Southport Flower Show 2012 by 50 Plus Magazine

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW 2012

LEN GOODMAN & ARLENE PHILLIPS Celebrity faces of Your Personal Best Campaign inspiring millions to live and achieve a more active lifestyle A 5 STEP RETIREMENT PLAN FROM

TOM’S TOP TIPS

TO REDUCE YOUR GARDENING WORKLOAD

RICK STEIN

FREE

Please t

ake on

SHARES HIS FAVOURITE RECIPES

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CONTENTS TRAVEL & LEISURE

Inside this issue ... 40-41

28-31

Wirral Food Festival Bank Holiday fun for the whole family

8-9

Coach Tours 2012 Robinsons own hotels.

Cruise for the ﬁrst time Experience the Celebrity difference on board

Bury Markets A great day out.

FOOD & DRINK 21-23 Rick Steins' Recipe Pages Rick's favourite recipes.

46-47

HEALTH 42-43 TIA or Mini Stroke What to look for. 46-47 Should you be paying your care home fees? Act now before it’s too late.

21-23

McGrath Regional Media. Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops | Gladys Street Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

‘Take it Easy’

Tom’s top tips to reduce your gardening workload. As lawns are time-consuming, reduce the size of it by creating a perimeter pathway in either paving or gravel. This can often reduce the size to your lawn by 50% or more without it looking small. Create a flat edging round the lawn to act as a mowing strip – this reduces lawn edging time. A pathway between the lawn and borders allows access even in wet conditions without damage to the lawn and no muddy feet! This makes pruning, picking and dead heading much easier. If the borders are wide, create stepping stone pathways amongst the plants. This again makes easy access even in wet weather. Seating areas can be created within the borders to give purpose to the pathways. Regularly mulch all soil areas with bark or wood chippings. Do not use a membrane as this prevents the mulch decomposing into the soil. This should reduce weeding. Where it is possible, create raised beds. These are easier maintained when bending to ground level is not as easy as it used to be! Relax on the patio on a Summer’s evening with your favourite tipple! Study the size of your permanent planting – trees, shrubs, perennials etc. and try to recall what size they were last year. This enables you to anticipate what will happen next year and you can decide if you need to prune or remove certain plants to stop overgrowth which can spoil appearances and, eventually, lead to complete removal and replacement which is both costly and time-consuming.

Best tip – Have HOMESCAPES design and reconstruct your garden to suit your personal tastes and future needs!

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GRAHAM SMITH TWITTERING ON ROAD RAGE

LAST TWEET

I always pull aside for a bus in the middle of the road, it’s bad for your health not to. But recently the lady driving too close behind me took exception and threw a dippy ﬁt.

A quick return to Twitter and my great favourite Jimmy Cricket just showed why it can be worthwhile.

You know the stuff, waving fingers in the air, casting aspersions on your parentage, veering from side to side and threatening the lives of passing pedestrians. I could see all this in my mirror and the bus driver had a look of horror on his face that a woman by herself was behaving like that. I drove on after giving her a return wave, well it was similar to a wave, but the barmy person still kept pursuing me like a frustrated Lewis Hamilton. After half a mile I turned smartly left and parked outside our local police contact point. I waved and invited her to join me to discuss her obvious affliction. She declined and proceeded to wave both hands in the old wartime salute leaving the car to steer itself. Scary stuff. I must make sure my rear machine gun is working in future, I can’t stand road rage.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? You couldn’t make it up. There are moves afoot to change the name of the picture postcard Austrian village whose name is equivalent to an English profanity. The village of F***ing, north of Salzburg, has lived with the name since the 18th century. Its German meaning came originally from a Bavarian nobleman, Focko, who founded the settlement in the 6th century. The current spelling was spotted by English soldiers after the last war and since then British tourists have flocked there to have their pictures taken by road signs. So popular did the village become that they eventually had to concrete the signs in place to deter thieves.

His tweet? “ No wonder the pandas in Edinburgh Zoo aren’t mating. They’re fighting. Take another look at them. They’ve both got two black eyes.”

THE DRAIN BRAIN I should probably be grateful to have a house with a water feature but I don’t think mine is going to make the Sunday newspaper Ideal Home pages. For some years now, when it rains, we have a beautiful fountain which cascades up from the pavement outside and then gushes musically down the grate. Trouble is half of it then gushes into our cellar before being chucked out again by the pump we had to install. Bradford Council are perplexed. They once sent along a very senior officer for land drainage who produced form his pocket two modern, state of the art divining rods. After walking up and down the street like a demented American witch doctor he proudly announced that the water turned left at our house. We knew that! They put coloured dye down the drains outside the chip shop 100 yards away and convinced us that the pavement fountain would turn yellow within the day. This would prove that the water was coming off the nearby moor’s water course. Four years later we’re still waiting for the dye to come through and plan to keep piranhas in the cellar before calling the official back. Recently our water feature became perfumed. A definite scent of eau de canal pervaded the living room at various times of day. Even the dog looked at us suspiciously from behind her gas mask so we decided it was time for the council again.

Couples have been spotted romping naked in front of the signs and local entrepreneurs cashed in by selling F***ing postcards, F***ing Christmas cards and even F***ing beer!

They sent a very pleasant man who thought next door’s waste pipe could be leaking into our cellar. Well why not, everything else was?

F***ing Mayor Franz Meindl said the last straw was the number of telephone calls to residents from English people asking in English, “Is that F***ing?”

He introduced himself to the neighbours and put yellow dye down their loo and then red dye down ours. There was a firm promise that we would see the dye come up via the cellar pump within 24 hours. If it was yellow it was their smell, red and it was ours. Of course none appeared. The smell comes and goes now and the highly qualified officials have decided it must be “ingressing” through the walls.

“It’s all become too much,” he said, “The only problem is we need all the F***ing residents to agree to the name change.” I couldn’t possibly comment!

If you’re in Bradford and see a man walking down the street covered in yellow and red dye with a divining rod sticking out of his head you know the problem is ongoing.

wirral food festival 2.pdf 1 07/08/2012 15:41

Bank Holiday Family Festival Sunday 26th August 10am - 5pm Monday 27th August 10am - 4pm Claremont Farm, Junction 4 M53 PARKING FREE Adults £4 / Children £1.50 Family £10

Over 140 Producers & Stalls Live Chef Demonstrations including Nisha Katona, Wirral’s own “Curry Evangelist” Beer and Cider Tent Wirral Farmers’ Market Marquee Award Winning Mini Sheep Show Children’s Big Top Village NEW Good Life Marquee Liverpool ONE Style Bus & much more

Free shuttle bus to & from Spital train station

www.wirralfoodfestival.co.uk Find us on Find onon Findusus

50 Plus Travel

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VISIT THE NEW FOREST The New Forest is undoubtedly one of the treasures of Southern England. This unique area, with picturesque villages, bustling market towns and winding country lanes, is a perfect and relaxing environment for a short break. William the Conqueror created the New Forest as a deer hunting area in 1079 and today the 219 square miles of National Park is made up of a well cared for mixture of forest, pasture and heathland. The environmental impact of tourism has to be carefully balanced and the whole forest has a 40 mph speed limit with lots of designated car parking areas. Subsequently a car journey through the New Forest becomes a delightful, stress-free, animal spotting drive with plenty of opportunities to see the famous ponies at close quarters and perhaps a few deer. As you would imagine, the New Forest is a paradise for walkers and cyclists alike with miles of splendid walks and traffic free cycle routes. This area has many attractions including awardwinning gardens, museums and historic houses. More information on things to see and do here is available at www.thenewforest.co.uk

Beaulieu

Not only is Beaulieu a charming village, it is of course home to the famous National Motor Museum founded by the present Lord Montagu. It had been far too long since I last visited and I was looking forward to spending the day at one of the UK’s leading tourist attractions 10

By David Powell, Travel Journalist

where over 350,000 visitors pass through the gates every year. The Beaulieu Estate includes the Palace House and Gardens and Beaulieu Abbey. The Palace House has magnificent rooms and history comes alive with Victorian costumed guides giving an insight into the workings of a Victorian household. After a trip on the high level Monorail around the grounds and a ride on the replica 1912 London bus, I was keen to view the treasures of the National Motor Museum. There are over 250 cars on show, from the early vintage models, family cars of the 30’s and 40’s, through to classic cars of the 70’s and 80’s. Historic F1 and rally cars and Donald Campbell’s Bluebird are all on show. All the vehicles are in a fabulous condition, even down to Del Boy’s faithful 3 wheeler and the flying Ford Anglia seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I was amazed to come across a couple of ‘bubble cars’ and even an orange on wheels! There’s now also two great exhibitions - James Bond, with genuine cars from some of the films and World of Top Gear, not to be missed!

Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

Exbury and Lepe are situated on the south-east fringe of the New Forest and Exbury is dominated by the world famous gardens created in the 1920’s by Lionel de Rothschild. My visit to Exbury Gardens started with the beautiful 2 mile drive called Summer Lane and I was able to pull in a couple of times to look at the ponies and admire the views. Exbury is a spectacular woodland garden with a famous collection of rhododendron’s, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and plants. Also on site is a plant centre, gift shop

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A fantastic ride through the gardens in immaculate carriages pulled by a wonderfully preserved locomotive - great fun! woodland lodges and the entirely separate Caravan CL site. Near the lodges and main house there’s a heated swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and short tennis court available.

Woodland Lodges

The stunning woodland lodges are uniquely hidden within their own little glen. They are exclusively for adults and sleep two. Each lodge has been carefully designed internally by Brett and Sue to a high standard and have been given lovely names such as ‘Forget Me Not’, ‘Mistletoe Mansion’, ‘Bramble Lodge’ and the ever popular ‘Love In The Mist’. Lodges have all mod-cons including WiFi, wet rooms, comfortable bedrooms, lounge/diners and a fully equipped kitchen. With adequate heating provided they can also be booked during the winter months for a romantic break away. I found the private Village Green tucked away to the rear of ‘Honeysuckle Lodge’ provided with a BBQ and garden seating. I also came across a small deer who looked at me for a brief moment before heading off into the nearby woodland, wonderful!

Bed and Breakfast and tea rooms with plenty of free parking. I must say, for me the steam train was the highlight of my visit. A fantastic ride through the gardens in immaculate carriages pulled by a wonderfully preserved locomotive - great fun!

Little Paddock

My short break was made complete with a stay at an exclusive, luxurious getaway at the edge of the New Forest near Ringwood. Owned and run by Brett and Sue Jones, Little Paddock is a perfect location for a well earned break or special occasion. Brett and Sue’s attention to detail and customer service is amazing. Sue told me that they have many guests returning year after year and after experiencing a short break here myself I could easily appreciate why. Little Paddock is essentially made up of three accommodation components. There’s the award winning 4 star bed and breakfast, the 4 star luxury self-catering

The B&B accommodation consists of 3 luxurious bedrooms available for guests with each room having a seasonal theme to the décor. My room was called Autumn - peaceful, relaxing with en-suite, bedroom and comfortable separate lounge area. I had seen the Visit England Breakfast Award plaque near the newly refurbished lounge area and couldn’t wait to try a full English! I wasn’t disappointed, with Sue’s homemade bread on the side, the breakfast was in a class of its own! The New Forest’s picturesque villages and wonderful scenery left me with memories of a special atmosphere and a sense of timelessness ... not to mention of course Brett’s breakfast!

INFORMATION Little Paddock Call 01425 470889 or visit www.little-paddock.com Exbury Gardens www.exbury.co.uk Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Palace, Gardens & Abbey www.beaulieu.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.

Cruise For the First Time

Cruise holidays continue to be in great demand. An estimated 2m people will take a cruise holiday from the UK this year. If you're new to cruising, looking for cruise tips or cruise advice then read on. A cruise holiday is a unique way to escape from the rigours of everyday life and to explore many different destinations in one of the most relaxing ways imaginable. It offers you an extraordinary variety of activities and entertainment, plus an exceptional quality of dining. And of course, if you simply want to escape, there’s plenty of opportunity to do absolutely nothing at all.

wear; smart casual, semi-formal and formal, however it greatly depends on the cruise line you travel with, the dress codes are usually relative to the type of meal arrangements on board, for example NCL Cruises are Freestyle and have no formal evenings and provide buffet meals.

Is the port at the main destination? Usually yes, but in some countries the ships dock in alternative locations. In these cases, the itinerary lists the port in brackets alongside the destination, e.g Rome (from Civitavecchia). Shore excursions are offered from your ship to your destination, with public transport and taxis available for those wishing to explore independently.

Booking a cruise can be like ordering a salad in the States, lot's of choices to make, from dining time to bed configuration, to choice of table size. But by far the most important choice of all is getting the right ship and cruise for your requirements. When booking your first cruise the choices can be daunting and getting it wrong could lead to a disastrous holiday. Make sure you seek out a cruise professional for the best advice!

What type of people go on cruises? The great myth about cruise holidays is that it's just for the older generation. More and more families, couples singles are setting sail on ships that offer a holiday for everyone. Cruising appeals to a wide range of people so there’s a good mix of age groups, families, couples and singles on board. Once again the best advice from the outset is imperative. There are adult only ships, family orientated ships, different classes of ships and the size of ship can matter!

How much luggage can I take? On cruises sailing from and returning to Southampton you can take as many bags as you can fit into your cabin. On fly-cruises you’ll be restricted to the airline’s baggage allowance.

What do I wear? During the day casual wear is ideal with comfortable shoes for exploring ashore. Although cruising isn’t as formal as it once was, passengers still love to dress up in the evening. There are three types of evening

How long do I get at each port? Again this can vary by Cruise line and ship. However, in the majority of destinations you will be able to enjoy a full day ashore. Your ship will usually arrive between 7am and 10 am, departing between 4pm and 6.30pm. A cruise line such as Hurtigruten, operates as a working ship taking Norwegians from port to port thus spends less time at each port. However as the ships are smaller you get the best possible access and cruise to see the wonderful Norwegian Fjords.

Will I be sea sick? For those who haven't cruised before this seems to be the biggest single fear. The vast majority of those customers on their return state most of the time they couldn't even tell they were on a ship. Sea sickness is rare. The shear size of many of these ships makes them stable in all weather conditions. However if you are worried, you can buy tablets that will help. Additionally, ships also contain well-equipped Medical Centres staffed by qualified doctors and nurses 24 hours a day.

So what you waiting for set sail now!

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Experience the Celebrity difference on board

Celebrity Infinity®

MAIDEN SAILING INTO & OUT OF LIVERPOOL

INCLUDES GRATUITES

FREE COACHING TO & FROM PORT

INCLUDES £100 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

At Celebrity, everything is designed for the discerning cruiser! It’s what elevates style to high design. Food to haute cuisine. Service to new heights. Mere luxury into something special. Or days afloat or ashore into life-affirming experiences and adventures. This is the ideal opportunity to experience the Celebrity difference with the convenience of departure from an English port! Enjoy the unique experience of being on board Celebrity Infinity’s® maiden sailings into and out of the 2008 European Capital of Culture, Liverpool.

