BOLTON & BURY ISSUE 64 by 50 Plus Magazine

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

BOLTON & BURY EDITION 64

James Martin

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Test Drive

Free Glass of Prosecco AT THE CHERRY TREE BOLTON

Brand Interiors

AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT TWO POPULAR MODELS

FAMOUS HALF PRICE FURNITURE AT HALF THE HIGH STREET PRICE NEW STORE OPENS IN BURY

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SGARDEN UMMERSEAT CENTRE ENJOY THE SUMMERSEAT 2019 CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE Award Winning Christmas Displays

Come and see this year’s exciting Christmas displays.

Festive Wreath Making Workshop with Lizzy

Thurs 5th Dec - 18.00-20.30pm £45, Mon 9th Dec-10.00-12.00am £35, Thurs 12th Dec 18.00-20.30pm £45. This includes a Wreath with decorative materials a glass of Prosecco (or soft drink for drivers) & nibbles.

Ladies’ Evening Dinner

Friday 13th December. 3 course dinner. Free glass of Prosecco. Includes live entertainment.

Breakfast with Santa 18/19/20/23/24th December. Arrive 9.00am. A special Christmas breakfast for children with all the trimmings of Christmas.

Tea with Santa

17/18/19/20/23rd December. Arrive 4:00pm. A special Christmas tea for children with all the trimmings of Christmas.

Santa’s Grotto

Open Saturday and Sunday 10-12am and 2-4pm. 7th/8th/14th/15th/21st/22nd December. For Charity.

You are invited to our Special Open Evenings

Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th November. From 6pm.

Free mince pie and mulled wine, food & drink, live music and special offers on the night.

Treat yourself to something special or buy a present for a special friend or family member. We have a fantastic range of gift ideas to suit all. Be inspired by our magical array of Christmas decorations and fill every room with personalised stockings, one-of-a-kind trees and

majestic on-trend lights. What better way to turn your home into a winter wonderland, than with inspiring Christmas decorations.

Festive Homemade Food The Delicatessen. All our pies and meals are made in house by our chefs & butchers. From freshly baked cakes to homemade quiches. Order your fresh turkeys & honey gazed ham. Choose from award winning products for your Bespoke Christmas Hampers

The CafĂŠ. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, in the knowledge that all the food is sourced locally. We offer a welcoming and friendly experience for all our customers who visit us. to Ramsbottom

PEEL TOWER

Bolton Rd West HOLCOMBE BROOK

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Stunning Gifts & Decorations

Longsight Rd Waterside Rd Holcombe Brook School

Newcombe

Summerseat Garden Centre. Railway St, Summerseat, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 5QD. Tel: 01204 883048. info@summerseatgardencentre.co.uk

www.summerseatgardencentre.co.uk

Opening Times: Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm. Sunday 9am-5pm. Late nights: Start Monday 11th November: 9am-8pm Mon to Fri.

Bra

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PROMOTION

Bolton’s Best The Cherry Tree at Blackrod has been awarded Bolton’s best restaurant for 2019/20

he Cherry Tree is the first he Cherry is the first winner of Tree this prestigious winner of this prestigious award run by the Bolton award run by the Bolton News in conjunction with News in conjunction with Bolton Council’s foodand anddrink drink Bolton Council’s food festival. Readers voted for their festival. Readers voted for their favourite eateryin inBolton Boltonand and favourite eatery surrounding areasand andthe theCherry Cherry surrounding areas Tree out on on top topin inaalandslide landslide Tree came out victory. The successful victory. successfulrestaurant restaurant started its started its life lifeback backininAugust August2010 2010 when Paul, Paul, Catherine when Catherineand andson son Tom purchased purchased the Tom thethen thennamed named Thatch & Thistle pub located on the Thatch & Thistle pub located on the main A6 road on the edge of the main A6 road on the edge of the village of Blackrod. At the time the village of Blackrod. At the time family were already running the the family were already running the successful Yew Tree inn at Heath successful Yew Tree inn at Heath

Charnock, winning many industry Charnock, industry awards forwinning food andmany service. awards for food and service. The Thatch & Thistle pub had The Thatch & Thistle pub had ceased trading with many parts ceased trading with many parts of buildingbeing beingleft leftderelict. derelict. of the the building Armed with a large team local Armed with a large team ofoflocal builders, therenovation renovationbegan began builders, the and they they managed managedtotocomplete complete the work in in only onlyfive fiveweeks. weeks.The The next challenge challengewas wastotorename renamethe the business, as business, asthe theThatch Thatch&&Thistle Thistle had built built up had up many manynegative negativereviews, reviews, poor opinions and pessimistic poor opinions and pessimistic customer experiences over the customer experiences over the years, so the need for a new name years, so the need for a new name was a priority. was a priority. Tom’s grandfather was a long Tom’s a long distance grandfather lorry driver aswas a young distance lorry driver as a young

man and he visited the site man and he visited the site regularly when it used to be a little regularly when it used to be a little roadside cafe called The Cherry roadside cafe called The Cherry Tree...so the name was reborn! Tree...so the name was reborn! forwardto to2019 2019and andThe The Fast Fast forward Cherry Tree continues to thrive, Cherry Tree continues to thrive, winning manyaccolades accoladesalong along winning many with five five star starreviews. reviews.InIn2017 2017 The Cherry Treewas wasvoted votedininthe the Cherry Tree top 100 restaurants restaurantsininthe theUK UK and each and each month monthThe TheCherry CherryTree Tree is consistently voted in is consistently voted inthe thetop top ten restaurants restaurants in ten inthe theGreater Greater Manchester region. Manchester region. The Cherry Tree welcomes many The Cherry Tree welcomes many famous TV and sporting celebrities famous TVa and as well as loyalsporting customercelebrities base. This as well as a loyal customer This has been achieved through base. the hard has been achieved through the hard

work and a passion shown by every member of the team, ashown passion work and a passion bythat every will always be visible to customers work and a passion shown bythat every member of the team, a passion who dine at The Cherry Tree. member of the team, a passion that will always be visible to customers Tom works very closely with his will always be visible to customers who dine at The Cherry Tree. teamwho of ten chefs andCherry together they atvery The Tree. Tom dine works closely with his create Tom dishes that appeal to every works very closely with his team of ten chefs and together they discerning palate. The menu changes team of ten chefs and together they create dishes that appeal regularly allowing the chefs to to every create dishes thatThe appeal tochanges every discerning palate. utilise the freshest of localmenu produce discerning palate. The menu regularly allowing the chefs to changes available throughout seasons. regularly allowing the chefs to utilise Tom and kitchen are thethe freshest of brigade local produce utilise the freshest of local produce very proactive with the menu design available throughout the seasons. the seasons. andavailable also offer a fabulous Tom and throughout the kitchenselection brigade are forvery vegans and vegetarians. Tom and the kitchen brigade are proactive with the menu design and The Cherry Tree boasts a very proactive with the menu design also offer a fabulous selection beautiful bar offer area and lounge where also a fabulous selection forand vegans and vegetarians. theirfor customers can sample an vegans and vegetarians. The Cherry Tree boasts a extensive menu Thedrinks Cherry Treeincluding boasts a their beautiful bar area lounge where famous cocktails andand can be enjoyed beautifulcan barsample area and lounge where customers our extensive with views of Rivington and the customers can sample our extensive drinks menu including our famous surrounding areas. drinks including and can beisenjoyed cocktails The rusticmenu restaurant set our to befamous cocktails and can be enjoyed refurbished extended early with viewsand of Rivington and the with of of Rivington and the next year views at a cost approximately surrounding areas. surrounding areas. £800,000. This will allow The Cherry The rustic restaurant is set to be Tree toThe open upand arestaurant new cocktail andto be rustic isearly set refurbished extended restaurant terrace with a retractable refurbished and extended early next year at a cost of approximately roofnext for alfresco dining in approximately the year at a cost of £800,000. This will allow The Cherry summer months. will allow The Cherry £800,000. Tree to openThis up a new cocktail and ToTree celebrate theup award, to open awith newthe and restaurant terrace acocktail retractable restaurant is launching a new Best of restaurant terrace with a retractable roof for alfresco dining in23rd, the British menu on September roof formonths. alfresco dining in the summer showcasing many well-loved British summer months. To dishes. celebrate the award, the classic To celebrate the award, the restaurant is launching a new Best of rd of restaurant is launching a new Best British menu on the September 23 , rd British menu on the September 23 showcasing well-loved British , Tom andmany the team would showcasing well-loved British classic like todishes. offer many a complimentary classic dishes. Tom andof the team would glass Prosecco to like all Tom and the team would tocustomers offer a complimentary glasslike of who mention 50 to offer atocomplimentary glass of Prosecco all customers who Plus Magazine when making Prosecco to all customers who mention Lifeduring when their Lancashire reservations mention Lancashire Life when making their reservations during the the months of October making reservations during the months of their October and November. and November. months of October and November.

The Cherry Tree, Chorley Road, The Cherry Tree, Chorley Road, Blackrod, Bolton BL6 5LA Blackrod, Bolton BL6 5LA 01257 481234 01257 481234

cherrytreeblackrod.com cherrytreeblackrod.com

T: 0161 705 2882 400 Brandlesholme Road, Bury. BL8 1HP www.burydentist.co.uk

emma@burydentist.co.uk

Brandlesholme Dentistry, Your Local Implant Clinic Caring for the dental health for all the family in Bury, Lancashire and the surrounding area. At Brandlesholme Dentistry we aim to provide high quality dentistry and pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service. Our dedicated team excelÂ in all aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry. Our services include: dental implants, teeth whitening, crowns, veneers, bridges, InvisalignÂŽ invisible braces, white fillings, dentures hygienist services and facial aesthetics.

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What is a dental implant? Technically, a dental implant is a small but very strong post made from biocompatible metals or ceramics. Under local anaesthetic, it is inserted into the jaw bone in place of the missing tooth root and acts as a support for the tooth. It has been scientifically tested and used in the last three decades by qualified dentists and surgeons worldwide.

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associated with traditional ill-fitting dentures and no modifications are necessary to the neighbouring teeth. Why choose Smiles Manor Dental Care for implant placement? Dr Jonathan Rees is a specialist oral surgeon and is a Senior Clinical Teaching Fellow and Examiner in Implantology. Whether it’s a relatively simple dental implant or a complex case, Dr Rees has the wealth of experience to expertly handle all procedures having placed over 3000 implants since 1995! While dental implants can be a life changing procedure, it’s important to choose a dental team who have the experience and expertise to deliver Travel the outcome you desire. At Smiles Manor Dental THE CANDADIAN ROCKIES WITH TRAVESPHER BY JUDITH QUINEY FROM SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR Care, Dr Hay and Dr Buchan work in conjunction with Dr Rees, fitting the final crown work after the placement of the dental implants. Our dental implant team have the superior training and highly advanced surgical skills to deliver a level of excellence that is second to none. What will happen at my implant consultation? Dr Rees will evaluate your dental needs via a

Sweet Treats

James Martin's

thorough examination and provide you with a fully detailed treatment plan which will include all of the dental options available to you along with an CONTENTS | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE estimate of all likely costs before any treatment begins. We also offer an interest free credit facility if 8-9 TWITTERING ON desired. You have the opportunity to discuss any Bywill Angela Kelly queries you may have directly with Dr Rees. We also 16-17 JAMES MARTIN have co-ordinator nurse, Karen, a designated The man ofimplant many talents who25-29 HOME will take care of you during your treatment.

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What are the advantages of dental implants? 37-39 GARDEN Preparingoffer your lawn for Winter • Dental Implants a solution to the discomfort embarrassment, inconvenience of missing teeth, 46-49 JAMES and MARTIN'S Greatconfidence British Adventure restoring your and providing a sense of security can’t ON be matched. 58-63 that WHAT'S

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• With traditional bridges, adjacent teeth are usually 72-73 HEALTH modified to Fluprovide vs colds anchors. and how toDental prepare implants for the Winter eliminate the need for this, thereby retaining more 74 HEALTH tooth structure. Hearing as we age facts • Higher levels of comfort than traditional dentures. If you would like to discuss any queries you may have about dental implants please contact us at Smiles Bridgeman House Manor Dental Care on 0121 705 0667. 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY.

Sales : T: fitting. (01204) 238180 At SmilesCHRISTMAS Manor Dental Care our dental implant teamADVENTURE provide both implant placement andEnquiries implant crown However, we are also happy DELICIOUS RECIPES GREATH BRITISH E: download artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk to work in conjunction with your own dentist. Dr Rees’ dentist referral form is available to from www.smiles.co.uk.

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09/06/2014 15:4

TWITTER

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TWITTERING ON BY ANGELA KELLY

Pity the poor celebrities who suffer vile abuse online IT’S hard being a celebrity these days and not having a very thick skin indeed. The anonymity of technology, in particular social media, means that everyone out there can pass an opinion about virtually anything. And they do. Unfortunately, they don’t do this in a measured or reasonable way usually. No. They go to the extremes of personal comment, even resorting to death threats, if they either don’t like someone, don’t agree with their actions or even their point of view. Politicians now regularly get vile threats, to themselves and their families, for many of the things they do. These are often the most basic actions you would expect from them, given their principles and party. The worst abuse appears to be reserved for today’s celebrities and that often means that young men and women who may be the least able to cope with this are on the receiving end. One typical case is pop band Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson. She is 28 now but right from the first appearance of the four girls on The

X Factor in 2011, she has been singled out for specific abuse. The “problem” is that she has distinctive looks and a womanly figure and this apparently incensed a large number of people who insisted on telling her they thought she was ugly and fat. One glance at this beautiful young woman reveals she is neither but that doesn’t stop it hurting deep down and doing real damage. “Don’t look at the comments” you may quite reasonably advise. Well, I know from experience that it’s quite difficult not to be sucked into having a quick look, and then it’s too late. Jesy became so traumatised by this truly nasty reaction from people she had never met that she tried to kill herself. That’s what online trolls can do: wreck someone’s life. It wasn’t until she deleted her Twitter account, where the worst abuse was coming from, that her life changed and she slowly started to feel “normal” again. Although she still has bad days, she could move on. In fact, she made a BBC documentary exploring body image and mental health issues which will no doubt help many other people, both well-known and not. The craziest thing is that, when the worst of these online trolls finally go too far and end up in court, they mostly turn out to be the saddest, most inadequate individuals you could imagine. It’s a strange world.

Concern that our favourite soaps are losing the plot ARE our TV soaps finally losing their grip on UK viewers’ imaginations? Writing in the Radio Times, one BBC arts’ critic thinks so and he believes they face a “potentially fatal crisis”. Mark Lawson believes the recent slump in viewing figures for favourites like EastEnders and Coronation Street highlights a “fundamental creative problem” in which story arcs are becoming “impossible to either write or act.”

