50 PLUS MAGAZINE KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE by 50 Plus Magazine

NOVEMBER - JANUARY 2019

KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE EDITION 60

James Martin

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Age-Exclusive Apartment Living BY DARREN SMITH HOMES

Paris

A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

Everything you need for Christmas at GORDON RIGG GARDEN CENTRE

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CONTENTS

50 PLUS MAGAZINE 6-7

TWITTERING ON By Angela Kelly

8-9 TRAVEL Paris - a city for all seasons 12-13

JAMES MARTIN The man of many talents

19-21 HOME Creating a warm and beautiful home this Winter

Travel THE CANDADIAN ROCKIES WITH TRAVESPHER BY JUDITH QUINEY FROM SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR

Sweet Treats

James Martin's

DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS RECIPES

GREATH BRITISH ADVENTURE

ADVERTISINGSALES SALES ADVERTISING

26-29

JAMES MARTIN'S Great British Adventure

LET IT SNOW A festive sweet

32-34

WHAT'S ON A guide to what's happening in your region

Bridgeman House 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

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Wehave havea avacancy vacancyfor foranan We ADVERTISING SALES person sell ADVERTISING SALES person totosell advertisingininthe the5050Plus PlusMagazine Magazine advertising

Wehave havea avacancy vacancyfor fora a We PRINT SALES person to sell design, PRINT SALES person to sell design, printand andsignage signage print

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TWITTER

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TWITTERING ON BY ANGELA KELLY

Pity the poor celebrities who suffer vile abuse online IT’S hard being a celebrity these days and not having a very thick skin indeed. The anonymity of technology, in particular social media, means that everyone out there can pass an opinion about virtually anything. And they do. Unfortunately, they don’t do this in a measured or reasonable way usually. No. They go to the extremes of personal comment, even resorting to death threats, if they either don’t like someone, don’t agree with their actions or even their point of view. Politicians now regularly get vile threats, to themselves and their families, for many of the things they do. These are often the most basic actions you would expect from them, given their principles and party. The worst abuse appears to be reserved for today’s celebrities and that often means that young men and women who may be the least able to cope with this are on the receiving end. One typical case is pop band Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson. She is 28 now but right from the first appearance of the four girls on The

X Factor in 2011, she has been singled out for specific abuse. The “problem” is that she has distinctive looks and a womanly figure and this apparently incensed a large number of people who insisted on telling her they thought she was ugly and fat. One glance at this beautiful young woman reveals she is neither but that doesn’t stop it hurting deep down and doing real damage. “Don’t look at the comments” you may quite reasonably advise. Well, I know from experience that it’s quite difficult not to be sucked into having a quick look, and then it’s too late. Jesy became so traumatised by this truly nasty reaction from people she had never met that she tried to kill herself. That’s what online trolls can do: wreck someone’s life. It wasn’t until she deleted her Twitter account, where the worst abuse was coming from, that her life changed and she slowly started to feel “normal” again. Although she still has bad days, she could move on. In fact, she made a BBC documentary exploring body image and mental health issues which will no doubt help many other people, both well-known and not. The craziest thing is that, when the worst of these online trolls finally go too far and end up in court, they mostly turn out to be the saddest, most inadequate individuals you could imagine. It’s a strange world.

Concern that our favourite soaps are losing the plot ARE our TV soaps finally losing their grip on UK viewers’ imaginations? Writing in the Radio Times, one BBC arts’ critic thinks so and he believes they face a “potentially fatal crisis”. Mark Lawson believes the recent slump in viewing figures for favourites like EastEnders and Coronation Street highlights a “fundamental creative problem” in which story arcs are becoming “impossible to either write or act.”

He highlights recent plot lines like the siege at the Queen Vic pub in EastEnders when a character was shot dead and historic child sex abuse in Corrie. Although soaps have always been seen as telly immortals – Coronation Street 59 years, Emmerdale 47 and EastEnders 34 – Mark believes they now face a crisis. He points out that the “historic strength of the genre has been its strong central female characters”. So logic dictated they should have the strongest storylines and the result was that “these women make the wives of Henry VIII seem relatively lucky.” He was particularly concerned about the frequency of sex crimes against women although acknowledged that such storylines were useful in highlighting “police and medical responses” and also in offering helplines. While I think he has a point I do wonder if the problem is that our soaps have just TOO many plot lines going on. I know times have changed dramatically and life in 2019 is complex and fastmoving. However, early on in the life of Coronation Street, for example, the central story revolved around the disappearance of Minnie Caldwell’s cat and that went on for weeks. Now, expect any one episode of a soap to have a robbery planned, an affair, an online gambling habit and a hidden sex abuser. It’s like real-life microwaved into 25 minutes for entertainment consumption. This is not only exhausting but very hard to keep up with the plots. True, the soaps do a great job with strong storylines reflecting modern problems. The Coronation Street treatment of Aidan’s mental health battle and subsequent suicide were incredibly moving and well-handled and the support offered to the public useful and relevant. But – and it is a big “but” – we still view our soaps for light relief from life as it is being lived and if all we have is a mirror to “ordinary” life with no relief then they lose their appeal. Humour was always the soaps’ salvation and that appears to be in very short supply right now. Jack and Vera, where are you when we need you most?

Can we ditch driving children to school and walk? PARENTS dropping off children close to schools has long been a source of contention – especially for people living near the schools. Now, a survey by walking and cycling charity Sustrans of 954 parents across England, Scotland and Wales shows that most want traffic-free roads outside schools to protect children from air pollution. It’s likely that they’re also considering the safety of pupils at risk from so many cars there, too. Sustrans’ chief executive Xavier Brice points out that the average journey to primary school is 1.6 miles. Walking or cycling to school is a better alternative all round, if that’s possible. For some parents who need to rush off to work for a set time or who travel a distance that could be difficult. But, we do need to alleviate pollution and road dangers and improve the quality of life for all concerned, including the longsuffering souls living near schools.

IT would be easy to write a sad and emotional biography about the journey of a cancer sufferer and her devoted carer. what happens after someone dies, especially if you are in a position of responsibility.

However, while We Never Got To Cornwall is undoubtedly a tragic story it is also both uplifting and informative – and that’s what puts this book apart from other similar publications.

And here, the author tackles the thorny subject of death certificates, arranging the funeral, sorting out the will and a dozen other duties.

