Preston & Fylde Issue 68

Refreshments available whilst travelling on our coaches, our door to door service makes it a relaxing holiday from start to end, two staff are with you on the journey, to ensure that we are….”Taking you There, with Pride & Care”

A Trio of Festivities

Friday 24th to Monday 27th November 2023 £345.00 pp... SRS £63.00

Based At: The Mecure Hotel, Sherwood Ideally situated for shopping or sightseeing, also boasts a gym & heated pool. Hotel states wheelchair/lift accessible.

What’s included:

l Three night’s half-board hotel accommodation

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l Enjoy the Twinkling Lights of Christmas

l Chatsworth House

l Belvoir Castle

l Belton House

l Nottingham

Turkey & Tinsel in Inverness

Sunday 26th to Thursday 30th November 2023 £415.00 pp... SRS £95.00

Based At: The Palace Hotel, Inverness Beautiful location set on the banks of the River Ness. Lift to all Floors, inc use of on-site Leisure facilities, pool & sauna. *spa treatments can be booked but additional cost for spa treaments may apply.

What’s included:

l Four night’s half-board hotel accommodation

l ALL INCLUSIVE

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l Mystery excursion

l Christmas Jumper Competition with prizes

l Hotel’s own festive themed meals

Reeves Coach Holidays Limited, Unit 9, Stancliffe Street Industrial Estate, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 2QR

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th December 2023

£359.00 pp... SRS £100.00

Based At: The Holiday Inn, Norwich

With a fitness centre & swimming pool, hotel has no lift but many ground floor rooms.

Join us as we once again experience the superb Christmas Spectacular Show in Thursford, from the twinkling display of christmas lights outside as we make our way inside to  a cast of around 130 professional singers, dancers, musicians and artists of truly West End standard, totally entertaining and puts us in the mood for the forthcoming festive period.

What’s included:

l Two night’s half-board hotel accommodation

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l ALL entrances & excursions to Norwich, Thurford Show, Sherringham

Saturday 30th December 2023 to Tuesday 2nd January 2024 £505.00 pp... SRS £80.00

Based At: The Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles

The hotel boasts spa facilities &   swimming pool, hotel has  lift to all floors and some ground floor rooms.

A fine Celebration into the New Year  Scottish Style – hotel’s own  extensive entertainment programme, traditional music & dancing with a Ceilidh band plus late nights singalong/ dancing in the lounge. Gala dinning on NYE followed by dancing & music to the Bells in the ballroom. Gin Tasting, Mocktails Ceilidh, Canapes  & a Piper  shall ensure we our visit is superb as we say cheers to welcome 2024.

What’s included:

l Three night’s full-board hotel accommodation

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l ALL entrances & excursions: Melrose, Peebles & Moffat.

Other holidays available, kindly contact our office

NEW 2024 brochure coming soon.

Door-to-door collections service please note that restrictions may apply, please check your postcode with our office to ensure you are within our free collection area.

For bookings call 01254 830545 or complete the reservation page at www.reevescoachholidays.co.uk

Celebrity Feature

Travel

Twittering On

BY ANGELA KELLY

IN THIS ISSUE

8-9 TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

10-11 TRAVEL

Lord of the Highlands

14-15 CELEBRITY FEATURE

Harrison Ford tackles a tough adventure role at the age of 81

18-19 HOME

Buying just one thing can make a difference

21-22 FOOD

Theo Randall showcases the best of Italian cooking

28-29 AGE CONCERN CENTRAL LANCASHIRE Fundraising to empower the elderly in Lancashire.

Bridgeman House

77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY.

Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180

E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

HARRISON FORD - A CREDIBLE HERO

HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES

Home BUYING JUST ONE THING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Kitchens direct from the manufacturer. We can supply & fit cheaper than Wickes, Wren, Magnet etc! We won’t be beaten on quality or price. All building work carried out. 25 years experience.

Free design and quote - 0800 093 0924

Some of our reviews...

“Stuart helped create our dream kitchen. The service was friendly and professional, and we were kept upto date along the way. The kitchen itself is great quality and the fitters did a fantastic job. Would definitely recommend.”

“Love my new kitchen, good quality units fitted perfectly by Ashton Interiors. Stuart and his team were excellent, no problems, a great service from start to finish.” Thank you.

“Really pleased with the kitchen. Excellent workmanship completed to a high standard.”

£229

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Daish’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 35 luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.

If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.

Every break includes:

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks Live nightly entertainment

Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice

your brochure now!

We are proud to announce that six of our group – County, Devonshire, Abbey Lawn, Bournemouth Sands, Daish’s, Imperial – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2023.

When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks, we have the ideal holiday for you...

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away.

Price includes return coach travel from:

Poulton Le Fylde, Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Bispham, Blackpool, St Annes, Lytham, Freckleton, Preston, Bamber Bridge, Charnock Richard Services

All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2023/24. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. Offer ends 31st September 2023

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Let’s hope Lewis can rest now and eventually return to his performances with all his usual impressive commitment. We need to hear that beautiful voice – and see Lewis back on form.

How can we condone competitive eating in 2023?

I CAN’T be the only person who feels that competitive eating events are completely at odds with life in a country where so many struggle just to pay for enough daily food.

Reading about eating champion John Dawes’ ability to eat 20 sausages and a kilo of mash in five minutes offers an uncomfortable reality.

Lewis’s fans step in for their hero

THE moment that singer Lewis Capaldi’s Tourette’s Syndrome symptoms prevented him from singing at Glastonbury made heartbreaking viewing.

