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CHESTER & WIRRAL EDITION 40

Torvill & Dean

Our Life On Ice...

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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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Holidays from

£149

Robinsons Own Hotels

2015

Sunny Sussex Eastbourne

The Garden Isle Isle of Wight

Delightful Devon Torquay

Eastbourne is an “all year round” holiday destination with one of the best sunshine records in the UK.

The Isle of Wight offers stunning landscapes, award winning beaches, breath taking seascapes and not forgetting its extensive history.

With its mild climate and trademark Palm Trees, Torquay is one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts and has been fashionable since the 19th Century.

The Ocean View Hotel is an elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evening meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

The Abbey Lawn Hotel is an elegant Georgian hotel, in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, with it’s newly refurbished conservatory / lounge offers the discerning holidaymaker an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.

The Imperial Hotel is an impressive Victorian hotel situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, an imposing tree-lined boulevard, less than fifteen minutes walk from the facilities and amenities in the town centre and across the road from the promenade and the bandstand. The hotel offers the guest a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor heated pool l Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Freephone: 0800 083 9900

Many of the bedrooms offer panoramic views of the bay.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor and seasonal outdoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage

Groups: 0800 785 1025

The Robinsons Difference

Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l Includes excursions l Friendly staff l

Local joining points No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l l

l

5 Day Tours

7 Day Tours

8 Day Tours

4 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

6 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

7 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

Date 15 Feb 22 Feb 02 Mar 09 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 29 Mar 03 Apr 08 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 26 Apr 04 May 11 May 18 May 25 May 15 June 13 July 17 Aug 14 Sept 05 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26 Oct

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £149 £149 £149 £149 £149 £149 £159 £159 £159 £169 £169 £169 £179 £179 £179 £189 £189 £189 £199 £199 £199 £199 £199 £199 £209 £209 £209 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £239 £239 £239 £249 £249 £249 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269 £259 £259 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219

Supplements per person 7 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Premier Room £30 -Sea View Room £10 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £30 - Front Facing Room £10

We offer you ...

4 4 4 4

Own hotels in great locations Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 2 included excursions Free pick-ups Service of driver/courier

Loyalty Bonus Here at Robinsons, we are committed to ensuring that our customers are rewarded for their loyalty to us. For 2015, we are pleased to offer all our passengers the opportunity to take advantage.

A voucher will be given to all passengers by the tour driver whilst on holiday. This can either be redeemed on the next holiday booking, or can be saved in multiples towards a future holiday.

Date 30 Mar 05 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26 Apr 03 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31 May 07 June 14 June 21 June 28 June 05 July 12 July 19 July 26 July 02 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Sept

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £249* £249* £249* £249 £249 £249 £259 £259 £259 £269 £269 £269 £279 £279 £279 £319 £319 £319 £339 £339 £339 £349 £349 £349 £359 £359 £359 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £359 £359 £359 £329 £329 £329

* Monday departure Supplements per person 7 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £30 Ocean View: Premier Room £45 -Sea View Room £13 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £40 - Front Facing Room £13

We offer you ...

4 4 4 4

6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 2 included excursions Free pick-ups Service of driver/courier

Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn 02/03 May £369 £369 £369 09/10 May £369 £369 £369 16/17 May £379 £379 £379 23/24 May £389 £389 £389 30/31 May £399 £399 £399 06/07 June £399 £399 £399 13/14 June £399 £399 £399 20/21 June £409 £409 £409 27/28 June £409 £409 £409 04/05 July £409 £409 £409 11/12 July £409 £409 £409 18/19 July £409 £409 £409 25/26 July £409 £409 £409 01/02 Aug £409 £409 £409 08/09 Aug £409 £409 £409 15/16 Aug £409 £409 £409 22/23 Aug £409 £409 £409 29/30 Aug £409 £409 £409 05/06 Sept £399 £399 £399 12/13 Sept £399 £399 £399 19/20 Sept £389 £389 £389 26/27 Sept £359 £359 £359 Supplements per person 8 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £35 Ocean View: Premier Room £50 -Sea View Room £15 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £50 - Front Facing Room £15

9 Day Tours 8 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast Date 02 May 09 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 June 13 June 20 June 27 June 04 July 11 July 18 July 25 July 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Sept

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £419 £419 £419 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £419 £419 £419 £389 £389 £389

9 DAYS ~ ONLY STANDARD ROOMS AVAILABLE

We offer you ...

4 7 nights dinner, bed & breakfast - 8 Days 4 8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast - 9 Days 4 2 included excursions 4 Free pick-ups 4 Service of driver/courier

Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk and book a great deal today!

Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

3

CONTENTS

Scam Watch What’s your favourite prank to play? Whether it’s with unsuspecting friends or the grand-kids, we’ve probably all pulled – and been on the receiving end of – a trick or two in our time. But what about those tricks that aren’t quite as innocent – the ones that are designed to part you with your cash. Well, you’ll be glad we “made you look” as we go through some of the more common pranks you should be on the look-out for.

Shoulder surfers: one of the most common ways for fraudsters to acquire your PIN is not through sophisticated techniques of card cloning, but simply by watching over your shoulder as you enter it. Always be wary of people standing behind you at cash points and when entering your PIN in a shop.

INSIDE...

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Phishing: have you won a lottery you didn’t enter? Had a

request from “your bank” to confirm your details? These are all phishing scams and you will end up losing money. Look out for the email originating from an unusual address, or failing to address you by name. Some can be more convincing and even look like they have been sent to you by friends. If in doubt, don’t give your details out.

Hang-up, no you hang-up: imagine it – you receive a call from

your bank telling you your account had been compromised and you need to act fast to save your cash! You’d do exactly as you were told right? But stop, this is a scam. Your bank would take its own steps to prevent fraud on your account, it would never require you to give out your full account number, password, PIN or hand over your card to a courier – ever. Even if you’re convinced you’re on the phone to your bank – never give out this information.

Payment protection insurance (PPI) refunds: you receive a

text or call from someone claiming to be your bank, the Ministry of Justice, or a PPI company telling you that you’re owed money from mis-sold PPI. But, you must pay an administration fee before the refund can be processed. Don’t give away any money! If you have a PPI complaint, you can come to the ombudsman for free and save yourself giving your cash to claims managers unnecessarily.

Online shopping scams: many of us are beating the queues

by shopping online these days – and the good news is that the majority of transactions are completed with no problem. But always be wary of a seller (or buyer) who asks you to complete transactions outside of the official payment channels like PayPal – as you may find you’re not protected if the item you’re buying, or the money for the goods you’ve sold, doesn’t show up.

We hope these tips help you get ahead of the game. But if you’ve lost out to a fraudster, don’t panic. Tell your bank what’s gone wrong but if you’re still not able to get things sorted out, the ombudsman may be able to help on 0300 123 9 123 or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

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2-3

Robinsons Holidays...

Affordable peace of mind.

6-7

Rambling Holidays ...

Time to tread a new path?

10-11

Torvill & Dean ...

‘Our Life On Ice’

12-14

Styling Your Home...

Room colour and how it affects your mood.

18-19

The Hairy Dieters...

‘Eat For Life’ recipes.

21

Out and About ...

Places to visit and things to do.

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX T: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

TWITTERING ON

Cooartin’ bother For those unfamiliar with the vagaries of Lancashire dialect the headline means “courting trouble”. I am probably doing just that by venturing into commenting on how we treat our language and regional accents but it does get on my wick.

Social media, especially Twitter, has a lot to answer for and there has to be a distinct possibility that in 20 years’ time today’s younger generation will have completely lost the power of speech and communicate through fingers, thumbs and a series of guttural grunts.

