50 Plus Magazine Blackburn & Burnley

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2019

BLACKBURN, BURNLEY & RIBBLE VALLEY EDITION 58

Jason Donovan THE COUNTRY’S FAVOURITE ANTIPODEAN

James Martin's GREAT BRITISH ADVENTURE

Reeves Coach Holidays QUALITY DOOR TO DOOR COACH HOLIDAYS

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CONTENTS

4-5

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

12-13 TRAVEL

The windward islands of the Caribbean

Travel

16-17

JASON DONOVAN The country's favourite Antipodean

20

SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL SHOPPING Tips to make more of your wardrobe

22-24

JAMES MARTIN'S Great British Adventure

26-28 HOME

Light and space whatever the weather

THE DELIGHTS OF HOLIDAY COTTAGES IN CORNWALL

BY JENNIE CARR FROM SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR

34-39

WHAT'S ON A guide to what's happening in your region

48-49 HEALTH

Keeping you healthy with tips from 'your-doctor'

The Royal Clipper

James Martin's

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN

GREATH BRITISH ADVENTURE

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3

TWITTER

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TWITTERING ON

BY ANGELA KELLY

DO WE NEED A RADICAL APPROACH TO COMBAT ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR?

Certainly, victims of crime and communities blighted by anti-social behaviour would argue that ANYTHING that makes teens think twice about what they’re doing is worth trying.

cope well and viewers took to social media in a mixture of praise and concern.

There are many people (and I’m one of them) who are enthusiastic advocates of the short, sharp shock treatment and it’s plain that it can work.

I always admire the former drug addicts, reformed gang members and all-round bad boys and girls who go into schools to relate their own lives to youngsters in the hope of discouraging them from making such lifestyle mistakes.

T

HERE have been several programmes about how to tame rebellious teens over the years.

Let’s face it, this is not a new problem and, much as the older generation would like to think they would never behave like that, it’s a fair bet that some of us did once.

But what really works? We’ve seen the army bootcamp idea which certainly had some amazing results but a recent Channel 4 series, Banged Up: Teens Behind Bars had a novel if radical approach.

Their stories can resonate with younger people in a way that a dozen timely warnings or cautionary tales from parents just can’t.

Parents and grandparents sometimes find communication with teens difficult, anyway.

There is often a natural antipathy on the part of teens for older generations, mainly because they sincerely believe they “couldn’t possibly understand” their lives even though they were teens once themselves.

By having more and different systems and methods in place to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour, we offer hope to families and whole communities.

This put eight British teens between 15 and 17 - who had got into trouble with the law in the UK for anti-social behaviour - to one of Florida’s toughest prisons. As well as being alongside some very hardened criminals, they were given tasks and had to endure a variety of physical education “punishments”.

Prisons and young offender institutions today don’t always have the necessary capacity or cash to cope with a possible influx of young prisoners. In any event, youngsters may come out with more criminal “skills” than when they went in.

In the final episode, they were taken to the morgue to be shown the bodies of murdered gang members. Unsurprisingly, they did not

I know that TV programmes like the Banged Up series look at an extreme way of dealing with wayward youngsters but perhaps we need extreme answers today.

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Success story makes anything seem possible RAGS to riches type success stories always stir the blood but, quite often, you just can’t see yourself emulating this.

Sally Fielding’s route to an extremely successful company is the exception, however. She started her holiday homes’ company in Keswick, Cumbria, more than 15 years ago with just £1,000 and it has since become a multi-million pound company.

Her business, Sally’s Cottages, is the only independent holiday lettings company for more than 100 cottages in the Lake District as others have been bought out by larger firms.

Sally started the company in her spare bedroom and the first year earned £6,000. This was in a little village called Eskdale but it wasn’t long before a neighbour, having seen how Sally had got so many bookings for her own cottage, asked Sally to take on hers.

By the end of that year, she was looking after three cottages, all in Eskdale, and now has 500 throughout Cumbria. Her story is not only inspiring but actually seems still achievable by the determined today.

Sally not only built up her company in a solid and consistent way but she works in one of the most beautiful areas of the country every day.

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THE DELIGHTS OF HOLIDAY COTTAGES IN CORNWALL

BY JENNIE CARR FROM SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR Land’s End

Engine House

T

here is no doubt that Cornwall gets in your blood, and more specifically, North Cornwall down to Land’s End. What happens as you drive along the A30, traffic jams abounding in the summer, is a change of pace, a return to a simpler life and the reality of nature. It seems that when you arrive at Indian Queen’s, the turnoff for Newquay, you really do enter a different country. The black and white flag of the county is in abundance, as a sign of tourist affection but also on occasion as a result of the strong sense of identity and separateness of a place so far away from London. We’re off to stay in a rented cottage, a treat we’ve enjoyed over the years, starting when the children were small and continuing now as we embrace our empty nester status. That said, we’ve still had some jolly times, hosting our adult brood and their partners in a larger house, with space for us all! We’ve stayed in some quirky places, houses so different to our own, and choosing a

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different one each year has become a pleasant evening’s pastime, adding to our anticipation of time in Cornwall. Just mentioning the name makes me think of barbeques on the beach, superb fresh fish dinners in humblelooking pubs and a sense of freedom.

Suburbia it is not!

A visit to the Eden Project at St Austell takes you to other worlds. Here under space age biomes, plants from across the globe flourish. The largest rainforest in captivity is remarkable, remember to take water, it’s really hot. The gardens are wonderful, however this is just the beginning – the food is good, the education centre for youngsters exceptional and the calendar of events reaches all ages. If ecology and sustainability is your bag, the Eden project will inform and delight.

I always leave feeling amazed by the planet we live on and keen to grow the most unsuitable plants in my Home Counties garden.

Another serious favourite is the Minack Theatre at Porthcurno. If you like a view, you’ll find it here! It is the astonishing result of human inspiration and intervention on a cliff face. The seats are not quite, but almost, vertically hanging above the stage, looking out to sea. When I saw Kneehigh Theatre’s ‘Tristan and Isolde’, swarms of pirates (all actors) climbed the cliff face to appear at the edge of the stage, terrifying us all. Every production utilises the dramatic setting to tremendous effect. We have celebrated birthdays there, wrapped in rugs and fleeces (the show must go on), marvelling at the actors’ ability to withstand the elements. For summer performances, book as soon as possible.

And so to the beaches, glorious, varied and wild.You cannot tame the sea! The surfing is excellent, my knees and stamina now sadly lacking, so graceful body boarding has taken its place. All ages, all shapes and all abilities

Watergate Bay

plunge into the waves in wetsuits, tee shirts and the hardy in swimsuits. The water on the north shore is, after all, the Atlantic. Polzeath is a real pull for families of tourists, you park on the beach, with shops close by providing everything you could ever want. And, years of experience tell me, you are bound to bump in to someone you know! Other favourites are Watergate Bay, famous for Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant (good food, book early), excellent walking along the cliff tops, and the chance of spotting a basking shark too. Fistral Bay in Newquay hosts many world famous surfing competitions, being a spectator now satisfies the daredevil in me. Try Sennen too, just before Land’s End, for wild waves and a great beachside restaurant. My ultimate favourite is Gwenver, we sat on the cliff top, drinking wine (you do need to bring your own), watching the sunset as dolphins played in the bay. It was nature for real, magical and unforgettable.

Art lovers are in for a treat too. Galleries in Newlyn, St Ives and Mousehole offer a huge range from the frankly tacky to the excellent, much of it homegrown. The Penlee Museum in Penzance contains unexpected joys, more

traditional but equally worthy of merit to those in the Tate and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden in St Ives. St Just, a place time nearly forgot, surprised me with a couple of quality artist owned galleries.

Once you start to look and poke about off the immediate tourist track, little treasures emerge, the Essex Tyler gallery in Mousehole and Badcocks in Newlyn being fine examples.

Everywhere you go, proud chimneys of decaying tin mines litter the countryside, testament to the importance the industry once played. To really get under the skin of this county, a visit to Geevor tin mine at Pendeen is a must.You can go into the mine and visit the works, guided by a retired Cornish miner. It’s eerie, poignant and a further reminder of the importance of the physical world in Cornwall. What hit me most was that this mine only closed in 1990, and yet the conditions seem Victorian, if not earlier. Cornish miners were famous and travelled worldwide, in fact more Cornish pasties are sold in Bolivia than in Cornwall, or so I’m told.

Each evening, having had our fill of sea, sand, village wanderings and, if our luck’s been in, a fabulous sunset, we return to our cottage, delighted to be staying, once again, in our favourite county!

Take your National Trust card and walking boots, visit Tintagel, eat in Padstow – the list is endless. Cornwall is an exceptional county (country maybe), with mystery, history and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

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visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, in which we will visit; Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Ironbridge and Tollhouse, Jackfield Tile Museum and Blists Hill Victorian Town. Our next full day takes us to Telford, which provides a huge range of things to do, see and experience for everyone, whatever the weather. We will then continue our travels onto the Royal Air Force Wmuseum.

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NEW 2020 BROCHURE Moving PEOPLE Shropshire in its Glory OUT SOON!

£359

Say farewell to w of entertainment, music, dancing and delicious meals to help you see in the new year in true Scottish River Severn shapes much of Shropshire with the spectacular Ironbridge Gorge, set either side. It has indoor and hotel is based in the popular seaside resort ofoffer south with sea front and fantastic e outdoor museums which visitorsAyrshire a chance to step backits in charming history andSupplements experience the sights and sounds of Date Days Cost the Gorge’s past, from the start of the Industrial Revolution in the early 1700s to the Victorian era 100 years later.

Single Insurance

2019 DOOR TO DOOR HOLIDAYS GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 Shropshire in its Glory £359 Friday 29th November to INCLUDED £359 £21.50 4 £45 Our choice of hotel: Monday THE BUCKATREE HALL 2nd December INCLUDED Hogmanay Celebrations MERCURE AYR HOTEL Our choice of hotel:

4 DAYS

Nestled below The Wrekin a popular landmark within the County, the Buckatree Hall offers excellent facilities with a picturesque location. In the 1960’s the Hall was opened as Buckatree Hall Hotel and Country Club but the Buckatree Hall returned to family ownership in September 2010 and has since been lovingly refurbished to today’s high standard. With its elegant restaurant with lake views, and a relaxed bar and lounge. This hotel has lift access to some rooms.

Door-to-Door pickups All coach travel Meal stop on the outward and 4 DAYS return journeys 2 full day excursions 1 half day excursion 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Tea & coffee on arrival 2 nights entertainment Porterage

£519

The hotel is in the heart of the historic seaside town, ideally located for the esplanade and exploring the Ayrshire coastline. The hotel boasts the perfect way to relax at the end of the day, with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa pool if you should wish. The beautiful Itinerary hotel provides superb coastal views with classically decorated rooms offering all the facilities We travel to Telford for a great weekend in Shropshire, with a meal stop en route, before at our hotel where we will havehotel tea & coffee us. On the first full day we will that you will need to make your stay aarriving comfortable one.

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visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, in which we will visit; Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Ironbridge and Tollhouse, Jackfield Tile Museum and Blists Hill Victorian Town. Our next full day takes us to Telford, which provides a huge range of things to do, see and experience for everyone, whatever the weather. We will then continue our travels onto the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, to explore this fabulous air museum. On our final day, after breakfast we will make our way to Shrewsbury, which is full of higgledy-piggledy streets with names you want to say out loud and its gorgeous black & white buildings. A mix of the very old and the very new and the quirky and the one-off. We will then continue our journey back to Lancashire with a meal stop en route to meet our Door-to-Door transport to take you home.

Itinerary

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River Severn shapes much ofmuch Shropshire with the spectacular Gorge, setIronbridge either side. It Gorge, has indoorset andeither side. It has indoor and River Severn shapes of Shropshire with Ironbridge the spectacular 4 DAYS outdoor museums which offer visitors a chance to step back in history and experience the sights and sounds of outdoor museums offer visitors a chance to step back history experience the sights and sounds of the Gorge’s past, from thewhich start of the Industrial Revolution in the early 1700s to thein Victorian eraand 100 years later. the Gorge’s past, from the start the Industrial Revolution in the early 1700s to the Victorian eraof100 years Sayof farewell to 2019 in style with our Hogmanay holiday.