Even for TV viewers not privy to that live moment at Worthy Farm, seeing the talented Lewis unable to carry on was very upsetting.

He had just had a three week mental health break in order to fulfil this appearance but, sadly, Tourette’s (the neurological condition which causes unwanted, involuntary muscle movements and sounds).is a cruel curse, striking sufferers randomly.

In the middle of all this, the audience came to the rescue, taking over the singing of his haunting hit Someone You Love. Unsurprisingly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house - in my house, either.

Lewis also wrote the song and it’s opening line “I’m going under and this time there’s no one to save me” was particularly poignant.

Genuine affection between performer and audience is the staple of huge popularity, especially among today’s headliners. But the deal can still mean a “them and us” situation which puts our heroes on pedestals.

To see and hear the real empathy of an audience prepared to offer unconditional support was very touching. All of them knew that Lewis was in anguish, physical and mental, over his inability to perform as he wanted to, in spite of having already delivered some fabulous songs.

Their answer was simply to sing it for him.

Although Glastonbury like any major festival, is built on practical affection for enduring musical heroes, it was rare to see it in action in quite such a deliberate way when it was needed.

The fact that he wants his 18 year-old daughter to continue his legacy with rigorous “training sessions” seems an odd sort of suggested career path for anyone.

Consuming huge amounts of food in mere minutes feels wrong on so many levels when we still urgently need food banks and thousands of children attend school breakfast clubs just to give them a decent start to the day.

Surely promoting gluttony as entertainment - or, worse, as a genuine “sport” - is crazily out of kilter with Britain in 2023?

Cheesy chat-up lines still working

CHAT-up lines are always fascinating, don’t you think?

They are probably a great indication of the social trends of the time but most have one thing in common: they are relentlessly cheesy.

So it was reassuring to see the results of a poll of single Brits and what their current chat-up lines are.

Roughly a quarter of those aged between 16 and 29 (categorized as Gen Z) say they have used corny one liners on someone else compared to just 11 per cent of singles aged from 30 to 49.

The youngsters also prefer to deliver their chat-up lines via online dating rather than face-to-face.

According to them, the best flirty phrase was “ Is your name WiFi? Because I’m feeling a connection.”

Another ranking highly was “Is your name Google? ‘Cause you’re what I’ve been searching for.” Or “Are you a parking ticket? ‘Cause you’ve got fine written all over you” and “Should we get coffee? ‘Cause I like you a latte.”

When you’ve finished groaning, it is rather interesting that today’s youngsters still value this kind of preliminary social action. And quite touching that they believe it will work.

I think I still prefer the old classics like “You dancin’?” You askin’?” “I’m askin’.” “I’m dancin’“. How could that fail?!

Ellie’s heartwarming story of her roots

YOU really have to admire the attitude of Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds to her birth mother.

Ellie was born with dwarfism but has never let this define her.

At 10 days old, she went into foster care and was later adopted by a plainly remarkable couple who have done everything possible to encourage her and allow her to develop as an individual and as a champion, Ellie became the youngest of five children, growing up with adoptive parents Val and Steve in Walsall in the West Midlands. From an early age, she loved swimming and was just 13 when she won two golds for Britain at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.

She retired from sport in 2020 and it was then that she felt the urge to trace her roots. Now, in a new ITV documentary Ellie Simmonds, Finding My Secret Family, Ellie, aged 28, refuses to judge her birth mother, who already had a daughter without dwarfism.

Her birth mother had separated from Ellie’s father before she found out she was pregnant. She felt guilty about her daughter’s disability and wished she’d had an abortion or that her baby had died.

Ellie explains: “It sounds like she had a fear of not just me but of living with dwarfism.”

Ellie also realized that not enough was known or understood about dwarfism (achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism) then.

When Ellie ultimately discovered her mother, they met up and, critically, she told Ellie that she had suffered with guilt and selfhatred ever since.

She did, though, feel happy that Ellie’s adoptive parents and siblings had provided her with such a loving environment.

On that first meeting, they spoke for over five hours “and were howling with laughter as we’ve got the same sense of humour.”

Not every adoption story has such a happy ending and not every child has the courage and understanding of Ellie Simmonds. This proved a really heartwarming story all round.

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

LORD OF THE HIGHLANDS

moored canal boats and houses on the water’s edge. Onwards through swing bridges and locks to arrive at our overnight berth of Fort Augustus.

Tonight, is the first Gala Night where we are welcomed to a Champagne Reception by our Captain.

Wednesday, we continue along the canal berthing at Cullochy Lower. An area of flowering bushes, red and white in various stages of bloom are a delight, trees so tall they seem to touch the sky. We meet a group of canoeists having to take their canoes and drag/carry them as they are not allowed to paddle them through the lock. Back aboard we progress through locks, passing small villages, watching birds diving for fish, fields of sheep and a swan sitting with her young, fish causing ripples in the mirror smooth water can be seen.

Snow-capped mountains, azure blue skies, history, sea and inland waterways yet less than 90 minutes flying time from London, yes, Scotland, the Highlands and Western Isles, some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

From Inverness airport it’s a short coach journey to Hebridean Islands Cruise ship, Lord of the Highlands, moored on the Caledonian Canal, my home for the next seven days.

