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STOCKPORT, TRAFFORD & EAST CHESHIRE MAY - AUGUST 2014 EDITION 41
Cheryl Baker From Buck's Fizz to Happy Days
Rick Stein's Indian Odyssey
Door to Door Coach Tours
THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s
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Bankfield House Care Home
Helping you enjoy life
Bankfield House aims to provide residents with a secure, relaxed and homely environment in which their care, well being and comfort is of prime importance. Our highly trained staff are dedicated carers who get to know our residents enabling them to provide individualised care.
• Up to 30 residents, 24 single and 3 Twin Rooms • 3 Lounges / 2 Dining Rooms / Large Conservatory • Permanent / Short Term / Respite Stay • Home Made Cooked Food • Social Activities on a Daily Basis • Beautifully Appointed Formal Gardens • Visiting Practicioners
CORE VALUES OF CARE
Privacy Dignity Rights Independence Choice Fulfillment Security Respect Equality
• Regular Outings • Weekly Hairdressing • CCTV/ 24hr Security • Day Care Service
OUR HOME IS YOUR HOME
PHILOSOPHY OF CARE
Bankfield House is an independent, privately owned Care Home situated in a quiet corner of Woodley in the tranquility of its own attractive landscaped gardens consisting of ponds, bar-be-cue and pergolas.
We aim to provide Residents with a secure, relaxed and homely environment in which their care, well being and comfort is of prime importance.
The Home accommodates 30 Residents requiring High Dependency and Standard Residential Care in 24 single and 3 twin rooms (8 shower en-suite facilities and 7 ensuite toilet, 2 bathrooms and 1 shower room) situated on the ground and first floor, serviced by a passenger lift. Our ethos is to assist our Residents in continuing to live their lives as independently as their specific needs determine by providing holistic care and support conducive to those needs and meeting the needs of those Residents whose conditions have had an impact on the ageing process. The Home offers dedicated care for Permanent/Short term/Respite stay, Day Care (tailored to your needs) providing each individual Resident with security, dignity and peace of mind in a homely, comfortable and happy family environment. There are three lounges, a large conservatory and two dining rooms. We operate a NO SMOKING policy within the Home.
Contact our friendly team on:
0161 406 6468
Email: admin@bankfieldcare.co.uk Bankfield House Care Home, Bankfield Road, Woodley, Stockport SK6 1RQ
We encourage personal choice, with stimulation and freedom to live ones life as far as the individual’s physical ability and/or mental capacity allows. Carers will strive to preserve and maintain the dignity, individuality and privacy of all our Residents within a warm, caring and happy atmosphere, and in doing so will be sensitive to each Residents’ ever changing needs. This will be achieved through programmes of activities designed to encourage mental stimulation, self-esteem, and social interaction with other Residents and with recognition of the following core values of care, which are fundamental to the philosophy of our home. All care staff within the home appropriately qualified to deliver the highest standards of care. A continuous staff training programme is implemented to ensure that these high standards are maintained in line with the latest initiatives and developments in care practices as may be laid down in appropriate legislation, and registration authority guidelines.
Scam Watch What’s your favourite prank to play? Whether it’s with unsuspecting friends or the grand-kids, we’ve probably all pulled – and been on the receiving end of – a trick or two in our time. But what about those tricks that aren’t quite as innocent – the ones that are designed to part you with your cash. Well, you’ll be glad we “made you look” as we go through some of the more common pranks you should be on the look-out for. Shoulder surfers: one of the most common ways for fraudsters to acquire your PIN is not through sophisticated techniques of card cloning, but simply by watching over your shoulder as you enter it. Always be wary of people standing behind you at cash points and when entering your PIN in a shop.
Phishing: have you won a lottery you didn’t enter? Had a
inside... 12-13
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request from “your bank” to confirm your details? These are all phishing scams and you will end up losing money. Look out for the email originating from an unusual address, or failing to address you by name. Some can be more convincing and even look like they have been sent to you by friends. If in doubt, don’t give your details out.
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Hang-up, no you hang-up: imagine it – you receive a call from
your bank telling you your account had been compromised and you need to act fast to save your cash! You’d do exactly as you were told right? But stop, this is a scam. Your bank would take its own steps to prevent fraud on your account, it would never require you to give out your full account number, password, PIN or hand over your card to a courier – ever. Even if you’re convinced you’re on the phone to your bank – never give out this information.
Payment protection insurance (PPI) refunds: you receive a text or call from someone claiming to be your bank, the Ministry of Justice, or a PPI company telling you that you’re owed money from mis-sold PPI. But, you must pay an administration fee before the refund can be processed. Don’t give away any money! If you have a PPI complaint, you can come to the ombudsman for free and save yourself giving your cash to claims managers unnecessarily. Online shopping scams: many of us are beating the queues
by shopping online these days – and the good news is that the majority of transactions are completed with no problem. But always be wary of a seller (or buyer) who asks you to complete transactions outside of the official payment channels like PayPal – as you may find you’re not protected if the item you’re buying, or the money for the goods you’ve sold, doesn’t show up.
We hope these tips help you get ahead of the game. But if you’ve lost out to a fraudster, don’t panic. Tell your bank what’s gone wrong but if you’re still not able to get things sorted out, the ombudsman may be able to help on 0300 123 9 123 or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.
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Venice from the Water... Spectacular from any angle.
10-11 Ellen Smith... Door to Door Coach Tours. 12-13 Cheryl's Happy Days ... The bubbly Cockney who helped bring Eurovision alight. 15-17 Improve Your Home... Room colour and how it affects your mood. 18-19 Out and About ... What’s on in your area? 22-23 Keep your Garden Beautiful All Summer ... And tips on looking after your back in the garden from Marple Chiropractic Clinic. 26-27 Rick Stein ... In search of the perfect curry. McGrath Media. Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com
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Graham Smith Twitter Column
Boffins carried out extensive dunk-ometer tests on Britain’s five best loved biscuits and found Rich Tea were still going strong after 20 seconds.
It’s no yak An enterprising farming couple believe they are first to introduce the Himalayan yak to Britain. Helen and Matthew Worth have imported the fearsome looking bovid, usually found on the Tibetan plateau, to the rolling fields of rural Cheshire. Unlike domestic cattle yaks can be left out in all weathers happily dealing with temperatures as low as minus 40C. They also sport four foot wide horns, are very nimble on their feet and are quite capable of jumping a five barred gate if spooked. Don’t call me if they need rounding up. Mr and Mrs Worth imported a bull and three female yaks from Germany and Holland. They have already produced two pure-bred calves and hope to produce another bull. They plan to visit local gastro pubs and farmers’ markets to promote the meat- said to be incredibly lean and low in cholesterol and saturated fat.
The chemical, commonly found in radiator and brake fluids, tastes sweet but causes kidney failure when ingested.
Hobnobs, by comparison, began to crumble after just four seconds immersed in a cup of tea, followed a split second later by Ginger Nuts.
Staff wrote on the facility’s blog: “In Australia, the only antidote we have is alcohol. Alcohol alters the chemical reaction and stops the kidney failure from occurring.
Digestives held on for five seconds and Chocolate Digestives took 11 seconds to collapse, but Rich Tea was the clear winner.
“Charlie had a tube placed through his nose to his stomach. Over about 48 hours, he was given successive doses of alcohol.”
The research, led by Dr Stuart Farrimond for biscuit giant McVitie’s, also established the best dunking time for each variety and the best biscuit dunking angle.
“The easiest form of alcohol is vodka. In fact for the whole weekend, Charlie had a huge party with us in the Pet ICU.”
Dr Farrimond also called for a traffic light system on biscuit packets warning dunkers which varieties were high risk and likely to collapse.
Charlie’s owner Jacinta Rosewarne told the Herald Sun:
“Given the danger of a hot biscuit falling onto a clean shirt, there should be a ‘dunk-o-meter’ traffic light advisory system for all packets of cookies and biscuits,” he said.
“He was definitely drunk. “He was stumbling around, I’d go to pat him and he’d push me away like a normal drunk person, he was vomiting a little, whining like a drunk.” Happily, Charlie is now back to good health, and completely sober. Hic!
Binge drinking saves Charlie!
This really takes the biscuit
Vets in Australia saved a dog from certain death - by getting him drunk in a 48 hour vodka binge.
After the most comprehensive study of its kind, scientists say they have proved that Rich Tea biscuits are the best for dunking.
Charlie, a Maltese terrier, was taken to Animal Accident and Emergency in Melbourne suffering from ethylene glycol poisoning.
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“A red circle would indicate short dunk of under five seconds, amber would advise a five to ten second dip and green for longer.” Isn’t it heartening to know that science is being applied to such important matters?
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Est.1923
Coach Holidays OUR OWN HOTELS
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THE OCEAN VIEW, SHANKLIN, ISLE OF WIGHT ROBINSONS 3M
An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evening meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service. Hotel amenities l
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All rooms have private facilities,telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers Traditional English breakfast Lunch snacks available daily Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee Live entertainment most evenings Indoor heated pool Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room Lift serving all floors Porterage.
