STOCKPORT & TRAFFORD ISSUE 59 by 50 Plus Magazine

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

STOCKPORT & TRAFFORD EDITION 59

James Martin

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Something for everyone

AT BROADSTONE MILL SHOPPING CENTRE

Door to Door

QUALITY COACH HOLIDAYS

Steve Howarth's Test Drive

A LOOK AT TWO POPULAR MODELS

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If you’ve not tried coach holidays before why not let Ellen Smith’s take you on your ﬁrst coach experience. We’ve been established for over 120 years – so we know a bit about coaching holidays!

We do things a bit differently than our rivals All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service. That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no changing drivers and definitely no hassle! Within 30 minutes We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay. We are fully Financially Bonded And use some excellent privately-owned hotels. All visits and excursions are included in the price. We use modern coaches and mature friendly drivers.

How does it work? On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to our waiting coach at Birch Services. We’re off on holiday then! The same happens on the way back too, taxi back to your front door! We never discount We charge the correct price in the first place – therefore everybody on board pays the same price. Finally If you can find the same or similar holiday for sale cheaper in the UK we’ll refund the difference to the whole coach! 120

YEA RS Membersh No: 10228ip

Our 2020 ‘Door to Door’ Coach Tours Brochure will be available towards the middle of October, telephone us on:

01706 648126 for your free copy. Once you’ve gone the Ellen Smith way you’ll never go back! 2

DOO R COA CH

TO DOO R TOU RS 2 020 www.e llensm ith.co.u

120

A SELECTION OF OUR 2019 COACH TOURS

DOO RT Coa O DOO c h To R u rs

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mith.c

o.uk Member ship No: 10228

BOURNEMOUTH - Mayfair Hotel

‘MATURE SINGLES’ KENT -

Overview: With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all – a vast variety of shops and restaurants, buzzing nightlife, endless countryside offering peace and relaxation and beautiful award-winning gardens. Explore the New Forest & Winchester as well as the seaside resort of Weymouth. There is also a free day in Bournemouth.

Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel

21st October | 5 Days | £309

3rd November | 5 Days | £319

Overview: Kent is a haven of breath-taking English landscape, hence the name ‘The Garden of England’. From sleepy villages and bustling seaside resorts to historic castles and towering cathedrals, it is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year.

CORNISH MISTLETOE & WINE - Rosemundy House Hotel Overview: An elegant 3-star standard hotel set in over 4 acres of secluded gardens and woodlands and yet only 100 yards from the main street in the quaint village of St. Agnes. Mistletoe & Wine theme with Sherry Reception, visit from Santa & Mince Pies on the last evening.

8th November | 5 Days | £309

TORQUAY ‘Turkey & Tinsel’

HARROGATE ‘Fizz & Fayre’

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Derwent Hotel

The Cairn Hotel

The Wessex Hotel, Street

Overview: For a great value out of season break why not join us on this ‘Fizz & Fayre’ break staying in Harrogate in the heart of Yorkshire. We enjoy a visit to the annual Christmas Fayre, St. Nicholas Festival in York as well as a day in Knaresborough for Market Day. The ‘Fizz & Fayre’ package provided by the hotel includes: Mulled Wine Drinks Reception; Festive Themed mini-afternoon tea and a glass of Festive Fizz; Live Entertainment each Evening.

Overview: More than 170 quaint wooden chalets line the squares & streets surrounding the impressive Bath Abbey, selling everything you could possibly need for your festive celebrations. As well as spending the full day at the Christmas Market we also enjoy an excursion which takes us to the pretty village of Lacock, the medieval market town of Devizes and a half day excursion to the beautiful cathedral city of Wells.

18th November | 5 Days | £299

2nd December | 5 Days | £259

Overview: An award-winning resort where elegant Victorian Villas, a bustling harbour and palm-fringed beaches give The Riviera its well-earned name. Renowned for being at the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay is a sophisticated and stylish resort with real continental flair.

11th November | 5 Days | £279

LLANDUDNO ‘Turkey & Tinsel’ The Marlborough Hotel Overview: Staying at the fabulous 3-star, family run hotel located on South Parade in Llandudno our tour has a Festive ‘Turkey & Tinsel’ programme provided, with entertainment. Excursions include a visit to the beautiful Isle of Anglesey and a scenic Snowdonia day & Conwy.

16th December | 5 Days | £299

INTERESTED?

CHRISTMAS IN DURHAM & CLEVELAND HILLS

NEW YEAR IN BLACKPOOL The Doric Hotel

Overview: Join us for a lovely Christmas Break based on the outskirts of Darlington. Included are two contrasting excursions – Durham, which is a delight to visit at this festive time and a visit to North Yorkshire across the scenic Cleveland Hills visiting the market town of Helmsley and Thirsk. A Festive Christmas Programme is provided by the hotel.

Overview: The Doric Hotel have not yet finalised their 2019 New Year Programme and therefore the one below is a sample programme, although they should be very similar. Sample of inclusions: Bingo on the afternoon of arrival; New Year’s Eve Drinks Reception; New Year’s Eve Gala Banquet; Live Entertainment; Horse Racing & Games; Bingo; New Year’s Day Drinks Reception. Please Note: Our coach & driver DO NOT stay at the hotel during this Christmas break.

23rd December | 5 Days | £499

30th December | 4 Days | £399

The Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2019 or 2020 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk

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Membership No: 10228

TWITTER

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TWITTERING ON BY ANGELA KELLY

DO WE NEED A RADICAL APPROACH TO COMBAT ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR?

Certainly, victims of crime and communities blighted by anti-social behaviour would argue that ANYTHING that makes teens think twice about what they’re doing is worth trying.

cope well and viewers took to social media in a mixture of praise and concern. There are many people (and I’m one of them) who are enthusiastic advocates of the short, sharp shock treatment and it’s plain that it can work. I always admire the former drug addicts, reformed gang members and all-round bad boys and girls who go into schools to relate their own lives to youngsters in the hope of discouraging them from making such lifestyle mistakes.

HERE have been several programmes about how to tame rebellious teens over the years.

Let’s face it, this is not a new problem and, much as the older generation would like to think they would never behave like that, it’s a fair bet that some of us did once. But what really works? We’ve seen the army bootcamp idea which certainly had some amazing results but a recent Channel 4 series, Banged Up: Teens Behind Bars had a novel if radical approach.

Their stories can resonate with younger people in a way that a dozen timely warnings or cautionary tales from parents just can’t. Parents and grandparents sometimes find communication with teens difficult, anyway. There is often a natural antipathy on the part of teens for older generations, mainly because they sincerely believe they “couldn’t possibly understand” their lives even though they were teens once themselves. By having more and different systems and methods in place to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour, we offer hope to families and whole communities.

This put eight British teens between 15 and 17 - who had got into trouble with the law in the UK for anti-social behaviour - to one of Florida’s toughest prisons. As well as being alongside some very hardened criminals, they were given tasks and had to endure a variety of physical education “punishments”.

Prisons and young offender institutions today don’t always have the necessary capacity or cash to cope with a possible influx of young prisoners. In any event, youngsters may come out with more criminal “skills” than when they went in.

In the final episode, they were taken to the morgue to be shown the bodies of murdered gang members. Unsurprisingly, they did not

I know that TV programmes like the Banged Up series look at an extreme way of dealing with wayward youngsters but perhaps we need extreme answers today.