My cabin on Richard Hannay deck is impressive, large picture window, single beds with stowage and drawer space under each, UK style electrical sockets, two usb ports by the beds, individual flexible reading lamps, wardrobe, drawers and shelves provide more than enough storage for the seven day voyage. Air conditioning, hair dryer, flat screen tv, kettle with tea/coffee/milk sachets, iron and little extras other ships don’t provide, shoe horn, shoe polish pad, clothes brush and dressing gowns. The bathroom boasts a large walk in shower, toilet, wash basin, extending magnifying mirror, large soft towels, complemented by toiletries of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shower cap, soap and much more, all bearing the Molton Brown name. Finally, a small decanter of Whisky and glasses await ready for that night cap and if Whisky is not your tipple, it can be changed for Gin or Brandy.

The following day, Tuesday, I wake to a clear sky and sunshine. After breakfast some depart on a visit to Culloden and Clava Cairns. I stay on board and take in what a beautiful vessel Lord of the Highlands is. Everything of the highest quality, woodwork, panelling, chairs, glass topped tables with inset marquetry, cutlery and glass ware. Lunch over, our transit of the canal begins. Gliding peacefully past the vast Inverness Tomnahurich Cemetery, banks of bright yellow gorse,

Following lunch, we moor at the head of Neptune’s Staircase. A set of 8 locks that lower the ship from the Caledonian Canal to sea level 64 feet below at Fort William. We have a choice, stay on board and go through the locks or to take the excursion, I decide on the excursion visiting the Glenfinnan Monument, erected in 1814 in memory of the Highlanders who fought in the Jacobite rising of 1745. There is a small gift shop and museum taking you through the area’s history. From this point can be seen the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Harry Potter fans would recognise this as the viaduct the Hogwarts Express passes over.

Now to visit Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, ithe largest town in the Highlands, and see the sights of this old Scottish town which during the 2nd World War was home to HMS St.

Alan Fairfax travels the locks and lochs surroundedby magnificent scenery, on water and land.

Locks on the Caledonian Canal

Lord of the Highlands

Christopher, a British Navy training unit. Fort William is popular with tourists as Glen Coe is nearby as is Ben Nevis, a favourite with climbers and hill walkers. Arriving back to the ship berthed at Corpath the ‘Hogwarts Express’ steams through the station to the delight of Harry Potter fans. Our mooring has views of Ben Nevis, the snow still visible to let us know that for this area winter is not long gone.

Thursday, we enter our 22nd and final lock, the ‘Sea Lock’ as we travel Loch Linnhe on route to Oban. On arrival the sun is shining from a clear blue sky, a great time to go ashore and visit one of my favourite towns in Scotland but not before the Whisky Vault Experience on board from a representative of the Oban Distillery. Oban’s a busy town with tourist and fishing boats plus the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries that travel between the islands. We sail as the sun is beginning to set for our overnight berth at Craignure on the Isle of Mull.

residents have taken into private ownership. Eigg truly has ‘picture postcard’ scenery, hills rolling down to silver sand beaches and inlets, fields that are home to over 1,400 sheep. Unfortunately, we were only here for a short time before crossing to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.

The excursion this afternoon is to Armadale Castle and Gardens

Friday begins with a coach trip to Duart Castle ancestral home to the Clan Maclean since the 14th Century. However, due to Clan Wars, the castle changed hands several times and became almost a ruin before being purchased in 1910 by Sir Fitzroy MacLean, 26th Clan Chief. Situated on a peninsular overlooking the Sound of Mull and the entrances to Lochs Linnie and Etive it affords breath taking vistas.

In the grounds are a tea shop selling wonderful homemade scones, fruit cake etc and a small but well stocked gift shop. Driving back to the ship, a bright sun shines from a cloudless blue sky, the fields have become alive with sheep and lambs, their white coats contrast with the rich yellow Set amongst gorse hedgerows and green grass, Highland cattle with their long horns and woolly coats ignore us as we pass.

Back on board it’s time to set sail again, this time for my all time favourite, Tobermory a small town on the Isle of Mull featuring brightly coloured houses, cafes, restaurants and shops, its busy small harbour making it a popular location for visitors to Western Scotland and used as the location for the children’s television programme ‘Balamory’. It’s a beautiful warm day and the small sand beach is busy with families. Another interesting visit is the Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland. We remain here overnight allowing passengers to explore the town in the evening.

Saturday, first port is the Isle of Eigg, an amazing island that the 90+

now cared for by the Clan Donald Land Trust. The castle is now a ruin but you can imagine what a magnificent structure it used to be looking out over lawns to the sea.

A late afternoon departure as we head for our final berth of the journey, Kyle of Lochalsh arriving early evening.

Sunday, our last day, takes us on tours to Eilean Donan Castle believed to be named after the Irish saint, Bishop Doran and in the afternoon to Plockton often said to be the prettiest village in Scotland, and yes, it is beautiful with stunning views. The evening is the final Gala Night and in true Scottish tradition the Haggis is piped aboard and the ancient address made by the hotel manager. A fabulous ending to a great cruise.

Find out more

Alan travelled as a guest of Hebridean Island Cruises. Contact our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 to discover more about their Scottish voyages on Lord of the Highlands and Hebridean Princess.

Duart Castle

Tobermory Amerdale Castle

HARRISON FORD A CREDIBLE HERO

Four years after that came that pivotal role as Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope where people worldwide paid attention to the soft-voiced young star with the charismatic personality.

Four years further on and Harrison was cast as swashbuckling archaeologist Indiana Jones in the first film Raiders of the Lost Ark. Industry insiders and audiences of all ages loved his winning combination of understated emotion, light comedy touch and willingness to be an energetic part of the impressive action. Harrison’s film stock rode high.

