Martin Cowan (Marv)
Another Christmas and another New Year without you here, forever in our hearts and minds.
Love from Mum, Ken and all the family xx
To list or not to list, that is the question
For this month’s property column Brad and Susie from Meyers are considering the myth that mid-winter is a bad time to list your property:
As we move towards the Festive Season, most people are focussed on what to buy their loved ones for Christmas rather than buying a new home. Majority of people assume that the housing market will go quiet during December. It’s what happens immediately after the Christmas lunch has been packed away however, that makes for a good house selling market.
December listing
History and the data crunchers, show that the month of December can be a great time to start to market your home (as long as you take photos without your decorations!).
Rightmove, the biggest online housing portal, claims that there will be something in the region of 41m visits to their
site between Boxing Day and the New Year; known as the ‘Boxing Day Boom’.
Potential buyers are at home, the festivities are largely over and they take this quiet time in the family calendar to see what is out there on the market. This could therefore be one of the best times to be advertising your house for sale.
In addition to that, the housing market continues to see record numbers of potential buyers for each house that comes to market and with the market continuing to be this competitive, having your house on the market, or better still, Under Offer, is a prerequisite for a happy ongoing house hunt.
Some Agents won’t allow buyers even to view a house if they are not proceedable, and whilst getting your house on the market now might seem like an odd time to do it, actually it could be absolutely the right time to
do so if you are considering a move in the first part of next year. You need to get ahead of the game and put yourself in a good position to be able to ‘offer’ on that dream house you fall in love with.
We are always here to help and answer any questions you might have so feel free to get in touch. And in the meantime, if we don’t meet you beforehand, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas everyone – and an even better new year.
Brad at Shaftesbury – 01747 352077 Susie at Blandford – 01258 690553
Top December tips
- Don’t miss out on your dream home because you are not proceedable when you spot it
- sellers will only take you seriously if you are ‘under offer’ and ready to go; you then make them ‘proceedable’ too
- Don’t look at a new potential house, offer on it, then retrospectively rush to get your own house on the market and sold. Post-Covid, it is essential to plan ahead, prepare your house for sale, get on the market and secure your own buyer before you start looking
- Take photos of your house without Christmas decorations
- You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting your house on the market now; 41m visits to Rightmove could have your perfect buyer right there!
Who’s taking care of the boss?
As we reflect on the year gone by, the importance of positive mental health has really been put on the agenda, reflects Dorset Chamber’s CEO Ian Girling.
Mental Health is an issue we take seriously, and one which we need to consider in the workplace.
The statistics around mental health are worrying:
- 1 in 4 adults will experience some form of mental illness in any given year
- 40% of new or longstanding work-related illnesses are caused by stress, depression and anxiety
- we lose over 12 million working days per year to this
- 300,000 people with a long- term mental health problem lose their jobs each year. Studies also show that an investment of £1 on training in this area should provide a benefit to the value of £10 to a business.
What about the boss?
In business, management will often focus on the mental health and wellbeing of our teams. A question I am asking businesses is who’s taking care of the boss? Business owners and leaders are often isolated and carry huge responsibility. The stresses and strains of running a business are significant, and we should not overlook the welfare of the boss. It’s rare we ask how the boss is.
Got Your Six
To support the mental health and wellbeing of bosses across Dorset, we’ve developed a project called Got Your Six (GU6) (named after a term used by WW2 fighter pilots where they protected the ‘backs’ of fellow pilots in formation, at the vulnerable rear ‘six o’clock’ position). Essentially we are building a bank of GU6 Champions who
are qualified mental health ‘first aiders’ and there for businesses owners and leaders to reach out to at any time. We’ve had a huge response and the project has been met with great support.
Sharing the load
Within GU6 and through our events, we are building a neutral, non-commercially driven, non- judgmental confidential hub where we can talk and discuss our challenges with other empathetic business leaders in order to gain clarity, respite, and control over issues that may be affecting us.
Our first event, the first of its kind by any Chamber, was a huge success, with many business leaders coming together and sharing experiences and feelings we can all relate to and, importantly, strategies for managing these pressures.
It’s ok to not be ok
It was an inspiring, incredibly human and levelling event. We were all surprisingly open, and it was great to find that sometimes it’s ok not to feel ok. I’m so very proud of this initiative, and the fact that it has received huge support from the business community.