Success story makes anything seem possible RAGS to riches type success stories always stir the blood but, quite often, you just can’t see yourself emulating this. Sally Fielding’s route to an extremely successful company is the exception, however. She started her holiday homes’ company in Keswick, Cumbria, more than 15 years ago with just £1,000 and it has since become a multi-million pound company. Her business, Sally’s Cottages, is the only independent holiday lettings company for more than 100 cottages in the Lake District as others have been bought out by larger firms. Sally started the company in her spare bedroom and the first year earned £6,000. This was in a little village called Eskdale but it wasn’t long before a neighbour, having seen how Sally had got so many bookings for her own cottage, asked Sally to take on hers. By the end of that year, she was looking after three cottages, all in Eskdale, and now has 500 throughout Cumbria. Her story is not only inspiring but actually seems still achievable by the determined today. Sally not only built up her company in a solid and consistent way but she works in one of the most beautiful areas of the country every day. What’s not to love?!

CONTENTS

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8-9 TRAVEL The delights of holiday cottages in Cornwall 12-13

A SECURE FUTURE With Equity Release

14-15

JAMES MARTIN A man of many talents

16-18 HOME Creating a warm and beautiful home this Winter

Travel PARIS, A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

Home

James Martin's

CREATING A BEAUTIFUL HOME

GREATH BRITISH ADVENTURE

20-21

JAMES MARTIN'S Great British Adventure

22-23

WHAT'S ON A guide to what's happening in your region

DEMENTIA EXPLAINED Helping carers and the family

Bridgeman House 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

Do you want to make a difference? Why not work or volunteer for a much loved, local charity? Pure Innovations is a welcoming, inclusive organisation delivering support services for people with disabilities since 2005. We are looking for caring, friendly people to join us as colleagues or volunteers. Our supported activities include horticulture, sports, art, cafe training, drama and more. We push the boundaries beyond traditional day centre services to enable clients to live more independent fulfilling lives. Pure also delivers supported education, training and employment services plus networks tackling mental health and social isolation.

To learn more about how you can make a difference in your community please contact emily.smith@pureinnovations.co.uk. Tel:07841 013702 For current job vacancies with Pure visit www.pureinnovations.co.uk/jobs/

TRAVEL

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50 Plus Travel

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rest your soul. The nearest metro is Etienne Marcel.

PARIS – A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

riter for silvertraveladvisor. com and retired airline pilot, Bob Lyons has a really in-depth knowledge of Paris. Here are a few of his favourite places in this beautiful capital. The Picasso Museum A visit to the Picasso Museum at the Hotel Sale makes for a splendid experience of art. It contains not only many major works by Picasso himself but exhibits examples from many others too, including pieces from Modigliani, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, Degas and Rousseau, all of whom that had a great influence on Picasso’s work. The ideas and concepts that he made so real came from studying such art. Many of the traditional works exhibited in the museum come from Picasso’s personal collection, painted by artists who were his contemporaries. Together they all created and lived through a celebrated period of modern, twentieth century, thought provoking art.

Picasso’s own work is displayed on the garden floor, the first floor and in the attic of the Hotel Sale. Other floors display art by his contemporaries. His work and art collection were given to the French state by his heirs, in lieu of death duties and the French government has made them available to everyone. Passage du Grand Cerf Perhaps this is the most beautiful shopping passage in Paris. It has been resurrected to its original glory like a phoenix. There are many alluring shops and the French scent of a Parisian culture fills the atmosphere around you.You can buy fresh flowers that arrived very early that morning from the vast fresh produce Rungis market. Look for the designer jewellery discovered by Christian Lacroix, enticing household goods and older style eye wear. When you have finished, go to the’ Le Pas Sage’ wine bar to

La cité des sciences et de l'industrie The Science Museum, and so much more! It came to life in 1986. The inauguration came from the French President at the time, Francois Mitterand. It was to mark the passage of the space probe Giotto with Halley’s Comet. The museum internally is very open, widely spread and airy. It represents a contemporary aircraft hangar. There are a number of levels linked by silent elevators. The floors contain many varied exhibitions, models, projected videos and technical demonstrations, which are spaciously presented and create an atmosphere pure modern scientific life and inspiration for the future. The Champs-Elysees Parisians have always regarded their special street as their ‘Plus Belle Avenue du Monde’. And so it is. For most of us, the ChampsElysees (Elysian Fields, the paradise for dead heroes in Greek mythology) is a form of virtual fantasy. We can look but never touch. We can’t really afford to contribute to it, but we can feel it and be part of it for half an afternoon. It is filled with luxury shops and one or two very polished, modern fast food outlets along with upmarket theatres, cinemas and restaurants. It is a wide avenue of affluence, light, glamour and inspiration. The route is the Princess of Paris and runs between the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triumph in the distant eighth arrondissement. It is the grandest component of the 10 kilometre long ‘Axe Historique’ or ‘Triumphant Route’. It blends perfectly with the apparently dead straight line of iconic architecture from the Royal Palaces to the Grande Arch so far away in the La Defense district. Montmatre This is the district of Paris that is almost the womb of popular culture and is available

decapitated there for his Christian beliefs in 250 AD. The sizzling Place du Tertre is the centre of this district, lined on all four sides by the most instantly recognizable of Parisian cafés and bistros. In the summer months you will hardly be able to move due to the tourist throng. This square is awash with talented artists with easels, all plying their trade.You can have your portrait drawn or painted in just 20 minutes. What a great souvenir.

for all. Montmartre is actually just a little kitsch. It proudly wears the badge though and can be enjoyed unpretentiously by everyone. Montmartre rests on a hill, 130 meters above all of its surroundings in the north

east of the City.You don’t need a map to find it. Just look out for the very prominent Basilica du Sacre-Cour. The name Montmartre translates as ‘mountain of the martyr’, which reminds France of one of its patron saints, St. Denis, who was

Many of the celebrated painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries lived and worked around this hill in Paris. Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh were all members of a much larger group who practised their profession in this district. Virtually all the tourist shops in this arrondissement sell very well produced prints of the most famous impressionist work.

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN SOME GREAT HOLIDAY PRIZES FROM SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR VISIT WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Range of plots available. Call 01933 427 800 to book your park visit today.

MOTORING

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STEVE HOWARTH'S TEST DRIVE

The new Focus, right, looks very different when compared to the outgoing model.

FORD FOCUS ACTIVE NOW over all the years I have been testing cars for a living one of the questions I get asked the most is – well what do you drive?

The Active has a little more body roll that the regular Focus thanks to the taller suspension/tyres set up but the Active has a slightly more supple ride than the rest of the Focus line up, complemented by the great eight-speed auto fitted to our test car.

Although I am lucky enough to have a few classics tucked away in the garage I do also have a ‘daily driver’ to use between test cars and sunny Sundays. It is economical, practical and reliable – which is why the Ford Focus has been a top seller since it was first introduced in 1998 and is currently the UK’s number two in the sales top ten just behind its smaller brother, the Fiesta. Mine is a 2014 EcoBoost with the amazing 1-litre, three cylinder turbo petrol engine – 99bhp from an engine that would once have been considered way too small for a family-sized hatchback. So you can understand why I was particularly looking forward to our latest test car, the 2019 Focus Active X, so I could see how Ford have moved things on in the last five years. It came in a smart bronze colour with the EcoBlue 1.5TDCi engine so had a few more horse power that my car and was even better on the go juice returning up to 54.3mpg (combined). Plus being the latest Active X version it also came with the label ‘crossover’ as Active spec adds rugged-looking trim joining the beefed-up Active versions of 8

The entry-level EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol engine gives adequate performance but many buyers are expected to go for the extra power of the 1.5-litre petrol or our diesel version.

the Ka+ and Fiesta. These changes include more substantial front and rear bumpers, protective black cladding on the wheel arches and sills, roof rails and raised ride height thanks to revised suspension and larger tyres. There are also Active trim elements inside. Based on the mid-range Zetec model there are two petrol and two diesel engines and you can also get an Active estate. Standard equipment on the Active includes non-adaptive cruise control with a speed limiter function, lane keep assist, automatic headlights, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There are also sat-nav, voice control, a 4.2-inch driver information display in the instrument panel, and keyless start. Our Active X model is further loaded with almost every optional extra Ford offer including a panorama glass roof, 18” black alloys, power fold door mirrors with ‘puddle’ lights and all round parking sensors.

