Merseyside, Southport & Ormskirk

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY 2019

MERSEYSIDE SOUTHPORT & ORMSKIRK EDITION 48

Anton Du Beke

H O L I DAY

www.memory

lanetravel.co

THE STRICTLY COME DANCING STAR

River Cruising ALONG THE LOIRE

S

& T R AV E L

2019 Quality British and Eur opean |

Holidays

.uk

Short Breaks

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Day Excursions

DOOR TO DO OR COACH HOLIDAYS

Booking Hotl ine www.memoryla 01942 728 960 netravel.co.uk

PRIZE DRAW Book before the end of February and we will enter you into our FREE DRAW

Memory Lane Holidays & Travel NEW 2019 BROCHURE OUT NOW!

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All tours include our home collection service

Please see 2019 brochure for detailed information

Book any Robinsons Holidays own hotel in January, February and March and enjoy the following benefits:

2019 EARLY BIRD OFFERS

price February bar between Save up to £30 per person on all1/2 January, and 8pm and 10pm at the March 2019 tours listed on these Ocean pagesView and Imperial, Abbey Lawn Hotels*

Book any Robinsons Holidays own hotel in Afternoon Cream Teathe at January, February and March and enjoy the Abbey Lawn Hotel on following benefits:

your free day in resort

1/2 price bar between 8pm and 10pm at the Imperial, Ocean View and Abbey Lawn Hotels*

Afternoon Creamtea Afternoon Tea Afternoon dance at Tea at the Abbey Dance at the the Imperial Hotel and Lawn Hotel on Imperial Hotel Ocean View Hotel your free day in and Oceanon View yourresort free day in Hotel resort on your free day in resort *Only available on selected drinks

*Only available on selected drinks

Dep Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo

Shanklin, Isle of Wight Ocean View Hotel Hotel Facilities:

Lunch available

Ensuite Rooms

Waiter service Table d’hote menu

Traditional English Breakfast

*A la carte menu Lift to all floors

Lunch available

Lounge & Bar Wifi in public areas

Waiter service

Garden Heated indoor swimming pool Ballroom/dance floor

*A la carte menu

24hr reception Porterage

Depart Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon

Date 14-Jan-19 21-Jan-19 28-Jan-19 04-Feb-19 11-Feb-19 18-Feb-19 25-Feb-19 04-Mar-19 11-Mar-19 18-Mar-19 25-Mar-19

Days 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Robinsons Holidays

Price Was £185.00 £185.00 £185.00 £185.00 £189.00 £189.00 £189.00 £199.00 £205.00 £209.00 £215.00

Table d’hote menu

PRICE NOW £155.00 £155.00 £155.00 £155.00 £159.00 £169.00 £159.00 £169.00 £175.00 £179.00 £205.00

Park Garage

Lift to all floors Lounge & Bar Wifi in public areas Garden Heated indoor swimming pool Ballroom/dance floor 24hr reception Porterage *supplement applies / Steps to negotiate in and around the Hotel 5 Day tour supplements per person per night: Sea View £5.00 / Premier Room £10.00

Great Harwood

Blackburn BB6 7SP

Dep Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo

South Coast, Eastbourne

ys

Imperial Hotel

:

Hotel Facilities: Ensuite Rooms Traditional English Breakfast Lunch available Waiter service Table d’hote menu

Depart Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon

Date 14-Jan-19 21-Jan-19 28-Jan-19 04-Feb-19 11-Feb-19 18-Feb-19 25-Feb-19 04-Mar-19 11-Mar-19 18-Mar-19 25-Mar-19

Days 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 7 7

Price Was £175.00 £175.00 £175.00 £175.00 £179.00 £179.00 £179.00 £189.00 £284.00 £284.00 £284.00

PRICE NOW £145.00 £165.00 £165.00 £155.00 £149.00 £169.00 £149.00 £159.00 £264.00 £254.00 £274.00

ht

*A la carte menu Lift to all floors Lounge & Bar Coffee Lounge Wifi in public areas Ballroom/dance floor 24hr reception Porterage *supplement applies 5 & 7 Day tour supplements per person per night: Premier Room £5.00

South West Coast, Torquay Abbey Lawn Hotel Hotel Facilities:

Depart Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon

Date 14-Jan-19 21-Jan-19 28-Jan-19 04-Feb-19 11-Feb-19 18-Feb-19 25-Feb-19 04-Mar-19 11-Mar-19 18-Mar-19 25-Mar-19

Days 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 7 7 5

Price Was £175.00 £175.00 £175.00 £175.00 £179.00 £179.00 £179.00 £284.00 £284.00 £284.00 £205.00

PRICE NOW £145.00 £145.00 £145.00 £155.00 £149.00 £159.00 £169.00 £254.00 £264.00 £274.00 £175.00

Offers apply to new bookings only

Freephone 0800 083 9900

l

Ensuite Rooms Traditional English Breakfast Lunch available Waiter service Table d’hote menu *A la carte menu Lift to all floors Lounge & Bar Wifi in public areas Garden Conservatory Heated indoor swimming pool Ballroom/dance floor 24hr reception Porterage *supplement applies 5 & 7 Day tour supplements per person per night: Sea View £5.00 / Premier Room £10.00

Offers valid until 31st December 2018

www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

or contact your local travel agent

Sooty’s Plants Sweep’s CafÊ Sooty’s Plants Sweep’s CafÊ 113a Southport New Road Preston Tarleton 113a Southport New Road PR4 6HX Preston Tarleton 01772 816901 PR4 6HX www.sootysplants.co.uk 01772 816901 www.sootysplants.co.uk

Another great year at Sooty’s Plants and Sweep’sgreat CafÊ year at Sooty’s Plants and Another

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Sweep’s CafÊ

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PLANTS GALORE AND SO MUCH MORE t. 01772 8

113A Southport New Road, Preston, Tarleton PR4 6HX 113A Southport New Road, Preston, Tarleton PR4 6HX

Homemade Cakes and Italian Coffees Daily Specials • Avaulable for Private Hire Homemade Cakes and Italian Coffees Daily Specials • Avaulable for Private Hire

o.uk plants.c

16901 www.sootys PLANTS GALORE AND SO MUCH MORE t. 01772 816901

k ts.co.u www.sootysplan

A FULLY LICENSED BISTRO, IN THE AGROUNDS FULLY LICENSED OF THE BISTRO, IN THE PLANT CENTRE GROUNDS OF THE CENTRE t:PLANT 01772 812540 t: 01772 812540 Brass Band Events

WHATS HAPPENING AT SWEEPS? WHATS HAPPENING AT SWEEPS?

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CONTENTS

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50 plus magazine

6-7 8-9

29-32

CONTENTS ...

6-7 TWITTER

By Angela Kelly 8-9 TRAVEL

Royal River Cruising along the Loire with

Croisieurope from Silver Travel Advisor 12-13

34-35 how to manage diabetes and heart health

A guide to help stay healthy

STRICTLY ANTON For the contented Anton du Beke the future is looking very rosy

14-15 HOME

Make more space in your home 16-17

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN Natural light and space are among the popular hallmarks of modern homes this year

18-19

GIVE YOUR PROPERTY KERB APPEAL With an attractive new driveway

22-23

HOW TO BEAT THE MARKET Using trend investing

24-27

food & drink Posh Sandwiches

29-32

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

33 christmas

A great place for personalised and unique

Christmas gifts for all the family

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

24-27 5

TWITTER

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50 plus magazine

Joanna Lumley Madamme Tussauds, UK 2018

Joanna and David are oldies but goldies

A

GE is a very subjective thing, isn’t it? Today, especially, when we’re very careful not to be ageist, it’s almost an untouchable subject.

The person who says of another “she’s really good for her age” may be mentally adding “since she’s obviously out without her carer” if he or she is younger by a matter of decades.

To someone closer in age, that person is merely “doing well”, although not to be stated to her or around her.

I was thinking about the whole age thing watching Joanna Lumley in her latest Silk Road Adventure TV programme because she breaks the mould, as it were.

At 73, she looks terrific – absolutely fabulous, in fact – still has those gorgeous plummy tones that captivate everyone every time she speaks and looks slim and fashionable.

So there are a few lines around her lovely face, so what! She’s a great example of ignoring the years and simply getting on with a highprofile life. In fact, there are 50 year-olds that she puts to shame.

The same is true of Sir David Attenborough.

The famous naturalist is an unbelievable 92 and is as energetic and enthusiastic as ever about his subject – something which communicates so well to other people that he and his captivating photographed Blue Planet series are still world-beaters.

Sir David shows no signs of slowing down or finishing making his remarkable TV programmes, thank goodness. His whole career has been built on his genuine keenness for all things Nature and it’s impossible to imagine anyone else presenting these series even half as well.

How much, though, is this now down to the fact that with age comes wisdom?

We accept everything he says – the same is true of Joanna Lumley – because they

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have plainly not been on this earth for five minutes and have racked up some genuine knowledge and experience over the years.

That is not to say that younger experts and presenters are not believable. Far from it. But, there is a kind of cachet in being older that is very underestimated by the young. People can heed what you are saying because the words are emanating from an older body.

Mind you, my daughters still think I’m totally gaga and take more or less everything I say with a bucket of salt never mind a pinch. I really must practice the authority of Sir David and Joanna. They might take more notice then.

Strictly heralds the Winter – and fun!

YOU know Autumn and Winter are coming and the days are drawing in when Strictly Come Dancing glitters its way onto the telly once more.

The series has become such an iconic seasonal marker that there is almost a sigh of relief when it all kicks off once more – not the least because you know it’s going to be there until just before Christmas (sorry about using the C word without warning!)

The appeal of this clever series which pairs celebrities with professional dancers (and may the Lord have mercy on their soles) is that, suddenly, becoming a proficient dancer seems eminently possible. And that is even though you have a long history of crippling dance partners and a sense of rhythm that makes you move after the beat every single time.

No matter how uncomfortable and ungainly the celebrities look initially on the dance floor, you just know that there will be some improvement that will leave them actually looking like passable dancers. Some will even become spectacular dancers.

While you marvel at the patience and skills of the professional dancers as they hone quite often raw material to something quite admirable and certainly trimmer, you know that anything is possible. Give or take an Ann Widdecombe or two, of course.

Any magic tricks for opening packaging?

THIS sounds like the ultimate trivia but have you ever struggled to open an Oxo cube?

Apparently, you don’t have to wrestle with the clever silvery package and get brown stains on your fingers. The latest online “hack” is that you should actually squash it before opening.

