Blackburn & Burnley Issue 71

Refreshments available whilst travelling on our coaches, our door to door service makes it a relaxing holiday from start to end, two staff are with you on the journey, to ensure that we are….”Taking you There, with Pride & Care”

A Trio of Festivities

Friday 24th to Monday 27th November 2023 £345.00 pp... SRS £63.00

Based At: The Mecure Hotel, Sherwood Ideally situated for shopping or sightseeing, also boasts a gym & heated pool. Hotel states wheelchair/lift accessible.

What’s included:

l Three night’s half-board hotel accommodation

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l Enjoy the Twinkling Lights of Christmas

l Chatsworth House

l Belvoir Castle

l Belton House

l Nottingham

Turkey & Tinsel in Inverness

Sunday 26th to Thursday 30th November 2023 £415.00 pp... SRS £95.00

Based At: The Palace Hotel, Inverness Beautiful location set on the banks of the River Ness. Lift to all Floors, inc use of on-site Leisure facilities, pool & sauna. *spa treatments can be booked but additional cost for spa treaments may apply.

What’s included:

l Four night’s half-board hotel accommodation

l ALL INCLUSIVE

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l Mystery excursion

l Christmas Jumper Competition with prizes

l Hotel’s own festive themed meals

Reeves Coach Holidays Limited, Unit 9, Stancliffe Street Industrial Estate, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 2QR

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th December 2023

£359.00 pp... SRS £100.00

Based At: The Holiday Inn, Norwich

With a fitness centre & swimming pool, hotel has no lift but many ground floor rooms.

Join us as we once again experience the superb Christmas Spectacular Show in Thursford, from the twinkling display of christmas lights outside as we make our way inside to  a cast of around 130 professional singers, dancers, musicians and artists of truly West End standard, totally entertaining and puts us in the mood for the forthcoming festive period.

What’s included:

l Two night’s half-board hotel accommodation

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l ALL entrances & excursions to Norwich, Thurford Show, Sherringham

Saturday 30th December 2023 to Tuesday 2nd January 2024 £505.00 pp... SRS £80.00

Based At: The Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles

The hotel boasts spa facilities &   swimming pool, hotel has  lift to all floors and some ground floor rooms.

A fine Celebration into the New Year  Scottish Style – hotel’s own  extensive entertainment programme, traditional music & dancing with a Ceilidh band plus late nights singalong/ dancing in the lounge. Gala dinning on NYE followed by dancing & music to the Bells in the ballroom. Gin Tasting, Mocktails Ceilidh, Canapes  & a Piper  shall ensure we our visit is superb as we say cheers to welcome 2024.

What’s included:

l Three night’s full-board hotel accommodation

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l ALL entrances & excursions: Melrose, Peebles & Moffat.

Other holidays available, kindly contact our office. NEW 2024 brochure coming soon.

Door-to-door collections service please note that restrictions may apply, please check your postcode with our office to ensure you are within our free collection area.

For bookings call 01254 830545 or complete the reservation page at www.reevescoachholidays.co.uk

Celebrity Feature

HARRISON FORD - A CREDIBLE HERO Twittering

On

BY ANGELA KELLY

IN THIS ISSUE

8-9 TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

10-11 TRAVEL

Lord of the Highlands

14-15 CELEBRITY FEATURE

Harrison Ford tackles a tough adventure role at the age of 81

18-19 HOME

Buying just one thing can make a difference

21-22 FOOD

Theo Randall showcases the best of Italian cooking

28-29 STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

Looks at the Citroen E-C4 X Shine and the BYD

Prices start from £800

The Premier Garage Door range blends the convenience of power operation with smooth, vertical opening and the benefits of insulation to provide the perfect solution for any garage.

Manufactured from foam filled aluminium lath, available in a full range of colours and four wood effect finishes. We are confident we can accommodate your requirements and enhance your property.

Operated by a tubular motor complete with a manual override facility and controlled by a comprehensive remote control system to include courtesy light and full safety system we guarantee all year round access.

Features include a unique auto-lock system to prevent the door from being lifted when in fully closed position and a safety brake mechanism to prevent the door from falling when in the fully open position, making your garage safe and secure at all times.

Additional benefits compared to conventional garage doors are the reduction in noise and heat loss whilst freeing up valuable garage space. A vehicle can be parked within 50mm of the door inside or out without disrupting operation.

One stop shop, Appliances, Worktops and flooring available, everything under one roof

• Massive choice of traditional or modern

• Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 days

• Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices with a quality product

• Supply Only or Project Managed installation. All aspects covered

• Established over 150 years with five experienced designers plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids

• ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ and other Finance Options available, subject to status

See how our furniturequality is made at vimeo.com/ 552360243

Bacup - 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 252122

Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 304068

Ulverston - Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828

www.rossendaleinteriors.com

£229

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Daish’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 35 luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.

If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.

Every break includes:

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks Live nightly entertainment

Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice

your brochure now!

We are proud to announce that six of our group – County, Devonshire, Abbey Lawn, Bournemouth Sands, Daish’s, Imperial – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2023.

When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks, we have the ideal holiday for you...

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away.

