AngelaKelly
- because x’ing on doesn’t
I SUPPOSE it had to happen eventually but now one airline is weighing passengers as well as their carry-on luggage.
Finnish carrier Finnair, which runs budget flights between Finland and the UK, wants to better estimate the plane’s weight before takeoff.
Apparently, airlines work out the weight of the plane, its interior and passengers to balance the flight and make the journey safer. They may use average weights provided by aviation authorities or collect data themselves.
The weigh-ins are voluntary and they’re not the first airline to do this. Last year, Korea’s largest airline, Korean Air, said it was planning to weigh passengers on international flights for a short time.
This was to reduce wasted fuel and for that more accurate overall weight estimateto, which must be a difficult “sum” to get right.
Not long before Korean Air’s move, EasyJet asked 19 passengers on a flight from Lanzarote to Liverpool to get off the plane because they said it was “too heavy to take off.”
The whole subject of the weight of both passengers and their luggage has sparked an outcry and I don’t know why we’re so surprised.
Not only are there plenty of overweight people around but the increasing cost of hold luggage – and the reduction of what weight airlines allow in a suitcase – has prompted some people to now cram items into carry-on luggage.
You’ve only got to look at what the overhead lockers are holding on the average flight to see where passengers have packed in the most possessions. Just trying to find a space for your own, probably quite modest, bag or backpack can be almost impossible.
The whole subject of passengers and weight is a regular minefield. In 2017, a poll by jetcost.co.uk showed almost 90 per cent of Britons
questioned believed that overweight passengers should pay more to fly.
And nearly 80 per cent said they thought “plus-sized zones” should be introduced on flights.
While there are currently no limits for larger passengers flying on commercial American flights there are some requirements. They must be able to sit with both armrests down, be able to buckle their seatbelts and they don’t block the aisle.
If they can’t comply, they may be asked to pay for a second seat on the flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane.
Either way, now that the subject of weight generally on planes has been broached, it won’t just go away.
YOU lay your lifestyle on the line when you put your home on the market these days.
Photos of your currently decorated rooms and décor choices are there for all to see and pick over. And, believe you me, people do like to criticise the decorating style of others.
Take the case of poor Henry Reilly, for example, He is trying to sell a three bedroomed, semi-detached house in Prescot on Merseyside but has found himself caught in an online trolling storm.
Chanel logo rug, black velvet chairs and glitterball-style vase with gold pink roses is “chavvy” and are highly critical of his general style tastes.
OK, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it seems to me quite snooty to take this high moral tone over what is actually just one man’s choice of the décor he wants to live with.
His neighbours say Henry and his wife are a “lovely couple” and that it’s up to them what they do with the house they live in. As one pointed out: who is anyone to tell someone else how to decorate their home?
The reality is that most people when they move into a new home change the style anyway. You may have just painted the hall, stairs and landing, put in a new kitchen or newly tiled the bathroom before putting it up for sale but if it’s not to the new buyer’s taste, it’s all change.
To unleash a storm of criticism on a homeowner who has simply surrounded himself with the style he enjoys strikes me as rude and snobby.
Few us share the same sense of homestyle and one man’s favourite is another man’s no-go area. We’re individuals and it really doesn’t matter.
HOW do you describe yourself when you’ve had one drink too many?
Wasted? Out of it or just plain drunk?
Well, linguistic researchers have discovered that virtually any noun can be transformed into a “drunkonym” – a synonym for intoxicated – simply by adding “ed” at the end.
In fact, they found 546 words that can mean drunk including “trolleyed”, “hammered,” “wellied” and “steampigged.” Then there is “gazeboed”, “carparked” or simply “cabbaged.”
This confirms a suggestion by comedian Michael McIntyre that Britons could understand any word meaning drunk if it is preceded by “I got completely ……”
Researcher Professor Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer of Chemnitz University in Germany believes that this could be down to Britain’s deeply-rooted culture of social drinking and its absurdist Monty Python-style humour.
She also pointed out other types of playful language around being drunk including Cockney rhyming slang like the drunkonyms “Brahms” and “Schindler’s” – short for “Brahms and Liszt” both of which rhyme with pi**ed.
Britain’s favourite drunkonyms, however, also include bladdered, langered, legless, mashed, mullered, pickled, trashed, bevvied, fuddled, hammered, paralytic, ossified, sozzled, well-oiled, leathered, spannered and squiffed.
But perhaps you’ve got you’ve got your own favourites!
