Kirklees Issue 73

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

She advises thinking of failure as learning. Be prepared to leave your comfort zone – “Playing it safe and refusing to leave your comfort zone may be a recipe for failure but risk is scary.

“Champions learn to open their minds to possibilities, managing risk and leveraging it to their advantage.”

Penny adds that life is not all about academic success and that qualifications are “not the biggest factor in success. Only 30 per cent of any achievement you make will be down to your skill, talent and intelligence, but 70 per cent of your achievement will be down to your mental toughness, focus, resilience and determination.”

Now that should be enough to allow us to tackle any permacrisis.

Putting the accent on being yourself

SHOULD the accent you use really influence the way that people treat you?

Dealing with life’s crises – perma and otherwise

COLLINS of dictionary fame chose as their Word of the Year for 2022 “permacrisis.”

I don’t think it’s a word that many of us have ever actually uttered out loud but it was probably an apt one for the year as it is the feeling of living through an extended period of instability and insecurity.

And 2022 with the war in Ukraine, climate change, inflation and the cost of living crisis certainly prompted permacrisis. I suspect that many of us have been changed by all this.

British author Penny Mallory – obviously someone who knows how to tackle any kind of crisis as she’s taking part in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Rowing Challenge in 2023 – told the Daily Mail about ways to deal with modern life’s crises.

She insists that “mental toughness isn’t about being aggressive, strong and macho. Some of the quietest, gentlest people are mentally tough.”

Penny says that resilient people don’t “wallow or dwell on failure. They acknowledge the situation, learn lessons from mistakes and move forward. They are mentally tough and they are more likely to thrive.”

Plainly, today it really shouldn’t but, of course, being humans with all the prejudices that this entails for many, it does.

This thorny subject came to light again recently when a man from Stockport in Greater Manchester revealed that he had changed the way he spoke to fit in at university.

This happened right from Freshers’ Week when he realised he spoke differently to his fellow students.

At university, he was once asked if his home town was “one of those desolate wastelands where the factories used to be.” Now, even allowing for both snobbery and a major misunderstanding of UK environments, this is nasty stuff.

His experiences, and many others, were being gathered for The Sutton Trust’s Speaking Up report which examines the impact that someone’s accent has on their life journey, especially in education and the workplace.

The report shows that public attitudes to the various accents across the country have remained largely the same over time. Standard received pronunciation, French-accented English and classic varieties like Scottish, American and Southern Irish all ranked highly with people.

While this latter finding is not really a surprise because our national ear does seem to be attuned to appreciating, for example, the Scottish lilt, what is odd is the negative attitude towards some regional accents.

Katie Zacharczuk, a solicitor born and raised in Liverpool, said it was a “culture shock” when she went to university as previously she had only been around people who talked like her.

She was worried about being judged “less intelligent” or “not as valuable to an organisation.” To her credit, she never changed her accent and has a successful career.

Sir Ian McKellen was mocked for his Northern vowels when he went to Cambridge University. His accent was the butt of public school boys and he feared it would affect his ultimate ambition to become an actor.

Interestingly, Sir Ian says that he has noticed that original accent “coming back” to him recently – a situation he doesn’t regret “because it is part of me.”

That feeling was echoed by a friend of mine who worked in Government in London in a very good job but found her accent was the cause of much negative comment from colleagues in particular. She didn’t change it but she did eventually move back to her home town. She realised that the way she spoke was, like Sir Ian, all part of who she really was – and she was proud of that.

Separating fact from fiction

AS a new series of blockbuster Netflix series The Crown returns to TV screens it’s no surprise that so does the controversy.

Is it or is it not “largely” based on truth or are whole chunks of it made up?

While it’s unlikely that the current Royal Family would helpfully clear up the salient points about whether Princess Diana courted the media herself or about the real relationship between then Prince Charles and the Queen, there are those in the know who can come up with some guidance.

The general impression given is that, yes, parts of The Crown are fiction and sometimes not even based on actual events.

As an avid viewer, it’s hard not to be seduced into thinking you are watching something factual because we easily recall media headlines backing up the feeling that this is genuine.

The real danger, though, is that The Crown is presented as a documentary, complete with unassailable “truths”, when it isn’t.

Young viewers and those who have not followed the Royal Family’s comings and goings over the years are tempted to accept what they see and not question it.

TV is a great medium for explaining situations, especially in hindsight, and can assemble large amounts of information and experts to provide a helpful overview.

Unfortunately, when you chuck entertainment into the pot you may get a different outcome and the temptation to “expand” on fact and “manipulate reality” can skew truth.

Perhaps more could be done by the programme-makers to emphasise that the series is based on fact but is still fiction.

SECRETS OF THE DOURO

by Carole Tidball

Solution: a river cruise with Emerald.

Why Choose Emerald Cruises?

I could envisage husband relaxing on deck, occasionally glancing up from his book to enjoy passing scenery: me joining onboard EmeraldPLUS activities – from early morning yoga to cookery demos and cocktail mixing – and onshore adventures in new and different places. Emerald’s additional EmeraldACTIVE and DiscoverMORE excursions are perfect for guests like me who strangely prefer discovering a destination’s hidden delights on foot, by jeep or kayak rather than the comfort of an air-conditioned coach.