If you’d like to find out more or reach out to us, please contact Xanthe on [email protected] And of course thanks to our sponsors and partners Lester Aldridge, Dorset Mind and Ouch Training. You can see more information at dorsetchamber.co.uk/gu6-dorset
Finally I’d like to wish you and your families and very happy and peaceful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Here’s to a much better year to us all. Ian
Simple online Wills surge due to Covid-19 – are they risky?
Is filling out a form online a good alternative to the traditional way of drafting a Will? We asked Lucy Mignot, Senior Associate and specialist in probate and trust disputes for her views.
The use of online Wills has surged in the last year, but online Wills rarely cover all situations, leaving individuals and estates vulnerable to future claims, says Lucy Mignot: “DIY Wills are a false economy; testators may save money initially, but their estate could be eaten up after death by litigation, or an unnecessary tax bill. With DIY Wills it is very easy to get the formalities wrong and end up with an invalid Will. This means the estate passes according to the previous Will, or the intestacy rules, potentially passing to different beneficiaries to those intended, or even to the state. Errors in a Will cannot be easily rectified – if at all.
Another issue with DIY Wills is that, often, testators don’t consider what they want to happen if their intended beneficiaries predecease them. Again, this can lead to a result contrary to that intended. Ambiguity in a Will is a real problem in a DIY Will. Where a term is ambiguous, this may have to be resolved by an expensive court application.
Doing the work
As someone who handles disputed Wills, I cannot stress enough the benefit of a file of papers relating to the preparation of a Will. These can provide evidence needed to avoid claims based on lack of capacity, undue influence etc. They often also record the reasoning behind a testator’s decisions. That can be enough to prevent a dispute.
In many cases involving homemade Wills, testators have thought about what it is they want to achieve but sadly lacked the technical legal knowledge to put their wishes into place effectively. This can result in significant costs being paid from the estate and a lot of stress for the family, even where there is no dispute between the family members.”
For contentious matters relating to Wills, Lucy Mignot can be contacted on [email protected] or 01305 217303.
Twelve Top Tips to avoid a Christmas Debt Hangover
A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips. This Month: How to avoid a nasty January bill fest.
Christmas is a time of giving, but you don’t want to give yourself a headache in the New Year with bills and debts you can’t afford. It’s all too easy to overspend – but you must decide how much you can afford before you start spending. Planning, budgeting and organisation are key to avoid getting into debt. If your spending runs out of control at Christmas, debt can easily become a way of life. If you do get into difficulties, get advice
as soon as you can from your local Citizens Advice Bureau (0800 144 8848) or from another free confidential debt advisory service such as Stepchange or National Debtline.
Here are our top tips for avoiding a Christmas debt hangover:
- Plan early for Christmas. Be realistic and budget accordingly. Manage expectations as to what you or Santa can give and try to resist pressure to spend more than you can afford. You won’t enjoy the day if you are worrying about how much you owe.
- Work out how much you are going to spend on each person and stick to it. Agree with family in advance limits on the amount to be spent on each other; some only buy gifts for the children, make gifts, or choose a ‘family day out’ instead of buying expensive presents.
- Don’t forget the everyday bills; rent, mortgage, utilities, food and other existing debts still have to be paid – and the consequences can be severe if you slip behind. It’s Christmas, but get your priorities right.
- If you do need more money, don’t just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first – it will work out much more expensive. Try to avoid taking out a short-term pay day loan – the interest rates can be extortionate.
- Keep things simple. If you can afford to pay for your goods outright by cash, cheque, or debit card, don’t be persuaded to take out credit agreements unless they really do work out cheaper
- Shop around to find the best price. Buy what you want and not what other people say you need.
- Be wary of extended warranties. The cost of a repair could be less than the cost of the warranty.
- Buy safe to be safe. Whatever the deal, whatever the temptation, don’t buy from unauthorised traders and don’t borrow from unauthorised lenders. Take care with internet purchases, especially from online market places.
- Read the small print. Check for hidden extras in any credit agreement. Work out the total amount payable. Ensure that the monthly instalments are within your budget before signing. Interest free credit can seem attractive, but if you don’t pay on time, or miss a payment, you could have to pay a lot more.
