Liverpool issue 42

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W W W. 5 0 P L U S M A G A Z I N E . C O . U K APRIL - JUNE 2016

LIVERPOOL, SOUTHPORT & WEST LANCS EDITION 42

James Martin

FOR GUIDANCE ON YOUR PENSION...

SEE PAGES 28-29

THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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The UK’s largest stocks of Collection

Discover the largest selection of superb quality rugs in the UK. We travel far and wide to find the finest rugs in theworld. Every one of our showrooms is home to the most exquisite array of designs. Thousands of designs in every size, shape and colour. When it comes to rugs, we’ve got everything covered.

Service

If you are looking for something special to make the finishing touch to your room you are sure to find it at FrithRugs. With our “Bring to home” service we can even bring a selection to your home for you to choose in situ, so its never been easier to find the perfect quality large rug

Colour

Enjoy a rainbow of shades. Our rugs come in every tone from subtle neutrals in cream and beige to fired-up reds, gorgeous greens and bold blues. Calming and invigorating colours create the right mood for any setting. Bring in samples of your existing colour scheme and find the perfect match.

Over 30,000 rugs in stock, with free next day delivery

Warmth

Turn up the heat with a beautiful rug. There’s no faster way to add a warming focal point to any room in the home. Choose a vibrant shade and introduce rich tones to lift your mood and warm your heart. Select a deep pile design and sink into softness and cosy indulgence.

Beauty

Every rug is a work of art. Each hand made rug is unique and has been beautifully created by master craftsmen. This is exceptional quality and skill that has to be seen to be believed. Visit a showroom and the sheer beauty of our designs will take your breath away.

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www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

quality Rugs & large Rugs

Tel: 0845 4 900 600

Style

What’s your style? Traditional, floral, tribal, modern, plain? We source rugs from all over the world with designs from the Middle and Far East and a vast range of machine made wool rugs from Europe. Most rugs are made especially for us. Our exclusive Laura Jade Designer Collection features a dazzling display of contemporary designs and colours.

Ideas and inspiration for everyone.

Birchwood

J9

M62

Warrington Wolves Stadium

M6 J21

A49

Woolston

A57 Great Sankey

A57

A50 M56 A56

A49

Quality

It’s our watchword. We search the world for fine rugs and only the best meet our exacting quality standards.

Our buyers inspect every rug before dispatch to our showrooms. This kind of attention to detail is unmistakable. Step inside a showroom and discover the largest collection of superb quality rugs you’ve ever seen.

Lythgoes Lane (A49) Warrington WA2 7XE Showrooms also at: North Wales LL18 5TZ Staffordshire WS11 7FJ Isle of Man IM4 4LH Kent CT1 3RQ

Comfort

Beautiful to the eye. Warm and comfortable underfoot. All our rugs are made from only the finest materials and come in a range of thicknesses to suit any room. Choose from sleek rugs in fine silk to long pile shaggy rugs. Kick off your shoes and enjoy the sensation. Comfort is guaranteed.

• 30,000 RUGS IN STOCK • ORDER TODAY, HAVE IT DELIVERED FREE TOMORROW* *Excludes weekend delivery.

• FREE PARKING

Choice

See rugs in every size, shape and colour. Our vast selection of sizes ranges from a modest 31 cm sqaure to a huge 8m by 5m. Even larger rugs are available to order.

Choose from rectangles, squares, circles, ovals and octagons as well as hall runners in a variety of lengths.

• BESPOKE SERVICE • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Open: Mon-Sat: 10.00-5.00, Sun & Bank Hols: 10.00 - 4.00 Closed:

Custom

Most of our designs are available to order in any size, any shape and any colour. So, if we don’t have the right rug in stock for you, we will arrange for this to be custom made, exactly as you want it.

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Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Easter Sunday FrithRugs is a trademark of GH Frith (Bodelwyddan) Ltd.

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CONTENTS 14-15 CHANGE THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME

Interior design hints and tips

INSIDE...

17-18 DOWNSIZING & DECLUTTERING

There are more options than ever for

retirement living 22-26 Out and about

Places to visit and things to do!

30-32 sweet treats

Desserts to delight by James Martin

12-13

36-37 Arcangel

For your protection and peace of mind!

To read more titles of the magazine, enter our competitions or to subscribe to our regular newsletter visit our new look website:

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk 8-9

THE GREAT BRITISH HOLIDAY Get the best holidays here at home

10-11 OFFERING GREAT VALUE HOLIDAYS

For over 90 years ... Robinsons Holidays 12-13 JAMES MARTIN AgeAge Concern_Befriends Ad_190x125mmV5.pdf Concern_Befriends Ad_190x125mmV5.pdf 1 1 12/01/2015 12/01/2015 09:20 09:20

We had a chat with James before his tour!

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX T: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213 e: admin@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

Some people feel lonely and isolated atat particular times throughout their lives, if if you feel Some people feel lonely and isolated particular times throughout their lives, you feel this is is you oror someone you know, Age Concern Liverpool && Sefton may bebe able toto help.

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Age Concern Liverpool & •& Sefton Homecare Service has been designed according to Age Concern Liverpool Sefton Homecare Service has been designed according to • Get toto activities && • Get activities • Keep inin touch with people Keep touch with people exactly what older people have told usus they have been looking for.

We arrange for exactly what older people have told they have been looking for.

We arrange for medical appointments medical appointments • Manage your • Manage your money dedicated carers toto visit your home, atmoney times you decide toto help with the tasks you dedicated carers visit your home, at times you decide help with the tasks you • •Feel positive Feel positive • below Feel safe • below Feel safe choose.

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Contact Contactthe theBefriending Befriending&&Re-ablement Re-ablementTeam Teamon on01704 01704542 542933.

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8-10 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TF 8-10 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TF

www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk 4

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TWITTER

T w itte r in g O n with Graham Smith Graham Smith

Cavalier approach to the weather!

I forget who sang about “it might as well rain until September”, well in my part of the world it has been doing and right through to Spring.

Prolonged wet weather gets us all in different ways. It’s a treat for my sciatica for instance. I’ve just spent three months walking like a ruptured duck thanks to pins, needles and pains and the urge to emigrate to warmer climes has crossed my mind more than once as I’ve performed an inelegant pose to put socks on in the morning.

Being part time guardian to six spaniels has its moments too as the rain has turned their garden into something resembling a boating lake and a toilet trip followed by 24 muddy paws trooping back in the house can be traumatic. Sometimes it’s nearly a fire engine job. Some perform their ablutions on dry land but others feel the urge to go on an Amazonian safari without a boat to the farthest flung corner of the quagmire and return looking like a mud wrestling competitor and they’re not fussy where they wipe their feet. Towels are to be avoided if they prefer wiping their feet and mud-soaked torsos on the best carpet and a shake of the head can lead to half an hour’s wiping down of tiles and paintwork.

There’s brainless Ben, the largest of the group, who thinks he’s God’s gift to the

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female sex even though he’s long since been separated from the equipment to do anything about it. He considers himself the only five-legged specimen of the breed and will aquaplane across the garden to offer his lustful ministrations to the nearest female, also devoid of the equipment and usually the inclination, so, thwarted, he’ll lunge back inside to attempt procreation with a stuffed rabbit or teddy bear. Not a pretty sight.

Whether the vet had a bad day when performing Ben’s neutering I don’t know but the sad animal has a fascination for vigorously licking my good lady’s leg, whatever she may be doing, which has alarming similarities to Sarah Ferguson’s fascination with having her toes sucked as a prelude to other delights. I worry about him. The look on his face if you remonstrate with him is reminiscent of an errant drunk on a Saturday night but he seems happy in his own world.

Milly is the senior member of the pack and rather like a dotty dowager. She is blind and deaf but that doesn’t prevent her finding the filthiest corner of the garden, ploughing through it until she resembles an outsize mud pie and gazing sightlessly at you afterwards as much as to say, “It’s your fault, clean me up and where’s my food?”

It’s a dog’s life? It certainly is for those who have to care for them during this monsoon season. Roll on summer!

When I’m 65 I officially become an OAP this year and although thoughts of retirement are far away it’s becoming noticeable that my bodily functions are no longer matching my mentality.

You know the feeling, you lose control.

You can cough, break wind and pass water all at the same time but not always voluntarily and invariably in the wrong place. Hair which long since stopped growing on your head sprouts from ever other bodily orifice and often in places where scissors or

a razor could be positively injurious.

Your mind wanders back to your youth but your legs wander in odd directions and young people are opening doors for you even if you don’t want to go through them.

I’m still having sex at 64 although I live at 58, it’s no distance! But as we strive to do all we once did through advancing years isn’t it amazing what aids we needs to do it! Now cleanse your minds I didn’t mean that although I note that those who do need a pill of the aphrodisiac variety still have to pay for them on private prescription.

Develop a bad back though and you’ll get a cocktail of drugs over the telephone from your doctor for free even though he may never have met and diagnosed you.

You put more by the side of the bed than in it. Hair gel and aftershave are replaced by hair restorer and various embrocations to aid mobility and by the time you’ve reached the bathroom you’ve forgotten why you set off, and if it’s really bad you’ve maybe done it in the hall anyway.

Age is only a number they say. Indeed it is but a number of things are starting to happen which I could well do without.

A recurrent bad back, the front’s not so good either, blood pressure pills in a world where standards would give anyone blood pressure, the list is endless and growing daily.

Pass me the pension book but I refuse to go gently into that goodnight and intend to grow old disgracefully.

Food on the move Is it really necessary to drink coffee and eat on the move?

The modern trend is to ponse along with a cardboard cup of whatever in the mornings, in the street, the car or at a desk, and as the day goes on it seems the modern generation cannot be without some sort of drink in their hands whatever they are doing.

In my day we ate at tables, used knives and forks and drank sitting down, what’s wrong with that?

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“I say, have you heard what’s going on at Bygone Times?!”

Antiques & collectables across the ages!

500 STALL HOLDERS - ACROSS 5 ENORMOUS FLOORS Including a Cobbled Alleyway & Courtyard Garden Centre

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Spinners Cafe Hot food & drinks, afternoon tea, light bites & cakes

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We’re open 10:00am - 5:30pm, 7 days a week Call us today on: 01257 451889 enquiries@bygonetimes.co.uk www.bygonetimes.co.uk

TRAVEL

Cornwall, deep in a peaceful wooded valley.

