As the end of the stamp duty holiday looms, national housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is reminding first time buyers to take advantage of the saving before March 24.

The Government announced that it was removing the payment of stamp duty for two years for first time buyers on properties up to £250,000 in its 2010 budget, but confirmed at the end of the last year that this would not be extended further.

The housebuilder is encouraging anyone interested in buying their first home to get in touch.

Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire has found that many first time buyers are not initially aware of stamp duty and the extra cost it presents, and so the return of the extra cost could have a negative impact on the market.

Anne Bagshaw, regional sales and marketing director, comments: “There is still time for first time buyers to complete the purchase of a new home before the changes come into effect and therefore save up to £2,500. That’s quite a saving at a time when every penny counts. If you are in a position to buy your first home, then speak to one of our experienced consultants at your chosen development who can guide you through the process and ensure that everything is completed before the deadline.”

However, the housebuilder is keen to point out that many of its developments offer the Government’s FirstBuy scheme and other first time buyer-friendly deals – so the end of the stamp duty holiday is not the end of the world.

Anne Bagshaw continues: “We want first time buyers to know that although the Government has ended the stamp duty holiday, they have introduced the FirstBuy scheme, which allows first time buyers to purchase their home for just 80% of the price – including a small 5% deposit. Deals are also available on a case by case basis – so please speak to us about your situation.”

FirstBuy is currently available across Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire’s Rotherham developments including The Wickets and Kingfishers Walk.

For further information about The Wickets, please call 0845 026 4152 or visit the development on Wentworth Road, Upper Haugh, Rotherham, S62 7SL. The development is open seven days per week, 11am until 5pm.

To contact Kingfishers Walk call the sales office on 0845 071 4590, between 11am and 5pm Thursday to Monday or visit the sale office on Manvers Lakeside, Wath Upon Dearne. Alternatively visit {http://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/|Taylor Wimpey|click here}

]]> 1.4274299 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:06:01 +0000 http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/band_dubbed_as_sound_of_dire_straits_hit_road_for_european_tour_1_4273508

After a hugely successful 14 date UK and European tour in 2011, and having just returned from playing at the Volvo Ocean Race in Abu Dhabi, The Straits will be heading out on an 18 date European tour during March 2012.

Dubbed as The Sound of Dire Straits, The Straits kick off the European tour at Belfast’s Ulster Hall on March 5, with concerts in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands, wrapping up with two UK dates at London’s indigO2 on March 29 and Guernsey’s Sir John Loveridge Hall on April 1.

The upcoming European tour is a direct result of the overwhelming demand to hear the band’s much loved catalogue of unforgettable songs. The Straits will perform songs from the classic albums Dire Straits (1978), Communiqué (1979), Making Movies (1980), Love Over Gold (1982), Brothers In Arms (1985) and On Every Street (1991). Expect to hear all the classics including Money For Nothing, Sultans of Swing, Walk of Life, Romeo and Juliet, Brothers in Arms, Private Investigations, Solid Rock, Tunnel of Love, and many more.

The Straits are comprised of former Dire Straits members Alan Clark (keyboards) and Chris White (sax, vocals), plus world-class musicians Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty’s drummer), Terence Reis (lead vocals, guitar), Mike Feat (bass), Adam Phillips (guitar) and Jamie Squire (keyboards, vocals).

The Straits’ 2012 European Tour Dates:

Belfast – Ulster Hall (March 5)

Dublin - Olympia Theatre (March 6)

Gothenburg - Brewhouse (March 9)

Copenhagen - Amager Bio (March 10)

Zurich - X-Tra (March 18)

Aarhus, Denmark - Train (March 11)

Stuttgart - LKA (March 13)

Prague - KC Vltavska (March 14)

Vienna - Gasometer (March 16)

Munich - Muffathalle (March 17)

Porto, Portugal - Hard Club (March 21)

Lisbon - Aula Magna (March 22)

Bilbao, Spain - Sala Santana 27 (March 24)

Gijon, Spain – Teatro Jovellanos (March 25)

Paris, France – La Cigalen – March 27)

Tilburg, Holland – O13 (March 28)

London, UK – Indig02 (March 29)

Beau Sejour, Guernsey – Sir John Loveridge Hall (April 1)

DONCASTER born pop sensation Louis Tomlinson is set to follow up his Brit Awards win with band One Direction with a massive UK arena tour - including a South Yorkshire homecoming.

