Southport flower show 2014 by 50 Plus Magazine

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LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW 2014

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK CELEBRITY Q & A Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan

TOMS TIPS ...

Make Life a Little Easier!

Est.1923

Coach Holidays OUR OWN HOTELS

The Robinsons Difference l l l l l l

Complimentary Insurance Local joining points No single supplements* High standard of accommodation Great choice of menus Executive coaches with extra legroom

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Includes excursions Friendly staff Own hotels in great locations Peace of mind security Payment in instalments Robinsons own hotels

Robinsons Own Hotels

Eastbourne

Isle of Wight

THE OCEAN VIEW, SHANKLIN, ISLE OF WIGHT ROBINSONS 3M

An 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. Hotel amenities l

l l l

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All rooms have private facilities,telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers Traditional English breakfast Lunch snacks available daily Table dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee Live entertainment most evenings Indoor heated pool Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room Lift serving all floors Porterage.

Torquay

THE IMPERIAL HOTEL, EASTBOURNE ROBINSONS 3M

The Imperial is an impressive Victorian hotel situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, an imposing tree-lined boulevard, less than fifteen minutes walk from the facilities and amenities in the town centre and across the road from the promenade and the bandstand. The hotel offers the guest a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker. Hotel amenities l

l l l

All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers Traditional English breakfast Lunch snacks available daily Table dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee Live entertainment most evenings Lift serving all floors Porterage.

THE ABBEY LAWN HOTEL, TORQUAY AA3M This elegant Georgian hotel, in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, with it’s newly refurbished conservatory / lounge offers the discerning holidaymaker an exceptional standard of comfort throughout. Many of the bedrooms offer panoramic views of the bay. Hotel amenities l

l l l l l l l

All rooms have private facilities,telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers Traditional English breakfast Lunch snacks available daily Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee Live entertainment most evenings Indoor and seasonal outdoor pool Lift serving all floors Porterage

5 Day Tour ~ 4 Nights Half Board

7 Day Tour ~ 6 Nights Half Board

Date

Imperial

Ocean View

Abbey Lawn

Imperial

Ocean View

Abbey Lawn

06 Sept

£239 £239

07 Sept

£369 £369 £369

10 Sept

£239 £239

14 Sept

£359 £359 £359

14 Sept

£235 £235

20 Sept

£229 £229

21 Sept

£349 £349 £349

24 Sept

£225 £225

28 Sept

£339 £339 £339

28 Sept

£219 £219

04 Oct

£215 £215 £215

06 Sept

£399 £399 £399

08 Oct

£209 £209 £209

07 Sept

£399 £399 £399

12 Oct

£205 £205 £205

13 Sept

£389 £389 £389

18 Oct

£199 £199 £199

14 Sept

£389 £389 £389

22 Oct

£195 £195 £195 £189 £189 £189

20 Sept

£379 £379 £379

26 Oct 01 Nov

£199 £199 £199

21 Sept

£379 £379 £379

05 Nov

£199 £199 £199

27 Sept

£369 £369 £369

09 Nov

£199 £199 £199

28 Sept

£369 £369 £369

15 Nov

£195 £195 £195

9 Day Tour ~ 8 Nights Half Board

19 Nov

£195 £195 £195

06 Sept

£429 £429 £429

23 Nov

£195 £195 £195

13 Sept

- - £419

29 Nov

£189 £189 £189

03 Dec

£189 £189 £189

20 Sept

£399 £399 £399

07 Dec

£189 £189 £189

27 Sept

- - £379

13 Dec*

£169 £169 £169

17 Dec*

8 Day Tour ~ 7 Nights Half Board

04 Oct

£299 £299 £299

£159 £159 £159

18 Oct

£289 £289 £289

23 Dec

£399† £399† £399†

01 Nov

£279 £279 £279

29 Dec

£389† £389† £389†

15 Nov

£269 £269 £269

29 Nov

£259 £259 £259

Turkey & Tinsel *unlimited singles †3 resort lunches.

SUPPLEMENTS - PER PERSON ABBEY LAWN HOTEL 9 DAYS 8 DAYS 7 DAYS 5 DAYS Front View £17 £15 £13 £10 Premier Room £50 £50 £45 £30

IMPERIAL HOTEL 9 DAYS 8 DAYS 7 DAYS 5 DAYS Premier Room £35 £35 £30 £20

OCEAN VIEW HOTEL 9 DAYS 8 DAYS 7 DAYS 5 DAYS Sea View £17 £15 £13 £10 Premier Room £50 £50 £45 £30

FREEPHONE 0800 0839900

GROUPS 0800 785 1025 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk * To visit the Cash in the Attic website, go to CashInTheAttic.com Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

TWITTERING ON

Graham Smith Twitter Column

From Yorkshire to the world On yer bike will never mean quite the same thing again in Yorkshire. For a year the county oiled the chain of communication, pumped up the marketing and now rides on a worldwide wheel of acclaim after the visit of Le Tour de France. Yorkshire was the curtain opener, Le Grand Depart, for one of the world’s great sporting spectacles and it didn’t disappoint. From Leeds to Sheffield, via York and a dozen tiny village communities all bidding for a piece of the action the cycle peloton swept through everyone’s hearts, and often went heart stoppingly close to their back garden walls.

down the road. It could only happen in Yorkshire! So delighted were the organisers with the Yorkshire section of the event that they have promised to return in the future, so here in God’s own county we are delighted now if some says, “On yer bike!”

Bog standard walking tour There’s no need to worry about being caught short on one particularly quirky London walking tour. For the London Loo Tour sees walkers being shepherded round some of the capital’s most interesting toilets. The less than bog standard tour is run by American Rachel Erickson who was inspired by her frustration at not being able to “pee” for free.

People camped overnight to get the best view, a middle aged couple were spotted on the roof of their house and streets turned yellow with flowers and bunting. Everyone wanted to be at this party and the icing on the cake is a lasting legacy of tourism which should last long after the last wheel has disappeared into the distance. It’s amazing what people do to celebrate these occasions. Just before I witnessed the incredible caravan gala which precedes the race I saw a man dressed as a sheep riding a bicycle 4

Ms Erickson now takes curious loo finders from all over the world and guides them around a variety of toilets and areas relating to sewerage history in the capital. The tour starts at the toilets by platform 19 at the aptly named Waterloo Station and takes several hours. It can accommodate up to

20 guests but also offers private tours. Weaving through the streets, walkers visit such locations as the “Juba-loos” on the South Bank, day urinals for men in Charing Cross and pop-up urinals in Charing Cross. Also on the agenda is a stop at a lamp near to the Savoy hotel which was powered by gas from London’s sewage system almost a century ago. The walk concludes at the end of the Strand at underground toilets once regularly frequented by Oscar Wilde that have now been converted into a cocktail bar.

My Bronte Book Your autobiography captured in a beautiful, illustrated volume for your family to treasure. Complete with a web site of your pictures and recordings of your stories. Written in Haworth, home of the Brontes. Haworth gave birth to the historic novels of the Bronte sisters and it can become the birthplace of your personal story. Makes a wonderful gift for loved ones. Bronte Book will publish your personal autobiography, written and published in Haworth, to pass on as a living legacy after making detailed recordings. Within the four month long process comes your own web site (also available separately) containing recordings, pictures and special stories. Your own living legacy which we know you will enjoy compiling. You may choose a book and/or a web site and an e-book within the package which starts from £300 ranging to £2,750 for the full process, which can include up to 20 books. A deposit with instalment payments plan is available.

Details from www.brontebook.com or Bronte Media, brontemedia@outlook.com Tel: 01535 959002, Mobile: 07866 626090 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

CONTENTS 36

Top Grandparenting Tips ... From Dr Lynda Shaw

38-41 Eat For Life ... Recipes from the Hairy Dieters 44-47 Out and About ... Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on and places to visit in the North West

inside... 28

6-7

Competitions ... 2 Holidays up for grabs

Manchester Ship Canal Cruise ... Over a hundred years of history in just one day

54-55 When your parent becomes your child ... Tips for carers 57

Take control of your Tinnitus ... Free Tinnitus DVD giveaway

The Obesity Crisis in the UK ... Tips to achieve a healthy weight

59 Choosing the right care means understanding your options... Discover what care could mean for you with Bupa

20-23

Relax, dine and shop at Heskin Hall Estate.

38-41 2-3

Robinsons Own Hotels ... Holidays by Coach

6-7

Short Breaks in Montreux ... From Silver Trip Advisor

8-9

Memory Lane Travel ... Preview for 2015

10-11 Meeting John Craven and the Giant Pandas ... Panda Ambassador to the province of Sichuan 16-17 Multi Award Winning Boutique 4 Star Hotel ... Blackpool FC Hotel 20-23 Celebrity Q & A ... Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan. 24-25 Boltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Success Story 26

Streamlining ... A way to Save Yourself Time & Stress

Reasons to get Crafting ... Try your hand at some creative paper craft

For 50 P Quote 5lus Readers 0PL for orde rs placed USSFS now in Sept,

& Oct or N fitted ov

30-31 Make Life a Little Easier ... Low in maintenance, yet stunningly beautiful 32-33 Groundbreaking Technology ... Douglas Lee and team share their expertise www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

Meeting John Craven and the Giant Pandas John Craven, broadcaster and presenter on Countryfile, Patron of SPANA and of course, famously, of Newsround, talks to Jennie Carr of Silver Travel Advisor. John has recently been appointed Panda Ambassador to the province of Sichuan.

I was thrilled to finally meet one of my childhood heroes, John Craven. Watching Newsround was part of my daily life as a child and it was great to catch up with John to find out what he has been up to more recently. His reports of panda conservation in the 1980s are something I remember well, albeit only in black and white. In fact John first went to China in 1986 with Newsround when it was just opening up to the West, and he was the first Western journalist to be allowed to film at the Panda Rescue Centre, as it was then, at Wolong, up in the

mountains in Sichuan province. They hadn’t actually successfully bred any pandas in captivity, and the numbers were getting very low at about only 1,600 left in the wild. Fast forward to the 21st century, and huge efforts are now being made to ensure that the pandas do not become an endangered species. I asked John if he was the only Panda Ambassador in the world! He responded “I think I probably am. Everyone in the world is interested in what’s happening to

Pandas in China. After all they are one of the most endangered creatures on earth, so maybe I’ve been appointed as an ambassador to represent the interest of giant pandas”. John is working with the conservationists at Chengdu at the breeding centre and taking parties of British tourists around to show them what’s happening there and also taking them up into the mountains about 2hours drive away from Chengdu to the natural habitat of the pandas the bamboo forest, which is often covered in mist and rains 300 days a year. Up in the mountains there’s another research centre where the pandas are still captive but in their natural surroundings. Interestingly, many of the Chinese ladies present when John was conferred with this honorary role, rushed to have their photos taken with him! Chinese heartthrob aside, John also told me about the joys of volunteering at Chengdu, which anyone can do and the mucking out duties, of which he is not fond. That said, this can be a chance to get up close and personal to the pandas, should they like the look of you! I asked him what he (and the rest of the world) liked about pandas so much and his face broke into a huge grin; John feels that it’s because they are in some ways quite human, sitting up to eat, with expressive faces and reticulated fingers which they use just like us. And their markings are highly appealing too whilst the cubs are just plain cute and playful, tumbling about and chasing each other. However, he rather more seriously pointed out that the conservation effort is still vitally important, especially if the dream of releasing pandas back into the wild, is to come true. He says that is the plan,

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

TRAVEL- LEISURE

and that maybe even some born this year might be released. They are constructing a huge enclosure, which the first ones will be released into and they will be left to fend for themselves. It’s as near as can be to the wild as possible. And eventually the hope is that they will be able to introduce many pandas to the ‘real’ wild. The trouble is that their natural habitat is becoming smaller all the time. The human population of China

is enormous, with about 1.5 billion people, who need more land on which to live and to work. Trees are chopped down for fire wood with more and more humans are encroaching into panda country. The pandas are being forced higher and higher up the mountains and that, coupled with bamboo dying off, is why they need our support. As John reflects, nature is being a bit cruel to pandas.

John’s role is vital, keeping these endangered giants firmly on our wildlife agenda, and to find out more about Giant Pandas as well as videos, go to www.panda.org.cn/english/ For trips to China to meet the Giant Pandas with John Craven visit www. wendywutours.co.uk

Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email service@silvertraveladvisor.com. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

This is....

time to relax & unwind

SILVERDALE PARK VOTED BEST HOLIDAY PARK 2014 BY THE CUMBRIA TOURISM AWARDS FIVE AWARD WINNING BEAUTIFUL PARKS IN SOUTH LAKELAND WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY OWNING THE PERFECT HOLIDAY HOME . SOME OF OUR PARKS HAVE RESTAURANT, BARS & SUPERB LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES, OR YOU CAN CHOOSE A QUIET & PEACEFUL RETREAT.

This is Holgates... Discover more at www.holgates.co.uk

01524 701508

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

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

BL0

Todmorden

OL12

OL15

Ramsbottom M66

BL8

BL1

OL11

Heywood OL10

M26

BL4

Pendlebury M27 M7 M6

M41 Urmston

M32

Partington

M33

SALE M23

WA14 M56

OL5 Mossley

OL7

M34

SK15 ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE

SK16 M67

M19

M20

SK14

SK4 SK5 M60

SK3 M22 ALTRINCHAM SK8 WA15 WYTHENSHAWE

POPLAR/LYMM SERVICES

M43

M18

M21

OL8

OL6

M35

STRETFORD

OL4 OLDHAM

M40

M50 M17

M31

WA13 Lymm

OL1

OL9

M11

M30

M44

M25

M60

M28

OL3

M24 Middleton

M45

Walkden

OL2 Shaw

BIRCH SERVICES

BL3

OL16

BURY BL2 BOLTON

M62

ROCHDALE

BL9

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

Included in every tour

OL14

OL13 Bacup

BB4

Haslingden

STOCKPORT SK1 SK2

SK6 Marple

SK7

Luxury Hotel l Half Board l All Excursions l Door to Door Service

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

INTERESTED?