If you like walking, you can see the ruggedly beautiful hills of Wales or the sleepy villages set in rural Yorkshire.

Stay in a YHA hostel in the South-east and take a gentle family chauffeur punt down the river in Cambridge or experience the thrill of the rides at Chessington World of Adventures.

The great thing about holidaying in the UK with your family is the wonderfully broad spread of activities on offer.

Youngsters can run about, take part in planned activity programmes, go swimming or even take their bikes along when you’re having a staycation.

The Great British Holiday IF there is one thing that the recession has taught us it’s about getting value for money. And it’s not just being pro-British to say that you can now get the best holidays here at home.

ABTA – the well-respected Association of British Travel Agents – says that their recent research shows that 20 per cent of people surveyed would be spending more on holidays in 2016.

They also discovered that nearly seven in 10 people, that’s 68 per cent, took at least one UK holiday last year. Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive, believes that good weather in the UK in June and July helped. He says that “the research shows there are reasons to be optimistic for 2016 and beyond.”

8

All of which is no surprise to the thousands of tourists who flock into Great Britain each year from other countries around the world. They come determined to discover the many attractions here. Perhaps we Brits are simply slower to pick up on noticing the wonders around us, but we are getting better at it.

More people than ever are opting to stay in the UK for their annual holidays, citing “the hassle of going through customs and airports etc” as well as the constant discovery of new places without ever leaving these shores.

If we can stand back a little from the whole subject of holidays and try to take a dispassionate look at what the UK has to offer, there really is something for every traveller and taste.

You can take the whole family – including the dog – to a luxury cabin in ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, or wake each day on the banks of an ancient millpond in a beautiful dwelling in Deerpark in

They don’t have to endure tiresome flights, hanging around in airports or not liking the food abroad. Children can make themselves understood to everyone, and discover for themselves just how beautiful is their own country.

Couples can quietly discover the real Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle in Hampshire – where fact meets fiction in fascinating English history. Our country has plenty of history, with stunning landmarks in Norwich spanning the Norman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras to Bath with its fascinating Roman baths. Visit York, where history leaps out at you around every corner. Travel to the capital and see the magnet of attractions that draw the constant crowds to its major art galleries, packed with masterpieces, the British Museum exhibiting the works of man from historic to modern times or the London Eye where the best views over the city are available to fascinate.

A holiday in the UK can turn into the kind of voyage of discovery that used to be reserved for early travellers setting foot in ancient lands for the first time.

The sense of wonder is on offer in cities, towns and in tiny hamlets boasting a village church and a history recorded in the Domesday Book.

Our coastlines are among some of the world’s most stunning. Just walk along the rugged cliffs of Boscastle in Cornwall and you’ll be treading on

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by the same family today, even after 90 years! Committed to making happy holiday memories for many more years to come and are always looking for ways to improve the holiday and caravan ownership experience!

rocks first laid down 300 million years ago. Mind you, it’s also got some of the best beaches, too, and the longest: 476 km of luscious coastline.

You can cycle through the wilds of Yorkshire or take a more sedate luxury barge along the Lancaster Canal – or just please yourself and do both!

Throughout the eight parks, Lyons offer something for everyone; whether it's a fun filled family park on the coast, or a relaxing park in the stunning Welsh countryside, there's something for you at Lyons. Plus, you can even own your own holiday home at any of the parks and enjoy a lifetime of holidays for many years to come!

The Great British Holiday is the one that you like the best. And it’s completely achievable, even with one eye on the weather.

LYONS HOLIDAY PARK It all started when Lyons Holiday Parks was founded by Joseph William Lyons, it was some seventy two years later that Robin Hood was purchased which went on to become the flag ship park of The Lyons Holiday Parks Group. From there they continued to grow to eight parks they have today.

In 2010 they purchased their first hotel, the Nant Hall and 2013 when Woodlands Hall Hotel and Country Club was added to the group, offering luxury accommodation and fine dining.

The research shows there are reasons to be optimistic for 2016 and beyond.

From being the very first holiday park in North Wales to being the biggest and best family-run holiday park operator in the area...The Lyons Group is still run

With different holiday parks and hotels, there is a vast choice to find whatever it is you are looking for to make your holiday memory that you can revisit time and time again.

• Blackpool

• Southport

9 unique parks throughout North Wales • Liverpool

omes Holiday H m only start fro

Lyons Robin Hood Lyons Pendyffryn Hall

*

£9,995

Anglesey

Lyons Oakfield

Lyons Winkups

Lyons Eryl Hall

Lyons Lido Beach Wirral

Lyons St Mary’s Lyons Mounds

Lyons Woodlands Hall

*Selected models only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Join the owners community with Lyons Call 03333 700 701 or visit our website www.lyonsholidayparks.co.uk facebook.com/lyonsparks www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

twitter.com/lyonsparks 9

Offering Great Value Holidays For Over 90 Years

from only

£159 Sunny Sussex Eastbourne

Located on the south coast within the historic county of Sussex, lies the elegant seaside resort of Eastbourne. Renowned for its top sunshine records and award winning beaches, Eastbourne is understandably a popular holiday destination for all.

With a sprinkling of high street shops, centrally located, a Victorian pier and a rich history boasting a variety of castles, museums and galleries, Eastbourne is sure to cater for your every need.

Imperial Hotel Located just a stone’s throw away from the promenade and band stand, this grand Victorian hotel is full of character and home to a number of spacious, comfortable bedrooms, all accessible via lifts.

Guests are able to unwind in the relaxing lounge area before an evening meal in the Majestic Restaurant, offering hearty, home cooked food.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Two lifts serving all floors l Porterage.

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The Garden Isle Isle of Wight

Take a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of astounding natural beauty with a variety of attractions to suit all ages.

Located on the south east coast of the island, the traditional seaside resort of Shanklin is home to golden sandy beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages. It is understandably one of the most popular resorts on the island with plenty to entertain.

Ocean View Hotel Situated in a premier location with an idyllic seaside position, the charming, well-appointed Ocean View Hotel boasts uninterrupted panoramic views across Sandown Bay. The hotel also offers a large sprung dance floor and provides live entertainment most evenings.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier and sea views rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Licensed bar l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Heated indoor swimming pool l Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Please note that on each floor of the hotel, some steps may need to be negotiated.

Delightful Devon Torquay

Located in the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay is renowned for its mild climate, award winning sandy beaches and secluded coves and has been a popular holiday destination since the early 19th century.

With its distinctive European atmosphere, sophisticated environment and beautifully varied scenery, Torquay remains a popular holiday destination.

Abbey Lawn Hotel If you’re looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey with stunning views of the bay, the Abbey Lawn hotel offers an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.

The hotel comprises superb facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool and a conservatory lounge overlooking the bay, where guests can relax and enjoy a drink.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier and front facing rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Licensed bar l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Heated indoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

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The Robinsons Difference Local joining points l No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l Includes excursions l Friendly staff l Own hotels in great locations l Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l

9 Day Tours 2016

8 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 30 Apr 07 May 14 May 21 May 28 May 04 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun 02 Jul 09 Jul 16 Jul 23 Jul 30 Jul 06 Aug 13 Aug 20 Aug 27 Aug 03 Sept 10 Sept 17 Sept 24 Sept 01 Oct 15 Oct 29 Oct 06 Nov 26 Nov

£395 £409 £419 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £419 £409 £399 £389 £309 £299 £289 £309 £309

£395 £409 £419 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £419 £409 £399 £389 £309 £299 £289 £309 £309

ABBEY LAWN £395 £409 £419 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £419 £409 £399 £389 £309 £299 £289 £309 £309

Only standard rooms available on 9 Day Tours

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8 Day Tours 2016

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 30 Apr 01 May 07 May 08 May 14 May 15 May 21 May 22 May 28 May 29 May 04 Jun 05 Jun 11 Jun 12 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 02 Jul 03 Jul 09 Jul 10 Jul 16 Jul 17 Jul 23 Jul 24 Jul 30 Jul 31 Jul 06 Aug 07 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 27 Aug 28 Aug 03 Sept 04 Sept 10 Sept 11 Sept 17 Sept 18 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept

£349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £379 £379 £389 £389 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £389 £389 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £359

£349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £379 £379 £389 £389 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £389 £389 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £359

7 Day Tours 2016

6 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

ABBEY LAWN £349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £379 £379 £389 £389 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £389 £389 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £359

Imperial Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £35 Abbey Lawn Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Front Facing Room - £15 Ocean View Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Sea View Room - £15

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 24 Apr 01 May 08 May 15 May 22 May 29 May 05 Jun 12 Jun 19 Jun 26 Jun 03 Jul 10 Jul 17 Jul 24 Jul 31 Jul 07 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28 Aug 04 Sept 11 Sept 18 Sept 25 Sept 09 Oct 23 Oct 06 Nov 20 Nov

£269 £299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £355 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £329 £249 £239 £259 £259

£269 £299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £355 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £329 £249 £239 £259 £259

ABBEY LAWN £269 £299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £355 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £329 £249 £239 £259 £259

Only standard rooms available on 7 Day Tours

We offer you ...

3 4/6/7/8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 3 2 included excursions 3 Local pick-up points 3 Service of driver courier

Your Groups’ Specialist for coach holidays in the UK and Europe

We can tailor make tours to your specific requirements, if you want more information then contact our groups department on 0800 7851025 or email groups@robinsons-holidays.co.uk

5 Day Tours 2016

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

With over 90 years of experience in tailor making holidays, we at Robinsons offer a personal service. Whether you need help with part or all of your groups holidays we can lend a hand in organising, booking and everything in-between.

