Preston & Fylde issue 36

PRESTON & THE FYLDE COAST JULY - OCTOBER 2012

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EDITION 36

Bernie

Nolan

BOUNCES BACK IN TRUE CHICAGO STYLE

Inside WELSH WONDERS OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY THE HAIRY BIKERS TAKE A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO FOOD IS IT TIME TO DOWNSIZE? MOVING TO A SMALLER HOME

Rick Stein SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FREE

Please t

ake on

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk THE LOCAL MAGAZINE

FOR THE OVER 50s

e

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

rowlands pharmacy

FREE

• Repeat prescription collection and delivery service (Lytham St. Annes)

• More than just prescriptions – Free blood pressure tests – Medicine use review – Private consultation room – Extensive range of gifts & cosmetics by Guerlain, Clarins and Vichy

Open Mon–Sat 9am–5.30pm 4–6 Wood Street St Annes, FY8 1QS

• Celebrity Slim – weight management programme

www.rowlandspharmacy.co.uk

01253 724503

Choosing cosmetics and skincare can be very confusing these days but well trained and helpful staff are always to be found at Rowlands, to advise and show you how to apply products from their wide range.

They will choose from Guerlain, Clarins,Vichy and La Roche Posay which is suitable for even the most delicate skin.

Looking for the perfect gift is easy too, all price ranges are available and beautifully wrapped free of charge, from the smallest present to that extra special surprise.

Beautiful Italian jewellery, pretty toiletry bags, handbag mirrors and accessories can be found amongst Mason Pearson hairbrushes and fragranced bath and beauty products.

Here you will find the complete selection of Guerlain perfumes, skin care and cosmetics. Quality products exquisitely packaged, always a hallmark of the prestigious French company.

Many customers refer to the shop as an 'Aladdins Cave', walk through the door to a warm welcome and discover it for yourself.

GRAHAM SMITH HAS A TWITTER

TRAVEL & LEISURE 6-8 Welsh Wonders Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Life is just a tweet!

10-11 Robinsons Holidays

Affordable peace of mind.

Do you tweet? Twitter seems to have become all the rage but don’t some people make themselves look twits by what they say?

20-21 Gardening

What are you growing this year?

FOOD & DRINK

ALI

PRESENTED BY ARLENE PHILLIPS AND ADAM SPIEGEL

26-28 Rick Steins' Dishes BASTIAN Rick's favourite recipes.TUPELE

DORGU

HOME

STEFAN BOOTH BERNIE NOLAN

15-16 Is it Time to Downsize?

Moving to a smaller home.

Resin Drives Transform Your Driveway.

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Even David Cameron is tweeting, and for once it’s not about Nick Clegg. As I write he’s just popped up to announce that Prime Minister’s Question Time is about to start. A sure cue for everyone to switch off their computers and phones and hide in a darkened corner before this adult version of Children’s Playtime starts.

Does the Queen tweet? Well not officially but someone assuming her name, @Queen_UK, and claiming to be Elizabeth Windsor, gives me many a chuckle with irreverent comments and quips at various member of the Royal Family and the government.

Her catchphrase is “gin o’clock” and he or she has an astonishing 646,553 followers and counting. The latest tweet,“ Camilla on the phone, worried that “the interweb has gone”. The DoE (Prince Philip) thinks she’s trying to find Ceefax”. Then there was this little gem, “Alvin and the Chipmunks (Mr Cameron and Co) are back from their Burma holiday. The poor Burmese still have no idea who they are”.

INTERVIEW

12-13 Bernie Nolan Bounces Back

6 -8

The Sleeping Beauty

Or “Bungle (Boris Johnson) on the phone. Not really sure what he’s saying, partly due to one having hung up”. She creases me!

12-13 STARRING

‘THE SHARPEST, SLICKEST VINCENT SIMONE 15-16 SHOW ON THE BLOCK’ & FLAVIA CACACE THE TIMES MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN

MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL

The “gin o’clock” bit comes in when our supposed monarch 5pm each day that it’s home time and “gin announces at o’clock”.★★★★ And one of my favourites, “Just been out with the dogs.

The DoE is trying to dry Linnet the corgi off with a ‘WHAT A TRIUMPH’ SUNDAY EXPRESS hairdryer”.

TUE 30 OCT - SAT 3 NOV

17

To me this is great humour and I am an avid follower. Others make me laugh for other reasons. They tweet before they’re out of bed and I even know the flavour of one southern lady’s toothpaste thanks to her being retweeted by one of * my followers.

0844 871 3017 26-28 atgtickets.com/liverpool *

*BOOKING FEES APPLY (MON - SAT, 9AM - 10PM. SUN, 10AM - 8PM)

20-21 McGrath Regional Media.

Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops | Gladys Street Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594

Then there are the dodgy ones. I sat at my machine one morning and discovered I was being followed by three brothels in San Diego and a dispensing chemist for some very suspect stuff in India, duly deleted. Be very careful if you click any links to these kind of people or you will find your computer or mobile phone infected with something which spreads like mumps and ruins any social standing you ever had.

Last word with the Queen after the budget, “Text from Nick Clegg: “I didn’t agree with the tax on fruit machines. People shouldn’t pay tax on their apples and bananas”.

e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

3

something for everyone ...

With over 30 shops and businesses including gift shops, traditional sweet shops, florists and jewellers, The Farmer's Market and Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate is a unique retail and leisure destination with something for everyone.

Located in the picturesque village of Heskin, off the B5250, and just five minutes from junction 27 of the M6 close to Camelot Theme Park there is easy access for everyone.

With free parking and free entry it's your perfect destination for a fabulous day out, The Two Birds licensed Tea Room provides an excellent opportunity for refreshments, offering a range of home made food, soups and daily specials, made from the finest locally sourced produce from within the centre. So why not grab a bite to eat and enjoy a special coffee or hot chocolate with brandy by the cosy wood-burner?

Finalist for Business Woman of the Year & Most Inspiring Business of the Year 2012

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Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Opening July - Arts & Crafts Studio with various classes available and a drop your children off while you shop facility

Rolex, high class diamonds, plus various costume jewellery to suit all We now have: Stressless Beauty salon Hair by Adele - hairdressers Four shops of various styles of ladies clothing Purses, handbags, gloves.

Gents clothing and gifts for men - The Loft Global Interiors - large selection of hand made oak furniture Equestrian clothing Local farmed fruit and vegetables Local farmed meat - water buffalo - low cholesterol, venison when available and lots of great cuts and ready prepared meals Deli Vernal at Heskin - new deli all local products

The butcher’s shop presents a daily supply of locallyfarmed meat, grass fed and reared on our own estate for true freshness. We offer the best joints and fillets, a hand -made range of traditional and a variety of sausages and burgers including the virtually fat-free Buffalo Burger a signature special plus daily prepared stir-fries and meal ideas.

We have a delectable deli with an excellent range of cheeses, cold meats, Mediterranean accompaniments, and home cooked take home meals. You will also find a fantastic variety of locally grown fruit and vegetables and a fabulous florist.

Your shopping and leisure experience is enhanced by a full range of retailers, craft businesses, beauty therapies and the regionally renowned Hepplestone Fine Art Gallery.

Angela and Sarah Look Forward To Welcoming You! Blackpool M55

A59

Preston

Blackburn

Burnley 6

M6

Chorley Southport

M65

M61

M6

M6

8

Liverpool

Bolton Wigan

M5

2

M60

Manchester M6

7

M62

M60

Warrington

M5

Situated only five minutes from junction 27 off the M6 and very close to Bygone Times, Camelot, Park Hall and Heskin Hall, the Farmers Market & Craft Centre hold regular events throughout the year.

Limited units available.

Telephone: 07599 831907 Email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk 5 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Various events throughout the year check our website: www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

WELSH WONDERS The Gower

In 1956 The Gower (a peninsula in south Wales jutting from the coast into the Bristol Channel) was named the very first ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ in the UK by the Countryside Agency and it’s not hard to see why.

Its rugged coastline boasts some of the cleanest water in Europe and with the Gulf Stream keeping the water warm the Gower is a tempting place to take a dip. The

spectacular landscape also makes the Gower perfect for rambling walks, country cycling or even horse riding along the golden sands. Despite all this, the Gower has remained one of Wales’ best-kept secrets and is all the better for it.

GORGEOUS GOWER

Rhossili Visitors to the area should head straight for Rhossili, which has been described on numerous occasions as one of the best beaches in the UK, and even the world!

Rhossili is located at the most Western part of the Gower Peninsula.

The most photographed part of Gower, The Worms Head, stretches out to sea and becomes an island when the tide comes in. History buffs can investigate the wreck of the Helvetica, which ran aground in 1887. For the best panoramic views, walkers should head for the top of the Downs where they will be able to see for miles in each direction.The breathtaking view is completed by the long sandy beach and the towering cliffs and this makes it a popular destination throughout the year with surfers, paragliders and ramblers. However, Rhossili still manages to maintain its tranquillity and unspoilt beauty.