I know, so simple – and it works!

So, can the clever clogs who came up with this smart trick now explain how to get into a packet of ham without slicing into.

It’s not just a matter of saving the planet with better and more biodegradable packaging, there is also the small matter of actually accessing most food without involving (a) very bad language and (b) a pack of Elastoplasts.

Here comes the bride …. with her bank account THERE has never been a more difficult time to be a wedding guest.

It only seems five minutes ago that a fairly modest gift list was circulated by the happy couple – or registered with a local store – and then guests were invited to select their choice.

That was actually considered quite pushy back then as previously guests had just chosen a gift and the result was usually five casserole dishes, two sets of bathroom scales and an unusual glass object for which no-one could find any possible use.

Hen and stag nights were often boozy do’s in a local pub or club when things got a bit saucy but no-one died and everyone was still on speaking terms afterwards. Now, the hens and stags and their respective entourages are more likely to go off to Amsterdam or Prague for a long weekend of fun or even a week of sunshine and alcohol. Oh, and they still expect a wedding gift.

Worse, we’ve got bridezillas cancelling the stag party so that the bridegroom “doesn’t meet any other girls” and another who demanded that guests fund her expensive wedding in Thailand.

She threatened to defriend those on Facebook who didn’t want to, or didn’t even reply, and seemed shocked when she reduced the contribution figure from $3,000 to $2,000 each by shifting it to Hawaii when there were still few takers.

You just dread what her married life is going to be like, don’t you?

BY ANGELA KELLY

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TRAVEL

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50 plus magazine

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Château-de-Villandry

Royal River Cruising along the Loire with

CroisiEurope

W

e joined the Princesse for the appropriately-named Royal River cruise, relishing eight days of indulgence as we explored some of the gorgeous chateaux with regal links along the Val de Loire, with the occasional, almost obligatory wine tasting to prolong the pampered feeling.

Once at the pontoon where the Princesse was moored, we were greeted by smartly-uniformed crewman Tony (an always-smiling, always-helpful matelot from Hungary who had worked in Manchester for a few years!) and he insisted on carrying all our baggage aboard - the sort of care and attention we became used to over the next week.

The sleek river cruiser can carry up to 96 passengers and has 48 outside-facing cabins on two decks, with ours featuring a small private balcony reached by sliding glass doors. We found it a great vantage point to take in the constantly-changing views if we weren’t already relaxing on

50 Plus Travel

8

the top sundeck; and it gave us stunning riverside vistas to wake up to, or to relax with after a long lunch.

Given the fact that we were in the land of haute cuisine and most of the passengers were French, food was always going to be in focus, but few of us realised the standard for single-sitting dining with a set menu could be so high. The excellent food was such a feature that any attempt at being on a diet was a non-starter, with aromatic fresh-baked bread and croissants every morning being my immediate undoing, without even starting on the rest of the buffet or wide choice of cooked-toorder items.

Complimentary wines or beer and barista-style coffee are included, as well as an open, free bar serving drinks from 10am. All drinks, except for champagne and wines from the boat’s special list, were included, and the ‘house’ choices were more than acceptable - the local 2016 Rosé de Loire was a delicious and

sponsored by

refreshing accompaniment to most meals, we found!

Our first dinner and a socialising nightcap over, we called it a night and didn’t feel the need to operate the retractable TV which folded down from the ceiling of our spotless cabin (except to check the weather), or even the free WiFi, but watched the stars for a while as Captain Sandro Amand started the engines, cast off and started the first leg of our cruise by heading downriver to the port of Saint-Nazaire.

To wake up and find we were moored in the dock basin within yards of the enormous concrete U-boat pens built by the Germans was an unexpected reward, followed by a trip inside the pens to the Escal’Atlantic museum, which explores the historic ocean liner experience, with the accent on the Blue Riband-earning Normandie, built in Saint-Nazaire in the 1930s and at one time the largest and fastest ship afloat.

The next day, the Princess returned to Nantes, where local tourism guide Bernat Comas took us on a short tram ride to show us the heart of the old town, where we explored secret passages off tight cobbled streets, leading to hidden courtyards and historic multi-storey apartments built for the rich traders and merchants who made their fortunes when the city was one of the greatest ports in France.

We had spotted the elephant on our first evening on board, before we sailed to Saint-Nazaire but didn’t really appreciate its sheer size — and then we had the chance to get up close and personal on a guided excursion when we returned to Nantes to begin our adventures upstream. And Le Grand Éléphant is the tour de force, carrying 50 people the height of a four-storey house on a slow, majestic tour of the site, giving great views of Nantes and another star attraction, the towering Carrousel des Mondes Marins.

Next day was a coach trip on the Muscadet Wine Route, taking in a refuelling stop at historic Château Cassemichère, where owner Philippe Ganichaud introduced us to some of his award-winning wines, including a cheeky little fizz, La Muse du Chai, which put a smile on my face, for a start.

Monday was our first major château, the home of the Dukes of Brissac, still in private ownership and a taste of the châteaux grandeurs to come with its

imposing facade and showpiece rooms.

Tuesday was a full day of regal splendour, taking our time to visit three breathtaking châteaux, starting with the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, a French national monument built on a small island in the middle of the Indre River and lauded as one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the whole of the Val de Loire, which rejoices in its UNESCO World Heritage status.

On to the Château de Villandry, famous for its manicured and quite magnificent ornamental and kitchen gardens, where we had a feast for the eyes as well as a very tasty lunch of local produce including, of course, excellent local Chinon wine, which pleased our table no end.

Last on the list was arguably the prettiest stately home of all, the Château d’Ussé, sounding even more pretty in its French description as Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant — the Castle of the Sleeping Beauty. Rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, this turreted gem is said to have fired the imagination of Charles Perrault, who wrote the famous fairytale, and it’s not hard to see why when you marvel at the architecture and interiors and climb the stairs to one of the picturesque towers.

Back on the river, dinner was an impressive Princesse buffet, cutting the hard-working staff a bit of slack (but not much!) before they presented an enthusiastic, fun cabaret in the lounge to show that they were even more hard-working and versatile than most passengers thought.

Our final excursion was from the quayside in Chalonnes along the Angevine Corniche, with its picturesque villages and many viewing points along the river.

There’s nothing rustic about the HQ of the Fournier Longchamps family domaine at Rochefort sur Loire, for the proudly bio-dynamique winery itself is only seven years old… although the 30 hectare ‘terrroir’ of vineyards with five appellations has existed since the 12th

Nantes Elephant

century, and we were lucky enough to sample three signature wines.

Back on board, we cruised along in stately fashion, with the engine barely audible and the side paddle wheels splashing soothingly as the sun shone fitfully and we sipped a drink and waved at locals along the banks — the sleek white Loire Princesse is the only cruiser of any size on the river and still creates a stir as she glides past.

Taking stock of the past few days underlined the pleasure of river cruising, with the CroisiEurope approach echoing that of the best Loire winemakers, insisting on putting quality above quantity, with care and attention to detail ensuring that guests enjoy an almost individual experience and never get lost or feel neglected.

It was very much in focus on our last full day on the Loire, sitting back on the sundeck with a gala dinner in prospect after cocktails before sunset. Dress code over a week’s voyage is fairly relaxed and casual, as expected, but the final night is as good a reason as any to put on the glad rags a bit.

Scrubbed up, we duly enjoyed a spot of fizz in the bar lounge before the Loire Princesse signed off a magical week afloat with a formal farewell from captain and crew and a special blend of saucery from chef Sebastien Boss and his talented team in the kitchen. They served up another splendid tour de force, accompanied by specially-chosen wines.

It also happened to be our Golden Anniversary — and we couldn’t have wished for better.

Silver Factbox CroisiEurope offer 6-day and 8-day Loire cruises from £1,166 pp and £1,522 pp respectively. Price includes all meals and drinks, onboard entertainment and port fees.

Call CroisiEurope on 020 8328 1281 or visit www.croisieurope.co.uk Flybe operates flights to Nantes from Birmingham, Manchester and Southampton, with fares starting from £29.99 one way including taxes and charges. Book at www.flybe.com

9

& T R AV E L

H O L I DAY S

2019 Quality British and European Holidays

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Short Breaks

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Day Excursions

DOOR TO DOOR COACH HOLIDAYS Date Tour

Date Tour

11 January

Llandudno - Celebrate Wales Theme 29 April Queens Hotel 4 Days HB £189 SS NOA

21 January

Torquay 03 May Llandudno - Victorian Extravaganza Festival Belgrave Sands Hotel 5 Days HB £235 SS NOA

Queen Hotel 4 Days HB £275 SS £12

24 January

Lanark - Burns Night Tinto Hotel 4 Days HB £239 SS £45

06 May

Llandudno - Bank Holiday Special Queen Hotel 5 Days HB £349 SS £16

03 February

Blackpool - Mock Cruise Park House Hotel 6 Days HB £299 SS NOA

07 May

Cornwall and Doc Martin Rosemundy House 6 Days HB £412 SS NOA

04 February

Babbacombe - Bar Promotion Anchorage Hotel 5 Days HB £219 SS NOA

13 May

Warner Thorsby Hall - Big Band Sounds 5 Days HB £459 SS NOA

08 February

Cumbria - Line Dance Weekend Gilsland Hall Hotel 3 Days FB £210 SS £12

13 May

Tenby ALL INCLUSIVE BREAK Belgrave Hotel 5 Days All inclusive £329 SS NOA

11 February

Cornwall and Doc Martin Rosemundy House 5 Days HB £279 SS NOA

19 May

Kent - Call the Midwife Tour Bridgewood Manor 5 Days HB £409 SS £88

22 February

Blackpool - Park House Weekend Park House Hotel 3 Days HB £139 SS NOA

26 May

Isle of Wight - Shanklin Channel View Hotel 6 Days HB £459 SV £10

25 February

Llandudno - Celebrate Wales Theme 02 June Queens Hotel 5 Days HB £259 SS £20

Skegness Royal Hotel 5 Days HB £319 SS NOA

05 March

Bruges Mini - Cruise - Pride Bruges Cruise Ferry NO MEALS INCLUDED 3 Days £99 SS £30

