to manage the whole project. could not wish for nicer people
So glad we did, we have no regrets working on your home.
whatsoever. The work was carried out From day one we felt
quickly and efficiently and to a good in safe hands. We are Contact
standard. Thumbs up all round absolutely delighted, us for our
Dave Hagreen thank you!
Claire Round Latest
Offers

Read our 5 Star reviews on &

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

Homes & Interiors

EST. 1989

Kitchens | Bedrooms

Why choose ?

 Family run business celebrating 32  Home consultations & Free design service
successful years  Your project fully managed from start to finish
 Very competitively priced
 Studio located in Mirfield  We will BEAT any genuine like for like
 Supply and fit or supply only available
 City and Guilds Qualified Carpenters quotation

Call us to book your one to one appointment
Home visits available Strict social distancing measures in place

01924 846 913
www.townkitchens.com
Townberry House, 2 Little Taylor Hall Lane, COMING FROM BRIGHOUSE & HUDDERSFIELD
Mirfield, WF14 0DH Please tell advertisers you heard of After the White Gate pub & Whiteleys Garden Centre, take your

thfeirmsttlherfotuagthth‘eTthoepGofrtahpeehviilln, ea’nd the second drive on the ri3g9ht

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

Homes & Interiors

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

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

Homes & Interiors

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 43

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

Homes & Interiors

Brighouse’s new home of appliances

YOUR LOCAL

SPRING STORE
SALE We are excited to announce the launch of our
NOW ON brand new showroom which will be opening on
Monday 19th April.
Utek Appliances is a family run business that
specialises in providing our customers with the
latest in domestic appliances and technology

at great prices.
We are proud to be your local agents of Euronics

in the Brighouse area and we cannot wait to
show you our wide range of products from

premium brands such as

Our Shopping Experience

Deliver Recycle Install

We Are Here! Available on all orders within a 10 mile radius

GRAND OPENING 19TH APRIL

WWW.UTEKAPPLIANCES.COM • 01484 950489

UNIT 9 BROOKFOOT BUSINESS PARK
BRIGHOUSE • HD6 2SD

Please tell advertisers you heard of them through ‘The Grapevine’ 45

Homes & Interiors

No Problem

No Call Out Charge

Gutters Cleared

We remove leaves - moss - grass - growth & debris

Photos

Before & After

We do a camera survey first

Get an instant price 8000+ Reviews

01422 734 081 4.96 Excellent

or online gutterpro.co.uk

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

Homes & Interiors

• Local Respected family run business

• Unmarked vans for absolute discretion

• Residential & Commercial Pest Services

• Available 24/7 for pest emergencies

• Digital reporting system to your inbox
& track your technician

• British Pest Control Association
Member

PEST WATCH Variegated Carpet Beetle Mention Grapevine
when booking for a
(Anthrenus verbasci) 10% discount on our

It’s April – this month brings a whole quoted price.
spectrum of pest species. The good news is that
the weather starts to pick up for Spring – the not
so great news is the arrival of one pest we deal

with on a regular basis during April
– the Carpet Beetle and its larvae, called a

“Woolly Bear.”

The larvae are small (about 4mm long),
covered in brown hairs, and tend to roll up when
disturbed. As they grow, they molt - and the old
cast-off skins may be the first sign of infestation.

Adults are often seen in April, May and June,
seeking egg-laying sites; and the grubs are most

active in October before they hibernate.

The adults lay their eggs in old birds nests,
fabrics and accumulated fluff found throughout

our homes. Checking the loft for signs of
infestation and old birds nests & regular
vacuuming should reduce the risk of a carpet
beetle infestation paying particular attention to
the edges of carpets including under if possible
and any airing cupboards etc. For heavy
infestations we always recommend using a

professional pest control company.

Unit 3 Paddock Works, 149 Shay Lane, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 6RR
Tel: 01422 204782 | Mob: 07792 296392
Email: offi[email protected]
Web: www.halifaxpestcontrol.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

Let us be your
lightbulb moment
We’ll throw a light on
local marketing

Call Helen on 077918 91623
[email protected]

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

Homes & Interiors

The return of brighter days means you’ll Window Trigger Mop
notice the windows need a good clean, and Lakeland’s clever 2-in-1
there are plenty of gadgets to help. We love enables you to squirt, wipe and
the Karcher WV5 handheld window washer squeegee windows that would
(£83; other models are cheaper), which normally be too high to reach without
sucks up the washing liquid and squeegees a ladder. £19.99 from Lakeland.co.uk
the glass clean, while for difficult to reach
windows Lakeland has a long Window Trigger Mud Daddy Portable
Spray Mop for £19.99. Washing Brush
If you really hate cleaning outside windows With a 5 litre capacity the
and have £200 to spare, the Gladwell Gecko Mud Daddy is great for even
Robot Window Cleaner is exactly what it the muddiest pets or bikes.
sounds like. It uses suction to attach itself to No motor means no noise
your window and while it’s fairly slow it’s safer and no need to plug it in.
than perching on a ladder. £44.99 from Amazon.co.uk
For tougher cleaning tasks consider a handheld
steam cleaner such as Hoover’s Steamjet Karcher WV5
Handy (£49), which gives you 20 minutes Karcher’s window washers are
of steam from a single tank. It’s great for
cleaning everything from textiles to tiles, and is essentially a squeegee and a
particularly useful for refreshing metal garden vacuum cleaner joined together,
furniture and for gently removing stains from so as you wipe the window clean
painted surfaces a pressure washer might be it automatically catches the dirty
too harsh for. water. £83 from Halfords.com
Pressure washers can be handy, of course and
are a powerful way to clean everything from Gecko Robot Window Cleaner
muddy bikes to muddy boots. But even those The Gecko sticks to the outside
with long cables need to be plugged in, which of your window and slowly
limits where they can go. Wouldn’t it be great works its way around the glass,
– and better for the environment – to have a cleaning every inch of it while you
pressure washer that didn’t need plugging in at do something more interesting.
all? The award-winning £45 Mud Daddy does £199 from Amazon.co.uk
uses water pressure instead of a motor so is
silent and portable, and is perfect for bikes, BigBoi Buddy
muddy dogs and outdoor cleaning. It uses much Professional valets use air dryers
less water than a hose or pressure washer too.
What about drying? Things like bikes and to deliver a perfect finish to
motorbikes are fiddly to dry, and car fanatics washed vehicles, and the Buddy’s
need a scratch-free way to dry their newly powerful motor does a brilliant job
cleaned paintwork. Step forward the £99 BigBoi
Buddy, a portable dryer delivering warm air of drying bikes and motorbikes.
that is twenty-five degrees warmer than the £99 from theultimatefinish.co.uk
surrounding environment, and it filters the air to
prevent blasting any dust or dirt. Sadly it isn’t
portable, but with a 1,000W motor it makes
quick work of any drying task.

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