Blackburn & Burnley Issue 63 by 50 Plus Magazine

BLACKBURN, BURNLEY & RIBBLE VALLEY EDITION 63

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

Dolly Parton

FROM RAGS TO RHINESTONES

Bulbs to Light-Up Spring

PLANT SPRING BULBS NOW FOR A GLORIOUS DISPLAY OF COLOUR NEXT YEAR

Kwoklyn Wan

CHINESE TAKEAWAY IN 5

Travel

WALKING IN WEST SUSSEX

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OUR DOOR TO DOOR PICK UP AREA

Luxury Coach Holidays DOOR TO DOOR TAXI SERVICE Included in the price of all our coach holidays is a taxi collection service. This means a taxi or minibus will collect you from your door at the start of your holiday and return you from the coach at the end, thus avoiding all the hassle of getting yourself and your luggage to a coach pick-up point. QUALITY HOTELS We place a great importance in providing hotels of very high standards and are constantly striving to improve further the quality of hotels included in our programme. They are usually all of a 3 or 4-star standard and most importantly, ALL hotels include en-suite facilities, tea/coffee making facilities and colour TV in the room. LUXURY AIR CONDITIONED TOURING COACHES Our fleet of Luxury Coaches feature: •

High back reclining seats

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Travel

Dolly Parton

STARRY NIGHTS TOUR DE PROVENCE WITH CYCLING FOR SOFTIES

FROM RAGS TO RHINESTONES

IN THIS ISSUE 8-9

TWITTERING ON By Angela Kelly

12-13 TRAVEL Walking in West Sussex 16-17

DOLLY PARTON From Rags to Rhinestones

19-20 HOME Keeping Summer in your home all year

Feel great, enjoy life

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A CAREER IN FOSTER CARE Fostering could be the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do

24-25

RENOVO DENTAL Building on Firm Foundations

29-30 GARDENING Bulbs to light up Spring 34 MOTORS Steve Howarth test drives the Kia 35-37

FOOD & DRINK Chinese takeaway in 5 by Kwoklyn Wan

HEALTH How often should you get your eyes tested at 50?

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HESKIN HALL PHOTOS.pdf 1 26/01/2018 11:15

Christmas Shopping Evening

COACHES WELCOME

Thursday 4th November 5pm-9pm

Come and get into the festive spirit at our annual Late Night Christmas Shopping Evening

A great chance to get organised for Christmas • Bucks Fizz Upon Arrival • Gifts Galore • Autumn/ Winter Fashion • Festive Tasters • Special Offers • Live Entertainment • Festive cakes, drinks & hot turkey & stuffing barms available from our tea room • Christmas Cake Decorating Demo • Free Entry

OPENING TIMES Mon - Closed Tue - Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm Bank Holidays 11am - 4pm

ALL COVID GUIDELINES ARE IN PLACE

FREE PARKING & FREE ENTRY

We look forward to seeing you!

Wood Lane

Heskin

Chorley

PR7 5PA

T: 01257 451464

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Part of

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When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks, we have the ideal holiday for you.. Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Robinsons’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 26 luxury Mercedes 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.

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Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice We are proud to announce that five of our group – Bournemouth Sands, Daish’s, Devonshire, Abbey Lawn, County – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2021.

Isle of Wight

Torquay

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Blackpool

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Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks! Local pick up points from make it easy to get away. Price includes return coach travel from:

L1 Pick-up: Clitheroe, Whalley, Great Harwood, Rishton, Blackburn, Darwen Services. L2 Pick-up: 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). DATE

HOTEL

DAYS ROUTE

PRICE

DATE

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OCTOBER

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Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

£239

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

£214

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

£239

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

£219

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£239

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

£219

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£239

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

£209

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

£249

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

£209

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

£249

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£209

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

£224

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£209

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

£224

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

£219

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

£204

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

£219

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

£204

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

£189

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

£224

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

£189

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

£224

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£179

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

£224

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£179

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

£224

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£159

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

£214

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£159

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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 2021. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. Offer ends 15th September 2021

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10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels. Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Eastbourne

Bournemouth Sands

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Imperial Hotel

Isle of Wight

Scarborough

Torquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Daish’s Hotel

Esplanade Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel

County Hotel

Call 0800 083 9900 or visit daishs.com robinsons-holidays.co.uk

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@RobinsonsHolida

TWITTERING ON

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TWITTERING ON BY ANGELA KELLY successfully created his famous cyclone Hoover-type machine. That took out four years of his life - and probably most of his temper - but he got there. As he points out: “Folklore depicts invention as a flash of brilliance. That eureka moment. But it rarely is, I’m afraid. It is more about failure than ultimate success.” He beavered away in his workshop every day, building cyclones, testing them for their effectiveness in collecting dust. Fortunately for James, he had a very supportive wife who believed in him and allowed him to put their home and home-life at risk to develop his dream. But if you look at crucial inventions all through history, they come at the price of consistent, dogged determination – and often health and wealth. The real value of grandparents WHAT value on grandparents in 2021? Are we still useful and relevant in this age of Love Island and Tik Tok? I only ask because it was interesting to see that Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas, is reported to be considering going to court in order to be able to see his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet. I don’t want to go too deeply into personalities here. The Sussexes generally make me rather annoyed and disappointed and I don’t know what kind of father Thomas was. What I do know is the value of grandparents today and what they can mean to busy young parents and children who may not have many family members nearby. Grandparents have often got the time and willingness to spend on both caring for their grandchildren and being the patient listening ear that youngsters need. They have experience of life generally, and particularly of bringing up their own children, and have learned from the mistakes that we all make as parents. Grandparents offer children a second, different view of adults. Sometimes, one that is gentler and kinder partly because we’re

not full-time carers or disciplinarians and we can always give them back! This allows a special kind of freedom of loving and enjoyment of life with grandchildren that busy parents can’t always provide. Grandparents can supplement that caring basis in the home and take it in different directions. So I hope – for the sake of Archie and Lilibet and, oddly, for the sake of the Sussexes themselves – that they can all resolve this in some way and allow the generations to get to know each other better. It’s what can ultimately make real families. Going through trying times IF there’s one life-lesson that should be passed through the generations it’s that simple saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.” We seem to have moved away from that kind of “stick-at-ability” and often give up when faced with the first real hurdle in many things we’re doing today. One person to show just how this can work brilliantly positively for us, though, is inventor James Dyson. Talking about his life and inventions in a national newspaper recently, James recalled how it took 5,126 attempts before he

There’s no doubting that Alexander Graham Bell didn’t just suddenly discover the telephone one day. It was the result of years of hard work. Or that Marie Curie happened on the power of radium by chance. Everything important since the advent of the wheel has been achieved by someone – or a group of someones – being prepared to put in the hard yards and keep going with an idea until it worked. It’s true that during that time there will also have been thousands for whom effort didn’t ultimately pay off. But the main thing is that they had a dream and they tried and didn’t just chuck in the towel when things got a bit tough. It would be unfair and unjust to say that there aren’t success stories today because of course there are. It’s just that this determination to succeed, to reach a goal, isn’t always given the kudos it deserves. We might acknowledge the achievement in creating a clever idea and making it work but we seldom pay homage to the huge amounts of time and energy it took to reach that point. In fact, having “stick-at-ability” isn’t necessarily something that’s admired in people today. We praise the flexibility and vision of people prepared to move on from projects to something else if it doesn’t pan out.

Granted, life doesn’t work out all the time but James Dyson’s kind of stoicism offers much to be admired. Fortunately for him, it’s also made his fortune. Waste not want not! IT’S a shocking fact that the average UK family wastes £730 a year on uneaten food – especially when nearly eight million people don’t get enough to eat. As domestic users, we throw away about 18 per cent of the food we buy, 85 per cent of it is perishable and 70 per cent of it still edible. I only know these figures because I saw an article by the excellent Great British Bake-Off judge and food expert Prue Leith who was bemoaning the amount of food we waste every day. She was harking back to World War Two and reminding us all that during the war you could go to jail for wasting food. She still thinks it’s a crime now and she’s right. I don’t know how scrupulous you are about chucking out food but I’m ridiculous about sell-by dates and reach for the bin at the first sign of imagined mould. Prue recalled that one of her earliest memories was of her mother’s stricken face during WW2 when the family’s precious egg ration (five for a family of five) smashed on the hall’s tiled floor after the bag gave way. “We scooped them up and ate them anyway. Scrambled,” stated Prue. “To waste them would have been a sin.” She advocates more realistic shopping, more frugality and a realistic approach to the freezer as well as using up leftovers. It really is a matter of commonsense and a way to conserve the world’s resources.

or email: help@aamail.org 9

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choice of walks and the sociability of other guests, but this time I decided to opt for the flexibility of a self-guided break, travelling with my regular walking companion from home. Friends since school and both only children, Liz and I have been ‘surrogate sisters’ to each other for over 50 years, always up for a new experience, and never short of things to talk about! Set in large grounds with a lake, Abingworth House is tucked into the rolling South Downs and offers a wide variety of walking options. Independent hikers enjoy the same full-board deal as guided walkers, including cooked breakfast, copious picnic lunch, and a threecourse dinner with three choices per course.

WALKING IN WEST SUSSEX

Gillian Thornton has been keen to stride out after months of staying close to home, she heads off to Sussex for a selfguided walking holiday. whilst ahead, the unmistakeable outline of the Seven Sisters rippled towards the horizon, my walking route for the next couple of hours. This famous stretch of coastline was a geological wonder I’d long wanted to see but never somehow got around to, despite living just a couple of hours away beyond the capital. But I’d always been too busy going to other places until Covid travel restrictions made me take a closer look at UK options. Now I was finally here, it was every bit as good as I’d hoped.