Price includes return coach travel from:

BB: Clitheroe, Whalley, Great Harwood, Rishton, Blackburn, Darwen Services

SA: Skipton, Colne, Nelson, Brierfield, Burnley, Accrington, Darwen Services

All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2023/24. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. Offer ends 31st September 2023

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Let’s hope Lewis can rest now and eventually return to his performances with all his usual impressive commitment. We need to hear that beautiful voice – and see Lewis back on form.

How can we condone competitive eating in 2023?

I CAN’T be the only person who feels that competitive eating events are completely at odds with life in a country where so many struggle just to pay for enough daily food.

Reading about eating champion John Dawes’ ability to eat 20 sausages and a kilo of mash in five minutes offers an uncomfortable reality.

Lewis’s fans step in for their hero

THE moment that singer Lewis Capaldi’s Tourette’s Syndrome symptoms prevented him from singing at Glastonbury made heartbreaking viewing.

Even for TV viewers not privy to that live moment at Worthy Farm, seeing the talented Lewis unable to carry on was very upsetting.

He had just had a three week mental health break in order to fulfil this appearance but, sadly, Tourette’s (the neurological condition which causes unwanted, involuntary muscle movements and sounds).is a cruel curse, striking sufferers randomly.

In the middle of all this, the audience came to the rescue, taking over the singing of his haunting hit Someone You Love. Unsurprisingly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house - in my house, either.

Lewis also wrote the song and it’s opening line “I’m going under and this time there’s no one to save me” was particularly poignant.

Genuine affection between performer and audience is the staple of huge popularity, especially among today’s headliners. But the deal can still mean a “them and us” situation which puts our heroes on pedestals.

To see and hear the real empathy of an audience prepared to offer unconditional support was very touching. All of them knew that Lewis was in anguish, physical and mental, over his inability to perform as he wanted to, in spite of having already delivered some fabulous songs.

Their answer was simply to sing it for him.

Although Glastonbury like any major festival, is built on practical affection for enduring musical heroes, it was rare to see it in action in quite such a deliberate way when it was needed.

The fact that he wants his 18 year-old daughter to continue his legacy with rigorous “training sessions” seems an odd sort of suggested career path for anyone.

Consuming huge amounts of food in mere minutes feels wrong on so many levels when we still urgently need food banks and thousands of children attend school breakfast clubs just to give them a decent start to the day.

Surely promoting gluttony as entertainment - or, worse, as a genuine “sport” - is crazily out of kilter with Britain in 2023?

Cheesy chat-up lines still working

CHAT-up lines are always fascinating, don’t you think?

They are probably a great indication of the social trends of the time but most have one thing in common: they are relentlessly cheesy.

So it was reassuring to see the results of a poll of single Brits and what their current chat-up lines are.

Roughly a quarter of those aged between 16 and 29 (categorized as Gen Z) say they have used corny one liners on someone else compared to just 11 per cent of singles aged from 30 to 49.

The youngsters also prefer to deliver their chat-up lines via online dating rather than face-to-face.

According to them, the best flirty phrase was “ Is your name WiFi? Because I’m feeling a connection.”

Another ranking highly was “Is your name Google? ‘Cause you’re what I’ve been searching for.” Or “Are you a parking ticket? ‘Cause you’ve got fine written all over you” and “Should we get coffee? ‘Cause I like you a latte.”

When you’ve finished groaning, it is rather interesting that today’s youngsters still value this kind of preliminary social action. And quite touching that they believe it will work.

I think I still prefer the old classics like “You dancin’?” You askin’?” “I’m askin’.” “I’m dancin’“. How could that fail?!

Ellie’s heartwarming story of her roots

YOU really have to admire the attitude of Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds to her birth mother.

Ellie was born with dwarfism but has never let this define her.

At 10 days old, she went into foster care and was later adopted by a plainly remarkable couple who have done everything possible to encourage her and allow her to develop as an individual and as a champion, Ellie became the youngest of five children, growing up with adoptive parents Val and Steve in Walsall in the West Midlands. From an early age, she loved swimming and was just 13 when she won two golds for Britain at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.

She retired from sport in 2020 and it was then that she felt the urge to trace her roots. Now, in a new ITV documentary Ellie Simmonds, Finding My Secret Family, Ellie, aged 28, refuses to judge her birth mother, who already had a daughter without dwarfism.

Her birth mother had separated from Ellie’s father before she found out she was pregnant. She felt guilty about her daughter’s disability and wished she’d had an abortion or that her baby had died.

Ellie explains: “It sounds like she had a fear of not just me but of living with dwarfism.”

Ellie also realized that not enough was known or understood about dwarfism (achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism) then.

When Ellie ultimately discovered her mother, they met up and, critically, she told Ellie that she had suffered with guilt and selfhatred ever since.

She did, though, feel happy that Ellie’s adoptive parents and siblings had provided her with such a loving environment.

On that first meeting, they spoke for over five hours “and were howling with laughter as we’ve got the same sense of humour.”

Not every adoption story has such a happy ending and not every child has the courage and understanding of Ellie Simmonds. This proved a really heartwarming story all round.

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

LORD OF THE HIGHLANDS

moored canal boats and houses on the water’s edge. Onwards through swing bridges and locks to arrive at our overnight berth of Fort Augustus.

Tonight, is the first Gala Night where we are welcomed to a Champagne Reception by our Captain.