The Bessacarr star and his band-mates scooped the prestigious Best British single at last night’s glittering music bash at London’s 02 Arena for debut What Makes You Beautiful.

And to celebrate Zayn, Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are to embark on their first headline Arena Tour that will see them perform in Sheffield at the Motorpoint Arena on March 19 2013.

Tickets priced £25 & £32.50 (may be subject to booking fee) go on sale 9am Saturday, February 25 on 0114 256 56 56, in person at the Arena or online at {http://www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk./|Motorpoint Arena Sheffield|click here}

They’ve sold over 1.6 million records in just four months; had 100 million views on YouTube; have two No.1 selling books; scored two major hit singles and a platinum selling debut album in the UK; and won Best Single for ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ at the 2012 BRIT Awards.

Currently making waves in the USA by entering the US iTunes Top 10, the band are about to embark on a tour of America with boy band Big Time Rush. They recently filmed a cameo appearance for the immensely popular Nickelodeon show iCarly, as well as appearing on the cover of the likes of M Magazine. Over 100,000 fans in America also signed up to the band’s US Facebook page in a bid to bring 1D to their home state – Dallas showed the most love for the band to emerge triumphant.

The 11 date tour will see the One Direction boys perform at key venues across the UK, stopping off in Sheffield Tuesday, March 19, 2013

ONE DIRECTION 2013 TOUR DATES

FEBRUARY

Friday 22 - London The O2 Arena

Saturday 23 - London The O2 Arena

Tuesday 26 - Glasgow SECC

MARCH

Friday 1 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Saturday 2 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Friday 15 - Manchester Arena

Sunday 17 - Liverpool Echo Arena

Tuesday 19 - Sheffield Motorpoint Arena

Wednesday 20 - Nottingham Capital FM Arena

Friday 22 - Birmingham LG Arena

Sunday 24 - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

Keepmoat Homes’ green credentials continue to grow with the addition of prestigious awards, accolades and accreditations.

In the past two weeks the company has become the What House? ‘Sustainable developer of the year’, been a finalist in the British Energy Awards ‘Excellence in carbon reduction’ and as part of the Keepmoat Group, achieved its highest ever score in the NextGeneration benchmark, which measures sustainability performance.

Said Keepmoat Homes Sustainability Manager, Stacey Chappell: “This is great news, which rewards the significant efforts of our people to improve environmental performance and build more sustainable homes for the future. That’s good for business, good for the planet and good for customers, who will enjoy lower energy costs.”

The What House? Awards – now in a 30th year – celebrate outstanding achievement in the house building industry. This is what the judges said about Keepmoat Homes’ entry: “From a strategic level right down to on-site policies the company has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability.”

In addition to these awards, Keepmoat Homes has, over the past year, become the first house builder in the UK to achieve certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) for the energy management system standard, BS EN 16001 and is now working towards ISO 50001 energy management accreditation.

As part of a drive to improve its environmental credentials and build more sustainable homes, the company, which constructs around 1,600 properties a year throughout the South East, Midlands and the North of England, is replacing traditional site cabins with modern, double glazed, highly insulated, temperature controlled eco-units with self closing doors and low energy lighting managed by sensors.

Sales offices and show homes are also being overhauled. The garages in which the sales teams work are now fitted with additional floor, wall and roof insulation while the adjacent show homes benefit from low energy sensor lighting.

In addition, training and energy awareness sessions are staged with all staff and a Home User Guide provided to buyers encourages green lifestyles by including advice and guidance on recycling and energy conservation.

Keepmoat Homes is applying sustainable technology to all the homes it builds, including staging a trial of code five and six homes.

It is believed that these homes, in Newcastle, will be the first in Britain to meet the SAP2009 November 2010 code. They will be measured against the BREEAM standard, which sets the benchmark for best practice in sustainable building design and construction.

]]> 1.4271654 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:33:44 +0000 http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/video_link_the_milk_set_to_deliver_fresh_new_sound_at_leopard_1_4271327

Essex soul band The Milk will be playing the Leopard in Doncaster on March 13.

Influenced by the classic Motown, Staz and Trojan Records that soundtracked their teens, 2011 saw The Milk sell out the likes of Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, Dingwalls, The Jazz Café, XOYO and the Camden Barfly in London alone, and whilst still unsigned.

With a new single scheduled for release through Sony/Sign of the Times, Simon Fuller’s record label, at the start of April, the band’s first extensive UK tour will see them preview songs from their forthcoming debut album, which has been produced by celebrated DJ and remixer Brad Baloo (The Nextmen).