Olivia Hughes is studying for a degree while opening her own restaurant in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Personally, I think a round of applause and huge envy for her energy and commitment are due but, apparently, some customers look down on her and older staff don’t respect her because of her age. Ignore all this, Olivia. You’re doing a great job, are a terrific role model for other youngsters - and I bet your parents are as proud as punch.
or email: help@aamail.org
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.
We are proud to announce that six of our group – County, Devonshire, Abbey Lawn, Bournemouth Sands, Daish’s, Imperial – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2023.
Danny Kaye once sang ‘wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen, friendly old girl of a town’, and it sure is! Copenhagen, located on Sealand, the largest island in Denmark, offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into a colourful tapestry of history and culture. In the 10th century, Copenhagen was a Viking fishing village and became the capital of Denmark in the 15th century.
To learn more about the fearsome Vikings I visited the fascinating Viking Ship Museum, located by the fjord in Roskilde; 35 kilometres from Copenhagen. The Viking Ship Hall features five spectacular Viking ships, which were discovered in 1962 at Skuldelev, 32 kilometres from where they are now displayed. These magnificent vessels were excavated from the sea bed in thousands of pieces and reconstructed with spectacular results. Visitors are also welcome to view the collection of traditional Nordic wooden boats berthed at the Museum Harbour and, as I am a committed seafarer, I was simply mesmerised.
Copenhagen attracts millions of visitors keen to explore this wonderful city and its many attractions including Amalienborg. Built in the 1750’s, the site is made up of four identical Danish Rococco style buildings; the palace of Christian VII, husband to Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain, the palace of Christian VIII, the palace of Frederik VIII, great, great grandfather of the reigning Danish monarch
King Frederik X, and the palace of Christian IX, the first monarch of the House of Glücksburg.
Eager to know more, I made my way to the the Amalienborg Museum, located within Christian VIII’s Palace, which displays a wide range of exhibits associated with the Danish monarchy dating back 150 years to Christian IX and Queen Louise.
I decided to mingle with the crowds at 12 noon sharp and I watched the changing of the royal guard marching from their barracks through the streets towards Amalienborg.
My next port of call was the National Museum, housed in the Prince’s Palace on Ny Vestergade. The Danish national treasures include archaeological finds from the Viking Age and the permanent displays include an extensive coin and medal collection, classical antiquities and a toy museum which attracts hordes of ‘grown up’ children!
During the reign of King Christian IV in the 17th century, Copenhagen became the capital of both Denmark and Norway and following the widespread devastation of the plague and subsequent fires in the 18th century the city embarked on a period of restoration and redevelopment, which included the founding of the Royal Danish Theatre, in 1748 and the Royal Danish Academy of Portraiture, Sculpture and Architecture, in 1754.
In the late 1700’s, during the French Revolution, the Russian Tsar Paul I, son of Catherine the Great and Peter III, founded the League of Armed Neutrality to facilitate free trade with France for Russia, Prussia, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The British Government deemed this to be a hostile act, which threatened the Royal Navy’s supremacy over the French fleet. On 02 April 1801, under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson led the Royal Navy’s main attack on the Danish-Norwegian fleet. Many of the Danish-Norwegian vessels were destroyed before a truce was reached.
Established in 2016 we offer fantastic holidays in the UK and across Europe. With fabulous excursions, quality hotel accommodation, executive coaches and top class tour drivers, a trip with AVA Travel is one to remember! We also have a huge selection of UK day trips to suit every traveller. AVA are committed to making the whole process of taking a holiday with us as easy and pain free as possible.
OVER 200 HOLIDAYS AND SHORT BREAKS TO CHOOSE FROM!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TO ORDER YOUR FREE BROCHURE TODAY!
HOME PICK UP & DROP OFF INCLUDED ON ALL OUR HOLIDAYS*
The Eternal City is a treasure trove of world-famous sights that are easy to explore
It’s called the Eternal City for good reason. For some two thousand years, Rome has remained one of the richest and most unique cultural centres in the world. Here you can immerse yourself in layers of history and be thrilled by the captivating cornucopia of sights each has left behind. But there are some highlights you really shouldn’t miss and happily, most are within walking distance of each other.
The beating heart of ancient Rome was the Roman Forum. As the social, political and religious centre of Rome, it was where everything happened. Here you’ll find the remains of Rome’s Curia - or Senate House, monumental temples, the House of the famed
Colosseum
Vestal Virgins, its great basilicas - or meeting halls - and the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated. A short walk up the hill will take you to the Palatine, one of the seven hills of Rome, which the aristocrats and emperors made their home. In this peaceful leafy area, you’ll find the ruins of the houses of the emperor Augustus and his wife Livia and later emperors.
