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February 2026 Issue No.128 Da Gianni • Ristorante & Pizzeria 48 Princes Avenue • Hull • HU5 3QG • 01482 343908 • www.dagianni.co.uk Booking now for Valentines Day
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Beverley St Nicholas Road, Beverley HU17 0QT Tel: 01482 870246 HULL TRADE FIREPLACES Hull 388 Holderness Road, Hull, HU9 3DL Tel: 01482 588885 www.hullfireplaces.co.uk Stove package deals Editor’s note Welcome to the joint February edition of the magazine. I hope that all our readers and advertisers had a very peaceful Christmas and New Year. It is still very tough for everyone with the current economic climate and the fragile state of the planet - so please continue to use the local businesses, shops, tradesmen and services that advertise in the magazine - it really does help our local economy, the local employment situation and ultimately the planet when you do. The Technology page with Helen Gill offers insights into the latest trends from the digital world. We also have a varied range of topics in this edition for your enjoyment including the House and Home Feature which looks at Decluttering Your Life. We also have our usual round up of all the New Books to read this month. Also check out the Financial Wellbeing section for some surprising facts on figures around retirement. Rebekah looks at protecting your hair this Winter in her Beauty Column. As most of you football fans know Hull City are riding high and we catch up with their season thus far with Chris Warkup. The Motoring Column takes a close look at the current offering and the forthcoming 4x4 from Geely. In Sarah Kings’ monthly Gardening column she takes a broad look at Gardening / Flowers / Vegetables. The Food & Drink section has a delicious cake recipe and a couple of Indian dishes too for you to try at home. As usual we finish with Fiona Dwyer’s ‘Food for thought’. Until the next edition please look after yourselves. Jane Editor © Dalton Spire Limited 2026. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. We cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact advertisers directly with regards to the price of products and/or services, referred to in this magazine. Magazine Team Managing Director: Nic Gough. Sales Director & Editor: Jane Gough. Advertising Sales: Chris Johnson. Distribution Manager: Phil Hiscott. Finance Manager: JP Kinnersley. Designers: Mervyn King, Adam Jacobs. Photography: Clash Pix. Contributors: Fiona Dwyer, Sarah King, Rebekah Robinson, Helen Gill, Hugo G Salochin, Frances Round, Jess Holgate, Chris Warkup. How To Contact Us: - T: 01964 552 470 • E: ask@daltonspire.co.uk • www.daltonspire.co.uk 6 26 21 31 3 16 28 22 32 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470
Technology News February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed Reflections on Creativity, Learning, and Looking Ahead It’s been great to return to write this article after the festive break. Christmas offered a chance to slow down, spend time with family, and step out of the usual routine for a while. I also made time to paint with my new art supplies something I don’t always get the chance to do and it really makes a difference to help slow down and just break away and get ready for the New Year. If like me you’re used to ideas constantly ticking away, quiet can feel uncomfortable. I’ve realised, though, that not every idea needs immediate action. Sometimes, giving yourself a bit of breathing space is what allows things to settle before moving forward. Making Time to Learn & Grow The year has started on a really positive note for me and my business HelloU Creative, it feels like there’s a lot to look forward to and a great time to reflect on the foundations of my business so I can continue to help others and support Reel Creative. To support this next stage in my journey as a creative I’ve joined the Creative Growth Programme at the University of Hull. The 12 week programme will give me dedicated time to focus on business along with the personal learning that will help me grow and move forward with new exciting developments that I have planned in my business in 2026. It’s been fantastic to be surrounded by such a varied mix of creative businesses and individual creatives. From the museums, events planners to digital, marketers, designers, and emerging tech companies, it’s encouraging to see just how broad the creative industries have become and the range of roles active within them, and the opportunities opening up for young creatives entering the industry and the innovative tools we could only have imagined a few years ago. Learning, meeting new people, and hearing different perspectives is proving to be so rewarding and inspiring me reflect on my own journey as a creative business owner. Being in spaces where ideas are shared openly is a reminder that creativity grows through collaboration, experiences and curiosity, and that learning doesn’t just benefit one person, the things we learn can help then be shared to others in the industry and our community. Creative Investment Summit As part of the Creative Growth programme, I was thrilled to have been selected to represent Hull and East Yorkshire at the Creative Investment Summit, 17th February at Kings Place in London. This is such a great opportunity to connect with others who have a passion for empowering creativity and who support others in business. What really stands out about the event is its focus on people recognising that creativity can shape lives, support communities, and play a real role in how we work, learn, and grow. The event will bring people and ideas together, supporting innovation, and creating opportunities for creative work to develop in ways that feels meaningful and inclusive. Being part of this event is exciting, but it’s also a reminder that investment often starts with people having the confidence and space to try. Creative + Tech Superstar Workshop At Reel Creative, our focus is on empowering young people through creativity helping them build confidence, explore new ideas, and discover skills they may not yet realise they have. If you’d like to experience that first-hand, the Reel Creative team will be at Mini Malarkey at Hull Central Library on 21st February. The Creative-Tech Superstars workshop will bring together hands-on making and digital experiences in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Free tickets are available, and families are warmly invited to take part. Check out Hull Libraries eventbrite page to book. As the year gets underway, there’s a real sense of possibility not because everything is planned, but because it isn’t. It feels like a year for learning, connection, and seeing where things lead. For more insights follow @helloucreative @hellougill_artist | @reelcreative_uk www.helloucreative.co.uk | www.reelcreative.org Helen’s World of Creativity By Helen Gill - HelloU Creative ARTS & CULTURE TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION COMMUNITY In this column, I share my world of creativity from arts and culture to technology, education, and community and how these elements shape everyday life across Hull, Beverley and East Yorkshire.
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Food storage containers Empty your storage container cupboard and clear it of any stained or cracked containers. Then match the remaining container to their lids before placing them back. Or if you have space, use office file racks to vertically store container lids – it makes finding them easy. In the Living room The coffee table Remove any old magazines, toys or paperwork and only keep a few items with pops of colour that bring you joy. You can use colourful trays or boxes to store remotes, batteries or other functional items. The entertainment unit This is a great area to get the entire household involved in, including kids. Sort through the various consoles, video games, DVDs, tech equipment and cables. Organise the items you actually use and donate the rest. Bookshelves Sort books into those you want to keep and those you’re ready to part with. You can donate books to charities, give them to friends, or sell some. While you’re at it, you can sort your books by colour! House & Home The New Year is one of my favourite times to refresh our home to start the year feeling calm, organised and inspired. A quick declutter of key areas can make a big difference to your home and how you feel in it. Whether it’s stacks of paperwork, an overflowing make-up drawer or a cupboard filled with items you rarely use, clutter can make you feel stressed and takes up valuable space. Taking the time to sort through what you use and let go of what you don’t helps create a relaxed and peaceful environment. Decluttering doesn’t have to be daunting! My biggest piece of advice is to start small. Focus on one space at a time – whether that’s one drawer, one shelf or one room. And celebrate the wins along the way! (I love taking before and after photos as a way to track my progress and keep myself motivated.) This is also the perfect opportunity to get the whole household involved and let everyone tackle a different area – put on some music or your favourite podcast and turn it into a fun family project. Continued on Page 8 26 Ways to declutter your life Start 2026 fresh with a clean-out! Jess Holgate runs a successful cleaning business in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Here Jess shares her top tips to help you declutter your life... Here are 26 areas that you can declutter to start your New Year fresh and organised. In the Kitchen: Pantry Start by emptying your pantry and giving all the shelves a good wipe down. Get rid of any expired items. Next, categorise similar items, such as baking supplies, tinned food, sauces and snacks before placing them back. You can also use clear containers, labelled jars and baskets to keep everything organised and easy to find. Place items with the nearest expiry dates at the front so they get used first. A well-organised pantry not only looks great but makes meal prep and grocery shopping much easier, too. Fridge and freezer When deep cleaning the fridge, I love to use my DIY fridge spray to keep it clean and deodorised. In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup water, 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Shake to combine, then spray across your fridge shelves before wiping with warm water. This spray helps cut through sticky mess and leaves your fridge smelling amazing. When you’re putting fresh items in the fridge, place them in clear containers to help keep them fresh.Using storage turntables makes it easier to access items in hard-to-reach corners of the fridge. Cups and cutlery To save time when decluttering cups and cutlery, start at the back of the cupboard and work forward, as often the unused mugs end up right at the back. This doesn’t have to be a big task – even clearing out five unused mugs, can openers or duplicate spatulas will free up so much space. February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
