Blackburn & Burnley Issue 68

Based At: The Mercure Hotel, Swansea

This hotel is set among landscaped gardens and tranquil lake views, also has a fitness suite and pool No Lift but ground floor rooms.

What’s included:

Three night’s half-board hotel accommodation

All coach transportation

Porterage

Entrance and excursions to:

National Waterfront Museum l Mumbles l Gower Heritage Centre l Tenby l National Botanic Gardens of Wales

Based At: The Royal Hotel, Skegness

Ground floor rooms accessed via at least 2 steps. Lift to most floors.

What’s included:

Four night’s half-board hotel accommodation

Hotels own entertainment

All coach transportation

Porterage

Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre l Boston

Skegness

Based At: The Hotel Kontakt Der Kontinenten, Soesterberg

Centrally located in Soesterberg and surrounded by the nature of National Park.

What’s included:

Return crossings on P&O North Sea Ferries with side-byside berths and meals on board

Three night’s half-board hotel accommodation

All coach transportation

Porterage

Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

Zaanse Schans & boat ride with tea/coffee l Keukenhof Gardens, plus guided tour of Amsterdam

Many conser vator y owners have installed additional heating but become concerned about rising energy bills. They may have considered a solid tiled roof

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TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Dealing with life’s crises – perma and otherwise

COLLINS of dictionary fame chose as their Word of the Year for 2022 “permacrisis.”

I don’t think it’s a word that many of us have ever actually uttered out loud but it was probably an apt one for the year as it is the feeling of living through an extended period of instability and insecurity.

And 2022 with the war in Ukraine, climate change, inflation and the cost of living crisis certainly prompted permacrisis. I suspect that many of us have been changed by all this.

British author Penny Mallory – obviously someone who knows how to tackle any kind of crisis as she’s taking part in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Rowing Challenge in 2023 – told the Daily Mail about ways to deal with modern life’s crises.

She insists that “mental toughness isn’t about being aggressive, strong and macho. Some of the quietest, gentlest people are mentally tough.”

Penny says that resilient people don’t “wallow or dwell on failure. They acknowledge the situation, learn lessons from mistakes and move forward. They are mentally tough and they are more likely to thrive.”

She advises thinking of failure as learning. Be prepared to leave your comfort zone – “Playing it safe and refusing to leave your comfort zone may be a recipe for failure but risk is scary.

“Champions learn to open their minds to possibilities, managing risk and leveraging it to their advantage.”

Penny adds that life is not all about academic success and that qualifications are “not the biggest factor in success. Only 30 per cent of any achievement you make will be down to your skill, talent and intelligence, but 70 per cent of your achievement will be down to your mental toughness, focus, resilience and determination.”

Now that should be enough to allow us to tackle any permacrisis.

Putting the accent on being yourself

SHOULD the accent you use really influence the way that people treat you?

Plainly, today it really shouldn’t but, of course, being humans with all the prejudices that this entails for many, it does.

This thorny subject came to light again recently when a man from Stockport in Greater Manchester revealed that he had changed the way he spoke to fit in at university.

This happened right from Freshers’ Week when he realised he spoke differently to his fellow students.

At university, he was once asked if his home town was “one of those desolate wastelands where the factories used to be.” Now, even allowing for both snobbery and a major misunderstanding of UK environments, this is nasty stuff.

His experiences, and many others, were being gathered for The Sutton Trust’s Speaking Up report which examines the impact that someone’s accent has on their life journey, especially in education and the workplace.

The report shows that public attitudes to the various accents across the country have remained largely the same over time. Standard received pronunciation, French-accented English and classic varieties like Scottish, American and Southern Irish all ranked highly with people.

While this latter finding is not really a surprise because our national ear does seem to be attuned to appreciating, for example, the Scottish lilt, what is odd is the negative attitude towards some regional accents.

Katie Zacharczuk, a solicitor born and raised in Liverpool, said it was a “culture shock” when she went to university as previously she had only been around people who talked like her.

She was worried about being judged “less intelligent” or “not as valuable to an organisation.” To her credit, she never changed her accent and has a successful career.

Sir Ian McKellen was mocked for his Northern vowels when he went to Cambridge University. His accent was the butt of public school boys and he feared it would affect his ultimate ambition to become an actor.

Interestingly, Sir Ian says that he has noticed that original accent “coming back” to him recently – a situation he doesn’t regret “because it is part of me.”

That feeling was echoed by a friend of mine who worked in Government in London in a very good job but found her accent was the cause of much negative comment from colleagues in particular. She didn’t change it but she did eventually move back to her home town. She realised that the way she spoke was, like Sir Ian, all part of who she really was – and she was proud of that.

Separating fact from fiction

AS a new series of blockbuster Netflix series The Crown returns to TV screens it’s no surprise that so does the controversy.

Is it or is it not “largely” based on truth or are whole chunks of it made up?

While it’s unlikely that the current Royal Family would helpfully clear up the salient points about whether Princess Diana courted the media herself or about the real relationship between then Prince Charles and the Queen, there are those in the know who can come up with some guidance.

The general impression given is that, yes, parts of The Crown are fiction and sometimes not even based on actual events.

As an avid viewer, it’s hard not to be seduced into thinking you are watching something factual because we easily recall media headlines backing up the feeling that this is genuine.

The real danger, though, is that The Crown is presented as a documentary, complete with unassailable “truths”, when it isn’t.

Young viewers and those who have not followed the Royal Family’s comings and goings over the years are tempted to accept what they see and not question it.

