Leeds & Bradford edition 1 by 50 Plus Magazine

LEEDS & BRADFORD EDITION 1

JULY - AUGUST 2021

Judi Dench

OUR VERY SPECIAL DAME ENJOYS PUBLIC ACCLAIM AND SHEER AFFECTION IN THIS COUNTRY

Foolproof Barbecue

SIMPLE RECIPES TO CREATE A SIZZLE THIS SUMMER

Improve Your Home WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Travel

TIPS TO ENJOY A UK CAMPING WEEKEND

en op N ow

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CONTENTS

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Judi Dench AWARDED OBE AND DBE

Travel USA ROAD TRIP WITH AVIA

IN THIS ISSUE 8-9

TWITTERING ON By Angela Kelly

10-11 TRAVEL Choosing the perfect walking boots 12-13

Home TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME

DAISH’S HOLIDAYS Self drive & coach inclusive breaks

20-21 JUDI DENCH Enjoys the public acclaim and sheer affection in this country 23-25 HOME Improve your home with these great tips 35 MOTORS Steve Howarth test drives the 2021 discovery sport 30-32 GARDENING Get the garden look 36-38 FOOD AND DRINK Cook the perfect barbecue this summer 41 LEGAL Legal challenges that over 50s should be prepared for

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clinical negligence claim, you must prove there was a delay in diagnosis and that the delay caused some harm. The harm could be that your health worsened, and/or that your treatment would have been less invasive or more successful had it begun earlier. We will consult independent experts to comment on whether the failure to diagnose the disease amounted to negligence. If negligence is identified, we will ask an Oncologist, a specialist doctor who treats cancer, whether the delay caused any harm. Some cancers progress slowly and, although you may be able to identify a delay, it might not have made any difference to the outcome, or to the treatment required. You may be able to pursue a clinical negligence claim if you have attended the GP repeatedly complaining of persistent or

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MOTORS | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

to 31 mpg, has room for five adults in the double cab and boasts a large load deck – although because of its raised suspension set up and extra weight the carrying capacity and towing limits are lower than the standard truck. Clearly ground clearance is good for those who want to go off road as is the impressive 850mm wade depth and those chunky all-terrain tyres - which are surprisingly quiet on road. That 2.0-litre diesel is also surprisingly quiet unless pushed very hard and drives through a 10-speed automatic gearbox. There are settings for on road two-wheel drive then 4x4 high and low ratios.

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

RAPTOR

On the outside in addition to those Raptor signature features there are 17” Dyno Grey alloy wheels, a lockable load bed cover with moveable rails for long loads.

THERE are some situations in life where size matters and that is certainly the case when it comes to pickup trucks.

So what was this ‘monster’ like to live with? Well surprisingly civilised and very easy to find on the supermarket car park – although slightly less so to park up in the first place.

So if the already large Ford Ranger 4x4 is not truck enough for you then there is now an alternative… the Ranger Raptor - which we got to try out for a week. The first thing to say is you won’t get missed in this giant Tonka toy – it stands as tall as a Range Rover and is considerably longer. But it is the Raptor’s extras that really get you noticed. Big chunky off road tyres, raised ride height, flared wheel arches and brash Raptor decals on the side… subtle this ain’t. Even the name is evocative… Raptor conjures up visions of those killer dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and tells everyone that you mean business behind the wheel of one of these.

Step up into the Raptor’s cabin and you will find it feels fitting for a premium price vehicle with full leather upholstery, heated electric front seats, climate control, phone mirroring, touch screen sat nav, heated front and rear screens, privacy glass and reversing camera.

Having said that there was one thing about the Raptor that was not oversized and that was the engine, as our test 2.0L Eco-blue auto had the 2-litre twin-turbocharged diesel. This still copped well with the vast bulk of the Raptor and, while you would not win many traffic light grand-prix, it was capable of getting down the road at a fair lick and cruising on the motorway no problem – 0 to 60 comes up in a reasonable 10.5 seconds and top speed is 106mph. Also, thanks to that moderately-sized 210bhp engine, the Raptor can return up

I also got the chance to try out those off road features on a mildly challenging muddy field and, as a long standing Land Rover fan and owner I have to say it definitely does what it says on the tin. But it is on road where the most fun is to be had with people noticing your ride wherever you go and no one gets in your way as you loom large in their rear view mirror – as a bold statement vehicle the Raptor is a roaring success. The only down side, providing you are not a shrinking violet, is the price… at a shade over £51,000 this truck is not cheap, but then it is a stand out motor and compares well with the cost of competitors like VW’s Amarok and the Mercedes X-Class.

There’s a digital display behind the steering wheel and one neat safety feature is that the left or right dials switch to a blind spot camera view as you indicate. All versions get front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, as well as full LED headlights.

KIA SORENTO KIA have made great inroads in the past few years into the UK car market especially in the value for money small to medium size family car sectors. But if my latest test vehicle is anything to go by the Korean car maker looks set to conquer more upmarket territory as their latest Sorento model is very impressive indeed. Now even though the HEV self-charging hybrid ‘4’ model we tried out for a week is a top spec, mid-price range £46,945 that is still value for money as the quality, performance and kit list is on a par with premium manufacturers who charge much more for the same level of equipment and finish. Redesigned for 2021 the new Sorento has a more squared off look, again reflecting more expensive competitors, while the new interior is plush indeed, even - dare I say - a bit Bentley-esque! With quilted leather heated seats (all round) plus cooled with memory function in the front and quality materials used throughout (although some of the leather is faux) the latest Sorento boasts other premium refinements like a heads up display, adaptive cruise control, panorama

glass sunroof, a full seven seats, 360 degree camera system, wireless phone charging and smart power tailgate. It’s a full 4x4 yet, thanks to that hybrid set-up, I managed a shade over 41mpg during a week of very mixed driving, which is not bad for such a large SUV. The car has a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 59bhp electric motor to drive down CO2 emissions and fuel consumption while the plug in version’s larger battery can deliver a pure electric range of around 35 miles. Four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox come as standard and our ‘selfcharging’ hybrid (HEV) is sprightly with 0-60mph taking 8.7 seconds thanks to 226bhp on tap. The plug-in PHEV model has a bigger battery and electric motor so 0-60mph takes 8.4seconds. Higher spec 3 and 4 trim versions have larger 19in wheels and come with self-levelling rear suspension for better stability. The car switches seamlessly from electric to petrol power and its automatic gear changes are smooth and the brakes good.

The central 10.3in screen is sharp but a little fiddly with attractive graphics and all three rows of seats have USB ports (eight in total). Entry-level models get a sixspeaker stereo while our top-spec 4 trim boasts a more powerful Bose system with 12. This is a big car so there’s plenty of space for the driver and passengers with the third row seats being full adult sized – unlike some seven seat competitors. That external redesign for this bigger all round fourth generation Sorento sees a more aggressive large front grille and radically redesigned rear lights while the platform is reworked, the engine range expanded and active safety and driver assistance technology boosted to tempt in potential customers who have never considered a Kia before. I enjoyed my week with the latest Sorento, which may well convert large SUV lovers over to Kia – and for those badge snobs who still turn their noses up at the value for money brand then it is their (financial) loss. As with all Kias the Sorento comes with an industry-leading seven-year (or 100,000-mile) warranty and prices start from £39,110 for the self-charging hybrid in ‘2’ trim up to £53,755 for the top spec 261bhp plug in hybrid.

For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/ 7

TWITTERING ON

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TWITTERING ON BY ANGELA KELLY Stepping up To Stay Healthy TO many of us as we get older, living in a bungalow seems to make all kinds of sense. We finally get rid of stairs (especially if limbs and joints no longer seem keen to employ that daily exercise) and long for the ease of everything being on one level. While much of that is true, there is apparently now something we need to take into account that may make us think twice – the possibility of “bungalow leg”. Medical experts warn that making the move to a bungalow too early can actually speed up the physical decline that old age brings. In fact, it can lead to a phenomenon now being called “bungalow leg.”

Dog-fouling Blights Communities THERE are thousands of dogs in the UK – we’re known as a nation of pet-lovers and dogs are arguably the No.1 pet. The logistics of this is equally mindboggling amounts of dog poo. Unfortunately, much of this is on public highways and pavements. Now, responsible dog-owners naturally take out those little bags with them on walks with their pet and swiftly pop the offending matter into the bag to either drop off in a bin or take home to put in their rubbish. Sadly, there is a significant number of dog-owners who simply don’t see this as their problem and are happy to leave poo wherever their pet deposits it. We live near a rural area and scores of dog-walkers pass our house daily. We’re dog-owners ourselves and we like to see our canine friends and their owners happily out walking. We like it, that is, until you notice the increasing number of owners who just let their dogs foul where they want to and do nothing about it. We watched one just the other day. An older chap who let his dog stop and do his 8

business – and then leave the mound of poo on the pavement. This was outside our elderly neighbours who are plagued with the problem and in despair. By keeping an eye on him, we discovered that this man lived very nearby, only a road or two away. So we reported him to the local authority. Their relevant officials promised to monitor him, using the reasoning that people tended to regularly walk their dogs at similar times and on similar routes. Reporting him was actually our second choice as our first choice was to bag up the poo and leave it by his house. However, we wanted to follow the rules – although our preferred course of action would have been more satisfying and probably more just. I really don’t understand anyone – especially someone living in the same area – allowing it to be blighted by dog poo. It’s unsightly, unhygienic and dangerous. It takes selfishness to a new level and personally I’d like to see far more individuals not only fined but named and shamed. The dogs are not to blame but these are irresponsible owners who need to be made to care about their communities.

This refers to the gradual weakening of muscles in the leg which has often been identified with those who have moved to a single-storey home without the daily physical challenge of using stairs. This came originally from a study in Japan involving 6,000 people aged 65 or over who had various types of homes, including those with stairs. They were monitored over three years. One English physiotherapist who treats elderly patients points out that keeping as active as possible is the key to a healthier

life and that we need a good range of movement throughout to stop stiffness. As the move to a bungalow often comes when we have reduced muscle mass anyway, that old saying “use it or lose it” becomes truer than ever. So, the next time you’ve forgotten something upstairs and end up cursing them, just remember: stairs may be keeping you healthy!

What makes a film feel good? WHAT’S your favourite movie? Is it a horror flick, a comedy, true life drama or just an old-fashioned feelgood film? Personally, while I like a really good drama, a feelgood film can make me feel better and brighter about my day. So I often go for traditional favourites like Notting Hill, Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle and Forrest Gump. They always do the trick, however I’m feeling. Now, a new study uses science to show just why films like Love Actually and the rest make viewers laugh and smile and forget,

even temporarily, the worries of the world. A team from an organisation called the Max Planck Society found that feelgood films have an element of humour, a classic happy ending and certain recurring plots and characters. This typically includes an outsider in search of love who proves themselves and fights adverse circumstances until they find a fitting role in the community.

