Leeds Issue 3 by 50 Plus Magazine

EDITION 67 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2021

Tom Cruise

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Health and Wellbeing for Everyone

NEW SPEN VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE DUE TO OPEN EARLY 2022

Win Tickets to see IL Divo in December

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Home

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KEEPING YOUR HOME COSY THIS WINTER

PLANTS MAKE PERFECT PRESENTS

IN THIS ISSUE 4-5

TWITTERING ON By Angela Kelly

12-13 TRAVEL The best of Barbados 8-9

DAISH’S HOLIDAYS Self drive & coach inclusive breaks

20 LEISURE Tips to avoid an exercise injury 28-30 HOME Keeping your home cosy this Winter 38-41

FOOD & DRINK Recipes from James Martin’s new cookbook

MOTORING Steve Howarth’s test drive.

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

TWITTERING ON

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TWITTERING ON BY ANGELA KELLY Then the next thing is she becomes a qualifier at the US Open, immediately turns into a whirlwind and takes the women’s singles’ title! She ends up a Grand Slam Champion and world No.22, all while still studying for her A-levels. The best thing about our Emma, though, is that she comes across as a very ordinary girl who definitely has her head screwed on tightly.

STRICTLY SHOWS US LIFE AS WE KNOW IT AS a self-confessed fan of Strictly Come Dancing every new season is a genuine joy. But I’ve also come to realise that Strictly is a microcosm of life itself. There are goodies and baddies (well, judge Craig Revel Horwood on a mean day), brilliance and awfulness, wonderful success and crushing disappointment. Some couples become closerthanthis and some seem uncomfortable together, just like life. Some celebrity dancers reveal hidden talents and some should just stay hidden. And throughout it all is the joyous music and dance that underpins this very popular programme. This year’s crop has proved as riveting as always. Some lesser talented going out early and some really surprisingly talented celebs continuing their journey glitterball-bound. Why, though, is it such a mesmerising programme? Perhaps it’s because there’s a very strong feeling that if THEY can do it with no dance background, then perhaps we could dance as well. 4

Then there’s the costumes, the fake tan, the fabulous sets, the skilled professional dancers – all part of this regular dose of escapist glamour. It’s also partly a popularity contest, too, with a fickle public that can vote out even the most talented. Every season has shown this can happen and that innate talent and hard work don’t always win out.

She took winning and defeat in the same gracious stride, even when she followed up her epic American win by losing her next competitive match in the BNP Paribas Open in straight sets Such a highly visible loss when you’re riding the crest of a wave might have been tough to take for most players. Not Emma. She smiled, shrugged her shoulders – and started practising for the next event.

So there is the uncertainty of who might succeed. Also just like life.

She also said of her opponent, Aliaksandra Sasnovich: “I think Aliaksandra played a great match. She was better than me today so she deserves to win.

Whatever the reason, Strictly itself is the main winner. And we’re basically quite happy about that.

“I’m kind of glad that what happened today happened so I can learn and take is as a lesson.

EMMA’S PLAYED HER WAY INTO OUR HEARTS JUST when life looked a bit bleak in our Covid-19 hit world and the UK’s sporting future seemed uncertain, along came Emma Raducanu. Cometh the hour, cometh the woman. After winning the LTA British Tour Masters’ title last December, the 18 year-old from Bromley brightened up our ongoing post-lockdown gloom with a dazzling Wimbledon debut. Even having to quit when she unwell didn’t dent her obvious promise.

“There’s going to be disappointment after any loss. I didn’t go in there putting any pressure on myself because in my mind I’m so inexperienced that I’m just taking it all in.” No tantrums, no flouncing tempers, no excuses, just sensible acceptance and moving on. At a time when famous females are often largely personified by non-celebrities and fake fame, she’s a breath of fresh air and a real role model for any youngster. Not to mention a golden prospect for the future.

but replicating those wonderful songs that shook teens and adults alike all those decades ago.

DRIFTING BACK IN TIME FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY THERE are very few opportunities to touch base with your teenage self but a concert by The Drifters is definitely one of them. Like thousands of others around the UK, I joined an enthusiastic audience to relive those amazing ‘60s and ‘70s that first brought American music to audiences on this side of the Atlantic. True, these were not the originals. No-one was pushed on in a wheelchair or struggled to warble the high notes. These were younger members of the Drifter family, strong and vibrant singers

This concert audience, like those around the country no doubt, were mostly of an age. We were probably infinitely respectable, ordinary, Joe Citizen types by day. But here, treated to full-on Under the Boardwalk and Saturday Night at the Movies we were young and excited all over again. For a start, we all knew all the words to every song – even some of the lesser hits had a major portion of the audience singing along with the four slick Americans in their dress suits entertaining us. There were short films and slides to remind us of Drifters long ago. Of Ben E King as a Drifter and that amazing voice, of slick dance moves in atmospheric black and white film – a photo album of teenage years that we recognised as our own. I was with a group of lively older women friends and we fitted right in. We yelled out the words with the rest, using vocal

chords more usually raised in chastising grandchildren or calling in the dog. Here, we were 17 again – with no arthritis or elasticated waistbands in sight again - just loving this different, tuneful music that captured our souls all over again. We clapped, we waved our arms, some of us stood up and gyrated. No-one cared because everyone was doing the same thing that just came naturally. We were united in a giant fan club, sitting in a time-machine that whizzed us back over the years to sample favourite memories. Music is the great leveller and the Drifters are polished magicians at providing just what’s wanted. Forget Covid, Brexit, shortages and politics. this was a chance to let loose for a few hours, away from everything. The old joke is that nostalgia isn’t what it used to be. But that’s wrong – in truth, it can be just as good as ever.

or email: help@aamail.org 5

TRAVEL

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BEHIND THE BRAND ANDREA ZITO, CEO OF SWAN HELLENIC her ships have to offer 25 years since the original Minerva set sail. Q. Swan Hellenic is a really iconic brand, traditionally very popular with British cruisers. You’ve been quoted as saying you love the brand: why and what are the reasons?

As this heritage brand prepares to cruise again, Andrea Zito talks to Jennie Carr: find out what the new Swan Hellenic and 10

I’ve been close to Swan Hellenic through other cruise line interests since the 1990s. Swan Tours was pioneering when it began back in the 1950s, creating exciting new cultural expeditions around Greece and Turkey. It evolved into Swan Hellenic and continued this sense of being unique and ground-breaking: it is this aspect which I’m so passionate about – taking guests further afield to parts of the world seldom seen for real cultural experiences.

Q. And are these the reasons the name has been retained rather than launching the cruise line with a new name, which you could have done? We could have chosen a new name certainly, however the Swan Hellenic brand was available, through many coincidences, and its history and image fit extremely well with what we plan to do. It has a long, well-respected history in cultural cruising and is held in high esteem by passengers and guest speakers alike. When a group of us decided to invest in the polar expedition sector of the cruise market in 2019, the synchronicity of these two things made sense. There is also a huge awareness of the brand in America and Australia as well as in the UK. Q. What is the most exciting aspect of the new Minerva? What is her unique selling point (USP)?

Swan Hellenic will have new ships, with every modern safety device and comfort. They will be solid, reliable and interesting vessels, Polar Class 5, so well able to handle extreme conditions. However, what we are offering are unique experiences. And the remote, little-visited destinations will be our USP. Our passengers will travel to places very few people have been to before. The opportunity to make memories and tell remarkable stories once home are all an extension and continuation of that USP. It’s the long-lasting emotional response that these destinations will evoke which will feed into this too.

Q. And who do you anticipate your passengers will be? Older? Well travelled?

Pacific Ocean, the Antartic itineraries will include the Falklands, South Georgia, the South Orkney and South Shetland Islands.

