Bolton & Bury issue 70

BOLTON & BURY EDITION 70

JULY - AUGUST 2021

Judi Dench

OUR VERY SPECIAL DAME ENJOYS PUBLIC ACCLAIM AND SHEER AFFECTION IN THIS COUNTRY

Get the Garden Look

DISTINCT STYLES AND HOW TO CREATE THEM IN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Foolproof Barbecue

SIMPLE RECIPES TO CREATE A SIZZLE THIS SUMMER

Octagon Theatre

OPENS ITS DOORS FOLLOWING £12MILLION REFURBISHMENT

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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What’s On Guide...

30th September 2021 The Drifters

8th - 14th August 2021 Birdsong in Bedlam

Sunday 8th August 2021 - Saturday 14th August 2021 (Inclusive) Performances start at 19:00 hrs. daily

18th November 2021 Sounds of the 60’s Tony Blackburn

16th September 2021 Ed Byrne

27th - 28th September 2021 By the Waters of Liverpool

27th November - 31st December 2021 Beauty and the Beast

For more info visit; www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk For tickets visit; www.quaytickets.com/boltonalberthalls or call 0343 208 0500

CONTENTS

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE 4-5

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

10-11 TRAVEL

Choosing the perfect walking boots 22-23

DAME JUDI DENCH Enjoys the public acclaim and sheer affection in this country

30-32 HOME

Tips to improve your home

Twittering On

Judi Dench

BY ANGELA KELLY

AWARDED OBE AND DBE

35-37 GARDENING

Get the garden look 49-51 FOOD AND DRINK

Cook the perfect barbecue this summer 52-53 MOTORING

Steve Howarth test drives 2 popular models

Bridgeman House 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180

Gardening

Home

GET THE GARDEN LOOK THIS SUMMER

TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME

E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

Book your free, no obligation footwear fitting session now!

The Wide Fit Centre is R. Allen Footwear’s brand new, dedicated footwear fitting department, within our newly renovated flagship store.

We take time and care within the appointment to gain an understanding of our customers needs and listen to any foot related issues that they may have.

We measure the customers feet and fit them with appropriate footwear, of their choosing, from our extensive ranges.

If you would like to come down for one of our free, no obligation appointments, please call to book on 01204 776544.

T: 01204 776544 | www.thewidefitcentre.co.uk | 66-68 Newport Street, BL1 1PE 3

TWITTERING ON

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TWITTERING ON

BY ANGELA KELLY Stepping up To Stay Healthy TO many of us as we get older, living in a bungalow seems to make all kinds of sense.

We finally get rid of stairs (especially if limbs and joints no longer seem keen to employ that daily exercise) and long for the ease of everything being on one level.

While much of that is true, there is apparently now something we need to take into account that may make us think twice – the possibility of “bungalow leg”.

Medical experts warn that making the move to a bungalow too early can actually speed up the physical decline that old age brings.

In fact, it can lead to a phenomenon now being called “bungalow leg.”

Dog-fouling Blights Communities THERE are thousands of dogs in the UK – we’re known as a nation of pet-lovers and dogs are arguably the No.1 pet.

The logistics of this is equally mindboggling amounts of dog poo.

Unfortunately, much of this is on public highways and pavements.

Now, responsible dog-owners naturally take out those little bags with them on walks with their pet and swiftly pop the offending matter into the bag to either drop off in a bin or take home to put in their rubbish.

Sadly, there is a significant number of dog-owners who simply don’t see this as their problem and are happy to leave poo wherever their pet deposits it.

We live near a rural area and scores of dog-walkers pass our house daily. We’re dog-owners ourselves and we like to see our canine friends and their owners happily out walking.

We like it, that is, until you notice the increasing number of owners who just let their dogs foul where they want to and do nothing about it.

We watched one just the other day. An older chap who let his dog stop and do his 4

business – and then leave the mound of poo on the pavement. This was outside our elderly neighbours who are plagued with the problem and in despair.

By keeping an eye on him, we discovered that this man lived very nearby, only a road or two away. So we reported him to the local authority. Their relevant officials promised to monitor him, using the reasoning that people tended to regularly walk their dogs at similar times and on similar routes.

Reporting him was actually our second choice as our first choice was to bag up the poo and leave it by his house. However, we wanted to follow the rules – although our preferred course of action would have been more satisfying and probably more just.

I really don’t understand anyone – especially someone living in the same area – allowing it to be blighted by dog poo. It’s unsightly, unhygienic and dangerous.

It takes selfishness to a new level and personally I’d like to see far more individuals not only fined but named and shamed.

The dogs are not to blame but these are irresponsible owners who need to be made to care about their communities.

This refers to the gradual weakening of muscles in the leg which has often been identified with those who have moved to a single-storey home without the daily physical challenge of using stairs.

This came originally from a study in Japan involving 6,000 people aged 65 or over who had various types of homes, including those with stairs. They were monitored over three years.

One English physiotherapist who treats elderly patients points out that keeping as active as possible is the key to a healthier

life and that we need a good range of movement throughout to stop stiffness.

even temporarily, the worries of the world.

As the move to a bungalow often comes when we have reduced muscle mass anyway, that old saying “use it or lose it” becomes truer than ever.

A team from an organisation called the Max Planck Society found that feelgood films have an element of humour, a classic happy ending and certain recurring plots and characters.

So, the next time you’ve forgotten something upstairs and end up cursing them, just remember: stairs may be keeping you healthy!

What makes a film feel good?

WHAT’S your favourite movie? Is it a horror flick, a comedy, true life drama or just an old-fashioned feelgood film?

Personally, while I like a really good drama, a feelgood film can make me feel better and brighter about my day. So I often go for traditional favourites like Notting Hill, Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle and Forrest Gump.

They always do the trick, however I’m feeling.

Now, a new study uses science to show just why films like Love Actually and the rest make viewers laugh and smile and forget,

This typically includes an outsider in search of love who proves themselves and fights adverse circumstances until they find a fitting role in the community.

The Society conducted a study with people from Germany, Austria and the German-speaking regions of Belgium and Switzerland. Their responses pointed to romantic comedies being particularly effective in emotional uplift.

They don’t just have romance and humour; there is also often some drama. The study showed that scenes and plots with a strong emotion also fall into the feelgood category.

It emphasised that many people watch feelgood films specifically to relax and lift their spirits. Interestingly, while those taking part agreed that feelgood films may be sentimental, they were not kitschy.

Above all, they were technically well-made.

The study also made the salient point that the views of those who felt positive about such films differed considerably from the mainly negative perspective of professional film critics.

Now that definitely resonates. Many times I’ve read what the critics have said about a film when I’ve been considering watching it. I’ve even been put off from seeing it but. if I’ve persevered, I’ve found my view of it completely different from the critic’s.

Theirs is not an exact science, though, and, to be fair, I’ve seen far more films than not because of what a critic I like has said about it. And that felt good.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

The Octagon is now equipped with larger and more accessible toilet facilities on every floor, including a Changing Places toilet and shower facility, for those with additional needs.

The venue has also seen a complete redesign of its hospitality facilities which includes a brand new two-level Kitchen and Bar – providing a more substantial dining and social experience for visitors, and a new multipurpose space which can be used exclusively for private and commercial hire events.

The theatre’s Studio has also been redeveloped in to a larger, more accessible and more flexible space which is fitted with state of the art lighting, audio and visual facilities.

At the heart of Bolton’s cultural community, the venue has year after year offered an exciting, bold and dynamic programme of live theatre and entertainment. Now reopened the theatre’s first main house production will be a brilliantly farcical adaptation of The Hound of The Baskervilles which runs from Thu 1 July – Sat 7 August.

OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON

opens its doors following £12million refurbishment As the lockdown restrictions ease and arts and culture venues are allowed to open their doors, the Octagon Theatre, Bolton is now open following a two year, £12million refurbishment.

The vision for the reimagined Octagon was to become a ‘creative home’ with spaces to meet, learn and be entertained by bold, adventurous and popular work; creating a completely accessible building to all members of the public from audiences, participants and staff, meeting both sensory and physical needs.

The £12million redevelopment has seen the complete modernisation of the entire building with updated performance spaces; brand-new participation facilities; improved front6

of-house experience; expanded backstage accommodation and enhanced access facilities.

The new building has also been built with a larger and more embracing entrance foyer and Box Office space, greatly improving access to every part of the building.

This smash hit comedy adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic adventure, directed by Lotte Wakeham and adapted for the stage

by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, will open to audiences from Thu 1 July – Sat 7 August, promising a fast-paced and hilarious night out.

Tickets start from £15 and are on sale now.

Access Performances: Captioned Wed 21 July, BSL Fri 23 July, Audio Described Wed 28 July.

Find out more and book tickets via the Octagon Box Office on 01204 520661 or at octagonbolton.co.uk The Octagon is a See it Safely and Good to Go approved venue complying with all the latest government guidance and have implemented Covid-safety measures to keep audiences safe.

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DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

DATE

HOTEL

JULY

DAYS

PRICE

AUGUST

05

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£299

13

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£334

07

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£294

18

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£349

14

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£309

19

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£344

17

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£279

19

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

5

£349

02

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£349

26

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£314

16

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£324

27

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel – Blackpool

5

£324

19

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

7

£479

29

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£349

21

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

5

£329

27

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£304

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

03

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£344

28

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£294

05

County Hotel – Lake District

5

£389

29

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel – Blackpool

5

£324

10

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£339

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Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy.

Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2021. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Call - 0800 083 9900 Quote - 50PlusRG or visit robinsons-holidays.co.uk

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

Eastbourne

Bournemouth Sands

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Imperial Hotel

Isle of Wight

Scarborough

Torquay

Torquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Daish’s Hotel

Esplanade Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel

County Hotel

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

facebook.com/robinsonsholidays1

@RobinsonsHolida

TRAVEL

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by “What is that terrible smell?” I heard a Frenchman say to his colleague. They were in a far corner of our crowded dormitory.

“Disgusting,” the colleague replied.

“Ugh!” exclaimed another.

“I’m going to be sick,” said a fourth, and headed for the door.

I lay in silence, feeling guilty. The smell was my lightweights, positioned under my bunk.

You make no friends going lightweight, especially in a refuge.

CHOOSING THE PERFECT WALKING BOOTS

By RichardVillar for Silver Travel Advisor “How do they feel?” asked my grandmother, as she watched me march the length of the climbing shop.

“Fine,” I grunted monosyllabically. I was only 12 years old.

Granny nodded. “We’ll have these,” she declared to the shop assistant and pointed at the leather walking boots that were weighing down my feet. “They’ll last forever and will see him out.”

Granny was wrong, as my feet grew, the boots leaked and were soon replaced by others.Yet that was the understanding of the era. Walking boots would last for life and be with you to the end.

I now know differently. Granny’s shopping was followed by a lifetime of poor footwear, including a spell in the British Army, which seemed to feel that all feet were identical.

One look at my shoe cupboard and a disorganised pile of mountaineering footwear falls out. Boots, trainers, approach shoes, even mountain sandals. My favourites are the trainers, as they are lightweight, should not leak but do, and carry the Quicklace system, which saves me tying a bow. One tug with ice-cold hands and the trainer is secure.

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For a day’s walking in the mountains, especially when carrying a rucksack, my trainers struggle. Should that happen, on go my boots. I try to be lightweight, which means synthetic, as leather is generally heavy.

Lightweights can wear out quickly, so I buy a new pair each year.

Be warned that lightweights can pong. I once spent six weeks crossing the Alps, from Geneva to the Mediterranean, and slept in many cramped mountain refuges.

Walkers were usually on bunks. One night it happened.

The weight of footwear is important, as mountain lore has long declared that one pound on the feet is five pounds on the back.

My two mountain trainers weigh 1.8 pounds (0.82 kg) and I barely realise they are on.

My winter boots, with crampons, weigh 10 pounds (4.5 kg), a fifty-pound rucksack on my feet. I try to stay light.

There are no shortcuts when buying new boots, as a wrong fitting can be ruinous. The secret is not the boot, but the sock. I spend as long choosing the one as the other. My socks are woollen for sure, merino especially, with something man-made thrown in. This gives socks strength, allows them to stretch, as well as survive a washing machine.

Socks chosen, next the boots. I buy them in the afternoon, when my feet will be bigger, and I do not do a last-minute dash the day before a holiday. I know what design I seek before I enter the shop, and I choose an assistant who understands mountains.

For most, a boot should be flexible but not too bendy. If I seek full bend, I choose a trainer. I like a rand that covers the toe, while

for the sole, Vibram is my favourite. This was named after Vitale Bramani who, in 1935, saw six of his friends slip to their deaths in the Alps, thanks to leather soles and hobnails.

Bramani set to work and soon patented the sole now used worldwide. I go nowhere without Vibram.

