1September, 2010

2 September, 2010

Exclusive service issecond to none

SIMON Boyd is renowned for its extensiverange of curtain and upholstery fabrics

With a choice of traditional, classic and con-temporary designs, as well as the latest seasonalranges, you’re certain to find the perfect fabric foryour needs.

Simon Boyd offers a measuring service, interiordesign, bespoke manufacturing, complete fittingservice, reupholstery and loose-covers.

And, if you can’t find what you’re looking for withinthe range of ready-made curtains, blinds and ac-cessories, then choose a fabric and have your softfurnishings made to order.

Expert sales staff can offer professional help whenit comes to choice of tracks and poles and interiordesigners, and home design consultants offer cre-ative, imaginative and practical solutions for anysituation.

Chance to wintickets to show

WIDE CHOICE: Simon Boyd is renowned forits extensive range of fabrics.T he Knitting & Stitching

Show is a popular au-tumn event and one of

the best textiles exhibitions inEurope.

As always, the show offers fabulousshopping opportunities with almost400 specialist exhibitors to buyfrom.

And, with an extensive range ofworkshops lined up, there will alsobe a chance to learn many skills –from beginners’ crochet to felt mak-ing or beadwork – from top teach-ers.

An entire hall will be devoted togallery exhibitions so there will beplenty to inspire. This year's line-upof international textile artists in-cludes Elizabeth Tarr, DeirdreHawken, Andrew Schneider, an ex-hibition from Alice Kettle and JaneMckeating and a Julia Caprara Ret-rospective.

The prestigious Global Paper Ex-hibition will travel to London for thefirst time to be part of the Knitting &Stitching Show. The focus will be onjewellery made from paper, but col-lages, sculpted and cut books, and

installations will also be featured.Over the four days of the London

Show there will also be the chance toencounter and participate in craft as

a performance art. Shane Waltenerwill work live with participants on sixoverlocking machines. A circle ofstitchers will act as one, reworking

KNIT STITCH: Find out the latest in craft products at thisyear's Knit Stitch Show.

fabric from old clothes. The stitchedinstallation will evolve, forming anever-growing circular display.

This year the show also offers thechance to have your own little blackdress made by professional dress-maker, Caroline Laidlow Owen – andeven model it on the catwalk.

Once again there will be a SwishingSalon at the show where you cantake any good quality, second-handclothing or accessories for a fun andfair swap. All proceeds will bedonated to Bliss, a special care babycharity.● Tickets are available in advanceuntil one week prior to the opening ofthe show, from either www.twisted-thread.com, 01394 288 521 (officehours) or on the door. However, weare giving readers the chance to winone of five pairs of tickets to theHarrogate show.

All you have to do is send yourname and address on a postcard,quoting ‘Reader Offer’ to Wendy Bry-an, Creative Exhibitions, 8 Green-wich Quay, London SE8 3EY, by Fri-day, November 5.

Advertiser’s announcement

CHESTER CH3 5UG • OPEN 7 DAYS • Tel 01244 311160CHESTER CH3 5UG OPEN 7 DAYS T l 01244 311160

CURTAIN AND UPHOLSTERY FABRICS1000’s of Ready Made Curtains/Metal/Wooden Poles/Curtain Tracks

ALL UP TO 50% OFF RRPNEW CHESTER STORE

Extensive range of Designer Wallpaper –Harlequin, Wilman etc

Cotton Satin Prints, Embroidered SilksHand Stitched Crewel

Woven Jacquards, Cut VelvetsDesigner PVC Tablecovering

Cushions and Throws, Tiebacks and TrimsReady Made Curtains from £9.99 pair NEW CARPET AND WALLPAPER DEPARTMENT

FREE

PARKING

3September, 2010

Phil’s propertypick-me-upsT here are certain things in life

that seem natural partners:strawberries and cream, sea

and sand and, surely, Phil Spencerand Kirstie Allsopp, writes GabrielleFagan.

They’re the yin and yang of propertyexperts, with Phil’s down-to-earth prac-ticality and Kirstie’s bubbly and effortlessability to bond with couples seeking homeson Channel 4’s two hugely successfulseries, Location, Location, Location, and itssuccessor, Relocation, Relocation.

“We’re a bit like brother and sister be-cause we know each other extremely wellnow,” says Phil, with a smile.

“We know what makes the other tick,how to wind each other up, and all ourbickering and teasing is totally genuine.What you see on the programmes is whatwe’re like off screen.

“I’m practical, good on the structuralaspects and get a buzz out of the buyingdeals. Kirstie’s excellent at the architec-ture, interiors and getting inside people’sheads and relationships. We complementeach other well.”

But while their TV partnership has runsmoothlyover the10years since they foundfame, the property market has beenbattered by the recession, and as a nationwe’ve been forced to rethink our attitude tohomes.

Now, the mantra’s “don’t move, improve”and Phil not only welcomes the change inapproach, but has put together a com-prehensive guide called Adding Value ToYour Home.

It evaluates a range of improvements aswell as pointing out practical ways to makea home more pleasurable to live in.

“Both are important nowadays. The costof moving is high and homes aren’t shoot-ing up in price as rapidly as they once were,so people are staying put much longer,”Phil points out.

“It’s good that we’re returning to the ideathat homes are sanctuaries and a refugefrom the world of work, and not primarily

assets that you just do up to make a fastbuck. And after all, why only make im-provements before you sell? Do them nowand get the benefit for yourself.”

His rule for property buying is to “buy forthe long term, adapt if necessary, or buysomething to improve and add value”.

Phil, 40, a qualified surveyor and prop-erty finder, followed his own advice whenhe bought his home in Wandsworth, fiveyears ago, where he lives with wife, Fionaand sons, Jake, five, and Ben, three.

He’s almost doubled the size of the five-bedroomed semi, by adding a basementand a kitchen extension, and is currentlycreating a playroom for the children.

“Personally, I have no intention of movingagain...that’s our home for good.

“The market isn’t going to race away as itonce did. It will rise – but probably onlyaround three to four per cent a year, soadding value will be key.”

He says: “The way I look at it, it’s cheaperto build a space than it is to buy it. Squarefootage costs money.”

