Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside 50 by 50 Plus Magazine

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MAY - JULY 2016

OLDHAM, ROCHDALE & TAMESIDE EDITION 50

Barry Manilow ONE LAST TIME: THE TOUR

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DPSv1

CONTENTS he know that unwittingly the site was to be the meeting place for a couple then living 150 miles apart but whose lives and careers had started right on his own Lancashire doorstep.

Old Smokey meets his match Match making through social media is perhaps nothing new but taking a couple of 50-plus silver surfers and an ageing cat acting as introducer has to be something of a first! But it has worked out just purrfectly for everybody. Old Smokey is something of a media star on Facebook. He’s the mouthpiece of a former top national newspaper photographer who decided to launch the page for pet lovers, their stories and their photographs. Little did

As Old Smokey strolled the green acres of his adopted home little did he know that behind the scenes a romance was unfolding with all the ingredients of Wuthering Heights, a story set very close to his own doorstep, where, ironically, our modern day Heathcliff was living. His Cathy was many miles away but through the humour and banter which the couple shared on the Facebook page a friendship and more was forming as Smokey catnapped his way through far more than his standard nine lives.

T w i tt e r i n g with Graham Smith

We read so much about Internet love stories now. They are usually the province of the young but our lovers are beyond the first flush of youth and kept their true feelings hidden among the pictures of Spring lambs and cuddly puppies on Old Smokey’s page. Few knew their secret and Old Smokey was oblivious to the fact that he was the catalyst (go on, groan then) in a blossoming relationship, a meeting of minds and a fabulous friendship which neither of our anonymous lovers had been looking for but which fell naturally into their laps as both had been victims of unhappiness before. It became obvious to the couple that destiny decreed

they must be together and they met one day in the shadow of the legendary Pendle Hill, an area where they had both worked many years ago, but which still held a magic for both of them. The meeting confirmed all that they already knew…and more. Old Smokey had done a catastrophic (more groans) piece of match making. He probably sat back in the sun and knew he’d done a scratch job (I don’t care how much you groan any more). The couple are now together and very happy, proof that social media can bring fulfilment to all ages, can bridge the miles, can bring like minds together and Old Smokey knows his master’s page wasn’t such a daft idea after all.

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He was an actor who played a part. These twits cannot even be themselves without a script written by lunatics.

Enough to make you ill Graham Smith

The players in this piece met up recently…Old Smokey was asleep on the coffee table. He cast an eye towards the couple as though he was the cat that got the cream. He didn’t…….I did.

Big John and the pc brigade Irregular readers of mine will know the pc brigade gets up many of my orifices. Recently the mentally challenged of the USA have decided there can’t be a national John Wayne day because of racist comments he made when he was alive. What? As I recall John shot thousands of Indians as an actor but never killed one in his own right. What a load of bloody wigwams. I interviewed John many years ago. He was drunk, belligerent, drawling and a pain in the proverbial but I loved him, as I had loved him in every film he ever made. He was a larger than life character with vices. He had opinions, he wore a wig but he was a lovely live human being who gave pleasure to so many. So who are these twerps who say he cannot be commemorated? Get on your horses and drink your milk.

inside

As the years advance I find myself in need of a little medical attention, and that’s exactly what I get…little. Arrive at the surgery and no one at reception speaks to you. You have to punch your date of birth into a machine and it tells you if you have an appointment. It’s also bloody ignorant and doesn’t say “Good Morning”. Alternatively you can have a telephone appointment. By the time the doctor phones you you’ve Googled your symptoms and know more about the prognosis than she or she does. I spoke to a doctor recently and got more drugs over the phone than I could have done with a machine gun raid on a pharmacy. Scary. What happened to the good old days where the doctor pricked your boil?

The final curtain We’re running out of stars and icons. So many famous names and wonderful entertainers are leaving us this year, and some not so wonderful who are praised as being icons, a much overused word in the media. Terry Wogan, Cilla Black and Paul Daniels are three who spring to mind as having contributed much to not just the world of entertainment but far beyond it. Their talent was honed at a grass roots level with real people, not electronically

enhanced and wrapped in a brick to throw at the unsuspecting public.

Hair raising Being follically challenged I should probably keep my mouth shut, but what’s this coloured hair thing all about? I’m almost used to the younger generation having tattoos and metal protruding from every bodily orifice but green, blue and red hair. I don’t get it. It is not attractive in any way and makes them look like frustrated orang-utans who are in need of a banana. Recently I saw three apparitions in the supermarket with varying shades of top knot. It put me right off my breakfast of quails’ eggs in octopus pee and thoroughly spoiled my frogs’ leg sandwich.

We’ll meet again One of the true icons of British entertainment, Dame Vera Lynn, is now 99. She seems to share the longevity of the Royal Family to whom she is so close. Is it really 21 years since we last heard her sing in public? And 60 plus years before that since she was the Forces sweetheart It’s some years now since we sat and reminisced in a small French restaurant, her eyes wistfully looking out to the sea surrounding the country she helped to liberate. Keep smiling through the years you wonderful lady , the inspiration of so many memories.

TRAVEL...

IS CAMPING FUN FOR EMPTY NESTERS PAGES 6-7

BARRY MANILOW ONE LAST TIME: THE TOUR PAGES 18-19

INTERIORS...

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME PAGES 23-24

JAMES MARTIN SWEET TREATS PAGES 28-30

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50 Plus Travel

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Electric pedal power The perfect choice for those who prefer a gentler bike ride

B y J enn i e C a r r f r o m S i l v e r T r a v el Ad v i so r free to enjoy the view and take glorious photos once you’ve reached the top, not to mention the enjoyment of overtaking a few “manual” cyclists on the way up!

Cycling holidays are becoming more popular every year, and especially amongst Silver Travellers. The success of British athletes in this sport has brought out the Bradley Wiggins and Laura Trott (plus a few years) in many of us, especially for leisure time. The wonderfully exciting Tour de France in the UK in 2014 has also added to the growing passion we have for cycling at home and abroad. All well and good for those fitness fanatics who can don skintight lycra and pedal off on weekend mornings before most of us have had a coffee or thought of exercise. However for many, the more appealing notion is a cycling holiday; quiet lanes in warm European countries, right off the beaten track with wonderful scenery taking in sleepy villages, orchards and grazing cattle, with the sparkling Med enticingly close. Until of course you spy, ahead in the distance,

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gently rolling countryside, which the closer you get, turns into the equivalent of Mont Blanc for the infrequent cyclist. Gone are all thoughts of the divine scent of the lavender fields and the photos you plan to take of stunning vistas. Suddenly a gentle spin on a bike turns into something rather more challenging. Fortunately, help is at hand and not in the form of a farmer with a tractor. The electric bike! These marvellous inventions, originally designed in a basic form in the 1890s, operate using a battery although they still need to be pedalled to move onwards, and indeed, upwards. So you have all the joys of a normal bike, fresh air, exercise and the feeling of freedom with some serious bonuses! Speeds of up to 25km an hour can be reached, a real plus should you go further off the beaten track than anticipated or fancy taking in a castle or market that is miles out of your way. And of course, that hideous hill becomes a concern consigned to the past. The electric bike will take all the hard work out of cycling upwards, leaving you