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2014 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk Find us on facebook & twitter (search for ellensmithtours)

Christian Guild boasts five high quality hotels with Christian Guild first class service, from an 18thhotels century castle to a country house hotel and a classic Georgian mansion provide the very best all set in beautiful gardens and an abundance of in flora Christian hospitality interesting and fauna.

in some of the most beautiful parts of Our hotels England. have been chosen to offer you easy access to some of England’s most popular tourist areas. Whether you want to explore

If you’re looking for a hotel that offers comfortable accommodation, character, style and great food, then look no further. YOU will always receive a warm welcome at any one of our beautiful hotels.

coast or country, we’ve a hotel for you. And once you’ve finished

exploring and wandering around the wonderful surroundings of our hotels, sit back and relax and enjoy fine food and the very best in Christian hospitality at each venue. Group & Event breaks: Planning a holiday or short break for your group, family or friends? Please call the hotel of your choice and ask to speak to our designated group organiser. Christian Guild prides itself on family values and enjoys nothing more than helping family and friends celebrate important events, such as anniversaries, weddings and christenings, at one of our fantastic hotels. Our group specialists will work closely with you to plan just the right itinerary for you, using our vast experience of arranging group holidays. We will take care of all the details and reservations so you and your group can concentrate on having a wonderful holiday together. In addition to family events, we cater for a whole range of groups.

Our five superb hotels o er a warm welcome Your holiday, your choice ... FIVE and are perfect places to get away from it all. Willersley Castle is a 18th century Grade II listed castle and is set

GREAT HOTELS

in 60 acres of grounds ranging from meadows to limestone crags. The grand building overlooks the picturesque River Derwent and stands on the edge of the stunning Peak District National Park. It is also at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. There is lots to enjoy in the stately surroundings of the hotel, such as a 15 metre indoor swimming pool, boules court and impressive grounds. But for those who want to venture out, the area offers everything from the industrial heritage of mills, canals and steam railways, to fine stately houses to some of Englands most beautiful areas for walking. WILLERSLEY CASTLE OFFERS: 15m heated indoor swimming pool & separate children’s pool l Licensed restaurant l Coffee shop selling Fairtrade produce l Wireless broadband access l Boules court & putting lawn l Lift.

Willersley Castle Hotel Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5JH T: 01629 582270 e: willersley@christianguild.co.uk

Treloyhan Manor Hotel is a superb 19th century manor house and offers guests fantastic views across Carbis Bay in the Cornish coast town of St Ives. Set in the serenity of beautiful gardens, Treloyhan Manor Hotel offers superb bedrooms, delicious homecooked cuisine in its splendid restaurant and traditional Cornish cream teas in a range of comfortable lounges.

The hotel is close to clean, sandy beaches, picturesque villages and the wealth of tourist attractions that this part of Cornwall has to offer. Back in the tranquil hotel there is chance to enjoy the facilities, such as a games room, music room, pool table, putting green, croquet and table tennis. TRELOYHAN MANOR OFFERS: Beautiful gardens and patio terrace l Licensed restaurant l Reception/coffee shop selling Fairtrade produce l Wireless broadband access l Games and recreational facilities available l Extensive car and coach parking with dual access.

TRELOYHAN MANOR HOTEL St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2AL. T: 01736 796240 e: treloyhan@christianguild.co.uk

The majestic Georgian mansion of Sidholme Hotel sits in idyllic grounds in the Regency seaside town of Sidmouth. Inside the resplendent building is the hotel’s ‘jewel in the crown’ - a stunning Victorian music room, with fine chandeliers and Gothic-style organ. As well as luxurious bedrooms and lounges, there is lots to do for the more active guests. There is a heated indoor swimming pool, a snooker room, table tennis and spacious landscaped grounds. Sidholme Hotel, with its proximity to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site and East Devon’s charming countryside, is perfect for short breaks and holidays. SIDHOLME OFFERS: 15m heated indoor swimming pool & separate children’s pool l Magnificent Victorian music room l Licensed restaurant l Light meals and refreshments l Disabled access rooms l Car and coach parking.

SIDHOLME HOTEL Elysian Fields, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8UJ. T: 01395 515104 e: sidholme@christianguild.co.uk

Familiarisation Visits: We believe it is important for the designated group organisers to be sure about the accommodation and the holiday they are booking, so for this reason we are happy to offer an overnight stay (subject to availability) at your chosen hotel to help your become familiar with the facilities and plan your stay more effectively. Call the hotel of your choice or email our group department: groups@christianguild.co.uk

Stay As You Please gives you the flexibility to do whatever you want, but with the benefit of having staff on hand to help you plan your stay. At each of our hotels we have a whole host of information on local attractions and activities, with the added bonus of fantastic Christian Guild discounts and in some cases free entry passes! Chat with our friendly staff to come up with a jam-packed day of fun or a day just relaxing with a good book – you can do as you please with our Stay As You Please breaks.

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS: If you holiday alone, you’ll know that many hotels and holiday companies add a supplement to the advertised price if you’re on your own. But not at Christian Guild as we have a number of single rooms at each hotel, and at certain times of the year we have double and twin rooms as well without a single supplement. With a wonderful warm welcome and friendly atmosphere, you’ll find our hotels offer a great break for you. And we’re sure you’ll meet new, like-minded friends.

Stay as you Please packages: Throughout the brochure you will find the dates available for these fantastic deals within the theme break listings of each of our hotels - including flexible stays from January to March and November to December at each hotel. Just call the hotel of your choice directly to book your next Stay as you Please holiday!

While other holiday companies may only provide a rigid activity programme, christian guild are proud to offer our truly flexible hotel holidays - Stay as you Please.

Stay as you Please is more than just booking a room.

“Coast to country, Cumbria to Cornwall - there is a Stay As You Please Break tailored just for you - Special priced Stay As You Please holidays available.”

BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO RECIEVE OUR 2015 BROCHURE enquiries@christianguild.co.uk Set in nine acres of beautiful wooded gardens. Lindors Country House Hotel is a majestic place to find peace and tranquillity. Situated in its own valley above the River Wye, the hotel offers exquisite gardens with waterfalls and pools. Inside, there are comfortable lounges and crackling log fires in winter. You will enjoy fine dining during your stay at Lindors Country House Hotel, and well appointed bedrooms that offer the modern amenities you’d expect at such a top-class hotel. There are also five wonderful pine lodges in the grounds offering the choice of self-catering, or you can enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant. It’s up to you to choose! For those who decide to venture out, the hotel is a perfect choice for exploring the Wye Valley, historic Welsh Borders and the Royal Forest of Dean. LINDORS OFFERS: 5 self catering lodges l 15m heated indoor swimming pool & separate children’s pool l Licensed restaurant l Fairtrade coffee shop l Wireless broadband access l TV & telephone in all bedrooms l Tennis, croquet, putting & pentaque.

Disabled access rooms

LINDORS COUNTRY HOUSE Hotel The Fence, St Briavels, Lydney, Glouc. GL15 6RB T: 01594 530283 e: lindors@christianguild.co.uk

Abbot Hall Hotel is a charming country hotel situated in extensive and wellestablished grounds overlooking the ever-changing sands of Morecambe Bay, with the breath taking scenery of the Lake District just to the north. Nestling in the hamlet of Kents Bank, near the popular Edwardian resort of Grange-over Sands, the 19th century mansion boasts a wide range of facilities including a 15m heated indoor swimming pool and comfortable lounges. Diners are offered a delicious choice of home-cooked dishes that use fresh, local produce. Alongside well-appointed bedrooms, there are five self catering lodges - there really is something for everyone. ABBOT HALL OFFERS: 5 self catering lodges l 15m heated indoor swimming pool & separate children’s pool l Fairtrade coffee shop l Wireless broadband access l Children’s adventure trail l Disabled access rooms.

ABBOT HALL Hotel Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7BG T: 015395 32896 e: abbot@christianguild.co.uk

Our fully equipped self catering lodges provide perfect accommodation for families all year round. There are five lodges in the grounds of Abbot Hall Hotel and Lindors Country House Hotel. There are four two-bedroom lodges at each hotel, each sleeping four guests. The fifth lodge has three bedrooms, accommodating six guests, making it ideal for larger families. Each lodge is fully equipped with central heating, lighting, bed linen and towels. While staying in the lodges you are free to use all the facilities of the hotel, including the all weather swimming pools. If you prefer not to self cater you can arrange to take meals in the hotel. Throughout your stay you will be welcome to join in any planned activities.

Reader Offer - STAY AS YOU PLEASE* and enjoy Dinner, Bed & Breakfast in a standard ensuite bedroom on selected dates from September to December at any of our hotels for JUST £49pppn - Call the hotel directly to book. *Minimum 2 nights’ stay. Terms & Conditions apply.

Call the hotel direct to book or for more information. Head Office: Christian Guild, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cromford Mills, Cromford, Derbyshire DE4 3RQ. E: enquiries@christianguild.co.uk www. christianguild.co.uk

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we were treated like royalty by everyone at the hotel - Taken from Tripadviser

@BFCHOTEL2012

www.blackpooolfchotel.com Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ 01253 401953 | reception@blackpoolfchotel.com

Multi award winning boutique 4 star hotel situated in a stunning landmark location, housing 72 contemporary rooms and suites, the regionally renowned Rowleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar and Bistro, a state of the art Health Club, a newly opened Six Senses Spa, superb conference facilities and a level of service that will surpass your expectations.

If care becomes an issue, what legal considerations should I be mindful of? If you or a loved one became in need of care there are a number of matters that you and your family will need to consider, such as what care is needed? Who will provide it? Should it be provided at home or in a residential setting? However, what tends to come as an afterthought or as a problem needs resolving is the legal considerations we might have or what help and support is available from the legal profession? This guide is aimed to give you an indication of the types of advice you may need in later life and as part of retirement generally. It is not an exhaustive list but it covers the main areas of advice that may crop up. It is important to note that every family is different and therefore advice is based on the individual circumstances. This guide is designed so you can cut it out and keep it until such time as you or a loved one may need it. My best advice is to get as much information as possible by a solicitor who specialises in advising later life clients. This will enable you to be equipped to make informed decisions that can give you peace of mind and may result in saving you money.

Wills

Do you have a will? If you do have a will have it reviewed in light of concerns on care fees? Is there scope for any estate planning?

Property

Do you have property? If you do what do you have? How do you hold it? What would happen if one or both of you went into care?

Assets

What do you have financially and how do you hold it? Do you have an inheritance tax issue? Are you in contemplation of care? Do you want to make gifts?

Income

What is your income and will it pay for your care? Does it more than meet your needs? If you have an inheritance issue are you managing it effectively? Are you claiming everything that you are entitled to? Do you need to see a financial advisor to look at maximising your income?

Powers of attorney

Do you understand what they are? Do you have them?

If you need advice on any of the above please contact Jane Flaherty on 01282 426666 or email at Jflaherty@waddingtonandson.co.uk

Do you need a Property and Finance power of attorney? Do you need a Health and Welfare power of attorney? Are they capable of being made and if not do you know what the Court of Protection’s Role is and how to apply?

Trusts

Do you know what they are and how they work? Life time trust or a will trust? Implications in respect of care fees versus implications in respect of Inheritance Tax

Care issues

You may need a fuller understanding on the funding of care – self funding, NHS continuing care of s.17 funding – what does that mean and how does it apply? The implications of signing a third party top up fee? Is someone being moved from a care home? Do you want somebody to be moved? Do you need help because you are unhappy with an aspect of care? Do you need to know where you stand on such matters? Do you need some assistance with a safeguarding matter because you are concerned for someone?

LOCAL SOLICITORS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE ELDERLY CLIENT SERVICES Advice is available in all the following areas: Making a Will l Family Trusts and Asset Protection l Inheritance Tax l Powers of Attorney l Court of Protection l Planning for Long Term Care l

Local Authority and NHS funding of care including disputes l Living Wills and Welfare Attorneys l Safeguarding for Vulnerable Adults l

We can offer a free initial appointment at our offices. We offer home visits where appropriate. In the first instance contact

Jane Flaherty on 01282 426666 to make an appointment

28 Manchester Rd, Burnley, Lancashire T: 01282 426666

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CELEBRITY Q & A

Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan

- The Love Punch

Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan star in The Love Punch.

Emma: Keely (Shaye Smith) was pregnant.

Q: As a writer of a children’s book and you are also playing another writer in Saving Mr. Banks.

Pierce: She was – so that’s 16 years ago and we kept bumping into each other along the way and we said well let’s do something together and thank heavens for Joel Hopkins. He gave us this beautiful lovely romp of a magic comedy.

Emma: Oh, it was so fascinating, so fascinating, yeah. So many writers, really the greatest writers of children’s literature tend to have very damaged childhoods, tend to write for the age at which they were most traumatized. That’s fascinating to me. I mean whether one wants to get all psychoanalytic about it, that’s very boring and that’s what goes on behind the scenes and should not be really talked about. It’s tedious, but it is, as I started to read about many other children’s writers, I thought oh, including Walt Disney, who had a really difficult childhood, very brutal father. Q: So you know each other, we already heard. So when did you get to know each other? When did you get aware of each other? Emma: You mean the first time ever? When did we first meet? Pierce: James Bond. Emma: Maybe it was James Bond, yes. Pierce: Golden Eye maybe. 20

Emma: Yeah, we didn’t know we were going to do a comedy. That was sort of surprising. Q: You thought you were doing something depressing. Emma: Right, we thought we’d do something a bit depressing about getting old, but no. {laughing} This is a retiree, middle aged and he’s going hang on a minute. It’s so interesting how anguished we all are about age. You just go what on earth is wrong with you all. We’re all just alive here, aren’t we? And then you realize, of course, that there’s so much brainwashing about, you know, it is one age to be and you can’t be alive in any real sense unless you’re in that age group. But somehow the myths that we’ve spun have left us caught in this aspic. It’s interesting, isn’t it?

Pierce: It is, yeah. Emma: Because you think about myths, you think fairytales, the classics. They all end up with happily ever after. Happily ever after begins when you’re maybe still in your 20s in fairytales, mind you when everyone was dying in their 40s, but that part of life, after you’ve maybe got yourself married, you married your prince or whatever it is, it’s dead wood. It’s not the story and that’s very interesting, isn’t it? We can’t really cope with what comes after. Pierce: But it’s really interesting. If you watch movies with Cary Grant, for example, I mean he wasn’t a young man… Emma: Ever. Q: And nobody doubted what he was playing. It’s the closing of a cycle. You come to it slowly… Pierce: It’s coming back slowly but surely with movies like this, with Meryl Streep who’s doing some scripts. Emma: Yeah, Meryl is like really… Pierce: She’s leading the vanguards… Emma: …leading the women, which is great. Annette (Bening), as well… Q: Judi Dench.