As it is a slightly taller hatchback rather than a true SUV it is no surprise that a 4x4 option is not available. All are front-wheel drive with a choice of modes including two for off road use. Starting from around £22,000, the Focus Active is a couple of grand or so more than the regular Zetec Focus but you do get extra equipment as well as those more rugged looks and revised suspension. Even so that starting price is very competitive against the main C-segment crossover competitors. In Active X spec our test car was £27,045 on the road. I used the car for a couple of long-ish trips and it proved comfortable and capable both on motorways and around country lanes so I expect, at these prices, we will be seeing even more Focus owners driving around on our roads. For more information see www.ford.co.uk

GREAT DEALS, SERVICE & ACCESSORIES

C A R AVA N & MOTORHOME SALES

SERVICE CENTRE

GLOSSOP AW N I N G S

ACCESSORY SHOP

We’ve grown from small beginnings back in 1976 to become a one-stop shop with a huge range of 600 new & used caravans & motorhomes – plus awnings, accessories and comprehensive annual service checks and repairs to keep your caravan in first-class condition and give you peace of mind. You’ll soon discover why everyone from first-time buyers to regular customers return to us time and time again for the very best service, technical expertise and nationwide aftercare. You’ll find us on the main A57 road at Glossop – gateway to the scenic landscapes, stunning views and wide open spaces of one of Britain’s finest holiday destinations, the Peak District and Derbyshire. Call in soon, call us on 01457 868011 – or visit our website at www.glossopcaravans.co.uk – to claim your key to an even better quality of life.

MAIN DEALERS FOR

AL EDITIONS I C E P S OUR

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MOTORING

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up to 47mpg – which seems reasonable as I managed around 40mpg on the round trip to Settle, despite some sporty driving on the twisty bits. Amongst the toys to be enjoyed are adaptive cruise control, a hands free power tailgate (which actually works without you needing to be a contortionist), brake energy recapture, active sports suspension, 19” alloy diamond cut alloy wheels, reversing camera, an easy to use sat nav/ DAB radio system with 10” touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, stylish heated electric leather seats and a long list of safety features.

PEUGEOT 508 TAKE a good look at our latest motor on test and I am sure you will agree it is a good looking vehicle – but it is also a car which you will not see very often on our roads.

The 508 range starts from £25,560 for the entry level Active version which still boasts a good level of equipment including an 8” touchscreen, smart alloy wheels and connected sat-nav.

That is because it is a big Peugeot, which have not sold here in large numbers since the 1980s, and also because the company is not planning to send many to their UK dealers. Now that is a shame as it is a great car – but also a bonus if you want a stylish large saloon which will stand out from the usual German-dominated executive car crowd. In fact it is so good the 508 made it onto the shortlist for the Northern Group of Motoring Writers Car of the Year and yours truly got to take a black GT version along to the recent judging day in North Yorkshire. My 508 was up against some good opposition for the trophy from the Renault Alpine 110, Volvo V60, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and all electric Kia Nero. So what makes this big Peugeot so good? Well the radical styling inside and out speaks for itself with stand-out features like dramatic LED lights front and back and a low sporty profile from any angle.

In other words everything you would expect in a £50k Merc or BMW but here the price tag for the GT version is £36,420 - still a lot of cash but then this is a lot of car for a lot less than you would pay for the equivalent from other manufacturers. And the GT is a true grand tourer, comfortable, powerful and fun to drive.

Then there is the standard kit list which includes Peugeot’s raised instrument binnacle which sits above the small steering wheel, to be more in the driver’s line of sight, and is digital so can display a wide range of information at the flick of a switch – also customizable with a choice of dials and readouts. Despite our GT version only having a 1598cc four cylinder petrol engine turbocharging means it puts out 225bhp so that in sport mode the car can hit 62 in 7.3 seconds and go on to a top speed of 155. But despite its size that performance does not cost the earth at the pumps as Peugeot claim the eight-speed auto 508 can return

So is the 508 a winner? Well we will have to wait until a little later in the year to discover what myself and my motoring group colleagues have voted top dog. But after getting behind the wheel of all six finalists I have to say the big Peugeot is a very strong contender and could well come out on top when things like practicality, price and desirability are taken into account.

For more details see www.peugeot.co.uk By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth

FOR ALL THE LATEST CAR TESTS GO TO: www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors

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FINANCE

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A SECURE FUTURE WITH EQUITY RELEASE? THESE days we have to look at a variety of ways to raise cash and ensure that our future will be secure and one popular way for anyone over 55 to do just that is via equity release, with research carried out by the Equity Release Council showing that 72% of homeowners over 45 questioned wanted to stay in their property for as long as possible, with 41% also looking to invest in home improvements. Equity release offers the chance to access the cash – the equity – tied up in your home, which can be released either as a lump sum or in several small amounts, or a combination of both. There are two equity release options: a home reversion and a lifetime mortgage. A HOME REVERSION involves you selling part or all of your home to a home reversion provider in return for a lump sum or regular payments.You have the right to continue living in the property until you die, rent-free,

but you have to agree to maintain and insure it. You can ring-fence a percentage of your property for later use, possibly for inheritance - the percentage you retain will always remain the same, regardless of the change in property values, unless you decide to take further cash releases. At the end of the plan, your property is sold and the sale proceeds are shared according to the remaining proportions of ownership.You will get a lump sum or regular payments – normally between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of the market value of your home, or the part you sell. With home reversions, it’s worth checking whether or not you can release equity in several payments or in one lump sum and the minimum age at which you can take out a home reversion plan. Some providers insist you’re at least 60 or 65 before you can apply. Keep in mind the percentage of the market value you will receive. This will increase the

older you are when you take out the plan but might vary from provider to provider. Also check whether you have the right to remain in your property for life or until you need to move to long-term care, provided the property remains your main residence and you abide by the terms and conditions of your contract. It’s worth checking whether you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan and whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee”. You will also need to know what level of maintenance you’ll be expected to carry out and how often your property will be inspected – this could be every few years. The Money Advice Service explains that a LIFETIME MORTGAGE means that you take out a mortgage secured on your property, provided it is your main residence, while retaining ownership.

You may be able to ring-fence some of the value of your property as an inheritance for your family or you can choose to make repayments or let the interest roll-up. The loan amount and any accrued interest is paid back when you die or when you move into long-term care.

according to your age when you take out the lifetime mortgage, while some providers might offer larger sums to those with certain past or present medical conditions. Many lenders offer interest rates which are fixed or, if they are variable, have a “cap” or upper limit which is fixed for the loan’s duration.