We are flexible in our approach and can offer destinations found in this brochure or we can tailor make to your specification, whether in the UK or Europe. We offer all of our group’s excellent benefits: • 1 FREE place for every 10 paying passengers • Special interest and activity groups catered for • Complete financial security-BCH Bonded

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 25 Apr

ABBEY LAWN

£189

£189

£189

02 May £199

£199

-

06 May £205

£205

-

10 May £209

£209

-

16 May £215

£215

-

20 May £219

£219

-

24 May £225

£225

-

30 May £229

£229

-

03 Jun

£239

£239

-

07 Jun

£239

£239

-

13 Jun

£239

£239

-

17 Jun

£239

£239

-

21 Jun

£239

£239

-

27 Jun

£239

£239

-

01 Jul

£239

£239

-

05 Jul

£239

£239

-

11 Jul

£239

£239

-

15 Jul

£239

£239

-

19 Jul

£239

£239

-

25 Jul

£239

£239

-

29 Jul

£239

£239

-

02 Aug

£239

£239

-

08 Aug

£239

£239

-

12 Aug

£239

£239

-

16 Aug

£239

£239

-

22 Aug

£239

£239

-

26 Aug

£239

£239

-

30 Aug

£239

£239

-

05 Sept £239

£239

-

09 Sept £235

£235

-

13 Sept £229

£229

-

19 Sept £225

£225

-

23 Sept £219

£219

-

27 Sept £215

£215

-

01 Oct

£209

£209

£209

05 Oct

£205

£205

£205

09 Oct

£199

£199

£199

15 Oct

£195

£195

£195

19 Oct

£189

£189

£189

23 Oct

£185

£185

£185

29 Oct

£179

£179

£179

02 Nov

£189

£189

£189

06 Nov

£189

£189

£189

12 Nov

£185

£185

£185

16 Nov

£185

£185

£185

20 Nov

£179

£179

£179

26 Nov

£179

£179

£179

30 Nov

£179

£179

£179

* 05 Dec £169

£169

£169

* 12 Dec £159

£159

£159

† 23 Dec £399  29 Dec £349

£399

£399

£349

£349

Imperial Hotel: Supplements per person: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Abbey Lawn : Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Turkey & Tinsel; * Unlimited single rooms; † Christmas Tour includes 3 resort lunches & 1 mystery excursion -  New Year Tour includes 3 resort lunches & 1 mystery excursion

Robinsons Holidays, Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP

11

James Martin

Plates, Mates and Automobiles: The Tour!

JAMES Martin – the chef who has made Saturday morning TV a must for millions of viewers – was just about to embark on a 25-venue nationwide tour when we chatted and had made a vow: this would be his first, and last, tour.

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“I’ve always said I wouldn’t tour because I’ve always felt I didn’t have the right support team in place, but I have now,” he explains. “I’m not doing another, though – there won’t be a second tour!”

the Castle Howard estate where his father was a catering manager. Plainly, this influenced him because at 16 he started formal catering training in college which resulted in him being Student of the Year three years running.

The friendly but very decided Yorkshireman had spoken, and that was that. So his fans – of which there are many up and down the country as pre-ticket sales of 30,000 and sold-out venues happily proved– will just have to accept that.

After catering college, he worked for a variety of top chefs in leading restaurants including for famous names Antony Worrall Thompson and Marco Pierre White.

They have, though, accepted the 44 year-old Martin and how he wanted to structure his career from the first moment he stepped onto our screens in November, 1996.

The pleasant and obviously talented young chef immediately impressed, but insisted on doing things his way. And that’s how it has been ever since.

Fortunately – both for James and for us viewers – his cookery skills and onscreen charisma have created exactly the right recipe for enduring success.

It would have been hard to forecast the level of success, however, when he was a young lad growing up on

He toured France, working in chateaux kitchens and gaining toplevel experience before coming back to England and kickstarting his own career. He was plainly ambitious and in 1994, just before his 22nd birthday, he opened his own hotel and bistro in Winchester. Since, he has opened other hotels including one in Manchester.

From his first TV appearance, James quickly engaged with a public which both appreciated his sociable approach to cookery and also his no-nonsense way with food. Youth and natural charm did the rest and when Saturday Kitchen launched in 2006, he was first choice to front the enjoyable and informative programme.

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CELEBRITY NEWS The formula paid off as it became hugely popular, regularly attracting more than 3.5 million viewers and remains part of the staple weekend entertainment diet. James also became a regular on Ready Steady Cook on BBC2 and for a variety of other cookery shows across the channels.

mates who have restaurants around the country have already told me to come and see them when I’m touring so I’ll probably get to eat there.”

In 2013, James was honoured with The Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award for outstanding contribution to the industry. In March, 2014, his series Food Map of Britain was voted Best Daytime and Early Peak Programme by the Royal Televison Society, and in 2015 he was named TV Personality of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Awards.

What you won’t find James Martin doing work-wise is Celebrity Big Brother or any other reality TV show.

True, he did take part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 but you get the impression he just fancied the challenge.

He also makes regular appearances around the world including the BBC Good Food Show and Good Food and Wine Show South Africa and Gourmet Abu Dhabi to name just a few.

He has his own range of small electricals with Wahl Cookware, knives and kitchen textiles with Stellar/ Horwoods and serverware with Denby.

James has also launched his own range of bread and cake mixes and hampers, was a consultant with P & O Cruises on the restaurants and menus for their Ocean Village cruise ships for many years and is also consultant to Thomas Cook, creating in-flight meals for the airline.

Somehow in between all his achievements and a work schedule that would make a hummingbird dizzy, he has written 15 best-selling and awardwinning cookery books as well as his autobiography, Driven.

The title doesn’t only refer to his ambitions but also to his love of cars and speed; he also has a pilot’s licence.

The tour – entitled Plates, Mates and Automobiles – provided a unique challenge for the chef who takes most things in his stride because he wanted to get the formula just right.

“I didn’t just want to have two ovens on stage, give a bit of chat and have questions planted with the audience,” he states. “So we made it more interesting with interactive elements and various surprises.”

So, importantly, what will he eat on this tour? “Good question,” he ruminates.

“Probably the usual chef’s diet of takeaways! Actually, several of my

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All of which sounds like a possible theme for a further TV series, I suggest.

“Yes,” he laughs. “You might be right.”

He’s a genuine advocate of the best of British food, but then he says he believes in the best of food wherever it comes from – “whether that means Spanish ham or British produce.

Personally, his favourite meal is a Sunday roast round at his mum’s house – although he did hint that he would be looking for the best region for fish and chips when touring, which is bound to prove controversial.

He’s very proud of Saturday Kitchen’s success over the past 10 years, he has strived to get the programme balance just right, but has “thoroughly enjoyed it all.”

However James recently announced that he will leave the programme at the end of March, saying he was looking forward to working on new projects - and having a lie-in on Saturday mornings.

James quoted “it’s been an amazing journey. I would like to personally thank all the viewers for turning Saturday kitchen into a three million-plus smash hit.”

“I could not have done it without them.

I would also like to thank the BBC and Saturday Kitchen for the great opportunity they gave me.”

“It has been an amazing journey and I have been privileged to work with some of the world’s greatest chefs and some of the greatest names in showbiz.

I wish the new chefs every success.

As for his career in 2016, as well as working on his house in the New Forest for which he’s now got planning

permission, he’s going to be looking at a variety of options “but the main thing is just working hard.”

He doesn’t have any special TV ambitions, doesn’t embrace the celebrity lifestyle with red carpet events and insists that “if it all finished tomorrow I’d be happy just cooking.”

And being James Martin, you know that this is exactly what he feels, like it or lump it.

For more information go to www.jamesmartinchef.co.uk

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HOME

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME

BY A N G E L A K E L LY

CHANGING the mood of your home is a definite way to alter and improve your lifestyle this year.

The wonderful thing about this positive decision is that it can cost as much – or as little – as you want it to, involving differences to your home that are radical or merely minor.

“It really all depends on your budget and how much change you want, your circumstances and your surrounding space,” explains interior designer Allyson Houghton from Ideas Interior.

She has noticed that a major trend in improving homes today involves glass and letting in plenty of natural light through glass walls and roofs. “This is a natural improver of your mood and helps bring the outside in,” she adds.

Try panels on the walls that reflect light. “LED lighting is so far advanced now that you can change the mood whenever you want,” he adds. “There is even a switch with eight different settings in one.”

supplier carefully. Go online and study the styles that would both complement your own home and will provide the changes you want or visit local showrooms.

Take a look at your existing frontdoor: does it need sprucing up with a lick of paint or do you need a new one? A modern front-door, often with smart glass panels, can make quite a difference to your hallway – “and this area is the gateway to your home as it’s the first thing visitors see so it really needs to give a good impression,” says Allyson.

If you are planning major changes to alter the whole mood and atmosphere of your property and way of living, it may well be worth investing in an extension to provide more rooms or an extra bathroom.

Select your builder carefully, preferably on recommendation, and see for yourself the kind of work he has already carried out. Look at the planning permission or building control approval you might need first by checking on the Government website www.planningportal.gov.uk “Conservatories and orangeries are also very popular these days,” says Allyson, ”and you can often finally achieve the lifestyle you dreamed of by having this improvement in light and space.”

There are many varying styles of both available and, again, choose your 14

“Sometimes, just painting your home, improving the garden or patio and adding colourful pots of plants and flowers can change the whole look of your home and lift your mood, too,” states Allyson.

Allyson Houghton Ideas Interiors is an established Interior Design Studio based in the heart of Lancashire, and their client geographic stretches from The Highlands to London and further afield in Europe.

Lighting around your home is a major improver of mood and feelings. Allyson advises investing in dimmer switches to change the lighting as your own mood changes, and use good-quality candles around the home. “These not only give out a lovely light but can also scent your home – and the senses need soothing in this way so they are a definite mood-changer.”

If you’re buying new light fittings, while it’s useful to see what is available by

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going online, it’s always best to go into shops and stores and see light fittings for yourself and the effect they have on an area.

Be careful about choosing wall colours and décor throughout your property. Bold colours like reds and greens can be harsh but if you want a more relaxing ambience, neutral shades and gentler colours like blues and lilacs can soothe and improve how you feel as soon as you step through the door.

Colour is vital in your home.

Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages, so it’s important to get it right.

“Or adding new unit doors and work surfaces can also re-vamp a kitchen,” states Allyson. “Smart new flooring, a new sink and taps can really cheer up your kitchen and make it look modern.”

Floor coverings generally can alter the look and mood of your home – and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make rooms smarter and feel so much more comfortable, which improves your quality of living.

A new bathroom might be your dream – and a great place for relaxing. Baths are a real style item today and it’s worth having a look around for just the right shape and style. The same goes for your bathroom tiling and décor – “but sometimes just having candles lit in

your bathroom can make a difference,” insists Allyson.

Your bedroom is definitely a place that needs to reflect a relaxing mood, so does it need a revamp? New units completely change this room, and improve your lifestyle by having a place for everything.

On a simpler level, new bedding, cushions and a new carpet can make this room into a wonderfully restive place – and investing in a new bed is definitely an ongoing mood-changer that gives you the right level of sleep, every night.

• For more information go to: www.ideasinterior.co.uk

If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort.

