QUALITY TRADESPEOPLE IN CHESHIRE

AUG/SEPT 2016 / ISSUE 1
‘Building relationships and serving audiences in Cheshire’
92
PACKED
PAGES
INSIDE OUT
COLOURFUL COLOMBIA
in Cheshire
30 MINUTES WITH
ASHLEY MCDOW
MEZZANINE
TILE TREND
TOTES AMAZEBALLS
TO BUY OR
NOT TO BUY
ELLIE AND MEGAN
MAKE ROCKY ROAD
DIARY OF A
GLASTO VIRGIN

THE WHITE ROOM
FLORAL DESIGN LTD
• Exciting
• Innovative
• Fresh
At the White Room we strive to provide
first class floral expertise for weddings,
themed parties, corporate and personal events
aswell as everyday floral items.
With 35 years in the industry, Julie and her team
are happy to help with any floral occasion.
We look forward to seeing you!

Tel: 01625 615880
www.whiteroomfloraldesign.co.uk
email: cheshireflowers@aol.com
Home and venue visit welcome
112 Chestergate, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK11 6DU

4

Flamingo - Wall Mural by PIXERS
£394.00
pixersize.com
5

AUGUST
HIGHLIGHTS
Mezzanine .........................................10
Inside out...........................................56
Colourful Colombia...........................62
Diary of a Glasto virgin....................41
6

Ashley McDow interview ................22
Ellie and Megan make rocky road..86
To buy or not to buy..........................81
Garden art .........................................60
7

Aloe vera............................................48
Hello, and welcome to the first edition of
Quality Tradespeople in Cheshire. Your FREE,
independent, digital magazine, showcasing the
talented businesses and products around us,
big or small!
In this edition we speak to the lovely and
talented Ashley McDow and Glastonbury first
timer Katie Nelson on her maiden experience.
We have pages packed full of beautiful
interiors and accessories aswell as features on
buying your first home and pensions.
The weather experts inform us we are in for a
scorching September, so our features on small
gardens and inside out should be of interest.
We showcase the hottest totes, on trend
shoes and gorgeous gifts for him.
Our next edition will be live on October 1st
and from then on monthly.
Contact us for editorial showcase and
advertising packages, we have everything to
suit any business, and remember we are
targetting the ABC1 decision makers.
We’re on all social media, so feel free to
connect.
Have a lovely and prosperous few weeks.
The Editor
Best read............................................74
in Cheshire
Contact Sales Director Rachael on
0795 665 4392 or the office on
01625 502890 / 07845907396
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the companies whose advertisements appear
throughout this magazine. Although we have taken care in compiling the magazine, the
publisher cannot take responsibility for any inaccuracies for the products and services
advertised. We cannot accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or
omissions in the advertisements. All prices and availability of products on offer were correct at
the time of going to press.
8
Front Cover: Hua Trees Wall Mural Pink / Painted using Chinese inks in a
non-traditional style, Sian's Hua trees mural is a reflection of her European
and Chinese cultural heritage.
The diverse tonal qualities in this artwork create a feeling of distance and
space, offering intricate detail within an impressive scale.
www.sianzeng.com/store/hua-trees-mural-pink/ Price: £175.00

Jasper Rocking Horse
Jasper is an irresistibly charming
rocking horse, who offers the ultimate
in rocking horse style.
He has a woven check fabric body,
stylised leatherette saddle and a
super soft scrunchy faux suede
mane and tail.
He comes with supportive stirrups
and stands proudly on a beautiful
walnut stained bow rocking base
with contrasting pale end grain.
Age: 18 months+
£200
www.littlebirdtoldme.co.uk

MEZZA
NINE
T
he hottest trend this Summer is open plan
living now spanning two floors, QT gives you
the low down on key architectural
considerations and interior choices to make
before reconfiguring your space.
Effectively, a mezzanine is a partial floor –
or a glorified balcony. As well as being a
trendy addition, for many people a mezzanine
is a great way to create an extension to the
living space or add an extra room.
Mezzanines can be quirky and unusual, as
they often fit under the roof or eaves, and
they act as a gallery over the floor below.
Before you decide to open up your home
upstairs, however, there are several things
Photo: Duette blind in white from Duette.co.uk
10

Renovations
11

12
that are important to consider. Rooms with high ceilings
can feel vast and impersonal. A mezzanine is an ideal
solution, making a space appear more inviting and also
creating valuable additional floor space. Mezzanines have
to work on a practical and aesthetic level. There are
important things to consider before proceeding.
The structure should make maximum use of transparent
materials to create a feeling of openness and light, in a
contemporary home. Consider clear, translucent and
coloured glass; architectural acrylic; metal mesh grids and
grills; wooden grills. A glass floor can create a talking point.
Alternating panels of translucent or coloured glass with
clear panels will avoid the vertigo effect.
Adding a mezzanine does not affect the outside of a
building, so planning permission is often not required.
However, anything that changes the slope of a roof or adds
a dormer will usually need planning approval, so it is
always best to check with your local authority early on
before any building or preparatory work starts. A quick call
to a duty officer should enable you to understand if you’ll
require planning permission for your project. Visit
Planning Portal for more information, or check your local
planning authority’s website, as rules vary depending on
location and the type of property you live in; for example, if
your home is listed.

Renovations
Building work can be quite hefty, as a mezzanine will
add additional weight to the supporting walls of your
house, and will need its own supporting structure. Such an
element can sometimes mean modifying the existing roof
and ceiling, so it’s important that you consult an engineer
to design the new mezzanine and provide calculations and
information for building regulations to ensure work falls
within legal requirements.
The main issue that will affect the design is fire risk.
Adding a mezzanine level may make your home a threestorey
house, which will mean that your stairwell needs
fire doors to all the rooms. So, normally, it is best to design
your mezzanine so that your stairwell doesn’t need
upgrading. Plus, your addition should typically be less
than 50 per cent of the size of the space that it sits over,
such as your downstairs living room. The edge of the
mezzanine will also require guarding – a balustrade – to
prevent falling from the edge, but in many cases this can
be designed as a bookcase or storage wall, so it adds to the
overall design and function.
All of this may sound like an enormous amount of red
tape, but it’s essential that you comply. Plus, importantly,
some of the best design comes out of the greatest
constraints and in the smallest spaces. Mezzanines are
also great for home offices, where masses of head height
may not be necessary, and can work well over bathrooms,
if well planned, as they don’t typically need generous
heights.
13

TILE
TREND
T
14
he trend for this Summer must haves are for
statement-making porcelain or ceramic tiles – this
could be anything from high gloss mirror-like tiles
to bright or boldly coloured or highly patterned
designs.
Indulgent freestanding baths and supersized walkin
showers will prove to be very popular in 2016 and
these can be enhanced with the use of a
contemporary large format porcelain tile to deliver
maximum impact. When it comes to these types of
bathroom suites, a bold and fitting tile choice is

Renovations
Original Style Odyssey
Grey Tapestry on Brilliant White
www.originalstyle.com
15

equired – otherwise there
will be too much of a contrast
between a bold and dramatic
bath or shower and a regular
tile.
Another major interior
design trend set for 2016
bathrooms will be geometric
tiles. Geometric ceramic or
porcelain tiles will provide a
pleasing, eye-catching look
and are a great design solution
for those who wish to add
depth and visual interest to a
plain or neutral bathroom
space, but without the use of
bright tones. Hexagonal,
arabesque or chevron patterns
will be amongst the most
fashionable designs in 2016.
After years of minimal
concrete and stone effect tile
trends it is so refreshing to see
a return of pattern. The great
thing is that there is a pattern
out there for everyone,
whether it be a traditional
Victorian style design, a funky
miss-match of eclectic pattern,
or something more subtle like
a discrete pattern.
So decide where you stand…
Be bold and totally on trend.
Take a traditional approach
and choose a product that
reflects the age of your
property.
Or take the ‘less is more
approach’ and embrace
pattern in a discrete way,
which shows you know your
design trends but don’t need
to shout about it!
Soho Blue Cube Decor Tiles
£49.49 Sq/m
www.tilemountain.co.uk
16

Renovations
Original Style Tileworks Ask Tree Clapboard
www.originalstyle.com
17

ANDREW MCLEAN
PLUMBING
Specialist in bathroom fitting and tiling,
covering the Cheshire area.