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INCLUDED Date Days

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THE BUCKATREE HALL

Insurance

£519

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INCLUDED Door-to-Door pickups Door-to-Door pickups All coachAlltravel coach travel Meal the outward outward and Meal stop ononthe and 01254 8720 return journeys return journeys Welcome drink reception 2 full day excursions 3 nights New Years’ Package Nightly entertainment 1 half day excursion full day excursion 3 nights 1Porterage dinner, bed & breakfast Tea & coffee on arrival 2 nights entertainment Porterage

MERCURE AYR HOTEL

01254 872000 www.movingpeopleltd.co.uk

Itinerary

Supplements

Days We Cost everyone,Date whatever the weather. will then continue our travels onto the Royal Air Force Single Insurance Museum Cosford, to explore this fabulous air museum. On our final day, after breakfast we Friday 29th November to will make our way to Shrewsbury, which of higgledy-piggledy streets with names you Supplements £359 is full £45 £21.50 4 Monday 2nd December Days want to say out loud and its gorgeous black Date & white buildings.

A mixCost of the very old and Single Insurance the very new and the quirky and the one-off. We will then continue our journey back to 01254 872000 Monday 30th December to Lancashire with a meal stop en route toWednesday meet our2nd Door-to-Door transport to take you £60 home. £519 £23.50 4 January

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Supplements

Sayfarewell farewell to in 2019 in style with our Hogmanay holiday. celebrate of the year with a host 31 872000 Say to 2019 style with our Hogmanay holiday.

We celebrate our last We holiday of the yearour with last a hostholiday 01254 Date Days Cost of entertainment, music, dancing and delicious meals to help you see in the new year in true Scottish style.

Our Single of entertainment, music, dancing and delicious meals to Insurance help you see in the new year in true Scottish style. Our hotel is based in the popular seaside resort of south Ayrshire with its charming sea front and fantastic esplanade. hotel based in the to popular seaside resort of south Ayrshire with its charming sea front and fantastic esplanade.

Fridayis29th November

Monday 2nd December Our choice of hotel:

MERCURE AYR HOTEL

Our choice of hotel:

4

£359

£45

£21.50

INCLUDED

01254 872000

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Porterage

Expect new tours such as: Royal Windsor, Tenby and the Peak District to name a few...

with a host style. Our esplanade.

her husband Tor McLaren who extend a 01254 872000 warm welcome to all visitors. Magnificently Holker is the home of Lucy Cavendish and

situated only a short distance from Grangeover-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay, the Estate is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into parkland, framed by the Lakeland Hills.

on ackage

KESWICK – MARKET DAY This beautiful and vibrant town is situated

NEW!! STOCKELD ILLUMINATIONS

shopping facilities and an outdoor market.

Maybe a visit to the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery located near the old railway station.

This exciting and enchanting festive day excursion is the perfect day out for all ages. Set in award winning Stockeld Park’s Enchanted Forest, the Winter Illuminations are Yorkshire’s premier light event.

29 on Derwentwater and it has excellent

Friday 11th October

Saturday 19th October

Sunday 17th November

Adult: £28 Senior: £27 Child: £14

Adult: £21 Senior: £20 Child: £5

Adult/Senior: £31 Child: £20

First pickup point & time Barnoldswick 07:30am

First pickup point & time Blackburn 07:30am

First pickup point & time Blackburn 11.30am

NEW!! DICKENSIAN FESTIVAL

CHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS OR CHESHIRE OAKS - CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

CASTLE HOWARD AT CHRISTMAS The magnificent Christmas trees, decked with hundreds of baubles and lights, lead the way through this enchanting family home. Enjoy the dramatic 18th century interiors, beautifully lit by fire and candlelight.

000

www.movingpeopleltd.co.uk

2019 DAY EXCURSIONS

HOLKER HALL & GARDENS

nd

T: 01254 872000

A wonderful family event in the traditional market town of Ulverston. Ulverston puts on a tremendous show each year, with hundreds of stalls, free entertainment, period costume competition, Queen Victoria, Santa and Mr Bumble. Cosy cafés and pubs, independent shops and the Christmas Lights Switch on.

Join us for a festive day in Chester at the Christmas Markets with over 70 traditional wooden chalets or grab a bargain at Cheshire Oaks in all its festive glory We will drop off and pick up in the above order.

Friday 22nd November

Sunday 24th November

Tuesday 3rd December

Adult: £34 Senior: £33 Child: £20

Adult/Senior: £20 Child: £5

Adult: £18 Senior: £17 Child: £5

First pickup point & time Blackburn 07:30am

First pickup point & time Barnoldswick 08:00am

First pickup point & time Barnoldswick 08.00am

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YORK ST NICHOLAS FAYRE Victorian costume traders, carol singers and delicious smells of roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate set the mood for the beginning of the festive period! Open air stalls are spread across several streets in the city during this very special event.

THE BODYGUARD MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE The international, award-winning smashhit musical based on the blockbuster film, THE BODYGUARD is back! Following her triumphant West End run and sell- out UK Tour, ALEXANDRA BURKE returns to the role of Rachel Marron.

Saturday 7th December

Thursday 12th December

Adult: £25 Senior: £23 Child: £5

£49 All Classes

First pickup point & time Blackburn 07:00am

First pickup point & time Barnoldswick 16:00pm

Our Door To Door Holidays Include: TRAVEL INSURANCE AND FULL FINANCIAL SECURITY SO BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

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GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 Moving People Ltd, Springfield Garage, Blackburn Road, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 4NA

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THE ROYAL CLIPPER - THE WINDWARD ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN

BY DEBBIE MARSHALL, SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR. a great sense of humour, with a different animal each day fashioned from the towels which gave a real sense of anticipation when returning to the cabin!

There’s one main restaurant with an upper lounge area and choice of bars and two decks. Free tea and coffee are available 24/7 (a great place to meet fellow Brits). Outside, there’s the tropical bar on the main deck, and a spacious upper deck with three small swimming pools and plenty of loungers in amongst the ropes and other workings of the ship.

“I absolutely must go on that ship.” Carolyn (a vibrant 65 year old Norwegian, now on her fourth Star Clippers cruise) explained over a sundowner rum punch that she had been in Barbados a few years earlier on board a large cruise liner, and her eyes were drawn across the marina to the most beautiful sailing ship she had ever seen. It was love at first sight, and she has never looked back.

There were many such tales on board the Royal Clipper. At the captain’s ‘returners’ drinks party on the upper deck, almost half of the guests (out of 200 or so) assembled to toast their much-loved ship and cruise line, and of course to compare notes - how many cruises, which ships, which destinations, personal favourites, and who were the staff and crew members they recognised (and importantly, who recognised them, even down to their personal taste in wine).

Loyalty like that can’t be bought - it’s deep in the soul of the warm-hearted and friendly guests and staff who return year after year.

The secret? The essence of a Star Clippers voyage is that it’s a genuine sailing experience on board the largest full-rigged ship in the world with all of the comfort, superb dining and service of a 5 star cruise.

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“I still want to enjoy sailing but not with all that responsibility.” This time it was George’s turn to explain why he had the Star Clippers bug. A retired civil servant from Massachusetts, he had captained many a small yacht in the past and still wanted to experience the buzz from travelling by sail power. His wife however, preferred luxury holidays with a little pampering in the sun.

The two of them had found the perfect solution to ensure marital harmony for their golden years.

January is the perfect time of year for a Caribbean cruise. Escaping from the UK with a direct flight to Barbados and then a quick hop to join the Royal Clipper, transitioning from the chill to the warmth in just a few hours. And what a welcoming ship it is, by far the most elegant and photogenic in the port, a vision of beauty with comfort and charm in equal measures.

The cabins are well-appointed with an excellent shower room, TV (with a choice of free movies on DVD) and an easy walk to the restaurant (although no lift). There’s no getting lost with just three levels of cabins (the upper floor with balconies), the lower with double portholes. Our steward had

Cruising with Star Clippers is delightfully informal and relaxed, so getting to know other guests on board is very much part of the experience. Visit the top deck and watch the mechanics of the sailing experience, the moving of the masts, the hoisting of the sails, the endless adjustments to set them and even a chance to climb the rigging and visit the engine room. With 56,000 square feet of sail and a mast height of 197ft there’s a constant movement of the crew as they go about their jobs with quiet professionalism and pride; this is very much a working ship and you feel right at the heart of its operation.

Wander to the front and there’s the captain standing on the bridge directing his crew with understated but absolute authority.

And an unbeatable theatre took place one afternoon when we watched the man himself scale to the very top of the mast on an unscheduled working visit. Perched at almost 200 feet in the air, with a fresh wind, he was completely at ease in his surroundings. It certainly must beat a desk job!

After just a day or two, life on board the Royal Clipper established a delightful and relaxed daily routine. Rising early to enjoy the sunrise with a dazzling display of oranges and pinks through the clouds and over the hills of the islands, accompanied by the water performance of the flying fish and the birds swooping to catch them on their brief dart

Some prefer the smaller Star Clipper and Star Flyer which tend to heel over with a fuller sailing experience; and others are faithful to the larger Royal Clipper which is buffeted less by big seas and so provides a more stable voyage. But make no mistake, both are true sailing ships. To add to the discussion, there’s a new ship on the way, rumoured to be called the Flying Clipper, which will be longer, taller and will have a capacity for three hundred guests.

out of the water. Then with my appetite likewise awakened, it was high time for a buffet breakfast (the bread choice and quality alone rivalled any top hotel), and the not too arduous task of deciding on the plan for the day ahead. The ship called in at a different island each day (St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique), and a carefully selected range of excursions were on offer on most islands.

Usually we would return to the ship for lunch which was also a buffet with different themes each day (including a fabulous beach barbecue in Antigua - what a way to lunch in style!), and any thought of hunger later in the afternoon was soon dispelled by a fabulous tea served at 5pm in the tropical bar area where a soulful singer and keyboard player entertained.

Then it would be time to ascend to the upper deck, cameras at the ready, to savour the setting sun, cocktail of the day in hand, and enjoy the Sailaway - the highlight for many guests. Dramatic and emotional music (Vangelis, `1492 Conquest of Paradise’ – one of those tunes you recognise but can’t quite place) provides the atmosphere while the crew hoist the sails, the captain watches over and the guests step to the side of the incredible web of ropes and pulleys, some with a tear in their eye as our elegant ship sets sail for the next destination.

Back-to-back cruises were recommended, taking in two weeks (and in fact a good number of guests were staying on board to do just that, with a week’s cruise in the Grenadines beginning as we reluctantly disembarked). Others raved about the Rome to Venice cruise, an island tour of Sicily and an Atlantic crossing. The only choice appears to be which of the clippers to book and when. There really is no other choice - a love affair that is destined to last.

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Star Clippers’ three magnificent, fully crewed tall ships sail in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and south east Asia. A 7 night Caribbean sailing costs from £2,479pp, including return flights from London, non-uk transfers, one night pre-cruise stay at The Sugar Cane Club, and breakfast, lunch and dinner on board and port charges. Star Clippers reservations visit www. starclippers.co.uk or call 0808 231 4798.

Call us today on; 01706 507175 Or email; info@cbttravel.co.uk

Dinner is a la carte, where guests can choose to sit separately to eat if they choose, although it’s more interesting to be on a mixed table for 6 or 8 and join in the lively discussions with many different nationalities. Evening entertainment was very informal, with a highlight being a steel band.

For guests who love to discover sea life, snorkelling equipment is available free of charge, and for those who prefer a little self-indulgence, there’s also an excellent spa with a range of treatments. And a gym should all that wonderful food be resulting in a couple of unwelcome extra inches around the waist.

The seven days went by all too fast, with experiences to savour that will last a lifetime. New friendships made, stories told and a true sense of well-being shared; it is rare to find a group of guests who are collectively having such a ball - usually making their own entertainment but also enjoying the talent show, or cheering the staff as they danced around the restaurant on the final night!

So where to next? I consulted with Carolyn, George and many other guests on board. What were their future plans and could they inspire me? There are currently three ships in the Star Clippers fleet, and loyalties are divided as to personal favourites.