Most people who take out equity release use a lifetime mortgage. Usually you don’t have to make any repayments while you’re alive and interest “rolls up” (unpaid interest is added to the loan), meaning the debt can increase quite quickly over a period of time. However, some lifetime mortgages do now offer the option to pay all or some of the interest. Some will let you pay off the interest and the capital.

Check whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee” This means that, when your property is sold and agents’ and solicitors’ fees have been paid, even if the amount left is not enough to repay the outstanding loan to your provider neither you nor your estate will be liable to pay any more.

In the same way ordinary mortgages vary from lender to lender, so do lifetime mortgages, and if you’re looking at this option it’s worth knowing that the minimum age for this is usually 55. As we’re now all living longer, the earlier you start the more this is likely to cost in the long run. The average borrower in their late 60s can usually borrow around 35% of the value of their home, but how much can be released is dependent on your age and the value of your property. The percentage typically increases

Again, it’s also worth finding out if you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan, as different lifetime mortgage providers might have slightly different thresholds. Consider whether you can pay none, some or all of the interest. If you can make repayments, the mortgage will be less costly. However, with a lifetime mortgage where you can make monthly payments, the amount you can repay might be based on your income. Providers will have to check you can afford these regular payments.

Empowering you with the retirement you deserve

Look at whether you can withdraw the equity you’re releasing in small amounts, as and when you need it, or whether you have to take it as one lump sum. The advantage of being able to take money out in smaller amounts is you only pay the interest on the amount you’ve withdrawn. If you can take smaller lump sums, check if there is a minimum amount. Overall, equity release might seem like a good option if you want some extra money and don’t want to move house, but it’s worth bearing in mind that equity release can be more expensive in comparison to an ordinary mortgage. In addition, it’s worth considering any additional changes taking out equity release could make to existing arrangements, with the potential to lose means-tested benefits being key among them. It’s also worth considering involving your family throughout the process, as any equity taken out of the home will impact their inheritance later down the line. Speak to an independent financial adviser to find out if equity release is right for you, and whether it could help in supporting your financial future.

Retirement

• Lifetime mortgages are helping more and more over 55s finance their retirement • To see if it could be the right option for you, contact an independent financial adviser www.pureretirement.co.uk

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Company registered in England and Wales No. 7240896. Pure Retirement Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registered No.582621.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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JAMES MARTIN THE MAN OF MANY TALENTS JAMES Martin had just been playing at Carfest South in Basingstoke, was about to give a cookery demonstration at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival and was flying out to Ireland for filming the next morning. Now, if that sounds like a hectic schedule, it is. Especially, as James explained, "I didn’t get to bed until 3.15am on Sunday morning” after Carfest. And playing there? Yes, the multi-talented chef turns out to be a musician and his group had a significant set at the annual event run by his mate Chris Evans. In fact, this was the first time they had played in public after hours of practising in a scout hut or his living room and he went from playing in front of his Mum 14

and a few chef friends to an audience of 34,500 people.

It is just part of the 47 year-old’s philosophy of trying new experiences.

So, how was it? “Amazing but terrifying” was his verdict. He and his group played just after Jools Holland and just before the Kaiser Chiefs.

“I’ve never been one to say ‘I wish I’d done this or that’,” he stated. “You should grab every opportunity that comes to you.” Food, though, is still his priority. “Food has always been at the top of the list and will always, always be there. And the restaurants will be because you employ people and they have got kids and mortgages to pay so that’s your priority 150 per cent.”

James, who counts the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter as his favourite song, only started playing guitar 12 months ago. “I came straight off stage and Chris said ‘What are you doing next year?’ I said Whoa, whoa. The main thing was we weren’t s***!” But the many fans of the plain-speaking James Martin need not worry that this new success might drag him away from his cookery interests and his TV appearances.

James is, however, realistic about the value of his high profile in all fields. “Without the media stuff, the restaurants wouldn’t have the success,” he concluded.

He was off to Ireland the next morning for filming a new TV series, Islands and Highlands, due to air in February, 2020. James is a genuine advocate of the best of British food but he applies the same principle to foods from all across the globe. He was appearing at the annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival, which he happily described as “the best food and drink festival in the country.” He has been going to the North-west town for its hugely popular festival for the last 11 years and “loves Bolton – the place and the people. In fact, the people make the place.” He has a direct view about food. I dared to ask him if he thought people were cooking more healthily now. That might be good news for his dedicated followers but it is also a reflection of who James Martin really is. He has long made Saturday mornings a TV must for cookery fans, first with Saturday Morning Kitchen - which he fronted for 10 years until 2016 - and now with James Martin’s Saturday Morning Show, filmed at his home. His blunt Yorkshire roots, his laddish looks and an indisputable onscreen charisma have made him a telly cookery favourite and his shows and appearances a sell-out. All of this, however, was a long way in the future when he was growing up on the Castle Howard estate in York where his father was a catering manager.Young James must have been soaking up the knowledge and love of food even then because he opted to take catering training in college which resulted in him being Student of the Year three years running. Following catering college, he worked for various top chefs in leading restaurants including foodie household names like Antony Worrall Thompson and Marco Pierre White. He toured France, working in chateau kitchens and gaining a unique blend of experience and skills, before returning

to England to kickstart his high-profile career. In 1994, just before his 22nd birthday, he opened his own hotel and bistro in Winchester and has followed this over the years with other premises including a hotel in Manchester. When Saturday Morning Kitchen launched in 2006, he was the obvious choice and the formula certainly paid off. He regularly attracted 3.4 million viewers. James also became a favourite on other food shows like Ready Steady Cook and remains a respected expert and entertainer in a field where cooks often come and go. In 2013, he was honoured with The Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award for outstanding contribution to the industry. The following year his series Food Map of Britain was voted Best Daytime and Early Peak Programme by the Royal Television Society. In 2015, he was named TV Personality of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Awards. His name and skills are known around the world and he has written a raft of cookery books that easily demonstrate his passion for food along with his vast knowledge.

“Healthy food!” he flashed.“If you want that get JoeWicks down here but that’s not me. I like tasty food. Food’s a magical thing.We’ve all got to eat so why not enjoy it?” He then went on to demonstrate dishes he knows delight audiences: Monkfish and Korean Aubergines, Seabass with Buttered Tagliatelle and Beurre Blanc and Summer Fruit Pudding with Clotted Cream. The biggest response of the demonstration was for a massive cheese and ham toastie – made with a full loaf, masses of cheese, cream and ham – which he declared his favourite. It’s plain from the enthusiastic live audience reaction and the long queues of people forming to meet him and have him sign copies of his latest book that people love him and all he does. Perhaps the main thing is that James Martin has built a solid and successful career on being James Martin - chef, hotelier, restaurateur, TV presenter, fast-car fan, musician and full-time Yorkshireman and food enthusiast.

Recipes from James Martin's recent book Great British Adventure start on page 20. 15

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CREATING A WARM AND BEAUTIFUL HOME THIS WINTER

because they add an extra depth to the patina of the wood.

REATING a warm glow in your home throughout the chillier months is not just about effective heating and insulation. It’s also about ensuring you have the right décor and furnishings throughout your property so that just being there – or just visiting – is a cosy and enjoyable experience. Of course you need to ensure that your boiler and central heating are working properly and that your windows are well-fitted and giving you the kind of insulation that prevents your fuel bills from rocketing when the temperature outside drops. But it is also about the whole atmosphere of your property. And that requires proper thought and planning so that, after work or going out and about, you can’t wait to get back to your comfortable home and finally relax happily. Cosy homes certainly come into their own at Christmas when family get-togethers need a warm backdrop and all the festive décor is about sparkle and a feelgood vibe. So it is definitely worth taking a fresh evaluation of your home’s warm appeal right now. Nothing says “cosy” quite like snuggling up in blanket in front of an open FIRE and if you are lucky enough to already have a working fireplace, then take advantage of it.