“A well-thought-out extension can feel likeyou’ve created a completely new house. Butthink through your plans carefully so thatyou know the result will give you a practical,usable area and, if it’s a kitchen extension, itdoesn’t overwhelm a garden.”

Normally, he says, a skilful extension can

add about 10-15% to the value of the home,while a loft, which can cost between£10,000 to £40,000, could potentially addbetween 15 and 20%.

But take into account that storage spacewill be lost, and installing a staircase to theloft will encroach on the floor below.

Phil’s budget tip: If there’s no money forlarge projects, make better use of yourspace. Re-organise rooms, knock downinternal walls to create a better flowbetween rooms, and make practical im-provements, perhaps by installing a down-stairs toilet in an under-stairs space.

“Branded kitchens go in and out of fash-ion, so be careful what you choose,” hewarns. “You don’t want buyers dating yourkitchen by the colour or style of the doors,so opt for classic designs and easy-on-the-eye colours.”

And, as the fashion is for a kitchen to bethe multi-functional ‘heart of the home’, hebelieves it doesn’t make sense to stint onappliances, worktops and tiles.

He says the majority of people spendaround £7,000 on a kitchen, and agentsestimate it can add around 5% to the valueof a property.

“A good kitchen does sell a house faster.Estate agents tell me that women buyersput the kitchen at the top of the propertywish list. But getting the layout right iscrucial, so concentrate on putting appli-ances in the right place and having prop-erly planned storage space.”

Phil’s budget tip: If a revamp is out of thequestion, simply change doors on units,add new handles and maybe a new work-top. Employ a carpenter for a quality finish.Update light switches and replace wornflooring with tiles or stone.

“A bathroom is a job most people don’twant to do themselves, so it’s always a reliefto see that it’s done when you’re viewing ahouse,” says Phil.

A skilfully revamped bathroom can addup to 10% to the value of your home,according to estate agents. Phil estimatesthe cost of replacing an average bathroomas £1,000-£4,000.

Property expert Phil Spencertalks about his partnership

with Kirsty Allsopp and offerstips for home improvements

and adding value

DON’T MOVE – IMPROVE:Phil Spencer has put

together a comprehensiveguide, Adding Value To

Your Home.

STYLISH:Takeinspirationfrom hotelbathroomsand adaptsome oftheir ideas.

Complete FireplaceComplete FireplacePackage DealsPackage Deals

from £499from £499

D I S T R I B U T I O N L I M I T E D

CONDENSINGCOMBI BOILER

PACKAGES FROMONLY £2495COMPLETE WITH

FIREPLACEdetails instore

TEL: 01244 532940TEL: 01244 532940WILDFIREUNIT 1B, INTERLINQ INDPARK, PENTRE,WILDFIREUNIT 1B, INTERLINQ INDPARK, PENTRE,

QUEENSFERRY, DEESIDE, CH5 2DW (OPPOSITEMAKRO)QUEENSFERRY, DEESIDE, CH5 2DW (OPPOSITEMAKRO)

MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM-5PM. SUNDAY 11AM - 4PMMONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM-5PM. SUNDAY 11AM - 4PM

EXTRA 10% OFFTHIS WEEKEND ONLY

Raddon Court Autumn Clearout!3 FLOORS TO EXPLORE! WANT A BARGAIN? READ THIS!

Budget Range of

KitchensReady MadeFrom £499 to £999Additional units available.

EnterWWAA44 11PPLL

TThhee OO lldd TTaannnnee rryy BBuu ii lldd iinngg ,, MMaannoo rr IInndd EEss ttaa ttee ,, LLoowwee rr WWaasshh LLaanneeWWaa rr rr iinngg ttoonn WWAA44 11PPLL .. OO ff ff GG rraannggee AAvveennuuee ,, LLaa ttcchh ffoo rrdd .. NNeexx tt ttoo AATTSS ..

TTeell:: 0011992255 663333229911 FFaaxx:: 0011992255 441177558855OOppeenn 77 DDaayyss:: MMoonn--FFrrii 88aamm--55ppmm SSaatt 99aamm--44..3300ppmm SSuunn 1100..3300aamm--44..3300ppmm

Biggest selection ofworktops and replacementdoors in around33mm EEuurroolliittee ffrroomm ££5599iinn 99 ccoolloouurrss -- HHAALLFF PPRRIICCEE!!

33DD PP llaann &&DDeess iiggnn SSee rrvv iiccee

TTeeaammss oo ffff ii tt ttee rrss

OOnn tthhee SSppoo ttQQuuoo ttaa tt iioonnss

GARDEN8 Seater Extending Table

& Chair Set Was £1199To Clear £499

2 Piece Table SetsTo Clear from £69

Timber & Metal GardenBenches from £69

2 Man Tents from £15Bike Carriers Normally £49

Now £29.99Quality Swinging

Hammock Was £349Now £159 Few Only!

Too much to list!

BATH

ROO

MS 900mm Quadrant

Shower CubicleComplete with tray Shower Mixer and

Body Jets in stock to takeaway

Was £799 Now Only £399Back to Wall Unit

Including w/c unit, Sisten/soft closesoap Vanity unit Only £299

Luxury Baths to clear from £100Various Shower Doors

to clear from £79Luxury White Wrap Over

Toilet SeatsWas £30 Now £9.99

1200x800 Walk-in Shower- inc Tray - 1 only.

Was £599 Now £259

BED

RO

OM

S All Existing Displaysto Clear from £499

We are shortly installinga new range of Rauch

Bedroom Suites3dr Wardrobe Sets

In 5 top colours - HighGloss White, Walnut Matt

To clear from £299

Double Wardrobe SetsTo clear from £99

Wood BurningStovesFrom £259 to a

Firebelly at £1300

Table &Chair Sets

From £99 to £699

ECO Logs made from Rice!“We are the first in theCountry to Stock it!”

£11.99 a bag 2 for £10

Full InstallationService by

expert fitters!

In black ash & Elmo BeechWas £99 Now £15

mfi Tall AngledCorner StorageFlat Pack Units

Order Now a beat the VAT Increase!