The pedal assist allows you to cycle without a struggle, as you can choose the speed and amount of assistance the battery gives, all very simply. If you wish to use the battery, turn it on, if you are happy under your own leg power, it can stay off. This certainly makes for a really pleasant ride for the leisure cyclist. Added to this, the ‘sit up and beg’ position of the bikes makes for a relaxing cycle, and avoids the back breaking, horizontal crouch used by the sportsman. The actual body of the bike is, without question, heavier, however the battery alleviates this once you get going, so don’t be put off if the first few moments make your legs feel a little leaden. All will soon be well! Should you be one of a couple or group who have differing levels of fitness, the e-bike may well allow everyone to enjoy a holiday together, with the infrequent pedellar able to keep up with the more dedicated cyclist. Or perhaps it could enable you to take a slightly more ambitious, in terms of hills and distance, trip than you might have done. No longer restricted to river valleys, you could be enjoying the hills of Tuscany or coastal paths of Portugal. Concerns about your physical ability will vanish and a great sense of well-being will complete a day’s exercise, as opposed to fears about aching muscles and the application of embrocation. Electric bikes have had a slight image problem historically, being seen as somewhat uncool and not for ‘real’ cyclists. The pragmatic amongst us have taken another stance and sales of the electric bike are soaring! The Chinese, famous for their passion for cycling, have

TRAVEL

LYONS HOLIDAY PARK

bought more than 120 million and in Germany, BMW have brought out their own version of the e-bike. Surely there can be no finer endorsement. Add to that the Dutch enthusiasm for this mode of transport and you can see how well it’s catching on! Little did Ogden Bolton Junior of the USA know what he was starting when he patented the battery powered bicycle in 1895. And frankly, the need never to wear lycra on an electric bike, unless you so choose, must surely be the greatest advantage known to other road users.

It all started when Lyons Holiday Parks was founded by Joseph William Lyons, it was some seventy two years later that Robin Hood was purchased which went on to become the flag ship park of The Lyons Holiday Parks Group. From there they continued to grow to eight parks they have today. From being the very first holiday park in North Wales to being the biggest and best family-run holiday park operator in the area...The Lyons Group is still run by the same family today, even after 90 years! Committed to making happy holiday memories for many more years to come and are always looking for ways to improve the holiday and caravan ownership experience!

So for all of us who desire the joys of a cycling holiday, without the pain or strain that Sir Bradley endures, the electric bicycle must surely be the way to go!

Silver Travel Advisor recommends... Walking and cycling specialist, Headwater Holidays, is offering electric bikes to customers on selected selfguided cycling holidays in France, Italy, Portugal, Austria and Switzerland, with an e-bike supplement from just £50 per person for those wanting to upgrade to an electric bike on their trip.

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

Visit www.headwater.com for more information or call 01606 822671. Mercurio Bike Travel www.mercurio-bike-travel.com offers gentle guided cycling holidays in Germany and Austria with an electric bike option available too. Call 020 8144 1199.

In 2010 they purchased their first hotel, the Nant Hall and 2013 when Woodlands Hall Hotel and Country Club was added to the group, offering luxury accommodation and fine dining. Oakfield Holiday Park in Towyn is the latest addition to the Lyons family, coming into the group just two months ago.

For more information, articles and reviews, visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or contact service@silvertraveladvisor.com

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

• Blackpool

• Southport

9 unique parks throughout North Wales • Liverpool

omes Holiday H m only start fro

Lyons Robin Hood Lyons Pendyﬀryn Hall

£9,995

Anglesey

Lyons Oakﬁeld

Lyons Winkups

Lyons Eryl Hall

Lyons Lido Beach Wirral

Lyons St Mary’s Lyons Mounds

Lyons Woodlands Hall

*Selected models only. Terms and Conditions apply.

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

twitter.com/lyonsparks

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Pension Flexibility – The dawn of a new era

Landmark

FINANCIAL PLANNING

“Affluent people approaching retirement should be free to blow their pension pot on a Lamborghini even if they end up relying on the state for support”

I don’t think sensible people approaching retirement will take this course of action but the quote does highlight the complete flexibility now available for pension withdrawal. There are going to be new options for annuity purchase, but for drawdown there will be three contracts. These are known as capped drawdown, flexi access, and uncrystallised funds pension lump sum (UFPLS). We love jargon in this industry.

quote from a minister on the new pension freedoms.

Capped drawdown has been available since 1995, and stays in its current format with a maximum being placed on the income which can be withdrawn in any one year. The advantage for those in capped drawdown is continuing pension contributions can be made at the maximum annual allowance of £40,000. This is not the case for the other two options. Flexi- access will have no limitations to the income that can be taken, but all income will be added to your income in the tax year to determine the level of tax you will pay on the withdrawal. The introduction of UFPLS is an interesting addition and this will replace triviality and small pension pot regulations.

Creating a financial plan that works for you

Specialists in retirement planning

Eric Mowinski

At Landmark we are focused on delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Our philosophy is perhaps best summed up by our statement of purpose.

"We help clients make informed decisions about their money through our financial planning and investment management expertise. We give people the financial confidence to enjoy life, reassured by our personal approach and the attentive care we take over managing their financial well-being." Shelagh Taylor

Call Eric Mowinski or Shelagh Taylor on 01457 870008 or visit our website www.landmarkfs.co.uk to find out more.

Landmark

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Landmark Financial Planning Limited 27 Sam Road, Diggle, Saddleworth OL3 5PU t: 01457 870008 f: 01457 873016 e: landmark@landmarkfs.co.uk w: landmarkfs.co.uk Landmark Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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Door to Door Coach Tours with Ellen Smith Membership No: 10228

TRY to describe the ideal holiday and it’s a fair bet it would start right at your front door and simply whisk you away for a fantastic experience. Well, at Ellen Smith Coach Tours, that’s exactly what we do. We’re proud of our efficient door-to-door service that picks you up at your home address at a pre-arranged time in a taxi or small minibus. We take you straight to one of our two meeting points: Birch Services near Heywood or Poplar Services near Lymm, where there’s no hanging around as you’re usually on your way within 15 to 20 minutes. This is just the start of a memorable holiday or break that’s packed with attention to detail – because we know from experience what works for people, and we want to give them the best. Our business was started in 1900 in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, so we’ve got a long and distinguished history of providing top-quality, value for money coach holidays. In fact, as managing director Paul Targett says: “We get it right – that’s certainly what our customers tell us, and they choose to come back again and again.” Ellen Smith Coach Tours wants clients to completely enjoy the experience of their chosen holiday or break – whether it’s to the picturesque Highlands of Scotland or the rugged beauty of Cornwall. We choose the best hotels and inject genuine creative thought into putting together interesting and enjoyable itineraries Your driver will always be very experienced, pleasant and helpful. “Many of our drivers know our regular clients by their first names, which all adds to the family atmosphere,” states Mr Targett.

No need, either, to worry about carrying heavy cases as the vast majority of our hotels offer a porterage service. On your return date, the reverse of your original journey is all in place. Your taxi is waiting for you at one of the two service stations and you’re usually back through your own front door with a cuppa and feet up to watch “The Chase”! Our whole holiday experience is worry-free. All our holidays are fully bonded by the Confederation of Passenger Transport Bonding Scheme – a Government-approved consumer protection scheme ensuring your money is protected. We also offer popular “Mature Singles” holidays where all the hotel bedrooms are sole occupancy, offering a brilliant break for the solo traveller. We also run some excellent Continental coach holidays to wonderful destinations like Lake Como, Lake Garda, Alpine trips and Normandy for the D-Day landing beaches. And, for that touch of extra luxury, we offer Fred Olsen cruises from Liverpool at unbelievable prices, plus a variety of Air, Cruise & Worldwide holidays.

In fact, Ellen Smith Coach Tours is simply all about the best of holidays – brought to your door.