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House & Home as books, a colourful candle or a plant to invigorate the space. Under the bed This space under the bed becomes a haven for forgotten items. Pull everything out and give it a good vacuum – you never know what’s hiding under there! Towels and linens Clear out your towels and linens and donate the items you no longer use. When you refold your linen, place sheets or quilt covers inside the pillowcase of the set. This keeps the set together and makes it so much easier to find. In the Bedroom Wardrobes When you’re clearing out your wardrobes, empty everything out and place the items in the middle of the bed. This helps motivate you to finish the task (as you need to use your bed that night!). Go through clothes by category. Start with tops, then pants, then dresses and shoes and donate anything that you don’t want to keep. You can even host a clothes swap party with your friends, where everyone brings anything they no longer use or love, including accessories that are one-size-fits-all such as hats, bags and scarves. It’s a great way to refresh your wardrobe, recycle clothes and catch up with friends at the same time! Bedside tables A bedside table can become a dumping ground for books, receipts and general clutter. Start by emptying everything out, then give the piece a wipe down and add some pops of colour such In the Bathroom Medicine cabinet Empty your medicine cabinet and collect up any expired or unwanted medicines – your local pharmacy should be able to dispose of them safely for you. Use a pull-out drawer or boxes to order the rest into categories, such as pain relief, hay-fever medication and first aid. Toiletries and skincare Empty out your toiletries and skincare and check expiration dates before organising them. As a general rule, skincare products such as moisturisers and serums and toiletries like shower gel and shampoo will last about six months after opening. Make-up Make-up expires after a period of time once opened as preservatives lose strength and microbes grow. Clear out make-up you no longer use or need to replace. You’ll find the expiry period on the product, with a graphic of a cream pot. In the Laundry Coat and shoe racks If you have a pile of shoes or jackets in your bedroom or by the front door, now is the time to sort them out. Declutter, set aside some for donation and, if you have room, place a small bowl of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil on a top shelf. This will help absorb odours from smelly shoes and also provide a hidden fragrance. Laundry cupboards Empty your laundry cupboards and sort through detergents, stain removers and cleaning supplies. Store half-used bottles at the front so that you finish them up. Household supplies in the junk drawer We all have a junk drawer, and now’s the time to go through it! You can use a tackle box to organise random household supplies such as screws, batteries and bolts, which makes looking for them easier. Continued on Page 10 CRAWFORD JOINERY TIME-SERVED JOINER ⚪25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE FREE QUOTES ⚪COTTINGHAM BASED Phone: 07764 946676 Email: crawford1919@icloud.com ALL ASPECTS OF JOINERY including: ⚪KITCHENS ⚪STAIRS ⚪FLOORS & DOORS ⚪BEDROOMS Now taking bookings for 2026 February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
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House & Home Outdoor Garage shelves Empty all shelves and place items in the middle of the garage floor, then group items into categories such as sports equipment, car cleaning and Christmas decorations. Use large, clear boxes to store items and pop on a label listing what’s inside. Toolshed Go through your toolshed and get rid of or repair any items you no longer use or that have rusted over. You can use pegboards to keep tools organised and off the workbench. In the Office Desk Clear your desk and give it a good wipe down, especially the area under your computer, which can collect dust. Use organisers to keep your workspace tidy and easy to use. Bills and paperwork Go through your bills and paperwork and categorise them into three piles: 1. Declutter pile: can be thrown away or recycled. 2. Organise pile: can be filed away. 3. Action pile: requires immediate action, like paying a bill. You may want to use this time to scan your paperwork and digitise it to reduce physical clutter. Switch to email billing where possible. Cords and chargers Your office drawers can become a dumping ground for random cords and cables, and you may even forget what they’re for! This is a great time to finally tackle this pile of cords to match them up with items you have and recycle what you no longer need. You can also label your cords for future reference. Digital Emails Go through your email inbox and unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read. In Gmail, there’s a folder on the left-hand side called ‘Manage Subscriptions’ which lists the newsletters you’re subscribed to. Otherwise, search in your Inbox for ‘unsubscribe’ and go through it. Phone photos If you have an iPhone, you can open your photos app and under ‘Utilities’ you’ll see a tab called ‘Duplicates’ and ‘Screenshots’. Clear duplicate photos to free-up storage space. Phone apps Look through your phone’s home screen and uninstall any apps you no longer use to free up space. You can categorise apps into folders to make them easier to look for. Subscriptions Go through your bank account and look at which services you’re subscribed to and what you could unsubscribe from – think audio or TV subscriptions, or Apple or Google digital storage. Even taking a break for a few months can save you money. Get Started If you’ve started working through this list – congratulations! You’ve started 2026 on a great note and set the stage for a positive year ahead. Whether you began with a single drawer or refreshed an entire room, every small step brings you closer to creating that relaxing home sanctuary you deserve. It may take time to work through this list and that’s totally fine! Be kind to yourself. The goal is to create a more beautiful space for you – one room at a time. Good luck - Jess x See my advert on page 35 February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
11 House & Home To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470
Literature Susan Ryeland has had enough of murder. She’s edited two novels about the famous detective, Atticus Pünd, and both times she’s come close to being killed. Now she’s back in England and she’s been persuaded to work on a third. The new ‘continuation’ novel is by Eliot Crace, grandson of Miriam Crace who was the biggest selling children’s author in the world until her death exactly twenty years ago. Eliot believes that Miriam was deliberately poisoned. And when he tells Susan that he has hidden the identity of Miriam’s killer inside his book, Susan knows she’s in trouble once again. As Susan works on Pünd’s Last Case, a story set in an exotic villa in the South of France, she finds more and more parallels between the past and the present, the fictional and the real world - until suddenly she finds that she has become a target. Someone in Eliot’s family doesn’t want the book to be written. And they will do anything to prevent it. The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden From the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Housemaid, The Boyfriend, and The Tenant comes a story of monstrous motherhood. She gave you a life. Now she wants yours. She was promised a miracle. She got more than she bargained for. Abby wants a baby more than anything. But after years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that have fallen through, it seems like motherhood is not in her future. That is, until her personal assistant Monica makes a generous offer to serve as a surrogate. It’s an offer that will make all of Abby’s dreams come true. But soon, strange things start happening. And it turns out Monica isn’t who she says she is. The woman now carrying Abby’s child has an unspeakable secret. And she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Freida McFadden delivers a Clown Town - Slough House Thriller by Mick Herron Old spies grow ridiculous, River. Old spies aren’t much better than clowns. Or so David Cartwright used to say, but he forgot to add they can be dangerous too, especially if they’ve fallen on hard times - as Diana Taverner learns when the past lands on her desk. An operation carried out during the height of the Troubles laid bare the ugly side of state security, and those involved are threatening to expose details. But every threat hides an opportunity, and the would-be blackmailer is soon being used as Taverner’s solution to a much newer problem. The O.B. himself is long buried, and has left his library to the Spooks’ College, where it turns out that one of the books has gone missing. Or perhaps never existed . . . River Cartwright has time to kill while waiting to be passed fit for work, and investigating the secrets his grandfather’s library hid seems a harmless activity. But nothing involving the slow horses stays harmless for long. Louisa Guy is pondering her future, but before making any big decisions, she might as well check River’s not about to come a cropper. Shirley Dander is wondering if the new kid, Ash Khan, is as annoying as she seems. Roddy Ho wants the team to know that his tattoo is a hummingbird, and not, as Lech Wicinski claims, a platypus. And Catherine Standish just wants everyone to play nice. As far as Lamb’s concerned, they should all be at their desks - when Taverner starts plotting mischief people get hurt, and Lamb has no plans to send in the clowns. On the other hand, if the clowns ignore his instructions, any harm that befalls them is hardly his fault. But they’re his clowns. And if they don’t all come home, there’ll be a reckoning. Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz page-turner that redefines what it means to be in the family way, with gut-wrenching twists and pulse- pounding thrills that will keep you hooked until the suspenseful conclusion. - When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen Bo is determined to live his own life in his own way. But his son has other ideas... Bo lives a quiet existence in his small rural village in the north of Sweden. He is elderly and his days are punctuated by visits from his care team and his son. Fortunately, he still has his rich memories, phone calls with his best friend Ture, and his beloved dog Sixten for company. Only now his son is insisting the dog must be taken away. The very same son that Bo is wanting to mend his relationship with before his time is up. The threat of losing Sixten stirs up a whirlwind of emotions and makes Bo determined to resist and find his voice. When the Cranes Fly South is a profoundly moving and life- affirming novel about one man’s desire to preserve his autonomy, the multitude of stories contained within a life, and the big things for which we have no words. The Wedding People by Alison Espach Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people - but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall Inn who isn’t here for the big event. When the bride discovers her elaborate destination wedding could be ruined by a divorced and depressed stranger, she is furious. She has spent months accounting for every detail and every possible disaster - except for, well, Phoebe . . . Soon, both women find their best-laid plans derailed and an unlikely confidante in one another. Hilarious and moving, The Wedding People is an irresistible novel about love, friendship, dysfunctional families, and the unexpected paths that lead to happiness. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins A Life-Changing Tool Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About. What if the key to happiness, success, and love was as simple as two words? If you’ve ever felt stuck, or overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn’t you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words - Let Them - will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. Mel Robbins - one of the world’s most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset - teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can’t control and start focusing on what truly matters: YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life. Within a few pages, you’ll realise how much energy and time you’ve been wasting trying to control the wrong things - at work, in relationships, and in pursuing your goals - and how this is keeping you from the happiness and success you deserve. Written as an easy-to-understand guide, Robbins shares relatable stories from her own life, highlights key takeaways, relevant research and introduces you to world- renowned experts in psychology, neuroscience, relationships, happiness, and ancient wisdom who champion The Let Them Theory every step of the way. Learn how to: l Stop wasting energy on things you can’t control l Stop comparing yourself to other people l Break free from fear and self- doubt l Release the grip of people’s expectations l Build the best friendships of your life l Create the love you deserve l Pursue what truly matters to you with confidence l Build resilience against everyday stressors and distractions l Define your own path to success, joy, and fulfillment . . . and so much more. February Reads This month we look at new publications and some of the books that we didn’t get a chance to review last year that are worth of a mention. February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