09 June

Bantry - Dramatic Wild Atlantic Way Westlodge Hotel 7 Days HB £533 SS £120

07 March

Loch Lomond - Snowdrop Festival Winnock Hotel 5 Days All Inclusive £339 SS £68

15 June

Llandudno - Summer in Lllandudno Queens Hotel 8 Days HB £479 SS £20

08 March

Dumfries - Neil Diamond Tribute Cairndale Hotel 3 Days HB £165 SS £30

16 June

Torquay Belgrave Sands Hotel 6 Days HB £459 SS NOA

08 March

Blackpool - Park House Long Weekend Park House Hotel 4 Days HB £216 SS NOA

22 June

Eastbourne Haddon Hall Hotel 8 Days HB £475 SS NOA

02 April

Sidmouth Royal York Hotel 5 Days HB £379 SS NOA

23 June

Bournemouth Suncliff Hotel 6 Days HB £399 SS NOA

03 April

Killarney Killarney Towers Hotel 6 Days HB £459 SS £120

03 July

Isle of Man Rutland Hotel 6 Days HB £498 SS £50

07 April

Babbacombe - Great Value Tour Anchorage Hotel 6 Days HB £275 SS NOA

09 July

Dumfries Cairndale Hotel 5 Days HB £349 SS £60

12 April

Criccieth - Rolling Back the Years Theme DINER TOUR Lion Hotel 4 Days HB £295 SS NOA

14 July

Cumbria - Summer at Gilsland Gilsland Hall Hotel 6 Days HB £395 SS £24

25 April

Holland - Many Visits Included - Art Hotel Spaander 6 Days HB £599 SS £150 (incl. single cabin on ship)

16 July

Sidmouth - DINER TOUR Royal York Hotel 5 Days HB £485 SS NOA

29 April

Warner Lakeside Coastal Village 5 Days HB £299 SS NOA

22 July

Isle of Arran - Island Escape Kinloch Hotel 5 Days HB £489 SS NOA

Jersey by Air Mayfair Hotel 6 Days HB £489 SS £75

Call into the office for a full list of Day Excursions or visit our website www.memorylanetravel.co.uk 10

Memory Lane Holidays & Travel | Heath Street | Golborne | Warrington | WA3 3AD

2019

BROCHURE O UT NOW...CALL F OR YOUR FREE COPY Date Tour

Date Tour

26 July

Warner Bodelwyddan Castle 4 Days HB £329 SS NOA

01 November

Llandudno - Pre Christmas Shopper Queen Hotel 4 Days HB £249 SS £18

28 July

Winchester and Downton Abbey Norton Park Hotel 5 Days HB £439 SS £88

04 November

Torquay Pre - Christmas Break Belgrave Sands Hotel 5 Days £349 SS NOA

03 August

Jersey by Air - Battle of the Flowers Mayfair Hotel 8 Days HB £729 SS £200

11 November

Cumbria Pre - Christmas Break Gilsland Hall Hotel 5 Days HB £329 SS £28

06 August

Edinburgh Tattoo 11 November Babbacombe - Turkey & Tinsel Kings Manor Hotel 3 Days HB £345 SS £90

Anchorage Hotel 5 Days HB £239 SS £NOA

11 August

Cornwall and Doc Martin Rosemundy House 6 Days HB £449 SS NOA

14 November

Valkenburg Christmas Markets 6 Days HB £399 SS £90

12 August

Yorkshire Dales & BBC Countryfile Live Show Burn Hall Hotel 5 Days HB £389 SS NOA

18 November

Llandudno - Turkey & Tinsel Queen Hotel 5 Days HB £299 SS £16

16 August

Edinburgh Tattoo 24 November Thursford Christmas Spectacular Kings Manor Hotel 3 Days HB £349 SS £90

La Strange Arms 4 Days HB £TBC SS £TBC

18 August

Babbacombe - DINER TOUR Anchorage Hotel 6 Days HB £359 SS NOA

25 November

Loch Lomond - Turkey & Tinsel - ALL INCLUSIVE Winnock Hotel 5 Days HB £359 SS £69

23 August

Durham - the Fantastic Kynren Show Derwent Manor Hotel 4 Days HB £389 SS £80

29 November

Dumfries - Old Tyme & Traditional Ceilidh Weekend Cairndale Hotel 3 Days ALL INCLUSIVE £209 SS £30

01 September

Fully Escorted Northern Spain & Portugal 12 Days HB £1390 SS £280

01 December

Longleat at Christmas - Light Show, House & Park Blunsden House Hotel 3 Days HB £259 SS £42

01 September

Criccieth - Summer Holiday Lion Hotel 5 Days HB £349 SS NOA

02 December

Thursford Christmas Spectacular La Strange Arms 4 Days HB £TBC SS £TBC

11 September

Loch Lomond - Victorian Steam Break Winnock Hotel 5 Days HB £459 SS £68

23 December

Christmas in Cumbria Gilsland Hall Hotel 5 Days SMA £459 SS £20

16 September

Blackpool - Blackpool Illuminations Park House Hotel 5 Days HB £299 SS NOA

23 December

Christmas in Scotland Cairndale Hotel 5 Days SMA £415 SS £60

22 September

Northumbria - DINER TOUR Victoria Hotel 6 Days HB £499 SS NOA

24 December

Christmas in Llandudno - with Panto Queens Hotel 5 Days FB £649 SS £30

22 September

30 December New Year in Scotland Llandudno

Cairndale Hotel 4 Days SMA £429 SS £45 Queens Hotel 5 Days HB £399 SS £20

06 October

Cardiff and The Royal Mint Copthorne Hotel 4 Days HB £318 SS £75

30 December

06 October

Jersey by Air Mayfair Hotel 6 Days HB £489 SS £125

07 October

Warner Littlecote House - Michael Buble Tribute 5 Days HB £399 SS NOA

17 September Oberammergau Passion Play

2020 12 Days HB £1639

For full details of tours, itineraries and excursions visit our website.

11 October

Blackpool - Park House Long Weekend Park House Hotel 4 Days HB £239 SS NOA

11 October

Cumbria - Line Dance Weekend Gilsland Hall Hotel 3 Days FB £210 SS £12

13 October

Scarborough Esplanade Hotel 5 Days HB £350 SS NOA

21 October

Tenby ALL INCLUSIVE BREAK Belgrave Hotel 5 Days All inclusive £319 SS NOA HB - Half Board Accommodation FB - Full Board Accommodation SS - Single Room Supplement SV - Sea View Room

New Year in Cumbria Gilsland Hall Hotel 4 Days SMA £459 SS £20

DINER TOURS:

DINER

On these tours our hostess will serve a freshly prepared TOUR light lunch with tea & coffee on day excursions and morning coffee and biscuits on the outward and return days. All freshly made on board.

Booking Hotline 01942 728 960 or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

11

CELEBRITY interview

|

50 plus magazine

Strictly

ANTON

A

NTON du Beke only made a brief appearance in Strictly Come Dancing this year but he was in a philosophical mood, "They always try to make the production better and better and the professional dancers always try to do something different and exciting.”

Talking to Anton, who has been in the extremely popular BBC One show since it began in 2004, is just as you would expect from what you see of him on TV. He’s pleasant, chatty, genuine and completely charming.

He is also multi-talented. Apart from being very funny, he has a pleasant singing voice and brought out an album of songs last Christmas - and, of course, he’s quite handy when it comes to dancing as well.

Born and brought up in Kent as Anthony Paul Beke, he was a sporty youngster who excelled at boxing, played county football and enjoyed golf.

12

But when, at 14, he was sent to a local dance class to meet his sister one evening, he found a new interest. The dance classes soon tempted him in and, before long, he realised that this was the direction in which he wanted his life to go.

He left school at 16 and worked in a number of day-jobs to fund his dance training, taking dance lessons at night. At 17 he was specialising in ballroom dancing and already competing as an amateur. His favourite dance was, and still is, the foxtrot – the classy, stylish romantic dance steeped in the golden era of Hollywood and his idol Fred Astaire.

In 1997, Anton met dancer Erin Boag and their magical chemistry on the dancefloor soon became apparent. They began competing professionally and won many national and international awards.

As fate would have it, they also came to the attention of the BBC producers planning

a new programme called Strictly Come Dancing. Soon, the two dancers became an established part of what turned into one of the most popular shows on TV. Although Erin left Strictly after Series 10 (the latest is Series 16) it’s a tribute to both their skills and wonderful partnership that they tour successfully around the country with their own show.

Over the years, Anton has proved to be a patient partner and talented teacher with many of the Strictly celebrities. Ask him who has been his favourite celebrity partner and he is far too diplomatic to highlight just one. But viewers well remember him dancing with politician Ann Widdecombe who was not the most, ahem, natural dancer. Together, however, they provided some remarkably entertaining television and each remains very complimentary about the other.

He also partnered opera singer Lesley Garrett, Esther Rantzen, Gillian Taylforth, Laila Rouass, Nancy Dell’Olio, Jerry Hall, Kate Garraway, Judy Murray and BBC Proms’ queen Katie Derham with whom he reached the final.

Anton’s own talents are seldom eclipsed by his celebrity partners but he always seems to bring out the best in them. “That’s what I try for,” he explained. “I just want people to be the best they can and to have a lovely time. It would upset me if they weren’t happy or enjoying themselves.”

Anton keeps himself very fit – “just by eating the right kind of things and looking after myself generally”. At 52, he doesn’t do anything special and thinks he has been “lucky” to avoid major injuries over the years.

“If something hurts, I don’t do it any more,” he insisted with a great laugh.

For relaxation, he still plays golf – “and I quite like going out on my own. I love that feeling of space and having some time to myself.”

His life is certainly more hectic at home these days. Early last year, he married Hannah Summers and the couple now have one year-old twins, George and Henrietta.

It’s plain that Anton is a beautifully besotted Dad. “I love being with them,” he stated. “I could look at them for hours, just watching what they’re doing.”

For all his easygoing charm, though, Anton’s current schedule is a hectic one.

The Saturday after we spoke he was taking part in the first show of the new Strictly series – the prelude to tough rehearsals and shows in an absorbing schedule until midDecember’s final.

“It’s not like getting up and going to a job you hate, though,” he said. “I still love doing Strictly.”

He also has a new book out in October.

He has already written two books: Anton’s Dance Class, a step-by-step guide to ballroom and Latin dances, and B is for Ballroom, focussing on his favourite style of dance.

The new book is rather different. It’s fiction, entitled One Enchanted Evening and is set in London’s Buckingham Hotel early in the first half of the 20th century.

“This is a time that appeals to me a lot,”

added Anton. “I love the style, the clothes, the music - everything about it.”