Eagerly surveying Emerald Cruises’ brochure, we chose ‘Secrets of the Douro’ – 8 days sailing from the lively metropolis of Porto through sun-drenched terraced vineyards to visit iconic landmarks. Mateus Manor House (familiar to all 1970’s Rosé fans), the baroque village of Lamego with its picturesque shrine, and the beautiful university city of Salamanca beckoned. Visits to local Quintas along the route promised wine and port tastings and DiscoverMORE offered enticing, hand-picked experiences delving deeper into the region.

We’d already enjoyed cruises on the Nile, Rhine and Danube when my husband was more active and the Douro has been on my wish list for several years. Relatively unknown to many, the Douro was wild and unnavigable in places until relatively recently and was only tamed by the construction of dams and locks between 1965 and 1985. I was looking forward to an exciting combination of adventures off the beaten track, visits to vibrant cities and great food

and drink. Starved of travel for a couple of years, our expectations were high. But would Emerald deliver?

Cruise Highlights

Not only did they deliver – they exceeded both our expectations. Highlights for me included a visit to the fairy tale gardens of Quinta da Aveleda near Porto. As we followed our guide through lush gardens, past the goat tower (I kid you not) and across a rickety bridge, we discovered an enchanting summer house. Here – concealed behind a fountain - the ladies of the manor escaped the heat of the day to take ‘afternoon tea’ – smuggling flasks of the estate’s cool, crisp Vinho Verde wine in their picnic hampers. I wonder how many toppled into the lake after their secret sessions.

Another highlight, not for the faint-hearted, was a hike to see Côa’s truly awesome ancient rock art discovered recently during the building of a new dam. Local school children had successfully mounted a nationwide campaign to preserve the area and halt the building work. Joining a small group of hardy Australian guests, I bounced off in a 4x4 through steep tracks before trekking in 36 degrees heat to view rock carvings. “There’s a reason why this area’s called Canada do Inferno,” observed our guide cheerily. Meanwhile, our less adventurous/more sensible compatriots studied replicas in an air-conditioned museum and enjoyed an entertaining workshop on stone-age toolmaking.

One of the included excursions was a trip to Salamanca. Such an amazing city – I was awestruck to see the actual crucifix that El Cid carried into battle, during our tour of the Cathedral. After our guided walking tour in fierce heat my companions mostly wanted

Mateus Manor

to shop and sit in shaded cafes during our free time so I set off to explore, crossing the river via a Roman bridge to view the city skyline reflected in the water. Our group came back together for the Tuna Band performance – cheerful young medical students dressed in medieval student robes playing traditional songs and performing energetic dances.

Similarly in Porto, a guided walking tour was followed by plenty of free time to explore. I hiked across the iconic Dom Louis bridge and took the cable car across rooftops to enjoy differing views of the city and to take photos of the rabelo – traditional Portuguese cargo boats used to transport port barrels upstream.

Star-Ship Emerald Radiance

What a pleasure to return each evening to our home for the week, the Star-Ship Emerald Radiance. Holding no more than 112 guests and 37 crew, she is Emerald’s smallest ship, purpose-built to navigate the narrow locks that have tamed the Douro in recent years. The friendly, all-Portuguese crew provided exceptional levels of customer service. Handrails gleamed, mirrors and windows sparkled. Drinks were served promptly in the bar. A memorable moment saw the entire crew (minus the captain who was busy steering the ship) downing tools and serenading us on the sundeck with a traditional song as we feasted on a barbecue of fresh sardines, juicy spatchcock chicken and salads. Another special moment occurred early morning when my yoga stretching on deck was interrupted by the crew busily cleaning the ships windows and moving in time to Queen’s “I want to break free.”

Our Panorama Balcony Suite held all our belongings with ease thanks to under-bed storage for suitcases, deep drawers and, yippee, a shelf to store John’s library! In addition to a high-powered hairdryer, mini-bar, safe and a full range of good quality toiletries, there were robes, slippers, an umbrella and two walking poles. Preholiday, Emerald had posted us rucksacks and also water bottles that

we could fill with ice-cold water or tea/coffee available 24/7 from machines in the lounge. These guys think of everything!

As cruise ships may only sail the Douro during daytime, my FOMO (fear of missing out) new vistas and lock experiences whist sleeping was allayed. Emerald also seemed to have bagged the best mooring spots and rarely tied up alongside other ships, allowing us uninterrupted views through our cabin’s floor-to-ceiling windows. (I’ll never forget on my first ever river cruise standing stark naked and flinging open our curtains to greet dawn on the river Nile, only to find a startled man sitting in his cabin inches away from ours. A ship had quietly docked beside us overnight).