The sub-title is The True Story of a Secret Cancer Sufferer (Plus My Own Life Lessons Learnt) and it is much of what happens next that makes this book unusual. “Redders” is obviously a courageous and inspirational woman who fought a longterm battle with cancer with amazing dignity and bravery. But life – and death – is not just about higher emotions. It is also about humour, despair and anger and a sense of being lost that many people who have suffered the death of a partner, family member or close friend will recognise. The author, though, as well as recounting the very natural feelings involved has also looked closely at the practical situation of

Then there are all the other ordinary details like changing bank details, services, benefits and everything else we normally take for granted. The author offers a personal but engaging diary of these, giving useful advice based on experience. It may be a cathartic book for him to write but it is definitely an interesting and thought-provoking read for the rest of us. * We Never Got To Cornwall, published by Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd at £6.99.

or email: help@aamail.org 7

TRAVEL

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50 Plus Travel

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THE CANADIAN ROCKIES WITH TRAVELSHPERE BY JUDITH QUINEY FOR SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR

feeling more energetic then skiing or snowboarding down is great fun! You might even get met by a red squirrel foraging for food. There is also an opportunity to either learn or brush up you ski skills! A visit to Bow falls is also a must. Even at this time a year when the waterfall and lakes are freezing over, you still get flashes of the turquoise water caused by the minerals in the water and oh so clear.Â We were lucky enough to secure the services of our coach driver Mike McCormack who loved sharing his experiences and love of the Rockies with us, as did many of the guides we met over the five days. On our journey to Jasper Mike schooled us in bear etiquette should we inadvertently disturb one. On the road - highway 93 there is such a feeling of space with mountain views that continue to surprise and delight you on this beautiful route.

Jasper again is not a large town -no high-rise here, located within the Athabasca River Valley and an important rail terminal. Freight trains

whirlwind tour of Banff and Jasper in November was a great opportunity for me to get my first taste of Canada and the Rockies. So, after flying into Calgary it was on the bus to our first port of call Banff and the newly refurbished Mount Royal Hotel for a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep. Banff as a town would not be out of place in Switzerland, its chalet architecture and mountain views are beautiful. A small-town with a population of 7,500. It attracts 4.18 million visitors to the National Park per year. Designed for the tourist Banff has a good choice of hotels and quality restaurants cafes and general shops. There is a friendly vibe and good transport links. The first bar I went into even brewed its own gin! Most hotels offer a good restaurant, bars and a pool or a hot tub in our case the hot tub was outside on the roof of the hotel. Bracing - with temperatures around 1 to -8 not for the faint hearted.

Arriving in November is a great time to go as it is just before the main skiing season starts so you can really appreciate the winter landscape without being distracted. Whilst the bears are hibernating, you regularly see the Elks out and about. The thing that strikes you most when traveling through the National Parks are there are no small hamlets. it can be hours before you see another driver on the road! The Banff Gondola is fun an easy way to take in the sights of Sulphur Mountain. For those

Our photo of a bear!

to huge investments in the railways in the 1900s. This five-star hotel has outstanding restaurants, the food and wine are of the highest standard. There is even a Labrador in each of the chains hotels for those guests missing their own pets to walk or stroke. We had a wonderful experience watching the stars in the Dark Sky experience which had a temporary home in the grounds. While in Jasper we stayed at the Lobstick Lodge Hotel, situated on the edge of the town – an advantage if you don’t want to be woken by the freight trains early in the morning. It is a modest 3-star hotel, comfortable with large rooms and good food. For our last night we headed back to Lake Louise frozen this time of year. I now can say that I have walked on water! In the summer it is transformed into a jewel like turquoise blue lake, in winter it is majestically covered with a thick sheet of ice. Stepping out on that ice sheet for the first time is scary - oh yes, but in a funny sort of way liberating as well. Our last hotel the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits proudly to one side with iconic views from many of the rooms. When we there the staff were starting to polish the ice rink on the lake ready for the winter skaters! Again 5-star comfort and it was with great sadness the next morning that we bid the staff and Marcus the Labrador farewell! The dog was already in search of his next dog treat from that new guest. can take 30 minutes to pass as they are so long, so make sure you are on the right side of the track otherwise it can be a long wait! For those wanting to experience some time on the train through the Rockies, be warned that many of the tourist routes close at the end of September and don’t run again until April, so you need to check carefully before your book your trip. The preferred winter season method of transport between towns is coach. The Glacier Skywalk has also closed by then, but there are still some wonderful hikes and glacial walks to experience. I was

lucky enough to join a guided tour and hike up part of the Miligne Canyon, this was an opportunity to see the rugged terrain first hand, take in that mountain air and see the waterfalls frozen as if in some fairy tale. Another evening I went to the Fairmont Jasper Park Hotel for dinner. The interior of the main part of the hotel looks like something from a Scottish baronial hall. There are private lodges surrounding It, which are set in 700 acres around the shore of Lac Beauvert. The Fairmont hotel chain and glorious buildings sprung up thanks

On the way back to Calgary we took the opportunity to visit the Olympic Park made famous by Eddie the Eagle, the jump is closed, but the ski slopes are still well used. Would I go back? – that is always the acid test for me when traveling, I would like to visit again perhaps at a different time of the year. I am so pleased that winter was my first experience of this wonderful and welcoming country. If you enjoy walking taking in glorious views or like to ski you would enjoy this holiday.

More information Judith Quiney travelled with the escorted tours specialist Travelsphere ,who offer a range of trips crafted by a team of experts including the must-see sights and the chance to sample local life, traditions and cuisine.. Find out more about Travelsphere at www.travelsphere.co.uk or call 01858 415 101

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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JAMES MARTIN THE MAN OF MANY TALENTS JAMES Martin had just been playing at Carfest South in Basingstoke, was about to give a cookery demonstration at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival and was flying out to Ireland for filming the next morning. Now, if that sounds like a hectic schedule, it is. Especially, as James explained, "I didn’t get to bed until 3.15am on Sunday morning” after Carfest. And playing there? Yes, the multi-talented chef turns out to be a musician and his group had a significant set at the annual event run by his mate Chris Evans. In fact, this was the first time they had played in public after hours of practising in a scout hut or his living room and he went from playing in front of his Mum 12

and a few chef friends to an audience of 34,500 people.

It is just part of the 47 year-old’s philosophy of trying new experiences.

So, how was it? “Amazing but terrifying” was his verdict. He and his group played just after Jools Holland and just before the Kaiser Chiefs.

“I’ve never been one to say ‘I wish I’d done this or that’,” he stated. “You should grab every opportunity that comes to you.” Food, though, is still his priority. “Food has always been at the top of the list and will always, always be there. And the restaurants will be because you employ people and they have got kids and mortgages to pay so that’s your priority 150 per cent.”

James, who counts the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter as his favourite song, only started playing guitar 12 months ago. “I came straight off stage and Chris said ‘What are you doing next year?’ I said Whoa, whoa. The main thing was we weren’t s***!” But the many fans of the plain-speaking James Martin need not worry that this new success might drag him away from his cookery interests and his TV appearances.

James is, however, realistic about the value of his high profile in all fields. “Without the media stuff, the restaurants wouldn’t have the success,” he concluded.