13 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470 Businesses You Can Trust dignityfunerals.co.uk/local Proud to be a Dignity Funeral Director, providing exceptional services to families across the UK. SERVING FAMILES FOR 150 YEARS Attended Funerals Unattended Funerals Memorials FRANK STEPHENSON & SON 29 Minster Moorgate, Beverley East Yorkshire HU17 8HP 01482 881367 We’re here for you anytime Whatever your wishes or budget, we can provide a funeral to suit you TAKING THE GREATEST CARE In and around Beverley SERVING FAMILIES FOR 150 YEARS ACORN ROOFING & BUILDING SERVICES l NEW ROOFS l FIBRE GLASS l FLAT & FELT ROOFS l uPVC FACIAS & SOFFITS l DOMESTIC & IND. l SOLAR PANEL BIRD PROTECTION l ALL BUILDING WORKS UNDERTAKEN l INSURANCE WORK l FREE QUOTATIONS l FULLY INSURED l FAMILY BUSINESS l Proprietor: Bill Gardner “We will beat any written genuine re-roofing quote” T: 01482 501820 M: 07976 827768 E: info@acornroofinghull.co.uk www.acornroofinghull.co.uk l Chimneys Swept from £50 l Log Burner Sweep & Service £80 l Log Burner Servicing & Repairs l HETAS Approved Sweep l Open Fires l Chimney Surveys l Stove Fittings Arranged l Bird Nests Removed l Cowls Fitted l Safe Systems of Work Implemented on All Jobs Chimney Sweep Est. 2014 Paul Dobson Tel: 07961 708 669 Email: crosssolutions@yahoo.co.uk Cross Solutions 17 Springfield Avenue • Brough • HU15 1BU
Age UK’s ‘Empowering conversations with carers’. Communicating with dementia Chapter House care home Thursday 26th February 2026 2pm - 4pm Meet Brian Johnson from Age UK Yorkshire who will explore how dementia impacts on communication and the steps that we can all take to stay connected with family members living with dementia. Trusted to care Beverley Parklands care home, Beverley Chapter House care home, Beverley To RSVP please call 03300 294 536 or email matthew.justice@careuk.com Join our ‘Big Dementia Conversation’ event February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
Chapter House Chapter House, Care UK’s stunning home in the charming market town of Beverley, provides residential, dementia and respite care. Explore our hidden gem Tucked away on Keldgate, Chapter House is a real hidden gem. Just a five- minute stroll from the town centre, we’re perfectly placed for exploring the area and staying connected to the community. Residents can enjoy the independence of visiting local shops, cafés and local amenities, before returning to the calm and welcoming atmosphere of the home. Beautiful boutique style living Residents at Chapter House can enjoy a range of luxury facilities, including an activities room, on-site cinema, hair and beauty salon, and beautifully designed lounge areas. At the heart of the home lies the Chantry Tea Rooms, a welcoming hub where family and friends can relax over coffee and delicious home-baked treats. Couple suites Each of our bedrooms feature an en- suite wet room, with some ground floor rooms opening directly onto a courtyard. For those who enjoy a little more space, our larger suites provide the perfect option - ideal for couples staying together or guests who simply prefer extra room to unwind. Beverley Parklands Beverley Parklands, rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC, is now part of Care UK, offering residential, dementia, and respite care. Together with its sister home, Chapter House, it complements the wide range of care and support available in the community. Relax in luxurious surroundings Beverley Parklands is designed to go beyond the expectations of a traditional care home. Residents can enjoy a range of luxury facilities, including a bar, café, and hair and beauty salon, a bowling green, roof terrace, and spacious terraced balconies. Residents can choose from a range of rooms, with larger rooms and suites offering extra space and comfort - ideal for couples wishing to stay together. Trusted to care At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 10,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one. To find out more about Beverley Parklands and Chapter House, call 03300 292 001 or visit careuk.com/hull Beverley Parklands care home Beverley Parklands Beverley Yorkshire HU17 0RA Chapter House care home Keldgate Beverley Yorkshire HU17 8HU Live your life the way you choose Advertising Feature Live every day your way at Beverley Parklands and Chapter House in Beverley, where you can continue with much-loved hobbies, try new activities and make new friends all in a welcoming, safe environment. 15
Food & Drink Preparation time 25 mins plus cooling Cooking time 25 mins Serves 12 Ingredients: 225g salted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 1 cup flaked almonds, toasted 1 cup caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract Zest of 2 lemons 2 tablespoons milk 4 medium free-range eggs, at room temperature 1 cup self-raising flour, sifted 3/4 cup almond meal 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 250g raspberries FILLING 250ml thickened cream 100g mascarpone 2 tablespoons icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract Method: 1 Heat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease and line two 20cm cake pans with baking LEMON, RASPBERRY AND ALMOND VICTORIA SANDWICH Erkan Sahindal a fully-qualified chef and owner of Olive Tree, Beverley says: This Victoria Sandwich cake recipe is an old favourite of my mothers and was probably the first recipe that she showed me how to bake as a young boy! This is a great introduction to baking for anyone that has children - and with Valentines Day almost upon us I urge Dad’s to give this a try - as it makes a wonderful and thoughtful gift for any child to present to their Mother (and Grandmothers for any special occassion). You can substitute the fruits to suit personal tastes and use frozen fruits - if they are unavailable fresh - due to not been in season. paper. Scatter half the toasted almonds over the base of one pan, spreading evenly. 2 In a large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk, beat butter, caster sugar, vanilla or almond extract and lemon zest for 3–4 minutes, until light and creamy. Add milk, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, almond meal and baking powder, then fold into the egg mixture until no streaks of flour remain. 3 Divide mixture between prepared pans, taking care not to disturb the toasted almonds in the base of the pan. Level the cake batter, then push half the raspberries into the batter. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until cakes are golden and risen, and a skewer inserted into their centres comes out clean. If the mixture clings to the skewer, return cake to the oven for 5 minutes, then test again. Let cakes cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn out on a wire rack and peel off the baking paper to cool completely. 4 For the filling, put cream, mascarpone, icing sugar and vanilla or almond extract into a large bowl. Whisk for a few minutes, until cream is just holding its shape. 5 Put plain sponge on a cake stand or plate. Spoon over the cream filling, spreading to the edge. Scatter with the remaining raspberries and toasted almonds. Sandwich with the second sponge, almond side up. Dust with icing sugar. COOK’ S TIP You could use the finely grated zest of 1 orange instead of lemons. SUNDAY AFTERNOON MUSIC ● Historic Public House Local Cask Ales Lagers Beers Wines Spirits Tea Coffee Hot Chocolate Extra Seating Area Upstairs & Outside Tuesday QUIZ Wednesday FOLK Music Early Evening Friday & Saturday Everyday Drinks & Chatter ● ● ● ● ● ● WELCOME TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
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Food & Drink Ingredients: 3 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 tsp black mustard seeds 1/2. tsp fenugreek seeds 3 dried red Kashmiri chillies 2 onions, thinly sliced and cut into 2.5cm pieces 1/2. tsp sea salt, plus extra to taste 2 tbsp garlic and ginger paste 5 green finger chillies: 2 finely chopped, plus 3 left whole 2 tsp curry powder 1-2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1kg new potatoes, cut in half 400g tinned chopped tomatoes 1 tsp tamarind concentrate 1/2. tsp garam masala 1 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaf) Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves, to garnish 2 limes, quartered Method: 1 Heat the oil in your slow cooker using the sauté/searing function or in a pan over a medium-high heat. When the oil is visibly hot, stir in the mustard seeds, then, when they begin to crackle from the heat, stir in the fenugreek seeds and dried Kashmiri chillies and stir them around for about 30 seconds. 2 Stir in the sliced onions, sprinkle with the salt and fry for about 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic and ginger paste and the finely chopped chillies, followed by the curry powder, chilli powder, cumin and ground coriander. Add the new potatoes, chopped tomatoes and tamarind concentrate. 3 In your slow cooker with the lid on, cook on the high setting for 3 hours or low for 4-6 hours. Your Bombay potatoes are ready to serve when the potatoes are deliciously soft, so don’t rush things! Stir in the garam masala, and the kasoori methi by rubbing it between your fingers over the sauce, then add the whole chillies and stir them into the sauce too. 4 To finish, season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with the chopped coriander and serve with the lime wedges, which can be squeezed over the top at the table. BOMBAY ALOO Serves 4 | Prep 15 mins | Cook high 3. hrs, low 4-6 hrs Ingredients: 300g chana lentils, rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes 750m water or hot vegetable stock 4 tbsp rapeseed oil 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds A pinch of asafoetida 1 tsp ground turmeric 1/2 an onion, finely chopped 5 garlic cloves, cut into slivers 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste 1-5 fresh green finger chillies, finely chopped, to taste 3 tomatoes, roughly chopped 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tbsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp garam masala Sea salt, to taste Chopped coriander, to garnish Method: 1 Place the lentils in your slow cooker and top with the boiling water or hot stock. Cook, with the lid on, on the high setting for 2 hours or 4 hours on low. 2 When the dhal is cooked to perfection, make the tarka. Put the oil in a pan over a high heat. When it is visibly very hot, add the mustard seeds. They will begin to pop after about 30 seconds. 3 Reduce the heat to medium- high and add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Temper in the oil for about 30 seconds, then add the turmeric and chopped onion and fry until soft and translucent – 3-5 minutes should do the job. 4 Stir in the slivered garlic, the garlic and ginger paste and the chillies, and cook, stirring continuously, for another 30 seconds. 5 Stir in the tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander and garam masala. Take off the heat but keep warm. 6 To serve, you can either leave the dhal as it is, smash it with a potato masher or blend it until smooth with a handheld blender or just whisk it lightly. I prefer it blended. 7 Season the dhal with salt to taste and then pour the contents of the pan over the dhal, stirring some of it right in while leaving some floating on top. Finally, garnish with the chopped coriander to serve. CHANA DHAL Serves 4 | Prep 10 mins plus soaking | Cook high 2. hrs, low 4. hrs Bengal B R A S S E R I E T A K E AWAY M E N U Telephone: 01430 876767 e The Bengal Brasserie Market Weighton The Bengal Brasserie • 4 High Street, Market Weighton YO43 3AH The Finest Bengali Cuisine YYY Booking Now for Valentines Day YYY Opening Times: Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat: 5pm to 10pm Sunday: 5pm to 9pm • Closed Mondays (Except Bank Hols) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