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Torquay
THE IMPERIAL HOTEL, EASTBOURNE ROBINSONS 3M
The Imperial is an impressive Victorian hotel situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, an imposing tree-lined boulevard, less than fifteen minutes walk from the facilities and amenities in the town centre and across the road from the promenade and the bandstand. The hotel offers the guest a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker. Hotel amenities l
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All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers Traditional English breakfast Lunch snacks available daily Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee Live entertainment most evenings Lift serving all floors Porterage.
THE ABBEY LAWN HOTEL, TORQUAY AA3M This elegant Georgian hotel, in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, with it’s newly refurbished conservatory / lounge offers the discerning holidaymaker an exceptional standard of comfort throughout. Many of the bedrooms offer panoramic views of the bay. Hotel amenities l
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All rooms have private facilities,telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers Traditional English breakfast Lunch snacks available daily Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee Live entertainment most evenings Indoor and seasonal outdoor pool Lift serving all floors Porterage
8 Day Tour ~ 7 Nights Half Board
5 Day Tour ~ 4 Nights Half Board
Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn 17 May £379 £379 £379 18 May £379 £379 24 May £389 £389 £389 25 May £389 £389 £389 31 May £399 £399 £399 01 Jun £399 £399 £399 07 Jun £399 £399 £399 08 Jun £399 £399 £399 14 Jun £399 £399 £399 15 Jun £399 £399 £399 21 Jun £399 £399 £399 22 Jun £399 £399 £399 28 Jun £399 £399 £399 29 Jun £399 £399 £399 05 July £399 £399 £399 06 July £399 £399 £399 12 July £399 £399 £399 13 July £399 £399 £399 19 July £399 £399 £399 20 July £399 £399 £399 26 July £399 £399 £399 27 July £399 £399 £399 02 Aug £399 £399 £399 03 Aug £399 £399 £399 09 Aug £399 £399 £399 10 Aug £399 £399 £399 16 Aug £399 £399 £399 17 Aug £399 £399 £399 23 Aug £399 £399 £399 24 Aug £399 £399 £399 30 Aug £399 £399 £399 31 Aug £399 £399 £399 06 Sep £399 £399 £399 07 Sep £399 £399 £399 13 Sep £389 £389 £389 14 Sep £389 £389 £389 20 Sep £379 £379 £379 21 Sep £379 £379 £379
Date 17 May 21 May 25 May 31 May 04 Jun 08 Jun 14 Jun 18 Jun 22 Jun 28 Jun 02 July 06 July 12 July 16 July 20 July 26 July 30 July 03 Aug 09 Aug 13 Aug 17 Aug 23 Aug 27 Aug 31 Aug 06 Sept 10 Sept 14 Sept 20 Sept 24 Sept 28 Sept 04 Oct 08 Oct 12 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct
SUPPLEMENTS - PER PERSON ABBEY LAWN HOTEL 8 DAYS Front View £15 Premier Room £50
5 DAYS £10 £30
IMPERIAL HOTEL Premier Room
Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £199 £199 £199 £205 £205 £205 £209 £209 £219 £219 £225 £225 £229 £229 £235 £235 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £235 £235 £229 £229 £225 £225 £219 £219 £215 £215 £215 £209 £209 £209 £205 £205 £205 £199 £199 £199 £195 £195 £195 £189 £189 £189
8 DAYS £35
5 DAYS £20
OCEAN VIEW HOTEL Sea View Premier Room
8 DAYS £15 £50
5 DAYS £10 £30
FREEPHONE 0800 0839900
GROUPS 0800 785 1025 BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk * To visit the Cash in the Attic website, go to CashInTheAttic.com Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.
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50 Plus Travel
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Venice from the Water Gillian Thornton has been a freelance journalist for more than 30 years, writing everything from parenting features to celebrity interviews, corporate copy to heritage articles. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, she has been concentrating on travel writing since 1998 ‘I never mind where I go,’ she says. ‘There’s always something new to discover.’ On this trip, Gillian stayed in Venice on a river cruiser with Voyages Jules Verne Eager for my first daylight view of the Venetian lagoon, I jumped out of bed, pulled back the curtains and quickly 8
shut them again as a water bus packed with commuters chugged past the window. Fortunately I was half decent, but when you book a lagoon-view cabin on board the MS Michelangelo, it pays to pack your pyjamas. Venice is spectacular from any angle, but it’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric or romantic place to stay than on board the river cruise boat MS Michelangelo on the waters of the lagoon. We booked the Venice from the Water package with Voyages Jules Verne, flying to Venice Marco Polo, where a coach collected the group for the half-hour drive to join our vessel at the Maritime Station. Once everyone was settled, the Michelangelo cruised down the broad
Giudecca Canal, past St Mark’s Square and the Doges’ Palace to the Riva Sette Martiri where it moored for three nights. Given the unique location, we felt it worth paying the small supplements for a lagoon view cabin on the upper deck – you simply can’t put a price on drawing those curtains (carefully!) and watching the flotilla of water vessels from the comfort of your holiday bed. VJV run ‘Venice from the Water’ on selected dates from spring to Autumn. We travelled in early November when you obviously take a gamble with the weather, but the chance to see the city without the crowds more than made up for the grey skies.
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TRAVEL- LEISURE Expect to walk if you want to see Venice properly. Hills are obviously not a problem, but there are many small footbridges up and over the canals so flat shoes are a must. From the Michelangelo’s mooring, it’s a delightful 15-minute stroll to St Mark’s Square, and I’d recommend going back at least once after dinner to enjoy the illuminated square and quiet canals at their most tranquil. By day, the cruise-boat tourists who flock to St Mark’s rarely walked up as far as our floating hotel. The MS Michelangelo is operated by French company Croisi’Europe and we shared it with French and German travellers. Cabins are compact but very comfortable with big picture windows to take advantage of that view, and if you don’t want to pay the lagoon view supplement, the quay option showcases some elegant buildings. The vessel is immaculately maintained and crew were forever cleaning and polishing, inside and out. We found the multinational staff friendly and efficient, and a lot of effort had clearly gone into the crew entertainment on the final evening in the lounge bar – music, comedy and a modest degree of good-natured audience participation. There was also dancing on two nights to international hits performed by a local singer. Or you can just sit back and watch the others strut their stuff over a drink. Venice from the Water offers full board with wine, beer and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner. Our party of six had a table to ourselves, but couples and foursomes have to share, so intimate dinners are a nogo. We found the food consistently good rather than great, mostly safe international favourites, but always
well cooked and attractively presented with three courses at lunch and four at dinner. Special dietary requirements need advance notice though as there is no menu choice, which may not suit fussy eaters.
evening in a historic palazzo on their big day, simply through lack of other interest from other passengers. But they were offered – and much enjoyed – an alternative opera concert in a church.
The package includes a morning cruise of the northern lagoon, past the island of Burano to Torcello. On Day 4, the Michelangelo left its mooring before dawn, gliding silently down the lagoon side of the Lido to the working fishing port of Chioggia where we disembarked to experience a couple of hours in a very different kind of town.
But the real star of the show is the city itself. You can’t beat just walking the canals, turning off down tempting backstreets, and soaking up all those glorious buildings and iconic views from the deck of a water bus up the Grand Canal. And at the end of each atmospheric day, we carried on watching the water traffic of the Venice lagoon through the windows of the Michelangelo, right up until the very last moment when we closed the curtains on one of Europe’s most compelling views. Fabulous.
On top of that, there are optional excursions that include the Doges’ Palace, the craft workshops on Murano and Burano, Padua, and a gondola ride. Be aware though that minimum numbers are generally required. One wedding anniversary couple was disappointed to miss the musical
For further information visit www.vjv.com or call 0845 166 7034
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.
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Why not join one of our Quality Door to Door Coach Tours?
We pick- up at your door in most of the Greater Manchester area. We visit every part of the UK from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall. Our drivers are very experienced mature individuals with a wealth of knowledge about our wonderful country. We do city breaks, historic adventures, scenic tours, train rides, boat rides, canal trips, not forgetting our numerous costal resorts. On your first day of travel we pick you up at your front door at a prearranged time in a minibus or taxi. You are then transferred to a central meeting point, either Birch Services or Poplar Services dependant upon where you live, where the coach is waiting for you. Within 15 to 30 minutes you’re on your way aboard our luxury coach travelling directly to your holiday destination, making suitable stops en-route. The hotels that we use are of a 3 or 4 star standard or occasionally a good quality family run 2 star hotel. Upon your return to either Birch Services or Poplar your taxi or minibus is waiting to whisk you home.