Then comes the fitting, but I do not put on the boot. I remove the insole, lay it on the floor, and stand on it. I can instantly see if the boot might fit. I keep a forefinger’s width between the tip of my longest toe and the front of the insole, in case my foot slips forward when descending.

Then it is time for the boots. Back go the insoles, in go my feet, and the laces are tied in a jiffy. If it is fine, that is good. If not, no worries. I keep trying until I am happy. Next stop the mountains.

However, perfect my boots, I still think blisters. At the end of a long march in the Army, we would be stood barefoot and to attention, ready for inspection. Anyone with a blister was punished.

Thanks to that experience, and before I pull on a sock, I coat a whisker of petroleum jelly on my foot. I then slither on the sock, wool on jelly, next the boot, tie the laces, and I’m done. Since jelly, I have never had a blister.

Thank you, Granny, for buying me those boots. Over decades, I have learned plenty.

16 steps to boot-buying 1. Take your time - buying walking boots is not a rushed aprocess.

2. Try the boots on in the afternoon, when your feet may be slightly swollen.

3. Do not buy new boots the day before a walk.

4. Start by choosing the sock, one pair only.

Bring your own, not one offered by the shop.

5. Decide if you want trainers, walking shoes, walking boots, or something for snow and ice.

6. Ignore the question a shop assistant may ask, “Where are you going walking?”

All walks are varied, and it is impossible to generalise.

7. Lightweight or leather? Lightweight is normally synthetic, leather is heavier.

8. How flexible is it? There is a B-rating of boots. B0 (fully flexible) or B1 are right

for most. Try B2 or B3 (stiff as a board), if you wish to fit a crampon.

9. Waterproof? Mine are. Think Gore-Tex. 10. What type of sole? I am a fan of Vibram, which is used the world over.

11. Be sure there is a rand, in case you stub your toe.

12. Do they fit? Take out the insole and place it on the floor. Put your foot on the insole and assess the fit.You need a single finger’s breadth between the tip of your longest toe and the front of the insole.

13. Replace the insole, try on the boot, and lace it up. Check the tongue does not press uncomfortably on the top of your foot.

14. Walk up and down a slope to see how the boot feels.

15. Try the boot at home but stick to carpet in case you need to return the boot.

16. If all is well, next stop are the mountains.

For walking holidays, Silver Travel Advisor recommends: HF Holidays www.hfholidays.co.uk or call 0203 974 8878, Ramblers Walking Holidays www.ramblersholidays.co.uk or call 01707 818953

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

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OUR DOOR TO DOOR PICK UP AREA

Luxury Coach Holidays DOOR TO DOOR TAXI SERVICE Included in the price of all our coach holidays is a taxi collection service. This means a taxi or minibus will collect you from your door at the start of your holiday and return you from the coach at the end, thus avoiding all the hassle of getting yourself and your luggage to a coach pick-up point.

QUALITY HOTELS We place a great importance in providing hotels of very high standards and are constantly striving to improve further the quality of hotels included in our programme. They are usually all of a 3 or 4-star standard and most importantly, ALL hotels include en-suite facilities, tea/coffee making facilities and colour TV in the room.

LUXURY AIR CONDITIONED TOURING COACHES Our fleet of Luxury Coaches feature: •

High back reclining seats

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TRAVEL

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surprise with the average temperature rarely creeping above 20 degrees. Apparently there was one day of heatwave earlier in the month (25 degrees) and an official half day off work was declared.

ICELAND – IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE WEATHER, WAIT 15 MINUTES!

By Debbie Marshall for Silver Travel Advisor Iceland is currently one of the handful of destinations on the “green” list for travel, and whilst escaping to the Mediterranean sun may be tempting, I strongly recommend taking the chance to visit the land of the midnight sun where every kind of weather condition is a possibility.

I travelled to Iceland in June a couple of years ago, and whilst scheduled flights at civilised times are available, I selected the low cost option, the downside being a brutal departure time of 1am from Stansted (just a few tourists, some hardy looking Icelandic natives and the cleaners in the deserted departure lounge). The plane took off in the darkness (and rain) in the middle of the night; but that was the last time that we would see the dark until the return flight a few days later.

By 3am we were in broad daylight and flying over a slightly surreal and barren landscape of volcanic earth, larva and rocks.

There didn’t seem to be a building in sight apart from the odd farm. After landing at Reykjavik airport, an easy 40 minute coach journey brought us into the capital city (there are no railways in Iceland, and in fact no motorways either). It was chilly and, until reaching the city outskirts, it felt like the road to nowhere.

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Reykjavik itself would be a provincial town anywhere else in Europe, but 80% of the country’s 320,000 population live in or near this pleasant pint-sized capital. As our guide explained, there is Reykjavik and there is the countryside; nothing else. She was right: once you get past the final building in the outskirts, it’s back to nature at its most powerful. And the whole world became very aware of that back in April 2011 when Ejafjallayokl (pronounced Aye-a-fiat-la-yolkel) erupted and brought European air traffic to a standstill.

A day is sufficient to see most of Reykjavik; it’s easily navigated on foot. A fabulous new glass fronted cultural centre (the Harpa) has been built on the water’s edge with a comprehensive programme of entertainment (ranging from comedy to classical music). The shops appear to mainly sell woollens and warm clothing. Bearing in mind this was June, I didn’t see anywhere selling summer clothes. And that’s not really a

There’s a charming casualness amongst the locals in the way they dress, akin to après-ski wear. Even the more fashionable Icelandic ladies wore sturdy shoes and everyone looked like they were ready for a day’s hiking. The pace is relaxed, and there seems to be no sign of any class system or ostentation. Doubtless there are plenty of wealthy Icelanders, but they are not flash.

In fact I had to remind myself that this was the scene of the banking crisis in the not too distant past, and yet it felt nothing like a financial centre. A few businessmen ambled by (in suits and walking boots), but nobody looked like they were in a hurry to close a deal.

For my three day visit I wanted to pack in as much as possible so selected a half day Golden Circle tour, a full day South Shore tour and finally a Blue Lagoon experience. That combined with a half day in Reykjavik was a perfect combination. The Golden Circle is a tourist route, but worth doing because it takes in some important

landmarks. Firstly, Thingvellir, the seat of the original Parliament, then the quite breathtaking Golden Falls, and finally the Geysir (the eponymous geyser), which obligingly spurts most impressively every 5-7 minutes.

En route, we learned from our guide about sagas, the tales of Icelandic folklore, the elves and their semi-circles of rocks. We saw some of the 80,000 Icelandic horses that roam the countryside (that’s more than 1 for every 4 people). We learned about the way in which people are named in Iceland – a man takes his father’s Christian name, plus Son, and a woman her father’s Christian name + daughter. And finally I understood how Magnus Magnusson came to be named.

Magnus, son of Magnus - literally. It’s all so simple.

Day two saw us on the South Shore excursion, a spectacular full day of driving, magnificent waterfalls, villages, raging sea, volcanoes, glacier walking, a folklore museum and a lot of talking by our guide who was truly a living encyclopaedia of his country.

Day three was a visit to the Blue Lagoon, the only really smart commercial place we visited. It’s set up for corporate trips with the staff in dressed up in fancy uniforms

with bow ties which, given the laid-back nature of the rest of the country, seems a little excessive. But the lagoon itself is incredible, the world’s largest natural swimming pool complete with mud face packs and an unforgettable view.

Iceland is a raw and beautiful wilderness, a geographer’s paradise, and a sculpture of the forces of nature. Visiting in the mid-summer and experiencing the midnight sun is highly

recommended, although of course a price must be paid for all that summer light, and a visit in winter would find daylight for only a sparse few hours.

And the weather? Four seasons in a day; beautiful clear skies, thick clouds, strong winds, heavy rainfall, bright sunshine, hot enough for a t-shirt, chilly enough for a jacket. Constantly changing and all the more enjoyable an experience for it.

Recommended tour operators to Iceland include: Intrepid Travel www.intrepidtravel.com or call 0808 274 5111 Ramblers Walking Holidays www.ramblersholidays.co.uk/ or call 01707 818953 Kirker Holidays www.kirkerholidays.com/ or call 020 7593 2288

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Advanced Electrolysis (Advanced Cosmetic Procedures) A wide diversity of skin blemishes can be treated, such as: Red Veins, Skin Tags, Age Spots, Sebaceous Cysts, Verrucae, Warts, Xanthelasma, Moles, Blood spots, Seborrhoeic Keratosis, Dermatosa Papulosa Nigra etc.

The new kid on the block, laser, and electrolysis are both very effective for removing unwanted hair. However, although they each have their uses, electrolysis is the only proven permanent method of hair removal. Laser hair removal does have its limitations: the laser is attracted to the pigment within the hair, therefore not particularly effective for grey, red, blond and white hair because they don’t absorb light well.

Invented roughly 150 years ago, electrolysis has been proven as a safe, reliable method of treating all skin and hair types. For those who seek complete and permanent hair removal on any part of the body, regardless of skin tone or hair colour, electrolysis remains the only method that is approved by the British Medical Association.

Saline Tattoo Removal Botched Ink® is a gentle saline tattoo removal solution used to lift, lighten, improve and remove bad, unwanted microblading, permanent make-up and scalp micropigmentation.

Scar & Stretch Mark Removal Dry tattooing (also known as MCA Micro Needling) a quick and precise method which works directly on damaged skin relaxing and smoothing scars and reducing stretch marks. We can repigment white scars, normalise pink/red scars; fill loose and thin scar tissue and fill sunken acne scars.

Advanced electrolysis (also known as Advanced Cosmetic Procedures) is a very effective and proven method of removing a variety of unwanted skin conditions and blemishes including skin tags, warts, milia, red veins, age spots and many more.

There is always a risk that certain blemishes will re-grow but with the vast majority of skin blemishes, once treated will not return.

Electrolysis is a quick procedure and there is minimal pain associated with this treatment. A tiny, sterile probe - the size of an eyelash - is carefully inserted and a very small current of energy is released which creates heat and destroys each individual hair follicle or blemish being treated.

Before any electrolysis treatment expect a full consultation to include a medical questionnaire, and a thorough examination of the area to ensure that it is safe to be treated. Once this has been completed the actual treatment generally often takes no more than 30 minutes.

No matter who you are, electrolysis for permanent hair removal and minor skin blemish removal is for you.

For more information on these and other treatments available please visit

www.praestantiaaesthetics.co.uk 5A Stand Lane Radcliffe M26 1NW Appointment Only

Tel: 0161 724 4055 / 07753871590 16

For confidential and discrete advice please contact Julie at Praestantia on 0161 724 4055 or info@praestantia aesthetics. co.uk quoting 50 Plus magazine

Book online on our website www.ellensmith.co.uk and save £10 per person

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

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.

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!

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’re off on holiday then!

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

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:

MAY 021 - M DOODR O O2R A 2022 O OOT O RCDH O C OT A CD R OR A & DAHY T O UCO R S C2H TOUR E X CURSIO 0 2 1 S www.e llensmith NS .co.u

01706 648126 for your free copy.

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

See the next two pages for a selection of our 2021 coach tours!

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A SELECTION OF OUR 2021 COACH TOURS ,

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.

18 July | 5 Days | £499

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.

01 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.

13 August | 3 Days | £349

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.

22 July | 5 Days | £499

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.

02 August | 5 Days | £439

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.

16 August | 5 Days | £389

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.

25 July | 5 Days | £459

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.

09 August | 5 Days | £399

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.

23 August | 5 Days | £439

www.ellensmith.co.uk

Call for free 2021 brochure

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MAY DOODR O O20 R21 T- M 2022 OARCH C O TO DO A C DO R COAC OR H TOO & DA U R S H TO Y EXCU 2 0 2 URS www.e llensmithRSIONS 1 .co.uk www. ww w.ell ellen ensm smith ith.co .co.u .ukk

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BATH, BRISTOL & SOMERSET RAILWAY

BEAUTIFUL DARTMOOR IN AUTUMN

Overview: Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel is the city centre of Bristol. All the comfortable bedrooms are en-suite and are equipped with TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

The hotel offers a restaurant and lounge bar. Lift.

Overview: Set at the base of Haytor on Dartmoor The Moorland Hotel boasts 11 acres of landscaped grounds, paddock and woodland. Wild ponies are often found grazing nearby and open expanse of the moor provides breath-taking views.

Doubletree by Hilton

26 August | 5 Days | £539

THE BEAUTIFUL ISLE OF MAN IN AUTUMN 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. It is dominated

by Snaefell Mountain, rising to over 2000ft. The island is well away from it all yet so close to home and it’s where the life is simple and undemanding, the pace easy and relaxed, a fabulous destination to enjoy that well deserving break.

17 September | 5 Days | £469

BOURNEMOUTH 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.

04 October | 5 Days | £319

INTERESTED?