HOW many actors could happily tackle a tough adventure role at the age of 81 and make a credible hero? Well, Harrison Ford can.

And he is still wowing audiences with his latest film – predictably as enduring favourite Indiana Jones.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now delighting fans and box-offices around the world - the first of the highly successful series without Steven Spielberg behind the camera.

Scroll back the takes to the 1940 Chicago childhood of young Harrison, though, and it’s hard to spot the superstar potential. An ordinary student who failed to excel at sports, he dropped out of Wisconsin’s Ripon College where he had done some acting and later Summer stock.

Harrison’s next move, however, was more noteworthy. He signed a Hollywood contract with Columbia and then later Universal, enjoying roles in some – admittedly, fairly unremarkable - films and TV series including Ironside and The Virginian.

In fact, he was so discouraged that he turned to a career in professional carpentry before the silver screen called him back in 1973 for the surprise film hit American Graffiti.

He won more fans in the 1982 classic Blade Runner and then reprised his Han Solo role in 1983 with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Roll on 1985 and he received an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his sensitive handling of the role of undercover cop John Book in the Amish community in another hit film Witness.

Further success beckoned with subsequent Indiana Jones’ sequels Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).

By the time the last film was released, the brand was perhaps looking in need of a refresh and adding popular British star Phoebe Waller-Bridge into the mix for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as the college professor turned adventurer hero-s goddaughter certainly seems to be helping revive its fortunes.

The public’s love of Harrison Ford, though, has never wavered. And it has never seemed to matter what role or what genre was involved.

In the 1988 film Working Girl he impressed audiences in a contemporary romantic comedy alongside Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver. The role seemed effortless for him and played a large part in the film’s enduring success.

Harrison Ford & Calista Flockhart attending the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Award

He played thriller writer Tom Clancy’s engaging hero Jack Ryan in the excellent Patriot Games in 1992, following up the role two years later with another hit movie Clear and Present Danger.

The following year, he earned a Golden Globe nomination for the part of Dr Richard Kimble in compelling thriller The Fugitive. Then in 1997 was promoted to President – be it an action-packed version – for the political thriller Air Force One.

Harrison is nothing if not flexible with his talents and in 1998, played the down-on-his luck pilot to Anne Heche’s stroppy New York magazine editor marooned together after a plane crash in Six Days Seven Nights.

More diversity came from the 2002 blockbuster K-19: The Widowmaker in which he played an inspirational leader in the historical submarine film charting the maiden voyage of a Soviet nuclear sub.

Part of Harrison Ford’s understandable popularity comes not just from an effortless acting style that offers relaxing viewing for audiences but also in his willingness to throw himself into the action, whatever it is.

He holds a private pilot’s licence and owns both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, providing emergency helicopter services on several occasions.

On set, his concern for his own safety seems equally cavalier. He scared director Steven Spielberg and the crew during the making of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom when, without warning, he ran out across the rope bridge used in the film’s climax to test its safety.

Spielberg is later reported stating: “What can I say? Harrison really IS Indiana Jones.”

Nor is he an actor without his own ideas on the films in which he stars.

He is reported to have said: “It’s a little-known fact but I wanted Han Solo to die at the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. I thought it would give more weight and resonance. But George Lucas wasn’t sympathetic. He didn’t want me killed by those teddy bear guys.”

Harrison was also apparently initially against casting Sean Connery as his father in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade because Connery was only 12 years older than him.

He later changed his mind and found he enioyed working with the former Bond star immensely. Certainly, the screen chemistry underlines that result.

Away from films, twice-divorced Harrison married Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart in 2010. They have a son of their own and he has four other children from previous marriages.

He owns an 800-acre ranch in Wyoming, around half of which he has donated as a nature reserve.

Harrison is known for his quiet and charming personality – a world away from the action-first heroes he has long played onscreen. Although it’s reported that Dial of Destiny is his last hurrah as Indiana Jones, Harrison isn’t sad. He told film website Decider:

Nor does this particular “ending” signal his screen retirement. Harrison can still be seen in the Paramount series 1923 alongside Helen Mirren.

“I’ve been able to deliver amazing films developed by Steven (Speilberg) and George (Lucas) over a 40-year period and to end it not with a whimper but a bang has been my greatest ambition for this excursion.”

BUYING JUST ONE THING

can usually throw up useful reviews and sites like Mybuilder.com can give a good overview of local builders.

The same care in choice applies to new WINDOWS. We take the effects of doubleglazing for granted these days but now that we are so conscious of our energy bills having good, double-glazed windows makes real sense.

Dougle-glazed windows come in all shapes and sizes and not only make your home more energy efficient but also add to the value of your property. New frames also look much smarter than old, decaying frames to give your home a real face-lift.

MAKING a house into a home in 2023 has become more complicated financially thanks to higher interest rates, soaring energy costs and general inflation.

We may have had to put major improvement plans on hold until the situation looks more positive but it’s still possible to improve your lifestyle on a budget right now.

So, the key this year may be to opt for just one change that will make your home-life more enjoyable, comfortable and simply better.

Since lockdown, we have all spent more time at home and our lives are definitely more involved with our property than ever. We socialize more there, spend more family time there and enjoy more home-based activities.

So, we deserve to have the best surroundings we can afford. Whether this year that means a big project or just a small change, it’s a great time to invest in your lifestyle.

Big projects can include an EXTENSION OR CONSERVATORY to give you more much-needed space and which can be as big or small as you feel financially able.