If you have a non-working fireplace, fill it with fire-ready logs anyway or place tiered candles inside as a feature. If you would rather cover it up, invest in an ornate fire screen to make an extra talking point.

Logs crackling in the hearth or in a burner not only feel warm but offer the additional bonus of looking bright and welcoming.The firelight reflects in any room offering the warmest of glows, whatever the weather. A fire can also be the centrepiece of a living space – but it doesn’t just have to be in the wall. These days you can get enclosed fires that come in wooden columns or unusual centrepieces to draw the eye as soon as you enter the room. If you prefer a wall fire, either mounted or in its own fireplace, there are plenty of ways to enhance it there. A fireplace surround could be made from metallic porcelain tiles, sculptural ceramic, marble, hand-painted terra cotta or even a mosaic tile. Fireplaces can look amazing set into wooden surrounds

We tend to think of anywhere “cosy” as small but the dictionary definition is “giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation”, no mention of small. So if you have a large or open-plan LIVING ROOM you can still make it cosily attractive at a time of year when you are likely to spend plenty of time sitting happily ensconced in a comfortable chair or sofa as the rain batters outside or the snow freezes. In a bigger space, large, well-upholstered furniture can really work and provide an inviting spot to be. Sectional sofas are a good choice here to break up the expanse; placing your furniture into seating groups makes social gatherings so much easier and more friendly. In a high room, add tall, voluminous plants to take up empty corners or fill vertical space. Just ensure that any living plants can get enough light. Dead plants don’t enhance any room! Plants can bring a room alive, though, and the greenery is very welcome in Winter so

it’s definitely worth looking at placing a couple in areas where they will bring a different element to the room. For example, place a few differently sized pots together in a group to provide an interesting little area. To bring in a big room and create that cosy feeling, paint your wall two-toned. Painting it until several inches from the ceiling can also make the room feel slightly smaller and warmer. Conversely, if you want to make the room feel much larger, just paint a few inches onto the ceiling. An accent wall in a warm tone also adds to the cosy feeling and a dusky red on the wall behind a fireplace doubles the warmth of any room. Colours have a huge effect on our mood so take a really good look at available paint palettes before deciding on your decor. While cool greys translate well into Winter, especially teamed with warmer accents of bright colour, try bold combinations like burnished red with navy or mustard. The latest trends offer clever ideas from Nature to help. Warmer pinks and browns, washed teals and mossy greens offer a relaxed, neutral colour scheme that create a comforting ambience ideal for enhancing Winter warmth. For a different look, instead of a coffee table in your living room, try an oversized ottoman. These soft, plush pieces of furniture automatically make any room look and feel warmer. You can rest your feet on them for relaxing and, with an additional tray, they make a perfectly good coffee table as well. The other plus is that an ottoman offers extra storage so you can tidy away items to offer clean lines to enhance the atmosphere you’re trying to create.

If your SOFA or chairs are looking the worse for wear, the Winter is an ideal time to invest in new furniture if the budget allows. Always opt for comfort here – after all, you’re going to spend quite a large amount of time using them so they need to be as comfortable as possible. The fabric used on your furniture is more important than ever in the Winter as a cold fabric can automatically make you feel chilly. A soft but durable fabric that can stand up to plenty of use is the ideal and recliners always win over standard sofas and squashy chairs here – so

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investing in at least one may prove to be the best thing you’ve ever done! Using a throw or faux fur is another simple way to warm up a room. A brightly coloured throw, draped over the back of a sofa not only adds texture, colour and warmth to the look of this room but also offers something to pop around your shoulders if you feel a little chilly and just need warming up. Team cushions in soft and contrasting colours and fabrics to help your décor and you’ve got just the right balance of style and comfort here. In spite of today’s love affair with the Kindle and iPad when it comes to reading books, people still love the original paper version and books can bring so much to a living room. There is definitely something comforting and reassuring about books so bookshelves are worth considering in rooms where furniture is pushed away from the walls.

If you have a large book collection, here is the ideal place to store them and if you have a small collection, why not arrange like books together with knick-knacks and accent pieces to fill vertical spaces? This kind of artistic grouping gives real personality to a room. Another way to make it more like your own living space is to add family photos. They make a room feel inviting and warm and offer a talking point for visitors.

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Bold artwork can be centrepiece to any room but especially a living room. Don’t be afraid to display a large piece of artwork or even let it take over a room. A single picture, piece of artwork or quirky piece of furniture can create a focal point that really impresses everyone, and reflects your own personality and individual style. In a smaller way, floral arrangements can also add warmth to any room but, like houseplants, do ensure they are in the right place for enough natural light and are well cared for. FLOORING is obviously important throughout the home but comes into its own in the colder months. While carpets add that something special and are warm and durable, don’t dismiss wood flooring as “cold”. A rich, wooden flooring with a handsome grain not only gives distinction to rooms and is very practical but can reflect the glow of a fire to complement the general warmth. Add a cosy rug if you feel any room needs additional warmth but always ensure your flooring flatters your room’s colour palette.

For access to services and activities, support planning, disability benefits advice and much more contact Signpost for Carers.

Adult Carers Services

Young Carers Services

0161 442 0442 0161 947 4690 info@signpostforcarers.org.uk www.signpostforcarers.org.uk

It’s worth having a look at all the latest flooring because this element of the home has come on so much in the last few years you’ll be amazed at the ranges and colours now on offer. CURTAINS can add to a room’s attraction all year round, especially lined and wellinsulated curtains in a warm colour. Opting for floor-length curtains can create an oasis of cosiness, especially when the weather is unpleasant outside, and full-length curtains can make a small room feel much larger.

THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT BROADSTONE MILL SHOPPING OUTLET Enjoy a short break from your shopping and call into Cafe Moda the downstairs coffee shop or visit The Mill Tearoom on the Upper Ground Floor, whether it’s Breakfast,

Are you looking to get everything for Christmas all under one roof this year ? Visit Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet in Stockport in the run up to this year’s festive season: With thousands of products all under one roof, relaxed shopping environment and free parking it’s the perfect place to go! There is 'Something for Everyone' this Christmas, with 100’s of brands and massive reductions of up to 75% OFF the RRP, in store. You’ll find a great selection of festive goodies, including Gifts for the whole family, Partywear & Accessories, Christmas Wrapping & Cards, Stocking Fillers and so much more! Get ahead of the game this year and avoid the Christmas shopping crowds.

Morning Coffee, Lunch or Afternoon Tea you won’t be disappointed. There’s lots more going on too … here’s a date for your festive diary, Saturday 16th November is the in-store fashion show at 2pm which will be showcasing festive clothing, shoes and accessories and on the same day it’s the popular Festive Family Funday, running 12-3pm, which will include an outdoor artisan market and lots for the children.