Well, certainly mature, we imagine people will be in their mid 50s mainly. People who are experience and culture seekers, real thinkers, who are inquisitive and curious, with a thirst for knowledge. And people who are excited about going further, visiting regions not generally found on the tourist trail. I anticipate our guests having a ‘citizen of the world’ outlook and they’ll be fascinated by what’s to appear around the next corner, wanting to see what others don’t.

Q. What are Swan Hellenic’s plans for the future? There’s a second ship being built I believe?

Q. You’ve described the ships as ‘elegant’ rather than ‘luxurious’. What made you use this word?

Q. Where will Minerva’s first cruises be?

The ships have sophisticated, understated elegance, with many open and outdoor spaces because the destination has pole position for Swan Hellenic. Our guests with be focussed on what is outside the ship, immersed in the environment and scenery, rather than on what is inside it. It’s less about onboard opulence and more about the ship being a marvellous way to bring people to extraordinary places. We will not have helicopters or submarines on board as we wish to be as unintrusive as possible when visiting pristine territory.

Her first cruises will be to the Antarctic, based in Ushuaia, including a voyage for the Solar Eclipse early December 2021. Before Minerva’s re positioning and cruises along the coast of South and North America through to Japan and the

Yes, there are two ships under construction. Minerva is to launch in November 2021 and then Vega in April 2022, which will sail initially to the Arctic. Both these ships will have 75 cabins, taking around 150 passengers. Our third ship, currently under construction in Helsinki, will be slightly bigger with 96 cabins and that will be ready for the end of 2022. Q. If you had just one wish for Swan Hellenic’s future, what would it be? We want to take guests to exceptional parts of the world and to give them enriching memories; treasures of the mind in other words.

Fact box: To book your cultural expedition cruise and travel to destinations you may never have imagined, visit swanhellenic.com

LIGHT LIFE UP A

Shine a light for someone you love this December and join us to celebrate their life. As the festive period draws closer and we begin to reflect on the year just gone, we invite you to join with us for Light up a Life. It’s a chance to come together to focus on better times ahead, celebrate their lives of those we love and dedicate a light in their memory. After such a difficult year, we are delighted to announce that you can also be part of our Light up a Life events in person this December – as well as from the comfort of your own home. Find out more and make your dedication today at:

Registered Charity No. 512987

thekirkwood.org.uk/lightupalife or call us on: 01484 557 911

Love a real Christmas tree but hate the hassle of getting rid of it? Let The Kirkwood collect and recycle it for you! There’s nothing quite like a real Christmas tree. That special trip to pick it out with your family. Getting all wrapped and braving the cold winter air as you choose the perfect tree for your home. Real Christmas trees look amazing (and nothing can beat the amazing scent of fresh pine drifting through the house). But when those needles start to drop and it comes to thinking about how you’re going to dispose of your tree, it all becomes a bit of a hassle! Take the stress out of Christmas and let The Kirkwood collect your tree next January! For a small donation, we’ll pick up your tree from outside your home and recycle it for you. It’s great for you and good for the environment too!

Let The Kirkwood take the hassle out of Christmas at:

www.charityxmastreecollection.com

ON SALE NOW

The Kirkwood Christmas Card Collection Have you discovered The Kirkwood’s amazing Christmas Card collection yet? Our bespoke cards are perfect for sharing the season’s greetings with those you love this Christmas. This beautiful and exclusive collection is available to buy right now in The Kirkwood shops across Kirklees as well as on our online shop.

Our exclusive collection is available in all The Kirkwood Shops and online at:

shop.thekirkwood.org.uk

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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TOM CRUISE GLOBAL MEGASTAR IF there’s one thing that global megastar Tom Cruise is good at it’s winning new friends. And he certainly did that across the UK during 2021. Cruise, unbelievably now 59 but with enviable youthful looks and the energy of a 25 year-old, was here making the seventh film in the Mission: Impossible franchise. As a result, he popped up filming in various unlikely places including Birmingham, Yorkshire and Derbyshire and was spotted bringing his stardust to Wimbledon, Silverstone Grand Prix and Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 final. All of which proved a delight for his many UK fans and showed yet again that Cruise is one of the film world’s most popular – and accessible – actors. Acting certainly wasn’t the first choice for the young Thomas Cruise Mapother IV growing up in Syracuse, New York. At 14, he was a student in a Franciscan seminary with an ambition to join the priesthood. 14

He was the only son of four children of nomadic parents. As a result, the youngster spent his boyhood always on the move and by the age of 14 he had attended 15 different schools in the US and Canada. He finally settled in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, with his mother and her new husband and pretty soon abandoned plans to become a priest, dropped out of school and at 18 was headed for New York and a possible acting career. The catalyst, he later recalled was “when I saw Akira Kurosawa’s film Seven Samurai. “After about 30 seconds, I realized that this was not just a cultural thing, it was universal. “Years later, I read Bushido. It talked about many things that I strive for in my own life:

loyalty, compassion, the idea of looking back on your life and taking responsibility for everything you’ve ever done. “I’m fascinated by the Samurai and the Samurai code – it’s one of the main reasons I wanted to make The Last Samurai (2003).” Tom Cruise, as he then became, made his film debut in Endless Love (1981) and, from early on, that star quality was plainly evident to both female and male audiences. Within five years, the young man with the billion dollar smile was starring in some of the most successful films of the 1980s including Top Gun, The Color of Money, Rain Man and Born on the Fourth of July. Unsurprisingly, by the 1990s, he was one of the highest paid actors in the world, earning an average 15 million dollars a picture.

The hits continued coming: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994), the first Mission: Impossible (1996) and Jerry Maguire that same year. He received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor in Jerry Maguire and many Cruise fans still think it was one of his best films. Mission: Impossible became his biggest franchise, however, earning him a total of 3 billion dollars worldwide and counting. As an actor, Cruise specialises in likeable, laidback, intelligent characters and is intensely believable onscreen. Not content with being a highly successful actor, he has replicated much of this in producing films including the Mission: Impossible titles. His work has not only brought him an extremely healthy bank balance but also a raft of awards – from Best Dressed Male Movie Star to one of the Most Beautiful People in the World. He also ranks highly among the top box-office stars over the past couple of decades. However, he is pragmatic about such conspicuous recognition. “Awards are wonderful,” he is reported as saying. “I’ve been nominated many times and I’ve won many awards. But my journey is not towards that. If it happens, it will be a blast. If it doesn’t it’s still been a blast.” What has always endeared Cruise to the filmgoing public, however, has been the knowledge that he has always performed many of his own daredevil film stunts.

in Days of Thunder) and to Katie Holmes in 2006. He has three children Isabella Jane, Suri and Connor.

doesn’t have a cell phone, he doesn’t have email. He’s off the grid. He pays for things in cash.

The latest Mission: Impossible was no different and shots of Cruise hanging out of trains and planes became regular media headline fodder during the year.

He is quite rightly considered being far from a one-dimensional character and renounced his devout Catholic beliefs in 1990 to embrace the Church of Scientology.

“People look at things through the prism of the colours of their life but Jack Reacher does things the way we want to sometimes. In that sense, he’s sort of Dirty Harry, a James Bond, a Josey Wales.”

When he worked with Paul Newman on The Color of Money, he enjoyed plenty of conversations with the politically active actor.

Cruise’s work ethic and attention to detail are legendary. For the film Eyes Wide Shut, he was required to do 95 takes of just walking through a door.

This resulting consciousness-raising affected Cruise and he countered the jingoistic tone of Top Gun by choosing a film with a strong anti-war tonewith Born on the Fourth of July (1989).

