CHRIS WRIGHT DENTURE CLINICS ARE YOUR DENTURES CAUSING YOU TEETHING TROUBLES?
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 ChrisWright Denture Clinics specialise in correcting.
Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. This means that the end result looks more natural than ever before. Why not call for a FREE 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 resorption 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.
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.
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 Chris Wright Denture Clinics to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It 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.
CHRIS WRIGHT DENTURE CLINICS CAN OFFER ALL ASPECTS OF DENTURE CARE INCLUDING;
• Free Consultations
• Denture cleaning and polishing service
• Repair of broken or cracked dentures
• Relining existing dentures to improve fit
• New full dentures
• New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) *
• Sports mouth guards
*Dentist treatment plan can be arranged
DID YOU KNOW?
It is illegal for anyone who is not a GDC registered Dentist or Clinical Dental Technician to make a dental appliance directly to the public. This includes dentures or tooth whitening. Anyone providing these services should be reported to the General Dental Council or Trading Standards as they are practicing dentistry without the appropriate qualifications or indemnity insurance.
THE STRINES INN
Despite being within Sheffield's border, the Strines Inn could be a world away. Nestled amongst breathtaking moorland scenery, it is one of the local landmarks in the Peak District National Park.
Originally a manor house, it was built in 1275 for the Worrall family, although most of the present day structure is 16th Century. After becoming an Inn in 1771 when John Morton leased the property from the Worrall's, it got its name from an Olde English word meaning the meeting of water, quite appropriate as nowadays it overlooks the Strines Reservoir.
In the height of Winter the Inn attracts walkers and visitors on a daily basis. The roaring fires and stunning views perfectly compliment the excellent food and drink available, with many dishes being homemade.
The Strines Inn is also famous for its numerous peacocks, the previous Landlord having introduced several pairs twenty years ago, there are now over thirty of them.
There is also accommodation available for those people looking to escape for a few days to relax. Our rooms all feature four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, hot drinks facilities and colour televisions. Each has a dining table where breakfast will be served to you, offering you comfort and privacy. Two of our rooms have fantastic views across the reservoir, so please ask if you would like a room with a view.
• Four-poster bed
• En-suite facilities
• Breakfast included THE STRINES INN BRADFIELD DALE, SHEFFIELD S6 6JE TEL: 01142 851247
A QUICK glance at what are rated the top 100 most boring tourist attractions in the world is a revelation.
Not just because our possibly world-weary, techy children and young people may be hard to please or that, from the sounds of reviews, some attractions are cobbled together with sticking plaster.
No. The surprise is the variety of places that come under the banner of “tourist attraction.”
The ranking was created by Solitaire and drawn up by an analysis of 66.7 million Google reviews of 3,290 popular tourist attractions worldwide in 384 cities across 72 countries. In other words, comprehensive.
That unwanted top spot went to the Branson Scenic Railway in Missouri, USA, scoring a boredom rating of five out of five. Shrek’s Adventure London ranked eighth and the London Dungeon twelfth. The Torture Museum in Amsterdam was 18th ,the Museum of Death in New Orleans 41st and the Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours & Oddities Parlor in San Antonio in Texas 99th.
I like the sound of the International UFO Museum and Research Centre in Roswell in New Mexico (a disappointing 17th) and the National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland in Dublin (38th).
However, I can’t imagine what the Meow Wolf Denver Convergence Station has to offer – perhaps not quite a howling success at 73rd on the list.
Most of the attractions deemed boring appear to be in America and the UK gets off quite lightly (or generally has fascinating, good value attractions).
Our children and grandchildren have been brought up going to various homegrown and international tourist attractions so their opinions really count for something. However, “boring” is still a very subjective concept.
Good luck to our dedicated Olympians!
VERY soon the Paris Olympic Games will be upon us and athletes of all kinds and disciplines will be filling our TV screens and newspaper headlines.
I’ve always admired anyone at the top of their sport because the amount of dedication they need to succeed is truly amazing. They routinely sacrifice any sort of home and social life to training and still never lose their hunger for winning.
So it’s good to see British swimmer Adam Peaty returning to worldclass competition after taking time away last year.
Then, he had physical concerns and worries about his mental health and did exactly the right thing by stepping back from the sport that had absorbed such a large part of his life and where he’d been so successful.
Now, though, he wants to defend his Olympic title and win a third straight breaststroke gold medal as part of the 33-strong Team GB swimming team in Paris.
He certainly looks well and in good form and states: “Over the whole history of the Olympics it’s almost unheard of to do three in a row.” So he’s certainly motivated and sounds in a good place mentally.
All good luck to him and all the GB teams this Summer. You really are all winners to get to the Olympics at all and we’re sure you’ll do us proud.
Raquel’s bikini finds a new home
ACTRESS Raquel Welch, who died earlier this year at 82, was an icon of the screen.
OK, she was no Judi Dench when it came to acting honours, but she was always entertaining to watch and had fans across the world.
Iconic posters of her in the comedy film One Million Years BC as a scantily clad cavewoman (they weren’t always big on historical fact during those golden years of Hollywood) became one of the most popular posters of all time.
So it was interesting to see that an auction of her wardrobe items in Los Angeles recently included this “costume” which was, in effect, a couple of pieces of fake fur stitched together.
This raised $13,000 (£10,000) and it would be fascinating to know where it ended up. Definitely not adorning the average female form on a shopping trip to Tesco.
It’s a sad goodbye to Our Vera
IT’S a real shame to learn that ITV is not planning to make any more episodes of the detective series Vera.
The brilliant Brenda Blethyn has been the quirky character of the title for the past 14 years and the series has racked up thousands of contented viewers.
The series is based on the character created by author Ann Cleeves and was first broadcast in May, 2011.
Viewers quickly warmed to Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope with her sensible shoes, drab coat and hat and mind like a bacon-slicer.
We will definitely miss those compelling storylines and her liberal use of the word “pet” when talking to everyone from Chief Constables to suspected murderers.
We will also miss the stunning Northumberland scenery that features regularly here. Sweeping shots of those fabulous moors must have done wonders for the tourist industry in the North-east. While TV programmes do have a shelf-life, it’s sad that there won’t be new mysteries to puzzle the brain-cells and be solved by our Vera.