TV is a great medium for explaining situations, especially in hindsight, and can assemble large amounts of information and experts to provide a helpful overview.

Unfortunately, when you chuck entertainment into the pot you may get a different outcome and the temptation to “expand” on fact and “manipulate reality” can skew truth.

Perhaps more could be done by the programme-makers to emphasise that the series is based on fact but is still fiction.

or email: help@aamail.org

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ON THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

1. Get your kicks at the end of Route 66

Stroll 110-year-old Santa Monica Pier to the marker signalling the end of Route 66. The so-called Mother Road runs for 2,400 miles across eight states from Chicago to Los Angeles satellite city Santa Monica and celebrates its centenary in 2026. Buy souvenirs of it at end-of-the-pier shop 66 to Cali.

View surfers riding Pacific rollers and wide Santa Monica State Beach from on high on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel at the pier’s Pacific Park amusement park and get a nostalgia rush on its historic Looff Hippodrome carousel.

The original Muscle Beach, next to the pier and alongside the Ocean Front Walk path, is where America’s physical fitness boom began in the 1930s.

Less than an hour’s walk, or 15-minute cycle ride, on the path is bohemian Venice Beach, where bodybuilders pump iron at presentday Muscle Beach and where its famous boardwalk pulsates with performers, artists and eclectic stalls.

Stay: New boutique hotel Venice V occupies a refurbished building right on the Venice Beach boardwalk that was once a glitzy hotel attracting early Hollywood stars.

The calm, protected waters are a perfect refuge for marine wildlife. Sea lions congregate on a purpose-built raft to bask, bicker and bark at each other, while sea otters wrap themselves in kelp and lay on their backs to feed, nap and care for their pups.

They can be seen from restaurants, bars and vantage points along the waterfront Embarcadero thoroughfare, but the best way to get a closeup view is on a guided kayak trip. Not too close to disturb them, though. Whale-watching tours head offshore to see humpback whales, grey whales and dolphins, while migrating monarch butterflies cluster on eucalyptus trees in Morro Bay State Park from October to March. Stay: Wake up to the sound of roosting herons and cormorants in an adjacent natural preserve overlooking the water at the Inn at Morro Bay.

3. Wonder at the opulence of Hearst Castle Open for tours since mid-May after being closed for two years because of the Covid pandemic, the grandiose hilltop mansion built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst near San Simeon is a California State Park and a must-visit on the Central California coast.

2. Paddle with sea otters and sea lions at Morro Bay

A delightful, laid-back stop missed by many driving California’s Highway 1, nature is a key attraction at Morro Bay.

The bay from which this fishing port turned holiday, boating and water sports haven gets its name is actually an estuary all but enclosed from Pacific waves by a long sand bar and dominated by a towering rock often capped by a fog hat.

The Pacific Coast Highway hugs the California coast for more than 650 miles. Peter Ellegard suggests some of his favourite things to do along the way.

Sea Otter, Morro Bay Harbour © Peter Ellegard

Kayaking with Sea Lions, Morro Bay © Peter Ellegard

Sunset at Morro Bay © Peter Ellegard

Casa Grande, as he called the ornate 38-bedroom main house, was inspired by a historic Spanish church and incorporates architectural features taken from many old buildings across Europe into its fabric as well as being filled with a wealth of antique treasures, art and textiles.

It was originally a family home but became known for the lavish costume parties thrown by Hearst and his mistress Marion Davies for the rich and famous, among them Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Bob Hope and Winston Churchill.

Perhaps its most opulent feature is the Neptune Pool, with its Romanesque temple, colonnade and classical statues.

Stop off to see magnificent elephant seals nearby at Piedras Blancas. Stay: San Simeon is the gateway to the dramatic Big Sur coastline and the Post Ranch Inn offers luxury and grandstand ocean views atop 1,200foot cliffs at Big Sur.

4. Explore charming and sophisticated Carmel More than 30 years since Clint Eastwood was mayor of Carmel-by-theSea, as it is officially called, this one-square-mile village is as quirky as it is quaint.

A permit is required to wear high heels, available free from City Hall. Carmel’s pretty cottages and houses only have names and no street addresses. There are no streetlights, nor parking meters, making it very visitor-friendly. It also has no pavements beyond the commercial downtown area.

You won’t find any chain restaurants, either. Instead, dine at welcoming independent eateries such as Casanova, set in a house once owned by Charlie Chaplin’s personal cook, and people watch from cafes tucked between boutique stores and high-end fashion shops.

Visit Carmel Mission, one of California’s 21 historic Spanish missions, relax on Carmel’s sandy beach and enjoy a slow ride on the Monterey Peninsula’s picturesque 17 Mile Drive.

MAGAZINE

Stay: Find your Zen in boutique hotel Tradewinds Carmel, an AsianCalifornian fusion with a lush meditation garden.

5. Ride the cable cars and streetcars of San Francisco

Unless you prefer hiking up and down its hilly streets, the most enjoyable way to get around San Francisco is by riding its venerable streetcars and cable cars.

There is a difference. The sleek F Line streetcars are enclosed and are powered by trolley poles connected to overhead wires, whereas cable cars on the three lines use an underground cable system and allow passengers to stand on outside footplates. Watching cable car operators manually turn them on the turntables at the ends of each line is fascinating.

Hop off for cheesecake and bubbles or coffee at the Cheese Cake Factory’s open-air patio on Macy’s rooftop overlooking Union Square. You can also use them to get to Fisherman’s Wharf, the city’s main tourist area, and Pier 39 from where you can take a cruise to Alcatraz island and sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.