Even my wife has taken to e-mailing me her weekly schedule and I’ve occasionally been in the same room when she’s sent it! Kids text and e-mail instructions to parents in the same house. The once treasured English language and its many dialects and accents is in its death throes!

I have a few major gripes and the incorrect use of the possessive apostrophe (that’s a comma) has to be the main one. A sign outside a café in my village proudly announces that they sell tea’s, coffee’s, hot meal’s, sandwiche’s, cake’s and soft drink’s ! What’s that all about?

Graham Smith

Fancy a quick one?

An Australian man has been charged by police after parking a plane outside a pub while he went inside for a beer.

The 37-year-old had just bought the wingless Beechcraft two-seater and was on his way home when he decided to stop for a drink.

He taxied the light aircraft down the main street in Newman, Western Australia, and then parked it outside the Newman Hotel, leaving the engine running.

Police said he passed a breathalyser test, but was charged with endangering the life, health and safety of residents because the propeller was still spinning.

Local residents were amused to see the sight of a plane parked outside the wellknown local hostelry.

Some educationally challenged airhead suggested recently that it doesn’t matter about spelling any more. Oh, right, let’s scrap English from the school curriculum and replace it with a Diploma in Social Media shall we? Standards aren’t just falling they’re plummeting faster than a text book launched from an upstairs window.

A bar tender at the Newman Hotel said the man was a “local character” who entertained pub patrons by “playing dumb” when questioned by police.

But Newman police sergeant Mark McKenzie said: “Kids were coming home from school. It could have been very ugly.

“People think it was a bit of a laugh but it was very dangerous and we’re not very happy with it.”

Now, to dialect. I met someone recently who has often reminded me of the wonderful Lancashire phrases we must never lose.

Enough to make you cough!

“I haven’t christened tea yet,” “He’s ett’n miggle eawt un left or’t theawtsides.

He has eaten the middle out and left all the outsides.

A Polish coffin company has again angered the Catholic Church by using naked models to promote its caskets.

Lindner has just released its 2015 calendar, entitled Male-Female Relations, featuring a dozen raunchy black and white images.

Mi yeds aw muggl’t up.

My head is in a muddle.

Am beawn’t bey a new moggle.

I am going to buy a new model.

Hers figglin’t books.

She is fiddling the books.

Wonderful stuff. This should be taught in schools as mandatory. I spent some time back in Lancashire recently and noticed the kids of today are more Neighbours than Nelson. Keep these great sayings alive….nuff said.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Its creators say it is intended to show the strength, energy and elegance of women, and of course to sell coffins at the same time.

March has a naked woman tied to the top of a coffin with a ribbon being held by a man’s hand.

The calendar is the latest in a series of similar campaigns by the company which have been criticised as “inappropriate” by the Catholic Church in Poland.

A church spokesman has said that human death should be treated with solemnity and not mixed up with sex.

But company owner Zbigniew Lindner said: “We wanted to show that a coffin shouldn’t be a sacred object - it’s furniture, it’s the last bed you’ll ever sleep in.

“It isn’t a religious symbol. It’s a product.

So much work goes into our coffins that are only seen for a few moments at the funeral.

“My son had the idea of creating the company’s calendar so that we could show something half-serious, colourful, beautiful; the beauty of Polish girls and the beauty of our coffins.”

Bury me in Poland! They’re obviously as daft as I am.

And finally…

At the time of writing this column, Christmas was approaching. Could someone please tell me what the connection is between Christmas and sofas?

Why the hell is every TV advert geared towards spending £999.99 on a blasted sofa? Some bimboesque voice over, with a voice like a corn crake, keeps screaming at me that I need a new sofa. Why? And nothing to pay until 2027. Oh, do me a favour love, sit down and shut up.

November’s photo for example shows a naked brunette straddling a coffin, the lid of which is half open with a man’s hands clutching the lid and the side of the coffin.

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

Time To Tread A New Path?

By Paul Brown from Silver Travel Advisor Now, if I were to say to you that I could advise you of something that could: •

Improve your heart and lungs

•

Improve your muscles

•

Help to prevent osteoporosis and the risk of broken bones in falls

•

Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke

•

Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol

•

Reduce body fat and improve flexibility

•

Enhance your mental wellbeing,

you would think that I had invented a new wonder drug or that I had become delusional.

Wrong. Quite simply, walkers live longer!

The physical and mental health benefits of walking are at long last being recognised by the Government, who are advising the medical profession to promote exercise to their patients.

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Our busy modern lifestyles mean that the daily exercise our parents and grandparents took as a matter of routine in walking or cycling to work and then performing physical jobs is, for the most part long gone. Nowadays more and more jobs are sedentary, sitting at a desk, operating computers or telephones, supplemented by a home lifestyle of television and computer games. The easy option of unhealthy (but tasty!) snacks or takeaway meals delivered to your door don’t help. A record number of cars sold in the U.K. this year and burgeoning numbers of passengers using buses and railways all point to less exercise being taken by the general population.

This is being observed in obesity figures, with a quarter of the population being classed as obese. In fact, a recent study

by Manchester University students of a single medical practice discovered that 29% of patients who were encouraged to take exercise were able to give up anti-depressants, 92.5% reported improvements in mood, almost all patients had reduced blood pressure, whilst 61% said they had lost weight.

(Walk magazine, Autumn 2014).

Paul is a retired Police Inspector who has held a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He is an experienced fell and mountain walker who has completed many challenge walks and National Trails. He is also a frequent contributor to Silver Travel Advisor, and the author of The White Rose Way (www. whiteroseway.co.uk), a 100 mile walking trail from Leeds to Scarborough.

My own introduction to the great outdoors came at thirteen years of age, when I was persuaded by a school teacher to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Tackling Beamsley Beacon (1289ft, 393m) just outside Ilkley was a gentle enough introduction, but I was soon hooked on the fresh air, panoramic views and wildlife I encountered and walking became a lifelong passion.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Being fortunate enough to live in God’s Own County of Yorkshire, I was on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales and took advantage of this whenever I could.

As my interest grew, so did my walking challenges and I began to explore more hard-core walks and climbs in the Lake District and Scotland.

City dwellers need not despair however as every town and city has open spaces, parks, canal towpaths and networks of public footpaths on which to get started.

Neither is age a barrier, both young and old can take part. I frequently encounter walkers well into their 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s on the hills and moors.

Even if it is a short, easy going stroll for a couple of hundred yards or so to start with, the benefits will soon be felt and as the distance increases so will your physical well-being. The secret to it, is to have the mind-set that you WILL do it on a regular basis, daily or every other day or even weekly. Stick to a routine if you can so that it becomes second nature. Do it rain or shine, after all, as Roald Amundsen said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing”.

There is no need to go to great expense in getting the right waterproof clothing either. There are many good suppliers of outdoor jackets, trousers and boots at very reasonable cost. Look for breathability and water- repellency as a first step. If walking becomes a serious hobby, gear can always be upgraded later.

Soon, you will gain in confidence as your fitness improves and will be looking further afield.

The Rambler’s Association can help you to find local walking groups and give further advice. They can be found at www.ramblers.org.uk. Their preferred holiday partners at www. ramblersholidays.co.uk can even

provide walking holidays led by experienced walking guides. All ages and abilities are catered for, from complete beginners to experienced walkers.

One of the most refreshing aspects of walking has been the friendliness and camaraderie of fellow walkers. Everyone is just SO friendly. Some of the people I have met whilst walking have remained friends for a lifetime.