A Taste of Scotland from Liverpool to Harwich

All prices are per person and include:

5 nights, departing Sunday 1 September 2013

• Coach travel from selected local departure points to Harwich or Liverpool and back to your original departure point • On board accommodation in a shared Stateroom◊ • Full board on board ship • Gratuities on board ship • Exclusive Cruise Connections’ Cocktail Party • Fully escorted

Liverpool / Glasgow / At Sea / Inverness / At Sea / Harwich A Taste of Scotland includes: A tour of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond visiting the villages of Luss and Arrochar, and also free time in Helensburgh. A tour of the Cairngorms National Park visiting Carrbridge, Tomintoul and Braemar. A guided tour of the Glenlivet Distillery is also included INTERIOR STATEROOM from pp*

£699

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOM from pp*

£739

BALCONY STATEROOM from pp*

£849

France, Guernsey & The Emerald Isle from Harwich to Liverpool 6 nights, departing Monday 26 August 2013 Harwich / Paris (Le Havre), France / St Peter Port, Guernsey / Cork, Eire / Waterford, Eire / Dublin, Eire / Liverpool INTERIOR STATEROOM from pp*

£799

CONTACT

Willow Mill, Fell View Caton, Lancaster LA2 9RA

Tel: 01524 771 701 Fax: 01524 771 702

info@cruiseoffers.com www.cruiseoffers.com

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOM from pp*

£849

BALCONY STATEROOM from pp*

£979

P0136

Organised by Cruise Connections, ABTA Y4752, and Omega Holidays Plc, ABTA V4782, all part of the Omega Holidays Group Plc. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability. * The prices stated include an early booking discount of £100pp which is applicable to all bookings received by 5pm, Friday 31st August 2012. ◊Staterooms for single person occupancy are offered, subject to availability, at a supplement. Prices were correct as of Monday 30th July 2012, and can be withdrawn or increased without notice.

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NOW FLET OUT H O L I D AY S

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Memory Lane is a well established coach company offering a high level of service. Our tour programme offers a wide range of UK and Continental Tours to many destinations and represent good value for money. All our Tour coaches are air conditioned for your comfort and most tours include admission with hot and cold drinks available. Our Diner Coaches offer extra leg room as they are full size vehicles. The on board hostess will offer Morning Coffee and Lunch on touring days. All service and coaches are of the highest quality.

2012 2nd EDITION BROCHURE OUT NOW INCLUDING EARLY 2013 TOURS

British & Continental Holidays & Short Breaks 2012 TOURS Date Destination 06 Sep Angers - The Accroche- Coeurs Fest’ 09 Sep Bournemouth 15 Sep Isle Of Wight 16 Sep Dordogne, France 23 Sep Northumberland 24 Sep Blackpool 28 Sep Llandudno 01 Oct Somerset 01 Oct Blairgowrie 05 Oct Jersey By Air 05 Oct Blackpool 08 Oct Torbay 08 Oct Madeira by Air 12 Oct Cumbria - Gilsland Line Dance 15 Oct Bowness on Windermere 21 Oct Looe 26 Oct Torquay 28 Oct Tenby 29 Oct Minehead 05 Nov Bournemouth 08 Nov Paignton 09 Nov Cumbria 09 Nov London 12 Nov Torquay 19 Nov Cumbria 23 Nov Norwich Thursford 30 Nov Llandudno 30 Nov Edinburgh Xmas Mkt 03 Dec Rochester Xmas Mkt 04 Dec Norwich Thursford 10 Dec Folkestone 10 Dec Ostend Xmas Markets 23 Dec Christmas in Dumfries 24 Dec Christmas In Cumbria 24 Dec Christmas in Llandudno 30 Dec New Year in Cumbria 30 Dec New Year in Dumfries

Days 3BB 6HB 8HB 8HB 6HB 5HB 3HB 5HB 5HB 6HB 4HB 7HB 8HB 3FB 5HB 6HB 4HB 5FB 5HB 5HB 5HB 4HB 3HB 5HB 5HB 3HB 4HB 3HB 5HB 3HB 5HB 5HB 5HB 4SMA 5FB 4SMA 4SMA

Hotel Mercure Anges Centre Fuch Hinton Firs Hotel Burlington Hotel Royal Vezere, Le Bugue Victoria Hotel Park House Hotel Queens Hotel Cricket St Thomas Angus Hotel Mayfair Hotel Park House Hotel Seabury Hotel Baia Azul Hotel Gilsland Spa Burnside Hotel Hannafore Point Kistor Belgrave All inclusive Beach Hotel Hinton Turkey/Tinsel Marine Gilsland Ramada Encore London West Kistor Gilsland Spa Hotel Thursford Spectacular Queens Festive Sparkle BW Kings Manor Incl a day in LONDON Thursford Spectacular Grand Burstin 99p Bar Royal Astor Hotel Cairndale Hotel Gilsland Spa Hotel Queens Hotel Gilsland Spa Hotel Cairndale Hotel

Price £299 £379 £399 £685 £415 £249 £119 £395 £279 £445 £189 £298 £769 £155 £329 £395 £119 £269 £235 £279 £269 £199 £199 £214 £269 £199 £199 £149 £299 £199 £185 £284 £359 £399 £540 £359 £385

Single 117 NIL NIL 180 NIL NIL 10 NIL 40 NIL NIL NIL TBA 10 NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL 15 85 NIL 20 50 10 40 75 50 NIL 25 60 15 15 25 60

Diner NO YES NO NO YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Door to Door YES YES YES YES YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

Our Winter/Spring Day Excursion Leaﬂet out end of August ring for your copy or visit our website for details Booking Hotline 01942 728960

www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

2013 Early Tours with Super Low Prices & including Door 2 Door Llandudno ~ 5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Torquay ~ 5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Bournemouth ~ 5 DAYS HALF BOARD DOOR 2 DOOR

DOOR 2 DOOR

Llandudno - the pretty town is set in an attractive bay with a wide and level promenade which gives you a level walk and has all the best shops just a few steps away in Mostyn Street. What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l Afternoon tea daily l Drinks promotion l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver.

Bournemouth is one of the south coast’s most popular resorts with a traffic free sea front. Maybe have a stroll on The Overcliffe Drive which is just 100 yards from the Hinton Firs Hotel which itself is in a garden setting. What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l Entertainment on 3 nights.

DOOR 2 DOOR

Torquay is the stylish resort at the heart of the English Riviera with a real continental atmosphere. The harbour town is the birthplace of Dame Agatha Christie. In keeping with its name, the English Riviera enjoys a mild climate with sandy beaches and coves around every corner. What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l Two day excursions.

QUEENS HOTEL 7 JAN 2013 ......................£159 SS NIL

HINTON FIRS HOTEL 14 JAN 2013 ....................£179 SS NIL 24 MAR 2013...................£228 SS NIL

KISTOR HOTEL 21 JAN 2013 ........£119 18 FEB .... . £148 18 MAR 2013.......£155 .... .... .... .. SS NIL

Gilsland Spa ~ Line Dance Weekend 3 DAYS FULL BOARD

Gilsland Spa ~ Cumbria 5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Folkestone ~ Valentines Day 5 DAYS HALF BOARD DOOR 2 DOOR

DOOR 2 DOOR

Cumbria - the eastern part of the county is moorland and with some great walks, and is close to the border with Northumbria. To the north of both counties is Hadrian’s Wall built by The Roman Emperor Hadrian. The whole area is very scenic and a pleasure to drive through.

What’s included: l 2 nights full board l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l All instruction and dancing l Visit to Hexham.

What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l Afternoon tea daily l Nightly entertainment.