A metro system and rapid buses also allow easy, car-free travel around the city.

Stay: Stylish and contemporary Hotel Zoe is just steps from the Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront while sister property Argonaut is housed in a historic warehouse next to the wharf. Both offer free rental bikes.

Next steps

To book your trip to California and the Pacific Highway, call our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 or visit silvertraveladvisor.com

JoinusasweheadtothevibrantcityofNewcastleforourFogontheTyneTour.ExploretheQuayside rightfromthedoorstepofthehotel,takeinfinearchitecture,discoverNewcastle’sindustrialpast, hittheshopsandenjoythenightlife.DuringourstaywewillvisitLindisfarne,thebeautifulhistoric tidalislandofftheNortheastCoastinaveryremotepartofNorthumberland.Youwillencounter castlesandvisitbeautifulcoastaltownsalongthisspectacularunspoiltcoastline.VisitAlnwickCastle andGardens,oneofBritain’smosticoniccastleswith palatialinteriorwithintheimposingcastlekeep,takea ‘CapabilityBrown’walk,learnaboutthehistoryofthe castleanditsuseasafilminglocation.

COPTHORNEHOTEL,NEWCASTLE www.millenniumhotels.com/en/newcastle/ copthorne-hotel-newcastle HHHH 4StarTel:01912220333

TheCopthorneHotelNewcastleislocatedinNewcastle Quaysiderightintheheartofthisvibrantcitymakingita perfectbasefromwhichtoexplore.OverlookingtheRiver Tyne,theCopthorneoffersspacious,wellequippedguest bedroomstoenhanceyourstay.Thehotelhasagymnasium. AllroomshaveTV,hairdryer,Wi-Fi,safe,toiletries,tea/coffee tray,ironandporterage.THEHOTELHASALIFT.

MONDAY DepartLeylandat10.00amforourjourneynorthto NewcastlewithalunchstopinRichmonden-route. TUESDAYtoTHURSDAY

SpendfreetimetoexploreNewcastlewiththe followingexcursions:

•Fulldaytour–todaywevisitthemagnificent AlnwickCastleandGardens

•FulldayTour–todaywetraveltothecoastwith astopatLindisfarne–HolyIslandwithstopsat BamburghandtheprettyharbouratSeahouses beforereturningtothehotelviaMorpeth.

FRIDAY

Checkoutofthehotelfollowingbreakfastto commenceourreturnjourneyhomewithasuitable lunchstopen-route.

PembrokeshireAdventure

JoinusasweheadtoWestWalesforour

PembrokeshireAdventure.Pembrokeshireisrated byNationalGeographicmagazineexpertsasthe second-bestcoastlineintheWorld.Exploreancient CardiganontheestuaryoftheRiverTeifiatthebase ofCardiganBay,thelargestbayontheWelshCoast. TravelthroughmagnificentWelshcountrysideto visitBritain’ssmallestCity,birthandburialplaceof itspatronsaint,aplaceforpilgrimageforaround 1,500years.VisitHaverfordwest,theattractiveand ancientcountytown,itscastletoweringabovethe town.HeadtoTenbythejewelinthecrownofthe PembrokeshireCoast,enjoyexploringthemuchloved, picturesqueharbourtownandpopularseasideresort.

THECLIFFHOTELANDSPA, CARDIGAN

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TheCliffHotelandSpaisarenownedhotelboastingone ofthemostbreath-takingviewsandmarinelocationsin Wales,withviewsoverlookingCardiganBay.Thisfamilyownedhoteloffersawarm,friendlywelcometoits customers,providingstarttofinishcoastalluxury.Thehotel hasaswimmingpool,spa,steamroom/sauna,hottuband gymnasium.AllroomshaveTV,hairdryer,Wi-Fi,toiletries, tea/coffeetray,ironandporterage.THEHOTELHASALIFT.

APRIL2023 ROTTERDAM

DutchBulbFields

JoinusasweheadtoHollandforourDutchBulb Fieldstour.Thehighlightofourtourisavisitto Keufenhof,themostbeautifulSpringgardeninthe world,wanderthefloweringfieldsintheBollenstreek, thebulbgrowingarea.Duringourstaywewillhave freetimeinRotterdam.Exploreyoungandvibrant Amsterdam,knownforitsrichheritage,picturesque locationandiconiccanalswherewewilltakeacanal cruise.Whynotvisitthefloatingflowermarket,one ofthemostfragrantplacesofinterestinAmsterdam. VisittheKinderdijkUnescoWorldHeritagesite,where wewillseetheimpressivewindmillsglidepastus fromthewateronourboatcruise.Beforewehead home,wewillvisitthecar-freecompacthistoriccityif Utrechtwithitswatersideterraces,iconicDomTower, charmingsquaresandalleys.

LEONARDOHOTELPAPENDRECHT

www.leonardo-hotels.com/papendrecht/ leonardo-hotel-papendrecht HHHH 4StarTel:+31786152099

TheLeonardoHotelPapendrechtisideallylocatednearthe picturesqueDrechtcountryside,onatypicalDutchpolder justashortdrivefromthevibrantsightsandsoundsof Rotterdamcitycentre.Guestbedroomsarecomfortable, modern,brightandbeautifullydesigned.AllroomshaveTV, hairdryer,Wi-Fi,safetydepositbox,toiletries,aircon,tea/ coffeetrayandporterage.THEHOTELHASALIFT.