The Moorland Hotel

13 September | 5 Days | £429

BLACKPOOL & ILLUMINATIONS The Doric Hotel

Overview: A holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and recharged - even if you’re on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it’s the resort’s infectious zest for life. Or maybe it’s just that, uniquely, whatever your routine Blackpool can offer a perfect break from it.

13 September | 5 Days | £299

SCARBOROUGH

ORKNEY & THE CASTLE OF MEY

Overview: Scarborough enjoys an unrivalled position as one of Britain’s premier coastal resorts yet also lies tantalisingly close to North Yorkshire’s rugged National Park. On these holidays you can enjoy the golden beaches, superb parks and gardens and a wide range of leisure amenities which have given Scarborough its justifiable reputation, as well as the natural beauty and historical heritage of Yorkshire.

Overview: Discover the hidden gems of this magical and mystical region of Scotland, with awe-inspiring visits to Orkney and The Castle of Mey.

Park Manor Hotel

19 September | 5 Days | £439

LOOE, CORNWALL - AUTUMN BREAK

Pentland Hotel

24 September | 6 Days | £599

LATE AUTUMN ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

The Portbyhan Hotel

The Trouville 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.

Overview: Boasting award-winning beaches, unspoilt and spectacular scenery and a rich historical heritage the Isle of Wight has something for everyone to enjoy. Discover picturesque villages, spectacular cliffs, sandy beaches and everything else the Isle of Wight has to offer.

04 October | 5 Days | £369

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2021 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk

11 October | 5 Days | £349

Find us on facebook (search for ellensmithtours) 19

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50 Plus Travel

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to a show of 1,200 dancing fountains, whilst the Mirage hosts an erupting volcano each evening. There are an astonishing number of shows to entertain visitors and we took in KA by Cirque de Soleil at the MGM Grand. It was a marvellous combination of acrobatics, special effects and stage manipulation that is all alleged to have cost $165 million to stage. Worth every penny in our opinion and hats off to the skill and strength of the performers.

No human creation can match nature’s own though and our helicopter ride and landing in the Grand Canyon was wow moments heaped upon wow moments. It’s an extraordinary experience to get up close and personal with even a relatively small section of a canyon that is 277 river miles long and measures a staggering 18 miles at its widest point.

USA ROAD TRIP WITH AVIS

By Steve Aldridge for Silver Travel Advisor

its Roman Forum streetscape (with a magnificent sky ceiling which mimics the sky outside), the great hall, spiral escalator, aquarium, and the animatronic Fall of Atlantis show. The Bellagio Hotel treated us

Our road trip began in Nevada, as we overcame our jet lag with a few days in Las Vegas. Sing along now, “...give ‘em the old razzle dazzle, razzle dazzle ‘em, give ‘em an act with lots of flash in it...”.

Whilst the words might come from the musical Chicago, the description pretty much defines Sin City (as Las Vegas is often known).

Yes, it’s brash and sometimes outrageous, but there’s plenty to admire and so much that is exceptionally well done. Caesars Palace has much to marvel at and we took our time to take in its treasures, particularly 20

AVIS conveniently delivered our hire car to the MGM Grand hotel (to save us travelling out to the airport pick up depot) and whilst it didn’t quite have the power of the helicopter the previous day, the Chrysler 300 packs a decent punch. Its 3.6 litre V6 would give us plenty of pulling power for the mountainous roads ahead, whilst the boot (I know they call it a trunk) could accommodate our 3 medium/large holdalls. Inside we were cosseted in leather

seated luxury, with a built-in satnav to help guide our way. We’d gone for the full package, zero excess insurance, breakdown cover etc. Preferring to know that whatever happened AVIS had us covered and no unexpected bills awaited us on return. , the road trip began and where better to test out the efficiency of the car’s air conditioning than the driest desert and hottest place in the world, Death Valley. This truly had to be one of the best drives of our life.

From the heights of Dante’s View at 5475ft we could see Mt Whitney & Badwater with spectacular views over the whole basin. This location was used in Star Wars, Episode IV, A New Hope for the view looking down on Mos Eisley (may the force be with you).

Driving down to the basin, we marvelled at the moonscape scenery of the devil’s golf course. Here we could literally hear the salt crystals popping in the heat (bit like a bowl of Rice Krispies - snap crackle pop). At the salt flats of Badwater (the lowest point in North America at 282ft below sea level) it is eerily beautiful, but a hike out into the basin at 43.4C/110F to see the salt formations (which take the shape of large polygons), left me gasping to get back to the car’s air-conditioned coolness. Perhaps the best aspect of the valley (from a driver’s perspective) is Artists Drive, a one way scenic route which shows off some of the best geological aspects of the park and had us gawping around every turn.

and some on land due to the reducing level of the lake. It’s quite a site to behold and well worth the trip out here.

Some quick driving tips for USA At crossroads (without lights) you proceed in the strict order of arrival. Takes a little getting used to but locals are very disciplined, so it works well.

Petrol (gas) stations mostly require pre-payment prior to filling.

Double check that they will give you change/refund if the car takes less than you think, particularly if you use a credit card.

We spent the night at Stovepipe Wells, within the boundary of the Death Valley National Park, relishing our day. Our accommodation was close to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (also used in Star Wars as the sand dunes of Tatooine) but otherwise in the middle of absolutely nowhere! Could our next stop have been a greater contrast? I think not! We stayed alongside June Lake, which has a scenic loop we drove around. Along the way we saw cascading waterfalls and stopped at some some truly tranquil spots alongside the various lakes (Silver, Grants) where fishermen bob about the lakes in small boats hoping to catch one THIS BIG! From there an interesting and scenic drive (with views of snowcapped mountains) took us to the south side of Mono Lake. Here the underground streams have bubbled up from below the surface for centuries and created calcium deposits called Tufas. These deposits create strange other worldly towers, some in the water

Gas prices vary greatly, the more remote your fill up, the higher (rule of thumb). Google Maps often gives you gas prices in the reviews section of the app.

For more information visit www.avisworld.com or call 0808 284 5566. Silver Travellers receive a 10% discount. Avis offer a Safety Pledge to ensure minimal contact with Covid-safe procedures at every stage. Their all-inclusive car-hire packages ensure that there are no hidden extras and fully transparent pricing.

At R. Allen we specialise in retailing comfortable footwear, from a range of carefully selected manufacturers, designed around giving your feet the comfort that they deserve.

T: 01204 776544 | www.rallenfootwear.com | 66-68 Newport Street, BL1 1PE CORP S SHIFTED 2COLOR LOGO FILE NAME

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

OUR VERY SPECIAL DAME FEW actors or actresses at 86 enjoy the public acclaim and sheer affection in this country that Dame Judi Dench does.

Yet, every new film - including her latest Six Minutes to Midnight - stage appearance or TV role is greeted with an outpouring of genuine interest and expectation from her thousands of fans Perhaps that’s not so surprising when you consider her variety of roles runs from Sally Bowles to Queen Victoria. Nor that she has won a record-breaking number of awards and nominations which continue today.

But not everything always ran so smoothly for the young Miss Dench.

Born in York and a doctor’s daughter, Judi made her “acting debut” as a snail in a play at her Quaker junior school and later played an angel in one of the York Mystery Plays.

However, she wanted to study theatre design so went to art school but switched to a course at London’s Central School of

22

Speech and Drama when she realised that, actually, she preferred to be on stage rather than designing stage sets. Here, she was in the same class as Vanessa Redgrave.

She made her professional debut in Liverpool before going on to the Old Vic in 1957.

Hall persisted and she won rave reviews from both theatre critics and TV audiences.

Interestingly, since then she has played virtually all of Shakespeare’s leading ladies and won an Oscar for her brief, although pivotal, role in the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love.

At her first film audition, she was told “Miss Dench, you have every single thing wrong with your face.” This unusual perception, though, did not either harm her future film career nor stop her from becoming a favourite of Director Peter Hall at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

She has also won many plaudits over the years for her Shakespearian roles. In 2004, an opinion poll of the Royal Shakespeare Company voted Dench’s performance as Lady Macbeth in Trevor Nunn’s 1976 production of Macbeth as the second greatest Shakespearean performance of all time. Only Paul Schofield’s masterful King Lear was ranked higher.

He asked Judi to play the title role in a staged, and then later televised, production of Cleopatra. The self-effacing, 5’ 1” Dench refused, insisting that her Cleopatra would be a “menopausal dwarf.”

Although known internationally for her acting, early in her career she starred in musical theatre. She created the role of Sally Bowles in the London premiers of

the musical Cabaret and was cast to play Grizabella in the original West End production of CATS but tore her Achilles Tendon and was forced to quit the show.

Elaine Paige replaced her.

Judi Dench’s skill is not only her reliability as trusted actress but also her chameleon quality. Although she has always specialised in playing dignified, strong-willed women, she has an equally light hand at comedy.

She was a genuinely funny Madame Arcati in this year’s re-make of the film Blithe Spirit and her highly recognisable warm tones have made her a popular voiceover choice for everything from children’s programmes to video games.

As well as a much-respected stage star, she is a TV favourite. Judi is a 10-time BAFTA winner including Best Actress in a Comedy Series for A Fine Romance in 1981, in which she appeared with her husband Michael Williams.

beginning and end of the film. They did the same with M in Skyfall in 2012, all adding to Dench’s international reputation and star stature.

Film-makers always saw her as bringing a special gravitas to a production, and she has always chosen well in her roles.

But it is probably in films that she has proved the greatest influence. Although she had made several films prior to making Mrs Brown with Billy Connelly in 1997, it’s fair to say that this was her breakthrough movie as a film actress.

She won her first Oscar nomination as the doughty monarch - and Hollywood began taking real notice of her.

When she won an Oscar the following year for Shakespeare in Love, the producers of the Bond franchise gave her character M a much larger role in GoldenEye. This was one central to the film’s plot rather than just bookend scenes at the

She has been in several films which were nominated for Best Picture Oscar including A Room With A View (1985), Chocolat (2000) and Philomena (2013).

She has played St Joan, Sybil Thorndike, Mistress Quickly and Titania but her wonderful acting skills have been equally evident as Evelyn Greenslade in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2012 and the delightful TV series Cranford as gentlehearted Miss Matty.

She is a life-long animal-lover and a strong matriarchal figure in real-life. She has a daughter, Finty Williams, and one grandson Sam. Judi had a long and happy marriage to Michael Williams before his death in 2001. “We were just happy to be in the same room together,” she has recalled.

Her only regret was that “I didn’t have more children.”

Her life has been full and rewarding in many ways so far, though. She was awarded an OBE in 1970, and a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1988 for her services to drama.

Judi has never been known to brag about her undoubted acting skills. “I don’t think anybody can be told how to act,” she explained. “I think you can give advice.

But you have to find your own way through it.”

In spite of all her personal achievements, she is also pragmatic about her acting success. “The passion doesn’t lessen over time but you get more anxious,” she has stated.

You’re only as good as the last thing you did. But that anxiety feeds what you’re doing. It gives you energy. It’s very much part of me.

And whatever drives Judi Dench, we just want her to carry on doing it for a long time to come.

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LEGAL

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

ENSURE YOUR HEALTH AND WELFARE WITH A POWER OF ATTORNEY The issue of care and welfare is gaining more and more coverage in the media. It’s not surprising really as there are more of us living well in to old age. Not only that, mental health and wellbeing is high on the social agenda.

The subject presents a thorny question; how will you be looked after if anything happens to you? If you’re diagnosed with a degenerative mental condition, such as dementia what will you do? If you need care because you’ve been involved in an accident that’s left you mentally unable to cope on your own, or if you simply need more help as you age, whether that be at home or in a residential care facility, how 24

will you ensure you’re wellbeing is taken care of?

Judith Bromley Russell & Russell

From a legal perspective, there’s a simple answer: a Lasting Power of Attorney. This is a legal document which allows a person (the donor) to select another person, or persons, to act on their behalf if they can no longer do it for themselves.

for you) the authority to make decisions about your lifestyle. This includes any medication you may need, where you live, what you eat and even whether you’re given life sustaining treatment or not.

There are two types of power of attorney; property and financial affairs which gives someone of your choosing the authority to make decisions about your money and assets – paying bills, collecting benefits, selling your home – and a health and welfare Power of Attorney. This gives an attorney (the person you selected to act

Health and Welfare Power of Attorneys are increasingly being taken up because many care homes are asking for them now. Even if people are receiving care at home, more local authorities are seeking confirmation that there is one in place and who has the authority to deal with the council on the donor’s behalf.

Before a Power of Attorney to be implemented it has to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.Your solicitor will do this for you. Once set up and registered, a Health and Welfare Power of Attorney can only be activated at a time when you’ve lost mental capacity.

The advantage of setting up a Power of Attorney is that it gives you options. Perhaps the most important one is that it allows you to choose who you want to look after you rather who the state thinks should act for you.

You can appoint as many attorneys as you like who can make decisions for you collectively or you can give individuals authority on specific matters. Although your attorney has as much decision making power as you, you can limit their complete control if you have concerns.Your solicitor will be able to discuss this with you.