He was off to Ireland the next morning for filming a new TV series, Islands and Highlands, due to air in February, 2020. James is a genuine advocate of the best of British food but he applies the same principle to foods from all across the globe. He was appearing at the annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival, which he happily described as “the best food and drink festival in the country.” He has been going to the North-west town for its hugely popular festival for the last 11 years and “loves Bolton – the place and the people. In fact, the people make the place.” He has a direct view about food. I dared to ask him if he thought people were cooking more healthily now. That might be good news for his dedicated followers but it is also a reflection of who James Martin really is. He has long made Saturday mornings a TV must for cookery fans, first with Saturday Morning Kitchen - which he fronted for 10 years until 2016 - and now with James Martin’s Saturday Morning Show, filmed at his home. His blunt Yorkshire roots, his laddish looks and an indisputable onscreen charisma have made him a telly cookery favourite and his shows and appearances a sell-out. All of this, however, was a long way in the future when he was growing up on the Castle Howard estate in York where his father was a catering manager.Young James must have been soaking up the knowledge and love of food even then because he opted to take catering training in college which resulted in him being Student of the Year three years running. Following catering college, he worked for various top chefs in leading restaurants including foodie household names like Antony Worrall Thompson and Marco Pierre White. He toured France, working in chateau kitchens and gaining a unique blend of experience and skills, before returning

to England to kickstart his high-profile career. In 1994, just before his 22nd birthday, he opened his own hotel and bistro in Winchester and has followed this over the years with other premises including a hotel in Manchester. When Saturday Morning Kitchen launched in 2006, he was the obvious choice and the formula certainly paid off. He regularly attracted 3.4 million viewers. James also became a favourite on other food shows like Ready Steady Cook and remains a respected expert and entertainer in a field where cooks often come and go. In 2013, he was honoured with The Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award for outstanding contribution to the industry. The following year his series Food Map of Britain was voted Best Daytime and Early Peak Programme by the Royal Television Society. In 2015, he was named TV Personality of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Awards. His name and skills are known around the world and he has written a raft of cookery books that easily demonstrate his passion for food along with his vast knowledge.

“Healthy food!” he flashed.“If you want that get JoeWicks down here but that’s not me. I like tasty food. Food’s a magical thing.We’ve all got to eat so why not enjoy it?” He then went on to demonstrate dishes he knows delight audiences: Monkfish and Korean Aubergines, Seabass with Buttered Tagliatelle and Beurre Blanc and Summer Fruit Pudding with Clotted Cream. The biggest response of the demonstration was for a massive cheese and ham toastie – made with a full loaf, masses of cheese, cream and ham – which he declared his favourite. It’s plain from the enthusiastic live audience reaction and the long queues of people forming to meet him and have him sign copies of his latest book that people love him and all he does. Perhaps the main thing is that James Martin has built a solid and successful career on being James Martin - chef, hotelier, restaurateur, TV presenter, fast-car fan, musician and full-time Yorkshireman and food enthusiast.

Recipes from James Martin's recent book Great British Adventure start on page 26. 13

FINANCE

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A SECURE FUTURE WITH EQUITY RELEASE? THESE days we have to look at a variety of ways to raise cash and ensure that our future will be secure and one popular way for anyone over 55 to do just that is via equity release, with research carried out by the Equity Release Council showing that 72% of homeowners over 45 questioned wanted to stay in their property for as long as possible, with 41% also looking to invest in home improvements. Equity release offers the chance to access the cash – the equity – tied up in your home, which can be released either as a lump sum or in several small amounts, or a combination of both. There are two equity release options: a home reversion and a lifetime mortgage. A HOME REVERSION involves you selling part or all of your home to a home reversion provider in return for a lump sum or regular payments.You have the right to continue living in the property until you die, rent-free,

but you have to agree to maintain and insure it. You can ring-fence a percentage of your property for later use, possibly for inheritance - the percentage you retain will always remain the same, regardless of the change in property values, unless you decide to take further cash releases. At the end of the plan, your property is sold and the sale proceeds are shared according to the remaining proportions of ownership.You will get a lump sum or regular payments – normally between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of the market value of your home, or the part you sell. With home reversions, it’s worth checking whether or not you can release equity in several payments or in one lump sum and the minimum age at which you can take out a home reversion plan. Some providers insist you’re at least 60 or 65 before you can apply. Keep in mind the percentage of the market value you will receive. This will increase the

older you are when you take out the plan but might vary from provider to provider. Also check whether you have the right to remain in your property for life or until you need to move to long-term care, provided the property remains your main residence and you abide by the terms and conditions of your contract. It’s worth checking whether you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan and whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee”. You will also need to know what level of maintenance you’ll be expected to carry out and how often your property will be inspected – this could be every few years. The Money Advice Service explains that a LIFETIME MORTGAGE means that you take out a mortgage secured on your property, provided it is your main residence, while retaining ownership.

You may be able to ring-fence some of the value of your property as an inheritance for your family or you can choose to make repayments or let the interest roll-up. The loan amount and any accrued interest is paid back when you die or when you move into long-term care.

according to your age when you take out the lifetime mortgage, while some providers might offer larger sums to those with certain past or present medical conditions. Many lenders offer interest rates which are fixed or, if they are variable, have a “cap” or upper limit which is fixed for the loan’s duration.

Most people who take out equity release use a lifetime mortgage. Usually you don’t have to make any repayments while you’re alive and interest “rolls up” (unpaid interest is added to the loan), meaning the debt can increase quite quickly over a period of time. However, some lifetime mortgages do now offer the option to pay all or some of the interest. Some will let you pay off the interest and the capital.

Check whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee” This means that, when your property is sold and agents’ and solicitors’ fees have been paid, even if the amount left is not enough to repay the outstanding loan to your provider neither you nor your estate will be liable to pay any more.

In the same way ordinary mortgages vary from lender to lender, so do lifetime mortgages, and if you’re looking at this option it’s worth knowing that the minimum age for this is usually 55. As we’re now all living longer, the earlier you start the more this is likely to cost in the long run. The average borrower in their late 60s can usually borrow around 35% of the value of their home, but how much can be released is dependent on your age and the value of your property. The percentage typically increases

Again, it’s also worth finding out if you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan, as different lifetime mortgage providers might have slightly different thresholds. Consider whether you can pay none, some or all of the interest. If you can make repayments, the mortgage will be less costly. However, with a lifetime mortgage where you can make monthly payments, the amount you can repay might be based on your income. Providers will have to check you can afford these regular payments.

Empowering you with the retirement you deserve

Look at whether you can withdraw the equity you’re releasing in small amounts, as and when you need it, or whether you have to take it as one lump sum. The advantage of being able to take money out in smaller amounts is you only pay the interest on the amount you’ve withdrawn. If you can take smaller lump sums, check if there is a minimum amount. Overall, equity release might seem like a good option if you want some extra money and don’t want to move house, but it’s worth bearing in mind that equity release can be more expensive in comparison to an ordinary mortgage. In addition, it’s worth considering any additional changes taking out equity release could make to existing arrangements, with the potential to lose means-tested benefits being key among them. It’s also worth considering involving your family throughout the process, as any equity taken out of the home will impact their inheritance later down the line. Speak to an independent financial adviser to find out if equity release is right for you, and whether it could help in supporting your financial future.

Retirement

• Lifetime mortgages are helping more and more over 55s finance their retirement • To see if it could be the right option for you, contact an independent financial adviser www.pureretirement.co.uk

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CREATING A WARM AND BEAUTIFUL HOME THIS WINTER

REATING a warm glow in your home throughout the chillier months is not just about effective heating and insulation.

offering the warmest of glows, whatever the weather.