He sums up his work philosophy: “The thing about filmmaking is I give it everything, that’s why I work so hard.

Needless to say, he has also acquired a number of injuries doing these as well! He enjoys skydiving, scuba diving and piloting his Pitts Special S-28 stunt plane. Cruise is not only remarkably fit for any age but relishes the kind of running and throwing himself around that is the staple fare of his action movies. He is believable because he is actually doing it! Cruise has been married three times. In 1987 to Mimi Rogers, in 1990 to Nicole Kidman (whom he met when they starred

He is obviously an actor who considers each role carefully. On his lead role in Jack Reacher (2012), he commented; “Reacher is such a great character. He

I always tell young actors to take charge. It’s not that hard. Sign your own checks, be responsible. 15

N I R E E R A C A E R A C R E T S FO Are you at a time in your life when you feel you have the time and space to give something back and make a positive difference? Could it be the year when you open your heart and home to a foster child with Child Action Northwest (CANW)?

Could you foster with CANW? If we’ve made you consider fostering but you might be doubting your suitability, let us tell you there’s no such thing as an ideal foster carer.

Let us tell you about CANW...

It isn’t about whether you’re married, single, lesbian, gay, heterosexual, divorced or co-habiting. It isn’t about your race or religious beliefs. Our carers come from all walks of life, careers and backgrounds.

Our team of foster carers provide a safe and secure place for children to live when they’re unable to live with their birth families.

You don’t need specific skills to become a foster carer – your life experiences, parenting skills, values and interest in young people are just as important.

CANW’s long and well-respected history of providing accommodation for vulnerable children spans more than a century after we started life as Blackburn Orphanage.

Similarly, there’s no such thing as a typical foster child – they come from lots of different backgrounds. Teenagers, children with disabilities and large sibling groups are very often those most in need of a caring, supportive environment to live in.

Our fostering service has been running since 2001 and we’re often told by staff and carers alike that it’s like a family itself, a community of like minded people. Foster carers with CANW are offered support at every stage of their journey, including financial and practical support, activities and support programmes for children, to ensure they can achieve their full potential. We also provide training to encourage foster carers to develop and become the best possible carer they can be, while the guidance of a clinical psychologist ensures the emotional, health and wellbeing needs of both children and carers are met.

Giving something back We take great pride in providing a family feel to our fostering service and when we spoke to foster carers Mat and Lynn, they said: “The young person living with us at the moment said it doesn’t feel like they’re being fostered. To hear that confirms to us that we’ve made the right decision and made a positive impact on their life when they needed it most.” The needs of the child and the fostering family are at the centre of everything we do at CANW, and we do all we can to help them and their foster family achieve their full potential.

55% of CANW foster carers are aged 50 plus. 16

Some may have had a difficult upbringing, but all are looking for a foster carer with flexibility, a good sense of humour and the patience and strength to help them build and understand family relationships from the ground up.

Are you ready to be a lifeline for a young person in need? Please give us a call on

0800 634 5300 – our team will be happy to help and tell you more or visit our website and take a look at our FAQs:

www.canw.org.uk/faq

t s o m e h t e b d l Fostering cou o d r e v e l ’l u o y g n i rewarding th Every child’s needs and journey into care will be personal to them just as your motivation to foster will be personal to you. Here at Child Action Northwest we understand and respect that. We are never to busy to answer your questions about Fostering and the support you can expect. • Dedicated social workers & managers • A team big enough to make a difference, small enough to feel like a family • Regular Foster Carer Groups and events • Generous financial packages • Quick access to psychologist & other therapeutic support

• 24/7 on call support • Dedicated support team for young people and birth children • Activity program for children and a young person’s centre

CALL US TODAY

0800 634 5300 Registered Charity No: 222533

LEISURE

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FANTASTIC, NEW SPEN VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE DUE TO OPEN EARLY 2022 The development of the new Spen Valley Leisure Centre is well underway and is on track to open early in 2022. Thanks to an investment of over £15m from Kirklees Council & with further funding being provided by Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), the new Leisure Centre will provide the local area with a modern, fit for purpose, flexible activity hub. Spen Valley Leisure Centre has been designed with customers’ needs at the heart of the development & will include the following: • 8 lane, 25 metre main pool • 20m x 10m Activity Pool, with a moveable floor • Large fitness suite which will contain the latest equipment from the likes of Technogym & Wattbike as well as a large

functional area, including a track & rig • 2 fitness studios with flexibility for a variety of other uses • 1 cycle studio • Two changing villages which will include family cubicles, baby change, large team changing areas. Plus, a variety of accessible changing areas. The Centre will house a designated ‘Changing Places’ facility (a purpose-built changing space which allows people with profound and complex needs to change or use the toilets safely and comfortably), as well as ensuring that the Centre is respectful of the cultural needs of our customers. KAL are also a Dementia Friendly organisation and are

committed to ensuring that their facilities are welcoming to all members of our community. There will be a lift from the reception area to the first floor where the studios and gyms will be located, helping to ensure the Centre is fully accessible. Spen Valley Leisure Centre will provide the local community with an amazing leisure space, providing a range of opportunities for local people to improve their health & wellbeing, with the Centre set to become a major asset for the Spen Valley area for many years to come. Interested in making use of the new Leisure Centre? KAL will shortly be offering people the chance to express their interest in using the new Spen Valley Leisure Centre when it opens in 2022. So, if you are interested, please follow KAL on Facebook where all updates will be posted.

Health and wellbeing

for everyone Your new leisure centre, funded by Kirklees Council in partnership with KAL

www.spenvalleyleisurecentre.com 19

LEISURE

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TIPS ON AVOIDING AN EXERCISE INJURY We all know that exercise is good for us. Regular physical activity can benefit our physical and mental health, improve strength and flexibility, and give us more energy. We should all exercise when we can, no matter how old we are. However, as we get older, we do need to take it easy. Especially if we rarely exercise, it’s important to be careful when we exert our bodies. While we should get up and move, we should also be careful not to push ourselves as we could injure ourselves in the process. Pushing ourselves too hard is just one reason why an injury can take place. Other reasons for exercise injuries include: • Exercising without committing to a 5-minute warm-up session first • Failing to rest in between workouts • Using exercise equipment incorrectly • Becoming distracted while running • Doing exercises that aren’t suitable for your level of fitness To avoid an exercise injury then, you should… 20

Warm up before exercising When we warm up before exercise, we improve flexibility to our bodies, and this prepares us for whatever activities we intend to do to keep fit. As a result, we should experience less muscle tension and pain during and after the workout. Check out these warm-up exercises and use them as part of your fitness routine. Choose your exercises wisely If you’re somebody who hasn’t exercised in a while, it’s important to avoid high-intensity exercises, at least initially. Such exercises can include running, aerobics, and contact sports. Instead, focus on low-intensity exercises, such as swimming, cycling, and walking.You can work your way up to exercises that are highintensity but it’s better to get your body used to physical activity first. Speak to your doctor If you have any prevailing health conditions, it might be that certain types of exercise are offlimits to you. Speak to your doctor and ask for their advice on which exercises are least

likely to cause you injury or any other healthrelated problems. Rest between workouts Your body needs time to recover after exercising so don’t do more than you can handle. Don’t go for a jog in the morning and a swim in the afternoon if your body is telling you to stop. Allow for a day in the week to rest as well, especially if you’re exercising on a daily basis. If your body does hurt, do what you can during your recovery time to ease the pain you feel. CBD Muscle Balm can be recommended as can a warm or a cold compress. Learn good form Especially when taking on an exercise activity or piece of gym equipment that is new to you, be sure to take time out to learn the basics. Seek the support of a personal trainer or look for advice online as you are less likely to injure yourself if you can learn the right way to do a particular exercise. Finally Exercise is supposed to benefit our health and not damage it, so take care when you’re planning your fitness schedule. Consider our suggestions to avoid an injury and take other steps to protect yourself, such as purchasing the right gear for whatever type of exercise you are thinking of doing.