YOURHOLIDAYPRICEINCLUDES:

•Doortodoorservice

•Welcometea/coffeeandbiscuitsonarrival

•Dinner,bedandbreakfast

•En-suitebedrooms

•Livemusicalentertainmentononenight

•In-houseactivitiesontwonights

•Onehourfreeuseperdayofhydrospa, spabath,gymandsteamroom(booking requiredforthisatthehotel)

•Excursions

•Executivecoachtravelthroughout

5days from £559

ITINERARY

MONDAY

DepartfromLeylandat9.00amforourjourneyto CardiganwithalunchstopinLlangollenen-route,a warmWelshwelcomewithtea/coffeeandbiscuits awaitsyouatthehotelonarrival.

TUESDAY

Followingaleisurelybreakfast,wemaketheshort journeyintoCardiganforafreedaytoexplore.

WEDNESDAY

Todaywetakeapanoramicjourneywithastop inWales’ssmallestcityStDavid’sfollowedbyan afternoonvisittoHaverfordwest.

THURSDAY

TodaywetraveltospendfreetimeinTenbythe mosticonicandwellvisitedseasidetowninWales, withastopinSaundersfoot.

FRIDAY

Checkoutofourhotelfollowingbreakfastforthe returnjourneyhomewithastopinWelshpoolon thereturn.

7days from £896

ITINERARY

WEDNESDAY

DepartLeylandat2.00pmtocommenceourjourney toHolland.TraveltoHulltoboardour9.00pmP&O ferrycrossingtoRotterdamwherewewillhave dinneronboardbeforeretiringtoourcabins.

THURSDAY

Enjoybreakfastonboardourferrybeforere-joining thecoach.WewillheadintoRotterdamwithtime forsightseeingbeforecontinuingtoourhotelin Papendrechtintimeforcheck-inandwelcomedrinks.

FRIDAY

Followingbreakfastjointhecoachforadayin Amsterdam,joinusforacanalboatcruisebefore wehavefreetimetowander.

SATURDAY

FollowingbreakfastweheadtoKeukenhof,themost beautifulSpringgardenintheworld,wanderthe floweringfieldsintheBollenstreek.

SUNDAY

FollowingbreakfastwetakeatriptoKinderdijk avillageintheNetherlands,diveintoaworldof windmillsandwater.

MONDAY

Followingabreakfastwecheckoutofourhotel. VisitUtrecht,spendthedaysightseeingbeforewe headtoRotterdamtoboardour9.00pmferryhome. Enjoydinneronboardbeforeretiringtoourcabins.

TUESDAY

Enjoybreakfastonboardbeforere-joiningthecoach forourjourneyhome.

SHIRLEY BALLAS QUEEN OF STRICTLY

SHE was the Queen of Latin American Dance and now she’s the Queen of Strictly but for Shirley Ballas the journey has been as tricky as any complex samba routine.

In spite of attracting a worrying cache of trolls as Head Judge of the mega popular weekly dance competition, Shirley has waltzed straight into the hearts of viewers.

How else could we tell a heel lead from a flick ball change or appreciate the techniques of a fleckle without Shirley’s help? When she took over the role from fellow judge and much-loved dance icon Len Goodman six years ago, Shirley definitely had a tough act to follow.

But she was no newcomer to the world of either dance competition or judging. Shirley was already a well-respected figure in the dance world and a former Latin American champion with all the right moves. In fact, she was the ideal person for the Strictly top job.

She could never have known, however, just how far up the dance ladder she would climb when she was a seven year-old in Wallasey, Cheshire, taking up dancing for the very first time. Her childhood had not been easy up until then. Her father had left the family when Shirley was just two and she and her Mum and brother David had very little money.

Shirley proved to be a promising young dancer and at 15 she moved to North Yorkshire to partner British ballroom champion Nigel Tiffany. They moved to London two years later but their partnership ended after Shirley was convinced to audition to partner dancer Sammy Stopford.

They married when Shirley was 18 to be partners both on the dance floor and in life. In the former, they were successful; one highlight was winning the Professional Latin title at the Blackpool Dance Festival in 1983.

Sadly, away from the ballroom, the pairing was less successful and the relationship ended five years later.

In 1985, she married dancer Corky Ballas and took the Professional Latin title in Blackpool in 1995 and 1996 with him. The couple then moved to Houston, Texas, to compete in America.

By then, she was already an established dancing coach and judge and she decided to give up competitive dancing. She worked with top US TV show Dancing with the Stars, commentating and giving master classes. The couple later divorced.

She came to widespread prominence in the UK when in May, 2017, it was announced that she would be joining the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One, replacing head judge Len Goodman when series 15 was aired in September that year.

Although Shirley was plainly well-known in the dance world, both in the UK and internationally, she was new to many viewers of the perennially popular programme. Fortunately, her warm personality, straightforward approach to contestants and phenomenal dance knowledge quickly made her a judging favourite.

She tries to be honest and positive with contestants, highlighting their strengths and offering useful advice on their weaknesses. She follows not only her own mind on this but also, like Len Goodman, upholds the strict rules of the world of dance and refuses to gloss over flaws.

Her no-nonsense approach and critiques have inevitably attracted some negative comments and, sadly, some of these have turned into serious online trolling.

So much so that Shirly recently reported a genuine loss of confidence, forcing her – in a career spanning five decades – to consult a doctor for the first time about her low moods and anxiety.

For, even though Shirley states that she has “always tried to do the best job for people watching at home” and understands that viewers don’t always agree with the judges’ scoring, she has found the trolling very upsetting.