Back To Nature For those wanting to get back to nature, there are a number of companies that can get you on the right track. Dryad Bushcraft offers a range of courses in the art of bushcraft (learning to live in a wilderness environment). Courses include Wilderness Gourmet,

6

Prehistoric Gower, Introduction to Bushcraft and Family Bushcraft. www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk

Village Life Amongst the Gower’s many other charms are its tiny fishing villages, from Llangennith to Horton. Perhaps the most well-known is The Mumbles, a delightful Victorian village with lovely views over Swansea Bay, boasting little boutique shops and a plethora of pubs and restaurants. Up on a hill overlooking the town is Oystermouth Castle, a picturesque and atmospheric 12th century castle that used to be the chief residence of the Lords of Gower and merges perfectly with the dramatic landscape. In fact, the area is so picturesque that Catherine Zeta Jones chose to build a house there not so long ago.

Bright Lights Nearby Swansea offers a vibrant nightlife, with the Wind Street area turning from a modern café quarter during the day to a party zone at night. The city is also home to Wales’s must see largest indoor market which is a huge and buzzing expanse selling cockles, lava bread and fresh Welsh cakes. Swansea city is also the birthplace of poet Dylan Thomas, (for information about his house then visit www.5cwmdonkindrive.com). www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

T R AV E L

Eating and Drinking The Gower is spoilt for choice for quality when it comes to eating out locally but the Gower itself is limited to the number of establishments that it could viably sustain; however, Swansea certainly offers everything that you could hope for and all within driving distance.

Sleeping The rugged nature of the landscape is offset by The Gower’s many attractive places to stay ranging from one or two rooms in a family home to self-contained en-suite rooms with dining and sitting room facilities reserved especially for guests.

The Gower may only be 70 square miles but it seems vast. With its huge deserted beaches, isolated landscapes and tiny, pretty villages, the peninsula will envelop you – and you won’t want it to let go.

Snowdonia Lakes, castles and waterfalls create a surreal experience which could be right out of Lord of the Rings as you enter Snowdonia National Park. Located in north-western Wales, the national park was established in 1951, which made it the first national park in Wales - it covers 840 square miles! www. snowdonia.org.uk Local signs are often both English and Welsh and many aspects of traditional Welsh life, including food, clothing, and crafts are still to be found. The region is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, amongst other outdoor pursuits. It also features the magnificent Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 ft).

narrow gauge railway designed for use with steam locomotives. It was built to serve the slate industry but also carried passengers almost from the outset. The quarry closed in 1946, but the railway’s owner pledged to keep the line open for as long as he lived. He died in 1950, but the line was saved from closure by a group of enthusiasts who formed a preservation society (the world’s first) dedicated to safeguarding its future.

Riding The Footplate Whilst on the Talyllyn Railway and if you are very lucky, you can ride part of the way on the locomotive footplate - a sensational experience! Not wanting to disappoint, the Railway also offers members of the public the opportunity to drive one of its historic steam locomotives. For information see either: www.talyllyn.co.uk or www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk

Picture Perfect The picturesque town of Barmouth rests just within the south west corner of Snowdonia National Park.

Barmouth’s location lying between a mountain range and the sea on the mouth of the river Mawddach is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales. The old town is well worth a visit with its steep steps and slate-roofed cottages set on the side of a mountain. The harbour is beautiful and you can walk across the spectacular Barmouth Bridge spanning the river which can be an ideal spot for an evening stroll.

The beach is large and perfect for sunbathing; surfers can often be seen here depending on the swells and time of year. It also has a large range of shops, pubs, hotels and other accommodations including caravan parks. A funfair and amusement arcades are open from March to October.

Talyllyn Railway The Talyllyn Railway is one of The Great Little Trains of Wales, a group of Welsh narrow gauge railways which offers bargain travel through its Discount Card scheme.

The Talyllyn operates over 7 miles of 2ft 3in gauge track along the Fathew Valley from Tywyn Wharf near the coast of Cardigan Bay, to Nant Gwernol, three miles from the lake which gives the railway its name.

Much of the route is within the Snowdonia National Park, and leaflets are available detailing scenic walks from many of the stations.

The line opened in 1865 and still uses two of the original locomotives and coaching stock, in fact three of the locomotives are over a century old!

The Victorian train runs on Saturdays and offers the unique experience of travelling in the original coaches behind a Victorian locomotive. The line was the first www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL BARMOUTH7

Eating and Drinking

Sleeping

The foodie scene in this area has come a long way in the last 20 years or so. The Snowdonia mountains and coast are bursting with quality local produce, from Welsh lamb and black beef to farmhouse cheeses and Dyfi salmon, not to mention the sensational seafood from the rich waters of Cardigan Bay. This freshly sourced and home-grown produce has helped transform bistros and fine dining restaurants, cafés and country inns throughout the region.

Snowdonia has a wide-range of hotels, B&B’s traditional or fashionable boutique, country houses or even campsites to satisfy even the most discriminating visitor, whether you choose to stay in Llanberis, Betwsy-Coed, Beddgelert, Abersoch, Harlech, or any of the other pretty towns and villages.

DON’T LEAVE WALES WITHOUT ...

hangs all ten toes over the nose of the board – easier said than done! For people fortunate enough to have their own equipment popular surfing spots include: Sumpters near Overton, Boilers Reef near Port Eynon or Pete’s Reef not far from Pilton, but for those who don’t or would like a ‘taster’ session, there are a number of companies who can hire boards and wetsuits, or provide you with more information

Hanging Ten On The Gower!

The Gower lends itself to a large range of water sports, such as surfing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Most of the beaches do NOT have a lifeguard, so don’t forget to stay safe and check the tides. Surfing is very popular in this area so whether you’re a novice or more advanced, try ‘hanging ten’ on the Gower - Hanging Ten is a difficult surfing maneuver when the surfer walks to the front of the board and

Try these websites:

www.samssurfshack.com or gowersurfing.com

GETTING AROUND...

By Rail As previously mentioned, there are a large number of local steam railways, rescued by railway enthusiasts during the Beeching era, known collectively as The Great Little Trains of Wales. Passport tickets are available, giving access to all the railways for the whole season (email addresses supplied above).

By Road Many of the smaller roads are slow, and in upland areas may become impassable during bad weather.

The latest traffic information is available from Traffic Wales www.traffic-wales.com

Climate Wales has a temperate climate, which means, like the rest of the UK, it never really gets very hot and never gets really cold. The best times to visit is during the summer months. May, June, July and August are generally the sunniest and driest months. During the winter it can rain frequently, but temperatures rarely drop below zero. They’re normally between five and seven degrees. A raincoat and a thick jumper will usually cope with the worst that the Welsh weather has to offer!

WHY NOT TRY SOME SURFING? '03' numbers cost the same as landline calls even from a mobile.

Luxury Coach holidays in Britain & Europe 2012 Here at Cosgrove's Tours we have carefully compiled a selection of holidays & short breaks to suit all ages and tastes. All our tours go direct from the Preston & Blackpool/ Poulton area and return direct.

Up Doo r to Doo r Pick g s uti n O rg a n is ed G rou p O Private Hire Ca ll fo r u p - to -d ate ex cu rs io n li st s 01772 460748 www.cosgroveafton.co.uk

592 Blackpool Road, Ashton PR2 1JA

DATE

TOUR

DAYS PRICE

19th Aug

Downton Abbey

3 Days £189.00

26th Aug

Tenby (Cliff Norton Hotel)

7 Days £389.00

4th Sep

Northern Spain, Cantabria 4 star

8 Days £689.00

4th Oct

Bruges Ghent and Ostend

5 Days £319.00

14th Oct

Inverness,Scotland (ALL INCLUSIVE)

5 Days £345.00

30th Nov

Llandudno Turkey & Tinsel

4 Days £245.00

7th Dec

Blenheim Palace at Christmas

3 Days £199.00

15th Dec

Christmas Carols at

The Royal Albert Hall & Windsor

2 Days £179.00

17th July

Jersey

6 days £445.00

9th Oct

Classical Spain/Andalusia

8 days £949.00

6th/13th Oct

Spectacular Lake Garda

8 days £899.00

21st Oct

Dubrovnik & Montenegro

8 days £789.00

COACH TOURS

TOURS BY AIR

Please call for our complete brochure of short breaks, holidays & day excursions.

COSGROVE’S TOURS 01772 460748

Thinking about saving or investing a lump sum?

Another market-leading dividend announced!

Saving members were delighted when their local Credit Union recently announced another dividend of 3%!

Over 2,800 members on the Fylde Coast have wisely chosen to save with this alternative to traditional Banks.

Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Credit Union is your local notfor-profit financial co-operative, regulated by the Financial Services Authority and part of the Financial Services Authority Compensation Scheme.

Do any of the following apply to you?

4 I want to save and get a return on my savings 4 I want to invest without risking my money 4 I want to be able to withdraw money when I need it without penalties 4 I want to invest in an ethical organisation To join or for more information: Tel. 01253 478827 E-mail bfwcu@blackpool.gov.uk Web. www.bfwcu.co.uk

Not only do investors get excellent returns on their deposits but the added bonus is that there are no bonuses (big or small) paid to anyone and no outside shareholders taking profit!

All the money is kept right here on the Fylde Coast, benefiting local people and supporting the local economy.

Credit Union members also enjoy access to low cost affordable loans – available from £200 to £7,500 with no fees, charges or early repayment penalties and free life insurance on savings and loans (terms apply).

For your financial needs, join BFWCU and enjoy a better way to save and borrow.

Local to you but part of something big…

9

Est.1923

Coach Holidays

Includes

ROBINSONS OWN HOTELS l

FREE

INSURANCE

All tours include travel by Luxury Coach l Half Board accommodation l Local Joining Points l Free Insurance

ROBINSONS HHH Imperial Hotel - Eastbourne

A

n impressive Victorian hotel, situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, less than a hundred yards from the seafront, on a delightful tree-lined boulevard less than five minutes walk from the main facilities and town centre amenities. A night porter ensures 24hr reception service.