COMING SOON in Spring 2022! Railway Bridge View

A community wellbeing service in Brighouse to integrate housing and care – we go beyond traditional extra care to help our customers achieve independence and be connected to the community - all with the security of 24 hour support available should they need it.

We’ll have a range of services at Railway Bridge View, where you’ll be able to enjoy your time and meet people in the local community. The scheme will act as a community hub with a mix of customer only and visitor areas, including:

Railway Bridge View hosts 65 apartments, available through affordable rent or a shared ownership option boasting some stunning views! Take a look at the fantastic units available here www.yourpersonahome.com/ developments/railway-bridge-view

• • • • • • •

Ten of our apartments also have a dementia focus!

Restaurant and café Hair and beauty salon Hobby area and activity rooms Communal lounges Assisted spa bathing suite Guest suite Landscaped gardens

For more information email brighouse@homegroup.org.uk or visit www.homegroup.org.uk

VITAL THINGS YOU NEED TO DO NOW TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR RETIREMENT While it may still seem as if it’s very far away, retirement has a habit of creeping up on people, especially when it comes to making sure you have enough money to live the kind of life you want. The good news is you can take action now to secure your finances for when you retire. Keep reading to find out more. Consider your current situation Before you begin looking to the future and planning your finances for your retirement it’s vital that you consider your current situation. In particular, this means assessing any significant debts that you need to pay off and taking action to complete this. Additionally, now is the best time to consider any significant assets that you may have and whether you will hold on to them or sell them to release capital that can be used elsewhere. Property is often one of the most popular assets to sell to cover retirement, especially if you find that the market is favorable. Plan when you will retire Deciding when to retire is less about hitting the right age, and more about doing it when your finances allow. After all, there is no point working after 50 if you don’t want or have to! Also by settling on an age at which to retire you will have a time scale on which to work. This means that you can plan out how you will save, manage and invest your money in the meantime to give you the best chance of achieving your financial goals. Explore ways of growing your money In essence, providing for your retirement financially is all about taking the money that you have now and making it work as hard as possible so you have as much as possible for when you are no longer working. The good news is that there are plenty of options to consider for this purpose. The first is to rely on the state pension, which as long as you have completed the required amount of national insurance payments you will be able to claim. However, most people want to be able to access additional streams of income, as the state pension isn’t too generous. In particular, investing in a private pension scheme or independently investing your money in something like Forex Trading can be the best way to maximize your returns. Although, whichever type of investment you choose, it’s vital that you consider the potential for risk as well as profit before making your choice. Consult a professional Last of all, do remember that there are people whose whole professional career is based around providing advice on this issue. Indeed, it makes excellent sense to consult with one before you make any decisions. Be sure to find a financial advisor that is independent though, because if they are getting any commission or fee from recommending you to a certain product or company, their opinions will be far from objective, and this means your future retirement finances could be at risk. 22

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you succeed in your home renovations. Renovation is not cheap, and the extensive research should ensure that nothing gets overlooked or forgotten before starting any project. Once done correctly, this will lead to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved and prevent future problems from arising.

CAN YOU DIY YOUR HOME RENOVATIONS? Tips on How To Achieve This Designing and renovating a home can be one of the most exciting yet daunting projects. It takes time, patience, and creativity to come up with a design that you will love for years to come. However, if it is not appropriately executed or efficiently by professionals who know what they are doing, it could end up costing you more money than planned. Below are some tips on how to DIY your renovations and save money.

step in being able to DIY your home renovations correctly.

Understand What You Are Doing A lot of homeowners feel like they can do their renovation, which is not always the case.You need to know exactly what you’re getting into and be honest with yourself about whether this project will fit your schedule or end up costing more money than it’s worth. Sometimes DIY projects take longer than expected, but having a deadline set by your contractor might make things easier for you if that happens. In addition, understanding what you are doing can help you avoid expensive mistakes. This is the first

Then, be sure to do extensive research on appliances, fixtures and home decor to find precisely what you’re looking for while staying within your budget. This is especially important if you plan on designing all aspects of the home yourselffrom painting walls, fixing up cabinets or changing out flooring materials. If this sounds like something you’d like to take on but aren’t quite confident enough yet, try browsing Pinterest boards for inspiration!

Be Sure To Do Extensive Research Before you start on any renovation, be sure to do extensive research. Make a list of your main goals and focus on the points that are most important to you. This will help ensure that you don’t get carried away with the renovation itself.

An extensive research before renovation may be a little daunting, but it can help

Learn How To Use Different Equipment When it comes to home renovations, different equipment is essential for different projects.You can learn how to use these tools and create your DIY project at the same time.You don’t need to be a pro to complete home renovations. All you will require is some DIY experience and power tools to help you accomplish the task at hand.You should also know what equipment works best for each specific case, so here are some examples: A drywall saw – This tool can cut through different materials such as wood or metal without fraying it too much because of its sharp teeth. In addition, these blades have very strong tips which keep them from breaking apart while being used. They’re perfect when dealing with any type of material since they won’t damage the surface after cutting into it. An electric drill – These power tools come in handy whenever you want to make holes or use screws on surfaces like walls or wood. A steel ruler – This tool can help you achieve straight cuts since it consists of a durable material that won’t bend while being used. If you want to do your home renovations on a budget, these tools are perfect for that task. By using them with time and patience, you will be able to DIY any project without having an expert by your side. Other things to consider include a Rubber Strip, tape measure, a measuring ruler and some glue. Having knowledge of home renovation equipment can help you save money and time while creating a new

project. These tools are versatile, which makes them perfect for any type of DIY project. Have a Plan A well-thought-out plan is essential for a successful DIY home renovation.You should make sure that you know exactly what you want to achieve and how much money you are willing to spend on the project. When making your plans, consider things like: – The time frame in which you would like the renovations done. – The budget that you have set for the renovations. – What is exactly that you would like done. – Who will be doing the work and if they require help with specific tasks such as lifting heavy objects or using power tools. – How much disruption to your daily life this project will cause. The last thing you want during a renovation of your kitchen, for example, is to come home from work every day nervous about what state everything might be in. Once these critical factors are considered, and any possible problems are dealt with accordingly, there should be no reason why even the most novice DIYer cannot successfully complete their home renovation projects. Planning is key in completing a successful DIY home renovation. Therefore, before anything else, you should make sure that you plan your projects carefully. Consider the factors listed above and other things that are specific to your chosen project. Be Sure To Consult You can consult with a contractor or architect to provide you with guidance for your renovation.You’ll want their expertise on what is possible, costeffective and beneficial overall based on the upgrades you are planning to make. They will also tell you whether it makes

sense financially for DIY renovations vs hiring contractors out.

as well as any potential dangers involved in it.

You can also consider hiring a project manager from an agency to oversee your renovation. This will allow you to have someone experienced in this process guide you through the steps of renovations. They will also guide you on what needs to be done for each step, while allowing you freedom on some aspects.

Do Not Handle Any Risky Tasks Without Proper Certifications In case you are one of those individuals who is thinking about DIYing your home renovations, it is crucial that you understand the risks involved. One of these risks involves electric shock or electrocution. This can happen when using faulty electrical equipment and may cause serious damage to your health as well as your property.