The sheer convenience of having Radiance’s fine-dining restaurant within easy reach of our room was a real bonus. Carefully planned menus and accompanying wines reflected local or national produce wherever possible. Chef positively beamed when he tempted this vegetarian to taste slow-roasted pork sourced from a local piggery bred to produce the sweetest most tender meat. Melt-in-the mouth butterfish from the Azores starred in another memorable meal. Our charming and most attentive waiter, Daniel, remembered our drink preferences and gracefully met our cheeky requests for extra cheese and biscuits with a glass of tawny port.

Fellow guests helped make the whole experience even more special. We soon found our ‘tribe’ amongst the mixed group of Australian, Canadian, American and British guests. Our competitive gang of 60-something boomers outdanced and out-sang the competition during a music quiz. We all agreed we hadn’t laughed so much in ages. Many were returning customers with one couple enjoying their 8th cruise with Emerald – I can certainly see why.

Next steps:

To take an Emerald Cruise like Carole’s or to find out about their worldwide voyages and to book your Cruise, call our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 or visit silvertraveladvisor.com

Traditional Boats in Porto

Carole on deck

Goat Tower

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

ONBOARD THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

It disappeared under my grandfather’s favourite potted plant, gathered speed as it passed the piano. The tracks divided at the signal section. There was a platform where passengers stood – were they travelling to an exotic destination? This was our family electric train set which brought hours of delight, tilting on corners and chugging along a figure of eight track. Times change, toys morph into souped-up versions, dreams come true.

Fast forward to today and I’m one of the passengers standing on the platform in Vancouver. Resting on tracks before me, handsomely coated in a twin set of blue and gold with a beige lining and steel shoes, my train patiently sits. Bold, big, strong and inviting. This long convoy of carriages is ready to carry me on a cinematic voyage across part of Canada and through the solid heart of the Rockies. Aptly named The Rocky Mountaineer, a national treasure and one I would soon learn to be a steel wonder.

This procession of twenty carriages follows the first Passage to the West, from Vancouver, through Kamloops to Lake Louise/ Banff. The train will retrace the tracks laid by labourers including many Chinese immigrants who risked life and limb to carve a rail route through the darkness of rock to connect the west to Canada’s east. It was 1855 when the Canadian Pacific Railroad opened in a place renowned for fur trading and gold. And ever since then has proven to be a key catalyst in the development of the nation. It brought tourism and hotels along

the route. Banff Springs Hotel is one example and at the time required guests to present bank statements to prove they could afford to stay in such luxury.

Seat 32, coach CB03, I take my place onboard, my home for the next two days. The Gold Leaf class has two levels, the upper deck is stylish in cream, is light, airy and spacious. My squishy chair was like a lounge sofa, comfy and reclining and better still, heated to three settings, a lumber support to please your spine and a leg rest to treat your feet. Plenty of leg room. There’s even a mechanism to turn the two seats to face the window. Magic! And as for wheel chairs, these can be anchored into place. The foldaway tables are a perfect perch for the drinks and snacks which I soon realise are served at regularly intervals. All this framed by an oversized picture window, curved to form a domed roof to ensure uninterrupted views. Saudi princes, African royalty, Bill Gates and Morgan Freeman have all sampled these for size, on these very tracks. Adult children re-living childhood memories, multi-generational anniversary milestones, celebrations, The Rocky Mountaineer is near the top on many a bucket-list, including mine.

We sneak away from the platform with a piper heralding Bon Voyage. Our journey criss-crosses bridges, follows streams, and witnesses waterfalls throwing their weight. We look onto lakes edged with pretty chalets and moored houseboats. We peep into

Jane Wilson fulfils her rail dream and is mesmerised by Canada’s natural beauty

backyards. And where we see people, smiles and waves follow us. From time to time the highway runs parallel, a reminder of life’s hectic tempo in contrast to the genteel pace onboard. Leaves lick the windows, trees tap the roof as we snake around bends and eagerly watch for wildlife. We spot bear cubs deep in the woods below but sadly no grizzlies, goats grazing in the open fields, and elk show off close-by. We are transient visitors.

The sights continue as we step below to the dining area. This is the chance to share stories and exchange travel experiences. For solo travellers, this is a time to mingle and forge new acquaintances. I’m presented with a spoilt-for-choice menu. Breakfast is a fruit creation with a fluffy bakery item followed by a choice of seven dishes. Would it be spinach and cheese soufflé, avocado toast, Shuswap bacon breakfast skillet or berry parfait? Oh, the dilemma. There is a lift in the Gold Leaf cars for those requiring assistance or meals can be served to your seat. The toilets are also accessible.

Throughout my journey, onboard hosts provide fascinating facts and stories. According to my host, Travis, narratives and facts give context and meaning. They bring this vision to life and engage us. It’s not just a train journey but an experience, a personal interpretation. As we delight in the diverse landscapes, he points out the sheer walls of the Fraser Canyon and Avalanche Alley, perilous rapids at Hell’s Gate as well as describing the many ecosystems. Our overnight stay in Kamloops was the trading centre for the Shuswap people and also in this area are the unique landforms, known as the Hoodoos formed after the last ice-age.