The good news is that conservatories and extensions fall under the same building rules and are classed as permitted developments.

This means that most of them will not need planning permission but this is subject to some specific rules so it’s best to check with your local planning authority first.

Like any big project, it’s best to see your preferred builder’s work beforehand and get an idea of what previous customers’ experiences have been. Fortunately, these days just going online

Another big project that can really alter your home is new FLOORING throughout. This can be new carpets or you may prefer floor tiles or wooden flooring.

Experts say the trend for carpets in 2023 is for bright colours and bold patterns, checked carpets and gold shades. Woodgrain remains a contemporary favourite but any real change will brighten up your home.

If your KITCHEN is in need of updating it’s definitely worth investing in new units. Modern kitchens tend to be minimalist and clutter-free so go for simple, clean looks that fit your lifestyle. Monochrome colour schemes with large windows to allow plenty of natural light form a main kitchen image currently but a local kitchen expert can help you make the most of what space you have available.

A way to cut costs, however, is to just opt for new unit doors or worktops in a useful makeover. There are plenty of firms around offering this kind of new kitchen look. Again, checking out previous reviews will help you make the best choice. A new FRIDGE OR FREEZER is a more modest buy that can really alter how your kitchen style and storage. Big American fridges fulfill both functions and can add a special cachet to a kitchen. Shop around online and in-store for the best bargains.

For the LIVING ROOM, investing in a new SOFA and/or COMFY CHAIRS is an expense you can justify every time you sit watching the TV or have a cosy evening in with your partner or friends.

This can prove an expensive buy but you can cut costs considerably by going for second-hand furniture instead. Charities like Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation have their own furniture premises so find out if there is one near you at emmaus.org.uk orbhf.org.uk.

Another cost-cutter is to go for tailor-made new covers for your existing sofa and chairs - which really brings them back to life! Buying new CURTAINS is another investment which can really change the look of a room. This, though, needn’t be a major project. There’s plenty of choice around or buy the material yourself from a mill or discount outlet and find a good seamstress or sewing firm to make them up.

Some fabric companies actually make them free if you buy the material from them so it’s worth investigating.

Investing in RE-DECORATING is also never wasted. Traditional neutrals like grey, taupe and timber brown can add a calm feel to any room although warmer, richer tones are still popular.

Get creative with an accent wall, too. Now that so many of us work from home, having an attractive background for Zoom calls is important – and no-one believes you’ve read all those books behind you, anyway!

Natural wood effect wallpaper is rustic and charming and bringing Nature indoors very much on trend. Alternately, vivid colours and designs can say much about your personality and personalize your background.

One buy that can really transform a room is a new FIREPLACE.

Heat output used to be the most important thing as people didn’t necessarily have central heating but now it’s the decorative style that matters more.

Energy efficiency may be paramount but equally important is the visual appeal that adds to home décor.

The trend towards open-plan homes means that fireplaces are more important than ever as a central feature.

Our greater emphasis on enjoying life outdoors has also meant that outdoor fires, including fire pits, are also proving very popular.

A beautiful traditional market... there is something for everyone and lots to see and do “ ”

Award winning Victorian market with 250 stalls

· VISIT ·

A day out for everyone to enjoy!

From gourmet street food to dog friendly ice-cream, finely-crafted jewellery to designer clothing, bargain household goods to hand-made gifts and haberdashery - you’ll find it all and more at Fleetwood Market.

· Open · 9am to 4.30pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

· Fully accessible and dementia friendly ·

Easy to find by tram, bus, coach or car! Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB

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Cash machine on site

We’re dog friendly!

Free coach parking

World-renowned chef Theo Randall shares his 10 pantry staples and reveals his favourite ways to cook with them showcasing the best of Italian home cooking.

POTATO AND PORCINI SOUP WITH WILD GARLIC CREAM

This creamy and comforting soup is a lovely way to use wild garlic, which is always in abundance in the UK around early springtime. If you want to make it when wild garlic is not in season, you can substitute the wild garlic for baby leaf spinach and add a garlic clove (crushed with salt) to the cream. Alternatively, pick wild garlic in season and freeze it so you can enjoy it year-round.

Serves 4 as a starter

Ingredients

l 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

l 2 leeks, finely chopped

l 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves

l 200g (7oz) Désirée or Cyprus potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm (½in) pieces

l 30g (1oz) dried porcini mushrooms, just covered in boiling water and left to soak, drained and finely chopped

l 500ml (17fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock

l 200ml (7fl oz) double (heavy) cream

l 75g (2½oz) wild garlic leaves, roughly chopped

l sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leeks, thyme, potatoes, chopped rehydrated porcini and a good seasoning of sea salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the chicken or vegetable stock and simmer very gently for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender. Add half the cream, then use a stick blender to blitz the soup to a purée. The

soup should coat the back of a spoon, but if you think it’s too thick then you can add some hot water. Pour the remaining cream into a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the wild garlic and cook gently, until it is wilted, then use the stick blender to blitz until just smooth. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste, then spoon it into warmed bowls. Top each portion with a dollop of creamed wild garlic and serve.

AUBERGINE AND COURGETTE LASAGNE

My mother used to make the most delicious lasagne – I used to get so excited when I knew it was coming. She was brilliant at making the béchamel sauce – it was always perfectly creamy but never thick and floury. The trick to this was to cook it very slowly and use equal quantities of flour and butter. This is a vegetable lasagne, but it has as much flavour as the traditional meaty offering because you roast the aubergines (eggplant) first. Try to use egg-based lasagne sheets as they tend to have more flavour and are not as brittle when you cook them (or, better still, make your own sheets of pasta).