He highlights recent plot lines like the siege at the Queen Vic pub in EastEnders when a character was shot dead and historic child sex abuse in Corrie. Although soaps have always been seen as telly immortals – Coronation Street 59 years, Emmerdale 47 and EastEnders 34 – Mark believes they now face a crisis. He points out that the “historic strength of the genre has been its strong central female characters”. So logic dictated they should have the strongest storylines and the result was that “these women make the wives of Henry VIII seem relatively lucky.” He was particularly concerned about the frequency of sex crimes against women although acknowledged that such storylines were useful in highlighting “police and medical responses” and also in offering helplines. While I think he has a point I do wonder if the problem is that our soaps have just TOO many plot lines going on. I know times have changed dramatically and life in 2019 is complex and fastmoving. However, early on in the life of Coronation Street, for example, the central story revolved around the disappearance of Minnie Caldwell’s cat and that went on for weeks. Now, expect any one episode of a soap to have a robbery planned, an affair, an online gambling habit and a hidden sex abuser. It’s like real-life microwaved into 25 minutes for entertainment consumption. This is not only exhausting but very hard to keep up with the plots. True, the soaps do a great job with strong storylines reflecting modern problems. The Coronation Street treatment of Aidan’s mental health battle and subsequent suicide were incredibly moving and well-handled and the support offered to the public useful and relevant. But – and it is a big “but” – we still view our soaps for light relief from life as it is being lived and if all we have is a mirror to “ordinary” life with no relief then they lose their appeal. Humour was always the soaps’ salvation and that appears to be in very short supply right now. Jack and Vera, where are you when we need you most?

Can we ditch driving children to school and walk?

IT would be easy to write a sad and emotional biography about the journey of a cancer sufferer and her devoted carer.

PARENTS dropping off children close to schools has long been a source of contention – especially for people living near the schools. Now, a survey by walking and cycling charity Sustrans of 954 parents across England, Scotland and Wales shows that most want traffic-free roads outside schools to protect children from air pollution. It’s likely that they’re also considering the safety of pupils at risk from so many cars there, too. Sustrans’ chief executive Xavier Brice points out that the average journey to primary school is 1.6 miles. Walking or cycling to school is a better alternative all round, if that’s possible. For some parents who need to rush off to work for a set time or who travel a distance that could be difficult. But, we do need to alleviate pollution and road dangers and improve the quality of life for all concerned, including the longsuffering souls living near schools.

However, while We Never Got To Cornwall is undoubtedly a tragic story it is also both uplifting and informative – and that’s what puts this book apart from other similar publications. The sub-title is The True Story of a Secret Cancer Sufferer (Plus My Own Life Lessons Learnt) and it is much of what happens next that makes this book unusual. “Redders” is obviously a courageous and inspirational woman who fought a longterm battle with cancer with amazing dignity and bravery. But life – and death – is not just about higher emotions. It is also about humour, despair and anger and a sense of being lost that many people who have suffered the death of a partner, family member or close friend will recognise. The author, though, as well as recounting the very natural feelings involved has also looked closely at the practical situation of

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And here, the author tackles the thorny subject of death certificates, arranging the funeral, sorting out the will and a dozen other duties. Then there are all the other ordinary details like changing bank details, services, benefits and everything else we normally take for granted. The author offers a personal but engaging diary of these, giving useful advice based on experience. It may be a cathartic book for him to write but it is definitely an interesting and thought-provoking read for the rest of us. * We Never Got To Cornwall, published by Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd at £6.99.

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BO EMBE LTO R 2019N BOLTOEDITION 63 & BURY N & BU RY N 63 AUGUST

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what happens after someone dies, especially if you are in a position of responsibility.

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rest your soul. The nearest metro is Etienne Marcel.

PARIS – A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

riter for silvertraveladvisor. com and retired airline pilot, Bob Lyons has a really in-depth knowledge of Paris. Here are a few of his favourite places in this beautiful capital. The Picasso Museum A visit to the Picasso Museum at the Hotel Sale makes for a splendid experience of art. It contains not only many major works by Picasso himself but exhibits examples from many others too, including pieces from Modigliani, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, Degas and Rousseau, all of whom that had a great influence on Picasso’s work. The ideas and concepts that he made so real came from studying such art. Many of the traditional works exhibited in the museum come from Picasso’s personal collection, painted by artists who were his contemporaries. Together they all created and lived through a celebrated period of modern, twentieth century, thought provoking art.

Picasso’s own work is displayed on the garden floor, the first floor and in the attic of the Hotel Sale. Other floors display art by his contemporaries. His work and art collection were given to the French state by his heirs, in lieu of death duties and the French government has made them available to everyone. Passage du Grand Cerf Perhaps this is the most beautiful shopping passage in Paris. It has been resurrected to its original glory like a phoenix. There are many alluring shops and the French scent of a Parisian culture fills the atmosphere around you.You can buy fresh flowers that arrived very early that morning from the vast fresh produce Rungis market. Look for the designer jewellery discovered by Christian Lacroix, enticing household goods and older style eye wear. When you have finished, go to the’ Le Pas Sage’ wine bar to

La cité des sciences et de l'industrie The Science Museum, and so much more! It came to life in 1986. The inauguration came from the French President at the time, Francois Mitterand. It was to mark the passage of the space probe Giotto with Halley’s Comet. The museum internally is very open, widely spread and airy. It represents a contemporary aircraft hangar. There are a number of levels linked by silent elevators. The floors contain many varied exhibitions, models, projected videos and technical demonstrations, which are spaciously presented and create an atmosphere pure modern scientific life and inspiration for the future. The Champs-Elysees Parisians have always regarded their special street as their ‘Plus Belle Avenue du Monde’. And so it is. For most of us, the ChampsElysees (Elysian Fields, the paradise for dead heroes in Greek mythology) is a form of virtual fantasy. We can look but never touch. We can’t really afford to contribute to it, but we can feel it and be part of it for half an afternoon. It is filled with luxury shops and one or two very polished, modern fast food outlets along with upmarket theatres, cinemas and restaurants. It is a wide avenue of affluence, light, glamour and inspiration. The route is the Princess of Paris and runs between the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triumph in the distant eighth arrondissement. It is the grandest component of the 10 kilometre long ‘Axe Historique’ or ‘Triumphant Route’. It blends perfectly with the apparently dead straight line of iconic architecture from the Royal Palaces to the Grande Arch so far away in the La Defense district. Montmatre This is the district of Paris that is almost the womb of popular culture and is available

decapitated there for his Christian beliefs in 250 AD. The sizzling Place du Tertre is the centre of this district, lined on all four sides by the most instantly recognizable of Parisian cafés and bistros. In the summer months you will hardly be able to move due to the tourist throng. This square is awash with talented artists with easels, all plying their trade.You can have your portrait drawn or painted in just 20 minutes. What a great souvenir.

for all. Montmartre is actually just a little kitsch. It proudly wears the badge though and can be enjoyed unpretentiously by everyone. Montmartre rests on a hill, 130 meters above all of its surroundings in the north

east of the City.You don’t need a map to find it. Just look out for the very prominent Basilica du Sacre-Cour. The name Montmartre translates as ‘mountain of the martyr’, which reminds France of one of its patron saints, St. Denis, who was

Many of the celebrated painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries lived and worked around this hill in Paris. Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh were all members of a much larger group who practised their profession in this district. Virtually all the tourist shops in this arrondissement sell very well produced prints of the most famous impressionist work.

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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JAMES MARTIN THE MAN OF MANY TALENTS JAMES Martin had just been playing at Carfest South in Basingstoke, was about to give a cookery demonstration at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival and was flying out to Ireland for filming the next morning. Now, if that sounds like a hectic schedule, it is. Especially, as James explained, "I didn’t get to bed until 3.15am on Sunday morning” after Carfest. And playing there? Yes, the multi-talented chef turns out to be a musician and his group had a significant set at the annual event run by his mate Chris Evans. In fact, this was the first time they had played in public after hours of practising in a scout hut or his living room and he went from playing in front of his Mum 16

and a few chef friends to an audience of 34,500 people.

It is just part of the 47 year-old’s philosophy of trying new experiences.

So, how was it? “Amazing but terrifying” was his verdict. He and his group played just after Jools Holland and just before the Kaiser Chiefs.

“I’ve never been one to say ‘I wish I’d done this or that’,” he stated. “You should grab every opportunity that comes to you.” Food, though, is still his priority. “Food has always been at the top of the list and will always, always be there. And the restaurants will be because you employ people and they have got kids and mortgages to pay so that’s your priority 150 per cent.”

James, who counts the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter as his favourite song, only started playing guitar 12 months ago. “I came straight off stage and Chris said ‘What are you doing next year?’ I said Whoa, whoa. The main thing was we weren’t s***!” But the many fans of the plain-speaking James Martin need not worry that this new success might drag him away from his cookery interests and his TV appearances.

James is, however, realistic about the value of his high profile in all fields. “Without the media stuff, the restaurants wouldn’t have the success,” he concluded.

He was off to Ireland the next morning for filming a new TV series, Islands and Highlands, due to air in February, 2020. James is a genuine advocate of the best of British food but he applies the same principle to foods from all across the globe. He was appearing at the annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival, which he happily described as “the best food and drink festival in the country.” He has been going to the North-west town for its hugely popular festival for the last 11 years and “loves Bolton – the place and the people. In fact, the people make the place.” He has a direct view about food. I dared to ask him if he thought people were cooking more healthily now. That might be good news for his dedicated followers but it is also a reflection of who James Martin really is. He has long made Saturday mornings a TV must for cookery fans, first with Saturday Morning Kitchen - which he fronted for 10 years until 2016 - and now with James Martin’s Saturday Morning Show, filmed at his home. His blunt Yorkshire roots, his laddish looks and an indisputable onscreen charisma have made him a telly cookery favourite and his shows and appearances a sell-out. All of this, however, was a long way in the future when he was growing up on the Castle Howard estate in York where his father was a catering manager.Young James must have been soaking up the knowledge and love of food even then because he opted to take catering training in college which resulted in him being Student of the Year three years running. Following catering college, he worked for various top chefs in leading restaurants including foodie household names like Antony Worrall Thompson and Marco Pierre White. He toured France, working in chateau kitchens and gaining a unique blend of experience and skills, before returning

to England to kickstart his high-profile career. In 1994, just before his 22nd birthday, he opened his own hotel and bistro in Winchester and has followed this over the years with other premises including a hotel in Manchester. When Saturday Morning Kitchen launched in 2006, he was the obvious choice and the formula certainly paid off. He regularly attracted 3.4 million viewers. James also became a favourite on other food shows like Ready Steady Cook and remains a respected expert and entertainer in a field where cooks often come and go. In 2013, he was honoured with The Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award for outstanding contribution to the industry. The following year his series Food Map of Britain was voted Best Daytime and Early Peak Programme by the Royal Television Society. In 2015, he was named TV Personality of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Awards. His name and skills are known around the world and he has written a raft of cookery books that easily demonstrate his passion for food along with his vast knowledge.

“Healthy food!” he flashed.“If you want that get JoeWicks down here but that’s not me. I like tasty food. Food’s a magical thing.We’ve all got to eat so why not enjoy it?” He then went on to demonstrate dishes he knows delight audiences: Monkfish and Korean Aubergines, Seabass with Buttered Tagliatelle and Beurre Blanc and Summer Fruit Pudding with Clotted Cream. The biggest response of the demonstration was for a massive cheese and ham toastie – made with a full loaf, masses of cheese, cream and ham – which he declared his favourite. It’s plain from the enthusiastic live audience reaction and the long queues of people forming to meet him and have him sign copies of his latest book that people love him and all he does. Perhaps the main thing is that James Martin has built a solid and successful career on being James Martin - chef, hotelier, restaurateur, TV presenter, fast-car fan, musician and full-time Yorkshireman and food enthusiast.

Recipes from James Martin's recent book Great British Adventure start on page 46. 17

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CARRYING OUT GRANT OF PROBATE YOURSELF CARRIES SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

ou could be forgiven for thinking that once a will has been written there are no other formalities to administer a person’s estate after they’ve passed away. After all, a will expresses who the deceased wanted to benefit from their estate and how much, or what, each beneficiary inherits. It’s a legal document that’s drawn up by a solicitor with an appointed executor – the person (or persons; you can have more than one) who administers the estate of someone who has passed away) – so you might wonder what probate has to do with it? Well, a will in itself doesn’t grant authority to distribute an estate. It merely tells the executor(s) who gets what. To actually administer the estate – allocate the assets of the deceased person – the executor needs to obtain a grant of probate. This is a legal document which confirms that the executor

has the authority to deal with the deceased person's assets i.e. their money, property, jewellery, cars or any other possessions. In an effort to save on costs, some executors attempt to carry out probate themselves. While there is a whole host of information

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about how to do this on the internet, the process isn’t for the faint hearted and there are definite risks involved which could end up costing far more than instructing a solicitor in the first place. If this is something an executor insists on doing, here’s a list of the things they need to be sure of before proceeding: What exactly is in the will? A silly question you may think, but to ensure the wishes of the will are carried out, the executor needs to clearly understand who is getting what. While this may be obvious, the will may stipulate that a beneficiary receives their inheritance at a specific point in time rather than as soon as probate has been granted. Also, is there a trust in the will? If so, this will have its own set of legal instructions which will need attending to.

Is the will actually valid? You’d be surprised how many people forget to sign it. Not only that, would you be able to tell the difference between a valid and an invalid will? Responsibility Being an executor is a responsible job and not one to be taken lightly. It’s vital that the processes and protocols are followed so that the estate is administered correctly, otherwise the executor can become personally accountable for any mistakes. More worryingly, beneficiaries can hold executors liable for things they haven’t done if they cause a loss to the estate through poor administration. Legal speak The law is no stranger to mind boggling jargon and for those who are unfamiliar with legal terminology, it can be difficult waters to navigate. Misunderstanding the terms of a will could also lead to being sued by disappointed beneficiaries. Taxes As with death, the only other certainty in life is tax. Executors are responsible for paying any tax due to HMRC on behalf of the deceased. Inheritance tax is the obvious one that springs to mind, but there could be other taxes waiting to be paid before the remainder of the estate can be distributed. The executor may even need to check the deceased person’s historic records of transactions to ensure that they don’t need reporting to HMRC. A final word of caution on this: failing to settle any outstanding debts could render the executor personally liable. Paperwork Put simply, there could be a lot. While some organisations will release money below certain limits without a grant of probate, most do need authority. Getting hold of all the necessary paperwork from the banks, insurance policies, HMRC etc. can be a daunting task. In terms of properties to be transferred to beneficiaries, it’s the executor’s job to make sure the legal title is transferred correctly or, again, they can be sued for loss to a beneficiary. Seek Advice Probate is complicated and ignorance of the process is no defence in the eyes of the law. It may appear cheaper to ‘DIY’ but if there’s even the slightest doubt about the capability of obtaining and carrying out the duties associated with a grant of probate, it’s always far wiser to seek legal advice. At Russell & Russell, there is a team of specially trained probate solicitors who can provide advice and guidance through this complex area of the law. The firm offers a free consultation, so that you can understand what’s required and how to resolve any issues. Call 0800 103 2600 to book an appointment or fill in the contact form on the website and someone will call you back. www.russellrussell.co.uk 21

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NEW TO BURY… – dining tables, dining chairs, sideboards, bedroom – beds, mattresses, bedside tables, wardrobes, chest of drawer, and accessories including pictures, mirrors, and lighting, you will be spoilt for chose! Every visit is different… The beauty of shopping at Brand Interiors is that no two visits are ever the same. Nearly every day there’s a new range or line added to ensure that as well as saving money on big-name brands, you can also keep up with the very latest trends at up to half the price you’d find elsewhere on the high street.

Brand Interiors now have 11 large showrooms situated across the north west of England, Yorkshire and the Midlands, with the latest being in Burys’ bustling town center, right next door to TK Maxx on Angouleme Retail Park. The perfect location to get all your home furniture needs (and wants).