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Emma: Precision, I’d say, isn’t it really, whereas drama, it’s just different. Q: Joel said he didn’t realize you had a sense of humour, Pierce. Pierce: Is that what he said? Q: And some would say you’re Irish, as well. How do you hold back… you’re both absolutely, I mean you’re of course in a comedy or whatever. How do you hold back from the humour when you’re actually acting humour? It can be too over the top. Pierce: Well this piece allowed us to go around the stage. The foundation of it, it was quite a serious subject about a couple who are losing it because of the economics of the day. In plotting it out you have to…it allowed us to play high and low and different tonalities and I’m still getting over the fact that he didn’t think I was funny. Q: Have you invested your money in some pension funds or are you… Pierce: I have a pension fund, yes, something that’s been stocked away there.

Emma: Oh yeah, Judi, absolutely, always. So actually it is looking quite hopeful. Q: Judi Dench let me know she used to be quite guarded when she was young and she suddenly like swallowed an out-there pill. It’s strange. Since the age of 50 she’s just like gone through a complete… Emma: She’s let go. Q: Let go. Do you have that feeling too of letting go? Pierce: Yes, yeah. We’ve been talking about it… Emma: God knows I’ve never exactly been held in, let’s face it. {laughing} I have my memories. Anyway, go on. Pierce: No, carry on. You always do anyway, why change?

Pierce: You haven’t changed either. I like the top. Emma: Thank you darling. Q: Why do you think we’re so obsessed with looking young and being almost ashamed of looking our age? Pierce: Money, commerce, pharmaceuticals. Emma: Advertising, aspirational advertising, started in the ‘70s. Actually it’s tragic really. Q: Would you say you have a different approach to acting in a comedy compared to drama? Do you prepare differently or is it harder? Emma: Different muscles, I’d say.

Q: Do you feel hen pecked on these interview rounds?

Pierce: Completely. You have to be so precise in comedy. There’s room to move in a drama, there’s room to hide behind sort of pauses.

Pierce: Never, never, never, no, I just adore this woman.

Emma: With comedy you’ve just got to be out there doing it. It’s got to be…

Emma: Rubs me.

Pierce: The joke is there and the timing of the scene and the position or who’s seen in this moment compared to the next. You have to be able to build a block.

Pierce: Sorry? Emma: He rubs me.

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Emma: I think my pension fund when I was like 16 or something. Nothing much goes into it. Q: Can we just have one moment on you writing your own screenplay and how you like to develop your own films and well as work for other people? Emma: I love writing. I’ve always written to perform. I was doing standup on my 25th birthday, I remember, I had 60 quid in my hand and that was great. It was just me and a microphone. It’s very powerful, writing. It’s just a very powerful thing, but it’s tougher. Pierce: Did you improvise or did you prepare all the material? Emma: No I prepared it all and then rehearsed it and rehearsed it and rehearsed it, so it appeared as though you just…that’s stand-up. That’s the art of it. I love stand-up comedians. I think it’s one of the greatest art forms that there is and I think there are some really truly great components of it. My daughter loves it now, so we watch it together. Q: Why do you like each other? What is it that you like about Pierce and what is it that you like about her? Pierce: I’ve just always loved watching Emma on the screen. There’s some 21

CELEBRITY Q & A accessibility there. There’s a vulnerability. There’s a sensuality. The performance and just the mastery of what she does as an actor. She’s a unique woman and it’s just delightful, great, lovely… Emma: Yeah, careful. {laughing} Pierce: It makes you feel good. There’s a kind heart. There’s generosity of spirit. Emma: Pretty similar the other way really. And I was saying something to the journalists, just telling one today that I think that Pierce has managed unlike a lot of other folks to abdicate from the sort of character changes that power people when they become very big stars and he just doesn’t have any of that garbage, so it’s all just normal and not a turn off, it’s really not. It requires a choice, a moral choice, actually. You can give into all that and you could really believe that you’re better than and you deserve this and you should be treated one way. And I know we’re very well treated, but were we not to be well treated it wouldn’t matter. And we hope always to treat everybody the same. That’s normal behaviour. Q: You’re both great humanists and quite active among society, as well. Emma: Yeah, thank you, and I think you probably put your finger on it. We’re probably just humanists. Q: So what’s the badge? Emma: Oh that’s Tarek Loubani and John Greyson who are Toronto film makers. They’d been arrested and wound up in an Egyptian jail. They were asking directions and they were on their way to help out with making [?]. Yeah, so I was just asked to wear the pin and I had done so. Q: If you think about love, in which way does it feel better today, the feeling of love, than in your early 20s? Emma: No, love always feels great whatever age you are, let’s face it. Pierce: It’s what you want all the time as a performer, as a man, as a woman, new relationships, to be liked. Everyone wants to be happy. The job that we do, we’re judged constantly. As soon as you walk in the door you’re judged, as soon as you walk on stage you’re judged. It’s a challenge. This is a very simple little yarn, this film. It

doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s kind of unabashedly silly, romantic and yet has a sign of the times about it. Emma: I love the fact that there’s silliness in it. Silliness is something important, thing in life, clowning and just staying daft and we don’t do it as much as we should it seems to me. And acting is so respectable now, it’s taken so seriously. It used to be we were like the criminals. All the women were regarded with great, grave suspicion and men couldn’t be trusted. That’s a much safer way of… because we’re supposed to be the people who go well look at this, that’s not so good, is it, about being human or that happened and this wasn’t so great or look how stupid we are being here. That’s our job, to point all of this out, so when we start getting taken seriously I worry. Q: What’s the last silly thing you did then in your own life? Emma: I spent my entire day dawn until dusk being silly. Pierce: As well as getting stuck in the elevator. Emma: I put a giant marrow into my son’s bed, that’s what I did. I was given a giant marrow by my PA’s father, who has an allotment, and the giant marrow was something I did not wish to cook. My son who is African, teased me mercilessly and said “Mommy, we’re

just wasting food. It’s a waste, it’s a waste, it’s a waste.” So to punish him I put it in his bed {laughing} and then it found its way into my mother’s bed. Then I stole it from my mom’s bed and put it in my son’s toilet, which he then found in the middle of the night sticking out, this huge thing. I do a lot of silly things. Q: Do you enjoy being cooker for a while, because you were baking these party and French… Emma: Oh yeah, that was so much fun. I was completely naked, but he hadn’t taken his boxers off. Pierce: You were, I swear. I wasn’t even going to talk about that. It was nice. Yeah. Q: It takes so much courage I guess, no? Emma: No, because we were in France. You’re in France. Nobody gives a shit. It’s an entirely French crew. The crew, it didn’t even occur to me. I just took my robe off, got into bed and I was like ready to go. We finished a shot and whispered to Joel quite loudly, we her see her pussy in this one. {laughing} Probably not, actually. I’ll do it again. {laughing} Q: I really got to see you so powerful in this movie. Usually it’s the other way around, you’re not the one that’s portrayed as the one who has to catch

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Pierce: Just a little bit, in moderation Emma: My body is a temple. Pierce: We have a few ideas here and there. How could you not, because we have such a good time together, the four of us. It’s so delightful to have had…so we’ll see where the wind takes us. We’ll do it all together, yes, absolutely. We hit the ground running from day one… The next day you’re shooting. Emma: You know the audience will let us know if they want to see us together again. It’s up to the people who go and see it. They’ll make it very clear. We had a great time, but it doesn’t mean to say that necessarily it will play. Q: You just said your body is a temple. You’re looking pretty great, both of you. attention of other guys. But here she’s like okay, I can have this one, but I can also have this one, let me choose. Did you like this? Emma: I did, I loved it. I love the balance that Joel got between…not doing so crass oh women can do it as well silly thing. But I say please let me drive Richard, please. I’m a better driver, you know I’m a better driver, so there’s a fact. There’s a fact there. And him finally going ‘all right,’ so it’s not just her. It was realistic. I love that.

Emma: It’s been filmed.

How do you…

Q: So how do you feel about this kind of situation? Since our last meeting the situation has changed so dramatically, these dramatic movies and this one’s probably short a bit, because comedies like this tend to be popular.

Emma: A temple of which many, many libations have…most have an alcoholic content. Many beasts were sacrificed Pierce: You sent them on their way…

Emma: Well, let’s hope so. Comedy is a funny old thing. It’s got to really catch fire, doesn’t it. It goes really far with people.

Q: When you’re on your way who’s driving usually? Are you driving Pierce or is it more…

Q: You said you would make a good jewellery thief. What kind of qualities do you suspect…

Emma: Greg (Wise) drives. I hate driving.

Emma: I think I could create many, many good diversions.

Pierce: I drive, yes.

Pierce: You could. You’re a good seductress. You could blag your way in anywhere.

Emma: You’re a wonderful driver, actually. You’re a really good driver. Where did you… Q: Did you write that part for him and is he great? Greg, isn’t he in a [John Ruskin movie, Effie Gray] Emma: Yeah, and I don’t know what’s happening with it at the moment. It’s kind of underground. Q: Has it gone underground?

Emma: I could blag my way or just by being such a slight kooky… Q: As the director said, he’s not planning the Emma Thomason trilogy, but he would love to see you in another movie together, so do you already have any ideas or if you had any say in this, what would it be, I mean this time?

Emma: I think, so I don’t know what’s going on.

Pierce: Probably the four of us sat around, Celia and Tim, Emma and myself…

Q: It’s been filmed though, hasn’t it?

Emma: Getting drunk.

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Q: How do you keep your temple in check? Emma: Well, I do a lot of exercise, which I love and eating well, sleeping a lot. Sleep, love it. Knowing what your limits are, that’s really helpful. I’m 54, I’m not 24. I can’t round around anymore. Q: Pierce, what about you? Pierce: I just turned 60 in May, so I’m kind of freshly minted and just one tries to maintain and stop doing that… Emma: Mental masturbation. Pierce: Masturbation? {laughing] I don’t know where this conversation has gone now. {laughing} I love it. I’m having the time of my life. I’ve embraced it. I meet it head on. Emma: Make sure you have a lot of fun. I do sort of everything. I do kickboxing, I do Pilates, and I walk. I walk all around London everywhere. Pierce: Elliptical, Pilates, stress, worry.

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Quality isn't expensive, it's priceless ... Bolton's Success Story Grosvenor Windows, a Bolton based family run business, has been selling high quality windows and doors to the public for the last 38 years and have become the leading experts in the North West for the supply and installation of their products Based at Lodge Bank Estate in Horwich, the company specialise in providing a number of goods, with a high class seal of approval. In the early days this mostly included windows, doors and conservatories but in recent years, they have become more involved in offering their customers an extensive range of services.

From orangeries, to extensions, balconies and canopies, as well as refurbishing and upgrading windows and doors. Now, a high majority of people are staying in their homes longer, or down sizing to a smaller property as they get older. Many of them, therefore, are wanting to improve and expand on their home. Grosvenor Windows are a company that understand this, and can now project manage your new extension or orangery from start to finish. They have a dedicated team of architects, builders, plumbers, electricians and decorators who provide everything that could

possibly be needed to make building work to your property simple and efficient. Sales manager, Ian Jamieson, said: “You want a company who project manages the whole thing, so you are not dealing with several different people, all from different companies, offering a number of different quotes.” “People now would rather have something sorted from start to finish, and they want to go to one place to get it.” The business can also provide their planning and design service, which means they can arrange drawings, planning and building regulations. To them, it is important for their

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customers to see exactly what the finished product will look like before taking on the project. Their full 3D design service, allows them to take a photograph of the house, and superimpose the end result onto the image, making it easy for you to have an idea of the installation right from the start. Richard Martin, sales manager, said: “In today’s world, a lot of people don’t have extra time. They have busy lives and work long hours so by providing a design, done by us, they don’t have to worry and can see exactly what it’s going to look like.” They also have a large indoor showroom, which is open seven days a week, from 10am to 4pm, where you can see what their builds will look like and find out more information about extensions and the other products on offer Grosvenor are also a member of trade organisation, Network VEKA, which means they live up to a strict quality standard of manufacture, installation and staff training and they are proud to be a part of this. They said: “Being a member of Network VEKA allows us to offer you the best of both worlds; it provides the reassurance of a powerful, nationwide organisation, combined with the professional and personal service of a friendly, local company, to give peace of mind with insurance backed guarantee.” The company are also CE approved. Each of their products has gone under substantial testing to ensure they meet EU health, safety and environment requirements, so you can be positive you are buying a high quality, secure investment for your home. Currently, the business is proud to offer goods like the newly launched Palladio door, the most secure door in Europe, which is available in a choice of styles and colours. The Supalite tiled roof is also popular,

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as this can turn an ordinary conservatory into a fully insulated living room. “Conservatories are too hot in summer and too cold in winter, so they can only be used for a few weeks each year,” said Mr Jamieson. “With the Supalite roof and new self cleaning windows, they can be used as an extra room in the house, all year round. So this is an important and popular service we offer.” However, they have not forgotten their core products, merely they have improved upon them. You can now get triple glazed windows which are even better than an A+ rating. The main thing you need to know about Grosvenor Windows is that they provide genuine prices, with no hidden costs and give you the time and space to make a decision. They listen to the customer, and give advice, but don’t pressure anyone to make a decision. Once all the quotes are sent, it’s up to you to then agree to the proposal

in your own time. Consultations are free, where as many other companies will request a fee. So, having someone come out to give advice and take down some details, puts you at ease, knowing you aren’t being forced into a decision then and there. Mr Martin said: “Nearly everyone we quote comes back because they like what they see. We deal with a lot of repeat customers, and in some cases, have even dealt with whole families, sent to us through recommendations.” Grosvenor Windows pride themselves on providing their customers with a quality service which gives peace of mind to everyone. They insist: “We are a company which is professional, responsible, secure and who understands the importance of customer care.” They always stick to quality products, which last longer, meaning in the long run, better value for money.