Above all, they were technically well-made.

The Society conducted a study with people from Germany, Austria and the German-speaking regions of Belgium and Switzerland. Their responses pointed to romantic comedies being particularly effective in emotional uplift. They don’t just have romance and humour; there is also often some drama. The study showed that scenes and plots with a strong emotion also fall into the feelgood category. It emphasised that many people watch feelgood films specifically to relax and lift their spirits. Interestingly, while those taking part agreed that feelgood films may be sentimental, they were not kitschy.

The study also made the salient point that the views of those who felt positive about such films differed considerably from the mainly negative perspective of professional film critics. Now that definitely resonates. Many times I’ve read what the critics have said about a film when I’ve been considering watching it. I’ve even been put off from seeing it but. if I’ve persevered, I’ve found my view of it completely different from the critic’s. Theirs is not an exact science, though, and, to be fair, I’ve seen far more films than not because of what a critic I like has said about it. And that felt good.

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sponsored by “What is that terrible smell?” I heard a Frenchman say to his colleague. They were in a far corner of our crowded dormitory. “Disgusting,” the colleague replied. “Ugh!” exclaimed another. “I’m going to be sick,” said a fourth, and headed for the door. I lay in silence, feeling guilty. The smell was my lightweights, positioned under my bunk. You make no friends going lightweight, especially in a refuge.

CHOOSING THE PERFECT WALKING BOOTS By RichardVillar for Silver Travel Advisor “How do they feel?” asked my grandmother, as she watched me march the length of the climbing shop. “Fine,” I grunted monosyllabically. I was only 12 years old. Granny nodded. “We’ll have these,” she declared to the shop assistant and pointed at the leather walking boots that were weighing down my feet. “They’ll last forever and will see him out.” Granny was wrong, as my feet grew, the boots leaked and were soon replaced by others.Yet that was the understanding of the era. Walking boots would last for life and be with you to the end. I now know differently. Granny’s shopping was followed by a lifetime of poor footwear, including a spell in the British Army, which seemed to feel that all feet were identical. One look at my shoe cupboard and a disorganised pile of mountaineering footwear falls out. Boots, trainers, approach shoes, even mountain sandals. My favourites are the trainers, as they are lightweight, should not leak but do, and carry the Quicklace system, which saves me tying a bow. One tug with ice-cold hands and the trainer is secure. 10

For a day’s walking in the mountains, especially when carrying a rucksack, my trainers struggle. Should that happen, on go my boots. I try to be lightweight, which means synthetic, as leather is generally heavy. Lightweights can wear out quickly, so I buy a new pair each year. Be warned that lightweights can pong. I once spent six weeks crossing the Alps, from Geneva to the Mediterranean, and slept in many cramped mountain refuges. Walkers were usually on bunks. One night it happened.

The weight of footwear is important, as mountain lore has long declared that one pound on the feet is five pounds on the back. My two mountain trainers weigh 1.8 pounds (0.82 kg) and I barely realise they are on. My winter boots, with crampons, weigh 10 pounds (4.5 kg), a fifty-pound rucksack on my feet. I try to stay light. There are no shortcuts when buying new boots, as a wrong fitting can be ruinous. The secret is not the boot, but the sock. I spend as long choosing the one as the other. My socks are woollen for sure, merino especially, with something man-made thrown in. This gives socks strength, allows them to stretch, as well as survive a washing machine. Socks chosen, next the boots. I buy them in the afternoon, when my feet will be bigger, and I do not do a last-minute dash the day before a holiday. I know what design I seek before I enter the shop, and I choose an assistant who understands mountains. For most, a boot should be flexible but not too bendy. If I seek full bend, I choose a trainer. I like a rand that covers the toe, while

for the sole, Vibram is my favourite. This was named after Vitale Bramani who, in 1935, saw six of his friends slip to their deaths in the Alps, thanks to leather soles and hobnails. Bramani set to work and soon patented the sole now used worldwide. I go nowhere without Vibram. Then comes the fitting, but I do not put on the boot. I remove the insole, lay it on the floor, and stand on it. I can instantly see if the boot might fit. I keep a forefinger’s width between the tip of my longest toe and the front of the insole, in case my foot slips forward when descending. Then it is time for the boots. Back go the insoles, in go my feet, and the laces are tied in a jiffy. If it is fine, that is good. If not, no worries. I keep trying until I am happy. Next stop the mountains. However, perfect my boots, I still think blisters. At the end of a long march in the Army, we would be stood barefoot and to attention, ready for inspection. Anyone with a blister was punished. Thanks to that experience, and before I pull on a sock, I coat a whisker of petroleum jelly on my foot. I then slither on the sock, wool on jelly, next the boot, tie the laces, and I’m done. Since jelly, I have never had a blister.

Thank you, Granny, for buying me those boots. Over decades, I have learned plenty. 16 steps to boot-buying 1. Take your time - buying walking boots is not a rushed aprocess. 2. Try the boots on in the afternoon, when your feet may be slightly swollen. 3. Do not buy new boots the day before a walk. 4. Start by choosing the sock, one pair only. Bring your own, not one offered by the shop. 5. Decide if you want trainers, walking shoes, walking boots, or something for snow and ice. 6. Ignore the question a shop assistant may ask, “Where are you going walking?” All walks are varied, and it is impossible to generalise. 7. Lightweight or leather? Lightweight is normally synthetic, leather is heavier. 8. How flexible is it? There is a B-rating of boots. B0 (fully flexible) or B1 are right

for most. Try B2 or B3 (stiff as a board), if you wish to fit a crampon. 9. Waterproof? Mine are. Think Gore-Tex. 10. What type of sole? I am a fan of Vibram, which is used the world over. 11. Be sure there is a rand, in case you stub your toe. 12. Do they fit? Take out the insole and place it on the floor. Put your foot on the insole and assess the fit.You need a single finger’s breadth between the tip of your longest toe and the front of the insole. 13. Replace the insole, try on the boot, and lace it up. Check the tongue does not press uncomfortably on the top of your foot. 14. Walk up and down a slope to see how the boot feels. 15. Try the boot at home but stick to carpet in case you need to return the boot. 16. If all is well, next stop are the mountains.

For walking holidays, Silver Travel Advisor recommends: HF Holidays www.hfholidays.co.uk or call 0203 974 8878, Ramblers Walking Holidays www.ramblersholidays.co.uk or call 01707 818953

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Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks

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Isle of Wight

Torquay

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DATE

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AUGUST

JULY 02

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£259

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£294

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£249

Somerset Hotel – Llandudnoy

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Daish’s Blackpool Hotel - Blackpool

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Daish’s Blackpool Hotel - Blackpool

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Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

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Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

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Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

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Daish’s Blackpool Hotel - Blackpool

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Russell Hotel – Weymouth

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Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

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Russell Hotel – Weymouth

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10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels. Bournemouth

Llandudno

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Devonshire Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel

County Hotel

Call 01202 638 840 or visit daishs.com

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to a show of 1,200 dancing fountains, whilst the Mirage hosts an erupting volcano each evening. There are an astonishing number of shows to entertain visitors and we took in KA by Cirque de Soleil at the MGM Grand. It was a marvellous combination of acrobatics, special effects and stage manipulation that is all alleged to have cost $165 million to stage. Worth every penny in our opinion and hats off to the skill and strength of the performers. No human creation can match nature’s own though and our helicopter ride and landing in the Grand Canyon was wow moments heaped upon wow moments. It’s an extraordinary experience to get up close and personal with even a relatively small section of a canyon that is 277 river miles long and measures a staggering 18 miles at its widest point.

USA ROAD TRIP WITH AVIS

By Steve Aldridge for Silver Travel Advisor

its Roman Forum streetscape (with a magnificent sky ceiling which mimics the sky outside), the great hall, spiral escalator, aquarium, and the animatronic Fall of Atlantis show. The Bellagio Hotel treated us

Our road trip began in Nevada, as we overcame our jet lag with a few days in Las Vegas. Sing along now, “...give ‘em the old razzle dazzle, razzle dazzle ‘em, give ‘em an act with lots of flash in it...”. Whilst the words might come from the musical Chicago, the description pretty much defines Sin City (as Las Vegas is often known). Yes, it’s brash and sometimes outrageous, but there’s plenty to admire and so much that is exceptionally well done. Caesars Palace has much to marvel at and we took our time to take in its treasures, particularly 16

AVIS conveniently delivered our hire car to the MGM Grand hotel (to save us travelling out to the airport pick up depot) and whilst it didn’t quite have the power of the helicopter the previous day, the Chrysler 300 packs a decent punch. Its 3.6 litre V6 would give us plenty of pulling power for the mountainous roads ahead, whilst the boot (I know they call it a trunk) could accommodate our 3 medium/large holdalls. Inside we were cosseted in leather seated

luxury, with a built-in satnav to help guide our way. We’d gone for the full package, zero excess insurance, breakdown cover etc. Preferring to know that whatever happened AVIS had us covered and no unexpected bills awaited us on return. , the road trip began and where better to test out the efficiency of the car’s air conditioning than the driest desert and hottest place in the world, Death Valley. This truly had to be one of the best drives of our life. From the heights of Dante’s View at 5475ft we could see Mt Whitney & Badwater with spectacular views over the whole basin. This location was used in Star Wars, Episode IV, A New Hope for the view looking down on Mos Eisley (may the force be with you). Driving down to the basin, we marvelled at the moonscape scenery of the devil’s golf course. Here we could literally hear the salt crystals popping in the heat (bit like a bowl of Rice Krispies - snap crackle pop). At the salt flats of Badwater (the lowest point in North America at 282ft below sea level) it is eerily beautiful, but a hike out into the basin at 43.4C/110F to see the salt formations (which take the shape of large polygons), left me gasping to get back to the car’s air-conditioned coolness. Perhaps the best aspect of the valley (from a driver’s perspective) is Artists Drive, a one way scenic route which shows off some of the best geological aspects of the park and had us gawping around every turn. We spent the night at Stovepipe Wells, within the boundary of the Death Valley National Park, relishing our day. Our accommodation was close to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (also used in Star Wars as the sand dunes of Tatooine) but otherwise in the middle of absolutely nowhere! Could our next stop have been a greater contrast? I think not! We stayed alongside June Lake, which has a scenic loop we drove around. Along the way we saw cascading waterfalls and stopped at some some truly tranquil spots alongside the various lakes (Silver, Grants) where fishermen bob about the lakes in small boats hoping to catch one THIS BIG! From there an interesting and scenic drive (with views of snowcapped mountains) took us to the south side of Mono Lake. Here the underground streams have bubbled up from below the surface for centuries and created calcium deposits called Tufas. These deposits create strange other worldly towers, some in the water and some on land due to the reducing level of the lake. It’s quite a site to behold and well worth the trip out here.