From kingfishers to stoats, rare flowers and birds, sunrises and sunsets from the peaks of mountains, blizzard white-outs, to snow drifts over my head, diamonddust airborne frosts, myriads of stars and satellites in inky black skies and even the Northern Lights, these are just some of the life enhancing sights I have seen over the years whilst out walking.

You could too, and gain all the benefits highlighted at the beginning of this article without really trying.

So, what are you waiting for?

Is television really that good? Get your boots on and get healthier!

For more information contact Ramblers Holidays Worldwide on 01707 331133 or info@ramblersholidays.co.uk

Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email service@silvertraveladvisor.com. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

7

CLAIMING DAMAGES FOR INDUSTRIAL DISEASES My name is Steve Woods and I am a solicitor based in Chester. I specialise in claims for industrial diseases and I have been dealing with these claims for over 25 years.

Industrial diseases come in all sorts of varieties but I wanted to look at a few examples here.

Asbestos As we get older, it is not unusual for breathing problems to develop or to become worse. With investigations, a chest x-ray or a CT scan can identify whether lung damage is the result of smoking or asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, diffuse pleural thickening and mesothelioma, a cancer that attacks the protective linings of the lungs. Asbestos exposure has also been recognised as an important risk factor for lung cancer although, as is well known, there are a number of other possible causes for lung cancer, such as tobacco smoke. This means that asbestos related lung cancer claims are far from straightforward and generally it has to be proved that there has been a substantial exposure to asbestos during the course of a persons working life.

Unfortunately, it is not only workmen who have used asbestos directly, such as laggers, who develop these diseases but also other tradesmen who have worked in the same vicinity or alongside men working with asbestos, such as electricians, joiners, plasterers and general labourers. I have also dealt with many cases where wives and other family members have come into contact with to asbestos from a workman’s work clothes.

Industrial Deafness The effect of excessive noise on an individual is frequently understated

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but it has been possible for many years to claim for damage to hearing caused by exposure to noise at work. Hearing loss from prolonged exposure to noise usually comes on gradually. The severity of the deafness and the rate at which this increases depends on the level and duration of the noise exposure and on the individual concerned. Because the hearing loss comes on gradually, most people are unaware of their hearing loss until later on in life. Of course as we get older our hearing deteriorates in any event but the hearing loss is made considerably worse by the exposure to noise and can cause significant problems.

Most people I speak to experience similar problems so that conversation becomes difficult or impossible, particularly with background noise and family members tell them that they have the television too loud.

Some people who suffer from industrial deafness also suffer from tinnitus which is, broadly, a ringing in the ears. This can vary in severity but in serious cases can cause a lot of problems for people particularly with sleeping.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is also known as vibration white finger and can be caused by occupational exposures to hazardous levels of vibration. In my experience, a wide range of occupations can result in an individual being required to use vibrating tools to an excessive

degree. Commonly, the tools include jackhammers, grinders, stihl saws, impact wrenches and wacker plates.

Symptoms are mainly numbness and tingling in the fingers as well as colour changes – a persons fingers go white – although these symptoms can be episodic. In many cases these symptoms are so severe that they impact on daily life even to the extent of preventing someone from working.

Instructing a Solicitor I pride myself on providing a professional but personal service and unlike others I usually meet my clients face to face. I understand that some people may find instructing a solicitor daunting particularly as they may be concerned about the cost.

In April 2013, there was a change in the “no win no fee” law and now solicitors can, if they agree with their clients, charge up to 25% of damages awarded. I DO NOT do this and I want to reassure anyone who contacts me to discuss the possibility of bringing a claim that there is no cost to them. In particular there is no deduction for costs from any compensation obtained and the costs are paid by the guilty party separately.

If you would like more information I am happy to talk to anyone free of charge about their individual situation to see if a claim is possible.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

10 Nicholas Street, Chester, CH1 2NX T: 01244 340560 E-mail: info@woodslaw.co.uk www.woodslaw.co.uk

Woods Solicitors is based in the centre of Chester.

We specialise in claims arising from exposure to: l

ASBESTOS

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DUST

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NOISE

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VIBRATION

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CHEMICALS

“From opening Woods Solicitors in 2003 we have obtained compensation for hundreds of clients� STEVE WOODS Director If you believe you have any problems arising from your working conditions or if you believe you have worked in a dangerous working environment in the past please contact us for a no obligation discussion.

This is a free service. We deal with claims on a no win no fee basis so that you receive 100% of any damages awarded.

We are happy to undertake home visits.

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under Number 567179 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Torvill and Dean: Our Life On Ice...

THERE are iconic moments in sport that define a career and Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are known internationally for theirs.

It was, of course, that wonderful movement at the end of their four minutes and 28 seconds’ dance at the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia when they flung themselves on the ice as the finale of their performance to Ravel’s “Bolero.”

Their autobiography also offers a chance for them to speak candidly about their life in the public eye: Jayne’s struggles to start a family with husband Phil, and Chris’s heartache within his own family. Like the theatre tour, this is a way for those of us who have just watched in wonder at the silky ice skills of this modest pair to finally get to know the couple behind the headlines.

Certainly, their story on the ice is the stuff of dreams. They were teenagers when they first met in 1968, but it was not until seven years later at Nottingham ice-rink that the two first danced together.

The 24 million TV viewers in the UK, and the millions more around the world, were totally transfixed. And that turned to uplifting delight when the judges all scored them perfect sixes. There has, quite simply, never been an ice moment like it before or since.

A school trip to the local ice-rink at the age of eight had been enough to show Jayne that skating was what she wanted to do. At the age of 14, she and her then partner became the British National Pairs Champions but they later parted and Jayne continued skating solo.

There is no doubt that the subject of those isolated few seconds 30 years ago will crop up when, for the first time, the legendary ice skating duo make a rare appearance off the ice.

Chris started skating at the age of 10 after getting skates as a Christmas present; he was sporty at school and saw ice-skating as athletic and graceful. He began skating with another partner at 14 and they became the British Junior Dance champions, but they also split up.

This is for a UK theatre tour “Our Life on Ice: In Conversation with Torvill & Dean”, when Jayne and Chris will be very much out of their comfort zone and away from the ice-rink where they have forged their deserved reputation.

They agree, though, that they are both looking forward to the tour as it “combines our love of being on stage in front of our fans with the publication of our autobiography.”

Chris adds: “The fact that we won’t be on the ice might seem strange at first, but it will give us the chance to meet the people who have supported us over the past 30 years in an intimate setting where we can share our stories live in front of theatre audiences.”

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Perhaps fate was simply waiting for its moment to put them together, but one thing is certain: when they teamed up in 1975 under the watchful eye of coach Janet Sawbridge they won their first competitions together in Sheffield and Bristol and then in St Gervais, France.

They came second in an international competition followed by a fourth place finish at the British Championships.

In 1979, they were placed sixth at the European Championships in Zagreb, Yugoslavia (now Croatia) and eighth at the World Championships in Vienna.

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Their main focus was skating and there was little time for a social life when early mornings and late nights were spent at cold ice-rinks. But all this paid off when they became British champions again.

Jayne was working in insurance and Chris was a policeman but success was already threatening to eclipse other careers and, after placing fifth in the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York, they both gave up their jobs to skate together full-time.

The move paid off. They were not expected to win the European Championships in Innsbruck in 1981 as the Russians had dominated the sport for the previous 12 years.

But, on a special night for British skating, Jayne and Chris became the European Ice Dance Champions, and six weeks later in America they won their first World Championship Medal.

Suddenly, we were all more aware of ice-dancing. And we were very aware of the young Nottingham couple with the clean-cut image.

At the 1982 European Championships in Lyon, France, they retained their title and scored their first sixes in an overseas competition. They were also triumphant in the World Championships in Denmark.