Folkestone is the principal town in the Shepway District of Kent, England. Its original site was in a valley in the sea cliffs.The coming of the railways, the building of a ferry port, and its growing importance as a seaside resort all contributed to its growth. What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast with nightly entertainment and 4 free drinks voucher per person per evening l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l Day excursions (including Day Trip to Ostend).

GILSLAND SPA HOTEL 8 FEB 2013 ......................£145 SS £20

GILSLAND SPA HOTEL 11 FEB 2013 ....................£179 SS £20

GRAND BURSTIN HOTEL 11 FEB 2013 ............ £159 . .... .. SS NIL

Blackpool ~ 3 & 4 DAYS HALF BOARD

Paignton ~ 5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Minehead ~ 5 DAYS HALF BOARD

DOOR 2 DOOR

Blackpool, often head of the table as the most popular resort in the UK, has many attractions along the sea front including the famous Tower that still offers dances every afternoon for a small charge. What’s included: l 3 days / 2 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast plus Sunday Lunch before departing or 4 days / 3 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast l Nightly entertainment l Luxury coach travel, services of our experienced tour driver l A day excursion.

Paignton - one of the most popular resorts on the English Riviera, almost every where around the town centre is a level walk, with a great selection of shops and a pretty harbour with thatched cottages.

PARK HOUSE HOTEL 22 FEB 2013 .......... £109 .. .... .. SS NIL 15 MAR 2013 Cabaret Break £149 .. SS NIL

MARINE HOTEL 3 MAR 2013 ............. £179. .... .. SS NIL

What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast with nightly entertainment l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l 2 day excursions.

DOOR 2 DOOR

Minehead is an attractive and modern little resort on the southern shore of the Bristol Channel. It owed much of its early growth to the GWR (Great Western Railway). What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l 3 nights entertainment l All meals are buffet style l Luxury coach travel l Services of experienced tour driver l Day excursion.

THE BEACH HOTEL 15 APR 2013 ............... £209 ... .. SS NIL

HEATH STREET, GOLBORNE, WARRINGTON WA3 3AD.

the timeless island of

Relax and enjoy Alderneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laid-back atmosphere. Cliff walks with breathtaking views, uncrowded golden beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Genuine hospitality, fine food and wine. Short, regular flights from Southampton airport or via Guernsey.

Tel: 01481 822333

Email: brochures@visitalderney.com

www.visitalderney.com/retired 16

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Alderney, Channel Islands relax on the friendly island

join in our social island

The friendly, laid-back, island of Alderney has plenty to offer with its genuine hospitality, cliff walks with stunning scenery and many beautiful, uncrowded, sandy beaches for swimming or just relaxing.

With a number of clubs and associations, including a challenging golf course, scenic tennis courts and a busy diary of events, there’s always something going on and visitors are always very welcome to join in.

Only one and a half miles wide and three and a half miles long, Alderney, the most northern of the Channel Islands, is situated just off the Normandy Coast in the English Channel. The Island has just over two thousand inhabitants and enjoys a mild climate with a peaceful, natural and totally relaxing atmosphere. The town of St. Anne, with its quaint cobbled streets, is lined by small shops and offers a great choice of friendly pubs, bars and restaurants. Alderney is renowned for its fresh, local seafood, such as lobster and crab, and its excellent cuisine.

discover the natural island The island boasts a rich and varied wildlife and the Alderney Wildlife Trust actively protects and promotes this valuable heritage. The Island has become a true magnet for birdwatchers, ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts who can explore some 70 miles of tracks and walks around the Island. The Alderney Wildlife Trust organises many interesting guided walks, ranging from town walks, history, heritage, birdwatching and nocturnal bat walks. There are also round island boat trips where you can discover Alderney’s marine wildlife and abundant sea bird habitats.

explore the historic island The Island has a fascinating history and a visit to The Alderney Museum provides a thorough account of Alderney’s past. Most noticeable on the island must be the Victorian military architecture, namely the breakwater and the numerous forts along the coastline. Also Nazi gun emplacements and bunkers can still be found, remnants of WWII. Alderney also has the only running railway in the Channel Islands, another reminder of the Victorian times and one of the oldest lines in the British Isles. The railway was constructed in the 1840s by the British government to convey stone from the eastern end of the island to build the breakwater and the forts. The railway now operates on bank holidays and weekends through the summer season along a scenic coastal route from Braye Station near the harbour to Mannez Station on the north-east coast. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Where to stay: there is a good selection of privately-owned hotels, guesthouses and self catering units as well as a pretty campsite. Getting there is easy: the island has its own airport and harbour providing excellent sea and air links. There are frequent scheduled direct flights from Southampton airport, giving a relatively stress free experience of a smaller airport in comparison to the busier airports of London. You can also fly to Alderney from most major British and International airports, via Guernsey or, Jersey (via Guernsey).

TIPS

The currency is sterling and therefore there are no exchange rate issues! Shopping in Alderney is VAT-free and the island‘s duty-free outlets offer excellent savings on tobacco and alcohol

For more information visit www.visitalderney.com 17

Natural looking dentures designed and created just for you. • • • • •

New dentures direct to the public Emergency repairs and relines Implant dentures and ﬂexible dentures Free consultation with discreet care Home visits by appointment

Fully qualiﬁed, registered and insured clinical dental technician with 20 years experience.

Find us on, 104 Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport PR8 3HL Get in touch, T: 01704 578 209 E: manager@denturesolutionsuk.com W: www.denturesolutionsuk.com

Here at Denture Solutions we fully understand the daily problems that wearing a denture can create. Our clinical technician (Andrew Corlett CDT RCS (eng)) and his team of highly skilled technicians and nurses aim to provide a complete professional denture service, with discreet care and understanding of what your needs and expectations are. Our new clinic is modern, clean and comfortable. Using our onsite laboratory enables the team to combine clinical and technical skills together to design and create beautifully handcrafted dentures focusing on comfort, fit and appearance. Andrewsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion and enthusiasm for natural lifelike dentures has helped him created a denture clinic where the finest detail and care are delivered in a friendly family relaxed atmosphere. Andrew has been a dental technician for over twenty years. In 2002 he qualified in Dental Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University. He then studied for three years at the George Brown College a course based in both England and Canada, graduating with his diploma in Denturism. In 2011 he received a diploma in Clinical Dental Technology from the Royal College of Surgeons. At your free initial consultation we will take time to discuss your individual needs and the choices that are available to you, be it complete or partial dentures, flexible dentures, implant dentures as well as denture repairs, adjustments and relines. Our friendly professional staff will guide you through the whole process making your experience a relaxing and enjoyable one. We are based in Ainsdale in Southport and parking is available outside the clinic. Ainsdale Train Station is only a very short walk and the Arriva bus service number 49 and 49a will take you to station road and the bus stop is opposite Denture Solutions.

Call now to book your free no obligation consultation

01704 578209

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

An Award Winning Market Bury Market’s huge selection of fresh food and produce has been praised the world over…but the only compliments we really want are from our customers! At Bury Market you’ll discover over 350 stalls selling everything from fresh food to the latest fashions – and a whole lot more! Bury Market’s traders are here every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for fantastic products, friendly service and always for great value.

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

F O O D

DR I NK

Rick Stein's French Odyssey Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘French Odyssey’ (BBC Books, £25) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours from France.

Warm mussel and potato salad with pistou

SERVES 4

Peel the potatoes and put them into a pan of cold salted water (1 teaspoon per 600 ml). Bring to the boil and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain, return to the pan, cover and keep warm.

350g small waxy potatoes, such as rattes, pink

For the pistou, put the basil, garlic, tomato and Parmesan cheese into a food processor and blend. Then, with the machine still running, gradually add the oil to make to make a mayonnaise-like mixture. Season to taste with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and some black pepper.