So much more than just a good story
IT’S more than 20 years since the film Calendar Girls introduced the feisty Yorkshire Women’s Institute members who shed their clothes for a charity calendar to a wider audience.
It is, however, much more than just a fascinating story based on reallife. The actual calendars, the film and the stage musical have helped to raise more than £6 million for blood cancer charities both here and in the USA.
And, listening to a funny and touching talk at a charity lunch recently by one of the original Calendar Girls Tricia Stuart – on whom Helen Mirren’s role is based - it’s easy to see that it has changed more than just lives.
The decision of these brave women to create an alternative WI calendar altered opinions of the WI itself for the better and revelolutionised perceptions of middle-aged women forever.
The Calendar Girls proved that they were so much more than just a good story and we owe them a real vote of thanks.
The charming and captivating city of Rotterdam
By Rebecca Underwood, BA Hons | Travel Journalist
Rotterdam, considered the ‘second capital’ of the Netherlands, attracts hordes of visitors drawn to the positive ‘vibe’ of this contemporary city. Those fortunate visitors are amply rewarded with an intriguing insight into Dutch maritime history and presented with an enviable opportunity to take a fascinating glimpse into a colourful kaleidoscope of culture.
Early records show that Rotterdam was subjected to regular flooding and several dams and dikes were hastily built. In 1270 the construction of a major dam on the river Rotte resulted in large groups of people settling on and around the riverbanks and the area began to prosper.
Seventy years later, William II, Count of Holland and Zeeland, and brother in law of Edward III, granted Rotterdam its city status and only a decade later, a shipping canal was completed, which provided access to larger towns and trade quickly increased. The maritime trading routes to England and Germany were then established and Rotterdam became a strategic port for the Dutch East India Company.
In 1872, a shipping canal, named the Nieuwe Waterweg, was completed and Rotterdam benefitted greatly, as this canal was, and is, the primary access route to the Europoort of Rotterdam, now considered to be the busiest port in the world. The river Rhine and the river Meuse connect Europoort to Germany’s Rurh area, Switzerland, Belgium and France and to Antwerp via the Sheldt Rhine canal.
For more information on the city’s maritime history I visited the Rotterdam Maritime Museum; founded by Prince Henry of the Netherlands in 1873, it is located on Leuvehaven. Permanent exhibits include the Masterpiece Collection, featuring the Mataró; the oldest model ship in Europe, which dates back more than six hundred years. I viewed the fascinating collection of East India Company charts, which remained in England for three centuries and were purchased by the museum in 2006. A very popular attraction
is Professor Splash; giving ‘the little ones’ the chance to learn about life and work on a number of different vessels and their undivided attention will be drawn to a number of activities including sorting fish, loading and unloading cargo, navigating, dealing with a ‘fire’ onboard and the sudden outbreak of scurvy! ; The delightful squeals of the children and the ‘grown ups’ is wonderfully uplifting and it’s an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Feeling peckish after all that arduous activity, I climbed on board the bright red painted Vessel 11, which was once a British lightship in service at Morecambe Bay and is now docked within walking distance to the Rotterdam Maritime Museum. Purchased by a Dutch entrepreneur, the vessel was completely restored and with the removal of the bulkheads and machinery, space was created for a restaurant and bar, a reception area and living quarters.
The current resident owners, a charming Dutch/English couple, have opened a very popular British gastro pub, which presents an excellent English menu including a delicious Sunday roast, bangers n’ mash and shepherd’s pie and the hand pumped ‘Vessel 11’ ale, brewed specifically for the gastro pub by Kaapse Brouwers, is the perfect accompaniment.
As I disembarked from the vessel I decided to make my way towards Erasmusbrug, the combined bascule and cable-stayed bridge, which is 802 metres in length, 33.8 metres in width and it features an asymmetrical pylon reaching 139 metres in height. Locally known as ‘the swan’, the bridge spans the Nieuwe Maas, connects the north and south of the city and carries four traffic lanes, two tram tracks, two cycle lanes and two pavements. It is part of Rotterdam’s logo and quite simply glorious.
Re invigorated I decided to take part in a Rotterdam shopping extravaganza and headed for Coolsingel, only a twenty minute stroll away and I passed by the imposing City Hall. Dating back to 1915, the foundation stone was laid by Queen Wilhelmina and it is one of Rotterdam’s landmarks. I then took a wander around De Bijenkorf, an enormous department store crammed with fashions, lingerie, cosmetics and a wonderful perfumery. I was easily persuaded to part with more than a few Euros.
Rotterdam Skyline courtesy Claire-Droppert
Chabot Museum - courtesy Iris-van-den-Broek
For those of us who are art lovers, Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, located on Museumpark, presents a collection of 145,000 pieces and includes works by Rembrandt, Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Van Gogh and Kandinsky. One of the most intriguing exhibits is ‘A day in the life of Odilia Beck’, a fascinating snapshot of Dutch life in the 17th century. Another masterpiece, an oil sketch by Rubens, which is simply magnificent, is The Unification of England and Scotland, was designed for a very large ceiling in Banqueting House in Whitehall.
Another treat is the Chabot Museum, which is housed in a beautiful white villa, also located in the Museumpark and just a short hop away from the Boijmans Van Beuningen. Built in 1938 as a private property, the villa houses an extensive collection of exhibits by the very talented Dutch painter and sculptor Hendrikus Chabot.
Feeling a trifle weary and seeking a high end hotel in the centre of the city I opted to stay at the Rotterdam Marriott located on Weena. Accommodations are spacious, comfortable and feature contemporary furnishings. I was escorted to an airy one bedroom executive suite measuring 69 sqm and the marble bathroom with its separate bathtub for a soak in evening and a rejuvenating shower for the morning was just the ticket. My executive suite included access to the M Club lounge and I made full use of the complimentary buffet breakfast, complimentary light snacks throughout the day and
scrumptious hors d’oeuvres in the evening.
I decided to dine in-house and headed for the Restaurant The Millèn, which offers a new monthly menu of distinctive dishes with cosmopolitan flavours. I ordered the succulent sautéed scallop accompanied by a chilled glass of house white followed by the most delicious blood orange with white chocolate crèmeux, kataifi, timut pepper and blood orange ice cream. The Millèn offers a first class dining experience and each of my dishes were served with aplomb.
