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BY ANGELA KELLY

LOCKDOWN HUMOUR – TRADEMARK OF STOIC BRITS

IT may be a particularly British trait but when it comes to ongoing disaster and major concern we tend to turn to humour.

I’m sure it was the same in wartime and in other countries. When something enduringly scary threatens, we discover the funny side of it and use it as a form of defence against the awfulness.

That has certainly been true of the pandemic. While it’s too difficult and too raw to actually laugh at Covid-19 itself, we have been turning instead to the sideeffects and restriction of lockdown to cheer ourselves up.

In fact, I think we are at our most inventive here.

Humour surfaced early in the first lockdown and mainly online. One of the first things that made me laugh – a surprise, really, given the seriousness and overwhelming worry of the threat then – was a short video of a good-looking shirtless man in a hat dancing. The before lockdown and after lockdown footage showed the tight torso changing to a wobbly belly. We laughed at the change, soon learning the irony as many of us munched our way through the months ahead. We’ve laughed at the possible results of lockdown. One of my favourite Facebook postings was: “Do you ever get up in the morning, look in the mirror and think ‘that can’t be accurate!’”

We’ve become happy to laugh at ourselves. We smiled at jokes about over-zealous hand-washing, mask-wearing and taking precautions.

“Pretty wild how we used to eat cake after someone had blown on it. Good times ….” went one popular post. And so many were crazily accurate. “Set in retrospect, in 2015, not a single person got the answer right to ‘Where do you see yourself five years from now?’”

We even found our own occasional desperation worth a smile. “Where is far far away and how do I get there?” was a post offering a bitter tinge. Then there was: “I’m looking for a moisturiser that hides the fact that I’ve been tired since 2010” which hit home.

Then there were the clever ones: “I told my suitcases that there will be no vacation this year. Now I’m dealing with emotional baggage.” Add those to the many cartoons, videos, memes and observational humour and you discover a funny underside to what is plainly an international disaster that could scarcely have been predicted.

Personally, I feel it says something fine and stoic about our individual make-up that allows us to react to very dark times by sometimes laughing out loud. Little has been innately funny about this global pandemic and its terrible effects on people. But, our ability to find the humour in it, to share that with others and to laugh together has proved to be a brilliant way

FANCY A PAIR OF OUR BET’S BEST EARRINGS?

WHEN actress Julie Goodyear became an unusual sort of national icon as Coronation Street’s brassy landlady Bet Lynch her wardrobe was not the envy of women everywhere.

The too-short skirts, too-tight tops, heavy make-up and upfront behaviour behind the bar of the Rovers Return brought out the prude in most of us.

Tutting at Bet became a national habit – when we weren’t laughing at her antics and lines, that is.

Fast forward from 1966 to 2003 when she was in The Street to last year and Julie Goodyear MBE impressing the nation in a different way. The Manchester actress donated a large amount of Bet’s jewellery and her own to help local hospice Willow Wood.

“When I heard that they had been forced to cancel almost all of their fundraising events in this their 21st year, I wanted to do something to help,” compassionate Julie explained. The jewellery was sold in an online auction as part of Coronation Street’s 60th birthday in December, resulting no doubt on a major donation for Willow Wood and some delighted purchasers. Who today, though, would really wear Bet’s finest horrors? Well, me for one. Bring on those earrings like a birdcage – they’re great!

COP SHOWS THAT BECOME PART OF OUR LIVES

IF there’s one thing the past year or so has taught us to appreciate it’s the TV. Pre-lockdown, we might have been a bit reticent to list telly-watching among our hobbies but now we’re happy to admit its importance in our lives.

It’s also been interesting to see how our habits have changed. More of us have come to appreciate Netflix and iPlayer and become binge-watchers of series. One thing we’ve also perhaps noticed is how some types of programmes have altered. If you’ve watched daily doses of old police programmes The Bill and then back-to-backs of Line of Duty or Unforgotten you can see how far cop series have come. New series of either of the latter are eagerly awaited – that’s not to take away anything from The Bill, its plot lines and acting. But with Line of Duty and Unforgotten, we’re actually hungry to see it – we can’t wait. Writer Jed Mercurio certainly knows how to tell a riveting tale in LoD. You’re frightened to miss a second as you might skip a vital clue or move towards identifying who “H” might be or whether the OCG (Organised Crime Group) has more police in its pocket.

Yes, they’re big on acronyms in Line of Duty. The three main characters – played by Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar - have their own little nuances so that everything feels familiar. Yet, things are happening all the time that take us into new territory.

Unforgotten is a marvellous showcase for the talents of writer Chris Lang and the acting of Sanjeev Bhaskar and Nicola Walker. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an actress with such talent for showing emotions in her face. The whole plotline is there sometimes.

How lucky we are in this country to have such fine writers and performers. And, oddly, lockdown gave us the time to appreciate them anew.