750g medium-sized mussels

Put the mussels and 2 tablepoons of water into a medium-sized pan, cover and place over a high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice, until the mussels have just opened. Tip into a colander set over a bowl to collect the juices, and when they are cool enough to handle, remove all but a few of them from the shells. Cover and keep warm. Return the mussel-cooking liquor to the pan and boil rapidly until reduced and well flavoured.

1/4 lemon, for squeezing

Put 4 tablespoons of the pistou into a small bowl and stir in 2 teaspoons of the reduced mussel cooking liquor to loosen it slightly. Mix the frisée with the rocket and divide between 4 plates. Slice the potatoes and arrange them in among the leaves with the mussels. Drizzle over the pistou, squeeze over a little lemon juice and serve straight away, while the potatoes are still warm.

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fir apple or Anya 50g prepared frisée (curly endive) 50g wild rocket

FOR THE PISTOU: 50g fresh basil leaves 3 fat garlic cloves, peeled 1 x 75g vine-ripened tomato, skinned, seeded and chopped 75g Parmesan cheese, finely grated 150ml olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 21

SERVES 4 12-16 cooked langoustines or 100g large freshly cooked peeled prawns 2 medium-sized squid, cleaned, to yield about 250g 450g small mussels, cleaned 2 tablespoons dry white wine 300ml Chicken stock 150g dried linguine 4 tablespoons olive oil 25g plain flour Small pinch crushed dried chillies 25g butter 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and diced 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 20g fine herbes leaves parsley, tarragon, chervil and chives, finely chopped 1 teaspoon lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper

A little rago没t of seafood

with fines herbes, white wine and linguine Peel the langoustines if using. Cut the squid pouches across into thin rings and separate the tentacles into pairs. Set aside. Bring a large pan of well-salted water (1 teaspoon per 600ml) to the boil. Heat a medium-sized pan over a high heat, add the mussels and the wine, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan every now and then, until the mussels have just opened. Tip them into a colander set over a bowl to collect the cooking juices, and, when cool enough to handle, remove the meats from the shells, cover and set aside. Pour all but the last tablespoon or two of the mussel cooking liquor (as it might be a bit gritty) into a small pan, add the chicken stock and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly until reduced to 180ml, then turn off the heat and keep warm. Drop the pasta into the pan of boiling water and cook for 8-9 minutes or until al dente. Drain well, return to the pan with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, toss, cover and keep warm. Season the prepared squid, toss with the flour and shake off the excess. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the squid and a few flakes of the dried chillies and fry over a high heat for about 1 minute until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with another tablespoon of oil, and the rest of the squid and chillies. Now pour the mussel liquor and chicken stock reduction into the frying pan in which the squid was cooked and add the butter and the last tablespoon of olive oil. It will immediately boil. Add the tomato, garlic, fines herbes, langoustines or prawns and lemon juice and toss together very briefly until the prawns have heated through. Add the cooked mussels and squid, and toss together once more for about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from the heat so that the fish doesn't cook any further. Divide the rago没t between 4 small, warmed soup plates and twist some of the pasta into a pile in the centre of each bowl. Serve straight away. 22

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

Fried trout stuffed with sliced ceps, garlic and diced bacon First you need to remove the bones from the fish. To do this, remove the head of each one, and then, working with one fish at a time, start to cut the top fillet away from the bones until you can get the whole blade underneath the fillet. Then rest a hand on top of the fish and cut the rest of the fillet away from the bones until you are about 2.5cm away from the tail. Turn the fish over and repeat on the other side. Then pull back the top fillet and snip out the backbone, close to the tail, with scissors. The fillets will still be attached at the tail. Repeat with the remaining fish. Melt the butter in a large frying pan and as soon as it is foaming, add the bacon and fry briefly until lightly coloured. Add the sliced ceps and the garlic and toss over a medium-high heat for 1 minute until lightly cooked. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Lay the prepared trout on a chopping board and pull back the top fillet of each one. Season the outside of each fish with a little more salt and pepper, then dredge with the flour and pat off the excess. Heat the sunflower oil in one very large or 2 slightly smaller frying pans over a moderate heat. Add the fish and fry for 21/2 minutes without moving them until nicely golden. Carefully turn the fish over and cook for another 21/2 minutes, until golden brown on the second side and cooked through. Lift the fish onto warmed plates. Discard the frying oil (from one of the pans if using two) and wipe the pan clean. Add the butter for the beurre noisette and allow it to melt over a moderate heat. As soon as the butter starts to smell nutty and turns light brown, add the lemon juice, parsley and some seasoning. Pour some of the butter over each fish and serve.

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something for everyone ...

With over 30 shops and businesses including gift shops, traditional sweet shops, florists and jewellers, The Farmer's Market and Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate is a unique retail and leisure destination with something for everyone. Located in the picturesque village of Heskin, off the B5250, and just five minutes from junction 27 of the M6 close to Camelot Theme Park there is easy access for everyone. With free parking and free entry it's your perfect destination for a fabulous day out, The Two Birds licensed Tea Room provides an excellent opportunity for refreshments, offering a range of home made food, soups and daily specials, made from the finest locally sourced produce from within the centre. So why not grab a bite to eat and enjoy a special coffee or hot chocolate with brandy by the cosy wood-burner?

Opening Times Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm & Bank Holidays

FREE PARKING & ENTRY Finalist for Business Woman of the Year & Most Inspiring Business of the Year 2012

Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA

Now Open - The Ladybird Lounge Arts & Crafts Studio with various classes available for all ages and a drop your children while you shop facility.

Rolex, high class diamonds, plus various costume jewellery to suit all We now have: Stressless Beauty salon Hair by Adele - hairdressers Four shops of various styles of ladies clothing Purses, handbags, gloves. Gents clothing and gifts for men - The Loft Global Interiors - large selection of hand made oak furniture Equestrian clothing Local farmed fruit and vegetables Local farmed meat - water buffalo - low cholesterol, venison when available and lots of great cuts and ready prepared meals Deli Vernal at Heskin - new deli all local products

The butcher’s shop presents a daily supply of locallyfarmed meat, grass fed and reared on our own estate for true freshness. We offer the best joints and fillets, a hand -made range of traditional and a variety of sausages and burgers including the virtually fat-free Buffalo Burger a signature special plus daily prepared stir-fries and meal ideas. We have a delectable deli with an excellent range of cheeses, cold meats, Mediterranean accompaniments, and home cooked take home meals. You will also find a fantastic variety of locally grown fruit and vegetables and a fabulous florist. Your shopping and leisure experience is enhanced by a full range of retailers, craft businesses, beauty therapies and the regionally renowned Hepplestone Fine Art Gallery.

Owners, Sarah and Angela look forward to welcoming you back soon! Blackpool M55

A59

Preston

Blackburn

Burnley 6

Chorley Southport

Events - Get the girls together and join us for our ladies evening ‘Catwalk & Cocktails’. Lots of lovely stalls & catwalk by shops within the centre. Thursday 27th September 6pm until 9pm’ Free Entry’ Psychic Evening Have your cards read or how about an Angel Reading, lots of lovely stalls to browse too - Thursday 25th October 6pm until 9pm.