The following year, Jayne fell in practice just days before the Europeans in Germany and they had to withdraw, but they arrived in Finland for the World Championships only weeks later. It is to their great credit that they surpassed their performance the previous year with top marks. With the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo less than 12 months away, the signs were good.

In 1984, thanks to the ambitious and mesmeric dance to “Bolero” that Chris had choreographed, they stepped into the pages of sporting history.

“...it seemed a fitting time to say goodbye to ‘Dancing on Ice’. We wanted to go out on a high!”

They also stepped into the full glare of the media spotlight and we wanted to know all about them: were they a couple? Who were they as individuals away from the ice?

Little personal detail escaped into the public arena, but career-wise, they turned professional to start the next phase of their working lives together.

Jayne and Chris have continued to entertain through icedance over the years, and just eight years ago started the phenomenally successful TV series “Dancing on Ice.” This pairing of celebrity would-be skaters with professionals, the expert input of Jayne and Chris and their still-beautiful dancing together to show everyone how it should be done proved to be a ratings’ winner.

Last year, they announced that the 2014 series would be the last, citing the 30th anniversary of their iconic Sarajevo win because “it seemed a fitting time to say goodbye to ‘Dancing on Ice’. We wanted to go out on a high!”

There will, however, be a “Dancing on Ice” Christmas special and it’s quite likely other projects will keep the busy pair in the public eye.

The important thing is that they reject any suggestion they will be hanging up their skates - and promptly organised a UK-wide tour. All of this is excellent news for fans of the duo who still flock to see them perform.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have undoubtedly raised the profile of ice-dance over the years, both in the pubic consciousness and at the very levels of this demanding and beautiful discipline.

Could they ever eclipse that “Bolero” moment? It’s hard to say but all we know for sure is that this exciting pair have smoothly skated into our lives bringing excellence at every turn. And who knows where that demanding journey will take them next?

For details of local theatres for the Our Life On Ice tour go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk

11

HOME first and then decide on your paint colour. Once you find something you like, limit the number of colours in a room to no more than three or four.

Too many colours can make a room look busy or cluttered. Paint is fairly inexpensive and transforms a room more quickly than anything else, so you can afford to experiment a little.

Room Colour and How it Affects Your Mood The colours of the rooms within your home need to bring out your personality. While most of us may not spend a lot of time thinking about room colour, it affects every day of our lives. Room colour can influence our mood and our thoughts. Colour affects people in many ways, depending upon one’s age, gender, ethnic background or local climate. Certain colours or groups of colours tend to get a similar reaction from most people – the overall difference being in the shade or tones used. So when it comes to decorating, it is important to choose wisely.

In order to have a beautiful home, you do not have to worry about trends. Colour trends will come and go. The people who live in a home make it beautiful by choosing colours that reflect their likes and their personalities. The trick is to blend those colours you like into a pleasing combination. Choosing colour combinations is one of the most intimidating steps for beginners.

Colour has the power to change the shape and size of furnishings as well as the shape and size of the room itself. Selecting colours is not

12

difficult if you equip yourself with some basic information about colour and its effects, so let’s find out more about room colours, and how these influence your mood.

Choose Wisely!

Keep in mind that each colour has a psychological value. Think about how those colours make you feel- they can influence any feeling from tranquility to rage. So when trying to create peace and harmony in your home, choose your colours wisely. Some colours in large amounts will have just the opposite affect on you and your loved ones’ moods.

What mood do you want to create? Which colours will help you achieve that mood?

Find clear answers to these questions.

If you find this task difficult try to look at magazines, decorating books, blogs and websites for ideas, or let your fabric be your guide. In fact, this is a good approach to take even if you’re starting from scratch. Fabric, carpeting, furniture and tile are available in a more limited range of colours than paint, so choose them

Room Colors and Their Effects Understand that colours behave in three basic ways : active, passive, and neutral. You can easily match every room’s colours to your personal desires, to your taste taste and to the room’s purpose. Light colours are expansive and airy, making rooms seem larger and brighter. Dark colours are sophisticated and warm; they give large rooms a more intimate appearance. Now let’s find out more about colours and what they can do to a room: Red raises a room’s energy level. It is a good choice when you want to stir up excitement, particularly at night.

In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. In an entryway, it creates a strong first impression.

Red has been shown to raise blood pressure, speed respiration and heart rate. It is usually considered too stimulating for bedrooms, but if you’re only in the room after dark, you’ll be seeing it mostly by lamplight, when the colour will appear muted, rich, and elegant. Red, the most intense, pumps the adrenaline like no other hue.

Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness. It is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms, where happy colours are energising and uplifting. In halls, entries, and small spaces, yellow can feel expansive and welcoming. Even though yellow although is a cheery colour, it is not a good choice to use in main colour schemes when it comes to designing a room. Studies show that people are more likely to lose their temper in a yellow interior.

Babies also seem to cry more in a yellow room. In large amounts, this colour tends to create feelings of frustration and anger in people. In chromotherapy, yellow is believed to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.

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Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. That is why it is considered calming, relaxing and serene, and it is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms. Be careful, however: a pastel blue that looks pretty on the paint chip can come across as unpleasantly chilly when it is on the walls and furnishings, especially in a room that receives little natural light. If you opt for a light blue as the primary colour in a room, balance it with warm hues for the furnishings and fabrics. To encourage relaxation in the social areas (family rooms, living rooms, large kitchens) consider warmer blues, such as periwinkle, or bright blues, such as cerulean or turquoise. Blue is known to have a calming effect when used as the main colour of a room. Go for softer shades of blue. Dark blue has the opposite effect, evoking feelings of sadness. So refrain from using darker blues in your main colour scheme. Stay with the lighter shades of blue to give you and your loved ones a calm effect.

Green is considered the most restful colour for the eye. Combining the refreshing quality of blue and the

cheerfulness of yellow, green is suited for almost any room in the house. In the kitchen, green cools things down; in a family room or living room, it encourages unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness.

Green also has a calming effect when used as a main colour for decorating. It is believed to relieve stress by helping people relax. Also believed to help with fertility, making it a great choice for the bedroom.

Purple in its darkest values (eggplant, for example) is rich, dramatic, and sophisticated. It is associated with luxury as well as creativity, and as an accent or secondary colour, it gives a scheme depth. Lighter versions of purple, such as lavender and lilac, bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does, but without the risk of feeling chilly.

Orange evokes excitement, enthusiasm and is an energetic colour. While not a good idea for a living room or for bedrooms, this colour is great for an exercise room.

It will bring out all the emotions that you need released during your fitness routine. In ancient cultures orange was believed to heal the lungs and increase energy levels.

Neutrals (black, gray, white, and brown) are basic to the decorator’s tool kit. All-neutral schemes fall in and out of fashion, but their virtue lies in their flexibility: Add colour to liven things up; subtract it to calm things down.

Black is best used in small doses as an accent. Indeed, some experts maintain that every room needs a touch of black to ground the colour scheme and give it depth. To make the job easier, you can rely on the interior designer’s most important colour tool: the colour wheel.

Crimson can make some people feel irritable. Invoking feelings of rage and hostility, this is a colour that should be avoided as the main colour of a room.

Sitting for long periods of time in a room painted in this colour will likely affect the peace and harmony you are striving to create in your home.

Colour Effects on Walls and Ceiling The ceiling represents one-sixth of the space in a room, but too often it gets nothing more than a coat of white paint. In fact, for decades, white has been considered not only the safest but also the best choice for ceilings. As a general rule, ceilings that are lighter than the walls feel higher, while those that are darker feel lower. Lower need not mean claustrophobic: visually lowered ceilings can evoke cosy intimacy. As a general rule, dark walls make a room seem smaller, and light walls make a room seem larger.