She told OK magazine: “When it gets personal, that’s cruel.”

Shirley’s life has generally been far from plain-sailing and Christmas is a particularly difficult time. On December 5, 2003, her brother took his own life, making this normally festive time a painful one for her for a long time.

In 2019, amid general concerns about cancer, she had breast implants removed. In typical Shirley fashion, she was very open about the situation, discussing her decision on the Lorraine show and returning to the Strictly screen a short time after surgery, thus winning praise from fans.

Shirley’s life and her son, Mark Ballas, is also a professional ballroom dancer.

It is largely thanks to the amazing knowledge of Shirley, now 62, that so many more viewers now understand the intricacies of dances from the American Smooth to the Argentine Tango.

She breaks down the technicalities to explain – and often demonstrate – technical moves that few viewers would otherwise appreciate without her helpful approach.

She is generous with her scoring, but only if a dancer deserves it, and will fight her corner even if her decision is unpopular. She is, however, always encouraging. She told young contestant Molly Rainford in the latest series: “I have not seen a rhumba walk like that in a long, long time”, much to the dancer’s delight

And she tempers even tough criticism with praise like “your musicality was amazing” and “this partnership is truly outstanding.” She will be with fellow judges and dancers when the Strictly Live Tour kicks off in January for two months, with Shirley a popular part of this interactive arena experience.

What is certain is that Shirley will always offers an expert’s wisdom along with kindness – and there’s nothing strict about that.

Dance has plainly been

Shirley Ballas pictured with her co judges of Strictly Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.

I FeeL ThAT I ShOuLd LeT yOu kNOw ThAT I hAve eNJOyed dININg OuT whILe IN TeNeRIFe ANd beINg AbLe TO eNJOy eATINg The FOOd I hAve chOSeN. MANy ThANkS TO yOu, MARk ANd khuRRuM FOR ‘Re-buILdINg’ Me!

age and I had a lot dental work done on my lower teeth which was failing.

“I had swapped dentists a number of times and then the dentist I moved to retired,” recalls Jack, whose wife Shirley knew

TOTAL TRANSFORMATION

As an extremely active 83-yearold, Jack Morris has undergone life-changing, dental implant treatment that has given him the smile he has always wanted.

Jack has also seen the benefits to his health and confidence too – and it’s all thanks to the professionals at Renovo Dental.

Seeking 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, in-house dental technicians and general practitioners working with some of the very latest state-of-the-art technology.

Dr Usman Riaz of Renovo Dental, having undergone implants with him almost a decade ago.

“She was highly pleased with her implants,” says Jack. “I had always been told that I had insufficient bone to have implants and that it would be too complex – I wasn’t making any progress in improving the situation so I asked Shirley if Usman would see me for an assessment.”

Usman, a highly experienced clinician with

In what was a complex challenge, the professionals at Renovo Dental formulated a dental implant plan that has been a huge success for patient Jack Morris

After wearing loose dentures for several years and being advised on numerous occasions there was insufficient bone for dental implants, Jack felt he had come to the end of the road in his attempts to resolve the problem.

But when he asked for a consultation with the team at Renovo Dental, he began to see light at the end of the tunnel, as he explains: “I had lost my upper teeth at quite an early

Photography: Robin Lyndon

a special interest in aesthetic and implant dentistry, readily agreed to see Jack, who went along to the beautifully restored Renovo surgery in the village of Chatburn: “Usman carried out the assessment – and while he said implants would be quite complex, he said it was possible.”

Usman explains: “Jack had been told that implants just weren’t possible, but he persevered. He was struggling with loose fitting, partial dentures and was finding it difficult to eat.

“During the initial assessment a CT scan was done and yes, it revealed Jack didn’t have sufficient bone. So, we agreed that bone grafting was the solution.”

Bone grafting was performed to replace destroyed bone surrounding the teeth roots. The bone graft then helped to serve as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone. Testament to their skills, the team at Renovo, carried out the bone graft procedure in the same visit as the implant placements.

“The team at Renovo have been superb! I can’t recommend them highly enough. They treat you as a client with total respect –you’re not just a number.

“All the staff are so reassuring. It’s made a terrific difference to my life,” says Jack, who spends time with Shirley in Tenerife each year. “I can now eat okay – and I like my food!” says the former award-winning Bolton butcher.

Speaking about Jack’s treatment, Usman adds: “Jack is a really sociable guy, prominent in the community and resolving his dental problems was a big thing for him. It wasn’t just about aesthetics it was a functional issue that was affecting his quality of life.”

As a brand-new clinic, Renovo has invested in the latest digital dental technology, including a state-of-the-art CT scanner which allows the team to plan and perform very precise implant surgery. This CT-guided surgery for implants is faster, easier and more efficient for surgeons and safer, more comfortable and results in faster healing for patients.

Preparation is the key to the success and the team of dental nurses, dental technicians and implant surgeons, all play their part on the day.

we FIRST MeT JAck eARLIeR ThIS yeAR ANd INFORMed hIM hOw NOT ONLy hOw we cOuLd heLp, buT we cOuLd gIve JAck The SMILe he ALwAyS wANTed…

“No two smiles are the same, so there is no ‘one-size-fits all’ when it comes to this level of Implant dentistry,” says Usman. “Like all our other patients, the implants have completely changed Jack’s smile,” adds Usman. “Implants can transform people –they gain confidence and restore self-esteem. It may sound clichéd, but this treatment really does change their lives.” n

Renovo Dental treats patients throughout the region, who have been referred by their general dentist as well as self-referrals

Working alongside Usman on Jack’s dentistry was highly experienced specialist periodontist and implant surgeon Dr Khurrum Hussain, who completed specialist training in periodontology at the prestigious Eastman Dental Institute, London.