Wednesday, we continue along the canal berthing at Cullochy Lower. An area of flowering bushes, red and white in various stages of bloom are a delight, trees so tall they seem to touch the sky. We meet a group of canoeists having to take their canoes and drag/carry them as they are not allowed to paddle them through the lock. Back aboard we progress through locks, passing small villages, watching birds diving for fish, fields of sheep and a swan sitting with her young, fish causing ripples in the mirror smooth water can be seen.

Snow-capped mountains, azure blue skies, history, sea and inland waterways yet less than 90 minutes flying time from London, yes, Scotland, the Highlands and Western Isles, some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

From Inverness airport it’s a short coach journey to Hebridean Islands Cruise ship, Lord of the Highlands, moored on the Caledonian Canal, my home for the next seven days.

My cabin on Richard Hannay deck is impressive, large picture window, single beds with stowage and drawer space under each, UK style electrical sockets, two usb ports by the beds, individual flexible reading lamps, wardrobe, drawers and shelves provide more than enough storage for the seven day voyage. Air conditioning, hair dryer, flat screen tv, kettle with tea/coffee/milk sachets, iron and little extras other ships don’t provide, shoe horn, shoe polish pad, clothes brush and dressing gowns. The bathroom boasts a large walk in shower, toilet, wash basin, extending magnifying mirror, large soft towels, complemented by toiletries of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shower cap, soap and much more, all bearing the Molton Brown name. Finally, a small decanter of Whisky and glasses await ready for that night cap and if Whisky is not your tipple, it can be changed for Gin or Brandy.

The following day, Tuesday, I wake to a clear sky and sunshine. After breakfast some depart on a visit to Culloden and Clava Cairns. I stay on board and take in what a beautiful vessel Lord of the Highlands is. Everything of the highest quality, woodwork, panelling, chairs, glass topped tables with inset marquetry, cutlery and glass ware. Lunch over, our transit of the canal begins. Gliding peacefully past the vast Inverness Tomnahurich Cemetery, banks of bright yellow gorse,

Following lunch, we moor at the head of Neptune’s Staircase. A set of 8 locks that lower the ship from the Caledonian Canal to sea level 64 feet below at Fort William. We have a choice, stay on board and go through the locks or to take the excursion, I decide on the excursion visiting the Glenfinnan Monument, erected in 1814 in memory of the Highlanders who fought in the Jacobite rising of 1745. There is a small gift shop and museum taking you through the area’s history. From this point can be seen the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Harry Potter fans would recognise this as the viaduct the Hogwarts Express passes over.

Now to visit Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, ithe largest town in the Highlands, and see the sights of this old Scottish town which during the 2nd World War was home to HMS St.

Alan Fairfax travels the locks and lochs surroundedby magnificent scenery, on water and land.

Locks on the Caledonian Canal

Lord of the Highlands

Christopher, a British Navy training unit. Fort William is popular with tourists as Glen Coe is nearby as is Ben Nevis, a favourite with climbers and hill walkers. Arriving back to the ship berthed at Corpath the ‘Hogwarts Express’ steams through the station to the delight of Harry Potter fans. Our mooring has views of Ben Nevis, the snow still visible to let us know that for this area winter is not long gone.

Thursday, we enter our 22nd and final lock, the ‘Sea Lock’ as we travel Loch Linnhe on route to Oban. On arrival the sun is shining from a clear blue sky, a great time to go ashore and visit one of my favourite towns in Scotland but not before the Whisky Vault Experience on board from a representative of the Oban Distillery. Oban’s a busy town with tourist and fishing boats plus the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries that travel between the islands. We sail as the sun is beginning to set for our overnight berth at Craignure on the Isle of Mull.

residents have taken into private ownership. Eigg truly has ‘picture postcard’ scenery, hills rolling down to silver sand beaches and inlets, fields that are home to over 1,400 sheep. Unfortunately, we were only here for a short time before crossing to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.

The excursion this afternoon is to Armadale Castle and Gardens

Friday begins with a coach trip to Duart Castle ancestral home to the Clan Maclean since the 14th Century. However, due to Clan Wars, the castle changed hands several times and became almost a ruin before being purchased in 1910 by Sir Fitzroy MacLean, 26th Clan Chief. Situated on a peninsular overlooking the Sound of Mull and the entrances to Lochs Linnie and Etive it affords breath taking vistas.

In the grounds are a tea shop selling wonderful homemade scones, fruit cake etc and a small but well stocked gift shop. Driving back to the ship, a bright sun shines from a cloudless blue sky, the fields have become alive with sheep and lambs, their white coats contrast with the rich yellow Set amongst gorse hedgerows and green grass, Highland cattle with their long horns and woolly coats ignore us as we pass.

Back on board it’s time to set sail again, this time for my all time favourite, Tobermory a small town on the Isle of Mull featuring brightly coloured houses, cafes, restaurants and shops, its busy small harbour making it a popular location for visitors to Western Scotland and used as the location for the children’s television programme ‘Balamory’. It’s a beautiful warm day and the small sand beach is busy with families. Another interesting visit is the Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland. We remain here overnight allowing passengers to explore the town in the evening.