13

HOME Purple is rich, dramatic, and sophisticated.

More details are on the website at www. handyperson.org.uk . Or, you can email us at wirralcheshire@handyperson.org. uk These are some advantages of using our services: •

Cost free calls to 0800 148 8818,

•

Free professionally written estimates,

•

A no-nonsense guarantee to fix any problems, or your money back,

•

All staff employed by SHH are fully DBS checked,

•

Public Liability Insurance of £5M,

•

Smartly uniformed staff, who drive SHH badged and equipped vehicles,

Safe and Healthy Homes Handyperson Service has:

Conclusion These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint colour. But remember that colour choice is a very personal matter. You are the one who has to live with your new paint colour, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.

•

A Government TrustMark accreditation to prove trustworthiness,

•

CHAS accreditation to show that we take your safety seriously.

If you need help to carry out any repairs or maintenance to your home, garden, rented property, office or business premises, Safe and Healthy Homes are here to help you.

Our staff can carry out plumbing jobs, minor electrical work, general repairs and maintenance, decorating, gardening… and lots more.

SAFE AND HEALTHY HOMES

If you are elderly or disabled, or have a relative or friend who is, we can provide a wide range of aids and adaptations to help. For example – fitting lever operated taps, providing fixed or portable ramps and half steps, or fitting grab rails or handrails, etc. We can also fit telephone based contact systems to put vulnerable people in touch with a 24/7 operator. Ideal for peace of mind?

A new prompt and friendly repair and maintenance service for home owners, tenants, and for landlords and businesses; has recently opened a new branch serving Wirral and Chester.

Safe and Healthy Homes Handyperson Service has been created by a group of experienced professionals who know how difficult it can be to find a reliable, trustworthy, and cost effective maintenance and repair service. It has been created to provide the quality of service that the Directors would want to find for themselves, and for their liable, trustworthy, local and insured families and friends.

For home owners, landlords and estate Painting & decorating wirralcheshire@handyperson.org.uk agents, or tenants; we provide a range Small repairs & odd jobs of bespoke services to suit your own Minor home adaptations needs, when you need it. Prompt repairs can save you money by avoiding further Condensation & mould damage. We provide free estimates – so Minor electrics why not try our services?

Your Local Handyperson Service re

For businesses, retail and commercial organisations we provide a reliable and cost effective service for day to day repairs and maintenance, etc; helping you to focus on running your business.

We provide PAYG services for most of your needs.

Minor plumbing Garden tidying and lots more...

Freephone: 0800 148 8 818 www.handyperson.org.uk Quote reference 50 Plus Magazine

14

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Exhibitions at the

WILLIAMSON ART GALLERY & MUSEUM, BIRKENHEAD

ANDY GOTTS’ “BEHIND THE MASK” BAFTA EXHIBITION 24 January – 22 March Photographer Andy Gotts has specialised in the celebrity portrait and this exhibition has 100 film star photographs of British Academy award winners and nominees.

Included are such figures as the late Lauren Bacall and Robin Williams, and a list that runs from Robert de Niro to local lad Daniel Craig, Rod Steiger to Imelda Staunton, Brad Pitt to Miriam Margolyes.

RED WORK: RACHAEL HOWARD 14 February – 22 March Red Work is a major solo exhibition by acclaimed West Kirby resident textile artist Rachael Howard.

Rachael records and celebrates the everyday events and objects we are all familiar with, but in large-scale work inspired by 19th century redwork story quilts.

WIRRAL ART SCHOOL DEGREE SHOW 23 May – 7 June Each year for the twenty years since the Wirral Met College Fine Art Degree course began, the Williamson has hosted their Degree Show, a showcase for the graduating students and always an exciting and varied snapshot of contemporary methods and media. The course draws its students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, which always guarantees a stimulating exhibition.

Try our Gallery 14 café and shop, stocking work by local artists & craftspeople.

Gill Curry: ‘The Cypress’ (winner 2014 Williamson Open)

WILLIAMSON OPEN 10 April – 10 May Our annual opportunity for all artists with Wirral connections to submit work, in both art and photographic sections, for a survey of the best work being produced in the area. At least one purchase prize will be awarded which adds work to the Williamson’s permanent collection for posterity. (entries taken in 13-15 March, £5 fee per work)

The opening times and dates given are subject to alteration, possibly at short notice, and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. If there is something specific you wish to see, please call in advance.

Williamson Art Gallery & Museum Slatey Road, Birkenhead CH43 4UE 16 0151 652 4177 williamsonartgallery@wirral.gov.uk

Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm Closed Monday & Tuesday www.50plusmagazine.co.uk NB also closed Good Friday, 3rd April.

Have you visited Birkenhead Priory?

WIRRAL

A

site now wholly enclosed by modern Birkenhead, the Priory has the oldest standing buildings in Merseyside and is usually a haven of tranquillity, until the shipyard next door starts banging!

The Undercroft Museum tells the story of the Priory and the Chapter House dates back to 1150, in use as church since St Mary’s parish church closed forty years ago. Upstairs is the chapel dedicated to HMS Conway, the training ship stationed on the River Mersey off Rock Ferry for many years. The chapel is open by arrangement.

Phase 1 of the work on refurbishment of the buildings has been completed: St Mary’s church tower is open to visitors for its unrivalled views over Cammell Laird, Birkenhead and the River Mersey to Liverpool.

Phase 2 has largely been completed which involved scaffolding around some of the mediaeval buildings but work on the displays and interpretation is continuing into 2015.

Please telephone before a visit if you are hoping to see something specific.

Open Wednesday – Friday pm, Saturday & Sunday all day. Closed Monday & Tuesday.

NB also closed Good Friday, 3rd April.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Telephone (0151) 666 1249 or 652 4177 to check times, which vary with the season.

17

FOOD & DRINK THE HAIRY DIETERS EAT FOR LIFE "We've cooked the recipes in our first book over and over, and they've become much loved standards in our kitchens, along with our other favourite dishes. We enjoy them so much that, like you, we wanted, more so now we've come up with some new ones that we hope you're going to like just as much."

CHICKEN TAGINE WITH PRESERVED LEMONS 391 calories per portion (if serving 4); 313 calories per portion (if serving 5) Saffron, chilli, preserved lemons, coriander - our version of this North African stew is a winner. It’s fragrant, filling and fabulous, so enjoy. You can buy jars of preserved lemons in large supermarkets.

METHOD Put the saffron in a measuring jug with the stock cube and pour over the 250ml of just-boiled water. Stir until the stock cube dissolves and set aside. Put the chicken thighs on a board and trim off all the visible fat, then season the chicken with salt and pepper. Slice the preserved lemons into very thin strips, flicking out any pips as you go.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick saucepan. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika and chilli flakes. Season with lots of black pepper and cook for 2 minutes, while stirring.

Add the 2 tablespoons of cold water and steam-fry for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly until the onions are lightly browned. Add the chicken and preserved lemons to the saucepan and cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes, turning the chicken until it’s lightly coloured on all sides.

Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into rough wedge shapes or chucks of about 4cm. Roughly chop the tomatoes and cut the pitted olives in half. Put the potatoes, tomatoes and olives in a large bowl and toss with the herbs and plenty of salt and pepper.

Scatter the vegetable mix over the chicken, pour over the saffron stock and cover the pan tightly with a lid. Simmer over a very low heat for 35-40 minutes, without removing the lid, until the chicken and potatoes are tender.