Serves 6

Ingredients

l 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

l 2 red onions, finely sliced

l 500g (1lb 2oz) courgettes (zucchini), cut into 1cm (½in) rounds

l 1 garlic clove, finely sliced

l 500g (1lb 2oz) tomato passata

l 8 basil leaves, roughly torn

l 3 aubergines (eggplants), sliced into 2cm (¾in) rounds

l 300g (10½oz) egg-based dried lasagne sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

l For the béchamel

l 75g (2½oz) unsalted butter

l 75g (2½oz) plain (all-purpose) flour

l 500ml (17fl oz) whole milk, warmed to just below boiling point

l 150g (5½oz) parmesan, grated, plus extra for sprinkling

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the onions, courgettes (zucchini) and a good seasoning of salt. Cook for 20 minutes, until the onion and courgettes are soft. Heat another tablespoon of the olive oil in a separate saucepan, then add the garlic. Fry the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the passata and cook the mixture gently for 20 minutes, until reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper, then stir through the basil. Brush both sides of the aubergine (eggplant) slices with olive oil and season them with salt. Place the aubergines in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake them for 15 minutes, then turn them over and bake them for a further 15 minutes. Remove the slices from the oven and, when they are cool enough to handle, cut them into half-moons. Set them aside and leave the oven on. To make the béchamel, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat. When the butter has melted, add the flour and cook it out for a couple of minutes, stirring to combine. Next, add

the hot milk and stir continuously to avoid any lumps forming. Cook the sauce gently for 20 minutes, stirring all the while, until smooth and thickened, then mix in the parmesan and check the seasoning. Leave to one side. Mix the aubergines, courgettes, onions and tomato sauce together in a large bowl and check that everything is seasoned well. Use the remaining olive oil to oil a baking dish, then place a layer of lasagne sheets in the base of the dish. Add one-third of the vegetable mixture in an even layer, then top this with one-quarter of the béchamel sauce. Repeat this twice more, then finish with a layer of lasagne sheets and a final layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle the top with some more parmesan, then bake the lasagne for 35 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and the top is golden. Serve with a little extra grated parmesan on top, if you like.

Credit: The Italian Pantry by Theo Randall (Quadrille, £28), Photography © Lizzie Mayson

What will your legacy be?

What will your legacy be?

Leaving a gift in your Will ensures we can continue our work giving shelter to over 1,000 animals each year.

We depend totally on the generosity of our supporters.

ANIMAL CARE has a long history in the Lancaster & Morecambe area so by remembering us in your Will you are supporting a local charity in a lasting way

About  Jack...

Jack has been handed over to us as his owners were unable to cope with his behaviour or give him the exercise he needs. Jack seems to prefer men and is quite jealous and has snapped at the lady owner in the home. He has been fine with all the female staff so far and although he is still settling in and finding his feet, he is a sweet boy who really enjoys a good long walk. We feel Jack would be much better in a one-person home where he can get all the attention he needs and doesn’t feel jealous. He is a fit active boy so will love someone who is able to give him lots of long walks. Due to his history jack can not be homed with children of any age.

Jack Russell Terrier Male 7 years 2 months old

Enjoy life with fewer responsibilities

Why wait a moment longer?

Royles Lodge is the perfect place for you to begin your new adventure. Designed exclusively for the over 55’s, this stunning development of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, set within beautiful landscaped grounds, is ideally positioned for you to enjoy life to the full.

Experience the enjoyment of living independently, in a safe and secure environment. Combine this with the luxury of having your property and gardens

expertly maintained, with a Lodge Manager on hand to help out if needed. Spend time relaxing and socialising in the communal lounge and gardens, with your new neighbours. Join in with social activities or simply unwind in the privacy of your new home.

Take a new lease on life and live the future you’ve earned –maximise your independence, enjoy social interaction, and boost your personal well-being. Research has proven that an

average 80-year-old can feel as good as someone 10 years younger when embracing a Retirement Living lifestyle.

Royles Lodge, Thornton-Cleveleys

53-year-old Kerry Edwards is the manager of Royle’s Lodge, a luxury retirement community in ThorntonCleveleys, which is run by Burghley Retirement Living, a specialist provider of homes for the over fifty-fives. We caught up with her to find out what it’s like to work and live in one of these luxury developments and to get her take on the best parts of retirement living.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I have recently turned fifty-three. I have a busy life; I spend a lot of time socialising with my family. I live with my partner. I have two stepsons as well as two sons of my own. We have three grandchildren as well as a rescue dog.

When I do get some time, gardening is what I love to do. That’s my passion – if it’s nice weather then I will go into my own garden and potter around for a couple of hours. I find it very relaxing.

Tell me about your role?

I’m here to support the apartment residents and help them with anything they need. It could be something within the building or possibly some technology that they’re not sure how to use. I can make daily check-in telephone calls with owners if that helps them to feel safe. I’m also here if they just want to come and have a chat and a cuppa. Sometimes, that 20-minute morning conversation can set us all up for a great day!

On another level my job is to manage the actual apartment complex. We employee gardeners, housekeepers, window cleaners, electricians, plumbers - so I oversee all of that. It’s the reason half of the residents want to move here, because we take all the stress of home management and maintenance away.

Can you describe the best thing about the lodge that you work at?

The thing that leaves the biggest impression for the majority of the people that come to visit is the lounge. They walk in and they just say, ‘wow’.