It’s also about ensuring you have the right décor and furnishings throughout your property so that just being there – or just visiting – is a cosy and enjoyable experience.

A fire can also be the centrepiece of a living space – but it doesn’t just have to be in the wall. These days you can get enclosed fires that come in wooden columns or unusual centrepieces to draw the eye as soon as you enter the room.

Of course you need to ensure that your boiler and central heating are working properly and that your windows are well-fitted and giving you the kind of insulation that prevents your fuel bills from rocketing when the temperature outside drops. But it is also about the whole atmosphere of your property. And that requires proper thought and planning so that, after work or going out and about, you can’t wait to get back to your comfortable home and finally relax happily. Cosy homes certainly come into their own at Christmas when family get-togethers need a warm backdrop and all the festive

décor is about sparkle and a feelgood vibe. So it is definitely worth taking a fresh evaluation of your home’s warm appeal right now. Nothing says “cosy” quite like snuggling up in blanket in front of an open FIRE and if you are lucky enough to already have a working fireplace, then take advantage of it.

Logs crackling in the hearth or in a burner not only feel warm but offer the additional bonus of looking bright and welcoming. The firelight reflects in any room

If you prefer a wall fire, either mounted or in its own fireplace, there are plenty of ways to enhance it there. A fireplace surround could be made from metallic porcelain tiles, sculptural ceramic, marble, hand-painted terra cotta or even a mosaic tile. Fireplaces can look amazing set into wooden surrounds because they add an extra depth to the patina of the wood. If you have a non-working fireplace, fill it with fire-ready logs anyway or place tiered candles inside as a feature. If you would rather cover it up, invest in an ornate fire screen to make an extra talking point. 19

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We tend to think of anywhere “cosy” as small but the dictionary definition is “giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation”, no mention of small. So if you have a large or open-plan LIVING ROOM you can still make it cosily attractive at a time of year when you are likely to spend plenty of time sitting happily ensconced in a comfortable chair or sofa as the rain batters outside or the snow freezes.

In a bigger space, large, well-upholstered furniture can really work and provide an inviting spot to be. Sectional sofas are a good choice here to break up the expanse; placing your furniture into seating groups makes social gatherings so much easier and more friendly. In a high room, add tall, voluminous plants to take up empty corners or fill vertical space. Just ensure that any living plants can get enough light. Dead plants don’t enhance any room! Plants can bring a room alive, though, and the greenery is very welcome in Winter so it’s definitely worth looking at placing a couple in areas where they will bring a different element to the room. For example, place a few differently sized pots together in a group to provide an interesting little area. To bring in a big room and create that cosy feeling, paint your wall two-toned. Painting it until several inches from the ceiling can also make the room feel slightly smaller and warmer. Conversely, if you want to make the room feel much larger, just paint a few inches onto the ceiling. An accent wall in a warm tone also adds to the cosy feeling and a dusky red on the wall behind a fireplace doubles the warmth of any room. Colours have a huge effect on our mood so take a really good look at available paint palettes before deciding on your decor. While cool greys translate well into Winter, especially teamed 20

with warmer accents of bright colour, try bold combinations like burnished red with navy or mustard. The latest trends offer clever ideas from Nature to help. Warmer pinks and browns, washed teals and mossy greens offer a relaxed, neutral colour scheme that create a comforting ambience ideal for enhancing Winter warmth. For a different look, instead of a coffee table in your living room, try an oversized ottoman. These soft, plush pieces of furniture automatically make any room look and feel warmer. You can rest your feet on them for relaxing and, with an additional tray, they make a perfectly good coffee table as well. The other plus is that an ottoman offers extra storage so you can tidy away items to offer clean lines to enhance the atmosphere you’re trying to create. Opt for comfort here – after all, you’re going to spend quite a large amount of time using them so they need to be as comfortable as possible.

The fabric used on your furniture is more important than ever in the Winter as a cold fabric can automatically make you feel chilly. A soft but durable fabric that can stand up to plenty of use is the ideal and recliners always win over standard sofas and squashy chairs here – so investing in at least one may prove to be the best thing you’ve ever done! Using a throw or faux fur is another simple way to warm up a room. A brightly coloured throw, draped over the back of a sofa not only adds texture, colour and warmth to the look of this room but also offers something to pop around your shoulders if you feel a little chilly and just need warming up. Team cushions in soft and contrasting colours and fabrics to help your décor and you’ve got just the right balance of style and comfort here. In spite of today’s love affair with the Kindle and iPad when it comes to reading books, people still love the original paper version and books can bring so much to a living room. There is definitely something comforting and reassuring about books so bookshelves are worth considering in rooms where furniture is pushed away from the walls.

Wetroom & Walk-in Shower Specialists

If you have a large book collection, here is the ideal place to store them and if you have a small collection, why not arrange like books together with knick-knacks and accent pieces to fill vertical spaces? This kind of artistic grouping gives real personality to a room. Another way to make it more like your own living space is to add family photos. They make a room feel inviting and warm and offer a talking point for visitors.

Great choices for the smallest room Thinking of updating your bathroom? Then take a look at the extensive showroom at Huddersfield’s Atlas Bathrooms of Lockwood. With now even more choice in store, Atlas has invested heavily in the extensive showroom and now has even more displays of bath suites, showers and wet rooms to choose from. It now has one of the biggest displays of bathrooms and accessories in the Huddersfield area. Spread over two floors it has ranges from top manufacturers including Jacuzzi, Heritage, Roca and Ideal Standard. There is also plenty to suit all budgets with bathrooms and showers ranging in price from affordable to the luxurious end of the market. There is also a wide choice of bathroom furniture and accessories along with a new display of Christy Towels, one of the UK’s longest established iconic brands. Atlas Bathrooms has recently been appointed an official stockist. He said: “We have something for all tastes and to suit all sizes of bathroom, from the very traditional to the very modern. Wet rooms are growing in popularity along with larger walk-in showers.” Atlas also has a great range of accessories which are sure to add the finishing touch.

Victoria Mill, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield Tel: 01484 547110 Fax: 01484 432037

For more information, look at the website www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk or ring 01484 547110. Open:

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, 9am to 4pm

www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk

Have you reported your changes? Council tax reduction or housing benefit Report a change of circumstances If you receive council tax reduction and/ or housing benefit you must tell us straight away if your circumstances change. If you do not tell us within 21 days depending on the circumstances you may be fined £70, or your benefit amount could be affected. Changes we need to know about include:

• changes to your income or capital • someone moving into, or out of your household • changes to income or capital belonging to anyone in your household • moving home, or into a different room if you live in a shared property • changes to the amount of rent you pay

You can report your change online at: www.kirklees.gov.uk/changecircumstance

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GARDEN

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PREPARING YOUR LAWN FOR WINTER GARDENING WRITER, JULIA HEATON, HAS SOME TIMELY LAWN CARE TIPS

take a garden fork and push the tines in to their full depth at 15cm intervals across the lawn. Once in the ground wiggle the fork around to widen the holes. On large areas or heavy clay soils a hollow tine aerator, which extracts small cores of soil, may be best for the job.