Contact us now on
07716 715291

LIFTING
THELID
20

A
Renovations
dding a splash of colour and luxury to your
bathroom is what summer is all about. With the
fabulous Pressalit Scandinavia Plus seat from
Replacement Seats, you’re sure to feel like royalty
with its soft close, quick-release hinges as
standard. Testimony to the quality of these
luxury seats is the manufacturer’s unsurpassed
10 Year guarantee, giving you the assurance that
the upgrade to their seats is a worthwhile one.
Available in an array of standard and vibrant
colours, there is a good selection of colours
available.
Replacement Seats offers every colour of toilet
seat ever made, so if you’ve damaged your old
seat, then look no further than
www.replacementseats.co.uk for your brand new
plastic, solid wood or resin toilet seat. To see all
the colours of this seat available, please go to
www.replacementseats.co.uk/pressalitcolours.co.
uk. Don’t forget that promotional code!...
If you’re not sure which seat you require,
contact them on FreePhone 0800 31 345 31 and
speak to one of their knowledgeable advisors.
To receive a further 5% off any toilet seat
order, please quote promotional code
magic.
21

Ashley
McDOW / INTERVIEW
22
With a foundation from
Central Saint Martins and a
BA hons in surface pattern
design from University of
Leeds, Occipinti’s founder
Ashley McDow has gained
valuable experience working
on projects for high-end
fashion and interior brands
including Alexander
McQueen, Designer’s Guild,
Ena Shaw, Harlequin,
Robert Allen and Christian
Fishbacher amongst others.
We caught up with the
former Cheshire girl and
passionate textile designer
to find out more about her
life.

Home & interiors
23

You grew up in Macclesfield, any fond memories?
I remember working in the sweet shop in the indoor market as a
part time summer job, which got me the nick name sweet shop
girl.
I remember moving house all the time. We lived in Prestbury,
Alderly edge, Macclesfield, Sutton. One year we moved three times
to different rental properties. We also lived in three properties in a
row on the same street (Byrons Lane). My parent’s hobby was to
do up run down properties and move on. I guess that’s where I get
my love of Interiors from.
What or who was your inspiration for textile design?
I was mostly inspired by fashion until my mid twenties. I followed
couture designers such as Roberto Cavelli and Alexander
McQueen. When I left university I had the opportunity to work at
the McQueen studios for a few months before getting my first job.
This was such an accomplishment that taught me a lot about the
fashion industry.
What does a normal working day consist of?
Because I run my own business, I have to manage all sectors from,
production, sales, marketing and design. I don’t get to design as
much as I would like to but luckily I enjoy doing all the other
elements of running a business. Especially the part where I get to
manage my own time.
24

Home & interiors
Who's your favourite designer?
At the moment Swoon editions. I love
how they mix and match different
styles into one piece of furniture. For
example when I collaborated with
them they used my brightly coloured
floral print with a modern twist onto a
traditional, French style chair. It really
stood out.
I also love Designers Guild. Their use
of large floral motifs and bold colours
resonate with me. A lot of people will
often say my designs remind them of
Designers Guild but with longevity.
Macclesfield or London?
I wish I could say Macclesfield, but I
have lived in London for the past 8
years. London has given me the
opportunity to meet incredible people
and start my own business. I couldn’t
have done it without the support of the
people around me. My friends are
some of the first people who bought
my cushions.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined, enthusiastic,
spontaneous.
Where will Ashley McDow be in
5 years?
I hope to still be in London running
Occipinti, just on a larger scale. I am
tackling the US, Japan and Australia
for new partners, so I am on track for
growth.
25

PLUMP
QT love cushions, they offer decoration, comfort,
fun and personality to any room, we believe you can
never have too many. Here are some of the hottest
around this Summer
26
Magenta, black and gold metallic printed Rope Trellis cushion
http://geraldinerae.co.uk/collections/cushions
POA

Home & interiors
Space & Shape Peacocks in a Tree Cushion
The Peacocks in a Tree cushion showcases
four peacocks sitting on the tree with one
peacock settled on the ground, perfectly
capturing the beauty and sophistication of
these majestic birds. The different colours
used balance together perfectly and create
a harmonious image altogether as Regina
Moritz has brought the patterns together in
a way that fit.
www.spaceandshape.com
£29.95
£28.00
Enchanted Forest cushion
Lovely cushion with a gorgeous botanical
design based on a vintage hand painting. In
light cotton canvas on one side and
luxurious deep purple velvet on the othersuch
an easy and inexpensive way to
change the look of your sitting room or bedroom!
Add the matching velvet cushion to
complete the look. Also makes a great
house-warming or wedding present.
www.colliercampbell.com
Peony Cushion
Silk cushion with a floral design. Duck
egg blue background dotted with pale
pink and orange peonies. Cotton velvet
pale blue piping and back.
www.barnabyco.com
£52.00
27

PRECIOUS
LITTLE
THINGS
28

Home & interiors
Superhero Raccoon Print
Print available in A4, A3, A2 and A1 sizes.
www.oflifeandlemons.co.uk
£14.50
29

Raffia Play & Toy Storage Baskets
Made for play as well as storage these baskets are a perfect combination
of practicality meeting beauty and play in a brilliantly colourful and fun
way. These boxes will inevitably become part of a childs’ play just as
much as it will be loved for storing their treasures inside.
£29.50
www.sistersguild.co.uk
30

Home & interiors
Eames Style RAR Rocker Yellow
A high quality reproduction of the original design created by Charles Ray Eames,
the iconic RAR (Rocker Armchair Rod) style rocker is one of the all time classics
in furniture design. This beautiful chair is ultra stylish, yet surprisingly
comfortable for your little one to rest their tired little feet
£44.00
www.minieden.co.uk
31

Ferm Living Marionette Cushions
Print superheroes Darling Clementine from Norway and Ferm Living from
Denmark have collaborated to create these to-die-for playful pillows. Drawing on
the Marionette characters of Darling Clementine, Ferm Living has produced a
set of four beauties. These cushions are made from 100% eco-friendly organic
cotton. They are filled with down to make them nice and soft for the little ones.
£30.00
www.cloudberryliving.co.uk
32

All aspects of joinery work undertaken
Contact Gary on 0777 135 8116
or email me Garyandrewclayton1988@hotmail.co.uk
with your requirements
33

Baby Wing Chair
From the Baby Collection of Chesterfield sofas and chairs, this wing back chair is
elegant and unique and will look stunning in any childs nursery or bedroom.
Choose from a selection of soft, smooth and delicate full grain leathers, including
'white, old white, champagne, oyster, maldive and gentle'.
£1500.00
www.whiterabbitengland.com
34

Home & interiors
35

£29.99
Giant Gem Speaker
Shaped like a diamond, the speaker is coated in a
neon pink resin and makes the perfect addition to
any party! With no need for CDs or a stereo, simply
attach the speaker to a laptop, phone or portable
tablet by the USB or 3.5mm headphone jack cords
and cue the music!
A great gift for a music lover that's sure to be music
to their ears...
www.gettingpersonal.co.uk
PLAY
LOUD
36