Saturday, first port is the Isle of Eigg, an amazing island that the 90+

now cared for by the Clan Donald Land Trust. The castle is now a ruin but you can imagine what a magnificent structure it used to be looking out over lawns to the sea.

A late afternoon departure as we head for our final berth of the journey, Kyle of Lochalsh arriving early evening.

Sunday, our last day, takes us on tours to Eilean Donan Castle believed to be named after the Irish saint, Bishop Doran and in the afternoon to Plockton often said to be the prettiest village in Scotland, and yes, it is beautiful with stunning views. The evening is the final Gala Night and in true Scottish tradition the Haggis is piped aboard and the ancient address made by the hotel manager. A fabulous ending to a great cruise.

Find out more

Alan travelled as a guest of Hebridean Island Cruises. Contact our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 to discover more about their Scottish voyages on Lord of the Highlands and Hebridean Princess.

Duart Castle

Tobermory Amerdale Castle

HARRISON FORD A CREDIBLE HERO

Four years after that came that pivotal role as Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope where people worldwide paid attention to the soft-voiced young star with the charismatic personality.

Four years further on and Harrison was cast as swashbuckling archaeologist Indiana Jones in the first film Raiders of the Lost Ark. Industry insiders and audiences of all ages loved his winning combination of understated emotion, light comedy touch and willingness to be an energetic part of the impressive action. Harrison’s film stock rode high.

HOW many actors could happily tackle a tough adventure role at the age of 81 and make a credible hero? Well, Harrison Ford can.

And he is still wowing audiences with his latest film – predictably as enduring favourite Indiana Jones.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now delighting fans and box-offices around the world - the first of the highly successful series without Steven Spielberg behind the camera.

Scroll back the takes to the 1940 Chicago childhood of young Harrison, though, and it’s hard to spot the superstar potential. An ordinary student who failed to excel at sports, he dropped out of Wisconsin’s Ripon College where he had done some acting and later Summer stock.

Harrison’s next move, however, was more noteworthy. He signed a Hollywood contract with Columbia and then later Universal, enjoying roles in some – admittedly, fairly unremarkable - films and TV series including Ironside and The Virginian.

In fact, he was so discouraged that he turned to a career in professional carpentry before the silver screen called him back in 1973 for the surprise film hit American Graffiti.

He won more fans in the 1982 classic Blade Runner and then reprised his Han Solo role in 1983 with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Roll on 1985 and he received an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his sensitive handling of the role of undercover cop John Book in the Amish community in another hit film Witness.

Further success beckoned with subsequent Indiana Jones’ sequels Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).

By the time the last film was released, the brand was perhaps looking in need of a refresh and adding popular British star Phoebe Waller-Bridge into the mix for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as the college professor turned adventurer hero-s goddaughter certainly seems to be helping revive its fortunes.

The public’s love of Harrison Ford, though, has never wavered. And it has never seemed to matter what role or what genre was involved.

In the 1988 film Working Girl he impressed audiences in a contemporary romantic comedy alongside Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver. The role seemed effortless for him and played a large part in the film’s enduring success.

Harrison Ford & Calista Flockhart attending the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Award

He played thriller writer Tom Clancy’s engaging hero Jack Ryan in the excellent Patriot Games in 1992, following up the role two years later with another hit movie Clear and Present Danger.

The following year, he earned a Golden Globe nomination for the part of Dr Richard Kimble in compelling thriller The Fugitive. Then in 1997 was promoted to President – be it an action-packed version – for the political thriller Air Force One.

Harrison is nothing if not flexible with his talents and in 1998, played the down-on-his luck pilot to Anne Heche’s stroppy New York magazine editor marooned together after a plane crash in Six Days Seven Nights.

More diversity came from the 2002 blockbuster K-19: The Widowmaker in which he played an inspirational leader in the historical submarine film charting the maiden voyage of a Soviet nuclear sub.

Part of Harrison Ford’s understandable popularity comes not just from an effortless acting style that offers relaxing viewing for audiences but also in his willingness to throw himself into the action, whatever it is.

He holds a private pilot’s licence and owns both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, providing emergency helicopter services on several occasions.

On set, his concern for his own safety seems equally cavalier. He scared director Steven Spielberg and the crew during the making of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom when, without warning, he ran out across the rope bridge used in the film’s climax to test its safety.

Spielberg is later reported stating: “What can I say? Harrison really IS Indiana Jones.”

Nor is he an actor without his own ideas on the films in which he stars.

He is reported to have said: “It’s a little-known fact but I wanted Han Solo to die at the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. I thought it would give more weight and resonance. But George Lucas wasn’t sympathetic. He didn’t want me killed by those teddy bear guys.”

Harrison was also apparently initially against casting Sean Connery as his father in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade because Connery was only 12 years older than him.

He later changed his mind and found he enioyed working with the former Bond star immensely. Certainly, the screen chemistry underlines that result.

Away from films, twice-divorced Harrison married Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart in 2010. They have a son of their own and he has four other children from previous marriages.

He owns an 800-acre ranch in Wyoming, around half of which he has donated as a nature reserve.

Harrison is known for his quiet and charming personality – a world away from the action-first heroes he has long played onscreen. Although it’s reported that Dial of Destiny is his last hurrah as Indiana Jones, Harrison isn’t sad. He told film website Decider:

Nor does this particular “ending” signal his screen retirement. Harrison can still be seen in the Paramount series 1923 alongside Helen Mirren.