LIFETIME MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES ARE AT AN ALL-TIME LOW

The 1.99% interest rate is hopefully approaching! We are not there yet, but with rates starting at 2.49% we are not too far away.

During my 12 years working in this sector, I remember interest rates of around 8% after the financial crises of 2008 so we have come a long way from those times. With increased competition from the likes of Aviva and Legal & General the consumer facing products are far more attractive than they used to be. The interest rates used on lifetime mortgages have no correlation to bank base rate as the lenders are fixing the interest rate for the duration of the plan which could be over a long period of time. It is also now possible to make monthly payments to reduce the roll up of interest.

The reasons that people are releasing money has also changed over time, particularly due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. I am seeing fewer people releasing money for aspirational purchases, and an increase in people looking to help their families, or to keep their businesses afloat. Plus, an increase in couples separating and wanting to release funds to complete their financial settlements.

Although some firms offer advice over the phone, I prefer a “belt and braces” approach meeting clients face to face wherever possible. Within this sector there are currently 8 lenders and around 500 plans so it is crucial to get advice from an experienced professional who can help you understand the different options available to you.

If you’ve not tried coach holidays before why not let Ellen Smith’s take you on your first coach experience. We’ve been established for over 120 years – so we know a bit about coaching holidays!

We do things a bit differently than our rivals

All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service. That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no changing drivers and definitely no hassle!

How does it work?

On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to our waiting coach at Birch Services.

We’re off on holiday then!

The same happens on the way back too, taxi back to your front door!

Within 30 minutes

We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.

We are fully Financially Bonded

And use some excellent privately-owned hotels. All visits and excursions are included in the price. We use modern coaches and mature friendly drivers.

We never discount

We charge the correct price in the first place – therefore everybody on board pays the same price.

Finally

If you can find the same or similar holiday for sale cheaper in the UK we’ll refund the difference to the whole coach!

‘Door to Door’ Coach Tours 2021 Brochure OUT NOW, telephone us on: 01706 648126 for your free copy.

Once you’ve gone the Ellen Smith way you’ll never go back!

DO O R TO DO O R C OAC H TOUR S 2 02 1www.ellensmith.co.uk MAY 2021 - MARCH 2022 DOOR TO DOOR COACH TOURS & DAY EXCURSIONS

www.ellensmith.co.uk www.ellensmith.co.uk

BOURNEMOUTH 7 DAYS IN JUNE The Mayfair Hotel

Overview: With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all – a vast variety of shops and restaurants, buzzing nightlife, endless countryside offering peace and relaxation and beautiful awardwinning gardens. Tour Includes: Admission to Compton Acres & visit Poole, Wareham, Lulworth Cove & Weymouth, Sherborne & Shaftesbury.

LOOE, CORNWALL - SUMMER BREAK The Portbyhan Hotel

Overview: Situated on the south east coast of Cornwall, Looe is a favourite holiday destination with a fine beach, shops, cafes, a working harbour and has a lovely riverside location. Tour Highlights: Unspoilt Fishing Village of Mevagissey, Harbour Town of Falmouth, Seaside Town of Newquay, Charming Fishing Port of Padstow.

MATURE SINGLES GLOUCESTERSHIRE, OXFORD & THE WYE VALLEY Best Western Gloucester Robinswood Hotel

Tour Highlights: A fabulous tour for Summer as we take in the stunning scenery of The Wye Valley & The Cotswolds as well as making time to visit Regency Cheltenham and the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ – Oxford.

05 June | 7 Days | £479 07 June | 5 Days | £469 17 June | 5 Days | £449

GREAT YARMOUTH Palm Court Hotel

Overview: A holiday of many contrasts, from the hustle & bustle of a busy seaside resort, to the relaxing calm of the Broads, to the historic City of Norwich and also the quieter resorts and towns of the region. Tour Highlights: Cathedral City of Norwich, Norfolk Broads Cruise, Somerleyton Hall Lowestoft, Timeless Southwold, Bressingham Gardens, North Walsham – Market Day, Hotel Entertainment on 3 Evenings.

ST. ANNE’S-ON-SEA St. Ives Hotel

Overview: St. Anne’s-on-Sea, on the Fylde coast, offers a gentle and peaceful way of life. Its Victorian bandstand and quality accommodation reflect the ambience of a more traditional seaside resort. Tour Highlights: Seaside Town of Southport, Carnforth, Lancaster, Some Entertainment at The Hotel.

LLANDUDNO Marlborough Hotel

Overview: Llandudno is Wales’s largest resort, uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes with two wonderful beaches, the awardwinning North Shore and the quiet, sand duned West Shore. Tour Highlights: We enjoy the short journey to Conwy, a delightful small town with a picturesque quayside overlooked by the mighty Conwy Castle.