- Do your own credit checks. If you are going to use a credit card, shop around and compare terms. Some cards charge high interest rates, but provide interest free periods or discounts. Budget for all these costs and put the payment dates in your diary
- Be organised. There’s a loto remember at Christmas. If you’ve borrowed money don’t forget that it won’t be long before you have to make a payment. Make sure you pay on time, even if it is only the minimum, or you will be faced with additional charges.
- Start planning and saving for next Christmas. Once Christmas is over, it’s worth looking at what you did well and what you didn’t. Learn from your mistakes and start planning how you will do things differently next year. This might also be a good time to start saving for next Christmas.
How to actually enjoy some exercise at Christmas!
A home-based workout routine that is fun and allows guilt-free drinking and eating is explained by personal trainer Mel Mitchell.
This time of year, it is far too tempting to curl up in front of a fire with a mince pie and a glass of wine rather than enjoy a good workout.
With the festive season fast approaching I thought I would share ways to keep active during the Christmas period.
This time of year often sees a change in our normal routine particularly with fitness classes, as instructors and gyms generally take a break.
I love my food – one of the reasons I exercise is so I can eat what I want. Christmas is of course no exception! This time of year is all about spending valuable time with those that you love, eating, drinking and being merry.
Christmas exercise – make it fun
It has become a tradition for me to go out for a run on Christmas morning, mostly so I can eat and drink guilt-free but also to clear the head and get some much needed fresh air. This doesn’t mean that you all have to go out for a run (unless of course you want to!). You could incorporate family time with going out for a walk or bike ride together. Bring the kids, dogs if you have any, and go explore. Exercise during the festive period doesn’t have to be a chore. Family games such as Twister or computer games such as ‘Just Dance’ incorporate movement but add the element of fun and family bonding.
I personally love a circuit or high intensity workout but don’t have any weights or gym equipment at home? See the box below for a brilliant seasonal circuit instead!
Always happy to answer your questions – send them to me on [email protected]
Your 12 days of Christmas home workout
Why not try this 12 days of Christmas bodyweight workout special. It is based on the song Twelve Days of Christmas; on the first day of Christmas my trainer gave to me… one burpee. On the second day of Christmas my trainer gave to meeeee… two lunges and a burpee… and so on.
1. Burpee
2. Lunges
3. Press – ups
4. Sit Ups
5. Squats
6. Plank Shoulder Taps 7. Leg Lowers
8. Lateral Lunges
9. Tricep Dips
10. Mountain Climbers 11. Touchdowns
12. Supermans
All exercises can be modified to all abilities so why not give it ago at some point during the holidays. If you want any clarification on the exercises feel free to get in touch!
by Mel Mitchell
Are you SAD?
Studies have shown 29% adults experience symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) at this time of year. Dee Swinton from Dorset MIND has some suggestions on staying positive in the darker season.
SAD is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year. Usually, it’s more common in the winter months, when we experience dark nights and gloomy days. The causes are still not clear, but there is evidence to suggest reduced sunlight exposure makes us have a decrease in serotonin levels and a lack of vitamin D. It can also increase the production of melatonin, which makes you sleepier. These can result in depressive feelings and low mood.
Symptoms of SAD range in severity, and can include:
• Low energy
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem and not wanting to see people
• Changes in appetite; usually eating more and craving carbohydrates
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness and at extreme, suicidal thoughts Here’s our advice for helping you stay positive during the winter months:
Get Active – Any movement can boost serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in your brain. These will help lift your mood and sleep better, plus look after your physical health. Build exercise into your day if you can, and if you’re able to get outside, you’ll benefit from exposure to vitamin D too!
Connect – Speak to your family and friends, this is a key step of the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Reduce your isolation by reaching out and make sure you interact with people regularly – not just via your phone.
Eat Well – For a season that’s known for over-indulgence, we encourage you to get a variety of fruit and vegetables into your diet each day. Eating sugary or processed foods will affect your energy and mood swings.
A balanced nutritious diet is essential for maintaining a positive mood and avoiding lows. Don’t forget to hydrate regularly too.
Combat Stress – A build up of stress can tip over into a crisis and/or burnout, which should be avoided where possible. Focus on what you can control, break tasks down into manageable chunks – and seek help if you need it. Relaxation techniques are all beneficial for your wellbeing.
Create Joy – Bring some joy into your life every day if you can. Incorporate more of the things you enjoy doing and it will help keep your stress levels under control.