Standing on the clifftop above Beachy Head lighthouse, warm sun on my face and flowersplashed grass beneath my feet, I felt I had finally ticked a long overdue box. Far below me, the azure water of the English Channel was retreating from the gleaming chalk cliffs, 12

I’ve loved walking my local area during the pandemic, but I always love exploring someone else’s backyard too, and West Sussex ticked all my boxes for an active short break within easy reach of home. So I booked a Monday-to-Friday stay at Abingworth Hall in Thakeham, one of 17 country houses across the UK run by walking specialists HF Holidays. I have joined guided groups at a number of HF properties and always enjoyed the daily

I’ve always enjoyed HF food, but the young chef at Abingworth ticked all my boxes for both interesting dishes and attractive presentation. HF have long prided themselves on their choice of Gluten Free fare, and have now added additional Vegetarian and Vegan options to the mix. Monday is Local Food Night and Friday, Chef’s Tasting Menu. Abingworth also offers a wide choice of walking routes, from short strolls – great for those who want to combine walking with local heritage visits – to full day legstretchers. But whilst guided walkers have transport provided at either end of a linear walk, independent walkers must either go for circular trails (from the property itself if you don’t have a car) or be prepared to take public transport at some point. We tried both options. On day one, we set off from the front door for a delightful circular route of 8.6 miles, passing through rolling farmland to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough Brooks before winding through villages and vineyards. We dropped in at quaint country churches, stopped to snack on scenic benches, and even made friends with an alpaca farmer. RSPB Pulborough The laminated note cards were easy to follow with strategic photos accompanying written directions, and including an OS map section with the trail clearly marked. But having OS maps on a smartphone also enables you to zoom in for even greater accuracy. A chance conversation with one of the HF group leaders at dinner that night sent us off next day to explore nearby Knepp Wildland. This former farm was taken out of production

· VISIT ·

in February 2000 and is now grazed by traditional livestock such as longhorn cattle, Exmoor ponies and Tamworth pigs. We even saw nesting storks. Four colour-coded trails wind through the estate on public footpaths and permissive trails, and you can also book onto themed nature safaris. We chose the longest loop, the 6-mile Red route, which left the afternoon free for the spectacular gardens of Parham House near Pulborough, and the vineyard trail at Nutbourne Vineyards. What better way to end an active outdoor day than with a glass of crisp English wine and a bottle or three to take home? After a spell of changeable weather, the settled forecast for our third and final day was perfect for the coastal section of the South Downs Way (SDW). Everyone at Abingworth seemed to be heading the same way – the guided walkers for their daily walk and the small group tackling the last leg of their SDW adventure. Once again, the note cards we borrowed from HF were impeccable, advising independent ramblers to park at the end of the walk and then catch one of the regular buses towards Eastbourne to pick up the SDW and walk back. A six-mile loop picks up the SDW west of Beachy Head at Birling Gap, but we opted

for the nine-mile circuit over National Trust downland for the chance to experience Beachy Head too. With a soundtrack of meadow birds and 360° views at almost every step, it was a spectacular finish to a packed but relaxing short break. By the time we checked out on Friday morning, Liz and I had covered around 35 miles on foot, averaging 25,000 steps on each of our three full days. And with only a modest homeward journey ahead of us, we had time to enjoy a last morning in Arundel, just 25 minutes by car from Abingworth – prebooking essential at time of writing for the castle and fabulous formal gardens. So would we do another self-guided walking break through HF? Most definitely. We loved the flexibility to combine walking with heritage and garden visits at our own pace, whilst based in a relaxed hotel that is totally geared up for outdoor adventurers. And you can, of course, still be sociable with other guests around the property. Liz and I talked all the way home – no surprise there – reliving our fun-filled break and planning the next one. Uplands or lowlands? Coast or countryside? Britain has so much to offer, and we fully intend to put some more ticks against our To-Do list.

Fact box: silvertraveladvisor.com recommends HF Holidays for walking holidays in the UK staying at their sociable country house hotels, where activities such as yoga, art, bridge, cycling, cooking and photography are also offered. hfholidays.co.uk

A traditional market with over 200 stalls, Fleetwood Market is a shopper’s delight for gifts, clothing and household goods!

· Open ·

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We are Covid-19 secure

Where There’s a Will There’s a…Dispute? Rachel Harrison, Farleys Solicitors LLP

So, what are the common reasons for contesting a Will? Rachel Harrison, contentious probate specialist at Farleys Solicitors explains. There are a multitude of reasons why a person may choose to contest a Will and the success of each case will be based on its own merits, but the most common reasons are often: Inheritance disputes are on the rise. With family set ups becoming more complicated than they used to be, and increasing property prices inflating the value of estates, people are finding themselves much more inclined to contest a Will for what they deem to be their fair share. 14

Capacity In order for a Will to be valid, the person making the Will (the testator) must have testamentary capacity. This is the legal term to describe a person’s ability to make a Will. In the context of making a

Will, testamentary capacity means that the testator must: • Understand the nature of making a Will and its affects; • Understand the extent of the property/ assets of which they are disposing; • Must not have a disorder of the mind that perverts their sense of right or prevents the exercise of their natural faculties in disposing of their property by a Will; • Be able to comprehend and appreciate the claims to which they ought to give effect. If a testator lacks testamentary capacity, then the Will will be invalid. Such claims are often made where a testator was suffering from a condition such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Claims seeking to challenge a Will for lack of testamentary capacity have to be supported by medical evidence of the testator at the time they made the Will.

Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975

if it has not been properly “executed” by the testator, in the presence of two independent witnesses.

Where certain family members or loved ones of the testator have not been provided for in a Will at all, or where they feel the provision is not enough, they may be entitled to bring a claim against the estate. Those who may be entitled to make a claim under the Act include a spouse, cohabitee or child of the deceased or someone otherwise financially dependent on the deceased.

Claims Against an Executor or Administrator

Forgery

If you feel the executor or administrator of an estate is in breach of their duties or acting unfairly by delaying the administration of an estate, there may be grounds for a claim.

Not all disputes will end up in court and many legal professionals will do everything they can to resolve the matter without the intervention of the Court. Farleys Solicitors has a team of specialists available to advise you on your next steps. Call the team today on 01254 368 674 or email info@farleys.com.

What to do if you want to dispute a Will Whether you want to dispute the contents and distribution of a Will or contest the circumstances surrounding the making and signing of it, it is important you seek legal advice on your position at the earliest opportunity. If you are looking

In some cases the signature on a Will may have been forged by someone looking to make financial gain from the testator. If it can be proven that the signature is forged, then the Will will be held invalid. Alternatively, the Will may be invalid

to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, then any application to Court must be made within six months of the date of a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration.

Farleys is a full-service law firm. For more information visit www.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

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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FROM RAGS TO RHINESTONES DOLLY Parton’s life is a rags to rhinestones story worthy of any feelgood film and with plenty of traumas and triumphs along the way. But, the singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, actress, businesswoman, author and philanthropist with the down-to-earth approach would probably categorise her own life dismissively with something like “honey, you get out of life what you put in.” Dolly was born on January 19, 1946, the fourth of 12 children. Most of her cherished memories are around the oneroom cabin in Locust Ridge nestling in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee where the Partons lived. Life must have been hard there with her daddy running his own small tobacco farm. But young Dolly learned a lot about music from her mother, whose family had originally come from Wales to Southern Appalachia a century earlier and still sang the old songs.

They were a churchgoing family and the life and surroundings later figured in the songs that Dolly wrote including My Tennessee Mountain Home. The status she always described as “dirt poor” was revealed in Coat of Many Colors and In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad.) Dolly began performing as a child, singing on local radio and TV programmes and by 13 was recording the single Puppy Love and appeared at the Grand Ole Opry – a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville. There, she first met Jonny Cash who encouraged her musical career. After she graduated from Sevier County High School, Dolly moved to Nashville and her first success was as a songwriter. Her songwriting partnership with her uncle, Bill Owens, resulted in several chart hits

for performers like Skeeter Davis and Hank Williams Jr. Dolly signed a record deal at the age of 19 and was categorised then as a singer of bubblegum pop. Her single Happy, Happy Birthday Baby charted during this time. Fortunately, the record company eventually recognised Dolly’s country music potential. Her first country single Dumb Blonde reached No.24 on the country chart followed by Something Fishy which made No.17. Both songs appeared on her first full-length album Hello, I’m Dolly. But it was when musician and country music entertainer Porter Wagoner invited her to have a regular spot on his weekly syndicated TV programme that Dolly really broke through.