ROBINSONS AA HHH Abbey Lawn - Torquay

I

f you are looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey overlooking Torbay, there are superb facilities.

These include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, steam room, sauna and a spacious conservatory. As with all our own hotels a night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

ROBINSONS HHH Ocean View Shanklin

A

n elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evening meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

CALL FREEPHONE: 0800 0839086 10

Book online www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

8 Days/ 7 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

5 Days/ 4 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour

Abbey Lawn Imperial

Sat/Sun departures

Ocean View Mystery Tour

Monday departures 09-Jul

-

£249

£249

£225

16-Jul

-

£249

£249

£225

23-Jul

-

£249

£249

£225

30-Jul

-

£249

£249

£225

06-Aug

-

£249

£249

£225

13-Aug

-

£249

£249

£225

20-Aug

-

£249

£249

£225

27-Aug

-

£249

£249

£225

03-Sept

-

£249

£249

£225

£399 £399 £399 £359

10-Sept

-

£245

£245

£219

08/09 Sept

£389 £389 £389 £349

17-Sept

-

£239

£239

£215

15/16 Sept

£379 £379 £379 £339

24-Sept

-

£235

£235

£209

22/23 Sept

£359 £359 £359 £319

01-Oct

£225

£225

£225

£199

29/30 Sept

£339 £339 £339 £299

08-Oct

£215

£215

£215

£189

15-Oct

£209

£209

£209

£185

22-Oct

£205

£205

£205

£179

29-Oct

£199

£199

£199

£175

07/08 Jul

£399 £399 £399 £359

14/15 Jul

£399 £399 £399 £359

21/22 Jul

£399 £399 £399 £359

28/29 Jul

£399 £399 £399 £359

04/05 Aug

£399 £399 £399 £359

11/12 Aug

£399 £399 £399 £359

18/19 Aug

£399 £399 £399 £359

25/26 Aug

£399 £399 £399 £359

01/02 Sept

7 Days/ 6 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

Abbey Lawn Imperial

Festive Breaks

Ocean View Mystery Tour

Monday departures

05-Nov

£199

£199

£199

£179

12-Nov

£195

£195

£195

£175

19-Nov

£189

£189

£189

£169

08-Oct

£279

£279*

£279

£249

26-Nov

£185

£185

£185

£165

15-Oct

£269

£269*

£269

£245

03-Dec

£179

£179

£179

£165

22-Oct

£259

£259*

£259

£235

10-Dec

£175

£175

£175

£165

29-Oct

£249

£249*

£249

£225

17-Dec

£169

£169

£169

£165

23-Dec

£395*

£395*

£395* £355*

29-Dec

£375*

£375*

£375* £335*

Festive Breaks 05-Nov

£249

£249*

£249

£225

12-Nov

£245

£245*

£245

£219

19-Nov

£239

£239*

£239

£215

26-Nov

£235

£235* £235 £209

03-Dec

£229

£229*

£229

£205

10-Dec

£225

£225*

£225

£199

* Day Trip to France included, passport required.

10th & 17th December Unlimited Single Rooms at Robinsons Own Hotels * Includes 3 resort lunches

Abbey Lawn and Ocean View Hotels Front facing/seaview supplements 7 Days £13 per person. 8 Days £15 per person.

5 Days £10 per person

CALL FREEPHONE: 0800 0839086 Book online www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

1501

INTERVIEW

BERNIE BOUNCES BACK IN

TRUE CHICAGO STYLE

B

ernie Nolan has taken on the pivotal role of Mama Morton in multi award-winning musical ‘Chicago’ this year.

In 2009, the singer and actress played the fairy godmother at Manchester Opera House, following on The Nolans’ reunion tour which proved a spectacular success and filled arenas around the UK. But between then and now, Bernie, aged 51, has fought a dramatic battle against breast cancer which saw her having to have a mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy.

In true showbiz style, Bernie has bounced back from this traumatic time to entertain us once more. All of which is no surprise when you consider her strong family background, and the way she has lived much of her life in the spotlight.

Bernadette Therese Nolan came from an Irish family, the second youngest of eight children, and was brought up in Blackpool. Showbiz was in her blood and her sisters, brothers and parents would often perform in clubs and pubs around the resort.

It was when Bernie teamed up with four of her sisters, however, as The Nolans that fame and success finally came their way. The pretty, harmonious pop group sold millions of records worldwide in the ‘80s and ‘90s including more than nine million albums.

They had chart hits like ‘I’m in the Mood for Dancing’ and were regular guests on some of the top TV shows of the time.

Their appeal – apart from singable, danceable hits – was their wholesome niceness and visual charm, which proved a pleasant antidote to the extreme vagaries of the pop scene.

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Bernie had one of the strongest voices in the group, but when she first tried her hand at acting she showed that she also had talent in this direction. She became a presenter on BBC Saturday morning children’s show ‘On The Waterfront’ , and pleasantly surprised critics by her gift for comedy and the ability to laugh at herself.

In 1993, she appeared in the stage play ‘The Devil Rides Out’, and left The Nolans in 1994 to pursue a solo career, scoring solo hits and an album ‘All By Myself.’ She also had noteable success in the Willy Russell musical ‘Blood Brothers’ which brought her to the attention of TV bosses, and in 2000 she joined the cast of popular Liverpool soap ‘Brookside’ as Diane Murray.

Bernie played this role successfully for two years before leaving to play Sheelagh Murphy in ITV’s iconic police drama series ‘The Bill’ where she was given several strong storylines. Her character proved popular and, although she left in 2005, the door was left open for her character’s return.

In 2006, she took part in the Channel 4 series ‘The Games, raising funds for Alzheimer’s and children’s charities, and the following year starred in the play ‘Mum’s The Word’. During the summer, she appeared at Blackpool’s North Pier Theatre in ‘Soap Queens’ , enhancing her reputation as a reliable stage star when she went on to play Hannah Owens in ‘Flashdance The Musical.’

The Nolan family had already been affected by cancer previously: sister Anne had breast cancer in 2000 and Linda suffered from the disease in 2006. However, little could really have prepared Bernie for her own breast cancer diagnosis in April, 2010.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

As she recalls: “The day I found out, I cried my eyes out for about two or three minutes with my husband, Steve. After that, I didn’t cry again the whole way through my treatment. “ At the very beginning, though, it’s important to let out every feeling you’ve got. Cry, scream, shout, do whatever you want because it’s one of the biggest things that will ever happen to you.”

PRESENTED PRESENTED BYARLENE ARLENE PHILLIPS DBERG As a&strong woman, however, Bernie BY very quickly PHILLIPS adopted a LDBERG & AND ANDADAM ADAMSPIEGEL SPIEGEL

positive attitude. “I thought ‘ there’s no way I’m going to die from AINMENT TAINMENT this’. Once you make that decision, you can get on with beating it. From the start, it’s a case of taking things one day at a time.

NT

Don’t worry about what’s coming up in two weeks’ time. Deal with today, ©© you’ve got enough on your plate.”

ALI BASTIAN TUPELE DORGU

STEFAN STEFAN BOOTH BOOTH BERNIE BERNIE NOLAN NOLAN

Inevitably, though, there were terrible times. One of the worst for Bernie was telling her children. “I was diagnosed a week before my daughter Erin’s 11th birthday and we didn’t want to tell her until that was over. But kids aren’t daft – she knew something wasn’t quite right,” she recalls.

‘So we just sat her down and told her the truth. She knew about cancer because of Anne’s and Linda’s experience and she knew they were OK, which helped. Erin asked if I was going to die. I told her no and then she asked me if the lump was big. Again, I said no, and explained they’d found it early. One little tear ran down her cheek and she accepted it.’

NG G

Bernie had great support from her large family, and especially from her husband Steve in spite of the understandable initial shock and fears for the future. Much of the optimism surrounding Bernie, however, emanated from herself. When her hair fell out from the treatment, she didn’t hide but spoke out publicly about the problem and campaigned for early diagnosis and better understanding of the disease.

BLACK LACK STARKE STARKE

She believes in check-ups and self-awareness in the battle against cancer, and has a practical approach to the disease itself.

“You’ve got to take every bit of support you’re offered, whether that’s from the doctors, your family or friends,” she insists. “And, STARRING take it from me, none of it is as scarySTARRING as it sounds. I wouldn’t lie.”

VINCENT SIMONE VINCENT SIMONE Given that strength and determination, it’s logical that she has &FLAVIA CACACE FLAVIA CACACE now returned to the stage &and performing, and is reportedly “excited” about her role in one of the most enduringly successful

SAT 2 JUN MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN AT 2 JUN MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN hit musicals of recent times.

In fact, Bernie has followed the advice of one of The Nolans’ biggest hits “Gotta Pull Myself Together”. And in 2012 she is certainly one together lady!

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Angela Kelly www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

13

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IS IT TIME TO DOWNSIZE?

THE children have all left home for lives of their own or you suddenly realise one day that the house you’re in is simply too big for your needs. Whatever the reason, it’s time to DOWNSIZE! Once, downsizing carried a bit of a stigma, almost as if you couldn’t afford the home you had so you had to go for something less. But, in today’s cost-conscious, energy-efficient and finance-orientated world, many more people are downsizing for all the right reasons.