Home & interiors
£2490.00
Miniforms Caruso Musical Sideboard in black with
yellow 'trumpet speaker' & Blutetooth sound
The unique Caruso sideboard with a high-quality
sound system. Designed by the internationally
recognised, award-winning designer Paolo Cappello
for Italian brand Miniforms. This iconic design has
a Bluetooth 4.0 connection, and the ceramic
'trumpet' speaker on the front of the sideboard is
not just for decoration, it also offers a rich, high
performance sound.
BassBoomz - Pink
Experience superior sound quality
through the powerful built-in
speaker giving depth and clarity to
your music. Designed with an
innovative Bass Expansion
System for an impressive volumeto-size
digital amplifier giving you
deep, rich bass tones. Simply twist
and release to activate an
enhanced entertainment
experience.
£139.99
www.boutiquecamping.com
£49.95
Aowl Bluetooth Speaker White
Presented in a wooden bird house box
Add charming design to the home with
this stunning aOwl speaker from KREA-
FUNK. The two full range stereo speakers
form the eyes of this delightful owl shape
speaker, perfect for placing in any room of
the home to enjoy your favourite tracks.
Playing via Bluetooth, removing unnecessary
cables and presented in a wooden
box resembling a birdhouse, this makes a
great gift idea for any occasion.
designer-homeware.co.uk
37

festival
We are slap bang in the middle of festival season, QT
picks a handful of local events in Cheshire which may
tickle your musical tastebuds
Each year, the race to buy
Glastonbury tickets has music
fans eagerly waiting in
anticipation (or frustration),
constantly refreshing the page on
multiple devices to see if they have a
likely chance of attending the Mother
of all UK festivals. This year alone, the
Worthy Farm arts and music
celebration sold out in just THIRTY
minutes, with only a small amount
re-allocated on the resale date.
If you’re one of the few that happen
to have been left empty-handed, or
you just didn’t fancy the 12 hour wait
to spend the weekend knee-deep in
mud – it’s not too late to have a
summer worth remembering. We’ve
handpicked five festivals from across
Cheshire, packed with incredible
music, idyllic settings – and hopefully
less mud.
38

Health & wellbeing
Rewind Festival North
Discover glamping at Rewind Festival this year;
add a sense of luxury to the festival experience
with pre pitched tents and other luxury amenities
offered by Pink Moon Camping. Glamping is
not the only attraction at this festival; enjoy the
throwback sounds of the 90’s and early
noughties with Rewind’s all-star line up.
Festival
must haves
Milestone Camping
Glow Sticks
(x24) – £11.43
www.amazon.co.uk
Dates: 7th - 9th Aug 2016
Price: Early Bird tickets for adults
(with camping) from £110.00
Location: Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield
www.rewindfestival.com
Little America
backpack, £99.99
shop.herschelsupply.com
Argos 2 Man Dome Tent,
£14.99
www.argos.co.uk
>>
39

Just So Festival
A festival made for the family, ‘Just So’ focuses
on festival goers (or explorers), sit around a
campfire telling your favourite stories or explore
the forest campsite, there is something for
everyone. Visit the Spellbound Forest, the high
seas or be away with the fairies, the magic here
is spellbinding.
Festival
fashion for her
Dates: 21st - 23rd Aug 2015
Price: Tickets for adults (with camping)
from £110.00
Location: Rode Hall Estate, Scholar Green
www.justsofestival.org.uk
Crochet Hem Denim Short
£30.00
www.missselfridge.com
Festival
fashion for him
Creamfields 2016
The multi award winning Creamfields returns
to the Daresbury Estate in 2016.
Creamfields is the original UK dance festival it
set out to provide the clubbing world with a bespoke
large scale outdoor event and has gone
on to become one of the most popular electronic
festival on the planet.
Oversized lyocell shirt
£14.99
www2.hm.com/en_gb
Dates: 25th - 28th Aug 2016
Price: Tickets for adults (with camping)
from £200.00
Location: Halton, Cheshire,
40

Health & wellbeing
DIARY
OFA
GLASTO
VIRGIN
Name: Katie Nelson
Occupation: Paramedic
Age: 27
Home: Macclesfield
41

When Katie Nelson, a fun loving paramedic
from Macclesfield received her
Glastonbury tickets, there was excitement
- ofcourse, but also intredidation of what
lay ahead.
Katie had been to gigs, and festivals,
but never this one, she hadn’t
encountered five days of mud, flea
infested toilets and camping. This twenty
something, self confessed shopaholic and
party girl, who enjoys the finer things in
life was about to dive head first into the
Glastonbury deep end for the first time in
her life.
Armed with a tent, two dozen packets of
wet wipes, a new pair of wellies, (a pair of
jewelled flip-flops in case the heatwave
gods were looking down on us) and half a
dozen friends who had all experienced its
wackiness many times.
DAY ONE - WEDNESDAY
Anyone who hasn’t done Glasto before, it
must be accepted that when you enter the
gates of Worthy Farm, be prepared - it is,
essentially, another world.
What I didn’t expect, and my friends
forgot to mention was the inexplicably
painful walk from my car, through an
immense amount of mud, to even get into
the festival. But when you do, you see
utter ridiculousness open up before your
eyes: over 100 stages, actual nightclubs,
humungous mechanical spiders,
fireworks, bars and so many opportunites
to party and get pissed.
42

Health & wellbeing
We set up tent and decided to do one
thing - explore. We walked through the
Green Fields, where you can find some of
the most amazing vegetarian food known
to man, phone-charging exercise bikes,
and all sorts of other hippy shit. We
strolled through The Park, home to an
iconic Glastonbury ribbon tower, a
Jamaican rum bar, and a life-size statue
of a tongue, before finally arriving at the
peace-inspired Stone Circle for their
official festival opening ceremony.
DAY TWO - THURSDAY
As the main main musical events didn’t
kick off until tomorrow, we had another
full day of exploring on the cards.
This was to be the most surreal day which
consisted of exploring a site which, to
actually experience properly, would’ve
taken weeks, encompassing a laser lake, a
giant badger, a motel playing dance
classics and a statue of a rabbit with tits.
As darkness fell we sought out some of
the festival’s majestic adult playgrounds,
perhaps the most lauded of which is
Shangri-La. An absolute trek to get to
from our tent literally on the opposite side
of the farm, you cannot help but be
stunned by towering walls adorned with
massive (and enjoyably controversial)
posters of key political figures such as
Boris Johnson obscured by the rudest
word I know, or one of David Cameron at
a pig farm. Flashing lights and booming
dubstep were everywhere as we walked
43

through it, when I decided I was on
nowhere near as suitable a level of
inebriation as other revellers, and trekked
back to my tent with the others.
DAY THREE - FRIDAY
I woke up with a feeling of excitment, I
was about to see some of my favourite
bands. I peered out of the tent to feel
torrential rainfall and a drunken reveller
shout ‘We’re out of the fuckin’ EU.’
We headed to the Other Stage at 11 in
the morning to see an impressive
performance from Mancunian indie icons,
James. Next up were Two Door Cinema
Club at the ever-iconic Pyramid Stage,
playing what I assume was a decent set
considering I and my five companions
elected to dance drunkenly to the side of
stage and, amongst other things, apply
glitter to our faces.
Friday also gave us Skepta, Jess Glynn,
hairy rockers ZZ Top, Bastille and
Disclosure.
44