Their motto is: Quality isn’t expensive, it’s priceless. Grosvenor Windows, Lodge Bank Estate, Crown Lane, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 5HY Tel: 01204 664488 sales@grosvenorwindows.co.uk www.grosvenorwindows.co.uk 25

the house and if you find a possession of theirs lying around just pop it in their basket. Then each day they can put their possessions away in the right place. 4. Work with your natural instinct, not against it. Start looking to where things naturally wind up and make a home for them there. This might mean fixing a shelf for reference books you need to display or storing them on a bookshelf, or placing a shoe rack by the front door. The key is to install an organised storage system where your objects naturally wind up instead of leaving them there in a messy, cluttered way.

Streamlining: A Way To Save Yourself Time & Stress. Does mess cause you stress? Do you despair at being disorganised? Does your environment inspire you and give you the confidence to make the most of your time? Many people believe creativity thrives in chaos - the truth however, is quite different. Most of us work to our best abilities in an organised, orderly environment that is free from any distractions. Excess clutter can disrupt our concentration. It’s near impossible to maintain our focus when we have to constantly search to find what we need. An organised, streamlined environment is the best way to maintain productivity and encourage clear thinking and creativity. It allows you to spend less time on chores and more time doing the things you like to do. Now let’s get streamlining! Here’s 5 helpful ways to do so: 1. Be ruthless We could write lots of articles on decluttering tips and ideas but there isn’t room to go in depth in this article. Briefly and as a generalisation then if you haven’t used an item or worn a garment in the last 12 months then you are very unlikely to use or wear it in the future. These are the things that drain your energy and take up time and space and can make you feel guilty. So as you need to reduce your clutter and gain back time and space just let it go. Try decluttering in short sessions and work methodically through one area at a time so that you

stay motivated and can see the difference that you are making. If you do need an item but not immediately, file or store it away in a way that easily lets you find items when you need them. We suggest transparent folders and boxes help you more easily see things that are stored. Organising papers and objects as they come into your environment only takes a few seconds. However, if you put them in a pile, the pile will continue to grow and will become increasingly difficult to organise later on. 2. Group Items Always group your items together by task or purpose. For example, keep stamps, envelopes and address labels together and make letter sending organised and easy. Or keep notes and references for a particular project in one specific file and box. By doing so, you’ll not only save yourself time, but you’ll also make tidying up later super quick and easy! It’s much easier to put several items back in the same box or drawer than to put them all back in different places 3. Make tidying up a nightly routine It only takes 28 days to develop a new habit, make a nightly tidy up yours. Gather stray papers and objects and keep them where they belong, this shouldn’t take any longer than five or ten minutes. This tiny task will ensure you start your day in an organised, tidy workspace, helping you to focus and feel more calm and centred. Involve your family too – it’s not just one person’s responsibility. Label up a container or basket for each person in

5. Looking for a one-stop super streamline system for your paperwork and daily life? If you’re looking for a speedy solution, My Life Pack … Your Life at Your Fingertips® enables you to group 10 main areas of your life together in one place. This time-busting manual covers the main 10 aspects of your life, providing all your personal data at your fingertips in one organised place. With an easy-to-fill-in grid format and extra page notes My Life Pack® is the most flexible way to record and track ALL your vital information. From home management, finances and children/ grandchildren or dependents to pets, vehicles and much more! Conservatories & Conservatory Roofs Does your conservatory get too cold in winter and too hot in summer? Then why not consider a Diamond Seal Conservatory? Full insulation and its special foundations allow year round use. We also install Diamond Seal composite roofs, tiled roofs and traditional conservatory roofs. The Diamond Seal Sentinel Tiled Roof You can now change your conservatory from a summer room into a space that you can use all year round. Our Diamond Seal Sentinel Roof is the first solid roof solution to be launched in a timber kit format, it’s been designed to replace your existing glass or polycarb roof of your conservatory. At the same time you can keep your conservatory windows and doors, frames and walls. The cost of replacing your conservatory roof is eventually recouped from your substantial energy cost saving. Changing your conservatory roof to a Diamond Seal Sentinel Roof takes only a few days, with very little disruption to your household. For a free quotation call 0800 389 9699 visit our website at www.diamondsealuk.co.uk

Louise Barson is a member of APDOuk, The Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers and through helping people get organised for life she has created My Life Pack … Your Life at Your Fingertips www.mylifepack.co.uk 07986 219785 If you have any questions about this article please email louise@mylifepack.co.uk 26

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Get some satisfaction It’s clear that no one in The Rolling Stones ever did any crafting, because if they had, they would know the feeling of joy and personal satisfaction that comes with designing and making your own cards. Nothing fills you with pride like completing a project and then seeing the delighted face of the special recipient when you hand it over. Socialising If you think crafting is a solitary pastime, think again. Stampin’ Up! demonstrators are known for their fun and exciting parties, classes and general get-togethers. Whether it’s mums in a café or an evening at home with friends, card making could be your window into a diverse and busy social life. Get the family involved If anyone loves a bit of colourful crafting, it’s kids. You’ll be happy to have them stamping and punching things in the name of creativity and whilst enjoying some quality family time. It’s trendy!

Reasons to get crafting rights. While your hands are busy piecing together place settings and wedding invitations, you’re free to slow down and relax. Add that special touch to gifts and cards

With more than 23,000 crafting businesses in the UK and many more enthusiastic individuals, there has never been a better time to try your hand at some creative paper craft. So why is it so popular? Paula Gorry, UK Business Development Manager, Stampin’ Up! UK offers 10 top reasons to get a cup of tea, get comfortable and get crafting. In times of stress, craft and make a mess Crafting is a great way to de-stress, think and generally put the world to

Bored with choosing from the same few generic supermarket birthday/ wedding/thank you cards? Let loose the artist within and make friends and family feel extra special in the process. Nothing says ‘thinking of you’ more than a handcrafted masterpiece. Gain a few pounds…the good kind! If you love being creative and helping others do the same crafting can offer the opportunity to grow a flexible home-based business at your own pace alongside parenting, studying, the arduous 9-5, or as a full time career. With the help of our Stampin’ Up! family you could be demonstrating your cool and crafty creations to friends and neighbours as a great way of earning some extra cash.

Crafting is a growing market and just as knitting has exploded in popularity over the last few years, paper-based crafting is heading the same way. So if you pride yourself on staying ahead of the curve, now is the time to get creative and get crafting. Free your creative energies Most people don’t get to express their creative side in their jobs or their dayto-day chores. Crafting is a great way to release that artistic flair that you’ve been bottling up and channel it into something fun and productive. Back to Basics With the technological boom encroaching on every aspect of modern life, many of us have forgotten the joy of making something with our hands. Crafting is a great opportunity to switch off your phone, ignore your email and connect with something real. Develop new skills Most people will underestimate the marvels that can be achieved with some raw materials and a bit of innovative thinking. Card making can help you become a master artisan, capable of creating technical and impressive delights.

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MAKE LIFE A LITTLE EASIER! Create a garden that is low in maintenance yet stunningly beautiful and useful for all your needs ...

TOM ATHERTON, MD of Homescapes, (now in his mid-seventies and still an enthusiastic and active gardener), passes on some useful tips to make life easier in the garden. No garden is completely maintenance free—even with paving and plastic plants it would still need sweeping and dusting! However, with careful thought and clever design, a low maintenance garden can be created. Over the past 25 years Homescapes have designed and created many such gardens and as Tom is partly disabled he has re-designed his own site so that he can tend it without bending or kneeling.

TOMS TIPS... Lawns are one of the biggest maintenance areas in a garden. How often do we hear the phrase “You’ll have to cut that lawn before we go on holiday!”? However, there are several ways to ease the workload. 1) Install a flat edging as a mowing strip—this reduces the need to constantly trim the edge with every mowing. It can also act as a separator from other areas.

Soil beds can be very time

consuming to maintain and need weeding on a regular basis. It is therefore best to take action to prevent weed growth.

1) In Ornamental areas wood-chip or bark mulch is very useful. This needs to be 5-10cms thick and will need replacing seasonally. It is best NOT to use a membrane under the mulch as this prevents it decomposing and enriching the soil.

Perimeter Fences need constant maintenance. In order to reduce this there are various alternatives. 1) Hedges need less maintenance than wooden fences if there is sufficient space. In the case of a wide border, flag stepping stones are useful in front of the hedge. There is a wide variety of hedging plants that can look good all year round. 2) Plastic fences are now becoming more available but as yet there is only a limited range. However, they need very little maintenance. 3) Plastic coated wire mesh fences do not need maintenance BUT neither do they give privacy.

2) Create a perimeter pathway. This can reduce the size of the lawn by up to 50% and cuts down on mowing time and other lawn maintenance. This gives an all weather surface for maintaining flower beds and accessing other features. 2) In the less ornamental areas (vegetable gardens) a weed suppressant membrane can be used with the planting done through it. If spread between rows it can help avoid muddy feet. 3) A gravel surface can be spread over a weed membrane. This can look attractive all year round and helps to keep clean feet when maintaining border plants. 3) Consider the installation of artificial grass. This creates an all season, immaculate surface that needs very little maintenance. There is a range of styles, some of which make it visually difficult to tell the difference between real and artificial. Whilst the initial cost of installation is more expensive than laying a grass lawn, this can be offset by the reduced maintenance costs. 30

4) Wooden panels with concrete posts and bases need to be constructed so that they are easily removable for dip treating or spraying. Any planting should take this into consideration.

Raised Beds are easier to tend and avoid the necessity to kneel or bend. 1) A flat edge coping on top of a raised bed wall creates a useful seat. 2) Beds should be narrow (no deeper than an arms length) to avoid overstretching.

HOME & GARDEN 3) Sleepers are ideal for creating beds as they are heavy enough to be selfsupporting without foundations or stays. They are also useful seats.

The tips here are some of the main considerations to make things easier. There are many other items making up a low maintenance garden design. Many of them are small but helpful.

Many gardens are personally constructed by the owners but it can be very cost-effective to have professional involvement.

Homescapes can make YOUR life easier... Homescapes 25 years experience enables us to create a garden that you can be proud of whilst meeting your budget and maintenance requirements.

Tubs, if large enough can be used as raised bedsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;smaller ones can be used for seasonal planting to maintain colour all year round.

Planting should be carefully

considered with a view to future maintenance avoiding quick growing specimens that need constant trimming.

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Homescapes offer a free consultation on your site during which we will discuss all your requirements and after reviewing your needs we will offer a number of suggestions based on our extensive experience. We will prepare a scale plan and a detailed estimate for the project and after this, we will invite you to visit our display garden where we can demonstrate

the types of features included in the plan and the material choices. As life moves on we all use our experience to make things easier. Given the chance, Homescapes can do this for YOU.

the project is not required on an immediate basis. It is better to take time in discussion than to dig a hole in the wrong place!

Whatever your decisionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Good Luck with your garden!

Groundbreaking Technology

The highly skilled team at Douglas Lee will share their expertise with their new training academy... Douglas Lee Associates in Accrington is set to become the country’s centre of excellence for the ‘Fast and Fixed’ same-day implant procedure.

up in the surgery, communicating and participating from an on-site tutorial room as the procedures are undergone.

The ‘Fast and Fixed’ technique was developed by a world class German dental technology company, and you have access to this revolutionary technique right here on your doorstep!

‘There will be live streaming to the tutorial room which will also enable us to conduct internet based tutorials, which can be watched from

be fitted to the implants’, Dougie explains. ‘Being chosen as the flagship surgery for ‘Fast and Fixed’ is a real compliment; it is a massive boost to us and it will show other dentists what can be achieved with this technique.’ Douglas Lee Associates was one of the first dentists in the country to acquire the knowledge and skills for the patient-friendly ‘Fast and Fixed’ technique. Dougie has become one of the country’s most experienced practitioners of the same-day tooth replacement system. ‘No-one wants to lose their teeth, but often through nobody’s fault, teeth fail and previously we have had to resort to removable dentures. Dental implants have always seemed wonderful, but until recently there has been no affordable or convenient

“Being chosen as the flagship surgery for ‘Fast and Fixed’ is a real compliment; it is a massive boost to us and it will show other dentists what can be achieved with this technique.” - Dougie Lee

Douglas Lee Associates is a leading dental implant practice and is currently developing modern training facilities to give other UK based and international dentists expertise in implant surgery. Dougie Lee with the help of his experienced team will pass on their skills and knowledge through a specifically designed and equipped training academy and fully functional dental laboratory. Dental trainees will be able to watch through audio-visual systems set 32 2

anywhere in the world. Surgeons watching live can interact with us and see what we do. They will also be able to watch as Mark Roach, the expert technician in our onsite laboratory, creates the teeth to

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BEFORE

way of using them to support a whole jaw, but with Fast and Fixed, there is’ says Dougie.

jaws. Normally in under three hours the surgery is complete, with the patient feeling no pain.

‘It was thought that when implants are used to restore a full jaw, surgery must be staged. Typically, separate appointments are needed for X-rays and CT scans, tooth extractions, bone grafts, implant placements, impression taking and finally fitting the new teeth — it can take over 12 months and cost a small fortune.’

The new teeth are then custommade by Mark Roach, the practice’s on-site dental technician. The patient can now relax throughout the rest of the day in their daysuite. At around 6pm the new teeth are ready and the patient can go home and start enjoying their new smiley look! The recovery time is quick, with few problems, besides minor swelling and bruising, typically associated with simple tooth extractions.

This is no longer the case thankfully, at Douglas Lee they have the latest ground-breaking technology and can now implant a set of teeth within a day, completing in a few hours instead of months. Organisation is the key to make a typical day run as smoothly as possible. Patients scheduled for the treatment are settled into their private en-suite day room, complete with a day-bed and sofa. If not done so already, a Cone Beam CT scan is taken. Usually, patients choose to be sedated so the procedure is anxiety free and absolutely painless. The damaged and infected teeth are removed as gently as possible all while the patient is completely relaxed. Getting rid of germs is very important around the implant sites so a ‘Helbo’ (revolutionary and completely painless laser) is used to eradicate over 99 per cent of all dangerous bacteria, with the help of a marker dye to identify problem areas. The implants can then be placed immediately, usually six in the upper and four in the lower

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AFTER

BEFORE Douglas Lee Dental Associates were the first team in the UK to complete a full set of upper and lower jaw implants within a day which just goes to show their experience and high level of skill. ‘It is an extremely choreographed day, where each professional plays their part. We are very much ahead of the game in this — it is a multi-skilled procedure and we have all the right professionals on our team.’ Most of Dougie’s patients are what he calls ‘youngerolder’ people - middle aged men and women who are fit and able and who don’t want to lose their teeth. ‘Even if these patients had the very best dentures, the negative psychology of losing their teeth is pronounced, they feel they’ve lost some of their dignity. So when they leave the surgery with implants they have a totally different mentality, they feel their teeth are part of them — they are so positive, pleased as punch!’