As a periodontal specialist, he deals with gum disease and the soft tissue surrounding the palate, degenerating bone issues and failing implants.

Following treatment to improve bone density and the health of Jack’s gums, a period of healing followed before the final implant-supported teeth were fitted – and the results have been transformative for Jack:

Renovo Dental

Pendle House, Clitheroe Road Chatburn BB7 4JY 01200 441000 hello@renovodental.co.uk renovodental.co.uk

@renovodental

Photography: Robin Lyndon

Photography: Robin Lyndon

JAMES MARTIN’S POTATO

Host of ITV’s flagship cookery show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, James Martin is one of the UK’s most popular TV chefs, whose enthusiasm and passion for food have won him countless fans. His accessible approach to cooking has been showcased across bestselling books including Islands to Highlands (2020), James Martin’s Great British Adventure (2019), James Martin’s French Adventure (2017), Home Comforts (2014) and More Home Comforts (2016). He regularly appears on the BBC, ITV and Food Network, as well as demonstrating live at the BBC Good Food Show and touring the UK with his own one-man show. Potato is the natural companion to James’s smash hit book Butter (2021).

Potato shows why the spud is a staple in so many cuisines, from rustic country kitchens to Michelin-starred restaurant tables. The embodiment of field-to-fork cooking, this superstar of the food world is showcased by James in a wealth of imaginative recipes that you’ll want to cook again and again.

COQUILLES ST JACQUES

I used to take the mick out of French chefs saying this is their fancy fish pie, but it does taste bloody amazing! And just look at it… super indulgent, yes, but a classic that should never be forgotten.

Ingredients

50g butter 50g plain flour 500ml full-fat milk 1 small bunch of parsley, chopped 12 scallops 300g prawns

FOR THE TOPPING

600g potatoes, peeled and diced 50g butter 2 egg yolks

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. To make the white sauce, melt the butter in a pan, then whisk in the flour and cook out for 2 minutes. Add the milk and whisk to combine, then simmer until bubbling. Stir in the parsley. Put the scallops and prawns into scallop shells and pour over the sauce. Set aside to cool. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 20 minutes until soft, drain and then pass through a ricer into a bowl. Mix with the butter and egg yolks. Pipe the potato mixture around the edges of the scallop shells then sit on a baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes.

NIBBLES WITH WARM CHEESE FONDUE

This was simply the most popular dish in the book when this photograph was taken. The cooked potatoes wrapped in pancetta work brilliantly hot or cold and dunked in the fondue – what could be nicer? For vegetarians, just use goodquality potatoes and veg like fresh radishes, which taste amazing.

Ingredients

FOR THE FONDUE

100ml white wine 3 tsp cornflour 500g Cheddar, grated 500g Gruyère, grated 100ml crème fraîche sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 12–15 minutes until just soft. Drain and leave to cool.

Wrap each potato in a slice of pancetta, pop onto a roasting tray and roast for 15 minutes.

TO SERVE

24 baby potatoes (about 400g)

12 slices of pancetta, halved lengthways

400g chorizo chunks

18 baby carrots

2 small bags of radishes

1 jar of cornichons and pickled onions, drained 1 endive, leaves separated

Pop the chorizo into a small roasting tray and roast for 15 minutes alongside the potatoes.

To make the fondue, whisk all the ingredients together in a non-stick pan, gently whisking continuously until warmed through. Pour into a fondue dish and keep warm.

Serve with the carrots, radishes, chorizo, baby potatoes, cornichons and onions, and endive for dipping.

LOVAGE-CRUSTED FISH WITH SLICED POTATOES AND ASPARAGUS

This recipe came about due to the massive lovage plant I had in the garden. We first used it to make a crust for lamb, then by adding a bit of cream cheese we turned it into a great crust for fish. We use plaice or brill in the restaurant, but it’s good with any non-oily fish, although salmon works too. Lovage is a fascinating herb, which has got a sort of celery taste and smell and works brilliantly in a lot of dishes with potatoes – even soup.

Ingredients

150g butter 4 x 200g brill fillets, skinned 300g new potatoes, sliced 12 asparagus spears, sliced a few chives, chopped sea salt and freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges, to serve

FOR THE CRUST 30g lovage 50g Parmesan 1 thick slice of bread 1 small bunch of parsley 3 borage leaves 50g full-fat cream cheese

Method

To make the crust, place all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Put between 2 layers of greaseproof paper and, using a rolling pin, roll out to 3mm thick. Chill in the fridge until needed.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. Heat a non-stick ovenproof pan, add the oil and 50g of the butter, then put in the fish. Season, then cook for 2 minutes. Flip over and cook for another 2 minutes.

Cut 4 pieces of crust to the same size as each piece of fish and sit on top of the fish. Place the pan in the oven and roast the fish for 5 minutes. Put the pan back on the hob, add 25g of the butter and cook for another minute.

Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cover the potato slices in water and the remaining 75g butter and cook for 10 minutes, adding the asparagus for the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Sprinkle with chives and season.

To serve, spoon the potato and asparagus onto plates and place the fish alongside with a lemon wedge for squeezing.

Potato by James Martin (£23, Hardie Grant) Photography: John Carey

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU

Part of that determination may be about your own health, wellbeing, work/life balance or your domestic situation. And a large part of it may be to do with your home environment and what you want to change to improve your life.

