Opinion

Did you get a Valentine yesterday? So who was Valentine? He is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics and beekeepers.

Q. I currently receive Income Based Employment Support Allowance (I’m in the support group), along with Personal Independence Payments for care at the enhanced rate.

I remember distinctly in the 2017 election campaign one lady telling me she has never forgiven politicians for amalgamating the two Hartlepool’s into one borough.

With an injury claim, it is important to have experienced solicitors on your side. Here at Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we have more than 175 years to our name, and one of the best reputations in the region.

With a massive skills gap in horticulture, the search to find the next generation of gardeners is on as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) launches its School Gardeners of the Year 2019 competition.

I wanted to answer a common question I get asked about being stiff.

Last Thursday I attended a meeting of the Elwick Parish Council. It was good to see so many people on a cold snowy night at the WI Hall on The Green and to listen to both the issues and ambitions people had; not just in the village but the growing conurbation at Wynyard which lies within the parish boundary.

When your personal affairs are of discussion, you need a solicitor with the right respect and reputation behind them. Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm has heard stories from some that are not so ...

I’m Carolyn Tilly, Managing Partner of Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm and a member of its experienced Wills, Probate and Elderly Client Department.

I am grateful to the Mail for the opportunity to have a regular column to update you on community safety issues.

Well, 2019 has certainly got off to a flying start!

Q. I have heard there are changes to some pension benefits for couples where one of the couple is pensionable age but the other is not and this could cause a drop in income. Is this correct and how could it affect people in this situation?

First and foremost, I owe an apology to Dyke House School who run a perfectly good Sixth Form facility and whom I neglected to mention in the House last week.

There are real fears that the ability to track down European criminals will be severely impacted in the event of a no-deal Brexit. I know this because Classic FM told me so.

For many of us our day involves getting up, going to work and coming home to repeat the same thing the following day.

Q. I have just been made redundant from work and received a good redundancy package. Will this affect the benefits I can claim? I was employed for 14 years before being made redundant.

I’m no lover of hot chillies but my stepson Ali must have no tastebuds left. He is obsessed and his fiery culinary creations have been known to make his friends cry and ruin their digestive tracts.