“I’ve been able to deliver amazing films developed by Steven (Speilberg) and George (Lucas) over a 40-year period and to end it not with a whimper but a bang has been my greatest ambition for this excursion.”

BUYING JUST ONE THING

can usually throw up useful reviews and sites like Mybuilder.com can give a good overview of local builders.

The same care in choice applies to new WINDOWS. We take the effects of doubleglazing for granted these days but now that we are so conscious of our energy bills having good, double-glazed windows makes real sense.

Dougle-glazed windows come in all shapes and sizes and not only make your home more energy efficient but also add to the value of your property. New frames also look much smarter than old, decaying frames to give your home a real face-lift.

MAKING a house into a home in 2023 has become more complicated financially thanks to higher interest rates, soaring energy costs and general inflation.

We may have had to put major improvement plans on hold until the situation looks more positive but it’s still possible to improve your lifestyle on a budget right now.

So, the key this year may be to opt for just one change that will make your home-life more enjoyable, comfortable and simply better.

Since lockdown, we have all spent more time at home and our lives are definitely more involved with our property than ever. We socialize more there, spend more family time there and enjoy more home-based activities.

So, we deserve to have the best surroundings we can afford. Whether this year that means a big project or just a small change, it’s a great time to invest in your lifestyle.

Big projects can include an EXTENSION OR CONSERVATORY to give you more much-needed space and which can be as big or small as you feel financially able.

The good news is that conservatories and extensions fall under the same building rules and are classed as permitted developments.

This means that most of them will not need planning permission but this is subject to some specific rules so it’s best to check with your local planning authority first.

Like any big project, it’s best to see your preferred builder’s work beforehand and get an idea of what previous customers’ experiences have been. Fortunately, these days just going online

Another big project that can really alter your home is new FLOORING throughout. This can be new carpets or you may prefer floor tiles or wooden flooring.

Experts say the trend for carpets in 2023 is for bright colours and bold patterns, checked carpets and gold shades. Woodgrain remains a contemporary favourite but any real change will brighten up your home.

If your KITCHEN is in need of updating it’s definitely worth investing in new units. Modern kitchens tend to be minimalist and clutter-free so go for simple, clean looks that fit your lifestyle. Monochrome colour schemes with large windows to allow plenty of natural light form a main kitchen image currently but a local kitchen expert can help you make the most of what space you have available.

A way to cut costs, however, is to just opt for new unit doors or worktops in a useful makeover. There are plenty of firms around offering this kind of new kitchen look. Again, checking out previous reviews will help you make the best choice. A new FRIDGE OR FREEZER is a more modest buy that can really alter how your kitchen style and storage. Big American fridges fulfill both functions and can add a special cachet to a kitchen. Shop around online and in-store for the best bargains.

For the LIVING ROOM, investing in a new SOFA and/or COMFY CHAIRS is an expense you can justify every time you sit watching the TV or have a cosy evening in with your partner or friends.

This can prove an expensive buy but you can cut costs considerably by going for second-hand furniture instead. Charities like Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation have their own furniture premises so find out if there is one near you at emmaus.org.uk orbhf.org.uk.

Another cost-cutter is to go for tailor-made new covers for your existing sofa and chairs - which really brings them back to life! Buying new CURTAINS is another investment which can really change the look of a room. This, though, needn’t be a major project. There’s plenty of choice around or buy the material yourself from a mill or discount outlet and find a good seamstress or sewing firm to make them up.

Some fabric companies actually make them free if you buy the material from them so it’s worth investigating.

Investing in RE-DECORATING is also never wasted. Traditional neutrals like grey, taupe and timber brown can add a calm feel to any room although warmer, richer tones are still popular.

Get creative with an accent wall, too. Now that so many of us work from home, having an attractive background for Zoom calls is important – and no-one believes you’ve read all those books behind you, anyway!

Natural wood effect wallpaper is rustic and charming and bringing Nature indoors very much on trend. Alternately, vivid colours and designs can say much about your personality and personalize your background.

One buy that can really transform a room is a new FIREPLACE.

Heat output used to be the most important thing as people didn’t necessarily have central heating but now it’s the decorative style that matters more.

Energy efficiency may be paramount but equally important is the visual appeal that adds to home décor.

The trend towards open-plan homes means that fireplaces are more important than ever as a central feature.

Our greater emphasis on enjoying life outdoors has also meant that outdoor fires, including fire pits, are also proving very popular.

Kitchens direct from the manufacturer. We can supply & fit cheaper than Wickes, Wren, Magnet etc! We won’t be beaten on quality or price. All building work carried out. 25 years experience.

Free design and quote - 0800 093 0924

Some of our reviews...

“Stuart helped create our dream kitchen. The service was friendly and professional, and we were kept upto date along the way. The kitchen itself is great quality and the fitters did a fantastic job. Would definitely recommend.”

“Love my new kitchen, good quality units fitted perfectly by Ashton Interiors. Stuart and his team were excellent, no problems, a great service from start to finish.” Thank you.

“Really pleased with the kitchen. Excellent workmanship completed to a high standard.”