To work off those calories I hopped on the number eight electric tram from Rotterdam Centraal and in less than ten minutes I arrived in Oostkousdijk a stone’s throw from Delfshaven. This charming picturesque area of Rotterdam was once part of Delft and is known for its links to the Pilgrim Fathers, who settled in Delftshaven prior to their journey to North America.
Delftshaven was also a hub for the Dutch East India Company and as I wandered around the courtyards, I noted the abundance of historic buildings and the relaxed pace of river-side life reflected by the series of tranquil canals and waterways. I joined the locals in a waterway café, ordered a glass of ale and made a toast to the charming and captivating Rotterdam.
Images, excluding accommodation, courtesy of NBTC Holland.
When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks, we have the ideal holiday for you...
Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Daish’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 35 luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.
If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.
Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice
We are proud to announce that five of our group – Somerset, Imperial, Daish’s, Devonshire, County – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2024.
Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!
Local pick up points from make it easy to get away. Price includes return coach travel from:
and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).
Prices shown are per person based on two people
occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the
would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices
Daish’s Hotel
NICOLE KIDMAN WINNING AWARDS AND HEARTS
NICOLE Kidman is an actress who has never rested on either her looks or her laurels.
Tall (5’ 11”), blonde and slender with modelesque stature, her success story could have been quite different. But the elegant young woman chose a challenging path instead and has carved out a stellar career that has seen her winning awards and hearts all over the world.
She was actually born in Honolulu, Hawaii while her Australian parents were on educational visas there. Her father was a biochemist and clinical psychologist and her mother a nursing instructor.
Shortly after her birth, the family moved back to Washington DC and three years later returned to the Kidman seniors’ native Sydney, Australia where young Nicole was raised.
Her first love was ballet but she took up mime and drama and in her adolescent years acting became her sole interest. She eventually dropped out of high school to pursue an acting career and landed her first film role at 16 in Aussie holiday favourite Bush Christmas in 1983.
That appearance prompted film and TV offers including a lead in BMX Bandits and a role in TV miniseries Vietnam in 1987, for which she won her first Australian Film Institute award.
With the help of an American agent, she made her US debut three years later opposite Billy Zane in smash-hit thriller Dead Calm, introducing her to a whole new audience worldwide.
It was her next big film, Days of Thunder in 1990, however, which really changed her life.
In this racetrack romance, she played opposite heartthrob Tom Cruise. The couple fell for each other on and off-set and, after a whirlwind romance, married in 1990.
Determined to carry on her own on-screen career, Nicole next appeared as a catty high school senior in the Australian coming of age film Flirting in 1991. The same year, she was Dustin Hoffman’s moll in gangster movie Billy Bathgate.
She reunited with Tom Cruise for the 1992 film Far and Away as young Irish lovers fleeing to America in the late 1800s before starring opposite Michael Keaton in tearjerker My Life in 1993.
She was an effective leading lady opposite Val Kilmer’s Batman in 1995 film Batman Forever but it was Gus Van Sant’s film To Die For that began to show audiences Nicole’s wider skills.
In this tale of a murderous newscaster, largely told to camera, she showed real comic timing and earned thousands of new fans. She also won a Golden Globe and several critics’ awards for the role as she entered a new period of acknowledged versatility.
The following year, she worked on Jane Campion’s adaptation of Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady and a few months later moved completely away from period drama to star as a nuclear weapons’ expert opposite George Clooney in The Peacemaker. Now she was also an action star.
In 1998, she joined Sandra Bullock in romantic comedy Practical Magic involging two witch sisters. She returned to the stage the same year for the David Hare play The Blue Room, which opened in London and for which she received a Laurence Olivier award nomination for Best Actress.
She hit the headlines when she teamed up with Cruise once more for Stanley Kubrick’s controversial sexual thriller Eyes Wide Shut in 1999.
Unfortunately, the headlines continued not long afterwards as she and Cruise divorced.
Nicole later returned to the screen to play a mail-order bride in Birthday Girl. Then in 2001, she took the role of cabaret actress and courtesan Satine in Baz Luhrmann’s lavish, impressive musical Moulin Rouge! opposite Ewan McGregor.
Her performance, including her singing, received positive reviews and she received her second Gold Globe Best Actress Award and her first Academy Award.
The awards kept coming with her next film, psychological horror flick The Others. The following year was another complete change of role when she portrayed Virginia Woolf in Stephen Daldry’s The Hours, alongside Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore.
Always keen to challenge stereotypes, she wore nose prosthetics as the English author during the 1920s, winning more awards including an Oscar for the brave portrayal.
In 2004, she courted controversy in drama film Birth and the same year joined a starry cast including Mathew Broderick, Bette Midler, Christopher Walken and Glenn Close in the black comedy sci-fi film remake of The Stepford Wives.
The following year, she starred in the Sydney Pollack thriller The Interpreter and then played opposite Will Ferrell in romantic comedy Bewitched, based on the famous 1960s sitcom of the same name.
She lent her voice to a character in animated box-office smash Happy Feet, starred in fantasy adventure The Golden Compass and in 2008 was back with director Baz Luhrmann for the sweeping period film Australia opposite Hugh Jackman.
By 2010, she had moved into production, as executive producer and star of the film adaptation of Pullitzer Prize-winning play Rabbit Hole.
Films following that included opposite Colin Firth in BritishAustralian historical drama The Railway Man, the live-action animated comedy Paddington and the role of Queen Atlanna in hit movie Aquaman. She reprised this popular role in the 2023 Aquaman sequel.
Her working life now is a combination of production and acting in film and TV projects including this year in animated film Spellbound.
She married Australian and American country music star Keith Urban 18 years ago and they have two children.
A woman of strong family values, at 57 she is a star who knows herself and where she wants her career path to lead while still relishing artistic and personal challenges.
Accepting her Academy Award for The Hours, she stated: “I am standing in front of my mother, and my whole life I have wanted to make my mother proud.
“And now I’m going to make my daughter proud.”