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1. Everything is included in the final price – no hidden charges 2. If we reduce a tour all customers previously booked receive same refund 3. No currency surcharges 4. Any supplement imposed by the hotel will be the exact amount we charge 5. If you find a similar holiday cheaper we’ll refund twice the difference! www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
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£349
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£289
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Novotel Centrum, Ypres
£399
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Holiday Inn Fareham
£309
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£329
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Austria
Hotel Forsterhof, St Wolfgang
£649
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£399
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Mature Singles, Scottish Borders
Peebles Hydro
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Mecure Watford
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Doric
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Holiday Inn Basingstoke
£299
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Celtic Royal, Caernarfon
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Mercure South Marston
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Holiday Inn, Peterborough
£329
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£389
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Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2014 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk Find us on facebook & twitter (search for ellensmithtours)
CHERYL’S HAPPY DAYS When it comes to making your mind up about careers to take talented young Cheryl Baker must have had plenty of choices. The bubbly Cockney who helped bring Eurovision alight in Buck’s Fizz when she and fellow group member Jay Aston had their skirts whipped off did, however, just have one goal in mind. “I always wanted to sing,” she explains. We are chatting half-way through a six-month tour of “Happy Days – The Musical” – the show based on the famous American TV sitcom first broadcast in the 1970s which gave a snapshot of family life in the mid-50s and ‘60s. It spawned the character of The Fonz, a hip youngster who caught the imagination of fans across the world and definitely proved a big hit in England. “In fact, the series was actually bigger in this country than in America itself,” informs Cheryl. In the show, she takes the part of Mrs Marion Cunningham, Fonz’s ditzy Mrs C who unintentionally is extremely funny. Cheryl loves the role, and the whole show. “It really is wonderful,” she enthuses. “The music by Paul Williams is just fantastic and the show is written by the same person who wrote the original TV series so the characters really come to life.” Cheryl herself is a larger-than-life character who has endeared herself to the public, at home and abroad, since the Eurovision Song Contest and the group’s first hit record Making Your Mind Up. She had actually been in Eurovision before that, with Co-Co in 1978, but their song, The Bad Old Days, could only manage 11th place. When Cheryl was contacted by Nichola Martin, who was setting up a new group under the name Buck’s Fizz with a view to entering another song, she joined up. The rest, as they say, is musical history: Making Your Mind Up was a global hit, and Buck’s Fizz went on to five years of success and more hit singles. Perhaps, though, it was always meant to be that Cheryl with all her personality and likeability was
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destined for a variety of other things. And that has certainly been the case. A quick look at her c.v. reads like an agent’s dream: she’s appeared in and hosted TV programmes from Record Breakers to Walking the Dog, from baking series to slimming challenges and regularly presented programmes live. She’s done panto, radio and appeared in drama like Dial M For Murder and musicals like Footloose, so her latest incarnation should really be no surprise. “I’m not the kind of person who could ever sit at home and do nothing anyway,” states Cheryl, now 60. “I’ve got a mortgage and bills to pay like everyone else so I’ve got to work. But I think I like doing something creative, and always will. “Mind you, I still get the heeby-jeebies about going on stage in something new. I’m used to the music and lines in this show now, but I think I’m the kind of person to always get those nerves and that adrenaline and you do use that. I come off stage and I feel like I’ve done something really worthwhile.” As well as stage and TV work – she’s due to appear in an edition of TV favourite Pointless in Eurovision week this year – she, Jay Aston and Mike Nolan are still making appearances as Buck’s Fizz. “Yes, I’m still getting that skirt whipped off!” she laughs. “We love it all and people still seem to love the group and that period. We often appear in retro shows and they stand at the front and sing the songs and they know all the words. They even scream when the skirts go off!” When she’s not being Cheryl Baker, entertainer, she lives at home in Kent with her husband of 21 years, Steve Stroud, and their 19 year-old twin daughters Kyla and Natalie. So have the girls seen the show and are they familiar with Happy Days? “They’ve been a couple of times and love it, although they didn’t know the show at all,” says Cheryl.
She believes that Happy Days was a big success originally because it showed us all an idyllic view of what American life seemed to be. In spite of being a real-life Eastender born in Bethnal Green with an accent she’s never lost, she doesn’t find it hard to adopt an American accent for the show. “It’s easy,” she instructs. “You just have to roll your r’s and soften your t’s. Just try it.” Cheryl has never been shy about the weight problem that sometimes shows itself. “I can put on a stone either way anytime,” she asserts. “I’m not the kind of person to be huge, because my parents weren’t, but I’m always on a diet and it’s something I have to watch.” The travelling and unpredictable lifestyle of touring is not ideal for keeping to a healthy regime and this is something that Cheryl addresses. “I started running marathons a few years ago and I still go out for four or five miles when I’m on tour,” she adds. “Running burns the calories and does help to keep you fit. I’ve got little legs like a footballer – just like Bobby Moore’s – but they’ve definitely gone leaner with running.” People warm to Cheryl, they probably always have but her high profile on TV mean that they often feel they know her. “Yes, I’ve always liked that really,” she states. “Our audiences now are great - even though the songs are new, because they’re good and catchy people are enjoying the whole experience.” As for what happens after the tour – which goes all around the country from Sunderland to The Lowry in Salford – one thing is absolutely certain. Cheryl Baker won’t be retiring any day soon. “When you’re doing something you love, and you’re still able to do that, why on earth would you retire?” And then for Cheryl Baker, performer for all seasons, it was back to preparing for that day’s performance in Cambridge - and the warm glow that comes from an audience enjoying their own happy days.
See Happy Days - The Musical at the Lowry, 23rd to 28th June, to find out more about the show go to happydaysthemusical.com www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
* To visit the Cash in the Attic website, go to CashInTheAttic.com
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Time for a spring clean?
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Professional Curtain Cleaning You will have invested time and expense in choosing your curtains as part of making your home attractive. We take care to invest in and use the most up to date cleaning technology and experienced staff in providing the ‘right clean’ for the material and function of your curtains.
Take Down and Rehang Service Our take down and rehang service is invaluable for those who for for a variety of circumstances will benefit by having the strain taken out of the job.The expertise we provide in cleaning expensive curtains and pellets also brings peace of mind to our customers. Whatever the size or function why not take the strain and hassle out of having your curtains cleaned.Our expert fitting staff can take your curtains down and rehang them professionally following cleaning.
Free Collection & Delivery Service We offer a free collection & delivery service throughout the Greater Manchester & Cheshire region, making the process even more hassle free. We cover Northenden, Didsbury, Sale, Urmston, Stretford, Altrincham, Bowden, Hale, Bramhall, Stockport, Denton, Ashton, Chadderton, Shaw, Saddleworth, Tameside, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, Manchester, Salford.
Other Services... • Relining • Repair & Alterations • Flame Proofing
For more details, please visit our website www.curtaincare.co.uk
Kingsley Curtaincare The Old Laundry | 18 Kingsley Rd | Northenden | Manchester | M22 4NL Tel: 0161 945 4458 Email: enquiries@curtaincare.co.uk
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HOME first and then decide on your paint colour. Once you find something you like, limit the number of colours in a room to no more than three or four. Too many colours can make a room look busy or cluttered. Paint is fairly inexpensive and transforms a room more quickly than anything else, so you can afford to experiment a little.
Room Colour and How it Affects Your Mood The colours of the rooms within your home need to bring out your personality. While most of us may not spend a lot of time thinking about room colour, it affects every day of our lives. Room colour can influence our mood and our thoughts. Colour affects people in many ways, depending upon one’s age, gender, ethnic background or local climate. Certain colours or groups of colours tend to get a similar reaction from most people – the overall difference being in the shade or tones used. So when it comes to decorating, it is important to choose wisely. In order to have a beautiful home, you do not have to worry about trends. Colour trends will come and go. The people who live in a home make it beautiful by choosing colours that reflect their likes and their personalities. The trick is to blend those colours you like into a pleasing combination. Choosing colour combinations is one of the most intimidating steps for beginners. Colour has the power to change the shape and size of furnishings as well as the shape and size of the room itself. Selecting colours is not
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difficult if you equip yourself with some basic information about colour and its effects, so let’s find out more about room colours, and how these influence your mood. Choose Wisely! Keep in mind that each colour has a psychological value. Think about how those colours make you feel- they can influence any feeling from tranquility to rage. So when trying to create peace and harmony in your home, choose your colours wisely. Some colours in large amounts will have just the opposite affect on you and your loved ones’ moods. What mood do you want to create? Which colours will help you achieve that mood? Find clear answers to these questions. If you find this task difficult try to look at magazines, decorating books, blogs and websites for ideas, or let your fabric be your guide. In fact, this is a good approach to take even if you’re starting from scratch. Fabric, carpeting, furniture and tile are available in a more limited range of colours than paint, so choose them
Room Colors and Their Effects Understand that colours behave in three basic ways : active, passive, and neutral. You can easily match every room’s colours to your personal desires, to your taste taste and to the room’s purpose. Light colours are expansive and airy, making rooms seem larger and brighter. Dark colours are sophisticated and warm; they give large rooms a more intimate appearance. Now let’s find out more about colours and what they can do to a room: Red raises a room’s energy level. It is a good choice when you want to stir up excitement, particularly at night. In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. In an entryway, it creates a strong first impression. Red has been shown to raise blood pressure, speed respiration and heart rate. It is usually considered too stimulating for bedrooms, but if you’re only in the room after dark, you’ll be seeing it mostly by lamplight, when the colour will appear muted, rich, and elegant. Red, the most intense, pumps the adrenaline like no other hue. Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness. It is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms, where happy colours are energising and uplifting. In halls, entries, and small spaces, yellow can feel expansive and welcoming. Even though yellow although is a cheery colour, it is not a good choice to use in main colour schemes when it comes to designing a room. Studies show that people are more likely to lose their temper in a yellow interior. Babies also seem to cry more in a yellow room. In large amounts, this colour tends to create feelings of frustration and anger in people. In chromotherapy, yellow is believed to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
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out of fashion, but their virtue lies in their flexibility: Add colour to liven things up; subtract it to calm things down. Black is best used in small doses as an accent. Indeed, some experts maintain that every room needs a touch of black to ground the colour scheme and give it depth. To make the job easier, you can rely on the interior designer’s most important colour tool: the colour wheel.