Treatment and support – Always seek the advice of your GP as your first step. SAD itself has a choice of ways to help treat it; Light therapy exposes you to bright lights that mimic outdoor light, talking therapies can help, as can medication and social prescription solutions such as eco-therapy. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
Dorset Mind offers low-cost online counselling across Dorset and eco- therapy as part of a range of 1-2-1 and group support for adults. Find out more by visiting: https://bit.ly/DMHelpSupport
In the studio with Olivia Clifton-Bligh
Edwina has been talking with resident sculptor and bazaar organiser Olivia Clifton-Bligh – not only a sculptor working in bronze, paper, wax and clay but also a printmaker specialising in linocut and woodcut techniques. She studied Art and Art History at Goldsmiths’ College and has work exhibited in London and throughout the UK.
When married and with a baby due, the family moved out of London and Olivia took her portfolio to Longleat House. Here she was successfully interviewed by the late Lord Bath, who chose all the artists for the hub at Bull Mill Arts, near Warminster. He was interested in fine art, so had very specific parameters: he was insistent that each artist was a professional and able to live by their work. Consequently Olivia has been a resident artist at Bull Mill Arts for nearly twenty-one years.
Her sketch books are filled with the flora and fauna of the surrounding landscape: the valley water meadows, ancient woodland, open downland and historic parkland. These notebooks have become her zoographical and narrative reference library for studio work.
Telling the Bees
In the studio space, I could not help but be drawn to the huge bronze sculpture of a lion, the title of which, Olivia explained, was Bee Speaker. Olivia’s husband is a bee keeper and they keep three hives in the garden. However, the honey is not harvested – rather the bees are kept as pets. The lion has a beautiful silver gilded Queen bee on his tongue and a honeycomb- crafted mouth.
image: Edwina Baines
‘Telling the Bees’ is an old bee keeping tradition: in days gone by the Speaker’s role was to knock on the hive and inform the bees of the important events of the day. If the custom was omitted or forgotten and the bees were not ‘put into mourning’ then it was believed a penalty would be paid: the bees might leave their hive, or stop producing honey – or even die. Olivia is drawn to such stories associated with the environment and her sculptures each have a fascinating tale to tell. The lion started life as paper pulp and cardboard over a robust metal and wire armature before the casting process could begin. “I think three dimensionally. I start off with a clear idea of the story but not always an exact idea of what it looks like.”
‘Bee Speaker’ Telling the Bees isan old bee keeping tradition: in days gone by the Speaker’s role was to knock
on the hive and inform the bees of the important events of the day. image: Edwina Baines
The Christmas Bazaar
We are all now increasingly aware that, whilst still embracing the spirit of giving, we need to be conscious of the environmental impact of our seasonal excess.
It is more important than ever to buy high quality, unique, handmade Christmas presents. Bull Mill Arts Bazaar began ten years ago, and Olivia organises, stewards and curates the event herself. This year it runs Saturday 4th December to Sunday 12th December, and includes twenty-five guest artisans alongside the nine resident artists; ‘brimful with gorgeous hand-crafted goods from contemporary sculpture and ceramics, to handsome homeware and inspiring interiors, exquisite accessories and festive whimsy.’
Olivia will have on sale her own stunning limited edition linocut prints based on the ancient calendar known as the Irish tree Ogham – a lunar calendar and Celtic Tree Alphabet. Each print is hand burnished using stone, bone, silver and sheepskin barens and individually illuminated with shellac lacquer and gold or copper leaf.
‘I am the shining tear of the sun’ (see below) shows the alder tree with the Celtic crow deity Bran in the third lunar month of the year when the alder branches are still bare of leaves but the new little cones and catkins have already formed.
Eco-conscious makers
Olivia is also keen to celebrate and support fine craft and local makers, inviting new and returning artists including potters, printmakers, blacksmiths and hatters.
“I enjoy sharing the space with other artists who are really good at what they do. It’s more of a pop-up show – People say it’s like walking into Aladdin’s cave. I want people to feel they could buy a Christmas present for every member of their family. This year more than ever, I have tried to incorporate peoplewith environmentally friendly credentials.”