Perhaps that sums up the kind of strong role model that Nicole has always been and just what is important in the life of this very untypical Hollywood star.
OPEN UP YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER
THE first signs of Spring and the onset of Summer make us want to throw open our doors and windows and welcome in sunlight and fresh air.
Just as Winter makes us want to close all the doors, pull the blinds down and the heavy curtains across and hunker down so these new seasons insist that we open up our homes and embrace the warmer weather.
It’s also a time when we relish the space in our homes and if we feel we need more, make plans. And a CONSERVATORY or ORANGERIE could be top of your list.
These smart glass structures are a great way of adding useful extra space to your home while bringing you closer to your garden and outside greenery.
If it’s below a certain size it can be built under permitted development rights but if it exceeds these limits you will need to apply for planning permission as it becomes an extension. So it’s certainly worth checking out the building regulations around conservatories.
Use a supplier whose work you have already seen and check on their website for reviews beforehand.
Considering exactly what you want this new space for should influence both your choice of conservatory and whether a building extension might be better.
Ensure a new conservatory blends in with your current home and with the adjoining rooms but do take a look at the very latest styles before you finally choose. Remember that old and new can look good together.
Another brilliant way to open up a room and bring the outside inside spectacularly is with BIFOLD DOORS
External bifold doors are a great way to open up a living space like the kitchen or living room areas. Choosing good quality materials helps prevent against warping or cracking and an installer with a proven reputation can ensure few problems and only pleasure ahead.
Going into Summer also highlights the WINDOWS of your home and if they’re looking drab, dull or just need replacing this is an excellent time to do it. This not only improves the value of your home but improves the quality of your lifestyle.
Upgrading from single glazing or outdated double glazing can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. Advanced thermal technology means that double glazing keeps your home at ideal temperatures all through the seasons.
Local companies have everything from sliding sash windows to casement windows. Dark window frames continue to be popular in 2024 with popular colours including deep blues, dark olive greens and sleek black.
Modern windows are also very streamlined and allow homeowners to enjoy their lovely views. Aluminium slimline frames are especially effective in enhancing views, with flush sash windows another minimalist option.
It may also be a good time to invest in some lighter, brighter CURTAINS. Thermal curtains come in all colours so look better for Summer and keep the room cool.
Lightweight voile curtains create an ethereal, softer effect in rooms like the lounge but you can still go for blackout curtains for bedrooms where complete darkness offers a better chance of a good night’s sleep.
BLINDS may also be worth considering for a more contemporary look to your home. Roman blinds are ideal for small to medium-sized windows like a bedroom as they can
gently filter light into the room or be customized with a blackout lining.
Electric blinds are now popular with many homeowners. They look clean and modern and can be controlled via a mobile phone, tablet, Alexa or Google Home so you can set timers to open and close them exactly when you want – perfect for when you’re on holiday.
Roller blinds are probably the easiest to install and still a very effective choice of window covering. They come in such a wide range of colours and patterns now that they can blend into any room’s décor and can be made from moisture-resistant materials for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
Wooden blinds have seen a surge in popularity and can look very stylish and vertical blinds are great for large windows and doors, creating a stylish appearance. They can also help to lower room temperatures during warmer months by reducing the amount of light coming into the home.
Millennium Blinds are a family owned business based in Haslingden, Rossendale, that has been supplying and fitting blinds throughout Lancashire for over 20 years and are confident that they have one of the largest choice of blind systems and fabric designs available in Rossendale.
Take a fresh look at FLOOR COVERINGS to lighten up and expand a room. Go for new carpets in durable material and paler colours or for wooden flooring in a lighter, warmer wood. The latter really opens up a drab room and helps maximise light.
PAINTING walls a sunny shade like a lovely yellow will definitely bring the light into any room. Even a signature wall in such a bright shade makes a difference, especially teamed with complementary wallpaper for a whole new seasonal look.
In fact, it’s worth going outside your home to take a look at your property’s kerb appeal and seeing whether it needs a new coat of fresh, bright paint on the exterior. That brighter look just follows you into the home!
Or, bring the garden inside with plenty of PLANTS – whether hanging plants in high holders or just clusters of plant pots on a shelf in the lounge.
Large and lively PAINTINGS also bring fresh interest to larger rooms. Use a couple on one wall or put together several photographs of family and friends on another to refresh a plain room.
If you can afford to, swap heavy older FURNITURE for lighter, sleeker modern items like sofas or recliners.
These days, many main living rooms just boast a couple of really comfortable chairs which not only better reflect the way we live but also give that room far more space. Add a large TV screen, freestanding or on the wall, and you’ve got a much more contemporary look.
Be strategic with LIGHTING in your home. Modern lighting can be really bright, thanks to LED, so there’s no excuse for dark corners and you can highlight paintings or special features in any room with a spotlight to make evenings just as light and bright as those special days of Summer.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
Giving you garden a new look.
It’s time to start afresh in the garden and turn those ideas you’ve been dreaming about over winter into reality. Whether a major transformation or simply disguising an ugly drain cover, making plans and acting on them is exciting and rejuvenating for you and your outdoor space. One of the best moves I made last year was to give my wooden panel fencing a facelift. The dark protective coating had done its job but really made the garden feel much smaller and enclosed than it needed to be. Admittedly the lighter paint finish I chose required a few coats to mask what was underneath but the difference it made justified all the hard work – not only has the fencing receded from view but the paler backdrop really sets off plants growing against it.
Here’s a few more ideas to give your outdoor space a lift in 2024.
Borrow the view
Is there a view or attractive feature beyond your garden that you could focus the eye on to make your plot feel bigger than it actually is? It could be a church spire, a group of trees or perhaps some hills on the horizon. Trimming an opening in a hedge will frame the scene and draw the eye to what lies outside as will creating a ‘window’ in a boundary wall. Some rustic screening or trellising with an archway in it can have the same effect. Alternatively, use a simple pair of trees in pots or two attractive tall urns either side of a feature to direct attention to it.