The tour begins in Canterbury on March 1, and includes the band’s biggest headline show to date at London’s Scala on April 4.

The Milk are quickly earning a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live bands. They were even nominated for Best Breakthrough Artist at the UK Festival Awards this summer, going up against the likes of Bruno Mars and Jessie J.

Having been friends since school, The Milk began life as a teenage punk band: after some disastrous efforts to act rock-and-roll, the group soon split, though lead-singer Rick’s belting soulful voice arguably benefited from these loud, formative years.

Sometime later, the boys revisited the classic Motown, Stax and Trojan Records that had soundtracked their teens, intent on putting on a club night. Instead, they hit a creative breakthrough.

Holed up in the shed at the bottom of their garden, all new songs and sounds were experimented with, which were written in-between and sometimes in response to a series of make-do jobs in Wickford, Essex. And it is to their hometown that the band will round off their tour, with a Chinnerys show in Southend on April 5.

click the media link on the right to play video

]]> 1.4271327 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:40:09 +0000 http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/pop_favourites_saint_etienne_return_for_uk_tour_and_new_album_1_4270222

Much loved London trio Saint Etienne are back this spring with their first album in seven years and will embark on a full UK tour in May.

An antidote to landfill indie and the R&B-goes-to-Ibiza choking the charts, it’s a full on celebration of pop. The album contains a dozen uptempo slices of electro-pop which they have concocted with Richard X.

‘Tonight’ will be the first single from the album and is all about the primal and atavistic pull that all good pop music exerts, about how the unadulterated thrill of a great band or gig can sometimes feel like a hotline straight to your heart.The track is produced by Xenomania lynchpin TIm Powell (Girls Aloud, Kylie, Sugababes), and mixed by Richard X.

The new album will mix perfectly into a new live set with the band’s classic hits such as He’s On The Phone, Only Love Can Break Your Heart and Nothing Can Stop Us.

May 2012

Tuesday 22 Sheffield Leadmill*

Wednesday 23 Glasgow Oran Mor

Thursday 24 Liverpool Kazimer

Friday 25 Cardiff Gate Theatre

Saturday 26 Leamington Spa Assembly*

Monday 28 London Palladium*

*Tickets are £18.50 (£28.50/£25.00/£22.50 London) and go onsale Tuesday February 21 2012 at 9am, tel. 0844 811 0051 {http://www.gigsandtours.com/gat/index.asp|Gigs and Tours|click here}

{http://www.saintetienne.com/|Saint Etienne|click here}

]]> 1.4270222 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:12:30 +0000 http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/azealia_banks_set_for_debut_ep_release_and_uk_tour_1_4270190

Azealia Banks is to release her debut ‘212’ EP on Polydor Records, on March 25. The EP will feature the title track plus previously unreleased track ‘Liquorice’ and a selection of brand new remixes.

Banks is currently performing on the sold out 2012 NME Awards UK tour alongside Two Door Cinema Club, Metronomy and Tribes. She will play her own sold out headline show at Heaven in London on Monday February 27.

The controversial ‘212’ is fast approaching 4 million views on Youtube, whilst Azealia recently topped NME’s Cool List for 2012 and featured in the top three in the BBC Sounds of 2012 poll. She is currently recording her debut album and is gearing up for a Summer full of festival performance.

Banks will embark on her first headline UK tour later this year. Full details below:

September:

Friday 28 - Manchester Club Academy 0161 832 1111

Saturday 29 – Glasgow 02 ABC 0844 499 9990

October:

Monday 01 - Newcastle O2 Academy 2 0844 477 2000

Tuesday 02 - Liverpool O2 Academy 2 0844 477 2000

Wednesday 03 - Leeds Met Uni 0113 244 4600

Friday 05 - Birmingham HMV Library 0844 248 5037

Saturday 06 - Oxford O2 Academy 0844 477 2000

Sunday 07 - Norwich Waterfront 01603 508 050

Tuesday 09 - Cambridge Junction 01223 511 511

Wednesday 10 - Brighton Concorde 2 01273 673 311

Friday 12 - London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000

£12.50 (£15 London)

{http://www.azealiabanksforever.com/news|Azealia Banks Forever|click here}

]]> 1.4270190 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:53:25 +0000 http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/moving_house_let_harrison_murray_take_the_strain_1_4270158

MOVING house can be one of life’s most exciting, but in some cases, daunting experiences – particularly if you haven’t done it for a while.