Our coaches are executive standard with toilets, air conditioning and reclining seats. On the journey to your hotel, we tend to avoid motorway services and visit some of the glorious villages, towns and cities dotted around our lovely country. We always plan to arrive at our destination around 4.30 – in time to give you plenty of opportunity for a quick snooze and to settle in your room before dinner. As we normally only use 3 and 4 star hotels, with the occasional family-run 2 star hotel that we’ve used for many years, you’re in for a comfortable and relaxing stay with the very best in catering. We also use a range of hotels to suit specific tours. Many of our tours are themed, like “Royal Sandringham and the Sport of Kings” or “An Irish Country House Experience”. All our tours have day excursions at no extra charge, including canal or train journeys or visits to historic castles or country estates. “We try to showcase the best of what our country has to offer,” added Mr Targett.

Want to know more? Call on 01706 648126

for a copy of the 2016 brochure – you’ll wonder why you ever went away in your car!

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Why not join one of our Quality Door to Door Coach Tours?

We pick- up at your door in most of the Greater Manchester area. We visit every part of the UK from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall. Our drivers are very experienced mature individuals with a wealth of knowledge about our wonderful country. We do city breaks, historic adventures, scenic tours, train rides, boat rides, canal trips, not forgetting our numerous costal resorts.

On your first day of travel we pick you up at your front door at a pre-arranged time in a minibus or taxi. You are then transferred to a central meeting point, either Birch Services or Poplar Services dependant upon where you live, where the coach is waiting for you. Within 15 to 30 minutes you’re on your way aboard our luxury coach travelling directly to your holiday destination, making suitable stops en-route. The hotels that we use are of a 3 or 4 star standard or occasionally a good quality family run 2 star hotel. Upon your return to either Birch Services or Poplar your taxi or minibus is waiting to whisk you home.

Included in every tour... l

Good Standard Hotel l Half Board l All Excursions l Door to Door Service

Ellen Smith Price Promise 1. Everything is included in the final price – no hidden charges 2. If we reduce a tour all customers previously booked receive same refund 3. No currency surcharges 4. Any supplement imposed by the hotel will be the exact amount we charge 5. If you find a similar holiday cheaper we’ll refund twice the difference!

A SELECTION OF OUR 2016 COACH TOURS DATE

TOUR

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

12th June

Bournemouth and a Channel Island Experience

Mayfair Hotel

£379

12th June

Eastbourne

BW Lansdowne Hotel

£399

12th June

Royal Norfolk & the Broads

Links Country Park Hotel

£349

19th June

Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise

Various

£659

?????????

£309

19th June Mystery Tour 24th June

Woburn, Bletchley & Cambridge

Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel

£279

24th June

Treasures of Tuscany & Florence

Hotel Ercolini Et Savi

£689

27th June

Riches & Grandeur of Middle England

Rockingham Forest Hotel

£289

27th June

Dunoon & Exploring the Lochs

Esplande Hotel

£329

Northumbria & the North East

Little Haven Hotel

£339

4th July 10th July

Torquay

Derwent Hotel

INTERESTED?

6 £369

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2016 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk Find us on facebook & twitter (searchwww.50plusmagazine.co.uk for ellensmithtours)

GLOSSOP CARAVANS CELEBRATES

40 SUCCESSFUL YEARS Join the party to mark its key milestone and welcome an equally bright future. Back in 1976 - when Britain basked in the heat of a recordbreaking summer - a small family-run caravan dealership with a handful of employees was born. Forty years on, Glossop Caravans has grown to become one of the UK's leading dealers, with a prime seven-acre site on the fringe of the country's first National Park in the Peak District and a workforce of around 160 people. Over the past four decades, Joint Managing Directors Stan and Brian Laing have developed it from a fledgling company selling second-hand caravans to a thriving business working in close partnership with Britain's top three manufacturers. The success story began when the company was launched by three brothers - Tommy, Stan and Brian Laing - in Droylsden. It expanded so quickly that they were soon on the look-out for a second site, and Tommy found one alongside the main A57 road at Brookfield, Glossop. Shortly after opening in Glossop, Tommy took the decision to concentrate on the original business in Droylsden, while Stan and Brian took over at Brookfield and developed the Glossop Caravans brand. It soon caught the attention of many passing caravanners, as well as building up a solid base of customers within a 50-mile radius of the business.

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Stan and Brian gradually expanded operations to include an awnings showroom in the early 1980s and a shop selling accessories and a workshop offering a repair and aftercare service in the late 1980s, then a state-of-the-art Service Centre in 2004. Partnerships with Coachman, Elddis and Swift were forged in the 1990s, and the company now works with all three to produce its award-winning range of Special Edition Caravans. Life may have changed since that long hot summer of 1976, but core values - quality products and service, commitment to customers, employees and industry colleagues and the very best standards of aftercare - remain constant at Glossop Caravans. Celebrations to mark Glossop Caravans' 40th anniversary will coincide with National Camping and Caravanning Week, The Camping and Caravanning Club's annual celebration of camping, caravanning and the great outdoors, from Saturday May 28 to Sunday June 5. Both weekends will feature a Caravan Clinic and towing masterclass, live radio broadcasts and activities for younger visitors, including a circus skills workshop and magicians. You can also win holidays from Coachman, Elddis and Swift, plus membership of The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Join the fun at Glossop Caravans, Brookfield, Glossop SK13 6JF, 01457 868011.

Celebrate with us... CELEBRATING

40 S Y EAR 1976 – 2016

VA N C

DESIGN AWARDS 2016 SECOND

U B

BY SWIFT MODELS INCLUDE: 480 • 510 • 530 • 565 • 570 • 580 • 590 • 640

OUR PRICE £20,990

RRP (570) £22,806

TWO BERTH

SECOND OVER FOUR BERTH

THIRD

THREE/FOUR BERTH

SAVING £1,816 S W I F T FA C T O RY F R E S H

2016 MODELS

480

510

530

565

570

CONQUEROR 480 CONQUEROR 530 CONQUEROR 560 CONQUEROR 565 CONQUEROR 570 CONQUEROR 580 CONQUEROR 650 ––––– CHALLENGER 480 CHALLENGER 565

CHALLENGER 570 CHALLENGER 590 CHALLENGER 640 ––––– ELEGANCE 480 ELEGANCE 530 ELEGANCE 565 ELEGANCE 570 ELEGANCE 580 ELEGANCE 630 ELEGANCE 645

CALL US 24/7, WE’RE WAITING TO HELP YOU!

FANTAST IC

LAYOU T S

MIKE HODGES 07939 033 974 mike@glossopcaravans.co.uk

STEVE MOSS 07921 258 361 steve@glossopcaravans.co.uk

TELEPHONE: 01457 868011 OR EMAIL: sales@glossopcaravans.co.uk

www.glossopcaravans.co.uk E N D

O F

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M A I N

A 5 7 ,

B R O O K F I E L D ,

G L O S S O P,

D E R B Y S H I R E ,

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6 J F

Barry Manilow “One Last Time” BARRY Manilow’s latest UK tour may be entitled “One Last Time” but it’s very unlikely that the British public will ever let one of their favourite artistes simply disappear from view.

At 72, the singer who specialises in lush, sentimental ballads and orchestrated upbeat songs and has long been dubbed the consummate showman, is still as popular as ever on both sides of the Atlantic – and in many other countries around the world. He will play only eight dates in the UK – from Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena to the Manchester Arena and London’s O2 Arena – which will no doubt each be a sell-out. But his music is an enduring currency that few fans will ever stop needing, and that ensures that, even if this is “one last time” on tour, his records and TV appearances will be as much-prized as ever. His life has been all about the music. As he explains: “I am a musician. My passion for music has obliterated everything in its path for my entire life. “Whenever there was a choice between music and anything else, music won hands down every time. No one person or material thing could ever come close to the feeling I get when the music is right.”