Grow wild
Many modern flowers offer wildlife little or no nectar or have such large and intricate flower heads that insects can’t find a way
inside to reach it. Provide a helping hand by planting a native wildflower patch that will offer food, in the form of pollen, seeds, fruits, nectar and foliage to feast on, as well as shelter and nesting sites. Go for plants like common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgar). Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) has lovely lilac flowers, shaped like a pin cushion on tall upright stems and flowers between July and September. For scent try chamomile with its apple-like aroma in June to August. Wildflowers are not only easy to grow but fairly pest resistant too.
Devise a plan
Grab a diary or calendar in the new year sales or programme your phone to remind you about jobs, like pruning and sowing, that need to be done at a particular time. If it’s major design work you’re considering then don’t underestimate the importance of planning before digging. It’ll save time and stop you from making costly mistakes when you’re tempted to buy at the garden centre. Knowledge is key so get to know everything about your plot from soil type to which areas are in sun and shade. Are there large trees that will affect plant growth or structures, like a bin store, that you’d like to disguise. Know what you want to use your garden for and how much time and resources you can devote to it.
Take it easy
Having a gorgeous garden doesn’t mean you have to be a slave to it. Keep things low maintenance by growing plants that are reliable, easy to care for and offer a long flowering season. Evergreen shrubs like viburnums, mahonia and camellias have attractive flowers, provide year-round interest and need little pruning. And don’t forget bulbs will come back year after year. In spring snowdrops (galanthus) look wonderful planted in drifts under trees or brightening up bare space between border shrubs. Crocuses inject much needed colour at this time too. Choose perennials like Geranium ‘Rozanne’ that just need deadheading to encourage more flowers and go for trees like acers that will add height but need little to no pruning.
Get the seasons covered
Whatever the season you can never predict the weather. A veranda or gazebo will take all the guesswork out of the equation, leaving you free to entertain outdoors whenever you want or just relax and enjoy the garden year-round under cover from rain or full-on sun.
Add water
Tap into the relaxing sound of running water. These days we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to designs and size of water features. From traditional ponds with built in electrics for larger plots to solar fountains for smaller ones, water adds an extra dimension to your outdoor space and also encourages wildlife. Make it a focal point or use it in amongst planting or a quiet corner for added interest. A still water feature, hidden from view ready to be discovered, is effective too as it provides an element of surprise.
Love your lawn
If you don’t have time to do anything else then the quickest and best way of giving your garden a lift is to make sure lawn edges are looking neat and tidy. It’s amazing what a difference a trim can make. Well-defined edges against paving show you care and look really stylish. Do it at least once every other cut using long-handled edging shears or a special half-moon edging iron. A powered nylon-line trimmer will make quick work of a larger lawn.
Think outside the border
Don’t confine plants to borders and patio pots. Create extra space for them to grow in by lifting slabs and planting up the gaps with tough rock plants, low growing herbs and succulents. If you’ve got a large expanse of patio that you want to keep for entertaining, it’s a simple way of softening the look of it and makes the space much more inviting and individual. In the same way see a broken slab as a planting opportunity rather than an eyesore. Choose drought tolerant types that are happy with limited root space like Thymus serpyllum, houseleeks and aubretia. Less hard landscaping is good for the environment too.
Make your garden glow
Experiment with mains powered lighting, solar and batteryoperated lights to emphasise the best features of your garden and turn it into a useable space after dark. When angled correctly
spotlights will help show off a specimen plant or sculpture or the beautiful peeling bark of trees like that of Tibetan cherry. At the other end of the spectrum the portability of battery-operated lanterns makes them ideal for special events – use them to guide party guests along a garden path or to make an alfresco dining table glow. Going for one colour type – either a warm or cool white – will help unify the scheme.
Create a stylish office
Exchange the rush of your daily commute for a stroll across the lawn. Having a dedicated space for work or hobbies, where you can spread out rather than be confined to a corner of a spare room, is life-changing. And the beauty is that you get to look out onto your garden every day. Make it an inviting space year-round by choosing designs made from energy efficient structured insulated panels, which are also tougher than timberframed buildings. Look for a professional firm working with these materials who can provide a free survey and advice on any planning restrictions.
STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE
CORSA E
AS ELECTRIC car technology continues to improve a good example of just how far these cars have come is the latest Vauxhall Corsa E.
With a real world fully charged range of a shade under 250 miles and performance figures rivalling or bettering combustion engine versions (0 to 60 in 8 seconds and a top speed of 93mph) everything now revolves around ease and speed of charging.
So I spent a week with the Corsa E – which I have to say has grown to the size of previous Astra models – to see just how easy it is to live with.
Firstly those claimed charging figures – 0 to 80 per cent on the high power rapid charge boxes, such as you find at public charge points or can have installed at home, in just 30 minutes and up to 100 per cent full on the slow charge home three pin plug set up in 7.5 hours.
I tried out both and the rapid charge system is impressive as I managed to add around 40 miles range at a motorway services in just 10 minutes at a cost of just under £5 (although the coffee cost almost as much).
At home it was less so as an overnight slow charge added around 100 miles, although plugging in every night keeps things nicely topped up.
With that 250 mile range a round trip to a driving event near Leeds was no problem (although the venue did not have any chargers) so no range anxiety and the Corsa drove just like its petrol powered siblings, although a bit quicker and a lot quieter.
Our test car was in the highest trim Ultimate Spec with extended range and so is priced at £38,585 (Corsa E starts from £32.445 in design trim while petrol models are from £19,625) but for that you get a load of standard kit. This includes heated front seats (drivers with massage function) and steering wheel, power fold door mirrors, smart 17” alloy wheels, sports body pack, a 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav, wireless phone charging, auto lights and wipers and adaptive cruise control.
The Ultimate also has Vauxhall’s comprehensive suite of safety and driver aids as part of its PureSense system which includes things like hill start assist, a 180 degree rear camera and emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
As I said at the start of this article in feels as if the electric car has now come of age with vehicles like the latest Corsa and, if the charging infrastructure can keep pace and prices continue to come down, the plug in future looks bright.
For more information go to www.vauxhall.co.uk
Bringing families together
EMBRACE the freedom of owning a caravan
MAIN DEALERS FOR
With so many beautiful landscapes and exciting attractions on your doorstep now’s the time to hitch up and hit the road. Whether it’s by rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rolling hills or sparkling rivers, new adventures are ahead of you and memories are waiting to be made.