She signed with RCA and her first single was a remake of Tom Paxton’s The Last Thing on My Mind as a duet with Wagoner. This not only reached the country Top Ten but began a six-year run of basically uninterrupted Top Ten singles for the pair. Her first solo single was Just Because I’m a Woman, released in 1968, which became a moderate hit but by 1970, solo success was still eluding her. The canny Wagoner persuaded Dolly to record Jimmie Rodgers’ Mule Skinner Blues which caught the public imagination and catapulted her to No,.3 in the charts. This was closely followed by her No.1 single Joshua and kicked off a string of solo hits for the next two years including her signature song Coat of Many Colors. Her biggest hit during this period was Jolene in 1973. It topped the country chart early the next year and reached the Hot 100 as well as later charting in the UK at No.7. Dolly decided to leave Wagoner’s organisation to pursue her solo career. Possibly her best-known song, I Will Always Love You – later a huge hit for Whitney Houston - was written about her professional break from him. This went to No.1 on the country chart and about the same time, Elvis Presley said he would like to record it. Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, tried to get Dolly to sign over half of the publishing rights as “standard” but the feisty gal refused – a decision credited with making her millions of dollars in subsequent royalties. Dolly had three solo singles reach No.1 on the country chart in 1974 – Jolene, I Will Always Love You and Love is Like a Butterfly. She again topped the singles chart in 1975 with The Bargain Store. Her transition into a pop princess happened between 1974 and 1980 when she had a series of country hits. Her songs crossed over into mainstream music through performers like Olivia Newton John, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt who covered them. In 1977, Here You Come Again became her first million-seller album, winning a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance the following year.

The petite blonde with the remarkable figure was a natural for TV and her unique personality and voice endeared her to millions across the world. She wrote the song 9 to 5 for the feature film of the same name, starring in it with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. This also gave her a country and mainstream hit. Then in 1982, Dolly was in the film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, earning her a Golden Globes’ nomination. Her screen career also included an impressive role in Steel Magnolias. Also in 1982, she got into the mainstream Top 50 with what became an enduring favourite, Islands in the Stream with Kenny Rogers. Since then, in spite of times when her star has dimmed slightly in the entertainment firmament, Dolly has continued to write and record songs for herself and other famous singers. She is always eminently quotable and honest. She once stated: “I’m not offended by dumb blonde jokes. I know that I’m not dumb. I also know I’m not blonde.”

And of her personal style, she famously said:

It takes a lot of money to make a person look this cheap! Alongside her singing and songwriting career, Dolly – now 75 - has also proved herself a naturally astute businesswoman. Her Dollywood Company operates the Dollywood theme park, a dinner theatre called Dolly Parton’s Stampede, waterpark Dollywood’s Splash Country and the Dream More Resort and Spa. She is also a long-term supporter of many charities, particularly relating to literacy, and created the Dollywood Foundation. This mails thousands of books to children each month and works across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. Her list of awards and national honours is enormous but it is Dolly herself who has been taken into the hearts of millions around the world. And, being a warm Southerner, that probably means the most.

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more light flood in and retain your home’s warmth. Tame your CURTAINS! They often partially block out light without you even realising it. It may be time for new curtains – something brighter and less gloomy that can soon transform a room and help maximise available light. Consider blinds as a modern option. Bright, well-planned blinds can really open up window areas offering extra space and enhancing the amount of rays coming through. Ask your local supplier about the best type to let in the most light.

KEEPING SUMMER IN YOUR HOME ALL YEAR WHEN the sun is shining outside and our homes are filled with light and warmth it makes us want to keep that sunny feeling indoors all year round. Unfortunately, the British weather has other ideas. Don’t give up, though, because there are plenty of ways to keep that Summer feeling in your home all year round – and they don’t even have to cost a fortune.

If you’re having any RENOVATIONS done at home, it’s worth considering adding extra windows, maybe into the ceiling. Infinity roof lights or fixed flat rooflights are also good options to let

Go for SHINY home fittings as they reflect light. Mirrors, glass or shiny metal bounce light and brighten up rooms. Putting a large mirror opposite your biggest window will also really open up that space. The hall, too, will benefit from mirrors especially teamed with paler walls, lighter flooring and good lighting. Try strong CONTRAST in a room, especially your main living rom. A black picture frame, for example, emphasises the lightness of everything around it to reveal bright areas you didn’t even know you had.

Some are very simple and involve that route the sunshine takes into our homes: WINDOWS. It may sound over-simple but just cleaning your windows can put a different aspect on a room. We can get used to the marks and blemishes and, let’s face it, the grime that can build up without us even noticing. A good “springclean” any time of the year allows the windows to do their “job” properly and us to better appreciate the space in which we live.

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drab. A light-coloured runner or rug on dark flooring lifts a room. Re-painting floors or opting for light wooden floors is another way to get more of that important Summer feeling. Vibrant ARTWORK can brighten any room or busy space. How about a fabulous beach view or vista of sun-kissed mountains to take you back to super Summer holidays? A large picture can soon become a pleasing focal point and remind you of blue skies and warm days even on the most miserable day. Remember that painting any space with sunshine shades like yellows, reds and oranges will also give you that glowing feeling Or, paint your ceiling light blue! High-gloss paint reflects light well and adds a special element to any room. Take a closer look at your FURNITURE. Is it gloomy and past its sell-by date? Light furniture brightens up a room instantly. Accessorising cleverly with cushions and throws in pale but warmlooking materials also promotes light and that sunny feeling that Summer brings. If you can’t afford new furniture currently, paint some existing items with white paint or a bright colour. Perhaps use this opportunity to alter the colour scheme and go for shades that lift your mood. While you’re re-decorating, it’s worth checking what shape your kitchen TILES are in. Re-tiling can change the look of a kitchen, bringing it up to date and even giving it a Mediterranean feeling if that’s what you want. However, if you don’t want such a drastic change, consider colourful stick-on splashbacks to give this area a lift. PLANTS can definitely give a home that airy Summer feeling, bringing Nature indoors. Choosing the right ones, though, and maintaining them are especially important in living areas.

If your current plants are dragging them down or – more importantly – blocking out light – either re-pot them elsewhere or invest in new ones. Fake plants are also much nicer and more realistic these days so it’s worth a look at the best.

There’s no point in changes within your home to make it feel more like Summer all year round, though, without addressing your HEATING. Is your boiler working properly or does it need a service or attention? Have you got sufficient radiators for individual rooms?

Try to have three different LIGHT SOURCES in any one room. A lounge might need a central ceiling light – especially a crystal chandelier which is literally brilliant at reflecting light around – and two table lamps.

Wood burners have become very popular in the last decade and part of their appeal is that they look cosy. They’re also very contemporary so can give tired rooms and furnishings a more up to date look

Remember that uplighting can work best in main general living areas and LED lights or strips under kitchen cabinets can get rid of shadows. LED lights are a real friend as they can cut your bills and, by selecting the type carefully, can cheer up any area with their warm looks. Nothing makes a room look darker than CLUTTER so now is a great time to just get rid of all the things you don’t need or that you’ve just not put away. Invest in more cupboards and storage spaces if you must keep them and use those odd corners for shelves to open up areas. FLOORING can cheer you up if it’s warm and uplifting or depress you if it’s just too

It may sound obvious but simply trimming the TREES AND BUSHES outside your windows makes a difference to the amount of light and sunshine that’s allowed indoors. Some garden experts recommend never planting trees on the southern side of your home as the sun will be too high for the trees to provide shade in the Summer and can block windows, limiting solar warmth and light in the Winter. And if there’s a way of bringing the outside in – like bifolding doors in your kitchen or lounge area - this may be one investment that makes sense all year round.

Rossendale Interiors Full Page.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2017 13:33 Page 1

Rossendale Interiors Full Page.qxp_La

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms

One stop shop, tiles and flooring available, everything under one

• Massive choice of traditional or modern • Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 days • Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices and a quick turnar Financially solid • Project-managed installation. All aspects covered • Established over 150 years with four experienced designers plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids qualih t • ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ subject to status is

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•• Massive of or Bacup - 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 252122 Massive choice choice of traditional traditional or modern modern •• Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 77 days Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 304 Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open days Ulverston Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 5818 •• Owned offering very keen prices and aa quick turnaround. Owned by by JJO JJO Furniture Furniture Manufacturers Manufacturers offering very keen prices and quick turnaround. Blackburn - Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn. BB1 5AF Tel: 01254 66921 Financially Financially solid solid •• Project-managed All www.rossendaleinteriors.com Project-managed installation. installation. All aspects aspects covered covered •• Established over 150 years with four experienced SSeee Established over 150 years with four experienced designers designers h o w plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids qquuali howooeur plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids ur a ty •• ‘Buy islityffuurrnit ‘Buy Now, Now, Pay Pay Later’ Later’ subject subject to to status status

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Ulverston - Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828 Ulverston Brogden/Market Street,Ulverston. Ulverston. LA120LD 7AHTel: Tel:01706 01229252122 581828 Bacup - 352 Bacup -- Kitchen 352-358House, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 Blackburn Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn. BB1 5AF Tel: 01254 669215 Blackburn - Blackburn MarketMills, Hall, Colliers Church Street, Street, Oswaldtwistle. Blackburn. BB1BB5 5AF3DE Tel:Tel: 01254 669215 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle 01254 304068 Oswaldtwistle -

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

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N I R E E R A C A E R A C R E T S FO Are you at a time in your life when you feel you have the time and space to give something back and make a positive difference? Could it be the year when you open your heart and home to a foster child with Child Action Northwest (CANW)?

Could you foster with CANW? If we’ve made you consider fostering but you might be doubting your suitability, let us tell you there’s no such thing as an ideal foster carer.

Let us tell you about CANW...

It isn’t about whether you’re married, single, lesbian, gay, heterosexual, divorced or co-habiting. It isn’t about your race or religious beliefs. Our carers come from all walks of life, careers and backgrounds.

Our team of foster carers provide a safe and secure place for children to live when they’re unable to live with their birth families.

You don’t need specific skills to become a foster carer – your life experiences, parenting skills, values and interest in young people are just as important.

CANW’s long and well-respected history of providing accommodation for vulnerable children spans more than a century after we started life as Blackburn Orphanage.