It makes sense to put your lawn to bed for the winter, just like any other plant in the garden. September and October is the time to take stock of the wear and tear it has undergone during the course of the year. The aim is to scarify, aerate and topdress, in that order. So follow these steps and you’ll be giving your grass all the strength it needs to cope with any frost, snow or waterlogging in the months ahead. SCARIFY/RAKING First things first, you’ll need to scarify by raking up and removing any build-up of moss and thatch (dead grass and plant debris). This will improve drainage and help to reduce fungal infections. To give yourself a head start it’s a good idea to bring the level of the grass gradually down in the two-week run-up – this will provide you with short, dry grass that makes the raking process less difficult. If there’s lots of moss you can spray the problem areas with moss killer beforehand. Then once it has turned black it can be raked out much more easily. A spring tine rake is the best tool for the job. Its 16 claw-shaped tines are designed to remove unwanted debris without damaging healthy blades of grass. If the thatch is particularly bad though 24

it’ll need carefully teasing out so a hand scarifier, with blades on a roller, is a better option. Whichever you choose you’ll need to work across the lawn two or three times, approaching it from a different angle each time. For larger areas you may want to hire or buy an electric rake. Don’t panic when you survey the results – the lawn may look pretty patchy, but it means that the grass now has space to breath, grow and fill out into the bare patches of soil. And if these patches are really large you can re-sow with lawn seed.

AERATING: Regular use during the summer can cause a lawn to settle, become dense and compacted. With little access to air the grass becomes weak, which encourages moss and water-logging. To tackle these problems

TOPDRESSING Applying a topdressing loosely fills the aeration holes and evens out any lumps and bumps in the lawn. Ultimately this improves its condition and drainage, encouraging the grass to produce more roots and runners. Topdressing can be bought in ready mixed bags from garden centres but you can also make your own by combining loam, multipurpose compost and sand. The mix of these three ingredients depends on the type of soil you’ve got. When a loamy mix is used on sandy soil it can improve its water-retaining abilities, while a sandy topdressing on a heavy soil can help improve drainage. If your soil is heavy clay and compaction is a real problem then sharp sand alone can be used to improve surface drainage. Using a shovel spread the mix evenly across the lawn at the rate of 1kg per sq m and lightly brush it into the surface and aeration holes. What you’re looking for in the end is a layer of top dressing that’s thin enough for the blades of grass to poke through it. Topdressing recipes: • For a heavy soil, mix 1 part multipurpose compost, 2 parts loam and 4 parts sand; • For a loamy soil, mix 1 part multi-purpose compost, 4 parts loam and 2 parts sand; • For a sandy soil, mix 2 parts multipurpose compost, 4 parts loam and 1 part sand

FEEDING An autumn feed isn’t always necessary but if your grass has taken a beating from the dry weather and hotter than average temperatures it’s worth doing. Only use an autumn feed as it will contain less nitrogen, which will produce slower growth and tougher leaves able to withstand winter temperatures. BARE PATCHES Late summer to mid-autumn is a good time to sow grass seed as the soil is still warm and should be nicely moist. Make sure the ground is clear of weeds and rake it over to break up any lumps and create a fine tilth. Then tread evenly over it so that it is levelled out, adding extra soil where needed, before raking again. Lightly rake in a granular fertiliser two or three days before sowing. Good weather and moist soil should produce germination in nine or ten days. Keep it watered during dry spells and leave it uncut for three to four weeks.

MOWING AND EDGING As colder weather slows down the rate of grass growth there’s less need to mow as frequently. Always wait for a dry day before mowing and, if needed, follow it up by trimming lawn edges. Use some long handled edging shears for this job. The blades are set at a 90 degree angle to the handles so you can do the job from a standing position. If the lawn has started to grow over a pathway it’s a good time to re-instate a proper edge. Using a half-moon edging iron drive the blade down and into the turf where it meets the pathway, then pull the pieces away.

SWEEPING There’s no escaping fallen leaves in autumn but it’s important not to let them sit for more than a few days on your lawn as the grass they are covering will soon suffer. Once a week use a besom broom or a fan rake to sweep them up. Another alternative is to run your lawn mower over them so it can gather them up. CONTROLLING LEATHERJACKETS Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, or daddy-long-legs. The grubs hatch in autumn and eat away at grass roots, so by spring you can be left with yellow patches across the lawn. Although there is no chemical treatment there is a biological control in the form of nematodes, which are microscopic worms that you can water onto the lawn between August and October and again in spring. They basically work by entering the grubs and infecting them with a bacterial disease that kills them. Look for Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer at garden centres and on-line. Another alternative is to water the lawn and lay a large black plastic sheet across it overnight. This will encourage the grubs to come to the surface, so when the sheet is lifted the following morning you just need to brush them up and dispose of them.

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FOOD & DRINK

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LYMPSTONE MUSSELS I have never seen anything like the contraption used by the mussel men of the River Exe.They don’t use dredges, which wreck the sea bed; they use a self-flushing elevator that kind of hoovers up the mussels, causing less disturbance and producing a more sustainable supply all year round.The mussels are then cleaned, graded and put in purification tanks for a few days before being sold. Myles is the brains behind The Exmouth Mussel Company, so next time you’re down there, pop in and say hi. It was a pleasure to cook these wonderful mussels with my mate Michael Caines.

Serves 4 50g butter 100g smoked streaky bacon, chopped into lardons 1 onion, diced 2 celery sticks, diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed sea salt and freshly ground black pepper small bunch of sea aster 250ml cider 250ml double cream 2kg mussels, cleaned and debearded 4 thick slices of white crusty bread 2 tablespoons olive oil small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Heat a large casserole dish over a medium heat for a few minutes until hot, then add half the butter. When it has melted and is sizzling, add the bacon pieces and fry until crisp. Add the diced onion and celery and the garlic and season well. Stir everything together and cook over a low heat for a few minutes, stirring every now and then. Add the sea aster and pour in the cider and cream, then season with black pepper. Stir everything together then add the remaining butter. Once the butter has melted and the liquid is simmering, pop the mussels in and stir everything together. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4 minutes. Drizzle the slices of bread with the olive oil and toast in a flat frying pan until charred. Check all the mussels have opened, discarding any that haven’t, then tip into a serving bowl. Sprinkle over the parsley and serve with the toasted bread. 26

TAGINE OF LAMB CHOPS WappingWharf is a testament to what’s happening in Bristol right now with new buildings and flats popping up all around and along the old docks. It’s still in its infancy but there are a few restaurants, one of which was a highlight for me – the small and compact BOX-E run by husband and wife Elliott and Tessa Lidstone – as were the two food containers there, one selling cheese and the other some great local meats.You’ll find great lamb all around theWest Country from local suppliers.