On the second day Travis’ narrative becomes more detailed and I’m fascinated by the Spiral Tunnels, entering and then exiting to reversed views, evidence of the clever navigation of tunnelling through rock to gain height. “The amazing accomplishment is a perfect maze, the railway doubling back upon itself twice, tunnelling under mountains and crossing the river twice in order to cut down the grade”. In 1907 construction started, based on the tunnel system of Switzerland, taking 20 months to complete. The Upper Spiral travels through Cathedral Mountain, 3,255 feet long turning approximately 290 degrees to emerge 50 feet higher than entering. The Lower Spiral tunnels through Mount Ogden at 2,923 feet long and turns around 230 degrees emerging 56 feet higher. What an achievement!

The Continental Divide, a landmark on this route, is the highest point of our journey at 5,332 feet above sea level and separates the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. At this height, there’s peppermint or ginger tea available for anyone with any hint of altitude sickness but there are no requests. We slow down at Craigellachie to acknowledge the exact place of the Last Spike driven into the ground in 1885 on Canada’s Transcontinental rail line. This leads us to our final stop in Banff, a popular tourist destination, which was named after Banffshire in Scotland and is part of the Banff National Park.

The Canadian Rockies has always been home to many indigenous people. Their nature and spirit lie in the mountains, their voices continue. And as we witnessed their lands, we listened in silence as we were told of their traditions and challenges, a subject begging me to explore after this trip.

This is the mysticism of nature unfolding before me. Here, the mountains steel your mind, lock your thoughts and uplift your spirit. It is like being suspended in time, in nature and drawn into their soul and majestic wonder. Their sheer strength of presence soaring above

as the locomotive clatters and cuts through ravines and tunnels. Clouds cloak the rocks like a thermal coat against the settled snow on the peaks. Trees add a feathery texture like furry dusters leaning into the steep, sharp escarpments to keep balance. Blasts of dazzling white patterns accentuate the seams and ridges of the rock faces which seems so vivid as they come into view from the darkness of the rocks’ tunnels.

At the back of the car on the lower level is the open-air platform, shiny chrome bars to mark our safety. The wind in your face, the smells of wet cedar, nature’s own aromatherapy. An orchestra of trees whizz past, like spindly strings shaped like cellos. And as we meander around bends we play catch up with the front carriage, turning the other way, there is the back!

The onboard executive chef caters for every diet and where possible sources food locally. He is eager to keep nutrition in mind too with the wellness trends of today. Lunch is a leisurely three-course affair. The starter is a sharing platter followed by a choice of six main course options including a vegan Sesame Soy Udon Bowl, an Alberta Striploin Steak and Lois Lake Steelhead Salmon. A yummy dessert rounds off the meal. Food is colourful and imaginative to reflect the journey. And to toast the occasion along the way, there are signature cocktails such as a Gin Rocky, liqueurs, spirits, British Columbia beers or ciders.

This is a two-day rail voyage capturing nature’s act during daylight hours with all the arrangements for the hotel overnight rests conveniently organised. We disembark as nature’s guests. Mountains don’t get old, we get wise. I’m richer from the experience, yet humbled. In awe and wonder, this route, The First Passage to the West, was pioneering, laying the foundation for cross country travel. This feat of engineering, so treacherously dangerous to achieve, gives such pleasurable experiences for many future adventures.

Who would think that a memory of a toy train set can metamorphosize into the experience of one of the world’s most iconic train adventures.

Take a look at www.silvertraveladvisor.com/holiday_type/rail/ to find more about the Rocky Mountaineer and call the Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 to book.

SHIRLEY BALLAS QUEEN OF STRICTLY

SHE was the Queen of Latin American Dance and now she’s the Queen of Strictly but for Shirley Ballas the journey has been as tricky as any complex samba routine.

In spite of attracting a worrying cache of trolls as Head Judge of the mega popular weekly dance competition, Shirley has waltzed straight into the hearts of viewers.

How else could we tell a heel lead from a flick ball change or appreciate the techniques of a fleckle without Shirley’s help? When she took over the role from fellow judge and much-loved dance icon Len Goodman six years ago, Shirley definitely had a tough act to follow.

But she was no newcomer to the world of either dance competition or judging. Shirley was already a well-respected figure in the dance world and a former Latin American champion with all the right moves. In fact, she was the ideal person for the Strictly top job.

She could never have known, however, just how far up the dance ladder she would climb when she was a seven year-old in Wallasey, Cheshire, taking up dancing for the very first time.

Her childhood had not been easy up until then. Her father had left the family when Shirley was just two and she and her Mum and brother David had very little money.

Shirley proved to be a promising young dancer and at 15 she moved to North Yorkshire to partner British ballroom champion Nigel Tiffany. They moved to London two years later but their partnership ended after Shirley was convinced to audition to partner dancer Sammy Stopford.

They married when Shirley was 18 to be partners both on the dance floor and in life. In the former, they were successful; one highlight was winning the Professional Latin title at the Blackpool Dance Festival in 1983.

Sadly, away from the ballroom, the pairing was less successful and the relationship ended five years later.