Serves 4-5 Prep: 15 minutes Cooking time: 45-55 minutes pinch of saffron threads 1 chicken stock cube 250ml just-boiled water 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 preserved lemons (size of a walnut in its shell), rinsed 1 tbsp olive oil 2 medium onions, sliced 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced

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1 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 2 tbsp cold water 600g medium potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers 3 large ripe tomatoes 50g pitted green olives in brine, drained 20g bunch of fresh coriander, leaves roughly chopped 20g bucn of fresh parsley, leaves roughly chopped flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

SAUSAGES AND RICH ONION GRAVY 242 calories per portion Thank goodness, we can still have a dash of the bangers and mash our mothers used to make. If you choose lean sausages with the minimum of fat, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t include this tasty dish on your menu and still drop the pounds.

Look for sausages containing about 100 calories each and make sure they’re good quality for the best taste.

METHOD Brush a large non-stick frying pan or sauté pan with the sunflower oil and fry the sausages over a medium heat for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown all over. Add the onions to the pan, turn down the heat slightly and fry for 8-10 minutes or until the sausages are cooked and the onions are softened and golden brown, stirring regularly.

Pour the stock into the pan, add the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mix the cornflour with the cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pan with the sausages and return to a simmer, then cook for 1-2 minutes more until the sauce is thickened, stirring. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with our lower-cal colcannon.

LOWER-CAL COLCANNON

Serves 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes 1/2 tsp sunflower oil

8 lean pork sausages 1 1/2 medium onions, thinly sliced 300ml beef stock, made with 1/2 beef stock cube 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp cornflour 1 tbsp cold water flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

157 calories per portion METHOD Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks of about 3cm. Put them in a large saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until very tender.

While the potatoes are cooking, brush the oil over the inside of a large non-stick frying pan and fry the bacon and onion together over a medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until the onion is softened and the bacon is lightly browned, stirring regularly.

Remove any damaged leaves from the cabbage and cut in half.

Cut out the tough central core and thinly shred the leaves. Add the shredded cabbage to the pan with the bacon and onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened, stirring regularly. Add a tablespoon of water to the pan every couple of minutes to prevent the cabbage burning. Remove from the heat.

Serves 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes 500g floury potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers or King Edwards 1/2 tsp sunflower oil 2 rashers of rindless lean smoked streaky bacon, cut into 2cm pieces 1/2 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped 1/2 medium Savoy cabbage (about 300g) 3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

Drain the potatoes in a large colander and tip them back into the saucepan. Mash with the milk until smooth and season to taste. Tip the potatoes into the same pan as the softened cabbage and stir together over a low heat until hot and well combined. Transfer to a warmed dish and serve.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

19

It’s all gravy at...

At The Queen’s Royal we pride ourselves on our delicious home-cooked food which delights diners time and time again.

Treat yourselves to mouth watering roast dinners from our carvery, served every Sunday 12-7pm and Monday to Saturday lunchtime 12-3pm. Choose either 2 or 3 courses from the favourites with all the trimmings including our own recipe gorgeous gravy...

Gravy fit for a Queen!

As it’s approaching Christmas we thought we’d give 50 Plus readers a gift; the secret to The Queen’s Royal perfect gravy, for you to impress your family with this Christmas!

We are regularly asked what the secret is to our delicious gravy, and one of the key factors is time, and no cheating- that’s why our gravy’s ‘real gravy’

Recipe...

Follow these simple instructions to make your own version of our yummy gravy...

Bones: Beef, preferably Marrow bones.

These need to be roasted in the oven until nice and brown (nearly black).

Then, place in a big stock-pot with water and a mixture of vegetables (we suggest onion, celery & carrots as a good starting point).

Then bring to the boil and leave to simmer for approximately 4 hours.

Next you need to add beef and vegetable bouillon and allow to simmer

for another hour. Also if you have any meat juices add them now (no fat).

Pour the liquid in to another pan through a sieve, then back on the stove.

To thicken: Mix flour and butter together to make a roux and add this to the gravy, whisking vigourously to avoid lumps. Once you have the desired thickness, add some gravy browning to colour. And Hey Presto! Proper Gravy!

Eat, Drink, Sleep...

Alongside the Sunday Carvery we have a unique evening menu, bar & lunch menu, seasonal menus and not to mention our regularly changing seafood specials board.

Our separate bar constantly proves to be a hit with our customers, always with 6 real ales for the real ale enthusiast.

We also have some great premium lagers and an extensive wine list so you will be spoiled for choice.

Not just a bar and restaurant though, it’s the ideal venue for functions and special occasions such as weddings with a contemporary function suite on the first floor and a boutique style bridal suite.

We also have 3* guest accommodationmany rooms with sea views! The Queen’s Royal truly is a fantastic place to eat, drink, celebrate and sleep.

Theatre Lovers?

Early evening pre theatre- when visiting The Floral Pavillion why not pop in between 5pm and 6.30pm for a starter and main course from just £12.95 with a special choice of elegant dishes to get you in the mood for a night of culture?

Afternoon Tea Enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea with all home made sweet delicacies, finger sandwiches, scones with the best jam and clotted cream, all washed down with a choice of speciality tea leaves.

Delivered on a vintage cake stand and crockery just £9.95 per person.

The Queen’s Royal Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wallasey, Merseyside CH45 2JT

0151 691 0101 e: info@thequeensroyal.co.uk www.thequeensroyal.com

OUT & ABOUT

Botany Bay

The Snowman

Visit Botany Bay this Christmas!

Chester Cathedral, 12 Abbey Square, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HU

Discover a Winter Wonderland of Christmas with inspiring decorations and gifts, perfect for creating a Christmas to remember.

Open 7 days a week 9am - 5.30pm. Late night shopping until 8pm on 26th November, 3rd December, 10th December.

Free parking and no entrance fee charged.

For more details visit www.botanybay.co.uk

Something magical is happening at Chester Cathedral this Christmas!

Carrot Productions are delighted to present a family-friendly Christmas concert featuring The Snowman film accompanied by a live, 25-piece professional orchestra.

Saturday 13 December THE SNOWMAN - Family performances: 12.15pm, 2.15pm and 7.00pm - Ticket prices: £8.00 to £17.00 For more details call 01244 500959

Hoverlink service across North West wins Westminster support Plans to launch a fast hovercraft service linking North West destinations including North Wales, Wirral, Blackpool, Southport and Liverpool have won support from the Department of Transport.

The business and tourism service will be operated by Hoverlink with a proposed schedule from 2015, featuring a route to Liverpool John Lennon Airport - the world’s only airport hovercraft shuttle.

Jesus Christ Superstar at Winter Gardens Blackpool 10th March – 14th March 2015 7.30pm Matinees Wed/ Thurs/ Sat 2.30pm.

Tickets from £19.50 To book call 0844 856 1111 or wintergardensblackpool. co.uk

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Exhibition Chester Cathedral, 12 Abbey Square, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HU This Christmas, Chester Cathedral will take visitors on an exciting journey to the magical land of Narnia, transforming spaces within the magnificent building to bring C.S. Lewis’s classic tale ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ to life.

For more details call 01244 500959 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Festive Family Fundraiser 13th December Souters Lane, The Groves, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1SD Tel: 01244 325 394 Join ChesterBoat this December for their first ever ‘Festive Family Fundraiser’ cruises. Escape the Christmas shoppers and enjoy a 1 hour family cruise, featuring children’s storytelling, crafts and party games, plus carol singing and stacks of festive cheer.