Serves 2 1 tablespoon olive oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 x 200-g Barnsley lamb chops 1/2 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 6 medium tomatoes, quartered 50ml Harveys Bristol cream sherry 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 5-cm piece fresh ginger, grated 2-cm piece fresh turmeric, grated 1 tablespoon runny honey 25g flaked almonds small bunch of fresh coriander, chopped

Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat then pour in the oil. Season the chops all over then pop them into the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until well browned. Flip them over and continue to cook for a further 2–3 minutes. Add the diced onion, garlic and tomatoes, then pour in the sherry. Use a wooden spoon to stir any juices in the base of the pan into the ingredients. Add all of the dry spices, stir again, then add the grated ginger and turmeric. Stir and season well. Keep the pan over a medium heat and cook for 5 minutes – it should be gently bubbling. Check the seasoning then divide between 2 warmed bowls, drizzle with the honey and sprinkle over the almonds and coriander.

From cheese & delicatessen, to your favourite cuts of meat

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GIANT’S CAUSEWAY FISH STEW I don’t know who looked more confused, me or the thousands of tourists all around me while we were filming this dish on the stones of the Giant’s Causeway. I’d never been before but it really is a sight to behold. In fact, the whole coastline of this part of Northern Ireland is worth a trip – it is rugged and beautiful in equal measure, as is the produce that can be found here. Ales, meat, dairy, fish… It is so rich and diverse with such amazing food.

Serves 6 400g mussels, cleaned and debearded 25g butter 1 shallot, finely diced 25g plain flour sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 400ml full-fat milk 100ml double cream 1 medium floury potato, cooked and diced (you need 200g) 400g salmon fillet, skinned and chopped into 2-cm cubes 200g white crab meat 100g brown crab meat small bunch of chives, chopped To serve double cream olive oil

Place a large sieve over a bowl. Pour 100ml water into a large heavy-based saucepan and set the pan over a high heat. Add the mussels, cover with a lid and cook for 3 minutes until the mussels have steamed open. Strain the mussels through the sieve, reserving the liquor, then pick the mussel meat from the shells and set aside. Discard any mussels that haven’t opened. In the same pan, melt the butter over a medium heat. As soon as the butter has melted, stir in the shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened. Stir in the flour, season, and cook for around 1 minute. Pour the reserved mussel liquor into the pan, stirring all the time, then add the milk and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously, until smooth. Add the potato and salmon, stir everything together, then cover the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until the potatoes are hot and the salmon has cooked through. Stir in both types of crab meat and the mussel meat and warm through for a couple of minutes. Add a couple of tablespoons of hot water if the sauce is very thick. Season to taste and scatter over most of the chives. To serve, ladle the stew into warmed bowls, drizzle with a little extra cream and olive oil, if you fancy, and garnish with the remaining chives.

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CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE Stout is a dark, rich top-fermented beer and is the only type of beer you can use for this cake and the icing, so don’t start going off-piste and using Stella or other stuff – it won’t work!

Serves 10 200g butter 150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 300ml stout 4 eggs 500g soft light brown sugar 350g self-raising flour For the icing 400g full-fat cream cheese 25ml stout 200g icing sugar a couple of squares of dark or milk chocolate, to decorate

Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/320°F/ gas 3. Line a 27-cm, deep-sided cake tin with greaseproof paper. Put the butter, chocolate and stout into a large heatproof bowl and rest over a pan of justsimmering water, making sure the base doesn’t touch the water, until the butter and chocolate have melted. Lift the bowl off the pan and leave to cool slightly. Add the eggs and sugar to the mixture and whisk well, then fold in the flour until the mixture is smooth. Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour. Leave to cool in the tin before turning out. To make the icing, whisk the cream cheese, stout and icing sugar together in a bowl until smooth. Spoon on top of the cake and spread out to cover. Grate the chocolate over the top and serve.

Extracted from James Martin’s Great British Adventure by James Martin (Quadrille, £25) Photography Peter Cassidy

FOOD & DRINK

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

It's beginning to look a lot like

Christmas ...

A snow globe is a great way to add festive sparkle to your home!

LET IT SNOW A FESTIVE SWEET MULLED WINE TARTLETS

MAKES ABOUT 12

These water filled lanterns with Christmas characters and swirling glitter make a great feature to any room. Battery operated, they can be displayed anywhere indoors and feature either a santa or a snowman scene. 30cm high, battery operated (requires 3AA batteries).

SPECIAL READER OFFER RRP £29.95 OUR PRICE £14.95

+ £3.00 POST AND PACKING FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:

01204 238180

ORDER ONLINE: www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/xmas-offer/ OR EMAIL: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

FOR THE DOUGH: 200g (7oz) butter 140g (5oz/ 2/3 cup) raw cane sugar Seeds of 1 Vanilla pod (bean) Pinch of salt 1 egg 300g (10½oz/scant 2½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour + a little extra 100g (3½oz/1 cup) blanched ground almonds

For the jam (jelly): 125ml (4 floz/½ cup) red wine 2 strips of orange peel 2 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 piece of star anise ¼ vanilla pod (bean) 125ml (4 floz/½ cup) grape juice 75g (2½oz/1/3 cup) preserving sugar 3:1 FOR DECORATING: icing (confectioner's) sugar

EXTRA EQUIPMENT: STAR-SHAPED COOKIE CUTTERS, IN THREE SIZE

1. For the jam, put the red wine with the orange peel, spices, scraped out vanilla pod and vanilla seeds into a saucepan. Bring to the boil on a medium heat. Immediately remove from the stove, cover and steep for at least 2 hours. Strain the wine mixture through a sieve and pour back into the pan. Mix in the juice and the preserving sugar. Bring to the boil and fast boil for 3 minutes. Pour into a sterilised jar and allow to set. 2. For the dough, cream the butter with the sugar, vanilla seeds and salt. Add the egg and beat in well. Add the flour and almonds, and work everything into a smooth dough. Wrap in cling film (plastic wrap) and leave in a cool place for 1 hour. 3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 3–4 mm (1/8 in) on a floured work surface, and press out stars in three sizes. Place on baking sheets lined with baking parchment and bake for 10–12 minutes (you might need to take the small ones out of the oven earlier). Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack. 4. Heat the jam in a saucepan and stir until smooth. Spread the jam on the large and medium-sized circles, before stacking them together with the small ones on top. Dust with icing sugar and add a final dab of jam. Store in a tin.

Let it Snow by Agnes Prus (Hardie Grant, £7.99) Photography © Frauke Antholz

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.

manor it was built in 1275 for the Worrall family, although most of O Originally P E N Ia N G house, order 8pm the presentLast dayfood structure is 16th Century. After becoming an Inn in 1771 when John T IChristmas Mleased E SEve - 8.00pm Morton the9.00am property from the Worrall's, it got its name from an Olde English

GNINEPO SEMIT

mp8 redro doof tsaL mp00.8 - ma00.9 evE samtsirhC Christmas Day Closed desolC yaD samtsirhC word meaning the meeting of water, quite appropriate as nowadays it overlooks the Day 9.00am - 5.00pm mp00.5 - ma00.9 yaD gnixoB StrinesBoxing Reservoir. New Years Eve 9.00am - 4.00pm mp00.4 - ma00.9 evE sraeY weN s Eve Evening 5.30pm Advanced bookings only event eve ylno tekcit sgnikoob decnavdA mp00.8 - mp03.5 gninevE evE In the height- 8.00pm of Summer the Inn attractsticket hundreds of visitors on a daily basis.tn The Newsunshine Years Dayand 9.00am - 8.00pm mp00.8 - ma00.9 yaD sraeY weN glorious 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. All rooms have Four poster beds and En-Suite facilities.