Let us help you prepare for your next adventure – with hundreds of new and quality used caravans and motorhomes to choose from and the support of a friendly experienced team we can guide you to the perfect vehicle for your dreams.
The experts at our long established family business are on hand to help everyone from first-timers to experienced caravanners and we welcome thousands of new and returning customers every year as they keep their caravan in tip top condition and stock up on awnings and accessories.
Kwoklyn Wan offers 80 effortless recipes that are cooked in just one pot – a slow cooker, rice cooker, traditional clay pot or, of course, the humble wok.
MONKFISH THAI-STYLE GREEN CURRY
One of the most opulent pieces of fish you can use poached in a creamy, spicy and fragrant Thai-style curry sauce. Best served on top of jasmine steamed rice with a spritz of lime juice.
Method
Roughly chop the shallots, garlic, ginger, chillies and lemongrass, then place into a blender with the remaining paste ingredients and blend until smooth.
Place a wok or deep-sided saucepan over a medium heat, add the oil and, once hot, add the blended curry paste and fry gently for 5–8 minutes. Add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer, then allow it to cook over a low heat for 3 minutes.
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Equipment - Wok or deep-sided saucepan
Blender
Serves 4
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 400ml (14fl oz) can coconut milk
• 600g (1lb 5oz) monkfish, cut into bite-sized chunks
• pinch of salt and white pepper
• 3 spring onions (scallions), roughly chopped
• small handful of coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the curry paste
• 3 shallots
• 3 garlic cloves
• thumb-sized piece of ginger or galangal
• 3 red bird’s-eye chillies
• 2 lemongrass stalks
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• zest and juice of 1 lime
Season the fish with salt and pepper and add to the curry sauce with the spring onions (scallions). Bring back up to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until the fish has begun to flake. Turn off the heat and gently stir in the chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves.
Serve with rice or noodles along with a wedge of lime.
GARLIC CHICKEN POT RICE
Not only is this simple to prepare and keeps washing-up to a minimum, this one-pot winner allows the rice to take on all of the flavours of the marinade. Place the chicken in a bowl along with the salt and rice vinegar. Cover with water and massage the chicken with your hands for 30 seconds, then allow to sit for 30 minutes. This process will tenderize the chicken and remove any impurities. Drain and pat dry with kitchen paper.
Method
Place all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, add the drained chicken and use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken. Cover and set to one side to marinate for at least 20 minutes or ideally for 2 hours in the fridge.
Place the rice in a bowl and wash 2–3 times until the water becomes less cloudy, then cover with water and allow to soak for 35 minutes. Once soaked, pour off the excess water and place the rice into a 3–4-litre (131/4–171/2-cup) clay pot or large saucepan. Pour over 250ml (1 cup) of water and evenly spread
• 1⁄2 green (bell) pepper, deseeded and finely diced
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• pinch of white pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
over the marinated chicken (along with any remaining marinade) and top with half of the spring onions (scallions).
Place over a medium heat and, once the water begins to bubble and has begun to be absorbed, turn the heat down to its lowest setting, put on the lid and allow to cook for 25 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow it to stand with the lid on for a further 10 minutes – no peeking! (If you like a crispy bottom to your rice, you can leave the heat on low for the last 10 minutes.) Check the chicken is cooked and then sprinkle with the remaining chopped spring onions and serve.
WOK-FRIED AUBERGINE
Here, soft aubergine (eggplant) fingers soak up the garlic and salty soya bean sauce like delicious little sponges.
Prep 5 Minutes
Cook 10 Minutes
Equipment - Wok
Serves 2
Ingredients
• 3 large aubergines (eggplants)
• 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for frying, if needed
• 5 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped, whites and greens separated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp soya bean sauce
Method
Begin by cutting the aubergines (eggplants) into fingers of roughly 3 x 12cm (11/4 x 41/2in).
Place a wok over a medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the aubergine slices and fry until golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove from the wok and set to one side.
Add a little more oil to the wok and add the spring onion (scallion) whites, garlic and ginger. After 30 seconds, add the soya bean sauce and mix well, then add the browned aubergines. Continue to cook, stirring gently and ensuring the aubergines are well dressed with the sauce, then add the spring onion greens. After 1 minute add a splash of water, stir and cook for a further minute, then turn off the heat and serve.
Great with a simple bowl of rice or noodles.
BEEF BRISKET RENDANG
Nothing quite beats slow-cooked red meat. Now combine that with spices and fragrant aromatics from Southeast Asia and creamy coconut milk and you just know this dish is going to be a knockout. Be patient and you can expect to be rewarded with true melt-in-the-mouth moments of happiness.
Method
Place the beef in a bowl, add the salt and the vinegar and then cover with water. Allow to soak for 30 minutes; this process will help remove any impurities from the meat and loosen the muscle fibres, ensuring it’s tender when cooked.
Once the meat has soaked, drain and place on to kitchen paper to absorb any excess water.
Place the rendang paste ingredients into a blender with a little water and blend until smooth.
Place a 3–4-litre (131/4–171/2-cup) flameproof casserole or claypot over a medium heat along with the oil, then add the blended spice paste along with the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise and cardamom and fry for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Now add the drained beef along with the lemongrass
• 750g (1lb 10oz) beef brisket or boneless short ribs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp white rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 3 cardamom pods
• 2 lemongrass stalks, crushed
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 11⁄2 tbsp coconut sugar (or demerara sugar)
• 400ml (14fl oz) can coconut milk
• 375ml (11⁄2 cups) water
• 8 makrut lime leaves
For the rendang paste
• 6 shallots
• 5 garlic cloves
• thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled
• 2 lemongrass stalks
• 6 red bird’s-eye chillies
and cook, turning occasionally, to seal the beef. Once the beef is sealed on all sides, add the tamarind paste and sugar and mix before adding the coconut milk and water. Stir again, bring to the boil and then turn down the heat to low.
Add the lime leaves and gently stir in, then cover with a lid and allow to cook for 11/2 hours, stirring occasionally. After 11/2 hours the meat should be tender and falling apart and the sauce will be thick and sticky. If the sauce is still a little thin, remove the lid and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and any excess liquid is practically dried up. Serve on top of fluffy steamed rice.