Similarly, there’s no such thing as a typical foster child – they come from lots of different backgrounds. Teenagers, children with disabilities and large sibling groups are very often those most in need of a caring, supportive environment to live in.

Our fostering service has been running since 2001 and we’re often told by staff and carers alike that it’s like a family itself, a community of like minded people. Foster carers with CANW are offered support at every stage of their journey, including financial and practical support, activities and support programmes for children, to ensure they can achieve their full potential. We also provide training to encourage foster carers to develop and become the best possible carer they can be, while the guidance of a clinical psychologist ensures the emotional, health and wellbeing needs of both children and carers are met.

Giving something back We take great pride in providing a family feel to our fostering service and when we spoke to foster carers Mat and Lynn, they said: “The young person living with us at the moment said it doesn’t feel like they’re being fostered. To hear that confirms to us that we’ve made the right decision and made a positive impact on their life when they needed it most.” The needs of the child and the fostering family are at the centre of everything we do at CANW, and we do all we can to help them and their foster family achieve their full potential.

55% of CANW foster carers are aged 50 plus.

Some may have had a difficult upbringing, but all are looking for a foster carer with flexibility, a good sense of humour and the patience and strength to help them build and understand family relationships from the ground up.

Are you ready to be a lifeline for a young person in need? Please give us a call on

0800 634 5300 – our team will be happy to help and tell you more or visit our website and take a look at our FAQs:

www.canw.org.uk/faq

t s o m e h t e b d l Fostering cou o d r e v e l ’l u o y g n i rewarding th Every child’s needs and journey into care will be personal to them just as your motivation to foster will be personal to you. Here at Child Action Northwest we understand and respect that. We are never to busy to answer your questions about Fostering and the support you can expect. • Dedicated social workers & managers • A team big enough to make a difference, small enough to feel like a family • Regular Foster Carer Groups and events • Generous financial packages • Quick access to psychologist & other therapeutic support

• 24/7 on call support • Dedicated support team for young people and birth children • Activity program for children and a young person’s centre

CALL US TODAY

0800 634 5300 Registered Charity No: 222533

HEALTH

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BUILDING ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS Dr Khurrum Hussain is one of just five periodontal specialists in the NorthWest – and he has chosen RibbleValley based Renovo Dental as his referral clinic.

eeking specialist dental treatment, patients throughout the UK travel to the new, Ribble Valley-based Renovo Dental, where there is a top team of dental specialists and general practitioners working with some of the very latest stateof-the-art technology.

He is specially trained in the placement, maintenance and repair of dental implants. “My ethos is not just to treat patients with periodontal challenges, but I aim to work together to educate and motivate them and I have had excellent results with this approach.

‘’Working as part of a multi-skilled team with the same passion really is a dream come true. It takes the planning and patient treatment quality to a whole new level,” says Dr Hussain, who completed his training in periodontology at the globallyrenowned Eastman Dental Institute at University College London.

Graduating from the institute in 2016, Khurrum returned to his roots in the North West, teaching periodontology to post-graduates at Manchester University. and using his skillset working privately for BUPA. As a periodontal specialist, he deals with gum disease and the soft tissue surrounding the palate, degenerating bone issues and failing implants.

As part of the team, Dr Khurrum Hussain, is one of just 350 periodontal specialists working throughout the UK – 220 of those being registered in and around central London.

“The institute accepts just four people each year, one from the UK one from Europe

and the other two internationally. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” he explains.

“At Renovo we don’t rush in, we view everything in a calculated way. We offer the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures. CT-guided precision implant surgery

“Our gums are very much part of our smile and they are the foundations on which we work. Our aim is to get gum tissue and bones strong and healthy before we carry out any further work.” Poorly managed diabetes, smoking or inherited genetics can lead to susceptibility to advanced gum disease – and at Renovo Dental, Khurrum can advise on the best techniques and treatment to overcome the problem. Treatment of advanced gum disease may require dental surgery, such as:

Before & after soft tissue grafting - procedure 90 minutes - one visit

To replace lost gum tissue due to recession. A small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth or using tissue from another donor source and attaching it to the affected site. This can help reduce further gum recession, cover exposed roots and give your teeth an improved aesthetic.

a special piece of biocompatible fabric is placed between existing bone and your tooth. The material prevents unwanted tissue from entering the healing area, allowing bone to grow back instead.

Another technique involves applying a special gel to a diseased tooth root. This gel contains the same proteins found in developing tooth enamel and stimulates the growth of healthy bone and tissue.

“

Bone grafting This procedure is performed when periodontitis has destroyed the bone surrounding your tooth root. The graft may be composed of small fragments of your own bone, or the bone may be synthetic or donated. The bone graft helps prevent tooth loss by holding your tooth in place. It also serves as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone.

Guided tissue regeneration This allows the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by bacteria. In one approach,

CT-guided surgery for implants Is accurate, safer and comfortable and results in faster healing.

Tissue-stimulating proteins

OUR AIM IS TO GET GUM TISSUE AND BONES STRONG AND HEALTHY BEFORE WE CARRY OUT ANY FURTHER WORK”

“

Soft tissue grafts

“There is often a general lack of awareness of what can be done in terms of the latest techniques, treatments and technology. Too often patients are told that the treatment for gum disease and bone loss is not possible.Yes, it is more complex, impossible it is not. That depends on the skillset of the team carrying out the treatment, ” explains Dr Khurrum Hussain of Renovo. As a brand new clinic, Renovo have invested in all the latest digital technology dentistry has to offer, including a state-of-the-art CT scanner which allows the team to plan and perform very precise implant surgery. This

Since launching Renovo Dental, the team’s reputation has spread through word of mouth: “We are very fortunate in what we do and what we have here, and we are all passionate and very dedicated. Renovo is much bigger than a group of individuals – it is all about our patients, changing mindsets and attitudes and giving them support and confidence by providing outstanding dentistry.” Renovo Dental Pendle House Clitheore Road Chatburn BB7 4JY 01200 441000 hello@renovodental.co.uk renovodental.co.uk @renovodental

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A statement piece like a grandfather or grandmother clock can transform any interior look without adding other pieces to them. But be careful to note the difference between grandfather and grandmother clocks to be sure you’re choosing the right one for your home. Decorate with vintage textiles

SIMPLE WAYS TO ADD A TOUCH OF ANTIQUITY TO YOUR HOME DECOR Decorating your home with vintage collections is a beautiful way to connect with the past while sprucing up your home. Granted, making your home look gracefully gorgeous with antique findings isn’t the easiest thing to pull off, especially if you have a modernthemed home. So, do you love collecting antiques? Do you want to know how best to incorporate them into your home without messing up the overall theme? Here are a few tips you can use. Choose items you truly love The truth is, you want to spend money on antique items you are proud to own. You want your interior design to make you feel comfortable and happy, and you can do this by buying only the antique items you love. This way, you can never go wrong with your design – at least from your perspective. Not everyone will appreciate your choice of antique design pieces, but as they say, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. And as long as you’re happy with your items, it shouldn’t matter what others think 26

about it. So, go ahead and buy items you truly love. Statement pieces Antiques are pretty powerful design elements, as most of them can stand out on their own. That means you don’t necessarily need to have loads of antique pieces to create the desired effect. Of course, if you are a collector, you can have a space in your home dedicated to your collection. But if you want to incorporate some of your pieces into your interior decor, it’s best not to do too much, especially if your home interior doesn’t have an antique theme.

You can use vintage textiles to transform any interior space from the perfect pillow covers to beautiful wall hangings. Vintage scarves and old quilts, for example, can serve as excellent hanging artwork, while antique blankets and curtains can replace some of the modern ones you have.You can also find other creative ways to decorate with vintage textiles, like using the smaller ones as coffee or centre table covers. Accent pieces Not every antique item needs to be a statement piece. And this is especially true for furniture pieces. Also, not every antique item needs to be inside your home. For example, if you already have a modern interior design in your home, you can try incorporating your antique pieces into your exterior living space instead. Places like your balcony and garden can look truly unique with the right pieces.You can also use accent pieces to give your interior space a more subtle character without making them the centre of your design. For example, you will find various accessories, accent tables, rugs, and smaller pieces to enhance any living space.

Do You Fancy a Wood Burning Stove? Not quite sure what to look for? Why not book an appointment for us to visit you, complete a free survey and supply a detailed quotation followed by a visit to our showroom at Oakhouse, on the A59 Clayton-Le-Dale. We are open by appointment only to ensure you get our full attention at all times during your visit. Simply call us on 01706 822208, and we will organise a time which best suits you and one of our staff will meet you to discuss your stove dreams. If you are not sure you want to join other stove owners just yet, don’t worry, we offer a free survey with an emailed quotation in just 36 hours. If you are not happy, there’s no obligation. If you are interested, you could have a stove fitted in just three weeks* We are only a few short months from winter, as the cold winds begin to blow, get ready to sit with your favourite book next to the crackling of your new wood burning stove. As a Hetas registered installer we are ready to perform all tasks to ensure you have a functioning stove, from fireplace alterations to CCTV surveys, we can get the job done. Get ready for the cold snap this coming winter and call Stove Installers to book your free quote.

For over 15 years Stove Installer have been delivering high quality work to the people of Lancashire, the Ribble Valley and even further afield. We work with some of the best stove manufacturers within the industry; Clock, Chilli Penguin and Wanders, to name but a few. Our goal is to deliver the best possible service so that you can enjoy a new stove perfectly fitted to your home, whether you have a chimney or not, we can fully install a system from scratch. We will ensure you’ll be the talk of the street.