19 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470 Food & Drink
Puzzle Page DOWN 2 Pungent bulb 3 Vote into power 5 Speak 6 Precise 7 Illegal act, felony 8 Tennis score of 40-40 9 Bus garage 14 Run away to marry 16 Change 17 Wool thickness 18 Frying vessel 21 Shine, sparkle 23 Delete 24 Snake poison 26 Scrub 27 Grades, assesses 28 Lucifer, the - - - 29 Body’s main artery ACROSS 1 Might, strength 4 Measuring stick 10 - - - the roof, cheer loudly 11 Torment playfully 12 Vulgar, lewd 13 Water Lilies painter 15 Proportion 17 Vigour, zest 19 Throaty snarl 20 Caper 22 Japanese currency unit 25 Also-ran? 28 Mr duck? 30 Astound, astonish 31 Romcom, - - - a Boy 32 Zodiac sign before Libra 33 Copper and zinc alloy 34 Goat’s cry Inspired by travel. Rooted in flavour. My love of food has always gone hand in hand with my love of travel. From tasting snails and frog’s legs in Chamonix, sharing bubbling cheese fondue in Switzerland, and enjoying fresh swordfish in Vilamoura, every journey has shaped the way I cook. I’m endlessly curious about how food tells the story of a place—its people, traditions and way of life. Along the way I’ve taken cookery classes to deepen that understanding, with another exciting class coming up while cruising the Norwegian fjords. Thyme Tasting brings those experiences to the table: relaxed, flavour-led food inspired by cuisines from around the world, cooked with care and a passion for sharing great food. "I want every customer to feel that their needs are not just met, but exceeded." Love Joanne x Exceptional catering for every occasion from family celebrations to corporate networking lunches. Hot & cold buffets ⚫ Grazing tables & hampers ⚫Private & corporate events T: 07926725766 E: info@thymetasting.com W: www.thymetasting.com Split Decision Puzzle The only clues in this crossword are the letter pairs provided in the grid. Each answer across and down consists of two words that share the letters you’ll enter in the empty squares. In the example below, S, E, and W fill the empty squares tomake SINEW and STREW. No proper names are used; you may find a few cases with more than one possible combination of letters, but only one solution will fit with the crossing answers. Given the starter clue numbers and black squares, can you solve this cross- word? When complete, the pattern of the black squares will be fully symmetrical (the pattern will look the same if you turn the grid sideways or upside down). So you can deduce the positions of several more squares right away. February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed Puzzle Page Solutions are on page 34
A sample of our exclusive & ESCORTED departures... 28 April 26 Sail the Caledonian Canal an iconic voyage aboard the Lord of the Glens Oban, Mull, Iona to Inverness 7 nts fr £2895. 15 May 26 - Uzbekistan’s Highlights 11 nts £2995. Solo’s welcome + £495 23 May 26 - 5 night Norway Cruise Fred Olsen’s Balmoral, from £899 Fred Olsen Scottish Islands Cruise 20 June 26 - 8 nights from £1149 04 July 26 - Exploring the Azores! A small group tour 10 days £3100 18 Aug 26 - 7 nt River Cruise fr £2254 Sail the Dutch & Belgium Waterways very different itinerary - fly Humberside direct to Amsterdam 07 Sep 26 - Gardens of Kent - 5 days 22 Sep 26 - India - Amritsar & Shimla An itinerary with a twist £2995 - 4 places only 31 Jan 2027 - Northern Lights 5 days full board, all activities & thermal suits/boots Inc. + fly from Humberside £1279 01 May 27 - Isle of Man - 7 days 17 May 27 BORNEO 15 days A fabulous wildlife adventure £3391 Oct 27 - Hidden Japan 10 days £6390 See our website or telephone for more info. Jersey from your door sadly no longer available from Humberside airport but we can offer LEEDS. Please call for further detail. MARIONOWEN TRAVEL “WHERE A GOOD HOLIDAY STARTS” We are a full travel agency we book ALL tour Operators & Cruise Lines. You don’t pay extra, our advice & service is included allowing you to sit back relax and look forward to your holiday. To make your booking call today Tel : 01482 212525 Monday - Saturday TEL 9am - 5pm or call in person Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm to 23 Portland Street, HULL www.marionowentravel.com REMEMBER we are a FULL Travel agency & book Jet2 & all package holidays Plus we tailor any holiday of your choice worldwide to your requirements. E.g. Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Far East Escorted touring, self drive, trains etc. BOOK LOCAL & KNOW WHO YOU ARE BOOKING WITH ! Prices quoted are per person, subject to availability on booking. Solos welcome please ask for prices 2027… where are you planning to travel?� If you’re looking to squeeze in a short break this April, here are a few inspiring ideas for a 4�night escape — the perfect way to recharge your batteries before the garden starts demanding your full attention and the summer calendar fills up.� Nafplio, Greece� Once the capital of Greece before Athens, Nafplio is ideal if you’ve already ticked Athens off your list. It offers the perfect blend of city charm and coastal bliss, with pastel�coloured streets, candlelit tavernas, gentle harbour strolls and dramatic castle views ovelooking the sea.� Helsinki & Tallinn – a perfect twin�centre� Enjoy two nights in each city, crossing the Baltic Sea by local ferry an experience in itself. These neighbouring capitals offer two very different perspectives: Helsinki’s sleek Nordic design, waterfront saunas and calm atmosphere contrasted with Tallinn’s beautifully preserved medieval old town, full of character and history.� Closer to home: Jersey or Guernsey� British with a continental feel, these Channel Islands are ideal for a relaxed spring escape. Stay in St Helier, Jersey, where there always seems to be something happening over the weekend. Expect excellent dining options, wonderful walking and cycling trails, coastal scenery and a fascinating history woven through the islands.� Spain – city breaks without the crowds� Out of the main season, Spain’s cities are a joy to explore at a gentler pace.� • Ibiza Town – discover just how beautiful and atmospheric it really is before the summer crowds arrive.� • Valencia – a pleasant climate, grand architecture, green spaces and plenty to see and do, from historic sites to modern design.� • San Sebastián, Cantabria – elegant and refined, with Parisian�style promenades, gardens and grand architecture. Behind the seafront lies the atmospheric old town, packed with eateries and renowned for its gastronomy. Once the summer retreat of the Spanish royal family.� Italy – spoilt for choice� Spring sees Italy at its very best. The lakes are coming alive, and Lake Garda offers wonderful days out using local ferries, linking charming lakeside towns. Staying at the southern end also allows easy access to Verona — home to the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, still used for opera, and, of course, Juliet’s balcony.� Italy is also incredibly easy to travel around by train, making it simple to combine two centres. A lovely example is Venice paired with the quieter Trieste, known for its fabulous harbour, Roman relics and superb eateries. The rail journey takes just a couple of hours, skirting coastline, vineyards and distant mountains along the way.� Further afield: Tbilisi, Georgia� A fascinating and beautiful city for a short break, with direct flights available from London. Expect delicious food and a unique blend of Balkan and Asian influences — a true melting pot of cultures. A day trip to the surrounding wine region is a must, as Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine.� New York & beyond� New York is one of those big cities you can return to again and again, always discovering something new. For a different feel, Boston is perfect, or why not head further north into Canada — Toronto (with nearby Niagara Falls) or Montreal both work beautifully for a few days and combine city life with culture and scenery.� If you’re dreaming of getting away but still sitting on the fence, now is the perfect time to turn those plans into reality. The world is your Oyster.� Do get in touch if you’d like more information or would like to make a booking.� River Cruising 2026 All inclusive: meals, drinks, excursions, tips & from your door… for example… 19 June 2026 - 7 nights + 1 night in Bucharest sailing the Lower Danube from £2806 03 October - River Rhone 7 nights from £2411 Great prices - past guest loyalty discounts valid! Travel 21 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470