Health & wellbeing
Highlight: Two Door Cinema Club
Disappointment: Disclosure
DAY FOUR - SATURDAY
The excitement of seeing Adele later
tonight started very early and in fairness,
I really enjoyed it. The worldwide pop
icon proved once and for all that she
could captivate such a large crowd, and
did it in style, with her voice as spine
tingling as ever, not to mention her
contrasting, high-pitched cackle forever
disarming and endearing her to the
crowd.
Before Adele, we saw Dua Lipa on the
John Peel Stage and Alessia Cara. We
went mad for madness and danced in the
early evening sun to Example.
Highlight: Adele
Disappointment: Example
DAY FIVE - SUNDAY
The last day. Both sad and relieving in
equal measure. Because there’s one thing
I’ve yet to really mention in this diary that
most of you will know is synonymous with
Glastonbury: mud. Lots and lots of mud.
The muddiest Glastonbury on record, to
be exact. To make matters worse, my
wellies had a hole in them!.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were playing on the
Pyramid Stage by the time we’d finally
made our way to the music stages, the
finest point coming during the
overwhelmingly ironic performance of
‘Mr Blue Sky’ that still prompted a mass
singalong despite it absolutely pissing
down.
This was followed by a terrible Ellie
Goulding, an amazing set by Monsters of
Men and then a band I love, Coldplay, I
had seen them a few weeks earlier in
Manchester but was looking forward to
seeing them thrill and audience of
150,000.
The Glastonbury veterans are no novices
in working a crowd, headlining the
festival for this their fourth time. And
bloody hell they put on a show. LED
wristbands made for stunning lights
throughout the crowd, a breath-taking
spectacle. Coldplay’s many anthemic (‘Fix
You’, ‘Yellow’, etc) tunes made for some
amazing singalong moments uniting the
audience. But the real nuggets of gold
closing Glastonbury 2016 were the guest
spots, first from Barry Gibb of The Bee
Gees who performed ‘Stayin’ Alive’, and
second from festival organiser Michael
Eavis, who came on to sing Sinatra classic
‘My Way’.
45

Katie’s Glastonbury Tips
1) Be prepared for mud, and lots of it, take at least two pairs
of wellies
2) Be prepared to watch bands you have never heard of -
Two Door Cinema Club were amazing!
3) Learn to use a Sheepee - the toilets by day three are
horrendous
4) Do not take too much stuff, you have a long walk ahead
from the car
46
Goodbye Glastonbury, it was an
emotional and truly amazing
experience, see you next year!xxx

Health & wellbeing
GIVEAWAYS
Adored Beauty in Macclesfield are
giving away a goody bag and voucher
Worth over £40
www.adoredbeauty.co.uk
Making every time, a feel good time
The Marvello ‘Tanna’ – A Luxurious
Wood Crafted Timepiece Touched with
Natural Unique Class Styled For Everyday
Fashion and Totally Unique
Worth over £90
Marvello.co.uk
Just email: Cheshirerach@gmail.com and
we’ll pull the winner out of the hat
47

ALOE
VERA

Health & wellbeing
Many of us having been using aloe vera for
years now, QT in Cheshire brings you the
benefits of this wonderful plant
Aloe Vera can help reduce
oral problems
Do you usually have issues
with tooth decay and gums?
You know that you can get rid
of this when you make use of
Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera can be
highly effective in removing
plaque on your teeth area.
Some say that if you find your
mouth wash too strong for
you, you can gargle Aloe Vera
gel mixed in with water
instead. It will make a lot of
difference.
If you have canker sores on
your mouth area, you can also
get rid of those with the use of
the proper amount of Aloe
Vera gel. Having canker sores
can be a bit complicated
because they can last for up to
10 days. You can also get rid
of mouth ulcers by gargling
with Aloe Vera with water.
Aloe Vera can help relieve
constipation and
diarrhea
Are you constipated? You
know that you can help get rid
of this feeling when you make
use of Aloe Vera gel. You
know that having a clear and
well functioning digestive
tract is the key to good health.
No matter what type of
digestive problem you are
going through, you know that
you can easily get rid of your
digestive problems at the
soonest possible time. Aloe
Vera gets rid of the bad
bacteria that are found in the
gut.
Aloe Vera can help heal
burns faster than before
You are probably aware that
Aloe Vera is commonly used
topically and if you have just
49

acquired burns due to different reasons,
you can easily get rid oft the burns easier.
Aside from burns, you can also use it to
help relieve the symptoms of sunburn as
well as different types of sores that you
may have all over your body. If you
acquire third degree burns, you are
recommended to go to the hospital
immediately because even placing the
Aloe Vera gel on the burn will not do
anything to help.
Aloe Vera can be used to make your
wrinkles disappear
Most people fear getting old not because
of a wide variety of reasons. Some fear
that they are getting old without reaching
their dreams while there are also some
that are highly concerned about their
appearance. They know that the passing
of their youth will make their skin more
50
prone to wrinkles and age spots.
The use of Aloe Vera gel on the skin can
help make the aging of the skin slower.
This is due to the wide array of
antioxidants that are normally found in
Aloe Vera. There are still not a lot of
information about this but so far, people
have reported an improvement with their
skin because of Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera can be useful for
diabetics
Do you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?
There are different things that will allow
you to live your life better and healthier.
The use of Aloe Vera has been done for a
long period of time but probably because
of the different medications for diabetics,
you have forgotten about this already.
There are already some studies and
reports that have been done in order to
determine how effective Aloe Vera is

Health & wellbeing
against diabetes. Just remember that you
are not recommended to ingest Aloe Vera
for a long period of time. One bad effect is
liver damage.
Aloe Vera can help detoxify your
body
There are different things that your body
should eliminate but you do not know
how you can do it effectively. The use of
Aloe Vera can give you the detoxification
that you need. Ingesting Aloe Vera can
help the intestinal tract absorb a lot of
toxins that may have gotten stuck inside
your body. When the body eliminates
toxins from the body, the whole body will
also function better.
Aloe Vera can make the immune
system stronger
Do you know the various things that the
immune system goes through every day in
order to keep you healthy? You need to
remember that the immune system is in
charge of fighting germs, bacteria and
other things that will cause people to have
various diseases. Some people get sick
easier because their immune systems are
weak while some people rarely get sick
because their immune systems are strong.
Make your immune system stronger by
consuming Aloe Vera.
lifestyle, reaching your desired weight can
be easier to do.
Aloe Vera can make your hair grow
better
Your hair is your crowning glory. As much
as possible, you would like to improve it
and make it as healthy as you want it to
be. People have preference for different
hair texture. Some people like their hair
straight while others would like their hair
to be curly. There are also some who
would like to have wavy hair. Definitely,
hair growth can improve and become
faster with the use of Aloe Vera. The gel
simply needs to be placed on the hair
particles and even the scalp if you would
like to get rid of dryness and itchiness.
Aloe Vera can hydrate your skin
Do you feel that your skin lacks moisture?
You can make your skin more moisturized
especially during cold weather with the
use of Aloe Vera. You can apply Aloe Vera
gel topically on the skin although there
are some people who prefer to mix Aloe
Vera with different essential oils in order
to further improve the effects.
Aloe Vera can help lower
cholesterol
There are times when people would like to
get rid of their excess weight but they
know that this can be hard to do because
they have too much cholesterol in their
system. Cholesterol may come in two
forms: good and bad cholesterol. Your
main goal is to get rid of bad cholesterol
and change it with good cholesterol in
order to help you lose weight. This is one
of people’s main goals – to lose weight at
the soonest possible time. While Aloe
Vera may not offer the fast results that
you want, you know that with a healthier
>> page 52
51

Hello my names is Rachael, business owner
of aloe vera products.
A dance partner introduced this wonder
working plant to me 3 years ago after I was
complaining about my acne on my face.
I was given antibiotics from the doctor but
they didn't work. I was asked if I was
stressed but I didn't feel stressed they said
that could be the cause of acne.
I decided to try the aloe vera gel. After one
month of drinking the aloe vera gel my skin
started to clear up and be less red. My acne
was disappearing and it has disappeared
completely now. I regular drink it every
morning and evening.
Now I sell aloe vera internationally. Please
access my online shop to discover the health
benefits of aloe vera.