Purple is rich, dramatic, and sophisticated.
Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. That is why it is considered calming, relaxing and serene, and it is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms. Be careful, however: a pastel blue that looks pretty on the paint chip can come across as unpleasantly chilly when it is on the walls and furnishings, especially in a room that receives little natural light. If you opt for a light blue as the primary colour in a room, balance it with warm hues for the furnishings and fabrics. To encourage relaxation in the social areas (family rooms, living rooms, large kitchens) consider warmer blues, such as periwinkle, or bright blues, such as cerulean or turquoise. Blue is known to have a calming effect when used as the main colour of a room. Go for softer shades of blue. Dark blue has the opposite effect, evoking feelings of sadness. So refrain from using darker blues in your main colour scheme. Stay with the lighter shades of blue to give you and your loved ones a calm effect. Green is considered the most restful colour for the eye. Combining the refreshing quality of blue and the cheerfulness of yellow, green is suited for almost any room in the house. In the kitchen, green cools things down; in a family room or living room, 16
it encourages unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness. Green also has a calming effect when used as a main colour for decorating. It is believed to relieve stress by helping people relax. Also believed to help with fertility, making it a great choice for the bedroom. Purple in its darkest values (eggplant, for example) is rich, dramatic, and sophisticated. It is associated with luxury as well as creativity, and as an accent or secondary colour, it gives a scheme depth. Lighter versions of purple, such as lavender and lilac, bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does, but without the risk of feeling chilly. Orange evokes excitement, enthusiasm and is an energetic colour. While not a good idea for a living room or for bedrooms, this colour is great for an exercise room. It will bring out all the emotions that you need released during your fitness routine. In ancient cultures orange was believed to heal the lungs and increase energy levels. Neutrals (black, grey, white, and brown) are basic to the decorator’s tool kit. All-neutral schemes fall in and
Crimson can make some people feel irritable. Invoking feelings of rage and hostility, this is a colour that should be avoided as the main colour of a room. Sitting for long periods of time in a room painted in this colour will likely affect the peace and harmony you are striving to create in your home. Colour Effects on Walls and Ceiling The ceiling represents one-sixth of the space in a room, but too often it gets nothing more than a coat of white paint. In fact, for decades, white has been considered not only the safest but also the best choice for ceilings. As a general rule, ceilings that are lighter than the walls feel higher, while those that are darker feel lower. Lower need not mean claustrophobic: visually lowered ceilings can evoke cosy intimacy. As a general rule, dark walls make a room seem smaller, and light walls make a room seem larger. Curtain Care...
When it comes to advice on colour schemes for curtains Kingsley Curtaincare may not be the best people to talk to but if you want to give your curtains a spring clean then they are the experts! Originally established in Northenden in 1901 to provide a domestic laundry service to the Manchester gentry, for the last 40 years they have provided a specialist curtain cleaning service
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HOME with free local collection and delivery and a professional curtain take down and rehang service which is much appreciated by clients with large curtains or with time and mobility concerns. Kingsley Curtaincare The Old Laundry, 18 Kingsley Rd, Northenden, Manchester M22 4NL Tel: 0161 945 4458 Email: enquiries@curtaincare.co.uk www.curtaincare.co.uk Conclusion These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint colour. But remember that colour choice is a very personal matter. You are the one who has to live with your new paint colour, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.
Some experts maintain that every room needs a touch of black to ground the colour scheme and give it depth.
Comfort as well as style... As well as your bedrooms and other rooms being easy on the eye, they need to be easy on the body too. We spend around a third of our lives in bed, making sleep an essential part of a healthy routine. A lack of sleep can cause long term health problems and can have a serious impact on your general wellbeing. A good pocket sprung mattress helps to maintain the neutral alignment of the spine; and when the body is relaxing in its natural position, your muscles are more comfortable, so therefore you wake up feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated.
and functional. Some beds include a six button deluxe handset which allows independent operation to focus on and support the five key areas: neck, back, hips, knees and head. A massage system is optional on specific beds, which include four various functions and provides variable intensity and speed for a relaxing massage. Get in touch today! For more information, see the advert below.
At Sleep Kings there are many bed options to choose from to suit your individual needs including pocket sprung and memory foam electric adjustable beds that are attractive
Sleep Well For Less... Pocket Spring Electric Adjustable Bed
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If attractiveness and maximum support is what your after, the Sleep Kings Pocket Adjustable Bed is perfect for you.This adjustable bed includes a luxurious pocket sprung mattress for ultimate support. Its attractive base is deep and consists of an adjustable profiling frame which can be raised and lowered depending on personal preference.
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Fully adjustable frame
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Memory Foam Electric Adjustable Bed
Do you want a bed that is not only able to relieve your body pain but is also great value for money? Well look no further than the Sleep Kings Memory Foam Adjustable Bed. Our Memory Foam Adjustable Bed is able to relieve back pain, sciatic pain and aching joints due to the Memory Foam Mattress being able to mould specifically to your body shape.The mattress composes of 80cm of elastic memory foam on 90mm of base foam.
Some Key Features •
Memory Foam mattress for pain relief
High quality 100 count spring mattress
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6 button deluxe handset
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Coolmax, stretch fabric
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5 year limited guarantee
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Five part adjustable frame
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W www.sleepkings.co.uk T 01942 406 622 / 0844 867 867 M 07809 433410 E info@sleepkings.co.uk Unit 2a Orchard Works, Spen Vale Street, Liversedge WF16 0NQ www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
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OUT and ABOUT
Places to visit and things to do... THEATRE
MUSIC
7th June 2014
20th June 2014
ABBAMANIA
ONCE IN A LIFETIME - THE FINAL TOUR
ABBAMANIA are widely regarded as the UK's Top ABBA Tribute Show with countless sensational LIVE performances to their credit which has taken them throughout Europe. TO BOOK TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW CALL 0844 847 2277 King George's Hall. Northgate. Blackburn. BB2 1AA. General Enquires - 0871 230 2204
Once In A Lifetime - The Final Tour, starring US sensations The Osmonds, the iconic David Essex, as well as Showaddywaddy & Les Mckeown’s legendary Bay City Rollers.
Phones 4u Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR Bookings - 0844 847 2277 General Enquires - 0871 977 3803
23rd to 28th June 2014 25th June 2014
HAPPY DAYS The Fonz and friends battle to save their beloved diner in this feel-good musical based on the hit TV series. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ General Enquires & Booking 0844 815 4873 18th to 26th July 2014
DINOSAUR ZOO Direct from Australia, Erth's Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome prehistoric creatures to the stage as you've never seen them before, up close and personal! Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester. M1 6FT Booking Number - 0844 871 7660 19th July 2014
VIVE LE CABARET Vive le Cabaret celebrates their fifth birthday with a star-studded evening of their favourite sensational circus and speciality performers. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ General Enquires & Booking 0844 815 4873 1st August 2014
BURT BACHARACH Burt Bacharach returns to the UK with his full band in this prestigious and highly anticipated concert. Please note there will be no interval during this concert. BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW CALL 0844 854 1355 The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester. M2 3WS. General Enquires - 0871 977 3808
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EAGLES
3rd & 4th August 2014
RUSSELL HOWARD WONDERBOX Join Russell Howard, one of our funniest and most successful comedians, as he tries out material and warms up in preparation for the autumn leg of his sold-out Wonderbox arena tour. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ General Enquires & Booking 0844 815 4873 7th to 9th August 2014
FOOTLOOSE - STAGE EXPERIENCE Now in its 10th year, & following in the footsteps of critically acclaimed productions including South Pacific, West Side Story, Oliver, Guys and Dolls, Fame, Annie & Grease -Manchester State Experience is back with its lively production of Footloose. Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester. M1 6FT Booking Number - 0844 871 7660 29th to 31st August 2014
FAULTY TOWERS An internationally acclaimed tribute to the BBC’s best-loved sitcom – fully immersive and highly improvised. Just don’t mention the War! The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ General Enquires & Booking 0844 815 4873
The band - Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh & Timothy B. Schmit - will be performing classic hits from their career, including some that have never been performed live before, alongside songs from their critically-acclaimed top-selling documentary History of the Eagles..