There’s ever changing legislation to get to grips with, current stamp duty implications and a range of other requirements that come hand in hand with the moving process.

Development director at independent estate agents and valuers, Harrison Murray, Jackie Scotten, said: “Moving house can be somewhat daunting for people who haven’t been through the process for several years, and aspects of it may have changed over that time.

“Our aim, as should be that of all estate agents, is to be completely transparent with buyers and sellers and guide them gently and confidently through the moving procedure.

“We will explain the process thoroughly and in detail, and take the time to care. Moving to a new home is a big investment, financially and emotionally, and all our staff want customers to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.”

Some points to bear in mind when moving buying or selling a property.

Once you are certain you want to move, choose your agent wisely. Instruct an agent with a good reputation whom you feel will market your home to the best of their ability, and who is a member of The Property Ombudsman scheme and the National Association of Estate Agents.

If you are selling, be sure to highlight and pass on to your agent details of any outstanding features that first attracted you to your property. Your agent will work this information into the sales details. This could include such things as extra large storage spaces or a dedicated outdoor dining area.

As a buyer you may have to pay Stamp Duty. This is a Government tax payable on the completion of a property purchase – normally set at between one and three per cent of the purchase price. This can fluctuate, and over the past 18 months, Stamp Duty has been frozen for first time buyers. However, as from the end of March 2012, this Stamp Duty exemption will be axed.

There are many legal points to consider, but being well prepared may help to speed up the process, from viewings to the eventual sale.

Gather any documents you have that relate to the property, no matter how trivial you think they are. Buyers’ solicitors will expect to see all documents and it could result in delays if they are not provided. Windows installed after April 1, 2002 need FENSA certificates, and any remedial works should have associated guarantees.

Any previous building work will require copies of the relevant building regulations and planning permissions, as well as the completion certificate for the work.

By law, an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) – which gives current ratings and information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions – needs to be provided. Your estate agent can arrange this.

Conveyancing is the last hurdle. Put simply, this is the act of legally transferring a property from one person to another, and has, by law, to be carried out by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.

Harrison Murray’s conveyancing solicitors can open the file for the Seller at the start of the marketing process and prepare all the necessary documentation in order to reduce the time from offer to exchange of contracts, as the longer the process takes, the more likely it is that the sale may fall through.

]]> 1.4270158 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:31:21 +0000 http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/british_homes_at_risk_of_falling_into_disrepair_1_4270135

Homeowners faced with collective bill of almost £1.2 billion because of neglected homes. Less than one in four had cover in place to cover the cost.

Austerity measures are causing many home owners to risk letting their homes fall into disrepair, according to research from the AA’s Home Emergency Response Service. The new study reveals that in the past year, over 18.5 million Britons (39 per cent) have delayed home repairs or maintenance or tried to fix things themselves in order to save money.

The findings show that these delays and cost cutting attempts have left homeowners with a collective bill of almost £1.2 billion, as one in five (21 per cent) of those delaying or scrimping on home maintenance have experienced problems or unforeseen costs as a result.

In an effort to save cash, in the past year 14 per cent of people have carried out some DIY work on their home that they would previously have employed a tradesman to do, and 11 per cent have had friends round to help on a DIY project for free.

Eight per cent of people have delayed getting their boiler serviced and the same number has delayed paying to have work done in the garden. Another 5 per cent have put off replacing or repairing a damaged window and 4 per cent have delayed mending a leaky or damaged roof. Some 2 per cent have held off checking or replacing damaged locks.

However, around three million of these cost-cutters suffered problems as a result of their austerity measures, spending an average of £398 each trying to rectify them. Only five per cent of those suffering problems or unforeseen costs were covered by their standard home insurance policy and only one in five (19 per cent) had home emergency response policies that covered the cost.

Some eight per cent of those who had delayed work suffered a home emergency such as a leaking roof or a broken down boiler because they did so, and seven per cent subsequently needed to call a tradesman to deal with it. Three per cent of those who tried to economise on home maintenance ended up having to call a tradesman out to rectify DIY work they had botched.

Tom Stringer, Head of AA Home Emergency Response, said: “As the struggling economy continues to hit people in the pocket, more and more people are putting off home maintenance and are letting their homes get into a state of disrepair. Many homeowners seem to be mirroring the government’s drive for austerity but this can be a false economy as problems tend to get worse in the home if you leave them unresolved.