Exploring Canada’s majestic landscapes in the winter
Graham McKenzie takes a trip to the Great White North and discovers a host of activities to keep the winter blues away
Graham McKenzie takes a trip to the Great White North and discovers a host of activities to keep the winter blues away
A winter trip to Canada for most people represents one thing and that is a fabulous week of skiing, but not me. I don’t ski. For me it offers the opportunity to experience this fabulous giant country when, in many respects, it is at its most spectacular. To enjoy pursuits and adventures that are only possible in the colder months and at a time when there are fewer people around and as a consequence the costs are lower.
The Mountains are calling, and I must go
The foothills of the Rockies, during the days when the temperature gauge never rises above
zero, create a fabulous winter wonderland. Snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, wildlife, and ice canyons offer a unique blend of adventure and charm. Visiting Jasper National Park, and staying at the Fairmont Jasper National Park Lodge I felt at home straight away.
It was however the great outdoors that was the constant lure. The three days we were there flew by as we enjoyed the location to its full extent. First up was a wildlife watch and sure enough before long we encountered caribou, elk, moose, mountain goats and bighorn sheep but alas no bears or wolves.
The next day could not have been more spectacular as I ventured into the heart of the park. Shod in special ice cleats and helmet
I embarked on an exhilarating ice canyon walk. Guided by experienced local experts, I traversed the almost two and half miles of frozen pathways at the bottom of the Maligne Canyon, marvelling at the towering ice formations, walking under static waterfalls and crystal-clear streams that carved through the rugged terrain.
And we were not finished. Jasper National Park is also a designated Dark Sky Park, and, in the evening, we went off into the recesses of the wild to capture photographically as much of the night sky we could without the omnipresence of artificial light.
All aboard to Toronto
Leaving Jasper behind, I now embarked on a three-day train journey aboard the luxurious Jasper-Via Rail to Toronto. What an adventure! As the train chugged through snow-covered forests and quaint towns, I was treated to panoramic views of Canada’s pristine winter landscape.
Arriving in Toronto at the magnificent Union Station I took a short walk through the underground shopping mall to be greeted by the opulent grandeur of the Royal York Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the city, this historic landmark exudes old-world charm and modern sophistication.
Enchanted by Scotland’s idyllic Highlands and Islands
Taking a small ship cruise with luxury liner Hebridean Island Cruises, Silver Travel writer Kerry Gallagher sees Scotland in style and comfort.
Arriving in Oban, we boarded the 48-passenger Lord of the Highlands – a sleek, attractive ship which has been completely transformed from its former life as an Aegean ferry. It now boasts just three decks, 19 cabins, a comfortable lounge and stylish restaurant.
In our spacious cabin there were subtle splashes of Scottish touches, from the tartan soft furnishings to a tray of whisky on the dresser and, of course, the delicious Scottish shortbread biscuits! We feel at home in no time and quickly find ourselves on first name terms with not only the onboard team and crew, but our fellow guests too.
From ship to shore
Over the course of the week, we’d weave our way through some of Scotland’s most impressive landscapes. Our daily routine became second nature. The mornings were spent enjoying a delicious hearty breakfast in the Caledonia Restaurant, followed by a relaxing few hours at sea, where we could soak in the scenery, unwind with a book and even indulge in a treat or two served up by the wonderful
onboard team. Our afternoons took us to an array of pretty port towns, small seaside villages, and idyllic islands which were a delight to discover.
Our itinerary started on the beautiful Isle of Skye with a stop in the colourful capital of Portree. The iconic brightly painted houses lining the shore were a sight to behold and further out across the bay mountains framed the dramatic backdrop. Here we wandered the shops and admired the views – made all the better thanks to some unseasonably sunny weather. Afterwards we hopped back across to the mainland for a visit to Eilean Donan – a fully resorted castle dating back to the 13th century and the setting for a showdown during the Jacobite risings which ultimately led to its destruction in 1719. It wasn’t until 1911 that the rebuild began and, over 20 years, it was restored to its glory.
Heading further north we made our way to Gairloch, which is a tourist hotspot during the summer months, but we managed to enjoy the best of both worlds – lovely weather without the crowds!
Eilean Donan
There’s so much to explore in and around this area from a beautiful waterfall walk to quirky art galleries and the excursion over to Inverewe Gardens is a must – the rhododendrons were just coming into bloom showering the gardens in colour.
Our journey continued back onto the Isle of Skye with a visit to Armadale Castle. The ruins of the country estate stand proud on the water’s edge surrounded by well-kept gardens and a fascinating museum telling the tales of times gone by and the former residents – the oldest and most powerful of Scotland’s clans – Clan Donald.
The next stop was a real eye opener… the UK’s most remote village which has absolutely no road access, and is only accessible from the water, or a 17-mile hike across mountainous terrain! It’s a unique little village and unlike anywhere I have ever visited.
The Isle of Mull was to be our last, but certainly not least, stop of the week. And what better place to start our time on the island than in Tobermory. I could happily have spent much longer in this pretty port, again framed by its iconic colourful houses. The main street is awash with shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and museums.
The next day we ventured further into the Isle of Mull – which is just breathtakingly beautiful – over to the sacred Isle of Iona. This tiny island off the southwest coast of Mull is delightfully picturesque. No visit would be complete without spending some time at the Abbey. Set in a peaceful location, the imposing building dates back to 563 and has an intriguing tale to tell from surviving Viking attacks to its disuse after the Reformation, and subsequent rebirth.
Looking back, it’s almost impossible to believe we fit so much into one short week. But the pace of the cruise never felt rushed, there
was plenty of time to relax, and we had free time in all ports to do as we pleased. It really was a very special and unique way to see such remote and beautiful parts of our country.
Next steps
If you’d like more information on Hebridean Island Cruises and the itineraries available to explore Scotland, call Silver Travel Advisor on 0800 412 5678.
Tobermory
Isle of Iona
Ear Waxing Warnings – The Dangers of Unregulated Ear Wax Removal
We know that ear wax might not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to health (or the most pleasant thing to discuss) but despite this, it’s something that’s vital to protect your ear health.