When it comes to choosing an attorney, you should think about how well the person looks after their own affairs.

Are they good with money, do they make foolish or rash decisions? Do you know the person well and, more importantly, do you trust them to make decisions in your best interests? After all, they’re likely to be making what could be some very important decisions on your behalf.

For a Health and Welfare Power of Attorney, you can choose anyone over the age of 18. The usual choices are a spouse or relative.You can also appoint a friend to the task or even your solicitor. If, for any reason, your attorney is unable or unwilling to act for you, you can stipulate a replacement.

Finally, a Power of Attorney gives you peace of mind.

Putting one in place ensures that there’ll be someone on hand who can manage you affairs if you can’t.

If you choose not to set up a Power of Attorney and you need someone to act for you, your family will have to apply for a Deputyship with the Court of Protection. The problem with this is that it’s a costly and time consuming process (around six months) during which time the Court will decide what happens to you, not your loved ones.

There’s also the risk that the Court will appoint a Deputy which may not be a family member or a person you would have chosen. While all this is being sorted out, your assets will be frozen which could mean your loved ones end up paying for your care, medication and any other expense you need until the Deputy has been appointed.

If you’re interested in setting up a health and Welfare Power of Attorney, Russell & Russell offers a free no obligation consultation to discuss your circumstances and needs. russellrussell.co.uk

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A SAFE AND RELAXING HOLIDAY: 4 TIPS TO ENJOY A UK CAMPING WEEKEND THIS SUMMER The vaccine rollout has given many people over 50 the freedom and confidence to return to travelling. However, not everyone feels comfortable boarding a plane and dealing with local Covid-19 restrictions in their holiday destination.

If you have always been on the cautious side, you might not want to fly abroad just to deal with a sudden lockdown! And, with 4 in 5 Brits deciding to enjoy the beauty of their country in 2021, you are certainly not the only one! But there is nothing to worry about! The UK is dotted with beautiful sights, great walks, and breathtaking views - most of which are likely to be within a few hours’ drive from your doorstep!

With the right tips, you can start planning for a safe, relaxing, and highly comfortable staycation!

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Explore Nearby Locations

When it comes down to exploring the UK, there is no need to travel far. Anywhere you are, there is likely to be an attraction or place of natural beauty not too far from your home. And,

working to live and give

you can always find something that fits your preferences.You can opt for a fishing weekend, a few romantic nights away in a log cabin, or an exciting afternoon spent discovering one of the country’s historical cities. If you aren’t comfortable driving for hours, you might consider checking out some of the best nearby destinations, including Devon, Cornwall, Cumbia, or the Scottish Highlands!

Try Glamping

Camping weekends are a dream for some travelers. But not everyone is as happy staying in a small tent, sharing toilet facilities, and sleeping on an inflatable mattress! After all, this is your holiday, and you should do everything you can to ensure that it is comfortable and relaxing. For this, glamping might be a great solution! Not only you can enjoy luxurious accommodation, but you can also make the most out of your time in nature while also looking after your health!

Meet new people & learn new skills

Volunteer Today

Get in All the Right Clubs

The UK has always had excellent camping, caravanning, and touring culture - but there’s no doubt that the pandemic has caused more and more people to take an interest in this kind of holiday! Thanks to such a thriving community, today, you can count on an endless number of clubs that won’t only grant you exclusive discounts but will also offer you all the support you need. From BritStops to the Camping And Caravanning Club, you explore the beauty of the UK in total relaxation - and on a budget!

Test It Out With a Used Vehicle

If this is your first time enjoying life on the road, you are probably not ready to invest in a luxury camper van. Instead, you might look for ways to keep the costs low and find out whether this kind of staycation is the right one for you. Luckily, you don’t necessarily need to stay in a small tent to keep the costs down! Start searching “car to find the best deals on used vehicles that can get you anywhere around the UK - from cars that can hold a roof tent to larger vans ready to be converted!

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering can help you meet new people, learn new skills and even feel happier and healthier. If you are looking to get back into work, volunteering can be a great way to build your CV. Give us a call to hear about the volunteering opportunities we have at Emmaus Bolton.

working to live and give Come and join our great team!

Ask for more details on 01204 398056 or email info@emmausbolton.org.uk 27

with outlets in Heywood, Bury, Buxton & Leeds

Helping to Create Beautiful Homes A message from Karen Simpson…

Click + Collect Now Available from all Outlets!

Hello there!

Well, we are already into Summer and things are beginning to look much brighter.

Here at Simpsons, we’ve been working hard to grow our business by having something new to offer all our customers.

We’ve sourced some new and exciting products and have even more coming through in the months ahead. We have also brought in some new suppliers for suites and chairs so lots to check out in our Heywood showroom. Our outlet in Bury Market will remain focused on suites and Lift & Tilt chairs with new arrivals on a weekly basis.

Our outlet within the Springs Shopping Centre in Buxton is thriving, and we are still going ahead with our plans for expansion with a permanent location in the town, while our new outlet in Leeds Kirkgate Market has been exceptionally well received. We are thrilled to see how these grow once people are out and about again.

Showroom

Find our showroom at: 7 Church Place, Heywood, OL10 1LT (opposite the Civic Centre)

www.simpsonfurnitureuk.com 28

We believe you can’t beat the traditional shopping experience where you walk into a shop and see a myriad of things you just never knew existed; where you’re welcomed and greeted with a smile; where you can have a chat and a browse without feeling pressured – and that’s the experience we aim to provide within all our outlets. Even better, pop in and see us at one of our outlets… come in as a stranger and leave as a friend!

We make it our mission to support the local communities by developing a motivated and skilled workforce. Through the apprenticeship scheme, we’ve hired some young and local talent to help assist our growing business.

We’ve also invested significantly in developing our Online and Social Media presence during the past year and we are thrilled to say that this is now a significant part of our business. Click & Collect has proved a winner for us. Shopping online is convenient and is an essential element of any successful business in this day and age, and we would like to invite you to have a look at www.simpsonfurnitureuk.com the next time you are browsing the web.

Consistent range of NEW chairs, suites & accessories.

It’s our fantastic team here at Simpsons, and our amazing customers old and new, who have enabled us to plot the course we are on and I will never get tired of thanking you all. You are amazing and we couldn’t do it without you.

Your comments and reviews are amazing and genuinely keep our confidence up. For us, reviews are less about ‘rankings’. They are the feel-good factor that warms our hearts and tell us we are doing a good job, and when the chips are down, these help so much to boost morale. So, for all those who have taken the time to say how much you appreciate the service you’ve received, we thank you.

It means a lot.

I’m sure that 2021 will continue to have its challenges but here at Simpsons we are as primed and ready as we can be… so bring it on! Look forward to seeing you soon. Best wishes from me and all the team.

Vicar Street, Leeds, LS2 7JG

Leeds

01706 368628

Springs Shopping Centre, Buxton, SK17 6DF

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both stylish and practical so do have a look at what’s available.

The first thing that visitors see when they get inside your home is often the STAIRS. If your stair carpet is looking a bit shabby, and this coincides with your hall flooring needing updating, why not consider stripping the whole area back to the wood and sanding and wood-staining it?

An eye-catching stair-runner can show off the warm wood and look very contemporary at the same time. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. Go along to your local flooring store and see what’s on offer.

IMPROVE YOUR HOME IF we’re not thinking of moving these days we’re apparently indulging in altering our homes – sometimes minimally but sometimes dramatically.

It’s mostly the knock-on effect of lockdown and being at home so much more. Many of us have realised the shortcomings of where we live and are determined to do something about it.

We’ve probably also saved some money by not going out and not spending much all those months so there may well be a budget for home improvements, if not for moving home completely.

If this seems too dramatic, though, too life-changing – or you’ve simply not got the money currently to spend large amounts on either moving house or a major home alteration – there are things you can do that won’t cost as much.

In fact, you may opt for a mixture of affording a couple of more expensive changes and doing a few clever fixes of your own.

On the simplest level, giving your home a fresh coat of PAINT can make any space – inside or out – cleaner, brighter and more modern.

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You may want to be fairly modest in the colours you choose to paint the outside of your home but a splash of colour on your front-door can prove really eye-catching.

You might even want to invest in a new front-door. After all, it’s the first thing that greets visitors and doors today are

If your hallway is rather dark, use bright paint again to lighten it and invest in a large mirror to reflect light and open it up. Charity shops are great places for large mirrors at really pleasing prices – and you get the satisfaction of helping a charity as well.

Is your LOUNGE looking in need of a revamp? Whether you have a bare chimney breast where a fireplace used to be or not, consider installing one. It can provide a focal point for the room instead of the TV. You can pick up old fireplaces at car boots and antique shops, perhaps along with a handsome fire grate if you like that style.

It’s mostly the knock-on effect of lockdown and being at home so much

plants are easy examples, but it also includes using wood is its most natural form, rather than painting it and altering it to the point that its natural origins can barely be seen.

Wood is an amazing material and several studies in different countries have shown that the presence of nature can have a stressreducing effect. Fresh flowers have also been shown to have a notable positive impact on wellbeing and mood and adding flowers to indoor spaces has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety.

more. Many of us have realised the shortcomings of where we live and are determined to do something about it.

At Full Circle we have wooden floors, use natural pine furniture as much as possible and we use tactile displays of driftwood, pinecones, chestnuts, dried flowers, and wall wreaths made from all kinds of natural products. Our blinds and rugs are natural tones and made from natural materials such as linen and cotton. Some of this can be Theincluded first thinginthat seeeven when theychanges any visitors space and small get inside your home is often the STAIRS. can have a meaningful impact on the sense of If your stairand carpet is looking a bit shabby, nature, on how we feel. and this coincides with your hall flooring

We’ve probably also saved some money by not going out and not spending much all those months so there may well be a budget for home improvements, if not for moving home completely.

needing updating, why not consider stripping the whole area back to the wood and sanding and wood-staining it?

An eye-catching stair-runner can show off the warm wood and look very contemporary at the same time. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. Go along to your local flooring store and see what’s on offer.

If your hallway is rather dark, use bright paint again to lighten it and invest in a large mirror to reflect light and open it Patterns up. Charity shops are great places for large There is so much pleasing choice ifprices we want to you mirrors at really – and include natural patterns and textures get the satisfaction of helping a charity as inside. For example, at Full Circle we have well. wallpaper with large birch trees and you can findLOUNGE an abundance of flowers, Is your looking in needanimals, of a refoliage, and shell patterns in all the elements vamp? Whether you have a bare chimney required to decorate an indoor space. When breast where a fireplace used to be or not, you are next choosing a lampshade, rug, consider installing one. It can provide a blanket or even a notebook – choosing a focal point for the of thea TV. pattern inspired by room natureinstead could have

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If this seems too dramatic, though, too lifechanging – or you’ve simply not got the money currently to spend large amounts on either moving house or a major home alteration – there are things you can do that won’t cost as much.

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You might even want to invest in a new front-door. After all, it’s the first thing that greets visitors and doors today are both stylish and practical so do have a look at what’s available.

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In fact, you may opt for a mixture of affording a couple of more expensive changes and doing a few clever fixes of your own.

On the simplest level, giving your home a fresh coat of PAINT can make any space – inside or out – cleaner, brighter and more modern.

small conn

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look on this as an enjoyable challenge but it’s worthwhile getting a professional upholsterer in for the job.

Alternatively, there are several well-known companies that have a wide range of bespoke covers to specifically fit your sofa or comfy chairs. Just having new covers, or even throes in a rich or modern fabric, can make a real difference to the whole room.

Again, consider your flooring here and think about the original wood, if your floorboards are suitable. Glowing floors and cosy rugs in a lounge can give it a new lease of life.

You can pick up old fireplaces at car boots and antique shops, perhaps along with a handsome fire grate if you like that style.

If you want something more modern, today’s fireplaces come in a huge variety of styles – including traditional ones to match the décor on older houses so it’s definitely worth having a look around.

Your O may be past its best and need replacing and, if you are going to invest in one or two new items, this is certainly one that is well worth it.

If, though, you’ve got an older or vintage sofa in good condition that just looks a bit sad or the coverings are threadbare, consider re-covering it.

Clever needlewomen (and men) may

Decorating here with a mixture of plain and wallpapered walls can also make your home feel up-to-date. Contemporary wallpaper comes in all kinds of patterns and textures for plenty of choices and can make a room more interesting.

Creating your own shelving for recesses is also both satisfying and cost-effective.

Invest in a couple of new pictures to help alter the look of your lounge. Group family photos on a wall and look around for pictures with interesting frames to enhance the room.

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HOW TO SAVE THE BEES Brits have been advised on how to protect buzzing bees in order to avoid having to splash out billions to fill the gap in our fragile ecosystem in years to come.