*dependent on season and installation schedule, 3 weeks minimum time from survey to completion.

STOVE INSTALLER l

FREE QUOTE

STOVES

LOGS

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WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF WOOD BURNING AND MULTI FUEL STOVES Every customers needs are different from the next but all the customers we have worked for, have commented what a difference our ‘one stop shop’ makes not having to go through various tradesmen and companies. Meaning you get that special one to one working relationship not only with the people fitting the stove but with the same people you have purchased the stove from.

Call: 01706 822208 www.stoveinstaller.co.uk Stove Installer

Oak House | Longsight Road Blackburn | BB1 9EX

Clayton Le Dale

GARDEN

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you have heavy soil you can improve drainage by digging in some horticultural grit before planting. After that the main thing to get right is the planting depth. Bulb planting depths vary As a general rule plant at a depth of up to two to three times their height and two to three bulb widths apart. The pointed tip should always be facing upwards and the flat root end down. But if you really can’t be sure you can always plant them on their sides – the stem and roots will grow in the right directions. A trowel is all you need for this but there are specialist bulb planters available with depth gauges.

BULBS TO LIGHTUP SPRING Plant spring bulbs now for a glorious display of colour next year says gardening writer Julia Heaton After the depths of winter there’s no better sign that the garden is beginning to stir into life than the sight of the first snowdrops or daffodils raising their heads above ground in a rallying cry of colour. Spring flowering bulbs can be so uplifting. They look good in informal and formal borders and are great gap-fillers until the rest of the garden comes into flower. They also look lovely in lawns and are excellent value for money when planted in containers. If you want a slice of this action then now is the time to set the wheels in motion for a stunning display next year.You can plant them all the way through to November, as long as it’s before the risk of frost, so that they can become acclimatised and start sending out roots. Tulips are an exception and can be planted right up until Christmas as they need cold temperatures to reduce the risk of disease and help them root. Don’t forget that there are lots of hardy summer flowering bulbs like lilies and alliums that can be planted in October too. Planting out in borders Make sure you plant with the pointed tip facing up. Plant in drifts, groups or individually, depending on the effect you want to achieve. It could be that you’d like to add some height to the border or create a focal point with a large group. As long as the soil isn’t waterlogged bulbs will grow in most soil types. Break up the earth so there are no clods but if

Gently fill in the hole and firm down with your hands. Then mark up a plant label and place it in the centre of the area planted – it’ll act as a reminder of what’s in there and not to get too close when digging nearby. Planting in lawns Crocus do well in lawns. Bulbs like narcissi, crocus, snowdrops, grape hyacinth, winter aconite and cammassia are great for bringing colour to a lawn that you’re not fussy about mowing. This is important because the grass can’t be cut from when the first bulb leaves appear until the flowers have gone and the foliage has died back. Wait until you’ve done your final cut of the season before planting. Then start by making sure the soil is moist and weed free. For a natural drift formation simply throw a handful of bulbs in the air and plant them where they fall. Using a sharp-edged trowel dig out a plug of turf that’s three times the depth of the bulb you’re planting. Then add some good compost or grit if the soil is heavy. After planting break up some of the earth belonging to the plug and place it back on top of the bulb. Replace the remainder of the turf plug and gently firm it in so that it’s level with the rest of the lawn. Alternatively, for the smallest bulbs, try cutting into the turf, peeling it back, forking over the surface and adding some grit before planting as before. A bulb planter, which will lift out an individual plug, can also be used for larger single bulbs. Left in position your bulbs will naturalise, propagating across the lawn to bring even bigger displays. Try this method in a wildflower area to add some different interest in the spring. Bulbs in pots To get the most out of pot displays go for the layering technique that’s become known as lasagne planting. Just by planting layers of bulbs that flower at different times you can get a fantastic display that will last for months. Choose a pot that’s deep enough to accommodate bulbs that need the deepest planting depth and line the bottom with crocks for drainage. Then add a layer of bulb compost or multi-purpose with added grit for drainage. Plant the largest and latest flowering bulbs

Snowdrops

Tips for better displays- Snowdrops establish better when planted in leaf or ‘in the green’ in early spring. Winter aconites and lily of the valley benefit from this too. - When buying go for the largest bulb you can find in that variety. Smaller ones are more likely not to flower in the first year or produce weaker blooms. Check for mould and discard any that feel soft. - Insulate pots against freezing winter weather by wrapping with bubble wrap. - Protect newly planted bulbs from squirrels by laying chicken wire over the top and covering with a layer of soil or compost. Five spring flowerers to plant now - Crocus: Grows from a corm in full sun or partial shade. Plant in natural flowing groups for maximum effect;

first at the correct depth then add another layer of compost followed by an earlier flowering group of smaller bulbs. For a third, top layer, add more compost followed by the smallest and earliest flowering bulbs. Finish with a layer of compost, stand the container on pot feet for drainage and water it well. For a three-layered treat go for something like daffodils on the bottom layer, hyacinths on the middle and crocus on the top. Bulbs can also be placed closer together than if they were growing in the soil and don’t worry about them being directly on top of one another – the shoots of those at the bottom will just bend around the smaller ones.

- Snakes head fritillary: Nodding bell-shaped mauve flowers are happy in full sun or partial shade; - Daffodil: Plant in sun or light shade. Dwarf daffodils do well in lawns, pots and even rockeries; - Bluebells: Best grown in partial or dappled shade around trees or under shrubs; - Chinodoxa: Also known as ‘Glory of the Snow’, these star-shaped flowers do good in well-drained soil in full sun. Try planting under deciduous trees; Hardy summer flowering bulbs: Plan ahead for next summer by planting these in September and October: - Lilies: Ideal for containers and borders in full sun or partial shade;

Hall, Park and Gardens

- Allium: Flowers best in a sheltered but sunny site in welldrained soil; - Crocosmia: Plant from corms in sun or partial shade. Good on most soil types but ideally moisture retentive in summer; - Bearded Iris: Grow in full sun in well-drained soil.

Join us for this beautiful exhibition of Evelyn De Morgan’s paintings looking beyond crisis towards brighter days ahead FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.towneley.org.uk

The vibrant colour of crocosmia in summer.

FINANCE

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A SECURE FUTURE WITH

EQUITY RELEASE? THESE days we have to look at a variety of ways to raise cash and ensure that our future will be secure and one popular way for anyone over 55 to do just that is via equity release, which offers the chance to access the cash – the equity – tied up in your home. It can be as a lump sum or in several small amounts, or a combination of both. There are two equity release options: lifetime mortgage and home reversion. The Money Advice Service explains that a LIFETIME MORTGAGE means that you take out a mortgage secured on your property, provided it is your main residence, while retaining ownership. You can choose to ring-fence some of the value of your property as an inheritance for your family or you can choose to make repayments or let the interest roll-up. The loan amount and any accrued interest is paid back when you die or when you move into long-term care.

Most people who take out equity release use a lifetime mortgage. Usually you don’t have to make any repayments while you’re alive and interest “rolls up” (unpaid interest is added to the loan), meaning the debt can increase quite quickly over a period of time. However, some lifetime mortgages do now offer the option to pay all or some of the interest. Some will let you pay off the interest and the capital. In the same way ordinary mortgages vary from lender to lender, so do lifetime mortgages, and if you’re looking at this option it’s worth knowing that the minimum age for this is usually 55. As we’re now all living longer, the earlier you start the more this is likely to cost in the long run. The average borrower in their late 60s can usually borrow around 35% of the value of their home, but how much can be released is dependent on your age and the value of your property. The percentage typically increases according to your age when you take out

the lifetime mortgage, while some providers might offer larger sums to those with certain past or present medical conditions. Many lenders offer interest rates which are fixed or, if they are variable, have a “cap” or upper limit which is fixed for the loan’s duration. Check whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee” This means that, when your property is sold and agents’ and solicitors’ fees have been paid, even if the amount left is not enough to repay the outstanding loan to your provider neither you nor your estate will be liable to pay any more. Consider whether you can pay none, some or all of the interest. If you can make repayments, the mortgage will be less costly. However, with a lifetime mortgage where you can make monthly payments, the amount you can repay might be based on your income. Providers will have to check you can afford these regular payments.

Look at whether you can withdraw the equity you’re releasing in small amounts, as and when you need it, or whether you have to take it as one lump sum. The advantage of being able to take money out in smaller amounts is you only pay the interest on the amount you’ve withdrawn. If you can take smaller lump sums, check if there is a minimum amount. It’s also worth finding out if you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan, as different lifetime mortgage providers might have slightly different thresholds. A HOME REVERSION involves you selling part or all of your home to a home reversion provider in return for a lump sum or regular payments.You have the right to continue living in the property until you die, rent-free, but you have to agree to maintain and insure it. You can ring-fence a percentage of your property for later use, possibly for

inheritance - the percentage you retain will always remain the same, regardless of the change in property values, unless you decide to take further cash releases. At the end of the plan, your property is sold and the sale proceeds are shared according to the remaining proportions of ownership. You will get a lump sum or regular payments – normally between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of the market value of your home, or the part you sell. With home reversions, it’s worth checking whether or not you can release equity in several payments or in one lump sum and the minimum age at which you can take out a home reversion plan. Some providers insist you’re at least 60 or 65 before you can apply. Keep in mind the percentage of the market value you will receive. This will increase the older you are when you take out the plan but might vary from provider to provider. Also check whether you have the right to remain in your property for life or until you need to move to long-term care, provided the property remains your main residence

and you abide by the terms and conditions of your contract. Again, check whether you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan and whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee”.You will also need to know what level of maintenance you’ll be expected to carry out and how often your property will be inspected – this could be every few years. Overall, equity release might seem like a good option if you want some extra money and don’t want to move house, but it’s worth bearing in mind that equity release can be more expensive in comparison to an ordinary mortgage. It’s also worth considering any additional changes taking out equity release could make to existing arrangements, with the potential to lose means-tested benefits being key among them. It’s also worth considering involving your family throughout the process, as any equity taken out of the home will impact their inheritance later down the line.