One of the great icons of Rome, the monumental Colosseum, lies close by. It began life in 80 AD, with an orgy of violent contests between gladiators and animals which lasted 100 days. But despite its dramatic and bloody past, the vastness and symmetry of the building remain mesmerising. Nearby, the huge green space of the Circus Maximus - now deceptively
quiet - is where the chariot races were held which also thrilled the crowds.
One of the greatest relics of ancient Rome is also its best preserved. The Pantheon was built as a temple in the 1st century BC, by the statesman and general Marcus Agrippa. Rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian in the first century AD, it became a church in 609. With its soaring dome and exquisite marble floors, it’s an aweinspiring marvel of architecture and rightly draws crowds in large numbers.
Some of the most arresting sights of Rome are its great outdoor spaces which are all the more romantic at night. The Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most strikingly beautiful squares with its gorgeous Baroque fountains by Bernini. For centuries, the Piazza di Spagna has been a favourite meeting spot for locals and visitors. Keats-Shelley House lies at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, which are often decked with flowers and sweep up from the Piazza to the Church of the Trinita dei Monti.
At the end of the Corso, where you can shop to your heart’s content, lies the spacious Piazza del Popolo, which revolves around the Egyptian obelisk the emperor Augustus brought from Egypt and is flanked by elegant lookalike churches built in the 17th century. From here you can make your way to the Villa Borghese Gardens, a green oasis where the Galleria Borghese, a noted collection of art, stands.
Today, if you want to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, you’ll have to fight your way through the crowds. But if you haven’t visited before this fountain, presided over by the mighty Neptune, is a must-see. And the coin ensures that you’ll return to Rome so just to be sure, you might want to toss one in.
The glories of the Renaissance
Rome was at the centre of the tremendous flowering of intellectual and artistic activity we know as the Renaissance and some of the greatest geniuses of the time made Rome their home. The popes were tremendous collectors and patrons of the arts so it’s little wonder that many of the most astonishing treasures of the times lie in the Vatican City. The Vatican Museums contain one of the world’s greatest art collections and are so vast that you may want to plan your visit. The great highlights however, remain the four rooms painted by Raphael and the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s stupendous masterpiece.
Built over the tomb of the disciple and martyr, St Peter’s was designed by Bramante and begun in 1503 on the orders of the indomitable Pope Julius II. This colossal basilica is one of the world’s great hubs of Christianity and is where you’ll find the Pieta, the magnificent sculptural ensemble Michelangelo created in 1499 at 24 and the only work he ever signed.
Silver Travel Advisor can plan and book your short break in Rome, or alternatively a tour of Italy that includes this marvellous city. Call 0800 412 5678 to discuss your options.
IN the 1990s and 2000s if ever a handsome but vulnerable lead man was needed in casting a potential hit romantic comedy the call went out: get Hugh Grant.
He really was the star of choice for some of the best British and American-made films of that era.
All of which is no surprise when you consider that the likeable, archetypal upper-crust Englishman has had a very special relationship with the public since he first burst onto the scene in 1994 with Four Weddings and a Funeral.
fact, it’s hard to believe that the perennially youthful Grant is 64 this year and has developed into an actor who has embraced challenging, non-romantic roles with such panache.
Hugh John Mungo Grant was born into a distinguished military family. His father was Captain James Murray Grant and his grandfather Colonel James Murray Grant DSO was decorated for bravery and leadership during World War 2.
He went to an independent prep school in Notting Hill and gained a scholarship to Latymer Upper School, where he played on the school’s first XV in rugby and cricket.
In 1979, he won the Galsworthy scholarship to New College, Oxford, where he studied English literature. At the time, he viewed acting as nothing more than a creative outlet, joining the Oxford University Dramatic Society.
He made his screen debut in the Oxford University Film Foundation sponsored film Privileged but then took up a variety of jobs including working as an assistant groundsman at Fulham Football Club, tutoring and writing comedy sketches for TV shows.
He was approached by a talent agent but needed to gain his Equity card by acting in regional theatre first. So he joined the Nottingham Playhouse and had small roles in various productions including Lady Windermere’s Fan, Hamlet and Coriolanus.
He created a sketch comedy group called The Jockeys of Norfolk with friends Chris Lang and Andy Taylor which toured London’s pub comedy circuit.