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CREATING A WARM AND BEAUTIFUL HOME THIS WINTER

REATING a warm glow in your home throughout the chillier months is not just about effective heating and insulation. It’s also about ensuring you have the right décor and furnishings throughout your property so that just being there – or just visiting – is a cosy and enjoyable experience. Of course you need to ensure that your boiler and central heating are working properly and that your windows are well-fitted and giving you the kind of insulation that prevents your fuel bills from rocketing when the temperature outside drops. But it is also about the whole atmosphere of your property. And that requires proper thought and planning so that, after work or going out and about, you can’t wait to get back to your comfortable home and finally relax happily. Cosy homes certainly come into their own at Christmas when family get-togethers need a warm backdrop and all the festive décor is about sparkle and a feelgood vibe. So it is definitely worth taking a fresh

evaluation of your home’s warm appeal right now. Nothing says “cosy” quite like snuggling up in blanket in front of an open FIRE and if you are lucky enough to already have a working fireplace, then take advantage of it.

Logs crackling in the hearth or in a burner not only feel warm but offer the additional bonus of looking bright and welcoming. The firelight reflects in any room offering the warmest of glows, whatever the weather. A fire can also be the centrepiece of a living space – but it doesn’t just have to be in the wall. These days you can get enclosed fires that come in wooden columns or unusual centrepieces to draw the eye as soon as you enter the room.

If you prefer a wall fire, either mounted or in its own fireplace, there are plenty of ways to enhance it there. A fireplace surround could be made from metallic porcelain tiles, sculptural ceramic, marble, hand-painted terra cotta or even a mosaic tile. Fireplaces can look amazing set into wooden surrounds because they add an extra depth to the patina of the wood. If you have a non-working fireplace, fill it with fire-ready logs anyway or place tiered candles inside as a feature. If you would rather cover it up, invest in an ornate fire screen to make an extra talking point. 25

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We tend to think of anywhere “cosy” as small but the dictionary definition is “giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation”, no mention of small. So if you have a large or open-plan LIVING ROOM you can still make it cosily attractive at a time of year when you are likely to spend plenty of time sitting happily ensconced in a comfortable chair or sofa as the rain batters outside or the snow freezes. In a bigger space, large, well-upholstered furniture can really work and provide an inviting spot to be. Sectional sofas are a good choice here to break up the expanse; placing your furniture into seating groups makes social gatherings so much easier and more friendly. In a high room, add tall, voluminous plants to take up empty corners or fill vertical space. Just ensure that any living plants can get enough light. Dead plants don’t enhance any room! Plants can bring a room alive, though, and the greenery is very welcome in Winter so it’s definitely worth looking at placing a couple in areas where they will bring a different element to the room. For example, place a few differently sized pots together in a group to provide an interesting little area. To bring in a big room and create that cosy feeling, paint your wall twotoned. Painting it until several inches from the ceiling can also make the room feel slightly smaller and warmer.

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Conversely, if you want to make the room feel much larger, just paint a few inches onto the ceiling. An accent wall in a warm tone also adds to the cosy feeling and a dusky red on the wall behind a fireplace doubles the warmth of any room. Colours have a huge effect on our mood so take a really good look at available paint palettes before deciding on your decor. While cool greys translate well into Winter, especially teamed with warmer accents of bright colour, try bold combinations like burnished red with navy or mustard.

I N V E N T 79

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Come and visit our large showroom, we have two floors showcasing a fantastic range of bathrooms and accessories from all the quality brands to suit every budget.

The latest trends offer clever ideas from Nature to help. Warmer pinks and browns, washed teals and mossy greens offer a relaxed, neutral colour scheme that create a comforting ambience ideal for enhancing Winter warmth. For a different look, instead of a coffee table in your living room, try an oversized ottoman. These soft, plush pieces of furniture automatically make any room look and feel warmer. You can rest your feet on them for relaxing and, with an additional tray, they make a perfectly good coffee table as well. The other plus is that an ottoman offers extra storage so you can tidy away items to offer clean lines to enhance the atmosphere you’re trying to create. Looking to start your next project and need a little inspiration? Call our experienced bathroom designers today to help you Invent your dream bathroom using some of the finest global brands.

If your SOFA or chairs are looking the worse for wear, the Winter is an ideal time to invest in new furniture if the budget allows. Always opt for comfort here – after all, you’re going to spend quite a large amount of time using them so they need to be as comfortable as possible. The fabric used on your furniture is more important than ever in the Winter as a cold fabric can automatically make you feel chilly. A soft but durable fabric that can stand up to plenty of use is the ideal and recliners always win over standard sofas and squashy chairs here – so investing in at least one may prove to be the best thing you’ve ever done!

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adds texture, colour and warmth to the look of this room but also offers something to pop around your shoulders if you feel a little chilly and just need warming up. Team cushions in soft and contrasting colours and fabrics to help your décor and you’ve got just the right balance of style and comfort here. In spite of today’s love affair with the Kindle and iPad when it comes to reading books, people still love the original paper version and books can bring so much to a living room.

Using a throw or faux fur is another simple way to warm up a room. A brightly coloured throw, draped over the back of a sofa not only

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There is definitely something comforting and reassuring about books so bookshelves are worth considering in rooms where furniture is pushed away from the walls. If you have a large book collection, here is the ideal place to store them and if you have a small collection, why not arrange like books together with knick-knacks and accent pieces to fill vertical spaces? This kind of artistic grouping gives real personality to a room. Another way to make it more like your own living space is to add family photos. They make a room feel inviting and warm and offer a talking point for visitors. Bold artwork can be centrepiece to any room but especially a living room. Don’t be afraid to display a large piece of artwork or even let it take over a room. A single picture, piece of artwork or quirky piece of furniture can create a focal point that really impresses everyone, and reflects your own personality and individual style. In a smaller way, floral arrangements can also add warmth to any room but, like houseplants, do ensure they are in the right place for enough natural light and are well cared for. FLOORING is obviously important throughout the home but comes into its own in the colder months. While carpets add that something special and are warm and durable, don’t dismiss wood flooring as “cold”.

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A rich, wooden flooring with a handsome grain not only gives distinction to rooms and is very practical but can reflect the glow of a fire to complement the general warmth. Add a cosy rug if you feel any room needs additional warmth but always ensure your flooring flatters your room’s colour palette. It’s worth having a look at all the latest flooring because this element of the home has come on so much in the last few years you’ll be amazed at the ranges and colours now on offer. CURTAINS can add to a room’s attraction all year round, especially lined and well-insulated curtains in a warm colour. Opting for floor-length curtains can create an oasis of cosiness, especially when the weather is unpleasant outside, and full-length curtains can make a small room feel much larger.

All our blinds are made to measure here in the UK and installed by highly experienced installers. We can offer a solution for all shading and privacy issues including motorised blinds and tracks, external blinds, window films and Plantation shutters. We have no false discounts or silly offers just good products and straight forward honest customer service.

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Many thanks for your help in choosing our new bed, mattress and headboard. Nothing was too much trouble and we were dealt with in a very professional manner by Julie. Premier Stores even stored our bed until we were ready for delivery. Delivery was first class. Thank you. Chris and Margaret Hey HHHHH First class service, wide choice and friendly advice from this family team. Great telephone contact, delivery arrangements exactly as specified. I give them five star. Thank you. Jean Robertson HHHHH

Premier Stores - Queens Buildings Central Street (Off Deansgate), Bolton, BL1 2AB

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"On seeing the product, I was convinced, the brown fence looks very similar to the fence it replaced – only new!"

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF FENCE FASHION? DEDICATED or not, many of us are followers of fashion whether intentionally or because we see something that we like and decide to adopt it ourselves. A lot has changed since The Kinks had a top ﬁve hit about a trendy young man eager to embrace the latest trends, not least our gardens.

Gardens today are very diﬀerent from the 50’s post WW2 “dig for victory”, gardens that extended into the swinging 60’s. Back then, gardens were more likely to have a veg patch, home to rows of potatoes, beans, rhubarb and blackcurrants, marked out by hedges or chain link fencing, than be geared towards leisure, privacy, or the careful design associated with modern gardens. Today’s gardens are often lower maintenance with paving, gravel, small ﬂower beds and pots as owners spend spare time relaxing, pottering or on other hobbies. When Storm Callum sent John Pilkington’s traditional wooden garden fence across the lawn in pieces, he found himself looking at replacements, eventually deciding on ColourFence. John explained the reason behind the transition from 34

traditional to a more modern, low maintenance product.

“

We love our garden but are not what I would describe as ‘gardeners’. My wife potters with bedding plants and I manage the lawn and maintenance; but my real passion is taking care of our garden birds and wildlife. The storm left us comparably unscathed (there was ﬂooding a few miles away) apart from a fence that my neighbour and I had lavished care (and paint) on over the years. In researching a replacement, a family member suggested ColourFence. At ﬁrst, metal fencing sounded industrial, but I was convinced enough by the photos to get a quote. On seeing the product, I was convinced, the brown fence looks very similar to the fence it replaced – only new! The bright side is it will stay looking that way for 25 years!

”

ColourFence have been selling maintenance-free fencing in the UK for almost 15 years and understand

“

My wife potters with bedding plants and I manage the lawn and maintenance; but my real passion is taking care of our garden birds and wildlife.

”

that John is not alone in assuming metal fencing will look industrial. The truth is, that ColourFence often spreads down streets; people see it, love the look and the low maintenance and want it in their own garden. The distinctive colour combinations and styles that are possible without the need for time spent painting and mending, mean that you can create a look that really complements your garden and style. For a fence that will allow you to do more ‘Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon’ and less painting, request more information or a free, no-obligation quote by calling

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With the warmer weather arriving, there’s always plenty to do in the garden. However, with ColourFence, one of the most tedious, time-consuming jobs disappears overnight. Not just for 2019 but for the next 25 years! That’s because there’s no need to paint or repair ColourFence. It’s guaranteed not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel for the next 25 years. Making it one of the world’s best maintenance-free fences. And, unlike other fences, ColourFence can withstand wind speeds of up to 130mph. There’s a choice of colours to harmonise and enhance your garden’s design. You’ll find our prices surprisingly competitive too. To see the full product range, call us today and find out why it makes sense to choose ColourFence.

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Despite many coats of preservative, the structure of the wooden fence in our front garden rotted pretty rapidly, and a recent autumn storm sent it off down the road, thankfully missing the neighbour’s car. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and we now couldn’t be more pleased with the ColourFence replacement which was erected a few days ago. As well as looking good, we are looking forward to years of summers without the burden of cleaning and treating this fence.

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GARDEN

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

PREPARING YOUR LAWN FOR WINTER GARDENING WRITER, JULIA HEATON, HAS SOME TIMELY LAWN CARE TIPS

take a garden fork and push the tines in to their full depth at 15cm intervals across the lawn. Once in the ground wiggle the fork around to widen the holes. On large areas or heavy clay soils a hollow tine aerator, which extracts small cores of soil, may be best for the job.

It makes sense to put your lawn to bed for the winter, just like any other plant in the garden. September through early October is the time to take stock of the wear and tear it has undergone during the course of the year. The aim is to scarify, aerate and topdress, in that order. So follow these steps and you’ll be giving your grass all the strength it needs to cope with any frost, snow or waterlogging in the months ahead. SCARIFY/RAKING First things first, you’ll need to scarify by raking up and removing any build-up of moss and thatch (dead grass and plant debris). This will improve drainage and help to reduce fungal infections. To give yourself a head start it’s a good idea to bring the level of the grass gradually down in the two-week run-up – this will provide you with short, dry grass that makes the raking process less difficult. If there’s lots of moss you can spray the problem areas with moss killer beforehand. Then once it has turned black it can be raked out much more easily. A spring tine rake is the best tool for the job. Its 16 claw-shaped tines are designed to remove unwanted debris without damaging healthy blades of grass. If the thatch is particularly bad though

it’ll need carefully teasing out so a hand scarifier, with blades on a roller, is a better option. Whichever you choose you’ll need to work across the lawn two or three times, approaching it from a different angle each time. For larger areas you may want to hire or buy an electric rake. Don’t panic when you survey the results – the lawn may look pretty patchy, but it means that the grass now has space to breath, grow and fill out into the bare patches of soil. And if these patches are really large you can re-sow with lawn seed.

AERATING: Regular use during the summer can cause a lawn to settle, become dense and compacted. With little access to air the grass becomes weak, which encourages moss and water-logging. To tackle these problems

TOPDRESSING Applying a topdressing loosely fills the aeration holes and evens out any lumps and bumps in the lawn. Ultimately this improves its condition and drainage, encouraging the grass to produce more roots and runners. Topdressing can be bought in ready mixed bags from garden centres but you can also make your own by combining loam, multipurpose compost and sand. The mix of these three ingredients depends on the type of soil you’ve got. When a loamy mix is used on sandy soil it can improve its water-retaining abilities, while a sandy topdressing on a heavy soil can help improve drainage. If your soil is heavy clay and compaction is a real problem then sharp sand alone can be used to improve surface drainage. Using a shovel spread the mix evenly across the lawn at the rate of 1kg per sq m and lightly brush it into the surface and aeration holes. What you’re looking for in the end is a layer of top dressing that’s thin enough for the blades of grass to poke through it. Topdressing recipes: • For a heavy soil, mix 1 part multipurpose compost, 2 parts loam and 4 parts sand; • For a loamy soil, mix 1 part multi-purpose compost, 4 parts loam and 2 parts sand; • For a sandy soil, mix 2 parts multipurpose compost, 4 parts loam and 1 part sand

GARDEN

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

temperatures it’s worth doing. Only use an autumn feed as it will contain less nitrogen, which will produce slower growth and tougher leaves able to withstand winter temperatures.

BARE PATCHES Late summer to mid-autumn is a good time to sow grass seed as the soil is still warm and should be nicely moist. Make sure the ground is clear of weeds and rake it over to break up any lumps and create a fine tilth. Then tread evenly over it so that it is levelled out, adding extra soil where needed, before raking again. Lightly rake in a granular fertiliser two or three days before sowing. Good weather and moist soil should produce germination in nine or ten days. Keep it watered during dry spells and leave it uncut for three to four weeks. FEEDING An autumn feed isn’t always necessary but if your grass has taken a beating from the dry weather and hotter than average

MOWING AND EDGING As colder weather slows down the rate of grass growth there’s less need to mow as frequently. Always wait for a dry day before mowing and, if needed, follow it up by trimming lawn edges. Use some long handled edging shears for this job. The blades are set at a 90 degree angle to the handles so you can do the job from a standing position. If the lawn has started to grow over a pathway it’s a good time to re-instate a proper edge. Using a half-moon edging iron drive the blade down and into the turf where it meets the pathway, then pull the pieces away. SWEEPING There’s no escaping fallen leaves in autumn but it’s important not to let them sit for more than a few days on your lawn as the grass they are covering will soon suffer. Once a week use a besom broom or a fan

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rake to sweep them up. Another alternative is to run your lawn mower over them so it can gather them up. CONTROLLING LEATHERJACKETS Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, or daddy-long-legs. The grubs hatch in autumn and eat away at grass roots, so by spring you can be left with yellow patches across the lawn. Although there is no chemical treatment there is a biological control in the form of nematodes, which are microscopic worms that you can water onto the lawn between August and October and again in spring. They basically work by entering the grubs and infecting them with a bacterial disease that kills them. Look for Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer at garden centres and on-line. Another alternative is to water the lawn and lay a large black plastic sheet across it overnight. This will encourage the grubs to come to the surface, so when the sheet is lifted the following morning you just need to brush them up and dispose of them.