In 1985, she married dancer Corky Ballas and took the Professional Latin title in Blackpool in 1995 and 1996 with him. The couple then moved to Houston, Texas, to compete in America.

By then, she was already an established dancing coach and judge and she decided to give up competitive dancing. She worked with top US TV show Dancing with the Stars, commentating and giving master classes. The couple later divorced.

She came to widespread prominence in the UK when in May, 2017, it was announced that she would be joining the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One, replacing head judge Len Goodman when series 15 was aired in September that year.

Although Shirley was plainly well-known in the dance world, both in the UK and internationally, she was new to many viewers of the perennially popular programme. Fortunately, her warm personality, straightforward approach to contestants and phenomenal dance knowledge quickly made her a judging favourite.

She tries to be honest and positive with contestants, highlighting their strengths and offering useful advice on their weaknesses. She follows not only her own mind on this but also, like Len Goodman, upholds the strict rules of the world of dance and refuses to gloss over flaws.

Her no-nonsense approach and critiques have inevitably attracted some negative comments and, sadly, some of these have turned into serious online trolling.

So much so that Shirly recently reported a genuine loss of confidence, forcing her – in a career spanning five decades – to consult a doctor for the first time about her low moods and anxiety.

For, even though Shirley states that she has “always tried to do the best job for people watching at home” and understands that viewers don’t always agree with the judges’ scoring, she has found the trolling very upsetting.

She told OK magazine: “When it gets personal, that’s cruel.”

Shirley’s life has generally been far from plain-sailing and Christmas is a particularly difficult time. On December 5, 2003, her brother took his own life, making this normally festive time a painful one for her for a long time.

In 2019, amid general concerns about cancer, she had breast implants removed. In typical Shirley fashion, she was very open about the situation, discussing her decision on the Lorraine show and returning to the Strictly screen a short time after surgery, thus winning praise from fans.

It is largely thanks to the amazing knowledge of Shirley, now 62, that so many more viewers now understand the intricacies of

from the American Smooth to the Argentine Tango.

She breaks down the technicalities to explain – and often demonstrate – technical moves that few viewers would otherwise appreciate without her helpful approach.

She is generous with her scoring, but only if a dancer deserves it, and will fight her corner even if her decision is unpopular. She is, however, always encouraging. She told young contestant Molly Rainford in the latest series: “I have not seen a rhumba walk like that in a long, long time”, much to the dancer’s delight

And she tempers even tough criticism with praise like “your musicality was amazing” and “this partnership is truly outstanding.” She will be with fellow judges and dancers when the Strictly Live Tour kicks off in January for two months, with Shirley a popular part of this interactive arena experience.

What is certain is that Shirley will always offers an expert’s wisdom along with kindness – and there’s nothing strict about that.

Dance has plainly been Shirley’s life and her son, Mark Ballas, is also a professional ballroom dancer.

dances

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU

NEW Years are always a time for change when you promise yourself that life will be better then and you WILL make it happen.

Part of that determination may be about your own health, wellbeing, work/life balance or your domestic situation. And a large part of it may be to do with your home environment and what you want to change to improve your life.

Improving your weight and fitness are relatively easy to plan – if not quite as easy to achieve! Healthy eating and more exercise are achievable, as you gaze into the slimmer, trimmer months ahead, via more discipline around mealtimes and more visits to the gym.

Altering your home may not be quite as easy to plan this year as the higher cost of living bites into all our finances and future plans. It is not, however, the end of the story.

It may be sensible to look at the levels of change in your home that you’d like to achieve. Do you want quite dramatic, slightly cosmetic or something in between?

Quite dramatic can involve moving house, downsizing or alternatively finding somewhere with more space to accommodate the daily needs of you and your family. This is certainly all underpinned by personal finances and just what you can afford as this New Year unfolds its money merry-go-round.

It’s probably quite likely that the majority of us want something perhaps not as dramatic as moving home but well above new cushion covers.

This all requires a realistic look at your finances. If you’re not sure you can afford big changes visit debt charity StepChange at https://www.stepchange.org/ debt-info/your-financial-situation/ making-a-budget.aspx about budgeting or Citizens Advice on https://

www.citizensadvice.org. uk/debt-and-money/ budgeting

If you decide to make structural changes to your home like an EXTENSION, an ORANGERY or CONSERVATORY check first whether you need planning permission from your local planning authority through your local council.

You’ll probably need planning permission if you want to build something new, make a major change to your building like an extension or change the use of your building.

Experts like architects and builders can help you here. If you need an architect, try to go on recommendation from someone you know who can tell you about their experiences. If you need a builder, the same applies or find a trusted builder and reviews about their work by going to https://www.checkatrade. com/Search/Builder/in/Uk

As well as the cost of building, don’t forget that you will also have to RE-DECORATE and re-think FURNISHINGS in adjacent areas. It’s important to factor in all the potential costs before you start.

Fortunately, you can still make noticeable changes to your home without it necessarily meaning a building project.