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Speak to one of our advisors for your free, no obligation quotation and to find out how much tax-free cash you can access to spend as you wish. They will explain how equity release could affect the amount of inheritance you can leave and if your entitlement to means-tested benefits could be affected now or in the future. Equity release may involve a home reversion plan or a lifetime mortgage which is secured against your property. To understand the features and risks ask for your personalised illustration. Equity release requires paying off any existing mortgage. Any money released, plus accrued interest, would be repaid upon death or moving into long-term care. Only if your case completes would a typical fee of 2.25% of the amount released be payable (minimum £1,695). 1 You only continue to own your own home with a lifetime mortgage. *UK’s No1, based on volume of plans, source: Touchstone data 2018 - Q1 2020.

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MOTORING

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE As with all Kias these days build quality is good as are the materials used throughout and then there is the manufacturer’s much lauded 7 year warranty to fall back on in the unlikely event of a problem. From there it was into the totally electric world of motoring with the e-Niro. I tried the ‘4+’ spec range topping model which is £39,395 on the road (e-Nero prices start from £30,345).

KIA DRIVING DAY A DRIVING day featuring almost their whole car range highlighted just what a motoring force Kia have become in the UK. Yours truly was one of the northern journalists invited to try out the Kia range at the recent event near Skipton – from the diminutive Picanto up to the fire-breathing new Stinger – nearly all models were on show. They each have their own merits but I chose to put two in the spotlight, the all electric Kia e-Niro and XCeed PHEV as hybrid and electric cars are very much in buyers’ minds at the moment.

That battery system can be charged up in just a few hours so as the average commute in this country is less than 25 miles, providing you can also plug in at work, driving almost completely on environmentally-friendly electric is possible. For an on-the-road price of £34,905 this XCeed is mid-range (prices start from £31,805 for the PHEV models) and comes with 18” alloys, panorama sunroof, leather seats (memory, heated and cooled in the front), heated steering wheel, smart cruise control, 10.25” infotainment central touch screen, park assist with reversing camera, digital dashboard and a whole heap of safety systems.

That all-important electric range is up to 282 on a full charge in mixed driving and Kia say the car will fully charge from zero on a domestic socket in 29 hours, but that drops dramatically if you use a 100kW commercial charge point to just 54 minutes. In reality topping up the charge overnight at home will be feasible if no long journeys are planned. What also changes is performance as this car’s 64kWh motor can get it from 0 to 60 in just 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 104. Again the quality in both build and materials is evident and a long spec list includes such essentials as heated leather seats (again memory and cooled in the front), big central infotainment touch screen with sat nav, wireless phone charger, smart cruise control and the usual comprehensive line up of safety systems and driver aids.

First up was the XCeed, which I tried out in 1.6 GDi ‘First Edition’ spec. As the name suggests there is a 1,580cc conventional internal combustion engine doing most of the work but this is mated-up with an electric motor to give 104bhp on tap.

Kia has just picked up two category wins at the annual What Car? Electric Car Awards for their EV6 and the e-Niro. The EV6 has won the ‘Readers’ choice’ award and the e-Niro earned the title of ‘Best electric small SUV’ for the second year running.

The first figure everyone wants to know is the electric only range – around 33 miles – while the combined mpg is a claimed 167.

So you don’t have to just take my work for the quality of their cars. Kia’s growing trophy cabinet is also testimony to their products and services.

What is impressive is the seamless way the car switches between power plants or employs both together under hard acceleration. It is comfortable and fast enough for most with a 10.6 0 to 60 time and top speed of 99mph.

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

FOOD & DRINK | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

CLASSIC TAKEAWAY IN 5 FROM KWOKLYN WAN

Try these classic Chinese dishes from Kwoklyn Wan that use only five ingredients. Alongside a basic store cupboard of five essentials - salt, pepper, soy sauce, sugar and oil - you can make a feast of easy dishes using the bare minimum.

SINGAPORE CHOW MEIN Indo-Chinese flavours have become increasingly popular in the UK over the last 10 years, thanks to the explosion of street food markets in most major cities. This dish is a classic Indo-Chinese creation mixing ingredients from China with spices from India.

Ingredients • 2 chicken breasts or 300g (10oz) shredded char siu pork • 1 nest of dried egg noodles • 1 red (bell) pepper, cut into strips • 175g (3½ cups) beansprouts • 1 tbsp mild curry powder • 3 tbsp vegetable oil • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp white pepper • ½ tsp sugar

Method • Bring 800ml (3½ cups) water to the boil in a medium saucepan. Add the chicken breasts, bring back to the boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes. Drain and set to one side. Once the chicken has cooled, cut into thin strips. • Meanwhile bring another 800ml (3½ cups) water to the boil in another saucepan. Add the dried egg noodle nest and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Drain and set to one side. • Place a wok over a medium heat; once it begins to smoke add the vegetable oil along with the red pepper strips and cook for 1 minute, then add the beansprouts and cook for a further minute. Add the curry powder and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes. Add the salt, pepper and sugar and mix well. • Add the cooled sliced chicken (or pork, if using) and drained noodles to the wok and continue to cook for a further 5–8 minutes, making sure all of the ingredients are well combined and heated all the way through, allowing the noodles to catch some colour in the wok. 35

FOOD & DRINK | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

SATAY CHICKEN UDON NOODLES Even I was surprised at just how quick this dish was to cook; no sooner had I started the dish, than it was on my plate and being scoffed. Washing up consisted of just my wok and the wooden spoon I used. Chewy noodles, juicy chicken, crunchy onions and peppers smothered in a rich spicy satay sauce. Lovely!

Ingredients • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces • 1 white onion, cut into strips • 1 green (bell) pepper, cut into strips • 4 tbsp satay dipping sauce (or use 2–3 tbsp satay paste, to taste)

• • • •

300g (10oz) straight-to-wok udon noodles 2 tbsp oil (vegetable, groundnut or coconut) 1 tsp salt pinch of white pepper

Tip: Add a sprinkle of crushed salted peanuts just before serving to add a lovely crunch.

Method • Heat a large non-stick wok over a mediumhigh heat and add the oil. Add the chicken and allow to brown on one side, then stir in the onion and green pepper for 1–2 minutes to soften. • Season with the salt and pepper, then stir in the satay dipping sauce, along with 250ml (1 cup) water. Once all of the ingredients are well combined in the sauce, add the noodles and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to separate the noodles. Serve immediately.

BLACK BEAN TOFU AND VEGETABLE STIR-FRY

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • •

4 tbsp fermented Chinese black beans 340g (12oz) firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated 1 bag of ready-prepared stir-fry vegetables 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 2 tbsp water 2 tbsp vegetable oil ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp white pepper 1 tsp sugar 2 tbsp light soy sauce

Tofu has been used in China for well over 2,000 years. As a staple ingredient for vegetarian Buddhist monks, Buddhist chefs often shape and cook the tofu to resemble meat. Black bean fried tofu can be found on many Cantonese restaurant menus and is still one of the top ordered vegetarian dishes. Method • Soak the fermented black beans in 120ml (½ cup) water for 10 minutes, then drain in a sieve and set to one side. • Heat the oil in a wok over a medium-high heat and fry the tofu for 6–8 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Drain on kitchen paper and set to one side. • Reheat the oiled wok over a medium heat and gently fry the garlic and black beans for 45 seconds until fragrant. Add the stir-fry vegetables, increase the heat to medium-high and fry for 2 minutes. • Then add 120ml (½ cup) water, the salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce and fried tofu and bring to the boil. • Give the cornflour mixture a stir and slowly pour into the sauce, stirring constantly, to thicken. Serve immediately.

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MASTERCHEF CONTESTANT SHARES HER TAPAS RECIPES Michele is a creative and innovative designer by trade whose passion for food, family and design all stem from her warm Spanish heritage. Having grown up with creative parents, Michele has experienced different cultures and worlds and applied all of those to her exquisite repertoire of dishes. Michele’s passion for food, wine, hotels and restaurants is something she grew up with. Her parents came from the hotel and restaurant industry, running their own restaurant for over 30 years in Valencia, Spain where her elderly mother still lives today! More recently, Michele appeared on Series 17 of MasterChef where she battled the competition to make it to the quarter finals. Her dishes were loved by many, with TV personality, Greg Wallace stating “It’s a very brave thing to do, and in that I’m quite impressed” following Michele’s first ever attempt at a Thai curry without using curry paste. Having five daughters and two dogs, Michele understands and appreciates how a home needs to function and integrate in order to satisfy the needs of the individual and the broader family.