M65

M61

Liverpool

Bolton Wigan

M60

Manchester M6

M62

M60

Warrington

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

Telephone: 07599 831907 Email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk 25 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Various events throughout the year check our website: www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

Tameside Markets Tameside Markets People know selling sellingthings thingsthat thatyou youwant want People you know lti Mu rd a Aw ing n Win

Ashton Market Ashton Market Hall Farmers’ Market open Monday to Saturday

Ground Selling Market local produce

open 7 days a week with over 150 stalls Tuesday The biggest Flea Market in the region Sunday Giant Table-Top Sale and Market

Last Sunday of every month

Stalybridge Hyde Market Farmers’ Market

Selling local Market Hall and produce Market Ground open Monday to Saturday

Ashton Ashton Market Farmers’ Market

Mult i Awa r Winn d ing

Market Hall 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday Last Sunday every month Marketof Ground Open 7 daysSeptember a week Sunday 27th with over 150 stalls Tuesday ‘British Food Fortnights’ The biggest in the region includingFlea ChefMarket Demonstrations Sunday Giant Table -Top Sale and Market

Selling local produce

2ndinside Sunday of and outside The Clarendon Centre every month

Mossley

Farmers’ Market Hyde Market Selling local produce

2nd Sunday of every month

Market Hall & Market Ground 3open Shires Farmers’ Market Monday to Saturday Cheshire - Lancashire - Yorkshire inside and outside The Clarendon Centre

For further information call 0161 342 3268/9 www.tameside.gov.uk/markets or www.shopatashton.com

For further information call 0161 342 3268 www.tameside.gov.uk/markets or www.shopatashton.com

Ashton Ashton

Portland Basin

Museum of the Portland Basin Manchester Regiment

Portland Basin Ladysmith Shopping Ladysmith Centre Shopping Centre Setantii

Hyde Town Museum of the Centre Manchester Regiment & Markets Setantii Museum of the Manchester Regiment

, Chiquitos, Harvester Ashton Moss and Eat Inn Chinese Buffet â&#x20AC;˘ Award winning Farmers Market held on the last Sunday of each month

Arcades Shopping Arcades Centre Shopping Centre Old Town Old Town Outdoor Market Outdoor and Indoor Market Market Hall and Indoor Market Hall

Day

TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE

20/4/11 15:39:57 20/4/11 15:39:57

There’s money up on the roof! Solar energy has become big business and looks like going through the roof for many more years to come. Solar Panels transform daylight into electricity, which homeowners can then turn in to earnings and energy savings thanks to Feed-In Tariffs (FITs). The sun’s energy is absorbed by solar cells in photovoltaic (PV) panels before being converted into electricity. This can then be used in the home or fed back into the national grid.

Solar PV Feed In Tariff Summary Available to anyone generating electricity.

Daylight causes an electric field across layers of silicon in the cells, creating an electric current.

Payments for 25 years after system installation.

Within seconds of reaching the earth’s surface, photons from the sun have become electrons and they are then powering devices in homes across the country.

9% to 11% Return on your Investment.

Earn from Generating, Exporting and Saving A 2kWp system can earn over £500 per year. Your home will also be fitted with a monitoring device to keep track of the total amount of electricity generated by your PV panel Solar system. Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to function and, even on a cloudy day, will generate some electricity. And so, as the daylight hours pass, your earnings will increase. The FITs scheme allows households with solar PV panels to earn money in three ways. Firstly there is the generation tariff, which pays up to 21p for every unit of electricity produced, regardless of whether it is used or exported. Then there is the export tariff – an additional 3.1p paid for every unit exported to the national grid.

Home Solar panel systems are hooked up to the national grid so that any extra electricity created by a Solar panel system can be passed through to the national grid. A fee is then paid by the electricity company for every unit of electricity exported. In the UK, an increasing number of households are switching on to the advantages of Renewable Energy and investing in their own Solar photovoltaic panels. Buoyed by financial incentives set up by the Government and supported by energy suppliers, many see an investment in Solar Energy in the UK as a great way to cut bills and make money. Once a reputable company has installed solar panels, a small device called an inverter will convert the DC into AC power.

Finally there is the added bonus of cheaper electricity bills because you will be using power at the source. In addition to the Feed in Tariff payments, an average household using half of the electricity produced can expect to save over £121 per year on their bills. Solar PV panels can be installed without planning permission, except for homeowners in conservation areas or in listed buildings. In which case, advice should be sought from local councils before going any further. Properties will need at least 8m2 of South, South East or South West facing roof space to fit Solar panels, it is also possible to fit Solar to East or West facing roofs with only a small percentage loss in production. Once connected to the grid, systems need very little maintenance. FITs are paid for by the energy companies and are driven by the Government’s desire to create a sustainable energy mix and reduce climate change effects. The ultimate goal is to increase the total percentage of energy that comes from renewable sources from 2% (in 2009) to at least 15% by 2020.

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It’s little wonder that Governments all over the world have placed their faith in Solar power to create a sustainable future.

While Solar companies take the payments from the power you have generated, you will only make savings on your electricity bills of anything up to 50%.

Power from PV panels is emission-free, renewable and easy and cheap to generate. In fact, it’s just about the perfect energy source. But even better for homeowners and families in the UK – it can make money and deliver huge returns on investment.

Northern Solar has been a fully certified installer since 2006 and together with over 20 years experience in the electrical field. We belong to the Real Assurance Scheme and BRE and are an associate installer of one of the biggest PV companies in the UK, Solar Century. Our Experience over the years have included private (domestic) and commercial installations across the UK.

Thanks to the UK’s drive to cut carbon emissions and move away from using dwindling fossil fuels, long-term financial incentives have been put in place for those who invest in solar. The Government must meet targets set out by the Kyoto Protocol and are willing to reward those who help deliver the environmental promises the nation has made to the world. By aiding the country in its bid to reduce carbon emissions, you could make money for years to come and also significantly cut your energy bills. Don’t just take the Government’s word for it that investing in PV panels is a wise decision. Take a look at the numbers for yourself and you’ll see exactly how you can cash in on PV Solar power. Installing PV panels on your roof will cost around £6,000 for a typical (8 panel) 2kWp system whilst a 4kWp system consisting of 16 panels will cost around £8,000. Taking into account the three ways to earn money from PV Feed-in Tariffs (FITs), this initial sum is likely to pay for itself within a decade of the installation of your photovoltaic Solar system. Given that FITs payments are guaranteed for 25 years, there can be few investments which offer such risk-free, rewarding long-term stability. With almost every sector facing economic uncertainty, even the shrewdest market investor would struggle to find an investment matching this level of security. These figures will likely increase over time as the Feed in Tariff rates are linked to inflation which typically goes up each year, leading to significant savings on energy bills. Larger systems will also produce much bigger returns. Then there is the value a PV Solar system adds to your property. Panels are built to last beyond the 25 year FIT period, meaning the PV panels cost and reward should be factored into the value of your home when you come to sell it on in the future. Other benefits include the fact that Solar panels are noisefree, need little maintenance and can be attached to almost any type of roof surface or can even be ground mounted if you have the space. You may have read in the press that there are free Solar Panels available that allow you to enjoy some of the benefits of Solar for free. However, they work in favour of the installers rather than households and their financial rewards are limited. By allowing a company to put Solar Panels on your property for free, you are effectively depriving yourself of the financial advantages of Solar Energy, namely the Feedin Tariff.

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CASE STUDIES Here what their customers said: Mr C Higginbothan Dear Shaun I should like to thank you for the excellent service that we have had from your company in supplying and fitting solar panels. At every stage in the process we have been very impressed by your expertise and professionalism and that of all your staff. We are pleased with the product and would like to commend the installation team and electrician who were friendly and polite, worked well as a team and were clean and efficient. We have had several enquiries about the installation and have no hesitation in recommending your company to them. Yours sincerely Mr C Higginbotham. Jim and Bev Riley Thanks very much for a speedy job with minimal disruption performed by a friendly installation crew. We’d be more than happy if you wished to use this letter as a satisfied testimonial. All the best for the greener future. Yours sincerely Jim and Bev Riley. (Bev is a deputy head and also had a large PV system installed at the school where she works).