A third option would be DIYing it yourself with help from friends or family members who are skilled at home improvement projects. Consider which level of involvement makes sense for your skillset, budget, and time management abilities, so all parties remain happy throughout the renovation period! Use Safety Procedures There are many injuries that can occur during home renovations. When doing DIY work, you must take precautions to protect yourself and your family from potential dangers. Use the appropriate tools for your home renovation project. Do not take on too much work and ensure to get more than one opinion before starting a project. You can also read up on home renovation tips and tricks for extra safety. These will help you know what to expect from your DIY projects, as well as the potential dangers involved with them. It’s important to remember that accidents can still happen during DIY projects at home, even with proper preparation. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial that those who choose to go ahead with home renovations, or those who have been assigned the task of completing them, take precautions to protect themselves and their families. You can also check out some tutorial videos on DIY projects for extra insight, as well as safety tips that will help you know what to expect from your project,

It goes without saying that no matter how skilled you might be at performing such tasks, there will always be certain aspects which should not be tackled by yourself; instead, seek help from professionals for this purpose.You don’t want to end up causing more harm than good due to ignorance of some technicalities in construction work like plumbing, air conditioning installation. So call an expert if needed and ensure proper certification. Know Your Limits You need to know your limits, so if you are not good with tools or have a busy work schedule, it’s probably best to leave renovations up to the professionals. Knowing your limits means knowing when to ask for help and when to hire a professional. The good thing about knowing your limits is that it saves you a lot of money and time. Conclusion Your home renovations can be done in a DIY fashion. It is not necessary to hire people for this work, but you need some time and skills, of course. There are many benefits that come with doing them yourself, like the cost reduction or satisfaction after seeing your work finished. If you want to do it yourself, remember to plan well and read the instructions carefully. Also, ask for help from people who know better than you in some parts of this work. Finally, there are many websites with step-by-step tutorials that thatcan be very helpful when doing renovations like kitchen or bathroom.

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KEEPING YOUR HOME COSY THIS WINTER IF there’s one thing we need when the temperature drops and the skies look threatening this Winter it’s a cosy home.

could lose up to a quarter of the heat in your home through the roof otherwise. Insulating the loft, attic or flat roof is a simple and effective method of helping prevent heat-loss.

We tend to spend more time at home then anyway and it becomes our welcome refuge from snowy days and seasonal deluges. The plus side of this is that we can really appreciate where we live and make it as warm and welcoming as possible. We all know that energy bills may be rising this year and that we may have to think carefully about when and how much the heating goes on. But, there are other ways to help make your home better insulated and just feeling a lovely place to be in during chilly evenings. Getting your BOILER serviced is the sensible way to approach Winter always. Call in the experts and you’ve got an efficient boiler and peace of mind for months. 28

Update your THERMOSTAT for the same reason. A thermostat controls your home’s temperature by communicating with your boiler and in older homes with older heating systems can degrade over time, which can affect your home’s temperature. Updating it can prevent energy from being wasted and save you money. If you’ve not insulated your LOFT yet, this is a really sensible investment.You

Now is a good time to ensure your FRONT DOOR is in good working order and keeps the weather out and your costly heating in. If it doesn’t, it’s definitely worth investing in a new one – preferably one that lets some light into your hallway to prevent a gloomy atmosphere as soon as you step over the threshold. DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS can also do a good job around the front door or your kitchen door as gaps under doors are one of the fastest ways for hot air to escape. Seal in that heat with some of those cute sausageshaped excluders, or you could even make your own.

Keep your HALLWAY welcoming with soft shades and complementary lighting. Visitors get their first impression of your home here so make it a good one.

Make your WINDOWS energy-efficient throughout your home. If they need repairing or changing, there are plenty of excellent suppliers experienced in getting just the right sort for you. And your home won’t just be warmer, the extra insulation will be helping those pesky energy bills as well. CANDLES also come into their own in Winter. They offer that lovely light that makes us feel more relaxed and that’s even better if it has your favourite scent so shop wisely – there are plenty of pleasantlysmelling candles at various prices

Investing in COSY TEXTURES throughout the house is always a good idea. Cushions in textures like velvet, wool and fake fur can offer instant warmth in key places like your living room or bedroom. SOFT LIGHTING is always cosier than brash lights so try not using ceiling lights and using table lamps instead around the room. Even a gently coloured lightbulb can make a difference: think of how a rosy glow affects a seated area.

You can’t beat an OPEN FIRE when the winds are blowing outside and you’re inside. If you’re lucky enough to have a handsome fireplace, an open fire can prove a highly effective room centrepiece – you feel warmer just looking at it! There are a real variety of fires on offer these days, including wall-mounted fires which can look even cosier with a wood surround as the flames are reflected in the warmth of the wood. Then there are everpopular wood-burners, which are a very effective heat source in main rooms.

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Adding SPACE HEATERS to rooms like an open-plan kitchen or bedroom which can be tricky to heat will boost home warmth. As they’re portable, you can also take them from room to room so if your study or a child’s bedroom needs an injection of warmth, space heaters are a great solution. Keep your FURNITURE away from your walls. Placing furniture against walls stops the airflow coming through properly which can lead to cold areas in your room. Just moving it forward can improve this and make your room look more spacious. Position your furniture - like your desk, bed or sofa - around any heat sources without blocking them to make the most of the warmth. Try to keep away from any draughty spots like by a window or door.

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Heavyweight CURTAINS can also prove very useful in Winter. Thermal-lined curtains help keep out the cold especially if you have single-glazed windows. At the very least, go for lined curtains which can prevent warm air escaping and reduce general heat loss.

Plants can also help purify the air by cleaning it with their extensive root system. So Nature is helping you get through Winter healthily before it welcomes the warmer months.

The sun usually sets at around 4pm in the height of Winter so, to make most of natural warmth, keep your curtains open until around 3pm. You’re more aware of COLOURS throughout your home during the colder months – not just because you’re in the home more but also because our mood is strongly affected by colour. Cosy THROWS are also useful at this time of year. A cheerful throw in a richly textured material can make a sofa or armchair look and feel much warmer. Layer floors with RUGS. They work particularly well on wooden floors in Winter to offer a different, cosier element than other times of the year and prevent heat from being lost. They also look nice!

So, if you’re considering re-decorating, consider warm hues that make you FEEL cosier. Bring NATURE into your home as well during Winter. We need to keep that healthy connection. Having plants inside your home is not only aesthetically pleasing but creates more oxygen for your family to breathe which positively affects health.

• Antique Furniture • Collectables • Ceramics • Glass • Vintage Jewellery • Silver • Fine Jewellery • Postcards • Pictures • Mirrors Something for everyone

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large ones with famous art, to smaller ones with lesser-known artists.

TOP HOBBIES TO TAKE UP BEFORE THE YEAR IS OUT If you are looking for a new hobby, it can be tough to decide what you want to do. Maybe you are coming close to retirement, perhaps you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you are just looking to set yourself a challenge. There are so many potential hobbies out there and also so many benefits to taking on something new in your life. If you are looking to add something new to your set of skills or interests, here are some top hobbies that you should look into before 2021 is over… Classic Cars Classic cars are a fantastic hobby to partake in and you are likely to meet a really great community of like-minded enthusiasts too.You can start your hobby by reading up about classic cars and perhaps watching shows about them.You could look into purchasing your own classic car which you can take to races (be sure to look into a Car Transporter to make sure it gets there in one piece) Or you can just attend and watch different races – the choice is yours!