AFTER

Douglas Lee A S S O C I A T E S Douglas Lee Dental Associates,

115 Whalley Road, Accrington BB5 1BX www.adsk.co.uk/dldp Tel: 01254 237517 33

OPEN

FREE ENTRY AND PARKING

Heskin Farmers Market&&Craft CraftCentre Centre The Farmers Market

TUES - SAT 10AM-5PM SUN 10.30AM - 4.30PM & BANK HOLIDAYS

at Heskin Hall Estate

5 MINS FROM J27 M6, 2 MINS FROM CHARNOCK RICHARD SERVICES

Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 5PA • 07599 831907 • www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

FOOD HALL ~ CRAFTS ~ ANTIQUES ~ TEA ROOM

Relax, dine and shop at Heskin Hall Estate Over 40 shops and businesses including: leading art gallery, high quality butchers, ﬂorist and plant centre, craft studios, food shops, ladies & gents clothing, gifts with a difference, handbags and jewellery, childrens clothing & toys, hair & beauty, furniture, fredericks ice cream, Hoggs of Fife Country Clothing, Ladybird Lounge Craft Cafe and much more…

The Two Birds Tea Room

Check out our website for news, upcoming events, and much more. Why not relax and enjoy our freshly made paninis, toasties, sandwiches, soups and salads made using our fresh local produce. Summer specials and Sangria now available.

Heskin Hall Free Range Butchers www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk We have a wide range of high quality meats and products including beef,

lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, venison, water buffalo and selection of game.

Try our freshly made quality sausages, tasty meat balls, beef burgers, buffalo burgers and stir-fries. Our beef and lamb comes from our own free range herds, 100% grass fed, producing the highest quality meats and the very best natural ﬂavour. All of our other meats and products are also carefully sourced from free range farms and producers.

Bracken Country Clothing A wide range of top quality country wear for both men and women at discounted prices. All sizes available in a wide range of colours. From agricultural use or just for the man or woman who loves the feel and look of the country side. Orders are welcomed and if we don’t have your desired item in stock arrangements can be made to have the item delivered within 5 working days!

Units available, email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

proud of or that impart a vision of the past — a plaque, medals, a painting, anything of yours that you’d like your grandkids to see. Keep photo albums available on a prominent bookshelf or a coffee table.

TOP GRAND-PARENTING TIPS By Dr Lynda Shaw

1. Keep advice to a minimum Having had children yourself, you can use your experience to help your son or daughter but be warned – don’t offer it if you are not asked unless you really feel you need to. Try not to be too dictatorial, they may opt to do things differently which you must appreciate. This new stage means many visitors and lots of attention on the baby so be intuitive and resourceful and offer help when needed. 2. Reward and treat carefully Treating your grandchild and making them smile is what everyone wants. However, buy things in moderation and with the clearance from the parents. Overdoing treats can become more of an expectation rather than a reward. 3. Grand-parenting V. Child Care You may find at times you are asked to be a child carer. It is really important to find the time to spend with your grandchildren. However, know when 36

it’s too much for you and be fair to yourself too. 4. Brainstorm Brainstorm day trip ideas with your grandchild. Let them be involved so you end up doing what they truly would like to do (within reason!). There are lots of things you can do for little money like going for a walk in the woods using a compass and map, having a home-made picnic in the hills, making a campfire in the garden, cooking and arty things. 5. Reading Record yourself reading a few of your favourite children’s books and send the recording along with the books, or make a tape of songs you would sing if you were together with your grandchild for holidays. 6. Share Treasured Keepsakes Don’t litter your home with trinkets but a picture is pretty worthless unless it’s seen. Display the things you are

7. No Favourites This Rule is a Golden One: Do not play favourites amongst your grandchildren. In reality it may be that you do click with one grandchild over another but it is essential that you do not let any preferences show. Children pick up very quickly if they are the favourite or not and it can affect a child’s self-esteem and can result in long-term negative feelings and jealousy between the children themselves. 8. Love To love and accept love from a grandchild is magnificent and inevitably this comes with responsibility. Not the type of responsibility that parents have, but more of being part of a ‘team’ to support the foundations of a healthy child. The young brain develops and changes at an incredible rate whilst learning and soaking up new information and experiences, but this means they are vulnerable to negative input which can have an adverse affect on their well being. This is why a child needs love, encouragement and sensible boundaries in order to mature into a well balanced adult and this is something the whole ‘team’ can help with. However, remember that a team only works well when working together, so agreement and clarity are always needed. www.drlyndashaw.com

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AFFORDABLE, STRESS-FREE, ASSISTED LIVING

The Grange at Buckshaw Set within an award-winning retirement village, your rental package at The Grange offers the ultimate in an assisted living environment, offering you a home from home without any of the worries of day-to-day living. No more housework, no more cooking, no more utility bills – we take care of everything! Your own front door - stylish and comfortable studios and one-bed apartments Mealtimes - daily menu choice of traditional favourites prepared by our chef Health and Community - wide range of wellness, leisure and social facilities Domiciliary Care - on-site care and support packages available for added peace of mind Affordability - no matter what your financial circumstances, we’re here to help

Call Susan NOW for your personal tour on:

0845 094 5050

“

The care here is so good that at 82, I’m enjoying life more than ever before

”

Buckshaw RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Oakbridge Drive, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 7EP

www.buckshawretirementvillage.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK THE HAIRY DIETERS EAT FOR LIFE "We've cooked the recipes in our first book over and over, and they've become much loved standards in our kitchens, along with our other favourite dishes. We enjoy them so much that, like you, we wanted, more so now we've come up with some new ones that we hope you're going to like just as much."

CHICKEN TAGINE WITH PRESERVED LEMONS 391 calories per portion (if serving 4); 313 calories per portion (if serving 5) Saffron, chilli, preserved lemons, coriander - our version of this North African stew is a winner. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragrant, filling and fabulous, so enjoy. You can buy jars of preserved lemons in large supermarkets. METHOD Put the saffron in a measuring jug with the stock cube and pour over the 250ml of just-boiled water. Stir until the stock cube dissolves and set aside. Put the chicken thighs on a board and trim off all the visible fat, then season the chicken with salt and pepper. Slice the preserved lemons into very thin strips, flicking out any pips as you go. Heat the oil in a large non-stick saucepan. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika and chilli flakes. Season with lots of black pepper and cook for 2 minutes, while stirring. Add the 2 tablespoons of cold water and steam-fry for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly until the onions are lightly browned. Add the chicken and preserved lemons to the saucepan and cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes, turning the chicken until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lightly coloured on all sides. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into rough wedge shapes or chucks of about 4cm. Roughly chop the tomatoes and cut the pitted olives in half. Put the potatoes, tomatoes and olives in a large bowl and toss with the herbs and plenty of salt and pepper. Scatter the vegetable mix over the chicken, pour over the saffron stock and cover the pan tightly with a lid. Simmer over a very low heat for 35-40 minutes, without removing the lid, until the chicken and potatoes are tender.

Serves 4-5 Prep: 15 minutes Cooking time: 45-55 minutes pinch of saffron threads 1 chicken stock cube 250ml just-boiled water 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 preserved lemons (size of a walnut in its shell), rinsed 1 tbsp olive oil 2 medium onions, sliced 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced 1 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 2 tbsp cold water 600g medium potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers 3 large ripe tomatoes 50g pitted green olives in brine, drained 20g bunch of fresh coriander, leaves roughly chopped 20g bucn of fresh parsley, leaves roughly chopped flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

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FOOD & DRINK

SAUSAGES AND RICH ONION GRAVY 242 calories per portion Thank goodness, we can still have a dash of the bangers and mash our mothers used to make. If you choose lean sausages with the minimum of fat, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t include this tasty dish on your menu and still drop the pounds. Look for sausages containing about 100 calories each and make sure they’re good quality for the best taste. METHOD Brush a large non-stick frying pan or sauté pan with the sunflower oil and fry the sausages over a medium heat for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown all over. Add the onions to the pan, turn down the heat slightly and fry for 8-10 minutes or until the sausages are cooked and the onions are softened and golden brown, stirring regularly. Pour the stock into the pan, add the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serves 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

Mix the cornflour with the cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pan with the sausages and return to a simmer, then cook for 1-2 minutes more until the sauce is thickened, stirring. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with our lower-cal colcannon.

1/2 tsp sunflower oil

LOWER-CAL COLCANNON

8 lean pork sausages 1 1/2 medium onions, thinly sliced 300ml beef stock, made with 1/2 beef stock cube 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp cornflour 1 tbsp cold water flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

157 calories per portion METHOD Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks of about 3cm. Put them in a large saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until very tender. While the potatoes are cooking, brush the oil over the inside of a large non-stick frying pan and fry the bacon and onion together over a medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until the onion is softened and the bacon is lightly browned, stirring regularly. Remove any damaged leaves from the cabbage and cut in half. Cut out the tough central core and thinly shred the leaves. Add the shredded cabbage to the pan with the bacon and onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened, stirring regularly. Add a tablespoon of water to the pan every couple of minutes to prevent the cabbage burning. Remove from the heat.

Serves 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes 500g floury potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers or King Edwards 1/2 tsp sunflower oil 2 rashers of rindless lean smoked streaky bacon, cut into 2cm pieces 1/2 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped 1/2 medium Savoy cabbage (about 300g) 3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

Drain the potatoes in a large colander and tip them back into the saucepan. Mash with the milk until smooth and season to taste. Tip the potatoes into the same pan as the softened cabbage and stir together over a low heat until hot and well combined. Transfer to a warmed dish and serve.

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FOOD AND DRINK

ALL-IN-ONE SPICY PORK AND RICE 395 calories per portion Serves 4-5 Prep: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

Lean, tender pork with spicy rice and lots of veggies - what more could you want? This is a scrumptiously simple family supper with big flavours that fulfils all your needs. Only problem is stopping yourself eating too much of it! METHOD Heat the oil in a large, non-stick deep frying pan or sautĂŠ pan. Fry the onion wedges over a medium heat for 3 minutes until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re softened and lightly browned, stirring regularly. Season the pork with salt and black pepper, then add it to the pan and stir-fry with the onion for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Add the chorizo, garlic, peppers and beans and stir-fry together for 2 minutes more. Sprinkle with the spices and stir in the rice, then pour over the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring regularly, until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice and pork are both lovely and tender.

2 tsp olive oil 1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges 500g pork tenderloin trimmed and cut into 1cm slices 50g chorizo sausage, skinned and cut into 5mm slices 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 red and 1 orange pepper, deseeded and sliced 100g green beans, trimmed and cut into short lengths 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp hot chilli powder 150g easy - cook long grain rice 750ml chicken stock, made with 1 stock cube flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

CREAMY PRAWN KORMA 273 calories per portion (if serving 3); 205 calories per portion (if serving 4)

Ready in no time, this korma will satisfy your takeaway yearnings. Rich, creamy and satisfying - absolutely prawnographic. METHOD Heat the oil in a medium non-stick deep frying pan or sautĂŠ pan and stir in the onions, garlic and ginger. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the onions and garlic over a medium heat for 10 minutes until pale golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and stir in the curry paste. Cook for a further minute, while stirring then add the water and bring to the boil. Lower the heat slightly and simmer for 8-10 minutes, uncovered, until the liquid has reduced by half and the onions are very soft. Remove the pan from the heat and, using a stick blender, blitz to a smooth sauce. Stir in the cream and sugar, season with a little salt and put the pan back on the heat. Add the prawns to the pan, bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the prawns are completely pink and beginning to curl. Sprinkle the fresh coriander over the top, stir well and serve the korma immediately with a small portion of rice. 40

Serves 3-4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20-25 minutes 1 tbsp sunflower oil 2 medium onions, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, finely sliced 20g chunk of fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped 3 tbsp Korma curry paste 500ml cold water 2 tbsp double of single cream 2 tsp caster sugar 400g peeled raw tiger prawns, deveined if necessary and thawed if frozen 20g bunch of fresh coriander, leaves roughly chopped flaked sea salt.

LIGHT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH RASPBERRIES 147 calories per portion Everyone needs some chocolate from time to time so we had to come up with a chocolate pud for this book. We’re happy with this one - see what you think. It’s a little indulgence from us to you with our love and has mercifully few calories!

Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...

Serves 6 Prep: 10 minutes plus cooling and chilling Cooking time: 5 minutes 100g plain dark chocolae (70% cocoa solids) 300g low-fat ready-made custard, preferably fresh 3 large egg whites 150g fresh raspberries 1/2 tsp icing sugar. METHOD

Bury Market, winner of BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards (Best Food Market) really has it all.

To make the mousse, break 95g of the plain chocolate into pieces and place these in a large heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water until almost melted.

With over 350 stalls open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday you will find our friendly traders sell everything you need for making delicious home-cooked meals.

Remove the bowl carefully from the pan and stir the chocolate with a wooden spoon until it’s smooth. Leave to cool for about 15 minutes but don’t let the chocolate set.

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

Stir the custard into the melted chocolate until smooth. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric whisk until fairly stiff but not dry. Stir a third of the egg whites into the melted chocolate mixture with a large metal spoon to loosen, then fold in the rest. Divide the mixture between 6 dessert dishes or coffee cups. Cover them with cling film and chill for at least 1 hour. When you’re ready to eat, take the dishes out of the fridge and uncover them. Tumble a few raspberries into the centre of each one, dust with sifted icing sugar and grate the remaining chocolate over the top. Serve this on the day of making.

Bury Market Tel: 0161 253 6520

: @BuryMarket

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

Please note: this recipe contains raw egg whites.