20 June | 7 Days | £579 21 June | 5 Days | £309 22 June | 5 Days | £299

DISCOVERING WILTSHIRE Best Western Plus Angel Hotel

Overview: Wiltshire with its rolling green downs, ancient woodlands and bustling market towns is a beautiful county in the south west of England. Tour Highlights: ‘Steam’ – Great Western Railway Museum, Swindon, Devizes and Caen Hill ‘Staircase Locks’, Historic Village of Lacock, Bradford-uponAvon and Chippenham, McArthur Glen Outlet, Swindon, Cathedral City of Salisbury.

THE BEAUTIFUL ISLE OF MAN

The Chesterhouse Hotel

Overview: This beautiful island, 32 miles long and 14 miles wide, lies in the Irish sea, approximately equidistant from Britain and Ireland. Tour Highlights: Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Isle of Man Steam, Train, Douglas to Port Erin, Cregneash Folk Village.

CASTLE & CRUISE IN CARDIGAN BAY Cliff Hotel & Spa

Overview: The largest bay in the British Isles, stretching at approximately 50 miles, Cardigan Bay is one to remember. Tour Highlights: 1-Hour New Quay Boat Trip, 50-Minute Guided Tour of Picton Castle, Free Time to Explore Picton Castle Gardens, Light Lunch of Soup & Sandwiches at Picton Castle, Seaside Village of Aberystwyth.

Membership No: 10228

ELLEN SMITH 2021 BROCHURE.indd 1

DUBLIN & WICKLOW ‘RIVER AND RAIL’ The Royal Hotel

Overview: A themed tour for 2021 staying in Bray, Co. Wicklow which brings you an exciting look at Ireland’s seaside, city & countryside. A guided coastal railway journey and a scenic river cruise are also included, a lovely way to see this part of Ireland.

CLASSIC STEAM BREAK The Winnock Hotel

Tour Highlights: 4 Nights Half-Board Accommodation, In-House Entertainment on 2 Nights, Cruise on the Clyde on the Vintage Paddle Steamer – The Waverley, Hop on-board the Jacobite Steam Train from Ft. William to Mallaig (return journey) Marvel at The Falkirk Wheel, Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the SS Sir Walter Scott as she meanders along Loch Katrine.

CROMER, NORFOLK COAST & COUNTRY RETREATS Dukes Head Hotel

Overview: Explore the much-loved Norfolk country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen along with one of the Treasure Houses of England. We also enjoy a nostalgic steam train journey to the heart of the Norfolk Broads to discover this magical waterland on a memorable scenic river cruise.

18 July | 5 Days | £499 22 July | 5 Days | £499 25 July | 5 Days | £459

PICTURESQUE PEMBROKESHIRE & BEAUTIFUL GOWER Ivy Bush Royal Hotel

Overview: The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast and the Gower peninsula are famed all over the world. Glorious sandy beaches and seemingly endless rugged coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic towns and little villages. For these tours we stay in Carmarthen, ideal for visiting this delightful corner of Wales.

NORFOLK ~ SEALS, COAST & CITY Best Western Brook Hotel

Overview: For this tour we have chosen a nice mix of excursions, ranging from a delightful boat trip to see the seals; a unique paddle steamer cruise; the city of Norwich and a visit to the popular seaside resort of Great Yarmouth. Tour Highlights: Blakeney & The Seal Colonies Boat Trip, Norfolk Broads Paddle Steamer Cruise, Great Yarmouth, City of Norwich, Holt and Wells-next-theSea, Little Walsingham.

ANGUS SECRET COASTLINE & GLAMIS CASTLE Park Hotel

Overview: A tour delving into Scotland’s past taking in some fine places including the 13th century Glamis Castle, the new Victoria and Albert Museum and a visit to see “the finest regiment in the world”. Tour Highlights: Brechin & Arbroath, The “Granite” city of Aberdeen, 5* Attraction - Gordon Highlanders Museum, Glamis Castle & Gardens, Dundee & The V&A Museum.

01 August | 5 Days | £399 02 August | 5 Days | £439 09 August | 5 Days | £399

LONDON & BUCKINGHAM PALACE Tower Hotel

Overview: London is a city for all seasons and full of so much life, bursting with so much to see and do. For this short break we are including a visit to Buckingham Palace – which serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty the Queen and is one of the few working palaces remaining in the world today. The rest of the time is for you to explore London at your own pace.

HEART OF ENGLAND

Abbey Hotel

Overview: A lovely sightseeing tour with many things of interest, based in Great Malvern with the beautiful Malvern Hills overlooking the town. We feature some of the delightful Black & White villages in Herefordshire as well as visits to Leominster & The Cotswolds. We also take time to visit the Museum of Royal Worcester.

LUDLOW & THE COUNTY OF SHROPSHIRE Buckatree Hall Hotel

Overview: Along the upper reaches of the River Severn and the borders between England & Wales, the countryside of Shropshire shelters some of the most beautiful landscapes and unspoilt towns that you can imagine.

13 August | 3 Days | £349 16 August | 5 Days | £389 23 August | 5 Days | £439