Along with finding a smaller property to live in, however, comes some unusual dilemmas – along with the usual dilemmas of how to furnish the new home and what is surplus to requirements.

Interior designer Chrissy Halton from Innerspace offers some simple advice: “When downsizing, don’t try and replicate the house you had – go for a new look.

“And only take with you items that really mean something to you. Off-white walls look great with more antique furniture items, for example. Less is more!”

The advantages of moving to a smaller property can be that your bills are likely to be smaller and there will be less housework needed. The first big minus, though, is that you’ve probably got far too many possessions to fit into your new home.

“You can’t take everything with you,” says Chrissy, “so start by having a really good de-clutter so that you can really see what you have that you love. That way you can more easily make the decision about what to take – and you don’t have to pay the removal company too much!”

Interior Designer Chrissy Halton Ask your relatives and friends if they would like to have particular items that you don’t want to take with you. There’s a growing trend for mixing old and new furniture currently so they may be glad to be offered a piece they’ve coveted or that may fit in their home. Or look to sell items on ebay and start afresh in your new home with some new furniture.

The National Association of Estate Agents says that downsizing offers a chance to have “a thorough springclean and focus on exactly what you want in your new home, and what you don’t.”

“You may have furniture which isn’t suitable for your new home, or that could do with replacing. So think ahead and make sure you have taken proper measurements of your new property so you don’t struggle on moving day with items that you probably shouldn’t have brought with you.”

For many of us, the pull of our old home is all about the memories that we’ve shared as a family within those bricks and mortar. Our children may have grown up here, and every room can be associated with personal milestones or events that matter to our own family history.

“If you’re worried about losing all the history behind your old home, think about using photos to show your life,” adds Chrissy. “It’s easy to make them into beautiful collages, and that way you can ‘take’ the items with you without having the real thing.”

When it actually comes to chucking out much-loved – and possibly worn – furniture or other items, contact a local charity which might be glad of household goods and especially furniture in good condition. The national

homeless charity Emmaus, for example, may have a local collection service for unwanted furniture, or another charitable organisation may be willing to pick up your item to sell for funds or to give it a good home with someone else who really needs it.

It’s important to plan ahead with your new space. “Think about how you’re going to use the space you are moving to,” says Chrissy. “What is the purpose of each room? How many people will you need to fit in to sit? Will you really need a dining room specifically?”

LOVELY LOUNGE – Relaxing toning, muted shades, a lack of clutter and plenty of light can be the hallmark of your new lounge when you downsize.

“Situations change and what you once needed you may no longer require. If you actually look at how much time you spend in each room of your current home now, you may be very surprised at how little space you actually use on a regular basis.

Take this – and what items you use – as a gauge for what you need to take with you.”

For example, she points out, if your new bathroom is smaller than you’ve been used to, is it worth removing the bath and having a larger shower? This may not only make more sense for your daily living but can help with any current or future mobility issues.

Whatever style of décor you choose for your new home, it’s worth trying to avoid clutter and opt for today’s cleaner lines and minimalist approach – if only to cut down on housework!

BEDROOM BEAUTY – Go for pretty fabrics in blinds and warm shades that can be picked up in bedding to create this attractive smaller bedroom.

BATHROOM BRIGHT – Ensure your new bathroom has plenty of light with the help of a clever skylight window

Take a look at current interior styles and how these can be easily achieved. Open up a dark room or small bathroom with a roof window or skylight, for example.

Take advantage of the wealth of modern flooring including natural woods that can make a room warm and homely in Winter and cool and calming in Summer. You might like to team this type of flooring with a handsome rug in a shade or pattern that tones with your room’s chosen colour scheme.

Plain walls matched with attractive fabrics in curtains or blinds give a room a modern look and allow smart furniture and impressive pictures or photographs to really come into their own.

If the downsizing also applies to your pocket, then you don’t have to spend a fortune on your new place. In fact, there’s often an enjoyable challenge in keeping within a tight budget yet coming up with something fresh, new and comfortable even if the items are cut-price or second-hand. Again, ebay can be a boon here.

The key to successfully moving at this crucial stage is to take a fresh look at your lifestyle, and decide to make a new start.

That way you can downsize the costs – but upsize your enjoyment of your new home!

For more information on Innerspace Interior Design go to www.innerspaceinteriordesign.co.uk 16

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state-of-theart dentures Privacy denture and implant studio is a new type of denture care available directly to the public and specialising solely in denture care.

• Highly personalised cosmetic dentures for that totally natural look.

• Friendly informal atmosphere with prices to suit most budgets • Express repairs, relines & comfort bases • With over 30 years experience At Privacy Denture Studio patients are seen in private with no hanging around in crowded waiting rooms. My practice is dedicated to creating natural looking dentures exclusively for my patients. I am an experienced professional who takes pride in my work and reputation.

Superior dentures, handcrafted, incorporating the very latest in denture technology. Beautiful teeth with all the subtle shapes and colours found in nature, combine to give you that totally natural and confident look.

When making my dentures I have two main objectives in mind. Firstly I want to enhance the wearer’s selfconfidence by making the dentures look as natural and attractive as possible. However, it is equally as important that the dentures function well for the patient, and fit as comfortably and as securely as the supporting tissues will allow. Just as there are no two people exactly alike, no two dentures are ever the same. This separates denture construction from the exact sciences. In fact, it is a series of procedures and application of skill and judgment that must be varied to the patients individual needs.

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Gerber philosophy and techniques.

True to Nature Teeth are a very important element of our personality.

They provide our face with an unmistakeable personal appearance especially when we smile. The loss of our natural teeth however does not mean we have to grin and bear a lifetime of feeling unattractive and uncomfortable. As dental health in the population improves, more people feel embarrassed about wearing dentures and wish to keep it a secret.

For over 30 years I have specialised in creating natural looking dentures. The more life-like and well fitting your dentures are the more they will create a sense of well being and self-confidence.

If you are apprehensive about having your impressions taken there’s no need to worry. There are special techniques available to minimise any discomfort.

The dentures are further enhanced by reproducing the many colours and textures which occur over the root areas found in natural gum structures. Correct colour tone is achieved by tinting the denture gum work to simulate the colourvariations of healthy gum tissue.

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If optimum fit of the denture is to be achieved, this is one of the most important stages in the construction of the denture. NB. Only this method will ensure accurate recording of fine tissue detail and the correct shaping for the denture.

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GERBER CONDYLATOR & DELTAFORM Benefits and Features Superior function - pestle and mortar principle Denture stability Designed to give lip and cheek support Indistinguishable from natural teeth Long life

DENTURES HELD FIRMLY IN PLACE WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS

Using two to four dental implants your new Gerber dentures can be secured to your jaw using special attachments placed within the fitting surface of the denture which clip onto the implants. Your dentures can now be securely pressed into position and held firm allowing a new level of confidence and enjoyment when eating and speaking in fact in every situation which can truly be, a life changing experience.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Tel:01253 851125

The vivid blue of cornflowers goes well with marigolds for a later summer display.

WHAT ARE YOU GROWING THIS YEAR? Vegetables

There are so many choices when it comes to gardening.

More vegetables or a new planting scheme? Minimum maintenance or a whole new layout? And what about the lawn?

Even the smallest plot can provide a plentiful supply of salads. A newcomer on the scene includes Suttons multigreen lettuce, which has a short crown and no wastage. Sow seeds little and often at fortnightly intervals from March to July, and you’re guaranteed a regular supply, and while you’re sowing your lettuce, find a space for a succession of plantings of radishes from March to September.

Sew these in a cool position, and thin early. Water well in dry weather.

The Lawn Nothing sets off a well tended garden as effectively as a lush green lawn, or detracts from the effect if it’s patchy and sparse. Particularly at the start of the year, the lawn needs a lot of attention and unfortunately, it’s not always enough to mow regularly and feed correctly. Shaggy edges should be kept neatly clipped. Worn areas lightly forked over and re-seeded, then covered with a fine layer of compost.

Creeping buttercup and field daisies may need the use of a selective weed killer.

Moss is another problem, and generally means the drainage is poor. Raking out the moss by hand, or with an electric scarifyer sometimes helps, as does spiking and incorporating sand, but if the moss persists, then you may need to get more professional advice.

For variety in your salads, a welcome addition is spinach. Sow from March to mid April, thin early, and use these baby leaves in your mix. Rocket is another easily grown plant, to add that wonderful peppery taste to a green leaf mixture, spring onions give salad rolls an extra zing, and chives are a must with scrambled eggs.

No salad is complete without the sharp refreshing taste of radishes

2011 was a bad year for tomatoes, so this year, take extra precautions by siting French marigolds in pots around them.

Planting basil nearby also helps, as it’s natural repellent to flies.

Soft Fruit in pots We all love soft fruit, and I’ve just discovered a new range which have a more upright habit, so gooseberries and

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www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

blackcurrants can be potted up and sited on the patio. Try blackcurrant Noiroma, which is a very sweet, large fruited variety, and gooseberry Lady Sun, an almost thornless yellow variety, both available from Suttons Seeds.

The Flower Garden Dahlias are making a big comeback.

Grown as part of the general planting scheme, the canny gardener knows that when perennials such as delphiniums and lupins are past their best, dahlias will be coming into their own, continuing to flower at full pitch until the first frost.