Room

Wa

nted

forN

ew

Luxury Designer Kitchensfrom £3k to £5k+

LLaammiinnaatteedd WWoorrkkttooppssffrroomm ££8899SSttaarr DDuusstt WWoorrkkttooppss ££9999BBaarrggaaiinn OOffff CCuuttss ffrroomm££1100 eeaacchh AAllll ssiizzeess &&ccoolloouurrss ttoo cclleeaarr

4 September, 2010

Make some time for apost-holiday clean up

I f you’ve been away for thesummer and returned todried-up pots, overgrown

borders and a mass of weeds,now’s the time to play catch-upbefore everything spirals out ofcontrol.

Thanks to the wet weather, yourgrass will have grown but if it’sreally long, don’t try to cut it short inone fell swoop or you’ll be cuttinginto thick, brown stems which willleave your lawn looking like a massof stubble.

Instead, do the mowing in stages,raising the blades as high as pos-sible initially and then loweringthem a notch each time you mowsubsequently, so the grass will soongrow leafy again.

If your hanging baskets and con-tainers have completely dried out,the plants may be beyond help sobite the bullet and empty the con-tents on to the compost heap – thenyou can get an early start withautumn displays and spring bulbplantings.

Containers holding year-round in-terest plants such as shrubs orevergreens may benefit from beingsubmerged in a bucket of water tore-wet the compost, but take carenot to waterlog the plants.

After re-wetting, robust architec-tural plants such as phormiumsand box can be lifted out of theircontainers with their root systemintact to check if the compost hasbeen completely soaked through.

Tomatoes left unpicked and un-watered will be dead after twoweeks, courgettes will have turnedinto marrows which have a morebitter flavour but are still edible,lettuces will have gone to seed andwill need digging up and compost-ing. However, you can just sowsome more in their place.

Try to find some time to clearvacant rows in your veg patch and

refill them with autumn and wintercrops immediately.

Borders should remain relativelyunaffected if you’ve only had twoweeks away.

Check your pond for foreign bod-ies which may have fallen in, suchas birds or mice, and carefully re-move and dispose of them.

All perennial plants that have nowfinished flowering can either be cutdownor leftuntil the spring.Cuttingthem down makes for a tidy wintergarden, but foliage, whether it bedeadoralive,helpskeep thegardenwarmer over winter, so it can be leftif you can bear the unsightliness.

BORDER PATROL: All perennial plantsthat have finished flowering can either becut down or left until the spring.

TIDY UP:Time todead-headthe roses.

JAMES GRIEVEAPPLES – COOK OR EAT,EXCELLENT FOR FREEZING

MACMILLAN Coffee Morning here24th Sept 11am-2.30pm

FRESH PICKED HOME GROWN APPLESFRESH PICKED HOME GROWN APPLES

Winsors, Chapel Lane,Willington, Nr KelsallCheshire CW6 0PH

(signposted toWillington Fruit Farm)

Tel: 01829 751216www.willingtonfruitfarm.co.uk

OPEN 9.30AM - 5.30PM EVERY DAY

JAMESGRIEVE . CHIVERSDELIGHT . HOLSTEINCOX . BELLE .ROYALGALA . COX'SORANGEPIPPIN . REDPIPPIN . BRAMLEY.

RUNNERBEANS, STRAWBERRIES&RASPBERRIESAWARDWINNINGHOME

PRESSEDAPPLEJUICE

WINSORSCHESHIRECIDER

CHESHIRE POTATOES,A FULL RANGE OFFRESH FRUIT &VEG, SALADS, LOCAL

HONEY, CHESHIRE FARM ICE CREAM, FRESHCREAM,WELSH FARMHOUSEYOGURT,CHESHIREYOGURT & BRIE, FREE RANGEEGGS, JAMS & PRESERVES, PRE-PACKEDCHEESES &TRAY BAKES, HOME GROWN

CUT FLOWERS, BOOK SWAP SHOP

PICK YOUR OWNPICK YOUR OWN

WATERWAYS GARDEN CENTREHolt Road, Llan y Pwll,Wrexham LL13 8NE

01978 660289

LAST FEW DAYSup to 50% OFF1000’s OF PRODUCTS

Furniture, Pots,Tools, Pagodas, SilkPlants etc

Go to website for details

CHRISTMAS SHOP NOW OPEN50% OFF

decorations and selected lightsArtificial trees - LESS THAN HALF PRICEwww.waterwaysgardencentre.co.uk

Tree Tops Caravan Park,Gwespyr, Flintshire CH8 9JP

01745 560279www.treetopscaravanpark.co.uk

OPENWEEKENDSTHROUGHOUTSEPTEMBER

CARAVANSFROM AS LITTLE

AS £13,500

WALES IN

BLOOM

WINNER2010

WillerbyGranada33x12£29,995

5September, 2010

W ith summer barelyover, it hardlyseems the right

time to start thinking aboutChristmas – but if you want asplash of colour indoors dur-ing the festive season, now isthe time to prepare forcedbulbs in pots.

You can have a mass of colourand fragrance indoors in winterwith deliciously scented hy-acinths, hippeastrums, irises,grape hyacinths, snowdrops andminiature daffodils, which can allbe forced to brighten up yourhome in winter. Go to your gardencentre now and look out for bulbsmarked ‘prepared’, which arespecially adapted to bloom earlierthan usual.

Prepared bulbs have been givenan artificial cold period for a num-ber of weeks in conditions thatimitate winter to speed up thenatural flowering cycle.

For me, the hyacinthis probably the bestbulb for forcing. Its fra-grance will fill a roomand the choice of col-ours available is vast,from white, to pink,red, deep purple andalmost every hue inbetween.

Bulbs should beplanted in bowls filledwith moist bulb fibre,close together so theyare not quite touchingone another, and withtheir growing tips juststicking out above thetop of the compost.Don’t firm the bulbfibre down or it mayhinder the root systemestablishing quickly.Make sure you don’toverwater them, espe-cially if the containerdoesn’t have drainageholes, or the bulbs willrot.

They should beplaced in a cool, darkplace such as the shedor a closed cupboard ina cold room, to encour-age the flowering stemsto develop before theleaves. It also enablesthe root system to be-come well established.If the bulb fibre be-comes dry at any time,water carefullybetween the bulbs.