After a sketch on the Nativity as an Ealing comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fring, they were invited on to Russell Harty’s BBC2 TV show.
With increased profile, Grant played in An Inspector Calls at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre to positive reviews. Minor roles in TV productions followed but his first leading film role came in Merchant-Ivory’s Edwardian drama Maurice in 1987.
He and co-star James Wilby shared the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival – the first of many accolades.
Law firm, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers has expanded with the recent acquisition of Sarah Dixon & Co Solicitors.
The growth is part of a strategic plan by the firm to move into new areas, develop its service offering into the Milnrow and wider Rochdale area, and bring good quality legal services to individuals and businesses.
Sarah Dixon is a well-respected and trusted local solicitor, and the move has been welcomed by her, and her team. Staff members will be retained, and Sarah will continue to work alongside the Pearson teams, some of whom will be based in Milnrow.
As well as strengthening and expanding the already existing Family Law and Private Client practice on offer at Sarah Dixon, the move will also bring conveyancing, personal injury, medical negligence, and employment law, as well as legal services for business, and financial services to the area.
Based in North Manchester and Saddleworth, this move by Pearson sees the firm now grow to five offices and over 80 staff.
“Taking over this established Milnrow firm is an honour, and we hope to continue the personal service and excellent client care Sarah has developed for her clients,” said Pearson Director, Joanne Ormston.
“Culturally it is a perfect fit for Pearson as we like to think we place the same emphasis on client satisfaction and will build on the solid foundations Sarah has built, whilst at the same time bringing other legal services into the area,” added Joanne.
“This is a significant move for Pearson and one which reflects our ambitious growth plans for 2024 and beyond.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Sarah added: “I have given this a great deal of thought as the business has been built up by me for many years and is personal to me. Pearson are a wellrespected firm with generations of clients and traditions, but at the same time ready to take the business forward, and finding a firm with the same ethos as myself was a vital factor.
“I am pleased Pearson has taken on board my staff and are bringing a professional full-service law firm to the area, it’s a great fit and I am sure we have an exciting year ahead of us.”
Sarah Dixon and Co will now form part of the Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers firm led by Director Joanne Ormston, and other directors Christopher Burke and Richard Eastwood.
If you’ve never tried coach holidays before, why not
let
We’ve been established for over 120 yearsso we know a bit about coaching holidays!
WE DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN OUR RIVALS
WE DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN OUR RIVALS
WE DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN OUR RIVALS.
All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service
All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service
WE ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY BONDED
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WE ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY BONDED
WE ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY BONDED
On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to our waiting coach at Birch Services or Stockport.
And use some excellent privately-owned hotels. All visits and excursions are included in the price. We use moder n coaches ans mature friendly drivers.
And use some excellent privately-owned hotels. All visits and excursions are included in the price. We use moder n coaches ans mature friendly drivers.
WITHIN 30 MINUTES.
And use some excellent privately-owned hotels. All visits and excursions are included in the price. We use moder n coaches ans mature friendly drivers.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.
On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to out waiting coach a Birch Services
SUPER HOTELS, ALL INCLUDED!
On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to out waiting coach a Birch Services
On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to out waiting coach a Birch Services.
WE’RE OFF ON HOLIDAY THEN?
WE’RE OFF ON HOLIDAY THEN?
We use a wide range of mainly 3 and 4 star hotels, some privately owned many part of larger chains. All entrances and excursions are included in the price stated.
WE’RE OFF ON HOLIDAY THEN?
The same happens on the way back too, taxi back to your front door!
COACHES AND DRIVERS.
The same happens on the way back too, taxi back to your front door!
The same happens on the way back too, taxi back to your front door!
All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service.
That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no
That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no
That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no
All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service. That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no changing drivers and definately no hassle!
WE NEVER DISCOUNT.
We use modern executive coaches and all our drivers are experienced, mature and friendly!
WE NEVER DISCOUNT.
WE NEVER DISCOUNT.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE RETURN.
therefore everybody on board pays the same price.
Your taxi will be waiting for you to take you home.
TRAVEL INSURANCE?
therefore everybody on board pays the same price.
WITHIN
therefore everybody on board pays the same price.
WE ARE FINANCIALLY SECURE.
WITHIN 30 MINUTES
WITHIN 30 MINUTES
We are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday group overseen by The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Ltd. This is a Government Approved Protection Scheme.
We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay
We normally have everyone on board and we ’ re on our way We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay
We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.