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Barry was born to Edna and Harold Pincus, of Russian-Jewish descent, in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943. His father left when he was just two and young Barry later adopted his mother’s maiden name of Manilow. His musical interest started early: at the age of seven he learned to play both the accordion and the piano, preferring the latter, and was singing by 13. After graduating from high school, he was accepted into the well-known Julliard School of Music and paid for his own schooling by working in the CBS mailroom. It took time for Barry to meet the right people but he was eventually given the chance to become musical director of CBS show “Callback”. To supplement his income, he also wrote, produced and performed advertising jingles for clients including Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds. In 1971, a then unknown singer, Bette Midler, hired him as her pianist, arranger and musical director and it was a collaboration that brought the young

man his real break into the music world. He supervised Bette’s first two albums - her debut album won a Grammy award - and in 1972 at the Carnegie Hall, had the chance to showcase some of his own material. This led him to a new label, Bell, offering a record deal; his debut album “Barry Manilow” was released in 1973 although it didn’t sell well. After Bell itself underwent a transformation and became Arista, however, his fortunes changed. New label head Clive Davis asked Barry to record pop tune, “Brandy”, a UK hit for Scott English. Barry altered the tune to a ballad and renamed it “Mandy”, to avoid confusion with a similar-sounding hit. The haunting song really struck a nerve with the record-buying US public and went to No.1 in early 1975, remaining one of Barry’s best-loved songs of all time even today. His second, equally successful offering in early 1976 was “I Write The Songs” from the “Tryin’ To Get The Feeling” album which went triple platinum. Barry was becoming an established star.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW His concert double LP “Live” in 1977 was his first and only No.1 album with sales of more than four million copies. ABC aired his first prime-time programme “The Barry Manilow Special” in 1977, for which he won a Grammy award, and the same year he won a Special Tony award for his Broadway show. The following year, he had another triple platinum album with three Top Ten singles including the legendary “Copacabana”, and his reputation as an entertainer who delivered was made. Seven albums and five years later, he inevitably decided to change musical direction and released a swinging jazz album, “2:00 AM Paradise Café”, featuring big jazz names including Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme and Gerry Mulligan. He continued to show his versatility with swing, vocal jazz and traditional pop through various albums including “Manilow Sings Sinatra” – proving the man can sing anything from standards to showtunes and give it that Manilow magic. As he admits: “My style of music is the great American songbook meets the pop world of the Seventies and Eighties.” In 1985, he played the role of Tony Starr in the TV series “Copacabana.” In 1994, he enjoyed stage musical success with a show of the same name and followed it with another musical, “Harmony”, which toured both the US and UK extensively. Since then, the hits, the touring and the TV appearances have all continued in large amounts for the boy from Brooklyn. He’s performed in two-hour “specials”, and guested in popular shows like “Ally McBeal” and “Will & Grace.” His career has also been littered with awards; in 2002, he was inducted into the US National Academy of Popular Music’s Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside Michael Jackson, Randy Newman and Sting. At the same time as these glittering accolades, though, and the millions of fans he attracts, he has always had his detractors who never saw his brand of music as being contemporary enough. Go to any of his shows or conventions, however and Fanilow Fever is strictly

the order of the day. The singer makes himself very accessible to fans, and many of them have followed him for the nearly three decades of his career and are intensely loyal.

“I will still make albums and do onenighters here and there. This is the last of the big tours that keep me away from home and living my life. It’s time to stop the big tours, not time to stop.”

He’s had a couple of health scares and, like many artistes before him, probably finds extensive, regular touring exhilarating but tiring. However, Barry himself is keen to point out that the title of this latest tour does not mean he is quitting his singing career.

And that’s good news for the millions for whom Barry Manilow is their singer, their showman of choice. And when worldwide pop trends of all kinds have come and gone – for them, Barry is still No.1.

As he told the American newspaper the Kansas City Star just recently: “I’ve been roaming the earth for 40 years, and it’s not that I’m retiring.

Photos: Mary A Lupo/Shutterstock.com s_bukley/Shutterstock.com

To find out more about tickets for the One Last Time Tour go to www.manilowuk.com WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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BY DR SALLY NORTON Weight loss expert & brand ambassador for Kinetik Wellbeing www.kinetikwellbeing.com

Top Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle How do I lose weight? As a nation, we are getting heavier and heavier, despite decades of yo-yo dieting. With gradual weight gains, our risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, breathing problems, infertility and much more, increases. So face the facts – are you ‘tripping the light fantastic’ or ‘packing a hefty punch’? And more to the point, how do we stop the numbers on the scales and importantly, our levels of fat, increasing? Dr. Sally Norton’s top five weight loss tips: 1. Avoid processed food where possible

If you have to study a label to find out how much sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and other additives there are – it is best avoided. Processed food is often stripped of fibre, low in vitamins and minerals, as well as being packed full of nutrientpoor calories. If you cook and prepare real food from scratch,

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you are likely to be providing your body with premium fuel and it will function far better as a result.

2. Beat portion distortion – choose a smaller plate!

Portions are out of control – we are consuming larger quantities of food every year. Super-size high street drinks and buckets of popcorn are now the norm. Simply eating from a smaller plate and getting portions back into perspective will help you shed the pounds with minimal effort.

3. Ditch the sugar

The ‘buzz’ word of the moment; But, the fact remains, sugar is full of calories yet totally lacking in nutritional value. Sugar can be addictive, with effects on our brain similar to hard drugs and may contribute to diabetes, as well as obesity. Ideally, ditch it completely, or at least try sticking to the recommended limit of 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day.

4. Keep hydrated

A glass of water before meals has been shown to reduce the amount of calories we consume. What’s more, we might think we are hungry, when in fact we are thirsty. But don’t reach for a fizzy drink or juice, which are both high in sugar. Instead, get a taste for pure water and your body will thank you for it.

5. Sleep well

Studies show we are more likely to reach for high-sugar, highfat foods when tired. So, a good night’s sleep is an easy way to help your weight-loss efforts. It's very important to stay active at any age and a good way of keeping you motivated and giving you a goal, is to join a local gym. Link4Life have several gyms across the local area. Some people say “why should I go to a gym?”. People have all sorts of reasons NOT to go to a gym so here are some of the reasons TO go to a gym! Fitness checks - You know you want, or need, to exercise but do you know how fit (or un-fit) you are at the moment? If you just start exercising (jogging or even working out at home) without some kind pre-check you could be doing more harm than good. A fitness check at a gym will determine your current level of fitness and from this a safe and enjoyable set of exercises can be determined. Different types of exercise - You are no doubt aware there are a number of different types of exercise, but which ones are best for you to start with and at what level should you start? Do you know what to do before you start your jog or home exercise regime, or when you finish, to make sure your body returns safely to normal? Managed exercise - One of the main benefits of coming to a gym is that your exercise is managed in a way that is safe for you. You will get a regular weights and exercise review to check that you are progressing safely towards whatever goal you initially set yourself. You could also opt for working with a Personal Trainer who will be with you at all times during your sessions at the gym to encourage and motivate you through your planned exercise regime. Safety - The safety aspect can be very important. Imagine you go out on a jog on your own, as many people do, and sprain an ankle or injure a knee. You may not be in a mobile signal area, indeed you may not even have a mobile with you. Dark mornings and nights, especially in cold wet periods, that we seem to have plenty of here in the UK, are not just off-putting but also positively dangerous and unpleasant. Far better then to come to a gym where you can exercise in the knowledge that should something happen there will be someone to help. Social - Regardless of what some people say, a gym can be a great social hub, especially if a group of friends take part in one or two classes together. Exercising can be fun if done in the right way and in the right atmosphere. Also, regardless of what impression people may have of a gym, they are not full of fit young people showing off their prowess on the treadmills. They are generally used by people just like you, of whatever age, that just want to increase their fitness level, maybe lose some weight in a safe controlled way, and just make themselves feel better. So why not come down to a local Link4Life gym, we have centres at Heywood Sports Village, Rochdale Leisure Centre, Bowlee Park Sports Centre, Littleborough Sports Centre and Middleton Arena. Be sure to use the voucher opposite to take advantage of a free session or swim - valid until 31/08/2016.