Some quick driving tips for USA At crossroads (without lights) you proceed in the strict order of arrival. Takes a little getting used to but locals are very disciplined, so it works well. Petrol (gas) stations mostly require pre-payment prior to filling. Double check that they will give you change/refund if the car takes less than you think, particularly if you use a credit card. Gas prices vary greatly, the more remote your fill up, the higher (rule of thumb). Google Maps often gives you gas prices in the reviews section of the app.

For more information visit www.avisworld.com or call 0808 284 5566. Silver Travellers receive a 10% discount. Avis offer a Safety Pledge to ensure minimal contact with Covid-safe procedures at every stage. Their all-inclusive car-hire packages ensure that there are no hidden extras and fully transparent pricing.

Quality Legal Advice Locally since 1833 Wills, Probate, Conveyancing, Litigation, Family

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A SAFE AND RELAXING HOLIDAY: 4 TIPS TO ENJOY A UK CAMPING WEEKEND THIS SUMMER The vaccine rollout has given many people over 50 the freedom and confidence to return to travelling. However, not everyone feels comfortable boarding a plane and dealing with local Covid-19 restrictions in their holiday destination. If you have always been on the cautious side, you might not want to fly abroad just to deal with a sudden lockdown! And, with 4 in 5 Brits deciding to enjoy the beauty of their country in 2021, you are certainly not the only one! But there is nothing to worry about! The UK is dotted with beautiful sights, great walks, and breathtaking views - most of which are likely to be within a few hours’ drive from your doorstep! With the right tips, you can start planning for a safe, relaxing, and highly comfortable staycation!

Explore Nearby Locations

When it comes down to exploring the UK, there is no need to travel far. Anywhere you are, there is likely to be an attraction or place of natural beauty not too far from your home. And, you can always find something that fits your preferences.You can opt for a fishing weekend, a few romantic nights away in a log cabin, or

an exciting afternoon spent discovering one of the country’s historical cities. If you aren’t comfortable driving for hours, you might consider checking out some of the best nearby destinations, including Devon, Cornwall, Cumbia, or the Scottish Highlands!

Try Glamping

Camping weekends are a dream for some travelers. But not everyone is as happy staying in a small tent, sharing toilet facilities, and sleeping on an inflatable mattress! After all, this is your holiday, and you should do everything you can to ensure that it is comfortable and relaxing. For this, glamping might be a great solution! Not only you can enjoy luxurious accommodation, but you can also make the most out of your time in nature while also looking after your health!

Get in All the Right Clubs

The UK has always had excellent camping, caravanning, and touring culture - but there’s no doubt that the pandemic has caused more and more people to take an interest in this kind of holiday! Thanks to such a thriving community, today, you can count on an endless number of clubs that won’t only grant you exclusive discounts but will also offer you all the support you need. From BritStops to the Camping And Caravanning Club, you explore the beauty of the UK in total relaxation - and on a budget!

HOYLES DENHOLME

WANTED

Test It Out With a Used Vehicle

If this is your first time enjoying life on the road, you are probably not ready to invest in a luxury camper van. Instead, you might look for ways to keep the costs low and find out whether this kind of staycation is the right one for you. Luckily, you don’t necessarily need to stay in a small tent to keep the costs down! Start searching “car to find the best deals on used vehicles that can get you anywhere around the UK - from cars that can hold a roof tent to larger vans ready to be converted!

MOTORHOMES & CAMPERS TOP PRICES PAID We can come to you Instant Bank Transfer, Cash or Draft We will always observe social distancing regulations when buying vehicles and wear medical quality masks and gloves.

Contact Tim Hoyle Anytime

01274 832836

07786 735544

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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OUR VERY SPECIAL DAME FEW actors or actresses at 86 enjoy the public acclaim and sheer affection in this country that Dame Judi Dench does. Yet, every new film - including her latest Six Minutes to Midnight - stage appearance or TV role is greeted with an outpouring of genuine interest and expectation from her thousands of fans Perhaps that’s not so surprising when you consider her variety of roles runs from Sally Bowles to Queen Victoria. Nor that she has won a record-breaking number of awards and nominations which continue today. But not everything always ran so smoothly for the young Miss Dench. Born in York and a doctor’s daughter, Judi made her “acting debut” as a snail in a play at her Quaker junior school and later played an angel in one of the York Mystery Plays. However, she wanted to study theatre design so went to art school but switched to a course at London’s Central School of

Speech and Drama when she realised that, actually, she preferred to be on stage rather than designing stage sets. Here, she was in the same class as Vanessa Redgrave. She made her professional debut in Liverpool before going on to the Old Vic in 1957.

Hall persisted and she won rave reviews from both theatre critics and TV audiences. Interestingly, since then she has played virtually all of Shakespeare’s leading ladies and won an Oscar for her brief, although pivotal, role in the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love.

At her first film audition, she was told “Miss Dench, you have every single thing wrong with your face.” This unusual perception, though, did not either harm her future film career nor stop her from becoming a favourite of Director Peter Hall at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

She has also won many plaudits over the years for her Shakespearian roles. In 2004, an opinion poll of the Royal Shakespeare Company voted Dench’s performance as Lady Macbeth in Trevor Nunn’s 1976 production of Macbeth as the second greatest Shakespearean performance of all time. Only Paul Schofield’s masterful King Lear was ranked higher.

He asked Judi to play the title role in a staged, and then later televised, production of Cleopatra. The self-effacing, 5’ 1” Dench refused, insisting that her Cleopatra would be a “menopausal dwarf.”

Although known internationally for her acting, early in her career she starred in musical theatre. She created the role of Sally Bowles in the London premiers of

the musical Cabaret and was cast to play Grizabella in the original West End production of CATS but tore her Achilles Tendon and was forced to quit the show. Elaine Paige replaced her. Judi Dench’s skill is not only her reliability as trusted actress but also her chameleon quality. Although she has always specialised in playing dignified, strong-willed women, she has an equally light hand at comedy. She was a genuinely funny Madame Arcati in this year’s re-make of the film Blithe Spirit and her highly recognisable warm tones have made her a popular voiceover choice for everything from children’s programmes to video games. As well as a much-respected stage star, she is a TV favourite. Judi is a 10-time BAFTA winner including Best Actress in a Comedy Series for A Fine Romance in 1981, in which she appeared with her husband Michael Williams.

beginning and end of the film. They did the same with M in Skyfall in 2012, all adding to Dench’s international reputation and star stature. Film-makers always saw her as bringing a special gravitas to a production, and she has always chosen well in her roles.

But it is probably in films that she has proved the greatest influence. Although she had made several films prior to making Mrs Brown with Billy Connelly in 1997, it’s fair to say that this was her breakthrough movie as a film actress. She won her first Oscar nomination as the doughty monarch - and Hollywood began taking real notice of her. When she won an Oscar the following year for Shakespeare in Love, the producers of the Bond franchise gave her character M a much larger role in GoldenEye. This was one central to the film’s plot rather than just bookend scenes at the

She has been in several films which were nominated for Best Picture Oscar including A Room With A View (1985), Chocolat (2000) and Philomena (2013). She has played St Joan, Sybil Thorndike, Mistress Quickly and Titania but her wonderful acting skills have been equally evident as Evelyn Greenslade in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2012 and the delightful TV series Cranford as gentlehearted Miss Matty. She is a life-long animal-lover and a strong matriarchal figure in real-life. She has a daughter, Finty Williams, and one grandson Sam. Judi had a long and happy marriage to Michael Williams before his death in 2001. “We were just happy to be in the same room together,” she has recalled. Her only regret was that “I didn’t have more children.”

Her life has been full and rewarding in many ways so far, though. She was awarded an OBE in 1970, and a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1988 for her services to drama. Judi has never been known to brag about her undoubted acting skills. “I don’t think anybody can be told how to act,” she explained. “I think you can give advice. But you have to find your own way through it.” In spite of all her personal achievements, she is also pragmatic about her acting success. “The passion doesn’t lessen over time but you get more anxious,” she has stated.

You’re only as good as the last thing you did. But that anxiety feeds what you’re doing. It gives you energy. It’s very much part of me. And whatever drives Judi Dench, we just want her to carry on doing it for a long time to come.

Rossendale Interiors Full Page.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2017 13:33 Page 1

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Ulverston - Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828 Ulverston 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 - Blackburn MarketMills, Hall, Colliers Church Street, Street, Oswaldtwistle. Blackburn. BB1BB5 5AF3DE Tel:Tel: 01254 669215 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle 01254 304068 Oswaldtwistle -

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stylish and practical so do have a look at what’s available. The first thing that visitors see when they get inside your home is often the STAIRS. If your stair carpet is looking a bit shabby, and this coincides with your hall flooring needing updating, why not consider stripping the whole area back to the wood and sanding and wood-staining it? An eye-catching stair-runner can show off the warm wood and look very contemporary at the same time. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. Go along to your local flooring store and see what’s on offer.

IMPROVE YOUR HOME IF we’re not thinking of moving these days we’re apparently indulging in altering our homes – sometimes minimally but sometimes dramatically. It’s mostly the knock-on effect of lockdown and being at home so much more. Many of us have realised the shortcomings of where we live and are determined to do something about it. We’ve probably also saved some money by not going out and not spending much all those months so there may well be a budget for home improvements, if not for moving home completely.

You may want to be fairly modest in the colours you choose to paint the outside of your home but a splash of colour on your front-door can prove really eye-catching. You might even want to invest in a new front-door. After all, it’s the first thing that greets visitors and doors today are both

If your hallway is rather dark, use bright paint again to lighten it and invest in a large mirror to reflect light and open it up. Charity shops are great places for large mirrors at really pleasing prices – and you get the satisfaction of helping a charity as well. Is your LOUNGE looking in need of a re-vamp? Whether you have a bare chimney breast where a fireplace used to be or not, consider installing one. It can provide a focal point for the room instead of the TV. You can pick up old fireplaces at car boots and antique shops, perhaps along with a handsome fire grate if you like that style.