Take a look you’ll be surprised !

www.broadstonemillshoppingoutlet.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

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LYMPSTONE MUSSELS I have never seen anything like the contraption used by the mussel men of the River Exe.They don’t use dredges, which wreck the sea bed; they use a self-flushing elevator that kind of hoovers up the mussels, causing less disturbance and producing a more sustainable supply all year round.The mussels are then cleaned, graded and put in purification tanks for a few days before being sold. Myles is the brains behind The Exmouth Mussel Company, so next time you’re down there, pop in and say hi. It was a pleasure to cook these wonderful mussels with my mate Michael Caines. Serves 4 50g butter 100g smoked streaky bacon, chopped into lardons 1 onion, diced 2 celery sticks, diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed sea salt and freshly ground black pepper small bunch of sea aster 250ml cider 250ml double cream 2kg mussels, cleaned and debearded 4 thick slices of white crusty bread 2 tablespoons olive oil small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

My life My home My cuppa, just the way I like it Home Care from Bluebird Care

Heat a large casserole dish over a medium heat for a few minutes until hot, then add half the butter. When it has melted and is sizzling, add the bacon pieces and fry until crisp.

WE ARE RECRUITING for full and part-time ‘Home Care Assistants’ to join our fantastic team.

Bluebird Care is your local community care provider. Our aim is to help people live independently in their own homes so they can remain in their local community. Care, we believe, should be delivered by a familiar, friendly face!

If you would like to get involved and apply ... We would love to hear from you! Contact Bluebird Care (Stockport) 238A Wellington Road South Stockport SK2 6NW.

T: 0161 477 0200 email: stockport@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Add the diced onion and celery and the garlic and season well. Stir everything together and cook over a low heat for a few minutes, stirring every now and then. Add the sea aster and pour in the cider and cream, then season with black pepper. Stir everything together then add the remaining butter. Once the butter has melted and the liquid is simmering, pop the mussels in and stir everything together. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4 minutes. Drizzle the slices of bread with the olive oil and toast in a flat frying pan until charred. Check all the mussels have opened, discarding any that haven’t, then tip into a serving bowl. Sprinkle over the parsley and serve with the toasted bread.

Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value. As one of our customers recently said ‘This market continues to thrive and you can see why. Great stalls with everything you could ever need at good prices, plus the superb meat and fish covered market. Friendly service and great people - definitely recommend. The hub of a great little town!’

CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE Stout is a dark, rich top-fermented beer and is the only type of beer you can use for this cake and the icing, so don’t start going off-piste and using Stella or other stuff – it won’t work! Serves 10 200g butter 150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 300ml stout 4 eggs 500g soft light brown sugar 350g self-raising flour For the icing 400g full-fat cream cheese 25ml stout 200g icing sugar a couple of squares of dark or milk chocolate, to decorate

Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/320°F/ gas 3. Line a 27-cm, deep-sided cake tin with greaseproof paper. Put the butter, chocolate and stout into a large heatproof bowl and rest over a pan of justsimmering water, making sure the base doesn’t touch the water, until the butter and chocolate have melted. Lift the bowl off the pan and leave to cool slightly. Add the eggs and sugar to the mixture and whisk well, then fold in the flour until the mixture is smooth. Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour. Leave to cool in the tin before turning out. To make the icing, whisk the cream cheese, stout and icing sugar together in a bowl until smooth. Spoon on top of the cake and spread out to cover. Grate the chocolate over the top and serve.

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

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

Extracted from James Martin’s Great British Adventure by James Martin (Quadrille, £25) Photography Peter Cassidy

LEISURE

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WHAT'S ON A GUIDE TO WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR REGION ... STAIRCASE HOUSE

This exciting attraction invites you to travel through the history of Staircase House from 1460 to WWII. With the help of a state-ofthe-art audio guide, the fascinating history of the house will unfold on a fun, accessible and informative journey. You are invited to smell, touch and listen and to relive its history by pulling back the bedclothes on the four-poster bed, peeling rush lights, and trying your hand at 17th century quill pen writing. Perfect for a family day or simply to enjoy a unique hands-on historical experience, Admission: Adults £4.75, Concessions: £3.50, Accompanied Children under 16 FREE. Staircase House 30-31 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES 0161 474 4444

SUN 27TH OCTOBER PAUL SIMON'S GRACELAND LIVE

With iconic tracks such asYou Can Call Me Al and Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes this concert is not one to miss! In 1984 Paul Simon became fascinated by a bootleg cassette of South African township music. He travelled to Johannesburg and spent two weeks recording with South African musicians.This recording session formed the basis of his seventh and most commercially successful solo album, Graceland. Featuring an eclectic mix of genres such as pop, rock, a cappella, mbaganga and zydeco. A special evening celebrating over 30 years since this ground-breaking album was released. Backed by a full live band, the show will star American Musician and viralYoutuber, Josh Turner Guitar as Paul Simon, who will be joined live on stage by the empowering and evocative voices of the UK’s unique and wonderfully talented South African Cultural Gospel Choir. Manchester Opera House 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP www.manchestertheatres.com

SUNDAY 3RD NOVEMBER AT 2.00PM FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE 2019

2005 brought the reintroduction after a thirteen year absence of The North West Festival of Remembrance and after the resounding success of this show the Festival of Remembrance has been staged each November at the Plaza in Stockport. Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP. T: 0161 477 7779 stockportplaza.co.uk

7 NOV 2019 - 10 NOV 2019 THE SNOWMAN

The stage show based upon the book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates. Music and Lyrics by Howard Blake. Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake's classic song Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world since first appearing on stage over twenty years ago. Manchester Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HP www.manchestertheatres.com

7TH NOVEMBER. 7.30PM. CAROLE THE MUSIC OF CAROLE KING

Carole - The Music of Carole King is the story of the career of one of the most successful and admired songwriters in the history of popular music. Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP. T: 0161 477 7779 stockportplaza.co.uk

17TH NOVEMBER AT 7.30PM JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW

The only show to be endorsed by the Cash family is back on top form with a brand new production for 2019. Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP. T: 0161 477 7779 stockportplaza.co.uk

MONDAY 25 - SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL

The iconic musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert is going on tour! With more glitter than ever before, this smash-hit show features a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife and Finally! Based on the Oscar-winning film, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT www.manchestertheatres.com

THE NORTH WEST’S

....

Bolton’s Award Winning Market has everything you need this Christmas Bolton market has over 200 stalls including a bustling food court serving food from all over the world, cafés complement our food offer, and we even have a licensed bar.

30 NOVEMBER - 25 JANUARY 2020 GYPSY

Louise and June should be in school when Momma Rose shoves them under the unforgiving vaudeville spotlights. Their cutiepie act strikes gold – but when a grown-up Louise goes solo, the public wants more than just song and dance. Dare she go all the way? Broadway is back in Manchester with this wild production of the magnificent GYPSY. Directed by Jo Davies, GYPSY is theatre’s ultimate celebration of the grime, graft and glamour of show business – and the power of the mother-daughter bond. Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester Box Office 0161 833 9833

WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2019 STEVE STEINMAN'S ANYTHING FOR LOVE - THE MEAT LOAF STORY

Steve Steinman brings you his brand-new production featuring Meat Loaf’s greatest hits with special guest star Lorraine Crosby, the female lead vocalist on Meat Loaf’s Grammy Award-winning song and No 1 hit the world over I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That). Amongst her many achievements Lorraine can also be credited for her amazing vocals on the hit No 1 album Bat Out Of Hell II - Back Into Hell. Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT www.manchestertheatres.com

You can buy everything from fresh fish, meat and game, locally sourced and exotic fruit and vegetables with speciality stalls selling deli meats and a huge selection of cheeses, plus there is a whole host of traditional stalls selling everything from furniture to flowers, bedding to broomsticks and much more.

Well worth a visit! Bolton Market has it all. Open : Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 9am to 5pm. How To Find Us: Bolton Market, Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TQ. Contact: 01204 336825 Email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk Visit our website for a list of special events and activities that we are running at the Market.

www.bolton.gov.uk

HEALTH

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BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (BHRT): ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW WHY MIGHT YOU NEED BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY?

HOW LONG BEFORE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES START WORKING?

The hormones within your body control most of your body’s basic functions, and work as an internal communication system between your body’s cells. Everything from your daily mood, energy, digestion, appetite, immune system and libido is controlled by hormones, which is why when these hormones are out-of-sync or unbalanced, it can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health and well-being. If you suffer with any of the following, BHRT could be a really great solution for you:

You will see improvement within the first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy, but it will take up to 8 weeks to feel the full effect. An experienced medical practitioner will try to achieve the best outcomes and results with the lowest possible dosage of bio-identical hormones.

Hot flushes ● Night sweats ● Vaginal dryness ● Loss of interest in sex ● Pain during sex ● Problems sleeping ● Loss of energy ● Fatigue ● Loss of muscle mass ● Weight gain ● Foggy thinking ● Mood changes ● Memory loss ●

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BHRT? For more information about BHRT, contact The Menopause Clinic in Heywood today. The Menopause Clinic is based within the beautiful Face Medical Clinic, and is run by Deborah Vines, who is also the Owner and Founder of both clinics, and has specialised in both BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and Aesthetics for over 15 years.

Deborah Vines is a Registered General Nurse, Independent Nurse Prescriber and the Medical Director of The Menopause Clinic based in Heywood. She has been involved with Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for eight years and owns one of the longest established Medical Aesthetics Clinics in the North West.

WHAT ARE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES? Bio-identical hormones are different from those used in traditional HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), as they are chemically identical to those that our bodies produce naturally. Bio-identical hormones are made from plant estrogens and based on a substance known as “Diosgenin”, whereas in HRT, hormones are often created synthetically. BHRT FOR THE MENOPAUSE BHRT is effective in treating both men and women when their hormone levels drop or become unbalanced. BHRT is most frequently used to ease the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in women.

Bio-identical Bio-identical hormone hormone replacement replacement therapy therapy (inclding male andropause)

(including male andropause)

WHEN SHOULD YOU GET A HORMONE HEALTH CHECK? Recent research has shown that women are experiencing perimenopause and menopause at much earlier ages than is predicted. Sometimes, by the age of 40, a woman can be totally depleted of normal levels of estrogen, have lost almost all of their progesterone, and have lost more than half of their testosterone. These fluctuating levels and hormone imbalances can cause serious health issues in some cases, and it’s for this reason that it is encouraged to get your hormone levels assessed sooner rather than later - don’t wait until symptoms are strong and affecting your daily life! 24

T. 01706 691 683 info@themenopauseclinic.com www.themenopauseclinic.com Face Medical Clinic, 15 Hornby St, Heywood, Manchester, OL10 1AA

Providing local services for local people Visit Age UK Stockport at our convenient public office for Information and Advice on a wide range of issues for the over 50’s. For over half century Age UK Stockport has been working as a local independent charity providing support to people in later life. For information on our many services visit our website :

www.ageukstockport.org.uk Or call us on: 0161 480 1211

Available to ‘call in’ 9.30 am to1.00 pm Monday to Friday and longer hours for calls and appointments at: Unit 34 Great Underbank, Mersey Shopping Centre, Stockport SK1 1PD (Near the Post Office) For information or an appointment call

0161 477 1213

Registered Charity number: 1139547

Supporting independent living Step Out Stockport is a friendly and experienced Day Service providing social and practical care and support and a reassuring break for carers. Based at Whitehill Resource Centre, it offers fun, friendship and a range of activities for living well. Members are supported at the centre and in the community, or just through some safe quiet social or reading time. Support is available from a skilled and experienced staff for people with varying needs.

Tailored care and support in your home and in your life – working with you, alongside you. A bespoke service supporting adults, tailor-made to each person’s individual needs and situation. This includes assisting with a range of activities including personal practical tasks at home, shopping, domestic support, companionship leisure activities, supporting hospital and other appointments, through to supporting people with complex conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke or palliative care.

Open for day sessions Monday to Saturday. To find out more for you or someone else please contact us.

Visit our website at: www.stepoutstockport.org Call us on: 0161 480 0480 Email us at: info@stepoutstockport.org

We are committed to ensuring our service is friendly, flexible and person led. If you would like an informal chat please do not hesitate to contact us details below: Tandem Commonweal, 56 Wellington Street, Stockport SK1 3AQ

Visit our website at: www.ageukstockport.org.uk Call us on: 0161 480 1211 Email us at: tandem@ageukstockport.org.uk

QUALITY DENTURES MEAN A QUALITY LIFESTYLE

THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTURES

he eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality. Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly. Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process. It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system. DIFFICULTIES IN CONSTRUCTING A GOOD SET OF DENTURES Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement. At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science. CHOICE OF DENTURES

HOW LONG SHOULD DENTURES LAST? The question we should ask is, how long will my dentures be functional for? Dentures can last twenty or more years, but will lose their function (chewing ability, proper fit etc.) probably after two years. This will depend on many factors: 1. Quality of dentures. 2. Age of Patient.

There are three main quality standards in denture materials:

3. General health of patient. 4. Any drastic change in weight.

Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, high impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic.

DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING

Denture Teeth: 2-layer acrylic very basic and cheap, 3-layer acrylic re-enforced much harder, 4-layer composite extra hard and natural looking. However, good materials on their own will not make good dentures. A skilful and experienced clinician and technician are required. The best results are achieved when the whole job is done by the same person.

Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour. Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

HEALTH

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

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SUMMARY 1. Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream.

2. Have your dentures inspected every two years, and re- lined or ultra- sonically cleaned.

Have your dentures inspected by a dentist or denturist at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

3. Have a new set made every 5 years if possible. 4. Keep a spare set for emergencies.

5. Remember, dentures do not have to hurt and do not need to be uncomfortable.

YOUR DENTURES NEED ATTENTION 1. When they become loose. 2. When teeth or denture base discolours. 3. When tooth surfaces become flat. 4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures). 5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth. 6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores. 7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

6. With a new set of dentures, you should receive a written guarantee, a detailed prescription of the materials used in your dentures, cleaning and servicing instructions, and a cleaning kit. 7. Dentures so life-like you'd think they were real.

the A service that will make you smile!

Offering Denture Perfection

LOOSE DENTURES Can be re-lined by adding a thin layer of the new acrylic to fit the surface of the dentures, making them fit better (takes one or two days). DENTURES WITH WORN DOWN TEETH Teeth can be replaced with a new set. Major improvements in Facial Features

Emergency Denture Repairs Free Consultations Friendly Personal Service Open Late Ample Parking

Padding dentures to reduce lines and fill up sunken cheeks will require a new set of dentures. It is advisable to have a new set of dentures made every 5 to 10 years.

• • • • •

SHOULD I HAVE A SPARE SET OF DENTURES MADE?

GDC (REG) T.W. ELLWOOD Dip CDT RCS (ENG)

Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage. WHERE DO I GO TO HAVE A GOOD SET OF DENTURES MADE? Every dentist can make dentures, but not all of them will specialise in denture making. Denturists will take the greatest care to make your dentures look natural and fit properly. They can give you and your dentures the time and attention you deserve.

www.thedenturepeople.com • www.hillsidedentures.co.uk enquiries@hillsidedentures.co.uk Hillside Denture Centre, The Archways private medical & health clinic 86 Stockport Road, Romiley, Stockport SK6 3AA TEL: 0161 406 0400 The Didsbury Denture Centre, the dental health centre 1B School Lane, Didsbury M20 6RD TEL: 0161 445 5459

DEMENTIA EXPLAINED for 50 Plus By Cognitive Psychologist and Neuroscientist, Dr Lynda Shaw

4. Eating a low-fat balanced diet may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia. 5. Sleeping well 6. Managing stress 7. There is also treatment with vitamin B which has had notable effects. Folic Acid, B6 and B12 seem to help reduce the rate of brain atrophy. 8. Early identification of dementia

Anne Inglis

Director

In recent years, however, treatments that can improve the symptoms of dementia are becoming available, as well as treatments that may slow down the progression of the disease.

Dementia is an age-related syndrome that affects 850,000 people in the UK. It is estimated that there will be one million people with dementia in the UK by 2025 and that two thirds are women. Dementia is becoming increasingly important because we are living longer and it is now the most common disease in the elderly with one in six people aged 80 and over with dementia. WHAT IS DEMENTIA? The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and there is currently no cure but many believe we can help ourselves prevent or at least slow down a decline into dementia, so that we can enjoy those precious later years. Alzheimer’s Disease destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the neuro transmitters which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories affecting memory, understanding, judgment, emotions and even personality and can be both frightening and exhausting for those with Alzheimer’s Disease as well as their loved ones. Vascular Dementia affects men more than women and is due to cerebrovascular disease, which occurs where oxygen supply fails or is no longer efficient in the brain, brain cells die, leading to strokes. Dementia with Lewy bodies are abnormal collections of protein deposits, found in the nerve cells of the brain. Fronto-temporal dementia is relatively rare and affects people at a younger age when damage to brain cells usually begins in the frontal lobe of the brain. HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE DEMENTIA? Currently it’s difficult for doctors to make a clear diagnosis for dementia because in the 28

early stages the clinical symptoms can be quite ambiguous as cognitive impairment needs to be distinguished from brain changes during normal ageing. Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness. Other symptoms may include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including language, memory, perception, emotional behaviour such as anxiety or agitation, and cognitive skills such as abstract thinking, judgment and disorientation. Most types of dementia are non-reversible (degenerative) but some causes of dementia can be prevented if identified soon enough, including after brain injury or chronic alcohol abuse. CARING FOR THOSE WITH DEMENTIA But who cares for those suffering with dementia? According to the Alzheimer’s Society:• There are 670,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK. • Family carers of people with dementia save the UK £11 billion a year. • 80 per cent of people living in care homes have a form of dementia or severe memory problems. • Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community while one third live in a care home. PREVENTION Most causes of dementia are not preventable but there are many things you can do to best protect yourself or slow down the rate of dementia including:1. Regular physical exercise 2. Quitting smoking 3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes

HELPING THOSE WITH DEMENTIA • Understand and respect the person with dementia - help them feel valued – be tolerant; listen properly and slow down; be affectionate; address them with the name they prefer e.g. Mr or Mrs … be courteous, kind and non-judgemental • Respect cultural values and privacy • Regardless of how bad the dementia is people still have feelings, so help the person feel good about themselves • Help them express their feelings. • Choice is confusing – so keep it simple and easy • Remember each person with dementia is still a person with unique and valuable experiences • Isolation as a direct result of dementia is rife. Help those with dementia still be sociable and connect with their loved ones and people of all ages. HELPING CARERS & THE FAMILY • Understand that caring for a person with AD can have physical, emotional and financial costs. • The demands of day to day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle. Offer support, information and a listening ear. • Becoming well informed is really important. • Help them develop their own coping strategy with a strong network of family and friends • Staying physically active helps us cope emotionally with being a carer • Encourage them to join support groups for respite and expression of concerns www.drlyndashaw.com

HEALTH

CHOOSING CARE AT HOME Homecare is the first choice for people who need help with their personal care to lead independent lives. Many people use a homecare service as an alternative to moving into a care home. Homecare, also known as domiciliary care, is a term for support provided in the home by careworkers to assist someone with their daily life. Enabling people to remain at home helps them maintain personal independence, comfort and contact with their local community. Homecare is flexible, with just the right amount of assistance given at any one time. Bluebird Care UK provides high quality homecare and support to keep you safe and comfortable in your own home. We want to support you to maintain your chosen lifestyle. We believe that each customer is unique, with their own individual preferences and needs. So, we keep you in control and provide you with the homecare and support you want, where

and when you want it. It’s your life and your care, so it must be your way. THE SERVICES WE OFFER Choose our flexible homecare services, anything from a 30 minute check call, to 24 hour live in care. We can offer short term help (following an illness or because your usual carer is having a break), or longer term homecare and support. Our dedicated team of homecare workers are fully trained to: l Assist with a ‘good morning’ start to the day, helping you to get up, wash, shower or bathe, dress and have breakfast l Remind or assist you to take your medicines and collect or return medication

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from your pharmacy or dispensing GP surgery l Prepare meals with or for you and assist you at mealtimes l Collect your pension for you or with you l Shop with you or help you to make a shopping list, go to the shops, come back and put it all away l Help with your laundry or ironing and keeping your home clean and tidy l Support you with social activities such as going out for a walk, attending a day centre, visiting friends or family, going to your church or club etc l Give a little pampering when you need it – the occasional visit to organise bathing, clean clothes, fresh bedding and a thoughtfully prepared meal before bedtime l At the end of each day, some help with getting ready for bed l Overnight ‘sleeper’ or waking support, respite care or a 24 hour live in service l Some of our offices can also offer homecare and support to children and their families either on a regular basis or for short term respite care

CARE VISITS AT HOME We care passionately Bluebird Care (Stockport)

238A Wellington Road South, Stockport SK2 6NW.

Telephone: 0161 477 0200 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.

Alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

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

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk 29

Do you worry that you or a loved one will fall at home and be left waiting for help to arrive? Perhaps you are often uninjured but struggle to get yourself up? Would it reassure you to have a fully trained response officer with specialist lifting equipment available at the touch of a button?* Starting from ÂŁ3.50 a week for our Monitoring Service, Carecall will respond to an emergency 24/7/365, meaning you can rest easy knowing someone is there should you need them. *Lifting service available between 07:00-22:00 seven days a week. Outside of these hours a family member / carer will be requested or an emergency response will be arranged.

All our service options are FREE for the first 4 weeks - get in touch today!

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Bankfield House Care Home Helping you enjoy life

Bankfield House aims to provide residents with a

• Up to 30 residents, 24 single and 3 Twin Rooms • 3 Lounges / 2 Dining Rooms / Large Conservatory

secure, relaxed and homely environment in which their

• Permanent / Short Term / Respite Stay

care, well being and comfort is of prime importance.

• Day Care Service

Our highly trained staff are dedicated carers who

• Home Made Cooked Food

value the concept of person centred care.

• Social Activities on a Daily Basis

Core Values Of Care

• Visiting Practitioners

• Beautifully Appointed Formal Gardens • Regular Outings

• Privacy • Dignity • Rights • Independence • Choice •

• Weekly Hairdressing

• Fulfilment • Security • Respect • Equality •

• CCTV/ 24hr Security

Contact our friendly team on:

0161 406 6468

Email: admin@bankfieldcare.co.uk Bankfield House Care Home, Bankfield Road, Woodley, Stockport SK6 1RQ

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