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11/05/2016 09:59

How can I really manage my blood pressure? High blood pressure affects one in four adults, putting their health at risk. It increases our risk of stroke, heart disease and more. The scary thing is, over 5 million of us In the UK don’t know about it as it doesn’t always cause symptoms initially. So, firstly, the NHS recommends we get our blood pressure checked by a GP, particularly if you are overweight, smoke, have relatives with a history of high blood, or if you are worried about health in other ways. Home monitoring with an easy-to-use blood pressure measuring device, then allows you to keep a check on your own blood pressure at different times of day or night, in different circumstances – exercising, stressed, relaxed, standing or lying. Monitoring at home, also avoids the stress and anxiety of visiting the doctor.

So, how do you achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure? Dr. Sally Norton’s top five tips for achieving and maintaining a healthy blood pressure:

the fags and slashing the alcohol consumption will do us a lot of good.

5. Get help

Finally, if your blood pressure is high, take advice from your doctor as further treatment may be needed.

MOVE MORE! Exercise is instrumental for healthy living. Doing a little bit here and there helps the body keep ticking over. The rehabilitation benefits of working out are vast. Whether your body is struggling due to its natural deterioration or you have injured yourself after years of strenuous work.

Keep your weight in the healthy range – and your waist to hip ratio < 1 (or < 0.85 for women)

However, as we age it becomes harder and harder to find sports that our body can perform without picking up those troublesome injuries. Below are some sports to help you stay active and age gracefully.

2. Keep active

Golf

1. Weight control

If you are fit and get plenty of exercise, your blood pressure is likely to benefit too.

3. Eat a healthy diet without too much salt

A healthy diet is likely to help weight control, with the added benefit of being low in salt. Salt is one of the greatest influences on our blood pressure and reducing salt is one of the quickest ways to reduce blood pressure. But remember, 75% of the salt we eat is already in foods like ready meals, bread, breakfast cereal, sauces and processed meats. So, avoid processed food where possible, cooking from scratch is preferable.

4. Stop smoking and cut right back on alcohol

Both of these affect our blood pressure – and much more besides – so binning

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There are few sports of greater benefit than golf. An 18-hole round of golf is hugely advantageous. For starters, it can get you out of the house for as long as four hours. Besides the amount of fresh air you are taking in, you are also undertaking a fantastic cardio exercise without the rigour of running or jogging. Most courses are, by and large, over 6,000 yards in distance. You also are conditioning your upper body with every swing of the club, making golf one of the most leisurely full body workouts around. The game is also perfect as it can be a social event played with peers or a solo sport if you can’t find anyone free.

Tennis Like golf, tennis is another super full-body workout. Running around the court gets the blood pumping, doing your heart

the world of good, whilst, like golf, every shot you make is exercising the arms, helping to prevent the normative sagging of skin which aging entails via the toning of biceps. The USTA report that those who undertake three or more hours of tennis per week cut their risk of death by any ailment in half whilst it also generates new connections between nerves and the brain.

Cycling A lot of people get into cycling when they get older simply because they have more time to spend in the saddle. Hopping on a push bike is a great way for those who haven’t partaken in sports before to get healthy, thanks in no small part to its individualistic nature. You only go as fast as you want to. Moreover, in Great Britain, we have fantastic cycle routes. For those wanting to see the unrivalled beauty that this magnificent country boasts then there is no better way to do it than on a bike.

Swimming Another sport where you only push yourself as hard as you want to. The refreshing nature of water revitalizes those who opt for swim, whilst it is also extremely easy on the joints. Not only that, but it can help improve flexibility, tone muscles, strengthen the heart, improve mental health and reduces the risk of Osteoporosis, which is the reduction of bone density. When it comes to swimming we all have different ideas about what we want from the water. For some it’s the thrill of splashing in the sea or pool on holiday and for others it’s the great feeling of vitality that you get after doing a few laps. Whatever your reason there’s no doubt that swimming is a fantastic form of exercise for everyone. It is gentle on your joints, great for your heart and lungs AND works all the major muscle groups of the body.

HOME

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME BY A N G E L A K E L LY

CHANGING the mood of your home is a definite way to alter and improve your lifestyle in 2016. The wonderful thing about this positive decision is that it can cost as much – or as little – as you want it to, involving differences to your home that are radical or merely minor. “It really all depends on your budget and how much change you want, your circumstances and your surrounding space,” explains interior designer Allyson Houghton from Ideas Interior. She has noticed that a major trend in improving homes today involves glass and letting in plenty of natural light through glass walls and roofs. “This is a natural improver of your mood and helps bring the outside in,” she adds.

“Conservatories and orangeries are also very popular these days,” says Allyson, ”and you can often finally achieve the lifestyle you dreamed of by having this improvement in light and space.”

“In bathrooms and kitchens you generally want brighter lights, with softer lighting in the lounge and bedrooms,”

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

Try panels on the walls that reflect light. “LED lighting is so far advanced now that you can change the mood whenever you want.” If you are planning major changes to alter the whole mood and atmosphere of your property and way of living, it may well be worth investing in an extension to provide more rooms or an extra bathroom. Select your builder carefully, preferably on recommendation, and see for yourself the kind of work he has already carried out. Look at the planning permission or building control approval you might need first by checking on the Government website www.planningportal.gov.uk

There are many varying styles of both available and, again, choose your supplier carefully. Go online and study the styles that would both complement your own home and will provide the changes you want or visit local showrooms.

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

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

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HOME

Sometimes, just painting your home, improving the garden or patio and adding colourful pots of plants and flowers can change the whole look of your home and lift your mood, too, states Allyson. If you’re buying new light fittings, while it’s useful to see what is available by going online, it’s always best to go into shops and stores and see light fittings for yourself and the effect they have on an area. Be careful about choosing wall colours and décor throughout your property. Bold colours like reds and greens can be harsh but if you want a more relaxing ambience, neutral shades and gentler colours like blues and lilacs can soothe and improve how you feel as soon as you step through the door. Colour is vital in your home. Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages, so it’s important to get it right. If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort. Derek Delaney from Granite Transformations, which specialises in kitchen and bedroom makeovers among a raft of work to dramatically alter properties, emphasises that colour is vital in your home. “Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages,” he states. “So it’s important to get it right.” If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort. But, Allyson advises that if you have a really good suite or sofa that’s more than 15 years-old but looking the worse for wear these days, consider having it re-upholstered instead.