The bowls should beleft in the dark foraround eight weeks, oruntil thenewshootsarearound 1-2in (4-5cm)high. The flower buds

which you can see between thetips of the leaves should just bestarting to show signs of colour.

Once they have reached thisshade theycanbebroughtout intothe light, but avoid putting them indirect sunlight. They are best offinacool roomonawindowsill, butpreferably not near a radiator. Ifyou remove the bulbs too early theleaves will grow too quickly andwill obscure the flowers.

While most hyacinths will standup on their own, I tend to put peasticks in the pots to support theheavy flowers, which otherwisemay droop prematurely.

After flowering, the deadflowers should be cut off and thenthe bulbs can be planted outdoorsand should flower after severalyears.

You can also force hyacinthbulbs in water, in special glassesdesigned to hold just one bulb,with its base at water level. The

bulb should be kept in a cool roomandthewater levelkept toppedupjust below the bottom of the bulb.You will see that it soon producesroots which grow down into thewater.

When the flower buds startshowing colour, move the bulb inits glass bowl into a warm,brightly lit room. After flowering,you just throw the bulb away as itwon’t give you a good display insubsequent years.

Some daffodils, including Nar-cissus ‘Paper White’, can begrown indoors in bulb fibre in thesame way as hyacinths, althoughthey do need more light and onceyou bring them out of the darkthey can immediately be placedon a sunny windowsill. If you don’tgive them enough light, they maybecome too tall and will needstaking.

Stick with the same varieties ofhyacinths as some grow quickerthan others. Single varieties ofbulbs such as snowdrops anddwarf narcissi also make more ofa statement when planted enmasse in pots.

When Christmas comes and col-our and fragrance fills your home,you won’t be sorry you made alittle bit of effort with some pre-pared bulbs in the autumn.

Tips on how to prepare forced bulbs inpots to give a welcome splash of colour

during the festive season

By Hannah Stephenson PLANAHEAD: Thehyacinth isprobably thebest bulb forforcing.

Forcingthe issue...

Check out Ringwood for quality fencingLOCATED off the A51 nearTarvin, Ringwood Fencing hasspecialised in fencing for morethan 20 years.

With good quality, keen pricingand efficient service, Ringwood isone of the leading suppliers andinstallers in the North West.

It sells direct to the public andtrade, offering an extensive rangeof fencing and timber products in

traditional and contemporarydesigns. Many items are on dis-play at the indoor showroom forideas and inspiration. Its deliveryservice operates six days a week.

The installations departmentprovides a professional fencingservice to domestic and commer-

cial customers and each install-ation has a project manager. It is amember of the Fencing Contract-ors Association and holds a SafeContractor certificate.

Installers completed more than450 garden fences last year andcommendations and referrals arecontinually received from satisfiedcustomers.● More details on 01829 740136or visit ringwoodfencing.co.uk.

Advertiser’sannouncement

� Traditional Panels � Bespoke Panels & Gates

� Decorative Panels � Entrance Gates

� Arches & Benches � Decking & Timber

� Stone & Aggregate � Concrete Products

� Electric Fencing � Wire & Netting

� Garden Sheds � DIY & Trade Supplier

� Indoor Showroom � Horse & Pet Food

� Installation Service � Delivery ServiceVISIT OUR SHOP & INDOOR SHOWROOMCALL FOR A FREE INSTALLATION QUOTEEMAIL: installations@ringwoodfencing.co.ukExperienced fencers & guaranteed work

SPECIALISTS IN FENCING SUPPLYAND INSTALLATION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

TEL: 01829 740136 VISIT: ringwoodfencing.co.ukRINGWOOD FENCING, LANSDOWNE ROAD, STAMFORD BRIDGE, TARVIN, CHESTER CH3 8EL

OPEN MONDAY�FRIDAY 8:00� 5:00, SATURDAY 8:30�1:00

MEMBERSHIP NO.200428

LARGESELECTION

OFFIREWORKSAVAILABLE

FROMOCTOBER

We Don’tJust SellBricks & Slates!!

Tel: 01829 740883 Fax: 01829 740481Email: enquiries@cheshirebrickandslate.co.ukWebsite: www.cheshirebrickandslate.co.uk

Brook House Farm, Kelsall Road,Tarvin, Chester CH3 8NR

For All Your Landscaping And Building Needs

Come and Browse our 2 acre site, with a large selection of reclaimed gems just waiting tofind a good home.

And much much more…..Please visit our website for further information www.

cheshirebrickandslate.co.uk

• Reclaimed Bricks• Reclaimed Slate

• Reclaimed RidgeTiles• Reclaimed Setts

• ReclaimedTroughs• Reclaimed Fireplaces

• Fire Surrounds• Reclaimed Oak Beams

• Stone Gateposts• Coping Stones

• Door Furniture• Pillar Caps

• SolidWood Flooring• New & Reclaimed Sleepers

• QuarryTiles• Statuary• Gates

• Chimney Pots• Bespoke Joinery

EST 1978

Cheshire Brick and Sale have been reclaiming building materials for over32 years.When reclaiming building materials an amount of wastage is

unavoidable, however we have developed a technique of re-using this materialso waste is at a minimum.We crush our waste bricks (broken or blown)which can then be used as a hardcore, we also provide a range of crushedconcretes and hardcores, these allow your building project whether it be a

new house, or simply a short new path, to be environmentally conscious fromunder the ground up.

6 September, 2010

says he wants to show peoplethey can add style and glamour totheir homes without breaking thebank.

“It’s truly not difficult to usetricks and techniques to over-come or disguise the flaws orunlovable corners. So althoughthere’s no such thing as a perfecthome, with a bit of imaginationyou can create a home that’sperfect for you and your family.”

Follow Laurence’s tips for a ma-gical home makeover Bowen-style.

“When people ask me how tostart designing a room, I oftensuggest they start with a coldglass of Chardonnay,” saysLaurence with a smile.

“Though this advice mightsound flippant, there is a point toit. At this stage of the designprocess it’s important to be asrelaxed and as unconstrained aspossible.”