FOREVER
R
ALOE VERA
GELOE Pu
ure
e.
Na
Nu atu utr ura ritio al. ous.
Great for
kids
Great for
the family
Great
for active
lifestyles
Forever
top seller
Each gel contains
pure stabilised ised aloe
– taken directly from
the centre
of the leaf
– contains over 200
rich source
of nutrients
and helps to promote
For further
r information and prices
please
e contact:
Business ID:
440500022427 Name:
Rachael Marlow
07956654392 Email:
Cheshirerach@gmail.com

Aloe Vera can help increase your
intake of vitamins and minerals
Do you honestly think that you are getting
enough of the vitamins and minerals that
you need? If you do not think so then you
can always increase your intake just by
consuming Aloe Vera. Are you curious to
know what are the vitamins and minerals
that you can get from Aloe Vera? You can
expect that you will get vitamins A, C and
E just to name a few. In minerals, you can
expect to get magnesium, zinc and iron.
Of course, there are still a lot of other
vitamins and minerals that you can get.
Aloe Vera can be used as a
disinfectant
Do you have a wound that might get
infected because of how you have
acquired it? You can always make use of
certain medications that can help stop the
infection from spreading but what if you
do not have access to any of these
medications? You just need to find an
Aloe Vera leaf and get its gel, you will
surely disinfect your wound. Remember
that Aloe Vera can also be used to get rid
of viruses.
While there are a lot of benefits that you
can get with the use of Aloe Vera, you
have to remember that taking in too much
may be bad for you. If you consume too
much Aloe Vera, you might get diarrhea
as a side effect. You are also
recommended to consult with your doctor
first to be sure that the intake of Aloe
Vera will be safe for you. It would
sometimes depend on your current
health.
54

STAND OUT FROM
THE CROWD!
For advertising and editorial opportunities contact
0795 665 4392 / 0784 590 7396 or 01625 502890
or click here
in Cheshire
55

INSIDE
OUT
56

Garden & Outdoors
O
utdoor decor no longer consists of rickety
lawn furniture in mismatched patterns.
People are transforming their spaces into
outdoor living rooms. The closer your
outdoor space is to an indoor room with a
similar use, the more likely you are to use
it. From funky to classic, today's allweather
furniture is all about style.
If you’re planning on making the most
of your outdoor space and socialising with
friends into the evening, then comfort is
king. Make sure you buy appropriate
furniture for lounging as well as dining. A
pagoda or gazebo is always a good idea to
provide much needed shade or rain
protection. Children love the freedom of
the garden so throw down some blankets
and cushions for them so they can eat and
play as they wish and keep the big comfy
seating for the grown-ups.
For lighting there are plenty of options
to choose from, both practical and on
trend. Possibilities include citronella
candles which can help to keep those bugs
at bay but for something super stylish,
why not hang festoon lights or oversized
lanterns from trees and bushes to create a
magical effect.
Choose a colour scheme for your
outside space. For ease, you can opt for a
similar style to your interior design
scheme and give some of your colourful
cushions an outside airing to add interest
to plain furniture. Colourful furniture is
57

available to buy but for longevity it may
be better to plump for funky accessories.
While an amazing patio set and a
beautifully landscaped garden add to the
ambiance and atmosphere, there is
another element you can consider adding
to your space – a fire pit.
Some are made with the ability to place
a grill on top, allowing you and your
family to enjoy it as a barbecue. They are
a great decorative addition to any outdoor
party you may host.
Possibly one of the best reasons to
consider adding an outdoor fire pit to
your garden and patio space is that it
allows you to enjoy your Summer longer.
Since it offers both heat and beauty, you
will be able to enjoy your patio early in
the Spring season and later into Autumn.
Gardens and art have enjoyed a
symbiotic relationship for centuries, and
gardens are a timeless source of
inspiration for artists. Plants, trees, colour
and light collide to provide the perfect
artist’s muse, from fine art to abstract.
However, the use of art in the garden
remains an often overlooked aspect of
garden design. Garden art can be used to
add drama, rejuvenate a tired garden or
highlight your garden’s style. The last few
years have seen increased interest in
garden art, and we believe that some
carefully curated garden art will enhance
any outdoor space.
For some, choosing artwork for the
home can be a daunting task – nothing
makes a stronger statement about your
taste than your artworks.
Gardens are unique spaces with
differing aesthetics and functions. It may
sound obvious, but you need to
understand the garden’s look and feel
before you begin your search for that
perfect piece of garden art. Classical,
urban, natural or wild…there are many
styles of garden. The goal is to select
pieces that compliment your garden’s
style, and avoid any clashes.
58

Garden & Outdoors
we love!
Bosham Corner Sofa Set
£2400.00
www.gardentrading.co.uk
59

£305.00
Magis Spun Chair
by Thomas Heatherwick
www.papilloninteriors.co.uk
art
The Magis Spun Chair designed by Thomas Heatherwick, is a
60
garden
stool, a chair, a sculptural object and a spinning top in one!
After lengthy research into the geometric simplification of a
familiar object type, the Spun Chair was designed producing a
completely rotationally symmetrical chair.
This unique and fun design is such that the seat, back and
arms are all the same profile. Therefore it is not initially
apparent that this is a chair, however when lent on its side,
Spun forms a comfortable and functional chair that can rock
from side to side, or even spin round in a complete circle.

Garden & Outdoors
Exo Sphere Light
MY Furniture
www.my-furniture.co.uk
£59.99
Made from tough, moulded Polyethylene, capable
of withstanding all weather conditions. IP65 rated.
Internal RGB, LED Light source. 16 pre-set
colours can be selected according to mood or
situation. Dimming function, colour fade and
colour flash settings. Complete with battery
powered remote control. Rechargeable – supplied
with cable.
Also suitable for indoor use, for example – a
bedside table lamp. Part of a co-ordinating suite
including two size spheres, cube stool / table, table
lamp, ice bucket and chair. All items can be
controlled simultaneously from one remote for an
impressive, unified lighting effect.
Nara Lounger
exclusive to Harrods
www.harrods.com
The result of a collaboration
between renowned French
landscape designer Louis
Benech.
Hand-made using only the
finest teak, the lounger
symbolises both modernity and
continuity, having a very
contemporary aesthetic while
retaining a link to timeless
styles of the past.
£899.00
Perplexity Modern Art Stone Statue
Large Garden Sculpture
www.statuesandsculptures.co.uk
£4150.00
The Perplexity modern sculpture and
pedestal has been chosen for it's
exemplary quality and design, and will
enhance any setting whilst providing a
feeling of elegance to interiors,
exteriors, conservatories, swimming
pools and gardens.
61