Horticulture specialists at LazyFlora.com have compiled a bee-saving guide which encourages green-fingered homeowners to do their part in protecting these important flying insects.

The world has seen a slow but steady decline in the number of bees since the 1990s due to the widespread use of toxic pesticides, which can’t differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ insects.

Climate change has also dealt a devastating blow to the global bee population, as some species don’t cope well with very hot temperatures – they literally overheat.

But as a third of all consumed food is dependent on bees and other pollinating bugs, they play a vital role in our ecosystem.

The alternative is pollinating by hand, which is an arduous and expensive task.

This would also inevitably lead to a surge in food costs.

Fortunately, we can all be doing our part to help cultivate the population of bees.

We’ve listed some of our favourite tips below.

Avoid pesticides: The majority of insects are not harmful and there is no place for industrial chemicals in the garden, as some pesticides will remain embedded into the soil affecting other wildlife in the long term.

Green fingered Brits should always be wary of using the toxins even for casual use, unless absolutely necessary.

Prioritise plants for pollinators: Certain plants are much more likely to attract bees to the garden, so do some research before you plant to find the perfect match. Lavender, oregano and basil all produce lots of nectar and will be covered in happy, hungry bees.

Alternatively, reserve a portion of your garden for a wildflower ‘meadow’ or dedicate an area of lawn to native wildflowers only, as this is ideal habitat for pollinators.

We sell Recycled Furniture and Handmade Furnishings all at Very Competitive Prices.

We can also upcycle furniture to order in colours to suit your home.

Plant fruit trees: Fruit trees are often the first source of pollen that appears each year, providing a rich source of high-quality pollen for bees.

Do not weed: Weeds can be a nuisance however they do have their purpose. Plants such as dandelions are a brilliant source of food for bees when other food is scarce, especially in early spring as there is only a limited range of sources available.

Quench thirst: Even those with limited space can do their part by installing a small water basin for bees to satisfy thirst during the heights of summer. Just remember to add a couple of stones and floating objects such as a cork so the bees don’t drown.

Keep the bees: For Brits who really want to invest in saving bees, they could look at picking up a new hobby – beekeeping. Do plenty of research and ensure preparation is done beforehand. Give bees a home and produce organic and locally made honey for all to enjoy.

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK : 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 We only accept card payments.

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Bamboo: Use a bamboo fence to block unwanted views; Stone lanterns: Shaped like pagodas for added character.

Plant choice Bamboo and conifers provide a yearround evergreen backdrop as do Japanese azaleas, which give added value with vibrant coloured flowers. Alongside grass Ophiopogon japonicus consider Nepeta subsessilis (Japanese catmint) with flowers in blue, pink or white.

GET THE GARDEN LOOK

To represent the different seasons use a cherry tree like Prunus ‘Kojo-no-mai’ for its wonderful spring blossom. And no Japanese garden is complete without the dazzling foliage of a maple like Acer Palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ in autumn.

Plant choice should include trees and shrubs like Buxus Sempervirens (box) and Taxus baccata (yew) that can be pruned in true Japanese fashion to represent cloud shapes and the natural world.

SEARCHING FOR GARDEN DESIGN INSPIRATION? GARDENING WRITER JULIA HEATON, LOOKS AT FOUR DISTINCT STYLES AND HOW TO CREATE THEM IN YOUR OWN OUTDOOR SPACE. Landscaping elements: A water feature: To symbolise renewal.

The sound of trickling water or the stillness of a reflection pool has a calming, natural appeal to the senses; An area of grey gravel or sand: Use a rake to create the pattern of flowing water and rocks to represent the natural world of mountains or islands rising out of it; Japanese style Take inspiration from larger gardens open to the public. Red is an iconic element of Japanese design. This is all about creating a tranquil space for meditation and contemplation, where you can feel closer to nature. Minimalism is key so that all the style elements have space to shine.

Evergreens in different shades of green and a few choice plants help to re-enforce the calming atmosphere as does having only one plant at a time in flower. The idea is that the beauty of each can then be enjoyed alone.

Bridges: Crossing the gravel stream or a pond and painted red to represent wisdom and transformation; Pagoda: Used as outdoor temples in traditional Japanese gardens, these are ideal spots from where to view the garden; Winding stepping stone pathways: To represent the journey through life; Gates: Symbolise a threshold, to give the sense there’s something to discover on the other side;

Mediterranean style The Alhambra Palace garden in Spain incorporates many of the classic elements of a Mediterranean garden. The rustic charm of a Mediterranean garden will conjure up holiday memories of sunny days and warm balmy nights. At its heart is scented, colourful planting and an informal atmosphere for outdoor dining with friends and family. This style has the added bonus of being low maintenance, leaving more time to unwind and enjoy.

Landscaping elements: Gravel and paving: Replace a high maintenance lawn with gravel pathways 35

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and use paving stones in warm terracotta tones to create seating areas. Gravel keeps weeds down and conserves moisture.

Plant through it at irregular intervals for a relaxed feel and soften hard-edged paving with ground cover plants; Pots: Arrange groups of plants in terracotta pots and use a Grecian urn to make a statement focal point; Shady spaces: Fragrant climbing plants on a pergola give shade from the sun and protection on a cold windy day. Place weathered wooden tables and benches underneath for dining; Water feature: Add a small stone fountain or a trough; Mosaic tiles: These add a splash of colour and pattern to dull walls and steps; Cooking area: A purpose built barbecue or pizza oven is an outdoor living essential; Plant choice Clipped box hedging (Buxus sempervirens) adds structure and height and can be used to define one space from another. It’s also evergreen as is slender, conical shaped conifer Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’. Use this either side of a gateway or at intervals along a path.

For gorgeous wafts of perfume around your pergola choose white flowered climber jasmine (Jasminum officinale).

Climbing roses and a grape vine are pretty special too.

Plant lavender and rosemary along pathways and they’ll give off a wonderful aroma as you brush past. And nothing says Mediterranean more than a lemon tree or bougainvillea, although these will need to be in a pot and moved to a conservatory or greenhouse for winter.

Other plants for that authentic sunny look are: geraniums; low maintenance agapanthus; succulents like sempervivums to soften paving and grasses like Festuca glauca with its blue/green foliage. For a frost hardy tree go for an olive in a pot.

Keep in mind that many Mediterranean plants like this are drought tolerant so you need to provide them with well-drained soil.

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Cottage Garden A cottage garden can be created in any size space. This natural, informal, look doesn’t require a lawn and the dense, colourful planting is a mix of ornamentals and edibles that has no rules. Traditional materials and vintage repurposed items like planted-up wheelbarrows and barrels turned into water features complete the look.

Landscaping elements: Fencing: A picket fence to contain overflowing planting in the front garden is the ultimate in kerb appeal. Use it in the back garden to give spaces, like a veggie patch, their own identity. Go really rustic with woven hazel or willow fencing; Pathways: Whether gravel, reclaimed brick, bark or cobbles, keep pathways winding and simple. Let planting cascade onto them as they meander to a point of interest; Obelisks, gazebos, arbours and pergolas: These structures add height, are attractive and provide support to scented climbers like honeysuckle; Ornaments: Rising out of the planting a strategically placed birdbath, sundial or statue provides a focal point and contrast to the lively planting; Planting style Deep borders, overflowing with a mix of perennials, annuals, edibles bulbs and shrubs in a variety of colours, foliage

textures and fragrance. Repeat plants around the plot to form natural drifts of colour and to visually tie the theme together.

Cottage style is famed for tall spires of plants like delphiniums, hollyhocks and lupins. Another way of adding height is with sweet peas, which will clamber up an obelisk or wooden wigwam to explode in a profusion of colour. And when it comes to walls, you can’t go wrong with clematis and wisteria or a climbing rose. In fact any type of rose is a must-have.

Leave seed heads of plants like allium, rudbeckia and echinops to form and provide structure in the colder months.

And use self-seeding plants like aquilegias, Verbena bonariensis, erigeron, nigella and foxgloves that will naturally develop the planting scheme for you.

Don’t forget to plant up bulbs for spring interest. And remember, there’s no right or wrong place to grow edibles, so you’re free to plant fruit, herbs and veg where you like, even if that’s alongside pathways.

Coastal inspired Even if you live miles inland, there’s no reason why you can’t recreate a coastal garden. Simply plant where you like for a fun, laid back seaside vibe.

Landscape elements: Gravel and shingle: Replicate the beach by laying weed suppressant material on top of your soil, planting through it and adding a top layer of gravel or shingle;

Shells and pebbles: Use crushed shells as a mulch around plants in pots. Write the names of plants on larger shells and use them as plant markers and dot different sized pebbles in amongst the gravel/shingle surface to add texture and interest; Decking and sleepers: Arrange sleepers at intervals into gravel to form an unstructured pathway and lay decking to provide a surface for outdoor entertaining; Weathered timber: Stand a variety of lengths on end in a row to represent breakwaters; Find and repurpose: Hunt down seaside artefacts in junk shops.

Items like fishing nets, lobster pots and glass fisherman’s floats look striking against shingle;

OPENING TIMES MONDAY-FRIDAY 8.30AM-5.00PM SATURDAY 10.00AM-4.00PM Driftwood: Makes a lovely structural focal point and can also be bought on-line; Seating: Hammocks are fun and sum up the theme perfectly as does a classic deck chair;

Imitate grasses found on sand dunes. Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is an ideal evergreen and feather reed-grass calamagrostis has lovely golden seedheads that last into winter. And for the look of seaweed Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ is ideal amongst a group of pebbles. Choose different textures in muted colours, planting clumps at intervals to form drifts of the same grass.

Colour: Pale grey or white painted walls, buildings, fences and any other structures mirror the weathered seaside look. Go for a universal paint that can be used on all surfaces;

Away from the rolling grasses the architectural shapes of the cabbage palm (Cordyline australis) and trachycarpus will form an evergreen backdrop. Contrast them with the frilly silver/green foliage of sea kale (Crambe maritima).

Planting style Look to perennials like sea holly (eryngium), euphorbia, sedum and scabiosa. Prickly, purple coned sea holly adds texture to a planting scheme and loves full sun.

This is the ideal space for rock plants like thrift (Armeria maritima), an evergreen with brilliant pink flowers, the fragrant dianthus and daisy-like flowers of fleabane (erigeron).

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Brighten up your garden Eco-friendly gardening

Sustainable Gardening means gardening in a smart and eco-friendly way. It’s all about giving back to mother nature by using organic growing methods so you use less chemicals and adopt more greener alternatives when you’re gardening. Food produced in a sustainable garden is rich in terms of both nutrients and taste!

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Keep the weather in mind by designing in spaces for shade and rain like a pergola, clad in climbing plants, or a summer house.

Alternatively, a gazebo with a plastic corrugated roof will take the guesswork out of what the weather will do. Or go for a more permanent one that fits against the house and incorporates polycarbonate or glass roofing.

Light the way Fairy lights always have a magical look in the evening. Team these with spotlights angled on focal points like statues or particular plants. Place up lights amongst the foliage to create mood lighting and torch lights on spikes in the borders and at the garden gate. A water feature incorporating a light is a point of difference, while hurricane lamps are purpose-made for the table.

IT’S A WAY OF LIFE Garden writer Julia Heaton has design inspiration and planting ideas to suit the way you live.

It’s so important to choose a garden design to match your lifestyle.

There’s nothing more disheartening than not having the time to care for a courtyard garden full of high maintenance pots. And what’s the point of having numerous borders to dig if you find it physically demanding and would prefer to potter around raised beds? The trick is to treat your outdoor space in the same way you would when configuring a room indoors. Think about how you live and what purpose you want the space to serve. Get it right and it really will be an extension of your home.

Scented planting Gorgeous wafts of perfume add to the ambiance of a gathering.

Introduce fragranced plants around seating areas and opt for some that are renowned for releasing their scent in the evenings.

Oenothera biennis, (common evening primrose) will be a talking point as it opens its flowers at dusk and hardy annual Mattihola longipetala (night-scented stock) is good for the front of a south or west-facing border where it will flower from April to September.

Cooking area The area you devote to this will depend on whether you just want to throw the odd barbecue or go all out to replicate your indoor kitchen. Consider whether you want storage to keep kitchen accessories. Do you need wired lighting or will solar be fine? Most importantly, what fuel will you be using to cook with as this will also have a bearing on where you’ll position your kitchen in relation to neighbouring properties.

Outside bar Whether a simple wall-mounted, drop-down surface made from pallets or a gazebo-covered counter, this creates another space where people can gather. Where you site it needs consideration. Keep it as a simple surface outside the kitchen window, where drinks can be served directly from the fridge. Alternatively, it could be an extension to the cooking area, where food prep can also take place.

Or, if your garden enjoys a good view, then position it over-looking the scenery.

Here’s some different garden styles to fit the way you live.