Next, he advises, spend timebuilding up a mental picture of anideal or fantasy room, and keepphotos, cuttings from magazines,and scraps of fabrics which canbe clipped to a ‘mood’ board forinspiration.

“The board will help you re-cognise the colours you’re nat-

urallyattracted to,andwhich dècor and fur-nishing styles ap-peal.”

And, most import-antly, he advises com-pleting any essentialpractical DIY jobs be-fore decorating andfurnishing begins.

“You don’t want torun the risk of havingto stop mid-way or,worse, ruining whatyou’ve achieved be-cause, for instance,you’ve been forced totake up a floor or in-stall a light switch,” hewarns.

Bowen’s tips: Verydark or very light col-ours show age farworse than mid-toneshades. Floor cover-ings start ‘shadowing’after a few years ofuse, so work outwhere the most traf-ficked areas are andchoose dark or mid-tone shades accord-ingly.

Open the lid to thecolour paint box, andstart experimenting,urges Laurence.

“My sincere hope isthat we all grow inconfidence and start toenjoy colour again, iffor no other reasonthan because getting abeige colour scheme towork is horrendouslydifficult,” he pointsout.

“Also ‘de-beigeing’ aroom is the best way to

Life’s always colourfulL aurence Llewelyn-

Bowen pales almost tothe same ivory shade

as his silk shirt at the idea ofre-vamping a room by plas-tering it with a fresh coat ofmagnolia paint.

“So dull. So yesterday.” ex-claims the TV presenter in ex-asperation. “People should nowfeel free to ignore that outdatedestate agents’ rule that all in-teriors must be neutral.

“The recession’s made every-one re-evaluate their homes. Andas generally it’s too expensive tomove, once again they can beplaces where we show off ourstyle, enliven them with eccentrictouches, and conjure personalsanctuaries.”

Laurence knows a thing or twoabout creating flamboyant, dra-matic, ostentatious effects, andmake-a-statement rooms.

He originally found fame in1996 as the extrovert designer onBBC’s Changing Rooms, whereeach week he had 48 hours and£500 to make-over a room for amember of the public.

At its peak the show had 13million viewers, and watchingthe home-owners’ reactions,ranging from delighted and sur-prised to horrified, was as fas-cinating as the schemes.

He says with a smile: “Thefunny thing is that actually Ididn’t have that many who didn’tlike my make-overs. But people

remember them because theywere controversial and it gaveme a bit of a fun reputation as abad boy.”

Since those days he’s toneddown his look. But while thetrade-mark frilly shirts are gone,and he only occasionally donsleather trousers, the 45-year-old’s collar-length blow-driedlocks are a fixture.

In his latest book, DecoratingWith Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen,he explores 30 colourful and in-spiring interiors, including hisown Cotswolds home, and givesstep-by-step tips on DIY pro-jects.

Some of them, such as drawingon furniture with a gold pen tofake a gilded gold leaf-effect, arereminiscent of those budget-con-scious Changing Room effects,while others are down-to-earth,practical techniques for tiling,picture hanging or upholstering aheadboard.

Laurence, who lives with hiswife Jackie and two daughters,Cecile, 14, and Hermione, 11, in aGloucestershire manor house,

Colour, character and style are TV presenterLaurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s trademark.

Follow his top tips for stylish rooms

By Gabrielle Fagan

BRIGHTEN UP:A room in which

the light hasbeen enhancedby use of colourand furnishings.

www.tandcbedrooms.co.uk

T&C

Fitted

Bed

room

s

Est1980

...for you

Individuallydesigned...designed...

Over20,000Bedrooms

successfully

fitted

DIYavailable

Call your local branch:Head Office with New factory Showroom

Near Cheshire OaksUnit 23,Telford Road,

Ellesmere Port. t: 0151 355 7988

BromboroughUnit 22, Dinsdale Road,

The Croft Industrial Estate.t: 0151 343 1644

Cheshire & NorthWalest: 01829 732389

He

NEW TOWIDNES

Tel: 0151 424 2729

Concession nowopen withinWorld of Beds

OUR REPUTATION IS YOUR GUARANTEE

HOME OFFICES

Supply onlymade-to-measuredoors alsoavailable

Before youbuy fromone of the‘BIG’retailers, tryImages ownfactorybrands.

Friendly,professionalhelp, FREEPlan and BEDROOMS

FITTE

D BEDR

OOMS

UPTO

50%

OFF

Seeins

tore fo

r deta

ils30%

OFF

HOME OF

FICES

Unit 3 Riverside Trade Park,River Lane, Saltney,Chester CH4 8RLTel: 01244 677 579

Unit 4 Croft Trade Park,Welton Road,

Bromborough CH62 3PQTel: 0151 343 1022

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION VISIT OUR NEWWEBSITE: www.images-kitchensandbedrooms.co.uk

SLIDING DOORS

KITCHENS

20%OF

F

SELEC

TED SLI

DING DO

ORS

HOMEBRAND

KITCHENSup to 50% offSee instore for

details

SALE NOW ONVISIT OUR FABULOUS SHOWROOMS FOR GREAT OFFERS

OPENING TIMESMonday to Friday 9.30 - 5.30pmSaturday 9.30am - 5.00pmSunday 11am - 4.00pm

50%UPTO

OFFSEE IN STORE FOR DETAILS

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN ON THECROFT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WIRRAL

e-mail: images.bedrooms@btconnect.com e-mail: images.bromborough@btconnect.com

7September, 2010

with Llewelyn-Bowengive it a tonic. Colour brings en-ergy and diversity. If you weregoing to paint a room a neutralshade, very often it will turn out tohave a green-ish hue, so you mightas well choose green in the firstplace.”

Bowen’s tips: If colour chartsbaffle, imagine colours as flavours,as it may help you pair differentshades such as limes and yellows.

Cool colours, he says, make wallsfeel more distant, while reds,browns, deep oranges andpurples, draw walls in.

Getting the layout right for amulti-functional living room is key,says Laurence.

“Personally, I like a room to bothlook sensational and be conveni-ent. For me, this means thateverything has a pre-ordainedspace where it works best.”

He favours an L-shaped layoutfor sofas, with one facing a fire-place or feature wall, and anothera television.