Phones 4u Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR Bookings - 0844 847 2277 General Enquires - 0871 977 3803 10th October 2014
JOAN ARMATRADING Over her 42 years of touring Joan Armatrading has never done a solo world tour. For her last Major tour she has decided this is the perfect time to perform her first ever full scale solo concerts. Her performances will include songs that span her entire career so far.
Pyramid & Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Warrington, WA1 1BL Booking - 0844 847 2277 General Enquires - 0871 230 2202 18th October 2014
CHAS AND DAVE In the tradition of The Kinks and around the same time as Ian Dury and Squeeze, Chas and Dave wrote & recorded exceptionally witty songs about life in London, performed with a strong affection for all things English and reminiscent of many of the great Music Hall artists many years previously.
Pyramid & Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Warrington, WA1 1BL Booking - 0844 847 2277 General Enquires - 0871 230 2202
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St Anns Hospice would like to offer you the opportunity to celebrate a loved one by dedicating one of their beautiful wooden forget-me-nots to them this summer. Your flower will be handwritten with their name and displayed at your chosen St Ann’s Hospice site for the month of July. Through making a donation to the hospice in this way, you can celebrate the people special to you while supporting our work with people affected by life-limiting illnesses. 25th October 2014
IL DIVO The record-breaking classical crossover group return to Manchester to perform tracks from their latest album A Musical Affair - the quartet’s first compilation of songs inspired by Broadway shows including Phantom of the Opera, Carousel and West Side Story.
Phones 4u Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR Bookings - 0844 847 2277 General Enquires - 0871 977 3803
If you have any questions, please call 0161 498 3631.
Collecting your flower...
At the end of July you are welcome to collect your flower from your chosen site (refreshments will be available). The dates for collection are: Neil Cliffe Centre Friday 25th July, 12noon-3pm St Ann’s Hospice, Little Hulton Saturday 26th July, 12noon-3pm St Ann’s Hospice, Heald Green Sunday 27th July, 12noon-3pm
Tatton Park’s Housekeeper’s Store set to tickle your taste buds Pop in to Tatton’s famous Housekeeper’s Store in the near future and you could be in with a treat. Visitors to this famous food and drink shop will be given the opportunity to `try (some very special fayre) before they buy’ during a mouth watering programme of tasting sessions. The initiative is one of a significant programme of plans to enhance the Stableyard shopping and dining experience at Tatton Park as part of the Tatton Park Vision, its five year plan to significantly develop its visitor experiences. Amongst the product on offer are some very posh chocolates from Misco’s handmade chocolates, some fantastic speciality coffee from Grumpy Mule coffee, locally made beer from Tatton brewery and tipple with a difference from Lime Bay winery. For more information on Tatton Park visit www.tattonpark.org.uk
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SUN 1 JUNE
JOE MCELDERRY
JUNE to AUGUST 2014 Buxton's exquisitely beautiful Opera House was designed and built by Frank Matcham, one of Britain's finest architects in 1903. One of Britain’s leading receiving theatres, it presents around 700 performances each year including comedy, children’s events, drama, musical shows, pantomime, dance and opera. Lovingly restored to its former glory in 2001 after major refurbishment, the theatre is well worth a visit. Expect a spectacular auditorium complete with cherubim, exquisite ceiling paintings and gold leaf decoration.
The 2009 X Factor & 2011 Pop Star to Opera Star winner makes his debut appearance on the Opera House stage. TUES 3 JUNE
JETHRO
Back with more farcical stories delivered in his trademark Cornish dialect.
WED 4 & THURS 5 JUNE London Classic Theatre presents
ENTERTAINING MR SLOANE
Joe Orton’s classic black comedy.
FRI 6 TO SUN 8 JUNE
THE GRUFFALO
Tall Stories’ hit musical stage adaptation based on the award winning picture book.
Don’t forget – visit Buxton Opera House for:•
The stunningly beautiful and historic Opera House auditorium
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A packed programme of events for everyone to enjoy
WED 11 JUNE Opera UK presents
COSÍ FAN TUTTE
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Easy parking and a friendly welcome
Mozart’s comic opera set in the early summer of 1914, just before the outbreak of the First World War.
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An excellent range of discounts for senior citizens and groups of 8+ on most performances
THURS 12 JUNE
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A delightful spa town with terrific restaurants and B&Bs – why not stay a few days?
To book tickets or request a brochure, call the Box Office on
0845 127 2190 (local rate from anywhere in the UK. Call charges from a mobile vary).
AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING
The original tribute to the greatest movie soundtrack of all time.
SUN 15 JUNE Ballet Theatre UK presents
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Anderson’s all-time favourite story.
10am to 8pm Mon to Saturday (or 6pm if no evening show) 4pm to 8pm Sunday if there is an evening performance.
Or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk for a full what’s on listing. 20
www.50plusmagazine.co.uk BOX OFFICE: 0845 127 2190
THURS 19 TO SAT 21 JUNE
AVENUE Q
Laugh-out-loud musical about a college graduate who moves into a shabby New York apartment. Suitable for ages 14 & over.
MON 23 TO WED 25 JUNE
SAT 2 AUGUST
THE FEELING
The BRIT award-nominated band are back with a sound instantly recognisable and almost always thrilling. SUN 3 AUGUST
RISING DAMP
LAST NIGHT OF THE SUMMER PROMS
ITV’s top comedy of all time comes to the stage in a brand-new production.
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of WW1 and 75th anniversary of WW2.
WED 11 TO 27 SUN JULY
MON 4 AUGUST
BUXTON FESTIVAL
FROM THE JAM
MON 28 JULY
TUES 5 AUGUST
STEVE HEWLETT & FRIENDS
THE BIG CHRIS BARBER BAND
WED 30 JULY
THURS 14 TO SAT 16 AUGUST Opera della Luna presents
A summertime celebration of opera, music & literature in the hills of the beautiful Peak District.
TV’s top comedy ventriloquist embarks on a major theatre tour.
THE PUPPINI SISTERS
The Puppini Sisters bring their intoxicating mix of music and style.
THURS 31 JULY
BARBARA DICKSON
One of the UK’s best-loved performers and Scotland’s bestselling female album artist.
FRI 1 AUGUST
LÚNASA & BELLA HARDY
The traditional Irish instrumental band shares a double bill with the BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year 2014.
Featuring former The Jam bassist Bruce Foxton. Plus support: Jay Diggins.
60th Anniversary Tour. Featuring everything from New Orleans to blues to late 20s Ellington, played with extraordinary panache and skill.
THE MIKADO
Set in the world of modern fashion houses with costumes inspired by Versace and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
SAT 16 & SUN 17 AUGUST
ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND – THE MUSICAL
A joyful, fun-filled picnic with your family with this hilarious open-air musical show in the Pavilion Gardens.
Buxton Opera House Water Street, Buxton Derbyshire SK17 6XN
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
KEEP YOUR GARDEN
BEAUTIFUL ALL SUMMER The early summer flowers such as foxgloves, aquilegia and lupins are going over now. These are the plants which gave the garden that first amazing flush of colour during June. This month, amongst the taller plants to take the stage, phlox and Japanese anemones provide good background colour , but to keep your garden looking fresh and colourful, its important to keep a regular routine going, to make sure the annuals you’ve planted out don’t stop flowering. BEDDING PLANTS Make deadheading of bedding plants a regular routine. If plants make seed, their work is done and they stop flowering. In a prolonged dry spell, young plants will need to be watered at night occasionally. Never water in hot sun, and avoid getting water on the flowers. Keep a look out for snails and slugs, as these will munch their way through a bed of petunias in no time. 22
ROSES Deadhead your roses. To dead head Floribundas and Hybrid Teas, prune back the flower stem to the first pair of five leafleted leaves. Use a sharp pruning tool to make sure you don’t bruise the stem unnecessarily. On standard roses, watch out for suckers. As standard roses are grafted on to a wild rose specie, any growth which come from below the point at which the rose was grafted on to the main root stock is a sucker, and should be removed, as if it is left, it will weaken the named rose and eventually the plant will revert to the wild. Look out for black spot, which will denude your rose bush of leaves, and if left unchecked, can kill the plant. Pick off and burn all infected leaves, to prevent re-infection. Spray with a systemic fungicide -, e.g. Rose Clear.
LILIES Look for the lily beetle, which is bright red with black spots. Knock these off and kill them before they lay their eggs. If you see black deposits on the stems or leaves, these are the grubs, and will strip your beautiful lilies in a couple of days. It’s a messy business removing these, and the easiest way is to wipe them off the plant with a damp tissue.
DAHLIAS Dahlias are greedy feeders. A liquid plant food applied around the roots will keep them healthy, strong growing, and free flowering all summer. Check stakes, and as the plant grows, tie in the stems regularly.
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TAKE CUTTINGS This is the best time of year to take cuttings of a large variety of plants, from pinks to hydrangeas. To do this, first fill a clay pot with dampened potting compost, and make a series of holes in the compost around the inside edge of the pot. Choose a healthy plant and sever the stem just below a leaf node (a point on the stem with two developed leaves). Pull off these leaves, dip your stem into rooting hormone, tap off excess, and put into the prepared holes, gently firming the compost around the stems. (It’s very important to be sure of having your cutting with leaf nodes, as the roots will spring from here). Make a mini greenhouse by putting two canes into the middle of the pot, and placing the whole into a plastic bag. Within two weeks or so, you should be able to test for roots by levering one of the cuttings away from the pot.