Specialists in luxury hotels, plantation inns, twin and multi island holidays in the Caribbean and beyond • We take the worry out of choosing the right hotel and resort to suit your requirements and needs • We take care of everything from submitting passport details to arranging travel insurance • Include fast track security at the airport • Make sure somebody will be there to meet you when you get off the plane • All holidays ATOL protected

www.caribbeanboutique.co.uk 423 Helmshore Rd, Helmshore, Rossendale,BB4 4JR

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WARNING:

DIVORCE DOES NOT END FINANCIAL CLAIMS

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LEGAL

M

any people think that when they’re clutching their Decree Absolute, that this is the end of the matter. Few realise that spouses can each still make financial claims against the other if they have not obtained a clean break financial order from the court.

There are different ways of resolving financial claims;

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We provide #GreatKBLsupport for individuals and businesses across the North West.

Victoria Melling, KBL Solicitors Head of Family Law

1) Directly with your spouse 2) Via mediation 3) Using collaborative law 4) Arbitration 5) Via solicitors 6) By issuing financial remedy proceedings with the court.

If you manage to agree a financial settlement without financial proceedings being issued then to ensure this is legally binding it is essential that you get the agreement incorporated into a court order. If the agreement is intended to be in full and final settlement of all financial claims arising from the marriage then it is also essential that the consent order records this and dismisses all future financial claims, whether these be relating to lump sums, maintenance, property or pensions.

The only other way of bringing an end to financial claims after divorce is remarriage because there is no time limit on when a financial claim can be brought. It is not uncommon for people to bring financial claims years after they have separated and/or divorced. However this may prejudice your claim as the court will consider the circumstances and the needs of the parties as they stand at the time the matter comes before the court and not as they were at the time the parties separated.

Even remarriage will not always stop a financial claim. For example if you were the Petitioner in the divorce and you included a financial claim in your divorce petition then the fact you have remarried will not prevent you from making a financial claim against your former spouse.

Resolution of financial matters is a complex area, therefore if you are looking to issue your own divorce it is still always worthwhile to seek advice from a family lawyer to ensure you are protected.

In many cases where matters are agreed, we are able to offer fixed fees to deal with the divorce and obtain a financial consent order.

For a free no obligation appointment please call

Your greatest supporter For great family law support, call KBL • Divorce/Dissolution of Civil Partnerships • Cohabitation Agreements • Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements • Financial Settlements • Child Arrangements • Parental Responsibility • Separation Agreements

www.kbl.co.uk BLACKBURN 12 Cunningham Court Blackburn BB1 2QX 01254 268790 BOLTON

BLACKBURN: Victoria Melling on 01254 268790

email: VMelling@kbl.co.uk

28 Mawdsley Street

BOLTON:

01204 527777

Ceri Thomas on 01204 527777 email: cthomas@kbl.co.uk

Bolton BL1 1LF

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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JASON DONOVAN

THE COUNTRY’S FAVOURITE ANTIPODEAN

J

ASON Donovan was having an extremely busy time when we spoke but looking forward to a well-earned break with his family.

Well, not content with undergoing a hectic schedule of “an evening with…” type show dates right across the UK, the popular Aussie was also in the middle of co-producing a forthcoming tour of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”.

As this was his first time as a producer rather than starring in the quirky iconic hit musical (based on the comedy drama film) chronicling the adventures of three friends travelling across Australia – he was meeting new challenges.

But then, possibly the country’s favourite antipodean has always been keen to take on new challenges when it comes to his career.

The youngster with the squeaky clean image and the then fashionable mullet hair-do first came into Brits’ consciousness on our TV screens in Aussie soap Neighbours in the 1980s as Scott Robinson.

He had been born in Melbourne, the son of actor Terence Donovan (who was Doug Willis in Neighbours). After his parents separated, Jason lived with his father and made his first TV appearance at 11 in a guest role in a series called Skyways in 1980.

He went into Neighbours in 1986 and his character quickly became a favourite, not least because of his burgeoning onscreen teen romance with pretty Charlene Mitchell, alias Kylie Minogue.

Jason won a Logie Award – the first of many – as Best New Talent in 1987 and also appeared in a World War II mini-series The Heroes which broadened his acting credentials.

Scott and Charlene’s romance and subsequent wedding on Neighbours had, by then, firmly established the couple in the public’s mind. So, when Kylie decamped to the UK to a recording contract and an association with Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman’s hits’ stable, it was inevitable that Jason would follow.

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As a result, Jason and Kylie singing together created a monster hit for “Especially For You” before Jason’s own single “Too Many Broken Hearts”, reached No.1. His debut album “Ten Good Reasons” also topped the album charts and his next single - a cover of Brian Hyland’s “Sealed With A Kiss” - leapt to the top of the singles’ charts. Jason was here to stay.

More hit singles and albums followed. In tandem with his musical career, though, Jason branched out into a theatrical career.

He accepted the lead role in the re-staged London Palladium version of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” and had

a UK No.1 hit single with “Any Dream Will Do” from the show.

Now, the lad from Neighbours was not only a pop star but also a bankable box-office musical star.

The ‘90s proved more challenging for Jason with a damaging libel action against The Face magazine and a struggle with his own drugs’ demons. But, a determination that has been the trademark of his career and his undoubted talent won through and in 1998, he took the lead role of Dr Frank N Further in the UK to9uring production of “The Rocky Horror Show”.

During this time, he met stage manager Angela Malloch who became his partner; the couple have since had three children and live happily in London.

Other roles in stage musicals, successful tours, numerous TV shows then and since and taking part in jungle reality show “I’m A Celebrity ….. Get Me Out Of Here!” have all helped cement the likeable Aussie into the UK entertainment scene.

In 2008, he released his first album for 15 years Let It Be Me and the following year appeared for the first time in the London stage musical production of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”. At home, the film had “already been part of my life for many years,” he explained during a break from touring at his London home.

His main role as Tick, a drag queen, showed not only Jason’s versatility but also his sense of fun and willingness to challenge himself.

His love of the show has lasted 10 years and taken him on many tours.

“So when I was asked if I wanted to try co-producing, I decided straight away,” he stated. “I already loved the product and to be successful as a producer you have to believe in it first.”

This new “role” has proved fascinating. ”It’s very different from being in a show,” he added. “For a start, you have to find the money which is another challenge.You have to flex other muscles.”

However, he managed to maintain his original links with the show by reading through with the actors “which I really enjoyed”. The new show, which starts a comprehensive tour at venues from Milton Keynes to Manchester, promises to be “quite different”.

Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden is taking over the role that Jason made his own and Jason is completely complimentary about Joe’s skills. “He’s doing a fantastic job,” he commented.

They were just about to go into the rehearsal stage and the whole venture was providing an interesting juggling act for Jason, also mid-tour with his “Amazing Mid-Life Crisis” show.

This had definitely meant stepping out of his comfort zone but Jason was loving the

different format of a conversation show, sharing moments from the last four decades.

“I’m quite an honest person,” insisted Jason, now 50, “so I try to tell people quite honestly about my life. It’s a format that seems to work and audiences have been very warm. In fact it’s all about the audience.”

Jason described the show as a “cross between Parkinson and Baz Luhrmann” and it is certainly going well: the tour includes a large number of sell-out dates with more added from the original schedule.

Is it not draining, though, talking about yourself on such an intense tour? “Not when you’ve had to get used to giving eight stage performances a week for months and not being home for six months at a time,” laughed Jason.

And with that, it was back to his clutch of current exciting roles and yet another chapter in the fascinating life of Jason Donovan.

* For more information about “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” go to www.priscillauktour.com and about “Jason Donovan and his Amazing Mid-Life Crisis Show” to www.jasondonovan.com 17

WHY IT PAYS TO WRITE A WILL ‌

I

f you have assets including savings and property, the chances are that you have some idea of who you would like them to go to after your death – and that someone is not usually the taxman.

If you want to make sure the wealth that you have worked so hard for during your working life goes where you want to in the event of your death, estate planning is key.

But where do you start, and how do you make sure your loved ones get the most out of your estate?

Phil Taylor, Partner at Farleys Solicitors and a specialist in Wills, Trust and Probate matters answers some of your frequently asked questions.

What is estate planning and why is it important?

Put simply, estate planning is the process of maximising your assets while minimising

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your liabilities, with a view to ensuring that the maximum benefit possible passes in accordance with your wishes in the event of your death.

Without it, dealing with your affairs may be unduly stressful, costly and time consuming

for those who are left behind. If you die without a properly drawn Will, the question of who inherits from your estate may be unclear or worse not in accordance with your wishes and inheritance tax may also reduce your financial legacy.

Estate planning is the process of making sure that your family and loved ones are provided for adequately. A well-structured Will can ensure that assets are kept within the family and are passed on down the generations.

It can also involve identifying and taking steps to reduce the potential inheritance tax liabilities of your estate and the creation of Lasting Powers of Attorney to ensure that your affairs are managed appropriately should you lose the mental capacity to deal with matters for yourself in the future.

LEGAL

In addition the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) came into effect on 6 April 2017.

For deaths that occur after that date, some estates can now claim the RNRB on top of the existing nil rate band allowance. The RNRB is currently £150,000 rising to £175,000 per person from April 2020.

Why make a Will?

If you do not have a properly drawn up Will, intestacy rules will govern who benefits from your estate, whether this is in accordance with your wishes or not.

For example, there is no such thing as a common law husband or wife, so if you are living with your partner but not married or in a civil partnership, they may not inherit anything if you die without leaving a valid Will.

The rules relating to the NRB and RNRB can be complicated and not everyone will qualify. It is therefore essential that professional advice is sought in order to ensure that all available allowances are utilised for the benefit of your estate in the event of your death.

What do I need to know about inheritance tax?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate of someone who has died, including all property, possessions and money.

Any inheritance tax which is payable is usually paid out of the estate reducing the amount which is available for the beneficiaries of the estate. Certain exemptions are available for example in terms of bequests to a surviving spouse or civil partner or to a registered charity and special reliefs may be available in respect of agricultural or business property.

There is normally no tax to be paid if: • The value of your estate is below the Nil Rate Band (NRB) of £325,000, or • You leave everything above the threshold to your spouse or civil partner, or • You leave everything above the threshold to an exempt beneficiary such as a charity

A properly drawn Will ensures that any available exemptions or reliefs are

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maximised with a view to preserving as much of the estate as possible.

Why might a trust help?

Setting up a trust allows you to set aside assets either during your lifetime or on your death often for the benefit of family or friends; and is overseen by Trustees appointed by you.

There are several different types of trusts, depending on your aim: they can be used to protect assets while you are still alive or after your death or to make sure that the maximum financial benefit possible will be passed on to your loved ones.

Who can help?

To discuss estate planning in more detail, please get in touch with our team who are always happy to discuss individual cases with clients and provide you with initial advice.

Contact us now on: 01254 368 674, visit www.farleys.com or email us on info@farleys.com.

Life is rarely straightforward...

But we believe the law should be.

For a secure and comfortable future for your loved ones, it pays to plan ahead. Whether you want to write or update a Will, make a lasting Power of Attorney, or deal with the affairs of a loved one who has passed away, Farleys’ expert lawyers can offer all of the legal support that you need.

Our specialist Private Client services include: - Wills & Probate - Inheritance Act Claims - Lasting Powers of Attorney

- Court of Protection - Contentious Probate and Will Disputes - Professional Deputyship

- Estate Planning & Asset Protection - Intestacy

01254 368 674 @FarleysLaw www.farleys.com Legal expertise with a down to earth approach

Offices in Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington, Preston & Manchester

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FASHION

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you! Remember that the colours you see on screen, may not be accurate to what arrives in the post – if it’s wrong, send it back!

Buy smart: a bargain is only a bargain if you actually wear it. Many people make the common mistake of buying an item just because it is on ‘sale’. Don’t buy on impulse. Never buy anything in the sale you wouldn’t pay full price for! Similarly buying the season’s latest fashion could be a waste of money if it doesn’t suit you! There is nothing wrong with being interested in the latest trends but only if they suit your shape, colour and clothing personality.

SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL SHOPPING

M

ost major shopping mistakes come from buying outfits. That’s how clothes are displayed in the shop so that’s what we think we should buy, but that way we end up with loads of clothes and only ever have a few outfits. Buy individual items that are the perfect colour and style for you and they will all work together to build an amazing wardrobe that really works for you and your lifestyle’

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Always bear in mind if a new piece you are considering buying needs dry cleaning or hand washing. Does it fit with your lifestyle? Will you wear it enough times?