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“Older furniture can be particularly well-made and some good suites are certainly worth keeping – I never advise throwing away one like that,” she says. “Find a good upholsterer to give your suite or sofa a more modern look and you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes. And if you can’t afford re-upholstering, invest in a couple of attractive throws to alter the way they look.” Changing a room’s colourscheme by getting the help of a recommended painter and decorator – or simply doing it yourself – can bring a main room like a lounge into the 21st century. Use a central colour, adds Allyson, and accentuate this with toning cushions and other soft furnishings and you’ll be surprised at how fresh your home is starting to look. New curtains and drapes that frame windows beautifully can also open up a room, adding to that lovely new décor. This new style can be repeated around the home in varying ways. Having a new kitchen is a welcome, major addition to your property and certainly worth the investment if yours is looking jaded and old-fashioned. “Or adding new unit doors and work surfaces can also re-vamp a kitchen,” states Allyson. “Smart new flooring, a new sink and taps can really cheer up your kitchen and make it look modern.” Floor coverings generally can alter the look and mood of your home – and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make rooms smarter and feel so much more comfortable, which improves your quality of living. A new bathroom might be your dream – and a great place for relaxing. Baths are a real style item today and it’s worth having a look around for just the right shape and style. The same goes for your bathroom tiling and décor – “but sometimes just having candles lit in your bathroom can make a difference,” insists Allyson. Your bedroom is definitely a place that needs to reflect a relaxing mood, so does it need a revamp? New units completely change this room, and improve your lifestyle by having a place for everything. On a simpler level, new bedding, cushions and a new carpet can make this room into a wonderfully restive place – and investing in a new bed is definitely an ongoing mood-changer that gives you the right level of sleep, every night. • For more information go to: www.ideasinterior.co.uk

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Give your garden a Spring awakening

After the long cold months of winter, your garden may be looking a little the worse for wear. Don’t despair, however – plants are remarkably resilient, and with a bit of work, the effects of rain, wind and snow can soon be undone and your garden restored to life again. Spring offers the perfect opportunity to reinvigorate your garden and prepare the earth for a healthy growing season. Spring is also a lovely time to spend in the garden — witnessing a bare tree or shrub blossoming into its full, bushy prime is a satisfying process for both beginners and expert gardeners. With that in mind, here are our top tips for making the most of your garden in the Spring, while preparing it for the Summer.

Give the space a routine clean up Winter wind and frosts can be particularly cruel on plant pots, ornaments and fencing, leaving your garden looking extremely messy. Shards of orange

clay or pieces of wood debris littering your garden are not only unsightly, but also make the area unsafe for children and pets. Taking care of these first will allow you to start focusing on the real gardening work, without any hindrances.

Prune out dead or damaged shrubs If your shrubs have any dead or damaged growth, now is the time to remove this. Trim evergreen shrubs if necessary to shape them or reduce their size. Winter and early spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia and wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) can be pruned once they have finished flowering. Spring is also the time to prune roses, just before they start to bud. Wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns, and use a heavy, sturdy pair of secateurs, such as Spear & Jackson secateurs which are available online from Amazon and come with a 10-year guarantee. You should look to spend at least £20 on a pair of secateurs — you can certainly purchase them for cheaper, but you will definitely get what you pay for.

Rid the earth of weeds It’s time to get a head start on controlling weeds, before their growth gets out of hand. It is most effective to do this by hand, pulling up weeds by the roots to ensure that they don’t grow back again in the future.

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Nourish the soil Once your soil is free of weeds, you can mulch the soil with a layer, (at least 5cm thick if you can manage it) of compost or well-rotted farmyard manure. Don’t dig this into the soil, merely spread it generously on top, where it will help to suppress weeds, and leave the earthworms to gradually work it into the soil for you. You can buy compost, but it is far more resourceful to produce your own. This will allow you to dispose of garden waste while creating your own eco system, turning dead plants into food for new plants.

Plant Spring vegetables Once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost is past, it’s time to start sowing vegetable seeds. Crops such as broad beans, carrots, leeks and peas can all be sown in Spring, for a delicious harvest later in the year. It’s best to buy your vegetable seeds from a reputable seed supplier as not only will the crop be of high quality, but you will also receive specific advice on how best to sow the seeds and care for the plants. Pulling the gardening gloves back on in spring can take some motivation, but tending to your garden sooner, rather than later, ensures that your Summer will be spent in a beautiful, pristine outdoor space.

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FOOD & DRINK

JAMES MARTIN’S

SWEET TREATS

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

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

B U T T E R M I L K PA N N A C O T TA W I T H D O U G H N U T S A N D R A S P B E R RY J E L LY For the doughnuts 1 quantity enriched yeast dough, made to the end of the first prove vegetable oil, for deep-frying caster sugar, for dusting For the mascarpone cream 100g mascarpone cheese 25g caster sugar 50ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped First make the panna cotta. Place the double cream in a small pan with the vanilla pod and seeds, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and whisk through until dissolved. Set aside to cool, then add the buttermilk and whisk gently to combine. Carefully pour into 8 small pudding basins or ramekins, making sure you distribute the vanilla seeds equally. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set. Serves 8 250g raspberries, plus 100g for garnish 1 tbsp water 1–2 tsp icing sugar 6 mint sprigs For the panna cotta 300ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped 5 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 450ml buttermilk For the raspberry jelly 50g caster sugar 100ml water 300g raspberries 4 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes

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For the sauce, place the 250g raspberries, the water and icing sugar in a blender and blitz to a purée. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl and add more icing sugar if necessary. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. For the jelly, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a pan. Add the raspberries and heat until they just start to break down. Remove from the heat and pass through a fine sieve. Don’t press, just let the juice drip through. Measure 300ml juice and return to the saucepan to warm through. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the

heat. Line a shallow baking tray (20cm x 15cm) with clingfilm and pour the jelly over it to a depth of about 3mm. Chill in the fridge until set. For the doughnuts, divide the dough into 40 equal portions and roll into balls. Line a tray with silicone paper and space the balls evenly across it. Cover with a tea towel. Set aside at room temperature to prove for 20 minutes. When the dough has proved, heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 150°C/320°F. Alternatively, heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based saucepan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown immediately when dropped in. CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Never leave unattended. Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil in batches and deep-fry for 3–4 minutes, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain. Transfer to a plate and dust generously with the sugar. For the mascarpone cream, whisk the mascarpone, sugar, cream and vanilla seeds together in a bowl until smooth. To serve, cut the jelly into squares (about 2.5cm). Briefly dip each panna cotta mould in hot water, then turn out onto a large plate. Place two spoonfuls of the cream on each plate and top with a jelly square. Place two doughnuts on each plate and scatter the remaining raspberries and the mint around. Finish with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

I first came across really good palmiers when I was working on the pastry section in a restaurant in the south of France. The trick is to get an even dusting of sugar, so that as the palmiers cook it caramelises to a nice glaze. Palmiers are often offered as a petit four to end a meal, but sandwiched with raspberries and cream, they’re hard to beat for afternoon tea. These are best served at room temperature – once they go into the fridge, the butter in the pastry solidifies, making them less pleasant to eat.

BUTTERFLY PALMIERS WITH RASPBERRIES AND CREAM

Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...

Serves 6 650g puff pastry or good-quality, bought all-butter puff pastry flour, for dusting 60g caster sugar 100ml stock syrup glaze (optional) For the filling 300ml double cream, softly whipped 200g raspberries Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Line 2 large baking sheets with silicone paper. Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle 25cm x 40cm and about 3mm thick, with the long side facing you, like a landscape picture. Dust the pastry rectangle with 20g of the caster sugar then fold one long side of the pastry into the centre. Repeat with the other long side to meet it, so you now have a piece half the width. Dust with another 20g of the caster sugar, then repeat, folding each side into the centre, leaving a 5mm gap in the centre. Dust once more with the remaining sugar and repeat – you should now have three folds on each side with plenty of sugar sandwiched in between. Fold both sides together gently as you would close an open book, then transfer to a tray and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up. Remove the roll and cut into 12 x 1cm-thick slices. Lay on a lined baking tray, spacing them so that they are at least 6cm apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the palmiers from the oven, turn them straight over, place back on the tray and brush them with a little stock syrup glaze, if liked. The palmiers are best eaten on the day you make them. When cold, spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm nozzle and pipe the cream over half the palmiers. Top with some lightly crushed raspberries and another palmier. Serve immediately.

Bury Market, winner of BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards (Best Food Market) really has it all. With over 350 stalls open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday you will find our friendly traders sell everything you need for making delicious home-cooked meals.

Great quality produce at great value prices, brought fresh to market every day!

Bury Market Tel: 0161 253 6520

: @BuryMarket

Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com

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FOOD & DRINK

I love this simple little dessert that one of my chefs came up with – cherries and chocolate are a great combination. As with any tart, it’s vital to make sure the pastry is nice and thin, so you get plenty of filling and not too much pastry. Otherwise it can be more like eating a biscuit!