The cruises are sailing on the Lady Diana showboat along the beautiful River Dee. All decks are fully enclosed and toasty warm. Upon boarding the boat, adults will receive complimentary mulled wine and mince pie while children will receive complimentary juice and biscuit. The bar will be open for refreshments throughout the cruise.

Hoverlink representatives presented their proposals to Under Secretary for Transport Robert Goodwill MP at Westminster on Wednesday 22nd October 2014.

Hoverlink CEO Simon Clitheroe said: “Momentum behind the Hoverlink project is building fast. The meeting outlined our exciting plans to provide a fast hovercraft linking the North West and North Wales. With the closure of commercial flights out of Blackpool, the hovercraft provides an integral transport link with Liverpool Airport.

“The unique service will be phased in over two years and could create 100 permanent jobs. With support of the Department of Transport and other Government departments, further meetings will now be held within the 24 Enterprise Zones across England, set up by the Government in 2012 to stimulate business growth.

“We have already secured a proportion of the costs from private investors but opportunities are still available by emailing investment@hoverlink.net” Hoverlink chairman David Kirwan, senior partner of North West law firm Kirwans, said: “We were greatly encouraged by the support by MPs from all parties and also the Government itself.

“The service makes perfect sense and offers a genuine opportunity to boost the North West economy by potentially billions of pounds over the next few decades.”

Image for illustration purposes only.

21

Divorce vs Business When we embark on Marriage we do it with good heart and in good faith, and assume we will be together with our partners for the rest of our lives.

The reality is rather different and sadly Divorce has become more and more common, causing major problems for those in business for themselves.

The three main Scenarios are as follows: 1. Husband and Wife work together.

2. One spouse works in the Business, the other stays at home.

3. One spouse owns a Business prior to Marriage.

For points 1 and 2, it is important to understand that any financial settlement will include a valuation of the Business (as this is deemed one of the assets of the marriage), this will be determined by a number of things, including current market conditions and the Business Accounts, One of the areas that Tracey personally specialises in is dealing with complicated financial settlements involving substantial assets.

In her 25 years of practice, she has dealt with small family business’s right up to multi-million pound cases involving Large Business’s, Property Portfolios, Pensions, Family Trusts and a variety of other high net worth assets.

Over the years, Tracy Miller Family Law has been extremely successful in delivering a top class service along with excellent results for our clients. Our approach to these type of cases is always “settlement orientated but court room ready”, minimising the costs where possible, however should the need arise, we are ably supported by a top class professional team of Forensic Accountants, Business Consultants, IFAS and of course the Highest Quality Barristers, most of whom I have worked with for many years.

• Divorce & Judicial Separation • Financial Settlements • Civil Partnerships • Prenuptial agreements • 7 days a week service

For point 3, this is where a prenuptial agreement will play its part, and is especially important if a Business has been a “family business” of one of the parties for a period of time.

Over the years, Tracy Miller Family Law has been extremely successful in delivering a top class service along with excellent results for our clients.

Back in October 2010 the world of family law was changed forever with the land mark decision by the Supreme Court in the case of Radmacher and Granatino. Whilst pre-nuptial agreements have never been legally binding in this country, the Supreme Court in effect held that in future pre-nuptial Agreements will be given much more weight by the family courts on divorce unless they are considered unfair.

We at Tracey Miller Family Law specialise in Divorce & Judicial Separation, Financial Settlements involving Business, Civil Partnerships and Prenuptial Agreements. (We also specialise in all children matters).

One of the main differences between TMFL and other solicitors is that we are the Only Family Law Firm in The North West to offer a 7 day a week service, which means we are available to speak to, even over a weekend. The other advantage for Business People is that we can also arrange to meet you at your Business Premises or at a place which is convenient to you.

Quote 50 Plus Magazine for an ENTIRELY FREE OF

CHARGE, NO TIME LIMIT, INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Contact us...

0151 515 3036 or 07795 060211 or visit our website on www.traceymillerfamilylaw.com

Varicose Veins Heat Ablation by Laser or Radiofrequency Ablation - A Nice Way to Treat Veins Varicose veins affect up to 3 in 10 adults in the UK and, if untreated, they can lead to more serious conditions such as thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins caused by blood clots forming in the vein) and venous leg ulcers.

The veins often have a thick, knobbly appearance and are associated with throbbing, pain, itching and swelling although some people have few symptoms.

In a healthy vein, blood flows up the legs to the heart against gravity and is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow back down into the legs and can collect in the leg vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose).

Varicose Veins Advisory Clinic

Of all the treatments available, heat ablation therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment by the new NICE Guideline on the diagnosis and management of varicose veins in the leg. It is associated with less pain and quicker recovery times for patients, compared with traditional surgery such as ‘vein stripping’ or ligation. It is the most successful treatment of all and carries a lower risk of the veins coming back when compared to all other treatments.

NICE recommendations in order are endothermal ablation (laser or radiofrequency treatment) of the long saphenous vein and if endothermal ablation is unsuitable, offer ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Finally, if ultrasound sclerotherapy is unsuitable, offer surgery. Other treatments are not currently recommended because of insufficient evidence of their long term results.

Are your veins causing aches, pains, itchiness and general discomfort?

Are you looking to get your confidence back?

Not sure what the best treatment may be for you?

The procedure is usually performed under a local anaesthetic, although a general anaesthetic can be offered.

Why not come along to our FREE Varicose Veins Under local anaesthetic, a walk-in, basis, theVascular Advisory Cliniconwith ourwalk-out Consultant whole procedure takes approximately 30-40 minutes with an Surgeons Professor Edwards almost immediate return to normal activities. and Mr Dimitri, to find out how treatment can help and After anaesthetising the skin, a wire is passed into the vein in what options are available. the upper calf or lower thigh and positioned in the vein using a duplex ultrasound scanner. Once positioned correctly, local anaesthetic is injected around the vein, numbing the vein and For further information or to bookwhich youritself FREE allowing the heat treatment to be undertaken, takes only10 about 5 minutes. minute mini advice session, contact: After treatment and application of a stocking we advise a The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester quick walkNuffield around Health the outpatient department and home.

Few Wrexham Road, Chester, Cheshire CH4 7QP people have any problems afterwards although occasionally some discomfort is felt along the treated vein as it shrinks.

01244 459553 The major benefit of this treatment is its effectiveness and the ability to return to work very quickly with a small chance nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/chester of vein recurrence.

This treatment, heat ablation, is the most successful of all treatment options and explains why it is chester.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com recommended as the first line of treatment by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Consultant Profile: Professor Paul Edwards MA MB BChir, FRCS, FRCS (Ed), M.Chir Professor Edwards has been a Consultant Vascular and General Surgeon for 20 years, and now concentrates on the management of venous disease.

References: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

The diagnosis and management of varicose veins. Clinical guideline, 26 July 2013.

* Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. Promise

is clinically required from your 24is valid for patients paying for themselves. ** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care thatwww.50plusmagazine.co.uk Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

Varicose Veins Advisory Clinic Are your veins causing aches, pains, itchiness and general discomfort?

Are you looking to get your confidence back?

Not sure what the best treatment may be for you?

Why not come along to our FREE Varicose Veins Advisory Clinic with our Consultant Vascular Surgeons Professor Edwards and Mr Dimitri, to find out how treatment can help and what options are available.

For further information or to book your FREE 10 minute mini advice session, contact: Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester Wrexham Road, Chester, Cheshire CH4 7QP

01244 459320 459553 nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/chester chester.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com * Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. ** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

Philip Morrison has provided Life Transformational Dentures for over 20 years What is a Clinical Dental Technician A Clinical Dental Technician or CDT is a registered Dental Care Professional who is trained and qualified to offer a range of Denture Services – services that were previously only available through your Dentist.