A Capsule Wardrobe is a timeless clothing collection which you can use to make unlimited combinations to suit any occasion and stops those moments of panic about what to wear! Before you decide to keep or buy any garment, think does this make me look and feel fabulous? Does it flatter my shape and colouring? Does it work with my lifestyle – will I actually wear it? Is the price acceptable?

Before you go shopping be ruthless!

Keep garments only if you feel good wearing them and remove those that you never wear, especially ones you haven’t worn for over a year, or that you have several similar and cheap versions of.

Your clothes should accentuate you and your personality, not cover you up. By reviewing your wardrobe and removing rogue garments you can identify what is required preshopping.

When shopping online always choose by colour, size, style and the detail. Read the reviews, be clear on the return policy, check the size chart and look at the detailed photos.

Vitally always edit your basket and only buy what you need, and what will fit and suit

Be colour confident by knowing what colours truly suit you. Learn which colours brighten your eyes, make your skin look radiant and create a glowing, healthy and confident you. These may not be the colours that you have been wearing for the last 10 years! You will be amazed at how many compliments you get when you wear the right colours!

Make your clothes work hard for you by investing in some timeless pieces that will last for years, such as coats, handbags and shoes.

Choose some accessories that will transform an outfit. Be aware of what accessories really suit you. Is gold better for you than silver?

Chunky bracelets or dainty bracelets? Big or small earrings?

HELEN VENABLES Managing Director www.houseofcolour.co.uk

Many people buy the wrong size. Buy for the size that you are now and resist the urge to buy for the shape you think or hope you might be in the future! If you don’t like the number on the size label – cut it out!

IN STORE

SALE

NOW ON

up to 50% o ff

• 2019/2020 NEW COLLECTIONS ARRIVING DAILY •

Fancy Frocks is a Mother of the Bride/Groom, Wedding Guests, Race Day, Cruise and Evening Wear specialist based in Clitheroe in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

Fancy Frocks is run by highly experienced mother and daughter team Rebecca and Sarah. In store we have selected a large array of collections from many different designers around the world with accessories, handbags, and shoes to compliment that perfect look. Rainbow shoes and handbags dyeing service available in-store to match any outfit. Viewing is simply a must.

Phone: 01200 422405 Email: info@fancyfrocks.co.uk Web: www.fancyfrocks.co.uk

OPENING TIMES Monday – Appointment only (Popular, prior notice needed) Tuesday – 10am to 5pm

Wednesday – 11am to 4.30pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 10am to 5pm Sunday – Closed

7 York Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 2DL

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FOOD & DRINK

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JAMES MARTIN'S GREAT BRITISH ADVENTURE

CRAB CAKES WITH HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE Brown crabs are extremely commercially important and the crab fishery in British waters is one of the largest in the world, although the bulk of crabs are still exported to Spain and France. Brown crabs are found all over the British Isles where the rocks and weeds provide cover and, of course, the cold water. I’ve never eaten crab as good as the ones I tasted in Cromer and in the Orkney Islands on this trip.These cakes showcase the delicious flavour of fresh crab.

Start by making the mayonnaise. Whisk the egg yolks, mustard and vinegar together in a medium bowl until smooth. Slowly pour the vegetable oil into the bowl, starting with a little drizzle and whisking well. This is easiest to do with an electric hand whisk.

Continue to drizzle in the remaining oil, 22

whisking all the time, until the mixture has thickened. Season to taste.

Put the crab into a large bowl with the potatoes, spring onions, chives, lemon juice and egg yolk. Season and mix everything together well. Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Dust your hands with flour and form each into a round fish-cake shape roughly measuring 8–10cm in diameter and 2cm thick.

Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat until hot.

Drizzle with a little oil and pop the fish cakes in. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and heated through.You may need to do this in batches, depending on how big your pan is.

To serve, pop 2 crab cakes onto each plate, garnish each with watercress and a lemon wedge and serve with a dollop or a little pot of mayonnaise.

S E RVES 4 400g white crab meat 400g cooked potato, pushed through a ricer 6 spring onions, sliced small bunch of chives, chopped juice of 1/2 lemon 1 egg yolk sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 25g plain flour, for dusting olive oil, for frying For the mayonnaise 3 egg yolks 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 200ml vegetable oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve small bunch of watercress 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges

THE NORTH WEST’S

....

Bolton’s Award Winning Market Bolton market has over 200 stalls including a bustling food court serving food from all over the world, cafés complement our food offer, and we even have a licensed bar.

WHISKY CHICKEN WITH WILD MUSHROOM & MUSTARD SAUCE Heat a large, wide, non-stick sauté pan over a medium heat until hot.

Add the butter and heat until melted, then add the chicken pieces, skin-side down. Season them all, then fry for about 10 minutes, until deep golden. Stir in the shallots and garlic and cook for 3–4 minutes, until starting to soften.

Turn the chicken over so it’s skin-side up.

Pour the whisky into the pan and bring to a bubble to burn off the alcohol. Stir in both types of mustard, then add the potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes. Season well then stir in the stock, cover and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Cut through the thickest piece of meat and check there are no pink juices.

When the chicken is cooked, pour over the double cream and stir in the parsley. Add the wild garlic to the pan and cook for around 1 minute until it’s wilted, then remove from the heat, sprinkle the flowers over the top and serve.

S E RVES 6 25g butter 1 x 2-kg chicken, jointed into 8 portions Bolton sea salt and freshly ground Council black pepper 2 shallots, diced 1 garlic clove, chopped 50ml whisky 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon grainy mustard 200g new potatoes, halved 100g wild mushrooms 4 medium tomatoes, quartered 750ml chicken stock 75ml double cream small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped small bunch of wild garlic, plus wild garlic flowers to serve

You can buy everything from fresh fish, meat and game, locally sourced and exotic fruit and vegetables with speciality stalls selling deli meats and a huge selection of cheeses, plus there is a whole host of traditional stalls selling everything from furniture to flowers, bedding to broomsticks and much more.

Well worth a visit!

Bolton Market has it all.

Opening Times; Open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am-5pm.

How To Find Us Bolton Market, Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TQ. Contact: 01204 336825

Email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk

Visit our website for a list of special events and activities that we are running at the Market.

www.bolton.gov.uk

NABMA

the voice of markets

WINNER BEST FOOD MARKET 2017

“For Bolton’s Food & Drink Festival

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FOOD & DRINK

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BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING WITH CHERRY COMPOTE

S E RVES 6-8

The keys to a great bread and butter pudding have to be the egg and egg yolk combo, the cooking time and temperature of the oven.Too many eggs and it tastes eggy, too hot an oven and the mix will soufflé and split, too long in the oven and it will be too firm. When made right, it’s a great dessert and one that should be on menus around the country. By the way, Paul Ainsworth doesn’t make a bad one at Number 6 in Padstow.

METHOD Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan)/300°F/gas 2.

Butter each slice of bread on one side only, then cut off the crusts.

Slice each piece in half diagonally to make 2 triangles. Lay them in a 30 x 20cm ovenproof dish, overlapping each slice as you go.

To make the custard, put the eggs and egg yolks into a large bowl and add the sugar and vanilla bean paste. Whisk together to break down the eggs then pour in the milk and cream and continue to whisk until smooth. Pour as much of the mixture over the bread as possible to cover and set aside to soak for about 20 minutes – you won’t use all the custard at this stage. Keep topping up with more custard until all of it has been poured into the dish.

Transfer to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The pudding should be bubbling hot but not necessarily golden brown. To make the compote, put the cherries and sugar into a saucepan. Heat gently to dissolve the sugar then bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly and pour into a bowl.

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100g butter, at room temperature 1 loaf medium-sliced white bread 4 eggs 8 egg yolks 200g caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste 300ml milk 300ml double cream 2 tablespoons icing sugar For the compote 200g cherries, pitted 50g caster sugar

Dust the bread and butter pudding with the icing sugar and use a blow torch to caramelise the sugar or place it under a hot grill for a couple of minutes.

Spoon into bowls and serve with the compote alongside.

EXTRACTED FROM JAMES MARTIN’S GREAT BRITISH ADVENTURE BY JAMES MARTIN (QUADRILLE, £25) PHOTOGRAPHY © PETER CASSIDY

Rated ‘Excellent’ on

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HOME

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LIGHT AND SPACE WHATEVER THE WEATHER

for a local company where you can actually see examples of their work in a property.

The same applies to ORANGERIES and CONSERVATORIES. These are rather bigger projects but not only modernise and add welcome light and air to homes but also create valuable extra space. They may make the back of a house, for example, where you have available but redundant land into a contemporary addition that can transform daily living.

By creating a PATIO immediately outside your home, you offer another useful living space for whatever you want to do outdoors.

This is ideal for eating or entertaining al fresco or just sitting quietly reading a book when you want five minutes in the sunshine.

T

HE brighter days of Summer offer a chance to celebrate the best that Nature offers throughout our homes.

And whether you’ve got a gorgeous garden or a perfect patch for a little sunbathing, there are plenty of ideas that can soon bring the outdoors inside to enjoy fresh air, light and space - whatever the weather.

This is the time of year when we just want to throw open our doors and windows and let the sun shine in. So why not do just that?

BIFOLD DOORS are a brilliant addition to any home and can help everyone really make the most of garden greenery. They make a small kitchen seem much larger, pushing light through the house, and can create a wonderful entertaining area for those balmy Summer evenings when you have friends round for a barbecue and a few drinks.

The same applies to FRENCH WINDOWS which can quickly open up a room but allow you to keep those rooms cosy during chillier months.

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Take a good look at your WINDOWS, too.

Do they seem old-fashioned and gloomy?

It may be worth investing in the latest new frames and double-glazing to let light in and keep in warmth when you need it?

Try to choose suppliers via a positive reference from someone you know or opt

Creating PERGOLAS, GAZEBOS and ARBOURS also offer unusual areas in your garden to wander through or a quiet place to sit away from the house.

DECKING or paving slabs can make an equally useful patio but you might want to consider the ease of maintaining this area and how it fits in with the overall look of your garden.

GARDEN STUDIOS are especially popular currently.

The rise in people working from home has fuelled this interesting trend but this can equally be a gym or hobby area – or just somewhere to get away on your own.

There are garden studios in all shapes and sizes these days, offering a wealth of choice depending on your needs and your budget.

Nothing makes you feel relaxed, though, like the sound of running water so installing a WATER FEATURE, POND or FOUNTAIN can add a calming and attractive element to your garden. This can be as big or as small as you want it to be.

Garden centres usually offer a wide choice, for example.

Treat it with stain or preservation products initially to protect it from sunlight, water damage and mould and liven it up with large POTS and PLANTERS. Hanging baskets can also enhance this lovely sunny spot and the proximity to growing things can add to that image of bringing the outside inside.

illusion of more garden, even if you haven’t got much land, PATHS can give this clever impression. A winding path creates a fluid design that leads the eye onwards and you can also make a few smaller seating areas dotted around your garden which add to the idea of size.

A patio is also a natural route into your garden. And if you want to create the

Of course, if you’re after a separate place completely away from your property,

If you’re thinking bigger and fancy your own SWIMMING POOL, this an ideal way towards a healthier lifestyle and hours of fun for youngsters. It can be installed with its own cover to keep out leaves during Autumn and Winter or even its own purpose-built “home” which doesn’t bother about the British weather. The British Swimming Pool Federation offers plenty of ideas and advice on contractors on its website www.bspf. org.uk

THE REGROUT AND RESEAL SPECIALISTS • RE-GROUTING

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HOT TUBS have also become very popular in the UK in recent years – to be used all year round. Go to the British and Irish Spa Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) at www.bishta.co.uk for ideas, advice and to download a useful sheet with information on installation, maintenance and plenty more.

Investing in some new GARDEN FURNITURE can really brighten up your whole outdoor experience. Opt for flexible and hard-wearing – although stylish – items.

These days, garden furniture has really come of age with handsome and comfortable easychairs and sofas to encourage you to lounge about for hours!