Health & Beauty We believe in natural looking subtle enhancements and combine medical expertise with aesthetic excellence to help you look and feel your best Led by Dr Gower NHS consultant with 30 years of medical experience and 9 years in aesthetics, and his wife, Zoe, a qualified staff nurse since 1997 Contact us: 07525 642466 or 01482 861439 • zoe@looknaturalaesthetics.co.uk LOCATED AT WOODMANSEY, NEAR BEVERLEY We are proud to be: ♦ CQC regulated for the highest standards of safety ♦ Accredited by Save Face & BCAM, ensuring ethical, expert care ♦ Fully insured with Cosmetic insure for your peace of mind We specialise in: ♦ PDO Threads – Lift & rejuvenate naturally ♦ Under Eye Treatments – Brighten & refresh tired eyes ♦ Advanced Skin Therapies – Peels with no downtime, medical micro needling, mole & skin tag removal, LED light therapy Experience medical aesthetics you can trust. Book your consultation today. REVEAL YOUR BEST SELF — SAFELY, EXPERTLY, MEDICALLY Rebekah’s Beauty Box Winterproof Your Hair Low temperatures, high winds and persistent drizzle can all spell disaster for our hair. Here’s the kit you need to survive winter and see your strands through to spring… Wash Carefully If your hair is suffering, it pays to be prescriptive with your wash routine. Instead of reaching for whatever is to hand in the shower, think about what your hair really needs and act accordingly. If the recent cold snap has made your hair dry and your scalp itchy or sensitised, look for something that’s as calming as it is cossetting. Straand is a new brand with an inclusive attitude to haircare, meaning it’s suitable for all hair types. To relieve some of the irritation, opt for the Crown Cleanse, a prebiotic shampoo designed to tackle dandruff and cleanse the scalp properly without stripping it of those all-important oils. Its Crown Boost Conditioning Treatment is hardworking without being heavy, leaving hair shiny and your scalp feeling balanced and comfortable. If the cold, drying weather has wreaked havoc with your ends, but your scalp remains prone to oiliness, L’Oréal Elvive’s latest launch might be just what you need. With targeted ingredients to address greasy roots as well as frizzy, thirsty ends, the Hydra Pure Shampoo and Conditioner duo contains both salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid to create a beautifully balanced head of hair. Fight The Frizz Although we tend to think of frizz as more of a problem in hot, humid climates, freezing temperatures can mess with the delicate moisture balance in the hair cuticle. To negate any kind of frizz, whatever the forecast, it’s essential to keep hair sufficiently moisturised with a hydrating regime that starts in the shower and ends with a good styling routine. One of the best stylers is Color Wow’s Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment, which acts like a raincoat for your strands by creating a water-repelling seal over the top. Although it’s activated by heat, it’s worth the effort as it keeps frizz at bay for up to four washes. If you want a longer-term solution, Olaplex’s No.6 Bond Smoother works on strengthening the hair’s molecular structure so that hair is less susceptible to begin with. Dial Down Dullness If your hair is looking as dull and lifeless as the grey winter skies, a glossing treatment will help revive its lustre. Although diet, UV damage, heated tools and colour are all contributory factors, our hair often looks more lacklustre during the winter months as there’s less light to bounce off its surface. Thankfully, at-home hair glosses are becoming more accessible and an excellent one is the newly launched Hair Gloss from Ouai, which utilises the properties of hyaluronic acid and rice water to add instant and long-term shine to hair. Additionally, it boosts colour vibrancy, protects against fading and adds heat protection. Beat The Breakage During the winter, the lack of vitamin D from the sun can manifest as dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage. If that’s you, fortify your hair with something that works from the inside out. John Frieda’s latest technology is a breakthrough for brittle strands and helps build resilience so that split ends are reduced by up to 99% and hair is less likely to snap. The Strengthening Super Fluid is the latest addition to the PROfiller+ range and is packed with skincare- inspired ingredients like biotin and hyaluronic acid. To address the vitamin D issue, it’s important to supplement your intake during the period when the sun is lacking, i.e. between October and April. Bare Biology’s Vitamin D3+Vitamin K2 spray is easy to take and convenient, and offers the added benefits of bone-strengthening K2. February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
23 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470 Health & Wellbeing Advertise here for as little as £40p/mth Tel: 01964 552470 to book your advert. Hello, I’m Gina – a fully qualified reflexologist based in the beautiful town of Beverley. With a Level 5 Diploma in Reflexology, and additional qualifications in Level 3 Facial Reflexology and Holistic Facelift Techniques, I’m proud to offer bespoke treatments that support your wellbeing, inside and out. I'm also a registered member of both the Association of Reflexologists and the Professional Reflexology Association, so you're in safe, trusted hands. Do you suffer from STRESS⚫ANXIETY⚫LOW MOOD⚫SLEEP DISTURBANCES⚫HORMONAL IMBALANCES ⚫FERTILITY ISSUES⚫DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT⚫LYMPHATIC CONGESTION ⚫GENERAL TENSION AND PAIN? Reflexology is far more than a relaxing indulgence — itʼs a deeply supportive, non- invasive therapy that can help restore harmony within the body and mind. By working with specific reflex points on the feet, hands or face, reflexology encourages your bodyʼs own natural ability to rebalance, leaving you with a renewed sense of wellbeing. As a qualified reflexologist, I offer a personalised discovery treatment designed to gently identify any areas of imbalance — even those you may not be aware of — and support any ongoing concerns. You can choose from foot reflexology, hand reflexology or a soothing facial reflexology session. If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, just give me a call and I’ll help you select the option that will benefit you most. You deserve to feel your best. Book your appointment today and begin your journey back to balance. 20% off your first Reflexology Session Quote BM02 when booking To book an appointment, call or text Gina on: 07852 317174 Hello, I'm Zoe from EXTRAHELP Beverley & East Riding Villages Call now 07375 709499 or email zoe@extra-help.co.uk Here are some of the services our local DBS checked team provide to clients near you - Cleaning, tidying and decluttering⚫changing bed linens, hanging washing out to dry⚫checking dates on foods, helping to plan meals ⚫shopping for or with clients, running errands⚫taking clients to the doctors or hospital appointments⚫companionship⚫getting out in the community⚫simply staying at home allowing respite for carers. We prepare a bespoke package to suit your individual needs, enabling people to live independently. Taking care of chores so that you get more time to do things you enjoy, providing peace of mind and support for families or individuals young and old. Limited new client spaces now open. Contact us today for a chat. For the elderly, infirm, disabled and housebound Approved by the CQC we provide a friendly, professional service. FREE HOME VISITS DENTURES If you receive Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit or Pension Credit Guarantee your dentures will be completely FREE OF CHARGE. Otherwise your dentures will cost £326. Dr. Russell Davies - Dental Surgeon GDC 62838 Sharron Daniels - Dental Nurse GDC 136968 MOB: 07930 550274
Financial Wellbeing Understanding What You’ll Really Need to Live Well As more people approach retirement age, one essential question often arises: What income will provide a truly comfortable retirement? Many people significantly underestimate what they’ll need. Understanding the difference between a “moderate” and “comfortable” retirement is key to setting realistic goals. Perception vs. Reality: Income Expectations According to recent research: l 39% of over 50’s believe an annual income of £10,000 – £20,000 is enough for a comfortable retirement. l In reality, that figure only provides a moderate lifestyle. l A comfortable standard of living requires around £33,600 per year for a single person. This gap between expectation and actual need highlights a widespread lack of preparedness. Why the Gap Exists There are several reasons people fall short: l 49% regret not saving earlier into their pension. l 64% wish they had contributed more during their working years. l Many delayed contributions due to: • Financial instability (51%) • Prioritising children (42%) or mortgage payments (40%) • Spending on holidays (32%), clothing (21%), or even pets (10%) Some people still believe contributing just 0 – 5% of their salary is enough – when in fact, much more is typically needed. The Disappearing Employer Pension and DIY Retirement The era of working for one What Is a Comfortable Income in Retirement? employer and retiring on a defined pension is nearly gone. Today, most responsibility for retirement planning rests with the individual. Yet over 70% of over 50’s have never sought professional financial advice, despite data showing they could gain as much as £47,000 more over a decade by doing so. What a Comfortable Retirement Really Includes To live comfortably in retirement, you should aim for the following: l Two holidays abroad annually l A car replaced every 5 years l Meals out and leisure activities l Clothing and home maintenance budgets l A financial cushion for emergencies To afford this lifestyle, most will need an annual retirement income of £33,600 or more. How to Get There To work towards a comfortable retirement: 1. Know your retirement income target. 2. Save early and consistently. 3. Increase your pension contributions when possible. 4. Seek professional financial advice. 5. Track your pension performance regularly. It’s never too late to act – but the earlier you start, the better your chances. Take Control of Your Retirement Today Many over 50’s say they wish they had saved more, earlier. Don’t leave your retirement to chance. Take stock of your finances now, and plan for a lifestyle you’ll genuinely enjoy. For personalised advice on preparing for a full and comfortable retirement, speak to a qualified financial adviser. Optimising your wealth for 2026 and the years ahead. Guiding your financial journey with independent financial advice. 07586 928 379 Catherine@CMMWealth.co.uk cmmwealthmanagement.co.uk CMM Wealth Management Ltd (1032557) is an Appointed Representative of Julian Harris Financial Consultants (FCA No 153566), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered address: 4 The Poplars, Shiptonthorpe, YO43 3QZ. Companies House no. 16275954 A YouGov survey commissioned by the £38bn master trust found that 85% of adults believe that without financial education “we will all be poorer in the future”, while 91% said the UK is failing future generations if financial literacy does not improve. Nearly nine in 10 respondents believe pensions should be taught in schools, and 80% said they wished they had received financial education themselves. The announcement comes amid growing policy focus on financial inclusion. In November 2025, the government confirmed plans to add financial education to the National Curriculum at primary school level, following reforms set out by the Department for Education. David Meliveo, chief commercial officer at People’s Partnership, the provider of the People’s Pension, said: “This new research highlights an urgent need and desire for accessible financial education and support in the UK. It’s very clear to me that the British public feels let down in this area, meaning it’s vital that organisations like ours step up and fill that gap.” The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) has called for the government to ensure that its financial inclusion and education policies incorporate retirement saving, through measures to boost auto-enrolment coverage and by addressing under-saving problems among low earners. IFoA president Paul Sweeting writes “Integration of this sort could turn two separate efforts into one powerful, coherent push for lifelong financial security.” ‘Urgent need’ for financial education as survey warns UK ‘failing future generations’ Most UK adults believe the country is failing future generations by not providing adequate financial education, according to new research from People’s Pension. February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
25 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470 Health & Wellbeing Feoffee Common Lane, Barmby Moor, York YO42 4AF T. 01759 380534 www.lavenderfieldscarevillage.co.uk @lavenderfieldscarevillage Compassionate care, every step of the way. Lavender Fields CARE VILLAGE Because family matters Book your visit today and feel the difference.