World-renowned chef Theo Randall shares his 10 pantry staples and reveals his favourite ways to cook with them showcasing the best of Italian home cooking.

POTATO AND PORCINI SOUP WITH WILD GARLIC CREAM

This creamy and comforting soup is a lovely way to use wild garlic, which is always in abundance in the UK around early springtime. If you want to make it when wild garlic is not in season, you can substitute the wild garlic for baby leaf spinach and add a garlic clove (crushed with salt) to the cream. Alternatively, pick wild garlic in season and freeze it so you can enjoy it year-round.

Serves 4 as a starter

Ingredients

l 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

l 2 leeks, finely chopped

l 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves

l 200g (7oz) Désirée or Cyprus potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm (½in) pieces

l 30g (1oz) dried porcini mushrooms, just covered in boiling water and left to soak, drained and finely chopped

l 500ml (17fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock

l 200ml (7fl oz) double (heavy) cream

l 75g (2½oz) wild garlic leaves, roughly chopped

l sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leeks, thyme, potatoes, chopped rehydrated porcini and a good seasoning of sea salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the chicken or vegetable stock and simmer very gently for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender. Add half the cream, then use a stick blender to blitz the soup to a purée. The

soup should coat the back of a spoon, but if you think it’s too thick then you can add some hot water. Pour the remaining cream into a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the wild garlic and cook gently, until it is wilted, then use the stick blender to blitz until just smooth. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste, then spoon it into warmed bowls. Top each portion with a dollop of creamed wild garlic and serve.

AUBERGINE AND COURGETTE LASAGNE

My mother used to make the most delicious lasagne – I used to get so excited when I knew it was coming. She was brilliant at making the béchamel sauce – it was always perfectly creamy but never thick and floury. The trick to this was to cook it very slowly and use equal quantities of flour and butter. This is a vegetable lasagne, but it has as much flavour as the traditional meaty offering because you roast the aubergines (eggplant) first. Try to use egg-based lasagne sheets as they tend to have more flavour and are not as brittle when you cook them (or, better still, make your own sheets of pasta).

Serves 6

Ingredients

l 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

l 2 red onions, finely sliced

l 500g (1lb 2oz) courgettes (zucchini), cut into 1cm (½in) rounds

l 1 garlic clove, finely sliced

l 500g (1lb 2oz) tomato passata

l 8 basil leaves, roughly torn

l 3 aubergines (eggplants), sliced into 2cm (¾in) rounds

l 300g (10½oz) egg-based dried lasagne sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

l For the béchamel

l 75g (2½oz) unsalted butter

l 75g (2½oz) plain (all-purpose) flour

l 500ml (17fl oz) whole milk, warmed to just below boiling point

l 150g (5½oz) parmesan, grated, plus extra for sprinkling

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the onions, courgettes (zucchini) and a good seasoning of salt. Cook for 20 minutes, until the onion and courgettes are soft. Heat another tablespoon of the olive oil in a separate saucepan, then add the garlic. Fry the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the passata and cook the mixture gently for 20 minutes, until reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper, then stir through the basil. Brush both sides of the aubergine (eggplant) slices with olive oil and season them with salt. Place the aubergines in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake them for 15 minutes, then turn them over and bake them for a further 15 minutes. Remove the slices from the oven and, when they are cool enough to handle, cut them into half-moons. Set them aside and leave the oven on. To make the béchamel, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat. When the butter has melted, add the flour and cook it out for a couple of minutes, stirring to combine. Next, add

the hot milk and stir continuously to avoid any lumps forming. Cook the sauce gently for 20 minutes, stirring all the while, until smooth and thickened, then mix in the parmesan and check the seasoning. Leave to one side. Mix the aubergines, courgettes, onions and tomato sauce together in a large bowl and check that everything is seasoned well. Use the remaining olive oil to oil a baking dish, then place a layer of lasagne sheets in the base of the dish. Add one-third of the vegetable mixture in an even layer, then top this with one-quarter of the béchamel sauce. Repeat this twice more, then finish with a layer of lasagne sheets and a final layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle the top with some more parmesan, then bake the lasagne for 35 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and the top is golden. Serve with a little extra grated parmesan on top, if you like.

Credit: The Italian Pantry by Theo Randall (Quadrille, £28), Photography © Lizzie Mayson

What will your legacy be?

What will your legacy be?

Leaving a gift in your Will ensures we can continue our work giving shelter to over 1,000 animals each year.

We depend totally on the generosity of our supporters.

ANIMAL CARE has a long history in the Lancaster & Morecambe area so by remembering us in your Will you are supporting a local charity in a lasting way

About  Jack...

Jack has been handed over to us as his owners were unable to cope with his behaviour or give him the exercise he needs. Jack seems to prefer men and is quite jealous and has snapped at the lady owner in the home. He has been fine with all the female staff so far and although he is still settling in and finding his feet, he is a sweet boy who really enjoys a good long walk. We feel Jack would be much better in a one-person home where he can get all the attention he needs and doesn’t feel jealous. He is a fit active boy so will love someone who is able to give him lots of long walks. Due to his history jack can not be homed with children of any age.