Photography Photography is an interesting and useful skill to have and can even lead to you making some money on the side.You can figure out what you like to photograph, whether it is nature, people, sunsets or skies and then learn the different skills and settings on your camera. Why not head to a local photography class or do an online course to help you on your way? Painting As with photography, painting can cover a broad spectrum of things and just because you may not enjoy one type of art, doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy this. Dabble around in all different areas of painting such as fine art, life drawing, modern art and more.You can try watercolour, acrylics and pastels too. It can be a good idea to visit art galleries where you can get inspiration for future projects and decide what you would like to do yourself. There are many art galleries all around the country from

Cooking Whether you have always been interested in cooking and never really done it, or you are looking to startup cooking, there is no time like the present! Find recipes online, starting with more simple ones and then progressing into those that are more complex.You could watch cookery shows online, read cookery books and also look into any local cookery schools. There is also a range of online classes that you can partake in which show you how to cook and will teach you a range of useful skills and knowledge within this. The world is your oyster! These are just a few hobbies that you can look into picking up as the year nears to a close. It is never too late to take up something new, so why not challenge yourself – you might be surprised at just how much you love it!

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Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms

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••• Massive of or Bacup - 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 252122 Massive choice of traditional or modern Massive choice choice of traditional traditional or modern modern ••• Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 304 Fabulous 77 days days Fabulous showroom showroom with with 60 60 displays displays open open days Ulverston Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 5818 ••• Owned offering very and a turnaround. Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices and aa quick quick turnaround. Owned by by JJO JJO Furniture Furniture Manufacturers Manufacturers offering very keen keen prices prices and quick turnaround. Blackburn Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn. BB1 5AF Tel: 01254 66921 Financially Financially solid Financially solid solid ••• Project-managed All www.rossendaleinteriors.com Project-managed installation. All aspects covered Project-managed installation. installation. All aspects aspects covered covered ••• Established SSSeeee Established over 150 years with four experienced designers Established over over 150 150 years years with with four four experienced experienced designers designers ee h o w plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids h h q o u wo plus plus CAD CAD designer designer for for outstanding outstanding visual visual aids aids qqu o o uuaaallliiitttyyow uurrr f u y ••• ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ subject to status r n f f u urr it is ‘Buy ‘Buy Now, Now, Pay Pay Later’ Later’ subject subject to to status status

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Bacup Bacup 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 252122 Bacup ---352-358 352-358Newchurch NewchurchRoad, Road,Stacksteads, Stacksteads,Bacup. Bacup.OL13 OL130LD 0LDTel: Tel: 01706 01706 252122 252122 Oswaldtwistle Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 Oswaldtwistle 304068 Oswaldtwistle --Oswaldtwistle OswaldtwistleMills, Mills,Colliers ColliersStreet, Street,Oswaldtwistle. Oswaldtwistle.BB5 BB53DE 3DETel: Tel: 01254 01254 304068 304068 Ulverston Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828 Ulverston Brogden/Market Street, LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828 Ulverston Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street,Ulverston. Ulverston. LA120LD 7AHTel: Tel:01706 01229252122 581828 Bacup - 352 Bacup---Kitchen 352-358House, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 Blackburn Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn. BB1 5AF Tel: 01254 669215 Blackburn Market Hall, 5AF Tel: 01254 669215 Blackburn -- Blackburn Blackburn MarketMills, Hall,Church ChurchStreet, Street,Blackburn. Blackburn.BB1 BB1BB5 5AF3DE Tel:Tel: 01254 669215 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. 01254 304068 Oswaldtwistle -

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low in nitrogen and high in potassium is an alternative. Long term care: With the right treatment a poinsettia will reward with anything from two to four months of colour. Gardeners may enjoy pruning, repotting and forcing the plant into flowering the following year but most people tend to treat this reasonably priced plant like fresh flowers and start again. Give to: Someone who lives in a wellinsulated modern build as these stunning plants hate drafts.

PLANTS MAKE PERFECT PRESENTS GARDENING WRITER JULIA HEATON HAS SOME TIMELY FESTIVE ADVICE ON LIVING GIFTS One thing’s for sure – we need Christmas colour and cheer more than ever this year. Houseplants are a wonderful way to show your love and, given the right care and attention, they will continue to brighten the dark days of winter well into the new year. The trouble is that we can be spoilt for choice when faced with the fabulous displays designed to tempt us at garden centres and supermarkets. So where to start? Well, to help you choose the right plant consider the person you are giving it to. Do they have the ideal place to display it? How green-fingered are they and how much time are they likely to devote to caring for the plant? Once you’ve done this, you’ll know exactly which one to go for. To make the decision easier here’s a few of the festive plants you’re likely to come across and some top care tips that will come in handy whether you’re the gift-giver or lucky recipient.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) The bright scarlet bracts (modified leaves) of this beautiful bushy plant make it as much a part of the festivities as mince pies and mulled-wine. Go for one with dark green foliage all the way down the stems and check that it has unopened bead-like flowers at the base of the bracts. Then keep it well wrapped on the way home (try to buy one with a protective sleeve that hasn’t been in a supermarket doorway) as poinsettias hate cold draughts and could suffer leaf drop otherwise. This also means it can be a bit fussy about where it’s positioned. So, a cool, bright room, out of direct light, where a stable temperature of between 13-16°C (55-60°F) can be maintained is ideal. A south-facing windowsill where the window is kept shut is a good option, moving the plant into the room at night. It will need watering thoroughly and not again until the soil feels dry, then misting every few days to keep the colourful bracts from dropping. Feeding should be every couple of weeks or a specialist drip feeder

Cyclamen persicum Choose from a variety of colours, including pure white to purple or shocking pink petals, which are often scented with leaves of marbled silver. Air circulation needs to be good so it should be sat somewhere cool and light like an unheated conservatory, out of direct sun. To keep it thriving give a fortnightly low-nitrogen feed, deadheading flowers and yellowing leaves as you go. Water when the soil becomes just about dry to the touch, draining away surplus to keep stem bases and the crown dry. Alternatively stand the plant in a bowl of rainwater or sink of soft water, where it can take up what it needs, then allow to drain thoroughly. Reduce watering as soon as flowering stops in April. Long term care: Kept dry when dormant cyclamen can be brought back to life in late August/ September by either repotting or a top dressing of fresh compost and resuming watering. Give to: A friend who wants to add a welcoming touch to a cooler hallway.

compost, standing it outside in a partially shady spot during the summer, bringing it indoors before the frosts hit. Give to: Someone who will ensure it remains well-watered and has an unheated conservatory or cool porch. Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

With their frilly blooms and small leaves these plants are definitely a Christmas favourite and offer an array of colours. White, pink, purple, red and orange are the ones you’re most likely to come across but bi-coloured white ones are worth hunting down too. Cool rooms are a must. Ensure the temperature is below 16°C (61°F) – kept

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too warm and the flowers will fall. Soft, filtered light is best, so no sitting in direct sunlight, and watering is crucial. Do it at least three times a week to allow the lower Keep compost moist, if possible with tepid roots to gain the benefit. Compost should rain-water or boiled and cooled tap water, be wet, not moist, and never allowed to dry tipping out any excess collecting in the out. Use rainwater if possible as it offers the saucer and avoiding leaves as this can cause acidity this plant likes. Then give it a liquid rot. It will also benefit when sat over a tray feed every week during flowering and every MAINTENANCE, of damp gravel for humidity. Then give two weeks after that. PAINTING OR specialist orchid feed once or twice a Long term care: Deadhead regularly REPAIRS FOR 25 YEARS! and repot after flowering into ericaceous Time is precious. So is your personal outdoor space.

That’s why more and more people are turning to ColourFence. For not only is ColourFence beautiful to look at. But it requires virtually no effort to keep its good looks year after year after year. In fact, ColourFence is guaranteed for 25 years. Guaranteed not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel. For 25 years, you’ll be free from the drudgery and expense of laborious fence maintenance, painting and repairs. Free to enjoy the pleasure of your garden and a fence that’s always easy on the eye. There is a good choice of design and colour options to create the setting that you desire. ColourFence will even withstand windgusts of up to 130mph. Making it, probably, the world’s best maintenance-free fence. Competitive pricing, easy payment plans and free no-obligation quotes are all part of the service. To see the full ColourFence range, including ColourSheds, and receive your free copy of the Good Fence Guide, freephone us today. It makes sense to choose ColourFence.