FINALLY
FINALLY
All our customers are offered our coach specific insurance, pre existing medical conditions are covered for UK travel with no upper age limit.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
in the UK, we will refund the difference to the whole coach!
Nothing we can think of!
in the UK, we will refund the difference to the whole coach!
in the UK, we will refund the difference to the whole coach! VISIT OUR
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND BOOK ON-LINE TO SAVE £10.00 PER PERSON
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND BOOK
Join our facebook community by ‘liking’ our page to view latest offers, customer comments and various photographs.
Join our facebook community by ‘liking’ our page to view latest offers, customer comments and various photographs. ellensmithtours
Join our facebook community by ‘liking’ our page to view latest offers, customer comments and various photographs. ellensmithtours
O A C H T O U R S 2 0 2 3
LITTLE RAILWAYS OF THE RHINE
Belleview Rheinhotel Boppard
SOUTHSEA & CHICHESTER HARBOUR CRUISE
THE DURHAM COAST
The Bull Hotel, Gerrard’s Cross ~ 4 Star
Our exciting itinerary features journeys on some of the most charming little railways of the Rhine as well as relaxing cruises along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, all of which offer panoramic views and spectacular scenery – jump on board, relax and watch the beautiful scenery gently pass you by.
WINDSOR CASTLE & CRUISE THE THAMES
The Bull Hotel, Gerrard’s Cross ~ 4 Star
A lovely tour as we discover the splendour of Royal Windsor and explore mighty Windsor Castle. Offering a welcome contrast, we also enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Thames.
A lovely tour as we discover the splendour of Royal Windsor and explore mighty Windsor Castle. Offering a welcome contrast, we also enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Thames.
21st April | 5 Days | £489
PICTURESQUE PEMBROKESHIRE & BEAUTIFUL GOWER
The Abbey Hotel
PICTURESQUE PEMBROKESHIRE & BEAUTIFUL GOWER
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Car marthen ~ 3 Star
The Heart of England is a place steeped in history, art, and culture. Based in Great Malvern with the beautiful Malvern Hills overlooking the town, we take you on a lovely sightseeing holiday showcasing some of the very best the region has to offer.
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Car marthen ~ 3 Star
The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast and the Gower Peninsula are famed all over the world. Glorious sandy beaches and rugged coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic towns, and little villages.
The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast and the Gower Peninsula are famed all over the world. Glorious sandy beaches and rugged coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic towns, and little villages.
1st May | 5 Days | £419
1st May | 5 Days | £419
& STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
The Kinloch Hotel
The Quays Hotel
SOUTHSEA & CHICHESTER HARBOUR CRUISE
Best Wester n Royal Beach Hotel ~ 3 Star
South Yorkshire is full of pleasant surprises and as with all of Yorkshire, you’re only ever a stone’s throw away from magic scenery.
Best Wester n Royal Beach Hotel ~ 3 Star
A great tour for the summer – stroll along Southsea seafront, visit the historic cathedral city of Chichester and enjoy a relaxing harbour cruise and indulge with a gin tasting at Bombay Sapphire.
A great tour for the summer – stroll along Southsea seafront, visit the historic cathedral city of Chichester and enjoy a relaxing harbour cruise and indulge with a gin tasting at Bombay Sapphire.
25th April | 5 Days | £459
The Tynedale Hotel
The Little Haven Hotel ~ 3 Star
SPRING, SOUTH SHIELDS & THE DURHAM COAST
The Little Haven Hotel ~ 3 Star
Llandudno is Wales’s largest resort, uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes with two wonderful beaches, the award-winning North Shore and the quiet, sand duned West Shore.
A great Spring tour based in South Shields overlooking the River Tyne and Little Haven Beach. We explore the scenic coastline before enjoying time in the historic city of Durham as well as a visit to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
A great Spring tour based in South Shields overlooking the River Tyne and Little Haven Beach. We explore the scenic coastline before enjoying time in the historic city of Durham as well as a visit to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
25th April | 5 Days | £439
The Crown Hotel
KENT, THE BEAUTIFUL GARDEN OF ENGLAND
Best Wester n Plus Burlington Hotel ~ 4 Star
Harrogate is a Victorian Spa Town in the heart of Yorkshire. For the more metropolitan, the reputation of the shopping streets for exquisite retail opportunities is well deserved and the spa heritage is evident to this day with spa treatments old and new available.