C H O C O L AT E A N D C H E R R Y TA R T WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE SORBET Serves 8–10 butter, for greasing 1 quantity pâte sucrée 1 egg yolk, for blind-baking flour, for dusting 400g tin cherries in syrup 400g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa solids), roughly chopped 250ml double cream 100g caster sugar 2 tbsp crushed Hazelnut Praline and edible flowers 1 quantity Crème Fraîche Sorbet Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Butter a 23cm x 4cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Roll the pâte sucrée out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 3mm and use to line the tin. Blind bake the pastry. While the pastry case is baking, drain the cherries through a sieve into a saucepan and place the syrup over a medium heat. Cook the syrup until thick and sticky, and reduced by half. Chop the cherries in half, then add to the pan with the reduced syrup and allow to cool. Put the chocolate into a large, heatproof bowl. Heat the double cream and sugar together in a saucepan until just simmering then pour over the chocolate and whisk continuously until smooth. Spread the cherries and their syrup over the base of the tart case, then pour the chocolate filling over the top. Glaze with a blow torch or place under a hot grill until bubbling, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Remove and leave at room temperature until ready to serve. Place a line of the crushed praline and edible flowers on each plate, then slice the tart and serve with a scoop of Crème Fraîche Sorbet.

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OUT & ABOUT

Saddleworth Show 2016

26 Jun 2016 The show will be backed up by the usual craft, charity and food stalls, and promises to be a great afternoon out for all the family. Well-'i'-hole Farm, Greenfield, Saddleworth, Oldham OL3 7HY For more information, please call 07764588584

Saddleworth Handmade Festival 2-3rd July

The Saddleworth Handmade Festival is back at the Uppermill Civic Hall this July with their Summer Handmade Festival. Running on the weekend of 2-3rd July from 11am to 4pm it promises to be the best selection of creative and handmade products that the area with over 50 stalls boasting an array of handmade goodies, treats and gifts. It is free to enter, with a tombola of handmade products generously provided by the stallholders, to collect money for the brilliant local charity ‘Meltham Wildlife Rescue’. There are also free balloons for the children and a lucky dip and some interactive stalls for them to enjoy. The SCN pop-up teashop is provided by Diane and her team from ‘Cuppa Cupcake Cuppa Coffee’ so for those who fancy a delicious home-cooked meal or maybe a brew and a slice of cake, then pop along to enjoy their delicious menu.

Yanks are back in Saddleworth

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

6 Aug to 7 Aug 2016

A fantastic experience for everyone as the "Yanks" set up camp in the grounds of Saddleworth School in Uppermill, Saddleworth. This is a huge event that winds back the clock across the whole area taking visitors right back to World War Two. A BBMF flypast has also been applied for and details will be announced as soon as possible.

Located off J2 of the M66 and with over 350 stalls open every Full Market Day it’s easy to find and even easier to enjoy!

Military Vehicle Encampment, Militaria & Vintage stalls, Mr Churchill, General Patton & Monty Visiting the troops, 1940's Tea room and Cafe, British and American Classic Cars, WWII 36.7 litre V12 Griffon engine display.

Bury Town Centre is also home to the Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bury Art Gallery.

There will be musical entertainment on the field all weekend provided by 'Homefront Entertainments', and topping the bill is Maria Manchester, Jane Francis, Lilli Moore as well as the fantastic duo Perfect Vintage. Other entertainers will be announced shortly and there will also be free dance lessons with the Backstep Boogie Club. In Uppermill Civic Hall on Saturday from 11am - 4pm, the tea dance will be hosted by Paul & Jenny with Trina spinning the discs from the Backstep Boogie Club. Wartime Cinema, entrance is £3 and includes free dance lessons. Don't forget the popular Victory Swing Ball on Saturday evening 7:30pm till late at the Civic Hall Uppermill. All floors in the Civic will be open and topping the bill is Sticky Wicket and his swing orchestra along with Trina spinning the discs and playing music from the decades plus free dance lessons downstairs by the Backstep Boogie Club. Tickets £18.00, only available in advance and include a Hot Wartime Supper.

For the best artisan products from wood to metalwork, pies to cupcakes, jewellery to gifts, artwork, sculpture, ceramics, glass, felt, knitted and sewn and much, much more, visit the Saddleworth Handmade Festival.

Sunday guests will see most of the above and more plus the Mayor of Oldham will be hosting a coffee morning with the Normandy Veterans followed by the Military Parade & Convoy at 12 noon in Uppermill Village then on through Saddleworth and surrounding areas.

For more informarion visit www.creativenetwork-saddleworth.co.uk

For more informarion visit www.ww2events.co.uk

Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays “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

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OUT & ABOUT The United Kingdom Dance Troupe Championships are held every year at the People's Carnival and attracts troupes from all over. Held on Saturday June 27 this year, the troupes will march on the People's Carnival Parade and display their talents in two large arenas in Alexandra Park. For more information visit www.oldhamcarnival.org.uk

Williams BMW Rochdale Oldham Carnival & Rootz Festival Half Marathon 10 July 2016 10K/Fun Run A Dry Ice Rink is part of the 2016 festival. Sunday 25 September 2016 Time: 9 AM - 12 PM

Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run returns for its second year after a huge success in 2015. It’s one of the highlights of our sporting calendar and has already helped raise thousands for local and national charities. Whichever run you choose, on Sunday 25 September 2016, you'll be starting and finishing at the stunning Rochdale Town Hall, one of the finest buildings in Europe. Our new traffic-free courses retain an exciting and varied feel, taking you on a tour of our historic town and breath-taking countryside. All courses will be fully marshalled, signed and have water stations at regular intervals. All runs will be chip timed and there'll be a medal, technical t-shirt and goody bag for all finishers.

The rink will be active throughout the day and is part of the carnival's popular "Freebie Zone". Blades will be provided, free of course, by the rink organisers. It should provide fun for hundreds of youngsters between 11am and 6pm.

The popular Rootz Stage will, once again, provide a platform for local talent to play to a live, outside audience. So, whether a rock band, theatre group, dance group, solo or orchestra, please apply early as places are limited. The popularity of the Freebie Zone cannot be over exaggerated and it is with this in mind the festival has decided to focus more on this part of the Carnival in coming years. With some of the usual favorites and some new additions including Circus Whiz returns, Professor Baubles Punch and Judy as well as Rumple the Clown. The addition for 2016 will be the fabulous Dry Ice Rink. A great Freebie Zone.

The Odd Couple

by Neil Simon 10 – 18 June 2016 at Lyceum Theatre, 95 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1QG Neil Simon is one of the world’s most successful playwrights and “The Odd Couple” one of his most loved plays. This time, although still set in New York and in this production in the present day, it is not about Felix and Oscar but the female version, about the hilarious trials and tribulations of Florence and Olive. Easy going Olive invites the ‘girls’ to her sloppy apartment, not for a hard drinking card game but for an evening of Trivial Pursuit! Uptight, neat and tidy Florence arrives late, having left her husband and consequentially, the two become totally mismatched housemates. For more information visit www.lyceumtheatre.org.uk

Subscription Form Rochdale Feel Good Festival 19 and 20 August 2016

2days packed with fabulous free entertainment in Rochdale town centre. Live music from established names, mustsee rising stars and first class cooking from world renowned chefs. Music and food at its very best! For more information email events@rochdale.gov.uk