According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), more than two million people each year need to have ear wax removed but what is ear wax and what role does it play in your hearing health?
Ear wax is a natural secretion produced by glands in your ear canal which is your ear’s way of keeping itself clean and protected. It’s made up of a combination of dead skin cells, oil, and sweat, all mixed together in a sticky concoction.
You might be wondering, what’s the point of having ear wax? Ear wax serves several important purposes. First, it acts as a natural lubricant, keeping your ear canal moist. This helps prevent dryness and itchiness, which can be quite uncomfortable. Believe it or not, having no ear wax is sometimes a bigger problem than having too much.
Ear wax also plays a crucial role in protecting your ears from like dust, dirt, and bugs forming a protective barrier, trapping them before they can impact your hearing.
In addition to keeping your ears clean and protected, ear wax helps with self-cleaning. As new wax is produced, the old stuff slowly makes its way to the outer ear, taking any trapped debris along with it ensuring your ears stay clean.
Despite the need for ear wax however, ear wax build-up is the bane of our ear’s existence. So, why does it happen?
Sometimes our ears produce more wax than they know what to do with. This can happen for various reasons, such as using earbuds or hearing aids, which can push wax further into the ear canal. Certain medical conditions can also cause excessive wax production, leading to build-up.
While some home remedies can be safe and effective when used correctly, others can do more harm than good. Ear drops, for example, can help soften ear wax, making it easier to remove. But if you stick that cotton bud too far into your ear, you could end up pushing wax deeper or, worse, damaging your delicate ear canal which can have a serious impact on your hearing.
Are DIY ear wax removal kits available over the counter effective. DIY kits can be convenient for some people, but they’re not without risks. Most kits come with tools like ear syringes or ear irrigation systems designed to flush out wax and while these methods can be effective when done correctly, they can also cause injury or infection if mishandled. You are always best off trusting a qualified hearing care professional to clear your ears for you.
Hearing Aid Audiologists have a range of tools at their disposal to get rid of ear wax and they are fully trained to find the best solution for each patient.
There are a few tried-and-true methods. One is ear syringing, where warm water is gently flushed into the ear canal to dislodge and remove wax. Another option is micro suction, a gentle vacuuming technique that sucks out wax without the need for water. For stubborn cases, a tiny instrument called a curette may be used to scoop out wax manually. All of these methods have their benefits and drawbacks, and your hearing care professional will use the correct method to safely and efficiently help you.
It is important to emphasise that highly qualified hearing aid audiologists are also able to conduct comprehensive hearing tests once ear wax has been removed successfully. They can identify underlying issues affecting a person’s hearing through the ear wax removal process and/or by conducting a hearing test. This underscores the necessity in entrusting only specialists who are adequately and appropriately trained in such procedures.
People often neglect their ear health but it’s important to ensure that it’s checked regularly. How often depends on factors such as your age, medical history, and lifestyle. Generally, adults should aim for a hearing test every three to five years, while children, those over 55, and those already experiencing hearing loss may need more frequent checks, typically on an annual basis. If you notice any changes in your hearing or experience pain or discomfort in your ears, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional immediately.
Finally, let’s talk about some top tips for maintaining good ear health. Firstly, practice safe listening habits by keeping the volume down on your devices and wearing ear protection in noisy environments. Trust us, your ears will thank you later! Secondly, resist the urge to play doctor and leave ear wax removal to the professionals. Finally, be mindful of what you put in your ears, whether it’s cotton buds, fingers, or other foreign objects. When in doubt, remember the golden rule: if it’s smaller than your elbow, keep it out!
THE HEARING CENT RES
Over 40s most at risk of Glaucoma
With two million people missing a routine eye test during lockdown, serious and irreversible eye conditions such as glaucoma have gone undetected. People who are over 40 years of age are most at risk of developing glaucoma (known as a silent killer of vision as patients have few symptoms as the disease progresses) and how to minimise the risks of developing it in later life.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness. It is where the optic nerve (the electrical cable that carries information from your eye to your brain) degenerates more quickly than it should, usually because the pressure within the eye is too high.
Our brains are able to compensate for the natural degeneration so we have little awareness of disease progression however this means there are often no symptoms until the disease is very advanced, and we cannot (yet!) rejuvenate a human optic nerve.
Why does it happen?
There are different reasons why the eye pressure can increase, indeed we do need eye pressure otherwise our eyes would collapse like a balloon with no air in. There is therefore a continuous circulation of fluid inside the eye, and pressure rise is usually gradual and caused by increased resistance of drainage of fluid from the eye into the bloodstream.
More rarely, the eye pressure can rise because the lens inside the eye runs out of space (the lens is one of the few things that continues growing throughout our life like our hair and nails). If
this happens then the pressure rise can be very abrupt, high and painful - acute angle closure glaucoma.
Are there any symptoms?
It’s important to note that a lot of people who suffer from glaucoma don’t experience any symptoms early on, which is why regular eye checks are so important. The general recommendation is to visit your optician at least every two years for an examination for a full health check with prescription review, and at least yearly if there are added risk factors, for example a family history.
In acute angle closure glaucoma the abrupt rise in eye pressure may cause pain, particularly in bright lights, headache, nausea and vomiting as well as vision loss.
What can influence your chances of getting glaucoma?
Unfortunately, there is little that one can do to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. Having a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and not smoking will reduce the risk of other diseases of the optic nerve.
However, you are more at risk of the disease if you have the following:
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Are over 40 years of age
• Are short-sighted or long-sighted
• Hypertension
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
Prioritise your eye health
Across most medical specialties, doctors have noted a sharp drop in care during the pandemic, as non essential visits and procedures were curbed and people feared a medical appointment could lead to coronavirus infection.
But it wasn’t just the more dramatic specialities where medical professionals witnessed the collateral damage from Covid. The field of eye health has been hit particularly hard because the decision to skip or delay tests/treatment rarely results in a life or- death type of scenario. But it can certainly lead to permanent vision damage or even blindness. So I am urging patients not to neglect their eye health. The key to avoiding glaucoma progression is to have regular eye checks which crucially include eye pressure measurement, optic nerve examination and a field test (the ability to see things out of the corner of your eye).