A new, modern FRONT DOOR can also give it a more contemporary look as can new WINDOWS

The great thing about both these is they have a direct impact on your energy bills. So new windows in particular - if you have old ones which let in drafts – could make your home much cosier and ultimately more cost-efficient.

PAINTING the outside of your house can make a real difference to the look of

your home because that kerb appeal is just as important to you as residents as it is to visitors.

Even investing in new CURTAINS can help to make your home warmer throughout. Long, lined curtains help keep expensive warmth in, and they can also help change the colour scheme in a lounge with matching cushion covers or a throw.

Picking up that new shade in a few ornaments or a picture will also brighten up a room and plants in coloured pots help bring the outside inside at a time of year when we’re happy to be indoors.

There is also nothing like the look – and smell - of new CARPETS. Choose a contemporary shade to brighten up current furniture and add to that vital warmth. Or you may prefer to have a wooden floor with modern rugs to offer that different décor.

LIGHTING can also really change how a room looks. There are so many choices of modern lighting now, especially with economical LED lights available, that you’ll be amazed at what’s on offer.

Opting for a modern central light, and possibly add matching wall lights, can give a room such a fresh, bright look. It banishes those dark corners forever and makes rooms look larger.

If your KITCHEN is the heart of your home, giving it a makeover could really impact on the quality of daily life. If new kitchen units could prove too much of an expense this year, new unit handles and doors could be worth the money in giving this important room a new image.

New blinds and kitchen accessories in complementary shades can add to that “new kitchen” look.

The same is true of the BATHROOM where a change of shower curtain, towels, blinds and bathroom accessories can really change the whole look.

BEDROOMS can benefit from new curtains, matching duvet sets and cushions and changing the walls and headboard to a soothing shade may guarantee restful nights.

Don’t forget the outside, either. Give your GARDEN a chance to be centre-stage in 2023. You may feel that you finally want to afford a new hot tub or spa in the back garden.

The British and Irish Hot Tub and Exercise Spa Industry (BISHTA) is very helpful if you’re looking for either of these or need to find companies which provide maintenance and water treatment products and accessories. Go to www.bishta.co.uk for information

Re-designing your garden can offer fresh delights. Decking is ideal for lounging with the family or it’s worth considering swapping grass for simple pebbled spaces with large plant pots and a few shaded areas for quiet rest or reading. This all gives a fresh way to enjoy the Great Outdoors when the weather allows.

If you’re looking for ways to transform your garden currently, the Royal Horticultural Society’s website is a mine of useful information and ideas. Go to www.rhs.org.uk to find out new ways with your garden.

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.

Traditional Country Pub in Sheffield a perfect destination for walkers and dog walkers

Food and drink

Our menu is based around old favourites and traditional crowd pleasers, from pies and Yorkshire puddings to lasagne. We also have an extensive range of vegetarian options so there is something for everyone. We serve a host of fine real ales, alongside quality wines and spirits of all kinds.

Beer garden

The beer garden at The Strines Inn is the perfect place to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside when relaxing with a pint of real ale. Geese, chickens and peacocks roam nearby, while our enclosed play area means there’s plenty of fun to be had for kids.

Atmosphere

There’s nothing like a roaring fire and a good beverage to warm the cockles on a winter’s night, and The Strines Inn’s historic building offers atmosphere in spades to those who come through our doors. There’s plenty of nooks and crannies and quiet corners where you can settle in for an afternoon or evening.

Visit us today and find out why people come from miles around to sample our food, drink and unique atmosphere.

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

01142 851247

JAMES MARTIN’S POTATO

Host of ITV’s flagship cookery show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, James Martin is one of the UK’s most popular TV chefs, whose enthusiasm and passion for food have won him countless fans. His accessible approach to cooking has been showcased across bestselling books including Islands to Highlands (2020), James Martin’s Great British Adventure (2019), James Martin’s French Adventure (2017), Home Comforts (2014) and More Home Comforts (2016). He regularly appears on the BBC, ITV and Food Network, as well as demonstrating live at the BBC Good Food Show and touring the UK with his own one-man show. Potato is the natural companion to James’s smash hit book Butter (2021).

Potato shows why the spud is a staple in so many cuisines, from rustic country kitchens to Michelin-starred restaurant tables. The embodiment of field-to-fork cooking, this superstar of the food world is showcased by James in a wealth of imaginative recipes that you’ll want to cook again and again.

COQUILLES ST JACQUES

I used to take the mick out of French chefs saying this is their fancy fish pie, but it does taste bloody amazing! And just look at it… super indulgent, yes, but a classic that should never be forgotten.

Ingredients

50g butter

50g plain flour

500ml full-fat milk

1 small bunch of parsley, chopped 12 scallops 300g prawns

FOR THE TOPPING

600g potatoes, peeled and diced 50g butter 2 egg yolks

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. To make the white sauce, melt the butter in a pan, then whisk in the flour and cook out for 2 minutes. Add the milk and whisk to combine, then simmer until bubbling. Stir in the parsley. Put the scallops and prawns into scallop shells and pour over the sauce. Set aside to cool. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 20 minutes until soft, drain and then pass through a ricer into a bowl. Mix with the butter and egg yolks. Pipe the potato mixture around the edges of the scallop shells then sit on a baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes.