Best Wester n Plus Burlington Hotel ~ 4 Star
Known as the Garden of England, Kent boasts beautiful beaches, stunning castles, exciting culture, and delicious food & drink. Our tour is ideally based in Folkestone, and we include visits to some lovely coastal and inland towns
Known as the Garden of England, Kent boasts beautiful beaches, stunning castles, exciting culture, and delicious food & drink. Our tour is ideally based in Folkestone, and we include visits to some lovely coastal and inland towns
2nd May | 5 Days | £399
2nd May | 5 Days | £399
The Doric Hotel ~ 3 Star
Palm Court Hotel
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel ~ 3 Star
DEVONSHIRE & ILFRACOMBE
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel ~ 3 Star
Based in Norfolk’s premier seaside resort, this is a holiday of many contrasts, from the hustle and bustle of a busy seaside resort to the relaxing calm of The Broads, to the historic City of Norwich and the quieter resorts and towns of the region.
A short break with excursions to interest everyone. We take in North Devon throughout with visits to interesting attractions which, when combined with our excellent hotel, makes this an enjoyable break.
A short break with excursions to interest everyone. We take in North Devon throughout with visits to interesting attractions which, when combined with our excellent hotel, makes this an enjoyable break.
h May | |
BLACKPOOL
Fownes Hotel ~ 3 Star
THE HISTORIC CITY OF WORCESTER & STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Fownes Hotel ~ 3 Star
Clear, green seas, sandy beaches, mountains and lochs, Arran is a true Scottish gem. Influenced by the Gulf Stream the climate is mild, a place where you will see palm trees around its 56 miles of coastline. Spend leisurely days on the island exploring its natural beauty and discovering its history and heritage. If you’re brave enough go off the beaten track on the amazing Mogabout 4x4 Tour.
This is an area of literary greats, of culinary brilliance and iconic heritage. We enjoy the birthplace of William Shakespeare and a relaxing river cruise, the historic city of Worcester, and the beautiful scenic Cotswolds.
This is an area of literary greats, of culinary brilliance and iconic heritage. We enjoy the birthplace of William Shakespeare and a relaxing river cruise, the historic city of Worcester, and the beautiful scenic Cotswolds.
8th May | 5 Days | £439
8th May | 5 Days | £439
The Doric Hotel
The Doric Hotel ~ 3 Star
A holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and recharged – even if you are on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it’s the resort’s infectious zest for life, or maybe it’s just that, uniquely, whatever your routine, Blackpool can offer a perfect break from it.
BEAUTIFUL CORNWALL
The Waterfront Hotel
Rosemundy House Hotel AA ~ 4 Star
A holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and recharged p even if you are on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it’s the resort’s infectious zest for life, or may it’s just that, uniquely, whatever your routine, Blackpool can offer a perfect break from it.
A holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and recharged – even if you are on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it’s the resort’s infectious zest for life, or maybe it’s just that, uniquely, whatever your routine, Blackpool can offer a perfect break from it.
9th May | 5 Days | £299
9th May | 5 Days | £299
Rosemundy House Hotel AA ~ 4 Star
Cornwall is in the far west of Great Britain on a peninsula tumbling into the vast Atlantic Ocean, almost completely surrounded by the sea. Cornwall is loved for its dramatic course, its pasties and cream teas!
Southport is a fun-loving seaside town with attractions for all, and an abundance of independent restaurants, and bars, making it a foodie’s haven. Whether it’s the historic Victorian architecture, iron Pier, or shops, there’s plenty to keep you occupied from our base just a short stroll from the heart of the town.
Cornwall is in the far west of Great Britain on a peninsula tumbling into the vast Atlantic Ocean, almost completely surrounded by the sea. Cornwall is loved for its dramatic course, its pasties and cream teas!
13th May | 6 Days | £519
13th May | 6 Days | £519
INTERESTED? 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2024 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk
INTERESTED? 01706 648126 and request
a copy of our 2024 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk
SPRING is a time of new beginnings for Nature and a time of Spring-cleaning and a new assessment of your home and lifestyle.
And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last couple of years thanks to lockdown, it’s focusing on what is important to us in life and trying to achieve it.
Even given tough financial times, lifestyles can easily change for the better for many people. The emphasis on work/life balance, budgeting to concentrate on the importance of basic vital elements and making life choices that enhance our lives are all welcome.
Contemporary homes reflect this more and more so Spring is a good time to decide how you want to improve your life and daily living –and take action.
ENERGY consumption is top of everyone’s budgeting list today so perhaps it’s time for realistic advice from your local heating engineer about making the most of your energy supply.
There are many different schools of thought on the best way to heat your home so getting plenty of individual information about your property’s needs is best.