Jack Russell Terrier Male 7 years 2 months old

WEYMOUTH

The perfect spot for your sunny getaway

During the Summer months I took a five day coach holiday with Daish’s Holidays staying at The Russell Hotel, situated on the glorious seafront esplanade of Weymouth.

The sandy beach is sprinkled with deck chairs and has many food & drink stalls and a vast range of attractions including donkey rides, a large funfair and even a traditional punch and Judy.

The esplanade is wide and flat and very well kept, making it perfect for a long stroll in the sunshine, you can walk for miles along the coastal path lined with brightly coloured beach huts.

The second is the George, more of a modern style with restaurant over 2 floors serving top quality drinks and meals prepared with the freshest local ingredients. It also has a good outdoor space to sit and watch the world go by.

During the Summer months there is a large firework display every Monday at 9pm which adds to the holiday experience.

Weymouth is a family friendly beautiful resort which I would visit time and time again.

During our visit we took an optional excursion organised by the hotel out to Bournemouth and Poole. It was well organised, leaving the hotel after breakfast and returning in plenty of time to get ready for our evening meal.

The hotel occupies a beautiful building and has 87 bedrooms with many offering sea views. Facilities include a coffee shop, bar, restaurant and dance floor. The hotel hosts a programme of live entertainment every evening which includes dancing, bingo and quizzes. There is also the option to book excursions and day trips via the hotel.

What’s included in a Daish’s Holiday package:

• Luxury coach travel with comfort stops on route

• Convenient pickup and drop-off along popular routes

• Breakfast and three-course evening meal every day

• On-site entertainment

Seated on a beautiful bay Weymouth boasts one of the finest beaches in Dorset. The seafront is lined with Georgian buildings, restaurants and a vast range of eateries from fish and chips to ice cream parlours.

My favourite part of Weymouth is the traditional fishing harbour with lift bridge. Watch the boats come and go from luxury yachts to working fishing boats.

Either side of the harbour is lined with pastelpainted houses and many restaurants and bars, too many to mention them all.

Two of my favourites were the Kings Arms, a 16th Century Inn where King George III is said to have stayed with its low ceilings and doorways and decorated in a traditional fashion.

Bournemouth has the perfect beach front with sandy beach, Ferris wheel, many little cafés, restaurants and a large pier. For those with mobility problems there is a cliff lift to help you down. Highlight of our visit was the botanical gardens, a vast outdoor space with water, music and plenty of plants to admire. Poole was in a different class, gorgeous pubs, restaurants and a harbour full of luxury yachts, well worth the visit.

By Helen Gergus.

Daish’s Holidays is a family-owned and operated business that has 12 hotels, located in 10 popular tourist destinations across England and Wales including Newquay and Weymouth. The company also has its own fleet of luxury coaches to transport guests in comfort from a number of pick-up points across the UK, stretching from west Yorkshire to Cornwall. Customers have the choice between coach or self-drive options across England and Wales.

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 director 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.

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

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 is 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, three-piece 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.

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

HUGE SAVINGS

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

TOP QUALITY SERVICE

The store also offers a 24-hour delivery service, which has been know 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 ouy the collections at Vine Mill Furniture, Brookside Street, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3PX. For more information visit vinemillfurniture.co.uk or call 01254 399906.

Facebook and Feebo 5 Star Rating. Flexible payment plans to suit all budgets, available on home buy packages. When you have paid for each item ... your order will be delivered in 24hrs.

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

the powers that be get more power to the people range anxiety will remain an issue.

Anyway, back to the e-C4 which was in midrange Shine spec. That meant standard kit included a driver’s head up display, heated front seats in alcantara, heated steering wheel, smart alloy wheels, a 10 inch central infotainment touch screen, digital drivers instrument panel and a whole raft of Citroen safety features.

Extras fitted included leather seats, metallic paint, power driver’s seat with massage function (very nice) and wireless phone charging which took the on the road price up to £36,140.

It’s a good looking car too with that corporate Citroen front end and lots of bodywork details that mean it is stylish from every angle.

Comfort has always been a strong point with Citroen suspension systems but eco, normal and sport driving modes mean things can now be sharpened up at the touch of a button.

CITROEN E-C4 X SHINE

I HAVE always thought that electric cars will have truly arrived when you can drive one and forget that it is not powered by fossil fuels.

While not quite there yet the latest offering from Citroen is 95 per cent along the road to success... and the remaining five per cent is nothing to do with the car itself.

The e-C4 X feels reasonably quick (0 to 62 in 10 seconds), comfortable and has a claimed range of up to 300 miles (city driving). It is also reasonably affordable for a decent-sized electric saloon starting at £31,995 (petrol versions begin at £22,500).

It is that range issue (221 for out of town driving) which accounts for the final five per cent – not the car’s fully charged ability but the lack of infrastructure... there are dozens of petrol stations in every large town but nothing like the same number of charging points.

Fitting a rapid charge point at home partly solves the problem but if you have to do a round trip of 200 miles or so then you find yourself (as I did) looking on the web for power points along your route.

Luckily my day out testing Maseratis at a high end North Yorkshire hotel was greatly improved when I arrived to find a bank of vacant chargers.

Four hours later the e-C4 was fully ready to whisk me home, but you cannot guarantee being able to plug in at your destination and until

As to that battery power an eight-year or 100,000 miles warranty comes alongside the car’s three-year or 60,000 mile standard cover so that helps calm any fears of needing a new power pack and the large cost involved.