“Home emergencies can prove expensive if homes are not maintained properly. We would suggest that apart from keeping up their home maintenance properly, homeowners should look carefully at their home insurance policy and consider a stand-alone home emergency policy for peace of mind if they are not adequately covered.”

AA Home Emergency Response Cover starts from £6.99 a month.

]]> 1.4270135 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:18:13 +0000 http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/moving_home_with_your_cat_1_4270094

During all the last minute arrangements you have to make when moving house it is just possible that your cat’s welfare might not be top of your priority list.

Here is some good advice from Britannia Movers International to keep your cat happy on moving day and make sure he doesn’t scarper off to the old house as soon as you arrive.

On moving day

Your cat could easily become distressed when a team of removal men arrive and start moving everything with which he is familiar. So before the chaps arrive, put Tiddles in a cat carrier, with a little food, in the smallest bedroom in the house. Put a notice on the door telling the crew to leave that room until last. If your cat is of a nervous disposition, you could use a plug in pheromone diffuser (such as Feliway) in the room to help him relax.

On the road

Don’t feed your cat just before you leave the house. Take the cat out of his temporary confinement to let the movers finish the job. Then put the cat carrier securely in your car ready for the journey. Do not let him travel in the removal van. Although there have been many stories of stowaways, it’s not a great idea for either the cat or the furniture.

The new house

If you have moved locally it’s possible that your cat will return to his old hunting grounds and follow the old trails back to the previous house. If you think this is likely, tell the new occupants and ask them to call you if he turns up. Tell them not to feed him no matter how fed up he looks.

Don’t let your cat outside for at least two weeks. Help him to feel secure by rubbing a soft cloth around his face and spreading the scent around the house by rubbing the cloth on doorways and furniture.

When you do let him venture out, open the door and let him choose to explore – don’t carry him. Don’t feed him before he goes: if he’s hungry he won’t stray far. Leave the door open so he can easily get back in when he’s ready. Chase any strange cats away: he’ll need lots of help to establish his territory in the new area. A water spray is the way recommended by animal sanctuaries. Try to maintain the same routine you had at the old house. Make sure he has an identification collar with your phone number on and, if he’s not microchipped, now’s the time to do it.

Moving house can be a stressful time for everybody. Follow these guidelines and you will help make sure it’s as easy as it can be for your feline friend.

Great advice from Britannia Movers International

]]> 1.4270094 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:53:40 +0000 http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/go_flipping_mad_for_our_perfect_pancake_day_recipes_1_4268083

IF Shrove Tuesday has a habit of catching you unawares (it’s today by the way) then don’t miss these terrifically easy recipes.

Unlike countries that adore Shrove Tuesday (or Mardi Gras) and break out the feathered bikinis, parades and fireworks without hesitation, Pancake Day in Britain is a more indoor, cosy, Jif Lemon-focused affair.

That means there’s every reason to indulge in ‘Fat Tuesday’ and rediscover one of the simplest, yet versatile, recipes around.

Pancakes essentially need just four basic ingredients: plain flour, salt, milk and eggs.

Once compiled, the batter is then griddled to form a flatbread, which can be used to transport everything from chocolate to Stilton into your mouth, via a soft, doughy parcel.

MasterChef winner Matt Follas is a big fan, and as a father of three, appreciates both their simplicity and popularity.

“Pancakes are great because they’re so quick and easy to make,” says the 2009 trophy holder. “They’re perfect for snacking or as a main meal. And you can create a healthy version or add chocolate for more of a treat. I find kids love pikelets, the smaller version of pancakes.”

But, he adds, cooks shouldn’t be put off by initial disasters when it comes to flipping: “To avoid the pancake sticking, use a non-stick pan where possible. Otherwise, don’t worry if the first one sticks, it’ll season the pan for the next one.”

Lemon and sugar pancakes (Serves 4)

2 eggs

2dsp plain flour

200g caster sugar

300ml milk

Pinch of salt

Knob of butter

1 lemon, juiced

Mix the eggs, flour, two teaspoons of sugar and salt to a paste. Slowly add the milk mixing continuously until it becomes the consistency of paint.

Pour into a flat, hot, buttered pan. Lift the pan, moving the mixture so that it evenly coats the base of the pan to form a thin pancake.

After about two minutes, the pancake should be loose. Tease the edges and then with a rolling motion, toss the pancake and catch it again to cook the other side for around one minute.