A special BARBECUE area in your garden is always handy whether you’ve got a built-in barbecue or one on wheels to roll out when you need it. The beauty of having a dedicated barbecue area is that you can keep fuel, equipment and utensils in one handy place.

Unfortunately, even Summer days can be a bit chilly – especially evenings – so it’s well worth considering one or two PATIO HEATERS to ensure that everyone can enjoy being outside without getting cold.

Before you finalise any schemes for building in the garden, though, it’s worth planning out the actual garden itself to ensure you’re making the most of it. After all, if you want to spend plenty of time there – and “invite” plenty of the outdoors inside – it should really be the garden that you want.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) offers plenty of tips and ideas on its website https://www.rhs.org.uk including garden designs, what plants to use and even how to start a garden from scratch.

Settle down and shop in peace at Vine Mill Furniture's showroom ACCRINGTON'S VINE MILL FURNITURE GIVES THE BIG RETAILERS A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY WITH ITS HUGE COLLECTION, TOP DISCOUNTS AND RELAXED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.

VINE Mill Furniture does things a little differently than its larger competitors, Mark Gerrard sales manager at Vine Mill, said "Several customers have commented on their relief at having only a couple of sales staff on our floor to advise them.

"There's lots of unusual pieces and carved antiquities mixed in with the more contemporary displays and this is what really sets us apart."

"When they've gone to other stores there have been seven or eight people on the floor, which can make them feel uneasy."

And the best bit? As a wholesaler to the big retailers Vine Mill Furniture can pass on these discounted prices to its customers - meaning buyers can save an impressive 30 to 40 percent off the retail price.

And so far, this 'no pressure' approach to customer service has proved successful for the family-run company. Instead of an intimidating sales presence, when you pop into the Brookside Street store, in Accrington, you'll find a friendly and relaxed service and will be left alone to browse the extensive collection.

UNIQUE COLLECTION Vine Mill's building, which it relocated to almost two years ago, boasts 40,000 sq ft of retail space, across two floors, in which to display its selection of sofas, threepiece suites, beds, and much more.

The stunning furniture shop is also home to some unique pieces that will add that special something to your house. Thanks to the owner's jet-setting ways, the store regularly stocks unusual pieces, from glasswork to woodwork, that have been inspired by trips abroad.

"We're not like the standard stores you see on retail parks," said Mark.

HUGE SAVINGS

TOP QUALITY SERVICE The store also offers a 24-hour delivery service, which has been known to exceed expectations.

"We've had situations where customers have bought a suite in the morning and had it in their home by the afternoon," explained Mark.

"Whatever you see in store, Vine Mill will deliver within 24 hours."

With customer service at the heart of everything it does, it's no surprise that business is booming.

Check out the collections at Vine Mill Furniture, Brookside Street, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3PX. For more information visit vinemillfurniture. co.uk or call 01254 399906

They have advice on growing your own vegetables and fruits to ensure that everyone can get the most from their garden – whether it’s just admiring the view or enjoying what it produces.

Flexible payment plans to suit all budgets, available on home buy packages.

When you have paid for each item ... your order will be deliverd in 24hrs.

Caption: Invest in the latest garden furniture to help make the most of your garden. This clever arrangement from Moda offers plenty of flexibility

Working in connection with 50 Plus Magazine, Blackburn, Burnley & Ribble Valley.

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HOLIDAY CARE FOR PLANTS IN POTS Just a few simple measures will give you peace of mind about your garden containers while you’re away from home says gardening writer Julia Heaton Container planting is a great way to bring colour to a patio, balcony, deck, windowbox or any drab corner where planting in the ground isn’t possible. Plants in pots are a moveable feast for the eye too – when you tire of a particular grouping you can shift them around for a bit of a change.

But their confined growing conditions and susceptibility to drying out, also mean they need extra care and attention, especially before you pack your bags and head off for a long weekend or two weeks in the sun.

Fortunately there are lots of tips, tricks and even hi-tech gardening gear that you can call into action to see them safely through.

slowly and evenly to plant roots, the delicate sprayers and nozzles are also softer than a hose or a watering can might be on young plants. If you want you can go really hi-tech with a timer linked to a smart phone app that will give you details of weather back home and allow you to create your own watering schedule.

Solar powered versions are another effective way of regulating water delivery. Attached to a water butt or garden tap and positioned in a sunny spot, the SOL C12 system from solar specialist Irrigatia (& irrigatia.com) will water every three hours, reacting to weather conditions by watering for longer when it’s really sunny.

A cheaper method would be to use a bucket of water and a strip of old towelling material to act as a wick. Find a shady area and raise the bucket off the ground on a garden chair, standing your pot beneath it. Soak the towelling in the bucket leaving one end in the water and tucking the other half-way down the inside of the pot. The towelling forms a wick – water gradually soaking along the fabric and into the compost. Using the same bucket you can repeat the process for other pots.

Use Hozelock’s Cloud Controller (RRP £134.99) to keep on top of watering via your mobile.

This method is ideal for greenhouse plants as well. But remember to leave the door and window vents open if you don’t have an automatic opener. And help keep temperatures down with a good coat of shading paint on the windows.

Auto irrigation systems An automatic watering system is the best way to keep your garden watered with no supervision and is cost effective when used throughout the season – saving time, effort and cutting down on water use too. Various drip systems are available for linking to outside taps or water butts and regulating watering by using a pre-set timer (prices start at around £30). Water is released

Water Spikes A watering spike attached to a plastic bottle delivers water through pre-drilled holes A long weekend away is a perfect opportunity to put used plastic drinks bottles to good use. After watering the plants fill bottles with water and screw a watering spike on top – there are now lots of these readily available from garden centres and online. Turn the bottle upside

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The solar powered SOL C12 kit comes with 5m of cable and 12 drippers for £79.95 (credit: Irrigatia)

down and insert into the soil where the spike will gradually release water from the holes along its length. At the same time group plants together somewhere sheltered and shady to slow down the drying-out process. It should all help to create a damp micro-climate, increasing humidity around the pots, keeping soil moist for longer.

Going to ground If you’re away for less than a week and have some space in a partly shaded area of the garden then you could use it to give your pots some protection. Sink them into the soil, so container lips are level with the surface, then thoroughly water them and the surrounding area well in. Moisture from the soil will help to sustain the plants, encouraging roots to grow deeper as they search it out. Adding a layer of bark or slate chippings will slow the evaporation process or you could cover your plants with shade netting material. Available from most garden centres, it can be cut to the length required.

watering then helping them to retain moisture by adding a layer of gravel to the watering saucers they stand in.

Capillary matting from & garlandproducts.com is on a 2m x 60cm roll (£13.68 plus £4.95 p&p) ready to be cut to fit Capillary matting For houseplants place capillary matting on your kitchen draining board, allowing it to trail into a sink of water. Once it has soaked up the water arrange the pots on top, pressing them down to ensure they make good contact with the material and can draw up the moisture they need. Make sure they are well-watered beforehand and that the area isn’t in full sun.

For larger groups of plants use damp matting or towelling in the bath and stand them on it.Alternatively, if you’re only going away for a short period, you should be able to get away with giving plants a thorough

Off with their heads Harvest any ripe crops and remove fading heads on bedding to prolong flowering and encourage new blooms. If you’re away for an extended period be completely ruthless and remove mature buds and flowers as well – you’ll return home to new blooms rather than plants that have run their course and run to seed. Simply use your thumb and fore-finger to pinch-out, or secateurs for tougher stems, taking the flower back to a healthy pair of leaves or a side shoot. Take the opportunity to remove any dead leaves as well – they not only look unattractive but can harbour pests like slugs and snails or even cause the spread of fungal disease.

Feeding time After deadheading it’s worth applying a balanced fertiliser like Growmore. This granular feed is longer lasting than a high potassium liquid one, which is formulated to provide immediate nourishment and quick results. Instead it will break down over the following six weeks, building plants up to produce results on your return, rather than while you’re away on holiday.

A watering spike attached to a plastic bottle delivers water through pre-drilled holes. (pic credit: Thompson & Morgan) Welcome home Follow these steps and all should be well on your return. Then a good dousing from the garden hose and a shower with a fine rose watering can a few hours later should do the trick. Add some liquid tomato fertiliser to the water if you didn’t feed before you left.

Where a pot is very dry though it’s best left to soak in a bucket of water for half an hour.

Finally, keep an eye out for any pests and disease that may have taken the opportunity to set up home.

Four Seasons Garden Centre Darwen

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Darwen’s Hidden Gem A Local family-run business

Basket refills – Perennials – Shrubs – Bird Tables – Roses – Aggregate – Pots and much more

Locally crafted stone figures Address: Four Seasons Garden Centre, Ashton Road, Darwen BB3 2DX

Tel: 01254 706890

Opening hours: We are open Monday – Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm CLOSED on Thursdays Four Seasons Garden Centre Darwen

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RESIN DRIVEWAY PROFITS SOAR WITH NEW SHOWROOM IN YORKSHIRE

Caption: Resin Drives new Brighouse showroom also features fencing, garden rooms, garage doors and even a putting green.

ResinDrives.co.uk Ltd recently celebrated record-breaking figures over the last two months, proving not even Brexit can hold back the Yorkshire-based home improvement firm. The timing could not be better, as they opened their doors to customers with a brandnew flagship showroom in West Yorkshire, Brighouse. The showroom happens to be the biggest internal resin showroom in the UK. As well as resin driveways, it also includes their new line of outdoor products; such as state of the art garden rooms, garage doors, fencing, decking and artificial lawns. There is also a mini putting green for customers to try out their golfing ability or to keep the kids entertained while parents can peruse the many resin samples on display.

“It was important to us to have an impressive flagship showroom for customers to see the quality and variety on offer for themselves.

Despite being a national company, we’re proud of our Yorkshire roots so Brighouse was an ideal location for our flagship showroom. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the M62, making it easily accessible for people further afield too. We invite customers to come in at

their leisure, where they can expect a warm Yorkshire welcome, and wide range of outdoor products on display - from resin driveways to garage doors and more.”, explains Managing Director, Carwyn Richards.

The showroom is their second showroom in the UK, with another based in South Wales.

They also have their resin driveways on display in Express Bi-folding Doors showrooms, in Leeds and Romford.

Resin Drives.co.uk Ltd have over 10 years’ experience and uses all their own installation teams to ensure consistent quality control across the board. Resin is becoming increasingly popular with more home owners than ever recognising its superior benefits over other surfacing options on the market: it’s porous, environmentally-friendly, weed adverse, slip-resistant, wheelchair-friendly and has excellent tyre traction. Aside from all the practical benefits, resin driveway gives customer’s many different aesthetic styles to add exceptional kerb appeal. With over 40 stone colours to choose from a trip to the showroom is definitely worthwhile.

Pop into Resin Drives new showroom today: Unit 4D Armytage Road, Brighouse, off Junction 25 from the M62. (Just next door to the British Car Auction). HD6 1QF. Alternatively, for more information call: 0800 007 5733 or visit: www.resindrives.co.uk

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*Resindrives.co.uk is a trading name of resindrives.co.uk ltd. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN743675) We are a credit broker and not a lender, we offer credit facilities from a panel of lenders. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

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WHAT'S ON A GUIDE TO WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR REGION ...

31 AUGUST 2019 AMAZING ACCRINGTON SOAPBOX CHALLENGE 11:30 - 15:00

After a hugely successful #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge in September 2018, organisers are gearing up to host it for a second year.

The last event saw 21 contestants, over 8000 spectators, and a flurry of family fun stalls and activities. ‘Soapbox cars’ were historically made from wooden soap crates, hence the name, but materials have become more varied since the first publicly recorded Soapbox race in 1904!

Competitors will be challenged to create a four-wheeled nonmotorised Soapbox vehicle, using only gravity for fuel and speed.

The soapbox must have a form of steering, the ability to brake and competitor safety helmets must be worn – aside from that, there are no rules … it’s simply the first to reach the finishing line wins!

Novelty prizes will also be awarded to competitors.

A static display of cars, including Group B Rally Cars, will also be on display in the Town Centre on the day.