NIBBLES WITH WARM CHEESE FONDUE

This was simply the most popular dish in the book when this photograph was taken. The cooked potatoes wrapped in pancetta work brilliantly hot or cold and dunked in the fondue – what could be nicer? For vegetarians, just use good-quality potatoes and veg like fresh radishes, which taste amazing.

Ingredients

FOR THE FONDUE

100ml white wine

3 tsp cornflour 500g Cheddar, grated 500g Gruyère, grated 100ml crème fraîche sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

TO SERVE

24 baby potatoes (about 400g)

12 slices of pancetta, halved lengthways 400g chorizo chunks

18 baby carrots

2 small bags of radishes

1 jar of cornichons and pickled onions, drained

1 endive, leaves separated

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6.

Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 12–15 minutes until just soft. Drain and leave to cool.

Wrap each potato in a slice of pancetta, pop onto a roasting tray and roast for 15 minutes.

Pop the chorizo into a small roasting tray and roast for 15 minutes alongside the potatoes.

To make the fondue, whisk all the ingredients together in a non-stick pan, gently whisking continuously until warmed through. Pour into a fondue dish and keep warm.

Serve with the carrots, radishes, chorizo, baby potatoes, cornichons and onions, and endive for dipping.

CHEESY POTATO AND BEEF PIE

Think of a cottage pie on steroids and this is what you get. The Welsh rarebit can be made in advance, and either use it in this dish or on toast or smoked haddock.

Ingredients

1 onion, sliced

25g butter

700g minced beef

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

500ml beef stock

1 large bunch of parsley, chopped sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE RAREBIT

400g Cheddar, grated 50ml Welsh beer a few drops of Tabasco sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon English mustard

1 tablespoon plain flour

1 egg yolk

FOR THE MASHED POTATO

50g butter 100ml double cream

1kg mashed potato

TO SERVE frozen peas

Method

In a frying pan over a medium heat, fry the onion in the butter for 10 minutes, then add the beef. Cook until coloured, then add the Worcestershire sauce and beef stock and cook over a high heat for 20 minutes. Add the parsley and season. To make the rarebit, put the cheese in a large pan, add the beer, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Warm through gently until all the cheese has melted.

When all the cheese is melted, stir in the flour and gently cook it for another minute or two. Season, add the egg yolk and beat together. Remove from the heat and set aside.

For the mashed potato, melt the butter and cream in a large pan, season and add the mashed potato. Beat together and warm through gently.

Preheat the grill to high.

Spoon the beef into a 20 x 15cm ovenproof dish and top with the mashed potato, then the rarebit. Pop under the grill for 5 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Meanwhile, cook the peas in boiling water, then drain and serve with the pie.

LOVAGE-CRUSTED FISH WITH SLICED POTATOES AND ASPARAGUS

This recipe came about due to the massive lovage plant I had in the garden. We first used it to make a crust for lamb, then by adding a bit of cream cheese we turned it into a great crust for fish. We use plaice or brill in the restaurant, but it’s good with any non-oily fish, although salmon works too. Lovage is a fascinating herb, which has got a sort of celery taste and smell and works brilliantly in a lot of dishes with potatoes – even soup.

Ingredients

150g butter

4 x 200g brill fillets, skinned 300g new potatoes, sliced 12 asparagus spears, sliced a few chives, chopped sea salt and freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges, to serve

FOR THE CRUST

30g lovage 50g Parmesan 1 thick slice of bread 1 small bunch of parsley 3 borage leaves 50g full-fat cream cheese

Method

To make the crust, place all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Put between 2 layers of greaseproof paper and, using a rolling pin, roll out to 3mm thick. Chill in the fridge until needed.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. Heat a non-stick ovenproof pan, add the oil and 50g of the butter, then put in the fish. Season, then cook for 2 minutes. Flip over and cook for another 2 minutes.

Cut 4 pieces of crust to the same size as each piece of fish and sit on top of the fish. Place the pan in the oven and roast the fish for 5 minutes. Put the pan back on the hob, add 25g of the butter and cook for another minute.

Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cover the potato slices in water and the remaining 75g butter and cook for 10 minutes, adding the asparagus for the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Sprinkle with chives and season.

To serve, spoon the potato and asparagus onto plates and place the fish alongside with a lemon wedge for squeezing.

Potato by James Martin (£23, Hardie Grant) Photography: John Carey

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England & Wales

We believe everyone affected by a life limiting illness deserves the very best care.

The Kirkwood exist to improve quality of life for local people across Kirklees, against all the odds. Together, we help those in our care to live well and make the most of every single day.

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BECOME A VOLUNTEER & HELP

Volunteering with The Kirkwood offers you the chance to join a movement of people who are committed to improving the quality of life for patients and families affected by any life limiting illness.