But, Allyson advises that if you have a really good suite or sofa that’s more than 15 years-old but looking the worse for wear these days, consider having it re-upholstered instead.

“Older furniture can be particularly well-made and some good suites are certainly worth keeping – I never advise throwing away one like that,” she says. “Find a good upholsterer to give your suite or sofa a more modern look and you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes. And if you can’t afford re-upholstering, invest in a couple of attractive throws to alter the way they look.”

Changing a room’s colourscheme by getting the help of a recommended painter and decorator – or simply doing it yourself – can bring a main room like a lounge into the 21st century. Use a central colour, adds Allyson, and accentuate this with toning cushions and other soft furnishings and you’ll be surprised at how fresh your home is starting to look.

£899 £1099

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New curtains and drapes that frame windows beautifully can also open up a room, adding to that lovely new décor.

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This new style can be repeated around the home in varying ways.

Having a new kitchen is a welcome, major addition to your property and certainly worth the investment if yours is looking jaded and old-fashioned.

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Age Concern Services & Products supporting Sefton’s over 50s

Funeral Plans – call and speak to a member of our team for further information. With the cost escalating each year, you can freeze the price of your Funeral now and receive a £25.00 high street voucher.

Financial Planning – financial advice on pensions, investments, tax, long-term care-planning and other money matters, provided by our specialist partners at Co-operative Wealth.

Retirement Planning – courses available to help you make the most of mid life and retirement.

Information and Advice – expert advisors on hand to offer you confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of issues including pensions, care and benefit checks.

Counselling Service – our free sessions are delivered by vetted counsellors. All sessions are delivered in a relaxed, confidential, welcoming and non-judgmental setting.

Our office is open Monday to Friday between 10.00am – 4.00pm. You can make an appointment or simply throughout their lives, if you feel drop in to our office.

We were the first Age Concern in the world and of local older people. From Information and Advice to Homecare, from Funeral Plans to Equity Release, our range of products and services suit the needs of people agedand 50 and over. We provide practical times ple feel lonely isolated at particular advice, help, care and support to help you make r someone you AgelifeConcern & more of life andknow, to make your better and Liverpool easier.

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Our Sefton office right in the heart of Southport town centre is at 8-10 Hoghton Street. Close to Southport Train Station and local bus routes, the office is friendly and welcoming and our team of staff and volunteers are on hand to answer any questions, queries or concerns you may have.

Homecare – quality personal care and practical support including shopping, bathing and feeding.

Active Ageing – keep fit sessions, cycling and walking groups with qualified cycle and walk leaders, and computer sessions.

access up to 6 weeks of FREE support plus subsequent weekly visits ur volunteer befrienders who are carefully selected to support you.

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unwanted items (clothes,according bric-a-brac, books, cernServices Liverpool & Sefton Homecare Service has been designed toCDs/ toshops, activities • Keep inSefton touch with we provide at our office are:people DVDs, etc) to • ourGet charity leaving us & a legacy in

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t the Befriending & Re-ablement Team on 01704 542 933.

Drop into our office at: 8 – 10 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TF Phone us on: 01704 542993 8-10 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TF E-mail us: mail@ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk Twitter: Follow us @AC_Lpool_Sefton www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk Like our Facebook page: Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton

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www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Downsizing & Decluttering THERE comes a time for many of us when we look around at our previously much-loved home and decide the time has come to downsize to something smaller.

This may be because your family has left to become independent and the property that once seemed to be bursting at the seams is just too big. It may be that you need to move to more convenient housing because health or financial necessities demand it, or because you would just prefer to look after and maintain a smaller place.

There are more options than ever for retirement living these days and, while property can help fund your care home should you need it, another route is to rent a retirement property.

This is a very popular choice, explained one company, Girlings Retirement Rentals which has around 2,500 properties in more than 600 retirement developments throughout the UK. “It is an easy option for retirement living,” explained Caroline Hull, head of marketing at Girlings.

The company has been in business for 25 years, backed by Norwich Union which is now Aviva. The assured tenancies offer peace of mind, security of tenure and flexibility. Under the assured tenancy the landlord cannot give notice, however, after the initial 12 month's term, the tenant can choose to give notice and leave should they wish to. “This seems to work very well all round and we are getting more and more phone calls reserving properties,” added

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Caroline. Girlings is also part of the Places for People Group, which offers tenants even more assurance.

Whatever you do next, you may well be faced with having to sell a property that reflects years of a happy home life. And that can mean a mass of possessions that may not fit into your downsized new home.

In order to sell a property, it needs to be as clear as possible of the life of the previous owner so that a potential-buyer can see where he or she might fit their lifestyle into it.

Decluttering your home takes a particular mind-set and genuine determination. In fact, as professional declutterer Amanda Manson of Orderly Office and Home points out: “The thought of what you’re going to do with everything might fill you with utter dread!”

She recommends a simple plan of action:

START NOW

Beginning decluttering well in advance of putting your property on the market assists in a quick sale and spreads the load over time. “Try 10 minutes a day,” she advises, “little and often. Don’t try a whole room

in one go – you’ll end up exhausted and disheartened. Keep in the forefront of your mind your goal of moving into a new home and you’ll be spurred on to continue each day.”

MAKE A LIST

Keep track of where everything is. “If your new home has been agreed, assign a number to each room, and pack your belongings in a box numbered accordingly,” says Amanda. “If your new home hasn’t been decided yet, start grouping like items with like. Pack Winter/ Summer clothing together, pictures and ornaments, books and bedding (always spread books across several boxes – your removal men will thank you!). Remember to label everything.”

REALITY CHECK

Look at what’s in your home and ask yourself “Do I use it, love it or need it?”

If the answer is “no”, is it time to say goodbye? Amanda suggests that clothing you haven’t worn in over a year you might never wear again so out it goes, along with gifts that you’ll never use. Give them to relatives or friends, a local charity, sell them in the local paper or on an auction site or list them online for free collection. Adds Amanda: “Recycle unwanted items where

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possible, but if unsuitable then it’s a trip to your local rubbish tip or a call to your local council for removal.”

SIZE MATTERS

If you have no garden, garage or guest room in your new home be realistic about whether you’ll use certain items like, for example, a lawnmower if you’re going somewhere with a serviced garden or no garden. Is your furniture too big for your new property? Try to imagine the bare minimum you could manage living with, and take it from there. “Often the additional ‘stuff’ we keep with us becomes an emotional weight around our necks,” states Amanda.

A GIFT TO YOUR CHILDREN

If your loft has been home to items belonging to children like their earliest artwork, toys and other memories, now is the time to give them back. Explain your reasons, keep what you really can’t bear to part with and ask them to collect what’s left, with a deadline.

VISIBLE SPACES

All open surfaces and room space should be as clear as possible ready for estate agents’ photographs. “Buyers can be easily put off by what appears to be a cramped or cluttered space,” observes Amanda.

HIDDEN SPACES

Don’t just wonder if prospective buyers will look inside your cupboards. They will. If you have fitted wardrobes and sleek kitchen cupboards, buyers will want to know what they can fit into them.

STORE UNTIL YOU MOVE

If you have a move date, this makes deciding what to keep out and what to pack away and what can go much easier.

Without one, you’ll have to get organised.

Box up seasonal items and store them away in a loft, garage or in a storage facility until you move and keep your cupboards, wardrobes and kitchen space for things you use often.

STOP BUYING MORE!

If you’re really set on making the move, start paring down any consumables right now, insists Amanda. “Sort through kitchen cupboards and freezer to see what meals you can make with what you already have.

Discard out of date items, meal plan and make amends to your shopping list so you’re only buying the item you really need each week. Repeat the process with your bathroom cupboards and toiletries – and

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avoid the BOGOF temptations as it’s just more stuff to move.”

PAPERWORK AND READING MATERIAL

As the years go by, it’s easy to let papers build up. “Sort through your paperwork piles and discard or shred anything that you really don’t need like outdated bills, manuals for items you don’t now have and old magazines,” says Amanda.

* For more information go to: www.girlings.co.uk www.orderlyofficeandhome.co.uk

Amanda Manson

Orderly Office and Home www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring…

Choosing the ideal retirement location can be challenging, particularly when trying to find that perfect property in an interesting location, which also offers long-term security, comfortable living and friendly neighbours.

Girlings Chairman, Peter Girling said: “An assured tenancy offers security and long-term peace of mind. In the private rental sector, it is common for properties to be let on an assured shorthold tenancy basis which enables the landlord to regain possession of the property after the initial agreed fixed term. Renting on an assured tenancy basis offers the same security of tenure as most social housing providers, only without the associated waiting lists. What’s more, services and property maintenance are included in the monthly rent.”

For more information, please visit www.girlings.co.uk or contact the lettings team on 0800 525 184.

Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring...

Many retirement developments feature a communal residents’ lounge in which residents are welcome to socialise and relax and there is also a guest suite for visitors’ use. Residents also have plenty of options to keep busy, with coffee mornings and afternoon tea events taking place within most developments.

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55+? Did you know you can rent private retirement property on a Life Long Tenancy which gives you the right to remain living in the property for as long as you wish, with service charges and maintenance included in the rent?

0800 525 184 www.girlings.co.uk

ent prop m

Without doubt, the best property decision you may ever make...

ists in le ial

Olive Young, Girlings’ residents commented: “I wanted a decent and affordable home to enjoy my retirement years that would also suit me as I got older. I came across Girlings Retirement Rentals a few years ago and loved the concept of its assured tenancies which allow people to rent for life. Having now moved into one of their properties, I have a home that I love where I have brought all my furniture.

It is modern and bright and uncluttered – something which is really important to me. There is a real community here and all the support facilities are in place if I need help. I feel like I have finally found my home.”

ty Spec er

ng retire tti

If you love Liverpool and Southport, we have several apartments available to rent. In Liverpool we have availability in popular Turners Court at £695 pcm, and in Southport we have availability in Homechase House and Homeport House, with rents starting at £495 pcm on a 1-year assured shorthold tenancy. All rents include the services of the development and property maintenance. Should you wish to look further afield, there is availability in Blackpool and Lancaster. For the most part, tenancies are assured, which means you can live in the property for as long as you wish which provides great security and peace of mind. The added flexibility of renting means you don’t have the burdens of home ownership and are free to move wherever you like, whether it’s closer to family and friends or to another part of the country.