Garden for relaxation and well-being Landscaping and plant colours A winding path will encourage you to walk it and forget the outside world. If it can be circular, so that you don’t have to retrace your steps, then even better. Along the way introduce features that appeal to the senses.You may want this to be a feast for the eyes in the shape of a sculpture you love or some fragrant planting. Pale, weathered brick pavers set against pale cream painted fencing have a natural, easy-on-the- eye look. Use a planting palette of whites to echo this with green and hints of pastels like lilacs and mauves.

A garden for entertaining Seating zones Give guests the opportunity to form clusters. Use a mix of classic garden furniture, fold-away seats and surfaces built into raised beds. This allows you to keep the dining table as the main event and people to mingle. Make your primary seating area a space that can be used throughout the year by including an outdoor fireplace and seating that can store outdoor rugs and soft cosy blankets.

Set out seating Introduce seating areas along the path – a bench or maybe even a swing seat – where you can break the journey and appreciate your surroundings. The aim is to interact with the space, to concentrate on what’s in front of you as you walk or sit and let any thoughts of the world outside drift away. For taking in that view make sure the seating is comfortable enough for you to linger and has some gorgeous fragrant planting close by, inviting you to stay longer as 39

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yards. Salvage yards are good places for paving or edging tiles. Reuse any concrete slabs, bricks etc. of your own or look up the nearest freecycle group (www.freecycle.org) where local people save items from landfill by giving and receiving them for free.

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Planting choice Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’) is fragrant and popular with pollinators. Also look to ornamental grasses like Briza maxima and panicum along with bamboos, which sound wonderful as they rustle in the breeze. Chamomile, amongst paving and around a seating area, is evergreen and gives off a heady fragrance when touched. Other sweet-smelling growers are jasmine, honeysuckle and roses.

Ammi majus, an annual, cow parsley lookalike and Verbena bonariensis, are both willowy and lovely border fillers. And to help block out sound go for the evergreen structure of white flowered shrub Fatsia japonica and laurel Prunus Laurocerasus ‘Genolia’. Others that will fit the bill include scabious, cosmos, michealmas daisy, lilac phlox and white guara.

Eco-friendly garden Re-purposing and recycled materials Start with items around the house. For instance, an old washing-up bowl makes a great mini pond, or hunt down old zinc baths and Belfast sinks for planting up.You can also buy planters made of recycled materials like tyres and garden furniture from recycled plastic and hemp fibres; Pavers are now made from recycled materials that are permeable.

Reduce the carbon footprint of your buys Buy items made from locally sourced materials wherever possible, searching out boot sales, junk shops and reclamation

Grow native Wildflowers native to where you live have adapted naturally so the soil already contains all the nutrients plants need.

Most are drought resistant, so require less need for watering, and tend to be more resistant to pests than non-natives.

Importantly they link the garden to its wildlife and the surrounding countryside so they support each other.

Plant to eat Whether a native fruit tree, one raised bed or large veg patch, there’s nothing quite like the taste of home-grown food.

It not only reduces environmental impact but also saves money too.

Provide for wildlife Go for plants with single, open flowers, that will provide pollen and nectar for as long a season as possible. And investigate how to make homemade shelters and places to nest.

Waste not want not Make the most of everything. This means using water butts to capture rainwater, creating a compost heap from items like lawn clippings, teabags and bits of corrugated cardboard.You can also make leaf mould to use as a soil conditioner.

Add water Any size of water feature is going to be beneficial to wildlife. Ponds will provide a place to drink and bathe but if space is really limited then even making your own birdbath from a shallow, watertight bowl, will help.

Conserve water Sprinklers and hose pipes can cause a lot of water to be wasted so focus attention on getting it straight to where it’s needed – the plant roots. An automated drip system can do this and can be attached to a water butt to help save even more water. If yours is a container garden then go for large recycled plastic pots as these will hold moisture for longer than terracotta. It’s also a good idea to add a mulch around plants in pots and borders.

Organic mulches like wood chips, straw and your own grass clippings or dried shredded leaves.

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EIGHT TOXIC PLANTS TO KEEP AWAY FROM PETS Pet owners are being warned about deadly, toxic, and harmful plants commonly found in the garden.The experts at Lazy Flora, a plant subscription site, have revealed a list of things growing in gardens, that need removing when curious pets are around.

Safety at home for pets to be able to roam freely is paramount. Peckish pets put in a scenario with lethal berries and leaves will increase the risk of accidental poisoning.

Larkspur

Foxglove

Rhubarb

Lily of the Valley

Oleander

Tulip and hyacinth bulbs

Lantana flowers

Deadly nightshade

Larkspur Belonging to the buttercup family, Larkspur is a flowering plant that is grown for its graceful, vividly coloured blossoms.

This plant is low maintenance, making it a favourite among newbie gardeners.

However, all parts of the Larkspur plant are toxic to pets, with the leaves and seeds containing the highest levels of alkaloids.

These alkaloids are toxic and can cause vomiting, nausea, painful burns in the mouth and a slow heartbeat.

Foxglove These pretty bell-like blossoms add a bright pop of colour to the garden but watch out, as the plant is packed with toxins. Accidental ingestion of any part of the plant could lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and irregular, or slow heartbeats. The berries are bright and juicy looking, meaning they are more likely to attract pets.

Rhubarb Whilst this popular ingredient in crumbles appears innocent enough, the mistake is made when people or pets attempt to eat 42

the leaves of the plant. They are high in toxins, such as oxalic acid, which could affect the kidneys. In high doses, these toxins can lead to kidney failure and in some cases, death.

Lily Of The Valley This beautifully dainty, fragrant flower is surrounded by bright gorgeous green foliage, but be warned, it is highly toxic to human beings and animals alike. The flower naturally produces a whole range of cardiac glycosides, a highly toxic compound that is powerful enough to send a grown adult to A&E. Accidental ingestion may lead to headaches, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and skin rashes, but severe poisoning without immediate treatment can be fatal.

Oleander Popular among gardeners for its pretty pink flowers, the oleander looks like an unlikely danger. There have been reports of death, as a result of adults ingesting a single leaf of the plant, due to how toxic it can be. Pets who eat any part of the plant may suffer

from heart arrhythmia, vomiting, cold extremities, and even death.

Tulip and hyacinth bulbs The toxic part of tulip and hyacinth plants is concentrated within the bulbs and when it is ingested by pets it can have some serious side effects due to irritation in the mouth and throat. The most common symptoms among dogs that have ingested these bulbs include drooling, being sick and difficulty breathing.

Lantana flowers All parts of the incredibly pretty Lantana flower are particularly toxic to dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses. In large volumes, it can cause damage to the liver and increased sensitivity to light.

Deadly nightshade As the name of the plant suggests, these pretty plants can have deadly consequences.

The round purple and black juicy looking berries are highly toxic and eating them can potentially cause drowsiness, facial flushing, fever, vomiting, confusion and hallucinations.

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environmentally friendly way to enjoy smaller scale BBQs. Terra cotta pots can be found for a few pounds in most hardware stores, or there might be one left unloved in the garden. They are the perfect size to sit on a heat-resistant table and aside from the pot, all you need is a rack to cook food on.

The larger the terra cotta pot, the harder it will be to heat up. Place bricks at the bottom to fill the base and retain heat.

HOW TO BUILD A BUDGET BBQ Brits are being shown how to make DIY budget BBQs, to entertain and make up for lost time with guests this summer.

The penny-pinching pros over at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have collated expert advice on how to keep the cost of summer fun down, by building or making a structure to cook on with low-cost materials that can be found around the home.

Nothing screams British summertime more than having friends and family over for a BBQ. Whether it’s a temporary, portable or permanent structure that will suit the BBQ needs of your guests best, there are plenty of cost-effective tips to get grilling.

Cheap DIY methods of cooking dinner al fresco include using roasting trays, terra cotta plant pots and an old toolbox!

A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes. co.uk said: “It doesn’t matter how small your BBQ budget is this year, as we have collated some ways to save money, by making a new outdoor grill to cook for guests on.

“As people start fully emerging from lockdown for social occasions, outdoor events are likely to carry on being the preferred and safest option.

“The best part of making tailoring your own grill station is that you can keep the cost down whilst still customising everything you want, from the size of the cooking area,

down to the materials you use to design them.”

Little charcoal grill Cheap and easy disposable grills can be made using a thick foil baking tray, saving you a fortune on buying them from the shop each time you want a tasty meal outdoors. Pick the type of large tray used to cook a turkey, an inexpensive cooling rack to place food on and some charcoal to get the fire going.

To fireproof the floor from flames and heat, stand the tray on some old cinderblocks or bricks. This little charcoal grill is easy to pack and portable enough for a camping trip Brick BBQ base Those with excess bricks or cement left over from another job are best placed to build a solid based BBQ. This one will require a fair amount of DIY, but it is easy enough.

Create a square or squared semi-circle out the materials available and cement together to make it a sturdy structure that is a comfortable height to cook at. Once built, lay a grill over the top. This idea also works on a smaller scale. Instead of making the structure waist height, lay a small base of 12 to 15 bricks and build it up a brick or two high around the edges of the small structure.

Terra cotta pot grill This tiny grill might not be able to feed the most, but it is an affordable and

Toolbox Old metal toolboxes are the ultimate stylish upcycled garden accessory and grill. If you don’t have an old one knocking about, they often make an appearance on online auction sites. The larger the toolbox, the more food will be able to cook at one time. Coat the toolbox with a heat resist pain for extra safety and to add a splash of colour. Once the toolbox has been prepped, pop charcoal in the bottom and a grill or cooling rack over the opening.

BBQ barrel Metal barrel BBQs can be made with clean bins, casks and kegs. The metal cylinder will need to be cut in half and hinged and painted with a heat protected coat. One of the trickier DIY tasks will be making a stand to keep the barrel on. The stand can be made out of things like scaffolding and fence posts.

Once finished, the BBQ barrel will look highly professional and you will barely be able to recognise it as a DIY job.

Built-in pit This ambitious project is the timeliest and trickiest BBQ to attempt to make on the list, but any bog-standard DIY-er will be able to create this easy breezy built-in pit.

The process is similar for both in-ground and overground pits, but parents with young children should seriously consider opting for a raised feature. Use a shovel to dig out the pit, as it will need to be around 50cm deep to sit over the ground. Sunken pits will need at least a metre of space below ground.

Use a metal firepit ring or non-combustible materials such as concrete, fire bricks, or landscaping stones to build up and decorate the sides of the BBQ. Once safe and sturdy, add charcoal and a large grill to entertain and cook for guests.

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EIGHT PLANTS FOR AN ANTI-ALLERGY GARDEN

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Hay fever season has well and truly arrived, so experts have revealed eight plants which are best suited for an anti-allergy garden.

The flowers on the list all score low on ‘The Ogren Plant Allergy Scale’ which rates the allergy potential of plants from one (least allergenic) to ten (most allergenic).

Ensuring the garden is sheltered enough to prevent pollen from other gardens flying into the space can also help reduce the number of allergens in the air, meaning hay fever sufferers can make the most of the outdoors.

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

Fruit Trees Fruit trees such as apples, pears and cherries are insect pollinated, meaning the insects are doing the pollinating, as opposed to the tree itself. Once established, fruit trees are very hardy and will produce fruit yearly.

introduce different heights and levels into your anti-allergy garden. This versatile plant needs to be in a sheltered position where it will catch the sun.

Female Trees

Planting conifer hedges along the boundaries of the garden will help block pollen from other patches blowing in. It can also provide more privacy and give your space a great canvas before you plant flowers.

Although female trees do drop berries or seeds, they don’t produce pollen meaning they’re perfect for those who suffer from allergies. The easiest way to tell the difference between the genders is to look at their flowers, but they should be labelled when purchasing trees.

Double-Flowered Hollyhocks

Fuchsia

The double-flowered variety produces less pollen than the single-flower, making them a wise choice for allergy sufferers. They also attract hummingbirds and butterflies which will help brighten up the garden even more.

The unique teardrop shape of this versatile shrub can make thick hedges and also grow well in amongst other flowers. They come in a wide range of colours meaning they will complement other flowers found in your garden. Fuchsias are also edible and are common in jams.

Conifer

Petunias Petunias need regular watering and can grow in shady patches, although they perform best in the sun. Flowers can come in all different colours, including with stripes, so they can be a colourful addition to your anti-allergy garden.

Magnolias Depending on how high your magnolia plant, they can be a brilliant way to

Geraniums The hardy Geranium plants can survive well in most areas of the garden as they don’t need to spend so much time in the sun. Regular deadheading can encourage flowers to grow back even quicker.

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FOOLPROOF BBQ SIMPLE RECIPES TO CREATE A SIZZLE Everyone loves to fire up the barbecue on a sunny day - but how often do you end up with blackened steak, raw chicken or collapsing veggie kebabs?

Never fear Genevieve Taylor, BBQ and live-fire expert and cook, is here to solve your barbecue problems with foolproof recipes to make your summer party a sizzling success.