Serve with the rest of the sugar decanted into a bowl, and lemon juice, for everyone to help themselves to.

Cheese and broccoli pancakes (Serves 4)

100g cheddar cheese, grated

50g parmesan cheese, grated

150ml double cream

Salt

One medium head of broccoli, chopped up

2 eggs

2dsp plain flour

300ml milk

Knob of butter

Gently heat the double cream in a pan. While whisking, gradually add the parmesan, 50g of cheddar, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until they have melted and become a thick and creamy sauce.

Cook the broccoli for two minutes in boiling water, then place in a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking process. This will preserve the vivid colour.

In a bowl, mix the eggs, the rest of the cheddar cheese, flour and pinch of salt to form a paste. Slowly add the milk, mixing continuously until it becomes the consistency of paint.

Pour this batter into a hot, flat, buttered pan. Lift the pan, moving the mixture so that it evenly coats the base, forming a thin pancake. After approximately two minutes, the pancake should be loose. Tease the edges away from the sides and then, with a rolling motion, toss the pancake and catch it again, cooking the other side for around one minute.

To finish, place the pancake on a plate, put the broccoli (three to four small florets per pancake) and the cheese sauce on one half of the pancake, fold the other half over and drizzle with a little more cheese sauce.

Chocolate pikelets (Serves 4)

25g cocoa

50g 72% chocolate broken into squares (or use a good milk chocolate)

100ml double cream

2 eggs

2dsp plain flour

2tsp caster sugar

300ml milk

Pinch of salt

Knob of butter

Hundreds and thousands

To make a simple chocolate sauce, warm the cream gently in a pan and add the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted and combined with the cream.

Mix the eggs, flour, caster sugar and salt to a paste. Slowly add the milk, mixing continuously until it becomes the consistency of paint.

Split the batter into two and add the cocoa to one half of the mixture. This will make for a selection of half chocolate and half plain pancakes.

Pour approximately two tablespoons of batter at a time into a hot, flat, buttered, pan to form four-inch circles - feel free to cook several at a time. After about two minutes, the pikelets should be loose. Tease the edges and then flip them with a spatula to cook the other side for approximately one minute.

Serve with chocolate cream sauce and sprinkle with hundreds and thousands.

Pancakes with rhubarb (Serves 4)

1 egg

1tbsp flour

1tsp sugar

Pinch of salt

Knob of butter

128ml milk

Three sticks of rhubarb

Cornflour

Slice two-inch pieces of rhubarb and roll in cornflour. Place on a baking tray and bake at 160C/Gas mark 3 for 20 minutes.

Mix together the eggs, flour, sugar and pinch of salt. Slowly add the milk until the mixture is as thick as single cream.

When the rhubarb is cooked, make the pancakes.

Pour the batter into a hot, flat, buttered pan. Lift the pan, moving the mixture so that it evenly coats the base, forming a thin pancake. After approximately two minutes, the pancake should be loose. Tease the edges away from the sides and then, with a rolling motion, toss the pancake and catch it again, cooking the other side for around one minute.

Place the rhubarb slices on pancake and pour over the syrup from the baking tray.

Very berry pancakes (Serves 4)

2 eggs

2dsp plain flour

100g caster sugar

300ml milk

Pinch of salt

Knob of butter

200g seasonal berries

Clean the berries and rinse in cold water. Place half the berries and half the caster sugar in a saucepan with two tablespoons of water and gently heat until the berries have broken down and become a wet pulp. Push the pulp and juice through a sieve to make a sauce and taste to check its sweetness. Add a little more sugar if required.

Roughly chop the remainder of the berries, remembering to put a few whole berries aside beforehand for decorating.

In a bowl, mix the eggs, flour, salt and two teaspoons of caster sugar to form a paste. Slowly add the milk, mixing continuously, until it becomes the consistency of paint.

Pour into a hot, flat, buttered pan. Lift the pan, moving the mixture so that it evenly coats the base, forming a thin pancake. Drop some of the chopped berries onto the pancake before it cooks through.

After approximately two minutes, the pancake should be loose. Tease the edges away from the sides and then, with a rolling motion, toss the pancake and catch it again, cooking the other side for around one minute.

Serve with a drizzle of sauce and decorate with berries.

All recipes courtesy of the Happy Eggs Co, please visit {http://thehappyegg.co.uk/|The Happy Egg|click here} for more details.