If this seems too dramatic, though, too life-changing – or you’ve simply not got the money currently to spend large amounts on either moving house or a major home alteration – there are things you can do that won’t cost as much. In fact, you may opt for a mixture of affording a couple of more expensive changes and doing a few clever fixes of your own. On the simplest level, giving your home a fresh coat of PAINT can make any space – inside or out – cleaner, brighter and more modern. 23

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Alternatively, there are several well-known companies that have a wide range of bespoke covers to specifically fit your sofa or comfy chairs. Just having new covers, or even throes in a rich or modern fabric, can make a real difference to the whole room. Again, consider your flooring here and think about the original wood, if your floorboards are suitable. Glowing floors and cosy rugs in a lounge can give it a new lease of life. Decorating here with a mixture of plain and wallpapered walls can also make your home feel up-to-date. Contemporary wallpaper comes in all kinds of patterns and textures for plenty of choices and can make a room more interesting. If you want something more modern, today’s fireplaces come in a huge variety of styles – including traditional ones to match the décor on older houses so it’s definitely worth having a look around. Your O may be past its best and need replacing and, if you are going to invest in one or two new items, this is certainly one that is well worth it.

If, though, you’ve got an older or vintage sofa in good condition that just looks a bit sad or the coverings are threadbare, consider re-covering it. Clever needlewomen (and men) may look on this as an enjoyable challenge but it’s worthwhile getting a professional upholsterer in for the job.

Wetroom & Walk-in Shower Specialists

Creating your own shelving for recesses is also both satisfying and cost-effective. Invest in a couple of new pictures to help alter the look of your lounge. Group family photos on a wall and look around for pictures with interesting frames to enhance the room.

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.

Victoria Mill, Albert Street, Open: Lockwood, Huddersfield Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, 9am to 4pm

Tel: 01484 547110 Email: hudd@atlasbathrooms.co.uk

www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk 24

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

If you do want to make your home bigger but can’t afford an extension or a large conservatory to give you another room, think about converting your LOFT. Converting your loft into an extra bedroom with an en suite bathroom not only adds value to your home but gives you so many more living options. Use it as a work space, playroom or second lounge if this suits your lifestyle better. Alternatively, if you’ve got dark corners upstairs, install a skylight to a bedroom or landing area.You will need some professional help here but go to places like Checkatrade to find installers.

If you can’t afford completely new units for your KITCHEN, a lick of paint and new handles can make all the difference. Or, go

for new worktops, possibly in a cheaper design that mimics a high-cost one, and match-up kitchen accessories to the new colour scheme for trendy styling.

And if you’re looking at WINDOWS generally, this may be where you want to invest some money. New windows dramatically change the look and lifestyle of your home – not to mention cutting bills.

You can also transform a kitchen with a new splashback or tiles. Adhesive glass splashback panels are easy to fit and brighten up this area, as they do in BATHROOMS.

If you’re looking for more home-changing ideas, there are plenty of blogs and websites online and places like Pinterest show how to recycle everyday items to enhance your lifestyle.

MHA COMMUNITIES HUDDERSFIELD Do you want to be a part of a fun, friendly community joining in with actvities, learning new skills and making new friends? Then join MHA Communities Huddersfield

Join our friendly community by contacting us on 01484 515420 or email our team at Huddersfield@mha.org.uk

MHA Communities is part of Methodist Homes for the Aged Registered as a Charity - No.1083995. Company Limited by Guarantee - No.4043124

Again, charity shops score here - as they do if you’re looking for material to make striking new curtains or blinds. Mill shops are also great places to get beautiful toning material. Add home-made matching cushions or throes for a co-ordinated look

with outlets in Leeds, Heywood, Bury & Buxton

Helping to Create Beautiful Homes A message from Karen Simpson… Click + Collect Now Available from all Outlets! Hello there! Well, we are already into Summer and things are beginning to look much brighter.

Here at Simpsons, we’ve been working hard to grow our business by having something new to offer all our customers. We’ve sourced some new and exciting products and have even more coming through in the months ahead. We have also brought in some new suppliers for suites and chairs so lots to check out in store. These will be on display in our Heywood showroom as they arrive. Our outlet in Bury will remain focused on Lift & Tilt chairs and suites with new arrivals on a weekly basis.

ANGELCARE

Our outlet within the Springs Shopping Centre in Buxton remains open, and we are still going ahead with our plans for expansion with a permanent location in the town while our new outlet in Leeds Kirkgate Market has been exceptionally well received. We are thrilled to see how these grow once people are out and about again.

Leeds

Find us in the famous Kirkgate Market. 1904 Hall Units Q and R Vicar Street, Leeds, LS2 7JG.

www.simpsonfurnitureuk.com

We believe you can’t beat the traditional shopping experience where you walk into a shop and see a myriad of things you just never knew existed; where you’re welcomed and greeted with a smile; where you can have a chat and a browse without feeling pressured – and that’s the experience we aim to provide within all our outlets. Even better, pop in and see us at one of our outlets… come in as a stranger and leave as a friend! We’ve also invested significantly in developing our Online and Social Media presence during the past year and we are thrilled to say that this is now a significant part of our business. Click & Collect has proved a winner for us. Shopping online is convenient and is an essential element of any successful business in this day and age, and we would like to invite you to have a look at www.simpsonfurnitureuk.com the next time you are browsing the web. It’s our fantastic team here at Simpsons, and our amazing customers old and new, who have enabled us to plot the course we are on and I will never get tired of thanking you all. You are amazing and we couldn’t do it without you.

Consistent range of NEW chairs, suites & accessories.

Your comments and reviews are amazing and genuinely keep our confidence up. For us, reviews are less about ‘rankings’. They are the feel-good factor that warms our hearts and tell us we are doing a good job, and when the chips are down, these help so much to boost morale. So, for all those who have taken the time to say how much you appreciate the service you’ve received, we thank you. It means a lot. I’m sure that 2021 will continue to have its challenges but here at Simpsons we are as primed and ready as we can be… so bring it on! Look forward to seeing you soon. Best wishes from me and all the team. Church Place, Heywood, OL10 1LT

Showroom

01706 368628

Springs Shopping Centre, Buxton, SK17 6DF

Buxton

Simpson Furniture LTD

1 Murray Road, Bury, BL9 0BJ

Bury

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MOTORS | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE engine that drives the front wheels and an electric motor for the rear pair and means up to 38 miles on electricity alone and a combined output of 305bhp, which gives a 0-62mph time of just 6.6 seconds. But this is a Land Rover - so that is what you expect it to do best and while I did not manage any mud plugging our four-wheeldrive version will be excellent when the going gets tough with Land Rover’s terrain response system and off-road driving mode selector giving that go anywhere confidence.

2021 DISCOVERY SPORT NOW regular readers of this column will know I am a bit of a Land Rover fan with three of the green oval models currently in the big boy’s toy box at Howarth Towers.

There’s plenty of leg room and head room is among the best in its class – even if you add the optional panoramic glass roof our car came with (£1,150).

Over the years I have been testing new cars those lovely people at Jaguar Land Rover have supplied me with some fantastic vehicles to try out from bonkers 600bhp SVR Range Rovers to basic spec Defenders. But one which has so far slipped under the radar for a longer-term test is the entrylevel model to Land Rover ownership and their second best-selling SUV. I am, of course, talking about the Discovery Sport, which took over from the Freelander in 2014 as the most affordable new Land Rover. Now JLR have given the model an update for 2021, adding new tech and features plus a new engine, safety kit and another trim level. They have also strengthened the platform to take electric drivetrains. The new engine is a 290hp mild-hybrid petrol engine for range-topping Black Edition cars while existing 163hp and 204hp diesel engines have also been given the mild-hybrid treatment to improve economy. The battery powers ancillaries like air conditioning and power steering so the engine can switch off during deceleration to save fuel. Our test car was the base spec ‘Core’ edition which is from £36,765 on the road and it had one of these MHEV set ups. While it cannot be driven on electric power alone the system does boost MPG 28

All Discovery Sports come with front and rear parking sensors plus a surround-view camera as standard. LED headlights are also standard across the range but our base spec car did not have sat-nav or adaptive cruise control – however the former is rapidly becoming redundant thanks to smart phone connectivity and route finding apps such as Google Maps and Waze.

figures and during a week of very mixed driving I managed around 40mpg – not bad for what is a family-sized SUV. And speaking of family the Disco Sport’s USP is that it can transport seven adults in relative comfort (but make sure the smallest go in the third row seats). This is something most of its rivals cannot offer and you have to move up to Large SUVs (with much larger price tags) to find this feature in other premium brand products. Talking about the charges for 2021 the updated Sport’s interior has a new 10-inch touchscreen display which can receive over-the-air software updates and can connect two smartphones to the infotainment system at the same time. New safety features have also been added including a rear traffic monitoring system in the plusher, more practical interior. The final engine option is the plug in hybrid P300e which has a 1.5-litre petrol

All versions have Land Rover’s excellent automatic gearbox and our lower power 163bhp 2-litre diesel engine still felt brisk with 0 to 60 coming up in a very respectable 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. Standard equipment across the range also includes dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, heated windscreen, and those off-road modes with Terrain Response, hill descent control, traction assist and infotainment, visibility and safety aids including auto emergency braking and lane keeping assist. Most test cars I get are range topping versions loaded with extras but fair play to JLR who are confident enough about the new Sport to send a base spec vehicle which proved to be a great, comfortable drive and was practical and relatively economical. By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth

FOR ALL THE LATEST CAR TESTS GO TO: www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors

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Gold Standard Delivery Service Free Home Consultation High Quality Furniture Handmade in the UK Call One of Our Specialist Consultants for Free Help and Advice Shackletons Tel: 01924 440 600 Web: shackletonsretail.co.uk

359 Bradford Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5PH

The Mill Outlet & Garden Centre 418 Bradford Road Batley, West Yorkshire WF17 5LZ

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Bamboo: Use a bamboo fence to block unwanted views; Stone lanterns: Shaped like pagodas for added character. Plant choice Bamboo and conifers provide a yearround evergreen backdrop as do Japanese azaleas, which give added value with vibrant coloured flowers. Alongside grass Ophiopogon japonicus consider Nepeta subsessilis (Japanese catmint) with flowers in blue, pink or white.

GET THE GARDEN LOOK

To represent the different seasons use a cherry tree like Prunus ‘Kojo-no-mai’ for its wonderful spring blossom. And no Japanese garden is complete without the dazzling foliage of a maple like Acer Palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ in autumn. Plant choice should include trees and shrubs like Buxus Sempervirens (box) and Taxus baccata (yew) that can be pruned in true Japanese fashion to represent cloud shapes and the natural world.

SEARCHING FOR GARDEN DESIGN INSPIRATION? GARDENING WRITER JULIA HEATON, LOOKS AT FOUR DISTINCT STYLES AND HOW TO CREATE THEM IN YOUR OWN OUTDOOR SPACE. Landscaping elements: A water feature: To symbolise renewal. The sound of trickling water or the stillness of a reflection pool has a calming, natural appeal to the senses; An area of grey gravel or sand: Use a rake to create the pattern of flowing water and rocks to represent the natural world of mountains or islands rising out of it;

Japanese style Take inspiration from larger gardens open to the public. Red is an iconic element of Japanese design. This is all about creating a tranquil space for meditation and contemplation, where you can feel closer to nature. Minimalism is key so that all the style elements have space to shine. Evergreens in different shades of green and a few choice plants help to re-enforce the calming atmosphere as does having only one plant at a time in flower. The idea is that the beauty of each can then be enjoyed alone.