AUBERGINE WITH FETA, CURRANTS & PINE NUTS SERVES 4–6 3 medium aubergines (eggplants) 2 tbsp olive oil 75g (21/2oz) pine nuts, toasted 75g (21/2oz) currants a handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped 200g (7oz) feta, crumbled extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling 1 lemon, halved sea salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve seeds from 1 pomegranate 1 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes (optional), to garnish

Aleppo pepper (also known as pul biber) is a type of chilli flake with a lovely lemony flavour.

Find it online or in Turkish or Middle Eastern food shops.

METHOD Fire up the barbecue ready for indirect cooking so you can cook the aubergines (eggplants) away from the high heat of the fire.

Slice the aubergines in half lengthways, then score a diamond pattern deeply into the cut surface of each half using a small sharp knife, taking care not to pierce the skin. Drizzle over the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

Set the aubergine halves onto the grill bars, cut-side up, lower the lid and cook

indirectly for 15 minutes, rotating once or twice so they cook evenly.You want them to soften all the way through, so keep them away from the direct fire. Turn and cook cut-side down for another 10 minutes with the lid down, until they are soft and tender.

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the aubergines.

Meanwhile, mix the pine nuts, currants and parsley in a bowl. Once the aubergines are tender, slide them, cut-side up, onto a fireproof baking sheet then scatter over the nut and herb mixture. Sprinkle over the feta and grind over some black pepper.

Slide the tray back onto the barbecue, this time over the direct heat, and leave to cook for a further 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is softened.

Use a metal spatula to transfer the aubergines to a serving plate then drizzle with plenty of extra virgin olive oil and squeeze over the lemon juice. Scatter over the pomegranate seeds and a good sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, if you have some. Serve warm.

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PORK, FENNEL &LEMON BURGERS WITH GRILLED AUBERGINE SERVES 4 100g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs 50ml (3 tbsp) milk 500g (1lb 2oz) pork mince (ground pork) 50g (31/2oz) Parmesan, grated 1 egg finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 2 tsp fennel seeds, ground a small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1 large aubergine (eggplant), cut into 1.5cm (5⁄8in) thick discs 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for brushing sea salt and freshly ground black pepper TO SERVE 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced open a generous handful of rocket (arugula) leaves tomato relish or chilli ketchup (optional)

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is an Italian trick that helps keep pork mince tender.They can be a little delicate on the grill but chilling them before cooking helps hold them together.

METHOD Put the breadcrumbs into a mixing bowl, pour over the milk, then leave to soak for 10 minutes until the milk is absorbed. Add the pork mince (ground pork), Parmesan, egg, lemon zest, garlic, ground fennel seeds, parsley and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until evenly combined then shape into 4 evensized burgers. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up, or leave for up to 24 hours if you like.

When you are ready to cook, take the burgers from the fridge and brush on both

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sides with the olive oil. Fire up the barbecue ready for direct cooking. When hot, put the burgers on the grill bars, lower the lid and cook for 8 minutes on each side.

Pork mince is prone to sticking. Test the burgers are ready by sliding a metal spatula under a corner of one burger. If it comes away easily from the grill and has a deep caramelized crust, it’s ready to turn. If it’s stuck, leave it for a further minute or two before turning, then grill until cooked through.

Once the burgers are on the grill, brush the aubergine (eggplant) slices with a little extra oil, then lay them alongside the burgers to cook, turning them a few times until lightly charred and tender all the way through.

Toast the ciabatta rolls, cut-sides down, for a minute or two on the grill.

To serve, put some rocket (arugula) onto the base of the bun and top with a burger. Add a couple slices of aubergine, and top with a dollop of tomato relish or ketchup, if using, before adding the bun lid.

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GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH CHILLI & RUM BUTTER SAUCE SERVES 4 1 medium pineapple 100g (7 tbsp) butter 3 tbsp soft brown sugar 3 tbsp rum (or orange juice) 1–2 hot red chillies, to taste vanilla ice cream, to serve

A totally tropical take on a pineapple.

The rum is optional, so replace it with orange juice for an alcohol-free version.

METHOD Fire up the barbecue ready for direct grilling. Once hot, give the grill bars a good scrub with a wire brush.

Use a large sharp knife to chop off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then slice down in thin strips to remove the peel.

The pineapple will now be left with lots of unsightly brown eyes that you don’t want to eat.You will see that the eyes are in spiral lines running diagonally around the pineapple.

Turn the pineapple on its side, take a small sharp knife and cut a deep V-shaped trench down either side of each row of eyes, removing the row in one piece. Rotate the pineapple and move onto the next row.

Repeat until all the eyes are removed.

Cut the pineapple into 1cm (1/2in) thick slices.

Put the butter, sugar, rum (or orange juice) and chillies in a small fireproof tin or pan (no plastic or wooden handles) and rest on the grill bars, slightly away from the fire, and leave to melt.

Lay the pineapple slices on the grill bars directly above the fire. Use a silicone pastry brush to baste the pineapple with the butter and rum sauce as it grills, turning regularly until the slices are deeply caramelized. Once the pineapple is cooked, lift each slice into the tin and toss in the remaining sauce.

Serve a couple of slices of hot pineapple on each plate, top with a scoop of ice cream, drizzle over the remaining sauce and tuck in.

Foolproof BBQ by Genevieve Taylor (Quadrille, £12.99) Photography ©Jason Ingram

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MOTORS | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE The final engine option is the plug in hybrid P300e which has a 1.5-litre petrol engine that drives the front wheels and an electric motor for the rear pair and means up to 38 miles on electricity alone and a combined output of 305bhp, which gives a 0-62mph time of just 6.6 seconds.

2021 DISCOVERY SPORT NOW regular readers of this column will know I am a bit of a Land Rover fan with three of the green oval models currently in the big boy’s toy box at Howarth Towers.

Over the years I have been testing new cars those lovely people at Jaguar Land Rover have supplied me with some fantastic vehicles to try out from bonkers 600bhp SVR Range Rovers to basic spec Defenders.

But one which has so far slipped under the radar for a longer-term test is the entry-level model to Land Rover ownership and their second best-selling SUV. I am, of course, talking about the Discovery Sport, which took over from the Freelander in 2014 as the most affordable new Land Rover.

Now JLR have given the model an update for 2021, adding new tech and features plus a new engine, safety kit and another trim level.

They have also strengthened the platform to take electric drivetrains.

The new engine is a 290hp mild-hybrid petrol engine for range-topping Black Edition cars while existing 163hp and 204hp diesel engines have also been given the mild-hybrid treatment to improve economy. The battery powers ancillaries like air conditioning and power steering so the engine can switch off during deceleration to save fuel.

Our test car was the base spec ‘Core’ edition which is from £36,765 on the road and it 52

But this is a Land Rover - so that is what you expect it to do best and while I did not manage any mud plugging our four-wheeldrive version will be excellent when the going gets tough with Land Rover’s terrain response system and off-road driving mode selector giving that go anywhere confidence.

All Discovery Sports come with front and rear parking sensors plus a surround-view camera as standard. LED headlights are also standard across the range but our base spec car did not have sat-nav or adaptive cruise control – however the former is rapidly becoming redundant thanks to smart phone connectivity and route finding apps such as Google Maps and Waze.

There’s plenty of leg room and head room is among the best in its class – even if you add the optional panoramic glass roof our car came with (£1,150).

had one of these MHEV set ups. While it cannot be driven on electric power alone the system does boost MPG figures and during a week of very mixed driving I managed around 40mpg – not bad for what is a familysized SUV. And speaking of family the Disco Sport’s USP is that it can transport seven adults in relative comfort (but make sure the smallest go in the third row seats). This is something most of its rivals cannot offer and you have to move up to Large SUVs (with much larger price tags) to find this feature in other premium brand products.

Talking about the charges for 2021 the updated Sport’s interior has a new 10-inch touchscreen display which can receive overthe-air software updates and can connect two smartphones to the infotainment system at the same time. New safety features have also been added including a rear traffic monitoring system in the plusher, more practical interior.

All versions have Land Rover’s excellent automatic gearbox and our lower power 163bhp 2-litre diesel engine still felt brisk with 0 to 60 coming up in a very respectable 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.

Standard equipment across the range also includes dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, heated windscreen, and those off-road modes with Terrain Response, hill descent control, traction assist and infotainment, visibility and safety aids including auto emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

Most test cars I get are range topping versions loaded with extras but fair play to JLR who are confident enough about the new Sport to send a base spec vehicle which proved to be a great, comfortable drive and was practical and relatively economical.

There’s a digital display behind the steering wheel and one neat safety feature is that the left or right dials switch to a blind spot camera view as you indicate. All versions get front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, as well as full LED headlights.

KIA SORENTO KIA have made great inroads in the past few years into the UK car market especially in the value for money small to medium size family car sectors.

But if my latest test vehicle is anything to go by the Korean car maker looks set to conquer more upmarket territory as their latest Sorento model is very impressive indeed.

Now even though the HEV self-charging hybrid ‘4’ model we tried out for a week is a top spec, mid-price range £46,945 that is still value for money as the quality, performance and kit list is on a par with premium manufacturers who charge much more for the same level of equipment and finish.

Redesigned for 2021 the new Sorento has a more squared off look, again reflecting more expensive competitors, while the new interior is plush indeed, even - dare I say - a bit Bentley-esque!

With quilted leather heated seats (all round) plus cooled with memory function in the front and quality materials used throughout (although some of the leather is faux) the latest Sorento boasts other premium refinements like a heads up display, adaptive cruise control, panorama

glass sunroof, a full seven seats, 360 degree camera system, wireless phone charging and smart power tailgate.

It’s a full 4x4 yet, thanks to that hybrid set-up, I managed a shade over 41mpg during a week of very mixed driving, which is not bad for such a large SUV. The car has a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 59bhp electric motor to drive down CO2 emissions and fuel consumption while the plug in version’s larger battery can deliver a pure electric range of around 35 miles.

Four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox come as standard and our ‘selfcharging’ hybrid (HEV) is sprightly with 0-60mph taking 8.7 seconds thanks to 226bhp on tap. The plug-in PHEV model has a bigger battery and electric motor so 0-60mph takes 8.4seconds.

Higher spec 3 and 4 trim versions have larger 19in wheels and come with self-levelling rear suspension for better stability. The car switches seamlessly from electric to petrol power and its automatic gear changes are smooth and the brakes good.

The central 10.3in screen is sharp but a little fiddly with attractive graphics and all three rows of seats have USB ports (eight in total). Entry-level models get a sixspeaker stereo while our top-spec 4 trim boasts a more powerful Bose system with 12.

This is a big car so there’s plenty of space for the driver and passengers with the third row seats being full adult sized – unlike some seven seat competitors.

That external redesign for this bigger all round fourth generation Sorento sees a more aggressive large front grille and radically redesigned rear lights while the platform is reworked, the engine range expanded and active safety and driver assistance technology boosted to tempt in potential customers who have never considered a Kia before.

I enjoyed my week with the latest Sorento, which may well convert large SUV lovers over to Kia – and for those badge snobs who still turn their noses up at the value for money brand then it is their (financial) loss.

As with all Kias the Sorento comes with an industry-leading seven-year (or 100,000-mile) warranty and prices start from £39,110 for the self-charging hybrid in ‘2’ trim up to £53,755 for the top spec 261bhp plug in hybrid.

By Motoring Editor, Steve Howarth

For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/ 53

KIA EV6 – HOLISTIC AND INTUITIVE ONBOARD EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE EVERY JOURNEY Kia’s all-new EV6 introduces a suite of advanced technologies designed to inspire the driver in its cabin and provide a holistic onboard user experience.

Intuitive and easily accessible connectivity, information and augmented reality systems complement the driving experience by minimizing distractions and appealing to the senses.

EV6 is based on the modular E-GMP platform, which allows for a flat cabin floor and boasts class-leading internal dimensions. The cabin evokes a sense of space and delivers a relaxing, stressfree experience for all occupants. Two curved 12.3” high-definition widescreens wrap around the driver providing easy access to key vehicle information at a glance. Directly in front of the driver is a customizable ‘cluster screen’ which displays information such as speed, remaining all-electric range and state of charge. Adjacent is a central display screen combining the navigation, infotainment and menu systems. These screens are paired together in a seamless curve, creating a panoramic feeling that is immersive and unobstructed under all driving conditions. The glass material is 54

“chemically strengthened glass” for better visibility and robustness.

Convenience features such as keyless entry with touch-sensitive entry buttons, programmable driver profiles, relaxation seats and ergonomic design create an experience that puts the driver first.

From the automatic flush handles that emerge from the car body, through to the intuituive touch-sensitive interfaces and the Augmented Reality head-up display, every journey in EV6 is designed to improve the human-machine interaction and promote a sense of well-being.