POTATOES WITH SPICY CHORIZO, RED PEPPER & TOMATO, GARNISHED WITH A FRIED EGG METHOD 1. In a large frying pan heat olive oil for minute or two Add the sliced potatoes and sauté, stirring often, until pale gold, 10 to 15 minutes. Should be soft in middle. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a dish. 2. Add the chorizo to the pan and fry on medium heat stirring and turning often, until crisp and brown, about 3 / 4 minutes, if the mixtures is a little dry add a little more oil. Using slotted spoon or tongs, transfer to a dish. Ingredients • 1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) olive oil, or as needed • 4 Medium, potatoes, or equivalent in New Potatoes. Approx 2 lb. (1 kg) total weight, peeled and cut into 1/2- inch slices. If using large potatoes cut into quarters. • 8 oz. (250 g) Spanish chorizo sausage sliced approx I/2 cm slices. • 1 white onion, chopped • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped into strips. Or roasted red peppers in jar, sliced into strips. • 3 Cloves of garlic cloves, minced • 1 tsp. Pimentón dulce (sweet Spanish smoked pepper)(Paprika) • 1/2 tsp of dried chillies. • 120 ml or 4 fl.oz tomato passata or chopped tomato. • Fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper • 4 Eggs, 1 Fried Egg per person if serving in large dish, alternatively 1 quail egg for small tapas dish • 2 tbs / Handful of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 15 mins, garlic, pimentos, dried chilli and sauté until the onion has absorbed all the spices, then add tomatoes and simmer for approximately about 8 minutes. 4. Return the potato and chorizo to the pan and bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 -15 minutes. 5. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large serving dish or individual dishes. 6. Fry eggs leaving yolk runny. Serve one per person or portion. 7. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve warm. Serves 8.

MONTADITO OF PORK FILLET WITH GRILLED MANCHEGO CHEESE AND PADRON PEPPER Ingredients • 1 Whole pork fillet, 1 cm slices. • 2 tbs olive oil • 1 Large French Baguette • 12 Padron Peppers • 2 Cloves of garlic crushed • 300 gms Manchego Cheese or Mature Cheddar (grated or thinly sliced) • Salt & Pepper • Pimenton Dulce (Spanish Sweet Paprika) for Garnish

METHOD 1. Take off any white sinue from fillet and slice into 1 cm slices. Sprinkle sliced pork with salt and little black pepper. 2. In a medium non-stick frying pan, heat oil to medium to high heat. Add pork slices, you may need to do this in two batches. 3. Fry pork on medium heat until browned nicely, turning frequently for approximately 3 - 4mins. 4. Turn heat down and add garlic and stir until light golden brown. Leave pork to rest in pan. 5. Add tablespoon of oil to a separate frying pan bring to medium to high heat and add patron peppers, fry for approximately 2 mins turning constantly. The skin will turn opaque/ brown this shows

they are ready. Remove from pan with slotted spoon onto piece of kitchen roll. 6. Slice Baguette into 1/2cm slices. Gently toast either on griddle or grill until lightly golden. 7. Bring grill up to medium heat, arrange toasted bread onto grill or oven tray. On top of the toasted bread add slice of pork fillet, then cheese on top of pork. Pop under grill until cheese has melted / gently bubbling. 8. Quickly remove from grill pan and arrange on long serving dish or large round dish. Add one patron pepper on top and secure with cocktail stick. 9. Lightly sprinkle Pimenton over Montaditos and dish.

CLAMS WITH WHITE RIOJA WINE AND SERRANO HAM Ingredients • 1 Kilo of Clams (Preferably Fresh) if not frozen (thaw before cooking) • 100 ml of Olive Oil • Small white Spanish onion or Shallot finely chopped • 4 Large Garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped • 150 ml of White Rioja Wine (or dry white wine)

METHOD 1. If you are lucky enough to get fresh clams (these can be purchased from supermarket or fishmonger and now online) Soak fresh clams in a large bowl for approximately 20 mins in cold water so that all the grit can be released. Rinse thoroughly in cold water. Please discard any that don’t close after tapping firmly with a metal spoon or and that are broken. 2. In a large deep-frying pan with lid, heat oil on a medium heat and fry the finely chopped onion, garlic for approx 5 mins. Please ensure they are not over cooked and brown; onions should be transparent.

When cooked add chopped ham. Approx 6 mins. 3. Keeping it at a medium heat add your pimenton spices and the flour and stir constantly for approximately 30 seconds. Now add your white wine ensuring you are stirring all the time. The wine will fizz keep stirring until all ingredients come together. 4. Drain clams and add, turn up your heat and stir or shake the clams vigorously making sure they have been mixed in well. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, don’t add to much as your clams are naturally salted and the salt from the

• 6 Slices of Serrano Ham. (One small packet.) • 1/2 tsp of Hot Pimenton (Spanish spice normally in small tin) or Paprika • 1/2 tsp of Sweet Pimenton • 1 tsp of plain flour • Salt & Pepper to Taste • Garnish with small handful of Chopped Flat leaf Parsley

ham adds an amazing flavour. The clams will release beautiful juices which will add to the sauce. 5. Add your chopped parsley to the pan and then place tight fitting lid and cook on medium heat for approximately 3 minutes or until all your clams have opened. If using frozen clams may only need 2 mins. (If you see any clams that have not opened, please throw away)! 6. Give it a last stir and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve into small bowls or individual dishes with some lovely crusty fresh bread and a fresh glass of chilled white wine.

HEALTH

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2. You will be required to read some letters or numbers from a board. To assess your prescription needs, your eye doctor will ask you to read letters and numbers from a board, as well as ask you to look at red and green boards. This will help them to determine what you need going forward. 3. Completing your prescription. Once the optometrist has determined the correct prescription for you, you will be required to choose your glasses frames if you desire. If you don’t find any you like, you can order prescription glasses online from Eyeglasses.com to find the perfect fit for you! Getting Used To Your Prescription & Health Tips

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET YOUR EYES TESTED AT 50? As we age, our bodies change, and its needs and requirements shift with it. If you are reaching the fifty mark, or you have already gone past it, you may have noticed a change in your eyesight over the years. This is a totally natural change, but it might need your special attention in order to keep your eyes feeling healthy and comfortable. In this article you will find helpful advice on seeking eye care at 50+. Let’s get started! Symptoms of Strained Eyes Without taking care of your eyes, you can strain them and further damage your eyesight. You can experience negative symptoms that cause you stress and even pain. These include: • Headaches. Not wearing glasses when you need them, or wearing glasses or contacts that have the wrong prescription for you, can cause terrible headaches. These headaches are referred to as ‘vision headaches’ and mostly occur across the brow line and forehead. • Fatigue and poor concentration. If your concentration span has decreased, it could be down to straining your eyes. •

Itchy and sore eyes.

•

Blurred vision.

If you experience these symptoms, it is important that you book an eye test to see how your symptoms can be alleviated through prescription glasses or contacts. Eye Care At 50 According to healthcare experts, having an eye test every two years is important once you reach the age of 50-60. This does not sound very frequent, but is an increase in recommended eye tests compared to the proposed once-a-decade between the ages of 20-29. At the age of fifty and over, most people are likely to need some kind of eye support when reading or driving. What To Expect From An Eye Test If you have never had your eyes tested and don’t know what to expect, here is what will happen at your first eye test! 1. Your eye doctor will ask questions about your general health. There are myriad things that can affect your eyesight, such as the amount of time you spend looking at a screen, your diet, other health issues or medications. Before examining your eyes closely, your eye doctor will likely ask questions about these aspects of your routine.

Now that you have the right glasses or contact lenses for your eyes, you might continue to experience your previous symptoms for a while – or indeed, brand new ones.Your eyes will have become accustomed to their previous range of vision, meaning that the interruption of prescription lenses might cause you some headaches or other symptoms like nausea. In order to combat these, make sure to take breaks when wearing your new glasses. Wear them for an hour, then remove them for an hour, and build up this time until you can wear them full-time if needed. If they still give you grief after a few weeks, contact your optometrist to discuss this further. Here are some health tips to assist your eyes as you get older! • Eating healthily. Eating healthy, natural foods, such as fruit and veg, is hugely important for keeping your eyes healthy. The eyes respond to healthy foods just like any other body part, so ensuring that your diet is as best as it can be is a great way to take care of them. • Taking screen breaks. At any age, staring at a screen for hours at a time is unhealthy for many reasons. If you are required to be on a computer all day for work, make sure to take regular mini-breaks without a screen to protect your eyes. • Glasses with blue light filters. When having your eye test, speak with your optometrist about blue light filters. These are special lenses that help reduce your eyes’ exposure to blue light from computer screens. • Overall, taking care of your eyes as a mature person is vital. Use this guide to help you care for your eyes at 50+!

What will be? What will youryour legacylegacy 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 Sid...

Sid (Skip) was rehomed via Animal Care back in 2019 but unfortunately his owner passed away suddenly and is therefore back to square one as he nears his Yorkshire Te rrier Cross 11th Birthday! There is no getting away from the fact breed, Male, 10 years 10 months old that Sid has had a past of being unpredictable and in certain situations has bitten and nipped. He likes his own space and things done his way. He is a dog that you can easily build up a relationship with and so far since returning has been well behaved with most of the staff and the few volunteers he has met, but he has become snappy if he is not getting his own way. He likes a fuss but this is very much on his terms. He by no means is a lap dog. Despite being an older boy he is still very active and loves to be out at every opportunity. He isn’t a huge lover of dog toys, and he walks very well on the lead. He has so far been ok with most of the other dogs he has met and regularly goes on group walks. But due to his snappy nature we feel he will be best suited to a home as an only pet as he does like his own space and can become jealous. It is vitally important that Sid now finds an experienced owner who can manage his issues, as well providing him with the walks he requires. Sid is not suitable to live with children of any age. If you would like to know more about Sid please call us between 10am - 4pm any day of the week 01524 65495 or alternatively you can email us : rehoming@animalcare-lancaster.co.uk

ANIMAL CARE is a small rehoming centre helping stray, unwanted and ill treated animals until caring new homes can be found for them. Registered Charity No. 508819

Animal Care

(Lancaster, Morecambe and District)

Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA2 ORD | Telephone: 01524 65495 | Fax: 01524 841819 Email: rehoming@animalcare-lancaster.co.uk | www.animalcare-lancaster.co.uk

We’ll get you smiling ... Many denture wearers suffer with poor fitting, worn out or artificial (false) looking dentures that cause the wearer to feel a lack of confidence in their dentures. This can present itself when chewing or even by just worrying about the denture dropping during a conversation. All these are issues that Clayton Denture Centre specialise in correcting.