Whether on our In-Patient Unit, in one of our charity shops, at a local event, or as a member of one of our Support Groups, when you volunteer with The Kirkwood, you’ll be making a big difference for local people relying on our care.

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STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

with only a small loss of boot space compared to the diesel and petrol versions plus lots of room for adult passengers in the back.

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C5 AIRCROSS

IF comfort and economy are at the top of your new car wish list then the revised for 2022 Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid could be for you.

Also there’s lots of room in this large SUV which can travel up to 34 miles on electric power meaning with regular overnight home charging most commuters could get to and from work without any emissions.

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A set of blue badges is really all that denotes this is a hybrid and it benefits from the same visual makeover as the rest of the C5 Aircross line-up for 2022 with that sharper and more aggressive current Citroen corporate look.

CO2 emissions are just 31g/km so the C5 falls into the 12 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company-car tax band and it’s practical too,

All this does come at a cost which is £35,835 and our test car also had a number of extras which bumped that up to £38,150 including a power tailgate and panoramic power roof with electric blind… but it is still a lot of car and kit for your cash.

So ticking the comfort, economy and equipment boxes the latest C5 Aircross hybrid is very easy to live with and enjoy.

More info at www.citroen.co.uk.

WHY WE SHOULD CONSIDER A CARAVAN HOLIDAY

What makes caravanning even better is that you are travelling with your home comforts. You can travel at your own pace and for however long you want, without the worry of rushing to the airport or missing a train. This means you can fully relax and enjoy this laid-back break away from normality.

An escape in your ‘van doesn’t also have to be limited to just the UK. Destinations such a Spain and France are easily accessible by ferry and lead to countries, landscapes, sites and experiences you may have missed if travelling via plane or train.

Many of us look to the summer as an exciting time to escape our everyday norm and embark on our summer holidays. We all look forward to that time away from the 9-5, meeting new people, trying new foods and experiencing new cultures.

However, with the cost of living rising and some still feeling uneasy about travel abroad, a caravan holiday, whether with a touring caravan, motorhome or campervan, could be the perfect solution. Rob Debenham, Show Manager, at The Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Show explains why we should consider a caravan holiday for our next getaway.

A caravan holiday has many great benefits and provides us with the opportunity to experience the many wonders that lie on our own doorstep. Having that sense of home comforts wherever you decide to travel, one of the many great benefits of a caravan holiday is that you have complete freedom in your destinations, when you go and how long you go for.

By being mobile you are free to take your road trip all over the UK (and beyond), exploring places and towns you may never have considered before and discovering hidden gems. Many caravan sites in the UK are often located near beaches, woodlands, forests and areas of natural beauty, all of which are perfect for enjoying the British countryside, seaside strolls and even toasted marshmallows around the fire in the evening.

Furthermore, by travelling this way, you get to avoid busy airports and train stations. Long wait times and cancelled flights can become a distant memory and even if you do need to queue to board your ferry, at least you can wait in comfort with a cup of your favourite tea in hand. Airport activity such as baggage reclaim is replaced with the freedom of the open road, and even the odd traffic jam can be made bearable, if not enjoyable, when surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.

The traditional holiday abroad can often come with a lot of added baggage, especially if you have kids to entertain on flights, around the pool or at the beach. Colouring books, swimming noodles, toys and additional paraphernalia can all add up to a heavy suitcase that’s difficult to pack. With a ‘van holiday, you have more room to pack exactly what you heart desires and if you have a furry friend that you don’t want to leave behind, you don’t have too.

A ‘van holiday makes a wonderful – and practical - family trip and if you are concerned about having enough to do with children and teenagers when parked up, you can check sites and their onsite activities or nearby attractions with ease with the Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club websites, show partners to Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show.

If you are considering or are curious about caravan holidays, now is the perfect time to start planning.

Affordable Funeral Service

Losing a loved one can be one of life's most upsetting and distressing times. We go out of our way to help ease the worries where funeral arrangements are concerned.

Not only involved with losing a loved one is the emotional upset, but it can also be a time of financial worry and strain and we not only lend a sympathetic ear but also an affordable funeral service too.

Or maybe you see not the need for an elaborate funeral and want only a simple, low key occasion without all the fuss.

• The payment of a cremation fee

• The payment of the Doctor's fees

• The payment of the Minister's / Celebrant fees

• The conveyance of your loved one into our Chapel of Rest

• The provision of an oak effect coffin with handles.

• The arranging and conducting of the funeral

• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral Bespoke Funeral - £2300

• All of the above plus..

• The viewing of your loved one at our traditional chapel of rest

• The leaving from a home address on the day of the funeral before proceeding to the crematorium

• The payment of a cremation fee

• The payment of the Doctor's fees

• The payment of the Minister’s / Celebrant fees

• The conveyance of your loved one into our Chapel of Rest

• The provision of an oak effect coffin with handles.

• The arranging and conducting of the funeral

• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral

• The viewing of your loved one at our traditional chapel of rest

• The leaving from a home address on the day of the funeral before proceeding to the crematorium

• Obituary in the local newspaper

• Floral tribute to the value of £50

• One family limousine