The tall varieties can provide dramatic accents of colour at the back of the flower beds, and the smaller varieties add interest throughout the garden, and provide plenty of cut flowers for the house. Taller dahlias need to be staked, so position these before planting the tubers, to avoid any accidental damage. I’ve found that although the large flowered pompom varieties look sensational, in a wet summer the flower heads retain too much rain and become too heavy for the stems, which bend under the weight. I generally go for the single flowering varieties, which also look more at home in a mixed herbaceous planting.

Dahlias grow in almost any location, and on any soil, although, for best results, good drainage is essential. They can be obtained in almost any colour and any height, as singles, doubles, cactus or dwarf, and at the end of the year, the tubers can be lifted and stored for next year so they’re very economical to grow.

And finally, don’t forget the pleasure of growing flowers from seed. As soon as the soil has warmed up, rake over odd bare patches and scatter a mixture of marigolds and cornflowers. Surround the sown area with a drizzle of sand, to remind yourself of where they were planted, and be rewarded with a wonderful splash of colour later in the summer. This works in pots as well. Love in the Mist seeds scattered amongst the geraniums, candytuft in troughs, and nasturtiums amongst the tomatoes. All you need is a packet of seeds and a little imagination, and sometimes, the results are spectacular.

A useful fast growing lettuce, with no waste.

Gardening can be hard work, but consider the rewards. All those seeds producing food to eat, and beauty to enjoy. Is there anything that comes close?

Happy gardening.

The delicate shades in this dahlia provide a perfect complement to phlox and other herbaceous plants.

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Telephone: 01253 887651 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

21

PLANNING FOR

THE FUTURE Everyone should consider some basic legal planning to make sure that their families and loved ones are protected in case of future events which can affect anyone. Here we consider the “essentials” of making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney and Gift of Property into Trust.

REASONS TO MAKE A WILL Making a Will is important, particularly when you realise that without a Will the Government will decide who will receive your money and possessions after you die. Unfortunately this can cause many difficulties for your surviving family and relatives at an already distressing time. By making a Will you can help alleviate additional pressures on your family.

The myth that ‘my wife will receive everything anyway’ is not true. Your estate would be shared out in accordance with the ‘Statutory Legacy’ rules and your wife would receive the first £250,000 with the rest going into trust. This might not be enough to enable your wife to keep the matrimonial home. When it comes to ‘common law husband or wife’, there is no such thing. Only people who are legally married or have formed a civil partnership will be classed as husband, wife or civil partner and only they can enjoy the benefits of automatically inheriting part of their spouse’s estate. You would have to go to Court to claim part of the estate which will come with the usual costs and expenses.

Children are another reason why it is important to make a Will. If something was to happen to you and your children were still minors or disabled, you can appoint Guardians to look after them. It is also important if you are married for a second time and have children from a previous relationship. If you were to die first and your estate was below the ‘Statutory Legacy’ your whole estate would pass to your second spouse and your children would have no absolute right to anything. If you are legally separated the ‘Statutory Legacy’ will still apply until the divorce is finalised so if you want your estate to pass to someone else then you must make a Will.

22

You should have your Will prepared by an experienced Lawyer who will make sure all the relevant points are covered especially if your Will is complicated and Tax Planning Advice may be required.

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY Most people know they should have a Will, but have you considered what would happen if you were to become unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime? Who would make difficult financial and personal decisions on your behalf? You can protect yourself by making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

The LPA is a legal document in which you can appoint another person or persons as Attorney(s) to act on your behalf in relation to your financial affairs and/or personal welfare if you become unable to do so for yourself. The LPA was introduced under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and must be registered with the Court of Protection before it can be used. It is useful if you are ill or in hospital or residential care when it is difficult for you to look after your personal finances or welfare. There is one type of LPA dealing with your financial affairs i.e. managing your Bank Accounts and Investments and also selling your property if required.

There is also an LPA dealing with your personal welfare i.e. issues relating to your personal care and where you should live and also giving or refusing consent to certain medical treatment.

It is important to note that you can only make an LPA if you have sufficient mental capacity and this has to be confirmed by a Certificate Provider. In some cases it may be necessary to obtain a Doctor’s opinion if there is any doubt. It is also important to note that it does not take away your independence as one of the main principles of the Act is that capacity is decision specific and Attorneys should assist people to make their own decisions wherever possible. If you should lose capacity without having an LPA in place then it will be necessary for someone to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to deal with your affairs which can be a very slow and expensive process.

An LPA is an important legal document which should be properly prepared and explained to you by an experienced Lawyer. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

GIFT OF PROPERTY INTO TRUST Most people are concerned about the costs of long term residential care. Currently if your assets exceed £23,250 including the value of your property then you will be self funding and have to pay for the cost of your care yourself.

The biggest concern for most people is that you may have to sell your property to pay for the care. However it is possible to avoid this by giving your property away during your lifetime, usually to your children.

The gift however must be made in good time and not simply with the intention of avoiding future care fees otherwise it may be caught by the Local Authority’s anti-avoidance measures.

You could simply make an outright gift to your children but as you will probably wish to continue to live in your property this could cause problems if you were to fall out with them or if they were to experience matrimonial problems or bankruptcy it could lead to someone else making a claim against their share of your property. Additionally, it could also cause problems for your children in owning a share of a second property and could give rise to possible Capital Gains Tax implications on the eventual sale of the property.

We would therefore always recommend that a gift of property should be a gift into Trust which would protect you and your children from most of these potential difficulties. The Trust would provide for you to remain living in the property for as long as you wish on the basis that you continue to be responsible for all the outgoings as at present. The Trust can also provide for the property to be sold and a replacement property purchased for you to live in if you so wished.

When you no longer live in the property for whatever reason, the trust would come to an end and the property could be sold with the proceeds divided between your children.

In this way you would no longer be treated as the legal owner of the property if you were to be assessed for long-term care fees and also as you are occupying the property which is held in trust, this usually means that main residence exemption from Capital Gains Tax can be claimed although this is decided by the Revenue on a case by case basis.

Established 1937 We have been advising elderly clients and those approaching retirement for over 70 years.

For advice on: • • • • • •

Wills Lasting Powers of Attorney Deputies/Court of Protection Inheritance Tax Planning Probate/Letters of Administration Divorce, Children & Family Accidents

as well as Property Sales and Purchases; Contact one of our offices at: FLEETWOOD Mr Peter J Isaacs 32-38 North Albert Street, Fleetwood FY7 6AW Tel: 01253 873481 | Fax: 01253 772322 Email: p.j.isaacs@inghams-law.co.uk

CLEVELEYS

Mr Nick Williams

8 The Crescent, Cleveleys FY5 3LW Tel: 01253 824111 | Fax: 01253 827747 Email: nwilliams@inghams-law.co.uk

BISPHAM

Mr Richard J Statham

37 Red Bank Road, Bispham, BLACKPOOL FY2 9HX Tel: 01253 353308 | Fax: 01253 356380 Email: richard.statham@inghams-law.co.uk

BLACKPOOL

Mr Edward Statham

4-8 Leopold Grove, Blackpool FY1 4JR Tel: 01253 626642 | Fax: 01253 295590 Email: edward.statham@inghams-law.co.uk

POULTON

Mrs Helen Jackson

12 Queens Square, Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 7BN Tel: 01253 890545 | Fax: 01253 893171 Email: hjackson@inghams-law.co.uk

Obviously giving away your property is a major irrevocable decision which requires specialist legal advice.

Make sure you carry out your legal planning in good time with the benefit of specialist legal advice from a Lawyer who is experienced in such matters. www.inghams-law.co.uk

23

THE

HAIRY BIKERS

take a scientific approach to food

Dave Myers and Simon King alias The Hairy Bikers were in the middle of a regime of diet and exercise when we chatted, recalls Angela Kelly.

Yes, sorry, I know you’ll probably have to read that sentence again. Those two well-covered foodies? Diet?

Exercise?

Fear not. It’s all in the cause of a new cookery book about dieting and Dave and Simon had thrown themselves into both food and exercise regimes with the kind of enthusiasm they normally reserve for a piece of garlic-dripping Italian foccaccia bread or a couple of their favourite beers.

“Yes, I know,” explains Simon, the blonde Geordie member of the famous chef duo. “It doesn’t sound like us, but obesity is a real problem in this country at the moment, hen, and we’re just trying to help.”

As a result, Simon, aged 45, had been hitting the gym regularly – “and it’s working. I’m not sure how much weight I’ve lost because I’ve got some dodgy scales that say 20 stone 5lb one minute and 14 stone 8lb the next, but I know I can get into some jeans I couldn’t before. Mind you, I’m still a fat lad!” he roars familiarly.

24

Dave, at 55, sounds like he’s taken a more scientific approach to the subject. He’s lost a stone and a half, has taken up boxing but still manages to sound incredulous when he says :”Do y’know, I’m actually enjoying the sessions.”

You might be forgiven for not putting “weight-loss” and “The Hairy Bikers” in the same sentence because the likeable lads have spent the past eight years showing us what fun food can be – both making it and eating it.

They’ve travelled around the UK and across the globe gathering culinary experiences and footage for their TV series, astride some seriously large motorbikes.

Their trademark has been making new friends via food, cooking in people’s homes and generally acting as brilliant ambassadors for the best dishes that people can make for themselves.

“The new cookery book will still be about food, though,” states Dave, the darker, bespectacled one.