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OUT & ABOUT WINNER! QUALITY VISITOR ATTRACTION AWARD

Diggle Blues Festival 2016

2-5 June 2016 FREE entry to all venues. A weekend of free blues performances in the scenic Saddleworth Village of Diggle, where Blues meets greenery! Music Fever is about to hit the streets of Diggle as the annual Blues Festival returns for another year. THURSDAY 2nd June: Blue Swamp 7.00pm (to 8.30) Sub Pressure Studios, Warth Mill. John Otway 9pm (to 10) Diggle Band Club FRIDAY 3rd June: Half Deaf Clatch 7pm (to 8) The Gate Bad Back Blues Band 8.30pm (to

Crompton Stage Society presents

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by Neil Simon Saturday 11th to Saturday

10.30) Diggle Band Club SATURDAY 4th June: Soft Shoe Sam 2.30pm (to 3.30) Grandpa Greene’s Tom Attah 4pm (to 5) Woolyknit Cafe Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare with the Collective 5.30pm (to 7.30) Kilngreen Blues Train 8pm (to 10) Diggle Band Club SUNDAY 5th June: Big Joe Bone 1pm (to 3) The Gate BluzeBox 3.30pm (to 5.30) Diggle Band Club Usual Suspects UK 6pm (to 8) Kilngreen Hall (Closing Ceremony, 8pm to 8.20pm, Kilngreen Hall, Local artists, sing song and Diggle National Anthem). For more details see Diggle Blues Festival Facebook. 18th June at 7.30pm At Playhouse2, Newtown Street, Shaw A sparkling comedy by America’s favourite funny man, featuring John & Andy Hoyle last seen at Playhouse2 in the very successful Hound of the Baskervilles and Clare Bennett the verger in Vicar Of Dibley. Tickets £9.00 For more info visit www.playhouse2.org

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02/05/2016 11:44

Join us in supporting Oldham’s markets… What is the Love Your Local Market campaign? (#LYLM) The LYLM campaign is a celebration of everything that’s great about our markets. The whole nation takes part in the campaign, which takes place throughout May, and aims to provide a national spotlight on markets across the country. The campaign aims to build affection for Oldham’s markets and remind people that they’re always here and they’re kept open by real, local people. We have 3 main markets in borough: Shaw, Royton and Tommyfield, and we want everyone to visit one of the Markets at least once during May to show your support. This is the third year we are celebrating and we are hosting some brilliant free, family events for everyone to enjoy 31 May – 4 June.

What’s on this year? Children’s Fun Fair

1 – 4 June, Tommyfield Market Enjoy the fun of the fair at Tommyfield Market all week with a train, super bungees, the chair o’plane and brilliant market stalls.

Have a Bash: Drumming Workshop

31 May, Tommyfield Market Hall Try your hand at drumming and have some fun! Sessions at 11.30am, 13.30pm and 14.30pm.

Spud Stacking, 1 June

1 June, Tommyfield Market Hall A big pile of potatoes, a judge and a time limit to stack the spuds as high as you can! Sessions at 11.30am, 13.30pm and 14.30pm. There’s also free face painting and balloon modelling throughout the day in the Market Hall.

What’s on this year?

Incentives for Traders During Love Your Local Market 2016 £5 Friday Market – make your fortunes from a fiver.

The Flat Cap 3 2 June, Royton: 10.30am and 12.45pm Shaw: 11.30am and 2pm

This is the perfect time to start trading on Tommyfield’s Outdoor Market because you can get a market stall all day every Friday for just £5.

Good time trio ‘Flat Cap 3’ will be performing some soulful Jazz hits at Royton and Shaw Markets. There’s also free face painting and balloon modelling at both markets.

We can provide free public liability insurance to any traders who are just starting out. But we only have a certain amount of spots so it’s advised you enquire early.

Tommy’s Bingo and Professor Dan Slater the Magic Man – 3 June, Tommyfield Market Hall and Albion Street – Come along for a game of classic Bingo and win vouchers to spend at the Market. Bingo games at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm

Six for three

Enjoy Dan Slater’s family magic show designed to delight and amaze crowds Shows at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm Our traders will also have fresh food on display Free face painting and balloon modelling in the Market Hall. Professor Dan Slater the Magic Man and tasting sessions – 4 June, Albion Street If you can’t make it on Friday be sure to catch Dan’s second show on Saturday. Times: 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm Our traders will also have fresh food on display which you can taste and try throughout the day. Free face painting and balloon modelling in the Market Hall.

Bloom and Grow 2016 Best Blooming Market Stall Competition The markets in Oldham are going to look bloomin’ brilliant during Love Your Local Market week as we’ll be taking part in Bloom and Grow for the first time. Our traders will be decorating their stalls with beautiful flowers and plants to be displayed between 31 May – 4 June, so come and enjoy the array of colour while you shop. The best stall will be judged by the head of the parks team and winners will be revealed at the end of Love Your Local Market week.

To book your stall call 0161 770 4515 or email markets@oldham.gov.uk

We’re also offering new traders three weeks free rent when you trade for six weeks on Tommyfield’s Outdoor, Shaw or Royton Market. To find out more call 0161 770 4515 or email markets@oldham.gov.uk

#MarketBasketChallenge Get involved! The Challenge The more seasonal produce, the higher you score but don’t forget you can get so much more from a market than simply fruit and veg. Simply post a picture of a dish you have prepared on Instagram with the list of ingredients, your method and the market you bought it from and tag @oldham_ markets and include: #MarketBasketChallenge

Rules You have until 20 June to enter. All entries will be judged by on originality, seasonality, sustainability, ingredients and photography. The winner will be revealed on 27 June Follow us: @oldhammarkets Facebook.com/tommyfieldmarkethall Find out more: www.oldham.gov.uk/markets

If you’re aged over 60, call now for your freeaged bowel cancer screening kit If you’re over 60, call now for your free bowel cancer screening kit

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Your Low Cost Funeral Specialists

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A F AMILY B USINESS F O R SI X GENERA T I O NS Denise and daughter Cassie are the Funeral Directors at H. Revell & Sons, a family-owned and run company based in Stalybridge. The company was formed in 1888 by Denise's great, great grandfather, Edward Hepworth Revell. With Denise's daughter Cassie Roberts now part of the team, this makes it a family business for six generations! “Over the 126 years we have carved out a reputation as a company that people can trust, and this milestone is an achievement of which we are very proud.” Although funerals have changed considerably since Victorian times, we believe their traditional values still hold true. “We were taught to be honest in our dealings with the public and to help them as much as possible in their hour of need. Integrity is everything. Because people are vulnerable when they lose someone, the funeral profession needs to conduct itself honourably. We are bound by a strict code of conduct, as stipulated by our trades association, The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)." The company ethos is to provide a dignified, quality and caring service whilst keeping a competitive edge. “Most of our work comes from repeat business or referrals from our clients. There are families where four or five generations have used our company. Knowing you can turn to someone you know and trust can be a tremendous relief.” A good Funeral Director needs to be strong, yet sensitive; they need to have excellent organisational skills, be genuinely interested in people and be willing to go that extra mile. With Denise and Cassie's leadership skills we discreetly take control of the situation, relieving the pressure that inevitably accompanies death.

Pre-payment plans for peace of mind “A lot of our clients are now asking about pre-payment plans. With the cost of funerals rising faster than the rate of inflation we are finding people want to freeze the cost by taking out a pre-paid plan. It offers great peace of mind if there are no relatives to make arrangements and if there are relatives, then it takes the burden off them and reduces the stress that comes with losing a loved one.”

If you would like to discuss funeral plans further please give Denise, Cassie or Linny a call. David was looked after by Denise and we cannot thank her enough for the way she handled everything. Denise and the staff were excellent and made this very difficult time much easier for us. She organised everything for us and rang us daily to check we were ok - a very caring service. Thank you so much. Lesley & Charly

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For more information on our General Medical Services and conditions we can treat, call 07770 577491 or visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/highfield

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