CHRISTMAS MENU NOW AVAILABLE 3 Courses ~ ÂŁ24.95 Bookings now being taken THE STRINES INN

BRADFIELD DALE, SHEFFIELD S6 6JE

TEL: 0114 285 1247 | www.thestrinesinn.co.uk

LEISURE

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

WHAT'S ON A GUIDE TO WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR REGION ...

18TH NOVEMBER 2019 PONTEFRACT CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON

Walking in a winter wonderland! This November, head down to Pontefract town centre for the annual Christmas Light Switch On. The Pontefract Christmas lights will be switched on on Monday 18 November. To get you in the Christmas mood, there will be seasonal entertainments from 4pm, including:

15TH - 24TH NOVEMBER 2019 HUDDERSFIELD CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL

hcmf// is an annual, international festival of contemporary and new music, over 10 days consisting of approximately 50 events, including concerts, music-theatre, dance, multi-media, talks and film, with a related Learning and Participation programme devised and implemented to reflect the artistic programme and respond to regional need.

- Lindsey Farrow - Rob Dillon - Stage Coach - Liquorice Singers - St Giles & St Mary's Pantomime Society - Ridings FM Time To Shine winner - Haribo Goldbear doing games and giveaways

various venues in Huddersfield 01484 425082 | www.hcmf.co.uk

16TH NOVEMBER 2019 BIRDS AND BEASTS WINTER SPECIAL

16TH – 17TH NOVEMBER 2019 ARTFEST HOLMFIRTH 2019

You are all invited to join us in our winter wonderland...venturing across the land, over mountains, high above the sky and sailing the ocean with our friends. Our songs travel, as we learn more about our friends - the animals of the world.You will find out how similar we all are to our beastly friends. Join us and the beautiful and talented, Georgina Hardcastle for a night of amazing music.

Artfest Holmfirth showcases art and craft from all disciplines: ceramics, print, jewellery, glass, sculpture, textiles, painting, mixed media and photography. The emphasis is on original, handmade work and will and bring the very best of British Arts & Crafts to Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. Our exhibitors have been chosen from a handpicked selection of makers giving you a perfect pre-festive opportunity to buy unique, individual and quality work directly from them.

120 New Street, HD1 2UD 07832108662

Holmfirth Civic Hall, Huddersfield Road 07870510518

The town centre will also house a fantastic festive-themed market throughout the day, so you can Christmas shop til you drop. The market will be open 10am – 6.30pm Pontefract Precinct 0345 8 506 506

21ST NOVEMBER 2019 HOLME VALLEY CIVIC SOCIETY – DEBORAH WYLES, ITS ALWAYS WINDY UP THERE!

Holmfirth Civic Society bring a variety of talks and discussions on topics of interest, contact the Hall for details of each monthly meeting. Holmfirth Civic Hall, Huddersfield Road

22ND - 24TH NOVEMBER 2019 THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD CHRISTMAS FAIR AT THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD

30TH NOVEMBER & 1ST DECEMBER 2019 ARTS & CRAFTS, EVENTS & FESTIVALS, FAMILY : HEBDEN BRIDGE

The Hepworth Wakefield’s Christmas Fair has quickly established itself as one of Yorkshire’s top Christmas shopping destinations and takes place over two weekends.

Join us across TWO DAYS this winter for our family-friendly, Christmas shopping experience in Hebden Bridge, celebrating wonderfully affordable gifts by local and regional artists, jewellers, sculptors and more!

Treat yourself and your loved ones from a variety of stalls selling textiles, ceramics, jewellery, prints, handmade cosmetics, candles, stationery and homeware from some of the UK’s most talented artists and designers. Our Christmas Fair offers a fun and festive day out for the whole family featuring a programme of festive performances and free family activities. The Hepworth Wakefield Gallery Walk, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 5AW 01924 247360

With Christmas shopping in mind, they'll be something for everybody located within the picturesque Waterfront Hall of The Town Hall, including an onsite Cafe brewing warming drinks and serving tasty treats! An accompanying 'Winter Showcase' exhibition throughout the foyer and cafe area runs Tuesday 26 November to Saturday 21 December 2019. The Town Hall St George's Sreet, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7BY

Our pets are much loved companions, best friends and family members but sadly, not all animals are treated with the love and care they deserve The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch receives no government funding and we are entirely reliant upon the generosity of our kind supporters. Over a third of our income is in the form of gifts included in people's Wills. This generosity helps us to give food, bedding, veterinary care and TLC to the animals in our Animal Centre and contributes greatly to their rehabilitation. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of people leaving us a gift in their Will. Your act of kindness is literally a gift of life to hundreds of animals that have been cruelly treated. It will cost you nothing in your lifetime but from £100 to £100,000, every donation to the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch is greatly appreciated and can help save an animal’s life. Making a Will, or adding a codicil to your existing Will is the only way to ensure that those you love will be taken care of, including your pets. If your pet has brought huge joy into your life, remembering the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch in your Will is a wonderful way to celebrate your love of your animals and help animals less fortunate than your own for many years to come. As a self funded RSPCA Branch, we're totally reliant upon the kindness of animal-lovers in order to continue our work. Your lasting legacy will ensure that we can continue our work to help the thousands of animals that we care for every year and also plan for the future.

If you would like to talk to someone about leaving a Gift in your Will, please call us on 01422 341160, e-mail us at: Branchoffice@rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk or if you prefer you can write to us at RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District, Wade Street, Halifax, HX1 1SN

LEISURE

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

3RD DECEMBER 2019 KATE RUSBY AT CHRISTMAS

There’s only one seasonal speciality to see you through advent – the Christmas songs of Kate Rusby. She’ll give you the old and traditional, infused with lively and impassioned newness. Twenty-five years and more of writing, arranging and recording has given Kate a sharp eye for a subtle detail and a voice that’s keenly honed. With over a decade of Christmas music under her belt, along with numerous mince pies and mugs of Yorkshire Tea, Santa couldn’t ask for a better little helper to get children and grown-up kids alike into the festive spirit. Kate’s Christmas concerts perpetuate the tradition of Yorkshire carols, which means that each show evokes the spirit of a crowded pub. Kate sat in the corner of that crowded pub when she was a child, so the songs she brings to these shows are in her bones, a deep seam of personal experience to be mined. For over two hundred years, from late-November to New Year’s Day, North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire communities would congregate on Sunday lunchtimes, in their local public house, to belt out their own versions of familiar carols, carols that were often frowned upon by the church in Victorian times as ‘too happy’. Huddersfield Town Hall, Huddersfield

6TH DECEMBER 2019 IAN MCMILLAN & LUKE CARVER GOSS – BETWEEN YOU & ME….