“It’s just that we’ll be showing good food that you can easily make with fewer calories in it so it won’t put too much weight on.”

The two are speaking ahead of their new country-wide tour that starts in September and takes in 41 venues over the next three months, from Barrow in Furness to Bolton and Lowestoft to Liverpool. It’s their first live tour since their last sell-out tour two years ago, and it sounds like their usual eclectic mix of fun, socialising and, er, some cooking.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

INTERVIEW “It’s definitely not going to be two blokes on a sofa talking about food,” laughs Dave. “There’s loads going on. We’re having strip tombola and an escapologist – oh, and we’ll be doing the tango. We’ll also have a couple of people from the audience having a meal with wine and beer on the stage with us. We love that, and so do they!”

They’ve also sold millions of cookery books linked to the series, and now earned themselves a BAFTA nomination for their Meals on Wheels programmes.

These highlighted the vital visiting service to the elderly, and they also tried – successfully - to put the emphasis back on regular freshly-cooked meals for them.

In fact, Dave and Simon love most things about their lives currently, although it wasn’t always as easy or straightforward. Both grew up with ailing parents: Dave’s mum had Multiple Sclerosis and Simon’s Dad was on kidney dialysis.

They’re both delighted about the nomination and, Simon insists, they hope the subject will continue to catch the public imagination because it’s an important one. “In the series, it wasn’t Dave and I who were the stars of the show but all these marvellous older people,” he insists.

For Dave, who was born when his father was 55, his earliest memory of cooking is when he was around eight helping his mum bake bread, simple fruit scones and a Victoria sponge.

As an older dad, his father was able to spend plenty of time with Dave, although from around the age of 13 it was Dave who did the bulk of the cooking at home. He later went to art school “but I was a better cook than an artist,” he recalls.

It was when he became a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics and was working on the set of a Catherine Cookson TV drama that he met Simon, then a first assistant director and locations’ manager. The two shared a love of bikes and food, began cooking together – and a legend was born.

Simon’s first foodie memory is of making sandwiches, strangely enough “with the crusts taken off and cut into little triangles”, when he was about six and helping in the kitchen. “But most of the time I was just off out scrambling about, no time to cook!” he says, with that gentle rumbling roar of laughter bubbling up.

Their first programmes for the BBC eight years ago were more travelogue than cookery show, but the emphasis gradually changed to the enjoyable format that has attracted so many viewers today.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

“They’ve got the most wonderful cookery knowledge themselves. It’s so important for older people to keep on cooking good food like they always did, and share their skills with their grandchildren to keep these going and become a real legacy.”

The two Northerners and their easygoing style has already been credited with tickling taste-buds at home and abroad, whether that’s sampling breads in Poland or guzzling nougat in the French town of Montelimar.

But it’s plain they are genuinely passionate about all that’s best in food and sharing the enthusiasm to create it. Although the new cookery book has a dietary theme, food enjoyment as always comes first. “We’ll be doing dishes like a really tasty cassoulet and a great Masala Spatchcock Chicken,” states Dave.

As for the problematic weight-loss, they’re both confident they can lead this new campaign trimly from the front. “Well,” adds Simon, “If God is good and he keeps me off the brown ale!”

For details of tour dates and venues go to www.hairybikers.com

F O OD

&

D RI NK

Rick Stein's French Odyssey Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that.

I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘French Odyssey’ (BBC Books, £25) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours from France.

SERVES 4

French Onion Soup

60 g butter

Heat the butter in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the onions, garlic and sugar and cook over a medium heat, stirring regularly, for 2530 minutes until the onions are really soft and well caramelized.

1 kg onions, halved and thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 teaspoons caster sugar 300 ml dry white wine 1.5 litres Beef stock, browned Bouquest garni of bay leaves, thyme and parsley stalks 4 x 2.5-cm-thick slices French bread 225 g Gruyére or Comté cheese, coarsely grated Salt and freshly ground black pepper 26

Add the wine and leave to simmer rapidly until it has reduced by half.

Add the beef stock and bouquet garni, cover and leave the soup to simmer for at least another 30 minutes. Then remove and discard the bouquet garni, and season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, preheat the over to 150oC/Gas Mark 2. Place the slices of bread onto a baking tray and leave them for 30 minutes to dry out but not get at all brown. Then remove the tray and increase the oven temperature to 220oC/Gas Mark 7.

To serve, place a slice of bread into the bottom of each of 4 deep ovenproof soup bowls and ladle the soup on top, making sure the onions and stock are distributed evenly. Cover the top of the soup thickly with the grated cheese, place the bowls onto a sturdy baking tray and bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. You can also place them under a hot grill for 5 minutes if you prefer or are short of time. This soup should be served scalding hot.

SERVES 4 4 trout, each weighing about 300g 40g butter 60g rindless streaky bacon, chopped 175g fresh ceps, trimmed and cut into 4-mm-thick slices 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley 25g plain flour 2 tablespoons sunflower oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE BEURRE NOISETTE: 75g unsalted butter 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 heaped tablespoon chopped parsley

Fried trout stuffed with sliced ceps, garlic and diced bacon First you need to remove the bones from the fish. To do this, remove the head of each one, and then, working with one fish at a time, start to cut the top fillet away from the bones until you can get the whole blade underneath the fillet. Then rest a hand on top of the fish and cut the rest of the fillet away from the bones until you are about 2.5cm away from the tail. Turn the fish over and repeat on the other side. Then pull back the top fillet and snip out the backbone, close to the tail, with scissors. The fillets will still be attached at the tail. Repeat with the remaining fish.

Melt the butter in a large frying pan and as soon as it is foaming, add the bacon and fry briefly until lightly coloured. Add the sliced ceps and the garlic and toss over a medium-high heat for 1 minute until lightly cooked. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.

Lay the prepared trout on a chopping board and pull back the top fillet of each one.

Season the outside of each fish with a little more salt and pepper, then dredge with the flour and pat off the excess. Heat the sunflower oil in one very large or 2 slightly smaller frying pans over a moderate heat. Add the fish and fry for 21/2 minutes without moving them until nicely golden. Carefully turn the fish over and cook for another 21/2 minutes, until golden brown on the second side and cooked through. Lift the fish onto warmed plates.

Discard the frying oil (from one of the pans if using two) and wipe the pan clean. Add the butter for the beurre noisette and allow it to melt over a moderate heat. As soon as the butter starts to smell nutty and turns light brown, add the lemon juice, parsley and some seasoning. Pour some of the butter over each fish and serve.

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SERVES 8-10 2 x 350-g packets ready-rolled puff pasty, and butter for greasing FOR THE ALMOND PASTE FILLING: 125g butter, softened 125g caster sugar 1 medium egg 2 medium egg yolks 125g ground almonds 15g plain flour 2 tablespoons kirsch 225g fresh cherries, stones removed 1 teaspoon icing sugar, for glazing.

Serve with Vanilla Ice cream or pouring cream VANILLA ICECREAM SERVES 4 Slit open 2 vanilla pods and scrape out the seeds with the tip of a knife. Put 500 ml full-cream milk, the vanilla pods and seeds into a non-stick pan and bring to the boil, then remove from the heat and set aside for 30 minutes to infuse the milk with the flavour of the vanilla. Put 6 egg yolks and 200g caster sugar into a large bowl and, using an electric handheld whisk, whisk for 3 minutes until pale and moussey.

Cherry pithiviers

Bring the milk back to the boil, strain onto the egg yolk mixture and mix until well combined. Return to the pan and cook over a low heat, stirring for 3-4 minutes until the mixture lightly coats the back of a wooden spoon, but do not let the mixture boil or it will curdle.

Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly, then stir in 500 ml single or double cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Chill until cold. Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow container and freeze until almost but not quite firm.

Then scrape the mixture either into a bowl or a food processor and beat until smooth, then return it to the container and freeze once more.

Place the smaller disc of pastry onto a buttered baking sheet and mound the cherry and almond mixture into the centre, taking it to within 2.5cm of the edge. Beat the remaining egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of cold water and brush a little around the edge of the pastry. Lay the second disc over the top of the filling and press the edges together to seal, pressing out any trapped air as you do so. Crimp the edges between your thumb and forefinger to give the edge an attractive finish, then chill the pudding for 20 minutes.

Repeat this process 2-3 times, until the mixture is very smooth, then leave until frozen. Use as required.

Unroll each sheet of puff pastry and cut a 25-cm disc from one piece and a 29-cm disc from the other, rolling them out a little more if necessary.

Rest them in the fridge for 20 minutes.

For the almond paste filling, cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and one of the egg yolks, then gently stir in the ground almonds, flour and kirsch. Stir in the pitted cherries.

Meanwhile, preheat the over to 220oC/Gas Mark 7. Brush the top of the pithiviers with the rest of the egg yolk glaze, then with the tip of a small, sharp knife, score radiating arcs from the centre out towards the edge, just into the surface of the pastry, taking care not to cut too deeply. Make a small hole in the centre to let the steam escape, and bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed up and richly golden. Lower the over temperature to 180oC/Mark 4 and continue to bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes away clean. If it starts to get too brown, lay a sheet of foil loosely over the top.

To give the pithiviers its classic glazed appearance, remove it from the oven and increase the temperature once more to 220oC/Gas Mark 7. Dust the pastry with the icing sugar and return to the over for 3-4 minutes until the sugar has caramelized and the tart has taken on a high gloss.