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Louise Berry

Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate

Why planning for the future is crucial at any age... Cassell Moore comments on the importance of having a will to ensure your loved ones and assets are protected. 42

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“One in three people in the UK die without making a will” according to Louise Berry, head of wills, trusts and probate at the North West based law firm. “This is a shocking statistic, particularly given how hard most people work to earn a living for a significant period of their lives. “However, it seems that despite working hard to build their futures not everyone considers their legacy and ensures the correct people receive their wealth after they are gone.”

Completing a will with Cassell Moore guarantees: � You can set out exactly who you wish to benefit and when � You can choose your executors, the people in charge of administering your estate � You can appoint guardians for your children � You can look at ways to minimise inheritance tax � You can make arrangements for your business (if you own one), to maximise tax savings, and to ensure that your business interests are transferred to the correct individuals as smoothly as possible � You can protect a share of your estate for vulnerable beneficiaries who you might not want to receive large sums of cash outright, for example children or disabled beneficiaries � You can protect beneficiaries who are going through matrimonial or financial difficulties, such as divorce or bankruptcy

you are living together) unless you are married or in a civil partnership. “In short, relying on the intestacy rules may not give you or your family what you want. In my area of work, I have unfortunately come across many distressing situations for my clients which could easily have been avoided if a carefully drafted will had been in place. “A will ensures that after you are gone, your family aren’t left with any costly and unnecessary headaches, which is why completing one should be an essential part of your wealth planning strategy.” Louise Berry has specialised in Wills, Trusts and Probate work for over 10 years. She advises on all aspects of Inheritance Tax Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work. Louise has a wealth of experience in devising Will structures for complex family circumstances and business owners where bespoke Wills and Inheritance Tax Planning are required.

� You can rest assured that your wishes will be carried out “Don’t assume that these matters will be taken care of if you haven’t got a specially prepared will in place” says Louise. “Dying without a will means that your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy rules. These rules are sometimes overly complicated and do not, for example, provide anything for partners (even if www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

For more information, visit cassellmoore.com or email louiseberry@cassellmoore.com. You can also telephone on 0151 375 9970. 43

What’s On ... Things to do around the Northwest

4th September to 4th October 2014 JERSEY BOYS Jersey Boys tells the true life story of four boys from the wrong side of the tracks who wrote their own songs, invented their own unique sound, and sold 175 million records worldwide. Featuring hit after legendary hit. Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester. M1 6FT (Map) Phone: Booking Number - 0844 871 7660 General Enquires - 0871 977 3801* 5,6,7 September 2014 Nantwich Food & Drink Festival The Nantwich Food and Drink Festival is one of the few UK food festivals based in a town centre and in this case, what a town! This lovely town has one of the largest collections of historic buildings in Cheshire, with Elizabethan, Georgian and Victorian architecture throughout the town centre, and the 14th century St Marys Church, considered by some to be one of the finest medieval churches in the whole of England. 11th October Michael Palin presents a brand new two-part stage show coming to The Auditorium at Echo Arena on 11 October, looking back at twenty-five years of exploring the world and nearly fifty years in radio, television, books and films. Ticket price £33.00 Echo arena liverpool Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4FP Box office 0844 8000 400 12th October ELAINE PAIGE This new headline tour, in some of the UK’s most beautiful theatres, will encompass Elaine Paige’s monumental career, with songs from the world of musical theatre and her hugely successful recording catalogue. The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester. M2 3WS General Enquires - 0871 977 3808 TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW CALL 0844 847 2277 17th October 2014 AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Arriving direct from London’s West End. Sashaying Royal Academy-trained burlesque bombshells slip into exotic character as smoothly as they slip out of the most exotic couture costumes ever to grace the stage. Manchester Opera House, Quay Street Manchester. M3 3HP 44

Manchester Food and Drink Festival returns to Albert Square from September 18th to 28th, don't miss out.

Booking Number - 0844 871 7660, General Enquires - 0871 977 3802 18th October 2014 THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Starring fabulous male harmonies, stunning female vocals and the supremely-talented Magic of Motown band, the fast-moving production honours the Motown legends that brought the world to its dancing feet. Manchester Opera House, Quay Street Manchester. M3 3HP Booking Number - 0844 871 7660, General Enquires - 0871 977 3802 18th October 2014 Joan Rivers Quick..before they close the lid (seriously this could be IT) JOAN RIVERS RETURNS TO THE UK! The international treasure that is Ms Rivers will be returning to the UK in 2014 for a series of rare performances, including a date at The Auditorium at Echo Arena in what promises to be the hottest ticket in town.

Joan will be bringing her distinctive, irreverent brand of comedy to The Auditorium at Echo Arena on 18th October, performing two shows: Early show 6pm Evening show 9pm Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Tickets £33.50/£38.50 Echo arena liverpool Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4FP Box office 0844 8000 400 21 to 26 October 2014 RIVERDANCE 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Winter Gardens Blackpool 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL Alternatively call our booking line on 0844 856 1111 (booking fees apply). 23rd October 2014 DEAN FRIEDMAN Dean Friedman first delighted UK audiences with his chart topping hit, Lucky Stars. Invite family and friends

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5th December 2014 to 4th January 2015 at the Opera House, Manchester

SNOW WHITE STARRING PRISCILLA PRESLEY & WARWICK DAVIES!! The highlight of the Christmas calendar with this year’s Pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Packed with brilliant slapstick, hilarious comedy, stunning sets & sensational songs, our panto has become a must-see Christmas tradition. Manchester Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester. M3 3HP Booking Number - 0844 871 7660 General Enquires - 0871 977 3802

and join us for an evening of powerful, poignant and hilarious songs about the extraordinary lives we share. The Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire. SK1 1SP. Booking Number - 0844 815 4873. General Enquires - 0871 977 3811 25th October 2014 IL DIVO The record-breaking classical crossover group return to Manchester to perform tracks from their latest album A Musical Affair - the quartet’s first compilation of songs inspired by Broadway shows including Phantom of the Opera, Carousel and West Side Story. Phones 4u Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR. TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW CALL 0844 854 1355 26th October 2014 MIDGE URE Midge’s shows in 2014 will reflect as ever his full career, including solo songs such as If I Was, and Ultravox songs from Vienna up to new songs from the brand new Ultravox CD. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ General Enquires & Booking 0844 815 4873 127th October NEIL SEDAKA Sedaka is one of the most prolific songwriters around with a catalogue of over 1,000 compositions including ‘Oh Carol’, ‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen’, ‘Solitaire’, ‘Calendar Girl’, ‘Little Devil’ and ‘Next Door To An Angel’. The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester. M2 3WS General Enquires - 0871 977 3808 TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW CALL 0844 854 135 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2014 LEE EVANS Due to phenomenal demand, Lee Evans has announced a third Echo Arena Liverpool date on 30 October! Tickets £33.50 Echo arena liverpool Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4FP Box office 0844 8000 400

31st October 2014 JIMMY CARR Jimmy’s been described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy’. Which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive. It’s like being the ‘Tallest Dwarf’ or the ‘Healthiest Glaswegian’. Really not that big a deal. ‘Funny Business’ is Jimmy’s brand new stand up show. King George’s Hall, Northgate. Blackburn. BB2 1AA. Booking Number - 0844 847 2277. General Enquires - 0871 230 2204 1st November 2014 MADAMA BUTTERFLY Back by overwhelming public demand, this award winning Opera returns with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. Manchester Opera House, Quay Street Manchester. M3 3HP Booking Number - 0844 871 7660, General Enquires - 0871 977 3802 1st November 2014 THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular starring live in person The Rat Pack Trio The Rat Pack Orchestra The Fabulous Vegas Show Girls This has to be one of the best and most fun totally live shows available in Europe today. Oldham Coliseum Fairbottom Street, Oldham, Lancashire. OL1 3SW General Enquires - 0871 230 2203 3rd November 2014 Madama Butterfly (Puccini) STARRING CHISINAU NATIONAL OPERA AND PHILHARMONIC One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heartbreaking story of the beautiful young Japanese… Tickets from £16.50 to £33.50 The Grand Theatre Blackpool Box Office Telephone 01253 290190 33 Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 1HT

2nd November 2014 THE DRIFTERS The most spectacular show to date as we present The Optimum Tour, featuring the current line up Pierre Herelle , Michael Williams , Ryan King and Carlton Powell . Including songs such as Under The Boardwalk , Saturday Night At The Movies, Up On The Roof , Think Twice and many more. Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester. M1 6FT Phone: Booking Number - 0844 871 7660 General Enquires - 0871 977 3801 5th November 2014 CHRIS RAMSEY Following a sell-out spring run, Celebrity Juice regular and star of BBC Two’s Hebburn extends his tour into autumn 2014. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ General Enquires & Booking 0844 815 4873 6th November 2014 PAOLO NUTINI Scottish singer songwriter Paolo Nutini will end his UK tour in Manchester. His most recent album, Caustic Love, was released in April 2014 and went straight in at number one, quickly reaching platinum status. Phones 4u Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR. TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW CALL 0844 854 1355 11th November 2014 THE SPECIALS Coventry legends THE SPECIALS have announced a UK tour for 2014 which sees them celebrate five years since they first reformed. Hit singles include “Too Much Too Young” and “Ghost Town” both reaching #1 in the UK! O2 Apollo Theatre, Stockport Road, Ardwick Green, Manchester, M12 6AP Booking - 0844 847 2277 General Enquires - 0871 977 3804 13th November 2014 LET’S HANG ON - MUSIC OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS The award-winning production Let’s Hang On takes you on a musical journey

through the prolific career of one of the most successful bands of all time – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. King George’s Hall, Northgate. Blackburn. BB2 1AA. Booking Number - 0844 847 2277. General Enquires - 0871 230 2204 15th Nov 2014 to 10th January 2015 ALADDIN Your wish has been granted … the mischief returns to Oldham Coliseum next Christmas with our traditional pantomime Aladdin . Oldham Coliseum Fairbottom Street, Oldham, Lancashire. OL1 3SW General Enquires - 0871 230 2203 18th November 2014 THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET SWAN LAKE With instantly recognisable music and a timeless story of good against evil, Swan Lake is the greatest of Romantic ballets in this family orientated ballet featuring an impressive cast and live orchestra. The Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire. SK1 1SP. Booking Number - 0844 815 4873. General Enquires - 0871 977 3811 19th November 2014 PASSENGER Passenger was originally a five-person band, but later this became the solo project of founder Michael Rosenberg. His most successful single was released back in 2012 “Let Her Go” reached Number 2 in the UK and Number 1 in seven other countries. O2 Apollo Theatre, Stockport Road, Ardwick Green, Manchester, M12 6AP Booking - 0844 847 2277 General Enquires - 0871 977 3804 21st November 20144 PAUL HOLLYWOOD Get Your Bake On will see Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood demonstrate recipes, reveal some of the secrets of being a TV chef and take the audience on a journey through his life in baking. King George’s Hall, Northgate. Blackburn. BB2 1AA. Booking Number - 0844 847 2277. General Enquires - 0871 230 2204 21 to 22 November 2014 LEE MACK ‘HIT THE ROAD MACK’ The multi-award winning star of ‘Not Going Out’ and ‘Would I lie to you?’ Lee Mack is going back on the road with his first live tour in four years and will be appearing at the Opera House, in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Saturday 22 November 2014 at 8pm. Tickets £27.50 Winter Gardens Blackpool 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL Alternatively call our booking line on 0844 856 1111 (booking fees apply).

25th to 29th November 2014 EDWARD SCISSORHANDS New Adventures magical production of EDWARD SCISSORHANDS has carved a place in the hearts of thousands across the world since its premiere in 2005. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ General Enquires & Booking 0844 815 4873 29 to 30 November 2014 VINTAGE AND HANDMADE FAIR Its going to be a two day spectacular of design, vintage, entertainment and music, a vintage tearoom and lots of handmade goodness. There will be 100 handpicked stalls selling the northwest and beyond finest designer, makers and collectors vintage, gifts, clothes, handmade toys, accessories, artisan food, art, cards and home wares Winter Gardens Blackpool 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL Contact info Dotty Delightful at craftyvintagefairs@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07960856950 http://www.sanctuarymoon.co.uk/trulyscrumptious-fairs.html 2nd December to 11th January 2015 SHREK THE MUSICAL Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester. M1 6FT. Phone: Booking Number - 0844 871 7660 General Enquires - 0871 977 3801 5th December 2014 to 4th January 2015 CINDERELLA Will Cinderella meet her prince? Will Buttons save the day? Will the Ugly Sisters EVER be beautiful? ... Jump into your pumpkin coach and head to The Plaza to find out! The Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire. SK1 1SP. Booking Number - 0844 815 4873. General Enquires - 0871 977 3811 10th to 31st December 2014 SNOW WHITE PANTOMIME Embracing the traditions but updating them to appeal to the young – experiencing their first taste of theatre – & the more mature – recalling their treasured memories of pantomimes past. Snow White is a classic fairy tale told in a contemporary and entertaining way for all members of the family and not to be missed. King George’s Hall, Northgate. Blackburn. BB2 1AA. Booking Number - 0844 847 2277. General Enquires - 0871 230 2204

26th February 2015 MERCURY - THE ULTIMATE QUEEN TRIBUTE Mercury have firmly established themselves as one of the world’s most authentic tributes to Queen. The show includes fantastic performances of the most popular Queen hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You & more. Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester. M1 6FT. Phone: Booking Number - 0844 871 7660 General Enquires - 0871 977 3801

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Farmers Markets: Want to take a taste of Lancashire home with you? Wander round a traditional Lancashire farmers’ market where the local characters will be only too happy to give you advice on how to cook your ostrich meat or to suggest what goes best with your chutney. 9am – 1pm at St Chad’s church hall and is the perfect place to pick up some scrumptious local produce. You’ll find a great selection of fresh fruit and veg, bread and locally reared meat. Tel: 01253 883 470

(01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014) 1st Sunday of the month 8am-2pm Great Harwood Farmers Market Town Hall Square, Great Harwood Blackburn, Lancs BB6 7DD. A lively market held on the first Sunday of each month between 8am-2pm on the historic Towngate square in the centre of Great Harwood between Accrington and Blackburn. Lots of stalls selling all kinds of high quality fresh local produce. Tel: 01254 380980. (01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014) 3rd Sunday of the month 10am-2pm Whalley Village Food Market 62 King Street, Whalley, Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 9SN Nestling in the heart of Ribble Valley, Whalley is one of England’s most attractive villages; immersed in history and boasting award winning shops and eating establishments offering a distinctive choice. Tel: 01254 823923 (01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014) Markets take place on the 2nd Saturday of the month, except for January. 9am-1pm Thornton Farmers Market Marsh Mill Village, Fleetwood Road North Thornton, Cleveleys, Lancs FY5 4AE. Around fifteen stalls of seasonal, local and regional produce at this local farmers market. Tel: 01772 815629. (01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014) The market takes place the 4th Saturday of each month. 9am - 1pm. Poulton le Fylde Farmers Market St Chad’s Church Hall, Vicarage Road Poulton Le Fylde, Lancs FY6 7BE. Poulton Farmers Market is held on the fourth Saturday of the month from

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(01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014) Market takes place 1st Saturday of each month. 9am-1pm Penwortham Farmers Market Farmers’ Market organised and run by parishioners from St Mary’s Church in Penwortham. St Mary’s Church Hall, Cop Lane Penwortham, Preston Lancs PR1 0SR Tel: 07947 035 994

Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value. Located off J2 of the M66 and with over 350 stalls open every Full Market Day it’s easy to find and even easier to enjoy! Bury Town Centre is also home to the Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bury Art Gallery.