Bridges: Crossing the gravel stream or a pond and painted red to represent wisdom and transformation; Pagoda: Used as outdoor temples in traditional Japanese gardens, these are ideal spots from where to view the garden; Winding stepping stone pathways: To represent the journey through life; Gates: Symbolise a threshold, to give the sense there’s something to discover on the other side;

Mediterranean style The Alhambra Palace garden in Spain incorporates many of the classic elements of a Mediterranean garden. The rustic charm of a Mediterranean garden will conjure up holiday memories of sunny days and warm balmy nights. At its heart is scented, colourful planting and an informal atmosphere for outdoor dining with friends and family. This style has the added bonus of being low maintenance, leaving more time to unwind and enjoy. Landscaping elements: Gravel and paving: Replace a high maintenance lawn with gravel pathways

and use paving stones in warm terracotta tones to create seating areas. Gravel keeps weeds down and conserves moisture. Plant through it at irregular intervals for a relaxed feel and soften hard-edged paving with ground cover plants; Pots: Arrange groups of plants in terracotta pots and use a Grecian urn to make a statement focal point; Shady spaces: Fragrant climbing plants on a pergola give shade from the sun and protection on a cold windy day. Place weathered wooden tables and benches underneath for dining; Water feature: Add a small stone fountain or a trough; Mosaic tiles: These add a splash of colour and pattern to dull walls and steps; Cooking area: A purpose built barbecue or pizza oven is an outdoor living essential; Plant choice Clipped box hedging (Buxus sempervirens) adds structure and height and can be used to define one space from another. It’s also evergreen as is slender, conical shaped conifer Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’. Use this either side of a gateway or at intervals along a path. For gorgeous wafts of perfume around your pergola choose white flowered climber jasmine (Jasminum officinale). Climbing roses and a grape vine are pretty special too. Plant lavender and rosemary along pathways and they’ll give off a wonderful aroma as you brush past. And nothing says Mediterranean more than a lemon tree or bougainvillea, although these will need to be in a pot and moved to a conservatory or greenhouse for winter. Other plants for that authentic sunny look are: geraniums; low maintenance agapanthus; succulents like sempervivums to soften paving and grasses like Festuca glauca with its blue/green foliage. For a frost hardy tree go for an olive in a pot. Keep in mind that many Mediterranean plants like this are drought tolerant so you need to provide them with well-drained soil.

Cottage Garden A cottage garden can be created in any size space. This natural, informal, look doesn’t require a lawn and the dense, colourful planting is a mix of ornamentals and edibles that has no rules. Traditional materials and vintage repurposed items like planted-up wheelbarrows and barrels turned into water features complete the look. Landscaping elements: Fencing: A picket fence to contain overflowing planting in the front garden is the ultimate in kerb appeal. Use it in the back garden to give spaces, like a veggie patch, their own identity. Go really rustic with woven hazel or willow fencing; Pathways: Whether gravel, reclaimed brick, bark or cobbles, keep pathways winding and simple. Let planting cascade onto them as they meander to a point of interest; Obelisks, gazebos, arbours and pergolas: These structures add height, are attractive and provide support to scented climbers like honeysuckle; Ornaments: Rising out of the planting a strategically placed birdbath, sundial or statue provides a focal point and contrast to the lively planting; Planting style Deep borders, overflowing with a mix of perennials, annuals, edibles bulbs and shrubs in a variety of colours, foliage

textures and fragrance. Repeat plants around the plot to form natural drifts of colour and to visually tie the theme together. Cottage style is famed for tall spires of plants like delphiniums, hollyhocks and lupins. Another way of adding height is with sweet peas, which will clamber up an obelisk or wooden wigwam to explode in a profusion of colour. And when it comes to walls, you can’t go wrong with clematis and wisteria or a climbing rose. In fact any type of rose is a must-have. Leave seed heads of plants like allium, rudbeckia and echinops to form and provide structure in the colder months. And use self-seeding plants like aquilegias, Verbena bonariensis, erigeron, nigella and foxgloves that will naturally develop the planting scheme for you. Don’t forget to plant up bulbs for spring interest. And remember, there’s no right or wrong place to grow edibles, so you’re free to plant fruit, herbs and veg where you like, even if that’s alongside pathways. Coastal inspired Even if you live miles inland, there’s no reason why you can’t recreate a coastal garden. Simply plant where you like for a fun, laid back seaside vibe. Landscape elements: Gravel and shingle: Replicate the beach by laying weed suppressant material on top of your soil, planting through it and adding a top layer of gravel or shingle;

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Shells and pebbles: Use crushed shells as a mulch around plants in pots. Write the names of plants on larger shells and use them as plant markers and dot different sized pebbles in amongst the gravel/shingle surface to add texture and interest; Decking and sleepers: Arrange sleepers at intervals into gravel to form an unstructured pathway and lay decking to provide a surface for outdoor entertaining; Weathered timber: Stand a variety of lengths on end in a row to represent breakwaters; Find and repurpose: Hunt down seaside artefacts in junk shops. Items like fishing nets, lobster pots and glass fisherman’s floats look striking against shingle; Driftwood: Makes a lovely structural focal point and can also be bought on-line; Seating: Hammocks are fun and sum up the theme perfectly as does a classic deck chair; Colour: Pale grey or white painted walls, buildings, fences and any other structures mirror the weathered seaside look. Go for a universal paint that can be used on all surfaces; Planting style Look to perennials like sea holly (eryngium), euphorbia, sedum

and scabiosa. Prickly, purple coned sea holly adds texture to a planting scheme and loves full sun. Imitate grasses found on sand dunes. Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is an ideal evergreen and feather reed-grass calamagrostis has lovely golden seedheads that last into winter. And for the look of seaweed Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ is ideal amongst a group of pebbles. Choose different textures in muted colours, planting clumps at intervals to form drifts of the same grass. Away from the rolling grasses the architectural shapes of the cabbage palm (Cordyline australis) and trachycarpus will form an evergreen backdrop. Contrast them with the frilly silver/green foliage of sea kale (Crambe maritima). This is the ideal space for rock plants like thrift (Armeria maritima), an evergreen with brilliant pink flowers, the fragrant dianthus and daisy-like flowers of fleabane (erigeron).

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and people to mingle. Make your primary seating area a space that can be used throughout the year by including an outdoor fireplace and seating that can store outdoor rugs and soft cosy blankets. Keep the weather in mind by designing in spaces for shade and rain like a pergola, clad in climbing plants, or a summer house. Alternatively, a gazebo with a plastic corrugated roof will take the guesswork out of what the weather will do. Or go for a more permanent one that fits against the house and incorporates polycarbonate or glass roofing.

IT’S A WAY OF LIFE Garden writer Julia Heaton has design inspiration and planting ideas to suit the way you live. It’s so important to choose a garden design to match your lifestyle. There’s nothing more disheartening than not having the time to care for a courtyard garden full of high maintenance pots. And what’s the point of having numerous borders to dig if you find it physically demanding and would prefer to potter around raised beds? The trick is to treat your outdoor space in the same way you would when configuring a room indoors. Think about how you live and what purpose you want the space to serve. Get it right and it really will be an extension of your home.

Here’s some different garden styles to fit the way you live. A garden for entertaining Seating zones Give guests the opportunity to form clusters. Use a mix of classic garden furniture, fold-away seats and surfaces built into raised beds. This allows you to keep the dining table as the main event

Light the way Fairy lights always have a magical look in the evening. Team these with spotlights angled on focal points like statues or particular plants. Place up lights amongst the foliage to create mood lighting and torch lights on spikes in the borders and at the garden gate. A water feature incorporating a light is a point of difference, while hurricane lamps are purpose-made for the table. Scented planting Gorgeous wafts of perfume add to the ambiance of a gathering. Introduce fragranced plants around seating areas and opt for some that are renowned for releasing their scent in the evenings. Oenothera biennis, (common evening primrose) will be a talking point as it opens its flowers at dusk and hardy annual Mattihola longipetala (night-scented stock) is good for the front of a south or west-facing border where it will flower from April to September. Cooking area The area you devote to this will depend on whether you just want to throw the odd barbecue or go all out to replicate your indoor kitchen. Consider whether you want storage to keep kitchen accessories. Do you need wired lighting or will solar be fine? Most importantly, what fuel will you be using to cook with as this will also have a bearing on where you’ll position your kitchen in relation to neighbouring properties. Outside bar Whether a simple wall-mounted, drop-down surface made from pallets or a gazebo-covered counter, this creates another space where people can gather. Where you site it needs consideration. Keep it as a simple surface outside the kitchen window, where drinks can be served directly from the fridge. Alternatively, it could be an extension to the cooking area, where food prep can also take place. Or, if your garden enjoys a good view, then position it over-looking the scenery. Garden for relaxation and well-being Landscaping and plant colours A winding path will encourage you to walk it and forget the outside world. If it can be circular, so that you don’t have to retrace your steps, then even better. Along the way introduce features that appeal to the senses.You may want this to be a feast for the eyes in the shape of a sculpture you love or

with bamboos, which sound wonderful as they rustle in the breeze. Chamomile, amongst paving and around a seating area, is evergreen and gives off a heady fragrance when touched. Other sweet-smelling growers are jasmine, honeysuckle and roses.

some fragrant planting. Pale, weathered brick pavers set against pale cream painted fencing have a natural, easy-on-the- eye look. Use a planting palette of whites to echo this with green and hints of pastels like lilacs and mauves. Set out seating Introduce seating areas along the path – a bench or maybe even a swing seat – where you can break the journey and appreciate your surroundings. The aim is to interact with the space, to concentrate on what’s in front of you as you walk or sit and let any thoughts of the world outside drift away. For taking in that view make sure the seating is comfortable enough for you to linger and has some gorgeous fragrant planting close by, inviting you to stay longer as you touch and smell it. Think also about seating that you can move around the garden, maybe to catch the last rays of sunshine at the end of the day. Introduce water The gentle sound of a bubbling water feature is soothing to listen to and watch as it catches the light. It will disguise outside noises like traffic and can add a new dimension by attracting wildlife, which is always interesting to watch.