Transfer to a cooling rack and leave to cool slightly, then serve warm, cut into wedges, with vanilla ice cream or pouring cream.

Bury Market Hall open everyday except Sunday “Winner BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards” Best Food Market “Winner UK Coach Awards” Most Coach Friendly Shopping Attraction “Winner NABMA’s” Best Market Attraction Full Markets Open Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays

An Award Winning Market Bury Market’s huge selection of fresh food and produce has been praised the world over…but the only compliments we really want are from our customers!

At Bury Market you’ll discover over 350 stalls selling everything from fresh food to the latest fashions – and a whole lot more!

Bury Market’s traders are here every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for fantastic products, friendly service and always for great value.

For something different why not visit our Food and Craft Market on the third Sunday of each month?

The Easiest Way to Eat Well at Home...

MyChef is a family business founded over 15 years ago, we are still based in Blackpool but now provide 'meals at home' services from kitchens throughout the North West.

Eating well is the single most important factor in maintaining good health. All MyChef meals and desserts are created using quality ingredients to the tastiest recipes and prepared to the very highest standards. Your meals will arrive cooked and ready to eat, complete with either vegetables and potatoes or rice or pasta. All our dishes are balanced, nutritious and full of flavour with carefully controlled levels of salt, sugar and fat.

You can create your own 'A la Carte Menu' from over 220 different meals and desserts.You will always receive the meals you want on the days you want.

You can also add a great value Tea Time Pack for only £1.90.

Only £4.70 per 2 course meal

This is your choice of a freshly made sandwich, a savoury snack, fruit and cake or dessert and is delivered with your hot meal.

The Meals You Want, When You Want Them!

Our extensive menu has something for everyone. From traditional roasts, pies and stews to vegetarian options and more modern favourites such as chicken curry, roast duck and fillet of trout with prawns. If you have a sweet tooth there is a huge selection of desserts to tempt you.

With over 15 years experience we have earned an excellent reputation not only for tasty and wholesome meals but also for the friendliness and reliability of our service. A helpful and caring driver, specially trained to provide you with dignity, respect and the very best service, will deliver your meals.

Giving You Peace of Mind With A 'Safe & Well Check' At MyChef we do more than just deliver great meals, we also provide a 'Safe & Well Check'

NO LONG-TERM Commitment or Contract

You can decide when you start and stop receiving your meals for whatever reason.

Telephone: 01253 305 200 Email: mychef@b-c-m.net

service to each and every one of our customers.

Each day when your driver delivers your meals he or she will report back to the MyChef office team what time your food was delivered and that you are safe & well.

With this information the MyChef office team will contact your next-of-kin or nominated person via email or text message to say that your meal has been delivered and that you are safe and well. We will also contact the appropriate person if, for whatever reason, the driver was unable to deliver your meal successfully.

We can also provide you with a 'Safe and Well Check' as a stand alone service for only £2.50 per day.

It won't cost you anything to find out more about our services and we can arrange to visit you if necessary. If you would like to speak to someone now or are planning for the future, or you require information for a friend or relative, please do not hesitate to contact us.

azine.pdf

Do you have the time and dedication to care?

Every 22 minutes across the UK a child comes into care and needs a foster family.

With at least 8’750 new foster families needed in 2012 alone, Alpha Plus facilitate the process…

With more and more children needing foster placements and a chronic shortage of foster families, now is the time to care for those who need it most.

There is a current shortfall of over 8,750 foster care families in the UK and Alpha Plus Fostering is looking to recruit more people from all walks of life to help to tackle this issue.

Alpha Plus is an established fostering agency which has been providing carers for over 11 years. Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED for the past 6 years, Alpha Plus 1 is 30/04/2012 11:03 to providing high quality placements and committed improving the outcomes of ‘looked after children’.

Natalie Beswick is the carer recruitment officer for Alpha Plus. She said: “Here at Alpha we pride ourselves on providing local children with the opportunity to be looked after in a safe, caring and stable family environment.

We have an amazing team of foster carers and I just know that there are other families in our communities just waiting to be found - families who can be part of making the difference to the lives of ‘looked after children”.

77983 125x190 Retired Magazine Jan 2012

Am I suitable?

Many people believe that they are not eligible to foster for various reasons, from age and marital status to sexual orientation. In fact, if you drive, have a spare room and the time and dedication to invest in a child’s life and their future then you could be just what the team at Alpha Plus is looking for.

How to get involved Alpha Plus will be in St Georges Shopping Centre, Preston from Monday 6th – Friday 10th August. Children and Young People are invited to express their dreams and aspirations on our Wish Stars and place them on our Wish Tree. We will also be available to answer any questions about fostering.

For more information about our Wish Tree Project you can contact Natalie on 0753 011 3170.

For further information or advice on becoming a foster carer, call Natalie on 0753 011 3170 or the recruitment line on 0808 178 4747. All Alpha Plus foster carers receive full training, which is offered up to diploma level, 24-hour support from qualified social workers, free membership to FosterTalk and generous tax free allowances of up to £460 per week.* *Subject to Status.

Celebrating over 11 years as a fostering agency Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

Alpha Plus has a positive approach to foster carers of all ages.

We are currently recruiting foster carers across Lancashire. We will provide: n Generous tax free allowances up to £460 per child per week* n 24/7 support n Excellent training up to Diploma level n Membership to Foster Talk *Subject to Status.

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer and you have a spare bedroom and the time to commit to a childs life and their future then please contact us on: 0808 178 4747 or visit www.alphaplusfostering.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Part of NFA Partnerships Group

31

OUT & ABOUT

RIVERSWAY FESTIVAL Sat 21 July to Sun 22 July 9am to 5pm

Preston Riversway Festival brings the marina alive with excitement, music, laughter and fun across the whole weekend.

The weekend boasts over sixty guest boaters who sail to Preston from around the country to join in the fun.

Such as, a host of water based activities and boat trips around the dock, police search and rescue boat, havea-go dragon boating and jet ski displays.

Street Theatre is a major feature of the Riversway Festival, keeping crowds of all ages entertained across the weekend.

The exhibition marquee offers a unique range of stalls to provide the perfect gift or treat for yourself alongside a well stocked bar to quench the thirst of any festival goer.

A must-see is ‘Sing the Docks’ run by More Music working with choirs, singers and festival goers.

Riversway Control Centre, Navigation Way, Ashton on Ribble, Lancashire, PR2 2YP

This is a free event, for more information please call 01772 253731

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RUN PRESTON

Sun 30th Sept to Mon 1st Oct at Market Street 9am to 4pm

The annual Run Preston event returns to the city on Sunday 30 September. The event has around 1,500 runners of all abilities taking part.

Run Preston gets moving with a 2k Fun Run, followed by the 10k run taking runners on a lap of the city centre before entering Avenham Park, across the river, round Frenchwood Rec and back up to the city centre through Avenham and Miller parks.

The 5k run then sees another field of runners, including corporate teams battling it out for prizes. It also has plenty of walkers taking in the wonderful backdrop. To take part in either of these races, competitors will need to complete a Run Preston entry form found on the Preston City Council website www.preston.gov.uk Even those who are not participating can enjoy the event, cheering on runners and looking out for friends and family. There is a morning full of entertainment featuring a guest band, the Guild Hall roadshow, the mobile climbing wall, and various stalls, all centred around the covered market in the heart of the city.

This event takes place at Market Street, Lancashire, PR1 2JA. For more information please call 01772 906188

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PROMS IN THE PARK

Katherine Jenkins

Friday 7 Sept at Avenham Park 5pm to11pm

This event will see Avenham Park transformed into a spectacular open-air amphitheatre for Preston Proms in the Park.

In a world exclusive, legendary operatic star Jose Carreras and world renowned Welsh Mezzo Soprano Katherine Jenkins will jointly headline this very special one-off open air classical concert with the Machester Camerata conducted by David Gimenez Carreras.

Tickets are ÂŁ65 and you can book your ticket online by visiting the Preston Guild Hall site at www.prestonguildhall.com or via telephone on 0845 3442012.

NEW FOOD AND CRAFT MARKET On the 3rd Sunday of each month adjacent to the busy MillGate Shopping Centre, Market Square in Bury.

The Next events are on Sundays July 15th, August 19th and Sept 16th. Small scale producers bringing their unique food and crafts to Bury Town Centre.

STITCH & CHAT CLUB WEDNESDAYS

Seven Oaks Community Centre, Anchorsholme 10.30pm to 12.30pm - Card Making

MONDAYS

Dunsop Court, Blackpool 12.30pm to 2.30pm - Card Making 2.30pm to 4.30pm - General Craft Class, Crochet, Knitting and occasional bead work etc We also enjoy day trips and lunches out!

For further details or to enrol please call Brenda on 01253 405138

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33

Have you been coughing for 3 weeks? If so, tell your Doctor!

The Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Network is supporting the national Be Clear on Cancer campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer across the region.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in England. There are some 33,000 new cases every year and it kills more men and women than any other form of cancer. It affects people of all ages but is most common in those who are over 50. Although it is more common in smokers, around one in eight people with lung cancer has never smoked.

You need to see a doctor straight away if you have been coughing for the past three weeks or more. Other symptoms of lung cancer include: • • • • • • •

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A cough that has got worse or changes Repeated chest infections Coughing up blood Breathlessness Feeling more tired than usual for some time Losing weight for no obvious reason An ache or pain in your chest or shoulder that has lasted some time.