Hull City Tune in now: 107.8FM or www.BeverleyFM.com PLAYING GREAT MUSIC WHERE EVER YOU LISTEN ...this is due to the disastrous end of season run-in last May. We all feared ‘the drop’ in the final match at Portsmouth following the home defeat to relegation rivals Derby County in the penultimate game. Thankfully Luton’s near miraculous run of victories came to an end at West Brom and City’s draw at Fratton Park was enough to scrape home. What followed has been amazing and we even have some national pundits suggesting a potential play off success at Wembley! So much has happened since May. In typical Acun style Ruben Selles was sacked soon as the season was over. He kept us up but we barely deserved to as the form after the final international break was awful. The hard work was completed in February and March but all the effort and attacking intent seemed to go for the final half dozen games whilst both Derby and Dare to dream! As a Hull City fan it is so unexpected to find our club fourth in the table and potentially chasing automatic promotion... Luton both mounted last-minute revivals which chipped away at City’s significant points advantage by the week. The managerial change wasn’t the biggest shock of the summer, however. Years of overspending came home to roost as Aston Villa complained of a missed payment on the loan fee for Louie Barry which was quite ironic as he only played for around an hour before a season ending injury. The EFL investigated the clubs’ finances and although a full transfer embargo was avoided City couldn’t pay a transfer or loan fee for the entire season. The clubs fan base went into melt down as we now had some new unknown foreign manager recommended by Acun, potentially another Shota, and couldn’t really strengthen a relegation standard squad. However, we have miracle workers both within the coaching and recruitment teams. Despite the transfer restrictions City brought in players to create a promotion chasing team and Sergej Jakirovic has moulded them alongside players he was revitalised such as Regan Slater, Kyle Joseph and most notably Ryan Giles. Most fans anticipated Giles to be leaving one way or another as he had failed to show any spark in the previous 18 months, he was on a massive wage, and it appeared that he’d rather be at Middlesborough. Giles is a man reborn however and probably the best attacking left back in the division once again and laid on around half a dozen goals for Ollie McBurnie already. As for the recruitment success you must begin with the signing of McBurnie on a free from Las Palmas, he had a relegation clause which allowed him to leave for free despite him being a £20 million signing for Sheffield Utd around five years ago. You really didn’t know what to expect as his reputation seemed to be of a troublemaker with more suspensions than goals though he was top scorer for the Blades in their last Premier League season. He is a revelation and a leader to this team and currently 16 goal contributions in 18 matches (11 goals and 5 assists). After having no real goal threat last season we now have two of the division’s top scorers as Joe Gelhardt wanted to return here from Leeds and before is injury in early December he had ten goals himself and is far more dynamic within our attacking team than within the more dour and limited sides of Ruben Selles. Added to this recruitment are players like Ajayi, Lundstram. Amir, Gyabi and more recently Dowell, McNair and Hirakawa on free transfers or free loan deals. Most are experienced Championship players who have been there, done it and also taken the injuries but battle hardened and suited to the challenge rather than many of our more exotic and expensive foreign signings who only really added to the clubs ongoing debts than boost the club. Sergej has moulded a team of great attacking intent using these signings and existing quality such as Hughes, Egan, Coyle, Crooks, Pandur, Slater, Millar and Giles and we are seeing players performing with commitment, confidence and honed quality. We do not know if the current form can be maintained till May. Every week there are more injury setbacks but whatever the team put out there is still the desire to win. Eight players were out before Southampton, yet they won here and at Preston before rounding it off with victory over Swansea. The squad is also being strengthened during the transfer window so as long as the newcomers fit in with this squad there is a good chance that this run can be continued. There are some harder fixtures coming up during February against some of fancied teams, but this season is one of the most enjoyable for years and they have already surpassed last year’s points and goals total in January. Dare to Dream? February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
27 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470 What’s On NORTHERN SOUL & MOTOWN Cruise Hull - Amsterdam - Hull 12th - 14th MARCH 2026 Two Nights of Northern Soul & Motown with the UK’s Premier Soul DJ’s (STRICTLY VINYL) Dave Rimmer • Colin Law Dean Anderson • Dave Scargill Arthur Hardy • Nigel Roberts Tickets from £139 per person www.p&oferries.com Scan QR Code for more info or to book
What’s On & Competition Chesney Hawkes became one of the biggest pop stars of his era with his irresistible mega-hit ‘The One and Only’, becoming one of the most recognisable songs of a generation. Having spent over a decade in LA, Chesney is finally back and bigger than ever, with his long-awaited comeback album ‘Living Arrows’ securing BBC Radio 2’s coveted ‘album of the week’, and spawning the hit radio singles ‘Get A Hold Of Yourself’, ‘Live Forever’ and ‘LOUD!’. With regular major television appearances including his iconic BBC Radio 2 ‘Piano Room’ and recent advance to the final of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’, Chesney is very much back in our lives, our ears and our hearts - Guilty pleasure to National Treasure! The resurgent Chesney Hawkes is back where he belongs after a phenomenal campaign with the recent release of his new album ‘Living Arrows’, finishing as a finalist in Celebrity Big Brother and completing a huge run of lives shows: first touring arenas across Europe as special guest to James Blunt and then selling out his current UK headline run. All three of its singles - ‘Loud’, ‘Get A Hold of Yourself’ and ‘Live Forever’ have graced the Radio 2 playlist, and he also performed an outstanding BBC Radio 2 Piano Room session. Chesney now focuses on the album’s opening track, the summer anthem ‘Nobody Like You’. ‘Living Arrows’ shows Chesney at his most vulnerable, completely free of inhibitions or doubts. There is heartache, yes, but there is joy, too, and gratitude for everything he has in life. Combined with his heartfelt, candid style of songwriting, the album’s cohesive pop-rock sound paints a roadmap for his children, as he intended, but for listeners, too. It’s evident throughout his greatest work to date that he has nothing to hide. CHESNEY HAWKES plays The Birdwell, Barnsley on Sunday 15th March To enter just send your Name, Address and Contact Telephone number via email to: ask@daltonspire.co.uk Postal entries with the same information should be sent to: Dalton Events, 31 Elm Drive, Cherry Burton, HU17 7RJ Please state clearly which gig or event draw you wish to enter. Each draw will close seven days before the event. GARY DAVIES is back on tour with his biggest UK tour to date with ‘Disco for Grown Ups’ 80s PARTY! Legendary 80s DJ and host of BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 80s show -‘Woo’ Gary Davies has teamed up with Discos For Grown Ups to bring you an unstoppable, high-energy 80s party...packed with iconic 80s hits and floor-shaking anthems from the decade that defined pop culture! Sing, dance and party like it’s 1985...so dust off your shoulder pads, tease that hair, and dig out your old Wham and Frankie t-shirts for a fabulous night of 80s fun! Gary Davies and Discos for Grown Ups will take you back in time to relive the 80s with an incredible party night of non-stop 80s hits. 80s dress up is encouraged! PLUS…dancers, confetti showers, lights, lasers, mirror balls and the GARY DAVIES ‘Discos for Grown Ups’ 80’s Party to play The 02 Academy, Leeds on Friday 20th March WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE ONE OF THE 2 GIGS LISTED ABOVE As you’d anticipate from a man who has gone from teenage sensation to parenthood and into a perhaps unexpected career resurrection, ‘Living Arrows’ is full of the varied emotions of life. There’s the escapist “let’s get drunk and get a tattoo” hedonism of the new single ‘Nobody Like You’, lived-in moments of romantic intimacy on ‘Radio Silence’, and a playful take on the what-might’ve-been love story with ‘The Ballad of Benny & Alice. Yet they’re contrasted with moments of utmost poignancy, such as ‘The Meaning of This’, a ballad in the lineage of George Michael or Elton John that pays tribute to a family friend who took her own life at a young age. It’s also prevalent in the gorgeous soft-pop of ‘Surprise Yourself’. Dedicated to his son, Casey, it’s a reminder that life will bring him many of the same challenges and mistakes-but he has everything it takes to successfully navigate those circumstances. Undoubtedly one of the most affecting and significant songs on the record, is“13”, which sees Hawkes address a childhood trauma for the first time. It begins with a grunge guitar hook, lending a tension that runs through it. The ‘Living Arrows’ album was produced and co-written by the BRIT Award winner and Grammy nominee Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, One Direction). The friendship between the pair is a big element of the album’s success: it’s a connection that allows Chesney to face the tougher emotions that he explores in some of its songs, but also to enjoy the unbridled fun that he channels in others. Its buoyant spirit was further elevated by guest appearances from friends Nik Kershaw and Chesney’s brother Jodie. Support from Laura Aston Advance Tickets £26 Doors: 7pm www.birdwellvenue.com Eurythmics, Soft Cell and more... Tickets priced from £29.35 at: www.academymusigroup. com/02academyleeds BEST ever 80s classics to boogie to from Wham, Erasure, ABBA, Whitney, Aha, Queen, Depeche, Duran, Human League, Madonna, February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
29 What’s On To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470