3rd Thursday of every month. Lytham Farmers Market Clifton Street, Lytham St Annes Lancs FY8 5ER A traditional farmers market where you can find locally and regionally produced food and drink. Tel: 01772 690 377. (01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014) 1st Saturday of the month 9am-3pm. Kirkham Lancashire Market Market Square, Kirkham, Preston Lancs PR4 2SD Monthly local market selling cheese, fruit, meat, puddings, pies and crafts. 1st Saturday of the month. Tel: 07974 622 343. (01/01/2014 - 31/12/2014) 1st Sunday of the month - 9.00am- 2pm Helmshore Farmers Market Helmshore Textiles Museum Holcombe Road, Rossendale Lancs, BB4 4NP Over twenty stalls of locally grown and sourced produce. You can expect produce to be fresh and great value for money. Tel: 01706 214271. 2nd Saturday of the month Mere Brow Farmers Market Homestead Farm, Wiggins Lane Holmeswood, Lancs L40 1UJ Local produce for sale each month including fruit and veg, speciality meats, dairy product, pies and preserves. Indoor tearoom also open. Tel: 01704 212 734

Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays “Winner National Coach Tourism Awards” Coach Friendly Shopping Destination of the Year “Winner NABMA’s” Best Market Attraction

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

COMPETITIONS

WIN A 3 NIGHT HALF BOARD

HOLIDAY FOR 2

AT A CHRISTIAN GUILD HOTEL OF YOUR CHOICE Christian Guild hotels the very best SIMPLY FILL IN YOUR DETAILS TO BE provide ENTERED INTO in Christian hospitality in some of the OUR PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A HOLIDAY FOR 2 most AT beautiful parts of THE CHRISTIAN GUILD HOTEL OF YOUR CHOICE. England. NAME:................................................................................................

Our five superb hotels a warm welcome and are perfect places .......................................................................................................... to get away from it all. ADDRESS:........................................................................................... o er POSTCODE:........................................................................................ TEL:.................................................................................................... EMAIL:................................................................................................ Closing Date for entries 30/1/15 and winner notified by email or post. Please tick this box if you do not want to receive further correspondance from Christian Guild Holidays. PLEASE TICK IF YOU WOULD LIKE OUR NEW 2015 BROCHURE.

CHRISTIAN GUILD, 2ND FLOOR, BUILDING 10, CROMFORD MILLS, CROMFORD, DERBYSHIRE DE4 3RQ.

e: mail@christianguild.co.uk

www.christianguild.co.uk to

50 Plus Competition

Est.1923

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

WIN a 5 day Robinsons Holiday for 2 people in 2015 Win a Robinsons Holiday to either the Abbey Lawn Hotel in Torquay, the Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne or the Ocean View Hotel on the Isle of Wight. The prize is for a five day holiday for two people. Prize is valid between 15th February 2015 and 26th October 2015 - excludes Easter 2015. Simply choose one of the dates from our 2015 main brochure, a copy of which will be sent to you upon publication. Prize includes half board accommodation and coach travel from any pick-up point in our main brochure. Holiday itinerary is as per relevant brochure tour for chosen date. Prize is subject to availability and is non-transferable, non- refundable and has no cash redemption value. Prize can not be auctioned on any website or used or offered as a prize for any other competition or as a gift or incentive. Prize is not for re-sale. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Name:....................................................................................................... Address:................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................. Postcode:.................................................................................................. Tel:............................................................................................................. Email:........................................................................................................

Return to Robinsons Competition McGrath Media Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street, Bolton BL3 2QG.

Closing date for all entries is 31st October 2014. Winner notified by email or post.

SEPTEMBER Sat 27th

OCTOBER Sat 4th

BUGLE BOY D-DAY TOUR

Weds 8th

SALLY MORGAN

Psychic Sally On The Road Mon 13th

HA HA HOOD AND THE PRINCE OF LEAVES Starring Su Pollard

Fri 17th

JIMMY CARR

Funny Business (Over 16’s only)

Sat 18th

SENSATIONAL 60’S Herman’s Hermits, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Dave Berry, The Union Gap UK & The Ivy League

Wed 29th Fri 31st

THE SOOTY SHOW THE DREAMBOYS The UK’s top male glamour show (Floral Hall)

NOVEMBER Sat 1st

5,4,3,2,1 IT’S THE MANFREDS In Concert, Maximum Rhythm n Blues

Fri 7th

Tues 11th

THE ELO EXPERIENCE

* 0844 871 3021 (Mon - Sat: 9am - 10pm: Sun 10am - 8pm) www.atgtickets.com/southport* *Subject to booking & transaction fees

Wed 12th

DECEMBER Tues 2nd

CHRISTMAS WITH THE RAT PACK

Fri 5th

LET’S HANG ON

ERIC & LITTLE ERN Direct from the West End - A fantastically funny homage to one of Britain’s greatest comedy double acts

STONES IN HIS POCKETS Multi Award Winning comedy by Marie Jones

HALFWAY TO PARADISE The Billy Fury Story

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Celebrating 50 years of Number 1 Motown hit singles

Tues 30th

Sat 8th

JOHN MAYALL’S 80TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

A Celebration of the music Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Sat 6th

DAWN FRENCH

30 Million Minutes Tour Fri 14th

JOE LONGTHORNE Wed 10th

Sat 15th

KEN DODD’S

Festive pre-show meal available (Floral Hall)

Happiness Show Sun 16th

GREGORY PORTER Grammy Award winning Jazz vocalist

Mon 17th - MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Wed 19th A heart-warming muscial, based on the festival family film Fri 21st

VAMPIRES ROCK

REMEMBER WHEN AT CHRISTMAS

Fri 12th - SLEEPING BEAUTY Sat 3rd Jan Fantastic family pantomime

FABULOUS CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS FROM £21.95

The Final Countdown Tour

Includes glass of bubbly on arrival, festive 3 course meal and bar & DJ until 1am

Sat 22nd

THE DRIFTERS

Fri 12th & Sat 20th

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES

Sat 13th

Wed 26th

PAUL HOLLYWOOD

JIVE TALKIN’ 70’S PARTY NIGHT

Fri 19th

BACK TO THE 80’S EXTRAVAGANZA!

Get Your Bake On Fri 28th

THE HOLLIES

And for those who had to work throughout December...

Sat 29th

MARTY WILDE’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PARTY

Sat 3rd Jan

With Eden Kane, John Leyton, Nancy Ann Lee with The Wildcats (Floral Hall)

BOX OFFICE OPENS Mon - Sat 11am - 4pm FLORAL HALL, CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS & ACCESS BOOKINGS 01704 500036

POST CHRISTMAS DISCO PARTY FROM £19.00 Includes meal & disco

Why not book one of our Exclusive Private Party Packages or indulge yourself with an ALL Inclusive Private Party, lunch and dinner dates available.

GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3041

Manchester Ship Canal Cruise

Over a hundred years of history in just one day

trip aboard the Manchester Ship Canal Cruise offers a heritage day out with a difference, taking in over 100 years worth of history along the 35 mile stretch, passing through locks and under bridges mostly unchanged since they were built over a century ago. Marvel at the historic buildings, industry, fields, houses and the wide open space of the Mersey estuary surrounded by nature’s beauty and tranquillity. The journey offers an awe-inspiring sense of how the canal’s construction shaped the cities, and the people, of Liverpool, Manchester and the North West of England - linking the counties of Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. For many the Manchester Ship Canal was a place of work, from the gangers who originally carved out the canal to sailors aboard ships carrying cotton from America to feed the bustling mills of Manchester. But for many, the canal holds vivid youthful memories of adventure

and excitement. American wartime ships would often pass up and down the canal, prompting excited local children to flock to the locks and call up for foreign sweets, chocolate and fruit to be thrown from the decks. “Any gum chum?” the children would call to the passing American sailors in hope their bounty would be fortunate enough to make it to land. The Manchester Ship Canal Cruise sails from Liverpool, Wirral and Salford Quays and on most cruises there’s also an additional opportunity to enjoy a two and a half hour stop-over before return transfer by coach. These stop-overs allow time to take in the sights, have a bite to eat, do a little shopping or simply enjoy the culture. Once you’ve finished your day of cruising you will return to your point of departure by dedicated coach transfer.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM JUST £36 PER PERSON For more information please visit merseyferries.co.uk or call 0151 330 1444

special promotional feature

Hailed ‘the garden by the sea’, Southport’s jewel in the crown has to be its annual Flower Show. These include: • Renting on an Assured (Lifelong) Tenancy – Girlings’ most popular option: renting with all the security of ownership without the capital outlay. •

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Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring...

ty Spec er

Without doubt, the best property decision you may ever make... 55+? Did you know you can rent private retirement property on a Life Long Tenancy which gives you the right to remain living in the property for as long as you wish, with service charges and maintenance included in the rent?

0800 525 184 www.girlings.co.uk

ent prop m

Girlings Retirement Rentals, the market leader in retirement renting, has a range of properties available in the Southport area and is offering people a greater choice on how they can secure their perfect retirement home by offering a range of new living options designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s older generation.

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

ists in le ial

Southport has a reputation as a great place to retire. The town bills itself as England’s ‘classic resort’. While it’s not far from the benefits of a city like Liverpool, Southport residents can enjoy its quiet charm by the coast. With parks, gardens and a wonderful twenty-two miles of sandy coastline, Southport is perfect for nature lovers. Whether you’d like to visit the protected sand dunes or admire the fantastic birdlife, Southport is sure to have something to please everyone.

Peter Girling, Chairman of Girlings Retirement Rentals comments: “We know that deciding where and how to live in your retirement years is a big decision, which is why we are always looking at new ways to help as many people as possible find peace of mind in a property ‘suitable for their needs’ in later life. The alternative to owning your own home is of course renting and for many people, this option provides flexibility as well as convenience. We offer attractive and flexible solutions that suit different peoples’ needs and budgets in retirement. We welcome the chance to discuss the choices with our existing and future customers.”

ng retire tti

The show is a particular highlight in the calendar of ‘things to do’ for not only residents in the area, but also for everyone with an interest in the latest ideas and designs for home, gardens and lifestyle. The Show takes place from 14th – 17th August 2014 and will be opened by Anton Du Beke. With a whole host of exciting events scheduled over the four days, including chef demonstrations, competitions, a food festival and, of course, the beautiful show gardens, there will be plenty of fun for everyone.

Renting on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy – available at a lower rent for a shorter period, with no commitment beyond the initial term.

Peace of Mind Independence Flexibility Choice

Paul Tyrer & Jamie Clark for April in Paris Ltd, Jane Walmsley and Michael Braham for JAM Pictures, with Derby Theatre Present

Shobna Gulati and Joe McGann in

Written and Directed by John Godber

£19.00* - £21.00* | £17.00* - £19.00* conc * includes £1.00 fee per ticket.

BILL KENWRIGHT

BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH AGATHA CHRISTIE LTD PRESENTS

£23.00* - £27.00* | £21.00* - £25.00* conc * includes £1.00 fee per ticket.

HEALTH

WHEN YOUR PARENT BECOMES YOUR CHILD The Alzheimer’s Society (2012) estimates that more than 670,000 people in the UK are acting as primary carers for loved ones with dementia, but this is putting dangerous levels of pressure on families who are already under excessive strain according Cognitive Psychologist Dr Lynda Shaw. Dr Shaw says: “Psychologists have charted the development of a growing child and their relationship with their parents for many years but there is little talk of the psychological effects of adult children becoming carers for their parent despite the huge strain on the carers which can affect their own mental state, finances, relationships, work and family. What is being underestimated is that the carer’s mental health is at risk and this depends on a myriad of factors such as their physical health, age, social support, level of resilience and cultural background.” It is nothing new that we are expected to look after our elders across many cultures, but as we are living longer what is new is the extent which we are needing to do this whilst balancing an ever increasing complex lifestyle. The figures are staggering. The population of older people in the UK is increasing and is only set to continue so that by 2034, 23% of the population is

projected to be aged 65 and over, compared to 18% aged under 16. Currently there are 800,000 people in the UK with dementia but it is thought this number is likely to be an

Witnessing our loved ones lose their memory is distressing and often frightening. We may not all have to suffer the same fate. Join the thousands of people around the world taking part in the clinical trial for an investigational medication that may help to provide the answers we need to better understand memory loss.

If you are aged 65–83 and are in good physical and mental health, you may be eligible to participate. For more information call our support team on 01253 444 451 or text ‘memory’ free to 81025

2014-2015

This research study is being conducted at MAC Clinical Research, an award winning health care organisation developing pioneering new treatments through clinical research. For more information about MAC Clinical Research and to find out where your nearest research centre is please visit www.researchforyou.co.uk. This study has been approved by the MHRA and an independent ethics committee. Other inclusion criteria will apply.

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underestimate. Three in five people will be carers at some point in their lives in the UK and carers save the state some £119 billion a year (Carers UK and the University of Leeds). “Often people become carers for all the right reasons; they love their parent and want to support them as they were supported as a child. However, older people often need care around the clock and this wears the carer down. The carer may become exhausted, frustrated and even isolated from their normal social and working network. The effect can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety.”