Peace of Mind Independence Flexibility Choice

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Later Life Planning Planning for the future can be daunting and mistakes can be costly. That’s why when making life-affecting decisions, you need professional advice. Breens Solicitors’ Later Life Planning team will help you understand how the law can best be utilised to give you and your family peace of mind.

Wills Have you made a Will? If not, you’re not alone; more than two thirds of Britons die intestate (without a will). Yet without a Will, the state will distribute your money, house and belongings, not as you choose but as the rules of intestacy dictate.

Why make a Will?

Making a Will allows you to: � minimise your tax liabilities; � choose who deals with your estate; � choose who benefits from your estate; � create trusts for your children or grandchildren; � give instructions of who you would like to look after any dependents; � give gifts to specific people; � make charitable donations; � make provision for the continuation of your business; � consider claims on your estate from first and second families.

Why use a professional?

Asking a solicitor to write your Will helps you to avoid the unintentional consequences of a poorly worded will or invalid terms. Plus you will have the benefit of knowing your solicitor is regulated and insured.

Powers of Attorney What would happen if you became physically and/or mentally incapable of managing your affairs?

It is not something we like to think about but illness or an accident can strike at any moment.

During this often difficult time, it is important to know that someone you trust is able to act on your behalf.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to say who you would want to take care of your health and welfare and/or financial decisions in the event of illness or accident.

Putting an LPA in place gives you the reassurance that, should you become unable to make your own decisions, those caring for you will be able to act on your behalf without the cost and worry of applying to the Court of Protection.

While you may never have cause to invoke your LPA, it gives you the peace of mind to carry on with your day to day living.

30 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 OPA

T: 01704 532 890

34 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, L22 4QG

T: 0151 928 6544

Did you know?

Marriage invalidates any previous Will you have made, yet divorce does not automatically revoke your Will.

www.breensonline.co.uk Or email info@breensonline.co.uk

New Directions works at forefront of the social care sector with a team of around 400 staff providing a wide range of services for older people and other adults with disabilities.

The following sites offer opportunities for adults with learning and physical disabilities, people with high support needs and those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders to access and enjoy day time activities: Bootle Resource Centre: 211 Linacre Lane, Bootle, L20 6AD

Mornington Rd Resource Centre: Mornington Road, Southport, PR9 0TS

Sandbrook Resource Centre: 175 Sandbrook Road, Southport, PR8 3RG

Poplars Day and Weekend Service: 2 Poplar Street, Southport, PR8 6DT

In addition, the following locations offer a range of day support opportunities to Older People including those with early stages of dementia.

Brookdale Day Service: Sandbrook Way, Ainsdale, PR8 3RN Brookdale delivers a specialist Day Service for Older People with a diagnosis of advanced dementia, the Service is provided in partnership with Merseycare NHS Trust.

Waterloo Park: 8 Haigh Road, Waterloo, Merseyside, L22 3XP

West Park: 65 - 67 Albert Road, Southport, PR9 9LN

Chase Heys: 28 Chase Heys, Churchtown, Southport, PR9 7LG

In addition we have a number of projects, where people can enjoy opportunities to gain and develop skills and qualifications in horticulture, catering, textile and soft furnishing production, drama, self-advocacy and the making of wooden garden and outdoor products.

If you are interested and would like to know more about our Services or a career with New Directions please do not hesitate to contact Dave Hughes on 0151 934 2572 or email: info-nd@ndirections.co.uk 22

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OUT & ABOUT Multi-platinum, recording artist Bryan Adams will finish his hugely anticipated tour in Liverpool on 15 May 2016.

‘The Get Up Tour’ will support Bryan Adams forthcoming thirteenth studio album ‘Get Up’. Produced by famed ELO frontman Jeff Lynne and co-written with his long-time collaborator Jim Vallance, the album features nine new songs and four acoustic versions.

food traders, cocktails, local and regional beer, family activities in the Children's marquee, local and continental producers, food challenges and much more.

Light Night 2016 13 May 2016

Visit www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on

Venues across Liverpool city centre, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EN

INTERNATIONAL MERSEY RIVER FESTIVAL 2016 3 June 2016 - 5 June 2016

Victoria Road West Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 3LG Sunday 10:00 16:00

LightNight, Liverpool’s one-night arts and culture festival returns to illuminate the city for a seventh year on Friday 13 May 2016.

You, your friends and your family are invited to explore Liverpool as our world-class galleries, museums and public spaces stay open late for a free showcase of the city’s arts and culture.

Explore Liverpool with your friends and family along a trail of light projections, street performances, exhibitions, walks, talks and hands-on activities for all ages.

Take part in a dance workshop, head to a science demonstration or party into the early hours - there's something for everyone on LightNight.

Visit www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on

BRYAN ADAMS 15 May 2016 Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 4FP Admission Ticket £39.00 per ticket Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

WIN A £25 M&S GIFT CARD! SIMPLY VISIT OUR COMPETITIONS SECTION ON WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK TO ENTER

Liverpool Waterfront International Mersey River Festival 2016 The International Mersey River Festival is a celebration of Liverpool's wonderful and historic waterfront in a completely free three day extravaganza of family fun, amazing music and entertainment along the iconic River Mersey.

The festival will see the visit of 60 narrow boats, four Tall Ships, the International Canoe Polo Tournament, jet skiing demonstrations, have-a-go water sports sessions at Salthouse Dock, flyboarding and a thrillingly heart-stopping Yakovlevs air display.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Village will be present, with visitors able to see helicopters, recruitment vehicles and diving tanks courtesy of the Royal Navy, and the Royal Marines will be entertaining crowds with unarmed combat and weapons displays.

There will also be a dedicated children’s area which will include street theatre, arts and crafts.

Cleveleys Classic Car Show 2016 5 Jun 2016

Now in its 5th year, the Cleveleys Car Show is a town centre display of sports, classics, American and interesting cars which is free to enter. There will also be cars on the New Promenade as well as a display of model aircraft. A programme of live music and entertainment is planned for the Plaza meaning that the Show should provide something for everyone.

Free Admission Tel: 07854 865807

ELTON JOHN 14 June 2016 Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 4FP Admission Ticket £55.00 per ticket Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Following on from the announcement of five huge summer dates next year, Elton John has now added another massive British show to his ‘Wonderful Crazy Tour’, this time performing in our very own Liverpool Echo Arena.

Visit www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on

With a theme of ‘Soundwaves’, the music element of the festival will return once again with the Main Stage at the Pier Head, the Sound Waves stage at Mann Island and the Ship Stage on board a vessel at Hartley Quay.

As well as household names, expect performances from community choirs, the Royal Marine Band, Irish bands and some homegrown talent.

For the latest information, visit www.merseyriverfestival.co.uk

SOUTHPORT FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 3 June 2016 - 5 June 2016) Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2BZ The annual Southport Food and Drink Festival is a three day culinary delight featuring Chef Demonstrations, street

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Tel: 01704 533333

Cheshire Steam Fair 9 July 2016 - 10 July 2016 Daresbury, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 4AG Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Tel: 01751 200839 Established for over 30 years the Cheshire Steam Fair is one of the main steam events in Cheshire.

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OUT & ABOUT The venue, at Daresbury near Warrington, has excellent road access from the M56 and M6 motorways.

Performing in the Main Arena will be Flyin Ryan’s Stunt Show – an amazing show of motorcycle tricks and freestyle jumps.

Attempts will be made to jump steam engines, plus a show stopping fire stunt – keeping the whole family on the edge of their seats!

Also performing in the main arena will be Birds of Prey Displays. They will be free flying magnificent Eagles and Vultures.

Performing over the two days live on stage will be the Crazy Bears. Come and join Smarty, Rocky, Candy, Honey, Popsy, Sweet Tooth and Mr Keiron for a fun-packed extravaganza for the whole family. These six bears will entertain you with singing, dancing and magic tricks at various times over the full 2 days of the event including meet & greet sessions inbetween their performances.

A full programme of top steam fair attractions including: Wall of Death, Steam Engines, Classic Cars, Vintage Tractors, Classic Motorcycles, Fairground Organs, Miniature Steam Engines, Stationary Engines and Vintage Commercials.

The event will also include: Trade Stands, Autojumble, Craft and Fine Food Marquee, Old Time and Modern Funfair, Non-stop Arena Entertainment, Catering & Licensed Bar. www.visitcheshire.com

VINTAGE ON THE DOCK 9 July 2016 - 10 July 2016 Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AA Designers, Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway MBE, return with their worldfamous Vintage Festival - a celebration of 20th Century vintage cool.

Visitors looking for some seriously stylish eye candy can browse the vintage marketplace, with the best traders handselected by keen-eyed curators, Dotty’s Vintage. Dance teachers will be on hand to show you the moves, from the Lindy hop to breakdancing. Experience diverse and incredible street food traders in vintage vehicles, and marvel at the stunning selection of handpicked classic cars on display, taking us on a journey that celebrates timeless automotive design.

It’s always a family affair at Vintage so parents can come along confident that they can party while the kids are creatively entertained all day.

Visit www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on

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Vintage Festival Sat 16 July and Sun 17th July 2016 Speke Hall, The Walk, Liverpool L24 1XD 11:00 - 17:00 Back by popular demand! See beautiful veteran and classic cars, grab a bargain in our fabulous vintage market and listen to some retro music.

Admission to the festival field is by donation. If you wish to visit the hall, grounds or gardens, normal admission applies.

0844 800 4799

Summer Family Fun Tues 26 July 2016 Speke Hall, The Walk, Liverpool L24 1XD 11:00 - 16:00 Join us for a summer of fun at Speke Hall. There'll be a different activity every day of the week. Try den building, crafts, outdoor games, fun family tours and lots more.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

0844 800 4799

The Canterbury Tales outdoor theatre by The Pantaloons Wed 27 July 2016 Speke Hall, The Walk, Liverpool L24 1XD 19:00-22:00 Join The Pantaloons for a unique and hilarious take on Chaucer's classic tales.

Adult £14.00 Child £7.00 0844 800 4799

Lytham Festival 2016 1st - 7th August Lytham Green East Beach, Lytham Lancashire FY8 5LD Lytham Festival for 2016 will run from 1st - 7th August. The hugely popular live music element will return to the main open-air stage on Lytham Green with the added bonus of an extra fourth night on Thursday 6 August.

There will also be additional events including comedy, literature and even more music featuring at other venues across the town throughout the week.

Venues including The Assembly Rooms will host a Jazz Café, while festival-goers

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can venture to Hewitt Lecture Rooms to discover spoken word and poetry plus a comedy Big Top will pop up at Park View 4U.

with everything from designer clothing to combine harvesters.