Motoring opening panoramic sunroof. The tech feels on par with most other Chinese offerings. The touchscreen was responsive, the menus loaded quickly and the infotainment system wasn’t too difficult to navigate, which is good because physical buttons are few and far between. Some drivers might find it hard to read the instrument display at a glance, though, because of the small font and the amount of information it presents you with. When it comes to practicality, Geely says there are more than 30 storage spaces dotted around Lotus-honed plug-in hybrid SUV offers an electric range of up to 84 miles Brits can’t get enough of mid-size family SUVs. Last year, the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, MG HS and Volkswagen Tiguan were among the top-10 best-selling cars in the UK. They’re the rivals the new Geely Starray – a plug-in hybrid priced from less than £30,000 – has to beat. We’ll drive the Starray on British roads in a few weeks, but we managed to get an early taste during a visit to Geely’s plant in Linhai, China, where the car is made. In fact, the factory-fresh models we drove were about to be shipped to UK showrooms, with plastic wrap on certain surfaces and the wheels. It’s not obvious there’s an engine under the bonnet because the Starray doesn’t have a traditional grille, making it look more like an EV. In fact, it looks rather sleek for a family SUV and more upmarket than you might expect, considering its price. On the move, the Starray feels very EV-like. The only time the engine became vocal was when the battery ran out of juice and we accelerated hard up to The Geely Starray - Test Drive Verdict motorway speed, which caused the four-cylinder motor to emit an unpleasant drone. Geely claims it called on the boffins at Lotus Engineering to tune the Starray’s chassis and dynamics to ensure it can cut the mustard on UK roads. However, there’s little to no feeling or even weight to the steering, so we can only assume Lotus didn’t put much work into that. The test circuit lacked sharp bends but it did allow us to find out how the Starray handled poor surfaces: fairly well. It didn’t crash into divots and there were no rattles or squeaks as we traversed stone cobbles. The interior closely resembles those of other Chinese SUVs, such as the XPeng G6 and Leapmotor C10. Every Starray will feature a 15.4- inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, plus a 10.2-inch instrument cluster. The version we drove was also equipped with a head-up display, wireless charging pad and an February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
31 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470 Motoring the cabin, including a large area underneath the floating centre console. Meanwhile, the Starray’s 428-litre boot is a similar size to the plug-in MG HS’s; there’s also 100 litres under the floor. Six-foot adults can happily sit in the back of the Starray, where there’s lots of headroom and decent legroom. The rear floor is completely flat, which will help if you need to accommodate three people there. The ‘EM-i Super Hybrid’ powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that acts mainly as a generator for the car’s electric motor. These work together to provide 255bhp, 262Nm and, according to Geely, up to 201mpg. Depending on which model you go for, the Starray’s e-motor is powered by either an 18.4kWh or 29.8kWh battery which, the brand claims, offers a massive pure- electric range of up to 84 miles plus a combined total of 618 miles. For context, the Sportage PHEV has a 43-mile EV range, while the plug-in Tiggo 7 promises 56 miles. The Starray will be available in three trim levels: Pro, Max and Ultra, with prices starting from £29,990. Standard kit includes the dual displays, heated seats, 360-degree cameras, keyless entry and 18-inch alloy wheels. An eight year or 125,000 mile warranty is also included. Verdict Based on our early drive out in China, the Geely Starray family SUV – which undercuts an entry-level Nissan Qashqai on price – represents stunning value for money. The sleek, upmarket exterior is sure to attract potential buyers, while the roomy interior offers more than enough space for a growing family and their cargo. That said, the Starray lacks the interior quality to match, and the tech on board feels no different to what we’ve found in pretty much every other Chinese car we’ve tested recently. GEELY is also launching a rugged 4x4 to rival the legendary Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser this year – and it’ll come to the UK in 2028. The firm unveiled the squarejawed Galaxy Cruiser concept last spring at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show. And now, Flavien Dachet – head of the brand’s design studio and the man who led the project – told Auto Express the show car is 90 to 95 per cent representative of the as-yet-unnamed production model that’s expected to be revealed in the first half of this year. The Galaxy Cruiser’s design bears a very close resemblance to the Defender’s, with hints of the Ford Bronco Sport in places, too. Dachet acknowledged: “There was, of course, some inspiration [from iconic 4x4s]. But if you look at classic off-roaders, they always follow the same recipe. “Whether you’re looking at the Defender, G-Wagen, Bronco, the classics, the codes are the same. So it’s a matter of how we interpret it in a way that is recognisable.” Dachet also points out that no Chinese car brand has any off-road heritage of its own to draw from, so “they always look up to some of those international icons, to learn from them and generate their own, and add their own take on it”. One unique design element is the 3D daytime running lights that give the car its angry expression and put a twist on the round headlamps seen on iconic 4x4s. Dachet says these were influenced by the dancing dragons in Chinese culture. However, we’re told these will be toned down for the production model. Meanwhile, the Geely’s interior will be more comfortable and premium-feeling than the “quite simple” cabin of the Defender, the design boss promised us. We were also told that the production version will be based on the GEA Evo platform used by the Geely Galaxy M9 luxury SUV. Defender rival on the horizon from Geely
Christmas is over and we are beginning to get more daylight hours. I sitting down to write this month’s article on New Year’s Day, and I feel that Spring is in the air. Jotting down a few ideas for this February article is not exactly a New Year’s Resolution to write it in good time, but it probably should be as I am generally much of a last minute person! The white cyclamen in my pots are looking ice cold, reflecting the outside temperature, but I have over the past few weeks witnessed some signs that it is more than just a feeling of Spring. Many of the hazel trees have catkins ready to burst open and spread their thousands of golden pollen grains, the wind carrying them far and wide in the hope of their landing on the female red stigmas which await them for fertilisation. While away at Christmas I noticed one particular hazel tree in a copse which caught all the sun and looked like a tree of gold. Looking round my garden for bulbs pushing up out of the soil I was delighted to come across an Iris unguicularis in full bloom. I love this plant and have such fold memories of being a child hunting for the beautiful blooms in my grandparents’ garden. As February dawns Candlemas comes around again on 2nd There is a traditional saying: If Candlemas Day be fair and bright Winter will take another flight If Candlemas Day be cloud and rain Winter is gone and will not come again! Well, we shall see! Candlemas Bells or Mary’s Tapers were old names for snowdrops and a symbol of purity. Actress and novelist Mary ‘Perdita’ Robinson (1757-1800), an early feminist poet, wrote an ‘Ode to the Snowdrop’: The Snow-drop, Winter’s timid child, Awakes to life, bedew’d with tears, And flings around its fragrance mild; And where no rival flowerets bloom Amidst the bare and chilling gloom A beauteous gem appears. All weak and wan, with head inclin’d, Its parent-breast the drifted snow, It trembles, while the roofless wind Bends its slim form… These few lines beautifully describe the flower, but towards the end as the snowdrop withers: The gaudy crocus flaunts its pride A triumphs where its rival – died unsheltered and unknown! Yet we admire that gaudy crocus as it cheers us up with its brilliance and provides an early feast for the bees. Another Spring favourite was celebrated by the poet Freda Downie (1929-93): Aconites Winter holds fast, But a little warmth escapes like sand Through the closed fingers. The error is annual and certain, Letting the pygmy flowers Make their prompt appearance Under creaking trees. They stand with serious faces, green ruffed, As prim as Tudor portraits. The long wet, cold, dreary days of January have leant themselves to reading and searching for recipes. Nigel Slater in his The Kitchen Diaries wrote: A chill day, the sky the colour of wet aluminium. I need the sort of meal that ends with everyone squishing their potatoes into the meaty, oniony sauce on their plate. That is exactly what we have done with the last of our 2025 crop of potatoes. IN THE GARDEN In a well stocked garden in winter you can find so much that is of interest. Winter colour and structure is provided by the likes of the red twigs of the Dogwood – Cornus alba ‘Elegantissma’ which stands out well, as do the luminous yellow and green twigs of its close relatives C. ‘Flaviramea’ and the Golden-twig Dogwood – C.sericea. Flowers and fragrance can liven up our senses on winter days. The stunning mauve/ blue Algeriam Iris unguicullaris (stylosa), as I mentioned earlier, must be the most flamboyant of winter blooms. The Hellebores come a close second in my book and they are long-lasting with attractive foliage. Intense fragrance comes with the clusters of pink or white blooms of Daphne and an added feature is that many varieties are evergreen. Less showy but equally strongly perfumed are Sarcoccoca (the Christmas Box) and winter honeysuckle (Lonicera x purpusii). Looking for other gems in the winter garden we can find many sheltering under trees and shrubs, notably the snowdrops and aconites. The Lungworts (Pulmonaria) can start early in the Spring bringing freshness and colour and it is an early pollinator with a range of colours – bright blues, purples, reds