The thrust of the book is intrigue and romance and Anton has used characters he has met during his career along with stories from dance instructors and “lots of my favourite things.”

Also on the horizon is his next tour with Erin, called Dance Those Magical Musicals, which kicks off in Northampton in January and takes in 29 venues right across the UK and Ireland. As you might expect now from Anton and Erin, it’s a production of stunning costumes, glorious music and breathtaking choreography.

“We have the orchestra on stage with us and there’s a wonderful feeling of timeless theatre,” added Anton.

The music is from iconic shows from Mary Poppins and Top Hat to Hairspray and Jersey Boys and Lance Ellington – a favourite Strictly singer – is also performing.

So, for the contented Anton du Beke, the future is looking very rosy.

* For more information about Anton and Erin’s new tour go to www.antonanderinlive.co.uk or the national ticket hotline 0844 847 2319. One Enchanted evening is published

by Zaffre in hardback and ebook at £18.99.

13

HOME & garden

|

50 plus magazine

a dining room or workroom, for example – or you might want to extend your KITCHEN to offer extra space.

Whether you do this or not, your kitchen is often the heart of the home and a place where people gravitate to do all kinds of activities. So making this bigger could benefit the whole house, especially if you open it up by knocking down a wall into an adjacent dining room to make it open-plan.

Check with a good builder before you start knocking down walls, however. Although planning permission is not usually needed for removing or altering internal walls unless your home is listed - you must still adhere to building regulations to ensure that any supporting structures are up to the job. So you will need to ask your local building control department or an independent building control inspector to issue a completion certificate on this kind of work.

MAKE MORE SPACE IN YOUR

home If there is one constant complaint about our homes it’s that we never seem to have enough space.

H

owever big or small your property and if you have all the family at home or it is just simply you and a partner or just you, we could always do with more space – for living and storage.

First of all, it’s worth deciding if you want space in a particular area – like an extra bedroom or another downstairs room.

These are big projects so the whole subject of making more space is really about making major or minor adjustments.

For the major projects, you will probably need a realistic budget and recommended expert help. If you don’t know any local builders well enough then consult the Federation of Master Builders at http://www.fmb.org.uk or the National Federation of Builders at http://www. builders.org.uk A CONSERVATORY or ORANGERIE can offer an extra room downstairs that will really transform a property, bringing in

14

plenty of light as well as that much-needed space. Adding a roof to your conservatory can make it an all year round room.

Solid Roofs Direct a division ofPremier Conservatory Supplies have been servicing the Fenestration industry for over 6 years.

Being one of the largest Conservatory & Orangery roof manufactures in the industry, we pride ourselves on quality products and a high level of service. Based in Bolton, Lancashire, out of our 40000 square foot manufacturing facility, we service across the whole of the UK on our own delivery fleet.

If you have extra rooms you could create a UTILITY ROOM with direct access from outside – and somewhere to put those muddy boots or store bicycles.

Convert your GARAGE, if it is just a dumping ground for all kinds of unused household items. Not everyone uses their garage for their car and it is wasted space if you fail to do something practical with it.

You can either make it a separate room –

On the simplest level in your kitchen, why not put your microwave on a glass shelf above your units to free up space? Hang sharp knives inside a high cabinet to create more drawer space and keep them out of children’s way and store wooden spoons and other utensils bouquet-style in a handsome pitcher or canister.

Converting your LOFT offers another area probably currently just used for storage as an extra living space. Lofts can make excellent extra bedrooms and there may still be room there for an eaves’ bathroom.

For smaller projects, create space start with one simple trick: DECLUTTERING.You will be amazed at the amount of possessions and household items

you have accumulated. We all know that the majority will never be of use again so get rid of them.

Sell anything decent on ebay or give items away to local charities. Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation are two charities that can collect furniture items from your home. And you will be supporting worthwhile causes at the same time.

To maximise space in the HALLWAY, don’t let it become a dumping ground for coats, shoes and bags. Choose a sleek unit and use every part of it. By adding a bench with a lift-up lid you will quickly add to your storage. And if you re-decorate with horizontal stripes in a crisp white and fresh Spring shades you’ll make the most of available space and light. It will feel bigger!

The area under the STAIRCASE can just be an awkward corner. But this is a good place to put up extra fitted shelves and pull-out drawers for additional storage.

If the area is quite deep, it may make an OFFICE space for you and a place to put a desk and your computer.

Just add a little light.

In fact, LIGHT plays an important part in making areas at home seem bigger. So it’s worth reviewing all your domestic lighting this Winter and seeing if you can’t shed some light into normally dark corners of your living room or hallway. We all know you can make a room much cosier by dimming the lights but, conversely, you can make it seem bigger and more airy by using brighter lights.

The same is true of DOORS. It’s surprising the difference swapping wooden doors for sliding doors or bi-folding doors can make. Rooms seem just as cosy but the amount of light coming in is far greater – and it looks much more modern.

Consider whether you need a bigger BATHROOM and look at the balance of the house. If you have a four bedroomed house for two of you and your bathroom is quite small, especially if it doesn’t have a separate shower, it might be worth

looking at converting a larger bedroom into a bathroom or even adding a dedicated shower-room.

Adding an EN SUITE to a master bedroom not only gives you extra space and facilities but adds value to your home.

If you have an awkward set of rooms, this can be an excellent way of re-purposing them.

If you’re thinking of investing in a new BED, go for one with under-bed storage drawers. This a great place for bedding and big blankets.

If you have a BAY WINDOW in the living room, it’s definitely worth considering having a curved seat made with additional storage.

And get more storage in your garden from a SHED or SUMMER-HOUSE. As well as being ideal for bikes, you can use it for all kinds of other secure storage – and that will free up your home for what it’s really meant for: providing space for humans and pets.

15

most testing of spaces, letting in an unrivalled amount of daylight.

TILED ROOF EXTENSIONS are also designed to look and function like a permanent part of the property. This additional space makes your house a more desirable place to live and, should you come to sell your property, it immediately allows would-be buyers to envisage using that extra room for their lifestyle needs.

To open up kitchen and living areas, how about installing BIFOLDING DOORS? These clever additions not only look stylish but offer a large area bringing in light, and they can easily fold back to allow in fresh air and the beauty of your garden.

Bringing the outside in...

NATURAL light and space are among the popular hallmarks of modern homes in 2018 whatever size your property.

When we investigate new apartments or houses with a view to moving, a feeling of space with plenty of natural light in evidence is what we are searching for. It not only makes us feel better but it’s a great way to help reduce energy costs.

Architects and developers know that these elements sell their homes to the public and plan accordingly. But, it may not be quite so easy to harness plenty of natural light and create more space in less modern properties.

Most of the homes built in the UK after World War II favoured smaller, more intimate rooms which were relatively cheap to heat, and this legacy has continued to a lesser extent into the early Noughties.

However, in the last 10 years or so in particular, more of us are demanding open plan living areas with as much natural light as we can get.

In fact, through solar panels in the roof more and more of us even turn natural sunlight to domestic energy to cut household bills.

Getting more fresh air into your home along with that vital light and creating more space for growing families - or simply giving yourself more room to breathe - can be costly if you have to think about remodelling homes or building on large extensions or wings.

16

So, more and more people are going for a range of other options that still help to bring the outside inside.

CONSERVATORIES are particularly popular for this, not only because they come in such a variety of sizes and styles to suit all kinds of properties but because they are now cheaper and more efficient than ever.

Conservatories enlarge homes and can genuinely enhance the look of a property. They offer a private, bright space for hobbies, for family time or just for reading alone.

They also bring people closer to their gardens, both physically and emotionally, and allow a new perspective on greenery without having to suffer from the vagaries of the British climate.

ORANGERIES are another popular addition to homes, generating extra living space and creating a special place to live – and work if you prefer – in a private but bright room. They tend to contain more brickwork than glass, can be a bigger project to create, but always add elegance to homes.

You can add a bold and unique visual element to your property with a GLASS ROOF EXTENSION. The glass naturally creates a light living space and the beauty of these extensions is that they can be tailor-made into even the

These doors come into their own for families and open up the whole house. Socialising in the kitchen – which often predominates at parties - is then less cramped and more easygoing.

Cooking smells vanish and individuals can spill out onto the patio to enjoy the best of the outside in convivial company.

Another clever way to enjoy the outside and still protect yourself from the less attractive parts of the British weather is to install an AWNING. These handsome, often brightly coloured additions to your home allow you to dine or just sit outside, away from the sun or even drizzle, as an easy extension of your lifestyle.

You can get awnings custom-made to look just right on your home. And the beauty of them is that when you don’t need them they simply fold away until the next time.

Many of us enjoy our gardens and it’s lovely, not only to see close up the fruits of your labours when it comes to admiring the plants, flowers and other greenery, but also because of the health benefits.

Fresh air is good for the digestion, improves your blood pressure and heart-rate, strengthens your immune system and cleans your lungs.

It also gives you more energy and sharpens the mind – and, probably the most important thing, it makes you happier!

So it’s worth crafting a lifestyle that takes advantage of Nature’s free gifts, and open up your home to all the best possibilities of living.

Please note: Planning permission may be required for some cases. Check with your local planning authority.

HOME & garden

|

50 plus magazine

Transform your existing conservatory into a whole new room ... the way you intended

C

onservatory Roof Insulation Ltd. is an insulation solution that transforms the inside of your conservatory roof to give it a fully insulated, strong, and smooth plastered or upvc finish, whilst keeping the original shape of your roof i.e. not a flat ceiling, hence there is no light reduction.

The family-run business, based in Lytham St Annes, was founded in 2009 and is one of the first companies to offer this product in the UK, alongside its original inventor.

After cross-ventilating the ceiling, Conservatory Roof Insulation Ltd. installs a high performance composite insulation to the inside ceiling of the conservatory, combining multiple layers of reflective and insulating materials to reduce heat loss by up to 90 per cent.

No other conservatory insulation solution can deliver anywhere near this figure.Your conservatory will stay warm in the winter and prevent the ‘greenhouse effect’ during summer.You’ll therefore need to use far less energy to keep your conservatory warm, drastically reducing energy costs.

AFTER

TOO HOT

BEFORE

IN SUMMER, TOO COLD IN WINTER?

After the support framework, cross ventilation, insulation and panelling is installed, the conservatory ceiling will then be plastered to perfection, allowing it to be painted in colour of your choice, or upvc cladding finish, which requires no painting.