WHAT IS A CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN? A Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training in areas such as Medical Emergencies Cross Infection Control and Oral Pathology (cancers and anomalies) to name just a few sections that make up the Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS). It is this qualification that allows the clinicians at Bolton Denture Centre to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians

are the only Dental Professionals permitted to supply dentures direct to the public. A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified. If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT. Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. This means that the end result looks more natural than ever before. Why not call for a FREE Consultation to find out more about these new innovations in denture design and manufacture?

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.

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Are your dentures old, worn out or loose? Or do you just want a new smile?

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

Clayton Denture Centre can offer all aspects of denture care including; Free Consultations Denture cleaning and polishing service l Repair of broken or cracked dentures l Relining existing dentures to improve fit l New full dentures l New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) * l Sports mouth guards *Dentist treatment plan can be arranged. l l

New Dentures & Denture Repairs For a FREE consultation contact: Clayton Denture Centre

01254 846387 New Dentures l Repairs l Relines l Copy Dentures l Mouth Guards l

Appointments by arrangement

Monday to Thursday, 9am - 5pm Friday, 9am - 1pm Dentures from £300

2B PETRE COURT PETRE ROAD CLAYTON-LE-MOORS ACCRINGTON BB5 5HY

E: claytondenturecentre@gmail.com

OTHER BRANCHES AT:

• 23 Lord ST, Southport, PR8 1RP • • 63-64 Yorkshire ST, Morecambe LA3 1QF • 43

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‘TOXIC POSITIVITY’ - IT’S NOT NEW, BUT IT’S ON THE RISE AND IT IS DANGEROUS

What is toxic positivity?

Why is toxic positivity on the rise at the moment?

Toxic positivity can come in the form of advice from someone else who possibly unwittingly invalidates your feelings when you’re feeling low, or stops you feeling justified about your response to a situation with “things could be much worse” or makes light of your experience. Toxic positivity also occurs when we feel we have to be positive all of the time and avoid feelings that are difficult to deal with like anger or hurt. Often our self-talk may be around guilt such as “I’ve no right to feel fed up, look at how many people are suffering in the world”, or as shame “I should be doing so much better” or as low self-worth “feeling anxious is stupid” and so we swallow these feelings and try to project ourselves as doing better emotionally than we are.

Many of us have suffered hardship, anxiety and low mood during the pandemic, but have forced ourselves, or been pushed or urged by someone else, to swallow those feelings and to count ourselves as lucky. We have also watched others seemingly thrive during this time, flaunting their new wonderful hobbies, revealing lockdown achievements and enjoying their time as the world’s happiest family, often projecting false realities.

Both forms can have harmful long-term consequences because toxic positivity inhibits people from feeling perfectly normal emotions, which if left unchecked can lead to longer lasting deeper issues like anxiety, diminished self-esteem and burnout.

Toxic positivity has also flourished because of social media which often only shows us at our best in the moments we want to share. This kind of positivity overload encourages a comparison culture and has made us far more critical of ourselves. We feel pressured to be positive all the time and feel like failures when we are having an off day or month. Why we need to express our emotions We typically use the term positive emotion to describe being happy, hopeful and optimistic and the term negative emotion to describe

fear, sadness and anger. In fact, all emotions are positive because they are our barometer to know when things are going well or not, a warning signal and learning tools to motivate us to do better. Ignoring feelings can cause anxiety, stress, low self-esteem and inhibits our ability to regulate emotions. In fact, extensive research has been undertaken to study the effects of suppressed emotions. Being in a state of high stress can make us more susceptible a number of medical conditions due to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol and being stuck in a constantly active sympathetic nervous system, will continue to increase our heart rate, prevent good quality sleep and disrupt our digestive system. So, what can we do to avoid toxic positivity? 1) Embrace all emotions… All feelings are valuable and contribute to our human experience. Even ‘negative’ feelings like anxiety, anger and fear are primitive responses that our brain releases to keep us safe from threats. Honour your emotions and allow yourself to feel whatever you need to feel. All feelings are valid and normal. Feelings are responses so they need to be given time and space. 2) Be authentic… Give yourself and others permission to experience all emotions, including ‘negative’ ones so you can work through them and let them go in your/ their own time. If we don’t act with authenticity it affects our ability to make social bonds and destroys trust in us. 3) Social media does not project a true reality… If you’re going through a tough period avoid getting engrossed in social media and remember that more often than not it projects a false reality of eternal happiness and perfection. 4) Don’t compare yourself to others… We have all had varying life experiences that have shaped us, and we deal with things differently. If your friend responds to something in a contrasting way than you that does not make your response wrong. There are people who are naturally inclined to be happier than others and people who have had terrible experiences that have

conditioned them to notice the dreadful events more than the joyful events. We feel things in different ways. 5) If you are talking to others, listen… Take the time to understand what is wrong, rather than invalidating their feelings with toxic positivity. Listen carefully and try to put yourself in their shoes. Enter the conversation without judgement and show respect. Validate their feelings by offering sympathy, showing understanding and offering your help rather than trying to shut down how they feel and shake them up into feeling better. 6) Take healthy steps… by going on a walk to clear your head or having a chat with a friend. Plan something for you to look forward to but allow yourself to feel what you feel.

7) You wouldn’t ignore a physical pain, so don’t ignore an emotional one… If you had a chronic physical pain, you would do something to fix it – we should do the same with our mental health. It is best to acknowledge our pain in order to work through it. Suffering allows us to learn and can give us perspective to build upon. 8) Shift the focus on mental health… Too much emphasis is placed on ‘being positive’ in order to maintain good mental health. Rather than pushing negative feelings aside, give them space and attend to them accordingly. By shifting the focus, accepting and understanding our feelings can lead to powerful learning through life’s ups and downs.

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BREAST SCREENING

Saves lives through detecting cancer early The National Breast Screening Programme invites all women between 50 and their 71st birthday for a mammogram, every 3 years. Women from each GP practice are invited in turn and all women that are registered with a GP will receive an invitation.

Things to Know about having a Mammogram

4. What do I wear? It’s always easier to wear a two piece outfit because you will need to remove your top and bra. Please do not apply deodorant or talcum powder as this can affect the quality of the mammogram.

5. What to expect Here at East Lancashire breast screening your mammogram is always done by a female mammographer. Each breast is compressed for a few seconds while an x-ray is taken. This compression can be uncomfortable but is needed to provide a clear image. The mammogram takes about 5 minutes and could save your life.

6. Getting your results…… You should receive your results in the post within 2 weeks of having your mammogram.

1. What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that’s used to find breast changes in the breast tissue that could be due to cancer. It spots cancers that are too small to see or feel. Early detection saves Lives.

2. How do I get a mammogram? The national breast screening programme invites all women between 50-70 every 3 years for breast screening. Each GP practice is screened in turn and all women that are registered with a GP will receive an invitation through the post.

3. What happens next…?.. If you choose to have your mammogram please come along to your appointment.Your appointment will either be at our base unit at –Burnley General Teaching Hospital or on our mobile unit with visits 11 different locations throughout East Lancashire. If your appointment is not on a convenient day or time please ring our breast screening office on 01282-805301 and we will change it for you. 46

7. What next….? Most women will have a normal result and will be invited back again in 3 years for their routine mammogram. In-between mammograms you should be breast aware and check your breasts regularly. If you notice any changes or are suffering from any signs or symptoms you should contact your GP.

Get our breast check app: knowyourlemons.com/app

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Call: 01772 901 505 Quote Offer Code: A901 FPD

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or visit www.plumbs.co.uk/deal

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*Up to Half Price Covers and Curtains off list prices in selected designs and make-ups. Charlton Sofa Covers start from £225.50 (was £451) in Designer Premier Unpiped make-up. For Designer Covers, furniture must be suitable for Designer make-up. Ask your Home Consultant for full details. **£30 Marks & Spencer voucher is available when you spend a minimum of £399 or over after discount. Cannot be used with any other free gift or accessories promotion. Can be used in conjunction with most other promotional offers. Cannot be used on orders already placed. †Our interest free credit partner is Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd, registered in England and Wales 7232938. Registered address: 10 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1BD. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number: 720279. Credit is subject to status, UK residents age restrictions apply.

Plumbs Ltd, Old Lancaster Lane, Preston, PR1 7PZ

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P ost this coupon to: Plumbs Ltd, Offer code: A901 FPD, Old Lancaster Lane, Preston, PR1 7PZ. Service available to over 98% of UK households (including Isle of Wight, Jersey and Northern Ireland). Please call to confirm availability. We have recently updated our Privacy Policy on how we process and use your data, to review it please visit www.plumbs.co.uk/privacy-policy it will also be detailed on the bottom of the letterhead you will receive with your brochure.

Blackburn & Burnley Issue 63

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