Ammi majus, an annual, cow parsley lookalike and Verbena bonariensis, are both willowy and lovely border fillers. And to help block out sound go for the evergreen structure of white flowered shrub Fatsia japonica and laurel Prunus Laurocerasus ‘Genolia’. Others that will fit the bill include scabious, cosmos, michealmas daisy, lilac phlox and white guara. Eco-friendly garden Re-purposing and recycled materials Start with items around the house. For instance, an old washing-up bowl makes a great mini pond, or hunt down old zinc baths and Belfast sinks for planting up.You can also buy planters made of recycled materials like tyres and garden furniture from recycled plastic and hemp fibres; Pavers are now made from recycled materials that are permeable. Reduce the carbon footprint of your buys Buy items made from locally sourced materials wherever possible, searching out boot sales, junk shops and reclamation yards. Salvage yards are good places for paving or edging tiles. Reuse any concrete slabs, bricks etc. of your own or look up the nearest freecycle group (www. freecycle.org) where local people save items from landfill by giving and receiving them for free. Grow native Wildflowers native to where you live have adapted naturally so the soil already contains all the nutrients plants need. Most are drought resistant, so require less need for watering, and tend to be more resistant to pests than non-natives. Importantly they link the garden to its wildlife and the surrounding countryside so they support each other.

Planting choice Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’) is fragrant and popular with pollinators. Also look to ornamental grasses like Briza maxima and panicum along

Plant to eat Whether a native fruit tree, one raised bed or large veg patch, there’s nothing quite like the taste of home-grown food. It not

only reduces environmental impact but also saves money too. Provide for wildlife Go for plants with single, open flowers, that will provide pollen and nectar for as long a season as possible. And investigate how to make homemade shelters and places to nest. Waste not want not Make the most of everything. This means using water butts to capture rainwater, creating a compost heap from items like lawn clippings, teabags and bits of corrugated cardboard.You can also make leaf mould to use as a soil conditioner. Add water Any size of water feature is going to be beneficial to wildlife. Ponds will provide a place to drink and bathe but if space is really limited then even making your own birdbath from a shallow, watertight bowl, will help. Conserve water Sprinklers and hose pipes can cause a lot of water to be wasted so focus attention on getting it straight to where it’s needed – the plant roots. An automated drip system can do this and can be attached to a water butt to help save even more water. If yours is a container garden then go for large recycled plastic pots as these will hold moisture for longer than terracotta. It’s also a good idea to add a mulch around plants in pots and borders. Organic mulches like wood chips, straw and your own grass clippings or dried shredded leaves.

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HOW TO SAVE THE BEES Brits have been advised on how to protect buzzing bees in order to avoid having to splash out billions to fill the gap in our fragile ecosystem in years to come. Horticulture specialists at LazyFlora.com have compiled a bee-saving guide which encourages green-fingered homeowners to do their part in protecting these important flying insects. The world has seen a slow but steady decline in the number of bees since the 1990s due to the widespread use of toxic pesticides, which can’t differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ insects. Climate change has also dealt a devastating blow to the global bee population, as some species don’t cope well with very hot temperatures – they literally overheat. But as a third of all consumed food is dependent on bees and other pollinating bugs, they play a vital role in our ecosystem. The alternative is pollinating by hand, which is an arduous and expensive task. This would also inevitably lead to a surge in food costs.

Fortunately, we can all be doing our part to help cultivate the population of bees. We’ve listed some of our favourite tips below. Avoid pesticides: The majority of insects are not harmful and there is no place for industrial chemicals in the garden, as some pesticides will remain embedded into the soil affecting other wildlife in the long term. Green fingered Brits should always be wary of using the toxins even for casual use, unless absolutely necessary. Prioritise plants for pollinators: Certain plants are much more likely to attract bees to the garden, so do some research before you plant to find the perfect match. Lavender, oregano and basil all produce lots of nectar and will be covered in happy, hungry bees. Alternatively, reserve a portion of your garden for a wildflower ‘meadow’ or dedicate an area of lawn to native wildflowers only, as this is ideal habitat for pollinators. Plant fruit trees: Fruit trees are often the first source of pollen that appears each year,

providing a rich source of high-quality pollen for bees. Do not weed: Weeds can be a nuisance however they do have their purpose. Plants such as dandelions are a brilliant source of food for bees when other food is scarce, especially in early spring as there is only a limited range of sources available. Quench thirst: Even those with limited space can do their part by installing a small water basin for bees to satisfy thirst during the heights of summer. Just remember to add a couple of stones and floating objects such as a cork so the bees don’t drown. Keep the bees: For Brits who really want to invest in saving bees, they could look at picking up a new hobby – beekeeping. Do plenty of research and ensure preparation is done beforehand. Give bees a home and produce organic and locally made honey for all to enjoy.

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 36

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environmentally friendly way to enjoy smaller scale BBQs. Terra cotta pots can be found for a few pounds in most hardware stores, or there might be one left unloved in the garden. They are the perfect size to sit on a heat-resistant table and aside from the pot, all you need is a rack to cook food on. The larger the terra cotta pot, the harder it will be to heat up. Place bricks at the bottom to fill the base and retain heat.

HOW TO BUILD A BUDGET BBQ Brits are being shown how to make DIY budget BBQs, to entertain and make up for lost time with guests this summer. The penny-pinching pros over at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have collated expert advice on how to keep the cost of summer fun down, by building or making a structure to cook on with low-cost materials that can be found around the home. Nothing screams British summertime more than having friends and family over for a BBQ. Whether it’s a temporary, portable or permanent structure that will suit the BBQ needs of your guests best, there are plenty of cost-effective tips to get grilling. Cheap DIY methods of cooking dinner al fresco include using roasting trays, terra cotta plant pots and an old toolbox! A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes. co.uk said: “It doesn’t matter how small your BBQ budget is this year, as we have collated some ways to save money, by making a new outdoor grill to cook for guests on. “As people start fully emerging from lockdown for social occasions, outdoor events are likely to carry on being the preferred and safest option. “The best part of making tailoring your own grill station is that you can keep the cost down whilst still customising everything you want, from the size of the cooking area,

down to the materials you use to design them.” Little charcoal grill Cheap and easy disposable grills can be made using a thick foil baking tray, saving you a fortune on buying them from the shop each time you want a tasty meal outdoors. Pick the type of large tray used to cook a turkey, an inexpensive cooling rack to place food on and some charcoal to get the fire going. To fireproof the floor from flames and heat, stand the tray on some old cinderblocks or bricks. This little charcoal grill is easy to pack and portable enough for a camping trip Brick BBQ base Those with excess bricks or cement left over from another job are best placed to build a solid based BBQ. This one will require a fair amount of DIY, but it is easy enough. Create a square or squared semi-circle out the materials available and cement together to make it a sturdy structure that is a comfortable height to cook at. Once built, lay a grill over the top. This idea also works on a smaller scale. Instead of making the structure waist height, lay a small base of 12 to 15 bricks and build it up a brick or two high around the edges of the small structure. Terra cotta pot grill This tiny grill might not be able to feed the most, but it is an affordable and

Toolbox Old metal toolboxes are the ultimate stylish upcycled garden accessory and grill. If you don’t have an old one knocking about, they often make an appearance on online auction sites. The larger the toolbox, the more food will be able to cook at one time. Coat the toolbox with a heat resist pain for extra safety and to add a splash of colour. Once the toolbox has been prepped, pop charcoal in the bottom and a grill or cooling rack over the opening. BBQ barrel Metal barrel BBQs can be made with clean bins, casks and kegs. The metal cylinder will need to be cut in half and hinged and painted with a heat protected coat. One of the trickier DIY tasks will be making a stand to keep the barrel on. The stand can be made out of things like scaffolding and fence posts. Once finished, the BBQ barrel will look highly professional and you will barely be able to recognise it as a DIY job. Built-in pit This ambitious project is the timeliest and trickiest BBQ to attempt to make on the list, but any bog-standard DIY-er will be able to create this easy breezy built-in pit. The process is similar for both in-ground and overground pits, but parents with young children should seriously consider opting for a raised feature. Use a shovel to dig out the pit, as it will need to be around 50cm deep to sit over the ground. Sunken pits will need at least a metre of space below ground. Use a metal firepit ring or non-combustible materials such as concrete, fire bricks, or landscaping stones to build up and decorate the sides of the BBQ. Once safe and sturdy, add charcoal and a large grill to entertain and cook for guests.

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FOOLPROOF BBQ SIMPLE RECIPES TO CREATE A SIZZLE Everyone loves to fire up the barbecue on a sunny day - but how often do you end up with blackened steak, raw chicken or collapsing veggie kebabs? Never fear Genevieve Taylor, BBQ and live-fire expert and cook, is here to solve your barbecue problems with foolproof recipes to make your summer party a sizzling success.

AUBERGINE WITH FETA, CURRANTS & PINE NUTS SERVES 4–6 3 medium aubergines (eggplants) 2 tbsp olive oil 75g (21/2oz) pine nuts, toasted 75g (21/2oz) currants a handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped 200g (7oz) feta, crumbled extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling 1 lemon, halved sea salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve seeds from 1 pomegranate 1 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes (optional), to garnish

Aleppo pepper (also known as pul biber) is a type of chilli flake with a lovely lemony flavour. Find it online or in Turkish or Middle Eastern food shops. METHOD Fire up the barbecue ready for indirect cooking so you can cook the aubergines (eggplants) away from the high heat of the fire. Slice the aubergines in half lengthways, then score a diamond pattern deeply into the cut surface of each half using a small sharp knife, taking care not to pierce the skin. Drizzle over the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Set the aubergine halves onto the grill bars, cut-side up, lower the lid and cook 38

indirectly for 15 minutes, rotating once or twice so they cook evenly.You want them to soften all the way through, so keep them away from the direct fire. Turn and cook cut-side down for another 10 minutes with the lid down, until they are soft and tender. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the aubergines. Meanwhile, mix the pine nuts, currants and parsley in a bowl. Once the aubergines are tender, slide them, cut-side up, onto a fireproof baking sheet then scatter over the nut and herb mixture. Sprinkle over the feta and grind over some black pepper.

Slide the tray back onto the barbecue, this time over the direct heat, and leave to cook for a further 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is softened. Use a metal spatula to transfer the aubergines to a serving plate then drizzle with plenty of extra virgin olive oil and squeeze over the lemon juice. Scatter over the pomegranate seeds and a good sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, if you have some. Serve warm.