Wallpapering alcove shelves,rather than painting them, can beextremely effective he believes,and will give more prominence tothe objects displayed on them.

“If you can’t work out what’swrong with a room try ‘furnituretherapy’,” Laurence suggests.

“Move everything into the middle

of the room and then put it back ina different place. it’s very re-in-vigorating and will shake up asetting, and let you recognise thepotential for change.”

Bowen’s tips: Use stripes tostretch a space. Make short,dumpy rooms feel taller by sprink-ling verticals such as full-lengthcurtains, thin wall panels andleggy standard lamps.

Alternatively, broaden a roomwith horizontal striped wallpaperor a paint effect.

“There’s always space for a littlecreativity when it comes to bed-room layouts, so don’t feel tied tothe walls,” says Laurence.

“If there’s room, putting a bed inthe middle of the space will make itlook very grand. Make sure there’sa headboard so pillows don’t falloff, and consider a piece of fur-niture like a console table or deskat the foot of the bed to finish theeffect.”

ELEGANT: Livingroom setting taken

from DecoratingWith Laurence

Llewelyn-Bowen.

solidoak

solidpine

kitchen dining /living bedroom

SEALAND FARM, SEALAND ROAD,CHESTERCH1 6BS

Showroom open 7 days a week Monday to Saturday9.30 - 5.30pm Sunday 11am - 5pm

01244 881320

solid oak & pine furnitureCheshire PINE & OAK Company

8 September, 2010

All ears for good hearingW hen the World Cup

kicked off, there wasone sound which

dominated the tournament: thevuvuzelas.

Football clubs in Britain wereurged by campaigners to ban thesetrumpets, claiming that their noisecould lead to tinnitus, a painfulringing in the ears, or long-term lossof hearing for fans.

“These tuneless trumpets can emitsounds in excess of 130 decibels,equivalent to a jumbo jet taking off,”Vivienne Michael, chief executive ofthe charity Deafness Research UK,has warned.

Considering that 41.7% of us willhave some kind of hearing loss by thetime we’re 50, how do you make sureyou’re looking after your ears, andthose of your loved ones? ITV’s ThisMorning GP, Dr Rob Hicks, givessome sound advice...

Problem: My ears feel blocked withwax, my hearing doesn’t feel normal,and cleaning them out with a cottonbud hasn’t helped.

Dr Hicks says: “Wax is usually thecause of blocked ears and dulledhearing. Generally, wax should beleft alone because it’s made as theears clean themselves naturally.

“Don’t try to remove wax from yourears yourself. There’s a well knownsaying in medicine ‘never put any-thingsmaller thanyourelbow inyourear’.

“Never push cotton buds, fingers oranything else into your ears, as youcould push any wax further into theear and compact it. This can make ithard for the ear to get rid of it, andcould cause pain and infection.

“If ears feel blocked, try applying oilon a teaspoon or dropper into the eartwice a day to help soften and clearwax. If, after a couple of days, there’sno improvement, seek a GP’s advice.He may prescribe ear drops or syr-inge your ears to remove wax.”

Problem: My teenager listens to herMP3 player and goesregularly to music con-certs but is complainingof ringing and buzzingsounds in her ears.

Dr Hicks says: “It’s es-

timated that millions of young peoplemay be risking premature hearingdamage by regularly listening to mu-sic at top volume for long periodsthrough headphones.”

Research by RNID (Royal NationalInstitute for the Deaf) found thatmore than one in five blast their earswith sound levels of 100 decibels ormore – the equivalent of hearing apneumatic drill 10ft away.

At a concert, noise can be the equi-valent to standing near a jet planetaking off, potentially harming hear-ing, and possibly triggering a dis-tressing condition, tinnitus, a con-stant or intermittent ringing or buzz-ing in the ears.

What to do: Turn down the volumeon your personal music player if itfeels uncomfortable or you can hearonly music and no external sounds.Wearearprotectionat concerts. Seekmedical advice if the ringing doesn’tclear in a few days.

Problem: I’ve got lots of ear studsbut since I had the latest one put in,the skin around it has becomeswollen, red and sore.

Dr Hicks says: “Any piercing of the

skin runs the risk of allowing in-fection in, and this can happen if theskin isn’t cared for properly during orafter the piercing.

“Piercing the soft lobe is usually theleast painful and heals the quickest.A piercing in another part of the earis likely to go through less flesh andmore cartilage which is thicker. Thearea needs higher levels of care forlonger to keep it clean and sterile.

“Many people are allergic to certaininexpensive metals, such as nickel,which can make the outside of theear swell and feel uncomfortable.”

What to do: Seek medical advicestraight away if the area becomesswollen, red and sore as treatmentwith antibiotics may be needed.

Problem: My child’s had lots of earinfections, and the doctor thinks hemay have ‘glue ear’? What’s that?

Dr Hicks says: “Glue ear’s a con-dition in which a sticky glue-like fluidbuilds up behind the eardrum.”

“Many children, particularly thosebetween two and five, can get itbecause of a cold or ear infection.

“It’s more common in winter and inhomes where people smoke. It caninterfere with a child’s hearing, al-though this is often temporary.”

What to do: Around half of all boutsof glue ear get better on their ownwithin three months, so doctors areoften reluctant to treat unless it goeson for longer. If it does a child may bereferred to a specialist.

TURN IT DOWN: Millions of young people maybe risking premature hearing damage byregularly listening to music at top volume forlong periods through headphones.