The entire process takes just one day to complete.Your conservatory ceiling will no longer look like a conservatory ceiling, but instead will match perfectly with all the other rooms of your house. And because the entire conservatory will be strengthened and insulated, rain noise is reduced by up to 95 per cent, so you can enjoy that dinner party without worrying whether it’s going to rain!

Amazingly it has all these benefits, whilst at the same time costing less on average than ceiling blinds. Conservatory roof insulation Ltd. can provide you with a free no obligation survey for your conservatory.

There is also now an option to have the outside of your conservatory roof replaced with a lightweight tiled roof finish.

For more information contact Beverly on 01253 846663.

For all the finishes available go to www.conservatoryroofinsulation.com

17

Real lives

Give Your Property KERB APPEAL

Are you looking to transform the front of your house with an attractive new driveway?

I

f so, then a resin drive is well-worth considering.

Resin bound surfacing is a porous paving material made from a mixture of aggregate stones and resin. It combines the best attributes of other surfaces – the appearance of loose gravel, the strength of concrete and the flexibility of tarmac – whilst being easier to maintain than all three!

It’s environmentally friendly too – unlike bonded systems, a resin bound surface allows water to drain through just as Mother Nature intended, so you can minimise the impact on the environment and avoid puddles at the same time.

Resin bound surfacing comes in a choice of over 40 unique colours and is suitable for all types of properties and projects including driveways, patios, paths, terraces and roof gardens.

The benefits of a resin driveway

Slip resistant surface Adds value to your property No planning permission required Suitable for listed buildings, urban or rural properties ✔ Completely porous, so no puddles or floods ✔ Weed adverse materials ✔ Strong and durable so it will outlast other driveway options ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Sarah Beeny, property developer and TV presenter, is a big fan of resin drives. “Resin is definitely the perfect drive finish,” she says. “It’s so practical — being totally porous it drains brilliantly and doesn’t create puddles. It’s lovely to walk on, has a long-lasting durable finish and is available in an amazing range of colours.”

“It’s a bit like a little black dress. You can dress it up glitzy glam if you want a real Hollywood look, or it can blend perfectly with a natural rural setting.”

She recommends Resindrives.co.uk for their professional service and high-quality work on her driveway: “They arrived when they said they would, gave us a clear time schedule for the work and were finished early”, she says.

“All the fitters were polite and charming and properly cleaned up after themselves. They did a beautiful job and were complete perfectionists.”

Resindrives.co.uk have been installing resin driveways successfully since 2007. To find out more or get a free quote, call 0800 007 5733 or visit www.resindrives.co.uk.

18

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE AND SURVEY

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*Resindrives.co.uk is a trading name of resindrives.co.uk ltd. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN743675) We are a credit broker and not a lender, we offer credit facilities from a panel of lenders.

Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

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10

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21

Momentum Trading Works

By Douglas Chadwick, Chairman, Saltydog Investor Ltd

A

lthough it has its critics, it`s generally accepted that momentum trading works. It is widely used by professional investors as well as legendary historic figures from the past.

The theory of Momentum Trading, like all the best ideas, is simple - the greater the amount of money that is being invested into a fund, or asset class, the quicker its value will rise. This in turn will attract further investment, pushing the price even higher. Obviously, the opposite also applies.

As a fund or asset class loses investors, the upward momentum ceases and it will reverse, gaining impetus in the opposite direction. Time to move your money and exit stage left!

Jesse Livermore In the summer of 1891 a fourteen-year-old farmer`s son ran away from home with five dollars in his pocket. Thirty-eight years later, having spent his entire adult life as an investor and trader, he was worth over $100million - equivalent to $1.3billion in today`s money. His name was Jesse Livermore, and his immense success was largely due to one investment strategy momentum trading. This remains just as effective today as it was one hundred years ago.

Richard Dennis and the ‘turtles’ Another successful momentum investor was a man called Richard Dennis. He was born in Chicago in 1949 and in the early 1970s started to trade commodities with a small loan from his family. By 1973 this had risen to $100,000 and by 1975 he was a millionaire. By the early eighties he was said to be worth more than $100million. It was at this time that he and his long-term friend, the financial genius Bill Eckhardt made a bet – that any sensible person with training and

22

which are the best performing funds within these sectors. For those that might suffer from number blindness the information is also presented in graph form. The homework has been done and the findings are presented to you on a silver platter.

To make the most of your investments you need to follow a few simple steps:

a supply of relevant financial information could become a successful momentum trader. It goes without saying that Dennis won his bet. He selected twenty or so novices (‘Turtles’) gave them $1million each and let them loose. Three years later their combined value was $175million.

How to ‘Do it yourself’ The same momentum principles underpin the Saltydog philosophy and our approach to investing.

At Saltydog Investor we do not believe that people should necessarily work longer, pay more into their pensions, or take out extra insurance in order to cover their living expenses during their twilight years. These are all the things that are currently being advocated by politicians and the financial industry and which well might be necessary for some; but why oh why doesn`t anyone suggest the obvious - make your current savings work harder!

To become a D.I.Y. investor with some of your money (whilst you learn) you will need a source of clear well presented fund and asset sector performance data. At Saltydog we analyse thousands of funds and present a summary on a weekly basis in a way designed to help private investors see which sectors are currently performing well, and

• Take advantage of the low–cost fund supermarkets and discount brokers.

You need access to their wide selection of funds and to be able to switch, buy and sell without it costing you an arm and a leg.

• Use tax-efficient wrappers like ISAs, SIPPs and Investment Bonds. The government has set up various schemes to encourage us to save more and it is important to take advantage of these offerings.

• Manage risk. By understanding how different funds are classified it is possible to tailor your portfolio to match your own appetite for adventure.

• Monitor your progress and be prepared to change tack as conditions vary.

We combine the Investment Association Asset sectors into our own proprietary Saltydog Groups which are: • Safe Haven.

• Slow Ahead.

• Steady as She Goes.

• Full Steam Ahead-Developed Markets.

• Full Steam Ahead- Emerging Markets.

The nautical names of these groups give an easily recognisable indication of the volatility of the sectors and funds which are allocated to the groups. Using the performance data it is easy to see whether the increased risk associated with the more volatile funds is then being rewarded.

The Saltydog Portfolios We also run a couple of demonstration portfolios to show how our data can be used and publish details every week. These are real portfolios and show what we’re doing with our own money. The ‘Tugboat’ is designed to be very cautious and avoiding losses when markets fall is as important as making gains when they rise.

The ‘Ocean Liner’, shown on the right, is slightly more adventurous.

sa

Take Control The recent growth in on-line trading has been astonishing. The way we shop, bank, arrange our insurance, book our holidays

and choose our utility providers has changed forever. Surely now is the time that our approach to our pensions and savings should

follow suit? These are your babies and nobody else should have a stronger desire to see them perform well than yourself.

How to beat the market using trend investing Saltydog Investor provides you with all of the information that you need to develop a successful trend investing system.

Each week we analyse thousands of funds, covering all market sectors, and identify which way they are trending. We group the sectors according to their historic volatility and then highlight the best performing funds in each Group. We also run a couple of demonstration portfolios so that you can see how we invest our own money.

For a full explanation of how our trend investing system, using funds, could give you better and less volatile returns from the stock market, please take a look at our website:

www.saltydoginvestor.com

saltydog investor

Saltydog Investor Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and does not provide financial advice. Any information that you use, or guidance that you follow, is entirely at your own risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Claim your FREE GUIDE, ‘An introduction to successful trend investing’, or sign up for our two month FREE TRIAL.

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FOOD & DRINK

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posh sandwiches

by Reubens to banh mi

R

umour has it that the sandwich was less the invention of the 4th Earl of Sandwich, but more of an accidental brainwave, when he became peckish during a game of cards and asked for some meat to be placed between a couple of slices of bread. The magic that happened became the sandwich. The sandwich is so many things to so many people: breakfast, elevenses, packed lunch al desko… A portable, hand-held lunch on the go, a sit-down dinner, end of dinner wiper-upper of all the good stuff left over on your plate after a meal; latenight. There aren’t many ingredients that can’t be worked into a sandwich to delicious effect.

Start by making the piccalilli. In a medium pan, add the cider vinegar, garlic, chilli, ginger, turmeric, salt and sugar. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 2 minutes more. Mix the mustard and flour in a small heatproof bowl with 3 tablespoons of the hot brine from the pan.

Stir to form a smooth paste, then add a further 5 tablespoons of cooking liquid and mix well.

Stir the mustard mixture into the brine pan, then cook on a high heat for 2 minutes, or until thickened and glossy. Remove from the heat, then stir in the pickled onions, turnip, carrot and cucumber, and allow to cool completely, about 2–3 hours (or overnight if possible).

Ladle into a couple of sealable and sterilized glass jars, or store in a lidded plastic container in the fridge for up to two weeks. (Be warned – the turmeric may dye your chosen container yellow...)

Piccalilli is a British version of an Indian pickle. The crunchy vegetable pickle, lightly spiced in sweet and salty brine, has a punchy flavour that will cut through the richness of any meat or cheese.

When you’re ready to assemble your sandwich, lay four slices of crusty bread on a board, spread generously with butter, and then layer over the ham and cheese.

Geneously spoon some of your home-made piccalilli over the ham and cheese then pop the remaining slices of bread on top.

Serve with crunchy celery sticks, cherry tomatoes and an apple on the side. The perfect lunchtime snack for a walk in the British countryside.

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PICCALILLI WITH HAM & CHEESE

PLOUGHMAN’S Serves 4 and takes 20 minutes plus 2 hours cooling For the piccalilli 350ml (12fl oz) cider vinegar 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced 1 small red chilli, finely sliced 1.5-cm (1/2-in) piece ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks 2 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp salt 5 tbsp granulated sugar 1/2 small cauliflower (about 150g/51/2oz), broken into small florets 11/2 tsp English mustard 1 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour

10 small silverskin pickled onions 1 turnip, cut into 1-cm (3/8-in) cubes 1/2 carrot, cut into 1-cm (3/8-in) cubes 1/3 cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and roughly diced Sandwich 8 slices crusty wholemeal bread butter, for spreading 200g (7oz) thick-cut ham 150g (5.oz) mature Cheddar cheese, sliced celery sticks, cherry tomatoes and apples, to serve

Bolton’s Award Winning Market has everything you need this Christmas Bolton market has over 200 stalls including a bustling food court serving food from all over the world, cafés complement our food offer, and we even have a licensed bar.