Improving your weight and fitness are relatively easy to plan – if not quite as easy to achieve! Healthy eating and more exercise are achievable, as you gaze into the slimmer, trimmer months ahead, via more discipline around mealtimes and more visits to the gym.

Altering your home may not be quite as easy to plan this year as the higher cost of living bites into all our finances and future plans. It is not, however, the end of the story.

It may be sensible to look at the levels of change in your home that you’d like to achieve. Do you want quite dramatic, slightly cosmetic or something in between?

Quite dramatic can involve moving house, downsizing or alternatively finding somewhere with more space to accommodate the daily needs of you and your family. This is certainly all under-pinned by personal finances and just what you can afford as this New Year unfolds its money merry-go-round.

It’s probably quite likely that the majority of us want something perhaps not as dramatic as moving home but well above new cushion covers.

This all requires a realistic look at your finances. If you’re not sure you can afford big changes visit debt charity StepChange at https://www.stepchange.org/debtinfo/your-financial-situation/makinga-budget.aspx about budgeting or Citizens Advice on https://www.citizensadvice. org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting

If you decide to make structural changes to your home like an

EXTENSION, an ORANGERY or CONSERVATORY check first whether you need planning permission from your local planning authority through your local council.

You’ll probably need planning permission if you want to build something new, make a major change to your building like an extension or change the use of your building.

Experts like architects and builders can help you here. If you need an architect, try to go on recommendation from someone you know who can tell you about their experiences. If you need a builder, the same applies or find a trusted builder and reviews about their work by going to https://www.checkatrade. com/Search/Builder/in/Uk

As well as the cost of building, don’t forget that you will also have to RE-DECORATE and re-think FURNISHINGS in adjacent areas. It’s important to factor in all the potential costs before you start.

Fortunately, you can still make noticeable changes to your home without it necessarily meaning a building project.

A new, modern FRONT DOOR can also give it a more contemporary look as can new WINDOWS

The great thing about both these is they have a direct impact on your energy bills. So new windows in particular - if you have old ones which let in drafts – could make your home much cosier and ultimately more costefficient.

PAINTING the outside of your house can make a real difference to the look of your home because that kerb appeal is just as important to you as residents as it is to visitors.

Even investing in new CURTAINS can help to make your home warmer throughout. Long, lined curtains

NEW Years are always a time for change when you promise yourself that life will be better then and you WILL make it happen.

help keep expensive warmth in, and they can also help change the colour scheme in a lounge with matching cushion covers or a throw.

Picking up that new shade in a few ornaments or a picture will also brighten up a room and plants in coloured pots help bring the outside inside at a time of year when we’re happy to be indoors.

There is also nothing like the look – and smell - of new CARPETS. Choose a contemporary shade to brighten up current furniture and add to that vital warmth. Or you may prefer to have a wooden floor with modern rugs to offer that different décor.

LIGHTING can also really change how a room looks. There are so many choices of modern lighting now, especially with economical LED lights available, that you’ll be amazed at what’s on offer.

Opting for a modern central light, and possibly add matching wall lights, can give a room such a fresh, bright look. It banishes those dark corners forever and makes rooms look larger.

If your KITCHEN is the heart of your home, giving it a makeover could really impact on the quality of daily life. If new kitchen units could prove too much of an expense this year, new unit handles and doors could be worth the money in giving this important room a new image.

New blinds and kitchen accessories in complementary shades can add to that “new kitchen” look.

The same is true of the BATHROOM where a change of shower curtain, towels, blinds and bathroom accessories can really change the whole look.

BEDROOMS can benefit from new curtains, matching duvet sets and cushions and changing the walls and headboard to a soothing shade may guarantee restful nights.

Don’t forget the outside, either. Give your GARDEN a chance to be centre-stage in 2023. You may feel that you finally want to afford a new hot tub or spa in the back garden.

The British and Irish Hot Tub and Exercise Spa Industry (BISHTA) is very helpful if you’re looking for either of these or need to find companies which provide maintenance and water treatment products and accessories. Go to www.bishta.co.uk for information

Re-designing your garden can offer fresh delights. Decking is ideal for lounging with the family or it’s worth considering swapping grass for simple pebbled spaces with large plant pots and a few shaded areas for quiet rest or reading. This all gives a fresh way to enjoy the Great Outdoors when the weather allows.

If you’re looking for ways to transform your garden currently, the Royal Horticultural Society’s website is a mine of useful information and ideas. Go to www.rhs.org.uk to find out new ways with your garden.

Settle down and shop in peace at Vine Mill Furniture’s showroom

ACCRINGTON’S VINE MILL FURNITURE GIVES THE BIG RETAILERS A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY WITH ITS HUGE COLLECTION, TOP DISCOUNTS AND RELAXED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.

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

to the owner’s jet-setting ways, the store regularly stocks unusual pieces, from glasswork to woodwork, that have been inspired by trips abroad.

“We’re not like the standard stores you see on retail parks,” said Mark.

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

HUGE SAVINGS

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

TOP QUALITY SERVICE

The store also offers a 24-hour delivery service, which has been know to exceed expectations.

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

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

Facebook and Feebo 5 Star Rating.

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

WHY WE SHOULD CONSIDER A CARAVAN HOLIDAY

Many of us look to the summer as an exciting time to escape our everyday norm and embark on our summer holidays. We all look forward to that time away from the 9-5, meeting new people, trying new foods and experiencing new cultures.