These include Organic Bulbs with a collection of bee friendly flower bulbs and Earthsong Seeds, who sell medicinal
herbal seeds with health-giving potential in the tradition of the home apothecary. Other artists are encouraged to consider their carbon footprint: Under the Stairs design, print and sew a small range of home textiles, using non toxic inks, organic fabrics and packaging. Olivia also likes to include some charitable associations and Chris Lock, the Wiltshire photographer will be selling his 2022 calendars: all proceeds from sales will be donated to Hope and Homes for Children. One neighbour even makes unusual jams for the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital.
Springhead for Christmas
Another local exhibition (3rd to 5th December) is the ‘Garden of Delights’ Christmas sale at beautiful Springhead, Fontmell Magna. Created twenty years ago by Julie Byngham, local folk artist and Lucy Yarwood, potter, they sell their work directly to their customers but like Olivia also invite other local craftspeople.This year artists will be selling an eclectic mixof jewellery, metal garden sculpture, stained glass, pottery, prints, textiles, photography, glassware, decorations and much more.
Both of these excellent exhibitions are free to enter and promise to be full of gifts for the perfect Festive celebration. Unless you’re one of those organised people who have done your Christmas shopping by Halloween, the sudden realisation that we are only a few weeks from Christmas can send us into a flat spin.
Why not think out of the box a little this year?
by Edwina Baines [email protected]
8 ways to enjoy the festive season without feeling guilty
Oddly, Christmas dinner is probably one of the healthiest meals we eat all year – mainly because it’s made from scratch, contains highly nutritious ingredients and the plate is piled high with veggies. But what about the rest of the holiday? Opposite is Karen Geary’s guide to navigating the best of the festive season without feeling guilty.
TO EAT / DO
At mealtimes
Always ensure there is a good quality protein source (animal or plant-based) on your plate with each meal to keep you fuller for longer and help control your appetite. Make veggies the star of the dish – ideally half the plate.
The buffet.
Go for the ‘real foods’ – meat, cheese, crudités fruits, nuts. If you are asking people to bring something, make suggestions, so you don’t end up with five Christmas cakes.
Snacking
If you stick to three meals a day, no snacks – this is the absolute best way to survive the festive season. ‘Rest and digest’ is really important for your gut health, for balancing blood sugar and maintaining weight. If you do snack, go for the plain nuts and satsumas.
How hungry are you?
Chew slowly. The pace at which you chew your food can make a massive impact on how much you consume. It’s also a good way to appreciate how much time, effort and love has gone into the preparation.
At the bar
White spirits are the low sugar choice – vodka and soda or a gin martini, followed by unsweetened dark spirits, then wine (red is lowest in sugar), beer (stout is lowest in sugar) and then cider (dry is lowest in sugar).
Drink Up
Drink water! It plays a part in regulating your appetite, so make sure you drink plenty during the day.
No diet talk
Lead from the front in setting boundaries when people start talking about diets and other people’s food plates. Saying “I’m not looking for feedback on my plate” whilst taking a big bite of your roast potato with direct eye contact normally does the trick.
Starting the day
Try and grab a few minutes for yourself without the noises and distraction. A coffee in silence or even meditation or a few minutes of deep breathing. Make sure you get some ‘me time’.
BE AWARE
At mealtimes
Limit the starchy carbs. A couple of roast potatoes is probably fine – think half a cup of carbs so you don’t end up in a food coma.
The buffet
Pastry and refined carbs in moderation. Especially the stuff that has been bought in packets. Don’t deny the host your appreciation of their home made sausage roll though!
Snacking
Those chocolates in those big tins are hard to avoid once you start… just sayin’…
How hungry are you?
Check in with your hunger before you eat. How do you want to feel at the end of your meal? Satisfied or stuffed?
At the bar
Mind how you go with the cocktails, even the alcohol free ones – especially those with lots of syrupy add-ins. I’m talking about you, espresso martini. If you are the chef, don’t have a drink until you have served up – that way you don’t get frazzled.
Drink Up
Make sure you drink your planned water intake for the day by putting it in a jug or bottle and note the times you should be refilling.
No diet talk
Don’t talk about dieting or weight – especially in front of the kids. And don’t comment on their food choices either.
tarting the day
Stay off social media and don’t watch the news. You know you are not missing anything. We are what we consume.
by Karen Geary, a Registered Nutritional Therapist DipION, mBANT, CNHC at Amplify