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month in the cold season and weekly during the growing season. Long term care: Once flowers have faded simply cut back to a lower stalk node (bud) for more blooms. If this doesn’t happen then drop the temperature by 5°C (8°F) for a few weeks to nudge the plant into flowering. Repot when the roots have filled the pot, using bark compost and a clear plastic container. Give to: Anyone who likes their plants to make a big impression and will enjoy caring for it long-term

occasional direct winter sunlight, but keep away from the drying air of radiators.

Long term care: Reshape if required in February and cut back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. They can be repotted in spring if necessary and watered freely in summer, again draining off any surplus. Try to use soft water where possible.

Long term care: After flowers fade encourage new buds by giving it two resting periods, lowering the amount of water and temperature. Repot every year. Give to: Anyone who can be a little forgetful about watering. The succulent foliage will also withstand homes where the central heating is on the high side.

Christmas cactus (schlumbergera)

Citrus like calamondin, lemon and orange, might be more expensive than other pot plants but offer the double joy of scented flowers and fruit. They need bright and cool

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airy conditions in winter otherwise the leaves will drop. A winter night-time temperature of 10°C (50°F) is ideal for lemons stepping up a little to 13°C (55°F) for oranges with a fortnightly citrus food feed for all – winter and summer feeds are available. Misting on a daily basis, and standing the pot on a base of damp gravel will also create the humid environment these plants prefer. At this time of year leave the compost to partly dry out before watering, draining off any excess.

Give to: Ideally a relative or friend with a conservatory or a south-facing window where the plant will get all the light it craves in winter.

Citrus

This great value tropical cacti, so called because it flowers from late November through January, offers flowers ranging from pale pink through to orange and red. Pop it in a bright place where it can benefit from temperatures of 18-21°C (65-70°F) and

Allow the top half of the compost to dry out between watering and create humidity around the plant, either by misting its leaves daily during flowering or standing it on a tray of moistened pebbles. Use a specialist drip feeder, deadhead to encourage more blooms and try not to move the plant during flowering as flowers may drop.

Also look out for… Forced bulbs like hyacinths, irises and anemones. These will thrive in the cool of a bright windowsill – though not above a radiator or in direct sunlight. Kept watered and moist while in flower and turned daily they’ll reward with glorious blooms that can be left to die down in a cool porch after they fade. With the foliage removed and left to dry out they can planted outside in Spring.

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 37

James Martin brings some of his favourite Buttery dishes in his new book for anyone who loves to cook with this delicious and versatile ingredient. James showcases this style of cooking at its very best. Here are a sample of recipes taken from the book.

BARNSLEY LAMB CHOPS WITH PEPPERCORN AND GOAT’S CHEESE BUTTER Whipping really soft goat’s cheese with goat’s butter gives an interesting flavour but combined with a grilled Barnsley lamb chop it takes the taste to amazing. You can cook this recipe using standard lamb chops or leg of lamb steaks – either way make sure you grill the lamb until the fat becomes crisp.

Ingredients

Method • Season the chops with salt and pepper. Heat a large non- stick frying pan until hot, drizzle in the oil and cook the chops for 2–3 minutes until deeply coloured, then flip over and cook for a further 2–3 minutes. • Beat together the butter, cheese and ground pepper until smooth. Mix through the green peppercorns and rosemary. Dot the goat’s cheese butter over the lamb and serve.

• 2 x 200g Barnsley lamb chops • 1 tablespoon olive oil • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE PEPPERCORN AND GOAT’S CHEESE BUTTER • 100g goat’s butter, softened • 75g soft goat’s cheese • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 15g green peppercorns • a sprig of rosemary, chopped

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Supporting Positive

Mental Health

Providing clinical hypnotherapy to support positive changes in your life such as • Anxiety and stress relief • Fear and phobia relief • Covid related anxiety • Weight management • Confidence building • Pain management • Stopping smoking/vaping

CROQUE MONSIEUR

A true classic for a reason, the combination of flavours just works. The key is not to make the sauce too thick, and adding a touch of mustard makes all the difference. Even seasoning with a dash of Worcestershire or Tabasco sauce adds a nice personal touch. The perfect brunch dish!

Ingredients • 4 slices of bread • 50g butter • 6 thick slices of cooked ham FOR THE BÉCHAMEL • 25g butter • 20g plain flour • 250ml full-fat milk • 125g gruyère, grated • pinch of cayenne pepper • pinch of nutmeg, grated • pinch of sea salt

• Sleep Issues • Coping with change Wellbeing and Mindfulness programmes also available to support positive mental health for individuals, groups and organisations

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

To make the béchamel, melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat, add the flour and cook it out. Pour in the milk slowly, whisking as you go until it’s smooth. Add the cheese, and the spices and salt to taste. Set aside to cool.

• Pan-fry the sliced bread in the butter until golden and crisp. •

Divide the ham between 2 slices of the bread, then spread a good layer of béchamel over the top. Top with the remaining slices of bread. Transfer to a tray and roast in the oven for 6–8 minutes.

Carol Heptonstall

HPD PNLP MA BA (Hons) GN Clinical Hypnotherapist Mindfulness teacher & Wellbeing at Work Coach Wellbeing Coach www.hypnotherapy&mindfulnesssolutions.co.uk Email - Enquiries@hypnomind.co.uk 07305 810935 Located within Pukacz Practice 2 Burley Street Elland HX5 0AQ

ROAST CRAB WITH LIME AND CHILLI BUTTER

This can be served as either potted crab spread on warm toast or, as I like to serve it, just melted in a dish so it warms the crab and fully melts the butter. That way all the flavours of the kaffir lime leaves come out.

Ingredients • 100g butter, softened • zest and juice of 2 limes • 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced • 1 lemongrass stick, finely chopped • 4 spring onions, sliced • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped, plus extra leaves to serve • 1 red chilli, finely diced • 300g white crab meat • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper TO SERVE toasted sourdough

Method • Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. • Beat together the butter, lime zest and juice, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, spring onions, coriander and chilli. Season with salt and pepper. • Spoon the crab into 2 ovenproof dishes and top with the butter. Place them on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes until hot and bubbling. • Sprinkle with coriander leaves and serve straight away, with toasted sourdough on the side.

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT CAKE The topping for this cake is kind of like a deconstructed hazelnut spread and is made from buttercream with melted chocolate beaten into it and a scattering of hazelnuts. The most important thing to remember with this cake is not to put it in the fridge, as this will set the buttercream too much and will also make the cake go hard.

Ingredients FOR THE CAKE • 200g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 200g caster sugar • 4 eggs • 150g self-raising flour • 50g cocoa powder

FOR THE ICING • 300g dark chocolate, melted • 100g icing sugar • 200g butter, softened • 75ml double cream TO DECORATE • 50g toasted hazelnuts, chopped

Method • Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas 4. Grease a 20cm round cake tin and line it with greaseproof paper. •

Beat the butter and sugar together until white and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder and spoon the mixture into the tin. Bake for 35–40 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Once cool, use a knife to cut the cake in half horizontally.

•

Whisk together the melted chocolate and icing sugar and, once cool, beat the mixture into the butter, whisking for 8–10 minutes. Pour in the cream and mix until fully combined. Spread a thick layer of icing onto one of the cakes and sandwich the other cake on top. Spread the remaining icing all over the rest of the cake and sprinkle with the hazelnuts to decorate.