For example, solar panels (with a storage battery) have come into their own now, with many people making use of the stored energy via electric cars in joined-up thinking that makes sense.
One mantra is insulation: ensure your loft is fully insulated. You may be able to get free insulation or support. For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/ apply-great-british-insulation-scheme
There are also simple ploys around the house. For example, ensure back and front DOORS fit properly and don’t lose valuable heat in cold weather.
The same for windows, especially if they’re double-glazed. Check that they all fit properly and don’t let in a draught. If they do, it’s worth considering replacing what you can afford to.
Lined CURTAINS can help your heating work better and feel cosier all year round. Many people are now going for a blinds/ curtains combination that looks attractive on windows and helps with better insulation.
Move furniture away from heat sources. This sounds like a nobrainer but a couch or a bed left in front or very near a radiator or other heat source can just block warm air from circulating around the room.
RECYCLING matters far more to people now that we are all trying to take a more responsible stance on the planet’s resources. The UK produces 26 million tonnes of waste a year but recycling doesn’t just mean separating your rubbish and wasting less food.
It also means not necessarily buying new items like clothes, furniture and electrical goods. We lower our environmental impact if we buy second-hand and the first three places worth looking at are local businesses, online marketplaces and charity shops.
For the last, check out your local area but if you want to save time, download the app from the Charity Retail Association. This is the UK trade association for charity shops and you can find out more about them at https://www.charityretail.org.uk/
Flea markets and car boot sales are also ideal for searching out those bargains and there are plenty of online marketplaces like Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace. For books try World of Books or Oxfam and for clothes download the Vinted and Depop apps.
Look for FURNITURE bargains and support local charities at the same time. The British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk and homeless charity Emmaus https://emmaus.org.uk offer cheaper second-hand and often new furniture so find out your nearest centre and have a look.
You can also sell pre-loved items on Vinted, eBay, Gumtree and many other online marketplaces to create a valuable sidehustle and keep those useful items circulating. In fact, it’s called the Circular Economy.
Repair your own GADGETS to save money and prevent them having to go to landfill. The Repair Café, an international movement, is particularly interesting here as experts and others offer to help you repair items free. Look out for one in your local area or visit the website https://repaircafe. org.en
Can you turn a ROOM into somewhere you can enjoy a pleasing hobby like sewing, model-making or even into a small gym? Having the facility for home-workouts can save you money and help all those other New Year resolutions about health and fitness.
This need not cost a fortune, either. If you need structural changes, get a good local BUILDER on referral and check out their work beforehand.
Do you need extra space? Having a CONSERVATORY or ORANGERIE not only adds more room to your home but can offer a healthier lifestyle, too. Again, go on a personal recommendation and see what a local builder has done already before you commit to a project.
We all need good, relaxing deep sleep but your BED or BEDROOM may be sabotaging this. Sleep experts say we should change our beds every eight years for healthy living.
Make your bedroom as relaxing as possible to aid the right kind of sleep. Blackout curtains filter out light and restful décor in neutral shades like beige and lavender all help; add a dimmer switch to your lights to enhance these pleasing tones.
Is your home helping your WELLBEING? Is the ventilation good, promoting air quality flow throughout?
It’s an old but true adage that fresh air is good for you, even while we keep in valuable heat during the colder months. Looking forward to the months when we can open doors and windows to get more air circulating, though, it’s worth checking that useful flow through.
Generally, DECLUTTER your home to promote that positive feeling of wellbeing and order. Go through boxes of possessions and see what is worth keeping, recycling or giving to charity.
Clear entrances like hallways and the upstairs landing to promote a feeling of space throughout and take an objective look at your living areas.
Is your living room overcrowded with unnecessary furniture? Do you need some pleasing pictures to enhance walls or how about a grouping of photographs of loved ones?
Whatever enhances your enjoyment of life is worth trying now in your home.
The positive difference that moving to a retirement living community can make to your quality of life, might just be one of life’s best kept secrets.
Time for a new chapter?
Each year, with the first blooms of Spring our spirits lift, and we start to look forward to brighter days, warmer weather, and new beginnings.
When you move to an Adlington retirement community, you can enjoy a fresh start, with more fun and less to worry about.
Ann and her husband Harry have been loving life since they moved to an Adlington community in Lytham last year: “You don’t have any worries here. When you own a house, you become a servant to it. You have to do all these jobs to keep it sellable and up to scratch, but the days come when you don’t want to have to do that sort of thing anymore. It worries you. Here it’s like being on holiday every day. I can’t get over it. We’re having such a wonderful time.”