Often when you say retirement living, people think it will be like a nursing home but it’s nothing like that. It’s very modern. It’s very fresh. It’s clean. It’s really up to date. All of the furniture is bespoke and made to order. A little well-deserved luxury for all the owners.

We have residents that will use the lounge, say on a weekend, when they’ve got family coming over and there are too many of them to

be in their apartment. Because it’s bigger, they can get together, and they can watch the TV or have some food together, because it’s fully equipped. We’ve got plates, glasses, cups, tea, coffee, everything’s there for them.

As soon as potential owners see the lounge, I often don’t have to show them anywhere else. They love it.

What is the best part of your job?

In a word – people. The best part of my job is definitely spending time with my residents. There are some absolutely lovely people living here, coming from a wide variety of backgrounds. I adore every single one of them. I can’t express how much this job isn’t like a job. It’s just such a delight to come to work and spend time with everyone. We all feel like friends.

What in your opinion is the main advantage of moving into a property like this?

An easy, stress free and active life.

Our residents never need to be lonely with so many friendly neighbours, and retirement living keeps people active for longer. My residents love to travel, be a part of social groups and get out and about. Being able to just lock up and leave their apartment in safe hands frees them up to get out more. We also have guest suites, so our owners have the option of family and friends coming to stay with them, which is popular.

It’s also peace of mind for their families. Knowing that their relatives are safe, they are not alone, and they’ve got somebody looking out for them is a huge relief for many. So, there really are many advantages to luxury retirement living, but most of all …. it is fun!

Find out more about retirement life at Royle’s Lodge here https://burghleyretirement.co.uk/locations/royles-lodgethornton-cleveleys/, call 0800 999 1989 or email: info@ burghleygroup.co.uk.

Kerry Edwards

Enjoy life with fewer responsibilities

Why wait a moment longer?

Royles Lodge is the perfect place for you to begin your new adventure. Designed exclusively for the over 55’s, this stunning development of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, set within beautiful landscaped grounds, is ideally positioned for you to enjoy life to the full.

Experience the enjoyment of living independently, in a safe and secure environment. Combine this with the luxury of having your property and gardens

expertly maintained, with a Lodge Manager on hand to help out if needed. Spend time relaxing and socialising in the communal lounge and gardens, with your new neighbours. Join in with social activities or simply unwind in the privacy of your new home.

Take a new lease on life and live the future you’ve earned –maximise your independence, enjoy social interaction, and boost your personal well-being. Research has proven that an

average 80-year-old can feel as good as someone 10 years younger when embracing a Retirement Living lifestyle.

FUNDRAISING TO EMPOWER THE ELDERLY IN LANCASHIRE IS AT THE HEART OF ALL THAT WE DO

lifeline for the elderly. However, without consistent financial support, our melodies of support could be silenced.

In the vibrant tapestry of our local communities, it’s all too easy to overlook the quieter threads that bind us together. The elderly population, often unseen and unheard, represents a segment of society that requires our special attention and care. For over 40 years, Age Concern Central Lancashire has been dedicated to supporting older individuals in Lancashire, playing a vital role in ensuring their well-being and happiness. However, the challenges that we face are not insignificant, making fundraising a beacon of hope that illuminates the path to a brighter future for our seniors.

At the heart of Age Concern Central Lancashire is a symphony of compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment.

We offer a lifeline of services enriching the lives of seniors who deserve nothing less than our utmost respect and companionship. Yet, financial constraints often play a dissonant note in this symphony, impeding our ability to orchestrate our noble missions effectively.

Fundraising isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about composing a masterpiece that celebrates the lives of our elders and ensures they remain an integral part of our community’s story. We tackle a myriad of challenges faced by seniors, including isolation, health concerns, and financial struggles. The services we provide, ranging from in-home information and support for those with memory concerns and or dementia to innovative activities are a

One of the most pressing challenges that Age Concern Central Lancashire encounter is the inadequacy of local government funding. Budget constraints and competing priorities often render the support provided insufficient to meet the needs of an aging population. Moreover, the costs associated with providing a range of services and crafting engaging social experiences always puts a strain on our resources. Herein lies the transformative power of fundraising; it empowers us to extend our reach and amplify our impact.

Fundraising for Age Concern Central Lancashire transcends financial support; it cultivates a symphony of unity and empathy within the community. It’s an opportunity for individuals and businesses to return the harmony to those who have enriched our lives. By participating in fundraising efforts, we collectively acknowledge the contributions of the elderly and weave them into the very fabric of our community’s melody.

Fundraising emerges as a sonnet of hope, offering a pathway to bridging the gap and harmonising the lives of our seniors. Through diverse avenues of donation, creative events, partnerships, and digital symphonies, individuals and businesses

can contribute their unique notes to our melody. By receiving your support you are enabling us to ensure dignified lives for our elderly community.

Local support entails personal investment. When individuals and businesses contribute to Age Concern Central Lancashire, they aren’t just funding a cause; they are investing in their own community’s well-being. This sense of ownership leads to passionate advocacy. Community members become not just donors, but ambassadors for the cause, spreading our message and driving more support through their authentic enthusiasm.

From April 2022 – March 2023, with help from funding received from individuals and businesses, Age Concern Lancashire were able to do some amazing work and figures like these speak for themselves:

• 9,618 interventions were delivered to support people to live healthier lives

• 6,835 interventions were delivered to support people living with dementia/memory concerns

• Over 22,930 hours of support was provided to older people, enabling them to live well and age well

Local support isn’t just the backbone of Age Concern Central Lancashire; it’s the heartbeat that keeps us alive and thriving. The engagement of the community, the passionate advocacy, and the direct impact of local support create a synergy that transcends monetary value. For us, a local charity, the people we serve and the community we operate within are not just supporters; they are partners in a shared journey toward positive change, impact, and

future sustainability, allowing us to derive and adapt services fit for the future.