BUTTER: Comforting, delicious, versatile, over 130 recipes celebrating butter by James Martin (Quadrille) Photography: John Carey

MOTORING

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STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

DEFENDER 90 LAST summer one of the few lockdown motoring highpoints for yours truly was the UK launch of the new Land Rover Defender at a challenging off road course in the Midlands. That proved the ability of the new vehicle in the very rough stuff, although it was the bigger five door we got our hands on for the day. Now the much anticipated three-door version is with us and due to its shorter wheelbase it will be even better as a mudplugger… but what is it like to live with as your daily driver? Well those awfully nice people at Land Rover entrusted me with £53,930 worth of 90 P300 X Dynamic SE for a week and it did not disappoint. Regular readers will know I am a bit of a Land Rover nut with three currently in the big boys’ toy box an Howarth Towers (including HRH’s Evoque) and one of those is an ‘original’ Defender – a 1998 300tdi. So I was keen to do a comparison between my somewhat agricultural seven seat crew bus and the luxurious new kid on the block. 42

Firstly, much has been written about the look of the new Defender - as replacing such a British motoring icon would not be an easy task - but I have to say I think JLR have got it about right. There is enough Defender DNA to make it instantly recognisable as the new version – things like the rear mounted spare wheel. ‘Alpine’ roof windows and the overall squared off design. And Land Rover have also gone back to basics with plastic floor coverings that have removable carpet inserts and painted bottom half doors on the inside meaning the residue from muddy adventures and wading through deep streams can simply be hosed away.

is handy as very few of these vehicles will ever be pushed to their impressive off road limits. Our car featured the 300bhp two litre petrol engine which means it had another thing my Defender is definite lacking – performance. 0 to 60 comes up in 6.7 seconds (as opposed to 6.7 minutes) and a near 120mph top speed means you will never be embarrassed at the traffic lights grand prix. However, this has to be paid for in the go juice department with JLR claiming between 19 and 28mpg depending on driving style/conditions. Another great leap forward is on the kit list, which on my car is basic to say the least. Now you get such luxuries as LED headlights, plush interior and heated power fold mirrors. Our X Spec car had further goodies such as air con, sat nav, 360 degree camera system, leather trim, 20” alloy wheels, power memory heated seats, heated steering wheel and cruise control plus a premium sound set up. And all this comes with that famous 4x4 go anywhere ability further enhanced by JLR’s impressive latest terrain response system. On top of all that there were around £6,000 worth of optional extras including special Tasman Blue paint, that air suspension and a tow pack which features All Terrain Progress Control, configurable Terrain Response 2 and advanced tow assist with electrically deployable tow bar. Defender prices start from £46,610 for the base S spec P300 petrol and go up to £57,520 for the ‘mild’ hybrid D250 HSE… but be warned, you may have to wait a while as delivery delays of around 9 months are being talked about in the motoring press and adverts on internet sites have been appearing with cars priced at several thousand pounds above list.

Talking about wading, our test car had a neat £1,615 optional extra, air suspension, which means it can be raised or lowered (for garage access) at the touch of a button.

Meanwhile, it looks like it is time to start opening the piggy banks and working on her indoors – who is already quite impressed with the much more opulent Land Rover experience.

Unlike my car the new Defender is comfy and relaxed at motorway speeds – which

CAPTION: Old meets new – the 2021 Defender and its 1998 forerunner.

More information at www.landrover.com For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/

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(L-R) Barbara Sheldrake and Tom Enefer, Directors & owners of Angelcare Residential Living

NATIONAL AWARD SUCCESS FOR CALDERDALE CARE HOME West Vale based private care home, Angelcare Residential Living, are celebrating having won a prestigious national award, and reaching the finals of a second. Angelcare Residential Living is a private care home situated on a historic Georgian property in West Vale. A family run business with three generations of experience in care, they opened Calderdale’s only fully private care home in August 2020 following a £500,000 refurb of the premises, previously used as the Ingwood Restaurant in in the 1970s and 80s. The home delayed opening to the public so that it could be used by the council at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a space for those suffering from the virus. Angelcare were finalists for ‘New Care Home of the Year’ at the National Care Home Awards, and received an award for ‘Best Architectural Design or Communal Space’ 44

Tom Enefer, Manager of Angelcare Residential Living, commented “We’re incredibly proud of these two commendations, as it highlights perfectly the work we have done in our first year”. “To be a finalist in New Care Home of the Year is a testament to the hard work of our team, as we opened during COVID, arguably one of the toughest times for care homes in decades. The procedures put in place have had a significant impact on the wellbeing of our guests, and we’re delighted to be regularly welcoming new people through our doors.” “We’re particularly happy to be recognised for the architectural design of our home. This building is such a beautiful structure, and an iconic part of the history of West Vale and Calderdale as a whole. To be commended

for our revitalisation of this space shows that we’re investing locally and improving spaces for the elderly in the district”. The home continues to invest in services for residents. They have partnered with local ready-made delivery service Prep’d, providing professional grade cooking for their residents, in addition to spending over £10,000 in procedures to protect staff, visitors, and guests from COVID-19, including the use of an ozone disinfection machine to sanitise communal spaces. “As the only fully private care home in the area, we want to provide a best-in-class experience for everyone who comes through our door” Tom added. “We’re going to continue striving to provide everything we can for the people of Calderdale”. For more information please contact 01422 419710 or email living@angel-care.co.uk www.angelcareresidentialliving.co.uk

NOW ACCEPTING ADMISSIONS

We’re delighted to announce that our first care home in Greetland is accepting admissions and for respite and permanent stays. Complet renovated and 100% modernised, Angelcare Residential Living is Calde

NOW ACCEPTING ADMISSIONS

We’re delighted to announce that our first care home in Greetland is now accepting admissions and for respite and permanent stays. Completely renovated and 100% modernised, Angelcare Residential Living is Calderdale’s only all-inclusive fully private care home. OFF ER VIRT ING U TOU AL RS

As you get older it gets harder to run your own home. If you, or someone you love, is starting to struggle take a look around Angelcare Residential Living. Our Victorian mansion has just had a complete refurbishment to create beautifully appointed rooms and luxury suites for both individuals and couples.

Our All-Inclusive approach provides our residents with no hidden or additional fees. These include everything from meals, haircuts, newspapers and any care you may require. We are fully COVID safe with regular testing of staff and clients!

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01422 419710 or email living@angel-care.co.uk

 www.angelcareresidentialliving.co.uk | 116 Green Lane, West Vale, HX4 8BL 

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.

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Direct Cremation - £1200

Direct cremation at a fixed price inclusive of necessary disbursements, cremation fee, doctor’s fees and an eco friendly coffin (no funeral service)

Low Fuss Funeral - £2150

Inclusive Funeral - £2600

• The payment of a cremation fee

• The payment of the Doctor's fees

• The payment of the Minister's / Celebrant 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 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

ALL OTHER FUNERAL REQUIREMENTS UNDERTAKEN AFFORDABLY

Springhead Funeral Service Chapels of Rest 616 Wakefield Rd, Huddersfield, HD5 8PZ

Tel: 01484 534 488 7/9 Stainland Rd, Halifax (opposite Andy Thorntons)

Tel: 01422 327 382

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Is Retirement Living for you? Private and secure studio and one bed apartments are available to let in West Yorkshire, designed to offer and promote independence within a community setting for people over the age of 55. Key features and benefits: • Dedicated Court Manager on-site during the week • 24/7 emergency alarm system • Communal lounge and landscaped gardens • Close to local amenities • Pet-friendly policy • Housing benefit accepted

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