THE NORTH WEST’S

....

GREEN GODDESS SAUCE WITH

HALLOUMI Green goddess sauce, given a creamy addition with ripe avocado, complements the salty slightly sharp halloumi wonderfully.

Serves 4 and takes 20 minutes For the green goddess sauce 1 ripe avocado, stoned and peeled juice 1/2 lemon 2 tbsp Greek yogurt 1 mild green chilli, roughly chopped 1/2 garlic clove, crushed handful coriander (cilantro) salt and black pepper 250g (9oz) block halloumi cheese 8 baby plum tomatoes drizzle olive oil 8 slices sourdough bread

S

tart by making the green goddess sauce. Roughly chop the avocado and put it into the bowl of a food processor with the lemon juice, yogurt, chilli and garlic. Roughly chop most of the coriander and add it to the bowl, reserving a few leaves. Season and pulse until almost smooth. Cover and set aside.

Heat a griddle pan to high. Cut the halloumi into eight slices and cook for 5 Bolton minutes, turning halfway through until Council charred and soft. Add the tomatoes to the pan. Griddle the tomatoes for 2–3 minutes – you just want them to begin to soften and the skins to pop. Remove, halve the tomatoes and season with a little salt and a drizzle of oil.

Griddle the bread on both sides until warm and a lightly toasted. Spread four slices with green goddess sauce, then lay a couple of slices of halloumi and some tomato halves on top. Finish with a sprinkle of the reserved coriander leaves and sandwich with the remaining bread. Green goddess sauce, given a creamy addition with ripe avocado, complements the salty, slightly sharp halloumi wonderfully.

You can buy everything from fresh fish, meat and game, locally sourced and exotic fruit and vegetables with speciality stalls selling deli meats and a huge selection of cheeses, plus there is a whole host of traditional stalls selling everything from furniture to flowers, bedding to broomsticks and much more.

Well worth a visit!

Bolton Market has it all.

Open : Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

How To Find Us: Bolton Market, Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TQ. Contact: 01204 336825 Email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk Visit our website for a list of special events and activities that we are running at the Market.

www.bolton.gov.uk

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Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value.

As one of our customers recently said ‘I love Bury Market because the atmosphere is lovely, it’s everything you need in one place, it’s a gorgeous traditional market, full of fun, food, and luxuries!’

SWEET & SOUR LAMB

KOFTA PITTA These fragrant lamb patties work brilliantly as part of a modern mezze meal.The sweet and sour salad cuts through the richness of the lamb, making these pittas totally moreish.

Serves 4 and takes 30 minutes 500g (1lb 2oz) lamb mince 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp cumin

Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday

2 tsp ground coriander

Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays

bunch mint, finely chopped

“Winner National Coach Tourism Awards” Coach Friendly Shopping Destination of the Year “Winner NABMA’s” Best Market Attraction

Bury Market Management: Tel: 0161 253 6520 Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com : @BuryMarket

: BuryMarket

2 tsp paprika bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped 1 tbsp vegetable oil, for greasing For the salad 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 red chilli 1 large carrot, grated juice 1/2 lemon 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses salt and black pepper 4 tbsp good-quality mayonnaise 2 tbsp harissa 8 mini pittas

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P

ut the lamb mince into a large bowl, add the spices, most of the mint and most of the coriander, reserving about 1 tablespoon of each for the salad.

Massage together with your hands for 2 minutes; this will combine the ingredients and help the patties stay together as they cook.

Divide the lamb mixture into eight equal portions. Using damp hands, shape the meat into rugby ballshaped patties.

Grease a baking sheet with a little oil and lay the patties on top. Set aside.

To make the salad, mix the onion, chilli and carrot with the lemon juice and pomegranate molasses. Gently stir in the reserved herbs and some seasoning. In a small bowl, mix the mayo with the harissa and set aside.

Heat the grill to high. Cook the patties for 8 minutes, turning frequently, until golden and cooked through. To serve, split the pittas and heat under the hot grill.

When warmed, spread with the harissa mayo, sit a kofta inside and top with salad.

A shopper’s delight for clothing, household goods and gifts all at great prices there are currently over 200 stalls to explore

t a k o o l h s e r f a Take

CHOCOLATE-CHIP COOKIES &

ICECREAM How to make chewy chocolate chip cookies even better: sandwich them together with ice cream. Go uberchocolatey and use good-quality chocolate ice cream or go with a classic vanilla.

Serves 8 Takes 25 minutes plus chilling and cooling.

125g (41/2oz) unsalted butter 100g (31/2oz) caster (superfine) sugar 150g (51/2oz) soft light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp salt 225g (8oz) plain (all-purpose) flour 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 100g (31/2oz) dark chocolate chips 50g (13/4oz) milk chocolate chips good-quality ice cream

P

1800C/3500F/

reheat the oven to gas 4. Line two baking sheets with parchment and set aside.

Melt the butter in a small pan or in the microwave, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add both types of sugar, the egg, vanilla and salt, and stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. Tip in the flour and bicarbonate of soda, gently

folding into the wet in gredients and being careful not to overmix, then stir in the chocolate chips.

Use a couple of dessertspoons to scoop the mixture onto the prepared trays; you should get 16 cookies. Leave plenty of room for the cookies to spread during cooking.

Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are light golden. Leave to cool and set on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of your favourite ice cream. Eat immediately.

Posh Sandwiches (Quadrille, £12.99) Photography © Faith Mason

Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday all year round from 9am - 4.30pm Also open all Bank Holidays and Tram Sunday /fleetwoodmarket @fleetwoodmkt

Fleetwoodmarket.co.uk Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB Tel: 01253 887651 Proud winners of Market Innovation of the Year Award 2017

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All change for local

T

favourite

he Golden Ball has been in the village of Longton for over 200 years, but new owner & local lad Chris Buckley has given the pub a new lease of life.

With a stylish and sympathetic refurb The Golden Ball now also serves food, with fresh no-fuss dining, the menu focusses on wonderful local produce that the South

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Ribble is famous for. With food served Tuesday – Sunday they provide a few options alongside the a la carte menu, such as the golden menu (2 courses for £9.50 for over 65’s) available Tuesday – Saturday 12 – 8pm and the market fresh menu (2 courses for £12.50) available Tuesday – Saturday 12 – 6pm.

The pub is also cask marque accredited and regularly rotates 4 cask ales along with a wide gin and wine selection too.

Over recent months the pub has also started monthly dog walking mornings due to quite a few dog regulars. They even have a dog menu.

Sunday’s are done in style here too, with a menu including a roast with 2 meat options to choose from plus live acoustic music from 4-7pm, a perfect lazy Sunday especially when the log fire is on.

T: 01772 613 527 E: info@golden-ball.co.uk www.golden-ball.co.uk 150 Liverpool Road, Longton PR4 5AU

LEISURE

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13th-22nd December The Secret Winter Garden at Croxteth Hall

WHAT'S ON

A Guide to what's happening in your region ...

Sat 8th December – Sun 13th January 19 PETER PAN

every Saturday and Sunday in December until 23rd December. Sail to Santa

This year get a magical Christmas experience as you sail across to visit Santa and his elves on their own Island.

Tickets cost £8.50 per child and each ticket includes: Boat trip to see Santa (1 adult per child), visit to Santa, A gift.

Make your own Christmas craft in our craft room. Post your letter to Santa and receive a response after your visit.

The boat is accessible for wheelchairs and there is a bridge access to the Island for any additional adults wanting to meet Santa with their child.

WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough L40 0TA Tel: 01704 895181 www.wwt.org.uk

7th - 22nd December Jack and the Beanstalk

An Enchanting tale of Rags to Riches, Fearsome Giants, Castles in the clouds and the odd Golden Egg thrown in for good measure. Jack And The Beanstalk will dazzle you with larger than life sets, costumes and plenty of panto magic!

Tickets from £8.

The Playhouse, Market Street West Preston, PR1 2HB T: 01772 252288 www.prestonplayhouse.co.uk

Audiences of St Helens will be dancing down to the Theatre Royal this Christmas as producers Regal Entertainments today announce its strictly fabulous cast for high-flying panto Peter Pan –coming to the venue from Sat 8 December ‘18 – Sun 13 January ’19.

Leaving audiences hooked, Coronation Street and Brookside’s Louis Emerick leads the all-star cast as Captain Hook with special guest star, Strictly Come Dancing’s Kristina Rihanoff as the loveable Tinker Bell.

For 10 nights only (December 13-22), this grand Victorian venue and its stunning gardens will be transformed into a luminous wintery wonderland, to delight and enthrall visitors of all ages.

Fun lovers and families are invited to step into the beautiful Victorian surroundings of Croxteth Hall and Gardens this December, where a magical, illuminated adventure awaits.

Lantern Company, renowned for their extraordinary illuminated events and parades the world over, are back in town with a brand-new illuminations extravaganza called The Secret Winter Garden - created especially for Croxteth Hall.

Venture through a long-forgotten doorway to discover The Secret Winter Garden. Uncover a glowing trail full of giant surprises, secret pathways, amazing creatures and enchanting characters.

Croxteth Hall, Muirhead Avenue East, Liverpool L12 0HB

St Helens Theatre Royal Corporation Street, St Helens WA10 1LQ Box Office: 01744 756 000 www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

11th December 2018 Blackpool Music Service's Christmas Festival

Blackpool Music Service’s Christmas Festival is back in the wonderful Empress Ballroom. Featuring talented Blackpool bands, ensembles and performers who have been particularly successful throughout 2018. With a massed choir of approximately 1000 children this promises to be an evening to remember and a fabulous start the festive season.

Times 7.00pm. Children's tickets: £4.00 Adults tickets: £8.00 Winter Gardens, Blackpool Empress Ballroom, 97 Church St, Blackpool FY1 1HL BOX OFFICE: 0844 856 1111 www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Thursday 10th January Saturday 26th January 2019

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Goldilocks. She goes on an adventure through the woods and, because it’s pantomime, she meets a lot of crazy characters on her travels.

You can depend on this fun-filled, song and dance production being ‘just right’ Matinees 2.15pm on 12/13 and 19/20 January. Advised age 3+ Wigan Little Theatre Crompton Street Wigan, WN1 3SL Tel: 01942 242561 www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk

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@ShawHill

@ShawHill1

@Shawhillresort

www.shaw-hill.co.uk

LEISURE

16th - 19th January at 7.30pm Searching for Doctor Branovic

Written by David Tristram Directed by Janet Dawson Emma Tyler mourns the sudden and unexpected death of her husband. But all is not as it seems and, deep in the bowels of a nearby hospital, something stirs…

Enter Detective Inspector Monroe – last seen memorably in Forget-Me-Knot – the grumpy beleaguered detective soon finds himself right in the middle of another mystery which threatens to unhinge his sanity.