LADIES FILM NIGHT THE UPSIDE – TUESDAY 03 SEPTEMBER WILD ROSE – TUESDAY 01 OCTOBER ROCKETMAN – TUESDAY 05 NOVEMBER

Join us in our new season of films, food and friends. Don't forget with our exclusive pre-order menu you can take advantage of a discount on your orders. Available to pre-order Cheesecake of the month, Indulgence / Sharing plate and our selection of wines.

Start: 7.00PM.

BEER

Book online, on the phone & at our box office.

The Grand, 18 York Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2DL. H A L L • F O Owww.thegrandvenue.co.uk D H A L L • H O T E L • B I S T R O • G E L AT E R I A

Accrington Town Centre, Accrington BB5 1LP Tel: 01282 426846

6 SEPT 2019 - 7 SEPT 2019 NELSON FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

Nelson Food Festival has all the ingredients for a fantastic foodie family day out!

Take over 50 stalls serving tasty food with worldwide flavours Add a celebrity chef and cookery demos all day long Stir in a children’s cake decorating competition Season with colourful street entertainers and Bhangra dancing And simmer together with transport via a vintage bus Mmmmm smells amazing!

Nelson Town Centre, Nelson BB9 9TB

WIN A FANTASTIC BREAK! tion

An award winning destina at the heart of the Ribble Valley

An overnight stay for two at the Spinning Block Hotel at Holmes Mill.

A 3 course dinner for two in the fabulous Bistro, Bar & Grill. Followed by a hearty breakfast the next morning in the Bistro.

To enter simply fill in this coupon and send it to: 50 Plus Magazine, McGrath Studios Bridgeman House, 77 Bridgeman St, Bolton, BL3 6BY or visit www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/competitions

Name:___________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Tel No:___________________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________________ T&C’s The overnight stay can be taken Sunday - Thursday before 31st December 2019. Prize is for two sharing a classic double room, dinner and breakfast. Subject to availability. *Competition ends 30th September 2019. The winner will be notified by email.

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SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2019 EVERYTHING BUBLÉ - THE COMPLETE MICHAEL BUBLÉ TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

The fantastic 'Everything Bublé' show comes to the Muni Theatre with a night of the best Michael Bublé hits.

With a live band, local, popular entertainer Josh Hindle will take you through a full catalogue of the Canadian singer’s hits, including ‘Nobody But Me’, ‘Feeling Good’, ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’, ‘Love You Anymore’, ‘Such A Night’ and many more. With all the charisma and distinguished voice of the man himself, make sure you book your tickets for this unforgettable tribute to Michael Bublé. Doors Open: 7:15pm. Show Starts: 8:00pm Ticket Prices: Advance: £17.50. Door: £21.50 The Muni • Albert Road • Colne • Lancashire • BB8 0AE Box Office & Venue Hire: 01282 661234

THURS 12TH SEPTEMBER STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC TRIO DOORS 7.00PM

Steve promises to dip in to all 12 studio albums from a career spanning four decades, and still in top gear.

Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, Darwen BB3 3BU Bookings 0844 847 1664

SAT 14TH SEPTEMBER THE ULTIMATE EVENING OF CLAIRVOYANCE DOORS 6.45PM. START 7.30PM Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, Darwen BB3 3BU Bookings 0844 847 1664

FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER JUSTIN MOORHOUSE: NORTHERN JOKER. DOORS OPEN: 6:45PM SHOW STARTS: 7:30PM TICKET PRICES ADULT: £14.00 DOOR: £17.00

These days Justin’s not certain about anything apart from his uncertainty – Brexit looms, it appears the Cold War is being rebooted and that’s before we begin to worry about what’s happening in America... closer to home, he’s starting to feel redundant as a parent.

One kid is leaving home, the dog is getting older and doesn’t need much walking and the youngest kid hits thirteen and cancels the family subscription to The Beano.

On top of this, the golden age of the Northern straight white male comedian has gone the way of the dinosaurs. How will he adapt if he wants to survive?

The Muni • Albert Road • Colne • Lancashire • BB8 0AE Box Office & Venue Hire: 01282 661234

BYE BYE BABY SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER DOORS: 7.00PM START: 7.30PM

Bye Bye Baby is the UK’s leading tribute to frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Coming back after a successful show in 2018.

Bye Bye Baby are a jaw-dropping tribute to the musical phenomenon ‘Jersey Boys’ and the timeless, iconic music of ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’. Incredible four part harmonies, roof raising falsetto complete with energetic and stylish choreography – all backed by their excellent 4-piece band – ensures that Bye Bye Baby is a show that will make it a night remember! Includes 31 of Valli’s greatest hits including Sherry, December ’63 (Oh What A Night), Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’, Working My Way Back To You, and many more!

KING GEORGES HALL Northgate, Blackburn, BB2 1 AA 01254 582579

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Towneley

THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER LADIES EVENING 6PM TO 9PM

A free event, just pop along. Free glass of fizz on arrival. Gin and Prosecco Bar. Pure Mineral Makeup Demo. Dress for your body shape and contour. Ways to wear your scarf demo. Ring cleaning.

Cake figure modelling demo. Models showcasing the latest trends.

Stalls and music.

Hall, Park & Gardens

A great day out

Heskin Hall Shopping Village, Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA www.heskinhallsshoppingvillage.co.uk

28 SEPTEMBER 2019 SOUL TRAIN

Towneley Hall, a 14th Century historic house with art gallery and museum, located in 400 acres of beautiful parkland, provides all the ingredients for a fun, adventurous and educational day out.

Soul Train will be steaming into Colne and on board will be a fine feast of soulful gems. Tickets:Advance:£20.00. Door: £23.00 Harking back to the wonderful days when the dance floor was king, the show features a fun presentation of 60s and 70s soul classics.

From the early days of Tamla Motown, Stax and Atlantic records, through to the disco years and beyond – so dig out those flairs.

This action-packed, feel-good production features a cast of acclaimed performers, led by Wayne Kennedy - who has sold well over a million concert tickets around the world – and includes all the classic hit songs by Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and Marvin Gaye, along with dance favourites from Donna Summer, Candi Staton, The O'Jays and many more great artistes that still keep us singing and dancing.

/Towneley

burnley.co.uk/towneley

The Muni • Albert Road • Colne • Lancashire • BB8 0AE Box Office & Venue Hire: 01282 661234

01282 477130

Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, Darwen BB3 3BU Bookings 0844 847 1664

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Try r

2019 sees the 50th anniversary of the release of one of the greatest albums of all time – Led Zeppelin II. Containing such classics as ‘Ramble On’, ‘Thank You’ and of course the orgasmic ‘Whole Lotta Love’, this LP was the one which catapulted Led Zeppelin from being just another sixties blues group to one of the most influential and successful bands of all time. During 2019 Whole Lotta Led will be performing a series of Led Zeppelin II shows to celebrate this incredible album. The first half of these special shows will consist of a selection of songs from Led Zeppelin’s vast back catalogue. The second half will feature the whole of Led Zeppelin II played in the same sequence as the original LP. Don’t miss this special celebration of this timeless album.

“You’re getting great reviews, I wish you all the best” JIMMY PAGE

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10 OCT 2019 - 14 OCT 2019 LANCASTER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019

Lancaster's award-winning FREE Music Festival: Welcoming Walkable Wonderful is famous for reflecting the city of Lancaster’s vast musical abundance, excellence and diversity while bringing in top notch acts from around the UK and worldwide.

01524 582394 www.visitlancashire.com/lancastermusic-festival

17 OCTOBER 2019 ROCK FOR HEROES

Bringing the perfect combination of your favorite Rock & Pop artist across the eras, fundraising in support of Help for Heroes.

We will be collecting for this amazing cause, after every show. Performed by a full live rock band and superb singers, It’s the must see show of the year. With music from artists such as Dire Straits, Status Quo, Queen, David Bowie, Spandau Ballet, Bryan Adams, Elton John, AC/DC, Whitesnake & so many more.

You won’t see a bad wig here, this isn’t a tribute act this is simply paying tribute, the best way we can to the legends in music.

This is a night not to be missed, filled with laughter, great music and all for an incredible cause.

Book your tickets today & be part of Rock For Heroes – Music, Laughter & A Rockin’ Night Out! Doors: 7.00pm. Start: 7.30pm KING GEORGES HALL Northgate, Blackburn, BB2 1 AA 01254 582579

19, 20, 26, 27 OCTOBER 2019 PENDLE WITCH DISCOVERIE BUS TOUR

Join us for a Pendle Witch Discoverie tour. Tours last for 3 hours with stops for sightseeing and photos. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Pendle Village Mill, Hollin Bank, Brierfield BB9 5NG. Call 01282 458759 or visit the website for further details (www.pendlewitchexperience.com)

NOV-05 ANIMAL FAMILIES AND ME WITH GORDON BUCHANAN EXPERIENCE A THRILLING EVENING WITH TV’S WILDLIFE EXPERT

Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value.

Gordon Buchanan, who presented Equator From The Air on BBC 2 earlier this year, will be touring the UK.The highly acclaimed television wildlife cameraman and presenter will share an insight into his incredible 25 year career filming some of the world’s most fearsome and majestic animals.

As one of our customers recently said ‘This market continues to thrive and you can see why. Great stalls with everything you could ever need at good prices, plus the superb meat and fish covered market. Friendly service and great people - definitely recommend.

The hub of a great little town!’

This unique evening promises to entertain as he shares personal recollections of his globetrotting travels accompanied by his own film footage and photography whilst offering audience members an opportunity to put forward any questions they may have about his world of weird, wild and wonderful wildlife. With a reputation for relishing dangerous and tough assignments, his tales of challenging expeditions make for a special evening not to be missed.

Gordon’s newest TV series Equator From The Air will be on BBC2 from Sunday 26th May. In this new series Gordon explores habitats around the Equator from the air, using helicopters, light aircraft, drones and satellite sensing, to examine the environmental challenges facing the animals that live in these environments.

Gordon has continued to be a familiar face on our TV screens as the wildlife television personality best known for his work on the ‘Animal Family and Me’ series. These popular BBC programmes have seen him getting up close with Elephants, Snow Wolves, Bears, Gorillas, Polar Bears and more recently with Reindeers in ‘Reindeer Family and Me’, the latest addition which was screened over Christmas. Earlier this year his show ‘Animals with Cameras’ was met with critical acclaim as he offered a new perspective of life in the wild by placing cameras on a variety of animal resulting in some extraordinary footage.

Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays “Winner Great British Market Awards” Britain’s Favourite Market “Winner National Coach Tourism Awards” Coach Friendly Shopping Destination of the Year

Bury Market Management: Tel: 0161 253 6520 Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com

KING GEORGES HALL Northgate, Blackburn, BB2 1 AA 01254 582579

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LEISURE

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A GRAND DAY OUT!

B

urnley is fortunate to have so many beautiful parks, which is thanks to the Corporation recognising their importance to the health of hard-working families and to generous benefactors such as William Thompson, who gave the Borough both Thompson Park and the Thompson Leisure Centre.

When Thompson Park was designed during the late 1920's, following Thompson's £50,000 bequest, the Corporation was determined that the new park should be a place where local families could enjoy healthy fresh air and exercise in the pleasant surroundings of a landscaped park. The design took inspiration from Blackpool's Stanley Park, designed by the famous landscape architect, Thomas Mawson, and anyone who has visited both may recognise the similarities.

So, Burnley's new park was planted with thousands of trees and flowering shrubs and the centre piece of the park was a 3-acre boating lake. A paddling pool was constructed and a tea-room with a terrace was built overlooking the newly planted rose garden with views across the lake. A conservatory housed exotic plants and across the River Burn, the 'Italian Gardens' were laid out complete with Roman columns and floral planting.

The park was an instant success, with tens of thousands of local people flocking to enjoy its verdant delights. Roll forward 90 years and thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Thompson Park is still fulfilling its original aim of providing local people with a 'grand day out'.

For families, the new play area is of course the main attraction, with equipment for all ages and abilities including a 3m high tube slide, zip line and a brilliant sand and water play area featuring water pumps and Achimedes screws which will keep younger children occupied for ages.

Thompson Park 38

The ever-popular paddling pool is a great place for children to cool off in sunny weather and the boating lake offers a choice of traditional rowing boats, Canadian canoes, and Kayaks.