Detecting lung cancer early makes it easier to treat, so seeing your doctor quickly may save your life. It’s probably nothing serious but it could also be a sign of something else that needs treatment.

In Central Lancashire there are on average 274 deaths each year from lung cancer and 327 new cases diagnosed. Only 30% of all lung cancer sufferers in Central Lancashire are expected to reach the one year survival milestone.

Ron Slack, aged 63 from Fulwood was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2010 after he kept suffering from repeated chest infections that wouldn’t clear following antibiotics.

‘My message to anyone who may be reading this who may be worried about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer is please do not ignore the signs, if you have a cough for more than three weeks please see your doctor straight away and get yourself checked out, it will put your mind at rest and may save your life!’

For more information and guidance please visit either www.nhs.uk/lungcancer or www.cancerlancashire.org.uk

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Do you live with: • Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Haemophilia

• Heart Disease

• Osteoarthritis

• Depression

• And Many Others

Your Opinion Matters Leadopinion is a rapidly growing internet community for people living with illnesses or disabilities.

We want you to share your care experiences with us. We work with medical industry, government

agencies and pharmaceutical companies to determine the best way to deliver healthcare. The number one way to do so is by speaking to the people that know best - people who live or care for someone with an illness. Take part by joining our health panel.

You will be rewarded for your time and your opinion will make a difference.

0800 012 8888 Quote 30074

*Network charges may apply

It's free to join. Visit www.leadopinion.com and start helping today.

Leyland Denture Centre Leyland Denture Centre is a new clinic focusing on providing dentures directly to the public. As a result they are able to concentrate on providing exceptional quality of private dentures to their patients. Their success is attributed to the investments that they have made in terms of latest technology laboratory equipment, using the best materials and the most natural, life like and realistic denture teeth that are available. Not to mention their biggest investment; in there own training and qualifications as Clinical Dental Technicians.

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 clinicians at Leyland Denture Centure 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 direst 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.

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Meet the Clinicians: Jonathan and Colin Dean Leyland Denture Centre offer FREE consultation so that they can assess what services or treatment you might require as well as showing you the various standards of dentures that they can produce. After this free consultation you are under no obligation to go ahead and have new dentures made, the door is open for you to go away and reflect upon the information that you have been presented.

They also offer an intensive denture cleaning service.

This denture cleaning machine uses strong detergents and mild chemicals to breakdown the plaque and debris that builds up on a denture over prolonged periods of time. Despite the best efforts of a denture wearer to clean their dentures thoroughly, plaque can still build up and impair the functionality of the denture and produce an unpleasant taste or odour.

One thing that many patients are amazed at is the amount of time that the clinician spends with the patient to ensure that the dentures are just how that patient wants them to look. As well as the after service, because as many dentures wearers know, getting used to new dentures can take a little bit of time and perseverance as well as having someone to help ease the little sore spots that comes with having new dentures.

Technology now means that there are new ways to hold a denture in place. The most significant one of these is though the use of implants. There any many different types of implants but on whole the main idea of implants is something that is able to offer the lower denture stability and support to stop it from moving around the mouth. Although these are not a cheap solution they are by far the most effective, offering total lower denture security in any environment.

Leyland Denture Centre only offers Private denture treatment, however, they are able to construct an excellent quality private denture for less than most people would imagine but because of their position within the industry they have been able to source very high qualities of materials and teeth, and they are more than happy to show their patients examples of the different qualities that they can offer to the public.

Other services that are offered by Leyland Denture Centre are; denture naming service, denture refurbishment, relines and soft relines as well as advice and tips for cleaning and maintaining your dentures. Â

If you are interested in a FREE, no obligation consultation then call 01204 382244

DENTURES BEFORE CLEANING

PREVIOUS DENTURES

DENTURES AFTER CLEANING

NEW DENTURES MADE AT THE CLINIC

Leyland Denture Centre A T T AY LO R D E N T A L T E C H N O LO GY C E N T R E , L E Y L A N D

for your next quality denture

• Qualified Clinical Dental Technicians • New Dentures and Relines • Dental Repairs • Dentures Cleaned & Refurbished • Free Consultations

Contact us at: LEYLAND: 01772 623623 | BOLTON: 01204 382244 Independence House, Golden Hill Lane, Leyland

Registered with the GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL

44 Higher Bridge Street Bolton BL1 2HA.

www.thedenturepeople.com

Top tips on saving energy and money...

Turn your thermostat down Reducing your room temperature by 1oC could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and save you around £50 per year.

If you have a timer, set your heating and hot water to come on when you need it rather than all the time.

Also, if you have radiators with valves you can control individually (thermostatic valves) it is worthwhile doing, as this helps you to direct warmth in the places you need it, can save money and be more energy efficient. Put thermal reflectors behind your radiators to reflect heat back into your room.

Washing machines use a surprising amount of energy Always fill the drum with laundry to get the most value from the water and energy you're using. l Avoid using the extra rinse as this is a water waster. o o l Switch to a 30 C wash instead of 40 C which can save you around £9 a year. l

Switch to low energy or LED bulbs

Using water wisely

These are a great and easy way to save energy. They plug straight into any lighting unit and use less energy. Some are even brighter than standard light bulbs but consume a lot less energy.

If you have a water cylinder you should turn it to 60oC. This is hot enough to kill any harmful bacteria, and heat your water sufficiently for household use.

Low energy bulbs last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and using one can save you around £45 over the lifetime of the bulb.

If the temperature is any higher it is a waste of energy and there is an increased risk of scalding.

If you have a garden, consider buying some solar lights which use the natural energy of the sun. As the lighting is mainly for decorative purposes, all the more reason to use this renewable source of energy.

When you are cooking, always use the right size pan for the job, and the right sized hob ring for each pan. Remember to use a lid.

Consider taking a shower instead of a bath.

Top tips on water Use less hot water with a lower temperature setting for the washing machine, dishwasher and shower.

Don't overfill the kettle, boil only as much water as you need.

If you boil your kettle with only a cupful of water it will cost you about 1/3p, but make sure you cover the element Over a full year this will cost you £5.61 If you boil a full kettle it will cost you 11/2p Over a full year this will cost you £29.08.

Turn off electronic equipment on stand by Don't leave appliances or equipment, such as televisions and DVD players on standby, and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily.

This could save you £40 a year.

Top tips on light bulbs Turn off any lights you don't need, but do make sure you have enough lighting on the stairs and hallway.

Avoid switching lights on and off regularly. The bulb will use more energy when first switched on.

Leave your curtains open during the day to make the most of any natural light, but close them as soon as it goes dark, to keep the room warm.

Top tips on energy use Home energy monitoring meters measure energy as you use it. This way you can see quite clearly just how much any of your household appliances and equipment is costing you.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household could save around £250 through energy efficiency measures, such as closing the curtains once it has gone dark, or closing windows if it's cold outside.

Using the sunshine to power your home

You can buy a remote control extension lead which will help you to turn off all of your electronic equipment with the minimum of fuss, before you go to bed, or leave the house.

If you are lucky enough to have a photo-volatic system fitted to your roof, you will be able to make the most of the green electricity generated.

Remember, it is a fire risk if you leave equipment plugged in on stand by.

Things to remember:l The low cost energy is generated during daylight hours, and must be used during the same day, as it cannot be stored overnight l Use your washing machine and other fuel hungry appliances during the day l Think differently, using your washing-line, if you have one, instead of your tumble dryer.

Top tips on appliances If you are buying new, always chose A rated or A+ rated equipment which use less energy and reduces emissions.

Defrost your freezer regularly, an iced-up freezer costs more to run.

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www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

ALEXANDRA COURT C A R E

H O M E

SPECIALLY DESIGNED ACCOMODATION OFFERING CARE, PRIVACY, INDEPENDENCE & SECURITY 110 Victoria Road East, Thornton, Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 3SZ | Tel: 01253 853645 Fax: 01253 827397 Email: alexandra@mmcg.co.uk

Located in the heart of Lancashire, Alexandra Court Care Home, with its individual apartments, provides care and support services for residents in luxurious private apartments.

Accommodation Alexandra Court is uniquely designed to provide independence and privacy for up to 37 residents in individual apartments. Each has its own lounge, kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom. Residents are encouraged to retain their independence while having peace of mind that quality care and support is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All apartments are furnished to an extremely high standard and can be personalised with pictures and photos.

Location

A large conservatory at the front of the property leads to a spacious lounge with a feature fireplace and a baby grand piano. The dining room is bright and airy, and the home is surrounded by well maintained gardens and secluded patio areas with outside seating. There are also a number of informal seating areas located throughout the home for residents' and guests' use.

Alexandra Court is situated in beautifully landscaped grounds in Thornton, Cleveleys, Lancashire.

The home is within walking distance of the local shops, doctors' surgery and pharmacy. Other local amenities, including the library and bowling green, are also conveniently just a short distance away.

Care Services Provided: • • •

Residential/Personal Care Respite Care/Holiday Breaks* Day Care*

*as and when availability permits.

C A R E

|

C O M F O R T

|

C O N S I D E R A T I O N

NO LON G-TE

RM Commitme nt or Contr act!

Only ÂŁ4.70 per 2 cours e

meal

You can create your own 'A la Carte Menu' from over 220 different meals and desserts. You will always receive the meals you want on the days you want. Your meals will be seasonal and varied, with special attention given to your own individual likes and dislikes. Your own personal dietary needs can also be catered for, including:

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