PORK, FENNEL &LEMON BURGERS WITH GRILLED AUBERGINE SERVES 4 100g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs 50ml (3 tbsp) milk 500g (1lb 2oz) pork mince (ground pork) 50g (31/2oz) Parmesan, grated 1 egg finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 2 tsp fennel seeds, ground a small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1 large aubergine (eggplant), cut into 1.5cm (5⁄8in) thick discs 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for brushing sea salt and freshly ground black pepper TO SERVE 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced open a generous handful of rocket (arugula) leaves tomato relish or chilli ketchup (optional)

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is an Italian trick that helps keep pork mince tender.They can be a little delicate on the grill but chilling them before cooking helps hold them together. METHOD Put the breadcrumbs into a mixing bowl, pour over the milk, then leave to soak for 10 minutes until the milk is absorbed. Add the pork mince (ground pork), Parmesan, egg, lemon zest, garlic, ground fennel seeds, parsley and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until evenly combined then shape into 4 evensized burgers. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up, or leave for up to 24 hours if you like. When you are ready to cook, take the burgers from the fridge and brush on both

sides with the olive oil. Fire up the barbecue ready for direct cooking. When hot, put the burgers on the grill bars, lower the lid and cook for 8 minutes on each side. Pork mince is prone to sticking. Test the burgers are ready by sliding a metal spatula under a corner of one burger. If it comes away easily from the grill and has a deep caramelized crust, it’s ready to turn. If it’s stuck, leave it for a further minute or two before turning, then grill until cooked through.

Once the burgers are on the grill, brush the aubergine (eggplant) slices with a little extra oil, then lay them alongside the burgers to cook, turning them a few times until lightly charred and tender all the way through. Toast the ciabatta rolls, cut-sides down, for a minute or two on the grill. To serve, put some rocket (arugula) onto the base of the bun and top with a burger. Add a couple slices of aubergine, and top with a dollop of tomato relish or ketchup, if using, before adding the bun lid. 39

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GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH CHILLI & RUM BUTTER SAUCE SERVES 4 1 medium pineapple 100g (7 tbsp) butter 3 tbsp soft brown sugar 3 tbsp rum (or orange juice) 1–2 hot red chillies, to taste vanilla ice cream, to serve

A totally tropical take on a pineapple. The rum is optional, so replace it with orange juice for an alcohol-free version.

METHOD Fire up the barbecue ready for direct grilling. Once hot, give the grill bars a good scrub with a wire brush. Use a large sharp knife to chop off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then slice down in thin strips to remove the peel. The pineapple will now be left with lots of unsightly brown eyes that you don’t want to eat.You will see that the eyes are in spiral lines running diagonally around the pineapple. Turn the pineapple on its side, take a small sharp knife and cut a deep V-shaped trench down either side of each row of eyes, removing the row in one piece. Rotate the pineapple and move onto the next row. Repeat until all the eyes are removed. Cut the pineapple into 1cm (1/2in) thick slices.

Put the butter, sugar, rum (or orange juice) and chillies in a small fireproof tin or pan (no plastic or wooden handles) and rest on the grill bars, slightly away from the fire, and leave to melt. Lay the pineapple slices on the grill bars directly above the fire. Use a silicone pastry brush to baste the pineapple with the butter and rum sauce as it grills, turning regularly until the slices are deeply caramelized. Once the pineapple is cooked, lift each slice into the tin and toss in the remaining sauce. Serve a couple of slices of hot pineapple on each plate, top with a scoop of ice cream, drizzle over the remaining sauce and tuck in.

WHY HOLIDAYS ARE IMPORTANT FOR OUR HEALTH and memories from the day which improves our mental functioning, problem solving, memory and creativity. Studies show that people with depression often have less than six hours sleep per night, meaning they do not have enough deep sleep and REM sleep, which is when the brain is restored. In fact, prolonged time awake can actually result in the loss of a certain type of brain cell known as the locus ceruleus which regulates norepinephrine. The more norepinephrine the less likely we can achieve REM sleep.

The past year has been incredibly tough and unpredictable, and the uncertainty and constant changes have increased our stress and anxiety levels. Many of us are hoping to take a holiday this summer, whether that is in this country or perhaps abroad. Here is why taking a holiday is so important to our physical and mental health. Holidays improve our physical health… Working without breaks creates an imbalance in hormone levels and increases inflammatory processes which weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, viruses and other illnesses. Giving your body frequent periods of rest prevents poor health and can reduce the chances of serious medical conditions like heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes. Holidays help our mental health… Overworking and overstimulating our brains makes our neurons more excitable and alert which leads to trouble sleeping, mood swings, short temperedness, and poor memory, focus and confusion. More serious mental health problems can also occur like depression and anxiety. Holidays do the reverse and help us take time to find solutions to problems and to be relaxed in the moment. Holidays help consolidate and process memories… and make happy ones…During periods of rest our brains take time to process and sort memories so that we are more prepared for work and normal home life when we get back.

Holidays strengthen bonds… Quality time with partners, children, other family members and friends strengthens social bonds. This last year has shown how unpredictable and tough life can be and as pack animals, and how we rely on a strong social infrastructure for support. Spending time with your children also boosts their self-esteem, sense of security and family values. Holidays decrease burnout… Burnout can influence every aspect of your life from relationships to physical and mental health. One of the main ways to tackle burnout is taking time off to relax. Time off helps to ease feelings of stress and anxiety, alleviating pressure and feelings of burnout. Holidays help us catch up on sleep… Holidays allow us to catch up on sleep which is essential for brain function. Whilst we are asleep our brains consolidate information

By Dr Lynda Shaw, neuroscientist, business psychologist and change specialist.

Holidays sharpen your mind… Giving your brain a break from the daily activities you undertake at work and at home by doing something new helps establish stronger connections between brain cells which improves the learning process and concentration. Spending more time resting boosts creativity, problem solving skills and also makes us more efficient. Information is also transmitted from one part of the brain to another more effectively, improving recall. Holidays boost your creativity… Research has found that the brain gradually stops registering sense stimuli such as sight, sound or feeling if that stimulus remains consistent for long periods. This may cause us to lose focus and diminish performance and creativity. Taking regular breaks and time off helps to prevent this, leaving us more motivated and creative. Holidays make us more active especially outdoors… Most of us spend more time outside on our holidays which is hugely beneficial to our health. For example, studies have found that going for a walk outside lowers blood pressure, stress levels, improves focus, helps us heel quicker, slows ageing and simply make us happier! Exercise helps to boost your creativity even more by increasing oxygen flow to the brain. In addition to enjoying it on holidays, incorporate time outdoors into your daily routine, especially if you have a desk job. Holidays encourage us to try something new… like open water swimming, a segway, a new type of food, footgolf, a barge trip, an open air cinema or learning about a new culture. Trying new things allows us to expand our minds, learn and step out of our comfort zone which expands our horizons and increases productivity, inspiration and knowledge. 41

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HOW TO CREATE YOUR HAVEN AT HOME The UK has spent more time at home than normal, and with uncertainty around moving to a new house, Brits have decided to improve rather than move, with many undergoing home improvement projects. In fact, the 2020 Renovation Nation Report stated that spending more time at home inspired 65 per cent of homeowners to invest in renovations to their properties.

Making our home more comfortable, creating a space which we can enjoy all year round has become more important than ever. The 2020 Renovation Nation Report also suggested that the trend for investing in our home is set to continue, as 73 per cent of UK homeowners admit they’ll continue to spend more time at home. With the home improvement trend set to continue, Eurocell Home, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributer and recycler of UPVC window and door systems looks at how you can create a stunning living space at home, you won’t want to leave!

Creating an open space Many homeowners aspire to create a seamless link between the indoor and outdoor space of their homes. Bi-fold doors have become increasingly popular in recent years, they can create a stunning finish to a range of home styles including new builds, modern extensions or period properties. And, with a wide selection of colours and frame sizes to choose from, bi-fold doors can bring your home to life and create a wow-factor! Bi-folds are perfect for letting natural light flood into the inside living space and can often make smaller homes feel larger, providing you with low-maintenance luxury of modern living.

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Increase the floor space For many, increasing the floor space of your home is highly desirable, whether it be attached to the house, or as a separate space in the garden, there are many different ways to create extra floor space to your home. Fitting a conservatory is a popular option, as it’s an effective way of increasing the space within your home and creating a statement. Ensure the finish of the conservatory flows with style of your home with perfectly styled doors. French doors are beautifully suited to conservatories and can create an impressive entrance to your garden or a seamless transition through your living space.

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A same level extension or lean to is also a good option for increasing floor space, either extended on a kitchen or living room with a large glass frontage, a lean-to extension can create more of an open plan living space. Home office A space at home which you can call ‘my office’ is now more important than ever. With many people now working from home, creating a home office can help to separate work and home life. A desirable home office would include lots of natural light, whether that be from a skylight, patio doors or a big window, natural light can make a huge difference to the working environment. It’s also important to add personal touches to your home office, decorate it to be a style you like, install good lighting and find a way of separating your office from your home life.

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FOOD & DRINK | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

JAMES MARTIN’S HIGHLANDS TO ISLANDS

Since going on his Great British Adventure in 2019, James Martin has taken to the road again (and the sea and skies, too!) to bring us more of his favourite stunning recipes.

STEAK WITH WHISKY-BRAISED ONIONS AND MUSTARD SAUCE Every chef becomes obsessed with certain ingredients at some point in the year and right now, my obsession is onions. These, combined with steak and a simple mustard sauce, were a favourite dish of Johnny on Camera Two when we were filming the show.

SERVES 2 4 onions, peeled 50ml whisky 600ml beef stock 100g salted butter 1 garlic clove, crushed a few pine sprigs, washed and patted dry 1–2 tablespoons olive oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 400g rump steak, 5cm thick 150g long-stem broccoli FOR THE SAUCE 2 tablespoons Scottish grainy mustard ½ teaspoon English mustard 2 tablespoons salted butter 25ml whisky 75ml double cream

If using, light your BBQ. When the coals are silvery in colour, it’s ready to cook on. Place the whole onions in a pan with the whisky and beef stock. Cover and bring to the boil then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 40 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift the onions out of their cooking liquor and set aside to cool a little. Reserve the liquor. Meanwhile, place the butter, garlic and pine sprigs into a separate pan and place over a low heat to melt the butter. If not cooking on the BBQ, preheat a griddle pan over a high heat. Cut the onions in half horizontally, then drizzle over the oil and season well. Cook on the griddle pan or on the BBQ, flat-side down, for a couple of minutes until charred. Lift onto a plate and set aside. Season the steak all over, then brush with some of the melted pine butter. Cook on the hot griddle pan or on the BBQ for 2 minutes, then brush with more butter, flip over and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the long-stem broccoli to the pan or BBQ for the last 2 minutes of cooking, again brushing with pine butter. Lift the steak onto a boar and rest for 4 minutes. To make the sauce, put both types of mustard in a pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter and 200ml of the reserved onion cooking liquor. Pour in the whisky, then flambé to burn off the alcohol, tipping the pan gently and carefully to ignite. Place over a medium heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, then stir in the cream and season well. Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to finish. Slice the steak into 3-cm thick slices and place on a platter with the broccoli, then spoon over the sauce. Pull the onions into petals and dot around before serving. JAMES MARTIN’S ISLANDS TO HIGHLANDSBY JAMES MARTIN (QUADRILLE, £25) PHOTOGRAPHY © PETER CASSIDY