Ticket Price: from £8.00.

The Playhouse, Market Street West Preston, PR1 2HB T: 01772 252288 www.prestonplayhouse.co.uk

Friday 18th January Barry Steele & Friends THE ROY ORBISON STORY

Get ready for a night of solid golds 60s hits and 80s contemporary genius as the Roy Orbison Story celebrates the musical legacy of The Big O. The show features not only original material written by but never sung by Roy Orbison, it also showcases chart busting hits made famous by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Jeff Lynne, ELO, George Harrison, Del Shannon, Chris Isaak, The Spencer Davis Group and The Traveling Wilburys.

Brindley Theatre, Runcorn High St, Runcorn WA7 1BG www.thebrindley.org.uk T: 0151 907 8360

SAT 19th JANUARY BEYOND THE BARRICADE – 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR’ The UK’s longest running Musical Theatre Concert Tour features past principal performers from Les Miserables.

Delivering over two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End, and of course ending with a stunning finale from Les Mis. The concert features David Fawcett (Valjean), Andy Reiss (Enjolras & Resident Director for the National Tour of Les Miserables), Katie Leeming (Eponine) and Poppy Tierney (Cosette), together with a live band who capture the feel of the original orchestrations of the chosen musicals PRICES FROM: £24.50 Preston Guild Hall Lancaster Rd, Preston PR1 1HT tickets@prestonguildhall.co.uk Box Office Tel: 01772 80 44 44 www.prestonguildhall.co.uk

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SUN 27th JANUARY Brass at the Guild 2019 & British Open Youth at the Guild Brass Band Competitions

THURSDAY 24 JANUARY THE SEARCHERS – FAREWELL SHOW 7.30PM | THEATRE £25.50.

With such classic hits as, Sweets For My Sweet, Needles and Pins, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Sugar and Spice and When You Walk In The Room, The Searchers have record sales of more than 50 million. After 50 years, they have now decided to retire, so don’t miss their farewell concert!

The Searchers John McNally, Frank Brindleyare Theatre, Runcorn High St, Runcorn WA7 1BG www.thebrindley.org.uk T: 0151 907 8360

The competitions will include five sections plus The British Open Youth at the WGuild Festival and will take place together with Brass at the Guild 2019 in the Guild Hall and Charter Theatre. This is held across Preston Guild Hall’s two fantastic venues: The Grand Hall and The Charter Theatre.

A total of 40 to 50 Brass Bands are expected to compete and a wealth of fine music performances is ensured.

Times 7.30pm. Price From £19.50

Preston Guild Hall Lancaster Rd, Preston PR1 1HT tickets@prestonguildhall.co.uk Box Office Tel: 01772 80 44 44 www.prestonguildhall.co.uk

TUE 29th JANUARY TEA DANCE JANUARY

FRIDAY 25 JANUARY ABSOLUTE BOWIE

A brand new stage show ‘50 Years of Bowie’ - a musical journey through the iconic singer’s ever changing personas.

All of the Starman’s greatest hits are performed plus tracks from the albums David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars, Heroes, Aladdin Sane, Hunky Dory and Young Americans, through to Heathen, Outside, Reality, Earthling and Blackstar. Features the incredible vocals of John O’Neill as David Bowie. Ticket Price: £22.

SATURDAY 26 JANUARY QUADROPHENIA – THE ALBUM LIVE

A stunning live performance of The Who’s smash hit concept album, Quadrophenia, that has received standing ovations from the very first show. The emotions and raw power that the music demands is delivered by the charismatic band, The Goldhawk.

Brindley Theatre, Runcorn High St, Runcorn WA7 1BG www.thebrindley.org.uk T: 0151 907 8360

Join us for a wonderful afternoon with live music provided by our organist Chris Hopkins (Direct from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom). PRICES FROM: £5.50 Preston Guild Hall Lancaster Rd, Preston PR1 1HT tickets@prestonguildhall.co.uk Box Office Tel: 01772 80 44 44 www.prestonguildhall.co.uk

7th FEBRUARY 2019 HITS OF MOTOWN 2019 LIVE MUSIC

Roy Hemmings, former member of The Drifters, is making a return visit with this electrifying show.

It features some of the classic hits of Motown from its most iconic artists, including: The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Martha and The Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Ritchie and of course The Drifters.

Reach out for a night of fantastic songs from the legendary Detroit record label and its stable of stars.

St Helens Theatre Royal Corporation Street St Helens WA10 1LQ Box Office 01744 756 000

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Tue 19th Feb to Sat 23rd Feb 2019

14 March 2019 Brendan Cole Show Man

This exciting brand new production has it all. Join Brendan and his incredible cast of Dancers and Musicians in a night of spectacular performance. With a variety of music and dance genres, from Ballroom to Latin, Frank to Madonna... This show has it all!

More dance than ever before, phenomenal live music and the very best of staging and lighting!

Everyman Theatre, 5-11 Hope Street L1 9BH Box Office 0151 709 4776

23 February 2019 Collabro - Road to the Royal Albert Hall

After the success of last year’s huge sell-out theatre tour, Collabro will be back on the road next Spring with a mammoth 51 dates across the UK. The musical theatre group’s ‘Road to the Royal Albert Hall’ Tour will be kicking off at South Shields Customs House in February and will see the group perform at a variety of intimate theatres and iconic venues over three months, before finishing the tour at the world renowned Royal Albert Hall in London.

Times 7.30pm. Price From £19.50

Brendan's 5th spectacular production will be hitting theatres in 2019.

Join Brendan and his cast of 5 Professional Male dancers, 3 Professional Female dancers and 9 World Class musicians for a night of scintillating dance, live music and chat.

Times 7.30pm. Price From £25.00 Winter Gardens, Blackpool Opera House, 97 Church St, Blackpool FY1 1HL BOX OFFICE: 0844 856 1111 www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Mon 11th MarCH to Sat 16th MarCH 2019 The Girl On The Train

Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack and Oliver Farnworth, this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment.

Winter Gardens, Blackpool Opera House, 97 Church St, Blackpool FY1 1HL BOX OFFICE: 0844 856 1111 www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Liverpool Playhouse Williamson Square, Liverpool L1 1EL Box Office 0151 709 4776

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS IN THE BLUE LOUNGE

CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON IN STYLE IN THE FLORAL PAVILION’S BLUE LOUNGE, HOWEVER SMALL OR LARGE YOUR GROUP. Arrive at 7:00pm for a prompt 7:30pm dinner service. Carriages at midnight.

Please remember to state any dietary requirements at time of booking and our caterers will contact you nearer the time to confirm menu details.

THU 6th DEC 7:30pm

PAPERBACK WRITERS All Tickets £45.00 (includes 3-course meal)

SAT 8th DEC 7:30pm

SPICE GIRLS XMAS PARTY! All tickets £39.50 (includes buffet) FRI 14th DEC 7:30pm

KIDD GALAHAD AS ELVIS All Tickets £45.00 (includes 3-course meal) SAT 15th DEC 7:30pm

MIKEY POWELL AS MICHAEL BUBLÉ All tickets £45.00 (includes 3-course meal)

FRI 7th DEC 7:30pm

TAKE ON TAKE THAT

All Tickets £45.00 (includes 3-course meal)

THU 20th DEC 7:30pm

ABBA FOREVER

All tickets £45.00 (includes 3-course meal)

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t a s a m t s i r h C e g a l l i V g n i p p o h S l l a Heskin H A great place for personalised and unique Christmas gifts for all the family • Christmas Covered All Under One Roof With Over 5o Unique Shops • • You’ll Be Spoilt For Choice •

• FREE ENTRY • Christmas Opening Times • Monday 17th 10am-5pm • Tuesday 10am-5pm • Wednesday 10am-5pm • Thursday 10am-5pm • Friday 10am-5pm

• Boxing Day CLOSED • Thursday 27th CLOSED • Friday 10am-5pm • Saturday 10am-5pm

• Saturday 10am-5pm • Sunday 10.30-4.30 • Christmas Eve 10am-3pm • Christmas Day CLOSED

• Sunday 10.30-4.30 • New Years Eve 10am-3pm • New Years Day CLOSED • Wednesday 2nd 10am-5pm

Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA 01257 451464 www.heskinhallshoppingvillage.co.uk

Order

Turkey

16th

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HEALTH

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an HBA1C (long-term blood sugar marker) should be conducted at least 2-3 times per year.

It is also important for patients with diabetes to consider their cholesterol and blood pressure levels as this has an effect on their heart health. It would be recommended that fasting cholesterol blood tests be carried out at least once a year. A six-monthly review of medications would also be part of the GP process.

At your-doctor, we offer a personalised, bespoke service to help support and plan a programme of diabetes management.

Your Doctor How to Manage Diabetes It is estimated that just under 4 million people have diabetes in the UK. 90% are type 2 diabetics. It is believed that up to a further 1 million people remain undiagnosed.

Type 2 diabetes is due to increasing insulin resistance to raised sugar levels. This means that your insulin hormones become less effective in storing and dealing with raised blood sugar levels. This is particularly relevant when consuming large amounts of refined carbohydrates or sugary food and drinks.

Losing weight and exercising is shown to improve, and in some cases reverse, diabetes by making your insulin more sensitive again.

So what can you do to help deal with your diabetes?

Try avoiding fruits that are higher in natural sugars like grapes and mangoes and stick to fruits which have a lower sugar content like apricots, raspberries and strawberries.

Reduce your consumption of refined carbohydrates (rice, pasta and bread) which will help to stabilise your sugars.

Avoid sugary drinks (i.e. squashes, soft fizzy drinks) and stick to water, green tea and coffee/tea without sugar or sweetener.

Try to exercise daily. This can be as little as 10 mins of moderate activity which can even be split in to two sessions of 5 mins.

Include high quality protein and fat such as such as nuts, avocados, Omega 3 fats (Mackerel, Wild salmon and tuna) virgin olive oil and eggs in every meal. This helps you to feel full and stabilise your blood sugars.

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Snacks – try olives, hummus with celery sticks but avoid the temptation of processed foods such as biscuits and crisps.