Tickets to this fantastic event will be available soon.

Camping: No camping at this event – check out our ‘Find Nearby Hotels’ tab for other options.

http://www.visitlancashire.com/whatson/royal-lancashire-show-2016

Artists booked to appear include: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Bryan Adams, Village People, Bay City Rollers, EARTH WIND & FIRE experience featuring Al McKay, Five Star, Liberty X, 911, Toploader and West End Proms Price: Tickets from £32.50 www.festivalsforall.com

Fun Dog Show and Children's Day Sunday 7th August Port Sunlight Village, 23 King George's Dr, Wirral CH62 5DX With over 400 dogs taking part in 2015's event, this popular fun dog show has become a great family fun day.

T: 0151 644 6466 E: info@portsunlightvillage.com W: portsunlightvillage.com

Lytham 1940s Wartime Festival 13 Aug 2016 - 14 Aug 2016 The Green Lytham, Lancashire FY8 5LB The 1940's brought to life with a bang!

From the dark days of Dunkirk, through the blitz and hard times on the home front to D-Day and victory in Europe and Asia, come join in the atmosphere and immerse yourself in a brilliant weekend of entertainment, re-enactment and have-a-go fun!

Historic Vehicles, music and dance, memorabilia, thrilling battles, educational talks and demonstrations plus living history camp!

Why not pick up the latest war winning gardening and food tips or join the Home Guard?!? Why not hire your 1940s costume and join in the fun.

Tel: 01253 658443 www.southportflowershow.co.uk

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW 18 Aug 2016 - 21 Aug 2016 Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1RX

Royal Lancashire Show 2016 12-14 August 2016 The Royal Lancashire Show will be held at Witton Park, Blackburn and is a fabulous celebration of our great British countryside and a brilliant family day out to boot.

There’ll be magnificent livestock displays, wonderful food and drink, marvellous crafts, a huge country life area, and lots of traditional entertainment and avenues of trade stands offering a wealth of goods.

Highlights include a wonderful local food and drink showcase. There will be celebratory real ales and traditional ciders and award-winning artisan foods as well as magnificent meat.

In addition there are exciting ring displays planned and plenty of stands

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Located in Victoria Park and within easy walking distance of the town centre.

Attracting over 50,000 visitors, the event will feature stunning show gardens, the finest flower and vegetable displays, specialist foods and demos, celebrity guests and much more.

Admission Ticket £19.00 per ticket 01704 547147 www.southportflowershow.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL BEATLEWEEK 24 Aug 2016 - 30 Aug 2016 Cavern City Tours is proud to bring you the annual International Beatleweek Festival, which celebrates the music of the most famous pop group the world has ever known, the Beatles. In the city where it all began, Liverpool.

There is so much to do and see that you don’t need to be a Beatle fan to enjoy the festival, though it probably helps!

This is truly an international event with 70 bands from over 20 countries and fans from over 40.

Live music is the focus of International Beatleweek. Not only is there live music on the Cavern’s 3 stages all day, every day (with a different band on every hour), but the festival also goes out into the city to various venues so you can get a real feel of Liverpool. This year, Beatleweek will be at the Royal Court, Alma De Cuba, St. George’s Hall and it’s back to the Adelphi Hotel for late night parties and the Annual Beatles convention. The convention on Sunday is the place to be and features guest speakers, a massive Beatles marketplace, videos, quizzes and of course more live music!

Packages include accommodation at a wide choice of city centre hotels and tickets to events. If you don’t need accommodation we offer ‘Just Tickets’ packages. Packages cover a range of days so you can pick the package which suits your travel dates best.

The line-up for 2016 includes: Micky Dolenz • Billy J. Kramer • Pattie Boyd • Andy Peebles • Bob Harris • Jurgen Vollmer • Howie Casey • Laurence Juber • Ray Ennis • Terry Sylvester • Jenny Boyd • Paul Du Noyer • Mark Hudson • Horst Fascher • Johnnie Hamp Visit www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on

Burnley Canal Festival 27 Aug 2016 - 28 Aug 2016) Inn At The Wharf Burnley, Lancs BB11 1JG 11:00 - 16:00 Free Family Activities & Events ~ August Bank Holiday Weekend This year’s festival is set to attract visitors from a wide area, who come to enjoy the colourful display of boats and to enjoy the FREE family events and entertainment which will be happening throughout the weekend between 11 am and 4 pm each day.

The weekend will be packed full of colourful entertainment, centred on the canal, for all the family to enjoy. A large collection of working, trade and pleasure narrow boats will provide a visually stunning attraction and vibrant atmosphere. The weekend will include: • Live music • Punch and Judy • Craft and Food Stalls • Canoeing taster sessions • Angling taster sessions • Children’s activities • Raft Racing • Karaoke evenings at The Inn on the Wharf 25

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OUT & ABOUT • Behind-the-scenes tours of historic canalside buildings • Boat trips There will be lots of colourful boats, live music, and lots of entertainment to suit all ages and one or two surprises!

All the festival events, barring the boat trips, are free. Pedestrian admission to the festival is free and FREE car parking spaces will be available on car parks a short walk from the site on the Saturday.

Other outlying council car parks are free on Sunday The festival is centred on the canal with the focal point around the Inn on the Wharf.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Sun 28 August 2016 Speke Hall, The Walk, Liverpool L24 1XD 11:30 - 12:15 The Bookworm Players return with this fantastic outdoor theatre show. Bring the family and enjoy this classic tale of bears, beds and porridge.

Event ticket prices All £5.00 0844 800 4799

Tel: 01282 459 951

Ormskirk Motorfest 28 August 2016 Ormskirk Town Centre Ormskirk WEST LANCASHIRE 10.00 - 17.00 The Ormskirk MotorFest returns to the streets on Sunday 28 August.

About 10,000 people are expected to enjoy the free motoring extravaganza, which will feature between 250 and 300 superb vehicles on display. These include 1950s bubble cars, rally, racing and stock car competition vehicles, and classic, vintage and competition motorcycles.

For further information see www. ormskirkmotorfest.com

09:20

At Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton, we make sure that you are given all the attention you deserve at the time you want it.

Our friendly, experienced, trained staff are dedicated to ensuring that you get all the support needed with no half measures - the time you pay for is the time you receive.

We create a plan oftheir support toifmeet your needs, aiming for your t particular times throughout lives, you all feel maximum independence, upholding oncern Liverpool & Sefton may be able to help. If you dignity at all times. gh of Sefton and have Sefton GP, you can access the rvice. Giving you the opportunity to increase your Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton Homecare Service has been designed ur confidence and overcome loneliness. according to exactly what older people have told us they have been looking for. We arrange for dedicated carers to visit your home, at times FREE support plus subsequent weekly visits you decide to help with the tasks you choose. We cover the tasks below who are carefully selected to support you. around your needs. plus many more. We fit the service

cern Liverpool & Sefton can help you to:

mecare Service has been designed according to • Get to• activities & ch with people • Personal Care Domestic/Household Services d us they have been looking for. We arrange for medical appointments ur , atmoney times you decide to help with the tasks you • Dietary Care • Shopping and Errands • Feel positive many more. We fit the service around your needs.

with dignity and respect

• Going out to the shops

• Havefor companionship Give us a ring an obligation-free chat quote542 on 01704 e-ablement Team and on 01704 933. 503 356

yourself

treet, Southport, PR9 0TF

nliverpoolandsefton.org.uk

Open Village in Port Sunlight with Handmade Craft Fair Sunday 11th September Port Sunlight Village, 23 King George's Dr, Wirral CH62 5DX Residents open their houses and gardens, while village businesses open their doors to show behind the scenes, not normally open to the public!

The Lyceum will open to The Handmade Craft Fair, hosted by Landbaby & Co. T: 0151 644 6466 E: info@portsunlightvillage.com W: portsunlightvillage.com

SOUTHPORT COMEDY FESTIVAL 19 October 2016 JIMEÓIN – Renonsense Man The Ramada Plaza Hotel Marine Lake, Promenade.

Southport.

Jimeoin is internationally acclaimed as one of live comedy’s masters. Now the Irishman from Australia and star of TV’s ‘Sunday Night at Palladium’, ‘Live at the Apollo’, ‘Royal Variety Performance’ musters his ever-evolving live show and the most famous eyebrows in comedy to The Southport Comedy Festival to bring you an unforgettably hilarious evening of world-class stand-up. Mosey on down and get your tickets early! www.simplytickets.ticketsolve.com

26



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Tomatoes, Prostate Health and the Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is often associated with healthy living. Research suggests that the humble tomato is a key constituent of this diet and may play a significant role in human health, especially of the prostate.

The belief that tomatoes have health benefits can be traced back to South American Indians, ideas that were brought to Europe by Columbus in the 15th century. Tomatoes were also thought to be aphrodisiacs, sometimes being referred to as Pommes d’Amour or “love apples”.

The key ingredient of tomatoes is lycopene, one of the world’s most powerful, naturally occurring antioxidants.

Responsible for tomatoes’ distinctive red colour, it is a member of a large family of coloured compounds called “carotenoids” that are found throughout the natural world.

Humans possess no mechanism to make carotenoids, instead we accumulate them from our diet. Some, such as betacarotene, are easily accumulated whereas others are much less easily absorbed.

Our bodies are hardly able to take up lycopene from raw tomatoes and need the fruit to be cooked or processed prior to eating. Alternatively, “bioavailable” lycopene supplements are becoming increasingly popular.

Lycopene is sometimes presented in the National media as a panacea, a miraclefood that cures almost everything. Whilst many claims are exaggerated, there

is a large and credible research base that reports lycopene health benefits, particularly in relation to prostate cancer, heart disease, breast cancer and skin health.

The most extensive research has been conducted in the area of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is known to accumulate in the prostate gland and this has driven scientists to try to investigate its impact on the disease.

Some of this research has shown not only a positive association between high lycopene intake and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, but also benefits for those who already have the disease.

Professor Ed Giovannucci from Harvard Medical School has been following the progression of 50,000 men since 1986, investigating the relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene consumption. In his latest 2014 report he notes: ‘Dietary intake of lycopene was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, especially lethal prostate cancer’.

A smaller trial at King’s College Hospital, London concluded: ‘Our clinical study lends weight to the probability that dietary supplementation from lycopene slows disease progression in men with prostate cancer.’

Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, many researchers think that lycopene’s antioxidant properties help to protect the body’s DNA from damaging free radicals. Others believe that lycopene improves cell-to-cell communication, reducing the risk of the uninhibited growth seen in cancer cells.

In all likelihood, several mechanisms are at work.

Every time a damaging free radical is removed by a lycopene molecule, the antioxidant becomes “spent” – the lycopene sacrifices itself to protect the body’s DNA. However, research has shown that the presence of plenty of vitamin C allows the “spent” lycopene molecules to be reactivated, rejuvenating them and preparing them to quench another poisonous free radical.

Staying Informed Professor George Truscott and two internationally renowned colleagues formed George & Partners back in 2000. The company provides readable, up-todate, scientifically robust information about lycopene research, particularly that related to prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and skin health. The company also develops food supplements based on the latest research.

To sign up for a free newsletter, please call 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk.

Natural Lycopene Supplement Each Lycoplus EXTRA one-a-day capsule contains 15mg of natural Lycopene plus 60mg of vitamin C which reactivates “spent” Lycopene, enhancing and prolonging the effect of the supplement.

One box of 30 capsules (one month’s supply)

£17.95

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2 boxes for

£30.90

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£55.80

All prices include free UK postage & packing

To order call Freephone 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk

George & Partners Limited, Keele University Science Park, Staffordshire ST5 5NL www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

27

Pensions Guidance...

The Government has launched a FREE GUIDANCE service to help you make important decisions about your pension. The service is called ‘Pension Wise’ and you can see someone at your local Citizens Advice if: 1. You are aged 50 years or older 2. You have a Defined Contribution (DC) pot

3. You have not had a Pension Wise appointment already

Please call in at your local Pension Wise on...

0800 011 9029 For more information visit Pension Wise online...

www.pensionwise.gov.uk

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Your Money.

Your Choice...

Q. What is Pension Wise?

A. How people access their pensions changed on 6th April 2015. If you are 50 or over and have a Defined Contribution (DC) pension arrangement (a pension based on how much has been paid into your pot), it is your decision how you take the money. Pension Wise has been set up by the UK Government as a free and impartial service to help you understand what your choices are and how they work. You will be able to get guidance on what you can do with your pension pot; different pension types and how they work; what is tax-free and what is not. It is an impartial service so you will not be given advice or recommendations for specific products or providers.

Q. How can I access the service?

A. Face to Face – through your local Citizens Advice Telephone – through The Pensions Advisory Service Online - through the Pension Wise website

Q. What sort of information will this service provide?

A. Pension Wise is a brand new service to help/empower

people who have access to the new pension flexibilities to decide what to do with their pension savings. The guidance provided will enable people to better understand their options and ensure they know what questions to ask before they commit to decisions about their pension. It will also signpost them to any next steps they might want to take before making any choices. It is a free and impartial service and therefore will not recommend specific products or providers.

Q. Where can I access face-to-face guidance?

A. Pension Wise appointments are delivered via telephone by The Pensions Advisory Service and Citizens Advice, operating out of 500+ locations. Local arrangements can also be made for people in remote locations, including home visits for those with special requirements. To make an appointment, please contact Pension Wise on 0800 0119 029.

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Q. Does it matter if I access the guidance online, on the phone, or face to face?

A. No. The guidance offered will be of the same high quality whether people go to their local Citizens Advice for face to face guidance, The Pensions Advisory Service for telephone guidance, or want to go online through the Pension Wise website.

Q. What should I do to prepare for a guidance session?

A. In order to get the best out of the session, it will be beneficial to get some information in advance of your session.

The following is a list of useful details to get: State Pension Statement (by sending off a BR19 form or telephoning the Department of Works & Pensions (DWP) on 0345 3000 168).

Current value of your existing pension pot(s) from your pension provider(s) including details of what options they are offering; details of costs/charges/penalties and any special features/benefits the plan may have (especially for older pension plans).

Think about your personal and financial circumstances particularly your plans for retirement / use of pension funds / other sources of income available before and at retirement (salary; savings; benefits and investments) / debts / retirement age / whether looking for a fixed or flexible income / dependents / health and beneficiaries.

Q. Are there any other important things that the session will cover?

A. Yes. The session will also discuss the importance of

considering the tax implications of taking your pension benefits under the new pension access rules; the changes to the way pensions are treated upon death and also cover the important area of pension scams and what to look out for and what to do if you suspect anything. As the Pension Wise logo states, “Your Money, Your Choice”, so there is no requirement at all to make an uninformed and rushed decision with your pension pot(s). The main purpose of the session is to provide the correct information, guidance and assistance in order to help you make the best informed choice for your needs and circumstances. Deciding how best to use any pension pot(s) is down to each individual, but taking your time before making any decision is probably the most important ‘guidance’ signpost of all.

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FOOD & DRINK

JAMES MARTIN’S

SWEET TREATS

Sweet by James Martin (Quadrille £20) Photography: Peter Cassidy

The secret to a perfect panna cotta lies in having a slight sharpness – here from buttermilk – to balance the sweetness. The consistency is also important: too much gelatine will give you something you could bounce off the kitchen wall; you want to use just enough for the panna cotta to hold its shape when unmoulded. Combined with raspberry jelly, raspberries and warm, sugar-dusted doughnuts, this is a really delicious dessert on the plate. The remaining doughnuts are great with coffee.

B U T T E R M I L K PA N N A C O T TA W I T H D O U G H N U T S A N D R A S P B E R RY J E L LY For the doughnuts 1 quantity enriched yeast dough, made to the end of the first prove vegetable oil, for deep-frying caster sugar, for dusting For the mascarpone cream 100g mascarpone cheese 25g caster sugar 50ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped First make the panna cotta. Place the double cream in a small pan with the vanilla pod and seeds, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and whisk through until dissolved.

Set aside to cool, then add the buttermilk and whisk gently to combine.

Carefully pour into 8 small pudding basins or ramekins, making sure you distribute the vanilla seeds equally.

Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set.

Serves 8 250g raspberries, plus 100g for garnish 1 tbsp water 1–2 tsp icing sugar 6 mint sprigs For the panna cotta 300ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped 5 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 450ml buttermilk For the raspberry jelly 50g caster sugar 100ml water 300g raspberries 4 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 30

For the sauce, place the 250g raspberries, the water and icing sugar in a blender and blitz to a purée. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl and add more icing sugar if necessary. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

For the jelly, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a pan. Add the raspberries and heat until they just start to break down. Remove from the heat and pass through a fine sieve. Don’t press, just let the juice drip through.

Measure 300ml juice and return to the saucepan to warm through. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the

heat. Line a shallow baking tray (20cm x 15cm) with clingfilm and pour the jelly over it to a depth of about 3mm. Chill in the fridge until set.

For the doughnuts, divide the dough into 40 equal portions and roll into balls. Line a tray with silicone paper and space the balls evenly across it. Cover with a tea towel. Set aside at room temperature to prove for 20 minutes.

When the dough has proved, heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 150°C/320°F. Alternatively, heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based saucepan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown immediately when dropped in.

CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous.

Never leave unattended.

Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil in batches and deep-fry for 3–4 minutes, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain. Transfer to a plate and dust generously with the sugar.

For the mascarpone cream, whisk the mascarpone, sugar, cream and vanilla seeds together in a bowl until smooth.

To serve, cut the jelly into squares (about 2.5cm). Briefly dip each panna cotta mould in hot water, then turn out onto a large plate. Place two spoonfuls of the cream on each plate and top with a jelly square. Place two doughnuts on each plate and scatter the remaining raspberries and the mint around. Finish with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

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I love this simple little dessert that one of my chefs came up with – cherries and chocolate are a great combination.

As with any tart, it’s vital to make sure the pastry is nice and thin, so you get plenty of filling and not too much pastry. Otherwise it can be more like eating a biscuit!

C H O C O L AT E A N D C H E R R Y TA R T WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE SORBET Serves 8–10 butter, for greasing 1 quantity pâte sucrée 1 egg yolk, for blind-baking flour, for dusting 400g tin cherries in syrup 400g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa solids), roughly chopped 250ml double cream 100g caster sugar 2 tbsp crushed Hazelnut Praline and edible flowers 1 quantity Crème Fraîche Sorbet Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Butter a 23cm x 4cm loose-bottomed tart tin.

Roll the pâte sucrée out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 3mm and use to line the tin. Blind bake the pastry.

While the pastry case is baking, drain the cherries through a sieve into a saucepan and place the syrup over a medium heat. Cook the syrup until thick and sticky, and reduced by half. Chop the cherries in half, then add to the pan with the reduced syrup and allow to cool.

Put the chocolate into a large, heatproof bowl. Heat the double cream and sugar together in a saucepan until just simmering then pour over the chocolate and whisk continuously until smooth.

Spread the cherries and their syrup over the base of the tart case, then pour the chocolate filling over the top. Glaze with a blow torch or place under a hot grill until bubbling, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Remove and leave at room temperature until ready to serve. Place a line of the crushed praline and edible flowers on each plate, then slice the tart and serve with a scoop of Crème Fraîche Sorbet.

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31

FOOD & DRINK I first came across really good palmiers when I was working on the pastry section in a restaurant in the south of France. The trick is to get an even dusting of sugar, so that as the palmiers cook it caramelises to a nice glaze.

Palmiers are often offered as a petit four to end a meal, but sandwiched with raspberries and cream, they’re hard to beat for afternoon tea. These are best served at room temperature – once they go into the fridge, the butter in the pastry solidifies, making them less pleasant to eat.

BUTTERFLY PALMIERS WITH RASPBERRIES AND CREAM Serves 6

650g puff pastry or good-quality, bought all-butter puff pastry flour, for dusting 60g caster sugar 190x125mmV5.pdf 12/01/2015 09:20 100ml stock1syrup glaze (optional) For the filling 300ml double cream, softly whipped 200g raspberries

Volunteering in Sefton

The most precious gift you can give someone is your time, especially if they are isolated, vulnerable and do not have support from their loved ones. We provide help to many people in this position. Our team of over 200 volunteers contribute to what makes us the premier charity in Liverpool andlives, Sefton for the quality of life of throughout their if improving you feel older people, making their day to day life a little bit easier.

onely and isolated at particular times Preheat the oven to ne you know, Age Liverpool & Sefton may be able to help. If you 180°C/350°F/Gas markConcern 4.