“We want our products to deliver an instinctive and natural experience that improves the daily lives of our customers.

Our aim is to design the physical experience of our brand and to create original, inventive, and exciting electric vehicles. The ideas of our designers and the purpose of the brand are becoming more connected than ever, with our customers at the centre of what we do and influencing every decision that we make,” commented Jason Jeong, President at Kia Europe.Advanced onboard tech smoothly integrates the driver and

EV6 via the advanced head-up display (HUD) system with Augmented Reality technology – another offering normally reserved until now for premium vehicles.

Seamless communication between GPS, the onboard camera and HUD systems projects turn-by-turn directions on the road ahead to keep the driver looking forward at all times. The augmented reality display and the two screens provide all the information the driver needs to have a pleasant and inspiring drive without having to look elsewhere.

Sound absorption materials in the floor, wheel arches, doors, trunk door and tires reduce road and wind noise, creating a quiet and serene space for all occupants.

Acoustic windshield and door glass further improve the onboard experience giving the EV6 a sound rating equal to higher class premium models.

Kia will reinvent its line-up by introducing 11 new EV models by 2026, the first of which, the EV6, is available for factory order now.

Bolton Kia’s showroom is now open with strict social distancing measures remaining in place.Walk-ins are welcome but if you would like to arrange an appointment prior to your visit, please contact the dealership directly on 01204 664800 or emailing sales@boltonkia.co.uk.

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Bolton Kia – Europe’s No.1 Kia Dealer 79 The Linkway, Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich, BL6 6JA 01204 664800 l kia.co.uk/bolton

@bolton_kia

Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km) for the model shown: Combined 50.4 (5.6), CO2 emissions 127g/km.

/boltonkia

MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are tested using WLTP. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk.

Offer available on Business Contract Hire on orders received before 29th June 2021. Quotation valid at Bolton Kia from 01.06.2021 - 29.06.2021, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Business Contract Hire Terms and conditions apply. *Figures based on model shown: new Stonic ‘GT-Line S’ 1.0 T-GDi 118bhp 48V 6-speed manual ISG at P11D Value of £22,275.00 including premium Storm Grey with Yellow Roof paint. Offer available on Business Contract hire with advance rental of 6 months rental + VAT (£1,211.52 + VAT), followed by 35 monthly rentals of £201.92 + VAT. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 8,000 miles per year (24,000 total contract mileage) over 36 months charged at 4.86 pence per mile (+VAT). Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Kia Contract Hire. The total P11D value of the vehicle includes options, extras, manufacturer’s delivery of £495.83 and VAT. Total Effective Rental (applicable to cars only) is £222.11 (this assumes a 50% VAT disallowance on the Finance Rental and VAT). Business Contract Hire Customer Maintenance (inc. RFL). Package includes road fund licence and Kia Contract Hire Assistance. Guarantee/ indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and T&Cs contact your local retailer. Kia reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice.

You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Kia Contract Hire, BS16 7LB. 7 Year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s Warranty. For full terms and conditions visit kia.com/uk. Kia UK Limited trading as Bolton Kia are a broker (not a lender) for the purposes of this financial promotion and can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

Bolton_Kia

LEGAL

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You can usually borrow up to 60 per cent of the value of your property. How much can be released is dependent on your age and the value of your property. The percentage typically increases according to your age when you take out the lifetime mortgage, while some providers might offer larger sums to those with certain past or present medical conditions.

Interest rates must be fixed or, if they are variable, there must be a “cap” or upper limit which is fixed for the life of the loan.

UNLOCK THE CASH IN YOUR HOME 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. This offers the chance to access the cash – the equity – tied up in your home. It can be as a lump sum or in several small amounts, or a combination of both.

There are two equity release options: lifetime mortgage and home reversion.

The Money Advice Service explains that a LIFETIME MORTGAGE means that you take out a mortgage secured on your property, provided it is your main residence, while retaining ownership.

You can choose to ring-fence some of the value of your property as an inheritance for your family or you can choose to make repayments or let the interest roll-up. The

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loan amount and any accrued interest is paid back when you die or when you move into long-term care.

Most people who take out equity release use a lifetime mortgage. Usually you don’t have to make any repayments while you’re alive and interest “rolls up” (unpaid interest is added to the loan). This means the debt can increase quite quickly over a period of time.

However, some lifetime mortgages do now offer the option to pay all or some of the interest. Some will let you pay off the interest and the capital. In the same way ordinary mortgages vary from lender to lender, so do lifetime mortgages.

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.

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.

Find 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. 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.

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.

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, rentfree, 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 reversion, 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.

You will need to know what level of maintenance you’ll be expected to carry out and how often your property will be inspected – this could be every few years.

Overall, equity release might seem like a good option if you want some extra money and don’t want to move house, but it’s worth bearing in mind that equity release can be more expensive in comparison to an ordinary mortgage.

If you release equity from your home, you might not be able to rely on your property for money you need later in your retirement – for example, to pay for long-term care.

You will also have to pay arrangement fees, depending on the plan being arranged.

For free, impartial advice on equity release and mortgages go to debt charity StepChange at www.stepchange.org or call 0800 027 4538.

Are you finding life is too short?

Equity release allows homeowners over 55 to remain in their much-loved home and release an income or lump sum from their property allowing them to enjoy life to the full.

Lorraine is our specialist Equity Release solicitor who can help you if you are considering releasing money from your home. She will guide you through the process and help you avoid any pitfalls.

For more information on Equity Relase contact Lorraine on freephone

0800 083 0815

Or by email lorraine.webb@clough-willis.co.uk

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.

Check whether you have the right to remain in your property for life or until you need to move to long-term care, provided the property remains your main residence and you abide by the terms and conditions of your contract.

Again, check whether you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan and whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee”.

Bury Head Office 2 Manchester Road, Bury Lancashire, BL9 0DT. Tel: 0161 764 5266 www.clough-willis.co.uk

Little Lever Office 58 Market Street, Little Lever Bolton, BL3 1HN. Tel: 01204 709959 @BurySolicitor

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We’ll get you smiling ...

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

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 58

dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians are the only Dental Professionals permitted to supply dentures direct to the public.

A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public.

However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified. If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT. Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. This means

HEALTH

that the end result looks more natural than ever before. Why not call for a FREE Consultation to find out more about these new innovations in denture design and manufacture?

DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.

Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

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

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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 l 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 l

What our Customers Say Thank you so much for the care you gave to me and now I can smile again with the lovely teeth you made for me.

PD What a difference you have made for me. I can smile again. No problems.

Thank you so much.

VH Thank you so much for my new dentures, they fit really well and I am very pleased with their appearance. I have had them for two months and not had any problems, just small niggles that have soon resolved without having to pay you a visit. Thank you for your time and trouble to ensure a perfect fit. I don’t need to use fixative and your recommended cleaning routine is working a treat.

Your sincerely AW (Mrs) 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 Thank you for putting a smile on my face again.

S

*Dentist treatment plan can be arranged.

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

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WHATEVER IS BROKEN IN YOUR HEART CAN BE MENDED Octogenarians Norma and Ian Scott have changed the lives of over 70 young people, from babies to 17 year olds. The Hampshire couple have been foster carers for over 30 years, providing a loving nurturing home for looked after children, sometimes overnight or two day emergency placements, and other times for years. They have changed the life stories for many children, here Norma shares her story.

“Ian and I have been married 37 years. Ian was divorced and had four grown children of his own - we now have five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who fondly call me ‘Nanny Norma’, and I love them

all. Sadly we were unable to have any more children. I miscarried in my 40s after contracting German measles and was unable to have a child of my own.

A friend remarked that I was great with young people and suggested that I became a foster carer. “What’s that?”

I asked. “You look after other people’s children,” they said. That planted the seed and we’ve never looked back.

“We applied in January 1987 and after numerous courses and visits from social workers, we were finally approved!

Our first long term foster child Julia joined us aged 15 – she was very traumatised. She stayed with us until she was 19 when she moved in with her then boyfriend. She now has three

lovely daughters and lives with her new partner. She’s great with her girls. When I told her what a wonderful mother she was, she smiled and replied, ‘You showed me that there was a life out there. I learnt from you.’ It melted my heart.

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“David, another lad we fostered came to us as a very broken 14 year old, he just stared down at the carpet, would not eat or drink and refused to attend school for three years. He came from a very dysfunctional family. Gradually he began to trust us and opened up. He told me how hard his life had been. I said “You have a choice, you can do one of two things – say I’ve been dealt a terrible blow and the rest of the world is going to pay for it, or you can say no, and make life what you want it to be. He chose the latter.

“He’s now 35 and happily married. He built his own very successful business, drives a Porsche and is a qualified sky diver. He is living proof that everyone can turn their life around.

“When he got married he invited Ian and I to sit at the top table with him at the wedding. At the end of his speech he said, ‘Before I finish my ‘thank yous’, I want to tell everyone a little bit about my life – something not all of you know. I came from a very dysfunctional family. When I misbehaved my father used to threaten me with foster care which I thought was like prison. I was 14 and wanted to end my life. I’d like to say a very special thank you to my new forever mum and dad, Norma and Ian. If it hadn’t been for these two people I would not be here today – they turned my life around. Norma and Ian thank you! You will never know how much you were and are loved.’ Tears of joy welled up in my eyes.You never know at the time how much you will touch a young person by giving from the heart.

“As a foster carer you are always going to get the good and the bad. If you have the ability to lead by example, a good sense of humour and are non-judgemental even if you are pushed – it is the job for you.

Would we recommend it? Yes. Ian and I have led a really fulfilling life. We continue to enjoy young people’s company and watching them grow and flourish. Even if it is just for a short period of time, it’s good to know that you have given them an interlude with normal family life, with no violence or hardship. As I said, whatever is broken in your heart you can mend it.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. If I had had my own children would I have fostered? I don’t know… but if I hadn’t where would all these lovely young people be now?

* The names of the foster children and surname of the foster carers have been changed for safeguarding purposes.

Written by Norma Scott.

If you would like to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people in your local community by becoming a foster carer, visit www.fostercarers.com today and start your highly rewarding fostering adventure!

LIVESEY FUNERAL SERVICE ESTABLISHED 1848

24 HOUR SERVICE Long established, independent, family owned and run business

Golden Charter Funeral Plans

Fix the cost of our services at today's prices

Plus £100 discount for plans taken out before September 2021 (with this advert) The Private Chapel, Church Street, Horwich

T: 01204 696311

www.liveseyfunerals.co.uk info@liveseyfunerals.co.uk

The UK’s largest independent funeral plan provider

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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 4.00pm Saturday - 10.00am till 1.00pm Sunday - CLOSED

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

A little about

LLG WHEELCHAIRS LLG Wheelchairs Ltd have been in the mobility business since 1983, offering a high quality service to our customers throughout the UK. We carry one of the largest stocks of new and used mobility scooters, powered wheelchairs and mobility accessories in the North West.

We don’t just sell wheelchairs and mobility scooters in Leigh – we can also supply small household mobility aids to stair lifts and everything in-between throughout the North West and the UK. Our after-sales customer care is second to none.

If you have a disability or mobility problem our aim is to help you to find the best solution, so why not contact us or call into our showroom. Our experienced staff are always happy to offer friendly and useful advice on the best mobility solution for your needs.

We now have a showroom in Leigh We can also offer FINANCE from 0% along with free HOME DEMONSTRATION on request.

MOBILITY SCOOTERS

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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.

All this is included for your peace of mind: 3 A New scooter or powered wheelchair every three years 3 Standard pricing nationwide 3 Insurance for RSA Motability 3 Breakdown assistance from Motability Assist 3 Service, maintenance and repairs 3 Tyre and battery replacement 3 A dedicated UK Based Customer Service team

AVAILABLE ASK FOR DETAILS KLARNA AVAILABLE

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FINE DINING

Cardamom Cream INDIAN RESTAURANT

Discover a fine dining experience with award winning unique and traditional Indian cuisine.

New Cocktail Bar

Exclusive Booth Seating

Cardamon Cream boasts VIP booth seatings, with a full sensory food experience offering modern fusion and traditional dishes from all regions of India.

Come for a drink in our Champagne Lounge.

Located on the first floor the lounge is table service serving exciting Cocktails, Gins and award winning Wines.

WHY NOT TRY OUR SUNDAY LUNCH Adults

£15.95 APPETISER, STARTER & MAIN (3 Courses)

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

Children

£12.95 APPETISER & MAIN (2 Courses)

Restaurant Opening Times: Monday - Saturday Evening 4.30pm - 11.30pm Sunday 1.00pm - 10.30pm (Sunday Lunch from 1.00pm - 5.00pm) Takeaway Opening Times: 7 Days 4.30pm - 11.00pm

For Bookings call : 01706 827888 Cardamom Cream | 21 Bolton Street | Ramsbottom | BL0 9HU

www.cardamomcream.co.uk