Poet, broadcaster & comedian Ian McMillan and Olympic composer Luke Carver Goss present a hilarious night of words, music & breath-taking comedy, featuring songs, stories and a musical created out of thin air! There is no reserved seating for this event, seating is offered on a first come, first served basis. Doors open an hour before the show starts and a cash bar is available. Holmfirth Civic Hall, Huddersfield Road

8TH DECEMBER 2019 THE VALLEY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL – HOLME VALLEY SINGERS

For the third year running a local orchestra and two local choirs combing to bring the best Christmas music for everyone living in and around the Holme Valley. And to help the Christmas cheer, the Nook Brewhouse also come along to bring you the best brewed ale in the Holme Valley. Ticket details:- Adults £9 Under 18’s Free. Available from the Hall (Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm, cash or cheque only) or from Holmfirth Tourist Information Office. Holme Valley Singers have been singing together for pleasure since 1975. The Choir is held in high esteem in music circles in the area. Holmfirth Civic Hall, Huddersfield Road

15TH DECEMBER 2019 CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR AT ANGLERS COUNTRY PARK

Christmas Craft stalls including jewellery, candles, wax melts, jams, Christmas wreaths and decorations. Face painting artist for the children. Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield, www.wakefield.gov.uk/parks

2ND JANUARY 2020 SLEEPING BEAUTY

29TH - 31ST DECEMBER 2019 ORCHESTRA OF OPERA NORTH: VIENNESE WHIRL

5TH JANUARY 2020 GUIDED TOURS OF TOLSON MUSEUM

A winter wonderland of waltzes, polkas and marches. Join us for a glittering programme of orchestral pyrotechnics to see out the old year and welcome the new in spectacular style. Inspired by Vienna’s traditional New Year celebrations, this epic feast of Strauss, along with other giants of the Austrian music scene, is the perfect way to start the new decade. Programme includes overtures to The Gypsy Baron and The Merry Wives of Windsor, the ever-popular Blue Danube and so much more.

Join our volunteer guides for a fascinating tour of Tolson Museum, where you will discover more about the people who lived and worked here.

Huddersfield Town Hall kirkleestownhalls.co.uk

Tours last for about 45 minutes and are family friendly. Please note that the tour does involve climbing stairs and the first floor isn't wheelchair accessible. Free, book on the day at the reception desk. Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, HD5 8DJ 01484 223240

Christmas

Registered Charity No. 512987

JOIN US FOR A FANTASTICALLY FESTIVE WEEKEND WITH FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 1 1 AM - 4 PM SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 1 1 AM - 4 PM OASTLER BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 3DH OVER 50 STALLS SELLING A RANGE OF GIFTS, LIVE MUSIC, CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ACTIVITIES, FACE PAINTING, SEASONAL REFRESHMENTS

To find out more visit: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/events or call: 01484 557911 : Kindly Sponsored by

With thanks to the University of Huddersifeld

Registered Charity No. 512987

Remember someone you love this festive period in a unique and special way. Christmas is a very special time of year for so many of us. It’s a time to celebrate and create new memories with people we love. But it’s also a time to reflect and remember loved ones who live on forever in our hearts. Light up a Life is your chance to pay tribute to those you love by dedicating a light in their honour. Throughout the festive period, a beautiful Beech tree at the heart of Kirkwood’s gardens will shine brightly in memory of your loved ones. Hundreds of lights will fill the winter sky as families like yours come together to celebrate their lives. For the first time this year, you could also choose to remember someone special by leaving a personal dedication on our online dedication page. A lovely way to remember someone you love, you can add photos and messages to celebrate their life. You can also invite family and friends to view and share your memories.

Why I'm supporting Light up a Life - Steve’s Story

“

Jill was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017. Following a period of treatment over several months, she was given the all-clear and we thought we could resume our lives. However, Jill’s cancer returned very quickly; this time in the form of an inoperable brain tumour. Ten weeks after Jill was given the allclear, she died peacefully at Kirkwood Hospice. “Jill spent the last 11 days of her life at Kirkwood. It was an extremely turbulent time in our lives; a real emotional roller coaster. I am so thankful that she was admitted to the Hospice. “Just before she was admitted to Kirkwood, Jill was in extreme pain. She told me that it felt like her head would explode. It only took Kirkwood a couple of hours to control her pain and make her comfortable. Jill really perked up after this and the final few days of her

life were as peaceful as they could be. We enjoyed the glorious gardens at the Hospice, which we were in full bloom, and I was able to push her round in a wheelchair. I’ll never forget the memories of exploring Kirkwood’s gardens in the sunshine. “When the end came, I played Jill’s favourite music and she passed into spirit in my arms in the tranquil setting of Kirkwood Hospice. I am so grateful that Jill spent her final days in such a wonderful and caring place. I frequently return to the Hospice and it feels like coming home. It’s not upsetting in any way because Jill was looked after with so much love and compassion. “I’ll be taking part in Light up a Life this December to remember Jill and to reflect on the person she was.

Kindly supported by:

Jill with her children

Find out more and make your dedication at: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/lightupalife 36

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MEDiCARE

We're here to keep you healthy GET YOUR FREE NHS FLU JAB HERE We are offering NHS flu jabs to people aged 18 or over You are entitled to receive a free NHS flu jab if you: • Are 18 years of age or over • Are pregnant • Are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility* • Are a carer* • Are a household contact of an immunocompromised individual* • Are a care home or domiciliary care worker* • Have certain medical conditions* including:

Nominate Medicare

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- Asthma or COPD

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• Honley • Elmwood H.C.

Tel: 01484 681069

• Holmfirth

Tel: 01484 683945

• Head Office

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Join our mailing list?

Post to: 1 Meltham Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 3TJ

CARE

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

AWARD-WINNING HOME CARE BY THE CARE COLLECTION Local resident founded The Care Collection to raise the standards of Home Care and transform the “social care crisis” Drawing on over 20 years’ experience working across the whole care sector, Catherine Haigh founded The Care Collection to provide bespoke, high quality Home Care to the community of Kirklees and Calderdale. Catherine explains “During my many years working in care I saw poor practice and lack of knowledge, with many care companies being run with inadequate leadership by people with no care experience. I felt compelled to help and that is how The Care Collection was born”. The Care Collection develops and implements a model of Home Care delivery which is entirely Client-focussed, inclusive and responsive, enabling individuals of all ages to lead meaningful lives.

Continuity of staff is key to the service they as one of the Top 20 Home Care Providers in offer, and they ensure their Carers have time to Yorkshire on leading independent review website, homecare.co.uk.They also received a “Good” care through minimum 1-hour visits. rating in all 5 areas following an inspection by The Care Quality Commission, with exceptionally Their hourly Home Care services range from companionship, domestic support and personal positive feedback from the inspector. care through to more complex care.The Care Collection also provides 24/7 live-in care. To learn more, please get in touch on The company has recently been recognised 01484 521712 or office@thecarecollection.co.uk or visit www.thecarecollection.co.uk.

01484 521712 | www.TheCareCollection.co.uk | Office@TheCareCollection.co.uk The Care Collection, Unit 25, Queens Square Business Park, Honley, HD9 6QZ 38

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