Volunteering can be mutually rewarding; knowing you are Line 2 large baking sheets making a difference andaccess enriching lives, er, live in the borough of Sefton and have Sefton GP, you can theby improving your with silicone paper. mental health and wellbeing, and by gaining valuable life and Re-ablement Giving you the opportunity to increase skills, confidence, achievement your and pride. Whatever your Roll the pastry out on service. a age it can provide a springboard to or have an influence on lightly floured surface to ndence, improve your confidence and overcome loneliness. future career opportunities and looks good on your CV and a rectangle 25cm x 40cm and about 3mm thick, with the long side facing you, like a landscape picture.

on job applications.

then fold one long side of the pastry into the centre.

Repeat with the other long side to meet it, so you now have a piece half the width.

Dust with another 20g of the caster sugar, then repeat, folding each side into the centre, leaving a 5mm gap in the centre. Dust once more with the remaining sugar and repeat – you should now have three folds on each side with plenty of sugar sandwiched in between. Fold both sides together gently as you would close an open book, then transfer to a tray and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.

new friends • Befriending & Re-ablement – in the community providing companionship • Counselling – providing a safe place for people to explore their • Get tofeelings activities & • Active Ageing Programme – walk and cycle groups, exercise classes andappointments computer sessions medical • Information & Advice – giving out information and advice on wide range of queries • Feel positive • Meet & Greet – on our reception at our office in • Going out to the shops Southport.

We have many and varied volunteering opportunities in up to 6 weeks of FREE support plus subsequent weekly visits Sefton: the pastry rectangle who are carefully selected to support you. teerDust befrienders • Charity Shops – helping in one of our shops and making with 20g of the caster sugar

Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton can help you to:

erpool •&Keep Sefton Homecare Service has been designed according to in touch with people der people have told us they have been looking for. We arrange for youratmoney s to visit• Manage your home, times you decide to help with the tasks you Feel safe he tasks• below plus many more. We fit the service around your needs.

• Be treated with dignity and respect

Remove the roll and cut into 12 x 1cm-thick slices. Lay on a lined baking tray, spacing them so that they are at least 6cm apart.

Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.

• Look after yourself

To find out more and to join a great team call Lauren • Have companionship Jones on 01704 542993, e-mail lauren.jones@ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk or visit our website www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk.

Remove the palmiers the oven, turn them straight over, place efriending &fromRe-ablement Team on 01704 542 933. back on the tray and brush them with a little stock syrup glaze, if liked. The palmiers are best eaten on the day you make them.

8-10 Hoghton Street, Southport, When cold, spoon the whipped cream into a piping bagPR9 fitted 0TF with a 1cm nozzle and pipe the cream over half the palmiers.

www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk Top with some lightly crushed raspberries and another palmier.

Serve immediately.

32

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

New Directions offers adult service users rewarding and fulfilling lives through individualised support and care that also deliver peace of mind for families and loved ones.

Sefton New Directions staff support people to get the best out of life; our commitment to providing personalised services means that we deliver care and support where and when it is needed.

Since 2007 we have operated at the forefront of the care sector throughout Sefton and beyond with a team of almost 400 staff providing a wide range of services for older people and other adults with disabilities and enduring mental health needs. Each year New Directions provides more than 150,000 hours of care and support for people at home and in the community.

Key services that we provide are: • Care and support for people at home • Meaningful and fulfilling day support services including for people with a dementia diagnosis.

• Residential respite services, enabling families to have a break from caring responsibilities.

This is what satisfied customers have said about their New Directions experiences:

I would like to thank all the carers who’ve been so kind to me since I came out of hospital.

They have encouraged me and made me feel that I am really improving. They have been pleasant and it’s been a pleasure to know them. I think you are invaluable and I’m very grateful to you ….. Thank you to each and every one of you; you have truly made a difference…

If you are interested in using any of our services and would like to know more please contact us:

Telephone: 0151 934 2572 Email: info-ND@ndirections.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

www.ndirections.co.uk

33

d n a r e r i a ble F s ’ t tha re Flexi mo

A better way for over 50s insurance Please send me a free information pack

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Title Mr

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Email Royal London will use the information you provide to respond to your enquiry. You can read our privacy notice at www.royallondon.com/legal/or if you don’t have access to the internet contact us on 0800 202 8705. Marketing consent: We may contact you with further offers, promotions and information about Royal London and carefully selected third party products or services that may be of interest to you. It will only ever be Royal London that contacts you, as we will never share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. By providing your contact details, you consent to being contacted by us for these purposes; this could be by post, email, text or phone. Please tick this box if you would not MAG030 10602 like to receive such information from us: The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

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ArcAngel - For Your Protection and Peace of Mind!

People are living longer and want to be as independent for as long as possible within their local communities.

ArcAngel provides that security for both your own peace of mind and that of your loved ones!

ArcAngel is the smallest, lightest and most discreet personal safety and tracking device available today. It utilises the latest technology, coupled with GPS and mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone who needs support - either in their own home or when out and about.

At the press of a single button, the ArcAngel is connected to our award winning Alarm Receiving Centre where our trained operators will know exactly where the user is.

They will talk directly to you and provide whatever help or support is needed. The ArcAngel can also be used to talk directly to family or friends without the need for a separate mobile phone.

Features:

Protected

by ArcAngel Mrs Burrows.

Age 51.

• Easy to use, single button emergency call • Small, lightweight and discreet • Accurate GPS location • Battery life on standby up to 10 days • Choice of world SIM available • Choice of colours and a range of accessories

Southport, Merseyside In January 2015 Mrs. Burrows’ mother who lives in Cumbria suffered a fall and was unable to get up without assistance, she pressed her ArcAngel and subsequently we were able to contact her next door neighbour who rendered immediate assistance.

“I can’t thank SeftonArc enough for the service they provided, living such a long distance away from my mother used to make me constantly worry but ArcAngel gives much needed reassurance - they are a lifesaver.”

ArcAngel is available to anyone living in the UK. To find out more or to arrange a demonstration please call: 0800 622 6107 or visit: www.seftonarc.com/arcangel

Introducing the ArcAngel Introducing Introducingthe the ArcAngel ArcAngel

Healthcare & Security Healthcare & Security

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The most discreet personal TheThe most discreet safety and tracking device most discreetpersonal personal safety and tracking safety and trackingdevice device

£30 set-up fee

£30 set-up feefee £30 set-up

as little £30 from set-up fee as £20 a month, or

from little as £20 from as as little as £20 aa £30 including from as little as mobile response month, or month, or £20 aincluding month £30 including £30 mobile response mobile response

ArcAngel is the smallest, lightest and most discreet personallightest safety ArcAngel thesmallest, smallest, lightest ArcAngel isisthe and tracking devicepersonal available and most discreet discreet personaltoday. safety most safety

ArcAngel utilises the latest technology,available coupled with GPS and tracking device today. and tracking device available today. mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone who needsutilises support - either intechnology, the home, when out and about or ArcAngel the latest coupled with GPS and ArcAngel utilises the latest technology, coupled with GPS and for lone workers. mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone who needs out and about or or who needs support support--either eitherininthe thehome, home,when when out and about At the press of a button, the ArcAngel is connected to our award for lone workers. for lone Alarm workers. winning Receiving Centre, based here in Sefton, where our trained operators are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the

At the the press of the is is connected to to ourour award At pressknow ofaabutton, button,where theArcAngel ArcAngel connected year. They’ll exactly you are and can talk directly to award winning Alarm Receiving Centre, based here in Sefton, where our you, providing or support as needed. winning Alarmhelp Receiving Centre, based here in Sefton, where our trained operators are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the trained operators are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

They’ll know exactly where youdirectly are and talk/ directly The ArcAngel can also be used to talk to can friends family / to to year.

They’ll know exactly where you are and can talk directly you, providing helpthe or need support needed. employers, without for aas separate mobile phone. you, providing help or support as needed.

The ArcAngel can also be to talk adirectly to friendsplease / family / For more information, orused to arrange demonstration The ArcAngel can also be used to talk directly to friends / family / employers, without the need for a separate mobile phone. visit seftonarc.com/arcangel 0800 622mobile 6107. phone. employers, without the needor forcall a separate

For more information, or to arrange a demonstration please For more information, or to arrange a demonstration please visit seftonarc.com/arcangel or call 0800 622 6107. visit seftonarc.com/arcangel or call 0800 622 6107.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

37

Asmall Hall Care Home

“Excellence Comes as Standard” Providing Short Term or Long Term Care for adults including Day Care Our 17th Century, prestigious building set in 5 acres of gardens and, opened as a care home more than 20 years ago. Whilst retaining its many original homely features and comforts, we have adapted to provide a luxury, caring facility. Situated within 2 miles of Ormskirk centre, only half a mile from the bus stop makes us within reach of many other community activities by mini-bus or taxi.

Inspection invited without obligation where some of our devoted staff have worked at the home since its opening in 1991. We at Asmall Hall pride ourselves in the delivery of high quality, Person Centered Care by providing regular training and supervision for our staff as we aim to maintain and continually improve our services for your benefit.

A Quality Service is the only acceptable one!

Proprietors and Managers are Mrs. Jennifer and Mr. Allen Chapman with Unit Manager Mrs. Tracey Farrington.

To achieve and enhance our high standards of care on a continual basis, we are working towards the ‘6 Step’ in conjunction with Queens Court Hospice, Southport for end of life care.

• Open Visiting • On Site Chapel/Prayer Room • Own Minibus for use of regular outings • Full social calendar (by our activities co-ordinators) • Own Hairdresser Asmall Hall prides itself in offering home cooked food wherever possible and choice of menu is available including special medical diets as medically prescribed and the majority of bedrooms are single although we also offer 3 double rooms, if this is desired.

Short term care is available if someone is recovering folloing surgery or hospital stay and requires that extra support in the time whilst they recover enough to live independently again at home.

Registered and caring for both male and female clients we offer a relaxed but staff competent environment including Qualified Nurses on duty for each 24 hour period with the majority of Care Staff having N.V.Q. qualifications or equivalent.

Registered and inspected regularly for the Quality Standard BS EN ISO 9001:2002, Asmall Hall Management are continually looking to improve the delivery of care standards to ‘Best Practice’ levels.

Tel: 01695 579548

QUALITY GUILD

Asmall Hall Care Home, Asmall Lane, Scarisbrick, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 8JL. www.asmallhallcarehome.co.uk Fax: 01695 579978 email:asmallmatron@aol.com

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