COLOU
Colom
62

Travel
URFUL
mbia
T
ourism in Colombia is
gathering pace. More and
more travellers are realising
the country’s past reputation
for crime and drugs is far
from the reality on the
ground – and the endlessly
welcoming locals will make
sure you feel this way too. Go
now and you’ll quickly
discover what the fuss is
about: head to cities such as
innovative, buzzing Medellín
or enchanting Cartagena,
explore the country’s lush
coffee growing region, trek to
the jungle-strewn ruins of
the Lost City, or find a slice
of paradise on bone-white
beaches lapped by the
Caribbean sea.
There are a number of
active family holidays in
Colombia. You can go rafting
down the Rio Negro, visit
colourful coffee producing
towns, explore colonial
Cartagena, enjoy beautiful
Caribbean beaches and go
snorkelling, sailing, horseriding
and more.
Colombia may not be an
obvious destination for a
family holiday, but it should
63

e. It's a hugely varied country with
mountains, Caribbean islands, colonial
cities and much more. There are many
family-friendly activities and Colombians
are very welcoming and, as a rule, love
children. Bogota is an engaging and
vibrant capital surrounded by Andean
mountains; the Coffee Country offers
river trips, canopy tours and more; and
the seahorse-shaped island of San Andres
boasts beautiful Caribbean beaches.
Popayan is one of Colombia’s most
impressive colonial cities. Located in
southwestern Colombia, it is sometimes
called the “Ciudad Blanca” (White City)
because its buildings are chalk-white.
Founded in 1537, its mild climate in the
Valle de Cauca quickly attracted wealthy
Spanish families who built mansions,
schools, churches and monasteries. The
city is famous for its Maundy Thursday
procession as well as its nightlife. The
Iglesia de Ermita is the city’s oldest
church, built in 1546, while the Iglesia de
San Francisco lays claim to being the
most beautiful. Popayan’s tranquility and
charm make it a good place to chill out.
San Agustin is a laidback little town
surrounded by awesome landscapes and
the remains of a forgotten civilization.
One of the most intriguing ancient sites in
Colombia, the archeological park of San
64

Travel
Agustin is home to more than
500 monoliths, statues,
petroglyphs and sarcophagi.
Most of the stone carvings at
San Agustin were created
between 100 A.D. and 1200
A.D. They include
representations of human
figures, smiling and sneering
monsters as well as animals
such as snakes, birds and
jaguars. The pre-Incan culture
that built the stone carvings is
surrounded by mystery. No
one knows their actual name.
Most of what is known about
this society comes from the
interpretation of the carved
statues and other ruins.
Tayrona National Park is a
must-see place for travelers
who enjoy nature and
exploring old ruins. Located
on the north Colombia coast,
the park offers a variety of
ecosystems, from swamps to
scrublands to cloud forests.
For many travelers, the park’s
biggest attraction is its
beaches, set in deep bays and
shaded with coconut palms.
In fact, Tayrona beaches are
among Colombia’s most
beautiful. The park is also
popular with birdwatchers
who come to see the Andean
condor, a threatened species.
The park takes its name from
the Tayronas, a native people,
who left their mark on a
number of archaeological
sites, including Pueblito
Chairama. Tayrona is a good
place to snorkel, hike and see
wild animals, including
lizards and monkeys, in their
native habitat.
65

£19.99
Pink Flamingo Print Clear Beach Bag
www.newlook.com
TOTES
AMAZE
BALLS
Beach bags are an essential part of your holiday
wardrobe, something of a hero accessory and generally
the first thing you pack when prepping for a trip abroad
66

Fashion & Beauty
£18.00
Alligator Beach Tote
www.cafepress.co.uk
South Beach Kim Bronze Tint Beach
Bag with Snake Print Carriage
www.missmadisonboutique.co.uk
£16.00
£55.00
Echo Design Colour Block Yellow
Sydney Tote Bag
www.hogarth-design.com
£25.00
Stripe Beach Tote Bag
uk.accessorize.com
67

The Other Orient Silk
Scarf by Santorus
£195.00
www.limelace.co.uk

Fashion & Beauty
GIFTS
for him
Whether it’s his birthday or you just want to treat the man
in your life here’s an assortment of gifts he will cherish
Personalised Print, Poster
or Canvas
Easier than getting the
whole family to smile nicely
for the camera!
£20.00
www.posterhaste.com
Men Rock "For My Beardy
Beloved" Beard Care Kit
£19.95
www.thegroomingclinic.com
Aesop
Post-Poo Drops 100ml
£20.00
www.liberty.co.uk
69

Hand Printed Screen Print //
By Rob Hodgson
Our limited run screen prints are
hand printed in Bristol by a lovely
chap called Jonny Akers.
Our carefully curated in-house
and licensed artworks are printed
onto fine art paper, and some
have touches of beautiful metallic
ink! Perfect for refreshing any
wall! Prints / 40 x 50 cm
£40.00
www.urbangraphic.co.uk
Men's Moroccan Leather Slippers
These smart slippers are made by
Hamid and his team in their small
leather workshop in
Marrakech. Each pair is handcrafted
from quality sheepskin
leather in the classic 'Berber'
style. From the dying to the
handstitching, every process is
carefully done by hand, ensuring
these ancient techniques
continue to flourish. Our men's
slippers have rubber soles so are
suitable for indoor and light
outdoor wear. The backs can also
be folded down to create a slip-on
style if you prefer. On unwrapping
your slippers you may notice a
strong scent of the natural dyes,
which quickly fades on airing.
£27.95
www.decoratorsnotebook.co.uk
70

Fashion & Beauty
Stag Decanter and Two Shot
Glasses Set
The majestic Stag Head Top sits
loosely on the pewter collar to enable
your wine or whisky to
breathe. It is cast in fine lead free
pewter and then hand polished to
a superb finish.
This will be a family heirloom and
will be admired by everyone who
sees it.
The Stag Glass measures approx
7 cm's in height.
Stag Decanter £140
Stag Shot Glass £23.95 each
www.athomeinthecountry.co.uk
we love!
Marathon Boy Bookends (set Of 2)
Striking red bookends depicting the face of ‘Marathon Boy’, an
ancient Greek sculpture found in the Aegean Sea and said to be that
of a young athlete from 340 BC. Made from 100% ceramine and
handcrafted in Greece. Sold as a pair.
£88.00
www.miafleur.com
71

£24.95
Lemonade Sparkly Heart
Flip Flops Mint Green
www.lovelemonade.com
Pom Poms and bright colours are the hottest trend for
women’s shoes this Summer and we know how
unpredictable the weather in Cheshire can be, so we’ve
thrown in a pair of wellies we love
LET’S PLAY
FOOTSIE
72

Fashion & Beauty
Bristol Wellies
QT in Cheshire love these wellies.
The designs are fun and fashionable,
enhanced with small quirky
elements sure to brighten up any
rainy days. They are favourites at
Britain's festivals and on the streets
of Cheshire in wet weather.
www.boutiquecamping.com
£40.00
£49.99
Pompom
www.zara.com
WIOLA
This innovative slip on
trainer pushes the
boundaries of sportswear
meets daywear with its
quirky seasonal print
across the front depicting
lacquered red lips.
www.bally.co.uk
£325.00
73

BEST READ
Bestselling authors reveal
their holiday reads
Wondering what books to
pack this summer? Paula
Hawkins, David Nicholls,
Michael Morpurgo, Jeffrey
Archer, Nick Hornby, Mark
Haddon and Victoria
Hislop have revealed their
top three holiday reading
recommendations to
Oxfam.
Paula Hawkins who
wrote the blockbuster The
Girl on the Train said, "You
need a good mix of books
on holiday. A romantic
comedy, The Tales of the
City series by Armistead
Maupin is perfect: warm,
witty, drenched in
California sunshine and
twenty-something angst.
In The Woods by Tana
French because it's dark
and immersive, the perfect
read for long journeys or
bad weather. A classic: A
Room with a View by EM
Forster, the perfect travel
companion to Florence or
anywhere else in the
world."
Shelves at Oxfam shops
and the Oxfam Online
Shop are sizzling with
scorching summer reads to
occupy book lovers of all
ages and tastes. Crucially,
sales of these books raise
vital funds for Oxfam's
work fighting extreme
poverty across the world.
David Nicholls author of
the phenomenally
successful One Day, rereads
F Scott Fitzgerald's
Tender is the Night every
74