ISLES OF SCILLY POLLOCK WITH A BEAN AND TOMATO STEW Pollock is deemed the poor man’s haddock or cod, which is sad in a way, as there is plenty of it and it’s a great-tasting fish. Slightly salting it for ten minutes before cooking will firm it up and makes it easier to cook with. I used some of the great sea salt that is produced all around Cornwall for this and created a simple bean and tomato stew to go with it. SERVES 4 4 x 150-g pollock fillets, skin on sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 50g salted butter FOR THE STEW 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 garlic cloves, sliced 1 shallot, diced 1 small fennel bulb, half diced and half thinly sliced 12 cherry tomatoes, halved 2 large heritage tomatoes, diced 50g Sunblush sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped 50ml dry white wine 400g can haricot beans, drained small handful of rock samphire small handful of sea beets or baby spinach 15g salted butter

Put the fish onto a tray and sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of sea salt. Leave for 10 minutes, then wash off and pat dry. To make the stew, heat a non-stick saucepan over a medium heat. Pour in the oil, then stir in the garlic, shallot and all of the fennel and cook for 2–3 minutes until starting to soften. Add all the tomatoes, along with a spoonful of oil from the sundried tomatoes, and stir everything together. Pour in the wine, bring to the boil, then stir in the beans and cook gently for 10 minutes. To cook the fish, heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat until hot, then add the 50g butter. Once the butter is melted and foaming, slide the fish into the pan, flesh-side down. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip over and cook for a further 2 minutes. Season on each side. Finish the stew by stirring through the samphire, sea beets or baby spinach and butter. Taste to check the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. To serve, spoon the stew onto a large warm platter and top with the fish.

WELSH LAMB RAGOUT WITH PENNE I genuinely meant it when I said during our filming in the Brecon Beacons that it’s tempting not to bother going abroad on holiday when we have places like this on our doorstep. The scenery around Wales is spectacular, it was one of my favourite locations on the whole trip, and I loved it so much that I have been back there four times since filming.

SERVES 6–8 25g salted butter 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 1 leek, diced 1 celery stick, diced 300g lamb mince 200g lamb leg, diced into 1-cm cubes 1 tablespoon tomato purée sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 500ml lamb or beef stock 100ml red wine 200g canned chopped tomatoes 2 bay leaves 400g fresh penne pasta large bunch of basil leaves, roughly torn 50g parmesan

Heat the butter in a large non-stick saucepan over a medium heat. Once the butter is foaming, stir in the garlic, onion, carrots, leek and celery and cook gently for around 5 minutes until starting to soften. Increase the heat to high, then add all the lamb and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring everything together and using a wooden spoonto break down the mince. Stir in the tomato purée, season well, then pour in the stock, wine and chopped tomatoes. Give everything a good stir, then tuck the bay leaves into the mixture. Leave to bubble over a high heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by around half. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, add a good pinch of salt, then add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift the pasta out of the pan and transfer it to the pan with the sauce. Cook for a further 2 minutes, then stir in the basil and season. Divide between pasta bowls, then grate over the parmesan and serve. 45

HEALTH

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

HEALTH ADVICE FOR MATURE WOMEN Staying healthy becomes even more important as we get older. When we’re young, we can easily overcome illnesses, falls, and other issues, but as we age these things become more difficult. However, if we take care of our health in the long term, we can ensure that we feel and perform well no matter how old we get. Below, you’ll find the essential health advice mature women should follow in 2021: Stay Up To Date With Your Healthcare Provider Start by staying up to date with your healthcare provider. Don’t ignore letters asking you to book an appointment, and don’t ‘worry about making a big deal’ out of any health concerns. Booking a private covid test could be the best thing to give you peace of mind. Eat A Balanced Diet A balanced diet should include plenty of color, so fruits and vegetables should be a regular purchase at the supermarket. Balance also means eating a little of what you fancy, however deprivation is not the key to happiness, and happiness is a must for health, too! Try to make smart choices, but don’t go to extremes. You should enjoy your food. Stay Active Exercising can help you to strengthen your muscles and bones, and improve your flexibility and stamina. This can help you to go about your day to day life with ease, as well as reduce your risk of trips and falls. Just find a form of exercise that you really enjoy and you should have no trouble sticking to it. Do something you enjoy, and start slow if you need to. There is plenty of time to build up your sessions and increase intensity if and when you feel ready to do

so. Don’t feel under pressure. A gentle yoga session can be just as good for your health as a more intense resistance workout. Enjoy A Rich Social Life There is a risk of loneliness as we age and lose touch with our loved ones. This is why it’s so important to put effort into cultivating a rich social life. Join clubs and meet like minded people, and call your friends and family to catch up every so often, even if only for 10 minutes. Don’t Neglect Sleep We tend to need less sleep as we age, but this totally depends on how much we naturally need, as well as how active we are. 8 hours usually allows us to perform out best, but it’s up to you to pay attention to how much sleep helps you to feel great. Remember that less than 6 hours is just as bad as none at all, and it can even mean a shorter lifespan. Keep Your Brain Active Keeping your brain active is one of the most important things you can do later in life, too. Doing puzzles, reading, and learning new things can all help you to keep your brain and body healthy.You’re never too old to learn something new, and keeping your brain sharp will ensure you stay healthier for longer.

How to clear your brain fog Many of us have been talking about brain fog of late, whether that is because of ageing, feeling burnout, recovering from illness, or juggling too many balls in the air during this incredibly difficult last year. So what is brain fog and how does it relate to memory and what exactly can we do about it? What is brain fog? Brain fog can range from mild to severe and is associated with poor memory, not being able to focus clearly, not being able to retrieve information and a lack of clear thinking and can negatively affect all aspects of our lives. Brain fog can be most apparent when we struggle with our memory and our ability to acquire, store, maintain and reclaim information that we have previously experienced or learned. A review by Theoharides et al (2015) discusses evidence that suggests stress, exposure to certain toxins and medical health problems causes inflammation of certain molecules in the brain which can contribute to brain fog. Even lack of sleep and nutritional deficiencies can add to the problem. So, what can we do to help ourselves? How to clear brain fog, sharpen our thinking & improve our memory Make sleep your top priority. On average, a person goes through 3-5 REM (rapid eye movement) cycles per night which is when we dream and is vital for mental and emotional regulation. It is important to maintain a regular and healthy sleeping pattern in order to prevent or clear brain fog and to be at your sharpest and allow your brain to do all its sorting and coding. Exercise to get the oxygen flowing. Exercising increases oxygen and blood flow, so incorporate 30 mins of exercise into your daily routine to help clear out the cobwebs especially if you can get outside. Don’t overload. Take time to properly focus on activities and avoid trying to do too many things at once. The misguided notion of multitasking has been linked to poorer episodic memory, along with a reduction in efficiency, performance and focus. Slow down and do one thing at a time. Brain fog could be hormonal. Low levels of hormones, particularly oestrogen, have been linked to changes in memory and difficulties thinking or processing information. These disturbances most frequently occur during the menopause.

Check medications. Some over the counter medications can cause brain fog so check the label for side effects. Chemotherapy can prevent the production of oestrogen which may explain changes in memory otherwise known as ‘chemo brain’, which is another type of brain fog. Consult a medical professional if you think depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or medication you are taking could be contributing to the brain fog. Reduce stress. Most importantly if you are feeling overwhelmed, remember to be kind to yourself. Have downtime, work out what you need to feel better that can be realistically achieved and surround yourself with positive people. ONCE THE FOG HAS CLEARED, IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY BY:Activating as many senses as you can. Sensory memories are fleeting, and we are not often aware of them. But stimulating the senses can help us feel better which encourages us to continue that activity thus bringing it into our conscious awareness, enjoying the process and develop long term memories. Using mnemonic tools such as using as a phrase, acronym, song, rhyme or image to help remember a list of facts in a certain order. Learning something new that you enjoy. Novelty is a sure fire way to get our attention. So think of something you haven’t done before, try it and if you enjoy it keep going. The neural plasticity of the brain is incredible and you will lay down new connections and pathways and have fun at the same time. Attaching meaning to what you want to remember. If you are bad with names or dates attach a meaning by associating it with something familiar.This link provides a stronger association in your brain, increasing the likelihood of you remembering it next time. Repetition. Intentionally repeating something that you would like to recall in the future is one of the oldest tricks in the book – but it works. Repetition will encode information beyond your sensory and short-term memory, into your long-term memory. MANAGING ANXIETY COMING OUT OF LOCKDOWN During the pandemic we have all coped in different ways; some of us have adjusted more easily whilst others have had to deal with pain and hardship, or with feelings of burnout or isolation. Whilst people who have had to shield may understandably need time to adjust to coming out of lockdown, many of us may be

feeling anxiety for a variety of reasons. Now as we are slowly opening up the world again it is important to ensure that we are best equipped for what may still be a series of uncertainties and ups and downs. Here are some tips that may help:Take your time – Before getting up each day perhaps listen to the birds or practise gratitude for a few minutes and make happiness and health a daily choice. Going forwards in the weeks ahead, try to avoid rushing big decisions, prioritise what needs to be acted upon first, take your time to get it right, avoid comparing yourself with others. Positive thinking - Facing challenges head on and realistically whilst thinking positively helps to move forwards and build resilience. Research shows that those who face adversity with a positive mindset deal with stress and problems better and have a better health outcome long term. Avoid the traps of negative thinking and swap in more positive language. Re-examine negative situations from a different angle and try to find a workable solution. Ensure you live a healthy lifestyle including regular physical exercise, a good sleeping pattern, low stress and a healthy diet. Focus on things you can control. Be safely social and inclusive - Follow the rules but remain sociable where possible, even if that means keeping events virtual. Through brain imaging, scientists have found that when people experience social exclusion and social distress some areas of the brain are similarly activated as if they were experiencing physical pain. Work out your new priorities – The pandemic has made many revaluate their priorities, leading people to ask themselves what truly makes them happy. Are you happy at work and in your relationship? Are you happy in your own skin? Set some goals for yourself which you feel will make you happier and revisit them once a month to track your progress. They could be anything from exercising, to getting in touch with old friends to getting a promotion. Be careful of burnout - Identify the signs early. Signs of burnout include fatigue, irritability, sleepless nights despite feelings of exhaustion, anxiety and physiological changes in your body like raised blood pressure. Ensure you aren’t consumed by your old life once restrictions lift and that you use what you learnt in lockdown including perhaps slowing down. 47

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