Are you struggling to cope by yourself at home? Give yourself some well earned support in the comfort of your own home

So how can we help ourselves as carers? “Not being caught by surprise and being informed about the challenges and difficulties a loved one with dementia may face helps a carer with their role. The carer themselves having support and respite is crucial to being able to keep up the role as care-giver. Knowing that you are not alone and not being afraid to ask for help are also key.” Shaw says that carers can feel overwhelmed by the responsibility and how they can meet the needs of their parent as well as the rest of their family. Being a full time carer for a loved one can take its toll both mentally and physically. Shaw advises carers should try not to feel guilt if they need to prioritise their own family or they need to enlist outside help because of their work or other commitments.

TIPS FOR CARERS 1) Having a team of carers, perhaps with you at the helm, can ensure you are giving the best care to your loved one. Create a rota so everyone knows what the routine will be and so that there are no blank times when your loved one is alone when they shouldn’t be. 2) Talk to your family GP and ask about what help is available to you and your family and contact carers help groups to get further support. 3) Talk to your own family and discuss the issues so that everyone including your own children know what the situation is and how things may need to change. 4) Remember to enjoy spending time with your loved one. Laughing uses up the same amount of energy as crying. Try to keep upbeat and talk about what is happening outside of your caring role and about fun things you did together and perhaps can still do.

Introducing Delta Care Just imagine how great life would be if you could remain in your own home whilst receiving care from highly experienced and trained staff. Services we offer: l Personal care l Sitting service l Shopping service l 24 hour care l Respite care l Reablement care l Dementia care l End of life care l Handyman service.

Simply call us today on

01704 500048

for a free home visit to discuss your needs.

5) Get respite when you can. If you are exhausted you won’t be of use to anyone and then the whole house of cards will come tumbling down.

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93 Tulketh Street, Southport PR8 1AW e: admin@deltacare-ltd.com www.deltacare-ltd.com

HEALTH

earwax, glue ear or a build-up of fluid due to an ear infection, a perforated ear drum or a disorder of the hearing bones

Symptoms include: ♣ Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say ♣ Asking people to repeat themselves ♣ Listening to music or watching television with the volume turned up high

Millions of people are affected by Hearing loss

♣ Difficulty hearing the telephone or doorbell

It is estimated that more than 10 million (about 1 in 6) people in the UK have some degree of hearing impairment or deafness.

Treating hearing loss

♣ Regularly feeling tired or stressed, due to having to concentrate closely while listening

The way hearing loss is treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, there are several options that may help to improve a person’s ability to hear and communicate. These include: • digital hearing aids

Why it happens Hearing loss is the result of sound signals not reaching the brain. There are two main types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem lies:

• Sensorineural hearing loss – caused by damage to the sensitive hair cells inside part of the inner ear called the cochlea or the auditory nerve; this occurs naturally with age or as a result of injury • Conductive hearing loss – when sounds are unable to pass from your outer ear to your inner ear, often as the result of a blockage such as

•

middle ear implants – surgically implanted devices suitable for some people who are unable to use hearing aids

•

cochlear implants – small hearing devices that are surgically implanted inside the inner ear for people who find that hearing aids are not powerful enough

• lip reading or sign language - such as British Sign Language (BSL) Hearing loss is a common problem that often develops with age or is caused by repeated exposure to loud noises. by Matthew Bibby.

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TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TINNITUS Do you suffer from Tinnitus? Tired of being told there is nothing you can do about it? Come and talk to our experienced professionals and learn about the options available to you. TINNITUS SUPPORT AND ADVICE FREE HEARING TEST

FREE TINNITUS DVD GIVEAWAY

WAX REMOVAL

For more information or to book an appointment call us 01253 855 205 Prentice Professional Partners 134 Victoria Road, Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 3LG www.ppphearing.co.uk Email: hello@ppphearing.co.uk

CONTROL YOUR TINNITUS WITH COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT Did you know 10% of adults in the UK have some form of tinnitus? Which equates to around 6 million people. Roy Evans, a Tinnitus Counsellor for Prentice Professional Partners, has a solution that could help you. As a member of The British Tinnitus Society, Roy has been running a successful hypnotherapy and counselling clinic for three years. Recently joining the team at Prentice Professional Partners Roy said “It marries state of the art technologically advanced hearing aids with what I believe to be the most comprehensive tinnitus counselling in the UK. There is nobody else offering this service in the UK and we are all very excited about the prospect of finally offering a solution to many thousands of people.”

Just because there is no cure for tinnitus doesn’t mean there is no solution. “As a tinnitus sufferer for over 30 years I didn’t realise I had a problem until recently. Somehow I had subconsciously habituated to the sound I was hearing and was subsequently unfazed by it. Of course the sound was still there but when I heard it I always assumed it was something else. It was the central heating or traffic noise or some other ‘outside’ disturbance. When I became aware that it was in fact tinnitus I immediately suffered with anxiety about it and, as a result, the sounds became louder and stressful.” Roy’s unique treatment at PPP Hearing is based

around teaching people to habituate consciously and to teach them many different methods of relaxation. The objective of the treatment is to change the person’s attitude towards their tinnitus and to significantly reduce their stress and anxiety. When negative feelings and attitudes are changed for a more positive one the tinnitus is seen as less intrusive and troublesome in their lives. They also perceive the sound to be reduced and in many cases it doesn’t bother them at all. To find out more about Tinnitus counselling at PPP Hearing please contact us on 01253 855 205 or email hello@ppphearing.co.uk

reduced by 50% to avoid further risk of disease and death4. • Stay hydrated: Having a glass of water before and after a meal can make you feel fuller, helping to prevent overeating. Water is also essential for removing toxins from the body, aiding concentration and boosting energy levels! • Shop with a list: You are more likely to keep weight off and stay healthier if you go shopping with a list, as you are far less likely to succumb to those special deals which are great for your purse or wallet, but not so good for the waist line.

Highlighting Public Health: The Obesity Crisis in the UK Understand Your Risk Factors with Life Line Screening. As a nation, it appears that we are becoming more overweight. With the number of obesity cases tripling in the last 25 years, it’s no surprise that this growing health concern has taken centre-stage in recent news stories. Researchers now warn that obesity is reaching worrying epidemic proportions and that over 50% of England could be obese by 20501. Why are health officials so worried about obesity? Being overweight puts people at an increased risk of a wide range of avoidable health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes. Recent research suggests that last year, there were 163,000 new cases of diabetes and that the increase is largely due to the rise of obesity2. There is also growing concern about the increasing burden on the NHS, as obesity-linked health conditions are said to cost the NHS over £5 billion per year3. 58

The good news is that practicing a healthy lifestyle can help to improve or prevent obesity and its associated health problems. Dietitian and health coach Andrew Wilson is working with Life Line Screening to help people make little changes to their diet which can have a big impact on their health. “Diet and lifestyle habits play an important part in preventing obesity and substantially reducing our risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes. There are simple ways you can improve your diet without cutting out the foods you love altogether; it’s about developing healthy habits that will help you stick to a new routine.” Top Tips to Prevent Obesity and Achieve a Healthy Weight: • Cut your sugar intake by half: Sugar has recently been framed as the number one enemy in the western diet. It’s reported that refined sugars offer zero nutritional value and contributes to obesity. Doctors suggest sugar levels need to be

• Beware of ‘fat-free’ or ‘low-fat’ labels: These foods usually contain more sugar or salt than their full-fat versions in order to make up losing the flavour from fat! Swap ‘bad’ fats found in processed foods (e.g. biscuits and crisps) with ‘good’ fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish. These heart healthy fats keep your bloods vessels in good condition and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. • Get active: Exercising can help to boost your metabolism – making it an easy and natural way to maintain a healthy weight! Try to incorporate more physical activity into your day by using the stairs instead of the lift, getting off the bus a stop earlier or parking your car further away from your destination. • Get checked: A health screening is a good way to learn more about the status of your health so that you can tackle any issues and make positive lifestyle changes with the help of your GP. Life Line Screening offers a range of reliable, affordable and preventive health screening services including heart disease and type-2 diabetes risk assessments, carried out by a team of highly trained healthcare professionals. For more information visit: www.lifelinescreening.co.uk.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Discover what care could mean for you

Choosing the right care means understanding all your options. That’s why we offer free advice on elderly care to the people that need it – whether you have questions about yourself, a friend or family member. Our team of specially trained advisors are on hand to answer questions on all aspects of elderly care. It’s free, you don’t need our health insurance and lines are open 7 days a week.

To discover what care could mean for you

Call

0333 331 7760†

† Lines open Monday and Friday, 8am – 8pm and Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 5pm. Calls to 03 numbers from any line are charged at no more than local rates and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles.

OPEN

FREE ENTRY AND PARKING

Heskin Farmers Market&&Craft CraftCentre Centre The Farmers Market

TUES - SAT 10AM-5PM SUN 10.30AM - 4.30PM & BANK HOLIDAYS

at Heskin Hall Estate

5 MINS FROM J27 M6, 2 MINS FROM CHARNOCK RICHARD SERVICES

Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 5PA • 07599 831907 • www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

FOOD HALL ~ CRAFTS ~ ANTIQUES ~ TEA ROOM

The Two Birds Tea Room

Why not relax and enjoy our freshly made paninis, toasties, sandwiches, soups and salads made using our fresh local produce. Summer specials and Sangria now available.

Heskin Hall Free Range Butchers We have a wide range of high quality meats and products including beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, venison, water buffalo and selection of game. Try our freshly made quality sausages, tasty meat balls, beef burgers, buffalo burgers and stir-fries. Our beef and lamb comes from our own free range herds, 100% grass fed, producing the highest quality meats and the very best natural ﬂavour. All of our other meats and products are also carefully sourced from free range farms and producers.

Bracken Clothing Heskin Country Barns NOW OPEN A wide range of top quality country wear for both men and women at discounted prices. of the centre including New extension All sizes available in a wide range of colours. From agricultural use or just for the man or woman who loves the feel and look of the country side. Orders are welcomed and if we don’t have your desired item in stock arrangements can be made to have the item delivered within 5 working days!

Wine Cellar, Mediterranean Tile Company, Vintage Vogue Collectables & Reclamation Yard.

Units available, email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

came home to take it over. The rest is history!”

David Barrington: “I was brought up around the funeral business, our family home was where the cars were parked so when growing up I spent most of my time playing in limousines and hearses and for a young boy these cars were quite exciting. However when I was 11 years old my mum became ill, she had a fast growing brain tumour. Three months later she died, there was nothing that the doctors could do to help. I was devastated, my world had fallen apart and I felt very alone. Unfortunately, although my dad was in the funeral business, he didn't have any idea how to deal with a grieving child. I left home to go to college when I was 18 and at that stage had no intention of ever going into the family business. Six years later though, I had been made redundant and my dad wanted to retire. He offered me the business and I

“Our aim is to stay very much in touch, and enthusiastically so, with the way funerals are going and keep abreast of what people now want. Today, 21 years on - our business is run with my wife, me and a small team focusing on every aspect of a persons' life and the wishes of that family in great detail. I now also teach the National Diploma in Funeral Directing to active funeral professionals to aim to push the standards within the industry higher and higher.”

be entertained and involved and good coffee always on the go. Our aim is for one person to look after a family from the first point of contact to the day of the funeral and often for a time afterwards too.”

“It is my family's business to look after your family at a difficult time and we consider this a very important role indeed.”

“We believe the service and contribution we can offer here at Barrington's, makes us stand out from the crowd. Just listening, effectively building a relationship of trust with family members and understanding how reassurance and communication can help.” “Our arrangement rooms are light and contemporary with a relaxed atmosphere, neutral yet inviting, which can be a huge help when families want to meet and talk. We have a children's toys box for small hands to

PROUD TO BE LOCAL AND INDEPENDENT l

Family Owned and run by David and Claire Barrington

All aspects of Funeral Planning and advice

Wide range of Ashes Caskets and Keepsakes

In-house printing.

We are dedicated professional Funeral Directors based in north Liverpool who provide a personal service to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are here to help and advise in any way we can. We would be happy to discuss any questions you may have at our funeral homes, by phone or in the comfort of your own home, to arrange an appointment please call us:

0151 928 1625 Barrington’s Independent Funeral Service 28 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool, Merseyside L22 4QF. www.barringtonsfunerals.co.uk

Only Funeral Director’s in Merseyside to be included in this book!

Asmall Hall Care Home

“Excellence Comes as Standard”

Providing Short Term or Long Term Care for adults including Day Care. Our 17th Century, prestigious building set in 5 acres of gardens and, opened as a care home more than 20 years ago. Whilst retaining its many original homely features and comforts, we have adapted to provide a luxury, caring facility. Situated within 2 miles of Ormskirk centre, only half a mile from the bus stop makes us within reach of many other community activities by mini-bus or taxi. Inspection invited without obligation where some of our devoted staff have worked at the home since its opening in 1991. We at Asmall Hall pride ourselves in the delivery of high quality, Person Centered Care by providing regular training and supervision for our staff as we aim to maintain and continually improve our services for your benefit.

A Quality Service is the only acceptable one! Proprietors and Managers are Mrs. Jennifer and Mr. Allen Chapman with Unit Manager Mrs. Tracey Farrington. To achieve and enhance our high standards of care on a continual basis, we are working towards the National ‘Gold Standard Framework’ for end of life care.

• Open Visiting • On Site Chapel/Prayer Room • Own Minibus for use of regular outings • Full social calendar (by our activities co-ordinators) • Own Hairdresser Asmall Hall prides itself in offering home cooked food wherever possible and choice of menu is available including special medical diets as medically prescribed and the majority of bedrooms are single although we also offer 3 double rooms, if this is desired. Short term care is available if someone is recovering folloing surgery or hospital stay and requires that extra support in the time whilst they recover enough to live independently again at home. Registered and caring for both male and female clients we offer a relaxed but staff competent environment including Qualified Nurses on duty for each 24 hour period with the majority of Care Staff having N.V.Q. qualifications or equivalent. Registered and inspected regularly for the Quality Standard BS EN ISO 9001:2002, Asmall Hall Management are continually looking to improve the delivery of care standards to ‘Best Practice’ levels.

Tel: 01695 579548

QUALITY GUILD

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

Photographs by kind permission of our customers

Large showroom open 7 days 10am to 4pm