Charity
year. Nicholls said: "It's a melancholy
bittersweet book. The story of this
beautiful, doomed couple's trip across
Europe never fails to move me."
Adored children's author and
playwright Michael Morpurgo, who
wrote War Horse, goes for The
Fortnight in September by RC Sheriff.
Morpurgo said: "Nothing happens in
this wonderful book, except ordinary
things which make it extraordinary."
Mark Haddon chose Victoria Moss'
Signs for Lost Children as one of the
best books he enjoyed recently. But he
thinks the classics are hard to beat: "If
you are after a good read this summer
and have not read Bleak House,
Middlemarch, To the Lighthouse, or
The Woman in White, then get yourself
to a bookshop right now."
Nick Hornby who gave the world
High Fidelity and About a Boy, suggests
getting stuck into Dinner at the
Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler.
75

Hornby said: "Beautiful, funny, real, absorbing -
Anne Tyler is the writer who made me want to
write."
Victoria Hislop, whose books The Sunrise and
The Thread are amongst the public's best loved,
plumps for Dictator by Robert Harris to engross
her on a trip away. Hislop said: "There is nothing
better than sitting down with a book that is: page
turning, brilliantly written, immaculately
researched and a good story. Robert Harris
always ticks every box."
“you need a
good mix of
books on
holiday”
Paula
Hawkins
76
The Kind Worth of Killing, by Peter Swanson is
one of the books that makes it into Jeffrey
Archer's suitcase. Jeffrey, who has written a
small library's worth of bestsellers said, "It's a
thriller that demands you turn the page because
of its unexpected twists and turns."
Gripping books like these can be found
alongside countless other scorching summer
reads in Oxfam shops up and down the UK, as
well as the Oxfam Online Shop. The shops are
places to find current bestsellers and classics,
children's favourites and poems, hobby manuals,
travel titles, rare first editions and treasures
hundreds of years old.
Andrew Horton, Oxfam Trading Director said:
"What better way to relax in the summer than
reading a book? So it's wonderful and stress-free
to get recommendations from some of the most
discerning writers in the UK. These brilliant
authors know better than anyone what makes a
really good read. We are so grateful for their
suggestions, and to the British public who
support Oxfam by donating and buying books.
The money raised by Oxfam books saves and
improves lives across the world."

ALAN
BAILEY
Window Clean
and Handyman Service
29 Chapel St, Macclesfield
01625 262795
07963 903 471

PENSIONS
IN A STATE?
78

Finance
A
ccording to Gordon Dryden
Gilling-Smith’s 1967 Guide to
Pensions and
Superannuation, the first
recorded pensioner was
someone called Martin
Horsham. Horsham retired
on 10 March 1684 on a
pension of £40 a year.
That may not sound much
today but, at that time,
average yearly earnings in
skilled trades were between
£30 and £36 a year, while in
unskilled trades and
agriculture they were between
£9 and £20. Horsham’s
pension was paid to him by
his successor in the
workplace, a Mr G Scroope,
from his own earnings of £80
a year.
Irrelevant to pensions
today? Not really. The
principle established – that of
the pensions of those in
retirement being funded by a
levy on those at work,
something we today refer to
as a pay-as-you-go system – is
the structure on which our
state pension system and
most other similar systems
around the world are based.
That said, the state pension
in the UK today is not so
generous as to provide a
pension of double average
earnings. It will not make us
anywhere near as wealthy as
Horsham was relative to
others when he retired all
those centuries ago. The
maximum state pension
anyone can get nowadays is
around 30 per cent of average
earnings.
For pay-as-you-go state
pension schemes to work
across the generations as
people join and leave the
workforce they need to take
account of the ever-changing
demographic and economic
realities. Clearly, if we were
ever to have an increasing
number of young taxpayers in
the workforce and a relatively
small number of people
retiring then it could be
expected we could afford to
pay a generous level of state
pension.
Equally, the worst outcome
would be if we were to have a
high number of people
retiring at a time when we
have a relatively low number
of younger taxpayers. If that
“average yearly
earnings in
skilled trades
were between
£30 and £36
a year”
79

were to happen then you would expect
lower state pension outcomes as a result.
State pension costs can only really be
controlled in two ways. The amount paid
can be varied or the length of time the
pension is paid can be varied. Recent
changes to the state pension in the UK
have seen a popular higher pension
promise but with an unpopular later
attainment age at the same time: a
neutral approach in my view. But what of
the future following the likely economic
and demographic uncertainties caused by
last June’s vote to leave the EU?
The effects of that will begin to be felt
during the 2020s as our terms for
disengagement with the EU are finalised.
The 2020s is also the decade when the
UK’s so-called baby boomers reach
retirement age. While the post-war baby
boom in the US lasted through the 1950s,
the same was not the case in the UK. Our
post-war baby boom was over by the end
of the 1940s. Our real baby boom
happened in the 1960s.
Our pay-as-you-go state pension system
in those soon-to-be days will need to react
to the realities of a sharply increasing
number of pensioners in light of the
current demographic and economic
landscape.
Steve Bee
www.jargonfreebenefits.co.uk
“the 2020s is
also the decade
when the UK’s
so-called baby
boomers reach
retirement age”
80

Finance
TO BUY OR
NOT TO BUY
T
hat is the question. 86% of
people in the UK want to own
their own home. Buying a home
enables you to put down roots
and take ownership of a property
to live as you please. But it is a
big responsibility and you don’t
want to bite off more than you
can chew and end up with
nothing but regret.
Buying a home is a huge
financial commitment; be
sensible about what you can
afford and don’t rush into
buying. Ask yourself if buying
makes more emotional and
financial sense than renting. If in
doubt, stick to renting until you
are in a more realistic position to
buy.
Do your homework- what
can you afford?
As a general rule, you should be
looking at houses that are 2-3
times your annual income to
ensure you can make your
mortgage repayments.
Additionally, be realistic about
what you can afford. Make a list
of essentials you require for your
home and try and separate these
from the ‘extras’ that would serve
as an added bonus. When
looking for your first home, it
may be necessary to make
compromises to stick within your
budget.
Save for a deposit
Saving for a deposit is usually the
hardest part of the buying
81

process. The more you save for a
deposit- the equity you put towards the
cost of your home- the better mortgage
rates you will be offered and the lower
your monthly mortgage repayments
will be.
Ideally you should save around 5-
20% of the cost of your home. For
example, if you’re looking at houses
worth £150,000, you would need to
save a minimum of £7500. You would
then need to borrow the remaining
costs from a lender, in this case
£142,500. But saving as much as 25%
will allow you to access the best
mortgage rates.
Find the right mortgage for you
Now you’ve got your numbers, you can
start looking for mortgage lenders. You
have multiple options to choose from;
mortgage brokers, individual banks or
searching online. It is important that
you research all of your options in
depth.
Once you find the best mortgage for
your circumstances, the lender will give
you an agreement in principle.
Additional costs
Don’t forget to save for additional costs
that come with buying your first home.
There are other costs aside from your
monthly repayments that need to be
82