Dr Rob Hicks, GP on ITV's This Morning, givessome sound advice on hearing problems –

from blocked ears to sticky ears and earinfections

By Lisa Salmon

from

French Doorsfrom

www.sovereignwindows.co.uk

Bunbury01829260166

CALL YOUR LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS:

Est.1984

Chester 01244330050

SUPERSALESUPERSALE

Doors£399£399

£699£699

10●Year Guarantee

● LowE Glass● Fully Employed

Installers● Internally Glazed

10●Year Guarantee

● LowE Glass● Fully Employed

Installers● Internally Glazed

Tradingfor

25Years

Tradingfor

25Years

All prices includeVAT& Installation

Ring Philip or Jonathan Stubbs for an immediate quotation.Unit 6, Golborne Bridge Business Park, A41 Whitchurch Road

Milton Green, Chester CH3 9DR

Windows66 £1290£1290Windows88 £1600£1600

from

from

Windows44 £900£900from •SPRINGFIELDS•

TIMBER & BUILDING SUPPLIES

BROUGHTON WORKS, CHESTER ROAD, BROUGHTON(Next to British Aerospace)

☎01244 660351VISIT OUR EXTENSIVE PATIO DISPLAY AREA -

1st for Marshall-Bradstone, Plaspave & Stonemarket productsNEXT DAY DEL IVERY

We also have a selection of decorative walling,timber, sand, Castle cement, paint etc etc

All prices + VATOPENING HOURS Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm / Saturday 8am - 1pm

visit our website springfields.org

BLOCK PAVINGfrom

£4m2 + VAT

NEW RAILWAYSLEEPERS£21 + VAT

TOP SOIL, BARKAND GRAVEL,ALL IN STOCK

YORKVALE PAVING FLAGS3 COLOURS MIXED SIZES£12 per m2 + VAT

TIMBER DECKING3.6m x 150mm x 32mm

£7.25 each +VATRECLAIMED BRICKS

WIRECUTS &HANDMADES

CLAY BLOCKPAVING from

£10.95m2 + VATMIXED CLAY FACING

BRICKS from£125 per 100 +VAT

450mm x 450mm(18’ x 18’)

RIVEN FLAGS £1.75+VATEACH 4 COLOURS

INDIAN SANDSTONEfrom £16.95m2

+ VAT

9September, 2010

Natural choice

TRADITIONAL Chinese medicine is the oldestknown form of healing, with a history of usedating back more than 5,000 years.

All treatments consist of natural therapiesand the medicines are found in nature.

This holistic form of medicine aims to treatthe body as a whole, rather than just isolatedsymptoms.

Everwell is believed to be the most establishedChinese medicine clinic chain in the UK andpractitioners are highly qualified and experienced.

Many have gained exceptional reputationsin the field of Chinese medicine, are involvedin research and education, and regularlycontribute to newspapers on alternativemedicines.

Practitioners are fully qualified to diagnoseand treat a wide range of ailments. However,some specialise in one particular area,ensuring that the patient always gets the besttreatment available.

Treatments available include:● acupuncture – which can be used for arange of problems.● acupressure – can help injury, muscularand joint problems, and works for internalproblems such as stress, depression, etc● acu-facial – careful manipulation ofacupressure points allows for additionalblood and oxygen flow to areas of the skinthat are in need. The lymph system aroundthe face can be flushed through the use ofacupressure, leading to the generaldetoxification of the skin and improvement ofsurface purity. It is claimed to remove facialwrinkles, prevent new lines from forming andreduce baggy eyelids and dark circles undereyes.

Advertiser’s announcementGet that faux glow

F orget the make-up artist and hairstylist, the one person celebrities alldemand for their pampering entour-

age is the tanning technician.When she swapped her red carpet duties for the

fields of V Festival, Going The Distance actressDrew Barrymore still wanted to look like a goldengoddess amid the mud.

The actress reportedly had a St Tropez tannerhiding out in her Winnebago throughout theweekend so she could top up her festival glow.

And who can blame her. A tan is just the feel-good factor you need to greet the gloomy autumnseason.

Like heat waves and ice-creams, your holidaytan will soon be a distant memory without a spot ofpost-summer beauty intervention.

With sunbeds reserved for the foolish, there’s noneed to damage your skin when you can get yourcolour straight from a bottle and fake it.

Think tans are reserved for bikini flaunting?Think again. Boost your confidence during thedaytime, on the dance floor or in the bedroom allyear round with a skin-enhancing glow.

“People like to have a tan,” explains St Tropezambassador Nichola Joss. “They feel better, lookbetter and it immediately makes your skin appearbetter. It evens up skin tone and hides marks,cellulite or stretch marks.”

With a flattering fake tan, you can even make a

dent in your daily beautifying routine, according toJoss.

“You have less make-up worries. It’s like beingon holiday. You just need a bit of lipstick andmascara, and you’re good to go.

“People want to look like they’ve been awayrather than putting on a fake tan.”

Whether you’re a spray tan addict or DIY lotiondiva, prep and time is the key to a tan that getseveryone wondering if it’s real?

“Preparation is the base for your tan,” Jossexplains. “It will last longer, you get a better finishand it will fade more evenly.”

Put in the pre-tan groundwork by regularlyexfoliating and moisturising.

“If you’re a regular self-tanner, you need tomoisturise every single day, morning and eveningto keep the skin velvety and dewy. Exfoliating isdependent on your age but aim for at least two orthree times a week to help skin cell renewal.”

Streaks and orange palms are the stuff of faketan nightmares but they can be avoided with toolsand good technique.

“My major top tip is that everyone should investin a sponge tanning mitt,” Joss suggests.

“For those that are not confident in tanning itallows you to apply the product very evenly,applying it on to the mitt first and then the body.

“A spray works better if applied directly to theskin but then you take your mitt and gently buff theproduct into the skin. Other products like creams,lotions or mousses work best applied to the mittfirst.”

Starting to feel pale and pasty now those dark nights are drawing in?Keep up that summer holiday feeling with a masterclass in faux glow

By Lisa Haynes

FAKE IT: There’s no need to damage your skinwhen you can get your colour straight from abottle.