CONSERVATION... THROUGH INNOVATION Northern Solar is an experienced Photovoltaic Installation Company in Liverpool, having been established since 2006. We install small and large scale installations ranging from 1KWp domestic to 31KWp commercial. We can design, install and commission a system that is tailored to individual needs throughout Merseyside and all of northwest England and most of Wales.

Why Go Solar?

The Photovoltaic (PV) systems that we supply are a completely renewable energy source using only the energy of the sun. A PV system allows you to earn money from FITs, as well as lower your energy consumption from un-renewable sources and so lower your impact on the environment and increase the value of your home.

Though buyers may be initially swayed by a lick of paint or a mowed lawn most look past cosmetic improvements to more important factors, such as the condition of the boiler or the quality of the windows. Rising fuel prices and greater environmental awareness are encouraging buyers to pay closer attention to a home’s running costs its impact on the planet.

Rising Energy costs and growing environmental concern have highlighted the need for alternative energy forms. Forward thinking people are now choosing to have their energy supplied by Renewable Technology Systems. In just one hour the sun delivers more energy to earth than the whole world uses in one year, lets harness it.

Whether you’re buying selling or just improving your home, it pays to know how simple changes can affect the value of a property in the long term. New research reveals that many buyers are prepared to pay up to £10,000 more for an environmentally friendly home.

Government and Legislation - The government is starting to take notice and there is a fundamental shift in attitude which has resulted in the availability of Feed In Tariffs (FITs). At the moment you will be paid 21p. This tariff is index linked so will rise over the 25 year period for every unit of electricity produced. A 4Kwp system can earn you over £780 a year and may save you over £520 in energy bills plus £58 earned from the export of unused electricity giving a total earning of £1358 Energy Cost Rises - Any system will provide you with inflation free electricity for at least 25 years. If more electricity is produced from your system than you use you can sell back the excess to your electricity provider. Your Carbon footprint - A typical (4KW) system would save 2.4 tonnes of carbon polluting the atmosphere. Even if you only have a 1 KW system installed your system will still prevent 568kg of carbon being emitted per annum.

Why Go Northern Solar?

As well as making an impact on the environment by lowering your emissions you can also make money on your system with the introduction of the Feed In Tariffs (FITs). Introduced in April 2010, FITs are index linked and government guaranteed for the next 25 years.

• Liaise directly with an approved installer • Very competitive prices • Past customers can be contacted for references and possible installation visits • We pride ourselves in having a proven track record of happy customers • We were the first accredited installer in the Merseyside area • We have an established track record with over 500 installations to date • We have a wealth of experience from a variety of installations • High standard of health & safety implemented • We have excellent standards of customer care • Approachability / Friendliness with a real sense of pride in our work • High standards of quality and service • We do not use any subcontractors on our installations • We are purely a P.V. installation company, not an electrical, building or double glazing company that also install PV as a side line!

FREE SITE SURVEY & NATIONWIDE INSTALLATION Costs of PV How much does Solar PV cost, and how much electricity does it generate? Installing solar PV costs between £5,000 and £9,000 depending on the size of system and your choice of Panels. A typical domestic installation can be anywhere between 1.5 - 4 KWp. An unshaded, south facing 4 Kilowatt system roof can generate up to 3,818Kwp per year. The cost of PV and the installations payback period is dependent on the size (Kwp) of the system you choose. The bigger the system, the quicker the payback period. See table below. At present (April 2012).

System Size

Earns

May Save (on energy bills)

Export

1 Kwp

£195

£130

£14

2 Kwp

£390

£260

£29

3 Kwp

£585

£390

£42

4 Kwp

£780

£520

£58

The savings above are based on the government SAP calculations.

Feed in Tariffs System Size

Amount Earned per Kwh

Number of Panels

0-4Kw

21p

0-16

4-10Kw

16.8p

16-40

10-100Kw

15.2p

40-400

Tariffs correct on 1st April 2012.

ACT NOW AND GIVE US A CALL TODAY

Tel. 0151 523 1133

Email: admin@northernsolar.co.uk Northern Solar, Unit 11 Brookfield Business Park, Muir Road, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AR.

Or visit our website www.northernsolar.co.uk

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Planning to retire? TheRetirementCentre.com specialises in helping people over the age of 50 through the challenging process of retirement for free. We are able to offer market leading products and services across the market. From maximising your retirement income through our free annuity service, to getting the best deal on your broadband or utility bills, we have it covered. So whether you are thinking about retiring or are already enjoying your retirement, TheRetirementCentre.com is here to help you save £££’s on everything you’ll need in retirement.

To start you off we have prepared this quick 5 step guide to help you through the key points... Step 1 - Set out a budget

Step 2 - Claim your state pension

One of the most important things is to make sure you have enough money to live on comfortably. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to work out all of your monthly out-goings and record these against your forecast retirement income.

You will receive, a letter from The Pension Service outlining details of your state pension, if you haven’t received this letter a month before you reach state pension age contact The Pension Service on 08456 060 265.

Step 3 - Notify Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs

Step 4 - Complete the Pension Coding form

This is an important step as HMRC need to be able to make a few adjustments so that in most cases you stop paying National Insurance, pay the right level of tax and receive the tax free allowances that you are entitled to.

Step 5 - Shop around for your Pension Income An Annuity turns your pension into income for the rest of your life. The amount you will receive depends on a large range of factors for example your age, health and where you live. It is very important that before accepting your pension company’s offer that you shop around. By shopping around you could find that you increase your income by up to 40%. TheRetirementCentre.com can help you shop around through our Annuity Service we can compare quotes from the whole market for free. To ﬁnd out more visit www.TheRetirementCentre.com or call 0800 652 7696 (Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm).

The HMRC will send you a Pension Coding form (P161) one month before you reach state pension age. You will need to complete it and send it back. If you don’t do this you may not be considered for increased age associated tax-free allowances. If you haven’t received this form - or have misplaced it contact HMRC on 0845 300 0627.

At TheRetirementCentre.com, we understand that retirement can be a complicated time. With so much to think about, wouldn’t it be great if you could find all of the help you need in one place?

To find out more visit www.TheRetirementCentre.com

THE GARDEN BY THE SEA Hailed ‘the garden by the sea’, Southport’s jewel in the crown has to be its annual Flower Show.The show is a particular highlight in the calendar of ‘things to do’ for not only residents in the area, but everyone with an interest in the latest ideas and designs for home, gardens and lifestyle. The Show takes place from 16th – 19th August 2012 and is held in 34 acres of Victoria Park. Events include birds of prey displays and food and book festivals as well as a whole host of talks and lectures held in the Grand Floral Marquee. 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. 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.

These include: •

Renting on an Assured (Lifelong) Tenancy – Girlings’ most popular option: renting with all the security of ownership without the capital outlay.

•

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

•

‘Try before you buy’ - rent for six months with the option to purchase at the end of this period or switch to an assured tenancy.

•

Purchase – most properties are now available to buy (through a third party estate agent) as well as rent, and there are one and two bedroom properties available in the region.

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.”

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

“Without doubt the best property decision we have made!”

Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring 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

Peace of Mind Independence Flexibility Choice

ARE YOU ONE OF THE SANDWICH GENERATION? In 1957, Harold McMillan told the British public ‘we’d never had it so good’ and it was true we were enjoying better health and prosperity. Inevitably, this led to longer life spans, and the phenomena of the sandwich generation. At the beginning of the 20th century, around 6% of people in their sixties still had one parent living. Today the figure is around 50%. At the same time, in 2000, 52% of young adults were living with their parents, and this figure is still rising. This has led to a situation where couples coming up to retirement are caring for ageing parents, while still supporting their adult children. This is the sandwich generation, worrying about financing their own retirement, their parents and their children. While many 80 year olds are still healthy and hearty, there are many who need constant care and attention, resulting in huge stress levels for those responsible for them. If you’re one of these, it’s time to take stock and explore all avenues which could help.

CARE IN THE HOME It may be that care in the home is the preferred option, and this is where you need to spend time making sure that all available help from your local council is fully explored, and a correct assessment of necessary care is arrived at. Check out the Care Quality Commission. This is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It registers care services that meet standards and make constant inspections to check that these standards are kept and take action if standards fall. Direct Payments are a Government initiative designed to give people the freedom to purchase their own care and support, so since 2002 all Social Services departments offer the option of a Direct Payment to people who receive a social care and support service. Following an assessment by their local Social Services the person receiving the direct payments can use the money for different types of services. These include: • Personal care and support • Day care (including domestic help) • ‘Mixed’ packages of support • Short-term respite care • Live-in Care • Items of equipment Direct Payments can also be used for employing a ‘personal assistant’ or arranging care from a private care company. There are many benefits to Direct Payments – they allow a greater level of flexibility and freedom for the person who needs the care and support. By employing a care and support worker 34

They provide care and support for everything from personal care, to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact, everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home. Their whole approach is very person centred. Your care plan will be tailor made for you. They will listen to you and establish your needs whilst always respecting your wishes throughout. A Care Worker can visit you at a given time of day, for as long and as often, as is required. The Services They Offer : They provide support with everything needed to stay in the comfort of your own home. Here are just a few examples of their tasks their carers carry out on a regular basis: Getting up and going to bed - older people who need some help with getting up in the morning, or going to bed. directly, there is greater choice as to whom the person has looking after them; what times they come and what tasks they perform. People who are eligible to receive a Direct Payment, instead of their ‘usual’ support include: • Older People who need social care services • People with physical disability who are over 16 • People with a learning disability who are over 16 People who require Live-in Care • Disabled Parents would receive payments for the needs of their children (non educational) • Carers over 16 How can Bluebird Care help? Direct Payments allow such a variety of choice that in some cases the chosen personal assistant or Live-in Carer may even be someone that the person already knows. Greater choice, however, may come with greater employment responsibility. Social Services departments typically provide advocates or support brokers to help someone recruit a personal assistant. Bluebird Care can assist people who receive a Direct Payment, either by using it to purchase your care and support directly from Bluebird Care or by employing a personal assistant on your behalf.

GOOD OLD FASHIONED SERVICE

Bluebird Care Sefton is a local provider of care in the home. They specialise in working with customers and their families that require social care in their own homes. They support and care for people in their own homes providing a realistic and cost effective alternative to residential care.

Household chores– cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, our carers can completely spring clean your house, or simply help with those hard to reach places. Physical disabilities - People who are physically disabled and who need assistance with the things that their disability prevents them from doing entirely by themselves. Meal Preparation – whether it be a light lunch or a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, their carers will take care of it for you. Pampering session - Sometimes a weekly pampering session appeals to both young and old alike - with the chance to de-stress and increase wellbeing. Trips out - Many people prefer some time out from home and would like someone to take them out for a couple of hours for a walk along the prom or a day’s shopping. Personal care - Their dedicated and professional carers will assist with all aspects of personal care. Live-in Care - People who have fairly constant care needs but do not wish to go into residential care frequently choose their Live-in Care Service. After hospital discharge - Sometimes when someone has been discharged from hospital after illness or an operation, they will contact them for short term help until they are feeling fit enough to regain their old lifestyle. Respite care - a service for people who rely on a relative or friend for most of their care but would like to give that person a break from time to time.

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Companionship – sometimes loneliness can be devastating. They provide a companionship service for those who just need a little company. In addition to this they have our Friendship Groups, where people of similar age and interests meet up socially on a regular basis.

CARE STAFF Natural Carers - I can honestly say that their care staff are the best in the industry. All are recruited and selected by the Director and the Care Manager primarily for their attitude; they are natural carers, always going the extra mile for someone; it is their career choice, they want to do well and provide the best service. This is not ‘just a job’ to them. Highly trained - Carers are also selected for their aptitude for learning. They are highly trained, going well beyond minimum standards, and highly motivated in continuing to improve their training through their partnerships with NVQ Diploma colleges throughout the region. Police Checked – all staff are background checked with the police (CRB) and fully referenced to ensure reliability and trustworthiness.

Plenty of time for travel - At the end of the day, the quality of service that your loved one receives is all down to the member of staff that visits on that particular day. Some companies have carers arriving 10 minutes late for a care visit and leaving 10 minutes early, because they have back to back bookings, one at 9am for 1 hour then another visit 7 miles away at 10am, leaving no time for travel. This results in a rushed and stressed carer and a very dissatisfied customer. How can any company taking shortcuts and operating like this be providing a proper, fair and reliable service? The answer is they can’t. That’s why, at Bluebird Care they do not do this. They allow their staff enough time to travel between each care visit. If a customer requires 1 hour of care, they get 1 hour of care. It’s a simple point, but one that many companies don’t seem to understand. What the Carer Workers do - Their Care Workers provide assistance with all aspects of personal care such as bathing and toileting. Daily living tasks such as meal preparation, laundry, cleaning etc. Their Care Workers can take customers out

into the community, shopping or whatever the customer requires. In addition to this they are also fully trained in Administering Medication and Moving and Handling of People for anyone who has difficulty walking or moving about. Continuity of care – They realise how important it is for their customers to feel comfortable with a carer coming into their own home. Trust in someone you feel you know is essential. They will first introduce you to your carer, and if you are happy with them, they will be you main carer, with support from 1 or 2 others to cover time off and sickness. You will always be first introduced to any carers and you always have the right to ask for someone else if you are not satisfied.

NEXT STEPS

Once you have considered the sort of care you need, call 01704 832199 and a member of the Bluebird Care team will be able to discuss your individual requirements in more detail. If preferred you can email them at sefton@ bluebirdcare.co.uk and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Good Old Fashioned Service

Call our professional team What we offer We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

Our staff Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked.

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Bluebird Care Sefton, Formby Business Centre, 42 Duke Street, Formby, Merseyside L37 4AT. Telephone: 01704 832199. Email: sefton@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Do you have the time and dedication to care? With 10,000 new foster families needed for children who require stability, Alpha Plus Fostering facilitate the process... With more and more children needing foster placements and a chronic shortage of foster families, now is the time to care for those who need it most. There is a current shortfall of over 10,000 foster care families in the UK and Alpha Plus Fostering is looking to recruit more people from all walks of life to help to tackle this issue. Alpha Plus is an established fostering agency which has been providing carers for over 11 years. Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED for the past 6 years, Alpha Plus is committed to providing high quality placements and improving the outcomes of ‘looked after children’. Natalie Beswick is the carer recruitment officer for Alpha Plus. She said: “Here at Alpha we pride ourselves on providing local children with the opportunity to be looked after in a safe, caring and stable family environment.

azine.pdf 1 30/04/2012 11:03

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

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

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

77983 125x190 Retired Magazine Jan 2012 Celebrating over 11 years as a fostering agency Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

Alpha Plus has a positive approach to foster carers of all ages. We are currently recruiting foster carers across Lancashire. We will provide: ■ Generous tax free allowances up to £460 per child per week* ■ 24/7 support ■ Excellent training up to Diploma level ■ Membership to Foster Talk *Subject to Status.

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

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