Finance
taken into account. These include
stamp duty, mortgage arrangement
and valuation fees, solicitor’s fees,
survey costs, buildings insurance, and
furnishing and redecorating costs.
Finding a house and putting in an
offer
When looking for a property consider
what you want from your home: how
many bedrooms? Do you need parking
or a garden? Then pick an area to focus
your search.
Scan local newspapers and online.
Once you’ve found a property call the
agent to book a viewing.
You’re unlikely to find something
straight away, but don’t be
disheartened; looking for a home takes
time. You don’t want to rush what is
probably the biggest purchase of your
life.
But once you have found your dream
home, it’s time to make an offer. This
will usually be done through your
estate agent.
Do some research on what similar
properties in the local area sold forthis
will stop you paying more or less
that you should.
Once the offer has been accepted by
the seller, the buying process can go
ahead.
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Find a solicitor
You will probably need to hire a
solicitor or conveyancer to handle
the paperwork and all legal
aspects of the sale. They will also
check for any local issues that
could affect the value of the
property.
Arrange a survey
Once your offer has been accepted,
it’s important to arrange a survey
to assess the quality and structural
stability of the property. Any
defects could affect the property’s
value.
The most comprehensive- and
expensive- is a full structural
survey, which is particularly worth
doing if the property is old,
remodelled or in need of work. It
is also a good idea if you’re
planning to extend or alter the
structure of the building.
The most basic is a Condition
Report, which provides a traffic
lights system for the state of the
property- green means everything
is in good condition, orange
means there is some cause for
concern and red means there are
serious problems that need to be
addressed.
The middle ground is a
HomeBuyers Report, which is far
more detailed and includes a
valuation, however this type of
“ideally you
should save
around 5-20% of
the value of
your home”
survey is non-intrusive so any
underlying problems may be
missed.
Exchange contracts
After your solicitor or conveyancer
has completed all necessary
checks, you will need to sign a
contract legally committing you to
the purchase. It is at this point
that you will pay your deposit and
agree a date to complete the sale.
Final steps
Once you’ve signed the contract
and arranged a moving date, you
need to organise getting your
belongings to your new home.
This could be hiring a moving van
and doing it yourself, or hiring
professional removal men.
You will also need to get
buildings insurance in place for
the date of completion. This
ensures your home is protected in
case of damage and is normally a
condition of most mortgages.
84

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info@maccflooring.co.uk
www.maccflooring.co.uk

ROCKY
ROAD
Today our two little baking stars are making rocky road.
Ellie aged 8 and Megan aged 4 (pictured above), love
this recipe and hope you do to.
Within the hour you could be indulging yourself in
chocolate heaven.
86

Food & Drink
Ingredients
2 medium-sized bars of milk chocolate
a couple of handfuls of mini marshmallows
6 digestive biscuits (broken into largish chunks)
a handful of raisins (optional)
Prep:10min Cook:30min Ready in:40min
Serves 6
And here is the easy bit how to make
them: Melt the chocolate in a bowl
suspended over a pan of boiling water,
making sure that the water does not touch
the bowl.
Once the chocolate has melted add the
rest of the ingredients and mix well, but
make sure that you don't break up the
biscuits too much.
Pour into a baking tray, which has been
lined with parchment or greaseproof
paper, level out and stick in the
refrigerator for a few hours.
Once the mix has set, tip out and cut
into squares, make yourself a cuppa and
enjoy it with your rocky road.
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NIBBLES
AND
TIPPLES
Hedgerow Liqueur
An organic liqueur made in the
UK from English countryside
hedgerow fruits.
Purple elderberries and blackblue
brambles come to fore in this
delicious drink that evokes the
English autumn in any season.
Certified by The Soil Association.
£19.95
www.highgroveshop.com
88

Food & Drink
Molecular Cocktail Kit Mojito
£24.99
www.totally-funky.co.uk
Curry Takeaway In A Matchbox
Have your favourite takeaway
delivered direct to your door with
Curry Takeaway In A Matchbox.
£5.99
www.inamatchbox.com
Travelling the World Organic Raw Dark
Chocolate Bar with Cacao Pieces
£4.95
www.arthousemeath.com
Seriously Good Hot Chocolate Treat
£6.99
www.dobbies.com
89

ART INVES
T
90
here has been a great deal of market concern over the past
week, with Brexit being the talk of the nation. Whilst
many experts are still uncertain as to what the future may
hold, there are some predicting that luxury and alternative
investments might actually benefit from the uncertainty
surrounding the current market. How can that be? Well
you only have to look through history to see that in
troubled times people prefer to put their money in
tangible assets as opposed to trusting their banks.
Due to the fluctuation of the pound, Chinese investors
have already spent large sums of money buying fine wines
in England, looking to capitalise on the drop in the value
of sterling whist the Gold market is enjoying it’s best spell
for years according to an article on CNBC this week –
“Gold prices may hit an all-time high in the next 18
months amid low to negative global bond yields” claimed
one source. Coloured diamonds too have seen an upturn
in fortunes, with the age old saying “diamonds are
forever” seeming particularly appropriate. These are all
indications that people are choosing tangible assets over
stocks and shares.

Art
The Realism of Elisa K. 4 by
Loreen Hinz - A limited edition
fine art print
£1,250.00
www.fineartseen.com
ST
People have always invested in art,
whether in one form or another. This
is unlikely to change anytime soon
and with prices likely to take a to
short-term dip, this may be the best
time to capitalise on an uncertain
market which is sure to stabilise in the
future.
For many people, purchasing art is
not an activity that comes naturally. It
can feel intimidating as there is a lot
of pressure to not regret your
purchase down the line or, even
worse, look uncool in front of your
peers. Well, the good news is, buying
art need not be a scary process at all.
In fact, if you follow our handy tips on
buying art for your home, we’re
certain it will be a process of selfdiscovery
that you not only enjoy but
will culminate in you owning art you
treasure forever.
91

92
Mister Mint Wall Art with Graffiti spray
£183.00
www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Art
Sometimes when buying art, people can be
guilty of putting the cart before the horse.
Prior to embarking on your art-buying
journey, it is a good idea to begin by
considering the space you are buying for.
What is the purpose of the art you are
buying? It helps to think about the colours
and themes that are already present in the
room. Are you going to attempt to
complement the theme or add a bit of discord
by choosing something a little bit off kilter?
It’s also important to think about scale too.
A tiny piece of art on a big white wall will
lessen its effect, equally, a collection of pieces
clustered together in a tight space can
sometimes appear too busy.
To avoid these problems, visualise the space
the piece is going to go in and then choose
your art accordingly. Areas of light in the
room should also be considered, because
unless you purchase artificial lighting, a
piece’s beauty can be circumnavigated if dimly
lit.
Finally, when deciding where you are
purchasing art for, don’t narrow your search
to just walls. Art can lean against a wall, sit on
a shelf, dangle from a ceiling or even sit on a
tabletop. Take a keen look around the room
you are improving and think creatively about
which areas would benefit from an injection of
art.
Now you have an idea of the kind of art you
are going for, and a rough feeling for the size
and scale of what is needed for the location
you have in mind, it’s time to determine a
budget. Deciding your budget is important as
not only will it narrow your search, it will also
prevent you from being overly extravagant
and resenting a piece for its cost in years to
come.
Your budget amount is entirely dependent
on you; a good purchase is one that is within
your limits that you won’t regret.
Also, remember that just because you have
set a budget, you by no means have to spend it
all; stunning, beautiful art can be found from
anywhere between £5 right through to £50
million.
'Stanley' print by Ben Rothery
This smart looking Stag dressed in
vintage tweed makes an elegant
statement. Perfect either as a
stand alone illustration or combined
with either of the other
prints from the cycling triptych
Mr Fox and Wilbur.
£15.00
www.quiirk.co.uk
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