FLOWERING SHRUBS Weigelias, Deutzias and Mock Orange (Philadelphus), have finished flowering by now, and should be pruned back. Next year’s flowers will appear on ripened wood, and so you need to take out all flowering stems to allow for new growth to ripen for next year. Once your lavender shrubs have flowered and gone to seed, remove flowers and prune flowering stems back to just below the first leaves. This will ensure that the bush keeps its shape and produces plenty of flowers next summer.
HANGING BASKETS
Care for your back whilst caring for your garden! We love our gardens and as the weather picks up, many of us are taking to our gardens. Your back is vulnerable to injury with repetitive heavy work, so here are some tips! Warm up - Just like with any other exercise. Don’t go straight into the heavy stuff; start off with lighter jobs as this will lessen your chance of muscle strain. Avoid overstretching - Invest in some long handled secateurs. Keep your body in line with a rake and don’t over stretch by leaning too far forward. Use short, precise movements. When bending, bend both knees and keep your back straight. Lastly and most importantly, get your spine checked! It’s your most important tool of all! Chiropractic can help keep your spine healthy and looks to address the cause not simply mask the symptoms. Make an appointment with your chiropractor today to aide pain free gardening!
“I'm in pain”
CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP ME?
OFFER PRICE
Check you baskets daily. Remove all dead heads, and keep well watered, with a weekly feed. Take cuttings of pelargoniums for next year.
£39
GENERAL Keep hedges clipped. Pick sweet peas regularly to ensure a constant supply. Fill any bare spaces in your herbaceous border with spare plants you’ve potted up and kept growing. Plant crocus and daffodil bulbs by late August. Pinch out centre shoot of tomato plants to concentrate the plant’s energy on existing tomatoes. In hot weather, raise your mower blades so that you don’t cut your grass too short. Repair any bare patches in your lawn by reseeding. Rake over the bare patch, lightly prod with a fork, then spread the seed. Cover with compost, and spray with water. Keep the compost moist by spraying every evening, and within a week or so, new grass will appear. Keep up with the weeding, and trim back any straggly perennials which have finished flowering. And if all this seems too much like hard work, remember the words of Jerry Baker. ‘Successful gardening is doing what has to be done when it has to be done the way it ought to be done whether you want to do it or not’.
Expirydate date31st 30th July June 2014. 2013 Expiry
Your initial visit will include: • A private consultation with chiropractor • X rays if necessary (normally £60) • Spinal examination, orthopaedic and neurological tests • A confidential report of our findings • An explanation of our treatments procedure if we determine Chiropractic can help you • A referral to the appropriate specialist if we determine Chiropractic cannot help you
For a limited period we will complete a full consultation, examination, Neuro Scan, X ray, full report of findings and one treatment all for
£39.00
(Normally £130.00) (Normally £142.00) Expiry date 30th June 2013
WE TREAT THESE CONDITIONS...
• HEADACHES, BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN • PREVENTION OF MIGRAINES • MUSCLE SPASMS, JOINT PAIN • TIRED ALL THE TIME, TENSION
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS PLEASE CALL OUR CLINIC TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT
Andrew Jackson BA MSc Kerry Labuschagne MTech Chiro Fay Sidebottom M Chiro MARPLE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
8-10 Derby Way, Marple SK6 7AH 0161 449 5006 www.chiropractichealthsolutions.co.uk
STOCKPORT CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
466 Didsbury Rd, Heaton Mersey, SK4 3BS 0161 432 6708
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23
BT Engineers Deafness Claims 24
Hampson Hughes Solicitors are currently acting on behalf of a number of clients who have suffered noise induced hearing loss whilst working as engineers for British Telecom.
These engineers were using “tone sets” which are essentially oscillators and amplifiers used to detect certain faults on lines.This is essential maintenance work which they were required to carry out on a daily basis, and there was no other way around it than to listen with these sets. BT engineers who have also worked in, or around, the construction side of the business have also suffered significant hearing loss. These engineers have used or been in the vicinity of machines such as jackhammers, kango’s and mole ploughs. Both types of engineers have complained about hearing problems such as having to turn the television up ‘too loud’, missing conversation, struggling with telephone conversations, and quite commonly a hissing or buzzing noise known as tinnitus.
There is no need for you to have visited your doctor or had your hearing tested of your own accord. As part of the claim process with Hampson Hughes Solicitors, we will arrange for you to see an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist (Otolaryngology) and Audiologist, who will be able to diagnose the loss you have incurred. The ENT specialist will also be able to recommend to you any future treatment which may be beneficial. There are certain time limits imposed upon bringing a claim against a previous employer for Noise Induced Hearing Loss. In these cases it is limited to 3 years from the date of when you first realised you had hearing loss and linked it to your employment. Each case is decided upon its individual merits, so we advise you contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors as a matter of urgency to allow our expert team to investigate your potential claim without delay.
Many of our clients report not having noticed hearing loss at all. This is because it is such a gradual thing. Family members are often the ones who point out that their hearing is deteriorating. If you feel you may have even had the slightest damage to your hearing, our team of specialists may be able to help you determine whether this is the case. Maybe you’ve noticed hearing problems in a family member?
We are here to help. BT themselves have made admissions as to their liability with these claims. They accept that the “green” and “unmodified yellow” tone sets emitted excessively high noise levels, often over 80 decibels, thus causing hearing difficulties for the user.
Thanks to this admission from BT, these claims are now generally easier and quicker to process. A simple causative link is needed to be established in order to succeed now that liability has been admitted. The compensation gained from claiming for this hearing loss could prove essential for future therapy for tinnitus, and the possibility of requiring expensive hearing aids.
Other areas we cover: Accidents at Work Accident Management Accidents on Holiday Catastrophic Injuries Dog Bites Head Injuries Industrial Disease Medical Negligence Passengers Rehabilitation Road raffic Accident Slips, Trips & Falls Uninsured Motor Claims
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Firm Number 512839
If you or someone you know has suffered hearing loss as a result of working for BT, contact Hampson Hughes Industrial Disease Team on
0800 888 6888
or email industrialdisease@hampsonhughes.com
YESTERDAY’S FISH CURRY
SERVES 4 – 6 60ml vegetable oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 15g/3cm piece ginger, finely grated 50g/10 cloves garlic, half crushed to a paste, half thinly sliced 8 fresh curry leaves 1 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1/2 tsp ground tumeric 1 tbsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp toasted ground fenugreek 1 tbsp rice flour or plain flour 2 tomatoes sliced 2 tbsp sliced smoked kokum, washed and soaked in 100ml boiling water for 15 minutes 500ml water 11/2 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 500g salmon fillet, cut into 3cm chunks 1 tsp coconut oil, warmed to its liquid state, to finish.
Method
This recipe comes from a book called The Suriani Kitchen. The author, Lathika George, who took me on a fascinating trip round a frenetic market just outside Cochin, is an authority on Keralan cooking. She explained that it’s called ‘yesterday’s curry’ because everybody thinks it’s much better the next day. I came across the same curry all over the place - in a kitchen so smoky I couldn’t stay in there for more than a minute at a time, where it featured a giant kingfish head; at the house where I was filmed cooking lots of the recipes in the book, where the cook Mallika had one on every day; and in the hotel where we all stayed for about two weeks. The hotel was the sort of place of air-conditioned comfort where you go quietly mad for want of the warp and weft of everyday Indian life; we had to leave at six o’clock every morning to work a twelve-hour day in enervating humidity. As a matter of interest, I first tasted this dish years ago in a restaurant in central London called Rasa Samudra, and then as now, was taken by its spicy redness and the smoky flavour and souring effect of kokum. As if it wasn’t hard enough to get hold of kokum anyway, now you need to make sure it’s the smoky sort - but don’t worry, tamarind is nearly as good. 26
Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan or karahi over a medium heat, add the onion and fry for 5 minutes until softened. Add the ginger, crushed and sliced garlic and curry leaves and fry for 2 minutes. Stir in the chilli powder, ground spices and flour and a splash of water, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, kokum (plus soaking water) or tamarind, water, salt and sugar and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the salmon and cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, drizzle with coconut oil and serve.
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FOOD & DRINK
SPICY SCRAMBLED EGGS Ande bhujia
In India this makes a great snack with a stack of parathas (see next page) and a dab of chilli garlic relish. But, more importantly, it’s fabulous for breakfast, and since not many people will have gone for breakfast to an Indian restaurant in the UK, it might come as a very pleasant surprise.
SERVES 2-3 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 large red onions, diced 2-3 fresh green chillies, chopped, with seeds 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper 3 tomatoes, diced 6 free-range eggs,
lightly beaten with 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp toasted ground cumin seeds 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander Parathas to serve.
Method Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onions for 10 minutes until golden brown. Add the chillies and black pepper and fry for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and cook, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and reduced to a jammy consistency. Lower the heat slightly and add the beaten eggs to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring, then gently lift and turn them in the pan. Continue cooking, folding once or twice more, until almost set, then sprinkle over the cumin and fold through. Finish with the chopped coriander and serve with warm parathas.
PARATHAS The paratha is a flaky version of the chapati. Made with the same dough, it is the rolling out to create a few layers that gives it the flaky texture. In a mixing bowl, mix the flour with the salt, then add the melted ghee or oil and 120ml of the water. Mix together, adding a little more water if needed, until you have a soft but not sticky dough. Knead in the bowl for a minute or two then cover and leave to rest for 15 minutes.
Makes 8 250g chapati, flour or half wholemeal, half plain white flour, plus extra for dusting 1/2 tsp salt 2 tbsp melted ghee or butter, plus extra 5 tbsp for brushing 120-150ml warm water
Divide the dough into 8 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a ball then use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out into a circle about 13cm in diameter. Brush the top with melted ghee or butter and dust with a little flour. Fold in half to form a half moon (enclosing the butter), then brush the top with more ghee or butter and dust with a little more flour. Fold in half again to form a triangle. Lightly dust the dough with flour and roll out into a larger triangle, so that each side is about 13cm long. Repeat with the remaining dough. Heat a heavy-based frying pan or griddle over a medium heat. When hot, place one of the triangles of dough in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until bubbles appear on the surface and it puffs up. Brush the top with melted ghee or butter then flip the bread over, press down with a spatula so that it cooks evenly, and cook for a further minute, or until the bread is golden-brown. Brush the top with more ghee or butter, flip it over for a final few seconds, then remove from the pan and put on a warm plate covered by a tea towel while you cook the rest. Serve warm.
Extracted from Rick Stein’s India by Rick Stein, BBC Books hardback £25 Photography: James Murphy
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27
FOOD & DRINK
Anti-ageing foods
Age is no barrier to beauty, but no one wants to grow old before their time, and if you can take steps to slow the ageing process, why not give it a try? When combined with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, diet is one of your most powerful weapons. A strong immune system and healthy, well functioning cells are the keys to looking and feeling younger, and by eating certain foods you’ll be giving yourself a hefty push in the right direction. Among the substances these foods contain, antioxidants, which zap cell-damaging free radicals, are vital. Anthocyanidins are among the most powerful, slowing down the normal ageing of capillaries and veins so that blood and nutrients continue to circulate efficiently. Eating plenty of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) is important – they help to keep your heart healthy, and boost immunity and brain power. Vitamin C helps to stop the crosslinking of collagen and elastin fibres, which is what leads to wrinkled, inflexible skin; vitamin E also helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity; and vitamin A and betacarotene protect against macular degeneration. Minerals are just as important, especially zinc and potassium. Try to eat some superfoods every day (a few are listed), and drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated. n Acai berries are jam-packed with antioxidants, omega oils, dietary fibre, amino acids, calcium and B vitamins. 28
n Blueberries are a great source of anthocyanidins. They may also help brain function, keep eyes healthy, help lower cholesterol and protect against cancer. n Broccoli, kale, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are rich sources of fibre, vitamin C, carotenes and other anti-cancer compounds. n Carrots are powerful antioxidants, protect skin from sun damage and wrinkles, and help maintain a healthy heart. They are one of best sources of betacarotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. n Cherries contain plenty of anthocyanidins, as well as vitamin C; strongly antiinflammatory, they reduce the risk of heart disease. n Chinese leaves are a rich source of betacarotene, help control blood pressure, improve digestion and help combat asthma and bronchitis. n Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant, and helps balance sugar in the blood. n Dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa solids) – two squares give you a dose of anti-ageing flavonoids, and a good measure of antioxidants. n Fish, especially oily fish, contains essential fatty acids, and vitamin D for bones and joints. It also helps your body to eliminate fat-soluble toxins and maintains lipid supply in the outer layers of your skin, which some say smooths wrinkles.
n Garlic helps maintain healthy circulation and lowers cholesterol, plus having beneficial antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. n Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea but the leaves are less processed and so the tea is higher in antioxidants. It may help lower cholesterol, speed metabolism (for weight loss), protect teeth and joints and reduce sun damage to skin. White tea, from the concentrated buds of the plant, is even less processed and more beneficial n Honey boosts the immune system and improves brittle nails. n Nuts and seeds are a great source of vegetable protein, fibre and essential fats and minerals. Walnuts are full of antioxidants; Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, important for the immune system; almonds contain vitamin E; pumpkin and hemp seeds and linseeds provide skin-plumping essential fatty acids and valuable minerals, such as zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium. n Oats contain soluble fibre that helps reduce cholesterol, and B vitamins that, with silicon, help keep skin, hair and nails looking good and bones strong. n Olives and olive oil are full of vitamin E and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat) and help keep skin hydrated. They also have antiinflammatory properties. n Onions help maintain a healthy heart, and may slow bone loss. They contain vitamins C and B6 (good for muscles) and have anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. n Quinoa is an excellent source of protein and, unlike wheat or rice, contains all the essential amino acids, as well as the whole range of B vitamins. n Tomatoes are full of vitamin C, potassium and lycopene, an antioxidant that protects skin and eyes from sun damage and helps ward off certain cancers. More lycopene is absorbed if tomatoes are heated, canned or made into ketchup, or eaten with olive oil. Feature supplied by the Dairy Diary. For more information on the Dairy Diary, plus recipes, competitions and much more visit www.dairydiarychat.co.uk.
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29
A loving companion FOR many people a pet is a much-loved and constant friend to share daily life with and to provide a comforting presence. Of course, individual pets can mean far more to us. They are often a life-line to socialising with others, someone to make observations to and another live presence in the home when children have flown the nest. We are a nation of animal lovers with around 67 million pets in the UK. There are about 8 million dogs – about 23 per cent of all UK households owns at least one dog – and around the same number of cats. We keep about 20 to 25 million fish in tanks and the same number outdoors in ponds, 1 million rabbits, 1 million caged birds, 1 million guinea pigs and half a million hamsters. And that’s not to mention the assorted snakes, lizards, gerbils, horses, ponies, rats and even pigeons people in this country keep as pets today. Dogs, in particular, make wonderful companions for many older people. As Rebecca Eighteen from national rehoming charity Dogs Trust explains “The general care of a dog means that owners have to stay active, come rain or shine. “Dog-walking is also a great way to socialise with other people. Dogs are 100 per cent reliant on their owners, which can give their owner a sense of purpose and someone to look after.” First, there needs to be a realistic assessment of their situation by anyone wanting to own a dog. If you’re not able to take a dog out for daily walks then it may be worth considering a breed that doesn’t need that kind of exercise. If you live in a tiny apartment then, plainly, taking on a huge dog is not sensible. The same applies if you haven’t got a lot of time for grooming a longhaired dog that may require regular 30
attention when a short-haired breed might be far more suitable. A frail person might find a large, boisterous dog hard to control. So breed, size, temperament and level of care all play a part in that choice. Dogs are also not cheap pets to keep. As well as the right food, a dog needs certain vaccinations as they could be at risk from distemper, parvo virus, viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, para influenza and kennel cough. Neutering also needs to be considered and it’s sensible to get your dog micro-chipped. This is a oneoff fee that means he or she is then on a national database and can be returned if found wandering or lost, so this offers real peace of mind. There has been much publicity recently about puppy farming and the dangers of not buying a dog from a registered breeder. Seeing the conditions where the dog currently lives and, preferably, one or both of its parents is a good idea. This also gives an idea of how big the dog is likely to grow and its temperament. Rehoming centres, as run by charities like the Dogs Trust and the Border Collie Trust GB, are also good places to choose your pet. “At Dogs Trust we have many dogs in our rehoming centres that would prefer an adult-only home without the hustle and bustle of young children. “If you are retired or nearing retirement and cutting back on your hours at work, a dog can be a wonderful way to stay active and connected within your local community.”
Dogs like five year-old Rambo are awaiting owners. “He’d be well suited to a quiet adult home where he is the only pet. He would enjoy leisurely walks with his new owner and a small garden where he can relax in the sunshine. He’ll make a very loyal companion and reward you tenfold with love in return for a warm, comforting home.” Whatever you decide, looking at all the options first – and taking out the necessary insurance – will ensure that you and your pet exist happily together for many years to come.
Make the right choice for your much loved constant friend... Have you had a pet who has become a very important part of your life and family, giving you years of companionship and then sadly due to illness or old age, dies? I lost my cat Tai a couple of weeks ago. She had been with us for 9 years keeping my children company and had become a valued member of our family. After several days of illness she became weak and after taking her to the vets we were told she had a tumour that was sadly, inoperable. We had to make the decision there and then as she was in great pain. We were so upset and emotionally confused we did not think about what would happen to her remains. It is at this point you should stop and take a moment to consider your options - we only did this after the event. I wish we had been aware of the choices we could have made had we planned and looked into a proper farewell for her. I have now come across High Peak Pet Funeral Services and wish I had been aware of them earlier. With help from High Peak Pet Funeral Services you can plan and organise your pets funeral. They provide a genuine cremation and you actually get your pets ashes
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back to bury at home or hold on to in a keep-sake casket or box. I do hope you can learn from my experience and understand an emotional choice will more than likely, not be the right one. You can choose a service which is second to none and give your best friend the dignified farewell they deserve.
The perfect way to say goodbye... High Peak Pet Funeral Services is an independent family-run business based in Buxton, Derbyshire. Founded in 2009, we have already established a reputation for excellence in the field of pet bereavement. As pet owners ourselves, we have experienced the grief that comes from the loss of a beloved pet. Our aim is to try to soften that grief in others by our compassionate, dignified and caring treatment of your pet through all stages of the cremation process and by allowing you to spend time alone with them in our purpose built Farewell Room should you wish. We are situated at Harpur Hill, Buxton in Derbyshire. Our premises have been newly refurbished and converted to provide first class facilities as a local pet crematorium. We are the only member in Derbyshire and the surrounding region of the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria www.appcc.org.uk, the only organisation in the UK setting standards for the pet bereavement industry.
Your questions answered... Q. Will my pet be treated with dignity and respect? A. We are pet lovers ourselves. We have recently lost all of our pets and we fully understand the heartache and sense of loss that this brings. We guarantee to treat your pet as we would our own — with dignity, care & compassion.
Q. How will my pet be transported to your facility? A. We will transport your pet in one of our pet beds or carrying baskets using our private estate car. We will transport them in your pet’s own bed or basket if you
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High Peak Pet Funeral Services
prefer but the bed and bedding will have to be returned to you afterwards. We will not transport clinical waste in this vehicle at any time.
Q. Can you guarantee that I will get all my pet’s ashes back?
A. We only carry out genuine individual cremations. Only one pet is cremated at a time and all ashes are recovered prior to the next cremation starting. Our procedures follow to the letter the code of practice of the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries & Crematoria. A certificate guaranteeing this is issued when the ashes are returned to you. We can also recommend Pet Bereavement Services to help you cope with the loss of your beloved pet. Please contact us early - we can contact your vet to make sure your wishes are carried out.
Compassionate, Dignified & Caring...
34A Cedar Avenue, Harpur Hill, Buxton SK17 9JL Web: www.hppfs.co.uk Email: info@hppfs.co.uk Tel: 01298 214048
Kind words... Thank you so much for the help you gave us after Sam had been put to sleep having been part of our family for almost nine years. While nothing can of course remove the sorrow of our loss, the compassion and thoughtfulness you showed to us and the dignity with which you treated Sam were of great comfort. The community is very fortunate to have you to help in such a distressing and trying time. Kindest Regards Jo and Charles B. Thank you for your kindness and sensitivity in taking care of our beloved Jamie. You could not have done more and we are truly grateful. Alison & Phil
HEALTH
Quality dentures mean a quality lifestyle The Importance of Dentures The 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. 32
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 There are three main quality standards in denture materials: Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, high impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic. 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.
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. 3. General health of patient. 4. Any drastic change in weight.
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Dentures Need Regular Servicing
Dentures with worn down teeth
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.
Teeth can be replaced with a new set.
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. 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. Have your dentures inspected by a dentist or denturist at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.
Your Dentures need Attention 1. 2. 3. 4.
When they become loose. When teeth or denture base discolours. When tooth surfaces become flat. 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.
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).
Major improvements in Facial Features 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? 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.
Summary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream. Have your dentures inspected every two years, and relined or ultra-sonically cleaned. Have a new set made every 5 years if possible. Keep a spare set for emergencies. Remember, dentures do not have to hurt and do not need to be uncomfortable. 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. Dentures so life-like you'd think they were real.
A service that will make you smile! Offering Denture Perfection Emergency Denture Repairs l Free Consultations l Friendly Personal Service l Open Late l Ample Parking l
GDC (REG) T.W. ELLWOOD Dip CDT RCS (ENG)
Tel: 0161 406 0400 www.thedenturepeople.com
HILLSIDE DENTURE CENTRE, 2 DYE LANE, ROMILEY, STOCKPORT SK6 3AN. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
33
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Natural looking dentures designed and created just for you This new modern, purpose built denture centre is owned and managed by Mark Greaves a qualified Clinical Dental Technician, who has been a dental technician for over 30 years. Attenburys Lane focuses on providing affordable high quality dentures direct to the public. Patients benefit from the undivided attention of an expert clinical dental technician, who takes pride in ensuring the denture wearer has a natural looking denture made in the on site dental laboratory.
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People with Dysphagia needed to participate in a Swallowing Treatment Study
We are currently recruiting adults with dysphagia post stroke or with Parkinson’s Disease for clinical studies assessing the effects of a swallowing treatment that uses pharyngeal electrical stimulation. Studies will involve visits to a clinical research facility for the electrical stimulation treatment and assessments of swallowing function. If you want more information about being part of this study please contact us.
Call 0161 820 95 69 Visit www.phagenesis.com Email chronic@phagenesis.com This study has been approved by the MHRA and an NREC.
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Dealing with the death of a loved one. This January saw the death of Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street after a long and hard struggle with
cancer. The storyline was praised for its sensitivity and powerful acting. However, it has left us thinking about an issue that we often have to deal with as solicitors: how to handle yourself when a loved one passes away. Luckily for Coronation Street, Hayley’s passing is a fictional one - but it’s a reality that people face every day. Losing a loved one is a challenge: balancing the shock and the grief with handling the deceased’s estate is not easy. In real life we recommend that you have a folder with all the details of your bank accounts, saving accounts, any shares, stock or insurance policies as well as any overseen property. This way, when the time comes, you will help lighten the burden for your loved ones. However if that has not happened It can be hard to know where to start when you lose someone, so we’ve created a guide to ease you through the process. Our Advice 1. When writing an obituary, try not to give too much away. Admitting to an empty property can tip off thieves. 2. Arrange your time off work as soon as you can, and ensure the amount of time you’re taking off is reason able. You will be able to take unpaid leave for a funeral, and will find that most employers offer payment during this period if the relative is immediate family. 3. Registering the death can be done by a relative, close friend or someone present at the death or by you as a personal representative. You must register the death within five days and bring the death certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate and pension or state benefit books. You must also inform the registry office of any other names the deceased was known by, their occupation and the occupation of their spouse. Ask for several copies of the death certificate, as it is the only form of evidence that can be presented to banks.
4. The Will is often lodged with the deceased’s solicitor or bank. You may also be able to find a copy within the deceased’s personal effects. Only the executors can read the Will at this stage and you may only check it to find out who the executors are and find out any funeral wishes. 5. If there is no Will, the personal representatives are established under the rules on intestacy and your solicitor will be able to explain that to you. 6. Informing friends and family is difficult, but it is important that you check address books, phones and emails to ensure that everyone is aware of the death. 7. The deceased’s property must be as secure as possible and insurance must be kept to protect the property. It’s important to take care of any pets. 8. Small, personal items should be taken into the care of personal representatives and not left in the deceased’s property.
One of our most important pieces of advice is arranging a funeral. This may begin with checking for organ donation and the type of funeral the deceased would have wanted. There is no legal obligation to this, but there may be a moral one. Then, you can find a funeral director who works within your budget. It can also be useful to find a life insurance policy or funeral plan to help you cover expenses. If you’re on a low income, you can receive a Funeral Payment through the government to help cover the costs. This guide should help you take the first steps you need when dealing with death. You can also help a loved one by ensuring that you have a Will in place before you die, helping the process for them too.
If you’re struggling to deal with the death of a loved one, or want to make the process easier when you pass on email us enquiries@goddardsmith.co.uk or call us on 01942 316144
Yo u r L o c a l S p e c i a l i s t S o l i c i t o r s
0161 368 3434 0161 494 6085
Chronnell Hibbert is a well-established practice providing legal services to individuals, families and small businesses from its offices in Hyde and Woodley, local to Denton.
Divorce & Family Law
Conveyancing
Wills & Probate
At Chronnell Hibbert, our dedicated family department consists of a team of understanding and sympathetic solicitors who are highly qualified in all aspects of family law and specialise in divorce.
We at Chronnell Hibbert understand that buying or moving home is a big investment. Oftentimes the process is stressful and time-consuming. Our property conveyancing solicitors are here to help. We are committed to providing all the support and legal advice you need.
We give specialist advice to the elderly in planning their affairs including Powers of Attorney and minimising their exposure to the local authority taking their assets if they have to go into an elderly persons home. Early advice is recommended in these situations which need to be planned for some time ahead.
Whether you need to resolve financial disputes or have issues regarding childcare or domestic violence, we can be of assistance.
For further information please call Anna Perry or David Williams on 0161 368 3434 or email anna.perry@hydesolicitors.co.uk or david.williams@hydesolicitors.co.uk We also cover other areas of law, to find out more visit www.chronnells-denton.co.uk