Discover a community with a zest for life
In addition to making life more fun, staying socially active in retirement is also really good for you.
Trevor, a retired doctor who moved to an Adlington community in Lytham, last year, said:
“I’m more socially active here than I have been for a long time. I’d become totally isolated and an old curmudgeon! I remember my sister saying to me when I’d only been here for two or three weeks, she said: ‘you’re a totally different person’ and my daughter said the same.
“I think one of the big benefits of moving to a retirement community is the stimulus of other people at this time of life. If somebody has been on their own, as I know very well, you can sink into not wanting to do anything. You lose your ability to think properly, and to converse properly, and you start to go downhill. The stimulus of moving into a place like this can be of great benefit.”
Our beautiful, landscaped gardens are maintained by an expert team of gardeners. You can do as much or as little gardening as you want to, and still enjoy the peace and serenity of a quiet corner, afternoon drinks in the summer house or finding a relaxing space to watch the world go by.
Joan and Bill, homeowners at an Adlington community in Cheadle, said: “I have an apartment with a lovely garden in front of it which the gardener comes and manages but I can put my little cyclamen blubs in. We go around dead-heading, but we haven’t got that major responsibility anymore. When our friends are still digging away and the weeds are still growing, we’ve got our Josh who comes and takes up all the weeds or blows the leaves away. That’s brilliant!”.
Why not get a real feel for your options? Get in touch to arrange a private tour by calling 0800 118 1694 or visit adlington.co.uk/50 to find out more
Imagine living amongst like-minded neighbours in a thoughtfully designed apartment, purposebuilt for comfort and easy living. With amenities such as a restaurant *, hair salon*, coffee lounge and fully-maintained landscaped gardens, plus an on-site team available 24-7, 365 days a year, you could start to enjoy more quality time this spring doing the things you love.
Request a brochure and find out more
0800 118 1694 • adlington.co.uk/50
*Additional charges apply. ^ See website for details. Images shown for illustrative purposes only.
1, 2 & 3-bedroom retirement apartments available to buy in Stockport, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Bedfordshire and Staffordshire
Limited time offers available at selected communities^
Method
l Prep: 10 minutes
l Cook: 5 minutes
l Serves 6
Ingredients
150g feta, crumbled
165g tub cream cheese
150g Cooks & Co Sun Dried Tomatoes
100ml double cream
1 Cooks & Co Red & Yellow Peppers (1/2 of each), finely chopped
3 bagels
Whisk the feta, cream cheese and ½ the sun dried tomatoes with 2 tbsp of the tomato oil, whisk in the cream until slightly thickened.
Season and stir in the remaining sun dried tomatoes, chopped and the peppers.
Slice each of the bagels horizontally into 4 circles and place on a large baking tray, grill until golden on both sides.
Sprinkle the sweety drop peppers over the dip and serve with the bagel chips.
25g Cooks & Co Sweety Drop Peppers Cook tip
Also great spooned onto jacket potatoes or toasted bread.
l Prep: 5 minutes l Serves 4
50g rocket
280g pack mini mozzarella balls, drained
25g mini bread sticks
3 Cooks & Co Red and Yellow Pepper, sliced
16 small Cooks & Co Sun Dried Tomatoes
16 Cooks & Co Frenk Chillies
50g Cooks & Co Sweety Drop Peppers
Method
Arrange the rocket in a large circle on a large platter. Arrange the remaining ingredients evenly on top and serve.
Cook tip
Great for serving with drinks for gatherings. Try adding thinly sliced ham rolled into rosettes for a meaty version.
l Prep: 10 minutes l Cook: 15 minutes
l Makes 12
12 x 2cm slices French bread
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
50g Cooks & Co Dried Porcini Mushrooms
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 Cooks & Co Roasted Red Peppers, thinly sliced
50g cream cheese
2 tbsp chopped chives
Method
Preheat the oven to 200oC, gas mark 6.
Brush the bread slices with 1 tbsp oil, season and place on a large baking tray, bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.
Soak the mushrooms in 300ml boiling water and leave to soak for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving the liquid and roughly chop.
Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan and fry the garlic for a few seconds, then add the mushrooms and red peppers and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the cream cheese and 3 tbsp reserved mushroom liquid and bring just to the boil. Stir in half the chives and season.
Spoon over the crostini and sprinkle with the remaining chives to serve.
Cook tip
Try ciabatta bread or whole slices of toast for a quick lunch.