Try to lose weight. Losing weight can help to increase your insulin sensitivity again and can reduce your diabetic medication requirements.

In some cases, it is possible to get patients off all diabetic medications.

Diabetes increases your risk factors for other health issues so make sure you have regular check-ups with your GP. By keeping a bloodsugar diary and a food diary your GP can help you to manage your medications and encourage good lifestyle choices. Blood tests including

By Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director and GP at Your Doctor www.your-doctor.co.uk

WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY In the UK, 435 people lose their lives to heart disease every single day. More than 110 of these people will be under the age of 75, a very small number might even be children.

Heart disease is a condition, which can affect anyone so here are ways you can make your heart healthier: If you’re a smoker take drastic steps to quit to protect yourself from heart disease. Smoking is one of the main causes of coronary heart disease but if you do quit, your risk of having a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

You should do about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week to reduce your risk of heart disease. This is just 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week. This can be broken down into three episodes of 10 min activities.

Stick to a diet low in fats and sugars. If you’re overweight, then you should take steps to lose weight in order to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you do this gradually, sugar cravings are minimised.

Drink less alcohol. Regular or high alcohol intake can lead to heart disease called cardiomyopathy. Binge drinking can cause irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias.

Alcohol contains a lot of calories that can have a big impact on how you manage your weight.

Manage stress in your life. Excessive stress over a long period of time can cause heart attacks so it’s important that you do not overwork or overload yourself in order to protect yourself from developing heart disease.

Manage your cholesterol. We need cholesterol to be healthy but an imbalance of cholesterol in your blood can lead to heart attack or stroke. In order to balance your cholesterol, you should eat healthy fats and reduce the amount of processed food, sugar and flour in your diet.

Oily fish contains huge amounts of omega-3 fats, which is a mineral that helps protect against heart disease. Salmon, sardines and tuna are all great sources of omega-3. However,

pregnant women should not eat more than two portions of oily fish a week.

Start eating more fibre. Experts say that 30g of fibre a day can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.You can get fibre from foods like wholemeal bread, bran, oats, potato skins, fruit and vegetables.

Cut down the salt in your diet (particularly sodium salts) as it can affect your blood pressure which increases your risk of heart disease. The salt we consume is usually already in the foods we buy so it’s important to check the labels of what you’re buying. Microwave meals are notorious for having a huge amount of salt in – it’s always better to cook from scratch so you’re more aware of what’s going into your food.

Eat your 5-a-day (at least)! Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables every day will mean your body is absorbing a good amount of vitamins and minerals which in turn will help your body fight against heart disease. There is a push towards 7-10 portions a day but we would encourage you to build this into your diet gradually.

HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS These days our lives seem more stressful than ever. To follow are Your Doctor’s tips on how to cope with stress.

Much of the stresses we have in our life are caused by too many responsibilities. Start saying ‘no’ to requests that are asking too much of you.You’d be surprised how much more ‘me’ time you will have just by doing this simple exercise.

Get some fresh air. The Vitamin D boost you get from sunlight increases the production of serotonin in your body which will help you feel happy and lift your spirits.

Visualise feeling calm. Find a quiet space where you can sit down and focus on your breathing, your mood and yourself.Your body produces less of the stress hormone cortisol when your mind is involved in guided imagery.

Talk to yourself the way you talk to your friends when you are trying to help them. We have a horrible habit of talking to ourselves in a negative way which can causes stress, depression and anxiety. Start positive self-talk and tell yourself why you’re worth it.

Exercising is a great way to deal with stress because it can help clear your mind, give you a chance to focus on something else and can release some of the intense emotion you’re feeling so that perhaps you will be able to look at the issue with a clearer head.

Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. They may seem like things that would calm you but in actual fact caffeine and nicotine are stimulants so they will increase feelings of

stress and alcohol is a depressant so can affect your outlook on a situation as well as adversely affecting sleep.

Stress can stop us sleeping well so try and have a good routine. Avoid laptops and phones an hour before sleep. Prioritise having some “downtime” before going to sleep. Reading before bed may help you unwind. Having a bath can have a very soothing effect on our body and mind. Some say the sensation unconsciously takes our mind back to a time when we were in the womb. Following a regular routine is helpful.

Talk to your friends or family. Stress can stop us seeing a situation clearly and talking to someone else about what is wrong might help you see a situation with new eyes or help you find a solution.You can also stop pretending and therefore spend your energy on getting better.

Start a ‘stress diary’. If you record every day how you are feeling and what happened during the day it may clarify which situations which are causing you distress. Sometimes it isn’t instantly obvious about what makes us feel stressed or anxious so this may be a good way to reveal how we can take steps to reduce the stress in our life.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, book an appointment to have a chat with GP.

National Helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved.

Anyone who believes they have a drink problem can contact Alcoholics Anonymous by using the helpline number above or email; help@aamail.org Further information may be obtained from the web site above or from the General Service Office at the address below.

For information: P.O. Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York. YO1 7NJ Tel: 01904 644 026 35

Please note insurance breakdown and servicing only applies to Motability scheme.All images for illustration purposes only

SPECIAL SPRING OFFERS

FREE Cushion with every wheelchair purchased throughout March, April & May. Free Bag and 3 months FREE insurance with every scooter purchased throughout March, April & May.

VAN OS G LOGIC ONLY £299

DAYS ST 1 ONLY £549

RISE & RECLINE CHAIR FROM ONLY £595

FINANCE AVAILABLE* *Subject to status BOLTON BRANCH 20 Corporation Street Bolton BL1 2AN Tel. 01942 606668 Opening Times: Mon - 9am to 4pm Tues & Wed - 9am to 4.30pm Thurs - 9am to 6pm Fri & Sat - 9am to 4pm

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(HEAD OFFICE) LEIGH BRANCH: Parsonage Garage Kirkhall Lane Leigh Greater Manchester WN7 5RP Tel: 01942 606668

www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk 36

Opening Times: Mon - Fri 8.30am to 5pm Sat - 9am to 4pm

Regain your independence and freedom to move around your home with a Stairlift from:

Our Acorn stairlifts are: • Easy to Use • Fit to the Stairs (not the wall) • Have Low Running Costs

• Affordable • British Engineered • Safe and Reliable

We offer super fast installation and free quotations from the specialist Acorn stairlift team.

We also supply: l Mobility scooters l Wheelchairs l Bathlifts l Continence care l Walking aids l Adjustable beds l Daily living aids and lots more in our town centre showroom.

We offer free home demonstrations, quality customer service and have been providing mobility solutions and advice for over 30 years.

www.castletownhomecare.co.uk

15 Union Street Southport PR9 0QF Tel: 01704 532567

FREE CONSULTATION WITH DISCREET CARE

Call 01704 578 209

11/8/11 20:22:00

DENTURE SOLUTIONS

Are your Dentures causing you teething troubles?

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

A Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training in areas such as Medical Emergencies, Cross Infection Control and Oral Pathology (cancers and anomalies) to name just a few sections that make up the Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS).

It is this qualification that allows the clinician at Denture Solutions to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians are the only Dental Professionals permitted to supply dentures direct to the public.

A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified. If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT. Dentures, like most things, have a limited lifespan; usually around 5-7 years. After this period of time the denture can start to offer inadequate facial support, which can leave cheeks looking sunken and withered as well as lips appearing excessively wrinkled. New dentures can reduce these age related features by supporting the facial tissues without making the teeth looking large and protruded.

Dentures on Implants An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. A regular denture rests on the gums, and is not supported by implants.

An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn't have any teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. An implant-supported denture has special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants.

Implant-supported dentures usually are made for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less stable there.

Usually, a regular denture made to fit an upper jaw is quite stable on its own and doesn't need the extra support offered by implants. However, you can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw.

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HEALTH

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50 plus magazine

DENTURE Solutions fully understands the daily problems that wearing a denture can create.

Its clinical technician, Andrew Corlett (CDT, RCS (Eng)) and nurse Adele aim to provide a complete professional denture service, with discreet care and understanding of what your needs and expectations are.

“When I first saw Mr Corlett’s ad, regarding his dental clinic, I was interested, but also anxious, as I had not heard of him before. However at my Before

first consultation I realised my anxiety was not necessary. We discussed what I needed and what would be best for me. The end result is a perfect set of the most comfortable dentures I have ever had.”

AFTER

Using its onsite laboratory enables Andrew to combine clinical and technical skills together to design and create beautifully handcrafted dentures focusing on comfort, fit and appearance.

Andrew’s passion and enthusiasm for natural lifelike dentures has helped him create a denture clinic where the finest detail and care are delivered in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mrs Graham from Waterloo

NEW DENTURES DIRECT TO THE PUBLIC

Natural looking dentures designed and created just for you.

l l l l

Emergency repairs & relines Implant & flexible dentures Free consultation with discreet care Home visits by appointment

At your free initial consultation Denture Solutions will take time to discuss your individual needs and the choices that are available to you, be it complete or partial dentures, flexible dentures, implant dentures as well as denture repairs, adjustments and relines.

Fully qualified, registered and insured clinical dental technician with 25 years experience.

It’s friendly, professional staff will guide you through the whole process making your experience a relaxing and enjoyable one.

Find us on: 104 Station Road, Ainsdale Southport PR8 3HL

Let Denture Solutions solve your denture problems with our friendly, personal and confidential service. We provide natural looking Dentures designed and created just for you.

Tel: 01704 578209

Thank you to our patients who kindly allowed us to use their testimonial and images.

Email: manager@denturesolutionsuk.com Website: www.denturesolutionsuk.com 39

Dental Implant, Same Day Teeth with Same Day Teeth and Dental Implants Denture Stabilization Implants placed and a full set of teeth fitted in one day.

“I have gained all my confidence Do you or back with have my newone smile!”

more missing teeth?

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Several Dental implant solutions are available depending on your treatments needs: To replace a single missing tooth

FINANCE Replace several missing teeth AVAILABLE A complete set of teeth l l l l

Stabilise dentures

HYSLOP DENTAL AND IMPLANT CLINIC

CALL US 0

I have0LE gained all my confidence Email usemma@ 8 Albert Road, Southport PR9 back with my new smile!”

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FINANCE AVAILABLE

Call the practice and book in for a complimentary implant assessment:

01704 536003

email: emma@hyslopdental.co.uk www.hyslopdental.co.uk

HYSLOP DENTAL AND IMPLANT CLINIC 8 Albert Road, Southport PR9 OLE