And after all that healthy exercise, the new boat house cafe, with its terrace overlooking the sparkling waters of the lake, provides welcome refreshment, with an exotic choice of ice cream and top quality coffee.

But the best is yet to come! and is the reason that so many families visit the Park because the Thompson park miniature railway is a delight for all ages. This volunteer-run railway is open on Wednesday and weekend afternoons and carries passengers on a kilometre long journey, sweeping past the Italian Gardens, through the woodland and looping over bridges.

A grand day out!

111 Ormerod Rd Burnley BB11 3QW

PIC OF ERIC MORECAMBE NEXT TO EM100

By Tony Dewhurst

The comedy legend, who died in 1984, took his stage name from his hometown.

And he became a household name when he formed a double act with Ernie Wise on stage and TV. The Eric and Ernie BBC Christmas Special in 1977 was watched by 30 million viewers.

Said Michael: “I spoke to children at a primary school in Morecambe recently about Eric’s life and it was difficult just to explain how big a star Eric was.”

The former postman from Harpenden became Eric’s driver to earn some extra cash, adding: “Eric was a prolific writer too.

DRIVING MR MORECAMBE

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O trip to Morecambe is complete without a visit to Eric Morecambe’s statue on the seaside promenade.

Unveiled by The Queen, the life-size sculpture shows the comic legend in one of his characteristic poses, and visitors to the Lancashire resort queue to have their photograph taken next to it.

But what was one of Britain’s most famous funny men really like?

Michael Fountain was Eric Morecambe’s chauffeur, driving him about in his gleaming silver Rolls Royce, registration number EM 100, and gaining the comedian’s trust and respect.

Eric later offered him a full-time position as his driver, handyman, house-sitter and friend.

“What you saw is what you got with Eric, he was a very down to earth and nice man,” said Michael, who will talk about his life as Eric Morecambe’s driver and friend at the Grand, Clitheroe, later this year.

“They were great times, and I drove many of the top stars in Eric’s car, Tommy Cooper, Elton John and royalty too, The Duke and Duchess of Kent.

‘It would never happen today, a member of the public getting so close to a huge star and becoming their friend and driver.”

“He wrote two children’s books and a very moving novel, Mr Lonely, about a club comedian called Sid Lewis.”

Away from the glitz and glamour of the show business world, Morecambe liked nothing more than coming home to Lancashire to enjoy his favourite pastime, bird watching on Morecambe Bay. “Eric liked to get away from it all, and Ernie enjoyed the showbiz stuff a lot more than Eric,” said Michael.

“Eric would talk to anybody, and quite often people who had seen him on Morecambe Bay said they’d chatted to him for an hour or more.”

The RSPB even named a bird hide after Eric Morecambe at Leighton Moss nature reserve near Silverdale.

“The statue on the front at Morecambe is a beautiful tribute to Eric in his hometown.

“Gail, Eric’s daughter, often comes to Morecambe and sits in the café opposite and marvels at all the people having a photograph taken with her dad.”

Mike Fountain: Driving Mr Morecambe, Grand Theatre, Clitheroe, Wednesday October 2nd

T: 01200 421599

www.thegrandvenue.co.uk

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MOTORING

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STEVE HOWARTH'S TEST DRIVE Our test car had the 2-litre, 235bhp turbo diesel engine meaning 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 153. MPG figures for this model are up to around 42 and it is priced from £44,835.

In fact the latest XF sits on the XE floorpan and shares much of its aluminium architecture, although the XF is the only one to have a Sportbrake variant. Also the latest XF has lost 190kg from its kerb weight and gained a 28 per cent increase in rigidity and 51mm on the wheelbase plus it has near 50/50 weight distribution to aid handling.

XF R-SPORT THERE is no doubt that over the years Jaguar has made some incredible cars – the E-Type, XJ6 and XK series being high up on that list.

Like my old Jags it is 4x4, has a frugal but punchy diesel engine and is similar, if slightly longer, in size – in other words a proper sporty saloon.

But they also made a car which was, in a way, much more important to the company and one which gets very little praise.

I am talking about the X-Type, one of Jaguar’s best sellers and, despite the fact that production ceased over a decade ago, a car still seen regularly on our roads today.

The reason for that is not only that the X-Type was a well-made, well-engineered and well tested vehicle but also that Jaguar sold them in numbers that previous models never came near to achieving. Some say it was a car that saved Jaguar.

Now the XF range starts from £34,725 with the confusingly-named Prestige version and it has been with us since 2007, during which time there have been a number of revisions and improvements.

The 2019 version is claimed by Jaguar to be ‘all new’ and is predominantly aluminium, sharing underpinnings with its smaller and younger brother the XE. Following its successful launch in 2015 the XE took over that role of the entry level Jaguar so the XF has had a makeover.

I must admit to being a fan as I have owned three X-Types over the years, a fabulous (any fabulously thirsty) 3-litle AWD model and later on a couple of diesels, including one of the very last 2.2 auto versions.

So I was really looking forward to my latest test car, the XF R-Sport, which in many ways took up the role to entry level Jaguar ownership vacated by the X-Type coming into production as the X-Type was phased out.

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Jaguar say it is lighter and leaner, yet bigger inside, and now comes with a range of engines, with four variants of JLR's 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engines and a trio of Ingenium petrols, while the top of the range is dominated by 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel engines mainly found in the XF S.

Standard features on the R-Sport include multi drive modes, eight speed auto transmission, auto lights and wipers, heated front seats, DAB radio and sat nav on a 10-inch central touchscreen, cruise control, sports suspension, front and rear parking aids, powered boot lid and an R-Sport body kit including a rear boot spoiler. A cool extra fitted to our car was an interactive driver display which allows you to choose the dials and info shown (£500).

Lower models are rear-wheel drive, although our version had Jaguar’s tried and tested Intelligent All Wheel Drive, a system that sends power to the rear wheels the majority of the time until extra traction is required.

There are four trim levels to choose from for the Jaguar XF - Prestige, Portfolio, R-Sport and S, split in two categories Luxury and Sport. Entry-level Luxury models, also known as Prestige, get 17in alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, rear parking sensors and Jaguar's InControl Touch infotainment system complete with Jaguar's standard 80W audio system.

The XF has already proved popular winning sales from drivers who previously would have been looking at German executive saloon models and its latest revamp looks set to keep this big-ish cat purring along nicely.

More info at www.jaguar.com.

FOR ALL THE LATEST CAR TESTS GO TO: www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors

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We’ll get you smiling ...

THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTURES The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.

Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process.

It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.

CHOICE OF DENTURES There are four main quality standards in denture materials.

The denture base (gum coloured on which the denture teeth sit).

Standard Quality High Impact Acrylics (much stronger)

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Injection Pressure Formed (Premium Denture Base) Flexible (Partial Dentures) Metal Denture

THE DENTURE TEETH l 2 Layer Acrylic (economy) l 3 Layer Acrylic (harder wearing) l 4 Layer Reinforced (hard wearing, natural look) l N.F.C. (Nano filled composite) premium teeth.

Of course, the materials alone will not make a good denture. In the hands of a skilful and experienced Clinical Dental Technician the best results are achieved.

DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.

Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

Have your dentures inspected by a Clinical Dental Technician at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

YOUR DENTURES NEED ATTENTION 1. When they become loose.

2. When teeth or denture base discolours.

3. When tooth surfaces become flat.

4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).

5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

HEALTH

6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.

7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

MY DENTURES HAVE BECOME LOOSE! This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.

DENTURES WITH WORN DOWN TEETH Teeth excessively worn, require a new set of dentures.

DENTURES ON IMPLANTS This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures. The finished Dentures ‘click’ into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retention.

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position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN FACIAL FEATURES Padding dentures to reduce lines and fill up sunken cheeks will require a new set of dentures. It is advisable to have a new set of dentures made every 5 to 10 years.

SHOULD I HAVE A SPARE SET OF DENTURES MADE? Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

NO SPARE SET? “Denture in a day” Lost or misplaced your dentures? With planning, we can provide you with a new set in 24 hours!

DIFFICULTIES IN CONSTRUCTING A GOOD SET OF DENTURES Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what

At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.

WHAT IS A CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN? Professional Clinical Dental Technicians are members of the Dental Health Care Team. They have undergone specific training and education in the skills and knowledge necessary to provide a removable appliance service directly to the community.

Equipped with solid technical training as a Dental Technician - plus post-technician training in sciences, clinical skills, and interpersonal skills - the Clinical Dental Technician can design, create, construct and modify (repair and rebase) removable appliances to ensure optimal fit, maximum comfort and general well-being of patients.

These skills enable the Clinical Dental Technician, whilst remaining a member of the Dental Health Care Team, to work independently of other Dental Health Care providers.

Are your Dentures old, worn out or loose?

Or do you just want a new smile?

For a FREE consultation contact: ARTISAN SMILES

At Albert Road Denture Centre 71 Albert Road, Colne, BB8 OBP

01282 862823 New Dentures l Repairs l Relines l Copy Dentures l Mouth Guards l

Appointments by arrangement Monday to Thursday, 9am - 5pm Friday, 9am - 1pm CHRISTOPHER GOWER DIP CDT (Eng) Full Qualified Clinical Dental Technician GDC Reg No. 208200 l

PROFESSIONAL

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HEALTH

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BREAST AWARENESS Breast cancer is often thought of as something that only affects women, but men can get it in rare cases. There are about 390 men diagnosed each year in the UK. This compares to around 54,800 cases in women.

Many people don’t know that men can get breast cancer because they don’t think of men as having breasts. In fact, both men and women have breast tissue, although men have much smaller amounts than women.

Breast cancer in men develops in the small amount of breast tissue behind the nipples.

Risk Factors The risk factors for men include • Age • Significant family history • Previous radiotherapy treatment • High hormone levels

Age Most men who get breast cancer are over 60, although younger men can be affected.

Significant family history If you have a significant family history, it may be because an inherited altered gene that increases the risk of breast cancer runs in your family. The most common altered genes that increase the risk of breast cancer are called BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA stands for BReast CAncer). BRCA2 is more commonly associated with breast cancer in men.

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Previous radiotherapy treatment Men who have had previous radiotherapy to the chest, may have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. This increased risk is related to the long-term effects of radiation on normal healthy tissue, not because anything has gone wrong with the treatment.

High hormone levels Oestrogen is the main hormone linked to breast cancer development. All men have a small amount of oestrogen.

Some breast cancers are stimulated to grow by oestrogen.

There is some evidence that men are at greater risk of developing breast cancer if they have higher than normal levels of oestrogen.

Symptoms The most common symptom for men with breast cancer is a lump in the breast area. This is nearly always painless.

Other symptoms can include • swelling of the breast • lumps under the arm • a nipple that is pulled into the breast (called nipple retraction) • oozing from the nipple (a discharge) that may be blood stained • a sore (ulcer) in the skin of the breast • a rash on or around the nipple

Diagnosis If you have any of these symptoms it is important to go to your GP straight away. Finding a cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment.

Your GP will refer you to a specialist breast clinic where both men and women are seen and treated. At the clinic you will have a consultation with a member of the breast team. You will be asked some questions about your past medical history, your current problems, and have a physical examination.

Men usually have ultrasound scans to determine the nature of any lump or symptom, but you might also have an x-ray. Sometimes a biopsy is required this will all happen on the same day.

You will get the results of your scans on the same day but if biopsies are taken you may be asked to come back for the results on another day.

Treatment The same treatments are used for breast cancer in men as for women. The treatment for breast cancer in men largely depends on, the type of cancer, the size of the cancer, and how far the cancer may have spread. Possible treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and medication.

Your care team will explain all the possible treatments and help you make decisions about your treatment, but the final decision about going ahead with treatment is yours.

Useful links https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men https://www.cancerresearchuk.org https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/what-is-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-men

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Transforming Smiles As an implant centre of excellence, Douglas Lee Dental Associates recently carried out its 150th ‘Fast and Fixed’ same- day implant procedure, a technique that has transformed the smiles, and the lives, of many patients...

BEFORE

Leading the way in UK implant technology is Lancashire-based Douglas Lee, who was one of the first dentists in the country to adopt the highly successful pioneering ‘Fast and Fixed’ technique.