So...

Calling all wonderful people of Lancashire!

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of our cherished older folks? It’s time to come together as a community and spread some love and support to those who’ve paved the way for us.

We’ve got a fantastic opportunity for you to make an impact that will be felt for generations. Please rally behind Age Concern Central Lancashire to show us just how much you care. This incredible notfor profit charity has already given the elderly folk in Lancashire so much, and now it’s your chance to give back tenfold.

Imagine the joy you could bring to their lives; the laughter, the companionship and the sense of belonging. Your fundraising efforts could light up their days and make every moment truly special. Whether it’s a bake sale, a charity run, a sponsored walk, or even a community event, every little bit counts.

Lancashire has always been known for its strong sense of community and this is our chance to showcase that spirit once again. By joining hands and hearts, we can ensure that our older generation feels valued, cherished, and cared for.

Let’s turn empathy into action, compassion into change, and kindness into a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Reach out to your friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers, and let them know that together, we can create a brighter, more connected future for our beloved elders.

So, Lancashire, are you up for the challenge? Let’s fundraise for our local older people’s charity – Age Concern Lancashire and make a lasting impact that will be felt in every smile, every story shared, and every heart touched. Let’s show Lancashire the power of our community and the warmth that flows through our veins.

If you want help and ideas about what you can do to fundraise for Age Concern Central, contact us by calling 01772 552850 or email us at comms@ageconcerncentrallancashire.org.uk Get involved today and let’s make a difference, one fundraising effort at a time!

www.ageconcerncentrallancashire.org.uk | Tel 01772 552850

Charity No 1130384

Company No 6841314

#ageconcerncentrallancashire.org.uk

Worry-free living with Adlington Retirement Living

Worth every penny

Adlington homeowner Pam is happy not to have the worry or the hassle of managing a property herself. Her partner, Mike, said: “I think one of the perceptions of retirement living communities is that the service charge is expensive. There’s a tendency to look at it in isolation as a charge that you didn’t pay before, but when you sit down and work out all the different services that you paid for at home, it’s actually not bad.”

We often hear from our Adlington homeowners that they ‘feel like they’re on holiday all of the time’. When you go on holiday, one of the greatest pleasures is casting aside your worries and day-to-day responsibilities and letting somebody else take care of everything for you. That’s the joy for many of us - no jobs around the house and no never-ending ‘to-do list’! But why limit that feeling to just a few weeks each year, when you can feel like that all year round?

Home and garden maintenance taken care of

Since moving to an Adlington Retirement Community in December with her husband Harry, Ann is enjoying her newfound freedom from DIY: “You don’t have worries here. When you have a house, you become a servant to it. You have to do all these things to keep it sellable and up to scratch. I’m quite good at DIY but the days come when you don’t want to do that sort of thing anymore. You come here and it’s like being on holiday all the time. We’re having such a wonderful time.”

Plus, with level access, a heated summer house, well-maintained garden paths and raised planters, you can also enjoy the beautiful gardens all year round at an Adlington community. There’s no need to worry about clearing gutters or jet washing slippery paths.

“Pam had a gardener and a cleaner before she moved. Here the service charge covers both of those and building maintenance, buildings insurance, water utilities. Obviously, the whole idea of this type of independent living is the fact that you don’t have to worry about these things. You’re not picking the phone up every five minutes to organise things.”

Enjoy more quality time

When you move to a retirement community you can do as much or as little as you like. It’s entirely your choice.

Ann said: “We’re busy, but busy doing things that we like.” Ann enjoys dancing and goes to a weekly movement with music class in the activity studio: “It’s good having it in the same building because in winter, the bad weather can put you off and if you don’t go, sometimes you stop going. But if it’s here, you’ve only got to pop downstairs.”

Come and see for yourself

Why not get a real feel for your options? Join us for one of our coffee mornings, arrange a private tour or we can book in a spot of complimentary lunch for you in the restaurant.

If you would like to find out more, call 0800 118 1694 or visit adlington.co.uk/50.

When you rightsize and buy an Adlington retirement apartment, purpose built for later life, you also open up new opportunities within a thriving community of like-minded people. With access to a host of fully maintained facilities including a restaurant*, hair salon* and landscaped gardens, and an on-site team available 24/7, 365 days a year, you can spend more quality time doing the things you love, free from everyday worries.

Our locations

The Woodlands, Heaton Mersey

Jacobs Gate, Sheffield

The Folds, Stockport

The Sidings, Lytham

The Spindles, Ilkley

The Newells, Kempston Broadleaf House, Wylde Green

A beautiful traditional market... there is something for everyone and lots to see and do “ ”

Award winning Victorian market with 250 stalls

· VISIT ·

A day out for everyone to enjoy!

From gourmet street food to dog friendly ice-cream, finely-crafted jewellery to designer clothing, bargain household goods to hand-made gifts and haberdashery - you’ll find it all and more at Fleetwood Market.

· Open · 9am to 4.30pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

· Fully accessible and dementia friendly ·

Easy to find by tram, bus, coach or car! Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB

www.fleetwoodmarket.co.uk

Cash machine on site

We’re dog friendly!

Free coach parking