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EIGHT WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR GARDEN’S DRAINAGE

To do this, you’ll need to dig in lots of organic matter, as soil with a high organic matter content allows excess water to drain through, while absorbing essential moisture. Creating your own compost and using this to improve the soil is a cheap but effective way of doing this. On the other hand, if your soil is sticky and clay-like, it’s advisable to add coarse grit sand to aid drainage.

Frustrated gardeners whose backyards turn to swamps in the rainy months have been offered top tips for improving their garden’s drainage. Outdoors experts at GardenBuildingsDirect. co.uk have revealed eight key pieces of advice for improving the condition of waterlogged lawns. If your lawn is squelchy to walk on after heavy rainfall, or a sticky, glue-like layer of puddled soil forms near the surface, these could be symptoms of waterlogging. This is caused when water sits on the soil surface and drains too slowly, or fails to drain from the garden at all. Poor preparation of the soil before turfing or seeding new lawns can also lead to poor drainage and waterlogging, and in the long term grass could turn yellow and die out.

Pricking, slitting or spiking Pricking or slitting the lawn surface with shallow, 2-3cm holes can help garden drainage, but deeper spiking is even better, especially with a tool designed to leave deep holes. These holes can be filled with a free-draining material, such as proprietary lawn top dressing or horticultural sand, to allow the water to flow from the surface to deeper, less compacted layers. Grow more plants One of the best ways to improve drainage in your garden is to simply grow more plants! This can be a relatively inexpensive solution whilst making your garden look nicer too. Plant choice is important though, as you’ll want to choose something that can survive wet conditions – unfortunately, many plants dislike too much water and cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions.

As such, many gardens in the UK suffer from poor drainage, and in the winter months things can be particularly bad.

Build raised beds Building raised plant beds means that you can fill them with good quality, free-draining topsoil that gets your plants out of the boggy earth below. These can be constructed out of timber railway sleepers or brickwork, and will also create interesting features within a garden.

Waterlogged, boggy conditions are far from ideal when trying to maintain a lush, green lawn, as good drainage is crucial for growing plants and keeping healthy grass.

Improve soil drainage If your drainage issues aren’t too severe, simply improving the permeability of the soil in your beds may alleviate the problem.

The British climate is notoriously unpredictable but one thing’s for sure – there’s usually a lot of rain.

Manage surface water Managing surface water run-off effectively and efficiently is a great way to improve drainage. This can be simply achieved by incorporating sloping surfaces within your garden, so that the excess water is directed to an area where it can be disposed of – for example, a surface drain or plant bed containing moisture-loving plants. This could be costly though, as you may need to hire a mini excavator to sculpt the contours of your garden. Make sure to seek the advice of a professional before you attempt anything. Use bark chippings Bark chippings are great for absorbing moisture, and thereby improving drainage. Not only are these chipping great at retaining moisture but they also prevent weed growth, help insulate the beds during cold snaps, and improve the aesthetic of practically any bed they’re added to. Install artificial grass Artificial grass is capable of handling large amounts of rainfall, but the key to a successful, drainage-improving artificial lawn is to ensure that a permeable sub-base is installed beneath the turf. Install land drains This is generally only recommended if your lawn is particularly bad, as installing land drains involves digging a trench in your lawn, fixing a perforated land drain, and then re-covering. Water will then drain through your lawn and into the perforated land drain pipe, which will channel it away from that area to whatever other part of the garden you choose. Local by-laws usually prohibit you from channelling the water into public storm drains or sewer systems, so finding a suitable area to direct the water can be an issue.

MOTORING

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

STEVE HOWARTH'S TEST DRIVE

The new Focus, right, looks very different when compared to the outgoing model.

FORD FOCUS ACTIVE NOW over all the years I have been testing cars for a living one of the questions I get asked the most is – well what do you drive?

The Active has a little more body roll that the regular Focus thanks to the taller suspension/tyres set up but the Active has a slightly more supple ride than the rest of the Focus line up, complemented by the great eight-speed auto fitted to our test car.

Although I am lucky enough to have a few classics tucked away in the garage I do also have a ‘daily driver’ to use between test cars and sunny Sundays. It is economical, practical and reliable – which is why the Ford Focus has been a top seller since it was first introduced in 1998 and is currently the UK’s number two in the sales top ten just behind its smaller brother, the Fiesta. Mine is a 2014 EcoBoost with the amazing 1-litre, three cylinder turbo petrol engine – 99bhp from an engine that would once have been considered way too small for a family-sized hatchback. So you can understand why I was particularly looking forward to our latest test car, the 2019 Focus Active X, so I could see how Ford have moved things on in the last five years. It came in a smart bronze colour with the EcoBlue 1.5TDCi engine so had a few more horse power that my car and was even better on the go juice returning up to 54.3mpg (combined). Plus being the latest Active X version it also came with the label ‘crossover’ as Active spec adds rugged-looking trim joining the beefed-up Active versions of 42

The entry-level EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol engine gives adequate performance but many buyers are expected to go for the extra power of the 1.5-litre petrol or our diesel version.

the Ka+ and Fiesta. These changes include more substantial front and rear bumpers, protective black cladding on the wheel arches and sills, roof rails and raised ride height thanks to revised suspension and larger tyres. There are also Active trim elements inside. Based on the mid-range Zetec model there are two petrol and two diesel engines and you can also get an Active estate. Standard equipment on the Active includes non-adaptive cruise control with a speed limiter function, lane keep assist, automatic headlights, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There are also sat-nav, voice control, a 4.2-inch driver information display in the instrument panel, and keyless start. Our Active X model is further loaded with almost every optional extra Ford offer including a panorama glass roof, 18” black alloys, power fold door mirrors with ‘puddle’ lights and all round parking sensors.

As it is a slightly taller hatchback rather than a true SUV it is no surprise that a 4x4 option is not available. All are front-wheel drive with a choice of modes including two for off road use. Starting from around £22,000, the Focus Active is a couple of grand or so more than the regular Zetec Focus but you do get extra equipment as well as those more rugged looks and revised suspension. Even so that starting price is very competitive against the main C-segment crossover competitors. In Active X spec our test car was £27,045 on the road. I used the car for a couple of long-ish trips and it proved comfortable and capable both on motorways and around country lanes so I expect, at these prices, we will be seeing even more Focus owners driving around on our roads. For more information see www.ford.co.uk

up to 47mpg – which seems reasonable as I managed around 40mpg on the round trip to Settle, despite some sporty driving on the twisty bits. Amongst the toys to be enjoyed are adaptive cruise control, a hands free power tailgate (which actually works without you needing to be a contortionist), brake energy recapture, active sports suspension, 19” alloy diamond cut alloy wheels, reversing camera, an easy to use sat nav/ DAB radio system with 10” touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, stylish heated electric leather seats and a long list of safety features.

PEUGEOT 508 TAKE a good look at our latest motor on test and I am sure you will agree it is a good looking vehicle – but it is also a car which you will not see very often on our roads.

The 508 range starts from £25,560 for the entry level Active version which still boasts a good level of equipment including an 8” touchscreen, smart alloy wheels and connected sat-nav.

That is because it is a big Peugeot, which have not sold here in large numbers since the 1980s, and also because the company is not planning to send many to their UK dealers. Now that is a shame as it is a great car – but also a bonus if you want a stylish large saloon which will stand out from the usual German-dominated executive car crowd. In fact it is so good the 508 made it onto the shortlist for the Northern Group of Motoring Writers Car of the Year and yours truly got to take a black GT version along to the recent judging day in North Yorkshire. My 508 was up against some good opposition for the trophy from the Renault Alpine 110, Volvo V60, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and all electric Kia Nero. So what makes this big Peugeot so good? Well the radical styling inside and out speaks for itself with stand-out features like dramatic LED lights front and back and a low sporty profile from any angle.

In other words everything you would expect in a £50k Merc or BMW but here the price tag for the GT version is £36,420 - still a lot of cash but then this is a lot of car for a lot less than you would pay for the equivalent from other manufacturers. And the GT is a true grand tourer, comfortable, powerful and fun to drive.

Then there is the standard kit list which includes Peugeot’s raised instrument binnacle which sits above the small steering wheel, to be more in the driver’s line of sight, and is digital so can display a wide range of information at the flick of a switch – also customizable with a choice of dials and readouts. Despite our GT version only having a 1598cc four cylinder petrol engine turbocharging means it puts out 225bhp so that in sport mode the car can hit 62 in 7.3 seconds and go on to a top speed of 155. But despite its size that performance does not cost the earth at the pumps as Peugeot claim the eight-speed auto 508 can return

So is the 508 a winner? Well we will have to wait until a little later in the year to discover what myself and my motoring group colleagues have voted top dog. But after getting behind the wheel of all six finalists I have to say the big Peugeot is a very strong contender and could well come out on top when things like practicality, price and desirability are taken into account.

For more details see www.peugeot.co.uk By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth

FOR ALL THE LATEST CAR TESTS GO TO: www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors 43

ALWAYS BE READY FOR AN ADVENTURE WITH THE

FORD ACTIVE CROSSOVER SERIES You’ve never seen the Focus, Fiesta or KA+ like this before. The new Active crossover range is made for the city and built for adventure. SUV-inspired exterior design, advanced technologies, and interiors that are tailor-made to be comfortable, durable and contemporary. Discover an entirely new concept from Ford. Active by name. Active by nature.

ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS ACTIV E 1.0L EcoB oost 1 25 PS 5 D R

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ALL-NEW FORD FIESTA

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£209 DEPOSIT & £209 PER MONTH

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ACTI V E 1.0L EcoB o ost 1 25 PS 5 D R

ACT I VE 1 . 2 L Ti -VCT 8 5PS 5DR

ACTI V E X 1.0T Eco Bo ost 1 0 0 PS 5 D R

£249 DEPOSIT & £249 PER MONTH

REPRESENTATIVE FINANCE EXAMPLE: FORD KA+ ACTIVE 1.2L Ti-VCT 85PS 5DR. BASED ON 6,000 MILES PER ANNUM. EXCESS MILEAGE CHARGED AT 6P PER MILE. CUSTOMER DEPOSIT

48 MONTHLY PAYMENTS

CASH PRICE

AMOUNT OF CREDIT

FEES

OPTIONAL FINAL PAYMENT

TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE

£166 £166 £11,577.89 £11,411.89 £20* £5,039 £13,193

TERM (MONTHS)

FIXED RATE OF INTEREST

3.49%

REPRESENTATIVE APR (FIXED)

3.49%

Models shown are: KA+ Active 5 door ACTIVE 1.2L Ti-VCT (85PS) Fuel economy Mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 50 (5.6) CO2 emissions: 1129g/km. All-New Fiesta 5 door ACTIVE 1 1.0T EcoBoost (100PS). Fuel economy Mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 57 (4.9) CO2 emissions: 113g/km. All-New Fiesta 5 door ACTIVE X 1.0T EcoBoost (100PS). Fuel economy Mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 57 (4.9) CO2 emissions: 113g/km. All-New Focus 5 door ACTIVE 1.0L EcoBoost (125PS). Fuel economy Mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 59 (4.7) CO2 emissions: 107g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for

comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

We act as credit brokers and are not a lender. We will introduce you to a limited number of lenders who may be able to help finance your purchase. These lenders may or may not pay us for the introduction. Excess mileage charge of 6p per mile. If you exceed this annual mileage then excess mileage charges will be applied by the finance provider at the end of the agreement should you choose to return the vehicle. *Fees include £10 finance facility fee, £10 purchase fee. Finance subject to status. A guarantee may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offers correct at time of publication and must end 31st October 2019. Unless otherwise stated, metallic paint at extra cost. Library image for illustration purposes only.

FOOD & DRINK

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

LYMPSTONE MUSSELS I have never seen anything like the contraption used by the mussel men of the River Exe.They don’t use dredges, which wreck the sea bed; they use a self-flushing elevator that kind of hoovers up the mussels, causing less disturbance and producing a more sustainable supply all year round.The mussels are then cleaned, graded and put in purification tanks for a few days before being sold. Myles is the brains behind The Exmouth Mussel Company, so next time you’re down there, pop in and say hi. It was a pleasure to cook these wonderful mussels with my mate Michael Caines. Serves 4 50g butter 100g smoked streaky bacon, chopped into lardons 1 onion, diced 2 celery sticks, diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed sea salt and freshly ground black pepper small bunch of sea aster 250ml cider 250ml double cream 2kg mussels, cleaned and debearded 4 thick slices of white crusty bread 2 tablespoons olive oil small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Heat a large casserole dish over a medium heat for a few minutes until hot, then add half the butter. When it has melted and is sizzling, add the bacon pieces and fry until crisp. Add the diced onion and celery and the garlic and season well. Stir everything together and cook over a low heat for a few minutes, stirring every now and then. Add the sea aster and pour in the cider and cream, then season with black pepper. Stir everything together then add the remaining butter. Once the butter has melted and the liquid is simmering, pop the mussels in and stir everything together. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4 minutes. Drizzle the slices of bread with the olive oil and toast in a flat frying pan until charred. Check all the mussels have opened, discarding any that haven’t, then tip into a serving bowl. Sprinkle over the parsley and serve with the toasted bread.

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY FISH STEW I don’t know who looked more confused, me or the thousands of tourists all around me while we were filming this dish on the stones of the Giant’s Causeway. I’d never been before but it really is a sight to behold. In fact, the whole coastline of this part of Northern Ireland is worth a trip – it is rugged and beautiful in equal measure, as is the produce that can be found here. Ales, meat, dairy, fish… It is so rich and diverse with such amazing food.

Serves 6 400g mussels, cleaned and debearded 25g butter 1 shallot, finely diced 25g plain flour sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 400ml full-fat milk 100ml double cream 1 medium floury potato, cooked and diced (you need 200g) 400g salmon fillet, skinned and chopped into 2-cm cubes 200g white crab meat 100g brown crab meat small bunch of chives, chopped To serve double cream olive oil

Place a large sieve over a bowl. Pour 100ml water into a large heavy-based saucepan and set the pan over a high heat. Add the mussels, cover with a lid and cook for 3 minutes until the mussels have steamed open. Strain the mussels through the sieve, reserving the liquor, then pick the mussel meat from the shells and set aside. Discard any mussels that haven’t opened. In the same pan, melt the butter over a medium heat. As soon as the butter has melted, stir in the shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened. Stir in the flour, season, and cook for around 1 minute. Pour the reserved mussel liquor into the pan, stirring all the time, then add the milk and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously, until smooth. Add the potato and salmon, stir everything together, then cover the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until the potatoes are hot and the salmon has cooked through. Stir in both types of crab meat and the mussel meat and warm through for a couple of minutes. Add a couple of tablespoons of hot water if the sauce is very thick. Season to taste and scatter over most of the chives. To serve, ladle the stew into warmed bowls, drizzle with a little extra cream and olive oil, if you fancy, and garnish with the remaining chives. 47

FOOD & DRINK

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

TAGINE OF LAMB CHOPS WappingWharf is a testament to what’s happening in Bristol right now with new buildings and flats popping up all around and along the old docks. It’s still in its infancy but there are a few restaurants, one of which was a highlight for me – the small and compact BOX-E run by husband and wife Elliott and Tessa Lidstone – as were the two food containers there, one selling cheese and the other some great local meats.You’ll find great lamb all around theWest Country from local suppliers.

Serves 2 1 tablespoon olive oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 x 200-g Barnsley lamb chops 1/2 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 6 medium tomatoes, quartered 50ml Harveys Bristol cream sherry 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 5-cm piece fresh ginger, grated 2-cm piece fresh turmeric, grated 1 tablespoon runny honey 25g flaked almonds small bunch of fresh coriander, chopped

Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat then pour in the oil. Season the chops all over then pop them into the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until well browned. Flip them over and continue to cook for a further 2–3 minutes. Add the diced onion, garlic and tomatoes, then pour in the sherry. Use a wooden spoon to stir any juices in the base of the pan into the ingredients. Add all of the dry spices, stir again, then add the grated ginger and turmeric. Stir and season well. Keep the pan over a medium heat and cook for 5 minutes – it should be gently bubbling. Check the seasoning then divide between 2 warmed bowls, drizzle with the honey and sprinkle over the almonds and coriander.

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Visit our Café

CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE Stout is a dark, rich top-fermented beer and is the only type of beer you can use for this cake and the icing, so don’t start going off-piste and using Stella or other stuff – it won’t work! Serves 10 200g butter 150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 300ml stout 4 eggs 500g soft light brown sugar 350g self-raising flour For the icing 400g full-fat cream cheese 25ml stout 200g icing sugar a couple of squares of dark or milk chocolate, to decorate

for HOMEMADE SOUPS, SNACKS and DELICIOUS CAKES

Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/320°F/gas 3. Line a 27-cm, deepsided cake tin with greaseproof paper. Put the butter, chocolate and stout into a large heatproof bowl and rest over a pan of just-simmering water, making sure the base doesn’t touch the water, until the butter and chocolate have melted. Lift the bowl off the pan and leave to cool slightly. Add the eggs and sugar to the mixture and whisk well, then fold in the flour until the mixture is smooth. Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour. Leave to cool in the tin before turning out. To make the icing, whisk the cream cheese, stout and icing sugar together in a bowl until smooth. Spoon on top of the cake and spread out to cover. Grate the chocolate over the top and serve.

Extracted from James Martin’s Great British Adventure by James Martin (Quadrille, £25) Photography Peter Cassidy

DERBY BARRACKS, FLETCHER STREET, BOLTON BL3 6NF www.emmaus-bolton.org.uk info@emmausbolton.org.uk TO DONATE YOUR GOODS AND ARRANGE A FREE COLLECTION CALL 01204 398056

Christmas at CHRISTMAS MARKET

FESTIVE PSYCHIC NIGHT

Saturday 23rd November 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Wednesday 11th December 7.00pm - late.

Up to 20 festive stalls, glitter face painting, Winter festive foods and drinks, raffle, guest children's character.

Why not join us for an evening of clairvoyance and festive dining with a festive buffet, classic log fire and Christmas crackers. £21.95 per person.

CHRISTMAS TREES ON SALE

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY

Wednesday 27th November 10am - 7pm Daily. Scottish pine, Fraser Firs, Nordman Fir, Premier Nordman Firs, Church Trees.

KIDS EAT FREE Monday 2nd, 9th & 16th December From 5pm. When accompanied by one paying adult per child and choosing from the children's menu.

Friday 13th December A charity event with a prize for best Christmas jumper.

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT Friday 13th December 7.00pm - late. Come and enjoy our festive two course meal, arrival drink and take part in our themed murder mystery. £27.00 per person.

2nd December - 31st December

BOXING DAY ALL DAY BREAKFAST

Choose from Christmas Pudding or Baileys ice cream.

Thursday 26th December Open 10am - 5pm.

FESTIVE ICE CREAM

FAMILY CHRISTMAS QUIZ NIGHT

Last food order 4pm.

Friday 6th December

NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY EVENING

Book a table between 5.00pm and 7.00pm last entry 7.00pm, picture round from 6.00pm and main quiz starts at 7.00pm.

Tuesday 31st December 6.00pm - 8.30pm.

Come and join us for a magical fun evening for the whole family! This evening includes a drink on arrival, hot and cold buffet, free juice for children. Party games, disco, dancing with a selection of favourite children's characters, pass the parcel and a firework finale! £25 per person.

Our ice cream parlour

Christmas Menu

Monday 2nd - 23rd December

is located just outside the main entrance.

Available 12.00pm - 8.00pm

Parlour opening hours: Monday - Sunday 9am - 8pm

Let's Start

Are you planning a function?

Sweet potato and carrot soup (V) (VE) (GF) served with a bread roll and butter. Cranberry and brie filo parcel (V) with a salad garnish and tomato salsa. Honey mustard marninated salmon (GF) on a mixed salad with a French dressing. Chicken liver and brandy pate served with red onion marmalade and toast.

The Main Event

Slow roasted turkey saddle with sage, onion and apple stuffing, chipolata sausages and bacon. Slow cooked braised beef (GF) in a red wine jus, with pot roast vegetables. Cod, salmon and leek pie (GF) topped with mashed potato and cheddar cheese. Butternut squash, spinach and sage Wellington (V) baked in pastry with gravy and haloumi wrap in aubergine blankets.

The Ivy Room Our new function suite, The Ivy Room is now available to hire and is suitable for all special occasions and family parties. It seats up to 36 people and has it’s own private bar serving a range of draft beers, spirits and wines.It also has it’s own buffet menu which is £10 per head, or you can choose to pre-order food for your party off our regular menu. Our Ivy Room has stunning panoramic views, as it over looks our fishing lake and can be available to hire out upon request. It is £15 per hour with a minimum of a three hour stay per booking.

Ask our staff to come and look on your next visit. If you want to book, or have any further enquiries please do not hesitate to call us on 01204 691783 and our staff would be more than happy to help.

Wallsuches, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6PP w: www.curleysdiningrooms.co.uk t: 01204 691783

All above served with roast and mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables. Jackfruit, chickpea, coconut and potato curry (V) (VE) (GF) served with basmati rice.

Sweets

Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Chocolate orange tarte with ice cream. (VE) Black cherry and cream roulade. Main Only £11.95 Two Course £15.95 Three Course £19.95

Merry Christmas! V- Vegetarian VE- Vegan GF- Gluten Free

THE NORTH WESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

....

Have a great Christmas with all the trimmings The market has over 200 stalls to choose from located both indoor and outdoor which are all under cover. Customers travel for miles just to visit the famous fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetable halls and our Lifestyle hall and food court seating area. The outdoor, undercover market compliments all our halls on Bolton Market. Bolton Market provides everything you need for your weekly shop and to stock up ready for the Christmas and New Year festivities all at fantastic value. Fruit and vegetables can be plain or exotic, but always fresh and healthy. Our famous fish and meat market is considered to be the best and largest in the north west, offering outstanding variety, low prices and excellent quality fish, meat, eggs, poultry and frozen foods.

So there is only one place to be when planning for your Christmas and New Year festivities, Bolton Market

The Lifestyle section offers everything from furniture to flowers, bedding to broomsticks. Plus much, much, more along with a friendly service, hints and tips. Plenty of Christmas gift ideas for all ages. There are plenty of eateries to choose from and a food court for the more leisurely where you can sit and watch the world go by whilst drinking and eating both continental and traditional foods.

BoltonBolton Market Council

Open : Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Contact: 01204 336825 Email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk Visit our website for a list of special events and activities that we are running at the Market.

www.bolton.gov.uk

Ashburner Street

Bolton

BL1 1TQ.

Boltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award Winning Market has everything you need this

Christmas

FOOD & DRINK

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

LET IT SNOW FESTIVE SWEETS MAKES ABOUT 30 FOR THE DOUGH: 70g (21/2oz) dried apple rings, finely chopped 50g (2oz/scant 1/2 cup) raisins, finely chopped 5 tbsp apple juice 300g (101/2 oz/scant 1 cup) honey 50g (2oz/1/4 cup) brown sugar 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) 200g (7oz/scant 12/3 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour + a little extra 120g (4oz/11/4 cups) wholemeal rye flour 40g (11/2 oz/1/4 cup) chopped almonds 30g (1oz/generous 1/4 cup) ground almonds 2tsp gingerbread spice mix 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 egg yolk FOR THE ICING (FROSTING): 100g (31/2 oz/generous 3/4 cup) icing (confectioner's) sugar 2 tbsp Calvados PLUS: about 200g (7oz) plum jam 1 egg white decorative wafers EXTRA EQUIPMENT: HEART-SHAPED COOKIE CUTTER

APPLE GINGERBREAD 1. For the dough, soak the apple rings and raisins in the apple juice. Warm up the honey and sugar on a low heat (don’t boil) until the sugar has melted. Allow to cool until lukewarm and pour into a mixing bowl. Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in 2 teaspoons water, fold into the flour and add to the honey and sugar. 2. Mix the rye flour, almonds and spices together. Add the egg to the dough with the rye flour mixture and the soaked dried fruits. Knead everything thoroughly, cover and allow to rest for 2 hours at room temperature. 3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/gas 4). Roll out the dough on a floured work surface to a thickness of about 5 mm (¼ in) and press out circles and hearts of about 4 cm (1½ in). Coat half of the circles and hearts in the middle with plum jam and brush them at the edge

with egg white, then cover each of them with a second circle or heart. Carefully press the edges together. Place on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment and bake for about 10 minutes. 4. For the icing, stir the icing sugar with the Calvados until smooth, if necessary adding Calvados drop by drop until the desired consistency is achieved. Take the gingerbread out of the oven, coat with icing while still warm and top with wafers. Allow to dry and store in a tin. Leave for at least 2 days before eating.

MULLED WINE TARTLETS MAKES ABOUT 12 For the jam (jelly): 125ml (4 floz/½ cup) red wine 2 strips of orange peel 2 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 piece of star anise ¼ vanilla pod (bean) 125ml (4 floz/½ cup) grape juice 75g (2½oz/1/3 cup) preserving sugar 3:1

FOR THE DOUGH: 200g (7oz) butter 140g (5oz/ 2/3 cup) raw cane sugar Seeds of 1 Vanilla pod (bean) Pinch of salt 1 egg 300g (10½oz/scant 2½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour + a little extra 100g (3½oz/1 cup) blanched ground almonds FOR DECORATING: icing (confectioner's) sugar

EXTRA EQUIPMENT: STAR-SHAPED COOKIE CUTTERS, IN THREE SIZE

1. For the jam, put the red wine with the orange peel, spices, scraped out vanilla pod and vanilla seeds into a saucepan. Bring to the boil on a medium heat. Immediately remove from the stove, cover and steep for at least 2 hours. Strain the wine mixture through a sieve and pour back into the pan. Mix in the juice and the preserving sugar. Bring to the boil and fast boil for 3 minutes. Pour into a sterilised jar and allow to set. 2. For the dough, cream the butter with the sugar, vanilla seeds and salt. Add the egg and beat in well. Add the flour and almonds, and work everything into a smooth dough. Wrap in cling film (plastic wrap) and leave in a cool place for 1 hour.

3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 3–4 mm (1/8 in) on a floured work surface, and press out stars in three sizes. Place on baking sheets lined with baking parchment and bake for 10–12 minutes (you might need to take the small ones out of the oven earlier). Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack. 4. Heat the jam in a saucepan and stir until smooth. Spread the jam on the large and medium-sized circles, before stacking them together with the small ones on top. Dust with icing sugar and add a final dab of jam. Store in a tin.

Cakes for all occasions Find us on Facebook and Instagram @occasioncakesuk

www.occasioncakes.co.uk | info@occasioncakes.co.uk 108 Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 5AZ

CALL: 01204 532693

16 Marsden Street, Wigan Town Centre (Royal Arcade)

CALL: 01942 495464

working to live and give

CHOCOLATE & PECAN SNOWBALLS

Opening Times: Monday-Friday 8.30am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

MAJOR

APPLIANCES

JOR

IANCES ND HAND ELECTRICAL GOODS There are bargains galore in our new electrical shop ... New and second-hand electrical items: fridges, freezers, washers, cookers, dryers, lamps ....

ue than the High Street Better value than the High Street ... Come on down

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ins w .... d l

MAKES ABOUT 60 cup) plain 200g (7oz/scant (all-purpose) flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp gingerbread spice mix large pinch of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) pinch of salt 250g (9oz) dark chocolate (min. 60% cocoa solids), coarsely chopped 90g (3oz) butter, diced 2 eggs 12/3

100g (31/2 oz/1/2 cup) brown sugar 1 tbsp golden syrup (or corn syrup) 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 100ml (31/2 fl oz/scant 1/2 cup) espresso 80g (3oz/3/4 cup) pecan kernels, finely chopped FOR DECORATING: 120g (4oz/generous ½ cup) sugar 100g (31/2 oz/generous 3/4 cup) icing (confectioner's) sugar

1. Mix the flour in a bowl with the baking powder, gingerbread spice, bicarbonate of soda and salt, and put to one side. 2. Melt the chocolate with the butter over a hot water bath. 3. Put the eggs and the brown sugar in a bowl and beat until the sugar has dissolved. Mix in the melted chocolate mixture and the golden syrup. Add the vanilla extract and espresso and mix in. Add the flour and nuts and briefly blend everything to form a smooth dough. Wrap in cling film (plastic wrap) and leave in the fridge to set, for about 3 hours.

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4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/gas 4). Pour the sugar and icing sugar separately into two deep dishes.

DERBY BARRACKS, FLETCHER STREET, BOLTON BL3 6NF www.emmaus-bolton.org.uk info@emmausbolton.org.uk TO DONATE YOUR GOODS AND ARRANGE A FREE COLLECTION CALL 01204 398056

5. Press out small portions of dough with a teaspoon and shape into balls. Roll first in the sugar and then in the icing sugar. For a really snowy look, leave the balls in a cool place for 15 minutes then roll in the icing sugar again. Place on baking sheets lined with baking parchment and bake for about 12 minutes. Take the snowballs out of the oven, allow to fully cool and store in tins.

Let it Snow by Agnes Prus (Hardie Grant, £7.99) Photography © Frauke Antholz

FINE DINING

Cardamom Cream INDIAN RESTAURANT

EXPERIENCE MODERN FOOD AND TRADITIONAL DISHES FROM ALL REGIONS OF INDIA After poppadoms and the finest chutney tray imaginable, I chose to start with a dish whose name seemed to characterise the experience: Bengal Fusion Chicken. The presentation was exciting, but the food topped it! Accompanied by cashew nuts, onions, peppers and sweet and sour , the dish was perfectly balanced: flashes of warmth countered by the mild nature of the cashews. A perfect fusion indeed, like Cardamom Cream itself - blending tradition with a real 21st century feel.

DESPITE its relaxed character and luxuriously appointed interior, with appropriate cream colour scheme and elegant contemporary lighting. Ramsbottom’s Cardamom Cream Indian Restaurant offers an exhilarating dining experience with an electric atmosphere.

takes great pride. Instead of the usual ‘tear and share’ model, this was already quartered and of equal consistency all around - not to mention delicious! It was nice to see a bar offering other than the ubiquitous Tiger and Kingfisher. Cardamom Cream provides diners with two sublime alternatives in the form of Bangla Premium Beer and Lal Toofan (Red Storm).

In no sense is it frenetic or hurried; the staff set about their business with an air of industrious calm, managing to make every customer feel as if they had the restaurant to themselves - even on a busy Friday evening. As for the food, Cardamom Cream has taken Indian cuisine to another level. Even the most cursory glance at the menu revealed that this is not a restaurant content to offer its own take on a sometimes predictable range. Instead, Cardamom Cream has created a menu with genuine imagination and originality and the dishes themselves live up to their billings.

For mains, the allure of the Korai Shashlik was too much to resist, with chicken Tikka and Saffron rice. I was unable to fault the Korai Shashlik. Exquisitely prepared, the dish was not overwhelmed by the expertly judge measure of tandoori sauce, allowing the onions and peppers to acquit themselves with aplomb. Even the preparation of naan bread is something in which Cardamom Cream

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SUNDAY SUNDAY LUNCH LUNCH OPENING TIMES

Monday To Saturday Evening: 4.30pm – 11.30pm Sunday: 1.00pm – 10.30pm

SUNDAY LUNCH MENU

1.00pm 1.00pm - 5.00pm - 5.00pm (last seating (last at seating 4.30pm) at 4.30pm)

£14.95 £14.95 Children £11.95 £11.95 AdultsAdults Children APPETISER, STARTER APPETISER, & STARTER & MAIN (3 COURSES) MAIN (3 COURSES)

APPETISER & MAIN APPETISER & MAIN (2 COURSES) (2 COURSES)

Appetisers Appetisers www.cardamomcream.co.uk | 01706 827888

Papadoms Papadoms and Chutney and Chutney Tray Tray BL0 9HU 21 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom Lancashire

For Christmas Eve and NewStarters Years, aStarters 10% service charge will be added* (choice of one (choice starter of one per person) starter per person)

Mixed Kebab Mixed Kebab Lamb Tikka, Lamb Seek Tikka, Kebab Seekand Kebab Chicken and Chicken Tikka on Tikka a skewer on a and skewer tandoor and tandoor baked baked Mixed Starter Mixed Starter Fish Pakora, Fish Pakora, Chicken Chicken Pakora Pakora Strips and Strips Lamb andChop Lamb Chop

LEISURE

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

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

28TH OCTOBER SATURDAY & SUNDAY - OCTOBER 26TH & 27TH STEAMING DAYS

Our volunteers have rescued and restored 30 old stationary steam engines - some of the engines which once powered the cotton mills and woollen mills of the North of England. Some of our engines are now unique - the only one of its kind to survive anywhere in the world! Our oldest is now 180 years old and most are well over 100 years old! Most will be running in steam on these 2 days only, and admission is free. There is an activity sheet for the children, and hot & cold drinks and snacks in the Engine View Cafe. Full disabled access and free unlimited parking on Morrison's Supermarket car park next to the Museum. The Museum is closed at other times, except for the Volunteers working days every Wednesday and Sunday, when casual visitors are welcome, though the engines will not be running in steam and the cafe will not be open. Bolton Steam Museum, Mornington Road, off Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 4EU

Direct form the USA. A night of back to back hits. Bolton Albert Halls www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk Tel: 08432 080500

30TH OCTOBERT COMPUTER DROP IN SESSIONS

Informal IT Advice in the Reading Room. A Drop-In Session in the Reading Room with Denis (10.00 to 14.00). Would you like to know more about what your laptop, tablet or phone can do? Are you mystified by some of the functions? Are you unsure about how to surf the web and what you can find there, security, email, photos and lots of other things? Would you like help to fill in online forms, applications etc. Denis will help you out although he can’t give advice on the content of the form. If you are computer savvy – do you know anyone who would benefit from a bit of assistance? Tell them to call into the informal sessions in the Reading Room.Find out how to use your device to advantage. Bring your own device fully charged. Session is organised by Age UK. Enjoy some lunch in the Reading Room at the same time. The Barlow, 216 Bolton Road, Turton, BOLTON, BL7 0AP 01204 852216

W E D N E S D AY 2 7 th NO V E M BER F R OM 1 0 . 0 0A M - 7 . 0 0 P M D AI LY

CHRISTMAS TREES & WREATHS

ON SALE

S C O T T ISH P IN E / / FRASE R FIR S / / NO R D M A N F I R / / P R E M I E R NO R D M A N F I R S / / C H UR CH TREES Wal l su c h e s , H o r w i c h B L 6 6 P P T E L : 0 1 2 0 4 6 9 1 7 8 3

13TH NOVEMBER ONCE UPON A TIME…

A comedy fairy tale adventure bursting with physical comedy, absurd jokes and magical illusion. It was cold. It was dark. It was almost certainly snowing…

3RD NOVEMBER MARILYN AND THE MOOCHERS

A five piece Jazz/Swing band performing classic Jazz/Swing numbers from “Fly Me to the Moon” to “Cry me a River” accompanied by skilful musicianship.

The Met, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW 0161 761 2216

The Barlow, 216 Bolton Road, Turton, BOLTON, BL7 0AP 01204 852216

9TH & 16TH NOVEMBER MEASURE FOR MEASURE

The state of Vienn- though it could be anywhere-has fallen into decay. Lenient government has resulted in corruption, vice and near anarchy.The Duke, seeking to restore morality, law and order, leaves, appointing his deputy. Angelo imposes strict law enforcement, including an ancient statute forbidding sex before marriage. When lsabella’s brother is condemned to death, she is forces to plead for his life. Angelo demands a high price, her virginity, pursuing the very thing he condemns in others. Disguised as a monk, the Duke not only observes the extent of corruption and depravity in Vienna, but also intervenes in the troubled lives of his subjects.

16TH NOVEMBER RICHARD & ADAM - THE GREATEST SONGMEN

Sensational Welsh brother duo Richard & Adam return after wowing the nation with their extraordinary harmonies on Britain’s Got Talent. After performing to over 14 million people around the world they return for their much-anticipated UK Tour, bringing their remarkable talent to a venue near you. Bolton Albert Halls www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk Tel: 08432 080500

23RD & 24TH NOVEMBER THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY

Wave the flag for the home county as we celebrate the day Lancashire sent its first representatives to Parliament. Come along for some folksy family fun as the ELR plays host to traditional Morris Dancers and a town crier reading out Lancashire Day proclamations. Home cooked hot pot and other local favourites will also be available. Best of all for every two passengers that wear a red rose, one adult pays the full line fare and second goes free! (not to be used with any other promotion). The East Lancashire Railway will be running standard fares and timetables. For more information visit our Timetables and Fares page. During the weekend the booking office, gift shop and buffet will be open from approximately 10am – 4pm. The Trackside Bar will also be open 10:30am – 12am (Saturday) and 10:30am – 11pm (Sunday). For more information on how to reach Bury Transport Museum, as well as a helpful guide to local transportation links and parking spaces, please visit our Getting Here page. Bury Bolton Street Station 0333 320 2830

Bolton Little Theatre 27 Hanover St, Bolton BL1 4TG

27TH NOVEMBER DEAD MEN’S EYES: TWO GHOST STORIES BY M R JAMES

12TH NOVEMBER THREE DEGREES

23RD NOVEMBER MARTIN KEMP, BACK TO THE 80S DJ SET

The Three Degrees are an American female vocal group, formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The group has remained a trio with 2 original members since Sheila Ferguson left many moons ago.

The hottest 80s club night is coming to town - when actor, TV personality and star of Spandau Ballet Martin Kemp will be spinning the biggest and best hits of that decade! Currently selling-out venues across the UK, early booking is essential for what promises to be a pure ‘Gold’ night!

Bolton Albert Halls www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk Tel: 08432 080500

Two chilling and thrilling tales from M R James, the master of the English ghost story. Dead Men’s Eyes is the sixth instalment of Nunkie Theatre Company’s M R James Project, a series of one-man shows that seek to revive the tradition of oral, supernatural storytelling that was perfected by Montague Rhodes James in Cambridge in the years leading up to World War One. The Met, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW 0161 761 2216

LEISURE

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

29TH NOVEMBER – 15TH DECEMBER JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

5TH - 28TH DECEMBER TREASURE ISLAND

The classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold will be sailing into Bolton this Christmas in a rip-roaring new stage adaptation of Treasure Island. Grownups never pay attention to children like Jim Hawkins. Stuck working in the family Inn, Jim is longing for adventure… could this be the day something exciting finally happens? When Jim meets a mysterious seafaring gentleman, adventure calls and it looks like there might be gold on the horizon. But once they set sail, things start to look dangerous. Will Jim and friends escape from a gruesome gang of pirates and make their way back to dry land with the treasure? A fearsomely talented cast of actor musicians will help us set sail on our jolly way in a fun filled family adventure bursting with music, mutiny and talking parrots!

Jack and the Beanstalk is a hilarious take on the well-known fairy story featuring a host of colourful characters to amuse all the ages of your family. There’s the over the top antics of Dame Dotty Dimple, her brave and bright son Jack, his daft brother Simple Simon and their cow Buttermilk. Plus a royal family comprised of dithering King Hubert, Queen Hyacinth, their lovely daughter Princess Primrose and their slow equerry Humphrey.

30TH NOVEMBER - 31ST DECEMBER LIGHTOPIA FESTIVAL

Could a spot of gardening be the solution to their problems?

Lightopia is a brand new, immersive and visually-dramatic lantern and light festival, that promises to fuse beautiful art installations with human experience. The very first of its kind in the UK and Europe, Lightopia is an exploration of light, movement and form, beautifully captivating the senses with unique interactive and immersive lights, lanterns, installations and incredible lasers with water-screen multimedia shows, destined to create unforgettable memories and provide alternative family fun throughout the festival season.

Bolton Little Theatre 27 Hanover St, Bolton BL1 4TG

Heaton Park, Prestwich Manchester M25 2SW

They all live in fear of the giant Buster Gut-bucket, who is assisted by the wicked witch Picalilli, his henchman Rancid the Ratman and a pair of bungling bailiffs Snatchet & Scarper.

Octagon Theatre at Bolton at Premier Suite

CLAUDE’S

ATO N FO

Visit our new look Gift Shop

Christmas Markets at Heaton Fold Garden Centre and Café A variety of stalls, selling food, drink and crafts from independent traders for that perfect Christmas gift. Open 10am - 3pm

Christmas all wrapped up...

24th November & 22nd December

Gifts l Wreaths l Premium Christmas Trees l Festive Hanging Baskets l Festive Planters and lots more

OPEN 7 DAYS : Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday/Sunday 10am-4pm Heaton Fold Garden Centre & Café | Overdale Drive | Bolton BL1 5BU Tel 01204 336848 | www.heatonfold.co.uk

Christmas Night Market

Thursday 5th December 6pm - 9pm Keep up to date with the latest news heatonfold

@heatonfold

heatonfold

For Stall enquiries contact: enquiries@mwlevents.co.uk www.mwlevents.co.uk

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER A SPARKLING FESTIVE LINE-UP 6-45PM

After a year’s break to permit them to participate in a prestigious event at the Royal Albert Hall, London, Bolton Cancer Voices are back this December with their popular, annual ‘Jingle Bell Sing-A-Long’ concert. In a double-first they will be joined by Besses Boys’ Band, who last year celebrated their 75th Birthday and Bolton’s own Cottontown Chorus: Dr Kevin Jones - a 6TH - 29TH DECEMBER practising Consultant Physician who’s been SNOW WHITE on the comedy and after-dinner circuit Packed with all of the traditional for over 30 years and last year wowed pantomime ingredients Opera House audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe, is audiences have come to expect, Snow charged with keeping the whole evening White and the Seven Dwarfs will be running smoothly! spectacularly brought to life with an A multi-award winning Male Voice Choir, abundance of jaw-dropping dance, sideVISIT OURThe CAFE Cottontown Chorus is a tour de force splitting comedy, sensational special Homemade on the UK acapella scene; competing both effects and plenty of festive magic from SOUPS, SNACKS nationally and internationally and drawing producers Qdos Entertainment. and DELICIOUS members from across the North West and CAKES beyond! Founded 40 years ago by local Fresh from the ballroom, Craig Revel ‘lads’ - George Denton, Walter Marriner, Horwood will dazzle in an array of Terry Smith and Brian Turner - known as stunning dance routines and show ‘The Four Strops’, they could never have Manchester his real mettle as he tries to imagined the phenomenally successful outwit the fair Snow White and prove to group they were laying the foundations for! the world that he is the fairest of them all. An accomplished Second Section Band, Besses Boys’ Band has a rich history, which Manchester Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HP has seen them performing throughout Great Britain, in Europe and Australia: even performing for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11. The Band is extremely 8TH DECEMBER 2019 proud of the work it does encouraging 6TH JANUARY 2020 and developing the talent, professionalism BOLTON WINTER FESTIVAL and passion of young musicians; many of Bolton’s Winter Festival offers something E FURNITURE &theFURNISHINGS whom have gone on to play with celebrated for all the family from popular covered ice rink, super fun snow slide, VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES! organizations including Brighouse & ThereBand, arethebargains Rastrick Band, Foden’s Halle magical Santa’s Grotto and festive artisan • miss BRIC-A-BRAC • BOOKS Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic markets. Don’t the traditional galore in our new Orchestra and the Coldstream Guards. nativity scene•onELECTRICAL Victoria Square or the GOODS FURNITURE electrical At just 7 years old, Bolton Cancershop...... Voices giant glittering, singing symphony tree on • CHILDREN’S TOYS AND FURNITURE is by comparison just starting out on their Oxford Street, which is sure to get you in New and second incredible musical journey. The Choir festive mood. GOODStheAND electrical continues to grow inhand strength, confidence ECTION CALL and technical ability. Determined to do itemsHop aboard the Santa Express for a ride things their way and stand up to cancer, around Bolton’s festive streets. Keep fridges, freezers, the Choir has been capturing hearts and your eye out for some of the best local imaginations: andwashers, earning the respect and cookers, artists around on our live music stages support of audiences with accomplished, too. And to top it all off, laugh till your dryers, lamps...... org.uk tummy hurts with theirinfo@emmausbolton.org.uk enthusiastic, uplifting performances. fantastic street Tickets price £10-00 (£5-00 under 19s) are entertainment! available from the Ticket Secretary

working to live and give Opening Times: Monday-Friday 8.30am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

MAJOR

APPLIANCES

MAJOR

APPLIANCES NEW & SECOND HAND ELECTRICAL GOODS There are bargains galore in our new electrical shop ... New and second-hand electrical items: fridges, freezers, washers, cookers, dryers, lamps ....

Better value than the High Street Better value than the High Street ... Come on down.....

Come on down

01204 398056

RBY BARRACKS, R ST, BOLTON BL3 6NF Bolton Town Centre, Victoria Square BL1 1SA

Victoria Hall Bolton BL1 2AS T: 01204 595562 / 07773 164235 www.trybooking.co.uk/7863

DERBY BARRACKS, FLETCHER STREET, BOLTON BL3 6NF www.emmaus-bolton.org.uk info@emmausbolton.org.uk TO DONATE YOUR GOODS AND ARRANGE A FREE COLLECTION CALL 01204 398056

Christmas Covered AllUnder One Roof With Over 50 Unique Shops You’ll Be Spoilt For Choice

Gifts for all the family, Christmas Cake Supplies, Festive Food Boxes, Personalised Stockings & Tree Decorations, Party Outfits, Christmas Eve Boxes & so much more Wreath Workshops Tuesday 3rd December Saturday 7th December Saturday 14th December

Children’s Christmas Cupcake Parties Saturday 14th December 11.30-1pm

Table Arrangement Workshop Friday 20th December

Saturday 21st December 1pm-2.30pm

Booking essential: 01257 450022

Booking essential: 01257 450398

Christmas Opening Times Monday 23rd- 10am-5pm Christmas Eve- 10am-3pm Christmas Day CLOSED Boxing Day CLOSED Friday 27th CLOSED Saturday 28th- 10am-5pm

Sunday 29th- 10.30-4.30 Monday 30th CLOSED New Years Eve- 10am-3pm New Years Day CLOSED Thursday 2nd- Open as usual

r you r e Ord ey by Turk y 15th da ! Sun ember Dec

Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA 01257 451464 | www.heskinhallshoppingvillage.co.uk

14TH DECEMBER BYT’S JACK & THE BEANSTALK

Join BYT this Christmas for our second annual Pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Come on down to Crumbletown and meet young farm boy, Jack Trott and his family! Life was simple in the town until bad weather plagued the towns vegetable patches and there isn’t enough food to go around! The villagers start to suspect that the Giant who lives in the clouds might be behind it all, and it looks like it may be right! Jack, Dame Dolly, Simple Simon and a whole host of other fun and colourful characters try to stop the giants dastardly plan and bring the sun back to Crumbletown! With a completely original script never before seen on stage, catchy songs, fun dances and hilarious routines, Jack and the Beanstalk is the perfect show to bring in the Festive season. The Met, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW 0161 761 2216

Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value. 28TH & 29TH DECEMBER CHRISTMAS STEAMINGS AT BOLTON STEAM MUSEUM

Our volunteers have rescued and restored 30 old stationary steam engines - some of the engines which once powered the cotton mills and woollen mills of the North of England. Our oldest engine is now 180 years old, and most engines are well over 100 years old.

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

Some of our engines are now unique - the only one of its kind to survive anywhere in the world! Most will be running in steam on these 2 days only. Bolton Steam Museum, Mornington Road, off Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 4EU - 01204 846490

20TH & 21ST DECEMBER THE BIG SNOWY CHRISTMAS

The hilarious, heartwarming tale about a brave little bear who helps to save Christmas! It’s almost Christmas eve! Daddy Bear and Baby Bear are busy decorating their tree, when suddenly they hear a crash, bang, wallop outside their front door! It’s poor Santa, and he’s fallen from the sky! There’s no more flying for him tonight. But, who will deliver the presents in time for Christmas? It’s Baby Bear to the rescue! This glittering, snowy tale is the perfect treat for Christmas with exquisite puppets, enchanting music and a magical snowy setting. This is a magical, interactive show especially for little bears aged 3 – 6, and their grown-ups! There’s even a surprise visit from Santa! The Met, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW 0161 761 2216

Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays

31ST DECEMBER HARWOOD WRITERS

Have you got a hidden talent for writing that needs to be set free? Why not join Harwood Writers and find out! The group writes in a range of genres and styles - from poetry to prose - and welcome all new members whatever your writing talent or experience. Sessions are friendly and informal, and there is no obligation to read out your work.

“Winner Great British Market Awards” Britain’s Favourite Market “Winner National Coach Tourism Awards” Coach Friendly Shopping Destination of the Year

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

Harwood Library, Gate Fold, Harwood BL2 3HN - 01204 332340

people may well be going over this limit and might want to consider additional gadget cover.” Within the survey, respondents put forward ‘other’ items also important to them for a happy holiday and supporting the British tea-obsessed stereotype, teabags came up regularly. Other essentials taken on holiday were surprisingly English celery, masking tape and “husband”. Toilet paper features at number five in the table with 8% of over-55s considering it a holiday essential – with only 5% considering family photos a travel essential.

THE ITEMS OVER-55s

CAN’T GO ON HOLIDAY WITHOUT Over two-thirds of over 55s take their electronic devices on holiday. Tea bags are considered an ‘essential’. Twice as many over 55s take toilet roll on holiday than pictures of their family. Celery makes the list!! Research* holiday attitudes has found electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and e-readers are considered the UK’s most important holiday essentials, with 69% of over-55s saying they’re high up on their packing list. But a leading travel insurance provider says that this could leave holidaymakers without adequate cover should those devices be lost or stolen. Holiday essentials 1. Electronic Devices (mobile phone/ipad, etc.)- 69% 2. Headache tablets- 60% 3. Diarrhoea tablets- 44% 4. Curling tongs/straighteners- 11% 5. Toilet roll- 8% 6. Photographs of family/children- 5% 7. Religious texts- 3% 8. Condoms/contraception- 2% 64

The research, conducted by AllClear Travel Insurance, shows there is a regional peak with 79% of Londoners prioritising their gadgets on holidays. Unsurprising the highest proportion of people never to opt for a digital detox are students at 86%. Chris Rolland, AllClear CEO says travel insurance policies usually have a limit on the number and value of gadgets that can be claimed within baggage cover: “Many

Cautious practicality wins out with headache and diarrhoea tablets taking the second and third spots for UK holiday essentials, at 60% and 44% respectively. Chris concludes that with so many Brits off on their holidays this summer, his advice as always is to ensure you have full comprehensive travel insurance in place: “Baggage and gadget cover is certainly useful when something goes wrong, but the more common and bigger claims arise from cancellation and medical bills abroad. The latter can reach hundreds of thousands of pounds and so it is essential to be properly covered this summer.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE

HOW TURMERIC+ IS HELPING ANNE STAY FIT TO ENJOY

hen your passions in life revolve around being active, looking after yourself becomes vitally important, especially as we get older. This is how dressage and fitness enthusiast Anne Evans came to discover the power of turmeric. Anne, aged 57 from Cirencester, has been riding horses for 20 years as well as having a keen interest in gardening. Despite Anne leading an active lifestyle, she began to find her joints were not quite what they used to be. Anne, along with her husband, began to search the joint supplement ranges at various supplement companies. It was this research that led her to Turmeric+. “I consider myself to be fit and active, however age does eventually creep up on you

and you notice these little niggles occur on a more frequent basis.” said Anne. “Those little niggles can have an impact on the amount of fun you have, I was determined that was not going to happen to me.”

“ It must be able to do something for me ”

It was over a year ago that Anne’s search for a solution got underway and that led her to Turmeric+, a supplement developed by Cambridge based brand FutureYou. Anne commented, “After much research with the help of my husband, a biochemist who has a very good understanding of how the body functions, I decided that Turmeric+ was something I should try.” Whilst millions of us love adding turmeric to our meals throughout the week, research

FREE TURMERIC

JUST PAY £1.50 POSTAGE Cambridge company allows customers to try the product, with their ﬁrst 28 day pack free (just pay £1.50 postage) when they sign up to their monthly delivery service. After the trial pack, subsequent orders will cost £15 and be delivered every 28 days. If it’s not for you, simply cancel within your ﬁrst pack, without obligation. FUTUREYOU, a Cambridge nutraceutical company known for its popular turmeric supplement, has announced that it is giving away packs of its flagship product to new customers. The formulation for Turmeric+ also contains vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation of cartilage and bones. The company has built a large

following of customers, most of whom are over 50. The offer is aimed at the over 50s, but is open to people of all ages. It comes after the Cambridge firm received a flurry of positive reviews for its leading product on Trustpilot, the independent online review platform. ‘I have taken your Turmeric+ for two years now’ wrote one

Claim your free trial online at

shows that you need to consume Turmeric+ daily to boost levels in the body. The other obstacle that needs to be overcome is ensuring we absorb enough of what we eat into our bodies. The key component of turmeric is curcumin, however this only accounts for 3% of standard turmeric powder. Anne noted: “It was the research at the Olympic Research Centre in Barcelona that really caught my eye. Knowing it was used by international footballers and elite athletes made me think it must be able to do something for me.” The curcumin in Turmeric+ is combined with lecithin, it is this patented combination that allows the curcumin to be absorbed by the body. Studies have shown that the formulation is 30 times more absorbable than standard turmeric. It is now over a year since Anne started taking Turmeric+ and it is proving to be a real winner. Anne is horse riding, attending the gym, taking part in pilates and much more on a weekly basis, on top of that she is keeping up with day to day activities much more than she used to. Anne said, “I love the product and have told many of my friends about it. When you discover something this good, you need to share the news. This ﬁts my mantra of being ﬁt for your life.”

reviewer. ‘I will take these tablets for the rest of my days. Obviously I intend to be a VERY long term customer. Thank you so much,’ said another. Adam Cleevely, FutureYou’s CEO, explains the thinking behind the offer: ‘After receiving so much positive feedback on Turmeric+, our team is confident that people will love it within their first pack. ‘So we’ve decided to offer that first pack for free, because our team is excited to spread the word about Turmeric+ with as many people as possible – as excited as our customers,who often pass on Turmeric+ to their friends after experiencing it for themselves.’

www.FutureYouOffers.co.uk

Or call on

How to claim your FREE box To get hold of your free pack, quote the code FR57 when you visit www.FutureYouOffers.co.uk or call on 0800 808 5740. You only need pay £1.50 postage and your free box worth £15 will be shipped out via Royal Mail 1st Class. After your trial pack, your subsequent packs will cost £15 (inc postage) and be delivered automatically every 28 days. If you don’t wish to continue after your trial, simply call 0800 808 5740 for free or visit www.FutureYouHealth.com to cancel your subscription.

0800 808 5740 FR57

And quote code

Rated Excellent by our customers

Discount valid until 31st December 2019. TURMERIC+ contains vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones. New UK customers only. One free trial per household. Your ﬁrst box is free (Just pay £1.50 postage) and you will be enrolled into a ﬂexible subscription (£15 every 28 days). We regret but we cannot take payment for this offer by cheque. You can stop deliveries at any time without obligation. See website for more information on our subscription service. TURMERIC+ from FutureYou should be consumed as part of a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle. If you are taking any prescribed medication or have any medical conditions always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking vitamins or supplements. Trial pack promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions.

FINANCE

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

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, with research carried out by the Equity Release Council showing that 72% of homeowners over 45 questioned wanted to stay in their property for as long as possible, with 41% also looking to invest in home improvements. Equity release offers the chance to access the cash – the equity – tied up in your home, which can be released either as a lump sum or in several small amounts, or a combination of both. There are two equity release options: a home reversion and a lifetime mortgage. 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. It’s worth checking 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. 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 may be able 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Again, 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. 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.

Empowering you with the retirement you deserve

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. 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. In addition, it’s 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. Speak to an independent financial adviser to find out if equity release is right for you, and whether it could help in supporting your financial future.

Retirement

• Lifetime mortgages are helping more and more over 55s finance their retirement • To see if it could be the right option for you, contact an independent financial adviser www.pureretirement.co.uk

#PureEmpowerment

Company registered in England and Wales No. 7240896. Pure Retirement Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registered No.582621.

LEGAL

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

MARIE WHITTAKER, PARTNER IN THE FAMILY LAW DEPARTMENT AT CLOUGH & WILLIS SOLICITORS ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS ON DIVORCE AND SEPARATION.

acing the breakdown of a marriage or long term relationship is one of the most stressful life experiences with a whole range of emotional turmoil â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from anger and distress to thoughts of loss and the worry of an uncertain future. So, it is crucial that you obtain expert legal advice at an early stage. Each family, marriage or relationship is unique and it is never a case of one size fits all. Obtaining advice face to face from a qualified professional is very important. At Clough and Willis, we pride ourselves

on providing support, empathy and guidance at each and every step. We understand that trust is at the core of everything we do and so it is vital for you to feel comfortable with us. We are confident that at the end of the process you should feel that you have maintained your dignity and self respect and can move on with your life. The following are some examples of the questions that are put to us on a regular basis.

1. My wife and I have agreed to separate. We have been led to believe that it is possible to apply for a divorce based upon the fact that we have simply grown apart. Is this correct? No. The sole ground for divorce, is the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage. If you want to apply for a divorce immediately then there are two reasons available namely adultery or that one of you has behaved in such a way that the other cannot reasonably be expected to live with you. We will be able to

advise you whether the “behaviour” complained of is sufficient. The majority of people are often surprised that it is not necessary to go into too much detail or to exaggerate. Alternatively, if you and your wife agree, one of you could apply for a divorce after you have lived separately for over two years provided the other is prepared to provide their written agreement.

Yes, there certainly is. The paramount consideration is the welfare of the children. It is what is in their best interests, not for your wife in terms of the financial settlement. The arrangements for the children must be resolved before the financial settlement. It would be much better for your family as a whole if you and your wife were able to reach an agreement rather than the Court having to impose a decision upon you. You could try and resolve matters at Family Mediation.

2. My husband and I would like to try and reach an amicable settlement regarding our financial position. However, at present I do not feel confident that I know enough about my husband’s circumstances to reach an informed decision. Are you able to suggest a way forward?

We would be able to refer you to an appropriate service. If you are unable to agree then you could make an application to the Court for a Child Arrangements Order. These Orders are becoming more commonplace given that a lot of fathers like you have more flexible working arrangements and many women now work full time and require more help with childcare. The arrangements do not have to actually be an exact division of time on a 50\50 basis.

Loyal, resilient and trustworthy

Yes. It will be necessary for your husband to provide what is referred to as full and frank disclosure of his income, capital and pension provision and to provide documents in support. Once you are satisfied this has been done then negotiations can begin which will hopefully result in an amicable agreement which can be made binding by the Court by way of a Consent Order. 3. My wife and I have decided there is no future in our marriage. We have two young children whose upbringing I have been actively involved in given that I am quite fortunate to have very flexible working arrangements. I believe it would be good for the children for this to continue but I do not think my wife will agree because this may affect the amount she receives by way of a financial settlement and maintenance. Is there any point perusing shared care?

We believe that experience counts when it comes to matters of family and personal law. Our team of specialist solicitors provide free, 20 minute consultations on the following:

• Employment Law • Personal Injury • Property Law

• Wills, Probate, Trusts & Tax Planning • Family Matters • Litigation/Dispute Resolution

Call us now on 0800 083 0815 to book your free appointment! Bury Head Office 2 Manchester Road, Bury Lancashire, BL9 0DT. T: 0161 764 5266

Little Lever Office 58 Market Street, Little Lever Bolton, BL3 1HN. T: 01204 709959

Open 9AM-5PM

www.clough-willis.co.uk

@BurySolicitor

info@clough-willis.co.uk

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Bolton Denture Centre specialise in correcting.

Bolton Denture Centre houses the only qualified CDT in Bolton, solely focusing on provide the highest quality dentures. 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).

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.

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

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

HEALTH

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. 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.

Call for FREE your consultion

01204 382244

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

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. Bolton 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

Testimonials Thank you for putting a smile on my face again. S I cannot thank you enough for your patience and expertise on my recent visits. Not only have you given me m smile back, you have given me “ME” back. I now feel I can re-join the land of the living. I’m off to “Party” if I can remember how. Thank You V Just a small gift to say a big thanks for all the work you have put in and what a big change it is making to my life! Many thanks E Really appreciate the kindness and work you put into making my denture. I am over the moon with them. S Just a few words to thank you for the work you have done. Everyone has been saying how well I look lately not knowing why. You have given me my smile back and I thank you so very much, you have made me so happy. C I thought I would write to thank you for the service I received when I came to your practice for dentures recently. I am very pleased with the fit and the look of my dentures. I would also like to than your staff. Yours sincerely B

www.boltondenturecentre.co.uk Bolton Denture Centre, 44 Higher Bridge Street, Bolton BL1 2HA.

HEALTH

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

STAYING HEALTHY IN THE WINTER Vaccinations - To protect yourself against the flu, get the flu jab as early as you can in the autumn. Depending on your circumstances such as if you are over 65, or pregnant, or have certain medical conditions, you may be eligible for a free flu jab otherwise it comes at a small fee. Having the flu jab significantly lowers the rates of sickness and death in older people when compared with no vaccination.

FLU vs COLDS & HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE WINTER With winter upon us, there are lots of things we can do to help ourselves try to stay healthy and well during this season but how do we know when we have the flu versus a bad cold in the first instance?

ibuprofen. If you don’t feel better within a week then give your GP or 111 a call so they can advise you. If your temperature remains consistently high over several days, that is also the time to call your GP.