The ‘Fast and Fixed’ implant procedure has made Douglas Lee Dental Associates a flagship practice and teaching surgery for the Germanpioneered technique, Testament to their skills, the team at Douglas Lee Dental were the first in the UK to carry out a full set of upper and lower jaw implants in the same day.

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THE TEAM WERE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL, THEY ARE SO ATTENTIVE AND IT’S A VERY CARING PRACTICE

After reading about the procedure, sales consultant Jacqueline Shonn called Douglas Lee Dental and arranged for a consultation: “I am 55 but I am not an old 55 and I had to wear dentures on either side of my lower teeth, which I hated with a vengeance!

They made me feel old!

care she received: “The team were absolutely wonderful, they are so attentive and it’s a very caring practice.”

“I had been thinking about implants for a while and after talking to Dougie I decided I definitely wanted to go ahead.’’

Jacqueline, who lives in Manchester, was amazed at the

Having experience in many aspects of dentistry and now a respected expert in implants, Dougie comments: “No-one wants to lose their teeth but sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teeth fail and

After undergoing the sameday implants Jacqueline was delighted with the results: “It has improved my confidence a million per cent! I am thrilled.”

we previously had to resort to prosthetics like removable dentures. Dental implants are a wonderful improvement on these.”

Jackie had lost a number of her teeth and with several failing teeth still in place, she also needed work on her gums.

Sedated, Jackie was then painlessly fitted with her lower implants.

During their years of experience, the team at Douglas Lee Dental Associates have refined the ‘Fast and Fixed’ procedure and have state-of-the-art in-house technology at their fingertips.

In addition to the Helbo laser

PULL QUOTES “The team were absolutely wonderful, they are so attentive and it’s a very caring practice” “I had been thinking about implants for a while and after talking to Dougie I decided I definitely wanted to go ahead”

which eradicates over 99 per cent of harmful bacteria, there is a Cone beam CT scanner and an on-site dental lab with experienced technicians, who are able to custom make the implants on the same day.

Sedation ensures that no pain is felt and the patient remains relaxed throughout the experience.

“To be honest before the procedure I felt quite wary but, it was amazing, I felt no pain or discomfort. I also had four teeth removed and it was still better than going to the dentist for a filling!” says Jackie.

I HAD BEEN THINKING ABOUT IMPLANTS FOR A WHILE AND AFTER TALKING TO DOUGIE I DECIDED I DEFINITELY WANTED TO GO AHEAD

Preparation is the key to the success and the team of dental nurses, dental technicians, cosmetic dentist and Dougie himself, all play their part on the day. ‘’No two smiles are the same, so there is no ‘one-size-fits all’ when it comes to this level of cosmetic dentistry, ’’ says Dougie.

“Carrying out our 150th procedure was quite a milestone for us and like all the

other patients, the implants have completely changed Jackie’s smile,” adds Dougie.

“Implants can transform people – they gain confidence and restore self-esteem. It may sound a cliché but this procedure really does change their lives.”

Douglas Lee

A S S O C I A T E S Douglas Lee Dental Associates

115 Whalley Road Accrington BB5 1BX 01254 237517 hello@douglasleedental.co.uk

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are also a great supplier of bacteria such as Bifidobacteria, a disease fighter.

Polyphenols – Surprisingly, some foods which have often been deemed ‘unhealthy’ can in fact benefit our guts. Foods such as dark chocolate and drinks like tea, coffee and red wine all include a group of flavonoids called polyphenols which provide gut bacteria with a vital energy source. This isn’t a green light to consume large volumes of any of them though! Moderation is still key.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GUT HEALTH The gut - that long windy tube that is housed within your abdominal walls, runs a good nine metres (30 feet) and harbours tens of trillions of gut microbiota. The gut is a hot house for a huge network of highly functioning cells and bacteria which work symbiotically to help our bodies digest food, produce particular vitamins, send our brain important messages and keep our immune systems and general health in check. Each individual’s composition of the gut microbiota is unique and can weigh up to two kg! We now know that a healthy and balanced gut is absolutely key to ensuring good health and protection against many diseases, so here are some tips to help you look after your gut as well as possible:Fermented foods – Possibly not everyone’s first choice, but these foods are rich in good, healthy bacteria. Natural live yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and miso all contain bacteria which improve mineral absorption within the gut, thus boosting its overall health. For instance, yoghurt contains Lactobacilli bacteria, which is believed to inhibit the development of inflammatory conditions such as IBS, joint pains and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Some studies have even suggested that eating moderate daily amounts of yoghurt can reduce lactose intolerance by altering gut flora.

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Fruit and veg – You may be eating 5 to preferably10 portions of fruit and veg a day, but are you eating a broad enough range? Eating a rainbow of vegetables, and to a lesser extent fruit, will mean delicious, healthy and high fibre meals that will restore and maintain harmony within your gut’s ecosystem and will help balance sugar levels out and prevent elevated bad cholesterol. Remember diversity is as important as volume.

Legumes - Pulses, lentils and the like are a rich source of fibre, and vitamins such as magnesium, folate and iron. They

Wholegrains – Unrefined carbohydrates such as quinoa, bulgar wheat and rye contain high fibre content which helps maintain gut health and the growth of good bacteria such as Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli and Bacteroidetes, which in turn aid weight management by creating a sense of fullness, reducing inflammation and risk of heart disease.

Avoid sugar –The food that we eat can be broken down to feed either the good or the bad bacteria. Sugar feeds the bad bacteria which when eaten excessively can cause an imbalance within the gut which are likely to create health problems.

Avoid fried and processed foods – These foods also break down to feed the bad gut bacteria and reduces the variety of species of good bacteria within the gut which puts a decline on your overall health.

Antioxidants – Roughage such as jerusalem artichokes, jicama and flaxseed can be tremendous for your gut as they are rich in fibre and antioxidants and fill your gut with lots of good bacteria, helping to ease the digestive process. Garlic is known to boost the creation of good gut microbes and recent research suggests that garlic might also help to prevent some gastrointestinal diseases.

Lack of sleep – Sleep allows your gut to eliminate toxins which have accumulated throughout the day, returning inflammatory markers to normal levels and rejuvenating the gut for the next day’s nutritional onslaught.

Recent research suggests that fragmented sleep may trigger gut inflammation, leading to disruption of the metabolism whilst better quality sleep helps to reduce the risk of weight gain and diabetes and improves your general metabolic health.

By Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director and GP at Your Doctor www.your-doctor.co.uk

Avoid the overuse of antibiotics – Antibiotics are indeed useful and often necessary when treating infections and other illnesses, however, whilst antibiotics attempt to kill off the infection, they also often kill

off the friendly gut bacteria needed within the body. Avoid the overuse of antibiotics to keep your gut balanced and happy.

Probiotics and prebiotics – Prebiotics such as those found in garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus and artichoke, apples, and bananas are forms of important dietary fibre that acts as a fertiliser for the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are live bacteria that can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods. The more natural prebiotic food that probiotic bacteria have to eat, the more efficiently these live bacteria work and the healthier your gut will be. Probiotics can have health benefits after a period of illness, particularly after using antibiotics and some other medications which alter gut bacteria.

However, taking probiotic supplements on a daily basis may cause some minor health problems so talk to your GP first.

Fasting - Late night snacking and drinking prevents your gut from regenerating, contributing to bloating, gas, and food intolerance, whilst fasting gives your gut a break and kills unwanted bad gut bacteria and helps natural regeneration needed

for healing digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel diseases and leaky gut.

Overall a primarily plant-based diet, rich in pulses, legumes and whole grains will provide our gut with the perfect playground to help protect the rest of our bodies from chronic disease, cancers and unwanted inflammation.

THE BEST WAYS TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL What are the causes of high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is made in the body by the liver but is also found in some foods and is carried in the blood attached to proteins called lipoproteins. There are two main forms, LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein). Too much LDL cholesterol is unhealthy whilst HDL is protective. Good cholesterol plays a vital role in every cell of your body but too much bad cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of getting heart and circulatory diseases.

Unhealthy blood cholesterol can be genetic meaning you can inherit it, but it is also caused by a poor diet and lifestyle. Your age, ethnicity, medical history and even sex can also influence how likely you are to have high cholesterol.

What are the symptoms (if any) of high cholesterol?

You can have high cholesterol without symptoms, but associated symptoms include chest pain, angina, heart attack, stroke, and pain while walking caused by the blocked arteries that that are unable to send blood to the legs.

What counts as high cholesterol?

The amount of cholesterol in the blood – both HDL and LDL – can be measured with a blood test. Generally total cholesterol levels should be 5mmol/L or less for healthy adults or 4mmol/L or less for those at high risk. LDL levels should be 3mmol/L or less for healthy adults or 2mmol/L or less for those at high risk. Too low a level of healthy cholesterol (HDL) can also increase your risk of heart disease.

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Why is it important to get your cholesterol level checked? Who should be doing this, and how regularly?

Your GP may recommend that you have your blood cholesterol levels tested if you have been diagnosed with a heart condition or had a stroke, have a family history of early cardiovascular disease or a cholesterolrelated condition, are overweight, or have high blood pressure or diabetes. You should have a full blood test every five years from when you are 20 years old and then at least every one or two years after 45 years depending on your risk factors. If you are already known to have high cholesterol you should be re-tested annually if you are making lifestyle changes to reduce your cholesterol.

What treatments are available for high cholesterol?

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you will usually be advised to make changes to your diet and increase your level of exercise but if after a few months, your cholesterol level hasn't dropped or it is severely high at your initial blood test, you may be advised to take

cholesterol-lowering medication such as statins. There are plenty of things you can do to help lower your cholesterol or to help prevent high cholesterol developing including changing your diet, cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking and doing enough exercise.

What self-management should people be doing at home, to help lower their cholesterol?

The best way to manage your cholesterol is through your diet.

3 In order to balance your cholesterol, eat healthy proteins for breakfast, eat the right fats and reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. Limit your intake of foods full of saturated fats and trans fats.

3 Swap processed meats for Omega-3rich fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and trout at least two times a week. Oily fish contains huge amounts of omega-3 fats, help to reduce inflammation and that helps protect against chronic diseases like heart disease, arthritis etc.

3 Eating around 7-10 portions of fruit and vegetables every day will mean your body is absorbing the amount of vitamins and minerals needed to help your body fight

against the absorption of bad cholesterol.

Antioxidant rich blueberries are thought to help lower LD cholesterol for example.

3 Eating more soluble fibre can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.You can get fibre from foods like wholemeal bread, bran, oats, potato skins, fruit and vegetables. It is recommended that you eat at least 30g a day.

3 If you’re overweight then you should take steps to lose weight to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Losing excess weight is beneficial for all sorts of reasons from improving your cholesterol profile to preventing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and cancer.

3 Regular exercising can increase your HDL (good protective cholesterol) by 4-5% and help you lose weight if you need to.

3 Manage stress in your life.

Stress can cause an increase in bad cholesterol indirectly as you are more likely to eat unhealthily and have a higher body weight if you suffer from excessive stress over a long period of time. Try not to overwork or overload yourself in order to protect yourself from developing heart disease.

or email: help@aamail.org

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£2595

OFFER 4

CONSERVATORY 3 X 3 EDWARDIAN STYLE

£7500

5 White Triple Glazed Windows

FREECOMPOSITE COMPOSITE DOOR FREE DOOR

Great SUMMER OFFER

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OFFER 5

3 X 3 LEAN TO CONSERVATORY

CONSERVATORY TOO COOL IN WINTER AND TOO WARM IN SUMMER?

£7250

COMPLETE WITH FREE UPGRADE TO PILKINGTON SMART GLASS ROOF

USE YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND BY REPLACING YOUR OLD ROOF WITH A FULLY INSULATED ONE.

NO PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED ALL WORK GUARANTEED MAKE YOUR CONSERVATORY FEEL LIKE PART OF YOUR HOME

ROOFLINE

PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE Registered Company No. 36136

Complete Quality Fascias, Soffits, Gutters, Pipes all top quality work guaranteed.

Insurance Backed Guarantee

If you want the best job, the best service at an affordable price call :

FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST Firestone Approved specialists

LANTERN ROOF CONVERSIONS Convert your existing kitchen or dining room flat room into a lantern

01254 830480

e: advancedconservatorysystems@gmail.com www.advancedconservatorysystem.co.uk