Philip Morrison BSc Dip CDT RCS Eng was introduced to dentistry as a child in his father’s dental clinic and went on to gain over 20 years of experience as a dental technician.

A graduate of Manchester University, Philip continued his education and became a Clinical Dental Technician with the Royal College of Surgeons England. He has extensive hands on experience in Ivoclar™ dentures, dentures over implants, as well as Straumann™ Platinum Technician status. Philip has earned a reputation for creating high quality dentures while providing clients with compassionate and gentle care.

His greatest joy comes from seeing the new confident, genuine smiles on his clients’ faces.

If you would like your new dentures to replicate all the favourable aspects of your existing Dentures, then a Clinical Dental Technician can help you. From copying exact tooth position and shape, to improving the way they fit with your

26

mouth and gums – your Copy Dentures will be just like the Dentures you have now, only better.

Imagine only you and your CDT know you wear dentures Dental Solutions Denture Clinic has become synonymous with providing the very best in denture care and quality in its warm and inviting environment. Located in the heart of the Wirral, the Clinic focuses on personal, one-on-one care, creating a unique approach to each patient’s needs and desires.

Do you want the confidence of a natural smile?

Dental Solutions Denture Clinic offers a variety of dentures to meet your needs, including full, partial and immediate dentures. We use premium quality materials and expert craftsmanship to ensure a unique and perfect fit, never compromising on comfort or aesthetics.

Our patients tell us their confidence has been restored due to our professional approach, caring attitude, and attention to detail. We look forward to meeting you soon and beginning your journey towards a new smile.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Implant Retained Dentures The preferred method of tooth replacement is the dental implant, due to its unparalleled stability and long-term patient satisfaction.

Implants are truly a cut above conventional denture treatments, and many patients who have chosen this option report they are happy and comfortable for the first time since the loss of their natural teeth.

Benefits of Implant Retained Dentures • Confidence when smiling, laughing and talking • Your chewing ability is restored • Taste is not compromised, as the palate is not covered • Suitable even in cases where bone loss has already occurred • Further bone loss is prevented • No more loose dentures.

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Free 30 Minute Consultation BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW Please contact us for more information or to arrange a free smile consultation with one of our smile advisors.

0151 678 9833 Dental Solutions Denture Clinic

Arrowe Brook www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Wirral CH49 OAB

e: info@dentalsolutions.org.uk www.dentalsolutions.org.uk

27

Your Local Community Meals Provider and Care in the Community.

Healthy eating is essential for everyone. ICare can provide a nutritious, satisfying meal and sweet to be had at home. We can also offer meals for special dietary needs also cultural and religious requirements.

We are trying to contact people within the Community that may need our services and are offering a FREE complimentary meal and sweet, to either an individual or group of people.

ICare offer a 7 day a week, lunch time Hot Meal delivery service or a weekly Frozen delivery service.

Making our care go further...

Our ‘ICare Plus’ service includes a 15 minute stay where a Well-being and Safety check will be carried out if needed. We also provide a Home Shopping service.

Our Community Assistants are helpful polite and punctual and undergo a rigorous selection process, where by they are trained and assessed in adult care awareness, police checked and DBS cleared before they can deliver to you.

TRY A MEAL & DESSERT

ABSOLUTELY FREE

For more information please contact Karen Lobb on 0151 6441715 or 07891607636 or email karen.lobb@icaregroup.co.uk

JUST CONTACT US AND QUOTE ‘50PLUS’ AND WE’LL DO THE REST...

community meals

Qu

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re... a c who e l e op

Would you like a hot meal delivered to your home or do you have a friend or relative who would enjoy a hot lunch?

Or have our delicious meals and desserts delivered straight into your freezer by one of our DBS checked care-aware community assistants.

JUST £5.10 FOR A HOT MEAL & DESSERT

JUST £3.75 FOR A FROZEN MEAL & DESSERT

Give our friendly Customer Service a call on 0151 6441715

Visit our websites at www.icarecuisine.co.uk or www.icaregroup.co.uk

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“JOHNNIE” JOHNSON HOUSING TRUST (HEAD OFFICE) ASTRA HOUSE, SPINNERS LANE, POYNTON, CHESHIRE, SK12 1GA. AN EXEMPT CHARITY REGISTERED UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL AND PROVIDENT SOCIETIES ACT 1965 NO.19198R

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29

Thomas McMullan FA M I LY F U N E R A L S E R V I C E S

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Serving the community since 1981

Providing service beyond expectations with integrity, honour and respect

Why choose a SAIF Family Funeral Director?

Choosing the right funeral director could seem daunting, but when you look for the SAIF logo, you can be sure you will be dealing with an independent funeral director, who adheres to a strict code of practice, which sets out a high level of service requirement for members. You can be certain that you will be treated with the utmost respect, care and dignity, something missing from some non-independent funeral homes and those not members of the trade association and therefore not bound by its practices.

S ERVI CE We offer facilities and private chapels of the highest professional standard, with the personal service that only a local family firm can provide.

C OST Estimates given without obligation.

Charges and fees set to your personal requirements, guarantee of value.

ACCO UNTABIL ITY The assurance of local accountability, by using a locally owned and family service, that is a member of the funeral trade associations.

Our telephone is always answered personally and we are available 24 hours a day, every day

Birke only fa nhead's mil and ru y owned n S.A.I Funer al Dire .F. (Socie ty of A ctor

llie Indepe ndent d and F Directo uneral rs)

CO NTACT

0151 653 4173 The Valley Lodge Funeral Home, Borough Road, Birkenhead CH42 9JE.

www.thomasmcmullanfuneralservices.co.uk

“

“

Providing service beyond expectations with integrity, honour and respect

Funeral Plans from Thomas McMullan Funeral Services

Peace of mind for your loved ones

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For years, families have trusted Thomas McMullan's to serve and care for their loved ones, we promise to provide excellence in service and compassion during this most difficult time of loss.

“

Our telephone is always answered personally and we are available 24 hours a day, every day

“

Telephone

0151 653 4173 The Valley Lodge Funeral Home, Borough Road, Birkenhead CH42 9JE.

www.thomasmcmullanfuneralservices.co.uk

A funeral plan provides peace of mind for you and those you care about. You make the arrangements in advance, specify your wishes and take care of the costs.

We recommend funeral plans from Golden Charter, the UK's largest independent plan provider. With a Golden Charter plan you'll benefit from: Paying at today's prices for a service you may not require for many years A guarantee of nothing more to pay for our services A choice of a range of plans - with the option to personalise your own The reassurance that your wishes will be carried out, sparing your loved ones uncertainty and distress

“

Our experience can guide you in determining which service suits your family's needs. We are committed to arranging a funeral that is most befitting to your loved one, and we strive to celebrate their life in a meaningful way.

“

Taking out a funeral plan is one of the most thoughtful decisions you could make To find out more about Golden Charter funeral plans from Thomas McMullan Funeral Services, please return the coupon below, phone us or call in

Mr/Mrs/Ms

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Send to: Thomas McMullan Funeral Services, Valley Lodge, Borough Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside CH42 9JE (0151) 653 4173

Choosing the right care means understanding all your options

That’s why we offer free advice on elderly care to the people that need it – whether you have questions about yourself, a friend or family member.

Our team of specially trained advisors are on hand to answer questions on all aspects of elderly care.

It’s free, you don’t need our health insurance and lines are open seven days a week.

Discover what care could mean for you in Chester and The Wirral

Call 32

0333 331 7760† www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

† Lines open Monday and Friday, 8am – 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 5pm. Calls to 03 numbers from any line are charged at no more than local rates and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles.