11 minute read
MOTORING
STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE
C5 AIRCROSS
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IF comfort and economy are at the top of your new car wish list then the revised for 2022 Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid could be for you. Also there’s lots of room in this large SUV which can travel up to 34 miles on electric power meaning with regular overnight home charging most commuters could get to and from work without any emissions.
Its combination of a petrol engine, electric motor and battery pack also means good fuel economy on longer journeys – Citroen claim up to 222mpg is possible! It shares its powertrain with other models from the Stellantis Group, such as the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE and Vauxhall Grandland Hybrid using a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor, producing a total of 222bhp.
This also gives reasonable performance from what is a large car – 0 to 62 in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.
A set of blue badges is really all that denotes this is a hybrid and it benefits from the same visual makeover as the rest of the C5 Aircross line-up for 2022 with that sharper and more aggressive current Citroen corporate look.
CO2 emissions are just 31g/km so the C5 falls into the 12 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company-car tax band and it’s practical too, with only a small loss of boot space compared to the diesel and petrol versions plus lots of room for adult passengers in the back. The car is set up more for comfort than handling with ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’ and ‘Advanced Comfort Suspension’ but body roll in corners is good with the C5 being composed over the bumps and pot holes.
We took our Shine trim version car for a long weekend break in North Wales and it proved more than up to the job giving relaxed motorway cruising with that sweet eight speed auto box plus lots of room with four on board around the twisty lanes of Anglesey. Kit wise there is a lot to like and amongst the goodies are adaptive cruise control, all round parking sensors and a rear camera, electric heated and folding door mirrors, auto lights and wipers, an advanced ‘bi-zone’ air con system, power driver’s seat, digital instruments and a large central infotainment touch screen plus lots of handy storage areas and a raft of the latest safety systems. All this does come at a cost which is £35,835 and our test car also had a number of extras which bumped that up to £38,150 including a power tailgate and panoramic power roof with electric blind… but it is still a lot of car and kit for your cash. So ticking the comfort, economy and equipment boxes the latest C5 Aircross hybrid is very easy to live with and enjoy.
More info at www.citroen.co.uk.
For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/
Shared Lives – a positive solution for everyone
Could you be a Shared Lives Carer?
Shared Lives is when families or individuals have a spare room and want to share their home with others.
Typically, shared lives carers offer support and care for adults with a variety of needs including adults with Learning disabilities, Autism, Mental health, older adults and young people in transition to adulthood. It takes a special kind of person to be a Shared Lives carer and we are looking for new people to join us. You don’t need qualifications; the most important thing is that you have the right values, you care and that you’re enthusiastic and excited about developing the independence and skills of others. Being a shared Lives carers brings many rewards, to find out more take a look at our website www.boltoncares.org.uk/what-we-do/shared-lives If you think you have what it takes and want to welcome someone into your home, we’d love to have a chat. Email us at sharedlives@ boltoncares.org.uk or call on 01204 331111 and talk to one of our friendly team. Our Shared Lives service is well known in the North West, with over 30 years under its belt we have a network of over 70 dedicated carers and support over 80 fantastic people across Bolton to live life to the full.
Through Shared Lives, people are enabled and empowered to develop new friendships and gain the confidence and skills to live enriched and fulfilled lives.
Watch our Shared Lives video to find out more https://boltoncares.org.uk/what-wedo/shared-lives/
Meet our Shared Lives Carers
Our Shared Lived carers are passionate and dedicated people from all walks of life who are committed to making a difference to someone’s life. Being a Shared Lives carer is fulfilling, can be financially rewarding and there’s lots of support and training available on your journey to becoming a shared Lives Carer. Take a look at our FAQs on the website for further information. Shared Lives - Bolton Cares
Meet Liam and Kirk. They are a professional married couple who share their lives with S.
S is 20 and has complex needs and lives with Kirk and Liam full time.
They said.
“S is the focal point of our happy, family life. He has Impacted our lives in such a positive way and given it new meaning.”
Shared Lives is when people share their homes and support people with a variety of different needs. If you want a rewarding, well paid career in care while working from home join us. If you are l 18 or over l Own or rent your own home l Have a spare room Get in touch, email us at sharedlives@boltoncares.org.uk or ring us on 01204 331111 Visit our website Share Lives - Bolton Cares
MARIE WHITTAKER, PARTNER IN THE FAMILY LAW DEPARTMENT AT CLOUGH & WILLIS SOLICITORS ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS ON DIVORCE AND SEPARATION.
Facing the breakdown of a marriage or long term relationship is one of the most stressful life experiences with a whole range of emotional turmoil – 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.
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?
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?
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. 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
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 • Wills, Probate, Trusts & Tax Planning • Personal Injury • Family Matters • Property Law • 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
Open 9AM-5PM
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
Bridge is fun, very social and helps keep your brain healthy
If you want to understand the appeal of bridge you only need to look at the notable names who are advocates of this compellingly addictive card game. Legendary heart-throb and bridge aficionado Omar Sharif, for example, was famous for declaring: “Acting is my profession; bridge is my passion.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Blur bassist Alex James: Bridge is utterly compulsive once it has a hold of you; It isn’t too hard to learn and the joy is that you can actually start enjoying it before you get very good. The big problem is that very soon after you start, you want to be brilliant, he adds.
Victoria Coren Mitchell has been playing Bridge since childhood: Sporadically, enthusiastically and badly(!), she claims. It is a really wonderful game, rich with twists and complexities that require a modicum of effort. “I am obsessed with playing Bridge.” Bill Gates, 23/7/2015. “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” Henry Ford. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to enjoy the game ... Rachel, who plays in Winchester, says: Bridge is a game that never repeats itself, keeps you thinking and learning, can be played at all levels, with players of any age, from all walks of life - that’s the excitement of bridge! Why play bridge?
l It’s great fun! l Improve your logic, memory and lateral thinking l You make new friends l It breaks the age barrier l You can play all round the world l It’s cheap and portable. You just need a pack of cards or your computer.
Join us for Bridge and learn learn how to play, we hold classes weekly, to enrol contact Heather Carr on 07802 210445, email boltonbridgeclub@gmail.com Bolton Bridge Club, 4 Chorley Old Road, BL1 4AA. Tel: 01204 526484.
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BOLTON & BURY EDITION 76 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2022 BOLTON & BURY EDITION 77
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2022