However, with the cost of living rising and some still feeling uneasy about travel abroad, a caravan holiday, whether with a touring caravan, motorhome or campervan, could be the perfect solution. Rob Debenham, Show Manager, at The Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Show explains why we should consider a caravan holiday for our next getaway.

A caravan holiday has many great benefits and provides us with the opportunity to experience the many wonders that lie on our own doorstep. Having that sense of home comforts wherever you decide to travel, one of the many great benefits of a caravan holiday is that you have complete freedom in your destinations, when you go and how long you go for.

By being mobile you are free to take your road trip all over the UK (and beyond), exploring places and towns you may never have considered before and discovering hidden gems. Many caravan sites in the UK are often located near beaches, woodlands, forests and areas of natural beauty, all of which are perfect for enjoying the British countryside, seaside strolls and even toasted marshmallows around the fire in the evening.

What makes caravanning even better is that you are travelling with your home comforts. You can travel at your own pace and for however long you want, without the worry of rushing to the airport or missing a train. This means you can fully relax and enjoy this laidback break away from normality.

An escape in your ‘van doesn’t also have to be limited to just the UK. Destinations such a Spain and France are easily accessible by ferry and lead to countries, landscapes, sites and experiences you may have missed if travelling via plane or train.

Furthermore, by travelling this way, you get to avoid busy airports and train stations. Long wait times and cancelled flights can become a distant memory and even if you do need to queue to board your ferry, at least you can wait in comfort with a cup of your favourite tea in hand. Airport activity such as baggage reclaim is replaced with the freedom of the open road, and even the odd traffic jam can be made bearable, if not enjoyable, when surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.

The traditional holiday abroad can often come with a lot of added baggage, especially if you have kids to entertain on flights, around the pool or at the beach. Colouring books, swimming noodles, toys and additional paraphernalia can all add up to a heavy suitcase that’s difficult to pack. With a ‘van holiday, you have more room to pack

exactly what you heart desires and if you have a furry friend that you don’t want to leave behind, you don’t have too.

A ‘van holiday makes a wonderful – and practical - family trip and if you are concerned about having enough to do with children and teenagers when parked up, you can check sites and their onsite activities or nearby attractions with ease with the Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club websites, show partners to Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show.

The

best places in the UK for a caravan holiday

Caravanning has never been more popular. Now more than ever, people are appreciating the immense freedom it gives, as well as the opportunity to stay at some of the most stunning places across the UK, at a very affordable rate.

To help those first time caravanners, or indeed those regulars looking for some fresh inspiration for where to stay in 2023, we’ve called on the Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show, Show Manager, Rob Debenham to share some of his favourite sites across the UK.

Fishguard Bay Resort in Wales – This intimate and secluded resort provides breath-taking views in an amazing setting. Nearly all the pitches offer dramatic views of the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline, perched on the unspoilt western coast of Wales. Prices for caravans start at £22 per night.

The Sutton-on-Sea Club Campsite – The Midlands aren’t often remembered for their many coastal retreats but Sutton-on-Sea is a well-kept secret. With buckets of traditional seaside charm, the area is home to sandy shores, coastal walks and plenty of fun local activities like bowling, tennis and mini golf. Prices for caravans start at £20.30. Find out more details here.

Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park in Scotland – This award-winning caravan and camping park is set in the midst of the Highlands, at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. The park gives you easy access to the many footpaths of Glen Nevis that take you through forests or alongside the beautiful River Nevis. Glen Nevis Holidays enjoys its own Highland Estate with grounds extending over 1,000 acres and is also home to a herd of Pedigree Highland cattle! Prices for caravans start at £27.50.

Summer Valley Touring Park in Truro – Deep in the heart of Cornwall, close to the popular holiday destination of Truro, this family-run park has great facilities set in stunning parkland countryside. Just 10 minutes to the nearby beaches of Perranporth and St Agnes, it offers picturesque views and countless things to do – from visiting one of the 36 National Trust properties nearby, to swimming in the sea, to visiting one of the many Poldark filming locations! Prices for caravans start at £25 per night.

Kloofs Holiday Resort in Bexhill – Set in 22 acres of tranquil and peaceful countryside in East Sussex, with incredible views over the South Downs, Kloofs is a perfect spot for you to explore the countryside, or visit the nearby beach at Cooden, just two miles away. With popular towns such as Bexhill and Eastbourne, and even Brighton, not too far a drive, you will have plenty to see and do while its facilities have received rave reviews. From £27 per night.

Signs and Symptoms of:

Bowel Cancer

Possible symptoms of bowel cancer

The symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer in men and women can include:

• bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your poo

Breast cancer

Breast symptoms to look out for:

• A new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit

• Change in size, shape or feel of your breast

• Skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin

• Fluid leaking from the nipple in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breast feeding

• Changes in the position of nipple

• Breast pain

• a change in your normal bowel habit, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation

• a lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or tummy (abdomen), more commonly on the right side

• a feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you need to poo), even after opening your bowels

• losing weight

• pain in your abdomen or back passage

• tiredness and breathlessness caused by a lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)

Cervical cancer Symptoms

The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• unusual vaginal bleeding

• pain or discomfort during sex

• vaginal discharge

• pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)

There are many other conditions that cause these symptoms. Most of them are much more common than cervical cancer.

You should see your doctor straight away if you have any of these symptoms. You probably don’t have cancer. But if you do, the sooner you are treated, the more likely you are to be cured and usually will need less treatment.

Screening aims to find cancers early when they have the best chance of being cured.