Speaking of the battery it can be charged up to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes on a rapid public charge point while home charging (32 amp) will take seven and a half hours to 100 per cent.

So almost there then for electric cars... although true petrolheads like me will continue to bemoan the passing of the symphony produced by a throbbing V8!

For more information see www.citroen.co.uk.

BYD

NOW here is a car company you may well not of heard of... but that does not mean they are new to making motors.

BYD have launched their first ever car in Europe, the all-electric ATTO 3, and from just £36,490 this mid-size C-segment SUV looks like a bit of a bargain.

It is stylish, has good range, a great standard kit list and drives really well – oh yes and it is Chinese. BYD stands for Build Your Dreams and the company, whilst almost unheard of in the UK, is the number one new energy car builder world-wide having already made 4.6 MILLION vehicles in the last 13 years.

The biggest manufacturer in China, BYD started making batteries for mobile phones and now, as well as selling cars in 70 countries, also makes electric trains, buses, trucks and fork lifts.

So we will be seeing a lot of BYD, who already have a growing network of dealers across the country, with an aim to hit 30 by the end of this year. So big is BYD that on the ATTO 3 they make every single part for the car except for its glass and tyres.

Founded in 1995 it has 28 years of battery expertise and more than 600,000 employees, including 49,000 engineers and 11 research centres in 70 countries.

In 2022 the brand had new energy passenger car sales totalling 1.8 million globally – an increase of over 212 per cent compared to 2021. Sales of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) reached 946,239 units and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) 911,140.

The ATTO 3 is a spacious front-wheel drive SUV which uses BYD’s next-generation ePlatform 3.0 electric powertrain featuring their unique modular Blade Battery system, which also adds to the cars structural safety and helps it achieve a Five-Star Rating in Euro NCAP Safety Tests.

The trim variants are Active, Comfort and range-topping Design, which was the model we got to try out at a BYD driving day recently in not so sunny Bolton.

Prices are from £36,490 up to £38,990 with all sharing a high level of standard equipment – the main differences being battery capacity and performance.

That standard kit includes distinctive automatic LED headlights and a rear light bar across the width of the car. Electrically folding and heated wing mirrors complete with downlights are fitted while our rangetopping Design also has an electric tailgate and electric folding door mirrors.

The eye-catching 18-inch black and silver alloy wheels are paired up with five colour choices with metallic at no extra cost - Surfing Blue, Climbing Grey, Skiing White, Parkour Red and Exploring Green.

The sporty interior has some unique features including a large central screen which can physically be spun at the touch of a button from landscape to portrait mode, gym-inspired design touches such as barbell-style door handles and a kettlebell style gear selector and weirdest of all chords over the door pockets which double as strings that play notes when strummed.

The sporty seats – all in ‘vegan’ leather – have red stitching with the front heated with electric adjustment. There is a 5” LCD instrument panel ahead of the driver and smartphone wireless charging plus a panoramic glass sliding sunroof with sunshade, multi-coloured mood lighting and auto dipping rear mirror.

As this is an electric car range is a big issue and the ATTO 3 can do up to 260 miles out of town or 350 city miles on a single charge, aided by the car’s high-efficiency integrated heat pump - a first direct cooling and heating system for car batteries increasing thermal efficiency by up to 20 per cent in winter. Charging times are 6 hours 30 minutes from flat to full on an 11kv three-phase charger but as little as 80 minutes from an ultra-fast supply.

Performance from this single motor unit FWD version it is 0 to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 99mph which is why it feels nippy and nimble on the road. There are four driving modes: Sport, Normal, Economy and Snow.

ATTO 3 has lots of safety aids as standard with features like Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Keep Assistance and Emergency Lane Keep.

Further driver aids are Blind Spot Detection, Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake Distribution, Electric Parking Brake, Antilock Braking System, Automatic Vehicle Hold, Traction Control, Hill Decent Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Limit control.

Adaptive cruise and a panoramic camera system with 360-degree visibility are also fitted across the range as is sat-nav, integrated Apps including Apple CarPlay and a premium sound system.

An 8 years or 120,000 miles battery warranty, 12 years bodywork guarantee and complete vehicle warranty of 4 years or 70,000 miles completes the package.

So BYD is a name we will all have to get used to because this level of style, performance and equipment will mean their cars are sure to be a hit... and there’s an electric hatchback and sporty saloon coming soon too!

For more information see www.byd.com/uk

For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/

1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life-time

One person every 10 minutes is diagnosed with breast cancer

400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year

The 5 year survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 50-80 percent in the last 40 years

A beautiful traditional market... there is something for everyone and lots to see and do “ ”

Award winning Victorian market with 250 stalls

· VISIT ·

A day out for everyone to enjoy!

From gourmet street food to dog friendly ice-cream, finely-crafted jewellery to designer clothing, bargain household goods to hand-made gifts and haberdashery - you’ll find it all and more at Fleetwood Market.

· Open · 9am to 4.30pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

· Fully accessible and dementia friendly ·

Easy to find by tram, bus, coach or car! Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB

www.fleetwoodmarket.co.uk

Cash machine on site

We’re dog friendly!

Free coach parking