and beautifully mottled leaves which give shelter to ground beetles and amphibians ready to hunt our unwelcome insects. It does not have to be a flower to stun you – the leaves alone of Arum italicum are a work of art. Other leaves, such as those of Bergenia, if planted in full sun, will bring brilliance to the garden as their rich, red bronzy- coloured leaves catch the light. A large specimen of Witch Hazel, if planted where the light strikes it, can bring an early glowing focus to the garden. A mass of its shaggy sea anemone like flowers can be quite a spectacle. If in the future you are contemplating planting up a Garrya ‘James Roof’ with its handsome long grey catkins, it will give a good background to the highly scented pink flowers of the Daphne shrub. There are some jobs to be done in the garden which include the pruning of Wisteria. You will need to cut back by trimming the side shoots to three buds from the base. The last minute call approaches for trimming hedges and climbers such as Virginia creeper and ivy before the birds start nestling. ON THE PLOT Weather dictates what we can achieve out of doors this month. In mild winters a great deal of preparation for Spring sowing and planting can be undertaken, but if the country is in the grip of an arctic freeze or completely waterlogged All About Plants, Gardens & Vegetable Patches Gardening - with Sarah King Premium selection of quality kiln dried firewood. Free local delivery in the Beverley & Hornsea areas delivered to you in bags or bulk. Locally sourced for local people, delivered to your door! Woodsure registered "Ready to Burn", - the latest legal requirement. Crown Logs www.CrownLogs.co.uk info@crownlogs.co.uk 01964 543250 07802 855181 Iris Hellebore Crocus February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed
33 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470 Gardening Set in a beautiful picturesque riverside setting where you can feed the ducks and swans Skerne Road, Driffield YO25 6XL Tel: 01377 254043 Open: Monday - Sunday 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Minimum spend of £20 qualifies for FREE delivery within 10 miles. £5 charge over 10 mile radius for delivery. Proud to be dog friendly! Everything you need for your garden and more GRANARY CAFÉ Take-away and outside seating available Serving home-cooked food Enquires Tel: 01377 250912 Great savings to be made on ornaments, pots, planters. Gorgeous range of gifts for every occasion. Gifts galore and introducing a range of products including foldable bags, scarves, caps, bottles etc from Eco Chic. such activity may be restricted to indoor planning for the season ahead. So if this month we are confined to barracks and limited in what we can achieve the best way forward is to plan your plot, start chitting your potatoes, and set about sowing things with some protection. Chillies, aubergines and tomatoes will need a heated propagator to start them off. If you have no form of heating, hardy vegetables such as peas and kale can be sown with some protection like fleece or put in a cold frame. You may have already sown some broad beans, but it is not too late to put in another crop. Leeks can be sown in modular trays or pots, but will need a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees to germinate. This can take two to three weeks, and they can be planted out in about eight weeks time when they have reached about 20 centimetres in height. OUT & ABOUT If you missed out on the Twelfth Night wassail celebrations you can still enjoy some on Sunday February 8th at Carr House Farm, Foston-on-the-Wolds. Their wassail celebrations will feature the Makara Morris Dancers who will carry out the blessings of the fruit trees in the hope of a bountiful autumn. The wassail is just one part of ‘winter walks open day’ staged at Carr House Farm. There will be guided wildlife walks during the day led by experts from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Happy Gardening, Sarah x Sarcoccoca Arum italicum
The Last Word FIONA’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT By Fiona Dwyer - Journalist, PR Consultant, DIY Your Biz PR Course Creator, Wife and Mum to two teenagers! Is January getting longer…. or is it just me? Every year I think, “Right, this time January won’t feel like it’s 74 days long” and every year… it still does. But we made it! February always feels like a little reward for surviving the post Christmas slump - shorter, lighter and with that hint of hope in the air. And now that February has arrived, the shops have done that funny seasonal leapfrog again. One minute it’s leftover tinsel, the next it’s Valentine’s hearts, pancake mixes and - yes - Easter eggs already lining the shelves. I spotted a giant chocolate bunny last week and genuinely thought I’d lost track of time. Surely, we should at least get through Pancake Day before the bunnies come out to play? Pancake Day politics Speaking of Pancake Day…. are you a flipper or a folder? A lemon and sugar traditionalist (like me) or a full-on Nutella lover? I’m convinced people reveal their true personality through their pancake choices. Lemon and sugar says “classic, dependable, knows what they like.” Nutella says “fun, indulgent, probably has a sweet tooth the size of Yorkshire.” And then there are the wildcards who go savoury - ham, cheese, spinach - practically a full meal disguised as a pancake. Not my cup of tea, but I can respect their choice! What does your pancake say about you? Whatever your style, enjoy! Shrove Tuesday is a tiny celebration in the middle of winter before Lent starts – and a great reason to get in the kitchen and make a mess. And honestly, who doesn’t need that in February? Counting down to Spring This is also the month when I start getting properly excited for Spring. Not because anything dramatic is happening outside yet - it’s still a bit bare, a lot muddy and very much “keep your gloves handy in your pockets” weather - but because you can sense that shift coming. Soon we’ll have warm days when you can open the windows without freezing and the washing actually dries on the line instead of turning into a stiff board. Then the garden will suddenly wake up and everything looks greener, fresher and full of life again. We’re on the cusp of Spring, patiently waiting for colour, birdsong and that irresistible “let’s get outside” energy. I’m more than ready for it. How about you? Have a brilliant February everyone! Take care. Fiona x Twitter: @fionadwyer • Facebook: Fiona Dwyer PR February 2026 Get Your Business Noticed Puzzle Page Solutions Strange But True: Polar Bears are not actually white. Surprisingly underneath all their white fur, their skin is jet-black. 75% of Ginger Cats are male. The Ginger gene is found on the X chromosome meaning females need two copies of the gene to become ginger whilst males only need one.
Find It In HullMag 35 To Advertise Please Telephone 01964 552 470 I T S E R V I C E S CATALYST CORE LTD SUPPORT WHETHER THAT BE REMOTE OR ONSITE FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE DISASTER RECOVERY SOLUTIONS SAGE 50 TRAINING & CONSULTANCY IT CONSULTANCY EVEN IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN IT DEPARTMENT BUT WANT SOME OUTSIDE ADVICE, SOLUTIONS OR OPTIONS SECURITY SOLUTIONS FROM MALWARE, ANTI-VIRUS, VPN & FIREWALLS TELEPHONE: 01482 244701 EMAIL: SALES@CATALYSTCORE.CO.UK Chirria Kilbride, senior cardiac nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital, shares ways to lower or maintain your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart problems. 1 SAY “NO” TO A SECOND GLASS OF WINE Experts recommend you drink less than 14 units per week. Indulging in too much alcohol can increase blood pressure and weight, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Try cutting back by drinking half pints or single shot drinks rather than pints or double shots. Switch to alcohol-free versions or swap pub nights with friends for different activities. 2 EAT FOR HEALTH Having a healthy, balanced diet is important for heart health at every age but during peri- and menopause, cholesterol and blood pressure may increase and weight gain is also common. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and pulses, while cutting back on foods high in saturated fat, sugar and refined salt will lower your risk of coronary heart disease. 3 KEEP MOVING Increasing your activity levels improves heart health by improving circulatory blood flow and lowering blood pressure, plus it helps you maintain a healthy weight and reduces feelings of anxiety and stress, which may harm your heart. Exercising can seem overwhelming if you have a heart condition or limited mobility, so start small and build up – find some examples at bhf.org.uk. Always check with your doctor if you’re new to exercise and have a heart condition. 4 DON’T SMOKE Chemicals in cigarettes make the walls of your arteries sticky. This causes fattymaterial to stick to the walls and clog your arteries, reducing space for blood to flow properly, which can lead to a heart attack. Try nicotine replacements, such as patches, gums or lozenges. Distract yourself from cravings by doing things you enjoy. Call the Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044 for free support. 5 MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT Carrying excess weight around your middle makes it harder for your body to use the hormone insulin, which controls blood glucose (sugar) levels and can lead to type 2 diabetes. High levels of glucose in your bloodstream damages your arteries and increases your risk of heart and circulatory diseases. Help maintain a healthy weight by: l Walking or cycling short journeys instead of driving. l Taking the stairs instead of an escalator or lift. l Getting off the bus a stop earlier. l Including higher fibre foods and protein in your meals, such as lentils, fish, beans and chicken. l Swapping crisps, biscuits and sweets for whole fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts and seeds. 5 ways to help your heart
VINTAGE & RETRO FAIR Follow us on facebook/beverleyvintageretrofair Saturday 25th April inside Beverley Minster Vintage & Retro Traders Book Now on: 07502 456 979 East Yorkshire’s Largest Includes: Arts & Crafts & UpCycled Traders Live Music DJ Murray Maggie Hush The Boogie Bugle Babes Vintage Café 1940’s Dancing Demonstration 80+ Stalls Entry £3
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