A FLU VS A COLD Which is it? – The flu is usually far more severe than a cold and can come on quite quickly and for certain people who may be more vulnerable it can be dangerous. The flu is caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract in the nose, throat and/ or bronchi. Usually it is more severe if it becomes a secondary bacterial infection in the lungs.

Think of others - The winter is the busiest period for doctors and hospitals and the flu and colds are highly contagious, particularly for other vulnerable patients who may be waiting to see a doctor in the waiting room. Think hard before you make an appointment to come to see a GP for the flu or a cold but if you are concerned then give them a call to seek advice.

Symptoms? If your symptoms include muscle and body aches, a sudden fever with a temperature of 38C or above, a dry cough, a sore throat, headache and trouble sleeping, all or some of which goes on for many days then it is more likely you have the flu. Having said that a temperature can be a symptom of a cold and you can feel awful with a bad cold too.

Bacterial vs. Viral - Antibiotics are only for bacterial infections and are useless in treating viral infections. As well as killing the bad bacteria, antibiotics also kill the good bacteria which are important for keeping us healthy, particularly in our gut. Over-using antibiotics can also make your body immune to them meaning they can’t prevent and fight off the infection when you really need them to.

How should I treat the flu or a really bad cold? For either condition the best treatment is to rest, get as much sleep as you can, stay hydrated, keep warm, eat when you can and if you need to bring your temperature down or have pain then take paracetamol and/ or

Chest pain - If you have chest pain or can’t breathe properly, seek medical assistance urgently to rule out any serious complications.

A healthy lifestyle protects your immune system - Exercise is a really good way to support your immune system and can relieve stress which can also detrimentally affect your immune system. Get enough quality sleep and make sure your diet is packed with fruit and veg for a mineral, fibre and vitamin boost to support good health this winter. Avoid sugar. Just 10 teaspoons of sugar a day may impair the ability of white blood cells to fight viruses. Myth around getting a chill Generally we don’t get more colds and viruses in the winter because we actually are being exposed to colder temperatures but because we spend more time indoors with people who pass on their germs. Try to get some fresh air whenever you can. This will additionally help you get sunlight exposure to increase levels of vitamin D which reduces the risk of seasonal affective disorder, osteomalacia and rickets. Susceptibility - If you are prone to infections or have a weakened immune system, regularly take exercise, get fresh air, stay hydrated, keep warm and eat well, try and avoid people who you know aren’t feeling well and consider taking vitamin C supplements to boost your immune system. Catching a cold or flu can lead to further complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis which are all bacterial infections and require antibiotics. Good hygiene - To help prevent the onset of common winter respiratory illnesses, wash your hands well.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN EAR INFECTION

Are you Looking After Your Feet?

An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection in the tubes of the middle ear (the Eustachian tubes) and are very common. During an ear infection fluid can build up in the middle ear cavity, which is an air-filled space behind the eardrum, causing inflammation which can be extremely uncomfortable and can also reduce the mobility of the eardrum and middle ear bones leading to trouble hearing. If a GP is sure the ear infection is bacterial, they may prescribe antibiotics, but ear infections often clear up within three days without medical intervention. If it is a viral infection, antibiotics are of no help.

They take our weight, they allow us to run, stand, stretch, and dance, and they’re a miracle of engineering, with 26 bones and 33 joints. Our feet are marvellous, and most of us take them completely for granted until they start to complain and cause problems.

Here are some tips on what to do if you suspect an ear infection: Signs and symptoms to look out for: 1) Pain inside the ear 2) A high temperature, 38°C or higher. 3) Feeling sick or vomiting 4) Some hearing loss 5) Feeling tired or irritable 6) A feeling of pressure inside the ear 7) Reduced appetite 8) Young children and babies may pull at or near their ears and react suddenly to some sounds What to do: 1) Use pain relief medication (paracetamol and/ or ibuprofen) to manage the discomfort if needed 2) Rest and keep drinking water Go to your GP if: 1) If the earache does not improve after three days 2) There is fluid coming from the ear 3) There is swelling around the ear 4) There is a fever and very high temperature 5) If the child is under six months old 6) If both ears are affected 7) If you have other symptoms, such as vomiting, extreme dizziness or sore throat 8) There is a history of repeated ear infections 9) There is hearing loss 10) You have an ongoing medical condition such has diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system Don’t: 1) Put anything inside the ear, such as a cotton bud 2) Don’t go swimming or let water or shampoo go into the ear when washing It is important to also know about a medical emergency called Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) when hearing is lost instantly or over a couple of days. Sometimes SSHL is thought to be just an ear infection.The hearing loss with SSHL is usually in one ear but can be in both ears. See a GP or audiologist or go straight to A&E immediately to ask for an audiogram and then to receive steroid treatment to minimise the chances of permanent hearing loss. If you have suffered from SSHL, waiting even a week for medical advice and treatment can result in complete loss of hearing in the affected ear.

When man first stood upright and roamed the earth, he protected his feet with simple coverings of animal skins. These allowed the foot to move, bend and stretch at will. We’ve moved on since then. Shoes change with the fashions and high heels and narrow toe boxes can result in the body being poised at unnatural angles, or being too restricted to allow full support of our frames. Once the body is out of line, knees and hips can’t do their job properly, and back ache develops. Most of us are born with healthy feet, and it’s only when we start to develop problems that we realise how important our feet are to our general health and well being. If your feet hurt you so much that you hate walking, you lose strength, you put on weight, and are more at risk of blood clots. Probably the primary cause of painful feet can be traced to wearing the wrong shoes, high heels being one of the worst offenders, this borne out by the fact that eighty per cent of all foot problems are experienced by women. Foot problems in men are also frequently caused by wearing the wrong shoes. Trainers and football boots can be too small, too narrow or give too little support. Painful feet can be avoided if you take care of them, and keeping a careful check on the feet can also give early warning signs about more serious health problems such as diabetes, arthritis or poor circulation.You should check with your doctor if you begin to suffer with unusually cold feet, cramps or numbness; changes in the skin colour, or a sore on the foot which doesn’t heal, or becomes infected. The message is, don’t wait until your feet hurt. Take good care of them, and check them over daily for cuts, blisters, infected toenails or swelling. Cut nails straight across, and never shorter than the end of your toe.

The Mobile Foot Clinic Experienced, Fully Qualified and Registered Foot Health Practitioners, First Aid Trained and DBS Police Checked

Nail Trimming Thickened Nails Corns Callus (hard skin) Cracked Heels Fungal Nails & Infections Ingrown Toenails Diabetic Foot Care

Lisa Reddy TCFCPdip Qualified & Registered Foot Health Practitioner

Tel: 07958 988502

lisareddy@healthyfeetclinic.co.uk www.healthyfeetclinic.co.uk Franchise opportunities available

HEALTH

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

HEARING AS WE AGE FACTS There is a real momentum behind understanding and prioritising the importance of hearing and breaking down the social stigma of hearing loss and hearing aids. Here are some facts and tips to help those who may be somewhere on the vast spectrum of hearing loss as we age. As we age, so do our ears but the truth is our hearing starts to slowly change from our 20s onwards. Around 80 years old is the current average life expectancy for men in the UK and it is 83 for women, with many of us working well into our 70s. We will all need to be hearing well for longer in order to stay employed, stay social and as part of good overall health. By 2035, it is estimated there will be around 15.6 million people with hearing loss across the UK – which is one in five. We need to start prioritising our hearing now.

J. Child & Son Ltd Monumental Masons

4th Generation Independent Family Run Business Established 1899

Help and Advice Freely Given, Home Visits, Detailed Brochure Distinctive Memorials in a Wide Choice of Materials l Style and Ornamentation to Personal Specification l Large Display of Vases and Statues l Inscriptions in any Language l Cleaning and Renovations l Memorial Insurance l Maintenance Contracts l

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515 Bury Road ROCHDALE OL11 4DG Tel/Fax 01706 645993

www.jchildmemorials.co.uk E-mail: jenny@jchildmemorials.co.uk 74

Hearing aids still carry the burden of huge social stigma and yet the truth is hearing technology is now extraordinary, for example we now have the ability to seamlessly stream phone calls and music straight to our hearing aid. Hearing aids are no longer big and obvious bits of plastic that clasp over your ears; many of them are barely visible. Some even allow you to text, translate languages, monitor your activity and even measure your blood pressure! Many more people could benefit from hearing aids than are currently doing so - only around 40% of people who need hearing aids have them. We can only hope it won’t be long before attitudes start to change towards hearing technology. Check your hearing annually - The sad fact about hearing decline it is often associated negatively with ageing and disability and so many consequently often try to avoid admitting it has affected them for several years. Shockingly, recent research has found that people generally wait 10 years before taking action against their hearing loss, but the sooner you seek help, the less impact hearing loss will have on your life. Having regular hearing checks, just as you would your sight, is vital. Well-managed hearing loss will help keep you young. Dementia - Research has shown that many symptoms of hearing loss are easily misinterpreted as early signs of dementia such as memory loss, repetition, disorganisation, a feeling of vacancy, loss of confidence and concentration, trouble socialising and making poor judgements. All of these symptoms could be either as a result of hearing loss or dementia. In fact, hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia by up to five times, but evidence also suggests that hearing aids may reduce these risks. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), also known as sudden deafness, is a serious medical condition and requires immediate care, so if you have a sudden loss of hearing seek medical advice immediately. It typically occurs in only one ear but can appear in both. Around 50% of people with SSHL recover within two weeks if they receive prompt treatment. Excessive wax build-up can be a major problem for effective hearing, but it is important to know that Microsuction is the safest method of wax removal and is highly recommended over ear irrigation. It involves using a suction device to remove the wax within the ear canal and is generally the most comfortable procedure as the device avoids contact with the skin. It is also unnecessary for the client to use any oil beforehand to loosen the wax. Wax removal is often no longer carried out by GP’s on the NHS.

Do You Need Help To Stay Well? ✔ Are you over the age of 50?

Daily Life Work, Training and Hobbies

Child and School

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

Health and Lifestyle House, Money and Environment

✔ Live in the Borough of Bury Council ✔ Registered with a GP in the borough ✔ Not currently in receipt of any Social Care Services If the answer is yes then this service may be for you.

For further information, please contact the Staying Well Team:Phone: 0161 253 5151

Email: StayingWellTeam@bury.gov.uk

Have you visited the Bury Directory? The one-stop information point for advice, support, activities, services and more for the people of Bury. www.theburydirectory.co.uk

Bury C O U N C I L

Bury Clinical Commissioning Group

PROFESSIONAL HOME CARE SERVICES

Care in your home If you live in Bury, Radcliffe, Whitefield, Prestwich, Tottington and Ramsbottom .... We can provide you support in your home with:

• Your daily routine, helping you get up and having a wash, to getting dressed and ready

• Help with taking medication and medication collection from the pharmacy • House work tasks including laundry and cleaning

• Help with your shopping, pension collection and any other task you may require

• Support with activities such as gardening, visiting people, going for a walk and pet walking

FULL

TRAINING PROVIDED

• Awake Night Care

0161 763 4228

WE HAVE JOB VACANCIES FOR CARE STAFF IN BURY Care Connect Homecare Services www.careconnectbury.co.uk

Unit 7, Brenton Business Complex, Bond St, Bury, BL9 7BE T: 0161 763 4228

or email: help@aamail.org 76

Why Volunteer? Can you spare a couple of hours to help make a difference to the lives of others? Bolton Dementia Support relies on the contribution made by its fantastic volunteers without whom we could not manage to support the 150-200 people that use our service each week.

Visit one of our Memory Cafés?

Volunteering can have a tremendously positive effect to both the volunteer and to the community. People often approach us when they are at a low ebb themselves and need an aim in life particularly if they have retired or lost a job.

A memory café is for people who have dementia or who have significant problems with their memory which affects their ability to have a full and meaningful life. We offer a friendly relaxed and welcoming setting where people living with dementia and their families can meet others in a similar situation, find out how and where to get help and share experiences and coping strategies. Knowing that others really understand makes a difference, and this can grow into a support network that exists outside the café. Each café provides a setting where people living with dementia feel welcomed and valued.

Visit our Cafés: Monday 2pm-4pm The Splash Academy (in Bolton Town Centre) Crown Street, BL1 2RU Tuesday 2pm-4pm Horwich RMI Club, Chorley New Road, BL6 5NH Wednesday 2pm-4pm Astley Bridge Bowling Club, Bar Lane, BL1 7JH Tuesday mornings are dedicated to supporting carers of people with dementia. We provide a support group every Tuesday morning from 10.30am - 12 noon which runs alongside a specifically designed session for the person living with dementia and a booking arrangement for one to one support on the other Tuesday morning.

Bolton Dementia Support

The benefits of volunteering are enormous. The right match can help you to reduce stress, find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. One volunteer stated, “Volunteering gave me an enormous sense of job satisfaction and achievement. Also, an awareness that you don’t need to be someone in power to make a difference. For me it was a two-way process, my contribution was greatly appreciated, and I totally enjoyed the whole experience, so all parties benefited”. Volunteering and helping others can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. As little as two hours a week can make a huge difference. One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact it has on the lives of others. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people who are living with dementia and those who care for them. Volunteering is a two-way street, it benefits you and the people you are helping. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills. And have FUN! Please give us a call if you can offer your help.

Carers Resource Centre

For more information call: 01204 386696

Thicketford Road

Bolton BL2 2LW.

email: boltondsg@gmail.com

www.boltondementiasupport.btck.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 1123776

“Mum was on her own when she fell...

...but she wasn’t alone” help at the touch of a button

0161 253 5151

adultcareservices@bury.gov.uk www.bury.gov.uk/carelink

WHEELCHAIRS LTD regain your independence

Established over 35 years

Your Local Mobility Store HEAD OFFICE (LEIGH BRANCH) PARSONAGE GARAGE, KIRKHALL LANE LEIGH WN7 5RP Tel: 01942 606668 sales@llgwheelchairs.co.uk www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk

OPENING TIMES: Monday till Friday 9.00am till 5.00pm Saturday - 10.00am till 4.00pm Sunday - CLOSED

3 MONTHS FREE INSURANCE IS INCLUDED WITH EVERY POWERED WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY SCOOTER PURCHASED

MOBILITY SCOOTERS

WHEELCHAIRS

RISE & RECLINE CHAIRS

POWERCHAIRS

MOTABILITY PARTNER Can you benefit from Motability? If you receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or P.I.P. supplement you can benefit from this worry-free package. The choice is yours With over 200 products to choose from, ranging from small, boot scooters to large, road legal (Class 3) scooters and powered wheelchairs, you can be sure to find the right one for you. Your allowance will then be paid directly to Motability Operations every four weeks, in exchange for your scooter or powered wheelchair. And most of the models available cost less than your four weekly higher rate mobility allowance, which means you get some money back! It’s the perfect package With Motability, not only do you get the scooter or powered wheelchair of your choice, you get all the support and help you need.

AVAILABLE ASK FOR DETAILS CLOSE BROTHERS RETAIL FINANCE

BLACKPOOL BRANCH 269 TALBOT ROAD BLACKPOOL FY3 7AZ T: 01253 394853 www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk sales@llgwheelchairs.co.uk OPENING TIMES: Monday till Friday 9.00am till 5.00pm Saturday – 10.00am till 4.00pm Sunday - CLOSED