6 St. Michael’s Row, Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Chester, CH1 1EF.Tel: 01244318288 www.everwell.co.uk

• Arthritis • Pain • Sciatica • Psoriasis • Eczema • Anxiety • Stress • Depression • Insomnia• Sinusitis • I.B.S • Menopause • Infertility • Weight • Allergies • Cosmetic •

Can we help you?• DERMATOLOGICAL

• MUSCULAR & SKELETAL

• NEUROLOGICAL

MENTAL-EMOTIONAL

• EARS, NOSE & THROAT

INTERNAL

• GENITO-URINARY &

REPRODUCTIVE

• GENERAL PROBLEMS

Treatments• CONSULTATION &• DIAGNOSIS

• HERBAL MEDICINE

• ACUPUNCTURE

• CUPPING THERAPY

• ACUPRESSURE(CHINESE MEDICALMASSAGE)

• EAR CANDLINGTREATMENT

• ALLERGY TESTING

£5£5 Extra off First visitExtra off First visitOnly one voucher can be redeemed by each customerOnly one voucher can be redeemed by each customer

Chester DentalImplant Centre

Have you considered fixed titanium implants which■ look feel and function like natural teeth■ mean life long tooth replacement for many people■ preserve the bone■ do not damage adjacent teeth■ are stable as the crown is firmly attached to the implant■ restore your natural chewing capacity■ restore your ability to taste the food

GREAT TEETHFOR LIFE

Replacement of several or all teeth with dental implants

(Established 1993)GrahamA Magee BDS.M. Med. Sci.(Dental Implantology)12 Whitefriars, Chester,CH1 1NZ

Dental implants let you have back what you have lost

01244 340177www.GreatTeeth.co.uk

Our fully trained team providefriendly advice, help and support topatients from the point of initialcontact right through to treatmentand aftercare.

We aim not only to provide thetreatment necessary to addresspatients needs but also give thatpersonal individual care andattention people deserve

10 September, 2010

Autumn stylesto snuggle up in

I f there’s one consolation to theapproaching dark nights anddropping temperatures, it’s the

autumnal fashions we get tosnuggle up in.

Forget those heating bills and getsome wintery cheer via your wardrobe.

In comparison to summer’s barely-there floaty styles, the autumn/winterseason boasts way more substance,with stronger trends and investmentbuys taking over the high street to se-duce your wallet.

From Mad Men ladylike to country-quaint tweeds, there’s a catwalk-in-spired look to appease every wintergoddess.

No winter wardrobe is completewithout a cosy sprinkling of shearlingfur.

From jackets to boots, outerwear hasundergone a snug makeover with Bur-berry-inspired aviator jackets off to aflying start as the must-have buy of theseason.

Wear with slim-fitting trousers ordresses to maintain a sleek silhouette.

Grab your corset and push-up bra,this season the silhouette is all woman.

The likes of Louis Vuitton and Pradaembraced 1950s nostalgia with wasp-waisted circle skirts or prim and properpencil skirts, along with corset-styletops to accentuate the bust.

Find your inner lady by swingingframed handbags from pretty elbow-length gloves.

The no-fuss, high-fashion colour to beseen in this winter is camel.

It’s the neutral wear-with-anythingshade that’s taking outerwear by stormwith uptown classic coats, capes andblazers galore – simply choose your fa-vourite sleek cut.

Ride the camel trend to the extremeby wearing different tones from top-to-toe, to work the minimalist look.

Take on the great outdoors this winter

and embark on a stylish stroll via thecountry trend.

Think heritage charm with checks,checks and more checks, from microtweeds to oversized colourful plaids.

Avoid looking like a royal family mem-ber and keep the look playful by mixingup different textures like mohair,chunky knits and silky fabrics.

Move over Batman and Robin, there’sset to be an influx of new caped cru-saders on the style block this season.

The cape is the most theatrical wayyou can cover-up for winter. Designerseven slung traditional coats aroundshoulders to put a cape-like swing intomodels struts.

This armless wonder comes in a vari-ety of forms from opulent embroiderednumbers to sturdy khaki styles.

Shorts and mini-skirts be gone. Thisseason celebrates long-line lengths withmaximum coverage.

Traditionally, maxi-dresses have beenconfined to the summer holiday ward-robe but the new winter reincarnationis less floaty and free, and more sleekand fitted, with both skirts and dressesset to skim the floors.

Swap your flip-flops for chunky heeledboots to give the look a seasonal fast-forward.

Suss out the seasonal trendsto see you through to nextyear, with a round-up of themost irresistible fashion for

autumn/winter 2010

By Lisa Haynes

STYLISH: Creation by John Galliano for Dior for his autumn/winter2010-2011 Ready to Wear fashion collection, Paris.

Don’t miss out by making the mistake of thinking a small shop offering 1st class service is expensive

LOW OVERHEADS MEANS WE CAN OFFER BETTER PRICES TO YOU

PRICES TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS!

161, LONG LANE, UPTON, CHESTER, CH2 1JF www.thelittlecarpetshop.co.uk/

WE AIM TO MAKE THE FITTING OF YOUR NEWCARPET AS STRESS FREE AS POSSIBLE!

NOTHING IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE FOR US.YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR PRIORITY

Unable to uplift carpet or move furniture?We will do it for you at no extra cost!

Need doors trimming to suit new carpet?We will arrange a joiner!

■ Genuine competitive prices, we promise NO GIMMICKS?■ Extensive range of Carpets & Vinyls & Rugs■ 1st Class fitting service by our team of dedicated experienced fitters.■ Free Estimates, No Surcharges, No Delivery Costs, No Hidden Extras■ No Salesmen, just personal friendly advice

WEPROVIDE

AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

CUSTOMERS HAVE SHOPPEDAROUND AND TELL US WE AREBETTER ON PRICE AND SERVICE!

Opening Times: Mon to Fri: 9.30 - 5.30, Sat: 9.30 - 4.30, Sun: Closed

testimonialDear Debbie & SteveMany thanks to you and your team for a first class job.

Thank you also for your patience and advice.“We is well pleased”

The L******, Waverton

FunkyColours

ModernPatterns

Axminster Shaggys Plaid & Plains

Wood Effect Stone Effects

MANY MORE DESIGNSON DISPLAY IN OUR

SHOWROOM

Little CarpetShop

The

DON’T BE FOOLED BY GIMMICKS!!Some Shops will try to fool you with offers of‘Free Fitting, Free Underlay, Free Grippers etc!’

NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREEOne of our customers recently compared our prices with another shop that

was offering all these things for freeWe have never offered SALE prices or offered anything for Freeyet, surprise surprise, OUR PRICE WAS SUBSTANTIALLY BETTER!

TEL: 01244 380308

11September, 2010

The GreaT GrosvenorFashion WeekendJoin us at Grosvenor shopping Centre fora weekend full of fabulous fashion.

saturday 25th and sunday 26th septemberFrom 11am

12 September, 2010